Tired of Ants? Try These Natural Ways to Deal With Them

Have you ever left crumbs of food on the floor and accidentally alerted a hoard of ants? While they are mostly harmless, unlike other insects such as ticks and mosquitoes that can cause disease outbreaks, ants can pose a problem if they invade your home.

Here’s everything you need to know about ants, and how you can keep them from wreaking havoc around your house.

Basic Facts About Ants

Ants are usually present when there are sources of food near their colonies, and usually transport and navigate through places in a straight line. These straight lines are marked by pheromones to help each ant navigate to wherever they are going.

This is because ants have poor eyesight, and sometimes only depend on their sense of smell and touch.1 There are also studies that suggest that ants use their legs to sense vibrations in the ground.2

Ants are eusocial insects, which means that they thrive in large groups or populations and have specific divisions in their labor.3 Their colonies comprise of the harvesters, soldiers and the queen.

The majority of the harvesters are female but are sterile because only the queen has the ability to reproduce. Male ants in the colony are only needed for mating and are thus a minority in the ant colony.4 Some ant species are also asexual and depend on cloning to reproduce, which renders the existence of males futile.5

Common Types of Ants

There are various types of ants. Some bite you when they sense that they’re going to get crushed, while some just scurry away. It’s said that there are hundreds of ant breeds that have not yet been identified, however, the four most common types of ants are the odorous house ant, pavement ant, carpenter ant and fire ant.

• Odorous House Ants

The types of ants that are typically found in a home are the odorous house ants. These are called odorous house ants because they emit a rotten coconut smell when they are crushed.

Their nests are usually found in houses, and they often emerge through cracks or holes in the walls. Their diet mostly consists of dead insects and sweets.6

• Pavement Ants

Pavement ants usually live and breed under pavement and inside crack, hence their name. While it is said that the pavement ants’ diet is not precise, it means that these ants will eat anything. Their diet consists of insects, grease, seeds, meat, bread, nuts and other food items.

Usually, pavement ants don’t entirely pose a health threat, but if left alone, they may spread bacteria because of the dirt they leave behind in the food they’ve crawled on.7

• Fire Ants

Fire ants are known for their distinct red color and extremely painful sting. These ants nest in big mounds of dirt, so destroying these nests is the most effective way to stop them from breeding and getting into your home.

They usually enter homes through cracks and holes and are usually seen to feed on leaves and other vegetation.8

Unlike other ants, fire ants are able to adapt to the weather and the environment. The presence of water in their surroundings does not necessarily kill these ants because they can form rafts with their bodies in order to float.9

• Carpenter Ants

These ants build their homes in damp or moldy wood. The presence of carpenter ants usually hints on damage to your homes because they usually build their nests in house supports and beams.

But just because they seemingly destroy wood doesn’t mean that their diet consists solely of this material – they can thrive on other foods, too. These ants make holes in the wood and deposit the powder they’ve produced outside of the wall or the tree.10

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants

If you’re trying to get rid of ants in your living space, please note that pesticides are NOT the most ideal solution. These can put your health at risk because of the countless contaminants or toxic substances that you could accidentally ingest or inhale while applying. Instead, try these natural ways to get rid of pesky ants:

• Sprinkle Pepper.Cayenne pepperwill allow you to get rid of ants because they can’t stand the scent. Sprinkle it in places where you think the ants enter or where the ants live, and they’ll leave because of the scent.11
• Spray Them With Lemon Water.Mix lemon juice with water and spray where the ants are found. Spray a few times a day and this will typically solve the ant infestation problem in your home.12
• Use Mint Tea/Leaves.Ants can’t standmint because they loathe strong smells. The next time you drink mint tea, keep the tea bags and put them in areas where there is an ant infestation.

If you don’t drink mint tea, on the other hand, you can also use mint leaves. Dry the leaves, crush them and sprinkle them where the ants are.13

• Try Cinnamon.Ants not only hate the strong smell ofcinnamon, but this spice also meddles with their senses and stops them from following the pheromone trails.

When using cinnamon powder, simply sprinkle it in openings where you suspect the ants are entering your home. You can also use the powder to draw barriers on walls.14

• Leave Cucumber Pieces in Affected Areas.Ants don’t like cucumber’s taste, so they will typically go out of their way to avoid this vegetable. Cut up acucumber and put small pieces in holes or openings where you suspect the ants are entering your home.15

How Do You Prevent an Ant Infestation?

As many of you know, ants love sugary sweets. They are attracted to sugar because it’s a high source of energy. Ants are also attracted to food that is left unattended, crumbs that fell when you are eating or any other food source that is accessible to them.

If you want to avoid the presence of ants in your homes, here are some tips to keep them out.

• Remove Moisture or Water Sources.Like any living thing, ants need water to live. Eliminating stray water sources or moisture from your homes will prevent these insects from establishing a colony in or near your house.16
• Keep Your House Clean.Ants’ food source primarily depends on dead insects or unattended pieces of food. Keeping your house clean and free of leftover food will prevent ants from gravitating towards your home.17
• Remove Materials Where Ants Can Establish Their Nests.Ants establish their colonies in materials that are near a source of food. They also choose debris that will allow them to build their nests. Remove tree stumps, wood, branches and other debris from near your homes.18
• Seal Points of Entry for Ants.This is applicable to houses where ants are just entering the house and have not yet established a colony inside the house itself. Ants find cracks or holes in your homes where they may crawl through. Patching these will help you stop these ants from even getting into your homes.19

Ant invasions aren’t rare in households, but the good news is that there are countless ways to deal with these infestations. These simple yet effective natural tips will help you deal with the problem without compromising your health and your family’s safety.

 

Chiropractic as the Solution for Mechanical Spine Failure and Failed Back Surgery.

By: William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP

Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP

A report on the scientific literature. 

 

The latest CDC statistics show that in 2012, 54 out of 100 people had self-reported musculoskeletal conditions.  By way of comparison, that is six times more than self-reported cases of cancer, double that of respiratory disease and one-third more than circulatory disorders.  If we extrapolate that to a more current population in the United States of 321 million, that equates to 173 million people reporting musculoskeletal problems in 2012.  Many of these are spine patients who suffer long-term without any type of biomechanical assessment or functional case management.

In 2013, Itz, Geurts, van Kleef, and Nelemans reported, “Non-specific low back pain [LBP] is a relatively common and recurrent condition with major medical and economic implications for which today there is no effective cure” (p. 5).  The idea that spinal pain has a “natural history” resulting in a true resolution of symptoms is a myth and the concept that spine pain should only be treated in the acute phase for a few visits has no support in the literature.  We don’t address cardiovascular disease in this manner, i.e. wait until you have a heart attack to treat, we don’t follow this procedure with dentistry, i.e. wait until you need a root canal to treat, and we certainly don’t handle metabolic disorders such as diabetes in this way, i.e. wait until you have diabetic ulcers or advanced vascular disease to treat.  Why does healthcare fall short with spinal conditions in spite of the compelling literature that states the opposite in treatment outcomes?

