Good News: The Chiropractic Approach to Better Health Is Safe & Natural

No drugs. No surgery.

Instead, we will locate & adjust areas of your spine that interfere with the workings of your nervous system. As your nervous system is able to control your body correctly, health can return.

True health is how well your body works, not how you feel.

Bad News: It will be tempting to stop your care when you feel better.

This will predispose you to a relapse because supporting muscles and ligaments won’t be fully healed. That happens gradually, with continued care, after symptoms go away.

But your policy won’t cover the necessary care.

What will you do?

Good News: With your spine more stable, we can usually reduce the frequency of your visits.

About the time your benefits are used up, fewer visits will be needed. this can make the investment to strengthen your spine economical. That’s great, since you’ll be responsible for the remaining cost of your care.

Bad News: Your carrier designed your policy for catastrophic health problems.

The ideas of paying for chiropractic care when you’re feeling better is a new idea to them. Maybe it is to you, too.

So, if you use your limited coverage as a guide for how much care you receive, we understand. But remember, your problem is likely to come back.

When it does we invite you to return. Your records will already be here, along with our genuine concern for you and your health.

Really Good News:

We base our recommendations on a deep desire to see you get well and stay well. This may be at odds with the limitations of your policy. Or the popular, but incorrect notion that health care is merely about reducing symptoms.

Regardless of your coverage, we’ll suggest the Chiropractic care you need. It’s up to you to decide how much of it you want.

New Patient Special

 $110.00                              

Assessing Exam & X-ray, Plus Adjustment & Laser With Therapeutic Ice & Soothing Massage          

(A $310.00 VALUE!)                                      

Could Laser Therapy & Chiropractic Care Help You? Schedule Your Appointment Today! 

“I fractured both my wrists while snowboarding. After I had eight laser treatments I got my braces off three weeks earlier then scheduled. I have also had laser on my ankles, toes, back, and neck. I drag race and laser helps put me back together.”

-Denver Maltba

“I had recurring tendonitis in my arm that eventually would not go away. With care at Cruz Life Center, the pain in my forearm gradually diminished and eventually left.”

-Pat Young

“The bicep tendon in my arm was so inflamed I could barely move it from texting too much. Cheerleading tryouts were coming up and I knew I couldn’t compete if something didn’t happen fast. I had only two laser treatments and was amazed at the results! The pain was gone and I was able to move my arm with ease and I made the cheerleading squad! I would recommend laser therapy to anyone, especially an athlete.”

-Whitney Ledford

“We came into Cruz Chiropractic because my husband had a torn meniscus in his knee. I saw the care, love, and compassion flowing from all five people working at the office. I wanted help for my lateral whiplash which gave me reoccurring pain. I decided to start care.

-Allison Melinn

“I hurt my shoulder while playing football and came to see Dr. Cruz after hearing my friends talk about how much laser therapy had helped them. I had 11 treatments during a two week period and was ready to play again.”

-Andrew Thomas

“I came into the office with a pulled ankle and torn bicep. I decided to try laser to avoid an operation. I had 12 treatments on my ankle and 27 treatments on my arm. After laser, my ankle is healed and my arm is mobile. I have no more pain.”

-Janet Holt

On June 17^th 2010, I was working on my truck at a friend’s house in P.A. As I reached up to pull myself out from under it, I heard a pop in my right shoulder. When I looked down at my arm I saw that my bicep was balled up at my elbow. A trip to the emergency room confirmed the obvious. I had detached the right bicep at the shoulder.

Upon returning to N.C., I saw Dr. Cruz to determine a treatment course for healing the arm after the required surgery. On July 6^th 2010, I had surgery to reattach the long head of my biceps. On July 12^th 2010, after the bandages from the surgery were removed, I received my first laser treatment. My pain at the surgery site was 75%. On July 14^th 2010, I received my second laser treatment and all pain from the surgery was gone.

AS a Reiki Master teacher I was able to perform treatments to myself to aid the treatments I received at Cruz Life Center. I also applied coconut oil to the incisions to keep the skin soft and to help decrease the external scaring and the chance of infection.

Having already had health coaching with Lesia (I lost 25 pounds), we were able to adjust my supplements to better deal with the stress and healing my body would be under going. I began taking supplements to help with the healing of the scar tissue. All through the treatment process Lesia and Dr. Cruz were consulted to optimize the healing and recovery process. After Dr. Cruz determined that the tendon had sufficiently healed he began direct treatment of the injured shoulder. I had been receiving adjustments through out my recovery at the level Dr. Cruz felt appropriate for my degree of healing at that time.

My healing has been more rapid and complete than the surgeon anticipated. X-rays showed the anchor hole drilled in my humorous was 50% filled in within 4 weeks of starting the laser treatments. I have exceeded his expectations at all phases of my healing and recovery.

-Charlie Gager

Reiki Master Teacher

Whether you are running a 5K race or hiking in the great outdoors, it’s your feet that take you there. Doesn’t it make sense to give your feet the support that they need to enhance your performance and efficiency?

