|
|
St Charles Pain and Wellness Center Newsletter
|
Why Some Foods
Just Make Us Feel Better!
|
There's a reason why you reach for the chocolate when you feel depressed! Scientists have been studying the connection between food and mood for many years, and have found that the foods we eat have a definite influence on the state of our mood. The neurotransmitters most responsible for mood (such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine) are all affected by what we eat.
Our feelings can be affected by foods in other ways, too; something as simple as fluctuations in the level of our blood sugar can make a big difference. Low blood sugar can make you feel tired and irritable, but too much sugar at once in our bloodstream can make you hyper. Sticking to a low-glycemic diet, in which the sugars from food are released slowly into the bloodstream, can keep your mood on a more even keel.
Carbohydrates may help to boost your mood (which is why we crave "comfort foods" like macaroni and cheese). Carbohydrates such as those in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains assist in the production and absorption of tryptophan into the brain. With the assistance of B-vitamins, tryptophan is important for the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can boost mood. A study by scientists at Arizona State University found that a very low-carb diet caused feelings of fatigue and discouraged overweight subjects from exercising. So, carbs are necessary in your diet; just be sure to avoid simple carbohydrates such as foods containing refined flour and refined sugar, as they will just spike your blood sugar and cause a subsequent energy and mood crash.
The consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help to ward off depression and reduce anger and irritability. Researchers believe that omega-3s enhance the pathways of important neurotransmitters. Eating fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring and salmon three times a week gives you a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acid.
Just as there are foods you should eat to improve your mood, there are those you should avoid. Besides refined foods, limit foods containing caffeine, alcohol, hydrogenated oils and artificial additives -- all have been shown to contribute to anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating.
Foods high in vitamin D (fortified milk, sardines) and selenium (seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes , lean meat and whole grains) can also boost feelings of happiness, as does dark chocolate -- even a small amount (1.4 oz) can reduce cortisol and catecholamines, the stress hormones. Just don't overdo it, as too much sugar can negate chocolate's beneficial effects.
|
Does Private Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
|
Many people benefit from chiropractic care every year, and chiropractic care is frequently covered by private insurance companies. However, insurers often place significant limitations on where, how often, how long and for what types of conditions they will cover through chiropractic care. And with the new insurance mandates coming into effect with President Obama's health care reform plan, nothing is yet certain in terms of chiropractic coverage.
Approximately 44.6 million Americans suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, and we spend $262.7 billion each year treating them. Chiropractic has shown to be effective in both preventing and treating musculoskeletal problems, which can save the health care industry (and its consumers) billions of dollars.
Unfortunately, insurance companies in the U.S. are more often purveyors of "sickness care" than "health care". This is especially unfortunate now, since nothing works better than preventative care at keeping overall health care costs down.
Many insurance companies will pay for a limited number of visits to the chiropractor only if the treatments relate to a specific injury or condition. Anything supplementary to that must be paid directly by the patient.
The best way to find out how much of your chiropractic care will be covered by your insurance company is to contact them directly and ask. Many HMOs require that you go to a chiropractor in their network. PPOs, on the other hand, often pay up to 80% of chiropractic fees for providers outside their network.
If you have any questions about insurance or payment types we accept, please call Diana at our office, 630-513-7770. She'll be happy to help!
|
Response to our heart screening event in February was so great that we'll be hosting another one on Wednesday, June 12. Reserve your time now to ensure your appointment -- call Diana at 630-513-7770 or email her today!
|
Be Part of the
World's Biggest Leadership Event!
| What does it take for effective leadership? Find Out May 10 at the Chick-fil-A Leadercast!
You're invited to take part in the 13th annual Chik-fil-A Leadercast May 10 to hear leading experts including internationally renowned leadership expert, coach and author John C. Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell founded EQUIP and the John Maxwell Company, organizations that have trained more than five million leaders in 153 countries. He is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek best-selling author, with more than 20 million copies of his book in the hands of readers world-wide. This year's theme for the Leadercast is "Simply Lead." Be a part of this motivating, inspiring event for a rejuvenating jump start to your professional growth. The Chik-fil-A Leadercast is a one-of-a-kind event broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast into communities here locally and around the world. Join more than 125,000 leaders from around the world as we learn to Simply Lead. Register to attend in the West Suburbs. There are still a limited number of discount tickets available; call or email us at St. Charles Pain & Wellness Center to be sure you yours. Local Sponsors: St. Charles Pain and Wellness Center ASAP Writing Services Chick-Fil-A Schaumburg Dreamscape Travel Group Katys All Type Services On Path Financial Perl Mortgage |
RX for a Flat Waistline
by Richard Wolff, RD, LDN, MedFitness of St. Charles
|
Maintaining a flat waistline in our fast-paced culture can be difficult. One of the challenges you face is to make sense of the confusing and often contradictory advice that seems to be everywhere. Abdominal slimming devices, fat-burning supplements and exotic diets promise results with little to show. Fortunately, flattening your waistline is possible. Practicing the right behaviors on a consistent basis can make all the difference. Here's what you really need to know and do to get a flat, healthy waistline!
Get help reaching your goals by contacting the experts at MEDFITNESS. To experience our trademarked, personal training program, schedule a Free Trial Workout by calling (630) 762-1784 or visiting us online at www.medfitnessprogram.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Jacob M. Hertz
is a Cum Laude graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. Following graduation, Dr. Hertz practiced as an Associate Chiropractor in Peoria and for four years successfully treated over 5,000 patients and their families with many different health conditions. His youngest patient was only two days old, and his oldest patient was 87 years old. He moved to St. Charles in 2010 to open his own Chiropractic and Physiotherapy office.
He has been involved with chiropractic almost since he was born -- he was adjusted as an infant by his uncle, a chiropractor in Wisconsin where Dr. Hertz grew up. Dr. Hertz uses a number of gentle and safe chiropractic techniques for adjusting the spine including Diversified, Activator, and Drop Table. He is also Nationally Board Certified in Physiotherapy and uses exercise and rehabilitation to help patients heal faster and reach optimum health. St. Charles Pain & Wellness Center also offers nutritional aids for those who seek to supplement their diet and improve their health, which have proved successful in preventing unnecessary surgeries for many patients. Dr. Hertz loves teaching and treating each individual patient so pain goes away and stays away to allow patients to enjoy happier, healthier lives. If you are ready to function at your optimum potential, call St. Charles Pain and Wellness Center and let Dr. Hertz answer any questions you may have about your health. |
|
Check out our offer on recipreo!
Like us on Facebook!
Visit us on Linkedin!
|
|
|