Common Myths About Chiropractic Treatment.

 Common Myths About Chiropractic Treatment:

Many Canadians have questions about the role that chiropractors play in the healthcare team, and what benefits chiropractic care has on their health. We will go through some common myths in this regard.

1. Once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going back This is false. When seeking care from a chiropractor, we will perform an assessment including a history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain or dysfunction. From these observations, a diagnosis will be made and the treatment plan developed in collaboration with the patient – according to their needs and goals. The treatment plan will recommend a number of initial visits to remedy the patient’s symptoms/ pain and scheduled re-evaluations as necessary.. Depending on the patient and the condition, the recommended course of care may vary. Ultimately, the decision to continue care is yours. As a patient, if you have questions or concerns about care, you should feel comfortable to ask the chiropractor for more information on the recommendations made and address any concerns. The care plan should be part of a shared decision-making between the patient and practitioner.

2. Chiropractors are not ‘real’ doctors

Chiropractors are regulated in all 10 Canadian provinces, and are designated to use the title “doctor” similar to physicians, optometrists and dentists after completing the extensive Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Those professions who are recognized to use the “doctor” title have extensive training in their area of expertise that allows them to be diagnosticians – to provide a diagnosis.

3. A medical doctor must refer you to a chiropractor In all provinces in Canada, chiropractors are primary contact providers, which means you can access them directly. Due to the extensive training of chiropractors as diagnosticians, chiropractors will perform a comprehensive assessment to help determine a diagnosis or clinical impressions. Depending on the outcome, the chiropractor can discuss a course of care or refer to another healthcare professional, as needed.

4. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care Chiropractic treatment is at times questioned on its effectiveness. Yet, the chiropractic profession and others have invested significant resources to build a robust body of evidence studying the impact of manual therapies on musculoskeletal conditions. Spinal and joint manipulation has been shown to be effective treatment for acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain. In fact, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recommended as first line intervention for back pain in numerous clinical practice guidelines including the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force,, the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society, as well as Britain’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Utilizing chiropractic treatment as opposed to medications like opioids for pain can be beneficial.

5. Chiropractors can only treat back pain Chiropractors are musculoskeletal experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders that originate from the muscular, skeletal and nervous system. In addition to the evidence that supports chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, there is also evidence that it supports chiropractic management of the extremities, headaches and even TMJ pain. Chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing or preventing a variety of health conditions. The health of your musculoskeletal system doesn’t just start with a healthy spine, you need to be fully aware of your health to maintain a well-rounded healthy lifestyle!

6. Adjustments are painful

In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not hurt. In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief after chiropractic treatment.. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that may occur during an adjustment. The sound results from the release of gas from the joint – this is a normal part of the adjustment and is perfectly safe.

Asking questions about your health and treatment options is very important. You are a partner in your care and your participation is critical to helping us provide the best care to meet your health goals.

If someone you know needs chiropractic care for pain relief or just to function better, pass this along to them.

Don’t put things off until they worsen. Take care of your body now and discover how chiropractic can help you.

Dr. Stephen Kelly

Family First Chiropractic 403-347-3261

Spinal Adjustment and Addiction Treatment

A Specific Spinal Adjustment is the Latest Development in the Science of Treating Drug Addiction

SOURCE Dr. Russell Surasky

Triple board certified neurologist Dr. Russell Surasky is pioneering this procedure at a New York Based Treatment Center.

GREAT NECK, N.J., Oct. 14, 2019  

A chiropractic college and a long-established outpatient addiction treatment program have entered a unique partnership to offer spinal adjustments for reducing pain and improving brain/nervous system function in patients recovering from drug and alcohol dependency – an approach some experts are calling a "major leap forward" in the science of addictive care, says neurologist and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Russell Surasky. 

The pioneering agreement between New York Chiropractic College and the multi-center, New York-based Bridge Back to Life will provide a specific form of spinal adjustments in addition to cutting edge medications to help their patients heal from addiction. "Clinical research findings have shown that patients in treatment from addiction who receive certain types of spinal adjustments have higher rates of recovery than those who undergo only standard addiction therapies" says Dr. Russell Surasky, who serves as medical director of Bridge Back to Life.

