Dr. Ali Akhavan Health Blog

Are you getting enough Vitamin D? Improve your health with the...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:30:05 -0800

Are you getting enough Vitamin D? Improve your health with the Sunshine Vitamin.

You’ve probably heard about the immunity benefits of Vitamin C – but it’s time to move one letter down the alphabet. It turns out that Vitamin D may be the more critical vitamin when it comes to fighting off colds and flus. An important vitamin that also promotes anti-aging, the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is a nutrient generated by the body through exposure to the rays of the sun.

According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, “Abnormal levels of Vitamin D are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases including cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.” (Kremer et al. March 2010). “The best way to know if your Vitamin D level is normal is to have a blood test. That way you know if supplementation with Vitamin D is necessary for your overall health and well being.”

How can I get vitamin D?

The best form of Vitamin D comes from natural sunlight. A good rule of thumb is that unless you are getting 30 minutes of summer sunlight exposure on large parts of your body every day, you will almost certainly be deficient in Vitamin D. Many people live in a climate where during most of the year we have very little sun exposure. That is when supplementation becomes even more important. When supplementing, always choose Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol, not vitamin D2 ergocalciferol which the body has to convert to vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is sold in either a liquid form (where it is suspended in a substance like olive oil) or in pill form. Both are effective forms of supplementation.

Some foods in the American diet contain small amounts of Vitamin D. These foods include:

• Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna

• Beef liver, egg yolks and some mushrooms

• Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, yogurt, and soy beverages. Check the labels for more information.

Although some foods contain Vitamin D, humans cannot get adequate amounts through our diet. We are genetically designed to get Vitamin D from sun exposure so the best way to ensure you are getting enough Vitamin D is to be exposed to sunlight and to supplement daily.

Am I getting enough vitamin D? The amount of Vitamin D required depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts for different ages are listed below in International Units (IU):

Children from birth to 1: 500 IU

Children ages 1-3: 1500 IU

Children ages 4-8: 2000 IU

Children ages 9 and up: 3000 IU

Adults ages 18 and over: 3500 IU

How does vitamin D affect health?

In addition to reducing the risk of bone loss and fractures as people get older, some studies suggest that Vitamin D may protect against cancers of the colon, prostate, and breast. Vitamin D is important in maintaining strong teeth, proper parathyroid function, and enhancing the body’s immune system. In fact, when taken properly, Vitamin D is more effective than the flu vaccine in helping to prevent the flu. Vitamin D is also being studied for its possible role in the prevention and treatment of low-back and joint pain, bronchitis, colds, diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

What precautions do I need to take with vitamin D?

When amounts of Vitamin D in the blood become too high, it can lead to toxicity—nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weight loss. In addition, by raising blood levels of calcium, too much Vitamin D can cause confusion, disorientation and problems with heart rhythm. Excess Vitamin D can also damage the kidneys. Be aware that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood have also been linked to higher rates of pancreatic cancer. At this time, more studies are needed to assess the connection between Vitamin D and cancer. Although uncommon, Vitamin D toxicity can occur and happens from the overuse of supplements. A simple blood test will confirm your body’s level of Vitamin D.

Excessive sun exposure doesn’t cause Vitamin D poisoning because the body limits the amount of this vitamin it produces. Like most dietary supplements, Vitamin D may interact or interfere with other medicines or supplements, most notably: steroid usage, some weight loss medications, seizure medications and cholesterol lowering statins. Tell your health care providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take.

Epidural injections of steroids for back pain under review by...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:30:06 -0800

Epidural injections of steroids for back pain under review by FDA !!!!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing epidural injections of steroids to treat neck and back pain following a warning by Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) seven months ago that administering its Kenalog steroid around the spine could cause serious complications, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Bristol-Myers in New York revised its label for Kenalog to say it is not recommended for injection into the epidural space near the spine because of “reports of serious medical events, including death,” associated with administering steroids that way, the article said. But the drugmaker and the FDA have not yet publicized the label change, Bloomberg said.

The article cited physicians who said the steroid is still widely used in epidural injections to treat neck and back pain.

Bristol-Myers’ steroid Kenalog and the Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) drug Depo-Medrol are the most commonly used steroids for epidural injections, Bloomberg said. More than 8 million such shots were administered in the U.S. in 2010.

FDA spokesman Morgan Liscinsky told Bloomberg the regulator is in the midst of reviews for epidural injections of steroids — one focusing on injections in which the needle is used very close to critical arteries. In another, the FDA is working with outside experts looking at particulate steroids that could create blockages that could set off a stroke if injected into arteries, the article said.

Ipads can cause you say Ihurt!!! Researchers looking to catch up...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:01:41 -0800

Ipads can cause you say Ihurt!!!

Researchers looking to catch up to the exploding popularity of tablet computers have published recommendations for guidelines that ensure devices like Apple’s iPad and Motorola’s Xoom are comfortable and safe to use.

“Compared to typical desktop computing scenarios, the use of media tablet computers is associated with high head and neck flexion postures, and there may be more of a concern for the development of neck and shoulder discomfort,” said lead investigator Jack T. Dennerlein, PhD, of the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study found that tablet users generally had more acute angles of head and neck flexion than with desktop or notebook computers. To alleviate discomfort, the researchers say to place the tablet higher to avoid low gaze angles, use a case that provides optimal viewing angles.

