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Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius Makes Olympic History As The First Double Amputee To Compete. Find Out Why Some Say He Shouldn’t Be There…

22 Feb

The term “handicapped” became politically incorrect quite a few years ago.  Now, with the help of modern technology (and a ton of hard work), the label “handicapped” is certainly a misnomer for Oscar Pistorius.

The South African sprinter is known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man on no legs.” After having both his legs amputated when he was 11 months old, it was a long, hard road to become the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics.

Pistorius, who has a double amputation, is the world record holder for sport class T44 in the 100, 200 and 400 meter events and runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs.

Pistorius participated in his first international competition against “able-bodied” athletes in 2007, but things didn’t work out as planned…

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) changed its rules and banned the use of “any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device.”

Some scientists say that his prosthesis is not a handicap but instead, an unfair advantage.

One such scientist is respected sports doctor Ross Tucker.  According to Dr. Tucker, “In science, you start with theory, then you come up with hypotheses, and then test them. This was done for Pistorius, and every finding suggests advantage, with no exceptions.”

There are three theories for the advantage, the reduced weight of the limbs, their spring effect and the absence of fatigue. According to research, the above factors result in some startling performance-enhancing advantages.

His carbon-fiber prostheses are so much lighter that Pistorius is able to re-position his legs 11 percent faster than the next fastest runner ever measured. This is crucial, because the speed of human sprinters is determined by how fast they can move their legs. This also means his muscles have to work less to exert force on the ground and to re-position his legs. This saves energy, a crucial element of any event longer than 200m.

Finally, the energy returns from the springy carbon-fiber is 92 percent compared to a 59 percent return for muscles. Simply put, the carbon fiber does a better job of providing energy than muscles and tendons do.

Others beg to differ.  Testing done with Pistorius by Prof Peter Weyand suggests that he does not gain an advantage from his carbon-fiber prosthesis.

On January 14, 2008, the IAAF ruled Pistorius ineligible for their competitions, including the 2008 Summer Olympics.  The decision was reversed in May of 2008.  Pistorius did not qualify for the South African team in 2008 but he did for the 2012 London games.

He will compete in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay races.  No matter what side of “science” you are on, this is an incredible story.  Oscar Pistorius is a true Olympic hero.  He is a hero to everyone, with or without a “handicap.”  After seeing what Pistorius has done, all your excuses for not eating right, exercising and living the life you really want are pretty much null and void, don’t you think?

We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better!  We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!  Don’t be a stranger.  You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!

 

(Names And Details Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

Did You Know?…

22 Feb

Every day, we are confronted with a myriad of food choices. I am sure you know oily fries, cheesy pizzas, and greasy burgers are definitely not at the top range of nutritious foods. On the other hand, fruits, nuts, and vegetables bring heaps of life preserving, health-giving nutrients to our bodies.

The origin of the word “vegetable” comes from the Latin “vegetare”, meaning “to enliven or animate”.  It is certainly appropriate, as there is growing evidence that the nutrients contained in vegetables can help prevent, and even treat, many diseases. Scientific tests have shown encouraging results for treatment and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Vegetables provide the broadest range of nutrients, including carotenes, fiber and phytochemicals of all food types. Besides, they are also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and even protein (soy). Vegetables have minimal fat and even when they do, it is usually in the form of essential fatty acids.

Fruits, in general, are an excellent source of many important antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals, i.e. Vitamin C, carotenes, polyphenols, and flavanoids. Fruits also contain natural fiber, which helps clear toxins from our bodies. However, fruits do contain a fair amount of fruit sugars (i.e. fructose). For the same weight, fructose is also 1.5 times sweeter than sucrose (white sugar). Our bodies handle fructose differently from sucrose. For our bodies to use fructose (fruit sugar), it has to be changed to glucose by the liver. As a result, blood sugar (glucose) levels do not rise as rapidly after fructose consumption compared to other simple sugars. Conversely, consuming sucrose (white sugar) results in an immediate rise in blood sugar levels. Most diabetics cannot tolerate sucrose, but most can handle moderate amounts of fruit (and fructose) while their bodies can still control the blood sugar levels. In fact, fruits have a lower glycemic index than white bread and other refined carbohydrates.

 

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Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work and Which Ones Are Rip-Offs!

22 Feb

Most think it is not good or healthy to judge.  It creates negative energy and is a waste of time.  But in this case, it is necessary because mosquitoes STINK!  Sure, they have their place in the ecosystem, and it’s not like we want them all to die.  But, it would be nice if they didn’t swarm us, bite us, and cause us to itch from head to toe!  If you are one of the unlucky people mosquitoes love, but don’t want to use harmful chemicals to keep them away, here is something all natural you can use that actually works…

According to Science Daily, “Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.”

