Turning 60 Consciously ... With Something to Say

Still Here on Earth and Still Conscious

2011-08-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Just writing to let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth, and am still Turning 60 Consciously! I am currently researching self-publishing, and beginning the layout of this book. I now realize that there is a lot of work ahead in editing, designing and getting it published. I have not decided whether to make the push and try to have printed copies in hand by Oct 5, 2011 - my bday - or take it a bit easier.

If you want a copy of the book, please consider a pre-order. I know for certain the cost will be a maximum of $20.

Kris :)

DAY 289 - Google + Us May = Better Health

2011-07-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Google has released a beta version of a new social networking platform that may compete with Facebook, and that provides a number of very attractive and functional features not offered by Facebook. Unlike Facebook, the Google+ project allows you to choose which groups you want to share things with. Google+ also offers free video conferencing which it calls Hangouts.

So what’s the connection between hanging out on Google, and health?

Individuals can now come together, without leaving their own homes, to share, and discuss the important issue of health; personal, public or global.

Shortly, I will begin using Google Hangouts to consult with some of my patients.

“Community of Health Ventura” public health education meetings will begin offering Google Hangout attendance at our monthly meetings. I will use this function to enable other health experts to join us and speak on the areas of their expertise. Right now I’m thinking about inviting my friend, Thomas Sult, MD (3rd Opinion: Functional Medicine Clinic) of Willmar, Minnesota, to speak to us about the practice of Functional Medicine.

Groups like the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions could expand access to their monthly meetings, and their work on local and global issues by offering live video conferencing of the events.

I am also imagining and looking into offering mini-classes on health, chiropractic and Functional Medicine to teachers in classrooms in the Ojai Unified School District and the Ventura Unified School District.

This excites me!

DAY 286 – What’s The Point?

2011-07-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

The Point is a revolutionary way for individuals to combine their influence and make things happen they can't achieve alone.

Whether you’re asking people to do something or give money, people only contribute if they think it makes a difference. On The Point, all campaigns have a “tipping point” — people pledge to give money or do something, but no one does a thing until the conditions are met to make contributions worthwhile. That way, you can gather all the resources needed to be successful before anyone is asked to take action. The Point aims to fix the problems with online petitions, mass letter-writing tools, or many fundraising efforts — it’s not clear how participation translates into results.

Campaigns on The Point are results-oriented, create real incentives for change, and only ask people to act when it actually makes a difference. The Point rethinks group action from the ground up to leverage the Web, opening the door for solving problems that couldn’t be addressed otherwise.

And, what’s Our Point?

Well, our dear friend, Rachel Morris, President of Ventura Climate Care Options Organized Locally (VCCool), a committed environmentalist and cyclists, had her bicycle stolen on June 19th. For years, Rachel has given an enormous amount of time and work to our community and to our earth. She has earned, and deserved our support in this time of need.

I had heard of The Point, and now we had one! That same day I went to the site, and set up a campaign called Replace Rachel’s Stolen Bike. Friends and supporters were asked to contribute $5 or more to get us to $500 to buy a new bike for Rachel. Worked like a charm; 20 days later, on July 9th we were at The $500 Tipping Point, enough for the new bike!

The Point? United, we’re getting Rachel a new bike.

Together, what else can we make happen? Get My Point?

DAY 285 - A Family Plan

2011-07-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Through the ages, families have commonly found themselves fractured; members at odds and out of touch with one another.

While telecoms now offer “family plans”; a cell phone for every member, suggesting that through wireless signals we will be, and feel connected, one need not be a marriage and family therapist to know that American families need plans with much greater connectivity than what these offer.

Great emotional suffering arising from falling-outs among members is a staple of family dynamics. Few escape, yet not once have I heard of a plan created and utilized by a family to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of mutual care and connection for its members.

I don’t know of a family that has not suffered. Mine surely has.

Most people appear to believe that feuding among family members is inevitable; comes with the territory; grin and bear it, or make a residential move equivalent to Fort Lauderdale to Juno. Another interrupter is a common belief that a member or members are hopelessly impossible to deal with.

My family has not adopted a plan. I doubt that the majority of the adults have considered the need for or value of a plan.

For years I have given thought to this issue, and in my view, the process, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), is a gentle and powerful framework that could seamlessly serve as a family’s plan for creating and maintaining the closeness that we all want.

Core beliefs of NVC include:
-each person is inherently good and wants to live in harmony with others,
-fear or unease causes us to behave in unharmonious ways,
-careful and respectful listening is powerful and eases fears,
-attempted communication while in a state of distress is apt to do harm to others and to relationships,
-communication while in a state of calm and compassion, engenders trust and cooperation.

As done with marriages and world peace, we can keep on using the old, tried-and-failed approach of giving things our best, well-meaning attempt, and then settle for failure, or we could begin making family plans.

DAY 274 - The Real Fireworks in My Life

2011-07-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

As I write, it is July 4, 2011. Some of my family, including my wife, my kids, their significant others, my grandkids, and I are vacationing in a beautiful house on the beach in Mexico.

On this special day, let me say that I AM a patriot; not a love-it-or-leave-it patriot, but maybe what you would call an Obama-style patriot; grateful to have been born in our wonderful Country (turns out he was too), knowing that we are better than no one, and valuing global cooperation for the common good. But, as you might suspect from the title, today’s consciousness post is not about celebration of the birth of my Country, it’s about something bigger.

Mid-morning today, some family off to the local market, others on the beach, my daughter Jovi and I found ourselves in conversation about family; challenges, and the desire of each member to be a loving and loved part of the whole. In a quiet moment, during which I had come up for air, Jovi said, “Dad, I know how much you love me.” ... I felt it welling up inside me. I got up from my side of the corner sofa, knelt beside her and caressed her head. As I thanked her, I began to sob, not painfully, but deeply in my gut. It came in waves. Tears, sobbing, gratitude, relief. “Many people would give the world for this. ... I would give the world for this”, I said between sobs.

That’s my kind of fireworks.

It’s not that I didn’t know my daughter’s love. Apparently, I need reminders, reconfirmation.

There is no question I have fixated on wanting to be a good dad. For me, that means, most importantly, that they know I love them, and feel I treat them in a loving way. I am home when I know their love for me.

What I would wish, this July 4th, for our Nation, and for the entire world, is for more individuals to accept the love others feel for them, and clearly express the love they have for others.

Happy Interdependence Day!

DAY 270 - Miracle Cure Brings Tears to Troubled Eyes

2011-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

Photo by Megyarsh

Ten months before, and virtually overnight, this 57-year-old woman began a progressive loss of vision in both eyes. Fearful, she began asking for, searching for help.

After consulting with 5 doctors, including an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist, she was left with a diagnosis of pseudopapilledema, no understanding of the cause, and no relief.

Today, accompanied by her husband, she was in my office. After a thorough medical history I explained that there were a number of important aspects of her physiology that could be affecting her vision. I also told her that there was ample evidence in her history indicating that dysfunction in her neck could be playing a role in her loss of vision.

I outlined a number of lifestyle measures that I wanted her to take, including removal of potential dietary allergens, nutritional supplementation, and the taking of epsom salts baths.

Finally, I examined her entire spine for areas of stiffness, and manipulated, with particular attention to the neck, those joints that did not move freely. No treatment other than manipulation of the spine was provided.

The visit concluded and the patient was advised to return for a follow-up appointment.

Thirty minutes later, while treating another patient, my office manager (and wife) came to the treatment room door, apologized for interrupting, and stated that the previous patient was on the phone and crying with joy. When I got to the phone, the patient was still crying. She apologized, and through her tears told me that on the drive home she realized that her vision had improved enough that she was able to read the road signs.

Note: I use the word “cure” here, loosely, to draw attention to a very important true account. While “cure” is probably an overstatement, it is obvious that the effect of this one spinal treatment provided clear-cut improvement in the patient’s vision in less than 30 minutes. Not a bad start.

DAY 266 - The Mother Who Could

2011-06-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of mdanys at flickr

When I first saw the doctor we discussed at length my medical and family history. It was then we started talking about my 3-year-old son. My husband and I have had behavioral problems with him since he was about 8 months old. My son’s diet consisted of two things, banana baby food and milk. He was very irritable, hyperactive, and did not listen. His behavior was very unmanageable. There was constant stress in our household.

The doctor suggested that I try eliminating the dairy and the bananas. He said that it was very possible my son was allergic to dairy. The banana baby food was made of mostly sugar. I reluctantly changed his diet. I was reluctant because I was afraid he would starve. He did not. We started him on soy milk and completely cut out the banana baby food. It was a difficult transition, but it worked.

My son is now a happy little boy. There is a light in his eyes. He sings, he laughs instead of crying and screaming. He's no longer the same irritable little boy. His behavior is much better than I could have ever imagined. I am so thankful for the advice and genuine concern for my family's well-being. I owe the doctor my sanity.

DAY 262 - Too Big to Poison?

2011-06-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

As a child it never dawned on me to think about where the gasoline and paint that I put down the drain would go, nor what they might kill.

That was real magic; toxic crap disappearing down a little hole, and everyone was happy.

I was taught that it was OK to pee in the ocean. Oceans were too big to poison. We weren't imagining that in 1997over 600 million head of US livestock would be urinating in our waterways.

Bank of America may be too big to fail, but our Earth’s ecosystem isn’t. We are running it into the ground.

What a great time for all of us to wake up and realize that that little hole feeds back into our own nest. And it is high time we stop fouling it.

DAY 262 - The Road Back

2011-06-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Sult and me

In a recent e-mail, my dear friend, and brilliant medical doctor, Tom Sult wrote, “The road from chronic dis-ease is generally not convenient.”

Understated, and true.

My advice to all who find it difficult to make time for actively building health, beware Sult’s rule of the road.

DAY 261 - Who Would Have Guessed?

2011-06-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

As we have learned more about ourselves and the universe in which we live, we have relatively recently learned that while the human body is made up of roughly 10 trillion cells, there are roughly 100 trillion one-celled organisms, bacteria and fungi, living in and on us. Ten times as many of their cells as ours.

Knowing this, could and should change one’s life.

If it doesn’t jump out at you, at least, consider what they eat, and who’s feeding them.

DAY 259 - Almost Desperate Father

2011-06-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest Jovi and Kenn,

Fathers’ Day today:

An incredibly clear, direct, and felt expression of your love for me in a Facebook post, Jovi. A pdf card in my e-mail from you, Kenn; “I Love You” in black and white, with color photos from our past. Then we video-conferenced; both of you in the State of New York, your Mom and I in California. What a pleasure seeing you, almost being with you; most importantly, feeling I was with you.

25 years ago, before your teens, it dawned on me that while I had always been aware of the intense, if not desperate desire of kids to be loved by their parents, I had been clueless that many parents are desperate to be loved by their kids. This new notion would become important to me as I began to realize my own needs.

One of the very most important parts of my life is trying to be a great father to you; not perfect, just great. I am not entirely clear why this is so important to me. Of course, you are wonderful people, and I am so fortunate to have you in my life. Maybe it has to do in part with a sense of responsibility; we brought you into this world. The least I could do would be to show you that I will always take your lives seriously and try to be as gentle and loving as possible.

Anyway, at times I find myself mildly-desperately wanting to be a great father to you. I really want to get it right.

Others reading this, would reasonably assume that we have had difficulties with our relationships. Thankfully, if we have, I was unaware. I have always felt, heard, and seen your love. Even so, seems like I would feel even better if you were hugging me all the time.

As young adults, each of you expressed that you would enjoy living with your Mom and me again in the future in a “family compound”. As they say, “that meant the world to me”. We can, and do love others that we are not necessarily comfortable being with for extended periods; like living with. Saying that you would enjoy living with me again, especially, said while you were still young adults, was such a comfort for me. I am not sure there are words that you could say that would give me more assurance that I was doing a great job.

You know that I am not trying to be “great”, as in being better than others. I just want you to know that I care deeply about you, and I want to have behaved toward you as to be a lift in your life, rather than a load.

Over the years, in trying to stack the deck, I have asked, if not implored each of you to provide me with feedback at any and all times should you feel that I was being inconsiderate or harmful to you in any way. It would hurt too much to find out later that I had caused you discomfort.

The job is not done until I am dead. Until then I will be trying to be a great father to you; one of my greatest dreams.

Love,
Dad

DAY 255 - Is it All About Pregnancy?

2011-06-15T23:48:00.001-07:00

photo by Steve_Jane_Sjjphotography

True story ...

A mother and 15-year-old daughter went to see the family’s general practitioner due to the daughter having not begun to menstruate.

Mother: Sally is 15 and she is still not menstruating. I’m concerned, and wonder what we should do?

Doctor: Look, Sally obviously doesn't want or need to be pregnant at 15, so don't worry about it. She's fine.

The mother was completely dissatisfied with the idea that the lack of menstruation in her 15-year-old would have no potential significance or connection to her state of health. She reasonably believed that her daughter’s amenorrhea (yes, technically not diagnosed until age 16) might be an indication of some imbalance.

My commentary: This incident provides us the opportunity to realize that the lack of a critical human function such as menstruation should be considered a red flag. Obviously, regular periods in a teen are an indication of good general health. It is important to understand that less than 1% of girls in America have not started their periods by age 16.

True, interesting side story ...

I had the opportunity to treat this same young girl shortly after her medical visit. 5 days after spinal manipulation her periods began. Coincidence? Probably not, but I’ll tell you more about that in a later installment.

DAY 254 - Gramma Picking Berries

2011-06-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Weeding, watering, planting and setting gopher traps midday today in the beauty and bounty of our organic vegetable garden. As I headed in to get cleaned up to go to the office I passed by my wife, Joanne, quietly picking blackberries. I was 30 feet closer to the house when I finally, and clearly recognized the calm and comfort that I had experienced on seeing Joanne gathering berries.

On reflection I realized that Joanne reminded me of someone’s peaceful, unhurried and loving grandmother, gathering food for the family.

Interesting that I had almost no contact with my grandparents. Interesting, neither did I grow up with vegetable gardens. But I knew this scene with its serenity.

Slightly surprised, it dawned on me that Joanne IS a gramma, though she prefers Noona. And there she was, peacefully, unhurriedly, and lovingly gathering food for our family.

Our first vegetable garden was in 1972 when we were in college. And now, here we are, Noona and Grampa working quietly in the garden.

DAY 253 - Such a Friend

2011-06-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

turning 'round
he’s at it again
the voice and heart of the Ojai Peace Coalition
his car, a black and white statement against war
living Peace in Ojai
standing for the rights of gays and of everyone
listening to all who would speak
marching each July 4th for interdependence
singing his song about the UU Church on Ojai Radio
accepting my love and appreciation
such a comfort in my life
such a friend

(written 12/12/08)

DAY 250 – I am Not a Chiropractor ... Entirely

2011-06-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Young and Emma Hrabak

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. While I used to be a chiropractor, it is clear to me that now I’m only part chiropractor.

Don’t be mislead, I am proud to be a chiropractor. I love that part of me.

The schism occurred between our culture’s understanding of chiropractic, and my own professional life in the healing arts.

The chiropractic profession was founded in Davenport, Iowa in 1895. The central thesis of its practice was that the function of the spine directly influenced the function of the rest of the body, and the central therapy was spinal manipulation. Though not as well known, chiropractors have historically also provided patients with physical therapy, laboratory testing; and lifestyle, exercise, and nutritional counseling. Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states and are only limited in our scope of practice in that we cannot perform surgery nor prescribe drugs.

While many satisfied patients in the last hundred years have directly experienced, and known the benefits of chiropractic care for problems such as constipation, menstrual cramps, allergies, and elevated blood pressure; the more obvious cures were of back pain, neck pain, sciatica and headache. Understandably, what stuck in our cultural mind was that chiropractors are back doctors, the treaters of musculoskeletal complaints.

