Homeless on Christmas

Christmas Day 2011. The rain fell and the wind blew. It was bleak. Not the kind of morning that invited being outdoors. Yet men, women and children lined up outside the Georgia World Congress Center. They waited for some warmth, some food and some relief from life on the streets and shelters of downtown Atlanta. I set up my portable chiropractic table inside and waited for them, along side my colleague Winston Carhee, Jr. of Atlanta. We were part of the volunteer chiropractors for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless.

Homelessness may seem foreign to most of us, but it lingers as a real threat to millions. All it can take is the loss of a job, a broken down vehicle, an illness or a broken family relationship. People that don't have savings or family/friends that can take them in wind up on the street. One young man stood out to me. He was 24 years old, suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder. He got out of prison 3 weeks ago, then got in a car wreck 2 weeks ago. He was hobbling around with pain and muscle spasms. After a brief examination to make sure he didn't have any spinal instability, I gave him his first chiropractic adjustment. Afterwards he smiled, gave me the thumbs-up and said he could walk all day now (which you have to do to keep warm in the wind and the rain).

I felt sad for him, but glad that I was able to make his life a little better. The number one way to help the poor is to make sure that you do not become one of them. The next best way is to be thankful, and extend yourself through your time or financial resources to help bring others up.

What are your ideas on helping the poor and homeless?

Changes, Challenges and Celebrations

For many of us 2011 has been a year of Changes, Challenges and Celebrations too.

This year I Celebrated my 25th year in the Chiropractic profession. A career choice that I made after working as a Wilderness Challenge Instructor with troubled youth in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I look forward to continuing to practice here far into my next quarter century of service.

Changes that we have seen in the practice this year include the addition of Carrie as our Front Desk Chiropractic Assistant. Carrie comes to us after years of helping chiropractic patients in Middle Georgia and Michigan.

We also have a new Chiropractic Table that allows us to implement the Cox Protocols for Degenerative and Herniated Disks, Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis. This gentle distractive technique has proven effectiveness in the majority of patients who are candidates for treatment. You can see the technique in action at our upgraded website, http://www.leadingedgeatlanta.com/.

The other new piece of equipment we have put into service is the WristTrac device. It is shown to be effective in the non-surgical treatment of mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other wrist-related disorders. Visit http://www.wristrac.com/ or contact us for additional information.

On a personal note, my family met a huge Challenge this year. Our twenty year old daughter, Lexi, faced a sudden psychological crisis, and took her life on Memorial Day. Thanks to all of you for your warmth, comfort and support during this difficult time.

Wishing the best for you and your family; here’s to a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Should I see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?

“How do I know if I need to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?” I am asked this question from time-to-time by prospective patients. It is a good question, and worth taking some time to look at a number of considerations.

Massage Therapists (MT) in Georgia are licensed professionals who graduate from a 9 month course of study. Prerequisites include a High School diploma or equivalent.
Massage is a system of structured touch, pressure, movement or holding of the soft tissues of the body, which has the primary intent to enhance or restore health and well-being.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are licensed healthcare professionals who graduate from a 4-year course of study, and pass 4 National Board Exams. Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree or equivalent. DC’s may examine, use x-rays and other diagnostic testing, diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment or refer.
DC’s may utilize spinal and extra-spinal adjustments, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, nutritional/dietary supplements and lifestyle modification.

It is very common for health insurance plans, motor vehicle accident insurance and Medicare to cover Chiropractic exams, x-rays and treatment. It is less common for insurance to cover Massage Therapy, but when it does, their must be a diagnosis and examination by a DC, MD or other doctorate level healthcare provider.

A typical first-time Massage Therapy client will have mild stiffness and stress in the neck or back, and they are looking for temporary relief and relaxation. The client comes back to the MT when they want more temporary relief.

A typical first-time Chiropractic patient will have more intense symptoms that interfere with some aspect of their daily life (sleep, work, mood, recreation, chores). They are looking for an understanding of their condition, relief from their pain or other symptoms and how to avoid future problems without drugs or surgery.
The patient follows a recommended schedule of care to get a desired result.

