Balance Chiropractic Online

Therapy Ball Review

2009-10-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

This week we have been discussing the therapy ball as an exercise tool for people who have low back pain. I just wanted to review a few important points we went over this week.

The therapy ball is a great way to begin exercising after you have had a back injury. However, you should not use the ball right after your injury, or if the ball causes your pain to become worse.

It takes a little time to adjust to the therapy ball. Your body has to learn to balance. It will require the use of muscles that you may not have used much before. The therapy ball will strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen and back. These muscles help to support the spine.

Always consult your trainer or chiropractor on which exercises you should be doing. They will know which exercises will help to strengthen your muscles and help you to overcome your back pain.

After using the therapy ball for awhile you will find you have increased flexibility, stronger muscles, and better balance and coordination.

Safety Tips for The Therapy Ball

2009-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

When using a therapy ball there are a few safety tips you need to keep in mind.
You should not use the therapy ball when your back pain has just begun.

*If you have a spinal injury or disease that can be exacerbated by the movements related to the therapy ball you should not use it.

*If you find your pain increase with use of the therapy ball stop using it.

*If you are afraid of the therapy ball you should not use it. You need to feel comfortable to be able to balance. If you are nervous and stiff your more likely to become injured.

*You should always follow the advise of your chiropractor or trainer when using the therapy ball. They will be able to advise you which exercises are right for your situation.

*You should start out using the ball slowly. As you become more comfortable you will be able to increase the amount and speed of the exercises you do.

*Always follow the manufactures instruction for proper care and use of the therapy ball. Don't use the ball for any other purpose.

A therapy ball is a great tool to use for exercise when you are dealing with back pain. By following these safety tips you will ensure you do not injure yourself causing more pain.

Exercises Using Therapy Ball

2009-10-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

This week we have been discussing using a therapy ball to help with low back pain. Today I am sharing a video that shows some exercises that can be done using the therapy ball.

The therapy ball is a great tool to use when exercising. It is a great way to build the core muscles of the back and abdomen. These muscles need to be strong to support the spine.

Using the Therapy Ball

2009-10-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started talking about using a therapy ball to help with low back pain. Today we are going to discuss how to begin using the ball.

When you first begin to use the therapy ball it may seem awkward and uncomfortable. It is normal to feel this way. Your body has to adjust to a new position. You will have to find your balance. When you first start using the ball it is often recommended you just sit on the ball for fifteen to thirty minutes. Focus on balancing yourself on the ball while bouncing lightly.

You are going to find a neutral lumber spine position. Your looking for the center of gravity in your body. This refers to the upper body being balanced on a stable pelvic base. A slight change in movement will shift the center of gravity and make it hard to remain balanced. You will be using your stomach muscles the entire time you are on the therapy ball to remain balanced. Consult your chiropractor for more details on how to use the therapy ball.

Once you have learned to balance on the therapy ball you will be ready to begin using it for exercise. We will go into more details about exercise you can do with the therapy ball tomorrow.

Using a Therapy Ball for Low Back Pain

2009-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

A therapy ball is used as part of a rehabilitation plan when a patient is suffering with low back pain. Using the ball helps to strengthen the core muscles of the back. These muscles stabilize the spine.

The therapy ball give an element of instability. Over time this allows the muscles in the back to become stronger by the patient using them to balance on the ball. The back and abdominal muscles are strengthened.

Using the therapy ball allows the patient to develop and train their body's natural awareness. It is also theorized that using the therapy ball helps to lesson pain because the body is stimulated into producing more pain inhibitors.

Some benefits of the therapy ball include increased flexibility, improved muscle strength, and enhance balance and coordination.

Photo created by Edwin PP

Feeling Blah, Give Your Chiropractor a Call

2009-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you are feeling run down and worn out lately consider paying a visit to the chiropractor. You nervous system could be stressed. When this happens your body reacts in different ways. One of these ways can be that you feel tired and Blah.

If you have Subluxations in your spine your immune system can become weakened. This can cause you to become sicker easier. We all visit the dentist on a regular basis to prevent problems with our teeth right? You need to do the same for your spine.