"I truly believe that this agreement with the College will serve as a national model for drug rehabilitation centers throughout the country," Dr. Surasky concludes. "Not only can spinal adjustments reduce the chronic pain issues that may have led patients into drug addiction in the first place, but now we also have evidence that spinal adjustments actually accelerates the healing of the brain from addiction."

Dr. Surasky refers specifically to a study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, which shows that chemically dependent patients who received specific spinal adjustments as part of their treatment in recovery reported "less drug cravings and fewer mental health symptoms," Dr. Surasky notes. "Most significantly, 100 percent of the study patients who received chiropractic care completed the inpatient program, while about half of those who did not receive spinal adjustments dropped out prior to completion."

One of the most important indicators for a patient's success in recovery is the ability to remain in treatment, Dr. Surasky emphasizes. "A 100% retention rate in an addiction treatment program is, frankly, unprecedented."

The neurological pathways involved in addiction are complex and still not completely understood, but research and clinical experience indicate that it is the brains limbic system which becomes hijacked by drugs such as opiates and alcohol. The limbic system is an area of the brain that is located near the brainstem but also extends into the upper cervical spine. "The limbic system has widespread connections throughout the brain and is the most powerful driver of human behavior. The limbic system of the brain is precisely the region that gets hijacked by drugs of abuse, thereby perpetuating patients' cravings to keep using these drugs," Dr. Surasky explains.

The atlas bone (C1) at the top of the neck is what protects the limbic system and brain stem. When this Atlas bone of the neck is out of alignment it can have far reaching effects on the function of the brain and its limbic system. Safe, painless adjustments to the upper cervical spinal bones can help normalize the brain's limbic system.

According to Dr. Surasky "Cutting Edge Research done by Dr. Raymond Damadian (inventor of the MRI machine) has show that misalignments at the top of the neck cause disruptions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid." The brain is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) and the brain depends on CSF to carry away the iron deposition that builds up from normal brain metabolism. If a misalignment exists at the junction between the Atlas bone (C1) and the skull this could hinder the drainage of CSF. 

Mounting evidence that "gentle specific spinal adjustments of the upper cervical spine" can help reset and restore normal function to the brain. 

Chiropractic treatment can help so many things. Give us a call to find out how we can help you. 

Dr.Stephen Kelly 

Family First Chiropractic
www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261

'Chemical Burns' Seen as Possible Cause of Vaping Lung Damage

Lung injuries from vaping probably result from direct toxicity or tissue damage caused by noxious chemical fumes.

"We were not surprised by what we found, regarding toxicity," Brandon T. Larsen, MD, PhD, a surgical pathologist at the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, and a national expert in lung pathology.

"We have seen a handful of cases, scattered individual cases, over the past two years where we've observed the same thing, and now we are seeing a sudden spike in cases.

To learn more about the pathology of vaping-associated lung injury, Larsen and colleagues studied lung biopsy specimens from 17 patients (13 men; median age, 35 years) who reported vaping and who were suspected of having associated lung injuries. Most (71%) of the patients vaped with marijuana or cannabis oils.

All of the lung biopsy specimens revealed "patterns of acute lung injury”. 
The researchers saw no histologic or radiologic evidence of tissue damage resulting from an accumulation of lipids such as mineral oils, which until now have been a suspected cause of vaping-linked lung injuries.

“It seems to be some kind of direct chemical injury, similar to what one might see with exposures to toxic chemical fumes, poisonous gases and toxic agents,"

More than 800 lung injury cases have been linked to vaping during the past several months, and at least 12 patients in 10 states have died. 

Some states have temporarily banned the sale of e-cigarettes or the flavored liquids used in the products, pending health investigations. The American Lung Association says e-cigarettes are not safe and can cause permanent lung injury and disease.

"Everyone should recognize that vaping is not without potential risks, including life-threatening risks, and I think our research supports that."  "It would seem prudent based on our observations to explore ways to better regulate the industry and better educate the public, especially our youth, about the risks associated with vaping."

Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain

E-cigarettes are very popular with young people. Their use has grown dramatically in the last five years. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.

The following is a great tip sheet on how to talk to your kids about vaping/E-cigarettes.

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf

Dr. Stephen Kelly D.C.

Dr. Kelly practice at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson Dr in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment 403-347-3261  www.family1stchiro.ca

Fit-in-15- Setting Fitness Goals

Want a more energized lifestyle?

·         Need help finding time to be active?

·         Want to get started with little or no expense?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then there’s a fair to good chance you would benefit from the Canadian Chiropractic Fit-in 15 online tool. Fifteen minutes a day can be the first step in developing healthy habits that can help you achieve your fitness goals and maintain independence as you age.

The Fit-in 15 was developed by Canada’s chiropractors, experts in muscle and joint function, and champions of healthy living. They recognize that it can be hard to find time in a busy day to focus on your fitness. That’s why they created Fit-in 15, an easy and manageable way to start the habit.

Here are some tips to help you fit-in your fifteen minutes each day
and get you started.

1.      Have a distraction: Research studies show that people who have a distraction are more likely to stick with a fitness activity than people who don’t. If you are fitting in your fifteen minutes indoors, listen to the radio, play music you enjoy, or work-out while watching your favourite TV program. These are all pleasurable distractions that will make your fifteen minutes fly by and add to your enjoyment of fitting in time for yourself.

2.      Have a buddy: Research studies also tells us that people who get active with a buddy find it easier to stay active. Invite your partner, a friend, neighbour or relative, one of your children or the family dog to join you for a 15-minute walk or workout. Make it a time to talk, laugh and connect.

3.      Pick a specific time of day: Decide on the best time of day to set aside time for your fifteen minutes. That way it becomes something to look forward to and you can schedule your other activities around your fifteen minutes. Keep to your scheduled time as much as possible.

4.      Try not to miss a day: Think of fitting in 15 minutes as a regular daily activity, like taking a shower in the morning. It can be easy to find reasons not to Fit-in 15—there are always so many other things to do. But the more you fit it in, the easier it gets until you hardly have to think about it.

5.      Change up your program: Keep your fifteen minutes interesting by varying your activities. Try out the different ideas on the Fit-in 15 website or create new activities of your own.

Check out the website fitin15.ca to build your own 15 minutes exercise routines from a menu of simple activities that target strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Fit-in 15 - The 15 minute fitness habit. fitin15.ca 15 minutes a day will get you started on the way to many health benefits: Better heart health ; Improved circulation ; Greater flexibility and strength

If you’re having difficulty exercising, a chiropractor can evaluate your strength and flexibility and screen for anything that may limit your physical activities. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation or treatment to help you meet your health goals.

Dr. Stephen Kelly is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr., www.family1stchiro.ca

New Treatment Guidelines Stress Non-Drug Interventions for Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints across the globe, and the No. 1 cause of job disability. It's also one of the most common reasons triggering opioid dependence, the side effects of which can be lethal.

In 2013 alone 16,000 Americans died from overdosing on prescription painkillers. If you have back pain and suffer depression or anxiety you're at particularly high risk for opioid abuse and addiction.

Mechanical low-back pain (LBP), is the second most common symptom-related reason for doctor's visits. LBP is typically preceded by some form of injury or strain, such as lifting, twisting while holding something heavy, a car collision or a fall.  

Prolonged sitting is also on this list, which may explain why simply standing up more is part of the solution in many cases. Some of the things that can help low back pain are controlling inflammation, restoring range of motion, improving muscle strength and endurance, coordination training and cardiovascular reconditioning and an exercise program.

Activity Is the First Line of Treatment

Research shows us emphasis is on functional movement and exercise. This holds true for most forms of back pain, not just LBP. This makes sense since your body needs regular activity to remain pain-free. When you sit for long periods of time, you typically end up shortening your iliacus, psoas and quadratus lumborum muscles that connect from your lumbar region to the top of your femur and pelvis. When these muscles are shortened it can cause severe pain upon standing, as they will effectively pull your lower back forward. When there's insufficient movement in your hip- and thoracic spine, you also end up with excessive movement in your lower back.

