I have had more questions regaurding glucosamine and knee pain lately and thought a blog about the benifits of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM was in order. I did some research and found a great article from the University of Phoenix published on 8-15-2010 that addresses this issue. I hope you find this information interesting. We carry a great supplement that contains 1,500mg of Glucosamine 1,200mg of Chondroitin and 500mg of MSM for $24.00 per month. We are in the process of offering this and other products online, we hope to have this service up and running on our website, www.schumacherchiropractic.com with in the next couple of weeks. If you any guestions about this topic or would like to order some product give us a call at 952-931-9867. We are never to busy to talk to you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 46 million adults in the U.S. were told by a doctor in 2006 that they had osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. Further, in 2004, there were 454,652 knee replacements performed in the U.S., 232,857 hip replacements and 41,934 shoulder replacements, all primarily due to advanced arthritis, adds the CDC. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are supplements that are used, sometimes all together in the same product, to slow down the progression of arthritis and help manage arthritic pain.

Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits

Glucosamine sulfate is themost common supplemental form of glucosamine, which is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is mainly used to help form the ingredients of joint fluids and surrounding tissues. Specifically, it stimulates the production of proteoglycans and collagen in cartilage, bones and tendons. Glucosamine also thickens synovial fluid within joint capsules, which increases its ability to cushion and lubricate joints, especially large weight-bearing ones, such as the knee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is good evidence based on human research that glucosamine sulfate is most effective at treating mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, which is the "wear and tear" type. Further, several human and animal studies report benefits of glucosamine treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in various other joints of the body. Benefits include pain relief, improved joint function and decreased inflammation. It was noted that it may take eight to 16 weeks before significant clinical changes are experienced. Almost all studies showing benefits have been conducted on the sulfate variety of glucosamine, not other formulations.

Recommended dosage of glucosamine sulfate that exhibits the most benefits is 1,500mg daily, divided into three equal doses, which has not caused any serious side effects, contraindications or toxicities, according to a 2005 study published in the "Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases." Mild side effects might include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and headache. Because most glucosamine sulfate is derived from shellfish exoskeletons, it is not appropriate for people who are allergic to shellfish.

Chondroitin Sulfate Benefits

Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage, which is the "shock absorber" between synovial joints. Chondroitin helps to maintain cartilage's spongy nature by absorbing water. Chondroitin may also retard enzymes that can damage cartilage, and it provides the basic "ingredients" for the body to make new cartilage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee and hip. The studies' findings suggest that benefits lasted up to three months post treatment and included reduced arthritic pain, improved joint function and reduced joint swelling and stiffness.

Chondroitin sulfate can be, and often is, combined with glucosamine sulfate. Each has shown to be effective by itself, but taken together, they may provide synergistic benefits. According to UMMC, the recommended therapeutic dose of chondroitin sulfate is 1,200mg daily, divided into two or three equal doses.

MSM Benefits

Organic sulfur---the kind your body can absorb and use---exists within the body as methylsulphonylmethane, or MSM, for short. MSM works by making cell walls softer and more permeable, enabling the body to quickly wash out any foreign particles, free radicals and toxins. MSM also competes for receptor sites located along mucous membranes in your lungs and gastrointestinal tract, which makes it difficult for harmful allergens and parasites to attach. MSM has no known side effects, according to the MSMGuide.com, and is about as toxic as water. Some additional patient-reported benefits include more energy, reduced allergic reactions, better skin complexion, healthier looking and faster growing hair and fingernails.

MSM is usually prescribed for four to six weeks, at up to 2,000mg three times daily with meals, although some people take lower doses every day as a supplement. Because sulfur works synergistically with vitamin C to build healthy cells, it may be of more benefit to take MSM with vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Lastly, as MSM essentially detoxifies the body, users may experience some malaise during the first one to two weeks of use

        

I was reading a chiropractic publication today and came across an article on stress that I found to be very informative. It is written by Perry Nickelston D.C. and was in this months To Your Health publication. Enjoy!

10 Ways to Reduce Stress

Does it seems as if your life is spiraling out of control? We all feel overwhelmed at times, but the way we deal with it determines whether we continue our productive lives or board a one-way express train to Stressville, USA.

Let's face it, the bills aren't going to stop coming, there will never be enough hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you're in control of your life is the first big step to stress management.

Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun - plus the fortitude to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

There are several different types of stress, and learning how to control them can make all the difference. You have physical stress (lack of exercise, illness, sleep habits, etc.), mental stress (how you deal emotionally with life) and chemical stress (nutritional and environmental). Here are 10 straightforward ways to help you reduce all three stress factors.

1. Proper Breathing

Let's start with breathing because it's so fundamental. Proper breathing has a dramatic impact on muscle relaxation, tension reduction, normalizing heart rate, and increasing mental clarity. Breathing is of primary focus in meditation, yoga, and Pilates because of its intricate connection to inner core strength. What you want to strive for is learning to breathe mostly with your diaphragm instead of your lungs. The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Learning how to breathe with your diaphragm takes some practice, but in time it will become second nature.



Practice the following technique on a daily basis for 5-10 minutes. Lie on your back, putting a pillow or similar support under your knees to relax your lower back. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Slowly inhale through your nose and make sure the only hand that moves is the one on your abdomen. Try to keep the hand on your chest as still as possible. Exhale through pursed lips and repeat. You may become temporarily lightheaded after your first few breaths, but this is a normal response to the increase in oxygen uptake by the body.

2. Organization

Are you feeling overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time? Unclutter your life and get organized to take back control. Where do you start? You've got to have a plan. That plan starts with learning to master the art of creating a "Top 5 List." Create a list of the five most important tasks you need to complete for the day. Put the one you want to do the least at the top of the list to help prevent procrastination. It is human nature to delay things which make you feel uncomfortable. By accomplishing the difficult task first you set the tone for positive action and motivation the rest of the day. You can always add more numbers to the list when you get better at the system.

3. Adequate Water

Dehydration stresses your body and nervous system. Adequate water intake is essential for cellular processes, tissue regeneration and detoxification. You may even notice a decrease in mental clarity, tiredness, fatigue, lethargy and a propensity for more illness due to increased stress on the immune system. So, how much should you drink? The advice to drink eight unce glasses of water a day is antiquated. Instead, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.5 and 0.7. The numbers generated are the range, in ounces, of water you should drink each day. There is no need to start slamming down water today. Instead, gradually increase your intake over a four-week period. Keep in mind that caffeinated beverages are natural dehydrators, so for every cup of caffeine beverage you drink, replace it with 2 cups of water.

4. Healthy Snacking

Eat healthy and eat often to control blood sugar levels. When you go long periods between meals, a hormone known as insulin spikes. This hormone controls how fast sugar enters your bloodstream after eating. Big surges in insulin occur when you wait too long between meals, which may increase stress on your body chemistry. You can get cravings and mood swings. Eating only three meals a day is insufficient for keeping this delicate balance of hormones in check. It is recommended that in addition to eating three regular meals a day, you mix in 2-3 healthy snacks. You will notice a renewed sense of energy and vitality as you provide your body and mind with the nutrition it needs.

5. Exercising

Get in shape and get out of stress; now there's a win-win proposition. Find an exercise you truly enjoy doing, not one you dread. Once you make it a part of your daily routine, it will become an integral part of your healthy lifestyle. Strive to get 20 minutes a day of some type of exercise. Walking is a great way to start. Get outside and enjoy the open air while at the same time clearing your mind. It can be an escape from all the chaos in your life. There is nothing like the calming effect of being around Mother Nature. Excess weight is also a stress on your body; regular exercise will help eliminate the pounds, improving your looks, your health and your state of mind.

6. Finding "Me Time"

Take some solo time every morning before you start the day. Use this time to reflect on yesterday and plan out today's events. This is a good time to compile your "Top 5" list of things you want to accomplish for the day. With the craziness of non-stop information overload in today's society, it's more important than ever to take quiet moments. Set your alarm 15 minutes early and wake up to silence. Do not turn on the television or open the newspaper. You may find that problems which have plagued you suddenly become more manageable and put into perspective. When was the last time you sat in a room without white noise all around? Try it and see what happens. I have a feeling you will find it to be one of the most enjoyable moments of your day.

7. Listening to Music

Music calms the soul. It can trigger so many emotions and senses, transporting you to another time and place. Are there certain songs you hear that automatically make you smile or remember a special moment in your life? Make a special collection of your favorite songs and play them when you need to escape. Close your eyes and take yourself back to a place that left a cherished impression on your heart. It will help give you a renewed perspective on your current situation.

8. Reading

Reading can truly change your life. It can be one of the most powerful and simple ways to transform your personal and professional life, and a wealth of knowledge and learning is available at your fingertips for free at the local library. This ties in nicely to the aforementioned "me time." You can read and learn about anything your mind can conceive; fiction, non-fiction, a fantasy book, or biographies of successful people who have overcome their own struggles. Try to find 20 minutes a day to read something positive and reassuring. Stay away from newspapers and magazines that are filled with doom and gloom.

9. Focusing on Good News

Turn on the TV these days and all you see is bad news. What happened to the good news? The negative aspects of everyday life are always highlighted to sell headlines and increase viewership. All that negativity adds to your stress and a feeling of hopelessness. Sure, you need to stay informed of current events, and all you have to do is check out a summary page on any Web browser to catch yourself up to speed. What you focus on becomes your reality. So stop focusing on the bad things in life and zero in on the positive.

10. Better Sleeping

Sleep is necessary for the regeneration of body and mind. Lack of sleep leads to stress on the immune system and makes you more prone to illness. Get poor sleep consistently and say hello to irritability and fatigue, too. Remember how great you felt after your last poor night's sleep? That was your body telling you something; learn to listen to it. During waking moments, your nerve cells are constantly active and become more or less fatigued. Sleep gives the body cells an opportunity to rid themselves of waste and repair themselves. How much sleep should a person get each night? The answer depends on the individual; however it is recommended to get eight hours of sleep per night for maximum benefit.

It takes 30 days to form a new habit. Try these top 10 stress busters for just one month and you can change your life. Even if you can't do all of them, start with a few and see how much less stress you have in your life. There seems to be no end to the amount of stressful situations we encounter, but taking simple steps to ease the burden can go a long way toward making every day count

        

Everyone gets a headache from time to time, but how is a migraine different? How do you know if what you are experiencing is a migraine? What are the characteristics of a migraine? This is old hat for many of us, but every day someone experiences a migraine for the first time and not only doesn't know what to expect, but also may not realize she is experiencing something other than a run of the mill headache.

The biggest difference between a regular headache and a migraine attack is that a migraine attack involves symptoms other than just head pain. It's common for people who don't understand the difference to refer to a regular headache as a migraine, but they are actually very different.

Common Symptoms Associated with a Migraine Attack:

• one sided head pain
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to sound
• sensitivity to smells
• pain that worsens with activity
• hot flashes or chills
• dizziness
• vertigo
• confusion
• anxiety
• depression

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Stages of a Migraine Attack:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (1) Prodome - Only 30-40% of migraine sufferers experience this phase. For those who do this early warning can give them a leg up scheduling a chiropractic appointment before the migraine attack becomes very severe. This phase is characterized by mood changes, cravings, neck stiffness, fatigue and yawning.
  
  (2) Aura - About 20-25% of migraine suffers experience aura. Again, having this early warning lets the patient know an attack is coming and to start treatment right away.
  
  Common auras include:

• visual distubances such as flashing lights, spots or blurry vision

• smelling things that aren't there 

• confusion 

• difficulty finding words 

• dizziness 

• hearing things that aren't there 

• extreme sensitivity to touch

(3) Headache - The painful part of a migraine attack can range from mild to very severe. The pain is usually one sided. The attack can last anywhere from 1 to 72 hours. If the attack lasts longer than 72 hours you should seek medical attention. The symptoms listed above tend to arrive during this phase of the attack.

(4) Postdome - This is the recovery period. Many migraine sufferers say they experience something like a hangover after the attack has ended. They can experience fatigue, diminished intelligence, depressed mood or feelings of euphoria.

If you or someone you care about suffers from migraine headaches, contact our office for a chiropractic exam.
Neck misalignments often cause migraine symptoms. Simple neck adjustments can lead to dramatic relief, most patients return to their normal activities shortly after this form of treatment.



Sources:
Anatomy of a Migraine
Migraine: Symptoms
Migraine Issues - What are the symptoms of migraine?

        

                                                                                    

It’s that time of year again—back-to-school time! Many parents and children prepare for

that first day of school by doing some back to-school shopping, which often involves buying new clothing, pens, pencils, paper, markers, etc. However, backpacks are one of the biggest necessities for both college-aged and younger students, and it’s important to choose wisely.

