Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Science of Subluxation: Chiropractic moves forward with new research.
New Nerve System Transmission Found. New Subluxation Mechanism?
A new system of nerve transmission was discovered recently that could have a profound impact on chiropractic, and offer another mechanism for subluxation. The research was published in the October 5, 2010 issue of the American Association for the Advancement of Science journal, "Science Signaling".
Previous to this research most scientists thought that nerve cells only sent messages across a junction known as a synapse. This new research shows that nerve cells are communicating with other cells by twitching, without using a synapse. Chief researcher, Doug Fields from the National Institutes of Health asked the question, "How could you have signaling from neurons to cells that are not neurons when our understanding of how signaling works is all based on synapses? That's the mystery."
Fields' research was able to show that the nerves twitched when stimulated and this twitching opens a channel in the cell membrane and a chemical called ATP escapes. When released, ATP acts as a neurotransmitter and therefore allows nerves to communicate without having to go through a synapse.
The implications for chiropractic could be profound. This potentially demonstrates another mechanism of nerve transmission that could be interfered with and thus be another model of subluxation. It could be theorized that nerve irritation may alter the twitching of the nerve, therefore altering the ATP release and interfering with this newly discovered nerve transmission process. The research also mentions that the spinal cord itself also twitches when stimulated, so the possibilities for subluxation models are profound.
In spite of the impact this research could have for chiropractic, only one news article covered this research. This single article appeared in print and on the radio on October 5, 2010 from National Public Radio. The article tried to say that the health impacts of this research might affect epilepsy and pain. The NPR article has embedded video showing both the twitching of nerves and the evidence of the release of ATP.
The abstract of this research can be seen here: http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sigtrans;3/142/ra73
The NPR article on this research can be seen here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Moving into Winter
Take it all in stride this year by following a few simple suggestions to make the winter easier:
Take your vitamins! Especially important in the winter to keep you healthy and reduce the effects of the lack of sunlight. If you would like specific suggestions for which supplements would be best for you, please ask me.
Stock up on things that help you stay healthy- I make sure I have Thieves Blend, RC, Ginger, Peppermint, Citrus Fresh, and a Rain Drop Therapy kit in the house before winter comes. These Young Living Therapeutic grade oils are worth their weight in gold!
Get your rest. Don't let the holidays run you to the ground. Keep to a normal sleep schedule. Make time for a day off here and there, spend time at home, with those you love.
Keep your appointments for adjustments and massage, don't let the holiday rush stop you from doing the things that really help you stay healthy. Several people have already mentioned concern about holiday expenses and keeping up with their care. Remember what really matters this holiday season- your health!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
It's not to early to consider winter health issues
Choose high quality vitamin and mineral supplements and start taking them now. Don't forget your vitamin D, and use a high dose of C. If you have had any illness in the past 6 months, talk with your health care provider about "doing a detox", fall is the perfect time to clean any toxins out of your system and get your immune system tuned up.
Lay in supplies of what ever you choose to comfort you when you do start to feel sick. Garlic supplements, oxygen supplements, high dose c's and Thieves blend therapeutic grade oil are a few of my favorites. Have them on hand so you don't have to go out to get supplies if you start to feel ill.
Get it clear in your mind now that if you are feeling ill, you will stay home from work or school. Be prepared to take a day or two off if necessary, and decide what it is you must do to feel comfortable with that.
Clean your home with non-toxic substances, and make sure the furnace filter is the best you can afford, to help cut down on airborne pathogens. Get a cold diffuser from Young Living and start diffusing therapeutic grade oils. This will assure that the air in your home is free of pathogens and smelling fresh even when the windows and doors are closed tight to keep out the cold.
Start a regular exercise program now. Exercise increases immunity. Choose something you can do inside in the winter. Maybe it's as simple as walking up and down the stairs in your home for 30 minutes a day, maybe it's a yoga or zumba DVD, maybe it's a basketball league or a regular stop at the the local YMCA pool. What ever-" just do it"!
