What should you start doing RIGHT NOW and NEVER STOP to possibly add years to your life? A new study in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests people who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who do not.
According to an August 21, 2009 Reuters’ article, “Our findings suggest that sedentary lifestyle, rather than differences in cardiovascular risk factors or age, may explain (the) two-fold higher mortality rates in the least-fit versus slightly more fit healthy individuals,” lead researcher, Dr. Sandra Mandic of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, noted in an email to Reuters Health. She pointed out that nearly two-thirds of the least-fit study participants were not getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise — at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, on five or more days a week. “These results emphasize the importance of improving and maintaining high fitness levels by engaging in regular physical activity,” Mandic said, “particularly in poorly fit individuals.”
And here’s something of MAJOR importance!!!! The study showed a history of exercise was not a factor. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you used to be in shape. What matters is RECENT activity. This helps explain why a professional athlete, who was in phenomenal shape for years, can die young from heart disease. The study suggests you only get protection from RECENT physical activity.
This may be disheartening for many since so many people look at “exercise programs” and “diet,” as temporary things… doing them just long enough to get in the desired shape or lose a certain amount of weight.
This approach will NOT make you healthy. What will help make you healthy and possibly live longer is making the commitment to change your lifestyle. Committing to eating right and exercising FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
That’s why it is also important to commit to getting and keeping your spine and working properly
with proper Chiropractic care, keeping your heart healthy with exercise, and much more. If you stop exercising, you lose the positive effects. If you stop brushing your teeth, you lose the positive effect. And, if you neglect your spine, chances are, you will eventually end up in rough shape again. Staying healthy and living longer is in YOUR hands. To get free spine and health evaluation, call 619-858-0336 or visit www.TitanTherapy.com for more info.
Posts Tagged ‘chiropractic’
Is The Secret To Living Longer And Feeling Better Really As Easy As This?
Thursday, December 17th, 2009Can Chocolate Slash High Blood Pressure? Plus: Sun Beds Elevated to Top Cancer Risk Level by WHO… and more…
Friday, November 6th, 2009Who doesn’t like Chocolate? According to a new study on rats in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, consumption of a commercially available cocoa powder enriched in flavonoids may decrease blood pressure and boost heart health.
Rats fed 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight experienced a reduction in blood pressure similar to a 50 mg/kg dose of Captopril, a well-known pharmaceutical anti-hypertensive.
“This is important because this drug is known to be a very effective anti-hypertensive treatment in clinical practice and spontaneously hypertensive rats represent nowadays the best experimental model for essential hypertension in humans,” wrote the researchers, led by Amaya Aleixandre from the Faculty of Medicine at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid.
The health benefits of chocolate have been noted in several studies over the last few years. Its positive health value is usually attributed to the fact that it is high in anti-oxidants.
Some quick facts: The study used Natraceutical’s CocoanOX cocoa powder and was funded by the company. This is not the first study to show health benefits from chocolate… and more long-term studies are needed.
Now for some bad news…
Sun Beds Have Been Elevated To A Top Cancer Risk By The World Health Organization!!! If you enjoy going to artificial tanning salons you are going to want to pay strict attention to this information.
According to a July 28, 2009 article posted on Breitbart.com: The International Agency for Research on Cancer announced in July that it had elevated sun beds, used by tens of millions of people for tanning, to its highest cancer risk category. “Classified in 1992 as a ‘probable’ cancer agent, research since then has left no doubt that soaking up UV rays at tanning salons significantly enhances the chances of developing the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) agency found.”
Here is a very strong statement made by one of the researchers about artificial tanning: “The use of sun beds is carcinogenic to humans. It causes melanoma of the skin, and melanoma of the eye,” said Vincent Cogliano, an IARC researcher who led the new assessment. “I cannot see any reason why a healthy person should use them.”
According to the study, published in the British medical journal The Lancet, the most lethal form of skin cancer – melanoma – increases by 75% percent when the use of artificial tanning devices starts before the age of 30.
Researchers said that they are not regulators and just present the facts as they find them. Public health agencies can use these facts to regulate as they see fit. The article said they are calling for “tighter regulations for the billion dollar tanning industry.”
San Diego Chiropractor Offers New Twist On Chiropractic Care
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009Chiropractic care isn’t just for back pain anymore. Many people are using chiropractic care to help boost their immune system during the flu season. The flu season begins in November and is at its height between December and March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 1 out of every 5 Americans will get the flu this year. Are you prepared for the flu season?
