Swine flu vaccine: Bad Batch Proves Shots Not Safe

Let's stop pretending: There's no way in hog heaven these swine flu vaccines are safe.

Need more proof? Look north – at least one Canadian is dead and dozens of others are recovering from severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.

Many of those cases were linked to GlaxoSmithKline's Arepanrix swine flu vaccine, which prompted a recall of 172,000 doses. But by the time word got out, all but 15,000 had been used.

If you already rolled up your sleeve in Canada – too bad. Just be glad you're still alive to read about it.

Plenty of victims have suffered from anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction that includes breathing problems, low blood pressure and swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and eyes.

Arepanrix appears to be especially bad — even by the low standards of poorly tested swine flu vaccines. GlaxoSmithKline's own data shows that more that 1 in 10 patients experience pain, headache, fatigue, swelling, shivering, sweating, aching muscles and joint pain. And 1 in 10 will develop diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, fever, feeling sick, bruising and itching.

We're facing a pandemic all right – but it's not from the flu. If they succeed in poking everyone, the real health crisis will come from all those bad drug reactions.

Recently, I told you about the patients who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after their swine flu shots, and some people who even keeled over after getting these "safe" vaccines. Click here to read "Swine flu swindle in full swing."

I mean c'mon – they're playing us for saps, and we're falling for it. So far, 22 million Americans have been conned into lining up for these dangerous needles like parents camped out at a store for a hot Christmas toy.

But at least we know the crummy economy won't dampen the holiday spirits of one group of elites living high on the hog: Big Pharma fat cats and their accomplice docs who distribute these shots like candy canes at a Christmas party.

Merry Christmas, and a $15 co-pay, please.

www.backtoaction.com

Healthy eating during the Holidays

Question: Is it really possible to eat something healthy that actually tastes good too?

Let’s face it. Eating right is hard. Temptations are everywhere and what do many less-than-nutritious treats promise? Flavor and lots of it. Ask any experienced dieter and they’ll tell you that as strong as the craving for food is the craving for flavor is as great. The good news is that our natural craving for flavor need not be unhealthy to satisfy. Let me explain…

• Scenario No. 1. You and your family have resolved to eat better and your brood is staring down a plain green salad. Before someone reaches for the calorie and fat-laden blue cheese dressing stop! Try adding a few kalamata olives and a few jarred, roasted red peppers all dressed with an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
• Scenario No. 2. Nobody likes super-good-for-you steamed veggies when faced with French fries as an alternative. Instead of steaming veggies, wash, slice and brush with a little olive oil. Season with ground pepper and grill.

If you are really feeling decadent and wanting to get your family to eat asparagus, try this simple but nutritious take on this familiar vegetable. I guarantee this recipe will put the phrase “eat your veggies” in a whole new light!

BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH CHEESE

Take a bunch of fresh asparagus, trim or break off the ends and wash. Dry carefully. Mix half a cup of seasoned bread-crumbs with two or three tablespoons of grated cheese (I like Parmesan or Romano).

Layer asparagus in a glass dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese on top and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in a hot oven till the breadcrumbs brown and the asparagus is soft. Yummy!!!

So we have a question for our dear readers: When's the last time you've been in to re-energize your spine? If you haven't visited a chiropractor for 90 days of more, now would be a great time to continue your great health progress. We don’t bite, I swear. Call us.(425) 670-2600 or schedule an appointment here. We’ll see you soon!

Five Life-Saving Grocery Store Remedies and How To Use Them

Home remedies, or natural medicines, have been used for treating illnesses since ancient times. Natural medicines were the only types of medicines used by the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, China, and India. In Colonial America, natural medicines were adopted as the major curative agents, largely due to influences from Native Americans. For the majority of the settlers, food was medicine.

Home remedies were studied and known by Americans well into the early 20th century, but interest has declined steadily since. With the advancement and modernization of civilization, people have forgotten how to take care of themselves. Unfortunately, few if any Americans understand how to use natural medicines in the manner that their ancestors understood them. It is important to realize that you don't have to grow an herbal garden or forage in the woods for natural medicines: they are as close to you as your local grocery store.