Last but not least, decide now what you are going to do if another round of "pandemic flu" is touted by the media and big pharma floods the market with "must have vaccines". Do you really need a vaccination? Be prepared to do your homework before you stick out your bare arm. Here's a good resource
http://www.nvic.org/
Patients often ask me if I'm getting a vaccine. The answer is no, I'm definitely not. I opted out of booster shots as a teen, and my mother, a nurse no less, was not happy with my choice but allowed me the choice and signed the waiver for me. I have not had a shot since.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Lunch and Learn for your Employees
I’ve presented wellness topics to hundreds of groups over the past 14 years, from national companies like AOL, Lockheed Martin and Pepsi to local based Solvay bank, C&S Engineers, Suny ESF and Suny Oswego. My teaching experience also includes classes in wellness topics for Syracuse University and St. Joe’s School of Nursing. My resume is posted on my office blog at www.northstarnotes.blogspot.com
These talks can be presented in 45 minutes to 1 ½ hour time slots, customized for your schedule. Where applicable, hand outs are sent via e-mail to HR which can either e-mail them or print for distribution. All classes include a short power point presentation and an interactive learning section designed to teach your employees how to use the information presented. Prices start at $150.00, so any company can afford to help their employees stay well. Purchase, schedule and pre-pay for a series of 3 classes and get 10% off.
For more information e-mail Dr. Coff at northstarnotes@aol.com please put “health classes” in the subject line. Normal response time for e-mail can be up to 3 days.
For immediate attention call (315) 635-2739, all calls returned no later than the next business day.
Class Topics Include:
Exercise Motivation
At this point, most people are well aware they would benefit from regular exercise, yet, very few do regular exercise. This class is about how to get motivated and stay that way, how to make exercise more fun, and include it in your schedule everyday.
Breathing Meditation for Stress Reduction
Studies confirm that even a few minutes a day of a deep breathing meditation can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and have lasting effects for the rest of the day.
Learn a simple quick breathing exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime.
How to Avoid Metabolic Syndrome
What exactly is metabolic syndrome and how do you get it? What steps can be taken to avoid this combination of deadly health challenges. This program gives a brief overview and then focuses on developing habits that will help you avoid metabolic syndrome. Interactive quiz to identify risk factors.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Do you really have to shop at an expensive health food store to eat healthy? No, definitely not. Learn ways to lower your food bill and increase your health by eating variety, colors, easy home made, and natural foods. Interactive- take the food variety quiz.
How To Get a Good Nights Sleep
The average worker is tired. Most people do not get enough rest, and when they do sleep, they don’t sleep well. Productivity suffers. Covering how to reduce stress before bed time, make sure your bedroom promotes sleep, how to get on a sleep schedule and stay there, and foods and drinks that disrupt sleep. Participate in a guided visualization relaxation exercise to use before bedtime.
Listen to Your Body
Are you ignoring early warning signs that something is amiss? We will explore the many ways your body communicates with you through your skin, eyes, breath, weight, headaches, and more. We will take a journey of awareness and visualization to explore how our individual bodies feel right now and to facilitate body awareness. NOTE: This class is for informational purpose only, no attempt to diagnose, treat or give medical advice is intended. Students will be reminded that only a competent health care professional can diagnose and treat illness, and any concerns about specific health problems should be discussed with their doctor.
Beating The Winter Blues
We will take a look at the facts behind Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and how the climate in CNY increases your chance of feeling the effects of SAD. Then, learn integrative therapies for home use. Light boxes, essential oils, dietary changes, music, home environment and more. Interactive section- take the ready for winter quiz, and sample essential oils.
Introduction to Integrative Therapies
Thinking about using natural therapies to increase your health?
Learn about the ancient healing arts of Reiki, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Massage, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Reflexology, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Breath Work. Learn what to expect from a session, how to find a provider, and the basic benefits of each. Interactive energy and breath exercise.
Aromatherapy Basics
Essential Oils use is on the rise. People commonly carry oils with them to use as instant de-stressors, to increase clarity and focus, to energize and relax. Learn how to choose the best oils for your needs, how to apply oils safely, and when oils use is appropriate. Interactive section includes sampling oils.
