Clear Point Wellness

Have you quit?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Cigarette smokers are at risk of developing all sorts of significant health issues from lung and bladder cancers to depression. According to TIME, Healthland, maternal smoking during pregnancy contributes to child behavioral disorders such as bullying, aggressiveness and breaking rules. Of note, the study from Pediatrics interested in child development also concluded that parental smoking, specifically paternal smoking, led to heavier children than the children of non-smoking dads.

Another point to consider are the numerous smoking bans that have been implemented in Austin in the last few years discouraging residents and students at UT alike to stop polluting the air.

If you have pledged to quit but find it difficult to stick with it, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has provided numerous web links and sources to help you achieve your goals. To Your Health online magazine, suggests you find support for yourself or support a loved one in achieving their goal of quitting smoking.

In health, Amanda Gibson, DC

Three Reasons to Limit TV Time

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:18:00 +0000

By Editorial Staff at To Your Health

21st century people have one huge addiction: TV. We love to go home after a long day at work and take a seat in front of the tv, inevitably to leave a dent in our couch and back side or consume more food than we need.

What we really need instead is to get off our butts and move. One hour of inactivity lowers your metabolism and increases your waist line. Hanging out in front of the boob tube also makes us hungry and more likely to consume processed foods right before bed time, contributing to fatigue and other weight-related conditions like diabetes. Lastly, television negatively impacts our health and since a well rested body makes us innately more in tune to our selves, television may be anti-health because we end up not giving our bodies the rest it needs.

While television may be fun to watch and a good source of info, set some boundaries for yourself that revolve around moderation.

In Health, Amanda Gibson, DC Clear Point Wellness

Talking Natural Health With Dr. Weil

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:35:00 +0000

From To Your Health Newsletter:

Dr. Andrew Weil's name is synonymous with integrative medicine; he is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2005. Recently, Dr. Weil took time to answer a few questions about topics central to chiropractic care, including the innate power of healing and dealing with modern life using a drug-free approach. Here's some of what he had to say:

"At the root of good healthcare is an acceptance of each person's responsibility for her or his own health. Identify and work with a good primary care physician with whom you can engage in a healing partnership and get credible assistance with developing a personalized healthy diet and lifestyle program to prevent illness and optimize health. Then maintain that program as best you can for the rest of your life."

"Practitioners of conventional medicine are perhaps even more fed up than patients with the drug-only approach to preventing and treating illness. Most doctors today are hungry to learn more about the mind-body continuum and how they can better help patients access their innate healing capacity. I define integrative medicine as healing oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind and spirit), including all aspects of diet and lifestyle."

"Mind and body are inseparable. Most experts now believe that longstanding emotional disturbances can elicit inflammatory changes in the physical body, and chronic inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses, especially those related to aging."

Dr. Weil is among a growing number of health care practitioners, including doctors of chiropractic, advocating a holistic approach to patient care that moves beyond the medication-only conventional medical model and recognizes the power of the human body in health and healing. Talk to your chiropractor about the power of the human body and how they - and you - can optimize its potential.

To read more, click here.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Natural Approach to Hypertension

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Essential hypertension accounts for 90% of high blood pressure; the other 10% is secondary hypertension due to a variety of conditions such as renal, endocrine, vascular or neurological disorders. Most cases of hypertension respond well to medication but can have short-term undesirable effects and financial implications. There are natural methods to return blood pressure to normal and improve overall quality of life that include combined therapies of life-style modification: weight reduction, diet, exercise, sleep, and chiropractic adjustments.

The effects of blood pressure are easy to feel and recognize. Simply observe your own reaction in a stressful situation and you will feel tension and elevation of your heart rate. In a chronically stressed situation like overcrowding, tense home life or high-paced lifestyle, the resulting blood pressure elevation is exaggerated and causes other problems in your stress pathways, like adrenal fatigue.

Chiropractic offers an additional, hygienic and natural approach that, when effective, eliminates the side effects of drug therapy. A hygienic approach revolves around diet modification--decreasing processed foods and refined sugars, improving sleep quality with an improved mattress and lower set pillow, supplementation--vitamins A, C, P, exercise through walking, spinal stretches and specific chiropractic adjustments.