Most people tend to "baby" the pain and avoid moving about as much as possible, but in most cases, this is actually contraindicated.

Lesley Colvin, a pain medicine specialist in Edinburgh, says the best evidence is for exercise. 'If I had back pain, I'd do exercise that strengthens the core and stretching.' Just when you least feel like it, and it hurts the most, is when experts say you have to get moving. 'Avoid bed rest'."

Exercise is also the most effective way to prevent back pain in the first place, or a relapse, according to a recent scientific review of 21 studies. 

Among people who had a history of back pain, those who exercised had a 25% to 40%  lower risk of having another episode within a year than those who did no exercise. Medical doctors are increasingly starting to prescribe activity in combination with a wait-and-watch approach for back pain patients.

On February 14/17, the American College of Physicians issued updated treatment guidelines for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain, now sidestepping medication as a first-line treatment and recommending non-drug therapies instead. This is a significant change, and one that could potentially save thousands of lives by avoiding opioid addiction.

The new guidelines include three primary recommendations, all of which focus on alternative treatments and physical activity, leaving painkillers as a very last resort. Even in the rare case when an opioid is given, it should only be prescribed in the lowest dose and for the shortest duration possible.

Steroid injections and acetaminophen are also discouraged, as studies suggest neither is helpful or beneficial. Acetaminophen does not lower inflammation, and a review of the research shows steroids are on par with placebo when it comes to treating back pain in the long term.

1. “Given that most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment, clinicians and patients should select non-pharmacologic treatment with superficial heat … massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation … If pharmacologic treatment is desired, clinicians and patients should select nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants.

2. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select non-pharmacologic treatment with exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation.

3. In patients with chronic low back pain who have had an inadequate response to non-pharmacologic therapy, clinicians and patients should consider pharmacologic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line therapy.

Clinicians should only consider opioids as an option in patients who have failed the aforementioned treatments and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks for individual patients and after a discussion of known risks and realistic benefits with patients.”

Scans and Surgery Are Useless for Most Cases of Back Pain

According to the American College of Physicians, scans like MRIs are also to be avoided, as they're "worse than useless" for diagnosing back pain. Exceptions include cases of known trauma to the spine and where there are warning signs of underlying disease causing the pain (such as cancer). Contrary to popular belief, disc degeneration does not cause back pain, so getting a scan and receiving a structural diagnosis of a bulging disc for example, is not going to be very helpful, at least not in terms of dictating a course of treatment for your pain. In many cases, such a diagnosis may simply lead to unnecessary surgery, which in many cases sends patients in a downward spiral of increasing pain and reduced mobility. According to the medical literature, spinal fusions for back pain have a success rate of about 20 to 25 percent. For 75 to 80 percent of these patients, the surgery simply results in lifelong pain and suffering.

Live Life and Avoid Medicalizing Your Pain 

Dr. James Weinstein, a back pain specialist stated "What we need to do is to stop medicalizing symptoms. Pills are not going to make people better … why not just go back to your normal activities? I know your back hurts, but go run, be active, instead of taking a pill."

While this may sound harsh to some of you, it's actually really good advice. As noted by Dr. Steven Atlas, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who wrote an accompanying editorial about the guidelines, "We are moving away from simple fixes like a pill to a more complex view that involves a lot of lifestyle changes," and that is certainly a much-needed turnaround.

Non-Exercise Activity May Be Part of Long-Term Solution for Back Pain

Keep in mind that part of "staying active" includes avoiding sitting as much as possible. Avoid the hazards of sitting and began standing more. Be aware that your pain may worsen initially, but will improve with time. If you have a desk job, consider investing in a stand-up desk.

Non-Drug Solutions for Pain Relief

It's extremely important to be fully aware of the addictive potential of opioid drugs, and to seriously weigh your need for them. There are many other ways to address pain.  Clearly, there are times when pain is so severe that a narcotic pain reliever may be warranted. But even in those instances, the options that follow may allow you to at least reduce the amount you take, or the frequency at which you need to take them. 