Natural Protection for Your Health in the Winter Season
The most cost effective way to take care of your health is to avoid illness. Learn simple natural ways to protect your health in the coming winter months. This program includes getting more rest, supplements to increase immune function, the importance of sunlight, how to make your home healthier, and the benefit of bodywork to increase wellness. Interactive - take the winter health preparation quiz.
The All Natural Medicine Cabinet
As more reports surface about the side effects of drugs, ( current estimates are 100,000 people die from drug side effects each year) it’s good to know natural alternatives for pain relief, headaches, stomach upsets, colds and a variety of other conditions that can safely be addressed with natural alternatives. Interactive- the “what’s in your drug cabinet” quiz. NOTE: This class is for informational purpose only, no attempt to diagnose, treat or give medical advice is intended. Students will be reminded that only a competent health care professional can diagnose and treat illness, and any concerns about specific health problems should be discussed with their doctor.
Just Sitting
Do you crave a little quiet? Would you like to learn a quick and easy way to free yourself from all the rushing? Would you like to quickly reduce stress?
Guided visualization and energy awareness coupled with instruction on how to make a few moments feel like an hour. This is not a meditation class, however, you will learn techniques used in a variety of meditation traditions.
The Peak Performance Diet
With so many diet alternatives on the market, how does one decide what is healthy? This class teaches a simple, effective way to look at eating and figure out how to decrease the chance of weight gain. We cover the basic food components (fats, carbohydrates and protein), and how to decide which food is what. Then we look at combining these three components at each meal to make for healthy eating. Interactive- build your own food pyramid, and compare it to a healthy food pyramid.
Don’t see the topic you are looking for? Call me to request a topic specifically for your employees. Dr. Joan Coff (315) 635-2739
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Chiropractic care helps reduce blood pressure
http://cbs4.com/health/Blood.pressure.chiropractor.2.1716071.html
If you know someone who would like to reduce their dependence on blood pressure meds, or someone who has "borderline" high blood pressure and may soon be on meds, pass this on to them. For the month of June, I offer free consultations for anyone who wonders if this approach would work for them. Just call (315) 635-2739 to make an appointment.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Healthy Food Links
www.sustainabletable.org
www.eatwellguide.org
www.animalwelfareapproved.org
Many people have opted for at least one day a week with out meat, Meatless Mondays are catching on and I think it's great. It's only one day, but multiply by many many families and it has a positive impact on the environment and your health
Friday, February 5, 2010
Essential Oils Catalog now on line
Go to www.youngliving.com then click on products. At the bottom of the menu click on virtual catalogs and check it out. It's easy to use.
Prices changed as of the first of Feb. and they also have a new price list you can download and print if you like. I think this catalog is a great. If you like to have a paper catalog, you can order the new one from Young Living.
I just had the opportunity to smell a oil blend I had never smelled before. Thanks to Camille for bringing the Release into the office for me to sample. It's a wonderful floral, citrus scent. Would make a lovely perfume. I found it to be very relaxing. And, no kidding, these days, who wouldn't like a little help releasing stress!
I also recently opened a bottle of the Idaho Balsam Fir, and wow! It is beautiful! I wasn't sure I would like it because I'm not crazy about pine, however this was nothing like I expected. It, to my nose, has undertones of fruit and a nice warm scent. Reminds me of something tropical, although I know these trees grow in a cold climate. I have yet to try it on muscle aches, which I hear it's wonderful for. I found the scent very relaxing.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Eating Healthy
I thought both were good, for a beginner, the Dummies book is better. I loved the sections that explain what all those unusual health foods like tofu and Nori are, and how to use them. I actually made vegan sushi over the weekend, it was easy, and the book helped me identify exactly what it was that sushi is wrapped in!
You don't have to be vegan, or even vegetarian to appreciate these books, anyone who is trying to eat healthy, loose weight or reduce their footprint on the planet will find them helpful.
