Tag Archive for: Health

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Shortened Bake Sale Brings in Needed Funds for Severely Injured Washougal Teen

WASHOUGAL, WA — Local Friends and supporters of Charleigh Chaston and her family attended a bake sale at Washougal High School Tuesday to raise funds to offset the teenager’s medical expenses.

The bake sale was intended to be in conjunction with a car wash, but falling ash from the Eagle Creek Trail, and the Archer Mountain fires altered those plans.

Chaston, a 14-year-old Washougal teen, fell down 60 feet on August 22 while hiking Panther Falls with friends and family. She sustained multiple breaks in her legs, ankles, feet, pelvis and jawbones.

She was in the ICU through August 30, and is currently being treated in a pediatric unit. Chaston has already undergone several surgeries, and doctors are preparing her for more surgeries in the weeks to come.

She is expected to stay in the hospital at least another four weeks.

“It’s been awful,” said Koy Chaston, Charleigh’s brother. “My brother was there, along with a nurse and chiropractor, who were hiking on the trail. It’s a miracle her head, neck or spine weren’t injured. We’re grateful for all the people who came out to support her today.”

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Koy said his mother has not left Charleigh’s side since the accident.

Fundraiser organizers planned this event as a way to help the Chaston family pay for mounting medical expenses, as well as physical therapy treatments over the next several months. It will be a long recovery.

Charleigh Chaston Fundraising Site

Organizers also encourage donations be made to this site: https://sites.google.com/site/cheerforcharleigh/

All funds will go directly to the Chaston family.

 

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Protect Your Lungs From Wildfire Smoke Using Correct Face Mask

CAMAS, WA — Seeing people wear face masks while outdoors isn’t something we expected a few days ago, but it’s becoming common place. So, we did a little research about finding the right types.

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. If you have asthma or another lung disease, or heart disease, inhaling wildfire smoke can be especially harmful.

Staying indoors and reducing physical activity are the best ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, wearing a special mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Choose the Correct Mask to Protect Your Lungs

  • Choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies. Home Depot on 192nd Street sold out of them today.
  • Choose one that has two straps that go around your head. DO NOT choose a mask with only one strap or with straps that just hook over the ears.
  • Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. These masks do not come in sizes that fit young children.
  • Do not use bandanas (wet or dry), paper or surgical masks, or tissues held over the mouth or nose. These will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.
Masks

N95 particulate respirators WILL protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears.

How to Use a Mask

  • Place it over your nose and under your chin, with one strap placed below the ears and one strap above.
  • Pinch the metal part of the mask tightly over the top of your nose.
  • It fits best on clean shaven skin.
  • Throw out your mask when it gets harder to breathe through, or if the inside gets dirty. Use a new mask each day if you can.
  • It is harder to breathe through a mask, so take breaks often if you work outside.
  • If you feel dizzy or nauseated, go to a less smoky area, and take off your mask and get medical help.
  • If you have a heart or lung problem, ask your doctor before using a mask.

 

Mask

A surgical mask will NOT protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

For more information about protecting yourself from wildfire, please visit: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ 

Search for “Wildfire Smoke.”

Where to find the N95 masks?

We found the last ones today at Home Depot, and most hardware stores do carry them. We do know local stores are ordering more.

Reputable sites like www.amazon.com do have them in stock, and you can get 1-day delivery. Search for “N95 particulate respirators.”

Stay safe out there — and avoid the outdoors as much as possible.

 

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Choosing to Eat Healthy Fats

Remember the low-fat craze of the 90s? While fat has had a bad rap in the past, new research shows not all dietary fat is unhealthy.

Good vs. Bad Fats

Bad fats increase your risk for heart disease and negatively affect your cholesterol, while healthy fats protect your brain and heart.

Instead of adopting a no-fat diet, focus on swapping unhealthy fats for healthy ones.

All fats are high in calories, so the key is choosing healthy fats and practicing moderation. The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the US Department of Health and Human Services recommend the following:

  • Replace saturated fats with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
  • Limit saturated fats to less than 10 percent of calories a day.
  • Avoid trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, formed through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil to give foods a longer shelf life.

