What's the Mick's up?

After having written 100 posts, it seems time to revisit the mission of this Mick's up Life, lest we lose focus. (It's also a great opportunity to introduce new readers to the info that can be found in a Mick's up Life.)

So, I welcome you to join us on the path to a Mick's up Life! (Click on the links throughout, for fun adventures into the variety of Mick's up topics.)

Why did I bring my family on this ride?

Because the results of our new lifestyle got my hubby pain-free and all of us medicine-free, we feel we have to share what knowledge we have on the subject. Too many people suffer!  Since Jay-hubby has first-hand experience with FMS, we both know it is a disease people are in desperate need of getting out from under.  We see Fibromyalgia so commonly diagnosed these days, but that doesn't mean doctors know what to do about it. There really are no answers for it, and those victims in the midst of it are at the end of their rope, feeling like nobody understands, nobody cares, and like there's no end.  We want them to know that's not the way it has to be!

Just saying you need to eat healthy and exercise isn't getting us anywhere.  There are many versions of healthy living, but from what I have seen, they all fall short... except one... the one we were blessed to find 2+ years ago... the lifestyle we chose.  The one that saved us is the one which follows what are called the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living.  The info I gleaned while working in a Max Liv office covers all the bases, and bringing that information into every day life for readers is my mission, in order to encourage individuals and families to make healthy decisions for the long term.

So many people have said to us, in their own way, "Yes, we're so happy it helped you... but that's you... and I'm me.  I don't have the same reasons you do for changing the way I live, so I'll just keep doing what I've been doing, since I'm healthy enough, and I'll stay in my little comfort zone."

I'm sorry to hear that.  I really am!  Do I spread this information for my own benefit?  No! Why would I?  Why would I do this, other than to open people's eyes to improve their own lives?  Every person is precious, created by the One True God, and deserves to live life to the fullest.  Isn't that reason enough?

OK.  Fine.  For those of you who think I must have some selfish reason for writing, I'll go ahead and admit it.  I want everyone around me to be healthy... so they can be productive... and happy.  It will make my world... and the future world of my kidderz... much nicer and safer.  There.  I said it.  Selfish of me, isn't it?

Well, I'm not sorry... and sharing this Mick's up Life of ours is one way for us to get the word out and try to get the world a little bit healthier.

Where do we start? Inflammation and toxicity are two of the biggest enemies we all have, causing sicknesses (even minor ones), pain, and chronic disease.  Just a few simple tweeks in our daily living, and we can keep them at bay.  With this guide to a Mick's up Life, find some of the "whys" for handling stress, improving the nervous system, saying "yes" to some surprising foods and "no" to others, increasing exercise, and decreasing toxins.

I'm no expert.  I'm simply a mom, who found what works and what doesn't... and instead of making you do the research and trial-and-error, I want to give you a head start.  As they say, "Why reinvent the wheel?"

This is good for me and my family, too!  We constantly need it in front of us, so we don't forget why we do what we do.  Of course, the painful joints, stuffy sinuses, and grumpy attitudes we encounter in the days following a splurge with sugar and/or wheat are cruel reminders... but it would be nice to save ourselves the suffering.  So, we are reading right along with you, in order to keep us on the right path. 

Thanks for taking this journey with us!  I hope you find it's well worth the trip.

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom

    and lead you along straight paths."

Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)

~

Christmas Mick’s up with Chiropractic

Sales here…  sales there…  everywhere you turn, you find a sale!  ‘Tis the season.


We aren’t complaining!  We love a good deal, don’t we? 

One area you might not have been looking for a sale is in the area of health.  Look around, though, because you just might find a chiropractor near you, which is willing to give you a break on the cost of an initial exam.  Why would they want to do that?  Yes, sure, it’s good for business… but most importantly, the doctors want you to give yourself the gift of wellness. 

What better time to take care of yourself than now, when family is wanting to spend time with a healthy you?!  Your family and friends love you and want you to be around for many more years.  A good way to insure that is by taking a good, close look at your health.  The best way to do that is by seeing how well your Central Nervous System is responding.  After all, it is in charge of making everything in your body function, right?

As the Weekly Sticky reminds us this week, “You LIVE in your Nerve System.  EVERYTHING you experience in life is processed through it… what you see, what you hear, what you feel.   That's why Chiropractors care so much about keeping it healthy.  If your Nerve System is stressed, there goes your ability to interpret your world, and there goes your ability to successfully navigate life.”

Hey… Even Santa gets chiropractic care.  Isn’t that saying something?!