The front lines of medical care for spine-related pain is typically the prescription of pain medication, particularly at the emergency care level, and then if that doesn’t work, a referral is made to physical therapy. If physical therapy is unsuccessful, the final referral is to a surgeon.  If the surgeon does not intervene with surgery, then the diagnosis becomes “non-specific back pain” and the patient is given stronger medication since there is nothing the surgeon can do.  In those surgical interventions that result in persistent pain, a commonly reported problem, there is an ICD-10 diagnosis for failed spine surgery, M96.1

A recent article Ordia and Vaisman (2011) described this syndrome a bit further stating the following, “We propose that these terms [post laminectomy syndrome or failed back syndrome] should be replaced with Post-surgical Spine Syndrome (PSSS)” (p. 132).  They continued by reporting, “The incidence of PSSS may be reduced by a meticulous neurological examination and careful patient selection.  The facet and sacroiliac joints should always be examined, particularly when the pain is predominantly in the lower back, or when it radiates only to the thigh or groin and not below the knee” (Orida & Vaisman, 2011, p. 132). The authors finally stated, “Adherence to these simple guidelines can result in a significant reduction in the pain and suffering, as also the enormous financial cost of PSSS” (Orida & Vaisman, 2011, p. 132).  What they are referring to is a careful distinction between an “anatomical” versus a “biomechanical” cause of the spine pain.

According to Mulholland (2008), “[Surgery] Spinal fusion became what has been termed the “gold standard” for the treatment of mechanical low back pain, yet there was no scientific basis for this” (p. 619). He continued, “However whilst that fusion [surgery] may be very effective in stopping movement, it was deficient in relation to load transfer” (Mulholland, 2008, p. 623). He concluded, “The concept of instability as a cause of back pain is a myth. The clinical results of any procedure that allows abnormal disc loading to continue are unpredictable” (Mulholland, 2008, p. 624).  Simply put, surgery does not correct the underlying biomechanical failure or the cause of the pain.

When a biomechanical assessment is lacking, the patient’s pain persists and allopathic medicine is focused on “managing the pain” vs. correcting the underlying biomechanical lesion/pathology/imbalance, the medication of choice at this point in care has been opioid analgesics.  Back in 2011, the CDC reported, “Sales of OPR quadrupled between 1999 and 2010. Enough OPR were prescribed last year [2010] to medicate every American adult with a standard pain treatment dose of 5 mg of hydrocodone (Vicodin and others) taken every 4 hours for a month” (p. 1489).  That was 6 years ago, which was when people began to feel that treating musculoskeletal pain with narcotics was trending in the wrong direction.  Now, in 2016, we can see there is a problem of epidemic proportions to the point that MDs are changing how they refer spine patients for diagnosis and treatment.

Dowell, Haegerich, and Chou (2016), along with the CDC, published updated guidelines relating to the prescription of opioid medication:

Opioid pain medication use presents serious risks, including overdose and opioid use disorder. From 1999 to 2014, more than 165,000 persons died from overdose related to opioid pain medication in the United States. In the past decade, while the death rates for the top leading causes of death such as heart disease and cancer have decreased substantially, the death rate associated with opioid pain medication has increased markedly.

…a recent study of patients aged 15–64 years receiving opioids for chronic noncancer pain and followed for up to 13 years revealed that one in 550 patients died from opioid-related overdose at a median of 2.6 years from their first opioid prescription, and one in 32 patients who escalated to opioid dosages >200 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) died from opioid-related overdose. (p. 2)

Clearly, there needs to be a nationwide standard for the process by which patients with spine pain are handled, including academic and clinical leadership on spinal biomechanics.  The only profession that is poised to accomplish such a task is chiropractic.

In a recent study by Houweling et al. (2015), the authors reported, “The purpose of this study was to identify differences in outcomes, patient satisfaction, and related health care costs in spinal, hip, and shoulder pain patients who initiated care with medical doctors (MDs) vs those who initiated care with doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in Switzerland” (p. 477). This is an important study which continually demonstrates maintaining access to chiropractic care, for both acute and chronic pain is critical.  We can also see from current utilization statistics that chiropractic care is underutilized on a major scale.  The authors also state, “Although patients may be comanaged with other medical colleagues or paramedical providers (eg, physiotherapists), treatment for the same complaint may vary according to the type of first-contact provider. For instance, MDs tend to use medication, including analgesics, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory agents, for the treatment of acute nonspecific spinal pain, whereas DCs favor spinal manipulative therapy as the primary treatment for this condition” (Houweling et al., 2015, p. 478).  The continue by stating “This study showed that spinal, hip, and shoulder pain patients had modestly higher pain relief and satisfaction with care at lower overall cost if they initiated care with DCs, when compared with those who initiated care with MDs” (Houweling et al., 2015, p. 480).  Overall, when taking cost into consideration, “Mean total spinal, hip, and shoulder pain-related health care costs per patient during the 4-month study period were approximately 40% lower in patients initially consulting DCs compared with those initially consulting MDs” (Houweling et al., 2015, p. 481).  The authors concluded, “The findings of this study support first-contact care provided by DCs as an alternative to first-contact care provided by MDs for a select number of musculoskeletal conditions” (Houweling et al., 2015, p. 481).

Bases on the literature and outcome studies, backed up with 121 years of doctors of chiropractic and their patients’ testimonies, the time has never been better for the chiropractic profession to move into treating the 93% of the population that is not under care. Chiropractic must be moved from the accepted standard of biomechanical processes in the laboratory to the standard of care for spine beyond fracture, tumor or infection across all professions, inclusive of physical therapy. The outcomes overwhelmingly support that anything less perpetuates the epidemic of failed back treatments.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). National hospital discharge survey. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhds.htm

2. United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). Quick facts, United States. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/

3. Itz, C. J., Geurts, J. W., van Kleef, M., & Nelemans, P. (2013). Clinical course of non‐specific low back pain: A systematic review of prospective cohort studies set in primary care. European Journal of Pain, 17(1), 5-15.

4. Ordia, J., & Julien Vaisman. (2011). Post-surgical spine syndrome. Surgical Neurology International, 2, 132.

5. Mulholland, R. C. (2008). The myth of lumbar instability: The importance of abnormal loading as a cause of low back pain. European Spine Journal, 17(5), 619-625.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Vital signs: Overdoses of prescription opioid pain relievers - United States, 1999--2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(43), 1487-1492.

7. Dowell, D., Haegerich, T. M., & Chou, R. (2016). CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain - United States, 2016. JAMA, 315(15), 1624-1645.

8. Houweling, T. A., Braga, A. V., Hausheer, T., Vogelsang, M., Peterson, C., & Humphreys, B. K. (2015). First-contact care with a medical vs chiropractic provider after consultation with a swiss telemedicine provider: Comparison of outcomes, patient satisfaction, and health care costs in spinal, hip, and shoulder pain patients. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 38(7), 477-483.

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: Opioid Addiction Now Surpasses Smoking More Americans now use prescription opioids than smoke cigarettes. Substance abuse has also eclipsed cancer in terms of prevalence, and costs the U.S. more than the treatment of diabetes, Opiates such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and morphine are killing more Americans than car crashes, claiming the lives of more than 49,700 Americans in 2014. In 2015, 27 million Americans used illegal drugs and/or misused prescription drugs, and nearly one-quarter of all adolescents and adults reported binge drinking in the previous month.

 

WELLNESS: Health Benefits of Jackfruit Jackfruit is a nutritional bonanza: it is rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which makes it a good natural laxative. It can also benefit those who want to lose or maintain their weight by giving a feeling of fullness. Jackfruit is also known to contain significant amounts of vitamin A and flavonoid pigments (carotene-ß, xanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin-ß), offering antioxidant and vision support. The enigmatic fruit is rich in B-complex vitamins, containing niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and folic acid. It is a viable source of minerals, such as iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese as well. As a good source of vitamin C — also a powerful antioxidant.  

