When patients first come to our office there is a primary complaint that brought them in, for example: headaches, or neck pain. But these symptoms are usually the tip of the iceberg. They may also complain of IBS, not sleeping well, worn out feeling, and it's up to me to dig deeper and be a good investigatior to come up with the answer of why these symptoms are occuring and not going away. Not just treat the symptoms of the condition, but the condition itself.

Stress and fatugue work hand in hand. Acute stress is short term and most people can cope with this as long as it is not ongoing. An example of this would be speaking before a crowd or performing at an athletic event. In this case, acute stress can be helpful to perform better. Chronic stress however, such as structural imbalances we deal with in chiropractic, excessive physical demands placed on an individual, environmental stresses such as being to hot or cold, or not breathing clean air, toxins that we consume or breath as well as psychological pressures such as financial worries, work problems or problems as home can all add up and exceed an individuals ability to cope.

As a result, symptoms of these problems begin to accummulate. As a health care provider, I need to address all of the patient concerns if they are going to get well, and the chiropractic adjustment may only be part of the solution. So usually after the patients first visit to our office is complete, I determine other tests that may be helpful to address the secondary complaints. For example, we have stress questionaires, detoxification questionaires (to assess for heavy metal toxicity), saliva hormone tests, digestive stool analysis tests, hair analysis as well as blood and urine tests to determine if any markers would show up to be able to develop a treatment plan for our patients.

In many ways it is like pealing an onion, only to find something else the deeper you go.

One of the common terms used to describe this tired and achy feeling people get is called adrenal fatigue. The adrenals are triangular shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys and they release hormones in times of stress. This term is popular in health books and magazines, however it is not a medical diagnosis because there is no test for it. In fact, your adrenal glands can function 20% below average with your body experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue, but the ACTH blood test won't recognize it. The important thing is not to get caught up in chasing symptoms. This is not the way to address the issue.

There is hope. Your body can overcome chronic stress and fatugue and feel energized again. A healthy body will handle stress more effectively. Remember fatigue is a warning sign that there may be something more important going on in your system. Getting a thourough blood workup and toxic element testing will help shed light on dietary and lifestyle changes you may need to make.

 I would encourage you, that if you are feeling symptoms of stress and fatugue which can manifest into symptoms of suppressed immune function, digestive disturbance, fibromyalgia and others, call to set up an appointment.

In the meantime, 1) take a good multiple vitamin and mineral supplement, it isn't a cure all, but does help to balance the nutrient density of your diet. 2) Take time to get some rest which helps detoxify and recharges your energy levels. 3) Exercise will help burn off the stress hormones, and you will sleep better at night. 4) Rehydrate with clean filtered water, one quart for 50# of body wieght up to three quarts. 5) Maintain blood sugar levels with a balanced diet by eating every two hours. 6) Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

As a clinical pearl, one way of identifying adrenal dysfunction is that is you have shallow finger prints and cross creases on your finger prints, there is a correlation between adrenal health and connective tissue quality which is collagen or tissue protein quality. Stress tends to break down the connective tissue also causing wrinkles.

Stressed is Desserts spelled backwards.

Dr. Richard W. Haas DC,FACO

While I was watering the bushes around the clinic one summer weekend morning a man rode up on a bike and asked what it would cost for a spinal alignment. I needed to educate him on the process for spinal correction. It is different than taking your car in to a shop and twenty minutes later have your car aligned.

Since 80% of all patients seeking care have some type of health insurance, todays chiropractors need to be able to provide records of patient exams, treatments, goals and outcomes when asked for by insurance companies or Medicare.

For people wanting to become a patient of ours, there are on line intake forms you can fill out at haaswellness.com which will save you time filling them out in our office.

Once the staff and doctor have reviewed the forms, the staff can start with the preliminary exam followed by the doctors exam which may include x-rays.

If the patient is in acute pain, some form of therapy will be given that day. This is followed by a report on the tests and recommendations the second visit.

The treatment schedule can vary widely depending on the age and severity of the condition and if there might be any complicating factors such as degeneration, arthritis, birth defects, obesity or diabetes.

Treatment usually begins with passive care for a short period of time ( this is where the doctor and staff do the work) once the inflammation subsides, the patient enters the active stage of care and this involves rehab in the office or exercises at home to help balance the spinal muscles and improve mobility.

The last phase of treatment is supportive, maintenance or wellness checkups.

This is where we are looking to improve on structural balance. It is different than taking your car to a garage for an alignment. It would be nice if you could go to a gym and work out once and be physically fit. However, it doesn't work that way. It takes time and repetition for your spine to improve in function and balance. But the rewards are being healthier and more productive in your life.

Come in and visit with our staff on what you can do to become a patient of ours. We would love to work with you.

Dr. Richard Haas DC, FACO

The Healthiest State Initiative which was endorsed by Governor Terry Branstad explains how we can set a goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation in just five years.

Haas Chiropractic Clinic has been promoting these concepts for years and it's nice to see the private and public sectors get on board with these wellness concepts. In America today, 75% of our health care dollars are spent on chronic degenerative diseases that are preventable. We just need momentum to increase awareness for Iowans to make daily healthy decisions.

According to the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Iowa ranked as the 19th healthiest state. This was based on six sub-indexes which are: Life Evaluation, Physical Health, Emotional Health, Healthy Behavior, Work environment and Basis access (healthy food, water anad shelter).

Along with getting Iowans to start walking which there is a "Start Somewhere walk" on October 7th, other initiatives such as Dan Buettner's Blue Zone Project will be started to help Iowans to live healthier and hopefully longer and more productive lives.

His top nine common characteristics of all the worlds long-lived people are to move naturally where walking is the best activity for longevity. The second is have a reason to get up in the morning, to have a purpose. #3 is reduce inflammation by reducing stress (meditation and prayer) also I would add reducing inflammatory foods (sugars, artificial sweeteners, fried foods and grains). #4 stop eating when you are 80% full and avoid over eating. #5 eat mostly a plant based diet with small portions of meat. #6 1-2 glasses of red wine a day which has anti-oxident properties which may help if you can tollerate alcohol. #7 have a strong thriving family adds years to life expectancy. #8 be connected to your church. People who go to church weekly live an extra 4-14 yrs. according to his studies. #9 expand your social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people that will lift you up emotionally.

Seventy-five percent of our health status is a result of the daily decisions we make. There are two web sites associated with the Healtiest State Initiative that I would like to share with you. They are very helpful to increase awareness of lifestyles and eating habits that can influence your health. They are BlueZones.com and ChooseMyPlate.gov. I encourage our readers to check these web sites out.

