Dr. Bennese Obtains Sports Chiropractic Degree. What Does This Mean For You The Patient?

I just received notification that I passed my National Board exam to officially become a Certified Sports Chiropractor. What does this mean for you the patient? Although I will be working with professional athletes, I plan on focusing much of my training on you, our "everyday athletes." Life itself is a sport.

Some of my roles as a Certified Sports Chiropractor are to provide pre-competition performance enhancement, post-competition rapid regeneration/ recovery, and to perform "prehabilitation" which is injury-proofing your body.

Chiropractic is absolutely everywhere in the sports world today. Hard to believe? The Medical Director overseeing all aspects of medical care for the entire United States Olympic team is Dr. William Moreau, a Sports Chiropractor.

5 Tips To Improve Your Computer Posture

5 Tips to Improve Your Computer Posture
Dr. Michael Bennese



The average weight of the human head is around 10-12 lbs. Your head is connected to the rest of the body by a flexible set of interconnected bones, called the spine, specifically, in this case, the cervical spine, which we will call "the neck".  This vital link between your skull, and what is contained inside, "your brain" and the rest of your body is via the spinal cord that travels down the center of the neck bones – it is literally your lifeline.  Any challenges to the spinal cord are serious, and should be addressed immediately. 

The most common form of stress affecting the head and neck, and therefore, the cervical spinal cord, is forward head posture.  What this means is, the head is displaced from the center of gravity over time, so that it is forward of its ideal position.  This means the muscles, ligaments and joints are under excess stress and strain because they must work extra hard to support the head and neck.  In fact, for every inch forward from the normal position your head is displaced, the effective weight of your head increases dramatically.  Think of holding a half gallon of milk by the handle, close to you, versus out at arms length…the effect of the load is dramatically different on your shoulder muscles! The constant excessive stress on the bones, muscles, ligaments and joints of your neck due to forward head posture will produce challenges to the way your neck moves, as well as the way your spinal cord functions to communicate with the rest of your body.

Due to the fact that many people in the workplace use computers, forward head posture has become very common!  The abnormal stress this posture puts on your head, neck and spinal cord is responsible for a number of common problems ranging from muscle tension headaches (due to the extra work the muscles have to do to support the head and neck), disc degeneration, disc bulging or even disc herniations or ruptures in extreme cases.  The fact is, in every case, forward head posture should be corrected or improved to minimize any problems in the head and neck and avoid any future complications.

To find out if you have Forward Head Posture, find a partner and take this simple test:  With your eyes closed, nod your head as high as it goes, then as low as it goes, then return to where you feel your head is centered.  Have your partner observe you from your side to see if your ear lines up with your shoulder.  If your ear is out in front of your shoulder, you have Forward Head Posture. 
If your partner did not find Forward Head Posture, take this Computer Posture Quiz to see if you are at risk of developing Forward Head Posture.   

How many of the following do you have:

 #1 Your neck is achy and you only have been working for hour at the computer. 
Fix It!:  Line up your eyes with the middle of your computer screen.  This will help prevent you from tilting your head down.  You may need to place your monitor on several stacked phone books to accomplish this (See, those phone books still serve a purpose!)

#2 Your neck does not necessarily hurt, but it is stiff and it feels heavy after only 1 hour working at the computer.  Fix It!:  Get an eye exam.  With decreasing vision, the tendency is to jut your head forward closer to the computer screen to see.  Perhaps you need a new prescription for  eyeglasses or contacts.  Also, check your chair:  a lack of a proper lumbar support will set a chain of events in order that result in you jutting you head forward while computing. 

#3 While at the computer, you begin to experience a burning sensation in the right side of your neck and it is traveling into your right shoulder….maybe even down your right arm. 
Fix It!:  Coupled with forward head posture, this position unnecessarily stretches not only your  shoulder muscles, but the group of nerves that travel down your arm from your shoulder.  Make sure your mouse is at a surface low enough so you are not using your shoulder muscles to keep you arm elevated.  Those shoulder muscles are not designed to be contracted for extended periods of time.   This is common for users of laptops and tablets where the keyboard is so close to the monitor. 

#4 Both shoulders ache or burn after a short time on the computer Fix It!:  Your keyboard may be too high.  The keyboard should be low enough so you do not have to elevate either shoulder to perform your keying.  What if you primarily use a laptop?  Laptops are notorious for developing forward head posture and shoulder problems.   I recommend placing the laptop on a stack of phone books as stated previously, as well as using an external keyboard and mouse to keep your shoulders appropriately relaxed.  

