The Effects of Social Media on Your Personal Injury Case

Improper use of your social media sites could negatively affect your case, and you don't know what you don't know! Please contact us to request a copy of this important article for yourself or a friend or loved one. It is written by the attorneys at Graham Lundberg Peschel, one of the top personal injury law firms in the state. 

Win a free massage! I'm now certified as a Corporate Wellness Consultant!

Research shows that for every dollar spent on wellness programs, businesses save on average $2.71. Our programs are used by Verizon, Chrysler, and many other major and smaller companies. They have found it makes good sense to provide our wellness programs.

Help us help more people live healthier, happier, and more productive lives! We're looking for referrals to someone you know who is the decision-maker for wellness programs in a small to medium-sized business (50-200 employees). For each contact person you give us, we will enter your name once into our drawing for a free one-hour massage.

As the local representative of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, I volunteer my time to bring to businesses in our community the most up-to-date, safe, and effective natural solutions to common health care concerns. Our office provides wellness events, such as workshops and health screenings, free of charge.

Thank you so much for letting us know about any decision-makers you know.

Who do you know who needs a donation for a silent auction? We're happy to donate one of three options...

Turn Your Body Into A Fat-Burning Machine

1. Adrenal/Stress Hormone Screening
2. Acid/Alkaline Saliva Test for Toxicity
3. Urine Test for Heavy Metals
4. General Health Checkup
5. Neurologic Evaluation
6. Exercise & Nutritional Review
7. Recommendations for Long-Term Success

Relief For Stress-Related Health Problems (Headaches, Fatigue, Insomnia, Anxiety, Digestive Troubles, Depression, etc.)

1. Stress Survey
2. Blood Pressure Hormonal Stress Test
3. Acid/Alkaline Saliva Screening for Chemical Stress
4. Trigger Point Screening for Areas of Tension
5. Nutritional Review
6. Evaluation of Past Traumas and Related Nerve Damage
7. Recommendations to Regain Your Health

Pain Relief Program:

1. Evaluation of Joints, Muscles, and Nerves Related to Your Pain
2. Evaluation of Hormones, Nutrition, and Chemical Toxicity That Could Contribute to Your Problem
3. Low Level Laser Therapy Session to Reduce Inflammation and Speed Healing
4. Recommendations to End Your Pain

Renovate Right: Avoid Lead Toxicity

Here are some facts about lead:

1. Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
2. Lead in dust, which is often invisible, is the most common way people are exposed to lead.
3. Lead-based pain was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
4. Projects that disturb lead-based pain can create dust and endanger you and your family. When renovating, make sure that your contractor follows safe practices. Not all of them do!

If you suspect lead, or other heavy metal toxicity, there is a simple urine test we perform in-office. I recently had myself tested and found out that I was medium-high in terms of heavy metals in general. Since I breathe purified air, drink purified water, and eat mostly organically grown food, it took me awhile to puzzle out a possible source. Then I remembered that I had used cast iron cookware every day for most of my adult life. The cast iron cookware was history, but heavy metals linger on.

Fortunately, we carry a product specifically designed to eliminate heavy metals. It is even safe for children, so people of all ages can rest assured that they can be heavy-metal-free.

Want To Destroy Your Smarts?

A new study out of UCLA demonstrates that this common food substance impairs memory and cognition. It should be easy to avoid because you'll have to read labels to find it.

But why buy food with a list of ingredients a mile long that requires advanced study in biochemistry to understand? If the package has it, it's not really food, and not compatible with human biology.

As one expert said years ago, shop the perimeter of your supermarket. That's where they keep the food. Bon appetit!

Free Won't

Or why the discoveries of F. M. Alexander, and their application in my daily life, has been so important. Researchers agree that we don't have free will, but we do have free won't. If I care to exercise it (and I don't always; apparently sometimes I want to be a mindless drone) by "inhibiting" my habitual response to some stimulus, I carve out a little moment where I can make a conscious choice about some action or behavior.

The study of the Alexander Technique gives us a means for constructively exploring that in daily life. For more fun! I wonder whether decades of practice enhance the brain center responsibile for free won't. My guess is yes. As a wise man (Glenn Doman) once said to a class I was attending, "The brain grows by use. The brain grows by use. The brain grows by use. If we say something three times, it means we want you to remember it." 