The paper, published in the accident-prevention journal Work, did not assess the impact of tablet use over a long period, nor did it address the positions of the arms, wrists and hands, an issue it said needed further research.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression? We...

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:20:43 -0800

Who is a Good Candidate for Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?

We have been providing spinal decompression therapy in Vancouver for over 7 years now. The machine we use is the DRX9000. We treat mostly lumbar disc bulges and disc herniations, as well as degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and spinal stenosis.

We do not accept every case…because not everyone that presents with the conditions listed above is a candidate for spinal decompression. First of all…if you have had cervical or lumbar spinal fusion you are automatically disqualified from treatment with the DRX9000. If you have any hardware such as screws, plates, metal mesh, or cement work, you are also disqualified.

Some of the other contraindications to spinal decompression are moderate to severe scoliosis, aortic aneurysm, unstable spondylolithesis, advanced osteoporosis, and cancer of the spine. There are more…but the point is not everyone qualifies for decompression.

When a patient does qualify for treatment, we consider the age of the patient, level of spinal degeneration, whether or not there is a single disc herniation or multiple levels of involvement, overall health, and likelihood of treatment compliance. We only want to initiate treatment with those we feel will benefit and are willing to do their part. Because of this, we are able to help the overwhelming majority of the cases we accept.

There are many variables involved that are adjustable that can improve the odds of a favorable outcome. Things such as water intake, diet, exercise, stress, ergonomics, sleeping postures, and attitude. We try to address all of them.

There is also an art to the actual set-up and harnessing process on the spinal decompression machine itself. Mess this up and you can delay healing or even set it back. We like to think we have it mastered…though we continue to learn more every single day. For sure you want a spinal decompression doctor with lots of experience…not just a machine.

if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Akhavan for a complimentary consultation, simply call 604-984-4601.

Shin Splints What is it? Medial shin splints are a condition...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:30:06 -0800

Shin Splints

What is it?

Medial shin splints are a condition wherein the periosteum of the tibia is damaged when it is pulled away by an overstressed tibialis posterior muscle. Anterior shin splints are a condition in which the blood flow is obstructed from the anterior compartment due to the hypertrophy of the overstressed tibialis anterior cmpartment.

What are the common symptoms/complaints?

Medial shin splints: Patients complain of a dull, aching pain felt along the medial side of the tibia. Once it starts, any activity will aggrevate it.

Anterior shin splints: Patients complain of dull, aching pain felt along the anterior side of the tibia.

How is it caused?

Medial shin splints: The tibialis poeterior muscle plamtarflexes and inverts the foot (anti-pronator) due to its distal attachment (insertion) on the medial aspect of the foot. During over-pronation the tendon of the tibialis posterior is stretched and pulled upon excessively, thereby attacking the weakest area, namely its origin (proximal attachment) on the periosteum of the tibia. The small pain fibers of the periosteum are torn away causing pain and chronic inflammation.

Anterior shin splints: The tibialis anterior muscle dorsiflexes and inverts the foot, acting as an anti-pronator due to its distal attachment (insertion) on the medial aspect and base of the first metatarsal. During over-pronation the tibialis anterior muscle fibers must fire constantly to oppose (re-supinate) the over-pronation, thus causing hypertrophy (swelling) of the tibialis anterior compartment.

How is it treated?

Medial and anterior shin splints: Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include standard acute care, restricted activity and an orthotic device that corrects the over-pronation and stops the foot from falling too far medially (reducing the strain on the tibialis posterior) and facilitates proper foot function and timing, reducing the stress on the tibialis anterior.

Tips on Avoiding Winter Weight Gain The New Year is upon us and...

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:30:05 -0800

Tips on Avoiding Winter Weight Gain

The New Year is upon us and for some, new resolutions are made to lose those holiday pounds and to get in shape. During the winter months, however, many people have a pretty hard time keeping their weight under control. As the days get short and dark, many of us crave carbohydrate-rich foods. Breads, potatoes and pasta become irresistible, not to mention cookies, cake and donuts. And carbohydrates beget more carbohydrates. One potato chip invites another. And who has ever been able to keep a resolution to eat just one oreo? All that delicious food combined with a low level of activity tends to make a person go into hibernation. Hibernation leads to lots of excess weight, which of course needs to be dropped once again in time for warmer weather and bathing suit season.

This winter, you can take charge of your waist line and your health by applying some of these common sense tips on how to never gain those extra pounds in the first place!

First of all, don’t deny yourself all of the things you love. People who diet by refusing themselves treats (a candy bar here and there, a latte) tend to gain more weight than people who occasionally indulge themselves. It’s human nature not to be happy about removing something from your life that you want-so when you fail, you fail big. It’s OK to have a candy bar once in a while, or a latte. But do it in moderation. Don’t eat the second candy bar, or have the latte every day. If you give yourself a reward or two when you deserve it, weight loss won’t have to control your life, and you won’t annoy your friends and family by counting calories all the time!

Take a walk and enjoy the winter wonders. Or take up that yoga class you’ve always wanted to take! Small choices like these are key to keeping the weight off. The more active you are every day, the less likely you are to pick up extra winter weight. Don’t give in to the temptation to just sit around and be a “couch potato” all weekend, you can find chores to do…even in the winter months! Clean out your closet, or your basement. Shovel the snow, do whatever is necessary to stay active. You’ll end up burning the winter calories, and end up feeling energized and happy that you’ve gotten so much accomplished! If you’re experiencing aches and pains that are preventing you from getting up and getting moving, visit your Doctor of Chiropractic. Gentle spinal manipulation can help you feel better and minimize the chance for injury when you’re working out.