Eat These Foods

Eat more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These can have a positive impact on your heart health and include Omega-3 fatty acids. They are found in plant and seafood sources.

Examples:

  • Fish (salmon, trout, and tuna)
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Oils (canola, olive oil, soybean)

Proceed With Caution

Eat saturated fats in moderation. Too many saturated fats raise your total cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are typically found in animal products.

Examples:

  • Red meat
  • Full-fat dairy (milk, ice cream, cheese)
  • Processed meats
  • Lard
  • Fast food
  • Avoid these foods

The US Food and Drug Administration plans to ban trans fats, but current regulations allow food with small amounts of trans fats to be labeled “trans fat free.” Check the ingredient list on packaged foods and skip anything with partially hydrogenated oils.

Examples:

  • Biscuits
  • Margarine
  • Frozen pizza
  • Coffee creamer
  • Packaged pies
  • Fried fast food
  • Doughnuts
  • Microwave popcorn
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Health: Skin-Saving Tips To Prevent Cancer

With the current heat wave, it’s important to take care of your skin while you’re out and about.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting an estimated one in five Americans. The good news is that your chances of getting cancer are reduced by taking preventive action.

The two most common types of skin cancer — basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — are highly curable, but prevention is still your best option because treatment can be costly and leave scars. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous especially if not caught early.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

The ultraviolet portion of sunlight is an invisible form of radiation that can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing cancer.

Two Main Types of UV Rays — UVA and UVB

Both contribute to skin damage, including cancer, premature aging/wrinkling, cataracts and suppression of the immune system. UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, too. UV rays also reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

Even UV rays from artificial sources of light, like tanning beds, can cause cancer and should be avoided. If you first used a tanning bed before age 35, your risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent*.

Do Skin Care Checks on Yourself and Look for the ABCDs

Asymmetry — Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border irregularity — Cancers have uneven borders.

Color changes — Watch for varied shades of brown, tan, or black.

Diameter increases — Look for spots larger than a pencil eraser.

Visit Skincare.org to learn more about ABCDs and to view photos of types of skin cancer.

*Data from the Skin Care Cancer Foundation

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Health: Eat Right to Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is your immune system’s response to injury or infection. The inflammation process cleans out damaged tissue and sets the stage for healing to begin. But, if something interferes with the complex chemical balances of the immune system, the body fails to produce anti-inflammatory responses. In this case, inflammation becomes chronic.

Presented by Marc Davis, DC and Christina Alvira, DC

Dr. Davis and Dr. Christina are concerned about the negative effects of chronic inflammation, which range from allergies to life-threatening diseases. Headaches, back pain and neck pain may also be a sign of chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation also often manifests as an autoimmune condition, such as fibromyalgia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The body reacts to a non-existent threat and attacks its own tissues.

In other cases, chronic inflammation can be mild enough to go unnoticed yet cause significant cumulative damage over time to one or more organs or systems. The possible results can include cancer, heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis.

The Food Factor

Fortunately, along with regular chiropractic care, you can reduce or prevent out-of-control inflammation with smart food choices.

Research tells us that what we eat is directly associated with blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein is a key marker for measuring inflammation. A typical modern diet – heavy in refined grains, sweets and other processed foods – correlates with high CRP levels. Obesity, also rampant today, leads to higher levels of chronic inflammation (Arch Intern Med 2007;167:31-9).

Eating to prevent chronic inflammation is not complicated – an anti-inflammatory diet is in line with the smart food choices Dr. Davis and Dr. Christina already recommend for patients to maintain optimal wellness.

Beneficial Antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, and selenium. These nutrients protect cells from damaging chemicals called free radicals. In fact, antioxidant therapy shows great promise as a treatment for immunodeficiency conditions that arise from chronic inflammation. Intake of the antioxidants vitamins C and E, and selenium is associated with lower blood levels of CRP (Eur J Clin Nutr 2008;62:127-27).

Flavonoids are an array of chemicals found in foods, which also offer powerful antioxidant activity. Berries and cherries, for example, are a rich source of a flavonoid called anthocyanin. An investigation at the Harvard School of Public Health showed lower blood levels of CRP in women who regularly consume strawberries (J Am Coll Nutr 2007;26:303-10).