 InMotion Stabilizing Orthotics:

• Contains Celliant, which stimulates blood flow and increases tissue oxygen up to 10.2% in active patients.
• Individually designed

  Features: 

• InMotion provides excellent shock absorption, extra propulsion and more stability in the arches for individuals on the go.
•  Includes dri-release® technology to evaporate sweat quickly.
• Infused silver ions help capture and kill noxious odors.
• Dynamic Response System™ Extreme (DRS-Extreme) gives you more comfort, more protection and more performance.
• Enhances your body’s performance and efficiency
• Reduces pain
• Reduces fatigue
• Contributes to your total body wellness
• Helps you live your life in balance

Could InMotion Orthodics improve  your race? Consider scheduling a FREE consultation at Cruz Life Center for a detailed foot exam ($50.00 value).  InMotion Orthotics can improve your overall performance and assist you in reaching your goals!

Call us for an appointment today!

828-682-6157 | 800-772-7955

390 East Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714

Does Winter Give You the Blues?

Did you know that you can fight it naturally without the negative side effects of prescription antidepressants?

St. John’s Wort is a natural herb used for centuries to combat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Studies  of St. John’s Wort showed relief of anxiety, tension, and it’s ability to act as a natural antidepressant.

Don’t suffer through the winter! Combat your depression and anxiety with a natural, proven remedy.

Information Cited:

 http://www.womantowoman.com/depressionanxietyandmood/listantidepressants.aspx

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/st-johns-wort-herbal-remedies.htm

“I could not stand without my feet hurting. One Sunday morning I was unable to stand on my feet during worship. I had to sit through the worship service. On Monday morning I called Dr. Cruz.I started Laser Treatments on that Monday and I had four laser treatments that week. The following Sunday I worked with the sound team and was on my feet four hours before sitting down. I only had slight discomfort at the end of four hours of standing.

Before the laser treatments the only thing I could do was stay off my feet to avoid the pain. Now, I am able to stand on my feet without pain and able to resume activities that were becoming a problem.”

- Randy Buchanan

Swannanoa, NC

“Laser Therapy has helped me heal quickly from a knee injury & broken rib. Laser really helped me with the pain.

-Margaret York

Burnsville, NC

“I came into the office for knee pain. I had been to a medical doctor and was told I would have to have knee replacement surgery. I wanted to explore all other possibilities before deciding to have surgery.

After just the first 13 treatments, I felt much better. I am continuing to take treatments, and I feel that I improve after each session. The laser helped alleviate pain and stiffness. I had almost no flexibility, but now I have 70% more range of motion, allowing me to walk much better.”

I now believe that I will not need knee replacement surgery, and I feel that I will be able to do many things I was afraid I would never do again. I highly recommend laser treatments to all.”

-John

Spruce Pine, NC

“Laser Therapy has helped me heal quickly from a knee injury & broken rib. Laser really helped me with the pain.Laser Treatments definitely work! I will be ready to play golf again. Healing yourself noninvasively is so much better then surgery!

Laser is good for many things. Just try it!”

-Margaret York

Burnsville, NC

“I had swollen lymph glands, stiffness in my neck, and difficulty breathing at night.

-Ray Gouge

Spruce Pine, NC

- Charles Randolph

-Betty Sue McFarland

-Wanda Hunter

Marion, NC

-Angela Robinson

“I was having severe headaches on a daily basis along with muscle spasms. They were so severe that I was unable to do anything for several days. The spasms were on a weekly basis. I came to Dr. Cruz and the x-rays showed that my neck had a reverse curve. With a combination of Chiropractic and 13 Laser Treatments, my headaches permanently went away and I have had no more muscle spasms. I am now able to work without pain.”

-Terry Hensley

“I came to Cruz Life Center to get some relief from bronchitis, a sore throat, and sinuses. I could not do my normal day-to day tasks and certainly could not sing with a normal voice. Before I started treatment at Cruz Life Center, I took antibiotics and a lot of Vitamin C. The Laser is what made the difference in my recovery. I recovered quickly and I could tell a huge difference after my first visit!”

-Barbara Brummit

Scar tissue Release

Our Percussor Instrument delivers variable controlled pulses to break up scar tissue and release tight muscles. The variable pulses can treat anyone from a small child to a senior citizen. Scar tissue release will also stimulate lymph drainage to improve immune system.

“After traveling all the way to Charlotte, I was very excited to find that I coud get laser therapy so cose to home with such fantastic results. After only a few treatments, I could tell a huge difference in teh reduction of my scar tissue.”

-Van McClintick

“I got laser on my face because I had some sunburn scars from the previous summer. Nothing helped them go away but the Laser Treatments. The scarring is gone and I feel much better about myself.”

-Regan Reeves

“I came to Cruz Life Center to get some relief from bronchitis, a sore throat, and sinuses. I could not do my normal day-to day tasks and certainly could not sing with a normal voice. Before I started treatment at Cruz Life Center, I took antibiotics and a lot of Vitamin C. The Laser is what made the difference in my recovery. I recovered quickly and I could tell a huge difference after my first visit!”

-Barbara Brummit

-Tony Gunter

“I was in an auto accident in May of 2010. I ended up walking with a walker and could not get out of a chair without someone helping me. I spent a lot of time crying and not knowing what to do to help my pain. I came to Cruz Life Center with terrible pain in my lower back, not sure what to expect. I was immediately impressed with how everything was explained to me and the overall environment of the office. After 13 laser treatments and adjustments my muscle spasms were gone and the pain had greatly decreased. I no longer need a walker to get around and I am able to get up from a chair by myself. I would recommend Cruz Life Center to everyone.” 

“I was having severe headaches on a daily basis along with muscle spasms. They were so severe that I was unable to do anything for several days. The spasms were on a weekly basis. I came to Dr. Cruz and the x-rays showed that my neck had a reverse curve. With a combination of Chiropractic and 13 Laser Treatments, my headaches permanently went away and I have had no more muscle spasms. I am now able to work without pain.