 

CHIROPRACTIC: As primary care physicians I've been in practice for over 40 years and I have a number of patients who has never seen another type of Doctor other than me. You have to understand that chiropractors don't set broken bones, sews you up after a serious cut or deal with life-threatening emergency situations that are best treated in the hospital setting. But other than those few exceptions chiropractic and natural healthcare has approaches that are, in a lot of cases, far superior than the medical approach. We offer natural antibiotics, antiviral and anti-yeast products that have virtually no side effects. We offer effective care for type II diabetes most hormone conditions, skin conditions, respiratory conditions, allergies, etc. chiropractic and natural healthcare has effective tools for improving your health. Think chiropractic/natural healthcare first, drugs second and surgery last.

FUNNY BONE: How did I escape Iraq? Iran.@@ I can't believe I got fired from the calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.@@ I'm glad I know sign language, it's pretty handy.@@ Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of soda? He was lucky it was a soft drink.@@ A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station..@@ A garage sale is actually a Garbage sale but the "b" is silent.@@ I saw an ad for burial plots, and thought to myself this is the last thing I need.

 

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Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: Vaccines — Are They Still Contributing to the Greater Good? To ensure the safety of as many children as possible, we need to have an open rational discussion about vaccine safety; 30 years ago, autism affected 1 in 10,000 children. Today, it afflicts as many as 1 in 50. If your baby has suboptimal gut flora, vaccines can become the proverbial "last straw" — the trigger that "primes" their immune system to develop chronic health problems. Evaluating differences in health outcomes among highly vaccinated and unvaccinated children could shed light on the vaccine safety conversation, but a large-scale, well-designed study has never been done. Studies show that unvaccinated children have less health issues than vaccinated ones, why do you think that’s true?

 

Foods That prevent blood clots Blood clots can be deadly and can be prevented if not reversed by a few simple rules. Exercise your legs while you’re sitting , engage in regular exercise. If you smoke stop. Reduce stress, limit alcohol to one serving per day and eat foods high in antioxidants. Foods like apricots, oranges, blackberries, pineapple, blueberries, grapes and herbs and spices like cayenne, turmeric, ginger, gingko also vinegar and foods high in omega-3 like salmon, anchovies, herring and foods high in vitamin E like nuts, vegetables, lentils can go a long ways of preventing blood clots.

 

CHIROPRACTIC: Heart disease is a condition that is best treated through natural methods. Studies show that most medical approaches don't extend life as much is reports would indicate. Balloons, stents and bypass surgery come with several complications. Chiropractic adjustments help balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system which is crucial to heart health. Targeted nutrients to the blood vessels that surround the heart can cause dramatic improvement in short periods of time. Following your body type diet with emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods and balancing the body's pH can take a surgical heart condition and turn it into a healthy heart in the matter of weeks.

 

FUNNY BONE: A: Just look at that young person with the short hair and blue jeans. Is it a boy or a girl? B: It’s a girl. She’s my daughter. A: Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t know that you were her father. B: I’m not. I’m her mother.@@ The teacher says, “Why are you arguing?” One boy answers, “We found a ten dollor bill and decided to give it to whoever tells the biggest lie.” “You should be ashamed of yourselves,” said the teacher, “When I was your age I didn’t even know what a lie was.” The boys gave the ten dollars to the teacher.

 

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Stopping blood clots before they happen

 

Blood clotting, or coagulation, is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets (a type of blood cell) and proteins in your plasma (the liquid part of blood) work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Deep Vein Thrombosis:

Signs and Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs, but sometimes in your arm.  The signs and symptoms of a DVT include:

• Swelling, usually in one leg (or arm)
• Leg pain or tenderness often described as a cramp or Charley horse
• Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
• Leg (or arm) warm to touch

These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charlie horse,” but may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm.

Pulmonary Embolism:

Signs and Symptoms

Clots can break off from a DVT and travel to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.  The signs and symptoms of a PE include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with deep breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

Call an ambulance or 911 immediately for treatment in the ER if you experience these Pulmonary Embolism symptoms.

Blood clots form when platelets (blood components) and plasma proteins thicken, forming a semisolid mass. This process may be triggered by an injury or it can sometimes occur inside blood vessels that don't have an obvious injury.

Once these clots form, they can travel to other parts of your body, causing harm. Factors and conditions that can cause troublesome blood clots, as well as serious conditions that are associated with blood clots, include:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis
• Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, hormone therapy drugs and some breast cancer medications
• Deep vein thrombosis(DVT)
• Factor V Leiden
• Family history of blood clots
• Heart arrhythmias
• Hiatal hernia
• Heart failure
• Obesity
• Peripheral artery disease
• Polycythemia vera
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged sitting or bed rest
• Pulmonary embolism(blood clot in an artery in the lung)
• Smoking
• Stroke
• Surgery

Video: How cots form

https://youtu.be/ac_om5HCjvg

Here Are Recommendations To Help Reduce The Risk Of Blood Clots:

• Increase physical activity:Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise your legs frequently while you’re sitting
  • Exercise regularly (goal: at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, 5-days per week)
  • Get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours
• Stop smoking! (and avoid second-hand exposure)
• Reduce stress (read how stress increases inflammation on our prior blog post)
• Limit alcohol consumption to 1 serving per day (preferably red wine)
• Consume an anti-cancer/anti-inflammatory diet
• The active ingredient in aspirin is a plant-derived compound called a “salicylate.” Instead of taking a baby aspirin, you could simply consume foods that have high salicylate content (as well as many anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients):

• Fruits:
  • apricots
  • oranges
  • blackberries
  • pineapple
  • blackcurrant
  • plums
  • blueberries
  • prunes
  • raspberries
  • strawberries
  • grapes
  • cranberries
  • tangerines
  • tomatoes
• Spices, herbs and others:
  • curry
  • cayenne
  • paprika
  • thyme
  • turmeric
  • ginger
  • dandelion
  • gingko
  • licorice
  • peppermint
• Wine
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Cider

• 
• Consume foods that are rich in vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids (both of which have blood thinning properties and may reduce the risk of blood clots):
  • Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:
    • Fatty fish (i.e.  anchovies, salmon, lake trout, herring, mackerel) and fish oil
    • Plant sources (i.e. flaxseed, sunflower seeds, canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil, soy)
  • Vitamin E rich foods include:
    • Nuts (i.e. walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)
    • Vegetable oils (i.e. canola oil, sunflower oil, palm oil)
    • Lentils (i.e. chickpeas)
    • Oats and wheat
  • Other foods and supplements that reduce blood clotting:
    • Curcumin
    • Polyphenol-rich foods
    • Vitamin C
    • Nattokinase(a compound produced during soy fermentation; found only in natto, which smells like very dirt socks, so unless you can stomach that scent I suggest taking nattokinase supplements)
    • Garlic
    • Gingko biloba

LINK: FOOD THAT REDUCE INFLAMMATION 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: What is alkaline water and can it really help with heartburn? You may have noticed the buzz about alkaline water recently: It’s a staple of the alkaline diet, and promoted by celebs like Miranda Kerr for its supposed health perks. Among those perks is the belief that alkaline H2O—which, by definition, has a higher pH (and lower acidity) than what comes out of the tap—can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, aka heartburn. NOTE: though this article was interesting and it does show benefits for heartburn that’s not the primary purpose of alkaline water. Alkaline water is one tool along with other foods and drinks to change your pH to more normal setting. Both urine and saliva should be 6.4. When your urine pH gets down to 5.5 or below this puts your body under stress. One of the things that happens is you start leeching alkaline minerals from your bone and teeth. So alkaline water can be an important tool if you system is hyper acidic which usually means it’s inflamed.

