July 2006

Welcome to Summer! Join us in the office as we will be watching the Tour de France as we have in past years!

Contents

1. Disease - Lifestyle or Genetics
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

Disease – Lifestyle or Genetics

When we read the newspaper about why people get sick the focus typically goes to our genes. We are led to believe there is a genetic switch in us. At some point it gets flipped and we develop any number of diseases. It is a random process we have no control of. Researchers continue to look for these mysterious markers that determine our long-term health.

What is the reason we get chronic illnesses and disease? Are we genetically programmed for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, depression etc.? Are they the result of bad genes expressing themselves as we get older? Where were these bad genes and chronic illnesses two or three generations ago? These questions are vital ones if we are to understand the origins of sickness and disease.

Let’s consider a study done in 2002 in the Journal of Applied Physiology. “Indeed, environmental factors have been identified as 58-91 percent of causal factors for three of the most dominant chronic health conditions afflicting individuals in modern-day (North) America: Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and most site-specific cancers.” In other words, our lifestyle was the primary cause of problem, not our genes.

Researchers identified the solution to the chronic diseases seen in the world today. Exercise and diet. Simple as that. Not some magical gene that suddenly causes us to become ill. This would also explain why past generations didn’t suffer from many of the health problems existing now. They were physically more active and ate fresher and less processed food.

Do you want to be healthier? Get active and eat well (and see your chiropractor regularly). It’s a simple solution but one you have to work at everyday. Our health is under our control. We are not slaves to our genetic makeup. The challenge is the daily effort it takes to get there.

Question of the Month

What is the relationship between chiropractic care and massage therapy?

Chiropractic and massage share a beneficial partnership. Massage therapy works with the muscles of the body to relax, refresh and heal them. Chiropractic care deals with the controlling system of the muscles and the entire body, the nervous system. By adjusting the spine the brain and muscles are better connected through the nervous system. Your muscles will work better with better information. Massage therapy compliments this by working directly with the health of the muscles.

Fitness Corner

Do you want to be your best over the summer at golf, slo-pitch, the beach or whatever your athletic pursuit is? Sign up for Scott McDermott’s free monthly newsletter. It is full of great tips and information that will help you reach your goals. This month’s topics are:
What happens when your goals or expectations don’t match your results? Sore muscles? Stressed? Sunburn? Digestive problems? Glutamine may help. Survive summer eating temptations with balance.

Send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca to sign up today.

Health News

Regular chiropractic care promote long-term health in elderly

Research performed at Parker Chiropractic College demonstrated that chiropractic patients aged 65 years and older receiving “maintenance care” for 5 years or longer spent only 31% of the national average for health care services.To read more: http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ymmt/article/PIIS0161475400901088/abstract

This study also revealed that chiropractic patients experienced 50% fewer medical provider visits than their comparable peers. In the never-ending quest for affordable and effective health care, chiropractic care holds tremendous potential for everyone.

Study backs natural birth after C-section

“A study out today could lead to an increase in the number of women who try for a vaginal birth after cesarean section, a procedure call VBAC.” This was reported in the article you can link to below:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-06-29-vbac_x.htm

The prevailing wisdom was the women who had a previous C-section were at risk for a uterine tear or rupture if they tried to have a vaginal birth. This study showed that actual risk was quite small. It was published in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology and involved almost 18,000 women.

Office Happenings

1. Office Closings. The office will be closing at 9:15 am on Tuesday July 11 as I will be on my way to adjust cowboys and cowgirls at the Calgary Stampede. The office will also be closing on at 10:15 am on Wednesday July 26 and will re-open on Monday July 31 so we can attend a seminar. Brad MacLeod, the massage therapist, will be available during those times. He can reached on his cell at 396-3169. Sorry for any inconvenience.

2. Parade Day. We welcome you to watch the Westerner Days parade from just outside our front door! On the morning of Wednesday July 19, the parade goes by the office about 10:00 am. You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs down and join us in watching the parade. We are not scheduling any patients that morning but anyone who can make it down to the office will be taken care of.

3. Office Hours. There is no change in our office hours but here they are if you need them. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 5:30, Tuesday 8:00 to 12:30 and Thursday 1:00 to 7:30 pm.

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops (W.O.W.’s). Do you want to learn more about your health and chiropractic care this summer? Our W.O.W.’s are scheduled for Wednesday July 19 and Monday July 24 this month. They take place at 5:30 pm in the office and everyone is welcome.

5. Rate Change. As of July 1, 2006, the price of an uninsured chiropractic adjustment will be $28.