Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
A new season means it’s time for a fresh new pair of kicks. And what better option to transition to spring in style than some bright white sneakers? Not only are they totally trendy right now, but this neutral footwear also matches (nearly) everything in your wardrobe. Plus, sneakers are the ultimate travel shoe—you can walk around in them all day without having to stop and deal with blisters or sore arches. (These comfortable ballet flats, stylish flats with arch support, and podiatrist-approved comfortable sandals are also great options for spring and summer travel, as well as everyday wear.) So whether you need sneaks to wear to work or to sport post-gym with your mesh-paneled leggings and cool hoodies, we’ve found nine fashionable white sneakers for women that will help you conquer the new season with a little extra pep in your step.
Converse Jack Purcell CP Canvas Low Top ($65; zappos.com)
If you’re looking for that quintessential pair of casual kicks, white Converse will do the trick. These classic sneakers are a super versatile choice—you can wear them on the weekends while running errands or rock them at the office for a cool, business-casual look.
Take your style game to a whole new level with these killer high-tops. You can rock them with rolled up jeans, shorts, or even a skirt for a truly on-point look.
Remember these? Keds are making a comeback and we’re definitely not mad about it—we love the versatility of these cute, simple sneaks. Plus, when they get scuffed, you can easily throw them in the wash—a major bonus when it comes to keeping white footwear fresh and clean.
These Adidas may be an old-school style, but modern-vintage sneakers are coming back in a big way. Plus, wearing them with stylish athleisure gives these sneakers an upgraded, hip look. Let them take you from a Saturday morning workout to brunch and beyond by pairing the sleek shoes with some bright, bold leggings.
New Balance 576 Made in UK Animal ($250; newbalance.com)
Mix up your wardrobe with a little dose of texture. These stylish monochromatic New Balance shoes, featuring an embossed leather upper, can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Looking for pair of shoes to easily throw on as you rush out the door? These slip-ons make getting dressed in the morning a total breeze. Not to mention, they look white-hot with skinny jeans, capris, shorts, dresses, and more.
This classic aerobics shoe has been updated for 2017 with breathable uppers and a terry lining designed to absorb moisture. They bring a preppy vibe to any active outfit.
The Adidas Originals Superstar is still a must-have after 48 years. Pair it with your basic leggings or even with a maxi skirt for a celeb status outfit.
A subtle shine makes the Reebok Classic Leather Pearlized that much more luxe. Padded foam sockliners keeps blisters at bay when you are working the no sock look.
Oversize laces—a nod to the 80s—give the Puma Basket Heart Patent a retro feel. This style was originally introduced in the 60s as a basketball warm-up shoe, so they’re great for hitting the courts too.
Pilates is known for building strength in your core—but that doesn’t mean it only works the abs. This popular workout can also lengthen your limbs and sculpt lean muscle all over. Take it from Julie Erickson, founder of the Endurance Pilates and Yoga studio in Boston. A certified Pilates instructor who’s trained pro athletes and dancers, Julie knows exactly how to use this workout to target each part of the body so you stay strong, no matter what type of activity you’re into (football, ballet, you name it!). In this video, Julie demonstrates six Pilates exercises that are specifically intended to help tone you from the waist up. Don’t have time to watch? Here are the six sculpting moves she shows us:
Shoulder opener: On a mat, rest on your knees holding a weight (or water bottle!) in each hand. Raise your arms out slightly behind the body, keeping them straight and pulsing your hands in towards your midsection behind the back for 45 seconds.
Shave: On a mat, rest on your knees with your arms raised straight above your head. Create a diamond shape with hands above the head. With hands still in a diamond shape, bend at the elbows to lower the arms behind the head, then extend straight again. Continue this bend-and-extend movement for 45 seconds.
Arms wide: Standing tall with your back against a wall, slowly raise arms out to your sides until they create a wide “V” shape above your head. Return them down to the starting position and repeat this movement for 45 seconds.
Goal: Standing tall with your back against a wall, raise your arms to a goal post position with each elbow creating a 90-degree angle at shoulder height. Keep arms raised and slowly shrug your shoulders up and down for 45 seconds.
Chest expansion: On a mat, rest on your knees with a weight in each hand. Slowly raise your arms straight out to chest height in front of you, then lower them back down. Turn your head to the right, then left, then return to center and repeat this sequence for 45 seconds.
Overhead side stretch: Standing tall, raise your right arm up overhead and lean your torso toward the left to stretch the side body. Return to center and repeat with the left arm raised, leaning your torso to the right to stretch the other side. Continue to switch off stretching to each side for 45 seconds.
Taking care of your mind and body can take tons of different forms, from settling in for a scented bubble bath to getting your heart rate sky-high in spin class. It all depends on what works best for you.
But if you ask us, practicing self-care while you stay active is the best of both worlds. That�s just what we�re doing in this eight-minute flow with body-positive yogi and Every Body Yoga author Jessamyn Stanley.
�This sequence is all about getting into your own body, finding your strength within, and remembering that you are self-confident all the time, no matter what obstacle, no matter where you are,� says Jessamyn. Preach.
There�s science to back up yoga�s mind-body benefits as well. The ancient activity comes with a wide range of healthy side effects, from lower stress levels to a stronger core, better sex, and fewer headaches (you know, just to name a few). Not to mention yoga is accessible for pretty much every body, as Jessamyn�s book demonstrates. RELATED:This Invigorating Yoga Flow is the Best Way to Get Energized
In the video above, she�ll show you how to strengthen and lengthen your body using classic poses like Warrior I, Warrior II, Triangle, and more. You�ll also work on building better balance and eventually take time at the end of the practice to sit still, breathe, and appreciate all the amazing work your body has just allowed you to do.
Nervous because you�re a yoga novice? There�s no need. Jessamyn caters the flow to beginner and advanced yogis alike. Follow the yoga routine in the clip above to practice self-love and exercise at the same time. It�s really a win-win. And if you want to keep the self-love coming post-workout, go ahead and treat yourself to a DIY spa day. Because you deserve it.
Many parents of children with debilitating gastrointestinal disorders may be frustrated by the lack of good treatment options and tempted to try herbal remedies at home, but a new study suggests they should proceed with caution.
Researchers examined data from 14 previously published studies with a total of 1,927 children suffering from problems like diarrhea, dehydration, colic, constipation, abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. They didn’t have enough data to combine results from multiple small studies to offer definitive proof that herbal remedies might work for any of these health problems.
But some of the small studies did suggest certain herbal medicines might help ease diarrhea, abdominal pain and colic. And the studies didn’t find serious side effects associated with herbal remedies.
“The lack of conclusive research is unfortunately a general problem in pediatrics, but a special problem in herbal medicine is that for many herbal remedies no licensed and standardized products are available,” said lead study author Dr. Dennis Anheyer of the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany.
In other words, even if evidence shows an herb may be safe and effective for a specific health problem, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every single version of that herb available for sale would work as well or be free of side effects.
When researchers looked at four studies with a total of 424 participants, they found some evidence suggesting that a variety of herbal remedies might help diarrhea: a plant in the rose family called potentilla erecta, carob bean juice, and an herbal compound preparation with chamomile.
One study with 120 participants also suggests that peppermint oil might help curb the duration, frequency and severity chronic abdominal pain that doesn’t have a clear medical explanation.
And, fennel might help ease colic symptoms in babies according to a review of five small studies of herbal remedies for infant colic.
While it’s possible herbal remedies might be used in addition to traditional medications or to help reduce reliance on drug therapy, parents should still see a doctor before trying out herbal therapies on their own, Anheyer said by email.
Another reason for caution is that even the studies in the current analysis that found herbal remedies effective don’t show how large the effects are, noted Dr. Peter Lucassen, a researcher at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands who wasn’t involved in the study.
These small studies might get results that find herbs are statistically better than no treatment or alternative therapies, but the difference still might not be big enough to have a meaningful clinical impact on patients’ symptoms, Lucassen said by email.
“I would not advocate any of the herbal medicine because the article does not provide any data about how large the effects are,” Lucassen said.
Often, herbal remedies combine a variety of ingredients and use differing amounts of the main ingredients, which may alter how well they work and how safe they are for kids, Lucassen added. They might also contain chemicals not found in prescription medications that have dangerous side effects or a risk of overdose.
And there’s another reason parents shouldn’t try herbal remedies without seeing a doctor.
“Delayed diagnosis might be the result of herbal medications because parents seek help too late because they try the herbs first,” Lucassen said.
Your physician may suggest taking drugs to help deal with the pain from degenerative disk disease, or DDD. The severity of your symptoms ascertains what drugs you might need, plus, it makes a difference if your pain is acute or long-term.
Severe pain is, in addition, called a flare up; a sudden onset of pain.
Chronic pain is long-term, and you’re prone to possess long-term pain than intense pain as degenerative disc disease advances.
