"The only real education comes from what goes counter to you."

Andre Gide

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May 2002

Spring, spring, where are you? It has to be here soon. Enjoy!

Contents

1. The Wonders of the Human Body
2. Question of the Month
3. Health News
4. Office Happenings

The Wonders of the Human Body

Wouldn’t it be great if our bodies could do marvelous things like grow new brain and heart cells? Could you imagine your body doing this more efficiently and effectively when it was well taken care of? But wait, we have been told that those areas weren’t able to do that. Our understanding is changing.

Two fascinating studies have been released recently that contradict some long held beliefs about what the human body is capable of. Just last year, it was determined that brain cells could regenerate. In a more recent study, research scientists discovered that damaged hearts can repair themselves by growing new muscle cells. Until now, conventional wisdom thought this was impossible. These discoveries challenge decades of medical dogma as to the limitations of the body. 

This brings up a couple of very important points. These findings further demonstrate that our bodies are self-healing, right down to brain and heart cells. Too often we don’t give ourselves enough credit as to what is possible within us. When taken care of, our healing capabilities are tremendous. 

The second point is that our bodies self-regulate or have the know-how to take care of themselves. The body senses when an area needs repair or help and then guides and directs the process. It takes what you ate at your last meal and converts it into new skin cells, red blood cells or even brain cells without having any outside input. You don’t have to tell or teach your body to do this, it just does it. This inborn “knowing” is referred to by chiropractors as your innate intelligence. 

Chiropractic was founded over 105 years ago on the principles that the body is self-healing and self-regulating. This was based on experience and observation, before rigorous study in a laboratory setting was available. The interesting aspect is that these principles are being proven today in areas of the body where we never thought it was possible. Chiropractors work with your innate intelligence so the body can do what it was designed to do, heal and regulate itself to its full capacity.

Obviously there are limitations to what the body can do. But as we further our understanding, we are getting a better idea of what is achievable. When referring to our inborn healing and regulating capabilities, use the word impossible with caution.

Question of the Month

Can chiropractic care improve my athletic performance?

A healthy spine and nervous system go hand-in-hand with performing at your best athletically. Dan O’Brien, the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist in the Decathlon, said that if it hadn’t been for chiropractic care, he wouldn’t have won the gold medal. Emmitt Smith, an All-Pro running back for the Dallas Cowboys, said the best advice he could give a rookie was to find a good chiropractor and massage therapist. Other athletes, including Tiger Woods, use chiropractic care to maximize their performance. These athletes do not use chiropractic care just when they have neck or back pain but when they compete. They understand what it takes to be the world’s best, and a healthy spine and nervous system are an integral part of that. As you go through life and work towards being the world’s greatest you, use chiropractic care to do everything you do – better! 

Health News

NBA Star Attributes Longevity to Team Chiropractor

John Stockton, a ten-time NBA All-Star with the Utah Jazz and one of only ten men to play past the age of 40 in the NBA, says that the extra work he’s put in with the Jazz team chiropractor is the biggest reason he’s been able to hang around so long. Over 18 seasons, Stockton has missed only 22 out 1,431 games while setting records for most seasons leading the league in assists, most assists in a season and most assists per game. Read more: http://www.planetc1.com/cgi-bin/n/v.cgi?c=1&id=1018295924.

This article ties in with our question of the month. Not only is John Stockton able to play his sport much longer than other athletes, he has also performed at a very high level during that time. The same principles apply to everyday life. Do you want to be at your best throughout your life? Chiropractic care offers that opportunity to everyone! 

Health and Wellness in a Pill, The Search Continues

Two stories caught my attention this month concerning how you can be “healthy” without changing anything in your lifestyle. You don’t even have to leave the couch. The first story, titled “Who needs to sweat? Pill may replace workouts” says that researchers have found ways to build muscle strength and endurance without actually working the muscle. You can read more of this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/healthscience/health/2002-04-11-couch-potato-pill.htm
The second story is about how many obesity medications there are being developed. Up to 100 are currently in various stages of development. Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/healthscience/health/drugs/2002-04-29-obesity-drug.htm. 

In theory, the muscle pill is designed for those who can’t exercise because of heart conditions etc. will still receive some benefit. But the potential for abuse and marketing to the general population certainly exists. Just look at the title of the article. As for the obesity medications, some are designed for people who are at life threatening stages of weight gain, but others are for people looking to lose 10 to 20 pounds. We need a pill to do that? Why not change our lifestyles and perspective on health. Be active, eat well, drink good water, get some rest and make sure your nervous system and spine are healthy. Health comes with lifestyle changes, not in a pill.

Office Happenings

1. Science Fair. On Saturday May 25, we will be hosting the Science Fair in our office again. The purpose of the fair is to demonstrate how science is applied in different businesses. We will be doing thermal scans on those who drop by. It runs from 10:00 to 4:00 pm. 

2. Spring Training Week. Carol and I had a lot of fun and I hope the people that were in the office that week did too. Baseball was played, bubble gum chewed, popcorn was popped and scans were done. We raised $240 for the Kerry Wood Nature Centre’s preschool program. Thanks to all those who participated in the event.

3. Wellness Orientation Workshops (W.O.W.'s). The dates for upcoming classes are Monday May 6, Wednesday May 15, Wednesday May 22 and Monday May 27. A great start for new patients and helpful for existing patients as well. They all start at 5:30 pm in the office and are presented by myself. See you there! 

4. Our 24-Hour Relay Team. Would you like to have a great time for the whole family, get a small bit of exercise (or a lot, your choice) and raise money for a great cause? The 4th Annual Piper Creek Optimist 24 Hour Relay is taking place on June 22 and 23 and our office is entering a team. We are just asking for one hour of your time where you walk, run or crawl and raise money for the youth of our community. Further details, phone or e-mail Carol.