England Chiropractic Clinic

"Oh, My Aching Joints!"

October 2011

Does that sound familiar? Joint pain is a common complaint heard in our office. Often, joint pain is due to arthritis. Although there are several types of arthritis, the most common form is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by joint discomfort, stiffness and inflammation - especially in the morning. The hands, knees, hip, neck and back are common sites of OA, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease. It involves the destruction of the cartilage between the joints and although OA is most common in people over 40, it can affect younger people as well.

What causes OA? Injuries and accidents are a big factor as well as chronic conditions such as low back pain. Repetitive activities can also increase the likelihood of developing OA. If you do repetitive work or if you have suffered an injury, chiropractic care can help with OA prevention. Be proactive. Focusing on prevention now can save you from pain and loss of function later.

Did you know that poor posture can predispose you to osteoarthritis? Bad posture alters the distribution of stress to the joints and can cause excessive wear. Chiropractors work to correct postural imbalances and help prevent joint disease. Another way to help prevent OA is by maintaining optimal range of motion (ROM) in the joints. Healthy joints afford a full range of movement, while injured or diseased joints often have restricted ROM. Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal ROM in the spine and thereby help prevent joint disease. Also, chiropractors can recommend exercises that will help improve and maintain ranges of motions in all the joints of the body. Finally, Dr. Michaels and Dr. Wyly can make nutritional recommendations that can help not only in the prevention of OA but also in the management and control of the pain associated with joint disease. Every case is different and it's not always wise to make blanket recommendations but there are specific nutritional supplements, including herbal formulas, that have proven very helpful in this area.

You don't have to live with joint pain. And you don't have to risk dangerous side effects often associated with medications. Chiropractors focus on natural techniques that can prevent OA as well as reduce the pain of OA. So whether you're already suffering from osteoarthritic or looking to prevent it, schedule a consultation today. For more information or to make your appointment, you can call 842-1004.

Be Cautious of Medications!

Many people who suffer from joint pain seek relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin and Nuprin. But these drugs have been linked to dangerous side effects like gastrointestinal ulcers. Even more dangerous are the steroids often used for OA pain, which effect the immune system and can predispose the body to disease. Before resorting to potentially harmful medications, try a more natural (and safer) approach. Standard Process has several all-natural, whole food supplements that support your body in coping with the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis. There are also specific dietary recommendations that can eliminate or reduce episodes of OA. Talk to Dr. Wyly for more information.

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"Love cures people, the ones who receive love and the ones who give it, too." - Karl Menniger

Of all the healing forces experienced by mankind, the greatest is the healing power of love. In the book "Count Your Blessings" Dr. John D. DeMartini says, "We all have the healing power of unconditional love within us but we sometimes unwisely believe that we cannot be healed. When we're sick it's easy to listen to our fears and tempting to put all our efforts into tangible, physical remedies that we can see and touch. But if we want to experience a more complete and lasting healing, we must take a step beyond what we can merely see or touch and listen to the inner wisdom of our hearts and souls as well."

There is no condition, sickness or disease that cannot be healed by the inner wisdom of the body that directs, controls and coordinates the healing forces of the body. Does that mean that a cure is always possible? Unfortunately, no. Sometimes the damage to the body is too great. Sometimes we have to live with the condition. Sometimes death occurs. But even in those instances, the possibility of healing is still present. In the book "Love, Medicine and Miracles", Bernie Siegel tells of patients who have been diagnosed with terminal illness and who, after learning of their diagnosis re-evaluate their lives and their priorities. Some seek forgiveness, some give forgiveness. Some of them quit jobs they never really enjoyed and others begin doing the things they always wanted to do. The common factor is that all of them decide to do what they love and what brings them joy and a sense of fulfillment. They become grateful for every minute of life and as a result they heal and many of them even have remission of their illness. It's not the amount of time we have left but what we do with the time that facilitates healing. The healing wisdom of the body is maximized and expressed through the powerful mental and emotional states of gratitude and unconditional love. So if you want to supercharge the healing of your body, tap into the powerful forces of love and gratitude.

