Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Tidings
I would like to wish each of you a very Merry, and most blessed Christmas season. May God's joy and peace be with you and your families during this holiday season. Stay healthy, strong, and smiling!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Chiropractic Care and the Flu Season
If you've never thought of going to see your Chiropractor because you were feeling "under the weather", perhaps you should. Although Chiropractic care does not directly treat the cold or flu, Chiropractic adjustments of certain regions of the spine have been shown to help stimulate the immune system. The effects have been found to be evident by numerous recent research studies, as well as statistical data collected by the World Chiropractic Alliance:
“These results are not so surprising given what we now know about the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, WCA Board member and Editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. “Through research we know that chiropractic has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B-lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes.”
One such study, conducted by Patricia Brennan Ph.D and her team, found that when a chiropractic “manipulation” was applied to the middle back, the response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the manipulation was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before and 30 and 45 minutes after the chiropractic procedure. This research demonstrated an “enhanced respiratory burst” following the chiropractic adjustment. This “burst” is needed for our immune cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
Chiropractic adjustment have also been found to bring relief to congested sinuses and Eustacian tubes, which bear close proximity to the Cervical Spine. Simple soft tissue work when combined with chiropractic and proper nutritional support can bring great relief to patients of all ages.
For more details about how chiropractic care can help boost your immune system and decrease the severity of your cold and flu symptoms, check out our most recent newsletter from Action Sports Chiropractic & Wellness.
(Additional Source: http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/media/fluseason.htm)
Friday, December 12, 2008
ASC Receives 2008 Best of San Diego Award
Thank you to all of our supporters online and in the community!
Press Release
Action Sports Chiropractic & Wellness Receives 2008 Best of San Diego Award
WASHINGTON D.C., December 8, 2008 -- Action Sports Chiropractic & Wellness has been selected for the 2008 Best of San Diego Award in the Chiropractic Clinics category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Local Business AssociationThursday, December 4, 2008
Healthy Gift Ideas for the Athlete & Active Lifestyle
I always find it a little crazy how each year we get together to spend time to be thankful about all we have been blessed with in life, and then follow it up a few hours later with "but there is a great sale at the mall and I HAVE TO HAVE MORE!!!!"
I also have learned that this is a part of today's society and culture, and gift giving still a great thing to do. So this year, I'd like to recommend that you rethink that extra XBox game or new shirt, and get something your favorite person can actually benefit from: Better Health.
So how are you supposed to help someone improve their health? Easy. Check out www.MyNutritionalFitness.com for a huge selection of fantastic products that can help to improve every aspect looking and feeling great from the inside, out. In case you're not sure where to start, here are a few of my personal favorite products:
- Simply Nutrilite Women's Supplement Packs
- Nutrilite GinkoBiloba with DHA for Brain Health & Memory
- Glucosamine-7 for improved Joint Health in just 7 Days
- Nutrilite CLA500- Reduce body fat while supporting lean muscle retention
- XS Energy Drink- Caffine Free Cranberry Grape- All the vitamins, none of the jitters
- Nutrilite Chocolate Fudge Protien Shake
- Artistry Time Defiance Skin Care System
- eSpring Water Purifier
Monday, November 10, 2008
Keeping an eye on your Insurance
Throughout my time in health care, the most frequent questions that ever occur have been in regard to the mass confusion that often results from patients trying to understand their health insurance and benefits. Although most of my day is spent as a care provider, I'm also a consumer, so I can truly feel for anyone that has found themselves in this situation. As the year begins to come to a close, I'd like to provide a few tips to help you to better utilize your insurance benefits.
1. Pay attention to when your health insurance ends its benefits year. Most insurance companies still utilize December 31st. However, there are a number of plan that now use selected dates throughout the year, based on your date of acceptance, your birthday, or some date in July they randomly decided upon. If you are not sure when yours is, call your insurance agent or ask your health care provider to check on this for you.
2. Use it or lose it. "Deductible" is the amount that must be paid by the insured, before the benefits of the policy can apply. If you have already met your deductible for the year, and know you are in need of health care, I highly recommend taking the time to make your appointments and get the care you need before the benefit year ends. If you wait, you'll have to start paying to meet the new year's deductible all over again, when you could have saved yourself some cash.
