Why Do I Need Glucosamine Joint Formula If I Am Over 40?

Up to age 40 your body makes all the glucosamine it requires, but after 40 glucosamine production drops off, increasing the likelihood that some degree of joint cartilage erosion and inflammation (osteoarthritis) will develop (as it does in 90% of the aging population). By simply taking one capsule per day of Glucosamine Joint Formula after age 40 (even if you are symptom-free) you help decrease the chances that joint cartilage erosion and inflammation will occur in your joints as you age. This product is a key anti-aging product to help ensure that you maintain a highly functional body as you age.

What Does Glucosamine Do?

Your body makes glucosamine sulfate each day of your life, and uses it as a building block for normal cartilage formation (the shock-absorbing material in your joints). With osteoarthritis or cartilage injury, glucosamine supplementation has been shown to help repair or stabilize the cartilage damage. There are no foods that contain glucosamine, so it must be taken as a supplement.

Don’t I Need Chondroitin With Glucosamine?

The simple answer is “No”. In fact, studies show that only 0-13% of chondroitin even gets absorbed into the bloodstream, and there are no studies showing the chondroitin improves osteoarthritic or cartilage problems more than glucosamine can accomplish on its own. So, don’t waste your money on glucosamine supplements that contain chondroitin sulfate, as the chondroitin molecule is too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream. What you need is glucosamine combined with natural anti-inflammatory agents (Glucosamine Joint Formula)

Glucosamine Joint Formula

At our office we carry Adeeva fast-acting Joint formula which Contains a purified and stable grade of glucosamine sulfate along with three natural herbs that support joint health and block key steps associated with the inflammatory process.

How is it fast-acting?

• Studies show that most glucosamine supplements take up to 12 weeks before individuals see improvement in pain, stiffness and swelling

• Glucosamine Joint Formula contains a pharmaceutical grade of glucosamine, combined with three highly effective anti-inflammatory herbs. Much of the pain from arthritis results from inflammation in the joint. These natural agents (bromelain enzymes, MSM and quercetin) block the inflammatory process providing relief of symptoms much faster than glucosamine on its own, or glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate.

Flip-flops pose dangers for feet, back

Summer is here in Vancouver and  the hot weather and flip-flops tend to go hand in hand However we caution you to beware when looking at summer footwear, especially flip-flops.  It is estimated about 50 percent of foot pain can be traced back to wearing improper footwear, and flip-flops often fall into that category.  In general, flip-flops are bad for people because most of them are just completely flat pieces of foam with no support and no stability.  Because the foot is straining to hold onto a flat piece of fabric or rubber with no support, tendons and muscles in the leg and foot tense up more than normal and cause pain especially shin splints are common.

Specialists say flip-flops don’t have to be kicked out of the closet altogether, just make sure they’re the right ones.  Cheap flip-flops made of rubber tend to breed bacteria and fungus, which cause warts, while more expensive flip-flops made of leather or hard plastic aren’t as accommodating breeding grounds for fungus.

Dollar flip-flops have the potential to wear out within the first few hours and, after stepping down a few times, the material loses its ability to take impact and wears out very quickly, while orthopedic, more supportive flip-flops usually go for at least $50.

At our clinic, we also carry a variety of custom-made sandal to help patients enjoy the outdoors with open shoes. Call 604-990-6676 for more details. Enjoy your summer with proper foot care. 

Why do back surgeries fail?

All spine surgery carries with it a significant degree of patient risk but when the resulting surgery does not alleviate the problem, or creates even greater problems for the patient, the situation is referred to as a “failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Read More….

Five Tips for a Safe Summer

Summer is here and temperatures are climbing in Vancouver, Finally.  More people will be hitting the great outdoors for recreation, picnicking, or just plain relaxing in the backyard hammock. Here’s a quick look at five important summer-safety topics.

• Sunburn – Wear hats and opaque long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors. Use sunglasses with UV protection. Stay in the shade where possible. Try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Use sunscreen with SPF of 16 or higher, and reapply every 3 to 4 hours or immediately after swimming or exercising.

• Exercise – Drink water before, during and after exertion. Stay in the shade and avoid exercising in the middle of the day. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Take extra care if the temperature is above 25 and avoid exercising at all if the temperature is in the 30s. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have stopped sweating or have other signs of heatstroke, such as a fast heart rate, dizziness or confusion, high body temperature, or extreme lethargy.

• Insect bites and stings – Wear clothing that covers the skin, and when needed, apply insect repellant containing DEET to clothing, shoes and exposed skin. For children, use products with no more than 10 percent DEET and do not apply to hands. In cases of bites or stings, remove the stinger (if applicable) and use ice to reduce pain, itching and swelling. For ticks, use tweezers and pull straight away from the skin to remove. Wash the area and apply an antiseptic. If a rash, fever, headache or fatigue develops, call your doctor.

• Water safety – Drowning is the leading cause of death and injury for children under 5 in California. Never leave a child unattended near a pool or other body of water for even a minute, even if the child knows how to swim. All pools are required to be fenced and to have a self-latching gate. If you are outside the fence, check to make sure the gate and latch are functioning.

• Poison oak – Know what poison oak looks like and avoid it when outdoors. The leaves grow in clusters of three and are green or red in the spring and summer and orange or brown in the fall. If you come into contact with the leaves, flush exposed areas with cold water for 20 minutes. Wash everything exposed – clothing, shoes, even your dog. If a rash develops, using a topical steroid cream over 10 to 14 days can reduce itching. Cut children’s fingernails and encourage them to not scratch the rash.

Have fun out there in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

Tips for Safe and Comfortable Hiking

Summer is here and, despite the wet and cold Spring, many North Shore residents will start Hiking. Going for a hike is a great way to stay healthy and appreciate the North Shore’s natural beauty. As I chiropractor, I have treated many people with back problems where improper shoes and packs were a factor. Over many years of practice, I have come up with some tips that will help ensure an injury-free backpacking trip, whether it’s a day hike or an extended outing.

Pay attention to shoulder straps. Look for injection-molded shoulder straps that create flex points to alleviate shoulder blade and pressure point strain.  Look for padding or back panels that keep the weight from directly putting pressure on the spine, allowing space for ventilation on long hot hikes.

A good hip belt is critical to keep the weight of the pack from pulling on your neck via the shoulder and adjoining muscle. Watch for hip pads that feel even a little uncomfortable in the store; they will feel like a steel edge after several days hiking.

Forward cinch-down straps in the shoulder and side are also helpful to keep weight from shifting. This becomes more critical if you are doing more technical style hikes where your footing is less sure.

Remember good footwear. The heavier the pack, the stronger and stiffer the sole of your shoe or boot should be. You can check this at the store by simply grasping the front and back of the boot and wringing it like a wash cloth. You will not want much movement if you plan on hiking with much weight.

Keep your pack weight under 20 percent of your weight. If you are hiking with kids and smaller family members and carrying most of the items it can be hard to keep from going over. Guidelines for kids are 10-20 percent, staying toward the lower end if other factors like high heat, altitude, or steep grades will come into play. Keep the heaviest items toward the front and bottom of the pack.

Consider a chiropractic adjustment before a long hike to give yourself a head start on preventing injury.

Happy hiking!