Stacy also just started a blog about her adventures in changing the way her family eats. Here is the link.
http://www.piggiesinperil.com/
Check it out!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Aromatherapy with Therapeutic Grade Oils
We are convinced that these oils are the most pure and contain the therapeutic constituents needed for effective action in the body.
If you would like to learn more about using therapeutic oils for your family and friends, please call us. We have some oils available for sale at the office and we order from Young Living twice each month and we are happy to special order for you. If you would like, come to one of our classes on essential oils, or host a home party for your family and friends.
For more information contact us at North Star Natural Health Center
92 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
(315) 635-2739
Chiropractic, Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Essential Oils, Heart Centered Healing
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Chiropractors Come Out On Top in Consumer Report Study
In April 2009 Consumer Reports released the results of a patient survey study, that will be published in their May 2009 paper edition, showing that chiropractic rated highest among patients in satisfaction of relief of back pain. Results of the study were reported on in several news articles including an
The survey noted that 80% of US adults report having back pain some time in their lives. Of those responding to the survey, chiropractic received the highest grade with 59% saying that they were "highly satisfied" with their results. Physical therapy and acupuncture rated second and third with 55% and 53% respectively. In comparison, satisfaction with medical specialist and primary care medical physicians rated only 44% and 34% respectively.
CBS News medical expert Dr. Jennifer Ashton commented that the results of this study reflect what she is seeing in her practice. She noted that back pain is the most common ailment in the country and it is difficult to treat. Dr. Ashton stated that her patients are looking elsewhere, "They're staying away from things like medication, prescription drugs and surgery." Dr. Ashton also warned against a "quick fix" to get rid of the pain. She noted, "A lot of times that's prescription narcotics, which is actually probably the worst thing for you." She also warned, "Surgery is another option, but one that should be used as a last resort."
Dr. John Maltby, President of the International Chiropractors Association added, "For well over 100 years, chiropractors have been seeing a large number of patients suffering with back problems. And although chiropractic does not directly treat the pain, we do work to correct the underlying structural and neurological problem that, in many cases, is causing the problem. This study shows what we have known for a long time. Chiropractic get results and helps people lead normal and healthier lives."
To Make an appointment for Chiropractic Services, call Dr. Coff at (315) 635-2739
North Star Natural Health Center
92 East Genesee Street Baldwinsville, NY, - just minutes from Syracuse
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
This Just In From CNN
The research, published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that the same CT scans at different hospitals could expose patients to highly varied, and sometimes dangerous, doses of radiation.
"The articles in this issue make clear that there is far more radiation from medical CT scans than has been recognized previously," wrote the journal editor, according to the L.A. Times.
Women account for about two-thirds of the death rate, because they are more sensitive to radiation, the Times reported.
Not everyone agrees with the studies' conclusions.
James Thrall, chairman of the American College of Radiology, said patients could have had conditions that predisposed them to cancer, he told USA Today.
Experts suggest patients keep copies of their medical records and ask about testing procedures that don't expose them to radiation, the national paper reported.
WOW!
This is a good example of why you might seek Natural Care first, and consider medical care as a last resort.
Stay Tuned for a updated list of products and services available here at North Star.
Make your new year your healthiest yet! Invest in natural health care.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Healthy Natural Soup
I wonder if you saw this recent article? I've copied it for you and included, at the end, my suggestions and a recipe for natural quick soup.
(Nov. 9) -- Opening a can of soup on a cold winter day is a time-honored tradition in America. It may also prove harmful to your health, according to a new study.
In the study released by Consumer Reports, canned soup, tuna, juice and green beans have all been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of bisphenol A, a man-made chemical preservative that increases shelf-life. Hundreds of scientific, peer-reviewed studies have suggested health risks from exposure to the chemical, known as BPA, including increased incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disorders, breast cancer and abnormal reproductive organ development, Consumer Reports said.
"Just one or a few servings of these products is enough to take you to a level of concern, in which the scientific literature shows similar levels causing problems in animals," says Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist at Consumer Reports who was involved in analyzing the data.
The highest concentrations of BPA that Consumer Reports measured were in Campbell's and Progresso soup cans, and canned Del Monte green beans. The magazine even discovered BPA in the canned version of Similac Advance infant formula.
