Latest News from Charmaine: October 2019

Greetings all!photo3

Well, Fall seems to have found her way to us. Currently somewhat cooler temps are prevailing, and I see leaves starting to fall fast and furious.  I would put out an appeal to think twice about raking the leaves for the fact that they provide essential cover and protection to many of the beneficial bugs, and creepy crawlies over the winter. I know we are programmed to rake them, just as we are programmed to pull dandelions and thus deprive bees of essential early food.

Check out our Annual Stuff the Bus for Hunger appeal. We are trying a slightly different tack this year (our 30th!!!!!) and hope to succeed beyond expectations.

I just completed my last powerlifting meet of the year and finally managed to set a Michigan Masters record in Bench press (finally got that nailed!)

Fall generally means that we are doing a lot more outside (and inside, too!) as we strive to finish up projects before the snowy days arrive.  Please be sure you recognize your limits, that you take care doing the project and after a weekend of “warrioring” (which may include more than household projects!)….that you get your spine checked to make sure you are sparking on all cylinders!!

SEE YOU IN THE OFFICE, ON THE TABLE/MAT, UNDER THE BARBELLS, OR AROUND TOWN!

October 2019

Hearty Spaghetti with Lentils & Marinara

This recipe originally appeared on the Cookie and Kate website. One of my favorites for vegetarian recipes. 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 

Lentils

  • ½ cup dry lentils (French green lentils or regular brown lentils), or 1 ½ cups cooked lentils (leftover or from a can, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled but left wholelentils
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Everything else

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces whole-grain pasta (or 12 ounces, if you like your pasta less saucy than mine)
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To cook the lentils, first pick through the lentils for debris (I once bit into a tiny rock) and then rinse them in a fine-mesh colander. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaf, garlic, salt and broth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the age and variety of the lentils. Drain the lentils, discard the bay leaf and garlic, and set the pot aside, uncovered.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, then return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.
  4. Stir the marinara into the lentils and warm them together over medium heat. Divide pasta into bowls, top with warm marinara and lentils, and garnish with Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil, if you’d like. Serve warm. Leftovers will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

Researching Chiropractic: Stroke, Palsy, and Post-Op Pain

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Stroke in a 50-year-old womanstroke 

A woman with a 10-month history of left hemiplegia (paralysis on the left side of the body) after a hemorrhagic stroke began chiropractic care. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds and a part of the brain is oxygen deprived. 

Her ability to move her arm and leg, as well as standing, balancing, posture and walking were all affected. Additionally, she had neck pain and a “constant dull ache” headache. 

The cause of the stroke was an adverse reaction to AVA 30, an oral contraceptive pill, in combination with the medication tranexamic acid.

Chiropractic care located and corrected her vertebral subluxations. She had 17 visits over a ten-week period and began to show improvement in her strength and physical functioning by her second visit.  

She continued to improve in posture, neck range of motion (ROM), overall muscle function and nervous system balance. Sadly, she discontinued care after her neurologist told her 3rd party payer that “chiropractic care increased the risk of a stroke” (an unproven, baseless claim). (1)

Resolution of brachial plexus palsy following birth trauma stroke

A 14-day-old baby boy suffered from a brachial plexus (nerve) injury following a traumatic Caesarean birth.

The child suffered from lack of muscle tone (hypotonicity) of the right arm that was so severe that his arm was virtually non-functional. 

Chiropractic correction/adjustment was made of the atlas (C1) vertebra. His right arm muscle tone began to immediately improve. The parents were “astonished!” Two days later, at the next chiropractic visit, the muscle tone in his arm was almost normal (about 90%) compared to the left side. Four days following, his right arm was at 100%. (2)

Complaints following surgerystroke

A 37-year-old man complained of nausea, fatigue, gastric reflux, dizziness and migraines following surgical removal of a vestibular schwannoma (a rare benign tumor on the 8th cranial nerve that leads from the brain to the inner ear).

He was adjusted six times in five weeks. One month after beginning care, he had much improvement in nausea, fatigue and gastric reflux. Dizziness and migraines completely resolved. (3)

  1. Russell D, Doyle M. Hemorrhagic stroke: improved motor function & decreased dysponesis following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. May 13, 2019:59-65.
  2. Cooper K, Alcantara J. Resolution of brachial plexus palsy from birth trauma following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. June 3, 2019:59-62.
  3. Harden J, Smedley L. Improvement in vestibular dysfunction & quality of life following chiropractic care in a male suffering from post-surgical complications for vestibular schwannoma: a case report & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. March 18, 2019:34-44.

Nourishing Traditions: Get lots of sunlight!

Nourishing Traditions: Get lots of sunlight!!!

Sunlight is good for you. It is an essential nutrient. 

Sunlight protects you from high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and many cancers. Richard Weller, MD discovered one mechanism – the skin uses sunlight to make nitric oxide (NO). NO lowers blood pressure and lessens heart disease and strokes.

Sunlight is good for your brain; it stimulates production of serotonin and endorphins so you’re in a better mood at the beach. Epidemiological studies show that sunlight reduces the risk of prostate, breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Sunlight also improves circadian rhythms, reduces inflammation, dampens autoimmune responses and improves virtually every mental condition. Most important, it’s free. 