-Terry Hensley

“I had a sluggish liver and my medical doctor was wanting to do an ultrasound and procedure. I decided to try laser therapy then redo blood work. After 13 laser treatment and 3 months of health coaching, liver numbers came down 16 points well into the normal range. . .for the first time in 7 years. Triglycerides came down 29 points, good cholesterol went up 6 points.”  

“My health was very bad and I needed to improve it. Then I was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. I started laser treatments after learning that my liver was very flamed and greatly affected from the medication. My liver was very swollen and hard. The laser greatly reduced the swelling and detoxed it so that my last liver test showed my liver had returned to normal.

I have had a total of 15 treatments and will have several more to ensure good jhealth. Trusting in the alternative method from conventional medical methods may be a challenge but it pays off in the long run.”

-December Harris

-Bart Deyton

“I suffered from chronic back and neck pain. I could barely move the left side of my neck and lower back when I came in for the first Laser Treatment. I could not believe the difference after just one treatment. I could continued with three laser treatments and three adjustments per week, and with each visit I just kept getting better. Not only has the laser and adjustments helped me with my pain, but I have so much more energy and feel better about myself. I am enjoying being active and basically pain free. One of the greatest assets at Cruz Life Center is becoming part of a huge family. From the first time you walk in the door you are greeted with love and compassion.

-Betty Barrier

Bakersville, NC

“I had terrible hip pain that made it hard to walk. I could hear and feel the bones grind together because of lack of cartilage there. My medical doctor told me I would need hip replacement surgery

To avoid getting hip replacement on both hips, I started laser therapy. I have had no bone-on-bone pain for the past year.

I am walking normally now with no pain. I have been getting weekly laser treatments for 2 years. I recently had x-rays taken of the hips and the gaps in my hip sockets have increased- thus cartilage is growing back. After seeing the recent x-rays, Dr. Cruz said I didn’t need hip replacement surgery anymore.”

-Tony Sierk

Does Winter Give You the Blues?

Did you know that you can fight it naturally without the negative side effects of prescription antidepressants?

  St. John’s Wort is a natural herb used for centuries to combat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Studies  of St. John’s Wort showed relief of anxiety, tension, and it’s ability to act as a natural antidepressant.

Don’t suffer through the winter! Combat your depression and anxiety with a natural, proven remedy.Information Cited:

 http://www.womantowoman.com/depressionanxietyandmood/listantidepressants.aspx

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/st-johns-wort-herbal-remedies.htm

When Donnie first came into our clinic after undergoing back surgery, all he could do was sit in a chair and take pain medications all day long. Is this a common occurance?

A recent study conducted throughout the U.S. and the U.K. by David Armstrong and Peter Waldman evaluated the results of spinal fusion.

80 patients who had back surgery:

• 27 needed a 2nd surgery within the first year
• 40% of the patients developed complications
• A large percentage became addicted to Oxycontin, Hydrocodone & Perocet
• Some cases resulted in expenses totaling over $500,000

Complications of Spinal Fusion Include:

• Severe Infection
• Surgery Fails to Alleviate Symptoms
• Surrounding Vertebrae/Discs Develop Problems
• Metal Implants, or Hardware, Break
• Bone Grafts Are Rejected
• Excessive Scar Tissue Forms
• A Patient Has Unusual Internal Bleeding or Blood Clots
• Nerve Damage

Message From Dr. Cruz:

Donnie underwent back surgery believing that it would minimize his pain and back problems. A rod and eighteen screws later, Donnie’s life was reduced to trying to survive harsh pain. Through Chiropractic care and Laser Therapy, Donnie was able to walk, travel, and enjoy his life once more.  However, many of his post-surgery complications could have been avoided if only he had been aware of all his options.

This is a common problem and the reason many patients have to go back for 2 or more surgeries simply because the symptoms keep returning.  If you or someone you know has had this experience, I want you to know there is hope.  Over the last five years we have been using a revolutionary therapy called Low Level Laser.  Doctors have found that a very specific frequency of light will stimulate our tissue cells to function better and heal, much like the rays of the sun stimulate photosynthesis in plant cells.  The key is getting the light deep into our bodies so it can stimulate healing.  It will reduce or even eliminate inflammation, increase blood circulation and actually stimulates a rapid healing of the cells.  It is completely non invasive and safe.

Laser Therapy Gave Me My Life Back!

Before I came into the office, I could only stand for about a minute or two, and I could only walk for very short distances.   Now, after only a short period of chiropractic care, along with 6 laser treatments, I have tremendously improved! I can stand much longer, and I can walk long distances. In addition, I don’t have to take pain medications anymore.                                                                                         -Donnie Traynham

Question:

What can we do to beat the winter blues or SAD (Season Affective Disorder)?

Answer:

Increasing our vitamin D levels is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues!

Question:

Why is Vitamin D so important?

Answer:

According to a study by the Mayo clinic, 93% of school age children and adults were deficient in Vitamin D in 2007. Studies have shown that Vitamin D has a direct affect on our moods. Plus, another benefit of Vitamin D is it boosts our immune system.

Question:

What else can we do to beat the winter blues?

Answer:

Eat more fish!

Cold water fish has two vitamins to help with winter blues-Vitamin D & Omegas. The best type to eat is salmon and sardines. The omegas in the fish are considered brain food and have been shown to help with depression and SAD.