As with any drugs or medicines, you should not take anything without first consulting with your healthcare professional to see if it’s the best option for you. Most likely, you will proceed through a progression of drugs, first attempting over the counter medicines. Stronger drugs may be prescribed by a healthcare specialist if those don’t work. You may need spinal injections that send a stronger medicine, if those don’t help.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Degenerative Disc Disease
Acetaminophen: Tylenol is an example of acetaminophen, a sort of drug that’s turned out to be an excellent pain reliever. Your physician may call this an analgesic, but most people refer as a painkiller to acetaminophen medications. It doesn’t help reduce inflammation, though. By essentially blocking the perception of pain of your brain, acetaminophen works, plus it may help pain flare-ups that may come with DDD.
Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These will reduce swelling (or inflammation) while relieving your pain; that’s how NSAIDs differ from acetaminophen. If an over the counter NSAID is a choice for you, you’ve lots to select from. You can use ibuprofen (eg, Advil), aspirin, or aproxen (eg, Aleve).
By taking an NSAID, you are really building up an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, therefore it’s required to take it for awhile. If you take them just when you’ve pain that is certainly, NSAIDs won’t be as powerful. Because they build up in your own body and work to limit inflammation, NSAIDs are better for chronic pain sufferers.
Prescription Drugs for Degenerative Disc Disease
Anti-depressants: Antidepressants may be effective drugs for treating pain since they block pain messages on their strategy to mental performance as astonishing as it might seem. They could also help increase your body’s production of endorphins, an all-natural painkiller. Finally, antidepressants can also assist you to sleep better, which can be a major headache for people in persistent pain.
Muscle relaxants: If you have chronic back pain caused by muscle spasms, a muscle relaxant, which should help prevent the spasms may be needed by you. Muscle relaxants could also help you sleep.
Agents that are neuropathic: If you have nerve pain, your physician may prescribe a drug that especially targets the nerves. Neurontin (gabapentin) is a good example.
Opioids (narcotics): In only under careful supervision, and the most extraordinary cases, your doctor may prescribe an opioid. Vicodin is an example of a narcotic.
Prescription NSAIDs: NSAIDs that are more powerful can be taken by you than the over-the-counter variety, if your doctor believes this is best for your pain.
Medication/Drug Precautions
As with all medicines, your doctor’s guidance must be followed by you exactly. Never blend over the counter and prescribed drugs without first consulting with your physician. Also, as your physician determines things to prescribe, if you are using any herbal nutritional supplements make sure to tell him or her, as well as every other prescription medications you’re taking.
Spinal Injections for Degenerative Disc Disease
Epidural steroid injection: That is only one of the very common shots. In lots of people, an epidural steroid injection is successful to reduce low back pain caused by a herniated disc; among the affiliated conditions with DDD. An epidural steroid injection (ESI) targets the epidural space, which will be the space enclosing the membrane that covers the back and nerve roots.An epidural steroid injection sends steroids�very powerful anti-inflammatories�right to the nerve root(s) that is inflamed. This is really a pain management treatment, therefore it’s best to have an injection-trained pain management specialist perform the injection under fluoroscopy (real time xray). You could need two or three injections; generally, you need to not have that because of the possible side effects of the steroids.
Facet joint injection: Also referred to as a facet block, facet joint injections are useful if one (or maybe more) of your facet joints are causing pain. A steroid drugs (powerful anti inflammatory) is injected into the joint’s protective capsule. Reduce joint pain and the medication works to ease inflammation.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Whole Body Wellness
Maintaining overall health and wellness through a balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and proper sleep is essential for your whole body�s well-being. While these are some of the most important contributing factors for staying healthy, seeking care and preventing injuries or the development of conditions through natural alternatives can also guarantee overall health and wellness. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option utilized by many individuals to ensure whole body wellness.
If you’re doing your best to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, the convenience of pre-washed bagged salads may be too hard to resist. The problem is such products can contain contaminants and foreign substances that can make you sick.
That reality was dramatically spotlighted last month when two people ate fresh salad from a bagged lettuce product before discovering the remains of a bat in it. Further complicating things, the unfortunate were treated for rabies as a precaution (although lab tests later showed the bat was not rabid).
Peter Cassell, spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), noted the case was extremely rare and not a reason for a larger public health concern.
“Packaged salads are generally safe to eat right out of the package,” he said. “Most salads are double-washed or triple-washed and dried under managed conditions. Packaged salads are widely sold for consumer’s convenience.”
But he acknowledged such products can contain contaminants, so consumers need to take precautions to be sure they are not consuming anything dangerous or, at least, unappetizing.
“The most common extraneous materials that can be found in produce grown close to the ground include stones, rocks and dirt,” he noted. “One way consumers can identify and remove these materials is to pour the salad out into a bowl and lightly sift it with clean hands or utensils. There is no need to rewash salads that have already been washed before packaging.”
It’s not the first time that consumers have encountered problems with pre-washed salads, veggies, and fruit. Last year, four people died and 33 became ill from listeria in packaged salads.
Listeria found in food processing plants is not uncommon, but it isn’t always toxic. Dole salads, the problem in the case of listeria, closed the offending plant, issued a recall, and followed FDA requirements to sanitize its processing systems.
The salad with the dead bat was in Organic Marketside Spring Mix, produced by Fresh Express. It was only distributed at Walmart stores in the Southeastern United States.
The odds of finding a bat or dangerous pathogen in your salad are quite rare, experts say. According to Cassell, people can generally trust that pre-washed salads are handled correctly and present little to no risk to the consumer.
But health specialists say a handful of safe food-handling practices, especially for produce, are a good idea for consumers to follow. Among them:
Wash your hands thoroughly before starting to prepare food.
Sort through bagged or boxed greens and/or vegetables carefully.
Rinse thoroughly and inspect the contents of bagged greens, even if they are already pre-washed.
Do not use special “veggie soaps.” They don’t do much and remain on the food that you eat.
Look for “best used by” dates and buy foods accordingly. If food is really fresh it will be better for you.
Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables. Throw it away if it looks rotten.
Even if you plan to peel the produce, it is a good idea to wash it.
Scrub things like melons or cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
Use a paper towel to dry produce because it can help to get rid of bacteria.
When you purchase and store your produce, bag it and store it separately from other foods like meat, seafood, and poultry.
Refrigerate any produce that is pre-cut or peeled.
Additional advice from the FDA:
Wash hands and surfaces often when preparing food.
Wash your cutting boards, dishes, counters frequently to avoid cross contamination with bacteria and other microbes.
If you use cloth dishtowels to wipe counters clean, make sure you wash them in hot water. Consider using paper towels instead of cloth towels.
Most of us face some risk from foods — even fresh foods — that aren’t properly washed or cleaned, or that may have been contaminated by other foods like fresh meat.
About 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year, with one in six Americans becoming ill from some sort of food contamination. Illness usually starts within days after eating contaminated food, and can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache.
Most people recover from food poisoning, according to the FDA. But pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of complications.
The bottom line: Take a look at that pre-washed salad, toss it with some utensils, and be wary, but be aware that it is probably safe, according to Cassell.
For more information about recalls, or to file a complaint about purchased food, visit the FDA Website.
Could wine have a protective effect on the brain? A team of researchers at the Institute of Food Science Research in Madrid, Spain, have studied the process by which compounds in red wine have an anti-aging effect on the brain.
When consumed in moderation, notably as part of a Mediterranean diet, red wine, which contains polyphenol antioxidants, can be beneficial in delaying the onset of cognitive impairments in aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, researchers report.
Resveratrol — a substance found in red wine and chocolate — could help prevent age-related memory loss.
To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the neuroprotective actions of wine, researchers in Spain studied certain compounds that are left behind after the wine has passed through the gut — wine-derived human gut metabolites. These are found in the urine and feces of people who drink wine on a regular and moderate basis.
To study the effects of these metabolites on the brain, the compounds were added to human cells under stress conditions, similar to the initial stages of certain neurodegenerative disorders.
According to the results, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the wine metabolites protected the cells from dying due to the stress conditions.
The scientists explain that the exact composition of wine metabolites influences the neuroprotective effect. This composition, in turn, depends on the composition of each individual’s gut microbiota. In other words, wine is broken down into different metabolites depending on the gut flora of each individual.
“[This] underpins the idea that humans benefit from food in different ways,” explains Dr. Esteban-Fernández from the Institute of Food Science Research in Madrid. “This individual difference is a factor not to be neglected to understand the health effects of certain foods. We are now in need to advance our understanding of the effect of diet in the promotion of normal brain function.”
The study concludes that diet can be considered an important factor in health maintenance and disease prevention.
Antioxidant nutrients are mainly found in brightly colored fruit and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, sweet potato, bell peppers and green leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach, peas, avocado, etc.)
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