When there is a problem with your spine it just doesn't affect your back. Your entire body's well being is compromised. Everything from allergies to asthma can be worsened by a problem with your spine. So stop feeling Blah and call your chiropractor today.

Why continue to suffer when you could be on the road to recovery.

Ways to Prevent The H1N1 Flu

2009-10-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we discussed some natural ways of preventing the flu. I wanted to touch on this some more since the flu seems to making its rounds.

Here is another video discussing how you can get the flu, prevention, and treatment.

Natural Ways to Prevent Getting the Flu

2009-10-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

Everywhere you look whether it be magazines, newspapers, or the evening news you are hearing about the flu. They are recommending you get a vaccination to prevent from getting the flu. Some people are not comfortable with vaccinations. There are things you can do naturally to help prevent you from getting sick with illnesses such as the flu.

Begin by getting enough sleep each night. I know this can be difficult with all of our responsibilities, but it is very important to your health. Your immune system becomes compromised when your body is lacking sleep.

Next be sure you eat a diet consisting primarily of fresh fruits,       vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and other high fiber items.       Also include fresh garlic, pearl barley and kelp into your       diet. Eat organic food whenever possible as pesticides can       deplete food of nutrients. 

Make sure you keep active. Perform moderate exercise each day. However, don't overdo it. Too much exercise can actually weaken your immune system. 

Visit your chiropractor. Make sure your body is properly aligned and free from any nervous system stress caused by subluxations in the spine.

These tips will help keep you healthy and avoid the flu.

Your Chiropractor May Have More to Offer than Adjustments

2009-10-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you visited the chiropractor? You were probably in some sort of pain. Most people only associate visiting the chiropractor when they are hurt. It might be time that you reconsider when to visit the chiropractor.

More and more chiropractors are offering other services besides the usual adjustments. Although being adjusted on a regular basis can help you stay pain free. Many chiropractors are offering what is referred to as health and wellness services.

These services can include massage, personal fitness, weight loss, nutritional supplements, exercise classes, and other services to keep you in tip top health.

Everyone can benefit from a visit to the chiropractor. Not only can they help keep your body in proper adjustment, they can work on your overall health. Give your chiropractor a call today and see what new services they might be offering.

Photo created by Dennis Taufenbach

Motivation to Exercise

2009-10-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

We all get down in a slump at times and exercise is the furthest thing from our minds. We start by missing one or two days of exercise, then before you know it a week has went by and we have not got in one workout. We keep telling our-self that tomorrow will be the day I start exercising again, but tomorrow never comes.

If you have lost your motivation to exercise, you are not alone. We all struggle at times with doing the things we need to do to keep our bodies healthy. Don't let the lack of motivation stop you. Don't use any more excuses for putting off exercise.

Today you can start over. Make a plan to include exercise in your day. If you need some reasons to make you exercise then make a list of all the benefits of exercise. Hang this list where you will see it repeatedly through-out the day. List the reasons exercise is important to you. Maybe you are looking to lose some weight for an important event, or maybe exercise helps keep you from having back pain.

If you can't seem to find and keep your motivation to exercise find a workout buddy. When we have someone to keep us accountable we do much better. Workout with a friend each day. You will find exercise is much more enjoyable

If you dread exercise each day do it first thing in the morning. This way you will have it out of the way. Plus you will get that burst of energy that comes from working out.You can also give yourself rewards for exercise. Maybe there is a new DVD you have been wanting, tell yourself if you exercise four times this week you will buy the movie.

Whatever it takes to get you motivated to exercise do it.( Well Within reason of course) Exercise is very important to keep your body and mind healthy.

Photo created by Ariel da Silva Parreira

Back Pain and Leg Pain Stretches and Exercise

2009-10-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

This week we have been discussing using exercise to help with back pain. Today I am going to share a video that shows you some exercises that can be done to help with pain.Always consult your chiropractor before you start an exercise program.

Tips To Make Exercise Successful

2009-10-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

When you are dealing with back pain, or pain of any type, the last thing on your mind is probably going to be exercise. We need to change your mind set. Exercise is an important part of the recovery process when dealing with pain.

