Check out this article on the benefits of chiropractic care
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tips for Sleeping more Soundly.
Dont feel rested? Lack of energy? It could be your sleeping patterns. Here are some things to try that should help.
Twelve Tips For Better Sleep
Keep Regular Hours
Frequent or sudden schedule changes can lead to insomnia and fatigue. Shift changes, staying up later than normal and air travel (jet lag) are common examples. Develop and maintain routine times for waking and going to bed.
Select A Good Bed
The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed the chiropractic bedding manufactured by Springwall Mattress Company as the best interspring system available. Ask your doctor if there is Springwall dealer near you. Additional information can be found in patient education feature #106 "Selecting The Proper Bed." This earlier article details the important factors in bed selection as can be found in the September/October 1992 edition of THE VOICE.
Select A Good Pillow
A contoured cervical pillow that cradles the head and supports the natural curve of the neck is the best choice or pillow. Cervical pillows are available in a variety or styles and sizes. Your doctor of chiropractic can recommend the best pillow for you. Cervical pillows were also featured previously in this series. Ask your doctor for a copy of patient education feature # 102, "Why Doctors of Chiropractic Recommend Cervical Pillows," from the January/February 1992 edition of THE VOICE.
Be Careful Eating Before Bed
You should he pleasantly full when you retire for the evening. Never go to bed hungry or overfed. A continuous rumble from an empty stomach can prevent you from falling asleep. Eating too much puts your digestive system into overdrive resulting in a night of tossing and turning.
Sleep In A Quiet Room
Someone snoring, loud music, traffic noise and many other sounds that pierce the silence make for a difficult night's sleep. The room you sleep in should be as quiet as possible. If this proves to be difficult to arrange you have a few options. Ear plugs work for some but are uncomfortable for others. If ear plugs will not work for you try covering the noise you hear with music or tapes of environmental sounds (example: gentle rain in a pine forest).
Avoid Frequent Interruptions
Parents of a newborn baby can attest to the fatigue that builds with frequent interruptions of sleep. Although difficult in some circumstances, everyone should strive for six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.
Control Room Temperature
Room temperature while sleeping should be in the mid to high sixties. Avoid cold rooms where excessive bed clothing is needed. Avoiding hot rooms which may cause sweating and sinus irritation is equally important.
Sleep In A Dark Room
Light is a strong stimulant which motivates us to he awake and active. Obviously this type of stimulant should be avoided when trying to sleep. Light is relatively easy to avoid when sleeping at night. However it can be very difficult if you must sleep during daylight. Heavy drapes and blinds will help block the light for those sleeping during the day. Other possibilities include sleeping in a room without windows or wearing a face mask designed for sleeping.
Exercise Frequently
Exercising for twenty minutes three to five times per week reduces stress and tension. Reduced stress and tension allows you to unwind, fall asleep easier and sleep better. In addition to stress reduction and better sleep, exercise helps build strong bones, control body weight and maintain a healthy heart. (Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program).
Avoid Stimulants Before Bed Time
Caffeine is a strong stimulant that takes effect two to four hours after entering the body. Coffee, tea. chocolate and cola drinks all contain caffeine and should he consumed several hours prior to retiring for the evening.
Nicotine is a stronger stimulant than caffeine and has been shown to interfere with sleep to a greater degree. Smokers have increased difficulty falling asleep and wake more frequently during the night. The best advice for smokers is simply to stop smoking.
Maintain A Good Sleeping Posture
Sleeping on your hack or side are both acceptable positions. In either of these postures you should keep your knees slightly bent and use a cervical pillow to support your head and neck.
Never sleep on your stomach! Stomach sleeping creates an uncomfortable arching of the lower back and damage to the neck region from the prolonged twisted position.
Stretch Before Getting Out Of Bed
Joints and muscles can become stiff from inactivity during sleep. This is why morning pain is frequent with hack conditions, arthritis and other joint problems. Stretching upon waking is very important in avoiding the stiffness from inactivity.