Over the years I have had new patients come to my practice who were told by a Massage Therapist that they needed a Chiropractor, and I have told patients that they needed to get massage more than they needed to be adjusted. Many of our patients who are under my care see our MT as well as me because the two working together is of more benefit than each alone.

What are your thoughts on when to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?

Avoid Neck and Nerve Trouble with Smart Use of Phones

Mobile technological devices, such as digital
personal assistants (PDAs) and smartphones
have made our lives more convenient. We can
now send e-mails, access the Internet, manage
our schedules, and use spreadsheets and other
office software from our phones. While this
makes it easier to accomplish tasks without
being tethered to an office, it has also increased
the amount of time we spend using these
devices, which is not without risks.
Before these advances in technology, our bodies
moved as we used the phone and the computer,
we walked to the fax machine, and we flipped
through our calendars. Now we slump over a
small screen with little change in our position.
Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain
the same posture for long periods of time. This
doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice these modern
conveniences for your health, but you
should be aware of the risks and what you can
do to minimize them.
Protect Your Neck
The bent-forward position common among
mobile device users increases disc pressure. It
also increases loads on the muscles. This is
similar to the faulty forward position often used
when working on the computer. Remember
these tips:
• Sit upright, keeping your ears over your
shoulders.
• Look down with your eyes and gently
tuck your chin in, not forward.
• Never pinch the phone between your
ear and shoulder. Using a headset
reduces muscle fatigue and frees your
hands for typing or writing.
• Support your forearms on a pillow
during extended texting to reduce the
strain on your neck and shoulder
muscles.
Prevent Elbow Injury
The ulnar, or “funny bone,” nerve wraps around
the inside of your elbow. Keeping your elbows
bent can compress the nerve. As the nerve
becomes irritated, you can experience pain,
numbness, tingling, and even weakness or muscle
atrophy. The nerve sits close to the surface
and is also damaged by external pressure. To
prevent injury:
• Minimize the time you bend the elbows
to hold the PDA screen up to see it.
• Instead of returning all your e-mails on
the phone, wait until you can use the
computer.
• Avoid leaning on the flexed elbow while
talking on the phone or in the car.
Like a Sore Thumb
Our thumbs are not made to quickly and forcefully
press the small keys on cell phones to text
and input data. Use the following tips to minimize
the risk of injury:
• Alternate among using your thumb,
index finger, and a stylus, if available.
• If your only choice is a stylus, change
how you hold it. Switch between holding
it like a pen and holding it between the
index and middle fingers.
• Several multi-tip pens are available at
office supply stores that enable you to
switch between pen and stylus tips. This
is a good option, as the barrel of the
pen is thicker than a standard stylus and
requires less force on the joints and
muscles.
• Minimize the use of scroll wheels as
they often cause inflammation of thumb
tendons.
As technology progresses, there will likely be
more tasks we can complete on our phones.
While this is convenient, remember to take
breaks and think about the effects on your
body.
Tips to Minimize PDA and Cell
Phone Use
• Return only urgent e-mails on the PDA.
Respond to other e-mails from your
computer.
• Use key shortcuts (cut, paste, etc.) and
abbreviations.
• Enter all contact info on the computer,
and synchronize the devices to transfer the
data to the PDA.
• Monitor the time spent on the phone or
PDA.
• Avoid, or at least minimize, using
word processing and spreadsheet programs
on your PDA.
• Take breaks to stretch and shake out
the hands.
• Turn the PDA off when possible! If it is
on all the time, it’s more likely to be overused.
For more information on injury prevention
and wellness, or to find a doctor of
chiropractic near you, go to the patient
information section on ACA’s Web site
at www.acatoday.org/Patients or call
800-986-4636.
This patient information page is a public service of the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. The information
and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute
for a diagnosis by a specialist. For specific information concerning your health condition, consult your doctor
of chiropractic. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by doctors of chiropractic