No matter what any doctor or other healer may do, they can only support the natural healing forces within the body. ALL healing comes from within. Yes, there are things we need to do from the outside like maintain a healthy spine and nervous system with regular adjustments; eat healthy, nutritious food; drink clean water, exercise, take whole-food supplements and sometimes, even take medications but ultimately the healing and curative powers of the body come from within. To tap into this healing power I suggest the following.

1. Fill your mind with thoughts of gratitude and love. Do the things in life that bring you the greatest joy and happiness. You may not love your job but you can love what the job provides you the opportunity to do. Keep company with people who uplift you and who add to your life. Take time every day to do something you truly love and enjoy.

2. Visualize yourself as healing. When we are sick it is easy to think that we will always be sick. Imagine how your life will be when you are healed and healthy. Realize that even if a cure is not possible you can still have a fulfilling life that will bring joy to yourself and others around you.

3. Develop and strengthen your faith in the ability of your body to heal. If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right so believe that you can. Trust that the Power that made the body can heal the body. Take positive action steps in faith and unleash the healing power of love.

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Count Your Blessings - and Your Calories!

It's that time of the year...the Holidays! It begins with Halloween and all the delicious chocolates and candies and moves into Thanksgiving with pumpkin pie and whipped cream and mounds of dressing with giblet gravy. We barely catch our breath before Christmas arrives with unending parties and eating events culminating in the huge Christmas Day dinner designed to bloat the belly until New Years Day arrives with its parades, football games and more parties. Over the course of 2 months it would be easy to put on an extra 5, 10, or even 20 pounds - unless you take steps to prevent it. Now I am not going to suggest that you skip all the good holiday food but I am suggesting that you approach the holidays with awareness. Or you might say, with your eyes wide open. Here are some tips that will let you enjoy the fun of the holidays without losing the battle of the bulge.

1. Eat smaller portions. No one says you can't enjoy the good holiday food, just enjoy smaller amounts. One reason for the obesity epidemic in this country is the super-size portions that so many of us eat. What started out in the fast food chains has carried over to restaurants and the home. Everyone wants larger than life portions that do nothing but make us fat. One way to save calories this holiday season is to eat smaller portions.

2. Eat fewer portions. Instead of having a some of everything, choose your 2 or 3 favorites and stick with those. Do you really need mashed potatoes and gravy AND sweet potato casserole AND green bean casserole AND broccoli and rice casserole AND dressing with gravy AND cream style corn AND, AND, AND! Have a moderate serving of meat, a couple of veggies a starch and a bread. Finish up with a little dessert - ONE dessert - and call it good. You'll be satisfied and full and avoid the bloated, sickened feeling that comes from over-eating.

3. Practice positive self-talk. Perhaps this should be #1. Many of us justify over-eating during the holidays with the voices in our head telling us it's OK. Yes, the food is very good. Yes, it's only once a year (but the voice that tells us to over-eat thinks EVERY day is a holiday!). Yes, you could start an exercise program in January but will you? Seriously, will you? Begin today to tell yourself that you will eat appropriate portions this holiday season and enjoy them. You will feel satisfied and fulfilled and will actually enjoy the holidays even more because you are keeping healthy limits to your eating. I know some of you are laughing now but this really works...IF you work it!

4. Watch what you drink. A lot of useless calories come in the form of beverages so pay attention to what you drink. If you drink alcoholic beverages, you can save calories by choosing non-alcoholic drinks. Stay away from the holiday punch and sodas. They are loaded with sugar and calories. Watch out for the egg nog. Yes, it's delicious but it's also loaded in calories. If you really want to save some calories over the holiday, stick with water or unsweetened tea or coffee. No, I don't recommend the artificial sweeteners. For one thing, the sweet taste can trigger the craving for some REAL sugary sweet treat and for another, they're artificial and not REAL food. The number one rule for eating healthy is... eat REAL food! Even during the holidays, eat food that is fresh and whole and the way nature provided it.