Chiropractic care may be your answer to a clean bill of health this season. Dr. Michael Pritsker, D.C. can give your immune system a boost with a spinal adjustment at his office, University Chiropractic. A study shown in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 1997 showed chiropractic care to be effective in treating the flu. Over 2,800 individuals received regular chiropractic care and the result was an average 15% decrease in the incidence of colds and the flu.
“Regular chiropractic care is beneficial to many individuals. It has been proven time and time again to help the body function properly. Preventing the flu is just one of the benefits that my patients have seen.
If you would like to discover new ways to prevent the flu, stay health, or discover new technologies in eliminating back pain, visit www.BackCareCentral.com or request a free health video by calling the toll free 24 hour recorded message at 1-888-867-4951.
Is The Secret To Living Longer And Feeling Better Really As Easy As This?
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009A Little Can Go A LONG Way…
A new study in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests people who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who do not.
According to an August 21, 2009 Reuters’ article, “Our findings suggest that sedentary lifestyle, rather than differences in cardiovascular risk factors or age, may explain (the) two-fold higher mortality rates in the least-fit versus slightly more fit healthy individuals,” lead researcher, Dr. Sandra Mandic of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, noted in an email to Reuters Health. She pointed out that nearly two-thirds of the least-fit study participants were not getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise — at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, on five or more days a week. “These results emphasize the importance of improving and maintaining high fitness levels by engaging in regular physical activity,” Mandic said, “particularly in poorly fit individuals.”
And here’s something of MAJOR importance!!!!
The study showed a history of exercise was not a factor. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you used to be in shape. What matters is RECENT activity. This helps explain why a professional athlete, who was in phenomenal shape for years, can die young from heart disease. The study suggests you only get protection from RECENT physical activity.
This may be disheartening for many since so many people look at “exercise programs” and “diet,” as temporary things… doing them just long enough to get in the desired shape or lose a certain amount of weight.
This approach will NOT make you healthy. What will help make you healthy and possibly live longer is making the commitment to change your lifestyle. Committing to eating right and exercising FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
That is exactly what Chiropractors believe and have been teaching for years - - health is the result of what you routinely do now and for the rest of your life.
That’s why it is also important to commit to getting and keeping your spine working properly with Chiropractic care. If you stop exercising, you lose the positive effects. If you stop brushing your teeth, you lose the positive effect. And, if you neglect your spine, chances are, you will eventually end up in rough shape again. Staying healthy and living longer is in YOUR hands. Visit www.BackCareCentral.com for more info.
British Researchers Report – Flu drugs may NOT be worth it for healthy adults.
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 Swine Flu Mania! I’m sure you’ve heard there is something called the swine flu going around. The scientific name is now H1N1. And H1N1 is not the only thing “going around.” A lot of hysteria is traveling with it.
When they first reported on this flu several months ago, some news programs hyped it up to the point you thought the human race was going to be wiped off the face of the Earth!
Well, as it turns out, that’s not even close to the reality. H1N1, so far, hasn’t been the death sentence the media prophesized. Most people with H1N1 get flu-like symptoms and are perfectly fine in no time.
Why is that?
It’s because most people who contract H1N1 have normal and healthy immune systems. And when you have a normal and healthy immune system, you can fight off just about anything known to man or woman.
Just like the “regular” flu, people with compromised immune systems are the ones at risk and that is why it is important to keep your immune system functioning at its highest genetic potential. This includes: eating right, exercising, reducing stress and visiting your doctor for routine check-ups. This includes Chiropractic care to keep your spine working properly and alleviating any unnecessary stress and strain on your system.
Here’s something you should know about taking anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza: On Saturday, August 22, 2009, Reuters reported that a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Disease suggests treating H1N1 in normal healthy adults may not be worthwhile. “Recommending the use of anti-viral drugs for the treatment of people presenting with symptoms is unlikely to be the most appropriate course of action,” wrote Jane Burch of the University of York and colleagues.
According to the Reuters’ article, the results of this study also support an already existent advisory from the World Health Organization (WHO): “healthy patients who get H1N1 swine flu without suffering complications do not need to be treated with anti-virals.”
The WHO, however, strongly recommends both drugs for pregnant woman and children under 5 because these two groups are at risk for greater illness.
Do Tamiflu and Relenza Work?
The research team in the above study reviewed several published studies. With healthy people, flu symptoms usually last one week untreated. Treated with either Tamiflu or Relenza, symptoms were cut by HALF A DAY. People with a higher risk, like diabetics or asthmatics saved a day with Tamiflu, and three-quarters of a day with Relenza.
Due to fear, people have been hording these two drugs for months. This research suggests it is not a good idea to take these drugs if you are healthy. In fact, researchers concluded that the drugs should be saved for those who need them most.