WELLNESS: The secret to surviving a heart attack? Eating plenty of salmon, pecans and vegetable oils 'lowers chances of dying' Oily fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines have high levels of omega-3, Some nuts, seeds and oils contain high levels of plant-based equivalent, Study looked at research based on more than 45,000 patients globally. These foods reduce inflammation in the body which is the latest scientific understanding for heart disease. The cholesterol theory for heart disease has never once been proven through scientific studies in the past 50 years. Unfortunately sometimes politics and fraud produce practices that takes years to expose and change. If you’re taking drugs for cholesterol your shortening your life span. Change your diet and lifestyle and you can substantially reduce your likelihood of having a heart attack. Note: Ask for list of anti-inflammatory foods.

CHIROPRACTIC: The neurological bases for neck and arm symptoms Your neck contains the smallest vertebrae in your spine with the least amount of support. Neck problems can arise from simple headdown posture to whiplash type injuries. When these bones lose their proper position and balance they can stress the delicate nerves that travel into the muscles and tissues of the neck and on down the arm to the tip of the fingers. This can be the source of neck pain, stiffness, limited rotation and problems sleeping. These nerves also innervate the shoulder and can lead to different types of shoulder dysfunction, the elbow leading to tennis elbow type symptoms, the wrist leading to carpal tunnel syndrome and into the fingers leading to grip strength issues, numbness and tingling within the hand. Medications, of course, do not realign the spine. And suppressing symptoms thus allowing misalignments to remain are the source of long-term degenerating processes like arthritis and disc disease. Chiropractic offers the safest most direct method of restoring a strong healthy neck. If you or someone you know suffers from neck or arm symptoms tell them about chiropractic.

FUNNY BONE: Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.@@ We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know.
Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com-ebook/keefeclinic.com

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

DIET: Belly needs berries – Which is the best relief for a troubled stomach? Strawberries. They not only eliminate the ulcers of the stomach, but also minimize the damage done by the mucous membrane. It is free of side effects as it is a fruit and is hence suggested by naturopaths for regular consumption. It is good to note that turmeric, dark green vegetables and yoghurt also pack similar benefits

IN THE NEWS: Revolutionary new blood test for pregnant mothers 'may determine the health of small babies'  Pregnant women could soon be given a blood test to detect small babies at risk of being stillborn. One in 20 babies are starved in the womb, through a malfunction in the placenta or poor blood flow through the umbilical cord. These tiny babies are at risk of dying, or can be left with cerebral palsy, but often go undetected in low-risk healthy mothers who are currently not offered scans in the last trimester of pregnancy. However scientists at Queen Mary University of London have now found a protein the mother’s blood, called DLK1, which provides a biological read-out of their baby’s wellbeing. Dr Charalambous said: ‘Measuring DLK1 levels in the mother’s blood could be a reliable and non-invasive way of predicting whether there are likely to be complications, especially those that cause reduced nutrient supply to the baby.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: CHIROPRACTIC TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE Doctors of chiropractic generally utilize spinal manipulation to address musculoskeletal issues. Most people think that chiropractic is only good for back and neck pain. But chiropractic can do more for a person’s wellness than just relieve pain. A recent double-blinded study compared a group of patients to see how spinal manipulation impacted their blood pressure. The researchers found that “specific thoracic spinal manipulations affected three measures: blood pressure, pulse rate, and changes in hypertension (high blood pressure) classification only in the active treatment group.” If you are one of many people looking to reduce your blood pressure, you may want to add chiropractic care to exercise and healthy eating. The combination will get healthier faster.

FUNNY BONE: Teacher: Glenn, how do you spell crocodile? Glenn: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-a-L teacher: no, that’s wrong. Glenn: maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it. @@ I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.@@ How do you keep an idiot in suspense?@@ A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.@@ Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.@@ Housework can't kill you, but why take a chance?

                                                                   Visit our web sites:  keefeclinic.com&facebook.com/keefeclinic

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: One Superbug Meets Another: Ants Could Be the Key to Battling Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance is a huge crisis currently threatening the whole world. In fact, it’s such a big deal that it’s even being discussed by the UN General Assembly. According to estimates, more than 700,000 people die of drug-resistant infections each year across the globe, and bad bacteria continue to evolve against the treatments that do work. To help alleviate that problem, researchers are looking for answers in the unlikeliest of places: the backs of ants. Scientists have found ants that cultivate bacteria they can use against invading fungi and microbes, and it could be a potential new source for antibiotics. Researchers have narrowed down the search for these special ants to species that cultivate fungi as their food source, such as leaf-cutter ants, which are found in North and South America.

WELLNESS: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Prevent Urinary Tract Infections? ACV has been used in traditional medicine for generations as a topical acne treatment; digestive issues like acid-reflux or constipation thanks to the malic acid content; insomnia; joint paint; weight loss; and, according to 2007 study published in Diabetes Care, it could even help treat diabetes by lowering glucose levels. Holistic nutritionist, Lee Holmes, also cites other benefits to drinking the organic, unfiltered kind: “Studies have shown it can help to reduce appetite, lower bad cholesterol, aid digestion and even tone and clarify the skin,” she added. When it comes to avoiding UTIs and supporting general health, the reason ACV’s so effective is due to its ability to balance pH levels in your body, creating an alkalized state. It’s also a trifecta of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral benefits. “It can be used as a natural antibiotic,” explained Holmes, adding that useful minerals lurking in sediment at the bottom of the bottle can curb infection. “Drinking apple cider vinegar can prevent the bacteria that cause UTIs from multiplying or growing,” she said.

CHIROPRACTIC: NUMBNESS IN THE ARM AND HAND if you or someone you know suffers from numbness in the arm or hand then you’re most likely dealing with the neck problem. Sometimes you might not have any symptoms in your neck yet the tiny bones in your neck could be pressing on the nerves that go down to your fingertips. Besides nerve pressure an unresolved whiplash can cause compression on the discs in the neck and as they break down put pressure on the nerves to the fingers. Realignment of the neck can resolve this condition along with shoulder problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome as well as numbness or swelling in the hand. It’s important to understand you can have nerve pressure without pain. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition have them call 918-663-1111.