#5 The middle and lower part of your back aches and you become fidgety while working at the computer.  

Fix It!:  Did you know that sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing?  Let’s be honest: Maintaining proper posture is probably the last thing you’re thinking about when under a major work deadline. And on a jam-packed day, regular stretching breaks may not seem like a wise way to spend your time. However, sitting at a 135-degree angle can reduce compression of the discs in the spine, so lean back slightly every now and then. Do it when you take a phone call or a co-worker stops by to chat. Make sure your office chair supports the curve of your spine.

Bonus Question:  You are working on your Smartphone and your neck aches. Maybe it even burns.  You feel the need to stretch it.  Eventually, it starts aching even when you are not on your Smartphone. 

Fix It!:    I have seen this scenario explode in the past 3 years so much that we have been referring to it as “Text Neck.”  While working (or playing) on your Smartphone, use your arms to elevate it to eye level instead of looking down at it.  If need be, from a seated position, prop your elbows in your sides to hold up your arms.  If you must look down at your phone, tuck your chin prior to looking down.  This will relax the neck muscles instead of stretching them.  

If you answered “Yes” to even one of the above scenarios, you should identify and repair the cause.  If you already have Forward Head Posture, it is recommended you seek care from a Certified Biomechanics Specialist to restore proper posture and rebuild spinal stability in addition to changing the improper ergonomics which may have lead to the postural distortion. 

Forward Head Posture has become a very common posture condition in today’s computer-based workplace environment.  However, you do have control in preventing and reversing this eventually degenerative condition. 

Does Chiropractic Cut Workers' Compensation Costs for Low Back Pain by 50%?

In Work Related Injuries, the risk of disability recurrence is lower for patients treated primarily (more than 50% of the time or higher) by a Doctor of Chiropractic than for patients treated primarily by a Medical Physician or a Physical Therapist.

-Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Before You Consider the Flu Shot, Read My Report.......95 Years in the Making

As I drove along the Carlisle Pike last week, I observed just about every pharmacy and grocery store had a sign outside advertising their Flu Shots. It reminded me of the connection between the Great Flu Pandemic of 1917-1918 and the rise of chiropractic as a result of the success chiropractic had in treating flu infected patients during the outbreak. Because of the method of manufacture, every year, by its very nature, the flu vaccine is OUT OF DATE before it is even released. It can only offer partial protection for flu strains that happen to be closely related to last year's favorite's that have been selected.
Consider the 1918 Flu Pandemic: That strain killed an astounding 10 million people worldwide in 6 months. New data suggest that number more accurately should be 20 million.
'Old timer' Chiropractors around the country at this time repeated the same refrain: "I was about to go out of business when the flu epidemic came...but when it was over, I was firmly established in practice."
Why? The answer is reasonably simple. Chiropractors got fantastic results from influenza patients while those under medical care died like flies all around. Chiropractic became licensed shortly thereafter in many states as a direct result of these successes.

The national statistics speak for themselves:

1. In Davenport, Iowa, 50 Medical Doctors treated 4,953 cases, with 274 deaths. In the same city, 150 Chiropractors including students and faculty of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, treated 1,635 cases with only 1 death.

2. In the state of Iowa, medical doctors treated 93,590 patients, with 6,116 deaths - a loss of one patient out of every 15. In the same state, excluding Davenport, 4,735 patients were treated by Chiropractors with a loss of only 6 cases - a loss of 1 patient out of every 789.

3. National figures show that 1,142 Chiropractors treated 46,394 patients for infuenza during 1918, with a loss of 54 patients - 1 out of every 886.

4. Reports show that in New York City, during the infuenza epidemic of 1918, out of every 10,000 cases medically treated, 950 died; and in every 10,000 pneumonia cases medically treated 6,400 died. In the same epidemic, under drugless methods, only 25 patients died of influenza out of every 10,000 cases; and only 100 patients died of pneumonia out of every 10,000 cases.

This comparison is made more striking by the following table:


                                                               Influenza


                                                   Cases                     Deaths



Under Medical Methods             10,000                        950



Under Drugess Methods             10,000                         25



                                                             Pneumonia



                                                    Cases                      Deaths



Under Medical Methods            10,000                          6,400



Under Drugless Methods           10,000                            100


The epidemic reports in Oklahoma show that Chiropractors treated 3,490 cases of influenza with only 7 deaths. But the best part of this is, in Oklahoma there is a clear record showing that Chiropractors were called in 233 cases where medical doctors had cared for the patients, and finally gave them up as lost. The Chiropractors saved all these lost cases but 25.

Statistics alone do not put in the human element that is needed to spark the material properly. Dr. S.T. McMurrain, a Chiropractor, had a makeshift table installed in the Influenza ward in Base Hospital No. 84 unit stationed in Perigau, in Southwestern France during World War 1. The Medical Officer in charge sent all influenza patients in for chiropractic adjustments from Dr. McMurrain for the several months the epidemic raged in that area. Lt. Col. McNaughton, the detachment commander, was so impressed he requested to have Dr. McMurrain commissioned in the Sanitary Corps.

Chiropractic had its beginning, not in treating pain-related problems, but in boosting patients' immune systems to avoid and fight off infection. We can take this lesson into 2013. Allow us to help you attain Synchrony of your Structure and Function of your health. We do this by optimizing your body's frame to be strong and stable. We do this by improving the make up of your body's nutrition. The result: Your body will be better ready to defend itself naturally from outside infections. Call or email us to schedule a Structural and Nutritional Assessment so we can construct a Healthy Action Plan for you and your family.



Copyright © 2012 Synchrony ChiroCare, All rights reserved.

Is This New Sugar Substitute Really "Natural?"

One of my ongoing goals is to educate my patients to question topics regarding their own health and the choices they make.  Here is a glaring example of how a person may be tricked into believing he or she is choosing the healthy option simply by trusting its source....in this case the Harrisburg Patriot News. 

This is an article recently written in the Body/Mind section of the Patriot News regarding their ongoing series on sugar substitutes. 

Upon reading this seemingly trustful advice, I noticed several misleading statements and even an outright untruthful statement.  The new artificial sweetener on the market known as Truvia is NOT Stevia.  However, the author of the Patriot News article falsely uses the name Truvia and Stevia together as if they are one and the same.  They are clearly not. In response, here is the letter I wrote to the editor of the Patriot News:

The word "natural", by definition, means "existing in or formed by nature."  The article in the Sunday July 29, 2012 Your Health section on Stevia Sweeteners is extremely misleading to consumers interested in maintaining a healthy, natural lifestyle.  Stevia is a natural substance safely used for centuries as a sweetener.  Natural substances cannot be patented.  Rebaudioside A, on the other hand, is an isolated chemical derived from the Stevia plant using multiple steps and multiple chemicals such as acetone, methanol, and acetonitrile.  Since Rebaudioside A is a man-made chemical, it can be, and has been patented.  Multiple times throughout the article the words "stevia", "natural", and "rebaudioside A" are falsely used interchangeably.  Since Stevia and Rebaudioside A are functionally two different compounds, they are metabolized differently in your body.  What are the long term effects of consuming unnatural Rebaudioside A?  Nobody knows.  It was never consumed by a human prior to 5 years ago.   I believe it is not only misleading, but grossly irresponsible to be using the words "natural" and "Rebaudioside A" together.

Dr. Michael Bennese, DC
Clinical Director, Synchrony ChiroCare and BStrong4Life of Enola

So where can you find the real, all natural sugar substitute known as Stevia?  You can still find it at your local grocery store.  It is not located in the Sweetener aisle.  Real Stevia can be found in the area where nutritional supplements are sold.  It can also be purchased at area Health Food stores.   

For more information on Nutritional Counseling, visit our website www.synchronychirocare.com or email us at info@synchronychirocare.com

My Personal Father's Day Health Tip

How many guys out there sit with your wallet in your back pocket? How many of the ladies out there see their men carry their wallet in their back pocket?

 I was about 17 years old when I first was treated by a Chiropractor. I went because of a jaw problem which caused me to have big headaches (but that's another newsletter). One of the first things he told me to do was put my wallet in my front pocket instead of my rear pocket. I thought that was a rather strange thing to tell me since I was seeing him for jaw problems, but I did what I was told. To this day I always carry my wallet in my front pocket. It would feel very weird to carry it in my back pocket. I was always thankful to my first Chiropractor for telling me that. I have passed that important information on to my younger patients just like he did for me. For the guys out there who have been carrying your wallet in your back pocket for years, you may have to train yourself, but it can be done.

