Healthy Family Living

Your body was wonderfully created to be healthy and have the ability heal and protect itself if needed. Part of this protection is called your immune system. This is the part of your body that if working properly is able to identify foreign objects/matter in or on your body and determine what to do with it. When the object is identified and a response to deal with it is created your body has the inherent ability to get rid of the foreign object without any help of something being added. The immune system is directly controlled by your nervous system and if these two systems of your body are not in constant perfect communication, the immune system response may be slowed or decreased. When the immune system is slowed or not working at a normal level, the body is more susceptible to virus or bacteria and can have a harder time getting rid of them. The disruption in communication between the two systems occurs when a nerve is pinched. The nerve is the line or route of communication between the nervous system and immune system. It acts much like a power-line that connects your house to a power-plant. If the line is hanging normally from pole to pole all the way to your house the lights will turn on when you flip the switches and the tv and radio will work when you turn them on. If at some point along the line from the power plant to your house the wire is cut or maybe a tree fell on the line the electricity may not be getting passed through to your house. This would result in no lights, tv, or radio since your house has no electricity.

A pinched nerve, much like a tree branch on a power-line, slows or stops the communication between the nervous system and immune system. This will slow or reduce your body’s response time to a foreign bacteria or virus and may slow the process of healing or getting rid of the foreign matter. A chiropractor is trained to detect and treat the areas of your spine where spinal nerves may be pinched.

A Gonstead trained chiropractor has the ability to find the exact location where a specific nerve is pinched by doing a thorough spinal exam, full spine x-rays, nervo-scope readings, and motion/static palpation. Then using his/her hands remove the pressure with a gentle and safe adjustment. With no pressure on the nerve and communication restored between the immune system and nervous system the body can respond normally to stresses placed on it from the environment.

A normal and healthy response that the body would have to a foreign bacteria/virus would be a fever. When the body raises its core temperature it is in response to the immune system identifying that a foreign object is present. Common bacteria/viruses can only live at certain temperatures within the body and if that temperature is raised it cooks or kills the bacteria/virus. When the immune system and nervous system are healthy, the body’s temperature will be safely raised to a temperature that will not allow the virus/bacteria to flourish. If the body’s temperature is brought down with the aid of medication it can slow the body’s response and healing time as well as weaken the immune system making it easier for that specific bacteria/virus to do more damage the next time the body is in contact with it.

Your body is not like a car that needs oil and liquids added to it to keep it running. Your body was created with everything it needs to be healthy and to thrive in the face of all stresses put on it. Adding foreign stuff to the body can slow or decrease the immune systems response time as well as its ability to recognize and create a defense the next time it comes in contact with the same or similar bacteria/virus. Keeping your nervous system free of pinched nerves and healthy will keep your immune system strong and able to better react to a bacteria/virus.

The fuel your body needs consist of healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. These foods will be in there most natural state and include items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meats. Stay away from highly processed foods that are full of chemicals and toxins added to increase their shelf life. Our bodies are not able to breakdown or get rid of these chemicals and may store them in our tissues creating an unhealthy body. The better we can eat and fill our body with good nutrients and vitamins the more likely it will be healthy and respond better to infections or foreign bacteria/virus.

Allergies and Chiropractic: A Natural Way to Find Relief

Allergies: a result of an unhealthy immune system

Millions of people suffer from allergies of various kinds: allergies to food, to dust, to pollen, to pet dander, etc. Allergies happen when the body's immune system overreacts to one of these things, called allergens, and "produces too many neutralizing chemicals (especially histamines) to counteract it" (Koren, 2013). Simply put, allergies happen because of an overreacting immune system--one that's not working properly.

The medical approach

As with most disorders and diseases, regular doctors will only treat the symptoms of allergies. There is no cure for allergies in orthodox medicine, only treatment of the symptoms (Koren, 2013). Typical allergy treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. Antihistamine is a drug that blocks histamines, which cause runny eyes, sneezing, itchiness, redness, and other allergy symptoms.

The problem with antihistamines is that they can come with a variety of side effects, including upset stomach and nausea, dry mouth, nose and throat, dizziness, headaches, among others. Extended use of antihistamines (such as in treatment of chronic allergies) can cause liver damage over the long term.

The chiropractic approach

People who suffer from allergies have been finding relief in chiropractic care for decades. (See some testimonials below from our own patients who have had relief from allergy symptoms thanks to chiropractic.)

Not a treatment of the problem, but of the cause

"The goal of chiropractic care is to locate and correct a serious type of spine and nervous system stress called the subluxation" (Koren, 2013). When the nervous system is relieved of the stress caused by pinched nerves in the spine, it is free to function optimally. A healthy body is able to neutralize allergens instead of overreacting to their presence in the body. Koren quotes Dr. Kurt Donsback, saying "A healthy body is capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by eliminating all the allergens" (Donsback, 1980, quotes in Koren, 2013).

If you or a family member suffer from any food allergies (wheat, milk, peanuts, etc.) you know how frustrating it can be to make sure you don't come into contact with any of those allergens which could potentially cause devastating allergic reactions. If you rely on drugs to keep your allergies at bay, or have a restricted diet as a result of food allergies, try chiropractic care.

Still not convinced? Read these testimonials from patients who found relief from allergies through chiropractic:

From Ryan Coufal:

For the past 10 years I've had sinus and allergy problems. It seemed I was allergic to everything in Nebraska – mold, pollen, dust. Outside activities left me with cold-like symptoms and exhaustion. I took allergy shots for three years, and about every kind of allergy medication available. I had between five and eight sinus infections each year. I was prescribed antibiotics so often that I grew resistant to the medications; some had no effect on me at all.

Since getting adjustments from Dr. Hackbart, I haven't used my allergy medicine once! I can mow a lawn, work out and exercise. He was straightforward and talked with me extensively about how changes in my lifestyle would help improve my health.

The staff at Hackbart Chiropractic genuinely care about my personal well-being and have worked around my busy schedule to get me in for my appointments. I previously thought chiropractic care was only for joints and muscles. I couldn't have been more wrong, it has changed my health entirely!

From Kathy Hartmann:

For the past 12 years I've had sinus and allergy problems. I've also suffered from pain in my right side, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. I couldn't even move my neck to see behind me.

I tried many things in hope of some relief - I had surgery on my sinuses 9 years ago, allergy shots weekly, took allergy medications, and took antibiotics for sinus infections. But since seeing Dr. Hackbart, my allergies and headaches are gone! I can actually turn my head to see behind me, and I'm no longer suffering from dizziness and fatigue!

My mobility is better and I am sleeping much better through the night. I wake up feeling good! My family had been after me for years to give chiropractic a chance and I regret not coming in sooner. You should give him a try! It will change your life for the better. And the staff was wonderful, friendly and very welcoming!

Hackbart Chiropractic Kids Super Hero Teleseminar!!!

 

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Ka-Pow!

That's the sound of awesome coming your way! We're part of the Super-Hero Club and we want you to join us! We have a new mission and we need help from Hackbart Chiropractic Kids! Become a Super-Hero with us at the Hackbart Kids Teleseminar! Check out the details!

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Work Like A Charm: an Audio Seminar

benefits of chiropractic for your work and career - Hackbart Chiropractic, Seward, NE

Dr. Hackbart, Dr. Isaacson and I have put together an audio seminar. We've got great tips and advice for staying healthy at work. You don’t have to sacrifice your health for the perfect job – in fact, the healthier you are, the more successful and productive you’re likely to be in your career as well! So give yourself the balanced life you deserve and be happy, and healthy, all work-day long.

With these tips you will feel full of energy, vigor, passion, and enthusiasm!

Click play below to listen to the Work Like A Charm Seminar:

Skin Health

        During the month of July we will be discussing different topics that involve skin health and some issues that may arise.  We will look at how this is related to your nervous system and how a chiropractic exam could benefit.  Some of the topics we will cover this month include: Shingles, Sun burn, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne.

          The largest organ of your body is your skin.  Just like every organ in the body, without proper nerve supply it would not have the ability to function properly.  Your skin is a great window that shows the health of the inside of the body. When there are unhealthy organs within the body, they may show as signs on the skin such as rashes, pimples, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, etc.  Along with protecting your body form the environment, the skin also helps expel toxins and is host to bacteria that aid in protection. 

          Some recommendations along with regular chiropractic care are to avoid applying chemicals (make-up, sunscreen, perfume, lotion, etc) to the skin, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables,  drink the recommended amount of water daily, and  take vitamins A,C,E, and Omega-3 to support healthy skin from the inside.

Avocados: Heart Healthy and Delicious, plus a Recipe!

Did you know that avocados are not only delicious, but they are powerhouses of nutrition, too!!!???!!  With this being Heart Health week at Hackbart chiropractic, it's the perfect time to highlight this delicious super food and share some ways it can contribute to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Avocados contain oleic acid, an omega-9, monounsaturated fatty acid that can help lower our "bad" cholesterol (LDL).  Oleic acid is also believed to slow the pace of heart disease and promote the production of antioxidants.  The vitamin B6 and folic acid in avocados also control homocysteine levels, which again, helps to reduce the risks of heart disease.

Avocados are simply an all around nutrition burst.  The lutein they contain helps to prevent age-related eye deterioration.  And they are loaded with fiber which helps with digestion and regulation of blood sugar.  Glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants, is also found in avocados.  Glutathione boosts the body's immune system and promotes a healthy nervous system.

Chiropractic is about natural health and healing.  Regular chiropractic visits go hand-in-hand with appropriate exercise and a healthy diet to be the least invasive, chemical-free and most successful ways to attain, and keep, good health.  They all help to prevent and to treat the root cause of health problems, instead of simply trying to mitigate symptoms.

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Call the office, today to schedule a regular health maintenance adjustment and check out the recipe link, below, for just one example of how delicious, healthy eating can be.  Our friend, Glenda, at Busy-at-Home has a fabulous recipe for Avocado Salsa (Click the picture or this link to get the recipe.) that will tantalize the taste buds of even the most finicky eaters in your household!  Enjoy!

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Prostate Health: A Chiropractic Approach

Like any organ in the body, the prostate gland is in constant communication with the brain and if that communication is disrupted the prostate is not working at its optimal level.  This makes it more difficult for the prostate to function normally, as well as ward off bacteria or viruses that may play a role in some forms of prostatitis.  If there is a subluxation involved, (typically in the lower back), then it is likely that the prostate will respond to specific adjustments performed by a chiropractor.  Some common symptoms associated with an unhealthy prostate include the inability to empty the bladder, decreased urine flow, and increase in frequency of urination at night, to name just a few.  Another issue that typically gets good results with specific adjustments to the lower back is erectile dysfunction.  When the prostate is unhealthy, the sex organs are involved making it difficult for some men to function normally on their own.

Interestingly, 80% of men with chronic low back pain also have prostate problems! A study done, by Dr. Winsor, found that eight out of eight male subjects who were having prostate problems also had nerve interference in the lumbar region of their backs.  This shows that a lack of communication with the prostate gland may have a role in the function and overall health of the prostate.  Restoring communication, with specific chiropractic adjustments, will help achieve or maintain a healthy prostate.

If you have questions, or are experiencing symptoms that you think may be related to prostate health, call our office and make an appointment to speak to Dr. Hackbart, Dr. Folkers, or Dr. Isaacson about restoring the nerve communication to the prostate gland. Chemical medications or invasive procedures should never be a first course of action.  Instead of masking symptoms with temporary fixes, the natural healing of chiropractic care should always be the first choice for restoring health and eliminating the root cause of the problem.

Nichole Thomas: Patient Video Testimonial

Nichole Thomas discontinued use of a prescription antibiotic, after just 24 hours, to instead, allow chiropractic to strengthen her immune system. This natural, healthy choice allowed her to recover from shingles in just two weeks, while someone she was close to continued their prescription and suffered a long and painful "recovery" experience. A long-time chiropractic patient, Nichole understood the benefits and opted for the healthy alternative. We're proud and grateful to have Nichole as a patient at Hackbart Chiropractic. Listen to her video testimonial to get the full-story on her healing experiences, with not just shingles, but with the pain of fibromyalgia.