Monday, April 18, 2011

TWO WOLVES

.One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a
debate that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the
battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all. One is Evil. It is
anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed arrogance, selfpity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride,
superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love,
hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy,
generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson
thought about it for a minute and then asked his
grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply
replied, "The one you feed"

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

THE SPINAL COLUMN

The Spinal Column                                         

             

                                        


223 Third Street NW                                                                     Phone: 218-333-8811
Bemidji, MN 56601                                                           
www.explorechiropractic.com
April 2011
Welcome to our office's Chiropractic newsletter. We'd like to entertain you, inform you and even inspire you a little.  We’d love to hear from you; feel free to write to us with any questions or comments.



What counts in making a happy relationship is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. – Daniel Goleman
Change is inevitable; growth is optional. – Unknown



TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Your Spine: Discs, Nerves and Curves
  • Words Of Wisdom
  • Childhood Vaccination
  • Breastfed Infants have 1/3 Hospitalizations
  • Is Sleeping With Your Children (Co-Sleeping) Good For Them?
  • Smallpox Not So Dangerous?
  • Doctors Strike, Death Rates Drop
  • Chiropractic and Spinal Research
  • Humor
Your Spine: Discs, Nerves and Curves
Chiropractic specializes in spinal health and it’s good to know a little about this amazing body part. The illustration on the left shows the lumbar (low back) spinal bones or vertebrae.  Between the bones are the discs (in blue) that help give your spine its curves and serve as shock absorbers so your bones don’t hit each other when you walk or sit. Nerves (in yellow) travel through your spine and exit through holes between the bones and go to your internal organs, joints, skin and down your legs. If your spine is distorted or misaligned, spinal stress can irritate or impinge your nerves and spinal cord causing pain, abnormal organ function and dis-ease, affecting your entire body. Spinal stress can also affect your discs causing tears, bulges, inflammation or herniation.  The other illustration shows what a bulging disc in the lower back would look like.
Your chiropractor’s job is to correct spinal nerve stress (subluxations), using the art of the spinal adjustment.  This releases stress on your nerves, discs, bones, muscles and internal organs, bringing normal curves to your spine, releasing old stress from muscles organs and glands and permitting more normal and healthy function.

What causes subluxations? The main cause of subluxations is stress: physical stress, emotional stress or chemical stress.  If you (or your spouse or your children) are under more stress or if it’s been awhile since your last checkup, please stop by.  It’s always better to correct problems now rather than wait until after your body has been malfunctioning (dis-eased) for a while.  An adjustment can make a big difference.  Why wait?

Words of Wisdom
Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul. – Democritus

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. – Helen Keller

Breastfed Infants Have Less Illness
Among generally healthy infants in developed nations, more than a tripling in severe respiratory tract illness resulting in hospitalizations was noted for infants who were not breastfed compared with those who were exclusively breastfed for four months. (1)

Is Sleeping With Your Children Good For Them?
Children love to sleep with their parents (co-sleeping). Is it a good idea? Does it make a difference?  A recent study found that early co-sleepers were the most self-reliant preschoolers, getting dressed without help and entertaining themselves with a book or toy. They demonstrated the most independence with their peers and were more likely to initiate friendships and work out problems with playmates. (2)

A related study reveals that intensive parenting – holding and cuddling your baby and responding to their needs quickly – is good for them (surprise!).  The benefits include positive stress-response patterns that last a lifetime. The study, done on baby and mother rats, indicates that there is a “window” of opportunity during the first years of human life when extra cuddling, holding and attentiveness seem to give the most benefit. (3)

Doctors Strike, Death Rates Drop
Whenever (and wherever) there’s a doctor’s strike, death rates drop, often dramatically. This was seen in Bogata, Colombia and Los Angeles, CA but most recently in Israel. Hundreds of thousands of patient visits and tens of thousands of elective operations were cancelled. Doctors attended only emergencies. The Jerusalem Post reported that the number of funerals has fallen drastically.  According to one funeral parlor manager the same thing occurred in 1983, during a similar doctor’s strike which lasted 4½ months.  The only area of Israel which was found to not have a reduction in its death rate was the city of Netanya; all of the doctors at the only hospital in this city have a "no-strike" clause. (7) Commenting on the drop in death rates Robert Mendelsohn, MD said, “What we need is a perpetual doctor’s strike.” (8)

Chiropractic and Spinal Research
Chiropractic is not for diseases but for the whole person.  Everyone with any health problem needs a spine free from subluxations. It might make all the difference. Feel free to forward these studies to others.