 Give yourself the Father's Day gift of a healthier future spine: Remove that wallet from your back pocket prior to sitting. I see many men coming in with crooked spines that could have been prevented by doing just this one thing.

 If you are guilty of carrying your wallet in your back pocket, and you are afraid it may be the cause of your ongoing back, hip,or leg problem, have no fear: Email or call us and we can evaluate your spine with state-of-the-art digital radiographic analyis to determine if wearing that wallet for years caused any structural distortion. We are trained to restore and rebuild your spine to a stronger, more stable, healthier position.

Lack of Referral: A Potential Danger

I do not hear this quote too much anymore, but when I do, I feel the need to share my thoughts.  The statement is "Chiropractic can be potentially dangerous by delaying proper treatment."  And guess what?   I agree.  Actually, I contend ANY profession can be potentially dangerous by delaying proper treatment. 

And do you know what?  Medicine can be potentially dangerous by delaying proper Chiropractic care.  Let me give you but one example: 

Compression of certain nerves, like the sciatic nerve, can cause permanent irreversible damage if not treated in time.  Dr. Bourdillon, an internationally prominent British Orthopedic Surgeon, stated that muscle wasting of the wrist or hand will occur if a patient is delayed proper neck and upper back spinal adjustments.  He added that in 15 years in a busy practice, he did not see ANY secondary muscle wasting EXCEPT among the patients medically treated elsewhere, where the syndrome was allowed to develop before the neck was properly treated.  Muscle wasting means the muscle starts withering away due to a lack of proper nerve supply.

Often, I see patients after they have exhausted every other possibe treatment, including surgery for their conditions.  This is a perfect example of why Chiroractic Care should never be a "last resort".  It is not a luxury....it is a necessity.  Rest assured, as your doctor, if your condition is out of my realm and proper treatment would be best administered elsewhere, you will be the first to hear it from me.

Do You Have a Diagnosis That Ends In "-ITIS"?

For most diagnoses all that is needed is an ounce of knowledge, and ounce of intelligence, and a pound of thoroughness -- Arabic proverb.



It is the "thoroughness" factor that is most blatantly absent in today's healthcare. How many of you have been diagnosed with Bursitis, Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis or anything else with an "-itis"? Those are what we call Garbage Can Diagnoses....."catch-alls" that really are the result of a structure or posture problem that creates overuse, friction, and abnormal load....hence the "-itis".  These diagnoses only scratch the surface of the real underlying problem(s) that are causing the said Bursitis, Tendinitis or Plantar Fasciitis. Yes, it requires a little more time, expertise, and work to diagnose properly, but when a doctor is alloted 5 minutes for an exam, do you really think he or she will be thorough in REALLY getting to the bottom of your problem? Or will you just end up with a Garbage Can Diagnosis with an "-ITIS" at the end?

Before You Become Pro-Vaccine or Against-Vaccine, Become Pro-Education

The January 8th, 2012 edition of the Harrisburg Patriot-News published a commentary by columnist Anne McGraw Reeves entitled "Protect herd immunity:  Get kids vaccinated" 

I submitted an editorial in response to this column the following day which was accepted to be published and appeared in the Thursday January 12th newspaper as well as online. 

Personally, I have my own beliefs about the vaccine debate, but that is not the point of this discussion.  Professionally, I am neither Pro-Vaccine nor am I Against Vaccine.  I consider myself professionally as Pro-Education. 

It has been my experience in 10 years of private practice that 99% of my patients, when challenged to discuss the topic of vaccines, are woefully ignorant on the subject.  If you fall in this category I do not consider this your fault. 

This strongly suggests that 99% of the public is also woefully ignorant, as evidenced by some of the comments to my editorial online.  Aside from the personal attacks you will read from the commentors of my editorial,  you will notice that I respond simply by discrediting their statements via the current peer-reviewed literature on the subject.  

You have been given a lopsided, one dimensional view of what vaccines are, what they do, and how they are good for humankind.  Who supplies you this data?  The multinational multibillion dollar vaccine industry does. of course through the liaison known as "your doctor". 

Do you see how that is a problem?

