56 Magill Rd, Norwood SA 5067
ph. (08) 8362 3342 / email.
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56 Magill Rd, Norwood SA 5067
ph. (08) 8362 3342 / email.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For Anthony Field, better known as the "Blue Wiggle", entertaining and teaching children is his passion. That's why Field – and the entire Wiggles group – turned to chiropractic care as a way to improve their health and keep doing what they love to do.
Eight years ago, Anthony Field was smiling in front of the cameras and the crowds, but grimacing in pain backstage. "I was more of a wobble," Field said. "I would go backstage during a show because my back was hurting so much, my knees also hurt and I had a bad neck. It was always the same; I would miss a couple of songs then go back on."
In those days, Field, now 48, was also overweight and taking daily Valium and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain to get through the day. He said he was depressed and lost. "I was eating poorly and I was slouching and not strengthening my core, and my back gave way and I got into a terrible cycle of pain. I didn't know any better until chiropractors came into my life," said Field. Fortunately, Field has never had to return to this low point in his life, thanks to a friend's tip about trying chiropractic.
"When I first starting seeing a chiropractor, it was mainly to get me out of pain. I thought, I am just going to go and get myself out of pain ... that's what I thought it was all about," Field said. "Later on, I realised they [chiropractors] can help rebuild you into a million dollar man. That's what I feel like now."
“The chiropractors I have met have really helped me. If you listen to them, they have a real way of helping you unlock the secrets of helping your body heal itself, and not relying on drugs to do it. It took me a couple of years to learn where they were coming from."
Field said that these days, because he has reached an optimum level of health through chiropractic, he only receives chiropractic care for maintenance. "I see the chiro less than I used to because I am so much healthier and stronger. I go about once a month, I used to go three to four times a week when I first started getting treatments."
"In the last eight years I have undergone a real transformation. I have gone from not being able to pick up my little babies because my back was hurting so much, to being pain free and totally drug free – no pain tablets and stuff like that. Just leading a very healthy life," Field said.
Field has released an autobiography that delves into the details of his path to wellness: How I Got My Wiggle Back. The book, he said, is his tribute to chiropractic for saving his life from a downward spiral. "I feel like I can tell my story to teach people who have gone down the conventional path and I can say, 'There is another way of getting there,'" said Field. "It's not a path you hear [about] as much, day to day; I think people should know it's always best to go the natural way."
Field said he credits chiropractic care with helping him look forward to a sunny future. "The reason I am evangelistic about it (chiropractic) is because I feel so grateful and so thankful that chiropractors have taught me another way to live - healthily," Field said.
There are many differences between meat and animal products produced from animals fed a grain diet as opposed to a grass diet. One of the most important differences is in the ratio of Omega fatty acids.
The fatty acid composition of all cell membranes in humans is to a great extent dependent on dietary intake.
Not only are these fatty acids important to human health, they are necessary in the right proportions. Two essential fatty acids are the omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart, supple and flexible joints, healthy growth and strong bones and teeth.
The recommended ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids should be less than 4:1.
Grain-fed beef can have ratios that exceed 20:1 ratio, whereas grass-fed beef has a ratio of around 3:1.
Grass-fed products are rich in all the fats now proven to be health-enhancing, but low in the fats that have been linked to ill-health and disease. (1)
This imbalance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids is also common in poultry and egg production as well. (2)
North Dakota University research showed similar results for bison. The grass-fed bison had omega 6 to omega 3 ratios of 4:1, and the grain-fed bison had ratios of 21:1. (3)
Organic milk has up to 71 percent more omega 3 than non-organic milk, according to a recent study by the University of Aberdeen. (4 )
These are important issues to remember when choosing organic/free range food versus food from mass farming practices.
The choices we make today affect our health tomorrow. Choose wisely…
References
(1)Australian Organic Food Directory Website
(2) H.D. Karsten, P.H. Patterson, R. Stout and G. Crews (2010). Vitamins A, E and fatty acid composition of the eggs of caged hens and pastured hens.
(3) Marchello, Martin, "Nutrient Composition of Grass- and Grain-Finished Bison" (2001). Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences. Paper 544.
(4) Dewhurst R J, Fisher W J, Tweed J K S and Wilkins R J (2003). Comparison of grass and legume silages for milk production. 1. Production responses with different levels of concentrate. Journal of Dairy Science (volume 86 pages 2598-2611)
If approximately one-third of our lives are spent in bed it makes sense to consider the necessary steps involved to ensure our body achieves quality sleep and there are many safe and natural methods to maximize and enhance sleep. Good lifestyle habits are the first step to getting a good night’s sleep. Try these steps at home:
1 Consider your intake of stimulants (eg coffee, tea, chocolate, coffee flavoured ice cream), stimulating herbs (eg ephedra, guarana), and over the counter and prescription medications. Consider your current sugar intake. Too much of any of these things can make sleep elusive.
2 In particular, avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the day. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep. Alcohol can cause waking in the night and interferes with sleep quality.
3 Ensure you have a comfortable supportive mattress and pillow. Speak to your local doctor of chiropractic for specialist advice on choosing the right mattress and pillow for long term spinal health.
4 Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, but avoid high intensity physical exercise just before bedtime. If exercising in the evening, try to do so at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
5 Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.
6 If you can’t fall asleep and don’t feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy. This is a wonderful opportunity to try some meditation or relaxation techniques.
7 Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day because naps may make you less sleepy at night.
8 Did you know that poor spinal health and musculoskeletal conditions can prevent you from obtaining a good night’s sleep? Have your spine checked and adjusted by your chiropractor to ensure proper spine and muscle function.
9 Don’t eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime however, may help you sleep.
10 Stress related sleeping disorders may result in teeth grinding which in turn can cause headaches. Sleeping with a dental night guard will eliminate grinding and its effects and potentially assist with the process of sleep. Chiropractors can also adjust the jaw and cranial bones helping to prevent grinding.
11 Eliminate any ‘white noise’ in your room. Turn off television and other loud electrical appliances and make your sleeping place comfortable.
12 Adopt a healthy posture in bed. Don’t sleep on your stomach – this puts unnecessary pressure on your neck due to twisting of the head, and also strains your lower back. Lying on your back and side are the best sleeping positions.
13 If you have trouble lying awake worrying about things, try making a “to-do” list before you go to bed. This may help you to let go of those worries before you go to sleep.
As we ease our way into cooler weather and darker days, it gets harder and harder to stick to a regular exercise regimen. Most people know about the physical benefits of regular exercise like decreasing blood pressure and protecting against heart and other chronic and acute diseases, but did you know that it can actually help improve your mood?
Several studies have shown that regular exercise can decrease the symptoms of depression- particularly mild to moderate forms. Have a look at this article from Harvard Medical School which summarizes these effects.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Exercise-and-Depression-report-excerpt.htm
For answers to frequently asked questions about chiropractic care, click here