Question:

What exactly is sad?

Answer:

It is Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Question:

What are some of the symptoms?

Answer:

1. Depression
2. Over sleeping yet waking up not refreshed
3. Joint pain
4. Over eating, especially carbs

When you can’t get enough Vitamin D3 through foods and sunshine, you can take a Vitamin D3 supplement and beat the winter blues!

Come by our office to invest in this preventive supplement to ensure that you have a healthy & happy winter!

828-682-6157 | 800-772-7955

390 East Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714

Whether you are running a 5K race or hiking in the great outdoors, it’s your feet that take you there. Doesn’t it make sense to give your feet the support that they need to enhance your performance and efficiency?

 InMotion Stabilizing Orthotics:

• Contains Celliant, which stimulates blood flow and increases tissue oxygen up to 10.2% in active patients.
• Individually designed

 Features: 

• InMotion provides excellent shock absorption, extra propulsion and more stability in the arches for individuals on the go.
•  Includes dri-release® technology to evaporate sweat quickly.
• Infused silver ions help capture and kill noxious odors.
• Dynamic Response System™ Extreme (DRS-Extreme) gives you more comfort, more protection and more performance.
• Enhances your body’s performance and efficiency
• Reduces pain
• Reduces fatigue
• Contributes to your total body wellness
• Helps you live your life in balance

Could InMotion Orthodics improve  your race? Consider scheduling a FREE consultation at Cruz Life Center for a detailed foot exam ($50.00 value).  InMotion Orthotics can improve your overall performance and assist you in reaching your goals!

Call us for an appointment today!

828-682-6157 | 800-772-7955

390 East Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714

1) Use the link to download and print the appeal to send to Congress.

 2) Sign the document and add your address.

3) Please mail the completed document to the given address.

 Laser Therapy uses red and infrared light for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing and decrease inflammation. When the light source is placed against the skin, the photons penetrate several centimeters and get absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy producing part of a cell. This energy fuels many positive physiological responses resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function.

 Unlike many physical therapy treatments that mask pain or only address the symptoms of disease, Laser Therapy treats the underlying condition or pathology to promote healing. This means that the treatments are effective and the benefits of laser Therapy are long lasting.

 When comparing lasers, the Bioflex laser has 180 diodes per pad compared to 1 to 6 diodes found in other lasers. Bioflex is more effective with chronic conditions because of the larger area being treated.

Cruz Life Center offers the most advanced and updated equipment, which is often not the case with private in home laser systems. In home Laser Therapists can only offer lasers with low diodes, and cannot properly asses the trouble area through the use of x-rays and a certified doctor. At Cruz Life Center, you have the advantage of optional x-rays, a doctor on site, and only the best equipment to aide you in your speedy recovery.

Delicious Blackberry Pancakes topped with real butter and real maple syrup

Mix together:

1 cup of buckwheat pancake mix

1 ¼  cup of blackberries

2 scoops of Chiropractors Blend vanilla protein powder

3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed

2 cups of coconut milk or your favorite nondairy milk

Stir and let sit for 5 minutes

Cook pancakes on hot gridle (you will have to cook them for longer than normal pancakes so try one and make sure it is cooked all the way through)

Top with real butter and real maple syrup…mmm delcious… It’s hard to resist these healthy protein pancakes you can feel good about eating

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fat Flush

Q.  How does the Fat Flush Work?

A.  It cleanses your liver, kidneys, and intestines, flushing out toxins and resetting your metabolism.

Q.  I have failed on so many programs, how is this one different?

A. You will get the support you need to succeed.  You will have energy and feel good while on the program.

Q. Will I feel hungry on this program?

A. No.  You will have many meals and snacks a day.  For some people, they actually eat MORE on the program and lose weight.

Q. What if I don’t want to lose 20 pounds?

A. This is a program that cleanses your system.  You can just do the detox part and  not focus on losing weight.

Q.   If I am a vegetarian can I do the program?

A. Yes, we will customize the menu for you.

• 1 oz. Organic, unsweetened Cranberry juice (Mountain Wood or Lakeland brand)
• 4- drops of Stevia (recommended choices: Clear,Berry, Lemon, or Cinnamon)
• 1 cup water
• 1 heaping Tablespoon of psyllium husks or ground flax seed

Mix and drink quickly

Benefits:
Good for kidneys, intestines/ digestion. A great cleansing Detox for your system.

•Chiropractic aligns your body – so you can be your Best
•Low Intensity Laser Therapy is non-invasive, non-toxic, easily applied, highly effective, with 95% cure rate
•Coaching for Health & Life is necessary to reach your goals
•Proper supplementation is essential for good health
•The impossible can always be possible with God – The Great Physician
•Exercise is necessary for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional & mental state
•Restful Sleep is required for the body to heal
•Regular detoxification of the body eliminates the buildup of poisons which will damage our health & vitality
•Buying organic food, along with all the above, is health insurance for healthy living

Does high cholesterol really cause heart disease?  This is the question that many people are asking. You might be surprised by the answer. 

This excerpt was taken from an interview between Dr. Mercola and Uffe Ravnskov, MD, phD. 

            Q: When did you begin to suspect that the cholesterol theory of atherosclerosis might be wrong?  What led you to this conclusion?  Before then, had you believed the cholesterol theory?  Was this part of your training? 

