In this month’s newsletter:
This month’s E-Newsletter contains information on chiropractic care for pregnant women, a sweet potato chocolate chip cookie recipe, injury prevention advice for young athletes, and more. Please take a moment to share the newsletter with friends via Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using the links at the bottom of the page.
Chiropractic Care is Great for Pregnant Women
I am often asked if chiropractic care is possible for pregnant women. Not only is it possible, it is highly recommended. In fact, several of my clients have been referred by their OB/GYN doctors. Back pain is one of the most frequent symptoms women experience during pregnancy. While adjustments are helpful for this issue, there are even better reasons to receive chiropractic care during pregnancy.
An expectant mother’s body goes through a significant transformation, with balance, center of gravity, and weight changes. These all have musculoskeletal and neurological implications. We want women’s bodies to be aligned optimally for delivery.
Perhaps the most interesting and impactful part of chiropractic care during pregnancy is the ability to help the baby position properly for a natural birth, facing down. The Webster Technique, which involves assessing and adjusting the sacrum, has been shown to reduce ligament tension on the uterus and allow the baby to more easily shift into proper birthing position. It is a gentle technique for mom and baby. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is to help a mom avoid a c-section due to breech presentation.
Research also shows women utilizing chiropractic care during pregnancy report less pain during the delivery process and shorter delivery times by 25-31%.
Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James Andrews has Advice for Young Athletes
Many of you who follow pro sports may recognize the name Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Andrews is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alabama. Athletes like Robert Griffin III, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, and many more choose this doctor to repair torn ligaments and injured joints. This article features an interview with Dr. Andrews. He gives a number of suggestions for young athletes and teens to stay healthy and reduce the chances of needing surgery. Some of his tips include:
- Kids should have at least 2 months off from sport-specific training, preferably 3-4 months each year.
- Youngsters should not throw curveballs until they can shave.
Are Double Mastectomies Preventative Healthcare for Women?
Angelina Jolie is amongst a group of women who are opting to have their breasts removed to prevent the possibility of developing breast cancer. These women have had their genes tested to determine a ‘percent chance’ of developing the disease.
As a man, I cannot relate to every aspect of this decision for a woman. I encourage everyone to educate themselves on ALL health issues they face so they can confidently choose what is best for them.
With that said, I feel there is a misunderstanding of genetics and of cancer that could cause more women to take this rather extreme step. Dr. Mercola wrote a good article which explains some of the issues with the ‘preventative mastectomy’.
It is important to remember that we have millions of possibilities in our genetic code. We have within us genes for all sorts of diseases. Just because we have certain genes, does not mean that every gene will be expressed, or activated. Many factors, including lifestyle choices, contribute to which genes will ultimately be expressed.
Similarly, some cancer cells are in everyone. When our immune system is functioning as it should, it is able to defend and limit the growth of these cells. When our bodies cannot control the growth of cancer cells, this is when we are in trouble.
If you would like to learn more about genetics, or epigenetics (the study of what activates genes), I recommend Bruce Lipton’s book or Candace Pert’s book.
Office Closed on Independence Day
The office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day.
Recipe of the Month: Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies
My friend Heather introduced me to these delicious treats. Dina, my wife, liked them so much that she decided to bake several dozen for our recent wedding. I bet you will enjoy them as much as we do. They are soft and moist and a healthier version of a classic dessert.
Ingredients and Supplies
You will need: baking pan, parchment paper, large bowl, food processor or blender, medium pot, mixing spoon.
2 cups pureed sweet potato (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup oat flour (can be sub. with coconut or almond flour)
1/2 cup nut butter
2 eggs
3 T maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp clove
1 tsp cacao powder
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Boil a medium pot of water. Peel and dice sweet potatoes, add to water. Cook till they can be easily forked. Once they are done add to the food processor and pulse till smooth. Let cool.
2. Mix dry ingredients- oat flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the nut butter with a fork or a pastry cutter if you have one.
3. Add eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix in sweet potato and then chocolate chips. (You may need to add a bit extra flour or flax seeds to thicken here)
4. Scoop onto parchment paper or foil lined baking sheet. Then press down with a fork.
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes. These cookies keep well in the fridge.
Please contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions. Make it a great month!