As the twig is bent, so grows the tree:

Last month I was invited to give a talk to the Northern Virginia Homebirth Association.  While I was getting my notes together for this talk, it caused me to reflect on why wellness care should truly begin as a newborn.

As a chiropractor, I approach life with the idea that the body is designed to run and heal itself.  There is no place that this is more evident than with the creation of life.  When two cells can join together and in nine months they are now a new life, it is nothing short of a miracle.  Yes, children are born with unlimited potential, but are we limiting that from day one or before?

Today, more than ever before, we are diverted from what could be called "a natural state of living".  Babies and children are exposed to much higher degrees of intervention and stress than ever before.  Some of these are:

• Intrauterine constraints
• Birth Process (ultrasounds, medications, forceps, vacuum, cesarean birth)
• Medications (e.g. for reflux, ADHD, depression, anxiety)
• Vaccinations
• Day Care
• Television
• Over the counter drugs
• Cell phones
• Over-commitment by parents

These stresses place pressure on the nervous system interfering with the child's ability to express their full potential.  Interference to the nervous system over time will cause symptoms to appear.  Symptoms range from colic and reflux to aches and pains to some of the conditions named above.  We often see children with a combination of multiple conditions.  Symptomatic children achieve excellent results under chiropractic care but not by treating their condition.  As a chiropractor, I focus on expanding the communication between their brains and bodies (via the nerve system) to allow them to express their full potential.

Having your child checked for interference in their nerve system from an early age sets the stage for success in all areas of their life.  Our physical wellbeing affects our emotional wellbeing, which effects how we interact with others, which affects our self confidence, which often determines our success in life.  Proactive wellness care also teaches our children to strive for greatness, that anything less than their full potential in life is - simply less than great.  As we all know there are no guarantees in life, but I think we should stack the deck in our children's favor. 

Concern about the safety of plastics for food and beverage storage continues to increase as consumers become more aware of the estrogen-mimicking compound bisphenol A (BPA).  There is little dispute that the chemical can disrupt the hormonal system, but scientists differ markedly on whether very low doses found in food and beverage containers can be harmful. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally sides with the plastics industry that BPA-based products do not pose a health risk. 

However, some scientists are saying that the potential for BPA to affect human health is a concern, and more research is needed.    And, many consumers are no longer waiting to hear from "the experts."  Patagonia Inc., an outdoor-gear retailer, pulled polycarbonate water bottles from its 40 stores worldwide in December 2005 and, a month later, Whole Foods Markets stopped selling polycarbonate baby bottles and child drinking cups.

How to Minimize your Exposure:

1) Avoid microwaving in plastic.
Heat speeds the release of chemicals into food.

2) Explore the alternatives.
You may want to consider storing your food and beverages in ceramic containers, waxed- and brown paper bags, and metal canisters made for hot and cold food.  Also, consider paper instead of cling wrap.

3)Examine your supply
Discoloration, cracks, or other signs of wear suggest your plastic containers are degrading and may be leaching chemicals into your food. Also, wash your plastics by hand.  Some scientists believe it takes as few as 20 washings in the dishwasher for BPA to start leaching.

4)Limit exposure time.
The longer food sits in plastic, the greater its time of exposure to chemicals that could migrate into it.

5)If you must use baby bottles, buy glass bottles.
Environment California conducted a study on the extent to which five popular brands of baby bottles leach bisphenol A, into liquids coming into contact with them.  They found that all five brands leach bisphenol A at dangerous levels found to cause harm in numerous laboratory animal studies.  This is of particular concern because of the exposure during critical stages of development.

6)Read the Label.
Many plastics are labeled as a triangle with numbers inside, often found on the bottom of plastic containers.  While 1, 2, and 5 are generally considered "safer", consumers are more likely to want to avoid 3, 6, and 7.   Here's why:

#3 Vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Most commercial cling wrap used in grocery stores and delis, bottles used to store many brands of olive and cooking oils, and some water bottles use #3. PVC contains plasticizers that are suspected endocrine disrupters and carcinogens.

#6 PS (polystyrene)
Some disposable plastic cups and bowls and most opaque plastic cutlery use #6.  It contains p-nonylphenol and styrene, both of which are carcinogens and suspected hormone disrupters.

#7 "Other" (Usually polycarbonate, or PC)
Most clear plastic baby bottles, five-gallon water jugs, clear plastic sippy cups, and some clear plastic cutlery are #7.  Consumers don't know exactly what they're getting in this "other" catchall category.  Many plastics labeled "7" contain bisphenol-A.

Thursday February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day!

Thursday February 28, 2008 8:00pm-9:00pm
Journey to Wellness Workshop
Dr. Anthony will give a talk on health, wellness and how to improve the quality of you life.  Learn how to take an active role in your healing process so you can make the most of your investment.  New and existing clients are welcome.  There is no charge for this event but please register with Dr. Anthony.

Friends of mine were out of town a few weeks ago and gave me their week's share of organic, bio-dynamically grown produce from their CSA (community supported agriculture).  When I received my 3 pounds of turnips and rutabagas, I wasn't sure what to do with them but the ensuing recipe was quite tasty and of course, loaded with vitamins and minerals. 

olive oil
1 medium yellow onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
3 garlic clove, minced
1 ½ lbs mixed turnips &  rutabagas, peeled, chopped, cut into ½ in pieces
1 medium sweet potatoes
2 carrots, chopped
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice (or fresh equivalent)
2-3 Tbs curry powder (depending on preference)

1 Tbs ground cumin

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ cup fresh chopped parsley

¼ cup fresh copped cilantro

Cold water

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute about 5 minutes. Add celery and garlic and saute until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, cumin, and cayenne.  Stir constantly for 30 seconds.  Add turnips, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fresh herbs.  Cook another 5 minutes stirring occasionally.  Add tomatoes with juices and enough water to cover about ¾ of the vegetables.  Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 45 minutes.  Add water if needed.

Work in batches, transferring a few cups to blender and puree until almost smooth. Return puree to pot.  Continue in batches until soup is desired constancy (you may prefer to leave some chunks).  Season with salt and pepper.  Ladle soup into bowls and serve.  Add a salad and crusty bread to make a meal.

Double recipe to serve a crowd of 8-10.