Anthony Sanzio, a spokesman for Campbell's, took issue with the notion that the BPA used to line the cans of his company's signature product is in any way unsafe. "Every leading regulatory agency in the world has concluded that BPA is safe," Sanzio said. "We use BPA to protect what's inside the can, and ensure safety."
According to Consumer Reports, however, a 165-pound adult who ate one serving of canned green beans would exceed by about 80 times what the magazine's experts considered an acceptable daily amount of BPA. Children who ate multiple daily servings of foods found to have high levels of BPA would approach levels found to have done harm in animals, the report said.
Current federal guidelines, which Consumer Reports believes are based on inaccurate science, limit exposure of BPA to 50 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Sanzio notes that Campbell's is adhering to the law.
I suggest you don't use canned vegetables of any kind, frozen is a better choice and of course, fresh is the best choice of all. Buy juice in glass only, and as far as tuna is concerned, I just would not use it. Now- here is my recipe for quick natural soup-
Soup for 4 people-
1 box natural soup broth or 3 cubes of organic no salt vegie bullion
2 cups of cooked instant brown rice
8 cups of fresh washed, cut vegies ( you can use frozen, but fresh is better!)
If you want to add meat or other protein, add 2 cups of cubed firm tofu, pre-cooked turkey, chicken, or beef.
1/2 t. pepper
1 t garlic powder
1 t herb of your choice- rosemary, oregano, nutmeg, basil, all work well, choose one or more.
It takes about 10 minutes to make the brown rice, so put that on the stove and chop and boil the meat you want to use while the rice is cooking.
You can also pan fry the meat if you like, chicken strips, turkey burger, thin steaks, all of these can be cooked quickly on the stove top. Cook the meat thoroughly as you are not going to cook the soup long once you throw it all together.
I usually wash all the vegies when I bring them home from the store, so when I make the evening meal I just pull what I need out of the crisper and chop it up. This really saves time. Use a few stalks of celery, half an onion, two or three potatoes, ( sweet potatoes work well too!) a few carrots, a few broccoli tops, maybe some butter nut squash, really the choices are unlimited. Figure two cups of vegies for each person eating.
Cut the hard vegies, like potatoes and carrots into small pieces for quick cooking. Cut the soft vegies, like broccoli and sweet peppers into larger pieces so they do not over cook. If you want to add spinach or other greens, do so in the last two minutes of cooking.
Mix and match your vegies- one day use broccoli, mushrooms and squash and anther day use potatoes carrots, green beans and corn. This same basic recipe can be altered by adding different meats, vegies, spices and broth flavors to make many enjoyable soups. I often omit the rice and add pre-cooked beans ( I buy organic, dry beans, I cook and freeze them in serving size containers), You can also use pre cooked pasta, add it in the last two minutes of cooking.
When the meat and rice are cooked, put them in a large pot and add everything else. Put over a high fire and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the vegetables are cooked, crisp not mushy please!
Your soup is ready to serve with the addition of salt to taste, and if you like garnish with some grated cheese. Serve this with whole grain bread and a salad for a very healthy and quick meal!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Only weeks after the release of a Wellmark Pilot study that suggest chiropractic care can reduce both costs and the need for surgery, Milliman USA has released finding from “An Actuarial Analysis on the Impact of Chiropractic Care on the cost of Medical Care for Patients with common Spinal Diagnosis”, a previously confidential report that adds to the mounting evidence linking utilization of chiropractic services with significant cost savings. The bottom line? It was found that spinal patients who seek chiropractic care have materially lower health care costs than those who use other types of care.
Happenings-- Dr. Joan will be contributing an article on Staying Healthy the Natural Way During Flu Season to an issue of The Baldwinsville Messenger. The article in its original form is included in this newsletter for your information and enjoyment. The Messenger, with limited space, asked for the article to be edited to less than 500 words, so a short version will appear in a future issue.
The Baldwinsville Library will host a class on Staying Healthy the Natural Way During Flu Season on November 19th with Dr. Joan as the speaker.