There are a few master teachers in the Seattle area that I highly recommend (in no particular order): Cathy Madden, Catherine Kettrick and David Mills, and Stacy Gehman. The Alexander Technique was the first way in to the concrete block that was my consciousness coming out of childhood, and I would never want to be without it.

Vitamin D Sufficiency and Decreased Pain

Can Vitamin D Supplementation Promote Chronic

Pain Relief from Traumatic Injury?

August 2012 Advocate Article
By Melissa D. Carter, Attorney at Law

Empirical Evidence

It is well known that vitamin D promotes both bone and muscle strength.  Less known is the extent that a deficiency can increase diffuse pain and impair neuromuscular functioning in individuals suffering from traumatic injury.  Recent studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can aid in chronic pain relief, as well as other significant health issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States.  Patients suffering from chronic pain following a traumatic injury often end up taking narcotics such as Morphine, Fentanyl or Oxycodone to cope.  A 2009 Mayo Clinic study showed that patients who require narcotic pain medication and who also have inadequate levels of vitamin D took much higher doses of pain medication, nearly twice as much, as those who had adequate levels of vitamin D.[1]  The patients of this study also self reported worse physical functioning and worse overall health perception than those with adequate levels of vitamin D.  Moreover, the study found a correlation between decreasing body mass index and increasing levels of vitamin D.

A smaller, concentrated study on 28 U.S. veterans in 2012 revealed similar results. Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine reported a case series that found patients with multiple areas of traumatically induced chronic pain and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at baseline reported improvements in pain, lack of sleep and quality of life after vitamin D supplementation.[2]  The authors of this study reported in the Clinical Journal of Painthat participants had no side effects during the study and that improvements were significant, compared with baseline, in terms of the pain score, sleep latency, sleep duration, bodily pain, general health, vitality and social functioning.

How Much Vitamin D is Enough

Vitamin D blood levels of 30-40 ng/ml are considered ideal.[3]  Supplements of at least 1000 to 2000 IU per day of vitamin D may be warranted, depending upon the individual’s needs (such as chronic pain), geography (living in northern climates without year round sun), and demographics (per a 2003 study conducted by Allina Center for Health Care Innovations of Minnesota, Caucasian women of child bearing age tend to have the lowest blood levels of vitamin D), according to Harvard School of Public Health.[4]  Supplements should contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), rather than vitamin D2.  Health care providers should discuss the individual needs of each patient and consider specific benefits and risks.

As with any nutraceutical supplement, vitamin D supplemental (a vitamin D supplement?) is part of an integrative approach to treatment of patients with chronic pain.  Supplementation can be a valuable part of the treatment regimen and many practitioners are beginning to recommend this as part of an anti-inflammatory protocol.

Patients who have suffered traumatic injury and/or struggling with the aftermath of chronic pain due to the negligence of another should seek consultation with legal counsel versed in the variety of approaches to management of traumatic injury. If you or your patient requires consultation regarding a traumatic injury, the attorneys of Adler Giersch are available to assist you.

---

[1] http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/03/20/mayo-clinic-researchers-link-vitamin-d-and-chronic-pain-relief/

[2] Huang, et al. 2012. 

[3] Allina Center for Health Care Innovations of Minnesota

[4] http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/questions/vitamin-d-and-chronic-disease/
 

Win a year's subscription to The New Yorker...

and help others feel and be healthier by being the first practice member to do a video testimonial! Here's how:

1. Come to the office
2. Sign a release form
3. We will record your short video testimonial -- your name, how you felt before you received care, how you feel now

We will post your video testimonial on our blog and sign you up for a free, one year's subscription to The New Yorker magazine.

Good Grief!

I often wonder how low people in our government can go, and being a child of the Watergate era, really nothing surprises me, but if you still think our so-called regulatory agencies are there to protect us, forget about it! We now find that the FDA approves drugs, sometimes without even reading their scientists' reports and that it is spying on them. Moral of the story: the best defense is a good offense. Make healthful lifestyle choices and seek care that offers support that is compatible with human biology.

Doctors of Chiropractic Answer London's Call

With the London Olympic Games in full swing, it's worth remembering that in 1979, track and field star Dwight Stones broke barriers and thrust chiropractic care into the Olympic spotlight in an interview on national TV, where he spoke about the important work being done by Leroy Perry, DC.

