H.O.P.E
The HOPE formula is a daily nutritional program that gives you the foundation for great digestive health. Whether you have digestive difficulties or just want to maintain good digestion, this 4-part nutritional program can help you optimize your health.

H-HIGH FIBER
Fiber can improve digestive function, help lower heart disease risk, help reduce cancer risk and help you lose weight. In addition, fiber helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and maintain normal blood sugar. Nearly every poorly functioning digestive tract will benefit from an increase in fiber. When fiber enters the digestive tract, it interacts with the other goods and substances you consume. Toxins you ingest, that might otherwise be absorbed, are ushered out of the body. In addition, the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) living in your digestive system which boost your immunity, feast on fiber and multiply to your benefit.
Experts recommend 25-35 grams per day. That’s equivalent to up 15 servings of fruits, vegetables or grains. The best way to receive your fiber is through your diet. If you don’t eat that many servings, make sure that you take a fiber supplement that contains a natural balance between insoluble and soluble fiber. This means it is formulated with the same insoluble (75%) to soluble (25%) ratio that fruits and vegetables typically provide. Each type of fiber is important to your health. Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, helps to absorb intestinal and liver toxins. Insoluble fiber is roughage that sweeps the colon free and promotes regular bowel movements. The easiest way to mimic the natural balance between soluble and insoluble fiber is by taking a flax based fiber. Flax provides roughly the same natural balance found in a health diet. Avoid fiber supplements containing psyllium which provides the opposite of natural balance. Always try to choose organic fiber sources, whether it is from fruits and vegetables, sprouted grains or fiber supplements. Add ground flaxseed to your leafy green salads to enhance your fiber intake.

O-OMEGA 3 OILS
EFA’s are a form of polyunsaturated fat (good fat). They are essential for optimum immune and nervous system function, digestion, circulation and metabolism. They nourish tissues such as the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys and promote brain health and development. EFA’s aid in healthy hormone balance and promote a positive mood. The three types of EFA’s are; Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. All three are vital; however, we are most deficient in Omega 3.
It is recommended that at least 2 grams of Omega 3 oils be consumed per day. {Omega 3 (EPA’s and DHA’s) both of which are found primarily in oily, cold water fish such as; tuna, salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring. The third type of Omega 3 is ALA and is found in dark leafy green vegetables such as; walnuts, flaxseed oil and certain vegetable seed oils.}
ALA is the easiest to implement in the diet. EPA’s and DHA’s are the most difficult to implement as both are obtained primarily from fish. The unfortunate truth is that there is significant evidence showing that many fish are contaminated with mercury and, as a result, can be harmful if eaten regularly. The easiest and safest way to make sure you are ingesting the recommended amount of Omega 3 oils is to use a high quality fish oil supplement. The major advantage of this is the purification techniques that are used in some Omega 3 supplements to insure that they do not contain mercury, PCB’s and other contaminants. The other advantage of a fish oil supplement is cost. It is actually cheaper to implement the supplemental form into your diet than it is to eat salmon every day. The most important ingredient, when considering a fish oil supplement is Lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that helps to digest fats and therefore maximizes the absorption of the Omega 3’s. (An excellent high quality, pharmaceutical grade fish oil is supplement is Omega Sufficiency by Innate Choice.

P-PROBIOTICS
The definition of Probiotics is “For Life”. Probiotics are live microorganisms within the digestive tract. They are beneficial bacteria meaning that they confer a health benefit to their host. Probiotics maintain healthy immunity and create an “unfriendly environment” for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast. They promote healthy colon cells, digestion, regularity and intestinal detoxification. Probiotics make use of essential nutrients that would otherwise pass through the body undigested.
It is essential to maintain a healthy balance of Probiotics. The two most prevalent are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Your intestine contains both good and bad bacteria. A healthy bacterial balance is 80% good bacteria and 20% bad bacteria. If the balance is off, your health can suffer. The consequences of an imbalance include; diarrhea, excessive gas, yeast overgrowth, weakened immunity, lactose intolerance, poor digestion, complex carbohydrate intolerance and skin disruptions.
There are two considerations to take into account when choosing a quality Probiotic. First, the formula should contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus is found primarily in the small intestine while Bifidobacterium is most prevalent in the large intestine. Choose the Probiotic formula that contains high amount of both in order to support both the small intestine and large intestine. Second, as we age, the Probiotic population in our intestine decreases. It is important to increase Probiotic intake by choosing an age specific supplement. (A suggested Probiotic source is Probiotic Sufficiency by Innate Choice.)