Dr. Joan will be teaching a class on Seasonal Effective Disorder- How to Beat The Winter Blues, as part of St. Joe’s Hospital School of Nursing monthly lunch and learn programs on November 16th. She is also on the schedule for two more classes after the first of the year, including one on Reiki- seems the nurses are really asking a lot of questions about this energy healing method.
Specials for the season—
It’s not too early to plan for the holidays and we want to help make your holidays happy and stress free. Save money and get everything you need by taking advantage of these specials:
Reiki Gift Certificates are available for one hour Reiki Sessions with Dr. Joan at 20.00 off the normal one hour fee. A one hour session gift certificate is just $50.00
Massage Gift Certificates are always a treasured gift. Camille has gift certificates for a one hour session at just $45.00 and a one half hour session for just $25.00.
A gift of Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil is a gift that will last for months. We put together a list of oils under 25.00 a bottle, and all oils are on sale through the first week of December at the preferred customer pricing. Just contact either one of us to place an order. Essential Oils are safe, effective, last for a very long time and are easy to wrap and ship for holiday giving. We will include an Oils Users Guide for each gift oil purchased, so the recipient will know just how to use the oil. The following oils are under 25.00 a bottle-
Basil $24.03- fatigue, achy muscles, refreshes the mind and good for cooking!
Cedarwood $11.82- relaxing, soothing, used for oily skin.
Cypress $20.55- Refreshing, restores feelings of security, increases circulation
Douglas Fir $20.84 - Perfect scent for the holidays, great for sore muscles!
Elemi $18.24- spicy scent soft and calming. Used for reducing fine lines on skin.
Grapefruit $17.37- Energizing, clean scent that helps control appetite.
Lavender $24.03 - a best seller used for so many things! Relaxes, helps sleep, skin care.
Lemon $11.29- Refreshing, uplifting, use for cleaning, cooking, disinfecting.
Lemongrass $12.16- mild lemon scent, balancing, improves mental clarity
Peppermint $22.87- Uplifting, energizing. Enhances memory, reduces appetite
Rosemary $16.21-reduced fatigue, restores mental clarity, cooking
Spearmint $ 12.45 -restores a sense of balance and wellbeing, cooking
Spruce $22.87 – perfect for the season, peaceful, balancing, refreshing
Tangerine $ 18.53- calms nervous tension, sense of security, uplifting
Blends
Christmas Spirit $18.11- Orange, cinnamon, and spruce oils- a great holiday scent!
Citrus Fresh $16.21-orange, tangerine, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit and spearmint.
Clarity $24.03 –basil, rosewood, cardamom, chamomile, geranium, rosemary and more!
En-R-Gee $22.58 –rosemary, nutmeg, pepper, juniper, balsam fir, lemongrass, clove
Evergreen Essence $22.87- blue spruce, red cedar, pole pine, white fir, and more.
Purification $20.55 –Citronella, lemongrass lavandin, rosemary, melaleuca, myrtle
Valor $22.87 –spruce, blue tansy, rosewood, frankincense
For more complete descriptions of these oils and blends, go to www.youngliving.com and search by name.
As always, we want to thank you for your trust in us. If we can help any of your friends or family members, just give us a call.
Now- How to stay healthy naturally this winter-
Your Immune system, when functioning properly, can ward off bacterial and viral infections. Start making changes now that will support your immune system in the coming cold and flu season.
Your immune system effectiveness is reduced when it is “spread to thin”. Decreasing the number of things it has to deal with, frees the immune system up to focus more resources on bacterial and viral invaders.
1. Decrease your sugar intake. Studies show that sugar reduces the ability of your immune system to fight invaders effectively. Reduce the number of sweets your family eats, and plan healthy substitutes for holiday sugary treats.
2. Reduce toxins in your environment. Over the counter drugs can reduce your immune systems ability to fight. Use natural remedies for everyday allergies, aches, pains, headaches and upset stomachs. Also, if you have not “gone green”, now would be a good time. Chemical cleaners used in the home can place a strain on the immune system. Use all natural cleaners instead.
