From the beginning of time, women have been cared for and nurtured as they become mothers. Family, friends, and the community would gather around the new family to support and guide them during the early weeks and months with a new baby. Now today, we have doulas to be a part of mom’s support system and nurture her.

A doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, and most satisfying experience possible.”

Whether it’s a family’s first or tenth baby, a doula can help support the family, and make the birth and postpartum experience better.

What are the Benefits of Having a Doula?

Physical Support
– Continuous uninterrupted presence; freedom from other obligations, other patients, hospital polices etc. – only there for mom!
– Position ideas with hands-on comfort measures (comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques, etc.)
– Help a malposition baby find its way through the pelvis
Emotional Support
– Help mom and family feel supported, and ease the emotional experience of birth
– Knowledge and understanding of emotions and physiology of labor
– Ability to remain calm and objective for mom
Advocacy
– Be the bridge of communication between mom and her providers, and advocating for mom’s wishes and goals
Partner Support
– Support the birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth
Maternity Care
– Reduces the length of labor
– Less likely to need Pitocin
– Less likely to have a cesarean birth
– Less likely to use any pain medication
– More likely to rate their childbirth experience positively
– Increases breastfeeding and enhances bonding time

                 

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well being of mothers and infants.

For more information check out “The Doula Book,” and https://www.dona.org.

Did you know that Tara is a certified DONA doula? Ask her any questions!

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health daily. Sleeping recharges your whole system, especially your brain. When you are sleeping, your brain has a very unique system of filing and filtering the important and unimportant things. Therefore, when you do not sleep well, or sleep very little, you are not giving your brain the ability rest, cleanse, and file and delete.

To function at our best and have our bodies function optimally, we need adequate and consistent nightly rest. What happens when we don’t get enough quality sleep? We have fatigue, irritability, low productivity, mood swings, and poor behavior. This puts us at greater risk for heart disease and cancer, and harms the brain by halting new neuron production, interferes with growth hormone production, weakens your immune system, decreases problem solving ability, and causes constipation and trouble focusing. Even a few days of sleep deprivation or disruption, can increase appetite, increase blood pressure and cortisol levels, and elevates insulin and blood glucose. These changes can lead to an increase in memory impairment, and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 

Common Sleep Disruptors:

Noise: Even unconsciously observed or background noise in people’s normal surroundings, such as local traffic, music, and television, can have a negative impact on your sleep quality.

Stress: Stress keeps the brain active and impedes “sleep initiation” through stimulating the body.

Alcohol, Nicotine & Caffeine: Consumption of alcohol shortly before bedtime can impair sleep that night, and alcohol dependency can lead to chronic sleep problems. Even if alcohol helps you doze off quickly, after it metabolizes it will interrupt your sleep later. In addition, exposure to nicotine is associated with sleep problems. Large doses of caffeine close to bedtime will disrupt sleep. The half-life for caffeine is about 4 to 6 hours.

Technology: Blue lights from computers and phones are very stimulating and places stress on your eyes. The blue lights send signals to your brain that you should be on full alert, when it is actually time for bed. F.lux is a great app to download that adjusts the color of the screen to adapt to the time of day.

 

How to have a Good Night’s Sleep

Exercise: Moderate bouts of exercise lead to improvements in the following night’s sleep. Even a little will go a long way; just 10-20 minutes of yoga or light exercise daily will help you sleep better. A daily 15-30 minute walk after dinner is a great way to increase digestion, move your legs, and promote better sleep.

Establish a Bedtime Routine: Maintaining the same bedtime and waking time make it easier to sleep deeply and wake more easily. Creating a routine of limiting electronics at least one hour before bed, drinking a warm cup of tea (chamomile, lemon balm, dandelion, passionflower), taking a warm bath, stretching, meditating, and reading a book is an excellent routine to develop to help promote and improve sleep.

The Bed is for Sleeping: Keeping your bedroom as a sleeping sanctuary is a great way to consciously think that your bed is for sleeping only. Avoid over stimulating tasks in bed such as work and technology use, to help your brain efficiently kick into sleep mode. Use a Himalayan salt lamp, essential oil diffuser, air purifier, and play meditation music to help create a calming and sleeping sanctuary.

Regular Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care works with your nervous system, which is the master control system of your body; controlling and coordinating all your organs and systems. Adjustments activate the parasympathetic, “the rest and digest” portion of your nervous system, and as a result, decreases stress and promotes relaxation within your body. Less stress and more relaxation improves your overall quality of sleep.

Finding a good chiropractor isn’t only key to correcting the damage caused by years of poor posture and/or trauma — it’s also important for everyone wanting to take a proactive approach to his or her health care.

Here is some of the medical research and studies proving the therapeutic benefits of chiropractic.

                         

1. Sciatica
The European Spine Journal published the findings from a clinical trial last year uncovering how chiropractic adjustments resulted in a 72 percent success rate in treating sciatica and related symptoms compared to the 20 percent success from physical therapy and 50 percent from corticosteroid injections.

Compared to most medical treatments, few interventions can initiate back pain relief and healing like chiropractic adjustments can!

2. Low Back Pain and Neck Pain
In a study published in the British Medical Journal 2003, 183 patients with neck pain were randomly allocated to manual therapy (spinal mobilization), physiotherapy (mainly exercise) or general practitioner care (counseling, education and drugs) in a 52-week study.

The clinical outcome measures showed that chiropractic adjustments resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy and general practitioner care. Moreover, total costs of the chiropractic-treated patients were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general practitioner care.

Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians. Satisfaction scores were higher for chiropractic patients.

A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56 percent vs. 13 percent) reported that their low-back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported their low-back pain was worse or much worse.

In a study funded by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to test the effectiveness of different approaches for treating neck pain, 272 participants were divided into three groups that received either spinal manipulative therapy from a doctor of chiropractic (DC), pain medication (over-the-counter pain relievers, narcotics and muscle relaxants) or exercise recommendations.

After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with DCs and 48 percent who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group. After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups continued to report at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication.

3. Headaches (Tension and Migraine)
Second only to back pain, headaches are one of the most common conditions regularly managed by chiropractors.

A group trial found that 22 percent of people who had chiropractic treatment saw the number of attacks drop by 90 percent. In that same study, 49 percent said they had a significant reduction in pain intensity.

Compared to most medical treatments, few interventions can initiate headache relief like chiropractic adjustments can!

4. Colic and Ear Infections
A 2012 study published in Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments greatly reduced colic symptoms.

Although very few randomized control trials have been conducted describing the clinical effects of chiropractic care on children, literally scores of case studies have been documented that describe how children suffering from otitis media (ear infections), acid reflux and colic have experienced complete to near complete resolution after just a few visits.

The reasons for this vary, but one common theme is that nerves controlling the gut and brain are intricately connected to each other and are quite sensitive to neurological insult caused by vertebral subluxations.

5. Neurological Conditions
Exciting research is currently being conducted via upright MRI showing how upper cervical adjustments affect various brain-based conditions. What we have seen so far is quite remarkable.

Not only are MRI scans revealing that cerebral spinal fluid and blood flow are markedly increased after a chiropractic adjustment, researchers are observing that cerebellar invagination (when the cerebellum drops down below the skull line) is being reversed and brain plaquing (common in multiple sclerosis patients) is disappearing!

6. Blood Pressure
In 2007, George Bakris, the world expert on hypertension, published a study with a team of researchers in the Human Journal of Hypertension proving that one upper cervical chiropractic adjustment had the same effect as two blood pressure-lowering drugs. Even more fascinating, the effects of just one adjustment lasted more than six months!

Compared to the placebo-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count) and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).

Other studies have shown similar findings with hypotensive patients, and their low blood pressure was raised to normal levels after chiropractic care. This is exciting because it highlights the body’s ability to create a homeostatic balanced environment once vertebral subluxations are removed.

7. Surgery Prevention
Chiropractic has long been heralded by natural health care providers as a natural method to prevent back surgery.

