How do people who want to maintain a fit lifestyle make sure they don’t blow their goals out the window at their favorite eatery?

This month the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior decided to find out. The study, which included 35 healthy women age 40 to 59 who ate an average of 5.6 times a week were assigned to attend six weekly sessions that focused on education and mindful eating meditations designed to help people consume less fat and fewer calories while eating out and prevent weight gain. The study included a group that did not take part in this experiment.

So, how did it turn out?

The women who were taught all about portion size and mindful eating when eating out ended up eating fewer calories and also consumed less fat in comparison to the control group. These women also lost weight, 3.7 pounds of average, according to the study.

This study proves the key to maintaining an even losing weight while eating out is knowing the facts about calories and portion control.

Luckily, a lot of restaurants are jumping on the education bandwagon by letting their patrons know how many calories they are consuming in the menus. When this information is not available, people need to make sure they take time out to learn the key principles highlighted in this study – eat being mindful of portion size and calories. Only then many will be able to unlock the secret to long-time success when it comes to weight loss.

Why should your corporation or small business have a health fair?
Why should your corporation or small business have a health fair? More than ever, corporations and small business owners recognize that healthy employees translate into healthy business. Providing a health fair for your employees is an excellent and no-cost benefit that can improve morale, improve productivity, and potentially decrease overall corporate medical expenses, including workman’s compensation claims.
What Makes Pro Care Health Solutions Unique?
Expertise, efficiency, affordability . . .
Corporate health fairs. It’s all we do.

Many progressive, concerned corporations have either run or sponsored health fairs in the past with only mediocre success. Usually, the human resource department has the daunting, sometimes Herculean challenge of planning, organizing and implementing an event that must not only be practical, but educational, entertaining and fun as well. Contacting, persuading and getting commitments from busy health care professionals can be time consuming and frustrating. Creative promotion of this one-of-a-kind event is another obstacle to overcome. Finally, event set-up, decorating, cleanup and dozens of little, last minute details are usually too much for the human resource department to effectively manage in addition to the important demands of their regular, daily responsibilities.

Pro Care Health Solutions handles all the details of scheduling, creating, promoting and running a spectacular, first-class event that is both exciting and informative. We take care of everything from start to finish. This frees up the valuable time of the human resource personal tremendously. Best of all, Pro Care Health Solutions provides this incredible service at absolutely no cost to the company.

When is the best time to schedule a health fair? Anytime is the right time to enhance wellness! Health fairs can be booked during the business week, or during the weekend. However, it’s best to avoid scheduling a health fair before a major holiday or during another corporate event. Most importantly, try to obtain management permission to allow at least half of your employees to attend, or schedule it for a weekend so that families can participate!

Pro Care Health Solutions also, offers a full “Health Risk Management Program” that includes; Bio Metric Screenings, Physical Fitness Screenings, Weight Loss Management Programs and Educational Lunch and Learns.

Please call today for further information or schedule an appointment. 1-888-991-2225

Sciatica
 

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves, the largest nerves of the body.  It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the back of either or both legs.  There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back.  These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves.  If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the disc between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves.  This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities become almost impossible.  

The symptoms of pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Sciatica is also called radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia. A misconception is that sciatica is a disorder – however, sciatica is really a symptom of a disorder.

Pro-Care Spine and Medical Centers works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function.  To see if we may be able to help you call (888) 991-2225 today for a complimentary consultation.

                             Pro Care Spine and Medical Centers
    1015 W. 39 ½ St                                                    9502 Huebner Rd. Ste 102           
   Austin, Texas 78756                                            San Antonio, Texas 78240
  512-371-7478                                                         210-881-0630
                                         www.procarespine.com

Symptoms:

• Throbbing Pulsating Pain
• Vertigo
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Loss of Appetite
• Vomiting
• Neck Pain
• Pain sometimes may be worse on the sides of the forehead; be only one side of the forehead; be severe or dull; and commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours.

Pro-Care Spine & Medical Center works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines. Call today for a complimentary consultation. www.procaremedcenter.com

Pro-Care Spine & Medical Center
Austin Center:
1015 W. 39 1/2 St
Austin, Texas 78756
512-371-7478

San Antonio Center:
9502 Huebner Rd. Ste 102
San Antonio, Texas 78240
210-881-0630

Since disc herniations and several other diseases of the spine are related to soft tissue injuries, MRIs are typically required to determine what the problem is and whether spinal decompression is an option. The MRI below shows a side view of the lower spine, or lumbar region.

The Proof is in the MRI!

Unfortunately, most patients do not have the medical necessity required to have a post-treatment MRI; however, there are a few exceptions. The following pre- and post-treatment MRIs were taken of a patient that went through the spinal decompression program at the Pro-Care Spine Center. This patient suffered from an L5-S1 extruded disc that measured 1 cm, which is considered extreme. Following the spinal decompression program, the MRI showed a mild bulging disc measuring approximately 1 mm.

This patient, like many other patients that follow our spinal decompression program, has been able to return to his normal daily activities. In fact, this particular patient was able to return to his baseball league and is reportedly hitting the ball better than he has for years.

1. Medication – Whether you take medication orally, by an injection or topically, (application directly to the skin) it all works the same way. Medication may temporarily ease pain and inflammation in the tissues surrounding the discs, but because discs don’t get an independent blood supply, medications will do nothing to heal the cause of your pain: the discs themselves and/or the forces which caused the injury in the first place.
   KNOW THIS: Medications for back pain (pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, and even “over the counter medications”) should be used ONLY on a temporary basis due to the extremely significant and well documented hazardous side effects to the liver, kidneys, intestines, etc. Please consult your medical doctor about ALL possible side effects BEFORE you consider taking medications for your pain. Your health is too important NOT to heavily weigh ALL of your options.
2. Massage – Massage is effective with muscle pain and dysfunction, and massage may ease your pain temporarily, however massage simply can do nothing to change the cause of the problem… the discs.
3. Acupuncture – Acupuncture has had some success helping several different types of pain, but offers no solution to the cause of your disc pain.
4. Physical Therapy – Physical therapy helps many different conditions very well. Physical therapy uses exercises, which are simply the contraction of muscles. Contracting muscles around a bulging or herniated disc can actually make the bulge or herniation worse by creating more pressure on the disc and pushing the weakened and injured disc material further out toward the nerves making the problem worse. Physical therapy alone is NOT recommended for disc injuries.
5. Chiropractic - Chiropractic is incredibly successful with a multitude of conditions, especially back pain. In fact, studies show chiropractic to be the most effective treatment for conditions of back pain… other than disc problems. Similar to physical therapy, manipulation to a bulging or herniated disc can make it worse! Possibly even rupturing the disc! Chiropractic is NOT recommended for disc injuries. However, once the disc is healed, it is highly recommended to see a chiropractor to ensure proper mobility within all discs to maintain proper disc and joint health.
6. Surgery – The two most common types of surgery for disc injury are a a) Discectomy and b) Spinal Fusion.
   1. Discectomy – What the surgeon will do is take a knife (scalpel) and cut away the part of the disc that is actually bulging or herniating out toward the nerves. In some cases this offers temporary relief as the physical pressure is now off the nerves. The problem with this is the part that is cut out is the outer rings- the strength of the discs! Nothing was done about the forces that caused the disc to wear excessively in the first place and now the disc bulges and/or herniates again, faster and easier because some or all of those annular rings are gone! Pain returns because the problems were NOT addressed properly.
   2. Spinal Fusion – This is done a number of ways. Sometimes plates are placed on the front or sides of the bones and large screws are drilled into the bone. Sometimes even larger screws are drilled into the bones (one on each side of each bone) and fastened to a plate from the back. Sometimes pieces of bone are taken from the hip and place in the area to try to get the bones to “grow together.” Finally, some combination of those are used. When this is done, NOTHING was done to help HEAL the REAL problem- the disc. Also, those forces that caused the injury to the disc now are transferred above AND below the fusion, causing excessive wear and tear on those discs. It’s not uncommon to hear “Looks as if the discs above and below have finally wore out as well. Looks like we will have to fuse those as well”…
7. It is clear to see why studies show that well over 50% (some say as much as 80%) of spinal surgeries are failures- leaving you with the SAME pain or WORSE pain afterwards! Surgery for disc injuries should ONLY be considered as a LAST RESORT, when ALL else has FAILED or when you have loss of bowel and/or bladder control. Surgery has NOT been shown successful for back disc injuries.
8. Spinal Decompression – Clinical studies show non-surgical, drugless, non-invasive spinal decompression to be very successful, even after failed surgeries! The BEST part about spinal decompression is that there are NO documented side effects! This is ONLY the treatment which actually HEALS the disc and targets the TRUE cause of YOUR DISC PAIN!

MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), like x-rays, take pictures of the structures and tissues within our bodies. X-rays are well suited to image the dense structures of the body like bones and cartilage; whereas, MRIs are much better suited to image the less dense tissues in our bodies, such as discs, muscles and nerves. Since disc herniations and several other diseases of the spine are related to soft tissue injuries, MRIs are typically required to determine what the problem is and whether spinal decompression is an option. The MRI below shows a side view of the lower spine, or lumbar region.

The Proof is in the MRI!

Unfortunately, most patients do not have the medical necessity required to have a post-treatment MRI; however, there are a few exceptions. The following pre- and post-treatment MRIs were taken of a patient that went through the spinal decompression program at the Pro-Care Spine Center. This patient suffered from an L5-S1 extruded disc that measured 1 cm, which is considered extreme. Following the spinal decompression program, the MRI showed a mild bulging disc measuring approximately 1 mm.

Pre-Spinal Decompression		Post-Spinal Decompression

This patient, like many other patients that follow our spinal decompression program, has been able to return to his normal daily activities. In fact, this particular patient was able to return to his baseball league and is reportedly hitting the ball better than he has for years.

Treatable Conditions – Including, but not limited to..

If you suffer from one of the following conditions, there is a very good chance that spinal decompression will be an effective treatment avenue.

• Herniated or Bulging Disc(s)
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Facet Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Post-surgical Patients
• Spinal Stenosis

However, there are several exclusion criteria, listed below, which restrict patients from undergoing spinal decompression treatments.

Exclusion Criteria – Including, but not limited to..

• Pregnancy – unless with ob/gyn permission
• Fusion of the affected joint
• Severe osteoporosis
• Severe spondylolisthesis
• Recent compression fracture of lumbar vertebra
• Pelvic or abdominal cancer
• Metastatic cancer

Without a full physical exam, complete medical history and images of the affected area, it is impossible to know, with certainty, whether a potential patient is a candidate for this treatment. Call to schedule your free consultation to determine whether you, in fact, are a candidate for this treatment.

Negative Influences – Including, but not limited to..

There are several influences that negatively affect your body’s ability to heal itself. Before committing to a spinal decompression program, patients should strongly consider removing or minimizing these influences.

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Narcotics or steroids
• Inadequate rest

Years of training and the experience of giving thousands of adjustments make chiropractic safe. How do you define safe? Even with clear warnings in the media and sun screening products, 6,000 people will die this year from skin cancer. Chiropractic care is much safer than getting a so-called “healthy” tan.

Many people take aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and other pain relief drugs. Besides covering up the symptoms and ignoring the underlying causes, 4,000 people will die this year from reactions to medically-prescribed drugs. Chiropractic care is much safer than drug therapy.

While commercial airplane mishaps get a lot of publicity, estimates suggest that fewer than 300 people will die this year from flying on commercial aircraft. Chiropractic is much safer than flying.

Chiropractic care is safer than many of the everyday things taken granted for as “safe”. Every year, about 100 people get struck by lightning. Chiropractic is safer than being caught in a thunderstorm. You are more likely to get hit by lightning than to have a negative reaction to a chiropractic adjustment.

In fact, of the millions of patients who will benefit from chiropractic care this year, only a handful will have a newsworthy experience.

Is chiropractic care safe? Yes! Especially when compared with other forms of treatment.

What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?

Today’s Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research.

What Is An Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?

The doctor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient’s care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Can I Adjust Myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of “crisis management” is usually more costly and time-consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Ask Your Chiropractic Doctor. Our office is committed to patient education. In numerous studies, patients who fully understand their condition and their doctor’s recommendations, get well faster. Find out ways you can speed your recovery and enhance the healing process. Join the millions who enjoy better health through safe and effective chiropractic care.

Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child’s spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.

Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?

More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.