Best of the Best

Dr. James Cox, founder and developer of the Cox Technic system for spine pain, is one the most outstanding Doctors of Chiropractic in the world. I attended the Cox Symposium for Certified Cox Practitioners this weekend in Nashville, TN, receiving my re-certification status for another two years. I have been certified since 1994, and am one of the few DC's, out of 3,000 licensed chiropractors in Georgia, who carries the Cox certification. The Symposium keeps us up-to-date with the latest information and research documentation that we can apply to help patients who suffer from spine-related pain. The Cox Technic allows me to offer evidence-based non-surgical chiropractic protocols for the relief of spine pain due to disc herniations, stenosis and related conditions causing neck, upper back, shoulder, arm, low back and leg pain. The Cox Technic flexion-distraction protocols have been scrutinized in federally funded research projects. Flexion-distraction biomechanical effects have been documented- drop in intradiscal pressures, increase in spinal canal area and discal height-and clinical outcomes have been published- superior in pain relief for radiculopathy, better for relief of chronic low back pain, and more effective in reducing the need for healthcare visits for spinal pain in the year after treatment. I am proud to provide this specialized non-surgical solution for back pain relief in my Roswell practice. For additional information on Cox Technic, visit www.coxtechnic.com or our practice website www.leadingedgeatlanta.com.

Roswell Proclaims October National Chiropractic Health Month

Mayor Jere Wood of Roswell, Georgia has made an Official Proclamation declaring October 2011 National Chiropractic Health Month. Mayor Wood is joining other elected officials across the USA in recognizing the contribution that Doctors of Chiropractic make to the welfare of their patients and the public health. Through an initiative of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) National Chiropractic Health Month 2011 will focus on the importance of being "TechnoHealthy" by using technology safely and making time to rest, exercise and engage in other wellness-enhancing activities.

Roswell Chiropractor, Dr. James E. Schantz, a long standing member of the ACA, is leading the initiative in North Fulton. Dr. Schantz remarks, "Repetitive stress injuries from texting and computer use are increasing and cause about 28% of the workforce to miss time from work. Inactivity and poor posture can cause stress on the neck and back which can lead to headaches, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and numbness, pain and weakness in other parts of the body. Chiropractic Doctors focus on the whole person and have particular expertise in ergonomics and care of musculo-skeletal injuries.

If you think that you may be at risk for pain or injuries as a result of overuse or misuse of technology, then check back with our Blog during the month of October for advice.

Advice for Parents- Children Need Good Computer Ergonomics Too

At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers, according to a recent New York Times article. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."

"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. 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 children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.

What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:
•If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each child's use.


•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.


•Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.


•Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing - not angled up or down. The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.


•The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
•Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if necessary.


•Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them together for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.


•Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.


•Urge your child's 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 and strain from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic," urges Dr. Bautch. "A chiropractor can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury."

Article courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.

Dr. Schantz can perform a Spinal Analysis and Posture Exam to determine if your child is at risk for neck and back trouble due to improper computer use, or other issues. Visit www.LeadingEdgeAtlanta.com or call (770) 993-9287 for an appointment.

Keeping Young Athletes Fit & Healthy

In today’s age of health and fitness, more and more kids are involved in sporting activities. Although being part of a football, soccer or Little League team is an important rite of passage for many children, parents and their children could be overlooking the importance of proper nutrition and body-conditioning needed for preventing injuries on and off the playing field.

“The majority, if not all, sports are good, provided that the child prepares appropriately,” says Dr. Timothy Ray, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Sports Injuries and Physical Fitness. “Without proper preparation, playing any sport can turn into a bad experience. There are structural and physical developmental issues that need to be taken into consideration before children undertake certain sports.”

Highly competitive sports such as football, gymnastics and wrestling follow rigorous training schedules that can be potentially dangerous to an adolescent or teenager. The best advice for parents who have young athletes in the family is to help them prepare their bodies and to learn to protect themselves from sports related injuries before they happen.

“Proper warm up, stretching and strength-training exercises are essential for kids involved in sports, but many kids learn improper stretching or weight-lifting techniques, making them more susceptible to injury,” says Dr. Steve Horwitz, an ACA member from Silver Spring, Md., and former member of the U.S. Summer Olympic medical team. “Parents need to work with their kids and make sure they receive the proper sports training.”

“Young athletes should begin with a slow jog as a general warm-up, followed by a sport-specific warm-up. They should then stretch all the major muscle groups,” says Dr. Horwitz. “Kids need to be instructed in appropriate exercises for each sport to prevent injuries.”