We can learn a lesson from man's best friend in this situation. Watch a dog after it wakes; it almost always stretches
Twelve Tips For Better Sleep
Keep Regular Hours
Frequent or sudden schedule changes can lead to insomnia and fatigue. Shift changes, staying up later than normal and air travel (jet lag) are common examples. Develop and maintain routine times for waking and going to bed.
Select A Good Bed
The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed the chiropractic bedding manufactured by Springwall Mattress Company as the best interspring system available. Ask your doctor if there is Springwall dealer near you. Additional information can be found in patient education feature #106 "Selecting The Proper Bed." This earlier article details the important factors in bed selection as can be found in the September/October 1992 edition of THE VOICE.
Select A Good Pillow
A contoured cervical pillow that cradles the head and supports the natural curve of the neck is the best choice or pillow. Cervical pillows are available in a variety or styles and sizes. Your doctor of chiropractic can recommend the best pillow for you. Cervical pillows were also featured previously in this series. Ask your doctor for a copy of patient education feature # 102, "Why Doctors of Chiropractic Recommend Cervical Pillows," from the January/February 1992 edition of THE VOICE.
Be Careful Eating Before Bed
You should he pleasantly full when you retire for the evening. Never go to bed hungry or overfed. A continuous rumble from an empty stomach can prevent you from falling asleep. Eating too much puts your digestive system into overdrive resulting in a night of tossing and turning.
Sleep In A Quiet Room
Someone snoring, loud music, traffic noise and many other sounds that pierce the silence make for a difficult night's sleep. The room you sleep in should be as quiet as possible. If this proves to be difficult to arrange you have a few options. Ear plugs work for some but are uncomfortable for others. If ear plugs will not work for you try covering the noise you hear with music or tapes of environmental sounds (example: gentle rain in a pine forest).
Avoid Frequent Interruptions
Parents of a newborn baby can attest to the fatigue that builds with frequent interruptions of sleep. Although difficult in some circumstances, everyone should strive for six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.
Control Room Temperature
Room temperature while sleeping should be in the mid to high sixties. Avoid cold rooms where excessive bed clothing is needed. Avoiding hot rooms which may cause sweating and sinus irritation is equally important.
Sleep In A Dark Room
Light is a strong stimulant which motivates us to he awake and active. Obviously this type of stimulant should be avoided when trying to sleep. Light is relatively easy to avoid when sleeping at night. However it can be very difficult if you must sleep during daylight. Heavy drapes and blinds will help block the light for those sleeping during the day. Other possibilities include sleeping in a room without windows or wearing a face mask designed for sleeping.
Exercise Frequently
Exercising for twenty minutes three to five times per week reduces stress and tension. Reduced stress and tension allows you to unwind, fall asleep easier and sleep better. In addition to stress reduction and better sleep, exercise helps build strong bones, control body weight and maintain a healthy heart. (Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program).
Avoid Stimulants Before Bed Time
Caffeine is a strong stimulant that takes effect two to four hours after entering the body. Coffee, tea. chocolate and cola drinks all contain caffeine and should he consumed several hours prior to retiring for the evening.
Nicotine is a stronger stimulant than caffeine and has been shown to interfere with sleep to a greater degree. Smokers have increased difficulty falling asleep and wake more frequently during the night. The best advice for smokers is simply to stop smoking.
Maintain A Good Sleeping Posture
Sleeping on your hack or side are both acceptable positions. In either of these postures you should keep your knees slightly bent and use a cervical pillow to support your head and neck.
Never sleep on your stomach! Stomach sleeping creates an uncomfortable arching of the lower back and damage to the neck region from the prolonged twisted position.
Stretch Before Getting Out Of Bed
Joints and muscles can become stiff from inactivity during sleep. This is why morning pain is frequent with hack conditions, arthritis and other joint problems. Stretching upon waking is very important in avoiding the stiffness from inactivity.
We can learn a lesson from man's best friend in this situation. Watch a dog after it wakes; it almost always stretches
Monday, December 27, 2010
Whiplash
WHIPLASH
Why It’s So Common
A whiplash injury happens when a person’s head is suddenly snapped forward, then backward. The symptoms of whiplash are headaches, stiffness and neck pain. Blurred vision and tingling sensations in the arms and shoulders are caused by irritation to the nerves, caused by even a slight misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck.
