What are the most common reasons we get misaligments (subluxations) in the spine?

1.  Macrotrauma- Classic injuries that result from trauma to the spine through car accidents, sports injuries and falls.

2.  Microtrauma- Repetitive stress injuries as a result of chronic bad posture (school, workstations, car, etc.), a chronic sedentary lifestyle and overuse injuries.

Unresolved trauma leads to TISSUE INJURY.

Tissue injury leads to SCAR DEPOSITION in muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and discs.

Scar deposition leads to DECREASED MOTION in the surrounding joints and tissues.

Decreased motion leads to DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE.

Degenerative joint disease can and will create DAMAGE TO YOUR NERVE SYSTEM.

If you don’t want to end up with back problems like 80% of North Americans, take care of your body, spine and nervous system for life!

Question:  I’m a very busy person, and I find it especially difficult in the summer to prepare healthy snacks for my family and myself.  Do you have any recommendations?

Feeling busy and overwhelmed is a common theme in today’s society, particularly during the summer season.  But this is when it becomes even more important to avoid slipping into the mode of convenience snacking (ie – toxic, fast foods and sugary snacks.)  Here are some healthy alternatives:

1        Get nuts about nuts!  Raw, unsalted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or brazil nuts are packed with power, protein and omega 3′s.

2        Get serious with seeds!  Try a handful of sunflower, sesame or pumpkin.

3        Go yo-yo, over yogurt.  Organic, unsweetened yogurt… make this a nutrient-rich snack by mixing in “Berry Greens”.  Our kids love this!

4        Have fun with fruit.  Berries are the best…and always go organic!

5        Go green.  Cut up your favorite veggies and bring along your dressing of choice.

6        Blast your energy with a bar.  Choose a bar that is high in fiber and protein, but low in sugar…try “VEGA” bars.

7        Try an apple or pear with a stick of cheese.

8        Get healthy protein from hard boiled eggs.

9        Kick start the afternoon with a smoothie.  A protein-berry smoothie is a great way to give your energy a boost. 

10    Always, always, always go with water!  The average person drinks only 2 glasses of water a day.  See how your energy increases and your cravings subside if you drink 8 glasses.

Happy snacking!

What do the Nicoya Peninsula, Sardinia, Vilcabomba, Hunza Valley and Okinowa have in common?

HEALTH! 

These regions are referred to as the BLUE ZONES…they are inhabited by the healthiest people in the world.  These people differ genetically, culturally and geographically.  But there is one thing they all have in common… healthy habits. 

I have been fascinated by what these diverse groups of people all do the same… and that is ultimately what inspired me to create this site. So here it is…

1.  Healing…these societies don’t use western medicine and drugs as their primary source of medicine.  Instead they use natural healing modalities that increase body-mind function.

2.  Movement…they stay moving everyday…whether farming their land, walking into town, or a regular fitness routine.

3.  Nourishment… whole food, organic, non-refined, high energy food… need I say more?

4.  Harmony…low levels of stress and high levels of rest.  Their lifestyle embraces balance, friendship, spiritual connection and community.

5.  Clarity… they have incredible positive head space, ”de-clutter” their minds through meditation or spiritual practice, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

These are what I call the “Wellness Factors”  and this is the first step in taking your HEALTH SCORE.

Here is a video to inspire you to stay on track with what you want…especially as it pertains to your body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJQqzJj534

Whether its eating healthier, losing weight, or healing your spine you are working hard to reach your health goals.  Stay on track, persevere, turn up the heat and believe it is possible.

The difference between winners and losers is…one more step!

Dr. Bentham