3. Know thy policy. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people debating whether or not they do or don't have coverage for services and products only to find out that they misread or didn't read their explanation of benefits (EOB) when they came in the mail. The next time you see one mailed to you, instead of clicking delete or tearing it up, make sure that you pay attention to the details. If you don't agree with it, or don't understand some of the codes they are using, ask the billing department to explain it to you. Most billing departments would like to know if an error has been made, as well.
4. Hate it, love it, deal with it. The bottom line is that unless you are the owner of an insurance company, or are lucky enough to have a fantastic policy provided by your company, pretty much no one else likes insurance. Consmers and providers alike can find it extremely aggravating and difficult to deal with, but deal with it we must, and therefore we each must decide to simply take it or leave it.
Who knows, maybe in the next few years we will all win the world lotto and never have to worry about coverage again. Then again, we'll probably just find something else we dont like about its replacement. So until then, good luck and happy health hunting.
And by the way, if you are in need of pain relief, sports medicine or stress management assistance, call us at Action Sports Chiropractic & Wellness, 858-481-0303, to make an appointment today. Do it now while you are thinking about it, and before the rush of the holidays. We promise we will be more than happy to explain your insurance coverage.
1. Pay attention to when your health insurance ends its benefits year. Most insurance companies still utilize December 31st. However, there are a number of plan that now use selected dates throughout the year, based on your date of acceptance, your birthday, or some date in July they randomly decided upon. If you are not sure when yours is, call your insurance agent or ask your health care provider to check on this for you.
2. Use it or lose it. "Deductible" is the amount that must be paid by the insured, before the benefits of the policy can apply. If you have already met your deductible for the year, and know you are in need of health care, I highly recommend taking the time to make your appointments and get the care you need before the benefit year ends. If you wait, you'll have to start paying to meet the new year's deductible all over again, when you could have saved yourself some cash.
3. Know thy policy. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people debating whether or not they do or don't have coverage for services and products only to find out that they misread or didn't read their explanation of benefits (EOB) when they came in the mail. The next time you see one mailed to you, instead of clicking delete or tearing it up, make sure that you pay attention to the details. If you don't agree with it, or don't understand some of the codes they are using, ask the billing department to explain it to you. Most billing departments would like to know if an error has been made, as well.
4. Hate it, love it, deal with it. The bottom line is that unless you are the owner of an insurance company, or are lucky enough to have a fantastic policy provided by your company, pretty much no one else likes insurance. Consmers and providers alike can find it extremely aggravating and difficult to deal with, but deal with it we must, and therefore we each must decide to simply take it or leave it.
Who knows, maybe in the next few years we will all win the world lotto and never have to worry about coverage again. Then again, we'll probably just find something else we dont like about its replacement. So until then, good luck and happy health hunting.
And by the way, if you are in need of pain relief, sports medicine or stress management assistance, call us at Action Sports Chiropractic & Wellness, 858-481-0303, to make an appointment today. Do it now while you are thinking about it, and before the rush of the holidays. We promise we will be more than happy to explain your insurance coverage.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote for Health Care
I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but if for some reason you have been living in a bubble and didn't know it- Today is Election Day! Hopefully by now you have had a chance to look at all the issues surrounding our country and your community, and are either on your way to the polls or have already voted. If you haven't, or don't plan on voting today, I urge you to please reconsider and do it now.
I realize that, depending on your state, some people may feel that there is no point in voting. After all, isn't it all decided on electoral votes anyhow? Well, I have to admit sometimes I feel that way as well. However, I would like to remind you of how important your vote is when it comes to Propositions of State and County. In case you haven't noticed, or have just avoided them, there are many other propositions and candidates for positions that are not all over TV ads. Issues like fire safety, district development, fund allocations, and of course, health care.
Whether or not you vote for a Republican or a Democrat, just be sure you go out and vote. Too many people complain about Today's social problems, yet do absolutely nothing about trying to help improve them. Figure out what you believe in, and make the decision to support it today. Go Vote. Your Voice Counts!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Inspire Wellness
For those of you that may love self assesments and online quizzes, you'll be happy to know that YMCA and Amway Global have recently teamed up to produce a website and organization called "Inspire Wellness". Visit it during your free time or just visit it to productively procrastinate whatever you should be doing in the meantime! Their goal is to help provide new opportunities on a path to wellness for anyone seeking to improve aspects of their body, mind and spirit. Check it out to see how your lifestyle may be affecting your health!
After you start your profile and figure out your personal goals, visit My Nutritional Fitness to start improving your health where it all starts, from the inside!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Because To Give Is To Receive.