FUNNY BONE:   I almost had a psychic girlfriend, ..... But she left me before we met.@@ Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film.@@ Negotiations between union members and their employer were at an impasse. The union denied that their workers were flagrantly abusing their contract's sick-leave provisions.  One morning at the bargaining table, the company's chief negotiator held aloft the morning edition of the newspaper, "This man," he announced, "called in sick yesterday!" There, on the sports page, was a photo of the supposedly ill employee, who had just won a local golf tournament with an excellent score. A union negotiator broke the silence in the room. "Wow," he said. "Think of what kind of score he could have had if he hadn't been sick!"
Web site: keefeclinic.com & facebook/keefeclinic.com

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: FDA Is Pharma's Lapdog, Not a Watchdog The House Energy and Commerce Committee launched an investigation into the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), particularly their handling of food, drug and medical device cases. A Reuters investigation previously found that more than half of all OCI cases are closed with no action taken. Agents at OCI have said they were told to avoid opening cases relating to other federal agencies. OCI agents have also questioned the need to pursue mislabeled injectable drugs, like Botox, from other countries, seemingly protecting high drug prices in the U.S. even though such drugs pose little public health risk. NOTE: Most people mistakenly think the FDA is a public safety government organization but I can tell you from personal experience that their corrupt to the core. They appear to be much more inclined to remove supplements with questionable risk picture as opposed to drugs that kill over 2000 people a week.

WELLNESS: Why the Sun Is Necessary for Optimal Health Up until the 1950s sunlight was widely used to treat so-called diseases of darkness: tuberculosis and rickets. Sunlight induces coordinated endocrine adaptation effects. It affects sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, and is a major circadian and seasonal stimulus for the body clock … Our system, via the eyes and via the skin, detects the colors of the light in the environment in order to adapt the hormonal system to the specific needs of the time and place. It's not the sun that causes skin cancer it's the effect of sick skin not able to respond to the sun properly. Dehydration, system toxicity, fatty acids and oil soluble vitamin deficiencies are just some of the reasons for skin cancer, it's not the sun's fault. Vitamin D levels are dependent on proper sun exposure.

CHIROPRACTIC: October is: National Chiropractic Month

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY

Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic? Now is the time to get your spouse, or child started on the road to good health.

Complimentary

DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBERComplimentary initial exam and one X-ray.

Tell someone today

FUNNY BONE: Yes, money cannot buy you happiness, but I’d still feel a lot more comfortable crying in a new BMW than on a bike.@@ One state official to the other: "I don't know what people have against us - We haven't done anything."@@Money doesn’t buy you happiness but it can buy you a jet-ski. It is impossible to be sad when you’re riding on the jet-ski.@@Secretary: “Doctor the invisible man has come. He says he has an appointment.” Doctor: “Tell him I can’t see him.”@@ ''My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We'll see about that.''  @@ Misadventures in headline writing from around the world: “City Unsure Why the Sewer Smells‘ —The Herald-Palladium (St. Joseph, Michigan), Case of Innocent Man Freed After Spending 18 Years in Prison Proves Texas System Works —Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Texas)

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com-faceebook/keefeclinic.com

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS:  Fails Up to 90 Percent of the Time, yet Nearly Every Doctor Urges You to Get It Mounting research suggests getting an annual flu shot may be ill advised for long-term health, and doesn’t actually work in the first place. An analysis of influenza vaccine effectiveness reveals that, between 2005 and 2015, the flu vaccine was less than 50 percent effective more than half of the time. Recent studies show that, with each successive annual flu vaccination, the protection afforded by the vaccine appears to diminish. It may also increase your risk of contracting more serious influenza infections.

WELLNESS: New Safety Regulations for Cosmetics - Better Regulated by States Congress has proposed a law, the Personal Care Products Safety Act, that would give the FDA authority to test whether chemicals added to personal care products are being used at safe levels. The new regulations would require companies to report adverse reactions to their products to the FDA, but those adverse reactions won’t be made publicly available. The other glaring issue is that The Personal Care Products Safety Act would preempt state regulations. Note: maybe you should go by the rule if you would not eat it don't put it on your skin. Have you heard of transdermal patches? What you put on your skin will be in your bloodstream.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: October is:       National Chiropractic Month

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY

Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic?

Now is the time to get your spouse, or child started on the road to good health. Complimentary DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER

Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray.

Tell someone today

FUNNY BONE: My goal this weekend is to move... just enough so people don't think I'm dead.@@ When you fall, I will be there to catch you - With love, the floor@@ Most of the time... when you're crying, nobody notices your tears. Most of the time... when you're worried, nobody feels your pain. Most of the time... when you're happy, nobody sees your smile. But when you fart just one time...@@ My friend, remember that without stupidity there wouldn't be intelligence, and without ugliness there wouldn't be beauty, so the world needs you after all.@@ To the guy who created imaginary numbers in Math: I hate you.@@

 

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com&facebook.com/keefeclinic

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: October is:

National Chiropractic Month

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY

Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic?

Now is the time to get your spouse, or child started on the road to good health.

Complimentary

DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBERComplimentary initial exam and one X-ray.

Tell someone today

WELLNESS: Our Bodies Have So Many More Cancer-Causing Chemicals Than We Thought An estimated 1.7 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016. While some of this is rooted in sheer genetics, many of these cases may be sparked by substances in the air, soil, food, and materials around us. A new report released today by the Environmental Working Group shows just how many of these substances end up inside of us. Pulling data from places like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EWG detected up to 420 possible carcinogens—the name for cancer-causing agents—in people's bodies. NOTE: Is there cancer in your family? Even if the answer to that is no you should still drink clean water, try to eat clean food (reduce junk food and increase fresh fruits and vegetables and even consider organic), clean air machines in your home can reduce pollution.

CHIROPRACTIC: NUMBNESS IN THE ARM AND HAND if you or someone you know suffers from numbness in the arm or hand then you’re most likely dealing with the neck problem. Sometimes you might not have any symptoms in your neck yet the tiny bones in your neck could be pressing on the nerves that go down to your fingertips. Besides nerve pressure an unresolved whiplash can cause compression on the discs in the neck and as they break down put pressure on the nerves to the fingers. Realignment of the neck can resolve this condition along with shoulder problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome as well as numbness or swelling in the hand. It’s important to understand you can have nerve pressure without pain. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition have them call 918-663-1111.

FUNNY BONE: If you’re attacked by a mob of clowns go for the JUGGLER.

 

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com-faceebook/keefeclinic.com

Melanoma and food (diet)

INNATE INTELLIGENCE

Healing comes from within. The wisdom that made your body can heal your body. Chiropractic science teaches that the body has an inborn ability to heal itself. In chiropractic we call this innate intelligence.

When you cut your finger in most cases all you need to do is clean the cut and the body will do the rest. When you break a bone if it is not severely dislocated the body can pull the bone back together and make it stronger than it was before the break. As a chiropractic physician I rely on your bodies inborn intelligence to produce the results from care. My job is to remove the interference and let innate intelligence to the rest. Yes we have to give innate the proper building blocks through proper diet and nutrition plus we need to stop overloading the body with toxic chemicals and depleted nutrients like refined carbohydrates or junk food.

Exercise, oxygen, clean water, stress reduction and proper rest are all components necessary for good health. Drugs can not give you healthy tissue cells, vitamins can not give you healthy tissue cells without innate intelligence doing its job. That's why the adjustment is so important. The doctor inside needs to have full access to every part of your body in order to maintain good health. Nerve pressure interferes with the innate intelligence's ability to restore health. Who do you know who would benefit from chiropractic care?

Chiropractic releases health from within, not from a pill.

 

Apple cider vinegar

 

Paul Bragg was one of the first that championed the use of apple cider vinegar in America. Paul C. Bragg, Father of the Health Movement in America, had vision and dedication. This dynamic Crusader for worldwide health and fitness is responsible for more firsts in the history of the Health Movement than any other individual.