By following these simple suggestions, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. This has been a tough year for many but we still have much to be thankful for. Take the time to count your blessings and to give thanks for what God has so freely given. Thank you and God bless.

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What is REAL Health?

How do you define health? I had an interesting conversation with someone recently who had been to his MD for a check-up. The gentleman was told that he was in "good health", especially for someone his age (in his 80's). The man's lab tests all came back normal and there was nothing the doctor found that was cause for alarm. However, this gentleman "hurts all the time", is so stiff in the morning he can barely get around, and gets tired easily and quickly. On top of that, he is taking up to 10 (ten!) medications everyday! I thought to myself, how is anyone who takes 10 medications per day considered to be in "good health"? Healthy people - of ANY age - do not need to take daily medications. Healthy people - of any age - have energy and stamina to perform normal daily activities and do not suffer chronic, daily pain. And while morning stiffness is accepted as a fact of life by many, a healthy person does not usually experience it unless it is due to strenuous physical activity the day before.

As I thought about this, I realized once again that we have a strange definition of health in this country. As long as your blood pressure is within normal parameters as long as cholesterol is normal; as long blood sugar levels are normal; as long as all the lab tests are normal, then the individual is considered in good health - even if he or she is taking daily medications to keep everything within the accepted norms! It is time we redefine our ideas about health.

One of my favorite definitions of health is this: Health is a state of mind, body and spirit in which all the organs, tissues and cells of the body are functioning as close to 100% as possible, 100% of the time. Now I realize that definition is somewhat idealistic but I believe it gives us something to aim for. When the body is functioning at 100%, there is life and vitality and energy. The healing forces of the body are able to repair damaged tissue and maintain bodily processes - without the need for drugs. Unfortunately, too many people today have a level of health that requires daily medications to maintain life and to me that is really sad because it doesn't have to be that way! Regardless of your age or current level of health, there are things you can do that will restore and improve your health. But (and this is a big but), it requires willingness, dedication and effort on YOUR part in order for it to happen. There is no magic formula. There is no best kept secret. The recipe for good health is basic and simple, if not always easy.

First, get regular chiropractic check-ups. In order to be as healthy as you can possibly be, you must have a spine and a nervous system that is as healthy as IT can be. Spinal misalignments (subluxations) can be a major cause of poor health in the body, not to mention pain. You can manage and minimize subluxation and the effects of subluxation with regular chiropractic adjustments.

It is also essential to eat healthy food - REAL food - and not processed or packaged foods. You have to get regular physical activity. You have to rest when tired and you have to play to reduce stress. You have to develop a LIFESTYLE of good health. At the England Chiropractic Clinic, we help our patients do just that. If you want to improve your health and enjoy a better life, call our office today for an appointment. We're here to help.

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Purification and Detoxification

Last month we discussed the problem of toxicity as it impacts health and well-being. No one is immune to exposure to toxins in our environment today. We have all been affected to one degree or another and all experience - at one time or another - symptoms related to this toxic exposure. It may be in the form of increased hay fever, seasonal allergies or increased food sensitivities. It may show up as skin problems such as rash or hives or perhaps fatigue, lethargy or general lack of energy. It could be muscle aches, joint pains or headache. These and many more symptoms can all indicate an increased level of toxicity in the body. So what can you do about it? The answer is purification.

WHAT IS PURIFICATION?

Purification is a process designed to rid the body of toxins while building up the organs that maintain health and vitality. It is similar to detoxification but it goes beyond the usual detox plans. Purification also strengthens the organs and systems that support detoxification like the liver, the kidneys and the gut. Purification includes learning new and healthier ways of eating that you can follow for the rest of your life. It's about making healthier choices when it comes to food by eating mostly fresh vegetables and fruits while avoiding processed, packaged or junk foods. It means drinking plenty of healthy spring water while avoiding stimulants like soda, coffee and tea; staying away from fast food as much as possible; avoiding fried foods and eating only moderate of amounts of meat, preferably chicken and fish. An essential part of purification is reducing exposure to any offending substances like pesticides and herbicides at both work and home. Avoid breathing gas or diesel fumes. Avoid paint fumes and paint thinners. Minimize exposure to any and all chemicals.