Carotenoids – responsible for the striking orange color of winter squashes, carrots and sweet potatoes – also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Other foods reputed to be rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants include asparagus, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, red wine and dark chocolate.

Vitamin D also regulates inflammation. Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin in response to sunlight and also occurs naturally in liver and fatty fish.

Vitamin K is anti-inflammatory as well, suppressing key chemicals in the inflammation process (Med Hypotheses 2010; Epub). Get vitamin K from dark leafy greens, eggs, meat and dairy products.

Whenever possible choose organic, locally produced foods. Pesticide residue may trigger inflammation.

Dairy, Eggs and Meat

Several animal products contain anti-inflammatory compounds. One that is receiving a lot of attention lately is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid abundant in meat and milk from grass-fed animals (J Dairy Sci 2000;83:1016-27).

CLA is also found in eggs, particularly those from free range birds. Research shows that CLA is a potent antioxidant with anti-cancer traits. In addition, CLA appears to combat inflammation and heart disease (Nutr Metab 2010;7:5).

An additional weapon against inflammation – a sugar molecule called oligosaccharide – is plentiful in goat’s milk. Oligosaccharides may also be responsible for goat milk’s superior digestibility over cow’s milk (Clin Nutr 2006;25:477-88).

Other anti-inflammatory dairy foods include lacto-fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir. Numerous scientific studies show that regular yogurt consumption reduces intestinal inflammation. Kefir, a yogurt-like beverage, also appears to decrease inflammation in people with asthma and tissue swelling (Immunology 2007;212:647-54).

In contrast, a diet high in red meat may instigate inflammation.

Foods

Young people having a good farm dinner.

 

The Facts on Essential Fatty Acids

The essential fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6 – are so named because they cannot be manufactured by the body. They must be obtained from food sources. Omega-6 functions to activate the immune system and trigger inflammation. On the other hand, omega-3 converts into powerful compounds that counteract the inflammatory response. Many modern health problems are blamed on a disproportionately high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in today’s Western diet.

The omega-3 known as docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important building block of the brain. DHA consumption is critical to prevent inflammation of the brain, a precursor to many diseases of the central nervous sustem (J Neurochem 2007;101:577).

Fish is the most prominent source of omega-3, particularly DHA. Choose wild fish over farmed fish to maximize the anti-inflammatory effects since the DHA comes from algae and plankton in their natural diet. For instance, research indicates that farmed tilapia and catfish have a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, compared with naturally raised varieties (J Am Diet Assoc 2008;108:1178-85).

When shopping for seafood, it is essential to steer clear of varieties with high leve4rls of mercury or other contaminates, which may lead to heavy metal poisoning. Swordfish, bluefish and some varieties of tuna are among the most highly contaminated. For a quick and easy way to search if your favorite seafood is safe, visit http://seafood.edf.org/guide/best .

Besides fish, some nuts and seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acid. They are particularly rich in a specific omega-3 called alphalinolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseeds, flaxseed oil and chia seeds are among the most potent sources of ALA, while walnuts contain a modest amount as well.

In contrast, many common vegetable oils are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6, which most of us need to reduce in our diets. These include palm, soybean, canola, and sunflower oils.

Spicy Solutions

Certain spices are revered around the world for their medicinal qualities. Two of these are proven effective against inflammation: turmeric and ginger.

Turmeric – responsible for curry powder’s yellow color – has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries to counteract inflammation. Modern research confirms that turmeric is particularly beneficial against rheumatoid arthritis (Arthritis Rheum 2006;54:3452-64).

Ginger is as effective at reducing swelling as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Research shows that is suppresses certain biochemical processes of chronic inflammation. Unlike conventional drugs, however, ginger has minimal side effects (J Med Food 2005;8:125-32).

Ongoing research indicates that a myriad of other herbs and spices may ward off inflammation. So it’s a good idea to cook with as many of these natural flavor boosters as possible.

Trans Fats & Sugar: Two to Avoid

When it comes to preventing chronic inflammation, two foods are best avoided altogether: Trans fats and sugar.