There are some tips you need to follow to make sure exercise will be successful for you.

*Have a positive attitude. No matter how bad you just want to lay around, you need to get up and get moving. Laying around will cause the muscles to weaken. This can lead to a greater chance of injury when you do become active.

*Start slow, and work your way up. You don't want to start exercising for five hours a day right off the bat. Start with a goal of ten minutes. If you can do that without any pain add another ten minutes. Gradually add more time each day. Remember a little is better than no exercise at all.

*Exercise should not make your pain worse. If it is you are doing the exercise wrong, or you shouldn't be doing it at all. Your chiropractor can recommend which exercises are right for you. Make sure to do them properly to avoid further injury.

*Always wear a shoe that offers the proper support. Wear clothing that will allow you to move freely. Tight jeans are not going to allow you to move comfortably. If you are comfortable there is a better chance you will keep exercising.

*Drink plenty of water. You don't want to become dehydrated. Always keep a water bottle near by.

These tips will help ensure exercise becomes part of your daily routine. You will begin to feel better, and the pain will go away. Your muscles will become stronger, and there will be less chance of injury.

Exercise to Help With Low Back Pain

2009-10-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

This week we have been discussing using exercise to help with low back pain. Today we are going to go over some exercises that are appropriate for people who have low back pain.

Always begin your exercise routine with a warm up period. Your muscles need time to warm up and become flexible. This will help to avoid any injuries during your exercise. It is also important to not do any exercise that makes your lower back pain worse. The goal of the exercise is to improve your back pain.

Swimming is a great non weight bearing exercise. This is great for people who have back pain. Do some walking in waist high water. This is a great form of aerobic exercise. Walking is another great form of aerobic exercise. Whichever you choose start out slowly. You can add a few minutes each day. Overdoing it can cause more damage and pain.

The muscles that you need to target are the hamstrings ( muscle in back of leg above knee but below buttocks), Piriformis (muscle at back of hip joint), Psoas Major (muscle along the side of the lower spine), and the Gluteus muscles of the buttocks. These muscles all can contribute to your back pain. Pilates, Yoga, and Tai-chi are all great ways to stretch these muscles. You should always perform these exercises with someone who is trained.

If you find your back pain is relieved by sitting a stationary exercise bike could be good for you. You can get a bike that comes with an exercise program installed. You can also set your own time. Remember to not overdo it. Increase your time gradually. Raising your heart rate for twenty minutes is the ideal goal. If you cannot do it at first, do not give up.

Which Exercise to Avoid if you are Dealing With Low Back Pain

2009-10-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we discussed the importance of keeping active when you are dealing with low back pain. Today we are going to go over some exercises that should be avoided. When you are already dealing with back pain, you don't want to cause anymore damage.

*If you have low back pain you want to avoid any exercise that requires you to raise both legs while lying on your back.

*Avoid lifting heavy weights above your waist. This would include bicep curls.

*Avoid sit ups with your legs bent, or avoid doing curl ups.

*Avoid doing toe touches from a standing position. This can put stress on the lower back and make your pain worse.

*Always make sure you allow your muscles enough time to warm up before exercising. A muscle that is warm is going to be more flexible. This will reduce the chance of injury. Also don't overdo it. If you do too much exercise right off the bat you will strain your back.

You need to be active when dealing with low back pain, but you need to do exercises that will help with your pain. You don't want to do anything that is going to cause you more pain. Consult your chiropractor for tips on the right exercises for you.

Photo created by michael lorenzo

Exercise for Low Back Pain

2009-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from low back pain the last thing you are probably thinking about is exercising. This should however be one of the most important things you are doing to deal with your pain. Low back pain can actually get better with exercise. Staying active is one of the best things you can do when dealing with any back pain.

Always consult your doctor first to make sure you are in good enough health to begin exercising. Then see a chiropractor. They can help you make sure your body is in proper alignment and recommend exercises to help with your back pain.