Haas Chiropractic has been assisting patients with eating habits for years and on the diet surveys we accumulate at our office, it is common to see patients miss meals, eat just processed foods, drink little water and eat very few fruits and vegetables. We need to eat a plate of food that has the colors of the rainbow, not just brown food which is common in the mid-west region.

When determining your menu plan we recommend first to think of nourishment. It is the nourishment aspect of your meal that contains the vitamins and minerals needed for the thousands of metabolic reactions to occur in the body. So when formulating your plate of food, choose two fruits and vegetables. That may be one fruit and one vegetable or two vegetables. Preferrably, organic whole foods.

Protein should be 25-35% lean meats. Carbohydrates which is your main source of energy would be 40 to 60%. Fats would be anywhere from 15-25%. Choose healthy fats such as raw olive oil, coconut butter, avocados, seeds and nuts. Fats contain many nutrients such as vitamins A,D,E, and K.

Finally, when choosing your produce, fats, carbohydrates and proteins to consume, we suggest you take it one step further and make sure it's "clean". The more you get back to basic, whole foods, the better off you'll be. You want to choose "clean" foods. Choose fewer foods from a box or bag. These are what we call "processed foods".  Try to minimize food intake that has artificial sweeteners, nitrite or nitrates, canned foods and drinks, MSG, deep fried breaded foods, Trans fats, refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup), chlorine and flouride.

Dr. Richard Haas D.C., F.A.C.O.

Over the last fourty years Chiropractic techniques have evolved and have become more comfortable for the patient. I remember fourty years ago going to the dentist and how proceedures have changed, I still don't like my teeth worked on, but the proceedures now are much more comfortable for the patient than they used to be.

The same is true for chiropractic treatments. One of the reasons is the use of manually assisted adjusting instruments, and the most popular of the light adjusting instruments is called Activator Technique which was founded in 1967 by Arlan Fuhr D.C.. Since that time, 51% of chiropractic practices use some form of this mechanical force manual assisted instrument. This is regarded as a softer chiropractic technique.

The instrument is called an activator. It is a small hand held spring loaded instrument that delivers a small impulse to the spine or extremity. The energy is .3 Joules at a speed of 3 mili-seconds which allows the doctor to make an adjustment before the body has a chance to tense up and resist the correction. This proceedure is very comfortable to the patient.

Activator Methods International has published more than 105 abstracts and manuscripts on the Activator Method with the support of the National Institute of Chiropractic Research with additional research efforts that have been funded by the National Institutes of Health. Activator technique is also recognized and covered by Medicare.

Both Dr. Dave and myself are certified in the Activator Technique and we use the instrument adjusting in combination with other chiropractic techniques to taylor the right type of treatment to meet the patients needs.

Many conditions that have responded well to Activator Methods Technique are: Carpal Tunnel, Disc problems, Headaches, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Foot Pain, Whiplash and Wellness Care.

If you would like more information, do not hesitate to give our office a call at 424-6531.

Dr. Richard W. Haas D.C., F.A.C.O.

There are two types of injuries we treat at our office and they are acute injuries which usually involve an accident like whiplash resulting in immediate trauma and the second type of injury is chronic which can have equally dammaging effects but it just occurs over a longer period of time. For example, carpal tunnel in the wrists, chronic tendonitis and disc or joint degeneration take time to develop.

I am going to spend some time talking about acute injuries and some of the steps we take at Haas Chiropractic Clinic to treat these conditions.

There are four stages of tissue healing. The first stage is active swelling. This is when the patient experiences trauma to their neck or back and swelling occurs for twelve to seventy-two hours. Generally, we see loss of spinal motion and pain increases. Treatment may involve light adjustments to the spine, rest and supporting the injured areas with a back brace or splint. The goals of care are to minimize pain and swelling by using ice, compression and in some cases elevation.

The second stage is called passive congestion. This is where fluid is trapped in the tissues and restricts motion, causes pain and delays healing. This second stage begins by the second to fourth day following injury. Our job here is to remove fluid, offer pain relief and begin to restore motion. This is privided by chiropractic adjustments which helps to restore motion, block pain, relax tight muscles and accelerate healing. We use hot and cold packs to remove fluid, begin controlled motion exercises and use physiotherapy such as electrical stimmulation or ultrasound.

The third stage is repair. This stage begins five days after the injury and is where scar tissue is made for up to six weeks.

Lack of motion in joints causes excess scar tissue in dense patterns which also disrupts normal function and causes excess scarring, chronic stiffness, chronic pain and increased risk fo re-injury.

That is why Chiropractic care should continue throughout the repair stage, Remember, it takes longer for tissues to heal and normal function to be restored than it takes for pain relief. Pain relief is not the only goal. If motion is restored and maintained to the neck and back, tissues and joints heal in a much more functional way.

The fourth stage of tissue healing is called remodeling. This is where connective tissue remodels for better strength and flexibility. This may take anywhere from three to fourteen weeks depending on the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation is used at our office during this stage.

To summarize the role Chiropractic has in managing injuries, would be that Chiropractic can help improve and maintain motion and flexibility, this allows for better restored and maintained body functions. Chiropractic helps reduce chronic pain, and reduces the risk of re-injury and degeneration for the joints and discs of the spine.

 Both Dr. Dave and myself evaluate patients that seek our care and develop a treatment plan to fit their needs in relation th the four stages of tissue healing. Call our office at 424-6531 for more information.

Dr. Rick Haas DC, FACO

If you have neck pain, numbness or tingling in your shoulders, arms or hands or feel the same types of symptoms in your low back, hips, down your leg and to your feet, spinal disc disease may be a contributing factor to your symptoms.

Dr. Dave and I treat people that have these conditions daily in our office.

To better describe this condition, it is where the discs of the spine most commonly in the lower neck or lower back begin to degenerate over time. I notice this on spinal x-rays where the degenerative disc thins out and commonly the vertebrae above and below the degenerative disc develops calcium deposits to help stabilize the unstable areas of the spine.

The body of the vertebrae and disc support 90% of the body weight, and the spinal joints 10%.

However, when the discs loose their height, weight bearing will change to 50/50, which more weight is transferred to the spinal joints. This can cause increased wear and tear and can lead to osteoarthritis which causes pain as well as loss of mobility.