A MISUNDERSTANDING
There is quite a bit of misunderstanding within the general population concerning the subject of whiplash. The most common of these concerns is the amount of force needed to cause a whiplash injury. Studies on the subject have shown that the normal human neck can withstand a forward motion force of 50 g’s – that is, 50 times the force of gravity – before producing an injury. However, when subjected to a sudden backward motion, the human neck cannot withstand anything approaching this considerable amount of force. In fact, any force greater than 5 g’s will misalign the vertebrae in the neck. If one considers that 3,400 pounds of force is created by an automobile traveling 25 miles per hour, it is easy to see that the impact of a crash at this speed will exert several tons of force on the crash victim’s neck. This is more than enough to cause a significant injury. In fact, almost every person involved in an automobile accident suffers some degree of whiplash injury.
OTHER CAUSES: Although auto accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, many other kinds of accidents can create severe stresses on the neck. Sudden falls, bumps on the head, or a shove from behind can cause rapid motion of the neck. For these reasons, it is important to seek chiropractic care immediately after any incident that might injure the neck. Through careful examination and gentle corrective adjustments, if needed, we can help you heal the inflammation to nerve tissues and avoid serious neck problems later. Remember, a whiplash that took place 15 to 25 years ago can cause problems later in life. Call Dr. Yost today. Why suffer? For any information regarding how you may be helped with this type of injury, please contact Dr. Yost¨
Why It’s So Common
A whiplash injury happens when a person’s head is suddenly snapped forward, then backward. The symptoms of whiplash are headaches, stiffness and neck pain. Blurred vision and tingling sensations in the arms and shoulders are caused by irritation to the nerves, caused by even a slight misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck.
A MISUNDERSTANDING
There is quite a bit of misunderstanding within the general population concerning the subject of whiplash. The most common of these concerns is the amount of force needed to cause a whiplash injury. Studies on the subject have shown that the normal human neck can withstand a forward motion force of 50 g’s – that is, 50 times the force of gravity – before producing an injury. However, when subjected to a sudden backward motion, the human neck cannot withstand anything approaching this considerable amount of force. In fact, any force greater than 5 g’s will misalign the vertebrae in the neck. If one considers that 3,400 pounds of force is created by an automobile traveling 25 miles per hour, it is easy to see that the impact of a crash at this speed will exert several tons of force on the crash victim’s neck. This is more than enough to cause a significant injury. In fact, almost every person involved in an automobile accident suffers some degree of whiplash injury.
OTHER CAUSES: Although auto accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, many other kinds of accidents can create severe stresses on the neck. Sudden falls, bumps on the head, or a shove from behind can cause rapid motion of the neck. For these reasons, it is important to seek chiropractic care immediately after any incident that might injure the neck. Through careful examination and gentle corrective adjustments, if needed, we can help you heal the inflammation to nerve tissues and avoid serious neck problems later. Remember, a whiplash that took place 15 to 25 years ago can cause problems later in life. Call Dr. Yost today. Why suffer? For any information regarding how you may be helped with this type of injury, please contact Dr. Yost¨
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A back up for back health
A BACKUP FOR BACK HEALTH
If you suffer from back pain, there are things you can do to prevent it from worsening. Some helpful tips:
· Exercise. Always the first mode of defense for a host of ailments, exercise is key to strengthening back and stomach muscles.
· Keep your upper back flat when lying down. Use a pillow under your knees. If you’re lying on your side, put a pillow between your knees. If your back aches, don’t lie on your stomach.
· Support your lower back when you have to sit for a long time. For example, put a small cushion or rolled towel between your lower back and chair.
· Stand and sit straight. Keep your feet flat on the floor when you sit.
· Take breaks. When you sit or stand or even drive for long periods of time, take a few minutes to walk or stretch.
· Bend your knees whenever you have to lift anything. Let your legs—not your back—do most of the work.· VISIT YOUR CHIROPRACTOR REGULARLY!
If you suffer from back pain, there are things you can do to prevent it from worsening. Some helpful tips:
· Exercise. Always the first mode of defense for a host of ailments, exercise is key to strengthening back and stomach muscles.
· Keep your upper back flat when lying down. Use a pillow under your knees. If you’re lying on your side, put a pillow between your knees. If your back aches, don’t lie on your stomach.
· Support your lower back when you have to sit for a long time. For example, put a small cushion or rolled towel between your lower back and chair.
· Stand and sit straight. Keep your feet flat on the floor when you sit.
· Take breaks. When you sit or stand or even drive for long periods of time, take a few minutes to walk or stretch.
· Bend your knees whenever you have to lift anything. Let your legs—not your back—do most of the work.· VISIT YOUR CHIROPRACTOR REGULARLY!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Suppressed Immune System
Definition
During the flu epidemic of 1917-1918, both chiropractors and osteopaths noticed that their patients had a lower fatality rate, 0.25% than the medical profession at 5-6%. The conclusion of a paper written in 1919 was that subluxations suppressed the immune system, and that removing them assisted the immune function. Now newer research shows that white blood cells increase with chiropractic adjustments. A smaller study showed that the immune response of HIV-positive patients increased as measured by their CD4 count with chiropractic adjustments. So the next time you want to cancel your appointment because your too sick, remember a chiropractic adjustment is just what the doctor ordered.
Symptoms
References
1. Riley GW. Osteopathic success in the treatment of influenza and pneumonia.
J Am Osteopathic Assn, 1919; 18:565
2. Brennan PC, etal. Immunologic correlate of reduced spinal mobility. Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation (FCER):118.
3. Brennan PC, etal. Enhance phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991;14:399
4. Selano JL, et al. The effects of specific upper cervical adjustments on the CD4 counts of HIV positive patients. Chiropractic Research J 1994;3:32.
5. Todres-MasarskyM, Masarsky CS. The Somatovisceral Interface:Further evidence. In Masarsky CS, Todres-Masarsky M (editors). Somatovisceral Aspects of Chiropractic: An Evidence-Based Approach, 2001, Churchill Livingstone, New York.
During the flu epidemic of 1917-1918, both chiropractors and osteopaths noticed that their patients had a lower fatality rate, 0.25% than the medical profession at 5-6%. The conclusion of a paper written in 1919 was that subluxations suppressed the immune system, and that removing them assisted the immune function. Now newer research shows that white blood cells increase with chiropractic adjustments. A smaller study showed that the immune response of HIV-positive patients increased as measured by their CD4 count with chiropractic adjustments. So the next time you want to cancel your appointment because your too sick, remember a chiropractic adjustment is just what the doctor ordered.
Symptoms
Fever
Muscle Aches and Pains
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Nausea
Upset Stomach or Diarrhea
Nasal Drainage
Headache
References
1. Riley GW. Osteopathic success in the treatment of influenza and pneumonia.
J Am Osteopathic Assn, 1919; 18:565
2. Brennan PC, etal. Immunologic correlate of reduced spinal mobility. Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation (FCER):118.
3. Brennan PC, etal. Enhance phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991;14:399
4. Selano JL, et al. The effects of specific upper cervical adjustments on the CD4 counts of HIV positive patients. Chiropractic Research J 1994;3:32.
5. Todres-MasarskyM, Masarsky CS. The Somatovisceral Interface:Further evidence. In Masarsky CS, Todres-Masarsky M (editors). Somatovisceral Aspects of Chiropractic: An Evidence-Based Approach, 2001, Churchill Livingstone, New York.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wellness Intiative
As a chiropractic office, we attend alot of out of office health fairs, wellness events, ect. Often people are excited to see us as we bring a massage therapist with us. She's usually the highlight of the event.
A screening or health fair consists of Dr. Yost performing a stress assesment with a system called Myovision. It measures nerve impulses and how hard your muscles are actually working. By having the stress assesment done, it shows you that those aches and pains are not "in your mind." Alot of people find it very interesting because its accurate on how it measures your nerve impulses and shows where the problem is occuring. During this time he also answers questions they may have and may even give them some advice on things that they can do at home to overcome the pain. Then we send them to the massage therapist and she proceeds to work out some of the stress the scan shows. It's a very informative procedure.
