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Chiropractic is a wonderful profession and I am so very fortunate to have been chosen to become a Chiropractor. Chiropractic (Facet #1) is the natural healing profession utilizing the body’s natural recuperative powers to help heal the body. By maintaining the proper alignment and balance of the spine, and thereby a free-flowing  nervous system, amazing changes happen to a person’s over-all health.

There are, however, limitations to how wonderful the body can function. Nutrition (Facet #2) plays a huge role. The saying “You are what you eat” is not entirely correct, the premise is spot on.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 35.7% of adults, and 17% of children are obese. I can assure you this is not from eating too much broccoli, spinach and field greens.

In light of the statistics on obesity, this means we are not exercising (Facet #3). According to The Mayo Clinic, exercise has the following health benefits: 1) Controls Weight, 2) Controls Health and Disease, 3) Controls and Improves Mood, 4) Increases Energy, 5) Promotes Better Sleep.

According to Harvard Medical School, Sleep (Facet #4) lends the following health benefits:

1) Helps body to repair

2) Maintains heart health, while reducing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol.

3) Reduces Stress

4) Increases Memory

5) Prevents weight gain

And the final facet, is Positive Mental Attitude (Facet #5). Napoleon Hill said ” “Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true”. The truth is, health begins with a though and a desire to achieve health. No Doctor, Therapist, pill or potion can create health. Health comes from within and the desire to achieve health.

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According to the New York Times, almost 3/4 of all Americans suffer from headaches.

There are tension-type headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, organic headaches and rebound headaches. Headaches can plague young children, even babies, and headaches can stop the strongest and bravest in their tracks.Traditional form of treatments include:Antidepressants, Beta Blockers, Anti-Seizure medications, NSAIDS, and Botulinum Toxin. These forms of treatment all come with significant side effects and risk, and have no significant role in eliminating the cause of the headache.

Chiropractic care has been proven to help with the relief of both chronic and acute headaches. Additionally, there are other factors that can help relieve the pain of headaches such as exercise, nutrition and posture.

On Tuesday, February 19 at 10 a.m., Dr. Bradley Weinstein, of Weinstein Chiropractic & Wellness Center, will be hosting a complimentary  interactive lecture titled “Natural Treatment and Prevention for Headache”. The lecture will present the natural alternatives to traditional form of treatments for headache. The address is 2228 Black Rock Turnpike, suite 208, in Fairfield. Please contact Dr. Weinstein at 203-908-3857 or drbradleyweinstein@gmail.com to reserve a seat. Seating is limited.

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According to Newsweek, Asthma is one of the fastest growing chronic conditions in the United States with over 15 million Americans affected, including four million children. The death rate from asthma has increased more than 66% since 1980, with a record 6,600 annual deaths attributed to asthma.

Americans spend $6.2 billion annually on asthma treatment and over $1 billion on medications. Adults with asthma lose over $850 million in lost wages from work and parents with asthmatic children lose over $1 billion by staying home from work to care for their children. Asthma is the #1 cause of hospitalization for children in the United States.

An asthma attack can be triggered by different types of irritants including dust, pollen, ragweed, aspirin, cockroaches, perfume, stress, dust mites, pet hair, food additives, and occupational vapors. Although these things may trigger an attack, they are not the primary cause of the attack. Research has shown that there are several factors that contribute to asthma, including the recent increased use of antibiotics and vaccines.

Conventional treatment includes the use of bronchodilators,steroids and allergy desensitization shots to ease the symptoms of asthma and although no one would disagree with the appropriate use of medicine in controlling asthma, there is mounting research to suggest that serious problems often result with their usage.

Common side effects of asthma inhalers include jitteriness, nervousness and upset stomach. Other side effects may include unusual weakness, weight loss, dizziness, cough, dry irritated throat, unpleasant taste, hoarseness or nasal congestion, pain or headache, white-colored tongue, prolonged mouth or throat irritation, vision changes, serious allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. Studies are also being done to link long term use with loss of bone density.

Psychiatric side effects of asthma inhalers that contain steroids include depression, mood swings, aggression, irritability, insomnia and “steroid psychosis.” People with steroid psychosis appear to be insane and they may babble incoherently, as well as experience hallucinations and delusions. Hospitalization may be necessary and the condition, although usually reversible, may take months to resolve.