Many of us spent this past weekend enjoying the a few free days of summer sun, BBQ picnics, and vacation travel. Hopefully, this was a time of relaxation and laid back fun surrounded by your friends and family. However, many individuals and families in the gulf coast were not so lucky. As we all know by now, they have been dealing with the impact of the various hurricanes driving through their towns and homes.
Instead of turning the channel on your TV and simply ignoring the updates and reports on the current conditions, why not try to help change them? Everyone can do something. Please check out the following links to Volunteer San Diego , The Hands On Network , and Volunteers of America to learn more about how you can have a positive impact and help improve the situation. You'll be surprised how many opportunities exist to make a difference in the lives around you. Start to do more. Start today.
Instead of turning the channel on your TV and simply ignoring the updates and reports on the current conditions, why not try to help change them? Everyone can do something. Please check out the following links to Volunteer San Diego , The Hands On Network , and Volunteers of America to learn more about how you can have a positive impact and help improve the situation. You'll be surprised how many opportunities exist to make a difference in the lives around you. Start to do more. Start today.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What Does It All Mean?
Chiropractic origins began ages ago, with archaeological text and depictions of similar treatments being used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Orient. References to joint and spinal manipulation was made numerous times by Hippocrates as being a typical method of treating physical ailments and improving overall health. The official title was not given to the practice until D.D. Palmer, the so-called "father of chiropractic", and a friend of his stamped together the Greek words for "hand" (cheiros) and "done by" (pracktos), to spell chiropractic, meaning "done by the hand."
Quack Like A Duck
Hopefully this blog will give you at least a very basic, slightly better idea of what what type of practitioner you might be looking for for your own health care needs.
Question: True or False: These days, most people know what a Chiropractor is.
Answer: False. Depending on their environment and background, more people are becoming aware of the Chiropractic profession and what it is we do. However, most of them still only THINK they know what a chiropractor does.
In my last entry, I gave a short explanation about where Chiropractic came from, and when it was "officially founded". Since then, the field of Chiropractic care has gone through many, many overhauls as far as what the study and practice believes, achieves, and entails technique-wise. Almost every field of science now followed, including chiropractic, first began as a theory, philosophy or idea. There were individuals who helped the profession, and those who hurt it. Some went on to develop theories and treatments that have since been scientifically proven to improve the health of an individual. Others have developed theories and techniques that are certainly NOT what most of todays' chiropractic practitioners would even call remotely similar to "true chiropractic". It is out of these differences and offshoots that the unfortunate misconception of all Chiropractors being "quacks" was born, and still often exists today.
The truth is, even Chiropractors often have a hard time explaining what we do. The reason? The Chiropractic profession has many many different types of practitioners. Just as there are different types of yoga, or different types of medical doctors, each with their own specialty, there are likewise as many types of Chiropractors.
I cant even begin to tell you the number of times I have seen the looks, the eye rolls, and the brush off that people give when the subject of chiropractic care comes up. Sometimes when I do, I let it go and don't mention that I'm a chiropractor until Ive heard some of the responses expressed by those that don't realize what I do for a living these days. I admit that the negative responses used to upset me, and that it still does. But by remaining silent at first, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there are soooo many misconceptions about what we (chiropractors) do and believe. I've found that these responses generally come from a basis of inaccurate knowledge of what a chiropractor does. Whether from an article they read, a medical doctor that had been taught in school that "chiros are quacks" and simply had never met a real chiropractor in their life to ask what we do, or maybe had a bad experience with a previous doc, its been incomplete or incorrect information.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being a skeptic, (goodness knows I sure have always been one,) but simply trusting someone else's word as Truth without searching for evidence often leaves one ignorant and quickly leads to a loss of knowledge. Ignorance is bliss, but sometimes it can also be very, very damaging. Knowledge is power. So here's the quick run down of what I generally say to those people, including my MD friends, that still aren't quite sure if Chiropractic care "is for real".
The International Chiropractors Association uses the following definition: “The science of chiropractic deals with the relationship between the articulations of the skeleton and the nervous system, and the role of this relationship in the restoration and maintenance of health."
The same way that there are some truly phenomenal medical doctors, surgeons, and dentists, there are definately some bad ones too. Likewise, there are some fantastic and knowledgeable Chiropractors, and then there are some that I hope none of you will ever have to experience meeting. However, would you swear of all medical doctors for the rest of your life because one didn't give you a bad vibe? Of course not. Finding the right chiropractor can mean doing your homework, and finding the right fit for your needs.
