October - November 2011

“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
–-Hippocrates

The Holidays

Happy Fall!

Many people are surprised to learn that the time of year when we see the greatest number of acute cases in my clinic - meaning people who can't walk into the office but have to be put in the front desk chair and wheeled in, or walk in bent forward ninety degrees at the waist, or who can't turn their heads to look at me - show up not in Spring, when we are all outside again, weeding and mulching and moving for the first time in five months, but between Halloween and New Year's Day.

Second, there is so much to do, even in a smaller town like ours, that we are in go-go-go mode and make excuses to make things happen for others but make no reasons to take care of ourselves.

Third, it is a major rhythmic change that we don't allow for. The days are shorter, so our biochemistry changes. We are all Vitamin D deficient because there is less sun and if we do go out, in it we're bundled up so can't synthesize normal doses. The weather is colder, our diets change... all of nature is slowing down and starting a regeneration process, except we people who fight the trend and try to do more.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you it needs - and I don't mean more pumpkin pie!

With blessings and gratitude,
Dr. Matthew

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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

As many women can attest to, the strains of pregnancy are very real and more than just a nuisance. Studies have found that half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancy, mid-back, neck pain and headaches are common, and in first-time mothers the diaphragm and pelvic floor are stretched dramatically. During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis, sleeping positions are limited and circulation in the legs is negatively affected. As the baby grows, the woman's weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks and hip joints. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases as well. While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones, which is important for delivery but is painful and limits rehabilitation until several months after the baby arrives. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, making pregnant women prone to trips and falls.

Before you get pregnant, Dr. Matthew can examine you for any muscle imbalances in your pelvis or elsewhere that could contribute to discomfort during pregnancy or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after delivery. Pregnant women who have started (or continued) chiropractic care have found that adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. One study conducted by an MD in conjunction with a doctor of chiropractic found that over 75% of women who participated reported "significant to total" relief of pregnancy-related low back, mid-back, neck and hip pain, headaches and vertigo; and a significant body of anectdotal evidence suggests seeing a DC regularly throughout pregnancy can significantly decrease both the pain and duration of labor.

One thing many pregnant couples do not consider is that being in pain while pregnant also affects the baby. Being in pain increases not only biochemistry related to pain and inflammation, but increases stress and therefore stress hormones, all of which can cross the placental barrier and place your baby in an abnormal developmental environment. Studies conducted on pregnant lab rodents have established that nerve pressure in the spine, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar areas, negatively affects the physiology of the abdomen and is associated with developmental delays, abnormalities, difficult labor or even death of the fetus. While pregnant, your nervous system is the baby's nervous system! The same researcher has pointed out that there is empirical evidence in the medical literature that couples experiencing infertility challenges get pregnant under osteopathic treatment (osteopaths, like chiropractors, adjust misalignments).

Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby, and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid taking medications for back pain. In addition, keeping a mother 'well adjusted' will arguably grow a healthier baby, since there will be far fewer toxins and biochemicals related to stress and pain in the bloodstream. Nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise support also means a healthy pregnancy and baby (Dr. Matthew took a separate 2-year diplomate program on maternity and pediatric care during his med schooling). Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state, so chiropractic is important in the eight weeks after delivery to avoid headaches, backaches and rib and shoulder problems. My work with pregnant women, babies and kids is some of the most rewarding there is - please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

New Research

Chiropractic Allows Surgery Candidates to Avoid Surgery; Safer, Cheaper and with Better Long-Term Outcomes

A recent study co-authored by a Canadian chiropractor along with three noted neurosurgeons found that people with chronic low back pain who were deemed appropriate candidates for surgery were able to avoid it with chiropractic care. Read the article...

Patients' Expectations Affect Drug Effects In Shocking Ways

A recent study found that what we know of the placebo effect might pale in comparison to the capacity of the mind to change the experiences of the body. We have known that someone taking a sugar pill they think is a drug can get equivalent or better results than someone taking that drug, but a new study calls into question every study ever done on the effects of drugs.

Researchers hooked volunteers up to an IV drip delivering saline, administered a shock to their leg and had them rate the pain, which was rated high by participants. Then they were given a powerful pain reliever through the IV and told they were being given it, the shock was re-applied and the pain rating dropped dramatically. Finally, the participants were told they were still getting the drug, but the drug was no longer being delivered - and the pain rating stayed low. Read the article...

