Apr
Posted by shawn ·
2 Comments
Filed under Get Well , Wellness , Workshops
Tagged with Asthma, Health, Specific Chiropractic, Wellness
Asthma
Asthma: Take a Breath of Fresh Air
“I can’t go running because I have asthma.”
“I wish I could take up mountain climbing, but my asthma makes that impossible.”
“If I didn’t have asthma, I could spend more time playing with my kids.”
Do any of the above statements sound like something you’ve ever said or thought? Have you found that you aren’t able to do the things you used to enjoy or never started things you thought you’d like to do because you’re asthmatic?
People who have asthma have airways that are swollen or inflamed, which make them susceptible to irritations and allergic reactions. During an asthma attack, the airways narrow and breathing becomes difficult. Even though asthma is an incurable illness, with sound treatment methods and management, people who suffer from asthma can live not only a normal, but an active, life.
If you suffer from asthma, a medical practitioner can help you determine what triggers your symptoms, thus allowing you to avoid them. You may be given a prescription medicine to help manage the condition as well. Regardless of the medical regimen you practice to control asthma, maintaining whole body health and understanding how and why your body reacts to particular environmental circumstances is the key to living an active lifestyle, even if you have asthma.
Exercise is good for everybody. Exercising regularly keeps the heart healthy, extra weight off and stress levels in check. Nonetheless, in a survey conducted by Asthma UK, one in six parents say their child’s asthma stops them from doing exercise or participating in sports at school. Neglecting physical health can lead to dangerous health conditions in the future, so the goal is to work up to 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week to a level that makes you only mildly breathless.
You can help keep your asthma at bay and get your needed exercise by increasing your fitness levels gradually, letting those you are exercising with know that you have asthma, and warming up and cooling down thoroughly. It’s important to keep your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise and do what you can to avoid coming into contact with conditions that aggravate your symptoms.
Yoga is a full-body exercise for the body and the mind, which many people enjoy. Though you shouldn’t stop taking your asthma medication unless advised by your medical practitioner, many people find the breathing techniques associated with yoga to be beneficial for their asthma. The warm, humid atmosphere of a pool does not usually trigger asthma symptoms, so swimming may be a good exercise to consider as well. Even an after-dinner walk for a brisk 20 minutes can make a big difference for your physical health over a long period of time.
Are you still letting your asthma hold you back from doing what you’d love to do? If you’d like to learn more about this illness and ways to cope and become more active, join us Wednesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. for a special workshop at The Specific Chiropractic Center. Please call 1-888-722-4467 to reserve your space at this workshop!
REFERENCES
All About Asthma. MedicalNewsToday.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma/what-is-asthma.php.
Exercise. AsthmaUK.org.uk. Retrieved March 9, 2010 from http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/healthy_lifestyles/exercise.html.
Complimentary Nervous System Consultation
Visit one of our clinics for a personalized meeting with one of the doctors to find out how the latest technology may be the key to getting you well.
The Specific Chiropractic Center is a focused office providing specialized technology and treatment to help care for a variety of chronic ailments and health problems to find true resolution.
CALL NOW to schedule your free 15 minute consultation 1.888.722.4467
Dublin, CA • Chico, CA • Daly City, CA • Oakland, CA • Elk Grove, CA • Livermore, CA Draper, UT • Scarborough, ME
www.thespecific.com • 1.888.SCC.4HOPE
Apr
Posted by shawn ·
8 Comments
Filed under Get Well , Nutrition , Wellness , Workshops
Tagged with Chiropractic, Eating Healthy, Healthy Cooking, Specific, Wellness
Eating Healthy
10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Many people believe that in order to eat healthy, they have to shop at the top-tier grocery store that sells strictly organic and natural foods. Not only can this be costly, but it’s also not necessary for eating healthily. Good eating habits can be created on a budget. Here are ten ways to do it:
Before you even leave home, make a list of the items you need to buy, and once you get to the store, stick to the list. In addition, if you avoid shopping on an empty stomach, impulse buys will be easier to avoid.
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Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store. This is where you find the fresh produce, meats and breads. Items found in the aisles are generally preprocessed and therefore high in fat, sodium, carbohydrates and sugars.
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When you buy vegetables, use all the parts. For example, broccoli and cauliflower flowerets can be tossed into a salad while the stems can be chopped up and dropped into soup.
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Plant a garden. With a few dollars, you can buy tomato plants and a variety of seeds for squash, carrots, peas and beans. You’ll be surprised how much food you’ll be able to grow for minimal upfront costs.