 
There are so many backpacks to choose from, and choosing the right one for your child is not always easy. Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes—all of which help kids express their own sense of style. As practical as backpacks are for those who use them, backpacks can cause strained muscles and joints and back pain when worn incorrectly.

The human spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as shock absorbers. When something heavy—such as a backpack filled with books—is incorrectly placed on your child’s shoulders, the force of that extra weight can pull your child backwards. To compensate, your child may bend forward at the hips or arch his or her back, which can cause your child’s spine to compress unnaturally. Because of the heavy weight he or she is carrying, your child might begin to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain. What can we do about this? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that before you purchase a backpack, look for the following five criteria:

 

• Choose a lightweight backpack that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load. For example, although leather backpacks look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks.

 

• Choose a backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps. Straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders.

 

• Choose a backpack that has a padded back, which provides increased comfort and protects the wearer from being poked by sharp edges (such as pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the backpack.

 

• Choose a backpack that has a waist belt, which helps distribute the weight more evenly across the body.

 

• Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments, which also helps distribute weight more evenly.

 

Although most backpacks come with two shoulder straps, this doesn’t mean that your kids will use both straps! Many kids wear their backpacks over just one shoulder, which is the wrong thing to do. This makes the person lean to one side to offset the extra weight, and they might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Wearing the back pack incorrectly can also lead to poor posture. So, make sure your children wear the backpack using both straps. It’s also a good idea to tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit close to the body, and it should sit 2 inches above the waist


.

 

Girls and younger children may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. Doctors recommend that people—especially children—carry backpacks that are no more than 10–15 percent of their body weight. For example, if a child weighs 80 pounds, 15 percent of his or her body weight is 12 pounds. So, for an 80 pound child, the backpack and its contents should not weigh more than 12 pounds—but remember, lighter is always better.

Lifting and Positioning Backpacks

Children also need to know how to lift and position their backpack. Improper lifting can cause damage. Teach your children these four simple steps to safely lift their backpacks:

1. Face the backpack before you lift it.

2. Bend at the knees.

3. Using both hands, check the weight of the backpack.

4. Lift with your legs, not your back.

5. Carefully put one shoulder strap on at a time; never sling the backpack onto one shoulder.

Another Option

Another option to consider when purchasing backpacks is to look for a backpack on wheels. However, these types of backpacks may be less practical than traditional backpacks because they’re difficult to pull up stairs. If you’re thinking about purchasing a rolling backpack for your child, contact the child’s school first to be sure that they are allowed. Many schools don’t allow rolling backpacks because they pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.

By following these guidelines, your child will start off this school year with a healthy back!

This is a great time of the year to bring you kids in for a free screening to look for any spinal imbalances that can lead to back or neck pain. For more information contact our office at 952-931-9867 and ask for Dr Bill or Dr Dan.

 

 

Prepared by Courtney J. Schoessow, M.P.H., Extension Program Specialist – Health, Texas

AgriLife Extension Service

Original Illustration courtesy Virginia Beach City Public Schools

        

       


If you're a patient at our offices, you no doubt have seen infants and toddlers in the play area , waiting room or more importantly treatment rooms. I have been treating children since I started  practicing 26 years ago, I currently treat many children whose parents were children when I first treated them. Besides making me feel old, it also makes me feel proud to be part of these people's healthcare for a life time. The youngest patient I have treated for colic was only a few days old. Chiropractic care for children is very different than chiropractic care for adults. The adjustments are much softer and gentler because the child's joints are looser and easier to move. For infants, I generally use the Activator adjusting instrument, which can be set at a force so low that you could tolerate the pressure on your eye. As the kids get older they usually prefer to get adjusted with very gentle manual manipulation, they think it's fun and look forward to jumping up on the table. I can't count how many kids over the years were spared from having tubes put in their ears by simply getting their neck adjusted.

In general, the chiropractic adjustment is a very safe procedure for children. With millions of children visiting a chiropractor every year, adverse events (the technical term for injury) are very rare. A study published in 2008 in the prestigious medical journal Pediatrics found only nine incidents of adverse events related to spinal adjustments in children worldwide over the past 100 years, an enviable safety record.

All doctors understand that any form of health care comes with some degree of risk, whether we're talking about a dose of antibiotics or a chiropractic adjustment. As with any procedure, we will discuss the benefits and the risks of the adjustment as it applies to your child. 