In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association just recently published its low back pain guidelines and suggested that people suffering from back pain first try chiropractic before resorting to surgery.

8. Frozen Shoulder
Last year a clinical trial was published describing how patients suffering from the debilitating condition frozen shoulder responded to chiropractic care.

Of the 50 patients: 16 resolved completely; 25 showed 75 percent to 90 percent improvement; eight showed 50 percent to 75 percent improvement; and one showed 0 percent to 50 percent improvement.

9. Scoliosis
Chiropractic adjustments for scoliosis coupled with muscular rehabilitation techniques may help prevent the progression of scoliosis. Organizations like the nonprofit Clear Institute founded by Dr. Dennis Woggon have set out to empower health care professionals with an effective chiropractic system to treat people with scoliosis.

They’ve perfected a model and discovered that it is possible to effectively treat the condition without the use of restrictive braces or dangerous surgeries. In many case studies, participants have seen a 10 percent to 30 percent decrease in their scoliosis curvatures.

10. Athletic Performance
There is a reason why athletes both today and in the past, like Michael Phelps, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, are under regular chiropractic care. In fact, over 50 percent of NFL teams have a chiropractor on staff.

Because it is so effective at pain-based and pathological conditions, one of the most overlooked aspects of chiropractic care is that it enhances personal and athletic performance. Studies have sown that it:

Reduces inflammatory cytokines
Boosts your immune system
Enhances pulmonary function
Decreases mental and oxidative stress
Relieves muscle tension
Naturally increases your energy level

Studies have even proved, objectively and subjectively, that chiropractic patients experience “overall increased bodily function,” which includes bowl regularity and mental clarity.

Basically, because it helps place your body in the position where it can heal itself, chiropractic adjustments can free your immune system up to focus on keeping you healthy, which enhances your ability to think, move and perform.

Have you been checked by a Chiropractor? Call our office @ 727-498-5643 !

 

Reference: https://draxe.com/10-researched-benefits-chiropractic-adjustments/

1. How does Veterinary Healing Arts differ from conventional Veterinarians?
At Veterinary Healing Arts our Practice is very unique in that we take an integrative approach to medicine. We look at the animal as a WHOLE being instead of a disease process. Our goal is to look for the root or baseline cause of an issue/disease rather than trying to just deal with the presenting problem (that is also addressed). Treating the patient is done by holistically evaluating the animal; First by a conventional aspect (what you may be familiar with from your regular Veterinarian, examining the eyes, ears, teeth, auscultating the heart and lungs, etc.). However, our unique medical approach assesses the patient from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine aspect by evaluating the properties and abnormalities of the tongue; detailed feeling and presentation of the pulses; temperature changes of the ears, back, body and feet; luster and feel of the fur coat, foot pads and claws; the orientation, color and moisture of the nose, (among many other ways).
We also do annual and puppy wellness visits with heartworm and other blood work, fecal analysis and vaccines (or vaccine titers as an alternative, if indicated). We strive to work together and complement the care received at your conventional western medicine clinic. Working together with multiple modalities of medicine (and some natural remedies you can make in your kitchen) for the maximum health and well-being of animals, and their caregivers, is our goal and mission.

2. What types of services do you offer?
We utilize Acupuncture– the placement of needles into specific points on the surface of the body to cause desirable and safe healing effects; Tui-Na– can be thought of as a combination of acupressure, massage and chiropractic techniques to calm the body and mind; Herbal Formulas– the use of Traditional Chinese Medical formulations, glandular preparations and natural topical salves; Food Therapy– the use of food as medicine; Laser Therapy– the use of light energy, in the form of photons , on the skin and deeper tissue to create a positive biologic affect and accelerate the body’s natural healing process; and most standard Western diagnostics and treatments to help you care for your furry kids in the most well-rounded way possible.

3. How does acupuncture work for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when administered by a properly trained and experienced Veterinarian. Acupuncture has been used for over 7000 years to successfully treat and cure internal medical diseases and disorders, reduces pain, augments western medical treatments and assists the body to balance as preventative medicine. Needles are placed in specific points which have been proven to be both safe and effective at creating a predictable result to induce a favorable and desired effect on the nervous systems. Some patients may feel euphoria or tingles, all being an indication that the body is responding positively to the stimulation. For example: acupuncture can stimulate nerves to increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, regulate hormonal release and even help lowering itch by stabilizing mast cells. Acupuncture has also been shown to successively treat seizures, behavioral issues and even assist in cancer treatment.

4. What types of illnesses or issues can Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na, and Laser therapy help with?
In a nutshell……. nearly EVERYTHING…….. Excluding what is needed for a life-saving emergency or surgery. Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na, and Cold Laser can work well together or independently depending on a pet’s condition. The following are just some of the general conditions which may be treated well with acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui-na and/or laser therapy:
Musculoskeletal issues or pain: hip dysplasia, tendons and ligaments (e.g., knee problems, cruciate injury and luxating patellas), developmental abnormalities of the spine or limbs
Arthritis, hind end weakness, herniated disks: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), wobblers
Paralysis of face or legs
Skin and ear allergies/ infections
Respiratory problems: feline asthma, collapsing trachea, COPD
Nervous system: seizures and behavioral disorders
Systemic Disease: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, congestive heart disease, kidney disease/ failure, liver disorders, etc.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: chronic/ acute diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal lymphoma
Cancer treatment: as a sole treatment or integrative treatment approach
Maintenance treatment: for working, hunting, show and agility performance enhancement

For more information about Veterinary Healing Arts or to book an appointment for your fur-baby,

contact them @ 727-360-5700 or myzenvet@gmail.com.

Veterinary Healing Arts
431 Corey Avenue
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
www.myzenvet.com

 

 

 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a very serious health concern that can lead to heart disease and increased risk for stroke if left untreated. The good news is, by optimizing your dietary intake, exercising, and effectively managing your stress, the odds of normalizing your blood pressure are greatly in your favor.

Eliminate Caffeine: If you have hypertension, coffee and other caffeinated drinks and foods can exacerbate your condition. Caffeine can have a powerful effect on your individual physiology.
Consume Fermented Foods: Differences in gut flora from one person to another appears to have a large effect on whether or not you develop heart disease. If your gut flora is not healthy, your risk is much greater for heart disease, as well as many other chronic health problems. The best way to optimize your gut flora is by including some naturally fermented foods in your diet, such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and kombucha.
Exercise: Physical Activity is by far one of the most potent “drugs” there is, and its side effects are exactly the kinds you want to experience. Most comprehensive exercise regimens will produce long-term benefits in people with high blood pressure. Nearly every program should incorporate anaerobic sprint or burst type exercises one to three times a week, as these have been shown to be even more effective than aerobic exercises at reducing your risk of dying from a heart attack.
Control Your Stress: One in three Americana adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and just as many, if not more, battle emotional and mental stress on a day-to-day basis. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an easy to learn, easy to use technique for releasing negative emotions. EFT combines visualization with calm, relaxed breathing, while employing gentle tapping to “reprogram” deeply seated emotional patterns.
Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels: The farther you live from the equator, the higher your risk of developing high blood pressure. And did you know that blood pressure is typically high in winter months than in summer?
Sun exposure causes your body to produce vitamin D. Lack of sunlight reduces your vitamin D and increases parathyroid hormone production, which increases blood pressure. Exposure to UV rays is thought to cause the release of endorphins, chemicals in your brain that produce feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Endorphins naturally relieve stress, and stress management is an important factor in resolving hypertension. If you are low in Vitamin D, take a few minutes to get outside in the sun daily and take a supplement of vitamin D3.
High blood pressure is an epidemic and like obesity, your best treatment is to evaluate your lifestyle and make the necessary adjustments. In the case of high blood pressure, lifestyle changes can put you on the road to a drug-free, all natural return to optimal health.

 

Reference: www.foodmatters.com