Dr. Mike's Blog: 2017

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Sports and Chiropractic- August 2017

SPORTS AND CHIROPRACTIC
August 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

The newsletter this month discusses the history and significance of chiropractic care in sports.
I hope you enjoy it.

Most of my patients know I am a sports fan. Sports have been a huge part of my life. The college teams I follow are my Alma maters Cal-State Fullerton and the University of Arizona. The professional teams I root for are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Jets. As a youngster I played baseball, football and basketball. In high school I played football and wrestled. Nowadays, I participate in less physical activities such as swimming and fishing. In college I studied sports medicine, becoming an Athletic Trainer at the high school and college level. In 1984, I was fortunate to work as a coordinator of athletic training for the L.A. Olympic Games. So sports and chiropractic are two subjects I know quite well. With that said... I am qualified to talk about chiropractic and its role in sports.

Behind The Scenes

Chiropractic was used by athletes even before it was a profession. There are historical drawings which show runners in ancient Greece and China having their backs manipulated before races by "bone-setters". The chiropractic profession officially began in 1895, when D.D. Palmer began using joint manipulation to treat dysfunction. This new form of health care was used on a limited basis by athletes for years. But they had to go to chiropractors on their own because medical doctors were skeptical. Slowly, more and more people began to see the benefits of chiropractic care. It really started to take off in the sports community in the 1980's.

America's Team

Early in the 1993 season, Emmitt Smith, the all-pro running back for the Dallas Cowboys, injured his back. The type of injury he had would usually keep a player out for 6-8 weeks. His teammate, Daryl Johnston, recommended a chiropractor who had helped with a prior injury. Smith began chiropractic treatments and was back in the lineup after two weeks. He went on to lead the Cowboys to a win in the Superbowl and was named the league MVP. Soon players were flocking to their chiropractors. Today almost every professional team in the four major sports has a team chiropractor. The Professional Golf Association, Professional Rodeo and Professional Beach Volleyball all offer Chiropractic services at their competitions. Olympic teams and individual athletes have chiropractors on staff to help them compete at a higher level.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

So what are the benefits these high caliber athletes get from chiropractic care? Regular care by a chiropractor helps reduce pain, muscle spasm and fatigue. There is an increase in mobility, balance and blood flow when joints are aligned. Proper biomechanics, relaxed muscles and stable joints can function at a higher capacity and are least likely to be injured. Studies suggest that chiropractic can improve agility, power, speed and reaction time. Hall of Fame baseball player Nolan Ryan credited chiropractic with helping to lengthen his career. The Flamethrower pitched past 40 years of age.

So you may not play for the Dodgers or Lakers,
But if you want to receive the same benefits the pros do, call me today for a checkup.
I will do my best to help you get back in the game.

“Because nobody has time for pain!

Even weekend warriors.”

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Rise in Chicago Birthrate is Cubs Fault
Since this newsletter is about sports, this report from Illinois is fitting. Nine months after the Cubs finally won the World Series there is a baby boom in Chicago. OB-GYN Dr. Melissa Dennis said deliveries doubled earlier this month -- around when babies conceived during the World Series would have come to term. "It was all hands on deck. It was a very busy time and of course babies tend to come either all at once or the most inopportune of times," Dennis said. It seems that a big win and just the right amount of champagne means... score! For the new parents, the timing is a home run.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"What's the difference between a 3-week-old puppy and a sportswriter?
In six weeks, the puppy stops whining."
-Mike Ditka, NFL player and coach.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Some Random Thoughts- July 2017

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
July 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

The newsletter this month focuses on a few random topics which you may not know about chiropractic.

TRIGGER POINTS

One of the more common conditions causing pain are trigger points. This occurs when a muscle accumulates chemicals in a focal area of muscle.The chemicals, such as lactic acid, cause the area to become very tender. The point is usually about the size of a silver dollar and may be hard or ropelike when touched. The most common areas are between the neck and shoulder, back of the thigh and on either side of the low back. Some trigger points can refer pain above, below or around the area. This condition responds well to deep tissue massage, stretching and ice packs. Relief is usually had on the first visit, but several treatments may be necessary to fully resolve the pain.

