You know fruit is great for you, but here's some fresh news: Eating 1 1/2 cups of blueberries a day can help reduce abdominal fat by up to 12%, reveals recent research. "Blueberries activate a gene that is responsible for buring belly fat while also turning down a gene that stores fat," says study author E. Mitchell Seymour, research scientist at the University of Michigan Cardiovacular Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Family Circle Sept. 09
Biofreeze shown to be more effective than ice for neck pain
NEWS RELEASE September 16, 2009 — Cryotherapy has long been used by physical therapists and chiropractors in the management of acute pain. Multiple studies have demonstrated that both ice and topically-applied menthol decrease blood flow and help to control pain; however, there has been limited research to determine which form of cryotherapy works better on individual patients.
Bart Bishop, DPT of Sport and Spine Rehab in Rockville, Md., recently conducted a research study to determine which form of cryotherapy was more effective. In patients with bilateral neck pain, he applied menthol-based Biofreeze Pain
Reliever to one side and an ice pack to the other side. “We have used both ice and Biofreeze in our neck patients, but never had any evidence to support using one versus the other,” stated Bishop.
The study showed both modalities reduced pain significantly, but patients preferred the Biofreeze application 8 to 1 compared to ice. The Biofreeze treatment lasted longer in 9 out of 10 patients with twice as much pain reduction compared to ice.
Source: The Hygenic Corporation, www.thera-band.com
"Studies show that 77% of the population pronates on one or both sides of the body." According to K. Jeffrey Miller, D.C., DABCO, Associate Director of Education for Foot Levelers, Inc.
Since pronation is so prevalent, evaluating the feet with the digital scanner is a good way to scan and detect the pronation to tell if those things need to be addressed.
Aside from it's prevalence, pronation is a serious issue that can lead to a number of musculoskeletal problems. Most people think that when you're making something for the foot it's for foot problems, but that's not necessarily true, because when the foot over pronates it changes the mechanics of the knee, pelvis, and spine.
Custom-made, flexible orthotics will certainly help the feet, but has a far-reaching effect above the foot or ankle as well. The majority of the population that suffers from pronation, doesn't even realize it.
Not only is orthotic testing beneficial, but it's quick and easy too. The digital scanning process takes just two to three minutes.
From the scan, Foot Levelers takes 16 spedific measurements of the patient's foot and those measurements are used in making the orthotics. Each pair is custom made to that patient. Not only are the orthotics fitted to their foot and their mechanical problems, but we also have special alterations that would allow for other conditions of the foot.
The prevalence of excessive pronation is so great that it does help significantly with lower extremity and spinal and pelvic problems. Orthotics provide a balanced and symmetrical foundation that helps enhance adjustments and untimately helps patients' quality of life.
Have you had your feet scanned?
http://www.nwhealth.edu/nwtoday/migraine.html
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, nearly 30 million people in the US are affected by migraine headaches. Many migraine sufferers feel their only option is to take prescription or over-the-counter medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of the migraine.
However, according to Amy Horton, DC, an assistant professor and faculty clinician at Northwestern Health Sciences University, there are many effective natural treatment options that may help.
Dr. Horton offers many simple reminders for people prone to migraines, including relaxation, rest, and watching what you eat. And by keeping a journal, it may help you determine what foods, activities, or other patters trigger a migraine.
Dr. Horton also suggests such natural alternatives for treating migraines as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic care, massage, and herbs and suppliments.
Some evidence indicats that the herbs feverfew and butterbur may prevent or reduce the severity of migraines. A high dose of riboflavin (vitamin B-2) also may prevent migraines by correcting tiny deficiencies in the brain cells. Herbs and supplements should be taken under the direction of your healthcare practitioner.
