My thanks to Mercy at Apex Pilates.

She found this article and posted it. I frequently have patients ask me foods they can eat to increase their bone density or reduce their risks. It isn’t very often that you hear the other side, which is foods that you should avoid. I especially found the Vitamin A section to be interesting. Vitamin A is often take over-the-counter by people who are looking for a more natural version of isotretinoin (Accutane).

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/benefits-of-healthy-eating/foods-that-reduce-bone-density.aspx. Read the article

So many people don’t realize when they need to get more sleep. Personally, I fall under the 5th item…I get very clumsy. =)

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sleep-disorders/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254292&gt1=31019

MedPay is an option on your auto insurance policy. If you are injured in a car accident (your fault, or a third party’s fault), MedPay will pay for all medical bills up to a set amount (usually $5000 or $10,000).

Why should you care? When a patient comes into my office, the first thing I want to do is help them feel better and recover from their accident. The LAST thing we want to worry about is the bills at the end of the case.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, the auto insurance companies have dug in their heels and refuse to adequately reimburse you for your medical expenses. This will often result in part of your bills not being covered and creates out-of-pocket expenses to you. Sadly, as a doctor, I can tell you it sometimes leaves patients frustrated and it can ruin our relationship. This is not a mistake…it is a well-executed plan by the insurance industry.

So the best answer is…an ounce of prevention. A MedPay option is inexpensive. $40-60 more per year is all it costs. And it saves both you and I a lot of headaches. You don’t have to worry about your bills, because they will be covered. And I don’t have to worry about collecting from you after your case has settled.

One last thing: If you call your auto insurance provider and ask to add MedPay coverage, make SURE it does NOT say “excess”. Get the regular MedPay and tell your agent you do not want excess coverage.

I’ve been trying to tell people about the tricks of the trade in food labeling. Here’s a great article to look over.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100247679&GT1=31057

Yes, although certain areas cannot be treated. The highest levels of the neck and the fingers/wrists are typically not adjusted. Also, any joint (knee, etc) that is in an “active” attack of RA will not be treated.

Spinal stenosis is a serious condition that can be treated through chiropractic care. Chiropractors will adapt treatment in ways that will provide symptomatic relief but will be completely safe with spinal stenosis.

Most patients have seen their posture improve as a result of chiropractic care.

Yes. There are specific techniques that are used with elderly patients that are more gentle and gradual in nature. This will, in turn, cause improvement to be slower, but if the doctor is recommending one of these techniques, he has a reason.

Historically this was not the case. However, now chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non-hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.

If you have them, please DO bring them, as they will help the doctor with his examination. If the doctor determines at the end of the examination that new films are necessary, he will advise you and discuss why he feels they are necessary.