Health News July 1, 2009

5 Things You're Not Supposed To Know About Chiropractors, By Therese Griffin Hicks, RN, DC, FIACA

The following was taken in part from an article published in "Phoenix Health and Wellness" December, 2008. There are a few surprising facts about DC's and there is mounting research to support the following points. For detailed citations please refer to the article mentioned. 1. Their (chiropractors) education is equal to their medical colleagues…and might be better in some areas. Although this may seem unreal, chiropractic students spend markedly more hours in the classroom than medical students, especially in the areas of anatomy, physiology, orthopedics, and x-ray. Of course their training is different since "Chiros" concentrate on muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Their education only touches on medications, emergency situations, etc.. Many people believe this gives them a better background in physical rehab. 2. They do more than crunch backs. While chiros are known for treating back and neck problems with joint manipulation, most are well versed and board certified to perform physical therapies. They are also licensed to function as primary care physicians. Based on their education, many use nutrition as a form of treatment. 3. It’s safe. Even though ghost stories of adjustments gone wrong are common, the actual risk of in injury from chiropractic treatment is rare. Generally the malpractice insurance that doctors have to pay is based among other things in their field. Chiropractors as a group, pay less for malpractice insurance than any other type of physician. A 7-year study organized by the United Nations and the World Health Organization just found that there is NO association with chiropractic treatment and stroke. 4. They took the AMA to court…twice..and won…twice. For decades chiropractors were campaigned by the American Medical Association as not being "real doctors" and met fierce resistance from medical organizations. Chiropractors claimed the AMA was trying to snuff out the competition with fear tactics and bogus research. The US Supreme Court agreed with them in 1987 and again in 1990. It was found that the AMA was guilty of illegal antitrust activities against the chiropractic profession, ordered an injunction on their activity and forced them to print the court’s findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 5. MD's and DC's are working together. With natural forms of treatment becoming more popular, drugless forms of treatment have become preferred by many over pain medications. One survey of 266 medical students at Georgetown University revealed more than 75% of them felt alternative techniques should be included in their education. Chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements were the most desired areas of interest. So, till next time, remember:It’s Your Body, Your Health and Your Choice…it might be time to consider a proven, safe, effective alternative to drugs and surgery. And if you would like a free consultation to see if yours is a condition that frequently responds to Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Cold Laser or a prescribed nutritional program call Hicks Wellness Clinic at 928-425-3207 for a center that can do it all.

Food Addiction? Try Overeaters Anonymous, By Janet Trimble Gila Community College Wellness Center Facilitator

Summer can focus attention on weight gain or overweight and hot weather magnifies the many physical discomforts that come with too much fat on the body. Summer can also be a time of personal disappointment about trying but failing to maintain a healthy body weight. The emotional costs of obesity can be devastating. There are many effective programs designed to help chronically overweight people achieve freedom from food addiction. One such program is Overeaters Anonymous. Here is information about OA from the program literature: This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive overeater. -Do you eat when you’re not hungry? -Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? -Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating? -Do you give too much time and thought to food? -Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone? -Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time? -Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone? -Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? -Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal? -Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating? -Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish? -Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime? -Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble? -Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition? -Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy? Have you answered yes to three or more of these questions? If so, it is probable that you have or are well on your way to having a compulsive overeating problem. We have found that the way to arrest this progressive disease is to practice the Twelve-Step recovery program of Overeaters Anonymous. Is OA for You? Only you can decide that question. No one else can make this decision for you. We who are now in OA have found a way of life which enables us to live without the need for excess food. We believe that compulsive overeating is a progressive illness, one that, like alcoholism and some other illnesses, can be arrested. Remember, there is no shame in admitting you have a problem; the most important thing is to do something about it. There are local OA meetings on Tuesdays at 12:00pm at the Globe Library and Wednesdays at 7:15pm at St John’s Episcopal Church. Exercise and healthy eating go together for optimum wellness. Next week I’ll share with you information about another national program, TOPS, that has a local group. And if you belong to or know of other weight loss support groups in our area, please let me know. I’m happy to pass on helpful and healthy suggestions. Janet Trimble Wellness Center Facilitator Gila Community College (928) 425-0510 www.gilaccc.org