I just watched an interesting video regarding Anthem Blue Cross of California here, yet another one of the many health insurance companies out there.  In the economic and health care crisis our country is in, they reported a $2.9 billion profit just in the last quarter of 2009.  Before you say anything else, let me be clear that is not a typo.  Yes, we are talking about billions of dollars.  A lot of us seeing this are probably thinking that we wish we were in such a crisis that we were only making that much in a lifetime, let alone one quarter of one year.  But unfortunately, most of us are not in that position.

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If you are like almot everyone else, what you have seen over the years is that your insurance premiums have risen.  You would expect that paying higher premiums would get you better coverage, and yet somehow your coverage for care has become more and more limited.  The math just doesn’t add up.  From figures like these, I think we can start to get an idea where all our money really goes.

We keep waiting for that miracle day where our coverage gets better or costs go down, but that just isn’t happening.  But the thing is, it’s not completely out of your hands.  You can do something about it.  I am not proposing a revolt against these companies, or anything like that (though you have consider that temptation), but I have to continue to ask:  Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to keep throwing your money away to some insurance company?

What I do encourage is that you take your health into your own hands.  You have heard a lot about the things that you need to do to fix your messes, but there comes a time when you need to stop talking and start acting.  It won’t change the whole world overnight, but it can change yours.  You know about all the bad things you shouldn’t do, such as smoking and drinking too much.  Let’s not forget about all the things you should do to be more active in your health.  You can take care of your body properly so that it can take care of you.  I just spoke with a gentleman today that is retired and in his 60’s.  He was telling me how he’s never been in as good of shape as he is today because he now eats the right foods, sleeps well, exercises regularly, and enjoys life.  He was telling me how he could clean all the snow off his driveway and sidewalks and not have an issue with his low back.

I hear about stories like this all the time.  Unfortunately in my line of work, I also often hear about the stories that aren’t like this–and often times, these same individuals have been sold on the idea that there is an easy answer, and personal responsibility is not a part of it.  The gentleman’s story shines a glimmer of hope for everyone else.  It IS possible to live healthy and active at any age.  You don’t have to accept being in pain and suffering just because you get older, but you DO have to be active in taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Our February newsletter is here!  This month features osteoporosis and tips.  You can read this newsletter here, or click the picture below for the printable pdf.

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In Loving Memory
Bernice Bobendrier
August 19, 1914 - January 10, 2010

The Bone-Breaking Truth About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent, yet dangerous, condition that affects millions of people in the United States.  Although most people think of this as a “women’s disease” — and it’s true that women are 4 times more likely than men to suffer from osteoporosis — about 20% of those affected by osteoporosis are men.

The basic physiology behind osteoporosis is that bones lose density, making them fragile and increasing the likelihood of them breaking.  Most of your bone density is acquired by age 20, and then they slowly start losing density from that point on.  This may make it seem like we are all doomed to have osteoporosis some day, but there are many measures you can take to ensure that your bones stay healthy all your life!

The first step is to recognize whether you have any risk factors that increase your likelihood of getting osteoporosis.  Some common risk factors include:

• Female gender
• Caucasian or Asian decent
• Increased age
• Small or petite body frame
• Family history of osteoporosis

These are risk factors over which you have no control.   The best thing you can do is to be aware of your risk and do your best to prevent accelerated loss of bone density.  True prevention of osteoporosis starts early in life; parents should teach their children healthy eating and exercise habits to not only encourage overall health, but to ensure healthy bones for a lifetime.  Preventive measures include:

• Weight-bearing exercise
• Dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D

These preventive measures are not unfamiliar to most of us.  It seems easy to do the right things to prevent osteoporosis; it’s not doing the wrong things that is more difficult.  Things to stay away from would be:

• Caffeine
• Smoking
• Inactivity (also known as laziness!)
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain medications
• Spinach
• Wheat bran

A few of these are surprising.  Caffeine, smoking, and inactivity seem obviously unhealthy, but what about spinach and wheat bran?  Aren’t those healthy things?  The answer is yes, they are healthy.  They are packed full of nutritious elements that are important for a healthy diet.  However, when talking specifically about osteoporosis and calcium absorption, spinach actually inhibits, or prevents, calcium absorption because it contains oxalate.  Spinach, contrary to popular belief, is not a good source of calcium because our bodies cannot absorb it.  Wheat bran also prevents calcium from being absorbed when eaten with calcium-rich foods.  Therefore, if you take a calcium supplement or eat yogurt for your calcium, do so two or more hours before or after you have your whole wheat products.

There is a long list of medications taken for various conditions that can also accelerate bone loss, so be sure to talk to your doctor about these risks before you begin any treatment.

Another condition that is common in older age is chronic pain.  One of the best forms of alternative treatment for chronic pain is Chiropractic care.  Often, elderly people believe that Chiropractic care is not an option because of their decreased bone density.  A spinal adjustment can be quite forceful if done manually, and it has been shown that a side effect can be fractures of bones where there is decreased bone density.  However, there are other ways to provide spinal adjustments that do not cause fractures.  The doctors at Discover Chiropractic are trained in Activator Methods, an adjusting technique that utilizes a small instrument that provides the adjustment without the twisting, popping, or cracking of a manual adjustment.  The Activator has been shown to be a safe and effective way to adjust those with osteoporosis, and is the only Chiropractic adjusting instrument that has been approved by Medicare.

You do not need to live in pain!  Fear no longer needs to hold you back from receiving Chiropractic adjustments.  With Activator Methods, you too can benefit from Chiropractic care!

Facts about Osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women.
• 20% of men are affected by osteoporosis.
• You can control your risk factors by including weight-bearing exercises, having enough calcium and vitamin D, and avoid things like caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and certain medications.
• Eat calcium rich foods or supplements at least two hours after eating whole wheat foods.
• It is a myth that Chiropractic care is unsafe with osteoporosis. Activator Methods is a very safe, gentle, and effective way to treat even with osteoporosis.

Source:  National Osteoporosis Foundation.  www.nof.org