Over 28 million Americans suffer from hypertension of "unknown cause", and at least 3 million cases of "secondary" high blood pressure are misdiagnosed and could benefit greatly from the hygienic approach mentioned above. To determine if you have hypertension, several readings must be made over the course of a few visits and a full history must be done that includes present medications and an examination of your own personal habits.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC
Clear Point Wellness

Source: Applied Kinesiology by Walther, 2nd Edition

A Natural Kind of Health

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:24:00 +0000

When you enter Clear Point Wellness, you know it's different. We intentionally made this place one of healing. We want you to enjoy a long life of well-being and satisfaction in all areas including: physical, emotional and chemical. So we address neuro-musculoskeletal complaints and have found that adjusting one part of the body by removing stress off a system positively affects other systems that were being overworked due dis-ease. We also address nutritional needs of a person through homeopathic remedies, vitamins or simply increasing the quality of water you drink. Emotional balancing occurs as we discover stresses in your life that contribute to dis-ease and discomfort. These components converge into the triad of health. By improving the way your body adapts and responds to stresses, removing resistance and irritation in your system, we unleash the healing power within your body to help you live a healthier, wealthier life from the inside out. And that is priceless.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC
Clear Point Wellness

Toxic Food Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:35:00 +0000

If you think you might be suffering from a food sensitivity, click here to take a symptom survey that might recommend a more comprehensive Immuno BloodPanel. Immuno Labs and Better Health USA have taken over 28 years of science to help people discover their own food sensitivities and now offer a low cost test that will change your life.

For a more comprehensive test, visit Clear Point Wellness and we can assist you on your journey toward an allergy free life.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Some Tips to Live Longer

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Chronic disease linked to obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke can all be avoided or decreased in severity through exercise. It doesn't matter what type of exercise you do as long as you are getting up and moving at least 30 minutes per day. Low tech exercises like walking and biking are usually free and fun. Nutrition also plays a role in chronic diseases and it's easy to make small changes to eat a more quality diet, decreasing your overall calories and eating the way we were designed to. Here are a few ideas to do this season to get yourself on track to decrease your chance of chronic illness.

You must watch this video lecture called 23 1/2 hours. Click the link here to learn about the single best thing you can do for your health.

Clean your pantry out! The general rule is that if it comes in a box or a bag, there's a decent chance it doesn't provide you with the nutrition you need. Focus instead on eating real food first.

Hear this Life By Design Podcast titled "You're Not Losing Fat Because".

Quit Smoking.

Maybe you can try my new favorite podcast: Yoga for Buns. Or get connected with Shiva Rea, an inspiring yogini who focuses on chakra balance.

Get more sleep.

Drink more water, preferably filtered.

Try these tips for two weeks and then check back in.

Experience Life.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Frequent Breaks and Position Changes Good For Your Back

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:34:00 +0000

New research confirms the obvious, stoop over and don't move much and you'll significantly increase your risk for lower back pain. In a newly released study, Hong Kong researchers evaluated workers at a school for severely handicapped individuals. Workers wore accelerometers attached to their trunks - devises that measure and track the degrees of trunk flexion. Researchers discovered those workers experiencing back pain were spending more time with their trunks in the same position as well as more time in bent positions of more than 10 degrees of flexion. According to researchers, "Rest activities such as standing up from stooping and walking for a short distance are suggested to promote the cyclic muscular contraction and relaxation that facilitate the nourishment of spinal tissues and provide periodic rest to the muscles." Thus, it's important to minimize working in bent over positions and take frequent back breaks and breathers. Think of the ligaments, muscles and other soft tissue structures of the back as an elastic band. When you over stretch an elastic band or maintain its stretched position for an extended period, it weakens, loses its ability to return to normal and ultimately can snap due to the excessive strains and stresses placed upon it. However, unlike an elastic band your back doesn't come in a 100 pack at your local office supply store. You have one back for life. Call your local chiropractor today and learn how to treat your back with the respect it deserves.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. April 29, 2009. Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2009

Seems like we all need to get moving!

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Are your lifestyle habits linked to autism?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Autism is a spectrum of disorders ranging from mild cognitive impairment to major neurological issues. There is no clear cut answer to the debate, yet scientific studies are revealing insight into the cause of this disorder.

Obesity genes have recently been linked to autism. Pediatrics Journal found that mothers with metabolic conditions were more likely to give birth to a baby with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or have developmental delays (DD).34% of mothers in the U.S. are obese and this plays a role in fetal health, incidentally leading to a 67% increase in the chance a baby will be autistic. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is about 35lbs.

Gluten and casein containing products were once thought to contribute to autism, and while limiting your consumption of these foods may be beneficial, studies have found no link.