Chiropractic after neck surgery. This is the case of a 35-year-old female who had two neck surgeries to relieve chronic pain and spasms. Five years later she still suffered from these conditions. Her surgeon suggested a 3rd surgery but she decided on chiropractic instead. Within 30 days of her 1st chiropractic adjustment all her chronic pain and muscle spasms resolved. A follow-up 2 years later revealed no recurrences. (9)
Anxiety attacks after auto accident. This is the case of a 42-year-old female suffering from anxiety attacks and agoraphobia since an auto accident . She also had nightmares, insomnia , tachycardia , dizziness , memory  loss, difficulty concentrating, peptic ulcer and urinary bladder  urgency Chiropractic analysis revealed  subluxations at C5-6, T5-6, and L5-S1.  After two months of chiropractic care and counseling there was a sharp reduction in anxiety and no more agoraphobia , bladder urgency, insomnia  and dizziness.  After four months of more care there was complete relief from anxiety and ulcer symptoms. (10)
ADD and hyperactivity. This is the case of an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with ADD and hyperactivity.  For three years (since kindergarten) he was on Ritalin™, Prozac™ and behavior modification. By his 2nd chiropractic adjustment he could sit still longer. After 3 weeks of care all medication was removed and after 6 weeks he showed noted improvement in cognitive skills, concentration, ability to control emotions and decreased aggressiveness. (11)

Humor
I owe the government $3,400 in taxes.  So I sent them two hammers and a toilet seat. – Michael McShane

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
– Mark Twain

A doctor says to a man, "If you want to improve your love life you need to get some exercise. Run 10 miles a day."
"Two weeks later, the man called the doctor.
The doctor says, "How is your love life since you have been running?"
"I don't know, I'm 140 miles away!"




Confusing Signs of Our Times:

Spotted in a toilet of a
London office:
Toilet out of order.  Please use floor below.

In a Laundromat:
Automatic washing machines: remove all your clothes when light goes out.

In a
London department store:
Bargain basement upstairs

In an office:
Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.

In an office:
After tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.

Outside a second hand shop:
We exchange anything - bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?

Notice in health food shop window:
Closed due to illness

Spotted in a safari park:
Elephants please stay in your car

Seen during a conference:
For anyone who has children and doesn't know it, there is a day care on the first floor.

Message on a leaflet:
If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.

On a repair shop door:
We can repair anything.  (Please knock hard on the door the bell doesn't work.)

Thanks
Thanks for being our patient. We really do appreciate you.  Please stop by for a spinal checkup to keep your body and mind functioning at their best.  Remember, even chiropractors go to chiropractors – we also get our spines checked so we can function at our best when we take care of you.



References
1. J of Pediatric and Adolescence Medicine. 2003;157:237-243.
2. Keller M. To co-sleep or not to co-sleep? Mothering Magazine. [Master’s thesis, Dept of Psychology and Social Behavior, U of CA, Irvine 2001.] Jan/Feb 2003;27. 3. Science. 1997;277:1859-1861.
4. Mack T. A different view of smallpox and vaccination. New England Journal of Medicine. 2003;348(5):460-463.
6. Grob G. The Deadly Truth. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 2002;30.
7. British Medical Journal. 2000;320:1561.
8. Mendelsohn R. Confessions of a Medical Heretic. Chicago: Contemporary Books.1985.
9. Polkinghorn B & Colloca C. Chiropractic treatment of postsurgical neck syndrome utilizing mechanical force manually assisted short-lever spinal adjustments. JMPT. 2001;24(9).
10. Sullivan EC. The chiropractic management of anxiety : a case report. ACA J of Chiropractic. 1992; 29:29-34.
11. Peet JB. Adjusting the hyperactive/A.D.D. pediatric patient. Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1997;2(4):12-15.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy


1) Embrace New Experiences.
Most people suffer from merely existing versus really living. Don’t get caught in a rut; get out of it if you are. Explore. Play. Go beyond your comfort zone. Don’t lean on the excuse “I don’t have time to try new things.” It is as tragic and ridiculous as saying “I don’t have time to breathe.” New experiences are life. Live deeply.

2) Be Who You Are.
Recognize and clear through what others expect of you, including society’s expectations, your parents’ expectations, the opposite genders’ expectations, and anyone’s expectations. Recognize and clear through the guilt, anger, fear and other emotions that are sabotaging you. What are your dreams? Your goals? Your loves? Who are you? Be that person.

3) Let Go of the Past.
The past is good for two things: the happy memories, and the lessons it provides. Clinging to resentment and sadness for past events hurts one person the most: you. Don’t let the past suck the gift of the present out of you. Forgive. Let go. Be here now, and go forward.

4) Be Kind.
It is easy to act kindly to those who have been kind to you. Do so, but also remember that is not where kindness is needed most. Recall those many times where you made mistakes, where you reacted out of negative emotions instead of responding from who you really are. Recall how you felt, or how you would have felt, if others responded to your mistakes with kindness instead of harsh criticism or a cold shoulder. Negativity only breeds more negativity. Empathize, and choose to be kind. It spreads rapidly.

5) Be Responsible for Yourself.
Whatever happens, however promising or tragic, only one person is responsible for how you respond to it: you. There are no greater wastes of energy and potential than blame, envy, a desire for revenge, and wallowing in self-pity. You and only you are responsible for how you respond to anything and how you act. You wish others were a certain way? You wish the world were a certain way? Be the example.