Now, a little more than 30 years later, there will be 28 DCs in the Olympic polyclinic — a multidisciplinary medical services team provided by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games — led by Tom Greenway, DC. In addition, there are 27 other DCs working with foreign countries and teams from around the world, including Angela Salcedo, DC, who is the team doctor of chiropractic for the British Virgin Islands.

Doctors of chiropractic across the country have been making news over he past couple of months. James Parker, DC, a former hammer-throwing Olympian, provided chiropractic services for athletes at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June. While they're at the games, the U.S. track team will be treated by Joel Bienenfeld, DC.

It's no surprise that athletes and coaches both sing the praises of the services provided by doctors of chiropractic. Swimmer Michael Phelps, the star of the Beijing Olympics who is competing at his third Olympic games, cites [chiropractic] as essential to his recovery after hard workouts. Additionally, Terry Schroeder, DC, head coach of the U.S. water polo team, makes sure his athletes receive regular chiropractic care to improve their long-term health and to maximize their performance at the Olympics.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, acatoday.org

Quality Nutritional Supplements...

...are hard to find! Which is why we're proud to be an affiliate of the Longevity Medical Clinic in Kirkland, Washington.  Dr. Mixon and his crew provide a full range of nutritional supplements based on the latest scientific research and clinical experience, with a level of quality that is second to none. We are especially keen on the anti-inflammatory and stress-relief products and have been seeing good results among our patients who have tried them.


P.S. We're the first to qualify for the listing!

Not Sleeping Straight Through The Night?

By far the most common problem we see during our public stress screenings has to do with sleep. Whether it's having trouble falling asleep, not staying asleep, or waking up to early, it seems to be the problem of the 21st century. Not sleeping straight through for eight hours is the most common complaint.


New research may give many people a newfound sense of peace about their sleep, as it appears that it is not natural to sleep in one chunk of eight hours. Dr. Mercola just published a good summary and some helpful tips for enhancing sleep no matter what the issue.

Symptoms of Sub-Acute Heavy Metal Toxicity

The theme this month seems to be on the chemical leg of our three-legged stool of health. Most people seek chiropractic care because of chronic pain. Every day in our office we address this problem through the structural leg of the stool, but your stool is going to topple over if you neglect the chemical leg.


The toxins in our environment (including heavy metals) create a chemical chain reaction that leads to chronic tissue acidification and inflammation (pain). All organ systems in your body are affected by toxins, from your brain to your left big toe, and everything in between including the following:

• Cardiovascular (high cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, tachycardia)
• Immune (all cancer cells thrive in an acid environment, lupus)
• Digestive (irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, diverticulitis, colitis)
• Endocrine (thyroid, adrenals, weight gain, low libido, PMS, impotence, prostate problems, tendency toward diabetes, leukemia)
• Nervous (Alzheimer, MS, ALS, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson's, tinnitus, hearing loss)
• Psychological (chronic fatigue, seasonal depression, memory loss, suicidal tendencies, etc.)
• Oral (metallic taste, bleeding gums, periodontal disease, bad breath, formation of calculus)

If you would like to (1) find out whether you are toxic and (2) do something about it (natural, drug-free), contact us today. As an added incentive (as if the above list of protential health problems weren't enough!), the first five people to request the test will receive a 50% discount (from $35.00 to $17.50) plus 10% off a bottle of the supplement for detoxification.

Solving the Toxicity Puzzle, Including Radioactive Particles

A respected pioneer in the field of heavy metal detoxification, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, has determined that there is a direct correlation between stored toxins and infectious pathogens. He states that “for each equivalent of stored toxins there is an equal amount of pathogenic microorganisms in the body.” The presence of stored toxins causes immune system deficiency that supports the growth of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

The term Toxic Body Burden (TBB) is now being used in reference to toxic heavy metals, synthetic chemicals, and pathogens that enter and accumulate in the body. Retaining and restoring vibrant health requires an effective two-pronged approach that can detoxify toxic substances while simultaneously eliminating infectious microorganisms.

Zeolite - Removes Toxins Naturally

Natural zeolites are a class of crystalline, hydrated alluminosilicates of alkali and alkaline earth cations, having three dimensional structures. Most common natural zeolites are formed by alteration of glass-rich volcanic rocks (tuff) with fresh water in playa lakes or by seawater.

For thousands of years, civilizations throughout the world have used zeolites as a traditional medicine. Zeolites are now used extensively in various industrial applications based on their properties to act as catalysts, ion exchangers, adsorbents, and detergent builders.

The specific type of zeolite that has the most important health benefits is Clinoptilolite. Clinoptilolite is so effective in binding toxins that it was given to victims of the Chernobyl explosion to ingest in order to bind the radioactive isotopes that were released and thus reduce radiation levels in their bodies.

What makes Clinoptilolite so unique is its negatively charged, cage-like, honeycombed structure. When ingested, this natural mineral attracts and irreversibly binds toxic heavy metals, chemical elements, and free radicals and is then excreted through the urinary tract. This process is called chelation.

One of the most significant benefits of Clinoptilolite over other chelating agents is its affinity schedule for toxic heavy metals. Clinoptilolite binds with mercury first and lead second, moving on to additional positively-charged toxic heavy metals and chemical toxins which may include pesticides, herbicides, plastics, and even radioactive particles without removing precious nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

However, Clinoptilolite goes far beyond the critical job of removing damaging toxins. Research has shown that it has many other vital actions in the body. Clinoptilolite removes free radicals. Unlike classic antioxidants, Clinoptilolite does not neutralize free radicals by donating an electron to stabilize them. Instead, its structure captures free radicals. Once trapped inside the cage, the inactivated free radical can then safely be eliminated from the body.

• Clinoptilolite has broad-spectrum antiviral properties: first, by attracting and binding viral sub-particles, thereby interfering with viral replication and eliminating them from the body and second, by inhibiting viral proliferation via immune modulation of T cells.

• Clinoptilolite helps maintain proper pH by removing acidic ions and chemicals which then promotes optimal metabolic and immune functions.

• Clinoptilolite may help to eliminate carcinogenic toxins from the body, especially a category of carcinogens called nitrosamines. The most common sources for these nitrates include processed meats, cigarettes, and beer which are linked to pancreatic, stomach, and colon cancers.

• Clinoptilolite treats diarrhea, promotes healthy digestion and encourages nutrient absorption. Clinoptilolite’s ability to capture ammonium ions during digestion promotes a healthier and less toxic digestive system.

Source: Lyn Hanshew, M.D.

We carry Zeolite in our office and are offering a 10% discount through Friday, June 8. Contact us to reserve your bottle today.

Laser Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis

Animals were divided into 4 groups and treated with a 780 nm laseronce per day. It was observed that Laser Therapy both at early and late stage RA significantly reduced inflammation, toxic waste, hemorrhage, and tissue damage. It was interesting to note that there was more healthy fibrous tissue, cartilage cells, and newly formed bone. We have known for a long time that laser can alleviate many of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but this is one of the first studies to show that laser can alleviate tissue damage and regenerate tissue in early and late stages of rheumatoid arthritis.   

  

Lasers Med Sci. 2012 Apr 27.

Could laser help Parkinson's disease?

This article is important because it is from the neurology department of University of Wisconsin medical school and written by respected physicians. Their conclusion is that the functional recovery of animals with PD who got laser and light treatments showed significant improvements. There were improvements in brain chemistry, brain tissue and also an obvious delayed disease progression. Their conclusion was that the research shows the potential of laser and LED treatments to help Parkinson's disease. Because this is such a tough disease to treat, this article is important and follows other studies out of Harvard Medical School that show improvements in brain function and structure after low level laser treatments.  

Front Biosci. 2012 Jan 1;4:818-23.

29th Anniversary Celebration

All next week. There will be treats. And door prizes. Help us celebrate our gratitude for having had the privilege of serving our community for 29 fabulous years. Please stop by to say 'hi' even if you don't have an appointment, and also receive a 'check' for a complimentary consultation for a friend or loved one.

But wait, there's more!

 An amazing study from Japan includes one DC, PhD and 6 MD, PhDs among the authors. Their findings document that a single Activator spinal manipulation applied to the cervical spine in men with neck pain and shoulder stiffness results in significant changes in glucose utilization in various regions of the brain involved with autonomic nervous system regulation.


The results open the door for other sophisticated studies to investigate what may be profound benefits of spinal manipulation on the central nervous system. The findings in this study indicate that post-CSM changes in brain glucose utilization are consistent with muscle relaxation, improved sense of well-being, decrease serum amylase, and a reduction in sympathetic relaxation.