Over 1,000 genetic mutations can cause autism to be expressed in your child. This is why autism is a spectrum disease. Any number of genetic mutations from mother or father can be expressed to form a portion of this spectrum. Genes play a large role in the spectrum and most certainly will be the focus of scientific research in the future.

According to Well Adjusted Babies by Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani, (p.350) Vaccinations may play a role in autism spectrum disorder. Over vaccinating children is not safe and can lead to adverse reactions. It is estimated that one American child in 166 has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the U.S. Government National Vaccination Injury Compensation program (NVICP) has paid out over $834 million to parents of vaccine-injured children and families--close to $90 million a year in taxpayer money. Get the needed vaccinations for your child and no more unless absolutely necessary.

It is obvious that autism is a part of our future. Genes are playing a larger roll in how autism is detected. Chiropractors are concerned about the health of you and your child. We recognize that a poor diet, too little exercise, poor posture, too much stress, too little sleep, an unstructured lifestyle and uncertain expectations cause the body to be out of balance. We can help you identify lifestyle changes that need to be made for the health of you and your child, and adjust your body to improve your ability to adapt to stress.

Here is a good page from ABC news that addresses the developing child and autism.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC
Clear Point Wellness
512-416-7700

Your Spine Says A Lot About You

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Your spine is the central support column of your body and protector of your spinal cord. Dysfunction in your spinal frame is like a crack in the foundation of your house; health related issues will show up if you don't get it fixed. A recent article in To Your Health magazine explored some common compensation patterns and how that relates to your spinal health. Here is a summary about what they had to say:
--Rounded shoulders from hunching in front of your computer commonly cause headaches, shoulder pain, and neck pain due to cervical and thoracic nerve compression. Are your shoulders rounded?
--Uneven shoulders are a common postural fault due to carrying heavy bags and purses or cradling your cell phone between your ear and shoulder. This asymmetry often leads to shoulder injuries, headaches, neck pain, even carpal tunnel syndrome. Carry your load closer to your center of gravity and evenly between right and left.
--Uneven hips are a foundational issue commonly arising from pelvic or foot imbalances. Pelvic torque occurs frequently if you cross your legs a lot. Check your shoes for uneven wear.
--Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is not a really a disease, it's actually local degeneration from excess wear on the soft tissue structures between the spinal bones, likened to uneven wear on the tread of your tires. Lost motion at these joints creates tension on nerves, furthering other issues
--Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of tissue that protects and cushions joints. Painful swelling can occur due to excessive friction causing inflammation and pain. Use natural ginger and boswellia for natural anti-inflammatory found in a product like Inflammatone by Designs for Health
--Herniated discs are due to a breakage of the protective spinal disc structure creating an abnormal bulge. Like an ice cream sandwich, if you compress one side, the ice cream will bulge out the other. Difficult to determine on x-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is best for determining the extent and damage of the disc and other soft tissue structures. We have had great success using gentle methods that help alleviate the symptoms of a disc herniation
--Spinal stenosis is a narrowing that occurs in the spinal column accompanied by more severe symptoms of referred pain down the legs or arms due to nerve irritation or compression. Surgery may be inevitable, but conservative care should be used first to align tissues and prepare body for insult.

If you are experiencing any of the warning signs of pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, muscle spasms or swelling in your spine, arms, or legs, perhaps it's time to explore conservative therapies like chiropractic before more damage is done.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC
Clear Point Wellness
512-416-7700

Daily Baby Aspirin Reducing Risk of Cancer vs. Diet?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Possibly a wonder drug, aspirin has been around for centuries. Derived from Willow Bark, aspirin was used by the ancients for relief of fever and pain. Previously prescribed for cardiovascular disease, now Multiple British studies have concluded that daily aspirin consumption decreases risk of colorectal and esophageal cancer by as much as 25%

Despite the breaking news about cancer reduction, there remains a stigma about long-term aspirin consumption and gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite these risks, aspirin remains prescribed for cardiovascular disease. Now it will be the first suggestion for those with cancer.

In the holistic fields, we often look for natural alternatives to aspirin use. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd Edition, by Murray, suggests that low-dose aspirin may not be the best approach to preventing repeat heart attacks, and offers advice for cancer prevention as well in the form of diet. In a year-long study, an experimental group ate a low-fat vegetarian diet that included fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, soybeans, and no animal products except egg whites or nonfat milk (10% fat, 15-20% protein, 70-75% carb). They also participated in stress-reduction techniques for an hour each day and exercise three hours each week. At the end of the year, the experimental group showed significant reduction in atherosclerosis of coronary arteries. Significantly, the control group received regular medical care and followed the standard American diet, showed progression of their disease. Of note, upon autopsy of those who suffered heart attack, the highest amount of coronary artery disease was found in individuals with the lowest concentration of omega-3 oils in fat tissues.

Aspirin may be a wonder drug for cardiovascular disease and cancers, but it is no replacement for a lifestyle that includes a vegetable based diet, stress-reduction techniques, and exercise.

To learn more about chiropractic and cancer treatment, there is a good interview with the lead DC at the integrative medical clinic: Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Here at Clear Point Wellness, we offer gentle and specific adjustments to the nervous system to remove obstructions to healing, calming stresses derived from a cancer diagnosis and alleviating soft tissue ailments such as fibrosis from radiation treatments.

In health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Cow's Milk May Trigger Type 1 Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:22:00 +0000

25 Million Americans are affected by Diabetes, and the numbers are growing.

The more research that is done makes it harder to ignore the serious problem associated with drinking milk from another species. In genetically susceptible individuals, cow milk consumption may trigger autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin. A new study, published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, looked at 1113 infants with genetic susceptibility of type 1 diabetes and randomly assigned one of three infant formulas during the 6 months of life whenever breast milk was not available. Three groups were given either Cows Milk formula (CMF), Whey-based hydrolyzed formula (WHF), or Whey-based formula free of bovine insulin (insulin-free CMF). Beta cell autoimmunity was monitored at 3, 6, and 12 months then annually until 3 years of age.

Study results are as follows: "in comparison with ordinary CMF, weaning to an insulin-free CMF reduced the cumulative incidence of auto-antibodies by age 3 years in children at genetic risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The likelihood of finding auto-antibodies associated with beta cell autoimmunity was 25% lower in the WHF group and 61% lower in the insulin-free CMF when compared with the CMF group."

The study highlights the problem humans have in breaking down cow's milk proteins, particularly beta-casein A1 molecule, a different compound than found in breast milk. Casein, is di-sulfide bonded and hard to digest and has the consistency of Elmer's glue. This is why we need beneficial bacteria in our gut to help break down proteins that we are not genetically equipped to degrade. This is also true for lactose.

There are many milk alternatives available on the market that are not linked to autoimmune diseases. This latest study "indicates the presence of bovine insulin may also play a part in stimulating cross-reactivity to our own insulin-producing beta cells." For more research, check out the article here, as well as a recent article on Diabetes: An Entirely Preventable and Reversible Disease.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Omega-3s Make Aging Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Inflammation is characterized by pain, redness and swelling. These symptoms are the result of an increase in the presence of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines and tumor necrosis factor. Omega 3s (AKA EPA and DHA) are classified as EFA (essential fatty acids) and have anti-inflammatory properties that are the focus of many recent health studies. Omega-3 FAs and other EFAs are essential because they are not made in the body but must be eaten from food sources such as green leafy vegetables, grass-fed animals, fish oils and flaxseed oil. It is well documented that consumption of omega 3s suppress the production of the inflammatory markers mentioned above, resulting in a decrease in the inflammatory response.

In a recent Framingham study, researchers determined a link between inflammation, omega-3 consumption and brain size. Smaller brain size was found in MRIs of elderly who consumed fewer than the recommended serving of fish oils per week--which is two. Other study results have shown the impact of omega-3 usage in neurological evolution and development because the brain is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Many medical authors postulate that the systematic erosion of Omega-3 fatty acids from the western diet may be the greatest nutritional deficiency in modern-day society, linking omega-3 FA deficiency to chronic, insidious diseases typically attributed to aging, mainly due to unbridled inflammation throughout the body. Classic signs of essential fatty acid deficiency include dermatitis, growth retardation and reproductive failure. A blood test can confirm your levels of omega-3 FAs and treatment is then supplementation of necessary oils and consumption of leafy veggies, fish and flaxseed on a regular basis.

In Health,
Amanda Gibson, DC

Ghen, MJ; Buttar RA; Halpner A. The Advanced Guide to Longevity Medicine. Partners in Wellness. 2001. 221-235.

"As to methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to be lost."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is Wellness?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:20:00 +0000

According the World Health Organization, "health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." America spends a lot of dollars on illness care every year, most of which is spent on preventable diseases caused by smoking, over-consumption of alcohol, poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity and stress. Although immunization and screening tests remain important, the US Preventive Services Task force believes the most promising role in current medical practice may lie in changing personal health behaviors long before clinical disease develops. In other words, the key element in health and wellness is personal responsibility. The consumer driven "wellness" market is cost effective, implements methods that keep people healthy, playful, and enjoying life.

Health issues like smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, ulcers, asthma and angina are co-morbid conditions often accompanying chronic spine diseases and mood disorders such as depression. Spine Journal. The areas that most need to be emphasized for wellness living are: stress reduction, physical and function rehabilitation, reduction of risk factors like smoking and obesity, and co-management with family doctor to reduce hypertension through diet and exercise (Evans and Rupert, 2007, Chiropractic and Osteopathy). Chiropractors are the leaders in health and wellness, educating clients on how to live healthier lives now and for the future.

In Health, Amanda Gibson, DC

The Anti-Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Buddhist monks have been practicing this art for centuries and in our fast-paced lifestyle, we could stand to learn a few ancient secrets. Mindful eating is the new trend that puts us back in touch with the gratitude we have for our food sources and thankfulness for the nourishing properties of our food. It goes something like this: prepare delicious and healthy food, maybe even "raw" food, mindfully put it on your plate, take a bite and put the fork down. As you chew slowly, think of the texture, flavor, and thoughts that emerge from connecting with your taste buds. Chew 20-30 times before swallowing and taking another bite. Sit in silence, turn off the TV, and connect with your "soul food". Continue this way through the course of your meal and you'll experience "third-eye opening pleasures and frustrations of a practice known as mindful eating." This is just what the monasteries teach the monks to do and encourage normal people to do the same. At Blue Cliff Monastery in New York, you can enjoy two full days a week of "Mindfulness" with the monks, sharing meals and mediation. Most people walk away from meals feeling fuller on less, more satisfied, and more connected with their source. Probably the best place to practice mindful eating in Austin is at Casa de Luz, a macrobiotic sanctuary in South Austin.
Check out the full article in The New York Times.
Happy Eating! Amanda Gibson, DC

Foam Roller Exercises

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

Foam roller exercises are excellent for myofascial release, mobility and circulation in your body. You can target many muscles, like your hamstrings, IT band, calves and more with a simple piece of equipment . Excellent for pre or post-workout, the foam roller is a great addition to a home gym.

I have explained the foam roller exercises to many of my clients but I think it is best to watch the exercises performed correctly. If you are an endurance athlete or moderate exerciser, you might benefit from watching the video Foam Roller Flexibility and Recovery. For an educational video, watch Complete Foam Roller Workout, 13 Exercises. The foam roller can be used 3-15 minutes per day to lengthen, strengthen, improve flexibility of muscles and overall blood and lymph circulation. You will probably find trigger points in the muscles; here you'll want to hold and gently roll over the spot for 15-30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds then repeat if necessary. If you would like to purchase a foam roller, we sell them for about $30 at Clear Point Wellness.

If you do happen to purchase one yourself, you'll find they come in many sizes. I prefer the 12" x 36" white foam roller. The black ones are high-density and offer more resistance to those seeking it. If you have questions, please ask. In Health, Amanda Gibson, DC

Clean Your Cells Through Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:40:00 +0000

A recent study published in The New York Times and Nature linked physical activity to intracellular "housecleaning" suggesting that exercise speeds the removal of garbage inside of the body's cells. The wear and tear of everyday living creates cellular waste like broken proteins and aged components that appear to be more efficiently removed through aerobic exercise. In healthy systems, specialized cells commit "autophagy", a process designed to sweep and clear debris away, break it apart and reuse the trash for energy. Without this system, cellular waste chokes the cell causing it to malfunction or die. These faulty mechanisms contribute to a range of diseases, including diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's and cancer. Autophagy slows as we age and affects our metabolism. Exercise is the great buffer and, as Dr. Beth Levine, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at U.T. Southwestern is concerned, there is considerable overlap between the health benefits of exercise and autophagy. An increase in autophagy, prompted by exercise, seems to be a critical step in achieving maximal health benefits. Humans may be impacted by slowed or inefficient autophagy due to diet and other lifestyle factors. This study emphasizes the importance of staying active as we age. In Health, Amanda Gibson, DC

Is Sugar a Toxin?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:39:00 +0000

