What is wellness?  This is becoming a very important question.  It has been a trendy buzzword in recent years, with little formal organization of what actually constitutes wellness.  Every health care provider has put his or her spin on it, aiming at "optimizing" health.  With the health care reform package that is likely to make it into law, this concept of wellness will become very important.  This is because there will be a new emphasis on wellness due to insurance companies having an interest in actually keeping their clients healthy.  Why, you may ask?
In the past, health insurance companies could deny coverage to those who were sick and likely to cost them a lot of money.  Therefore, they could pick and choose who to cover, protecting their profits.  With the provisions that health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny coverage, they will be better served by actually trying to keep clients healthy and out of the doctor's office for expensive problems.  Prevention will be the new goal.  This sounds great, but there are some major problems.
The first and biggest problem is that health insurance companies have NO idea what true wellness is.  This is an industry that has been in the business of providing sick care for decades, not health care.  (Thanks fellow chiropractors and President Obama for that little bomb!)  Think about it, do you go to see your doctor when you are healthy?  Unless you are under routine chiropractic care, probably not.  You only go to see your doctor when you are sick or something is wrong.  Health insurance companies have had little interest in helping you become well.  They have always and will continue to provide the bare minimum for you to be functional.  Therefore, they have never truly provided (paid for) "wellness" care, and have no idea what is truly beneficial.
The second problem, and this is directly related to the first, is who will step in to define wellness?  You can already see the pharmaceutical companies jumping in to get their piece of the wellness pie.  Turn on the TV and you are sure to see ads for Lipitor, Vytorin, Crestor, Zetia, etc. which are supposed to "keep you healthy" by lowering your cholesterol.  Have erectile dysfunction, well take Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc. for better "quality of life."  High blood pressure, there's a pill for that.  Type 2 diabetes, there's a pill for that.  Don't forget the immunizations too.  What began as an honest effort to eradicate some terrible diseases such as polio has morphed into a never ending push to eliminate more and more illnesses that are less and less harmful, so that mom and dad won't have to miss work to stay at home with the kids when they are sick.  Just down the street from my practice is an "Immunization Wellness Clinic".  What an oxymoron! 
The third problem is that professions that do and always have emphasized a true concept of wellness simply can't compete with the deep pockets of the pharmaceutical companies in making this push to define wellness.  The pharmaceutical companies have what seems like a never ending loop (we health care professionals might call it a pathological positive feedback loop) set up with the government in that they donate tons of money to politicians, have laws written to make drugs "more readily available, " which helps them make more money, which the can donate to.....and on and on.  Of course they will have influence to define wellness, almost solely by themselves, ensuring more elective "lifestyle" or "wellness" or "preventative" drugs are sold!
The crux of the problem is this...  if you are taking a pill or getting an immunization to prevent a condition for which you would have to take a pill...aren't you missing the boat somewhere?  How is taking something to avoid having to take something better?  Wouldn't you be better served if your body could do what it was designed to do in the first place?  Be healthy?  Fight disease?  This would surely save insurance companies money.  In fact, many research papers have shown that regular chiropractic care does just that! 
So what is wellness.  Is it only absence of disease, or is it optimal physical and mental health?  I believe that simple absence of disease, or what I call "bare minimum wellness" is what  most people and insurance companies will view as "wellness".  This is something that you could certainly take a pill for!  It's easy to avoid "disease" by getting immunized and taking medication.  However, wouldn't it be much better to not have to take a pill in the first place?  If you were to achieve optimal physical and mental health, which we as healthcare professionals should be able to help you do, wouldn't that be ideal?  If there is to be an emphasis on "wellness", don't be fooled into accepting anything less. 
Chiropractic has always stood at the forefront of the wellness movement.  Our philosophy is based on allowing the body to do what it was designed to do (keep itself healthy, in a nutshell) by removing interference to natural processes.  In the current debate, we have more to say about healthy lifestyles than any other healthcare profession, and still seem to have been pushed aside.  This is not acceptable.  I propose that we fight.  Fight for our rightful place at the table of the future of healthcare.  Fight for our definition of true wellness.  Most importantly, fight for the health of our patients.