3. Reduce stress. Easy said, right? Everyone is under stress, and for each person the things that cause stress are different. Take a look at the things in your life that stress you out. Is there some way you can reduce these stressors during flu season? Maybe your life is to hectic, can you schedule a little “down time” each day, or every few days to rest and relax? Maybe the holidays really stress you out. Can you make some choices now to pass on holiday activities that seem to be more trouble than they are worth?
The next step to a healthier immune system is to increase the things that help it function.
4. Get enough rest. This may be the most important thing you can do on a regular basis to increase immune function. Take out your calendar now and plan regular rest time for you and your family. Pencil it in just like you would any other important activity and then stick to your plan.
5. Eat Healthy. Get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and pass on the sweets and junk food. Take an all natural vitamin supplement every day. If you aren’t sure what to take, consult with a natural health care provider.
6. Get a massage. Not only does massage relax you, (see # 3) and give you a much needed break from stress, it also is restful for your body ( see #4). However, more importantly, studies show that massage has physical benefits way beyond relaxation. Massage increases immune function, increases blood and lymph circulation, stimulates the release of endorphins, lowers blood pressure and reduces heart rate, while it increases lung function.
7. Partner with a natural health care provider. Especially if you feel your immune system is already weak, if you suffer from allergies, asthma, chronic disease or you are sick a lot, your immune system is already weak. Don’t wait until you get sicker to seek help. Natural health care providers, such as chiropractors, can assist you in strengthening your immune system. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to increase immune function. Chiropractors are experts in assisting people like you to find better health.
Dr. Joan Coff ▫ North Star Natural Health Center ▫ 92 East Genesee Street Baldwinsville, NY 13027 ▪ (315) 635-2739 www.northstarnotes.blogspot.com
Chiropractic ◊ Massage ◊ Reiki ◊ Aromatherapy ◊ Nutrition ◊ Reflexology
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Does your child or someone you know have scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can, if it gets bad enough, affect the lungs and heart and cause serious health problems for your child.
Typically, after diagnosis the child is referred to a pediatric orthopedist for evaluation. With scoliosis under 25 degrees (the curve is measured by degrees) the parents will be told to “wait and see how bad it gets” before care is recommended. With scoliosis of 25 to 40 degrees, a hard brace is used to try and slow the curve growth. A scoliosis above 40 degrees is referred for spinal surgery.
In 1993 I attended the International Scoliosis Foundation to become certified in scoliosis correction. Since 1993 I have worked with numerous parents and children to correct scoliosis without the use of braces or surgery. Following specific protocols, I use chiropractic adjustments, massage, and exercises - and, if necessary heel lifts to gently and naturally correct the curvature of the spine. In many cases I have been able to achieve 100% correction. I have worked with cases from 12 degrees to 50 degrees, as well as young adults who had surgery and rod placement before the natural approach was an accepted alternative. I have also worked with adults whose scoliosis was not addressed when they were children. In the case of adults 100% correction is rare; however, even a 50 % correction can greatly relieve the discomfort associated with untreated scoliosis.
The Scoliosis Care Foundation was created in 2001 to educate the public on early detection and conservative treatment for scoliosis, with an emphasis on avoiding surgery. The Foundation recommends chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation rather than waiting for serious progression and surgical intervention.
If your child, or a child you know has been diagnosed with scoliosis, you can call my office at (315) 635-2739 to schedule a no cost consultation and evaluation for your child, and learn more about the natural, safe and very effective correction techniques I employ.
If you are an adult with untreated scoliosis, the same offer applies.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Recent research reporting on infants with colic and acid reflux reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping resolve these conditions.
Atlanta, GA, May 22, 2009
The research on 16 infants, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, revealed that ten of the infants experienced a difficult birth that may have resulted in spinal injuries predisposing the children to these problems.
“Research is revealing that injuries to the upper part of the neck may be a factor in a number of disorders. These injuries lead to misalignments in the neck that may compress the spinal cord and other nerve structures in the neck. This compression leads to nerve interference and can result in a host of disorders such as colic and acid reflux” stated Dr. Erin Elster the author of the study.