E-Enzymes
Enzymes are protein-based substances that are essential for every function in the human body. In the digestive systems, enzymes break down food into the nutrients that feed the body. If you do not have enough enzymes, the digestive process will suffer as will the health of your body as a whole. Enzyme production occurs naturally within the body as well as during consumption of raw foods. Unfortunately, many foods are depleted of their natural enzymes, through processing and cooking. In addition, enzyme production decreased as we age. Without the essential enzymes for proper digestion, the body is unable to break down the necessary absorbable nutrients and we are unable to receive the benefit of the foods we eat. Poor digestion presents in a variety of ways; bloating, gas, heartburn and fatigue after eating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is likely that you have too few enzymes to properly digest the food you are eating.
Two rules should be applied when choosing a quality enzyme supplement. First, the enzyme should be plant based. Second, the enzyme should contain a variety of enzymes in order to digest every type of nutrient we eat in our food including; fats, starches, dairy, plant, vegetable material (cellulose) and sugar. Each nutrient type is digested best by specific enzymes that are designed to break that nutrient down. PCC and Whole Foods both have excellent sources for enzymes.

* Article information taken from Brenda Watson’s HOPE formula. Downloadable starting guide can be obtained at: http://www.brendawatson.com/library/attachment-library/HOPEGSguide.pdf

Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body’s ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system–the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body’s ability to function optimally.

Sacral misalignment causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus which prevents the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

Dr. Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this technique as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function for pregnant mothers. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse and posterior as well. It has also successfully used with twins. Any position of the baby other than ROA may indicate the presence of sacral subluxation and therefore intrauterine constraint. At no time should this technique be interpreted as an obstetric, “breech turning” technique.

It is strongly recommended by the ICPA instructors of this technique that this specific analysis and adjustment of the sacrum be used throughout pregnancy, to detect imbalance and optimize pelvic biomechanics in preparation for safer, easier births. Because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers classes of instruction and issues its qualified attendees a Certificate of Proficiency in the Webster Technique. Only those doctors on our site maintain recognized certification status with the ICPA.

All information in article taken directly from the ICPA4kids.com website. Check this site for more research on the benefits of chiropractic for you children.

If you have any further questions about the Webster Technique, it’s benefits and success rates please feel free to contact our office at 425-392-7334. We would be happy to share any information that we can about this noninvasive and extremely effective technique.

A Chiropractic Story

The first chiropractic miracle occured before the term “Chiropractic” was coined. A Canadian, by the name of DD Palmer, who proclaimed himself a “magnetic” healer, set up shop in downtown Davenport, Iowa. In 1895 a hearing impaired gentleman, Harvey Lillard, injured his back and so he sought DD’s help. DD examined Mr. Lillard’s back and found a protruding vertebrae along his spine. It appeared this vertebrae was far more prominent than the others and it lacked alignment in relation to the rest of his vertbral column. In an attempt to reposition it DD applied gentle force to the vertebrae, thus aligning it with the rest of the spine. Both DD and his patient were astounded when the vertebrae released but even more dumbfounded when, over the next few days, the patient’s hearing began to improve. The outcome of this patient’s case led DD to further research the anatomy of the spine and the assocation between spinal misalignments, neural compromise, and bodily dysfunction. What DD discovered and built upon became the basis behind the Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic care.

My friend and colleague, Dr. Josie Buttice, practices Chiropractic in Montreal, Canada. A miracle recently occured in Dr. Josie’s clinic. Here is her story:

Karen, a woman in her late thirties, came to see me a year ago for severe back pain. A couple of times a month Karen’s back siezed and each time the spasms would last for five or more days. As well, her history indcated lifelong problems with TMJ (jaw click), painful periods, and, from birth, Karen had no vision in her left eye in spite of an operation at the age of ten to correct the condition. The conclusion, based on the surgery, was that her retina was so small nothing further could be done. It was also noted Karen’s vision in her right eye was gradually deteriorating and as a result she was forced to stop working. Further notes disclosed a traumatic event that occured eight years ago when, due to a fire in her apartment building, she was forced to jump from a second story window in order to save herself. Finally, last but by no means least, Karen has a sixteen year old special needs child who suffers from epiliptic seizures. Needless to say, this woman has suffered unimaginable physical and emotional stress.

Upon completion of the evaluation Karen asked the question so many people ask: “Dr. Josie, can you help me?” I told Karen I would be adjusting the vertebral subluxaions, thus allowing her nervous system to function better. I told her this treatment will increase life force throughout her body and it will allow healing to take place. Once the nervous system is free of interference and the body is allowed to heal, there is no question that the patient will start to feel better! I told Karen I couldn’t guarantee the percentage of improvement or exatly what will happen, but I assured her that changes will most certainly occur. So I started adjusting Karen three times a week.

At her first appointment Karen experienced severe discomfort during the cervical adjustment and after the treatent reported feeling dizzy and “strange”. During the treatment she had a lot of stimulation so I suggested she rest for a few minutes and take water. When she left the office she was feeling better, the dizziness and strange feeling had disappeared, and she was quite calm. After the next few visits Karen reported the clicking in her jaw was no longer noticeable, and much to her relief her migraines were much less frequent and the severity of the migraines was much diminshed. Her low back pain was still evident, however the most astounding observation was that vision in Karen’s right eye seemed to be improving! Some changes were definitely taking place!

Throughout the first year I saw Karen three times a week for the first few months, then twice a week, and finally her visits were cut down to just once a week. Karen’s tears went from tears of pain, to tears of emotional release, to a total absence of tears and finally, to happy smiles! Karen’s jaw remained “click” free, pain from menstrual cramps decreased, migraines became almost non-existent and the right eye showed enough improvement that Karen was able to resume her place in the work force. One day I performed the usual adjustments on Karen using the same pattern as in previous adjustments and she had her customary reaction, that feeling of “strangeness” she experienced from the very first adjustment. As usual I had her relax and take water. As I was watching over her she was laughing as she described the euphoric “high” she was experiencing. She said several times she was okay, she just needed to rest, but as I watched her I noticed her face was twitching in a strange way and she was covering her eye wth her hand. I thought she was in pain so I urged her to tell me what was wrong. She finally shouted . . . I can see!”. I looked at her and said, “but Karen, that’s your LEFT eye!” She replied, “Yes Dr. Josie, I know”. Karen, who at birth was declared blind in her left eye, could now see! She grabbed her daughter’s notebook and started reading from it! She was squawking, giggling, and yelling that she could see and that her eyeglasses were dirty! What a wonderful, amazing experience, watching this woman who has been through so much mental anguish and physical pain, to see for the first time in her life from an eye, that from birth, had no vision. Truly a miracle!

This “miracle” is simply the work of Chiropractic adjustments that overtime restore adequate motion to the spine, allowing the body and brain to communicate by removing interference to the nervous system. The nervous system travels through the spinal column and shoots off spinal nerves at each vertebral level, thus allowing the body to function at it’s maximum potential. This phenomena releases the patient’s innate ability to heal. Most Chirorpractic miracles go unnoticed because we are so focused on the secondary results of pain relief for which Chiropractic care is recognized today.

How many of you have noticed pain relief, improved concentration, better mood and sense of wellbeing, and increased energy after starting your Chiropractic care? These are not coincidences nor are they miracles. The human body is the true miracle, possessing, with the proper care and respect, a truly amazing ablity to heal itself while constantly striving to improve it’s function.

What will it take to turn our economy around? Many are finding it hard to focus on the positive right now. It’s very difficult to avoid being sucked into the negativity of downtrodden media, plummeting stock market statistics, and stories about the tragic numbers of hardworking people who have lost jobs. It’s likely that you, or one of your loved ones, have been affected, in some way, by our current economic situation. How much longer should we allow this to consume us? We don’t have to. We have the choice to take actions to either rise above or sink.

This is a great article found on mercola.com for those who are ready to turn this situation around and focus on projecting positivity.

How can you creat the abundance mindset? Give away whatever you’ve got. Some people are always running out of time. They’re always in a panic to get things done. If you’re always out of time, then do the sensible thing; give your time away. Some people don’t give away their time because they don’t think there is “enough time” to give. That’s a signal that you’re coming from lack. It’s that lack that keeps you stuck in the scarcity mindset.

Maybe you’re one of those people who holds onto every penny you’ve got. There’s nothing wrong with being frugal, but holding onto your money doesn’t bring more of it to you. Hoarding your money is evidence that you don’t think you have enough.

How do we break this pattern? How do we eliminate this scarcity mindset and create an abundance mindset?

To create the abundance mindset, you have to be willing to give

Here are 6 ways to create the abundance mindset:

1.) Cash Shortage? Give some away. Consider giving money to a friend or family member to help them out. Givers gain.

2.) Are you Short on Time? You can give your time too. Find the balance between giving and recieving.

3.) Lacking Love? You’ve got to give some before you get some. Go out right now and give 5 people you know a big hug.

4.) Stuck With a Problem? Help others first. Think of someone you know that is having a similar problem. Think of a way that you could help them. When you help others wholeheartedly, help will always come back to you.

5.) Lacking Confidence? Give it away. Find someone you know who is lacking in self-confidence and give them a boost.