Something else you can do that is important: Reduce the amount of medications you take. Some of the most toxic substances we are exposed to are medications. Recently it was reported that the leading cause of liver failure in the country is Tylenol! Why does Tylenol cause liver failure? Because it is toxic at high levels, as are many medications. If you take over-the-counter medicines, stop. If you are on prescription drugs, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce or eliminate the drugs you take. There is almost always an alternative to drugs but you have to look for it. Make your doctor work for you. Tell him you want your cholesterol lowered without drugs; you want your blood pressure managed without drugs; you want to sleep at night without taking drugs. If your doctor can't do that for you, find one who can. For over 100 years Chiropractors have been teaching patients how to keep healthy and fit without taking drugs. Chiropractic is the largest DRUGLESS health care profession in the world and the 2nd largest health care profession overall. As you purify your body you will find that you may no longer need many of the medications you now take and the ones you still need will be more effective.

At the England Chiropractic Clinic, we offer a 21-day Purification Program from Standard Process that will take you to a new level of health and wellness. It's a challenging but rewarding process designed to eliminate toxins as it cleanses the internal organs. Along the way, you also lose weight. The plan involves lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, plenty of spring water, tasty shakes and whole food supplements. We will guide you every step of the way with support and encouragement so that your success will be assured. You will purify and rebuild your body. Naturally. From the inside out. To learn more about this program and how you can benefit from it, call our office today at (501) 842-1004.

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The Problem of Toxins

In 1989 the EPA estimated that over 5.5 BILLION pounds of chemicals had either been dumped into public sewage or released into the ground, surface waters or in the air. The numbers are even higher today. An Associated Press investigative report released in 2008 stated traces of medications had been detected in the water supply of over 41 million Americans in such places as Philadelphia, Southern California, New Jersey, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Tucson, AZ. And finally, the Breast Cancer Fund released their State of Evidence 2008: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment and had this to say:

"Breast cancer causation is a complex web that includes exposures to radiation, hormones, chemical carcinogens and synthetic chemicals that act like hormones (known as endocrine-disrupting compounds, or EDCs), as well as individual genetic material, diet, lifestyle and reproductive history.

Although we may have some control over our personal use of many of these chemicals, exposures to some of these chemicals are involuntary. On a daily basis, we are all exposed to agents in air, food, water, soil, medications, common household products, personal care products and the workplace. In bringing this broad focus to environmental causes of breast cancer, we expect to lower the future incidence of breast cancer for our children and grandchildren."

Besides environmental exposure, there is also exposure from eating processed foods, packaged foods, fast food and junk foods. Without a doubt, chemical exposure is a major factor in much sickness, disease and poor health. The problem is not any one particular chemical but the combination of hundreds of chemicals that we are all exposed to every day. Exposure to these chemicals, combined with the naturally occurring waste products that result from our own cellular metabolism means that our bodies carry a tremendous chemical burden that must be addressed everyday. The liver is the main organ of detoxification in the body. It is up to the liver to break these toxins down into water-soluable, non-toxic compounds that can be excreted from the body. If the liver becomes congested, these detoxification processes fail to work efficiently and the body stores the toxins in adipose (fat) tissue. How can you tell if toxicity is an issue for you? Here are some of the more common warning signs.

- Increased sensitivity to chemicals, odors or perfumes.

- Significant use of potentially toxic chemicals at home or at work.

- Abundant use of medications.

- Muscular symptoms similar to fibromyalgia.

- Confused or clouded thinking processes - brain fog.

- Symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction like dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate or slow heart rate, postural hypotension, bladder incontinence, impotence, nausea and a host of other symptoms.

