In my pediatric practice we work with a good number of children who display what is known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). The late A. Jean Ayres first described this as a dysfunction resulting from inefficient neurological processing. Now we are seeing a fair amount of it all the time. SID is present in children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, high functioning autism, and even learning-challenged kids. A child who is experiencing SID has the inability, neurologically speaking, to integrate the seven senses needed to function properly.

 Most children with SID present with retained primitive reflexes, such as the startle reflex, which normally disappear after one year of age. Retention of these primitive reflexes is often indicative of a failure of certain neurological pathways to develop along the normal route. This retention could be due to our increased technology, toxic foods or even from the expression of our genetics.

 What we are seeing in our offices is that the lower brain center, the cerebellum, is often being bypassed neurologically and that these children are going straight to the higher learning centers in their brains to function. I have noticed often that some children are exceptionally great at video games but have a hard time tying their shoes.

 While visiting Innovations, I noticed that now instead of playing soccer with a real ball you can feel against your foot, you can now play it virtually, and instead of looking in the mirror at your reflection, a tiny camera displays your image, but your eyes never make contact.

 The most shocking innovation was a coffee table exhibit with a flat screen panel displaying what appeared to be rocks and water. When you touch the screen, the picture ripples like water, but you don’t get to experience the feel and temperature of water. Therefore your brain doesn’t get to make the pathway of what water actually feels like. The two-dimensional display re-routes itself right to the higher center, bypassing the cerebellum which is the part of the brain we use for balance, coordination and emotion.

 According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, “Normal sensory integration is central to learning to express words and thought, which in turn affects how a child learns social skills. This processing allows for a child to mentally and physically organize themselves to transition from one activity to another.”One mistake many of those unfamiliar with SID make is that the child with SID is not very bright. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, many of these sensory-challenged children are exceptionally bright; their brains are simply just wired differently.

Every child with SID is unique because his or her level of dysfunction of the senses can be very unique. In fact, when a child can’t properly integrate her senses, the world around her can be very over- or under-stimulating. When a child is under-stimulated, she will seek activities that are more sensory-stimulating. The reverse is true of the over-stimulated child.For instance, if a child is under-stimulated in the proprioceptive, or movement, sense, he will seek movement of joints or touch to stimulate that sense. That child may be the one in the classroom who can’t seem to sit still or who seems to constantly touch other children. He may seem to like loudness and may often present himself as hyperactive.If the child is under-stimulated by her sensory input, we may see her as clumsy or under-expressive. Children with low muscle tone often demonstrate decreased attention and can be labeled as lazy.Most children who show signs of SID are often diagnosed as ADD or ADHD and are prescribed a common drug treatment such as Ritalin. Ritalin’s main job is to artificially stimulate the child’s nervous system in order to calm the over-active child.If we understand why these high energy children are seeking more activity, and determine where the neurological sensory imbalance is, then we can implement a more natural treatment to achieve the same results and allow children to learn to work with their own system in a more healthy and natural way. These children need to be taught by methods adapted to the way they are processing information. They need activities and exercises to suit their own sensory-processing needs. Most SID treatment occurs in a sensory-enriched area with tactile, visual, auditory, proprioceptive, vestibular and even taste opportunities. This can help facilitate the development of the brain’s ability to process sensory input in a normal way. The goal of any sensory exercise plan is to enable children’s brain hemispheres to balance to permit them to have more successes, which encourages them to take some responsibility in their improvement, thus improving their self-esteem.

 A few great exercises for kids with SID use any activity that lets the body cross the midline, such as crawling, to improve lower muscle tone. Yoga is fast becoming a great tool in helping to promote relaxation as well as increased muscle tone. Some children may need special adaptations such as a seat cushion while they sit, to give some movement, or a slant board to write on or even what we call fidget toys, like tactile-enriched pencil grips, stress balls and squishy toys.It’s also important for those who create technological advancements to understand the effect their science is having on our population. This will challenge them to create technologies to counterbalance the negative effects.

Chiropractic – The Right Shoes Makes a Difference

A typical day at the park with my kids starts with the kids enjoying themselves, and I begin to people-watch. I play a game in my head with the way people walk, or their gait. Do they have hips turned in? Is there a shortened leg or do they lean to one side or the other?

Then I glance down at the shoes, thinking, “How is the wear?” Are they wearing the proper shoes for their activity? And so on. As with many of us, I carry my profession with me wherever I go, which is why I am aware of the way people walk.

