People seem to take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil like candy. While these medicines are relatively safe for short-term use, many people take them daily with no awareness of the possible side effects.
The most common side effects of these meds deal with damage to the gastrointestinal system, primarily the stomach and liver. Long term use of many of these drugs can cause serious disfunction and/or damage to these organs.
What many people do not realize is that, most of the time, the medicines are merely masking their symptoms and not fixing the cause of their pain/discomfort. Addressing the cause is vital to long-term pain relief!
Additionally, there are many natural herbs and supplements that can be used in place of OTC painkillers. These natural remedies have far fewer and less severe side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. For example, willow bark is a natural painkiller that is chemically similar to aspirin. However, willow bark is not digested in the stomach. This leads to a far less likely risk of ulcers.
Be sure to ask your health care provider what alternatives to OTC medications are available to you and make your health a priority!
For more information on this topic, follow this link for an interesting article on peoples' awareness of OTC medications: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/otc-medicine-side-effects.html.
For more information on this topic or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Zinc may help fight the common cold afterall!
A new review of previous studies on the effectiveness of zinc has been released. The review was performed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The most important part of this review, in their own words, is that "zinc supplementation for at least five months reduces incidence, school absenteeism and prescription of antibiotics for children with the common cold."
In addition to zinc, taking vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D have been shown to help fight the common cold. Various supplements, such as echinacea and probiotics, can help keep you healthy as well. Some of these will have side effects if taken inappropriately, so make sure to do your homework and talk to your doctor before starting any regiment of vitamins or supplements.
Still, there are some basic strategies that must be followed to ensure your immune system is running efficiently. First, be sure to get consistant sleep. There are some studies that say you need 8 hours of sleep, others state only 6 hours are needed. The important aspect of sleep is getting to bed at roughly the same time and getting up at the same time...day in and day out! Also, diet plays a crucial role in immunity. Make sure to eat fresh foods, particularly fruits and dark green veggies. Stay away from processed and fast foods. These foods will simply stress your immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses. Instead, try to eat lean meats and fresh-water fish. As always, make sure to drink plenty of water!
With flu-season still upon us, be sure to wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when coughing! These are just a few tips for staying healthy through the cold winter months!
If you would like more information about the zinc review, please follow this link: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/zinc-for-common-cold.html.
If you have any further questions about how to keep yourself healthy this year, please call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com.
In addition to zinc, taking vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D have been shown to help fight the common cold. Various supplements, such as echinacea and probiotics, can help keep you healthy as well. Some of these will have side effects if taken inappropriately, so make sure to do your homework and talk to your doctor before starting any regiment of vitamins or supplements.
Still, there are some basic strategies that must be followed to ensure your immune system is running efficiently. First, be sure to get consistant sleep. There are some studies that say you need 8 hours of sleep, others state only 6 hours are needed. The important aspect of sleep is getting to bed at roughly the same time and getting up at the same time...day in and day out! Also, diet plays a crucial role in immunity. Make sure to eat fresh foods, particularly fruits and dark green veggies. Stay away from processed and fast foods. These foods will simply stress your immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses. Instead, try to eat lean meats and fresh-water fish. As always, make sure to drink plenty of water!
With flu-season still upon us, be sure to wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when coughing! These are just a few tips for staying healthy through the cold winter months!
If you would like more information about the zinc review, please follow this link: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/zinc-for-common-cold.html.
If you have any further questions about how to keep yourself healthy this year, please call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Do Your Meds Have Side Effects?
I was talking to my mother the other day about a relative who suffers from chronic heart disease. This relative is on numerous medications for such things as high blood pressure and cholesterol. This is certainly understandable as many prescription medications on the market today have been shown to greatly reduce risks associated with such conditions as heart disease. However, every medication has a price. The price for my relative was unbearable muscle soreness. After consulting his physician, the medication was changed. The surprising fact is that his medication wasn't changed because of the muscle pain, but rather his physician told him that the medication causing his pain may not be very effective at treating heart disease (more on that later).