If you slipped up and gained some weight over the holidays, don’t go on crash diets. Lose weight fast diets don’t give you the nutrients you need or the discipline needed to keep the weight off when the diet is through. Stick to eating three healthy meals a day and avoid fast food. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t sit down and eat the entire chocolate cake, have an apple, or a banana instead. Get in some moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week for at least a half hour. Do this and you’ll be much happier, and lose more winter weight faster than with the quick fix diets. You can also remove some of the “extras” from your routine. Drink your coffee black, cream and sugar add a ton of calories. Cut back on chocolate and other sweets unless it’s an occasional thing, skip the cheese and mayo on your sandwich at lunch, skip the soda in favor of some tea (but no sugar!), and look at your daily food choices and try to cut out the extra calories. In no time at all, you’ll shed those extra pounds and you’ll have more energy to do the things you love to do!

High Blood Pressure and Chiropractic in the NewsResearch...

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:30:05 -0800

High Blood Pressure and Chiropractic in the News
Research indicates Blood Pressure can be lowered Naturally

According to Mayo Clinic, High Blood Pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Common treatment options include various medications and lifestyle changes including exercise and diet, however, a recent study documents significant decrease in blood pressure following one specialized Chiropractic ‘Atlas Adjustment’, indicating that Chiropractic may be a natural treatment option for lowering high blood pressure.

Study validates decrease in blood pressure
Results published online in the March 2007 Issue of Journal of Human Hypertension validate decrease in blood pressure after an ‘Atlas Adjustment’ is equivalent to taking two blood pressure drugs simultaneously.

A Chicago-area study of 50 individuals with misaligned Atlas vertebrae (located high in the neck) documents reduced blood pressure following one specialized chiropractic “adjustment” and continued results after eight weeks. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic, points out that these results, as published in the March 2, 2007 online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension, are equal to taking two blood-pressure drugs simultaneously.

According to lead author George Bakris, M.D., director of the hypertension center at the University of Chicago Medical Center, unlike other vertebrae, which interlock one to the next, the Atlas (also known as C-1) relies solely upon soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) to maintain alignment. It is uniquely vulnerable to displacement which can occur without pain and often goes undetected and untreated.

Individuals enrolled in the study displayed high blood pressure and misaligned C-1. Half of the patients received a customized, tailor-made adjustment while the other half received a “sham intervention,” designed to be indistinguishable to the patients from an authentic adjustment. Eight weeks after undergoing procedures, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent the sham adjustment.

Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who received the customized procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number). None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.

“This study confirms the value of chiropractic adjustment to significantly lower blood pressure in patients with a misaligned C-1,” states Gerard W. Clum, D.C. president of Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, California, and spokesperson for the Foundation. “These findings are significant because they demonstrate to patients the benefits of incorporating chiropractic into their lives.”

Source: Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

Spinal Manipulation and Home Exercises Better than Medication...

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:51:17 -0800

Spinal Manipulation and Home Exercises Better than Medication for Relieving Neck Pain

Annals of Internal Medicine Jan. 3, 2012

Most people experience neck pain within their lifetime. While not serious, neck pain can interfere greatly with daily activities. Usual care for neck pain may include medication or chiropractic, yet there has been little published evidence about the efficacy of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) for neck pain. Researchers conducted a randomized trial to test the hypothesis that SMT is more effective than medication or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain. Two-hundred-seventy-two patients aged 18 to 65 with nonspecific neck pain for two to 12 weeks were randomly assigned to receive SMT, medication, or home exercise with advice for 12 weeks. Up to one year after treatment, patients having 12 weeks of SMT reported greater pain relief than patients in the medication group. Patients in the home exercise with advice group reported just as much pain relief as those in the SMT group over the same period. However, patients having SMT reported that they were more satisfied with care than those in either of the other groups. The researchers conclude that SMT and home exercise are similarly effective to each other and both are more effective than medication for neck pain.

Stand like Prince Charles to banish back pain: Surprising and...

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:17:22 -0800

Stand like Prince Charles to banish back pain: Surprising and simple ways to transform your health

For perfect posture — and to reduce back pain, among a host of other things — interlink your fingers from each hand behind your back, just like Prince Charles.

This will open up your chest and get your shoulders back and down, reversing the slumping posture many people have while sitting. Poor posture will throw the body out of its correct alignment, so certain muscles become overworked, while others, such as the stomach muscles, start to weaken through lack of use. This can cause undue stress and strain, especially on the lower back.

Top Ten Vitamins for Winter In the darker winter months—and year...

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:06 -0800

Top Ten Vitamins for Winter

In the darker winter months—and year round, really—everyone can benefit from eating lots of brightly colored foods, including fruits, vegetables and dark leafy greens, and cutting back on junk food, coffee and alcohol. In addition to eating the right foods, taking the right vitamins and supplements can go a long way to keeping you healthy and well.