There are many ways to stay healthy. Proper diet, exercise, rest and more work wonders for your body. And boosting your immunity with proper supplements and chiropractic care may be just the thing you need to keep you feeling great during the flu season. To find more great ways to stay healthy, visit www.BackCareCentral.com.
Prescription Medication And Grapefruit - A Potentially Deadly Combination
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009Here’s why: In this story, a retiree spends his summers up north and winters in the south. What natives call a “snowbird.” Two months after arriving in sunny Florida, this retiree was dead. The cause? Doctors believe it was a deadly interaction between the 2-3 glasses of fresh grapefruit juice he drank everyday and his medication. Drinking grapefruit juice can be deadly for people who take certain medications, according to a recent paper. In this particular case, the fatal interaction is believed to be between the grapefruit and Lipitor.
The victim had high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. For this, doctors put him on Lipitor and he began a diet and exercise program. Two weeks after going to Florida for the winter, he went to the emergency room complaining of muscle pains, fatigue and fever. That’s where he went into kidney failure and died.
Although experts know the problem exists, most laymen and health care professionals are still in the dark about the deadly risks, even though the FDA requires all prospective new drugs to be tested for interactions with grapefruit juice, and a warning about grapefruit juice is included in the “food-drug interactions” that come with dozens of medications.
Since grapefruit juice is metabolized by the same enzyme in the liver that breaks down many drugs… it is one of the foods most likely to cause problems with drugs. When the system is overloaded, scientists said the grapefruit juice can “swamp” the system, keeping the liver from doing its complete job and blocking it from breaking down drugs and other substances.
The most severe effects, scientists say, are likely with some statins. While the liver devotes its resources to grapefruit juice, the medication can build up to dangerous levels, causing a breakdown of the body’s muscles and even kidney failure.
So, the first tip of the month is: If you are taking ANY prescription medication (especially statin drugs), ask your doctor about the possible interactions with grapefruit juice. You should also read the warnings that come with your medication. I know there may be a lot of fine print, but it could be life or death.
Which leads us to the second tip of the month: Why do you think there is so much fine print in the first place? Because all drugs have toxic side effects. That is not to say they don’t save lives and are not needed in certain situations. Clearly they do and are. But, the goal of REAL health should be to have your body function properly without drugs… or… at least… with as little drugs as humanly possible.
How? Through proper diet, exercise, stress management and Chiropractic care.
I recently read a quote from a famous NFL coach, Jimmy Johnson. He said something like this: There are more things that can go bad with a passing play, than a running play. That’s why, when in doubt, if at all possible, run the ball.
I have the same philosophy with health. If at all possible, do it naturally.
Ask Dr. Mike
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009• Q: What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
• A: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a nerve that goes into your hand is compressed at the wrist. Think of CTS being a “pinched nerve” in the wrist caused by swelling, a thickening of the tendons responsible for moving your fingers, or from trauma to your wrist. CTS typically begins as tingling in the hand and can progress to muscle weakness, and finally atrophy of the muscles in the effected hand. Commonly, pinching of the nerve may occur at the neck giving you similar symptoms.
• Q: Do I use heat or ice after an injury?
• A: After an injury like a twisted ankle, the inflammatory stage begins and lasts for 24-72 hours. During this time, ice is preferred. Typically, ice is applied for 10 to 20 minutes. This cycle is repeated as often as necessary. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas or corn will do. P.R.I.C.E., a common acronym used after an injury, suggests patients Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate their injury.
• Heat is generally applied after the inflammatory phase is over. Moist heat is preferred over dry heat, because dry heat may dehydrate your muscles making them less flexible and predisposing them to further injury. Moist heat applications last 20-30 minutes.
Did You Know?…
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009Tidbits of news and info to make your life easier and more fun, so you’re healthy all the time
1. Today, there are more than 2 700 different languages spoken in the world, with more than 7 000 dialects. In Indonesia alone, 365 different languages are spoken. More than 1,000 different languages are spoken in Africa. The most difficult language to learn is Basque, which is spoken in north-western Spain and south-western France. It is not related to any other language in the world. Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, followed by English. But as home language, Spanish is the second most spoken in the world.
2. If a soup or stew is too salty, add raw cut potatoes. Discard them after they have cooked - they will have absorbed the salt. If a soup or stew is too sweet, add salt. If a main dish or vegetable is too sweet, add a teaspoon of cider vinegar. Here are some more food tips…
• To avoid ‘onion eyes’ peel under cold water or refrigerate (or freeze) before chopping.
• To perk up soggy lettuce, add lemon juice to a bowl of cold water and soak lettuce for an hour in the refrigerator.
• When cooking carrots, peas, beets or corn, add a small amount of sugar to the water to keep the flavor.