Children generally heal much more quickly than adults, so they typically require just a few treatments to restore normal motion to their joints, and thus restore normal function to their nervous systems and related end organs.Chiropractors help children heal and attain true health by releasing joints that aren't moving properly or to their fullest capacity. This restores natural nervous system function, correcting symptoms at the root of the problem and optimizing the child's overall health and inherent healing abilities.

Since chiropractors improve the health of the nervous system by removing irritation stemming from the structural elements of the body, chiropractors can help children with a wide range of conditions, from colic to ear infections to asthma. Here are a few of the conditions we commonly treat as you children grow older.
Neonate-Infant:

• Colic/irritability
• Poor sleep
• Nursing problems
• Reflux/spitting up
• Constipation
• Torticollis/head tilt
• Asymmetrical crawl or gait

Toddler and Preschool-Age Child:

•  Ear infections
• Chronic upper respiratory infections
• Asthma
• Growing pains/foot or leg cramping
• Bed-wetting
• Incontinence (bowel or bladder)

School-Age Child and Adolescent:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Scoliosis
• Gait abnormalities
• Extremity injuries (chronic ankle sprains, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc.)
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic upper respiratory illness

It's important to remember that chiropractors are more than just back adjusters. Chiropractors are physicians whose scope of practice includes manual therapies (like adjustments and massage), physiotherapies (like ultrasound), exercise and postural advice, herbal and nutritional supplements, and lifestyle and dietary advice. After taking a thorough history and performing a complete examination, our doctors will determine which combination of these therapies will best help your child reach optimal health. Chiropractic physicians and medical physicians complement each other; as a team, they provide complete health care for your child.

If you have questions about chiropractic and your child's health, please call me at 952-931-9867 or respond to this blog. 

Excerpts taken from to your health columnist, Elsie Hewwit DC 1-2010 chiropractic for kids

        

With the  heat and humidity hitting near record highs over the past couple weeks and the hottest days of the summer ahead, I thought a blog on warm weather health tips might be in order. Our office manager, Deby, came across these seven summer health tips which are credited to Moss Greene, BellaOnlines nutrition editor. I liked them so much I put them on our clinics home page. I hope these tips can save you from the dangers of extreme summer heat. If you have any questions reguarding this topic please write or call me at 952-931-9867

1. Drink plenty of water. When heat and humidity are high, you can quickly become dehydrated. Your body’s thirst mechanism isn’t very accurate and becomes more unreliable with age. By the time most of us feel thirsty, we’re already slightly dehydrated. It's especially important during warm weather to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

2. Protect your eyes and skin. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin from the sun's dangerous UV rays. Sunburn abuse can lead to skin cancer. So wear protective clothing and sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. For sunburn relief, aloe vera gel or cool white vinegar can help ease the pain.

 3. Beat the heat. As temperatures rise, your body works overtime to stay cool. Any outdoor activity in high heat is physically stressful and can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Wear light, loose fitting clothing and don't overdo it. A complete nutritional profile that includes vitamin B, Zinc and antioxidants like C, E and carotenoids will boost your immune system and help fight stress, airborne allergens and toxins.

4. Balance activity with rest. Sunshine and warm weather offer a whole smorgasbord of activities. But don't push yourself beyond your physical limits or let overexertion squash your energy. Schedule time to rest, relax and take a nap when necessary.

5. Don't sweat it. One fact of heat is sweat. Even walking to your car in extreme heat can cause those little salty beads to pop out under your arms and on your face. Since sweating causes you to lose precious minerals, keep your electrolytes in balance by getting plenty of minerals from fresh fruit, vegetables and health supplements..

6. Overcome grill overkill. Nothing says, "fire up the grill" quite like warm weather. However, the chemistry of carcinogens produced by grilling can increase cancer risks. Studies suggest that following grilled meat with antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and carotenoids may offer protection against harmful grilling carcinogens.

7. Eat smart and healthy. Vacations and summer picnics can be a huge temptation to pig out. Don't fall for it. Too much junk food could destroy your summer fun. Keep your energy up by limiting sweets and fatty foods and focusing on fresh summer fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy lean protein.