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Avoid buying small packages of flavored yogurt. Instead, purchase yogurt in quart-sized containers. For a variety of flavored snacks, mix it with crushed pineapple or other fruits.
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Purchase generic brands of nutritious cereals instead of the more expensive name brand options such as Cheerios, Chex, Raisin Bran and Corn Flakes.
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Cut coupons … but only those for healthy food options. Look for the weekly specials in the produce, dairy and meat departments.
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Buy meat in bulk so that you can stock up when lean ground beef, turkey and chuck roast go on sale. You’ll need to be diligent in managing the inventory in your freezer by rotating the food and eating the oldest foods first, but if you don’t mind these added steps, it is possible to save a substantial amount of money on meat.
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If you have the time to grate your own cheese, slice your own apples and make your own salad, then buy unprepared ingredients and create your own meals at home. When you buy anything prepackaged, such as fruit trays and shredded cheese, the mark-up is significant. Single serving snack packets are also expensive; make your own snacks instead.
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Buy locally when possible. Neighborhood farmers’ markets pop up throughout the spring and summer, and purchasing produce here not only stimulates the local economy but will likely save you several dollars had you purchased the same item from the grocery store down the street. Plus, chances are the food from the local farmers’ market came straight from the farm.
Learn more about eating healthy without breaking the bank on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at The Specific Chiropractic Center. Please call 1-888-722-4467 to reserve your seat!
REFERENCES
Fernstrom, Madelyn, Ph.D., CNS. Eat Healthy on a Budget. Today.MSNBC.MSN.com. (February 12, 2007) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/17113255/.
Skarnulis, Leanna. Lose Weight, Save Money: How to Eat Healthy Without Blowing Your Budget. MedicineNet.com. (April 7, 2005) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56708.
Complimentary Nervous System Consultation
Visit one of our clinics for a personalized meeting with one of the doctors to find out how the latest technology may be the key to getting you well.
The Specific Chiropractic Center is a focused office providing specialized technology and treatment to help care for a variety of chronic ailments and health problems to find true resolution.
CALL NOW to schedule your free 15 minute consultation 1.888.722.4467
Dublin, CA • Chico, CA • Daly City, CA • Oakland, CA • Elk Grove, CA • Livermore, CA Draper, UT • Scarborough, ME
www.thespecific.com • 1.888.SCC.4HOPE
Apr
Posted by shawn ·
4 Comments
Filed under Live Life , Promotions
Tagged with Chiropractic, Humor, Laughter, Specific, Wellness
April is Humor Month
Celebrate National Humor Month with Laughter
April is National Humor Month. What better way to kick it off than with a few harmless practical jokes on April Fool’s Day followed by a month of smiling, laughter, jokes and fun? There is a saying that laughter is the best medicine. Fortunately for all of us, this is not only a true statement, but it is also inexpensive, lots of fun and feels good too.
Though researchers aren’t sure if it’s the actual act of laughter that makes us feel better, chances are that, if you are laughing, you also have a good sense of humor, a positive attitude and support from those around you. All of these set us up for good physical and mental health. The act of laughing can be compared to a mild workout; it requires we stretch muscles in our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure increase, and we breathe faster, which pushes more oxygen throughout our body. It may also help in burning calories.
Medical studies about laughter have been inconclusive because the cause and effect are hard to link, but some researchers say that laughter helps keep our stress levels minimized, which in turn strengthens our immune system. They also note that laughter can ease digestion and stimulate circulation. Studies have shown that laughter helps keep blood sugar levels lowered in those who have diabetes as well. Having a positive outlook on life and minimal levels of stress also have a domino effect in our lives, making it easier to sleep soundly, concentrate better and feel more motivated.
Regardless of the disagreement in the medical community, most researchers can agree on two things that laughter certainly is the best medicine for: relieving pain and increasing personal satisfaction. People who suffer from pain but have a good attitude and laugh frequently often report that these feel-good emotions and actions make their bodies feel better too.
Beyond its medical advantages, laughter generally helps put things in a more positive light. It helps break tension and, because of its addictive nature, aids in bonding people over a shared action. Laughing is often a sign that we are having fun, which results in positive memories that we can revisit when we hit a slump.
What can you do to add more laughter into your life? Here are four suggestions:
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Watch a fun sitcom or comedy movie without worrying about anything else.
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Surround yourself by children. Kids smile and laugh constantly, so let their good humor and positive attitude rub off on you.
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Spend time with friends in a carefree environment. Visit an amusement park, enjoy a relaxed meal together or dress up for a fun event.
