SUGAR-The HORROR of how much we consume!!!

Overeating, poor memory formation, learning disorders, depression – all have been linked in recent research to the over-consumption of sugar.
In 1822, the average American ate the amount of sugar found in one of today's 12-ounce sodas every 5 days.
Now, we eat that much every 7 hours.WOW!!!

While it is hard to believe, children are now eating their weight in sugar every year. Recent studies looking into the dietary habits of our children show that they are consuming more sugar than ever before and the main culprits are exactly what you might guess: soda and fruit juice. If typical, children – even small children – are eating 1/4 to 1/2 a pound of sugar a day for an average of around 100 pounds of sugar every year.
A new study in the journal, Pediatrics, looked into sugar consumption from just soda and fruit juice. Here is what they found:

• Children are consuming somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of their calories from soda and fruit juice alone
• Children aged 6 to 19 consumed an average of 30 oz of soda or fruit juice every day
• 2 to 5 year-olds consumed an average of 15.5 oz of juice or soda a day
• The average serving size of the drinks they are drinking has increased 46 percent (almost doubled) since 1972

What you have to understand about the above statistics is that they are saying that 10 to 15 percent of the calories our children are eating are coming from just soda or fruit juice. These numbers don’t include sugar such as breakfast cereals, cookies, candies, ice cream and all the hidden sugars such as those found in peanut butter, crackers, chips and other fast foods. For those who have read my book or this blog often, you know that those statistics don’t include foods that act like sugar in our bodies such as many grains and starchy vegetables.
It is clear that our children are overdosing on sugar.
The study in the journal, Pediatrics, showed something surprising: that most of this soda drinking was happening at home. Around 55 to 70 percent of sugar sweetened beverages are consumed in the home, while 7 to 15 percent in schools.
These numbers were slightly higher from very young children who attended day care or preschool where fruit juice is a common treat for the kids.
This means that parents are largely responsible for the incredible amount of sugar their children eat every day.
To reduce the amount of sugar your children consume daily replace the drinkable sugars and replace it with water.

Family First Chiropractic and Wellness is located at 142 Erickson dr, Red Deer, T4R 2X3 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

Pregnancy woes and your pregnancy

Pregnancy woes and your pregnancy

Most women get through their pregnancies very healthily - they manage their nutrition, exercise and overall healthcare both by themselves and with the help of healthcare professionals.

CranioSacral Therapy offers women a very gentle and effective way of complementing thenatural work that their body is doing as well as complementing the work of Obstetricians, local Doctors and Midwives.

When we look at pregnancy week by week, there are many natural conditions that come and go as you progress through your pregnancy. Conditions such as early nausea through to lower-back pain can all occur during a healthy pregnancy.

An area that is found especially later in the pregnancy is discomfort in the legs or sciatica. I have found that the majority of clients experience relief from these symptoms for weeks at a time following a CranioSacral Therapy treatment. Probably one of the areas of most discomfort in Pregnancy is back pain - both of the middle and upper back - during the early stages of pregnancy, and lower back during the later stages. The discomfort of back pain during pregnancy can be effectively relieved by CranioSacral Therapy sessions.
At our clinic Family First Chiropractic and Wellness we take a team approach with your pregnancy care, we utilize craniosacral therapy, pre-natal chiropractic and massage therapy to enable you to have an optimal pregnancy experience.
Please find us at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer . 403-347-3261 or www.family1stchiro.ca

Jeannette Raskin, RMT,CST, Dr. Joelle Johnson, Dr. Stephen Kelly, Michaelle de Ruiter

Obesity Linked to increased prescription drug use

Obesity linked to increased prescription drug use

AARON TAYLOR, QMI Agency

First posted: Thursday, October 04, 2012 05:49 PM MDT | Updated: Thursday, October 04, 2012 06:10 PM MDT 