From the day that I opened my practice in 1983 I wanted to treat both musculoskeletal and other conditions. In the first few years I had the opportunity to treat 2 insulin-dependent diabetics, who within 2 weeks of beginning spinal manipulation, had to reduce the amount of insulin that they were injecting by 50%. Years later
I successfully treated a 19-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis who had been in and out of a wheelchair, and had been told that she would be on drugs for the rest of her life.

I have always loved relieving back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but have continued to be drawn to a deeper involvement with patients. I have also been driven by the unmet health needs of our community, our nation, and our world that cry out for doctors who are willing and able to apply a Functional Medicine, or holistic approach to patient care.

This last month I was rewarded and fulfilled to treat an eight-year-old with excessive weight gain (unresolved medically), an adult female with severe ulcerative colitis (unresolved medically), and a two-year-old with ADHD (unresolved medically).

Thank goodness some people know that I am not a chiropractor ... entirely.

DAY 248 – Do Some People Just Like Being Miserable?

2011-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

photo by Annie Wells http://www.anniewellsphotography.com

“Some people just like being miserable”, is a rock solid thesis ... in our culture.

But, if we were to release the death grip we have on it, it would plummet like a stone.

Remember, “solid” often refers to a hardening, not necessarily to truth.

And trust me, I have heard all the “proof” supporting the fact that “they” just like being miserable. “They” just want the attention; I know. Secondary gain; right.

I Google-searched “people like to be miserable”. Have a look at these 2 blog posts from the first page of the search results:

14 Great ways to be miserable
"I have finally come to the conclusion that some people like to be miserable, that they actually feel happier when they are miserable. I’m sure that is an oxymoron, but I am guessing you know the kind of people I mean and we’re on the same page."

Some People Want to be Miserable
"There's at least one thing I've learned in my life: there are some people who want to be miserable. For whatever reason they feel more validated or more connected to reality by feeling bad or by making others feel bad."

Notice in both posts, the leap of faith, or what might be called a leap of dogma. In the first blog the author admits that liking to be miserable “is an oxymoron”. In the second blog the author is apparently not compelled to even consider why one would like to be miserable, and instead leaves us with the worthless explanatory phrase, “For whatever reason”.

This rock solid thesis is about as valid as “some people just like to drown”. Fortunately, most of us understand that the majority of folks who drown, don’t know how to swim, or are unable to survive for other reasons. Disoriented swimmers are known to fail to grab a life-preserver that is within arm’s reach. Does that mean that they like to drown?

What about the idea that some, if not many miserable people don’t know how to swim; don’t know how to swim their way out of misery? Is it possible that many are truly disoriented, and see no life-preserver, no way out?

Would it not be more humane to at least give miserable people the benefit of the doubt until we can prove on an individual basis that they actually like being miserable? Miserable until proven guilty?

DAY 243 - Are Your Allergies Making You Fat?

2011-06-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Hang on! This could be a bumpy ride!

“In August 2010, researchers from Yale University published a study in the journal Obesity finding that people who took antihistamines regularly were heavier than people who didn't take them at all. The study's authors used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006 to compare the body weight of 867 adults and their prescription antihistamine use. The two drugs most common in the study were ... Zyrtec, and ... Allegra, and the effect was more pronounced in men. The researchers warned that this was an observational study, and couldn't demonstrate whether antihistamines actually caused the weight gain or if obesity predisposes people to allergies.”

“[I]n a separate study, published in 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology ... [u]sing data from the same CDC survey, researchers found that obese children were more likely to suffer from allergies, specifically food allergies, than normal-weight children. "It wasn't clear to us if that really meant that the obesity was the cause of that allergic propensity or not," says Cynthia Visness, PhD, the study's lead author and a research scientist at Rho Inc., the research firm that conducted the study.”

“There isn't much literature available on the link between obesity and allergies, so possible explanations for the associations seen in these two studies are simply theories at this point, Visness says. In her study, she suggested that inflammation could play a role. Fat cells release cytokines, chemicals that promote inflammation, and an allergic reaction triggers inflammation as well.”

Here’s the bumpy part. The title of the Rodale Press article that I have quoted above, asks if allergies can make you fat. The Yale study suggests that the excess weight may be due to allergy medications. Dr. Visness of Rho Inc states that she isn’t sure whether obesity causes allergy, but concludes that obesity might be a contributor to the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children, particularly food allergy, and that systemic inflammation might play a role in the development of allergic disease.

Here is the way I see it; the dominant pathway is allergy leading to inflammation, which leads to excess body fat. From my experience treating overweight and allergic patients in the last 28 years, and from the findings of current medical science, I believe that inflammation is the central issue, with much of that inflammation arising from allergic reactions. Many individuals, including infants and young children have food allergy/reactions, inducing inflammation. Those same individuals often have diets rich in sugar and refined starch; and low in, or devoid of fresh vegetables and fruits, the effect of which additionally induces inflammation in the body. The combination of food allergy/reactions plus a nutrient-poor diet, often result in low energy and a resultant lack of physical exercise, which also increases inflammation. If that weren’t enough, the emotional stress of being overweight can also produce inflammatory chemicals.

One powerful therapy for halting this cycle of inflammation and weight gain is to determine and remove food allergens. In my experience, and in the experience of Mark Hyman, MD, a published expert in health restoration and weight loss, dairy products are one of the most common food allergens that induce weight gain. Taking a week to 2 weeks off of dairy can facilitate weight loss for some. There are those who will not respond quickly and obviously, and they will need the guidance of an experienced healthcare practitioner.

DAY 242 - Plain White Nutritious Milk Is Making A Comeback?

2011-06-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Jamie Oliver and his Food Revolution tell us that plain, white, nutritious milk is making a comeback. While there is no doubt that America desperately needs a Food Revolution, I hope that in his heart of hearts Jamie doesn’t see the return of unflavored, unsweetened milk as anything more than a step in the right direction.

Describing milk as nutritious can be both confusing and dangerous. If by nutritious, he means that it contains nutrients, then we are in agreement. If, however, he is using the term more broadly to imply that it is healthy for human consumption, then he is simply wrong. There is medical science, clinical observation, and personal observations that clearly prove that dairy products cause a wide variety of mild to serious ailments in many people.

I want to be clear; I support Jamie, and completely agree that we, the people of the United States of America, need nothing short of a revolution in what we eat, and in our state of health. As a people, we may not be dead, but we are very sick, and like an obese 50-year-old man with coronary artery disease, we are a culture waiting for a heart attack.

My own personal experience of dairy products causing me chronic digestive problems and arthritis by the time I was ten, is dwarfed in its influence on my views on this subject by 28 years of chiropractic practice during which I have advised thousands of patients to temporarily stop eating dairy products, and have listened to the overwhelming majority of them report health improvements ranging from decreased pain, to weight loss, to increased energy.

Me with Dr. Campbell in 2006

T. Colin Campbell, PhD, respected nutrition and health researcher, and author of the landmark China Study, had this to say, "After a long career in research and policy-making, I have decided to step 'out of the system'. I have decided to disclose why Americans are so confused. As a taxpayer who foots the bill for research and health policy in America, you deserve to know that many of the common notions you have been told about food, health and disease are wrong. [In the China Study we found that] People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease ... People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease. I propose to do nothing less than redefine what we think of as good nutrition. You need to know the truth about food, and why eating the right way can save your life."

This plain, white, nutritious milk that Jamie is happy to see on the comeback, is one of the same sources of animal protein that Dr. Campbell’s exhaustive and unmatched study shows is a potent cause of cancer.

While we help Jamie create the food revolution that we desperately need, might I recommend that you read The China Study so that you and your family can learn and know that cutting down your intake of animal protein such as that found in dairy products will reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

DAY 240 - Community and the Common Good

2011-05-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

The place (Hartigan/Foley Contractors - 28 West Main Street, Ventura California 93001) was packed! The occasion today was a press conference at which Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett announced his candidacy for another term on the Board in 2012.

I could list the leaders of our community who were there to share in the announcement and to commit their support, but I won’t. What is more important is that the room was filled with individuals who are committed to the common good, and know that Steve Bennett will continue to tirelessly, and intelligently lead us toward that common good.

A smiling Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks rhetorically asked the crowd, “Isn’t it great when you can vote for someone you like?” Steve Bennett is liked because, as Sheriff Dean stated, you can trust him. He is also liked because he is caring, hard-working, dependable, smart, and looks out for all people.

It will be a pleasure voting for Supervisor Bennett next year. In the meantime, it will be a pleasure contributing time and money to assure that we continue to have his leadership.

DAY 236 - The 9 Mitzvahs of Back Pain

2011-05-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of JB London at Flickr

Loren Fishman, MD, Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City, and the author of, "Cure Back Pain with Yoga”, posted on May 10, 2011 on the Huffington Post, an article titled “The 10 Commandments of Back Pain”. I had to see what he wrote, and then I had to write my own version titled “The 9 Mitzvahs of Back Pain”.

First, Dr. Fishman’s 10 Commandments (in quotes), followed by my brief commentary:

1 – “Like the common cold, back pain will hit you at some point another, so don't panic.” – Makes it sound like the occurrence of back pain is random, when it is not.
2 – “Too much rest or too much exercise can make your backache worse, so do both in moderation.” – Americans neither get too much rest, nor too much exercise.
3 – “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories” – Why not?
4 – “Take notes. Observe your pain so that you can report it accurately to your physician.” – Great recommendation.
5 – “Get a diagnosis.” – Diagnoses are overrated. A diagnosis is usually a simple naming of a condition; providing no understanding of what caused the condition. If offered a choice, you are better off knowing what caused your back pain, rather than the name of the flavor that you have.
6 – “Don't Underestimate The Value Of Physical Therapy” – Or, don’t underestimate the value of finally beginning to exercise during your physical therapy treatment?
7 – “Do Yoga” – You bet.
8 – “Get acupuncture.” – Absolutely. As long as you can afford yet another therapy.
9 – “Try the Alexander Technique” – Yet another valuable approach.
10 – “Consent to surgery if ...” – For the few who would need it, I agree.

And now, my 9 Mitzvahs:

1 – Everyone is going to have back pain at some time because few have learned the causes of back pain and few take care of their health. A great chiropractor can help you monitor and maintain a healthy back.
2 – Remove all dairy products from your diet until the episode is over.
3 – Take oral magnesium glycinate or SlowMag to relax muscles, and bathe in epsom salts to do the same.
4 - Gentle (and I mean gentle) stretching + general movement.
5 – Ibuprofen as needed.
6 – Chronic gut inflammation (even if unfelt) is an extremely common cause of back pain. Treatments can include; removing food allergens, magnesium to improve gut motility, probiotics, yoga, and more.
7 – Acknowledge your major stresses and your combined multitude of little ones.
8 – Low levels of Vitamin D correlate with a higher incidence of back pain. Most Americans have insufficient Vitamin D in their blood. Everyone, young and old should have their Vitamin D levels tested.
9 - Excellent chiropractic spinal adjustment can speed recovery.

I have pitched this article to the Huffington Post, and hope that they will publish it.

Dr. Young

DAY 235 - Tooting My Own Chiropractic Horn

2011-05-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Joanne, Kris, Sandi and Michael - 2001

Is it OK for me to show you a 40 second video of my Canadian friend and colleague, Michael Lyon, MD, in which he states his appreciation for my chiropractic treatment of his neck?

Click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwmuqguxqc

And if you want to check up on Dr. Lyon, here are some of the reasons that I value him:

Video lecture - Nutrition for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utqmVGPCt0

Author - “Is your child's brain starving?"
http://www.mindpublishing.com/books_brainstarving.htm

Author – “The Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes with Natural Medicine”
http://www.amazon.com/Prevent-Treat-Diabetes-Natural-Medicine/dp/1573222593

Author – “Hunger Free Forever”
http://www.hungerfreeforever.com

Medical Director of the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine
http://www.functionalmedicine.ca/WhoWeAre/AboutUs.aspx?CatId=1

Served for four years as a Canadian Olympic Team physician.

DAY 233 - Smart Food for Humans on a Coastal Desert

2011-05-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

I didn’t grow up eating prickly pear cactus, but now I love it, grow it, eat the nopales (leaves) and tunas (fruit), and give away potted starts to encourage others to do the same.

We all know that we need to be eating more vegetables; enter the nopal.

Living on a coastal desert in Southern California, it would be great to grow food with minimal water requirement; asi crece (so grows) el nopal.

Locally grown food is a must if we are to heal our environment and ourselves. Your yard is local.

Make my day; someone in Ojai or Ventura, accept my gift of this beautiful nopal. Plant it in your yard, and make this local food a part of your life.

DAY 231 - No I’m Not a Dentist: but what’s the story with bite splints?

2011-05-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Really ... I’m not a dentist. I’m a chiropractor. But more importantly, my mother taught me, by example, to use my brain, and to ask questions about everything.

I hadn’t been in practice long when I started treating patients of all ages with jaw grinding (technically bruxism), and jaw pain. All of these patients had been treated by dentists and had been provided with an occlusal splint (also called a bite splint, bite plane, or night guard), as a complete treatment. When I inquired as to the cause of the grinding, not one had an answer, nor recalled discussing causation with their dentist.

If a patient is grinding or clenching, I think it is a great idea to temporarily put something between the teeth to try to minimize the self-inflicted damage. Having bought some time with a splint, one would hope to take that time and figure out what was causing the grinding to begin with.

When I first started thinking about bruxism 28 years ago, I imagined humans gnashing their teeth. Seemed quite obvious that this harsh clenching would only occur under circumstances of profound provocation. Didn’t seem like one would need to be a dentist to appreciate that something serious must be going on to cause one to destroy his own teeth.

In every case that I treated, the patients, or the parents of the young patients, had no idea what was causing the grinding. So I began looking at the most profound provoker of human physiology that I knew of, one that most individuals have no awareness of; food allergies. While it would be foolish to say that food allergies are the cause of bruxism, I can tell you that some patients experience marked improvement with temporary removal of offending foods from their diet. I can also tell you that in hundreds of patients I have seen decreased head, jaw and neck pain associated with removal of food allergens.

On Wikipedia’s occlusal splint page it is stated that “People prone to nocturnal bruxism, or nighttime clenching, should routinely wear occlusal splints at night.” Won’t it be delightful, and rational, when we see on this same page an encouragement to look into the cause of grinding?

I would love to hear reports from you bruxers. I would also be interested in doing collaborative research on bruxism with a dentist in the Ventura, California area.

DAY 229 - Core Strengthening: Close but Not the Whole Story

2011-05-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy istolethetv

Core strengthening has been such a hot topic in the fitness world for many years. And no question, there is value to it. But, like most things in the universe, just a little closer look affords us more of what we dearly want.

One definition of core strengthening is “the balanced development of the deep and superficial muscles that stabilize, align, and move the trunk of the body, especially the abdominals and muscles of the back.”

Low back pain may be the most common reason that individuals seek to strengthen their core.

Now, let’s break it down.

There is nothing more “core” to the torso than the digestive tract. Though most advocates of core strengthening are focused on skeletal muscle function, it is critical to understand that the muscles of the back and abdomen are markedly influenced by the function of the digestive tract through neural pathways referred to as viscerosomatic reflexes. When the digestive tract is distressed by food allergies, constipation, antibiotics, imbalanced gut flora, or spinal joint aberrations, muscles of the back and abdomen are negatively affected, and pain can result.