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up Merry

Get the most out of your holiday.  Have fun, but also take care of yourself.  That way, you don’t have to take a vacation to recover from your vacation!

 
I read some great advice in an article, “The Holidays: The Most Important Time to Keep Yourself Well.”  Even though I’m all about avoiding sugar and other inflammatories as much as possible, I also say we need to plan for splurges.  The article puts it well:  “Have a blast and eat like it's your last meal for 3-4 meals (not days) over the Holidays (starting with the Christmas parties, right up until New Years).  Yet, remember it’s about God and others – both of whom want you to live a long and joyous life.  Continue to exercise, manage your peace, and make the other meals nutritious.”
 
So, with that said, let’s move on to the Central Nervous System and how you will take care of that during the holidays.  The Central Nervous System controls all function and healing in the body, which includes the immune system.  One great way to keep healthy this holiday season is by boosting your immune system.  If you have not been seeing a chiropractor, now would be a great time to start.  This one change in your lifestyle will be a wonderful boost to your immune system.

Here’s a great to-do list from the above-mentioned Holiday article:
- If you typically exercise four days per week, exercise five days per week! 
- If you get adjusted twice per month, visit your chiropractor three or four times during the month of December!
- If you typically “pig out” once a week, hold off and do it every two! -If you usually function on 6-8 hours of nightly sleep, give yourself 8-10 hours instead.

 

 

“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

 

 

~

Mick’s up on Stress

“Chiropractic is Proactive.“

(Dr. Patrick Gentempo)

We all deal with stress of some kind in our lives.  We are faced with any one or a combination of the three stresses, which are physical, emotional, and chemical.
 
Physical stress can be a variety of things, from sleeping in a weird position to being in a car accident.

Emotional stress is obvious.  We worry.  Our feelings get hurt.  Tragedies happen.
 
Chemical stress is anything from seemingly harmless caffeine, to pollution, to drugs.
 
The Central Nervous System, which consists of your brain and spinal cord, lies between stress and illness.
 
“Stress is managed and processed through the Central Nervous System.  That means how you handle stress is dependent on the condition of your nervous system and how well it can manage the stress you are under.  If there is interference, its ability to handle stress will be hindered, and you may find yourself in ill health.  Chiropractic offers lifestyle support to help better address whatever your challenges might be.  If you want a healthy lifestyle, chiropractic is a critical component.” (Dr. Patrick Gentempo)
 

 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

 

~

Mick’s up and to the Point

This is short and sweet and to the point:

When was the last time you had a check-up for your nervous system?

“The goal of Chiropractic is to ignite Life within you so you can regain your health, fulfill your purpose and bring more joy to those around you.  Staying 'lit up' with regular Chiropractic care is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and those you love the most.” (The Weekly Sticky – “Chiropractic Fires Up Your LIFE!”)

And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the LORD is witness between you and me forever.”

1 Samuel 20:23 (NIV)

~

Have You Gotten a Mick’s up of Chiropractic

You might have gathered by now that I am very thankful for chiropractic care.  I never used to know why chiropractic is so good for me, but I just knew I felt better and was healthier when I received regular care. 

I am so thankful my parents became friends with a chiropractor so many years back, which first introduced us to this form of healthcare.

I’m thankful I found a wonderful office through the yellow pages and got back into regular chiropractic care, when I was pregnant with our first child, after I discovered chiropractic is excellent for pregnant ladies.  I was no longer in pain, regained comfortable sleep during those crucial months, improved my attitude, and later had a healthy baby because of chiropractic.

It is amazing to me the gifts God has given chiropractors:  the skill to be able to feel each bone in the spine and know it by name; the precision for moving the proper bone in the necessary manner; the understanding of where each nerve leads and what it helps, as well as what is hurt when it is not able to function properly; the compassion to care for each patient and their needs; even the knowledge of all other bones in the skeletal system, so as to aid in supplying answers for bewildered patients.

If you have not yet discovered the world of chiropractic, I urge you to do yourself a favor and look into it.

Listen to what Dr. Patrick Gentempo, owner of the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, says: “Now that this whole wellness revolution has come into this world, chiropractic is expanding and growing because we've had such great training….  Chiropractic is proactive,” meaning we take the approach of, “Let's not wait for you to get sick and then do something.  Let's keep you healthy.”

As we enter into the more stressful holiday season, it’s good to contemplate what that stress is doing to us and what we can do to handle it in a healthier way.  Dr. Gentempo continues on to say, “Everybody knows that lifestyle stress adversely affects your health.  How stress is processed and managed is through the nervous system.  What's between stress and illness?  The Central Nervous System.  You live your life through your nervous system.  What chiropractors do is evaluate your nervous system, see how stress is affecting that, and if it’s causing disturbance in how your nervous system functions, we want to release those disturbances so your body can heal and regulate.”