There are a number of health-enhancing foods which are found in the grocery store. Most of these foods are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Certain of these foods are superior to others in their medicinal strengths. Imagine shopping the produce aisle to select a medicine. Today's shopper has been programmed to only choose the pharmacy section, with its synthetic potions, for medicines. Yet, there are a number of foods which possess medicinal powers which far superior to non-prescription drugs. What's more, they are safer, easier to use, and they taste better.

Please view the slide show presentation here: 5 Life-Saving Grocery Store Remedies

Back To Action Chiropractic - Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

November is National Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

With nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States living with diabetes, and an additional 57 million Americans at risk, simple awareness will no longer suffice. One out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue Diabetes is not merely a condition. It is an epidemic disease.

The Toll on Health

- The death rate from diabetes continues to climb. Since 1987, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have declined.

- About 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction, and other nerve problems.

- The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes.

- Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults.

- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

Cost of Diabetes

- The total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US is $174 billion. Direct medical costs reach $116 billion, and the average medical expenditure among people with diabetes is 2.3 times higher than those without disease. Indirect costs amount to $58 billion (disability, work loss, premature mortality).

- The cost of caring for someone with diabetes is $1 out of every $5 in total healthcare costs.

For more information visit: www.diabetes.org

Also, please follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation

www.backtoaction.com

Sports and Chiropractic

Chiropractic can give your athletic endeavors an edge, improve your athletic ability by helping to keep you healthy and in top form and by keeping minor injuries from becoming major ones.

That's why chiropractic has been used by champions: LaDamian Tomlinson and Jerry Rice of the NFL, Tiger Woods of the PGA, Lance Armstrong - world class cyclist, Ken Norton and Evander Holyfield of boxing and John McEnroe and Martina Navrratilova of tennis. In all of these sports, chiropractors help keep the athlete on the field and help stop minor injuries without the use of drugs and surgery.

Better Reaction Time & Co-ordination

Athletes under chiropractic care were compared with a control group that received no care for agility, balance, power, speed reaction and hand reaction time.

After six weeks, the chiropractic group had a 10.7% improvement while the control group had a 4.5% improvement. After 12 weeks, the chiropractic group's improvement was 16.7%! "The chiropractic athlete reacts faster, coordinates better, executes fine movements with improved accuracy and precision, amounting to an overall better athlete."

Many amateur and professional athletes wouldn't dream of competing without first getting a chiropractic spinal checkup.

Severe Trauma?
Athletes who are in trauma need chiropractic. The orthodox medical profession specializes int eh management of fractures, torn flesh, ripped tendons, dislocations, blood and fluid loss, and other emergency attention. However, victims of trauma leave the hospital with serious spinal subluxations from their accidents because M.D.'s are not trained to locate and correct this form of spinal damage. This is the real of chiropractic care.

What Chiropractic Does

At Back To Action Chiropractic, Drs. Dreessen and Gilmore balance your spinal column and relieve stress on your muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Sports injuries nearly always jar and misalign your spine and structures near it. A trauma to anywhere in the body can damage your spine - a blow to the ribs, legs, feet, head, shoulder or torso can radiate to it. If you play any sport you should receive a chiropractic spinal check-up to ensure that your spine is balanced and free from misaligned vertetrae causing "pinched" nerves (spinal subluxations).

To schedule an appointment for you free chiropractic check-up, call (425) 670-2600 or schedule online here.

Car accidents and chiropractic

It's officially fall in the Pacific Northwest, which means rain, wind and increased darkness. All of these factors can make driving more difficult and challenging and accidents unavoidable. Much of the pain and suffering resulting from traumatic injuries may, in many cases, be avoided with chiropractic care.

Every trauma has the potential to cause vertebral subluxations - an area of abnormal stress in your spine that upsets body balance, impinges, "pinches", stretches or compresses your nerves, and affects the health of your muscles, internal organs, discs, bones and brain. A subluxation can cause pain, organ or system malfunction.

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare that specializes in correcting vertebral subluxations. At Back To Action, Drs. Dreessen and Gilmore, correct the subluxations using safe, gentle, spinal "adjustment" techniques.