Surprising finding changing what has been held as "conventional wisdom" for years.  This study shows that carrying more weight does not lead to disc degeneration, and in fact may provide some benefit in disc health and bone density.
http://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/PIIS1529943009010225/abstract?rss=yes

A systematic review of the literature investigating occupational bending and twisting as a causative factor in low back pain.  Ultimately shows that the literature is conflicting on this, and demonstrates a weakness in relying solely on research for recommendations and determining causation.  Does state that bending and twisting is not likely the sole cause, but stops short of saying that it is a factor.  This would seem to defy what is common sense if you have experienced LBP associated with work.
http://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/PIIS1529943009002733/abstract?rss=yes

Another systematic review examining awkward occupational postures at work and their relationship to the development of LBP.  Again, as above, there seems to be no relationship according to current research.  These two studies complicate what is commonly thought of as contributing to LBP.  They really show how complicated and multifaceted low back pain is.
http://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/S1529-9430%2809%2900913-9/abstract

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays to all!  Family Health Friday will return January 8th.  Enjoy your family and have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.  And remember, if you need an adjustment, we will are here for you.  720-362-2225 (720-DOC-BACK)  www.broomfieldfamilychiropractic.com

Some good advice on picking a new mattress.  Get lots of questions on how to do this, and this article explains some of the points very well. 

http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/8869/52/aca-proper-mattress-can-improve-sleep-comfort-reduce-pain/

The link to the new issue of JMPT, which is all about chiropractors collaborating and integrating with other healthcare professionals.  Some great information!

http://www.jmptonline.org/article/PIIS0161475409002784/abstract?rss=yes

Chiropractic and ear infections.  Article I wrote.

http://www.broomfieldfamilychiropractic.com/1/post/2009/12/family-health-friday-ear-infections.html

Article on preventative health care and potential cost savings, that I think truly misses the point. 

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/358/7/661

Many people are surprised to learn that one of the conditions chiropractic is most effective at eliminating in kids is chronic ear infections.  Chronic ear infections often become a problem when the eustacian tube, responsible for draining fluids from the ear, is blocked.  Chiropractic is very effective at relieving this blockage so that the body is able to do what it was designed to do, in this case allow for drainage. 
I can personally attest to this.  Before I started chiropractic college, my kids had ear infections almost yearly.  Since they began regular chiropractic care, not one ear infection.  I kid you not, NONE in 6 years!  Think of the residual benefits from this also...no antibiotics, no medical doctor appointments, no missing school, no miserable kids, etc...  I can't emphasize enough the importance and value of chiropractic for this reason alone.  Check out this video, it's a few years old, but still very relevant to this topic.

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=16152@ktvt.dayport.com

The first one here is just a quick link to the page where you can sign up to take part in a study on chiropractic's effects on blood pressure.  You have to live in the Quad Cities (Iowa/Illinois) to take part, but I really wanted  to post something on this exciting study.  Can't wait to see the results, and I'll be sure to keep everyone posted when the results are published.

http://www.hcfa.com/?p=20664

The next one here has some tips on natural ways to prevent the flu.  It's from mercola, which is a great site with loads of information on natural health.  There is quite a bit of controversial opinions put forth there also, so pick and choose what you like and need.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/03/How-to-Prevent-the-Flu-Easy-as-1-2-3.aspx

A link to a study on something that may seems obvious, but it's good to know anyway.  Childhood obesity and the development of back pain later in life...

http://www.spine-health.com/news/20091204/could-childhood-obesity-spur-early-disc-degeneration-and-future-back-pain

And finally, an interesting use for tennis balls and duct tape...(you'll have to read it to find out ;))