Researchers put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a two-foot glass tube, half of which was treated with nepetalactone.  After 10 minutes, only an average of 20 percent, about 4 mosquitoes, remained on the side of the tube treated with a high dose (1.0 percent) of the oil. In the low-dose test (0.1 percent) with nepetalactone, an average of 25 percent, 5 mosquitoes, stayed on the treated side. The same tests with DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide) resulted in approximately 40 percent to 45 percent of mosquitoes remaining on the treated side.  At the time of the article, no animal or human tests were scheduled for nepetalactone; therefore, it could not be stated that it is safe for people.  You may want to be on the lookout for research about this in the near future.

In the mean time, here is a list of natural products that repel mosquitoes: Citronella Oil, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Castor Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Geranium Oil and possibly oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic.  Here’s one important point:  Just because something is “natural” does not mean it is safe.  This is a BIG misunderstanding a lot of people have.  For example, rattlesnake venom is all natural, as is poison ivy.  Be very careful what you rub on your skin or ingest regardless of it being “all-natural” or synthetic.

 

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The Matt W. Story

21 Feb

(Names And Details Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

How The Courage Of A Young Man With Cerebral Palsy Inspired An Entire School.  Do YOU Have These Kinds Of Guts?

Who knows what his real, full name is.  “Matt W.” was all that was given and that’s all that is needed, because Matt W.’s actions speak louder than words ever could.

Here is why:  Matt W. is a student at Worthington Colonial Hills Elementary School in Ohio.  But Matt W. is not your average student.  You see, Matt suffers from cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a serious condition and according to the Mayo Clinic, “Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by injury or abnormal development in the immature brain, most often before birth.  Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years.  In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteadiness of walking, or some combination of these.  The effect of cerebral palsy on functional abilities varies greatly.  People with cerebral palsy often have other conditions related to developmental brain abnormalities, such as intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing problems, or seizures.”

That’s why it was a very big deal when Matt decided he was going to run the 400 meters (approximately ¼ mile) at his school’s once a year track event.  What happened during that race is one of the most inspirational events you’ll ever see. There’s a link to a video of it below, but we’ll describe it here…

At the start of the race, all the 5th and 6th graders took off.  Matt slowly made his way off the starting line.  His running strides were labored but what he lacked in grace he made up for in determination… tenfold.  The video’s soundtrack is the theme for Rocky.

The race was two complete laps around the 200 meter track and the other students quickly lapped him.  Then, the real magic started.  Matt’s gym teacher, John Blaine, started running the race with Matt while providing him verbal and emotional support.

As Matt completed the first lap, supporters started to cheer more.  About a quarter of the way around his second lap, a little girl made her way over to Matt while yelling to cheer him on.  Inspired by Matt (and taking the little girl’s lead) more students rushed over to join Matt.

Students completely surrounded him with everyone chanting over and over, “Let’s go Matt… Let’s go!!!” Matt picked up his pace as his classmates and friends energized him.

More and more students appeared.  They all crossed the finished line together with a massive cheer in just under four minutes.  The students swarmed Matt with high fives and hugs.  Matt was obviously exhausted but enjoyed this amazing moment with his supporters.

Matt’s mother broke down in tears several times as she witnessed her son’s incredible journey and life lesson for us all.

Many doctors believe in the power of positive thought.  Not only does it have the power to possibly heal us, but it can also move mountains when it has to.

Matt W. may never win an Olympic Gold medal, but his actions during this 400 meter race may change more lives than any Gold Medal winner probably ever has.

There is no doubt many of his classmates will achieve great successes in life because of Matt W.’s remarkable inspiration. Here’s the video of Matt W.’s amazing race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Alt2DssYc

We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better!  We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!  Don’t be a stranger.  You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move

Is Exercise A Drug and Can It Hurt Your Heart?

21 Feb

“Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.” ~ Isaac Newton

In today’s high-tech, fast paced society, we all tend to over think,  over complicate, and make things more difficult.  This is especially true when it comes to our health.

For example, there is pretty good evidence that exercise is good for you and people who exercise are, in general, healthier than people who do not exercise.

Few people would dispute it,  but that simple statement can be taken to the EXTREME. How? Many people think if a little exercise improves health, then more must really improve health.

Well, some researchers are now saying this thought process may be very, very, very flawed.

Here is why:  Researcher Dr. James O’Keefe, a cardiologist at the Mid America Heart Institute of St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, reported in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings that strenuous exercise might actually harm your heart.

