Children, ADHD, and Sensory Disorders


It is any parent’s greatest wish to see their children happy and healthy. There is nothing more joyful than seeing a carefree, innocent smile light up your child’s face. Read more

Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Disorders


Your gastrointestinal system is an incredible design. It contains endocrine (hormonal) and immune system cells. It cooperates with beneficial bacteria to break down food and protect against harmful pathogens. Read more

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Doctors on “The Doctors”

April 25, 2012 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Balanced living, Chiropractic, Healing, Stress, Wellness Leave a comment  

On April 23, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini was a guest on The Doctors program. “Dr. Fab” is a chiropractor and president of Parker University in Dallas. Another guest, Beverly, had  five years of chronic low back pain and was determined to get rid of it once and for all. Dr. Fab explained that he was looking for the cause of the problem, not just managing the symptoms. He performed an Insight Subluxation scan on Beverly to assess both her autonomic system and spinal muscle activity. He noted several factors that contributed to Beverly’s nervous system being overloaded with stress, which was creating problems with her body. These factors included her hectic travel schedule, previous accidents that were not addressed properly, a diet that promoted inflammation, and the emotional stress of starting a new business.

Beverly trusted Dr. Fab enough to start chiropractic care in his office. He demonstrated use of the Activator, which is a handheld impulse device, to deliver low-force adjustments. He also pointed out that the source of Beverly’s problem was more in her neck and upper back, even though the symptoms appeared in her low back. Dr. Travis Stork, host of The Doctors, asked Beverly how she was doing after working with Dr. Fab. With a big smile, she said, “Oh my gosh, I feel so great!”

The story is simple: I want to feel better and be better.

The problem is simple: My body is overloaded and malfunctioning.

The solution is simple: Restore normal body function and feel great.

Watch the video here.


Looking Inside Your Body

December 14, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Balanced living, Brain, Chiropractic, Spine 1

autonomic nervous system


Two Types of Chiropractors

November 30, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Bone Health, Chiropractic, Spine, Wellness Leave a comment  

Not all chiropractors are alike. Although they go by the same name, chiropractors can differ greatly in treatment goals. The traditional philosophy that chiropractic was based on has never changed, but for social acceptance, some chiropractors have. As a result, when patients go to different chiropractors they get different treatment schedules, results, and costs. This can be frustrating for the patient. If expectations aren’t met, patients stop care and never get to experience the great results chiropractic care can give them.

Like the typical M.D., the symptomatic relief chiropractor primarily focuses on back pain and headaches. The treatment plan is usually dictated by the patient’s symptoms and/or insurance coverage. This means shorter overall treatment time, but still leaves the patient far short of correcting the cause of the symptom. The patient may feel better temporarily, but the spine and nerve system remain in a pathological state. The body degenerates silently, resulting in damage to spinal discs, joints, and whatever part of the body the affected nerve supplies. The bottom line is that treating only symptoms still leaves the cause uncorrected. Over time, the body’s imbalance will be expressed through another series of symptoms.

A wellness chiropractor follows the traditional philosophy of care. Originally, chiropractic was designed to maintain health of the whole body by supporting nerve system integrity. The nerve system is our internal electrical system that regulates all functions of the body and keeps us alive. Although the traditional wellness chiropractor wants his or her patients to feel better, their primary focus is removing the nerve interference (subluxation). A treatment plan will focus on resetting the nerve system to a more balanced state. The wellness chiropractor may use advanced diagnostics like nerve system scans or X-rays. These diagnostic procedures may be repeated at regular intervals to monitor progress of subluxation reduction.

When choosing a chiropractor, ask questions. Do you focus on subluxation? Do you provide wellness care? Do you teach about diet and exercise? Wellness doctors will say yes, we do.

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


Breech Babies and Reducing Intrauterine Constraint

November 23, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Babies, Chiropractic, Pregnancy, Research, Webster Technique, Wellness 1

Pregnancy is a time of drastic changes in a woman’s weight-bearing patterns and body mechanics. As her body prepares for the task of childbirth, her ligaments become more flexible. These changes can cause subtle misalignments of the skeletal system. Misalignments in the pelvis can cause muscles and ligaments to tighten abnormally. This can lead to twisting of the uterus, which is known as intrauterine constraint. Breech presentations are most often the result of intrauterine constraint. While many infants in breech presentation before 34 weeks will convert spontaneously to a head-down presentation, few will do so afterwards.

The Webster Technique was developed in 1978 to relieve intrauterine constraint by normalizing mechanics of the pelvis. There are two steps to this technique: first, to correct abnormal pelvic biomechanics by a light-force chiropractic adjustment of the sacrum; and second, to relieve tension and spasm in the muscular ligaments connecting the uterus to the pelvis. It is important to stress that the Webster Technique is not to be misconstrued as the practice of obstetrics. This technique is intended to relieve a musculoskeletal condition and is well within the chiropractor’s scope of practice. At no time does the chiropractor attempt to directly change the position of the fetus, as is done in external cephalic version (ECV). The Webster Technique often reduces intrauterine constraint. This allows the fetus enough room to move into a head-down position.

2008 data from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) showed that the Webster Technique had a 69% effectiveness rate. A research study from 2002 reported a success rate of 82% and indicated that application of the Webster Technique was most beneficial for the 8th month of pregnancy. Use of the Webster Technique during pregnancy can facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both mother and baby. Many birth care providers are actively seeking doctors of chiropractic with the skills in this technique.

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


Top 7 Most Dangerous Thoughts about Health

November 16, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Aging, Balanced living, Healing, Stress, Wellness Leave a comment  

Part of being a good friend is gently pointing out denial. The next time you talk to someone who’s stuck in suffering, ask them:

  1. “Maybe it will go away.” Are you willing to risk that it won’t?
  2.  ”It comes and goes.” Why wait until it’s a constant problem?
  3. “It’s not that bad!” Compared to what?
  4. “It only hurts when I…” Why live your life with limits that most other people don’t have?
  5. “I don’t want to know.” What you don’t know CAN hurt you.
  6. “I know what my problem is, it’s…” What is your solution?
  7. “I was told I’ve got to live with it.” Don’t give up on yourself.

Don’t let this kind of thinking put your loved ones’ health at risk! It’s never too late to change someone’s mind. You just might save their life!

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


Super Bowl Champs Credit Chiropractic for Performance

November 9, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Athletes, Chiropractic, Spine, Wellness Leave a comment  

New Orleans Saints 2006 first round pick, Reggie Bush, has been receiving regular chiropractic care since playing football in high school and during his collegiate years. “I look at chiropractic care as important to keeping me healthy and at the top of my game,” said the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time National Champion while playing for the University of Southern California (USC). Saints wide receiver Lance Moore, who converted a crucial 2-point conversion during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, also relies on chiropractic treatment to be game-time ready. “Not only did my chiropractor get me back on the field, but he helped me to stay on the field. My body just feels much better overall because of the care I’ve gotten,” says Moore.

High level athletes in almost every sport have chosen to make chiropractic care a part of their training and a part of their lifestyle. Some of the top athletes in the world have praised chiropractic care in times of injury, and for helping them reach their full athletic potential. Chiropractic gives athletes the advantage that they need to compete at the highest level. This is especially important for college-bound athletes. Colleges want to invest scholarship funds in healthy students rather than risk their dollars on athletes with chronic injuries.

Chiropractors are trained to maintain proper function of the spine, joints, and nerve system so that the human body can perform at its maximum potential. This is a proactive approach that can counter the intense levels of physical and mental stress every student athlete experiences on a daily basis. To perform at their best, an athlete should include a chiropractor as part of their health care team.

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


We Can’t Afford to Be Sick

November 2, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP ADHD, Aging, Balanced living, Children, Medicine, Research, Wellness Leave a comment  

We will pay for our health, whether it is good or bad. It just depends when you want to spend the money. Investing small amounts in health-enhancing activities can offset an expensive health crisis down the road. It’s no secret that health care costs are increasing. Most illness in this country can be prevented through improving lifestyle. Before this post starts to seem too preachy, let’s look at some facts:

  • An American couple retiring today at age 65 will need $230,000 in the bank to pay for medical costs, not including long-term care.
  • If we spread out the costs of the top 10 chronic illnesses among everyone, a family of four pays $30,000 per year.

Now let’s talk about the next generation.

  • 500,000 children are taking antipsychotic medications, with 1 in 10 10-year-old boys taking daily stimulant drugs for ADHD symptom control.
  • 1 in 6 children are diagnosed with a developmental disability (ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other physical challenge).

What treatments and therapies will these children need as adults, and how much will that cost? Keep these concepts in mind as you consider the costs of investing in your health. What could you do with an extra $30,000 per year?

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


Do flu shots work? Reviews of medical studies

October 26, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Asthma, Babies, Children, Immune System, Medicine, Research, Wellness Leave a comment  

Do flu shots work? Here is what we learned from reviewing medical studies as a group.

Not in babies: In a review of more than 51 studies involving more than 294,000 children it was found there was “no evidence that injecting children 6-24 months of age with a flu shot was any more effective than placebo. In children over 2 years, it was only effective 33% of the time in preventing the flu. Reference: Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2 (2008).