The science of Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a proper nerve supply is essential in controlling and regulating bodily function.
Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral subluxations by physically adjusting the spine. This restores the nervous system to an optimum level of function, which maximizes the body’s inherent healing ability.
Chiropractors have never claimed that they can “cure” asthma and other related conditions and not all cases of asthma are caused by spinal stress — but scientific research has demonstrated that correcting subluxations does restore and improve respiratory and immune function, which improves conditions like asthma.

The correction of vertebral subluxations with Chiropractic adjustments can improve conditions such as asthma because of the restored nerve supply to the pathways of both the respiratory and immune systems. Improvement of immune function is an often overlooked, but well documented benefit of Chiropractic care.

Try Chiropractic: It’s simple, safe and effective!

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I had lunch the other day at Catch a Healthy Habit. Fabulous menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes.  I chose the “Burger”, made with nuts and seeds. They also offer an array of smoothies and fresh juices. All ingredients are organic. Located in Downtown Fairfield, next to the train station, Catch a Health Habit is very convenient for commuters, students and local residents.

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Hello Everyone. I have returned following an intense and unbelievable run as the 10 U District Manager for Fairfield National Little League. We are now reigning District 2 Champions and were runner up in Section 1 Championship, effectively placing in the top 4 in the entire state of Connecticut. Congratulations to players, coaches and parents!

This is a wonderful segway into this week’s topic: Children and Chiropractic, as I have dedicated much of my time to helping children reach their maximum potential, both in my office and out. When I speak out in the public forum, inevitably, I am asked about “Why should I bring my child to a Chiropractor? They don’t have back or neck pain.”

According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), children under regular chiropractic care function better and are overall healthier than those children not under care. Chiropractic is the profession based on the science, philosophy and art that the the body has an innate and  natural ability to heal.  Chiropractic is a drug-less profession, relying instead on gently spinal adjustments to remove nerve interference, thus improving the function of the body.

So, if you are now thinking, “There is no way in the world I am bringing my child to a Chiropractor”, read on. What are the health choices you are making for your children? Are they taking a drug for every ailment?  Are you giving your child Tylenol for every headache or antibiotics for every ear ache? Consider the potential danger and side effects that come with every drug, either over the counter or prescription.

According to CNN, antibiotics have little impact on ear infections. And according to the American Medical Association, giving children antibiotics for ear infections does little to speed their recovery while raising the risk of some side effects.

What about ADHD drugs? According to the FDA, ADHD drugs may worsen behavior and thought disturbance in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. These drugs may also slightly increase the risk for auditory hallucinations, paranoia, and psychotic and manic behavior even in patients who do not have a history of psychiatric problems.

I can go on, and on, and on. Remember, every single drug pulled by the FDA, was, at some point, approved for use and demonstrated to be safe and effective.

Now I ask you, do you have more faith in a drug with potential harmful side effects, or the natural recuperative powers of the body?

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“I’m a mess”, or “There’s no hope for me”, I hear too often from many of my patients. Although sometimes in jest, there is definitely a re-enforcing component to peoples words. Words originate as thoughts. And according to Napoleon Hill, thoughts are energy.

The way I respond to these types of phrases is by redirecting patients words and thoughts. Over the years, I have found that true health begins in the mind with a desire to achieve health. If a person desires health or wealth, or a great relationship or whatever it is a person desires, it all begins with a thought. It also works in the opposite way. If a person is focused on the negative, say ill health or lack of money, the mind will work in that direction as well.

In 1975 Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen, while working at the University of Rochester,  coined the term “psychoneuroimmunology”. Loosely translated this is the study of how the mind effects the nervous system and immune system. In other words, your thoughts greatly effect your health. If the mind can effect health, think of how it can effect other aspects of your life such as wealth (or lack thereof), relationships and circumstances in your life.

The first step in breaking these negative patterns is to realize and admit there is a problem. In , other words, listen to what you say or think to yourself, or what you are constantly dwelling on. If you are constantly focused on sickness and disease, it should come as no surprise that you are constantly sick or feel bad. Also, listen to how you talk to yourself. If you spoke to your friends, family, or co-workers the way you speak to yourself, you would find a lonely existence.