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/exercise-fitness/how-tennis-balls-and-duct-tape-can-morph-a-do-it-yourself-massage-lower-back-p

I thought today I'd briefly go into some of the developments in chiropractic, and the amazing research that is being conducted at my alma mater, Palmer College of Chiropractic.  In the past, chiropractic was a very insular profession, believing that we had all the answers and the proof was in the pudding if you will.  We were getting amazing results with our patients, and that was all that mattered.  Adjusting the spine to affect changes in the body through the nervous system was the answer to all that ailed you.  Releasing the pressure on pinched nerves solved all of your problems.
Well, as in all professions, we have evolved.  Where it used to be thought that nerves were pinched, we now know that that is actually relatively rare.  Through research, we now know that there is nerve interference, but it is caused by chemical irritation due to malfunctioning spinal joints.  There are certainly instances where direct nerve pressure is involved, and we are taught to recognize those instances.  There has been conflict within the profession on the value of this research.  Ironically, many of the voices who are opposed to it are having their very procedures validated in the mainstream by it!  We have developed imaging technology to show us more than we were ever able to see in the past.  We are investigating why it is that chiropractic works, and examining conditions that chiropractic is effective in treating.
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the "fountainhead", where chiropractic was invented and developed, has in the past decade taken leadership in chiropractic research.  There is some AMAZING research being conducted.  Just today, I received an email stating that they are now recruiting patients for a study on how chiropractic effects blood pressure.  There has been anecdotal evidence on this, but this new project will take it to a new level.  Imagine if the results of this show that chiropractic care is effective in lowering blood pressure.  How many lives does that have the potential to change? 
Check out this link to see the grants and published articles coming out of Palmer; http://www.palmer.edu/research_content.aspx?id=436 . I have been following chiropractic research since my time in school, and even I was surprised at the amount of research Palmer has already conducted.  What a great time to be a chiropractor, or a chiropractic patient!

This from the Wall Street Journal, about how the new drug Pfizer is pushing is a motion sickness pill.  FOR DOGS!  I guess this may be good news as it seems maybe they are running out of things to drug in humans!
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/11/19/why-pfizer-wants-you-to-take-your-dog-home-for-thanksgiving/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Health+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Here is a great little article with some sleeping tips to help you get better sleep during the winter.  Nothing groundbreaking here, just a nice little reminder that can help you sleep better.
http://www.spine-health.com/blog/sleep-and-insomnia/7-winter-sleeping-tips-number-days-week

Awesome paper on a new way of measuring disc pressure.  Great implications for the future of chiropractic research.
http://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/PIIS1529943009008390/abstract?rss=yes

If you read my True Health Tuesday article, you'll see a common theme here.  I just love it when I write about something, then a few days later one of the bug guys, in this case WebMD, puts something out about the same thing.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20091123/bacteria-key-to-healthy-skin?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Did you know that chiropractic is great, not only for getting you out of pain and keeping you healthy, but for improving athletic performance also?  Here's a study showing chiropractic actually improves your golf swing.
http://www.journalchiromed.com/article/PIIS1556370709001059/abstract?rss=yes

And finally, the best 10 seconds on TV last week.  Wish the game had gone better, but hey, I'll take it!

Have you noticed that lately it seems that everyone has allergies to something?  I can remember growing up and the kids with allergies were the exception, not the rule.  Today, it seems that most kids have some kind of allergy to something.  A lot of these are to things most of us never thought people were allergic to in the recent past.  From nuts, gluten, pets, dairy products, etc., etc., it seems the list is ever expanding.  The big question is WHY?  Why, with all of the advancing, modern technology, knowledge and research at our disposal, are we suffering from an ever increasing number of allergies?

In the past hundred years or so, we as a society have been focused on cleanliness and germ free living.  In light of some of the major health problems that used to plague us many many years ago this made great sense.  The germ (variola virus) that caused smallpox, for example, was transmitted through contact with infected objects, person to person contact and through the air.  Thus, being sure to clean objects, wash hands, shower, etc., became very important in limiting smallpox exposure.    The same is true of numerous diseases that are spread through viruses and bacteria (germs).  It is important to remember, however, that not all germs are deadly, or even bad! 

