November 2016 Health Newsletter

Back pain is a global problem. Most adults will experience back pain during their lifetime, and according to the World Health Organization, low back pain is one of the top 10 worldwide contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with a prevalence of up to 70 percent of all adults in industrialized countries. There are myriad causes for low back pain, and the origins are usually multifactorial. But a new study from Finland suggests that strenuous labor while young may result in low back pain later during mid-life. The study also highlighted radiating low back pain in particular as a common outcome of heavy physical labor early in life. As new research improves our understanding of the origins of back pain, we can better manage and eliminate this painful and costly condition. Back pain (particularly low back pain) is one of the most commonly treated ailments by doctors of chiropractic, who not only treat back pain but also help their patients prevent future occurrences. With new research on the effects of strenuous labor early in life on mid-life back pain, this even further emphasizes chiropractic care's focus on patient education through teaching proper techniques and form for lifting and moving through strenuous work. Chiropractic treatments provide a holistic approach to resolving pain from the source, combining non-invasive treatments such as spinal manipulation with a host of other regimens including nutrition, exercise, massage, and more. While many patients simply mask their pain with medications, this type of treatment does not treat the source of their symptoms, and can lead to serious consequences from long-term medication use. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a safe and effective method of both resolving and preventing low back pain throughout all stages of life.

"You're only as old as you think you are" has been a popular saying for many years. People who honestly feel this way really do act, and oftentimes look, younger than their age. Conversely, some people seem to age quickly and decline mentally and physically simply because they think they're old once they've reached a certain age. Is there scientific backing for the old saying: "You’re only as old as you think you are?" Research done in 2014 at the University of Montpellier in France studied the correlation between chronological age, subjective age, and changes in memory. What the researchers found is eye-opening. A person's subjective age is the age they feel they are mentally and physically. Someone in good physical and mental shape may be 60, 70 or 80 years of age, but feel like they aren't a day over 50. On the other hand, someone dealing with illness or chronic pain may feel like they’re 80 when they're only 60. Researchers have found that saying, thinking, or feeling older than one actually is can cause depression and memory problems. People who feel younger had a slower memory decline and quicker recall capabilities. A person's subjective age has a lot to do with how they feel physically and mentally. Implementing the following four practices will help one feel younger than ever:
1. Daily exercise
2. Eating nutrient dense foods
3. Regular mental exercises, like puzzles, reading or learning a language
4. Being surrounded by happy, positive people.
Chiropractic treatments are vital in pain reduction and management. In addition to a healthy diet and active lifestyle, getting regular chiropractic treatments are a great way to stay healthy and young.

Cardiovascular disease used to be something only older folks had to deal with. Unfortunately, this and other "adult diseases" are now becoming commonplace among the younger generations. Why are children now at risk? Is there anything parents can do to protect their children? The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement via their journal called Circulation. In this statement, the AHA states that poor lifestyle and nutritional choices are contributing to a child's risk of disease. The #1 risk factor for disease was high levels of added sugars to the diet. In their research, the ADA found that a high level of sugar was a contributing factor in the following diseases: 
1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Diabetes
3. Obesity
4. Hypertension
5. Obesity-related cancer
6. Dental decay
7. Fatty liver disease.
Children shouldn't be dealing with these types of diseases, and yet they are. The ADA stated that it was a high level of added sugars that increased the risk of disease. Therefore, the #1 key to reducing the chance of serious diseases, like cardiovascular disease, is to reduce sugar intake.  Families should focus on eating less processed foods that are laden with added sugars, salt and chemicals. Instead, their diet should be comprised of delicious, nutrient-dense, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. With a few simple dietary changes, as well as increased physical activity, parents can significantly reduce the risk of disease for the whole family. Chiropractors can help families reduce a child's risk of disease. With nutritional education and recommendations given by a quality chiropractor as permitted in most states, families have a higher chance of living the healthiest life possible.