There may have been no broken bones or serious bleeding, but there was spinal damage. The medical doctors may have said you were fine, but MD's do not know how to analyze the spinal column for subluxations nor do they know how to correct them. Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they are carrying around hidden spinal distortions that can cause severe health problems at a later date. Many people leave the emergency room with as much spinal damage as when they entered it. For that reason chiropractors belong in every emergency room in the country.

Anyone who has either been in an accident or suffered trauma, whether mild or serious and no matter how long ago, should see a chiropractor to have their spinal column checked for nerve pressure caused by vertebral subluxations. A chiropractic adjustment given by either Dr. Dreessen or Dr. Gilmore can make the difference between life and death, between life with pain, disability and sickness and life with full recovery, activity and health.

To schedule a consultation with the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic, please call (425) 670-2600 or schedule here.

Shocking flu facts...

It’s that time of the year again - Flu season. As we stuff our faces and enjoy the holiday parties, an estimated 15 million people will get the flu this month. Below are some intriguing Flu Facts that I bet you didn’t know until you read them here…

• The annual flu season actually begins in October and continues until May. Every year, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. That means as many as 60 million get sick from the flu every year. Seasonal flu results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths annually.
• The media and some medical organizations recommend the flu vaccine for children under two years old and all adults over 50. However some health experts are screaming, “Don't fall for it!” There are lingering questions about the effectiveness of the flu vaccination such as…

Those most at risk of flu complications probably share a higher risk of adverse reactions to the flu vaccine as well.

Flu vaccine is relatively ineffective in those patients most at risk of flu complications.

The vaccine has caused Guillan Barre Syndrome in recipients during several different flu seasons.

How can I fight the flu with nutritional supplements? The following supplements have the most research to back up their effectiveness in fighting the flu: Vitamin C, Zinc, and Selenium. The white blood cells are your immune system's first line of defense against viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms. These three supplements can aid in white cell production and activation. Finally, I read that one expert believes that sugar suppresses the function of these cells by 50% for several hours. Carefully limiting your sugar intake during the holidays could be very beneficial. If you have any questions, just ask! And don’t forget the power of chiropractic so boost your immune system during flu season.

Nutrition: The Danger of "Empty Calories"

The term "empty calories" refers to a group of foods that provide little to no nutritional value, yet still have calories in them. That makes the term a bit deceiving, because the calories in these types of foods are actually anything but "empty". A typical selection of empty-calorie foods includes cakes, pies, beer, soft drinks, candy, french fries and many processed snacks.

Since you must get the 40 essential nutrients to maintain optimal health, your body needs you to take in a certain amount of calories each day. However, if you eat more calories than your body can use, you will gain weight and may inherit all the well-known consequences that go along with obesity.

How to Eliminate Empty Calories From Your Diet :

1) Go slow - slowly switch from consumption of empty calories to eating more nutrient-dense foods.

2) Be smart when it comes to the food you eat - gradually eliminate all foods made from high levels of sugar and white flower.

3) Your best friends are fruits are vegetables - fruits and vegetables are true miracle foods. Buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Eat fruits and vegetables at every meal. Keep fruits and vegetables at eye level in the refrigerator or on the counter. Skip the potatoes.

4) Replace soft drinks with water.

5) Read all food labels very carefully.

6) Breakfast calories are the most important - research shows that eating breakfast, particularly if it contains some protein, can hold off hunger for hours.

Top 8 Healthy Foods - Salmon, Blueberries, Broccoli, Red Beans, Almonds, Spinach, Apples and Sweet Potatoes.

A great way to supplement your fruit and vegetable intake is by using our product GreensFirst available on our website or at our clinic.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

While October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the
www.NBCAM.org Web site is a year-round resource for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public. We encourage you to visit our site in October and regularly throughout the year as we add updated breast cancer information and resources.

Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that
carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and
women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Q: How many new cases of breast cancer were estimated in the United States in
2008?
A: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 182,460 new cases of
invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States
last year. Approximately 1,990 new cases were expected in men. The ACS also reports
that an estimated 40,930 breast cancer deaths were expected in 2008 (40,480 women, 450
men).

Q: How common is breast cancer in the United States?
A: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer.

Q: Is mammography reliable as a screening tool for breast cancer?
A: Mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer
early. In 1992, the U.S. Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act to
ensure that mammography facilities throughout the country are of high quality and reliable.
To lawfully perform mammography, each facility must prominently display a certificate
issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information about mammography screening, please refer to the American Cancer Society’s website at: www.cancer.org

Of course, employing chiropractic in your wellness regiment will help promote health and well being.

Sports injury prevention tips

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the goal is the same: You undoubtedly want to lower your chances of incurring an injury while participating in your favorite sport; like hockey. Fortunately, there are some general rules for injury prevention that all apply to all sports, which is important because sports scientists suggest injury rates could be reduced by 25 percent if athletes too appropriate preventative action.

Here are some injury prevention tips you can use to stay healthy:

1. Avoid training when you are tired; you should be strong and ready to exercise.

2. Increase the amount of carbohydrates you consume during heavy training.

3. Match increases in training intensity or frequency with increases in resting. (Rest is how the body regenerates.)

4. Precede any increase in training load with an increase in strengthening.

5. Treat even seemingly minor injuries very carefully to prevent them from becoming a big problem. This is where chiropractic can become key.

6. If you experience pain when training, stop your training session immediately.

7. Never train hard if you are stiff from the previous training session.

8. Pay attention to hydration and nutrition (water before exercise, electrolyte drink during exercise and water after exercise).

9. Use appropriate training surfaces.

10. Check the training and competition areas are clear of hazards.

Chiropractic care is not only exceptional in the treatment of acute and chronic injuries, but is equally successful in preventing future injuries when regular care is received. Simply, chiropractic focuses on the cause of the deficiency or injury and not just the symptoms.

For a free chiropractic consultation with Dr. Gilmore, either call (425) 670-2600 or schedule here.

August is Pain Awareness Month

The month of August is a period to focus our awareness on a condition that affects
individuals, their families and society in general. Chronic pain is considered to be the most costly health
problem in the United States. Increased medical expenses, lost income, lost productivity, compensation
payments, and legal charges are some of the negative economic consequences of chronic pain. Along with
financial ramifications, chronic pain impacts one’s emotional state and relationships.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia. Pain is mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many factors.
The word “pain” comes from the Latin “poena” meaning a fine, a penalty.

Chiropractic and Integrative Pain Management
Integrative pain medicine is said to be more comprehensive than traditional medicine, because it emphasizes wellness and the healing of the whole person above and beyond the treatment of any specific symptom or disease. It involves the use of safe and effective approaches that are designed to facilitate healing, empowering patients to participate in their own healing process. Integrative medicine acknowledges the complexity of health and illness by identifying numerous causes of disease and multiple interventions based on the physical, biochemical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of health and disease.
Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.”

Because of this intimate relationship, biomechanical and structural problems in the spinal column can irritate parts of the enclosed nervous system. This irritation can result from noxious inflammatory biochemicals released during tissue injury or may result from direct mechanical pressure. In either case, the functioning of the nervous system is negatively influenced as is the functioning of the cells, tissues and organs which are supplied by the affected nerve(s).
In short, because the body’s innate recuperative powers are affected by and integrated through the nervous system, correcting spinal abnormalities which irritate the nervous system can lead to a number of favorable results in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal health conditions.

July is UV Safety Month

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much is
dangerous, causing immediate effects like blistering sunburns,
as well as longer-term problems like eye damage.
Ultraviolet radiation is composed of high-energy rays from
the sun. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (“sunburn
rays”) may contribute to the development of various eye
disorders, such as: age-related macular degeneration, the
leading cause of vision loss among older Americans; and
cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Everyone is at risk for eye damage that can lead to vision loss
from exposure to the sun.
It’s important to protect your eyes from acute damage caused
by even a single outing on a very bright day. Intense, excessive
exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or
pavement can damage the eye’s surface. Similar to sunburns,
eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days,
but may lead to further complications later in life.
To ensure your eyes are protected, wear sunglasses and a
broad-rimmed hat. When selecting sunglasses, make sure they
block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. But don’t be
deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not
dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.
Also, while out enjoying the sun in the water, remember to
wear swimming goggles whenever you swim. Chlorine can
make your eyes red and puffy, and ponds and lakes may have
bacteria that can get underneath contact lenses and cause
inflammation of the cornea.