Featured Practitioner—Angie Wallace, Holistic Nutritionist

My dear friend Angie is an amazing resource, and a tremendous inspiration. Over recent years I have watched her move from a talented employee working in a demanding field which had become unrewarding to her, to risking a lot to move in a direction that was new and less "secure," to really admitting and embracing her calling and going for it. I think we all know how rare it is for someone to risk so much to pursue a dream - and now we all get to benefit from it! Check out our conversation, and her passion, below.

So Angie, what does a holistic nutritionist do?

As Holistic Nutritionists, we look upon your life in its entirety, particularly paying attention to the mind-body connection. We help you evaluate your current health status and provide you, the client, with the means to restore vibrant health. We include the many factors that influence your health: emotional, mental, spiritual, environmental, genetic, and vocational.

How would I know if I needed holistic nutritional counseling?

Basically if you are feeling anything less than terrific most of the time, you could benefit! We help people with fatigue, insomnia, blood sugar problems, weight loss, anxiety/depression, any type of digestive upset….and many, many more. We consistently help our clients replace their medications with lifestyle interventions and diet. Just check out some of the testimonials on our website to get an idea of the scope of our work.

We recognize that each person has different nutritional needs and are able to customize a unique plan for each individual, based on up-to-date scientific principles, testing and practical skills that arise for over 20 years of experience.

What kinds of things do you examine? Do I have to get blood taken?

Initially we look at a symptomatology questionnaire that enables us to assess your health status. No blood is drawn at our office, but if appropriate, we'll order blood/saliva/urine/hair analysis tests to discover allergies and imbalances in metabolic or hormonal levels, gastro-intestinal function, and other important health markers.

What does the overall process look like?

The initial consult and assessment is 90 minutes in length. During that visit we collect additional health and lifestyle data to round out the assessment that you would complete before your visit. Together we develop a plan that is specific to your needs and create the steps that will assure success. Once a plan is in place, a one-hour follow-up appointment is scheduled one month later. That gives you adequate time to adjust your diet, apply your program and experience improvement. We continue to work month to month until your goals have been achieved.

How much does it cost?

The initial 90 minute consult is $100. You will leave the very first appointment with a treatment plan that addresses the stated goals. This includes a customized food plan, recommendations for vitamins, minerals, and/or herbs and possibly referrals to outside practitioners for chiropractic care, massage therapy, energy work, etc.

Do I have to change everything I eat, and all at once? What is my responsibility in the process?

That is a very individualized question. If you are asked to omit certain foods from your diet, be assured that we will give you healthy alternatives to replace them. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference. We don't expect you to be perfect, just to do enough to help you feel better. Following the recommendations would allow you to achieve optimal results.

What type of training do holistic nutritionists have?

A Holistic Nutritionist is a trained professional that guides clients to better health through the use of food, supplements and lifestyle modifications. Nutritionists' training can range from post-graduate certification programs to bachelors or master's degrees in Nutrition. The nutritionists at BeWell Associates include a Licensed Board Certified Nutritionist (CN) and a Nutritional Consultant (NC), both of which require continuing education to maintain certification and stay up to date on newest developments in the exciting world of clinical nutrition. Our nutritionists are also members of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (nanp.org)

What other services do you offer clients?

We offer grocery shopping tours, personal meal planning, kitchen/pantry consultations, cooking lessons, and help planning a party or holiday gathering. Please check out our website for details of all the offerings at BeWell Associates and give us a call to schedule your first step towards total wellness today!

Beautiful

Amazing the similarities to schools of fish and some chaos mathematics graphs I've seen.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Inspiring

In case you guys aren't on to me yet, I am trying to share inspiring video that makes you want to get out and use your bodies! Exercise!

Caroline Myss, Anatomy of the Spirit

In case you ever wanted to learn about energy work, health and the chakra system as it relates to the Kabbalah and the Seven Christian Sacraments, taught by a woman raised by nuns, here's your book. This is an amazing piece of work.

Farewell

Thanks for your participation, and thanks for your feedback. In addition to linking to my website in order to keep the newsletter concise, these will all be archived on the website so you can always go back later to read, research or forward content.

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© 2011 Centre Chiropractic. All rights reserved.

Dr. Matthew Hertert, Centre Chiropractic & Centred on Health
128 East Boal Avenue
P.O. Box 680
Boalsburg PA 16827
(814) 466-2000
info@centrechiro.com