What about skin cancer and melanoma? 

Skin cancer kills very few people: for every person who dies of skin cancer, more than 100 die from cardiovascular diseases. The deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma, accounts for only 1 to 3% of skin cancers. Studies show that long-term sun exposure is associated with less melanoma. Outdoor workers have half the melanoma rate of indoor workers and tanned people have lower rates too. 

An interesting comment was made by Dr. Weller who works in a skin hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that is near the equator and above 7,500 feet, so it receives massive UV radiation. Despite that, says Weller, “I have not seen a skin cancer. And yet Africans in Britain and America are told to avoid the sun.” (5)

Read the entire article, Sunscreen the New Margarine? by Rowen Jacobsen.

What About Sunscreen?
Sunscreen may cause skin cancer. Sunscreen shields from the UVB rays that cause sunburn but not the UVA rays that cause skin cancer. 

SPF ratings refer only to UVB rays, so many users may be absorbing far more UVA radiation than they realize. Meanwhile, many common sunscreen ingredients have been found to be hormone disruptors that can be detected in users’ blood and breast milk. 

The worst offender, oxybenzone, also mutates the DNA of corals and is believed to be killing coral reefs. Hawaii and the western Pacific nation of Palau have already banned it, to take effect in 2021 and 2020 respectively, and other governments are expected to follow. 

sunlight

HEARTY AWESOME VEGETARIAN CHILI

NOTE FROM DR C:  I LOVE, LOVE CHILI and is has so many incarnations. We enjoy our second round of chili over baked sweet/regular potatoes with whatever fixings  you like. It is also wonderful over a great toasted bun/bread and I often bring it to the office as my lunch on days when I have a lunchtime workout.

Author: Kelly Egan – A Side of Sweet        Yield: 8 servings  vegetarian chili

 

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 4 onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 celery stalks, cut 1/4 inches crosswise
  • 4 red, yellow or orange bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 (15.5 ounces) cans black beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 (16 ounces) can cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 (16 ounces) can pinto beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 (16 ounces) can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can of diced tomatoes
  • 4–6 tablespoons chili powder, depending on your preference
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Directions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic saute until they soften, but don’t brown, for about five minutes.
  • Add the peppers and celery and saute until lightly browned and tender, about 5 minutes. ( I sometimes skip this step no harm- no foul)
  • Set your slow cooker to low. Add the beans, vegetables, diced tomatoes, spices, vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir to combine and cover. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.

 

 

 

Are people under chiropractic care healthier?

Answer: Not only healthier but happier too!happy man

Making chiropractic care a regular part of your life will help you and your family on many levels. Keeping your spine and nervous system free of subluxations (nerve interference) is good for your brain, organs, and entire body and mind.

Studies reveal that people under chiropractic care experience wellness in many areas of their lives. For example, chiropractic patients in two studies reported improved physical and mental/emotional health, better ability to deal with stress and more life enjoyment. (1-2) 

Another study revealed that chiropractic patients reported improved physical functioning, less bodily pain, improved general health, greater vitality, better social functioning and improved mental health. (3) 

Chiropractic has been especially effective with improving the life of the elderly. In one study of people 75 years of age and older, those under chiropractic care enjoyed better overall health, fewer chronic conditions, less days in nursing homes and hospitals, more mobility and were less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients. 87% of chiropractic patients described their health as excellent compared to just 67.8% of non-chiropractic patients. (4)

What can YOU expect?happy woman

Chiropractic care is individualized; the care you receive will be unique for your body and needs and the benefits you receive will be unique for you. Be sensitive to your body and communicate with us – tell us what changes you experience after your visits.

  1. Marino MJ, Phillippa ML. A longitudinal assessment of chiropractic care using a survey of self-rated health wellness & quality of life: a preliminary study. JVSR. 1999; 3(2):1-9.
  2. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL. A retrospective assessment of network care using a survey of self-rated health, wellness and quality of life. JVSR. 1997;1(4):1.
  3. Owens EF, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in general health status during upper cervical chiropractic care: PBR report. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;V(1):9-16.
  4. Study associates chiropractic with better health in the elderly. Today’s Chiropractic. November/December 1996. Originally published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. 

The Magic of Chiropractic

The magic of the chiropractic adjustment 

At the moment that you receive a chiropractic adjustment to correct your subluxations, hundreds, if not thousands, of your body functions and activities are affected. The flow of nerve impulses over your brain, spinal cord, spinal (and other) nerves to your internal organs and tissues is normalized, and your body begins to re-balance, renew, and rebuild itself.

Many patients report a feeling of relaxation, or a warm soothing feeling in various parts of their bodies. Some feel very relaxed or energetic, or both! Most people find that the health conditions that brought them to their chiropractor soon begin to lessen. Some people however, may initially feel no difference. A person may initially feel muscle soreness or some other uncomfortable feeling after an adjustment. 

What causes these reactions?

Some reactions are a detoxification; it’s good to drink a lot of water afterwards. Sometimes weak, underused muscles may become sore for a brief period as they strengthen. 