6.) Short on Creative Ideas? Give them away! Give others creative ways to increase profits to their business. Find a new stimulating career or improve their health.

Be willing to give what you have from where you are and abundance will flow into your life. You will create the abundance mindset.

Sources:
Lifehack February 2, 2009

Related Sources:
Using EFT for Money, Abundance, and Success
The Penny Milli

Eye On the FluShot

This is a comical, yet surprisingly accurate, video on flu vaccine contents.

Motivational Video

Ever need a little inspiration?

Rockys Inspirational Speech

Whether you like it or not, Rocky seemed to find a way to inspire us time and time again. Check out this video. Rocky and his son discuss lifes punches and how to block and overcome them.

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The Last Lecture

A fantastic video by Randy Pausch, now deceased after battling Pancreatic cancer. Pausch talks about achieving your childhood dreams and living life to your fullest potential.

For too long we focused on improving the appearance of our body’s musculature physique. We dieted to look thin. Lifted weights to improve arm and leg tone. Pounded out thousands of crunches and situps to develop our abs, and spent countless hours on cardio equipment and in exercise classes, all to appear and feel strong.

Fitness equipment became more advanced as the years progressed. We went from hand held free weights and flimsy looking universal gyms, to Nautilus, Hammer Strength machines, and other lines of weight loaded equipment. Through all of the fitness buzz and fancy equipment it is very possible that we may have been missing out on an essential workout component to strengthen a portion of our body that is absolutely crucial for improving overall agility, stability, and strength as well as for preventing injuries to the spine and extremities.

Often overlooked because it is buried beneath all of that hard earned, toned physique, the missing link is the core muscle group. A strong core provides a powerful and supportive infrastructure for the body. The core is capable of predicting and interpreting information from the external environment and stabilizing the body to prevent slips and falls. The core is also the foundation for providing the initial explosion behind a kick or punch. A weak core will lead to an overall decrease in functional movement ability and will lead to more susceptability to injury.

Dancers, Yogis, and Pilates practitioners have always had the right idea. They have always embraced core development as the center of their practice. Over the years, health and fitness communities have also caught on. “Core strength” has now become a common buzz word. New core strengthening fitness equipment such as stability balls, medicine balls, Bosu balls, and balance boards have become great additions to gyms. Some people have even incorporated core strengthening programs while at work and utilized their fitness balls in place of office chairs.

We know the word “Core strength” but what exactly is “the core”? How do we know that we are doing the necessary exercises to properly isolate and strengthen those muscles? Which pieces of core building fitness equipment are good purchases?

Anatomically, the core is the body minus the legs and arms. The primary core muscle groups are located in the abdominal region, mid back, and low back. Secondary core muscle groups are located in the hips, surrounding the pelvis, and deep inside the pelvic cavity. Building and maintaining a strong core is essential for maintaining proper posture, stabilizing the entire body (in particular the hips, pelvis, and low back), maintaining spinal, rib, and pelvic alignment, interpreting nervous system information for coordinated movements of extremities, and maintaining balance.

Core weakness can be the result of a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, poor posture, previous injury, pregnancy, and lack of flexibility. An underdeveloped core leads to instability in the pelvic region, hips, and low back. A weak core can lead to discomfort when standing or sitting for long periods, bending, twisting, and lifting, and will inevitably lead to injury. Low back pain and injury is the most obvious, however, core weakness will quietly disrupt proper posture by altering the normal curvature of the low back, and can lead to poor balance.

The core distributes the stress of weight bearing activities, such as running, jumping, and lifting weight. Besides providing stabilization, a powerful core is at the center of all movement. All explosive movements originate from the center of the body (the core) and move outwards to power all active limb movements. The more stable and powerful the core is, the more powerful the force of the extremities.

Now that we know what the core is and have established that a developed core is the foundation for coordinated movements, stabilization, balance, agility, and posture, we need to know how to strengthen it. A core exercise should target all core muscles to be most effective. The workout should optimally be performed at a frequency of at least three times per weeks. Check out the Mayo clinic website for safe and effective core workouts. Look for instructions on performing basic planks, side planks, crunches, bridges, and other core exercises. Go to a Pilates Reformer or mat class. If you work out at home purchase the Core Secrets video featuring Gunner Peterson. To mix up your workout, throw in medicine balls, stability ball exercises, or balancing on wobble boards or Bosu Balls. If you are new to working out or have sustained a past injury, seek out a qualified personal trainer or other trained individual who can help you to safely and effectively utilize the equipment.

Be ready to feel stronger and more agile. Core strength comes more quickly and is far more important then sought after washboard abs and chiseled arms.

Sarah Deam, DC