Can you believe it? It’s already back to school time in Connecticut this week… The start of school also means the return of heavy backpacks, which to me as a chiropractor, means the return of increased spinal stress for school-aged kids and young adults.

Here are some helpful backpack-wearing tips that will help minimize spinal stress:

1. Wear both straps evenly, and avoid the one-strap styled back packs. Uneven distribution of the load causes postural compensations and spinal stress.

2.When putting on and removing backpacks, bend at the knees or put on the backpack from a higher level, such as on a desk or table. Sudden twisting motion adds to the potential of injury – especially in the lower thoracic/upper lumbar spine.

3. Arrange the backpack so it rests evenly in the middle of the back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty and permit free movement of the arms. Straps should not be too loose, and the backpack should not extend below the lower back.

4. Keep the load at 10-15% or less of the student’s body weight.

5. Carry only those items that are required for the day. Students (or parents) may be able to request additional copies of textbooks (or digital copies!) that can be kept at home instead of hauling heavy books back and forth from school.

6. Organize the contents of the backpack by placing the heaviest items closest to the back.

When was the last time your child had a spinal check-up? Call us at 203-355-2830 to schedule one today!

And just in case you missed it, here's a great video featuring some parents who are VERY excited about school starting...

Modified excerpt from: Is Your Child’s Backpack a Source of Spinal Stress? By Jeanne Ohm, DC
Read more in Pathways: www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

Chiropractic and Your Sex Life
I knew chiropractic was awesome when I had this conversation with one of my FIRST chiropractic patients ever – He came in for his regular adjustment on a Monday, and after asking how his weekend was, his response was the last thing I was expecting to come out of his mouth: “You know, I didn’t mention this when we first met, but I thought something was seriously wrong with me – I’m a guy in my 30’s, and I just didn’t want to have sex with my girlfriend. After getting my adjustments, it’s the first time in months that I’ve actually been in the mood. So, yes, I had an AWESOME weekend!”

Now let’s strip this topic down to the nitty-gritty (I love puns - sorry I couldn’t help myself!) – how can chiropractic have an affect on your sex life?

1. It increases your pleasure hormones – A recent study reported a boost in oxytocin levels after cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid-back) adjustments.[1] Oxytocin is a hormone in our bodies that has been called the “biological basis for love.” Oxytocin plays an important role in sexual arousal and sexual stimulation, which makes it a vital part of your sex life.[2]

2. No nerve interference = better function to your sexual organs – Your sacral plexus is a bundle of nerves that innervate (or supply) the muscles of your buttocks & legs, your bladder and sexual organs. These nerves also process sexual sensations and stimulation. When there is a subluxation in your pelvis or lower back, it negatively affects the function of these nerves, causing a miscommunication in the messages between your brain and body. Any compromise to the nerve supply in this area will affect sexual performance and sensations of pleasure, resulting in the inability to become aroused or stay aroused, inability to orgasm, decreased sensation, painful intercourse or just general sexual dysfunction. Chiropractic care addresses dysfunction of the pelvis and lumbar spine, and removes interference and stress on the nervous system, which then allows your body the ability to fully enjoy your sexual experiences.

3. Increased range of motion for those "creative positions" – Study after study has linked chiropractic adjustments with an overall increased range of motion and less pain (in all regions of the body).  Some studies have even linked upper cervical adjustments (adjustments to the upper neck) to an increase in range of motion in the hips,[3] which remind us why it’s important to have your entire spine checked for subluxation, not just the area where you are experiencing symptoms.

Doesn’t this make you excited? (That’s my last pun, I promise.)

Summer’s officially here (although you wouldn’t know it with all of this rain in the Northeast today) and if you’re like me, you’ll be spending plenty of time at the beach this summer! This list of healthy tips for the beach will help you stay on track with your health goals while celebrating summer!

Ditch those toxic sunscreens!
Not only will wearing sunscreen constantly interfere with your body’s production of Vitamin D, many artificial ingredients in most sunscreens can actually be harmful for your health. Every year, the Environmental Working Group looks at which sunscreens are the most toxic and contain the most potentially hazardous ingredients. Many common brands made the list, including those from Neutrogena, Rite Aid, Walgreens "Well" brand, "Up and Up" brand from Target, and Coppertone.

When shopping for sunscreen, make sure you check the ingredient list – put it back on the shelf if you see any of these ingredients listed:

1. Oxybenzone – because it’s been linked to hormone disruptions and cell damage that may provoke cancer.
2. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate) – because this form of vitamin A may speed up the development of malignant cells when exposed to light. This ingredient should only be found in night creams. 
3. Synthetic Fragrances (Parabens, Phthalates and synthetic musks) – these have also been linked with hormone disruption and can interfere with reproduction/fertility.
   