Most patients who suffer from heart disease are most certainly on a medication to lower cholesterol. The leading class of these drugs are referred to as statin drugs. It is well accepted that statin drugs do a terrific job in lowering LDL levels (bad cholesterol) in individuals. What often is not addressed are the serious side effects that can go along with statin drugs. Besides for muscle pains like my relative experienced, side effects include liver damage, digestive problems and neurological side effects. If a person is aware that these side effects can occur, they will not be caught off-guard when they experience them.
Back to my relative coming off of his statin drug. I researched the particular drug and found that some studies have indicated that it shows no benefit to either lowering cholesterol or preventing heart disease. I simply wonder why this drug is being prescribed at the large amounts it is without proof of its effectiveness? I think that drugs like these that have the potential for serious side effects must be shown without a shadow of doubt to be beneficial to patients. If that benefit cannot be substantiated, then they should be pulled off the market. At the very least, doctors prescribing these drugs should have a high standard for the medications their patients receive.
I am not suggesting to avoid drugs such as statin drugs, but do educate yourself and have a conversation with your doctor. Along with your physician, decide on the appropriate way to treat you condition(s). Sometimes this decision may be to do nothing at all, and that's ok. The general perception is that todays drugs make us healthier and, while many have life-changing benefits, that may not always be the case.
If you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600. As always, check us out at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com!
Most patients who suffer from heart disease are most certainly on a medication to lower cholesterol. The leading class of these drugs are referred to as statin drugs. It is well accepted that statin drugs do a terrific job in lowering LDL levels (bad cholesterol) in individuals. What often is not addressed are the serious side effects that can go along with statin drugs. Besides for muscle pains like my relative experienced, side effects include liver damage, digestive problems and neurological side effects. If a person is aware that these side effects can occur, they will not be caught off-guard when they experience them.
Back to my relative coming off of his statin drug. I researched the particular drug and found that some studies have indicated that it shows no benefit to either lowering cholesterol or preventing heart disease. I simply wonder why this drug is being prescribed at the large amounts it is without proof of its effectiveness? I think that drugs like these that have the potential for serious side effects must be shown without a shadow of doubt to be beneficial to patients. If that benefit cannot be substantiated, then they should be pulled off the market. At the very least, doctors prescribing these drugs should have a high standard for the medications their patients receive.
I am not suggesting to avoid drugs such as statin drugs, but do educate yourself and have a conversation with your doctor. Along with your physician, decide on the appropriate way to treat you condition(s). Sometimes this decision may be to do nothing at all, and that's ok. The general perception is that todays drugs make us healthier and, while many have life-changing benefits, that may not always be the case.
If you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600. As always, check us out at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com!
Friday, January 7, 2011
DNA test may help predict progression of scoliosis in children
A relatively new test is now available that may help save many children with mild scoliosis unnecesary treatment. The test looks at various genetic markers and can help determine the appropriate treatment. The test is currently being used on 9-13 year old girls with a scoliotic curve of 10-25 degrees. A low score in this test can indicate that further treatment is not needed.
The typically treatment for scoliosis prior to this new test is frequent examinations and x-rays to monitor the progression of the abnormal curve. Patients in the at-risk category are commonly fitted with a brace that is worn nearly all of the time. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop curve progression. This new test can help doctors determine which patients should be braced (a socially awkward scenario for growing teens).
In addition to typical medical treatments that focus on limiting the progression of scoliosis but fail to address the symptomatic aspect of the disease, chiropractic treatment for scoliosis can be very benefitial to ensure the proper function of the spinal joints. Scoliotic patients often have various aches and pains caused by the abnormal curve. Chiropractic can help alleviate much of the discomfort caused by scoliosis.
If you would like to read more about the new DNA test, follow this link: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/dna-test-for-scoliosis.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com!
The typically treatment for scoliosis prior to this new test is frequent examinations and x-rays to monitor the progression of the abnormal curve. Patients in the at-risk category are commonly fitted with a brace that is worn nearly all of the time. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop curve progression. This new test can help doctors determine which patients should be braced (a socially awkward scenario for growing teens).