Bragg’s amazing pioneering achievements the world now enjoys:

♠Bragg originated, named and opened the first Health Food Store in America.
♠Bragg Health Crusades pioneered the first Health Lectures across America. Bragg inspired followers to open Health Stores across America and then worldwide.
♠Bragg was the first to introduce pineapple juice and tomato juice to America.
He introduced Juice Therapy in America by importing the first hand-juicers.
He was the first to introduce and distribute honey and date sugar nationwide.
♠Bragg pioneered Radio Health Programs from Hollywood three times daily in the 20s.
♠Bragg and daughter Patricia pioneered a Health TV show from Hollywood to spread The ♠Bragg Health Crusade on their show, Health and Happiness. It included exercises, health recipes, visual demonstrations and guest appearances by famous, health-minded people.
♠Bragg opened the first health restaurants and the first health spas in America.
He created the first health foods and products and then made them available nationwide: herbal teas, health beverages, vitamin drinks, seven-grain cereals and crackers, health cosmetics, health candies, calcium, vitamins and mineral supplements, wheat germ, digestive enzymes from papaya, herbs and kelp seasonings, and amino acids from soybeans. Bragg inspired others to follow (Schiff, Shaklee, Twin Labs, Herbalife, etc.) and now thousands of health items are available worldwide!

Health benefits from consuming apple cider vinegar: improving upset stomach, hiccups, sore throats, lowers LDL-cholesterol, stuffy nose, helps weight loss, gets rid of dandruff, clears acne, boost energy, cuts down on nighttime leg cramps, improves bad breath, whiteness teeth, fades bruises, helps control blood sugar, it's the only vinegar that will increase alkaline pH of the body.

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has announced a national health care observance

October is

National Chiropractic Month

 

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN?

INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY

Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic?

Now is the time to get your spouse, or child started on the road to good health.

Complimentary

DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER

Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray.

Tell someone today

 

 

IN THE NEWS: Environmental Exposures, Autism and Developmental Delays — An Approach From an Integrative Psychiatrist estimated 1 in 50 American children. The number of children with autism has increased by an alarming rate over the last 20 years and will likely continue. A growing number of children also struggle with developmental and speech delays, as well as motor disorders. According to the latest statistics, developmental delays affect 1 out of 6 or 7 children. Environmental exposure are a significant factor that can contribute to the development of ASD and other developmental delays. There are many safe, gentle treatment options, including dietary changes and eliminating toxic exposures. ASK ABOUT DETOX!

LINK: peeling-the-onion/

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: Vitamin K2 Deficiency Is a Significant Cause of Cardiovascular Disease Warfarin and statins may reduce your absorption of vitamin K2, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and cancer. Although necessary for your overall health, vitamin D without vitamin K2 may increase your risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods, fermented cheeses and grass-fed meats and dairy products. New evidence, however, has confirmed that vitamin K2’s role in the body extends far beyond blood clotting to include ensuring healthy skin, promoting brain function, and supporting growth and development.

WELLNESS: Long-term marijuana use linked to changes in brain's reward system People who use marijuana for many years respond differently to natural rewards than people who don't use the drug, according to a new study. "This study shows that marijuana disrupts the natural reward circuitry of the brain, making marijuana highly salient to those who use it heavily," study author Dr. Francesca Filbey, an associate professor of behavioral and brain science at the University of Texas at Dallas, said in a statement. "In essence, these brain alterations could be a marker of transition to problematic use." The researchers also looked at the relationship between certain problems linked to marijuana use, such as family issues, and the people's brain responses to the pictures of marijuana paraphernalia. It turned out that the more problems that people's marijuana use was related to, the more their brains responded to the marijuana cues. "The greater the number of problems they had indicating potential cannabis use disorder, the greater the alterations are in their response to the cues," Filbey told Live Science.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: HEADACHES be they the blinding headaches of a migraine to the annoying tension headaches studies have shown chiropractic is the best treatment on the planet. Headaches come from multiple sources i.e. subluxations, kidneys, hormones, muscle tension or toxicity. Chiropractic can gently release the tension on the nervous system responsible for most types of headaches. Diet can help balance chemistry like hormones or blood sugar that can trigger some types of headaches as well as lifestyle changes i.e. reducing junk food, drinking more water and detoxification can eliminate the triggers for headaches. Chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last is the motto of better health.

FUNNY BONES:  If an accountant's wife cannot sleep, what does she say? "Darling, could you tell me about your work." @@ Two accountants go to their credit union on their lunch break, when armed robbers burst in. While several of the robbers take the money from the tellers, others line the customers, including the accountants, up against a wall, and proceed to take their wallets, watches, and other valuables. While this is going on accountant number one jams something in accountant number two's hand. Without looking down, accountant number two whispers, "What is this?" to which accountant number one replies, "it's that $50 I owe you."
Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com&facebook.com/keefeclinic

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 IN THE NEWS: UTIs Are Horrible and Soon There Will Be No Drugs That Can Help You A superbug that can shake off a last-ditch antibiotic called colistin has been alarming the global health community since 2015. It first turned up in hogs on a Chinese farm and has since been found in 30 other countries, including the United States. According to a new paper by Rutgers and Columbia University researchers, colistin-resistant E. coli has been here since August 2014 at the latest—and the particular strain they found is also resistant to another family of last-resort antibiotics, carbapenems. It's also chilling that this superstrain of E. coli turned up in a UTI case. E. coli is the most common trigger of UTIs, which in turn are "among the most common infections in people," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Note: I have been warning patients about this problem for the past 30 years. About 23 years ago the “Journal of the American Medical Association” gave one whole publication to this issue discussing what can be done. One of the solutions which would’ve probably stopped this problem was to make it illegal for the average medical doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Even after multiple warnings sting operations have found a number of medical doctors giving antibiotics to a whole host of conditions that have been shown not to be helped by antibiotics. They just wanted to feel like a doctor who had a solution. So it’s up to the individual patient to protect themselves and their families. Recently the FDA has talked about removing antibacterial soaps from the market because they contribute to superbug development. The good news is natural approaches are still quite effective in most of these cases. Always try a natural approach first when you have an infection you can always go to more aggressive approaches if necessary.

CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS: Cloudy with a chance of pain? Wet weather and a lack of sunshine DOES make chronic pain worse It's long been said that cold, damp, weather can make aches and pains worse. Now doctors investigating whether there really is a link between the weather and pain believe it's more than just an old wives' tale. Bad weather - particularly rain and a lack of sunshine - can make chronic pain worse, initial findings of a large study suggests. Medics have asked thousands of sufferers across the country to take part in their research by providing data using their mobile phones. As the number of sunny days increased from February to April, the amount of time spent in severe pain decreased. But pain levels increased again in June when the weather was wetter and there were fewer hours of sunshine, the University of Manchester-led project found. Good news: these issues can be resolved through nutritional therapy and light therapy. You can get full-spectrum light bulbs at the health food store that can supply you with the type of light the sun gives off. Just like with nutritional deficiencies you can have light deficiencies. With Vega testing we can help find the nutrients that can eliminate these weather-related symptoms.

FUNNY BONE: We’ve begun to long for the pitter-patter of little feet, so we bought a dog. It’s cheaper, and you get more feet.@@ People in sleeping bags are the soft tacos of the bear world.@@ I was editing classified ads for a small-town newspaper when a man called to place an ad. "It should read," he said, "‘Free to good home. Golden retriever. Will eat anything, loves children.’"