When this happens, and by the way, it is as common as cavities in the teeth, it may cause narrowing of the opening between the vertebrae where the spinal nerve passes. This allows the spinal nerve to get compressed or pinched. If this happens in the lower neck, the patient feels arm and hand pain. If this occurs in the lower back, the patient feels low back, leg and foot pain.

Another type of disc disease is when the cartilage around the disc weakens by small cracks and create a herniation of the disc which may cause simmilar symptoms. Usually an MRI would need to be performed to verify suspicions.

The causes of spinal disc disease are usually multi-faceted and I will give you a few examples.

Prolonged sitting causes increased pressure on the discs of the spine, lifting or pulling heavy objects, repetitive bending or twisting of the back, and exposure to constant vibration such as driving can cause damage. Being in poor physical condition, overweight, and loss of flexibility can add to increased stress on spinal discs.

Obviously, severe spinal strains to the neck and back which might include whiplash injuries or falls can contribute to spinal disc disease. Lastly, smoking causes not only heart and lung disease, but causes a breakdown of collagen which is the connective tissue that keeps the discs as well as your skin healthy. Smoking increases spinal disc disease by seven times the rate of the normal aging process.

The treatment is prevention. You cannot unfry an egg once it is fried. Once degenerative disc disease is present, you cannot make it new again. So you need to pracitce healthy lifestyles.

First, exercise regularly, keep your weight under control, don't smoke and practice good posture and lifting habits.

If you do experience pain similar to what I have described, call our office. We will examine your condition and make the appropriate recommendations to help you get back on the right track to better health. Not everyone requires the same treatment. People are different and have conditions that require individualized care. Age, lifestyle, condition of degeneration and congenital varients all make a difference in the type and length of treatment given. Most people we see get to feeling better with chiropractic care when dealing with spinal disc disease.

Dr. Richard W. Haas DC, FACO

First, I would like to clarify the difference between IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The first is a functional disorder where the bowel apprears realatively normal, and the second can cause Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and even cancer. At times, the symptoms may be very similar, so if the symptoms become severe it is always a good idea to see a gastroenterologist to rule out IBD.

However, IBS is a common complaint patients present on our initial examination forms as a secondary complaint, In fact, we see this on a weekly basis. IBS has become increasingly more common over the last twenty years affecting 20 to 30% of the U.S. population with symptoms of constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation and diarrhea. Also, abdominal pain, cramping, fatulence and abdominal rumbling, flu like symptoms with headache and fatigue are common.

There are five main causes of IBS. The first is the standard American diet with refined-fast foods that include artificial flavor enhancers, artificial colors, saturated and partially hydrogenated fats with high amounts of wheat grain and sugars like high fructose corn syrup. These foods in many cases are hard to digest and are foods that our body is not designed to eat.

The second cause is stress which can affect the nervous system and contribute to IBS. Also, unresolved emotional traumas, and lack of forgiveness can have the same negative effect as well.

The third cause would be chronic infections of the digestive tract such as candida, parasites and harmful baacteria which can increase the likelyhood of food allergies which can then lead to IBS.

The fourth cause is a poorly functioning digestive tract where there is low HCL acid and a deficiency of the good bacteria to support normal digestion.

The fifth cause is a structural spinal imbalance, where spinal misalignments impair nerve flow to the digestive tract which also contributes to digestive problems. Chiropractic care has made significant improvements in our patients with IBS. By recieving chiropractic adjustments patients improve spinal function which has an effect on digestive tract function.

There are however no magic bullets, and different forms of treatment work better for some people more than others.

 At our office along with chiropractic care, patients fill out a seven day diet survey to evaluate their eating habits. We also have our patients start a food diary to determine how they feel when eating different foods. Many times a simple elimination diet does the trick. It is inexpensive and it just requires will power and dicipline. Food allergy testing is performed at our office and the most common foods to eliminate are wheat because of gluten sensitivity and the second is dairy with caisen sensitivity. We recommend a good source of omega 3's and flaxseed oil which when ground provides an adaptogenic fiber which helps to normalize the bowel. Other supplements involve probiotics as a healthy source of good bacteria and enteric coated peppermint oil, digestive enzymes, ginger root and aloe vera juice to promote healing.

With the psychological problems that may be contributing to IBS, a less stressful lifestyle with prayer and meditaion can have a calming effect. However, some people may need professional counseling.

While IBS is a frustrating and sometimes a debilitating condition, it can be overcome. Individuals with IBS can take control and actively participate in their recovery by making sound dietary choices, being physically active and receiving chiropractic care.

Dr. Richard W. Haas DC, FACO

I would like to talk about the glyciemic index and how it relates to overall health and good eating habits. This term may have caught your attention as it is mentioned in many of the popular diet plans such as Nutri System, Jenny Craig, Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers and the Zone.

Specifically, the Glycemic Index (GI), measures how much a particular carbohydrate raises a persons blood sugar levels compared with a control. ex. pure glucose. Each food is assigned an index number from 1-100, with 100 as the reference score for pure glucose. These foods are rated as High GI (greater than 70), moderate (56-69), and low GI (less than 55). Foods that produre high levels of blood sugar are called high GI foods. When your diet consists predominately of these foods, your body responds by producing higher levels of insulin than it would if you were to eat lower GI foods.

The point being is that when insulin levels are high, your body not only converts blood sugar to energy, but also stores unused energy as fat. So, when insulin levels are high, you store more fat, when insulin levels are normal, you burn fat more efficiently.

The confusion comes in because of the wide range of GI scores on foods are based on ripeness to cooking methods, to quantity of food. Also, very few people eat one food at a time at a single serving. Most people combine different foods when eating a meal. That is why looking at the glycemic load, which also takes into account the number of carbohydrates per serving, gets you closer to the actual affect a food has on blood sugar when eaten in normal life style conditions. So, the glycemic load takes the number of carbs per serving into consideration along with the foods glycemic index.

Additionally, a diet that consists primarily of high GI foods can lead to carbohydrate cravings and an overall increase in appetite, potentially resulting in unwanted weight gain.

These foods can cause large fluctuations of both blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to a vicious cycle of overeating.

 The top ten low GI foods that support normal blood sugar levels are: apples, berries, barley, grapefruit, legumes, nuts, oatmeal, green peas, tomatoes and unsweetened plain yogurt.

 Now the top ten high GI foods that can produce harmfully high blood sugar levels are: candy, cookies, juices with added sugar, white potatoes, chips, sugar, most breakfast cereals, sweetened soda, sweet snacks, and white bread and bagels (processed flour).