   

Tips for safer sun exposure:

1. Let yourself get about 20 minutes of sun (with at least 40% of your body exposed) before slathering on the sunscreen – this helps optimize Vitamin D production in your body.
2. If you’re spending all day at the beach, make sure to bring clothing and a hat to cover up – this is a nice, healthy alternative to wearing sunscreen. 
3. Use a natural non-toxic sunscreen – my favorites are from Badger, Kabana and Miessence Organics.
   

(Safely) Enjoy Those Summer Cocktails
Everyone is allowed to enjoy a few summer cocktails, but keeping hydrated and supplementing properly can help prevent the dreaded hangover the next day! (Special points for drinking lemon water in between each alcoholic drink, which helps detox your liver and helps flush those kidneys!)

Supplementing with the following can help replenish your body with important things that are stripped after a day or night of enjoying your favorite beverages:

1. N-acetyl cysteine – This amino acid helps increase glutathione and reduce acetaldehyde toxicity, which can cause many hangover symptoms. You want to take at least 200 mg 30 minutes before you start drinking to lessen alcohol’s toxic effects.
2. B Vitamins – Alcohol can deplete your body of vitamins B1 and B6. Taking these beforehand, as well as the next day can help lessen hangover symptoms. 
3. Milk Thistle – Since milk thistle contains antioxidants that have been found to protect the liver from toxins, it has been found to help lessen the effects of alcohol.
4. Vitamin C – Vitamin C can help your body and liver detoxify alcohol, and has been found to have a protective effect for your liver. 
5. Magnesium – This mineral is also commonly depleted with alcohol consumption, and because it can have anti-inflammatory effects for your body, it’s very important to take before or after a night (or day) out!
   

Use Proper Ergonomics at the Beach!
Everyone deserves to relax at the beach, but we can’t let our spinal health go by the wayside! It only takes 10-15 minutes in one position for our ligaments to begin to lose elasticity, which can put stress on your spine and nervous system. These tips can help prevent injuries and encourage spinal health!

1. Get up and take a walk – Just like I commonly tell patients to get up from their desks at work for at least 10 minutes every hour, you need to keep that rule in mind at the beach as well! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and break from your office and get your body moving! Barefoot walking in the sand has numerous health benefits for the spine and nervous system.
2. Don’t look down at your book – We all love catching up on summer reading at the beach, but arching your neck forward while reading your books may cause problems in your cervical spine. You can combat this by holding your book closer to eye level while keeping your head and neck upright. 
3. Try not to spend too much time laying on the sand face down – this popular sun tanning position can be a potentially harmful position for your spine because it can cause stress on the vertebrae in your lower back and neck. Keeping your head in a neutral position, or lounge chairs with a cutout for your face like this one (http://www.brookstone.com/Ergonomic-Comfort-Lounger) can help prevent stress on your spine!
   

Happy Independence Day and hope you enjoy your healthier trips to the beach!!

References:
http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/04/ewg-sunscreen-guide.aspx#_edn1
EWG Sun Safety Campaign, How to Pick a Good Sunscreen
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/31/hangover.aspx

When you feel great, full of energy, and have no symptoms, do you wake up thinking, “I should call my medical doctor?” Typically, you call your medical doctor when feeling poorly.

Sick-care and crisis-care are very important services to our culture, but they are not HEALTH care. When we take this “sick care” approach and apply it to our society’s health care model, what we get is a sick society.

Currently, the United States is having a health care crisis. Some of the current facts about our current state of health care are surprising and pretty scary:

• US spending for “health care” totals 2.8 trillion (the HIGHEST in the world), yet we are only ranked 37th for health outcomes.
• The number one killer in the country is cardiovascular disease (nearly 1 million deaths annually), which is a very preventable LIFESTYLE disease.
• From 1990 to 2010, the number of people diagnosed with Diabetes has TRIPLED – From 6.5 million to 20.7 million.
• A reported 60 percent of bankruptcies in the U.S. are due to expensive medical bills.

The Solution? 
People have begun to take more control of their health and well-being to prevent sickness and disease. This approach dates back to the ancient Greeks – Hippocrates was the first to make the connection between disease and natural causes. He believed that natural forces within us are the true healers of disease, and he promoted the maintenance of health rather than just the treatment of disease.

What does this mean in today’s society?
People are beginning to take a new and PROACTIVE approach to their health instead of reacting when they believe something is wrong. This involves a multifaceted approach that involves giving our bodies the right nourishment and energy where they can THRIVE, rather than just survive. This involves movement & exercise, proper nutrients, positive mental state, rest & time to recover, and most importantly, optimum nervous system health.

Why is regular chiropractic care so vital in this proactive approach to health?
Your nervous system controls every single function that occurs in your body, and is primarily responsible for your body’s ability to heal & repair itself. When there is something interfering with this mechanism, your body cannot function at it’s best, and it begins to break down. Regular chiropractic care removes the stress to the nervous system and enables it to function at its optimum. It is the keystone of a true health care approach.