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com-faceebook/keefeclinic.com

SLEEP

Sleep problems unfortunately are becoming a bigger issue in our society. Some people who have sleep disorders are not even aware that there is a problem. Here are some of the symptoms you can have when you don’t get the five levels of sleep at night that you should.

The effects include:

• Fatigue, lethargy, and lack of motivation
• Moodiness and irritability
• Reduced creativity and problem-solving skills
• Inability to cope with stress
• Reduced immunity; frequent colds and infections
• Concentration and memory problems
• Weight gain
• Impaired motor skills and increased risk of accidents
• Difficulty making decisions
• Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems

If two or more of these symptoms are ones you identify with you might be having a sleep disorder. Sleep is an important time for your body to regenerate itself particularly your digestive system. Another sign of poor sleep is a lack of appetite in the morning. If you don’t have a desire for breakfast within 30 minutes of waking you might have a problem sleeping. Below is a chart that tells our needs for sleep by age:

Average Sleep Needs by Age
Newborn to 2 months old	12 - 18 hrs
3 months to 1 year old	14 - 15 hrs
1 to 3 years old	12 - 14 hrs
3 to 5 years old	11 - 13 hrs
5 to 12 years old	10 - 11 hrs
12 to 18 years old	8.5 - 10 hrs
Adults (18+)	7.5 - 9 hrs

Myths and Facts about Sleep

Myth 1: Getting just one hour less sleep per night won’t affect your daytime functioning.You may not be noticeably sleepy during the day, but losing even one hour of sleep can affect your ability to think properly and respond quickly. It also compromises your cardiovascular health, energy balance, and ability to fight infections.

Myth 2: Your body adjusts quickly to different sleep schedules. Most people can reset their biological clock, but only by appropriately timed cues—and even then, by one or two hours per day at best. Consequently, it can take more than a week to adjust after traveling across several time zones or switching to the night shift.

Myth 3: Extra sleep at night can cure you of problems with excessive daytime fatigue. The quantity of sleep you get is important, sure, but it's the quality of your sleep that you really have to pay attention to. Some people sleep eight or nine hours a night but don’t feel well rested when they wake up because the quality of their sleep is poor.

Myth 4: You can make up for lost sleep during the week by sleeping more on the weekends. Although this sleeping pattern will help relieve part of a sleep debt, it will not completely make up for the lack of sleep. Furthermore, sleeping later on the weekends can affect your sleep-wake cycle so that it is much harder to go to sleep at the right time on Sunday nights and get up early on Monday mornings.

You may be sleep deprived if you...

• Need an alarm clock in order to wake up on time
• Rely on the snooze button
• Have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning
• Feel sluggish in the afternoon
• Get sleepy in meetings, lectures, or warm rooms
• Get drowsy after heavy meals or when driving
• Need to nap to get through the day
• Fall asleep while watching TV or relaxing in the evening
• Feel the need to sleep in on weekends
• Fall asleep within five minutes of going to bed

The good news is that you don't have to choose between health and productivity. As you start getting the sleep you need, your energy and efficiency will go up. In fact, you're likely to find that you actually get more done during the day than when you were skimping on shuteye.

Here are some recommended tools to help rehabilitate your sleep mechanism:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps to regulate your body's clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.

2.     Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep or remain asleep.

Take a hot bath

Your temperature naturally dips at night, starting two hours before sleep and bottoming out at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m., according to a 1997 study conducted by New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in White Plains, N.Y. When you soak in a hot tub, your temperature rises—and the rapid cool-down period immediately afterward relaxes you.

Two hours before bed, soak in the tub for 20 or 30 minutes, recommends Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor at New York University School of Medicine. "If you raise your temperature a degree or two with a bath, the steeper drop at bedtime is more likely to put you in a deep sleep," she says. A shower is less effective but can work, as well.

Lay out your clothes

You can help your body recognize that bedtime is imminent by setting routines and repeating them every night.

"We suggest that people establish regular nightly routines before they get into bed, to help their brain shift into sleep mode," says Gary Zammit, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Institute in New York. "Laying out your pajamas, brushing your hair or your teeth—these habits can be very sleep-conducive."

Shun p.m. stimulants

Skipping your normal cup of joe should help you fall asleep quicker, because caffeine is a stimulant. "I don't like people having caffeine after noontime if they have poor sleep, because it can hang out in the system for a long time," says Walsleben.

Even decaf drinkers should beware: A 2007 Consumer Reports study found that even decaffeinated coffees sold at several chain restaurants contained caffeine, with one from a big chain having 32 milligrams of caffeine per cup—about the same amount as in 12 ounces of cola.

Nicotine is also a stimulant; smoking to relax before bed can actually do the opposite, revving up your heart rate and keeping your brain alert, says Walsleben.

Shut down electronics

You may find it relaxing to catch up on correspondence with friends just before turning in for the night, but the practice could increase the amount of time you toss and turn. Lit screens (that includes televisions too) are stimulating, says Walsleben, so it's best to avoid them.

"Before your targeted bedtime, begin slowing down your brain by doing something calming, like reading in a comfy chair—somewhere other than bed," she says. "Stop watching TV and checking email."

Wear socks to bed

If cold feet are keeping you awake—especially during the winter—warm them up with a soft pair of socks. The extra layer under the covers can help improve circulation in your extremities, which can help you fall asleep more quickly, according to Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Limit evening food and drinks

A large meal or spicy snack too close to bedtime can leave your digestive system working overtime while the rest of your body lies awake. And alcohol may make you drowsy, but it will disrupt your sleep patterns later in the night and keep you from getting the deep, restorative REM sleep you need to feel refreshed.

If you drink a lot of any liquid before bed, for that matter, you may be up throughout the night using the bathroom. "Most adults middle-age and older have to get up at night for this reason," says William C. Dement, MD, professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and author of The Promise of Sleep, "but restricting fluids before bed can help."

Make Some Noise

Some people need to sleep in complete silence; while on the other hand, some need a little background noise. For many (myself included), the dripping of the faucet, the hum of electricity, the sound of themselves breathing, or the blankets rustling as they toss and turn stresses them out and keeps them awake. So what’s the deal? Technically speaking, white noise is a consistent noise that comes out evenly across all hearable frequencies. When you get jarred awake or bothered by a noise at night, it’s not really the noise itself, but the abrupt inconsistency in the noise that you hear. The fact of the matter is you still hear when you sleep, and white noise can mask those inconsistences. The scientific aspect set aside its just plain soothing, filling out the silence that makes you feel trapped with racing thoughts or excess energy.

You will need…
-Something that creates white noise

Directions
When you go to sleep, turn on the white noise. My personal favorite is a fan, but there are even white noise machines tuned specifically for the purpose of drowning out sound.