Also, insulin stimulated by an over abundant of high GI foods not only add fat gain, but also suppress hormones that are responsible for burning fat, sugar and promoting muscle development.

This leads down a path toward metabolic syndrome with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

 I tell my patients that not all carbohydrates are the same. A Snicker's bar has a lower GI than a carrot, but doesn't mean it is healthier for you. As long as you choose healthy carbs (veggies) that are high in fiber, whole, natural and less processed, and you get your lean meats and sea food, paired with the low GI foods, you will stand a better chance of keeping your weight under control and avoid the most popular chronic diseases affecting Americans today. 

Finally, there is no diet that works well without exercise. For most people to lose weight and keep it off, they should get 150 minutes of exercise a week with cross- training involving stretching, aerobics and light resistance exercises.

Dr. Richard Haas DC, FACO

Many of us in the business world sit for a living, often times staring at a computer screen eight plus hours a day, Monday through Friday and some weekends. Over time, it is not uncommon to see physical complaints such as eye strain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder and arm symptoms, leg and foot symptoms, headaches and fatigue.

I will address some helpful techniques to avoid strain while sitting on the job. The first item is understanding your body and the basic mechanics of how your body works. If there are deviations from normal body balance, this can cause physical stress and strain. Strain can come in two froms: One is trauma like a fall or a whiplash injury that happens all at once. The second type of strain is one that develops slowly over a period of time. The further out of balance you are with your body and your workstation, the more apt you are to develop this type of strain.

This is most noticeable when people slump in their chairs. They do this because over time they develop muscle fatigue so they slump to take pressure off the spinal muscles, but they put more pressure on the joints and discs of the spine until they expeerience back pain from the slouched position and they go back to their previous posture letting the muscles do the work. Overtime, the person continues to sit in postures going back and forth from spine to muscles sharing the stress of sitting on the job.

There are ergonomic principles that can help these people reduce their muscle workload in the first place. There is no chair that is right for exerybody. Our chairs need to be fitted specifically for the person using it. Ask yourself, is the pan of the seat soft enough, wide enough, does it tip foreward enough. Is it tall enough, but not to tall that your feet cannot reach the floor comfortably. Does your chair offer a low back support and arm rests at the proper height. The more support the chair offers, the less your muscles have to work. Does your chair swivel so your back doesn't have to.

Next, look at your workstation, just like the pilot of an airplane, you have your tools and instruments in fromt of you. Ask yourself is your "instrument panel" arranged properly for your body and your task. If not, you might need to re-arrange your desk.

Position your computer so that the center of the screen is chin level. The screen most often is positioned in front of you, however, high frequency data entry tasks may work best with a book or paper support in front of you and the screen to the side. It just depends on your workload. Forearms are parallel to the floor with the wrists in about a 15 degree extension.

Another idea to avoid cummulative stress is to keep materials used frequently in a high priority zone which is easy to reach. Occasional use areas would be at a lower priority zone.

Other considerations would be lighting, glare, room temperature, drafts and noise, all of which can add stress to your working enviroment.

To handle these cummulative stresses while sitting on the job, concider exercising your way through the workday by taking micro-stretch breaks several times an hour. Counter-stretching is helpful as well as eye exercises to reduce eye strain by focusing on near and distant objects periodically through your work day.

Mini-breaks may be a lull in your work activities that would allow a little more time to stretch your back muscles. The cat/camel stretch is a good one.

Macro-breaks would be like a "coffee break" which would allow 10-15 minutes to perform back stretches. Remember that if you are sitting all day at your job, try not to sit during the coffee break. Get out and get moving by exercising.

The next type of break is a lunch break that would normally last 30-60 minutes. Some companies provide exercise areas for their employees.

Ultimately, you can make this type of work more pleasant and fulfilling with consistant positive action.

Haas Chiropractic has stretching exercises available at our office at no charge.

Dr. Richard Haas DC, FACO

I have been treating and managing spinal conditions for over 35 years. During that time, I have seen health conditions develop related to structural balance. The challenge I face is that, it is human nature for people to wait until their health problem is bad enough that it compromises their lifestyle before they are willing to go to a doctor about it. This is particularly true about musculo-skeletal conditions that we see in our chiropractic practice daily.

An example of this, would be pronated feet. That is where the arch drops and rolls the ankle to the inside. I see this frequently in children and young adults. Those people that don't address the problem early on, show structural changes in later years like bunions, heel spurs, corns, callouses and hammer toes. Some of which end up requiring surgery. It doesn't stop there. The torque of the foot and ankle continues up the kinetic chain to affect the knees, hips and back.

Usually the joints that are affected begin to show signs of wear and tear over time and lead to osteoarthritis.

Spinal conditions of back pain or neck pain that only see temporary relief after treatment and the symptoms just continue to re-occur, usually it is because the cause of the structural imbalance has not been found and dealt with. For example, I could make structural corrections to the back and neck until the cows come home, however the corrections won't begin to hold if I haven't addressed the cause of the structural imbalance in the first place. That cause may be a pronation of one foot causing a leg length imbalance that internally rotates the knee and tips the pelvis. If the foot is not stabilized, the pelvis won't be stable either and the patient continues with either constant or intermittent chronic pain.  The cause may come from head foreward posturing, being over weight, deconditioned trunk muscles or the ergonomic environment that individual is required to be in because of his or her job.

Our bodies are just like our house or our car or anyother machine that requires maintenance. Just like that commercial for car oil and air filters. They say "you can pay me now or pay me latter" and typically it costs a lot more the longer you wait. If your car was not checked periodically for alignments it would begin to show signs of wear and tear wouldn't it. You would begin to see the tires wear unevenly, the car might pull to one side and begin to shake at higher speeds. Our bodies behave similar.

Chiropractors are no different than any other doctor when it comes to periodic checkups. Do you go visit your medical doctor and they say you never need to see them again, or do you see your eye doctor or dentist and after an examination or proceedure they tell you to only come back if you are in pain. Of course not, because all physicians know that by receiving periodic checkups we can prevent smaller health problems from developing into larger ones.

When I fly to a particular destination, I am constantly making small corrections to keep me on the desired course. It is the same with our health reguarding structural balance. Once the cause is found and corrected, we recommend periodic checkups to stay that way.

Dr. Rick Haas DC

Although almost everyone experiences reflux at some time, it occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Also called Acid Reflux Disease. If these reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week typically you would fall into a catagory of gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Living with GERD can cause you to have heartburn, regurgitation, bloating, burping, nausea, coughing and sleepless nights. If you ever have had that feeling of wanting to go to bed at night but every time you would lye down you begin to feel the stomach acid backing up into your throat, that's GERD. It can wear you out by being sleep deprived. So you prop up your head with two or three pillows and try to go back to sleep. GERD can put a burden on a person's quality of life.