Exercising can help to relieve you from lower back pain and also can help prevent future pain and injuries. Being active has many benefits not only for your back. Your overall health can improve with frequent exercise.

Aerobic, stretching, and strengthening exercises are recommended for someone dealing with lower back pain. Your chiropractor can offer suggestions as to which exercises will benefit you the most. They cans how you the proper ways of performing the exercises to avoid injury.

Through-out the week I will be discussing exercises that can help lower back pain, as well as which exercises to avoid.

Photo created by ramasamy chidambaram

Quick, Healthy Smoothie Recipe

2009-10-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a quick healthy smoothie recipe that your family is sure to love. Getting more flax seed into your diet will improve your overall health.
Flax meal and berry smoothie:
You will need-
½ banana
Soy milk- 1 cup
Ice cubes
Flax meal, powdered - 2 tablespoons
Any of your favorite berries - half cup
Blend in all these ingredients together, and your smoothie is ready to drink.

It is easy to add more Omega 3 into your diet each day with these delicious recipes.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

2009-10-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

More and more women are turning to their chiropractor to help relieve the pains associated with pregnancy. All most all pregnant women have some sort of back pain. There is no reason to suffer your nine months being uncomfortable when a trip to the chiropractor can give you some comfort.

As the baby develops during a woman's pregnancy, the uterus expands and grows rapidly. As long as the pelvis and ligaments are in proper balance there is usually no problems. However, if they are out of balance or alignment, the uterus does not have enough room to expand properly. This can cause problems for the developing baby.

If the woman's ligaments and uterus is not in proper position there can also be problems during the birth process. The baby may not be able to enter the birth canal and the woman would require a c-section. This can also make it hard for the baby to turn into the proper position for birth.

Visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy will ensure your body is ready for the nine months ahead and the birthing process. The woman will also feel better overall when she doesn't have to deal with back discomfort.

Flax Seed Recipes to add more Omega 3 to your Diet

2009-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Chelsie's Cinnamon Cranberry Flax Muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup whole fresh cranberries
1 1/4 cup flax seed meal (can easily grind your own)
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sugar-free syrup such as Da Vinci's or Torinis or 1/2 C "sweetening power" from
other artificial sweetener (if powdered, dissolve in 1/2 cup water)
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for topping)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Liberally butter muffin tins. Makes anywhere from 12 to 24 muffins. Do not use paper muffin liners - they will stick.

1. Pour boiling water over cranberries. Let sit for 5 minutes and pour off water.

2. Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients (minus the cranberries) separately, then mix them together.

3. Let mixture stand for 10 minutes to thicken.

4. Fold in cranberries.

5. Fill each muffin cup about half way, and sprinkle with nuts.

6. Bake about 15 minutes (a little longer if you're only making 12) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Keep up to a week in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

For 12 muffins: Each muffin has 2 grams effective carbohydrate plus 6 grams fiber and 6 grams protein.

Gluten Free Flax seed Muffins
Ingredients
3/4 cup brown rice flour
3/4 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup currants
2 eggs
1/4 cup sunflower or canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup buttermilk
Method
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, flax seed, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and currants.

In a second large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, applesauce and buttermilk. Add flour mixture to buttermilk mixture and stir until just combined.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition
Per serving (1 muffin/82g-wt.): 210 calories (70 from fat), 8g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 5g protein, 30g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 15g sugar), 35mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium
These recipes allow you to add healthy Omega 3's to your family's diet without them even knowing.

Recipes for Adding Omega 3 into your Diet

2009-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Adding more foods with Omega 3 to your diet can improve many conditions like depression, arthritis, certain cancers, and heart health. Here are some recipes you can use to add more Omega3 into your family's diet.

Cranberry Apple crisp:

* First, preheat the oven to ~ 375 degrees.

* Mix 4 cups of sliced apple, 1 cup of frozen cranberries, 3 tablespoons of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour in a bowl and place the mixture in a gratin- or baking dish.

* Combine ½ cup of flour and ¼ cup of flax seed meal. Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons of wheat germ, a bit of salt and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and mix well.