1. Ask them what techniques they practice. If they mention that they are a "Straight Chiropractor", it means that they only adjust the spine. These chiros are straight up old-school, and usually dont believe in additional therapies like ultrasound, muscle stimulation, massage, or physiotherapy. Some, such as Atlas Specific and HIO practitioners, will in fact ONLY adjust a single specific segment, and nothing else.
If they say that they are "Diversified", it means that they may integrate other therapies, like the ultrsound, stim, etc. mentioned above. Some will also use whats called an Activator, or a tool that allows a practitioner to improve motion to a joint without much force, and without doing a traditional chiropractic adjustment. (Dont worry- I'll talk about what that means and involves in another blog.) Some diversified chiropractors, especially those with a sports medicine specialty, will additionally utilize exercise and stretching techniques to help teach the patient to strengthen their core, thus preventing future injury in a way that they can learn to help themselves, and not need us. The goal is to help the patient become pain free and strong enough that they no longer need our assistance, except for the occational "tune up" or "maintainence care", the same way you care for your teeth, or if you prefer as a way to think of it, your bike.
2. If you're not into "new-age health care", you probably are NOT going to want to see someone that follows the following techniques: BEST, BioSET, AK(Applied Kinesiology), Toftness, NET (NeuroEmotive), Network. I'm not going to get into what these each entail, but if you find a practitioner who practices these, I HIGHLY suggest you do your research before going to them to see if its something you're open to trying. Keep in mind that many of these techniques have no scientific studies to back them. Many Chiropractors, including myself, do not think that some of these should even be allowed to call themselves practitioners of chiropractic, since they are so far from the true and original definition of chiropractic. I'm sure that they are effective for some individuals, and if it works for them, by all means they should continue. BUT I don't think that these techniques should be representative of all, if any, Chiropractors.
Ok. So hopefully this helps to clarify at least some of the questions about where we come from. I have no question as to why so many people don't understand what Chiropractors do. As you can see, there are simply too many people trying to develop new "techniques" out there! Even Chiropractors cant seem to agree on what should and shouldn't be allowed into the profession, so how should the public be expected to know? But I digress...
If I keep writing this entry will last forever, so dont worry, in future blogs, I'll be filling you in on what goes into our chiropractic education (no, its not a weekend course), explaining more about why I use the therapies I do, etc. In the meantime though, I welcome you to email me with any questions you might have about certain techniques or articles you have read about Chiropractic. I don't claim to know everything, but Ill always do my best to answer your questions, and if I cant, I'll at least direct you to someone else who can.
Until the next chapter...
For more detailed information check out the following resources:
http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/chiropractic/5/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9818801
Question: True or False: These days, most people know what a Chiropractor is.
Answer: False. Depending on their environment and background, more people are becoming aware of the Chiropractic profession and what it is we do. However, most of them still only THINK they know what a chiropractor does.
In my last entry, I gave a short explanation about where Chiropractic came from, and when it was "officially founded". Since then, the field of Chiropractic care has gone through many, many overhauls as far as what the study and practice believes, achieves, and entails technique-wise. Almost every field of science now followed, including chiropractic, first began as a theory, philosophy or idea. There were individuals who helped the profession, and those who hurt it. Some went on to develop theories and treatments that have since been scientifically proven to improve the health of an individual. Others have developed theories and techniques that are certainly NOT what most of todays' chiropractic practitioners would even call remotely similar to "true chiropractic". It is out of these differences and offshoots that the unfortunate misconception of all Chiropractors being "quacks" was born, and still often exists today.
The truth is, even Chiropractors often have a hard time explaining what we do. The reason? The Chiropractic profession has many many different types of practitioners. Just as there are different types of yoga, or different types of medical doctors, each with their own specialty, there are likewise as many types of Chiropractors.
I cant even begin to tell you the number of times I have seen the looks, the eye rolls, and the brush off that people give when the subject of chiropractic care comes up. Sometimes when I do, I let it go and don't mention that I'm a chiropractor until Ive heard some of the responses expressed by those that don't realize what I do for a living these days. I admit that the negative responses used to upset me, and that it still does. But by remaining silent at first, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there are soooo many misconceptions about what we (chiropractors) do and believe. I've found that these responses generally come from a basis of inaccurate knowledge of what a chiropractor does. Whether from an article they read, a medical doctor that had been taught in school that "chiros are quacks" and simply had never met a real chiropractor in their life to ask what we do, or maybe had a bad experience with a previous doc, its been incomplete or incorrect information.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being a skeptic, (goodness knows I sure have always been one,) but simply trusting someone else's word as Truth without searching for evidence often leaves one ignorant and quickly leads to a loss of knowledge. Ignorance is bliss, but sometimes it can also be very, very damaging. Knowledge is power. So here's the quick run down of what I generally say to those people, including my MD friends, that still aren't quite sure if Chiropractic care "is for real".