Children and Shoes

In my office, the first thing I look at in new walkers and children is their gait. As parents, most of us have accepted the fact that genetics makes us “pigeon-toed” or “bow-legged.”

From my experience, if we keep our child’s hip and pelvic muscles and joints balanced with each growth spurt, this will be evident in his or her gait.

The next thing I look at is the shoe. It is important to fit the foot to the shoe and it is important to know what kind of foot you have. There are three types of feet: supinated, neutral, and flat.

The supinated foot usually has a high arch and the footprint is in the shape of a C. The neutral foot has a slight semi-curved arch and has a symmetrical footprint. The flat foot or hypopronated foot has little or no arch and tends to have a wider and straighter footprint.

Test your Foot for Proper Shoes

Take a brown paper bag, wet your foot, make a footprint and observe. Once you know your foot shape, you are ready to purchase your walking or running shoe. A person with a high arched foot should look for narrower shoes that curve at the end. Someone with a neutral foot needs shoes with a semi curve, and the flat footed person requires a shoe with little or no curve or “motion controlled.”

If your foot falls in between the arch types or you cannot seem to find a shoe that feels right, then orthotics or supports may help to define the arches. When you start to notice uneven wear on your running shoes, it is time for some new ones. If your hip and pelvic areas are in balance, this wear and tear will be slower to accumulate.

Tips for Purchasing Supportive Shoes

What about other shoes like dress shoes for women? Here are some tips when you are shopping or choosing shoes for work.

• Buy shoes early in the day since swelling tends to occur as the day progresses.
• If you are going to be on your feet all day, especially in heels, make sure the heel is a low one with as much surface area as possible, like a wedge or platform.
• Shoes don’t break in, so if they do not fit when you try them on, buy the larger size.
• Know your arch type. In heels, high arches need a cushion in the midsole. Flat feet need a firmer, more supportive midsole.

Wearing the right type of shoes will help support your body and keep you walking tall for years to come.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board-certified doctor of chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D, in Simi Valley, California. The office can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

Chiropractic and the Importance of Crawling of Babies

Crawling is one of the many milestones we look forward to experiencing with our children. In my office, I often encounter many children who have not done enough crawling. Most children start to crawl around the age of 6 to 10 months. Parents need to be aware that early walking does not mean your child is more advanced; in fact, it could actually hurt your child’s ability to learn.

According to Glenn Dorman, crawling stimulates the brain to develop convergence of vision, and children who have skipped this phase as babies may find it difficult to learn to read and write. It is very important that your child develops a cross-crawl pattern for at least five to six months before they start to engage in walking.

The Correct Method of Cross-Crawling

When crawling, the baby needs to move both extremities opposite of each other. For example, when the right leg bends forward, then the left arm moves forward. The importance of this cross-crawl pattern is to allow the motor nerve impulses which begin on one side of the brain and cross over the brainstem to supply the motor activity to the opposite extremity.

When we cross-crawl, we use both the right and left side of the brain to enhance neurological coordination. Studies show children who were categorized as early walkers, or those who have crawled for a comparatively short time, demonstrated lower performance scores on preschool assessment tests. This supports the importance of the early crawling experience in the development of sensory and motor systems of the body and general motor skill development.

Methods to Replace Cross-Crawl Patterns

When children are already past the crawling age, what can we do to enhance this cross-crawl pattern that is so important to development? If your child did not crawl for at least six months before walking or if your child crawled backwards or scooted, then you can play games on the ground and mimic crawling.

In early preschoolers or grade school children, you can pretend to be their favorite four-legged animal and crawl around, making sure to use opposite limbs in the process for five minutes a day for at least 30 to 60 days.

In older children or adults, you can march in place using opposite extremities and turn your head to face your arm to even further stimulate the brain hemispheres. Repeat this exercise for 50 to 100 steps.

Babies and the Importance of Tummy-Time

If your baby has not reached the crawling age yet, you can help the development process by giving your child plenty of tummy time which will allow the limbs, joints and muscles to strengthen to become ready to be mobile. Never force a child to crawl or walk before they are ready. It is equally important that the muscles are developmentally ready to support the weight as it is to cross-crawl for six months.

Potential Health Issues for Non-Crawlers

If you notice that your child is older than 10 months and has not begun to crawl, it is time for an evaluation. Babies can be born with a series of congenital disorders which can affect their crawling abilities. Some might include neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome or autism. Others could include muscular skeletal disorders such as congenital hip dysplasia, coxa vera or sacral iliac subluxation.