 

        

        

Last week I had a patient come to my office complaining of intense  shin pain. She had just run a marathon and could not walk without significant pain.  After a careful examination I determined that she was suffering from the effects of medial tibial stress syndrome or what is more commonly referred to as Shin Splints.  I used a computer to scan her feet and found that both of her feet were severely pronated (fallen arches) which has caused excessive stress on the muscles in her lower legs where they attach to her Tibia bone (shin). This excessive stress can cause the fibers that hold the muscle to the bone to tear or it can cause the outer covering of the bone to inflame provoking intense pain.  At this point her initial treatment is to rest (not run) for about 3 weeks. In the meantime she needs to ice / heat the area and stretch and strengthen both the front and back muscles of her lower legs. I suggested doing some cross training including swimming in order to limit stress to the area during exercise. Most importantly I prescribed Foot Leveler orthotics to correct her foot pronation which should prevent this problem from occurring again. If  you or someone you know has similar problems, have them give me a call for a free foot exam including a computerized scan of their feet.

          

        

Guest Blogger Dr Dan Schumacher,

As the weather gets warmer we tend to set aside our normal street shoes and wear flip-flops and sandals more frequently. These types of footwear choices can be very comfortable but can also cause problems that can affect your foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back. The lack of arch support flattens the foot causing the knee and hip to rotate and eventually placing stress on the lower back. If you are going to wear flip-flops don’t overdo it. If you have any problems with plantar fasciitis (arch/heel pain), flip-flops will increase your pain. Proper arch support is very important and must be maintained to help limit the strain up the legs to the spine.

In our office we are able to order flip-flops and sandals that have built in removable custom orthotics to help maintain arch support. You can use these inserts in other shoes, so it is like getting two for one. We scan your foot to determine the proper support required and send that information off to the manufacturer. Within seven days the flip-flops or sandals are back in our office and you’re ready to hit the road in comfort and style. If you have any questions about orthotics or any leg or back problems give us a call at (952) 931-9867. We always have time for questions. I’ve attached a link to a recent Good Morning America story that highlights some recent research at Auburn University.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/Springtime/story?id=5013448&page=1

        

This morning I was driving into work and thinking how happy I would be to see the sun today. I have been feeling a bit tired and blue and was wondering what impact 13  out of 14 rainy days this month has had on my mood. I am familiar with a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD for short, and thought I could post some useful information about the subject in this weeks edition of my blog. I hope you find this info from the Mayo Clinic interesting. Enjoy.

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, seasonal affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own — you may have seasonal affective disorder. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Addressing the problem can help you keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

 

Symptoms

Seasonal affective disorder is a cyclic, seasonal condition. This means that signs and symptoms come back and go away at the same time every year. Usually, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Some people have the opposite pattern and become depressed with the onset of spring or summer. In either case, problems may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

Fall and winter seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)
Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating and processing information

Spring and summer seasonal affective disorder (summer depression)
Summer-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Increased sex drive

Reverse seasonal affective disorder
In some people, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania). These can include elevated mood, agitation, and rapid thoughts and speech. Reverse seasonal affective disorder is a form of bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms of reverse seasonal affective disorder include:

• Persistently elevated mood
• Increased social activity
• Hyperactivity
• Unbridled enthusiasm out of proportion to the situation

When to see a doctor
It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find yourself turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.

Causes 

The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. It's likely, as with many mental health conditions, that genetics, age and, perhaps most importantly, your body's natural chemical makeup all play a role in developing the condition. A few specific factors that may come into play include:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock, which lets you know when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression.
• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. Talk to your doctor to see whether taking melatonin supplements is a good option.
• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, perhaps leading to depression.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of seasonal affective disorder include:

• Being female. Some studies show that seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed more often in women than in men, but that men may have more-severe symptoms.
• Living far from the equator. Seasonal affective disorder appears to be more common among people who live far north or south of the equator. This may be due to decreased sunlight during the winter, and the longer days of summer.
• Family history. As with other types of depression, some studies have shown that people with seasonal affective disorder are more likely to have blood relatives with the condition.

Tests and diagnosis 

To help diagnose seasonal affective disorder, your doctor or mental health provider will do a thorough evaluation, which generally includes:

• Detailed questions. Your doctor or mental health provider may ask about your mood, seasonal changes in your thoughts and behavior, your lifestyle and social situation, and sleeping and eating patterns, for example. You may also fill out psychological questionnaires.
• Physical exam. Your doctor or mental health provider may do a physical examination to check for any underlying physical issues that could be linked to your depression.
• Medical tests. There's no medical test for seasonal affective disorder, but if your doctor suspects a physical condition may be causing or worsening your depression, you may need blood tests or other tests to rule out an underlying problem.