Proper nutrition and hydration are also extremely vital. “While an ordinary person may need to drink eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water each day, athletes need to drink even more than that for proper absorption. Breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. Also, eating a healthy meal two to four hours before a practice or a game and another within one to two hours after a game or practice allows for proper replenishment and refuels the body,” adds Dr. Horwitz.

Young athletes today often think they are invincible. The following tips can help ensure your child does not miss a step when it comes to proper fitness, stretching, training and rest that the body needs to engage in sporting activities.

Encourage your child to:
•Wear the proper equipment. Certain contact sports, such as football and hockey, can be dangerous if the equipment is not properly fitted. Make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads and shoes fit your child or adolescent. Talk to your child’s coach or trainer if the equipment is damaged.

•Eat healthy meals. Make sure your young athlete is eating a well-balanced diet and does not skip meals. Avoid high-fat foods, such as candy bars and fast food. At home, provide fruit rather than cookies, and vegetables rather than potato chips.

•Maintain a healthy weight. Certain sports, such as gymnastics, wrestling and figure skating, may require your young athlete to follow strict dietary rules. Be sure your child does not feel pressured into being too thin and that he/she understands that proper nutrition and caloric intake is needed for optimal performance and endurance.

•Drink water. Hydration is a key element to optimal fitness. Teenage athletes should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Younger athletes should drink five to eight 8-ounce glasses of water.

•Drink milk. Make sure your child has enough calcium included in his/her diet. For children over 2 years of age, ACA recommends 1 percent or skim milk rather than whole milk. Milk is essential for healthy bones and reduces the risk of joint and muscle related injuries.

•Avoid sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Sports drinks are a good source of replenishment for those kids engaged in long duration sports, such as track and field.

•Follow a warm-up routine. Be sure your child or his/her coach includes a warm-up and stretching session before every practice, game or meet. A slow jog, jumping rope and/or lifting small weights reduces the risk of torn or ripped muscles. Flexibility is key when pushing to score that extra goal or make that critical play.

•Take vitamins daily. A multi-vitamin and Vitamin C are good choices for the young athlete. Vitamin B and amino acids may help reduce the pain from contact sports. Thiamine can help promote healing. Also consider Vitamin A to strengthen scar tissue.

•Avoid trendy supplements. Kids under the age of 18 should avoid the use of performance-enhancing supplements, such as creatine. Instead, they should ask their coach or trainer to include weekly weight training and body-conditioning sessions in their workout.

•Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep is ideal for the young athlete. Lack of sleep and rest can decrease performance. Sluggishness, irritability and loss of interest could indicate that your child is fatigued.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes.-Courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.

Back to School doesn't have to mean a Bad Back in School

Backpack Misuse Leads to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say
Back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that backpack-related injuries sent more than 7,000 people to the emergency room in 2001 alone.

"In my own practice, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of young children who are complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain," said Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the ACA's Council on Occupational Health. "The first question I ask these patients is, 'Do you carry a backpack to school?' Almost always, the answer is 'yes.'"

This new back pain trend among youngsters isn't surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks - often slung over just one shoulder. According to Dr. Bautch, a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man, or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result.

According to Dr. Bautch, preliminary results of studies being conducted in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. "The question that needs to be addressed next is, 'Does it ever return to normal?'" Dr. Bautch added.

The results of these types of studies are especially important as more and more school districts - many of them in urban areas - remove lockers from the premises, forcing students to carry their books with them all day long.

The problem has become so widespread, in fact, that the California State Assembly passed legislation that would force school districts to develop ways of reducing the weight of students' backpacks. Similar legislation is being considered in New Jersey as well. The ACA believes that limiting the backpack's weight to no more than 10 percent of the child's body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are possible solutions.

What Can You Do?
The ACA offers the following tips to help prevent the needless pain that backpack misuse could cause the students in your household.
•Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders, by the straps.
•The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
•A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back.
•Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry-and the heavier the backpack will be.
•Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
•Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child's shoulders.
•The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
•If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child's teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks.
•Although the use of rollerpacks - or backpacks on wheels - has become popular in recent years, the ACA is now recommending that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack. Some school districts have begun banning the use of rollerpacks because they clutter hallways, resulting in dangerous trips and falls.
Chiropractic Care Can Help...
If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits

Are You Board?

