Chiropractic Sport Institute

Chiropractic Sports Institute was started with the sole vision of providing the best and most advanced chiropractic treatment to the greater Conejo Valley area.

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Eat for the Seasons for Maximum OUTPUT

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By. Dr. Shari Phillips, LAc

The most basic foundation of good health and longevity is nutrition. Nutrition is the one thing that the majority of us have full control over and thus can make a conscious decision of what we eat on a meal to meal basis. However, the simplicity of nutrition is often overlooked, as many of us lead a busy lifestyle, which often results in grabbing food on the run. Although many “fast food” institutions now have an improved selection of healthy snacks and offerings than ever before, we still miss the simplicity of what to eat and when.

Eating within the seasons, is a 3000 year old philosophy founded in Chinese Medicine and is a basic rule of thumb to provide proper nutrition. This philosophy is based on eating foods that are nourishing to the body within each particular season, keeping the body’s immune system sharp and able to fight any flu or cold that tries to invade. Additionally, the Chinese have also discovered that each food has an “energetic” temperature as well, which make certain foods more appropriate to eat in a variety of ways to provide optimum health.

For example, when you have a flu or cold and you are lacking in energy, the body needs foods that are easy to digest and supportive to the immune system while the body continues to fight the illness. Do you recall when your Mom or Grandmother suggested a good bowl of chicken soup when you were feeling low? Chicken soup is exactly what the body needs to fight a flu or cold. Chicken itself has a “warm” energetic nature that also helps keep the body warm while trying to fighting the pathogen. Additionally, the broth in the soup supports easy digestion, while the noodles and light vegetables nourish the brain and body with the correct amount of nutrients. Eating in this manner, combined with good rest and adequate fluids, speeds the body’s recover and helps strengthen your immunity.

The concept of eating within the seasons not only ensures that the body gets the nourishment it needs during a particular season, but also provides a “preventative” measure to keep one healthy from season to season.

In Chinese Medicine, each season has an associated organ:(how can a belief that has lasted 10,000+ years be too far off?)

Fall = Lung Winter = Kidneys

Spring = Liver Summer = spleen and stomach

Although the seasons are sometimes “blurred” here in Southern California, and we often enjoy a warm, sunny day, it is very important to continue to eat foods that are warm and nourishing, as February is still a “winter” month. Foods like soups and stews, root vegetables (carrots, yams, onions, potatoes, beets and parsnips, etc) are still the best choice during this season versus choosing foods that have a “cold” energetic nature, such as salads and some fruits. Yogurts, ice cream, cold smoothies, salads and certain fruits, are best reserved for summer, when the days are hot and our bodies naturally desire foods with an energetic cooling nature.

Food is medicine, so choose wisely to ensure optimum health!

Shari Phillips is a highly decorated Acupuncturist who originally practiced in Toronto, Canada. She has post graduate degrees in Cardiology, Nutrition, Orthopedics and Womens health. She practices next to CSI in Westlake, Ca. For more info@shariphillipsacupuncture.com

Sick? Get into your CHIROPRACTOR NOW!

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By: Dr. Terry Weyman D.C., C.C.S.P and Dr. Amir Mahmud D.C., C.C.S.P

Even though its 75 degrees out we are STILL in Winter and it’s the heart of COLD season. How many people do you know who are out with Bronchitis, pertusis, allergies or a cold? According to the latest research the average American suffers two to six colds a year, and as yet, there is no known cure. Nevertheless, pharmacies and stores that sell alternative medicine therapies are stocked with products claiming to be natural remedies for the common cold. If you are one of the “lucky ones”, you may be wondering how best to treat your symptoms. Are over-the-counter cold medications the only way to go or do alternative remedies such as vitamin C, Echinacea and zinc really help? Before we look at the remedies and research behind them lets look at the animal itself, the cold and flu.

The common cold (acute coryza 45) is associated with viruses that affect the nose, throat, larynx (voice box) and sinuses. That means stuffed and runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, stuffed sinuses and congestion. What makes the common cold different from viral or bacterial infections is the absence of high fever. Influenza, or the flu, the patient will have a fever between 101-103, backache, headache, muscle and joint pain, runny nose, congestion, sore throat and cough and continue irregularly for three to four days. The flu can cause problems if you are in the elderly population, weak or suffering from an immune suppressive disorder. In some cases, the flu may develop into pneumonia. For most people who are “healthy” the flu is little more than an annoying illness.

Painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen are common ingredients in cold products designed to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Yet, most colds don’t cause aches, pains or high fevers. According to Joe Graedon Ph.D., author of the People’s Pharmacy Guide to home and herbal remedies, Antihistamines, meant for those runny noses, help against allergies and hay fever but provide relatively little relief for the common cold. “Such drugs may actually be counterproductive by allowing viruses to multiply more readily. They cite a study in which Australian scientists found that aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen reduced immune system response and resulted in “increased nasal symptoms.” Other research has shown that people spread more of the cold virus after taking aspirin. So what can we do to help fight the battle?

Seek Chiropractic care during the cold season. A study in the journal of Osteopathic medicine showed a study of over 4600 patients with upper respirator tract infections, only 5% of cases treated with spinal manipulative therapy developed secondary complications. Chiropractic care has been proven to enhance the natural resistance and improve immune function. By keeping the neurological system working better, it will allow the body to keep up with the increase stress that is brought on by the increase in immune system overload.

Drink plenty of water. Fluids will help loosen the mucus in your nose and chest and provide a medium for the cells to communicate.

Stop eating sugar and avoid dairy products. Sugar and refined sweets have been shown to reduce the total amount of white blood cells, which fight infection. Also, sugar, even in fruit juices and dairy products, thicken the mucus in the linings in your nose and lungs, making the mucus and your infection harder to get rid of.

Rest. This will allow the body to focus on healing.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C has long been touted for its ability to prevent and cure the common cold. Although these claims have been blown out of proportion, an adequate intake of Vitamin C is necessary to help fight infections and keep the immune system healthy. There is some research to show that taking extra vitamin C at the onset of a cold may cause a mild antihistamine effect.

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is between 1,000 milligrams per day for women and 90-250 mg for men. You may bump this up to 3000 mg for 48-72 hours at onset of the cold. Too much Vitamin C may cause side effect such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, so don’t mega dose during the season.

Echinacea: Over the past several years, Echinacea has become one of the hottest herbal remedies in the US. While little research has been done in the US, European research on Echinacea has suggested that the herb has an immune-stimulant effect. Echinacea seems to work by stimulating various components of the body’s immune system. One of the reasons that Echinacea’s research varies is that there are three different species of the purple coneflower which make up the herbal remedy. For the most affective remedy seek out your Doctor/Chiropractor, nutritionist or a reputable vitamin store.

Since possible adverse effects from long-term use have not been studied, most sources recommend that Echinacea only be taken when the symptoms of a cold first appear and then only for a week or two. Because it is an immune system stimulant those with autoimmune diseases like lupus, MS, Sclerosis and RA should not take the herb. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women or for those on immunosuppressant medication.

ZINC: A 1996 study found in the annals of internal medicine found that adults who used zinc lozenges (without sugar) from the onset of a cold recovered twice as fast as those who did not take them. I recommend no more that 100 mg of Zinc a day to fight off the cold and to take the duration of symptoms.

Energy Balance (EB): Some call this a “footbath” but its much more .The EB detox therapy works by cutting down heavy metal build up in your body and decreasing inflammation. As a result of this, your major detox organs (Lung, Liver, Kidneys, Skin, and Colon) can function at a higher level. When your body is able to function at its optimal level, you are less likely to become sick because your immune system can fight off various bacteria and viruses. The duration of the treatments is between 15-25 minutes. Most patients tend to feel an immediate relief in the signs and symptoms of their cold after the treatment.

Low Level Laser: The low-level cold laser works by enhancing the communication between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). As a result of this enhanced communication the body will function at a higher level. The cold laser also speeds up tissue recovery and cuts down on inflammation by increasing Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP), which is the main fuel for the body.

By combining the EB and Cold Laser with an adjustment the average duration of the cold can be cut down to 1-3 days.

So, as we enter this cold season, don’t wait for the cold to attack you, attack the cold through keeping the biomechanics strong in your body by seeking Chiropractic Care, the biochemistry alive by eating right, using the EB and Laser as well as taking the appropriate supplements. Lets spend more time enjoying life and hanging outside and less time by the Kleenex box in bed.

Dr. Terry Weyman and Dr. Amir Mahmud are Doctors at Westlake CSI. For more information the clinic visit their website at www.gotcsi.com

Is your New Years resolution to lose weight or get healthy for 2011?

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By: Dr. Terry Weyman

While watching the news the other day, CNN was reporting that the government was lowering the weight limit to allow insurance to cover obese surgeries, such as the “lap band”. What! Have you read about the side affects of these surgeries? When did Americans become so lazy or complacent that we cheer when our government passes bills such as this? When we make a big purchase such as a car or a house, we do our research and weigh the pros and the cons. We only get ONE body, yet we don’t cherish it or care for it as the most Valuable asset you will EVER own. If you have ever watched “The Biggest Loser,” you know that even those diagnosed with severe medical conditions can lose weight with changes in diet and exercise. Now even though this show is unrealistic to the average person, it still shows you don’t need any magic formula except eating the right foods, the right amount and burn the calories to achieve what you want, which is weight loss.

Anyone can come up with excuses why they CAN’T do something. What ever happened to our American fight on getting things done? Instead of coming up with excuses on How you CAN’T lose weight, lets learn HOW to get it done. It takes the same amount of energy or time to eat incorrectly as it does to eat correctly. So let’s look at some tips that can help YOU make 2011 a great year. The number one RESOLUTION is for people to “get in shape”, “get healthy” and to “lose weight”. No offense to Jenny Craig or other Pre Managed Meal plans, but lets face it, these are programs designed to just help you LOSE WEIGHT the quick and easy way. I spoke to some experts to help you achieve your goals of True health for 2011 and beyond.

According to Fitness expert, Rob Yontz of True North Fitness in Ventura, today obesity problems can be stemmed to how our society has become fast-paced and looking for “quick satisfaction”. “It is this emotion that marketers and “fast buck Eddies” play off when they market simple, myopic solutions such as pills, potions, powders, and yes, surgery. I find it sad to see so many waste their money, emotion, and time on false solutions which are not founded in solid science” states Yontz. “The solution is actually quite simple in nature; scientifically it is rather simple to produce a state in the body that will produce fat loss. But simple does not equate to “easy”. It takes a change in what you are doing for your lifestyle”

One of the first things you must do, starting right now, is stop making excuses! You have to trust yourself before you can change your life. Your body will do what your mind tells it to do. According to our own CSI Certified Athletic Trainer, Geraghty Berntson, there is no secret weapon, but relearning common sense. “First things first, don’t eat more than you are going to burn off, Period.” States Berntson, “It’s important that people realize that weight loss isn’t a phase or diet. Weight loss needs to be a lifestyle adjustment. It goes beyond buying prepared meals. Yes, those will make you lose weight, but once you return to your old habits the weight will come back. The same is true for surgical fixes. Lifestyle changes take time and patience, but pay off more in the long run”. According to Rob Bolton M.S., ATC, CSCS, Director of Operations for the Elite Performance Factory in Westlake, “Pre-packaged weight loss meal plans may seem like an easy way to modify ones diet for weight loss but the limitations make long term success unrealistic. Most of these pre-packaged plans require the user to keep the food with them throughout the day and limit the option of real food. It is far more empowering to educate clients on how to eat as this knowledge travels with them wherever they are. I don’t know many clients willing to go out to a meal with friends and family and rather than ordering from the menu they just have a meal replacement bar. This does not provide for sustainable results.”

What is comes down to, is to live a great life, to have fun and achieve your goals. Take these tips and actually put them to use, don’t just talk about it, or TRY, but as NIKE states, “JUST DO IT”. Fitness Coach Rob Yontz has given you these simple, yet challenging tips. You want to lose weight? Follow these. You want to make it to the podium for the first time? Follow these. You want to avoid getting sick and living a healthier life? Follow these!

1. Get your mind straight – it is possible to accomplish and it can be rather simple depending on where you are starting. The mind is powerful, so expect to get to your goal.
2. Think about and visualize where you want to get to, write it down and keep it in front of you. (yes it sounds corny but do it).
3. Food is your bodies energy source. You don’t put bad gas in a race car do you?
a. Eat breakfast every day.
b. Eat something about every 3 hours throughout the day.
c. Every time you eat, have a very lean protein and vegetables.
d. Drink water, about half to two-thirds your bodyweight in ounces
e. Eliminate the liquid calories, energy drinks, and sodas
f. Eat natural, whole, seasonal foods most of the time (most = 90%)
g. Limit your carbohydrate starches to post workout and breakfast
h. Choose things your great grand ma had options to choose.

4. Exercise effectively (effectively means in a manner that will produce fat loss)
a. You need to be active daily.
b. You need to exercise at least 3-4 time weekly (for most people, walking is not “exercise”. When you walk for exercise you should be winded and not be able to talk.
c. Strength training will produce these results.
d. Energy system training will aide these results combined with strength training.
e. Jogging will not produce these results (yes I know many will want to argue this point, but my experience and the science does not back it up)

5. Make sure to measure your progress, and be patient and allow time for the change. The body is a living organism, not a linear change device. You did not get into the condition you are in overnight. It will take time to get into a healthy state.

6. Make sure you allow for enough rest and recovery.

7. Get a Coach – you need a qualified professional in the health field who does this type of work so that you can do what is appropriate for you at the time. Ask for references and testimonials.

So start 2011 with a BANG. Don’t just TRY it, or give it your best shot, this gives you an out. Do as NIKE says, JUST DO IT. Change is hard but focus on the prize, aren’t you worth it? Your back, knees, and heart will thank you.

Dr.Terry Weyman is the owner of Chiropractic Sports Institute. www.gotcsi.com

Thank you to the fitness professionals who helped in putting this article together

Rob Yontz at www.True-North-Fitness.com, 805.650.1239
Geragthy Berntson at CSI Westlake www.gotcsi.com 805-371-0737
Rob Bolton www.elite-factory.com 805 494-4464

Chiropractic for Maximum Output!

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By: Dr.Terry Weyman

Chiropractic is the fastest growing healing profession in the world today. Since Chiropractic is the branch of the healing arts that deals with structure and function, many athletes (both professional and amateur) have found great relief through Chiropractic health care. However, it is still overlooked as a tool for maintaining health and achieving maximum output for your athletic event.

In order to understand how Chiropractic can enhance your athletic potential, as well as your overall health, it is important to understand more about how Chiropractic works, and clear up a myths that you may have heard.

The spinal column is made up of 24 movable bones called vertebra that function together during movement. The most important function of the vertebra is to protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the body’s “switch board”. Just as the trunk and branches of a tree transfer nutrients to the leaves, the spinal cord transfers nerve impulses, through the neurological network, to all parts of the body. If we look at our lives from the time that we are born until the time we die, the body is in constant motion, even when we are at rest. The cells of our body are constantly dying and being replaced by new, health cells. Two and a half million of them will die and be replaced every minute of your life. This is a normal process. Health can be defined as the ability of the body to replace the cells and tissue structures normally and on a consistent basis. This will work properly as long as there is no interference between the brain (central computer) and the tissue cells. Research out of Colorado State University states “the amount of pressure on a nerve at a compressive force of a quarter on the back of your hand, 2 mm of mercury, can result in a loss of up to 60% nerve function”. The Doctor of Chiropractic calls this interference a Vertebral Subluxation or intersegmental dysfunction.

What is a Vertebral Subluxation/Intersegmental Dysfunction? A “subluxation” is a vertebra (back bone) that is not biomechanically aligned with the vertebra above and below which can result in abnormal pressure on the exiting nerve root. This pressure on the nerve root can cause an interference of the brains impulses to the tissue cells. This interference can result in abnormal cell production down the line leading to Pain/symptoms. This interference can also lead to the initiation of a Dies-ease process. As the study showed, this small amount of pressure can “dim” the affects of the nervous system. This “dimmed” nerve can cause a lack of maximum output, which can alter the performance of the muscles or organs, which the nerve supplies. A specific Chiropractic adjustment of the involved vertebra is the most effective way in correcting a Vertebral Subluxation and restoring nerve flow back to the cells.

Most people let pain guide their health care regiment. What they don’t know is the subluxation may or may not involve pain. Pain is you body’s alarm system and only enters the picture when at least 50 percent of damage has taken place if it enters the picture at all- (some organs do not have pain sensory fibers at all) As a society, we’ve been indoctrinated into thinking that pain is bad, when in reality its our body’s alarm system to prevent us from further injuring ourselves. Careless use of drugs in the form of pills, anti-inflammatories and other medications can mask the pain allowing the athlete to continue the activity that caused the damage in the first place. If your car’s oil light came on would you cut the wire so the light went out and the say, “Good now my car isn’t low on oil anymore.” If you had this attitude, eventually your car would seize and fall apart. The same thing happens to your body if you keep ignoring or masking the pain. This is why a lot of athletes develop chronic injuries.

In athletics, and life for that matter, there is a tremendous amount of stress placed on the musculoskeletal structure. Since out body is a Biomechanical Kinetic Chain (hip bone connected to the thigh bone), when one area is injured it can affect the entire structure. Any imbalance, can cause pain, weakness, lack of function and overall a decrease in your maximum output. If the imbalance isn’t corrected and you cover up the symptoms your body is sending you, over time, this will lead to degeneration and an early retirement form your sport. Many athletes both professional and amateur use Sports Chiropractors as a form of body mechanics maintenance.

By correcting the biomechanical misalignments and allowing the body’s nervous system to function at its maximum, you too can achieve results that are often unbelievable. People are constantly underestimating the body’s healing capacity.

Dr. Terry Weyman has been caring for top level athletes for over 20 years. He is the owner of Chiropractic Sports Institute. For more info check him out at www.gotcsi.com

About Dr. Terry Weyman

Dr. Terry Weyman lives in Southern California where he has been the Clinic Director of Chiropractic Sports Institute for over 31 years....
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