Trans fats are already an infamous nutritional villain. They are synthetically produced by adding hydrogen atoms to certain unsaturated fat molecules – hence they are also known as hydrogenated oils. A revealing study demonstrated up to 73 percent higher levels of the inflammation marker CRP in individuals in the top 25 percentile of trans fat consumption (J Nutr 2005;135:562-6). Common sources of trans fat to avoid include margarine, vegetable shortening and many processed foods.

Refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup found in many processed foods and drinks triggers spikes in blood sugar. These spikes lead to subsequently high insulin levels in the bloodstream. This causes hormonal changes that throw the immune systems out of balance and encourage inflammation. Research confirms that heavy consumption of sugar increases inflammation while a low-sugar diet can dramatically lower it (Physiol Behav 2010;100:47-54; Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82:421-7).

Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2017.

Dr. Marc Davis and Dr. Christina Alvira adjust patients at Davis Family Chiropractic & Massage, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events like us on Facebook or become a member of our website www.davisfamilychiro.com. To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis or Dr Christina, or to get information about having him speak at your club, church group or workplace, call (360) 823-2225. Mention “Lacamas Magazine” and “Free Scan” to get your Computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $95) for FREE (limited time offer).

To learn more, visit www.davisfamilychiro.com

2415 SE 165th Avenue, Suite 105

Vancouver, WA 98683

(360) 823-2225

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Health: Natural Solutions for Migraines

An occasional headache is an unpleasant nuisance, but a migraine brings everything to a screeching halt. While most remedies are drug-based, your doctors at Davis Family Chiropractic & Massage have discovered a number of effective, natural solutions.

Presented by Marc Davis, DC & Christina Alvira, DC

Do You Have Migraines?

First, the warning signs appear. Sometimes migraines are preceded by visual disturbances, known as “aura,” or tingling in one arm or leg. There is also often a deep ache beneath the eyes and forehead (Pain Med 2008; Epub). Then, throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity and vertigo ensue.

Migraines are generated by the contraction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain, perhaps due to fluctuating hormone levels. Never theories indicate genetic factors.

According to the Chiropractic Resource Organization, at least 18 million women and 5 million men in the United States suffer from migraine headaches. One study blames female sex hormones, along with environmental and cultural factors, for the gender imbalance (Med Hypotheses 2008; Epub).

Your doctor at Davis Family Chiropractic is using the latest research to find the most effective strategies for each individual patient who endures this debilitating problem. From alleviating pain to prevention, your doctor at Davis Family Chiropractic offers several drug-free options for migraine sufferers.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic patient receiving a cervical spine adjustment.

The Burden of Migraines

People who don’t endure migraines may not understand the enormity of the problem. In Taiwan alone, migraines account for 3.7 million annual sick days, at an economic cost of at least $4.6 billion (J Chin Med Assoc 2008;71:74-8).

Those with chronic migraines also experience a variety of related health issues. Along with special migraine drugs, migraineurs often take additional prescription medications, and suffer from a spectrum of gastrointestinal and psychiatric issues (Headache 2007;47:65-72).

Several studies suggest that this condition is seriously under- or misdiagnosed altogether. As a result, it’s also undertreated, which leads to self-medication (Headache 2008;430-41).

Scientists took a look at one typical patient who had been freely treating himself. He used caffeine suppositories and ergotamine, a prescribed migraine preventive, but frequently ended up in the emergency room. Eventually his migraine trigger was correctly diagnosed as related to muscle spasm in the neck, which, when treated, helped break the cycle of pain (J Neurosci Nurs 2007;39:213-6).

Limitations and Dangers of Migraine Drugs

Many diagnosed migraine sufferers turn to medication with potentially hazardous side effects. Prescriptions range widely and include barbiturates, narcotics, serotonin receptor agonists, beta blockers and anticonvulsants. But there are questions about the effectiveness of these drugs. Studies indicate that over the long term, they may actually make migraines worse. And they all harbor dangerous side effects.

Some migraine studies showed that up to 46 percent of participants had pain relief from what turned out to be the placebo (J Pediatr 2008;152:527-33). Because of this, nondrug treatments should be folded into every comprehensive plan that targets migraines (J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007;107:ES10-6).