Our efforts to clean everything and eradicate germs has spun out of control in the late 20th century and continues today.  Almost unavoidable is the soap that "kills 99.9% of common germs."  Try finding some non-anti-bacterial hand soap at the supermarket...it's almost impossible.  This is making our immune systems, for lack of a better term, wimpy.  We are not exposed to the everyday germs that help us build a robust immune system.  When we encounter a serious threat to our health, our immune systems are not prepared and cannot fight it without outside intervention (in the form of modern medicine). 

The same holds true for many of the allergies we have been seeing pop up in recent years.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are legitimate allergies out there that are serious.  However, don't just assume you have an allergy to something without talking to your healthcare professional about it.  The reason is, our kids are so overprotected that many of the things that they are  now allergic to are simply due to a lack of exposure.  Our homes are so clean that we are not exposed to things that will help us build our natural tolerance and strong, healthy immune systems.  We are no longer working out in the fields, hunting for our food, keeping pets as much, etc., which used to grant us an extra strong immune system because of regular exposure.  Now, at the first sign of dirt, we vacuum everything clean, wipe our kitchen counters with lysol wipes, avoid peanuts and dairy products because we heard on the news about the sensational allergic reactions others have had, and play video games in our clean homes instead of going outside and getting dirty!  It's a recipe for, as I stated earlier, wimpy immune systems. 

The solution to this is simple.  So simple it's slightly amazing!  Let your body do what it is designed to do!!!  Go out, get dirty, roll around with your dog, avoid germ killing soap.  Don't be afraid of everything you hear and read about in the media.  Understand that your body and immune system is made to fight, and that the more it fights, the stronger it gets.  Get adjusted by your chiropractor regularly, so that your body's nervous and immune system can function optimally and remain strong.  Don't let yourself have a wimpy immune system!

If you are interested in learning more about this, look up the hygiene hypothesis online.  There are many interesting articles on this.  Give us a call at Broomfield Family Chiropractic today, 720-DOC-BACK.

A different type of calorie burning exercise that looks fun!  Also looks like you could use an adjustment afterwords ;)

http://cbs4.com/health/rebounding.mini.trampoline.2.1298528.html

Press release on the opening of Broomfield Family Chiropractic.

http://www.free-press-release.com/news-now-open-broomfield-family-chiropractic-1257800675.html

Importance of posture not only for health, but for your own self confidence.  Another reason to see you chiropractor for regular wellness care!

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=107413

One of the most common questions we as chiropractors get is how to ergonomically set up work stations and what types of chairs are best.  Here's an article with 11 excellent recommendations.  However, I'd advise you to remember that motion is key.  Any position which is held statically for long periods of time can set you up for problems.

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/ergonomics/11-ergonomic-tips-synchronizing-your-workstation-and-office-chair

Train your mind to avoid the winter letdown in exercise that so many people experience.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/health/nutrition/12best.html?_r=2

Posted a couple of articles which are accessible only to people with paid access, though you can read the abstracts if you are interested.  One is on the recognition and management of vitamin d deficiency.  The other is on alternative treatments for ADHD.  Both of these are pertinent to Broomfield Family Chiropractic, as we recommend vitamin d(3) supplementation for immune support, and help kids with ADHD.  I didn't post the links because they are inaccessible.  If you'd like them shoot me an email at drschrad@gmail.com.

Dark chocolate can help to reduce stress!

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/news/20091113/dark-chocolate-takes-bite-out-of-stress?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Texting is causing pain in the neck and shoulders, new study shows.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=107552

That's it for the past week.  Any topics you'd like me to look into?  Let me know and I'll find the best natural health information on it!  Have a wonderful week.

Dr. Mike