One of my professional goals is to create a more educated population; a more savvy group of people who wil not be cornered and forced to accept one side or another.  Rather, have the understanding to make truly informed decisions for themselves.  The only way to accomplish this is to become transparent, and allow yourself to understand both sides of the vaccine argument.  This involves some work though.  Some of you may be lazy.  You don't have time to do this research.  You will simply decide that your doctor knows best;  you will trust their "good judgment." 

For the others, I strongly recommend beginning your endeavour by visiting the National Vaccine Informational Center http://www.nvic.org/  The NVIC is an educational non-profit organization advocationg vaccine safety and informed consent protections in the public health system. 

Aspartame and Glutamate: Chronic Pain

"Removing Aspartame and Glutamate from the Diet for 4 Months Can Eliminate Chronic Pain Symptoms." (Annals of Pharmacology)

I contend that most chronic pain patterns stem from an underlying structural and/or postural problem. Therefore, that particular structural problem requires a structural solution.....a solution we handle in our office with a highly technical skill.

However, even with wonderful structural and posture rebuilding, lingering pain may persist. That pain may be due to the repetitive intake of food and drink which contain the chemicals known as Aspartame and /or Glutamate. Aspartame and Glutamate are two nasty chemicals that are found in foods, drinks, and/or chewing gum. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener. Glutamate is a food flavor enhancer. Food and Drink manufacturers add these substances to sweeten foods/drinks as well as stimulate your brain to "like" a food better (therefore increasing your chances of eating more and more and more).

If you have a chronic pain pattern (and even if you do not), I suggest beginning to read the nutrition label of the foods, drinks, and chewing gums while you are at the grocery store. Avoid the products which contain the words aspartame and/or glutamate. 

Chronic Pain Evaluation: Includes updated Structural Assessment, Digital Radiographic Analysis, and Presentation of Findings to layout a battle plan to rebuild the problem area. $49. Expires 12/31/11

More than 200,000 microdiscectomies (a type of back surgery) are performed annually in the United States, at a direct cost of $5 billion or $25,000 per procedure.

60% of patients with Sciatica (low back pain that radiates down the leg) who had failed other medical management benefitted from spinal adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.

In a recent study, consenting participants were chosen randomly to receive either an average of 21 chiropractic sessions over a year or a single microdiscectomy.

If cost is assumed at $100 per chiropractic visit, there is a direct, total savings of $22,900 per adjustment patient. System-wide, this could save $2.75 billion dollars annually.

This research supports spinal adjustments performed by a doctor of chiropractic is a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing symptomatic lumbar disc pain.

World's Greatest Hockey Player Finally Helped By Chiropractor

It is great to see the greatest hockey player on the planet *finally* getting help from his post-concussion syndrome-----by a Chiropractor! I contacted the Pittsburgh Penguins back in March stating I could probably help him based on our expertise treating patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome. The letter I sent to the Penguins is posted above.

Check out last week's Sports Illustrated here!:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190863/index.htm

Happy

One of the questions I ask patients of Synchrony ChiroCare or clients starting the BStrong4Life program is "What is your Goal during you care in our office?" More often than not, the answer is: "I want to get healthy." Even is the answer is a different one, I follow with another question: "Why?" Usually I will get another answer to which I ask again, "Why?" Almost universally, the more I ask "Why?" the closer you as a patient or client will tell me the real reason: "because it will make me happier."

Let me give you a few real examples from my files:

Dr. Bennese: "What is your Goal during your care in our office?"
Patient: "To increase my bone density."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I don't have to take bone density medication and suffer all the side effects"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "BECAUSE THAT WILL MAKE ME HAPPY!"

Sometimes I have to dig a little deeper....

Dr. Bennese: "What is your Goal during your care in our office?"
Patient: "To get rid of my sciatica"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I can resume training"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "Because I want to Run faster."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I can fulfil my dream of running a marathon."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "BECAUSE THAT WILL MAKE ME HAPPY!"

As Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com said, "In the end, it turns out that we're all taking different paths in pursuit of the same goal: happiness."

What is Osteoporosis?

The following article was recently published in Woman Newspaper, a publication serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Adams Counties. It is the first of a series on Bone Density over the next 6 months.

What is Osteoporosis?
by Dr. Michael Bennese

Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density, a condition which causes the bones to become brittle and fracture more easily. Although approximately 8 million women and 3 million men suffer from this debilitating disorder, osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. The misconception that osteoporosis is a normal part of aging results in too many people unnecessarily suffering significant pain, deformity, or death.