These dramatic changes are the result of a single Activator adjustment. What are effects of a series of adjustments over a period or days, weeks, or months? What are the effects of full spine adjustments rather than a single CSM? Stay tuned. In the near future we should see more studies of this variety soon to be published.

Blood Flow To Your Brain

Blood flow to the brain is significantly decreased in people with moderate to high scores on the neck disability index (a questionnaire we use in our office). Once again, as in many recent studies evaluating the impact of pain on the brain, these findings demonstrate that muscloskeletal problems of the spine result in profound changes in central nervous system function. This is important only if you'd like to have normal blood flow to your brain (and therefore normal nutrients and oxygen levels)!

What I've Learned From My Patients, #1

When It's Time, It's Time. And not a moment sooner. When is it time to make a more healthful lifestyle choice (exercise, lose weight, make better dietary choices)? When it comes from within. When the pain of change is less than the pain of current circumstances. When the illusion that the current state of health is "normal" somehow dissipates. When the vision of what the current rate of decline will look like in 30 years hits home. When the reasons for health take front and center (play with your grandchild, continue to be able to support your family, play golf, hike in the mountains, etc., etc., etc.). When you realize that in order to take care of others, you must take care of yourself (you're worth it!).

Whiplash Injuries: It's Complicated

This excerpt from the December, 2011, issue of Spine is somewhat technical, but may give you an idea of the complexity of whiplash injuries.

"Nikolai Bogduk, MD, PhD, in a recent narrative review published in Spine, summarized evidence which demonstrates that injuries to the cervical zygapophysial (also known as facet) joints are the primary source of pain following hyperflexion-hyperextension injuries following motor vehicle collisions.

Postmortem Studies

Examination of cervical spines of persons killed in motor vehicle collisions identified a number of non-lethal injuries including a variety of injuries to the cervical facet joints, such as intra-articular hemorrhages and lesions, as well as fractures to the subchondral bone, articular cartilage, and articular process. According to the studies, virtually none of the lesions to the facet joints were present on postmortem radiography.

Biomechanical Studies

In vivo studies of the biomechanical causes of post-whiplash neck pain demonstrate the cervical spine is compressed from below as the trunk rises toward the head. This causes sigmoid deformation when the lower cervical spine is subjected to an abnormally high posterior sagittal rotation. The upper vertebrae rotate in a sagittal direction with practically no posterior translation. The anterior vertebral margins are widely separated, while the posterior inferior articular processes carve into the superior articular surface of the adjacent lower vertebral body. These abnormal movements produce posterior facet joint lesions and rim lesions of the intervertebral disc due to avulsion of the annular fibrosis from the vertebral endplate.

During hyperflexion-hyperextension injuries, the facet joints are initially compressed beyond normal physiological limits, followed by excessive straining to the capsule and annulus fibrosis. The amount of stress increases with the level of impact during trauma. Studies show the C4-5 disc is particularly susceptible to injury in a relatively low speed impact, while C3-4,C5-6 and C6-7 are at increased risk as impact acceleration increases.

A study of post-whiplash lesions in 21 cadavers found intervertebral disc injuries in 90% of the subjects, anterior longitudinal ligament tears in 80% of the cadavers, and a 40% incidence rate of facet capsule joint tears. Other injuries included tears of the annulus fibrosis, anterior longitudinal ligament, and facet joints."

Is Barefoot Running Bad For You?

A podiatrist explains the 10 myths about running barefoot (or barefoot running style). After reading "Born to Run" two summers ago, I decided to give it a try. I find that if I'm feeling various little pains in my feet or legs, or anywhere else for that matter, a bit of barefoot running (usually in Vibram Five Fingers) makes everything re-organize, and I feel great. If you are thinking about trying this for yourself, be sure to go slowly, as most likely your foot and leg muscles are deconditioned and will take awhile to strengthen.

Massage May Accelerate Healing

If you've ever had a massage, you know how relaxed you feel afterwards. Now, according to a recent article in Science News, massage has been shown to both reduce levels of inflammatory proteins and increase a compound (PGC1-alpha) which plays a role in muscle fiber maintenance and cell metabolism.

If you haven't done so already, we invite you to take advantage of our introductory offer for a one-hour Swedish massage for just $29. The purpose of this offer is to introduce you to our new massage therapist and the benefits of massage. Call our scheduling line 206-409-9447 to set your appointment. We welcome your referrals of friends and family for this special offer, as well.

