Are You on a Slippery Slope to Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and high blood pressure are among the world's most prevalent health concerns. In the U.S. along, nearly 81 million people suffer from some type of CVD. That's pretty concerning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly a third of all deaths worldwide are attributable to CVD. So, what the heck are we doing wrong? I have a few ideas for you.

The staggering numbers are in large part the result of our crazy lifestyles, characterized by high-fat, nutrient poor foods, sedentary lifestyles and high tobacco use to name a few.  In fact, the WHO estimates that as many as 8 out of 10 cases of CVD are attributable to those modifiable risk factors!!! This is fantastic news! This means that YOU do have control over your life and the diseases you will have or will not have based all on lifestyle. Now, I know this isn't the easiest task for one reason or another. However, it should be a priority! CVD isn't the only disease that they've linked to these lifestyle factors. Breast cancer is another disease that has HUGELY been linked to lifestyle factors. It should be EMPOWERING to know that you don't have to suffer from the things that your parents, grandparents, other family members have suffered from. It should be EMPOWERING to know that you can control, despite genetic predisposition, what your life looks like; one that is healthy and happy, or one that is miserable and full of disease.

What can you do then in order to avoid becoming a CVD statistic?! There is an overwhelming amount of research that shows it's possible to avoid developing CVD by making healthier lifestyle choices. For example,

• Daily, moderate exercise can reduce the risk by improving blood circulation throughout the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for every 10 mmHG reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk for complications related to diabetes is reduced by 12%.
• A healthier diet, particularly a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, legumes and vegetables is not only nutrient-dense, but also lower in calories. Research shows that a Mediterranean-style diet may help fight conditions related to chronic inflammation (who's not dealing with that now-a-days?), including type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
• Incorporating targeted nutrition with a therapeutic lifestyle change program can produce even greater results. According to a recent clinical study, the use of a medical food formulated to support cardiovascular health, in combination with a low-glycemic-load diet, regular moderate exercise, and phytonutrients produced greater results than diet and exercise alone.

If you think this sounds interesting and are motivated to start making a difference for the better in your very own life and the lives you're responsible for, please join me for a FREE webinar on February 15th from 7pm - 8pm mountain time. You MUST REGISTER at www.abdwellness.com/heart to be able to access the presentation. Don't become a statistic, start making a difference today!

A Better Way to Bring Your Numbers Down - Heart Health

Do you have elevated blood pressure or cholesterol? Or think you might?

High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are 2 of the most common risk factors for chronic disease and health in general.  These "silent" conditions may have no symptoms at all until they have progressed over time.  Or developed into more serious diseases (metabolic syndrome, heart disease, type 2 diabetes) or cardiac events.  Until then, you may "feel" perfectly healthy....even though your blood pressure and lab test numbers say otherwise.

The lifestyle connection for reversing chronic illness.

While genetic factors play a role in their development, high blood pressure and cholesterol are often referred to as "preventable" conditions because they can be strongly influence by food choices, exercise habits, stress, and other lifestyle choices like smoking.  Fortunately, they're also 2 of the most "reversible" conditions.  And best of all, it's never too late to do something about them.

Nutritional support can help.

Nutritional recommendations-such as fish oils, botanicals, vitamins/minerals, and medical foods-can be used strategically with simple lifestyle recommendations for eating healthier, exercising more, and managing stress a little better.  And you don't have to do it all by yourself.  In fact, research often shows greater success for patients who have support and guidance from a health care practitioner than for those who try to go it alone.

FREE  Heart Health Webinar

February 15th 7pm - 8pm

Space is limited. Please register at:

www.abdwellness.com/heart

 

Chiropractic Helps Relieve Headache Pain

Did you know that 9 of 10 Americans suffer from headaches either occasionally or daily?!?  That's unbelievable!  I had no idea that nearly 45 million people are suffering from chronic, recurring headaches either!  I know most of my patients, before chiropractic, believed that they were just going to have to get use to them.  Well, that's just not true or acceptable in my eyes!

Did you know that it's estimated that 20% of children and adolescents suffer from significant headaches, some of which cause debilitating pain and nausea?!  Research has shown that Chiropractic care is effective in treating tension headaches, as well as headaches that originate in the neck.

Here are some recommendations that the American Chiropractors Association (ACA) offers to help reduce the risk of headaches:

• If you spend a lot of time in one position (sitting in front of a computer) take breaks every 30 minutes to one hour in order to stretch.
• Low impact exercise, such as walking and low-impact-aerobics, may help relieve the pain of primary headaches.
• Avoid clenching teeth, as this stress on the jaw contributes to tension headaches (we adjust very gently the joints of the jaw in my office, which has helped a lot of people with their headaches).
• Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration.  Avoid caffeine, salty and sugary foods and drinking alcoholic beverages (ok, we know this won't happen so at least keep them in moderation).
• Chiropractic adjustments are a recommended and proven treatment option, as it improves spinal function and alleviates stress on your system.

Join me in a FREE Webinar:

Natural Solutions to Headache Pain

Wednesday, February 2nd

7pm - 8pm

Space is limited!

Please register at www.abdwellness.com/webinar