Strength is not all it is cracked up to be. Many remember in their youth, their first exposure to martial arts, and their amazement at seeing larger, stronger opponents thrown to the mat by smaller, weaker individuals who had mastered greater skill. Ultimately, the greatest function in the torso is attained through integration and coordination of all components, visceral and skeletal.

It is often overlooked that during “core strengthening”, at least two other beneficial influences are being affected on the back and torso. While performing strengthening exercises, spinal dynamics are improved as a result of vertebral joints being moved through ranges of motion, and the digestive tract is benefited by contraction and relaxation in the abdomen which improves movement of the contents through the tract.

While some folks exercise the heck out of their abs and back muscles, and have their back pain go away, others will get no relief, and neither group will necessarily be exploring their gut core. I have had the opportunity to evaluate a number of patients who swore that core strengthening had taken care of their back problems. Clearly, for some of them it did reduce or resolve their pain. But it was obvious during physical examination that many had excessively tight back muscles, stiff spinal joints, and a gut that was tender to touch.

My advice to all would be to remember that coordinated, fluid motion trumps strength; and if you want to get to the core of back pain, or any other health problem, don’t forget your gut, it affects everything.

DAY 228 - Dental Hygiene: A Rational Model

2011-05-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

Teeth are important. If not cared for, they can decay, become painful, and break. See your dentist for an annual check-up beginning when you have teeth, or even just a tooth. Brush and floss daily. Smile.

Brilliant model. Imagine we applied it to other parts of our bodies.

Backs and necks are important. If not cared for, they can become stiff, painful, and arthritic. See your doctor of chiropractic for an annual check-up beginning when you have a spine. Stretch daily. Smile.

Make sense?

DAY 226 – Gluten-free Tennis?

2011-05-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today on the blog, Busted Racquet, Chris Chase posts “Is Novak Djokovic’s new, gluten-free diet behind his win streak?”. Fortunately, this story is not just sexy tennis gossip; it is a remarkable opportunity for critically needed health education.

Last year Djokovic removed gluten from his diet. Since then he's made the final of the U.S. Open, won the Davis Cup and Australian Open, defeated Rafael Nadal four times, and is currently on a 39-match winning streak, the third longest of the Open era.

Is it possible that removing gluten from his diet, has improved Djokovic’s tennis performance? Yes.

Parts of Chase’s post need correction and/or clarification, and I have provided them below.

“A simple allergy test could have led to one of the most dominant stretches in tennis history.” – Determining gluten-sensitivity is often not as simple as a “simple allergy test”. Beware.

“... Novak Djokovic's nutritionist discovered last year that he was allergic to gluten ...” – Where was his doctor all this time?

“... Djokovic played it safe and cut out the starches altogether.” – I would say he played it "smart".

“... a Cornell nutrition professor told The Wall Street Journal, the effects of the new diet could be more mental than anything.” – And Dr. Kristofer Young of Ventura, CA told his blog followers that given that many individuals experience increased physical endurance and performance when on a gluten-free diet, it is quite possible that Djokovic’s gluten-free diet has directly improved his physiology, rather than a placebo effect as suggested by the Cornell professor.

“The gluten-free diet didn't turn Novak Djokovic into a great tennis player. He was a Grand Slam champion and No. 3 in the world while eating the protein. The change may have turned him into a greater, more fit tennis player or it may have simply made him believe he was a greater, more fit tennis player. And, really, isn't that the same thing?” – No, they are not the same thing at all. Gluten-induced illness degrades both structure and function of the human body. Believing you are well, and being well, are not the same.

DAY 226 - Your Body is Tapping You on the Shoulder

2011-05-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a call, if not a plea, from your body for change; for change in the factors that caused your illness, your imbalance. Even though our bodies don’t always spell everything out perfectly clearly, be assured yours is not asking for Glucophage or injectable insulin. It is hoping that you will reduce your sugar and starch intake, begin to eat a variety of fresh organic vegetables, move your body, and resolve chronic stresses in your life.

will you take the tap?
hear your body’s rap?
awaken from your nap?
and make that health thing hap .... n?

DAY 225 - Roger and Me: Lobbying for Chiropractic

2011-05-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

photo by Robert Couse-Baker

For me to get up at 2:00 AM, there’s got to be a real good reason; like one of the kids upchucking with the flu.

Fortunately, this morning, my kids were fine. I got up at 2:00 to get to Roger Anderson’s by 3:15 to make it to LAX for a flight to the State Capitol in Sacramento so we could speak-up for the profession we love, and for the patients who depend on us.

Each year, the California Chiropractic Association organizes a day of meetings between chiropractors and our California assembly members and senators, providing us with opportunities to build relationships and communicate the views of the chiropractic community.

This year, the big issue for chiropractors and our patients, centers around implementation at the State level of last year’s national healthcare reform. At this time in history we may be able to right some wrongs, and level the field on which American healthcare has been played.

Since its beginning in 1895, the chiropractic profession has been effectively marginalized by mainstream medicine and the health insurance industry. One important factor, a framing of the provision of insurance benefits, that has enabled the marginalization, is the division of healthcare access by discipline; MD, DC, ND, LAc, DO, DDS, etc. Out of this arbitrary way of categorizing insurance coverage, the public is offered MD-care as the central benefit, and then, for extra cost, one can add the services of other professions, e.g., chiropractic, dental, optometric.

Imagine for a moment, that instead of offering coverage by provider, it was offered by services provided, regardless of the discipline of the practitioner licensed to provide them. If your medical insurance covered physical examination, lifestyle consultation, x-rays, blood work, and physical therapy, you could decide for yourself if you wanted to receive those services from a medical doctor or from a chiropractor; at no increased cost to the insurer, or you. Same costs, but you, the insured, get to choose the provider from a broader field.

Roger and I have made this pilgrimage together on a number of occasions. Makes for an interesting day, and gives us the satisfaction of lending a hand to make a difference. And there’s lots of work left to do.

(Note: actual date of this trip - May 10, 2011)

DAY 224 – In Your Heart

2011-05-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

"When you are in someone's face, you are probably not in their heart."

I would rather be in your heart.

Kristofer Young, DC ~ May 15, 2011

DAY 222 - Just Can’t Let Go?

2011-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Is there a food that you enjoy eating, that you would not be willing to give up, even if by doing so your depression lifted, your fatigue vanished, you magically lost 30 pounds, or your joint pains became a thing of the past?

Allow me to suggest that there is not any food on earth that is worth depression, fatigue, excess fat, or arthritis.

Allow me also to suggest that you can let go.

Additionally, allow me to suggest that when you are not owned by specific foods, you are stronger, healthier and happier.

I am not saying that changing ones diet is always easy. I am saying that it is dangerous to your health to simply allow a food to own you. Look around; poor food choices are the greatest cause of illness in America. I am saying that it is far easier to remove a few foods from your diet than it is to be chronically ill.

Ready for a change? Or will you need to get sicker first; like I did?

DAY 217 - the phone cord

2011-05-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy Jenny Downing

scattered
but then, do i want to admit it?

drinking from a fire hose ...
i didn’t mean to
it wasn’t a choice to see the suffering and dysfunction

when i was younger
so much younger than today
i felt a lot and saw a lot
or so i thought
at times it seemed too much
turns out it was mostly that which occurred nearby
i was spared the bigger, fuller picture

so, here i am
turning 60 consciously
longing for serenity,
or at least the calm of a martial artist

in fact, in my gut, in my head, in my nerves
the world swirls around and through
flashing me with scenes of harm and brewing harm

Steve, my poly sci professor
felt the storm
and hung himself one day
with a telephone cord

he was a gentle man
very bright
very aware
he knew what we were up against

no one came to help him recycle newspapers
left to haul our trash alone
he hung himself

we were only 23
when the news arrived
on a tiny island in the Pacific
i felt like i understood

Steve was no longer available
no longer able to lend his hands and heart
to haul the trash
and plan the healing of humanity
as he had done for so many years

rather than feel weakened by the loss
i looked for a gift from Steve

and found

at 23, and still today,
turning 60 consciously,
that those sensitive to, and aware of the world in which we live
must also be sensitive to their own balance

hopelessness, like a heart attack, can be closer than we know
and the fall can be long and fast to the end of the phone cord

i also found a game plan
for my life ...

to live fully,
sensitive to
the joy of our voices in harmony
the comfort of holding one another
the harm that is all around
and the fear of facing that harm yet moving toward it
to strive to know where i am
just back from the edge
a buffer
a buffer from the phone cord
that i might contribute to our wellbeing
‘till another end

Steve’s gift brings me full circle
i am scattered
and i do want to admit it
for admission may be that buffer

wishing peace for all
including Steve

I am not at the edge
just smart enough at 59
to explore,
and report back on my findings

DAY 215 - Is a Bacterium Controlling Your Child’s Behavior?

2011-05-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is not a joke.

Have you ever wondered at the bizarre, extreme, or antisocial behavior of your own child, or that of another? Did the child not seem like himself?

Last week I attended the 18th International Symposium on Functional Medicine. The topic was “The Challenge of Emerging Infections in the 21st Century. Derrick F. MacFabe M.D., Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry (Division of Developmental Disabilities) of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada; and the Director of the “Kilee Patchell-Evans” Autism Research Group, opened his lecture with the question; “Are The Microbes in Charge?”

Dr. MacFabe quickly directed us to an infection-behavior model that we were all familiar with, to help us get a handle on our skepticism regarding his question. He reminded us of the extreme behavioral changes in mammals with rabies. Rabies is caused by a virus of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. As we know, infected animals can become vicious and lose a normal sense of fear; gross behavioral changes caused by a microorganism.

The focus of Dr. MacFabe’s current research is the autistic spectrum of disorders (which includes ADHD). In one aspect of its work, his group has introduced a compound, propionic acid (PPA), which can be formed through fermentation in the human gut by the bacterium Clostridium difficile, into the brains of rats, immediately causing behaviors in the rats that appear similar, if not identical to behaviors seen in autistic children. One can see video of these behaviors at his website.

Could a low-grade infection in the gut by Clostridium difficile elevate levels of PPA, and in susceptible individuals cause autism or ADHD? Are these children hooked on carbohydrates that facilitate the bacterial formation of PPA?

In the 1950's, the incidence of autism was one in 10,000. Now it is one in 90. The incidence of ADHD has also increased dramatically. What's going on?

Look at Dr. MacFabe’s work (http://psychology.uwo.ca/autism.htm), and give some more thought to what is controlling our children’s behavior. If you don’t, who will?

DAY 214 - On the Brink of Behind

2011-05-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

courtesy of emdot at flickr

my brother’s birthday tomorrow
haven’t gotten to arranging lunch

nephew’s bar results tomorrow
will I remember to call?

Mother’s Day on Sunday
finally asked this morning about what would feel like a gift

Jay’s 60th on Tuesday
not only no card yet,
but damn, have to be at a conference in Sacramento all day

Tom’s wife has cancer
how can I be of help, and when?

who else have I not checked on?
checked in with?
remembered?
are they feeling uncared for by me?

maybe I can let go of the fear of the brink
of falling behind
maybe let go of the worry that others may feel that I don't care
or don't care enough

is there any way we could agree for ever
that I love you
that I will try to respond to you in ways that comfort you
but that if I come up short
it is never that I love you less
rather, that I am over the edge
and beyond behind?

I could use your help
in getting over this fear of falling

DAY 213 - When Friendship is a Problem a Yelp Won’t Help

2011-05-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

A post on http://wired.com , dated April 6, 2010, entitled "Yelp Fights Fraud Allegations by Unfiltering Reviews", by Eliot Van Buskirk, contained the following statement from Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman; "review filters take action on all types of suspicious content — both reviews that may have been written by a business owner or a business owner’s friends ...".

What Stoppelman is talking about is a computer algorithm that Yelp uses to remove reviews that it thinks may be bogus. While his comment is understandable, it may also prove Yelp to be incompatible with small businesses that provide very personalized services.

My wife and I have operated Ventura Chiropractic & Massage since 1983. We truly like, if not love, our patients, and care about their wellbeing. Not too surprisingly, our patients like/love us, and truly care about our wellbeing. Sound anything like friendship? Well, it is!

So, when Stoppelman says that Yelp intentionally filters out (makes invisible) any review that appears to be written by a “business owner’s friends”, that means that virtually all the reviews of our practice have been, and will be removed, because they were, and will clearly appear to be written by our friends.

As of today, May 4, 2011, 17 reviews have been written about our practice, by patients who happen to be friends. Most of them, we met as new patients; they accidentally became friends. One review has been completely erased from the site, 15 have been filtered (made invisible), and one is left visible as though it were the only legitimate review.

Maybe Yelp was not made for us, for our practice, nor for our patients who would wish to share with the world, their experience of our office. It is important to understand that the issue is much bigger than our little office. We are not the only business that is rewarded with friendship as a byproduct of the caring interaction that accompanies the service that we provide.

We are not giving up our friends, but we may have to give up on Yelp.

DAY 211 - Medicare Complexity: Not Just for Old Folks

2011-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be lovely if it were as simple as to either “keep your hands off Medicare”, or “privatize Medicare”?

If I had to choose one right now, May 2, 2011, I would choose “keep your hands off Medicare”, but I don’t ... have to.

To me, "keep your hands off Medicare" means, leave it as it is; and that just won't work.

Here are the huge problems with “hands off”:
1)   the vast majority of health care practice in America, including Medicare, uses a try-to-fix-it-once-it-is-clearly-broken approach; prevention is a miniscule part of our system,
2)   Medicare, and our health care system (more accurately, a disease care system) overwhelmingly focus on, and financially reward, the managing of symptoms with drugs, surgeries, and procedures; understanding, discussing and dealing with the causes of illness are uncommon for both doctors and patients,
3)   Medicare does not emphasize improving lifestyle choices as the key to improved health, even though medical science has proven it to be the most efficacious and the most cost effective means of achieving health,
4)   Medicare, as it is, and our health care system, are grossly dysfunctional, and are currently contributing to the bankrupting of America.

We, the American people, must begin to take responsibility for our health, and act on it.

Privatization is even worse than "hands off".

While our government bureaucracies are often inefficient, the private health insurance industry, driven first and foremost by the profit motive, has a long and often lurid history, including regular lapses of moral judgment when dealing with subscribers and health care providers.

As many private insurance companies deny care, often illegally, those effected subscribers commonly turn to public hospitals and emergency rooms, where the costs are borne by we, the taxpayers, rather than the insurance company.

Ultimately, in the realms of health and health care, our conditions and fates are interconnected. We will, sink or swim together. This being the case, rather than "keeping our hands off Medicare", we need to put our hands on it, and begin to massage it into a more functional system.

We must start by acknowledging and rewarding what we have long known; that improved self-care is the sine qua non of individual and community health. We must remind our doctors, and teach our citizens about the powerful and necessary daily practices that determine health. We must relearn the values of caring for ourselves and caring for others.

Simple answers just won’t cut it. Let us join hands and begin the work of healing ourselves, and of healing our Nation.

DAY 203 - The Non-Comparison of Private Enterprise to Government

2011-04-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the generalizations, which of course, are not true in all cases. I write this with no intent to harm.

Most of us understand the impossibility of comparing apples to oranges. How interesting then, that many folks directly compare work accomplished, and the price tag for projects carried out by a private business and by a governmental agency. One must assume that discussions about whether private or public organizations can best do work, is more emotionally charged than discussions about which fruit is “best”. Why, other than the cognitive disorientation that often accompanies a charged emotional state, would one try to directly compare the efficiency and cost of a governmental project, to that of a private enterprise?

I am neither an economist, nor particularly knowledgeable about governance, but I know enough to know that businesses and democratic governments have different primary goals, operate in different arenas, and function under different constraints.

Businesses focus on making a profit. They are free, to a great extent, to carry out their plans without concern for the public, the environment, or the future; and often do so.