Below is a comprehensive list of the top 10 vitamins and supplements to help counteract the common (and not-so-common) effects of winter:

10. Biotin. While technically classified as vitamin B, this one is all cosmological. Brutal winter air can bring hair, skin, and nail problems. Biotin gets to the root (no pun intended) of the problem and rebuilds from beneath the skin, unlike most topical ointments and shampoos. Biotin can also have enormous benefits for pregnant women and diabetics.

9. Vitamin A. This vitamin, like others, has valuable antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants help to prevent the invasive actions of free radicals, substances that can lead to common and uncommon ailments. Vitamin A also helps your eyes adjust to different levels of incoming light, and with unpredictable winter driving weather, top-notch vision could never hurt.

8. Magnesium. Cold months and dry air can lead to stress and dehydration, which can lead to headaches and even migraines. Magnesium deficiency has recently been “uncovered” as a possible underlying cause of certain kinds of headaches. The supplement has also been linked to important heart functions, and in return, the cause of certain heart problems.

7. Fish oil. A lack of outdoor exposure can often lead to a lot of brain fog and concentration problems. Fish oil can help you concentrate and stay on task. According to Mayo Clinic, fish oil also has many heart health benefits as well.

6. Vitamin B-12. The cold, cloudy winter months can often lead to signs of depression and anxiety, and even the disorders themselves. B12 is one of the first vitamins depleted during times of depression and anxiety. According to healthaliciousness.com, seafood, beef, eggs, and cheese are all often high in B12.

5. Vitamin D. Needless to stay, for a lot of us, winter brings some pretty dreary weather. Sometimes you may not see the sun for weeks at a time. Since vitamin D is relayed through (but not limited to) sunlight, northern residents don’t get a lot of it. WebMD reports that vitamin D deficiencies can lead to cognitive problems, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

4. Calcium. Not getting the usual amount of exercise during the winter can lead to muscle weakening. When our muscles aren’t up to par, more pressure is exerted on our bones. Calcium strengthens your bones in preparation for a potential rise in exercise with warmer temperatures. ScienceDaily even reports that calcium supplements reduce fracture incidences, regardless of age or gender.

3. Vitamin C. Although other forms of immunity are emerging as effective, vitamin C is still crucial in the cold/flu season battle. Drink pure fruit juices, many of which contain 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement in a single glass.

2. Water. OK, so it’s not technically a vitamin. However, increased time indoors goes hand-in-hand with the arrival of winter, and indoors usually involves turning up the heat. What goes hand-in-hand with “faux” indoor heating? Dry skin and chapped lips, which many times represent dehydration. That pound of lotion and chapstick you’re using every day may only be covering up the underlying cause.

1. Zinc. The closest you can get to a “magic” vitamin during cold and flu season. Not only does Zinc boost your immunity, but it has been proven to shorten a cold when you already have one. Emerging science suggest that even those with mild Zinc deficiencies are much more susceptible to “a variety of infectious agents.” The main ingredient in the over-the-counter nasal gel Zicam (which is supposed to shorten the duration of a cold) is none other than Zinc Gluconate.

Note:

As always, check with your doctor before starting any vitamin or supplement regimens. Everybody reacts differently to different treatments and should check with a professional to determine dosage amounts. If you do start to feel run down, visit your Doctor of Chiropractic. Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in spinal adjustments and other manual therapies that can help keep you healthy and well and they can also provide nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations and other advice to promote good health year-round.

8 Fascinating Pain Facts You Didn’t Know Do women feel...

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:07:01 -0800

8 Fascinating Pain Facts You Didn’t Know

Do women feel chronic pain more than men? Can the brain feel pain? Find out whether you can separate pain facts from pain myths.

Acute pain is your body’s way of waving a red flag for immediate attention, often because of an injury.Chronic Pain, on the other hand, is pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years, and it affects about 116 million Americans — more than cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined. But how much do you really know about it? We’ve rounded up eight little-known facts about pain.

Pain Is Both Physical and Emotional

Pain, especially chronic pain, affects more than your body. It’s psychologically stressful and can (understandably) lead to emotions like anger and frustration. And pain and stress can be a vicious circle: Pain can increase stress levels, and increased levels of stress can make pain worse. Also, 77 percent of people with chronic pain report depression, and 70 percent report trouble concentrating.

Women Feel More Pain Than Men

Women actually do experience more pain than men over their lifetimes because of conditions and experiences such as menstruation, childbirth, and migraine headaches. Studies also show that women may experience pain differently — often more intensely — than men do. For example, some animal studies show that females require twice as much pain medication to get the same relief as males. However, there’s conflicting research on whether women actually have a higher tolerance for pain than men (although millions of women who have gone through childbirth might disagree).

The Brain Doesn’t Feel Pain

Ouch! When you stub your toe or touch something hot, your body releases chemicals that send pain signals up through the spinal cord to receptors in the brain. The brain then sends the pain message back down to the part of the body that hurts. But although it’s the interpreter of pain, the brain itself does not have pain-sensitive nerves. Only the structures that surround the brain feel pain. As a matter of fact, once inside the brain, surgeons can operate on the brain without anesthesia. In one technique known as brain mapping, surgeons probe brain tissue while monitoring reactions like muscle movement and speech — all while the patient is awake.

Back Pain: The Most Common Pain Condition

All those aching backs! In a survey done by the National Institutes of Health, 27 percent of Americans said low back pain was their most common type of pain, followed by headaches or migraines (15 percent). More than 26 million Americans aged 20 to 64 suffer from back pain, and each year we spend at least $50 billion on back pain relief. What’s the best way to ease chronic back pain? Experts say a combination of gentle, regular stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight, can make a real difference.