EDMONTON - A study released by the University of Alberta has shown a link between childhood obesity and increased prescription drug use.The study found that obese children between the ages of 12 to 19 were 59% more likely to require the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs than their normal-weighted peers."With higher health-care costs, this emphasizes the need for ... obesity prevention programs," said Christine Fung, the co-author of the study. "If you establish healthy habits at an early age, there are returns when you get older."The two most common types of medication for obese children that the study found were antihistamines and respiratory medications.It's something that Fung said was not surprising as there is an increased level of risk for allergies and asthma in obese children.Fung says the study could shed a light on the economic strain obesity is putting on the health-care system."We're hoping that this gives policy makers a better picture of the impact that obesity is having on the health-care system," she said."If 14% of drug use among kids is due to obesity, prevention then equates to real savings."And the savings could be big, Fund said, adding that currently obesity-related illnesses have a yearly impact of $6 billion on the health-care system.Moving forward, Fung hopes that the study will increase awareness for programs offered by the university like its Alberta Project Promoting active Living and healthy Eating.The program, dubbed APPLE Schools, motivates change by improving learning and health in 40 schools across northern Alberta."(This program) would reduce the negative health effects on the child," she said.But it would also reduce the economic strain on the health-care system."

This post is reposted by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta T4R 2C3 403-347-3261 to book an appointment today.
www.family1stchiro.ca

Improve Brain Function with Therapeutic Massage

Improve Brain Function with Therapeutic Massage

Massage therapy promotes healthy brain function through the applied pressure to the muscles, which stimulate receptors in different areas of the brain. This is accomplished by the production of intracellular messengers (proteins such as neurotransmitters). These messengers are key to a healthy brain and are primarily useful through three main systems of the body. These are the endocrine, nervous and immune systems.Each of these systems has a tremendous impact on brain activity as well as each other. They form a network of communication that allows the brain to receive the intracellular messengers during a massage session. If one of these systems becomes compromised, it can cause problems with the other two systems, thereby decreasing brain activity.
The healthier the brain, the better results from the massage and other alternative healing modalities, such as aromatherapy. It becomes a symbiotic relationship between the body and the brain; much like strengthening and stretching a muscle through exercise, yoga, walking, etc. Everything we do, or neglect to do, affects our brains. Everything we “perceive” has to do with brain function. A decrease in brain activity affects the body’s ability to function normally.

References:
1. Dr. Datis Kharrazian CD lecture on “Intracellular Messengers of Endocrinology”
2. http://www.massagetherapyworks.com/entry/brain_health_by_cambridge_naturals
3. http://www.jneurosci.org/content/29/18/6042.full
4. http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14331
 

Insulin levels and your health!

Optimizing Your Insulin Levels is Paramount for a Long, Healthy Life

The Staff and Practitioners at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness

Having high insulin levels is a surefire way to speed up your aging process. If there's a single marker for lifespan, it would be insulin, specifically insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is the basis of virtually ALL of chronic diseases of aging, and one of the primary reasons for this is because it promotes chronic inflammation throughout your body. Please understand that a firm appreciation of insulin's role is one of the most important things you can do to optimize your health. The two most important elements for normalizing your insulin levels and avoiding insulin resistance are:
1.     Avoiding sugar/fructose and grains (remember that beverages play a paramount role here, as high fructose corn syrup from soda is one of the primary sources of calories in the US)
2.     Regular exercise

We are located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

If You Want to Live Longer—Get Moving!

High-intensity interval-type training also boosts human growth hormone (HGH) production, which is also essential for optimal health, strength and vigor. Make sure you have regular chiropractic treatment to optimize your health and wellness.

Grocery Shopping with kids!

Grocery shopping with kids!

For all those single kid moms out there, you might think its hard to shop with your kid in tote...its not...once you have shopped with 3, shopping with one is a walk in the park. Shopping alone is now a vacation, I look forward to it, I stroll through, taking my time and enjoying the time off, yeah I am going to squeeze every loaf of bread instead of grabbing the closest one, I might price compare, and usually end up getting everything on the list, instead of bailing half way through because you think you might actually throw your own temper tantrum right there in the cereal isle...Shopping with 1 kid is enjoyable, you can treat them if they behave, and you can still contain them when they miss behave, while getting your groceries. 2 kids start presenting a issue, if one misbehaves you can still handle it, if both start misbehaving people start staring, but the fearless (ultimately frustrated) mother you are, you press on, with a "this too shall pass" chant. Now for shopping with 3, your completely out numbered, and they have started a pack mentality, most shopping carts have one seat, some 2, at least one is running around like the feral child they are. You grab the basics, not looking at nutritional value, just bang for your buck, and hope that when you're home you can slop together an acceptable meal. A daycare in your local grocery store...just a thought!