Democratic governments, on the other hand, are committed to the common good, and are responsible to protect the common good in every possible realm.

Seems clear that making a profit, while abiding by some laws, would be child’s play compared to the mind-numbing complexity of trying to productively serve and protect the public good.

Most adults have seen the harm that can be done in the name of profit, even when governments are trying to protect the people, the environment and the future. Some of the greatest profits have been made outside the realm of the common good, in the realm of sweatshops.

Governments are not the most efficient producers, the least expensive, nor are they known for turning a profit. Fortunately, that is not what they were designed for.

Let us recognize an orange as an orange, an apple as an apple, and let us clearly ask ourselves what we want from our government; a profit, or the common good.

DAY 201 - Magnesium: More Than a Laxative

2011-04-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

In 1983, having recently graduated from chiropractic college, I established my practice in Ventura, California. At that time, it had not crossed my mind that I would spend my career looking for, learning about, and teaching patients about simple, powerful, critical, and often underutilized approaches to health. But, a few months of practicing, with therapeutic successes not being what I would have hoped, my search began.

I was looking primarily for keys to health that were inexpensive, or free; and that patients could utilize or practice on their own, rather than having to pay a doctor or therapist to do it for them.

One of my first finds was the powerful, yet safe and gentle mineral, magnesium.

I am often asked, “Why do I talk so much about magnesium?” It is because magnesium is a critical mineral that affects every part of the body, and because most Americans are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is so basic to all bodily functions that when a person does not have enough, a wide variety of mild to severe symptoms can occur. Most Americans are getting approximately 200 mg of magnesium from their diet. The RDA (the minimal requirement, not the optimal level) was 400 mg/day. The current DRI is 420 mg/day.

Signs that may indicate magnesium insufficiency include, but are not limited to; back or neck pain, muscle spasms, headache, panic attacks, tiredness, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, tension, nervousness, high blood pressure, kidney stones, gall stones, osteoporosis, breast tenderness, PMS, mitral valve prolapse, constipation.

A few of the most serious diseases that have been linked to magnesium deficiency are heart disease, diabetes, depression, and osteoporosis.

Some of the conditions that are benefited by magnesium are:
menstrual cramps - preeclampsia - back or neck pain - muscle spasms - headache - panic attacks - tiredness - poor sleep - depression - tension - nervousness - high blood pressure - kidney stones - gall stones - osteoporosis - breast tenderness - PMS - mitral valve prolapse - constipation

Not all magnesiums are created equal: Magnesium in nutritional supplements is delivered in a variety of chemical forms, including glycinate, chloride, citrate, oxide, sulfate, aspartate, and others. The most common, least effective, and cheapest form of magnesium is magnesium oxide. It is used in most multivitamins, and tends to cause intestinal gas and diarrhea. Because of the ill effects, manufacturers reduce the amount of magnesium in their supplements to 1/4 of the RDA level; never advising potential buyers of the low potency.

The greatest dangers of supplemental magnesium are: 1) forgetting to take yours, 2) taking an ineffective and/or insufficient amount and thinking that you are protected.

The most effective magnesium I have worked with since 1995 is Mag Glycinate from Metagenics. I have watched hundreds of patients try other forms of magnesium with little or no success or relief. This simple nutrient has markedly improved the lives of many of my patients, often without making any other lifestyle changes. This brand and chemical form of magnesium is only sold in doctor's offices, and can be difficult to find.

Using magnesium glycinate often provides so much relief from musculoskeletal conditions that a patient may not need treatment from a DC or MD.

I recommend 400 mg/day of elemental magnesium in the form of magnesium glycinate. Remember, you need more than the RDA.

Take the test: Take Mag Glycinate as I have recommended (below) for two weeks; consistently. Then stop taking it for two weeks. Repeat this cycle 3 times and keep some notes on how you feel and function on and off of it. Many people clearly feel better on than off. Warning - not feeling better does not prove that you do not need magnesium - there may be too many other health-deterring factors in your life for you to feel the effect of the magnesium.

When and how to take Mag Glycinate: Mag Glycinate is best taken away from food, though many patients report excellent results when taken with food. I suggest that patients take 2 tablets when they wake up in the morning, and 2 when they go to bed. It is fine to take one at a time, four times throughout the day.

Some individuals are gut-sensitive to magnesium. They may experience intestinal gas or loosening of the stool. If this occurs, the dose should be decreased, if need be, by breaking tablets in pieces, until no symptoms occur. Discuss this sensitivity with your doctor for guidance in selecting an appropriate dose. Those who are gut-sensitive are usually those who are most deficient in magnesium.

How to find an effective magnesium, wherever you are in the United States: you can buy SlowMag, or its generic at most any pharmacy, over-the-counter. To achieve the same effects as Mag Glycinate, you will need to take 6 of the SlowMag tablets per day.

Testing for magnesium has historically been done by measuring magnesium in the serum (liquid portion of the blood). However, it has been known for years, and has been published in medical journals that serum magnesium is an extremely inaccurate test. Even so, most doctors still order serum testing. Superior tests include:
RBC magnesium: Red blood cell testing is not the most accurate, but is the most readily available.
Intracellular testing: of cells from the inside of the mouth by means of an electron microscope: see EXA test
Growth assessment: see SpectraCell

Insist on accurate magnesium testing. Your life may depend on it! Cardiologists with whom I have talked are as amazed as I am that most doctors still order inaccurate serum magnesium testing. If you have only had serum magnesium testing, you don’t know anything reliable about your magnesium status. Beware and be in charge of your health.

Epsom salts baths: Epsom salts are the salt of magnesium sulfate. It is best used in a warm to hot bath. Because of the heat, they are not suggested during the first 24-48 hours following acute injuries (sudden onset such as a sprained ankle) in which swelling is present. Epsom salts are highly effective in treating chronic aches and pains, soreness from overuse, and sprains and strains after the acute phase (usually 24-48 hours following injury). Epsom salts can be purchased at large grocery stores and drug stores for $3-4.00 per half gallon. Put ½ gallon of Epsom salts into a hot bath. Soak for 15 minutes.

Epsom salts are not just good for aches and pains. Many people find a soak very relaxing. It can improve sleep and leaves the skin feeling very soft.

If you are using a bath for treatment of significant back pain, be sure to get out of bath while the water is still in the tub. The water will buoy you and assist you in getting out of the tub. If you think you might have trouble getting out, and you don’t want to be left sitting in a cold and empty tub, it is wise to have another person in the house when you take your bath in case you need assistance.

A laxative can be worth its weight in gold. Magnesium is worth so much more!

DAY 200 - Big Really Big Family

2011-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine you had a really large family. And imagine that every time you turned around, there was another family need, responsibility or occasion that you felt drawn to respond to. Grampa needs a ride to his chiropractic appointment. Your niece is getting married; shop for gift, pick up tux, rehearsal, bachelorette party, wedding and reception. Aunt Tori is dealing with cancer; send a card, make a call, discuss possibility of a visit, reflect on her life and the meaning of life. Who’s picking up the CSA? And tomorrow is Liel’s birthday .....

Not recognizing and not responding to these family needs has consequences. A simple lack of planning ahead, also has consequences.

In this world, there is no need for anyone to simply imagine; we all do ... have a really large family; humankind. We are members of communities, states, nations, and are citizens of the world. Not recognizing and not responding to these family members has consequences. A simple lack of planning ahead, also has consequences.

My Mom and Dad raised us to know that others in the world were important, but their actions showed me that their real focus and attention was on the wellbeing of our nuclear family. As I grew, raised a family, and got older, I cared about others, but put almost all of my effort into the wellbeing of my own nuclear family.

I am drawn today to think and write about families, the boundaries that we imagine and live, and the allocation of our efforts during our lives, because of a recent, even literal, watershed event. This last Tuesday night, the Ventura City Council voted 6-0 to not annex the North Ventura Avenue area, nor Canada Larga, areas that had been proposed, if not pushed, for development, i.e., building and expansion. In the minds of a number of residents of Ventura and Ventura County, the annexation of North Ventura Avenue or Canada Larga would have been unsustainable, unecological; a clear step on the road to mirroring the sprawl and unlivibility of Los Angeles, here in Ventura County.

But, it was not the minds of the residents that helped to guide the Ventura City Council to this 6-0 vote, it was the actions of these same people who organized, planned, communicated, and came to City Council meetings. These people came out, stood up, and spoke up because they don’t need to read this essay. They already knew their large family, knew the consequences of not responding, and chose to plan ahead.

If you have appetite for a little more, I would highly recommend the following essay in The Ojai Post, by Steve Sprinkel, Ojai organic farmer, really-big family man, and visionary planner-activist for our future. http://tinyurl.com/3awc629

DAY 198 – YELP!!! Reviews Locked Up

2011-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yelp, in my vocabulary, has always meant a sharp cry or bark, usually arising from an animal or human, startled or hurt. Today, in this writing, I use the word both in its common meaning, as I have known it throughout my life, and the modern, referring to an online website dedicated first to reviews of restaurants, and now to reviews of all manner of businesses, including chiropractic practices.

My son, Kenn, recently used www.Yelp.com to find a dentist for himself in New York City. What a success story! The reviews he read lead him to a dentist that provided exactly the care he was looking for.

My son’s experience got me thinking about the power of online reviews for helping folks find just the service they are looking for. It provided me the opportunity to recognize how limited, if not outdated the Yellow Pages are. The Yellow Pages, of course, are mainly a compilation of business owners' own reviews of themselves; possibly not the most helpful. It’s the customer, the client, the patient that we want to hear from.

Thus inspired, I located the Yelp-created shell of an online listing of my chiropractic office, and began to fill it in with information about the practice. The next step was to publicize that we were Yelp-friendly.

Having been in practice for 28 years, and currently serving satisfied new patients each week, I figured there would be a few who would start Yelping "with something to say". And I was right.

Over a period of 4 weeks, reviews trickled in. To date, 12 have been posted. But within a week of the first review being posted, I had my first encounter with the grim filterer. You’ve heard of the grim reaper? That’s old school. The grim filterer is a computer algorithm used by Yelp to try to determine if a review is bogus or legitimate. Apparently there are risks, some deadly, inherent in trying to sort human expressions by computer.

As the reaper, uh filterer, came through on its periodic mission of cleansing, one review was destroyed completely, 8 were banished to a purgatory-like existence called “filtered”, and 3 remain, as of this moment, on the net, easily accessible to those who might be trying to find their perfect chiropractor in Ventura, California.

The “filtered” existence of these reviews is an invisibility, not unlike having been swept under a carpet. The dust can be found by lifting a corner of the carpet. The “filtered” reviews can be seen by going to the bottom left corner of the last visible review and clicking on the grayed-out link “(8 Filtered)”. Presto, the dust, and the suspect reviews.

One can read the remaining 3 reviews of my practice at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ventura-chiropractic-and-massage-ventura-2 , the “filtered” reviews at: https://biz.yelp.com/r2r/af9pJZ24DSobDPpCPNTtzw/filtered_reviews , and, like I said, you’ll never find the 12th review.

For clarity, each and every one of the 12 reviews that have been written about my practice, Ventura Chiropractic & Massage, are legitimate reviews, written in each case by patients of mine.

Lest a rebellion get underway, I want you to know that I have not been singled out. There are thousands of the sharp-cry-or-bark-usually-arising-from-an-animal-or-human-startled-or-hurt type yelps ricocheting around cyberspace, some resembling profanity, that decry the removal of legitimate complimentary (4-5 star) reviews. Nonetheless, I believe that Yelp.com is committed to benefiting all of us as best it can.

For now, let me say that I support Yelp.com because I believe that Yelp is working on providing a functional network of feedback that can help you and I find better matches in our lives.

Finally, as with individuals in purgatory, I am told that some of the "filtered" reviews may be moved once again into the light, if their creators become "Yelp-established" rather than one-shot, questionable reviewers. There is hope; these reviews may not be on their way to hell.

DAY 195 - Learning From My Little Sister

2011-04-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

Me and Tori

I have one sister, Tori Janaya. She was born in the late spring of my fourth grade year. I remember my Mom being pregnant, tiny Tori coming home from the hospital, and I held her in my arms.

Before long she was a toddler; so cute, such a joy. Then time sped up.

Today, Tori is 49, and dealing with ovarian cancer.

Through this process she is teaching me more about life.

From the beginning, June, 3, 2009, Tori has talked openly with us about her feelings, her experiences, her life. On August 23, 2010 she sent us the following note.

“so...if it's true that none of us know for sure....then the only choice we have is to live moment my moment...what you can do for me is to stay in the presence of that moment by moment view and to lift me with your love and strength...instead of predicting my death...be with me as I continue to live...if it looks like I'm passing sooner...it's still the same...moment by moment...

I would also encourage us not to put off ...not to wait to tell someone you love them...you never know when it's your time...their time...my time..

If you look at me like I'm dying...it's not helpful for me...it's an interesting time...some friends who fell away in my life have returned with even more love and other friends have disappeared because they can't handle what is happening to me...I guess fear is a powerful sword...a sword that can pierce the hearts of people we love...I hope all of us in our own lives with our own challenges will find the sword of strength and honor and love....not the weakness that shows and takes over simply because we are afraid....we have to be better than that....we must be better than that!” ***

In the way of my heart, she is my little sister. In the world, while a sister to all, she is anything but diminutive. She is strong, gentle, and powerfully alive.

I am more than prepared to continue walking this road with you my sister, wherever it may lead us; and I have much to learn.

From just one of your brothers who loves you,
Kris

DAY 189 - No Better Gift from My Kids

2011-04-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Kenn and Jenny

I’ll tell you the backstory on another day, but wanted to say that my kids, Jovi and Kenn, give me the greatest birthday gifts.

What I really wanted was a guarantee of their health; but that wasn’t possible. So I asked for the next closest thing; I select a book on health, they read it, and then provide me with a book report on what was valuable to them.

Each year they learn more about health, and each year they know that their wellbeing is one of the most important things in my life.

This last October, for my 59th birthday, Kenn, and his sweetheart, Jenny began reading The Better Brain Book by David Perlmutter, MD. Let me say here, that Kenn and Jenny have had a very busy life recently. On March 27, 2011, they finished and delivered their book report.

My kids have been giving me these gifts since 1997, but, for the first time, Kenn and Jenny created their report as a video that is now available for all on Vimeo at: http://www.vimeo.com/21576405

I am so grateful for this gift and for my kids’ interest in health! I am comforted by their closeness and increasing connection to health. Feels good now, great design for the future! Doesn’t get much better!

DAY 187 - Folks Without Homes

2011-04-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of ab.photo at flickr commons

folks without homes
at the street corners
looking into my eyes

cardboard signs
asking me my role

light’s red
can’t drive away

my gut winces
got to feel
got to see

what is it that I want to go away?
the folks without homes?
or my feelings?

as long as there are folks without homes
you and I have the opportunity to lend a hand
or just drive by, as I often have

I wasn’t intentionally unresponsive
I just didn’t have a plan

part of my current plan is
http://liftupyourvoice.org ( lift up your voice )

my thanks
to those who didn’t let me
just drive by

KY - 4/8/11

DAY 186 - Delicious Way to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2011-04-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Guaranteed delicious; prevention can’t always be delivered with one recipe, nor guaranteed.

Zeaxanthin is the primary xanthophyll carotenoid in the central, macular portion of retina of the eye. Several observational studies have connected high dietary intake of foods providing zeaxanthin, with lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zeaxanthin is found in many plant foods, including collard greens.

So, please, let’s start with a 6 foot-tall tree collard.

Harvest lots of leaves.

Chop into thin strips.