Often times people resort to anti-acids of acid blockers to get some symptomatic relief, although they may feel better it doesn't solve the problem. So the question is, how do people get GERD in the first place? You might think that if acid is backing up the esophagus and anti-acids help relieve the symptoms, the cause is that you have to much stomach acic. Well, in the majority of people, we produce less HCL and pepsin as we age and it is actually the low stomach acid that creates indigestion, allowing the lower esophageal sphincter ( the muscle at the lower part of your esophagus) to relax and allow the acid to back up.

Although acid blockers and anti-biotics may be necessary for the treatment of stomach ulcers or gastritis from bacterial infections, the majority of people can be helped with lifestyle changes. Remember that the stomach is designed to produce acid that is an important part of your digestive process. Low stomach acid called hypochlorhydria can lead to sluggish gallbladder, bacterial infections and undigested proteins that can lead to food allergies and a host of chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, depression, eczema just to name a few. Also, a bed partner to GERD is hiatal hernia which part of  the stomach is pushed above the diaphram where food gets stuck and has a difficult time passing down to the stomach. Sometimes one condition can lead to another.

Treatments for GERD would involve not lying down within three hours of eating, avoid items that would cause the LES to relax, which are peppermint, chocolate, soft drinks (soda) coffee, tea, smoking, alcohol, and fried foods. NSAIDS ( pain pills can destroy the lining of the esophagus and stomach) so only use when absolutely necessary and try to determine the cause of your pain so you don't have to rely on these medications.

Water, licorice extract, ginger tea, Gentian root (stomach tonic), fruits and vegetables (for fiber and minerals), a high quality probiotics, enzymes, along with avoiding sugar will help. Get Chiropractic care. Chiropractors have a soft tissue technique to treat hiatal hernia and spinal manipulation has helped reconnect the nerve supply to the esophagus and stomach.

Loose weight if you are over weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach and can cause or magnify the acid reflux symptoms. Our office has a program called First Line Therapy which would be ideal for this.

Finally, guard your stress levels, stress plays a significant role in the state of your digestive health. Practice stress reduction daily.

Dr. Richard Haas DC,FACO

At least 70% of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers according to a recent article in the New Uork Times. As a result of this increased usage, many children suffer from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or are poorly designed for children. Many of these students are developing chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study by researchers from Cornell University found that 40% of elementary school children they studied used computer work stations that put them at a postural risk and the remaining 60% scored in a range indicating some concern.

Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations.

Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a childs body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. There is a saying that has stuck with me concerning children. That is " so bend the twig so grows the tree". Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their long term health.

I'm going to give you 10 tips that will help your children:

1) If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each childs use.

2) Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height.

3) Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or rolled up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support.

4) There should be 2 inches between the front of the seat and the back of the knees, and arm supports so that the elbows can rest within a 70 - 135 degree angle to the keyboard.

5) The wrists should be in a neutral position, not angled up or down, and the mouse should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to hold their arm out.

6) The childs knees should be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 - 120 degrees. You may need a foot rest in the form of a box, or stool to accomplish this.

7) Reduce eye strain by making sure there is adequate lighting, and there is no glare on the monitor screen. You may need an anti-glare screen if necessary.

8) Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computer time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in circles, 10 times inward and 10 times outward, place hands in a praying position and sqeeze them together pointing up and then down for 10 seconds each way. Next spread the fingers apart like a spider doing push-ups on a mirror, and finally shoulder rolls and squeezing your shoulder blades together helps stretch their postural muscles.

9) Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four eight ounce glasses of water a day. Soft drinks, juices and carbonated beverages are not a substitute.

10) Urge your childs school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.

If your child continues to complain of pain from sitting at a computer, give our office a call.

Dr. Rick Haas

Arthritis is a common disorder, particularly among older adults. The pain of arthritis can range from uncomfortable to debilitating.  Many who suffer from arthritis use painkillers regularly to manage their condition, but research shows these drugs may be unsafe for long-term use.

Fortunately, there are many ways to ease the pain of arthritis without medication.  Dr. Haas gives the facts about pain medications and offers a range of natural tools to help patients with arthritis live life fully.

A Look at Arthritis

The term arthritis encompasses a range of conditions that affect the joints. The most common is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is particularly prevalent in older adults as the result of years of wear and tear on the joints. The cartilage that separates bones in each joint becomes dry and degrades, eventually leaving the bones rubbing against each other. Surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systematic autoimmune disease which causes degradation of cartilage and joint inflammation similar to that of osteoarthritis, but usually marked by more intense pain. Other forms of arthritis and related disorders include psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis and gout.

Beside their effects on joints, the other common factor shared by various types of arthritis is that they cannot be cured. However, Dr. Haas recommends several steps to manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

The Risks of Pain Medication

Arthritis sufferers often rely on pain medications. While drugs may provide temporary relief, they should be used with great caution, because they can have dangerous side effects, particularly with long-term use.

Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), a common over-the counter analgesic, is often thought of as one of the safest drugs for pain. However, research links its use to increased risk of hypertension, asthma and intestinal problems. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure regular alcohol consumption increases the risk (Med J Aust 2008;188:296301).

Another common type of pain medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.  Many NSAIDs irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing complications ranging from nausea and stomach upset to peptic ulcers (Clin Rheumatol 2006;25:S2-8). Studies also associate NSAID use with heightened risk of heart attack (Arthritis Res Ther2007;9:R4).

Opioids are a stronger class of painkillers that may be prescribed for severe pain such as that of rheumatoid arthritis. They commonly cause constipation, nausea and drowsiness and are highly addictive (Pain 2004;112:372-80, Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005;9:390-98).

Chiropractic for Arthritis Sufferers

Rather than depending on drugs, chiropractic champions the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Chiropractic care may reduce discomfort and slow the progress of arthritis. When assessing a chiropractic patient, Dr. Haas looks for dysfunctional areas in the spine called vertebral subluxations. These misalignments of the spinal bones (vertebrae) are quite common and trigger a range of symptoms, including musculoskeletal pain. Using gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments, the doctor corrects vertebral subluxations, relieving pain and often improving range of motion in affected areas.