            A: I never thought that it was true.  I heard about it for the first time in 1962 shortly after getting my MD.  My biochemical knowledge was still intact at that time and I knew that cholesterol was one of the most important molecules in your body, indispensable for the building of your cells and for producing stress and sex hormones, as well as vitamin D. 

            The idea that cholesterol in the blood should kill us if its concentration is a little higher than normal, as they wrote in the Framingham paper, seemed to me just as silly as to claim that yellow fingers cause lung cancer.

            Q: If the cholesterol hypothesis is error, does this mean that all of its therapies- low cholesterol diet, cholesterol lowering natural therapies, and medications- are wrong?

            A: Absolutely! This type of treatment is meaningless, costly, and has transformed many healthy people into patients.

  I receive hundreds of emails a year from patients, who have regained their health after having stopped their cholesterol-lowering treatment.

            Q: Specifically, what are your views on statins?

            A: Their benefit is trivial, and has been seen only in male patients who already have heart disease.  Worse is their many adverse effects are ignored or cleverly belittled by the trial directors.  Independent researchers have found many more adverse effects and in much higher numbers.  If they are true, it means that today, millions of previously healthy people probably consider their weak and painful muscles, their bad memory, their sexual failure, and their cancer to be a consequence of increasing age, and so do their doctors.  The risk of cancer is most alarming.  Both animal experiments, epidemiological studies, and several of the statin trails have shown that low cholesterol predisposes to cancer. 

            This widespread use of statin treatment probably explains why the decrease of the smoking habit that has been going on in many countries hasn’t been followed by a decrease of cancer mortality.  We should have seen a decrease because smoking predispose not only bronchial cancer, but to all kinds of cancer.

            Q: Drug companies market vigorously the highest, strongest doses of statins.  Lipitor is pushed at the highest dosage, 80 mg.  This dosage is the most powerful for lowering cholesterol and LDL, but it also causes more adverse effects and costs more than lower doses.  What are your thoughts about this?

            A: The outcome of these trials is a further demonstration that the small benefit from statin treatment has nothing to do with cholesterol.  For instance, although cholesterol plummeted and remained about 50 percent below the initial value during the whole SEAS trial, it did not change morality, but it increased the number of cancer with statistical significance. 

            Q: If statins can be helpful in reducing the incidence of heart attacks, who should take them?

            A: In my view, nobody. 

            Q: From the data I have seen, statins have not produced a reduction in overall cardiac deaths.  Do you have any ides of why this is?

            A: As you know, the statins block not only the synthesis of cholesterol, but also of other vital molecules, for instance coenzyme Q10, and muscle cells, including those of the heart, cannot function properly without Q10.

            Q: Do you think that mainstream medicine will ever relinquish its view that elevated cholesterol causes heart disease, and that statins are the magic bullet?

A: I hope so.  The failures of the most recent statin trials have been commented on by several journalists in the major U.S. newspapers.  In Sweden, a revolution is going on.  Here, a general practitioner treated her own obesity successfully by eating a low carbohydrate diet with a high concentrate of animal fat.  When she advised her obese and diabetic patients to do the same, she was reported to the National Board of Health and Welfare for malpractice.  After a two-year-long investigation, she was acquitted, as her treatment was considered to be in accord with scientific evidence.  The subject has gained general attention due to a number of radio and television shows, where critical experts, including myself, have discussed the issue with the representatives of the official view. 

Most important, thousands of patients have experienced themselves that by doing the opposite as recommended by the current guideline, they have regained their health!

            Q: Are there any other risk factors that should be followed? Such as: C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, lipoprotein A…  Any other factors?

            A: Such analyses may be helpful for doctors to put the right diagnosis in patients with a disease of an unknown origin.  But to check healthy people’s blood to find deviations from normal is the freeway to unnecessary medication.

            Q: Are there any other alternative therapies besides statins that people might consider?

            A: There is no reason for healthy people to take drugs, or anything else, to prevent heart disease, as long as we do not know the very cause.

Reprinted by permission

Visit Mercola.com to read the entire article or more great articles about health.

Dirty Dozen Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a nonprofit organization that advocates in Washington D.C., for policies that protect global and individual health. Among the many valuable services they provide is a Shoppers’ Guide to Pesticides in Produce. It is based on the results of nearly 43,000 pesticide tests performed on produce and collected by federal agencies between 2000 and 2004. Nearly all of the data used took into account how people typically wash and prepare produce – for example, apples were washed and bananas peeled before testing.

Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions – or to grow organically yourself:

•Peaches
•Apples
•Sweet bell peppers
•Celery
•Nectarines
•Strawberries
•Cherries
•Lettuce
•Grapes (imported)
•Pears
•Spinach
•Potatoes
Why should you care about pesticides? The EWG points out that there is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood.

THE CLEAN LIST
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following twelve foods do not have to be organic. These had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination:

•Broccoli
•Eggplant
•Cabbage
•Banana
•Kiwi
•Asparagus
•Sweet peas (frozen)
•Mango
•Pineapple
•Sweet corn (frozen)
•Avocado
•Onion

The Masters golf tournament symbolizes the beginning of golf season so now is the perfect time to get fit with a competitive advantage. You take your game seriously, and to you, each stroke matters. You’ll do anything to improve your game – whether through better equipment, instructional DVDs, or lessons from pros.