Chiropractic Corrects Migraine Triggers

Chiropractors have long been aware that spinal conditions cause headaches, including episodic migraines (JVSR 2006;1-9). Specific spinal culprits include reduced neck mobility, forward head posture and the action of certain facial and occipital muscles (Headache 2007;37:33-9).

Many types of headaches, including migraines, are accompanied by discomfort of the neck muscles (Expert Rev Neurother 2005;5:355-62). Specifically, fatigue in the neck flexor muscles appears to be tied to headache occurrence (Eur J Pain 2007;11:764).

In addition, if there is restricted movement in the neck, or if the spinal bones (vertebrae) in the area are slightly out of place – a common problem known as vertebral subluxation – nerves may become irritated and can induce a migraine.

Research shows that chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation has clear benefits for migraine sufferers whose migraines are related to dysfunction in the spine of the neck (cervical spine) (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007;30:408-18). Neck exercises also help to prevent this type of problem.

Research Shows Chiropractic Alleviates Migraines

Chiropractors and other health-care practitioners often recommend physical management of the neck problems that cause migraines. In an extensive analysis of clinical trials, Harvard Medical School researchers compared results for physical therapy, massage and other nondrug options as remedies for headache.

Outcomes showed that chiropractic adjustments helped with tension-type headaches that have migraine-like symptoms (Headache 2005;45:738-46). This type of care was found to be safe, with no serious adverse events, in a review of more than 19,000 patients (Spine 2007;32:2375-8).

Other Natural Solutions

Your doctor of chiropractic may recommend that, as an adjunct to chiropractic adjustments, you consider other natural approaches. These may be particularly helpful for preventing migraines.

Acupuncture, for one, has been proven to be a genuine migraine cure (Curr Treat Options Neurol 2008;10:20-9).

Other alternative methods have met with some success. For example, in wet-cupping, a vacuum is created by placing a special cup over a superficial skin cut to draw out small amounts of blood. Wet-cupping may increase oxygen flow to a painful area, such as the neck.

In one analysis, this ancient Chinese technique was credited with reducing migraine severity by 66 percent. It also lowered the monthly number of “headache days” for test participants (Am J Chin Med 2008;36:37-44).

Hypnosis, relaxation, skin-warming, biofeedback, endurance training and physical therapy have also been shown to work.

Aromatherapy is also recommended, with applications of essential oils to the “pressure points” on the face and neck. Try oil of peppermint, marjoram and lavender.

Finally, doctors of chiropractic often suggest:

  • Taking a warm bath or shower
  • Resting in a dark room
  • Applying a cold compress to the forehead or back of the neck
  • Drinking fruit juice, especially tomato juice
  • Massaging the face, head, neck and shoulders

Supplements for Headache Pain and Prevention

Your doctor of chiropractic may also suggest dietary supplements in conjunction with chiropractic care. For example:

Feverfew: The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) reduces migraine pain and frequency.

Butterbur: Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is thought to prevent migraines.

Magnesium: Some older studies have linked migraine incidence to magnesium deficiency. Supplementing with this naturally occurring mineral is still thought to help reduce severity and frequency of migraine events (Headache 2003;6:601-10).

5-Hydroxytryptophan: (5-HTP): 5-HTP is an amino acid compound produced by the body to help make two important neurotransmitters: serotonin and melatonin. Also available as a supplement made from Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP may also prevent migraines, reduce their duration and lessen their overall impact.

Vitamin B3: While some people complain that niacin, or vitamin B3, sometimes causes facial flushing, it is exactly this mechanism that may relieve the blood flow disruption that brings on migraines.

Reishi: For some individuals, reishi mushroom applications work against headache pain.

Note: Always talk with your doctor before beginning any supplementation program.

Put an End to Migraine Misery

If you have migraines, don’t wait for the sinking realization that your next headache is on its way. Empower yourself by talking to a chiropractor about a preventive care program. Davis Family Chiropractic & Massage is here to help! (360)823-2225

Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2017.