Clinical trials back the therapeutic power of chiropractic care for arthritis patients. One study randomly assigned 250 osteoarthritis patients to receive moist heat therapy either alone or in addition to 20 sessions of chiropractic care over several weeks. The chiropractic group experienced faster and more pronounced pain reduction as well as improvement in range of motion and ease in daily living
(J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006;29:107-14).

The doctor advises patients regarding other lifestyle changes to support optimal health, including nutrition, exercise and ergonomics. These components of well-being can have an impact on arthritis symptoms, whether by directly lessening discomfort or strengthening overall health and subsequent ability to cope with arthritis.

The Importance of Exercise

Regular exercise is key for managing arthritis. It improves and maintains strength and flexibility, helping the body support deteriorating joints more comfortably. Aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching should all be part of an arthritis exercise regimen.

Maintenance of a healthy weight through exercise also reduces stress on arthritic joints, lessening pain and improving mobility (Arthritis Rheum 2004;50:1501-10).

Researchers in one study divided a group of 365 adults into three groups. The study participants were all aged 60 years or older and suffered from osteoarthritis. The groups spent 18 months in an aerobic-exercise program, a resistance-exercise program or a health-education program. Both exercise groups displayed significant improvements in a battery of assessments of pain and mobility, compared with the health education group (JAMA 1997;277:25-31).

Water aerobics classes, in which the buoyancy of water supports and protects the joints, are also effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with arthritis (Health Technol Assess 2005;9:1-114).

Additionally, a recent small-scalestudy indicates that Iyengar yoga improves pain, disability and mental health in arthritis sufferers (J Pain Symptom Manage 2010;39:904-13).

Nutrition and Supplements

An overall nutritious diet is especially critical when living with a chronic condition like arthritis. Just like exercise, healthy eating controls obesity and the complications it can bring to arthritis. Plus, studies show that low intake of several vitamins can hasten the progression of osteoarthritis (Curr Rheumatol Rep 1999;1:48-53).

For rheumatoid arthritis in particular, omega-3 fatty acids — found in fatty fish — have an anti-inflammatory effect that appears to relieve symptoms (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2010;34:151-5).

A review of recent studies uncovers several nutritional and herbal supplements that are effective in easing the discomfort of arthritis. These include glucosamine sulfate, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, diacerein, green tea, ginger, turmeric, and supplemental vitamins C and D (Aust Fam Physician 2010;39:638).

Be sure to talk to the doctor about proper dosage and possible interactions before beginning any new supplement.

Heat and Cold

Some of the simplest home treatments for arthritis pain are hot and cold therapy. Experiment with heating pads (only for short periods of time); warm showers or baths; hot and cold compresses; and ice packs to see what works well for you. Ask the doctor what specific approach will work best for your particular condition.

One of the first physical signs of aging is poor muscle tone and poor posture. When the head starts to go forward, people start to look older. We see this with older patients that get up from a chair, they are often walking before they fully straighten up.

These muscles imbalances that cause FHP do not happen overnight, in fact research is showing this to be rapidly increasing in our young people over the last decade.

The cause of this change is repetitive behaviors and body positioning. Anyone have an idea of the cause?

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that young people 8-18 years old spend in excess of 7 and one half hours a day using some form of mobile media. That would be cellular phones, texting, Nintendo, e-readers like Amazon, Kindle, and iPhone apps.

The consequences of FHP are: 1) Long term muscle strain, disc herniations, and pinched nerves according to Mayo Clinic. 2) Decreased respiratory dysfunction in chronic neck pain patients. Cephalgia 2-09. 3) For every inch of head forward posture, it increases the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds. 4) By loosing the normal cervical curve it can stretch the spinal cord 5-7 cm and cause disease. 5) FHP can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage on the cervical spine, can lead to heart and vascular disease.  The gastro-intestinal tract is affected usually as a result of sluggish bowel and affects endorphins the controlling chemicals for pain in the body. Rene Cailliet MD, Univ. of So. Cal. 6) Lastly, FHP has been shown to flatten the normal curve in the neck resulting in disc compression, damage and early arthritis. Spine 1986

So what can be done to prevent or reduce FHP is you have it.

1) Be aware of your posture. If you sit at work try not to cross your legs at the ankles or knees. This flattens out your low back curve, accentuates the rounding of your shoulders and leaves you with forward head posture.

2) Exercise the upper body, muscle imbalances like upper cross syndrome are becoming increasingly common.

3) Monitor yourself and your kids with the time spent on mobile media devices. It has been compared to being as addictive as cigarette smoking  according to the National Safety Council, 28% of crashes are attributable to talking/texting on cell phones while driving.

Chiropractors have been treating and educating patients on the dangers of FHP for years and the health conditions that FHP or anterior head carriage contribute to are well researched and documented.

If you have symptoms of chronic headaches, neck pain or pain and tingling in the shoulders, arms and hands, give us a call at Haas Chiropractic Clinic in Mason City for an evaluation. It may make a difference in the quality of your life.

Dr. Rick Haas DC,FACO

Why we use orthotics in our office?

1) 95% of people have pronated feet and some more severe than others. This is where the arch of the foot is not supporting the persons body weight and collapes and the foot rolls in.  This process lengthens the foot, fans the toes and reduces the ability of the foot to absorb shock. Pronation can cause a host of conditions such as bunions, platar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, shin splints, knee pain, ACL tears, hip bursitis, ilio-tibial band syndrome, and low back pain and instability.

2) There are many variations in techniques for casting orthotics such as weight bearing, non-weight bearing, slipper cast, and computer imaging just to name a few. The end product and results may vary.

3) At our office we cast with a  non-weight bearing maximal arch subtalor stabilization. Which means we cast with the arch at its highest point keeping the foot and ankle in a neutral position. This allows uniform support throughout the arch of the foot with minimal collapse of the arch. The thickness of the acrylic orthotic is determined by the individuals weight and activity.

4) Just walking can deliver 1-3 times a persons body wieght on the orthotic. So although it may seem ridgid to touch it is felxable under a load.  Running can deliver 3-5 times a persons body weight. So you can see that they need to be individually made for the persons lifestyle and for each foot.  Feet can be different in arch and size.

5) The difference between arch supports and orthotics is large.  Pulled off a shelf arch supports are generic and not intended to be a perfect fit.  Most of the arch supports that I have seen are either made out of a rubber sponge material or a thin plastic.  This type of appliance will not support the arch under pressure. If you get lucky, it may help minimize the pain, but it won't get at the cause of the biomechanical problem, which for most people, the arch needs to be raised and the first metatarsal needs to be lowered.

