Baby It's Cold Outside

The cold snap that brought snow and freezing temperatures to the northeast continues this week. If you are still digging out, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Stretch out before venturing outside. Get your blood pumping and joints moving by stretching the arms, back, shoulders and legs. Devoting a few minutes to exercise prepares your body for the vigors of shoveling and helps avoid any muscle pulls.
  
• Wear sturdy boots/shoes with good tread to maximize your footing and help minimize the risk of a fall. If possible, try sprinkling some sand underfoot to provide some extra traction.
  
• Dress properly to avoid hypothermia, a dangerous condition where body temperature drops. Layers are best. 
  
• Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
  
• Use a lightweight, ergonomically-designed, non-stick shovel.
  
• Fresh snow is light snow -- get out and clear your walkway before it compacts on the ground.
  
• When shoveling, try to push the snow to the side, rather than lifting. Stand with your feet apart at hip width to maintain proper balance.
  
• If you must dig and toss the snow, lift with your legs, keeping your back straight; tighten your stomach muscle to avoid straining your back. Avoid twisting your body; rotate your entire body to face the direction you are throwing in.
  
• Start slowly and pace yourself to avoid placing a sudden stress on your heart. Remember that cold air makes it harder to breathe and work, placing more demand on your body.
  
• Know when to call it quits. If you're feeling pain or exhaustion take a break.
  
• If you are elderly, a heavy smoker, have a heart condition or a history of back problems, or lead a sedentary lifestyle, it's best to avoid shoveling altogether. Enlist the help of family members or kind neighbors.

Despite the best intentions to shovel properly, injuries sometimes do occur. Stress from lifting during the winter season can cause lower back strain, muscle spasms, disc damage, and even spinal fractures. If you experience pain, seek help immediately. Your chiropractor can help pinpoint the cause of the pain, relieve the problem, and get you feeling in tip top shape again.

-- Dr. Keri Chiappino & Dr. Brent Reynolds

Holiday Tips for Your Special Needs Child

The hustle bustle of the holiday season can stress out even the hardiest merrymaker.  For families with children on the spectrum, this month's social demands, routine changes, stimulating sights, sounds and smells can put their children on sensory overload.   By planning ahead and being alert to your child's unique needs, you and your family can not only survive, but enjoy the season.  Here's some tips from us to help keep your holiday merry:


Minimize anxiety by preparing your child well in advance of your celebration.


Avoid crowded malls and other overstimulating venues.


Try to keep to a schedule as much as possible -- it will be hard to get your child (and yourself) back on track if you deviate from your normal routines.


Inform your child who to expect at social gatherings.  A good idea is to view family photos beforehand and review their names.


Involve your child in holiday preparations. Decorate gradually if your child has difficulty accepting change.


If you are traveling, pack favorite toys/foods that can help calm your child.  


If your child is on a special diet, make your host/hostess aware when you R.S.V.P.   Better yet, bring the prepared dish wrapped in a festive bow!


Educate those that will celebrate with you about your child’s needs or dislikes (i.e. hugs from relatives ).


Role play with your child prior to the big day.  Practice opening gifts, waiting for others, courteous responses.


Be on alert to the signs of overstimulation.  If you sense your child is becoming overwhelmed, direct him/her to a quiet area.


Your child is the most precious gift of all – see the wonders of the season through the eyes of your child and have a joyous holiday!



Wishing you a healthy & happy holiday season!

Dr. Keri Chiappino & Dr. Brent Reynolds

Nutritional Tips for an Anti-Inflammatory Thanksgiving Feast

Some Food For Thought: 

• If you plan to serve turkey, try to buy organic if possible. Try Wild By Nature, Whole Foods, Trader Joes or similar grocers.
  
  
• Eat as many foods as you can with Omega 3 fats on the table -- i.e. walnuts and winter squash.
  
  
• If you have allergies, avoid foods like nightshades vegetables (i.e. potatoes, tomatoes) which may trigger pain flareups.
  
  
• Good snack choices are nuts! Choose pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. They’re loaded with good fats that are anti-inflammatory.
  
  
• Limit your intake of sugar which can cause inflammation and joint pain.
  
  
• Eat a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits which provide plenty of antioxidants.  Fill your plate with as many raw, green leafy vegetables as possible.
  
  
• Be sure to include plenty of fiber rich foods such as sweet potatoes, green beans, or brussel sprouts.
  
  
• If you choose to drink alcohol, red wine is preferential. Moderation is key of course!
  
  
• Remember, never eat anything with Trans Fats!   Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions have been associated with trans fat consumption. They are found in prepackaged pie crusts, ready-to-bake biscuits & cakes, etc.  Read nutritional labels before purchasing any packaged foods.  Steer clear of anything containing the words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oils in the ingredients list.  Even though a label may list "0 grams of trans fats" these products do in fact contain trans fats;  products containing less that .5mg of trans fats per serving are allowed by law to list themselves as trans fat free.

• Don’t let small family dramas get you upset. Stress and anger cause inflammation.
  
  
• Get outside! Go for a nice brisk walk if you can or do some other physical activity.