Jefferson Award Nominee--Vote for an Unsung Hero!

In his work as a personal injury attorney, Richard Adler worked with a number of clients suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Many of his clients and their families struggled to get the care and services they needed. Richard stepped in to fill a void, becoming president of the Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA). He then went to work in the community. In addition to coordinating care and services, Richard has also been the legal guiding light behind two key Washington State bills for TBI survivors. The "Tommy Manning Act," was named after a TBI survivor and established funding for TBI support services in Washington State - a first! He then championed the "Zackery Lystedt Law" establishing guidelines for the management of concussions for young people involved in sports. It was the first law of its kind in the United States. Richard then forged relationships with nationally known sports physicians, the National Football League, and the Centers for Disease Control, and has fostered the passage of similar legislation in a majority of the 50 states.

Click to vote!

Frequency Changes Water Droplet

Watch as the water droplet changes its structure as the frequency changes. As Gregg Braden points out, we ourselves are composed of a liquid crystal matrix...

How to lose weight while sitting in front of the TV!

Or just by setting your home's thermostat to 60 degrees. Maybe, like us, you're already doing that and will be happy to know that a side benefit is burning 'brown fat.' Based on animal models, researchers estimate that just 50g of brown fat (which is less than what most study volunteers have been found to have) could burn about 20 percent of your daily caloric intake—and more if 'encouraged.' Here are several ways to encourage brown fat energy burning:

1. Set your thermostat at 60 degrees;
2. Put an ice pack on your neck and shoulders for 30 minutes a day; for example, while watching TV;
3. Drink 50 ml. of ice water each morning;
4. Take cold showers;
5. Immerse yourself up to your waist in an ice bath for 10 minutes, three times per week;
6. Exercise (duh!).

Interestingly, brown fat cells derive from the same root as muscle cells. For more fun facts, read the full article.

What happens when we're sedentary?

A recent study,* as reported by Dr. Malik Slosberg, "thoroughly describes what is termed 'Inactivity Physiology.' In our progressively sedentary culture, there has been a rapid reduction in demand for energy expenditure as we sit more in more driving in cars, sitting all day at work, sitting watching TV, sitting playing video games, sitting while reading, and sitting while relaxing.

"Sitting has an extremely low demand for energy expenditure, because as this paper explains, there is virtually no muscle contraction of any major trunk or lower extremity muscles. With this reduction in energy demand for approximately 70-80% of our waking day, muscle fibers do no use their stored glycogen and resist the inflow of additional glucose which can be toxic to cells in excess amounts. Thus, insulin resistance develops along with elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which is then converted to fat, raising serum trigylceride levels and increased size and number of fat cells.

"The insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension (known as the Metabolic Syndrome) contribute to the diseases associated with the corresponding increase in obesity. These metabolic derangements along with increasing waist girth leaves individuals at dramatically increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiac death, type II diabetes, and all-cause mortality."

Moral of the story? Get up!

*Wittink H, et al. The Dangers of Inactivity; Exercise and Inactivity Physiology for the manual therapist. Manual Therapy 2011; 16:209-216.

Latest Laser Therapy Research

Three new studies show the effectiveness of laser therapy for various health problems:

1. Laser heals inner ear damage-There is an increasing use of laser for the treatment of many hearing disorders, especially ringing in the ears (tinnitus). The most recent study (Lasers Med. Sci. 2011 Dec 4) shows a positive effect on the recovery of cochlear hair cells.
2. Laser and brain damage-MRI analysis of of rats with traumatic brain injury showed significantly smaller brain damage in laser-treated mice as compared to controls (J Neurotrauma. 2011 Oct 31).
3. Laser heals herpes lesions-Two studies showed an obvious effect of laser therapy for both initial healing and for the length of the recurrence periods (Photomed Laser Surg. 2011 Nov 2).

Groupon Daily Deal Coming Soon!

Alert your friends! We are participating in a Groupon Daily Deal for a $29 massage and pain evaluation (valued at $164). When the deal shows up, there is a choice of four offices, two in Seattle. Please ask your friends to select Ki Chiropractic & Massage. The daily deal will run for 72 hours, beginning Monday, January 23. Please help us spread the word. Thanks!

Chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents

The National Library of Science released another extensive paper, "Xanthones from Mangosteen Extracts as Natural Chemopreventive Agents: Potential Anti-Cancer Drugs," in December, 2011. This provides just one of about 202 reasons why I continue to drink at least three ounces of whole fruit puree mangosteen juice every day (and there's only one, XanGo, that fits that description). If you're interested in optimum health, do your own research by going to pubmed.gov and searching on "xanthones."

Thanks for attending

Thanks to all who attended our "5 Secrets to Weight Loss" workshop yesterday. Next workshop--Saturday, February 4. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lot easier when you know about some common pitfalls, misconceptions, and most importantly, what works.

About two years ago I lost 35#, but was stuck on the remaining 10 and was constantly struggling with gaining back the lost weight. But when I learned about how important cleansing was to weight management--because fat accumulates around stored toxins--I started looking around for a good cleansing program (there are lots of options!). I try to avoid obvious sources of toxins (such as in food, water, air, and personal care and cleaning products), but since we're exposed to 82,500 different toxins in a week, it's safe to assume at least some are getting through!

There are lots of options for cleansing. The one I chose comes with a complete program for cleansing, fat burning, and muscle building, along with meal and exercise planning. I'm happy to report that during the 25-day cleanse:

• I lost 2 inches from my waist, bringing my waist-to-hip ratio to 0.75
• I went from 33.5% body fat to 28.5
• My weight dropped from 152.2 to 148.4

All while not feeling hungry, not starving myself, and having plenty of energy. Best of all, my legs feel super light and springy when I'm running! Wish me luck as I continue on toward my goal of a healthy 22-25% body fat!

Just one spot left

For a massage on Monday, Jan. 9, at our introductory price of $25.

5 Secrets to Weight Loss Workshop

Resolved to make 2012 the year of living more healthfully? Join us this Saturday, January 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m., for our free, monthly Cleansing/Weight Loss Workshop.

You will learn five secrets to weight loss, and learn about a revolutionary, effective, and sane new program for resetting your lifestyle habits.

Light refreshments will be served, so contact us to register yourself and a friend* today!

*Best results occur if you bring an accountability partner.

Welcome Our New Massage Therapist

And receive an introductory one-hour Swedish massage for just $25! Toni James has joined our growing family of practioners, and is eager to help you ease into the New Year with a relaxing Swedish massage. Or, if you prefer, she also does Deep Tissue, Myofascial, and Neuromuscular therapies. Whichever you choose, you will love her intuitive, relaxing work.

Toni is currently available on Mondays, from 2:00-9:00 pm. Contact us right away to take advantage of this New Year's opportunity!

What's your "current location"?

Several years ago I read that Ted Turner's response to the question, "How do you stay so healthy?" was, "I just try to do 1% better each year."

Unless you're in the middle of a health crisis (in which case you need to take drastic action), you can take advantage of the wisdom of incremental change. A transformational question for the second day of 2012 might be, "How can I be 1% healthier this year?" What modest change can I make that will move me closer to optimal health?

Whether you're refining your already exemplary health habits or taking drastic action, it's useful to know your "current location." Whenever I use my phone to get driving directions to an unfamiliar place, it asks me whether I want to use my "current location." Here's a simple test you can do today to determine your current location. It's extremely low-tech, easy, and quick. All you need is a tape measure and a calculator. With two simple measurements and one calculation, you will know your odds of developing a life-threatening condition (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease).

Ready? First, measure your waist (around your belly button), then measure your hips (widest part). Now get a calculator and divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. The ideal ratio for women is 0.70 and for men it's 0.90. Greater than 0.75 or 9.95 indicates a significantly higher likelihood of developing one of the above problems.

Now that you know your current location, you can decide whether you're going to make an incremental change or take massive action.

P.S.: Research shows, for best results, make sure you choose something you enjoy.

P.P.S: If you want help with rest of the road map, let us know. We'll make sure you're having fun while you're on your journey.

Free toxic chemical test, and more...

This week only we are offering a complimentary screening to help you reach your 2012 health and fitness goals.

The screening includes the following:

• Stress/Cleansing/Weight Loss Survey
• Urine test for toxic chemicals
• Fitness test
• Blood pressure check
• Weight
• Waist to hip ratio

Make your dreams for a healthier you in 2012 a reality by contacting us today!