Second, once you recognize your negative self-talk and thoughts, the key is to immediately stop your thought and replace with another, more positive thought. Look at the way you get up in the morning. If you wake up thinking how tired you are or how crappy you feel, how can you expect a fruitful and energetic day? Wake up with energy and excitement, eagerly  anticipating an amazing day. Also, be able to deflect a negative situation.For example, you just found out you were passed over for for a promotion. Your first thoughts are all negative. Thoughts like “What the **%%## is wrong with me”? Or “I just can’t get ahead”. These thoughts and self talk serve absolutely no function. They must immediately be transformed into positive and progressive thoughts otherwise the negativity with begin to transcend into all thoughts and aspects of your life.

Finally, it is vital to  create  positive thoughts and activity in your life. Rather than go home at night after work and sitting on the couch watching mind numbing reality television, read positive books or listen to lectures by authors such as Anthony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, or Zig Ziglar.

If you need to contact me as a starting point, please feel free.

In the words of Zig Ziglar, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”.

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Over the weekend I was speaking on weight loss and nutrition at Whole Foods when someone asked me about soda. My philosophy is that as a rule of thumb your calories should come in your food, not beverages (i.e should be mostly water). However, in addition to high amounts of sugar, there are many other health detriments to soda.

You may or may not have heard about a new study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Nutrition that found an increased risk of stroke in people who consumed more than one soda per day.

These findings are not surprising in light of the growing body of evidence linking intake of sugar sweetened beverages — of which soda makes up the largest percentage — and diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol.

Sugar sweetened beverage consumption has increased significantly over the past several decades. Recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data found that half of the U.S. population consumes at least one sugar sweetened beverage on any given day. Men consume on average 178 calories per day from sugar sweetened beverages and women consume 103 calories per day.

Of particular concern in light of the current childhood obesity epidemic is the increased use in children, especially teens and young adults. Soda often displaces more healthful items in the diet and is a warning sign of a poor quality diet.

The dangers of soda extend beyond the increase in calories, although this is likely an important contributor to weight gain and obesity. Calories consumed in liquid form do not satisfy hunger as effectively as calories consumed in solid food form, so people often consume more total calories, which can lead to weight gain.

In addition, consuming large amounts of rapidly digested sugar and high fructose corn syrup causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin, which can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which may increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. (In spite of recent heavy marketing efforts to depict HFC as a healthy alternative to sugar, it is not)

The large doses of fructose from both sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup may be particularly detrimental to your health as they can cause the accumulation of metabolically toxic belly fat, cholesterol abnormalities — including high triglycerides and reduced levels of HDL (good cholesterol) — and nonalcoholic associated fatty liver disease.

Soda is also associated with symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, when the contents of the stomach leak back up and cause a burning sensation in the esophagus. While drinking soda is not known to cause ulcers, it can cause symptoms to flare up.

The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 450 calories from sugar sweetened beverages per week (the amount in three cans of cola).

If you are overweight or obese, or at risk for heart disease or diabetes, you should limit your intake of sugar sweetened beverages as much as possible, including soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, juice drinks and sweetened water and/or tea.

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On Thursday, May 17, from 7-8 p.m.,Internationally acclaimed author and TV host Dr. Bernie Siegel will be speaking at The Jewish Community Center, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport CT. Dr. Siegel’s topic will be dedicated to learning about senior citizen and caregiver needs. Additionally, from 6:30-9:00 p.m., there will be a Health Fair/Resource information presentation. F airfield’s own, Dr. Bradley Weinstein (selfless promotion) will be at the presentation talking about better health through Chiropractic and his wonderful weight loss program.

Some of Dr. Siegel’s books include: “A Book of Miracles”; “Love Medicine, and Miracles”; and “365 Prescriptions for the Soul”.

Dr. Siegel was honored by the Watkins Review of London and continues to break new ground in the field of healing, supporting changes in medical education to “humanize” medical practice.

Dr. Siegel appearance is sponsored by: The Jewish Community Center of Eastern Fairfield County, Jewish Family Services and The Jewish Home of Fairfield County.

To reserve a seat please call 203-372-6567 ext. 175