* Now, take 3 tablespoons of canola oil and add it to the mixture. Stir the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs and sprinkle it over the fruit mixture you prepared before and bake for ~ 45 minutes.

You can also try this recipe with other fruits, like: Peaches, pineapple, blackberries...

This recipe can be found here.

Tuna Burgers

Ingredients

Serves 6

2 pounds fresh center-cut tuna
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more for buns
1 anchovy fillet, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 celery stalks, peeled to remove strings and minced
1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup mizuna
6 buns
6 tablespoons pickled ginger
Wasabi Mayonnaise

Directions

Cut tuna into 1/4-inch chunks with a very sharp knife, trimming away any dark, bloody parts. Coarsely chop tuna by hand until it begins to hold together. Transfer to a bowl over a bowl of ice. Add garlic, olive oil, sesame oil, anchovy, basil, celery, ginger, salt, and pepper; combine well.
Heat grill to medium high. Form tuna into 6 patties, and place on hot grill, or chill for up to 6 hours until ready to cook. Grill from about 3 or 4 minutes per side for rare to 7 or 8 for well done. Alternatively, cook in a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side for rare to 5 or 6 for well done.
Serve with mizuna on buns brushed with sesame oil and toasted, if desired. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi mayonnaise.

From Martha Stewart Living, June 1995

ADHD and Omega 3

2009-10-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

There are more and more studies finding a direct link to ADHD and an Omega 3 deficiency. This can be improved by changing what your child eats and adding a supplement containing Omega 3's. Too many parents are convinced medication is their only treatment. This is not the case. Here are some tips for incorporating more Omega 3 into your ADHD child's diet.

Flax seed- Flax seed can be added to your child's diet without them ever knowing. Flax can be used in baking. You can add flax to cookies, muffins, breads, smoothies, and salad dressing to just name of a few. There is also flax oil supplements that could be added daily to your child's diet.

Seafood- Cold water ocean fish are a great way to increase Omega 3 into your child's diet. It can be hard to get some children to eat fish. Make sure the fish are ocean caught. Fish have to have been exposed to algae to be rich in Omega 3. If you cannot convince your child to eat fish you can add a fish oil supplement to their diet.

By adding more Omega 3 into your child's diet you can help with the ADHD and with several other problems usually found due to a lack of Omega 3. They include allergies, eczema, headaches, stomachaches, ear infections, and asthma.

Along with using Omega 3 to help your ADHD child consider having them visit a chiropractor. There have been several studies showing improvement to ADHD after being adjusted. Tomorrow I am going to share some recipes you can make to add more Omega 3 into your family's diet.

Tips for Switching to Organic Eating

2009-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

If you are considering switching your diet to one that contains only organic food it can seem overwhelming at first. You probably want to run out and fill your cupboards and refrigerator full of fresh organic foods. You do not need to do this.

Start slowly, buy a few organic items each time you go to the store. The price of organic foods can be higher than regular foods. Start with the everyday basics like milk, bread, bananas, cheese, eggs, and pasta. You can incorporate more organic foods each shopping trip.

Try out different brands of organic foods. You may find some you do not like. You can find an organic version for almost every food item there is. Checking different stores will help you do some price comparisons. Always buy locally when you have the chance.

Soon you will not remember ever eating non-organic foods. It will just become second nature to you. Your entire family will feel better and benefit health-wise from making the switch to organic eating.

Photo created by madazii

Benefits of Eating Organically

2009-10-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of food we consume today has been exposed to harmful chemicals and pesticides. Animals are being fed hormones and antibiotics. Would you want your family exposed to these harmful toxins?

Organic food is food in its purest form. There has not been anything extra added. Organic foods can be more nutritious. They are richer in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. These are all very important to you and your family's health.

Children exposed to harmful pesticides in the early stages of brain developments can have permanent changes in their brain chemistry. There can be long term problems with behavior and attention when a child is exposed to chemicals found in non-organic foods.

You want the very best for your family. Consider making the change to eating organically. Every bite you put into your body is important.

Tomorrow I am going to offer some tips for switching to organic eating.