I have been board the last two weeks. No, don't bother to check my spelling, I don't mean BORED, I mean BOARD. The first board is a Stand-Up Surfboard. Popularly known as SUP, Stand-Up Paddling, Dixie and I spotted them most recently while competing in the Chattahoochee Back to River Race last month. Intrigued, we found out about a SUP race and demo event organized by the Atlanta Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. We traveled to the Clarks Bridge Olympic Rowing Center on Lake Lanier and tried out some SUP boards. Imagine trying to stand up on the deck of your kayak and propel yourself with a giant canoe paddle. A little shaky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can cruise around without much trouble. The motorboat wakes added some excitement.

Wow, board again. This time it is at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Dixie thrilled me with a two hour surfing lesson for my birthday (October 10), which I got to redeem over the July 4th holiday. The waves were rolling in 3-4 feet and the water temperature was just shy of bathtub. With the help of Ben, my surfing instructor, I caught a good number of waves on a 9.5 foot soft top board. Whether you are surfing a longboard, boogie board or just body surfing, there is nothing like the feel of being lifted up by the force of the ocean.
What begins as a bit of fear gives way to exhilaration. It is what makes surfers return to the ocean again and again.

Both sports are great bodybuilders. Look at the physique of most professional surfers, and you will see that they have good core strength and development of their upper and lower bodies. Balance, grace and a bit of a dare devil attitude tempered by a healthy respect for Mother Nature. So slap on the sunscreen and get BOARD this summer.

Joy and Sorrow

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."

But I say onto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.- Kahlil Gibran from his masterpiece, THE PROPHET.

The Gal with the Broken Smile

My daughter Lexi was the type of gal who once she set her mind to accomplish something, never gave up. An admirable characteristic for a young woman making her way in the world. It helped her accomplish good grades, get challenging jobs, transfer to UGA, befriend a diverse group of friends and travel the world. Her CAN DO attitude that allowed her to pursue many of her life's dreams ultimately resulted in cutting her life short. She suffered an acute manic episode in November 2010 followed by a fall into the depths of depression from which she never recovered. Despite a nurturing home environment, psychotherapy and alternative care her depression made life for her ultimately unbearable. Rather than focus on how to lift herself up from her sorrow, she focused on how to relieve her suffering as quickly and as permanently as possible.

My goal is not to dwell on her loss, but to shed light on how we can help avoid crisis. The July 2011 issue of COSMOPOLITAN Magazine includes these tips for suicide prevention.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention her are steps to take when you or a friend seem troubled.

WHEN YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT A FRIEND

Say You're Concerned- When you're alone, tell her, " I'm worried because you seem disconnected. Please tell me what's going on." Knowing you care can convince her to open up.

Offer To Get Her Help- It's often tough for a suicidal person to take that first step to seeing a professional. Gather the names of local psychologists gets the ball rolling.

Follow Up- Call her a day later to see how she is and if you can help. Should she brush you off, say "If anything happened to you, I'd be devastated." Hearing that may make all the difference.

Enter Emergency Mode- If she admits she wants to end it all or jokes that her life is worthless, call 911, take her to Emergency Room, or contact her family.

WHEN IT'S YOU WHO FEELS DOWN

Don't Remain Isolated- Approach a trusted friend or family member, and tell him or her how you've been feeling. You may try to talk yourself out of interactions like these by assuming that you're a burden to them or they don't care, but your thinking may be skewed right now.

Note How Long You've Been This Way- If you feel sad, empty, or hopeless and these emotions don't lift after two weeks, seek out a counselor. Also, steer clear of alcohol or drugs-they can darken your thoughts and make you feel more despondent.

Make The Call That Could Save Your Life- Should you feel any impulse to harm yourself, call 911 and let the operator know you need help, head to the ER, or dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Chiropractic Storm Relief

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, quite different from the day that tornadoes stormed through Georgia and Alabama.
Massage therapist Theresia Greer and I exchanged chiropractic and massage services (along with homemade cookies and Jana water) for donations to the American Red Cross Storm Relief. We had a booth at the Roswell Cycling Festival on Canton Street where we worked on necks, backs, legs, knees and feet of cyclists, vendors and spectators. We raised over $100 and spread the good will of chiropractic across the land. If you didn't have an opportunity to participate in the Mayor's Ride, test out the mountain bike trails or watch the Criterion Races, make sure you put the first Sunday in May on your calendar for next year.

