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

Andre Gide

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October 2004

Contents
1. Unreasonable Limits
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

Unreasonable Limits

I was recently sitting at a table with another family when some health issues came up. The discussion centered on their kids having certain conditions because the parents did. It was genetic and they would have to live with bad knees or allergies or whatever the case was. While our parents and grand parents genes play a role in our development, we have much more control over health than some people believe.

Our health is determined much more about what we do for it than what is contained in our chromosomes. We aren’t passive victims. Studies have shown how the brain and heart can regenerate after damage, proving conventional wisdom wrong. My practice experience has taught me that people can become healthier as they age. My own experience has shown me that I can be healthier each year.

Placing limits on other people’s health, especially our children, is not the right thing to do. Don’t limit what is possible for someone else by suggesting otherwise. When you want to comment on these issues, keep it positive. Plant good seeds in their minds about how healthy they can be just like you would about what they want to be when they grow up. Then be a good example for them by leading a healthier life your self. As Werner Von Braun, the lead rocket scientist for NASA in its early years stated, “Use the word impossible with greatest caution”.

Question of the Month

What is a subluxation?

This is the term that chiropractors use to describe an area of your spine that misaligns enough to interfere with your nervous system. Chiropractors check your spine for subluxations when you come to their office. If your spine is misaligned or subluxated, it puts you out of synch. It disrupts the connection between the brain and the body. Chiropractors work to remove subluxations from your spine so that you can be healthier and happier!

Fitness Corner

Do you want the latest information on fitness and health from a guy who knows what he is talking about? Sign up for Scott McDermott’s free monthly newsletter (send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca). It will make a consistent difference in your approach to health and wellness!

Health News

Spin, spin and more spin

I have shied away from discussing much about vaccines in the newsletter. But with the latest attempt by vaccine manufacturers to minimize and even promote thimerosal, a mercury based preservative used in some vaccines, I have to speak up. 

For those that may not be familiar with this issue, thimerosal has been linked as a possible cause of autism, attention-deficit and other disorders. It was widely used in most vaccines but the manufacturers are phasing it out. It is still used in the flu vaccine. Now, in what I feel is an attempt to cover their butts, they are spinning that mercury and its derivatives are actually good for you.

The first instance of this was demonstrated in a USA Today article http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-09-21-flu-usat_x.htm.

An expert is quoted as saying that some people are “more susceptible” or “allergic” to mercury poisoning. Pardon me? Break a mercury thermometer in a high school and they almost bring in the hazardous material disposal team! Poison is poison. It’s like saying that some people are “allergic” to gunshot wounds or “allergic” to being hit by a car traveling at high speeds. It’s shocking how they are trying to minimize this by their choice of words.

The second example of spin is that thimerosal is good for you!? This study was published in the Journal Pediatrics, September 2004, which suggests that there were fewer developmental delays, attention-deficit problems etc. in children that received thimerosal in their vaccines. They stated it had “protective benefits” and actually may be good for you. So I guess we should all line up and have some mercury, it would improve our behavior. 

There you have it. Something that is toxic and poisonous outside the body is now good for you when it’s placed directly into the bloodstream. That is unless you are “allergic” to it. Amazing what people will do to justify and spin a situation purely for their gain.

The Impact Of Subluxation Correction On Mental Health: Reduction Of Anxiety In A Female Patient Under Chiropractic Care

On a much more positive note, here is a great case study regarding mental health and chiropractic care. This individual experienced some tremendous changes in her life as a result of a healthier spine and nervous system. Chiropractic influences individuals on every human level. To read more:http://www.jvsr.com/abstracts/index.asp?id=210

Office Happenings

1. Office Closures. The office will be closed Tuesday October 5 as I attend a seminar. The office will also be closed Monday October 11 for Thanksgiving. I hope you have a thank-filled weekend.

2. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you want to introduce chiropractic to a loved one who’s never been? Do you want a better understanding of chiropractic care so you can be healthier? Then join us for one of our W.O.W.’s in October. The dates are Wednesday October 6 and Monday October 18. They start at 5:30 pm here in the office. See you there!