Photo created by Rob Owen-Wahl

ICPA Shares about Chiropractic Care and Children

2009-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today I want to share a great video from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association on the benefits of children seeing a chiropractor.

If you had any question about the safety of taking your child to a chiropractor hopefully this video has cleared up any doubts.

Everyone Can Benefit from a Visit to the Chiropractor

2009-09-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

It used to be the only time someone went to the chiropractor was when they hurt their back somehow. Now days more and more people are realizing the benefits to regular chiropractic care. Pro athletes are using chiropractors and so do lots of celebrities. You don't have to be injured to see a chiropractor. Preventive care is becoming more popular.

Here are some of the many benefits of seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis.
* Reduced pain in the back and neck
* Joints will be in better health
* You'll feel better and have more energy
* Lower pain from arthritis
* Stop headaches due to muscle and joint tension
* Better mobility and range of motion
* Reduce your bodies reaction to allergy triggers
* Increase performance for athletes
* Reduce ear infections in children
* Help ADHD children
* Reduce the risk of injury
These are just a sample of the benefits of seeing a chiropractor. Your overall health can improve after seeing a chiropractor. Don't you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to feel better? Schedule a visit with the chiropractor today.

Child Athletes can Benefit from Chiropractic Care

2009-09-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

It is becoming the norm for athletes to seek the treatments of a chiropractor. The same should be done when dealing with child athletes. They run and jump and move as much if not more than adults. Their joints and spine are being stressed,

A child's bones are still growing. They need to be adjusted on a regular basis to keep them growing straight. The fusion of bones can be interrupted due to injury from sports. Seeing a chiropractor can stop this from happening.

When a child's spine and nervous system are under stress their whole body can be affected. They are going to be more prone to injuries. A child should be seen by the chiropractor at least every three months to check and see if their out of alignment. If they have an injury or complain of pain they should see them sooner.

Visiting a chiropractor will allow your child to be at their best. They will be less likely to have an injury related to stress of their spine and joints. They will be better overall.

Photo created by julosstock

The Benefits of a Positive Attitude

2009-09-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

We have all heard that things turn out better if we think positive. There is truth to that statement. Your attitude affects your whole life. This includes your health. It is easy to become down and gloomy when you are not feeling good. Sometimes it can be easier to look at all the negatives instead of trying to turn them into something positive.

If you are tired of feeling bad all of the time tell yourself that today is the day you change your attitude.

Instead of looking for things to go wrong, focus on the things that are going good in your life. Look at the bad things and figure out what you can do to change them. We can learn from anything if we are just willing to try.

The next time you are feeling bad think about how lucky you are for all the good things in your life. Think about how many people are far worse than yourself. Things will get better. When you live your life with a positive attitude you will begin to feel more energy, you will feel stronger, and you will be able to handle stress easier.

When you have a positive attitude you will be more willing to take the proper care of yourself. You will do the things you need to do to feel better. If you feel stressed and sick consider visiting the chiropractor. They can relieve the stress in your body by making adjustments to your back and neck. This will give you a feeling of being energized.

Start right now. Change your attitude. Say to yourself I am going to be positive. I am going to feel better. I am going to be happy. You'll notice a difference in how you feel almost immediately.

Causes of Back Pain

2009-09-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

When people think about the causes of back pain they usually think of an accident. While this is true accidents do cause back pain they are not the biggest cause. Back pain is usually caused from a long period of bad posture, lack of exercise, stress, and work habits.

Sitting or standing for long periods of time without breaks or proper posture will cause stress and tension to your spine and neck. This is going to cause you back pain. You need to be aware of your posture at all times. Taking frequent breaks to get up and stretch can help prevent back pain.

A lack of exercise can cause the muscles to become weak. Weak muscles will tires and become tense faster. Starting a regular exercise routine can make you stronger and help eliminate back pain. Aim for 3- 5 thirty minute sessions a week. Make sure to allow time for stretching before each workout.

Visiting the chiropractor on a regular basis can help ease and prevent back pain. The chiropractor will make adjustments to your back that will relieve the stress and tension in the nerves around the spine. This can help ease back pain.

Back pain can be a sign of something more serious going on in your body. A visit to the chiropractor can determine why you are having pain and what can be done to help.

Tips to avoid Headaches

2009-09-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from headaches no that you are not alone. Millions of people suffer regular headaches. There are some tips you can follow to help avoid headaches.

*Learn what your headache triggers are and try to avoid or limit exposure to them.

*If you sit for long periods of time, take regular breaks during each hour to get up and stretch. Staying in the same position for long periods of time causes the muscles tension in return causing you headaches.

*Do regular exercise. Low impact exercise such as walking can help prevent and relieve a headache. Strenuous exercise can cause headaches to occur.

*Drink plenty of water. Dehydration will cause headaches. Drinking plenty of water is a good way to prevent headaches and keep your body healthy.

Along with following the above tips you can help prevent headaches by seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis. The chiropractor can make adjustments to your spine that will relieve tension that causes headaches. They can also recommend supplements like vitamin B along with nutritional advice that can help keep headaches from occurring.

Your chiropractor will be able to suggest postures that will keep your joints and muscles from getting tense. Tension is a leading cause of headaches. They may also suggest exercises and relaxation techniques that can help in preventing headaches.

If you have never considered seeing a chiropractor for your headaches you should. They know that problems in the spine can lead to problems elsewhere in the body such as headaches.

Headache Triggers

2009-09-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself suffering from headaches on a regular basis it is time to discover what is causing you all that pain. There are certain things that are known to be triggers for headaches. By avoiding these triggers you can lesson your chances of suffering through another headache.

Headache Triggers

Stress- this is one of the biggest triggers of a headache. Everyone has stress in their lives. If they do not know how to ease the stress they are feeling, the body responds with a headache.

Sleep problems- Getting too little sleep causes the muscles in the head and neck to contract. This causes a headache. Sleep apnea can also cause a person to have headaches.

Smoking- If a person smokes and has frequent headaches they may have found their trigger.

Diet- To find your headache trigger it might be as easy as looking at your diet. Certain chemicals found in food can trigger a headache. Foods that contain tyramine,mono-sodium glutamate, sodium nitrites and caffeine can all trigger a headache.

Changes in weather- Dry cold weather seems to cause the most headaches for people. A close second is warm humid weather.

Hormones- many woman get headaches before their menstrual cycle. It is believed that the change in estrogen and progesterone are the cause.

Learning what triggers your headaches can play an important role in stopping the headaches for good.

Visiting the chiropractor can also help relieve headaches. The chiropractor can adjust the spine and neck to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your nervous system. This will lesson your headaches if not stopping them completely.

Photo created by Mike Johnson

Probiotics: The Good Bacteria

2009-09-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the human gut. Usually a person will have about 85% of these good bacterias(probiotics) in their body and about 15% bad bacteria. Sometimes though the figures are reversed and a person will have much more bad bacteria than good.

Probiotics can be found in some of the foods you may already eat such as yogurt, juices, and some soy products. You can also find probiotics in a supplement form. There are several health benefits found from taking probiotics. They include some of the following.

*Treating diarrhea
*Preventing urinary infections
*To treat irritable bowel syndrome
*To lesson the chance of a recurrence of bladder cancer
*To treat and lesson infections of the intestine
*To prevent eczema in children

Probiotics are found to be helpful after taking antibiotics. The antibiotics kill the bad bacteria in the body but they also kill some of the good. It can also lesson the chances of a woman getting a yeast infection after taking antibiotics.

Side effects when taking probiotics tend to be few. The majority of side effects of digestive problems like gas and bloating. You should still always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Photo created by Lotus Head

Omega 3 Helps Fight Depression

2009-09-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Omega 3 has been known for its benefits to the cardiovascular system. Now findings say Omega 3 can help fight off depression. People that are depressed have a lower level of Omega 3 in their body than people that are not depressed.