ParFlex Plus® Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers were proven in JMPT published studies to increase the club head speed of experienced golfers by 3-5 mph, which equals 9-15 yards of increased distance! The Stabilizers improved proprioceptive balance and helped increase pelvic rotation. They also had a positive influence on stride length, components of gait, symmetry of gait movements and the reduction of fatigue. This combination can help our golfers generate more acceleration in the downswing, thus increasing club head speed creating greater ball flight.

Want a “performance edge” in your golf game? Get fitted for your custom pair of ParFlex Plus® Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers today.

Gout – A new treatment for an old problem  

Testimony From Our Patient

    Karen Gilliam

Recently, I had a terrible case of gout in my big toe.   The most recent attack of gout is presently being treated, but the pain is very much less since this last laser therapy session yesterday.  I think the cold laser therapy is wonderful, and a great invention!  My husband has had severe attacks of gout in the past, and I told him that the next time he has an attack, to forget the very powerful pain medication the doctor prescribed to him, and drive over to Burnsville and try the cold laser.   I thank God for helping me to find a natural alternative to treat pain!  All of the staff at Cruz are wonderful too.  It gives my spirit a lift just to go there once a week. 

Gout

Gout (also referred to as gouty arthritis) is a debilitating form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and tendons. It is an intensely painful disease that results from an increased uric acid concentration in the bloodstream. The most frequent location of symptoms is the 1st toe (75% of initial attacks), although it can also affect many other joints such as the ankle, knee, digits and spine.

In medieval times the disease was thought to be the result of a decadent lifestyle, as purine rich foods were only available in quantity to the wealthy. The stereotypical victim was a lazy, obese, middle-aged man over indulging in rich food and alcohol. Over the centuries many famous people have suffered from gout; these include Henry VIII, Isaac Newton, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Presently, gout is associated with renal disease, diabetes, obesity, leukemia and also the result of the use of diuretics. Improvements in the diet of the “common” man have increased the frequency of this previously somewhat rare disease. It is now no longer associated with a “posh” lifestyle and unfortunately has become a more “common” illness.

 Acute gout presents without warning. The exact cause of the disease is not known, although it is linked to a deficiency in purine metabolism. It can also be associated with minor trauma, overindulgence in purine-rich food, alcohol, surgery, fatigue, emotional and other stress. Purine is an organic compound that is common in the body and is metabolized into uric acid. Individuals suffering with gout usually have an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood, the result of increased production of uric acid and/or an impaired excretion thereof. This increased concentration of uric acid (hyperuricema) results in local deposits of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in relatively avascular tissues (i.e. cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc.) around the cooler distal peripheral joints . In severe long standing cases, this condition can also result in MSU crystals being deposited in larger central joints as well as also the kidneys (renal calculi). Uric acid is normally processed in the kidneys into a form of urate for excretion.

 Stages

 Gout can be subdivided into four distinct stages

1. asymptomatic

2. acute

3. intercritical

4. chronic

In the first stage (asymptomatic), the uric acid levels in the blood increase, but there are no symptoms. The initial attack of gout marks the acute stage. These attacks generally resolve rapidly although severe attacks can last several days and can even extend several weeks.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy has been clinically demonstrated to shorten the duration of the initial outbreak in addition to relieving the pain associated with this stage. Following the initial attack, the patient enters a period of dormancy, known as the intercritical or symptom-free stage that may last for a long period of time. The majority of gout sufferers experience their second attack generally within 6 months to 2 years. In the chronic stage of the disease, attacks of gout become more frequent and polyarticular (affecting more than one joint). Large tophi (deposits of crystals) can be found deposited in many joints during this phase.

 Signs and Symptoms

 The onset of gout is generally confined to nocturnal pain in a single joint (monoarticular), although it can be associated with multiple joints. The pain becomes progressively more severe and at times can be excruciating. The symptoms often mimic those of acute infection with edema, elevated temperature and erythema. The soft tissues overlying the joint are usually extremely tender and in some instances even the presence of blankets touching the skin can be irritating. The overlying skin is tense, warm, shiny and red or purplish in colour. Fever, tachycardia, chills and malaise may also be present.

The secondary attacks usually affect only one joint and last only a few days, but subsequent attacks can affect several joints simultaneously or sequentially and persist for weeks if left untreated.

 Diagnosis

 Gout has such a distinct clinical signature that it can often be tentatively diagnosed by history and physical examination alone. Elevated serum urate (7mg/dL) supports the diagnosis but is not specific. This is due to the fact that 30% of the patients have a normal serum urate level at the time of their first attack. The definitive diagnosis of gout can be readily obtained from light

  Treatment

 The first treatment administered should be directed to relieve pain. Conventionally this has consisted of the use of NSAID’s and analgesics to temporarily diminish pain sensation. Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) properly applied can significantly reduce the pain and swelling associated with acute outbreaks of gout immediately, with concomitant elimination of the requirement for pharmaceuticals. LILT acts rapidly to reduce the inflammation surrounding the joint capsule in addition to relieving the debilitating pain. At our clinics generally there is a total relief of pain following 1 to 3 treatments on sequential days. A recent publication on the use of laser therapy in treating the acute stage of gout demonstrated that “both laser therapy and diclofenac (NSAID) achieved rapid pain relief in patients with acute gouty arthritis, similar in efficacy. Laser therapy was more effective than diclofenac in patients with chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy and in patients with chronic apatite deposition disease”.