Dr. Elster previously studied the relationship between upper neck injuries and such disorders as Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, asthma, headaches and Tourette’s in clinical studies. Reviews of the scientific research reveal numerous other studies that have shown a similar connection.
“It makes a lot of sense when you think about it” stated Dr.=2 0Matthew McCoy a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study, “If you damage or compress the neurological structures in the neck this can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body. Through research like Dr. Elster’s we are finding that correcting the misalignments associated with these injuries reduces the nerve compression and people improve. In this study it was infants suffering from colic and acid reflux.”
Ordinarily infants suffering from colic and acid reflux may be given medications that in many cases have not been fully studied in children. Finding the cause of the colic or reflux is a much better strategy. One such cause is thought to be spinal misalignments, termed vertebral subluxations by chiropractors, which result in structural and neurological interference to the spine and nerve system. It is this interference that may cause symptoms such as those seen in this study and chiropractors correct or reduce this interference.
In the study, sixteen infants with colic or acid reflux were evaluated and cared for using protocols developed to correct upper neck subluxations. Histories of birth trauma were reported in 10 cases; upper cervical subluxations were found in all 16 cases; and 100% of the cases responded to chiropractic care with symptoms completely resolved. According to Dr. Elster, these results suggest a link between birth trauma, upper cervical injury, and the onset of colic and acid reflux. Correcting the injury to the upper cervical spine through the use of specific chiropractic adjustments appears to eliminate colic and acid reflux. The author calls for further study in a controlled environment with larger sample sizes.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spring is a great time to detox
It is not difficult to detoxify your system. There are many ways to do so. It is important to have the back up of a natural health care provider for your detox, because at times, your body will toss off toxins in a manner that may make you think you are sick. You may need extra supplementation, body work or other support for your detox. It's important to have a trained professional on your team, one who can help you determine what detox is best for you, how long to detox and monitor your symptoms through the process.
For more information on detoxing to cleanse the body and to loose weight, call us!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Reiki Level One Class March 21st
This class is designed for anyone, even those people with no previous body work experiance will leave the class confident in their ability to give a Reiki treatment.
The first half of the class we will cover the history and use of Reiki and do the attunment process.
After a one hour break, we will work on clients together. During the afternoon sessions we will cover different hands on techniques, discuss the differences you will find from client to client and review hand positions.
The last hour of class is tea time and question and answer, review and what ever else come up.
The cost is 165.00 and includes two one hour Reiki sessions with Master practitioner Dr. Joan.
call (315) 635-2739 to register.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Toxic Mold Could Be The Answer
• allergies
• asthma
• breathing difficulties
• cancer
• recurring colds
• chronic coughing
• dermatitis
• skin rashes
• fatigue (chronic, excessive, or continued)
• flu symptoms (chronic)
• general malaise
• sudden hair loss
• headaches
• hives
• irritability
• itching
• learning difficulties
• mental dysfunction
• personality changes
• memory loss or memory difficulties
• runny nose (rhinitis)
• seizures
• sinus congestion
• sinus problems
• chronic sinusitis
• skin redness
• sleep disorders
• sneezing fits
• sore throat
• tremors (shaking)
• vertigo (feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness and unsteadiness)
If you suspect that your home is contaminated with mold, do not use bleach to clean it because bleach causes most of the same symptoms as mold! Call us at 635-2739 to learn about all natural non-toxic ways to eliminate mold.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Reiki Level One Class
Date: February 21st
Time: 10am to 5pm
Location: 92 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville
for more information on cost and required text, call (315) 635-2739
Friday, January 16, 2009
Basic Essential Oils Class
Learn how to help your family stay well naturally, and get well if they become sick, with out the use of over-the-counter medications.
Learn economical preventative measures for the winter cold and flu season.
Learn how to build an all natural first aid kit for your home, car or office.
Sample a wide variety of therapeutic grade essentials oils.
Reserve your seat by calling 635-2739
admission is $20.00