Lightly stir-fry in olive or coconut oil, with a splash of gluten-free tamari.

Serve on a bed of freshly steamed brown rice, with just a squeeze of lemon.

Now, don’t tell me you can’t see better!

Health Note: let’s face it, we all know that our lives and health are improved when we eat lots of fresh, organic vegetables; especially greens.

DAY 185 - Path to a Dairy-free Cancer Cure

2011-04-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

photo from the Center for Food Safety

This is more like stepping stones in a stream of consciousness, rather than a path, but, walk with me if you will.
*****
We start in 1961; me with severe back pain at age 10.
My first chiropractic treatment in Fillmore, CA in 1976.
I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1982.
In 1991, Dr. Steven Shuel, chiropractor, brings me an audio tape of a lecture on inflammation, by biochemist, Jeffrey Bland, PhD.
Almost overnight I recognize Dr. Bland as my first (and still only) professional mentor.
I subscribe to Dr. Bland’s Preventive Medicine Update (PMU); a monthly review of cutting-edge, scientific medicine (now called Functional Medicine Update).
In 1991 Dr. Bland interviewed Sherry Rogers, MD on PMU regarding her new book, Tired or Toxic?
I subscribed to Dr. Rogers newsletter – Total Wellness – in 1999.
Today, April 7, 2011 – sorting through a stack of Total Wellness newsletters, my attention was drawn to the title, Cancer is Just a Label, in the December 2006 edition. The story was that of a remarkable woman and a remarkable cure through foods, of a would-be-terminal, metastatic, multi-organ cancer.
I searched the internet to see if I could learn more about this case, and found http://www.kushicenter.com/Metastatic%20Cancer_en.htm
On this webpage I read the following:
Healing Metastatic Cancer with Diet By: Janet Vitt, R.N, B.S.N.
“Looking back, I think the main cause of my problems was cheese. I was obsessed with cheese. Not a day passed when I didn't eat it. I loved cheese omelets, I enjoyed cheese on hamburgers, and added cheese to all my vegetables. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, after aerobics class, I would come home and eat cheese and crackers. I was a cheese-a-holic.
There were several positive side effects of practicing macrobiotic. The migraine headaches I suffered from for over 20 years were now gone. The Joint pain in my knees and ankles, which I attributed to playing tennis and growing old, disappeared. My restless nights of sleep and waking to go to the bathroom became a thing of the past.”

The End
*****
50 years of hopping from stone to stone. It has been an interesting and valuable path for me. One of the clear threads that runs from beginning to end is; Warning! Dairy may be dangerous to your health!

Dairy products were clearly the single greatest cause of my own arthritis, back pain, fatigue and digestive issues. Janet Vitt suspects dairy products as being central to her nearly fatal cancer. In practice since 1983, I have seen the following conditions caused by dairy products: headache, migraine, ear infections, ringing in the ears, sinus infections, acne, tonsillitis, vertigo, neck pain, TMJ pain, back pain, knee pain, muscle pain, neuritis, arthritis, reflux, constipation, intestinal gas, nausea, gastritis, bedwetting, frightening dreams, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sciatica, elevated blood pressure, hyperactivity, colds, flu, snoring, asthma, and weight gain.

Let the eater beware!

DAY 184 - A Moment of Compassion at TJs

2011-04-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Another hectic afternoon; I scurried down the aisles dodging slower-moving shoppers. Our new Trader Joe’s just opened last week in Midtown Ventura and the place was a mad house. No question, I wasn’t present, in that spiritual sense. I wasn’t in-the-moment.

My shopping didn’t take long, and fortunately my hyperactivity was slowed by the checkout line. I took a cleansing breath. Felt the humanity that surrounded me. Became aware of the chill of the one quart plastic container of organic carrot juice in my right hand, and was grounded again.

Awakening, coming to my senses, I reflected on the music playing throughout the store; 60’s music. While scurrying through the aisles, thinking only of myself, I had snapped my fingers, sang softly, and had even thrown in a subtle dance step or two, as I grooved to the music of my generation.

But my reclaimed cosmic clarity snapped me out of self-centered indulgence. As Manfred Mann sang Doo Wah Diddy Diddy over the store's Muzak, I realized the suffering of the young TJ’s staff as they toil through their days, serving us while being ground down by the relentless loop of 60’s music.

Carried back in time, I heard my parents’ music, and quickly turned it off. I cringed, knowing that these young people can’t turn it off.

Now at the front of the checkout line, I waved off the disposable bag, and in a very caring tone told my “crew member” that I felt her pain at having to listen, non-stop to her parents’, my generation’s music.

We had a good laugh. She sensed that I was totally present, maybe even hip, and the beat went on.

PS – Note to TJ’s General Management; please don’t take this compassion thing too seriously. Many of us in the last third of our lives, love your music. The kids can take it. And who knows, maybe we old-folks are in a better mood when we greet our “crew member” at check out.

DAY 180 - The Yoga of Nuclear Power

2011-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of topato at Flickr Commons

doing my yoga today

responding to the ever-tightening nature of human existence

asking myself, to what degree the restriction and mild soreness in my traps, lumbar spine and hamstrings are the result of my fear that we humans will continue to choose instant gratification over care and safety, as we are now by creating dangerous nuclear power plants, and leaving a legacy of highly toxic radioactive waste for countless generations of our children, at incalculable expense, over hundreds of thousands of years

is that any way to treat our children?

ah well .... back to my yoga

I’m not ready for rigor mortis yet

DAY 177 – America is Due for its Annual Chiropractic Check-Up

2011-03-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Dr. Eve Venturi treating Dr. Young

It’s a simple idea; maybe so simple as to be overlooked or misunderstood; but the annual chiropractic check-up is not only a concept whose time should have already come in America, but should have arrived at least 39 years ago.

Chiropractic was founded in America in 1895. In 1972 the US Congress voted to make chiropractic care available under Medicare. Chiropractic was clearly determined to be of value, for at least our elderly, 39 years ago. Recognizing that those under 65 years of age also have spines, and that degenerative diseases don't begin at 65, one might conclude that all American's would be benefited by chiropractic care.

We all know that it is wise to see our dentist each year, and we do so because of 4 factors: 1) we have teeth, 2) teeth are known to become unhealthy and painful, 3) dentists specialize in treatment of the oral cavity, and 4) preventive care is less expensive and results in better oral health than that achieved by repairing damaged teeth.

The situation with chiropractors (doctors of chiropractic – DC) is a bit more complicated, because while we do specialize in treatment of the spine, we are also licensed as general practitioners, treating virtually all conditions, and being limited only in regard to the use of drugs and surgery. But, for the moment, let us focus on chiropractic expertise in spinal function and spinal health.

It would be reasonable for all Americans to have annual spinal check-ups provided by a spinal health expert; a chiropractor. The same 4 factors that drive the annual dental check-up, drive the need for the annual chiropractic check-up: 1) we have spines, 2) spines are known to become unhealthy and painful, 3) chiropractors specialize in the treatment of the spine, and 4) preventive care is less expensive and results in better spinal health than that achieved by repairing a damaged spine.

It is important to additionally consider that while dental problems can be very serious, their effect on our society, compared to the effect of spinal (back and neck) problems, is minor. Back pain is the second leading cause of lost work time, and was estimated to have cost America $100 billion in 1998.

Do you get at least one spinal check-up per year?

I am suggesting that our culture needs a chiropractic check-up, and a wake up to spinal health.

PS – I know that there are some doctors, other than chiropractors, that can provide excellent spinal evaluation. If you have one, then see her/him at least annually.

DAY 173 – Arthritis Sufferers May Now be Able to Diagnose Themselves

2011-03-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Researchers in Ojai, California, using a very small study sample, have confirmed what has long been suspected; weekend gardening can be diagnostic for arthritis.

Volunteer subjects, with a mean age of 53, worked in their organic vegetable gardens for 5 hours on a Saturday, and 5 hours on the next day, Sunday. The majority subsequently reported awaking Monday morning to find themselves stiff and sore in the muscles and joints of the back and neck; classic signs of arthritis.

Lead investigator, Dr. Kristofer Young, founder of the little-known spinal research center, Ventura Chiropractic & Massage, stated that he had been certain that his study would prove, once and for all, that gardening is an inexpensive and accurate tool for diagnosing arthritis.

Dr. Young stated that what baffles him is that most modern medical practitioners advise patients that there is little that can be done about arthritis other than to mask the pain with drugs. He went on to say that given that medical science has proven that other chronic degenerative diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes can be reversed, it is remarkable that most MDs still leave patients with the unfounded belief that arthritis is untreatable.

Having suffered from severe degenerative spinal arthritis himself, the symptoms beginning at age ten, Dr. Young reports that at age 59, following lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, he is now able to do more work in his own organic vegetable garden in Ojai, California, than he could at age 40. He states that while the MRIs of his low back, taken in 1991 and 1998, clearly show the destruction of bone and disc, he currently has less pain and greater function.

Dr. Young’s team is looking into funding for further research to ask the question; what will it take for America to wake up to the idea that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is the greatest single cause of arthritis?

DAY 172 – Whisper for Peace

2011-03-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

“At life’s end,
I would hope to have been
a whisper for peace.”

KY - July 2002

DAY 168 - RED ALERT ... With Sunny Outlook on Solutions

2011-03-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Photo by Rocky Brown

PLEASE read this carefully. As you will see, we are actually talking LIFE or DEATH.

As you know, we have some dangerous things going on in the world right now; revolution in Libya, disaster in Japan. And no simple answers.

We have another RED ALERT, one that is not new, just unheard and/or unheeded by our society. The great news is that the outlook for solutions is sunny!

The RED ALERT is that vitamin D deficiency is of epidemic proportions in our Country and in the world. (Vitamin D is created in the human body when skin is exposed to sunlight. According to internationally recognized experts, blood levels of vitamin D should be above 50 ng/ml.) I have abbreviated for you the already abbreviated descriptions of these critical new studies on vitamin D which have been distributed by the Vitamin D Council.

Vitamin D deficient veterans in hospital ICU’s are almost twice as likely to die, as those who are not deficient.
McKinney JD, Bailey BA, Garrett LH, Peiris P, Manning T, Peiris AN. Relationship between vitamin d status and ICU outcomes in veterans. J. Am Med Dir Assoc. 2011 Mar;12(3):208-11.

The crude odds ratio (risk) of being hypertensive (having high blood pressure) was almost five times higher for those with 25(OH)D (vitamin D) levels less than 15 ng/ml compared to those above 40 ng/ml.
Bhandari SK, Pashayan S, Liu IL, Rasgon SA, Kujubu DA, Tom TY, Sim JJ. 25-hydroxyvitamin d levels and hypertension rates. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011 Mar;13(3):170-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2010.00408.x. Epub 2010 Dec 22.

Vitamin D can increase the liver’s ability to remove toxins and drugs from the body. Blood levels of vitamin D fluctuate with the seasons; so can drug levels in the blood. Theoretically this affects a long list of drugs, including the antidepressants, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine and sertraline. For a full list of drugs that may be lowered in the blood as vitamin D levels go up, go to: Wikipedia and look at the list of drugs in the column under the heading “Substrates”. Are your drugs in that list?
Lindh JD, Andersson ML, Eliasson E, Bjorkhem-Bergman L. Seasonal variation in blood drug concentrations and a potential relationship to vitamin D. Drug Metab Dispos. 2011 Feb 24. [Epub ahead of print]

A RED ALERT for our children; ... in Iran, being virtually the same distance from the equator as Ventura, CA (latitude affects sun exposure and thereby vitamin D status), it was found that in the winter, 91% of the children had vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/ml, 86% lower than 15 ng/ml, and an unbelievable 38% had vitamin D levels lower than 5 ng/ml. The authors wrote that their findings should be "regarded as a public health emergency by all stakeholders."
Neyestani TR, Hajifaraji M, Omidvar N, Eshraghian MR, Shariatzadeh N, Kalayi A, Gharavi A, Khalaji N, Haidari H, Zowghi T, Nikooyeh B. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in school-age children in Tehran, 2008: a red alert. Public Health Nutr. 2011 Feb 28:1-7. [Epub ahead of print]

Vitamin D helps to protect us from a laundry list of dangerous diseases, including; heart disease, cancers (17 cancers, including breast, colon and prostate), diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and more. Please have your vitamin D blood levels tested now. And have your children tested also. For some time now, the usual fee for the test has been around $240. In our office, we charge $50. Shop for the test, and protect your family’s health!

DAY 164 - When I Was a Kid

2011-03-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Courtesy me'nthedogs at Flickr Commons

When I was a kid in the 50’s and 60’s, “yelp” was what a dog did when you accidentally stepped on its tail.

Today, it’s clearly no accident, there’s no dog, and you either have an axe to grind, or you just had a great time and have to tell the world. Yelp.com is a website dedicated to connecting people with great local businesses.

You young folks have already been there, but for us older folks, Yelp is accomplishing its mission by providing a site where anyone can write a review on virtually any business. In January of 2011, 45 million people visited Yelp to tell their story.

One of the things that I love about Yelp is that isn’t the Yellow Pages. Yellow Pages ads, and I know, cuz I had ads for 20+ years, are simply a compilation of the business owner’s self-compliments. When we are looking for goods or services, the last thing we really need is the owner’s promotional take on himself. What we do need, and want, is the inside scoop from a few people who have been there and done that. We are looking for a Yelp, not a Yellow.

Well, I couldn’t resist; my office is now listed on Yelp; Ventura Chiropractic & Massage (the zip is 93003). Here’s the best part; as a small business owner with a Yelp listing, you are provided the opportunity to know what your patients/clients think of you without having to come back from the dead and visit your own memorial service. Check it out: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ventura-chiropractic-and-massage-ventura-2

Hey, don’t they say that it’s better to give flowers to the living?

DAY 161 - Nuclear Reactors and Community Health

2011-03-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

Nuclear plant in Arkansas - courtesy Topato at Flickr

The disasters this week in Japan have created immediate suffering, and the need for immediate aide and assistance. The earthquakes and tsunamis will take years to recover from.

As I write this entry, we know that at least one nuclear reactor at Fukushima Daiichi is melting down. Depending on the ultimate outcome of the one or more nuclear reactor melt downs, Japan could face 60 years or more of contamination and risk.

It is 25 years since the reactor melt down and explosion, the world’s worst nuclear power plant disaster in history, at Chernobyl. Some of the radioactive degradation products are still forming and will not peak until 2050.

Certain radioactive elements (such as plutonium-239) in “spent” fuel will remain hazardous to humans and other creatures for hundreds of thousands of years. Other radioisotopes remain hazardous for millions of years. Thus, these wastes must be shielded for centuries and isolated from the living environment for millennia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_waste

In many fields, including medicine, risk benefit analyses are carried out to aide in decision making. This kind of analysis has been done regarding the utilization of nuclear power, but the decision to use it does not agree with my analysis.

In the short run, nuclear power is relatively cheap. In the long run, like 100,000 years, we can not even begin to predict the monetary costs of containment of radioactive wastes, which can only grow, to the distress of fiscal conservatives and those of us who foot the bill.

Nuclear energy is not, depending on ones definition, clean. It is clean if one does not count the enormously dangerous radioactive materials, utilized and spent, that must be completely contained at all times, and, for all intents and purposes, for all time.

Then there is the issue of safety. Suffice it to say, there is no energy production system known to man that is more dangerous than nuclear power.

I hope that Japan’s nuclear disasters turn out to be relatively minor. I also hope that we, the community of man, will see that nuclear power has a very poor risk benefit ratio, and is not a healthy choice.

I understand that lots of us want cheap power, but we have all heard, “if something seems too good to be true; it probably is.”