Conclusion: The Importance of Crawling

So when your baby is ready to begin achieving the next milestone of crawling, be excited to help the brain develop the cross-crawl pattern that is so essential for future learning.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a board-certified doctor of chiropractic and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has completed extended courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Her office, United Family Chiropractic Center, is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Drive West, Suite D, in Simi Valley, California. The office can be reached at (805) 522-2324.

Chiropractic Today; Computerized Testing Methods for Children

As more and more children are being seen in today’s Chiropractic offices the normal procedure for a healthy checkup is not just limited to postural studies anymore. Currently at least half the children being seen in a chiropractic office (including mine) are not being seen for pain in the neck or low back. In fact most young children under the age of five are seen in my chiropractic office for ailments such as chronic ear infections, colic, digestive issues, A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.

Traditionally Chiropractors were trained to view the spine from x-ray studies as well as motion palpation of the spine. Today in our technologically advanced society many chiropractic offices are opting for more high tech, non-invasive technology.

There are several ways to detect subluxation or misaligned spinal bones in children either with high tech and or low tech, evasive and non-evasive tests. Some low tech non-evasive tests include:

• Postural analysis
• Range of motion
• Static and motion palpation

Some high tech non-invasive tests include computerized testing of the muscles along the spine and changes in temperature along the spine. If your chiropractor specializes in children and family the newest technology called the subluxation station is almost a must.

Subluxation Stations

You may be asking yourself what in the world is that new technology and what does it actually do? Well there are a few different models and brands of the subluxation stations but the most common one on the market is the Insight Millennium developed by Dr.s Christopher Kent and Patrick Gentempo.

This state-of-the-art technology objectively analyzes the function of the spine and nervous system, which cannot be seen on X-ray. The newest version, The Insight Millennium, features five different and distinct tests, which will safely and accurately document and monitor each patient so that they will receive the specific care necessary for improved health and nervous system function.

We are no longer limited to just a two dimensional x-ray or just postural studies, we now can check how the muscles and organs are reacting to subluxations, or misalignments. The five studies consist of:

• Range of Motion
• Measure of pain along the spine
• Thermal study
• Surface EMG
• Heart rate variability (to see how the body will respond in cases of stress or rest)

Children and Chiropractic

For most children who enter into a chiropractic office they are there to make sure they do not have any pressure on their nerves, which can eventually lead to loss of health potential. Most children do not have symptoms of pain since that happens after the body is being damaged over time. We see their symptoms in the forms of difficulty learning in school, un-coordination, abnormal walking patterns, difficulty sleeping or focusing, etc.

The Thermal study can be used to measure difference of skin temperature along the spine which is an indicator of a dysfunction in the spine. A recent definition adopted by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges(1) states,

“A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health.”

In other words when a spinal bone is putting pressure on the nerve the body will lose some muscle function and/or nerve function which can effect the organ and body from functioning as best as it should.

How Surface EMG Works

Surface EMG uses electrodes to detect muscle integrity and balance along the spine. The technique is completely non-invasive. There is no piercing of the skin. No electrical signal of any kind is introduced into the body. The instrument simply measures the muscular activity that is present in the patient.

There are no known contraindications to performing the study. Many studies have been done to determine the reliability of this kind of study.

One such research study was done by Shambaugh who conducted a controlled study where surface electrodes were used to record paraspinal EMG activity pre- and post-chiropractic adjustment.

Shambaugh concluded,

“Results of this study show that significant changes in muscle electrical activity occur as a consequence of adjusting.(3)”

In summary, the reliability of surface EMG has been documented in studies conducted with New York Chiropractic College, the Mayo Clinic, and universities throughout the world. Few analytical techniques in chiropractic display such a high level of reliability.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Sources:

1. Position Paper #1. Association of Chiropractic Colleges. July, 1966.

2. Lantz CA: “The subluxation complex.” In: Gatterman MI, ed. “Foundations of Chiropractic Subluxation.” St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 1995.

3. Shambaugh P. “Changes in electrical activity in muscles resulting from chiropractic adjustment: a pilot study.” JMPT 1987; 10(6):300.

4. Kent, Christopher, “Surface Electromyography in the Assessment of Changes in Paraspinal Muscle Activity Associated with Vertebral Subluxation:” A Review Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Vol 1, No. 3, 1997

Teenage Addiction to Energy Drinks

As a family chiropractor and a mother involved with teenagers I am seeing an alarming new trend amongst our youth. Our youth mostly under the age of 30 are becoming seriously addicted to energy drinks. In fact U.S. consumers spent around seven hundred million dollars on energy drinks alone last year.

This addiction is so great that we are now seeing athletes using energy drinks to boost their game performance while at the same time many are also being hospitalized for dehydration or worse heart palpitations.

As adults we may try to discourage our teens from consuming these drinks but they are readily available in any grocery store. If it is not energy drinks our youth are consuming then you can travel to your local coffee house and you can see your local youth ordering up caffeinated beverages there too.

As parents what should we do about this growing epidemic? You can try and withhold funds but many just end up finding some odd job like car washing to feed their addiction.

Educate Teenagers About Energy Drinks

I believe as parents and physicians our job is to educate our youth about the dangers and offer them safer alternatives to that energy drain, because lets face it, if we all ate right and got enough sleep and kept stress to a minimum there would not be any need for that energy boost but we are in a fast food, high stress, over achieving world.

Let’s start by first examining what an energy drink mostly consists of.

Most energy drinks contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants like ephedrine, guarana, and ginseng. Energy drinks may contain as much as 200 mg of caffeine. In comparison a cup of coffee is around 80mg of caffeine, and in fact most caffeinated sodas contain around 23 mg of caffeine.

Caffeine is a known diuretics and can cause dehydration if not enough water is consumed. It is also a central nervous system stimulant. Caffeine can also cause anxiety and the jitters.

Energy drinks also contain at least one or more natural stimulants to amplify the caffeine or give that “sugar buzz” the youth is after. For those that are trying not to consume calories the low cal versions are usually packed with artificial sweeteners which also can affect the nervous system.

In addition to the stimulants most energy drinks are packed with sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup. These drinks are mostly sugar and caffeine and the consumption of one energy drink is like drinking a six pack of soda or three cups of coffee.

In my office I have been researching products that will give our youth that energy kick but not the sugary crash that usually occurs 2-3 hours after consuming an energy drink. What I have found that diet or supplement high in B vitamin complex will help with that slumping energy.

There have been some great products that feature the acai berry and other fruits that are powerful antioxidants which help protect blood vessel walls and prevent plaque and cholesterol buildup. In addition to energy the acai berry has many amino acids for muscle development, high in fiber and low on the glycemic index which will help regulate blood sugar levels.

One product that I have found that uses the acai berry as one of its main ingredients that tastes good and really works is a drink from Mona vie which I have tested out on a few of my young patients who are large consumers of either coffee or energy drinks, and I have received wonderful results.

I have also found that training in organizational skills and time management helps to decrease the anxiety teens face with school deadlines and studying for exams. In the past many students have tried to pull all-nighters with the aid of energy drinks, only to be left jittery and unfocused when it came time to take the test.

So let’s explain to our youth that energy drinks are mostly sugar and caffeine and will end up making them crave more and more and possibly become dehydrated (without proper water consumption). They should only be used in extreme moderation if at all, and not before any athletic events.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

References:

1. Web MD, “There are healthier ways to get an energy boost,” Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH

2. Schauss AG, Et al. “Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried Amazonian palmberry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai). J. Agric. Food Chem. 2006; 54 (22) 8598-603

3. Consumer reports.org

4. Brown University studies

Chiropractic Has Many Benefits During Pregnancy

When a woman finds out she is pregnant a lot will change with her body. Along with the great miracle growing inside, a woman may also experience some discomforts.

As a mother of two I can tell you that most of these discomforts can be relieved very gently and effectively. Some of the most common ailments that occur during pregnancy are back pain and headaches. Since most medications can pass through the placenta and effect the growing fetus most woman are advised not to take over the counter medication if they can help it and are told that it will go away after pregnancy.

So do we just suffer for nine months? Hopefully not, this article will go over some natural alternatives to help relieve pain and discomfort during pregnancy.

As our bodies start to change and expand with the growing fetus our hormones will allow our ligaments to become relaxed so our hips can spread and with the growing weight in front our muscles will become imbalanced with our Para vertebral muscles in the low back region.

This can lead to misalignment with the pelvic cavity and can affect the nerve that runs down the back into the legs that causes sciatic pain. In chiropractic offices this type of misalignment is easily corrected with a simple balancing of the sacroiliac joint and when the pressure is released off of the sciatic nerve most women will have relief of their lowback and sciatic pain.

With the unbalanced posture due to an enlarged belly many women tend to have increased stress on their neck and the surrounding muscles, which can lead to tension headaches. Headaches can be relieved by an adjustment to the neck as well as peppermint herbs rubbed on the temples.

Some women have reported swelling of the wrists and ankles that can lead to carpal tunnel like symptoms and edema in the lower legs. Chiropractors can relieve this stress with a gentle adjustment to the extremities.

Acid reflux is another common symptom that occurs with pregnancy. In many women as the baby grows inside the fetus tends to push up against the diaphragm which can create a pocket for the acid from the stomach to spill up into the esophagus creating the burning sensation. In a chiropractic office a simple adjustment to the diaphragm muscle can help relieve the tension as well as papaya supplements can also help with digestion.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

Not only is chiropractic helpful in relieving some common pregnancy aches and pains research has shown that chiropractic care during pregnancy can reduce the length of time a woman is in labor.

First time moms averaged a 24% shorter labor and second time mothers experienced 39% shorter labor length than the average woman not under chiropractic care according to Dr. Fallon.

Many chiropractors that specialize in family care will also be trained in the Webster technique which uses adjustments to the pelvic area and balancing of surrounding muscles to allow the uterus to relax and within 48 hours if the baby can turn itself it will without any risk to the amniotic fluid or the growing baby.

While most women know that during pregnancy we should avoid junk food and trans fat many women don’t realize that almonds, berries, broccoli, eggs, salmon, and sweet potatoes are great for pregnancy.

Coffee can irritate the uterus and in some sensitive individuals can even cause miscarriages. Fish and substances high in mercury should be avoided.

While some herbs are great during pregnancy some are not. A few must haves during pregnancy are Chamomile for it’s relaxing properties, ginger root for morning sickness, and peppermint for digestion and tension relief.

Some herbs to avoid all together are ephedra which can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and predispose the mother to preclampsia and early labor, wild ginger which can cause uterine contractions, and st. john’s wort which can lead to mood swings and depression and suicidal thoughts.

As with any herb or supplement one should always consult with a physician who specializes in nutritional supplementation. Next time you find yourself pregnant or if you know someone who is, pass along this helpful information so they can have the best pregnancy possible and enjoy the great miracle growing inside.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Resources:

Pregnancy and chiropractic, Dr. Fallon, www. Ivillage.com 1991

Must have pregnancy guide, Lynch, Sally Wallace “Alternative Medicine,” March 2007, pgs 64-71

“Power up your diet,” Pasquali, Kimberly, Mothering, October 2006, pg 64

Young Sports Athletes

In the world we live in today, it seems that my office is seeing more and more young children with numerous injuries due to sports. Our kids are entering into a world where the competition starts earlier, and the kids are involved in many different kinds of sports some by the age of four.

Being involved in sports as a young child myself, I understand the importance to be the best that you can be, but not at the expense of your body. There are many things a young athlete can do to improve their athleticism in a natural, and healthy way.

There are some great supplementation designed with the child athlete in mind that give the proper amino acids, vitamins and minerals that a young athlete may deplete quicker. Most of us can turn on the TV today and see a professional athlete talk about getting adjusted, but 20 years ago this was unheard of.

Alternative Methods to Improve Child Athlete Performance

Today professionals are turning to alternative methods to improve their performance and to give them an edge over the competition. You may ask why would I even consider coming in for a sports evaluation if my child does not have an injury. In the recent years there has been some research done with the child athlete in mind.

In 1991, 50 athletes were tested and the results were published in The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Investigation which concluded that athletes under chiropractic care after 12 weeks exhibited 30% improvement in the speed of reaction compared to the group with no chiropractic which had only 1% improvement.

In another study, on university baseball players, they found that those under chiropractic care “showed significant improvement in capillary count” which leads to healthy oxygenation of the blood supply.

As a chiropractor and a parent of athletes, I understand the importance of making sure that their body is working at their full potential with first eliminating the nerve interference from the spine to the muscles as well as making sure that they are maintaining a healthy diet and are performing proper warm ups. While learning how to play the sport is vital, proper preparation for these sports is also vital to build longevity.

In my office I try and encourage my young athletes to follow the ACA’s guidelines as well as a few of my own, which can include the following:

1. Wear proper equipment. This is essential because the equipment necessary for each particular sport is vital to protection of the young bodies.
2. Eat healthy meals. Your energy comes from the food you put into your body. Athletes need carbohydrates to give them energy and replenish those that are lost. The best forms of carbohydrates come from foods like fruits and vegetables, and pastas, not high fat foods such as those from fast food restaurants.
3. Maintain healthy weight. It is important for the young adolescent to understand how to maintain their weight whether it is keeping their body slim or bulking up. We must teach our athletes how to properly stay slim with a good diet and if they need to gain weight for contact sports how to effectively do that without jeopardizing their health.
4. Drink water. As the young athlete sweats the water is lost from their body so athletes should be consuming the 5-8oz daily even when they are not practicing so they can avoid dehydration in the warm months.
   Drink Sports drinks. Most sports drinks are good as especially with long duration sports, but avoid the drinks with dyes, artificial sweeteners which are known as neurotoxins and energy drinks which can speed up the heart rate due to high levels of caffeine and also strip calcium out of growing bones.
5. Athletes need calcium. There are many sources of calcium, milk, supplements, and green leafy vegetables. Calcium is essential to muscles as well as bones. Most leg cramping is due to and unbalance in the calcium in an athlete’s system.
6. Proper warm up. So many times I have seen kids go out to play a game without stretching. The warm up is the time to get the muscles ready for extraneous exercise. Most sports have times that the child will run with quick spurts, improper warm-up can lead to sprains and strains.
7. Get plenty of rest. It is essential for the young athlete to get rest since the body will repair itself during this time.
8. Avoid lifting weights. So many young athletes are encouraged by their coaches to bulk up with contact sports and they will do it with weights. Weights at a young age can lead to damage to the growth plates as well as an imbalance in muscle tone leading to a greater chance of sprains and strains.
9. R.I.C.E.-this pneumonic is essential to remember after an injury. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. All of this will decrease swelling and help numb the pain until you can consult with your health care provider.

Encourage your young athletes to follow the above guidelines and also add the fact that sports are to be fun and learning can happen with winning just as much as with losing. Teach them how to be great winners and how to learn from a great loss. Treat injuries immediately and teach them how to prevent them too.

A coach once told me that practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect. Teach your child not to just go through the motions of a good warm up but why it is essential to their performance.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Sources:

American Chiropractic Association, “Chiropractors offer tips to keep your young athlete healthy and fit,” www.amerchiro.org

Mouch, Lauro A. “Chiropractic effects on athletic ability,” The Journal of chiropractic research and investigation, 1991, 6:84-87

Schwartzbauer J, Kolber J, Schwartzbauer, DC, Hart, JDC, Zhang J. Paper; “Athletic performance and physiological measures in baseball players following upper cervical chiropractic care: a pilot study”

The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997: 1(4): 7

A Discussion of Natural Alternatives to Treat the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder

In today’s society we have all heard or known a child that has been labeled or diagnosed with having attention deficit disorder or A.D.D. In fact it is estimated that 1.6 billion children are currently diagnosed with A.D.D. in the United States.

There is really no known cure or any clear objective test to diagnose A.D.D. Most of the time the diagnosis is made based on the opinions of the teacher or physician based on the following criteria as outlined by WebMD.

Some of those symptoms involve children that are in constant motion, children who fidget, don’t seem to listen or pay attention, talk excessively, and are easily distracted. Symptoms of A.D.D. can also be triggered by environmental factors such as traumatic events at home and diet.

While we all know that the drug of choice is the psychostimulants such as Ritalin, parents rarely get the list of symptoms of possible side effects or overdosing of these type of drugs. Some of the symptoms could include agitation, confusion, seizures, irregular heartbeat, headaches, muscle twitching, and or overactive relaxes.

These drugs according to the FDA have had the following effects “visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior.”

Scientists have also reported that liver cancer in children have roughly doubled over the past two decades. Ritalin use in preteen children may lead to depression later in life. Ritalin and cocaine effects on the brain are very similar.(1)

Children diagnosed with A.D.D. seem to have some nutritional deficiencies such as Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for brain growth and development and also mineral deviancies that help the body utilize amino acids to regulate neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin.

In fact results of a small study in France suggest that children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be low on iron. An iron deficiency could be a contributing factor to ADHD because it leads to abnormal functioning of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.

In a series of studies that spanned for over 18 years and culminated in a double-blind trial, Schoenthaler et. al. found that a vitamin-mineral supplement produced significantly less antisocial behavior than did placebos in healthy elementary school children and teenage delinquents. (2)

Many researchers are suggesting that the rise in diagnosis of ADHD is due to several factors, which include dietary factors, long-term adverse results of medications and immunizations, and neurological factors from interference to the nervous system. Instead of drugging our children Dr. Doris Rapp M.D. feels “that drugs should be the last choice in treatment especially since they come with a long list of side effects.”

According to a study done on the effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments an 8 year old with severe behavioral problems with Ritalin increased 10 times the initial dosage after chiropractic care the Ritalin was discontinued and grades went up one letter and attitude was excellent. Behavior at home and school was exemplary.

Let’s review a few steps to take if our children manifest some of the symptoms of A.D.D.

1. Look at home life; was there any thing traumatic like divorce, death, new baby, etc.
   • Possibly seek professional help or therapy
2. Look at diet, is it full of refined sugars, flour, food dyes, and preservatives.
   • Try to eat more organic and raw foods less boxed or prepackaged.
   • Add omega fatty acids and a vitamin/mineral supplement for kids.
3. Have your child’s nervous system evaluated by a chiropractor that specializes in children.
   • Possible pressure on the nerve roots that come from the neck.
4. Sit in the classroom and make sure the child is being properly challenged and well organized.

Sources:

(1). http://my.webmd.com/content/article/78/95700.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

(2). Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, December 2004

Schoenthaler SJ. Nutritional deficiencies and behavior. In: Bellanti JA, Crook WG, Layton RE, eds. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes and Possible Solutions” (Proceedings of a Conference). Jackson, TN: International Health Foundation; 1999.

Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD, October 2005.

June 29, 2005 the Wall Street Journal Online by Jennifer Corbett Dooren titled: “FDA Wants Label Changes For Some ADHD Drugs.” The URL for the entire article is http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB111998399463271852,00.html?mod=home_whats_news_u

British Medical Journal 2002 (June 1): 324 (7349): 1296
“The effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction,” Walton E.V., Walton PHD, 1975

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Your Kids – Feeding Them the Healthy Way

As parents, when we think about feeding our children in a healthy way, we tend to think of that wonderful food pyramid guide we were raised on. We want to make sure our children are eating their fruits and vegetables as well as getting enough dairy for healthy bones. In theory, this is great.

However, if the food you are feeding your children is plagued with pesticides, preservatives and dyes, how on earth can your child be healthy? The old saying, “you are what you eat” has never rung so true.

If we expect our children to fight off the common cold or ailment, they need to have a diet that will help them accomplish that. Even big business is starting to realize that our children are not as healthy as they once were. In fact, we can’t watch TV without an ad for childhood obesity or juvenile diabetes reminding us of the current state of children’s health and nutrition.

Differences between organically grown verses conventionally-grown foods:

Organic produce is grown in its natural environment and without toxic chemicals. Conventionally-grown produce averages a journey of 1500 to 2500 miles to get to your supermarket, is usually grown with pesticides, and is often picked green and then chemically ripened at its final destination.

In fact, in 1995 and again in 2002, the USDA found that the 12 most commonly eaten produce items and wheat samples were contaminated by pesticides, even after washing and peeling. The EPA and the US Department of Health and Human Services have determined that of the 25 most commonly used agricultural pesticides:

• Five are toxic to the nervous system.
• 18 are harmful to the skin, eyes and lungs.
• About half are comprised of cancer-causing chemicals.
• 17 cause genetic damage.
• 10 are harmful to reproductive organs.
• 16 disrupt the normal functioning of hormones.

In other scientific journals and publications, pesticides have also been linked with numerous cases of cancer, birth defects, allergies and other disorders of the nervous, neurological, behavioral, hormonal, reproductive, endocrine and immune systems.

Even the World Health Organization believes that using antibiotics in our meat supply “enables microbes to build up defenses against drugs and attack human immune systems.”

So the use of antibiotics in our meat is causing human “super-bugs” that can no longer be treated with current medicines. Unfortunately, at this time there is still no regulated “sustainable” or “organic” certification on a state or federal level for seafood.

Food dye and Red Dye #40

A food dye that we must be aware of is known as Red #40 and is in most of our gelatins, puddings, dairy products, confections, beverages and condiments. It can also be known as Azo dyes or Allura Red.

This particular family of dyes is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and Norway because it takes less than 10g/kg to be a lethal dose in lab animals. Most Azo dyes cause allergy reactions in aspirin sensitive people. It has also been implicated in cases of hyperactivity in young children.

So next time you go to your grocery store, look at the label on the back of your children’s snacks. Make sure they do not contain Red Dye #40, aspartame or nutra-sweet (which is a neurotoxin), or even Splenda or sucralose.

Splenda and Sucralose

Pre-approval research has concluded that years or decades of using Splenda or sucralose may contribute to serious chronic immunological or neurological disorders.

Now that we have determined what not to feed our children, how do we make sure they are getting the proper vitamins and minerals, and do we need to provide supplements? Keep in mind that Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA’s) were developed to determine the smallest amount of a particular nutrient that must be consumed in order to prevent a specific disease from developing.

Since we all live in different environments with different stressors, each of us will have different vitamin or mineral deficiencies. This means that your child might be lacking a nutrient that is necessary for optimal functioning.

Health and Food Supplements

You may be thinking, “Who needs to take a supplement? Our grandparents seemed fine with out them.” However, frequent and early-onset degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer are much more common among the U.S. population than they were several generations ago.

Modern agricultural practices such as over-fertilization and heavy pesticide use diminish soil quality and harvesting foods before they are ripe also affects nutritional value.

Human cells need a constant, abundant supply of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fats. Substances such as heavy metals in tap water, pesticides in our soils, mercury in dental fillings or aluminum in cookware and antiperspirants are bombarding our bodies with an unhealthy array of toxins. Exposure to these toxins taxes the body’s detoxification system which relies on specific vitamins and minerals for proper functioning.

Supplements such as antioxidants and Vitamins A, C and E can all help control damage from the toxins we are exposed to. However, supplements can be confusing.

Here are some simple steps for choosing supplements especially geared towards children.

• Keep it simple and find a multi-vitamin specialized for children. Try to avoid the vitamins containing too many sugar and dyes.
• Most kids are not big fish eaters. As parents, we also limit fish consumption as too much can lead to elevated mercury levels. Consequently, most children are lacking essential fatty acids, which are important for brain growth. A child’s brain will continue to grow in size until about 8 years of age.
• Find a practitioner who specializes in children’s nutrition. Usually the purest supplements are only available through licensed practitioners such as a DC, MD or ND.
• Remember that supplements do not cure or prevent diseases. They merely help the body fight them as much as possible.
• Try to give the supplements in the morning and/or evening and in most cases with food.

With the proper knowledge about how to feed your children, they are sure to grow up healthy and strong. It is up to you to make the best decisions.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.

Sodas and Children:

As our kids transition from childhood to adolescence, parents need to pay as much attention to their child’s soda consumption as they do to the new adventures in middle school. And, as a new variety of physical and emotional issues arise in the pre-teen years, so can a not so nutritious diet.

With vending machines being commonplace in schools, it’s no wonder that our kid’s soda consumption has doubled in recent years.

According to the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA), consumption of soft drinks now tops 600 12-ounce servings (12 oz.) per person per year.

Young males ages 12 to 29 are the biggest consumers at over 160 gallons per year – that’s almost 2 quarts per day! Furthermore, according to an article in Beverage, January 1999, “Influencing elementary school students is very important to soft drink marketers.”

This is disturbing when we consider that the most commonly associated health risks from soda consumption are obesity, diabetes and other blood sugar disorders, tooth decay, osteoporosis and bone fractures, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, food addictions and eating disorders, neurotransmitter dysfunction from chemical sweeteners, and neurological and adrenal disorders from excessive caffeine.

And, when watching any local TV station today, we see just as many ads for soda as we do for the current epidemics of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes.

Schools and Paid Advertising for Soda:

Even more disturbing, some schools and local kid hangouts are actually paid to carry soda advertisements. In fact, soda companies spend most of their advertising budget on campaigns aimed at America’s youth.

As a result, a 1994 report published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows a “strong association between cola beverage consumption and bone fractures in girls.”

This study concluded with the following:

“The high consumption of carbonated beverages and the declining consumption of milk are of great public health significance for girls and women because of their proneness to osteoporosis in later life.”

Furthermore, a study of 460 high school girls published in Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine in June 2000 indicated that cola beverages are “highly associated with bone fractures.”

Harvard School of Public Health professor Grace Wyshak recently found that ninth and 10th-grade girls who sipped soda were three times more likely to break bones than those who quenched their thirsts with other drinks.

Worse, her study found that physically active girls who drank colas were five times more likely to break bones as physically active girls who abstained from carbonated beverages. Wyshak believes the phosphoric acid in colas may interfere with the body’s ability to use calcium.

Children Drinking More Soda:

Our children are drinking more and more soda every decade. According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in October, 2004, since 1977, U.S. soft drink consumption has increased by 135 percent.

And twenty years ago, boys consumed more than twice as much milk as soft drinks, and girls consumed 50 percent more milk than soft drinks.

By 1996, both boys and girls consumed twice as much soda as milk (USDA). Decreased milk consumption means that children are no longer getting required amounts of calcium in their diets. Therefore, since 1977, energy intake from milk has dropped by 38 percent. This is the same period of time during which soda consumption skyrocketed.

About the Author:

Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two living in Simi Valley, California. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further questions.