Brought to you by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer

403-347-3261

www.family1stchiro.ca

Pass The  Butter ...  Please.       

This is  interesting . .. . 

Margarine  was originally  manufactured to fatten turkeys.  When it  killed the turkeys, the people who had put all  the money into the research wanted a payback so  they put their heads together to figure out what  to do with this product to get their money  back.    

It  was a white substance with no food appeal so  they added the yellow colouring and sold it to  people to use in place of butter.  How do  you like it?   They have come out with  some clever new  flavourings....    

DO   YOU KNOW.. The  difference between margarine and  butter?  

Read  on to the end...gets very  interesting!    

Both   have the same amount of  calories. 


Butter  is slightly higher in saturated fats at  8  grams;  compared to 5  grams for margarine.

Eating  margarine can  increase   heart  disease in  women by 53% over  eating the same amount of butter,  according to a recent  Harvard   Medical Study.


Eating  butter  increases the absorption of many  other  nutrients  in  other foods. 


Butter  has many nutritional  benefits where  margarine  has a few  and  only because  they are added! 

Butter  tastes much better than  margarine and it can enhance the flavours of  other foods.

Butter  has been around for centuries  where  margarine  has been around for less than  100  years. 

And  now, for Margarine.. 

Very  High in Trans fatty  acids. 

Triples  risk of coronary heart  disease ... 

Increases   total cholesterol and  LDL (this  is the bad cholesterol) and  lowers HDL  cholesterol, (the good cholesterol) 

Increases  the risk of cancers up to five  times..

Lowers  quality of breast  milk

Decreases  immune response.

Decreases  insulin  response.

And   here's the most disturbing fact... HERE IS THE  PART THAT  IS  VERY INTERESTING! 

Margarine  is but ONE  MOLECULE  away from being PLASTIC...  and shares 27 ingredients withPAINT 

These  facts alone were enough to have me avoiding  margarine for life and anything else that is  hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added,  changing the molecular structure of the  substance).    


Open  a tub of margarine and leave it open in your  garage or shaded area.  Within a couple of  days you will notice a couple of things: 



*&n bsp;  no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will  go near it (that should tell you something) 


*   it does not rot or smell differently because it  has no nutritional  value  ; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny  weeny microorganisms will not find it to be a home where they can grow.  Why?   Because it  is  nearly plastic .   Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that  on your toast?   


Share  This With Your Friends.....(If you want to  butter them up')! 


Chinese  Proverb:

When  someone shares something of value with you and  you benefit from it,  you have a   moral obligation to share it with  others. 

Pass  the BUTTER PLEASE 

This information is brought you this blog by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive
403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

Food Cravings..what nutrients are you low in?

Many people a have food cravings, whether pregnant or not and this table tells you what food and nutrients you may be depleted in. We are located at family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142, Erickson drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

If You Crave	You Need	Healthy Foods That Have It
Chocolate	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruit
Sweets	Chromium	Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calf’s liver, chicken
	Carbon	Fresh fruits
	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
	Sulfur	Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbages
	Tryptophan	Cheese, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Bread or toast	Nitrogen	High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, legumes
Oily or fatty foods	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Coffee or tea	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetable
	Sodium Chloride (salt)	Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
	Iron	Meat, fish, poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Alcohol, party drugs	Protein	Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
	Avenin	Granola, oatmeal
	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
	Glutamine	Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
	Potassium	Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens
Carbonated drinks	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, cheese, sesame, legumes
Salty foods	Chloride	Raw goat’s milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
Preference for liquids	Water	Flavor with lemon / lime 8-10 glasses a day
Preference for solids	Water	You have been dehydrated for so long you have lost your thirst, flavor water with lemon/lime. You need 8-10 glasses a day
Cool drinks	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple blueberries
Pre-menstrual cravings	Zinc	Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables
General overeating	Silicon	Nuts, seeds: avoid refined starches
	Tryptophan	Cheese, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables