A courtesy of Healing Touch Chiropractic and Dr. Gary Easter
September, 2005

The Goal of Life

Ok, I know I'm late getting this month's newsletter out. The 2 or 3 of you that actively read it must be wondering what happened to me. :) I've been wrapped up watching the hurricane Katrina catastrophe unfold just south of here in the gulf coast. This is the biggest hurricane to hit America in my lifetime during the busiest hurricane season on record. This got me thinking about a quote:

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature. Zeno, Greek philosopher (335 BC - 264 BC)

What are the consequences of not living in agreement with nature? According to some, the current unusually busy hurricane season is a result of global warming which is directly related to not living in agreement with nature. When America is the ONLY nation that doesn't see the connection and take steps to fix it, it seems like the proverbial ostrich with his head in the sand.

On a more health related slant (this is a health newsletter remember?) I have talked before on how focusing on suppression of symptoms from the outside in versus prevention of disease through improvement in health, is a leading cause of death in the US. Now JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) has published an article talking about this same topic. This article studies why America ranks so low on health but spends more than any other nation and what factors influence that rank. The fact that this is being reported in JAMA is very encouraging. More and more, America is waking up to the fact that the maintenance of health is better than the treatment of disease.

Now you would think that living in agreement with nature would be common sense. However, in this day in age, common sense is not so common. So before personal responsibility goes the way of the panda bear (i.e. extinction) here are a few pointers on how the gain and maintain health.

1. Eat Whole Foods. Focus on diet of inclusion
   
   
2. Eat a balanced diet with optimal protein, unrefined carbohydrates and the right fats. There are health promoting and health destroying foods within each macronutrient category - Fats, Carbohydrates and Proteins. Our body is a chemistry lab - not a bank account and the types of foods you eat cause specific hormonal responses that can harm or heal you. For a diet specialized for your personal needs, check our website.
   
   
3. Stay hydrated. Water is a by-product of beta oxidation - you need it to burn fat ! If you are even slightly dehydrated you will lower your metabolism and you won't be able to perform at your peak.
   
   
4. Make an oil change. The types of fats and oils you eat can dramatically impact your health. Emphasize monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fats found in cold water fish, avocados, raw nuts and seeds (not peanuts) and olive oil.
   
   
5. Eat foods rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. Some of our favorites include - red grapes, turmeric, sesame, tomatoes in olive oil, ginger, celery, rosemary, saffron, garlic, cherries, berries, cabbage, umbelliferous vegetables, green tea, freshly ground flaxseed meal (not oil) and licorice. Live food is best. 
   
   
6. Avoid:
   
   • health destructive foods and toxic chemicals
   • pro-inflammatory and rancid fats including: corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed oils, all margarines, trans fats and fried foods.
   • hormones and additives in meats, chicken and eggs
   • farm raised fish treated with additives, hormones and unhealthy feed ( buy wild caught fish )
   • alcohol and caffeine
   • Processed foods
   • refined and simple sugars, high glycemic load foods including fruit juice, white flour, etc.
   • Iron fortified cereals (and vitamins)
   • Soda
   • Drugs - OTC or prescribed (sulphur, mercury, thermisol etc)
   • Vaccinations
     
     
7. You cannot supplement a poor diet to make it healthy. It is virtually impossible to get all of the nutrients you need even in the most healthy and balanced diet. Use supplements to enhance a healthy diet to make it optimal.
   
   Supplements nearly everyone needs include - a pharmaceutical grade multiple ( make sure it includes 800 mcg of folic acid) taken 2 x's per day, omega 3 essential fatty acids and minerals, especially magnesium. Any questions about what supplements may be right for you, please check our website.
   
   
8. Balance your hormone responses- think of your body like a chemistry lab... eat, work, exercise, rest & play to support appropriate hormone responses of growth hormone, cortisol, adrenaline and insulin.
   
   
9. Avoid toxic exposure - eat organic, use environmentally friendly household products, filter your air and water. It is estimated that 80% of all cancers are from tobacco, nutrition and environmental carcinogens. Add houseplants to reduce the chemicals in the air. Some of the best are Areca Palms, Lady Palms, English Ivy, Boston Ferns, Rubber Plants. 2-3 per 100 feet.
   
   
10. Exercise, like nutrition and supplementation, is dose dependent - you must make sure you are doing the right amount of each to ensure optimal results - too much can have a negative effect as too little. There are 3 types of exercise - adaptive (resistance training), calming (flexibility/core exercises) and stimulating (cardio). Which type, how much of it and at what intensity depends on you metabolism type.
    
    
11. Maintain your ideal body fat percentage and remember you must be healthy to lose body fat and increase lean muscle mass. Test your body fat percentage vs. testing your weight regularly.
    
    
12. Take time out for fun and get adequate rest. Laughing and smiling changes your brain chemistry for the better. Mindful exercise like yoga and pilates have been shown to enhance the immune system. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime so the body can put its efforts into repair vs. digestion.
    
    
13. Regular Chiropractic Care - Research demonstrates your nervous system controls all body function - your immune system, glandular system, circulatory system, digestive system, elimination system, and musculo-skeletal system. Regular chiropractic care is the foundation for optimizing health and assisting the body in restoring health, maintaining and maximizing function. Follow these simple steps to maintain your own health and those of your loved ones.

Laughter Therapy

Devil In The Church

One Sunday morning, everyone in one bright, beautiful, tiny town got up early and went to the local church.
Before the services started, the townspeople were sitting in their pews and talking about their lives, their families, etc. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone was evacuated from the church, except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew, not moving... seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence. Now this confused Satan a bit, so he walked up to the man and said, "Don't you know who I am?"

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

Satan asked, "Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Nope, sure ain't," said the man.

Satan was a little perturbed at this and queried, "Why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for over 48 years."

Toys for Tots Drive 2005

Each year our office supports MY Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots drive
to provide toys for Christmas for those who may not get any.

This year with Hurricane Katrina taking away the lives of so many in the Gulf region,
the need will be greater than ever.

Please stop by our office to drop off your donations for the children. 

We are an official drop off site in Carroll County

If you are a current or previous patient of mine, the donation of two new unwrapped toys
will get you one free adjustment.

If you've never been to our office before, the donation of 2 new unwrapped toys
will get you a free consultation and spinal check.

Help yourself and help others at the same time.