Gout: The Disease of Kings and Dinosaurs

Gout, a painful type of arthritis that affects about 3 million people every year, was once called the disease of kings because it was blamed on too much eating and drinking. Today we know that gout — and the pain associated with it — is caused by the buildup in the blood of a substance called uric acid, which causes sharp crystals to form inside joints. But one “king” who had gout was the king of dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex. Analysis of casts of a forearm from a tyrannosaurus fossil named Sue revealed that the dinosaur had a bad case of gout. Today, the dinosaur’s relatives, including birds and all orders of reptiles, can also develop gout.

Creaky Joints in (Pre)History

Osteoarthritis, which affects about 27 million Americans, is a type of arthritis that causes chronic pain due to gradual wear and tear on joints. It’s also been plaguing humans for a long, long time — in fact, osteoarthritis has been found in human skeletons dating back to the Ice Age (before 8000 BC), and it was also detected during x-ray examinations of Egyptian mummies. But despite the fact that osteoarthritis has been around forever, doctors still do not completely understand the cause.

Want to Help Osteoarthritis Pain? Get Moving!

The belief that rest is the best treatment for a back, neck, or knee that is painful due to osteoarthritis is a pain myth. Experts agree that exercise is an important way to manage and in fact prevent pain due to osteoarthritis. Benefits of exercise include increasing blood supply to cartilage and bone, strengthening the muscles that support joints, and decreasing joint stiffness. Exercise also improves general health and reduces the risk of injury and osteoporosis in people with osteoarthritis. Finally, exercise can improve sleep and help fight depression for people with chronic pain from osteoarthritis.

Kick the Habit, Ease Your Pain

Studies show that smoking increases your risk for back pain, and it’s also been shown to increase chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia and neck pain. Nicotine in cigarette smoke can decrease the blood flow to joints in the back and can delay healing as well as increase the risk for further injury. Also, people who smoke need to take more medication than those who don’t to get back pain relief.

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Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:15:05 -0800

Tips for Staying Healthy While Flying During Holiday

Cold and Flu season is upon us and if you’re planning on getting on an airplane you’ll want to follow my tried and true tips for staying healthy!

· Strengthen your immune system before you even get on a plane. Eat right and exercise. Think fresh fruit and vegetables, less sugar, and whole grains. A healthy lifestyle may prevent you from catching your neighbors cold!
· Sleep. Get a good nights rest the night before you fly. If your body is not used to it flying will make you extremely tired. Add the stress you’ll probably be feeling and you have a recipe for exhaustion.
· Meditate. Speaking of stress, take the time to relax and before you travel, properly prepare yourself by packing a full day before and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. That way if you get stuck in traffic or the security line you can relax.

· Pack healthy snacks. As I mentioned earlier you need lots of energy to get you through a day of air travel so pack foods that fuel your body. Think, nuts, veggies, and fruits. Foods that are processed or high in sugar and fat will only deplete your energy.
· Hydrate. Don’t let the liquid ban prevent you from drinking enough water on travel day. There are lots of filtered water bottles on the market that you can carry empty through security and fill up at a water fountain once past TSA.
· Skip the alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate and bloat you. It could also cause you to miss your flight as airlines are not allowed to board passengers appearing to be intoxicated. Remember alcohol has a greater effect on your body when in the air.

· Bring anti-bacterial wipes and lotion. It’s good to have both in your carry on for the times that you can’t make it to the bathroom to wash your hands. It’s also a good idea to wipe your tray table and arm rests with the wipes. Cleaners are only given minutes to clean the airplane in between flights so tray tables only get cleaned once a day on average. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, I’ve seen many poopie diapers changed on the tray tables.
· Pack disposable place mats in your carry-on. I started carrying these when I started traveling with my daughter. I now bring them whether she is with me or not. They give me the freedom to eat, drink and be merry on my tray table with out worrying about what went on there on the last flight! Did I mention clipping nails is a common activity for air travel?
· Stretch. Not by performing yoga in the galley. Your flight attendants won’t appreciate that but, do take a walk at least every hour of flight to get your circulation going and prevent thrombosis.
· Keep your hands and your things out of the seat back pockets. Again, flight attendants have found everything from dirty diapers to used vomit bags in there. The last thing you want to do is get cold germs all over your lap top or magazine because you didn’t realize the last passenger’s used tissues were scrunched up in the bottom of your seat back pocket.

10 Tips to Become or Remain Healthy in 2012 The International...

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:00:05 -0800

10 Tips to Become or Remain Healthy in 2012

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, searches health-and-wellness research studies every year to find the most relevant to adults ages 50-plus. This year ICAA has sorted through these studies to compile a list of tips that governments, communities, businesses, families and individuals can use to encourage older adults to achieve a healthy lifestyle in 2012 (citations available on request):

1. Expectations: If you’ve followed a healthy lifestyle this year, keep going. If you need to make lifestyle changes, start by anticipating success-and don’t let age be a barrier. Research has shown that thinking negatively about getting older can shorten your life by as much as 7.5 years.

2. Enthusiasm: Few people are thrilled with every aspect of their lives, but many have at least one area-family, friends, work, hobbies-that they feel good about. Identify an activity or connection that sparks your enthusiasm and make it your lifeline, then do your best to extend that enthusiasm to other areas.