Pull Weeds, Not Your Back

Pull Your Weeds, Not Your Back, When Gardening
As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety.

Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb.

A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity," said Dr. Scott Bautch of the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. "Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness."

To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

Garden Fitness Stretches
Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. o While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.
Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.
While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.
Do the "Hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times.
Finally, be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Kneel, don't bend, and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced.

When the Bulbs Are Planted...
If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care.

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Get Your Energy Flowing

How can you get your energy flowing? One great way is to get outdoors and join other fitness-minded fellows and gals for the 1st Kiwanis Spring K Classic on Saturday, March 26th. You can be a walker, a jogger or a competitive runner in the 5K or 10K run. You can bring your little ones to participate in the free 1 mile fun run. Leading Edge Sport and Spine will be manning the Aid Station with exercise mats and stretching devices for you to warm-up, first aid, if you get hurt, and a Thumper Foot Massager to ease your feet at the end of the run. The run meets at Roswell High School. Your registration of $20 pre-race or $25 race-day supports Kiwanis charitable projects for youth, seniors and the environment. Stop by our office for a registration form or download one on the website http://www.springkclassic.com/. Be the 10th person to bring your registration form to our office on or before Saturday, March 19th at Noon (we will be open) and you will receive a Limited Edition Leading Edge Sport and Spine Sports Cap.

Protecting Patients and their Chiropractors in Georgia

There is a saying, "All it takes to let Evil triumph is enough good people doing nothing." There are those in Georgia who would like to see chiropractic patients and their chiropractors lose access to care, lose reimbursement for care and further limit the scope of practice. Insurance companies, medical associations and those who disparage governmental regulation are among those forces who would like to see chiropractic wither on the vine. I am not one to sit by idly and let my patients face discrimination because they have chosen to use chiropractic instead of drugs and surgery.

Last week I spent Thursday morning, along with other Doctors of Chiropractic, lobbying our legislators to support a pro-chiropractic bill in the Georgia Senate. The bill would limit chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic manipulation and chiropractic services to only a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. This would prevent HMO's from tricking citizens into signing up for health plans that stated that "chiropractic" was included in the plan, and then having the "chiropractic" services being supplied by someone who was not a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. I meet with Senator John Albers and stopped off at the office of Senator Judson Hill to urge them to support this bill, and protect chiropractic patients and their chiropractic doctors. I believe it takes more than good intentions, it takes action on those intentions to make Good triumph over Evil.

Top Athletes Benefit from Chiropractic Care

ACA Today News- Recent news stories about Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and professional golfer Michelle Wie have mentioned chiropractic care as an important part of helping both athletes stay competitive. Moss told The Washington Post that he sees a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) twice a week to help his aging body cope with the rigors of playing professional football. NBC Sports recently ran a story on its Website stating that Wie is seeing a DC to recover from back problems in time for next season.

Here we have two athletes, two different genders, two different age groups, playing two very different sports- yet both are using chiropractic care to help them stay in their game. Are you letting pain, stiffness or lack of stamina prevent you from staying in your game? You don't have to be a professional athlete to receive the benefits of chiropractic care. You may be a softball player on the company team, an ALTA player for your subdivision team or the parent of a varsity lacrosse player. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective approach to enhancing sports performance, avoid injury and treating pain, strains and sprains.

Dr. Schantz is a Certified Golf Conditioning Specialist and a member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Fitness and Sport Injuries.

Get Outside & Keep Yourself Happy!

Do not feel guilty if you do not belong to a gym or fitness center. I do not belong to a gym, and I spend a good amount of time (I could do more) staying fit. Last weekend was a welcome break in the South Freezer temperatures. My daughter Lexi and her friend joined us on a hike along Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, TN. The trail leads to Sunset Rocks, a popular climbing area and historic site.

We have plenty of natural resources available within a 1-3 hr. drive from Atlanta that many people in Florida would love to have. Take advantage of the great outdoors. I having nothing against gyms and fitness centers. My God! If it weren't for the Roanoke Athletic Club, I would have never met my wife Dixie back in 1980. I LOVE AEROBICS!