DAY 159 – He’s Our Friend

2011-03-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dr. Young and Supervisor Bennett

OK, there could be question about whether or not you see him as a friend, so let me start with something I am certain of; he IS my friend.

But, I think he's yours too.

I’m talking about Steve Bennett, Supervisor for Ventura County’s District 1.

I am drawn to friendships with people who work hard for the common good. They are people I can trust. A sharp mind and a bright smile never hurt.

Last evening we got to see each of these qualities in Steve as he made time in his schedule to speak to, and support our fledgling health group, Community of Health Ventura.

We are so fortunate to have Supervisor Bennett serving us and helping to guide our County.

Thank you, Steve!

DAY 158 - Plan for Health: write it

2011-03-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

That’s right, you don’t have one, and your parents didn’t have one, and there is virtually nothing in our culture that suggests that it would be smart and joyful for you to have a written plan for your health. I’m not talking about medical insurance, or what we loosely call a health plan, but rather, a strategy for being well throughout your life, that you have created, and that you have committed to paper or to a digital file.

Important undertakings deserve a plan. Critical undertakings require a written plan. Supporting and maintaining your health is critical, and you know it.

We have not had the good fortune of being raised and entrained with the practice of keeping a written health plan. No problem; as adults, we can recognize the value of our health, look around and see that we and our fellow Americans are not well, and begin to write a plan for our own health.

I have created a starter template called “My Written Health Plan”, and posted it online, for those who would like to get started. You can find it by going to: http://www.ventura-chiropractor.com and clicking on the link on the right called “Forms”.

It may take a little sitting with this idea for it to sink in. Imagine embarking on a long, and at times dangerous journey, without a map. A healthful life is such a journey, and is made safer and more joyful when one carries a written and personalized health plan.

For those of us adults who may not be quite ready to begin creating our own health plan, I would encourage us to think about where our children and grandchildren will get their plans from. Or will they make the trek of their life without a map?

Will you join me in leading the way?

DAY 157 - It Came Out of Nowhere

2011-03-09T22:50:00.000-08:00

Patient: (with distress) Doctor, I have no idea what caused this back pain. It came out of nowhere.

Doctor: That’s got to be upsetting, to be experiencing pain that seems to have been unprovoked.

Conversations like this are common in my practice. They start out interesting, and become even more so.

Early on, with each patient, I suggest that nothing comes out of nowhere; that there are many happenings that we don’t understand, and influences that we can’t see, but all events are brought about by related phenomena. For a thoughtful doctor, it is usually not difficult to begin to solve the mystery of the surprising back pain.

Given that stress is pervasive, and a known cause of back pain, I always bring it up as a probable contributor. Most of us, through adaptation or mental blocking, keep stress and its effects from our consciousness. Many people don’t imagine that the recent death of their sibling, and the associated feelings, could directly contribute to the initiation of back pain. In our culture, understanding that the chronic stress of a rotten job, an unhappy relationship, or an ill child, could cause back pain, is not common. The tendency is to be surprised when an ongoing input finally causes a sudden and overt change; in this case, pain.

An interesting part of our cultural understanding of the effects of stress, is that we actually do know and appreciate that chronic stress can, and reasonably should cause back pain, in others, but find it difficult to accept that it would be true for us.

We have a tendency to think that one must DO something, like lifting a heavy object, to cause back pain. We are less apt to think about the effects of what we DON'T DO. Patients, confused about the cause of their pain, rarely offer that they have not been going for walks regularly, have not stretched in six months, or have not had a salad in the past week. They never mention the bowel movement that they haven’t had for 3 days.

Further off the American radar as a cause of back pain, is food allergy, even though it may be the most common. Most of us have never heard that eating a food such as dairy products for years, or decades, could chronically provoke ones immune system, causing focal inflammation and tissue damage in muscles and joints, and ultimately pain in the back. Pain caused in this manner may not come out of nowhere, but those who have never even heard that foods can cause back pain, are always blindsided.

Most back pain is caused by long-term, combinations of stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of aerobic exercise, lack of stretching, and food allergies; not from falling down a flight of stairs while moving a grand piano. But without the necessary perspective ... back pain can appear to come out of nowhere.

DAY 155 - Breast Tenderness: An important story ... Part I

2011-03-08T20:32:00.000-08:00


photo courtesy of marko8904

The story of breast tenderness is one that I have been sharing with patients for over twenty years, one woman at a time.

It turns out that most breast tenderness is a valuable natural warning of insufficiency in the body of the mineral, magnesium. But that is just the beginning.

Breast tenderness is a common discomfort associated with menstruation. Virtually every patient that I have treated, who experienced breast tenderness with her periods, had a marked reduction, or complete elimination of tenderness by taking magnesium as an oral supplement.

Some would say, “so what?”

And here is the “so what”; magnesium is an essential nutrient that has profound effect on human biochemistry, and on human physiology. When a woman has low blood levels of magnesium, she is apt to have other symptoms, and indeed has increased disease risks.

A few of the symptoms of low magnesium levels are: back and neck pain, muscle pain, PMS, menstrual cramps, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and constipation.

--- Part II to follow ---

DAY 154 - Free: Not Just Gluten-free

2011-03-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

This isn’t really too deep; I just want to say that while I have been gluten-free for 2+ years, there is a freedom that comes with being gluten-free that is more than a simple food choice.

While never having experienced symptoms that I could connect to my consumption of gluten (a class of proteins found primarily in wheat, rye and barley), I have had a lifetime of mild to moderate digestive tract problems. Only through the good fortune of having chosen a professional life as a doctor, have I been fortunate enough to learn that gluten sensitivity is both a common problem, and one that is often not recognized. 2+ years ago I finally ordered testing on myself and learned that I am gluten sensitive.

For those who are gluten sensitive, or have the more serious form, celiac disease, the advice of experts is that we eat no gluten whatsoever; none.

Over the last two years, and with some frequency, conversations with patients and others, have lead me to be told that is isn’t really possible to avoid gluten, living in our culture. I am also often told how bleak a gluten-free life would be. In most cases, the individual filling me in on his views, states them as though they were universal truths. Nowadays, after listening carefully, I state that I have been 100% gluten-free for more than 2 years, and explain that it has not been a major challenge in my life, that I continue to eat large amounts of delicious food, and that I am happy to be able to make this change which is predictably improving and protecting the quality of my life.

I like the fact that no single food owns me! I also like being free; free to be healthy!

DAY 147 - Knowing Pains

2011-02-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

MoveOn Dec 2005

While there is clarity within medical science that there are no such things as growing pains; since physical growth does not cause pain, knowing pains ARE real.

A very-late bloomer, but by age 50 I finally knew that I was a part of the whole of humanity.

The knowing pains I feel are not sharp, nor stabbing. I am not bleeding.

It would be so easy to just know that I am a part; what’s difficult is figuring out what my part is in contributing to us.

What ARE our needs, and when am I in balance in supporting me, relative to supporting us?

Too often I am a deer in the headlights, frozen by distress born of limitless factors to consider, and uncertainty. How can I serve us in the most helpful ways?

I hope that my frozen figure in the headlights does not startle nor confuse others.

In fact, I hope that my open expression of the part of my life that is confused, will help to thaw me, and provide warmth for others, knowing my care for us.

Thank goodness I am not alone.

DAY 142 - My Mom

2011-02-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

Me, sister Tori, brother Kap & Mom

She died today
She waited patiently through years of dementia
But today she was ready

She was more than a good woman
She was my Mom
She loved me
And I loved her

She trusted me
knew that I could live on my own at 16

She did not track every step of my life
She was living a full and interesting life of her own

At 48 I studied Functional Medicine
while staying at her home on Fox Island
each night, late, smiling faced,
she awaited my return
eager to hear what I had learned
hungry for my excitement
a mother still

there is more
so much more
but it is best expressed
by the fact that I am not filled with sorrow
I am filled with gratitude
both for knowing
and for being born to my Mom
~

Kay Caldwell Kelly
Born 9/28/30 - Died 2/23/11

DAY 141 - The Enemy: MRSA, Cancer, Terrorists?

2011-02-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

The MRSA infection that was in my foot has affected by brain, but I don’t think it has damaged it. I’ve simply found myself reflecting on the infection and me, and me and the infection.

This post won’t break any new ground for some of you, but I believe that our culture needs this reminder about enemies, and about infections.

First off, MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; an infection caused by a strain of staph bacteria that's become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections.

Most of us would consider MRSA, cancer and terrorists to be enemies. Each can definitely be a serious threat.

Many of us would see the existence of these evil three, as THE problem, and would further see the logical, and complete answer, being their annihilation through a war or similar process.

It is valuable to remember that neither MRSA, nor cancer, nor terrorists can grow just anywhere. In most all cases, they require a conducive, if not nourishing environment in which to live and multiply.

Apparently, I was a good host, and provided nourishment for the MRSA that found its way into my body. While I did wage war against it with an effective and welcomed antibiotic, the war was one to markedly decrease its numbers and see if my body could re-establish its self-preserving balance once again. My war was not to kill every last MRSA organism in my body, nor in the world. It is impossible to do so in the world, and may be impossible to do so in ones body.

These organisms are everywhere. One in every 4 Americans is a carrier of MRSA. What this means is that if we randomly selected 100 Americans, and used cotton swabs to collect samples from the inside of their noses, we would find, and be able to grow these bacteria from one of every 4 samples taken.

When we find ourselves, as individuals or communities, in a situation where we are threatened by MRSA organisms, cancer cells, or terrorists, we are unwise if we miss the opportunity to ask ourselves about the terrain in which they have grown.

MRSA has not been a delight in my life, but I don’t believe that this organism is THE problem. The real power lies in me understanding how and why I am such a good host.

DAY 139 - Stopped by a Bug

2011-02-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

It was 9 o’clock in the evening on Friday the 4th of February, DAY 123 of my book, when I realized I was in trouble.

A week earlier I had torn some connective tissue in my left ankle. No big deal; it swelled a bit and bled internally. Having done this before, I knew that it would be sore, but resolve within a week or two. Instead, 3 days later, the ankle was not just swollen and bruised, but red and warm. My sweet wife gently suggested that antibiotics might be called for. While in no way opposed to antibiotics, I have always been strongly opposed to their inappropriate use. I hoped that my immune system could handle the situation.

During the next few days the condition of my ankle fluctuated. On Thursday the 3rd, it appeared that my body had the upper hand. But by 9 PM on Friday, the invaders had me down. My left ankle was painful, hot and swollen.

Being so fortunate as to have dear friends who are medical doctors, I was able to contact one, get to an all-night pharmacy, and start on antibiotics. The next day, Saturday, my MD friend met me at his office, lanced the infected area, sent a sample for culturing, and recommended a stronger antibiotic.

By Monday the culture report was back from the lab and showed a serious infection by a bacterium that is resistant to most antibiotics.

My book and my life would be put on hold for 14 days ... by a bug.

DAY 127 – An Opportunity for Knowing

2011-02-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

               I limp,
          you wince ...
          are we not one?

DAY 123 - The Most Common Sign of Allergy

2011-02-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of tajai at Flickr

Itching, rash, watery eyes, and runny nose are what most of us think of as common signs of allergy; and they are. I simply believe there is something far more common; muscle contraction.

Modern healthcare recognizes muscle contraction in allergy, as seen with contraction of smooth muscles of the respiratory tract in asthma, of the digestive tract with throat constriction and constipation, and with a racing heart.

What is missed by most doctors, is that chronic contraction, also called hypertonicity, of the muscles of the spine and limbs, can also be, and is a very common feature of allergy.

Large numbers of American adults experience stiffness and/or pain associated with excessive muscular tightness. American youth, as young as toddlers, also exhibit excessive muscle tone, but are less apt to experience pain than adults. Mild to moderate manual pressure, applied during examination, to tight muscles, in children and adults, will predictably elicit a flinch reaction and verbal expression of pain.

Long term, untreated allergy has negative whole-body effects. Tissue damage can occur locally, and/or systemically as ones immune system wages war on what it considers invaders.

I predict that in the future it will be standard practice for doctors skilled in palpatory examination, to screen patients’ skeletal musculature for indications of allergy.

Until such time, you and your family don't have to wait. You can find a skilled chiropractor or other practitioner, and have an annual screening of your musculature as a part of ruling out allergic reactions, and as part of a thorough health check-up.

DAY 122 - Pigeonholed ... but not intentionally

2011-02-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

Pigeonhole principle from Wikipedia

I’m a chiropractor, and I know my limitations; few.

Merriam-Webster defines a pigeonhole as “a neat category which usually fails to reflect actual complexities.” As a verb, pigeonholed can mean, “to assign to an often restrictive category.” And that’s my frustration, the name of my profession is a “neat category”, and boy have we assigned ourselves, and been assigned by our culture, to a “restrictive category” as back doctors.

In the beginning (1895), chiropractors focused on, and advertised as central, our adjustment of the spine, as a mode of improving health and function in all parts of the body. We provided much relief for a variety of conditions, but performed particularly, even remarkably well in the realm of back, neck, and general musculoskeletal conditions. Between the difficulty in making the case for spinal function influencing health in other organs and systems, and the often immediate relief of back and neck pain, we became known as back doctors.

Medical doctors, on the other hand, have created a clear understanding with the public that they treat anything and everything. Nice work.

For chiropractors that specialize in backs, things are good; the shoe fits.

But, for chiropractors like me, who treat everything from sinus infections to hemorrhoids, from vertigo to esophageal reflux, from colic to menstrual cramps, from high blood pressure to diabetes, and from anxiety to ADHD, there’s a mismatch. Thank goodness I also love fixing backs!

The challenge is obvious; powerful historical factors over the last 115 years have unintentionally, and impersonally pigeonholed me.

I find myself grateful for the awareness to climb out of the pigeonhole, and grateful for the strength to fly into the wind.

DAY 121 - A Look in My Mirror and Out to the Horizon

2011-02-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Prior to turning 50, I cared about others, cared about the world, but had no plan, and felt little responsibility. I didn’t realize the harm and dangers that were, and are upon us. While considering myself part of the solution to man’s problems, I never really thought of myself as a co-creator of our salvation (not in a religious sense).

Since 50, things have changed; I now consider myself a co-creator of our future; not a hot shot, just a co-creator. Turns out, we are all co-creators; of some future; whether we act, or not.

In 2003, as a part of my efforts for our present and our future, I joined the executive board of Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions (CPR), of Ventura, California. CPR is an inclusive, diverse group of individuals, committed to non-violence, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life on our planet. Our mission is to discover, live and communicate what is needed to build a just, sustainable and peaceful global society. Each month we hold public meetings dealing with the critical issues of our times: war, nuclear weapons, homelessness, poverty, global warming, campaign finance reform, and much more.

I don’t know what lies ahead on the horizon for humanity, or for our world, but I am comforted to have seen myself more clearly, and to have seen a reflection of myself, as a small and responsive part of our world.

DAY 120 – Ticklishness: Is it Just Funny?

2011-02-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of jencu at flickr

I’ll let you answer the question.

But, before you do, I’d like to offer questions and thoughts that have shaped my view over the last 30 years.

What causes ticklishness?

Does the coupling of its seeming innocuousness with the laughter, distract us from even wondering?

Is it important if ones body reacts significantly differently than most, to touch?

Why are some people extremely ticklish, and others not at all?

It is a sensitivity to touch.

It is a hypersensitivity for some.

Often, hypersensitivities are signs of imbalance/illness.

I have observed that when food allergens, such as dairy products are removed from the diet, some children experience a marked decrease in ticklishness.

All children that I have treated, who are significantly ticklish, also have other signs of allergy, and specifically of food allergy.

Hypersensitivity is a common effect of allergy; sensitivity to light, sound, or motion.