3. Energy: Having the energy and motivation you need to age well are hallmarks of healthy living. If you’re tired all the time, don’t let apathy and lethargy drag you down. Instead, get a checkup to try to determine the cause-and the solution.

4. Eating: Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are keys to physical and mental health. If you need to lose weight or make changes in your diet, keep your expectations high. You can do it!

5. Exercise: Staying physically active fuels the body and mind. If you’re already exercising regularly, keep it up. If you’re getting started, know your fitness level, then set goals and progress at your own pace. The key is to be consistent.

6. Engagement: Get involved in your community. Research has shown that people who volunteer have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than people who don’t. Volunteering and other kinds of civic and social engagement can contribute to better health.

7. Emotions: Everyone feels down at times, but full-blown depression is a major cause of disability. If you’re feeling out of sorts for two weeks or more, talk with your doctor or take an online screening test at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/. In many instances, simply exercising and eating right can change your mood.

8. Education: Lifelong learning is important to living an independent and fulfilling life as you advance in age. Start now to learn new subjects or physical activities-it’s good for the brain.

9. Effort: Changing expectations and embarking on new behaviors take energy and effort, but the results are well worth it.

10. Enjoyment: A healthy life generally is a joyous one. Savor the process of being or becoming active, engaged and truly alive in 2012.

A New Agenda for Whiplash Research New approaches to early...

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:57:14 -0800

A New Agenda for Whiplash Research

New approaches to early management of whiplash injuries are needed to reduce the high percentage of patients who go on to develop chronic neck pain and disability, according to a special article in Spine Magazine.

“The burden of whiplash injuries, the high rate of transition to chronicity, and evidence of limited effects of current management on transition rates demand new directions in evaluation and management,” writes an expert panel led by Gwendolen Jull, PhD, of The University of Queensland, Australia.

Can Early Treatment Prevent Acute Whiplash from Becoming Chronic?
Whiplash is a very common type of neck injury, typically caused by rear-impact traffic crashes. Studies consistently show that neck pain and other symptoms of acute whiplash injury clear up within a few months in about half of patients. The other half have continued pain and disability one to two years later, with up to 20 percent having moderate to severe pain.

Early management may have a critical impact on the long-term outcomes of whiplash. Many different approaches have been tried, ranging from exercises, to immobilization, to acupuncture, to electromagnetic fields. None of these treatments has been convincingly shown to reduce the risk of whiplash symptoms becoming a chronic problem.

To address this issue, Dr. Jull and a multidisciplinary group of professionals took part in an “expert debate and synthesis of research” on treatment for acute whiplash. Their goal was to outline plans for developing more effective strategies for early management of whiplash, based on “biological, psychological, and social perspectives.”

An important starting point is the development of a triage system for early management. Because initial symptoms of whiplash vary significantly, it would be helpful if early factors associated with better or worse long-term outcomes could be identified. For example, in addition to severe pain, the prognosis may be worse for patients with headache, very limited neck movement, and psychological distress. Early identification of these factors might help to guide appropriate treatment for the individual patient.

The Roundtable participants also urge research into new approaches addressing the pain, physical, and psychological symptoms of whiplash. They suggest a systematic research agenda addressing four key areas:
• Education.—Research to identify the most effective ways of communicating accurate “information, assurance, and education” to patients in the acute phase of whiplash injury.
• Early pain management.—Studies to see if effective pain management can improve long-term outcomes, particularly in patients with more severe pain who are at higher risk of chronic whiplash symptoms.
• Physical rehabilitation.—Studies assessing the most effective approaches to physical rehabilitation after whiplash injury, focusing on reducing the rate of transition to chronic whiplash.
• Psychological rehabilitation.—Equally important, research into the psychological factors that can hinder recovery, and how best to manage them.

The Roundtable participants hope their research agenda will provide a firm foundation of knowledge for developing effective strategies for managing whiplash—especially in the acute phase after injury. They conclude, “Future high-quality clinical trials are needed to test the impact of new strategies on the rate of transition to chronicity,” Dr Jull and coauthors conclude.

Chiropractic Tips for Avoiding Holiday Shopping Back Strain The...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:48:17 -0800

Chiropractic Tips for Avoiding Holiday Shopping Back Strain

The holidays are upon us and with them, the added demands of the season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that over 50,000 people every year sustain some sort of winter-related back injury, and 5,800 of those are holiday shopping and decorating-related.

encourage you to consider the following tips to help keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy this season.

Treat Holiday Shopping as an Athletic Event

Stay hydrated! Drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Be sure to stretch before and after a long day of shopping or decorating. When you are stressed-out, your muscles are less flexible than usual.
Wear shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard surfaces and that will provide good support on ladders.
Make sure your clothing is as comfortable as possible. It’s a good idea to wear layers, because you may be going from a cold environment (outdoors) to a warm environment (indoors).
Leave your purse at home. Wear a light fanny pack, or if necessary, a light backpack instead. Pack only those items that are absolutely essential (driver’s license, credit card, etc.).
If you start to feel some pain, try the following treatment: apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.

Plan Frequent Breaks into Your Shopping Day.