Old injuries that haven’t healed completely may “reawaken” for more complete healing. Memories and feelings associated with the original injury may also come to the surface. This phenomenon is known as “retracing” and is part of the healing process. 

Some people are in such good general health that they may feel no difference, while others may feel no difference for the opposite reason – they are so ill or toxic that they have lost sensitivity to their body.

As you continue your care…

You may begin to notice: 

  • Better balance, smoother movement and more energy.
  • Increased awareness of your spine and body stress.
  • Increased ability to breathe more deeply.
  • An increased desire to exercise, go for walks, and play.

The most important benefits

The true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, sexual organs, skin, eyes, ears, and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

Schedule an appointment today and start an incredible journey to feeling the best you can possible be!

 517.627.4547

happy people

Latest News from Charmaine: September 2019

Greetings all!

Well, as we pass the Labor Day holiday we really begin to recognize that Summer has passed and we move into one of my FAVE seasons..FALL.   I love the colors and smells and food and rituals associated with this time of the year and it is always nice to settle into a routine again.

Altho’ there is one thing we need to be aware of  and that is taking care of ourselves.  With the kids/grandkids back at school and all the attendant events that this generates, we really need to be sure that we carve at least 1 day a week ( worse case scenario a ½ day but not a top choice) and make time to chill as a family…time to go for a tramp in the woods and decompress or go to some fun event where everybody can let their hair down a little and just enjoy.  There are lots of farmers markets, harvest festivals, and craft festivals around where you can meander, browse, and just chill as a means to decompress. As the colder weather approaches, how about game nights (trivial pursuit style, I mean).

Another way to decompress is find some activity like Yoga, Tai Chi, or sports related activities as a great form of exercise and a way to blow off steam. Check out my yoga class schedule. I’d love to have you join! 

I love my yoga and my power lifting and feel so recharged after a session.  I just competed in The Michigan Senior Olympics for the 6th time and have another competition at the end of September.

SEE YOU IN THE OFFICE, ON THE MAT UNDER THE BARBELLS OR AROUND TOWN

fall leaves

Researching Chiropractic: PVCs, GER, & Migraines

There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Two women complaining of PVC and other symptoms began chiropractic care. PVCs are extra heartbeats that begin in the heart’s two lower pumping chambers (ventricles) disrupting heart rhythm. It is sometimes felt as a fluttering or a skipped beat.

The first patient was a 26-year-old woman suffering with daily headaches, TMJ, neck pain, midback pain, bilateral wrist pain, shortness of breath with rib pain, irregular heartbeats, lower back pain, hip and knee pain. These complaints had been present for approximately two years.

The other woman was 72-years-old. She was told her PVCs would never stop because they had followed a stroke. Other symptoms included 6 months of pain in the left ring finger that interrupted her sleep. In addition, she also had complaints of knee pain, neck pain, headaches and lower back pain. 

Each woman was assessed for vertebral subluxations using various chiropractic procedures. Vertebral subluxations were found in their cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions.

Chiropractic care was individualized for each patient; they were adjusted for their subluxations. No other therapies or modalities were employed. Each showed complete resolution of the PVCs and complete resolution of or great improvement in their other symptoms. (1)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) GER

A six-month-old girl was suffering from GER since birth. Milk, soy and bananas worsened her GER while a hypoallergenic formula helped decrease the frequency of the GER attacks. 

She received chiropractic adjustments for her subluxations. Her care plan consisted of two times per week for four weeks and then one time per week for six weeks. She responded to care with complete resolution of her GER and associated symptoms. (2) 

Migraine, neck and lower back pain.migraines

A 23-year-old woman had been suffering from ten years of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain. She was given prescription medications (i.e., fluoxetine, Synthroid® and fioricet) that were ineffective. After 10 weeks of continued chiropractic care, she reported that all her presenting complaints of chronic migraines, neck pain and low back pain had completely resolved and all medication was discontinued. (3) 

  1. Hoying M. Resolution of premature ventricular contractions after undergoing chiropractic care: a case series. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. June 24, 2019:83-89.
  2. Egan A, Alcantara J. Resolution of gastroesophageal reflux in an infant following chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation: a case report & review of literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. May 27, 2019:46-54.
  3. Richerson A, Varnum C., Alcantara J. Resolution of chronic migraines & neck pain in a 23-year-old female following chiropractic care for vertebral subluxations: a case study & review of the literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. July 1, 2019:90-103.

Tomato Salad with Feta and Pistachios

4 servings

Serve this salad as soon as it is assembled so all of the tomato juices and flavor stay where they belong.

  • Kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper                              tomatoes-3574426_1280
    ¼ cup Basic Lemon Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley, plus leaves for serving            
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • 3 Tbs pistachios     
  • 1 pound mixed baby tomatoes-some sliced some diced some whole

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Let cool, then chop.
  • Arrange tomatoes on a plate; season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix vinaigrette, ¼ cup parsley, and two-thirds of pistachios in a small bowl. Drizzle over tomatoes. Top with feta, parsley leaves, and remaining pistachios.

Basic Lemon Vinaigrette   

Pour into sealable jar and shake well 

  • ⅔ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper