| by Steven Harrison, D.C. Central Florida Rehab & Wellness 407-522-5858 www.centralfloridarehab.com |
Most people are aware that chiropractic benefits the spine. However, many people are unaware that the advantages extend far beyond the spine. Chiropractic is a preventive, wellness-centered approach to addressing the well-being of the entire body. Regular chiropractic care cannot only help one heal from health challenges, but it also may reduce the chances of developing chronic ailments. Doctors of Chiropractic advocate preventing disease and illness before the onset of symptoms. And this message is sinking in. A new study reveals that chiropractic patients seek comprehensive wellness care, not just relief from a stiff neck or back. The report included 1,316 patients attending 27 different chiropractic clinics in the U.S., Europe and Australia. A survey showed that more than 40 percent of chiropractic patient visits were initiated for the purposes of health enhancement or disease prevention. Chiropractors view the body as a connected entity — not isolated parts to be treated separately. Imbalance in one area of the body affects the rest of the system. The spinal column houses the spinal cord, which is the main component of the nervous system. Scientists theorize that a dysfunction of the spinal system may influence the nervous system, in turn impairing the immune function. |
| by Ximena Aldea, D.M.D. Windermere Center for Dentistry 407-909-1097 www.windermeresmiles.com |
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz in dental literature and forums about xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It is more easily tolerated than most of the other sugar alcohols, such as mannitol and sorbitol. Unlike other sugar alcohols, xylitol can interact with calcium, transport it and help remineralize enamel before cavities form. Xylitol can specifically inhibit the growth of the group of bacteria that is associated the most with the formation of cavities. It also makes saliva more alkaline, helping precipitate phosphate in the areas of the teeth that are lacking it. There have been many studies linking the chewing of xylitol gum with a decrease in cavities. Besides gum, there are other dental products that contain xylitol, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. However, nothing beats brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly for the prevention of cavities and gum disease. |
| by Morris T. Bird, M.D. & Robert S. Thornton, M.D. Florida Hospital’s Center for Sleep Disorders 407-215-4986 www.orlandosleep.com |
Sleep is increasingly tied to personal health. Inadequate sleep has recently been linked to obesity and diabetes. A 2002 study of middle-aged men with sleep apnea found heart-related problems with 36 percent of the subjects, compared to only 7 percent for people without the sleep disorder. Fortunately, treatment of sleep apnea dramatically reduced the heart disease risk. Sleep disorders affect about 15 percent of adults. These disorders require evaluation and possible treatment from physicians and qualified sleep specialists. Warning signs and symptoms include chronic sleepiness or daytime fatigue, severe snoring or snoring interrupted by pauses in breathing, morning headache or memory loss, restless legs and tossing sleep, hypertension and depression. Mild insomnia affects about 30 percent to 40 percent of adults at least once per year. The good news is that this is temporary and usually goes away within a few days or weeks by following these tips: Maintain a regular bedtime, including on the weekends. Relax before bedtime with calming activities. Avoid heavy reading, studying and computing activity within one hour before bed. Do not fall asleep with the TV on. Limit eating and drinking before bedtime. Exercise routinely, but not just before bed. Sleep in a dark, quiet room. |
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by John Nowell, O.D. |
It was once believed that common causes of vision loss during aging, specifically cataracts and macular degeneration, were an inevitable consequence of getting older. Now, there is much that can be done to prevent or slow down this damage by simply making a few changes in what one eats. Research has linked eye-friendly, antioxidant nutrients, such as lutein; zeaxanthin; omega-3; vitamins A, C and E; zinc; selenium; and lycopene, to a reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. It is recommended to eat nine to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and french fries do not count as a vegetable. Some of the best foods for the health of the eyes include dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and kale. Other great foods for the eyes include red, orange and green peppers; sweet potatoes; tomatoes; bilberries; goji berries; blackberries and blueberries; eggs; nuts; salmon; sardines; herring; tuna; oysters; oranges; apples; and black eyed peas. Most vitamins should be obtained from one’s diet; however, a pharmaceutical grade multivitamin/mineral supplement that is taken daily after a meal is recommended. |
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