A lengthy article posted in The New York Times April 13, 2011 gives compelling evidence that sugar, specifically fructose (high fructose corn syrup) increases the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cancers in humans. In a viral YouTube Video Robert Lustig presents his case for chronic diseases and their link to overt sugar consumption in the United States and elsewhere. Dr. Lustig is a pediatric specialist and makes a persuasive case that sugar, specifically high-fructose corn syrup found in soda and fruit juice is a "toxin" or "poison". The number of American diabetic or obese --termed "diabesity"--has skyrocketed in the last 30 years and, if Lustig is right, it would mean under-exercising, overeating of all foods, and overt consumption of sugar is the likely dietary cause of several chronic ailments namely: heart disease, hypertension and many common cancers. 100 calories of glucose (from potato or bread or other starch) is metabolized differently than 100 calories of sugar (half glucose half fructose). The fructose component of sugar and high fructose corn syrup are metabolized primarily by the liver and glucose from sugar and starches is metabolized by every cell in the body. Consuming sugar (glucose and fructose) means more work for the liver than if you consumed the same number of calories of starch (glucose). In laboratory studies, it's clear that if fructose hits the liver at sufficient speed and quantity, the liver will convert much of it to fat, inducing a condition known as insulin resistance, considered to be a fundamental problem in diabetes, and may also be the underlying defect in many cancers. The Department of Agriculture analysts and the USDA estimates that consumption of these 'added sugars' has increased from 40 pounds per person per year (that's a can and a half of coca-cola per day of sugar) to 90 pounds per person per year. That's a lot of sugar! The consumption happens to coincide with current epidemics of obesity and diabetes. Maybe this is circumstantial evidence, but it's compelling nonetheless. Read the rest of the article for a complete explanation and many thought provoking arguments. In Health, Amanda Gibson, DC

First Well-Net Speaking Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:05:00 +0000

This is a follow-up to a speaking engagement I did last week that I wanted to reflect upon. The first Austin Well-Net meeting of 2012 was a huge success. We met at Beets Café and had over 20 attendees. We began by introducing ourselves to the crowd and found a diverse group in the audience: chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists, pilates instructors, chefs, naturopaths, etc. I gave a speech on the journey that led me to chiropractic and how that ties in with what we do at Clear Point Wellness. It was important to distinguish ourselves from the rest by emphasizing that we are gentle, non-force. We see lots of clients here from sports injuries to pregnant moms. Everybody enters the practice with different needs. The second half of my talk focused on networking and how we should approach it. This is primarily done by creating value in your own life and the lives of others by continually improving on your skills, focusing on the client's wants and needs, and having an attitude of abundance. I was so blessed to give a talk to a crowd like this and I am excited to see how the Well-Net morphs in the future to create an even better referral network for our clientele. Find out more about Austin Wellspring Well-Net at Clear Point Wellness. In Health, Dr. Amanda Gibson

Hyperbaric Oxygen Improves Symptoms of PTSD

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Hyperbaric Oxygen shown to improve PTSD Nearly 20% of servicemen and women returning from war-zones have been affected with symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury/post-concussive syndrome (TBI/PCS). A study performed in November of 2011 and available in the Journal of Neurotrama found that treatment with hyperbaric oxygen nearly three years after injury significantly improved veteran's quality of life. Post-treatment testing revealed improvements in cognitive testing, physical exam findings and quality of life measurements, along with a decrease in short-term memory problems, cognitive deficits and depression. Improvements were seen in irritability, balance, motor function, IQ, and blood flow to the brain. Dr. Paul Harch, the Medical Director of the LSU Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Department concludes that "the study strongly suggests that both post-traumatic stress disorder and the post-concussion syndrome of mild traumatic brain injury are treatable nearly three years after injury. [And] the magnitude of improvements in memory, executive function, function brain imaging, and quality of life, as well as reduction in concussion and PTSD symptoms cannot be explained with a placebo effect." With our troops returning home, many will come back with PTSD, TBI/PCS or major depression, some with all three. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy may be a reliable treatment instead of a prescription that to date has had minimal effectiveness for the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-concussive syndrome. Source: Medical News Today

Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Achieving your 2012 Resolutions may be easier than you think. A great website to help boost your know-how and keep you on track is livestrong.com. They supply a calorie counter, body fat calculator, exercise ideas, healthy recipe ideas, articles and a quit smoking challenge. Set your goals and use the tools available to make them happen.

2012 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:13:00 +0000

As human beings, we were designed for many things. Movement, change, growth, love. Energy flows where our mind goes - where are you going in this New Year of 2012? What goals if made could transform your experience? You are never too young or too old to step up to your destiny. Try something new that inspires you and expands your consciousness. Small goals of clear intention each day set you on your path. Check out Create the Life you Love in 8 Steps by Dr. Demartini and Success Tips from an Advice Guru by Dr. Wayne Dyer to keep you centered on your path.

Chi Workout Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:39:00 +0000

There are four basic skills of ChiRunning or ChiWalking: focusing, body sensing, breathing and relaxing. Whether you want to run a 5k, 50k or longer, use these skills to maximize your performance while minimizing physical effort. These skills will actually help you achieve any goal in life with greater ease. Focus your mind and thoughts to instruct your muscles to work together and relax. Your mind coordinates the perfect run, perfect tempo and engages the beauty of chi, allowing you to finish relaxed, empowered and full of energy for the day ahead. Use full body/mind focus to improve efficiency, speed, and decrease injury. Align your body, vision, forward movement, mind and your heart so eventually your ChiRunning form becomes second nature and your mind and body become one effortlessly. Body sensing is the skill of having your mind and body work together as a team. Constant communication between mind and body works without judgment of whether information is good or bad. Any negative or judgmental thought breakdown in communication creates static in the line. There are three steps to body sensing: listening carefully to little nuances of how your body moves, assessing the information to discern if the adjustment made is working, and adjusting incrementally. Relaxation begins with the breath and in this type of exercise, expect at first to be out of breath and work up to proper oxygen supply with long, slow distance running to increase your aerobic capacity. Belly breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which has a calming effect on your body. Try to breathe in an out through your nose, as this is a great self-regulating mechanism as you won’t be able to do it if you’re running too fast or inefficiently. Use relaxation to create a focused spaciousness without unnecessary effort. Using these skills correctly can dramatically improve your exercise capacity and purpose on and off the track. For information on the cousin of Chi Running, Pose, visit posetech.com

Chi Workouts Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Last week’s blog was all about how to use gravity to your advantage in your Chirunning or Chiwalking exercise. This week we focus on the principles of chi. Chi is also known as many other things: Qi, vim, ki, energy, vitality, innate, spirit, or life-force. Two thousand years ago, Chinese masters wisely studied nature and its properties taking notice of how universal laws create a balanced system. The laws of the universe work on four basic levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. So we use motion to create momentum, seek fulfillment in our lives, study and discover truth, and connect to our own spirituality. Breaking universal laws can result in a stressed system and eventual breakdown. In Tai Chi and in ChiRunning, all movement originates from your center, so body alignment is crucial, while your arms and legs are soft as cotton and hold no tension. Free, flexible, and relaxed motion in your spine allows your center to work efficiently. Do you have this flexibility and adaptive quality in your own spine? Our spines house our nervous system, the master-system that controls all actions of the body. Health in the spine translates to better health throughout the whole body. Be patient with yourself and be sure to read more about ChiRunning and ChiWalking, or try an instructional video. This is a gradual process and should be started slowly so your body has opportunity to adapt to movement. Balance is two-fold in effort and physical movement with the purpose to create symmetry and harmony. For those who wish to learn more about Tai Chi principles and its many health benefits, click here.

Chi-Workouts Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Gibson, DC) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

If you exercise then you probably try to avoid injury. About two years ago I discovered a new way to run or walk called ChiRunning or ChiWalking. Developed by Danny Dreyer based on principles of TaiChi, ChiRunning and ChiWalking represent a “way to move your body using mental focus and relaxation instead of muscle power” so that you build presence instead of power. Chi moves through your body whether you believe it or not, and directing the movement from points along your spine allows your energy to originate from the centerline of your body. Basically, you need to be very relaxed, letting your movements flow through conscious action so we become masters of our ourselves. Some of the benefits of using this method are: great posture, relaxed limbs, loose joints, engaged core muscles, focused mind, good breathing and more energy. The process actually is the goal. How to do this begins with physics. Stand up straight, back of your neck long, and pretend you are a column, now relax shoulders and legs and lean forward slightly from your ankles. Allow yourself to cooperate with the pull of gravity by letting your body become a forward falling object, instead of running vertically and your feet landing in front of you—which opposes forward motion—your feet now land at or behind your center of gravity. Check out the video here for tips and a basic understanding of the technique.