During a day of heavy shopping, take a break every 45 minutes.
If possible, obtain a locker. Lockers can help cut down on how much you have to carry around.
If your mall or shopping center doesn’t offer lockers, try to plan trips to your car.
When taking breaks, try to eat light foods. A salad and some fruit stave off hunger pains.
Skip the coffee break! Coffee and sodas contain caffeine and sugar, which add even more stress to your body.

Wrapping Your Gifts.

Since there is no “ideal” position for wrapping gifts, the most important thing to remember is to vary your positions. For example, try standing at a table or countertop for one package, sitting on a bed for another, sitting in a comfortable chair for another, etc.
Do not wrap packages while sitting on the floor. Wrapping packages while sitting on a hard floor can wreak havoc on your posture, and should be avoided.
Always stretch before and after you wrap gifts.

Chiropractic Care Can Help. Some times the holiday season can be more stressful than joyous. If you do experience pain or discomfort as a result of holiday shopping stress, consider a visit to your doctor of chiropractic. Your doctor of chiropractic can provide treatments to help alleviate your pain naturally, so you can enjoy the holiday season as it was meant to be.

To make an appointment with Dr. Akhavan, call 604-990-6676.

Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays Stay active One of...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:37:05 -0800

Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Stay active

One of the best ways to beat stress is to move your body. Yoga, running, Cross Fit and the gym are all great options. As the weather gets colder, try a brisk walk in a local park. Anything that keeps you moving and gets your heart rate up is a wonderful way to manage stress.

Make holidays plans early, but it’s OK not to have any plans too!

Waiting until the last minute to make plans can add to your stress. Take time in advance to figure out what you’re going to do, whether it’s plans to drive, fly, board your pets, or stay with family. If your holidays aren’t filled with plans to spend time with family or friends, try to relax and enjoy the time for yourself. Catching a movie, relaxing at home, buying a new book, or taking a leisure shopping trip can all be options if you’re solo.

Be selective about what festivities you join

If you find that you get a number of requests for special dinners and parties, be mindful about which you attend. To go to every party you’re invited to may leave you completely exhausted, broke and frazzled. If you’re the type to get a number of invites, go to the events you’ll get the most out of. Make it less about “being seen” and more about having meaningful connections.

Get your rest

Sleep is so important to health. Try to stick to a sleep schedule of at least six hours a night. Even though the temptation might be there to sleep late on the weekends, try keeping to a regular schedule.

Get smart about holiday foods

Thinking that salad with lots of heavy dressing is better than a moderate sized three-course dinner is just kidding yourself. Having three glasses of wine with dinner can also add calories and result in a headache the next day. Don’t head into the holidays with unreasonable expectations about calories. Instead be mindful about what you eat. Eat what you want but in moderate amounts. You’ll feel less deprived.

Take a reality check

Going into the holidays with lots of expectations for changed behaviors, heart-to-heart talks with those who barely chat beyond the weather, or having a peaceful time in a house that’s regularly full of kids is just setting yourself up for stress. Expect nothing and instead be at peace with how things are.

Gifts are not about how much you spend

You’ve probably heard, “It’s not the gift but the thought behind it.” That’s a true statement but one that many people forget when they head into the malls to shop. With the added pressure for people out of work, those struggling to pay bills and many with credit card debt that’s already through the roof, it would be irresponsible to spend hundreds of dollars. Be honest with your friends and family; let them know that this year will be a little light. Focus instead on finding things that are low-cost but meaningful.

Let yourself be sad if the feelings arise

The holidays can be a time of pain and sadness for some people. Memories of those who have died, feeling alone if you’re not in a relationship or having memories of joyful times that have since passed can bring you to tears. Instead of stuffing your emotions down, let them flow. Sure, you may have a good cry, but if you don’t, it may turn into an ulcer. It takes courage to feel sad and let your true feelings show.

Be grateful. A lot. Every day.

Sure, it’s the theme of Thanksgiving, but it’s also just good for your health. Every one of us can be thankful for something every day. I have a note on the inside of my medicine cabinet above the sink that says, “Be Grateful.” It’s a constant reminder to tap into a feeling of gratitude each morning.

Tell the people in your life you love them.

Take the time to acknowledge friends and family as being special to you. It’s one thing to get them a card or a gift. It’s another thing to say it. Take the time to tell them how much they mean to you. You’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel.

What id Facet Joint Syndrome? Learn how Spinal Decompression...

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:06:06 -0800

What id Facet Joint Syndrome? Learn how Spinal Decompression Can help

Facet Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome is a disorder mostly caused by structural degeneration of one or more spinal joints by which can eventually cause pain. It may occur in the upper back or lower back. If the condition occurs in the cervical spinal area or upper back, it is called cervical facet syndrome. If it occurs in the lumbar spinal area or lower back, it is called lumbar facet syndrome.

Facet syndrome generally causes back pain and neck pain which can be excruciating for some people. It reduces quality of life if left untreated. Patients can find an excellent solution for facet joint syndrome with the help of spinal decompression, a nonsurgical treatment that provides relief.

Facet Joints

Facet joints are the connections between the bones of the spine. These are the joints where nerve roots from the spinal cord pass through to the other parts of the body such as the arms and legs. They allow the spine to move smoothly and keep the back from slipping or twisting past limits.

Symptoms

The most frequent complaints of people with facet syndrome are pain and stiffness. The pain commonly occurs on the affected area of the spine and is exaggerated while twisting, bending, or straightening up. A person loses range of motion and flexibility in the affected vertebrae.

