According to the September 2017 Consumer Reports cover story, Americans take more pills today than at any other time in history and more than any other country, confounding their health results and costing a lot of money. Many people are taking too many drugs prematurely that aren’t needed according to the article, frequently in response to online and television advertisements that sell sickness. The cover story suggests that patients give their drugs a check up. October 21 2017 is national ‘check your meds day’and is a good opportunity to answer the following questions: how many doctors prescribe your meds, do you also regularly take over the counter drugs or dietary supplements, do you take more than one drug to treat the same health problem, do you need a drug to control the side effects of another drug, have you been taking your medication for more than three months, and do you struggle to pay for your medications?

Apparently 35% of people taking prescription drugs say that a healthcare provider has never reviewed their medications to see if they can stop any. The article suggests that for the following 12 health problems, it is important to try lifestyle changes before drugs: ADHD, back and joint pain, dementia, mild depression, heartburn, insomnia, low testosterone, osteopenia, overactive bladder or, prediabetes, pre-hypertension, and obesity. Work with a non-drug practitioner such as a licensed chiropractor or acupuncturist to help you make lifestyle changes that will achieve results.

Yours in good health,
Acupractic* Natural Healing Center

Visiting my local gym Planet Fitness today, I was impressed with all the people exercising in all types of ways- biking, running, lifting weights and doing 30″ workout programs. It’s a very diverse crowd that attends this 24 hour low cost gym and all around are signs reminding people to not judge themselves or others. Televisions in the massage chair and sauna pod areas alternate between modern rock music videos and messages reminding people not be bullies as PF partners with Anti-bullying groups in the area.
The combination of fitness, massage and love in an accessible place hits all the right notes!

According to Fox News today, 80% of persons suffering from back pain can achieve lasting relief from chiropractic and acupuncture and massage; yoga and other exercises can be recommended if the person is familiar with doing yoga with similar potential benefit. What this means is that people do not have to reach for the pill bottle or go to their MD to get a prescription nor surgery as a first step to dealing with back pain- one of the major scourges of our society.

Back pain can come on slowly or suddenly. It can be caused by years of poor posture and or by a sudden twisting motion or an accident, or other issue. Regardless of the cause, pain in the back indicates that something has gone awry with the support structure for the body and the spine which protects the all-important nervous system. Back pain is a sign that demands attention to get better.

I’m not a natural doctor who hates medications and surgery- don’t get me wrong. I appreciate all that modern medicine has accomplished to keep our society healthy and we are better off for it in many cases- it has its place. However, I recognize that medications and surgery can have serious side effects that can lead to a downward spiral of health concerns and consequences. The opioid epidemic is one example of this concern. Additionally, I recognize that medications do not fix the cause of the back pain problem and, as such, cannot have a lasting effect. Surgery frequently opens up a new array of problems and, as such, should only be considered as a last resort.

I am a natural doctor who helps people achieve better health with less pain using non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches; and I’m glad that Fox News has highlighted a these options. Find a gentle chiropractor or acupuncturist who helps you understand the cause of the pain you experience. Work with this practitioner to develop a plan to heal.

There are many causes of back pain and it’s nice to know that there are successful treatments available out there.

Call your chiropractor and/or acupuncturist today if you have back pain to see what we can do for you. If you’re in the Durham/Chapel Hill area, call me.  (919) 929-1400

I’m listening to The Peoples’ Pharmacy right now on NPR as they interview Dr Andrew Weil about his new book ‘Mind Over Meds’. I’m struck by his thoughtful, science based evaluation of modern medicine’s prescription of drugs to treat common maladies. He points out that many people are given prescriptions for drugs to treat problems that could be treated effectively using safer, natural methods. If a health condition requires treatment, he suggests that people try  gentle approaches first- herbal tinctures, diet and exercise changes, meditation, etc. before resorting to harsher treatments. Realize that an OTC packaged treatment isn’t necessarily ‘safe’ just because it doesn’t require an MD’s prescription or come with legible warning labels. Also, realize that Direct to Consumer TV and magazine advertisements of medications may have created the idea that you may need a treatment for a ‘condition’ that is not real.

Have faith in your ability to make a science based evaluation of any health condition- do you actually have a problem that needs treatment? Can you make lifestyle changes first? What’s the lowest dose for any drug you could take? You can look for answers to these questions online or ask your healthcare professional.

My husband and I had lunch yesterday in the new restaurant Living Kitchen and were impressed with the big beautiful space. I had the Vietnamese Pho and Kale salad which was loaded with meaty mushrooms and veggies and pretty tasty. David had a veggie burger and beat salad.  I hope this restaurant can survive as it offers unique fare- largely vegan raw dishes. What we tried was good. Raw vegetable-based food is a healthier choice than many restaurants offer because nutrients aren’t lost in the boiling or heating process; it’s good to pair with a warm beverage to keep the earth channel happy.