Not in children with asthma: A study 800 children with asthma, where one half were vaccinated and the other half did not receive the influenza vaccine. The two groups were compared with respect to clinic visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations for asthma. CONCLUSION: This study failed to provide evidence that the influenza vaccine prevents pediatric asthma exacerbations.  Reference: Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for the prevention of asthma exacerbations. Christly, C. et al. Arch Dis Child. 2004 Aug; 89(8):734-5. “The inactivated flu vaccine, Flumist, does not prevent influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially the ones with asthma…In fact, children who get the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than children who do not get the vaccine.” Reference: The American Thoracic Society’s 105th International Conference, May 15-20, 2009, San Diego.

Not in adults: In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000 adults, “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by 0.16 day. It did not change the number of people needing to go to hospital or take time off work.” Reference: Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1 (2006).

Not in the Elderly: In a review of 64 studies in 98 flu seasons, for elderly living in nursing homes, flu shots were non-significant for preventing the flu. For elderly living in the community, vaccines were not significantly effective against influenza, influenza-like illness, or pneumonia. Reference: Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 3(2006).

 

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.

 


The wellness revolution: who are our leaders?

October 19, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Aging, Balanced living, Chiropractic, Healing, Medicine, Wellness Leave a comment  

As generation X and the baby boomer generation watch their parents and grandparents age poorly, we are demanding alternatives to crisis-driven interventions, or “sick care.” Instead, people are becoming proactive about their health. We want geniune “health care” that increases our resilience to the stresses of modern life. What was once considered alternative, such as yoga, massage, dietary supplements, and chiropractic, has now become mainstream. Chiropractic was instrumental in fueling this wellness revolution and continues to serve as a driving force behind it.

The chiropractic approach to health development is based on the following principles:

  1. The body is blessed with an innate healing force or intelligence that strives toward balance.
  2. The body functions – and must be cared for - as an integrated unit, not a collection of parts.
  3. Integrity of the spine and nervous system play a vital role in health.
  4. Safe, conservative, gentle healing approaches should be used first - before risky interventions.

Doctors of chiropractic know that dysfunction in the nervous system can affect the integrity of the whole body. This is why chiropractors are considered whole-body wellness providers. By focusing on improving the function of the spine and nervous system, chiropractors have chosen a powerful method to enhance healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said more than 2000 years ago:

“Humans are created to be healthy as long as they are whole: body, mind, spirit. People are characterized by self-healing properties that come from within – an innate healing force. Perfect health and harmony is the normal state for all life.”  ~ Hippocrates, 400 BC

Did you get that? Humans are created to be healthy. Do you have a health care provider who believes that your body can get closer to normal function, without drugs or surgery? Add a doctor of chiropractic to your health care team!

 

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


More ways to build a titanium immune system

October 12, 2011 Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP Children, Chiropractic, Immune System, Wellness Leave a comment  

Last week, we discussed ways to strengthen your immune system naturally. Aside from “self care” approaches including diet, exercise, and stress management, here are some advanced ideas for 21st-century “health care.”

  1. Have your vitamin D levels tested. The most recent research indicates that the level of 25(OH)-D in your blood should be 40-80 ng/mL. The U.S. RDA for vitamin D is intended to prevent rickets, not to strengthen the immune system. A blood level of 25-30 is insufficient if you want robust health.
  2. Supplement with vitamin D3. Unless we work outdoors in the southern U.S., most of us will need to take a high-quality vitamin D supplement during the winter to maintain protective levels of vitamin D in our blood. This should be, specifically, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). In the northern U.S., we may need to take 2,000-5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day.
  3. Take probiotics. Did you know that 80% of your immune system is in your intestinal tract? It is your primary line of defense against the outside world. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help us break down and absorb our food. They also keep harmful pathogens from entering our bodies. A 2009 clinical study in Pediatrics journal shows that children taking probiotics twice a day have a much lower risk of developing cold and flu symptoms.
  4. Get chiropractic care. Our current understanding of the body is that the immune system and nervous system are intimately linked. They developed from the same embryonic cells. They respond to the same hormones and neurotransmitters. Chiropractic care improved function of the nervous system so the body and brain can communicate more effectively. This makes the body more resistant to stress and illness because it is operating efficiently. Families who use chiropractic care very often report strengthened immune systems, for both parents and children. Care of the nervous system is part of a wellness lifestyle!

About the author: Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP, is a wellness-certified chiropractor at Vital Life Chiropractic in Eagan, Minnesota.


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