- Unusual responses or sensitivity to medications or supplements.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, there is a possibility of toxicity in the body. The solution is purification and detoxification and next month we will take a look at that. In the meantime, if you are concerned, call and make an appointment. We will be happy to discuss it with you.

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We Are What We Eat

We have all heard the expression, "You are what you eat". Unfortunately, for many people, it remains just an expression and has no real meaning. Yet when it comes to good health, the quality of the food we eat is not just important, it is a vital component. The truth is, you will never experience the highest level of health possible if you are eating a diet consisting mostly of processed foods, junk foods, fast foods or pre-packaged foods. Or in other words, if you eat the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) In his book "In Defense of Food", Michael Pollan states that the S.A.D. does not consist of real food but mostly "edible food-like substances". As a result of eating poor quality food, we are seeing a steady rise in the incidence of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, allergies, auto-immune disorders and obesity. Our food is literally making us sick! The food industry has been much more concerned with making profits than with providing quality, nutritious foods and the American public is paying the price. Fortunately, there is a growing movement in America to change things and to provide resources for nutritious, healthy food. It is not necessarily easy but it is possible to eat in a healthy diet today but you must be willing to put out a little effort and pay a little extra. Here are some action steps you can take starting today.

1. Eat REAL food. Take care to eat WHOLE fresh foods whenever possible. Whole foods would be things like fresh vegetables, salads, and fruits. It would also include healthy cuts of meat and fish (not cold cuts or processed meats), eggs, cheese (real cheese and not Velvetta or processed cheese slices), butter (margarine is fake food. Don't eat it.) Eat healthy breads, which means bread that is heavy. White bread is processed and has been stripped of most nutritional value. The heavier the loaf, the healthier it will generally be. Water is real food. Sodas are not. If you must drink juice, make your own. The juice you buy in the store is processed and pasteurized and devoid of real nutritional value.

2. Eat organic whenever possible. Yes, it costs a little more but it's worth the extra money. When you eat organic food you reduce the toxic burden placed on the body by chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Reducing the toxic burden on the body is key to building greater levels of health. You will not be able to eat 100% organic but every little bit helps so buy organic when it is available.

3. Eat locally grown food. More and more evidence is showing that the body responds better to food grown locally. When possible, buy food grown in your local region. If you have a green thumb, grow your own vegetables. If you want to get very serious, freeze or can fresh produce when it is in season so you will have it for the winter months. That is a much healthier choice than eating store bought canned goods.

A great place to get locally grown food is the Argenta Farmers Market at 520 Main St. in N. Little Rock. The market is open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 7:00 a.m. - 12 noon. It is a Certified Arkansas Farmer's Market, which means that everything there is produced in Arkansas. You can find fresh eggs, milk, meat, breads, fruits, vegetables and much more. It is well worth the time and effort to buy there. For more information, you can go to their web site at www.arkansasfood.net.

There is much more that could be said about this subject. Perhaps we'll continue the discussion next month. In the meantime, make an effort today to eat something fresh, whole and wholesome. Your body will thank you for it!

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Protect Your Back While Gardening

Now that spring is officially here, many of us will be working in our gardens and flower beds. Before you start digging in the dirt, there are a few things you need to consider to protect your back from strain and sprain. These tips come from Jeffrey Restuccio, a leading authority on gardening and health, and author of Get Fit Through Gardening. He reveals common mistakes made by even the most experienced gardeners and the right ways to improve your health. According to Restuccio, "Gardening by itself is not good for you; it's only when you garden using proper form and technique that you reap its benefits."

1. Stretch before and after you weed, dig, or hoe in the garden.

2. Do warm up for 5 minutes before stretching and stretch again before your cool-down. Your body will thank you.

3. Change your garden activity every 3 to 5 minutes. Don't hoe or rake for hours on end. Mix up your gardening chores.

4. Ease into it. After a long winter, be gentle on yourself as you begin early spring gardening.

5. Protect your back from soreness and injury. Bend from the knees. Keep your back straight as you squat down from the knees and raise straight up using your legs.