Following the reduction of these initial symptoms the conventional therapy is to administer colchicine which reduces the serum concentration of uric acid in the blood. As with most pharmaceuticals, colchicine produces undesirable side effects including GI tract symptoms. Avoiding purine rich foods such as meat, fish, dry beans, mushrooms, alcohol, in addition to consuming purine-neutralizing foods (i.e. fresh fruits and vegetables) could help reduce the concentration of uric acid. Even with a change in diet the success of this approach is limited in reducing the symptoms of gout. In addition to changes in diet, increasing the volume of liquids ingested, particularly water, aids in the body’s ability to excrete uric acid.

Recently Allopurinol has been developed as a long term treatment of gout. This treatment is useful in reducing the serum uric acid levels with concomitant reductions in the outbreaks of gout. Again there are obstacles with this approach as this treatment cannot be administered until after the attack has subsided. Other side effects include GI tract distress, hepatitis and a potentially harmful eczema. An additional negative aspect of this treatment is that it is a lifelong decision; ceasing treatment with Allopurinol causes an almost immediate relapse of gout due to the sudden rise in serum uric acid levels.

During the past month at the Meditech clinic, we had 2 complex cases of gout in rapid succession. Routinely, we treat 30-40 cases of gout per annum and in all cases we obtain rapid resolution of symptoms without early recurrence. The majority of patients on initial presentation have been on medications including Indomethacin, Colchicine, Allopurinol, etc. Most patients had continued to have persistent pain and presented in order to obtain more effective alternative therapy. Rapid resolution of pain and inflammation are infallible indicators of change in the affected joints. These two patients noted nearly 100% reduction in pain following their first treatment. Whereas this approach is highly effective, patients should also be cautioned to alter their dietary habits in order to maintain low uric acid levels. Our experience at Meditech indicates that LILT instituted at the onset of pain is the treatment of choice in both acute and chronic gout.

Soriano F, Campana V, Moya M, Gavotto A, Simes J, Soriano M, Soriano R, Spitale L, Palma J. Photobiomodulation of pain and inflammation in microcrystalline arthropathies: experimental and clinical results. Photomed Laser Surg. 24(2): 140-50, 2006.

  Presented 2 months after initial symptoms with severe pain and the inability to bear weight.

Following treatment; normal ROM and pain totally relieved.

Patient 2: Male 53 years;

Gout of the 1st toe (metatarsal-phalangeal joint).

3 treatments over 5 days.

Erythema and edema were reduced rapidly.

Complete elimination of pain following two treatment sessions.

Throughout the years, mankind has been increasingly plagued by the all-inclusive term known as “back ache”.

Transformed over the centuries from an active hunter/farmer with a powerful musculature, based on the axiom of “survival of the fittest”, the human race has become largely sedentary and in the age of technology, relatively immobile.

The result – muscle atrophy, diminished bulk, tone and flexibility; good posture is relegated to the past, and the spinal column literally collapses. This deterioration creates numerous biomechanical imbalances. The result of these developments places increasing stress on the vertebrae, discs and ligaments that form and maintain the basic infrastructure of the body.
The spine, which is the pillar of the architecture, is no longer supported by a vibrant musculature. This is comparable to the bricks and mortar around a steel skyscraper and when this breaks down it results in numerous pathological conditions which can be extremely painful and physically restrictive.

The inherent problems are compounded by weekend or periodic strenuous activities on the part of the individual whose tissues are dormant during the week and are then subjected to physical stress for which they are not prepared. The recommended “minutes” of stretching prior to activity is really of minimal help. This is one of the major mobility problems facing bipeds in the age of technology. As people live longer, tissues are also subjected to the “wear and tear” of the aging process, characterized as “degenerative osteoarthritis”. The combination of disuse due to the sedentary factor and degeneration of the tissues as a result of aging, produces multiple problems of the joints, cartilage and soft tissues of the spine, for reasons which are readily apparent. The spine supports the weight of the upper body and the functional stress imposed by the lower body and by virtue of its perpendicular state the complexity of the discs, vertebrae, facets, etc. make it the largest and certainly the most vulnerable structure in the entire body.

As degeneration progresses there is increasing osteophyte formation, chronic and acute inflammation of the surrounding tissues, scar tissue formation, joint contracture, etc. Other more ominous complications accompany these events (i.e. stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal with compression of the cord and the foramina through which nerve roots exit from the spinal canal).
In high level athletes the process is dramatically accelerated. Excessive exposure to high levels of activity speeds up the wear and tear phenomenon. It is not unusual in our practice to see fifteen year old gymnasts with spinal X-rays and symptoms that resemble someone in the 6th or 7th decade of life; a rather elementary conclusion one might add. Whether secondary to activity, trauma or degeneration, back-ache has become one of the major healthcare problems in our society and the economic impact is astronomical.

Few individuals go through life without back problems and the burden on the healthcare system increases exponentially as people live longer and increasingly develop arthritis. The elderly whose problems all too frequently are neglected, often end up in a wheelchair; the younger and healthier members of society following traumatic episodes lapse into a lifetime of inactivity. Both add to the socio-economic burden.

Back problems are seldom simple and often complex. Even a routine disc herniation occurring in a teenager while sneezing during a moment of relaxation of the musculature, results in nerve root compression and scar tissue formation. Chemicals released from the disintegration of the nucleosus pulposus may cause acute/chronic irritation of nerve roots much as osteophytes, disc fragments and scar tissue result in nerve root compression, often with loss of sensation or even motor paralysis.