No Miracles-Just Results!

There are three proven steps to take in order to avoid an early death. #1- Don't smoke. #2- Wear your seat belt. #3- Have a healthy body weight. Sound simple? Yes, but simple isn't always easy. Gena Kay Shealy, of WorkLife Solutions, explains the principles behind achieving a healthy body weight. Gena Kay is a Certified Health Coach with Take Shape for Life.

Follow the B.E. S.L.I.M. approach.

Breakfast- You must eat within one hour after waking up. Your body needs fuel to kick start your metabolism, otherwise it will slow down, and you will not lose weight.

Exercise- If you are not in the habit of exercise, then just start off walking more each day. Build up the intensity over a 4 week time period, but remember- you cannot simply exercise your way to a healthy body weight- you must eat right too.

Support- Be accountable to someone who is knowledgeable about healthy eating habits and wants you to succeed. It could be your partner, a friend, your chiropractor or a Certified Health Coach like Gena Kay.

Low Fat- Some fat is necessary to sustain our health, but we eat too much of it. We need to feed ourselves frequently with low fat and modest calorie foods. This will keep our blood sugar level and put us into a higher metabolic state for losing weight.

Individualize- Feeding yourself six times a day takes some thinking and planning. Take a look at your life, and figure out what can work for you. Take Shape for Life uses Medifast Meals to help make choices easier.

Moniter- You have to keep track of how you are doing, if you make sure you get there. Helpful monitoring tools are a tape measure, a scale and a pair of jeans that you want to fit back into.
Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol measurements are important, if you have issues with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Cold Weather Chiropractor

Many of us in Atlanta got slammed by the cold and snowy weather. Did I let it stop me? Maybe a little bit. But soon I was back in action! Last Saturday I brought my portable chiropractic table and my friend, Mr. Bones, to the Float the Boat Bouldering Competition in West Atlanta. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of bouldering, let me explain. It is like rockclimbing in that you try to scamper up the face of a cliff. Instead of using a rope and safety gear to catch you if you fall, you simply place a padded mat (known as a crash pad) at the base of the rock to cushion your fall. Most people only climb 10-20 feet high when they boulder.

So what, you may think, can a chiropractor do to help climbers in a bouldering competition?

A chiropractor can help stretch tight muscles and joints to make climbers more limber. You have to be able to reach far with your arms and legs when you boulder. A chiropractor can balance body mechanics, so a climber has better leverage when they make awkward moves. A chiropractor can increase muscle strength by adjusting the spine to free up the nerve supply to muscles. It takes muscles strength to hang on to tiny holds and hoist yourself up the rock.

Over 50 people competed in the cold weather, which began in the 20F's and barely creeped into the 40F's. Whether it is hot or cold, you can count on me to get the job done!

Outside Your Comfort Zone: Flying Doctors Mission to Cambodia

"How will you explain to people what your are going to do? We don't speak Cambodian." Dixie asked me. "Just lie down on the table, and I will start working on you. They'll get the idea." I replied. Soon we had people crowding around, eager and curious to be next. Folks on crutches, wheelchairs, there was even a fellow without any legs in a wagon encircling the portable chiropractic table. We had set up an impromptu chiropractic clinic in the courtyard of the Siem Reap Hospital in Cambodia. Dixie and I were part of a 19 person health care mission with Flying Doctors of America in November 2010 providing free medical, dental, surgical and chiropractic care in the impoverished Southeast Asian country of Cambodia.
Chiropractic is a wonderful healing art. It also make great entertainment on mission trips. People love to see and hear the groans, moans, winces, cracks, pops and smiles that emanate from our treatment table.

For five days we travel to villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the primary tourist destination for travellers to Cambodia. It sits just outside the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site- Angkor Wat. Highlights of my trip included adjusting blind villagers, diagnosing Parkinson's disease in a farmer, improvising a splint for a little girl who was run over by a motorbike, performing acupuncture on an ailing monk and exploring the archaeological ruins.

Traveling the world to alleviate human suffering is exciting, exotic and exhausting. Getting back to work helps me recuperate. Where will my next mission take me? Stay tuned!