The International Chiropractors Association uses the following definition: “The science of chiropractic deals with the relationship between the articulations of the skeleton and the nervous system, and the role of this relationship in the restoration and maintenance of health."
The same way that there are some truly phenomenal medical doctors, surgeons, and dentists, there are definately some bad ones too. Likewise, there are some fantastic and knowledgeable Chiropractors, and then there are some that I hope none of you will ever have to experience meeting. However, would you swear of all medical doctors for the rest of your life because one didn't give you a bad vibe? Of course not. Finding the right chiropractor can mean doing your homework, and finding the right fit for your needs.
1. Ask them what techniques they practice. If they mention that they are a "Straight Chiropractor", it means that they only adjust the spine. These chiros are straight up old-school, and usually dont believe in additional therapies like ultrasound, muscle stimulation, massage, or physiotherapy. Some, such as Atlas Specific and HIO practitioners, will in fact ONLY adjust a single specific segment, and nothing else.
If they say that they are "Diversified", it means that they may integrate other therapies, like the ultrsound, stim, etc. mentioned above. Some will also use whats called an Activator, or a tool that allows a practitioner to improve motion to a joint without much force, and without doing a traditional chiropractic adjustment. (Dont worry- I'll talk about what that means and involves in another blog.) Some diversified chiropractors, especially those with a sports medicine specialty, will additionally utilize exercise and stretching techniques to help teach the patient to strengthen their core, thus preventing future injury in a way that they can learn to help themselves, and not need us. The goal is to help the patient become pain free and strong enough that they no longer need our assistance, except for the occational "tune up" or "maintainence care", the same way you care for your teeth, or if you prefer as a way to think of it, your bike.
2. If you're not into "new-age health care", you probably are NOT going to want to see someone that follows the following techniques: BEST, BioSET, AK(Applied Kinesiology), Toftness, NET (NeuroEmotive), Network. I'm not going to get into what these each entail, but if you find a practitioner who practices these, I HIGHLY suggest you do your research before going to them to see if its something you're open to trying. Keep in mind that many of these techniques have no scientific studies to back them. Many Chiropractors, including myself, do not think that some of these should even be allowed to call themselves practitioners of chiropractic, since they are so far from the true and original definition of chiropractic. I'm sure that they are effective for some individuals, and if it works for them, by all means they should continue. BUT I don't think that these techniques should be representative of all, if any, Chiropractors.
Ok. So hopefully this helps to clarify at least some of the questions about where we come from. I have no question as to why so many people don't understand what Chiropractors do. As you can see, there are simply too many people trying to develop new "techniques" out there! Even Chiropractors cant seem to agree on what should and shouldn't be allowed into the profession, so how should the public be expected to know? But I digress...
If I keep writing this entry will last forever, so dont worry, in future blogs, I'll be filling you in on what goes into our chiropractic education (no, its not a weekend course), explaining more about why I use the therapies I do, etc. In the meantime though, I welcome you to email me with any questions you might have about certain techniques or articles you have read about Chiropractic. I don't claim to know everything, but Ill always do my best to answer your questions, and if I cant, I'll at least direct you to someone else who can.
Until the next chapter...
For more detailed information check out the following resources:
http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/chiropractic/5/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9818801
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Welcome to my Blog!
Hello, and Welcome to my first blog! After having numerous people ask me if I had one, I figure I might as well give it a shot! It is my hope that those of you reading this will find it helpful in answering some of the questions you might have about chiropractic care, pain relief, physiotherapy, sports injuries, nutrition, exercise, weight loss or gain, and a few of the other fantastic fields of health care with which I work.
As for me, I'm a San Diego Chiropractor, Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Since a lot of people often wonder, I'll get around to talking about what each of those things are in my future blogs. In the meantime, if you'd like to learn more about what I do, feel free to visit my website at www.ActionSportsChiropractic.com . Thanks, and you'll be hearing more from me soon!
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