If you need a pain reliever, consider an over-the-counter (OTC) option. Research shows prescription-strength naproxen (sold OTC in lower dosages as Aleve) provides the same pain relief as more dangerous narcotic painkillers.

Many studies have confirmed that chiropractic management is much safer and less expensive than allopathic medical treatments, especially when used for pain such as low back pain.

Chiropractic and naturopathic physicians are reliable, as they have received extensive training in the management of musculoskeletal disorders during their course of graduate healthcare training. We have comprehensive training in musculoskeletal management.

Medical doctors are often slow to change from pharmaceutical treatments.

As Chiropractors, this research backs up what we have been saying for over 100 years. Get the spine that is in abnormal position moving again with Chiropractic adjustments. Then stretch and exercise to strengthen the spine and its supporting structures. M.D.’s and researchers are finally coming around to what has been a Chiropractic tenant since its inception. So if you have back pain, do what the research says, get adjusted and avoid drugs.

Dr. Stephen Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta. 403-347-3261.www.family1stchiro.ca.

Exercise should be enjoyed not painful.

Exercise should be enjoyed not painful.

Working out for personal gain or overall health and wellness can be rewarding. However, over training or over stretching can lead to injury. This is anything but gain or healthy, instead it creates setback or even take you out of training completely. There is no need to suffer to the point of disliking the workout or dreading the next one. I agree we need to push ourselves to overcome fitness plateaus, but exercise should be less about pain and more about fun.

Here are some tips to make your workouts more enjoyable:

• Choose a fitness program you like and can fit your schedule- You have the option to choose your fitness path. With so many styles of training and workout programs one can choose and personalize their own training programs to suit their goals. Programs that focus on core and strength training are recommended.
• Focus on a balanced Lifestyle - It’s good to be determined in achieving your goals. However, becoming obsessed with your workouts can leave you drained and even injured. 
• Change your mindset - Exercise is about personal well-being, which is body and mind fitness. Unnecessary mental stress to get fit leads to being counterproductive. Attitude should be towards making it a fulfilling journey and not being a serious no fun policy.
• Inspire to confidence - Seeing changes in your mind and body should be an inspirational thought, which adds confidence.

Avoiding pain and injury during your workout:

No pain no gain motto should not lead to injury and/or take you out of the fitness program altogether. So here are some guidelines to help you avoid injury.

• Warm up before your workouts and cool down after - It’s best to do light cardio before stretching then stretch. Stretching without warming up could lead to injury. More intense workouts should end with a cool down consisting of light cardio and then end with stretching.
• Use logic and listen to your body - Don’t run before you can walk. Going from inactivity to strenuous exercise could lead to injury. It’s healthy to be competitive and have enthusiasm to achieve fitness goals. However, it’s more effective to learn how to exercises properly and consistently. Finally, listen to your body: If it hurts Stop. Pushing through pain again can lead to injury and takes the fun out of your fitness journey.

Talk to the experts. They can help you start your workout program, guide you to work out properly and most importantly help you to achieve your personal goals. In addition, use your Chiropractor to help you get the most out of your exercise regime.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

One of the greatest benefits of CranioSacral therapy is its effectiveness in dealing with the many natural cycles, conditions and related complications that we women go through as we journey through life.

Conditions such as:

·         Puberty.

·         Attempting to get pregnant.

·         Pregnancy.

·         Pregnancy and birth complications.

·         Infant and toddler care and nurturing.

·         Menopause.

·         Conditions attached to later in life.

It is also in the area of Women's Health that conventional medicine and complementary health approaches are often found working side-by-side.

It is interesting to note that I notice the following:

• The majority of people who make health decisions in the households tend to be the women (booking children, husbands for treatments).
• While women are very happy to put enormous time and energy into looking after others (their unborn children when pregnant, baby infants, toddlers, children, Husbands/partners) - they seem to put themselves last in line when it comes to good old preventative and early treatment of many ailments!

I feel it is important for women to learn to take better care of themselves.

Working with CranioSacral Therapy myself over the last number of years has helped me to get more in touch with my own natural health rhythm - and I have found that while many of my female clients may have come for a specific ailment - over time they start to listen more to their own body and learn just what it needs to get back to health and stay there for the long term.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Children and massage

Children and massage

Massage is beneficial for children of all ages. It can help with muscle growth pain, depression, reduce stress, and help with their immune systems. 