According to Daily Mail, “Extreme exercise, such as marathons, may permanently damage the heart and trigger rhythm abnormalities… [Researchers] say the safe ‘upper limit’ for heart health is a maximum of an hour a day, after which there is little benefit to the individual. 

“A review of research evidence by US physicians says intensive training schedules and extreme endurance competitions can cause long-term harm to people’s hearts. Activities such as marathons, iron man distance triathlons, and very long distance bicycle races may cause structural changes to the heart and large arteries, leading to lasting injury.” 

Dr. James O’Keefe said, “Physical exercise, though not a drug, possesses many traits of a powerful pharmacologic agent. A routine of daily physical activity can be highly effective for prevention and treatment of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, and obesity.

“However, as with any pharmacologic agent, a safe upper dose limit potentially exists, beyond which the adverse effects of physical exercise, such as musculoskeletal trauma and cardiovascular stress, may outweigh its benefits.”

Dr. O’Keefe thinks the research suggests that extreme endurance training can cause elevated cardiac biomarkers and transient structural cardiovascular changes that normalized in about a week.

The review found:

Approximately 12% of seemingly healthy marathon runners showed evidence for patchy myocardial scarring.

The two-year follow-up showed a significantly higher rate of coronary heart disease in marathon runners versus runners who do not run marathons.

Elite level athletes commonly develop abnormal electrocardiograms. Studies show that too much exercise can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

Continued excessive exercise may lead to arterial wall stiffening.

It is important to note that Dr. O’Keefe mentioned long-term, vigorous exercisers have a lower death and disability rate than non-exercisers.

If the information in the report is accurate, exercising like crazy is better than not exercising at all… but moderate exercise is better than over-doing it.

Many people (marathon runners, triathletes, etc.) were enraged by this report, and quite frankly, many factors were not accounted for in this research.

For example, does nutrition change the results?  What about high carbohydrates versus low carbohydrates?  The list here could go on and on…

But the really important point is:  EVERYTHING HAS LIMITS.

For example, most people believe that drinking water is good for you.  Not always. If you drink too much water, you can actually DIE. In fact, a 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that close to one-sixth of marathon runners develop some degree of hyponatremia, or dilution of the blood caused by drinking too much water.

Drinking the proper amount of water is good for you.  Too little is bad.  Too much is also bad.

We may need to look at exercise the same way.  Too little exercise is bad and too much is also bad.

Genetically, we are all different. We all have different amounts of stress and strain we can take.

But, we all have a threshold.  Exercising up to that threshold will be beneficial, but crossing it will not be beneficial and probably harmful.

Will some people be “okay” doing marathons or triathlons because they are genetically superior?  Probably. It’s just like some people smoke and live to be 95 years old and seem to be “healthy” their whole lives.

Then again, other people get lung cancer in their 40’s and don’t survive it.

Famous Chiropractor Jack Lalanne frequently said it is all about moderation.  He thought it was better to exercise a little every day than to go crazy every now and then. He was probably on to something.

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How To Kill Weeds Without Toxic Chemicals!

20 Feb

If you have a garden or plant flowers, then you know how much of a pain weeds can be.  They pop up everywhere and pulling them is not only time consuming but it can be brutal on your hands and back.  Most of the time, weed picking involves a slumped over (bad) posture.  Spend an hour or an afternoon picking weeds and you might feel some serious back pain!

But, the alternative, spraying toxic weed killing chemicals, has a serious down side.  These chemicals are not a joke. Not only are they toxic to weeds, they are bad news for humans and pets, too.  Getting them on your skin and inhaling them can be bad for your health. Then, there are the environmental issues of putting those chemicals into the ground.  Rainwater washes them everywhere… into gardens, the food supply, the water supply, etc.

There is another way! Most people do not know the power of vinegar to kill weeds!  Vinegar will even do it without all the potential hazards of the powerful chemicals.  All you have to do is spray the vinegar on the leaves of the weeds until they are wet.  In a few days, the weeds will be dead!

There are two things you should know about using vinegar to kill weeds:  1) Vinegar is activated by sunlight.  So, check your weather report and try to pick a day when it will be sunny and not raining.  2) Vinegar does not discriminate!  It will kill ALL plants that it is sprayed on.  So, only spray it on the weeds you want to kill. Do not get it on your flowers, tomato plants, etc.

Besides being safe and effective, vinegar is pretty cheap.  All types of vinegar will work and white vinegar is usually the cheapest.  If you spray it on and it rains and the weeds do not die, it is easy and inexpensive to simply do it again.  FYI: Vinegar is great to use to kill the weeds that grow in sidewalk cracks!

 

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