ERADICATE EARACHES

This time of the year I treat a lot of people with earaches, especially children. Windy conditions, swimming and variable temperatures can all cause the ear canal to become inflamed. The medical treatment is antibiotics and surgically implanted tubes. There is a simple adjustment technique which opens the ear canal allowing for the body to drain and fight the infection. So at the first sign of ear irritation see your chiropractor for an evaluation.

TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) DYSFUNCTION

The temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ is where the jaw attaches to the head, just below the ears. Like any joints these can become misaligned and painful. Think about how many times a day you open and close your mouth. Excessive chewing, talking and trauma can produce problems. An evaluation is needed to determine exactly what is happening. An experienced chiropractor can adjust the jaw and neck, relocating the joints; and if necessary therapy, exercises and a bite guard can be provided.

I hope this summer finds you in good health

but if you or someone you love is in pain
I will do my best to help.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Stay Hydrated
July brings the high temperatures and the need for more fluids. Purified cool water is the preferred liquid when hydration is needed. Nausea, dizziness, hot and red skin are signs of a pending heat illness. Lie down in shade and cool the body with water on the skin and internally. If the person doesn't improve within a few minutes it is an emergency, call 911 or get them to a hospital as quickly as possible.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
-Albert Schweitzer

Friday, June 9, 2017

You Gotta Love Dogs- June 2017

YOU GOTTA LOVE DOGS
June 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

You may know I'm a dog lover. We have two rescue dogs: Roxy, a 7 year old Border Collie-Lab mix and Opie, a 3 year old Queensland Healer. They are our entertainment and house guardians.
More importantly they are a part of our family.

I came across this article about a remarkable dog. I hope you enjoy it.

Rags was discovered by American soldiers in a Paris bar during Bastille Day, in July of 1918. They thought he was just a pile of rags. But when the bundle of rags barked, he became their new best friend. Sgt. George Hickman took the dog back to the base, where he officially joined the American cause.

The adorable Rags was the mascot of the force, fighting alongside them and boosting morale. The dog would flatten himself when there was a mortar attack. Surprised soldiers found he helped them remain alert, because by watching out for him, they were keeping themselves safe too.

Rags had a long life; living from at least 1916 to 1936. He originally started as a mascot, but then followed soldier’s right to the front. Once there, Rags refused to leave the battlefield. His pal, First Sergeant James Donovan, trained Rags to deliver messages. This was at a time when there were not reliable automated services for communications. According to research, Rags likely saved hundreds of lives by safely transporting messages. Practically overnight, Rags learned how to run messages. He could also tell when shells were coming minutes before the men could hear it, and he would flop over onto his side to let them know.

Another lifelong activity was Rags' daily tour of whatever army base at which he was living. Early on, he would identify the mess halls with the best food and most hospitable staff. He would visit them each day for treats, and most had a special water bowl placed out for him.

Rags achieved great notoriety and celebrity war dog fame when he saved many lives in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign. On October 9, 1918, Rags and Donovan were both the victims of German shellfire and gas shells. Rags had his right front paw, right ear and right eye damaged by shell splinters, and was also mildly gassed. Donovan was more seriously wounded and badly gassed. The two were kept together and taken back to a dressing station and then by delivering a vital message despite being bombed, gassed and partially blinded. Eventually Private Donovan died and Rags was adopted by the family of Major Raymond W. Hardenbergh. In 1920, moving with them through several transfers until in Fort Hamilton, New York, he was reunited with members of the 18th Infantry Regiment who had known him in France. Rags was presented with a number of medals and awards. He is an inspiration to all animal lovers.

If you or someone you love is in pain I will do my best to help...
“Because nobody has time for pain!”

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP: Move It, Move It, Move It!

It's no secret that exercise can produce powerful mood-boosting endorphins. But do you really need to break a sweat to reap those benefits? A new study in the Journal of Health Psychology says No;
Simply getting up and moving around seems to reduce feelings of depression, say researchers at the University of Connecticut.

Light physical activity was actually associated with the biggest emotional benefit in the study, compared to moderate and high-intensity exercise. What's nice about what they found is that it didn't take a lot of effort to make a difference. If people get off the couch and go for a little stroll, or go walk around a shopping center, they can potentially see a difference. It's not necessary to push yourself to uncomfortable levels of exercise.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"Even if you are on the right track, You’ll get run over if you just sit there."
– Will Rogers

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Healthcare is Your Responsibility- May 2017

HEALTH CARE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
May 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

Often we want others to take responsibility for our medical decisions. Some don't want to be bothered while others don't think they have time to be concerned about health care decisions. It is common to procrastinate going to your general practitioner, dentist or chiropractor. I've put off seeing my dentist for uh... a year now. So I understand when some patients wait until they are in "real pain" before call me for an appointment. I once worked for an office that would call and charge people a fee when they missed an appointment. I think we are all responsible for our own health care decisions; which brings me to my office policy regarding missed appointments. More on that in a moment…

People often ask me if I am related to the tough-guy actor Chuck Norris. Chuck has become infamous because of internet websites dedicated to his rugged nature. See below for a partial list of his superpowers. Are we related... maybe? Well don't miss one of your appointments or I may have to call... Uncle Chuck.

They once made a Chuck Norris toilet paper, but it wouldn't take crap from anybody.
Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life there.
Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is in hiding.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity... twice!
Chuck Norris can do a wheelie on a unicycle.
The Grim Reaper quit his job when he found out he had to confront Chuck Norris.
When Chuck Norris was born he drove his mom home from the hospital.
Chuck Norris has a diary. It's called the Guinness Book of World Records.
Chuck Norris can hear sign language.
A cobra bit Chuck Norris in the leg. After five days of excruciating pain... the cobra finally died.

No matter how long it has been since I've seen you,
I will still do my best to help you get out of pain.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Treatment for Hiccups

Most home remedies for hiccups are based on raising the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, like holding your breath, slowly sipping water or breathing into a paper bag. They can work, but researchers don't really understand why.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out." ~ John Wooden

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Happy Happy Happy!- April 2017

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!
April 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here,

A while back my wife and I were eating breakfast in a crowded restaurant. A group of six came in, and was looking for a table but the only table available was for two. Even though we had already been served, my wife and I moved to the smaller table so they could sit together. When we went to check out the waitress said our tab was paid by the other party. One good deed led to another good deed.The rest of my day was good.

Research has shown that our emotions can affect our behavior and vise versa. For instance, if you wake up in a bad mood you will act badly and/or find things all day to reinforce the bad mood. Likewise, simply acting like you are mad will eventually put you into a bad mood. Subjects had their moods tested after acting mad, happy and indifferent. The results mirrored their activity. The mad were moody, the happy were happy and the indifferent could care less.

People who were diagnosed with depression were given precise instructions on how to act during the day. Acting happy even when they weren’t helped reduce depression. So the moral is "Acting right leads to being alright."

That said, here is an uplifting storyto brighten your day.

The Letter
When Mason's wife, Becca, got into metal engraving, Mason built her a workbench. It wasn't until after Mason passed away that his wife discovered a hidden love letter she'll cherish forever.

A short time after Mason passed; his step-son was repairing a leg on the bench when he came across the beautiful note taped underneath the bench.

Becca was quite moved by the message
and the note is now framed in their home.

"I love you Becca. Whatever day this is, I hope it's a good one. God truly answered my prayers the day he gave me you. I know that these days are the best I'll ever have, and I'm glad you're in them. I'm not sure if you'll ever see this, but if you do, just know that I love you very much. If there is one thing I want in life, it is to be as good to you as you are to me. If I can do that, I'll be the happiest man alive. I love you beautiful wife :)
- Mason"

So no matter how bad things get, no matter what trials you are having or what difficulty you encounter - remember a smile, a loving word or an act of kindness will help you as much as others.

As always if someone you care about
is in pain or having a health issue
help them out and give them my phone number.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Allergy Treatment

With allergy season upon us try this easy remedy. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, told Time that when his own allergies get bad, he applies a cold washcloth to his face for a few minutes. “When the itching and irritation get really bad, it can really provide a quick moment of escape,” he said. I can confirm that this method works and even when you don’t have allergies, doing this is super relaxing, so you should try it anyway.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”
― Vince Lombardi

Friday, March 10, 2017

Fighting Arthritis- March 2017

FIGHTING ARTHRITIS
March 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects many of us as we age. In simple terms arthritis is a disease which causes inflammation and degeneration of the normal joint surface. It most often occurs in weight bearing joints such as the hips, knees and ankles, but is also found in the hands, spine and pelvis. There are many causes and kinds of arthritis with the most common type being osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis. It usually starts by trauma and overuse, which leads to the destruction of the joint cartilage. This roughened surface thins out and begins to cause pain and dysfunction. For the most part arthritis can't be fixed. But it can be managed. It is similar to diabetes in that there are strategies which can slow down and provide relief of symptoms.

Here are the best recommendations to help manage arthritis.

LIFESTYLE
People with arthritis know that there are certain activities which aggravate their condition. It may be prolonged weight bearing like standing and walking, or repetitive use of a body part like using computer keyboards. It may be something you are not aware of. My mother-in-law asked me about pain in her thumbs. I asked if there was something that provoked her pain... as she thought about it for a moment then my father-in-law said "It's that game she plays all the time!" She had been playing a handheld video game which used her thumbs. She didn't even realize this is what was causing her arthritis to flare-up. Smoking is also a habit which increases arthritic conditions. So simply put, if an activity causes an increase of your symptoms... don't do it! Or at least do less of it.

EXERCISE
Strength, flexibility and endurance exercises are beneficial for people with arthritis. Exercises which are tolerable help reduce the stiffness and improve function. Too much will increase pain so balance is needed. Movement is recommended. I often give people exercise programs to help degenerative conditions.

TREATMENT
At some point a flare-up will occur. When it does it is important to get some treatment to help reduce pain, stiffness and improve function. Arthritis responds well to chiropractic because alignment helps restore mobility. Massage therapy and physical therapy can also help reduce symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication may be considered on a short term basis.

NUTRITION
Junk food, fried food and alcohol have been shown to increase inflammation in people with arthritis. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and lower fat meats has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. There are also nutritional supplements which can help reduce the degenerative process. Joint health formulas are common at most health food stores.

So consider this advice and as always,

if you or someone you care about is in pain or is having a health issue please call.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Say Yes To Nuts & No To Bacon.
Gorging on bacon, skimping on nuts? These are among food habits that new research links with deaths from heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Overeating or not eating enough of foods and nutrients contributes to nearly half of U.S. deaths from these causes, the study suggests. “Good” foods that were under-eaten include: nuts and seeds, seafood rich in omega-3 fats including salmon and sardines; fruits and vegetables; and whole grains.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse."
~ Jim Rohn

Friday, February 10, 2017

Some Random Thoughts- February 2017

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
February 2017

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

Here are some of the healthcare issues I have been reading about over the last few weeks.
I hope you find them interesting and beneficial.

CSF & LYMPH

Two of the spinal elements we often overlook are cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and lymph. CSF is a nutrient rich fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is produced in the sheath which covers those structures and flows up and down with the movement of our body. When our spinal bones become misaligned the flow of CSF can become hindered. It doesn't flow normally thereby decreasing the nutrients necessary for healthy tissue.

The lymph system is a network of ducts and nodes throughout our body which flushes toxins into our organs where they are broken down and eliminated. Like CSF there are lymph nodes and ducts along the spinal cord. And like CSF, lymph can become hindered by spinal misalignment. The lymph fluid can accumulate and pool irritating the sensitive nerve tissue of the spinal cord.

Having you spine checked by a Chiropractor can identify areas of misalignment and irritation.
Proper treatment will restore the normal flow of SCF and Lymph fluid... keeping you healthy.

CHIROPRACTIC FOR ANIMALS?

People have known the benefits of chiropractic for over a hundred years. But now people are seeking chiropractic care for pets. This first started about 10 years ago when riders and veterinarians noticed that race horses had sensitive areas along their backs. Using crude methods of manipulation seemed to help the horse's pain and let them perform better. Remember some of these horses are worth millions of dollars and anything that can help them run faster is very valuable. Soon Vets were being trained and assisted by chiropractors in treating horses at many racetracks. Then people began to request treatment for their dogs and cats. Now chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy for animals is commonplace. Ask your veterinarian for more information about holistic care for animals.

As always, if you or someone you care about is in pain or having a health issue,
have them call for a consultation. That's what I love to do, help people.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH ALERT:
Fight Mental Decline with Activity
Even in your 70s and beyond, simple activities including web-surfing, playing games, and socializing may help stave off mental decline. That's the conclusion of a recent study. Those activities appeared to help prevent mild cognitive impairment. That condition involves problems with memory, thinking and attention that don't interfere much with daily life but which increase risks for developing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
~ Mahatma Gandhi