For someone who has cervical facet syndrome, the condition can be presented with neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, or difficulty turning the head or having to move the entire body to look over to the left or right.

In lumbar facet syndrome, symptoms may feature low back pain, thigh and groin pain, and discomfort in the buttocks.

Causes

Facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine and commonly wear out or become degenerated in many people. When facet joints become worn or torn, the cartilage may become thin or disappear which may result to overgrowing of bone spurs and enlargement of the joints.

Facet joint syndrome is a form of arthritis, in which the root causes are not clearly known. What is known is that the aging process and traumatic injury can both cause cartilage to degrade, which can result to pain as adjacent bones rub together.

Older people are more susceptible to facet joint syndrome. Natural aging process usually gives rise to osteoarthritis and joint degeneration. Athletes like gymnasts and acrobats are also at risk of facet joint syndrome. The rigors of their sport cause exceptional degeneration in their spine.

Treatment

Spinal decompression is more likely to be efficient in improving the symptoms of facet syndrome. It is a nonsurgical treatment that offers relief to distressing back and neck pain sufferers by separating the bones of the spine using a decompression equipment.

As the bones are gradually and methodically separated, the pressure in the facet is reduced. Decompressing the affected spinal joints can significantly reduce pain and disability. Spinal decompression also sets off vacuum effect that can pull much-needed oxygen, nutrients and fluids into the injured part to enable healing.

Spinal decompression is a computer-controlled treatment, providing precise therapeutic decompression to the injured joints. It uses angulated elongation methods to target specific joints of the spine.

If you have been living with this kind of pain and other treatments do not work, Call Dr. Akhavan at Vancouver Spinal decompression Center at 604-984-4601.

What Most People with a Herniated Disc Don’t Know

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:35:05 -0800

Did you know that disc herniations are common. In fact, if we were to take 10 random people from off the street, six of them would have a bulging or herniated disc. And only two of those with a herniated disc would have back pain at that particular point in time.

So why is a herniated disc so bad?

It’s NOT….necessarily. However, there is a sub-set of herniated disc patients…say 10-15% of them, that develop pain and disability…some severe. It’s still a very large number of people. And remember…over 80% of us will have a serious bout of back pain at some point in our lives…and the #1 risk factor for developing chronic back pain (pain that lasts over 3 months) is previous back pain.

The body can often heal bulging and herniated discs on it’s own. It just depends on the nature and severity of the problem.

Note: In order to even know you have a herniated disc for sure it needs to be confirmed by MRI. And in order for a doctor to order an expensive MRI in the first place, they have to suspect you have a disc herniation which means you are symptomatic.

According to research…many of us live and die with disc herniations we never knew we had.

So what’s the point?

Well…I guess the point I am trying to make is that a herniated disc is not the end of the world, and even if you are diagnosed with one you don’t automatically need surgery. In fact…quite the contrary…chances are you do not need surgery. A good doctor that utilizes chiropractic, core exercises, and nonsurgical spinal decompression, can most likely get you back on track.

Maintaining a healthy back is like a balance scale. If you are doing things, like sitting for 12 hours a day, or working construction, or fire fighting, or just working and playing hard, you have tools at your disposal that can help you balance the scales. Tools like chiropractic and spinal decompression. Tools that “those in the know” use to stay in the game. And so can you.

If you think you may have a herniated disc in the low back you should be checked.

How chiropractic heals HOW does chiropractic heal me? I am...

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:21:05 -0800

How chiropractic heals

HOW does chiropractic heal me? I am asked that question often. In order to understand how chiropractic can help to relieve a certain condition, it is important to get a better understanding of how the body works.

We know that the body’s information and communication system is primarily the nervous system. It is along the nervous system that the body sends messages to every cell in the body in regards to normal function, metabolism and reproduction.

The body has intelligence that is far beyond any doctors’ understanding at this point. In chiropractic, we call this intelligence “innate intelligence”. It is your innate intelligence which controls your body’s normal functions, like your heart rate and liver function. It is also your innate intelligence that caused you to develop from two cells to the over four trillion cells you are today.

Chiropractic philosophy is based on the fact that the innate intelligence that creates the body has far more knowledge than any doctor. This wisdom of the body can and does work wonders if it is not interfered with.

But there is a condition known as a vertebral subluxation that can interfere with the body. The subluxation interferes with normal nerve function which results in decreased ability for the brain to communicate properly with the body. This could eventually result in some sort of condition or symptom. When you suffer from a vertebral subluxation, your natural healing ability is lessened, your resistance is lowered and you can get sick.

A chiropractors’ job is to reduce the interference that is caused by the subluxation. This is done by adjusting the spine to return normal function to the nervous system. You cannot be truly healthy, reach your full potential or achieve your greatest healing ability if your have pressure on your nervous system.

There are of course a number of factors that influence your healing ability: diet, exercise, stress, age, to name a few. However, if you have a condition or symptom that has not responded to traditional or other forms of treatment, remember that you have not tried everything to get better until you have tried chiropractic.

The job of any doctor should be to raise the patients’ natural innate healing ability to its highest efficiency.

First there was the satnd up workstation, then the walking...

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:36:05 -0800

First there was the satnd up workstation, then the walking worstation…now cycle while you work? Read More…