6) Nurture Relationships.
Think of your most joyful moments. Think of all you have learned. Think of what has helped you grow. Chances are great these all involve other people, and other relations such as pets and nature too. There are over six billion people on this earth. There are infinite relationships to be had. Everyone has something to understand and to learn from. There is infinite love to be had, and to give. You can choose to be lonely, but you are never alone.

7) Recognize All You Have, and Be Grateful for It.
If you are alive, you are fortunate. If you can read this, you are fortunate. If you can walk, talk, see, smell, taste, or feel, or all of these, you are fortunate. You are what you focus on, so if you focus on what you lack, you become that lack. Focus on all that you do have, on the gifts inside and all around you. Be grateful to be great.

8) Do What Inspires You.
Painting, singing, writing, biking, swimming, gardening, reading, dancing, walking, woodcarving … what is your flame? What ignites you, inspires you, enlightens you, restores your life? Do it, and do it often. Do not believe your excuse of having too much work to do and too little time for what inspires you. Doing what inspires you is the very fuel that will give you the strength and motivation to do the other things you need to do, and do them well.

9) Remember that Happiness is a State, Not a Circumstance
Happiness is a state of being, not merely a moment of pleasure or joy. By committing to your happiness you acknowledge and accept that there will be times of challenge and suffering, but by staying true to who you are you will not just endure but thrive. Happiness is not just the bird floating serenely on the water, and happiness is not made unhappy by the rock that falls and temporarily disturbs the water. Happiness is the water itself, always being exactly what it is.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The 9 Timeless Secrets of Being Happy

1)Embrace New Experiences.
Most people suffer from merely existing versus really living. Don’t get caught in a rut; get out of it if you are. Explore. Play. Go beyond your comfort zone. Don’t lean on the excuse “I don’t have time to try new things.” It is as tragic and ridiculous as saying “I don’t have time to breathe.” New experiences are life. Live deeply.

2) Be Who You Are.
Recognize and clear through what others expect of you, including society’s expectations, your parents’ expectations, the opposite genders’ expectations, and anyone’s expectations. Recognize and clear through the guilt, anger, fear and other emotions that are sabotaging you. What are your dreams? Your goals? Your loves? Who are you? Be that person.

3) Let Go of the Past.
The past is good for two things: the happy memories, and the lessons it provides. Clinging to resentment and sadness for past events hurts one person the most: you. Don’t let the past suck the gift of the present out of you. Forgive. Let go. Be here now, and go forward.

4) Be Kind.
It is easy to act kindly to those who have been kind to you. Do so, but also remember that is not where kindness is needed most. Recall those many times where you made mistakes, where you reacted out of negative emotions instead of responding from who you really are. Recall how you felt, or how you would have felt, if others responded to your mistakes with kindness instead of harsh criticism or a cold shoulder. Negativity only breeds more negativity. Empathize, and choose to be kind. It spreads rapidly.

5) Be Responsible for Yourself.
Whatever happens, however promising or tragic, only one person is responsible for how you respond to it: you. There are no greater wastes of energy and potential than blame, envy, a desire for revenge, and wallowing in self-pity. You and only you are responsible for how you respond to anything and how you act. You wish others were a certain way? You wish the world were a certain way? Be the example.

6) Nurture Relationships.
Think of your most joyful moments. Think of all you have learned. Think of what has helped you grow. Chances are great these all involve other people, and other relations such as pets and nature too. There are over six billion people on this earth. There are infinite relationships to be had. Everyone has something to understand and to learn from. There is infinite love to be had, and to give. You can choose to be lonely, but you are never alone.

7) Recognize All You Have, and Be Grateful for It.
If you are alive, you are fortunate. If you can read this, you are fortunate. If you can walk, talk, see, smell, taste, or feel, or all of these, you are fortunate. You are what you focus on, so if you focus on what you lack, you become that lack. Focus on all that you do have, on the gifts inside and all around you. Be grateful to be great.

8) Do What Inspires You.
Painting, singing, writing, biking, swimming, gardening, reading, dancing, walking, woodcarving … what is your flame? What ignites you, inspires you, enlightens you, restores your life? Do it, and do it often. Do not believe your excuse of having too much work to do and too little time for what inspires you. Doing what inspires you is the very fuel that will give you the strength and motivation to do the other things you need to do, and do them well.

9) Remember that Happiness is a State, Not a Circumstance
Happiness is a state of being, not merely a moment of pleasure or joy. By committing to your happiness you acknowledge and accept that there will be times of challenge and suffering, but by staying true to who you are you will not just endure but thrive. Happiness is not just the bird floating serenely on the water, and happiness is not made unhappy by the rock that falls and temporarily disturbs the water. Happiness is the water itself, always being exactly what it is.