This is not something we just do at Health Fairs. Often we will bring employees lunch and the preceed with a short seminar on nutrition, chiropractic care, ect. Then we end with chair massages for everyone. If you, or someone you know would like to learn more about it, please dont hesitate to call us. We help businesses all over Louisville, reach their Wellness potential!
A screening or health fair consists of Dr. Yost performing a stress assesment with a system called Myovision. It measures nerve impulses and how hard your muscles are actually working. By having the stress assesment done, it shows you that those aches and pains are not "in your mind." Alot of people find it very interesting because its accurate on how it measures your nerve impulses and shows where the problem is occuring. During this time he also answers questions they may have and may even give them some advice on things that they can do at home to overcome the pain. Then we send them to the massage therapist and she proceeds to work out some of the stress the scan shows. It's a very informative procedure.
This is not something we just do at Health Fairs. Often we will bring employees lunch and the preceed with a short seminar on nutrition, chiropractic care, ect. Then we end with chair massages for everyone. If you, or someone you know would like to learn more about it, please dont hesitate to call us. We help businesses all over Louisville, reach their Wellness potential!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Winter Bodily Tune Ups
Health is a major concern for people these days, as it should be. Every year we get a little older, a little more wear and tear on our bodies. No one can "stop" aging, but you can age more gracefully.
There are certain things you do to your vehicle to keep it in "its best health". You change the oil every 3000 miles. You rotate your tires and flush the radiator. All these things and more that you do keep your car running and in excellent health. Why wouldnt you do the same for your body?
Everyone knows they NEED to excercise and eat right, that's a start. But to optimize your health and as a preventative measure you should have an annual check up and also regular chiropractic adjustments and massage. Your spine is the only spine you have and throughout your lifetime you will have fallen, twisted, slept the wrong way and yet, it keeps on functioning the way its supposed to. The question is for how long? Do you want to be one of those people who said..man I sure wish I had treated my body better and taken better care of myself. I sure wish I'd had a checkup after that car wreck, of that sports injury.
Maybe you're not in pain. Maybe you think everythings fine or you've learned to tune it out. Being proactive about your health will help you feeling better longer. Maybe you dont have time to come to the office or for an exam. Do you have time to be "laid up" in bed resting because you did something to your back or your knee? Perhaps you have frequent headaches? You figure its stress or the kids are too loud. We CAN and do help with headaches all the time. Its the most frequent ailment we treat.
Take time to "better yourself by bettering your health". Take advantage of a special our office is running until Jan 31st. We are offering Free Exams/Consultation (X-rays if needed). We are doing this as our gift to you. Let us take a look at you, if we arent' able to help you, we will find someone who will. Visit our website for more info.http://www.kyfamchiro.com
There are certain things you do to your vehicle to keep it in "its best health". You change the oil every 3000 miles. You rotate your tires and flush the radiator. All these things and more that you do keep your car running and in excellent health. Why wouldnt you do the same for your body?
Everyone knows they NEED to excercise and eat right, that's a start. But to optimize your health and as a preventative measure you should have an annual check up and also regular chiropractic adjustments and massage. Your spine is the only spine you have and throughout your lifetime you will have fallen, twisted, slept the wrong way and yet, it keeps on functioning the way its supposed to. The question is for how long? Do you want to be one of those people who said..man I sure wish I had treated my body better and taken better care of myself. I sure wish I'd had a checkup after that car wreck, of that sports injury.
Maybe you're not in pain. Maybe you think everythings fine or you've learned to tune it out. Being proactive about your health will help you feeling better longer. Maybe you dont have time to come to the office or for an exam. Do you have time to be "laid up" in bed resting because you did something to your back or your knee? Perhaps you have frequent headaches? You figure its stress or the kids are too loud. We CAN and do help with headaches all the time. Its the most frequent ailment we treat.
Take time to "better yourself by bettering your health". Take advantage of a special our office is running until Jan 31st. We are offering Free Exams/Consultation (X-rays if needed). We are doing this as our gift to you. Let us take a look at you, if we arent' able to help you, we will find someone who will. Visit our website for more info.http://www.kyfamchiro.com
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