6. Keep your gardening ambitions in line with your time and ability. A smaller garden will be less work. Plan your garden so you plant bed one in April, bed two in May, bed three in June, and so on.

7. Choose tools that are pulled and pushed, like a scuffle hoe, which slices the earth as you pull it. Make certain your tools are of adequate length to avoid stooping. Don't exacerbate a previous back or knee problem using poorly designed, short handled tools. Use ergonomic tools to help you accomplish more and work longer with less risk of injury.

I would also suggest that instead of squatting for long periods of time, get a short stool to sit on while you work. Avoid lifting while twisted or rotated. When lifting something, face it squarely At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to stretch your muscles and prevent soreness. If you should experience some aches and pains, use Biofreeze to help ease those sore muscles.

The final tip is this: Get regular chiropractic check-ups. When you increase your level of physical activity, it becomes especially important to maintain good spinal health with regular chiropractic adjustments. When was your last adjustment? If it has been more than a month, it's time to get checked. The best way to prevent spinal subluxation and back pain is with regular adjustments. Call the office today to make an appointment.

By following these suggestions you can have a pain-free gardening season.

Have a wonderful spring!

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Forget New Year's Resolutions

The new year is well under way. How are you doing with those New Year's resolutions? If you are like millions of others, perhaps you made a list of things to do or things to change in the new year. And again, if you are like millions of others, you have already forgotten what they were. We start with the best of intentions but then life gets in the way and before we know it, we are back to our old way of doing things. But don't be too hard on yourself. New Year's resolutions are doomed for failure from the very start. Who can resolve to do anything for a year at a time? It's hard enough to plan a month, a week or sometimes, even a day ahead. Instead of making New Year's resolutions, I suggest you make New Day's resolutions every morning when you get up. Instead of resolving to do something for a whole year, resolve to do it just for today. What are some of the things you can resolve to do today that will improve your health and your life?

1. Resolve to make healthier food choices just for today. Instead of chips with that sandwich, have carrot and celery sticks or an apple. Instead of that candy bar, have a piece of fruit. Instead of donuts for breakfast, have a scrambled egg and toast. Drink a bottle of water instead of the soda. It's the choices we make each day, each meal that make the difference. Resolve today to make at least one healthier choice.

2. Resolve to spend at least 10 minutes exercising today. You might spend 10 minutes in the morning just stepping in place for few minutes followed by some stretches for your legs, back and arms. You could walk down the street for 5 minutes out and 5 minutes back. You could get in the floor for some crunches - even if you can only do a few - and some push-ups (modified if need be and as many as you can do). Resolve to do SOMETHING in the way of exercise just for today.

3. Resolve today to spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation and prayer. This can be in the morning, at work on your break or in the evening before bed. It could even be in the car as you are driving home. Turn off the radio and spend a few minutes thinking of all the things in your life for which you are grateful. Resolve to look at all the things going RIGHT in your life today.

4. Resolve to do something nice for someone today without expecting anything in return. It may be a word of appreciation, an e-mail of support or a phone call just to say hi. Is there someone you could visit? A child you can spend time with? What can you do for your spouse today? When we do nice things for others while expecting nothing in return, we are enriched and our lives become more fulfilled.

These are just a few suggestions. I'm sure you can think of your own. The key is to keep it simple and keep it in today. We are blessed that we have neat, clean 24 hour segments of time to live each day. Each day we get a new opportunity to start over, to improve, to make a difference. So forget your New Year's resolutions. Today is a new day!

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You Can Keep The Holidays Healthy

What can you do to keep the Holidays healthy this season? By planning and thinking ahead, you can take steps that will let you enjoy the delicious holiday foods and beverages AND keep it healthy at the same time. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Drink plenty of water. Water should be about 1/2 of your total beverage intake each day. By keeping well hydrated you will do much to aid digestion and elimination and will avoid the symptoms of dehydration like headache and fatigue.