What’s happening?

In a normal state, bones are in a constant cycle of regeneration. That cycle is necessary so that the vital minerals within the bone can be distributed throughout the bloodstream. Cells within the bone then rebuild the lost bone. However, when that process slows down or becomes imbalanced, bones become weakened. Research indicates that weight bearing exercise, and particularly resistance exercise, is the best method of regenerating bone density. Weight bearing describes any activity you do on your feet that works your bones and muscles against gravity. Activities such as cycling and swimming are not weight bearing activities.

As we age, it is especially difficult to do exercise that stresses the bone enough to regenerate it without damage to joints.

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

A simple, pain-free test to determine your bone density health is called a Bone Densitometry Exam (commonly referred to as a “Dexa Scan”). It the gold-standard in healthcare for measuring bone density. Many clinics in our area offer this test. The Dexa Scan measures bone density from various points in your skeleton, then gives you a score. The score will tell you if you have: a) Normal Bone Density b) Osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis) or c) Osteoporosis. The test is then repeated anywhere from 1 -2 years later to determine progress of the treatment administered, whether it be drug therapy or Drug-Free Bone Density Improvement Program.

9 Facts on Osteoporosis
• 10 million people already have osteoporosis, many are not aware they do….
• 2 million men have osteoporosis; 3 million are at risk of developing it.
• At least 34 million people currently have lower than normal bone mass.
• 40% of women 50+ will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
• The risk of fracture in women due to weak bones is greater than the risk of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer….combined.
• Osteoporosis affects the entire skeleton.
• Most fractures due to osteoporosis occur in the spine, hip and wrist.
• 66% of spinal fractures occur without any pain…however, they do lead to the familiar “hunched over posture”, which in turn causes many other problems.
• With common sense improvements to diet and nutrition, safe maximum loading of the skeleton over time can improve bone mass and reverse osteoporosis.


Dr. Michael Bennese, DC is a Certified Biomechanics Specialist with special training in the drug-free prevention and reversal of osteoporosis and osteopenia. He is founder of BStrong4Life-Enola, and founder and owner of Synchrony ChiroCare, one of the most advanced clinics in the country. Serving Central PA for 10 years, he is proud to be one of the first clinics in Pennsylvania to offer amazing technology that safely increases bone density, muscle strength, and coordination.

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf" -Jon Kabat-Zinn

Dr. Bennese says Gravity is Constant....but how your body HANDLES gravity can change for the better. Much better.

The Hockey Goalie Mask

THE HOCKEY GOALIE MASK


Dr. Michael Bennese


The sport of Ice Hockey is more than 155 years old. Hockey goalie masks are only 35 years old. Isn’t it odd that it took 120 years for one goalie to finally say “Hey, I’m getting tired of being hit in the face with a puck.”? Really? It took that long to figure it out? Are hockey players really that stupid? Don’t answer that.


But that is exactly how it happened. A goalie named Jacques Plante decided to wear a mask and the rest is history. Think he wasn’t ridiculed at first? Think again. Why do you think he was ridiculed?


Sound like an isolated story of ignorance?


Here’s another: For years now, we have known that the structure of your body dictates how it will function: everything from balance, coordination, and bone density to walking in a mall, to picking up your granddaughter, to getting a good night’s sleep. And yet, for years many of us have been walking around living with the problem allowing it to weigh us down.

Instead of complaining about the way you cannot function, instead of relying on medications to get by, instead of avoiding the activities you love to do…be your own “Jacques Plante”. Decide to improve your function NOW. How much is your independence worth?

SAVE THE DATE: Aug. 9th at 6:15

On August 9th, 2011 I am presenting an informative talk on the importance of balance, core strength and a solid structure titled Reversing Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Safely Without Medications. I will present valuable information about a solution to osteoporosis, osteopenia and the impact of abnormal posture. Knowledge is power, and you need to have this knowledge in order to get and remain healthy, strong and powerful. I urge you to attend to learn about what you can do for yourself, your friends and your family to insure you all live a healthier, more productive life.



Representatives from Pinnacle Health will be in attendance to provide information on Bone Density Exams (DEXA Scans). They will also provide FREE bone density screenings at the event.


Call 717-732-2222 to tell us how many seats to reserve for you.