I always try to encourage a child to tell me when they’re feeling discomfort throughout the massage. I can also tell this by their body language when I am massaging them. If they’re feeling any discomfort. 

Massage can help heal injuries quicker in a child, and can also prevent them from occurring.  Massage is also a great way to help a child bound and also gives a therapeutic response to the child.

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Broken Heart?

Broken Heart?

On December 27, 2016, actress Carrie Fisher, aged 60, died from a heart attack. The very next day, her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds died from a stroke. In the wake of the loss of these two popular Hollywood icons, many have asked whether you can actually die from a “broken heart”.The answer is yes. Broken heart syndrome, formally known as stress cardiomyopathy is a real medical condition. It is triggered by acute, major stress or shock — such as the death of a loved one.Indeed, your heart and mind are closely interlinked, and your mental states can have a distinct influence on your heart health and overall longevity.

Symptoms of broken heart syndrome are very similar to those of a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath. The difference is there's no actual damage to the heart to trigger it. Extreme shock or stress may also trigger a hemorrhagic stroke by causing a dramatic rise or change in blood pressure.According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), broken heart syndrome is a "temporary condition where your heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened or stunned." The left ventricle, your heart's largest chamber, also changes shape, which adds to the temporary dysfunction.This sudden weakness of the heart is thought to be due to the sudden release of large quantities of adrenaline and other stress hormones.

Adrenaline increases your blood pressure and heart rate, and it's been suggested it may lead to narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to your heart. While most will successfully recover, in some, the change of shape of the left ventricle can trigger a fatal heart attack. An estimated 90 percent of broken heart syndrome occurs in women.

Having a history of neurological problems, such as seizure disorders, and a history of mental health problems is thought to raise your risk. While the condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, it's usually a temporary condition that leaves no permanent damage.A number of studies have also shown that the loss of a loved one raises your own risk of sudden death, also known as the "bereavement effect." There's even evidence showing that spousal illness increases the partner's mortality risk.

A 2011 study found that, following a partner's death, the odds of the surviving partner dying remained elevated for six months (the widowhood effect), independent of their age and gender. A 2012 study found that losing a significant person in your life raises your risk of having a heart attack the next day by 21 times, and in the following week by six times. The risk of heart attacks began to decline after about a month had passed, perhaps as levels of stress hormones begin to level out.

There are compelling links between cardiac health and mental health. Having untreated depression or anxiety disorder increases your odds of having a heart attack or developing heart disease. Stress hormones are again a primary culprit.

A 2011 study, which found that those who reported higher levels of satisfaction in areas like career, sex life and family had a reduced risk for heart disease.

According to Julia Boehm, "The absence of the negative is not the same thing as the presence of the positive. We found that factors such as optimism, life satisfaction and happiness are associated with reduced risk of CVD regardless of such factors as a person's age, socioeconomic status, smoking status or body weight."

Dr. Stephen Kelly D.C.

Dr. Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca

Why have CranioSacral Therapy?

Why have CranioSacral Therapy?

         

          Some people come because they feel as though they aren’t coping and that life is very difficult. CranioSacral Therapy can often be a last resort after many years of struggle.

         Some people come because they have long standing health issues which make it very difficult to cope. CranioSacral Therapy can help relieve the emotional and physical side-effects of living with long term illness or pain and can support the body in its natural movement towards health.

         Some people come because they have experienced traumatic events that they cannot move past. CranioSacral Therapy is a very safe, gentle and effective way of treating trauma and post-traumatic states.

         Some people come because they are incredibly stressed and anxious and can’t seem to find any relief from a very busy mind. CranioSacral Therapy is especially good at encouraging a very deep sense of stillness allowing the mind slow down and rest. Many people say they sleep very well after a craniosacral treatment.

         Some people come because they just need to be held and listened to. The most important thing a CranioSacral Therapist does is to simply be present for the client and hold the therapeutic space allowing the client’s process to unfold naturally.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.