Running

I must admit I really don't like running long distances. Running around Reeds Lake here in East Grand Rapids is pleasant enough. Now that the weather is cooling off, it has truly been ideal (when it's not raining).

Being a Chiropractor, I can't help but analyze gait patterns in my fellow runners (occupational hazard). It comes as no surprise to me that more 50% of all runners are injured at any given time. Low arches, high arches, and internal or external rotation of the foot, ankle and hip can transfer their poor biomechanics up the lower body chain to the pelvis and spine and create low back pain, sacroliac pain, sciatica, and even upper back and neck pain. This is not new information for the seasoned runner. Many physical therapists and shoe stores offer gait analysis, often for free. What often is lacking however, is a postural analysis.

Yes, posture is even more important when you are running. Who knows about good posture? I can tell you from experience that the average person is so far off, that they could not attain good posture if you asked them to. Standing up straight is not enough. How do you know if you are straight enough? How far does your head protrude out from over your shoulder? Are your shoulders aligned in front of or in back of your pelvis? How much is your pelvis tilted? Do you have too much curve, or maybe not enough curve in your low back? Most Chiropractors can give you this information with a simple postural analysis.

If you have had physical therapy and still have low back pain, or the back pain has been on and off for years, or you even have had spinal surgery and the pain has come back, a Chiropractor usually can help.

That's my two cents for today. Now it's off to see patients. Have a great day!

Anticancer tip #4 Tumeric

Anticancer Tip #4: Tumeric is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory food known to man today. It helps stimulate apoptosis (self destruction) in cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis (tumor growth). Recent studies suggest that it can also enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Assimilation into the human body is best when combines with black pepper. Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a generous pinch of black pepper into a little olive oil for an anticancer dressing for salad or basmati rice.
Research such as this is far too uncommon today. You can’t patent turmeric, so there is little financial incentive to perform scientific studies on it. Please consider pledging money for my first marathon run to raise funds and awareness for Anticancer.

AntiCancer Tip #3

Eat more omega 3 fatty acids. A lack of this essential nutrient has been associated with increased inflammatory reactions in the body. Recent studies suggest that cancer thrives and tumor growth is promoted under these conditions. Good sources of omega 3 fatty acids are salmon, flaxseed oil, and free range chicken eggs.

Studies such as these are few and far between. You can't patent flaxseed oil or salmon, so there is little financial incentive to research them. To help ensure studies such as these continue, please consider donating to the Anticancer Fund. Dr. Schafer is running his first marathon taking pledges to keep the research going.