Dr. Valente's Health News, Notes and Quotes

Welcome to Health News, Notes and Quotes. We have selected the following categories and news items below because I believe they can help educate you about the importance of good health and the benefits of chiropractic.

Articles:

Ergonomics & Orthotics

The Agony of the Feet

Have you taken a good look at your feet lately? What do you notice? Are there any calluses, corns or bunions? Do your feet look red or do your toes look cramped and pushed together? Sore, aching feet can be more than inconvenient – they can put you out of commission. Conditions ranging from calluses and heel spurs to plantar fascitis and Achilles tendon injuries can severely impact your quality of life. Long-term problems will result from these conditions if the proper treatment is not sought. Here are possible treatment options to give you an idea of how to help yourself and when to seek help from a professional. • Have your chiropractor adjust your feet. If you have never had your feet adjusted by your chiropractor before, you don’t know what you are missing. Aside from helping to support your three arches by getting the bones to move back to where they should be, it feels great. • Ask your chiropractor about flexible, custom-made, three-arch foot inserts (orthotics). Since the connective tissue under your feet is now permanently stretched out to some degree, you need the support from now on. Once you get the inserts, wear them appropriately. You want to keep your feet stabilized so they don’t get any worse. • Do exercises. Keep the underside of your feet loose by rolling a racquet ball, tennis ball or golf ball under them. Thirty seconds, twice a day will help keep your feet more relaxed and stretched. • Get supportive shoes. Wearing a shoe that fits properly and offers the best support will help keep your feet from overpronating. Talk to your chiropractor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and get some help. Remember, your feet are telling you a story. Are you listening?

Sports & Fitness

Winter Warm-Up

“It’s too cold. I’ll get sick. I might slip and fall.” All common excuses for avoiding exercise when the seasons change. With four to six months of winter in many parts of the country, you can’t afford to skip winter exercise altogether. For both physical and mental well-being, the human body needs activity all year round. Whether you find creative ways to exercise indoors or dive into the great outdoors, maintaining an exercise regimen through the holidays and beyond will not only keep you fit, but also give you a head start come spring. TAKE IT OUTSIDE If you don’t want to stay cooped up inside for months, exercising outdoors can be a great way to stay in shape while appreciating the sights and sounds of winter. From snowball fights and sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, a host of outdoor activities awaits you. Of course, if you have any medical conditions or concerns about outdoor exercise, check with your doctor first. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your time outdoors: Dress for the Cold. Protect Your Skin. Drink Fluids. Beware of Wind Chill. Don’t Push Your Luck. STAY INDOORS Despite all the excuses for not wanting to face the elements, there are times when it is wise to avoid outdoor activities. If you are too cozy in front of the fireplace to brave the outdoors, try one of these indoor workout options. Walk the Mall. Hit the Gym. Take a Dip. No Need to Leave Home. Winter can be one of the most exhilarating times of the year. With the sun and snow and a variety of winter sports to choose from, there’s no reason to hibernate indoors. It may be chilly and downright freezing at times, but your body still craves at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Stay indoors if you have to, but if the conditions are decent and you dress appropriately, you still can walk, run, hike and play sports outside. Once you get going, you won’t even notice the cold.

Acupuncture & Asian Healing

Top 5 Herbal Formulas for Health and Wellness

Why do the Chinese have a reputation for living long, healthy lives? A long history of using Chinese herbs may play a role. Here are five of the most popular herbal formulas and how they help promote health and wellness in the body. A Basic Formula (Gui Zhi Tang) This was one of the first formulas used to fight off signs of the common cold. It works by pushing pathogens out of the body, primarily through sweating. Digestive Aid (Ping Wei San) This formula works to tonify the stomach and improve digestion and elimination. It is often used when there is stomach upset or bloating, and has been used to help relieve fullness in the chest and abdomen. Liver Support (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) This formula has been used for lingering colds that persist for more than five days with alternating fever and chills. Over the long term, it also has helped improve liver enzymes and general fatigue from chronic illness. Energy Support (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) This formula helps strengthen weakened and debilitated patients and has been used with various types of prolapses, frequent urination, bleeding problems like anemia, and generalized weakness. PMS and Mental Support (Xiao Yao San) This formula, one of the most popular Chinese formulas used in America, focuses on supporting the mind/body balance. It soothes the mind and promotes blood movement, which also helps relieve pain and cramping.

Senior Health

Caring for the Mature Spine: Helping Seniors Enjoy Their Golden Years

In the United States, a senior citizen is defined as someone able to retire with full social security benefits at age 65. Regardless of whether you have reached that age yourself, or have parents and grandparents who fit into that category, it is important to understand and appreciate the unique health problems faced by seniors, along with possible health solutions. Seniors lose height in their intervertebral discs as they age because the cartilage dries out and degenerates. Restoring joint mobility and nerve function through chiropractic adjustments is critical. The goal for optimum senior functioning is to achieve at least 80 degrees of rotation in their neck if they are still driving, and 60 degrees of rotation if they are no longer driving. In terms of their peripheral body movement, seniors need at least 160 degrees of shoulder flexion and 60 degrees of straight leg rising. Doctors of chiropractic can monitor a senior’s range of motion and help improve spinal restrictions caused by subluxations and muscle imbalance through regular chiropractic adjustments. There are many things seniors can do to ensure a high quality of life well into their golden years. Simply put, seniors need to stay active as long as they possibly can. They should attempt housework, yard work and hygienic practices daily. Seniors in independent or assisted-living facilities should be encouraged to attend the daily exercises offered by the activities director. Finally, the foods seniors eat are very important. A diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean meat and coldwater fish is ideal – for people of all ages. These simple lifestyle choices, along with regular chiropractic care, can make all the difference.