In addition to typical medical treatments that focus on limiting the progression of scoliosis but fail to address the symptomatic aspect of the disease, chiropractic treatment for scoliosis can be very benefitial to ensure the proper function of the spinal joints. Scoliotic patients often have various aches and pains caused by the abnormal curve. Chiropractic can help alleviate much of the discomfort caused by scoliosis.
If you would like to read more about the new DNA test, follow this link: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/dna-test-for-scoliosis.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Are New Vitamin D Recommendations Good Enough?
Earlier this year, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) put out new recommendations on Vitamin D supplementation. While the institute did raise the daily recommendations of the vitamin in every age group, many experts still feel that the recommended daily amounts are too low. Basically, they now recommend between 600-800 IU/day for adults. This approximately doubles the previous recommendations but is nowhere near the 2,000-4,000 many experts recommend.
Vitamin D is vital in many processes in the body. Some Vitamin D is obtained from food, but most comes from exposure to sun. For individuals with limited sun exposure or those that live in less sunny climates, supplementation is needed to reach appropriate daily doses of the vitamin. Some of the reported benefits of Vitamin D include decreased risk of cancer, weight control, prevention of osteoporosis, increased immunity and better brain function with aging.
The debate over how much Vitamin D is needed daily will continue between experts. Important to note is that each individuals need may vary depending on age, race, where they live and their overall health status. It is important for individuals to discuss vitamin D with their doctors and take the appropriate steps to proper supplementation.
If you would like to read more about the new Vitamin D recommendations, follow this link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/vitamin-d-recommendations.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
Vitamin D is vital in many processes in the body. Some Vitamin D is obtained from food, but most comes from exposure to sun. For individuals with limited sun exposure or those that live in less sunny climates, supplementation is needed to reach appropriate daily doses of the vitamin. Some of the reported benefits of Vitamin D include decreased risk of cancer, weight control, prevention of osteoporosis, increased immunity and better brain function with aging.
The debate over how much Vitamin D is needed daily will continue between experts. Important to note is that each individuals need may vary depending on age, race, where they live and their overall health status. It is important for individuals to discuss vitamin D with their doctors and take the appropriate steps to proper supplementation.
If you would like to read more about the new Vitamin D recommendations, follow this link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/vitamin-d-recommendations.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Acupuncture shown to help with migraines and tension headaches.
A systemic review of two recently-published studies about acupuncture use for headaches was performed in 2009. The studies showed that people suffering from both migraine headaches and tension headaches respond well to acupuncture treatment. Subjects that received acupuncture had a lower occurrence rate of headaches as well as less severe headaches than those in the control group! Both of these studies were large studies that may help further demonstrate the many benefits of acupuncture.
If you would like to read more about these studies, please use the following link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/acupuncture-for-headaches.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or acupuncture in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
If you would like to read more about these studies, please use the following link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/acupuncture-for-headaches.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or acupuncture in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
Friday, August 6, 2010
FDA warns about Antibiotics in Meat!
I was recently watching an episode of Law & Order: SVU and the police in the show were investigating the murder of someone who was filming a documentary about a meat company. The show became fairly far-fetched in the story line, but the moral of the episode was to be wary of what companies are doing to the foods we eat.
A major problem with the food industry today is that companies sacrifice quality of food for quantity produced. Farm animals are given antibiotics to keep them alive so that they can grow to enormous sizes. However, these antibiotics are then passed through the animals to humans.
One of the major consequences of giving animals these antibiotics is the possibility of producing bacteria that is resistant to certain drugs. These "super bugs" can cause huge problems, especially in hospital settings.
The best resource for people wanting to know what they are eating is knowledge. We must continually research what is being done to our food and how we should eat. Everyone has an opinion on the subject, and no one can agree what is/isn't harmful to humans. A couple of books that can be helpful are by the author Michael Pollan. They are called "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food." The first explains, in Mr. Pollan's opinion, what is wrong with the food industry and the second tells us how we should eat. Both books will give you insight on the food industry and make you think the next time you are in the supermarket.