2. Start each day with a good breakfast. Eat nutritious, healthy foods like oatmeal with bananas and walnuts, yogurt with fruit, or toast with almond butter and molasses. Avoid the sugary cereals and high fat meats.

3. Eat a healthy salad with meals. Get creative and include in your salad your favorite healthy foods. Add spinach or fresh kale. Add fruit like apples or pears and nuts like walnuts or almonds. Include feta cheese or avocado. Make it a point to eat a salad filled with nutritious foods with each meal.

4. Stop eating 3 bites before you are ready to quit. In other words, leave the last 3 bites on your plate. Your mother may have told you to clean your plate but that only leads to overeating and weight gain. It takes a few minutes after you stop eating for the brain to register that you are full so if you leave a few bites on your plate, you will be full but not feel stuffed. Try it. It works!

5. Eat dinner by 7:00 each night. It is easy to get busy and put off eating until late in the evening but you know that is not the healthiest time to eat. Make it a priority. Dinner by 7:00.

6. Movement is essential. Take your grandmother for a walk around the block. Dance around the house with your spouse as you listen to a lively Christmas song. Toss a football in the yard with your children or grandchildren. It is especially important to keep moving after eating that big meal.

7. S T R E T C H! Stretch your arms up in the air and hold it as you count to five. Bend over and reach for the floor. Do some side bends and some twists. A few minutes a day can make all the difference.

8. Get plenty of rest. Maintain a healthy mind and body by getting plenty of rest. Don't add to the stress of the holidays by missing sleep.

9. Finally, get your chiropractic adjustment during the holidays. Keep yourself feeling your best by getting regular chiropractic check-ups.

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

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An Attitude of Gratitude

"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer

Health and happiness are two things that everyone wants. What if I told you there is something you can do everyday that will help you live a healthier and happier life and best of all, it is easy to do, takes very little time and is free? Would you be interested? Well there is. Develop an attitude of gratitude! Studies show that people who practice gratitude on a daily basis have stronger immune systems, approach life with greater optimism, take better care of themselves and take part in more protective health behaviors like exercise and healthy diet. People who make gratitude a daily habit suffer from less depression and stress, are more likely to help others and are more likely to feel loved. Considering all the positive benefits of gratitude, it only makes sense to make it a part of your daily routine.

Action Steps to Developing Gratitude

Make a Mental Gratitude List. Develop the discipline to practice this everyday. Spend several minutes each day thinking about the things in your life for which you are grateful. It's best to do this when you (and your mind) are relaxed, perhaps during meditation or while doing some relaxing activity like gardening, walking or fishing. The more relaxed your mind, the better.

Make a Written Gratitude List. Take a few hours to think deeply of all the things in each area of your life for which you are sincerely grateful. Make it as detailed as you can. Review your list on a regular basis and add to it as you think of other things to be grateful for.

Gratitude Challenge

Over the next 30 days, create your own life of gratitude in a way that is meaningful to you. Practice acts of gratitude in ways you have not done before. Spend 3 minutes a day on your mental gratitude list. Devote a morning or afternoon to complete your written gratitude list. Give encouragement to at least one person every day. Plan something fun, like a trip to somewhere you have never been. For one day (or more) say something positive to every person you meet. And finally, pass the challenge onto others. Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to develop their own attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude must be regularly cultivated, even when times are hard. We must purposefully create a life of gratitude if we want to be more fully alive. We cultivate gratitude through prayer, meditation, writing and through acts of kindness and consideration. Start today with your Gratitude Challenge and see what a difference it will make in your life and in the lives of those around you.

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Are We Addicted To Drugs?

Recreational drugs, including cocaine and heroine, are responsible for an estimated 10,000-20,000 deaths per year according to the Centers For Disease Control. However, according to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) approximately 106,000 hospitalized patients die each year from drugs which, by medical standards, are properly prescribed and properly administered. More than two million suffer serious side effects. While illegal drug use is certainly a problem, it pales in comparison to America's REAL drug problem and the "war on drugs" has been directed at the wrong enemy.

We live in a culture that believes our problems can be solved by taking drugs. Are you feeling a little depressed? Take a drug. Is your blood pressure high? Take a drug. Is your cholesterol high? Take a drug. Does food cause heartburn? Take a drug. For every problem that ails you the solution seems to be simple - take a drug. As a result, more and more people are dying every year and the overall health of our nation is on the decline.

In 1929, the average American received less than two prescriptions per year. By 2006, the average annual prescription rate per capita in the United States was:

- just over 4 prescriptions per child (age 0-18).

- almost 11 prescriptions per adult (age 29 - 64)

- an incredible 28 prescriptions per senior (age 65 and over).

2, 996 people have died in the United States from terrorism since 9/11/2001 . During that same period, over 490,000 people have died from prescription drugs! Or you could say that prescription drugs are 16,400 percent more dangerous than terrorism!

Am I being overly dramatic? Perhaps but it's for a good reason. It's time for us to wake up in this country to the dangers of modern medicine and modern pharmacology! 9/11 was a terrible tragedy and terrorism is a real problem that must be addressed but the legal, prescription drug problem is a bigger problem still.

A healthy body does not need drugs. Many people believe they are healthy if their blood pressure and cholesterol are normal - even if they are taking drugs to keep them within the normal limits. That is not health. Health is when all the organs and systems of the body are functioning as close to 100% as possible all of the time. If there is a problem in the body, then there are ways to correct it without drugs or surgery. Are drugs sometimes necessary? Yes, but it is rare that drugs need to be used and even then for only short periods of time.

Chiropractors are the only doctors today who will help you find answers to health problems that do NOT include drugs or surgery.Chiropractors believe in the power of the body to heal itself when given the chance. When it comes to healing, the body doesn't need any help it just doesn't need any interference. We believe that patients have to be responsible for their health by being a proactive partner with their doctor in the journey to good health. At the England Chiropractic Clinic, we are here to assist you in your journey.

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The Cost of Promoting Drugs

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Summertime Health Tips

Summer is officially here with temperatures finally breaking triple digits. For most of us, summer is a time to get outside and enjoy activities like gardening, biking, swimming, walking, etc. It's a time to enjoy the great outdoors, take a much needed vacation and to shed those pounds gained last winter. Unfortunately, our bodies are often not used to the increased physical stress and that can lead to a variety of complaints and problems. To reduce the chances of injury or strain, here are some basic tips to follow to make sure you stay in top shape throughout the summer months.

1. Get your chiropractic "tune up". Before you increase your level of activity, make the time for a chiropractic adjustment. Regular adjustments help prevent sprain/strain injuries and decrease the general aches and pains associated with summertime activities. To keep your healthiest and most fit this summer, get regular chiropractic check-ups.

2. Drink lots of water. As the temperatures climb, this becomes even more important. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. By then your body is already dehydrated and needing fluid. Drink water throughout the day and remember - drink pure WATER. Not soda or tea or coffee. I also do not recommend vitamin "water" or mineral replacement drinks. The body needs pure, fresh water to be its healthiest.

3. Take care of your skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and needs special attention during the summer months. You can support the healthy function and structure of the skin with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Products from Standard Process like Dermatrophin PMG, Wheat Germ Oil, or Cataplex F all support the skin during heat and sun exposure. And remember to wear sun screen when out in the sun for long periods.

4. Eat lots of fresh produce. Now is the time to enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruits every day. Produce that is locally grown is the best for you so buy locally when you can. We have several individuals in England who sell wonderful produce. A healthy nutritional program begins with a variety of fresh whole foods and that is easy to accomplish during the summer months.

5. Consider nutritional supplementation. The sun takes a toll on our bodies and increases our need for supplementation. All the systems of the body need extra support during periods of increased activity, especially the cardiovascular system and heart. We offer the best whole food supplements and are happy to help you with your supplement needs.

By following these simple tips, you can be more assured of a safe and healthy summertime season. For more information or to schedule an appointment call our office at 501-842-1004.