For years, heart disease has been the number one cause of death in both men and women.  Early lifestyle changes including regulation of diet and exercise will help maintain a healthy heart. 

Four indicators you should always be aware of are:  cholesterol levels, triglycerides, c-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine.  Always ask you physician to check each of these levels, which can be easily obtained through blood tests.

Triglycerides are fats responsible for clotting and arterial blockage.  By thickening the blood, triglycerides will slow the flow of blood through arteries, thus causing hypoxia to the organs.  This lack of oxygen can cause breathing abnormalty, irregular heart rates and may eventually lead to strok.

Homocysteine levels increase when your body lacks vitamin B (most specifically Folic Acid, B-6 and B-12)  Vegetarians do not get regular vitamin B intake, and therefore should use supplements.

CRP measures inflammation in the blood.  Pineapple has bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory, and studies show that it helps to decrease the level of CRP. 

Cholesterol may clog the arteries, leading to condition called arteriosclerosis.  High LDL levels (which are easily measured in blood tests) can lead to heart attack or stroke.  It is important to understand that cholesterol is not only obtained from diet, but manufactured by the liver as well.

This Valentines Day, express your feelings from the heart…while literally giving to the heart.  Dr. Backs has three recipes that are healthy, full of anti-oxidants, contain no fats, and high in vitamins.  Pass these recipes on to family members and friends, and enjoy!

CUPID’S CASTLE

12 whole strawberries

2 bananas

1 cup of Post Grape Nuts

Whip Cream

In a bowl, mash both bananas until pureed.  Blend 12 strawberries in blender.  Put half of pureed bananas on a plate, and coat with ½ cup of grape nuts.  Pour half of the strawberry puree and drizzle the mixture to form a heart.  Fill the center with whip cream.  Makes 2 servings. 

COLD HEARTED

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen peaches

1 fresh banana

1 cup orange juice

1 cup frozen rasberries

Mix all the above ingredients in a blender (except for the raspberries).  Pour blended ingredients into a heart-shaped molding.   (if you don’t have heart shaped moldings, you may improvise)  Put in freezer for about 4 hours, or until frozen.  Take out of molding carefully and place on a small plate.  Puree the raspberries and drizzle over the heart.  Make 2 servings.

CHOCOLATE BOMBS

1 cup of dark chocolate

5 large fresh whole strawberries

Melt chocolate over a stove stirring constantly or it will burn.  When completely melted, dip strawberries into chocolate (up to stem) and place on wax paper.  Place in refrigerator and serve in 1 hour.

Welcome to another episode of Dr. Backs!  Sports injuries are very common, and today, we are here to talk to you about the ways to avoid injuries when playing sports.

Athletes tend to under estimate their muscular system.  It is very important to stretch before and after any sporting event; whether playing competitively or not, stretching is a key element that should be incorporated into all sports.

First, stretch those hamstring and quadriceps.  These are muscle groups located in the back and front of the upper leg, respectively.  Second, stretch the internal and external hip rotators.  Stretch the achilles tendon and plantar flexors.

Second, stretch the lower back with hyperextension and flexion exercises.  This exercise can be done on your own or if you choose, with a partner for stabilization.

Perform some abdominal crunches and sit-ups to help prevent stomach cramps.  Remember that a strong abdomen is necessary to prevent lower back injuries.

Last, stretch your upper back and arms by reaching for the sky either with a broom over your head or if you feel comfortable enough, with some light weights.

Seek Chiropractic Manipulation before and after any sporting event.  Adjustments will assure spinal alignment and proper functioning of muscles.  It will allow the normal positioning of joints and correct any subluxations.

After or before a long day of competition, look for a good massage to soothe sore muscles.  Try a deep therapeutic or sweedish massage to help lymphatic flow and to reduce muscular inflammation.

Remember to use ice if you believe you have injured a muscle or joint, switching to heat 48 hours post-injury.  Dr. Backs also recommends you get checked out right away to avoid any permanency.

Again, we urge you to read our blog every week, follow us on twitter and visit us on facebook.  Over the next few weeks, episodes of Dr. Backs will include detoxification, special guest speakers and live patient interviews.  Get excited people…we are here to deliver to you the best in healthcare!

Dr. Backs recommends that you keep it simple. Make resolutions that all lead to one simple goal for the year ahead — “living a healthy lifestyle”. Though healthy living, you will discover new opportunities to achieve many of the things you want in life. And with that in mind, I offer the following five resolutions designed to enhance your life and health this year.
Check out your health. Start the year off with an annual physical, no matter how healthy you think you are. It’s a great time to talk with your medical professional about fitness goals, medications you may be taking, steps you can take to minimize seasonal illness, and also conduct annual screenings for a variety of issues based upon your age, sex, and family history.

Stretch daily. Before you venture out for the day, take time to warm up your muscles. Starting the day by stretching can help prevent injuries and increase performance. Begin with gradual mobility exercises for all the joints: rotate your wrists, bend your arms and roll your shoulders. This will allow the body’s natural lubrication (synovial fluid) to protect the surface of your bones at these joints. Then move into your stretching exercises. Remember to hold the stretch until you feel the muscle loosen off, then repeat for a further 15 seconds. You may feel some slight discomfort when stretching, but always stop your stretch immediately if you feel any severe pain.

Keep moving. In mid-winter, many of us tend to be less active. This can lead to a variety of problems as the year progresses, ranging from increased stress to weight gain. But you don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. Adding more movement to your day, even in small ways, can help you stay healthy. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a couple of blocks away from your destination and walk the extra distance. When it’s too cold to venture out, do some calisthenics, or even just dance to a favorite song at home. But before starting any new fitness routine, especially if you have not exercised in a while, discuss it with your doctor while getting that physical.

Get a good night’s sleep. A restful night’s sleep is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you give sleep time the same priority you give to other activities during the day. Proper diet is important for ensuring healthy sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol in the evening. Stay away from heavy carbohydrates at dinnertime, choosing instead a lighter meal consisting of proteins and fruits.

Finally, read my blog each week. Okay, so it may be a shameful plug, but Dr. Backs wants to guide you through the New Year with tips to help you stay healthy and enjoy life. Check back each week as we explore a variety of health and wellness topics that can help you make the most of the year ahead.

And remember, no matter what goals you set for the year ahead, always reward yourself as you make progress. That way, you have something to look forward to each step of the way. Here’s to a great new year for us all!