Mammogram??? Maybe!!

Thermography is a less risky, non-invasive tool that is becoming
 more and more popular as a replacement for mammogram

 

 The dreaded mammogram…that once-a-year cancer-screening tool you look forward to almost as much as you look forward to cleaning out the kitty litter. Yet we do it because we are told that it is an early detection / early-warning system for breast cancer that saves lives. But does it?

 

There is a growing controversy surrounding the effectiveness, or even the usefulness, of periodic mammo-grams. Those opposed point to these facts about mammography screening: 

• It is a flawed screening tool that can neither detect nor prevent cancer
• Its reliability is unstable given that there are many “false positive” readings
• It does not increase the likelihood of long-term survival
• It is generally recommended to protect the doctor’s liability
• It may be no better at early detection than self-breast examination
• Mammography/breast biopsy is a massive money-making business
• Mammography emits radiation that may very well cause the cancer it is designed to detect!

 

Disillusioned? Who wouldn’t be? Are there viable alternatives? Many are touting the benefits of thermography over mammography. Thermography does not require that the breast be flattened like a pancake and it is not in any way painful. Thermography is a form of non-invasive infrared imaging that detects “hot spots” in the breast that show likelihood for being pre-cancerous. In fact, a positive thermographic reading is the best indicator of positive risk for the future development of breast cancer, 10 times more significant than any family history of the disease.

 

Chiropractic isn't a treatment for cancer! In our practice, we address subluxation. Instead of living in fear of what might happen to your body, we focus on keeping nerve interference at a minimum so your body can function at its optimal best.

  

 

Call us for an appointment to have your spine checked. You’ll be glad you did!

The Facts About Varicose Veins



Hiding your legs inside long socks and tights
doesn't eliminate those varicose veins!



 They are unsightly and painful and one out of every two adults over 50 suffers from them. Varicose veins are enlarged veins, often dark blue and purple in color, that appear to be swollen and twisted, very close to the surface of the skin. Although they usually appear on the calves and the inside of the legs, they may affect any area of the body.

 

To determine whether you might be at a greater risk to develop varicose veins, consider the following:

 

• A family history of varicose veins (genetic predisposition)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy (due to increased pressure on the legs)
• A job that requires long periods of standing
• Frequent heavy lifting
• Sitting for long periods of time with crossed legs
• Eating a low-fiber diet that causes constipation

There are certain things you can do to try to prevent varicose veins, including:

• Exercise on a regular basis; walking in particular increases the strength of the veins in your legs
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed
• Elevate your legs while sitting or resting
• Get up and walk around every 30-45 minutes if you work in a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time
• Try not to stand for long periods of time. If you must, shift your weight frequently from foot to foot and wear support stockings or socks
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height
• Eat a high fiber diet, including bran, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure regular bowel movements

Most of the time, no treatment is necessary for varicose veins. Chiropractic care, which is known to improve the flow of blood through the body, may help relieve and/or control varicose veins. Please call our practice to discuss your concerns; we will be happy to meet with you.

 

 

Winner! Winner! Winner! Winner!

Winner of our T-Shirt Photo Contest. 

Marilyn Johnson. 

I thank her for her "originality" in crawling in

with her T-Shirt on.

PMS Again???

What can you do to save yourself - and your loved ones - from your PMS symptoms?

You’re cranky, tired, achy and irritable. You feel bloated and you cry easily. You crave salt and chocolate and you say things you really don’t mean. The scale tips upward and your mood shifts are even making you feel like you’re crazy! Ah yes, it’s your favorite time of the month – PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is raging once again and your family has headed for the hills. What makes you feel this way?

 

No one really knows what causes PMS, but it is thought to be largely hormonal and may occur due to elevated estrogen levels, decreased progesterone levels, and the hormonal interaction with other brain chemicals. It generally occurs two to 14 days before the first day of your menstrual cycle, and symptoms tend to subside once menstruation begins.

 

Classic PMS symptoms fall into two categories:

 

Physical, such as bloating, weight gain, headache, backache, fatigue, breast tenderness or swelling,
increased appetite/cravings

 

Emotional – such as irritability, depression, mood swings, panic attacks, bouts of crying, tension, hostility

 

There are many non-drug alternatives that reduce the severity of or even relieve PMS symptoms, including: 

• Dietary changes, including increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables, fish with omega-3 oils (tuna, salmon, shellfish), grains, lean proteins 
• Exercise, because it releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which are natural mood elevators that help reduce bloating and weight gain 
• Frequent hydrating, by drinking plenty of water you actually reduce swelling/bloating 
• Stress reduction techniques, such as prayer and meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time doing a favorite hobby or activity 
• Chiropractic care, shown to be helpful in relieving many PMS symptoms in several studies1,2,3 when receiving two to three adjustments during the weeks leading up to the onset of the menstrual cycle. 

If you’re plagued with the symptoms of PMS (or know someone who is), call our practice and arrange to come in and speak with Dr. John Ross. Hear our success stories in caring for patients with PMS.

 

1Thompson, P.R.,Fisher, B.L., Carpenter, P.A. et al. Effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy in a treatment of primary dysmenorrheal: A pilot study. JMPT, 1979, 2,pp.140-145

 

2 Liebel, N.A. & Butler, L.M. A chiropractic approach to the treatment of dysmenorrheal. JMPT 1990,13 pp. 101-106

 

3 Stude, D.E. The management of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. JMPT, 1991, 14, pp.209-216

Chiropractic and Depression

 

 

 

We all experience highs and lows. But when the lows become increasingly often and begin to interfere with the functions of daily living, then it’s a cause for concern. Depression affects twice as many women as men and most people fail to seek the help they need. Those that do, usually receive some type of drug therapy.

Common symptoms of depression include: 

• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Overwhelming sadness
• Hyper-irritability
• Poor concentration
• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawal
• Chronic physical symptoms
• Thoughts of suicide

Depression is really a whole body condition that affects body, mind, emotions and spirit. It is not something to be ashamed of, nor is it something you can simply wish away. You can’t just “snap out of it” or put on a happy face and think it away.

 

A recent study, conducted by Duke University Medical Center, compared exercise with the use of a popular antidepressant. Those taking the drug saw a 38% relapse in their symptoms. In the exercise-only group, only 8% of participants experienced a relapse. Exercise may be a key element in elevating your mood and improving your health – whether you’re depressed or not.

 

But remember, we experience everything in life through our nervous systems. If our nervous systems are compromised, our life experience will be compromised. One more reason to seek safe and natural chiropractic care first.