Dr. Marc Davis and Dr. Christina Alvira adjust patients at Davis Family Chiropractic & Massage, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events like us on Facebook or become a member of our website www.davisfamilychiro.com. To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis or Dr Christina, or to get information about having him speak at your club, church group or workplace, call (360) 823-2225. Mention “LacamasMagazine” and “Free Scan” to get your Computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $95) for FREE (limited time offer).

 

Dr. Marc Davis & Dr Christina Alvira

DAVIS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND MASSAGE, PLLC

To learn more, visit: www.davisfamilychiro.com

“For a Lifetime of Standing Tall!”

2415 SE 165TH Avenue, Suite 105

Vancouver, WA 98683

(360) 823-2225

 

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Vancouver Clinic Promotes Nat’l Healthcare Decisions Day

Hundreds of Providers and Staff Take Pledge, Prepare to Educate Patients about Crisis Healthcare Decisions

VANCOUVER, WA — In anticipation of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, 2016, The Vancouver Clinic (TVC) prepared hundreds of providers and staff to educate patients on the importance of advance care planning this week. Advanced care planning is a process of individuals communicating their wishes about the medical care that they would or would not want to family and healthcare providers. It also involves individuals determining who will make healthcare decisions on their behalf in the event of a tragedy or sudden major illness during which they could not speak for themselves.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a growing, nationwide campaign to raise awareness among medical providers and the public about the importance of advanced care planning. Through healthcare directives, such as a living will and designating a power of attorney for healthcare, individuals can ensure that those they trust the most are empowered to make crisis healthcare decisions for them that align with their values and wishes.

“Accidents and acute illnesses can happen to anyone at any time, but many families have not adequately planned ahead for such circumstances,” said TVC palliative care specialist Dr. Lynda Tang. “As Clark County’s top healthcare provider, The Vancouver Clinic has a unique opportunity to educate and prepare our patients for the future.”

Healthcare Decisions Education

According to Dr. Tang, the process of engaging patients on advanced care planning starts with making sure TVC’s medical providers and staff are knowledgeable on this critical issue, as well as leading by example. For this reason, Healthcare Decisions Day events aimed at educating employees on the importance of advanced care planning were hosted by TVC at five locations in Vancouver and Battle Ground, with events scheduled for the end of April in Washougal. More than 700 providers and staff participated in the events and signed a pledge to discuss related healthcare decision-making with their own families and friends.

“Healthcare professionals are on the frontlines of patient care and experience firsthand the challenges faced by many families unprepared for decision-making during medical emergencies. We have a tremendous opportunity to engage patients and their loved ones in facilitating related discussions before it’s too late,” said Dr. Tang. “Our events were a positive step forward in educating our providers and staff for their own benefit and for the benefit of our patients.”

To learn more about National Healthcare Decisions Day, visit http://www.nhdd.org/#welcome.

About The Vancouver Clinic
The Vancouver Clinic (TVC) has served residents of Southwest Washington since 1936, and is the largest private multi-specialty clinic in Clark County with over 250 providers and 1,100 staff. TVC operates five clinics across Vancouver, Battle Ground and Washougal, and provides 40 medical specialties. Its mission is to be the best in the Northwest for patient-focused, quality-proven care. For more information, visit www.tvc.org.

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Chiropractic Approach to Ending Migraine Pain

Migraine headache pain can be excruciating: making accomplishing even the simplest of tasks daunting. The good news is that chiropractors offer all-natural solutions to this often-debilitating condition.

Chiropractor

Dr. Marc Davis

Presented by Dr. Marc Davis, DC, Wellness Expert

Dr. Davis is concerned about the increased prevalence of migraines and the growing number of sufferers who turn to prescription and non-prescription drugs to mitigate their pain: unaware of the potentially dangerous side effects.

Medication for migraines also has a marginal track record, according to numerous researchers. As one major study concluded, “Predictably reliable treatment for most headache types is often lacking” (Headache 2006; 46:212-20).

Not only that, medication may actually worsen headaches over the long term, transforming an acute disorder into a chronic one.