• To keep sweet corn yellow, add one teaspoon of lemon juice to the cooking water just about a minute before taking off the stove.
• Never salt the water you cook corn in. It will only toughen the corn. Store celery and lettuce in paper bags, not plastic. And leave the outside leaves and stalks alone until ready to use.
• Sunlight doesn’t ripen tomatoes, warmth does. Store tomatoes with stems pointed down and they will stay fresher, longer.
• To soften rock-hard brown sugar, simply add a slice of soft bread to the package and close the bag tightly. In a few hours the sugar will be soft again.
Why Does My Back Ache?
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 100 million
work days per year are lost due to low back pain!
Carrying the kids on your shoulders, cleaning the floors, lifting groceries out of the car, or a little extra up front (that’s the pendulous abdominal syndrome). Lifting, bending, and twisting, or worse yet, sitting all day at work. Add to this a slip and fall or a previous car accident and it’s not difficult to understand why studies show that approximately 80% of Americans will suffer from lower back pain at some time in their life. Many times back pain begins after just
bending over to pick up a pencil. Now, it’s not the pencil causing your back
pain, but rather your lower back’s structure (meaning muscles, joints, discs,
and vertebrae) has lost it’s normal functioning, and therefore could not
provide the necessary support of your spine. Our office specializes in finding
the cause of your back pain. Combining spinal adjustments with proper
exercises and stretches, a well balanced diet, and state of the art spinal
ABS therapy are the keys to reducing or eliminating your lower back pain.
If you know someone that is suffering from low back pain, do him or her a favor
and let them know that relief is just around the corner. You and your loved
shouldn’t have to live in pain. Visit www.backcarecentral.com for more info.
Who’s Healthier: Introverted Or Extroverted Personality Types? How this mind-body connection controls your chemistry and what you can do about it!
Sunday, September 20th, 2009 You’re probably one or the other, or, at least, more one than the other. What am I talking about? Introverted and extroverted personality types.
Some people just love social settings. They are usually the “life of the party” and tend to make whatever they are doing a party of its own. While these people love and thrive on the energy of most social settings, others do not.
Introverts hide from groups of people and would much rather spend their time in solitude. The same party that charges up the extrovert completely drains the introvert. One can easily say, especially in today’s society where everyone is so connected… It’s Tough Being Shy.
But, what if being shy was actually bad for your health? And, what if new research actually showed it can even double your risk of death within five years? If that just shocked you a little, you will be very interested in this: According to a study in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, low levels of the extroversion personality trait may signal that blood levels of a key inflammatory molecule (interleukin 6) have crossed over a threshold linked to a doubling of risk of death within five years.
According to a June 17, 2009 press release by the University of Rochester Medical Center, “Long-term exposure to hormones released by the brain of people under stress, for instance, takes a toll on organs. Like any injury, this brings a reaction from the body’s immune system, including the release of immune chemicals that trigger inflammation in an attempt to begin the healing process. The same process goes too far as part of diseases from rheumatoid arthritis to Alzheimer’s disease to atherosclerosis, where inflammation contributes to clogged arteries, heart attacks and strokes.”
Medical science is beginning to study the mindbody connection more and more. In doing so, it is discovering just how profound an effect personality and stress can have on one’s health and wellbeing.
But the big question is: Now that research is showing the health benefits of having an extroverted personality – Could An Introvert Become An Extrovert…And get the same health benefits?
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center press release: “The findings recall an idea described as early as 1911 by French philosopher Henri Bergson that he called élan vitale or ”life force,” according to the authors. This aspect of adult personality may be linked to childhood temperament as well. Some babies are very relaxed, other babies are active. Activity levels may reflect a fundamental, biologically-based energy reserve, although no one has explained the biochemistry behind it.”
It seems that people may simply be born introverts or extroverts. But, your increasing your activity levels may be one thing you can change that can be of great benefit to your health. Even though you cannot change your innate personality – physical exercise may be linked to the activity level in extroverts – which may help lower IL-6 levels. But, here’s something interesting the researchers said, “Beyond physical activity, some people seem to have this innate energy separate from exercise that makes them intrinsically involved in life.”
So the question is: Are some people just born with a different “life force” that gives them more energy or can you change your habits and state of mind and give yourself more “life force”? Who knows for sure. One thing is for certain that you need to keep your stress levels low and have a positive attitude. Whether its physical stress that can be corrected with proper chiropractic care, or emotional stress that can be calmed with relaxation, you need to stay healthy.
For more tips, visit the blog section at www.BackCareCentral.com or www.TitanTherapy.com or www.InjuredPain.com and learn about new and exciting ways to stay healthy.