Is chiropractic a lifetime commitment?  Dr. Gentempo explains, “Chiropractic doesn't treat conditions...  It gives lifestyle support to help better address whatever your challenges might be.”  This question is like asking, “Once you go to the gym, do you have to keep going back?  Once you eat healthy, do you have to keep eating healthy?”  As the doctor says, “If you want a healthy lifestyle, chiropractic is a critical component.”

Many thanks to Conway Family Chiropractic for encouraging me to use their video in my blog.  This is a great summary of what chiropractic is and why we need it.  Enjoy!

Remember, don’t stress this holiday.  Read the Proverb below.  If you find yourself stressing, be sure to see your local chiropractor!

 

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

 

~

Mick’s up on Ergonomics

The Tip of the Week from North Hills Chiropractic on September 10, 2011 was:  "Make sure, when sitting at a computer, the computer is eye level, to promote a proper curve in the neck known as the "Arc Of Life."  Improper posture can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and your nervous system in your neck and spine!"
I need to begin by saying, “I’m guilty!”  I do not sit properly at my computer all the time.  You know what, though?  I know it, when I don’t.  The consequences are not fun.  Think about your workstation.  Are there some improvements to be made?  Let’s look at ergonomics.

"Ergonomics is the science of making things comfy.  It also makes things efficient." About.com

"Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity."  Wikipedia

“Current ergonomics encourages variety and movement rather than an exact posture,” as explained in Office-Ergo's “Conventional Wisdom” vs. Current Ergonomics Thinking.
 
Basically, don’t be sloppy.  Put your chair, keyboard, monitor, and mouse in comfortable positions, where you’re not straining to use them.  Most importantly, remember to get up and move around periodically… and the lifesaving advice I have for you is… visit your chiropractor regularly, and follow his/her instructions on posture and exercises.

 

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

 

 

~

Mick’s up with the Time Change

OK.  I have to say it.  I am jealous of those people who do not have to deal with the time change.  I need consistency.  It’s my personality trait.  My body likes routine.


The good side of this season’s time change is that we “fall back,” meaning I can get back into the habit of early-to-rise.

Even though we parents have pity parties, because kidderz wake up earlier in the morning, I feel even more badly for kidderz, because they are getting really tired by bedtime, since it is actually past bedtime. 

I’m an advocate for the importance of children getting the correct amount of sleep each night, for their physical and mental health and development.  What do the experts say about children's sleep needs?

The National Sleep Foundation provides the following recommendations on children's sleep:
•Toddlers (1-3 years): 12-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period (including naps)
•Preschoolers (3-5 years): 11-13 hours per night
•School-age (5-12 years): 10-11 hours of sleep per night

The Central Nervous System, which controls every function in the body, is the only system that does not slow down during sleep.  This means it can use this time to heal.  Proper sleep position is imperative.  Consult your chiropractor for more information.

Other interesting science behind sleep can be found in the article Healing Sleep:
“The science of sleep is still uncovering the mysteries of what ideally occupies one third of our lives. Sleep research has mapped out the phases of sleep, from the light, dreaming phase (rapid eye movement, or REM) to the deeper phases in which critical replenishing takes place. We are beginning to understand some of those processes and speculating on others:

• REM sleep may be tied to healing brain functions like memory and mental acuity, and may help in the formation of new nerve cells in the brain.
  
• The body produces human growth hormone during the deepest sleep phase. HGH is responsible for helping us absorb nutrients and amino acids, healing tissues and stimulating bone marrow to produce immune system cells.  (Also, as mentioned in Mick's in the Age Factor , HGH works as an anti-aging hormone.)
  
• During sleep, we produce melatonin, which helps us sleep better, inhibits the growth of tumors, stimulates the immune system and guards against viral infections, increases the antibodies in saliva and confers antioxidant benefits (which reduces the effects of oxidative stress throughout the body).”

With that said, I am on my way to a great night’s sleep.  Night-night.  Sleep tight.  Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat —  for he grants sleep to those he loves.  Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

Psalm 127 (NIV)

~

Mick’s in a Reboot

Do you need a reboot?

There are days like that, aren’t there?

A great video by Educhiro helps you visualize just how the nervous system is like a network of signals in a computer.

If our bodies are similar to a computer, then doesn’t that only make sense that we need a reboot once in a while, just like a computer does?

Your brain is sending messages to the rest of your body, so you can function.  If you need to reboot that system, then that means there is a stress interfering with the messages and function.