According to German researchers, medication-overuse headache (MOH) accounts for approximately 50 percent of all chronic headaches. The only known strategy to reduce the prevalence of MOH? Prevent its development “by restriction of anti-headache drugs and constant education of patients” (Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9:430-5)

Basic Symptoms

Dr. Davis explains to patients that most migraines begin as a dull ache that develops into a constant, throbbing and pulsating pain felt at the temples, beneath one eye, and the front or back of one side of the head.

Migraines may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.

Common Types of Migraine

The two most common forms of migraine are migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

When a migraine headache is preceded by visual changes—such as wavy or jagged lines, dots, or flashing lights—the phenomena is known as an “aura.” Researchers estimate that approximately one-third of migraine sufferers experience an aura prior to headache pain.

Other types of auras include tunnel vision or blind spots in one or both eyes. The National Headache Foundation notes that “Aura can include vision or hearing hallucinations and disruptions in smell (such as strange odors), taste or touch. It can become even more disconcerting or frightening if it involves feelings of numbness, a ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation or even difficulty in recalling words or speaking the correct word. These neurological events may last sixty minutes and will fade as the headache begins.”

The Chiropractic Approach

When spinal bones (vertebrae) become misaligned, it sparks a condition known as vertebral subluxation.

Dr. Davis corrects vertebral subluxation with safe, gentle maneuvers known as chiropractic adjustments.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, earache and low-back pain are among the numerous conditions tied to vertebral subluxation. This common condition is also linked with neck pain and migraine headache.

Migraine

There is a chiropractic approach to treatment of migraine headaches.

 

Research Shows Chiropractic Quells Migraine

Scientific studies show that chiropractic may prevent migraine headaches. For instance, in one analysis involving 127 volunteers suffering from regularly occurring migraine headaches, 83 underwent chiropractic care over a two-month period. The remaining volunteers did not.

At the end of two months, those who received chiropractic care “showed statistically significant improvement in migraine frequency, duration, disability and medication use when compared with the control group” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000; 23:91).

A similar analysis of 218 migraine sufferers was equally impressive. After eight weeks of either chiropractic care, the common migraine drug amitriptyline, or a combination of the two treatments, the chiropractic-only group had 40 percent fewer migraines. Researchers concluded that “there was no advantage to combining amitriptyline and spinal manipulation for the treatment of migraine headache.”

What’s more, researchers noted that –unlike drugs—there were no side effects linked to chiropractic.
“It [chiropractic care] should be considered a treatment option for patients with frequent migraine headaches” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998; 21:511-19).

Chiropractic care is equally beneficial when migraines are sparked by injury. Take the case of a 23-year-old male patient who fell on his head from a height of ten feet. Following the accident, he began experiencing bipolar-disorder symptoms, sleep disturbances, seizures, neck pain and back pain. The patient also began enduring migraine headaches.

A chiropractic evaluation revealed a vertebral subluxation in the patient’s upper neck (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004; 27:E5).

After one month of chiropractic care, the patient reported an absence of seizures and manic episodes, along with improved sleep patterns. After four months of care, seizures and manic episodes remained absent and migraine headaches were reduced from three per week to two per month.

And, following seven months of care, the patient reported the complete absence of all symptoms.

Prevent Migraine

The chiropractic approach to ending migraines focuses on prevention. Along with spinal manipulations to ward off subluxations, the following strategies are often suggested:

Reduce Stress

According to researchers, “stress has repeatedly been shown to trigger acute migraine attacks” (Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2003; 53:432-9).

Manage stress by incorporating relaxation-inducing techniques into your daily routine, such as aerobic exercise, T’ai Chi, yoga, biofeedback, meditation, prayer or breathing exercises.

Engage in Aerobic Exercise

According to researchers in Switzerland, cardiovascular-friendly exercise may keep migraines at bay (Curr Sports Med Rep 2006; 5:29-33).

Results were clearly impressive when 40 migraine sufferers without aura exercised on a treadmill for six weeks. In every case, exercise had beneficial effects on all migraine symptoms. What’s more, it increased endorphin levels—the “feel good” hormone known to block pain (Cephalalgia 2003; 23:972-6).

Consider Dietary Supplements

Numerous studies show that vitamins and minerals may also help stave off migraine headache.

