Dream It Up!

God gives us Dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them. What have you been dreaming about lately?

What's Up With the Flu Shot?

Dr. Hugh Fundenberg, one of the most quoted biologist of our time, says that if an individual has 5 consecutive flu shots, their chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease are 10 times greater than if one had one or no shots.

There are many different strains of the flu and only a few are actually in the shot. Your protection from the shot is at best a Russian Roulette.

Doctor Donald Miller, a cardiac surgeon and professor of surgery at the University of Washington, recommends avoiding the flu shot and taking Vitamin D instead. According to Dr. Miller, "70 percent of doctors do not get a flu shot". There is a lack of evidence that young children benefit from flu shots. In fact, a systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo. But there is also a risk of harm from the flu vaccine itself, particularly from the mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde it contains.

FLU SHOT ADDITIVES ARE WELL-KNOWN TOXINS
Two-thirds of the vaccines made for the 2008-09 flu season contain full-dose thimerosal, which is 49% mercury by weight, according to Dr. Miller. Mercury is a neurotoxin, with a toxicity level 1,000 times that of lead.
**Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent is used to inactivate the virus.
**Aluminum, added to promote an antibody response, is a neurotoxin that may play a role in Alzheimer's disease.
**Triton X-100 (a detergent)
**Polysorbate 80
**Carbolic Acid
**Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
**Gelatin
**Various antibiotics such as neomycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin that can cause allergic reactions

We get asked a lot about the flu shot. We feel the best flu prevention is good health. Eating correctly, washing hands regularly, getting good sleep, exercising and reducing your stress. One of the absolute best ways to prevent the flu is simply optimizing your Vitamin D levels. Ideally, you would do this by getting out in the sun. For most us during the Winter season, it is not an option, which is why flus are more prevelant in the winter. In order to prevent the flu, children need 2,000 IU of Vitamin D a day. Adults need anywhere between 4-5,000 IU's per day. You can monitor your Vitamin D level, with a Vitamin D Hydroxy-25 blood test.

Ask a HealthFirst doctor if the flu shot is necessary for you.

The Scoop on Yogurt

"True" yogurt contains an abundance of the friendly bacteria your body needs. These bacteria stay in your gastro intestinal tract for about 5-7 days after you eat unprocessed fermental yogurt. They work extremely hard to keep your digestive system, and your entire body, healthy.

These friendly bacteria provide Lactic Acid, which balances the production of acid in your stomach. This helps protect your stomach and intestinal lining, and makes it easier to digest your food. Lactic Acid also destroys certain types of bad bacteria in the bowel.

Yogurt also is a good source of Calcium,Vitamin B-12,B-2, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

NOW THE BAD NEWS:
Most of the yogurt products available at our grocery stores are made of too much sugar and artificial ingredients. Plus, most have been heat treated and placed on the shelves for a long time. Thus, losing the bacteria and it's effect on your intestinal tract.

BEST YOGURT
The very best and healthiest yogurt is to make it yourself. Mountain Home Solutions has created a Euro-Cuisine starter kit. This is an easy way to start making your own healthy yogurt. You can even add some excitement to your yogurt by adding some fresh fruit.

Peak Performance

The average person prepares for strenuous, aerobic activity by hydrating, warming up, and stretching. TAKE YOUR WORKOUT A STEP FURTHER!

During physical activity, the joints take a beating, lactic acid builds up, and demands for oxygen from the tissues and muscles are increased.

Take your workout to the next level and prepare your body on the inside.

Ligaplex II, Cataplex B, and Cardio-Plus address these stresses to your body and help you perform at your optimum level.

Ask a doctor at HealthFirst about these products from Standard Process.

This Diet Food Makes You Gain Weight

If you're trying to lose weight by cutting back on sugar, here's something to think about.

The American Cancer Society has found that replacing sugar with an artificial sweetener like NutraSweet or Equal, actually makes you GAIN weight!

WHY? Because many artificial sweeteners contain Phenylalanine, a chemical that affects the part of the brain that makes you feel full. Result: People who take NutraSweet get intense sugar cravings, and actually end up eating MORE sugar!

What's more, studies show that taking NutraSweet can lead to hypothyroidism, which causes tremendous weight gain... and a whole lot of other health problems!

So, if you're trying to lose weight, stay away from those artificially sweetened desserts and diet sodas. Try some sparkling water instead, flavored with a wedge of lime, lemon, or orange. Try putting some mixed berries into your water for more natural healthy flavoring.

Back in Touch #7

Live in the Moment
Live for today. There is nothing you can do about yesterday. It's gone and you can't do anything about tomorrow.

This very moment is a gift to you from God that is why it is called the "present".

Focus on now and watch your life change. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

Merry Christmas

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

John 3:16

"For God So Loved the World, That He Gave His Only Begotten Son, That Whosoever Believeth in Him Should Not Perish but Have Everlasting Life."

Back in Touch #6

Don't be Ordinary, Be Extra-Ordinary

Ordinary people look at extra-ordinary as extra-ordinary. Extra-ordinary people look at extra-ordinary events as just ordinary.

Go back and read a past posting about the "Moo Factor". Be extra-ordinary in the "Moo" and you will full fill your dreams.

Back in Touch #5

Raise Your Standards

Don't settle for less from yourself anymore. Mediocrity is not a place that you want to continue to go to.

It's time to strive for excellence. Excellent means you have a constant desire to grow and rise to the top. Be committed to a never ending improvement.

Raise the bar, hold yourself accountable to your thoughts, actions, and ethics.

Go ahead raise the bar!

Back in Touch #4

Be Intense, Live with Passion and Purpose

People cannot be tense and intense at the same time. Have a passion for who you are and what you do.

What is your purpose? Once you decide what your purpose is, and everything you do in life is consistent with this, doors will open.

There may be road blocks along the way, but stick to your purpose.

Back in Touch #3

Make Simple and Small Choices Everyday

This is the ten percent rule. Getting your life back is not about changing everything, it's not about changing your entire life in one day.

Getting your life back is about changing a little bit everyday. These small daily changes each and every day will dramatically increase the quality of your life.

Back In Touch #2

Pay Attention to your Posture

Posture is not solely the manifestation of physical balance;it's also an expression on mental balance. Excellent posture is a universal sign of competence and power.

Proper spinal alignment is the most important factor affecting perfect posture and maximum health and wellness.

Your posture is the window to your health.
#1 Sit up straight
#2 Keep head level when sitting
#3 When lifting, bend with your knees
#4 Sleep on your side with knees slightly bent together
#5 Use a pillow that allows your head to remain neutral. Lay on your shoulder with your arms in front of you. No pillow hugging with arms up under the pillow.
#6 Keep monitors to your computer at eye level

Get Back In Touch

Life is busy and most people seem to have a greater level of stress and anxiety about today and their future. The next seven days I want to help you get back in touch with yourself.

Back In Touch #1
Seek Chiropractic care. Your spine and muscles are the first to be affected when under stress. The spine houses the nervous system and stress can interfere with it's ability to transmit proper nerve flow. This important nerve flow carries out all information to and from the brain to your bodies organs and tissues.

Did you know that most of our Wellness Partners report reduced stress and tension after their Chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractic offers a drug free, long-term solution to stress by reducing tension and normalizing the function of your nervous system. Finding the weak links in your spine and restoring normal function will make a profound difference in your response to stress.

Do Lumbar Support Belts Help?

If you will strengthen your core muscles of your stomach and lift properly, no belt is necessary. You have a natural support belt called abdominal muscles. If your abdominal muscles (core) are strong enough, they'll give you the support your lower back needs. Some studies have shown that lumbar belts are actually detrimental because wearing one means your muscles will weaken and rely on the belt for suport.

In some extreme medical cases, lumbar support belts may be necessary.

A Natural Anti-inflammatory

Bromelain is an ingredient in pineapples. It has been found to decrease inflammation and swelling in joints. Take 100-200mg. per day and be sure to eat some pineapple.

Something to Think About

Today will be a turning point in my life. Starting today, I will make positive declarations over my own life. I will say things like, "Im blessed, I'm healthy,I'm a winner, I'm talented, and I give thanks for all the abundance in my life."

My Favorite Saying

God gives us the talent, but we must give the effort.

Why Do You Yawn?

We yawn because our body senses a dip in the oxygen levels in the blood, so your body wants to yawn to take in more oxygen and get it back into the blood stream.

We don't know why yawning can be contagious so, next time you feel a yawn coming on, relax and enjoy the extra jolt of oxygen.

Cracking Your Knuckles

Will cracking your knuckles give you arthritis or larger knuckles? You're not doing any harm to your joints, bones, or muscles when you crack or pop your knuckles. The popping or cracking noise is caused by the high pressure suction of the gas being expelled when your joints move apart.

However, this is not something I would recommend.

Why Do Some People Get Nose Bleeds?

Nosebleeds (epitaxis) occurs most often in the winter months due to nasal membranes drying out and cracking. The nose is very rich in blood vessels. Inside the house the air is dry and warm in the winter from the household heaters, thus drying up the blood vessels. Also the changing from the outdoors cold to the indoors warm increases the drying.

Some people are more susceptable to bleeding if they are taking medications such as coumadin, aspirin, or an anti-inflammatory.

The most common causes of nosebleeds are: infections, traumas, nose picking, allergies, hypertension, medications, and winter months.

How to prevent nosebleeds: Quit picking your nose, improve your overall health so that you may need less medication,and use a humidifier in the winter to keep more moisture in. You may find lightly lubricating the internal membranes with vitamin E ointment to be of much help.

Stopping nose bleeds. Sit up straight and lean sligtly forward with your head tilted back a little. Do not lay down and let all the blood run down your throat. Pinch the nose with your thumb and index finger for 3-5 minutes. Place an ice pack on your face for 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding continues call your doctor.

Walking Tips

1. Find a pair of good walking or running shoes.

2. Start slow - increase weekly distance and time.

3. Walk with good posture - stand up straight and relax the shoulders.

4. Swing your arms while walking for a better aerobic workout.

5. Walk with a friend - research shows that you are more likely to walk with a friend than alone.

Do I use Ice or Heat?

Altering the temperature of an injury or pain can be quite beneficial to the healing process. Unfortunately for many of our wellness partners, knowing whether to use ice or heat can be confusing. Knowing the effects that each has on the body will help you determine which would benefit your particular condition.

As a general rule we recommend our wellness partners with lowback and neck pain use ice on the spine for 20 minutes at a time and wait one hour before re-applying again for 20 minutes. Moist heat may be applied to the sides of the spine on the muscles only and not on the spine for 20 minutes.

The application of moist heat increases the circulation of the blood and decreases tension in the muscles and ligaments. This will cause increased swelling. Moist heat applications can be used on muscles for the relief of chronic muscle and ligament tension.

Moist heat is preferred over dry heat because it penetrates the deeper tissue layers.

The application of ice decreases the flow of blood, thus decreases swelling and inflammation for acute and recent injuries. It also decreases pain. In many lowback and neck pain cases there is swelling of tissues and ice is recommended.

If you have any questions about what you should be using, contact a HealthFirst Chiropractic Doctor.

Invest in Your Health

Invest in your health today, live well into the future.

At HealthFirst Chiropractic our commitment to your health is long-term, beyond simple short- term pain relief. We teach you how to live more healthfully, and keep you less likely to aggravate any past injuries.

My Top 8 Energy Foods

The best fuel for muscles are carbohydrates. There are many high-carbohydrate foods that are beneficial to both your health and your athletic performance. The key is choosing the right carbs. Here are my top 8 energy foods to eat:
1. Blueberries- Add these to salads, cereals, and smoothies.
2. Steel Oats- Great fiber and helps slow glucose absorption.
3. Lentils- These produce a low-glycemic response that prevents a spike in blood sugars.
4. Figs- Contain 30 grams of good carbohydrates along with B vitamins, calcium, and potassium.
5. Rice bran- Contains 5 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber and also slows glycemic release thus maintaining better blood sugar levels.
6. Apples, mango, kiwi, and oranges- Contains multiple nutrients and are great sources of carbohydrates.
7. Sweet potatoes- Contain 28 grams of carbohydrates and are filled with many nutrients.
8. Whole wheat pasta- Contains 40 grams of energy rich carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber.

Eating lots of sweets and sugary foods for quick energy before you exercise may hurt your performance. Here's why: After you eat any kind of concentrated sugar, (soft drinks, candy, donuts, cookies, ect.)your body secretes insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood into the muscles. Exercise, like insulin, also helps carry sugar into the muscles. The combined effect of insulin with exercise can cause your blood sugar to drop abnormally low. You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and feel light-headed, shaky, tired, and weak.

After exercising, you should eat carbohydrate rich foods and fluids. The muscles are very receptive at this time to re-fueling and replacing the used glycogen.

The above 8 energy foods are essential for proper replenishment.

Our Best Wellness Partners

Our best wellness partners commit to a healthy lifestyle. Invest your time, your resources, and most important, your spirit into your wellness.

You will feel the results as will others. Your positive example and disposition will spread like a smile to those around you.

An Apple a Day

Apples are delicious and very good for you. They contain many nutrients and are a rich source of fiber.

They are a rich source of boron which helps promote bone growth. There is ample scientific evidence that has found apples to have many benefits. They contain four grams of fiber that helps in the slow release of sugars, thus helping maintain a steady blood sugar level. They help reduce cancer risks. They contain pectin, a soluable fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol levels. They are a rich source of phytochemicals, these are compounds found in plants and fruits that act as an antioxidant.

For weight-watchers, the dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promote weight loss.

Breaking Down Diabetes

A few patients have wanted an explanation about Diabetes. Here are a few tid bits about Diabetes.

When food is being digested,enzymes in your stomach break down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then absorbed into your bloodstream. Your pancreas responds by releasing insulin, which allows glucose to travel to the liver, where it is distributed to cells for energy. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen and reconverted to glucose if blood sugars fall and more energy is required. In general, this is the normal, healthy picture of the blood glucose response.

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't secrete insulin at all. As a result, glucose has no way of getting into the body's cells, and blood sugar levels stay high. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas secretes insulin, but not enough to meet your body's needs. In both cases, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.

Normal blood glucose levels range from 60mg - 120mg. These levels are much higher in diabetic cases. Because glucose stays in the bloodstream, rather than being made available to cells, diabetics can suffer a variety of health problems, including poor circulation and blood flow.