Just some helpful tips from the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Enjoy Your Summer

How Chiropractic Can Help With Sciatica

Research found on the internet estimates that up to 40 million people suffer with sciatica pain each year. Yet it seems to remain a relative ‘secret’ how effective chiropractic care has been in reducing and often completely eliminating sciatica pain.

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest of all the body’s nerves? In fact it runs from the spinal column near the pelvis… all the way down each leg… and it can be as wide as your thumb! Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that branch into the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, and foot. This is why sciatica can effect people in many different ways! But the bottom line is that sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.

How do you know if you have sciatica pain? Sciatica pain can either be dull and aching… or… it can be a shooting pain down the leg sometimes all the way to the toes. This pain can last for several days or weeks or it can subside for even a few hours. However, someone who has had sciatica for a long period of time will find that the pain localizes in the buttock and thigh. In severe cases it can damage nerves and reflexes or cause the calf muscle to deteriorate, so if you have sciatica pain you do not want to ignore it and “hope it goes away.”

What will a chiropractor do to treat sciatica pain? The first thing we’ll do is take a look at your medical history to identify possible causes. Then a thorough but gentle chiropractic exam is performed. Often we will discover the source of the nerve “blockage” and we’ll use adjustments to fix the problem, often resulting in immediate reduction of the sciatica pain. Sometimes massage therapy is used to reduce muscle spasms as is ultrasound and/or ice therapies. Chiropractic works and is 90% less expensive than the cost of surgery… without having to deal with recovery time.

If a loved one seems to be suffering with sciatica pain and you would like to get them into our office to be examined, or you have concerns about their health, please give us a call @ (425) 670-2600 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!

June is Men's Health Month - Include Chiropractic

The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Chiropractic can be an integral part of this prevention and promotion of wellness.

In short, because the body's innate recuperative powers are affected by and integrated through the nervous system, correcting spinal abnormalities which irritate the nervous system through chiropractic can lead to a number of favorable results in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal health conditions. These conditions can include increased sense of well being and energy, enhanced tissue healing and decreased tissue inflammation.

Alarming statistics show that men's health is at great risk. On average, men die almost 6 years younger than women and suffer higher mortality rates for the top causes of death. The lives of hundreds of thousands of men will continue to be threatened unless immediate action is taken to combat this growing crisis.

Research shows that:

- men do not see physicians for a physical exam nearly as often as women

- men are dying of the top causes of death at higher rates than women

- men are more likely to be uninsured than women

- approximately 30,000 men in the US die each year from prostate cancer.

Find events in your area by checking the Men's Health Calendar at : www.menshealthnetwork.org

Start on the road to promoting men's health by scheduling an appointment today at Back To Action Chiropractic.

Migraines - How Chiropractic Can Help With Headaches

Ouch, Another Migraine! Here’s what you can do about your headache pain…

Did you know that research has shown that many headaches are caused by irritation of the nerves in the neck? It’s true. When the pain is pulsating in your head, it sure doesn’t seem like it’s because of what is going on in your neck.

Why Am I Getting These Darned Headaches?

Answer: We have actually found that your nerve irritation is the result of a previous injury that the patient was unaware of or something that occurred so long ago they had forgotten about. What is really interesting is how fragile the neck can be and how easy it is to have problems result from that area. For example, since the link between the head and the rest of the body is your neck, the neck is vulnerable to even slight jars which may cause a misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck. Now imagine if your car were to be rear-ended. This is why whiplash can occur in accidents in which the vehicles were only going 5-miles per hour. Numerous studies have proven this to be in fact quite common.

So why are you getting headaches?

Picture a traffic jam during rush hour. All those cars trying to travel down the same expressway simultaneously. The same thing is happening in your neck. Since the nerves and blood vessels pass through small openings between these vertebrae, a misalignment can substantially reduce the amount of blood and nerve impulses going to your face and brain.

Thus, the headaches. Not all headaches are caused by neck problems. Some are due to lack of sleep or excessive “partying.” However if you get frequent headaches, it’s possible that chiropractic can help you.

A good rule of thumb is if you experience headaches more than twice a week, we’d suggest having your condition looked into further because chances are it can be successfully addressed. We’re here to help!

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Clothing Drive at Back To Action Chiropractic « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

The Week of Monday, April 6th through April 10th marks Back To Action’s 12th Anniversary in exsistence.

To celebrate, the clinic is holding several events. The first, is conducting a Clothing Drive in conjunction with Northwest Center. During this week, anyone can bring your reusable clothing to the Collecton Bin located at Back To Action. Types of re-usable items to donate include: clothing (for all ages) inluding shoes, handbacks and clothing accessories, backpacks, linens and blankets. All donations are tax deductible.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the Chiropractic Approach « Back

“Experiencing some wear & tear from work?”

Did You Know that Carpal Tunnel is the #1 Most Reported Workplace Medical Problem?

Did you know that because of the prevalence of people desk jobs, carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming one of the most common medical problems in the workplace? The course traveled by many is surgery… and… the issue with surgery is that is can have many long term consequences.

Warning: Here’s What Carpal Tunnel Feels Like…

When you’re working at your computer do you feel pain, numbness, tingling or aching in your hands? Do your hands ever feel swollen or “clumsy”? These are the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel.

What the Government Tells Us…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, carpal tunnel is now the most common reported medical problem in the workplace. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome accounts for nearly 60% of work related injuries. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimate that Carpal Tunnel costs $27 billion annually in medical treatment and lost income. Until recently there were only three choices for sufferers: (1) Do nothing. Not a good plan. (2) Take anti-inflammatory medication or wear hand splints. Yeah, that looks good. (3) Surgery. I’ve known patients who opted for 3 or 4 surgeries on the same hand before relief was obtained! The recovery period is lengthy often leaving you out of work for months.

What many people are learning is that chiropractic has an excellent track record treating some forms of carpal tunnel. Surgery should be the last resort. In 80% of the cases where surgery has been completed, the symptoms have returned within two years. Increasingly patients are turning to chiropractic to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is why more and more people are seeking out chiropractic as their first line of defense against Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Only after non-invasive options have been tried should one consider surgery, in our opinion. The obvious benefits of chiropractic are no surgery, no recovery, and no taking medications.

If you or a loved one think they have some of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel than I’d encourage you to get your condition looked into at your earliest convenience. To determine whether someone is appropriate for this procedure, we welcome patients or their referrals to call our office and we’ll schedule them for a diagnostic appointment. We will review your symptoms, tell you what your options are, and explain in detail how our non-surgical approach might help. Give our office a call at (425) 670-2600, we’re here to help. Also if we can provide any additional info on this condition, let us know.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Patient Safety Awareness Week - March 8 - March 14 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is a national education and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety at the local level. Hospitals and health care organizations, such as Back To Action, are encouraged to plan events and promote patient safety within their own organizations. Educational activities are centered on educating patients on how to become involved in their own health care, as well as working with hospitals to build partnerships with their patient community.

For more information: www.npsf.org

National School Breakfast Week - March 2-6, 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

Kids are a lot like superheroes - both need a lot of strength to meet the challenges they face everyday. A nutritious and healthy school breakfast gives the energy to overcome barriers and succeed academically each day.

During this year's National School Breakfast Week, students nationwide are invided to join the School Breakfast Heroes - Mr. Breakfast, Crunch, Fruit Avenger, Yogurl, Susie Powers the Sandwich Sensei, and their trusty sidekick Eggbot - on a morning adventure as they join together to rescue hungry kids from the plauge of the Breakfast Skipper! From March 2-6, 2009, school cafeterias nationwide will encourage students to power up with a healthy, nutritious school breakfast.

School breakfast provides the necessary energy to start a day of learning and achievement, providing 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C and calories and meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast at school:

1) Score better in standardized tests

2) Have fewer health issues

3) Behave better in class

Furthermore, research indicates that kids who skip breakfast rarely make up for missed nutrients later in the day so skipping breakfast could also affect students' performance in after-school activities.

Seeing a chiropractor can also improve your child's health.