B-complex vitamins in particular may be beneficial. For instance, in one analysis, 400 mg per day of riboflavin (vitamin ) slashed the incidence of migraine headache among participants by a whopping 50 percent. “The effect of riboflavin on migraine began at one month but was maximal at three months.” Migraine attacks, when they did occur, were also shorter in duration (J Fam Pract 2006; 55:62).

The same publication also showed that magnesium reduced the frequency of migraine headache by 41.6 percent. Relief began after nine to 12 weeks of 600 mg per day.

Although controversial due to possible side-effects, research indicates that the herbs feverfew and butterbur prevent migraines.

Note: Always check with your doctor of chiropractic before beginning any dietary supplements regime.

Get Plenty of Sleep

The relationship between headache and sleep is well documented. That’s why doctors of chiropractic urge patients to get plenty of Zzzzzs every night!

In a study of 1,283 migraine sufferers, sleep complaints were common and associated with headache. “Migraines were triggered by sleep disturbance in 50 percent of patients,” with 71 percent reporting headaches severe enough to wake them from a sound sleep (Headache 2005; 45:904-10).

Beware of Food Triggers

A number of dietary factors can spark migraine headaches, including:

  • Alcohol and caffeine withdrawal
  • Skipping meals
  • Dehydration
  • Sulfites in red wine
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Aspartame (NutraSweet®)
  • Processed meat products
  • Yeast-containing bakery products
  • Meat tenderizers

Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2016.

Dr. Marc Davis adjusts patients at Davis Family Chiropractic, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events like us on Facebook or become a member of our website www.davisfamilychiro.com.

To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis, or to get information about having him speak at your club, church group or workplace, call (360) 823-2225. Mention “LacamasMagazine” and “Free Scan” to get your Computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $210) for FREE (limited time offer).

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Further Research on the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

There is little to debate about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids anymore. The American Heart Association has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health in healthy people as well as those with cardiovascular disease. By allowing oxygen flow into our cells. In addition to lowering blood pressure, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats and triglyceride levels, A recent European study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association, has provided further evidence for the benefits of omega-3s. The study suggests that patients with existing coronary artery disease who supplemented with fish oil after a stent placement have a reduced risk of heart problems. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the patients who received a blood-thinning medication with omega-3 fatty acids produced less clot-promoting thrombin and had larger pores, which makes existing clots easier to degrade, than those only receiving the blood-thinning medication.

A clear explanation of how omega-3 fatty acids affect blood clots has not been verified; however, doctors suspect it is due to their antioxidant properties. I suspect it is also due to the fact that omega 3 oils also decrease the stickiness of the platelets. It is important to note that they do not take away the body’s ability to form clots, which is crucial in order to heal wounds; rather, they simply boost the body’s ability to break the clot up.

Fish oil is making its way to the forefront of preventative treatments, and not just for their well-studied effects on heart health. Studies have linked fish oil supplements to a decreased risk of postpartum depression, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimers, muscular degeneration in cancer patients, and the list continues. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that cannot be produced by our bodies and are therefore one of the nutrients that we must get from our diet. I use 1 tbs of Lemon flavored cod liver oil (3300mg Omega 3) with every patient. I believe that prevention has a 100% cure rate and fish oil is one part of my prevention program.

Cynthia Bye, ND
http://www.cynthiabye.com

 

Omega-3

Research continues to show benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.

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Essential Oil Spotlight: Frankincense

Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary health benefits.* In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used its resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin. This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of imperfections. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular function.* When inhaled or diffused, this essential oil promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.

Essential Oil

Frankincense has many health benefits

Application:
Aromatic, Topical, Internal, Neat

Extraction Method:
Steam distillation

Aromatic Description:
Warm, spicy, clean

Main Chemical Components:
α-pinene , limonene, α-thujene

Plant Part:
Resin from Boswellia carterii, frereana, and sacra

Primary Benefits of Frankincense

  • Supports healthy cellular function*
  • Promotes feelings of relaxation
  • Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections

Uses

Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening for a warming and soothing effect.

Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections.

Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood.

Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function.*

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.

Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

To learn more, visit www.doterra.com

 

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