There are two ingredients EPA Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA Docosahexaenoic acid found in Omega 3.EPA is the ingredient that is suppose to offer therapeutic effects on your body. When choosing an Omega 3 supplement be sure to find one that has more EPA than DHA. DHA has been shown to have little effect on depression.

Another way to get Omega 3 is by eating fish. By simply adding fish to your diet a few times a week you can help your body get Omega 3 and fight off depression. Be sure the fish are ocean fish. Omega 3 comes from algae and fish you get that have been farm raised will not have had access to any. You also have to be careful of fish that have been exposed to toxins.

If you choose to use an Omega 3 supplement most experts recommend using fish oil capsules. The desired dosage to help fight off depression is still questionable. Follow the directions on the bottle. Remember Omega 3 has blood thinning properties. You should always discuss any supplements you take with your doctor first.

Photo created by Rob Owen-Wahl

Chiropractic Care can Help ADHD Children

2009-09-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

Children that have ADHD are usually treated with medication. These medications can have very serious side effects. No one is sure about their long term effects on children. Parents are afraid of the medications used to treat ADHD and are looking for alternative treatments.

Research has shown that there is a direct connection to the spine, nervous system, and the brain. If the spine is out of alignment the nervous system will not work correctly. It will be stressed. If the nervous system is stressed and not working to its full potential, the brain will be affected.

This is where the chiropractor comes in. Children with ADHD can greatly benefit from a visit to the chiropractor. While there the chiropractor will examine your child's back and neck looking for areas that are out of line. They will look for vertebral subluxations. These cause the nervous system to have interference. Once these are found the chiropractor can make slight adjustments to your child's spine and neck that will remove the interferences. This can then help with the child's behaviors and focus.

It is very easy for a child to have their back out of alignment. They are always on the go jumping and rolling around. They sit in awkward positions while playing video games or watching TV. These habits take a toll on the spine.

If your child has ADHD schedule a visit to a chiropractor before resorting to using medications. There are no harmful side effects like the medicines can have. Having your child's spine and neck adjusted will improve their entire body from the back to their immune system.

Photo was created by Roger Kirby

A Trip to the Chiropractor can help with your Child's Ear Infections

2009-09-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

If you are a parent you have more than likely experienced at least one ear infection with your child. Some children have reoccurring ear infections their entire childhood. The ear infections are painful and can make life miserable for the whole family. No parent wants to see their child suffering with an ear infection. A trip to the chiropractor can help.

Most doctors use antibiotics to treat ear infections. Antibiotics are often ineffective at treating the infection. This is because ear infections are usually viral. Children repeatedly treated with antibiotics can build up an immunity to them making them less effective.

A chiropractor will make slight adjustments to your child's neck and spine. These adjustments will relieve the stress on the nervous system and allow the blockage in the ear to drain properly, relieving the ear infection.

A trip to the chiropractor is worth a shot if you are constantly dealing with your child having ear infections. There are not the side effects found with medications, and having adjustments made to the body can help the immune system function better. This can prevent other illnesses as well.

Photo created by Dez Pain

Help your Allergies, Visit the Chiropractor

2009-09-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering with allergies you are not alone. Millions of people have allergies. There are so many things a person can be allergic to from grass to the common house fly.

You may have tried several different types of allergy medications, or you just avoid being somewhere that an allergy attack has occurred. The medications may make you feel worse than the allergies did. You are tired of being cooped up indoors to avoid the outdoor allergy triggers.

Have you ever considered visiting the chiropractor to help with your allergies? I am sure you are thinking the chiropractor? They deal with your back, how could they possibly help with my allergies?

A chiropractor makes adjustments to your body. The adjustments help remove nerve interference. By doing this your body's immune system is able to work better. If your immune system is working better you are able to fight off allergies.

The chiropractor removes subluxations. These are vertebra that are out of line. The out of line vertebra pinch your nerves. Having nerves pinched creates stress on your body's nervous system. The nervous system affects the way your immune system operates.

Now don't mistake my words and think that a trip to the chiropractor is going to rid you from allergies. Visiting the chiropractor for your allergies will improve your immune system which will in return help your body react less to allergy triggers.

Photo created by EvahSmit