The FDA has recently given their opinion on antibiotics in meat. The following link is for an article in which the FDA calls antibiotics in meat a 'serious public health threat:' http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/antibiotics-in-meat.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or chiropractic care in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
A major problem with the food industry today is that companies sacrifice quality of food for quantity produced. Farm animals are given antibiotics to keep them alive so that they can grow to enormous sizes. However, these antibiotics are then passed through the animals to humans.
One of the major consequences of giving animals these antibiotics is the possibility of producing bacteria that is resistant to certain drugs. These "super bugs" can cause huge problems, especially in hospital settings.
The best resource for people wanting to know what they are eating is knowledge. We must continually research what is being done to our food and how we should eat. Everyone has an opinion on the subject, and no one can agree what is/isn't harmful to humans. A couple of books that can be helpful are by the author Michael Pollan. They are called "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food." The first explains, in Mr. Pollan's opinion, what is wrong with the food industry and the second tells us how we should eat. Both books will give you insight on the food industry and make you think the next time you are in the supermarket.
The FDA has recently given their opinion on antibiotics in meat. The following link is for an article in which the FDA calls antibiotics in meat a 'serious public health threat:' http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/antibiotics-in-meat.html.
If you have any questions regarding this topic or chiropractic care in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!
Friday, June 11, 2010
New acupuncture study released!
A recent study has given some insight on how acupuncture helps with pain relief. The study, published in the journal Nature Neurosciences, indicates that the insertion of acupuncture needles helps to release natural pain killers in the body. The tests show an increase in adenosine, which helps control inflammation (and therefore pain) in the body. This demonstrates to many skeptics that acupuncture is not simply a "placebo treatment."
You can read more about this study by clicking on the following link: www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/acupuncture-pain-relief.html.
If you have any questions regarding this article or acupuncture in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.healinghandsofskokie.com/!
You can read more about this study by clicking on the following link: www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/acupuncture-pain-relief.html.
If you have any questions regarding this article or acupuncture in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.healinghandsofskokie.com/!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Chiropractic in Sports
In today's society, the trend in health care is moving into a more pro-active, preventative approach to sickness and disease. The rationale is that spending a little more money up front to prevent serious disease will cost us less and be less traumatic in the future. The chiropractic community has used this approach for decades. Chiropractic is based on keeping the body functioning at an optimum to prevent disease processes and injuries from occurring.
Because of the unique ability of chiropractic to help prevent injuries, athletes and teams from every major sport now utilize chiropractic services. Perhaps there is no better spokesperson for chiropractic than Hall of Fame football player Jerry Rice. Chiropractic helped him to achieve his goals in both sport and life. Those goals led to him being the all-time leader in touchdowns in NFL history!
In the following video, Jerry Rice describes how chiropractic has helped him:
For more information on how chiropractic can help you, please feel free to visit our website at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com or call us at (847) 673-6600!
-Dr. Dan Wiewel
Because of the unique ability of chiropractic to help prevent injuries, athletes and teams from every major sport now utilize chiropractic services. Perhaps there is no better spokesperson for chiropractic than Hall of Fame football player Jerry Rice. Chiropractic helped him to achieve his goals in both sport and life. Those goals led to him being the all-time leader in touchdowns in NFL history!
In the following video, Jerry Rice describes how chiropractic has helped him:
For more information on how chiropractic can help you, please feel free to visit our website at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com or call us at (847) 673-6600!
-Dr. Dan Wiewel
Friday, February 12, 2010
Massage Therapy Now Available!
Massage therapists are now taking appointments at Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center! Our therapists are experts in the field of massage and offer services such as Swedish, deep tissue and prenatal massage.
Our prices are very affordable and are, in fact, much lower than spa's in the Skokie area. Also, many insurance plans have benefits that could cover massage therapy. Please call for details!
For more information about massage services at Healing Hands including pricing, please call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit www.healinghandsofskokie.com/massage.html.
Our prices are very affordable and are, in fact, much lower than spa's in the Skokie area. Also, many insurance plans have benefits that could cover massage therapy. Please call for details!
For more information about massage services at Healing Hands including pricing, please call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit www.healinghandsofskokie.com/massage.html.
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