6) If we can get people in orthotics early enough, we may be able to prevent surgery down the road.  The time to treat the foot is when you can still move the foot.  Pronation is a progressive disorder that can effect the kinetic chain (foot, knee, hip, and back). My observation has been that people who wear orthotics are more biomechanically stable, and less subject to injury and back pain.

Dr. Rick Haas DC, FACO

Some 44 million Americans, mostly elderly women are at risk of osteoporosis and that number is projected to sky-rocket to more than 61 million by 2020. Currently, osteoporosis occurs in 1 in 4 women and 1 in 20 men. Both sexes show gradual bone loss throughout life, but women start to lose bone more quickly in post-menopausal years. This can lead to fragility, low bone mass, structural deterioration of bone tissue and increased susceptibility to fractures.

So what can you do to prevent it?, and what can you do if you have it?

First, I would recommend a bone density scan or Dexa Scan to establish a base line as to where you are. Women over 65 and men and women who have suffered any type of fracture over the age of 50 should see their general practitioner.

Next, increase your consumption of high quality vegetables (organic and locally grown if possible). Vegetables will naturally increase your bone density and decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. These minerals in your bones act as a buffer to the acid foods you eat. (processed foods, soda pop and sugar).

Increased calcium consumption does not equal increased bone formation, but we do need calcium, approximately 500 mg/day according to the World Health Organization. But, what type of calcium is best?   There are numerous calcium compounds available for example: calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, domolite, hydroxyapatite, calcium lactate, oyster shell, and corral calcium. They are not however, equally absorbable. Calcium lactate and hydroxyapatite are the most absorbable followed by calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate, domolite, oyster shell and corral calcium are the least absorbable. In the elderly population with typically low stomach acid, they may only absorb 4% of an oral dose of calcium carbonate, which is the most plentiful calcium supplement because it is the least expensive. You often times pay more for absorbable compounds. Calcium lactate found in milk can absorb up to 45% even with low stomach acid, however there is a catch here. High acid proteins of meat and dairy products cause calcium loss. Americans have among the highest osteoporosis rates in the world while their dairy intake is also among the highest which cancels out the benefits of calcium lactate in cows milk. The rate of hip fractures in the U.S. for people of many races and ethnic origins is exactly inverse to the rates of lactose intolerance. In otherwords, people who drink less milk have fewer fractures. The National Institute of Health conducted a study of 7200 nurses, in which one group didn't drink milk and the other group drank three plus glasses of milk a day. The results showed those who drank milk had more fractures. I'm not saying you can't drink milk, however it is probably not the best food source for building strong bones.

Next, add high quality omega 3 fats found in Krill or oily fish like salmon and sardines. Vitamin K found in fish and dark green vegetables also strengthens bone. It is the glue that binds calcium to the bone matrix. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. One hour of sunlight to exposed skin or supplements will help.

Weight bearing exercises of 150 minutes a week is recommended. Walking is good. Your bones remodel and strengthen based on the demands put on them.

Remember to lead a healthy lifestyle ( no smoking and minimal alcohol). Sodas and sugar depletes bone calcium.

Recently, the government pledged to tackle osteoporosis with a guide to advise general practitioners. In that guide it was recommended to use Chiropractic as a treatment which provides pain relief and advice for people living with osteoporosis.

For more information, feel free to give our office a call.

Dr. Rick Haas DC,FACO,DCBCN

I always recommend eating a healthy diet which consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, sea food, nuts and grains. Organic food is the most nutrient dense if grown on rich soil. The average American has to look and seek out this type of food and in some parts of the country it is hard to find.

As a result 90% of Americans food dollar is spent on convenience foods that are processed, packaged, and as a result are usually nutrient deficient even though artificial nutrients are added back into the food product after most natural nutrients have been stripped away. The food can only be as nutritious as the ground it is grown in and studies have shown our food source is less nutrient dense than it was thirty years ago. Also, the accummulation of pesticides, artificial colors, flavor enhancers and preservatives in todays processed foods leads one to be concerned about toxicity and it's effects.

Unfortunately, nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition can persist for a long time before they show up as physical signs and symptoms. Some of the signs of inadequate nutrition are fatigue, brittle or dry hair, ridged or spoon shaped nails, cracking or inflammation at the corners of the mouth, diarrhea, irritability and lack of appetite. These symptoms may also be associated with other conditions, so it is allways wise to get tested.

Most of us should take a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. This is a good way to get a good variety of nutrients from a single product. MVM's are not meant to replace a healthy diet. They are meant to enhance the nutritional quality of your diet. The micro-nutrients that should be included in a complete MVM supplement are vitamin A, vitamin B complex, ( thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, B12, pantothenic acid and biotin), vitamin C, vitamin D-3, vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), as well as the minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium and molybdenum. Phospherus is also another dietary mineral, however, it is very abundant in our diets that it doesn't need to be included,with the exception of elderly people taking high doses of calcium can interfere with phosphorus absorbtion, so they may benefit by taking phosphorus also.

What about one a day multiples? Usually they don't provide sufficient amounts of many nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C to make any difference. The multiples that require 2-6 tablets a day are preferrable taken with each meal.

Other nutrients I would recommend are, omega 3 oils, (fish or krill), probiotics, and anti-oxidants.

The only way to know if the supplements you are taking are working or to know exactly what vitamin/minerals and dosages you need to take is to get tested. Using bloodwork and other diagnostic tools we will give you a report and give you the nutrient and dietary recommendations based upton your test results.

Dr. Rick Haas DC,FACO

Much of what we do at Haas Chiropractic Clinic is the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. One of the more difficult conditions to treat is fibromyalgia.

This condition is characterized by wide spread chronic musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue and stiffness affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. This disorder is especially common in women between 20 and 50 years old.

Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition and there appears to be no universal cause, and no single treatment that is effective for every person.

When we make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, other blood tests are already ruled out for more serious diseases. The diagnosis is based on the tenderness of specific anatomical sites (at least 11 of 18 points) and pain in all four quadrants of the body that has lasted for a minimum of three months or longer.

Fibromyalgia mostly affects the neck, shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs.

 Some other symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia are: fatigue, disrupted sleep, jaw pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, irritability, poor memory and concentration, headaches, tingling in the extremities and digestive problems.

That is why this condition is challenging to treat.

There are some basic protocals we use to treat fibromyalgia at our office.

The first is chiropractic care to improve structural balance and function of the spine and nervous system. Second, is to check the patients diet, what they eat and when they eat it. We strive for an anti-inflammatory diet.

 The third point is checking for food allergies. Wheat and dairy are the most common.

Fourth is bowel transit time. The ideal window for a bowel movement is 12-18 hours with once every 24 hours being acceptable.

Fifth is heavy metal toxicity which we check through hair analysis. Common metals found are aluminum, mercury, chromium, cadmium and lead.

The sixth point is evaluate for other conditions that may amplify the symptoms of fibromyalgia such as arthritis, viral,  bacterial or parasitic infections and IBS. Also, assess stress and depression (anxiety levels).

Checking essential fatty acids and magnesium deficiency are important. Deficiencies cause increased symptoms of FM.

Every patient is different so we address the most prominent symptom to treat. It is like pealing an onion, only to find other conditions the deeper you go.

Along with the treatments listed so far, an aerobic exercise program and nutritional medical foods would be recommended with plenty of filtered water.

For more information on the treatment of fibromyalgia, feel free to call our office at 424-6531.

Dr. Richard Haas DC, FACO

When developing a healthy menu, think about what you are going to eat, and how that food is going to provide nourishment and energy for your body.

Keep in mind that foods do not contain only Calcium or only Carbohydrates or only Protein. Foods are a mixture of a little bit of everything. Yet, individual foods are typically known for the largest percentage of energy or nourishment that it provides. For example, nuts are a great source of quality fats and we communicate that they contain a large percentage of fat per volume. However, nuts are a good source of protein as well. So you can use nuts to boost the protein or fat content of your meal.

Dr. Dave and I suggest a standard thought process when choosing what you will eat for your bigger meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first item is nourishment. That is food that contains the vitamins and minerals needed for all the metabolic reactions occurring in the body. This would be your fruits and vegetables. You may have one serving of each or two servings of vegetables. We recommend rotating the fruits and vegetables, "eat the colors of a rainbow".

The next item is Protein. Protein should be 25-35% of the meal. Protein can be plant based like beans, seeds, nuts and sprouts, or animal based like fish, eggs, chicked or turkey. Red meat is OK if it is small portions and one to three times a week.

The Carbohydrates are your main energy source and depending on your activity level and diabetic status, we recommend 40-60% of your meal. We are talking about mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, whole grain bread. Also, your fruits and veggies are a good source of carbohydrates.

Fats should always be part of your meal plan. Fat contains vitamins A,D, E, and K and are necessary to absorb CoQ10. Your meal should contain 15-25% fat. Some good sources other than animal protein are raw olive oil, coconut butter, avocados, seeds and nuts.

Finally, when choosing your fats, carbohydrates and proteins for your menu, we suggest you take it one step further and make sure it is clean. The more you can get back to basic whole foods, the better off you will be. Remember 90%of what Americans eat are processed foods. We would like people to begin making healthier lifestyle changes and choosing fewer foods from a bag or a box.

Some of the ingredients to look for on labels that cause inflammation which is a precursor to cardiovascular diseases, IBS, and arthritis are:

Artificial  Sweeteners: aspartaine, saccharin, and sucralose

Processed Meats: that contain nitrates and nitrites like pork products, bologna, and wieners

MSG: found in dressings, sauces and Chinese foods

All Canned Foods and Drinks: the metals can leach into the foods and those lined with plastics, those chemicals can leach into the foods

Fried Foods: deep fried and breaded foods

Hydrogenated Fats: (Trans Fats) margarine and many pre-packaged foods

Refined Carbohydrates: processed foods like white flour, white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, "enriched foods", If it is truly whole grain, it does not have to be enriched.

Artificial preservatives: additives, sulfites, and artificial colors

Commercial meats: Try to get the cleanest, freshest meat you can find. Look for meat that is labeled with terms such as "No Hormones", "No Antibiotics", or "Free Range"

Shellfish and Bottom-dwellers: crab, shrimp,lobster, oyster, catfish, etc., heavy metals are prone to these meats

Dairy Products: cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, butter, sour cream, etc., dairy is the number one food allergy in the U.S.

Soy Products: isolated soy protein, texturized vegetable protein, soy supplements, tofu, etc. Don't make soy your main protein source, limit to 3-4 servings per week.

Chlorine and Floride Sources: tap water, heavy chlorine exposure in swimming pools, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, fluoride mouthwash, etc., Chlorine and fluoride compete with iodine which can lead to thyroid imbalances.

Even if you ate a perfect diet, USDA data has shown that our food supply is simply not as nutritious as it was 30 years ago. Supplementing your diet can help to correct these short-commings. The only way to know if the supplements you are taking are working or to know exactly what vitamins/minerals and dosages you need to take is to get tested. Our office has two certified Lifestyle Therapists who will explain your test findings and set you on the right path to wellness.

Dr. Rick

There are approximately six major techniques used in the chiropractic profession all designed to correct misalignments and improve structural balance and function. Our office uses a light adjusting technique called Activator, a manual technique called diversified, a flexion distraction technique called Cox for disc problems, and Sacral Occipital Technique using blocks to treat pelvic problems.

It really depends on the patients examination findings to determine which technique or combination of techniques that would be most effective. Also, some people are apprehensive about manual techniques therefore choose instruments.

For example, an elderly person with osteoporosis and degenerative arthritis could not handle a manual chiropractic technique, it would just make the person sore and aggravate the arthritis. These patients do much better with the instrument adjusting techniques which are lighter and easier tollerated. However, most people can handle manual manipulation techniques by a skilled chiropractor. These proceedures are used to free up spinal joints and extremities that are either fixated or misaligned. Sometimes this will show up as localized pain, but may be just stiffness.

During our initial examination, we find some spinal joints move more than they should to make up for spinal joints that don't. This can lead to chronic wear and tear arthritis and degenerative disc disease. That is why we encourage people to visit their chiropractor periodically for a wellness check, just like you would going to a dentist.

The causes of these misalignments may be trauma, structural imbalances like a short leg or a pendular abdomen. It may be poor ergonomics at the workstation that may lead to muscle imbalances.

Once the balance and joint function is restored to the best that it can be, muscle balance needs to be looked at to access stability. Muscles that are weak need to be strengthened and shortened tight muscles need stretching and lengthening exercises.

By working muscle balance techniques, that helps the Chiropractic adjustment stay balanced.

So, I encourage patients to become more pro-active, because if you wait until the pain develops, much of the degeneration, the wear and tear may have already taken place.

It's like so many health problems, the symptoms are the last to appear in the disease process, and are the first to leave.

Call our office for further information.

Dr. Rick Haas