Seasonal affective disorder is considered a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder. Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your doctor or mental health provider to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or mental health conditions may mimic seasonal affective disorder.

To be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you must meet criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

The following criteria must be met for a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder:

• You've experienced depression and other symptoms for at least two consecutive years, during the same season every year.
• The periods of depression have been followed by periods without depression.
• There are no other explanations for the changes in your mood or behavior.

Treatments

Light therapy
In light therapy, also called phototherapy, you sit a few feet from a specialized light therapy box so that you're exposed to bright light. Light therapy mimics outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. This treatment is easy to use and seems to have few side effects.

Although light therapy is widely used and appears to be helpful, it isn't clear how light therapy works and how effective it is in treating seasonal affective disorder. Before you purchase a light therapy box or consider light therapy, talk to your doctor or mental health provider to make sure it's a good idea and to make sure you're getting a high-quality light therapy box.

Medications
Some people with seasonal affective disorder benefit from treatment with antidepressants, especially if symptoms are severe. Medications commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder include:

• Bupropion. An extended-release version of the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) may help prevent depressive episodes in people with a history of seasonal affective disorder.
• Other antidepressants. Antidepressants commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder include paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Your doctor may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. He or she may also recommend that you continue to take antidepressant medication beyond the time your symptoms normally go away.

Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. In addition, you may have to try several different medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is another option to treat seasonal affective disorder. Although seasonal affective disorder is thought to be related to biochemical processes, your mood and behavior also can add to symptoms. Psychotherapy can help you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse. You can also learn healthy ways to cope with seasonal affective disorder and manage stress.

 

Lifestyle and home remedies

Especially if your seasonal depression symptoms are severe, you may need medications, light therapy or other treatments to manage seasonal affective disorder. However, there are some measures you can do on your own that may help, such as:

• Make your environment sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight. Sit closer to bright windows while at home or in the office.
• Get outside. Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help — especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.
• Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood

Alternative medicine

Several herbal remedies, supplements and mind-body techniques are commonly used to relieve depression symptoms. It's not clear how effective these treatments are for seasonal affective disorder, but there are several that may help. Keep in mind, alternative treatments alone may not be enough to relieve your symptoms. Some alternative treatments may not be safe if you have other health conditions or take certain medications.

Nutritional and dietary supplements used to treat depression include:

• St. John's wort. This herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of problems, including depression. It may be helpful if you have mild or moderate depression.
• SAMe. This is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. SAMe hasn't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat depression in the United States. However, it's used in Europe as a prescription drug to treat depression.
• Melatonin. This natural hormone helps regulate mood. A change in the season may change the level of melatonin in your body. Some people try taking melatonin supplements, but discuss this with your health care provider first before doing so.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to relieve depression symptoms in some studies. Sources of omega-3s include fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Flaxseed, flax oil and walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, and small amounts are found in soybean and canola oils.

SAMe and St. John's wort can interact with medications for other conditions, especially antidepressants. Talk to your doctor before trying either of these remedies to make sure they're safe for you.

Mind-body therapies that may help relieve depression symptoms include:

• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Guided imagery
• Massage therapy

Coping and support

You can take action to cope with seasonal affective disorder. Here are tips to help you manage the condition:

• Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend therapy appointments as scheduled.
• Take care of yourself. Get enough rest. Eat regular, healthy meals. Take time to relax. Don't turn to alcohol or unprescribed drugs for relief.
• Practice stress management. Learn how to manage your stress better. Unmanaged stress can lead to depression, overeating, or other unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
• Socialize. When you're feeling down, it can be hard to be social. Make an effort to connect with people you enjoy being around. They can offer support, a shoulder to cry on or a joke to give you a little boost.
• Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations in sunny, warm locations if you have winter seasonal affective disorder or to cooler locations if you have summer seasonal affective disorder

Prevention

There's no known way to prevent the development of seasonal affective disorder. However, if you take steps early on to manage symptoms, you may be able to prevent them from getting worse over time. Some people find it helpful to begin treatment before symptoms would normally start in the fall or winter, and then continue treatment past the time symptoms would normally go away. If you can get control of your symptoms before they get worse, you may be able to head off serious changes in mood, appetite and energy levels.