Food Knowledge for 2009 « Back To Action Chiropractic’s Blog

6 Little Known Food Facts!

If you’re like most, don’t you love to torture yourself thinking about how much fat we ingest daily? Even though we know it’s bad for us, that Big Mac just tastes so good… Well, this time around I will be the bearer of good news about fat. Really! As much bad press as fat gets, it is an essential part of our diet. Without it we’re unhealthy. But how much? A recent Gannett News Service article put an amusing spin on the topic that I’d like to pass along here. Take my “Fat Quiz” below and see how you do. You’ll find the answers below:

1. How many calories are found in one gram of fat?
2. What is the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation for the number of fat grams an average adult should consume everyday?
3. What is the highest percentage of caloric intake, based on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet, that should come from fat?
4. What is the percentage of monounsaturated fat, the so-called “good” fat that lowers cholesterol, found in almonds?
5. What is the percentage of monounsaturated fat contained in avocados (think guacamole)?
6. Name one country where fat women were celebrated as healthy and beautiful.

Answers: Question 1: 9 calories; Question 2: 65 grams; Question 3: 30 percent; Question 4: 65 percent; Question 5: 60 percent; Question 6: Victorian England.

How did you do? Make taking time to eat and eat right a priority. Good nutrition and wellness go hand in hand.

Have any questions about this article? Give our office a call at (425) 670-2600. We're here to help.
Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore
Back To Action Chiropractic

My Spine: How Does It Work and What Is It's Role?

“Exactly how does my spine work and what is its role? Why all the focus on the spine, Doc?”

Answer: Did you know that your body is an engineering miracle? It is truly amazing what I’m about to describe about your spine and body. The cervical spine of your neck consists of 7 interlocking bones. Kind of like Legos. The brain stem becomes the spinal cord, which is the “information super highway” of your nervous system. This is what enables your heart to beat without your conscious awareness, keeps you digesting food, feeling pain, experiencing pleasure, and all the…

Miracles of life
we experience!

The forward curve of the neck is known as a lordosis. This curve is what enables you to turn your head side to side and gaze toward the ceiling. An injury such as whiplash can cause the spine joints to not move enough… or… others to move too much! These changes negatively impact the nervous system. When the spine loses its natural shape, it can pinch the nerves coming out of the spine. We call these subluxations and they alter the way your nervous system sends and receives sensations. Ill health can result, because it throws off the body’s ability to communicate within itself. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back. Like the neck, it should have a natural curve. Like tributaries of a river, nerves exiting the spine in this area form the sciatic nerves which run down the back of each leg. A healthy spine allows you to be and do your best by protecting the vital nervous systems link between your brain and your body.

A keen awareness of the spine’s importance can enable you to live a vital, full life. Be aware that if you or someone you love has been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, please seek the help of the Doctors of Back To Action immediately. We’re only a phone call away at (425) 670-2600. Or schedule an appointment here.

Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore

Alderwood Auto Accidents

Alderwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Mill Creek Auto Accidents

Mill Creek car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Seattle Auto Accidents

Seattle car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Everett Auto Accidents

Everett car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Shoreline Auto Accidents

Shoreline car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Edmonds Auto Accidents

Edmonds car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Bothell Auto Accidents

Bothell car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Mountlake Terrace Auto Accidents

Mountlake Terrace car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.

Lynnwood Auto Accidents

Lynnwood car accidents have been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they usually are unexpected.

Car crashes can result in extensive injuries such as spinal cord injuries, neck injury, back injury, knee injuries, whiplash, and shock related minor injuries.

Whiplash biomechanics causes injury to the spinal disk and facet joints. Post accident conditions may include pain or spasms in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, legs, headache and face. Even neck pain or back pain.

Millions of people leave emergency rooms unaware that they carry around hidden spinal distortions , called vertebral subluxations, that can cause severe health problems at a later date.

The best management of spinal joint trauma requires passive efforts, such as the chiropractic spinal adjustment. Anyone who has been in an auto accident or suffered a trauma, whether mild or serious should see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic is a more of a "hands on" method of health care. The chiropractor will manually touch, massage and manipulate your spine and related muscles and tissues to achieve maximum alignment and healthy interaction. Physical therapy can help too.

In order to avoid all the legal hassles that may arise from auto accidents, it is always advisable to hire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer who is expert in dealing with the legalities arising out of a car accident. Car accident lawyers make an effort at understanding their client's needs and the external issues affecting them such as law authorities and insurance companies.