P.S.*****Hint: You should attend this presentation if you are interested in PREVENTING osteoporosis as well. :-)

Abnormal Stress and Strain: Forward Head Posture

The average weight of the human head is around 10 lbs. The head is connected to the rest of the body by a flexible set of interconnected bones, called the spine, specifically, in this case, the cervical spine, which we will call "the neck". This vital link between your skull, and what is contained inside, "your brain" and the rest of your body is via the spinal cord that travels down the center of the neck bones – it is literally your lifeline. Any challenges to the spinal cord are serious, and should be addressed immediately.

The most common form of stress affecting the head and neck, and therefore, the cervical spinal cord, is forward head posture. What this means is, the head is displaced from the center of gravity over time, so that it is forward of it's ideal position. This means the muscles, ligaments and joints are under excess stress and strain because they must work extra hard to support the head and neck. In fact, for every inch forward from the normal position your head is displaced, the effective weight of your head increases dramatically. Think of holding a half gallon of milk by the handle, close to you, versus out at arms length…the effect of the load is dramatically different on your shoulder muscles! The constant excessive stress on the bones, muscles, ligaments and joints of your neck due to forward head posture will produce challenges to the way your neck moves, as well as the way your spinal cord functions to communicate with the rest of your body.

Due to the fact that most people use computers, watch television in less than optimal positions, and read in bed in poor positions, forward head posture is very common! The abnormal stress this posture puts on your head, neck and spinal cord is responsible for a number of common problems ranging from muscle tension headaches (due to the extra work the muscles have to do to support the head and neck), disc degeneration, disc bulging or even disc herniations or ruptures in extreme cases. The fact is, in every case, forward head posture should be corrected or improved to minimize any problems in the head and neck and avoid any future complications.

A complete postural assessment will reveal the source of abnormal stress and strain on the neck, and the rest of the body. Often, radiographs, commonly called x-rays are taken to accurately measure the exact position of the head, neck and spinal bones relative to normal. Once this assessment is complete, the appropriate course of action can be pursued. This will often include a modification of common activities, changing your driving, sleeping, computer positions etc. as well as specific exercises, and techniques to rebuild your posture towards the normal, strong and healthy position.

It is essential that each and every person take good care of their body to fully embrace life and all that is possible. Head and neck posture that is as near normal as possible will insure the function of your muscles, bones and joints is as good as it can be. The possibilities are endless when you have your health and optimum function. If you look in the mirror, and your ear is in front of your shoulder, or you see forward head posture in any of your friends, colleagues or loved ones, be sure to tell them they must have this abnormal position addressed as soon as possible. The best possible treatment is prevention, so getting to the cause of forward head posture makes good sense. For more information feel free to contact me at 717-732-2222. If I am unavailable, leave a few good times for us to connect.

Annual Vacation Week and Contact Info

Synchrony ChiroCare will be closed for its annual week off Mon. June 20th-Fri. June 24th. Get those last minute adjustments in by noon FRIDAY! My good friend and trusted physician Dr. Bryan Staker at Fifth Avenue Chiropractic will be your contact for any emergency care. Phone: 717-263-6101. 761 5th Avenue, Suite F, Chambersburg, PA 17201. If you haven't already, connect with me to discuss your home care during this time. http://fifthavechiro.com/

SAFE Sunscreens

It's Sun Season! Time to soak in some healthy sunshine. Taken in correct "doses" sunshine creates Vitamin D, a necessary hormone (not a vitamin at all) to perform all sorts of functions in our bodies.

Be careful not to burn though, as sunBURN (not suntan) has been shown to increase skin cancer risks.

However, if you are going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, it's a good idea to put some sunscreen on to prevent that dangerous burn. BUT, 90% of the sunscreens on the market are nothing more than toxic mixtures of chemicals that have been shown to CAUSE skin cancer instead of preventing it!!

There are many brands out there with all kinds of chemical mixtures. Rather than tell you what is NOT good for you, the list of sunscreens that are safe is much smaller.....so I will list them instead: Look for a product that contains Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide. As far as active ingredients that provide sunburn protection, THAT'S IT. Avoid everything else.

So, Have fun in the sun this summer, soak up lots of healthful rays, be aware of your skin type so you know when to apply sunscreen, and if you are going to use a sunscreen, use a SAFE sunscreen.