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Tell a joke. Buy a book of one-liners and make sure you read at least one every day. BONUS: This month at The Specific Chiropractic Center, if you tell your doctor a joke during your office visit, you will be entered in a raffle to win two movie tickets!
So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present for a good, healthy laugh.
REFERENCES
Griffin, R. Morgan. Give Your Body a Boost – With Laughter. Women.WebMD.com (April 10, 2008) Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://women.webmd.com/guide/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter.
Maples, Melissa. The Importance of Laughter. TotallyHer.com. Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://www.totallyher.com/the-importance-of-laughter/.
Stress relief from laughter? Yes, no joke. MayoClinic.com. (July 23, 2008) Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00034.
Complimentary Nervous System Consultation
Visit one of our clinics for a personalized meeting with one of the doctors to find out how the latest technology may be the key to getting you well.
The Specific Chiropractic Center is a focused office providing specialized technology and treatment to help care for a variety of chronic ailments and health problems to find true resolution.
CALL NOW to schedule your free 15 minute consultation 1.888.722.4467
Dublin, CA • Chico, CA • Daly City, CA • Oakland, CA • Elk Grove, CA • Livermore, CA Draper, UT • Scarborough, ME
www.thespecific.com • 1.888.SCC.4HOPE
Mar
Posted by shawn ·
Leave a Comment
Filed under Get Well , Wellness , Workshops
Tagged with Chiropractic, Digestive Disorders, Wellness
Dissecting Digestive Disorders
Dissecting Digestive Disorders
Digestive problems are among the most common he
alth issues in North America, but this shouldn’t come as any
surprise when you consider how complicated the digestive system really is.
The digestive system consists of the digestive tract and several organs throughout the body, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas, gallbladder, rectum, anus and parts of the nervous and circulatory systems. Together, all of these parts work to break down the things you eat and drink into a form that allows the body to use them for nourishment and energy. Those parts that cannot be used must be discarded by the digestive system as well.
With so many parts of the body working together and with the right combination of foods in the system at any one time, there is bound to be the occasional upset stomach or abdominal cramp. But when eating results in frequent discomfort or pain, chances are there is some sort of digestive disorder to blame.
Some people find their digestive system is irritated by ingesting certain foods such as dairy products or those that are particularly spicy. Other people experience consistent discomfort in the abdominal area or when they eat. Indigestion, a common term people use to describe discomfort after eating, can include several symptoms including nausea, regurgitation and burning sensations.
Abdominal pain is common and usually minor, but the sudden, severe onset of pain may be the sign of a serious problem such as a perforated stomach or intestine, appendicitis, an intestinal obstruction or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Other less serious causes of abdominal pain include infection, inflammation, formation of an ulcer or severe muscle constrictions.
Though abdominal pain is among the most common symptoms people experience when a digestive disorder is possible, there are other signs that something is not quite right. The appearance of blood in vomit or urine is certainly something to be mindful of as are constipation, chest or back pain, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dyspepsia (pain or discomfort in the middle of the upper abdomen), fecal incontinence, gas-related issues, globus sensation (the feeling of having a lump in the throat), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and regurgitation.
There are countless digestive disorders that encompass one or many of the symptoms noted above including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and candidiasis. The bottom line, though, is that you should feel comfortable about your body and if there are symptoms related to digestive disorders present in your life, you can do something about them.
There may be times when a professional evaluation is necessary and important in regard to digestive disorders, but if you suffer from discomfort related to digestion, herbal remedies or an alteration in diet may be all that is necessary to be rid of the pain and irritation.
This month at The Specific Chiropractic Center, we’re taking a hard look at digestive disorders, what causes them and what you can do to minimize their impact on your life. Join us Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. and be a part of the conversation.
REFERENCES:
Digestive Disorders – Symptoms. Merck.com. Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch119/ch119b.html.
Digestive Problems. Aim4Health.com. Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://www.aim4health.com/digestprob.htm.
Your Digestive System and How it Works. Digestive.NIDDK.NIH.gov. Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/yrdd/.
Complimentary Nervous System Consultation
Visit one of our clinics for a personalized meeting with one of the doctors to find out how the latest technology may be the key to getting you well.
The Specific Chiropractic Center is a focused office providing specialized technology and treatment to help care for a variety of chronic ailments and health problems to find true resolution.
CALL NOW to schedule your free 15 minute consultation 1.888.722.4467
Dublin, CA • Chico, CA • Daly City, CA • Oakland, CA • Elk Grove, CA • Livermore, CA Draper, UT • Scarborough, ME
www.thespecific.com • 1.888.SCC.4HOPE