Your spine is protecting your spinal cord, which is helping deliver the messages.  If stress has caused the spine to put pressure on any of the nerves, then there is an interference.  An interference means there is a decrease in function of the part of the body those stressed nerves are going to.

A chiropractor will help you reboot, in this situation.  A specific, gentle movement of the spine by the doctor will take the pressure off the nerves, and your system will have a reboot. 

Now, doesn’t that feel so much better?  You have clear data passageways.  The messages from the brain now have a proper path to travel, so your body can do its work more easily. 

You’re ready for a fresh start!

Don’t forget to clear out the interference between you and the Source of life, too!

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

~

FMS in the Mick’s?

I need to be totally honest with you.  I do not truly know what it is like to have brain fog.  I cannot say I fully understand.  However, I have had to deal with it second-hand.  It is difficult enough to watch someone trying to function in life while in a fog.  I can’t imagine the stress of being in that fog.  I am sorry that those of you with brain fog have to deal with it.  Please realize, though, that I am writing this blog to try to help you know you don’t have to live with it.  There is a way out of the fog!

Today’s topic is related to brain fog.  One of the symptoms of FMS is brain fog.
I’ve seen hope glimmering in my husband’s eyes, as he sees the fog lifting… and as he feels his quality of life improving dramatically, after dealing with FMS for years.  Yes, he’s a guy and he was diagnosed with FMS, even though the statistics say it’s a 7:1 ratio of women to men with FMS. (CDC)

What is FMS?
FMS = Fibromyalgia Syndrome = difficult to diagnose = frustrating for those with it, because of comments like, “It’s all in your head.”

How is FMS diagnosed?
“To receive a diagnosis of FM, the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

• Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months
• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied”

Progress has been made by Dr. Bruce Gillis to give hope to FMS sufferers that doctors can determine that their symptoms are not just in their heads.  He has developed a blood test that is 95% accurate in detecting fibromyalgia.  It looks at cytokines in the blood.  What do cytokines do?  “The simple answer is that cytokines are small protein molecules released by nerve and immune cells that send signals to other cells in the body to do things like alter cell functions and increase/decrease the regulate of genes.  In the case of fibromyalgia, these messengers cause the central nervous system to create the widespread body pain characteristic of fibromyalgia as well as other physiological, hormonal and behavioral changes.”  These cytokines are related to inflammation in the body.

Toxicity and inflammation are two major factors involved in the pain of FMS.  Once they are decreased, there is a definite decrease in symptoms.  My husband is living proof.

Not only is decreasing toxins and inflammation a great start to combating FMS, but so are improving nutrition and focusing on spinal care.  After all, didn’t God give you a system in the body that will heal itself, if the stuff that isn’t supposed to be there will just get out of the way and let it do its job?!

The Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet even lists chiropractic as one of the alternatives to help improve an FMS victim’s quality of life, since “increasing attention is being devoted to the central nervous system as the underlying mechanism of FMS.”  Take note: ”Increasing rest, pacing activities, reducing stress, practicing relaxation and improving nutrition can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.” (National Fibromyalgia Association)

Again, we’re back to focusing on 5 simple items to change your quality of life:  attitude, spine/nerve system health, nutrition, exercise, and toxins.

Maybe this week, as we're spotlighting toxicity, we need to look at what we’re putting in our bodies, and make sure it’s not toxic.  If we’ve had a history of taking medications, having vaccinations, living with mercury fillings in our teeth, cleaning with chemicals, eating unhealthy fats and sugars, and living in toxic environments, then we should figure out a way to rid our bodies of the toxins we’re continually taking in and the toxins already stored there.  Find a detox something like Daily Detox and allow your body to function like it’s supposed to!

FMS is serious business, and it needs to be addressed.  I’ve witnessed the depression that accompanies FMS, and I can believe the suicide rates are higher among FMS sufferers. (CDC)  Please, please, please do not give up hope!

Yes, granted, there are medications out there.  Doctors don’t know what else to do, so they help to mask some of the symptoms with pain medications and others.  However, after a while, the body can adapt and then the symptoms will increase again, even with the medications.  Plus, the medications are increasing the toxicity of the body.

So, why not try something else?  What can it hurt?  If you need more information, go back through this Mick’s up Life, and read up on the 5 things I’ve emphasized for living as a healthy family.  Think about it:  You’ve tried everything else.  Why not this?  Then you can give all the glory to the God who made you in such a way that your body can heal itself!  Just think of it!  Amazing!

“But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.

I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving. “

Psalm 69:29-30 (NIV)

 

~

Mick’s in a Fog

Have you felt like you’re not as sharp as you used to be?  Do you feel fatigued?  Are you wondering why you’re in slow-motion, while the world is moving faster than ever?

You might be dealing with Brain Fog. 

Some of the symptoms of Brain Fog are (Brain Fog is Real and is a Common Symptom - by Lisa Cruz): 

• Lack of focus
  
• Forgetfulness
  
• Loss of mental acuity
  
• Decreased mental stamina
  
• Decrease in creativity
  
• Confusion
  
• Lack of spatial awareness
  
• Absentmindedness or spaciness
  
• Decreased attention span
  
• Decreased short term memory
  
• Difficulty finding words

What can cause it?

Dr. Lawrence Wilson defines Brain Fog as “feelings of mental confusion or lack of mental clarity.” (BRAIN FOG by Lawrence Wilson, MD)  He goes on to say nutrition and lifestyle are the beginning of the solution to the problem of Brain Fog, which has many causes.

Toxicity is one of the main causes.  We are bombarded by toxins every day, everywhere we turn.  Heavy metal toxicity not only causes Brain Fog, but it can also produce other chronic conditions such as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of other serious disorders.

What can you do about it?

Getting regular chiropractic care to keep the signal passages clear from the brain to the rest of the body… getting exercise to increase oxygen… getting the right nutrients in your body… and getting away from toxins as much as possible… if all working together, will help to clear up brain fog.  (Again, it’s the simple lifestyle of incorporating the idea of 5 Essentials for healthy living.)

The way my family has decided to deal with toxins in the body is with a product called Daily Detox.  I am not advertising.  I don’t get any kick-backs by telling you about it.  There are other products out there, and maybe there are even some very similar to it, but I’m just letting you know what I found out about this one.  It’s not a periodic cleanse.  It’s not a fad.  It’s not a fast.  The product has recently changed a little bit, with the inclusion of a new manufacturer, however the idea of it is that it includes a vitamin B complex and a glutathione enhancer (the most powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body) to give your body’s natural detoxing system a boost (using such ingredients as milk thistle).   With this detox system, the toxins are drawn from the cells… and as a side note, proper nutrition allows for healthy cell walls to have a more efficient process of getting bad things out and good things in.  So it’s a cleanse at the cellular level.  It also has activated carbon, which acts as a magnet, drawing toxins to it.  Then, since the body cannot process it, the carbon and the toxins are totally eliminated from the body.
When toxins are eliminated, your body can start to heal, and your thinking can become clearer.

Depending on the toxicity and acidity levels of the body, the healing process will happen at different rates for different people.  It’s a process, so be patient.  If you’re really serious about healing, be sure to improve everything together:  attitude, nutrition, exercise, spine/nerve system care, while working on decreasing toxicity.

I’ve seen it happen!  I’ve witnessed Brain Fog clear up!  It is possible!  My husband can testify to it!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The fog can lift!

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober,
set your hope on the grace to be brought to you
when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

~

Mick's Signals

OK, so...
As a mom or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent, what do you prefer for your children... or even for yourself:  sickness  or  health ??

"I'm no good to my family if I'm sick or dead."
- Pastor Leon Fontaine senior pastor for Springs Church, Winnipeg, Canada

I think we all know the answer.  What are we going to do about it?

Did you know that the first system to develop in the body, while the baby is being formed in the womb, is the Central Nervous System?! 

"For you created
my inmost being;
you knit me together
in my mother’s womb."
Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

"Your baby's brain and spinal cord are visible through his translucent skin."  Inside pregnancy: Weeks 1 to 9 on BabyCenter.com

"Neural tube forms - It will develop into the nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, hair, and skin). Already your baby has the foundation for thought, senses, feeling, and more!"  Weeks 1-4  Pregnancy.org 

Since that's true, we can combine it with information about the Immune System we also now know from yesterday's blog post Mick's up on Your Immune System: 
"Basically what they were saying is that the nervous system has a direct effect on the immune system due to the nerve supply to the important immune system organs."  Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. "Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 - adrenergic-dependent mechanism." Circulation 1992 86(1): 203 

The Central Nervous System has to communicate at 100% with the Immune System for the Immune System to work at its 100%.  It needs to get the signals through to make it work (through the "nerve supply").  Right?  Just like you need to get a message across to your kidderz, so they can be at their 100%.

So… we need to…

Get rid of interference!  Just like you need to get rid of interference and distractions, when you're talking to your kidderz but they're not listening.  Check out what Maximized Living says about it?

What's your next step… for you… for your children?


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14  (NIV)

~