What do you think?

DAY 119 – Quiz: Is it Safer to Order Your Own Cholesterol Test, or to Own a Handgun?

2011-01-31T23:51:00.000-08:00

A more serious question is, should American adults have legal access to ordering medical testing on themselves? I won’t keep you in suspense; the answer is, yes. And, in fact, in some arenas, we already do, and access is growing by leaps and bounds. But, there are those who believe it to be dangerous for adults to order tests for themselves.

First, lest there be any question, my foremost concern is for patient and public safety. And, would I urge careful consideration, and if uncertain, consultation with a trusted functional medicine practitioner? I would.

Secondly, I was not born yesterday. There are two issues here; safety and money, and unfortunately, money may be the biggie.

As adults in America, we are free, within certain constraints, but free, to purchase and drink as much alcohol as we wish, even with the dangers and deaths associated with its consumption. We can purchase and drive cars with their associated risks. In some states, we can purchase semi-automatic weapons, and even carry them in public. Have we, as a society, lost our marbles? Are alcohol, cars and guns safer than a citizen ordering her or his own medical tests?

And then there’s the money. Simply put, there is a lot of money paid each year for ordering tests, performing tests, reviewing test results, and discussing results with patients. When patients can get directly to tests and results, some medical providers are cut out of that work and income. Historically, testing laboratories have been locked out from marketing to the public directly. Now, with patients being able to avoid the cost of an office visit or two, while avoiding the insurance-inflated test costs (vitamin D – insurance billed at $220 – cash for as low as $39), laboratories see an opportunity to sell more tests, in some cases with an improved profit margin.

An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal, titled “Worried About Cholesterol? Order Your Own Tests”, by Anna Wilde Mathews, covers some of the issues involved in the growing trend of people ordering their own medical tests without a doctor.

Mathews states that doctors say patients “shouldn't cut their physicians out of the loop” and that doctors “can provide key guidance before a patient orders a test about whether it is worthwhile and can explain the numbers after the results are in.” I hope I am not too cynical, but most people that I know that are in business, as are physicians, would rather not get “cut out of the loop” for any reason. The part about discussing tests and results with patients is just plain fantasy. I interview patients in my office each day, and with the rarest of exceptions, they have no idea what tests have been ordered, what the tests mean, what the results were, nor what a rational plan would be to correct the imbalances found. Many patients report never having received any information about their test results.

On the Direct Laboratory Services website, the FAQ, “Do I need to see my healthcare provider to get tested?”, is answered with, “Direct access testing allows greater participation in one's own healthcare. Yes, your healthcare provider can refer you to DLS, but it’s not a requirement.” What they mean is, NO.

Direct Laboratory Services offers, directly to the public, a large number of tests for the following areas:
- Allergy Testing – Anemia – Arthritis – Autism – Cancer - Cardiovascular/Heart Health – Diabetes – Gastrointestinal – General - HCP Panels – Hormones – Immunology - STD's - Men's Health – Miscellaneous - Test Packages – Thyroid – Vitamins - Women's Health

American adults already do, and should have the right and access to ordering and purchasing medical testing for themselves. So, as Direct Laboratory Services states on its homepage, “Start Shopping”.

DAY 118 - Looking For Magic

2011-01-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

magic by bohman at flickr

not satisfied with my effect on this world
too great a need
too great the pain
unquenched by simple living
by simple trying to do no harm

seeking the magic
of geometry
of a quantum leap
of something to exponentially multiply
the well-meaning
of a single soul
of a single pair of hands

not satisfied ...
seeking...
wishing,
I could pull a rabbit out of my hat

12/25/07

DAY 117 - Free Our Children from Nightmares

2011-01-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of Santa Rosa OLD SKOOL

As a child, as early as age 4, nightmares were a common part of my bedtime.

At times I was chased with the threat of knives or guns. Usually my body was heavy and weak as I tried in vain to escape.

Some nights I was falling from cliffs. One recurrent falling variation was based on my inability to maintain altitude as I flew through the sky unaided by aircraft.

I didn’t grow out of these scary dreams. As years rolled by, the content changed to include some dreams involving distressing issues in my daily life; but they continued nonetheless.

When I married at age 19, I was still having bad dreams. My wife, Joanne, adjusted quickly to my talking in my sleep, and my thrashing about, which occasionally resulted in her being awakened by a blow as I struggled to escape from danger.

Upon awakening in the morning, Joanne would often ask, “what was that about last night?” Usually, having no memory, I would ask what she was referring to. When she could remember, she would recite a few of the words that I had spoken while sound asleep and simultaneously in flight. Not infrequently, what she had remembered would bring the dream back with detail, and I could recount a lengthy ordeal.

At age 35 my bad dreams stopped; not entirely, but overwhelmingly. As I now write this, 24 years have passed, I am 59, Joanne and I still sleep together each night, and I still don’t have bad dreams, talk in my sleep, nor smack her unknowingly.

If you suspect the work of powerful mojo in this miraculous healing; you are dead right! At age 35 I completely removed dairy products from my diet.

Through my youth I had suffered with a duodenal ulcer and other digestive problems; with fatigue, with severe back pain, and with the complete ruptures of both of my achilles tendons. By 35 I had had enough of poor health and pain, and had noticed that I did not feel as well after ingesting dairy. That was enough. I have been off of dairy, and reaping the rewards, ever since.

Note: My hope in publishing this personal account of the effect of diet on my sleep and dreams is that it will awaken a few parents to the possibility that their child’s fear-filled nights might be caused or worsened by everyday foods that the child is eating.

My report does not stand alone. With a bit of research, one will find an abundance of reports and evidence of foods influencing sleep and dreams.

Please help me spare children this traumatizing fear by sharing this article with others. Also, please post comments and experiences to this book post to help spread the word.

DAY 116 - Sacred Space

2011-01-28T21:13:00.000-08:00

     a sacred space could be ...
     muted lighting
     incense
     the presence of art
     quiet reverence

     it could be .....

     but for me, for sure ...
     a space is sacred
     when both you and I
     feel safe and welcome

DAY 115 - "Deadly Acceptance"

2011-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of JOPHIELsmiles at Flickr Commons

Men and women speak different languages.

There will always be war.
Nothing ever changes.
It’s hell to get old.
He’s just lazy.
There’s nothing I can do about it.
Voting doesn’t make a difference.
It’s all your fault.
Men are only interested in one thing.
I’m not worthy.
Obesity runs in their family.
Change is difficult.
Politicians are crooks.
Kids today have no respect for adults.
I couldn’t possibly give up dairy products.
I’ve tried everything.
~ ~ ~
Are you sure?
Would it ruin your day if you found out that some of these were not true?
Or, might it free you?
Free you to wonder what “lively acceptance” might be?

DAY 114 – Healthcare: Let’s Work Together

2011-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

The GOP majority in the US House of Representatives recently voted to repeal last year’s healthcare reforms, and I think it was unfortunate that they did.

We the people have two basic choices as it relates to healthcare; every person for her/himself, or work together.

For-profit insurance companies have an easier time making lots of money when we choose option one. In fact, we make a two-step process into a one-step for them. They don’t have to divide in order to conquer, they can sit back and let us divide ourselves, and then they conquer. Conquering, in the insurance industry, often means using whatever techniques necessary to not pay legitimate claims and see what busy working people can do to protect themselves.

I want to be fair and acknowledge that there must be some honest and caring insurers, but as a doctor for 28 years, I saw first-hand enough abuse by insurance companies, that after 10 years, I terminated most contracts that I had with them.

We all understand that our government exists because our forebearers did not like the idea of every person for him/herself, and chose instead to work together. And, of course, we know that today we work together and pool our resources to maintain our national defense, police, fire protection, courts, and other services. We also provide healthcare to our elderly through Medicare, and to the poor through Medicaid.

There is no question that some government bureaucracies can be dysfunctional and even rude, but I will take that risk any day to the for-profit divide-and-conquer of the health insurance industry.

Many countries in Europe pay half as much as we do for care that is better than ours. In part, they achieve this by pooling their resources and working together.

If I were elected to the House of Representatives, I would vote for continuing, not repealing, the reform of our healthcare system. I would vote for working together!

DAY 113 - A Day in The Life

2011-01-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Let me just talk straight with you. It’s 2:30 PM and I feel tired. My shoulder muscles, between my neck and the tips of my shoulders, what are for short called traps, are tight and tense. I’ve been off coffee for 27 days, and it’s times like this when I feel that I could use a cup. I’ve got a lot of work to do. Nothing new there. Maybe that’s part of my problem. Always things, not little things, that need done. But, they don’t just need done; they need thinking, and with my brain, they often need lots of thinking. But they also need love and compassion. Is an answer an answer if it isn’t compassionate? Well, yesterday after work, I went straight to the Ventura City Council meeting which started at 6:00 PM. Big issue about whether to spend $75,000 to study whether or not to annex Canada Larga into the City. Bit stressful because even considering annexing Canada Larga, is to create and invite more urban sprawl, moving Ventura, and all of Ventura County toward becoming a clone of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. Lots of folks living here, that just fled from there. Are we having trouble thinking ahead? I sat from 6:15’till 9 ish – not great for my back, legs, or health. Spoke briefly before the council to be a voice of reminder that we don’t want nor like urban sprawl, so let’s not do it. After the meeting a nice lady told me that the Council was “two-faced”. I told her that I personally knew a few of the Council members and that my opinion is that they were not liars, but were caring people working with very complicated issues. Drove home. Got a bite. (Dragged a comb across my head.) And sat down to write my daily post for my book/blog. By 11:30 PM I was done and in bed. Not so good for a guy who functions best on 10 hours of sleep per night. So, I’m snuggled in, my wife breathing quietly beside me. Now I get to deal with being wound up from the day’s feelings, activities, interactions and inactivities. My heart is racing a little; my mind definitely is. My gut is a bit tight and uncomfortable. I start with deep breaths and awareness of my traps. I begin counting my blessings; my wife, my kids, my health, the enormity of the options and opportunities in my life. Things, like my heart, begin to slow, and thanks to exhaustion, I am asleep in no time. But now it’s today and I’m in the cycle. Still lots of blessings. Still lots of stresses, tensions, and things needing done. I was thinking, that since I am doing non-patient work in the office in Ventura today, and since I won’t get home to Ojai before 6:00 PM, that it would feel good to be with a friend this evening while watching the State of the Union. While my dear friend, Bill, says that he still likes Obama, he also says that has lost some appreciation for him. Gosh, I still love the man! Why is it that so many of us can’t seem to separate the man, Obama, from what they hoped would be accomplished, but has not been? Obama has told us himself that he is not satisfied with what has been accomplished. But, how many of us are living our own lives as we think we should; and could? How many of us have a family that is without disharmony and dysfunction? How many of our cities are running smoothly, without a glitch? Holy cow! He is trying to help us run a COUNTRY! Don’t just cut him some slack, remember that you too have a responsibility for the actions and direction of our Country. Has he really become a traitor, like the Ventura City Council? Come on! Hey, what if we gave him a hand, rather than a fist? Maybe, as he has requested repeatedly, we could work together; the only way that things can be accomplished for the greater good. What got me going on that? :) So, I’m with you, with him, and trying to be with me.

DAY 112 - Hypochondria is a Big Problem in the US

2011-01-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of ted percival from flickr commons

Hypochondria is a big problem alright, but it may not be the problem that you are thinking of.

For as long as I can remember, and on innumerable occasions I have heard individuals talking about the hypochondriac in their lives. The person who has nothing wrong with them, but constantly “makes up” conditions “to get attention”.

The first real, live hypochondriac I ever met was a patient that I treated during my internship at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Susan was a 40 year-old woman with a complaint of intense low back pain. Medical evaluation, including x-rays of her back gave no indication of a cause for her pain. Her husband stated, and her MD suggested that she might be suffering from hypochondria. She felt even worse under the burden of the accusation that she was fabricating the pain. She saw no easy way out, and so, intentionally pushed herself physically until she broke down. Surgery revealed a massively ruptured lumbar disc, and apologies were offered all around.

I had never imagined Susan a faker; and that was what I had told her from the beginning.

There are many important reasons why we should all be careful about accusing another of hypochondria, but here are three:
1)    medical science has a notoriously poor understanding of pain,
2)    if a person is regularly complaining of pain, they must either have physical or emotional pain, or both,
3)    it’s too easy.

Naming a phenomenon or condition is easy. Blaming is easy. The real work is compassion, and finding the cause of the pain, physical or emotional.

DAY 111 Forgive Me ... But You Have Food Allergies

2011-01-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, you.

Truth be told, I am just trying to be helpful. I did not wake this morning with the intention of trying to ruin your day by telling you about your food allergies.

I understand that this can be an emotional issue, so let me be clear; I will not be telling you what to do, and I won’t be taking any foods away from you.

And please remember, I am just the messenger.

It is reasonable to believe that every person has a least one food allergy.

Food allergy is one of the most common causes of a laundry list of chronic health conditions. Signs and symptoms of chronic unwellness such as pain, fatigue, arthritis, headache, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, depression, congestion, constipation, and reflux are often indicators of food allergy.

I could have just let you suffer. Or, I could have just sold you treatments for your ailments, without ever discussing their causes. No one would have blamed me because most people aren’t even aware of the endemic problem of food allergy. But, I can’t do that to you.

What’s wonderful and amazing is that each and every one of the signs and symptoms that I listed above, usually responds amazingly, or completely resolves when food allergens are removed from ones diet.

So, just give it some thought; would you trade a few foods to get rid of some of your illnesses? Or, maybe you can’t live without your Gouda cheese.

See; I didn’t take anything away from you, and in fact I may have just given you your life back.

The ball is in your court.

DAY 110 - Wrinkling While Twinkling

2011-01-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

I’ve thought just a bit
‘bout the tone of my skin
and the gradual increase of wrinkling

But I’ve thought a lot more
‘bout what’s happ’ning inside
why it is that my eyes are still twinkling

They each have a place
right up front on my face
me, I value one more, what’s your inkling?

DAY 109 – Trust: Such a Gift

2011-01-21T23:27:00.000-08:00

Bobby

Trust feels good!

Ten years ago my mother-in-law, Bobby, asked if I would be comfortable, and willing to be the agent for her medical power of attorney. She was asking if I would take responsibility for making all medical decisions for her in the event that she would become unable to do so.

She was entrusting me with her life, and with the difficult decisions that often arise at the end of life.

I accepted.

I find it difficult to adequately express my gratitude at being trusted so deeply. But, Bobby, please know that I have been so touched by your trust. Please know, that should I be needed in this capacity, I will do my very best to do right by you. Your trust is such a gift to me!

Your son,
Kris

DAY 108 – Citizens United for What?

2011-01-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

Today didn’t turn out as I had imagined. I made it to the mushroom farm, and got the compost for my vegetable garden. But then, things got more complicated.

Sitting at my computer, I took a deep breath and started into my awaiting e-mails. One or two easy ones ... and then came one from the Friends Committee on National Legislation; a Quaker lobbying group. They wondered what I was doing tomorrow regarding the 1st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC.

Right, well I was just trying to get through my e-mails! But then I’m thinkin’, “yeah, that’s the lousy decision that made legal, made the law of the land, virtually unlimited, and even secret contributions to election efforts!” And then I’m thinkin’, “that decision is so critically damaging to our values of equal representation!” And then I thought, “Alright ... I’ll look and see if there is a local gathering that I can attend.”

I don’t think my fixation with pressing social issues has a lot to do with “Turning 60”, but is does seem to have something to do with the “Consciously” part.

So, I did a search using my zip code, and found that there would be no gatherings in the Ventura or Ojai areas. The closest gatherings were in Thousand Oaks, 26 miles to the south, and in Santa Barbara, 30 miles to the north. Poop! I didn’t want to do any preparation; I just wanted to attend and do my little part.

I stewed for a bit; wasted some time; felt tense; finally created a simple plan; and then clicked on the link that said “Create Your Own Event”. Before I knew it, I was the proud owner of an on-the-fly event for tomorrow evening on the steps of Ventura City Hall. Check it out at:
http://www.movementforthepeople.org/get-involved/organize-locally/distributed-events/create-a-local-event/
You’ll find my event in the 93001 zip code area.

It’s possible I may find myself sitting quietly on the steps of City Hall with candle in hand. Or, others may come. Either way, I will be there, and I will feel good because even though confused about the path ahead, I am doing something. I am telling myself and others that I strongly believe that “Citizens United” was a dangerous decision that needs a response from “the people”.

Finally, I want dedicate tomorrow’s gathering in Ventura, to my mother-in-law, Roberta (Bobby) Bromberger, who will turn 80 on the same day, and who has worked for justice for at least as long as I have known her (45 years). I know that she experiences the social activism of others, as a gift to her. – Happy Birthday, Bobby – with love, from your son, Kris

DAY 107 - Down Its Road

2011-01-19T22:13:00.000-08:00

photo by Kristin Jensen Storey

as life calls me down its road
my ocular vision wanes
my knowing waxes
and harmony embraces me

DAY 106 - Talking in a Way that Heals

2011-01-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

We heard it from the top;

“... it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds."

President Barack Obama ~ January 12, 2011 ~ following killings and woundings in Tucson, Arizona

Talking ... communicating ..., in a way that heals, is not simple.

Whether or not a communication heals, is in the experience of the listener, the receiver. To truly know the effect of our communication, we must ask how it was received, and be prepared to listen.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a process for optimizing our ability to talk in a way that heals. NVC requires study and practice. The rewards are enormous; more trusting and loving relationships at home, at work, and in our communities.

We heard it from the top, and now we can help to grow it from the bottom, by visiting The Center for Nonviolent Communication, learning about NVC, and by “talking with each other in a way that heals.”

DAY 105 - Compost and Planting into the Night

2011-01-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

I don’t know that I can tell it beautiful, like it is ...
my compost pile

a year ago it was 6 feet high
branches, leaves, and weeds
some still green
some still trying to grow
sprinkled and filled with dirt; its mortar

seasons later, collapsed, compacted,
a moist three-dimensional web
connecting every grain of sand to every plant and animal cell
living or dead,
weighing itself down,
now not nearly so tall

a light crop of grass and weeds crowns it
cut away on one side, for harvesting of its richness,
its archeology exposed,
layers,
demonstrating that which would rot,
and that which was thicker or more impervious to mold, worms, and the many legged ones

at the foot of the pile
the earth so rich, fluffy, and velvety with organic matter
I can reach right into it
the weeds find no clods to cling to and are easily removed
much of their root structure intact

weeding in this mezcla of dirt and finely decayed plants
with its sensual beauty and superficial resistance
is just the antidote
for one who, in his other life,
finds little easy,
constantly struggling with big problems, resistant problems,
knowing the have-to, but rarely the how-to,
here, a gentle pull lifts the weed,
soil falls from the roots,
fingers comb the soil and rake it to
a lush, level playing field,
once again complete and perfect

engrossed in the earth
appreciating, but not considering the sun,
daylight wanes
and I know yet again
that my calculations of tasks to be completed pre-dusk
are way off

I might have left the fertile composted soil
for another day
but seeds needed planting
if my addiction to sprouts and shoots and leaves and vegetables,
glistening dew drops,
the harvest, bringing fresh colors and smells into the kitchen, and rich flavors onto our plates,
were to be fed

with Edison’s help
seeds of lettuce, onion, arugula and dill
were tucked into a bed of compost
readied for birth on the window sill
as the moon rose ever higher

DAY 104 – ‘Till the End

2011-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of di the huntress at flickr commons

Larry was 44. He had a two year-old son, a loving wife, and leukemia.

I was his chiropractor.

Before his cancer diagnosis, I had recommended that he examine his diet, make general improvements, and consider the possibility that he might be allergic to a few foods that he was eating. I made these suggestions since foods are one of the most common causes of the muscle and joint complaints that I was treating him for.

Larry was none too keen on looking at, nor making changes in his diet.

Food is one of the single greatest causes of chronic degenerative disease, including musculoskeletal aches and pains. As a responsible physician, I educate each and every patient about the risks of poor diet, and food allergies. Most patients are distressed at being advised that foods may be impacting their health. Not wanting to provoke them, I say, as I did to Larry, “If at any time you would rather that I not discuss the possibility of foods affecting your health, please let me know, and I will stop.”

Chemotherapy had its usual side effects; nausea, fatigue and hair loss. But, Larry appeared to be holding his own.

When the invitation to his 45th birthday party came to the office, I was honored to be included.

The gathering was festive; his friends, many. OK, so I’m a doctor, but the food was hardly appropriate for an ill man. Some of the gifts from loving friends, included candy, cookies and other sweets.

A few days after the party, Larry was in my office for a treatment. I had been going round and round with myself; his food choices were a clear risk to his recovery and his life, but I knew that he wasn’t going to be happy with me if I brought it up. What I came to was that my fear was no excuse; I had to tell him my professional opinion.

My words and tone were chosen carefully. He acknowledged my advice. There was some tension, but the visit ended without incident.

Walking into a treatment room a week later, Larry, already seated, said, “Dr. Young, sit down.” My sensitive gut churned. “Sit down.”, with that tone, had to mean, “you are in trouble.”

“I come to see you because you are the best chiropractor I have ever found, but if you mention food one more time, you will never see me again!”

“Larry, thank you for telling me. This is exactly what I have asked; tell me what you want. I care about you much more than I care about what you eat.”

... Turned out, Larry wasn’t holding his own. As the weeks clicked by, he became sicker and weaker. One day his wife, Rachel, called and asked if I could come to the house to treat him; he just didn’t have the strength to get out.

Arriving, I made space in his bedroom for my portable chiropractic table. He was weak, but glad to see me. I helped him onto the table and kept him warm with a blanket. This was not the time for spinal adjustment; I lightly massaged his back and neck, and held his hand.

Back in bed, I tucked him in as he closed his eyes ... for the last time.

Larry had let me know what he needed; making it possible for us to work together ‘till the end.

DAY 103 - Beautiful People ... Obviously

2011-01-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

Our world is filled with beautiful people.

I know it’s true,... but still, I do better with hints and reminders.

The printing on Jessie’s shirt gave me one of those clues, and a joyful lift.

Another person, caring about and responding to people in need, having heard

a distant call for help from unknown people in an unknown land.

Beautiful people, ...

with a label,

for folks like me,

who need it obvious,

preferably in black and white.

Thank you Coleen.

DAY 102 - Live and Learn?

2011-01-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

“Live and learn.”

A statement of opportunity, not inevitability.

~ KY 1/31/98 ~

DAY 101 - A Worrier

2011-01-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Is a worrier, ALWAYS a person who makes something out of nothing?

In SOME instances, is a worrier a person who sees more than others?

You are familiar with The Serenity Prayer. The first part says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

While profoundly attracted to, and in need of serenity, this prayer has never done it for me.

Given there is no switch that I can flip that will stop war, end poverty, rid the world of nuclear weapons, establish rational campaign finance reform in the US, or turn the corner on global warming, there is SOMETHING that I can do about each one; and I feel responsible to do so. So, what is it that I can’t be a part of changing?

The middle part, the “courage to change” part of the prayer, I support entirely.

The last part, “and wisdom to know the difference” may be the weakest link; or perhaps that part of the prayer was never granted. A lot of people feel hopeless about having any ability to change aspects of their lives, or circumstances in the world. Clearly, hopelessness and wisdom are not the same.

Maybe we can grant ourselves a degree of serenity by recognizing that our lives affect all others, and by beginning to construct a world view that includes us reaching out in small but important ways to create more harmony everywhere. I’m a worrier, but not a hopeless worrier; and it helps me.

DAY 100 - Parlez Vous Triage?

2011-01-12T21:41:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of gambier20 at flickr commons

I don’t speak French
but used to really like the word “triage”

I’m attracted to order,
and maximizing good, comforts me

then I grew up,
began to know and feel
my connectedness to all things

finally saw the battlefield that lies around us
bombs and napalm
loneliness and fear
hunger and disease
violence and torture
ecosystem poisoning

for some, each day is a triage
for water, food, and shelter

interestingly, many of us,
who are not living hand-to-mouth,
turn from,
or don’t see the bloodier battlefields
and instead, each day
triage work and income
the car and the water heater
a relationship strained
sciatica or headache
the lure of sugar
laundering clothes
brushing teeth
falling into bed
struggling to get up,
the alarm squawking

triaging is not a relaxed endeavor for me
yet calm is one of the wounded that must survive
hope, another

and why is it,
that so many folks use drugs, alcohol and video?
oh ...

can we stay on our feet?
conscious enough to move beyond war?
to come together in love?
combine our energies to heal our world?

yes, we can!

it’s either that,
or the hamster wheel for all of us,
‘till the rain of radiation

Note to all dear readers: while writing “Parlez Vous Triage”, I worried that in sharing my struggles with life, that you might read it to mean that I am near a tipping point, and that you might feel distressed. I am not near the edge. I am simply trying to stay aware and in contact with the world, and those who suffer. There is enormous beauty all around me. I am soaking up the pervasive good vibrations, while trying to help us stay out of the ditch. All is well.

DAY 99 - Growth Does Not Cause Pain

2011-01-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Noona, Liel and Zion rest on a hike

“Growth does not cause pain.” ~ Kristofer Young, DC

The following comes (1/11/2011) from a page called “Growing Pains” on a website called Kids Health.

“Your 8-year-old son wakes up crying in the night complaining that his legs are throbbing. ........

Sound familiar? Your child is probably experiencing growing pains, a normal occurrence in about 25% to 40% of children. They generally strike during two periods: in early childhood among 3- to 5-year-olds and, later, in 8- to 12-year-olds.

What Causes Them?

No firm evidence shows that the growth of bones [or muscles, or any other tissues] causes pain. The most likely causes are the aches and discomforts resulting from the jumping, climbing, and running that active kids do during the day. The pains can occur after a child has had a particularly athletic day.” - end quote -

In 1983 when I opened my chiropractic practice, I felt a degree of apprehension about being, myself, judged unscientific due to some perception in our culture at large, and even more so in the medical profession, of chiropractors being unscientific.

As years passed, I felt more and more comfortable, and less threaten by the possibility of being accused of being an unscientific practitioner. My comfort did not arise from impeccable adherence to scientific principles on the part of all my chiropractic colleagues, but rather, from my growing awareness that medical doctors, too, live in glass houses, and ought to be careful with stone throwing.

An example of non-science, is a diagnosis of “growing pains”. A cursory review of the medical literature, including 5 medical dictionaries and a December 2010 abstract from Pediatric Endocrinology Review titled “Growing Pains: myth or reality”, leave no doubt that there is no such thing as “growing pains”. It’s not that there is very little evidence that growth causes pain; there is none.

Recall that on the Kids Health site, they list a condition called “growing pains”, and then tell us that there is “[n]o firm evidence that the growth ..... causes pain.” Then why are so many doctors and parents calling children’s leg pain, “growing pains”. Shouldn’t they be called leg pains? Isn’t it also interesting that Kids Health states that physical activity is the likely cause of the pain, while also telling us that children are more likely to have these pains between 3-5 and 8-12 years of age. What’s the magic here; do kids between 5 and 8 stop being physically active? This is not the science I am used to.

So here is the dangerous part, if one in three children experience leg pain, and are diagnosed with “growing pains”, a condition that doesn’t exist, that means that the real causes of their pain are unknown and untreated. I hope I would not have to tell a parent how unsafe this is for these misdiagnosed children.

Let me suggest to you some scientifically reasonable causes of leg pain in children. It is a rare child with leg pain that has these probable causes evaluated.

food allergies

disturbed gastrointestinal health

aberrant spinal joint function in the low back

nutritional deficiencies

poor diet

lack of exercise

What is a parent to do? Take your child to a functional medicine practitioner (chiropractor, MD, DO, DOM, etc.) Go to the website of the Institute for Functional Medicine to get a referral: click here.

DAY 98 - Poetry of NVC

2011-01-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

In August of 2003 I was introduced to Nonviolent Communication (NVC); a process for improving communication and relationships. It works for me.

consistently knowing safety in your presence
you live aware of your feelings
regularly you state, and act out your desire

to do no harm
my sense of safety opens like a rose

into joyful gratitude
could there be more?

ky ~ November 6, 2006

DAY 97 - Time to Come Clean

2011-01-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

There were many things that drew me to the dark side.

I was tired. It can be exhausting trying to write something meaningful every single day. I was running my chiropractic practice. There’s the car, the yard, civic duties, and a thousand other things requiring attention.

But these are no excuse. I told you, I lead you to believe, that I would be writing this book. Now I see that I was seduced; I took the easy way.

He was working in the same office with me; at the same desk in fact. He was interested in my writing and without invitation, offered a few suggestions. They were good. It was not my intent, but before long, he had independently authored a few pieces that I posted as mine.

His relaxed confidence and support were intoxicating. The worry of writer’s block was gone. He was always there to contribute or to provide a complete essay.

Bob agrees now that what we did was wrong. He supports me in coming out with the truth. I take all the blame. I hope you can forgive me, and I hope you won’t judge Bob too harshly. He’s such a nice cat.

Bob the Cat: on break

DAY 96 - Chiropractic History: a Short Version

2011-01-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

This is not just a short version; it is my version of Chiropractic history.

The healing art and science of Chiropractic was founded in Davenport, Iowa in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. Palmer believed that virtually all disease was caused by displaced vertebrae that disrupted the function of spinal nerves innervating the organs and tissues of the body. His new practice caught on. By 1897 he had established the Palmer School of Chiropractic, and by 1906 he was charged with practicing medicine without a license.

Given that chiropractors used no drugs, and practiced no surgery - hardly practicing medicine - it was clear that the real complaint of the medical community in Iowa, was that doctors of chiropractic (DCs) were a competitive threat.

Dr. Palmer had hitched his wagon to something big. Turns out that cultures around the world had successfully used spinal manipulation for millennia. While it was far from correct to think that most all diseases were caused by spinal problems, it was spot on to recognize that aberrations of spinal mechanics can negatively influence the function of related organs and tissues, and can cause or contribute to a wide range of diseases and dysfunctions.

As the next century rolled by, the chiropractic profession grew; a lot. In the 1960’s the American Medical Association (AMA), in collusion with other medical groups, created and carried out plans to boycott and destroy the chiropractic profession. Surprisingly, justice was served in 1987 when in federal court the AMA was found guilty of antitrust violations in its attempt to eliminate the chiropractic profession.

It is important to know that from the early 1900’s there were medical doctors who valued chiropractic, referred patients for chiropractic care, and received chiropractic treatment themselves. In many instances, medical societies made it difficult for these MDs and scorned or threatened them for associating with chiropractors.

Things are better today in 2011. Why just today I treated a medical doctor and her daughter.

DAY 95 - Famous Quotes Edited

2011-01-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

I’m told that I was a bit of a smart ass as a teen, so it’s probably not too surprising that as an adult that I would find famous quotes, and have the chutzpah to offer improvements.

In the example below, the word in parentheses is of the original author, and is to be left out; the word in bold italics is mine, and replaces the one in parentheses.

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are (evil) dysfunctional, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

~ Albert Einstein ~ with minor editing by Kristofer Young, DC – July 7, 2005