Thanksgiving Tips for Special Needs Children

Tell your child who is coming over or if you are going to someone else’s home.
Have staple food available if your child is on a special diet.
Awareness- Make sure your guests know your child’s special needs.
Nonverbal children may need extra prompting if you are in someone else’s home.
Keep healthy snacks your child likes handy.
Send home doggie bags so you don’t have too many “illegal” foods left over.
Get outside to burn off some energy.
Involve your child in preparations for the holiday.
Vegetables disguised with other foods is essential.         
                                                                      (See Jessica Seinfeld’s "Deceptively Delicious")
Invite those who have been supportive to you.
Never compromise all your routines, or it might be difficult to get back on track.
Gratitude – Remember to be thankful for your beautiful family.


Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Keri Chiappino and Dr. Brent Reynolds

Gluten-Free Eating & Cooking for the Holidays

Approximately 1 in 133 people are diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a genetically linked digestive disease triggered by the consumption of the protein gluten. It is estimated that 21,000 people on Long Island suffer with the disease which left unchecked, can lead to malnutrition and a variety of complications. Adopting a gluten-free diet and lifestyle can help manage the disease, but can be especially challenging during the upcoming season of celebration.


If you need a bit of help maintaining your gluten-free lifestyle during the holidays, or want to learn more about what to prepare for the Thanksgiving, we invite you an informational workshop hosted by Dr. Reynolds and Nicole Lawrence of Feel Goods Cafe in St. James. Check out the workshop description below. Keep in mind that space is limited, so make your reservation early (631 265 1223). We hope to see you there.


Gluten-Free Cooking for the Holidays -- Monday November, 16 2009


Join Chiropractic Neurologist and nutritional specialist Dr. W. Brent Reynolds of New Life Chiropractic and Nicole Lawrence proprietor of Feel Goods Cafe (www.feelgoodsforlife.com) for a preholiday workshop presentation designed to take the guesswork out of what to eat and prepare for the holidays for those suffering from Celiac Disease or gluten allergies. Learn about the effects of gluten on the body and the brain, how it impacts the nervous system and is associated with many other diseases not traditionally linked to food allergies. Discover the not-so-obvious gluten allergy signs as well as unexpected foods where gluten can hide. Taste savory classic Thanksgiving food samples prepared by Nicole Lawrence – gluten-free gravy, stuffing, and brownies.

Helpful tips will be given on how to organize your kitchen with dedicated pans to protect against gluten contamination and how to substitute alternative ingredients in your holiday recipes. Menu suggestions for the holiday season will be offered. Space is limited; Reservations required. Date: Monday, November 16, 2009, 7:30 pm @ Feel Goods Café, 412 No. Country Road, St. James, NY. Fee: $10. Call New Life Chiropractic at 631 265 1223 for more information or to book your reservation. www.newlifechiropractic.com.

Swine Flu Vaccine -- Buyer Beware

As flu season looms on the horizon, much media focus has been placed on the novel H1N1 vaccine production and availability, and with it advisories as to who should be vaccinated against the Swine Flu; however little has been reported on the possible effects of a highly questionable component that may be used in the vaccine, a squalene adjuvant that can be added to heighten the body's immune reaction.


In order to make an educated decision on whether or not to vaccinate, the public must be made aware of the potentially severe side effects of turbocharged vaccinations. While squalene is naturally found in the body, injection directly into the bloodstream is an unnatural path of entry. The immune system responds to the toxic invasion by developing antibodies that attack naturally-occurring, beneficial squalene located in the nervous system. This is associated with autoimmune disorders, such as those experienced by Persian Gulf War veterans innoculated with squalene-enhanced anthrax vaccines in the 1990s -- ALS, multiple sclerosis, and lupus are but a few.


The onus is on the medical community to disclose all the facts on the H1N1 vaccine, its components, safety and efficacy, before urging mass vaccinations, as well as to advocate safe, non-invasive preventative measures. Basic hygiene such as frequent handwashing, covering mouths when coughing/sneezing, keeping hands clear of virus entry ports: eyes, nose, and mouth, and supplementing with immune-boosting Vitamin D may be the safer path. My advice: do not go blindly for a vaccine this year; do your research – make an informed choice.

Should Your Children Be Using Cell Phones?

Now that cell phones are all the rage, with grade school kids joining the pool of users, parents should be questioning how safe they are.

In a recent issue of Newsday, Environmental Working Group, a non profit organization said that more than ten years of cell phone use begins to increase chances of brain tumors, salivary gland tumors, migraines, and vertigo.

Although the industry dismisses these claims, do you really want to take a chance with your child's developing brain? With Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD,ADD, and other disorders on the rise, do our children need one more assault on their nervous systems?

If a child must have a cell phone, then when shopping for one, you should check the level of radiation that is being absorbed by the head. Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) released a ranking of phones by the level of radiation emitted, but also suggest using a speaker phone and other tools to keep the device away from your ears.

It is difficult to say no to a child who sees all his or her friends using cell phones, but as parents we must ultimately do what is in the best interest of the child.