Is your nervous system functioning at its optimum potential? Call us today for a consultation: 203-355-2830 or request an appointment online.

Chiropractors work with the body’s ability to adapt & function. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be beneficial for the normal physiological function of the mother and baby. During pregnancy, chiropractic care focuses on alignment and balance in the musculoskeletal structures of the pelvis. Proper pelvic alignment helps the mother have an easier pregnancy, and can also ease the birth process!

Some benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

• Prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a state of balance in pelvic bony structures, muscles & ligaments
• Removes torsion of the ligaments that support the uterus, thus potentially reducing abnormal tension to the woman’s uterus
• Decreases pain caused by improper biomechanics of the pelvis and spine
• Reduces interference to the mother’s vital nerve system, which controls and coordinates all of her organ systems and body functions
• Pelvic balance in the mother allows the baby greater room to develop without restrictions to its forming cranium, spine and other skeletal structures

What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, in 1978, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment to eliminate sacral misalignment and improve nerve system function. He developed it as a specific sacral adjustment for pregnant women to help balance pelvic muscles and ligaments and potentially improve birth outcome. The first woman who came into his practice and had this technique applied was pregnant with a breech baby. Shortly after beginning care, the baby turned to a head down position. Dr. Webster continued to offer this adjustment for all pregnant mothers in his practice. For those presenting breech, he claimed a 95% rate of these babies assuming a more optimal positioning for birth. This led to great interest by chiropractors, birth providers and mothers seeking options for safer, easier natural births.

The Webster Technique is similar to many chiropractic sacral adjustments. First there is an analysis to confirm sacral alignment. Then there is a light force thrust applied to the sacrum for correction. The adjustment is gentle and effective in establishing alignment in the pelvis which is of course imperative for safer, easier more natural births.

Dr. Cristina is certified in the Webster Technique through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) and loves helping women enjoy their pregnancies! For more information about the ICPA and/or the Webster technique, visit www.ICPA4kids.org.

Sources:

The Webster Technique: A Chiropractic Technique. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jul-Aug;25(6): E1-9
ICPA April Member Newsletter

Our bodies are amazing - they accomplish so much without us even thinking about it! These are just a FEW of the incredible things about YOUR body! 

That's quite a lot! There are cells dying and cells generated in our bodies everyday.

Why should you even spend the extra effort to frown? Smile once in a while! 

Our red blood cells make about 300,000 trips through the blood stream and last approximately 120 days.  

It pumps 2.5 gallons per minute, which totals about 1,314,000 gallons per year! 

That's a lot of energy! 

The lungs use about 90 gallons of pure oxygen per day. Our lungs pump about 2 gallons of air per minute while at rest and about 26 gallons of air per minute while exercising.

7. Stomach Acid (hydrochloric acid) is so strong, that one drop of it on the skin would leave a painful blister, but the stomach is left unharmed. 

Our stomachs produce 2.5 quarts of acid per day. Over the course of 70 years, the stomach will have produced 60,000 quarts of acid to help digest 40 tons of food! 

Did you think your body was just going through Tylenol withdrawal? Nope - our bodies know what to do on their own! The body produces interferon (a natural virus fighting chemical) and when the body's temperature is elevated (as with fever), it is produced in greater quantities and becomes more efficient. White blood cells (main defense against microorganisms) work more quickly to fight off infection, and also become more active. Iron, which many germs thrive on, is drawn from the blood and stored in the liver. The body's chemical reaction rate is also accelerated during a fever, which speeds up healing. 

Your brain is like a computer that's always ON. It organizes all of the functions of your body's BILLIONS of cells. 

Light pressure on a spinal nerve root (even just the weight of a dime) can lessen your nerve transmission as much as 40%. This is caused by stress to the nervous system. These stresses come in the form of physical, emotional and chemical traumas. 

Just like Phil, your body cannot function properly if there is pressure/stress to the nervous system. These stresses on the nervous system are called Subluxations. Chiropractors are specially trained to locate and correct/remove subluxations so your body is able to function optimally. Your body does amazing things everyday, and all of these functions are controlled and regulated by the nervous system. Call us today to make sure your nervous system is free of nerve stress/pressure so your body is able to function at 100%! 

When your nervous system functions correctly, you can be truly healthy! 

To schedule an appointment, call Stamford Balance at 203-355-2830, or request an appointment online. 

What: An open house event to celebrate our grand opening
When: March 28th
Stop by anytime between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm for a glass of wine, a bite to eat, a tour of the office and/or to say hello!
Catering by EOS Greek Cuisine (Stamford, CT) & Wine from Val's Liquors (Greenwich, CT)