 

3. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon. Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can't fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help.
4. Exercise daily. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but not at the expense of your sleep.
5. Evaluate your room. Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool – between 60 and 67 degrees. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep. Finally, your bedroom should be free from any light. Check your room for noises or other distractions. This includes a bed partner's sleep disruptions such as snoring. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, "white noise" machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices.
6. Sleep on a comfortable mattressand  Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy – about 9 or 10 years for most good quality mattresses. Have comfortable pillows and make the room attractive and inviting for sleep but also free of allergens that might affect you and objects that might cause you to slip or fall if you have to get up

Addressing sleep disorders through nutrition can be very effective. When we address nutrition it’s important to have an underlying diet that helps balance your chemistry. We utilize the body type system in determining the ratio of fats, carbohydrates and protein that your body needs. So besides eating the diet that’s correct for your body type the following nutritional supplements can be very helpful. We offer reflex testing that can help individualize a nutritional program as well as lab work can be employed to have a better understanding of your chemistry.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a sleep booster, Plus, by taking magnesium, you cancel out any potential heart problems .

Wild lettuce

If you've suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It's also effective at calming restlessness and reducing anxiety—and may even quell restless legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120 milligrams before bed.

Hops

Beer fans will no doubt be familiar with the calming effect of hops, the female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, though, this extract has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take 30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.

Aromatherapy

Lavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in sleep. It's also a cheap, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow before bedtime. Or buy a lavender-filled pillow.

Close your eyes and, for 5 to 10 minutes, pay attention to nothing but your breathing.

Valerian root.

This medicinal herb has been used to treat sleep problems since ancient times. “Valerian can be sedating and may help you fall asleep,” says Tracey Marks, MD, an Atlanta-based psychiatrist.

L-theanine.

This amino acid found in green tea leaves may help combat anxiety that interferes with sleep. A 2007 study showed that L-theanine reduced heart rate and immune responses to stress. It's thought to work by boosting the amount of a feel-good hormone your body makes. It also induces brain waves linked to relaxation. Talk to your doctor before taking it.

Put other appliances to bed, too. If you want a good, restful sleep, turn your appliances away from your bed. Or better yet, turn them off altogether. If you must use bedroom electronics, choose those illuminated with red light, which is better for sleep than blue light.

Give it up. If you don’t fall asleep within 30 minutes, sleep specialists recommend you get up and leave your bedroom or read. Then return to your bed to sleep when you feel tired again.

Bananas

They helped calm you down, bananas contain tryptophan, and potassium and magnesium as well, which are muscle relaxants. Have one a half-an-hour before bed every night and up your magnesium levels while simultaneously relaxing your muscles.

Drink a Cup of Chamomile

Chamomile has long been a reliable remedy for helping people doze off. It relaxes your muscles, and is thought that, potentially, a substance called apigenin can bind to GABA receptors which affect the central nervous system and sleepiness. Other studies have disagreed with apegign theory, and think other constituents in the chamomile are what act as a sedative. Either way, it’s tasty and it makes you tired. You can, of course, buy chamomile tea from the store, but I personally love it fresh as well.

You will need…
-A rounded ¼ cup of fresh chamomile flowers OR 2 rounded tablespoons of dry flowers
-Honey (optional)
-Milk (optional)
-Freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Directions
There’s nothing quite as delightful as a cup of freshly brewed chamomile on a chilly night as you settle in for bed. If possible, try to use fresh flowers (German variety, preferably) but you can use dried as well if you cannot harvest fresh.

If you’re using fresh flowers, use only the flower heads and compost the stems. Place the flowers in a teapot, and in a separate pot bring 4 cups of cold water to a rolling boil. Pour the water in the pot over the flower in the tea pot. Let steep for 5-6 minutes and serve hot. Do the same process for dried as for fresh, but use 2 rounded tablespoons of dried flowers. Add a little bit of honey and milk to taste. Squeeze in the juice of a freshly sliced lemon to taste as well.

Cozy Up with Catnip

Catnip, a plant that is a member of the mint family, isn’t just for cats-it works a treat when it comes to having a sedative effect on humans. The compound responsible for catnip’s effects across both species is called nepetalactone. While it can make cats frisky and wild, it can make people relaxed, drowsy, and ready for bed. Enjoy it in the form of a warm tea before bed with a little bit of honey.

You will need…
-1-2 teaspoons of dried catnip OR 3-4 teaspoons of fresh catnip
-8 ounces of boiling water
-Honey to taste (optional)

Directions
Place catnip in a mug and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, covered, and then add honey to taste if you like. Drink 30 minutes before bedtime.

Saint John’s Wort

Like lemon balm, Saint John’s Wort is used frequently to help with depression, and in turn helps with disrupted sleep. Its main constituent-hypercine- is thought to work by reuptake inhibition, which raises the overall level of serotonin in the brain. More serotonin = more melatonin= better sleep. You can take it in capsule form, or prepare a strong tea to use as a sleep aid.

You will need…
-2 teaspoons of dried Saint John’s Wort (herb top/flowers)
-8 ounces of freshly boiled water
-honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Directions
Place the herb in a mug and cover with boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and drink once daily (either morning or 30-45 minutes before bed.)

 

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it's no wonder that it naturally induces sleep. Although some experts recommend taking higher doses, studies show that lower doses are more effective. Plus, there's concern that too-high doses could cause toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility. Take 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams before bed.

Cherries: Not too hard to guess since cherry juice was one of the first things listed, but they also contain tryptophan which is metabolized into serotonin and finally melatonin

Install a dimmer switch

Late in the evening, your body releases the chemical melatonin, which makes you sleepy—but only if it receives the right cues from your environment. "Melatonin is your hormone of darkness—it won't flow with the lights on," says Walsleben. "You want to transition to dark as early as 9 or 10 o'clock." Sitting in a dimly lit room before getting ready for bed can put you in the right mind-set for sleep.

Breathing can help with sleep CLICK DID YOU EVER LEARN TO BREATHE

Sleep positions

For the best quality of sleep you need to support your neck and back in a way that relaxes the muscles along with spine. The proper sleep position will not only enhance the quality of sleep but will help prevent you from waking up with aches and pains. If you're someone who tosses and turns a lot at night you might benefit from a supplement called niacin. A time-released niacin tablet can keep your blood flowing in a way to make your muscles more relaxed and less likely to develop pressure points that require you to turn over. Stomach sleeping is the worst position that you can sleep in because you have to turn your neck all night to breathe and it stresses your low back. Side sleeping with the appropriate pillow thickness under your head to keep your neck and spine and align in keeping something you between your knees or for your bent knee a rest on it is important. For back sleeping support your neck not your head and consider a pillow under your knees.

 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

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CHIROPRACTIC: INCREASING COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE BODY Health is when your cells and organs are functioning properly in relationship with the rest of the body. How does the liver know what the stomach needs? It doesn’t, it’s the nervous system that not only initiates function but coordinates function throughout the body. If your nervous system is under too much stress organs and glands start to malfunction. Chiropractic adjustments reestablish and tune the proper communication and thus coordination to body function. Chiropractic patients have an immune system that functions substantially more efficient than the average person on the street. Studies show that regular chiropractic care improves the repair of DNA. Tell a friend about chiropractic they will be glad you did.

 

FUNNY BONE: A deacon is in the hospital and his good friend, a preacher, goes to visit him. The preacher notices all the medical equipment attached to the deacon. He kneels by the bed. The deacon motions to a pad and pen on the nightstand. The preacher hands his friend the pad and pen, and the deacon begins to write. Suddenly, the deacon dies. At his funeral, the preacher delivers the service. He says, "I was with him when he died, and as a matter of fact, I have his last thought in my coat pocket here." The preacher pulls out the paper and reads, "Please, get up. You're kneeling on my oxygen hose."

 

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