Maintenance and Prevention
Muscle strengthening, stretching and maintenance programmes based on exercise are helpful. In the advancing years, these should be moderate in degree but daily and vigorous; generally one half hour plus in duration (i.e. stretching, swimming, walking, Pilates, Yoga, etc.). This will keep the muscles strong and the tissues flexible. For optimum health this measure should be complemented with a balanced diet, vitamin and mineral supplements and the avoidance of inappropriate stress both physical and mental.

If the above methodologies are instituted in a disciplined, systematic fashion, most pathological conditions are minimized, delayed or avoided completely. Once symptoms have become established and cannot be controlled by conventional measures (i.e. analgesics, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), muscle relaxants and cortisone) a serious problem develops. The aforementioned measures simply mask or modulate symptoms but have no healing effect on the cells which compose the various tissue structures.

In due course, surgery may be necessary (i.e. joint replacements, laminectomy, discectomies, fusions, etc.). In essence these therapies have limited curative benefit with regard to cellular health and indeed in most cases produce a long term deleterious effect that may be more harmful than the original disease.

All conventional therapies currently in use modulate symptoms but do not cure the pathology. Surgery attempts to repair the problem and is sometimes successful, but more frequently than not it falls short of its objectives and may make the condition worse and irreversible.

Factors Contributing to Back Problems

1. Lack of exercise accompanied by loss of muscle mass, tone and flexibility
2. Dietary imbalances, depriving tissues of the proteins necessary to maintain muscle bulk
3. Depletion of hormone production (i.e. H.G.F. Estrogen, Testosterone)
   - concomitant with aging, systemic diseases, etc.
4. Obesity which further increases the stress factor of the spinal column
5. High level sports accelerating the wear and tear process
6. Vehicular accidents resulting in STI, fractures, whiplash type injuries, etc.

Classification of Therapies:
Symptom Modulation:

• - Analgesics & NSAIDs
• - Muscle relaxants
• - Cortisone
• - Interferential Current
• - Ultrasound
• - Diathermy/ Ice
• - Manipulation
• - Massage (shiatsu, swedish, etc.)

Definitive Therapies:

• Surgery
• Laser

Economic Impact of Back Ache/Pain
Statistics (U.S. Based):

• 90% of all individuals experience severe pain at some point in their life
• 26 million adults in the US suffer from back ache ( 10% of the population at any one time)
• 5 million Americans are permanently disabled in varying degrees by back pain
• 2 million Americans cannot work as a result of back problems
• Low back pain is responsible for close to a hundred million work-days lost per annum
• The economic loss is over 5 billion in healthcare dollars on an annualized basis
• Pain secondary to arthritis affects 40 million Americans and results in over 4 billion dollars in lost income per annum
• Close to 50 million Americans suffer chronic recurrent headaches resulting from back problems and spend close to 5 billion dollars a year on a variety of medications. The toxic effects of the numerous medications are incalculable (i.e. hepatic failure, renal failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.) This seriously impacts patient health.

Pathological Conditions

1. Myofascitis (inflammation of overlying muscles and fascia, adhesions, scar tissue)
2. Herniated/bulging discs
3. Degenerative disc disease (D.D.D.)
4. Scar tissue contractures
5. Osteophyte formation
6. Stenosis – foramina, spinal canal
7. SI joint dysfunction
8. Facet joint syndrome

Conclusions
Probably the greatest beneficiaries of our technology are individuals that suffer from back pain and arthritis. This includes athletes suffering from myofascitis, facet joint syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and disc herniations with nerve root compression. More significantly, dramatic effects are obtained by sufferers of chronic degenerative osteoarthritis accompanied by spinal/foraminal stenosis with attendant neurological complications.

Many of the patients who come to us, either through word of mouth or referred by healthcare providers, arrive in wheelchairs or utilize canes; many have been bedridden for years. Usually after five to twenty treatments which are totally noninvasive, painless and easily applied, they become ambulatory and voluntarily lose their drug dependencies along with their mechanical supports. More significantly they experience the elimination of pain and regain mobility and quality of life.
Included are patients who have been taking up to thirty Tylenol tablets per day and over the past years have taken as many as fourteen medications at the same time. The latter in itself often results in addiction problems, sometimes worse than the basic pathology.

The most promising and least known technology currently available and one that can be delivered in a highly scientific non-invasive fashion is Low Intensity Laser Therapy. Unfortunately most patients and therapists including MDs, chiropractors, physiotherapists, etc. have little knowledge or awareness of this approach, and in the economic climate today, have little interest in exploring new technologies that are superior, but are not included in the “spider web” of compensatory codes imposed by HMO’s, insurance companies and governments.

At Meditech we have developed a delivery system that is currently the most advanced on a global basis achieving a significant improvement/cure rate with all the above entities. Low Intensity Laser Therapy is truly the ideal therapeutic approach for back problems in the 21st century.
The therapy acts by converting light into biochemical energy, resulting in normal cell morphology and function, which causes symptoms to disappear. Aside from the gradual elimination of inflammation, various degrees of the ablation of scar tissue, and osteophytes at all levels, there appears to be little question that a thin layer of cartilaginous regeneration can occur. In our teaching clinic, attached to our corporate headquarters, we perform 600 patient treatments weekly and our significant improvement/cure rate is in excess of 93 percent.

Patients at the completion of the treatment often state “Why doesn’t my doctor know about this?” As Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.” Perhaps the medium should re-evaluate its objectives.

With “back problems” laser therapy should be the universal treatment approach and clearly establish its role as the treatment of choice. Thousands of our patients would agree.