Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, children get sick much more often than adults, as often asĚý. However, there are many natural strategies that you can take to try and reduce how often your child gets sick. Here are some tips on keeping your child in optimal health this school year:

1) The right diet and nutrition can go a long way.

While challenging for picky eaters, a good diet and nutrition is vital to keeping your child healthy. Whether it’s in meals or snacks, try to work in fruits and vegetables wherever you can. Adequate amounts of protein are also important.

There are plenty of foods that should be avoided, too. In addition to sugar, children today tend to eat too many carbohydrates. It’s best to limit bread, starches and sugar. You should also focus on preparing whole foods rather than heavily processed ones.

Additionally, it’s important to educate your children about which foods are snacks versus treats. For example, food like cookies are treats that need to be limited. It might seem simple, but setting up that thought process early can help immensely as a child grows and develops.

2) Try adding fish oil to their daily vitamin routine.

Children often take multivitamins daily to ensure they are getting necessary nutrients. One ingredient that’s often missing is Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to promotingĚý and good gut health, according to aĚý2019 study, some specific . Other studies have shown that fish oil may even help withĚýĚý(ADHD) and otherĚý.

Therefore, adding fish oil to your child’s daily vitamin routine is a great way to improve many aspects of your child’s health. Fish oil doesn’t have to be taken in the form of a pill, either. You can find fish oil in the form of a liquid that is flavored and made specifically for children.

3) Ensure your child is getting enough sleep.

Sleep is an essential element to good health. If your child is getting less than the recommended hours, it can lead to serious health issues, some of which are directly tied to immune function.ĚýStudiesĚýshow that and even their response to vaccination. This is because sleep affects the body’s ability to produce proteins called cytokines, which help fight infection and reduce inflammation.

Childhood is the best time to learn good sleep habits. If children start with bad habits, they can snowball and cause the development of other sleep issues. Children, and even teenagers, need more hours of sleep than adults. The (CDC) recommends the following number hours of sleep needed per day:

• Newborns (0 to 3 months): 14 – 17 hours
• Infants (4 to 12 months): 12 – 16 hours (including naps)
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11 – 14 hours (including naps)
• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10 – 13 hours (including naps)
• School Age (6 to 12 years): 9 – 12 hours
• Teens (13 to 17 years): 8 – 10 hours
• Adults (18 to 60 years): 7+ hours
• Adults (61 to 64 years): 7 – 9 hours
• Adults (65+): 7 – 8 hours

4) Keep track of screen time.

It can be easy to lose track of how long your child is spending in front of screens, whether it’s their cell phone, computer or television. However, these devices can have a profound effect on the mind and body.

According to theĚýĚý(AACAP), too much screen time can lead to mood, sleep and weight problems along with lower grades in school and body image issues. The AACAP recommends varying amounts of screen time depending on age. For children 2-5, non-educational screen time should be limited to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekend days. While there’s no limit recommended for children 6 and older, the AACAP recommends teaching them healthy habits.

Some of these healthy habits include turning off all screens during family meals and outings and not using screens as pacifiers, babysitters or to stop tantrums. Screens should also be turned off and removed from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

5) Stay active with fun family activities.

When summer ends and children spend more time inside, it can become more difficult to keep them active. In addition to outdoor activities, there are many physical games that can be played inside to keep them moving. You can try .

You can also try out activities that promote fine motor skills and dexterity like puzzles, painting and other crafts. Another way to keep them active is by getting them involved with meal prep and cooking. Even cooking a batch of cookies once a week for the family to enjoy can be a great activity that teaches many skills.

6) Consider getting your child adjusted.

Children of any age, from newborn and older, can benefit from getting adjusted. Chiropractic physicians who specialize in pediatrics tend to focus on activating and taking stress off the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help the body function better in general.

Overall, chiropractic physicians can help with a lot of common childhood complaints like constipation, acid reflux, sleep issues, ADHD, ear infections, sensory concerns, etc. As with the rest of their patients, chiropractic physicians will take anĚýindividualized, whole body approachĚýto improve your child’s health challenges.

At 911±¬ÁĎ University, students learn how to treat pediatric populations. If you’re interested in working with children and want to learn more, read about one 911±¬ÁĎ alumna who has started a successful career in this specialty since graduating in 2021.

The post Tips from a Chiropractic Expert: How to Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

The central nervous system controls everything. The birth process itself can be physically traumatic, and for some infants, receiving adjustment can offer neurological input or correction from the start, allowing a healthy developmental process to unfold. Later, asĚýyoung athletesĚýdevelop, recovering from injuries sustained by participating in sports may be treated with less traumatic chiropractic solutions, rather than more disruptive therapies such as pharmaceuticals or surgery.

Because chiropractic medicine takes into account the entire person, when there is a correction in one area, it can help support and correct another area. Depending on which DC you choose, many incorporate other techniques and specialties such as acupuncture, craniosacral, nutrition and more.

Here are 4 ways chiropractic medicine can benefit children.

1)ĚýChiropractic care is non-invasive.

By its very nature, chiropractic medicine is holistic and non-invasive. For children it can promote proper growth and development by helping remove or limit digestive challenges such as difficulty nursing, reflux, colic and constipation. Other issues for which pediatric chiropractic medicine is used include asthma, allergies, bed wetting, colds, chronic ear infections, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.

However, unlike for adults, for children – especially infants – it’s more a matter of mobilization that puts a much lower amplitude of pressure into an area, rather than a manipulation that’s associated with adult chiropractic treatments that introduce more pressure into the joint, and possibility of hearing a “popping” sound.

2) Chiropractic medicine recognizes the importance of nutrition.

When conferring with parents who are considering chiropractic treatment for their children, the analogy of a plant is helpful: feed it, water it, talk lovingly to it…and it grows! Because DCs receive extensive training in nutrition, they are uniquely qualified to serve as family primary care physicians and offer nutritional solutions.ĚýPoor nutrition and its impact are global concerns. The American Heart Association ()Ěýstates that roughly 1 in 3 American children and young adults are obese – triple that of the 1963 data.

The field of pediatric chiropractic medicine is engaged in the fight against childhood obesity. Proper nutrition is an incredible part of everyone’s health, but for children who are growing and changing at a fast pace, it’s especially important to make sure they receive the nutrients they need to grow and develop in the best way possible.

For some, there may be connections to specific foods that cause difficult behavioral issues. These foods may includeĚý. DCs can help parents and caregivers by testing for, and identifying the triggers of, many behaviors whose root cause may be nutrition that is uniquely improper or inadequate for a specific child.

3) Chiropractic philosophy emphasizes wellness.

Educating parents and families about the rewards of good nutrition and exercise are vital for the wellness care of individuals and communities. It’s important for families to follow the principles of eating whole foods, minimizing junk foods, limiting time on electronic devices, and getting out to play (exercise) on a regular basis. All of these strategies are crucial in helping to reduce childhood obesity that is causing a range of problems the health care community once did not see until adulthood: Diabetes Type 2, and high cholesterol and blood pressure chief among them. Carrying excess weight at a younger age and for a longer period of time also means the likelihood of an earlier death in adulthood.

Psychologically, it’s important to understand that duringĚýĚýthese kids tend to have a negative body image, suffer low self-esteem, and become depressed, setting the stage for serious mental health issues later on.

4)ĚýChiropractic treatments areĚýsafe.

Overall, chiropractic care for children is a safe and very effective approach; and the nicest part of it is that the response is noticeable pretty quickly. Children will either have a positive response, or there won’t be any response at all: there is a minimal downside.

If you’re considering chiropractic care for your child, there are many resources to help you make an informed decision. In the state of Illinois, doctors of chiropractic are designated as primary care physicians, or you may contact the 911±¬ÁĎ University Whole Health CenterĚýin Lombard, Ill. If you are located outside the greater Chicago area, consult with your primary care physician.

For more information, visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric AssociationĚý() to find a chiropractor, and for the latest in wellness and research articles on the topic.

The post 4 Ways Chiropractic Medicine Can Benefit Your Child’s Health and Wellness appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, children get sick much more often than adults, as often as . However, there are many natural strategies that you can employ to try and reduce how often your child gets sick. Here are some tips on keeping your child in optimal health this school year:Ěý

The right diet and nutrition can go a long wayĚý

While challenging for picky eaters, a good diet and nutrition is vital to keeping your child healthy. Whether it’s during meals or snacks, try to work in fruits and vegetables wherever you can. Adequate amounts of protein are also important.

There are plenty of foods that should be avoided, too. In addition to sugar, children today tend to eat too many carbohydrates. It’s best to keep them away from bread, starches and sugar. You should also focus on preparing whole foods rather than heavily processed goods.ĚýĚý

Additionally, it’s important to educate your children about which foods are snacks versus treats. For example, food like cookies are treats that need to be limited. Snacks, on the other hand, should include healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cheese, beans, oatmeal, and nuts. It might seem simple but setting up that thought process early can help immensely as a child grows and develops.ĚýĚý

Try adding fish oil to their daily vitamin routineĚý

Children often take daily multivitamins to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients. One ingredient that’s often missing is omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to promoting and good , according to , some specific immune functions are promoted by dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Other studies have shown that fish oil may even help with (ADHD) and other .Ěý

Therefore, adding fish oil to your child’s daily vitamin routine is a great way to improve many aspects of your child’s health. Fish oil doesn’t have to be taken in the form of a pill either. You can find fish oil in the form of a liquid that is flavored and made specifically for children.Ěý

Ensure your child is getting enough sleepĚý

Sleep is an essential element to good health. If your child is getting less than the recommended hours, it can lead to serious health issues, some of which are directly tied to immune function. show that sleep influences infection outcome and even their response to vaccination. This is because sleep affects the body’s ability to produce proteins called cytokines, which help fight infection and reduce inflammation.Ěý

Children, and even teenagers, need more hours of sleep than adults. The specific amount recommended varies by age. For example, toddlers need 12-16 hours of sleep per 24 hours while children ages 6-12 need 9–12 hours, etc., according to the .Ěý

Childhood is the best time to learn good sleep habits. If children start with bad habits, they can snowball and cause the development of other sleep issues. Ěý

Keep track of screen timeĚý

It can be easy to lose track of how long your child is spending in front of screens, whether it’s their cell phone, computer or television. However, these devices can have a profound effect on the mind and body.Ěý

According to the (AACAP), too much screen time can lead to mood, sleep and weight problems along with lower grades in school and body image issues. The AACAP recommends varying amounts of screen time depending on age. For children 2-5, non-educational screen time should be limited to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days. While there’s no limit recommended for children 6 and older, the AACAP recommends teaching them healthy habits.ĚýĚý

Some of these healthy habits include turning off all screens during family meals and outings and not using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums. Screens should also be turned off and removed from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.Ěý

Stay active with fun family activitiesĚý

When summer ends and children spend more time inside, it can become more difficult to keep them active. In addition to outdoor activities, there are many physical games that can be played inside to keep them moving. You can try balancing games like Twister or indoor hopscotch, tightrope walking and freeze dancing. For a description of these games and others, Ěý

You can also try out activities that promote fine motor skills and dexterity like puzzles, painting and other crafts. Another way to keep them active is by getting them involved with meal prep and cooking. Even cooking a batch of cookies once a week for the family to enjoy can be a great activity that teaches many skills.Ěý

Consider getting your child adjustedĚý

Children of any age, from newborn and older, can benefit from getting adjusted. Chiropractic physicians who specialize in pediatrics tend to focus on activating and taking stress off the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help the body function better in general.Ěý

Overall, chiropractic physicians can help with a lot of common childhood complaints like constipation, acid reflux, sleep issues, ADHD, ear infections, sensory concerns, etc. Like the rest of their patients, chiropractic physicians will take an individualized, whole body approach to improve your child’s health challenges.Ěý

At 911±¬ÁĎ University, students learn how to treat pediatric populations during a Special Populations Course. They’re also able to gain hands-on experience treating children during their time at the Whole Health Center.Ěý

If you’re interested in working with children and want to learn more, read a blog about one 911±¬ÁĎ alum who has already started a successful career in this specialty since graduating in 2021.

The post Tips from a chiropractic expert: How to keep your child healthy this school year appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, children get sick much more often than adults, as often as . However, there are many natural strategies that you can take to try and reduce how often your child gets sick. Here are some tips on keeping your child in optimal health this school year:Ěý

The right diet and nutrition can go a long wayĚý

While challenging for picky eaters, a good diet and nutrition is vital to keeping your child healthy. Whether it’s in meals or snacks, try to work in fruits and vegetables wherever you can. Adequate amounts of protein are also important.Ěý

There are plenty of foods that should be avoided, too. In addition to sugar, children today tend to eat too many carbohydrates. It’s best to limit bread, starches and sugar. You should also focus on preparing whole foods rather than heavily processed goods.ĚýĚý

Additionally, it’s important to educate your children about which foods are snacks versus treats. For example, food like cookies are treats that need to be limited. It might seem simple but setting up that thought process early can help immensely as a child grows and develops.ĚýĚý

Try adding fish oil to their daily vitamin routineĚý

Children often take daily multivitamins to ensure they are getting necessary nutrients. One ingredient that’s often missing is omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to promoting and good , according to , some specific immune functions are promoted by dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Other studies have shown that fish oil may even help with (ADHD) and other .Ěý

Therefore, adding fish oil to your child’s daily vitamin routine is a great way to improve many aspects of your child’s health. Fish oil doesn’t have to be taken in the form of a pill either. You can find fish oil in the form of a liquid that is flavored and made specifically for children.Ěý

Ensure your child is getting enough sleepĚý

Sleep is an essential element to good health. If your child is getting less than the recommended hours, it can lead to serious health issues, some of which are directly tied to immune function. show that sleep influences infection outcome and even their response to vaccination. This is because sleep affects the body’s ability to produce proteins called cytokines, which help fight infection and reduce inflammation.Ěý

Children, and even teenagers, need more hours of sleep than adults. The specific amount recommended varies by age. For example, toddlers need 12-16 hours of sleep per 24 hours while children ages 6-12 need 9–12 hours, etc., according to the .Ěý

ĚýChildhood is the best time to learn good sleep habits. If children start with bad habits, they can snowball and cause the development of other sleep issues.ĚýĚý

Keep track of screen timeĚý

It can be easy to lose track of how long your child is spending in front of screens, whether it’s their cell phone, computer or television. However, these devices can have a profound effect on the mind and body.Ěý

According to the (AACAP), too much screen time can lead to mood, sleep and weight problems along with lower grades in school and body image issues. The AACAP recommends varying amounts of screen time depending on age. For children 2-5, non-educational screen time should be limited to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days. While there’s no limit recommended for children 6 and older, the AACAP recommends teaching them healthy habits.ĚýĚý

Some of these healthy habits include turning off all screens during family meals and outings and not using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums. Screens should also be turned off and removed from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.Ěý

Stay active with fun family activitiesĚý

When summer ends and children spend more time inside, it can become more difficult to keep them active. In addition to outdoor activities, there are many physical games that can be played inside to keep them moving. You can try balancing games like Twister or indoor hopscotch, tightrope walking and freeze dancing. For a description of these games and others, Ěý

You can also try out activities that promote fine motor skills and dexterity like puzzles, painting and other crafts. Another way to keep them active is by getting them involved with meal prep and cooking. Even cooking a batch of cookies once a week for the family to enjoy can be a great activity that teaches many skills.Ěý

Consider getting your child adjustedĚý

Children of any age, from newborn and older, can benefit from getting adjusted. Chiropractic physicians who specialize in pediatrics tend to focus on activating and taking stress off the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help the body function better in general.Ěý

Overall, chiropractic physicians can help with a lot of common childhood complaints like constipation, acid reflux, sleep issues, ADHD, ear infections, sensory concerns, etc. As with the rest of their patients, chiropractic physicians will take an individualized, whole body approach to improve your child’s health challenges.Ěý

At 911±¬ÁĎ University, students learn how to treat pediatric populations during a Special Populations Course. They’re also able to gain hands-on experience treating children during their time at the Whole Health Center.ĚýĚý

If you’re interested in working with children and want to learn more, read about one 911±¬ÁĎ alum who has already started a successful career in this specialty since graduating in 2021.

The post Tips from a chiropractic expert: how to keep your child healthy this school year appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

Like adults, a child’s health can greatly benefit from the preventative health care and holistic treatment methods chiropractic medicine offers. Chiropractic physicians treat patients of every age and can adjust anyone throughout any stage of life.ĚýThey also have the expertise needed to treat a number of common children’s conditions.

Here are some reasons why you should consider bringing your child to a chiropractic physician:

1. Chiropractic physicians treat patients using gentle and noninvasive modalities.

Compared to adults, the medical treatment children receive can look very different. Many medications such as over-the-counter cold medicines and aspirin are off limits for young children, especially those under the age of five. So when it comes to treating children, who can be more sensitive to the side affects of prescription medications, it’s important to consider the most natural and conservative approach first.

Unlike MDs, chiropractic doctors specialize in non-invasive health care methods. By considering a wide range of factors that may impact a patient’s health, such as biomechanical dysfunction, genetics, trauma, emotions, hygiene, microorganisms, nutrition, exercise, posture, environment and stress levels, they are able to determine the most effective natural treatment plan.

2. Research shows thatĚýspinal manual therapy is safe for children

Research shows that spinal manipulation is a safe form of treatment for children of any age. A published in PLOS One found that “gentle, low-velocity spinal mobilizations seem to be a safe treatment technique in infants, children and adolescents.” According to a , published cases of serious adverse events in infants and children receiving chiropractic, osteopathic, physiotherapy, or manual medical therapy are rare.

This is because, when it comes to adjusting children, chiropractic physicians take special precautions. They often start by gauging what the pediatric patient needs from a conservative stand point and then adding to the treatment plan as needed.ĚýTypically, chiropractic physicians only need to apply minimal pressure to get the adjustment. In some cases, no noise or pop occurs. It’s generally painless and if there is any discomfort, it’s usually some soreness similar to post exercise soreness.

Could your child benefit from an adjustment? Some common indicators include:

• bumping their head in the same area (meaning they are purposefully bumping their head in the same area onto a surface like a wall)
• favoring one side of the body versus another. This includes reaching for an item or leading with one side predominantly
• any aches or pains that are generalized and cleared as not being serious.

3. Chiropractors can do more than just adjusting

If your child isn’t comfortable with getting adjusted, there are other techniques chiropractic physicians can perform. This includes mobilizing the area, a gentle type of manual therapy, using an activator, a spring-loaded stimulation device, or craniosacral therapy, which uses light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system.

Depending on their training, chiropractic physicians may also be able to practice functional and nutritional medicine and physical rehabilitation therapy. 911±¬ÁĎ graduates, in particular, are able to employ a host of clinically-proven treatment options, including:

• modern medical diagnostic testing
• nutritional assessment and lifestyle counseling
• botanical medicine
• physical rehabilitation therapy

Chiropractic physicians recognize that what works for one patient may not work for another. Many patients, especially those with chronic health problems, see vast improvements when treated using a variety of tools.

4. Chiropractors are trained to treat several common children’s conditions more thoroughly using whole health healing

A child who comes in with a headache isn’t just a “head problem.” The child doesn’t automatically need a neck adjustment. Instead, a chiropractic physician will evaluate the full range of possibilities that could be causing the headache. They will consider the total person, as well as the patient’s complete health profile and medical history.

A headache could be a sign of infection in another part of the body, or the result of stress. It could even be caused by a neglected dental problem. Whole health healing means asking the right questions and evaluating the total picture before making a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Using this method, chiropractic physicians have the expertise to treat many common health issues among children. Some of the conditions chiropractors can treat include:

• attention deficient disorder
• bedwetting
• sleep disorders
• neurological conditions like autism
• digestive/ elimination issues
• cranial malformation, and more

5. Chiropractors work integratively and can expand treatment options with other practitioners

With a litany of health care practitioners and disciplines available today, it can be hard to decide where to turn. A chiropractic physician, who has a thorough understanding of how each field treats patients, can help steer you in the right direction. They often have contacts with specific providers like naturopathic physicians, massage therapists, or MDs. Through referral, chiropractic physicians can provide many other treatment options.

Even if a patient is already working with another physician, a chiropractic physician understands how multiple health care fields can work together for the benefit of patients. A chiropractic physician is often able to complement an existing treatment plan. Some of the assistance chiropractic medicine can provide is medication-free pain relief, adjustments to increase range of motion and exercise recommendations.

Chiropractic physicians canĚýhelp their patients, whether young or old,Ěýexplore natural, drug-free and surgery-free approaches to improve their health. Today, preventative health care has never been more important. It’s just one of the many ways chiropractic physicians can benefit the overall health of children.

At 911±¬ÁĎ University, students have the opportunity to treat and learn more about the pediatric population at the on-campus Whole Health Center as part of their clinical training. To learn more about the chiropractic medicine degree program, click here.

The post How Visiting a Chiropractor can Help Your Child Stay Healthy appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

This change could take more time to adjust to than you might think. Working from home comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially if you have children at home with you. Here are some ways to make working from home easier and more productive.

1. Establish a separate workspace

Having a spot dedicated to work can help significantly with concentration and productivity. ĚýEven if it’s at the dining room table, establishing a separate space can help you avoid distractions and get into a more work-oriented state of mind.

Although tempting, avoid working on soft furniture like the couch as, over time, it will encourage poor posture and can lead to aches and pains in general.

2. Make your workspace more ergonomic

In addition to having a separate workspace make sure that it is ergonomically set up in an appropriate manner.ĚýTry to keep your screen or reading material at a level where you can keep your head and neck in a more neutral position. That means your ears should be positioned directly above your shoulders.

Keep your most used items like notepads and pens within reach as well. That way, you don’t have to twist and turn for them and put additional strain on your body.

3. Practice good posture

Doing anything over and over again, particularly sitting, will lead to compensatory patterns and degenerative changes over time.Ěý You’re increasing wear and tear in a body area if you’re not doing it the right way.

Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of having good posture. Remember to keep both feet on the floor and make sure that you are not slouching.ĚýGood posture is more beneficial to your overall health than you may think. Ěýshows that correct posture and positive body language can influence hormones linked to disease resistance and affect our decisions and even leadership abilities.ĚýFor more posture tips, visit another 911±¬ÁĎ blog here.

4. Schedule your day

Similar to working in a structured office environment, be sure to schedule your days with a lunch break and other breaks throughout the day. Routines can often help the stress that comes with work.

Setting aside time for an occasional change of scenery by getting out and walking can also be helpful in keeping the mind stimulated and more productive. Sitting around day after day can lead to a depressive state, so. after your workday is complete, make sure to schedule various games and activities for yourself and your family as well.

5. Don’t forget to exercise

Exercise is a great after work activity that can help reduce the additional stress caused by working from home and can even improve your productivity. With most gyms closed, it can be more challenging to keep fit, especially if you don’t have machines available. But when you’re stuck at home, exercise can be especially important, particularly for improving your mental health. In fact, show that exercise can elevate mood, enhance creativity and improve concentration. = Luckily, there are plenty of activities that you can do without a lot of space or equipment.

Yoga for example, can be done in front of the television. It calms the system and helps with muscular lengthening (stretching). You can find plenty of online instruction videos on YouTube or through apps that are inexpensive or even free.

Pilates also can be done in a small space following video instruction. But if these two types of exercise aren’t appealing just making up a routine of push-ups, jumping jacks, squats, etc. can be done without weights too. Additionally, just getting yourself out and walking is another helpful option. Communicating with your neighbors, albeit at a distance, may help you feel less isolated.

In the coming days and weeks, you might discover that working from home is more challenging than expected, especially when you’re practicing social distancing. However, if you focus on factors you can control, you are more likely to stay healthy and remain productive.

The post 5 Tips for Working from Home from a Chiropractic Expert appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

The central nervous system controls everything. The birth process itself can be physically traumatic, and for some infants, receiving adjustment can offer neurological input or correction from the start, allowing a healthy developmental process to unfold. Later, as young athletesĚýdevelop, recovering from injuries sustained by participating in sports may be treated with less traumatic chiropractic solutions, rather than more disruptive therapies such as pharmaceuticals or surgery.

Because chiropractic medicine takes into account the entire person, when there is a correction in one area, it can help support and correct another area. Depending on which DC you choose, many incorporate other techniques and specialties such as acupuncture, craniosacral, nutrition and more.

Here are 4 ways chiropractic medicine can benefit children.

1) Chiropractic care is non-invasive.

By its very nature, chiropractic medicine is holistic and non-invasive. For children it can promote proper growth and development by helping remove or limit digestive challenges such as difficulty nursing, reflux, colic and constipation. Other issues for which pediatric chiropractic medicine is used include asthma, allergies, bed wetting, colds, chronic ear infections, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.

However, unlike for adults, for children – especially infants – it’s more a matter of mobilization that puts a much lower amplitude of pressure into an area, rather than a manipulation that’s associated with adult chiropractic treatments that introduce more pressure into the joint, and possibility of hearing a “popping” sound.

2) Chiropractic medicine recognizes the importance of nutrition.

When conferring with parents who are considering chiropractic treatment for their children, the analogy of a plant is helpful: feed it, water it, talk lovingly to it…and it grows! Because DCs receive extensive training in nutrition, they are uniquely qualified to serve as family primary care physicians and offer nutritional solutions. Poor nutrition and its impact are global concerns. The American Heart Association () states that roughly 1 in 3 American children and young adults are obese – triple that of the 1963 data.

The field of pediatric chiropractic medicine is engaged in the fight against childhood obesity. Proper nutrition is an incredible part of everyone’s health, but for children who are growing and changing at a fast pace, it’s especially important to make sure they receive the nutrients they need to grow and develop in the best way possible.Ěý

For some, there may be connections to specific foods that cause difficult behavioral issues. These foods may includeĚý. DCs can help parents and caregivers by testing for, and identifying the triggers of, many behaviors whose root cause may be nutrition that is uniquely improper or inadequate for a specific child.

3) Chiropractic philosophy emphasizes wellness.

Educating parents and families about the rewards of good nutrition and exercise are vital for the wellness care of individuals and communities. It’s important for families to follow the principles of eating whole foods, minimizing junk foods, limiting time on electronic devices, and getting out to play (exercise) on a regular basis. All of these strategies are crucial in helping to reduce childhood obesity that is causing a range of problems the health care community once did not see until adulthood: Diabetes Type 2, and high cholesterol and blood pressure chief among them. Carrying excess weight at a younger age and for a longer period of time also means the likelihood of an earlier death in adulthood.

Psychologically, it’s important to understand that during Ěýthese kids tend to have a negative body image, suffer low self-esteem, and become depressed, setting the stage for serious mental health issues later on.Ěý

4)ĚýChiropractic treatments areĚýsafe.

Overall, chiropractic care for children is a safe and very effective approach; and the nicest part of it is that the response is noticeable pretty quickly. Children will either have a positive response, or there won’t be any response at all: there is a minimal downside.

If you’re considering chiropractic care for your child, there are many resources to help you make an informed decision. In the state of Illinois, doctors of chiropractic are designated as primary care physicians, or you may contact the 911±¬ÁĎ University Whole Health CenterĚýin Lombard, Ill. If you are located outside the greater Chicago area, consult with your primary care physician.

For more information, visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association () to find a chiropractor, and for the latest in wellness and research articles on the topic.

The post 4 Ways Chiropractic Medicine Can Benefit Your Child’s Health and Wellness appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

Once thought to be a psychological disorder, it wasn’t until 1981 that a scientific study confirmed fibromyalgia is a real medical condition. However, stigmas surrounding the condition still exist. In hopes of raising awareness, Lady Gaga is featured in an upcoming Netflix documentary, “,” which explores her struggle with the chronic condition.

As the diagnosis of the condition has increased, the medical community seems to have become more accepting of the syndrome. However, there are still some physicians who do not believe fibromyalgia is a real condition.

In the Q&A below, Anna Jurik, DC, MS, RD, LDN, an attending clinician at the 911±¬ÁĎ Whole Health Center in Lombard, Illinois who specializes in women’s health, sheds light on four important questions about fibromyalgia.

What are some common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms include widespread, chronic pain that is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. The main issue is that some of these symptoms can overlap with other diagnostic differentials (other diagnoses). In the end, it becomes what’s known as a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning physicians have ruled everything else out.

Can it be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia? How does this contribute to existing stigmas?

Fibromyalgia is unique because there are no definitive lab tests or imaging that shows someone has this condition. There is no specific reason why someone may develop fibromyalgia either. These factors may be the reasons why there’s a stigma surrounding it. Because the disease is not well defined or understood, it has yet to be widely accepted by the medical community.

For some doctors who do recognize fibromyalgia such as those at, current treatment protocols involve combining conventional medicine treatments such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs with complementary and alternative medicine techniques.

What complementary and alternative (CAM) treatments are available for fibromyalgia?

At the Whole Health Center in Lombard, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and various therapies such as:

• Chiropractic adjustments. Regular adjustments can improve body function and the flow of nerve signals.
• Massage therapy. Various massage techniques can help increase blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
• Hydrotherapy. Constitutional treatments, which alternate hot and cold compresses, stimulate the body’s healing mechanism and can increase overall blood circulation.
• Acupuncture. Inserting tiny needles into certain points of the body can help the body release endorphins, which naturally relieve pain.

How does alternative medicine approach fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be treated with alternative medicine through individualized patient care plans and whole health healing. Because fibromyalgia can present differently in everyone, alternative medicine practitioners will identify an individual’s specific triggers, which can include different environmental factors such as diet, stress, or lack of exercise.

Whole health healing is also an effective form of treatment, particularly for those with chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia. Taking initiative by implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can help improve all aspects of well-being. For example, better overall health can reduce inflammation and may improve a variety of other conditions associated with the fibromyalgia such as fatigue and depression.

Unlike allopathic medicine, natural medicine comes with minimal side effects and provides many more treatment options. Most importantly, natural medicine allows patients to take control of their health and well-being in a way that allopathic medicine does not.

The Whole Health Center in Lombard, Illinois offers a variety of natural medicine treatments that can be combined integratively for better patient outcomes. For a full list of services visit the Whole Health Center website or call to make an appointment at (630) 629-9664.

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The post Dr. Anna Jurik Discusses Fibromyalgia and the Advantages Integrative Medicine Can Offer appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.