Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Take Responsibility For Your Own Health

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I learned early on in life that my health was my own responsibility. Once I became an adult and could make my own lifestyle choices the ball was in my court.

After-all...it's not hard to figure out. All you have to do is stay up late and notice how you feel the next day to know that you would have been better off with more sleep. 

Or drink too much the night before you are supposed to do something important that required your best as far as focus and attention.

Or gain weight from eating a certain way.

It just wasn't that hard to figure out...and it still isn't.

When I get sick it is always because I exposed myself to some sort of mental, physical, or chemical stress that caused my body to become a welcome host for sickness.

The same germs we live in harmony with when we are healthy make us sick when we are run down.

Heck...if it was the germs or the virus that caused a person to get sick then everyone would be sick all the time.  

We become fertile soil for sickness and disease when we make poor lifestyle choices.

I am always amazed when people I know get sick with something like the flu and act like they had nothing to do with it.

Now I know my world view on this is not the status quo. In fact, much of our health-care system is based on the opposite point of view. 

Anyway...that's what I believe. My 18 years of clinical experience, and my roles of father and husband have only served to strengthen my position.

Now this doesn't mean medical care can't help us once we are stricken with illness. In fact, it can save our lives. But I think the best defense against illness is a healthy lifestyle. And I know many medical doctors that believe the same thing. Why? Because it's true.  

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic at the San Francisco Embarcadero Center.     

10 Reasons You Should Consider Switching To A Plant Based Diet

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I have been enjoying the benefits of a plant based diet for almost 20 years now. I follow the McDougall Program created by John McDougall, MD. It's not an all or none program, which means you can still follow the program without going all-in. The more strict you are however...the more you benefit. Personally, I follow the program about 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time (Friday PM & Saturday) I eat whatever I want.

Here are 10 of the best things about a plant based diet and why you should consider switching:

1. You can eat as much as you want and you do not have to count calories. You are just making better choices. You will never win the battle against the hunger drive and who wants to starve all day? This is my favorite part.

2. You will naturally maintain a more normal bodyweight, avoiding many of the health problems associated with being overweight or obese. Combined with regular exercise, you will be a fat burning machine...and it will show.

3. You will look and feel younger than you are,  and this will last throughout your life as long as you stick with the program. It's a lifestyle not a quick fix. 

4. You will have more energy. When your body does not have to deploy so many resources to detoxify chemicals and poisons (from processed foods and animal by-products), the result is more health and vitality.

5. You will have a healthier immune system and will be better able to resist illnesses such as the cold and flu, along with allergies, sinus conditions, and digestive disturbances.

6. You will have stronger bones as high protein diets have been directly linked to osteoporosis by disturbing the acid-base balance of the blood (see exploring a low-acid diet for bone health) .

7. You will have a healthier heart and blood vessels as a plant based diet is high in fiber and does not contain the artery clogging properties of processed foods, animal fats and proteins...or cholesterol (very little if any). In fact, all your organs will work better and your chances of acquiring any of the killer disease's will be less (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes). Please read this great article by Kathy Freston entitled Heart Disease: A Toothless Paper Tiger That Need Never Exists. This article is a must read.

8. You will be helping the environment as livestock production produces more greenhouse gases than transportation. In fact, 30% of the earth's land mass is devoted to livestock production (see the environmental impact of a meat based diet).

9. You will have healthier looking skin. When your body is clean (without layers of fat and poison under your skin) you look and feel good about yourself...and you have a natural glow.

10. You will be helping prevent animal cruelty (see introduction to animal cruelty).

There are many more reasons too...especially if you have children. We have a major childhood obesity problem and our health-care costs are spiraling out of control. This new health-care reform bill does nothing to address the Typical American Diet...but you can and should. Your health is YOUR responsibility and nobody decides what you eat but YOU.

It really is worth the effort. Try it out and see how much better you look and feel. And send me an email: ebendavis@yahoo.com or come back and comment on this blog and let me know what you think...chances are, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dr. Eben Davis is a vegan chiropractor in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment at Executive Express Chiropractic call 415-392-2225.

How To Keep Your New Years Resolutions

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Well...it's 2010 and many of us (including me) have made our New Years Resolutions...which are often times hard to keep. But...according to the Happiness Project, there is a right way to make New Years Resolutions that will stick. Check-out this article entitled:

Five Tips for Planning Effective New Year’s Resolutions

 

Here is an excerpt:

Forty-four percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and I know I always do. I’m more inclined to make resolutions than ever, in fact, because if my happiness project has convinced me of anything, it has convinced me that resolutions – made right – can make a huge difference in boosting happiness.

So how do you resolve well? This is trickier than it sounds. Here are some tips for making your resolutions as effective as possible. Remember, right now, you’re in the planning stage. Don’t feel like you have to do anything yet! Just start thinking about what would make 2010 a happier year.

1. Ask: “What would make me happier?” It might be having more of something good – more fun with friends, more time for a hobby. It might be less of something bad – less yelling at your kids, less nagging of your spouse. It might be fixing something that doesn’t feel right – more time spent volunteering, more time doing something to make someone else happier.

Check the full article, it's good stuff...and Happy New Year!

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors call 415-392-2225.

 

    

Happy New Year Everyone

 May The New Year Bring You Peace, Love, & Prosperity.

                              Dr. Eben Davis
 

Try Weightlifting and Chiropractic For Back Pain. It Works For Me

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments: 

Over the past week or so I have been spending a lot more time in front of my computer, and at the same time I have been unable to workout as much as I usually do because I sprained my knee skiing. 

Anyway, my upper back really started to bother me during the 7 days or so I was unable to workout...almost to the point that I thought lifting weights might actually hurt it.

But I decided to hit the gym anyway, and after just the first workout (after missing a week) the upper back pain almost went away completely. I know it wasn't the aerobics, because I still can't run or ride the bike because of my knee...so it must be the exercise.  I think there is a mental component also.  Especially if you already know exercise is good for back pain. It's kind of like taking a pill...without any of the side effects. Instead of going to the medicine cabinet you go to the gym.

Of course I have known all this for quite a while as I have preached the benefits of weightlifting for back pain for over 18 years now at my San Francisco chiropractic clinics...but it's still nice to feel it work.

I also take pretty good care of my spine with regular chiropractic adjustments, lots of stretching and abdominal work (the abs support the lumbar spine), and a great mattress and pillow...I'm sure this helps when it comes to bouncing back from a back strain episode, or periodic sports injuries. 

However, weights would not be as effective for someone in poor shape or with a weak or badly injured spine. In fact, it could make the back pain worse.

 So, maybe weightlifting as a stand alone treatment for back pain should only be considered in the proper context (having a healthy spine).  If you don't...your trip should be to the chiropractor. Hopefully one that can help you get on a "healthy back" training program.

A good chiropractor, especially a sports oriented chiropractor can help you with a weightlifting, stretching, and posture improvement program that will help add years to your life, and life to your years. Invest in your spine...it will continue to pay dividends throughout your lifetime. 

Side Note: Weightlifting will also keep you looking young. I am in better shape now than I was in high school. I just shot the photo above (of myself) on my iphone in our laundry room (hopefully my wife does not see this). I think it's important to practice what you preach. Diet plays a huge part to. I eat an 80-20 plant based diet. I eat Vegan 80% of the time. The other 20% (Friday evening and all day Saturday) I eat pretty good, but I can eat anything I want.

I don't know about you...but it's hard for me to listen to advise on nutrition, chiropractic, and staying in shape, from someone that neglects their own health. 

Dr. Eben davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment call 415-392-2225.

January 2010 is "Posture Awareness Month" at Executive Express Chiropractic. How is Yours?

                                                                      

 

It’s your health, and we bend over backward to provide premium spinal and chiropractic care that can enhance your overall well-being. To celebrate Posture Awareness Month, Executive Express Chiropractic is offering one Free digitized posture exam and home posture improvement kit to everyone visiting our office through January 31, 2010. That’s a $199 savings (see below for details).

 

Did you know that poor posture negatively affects your overall health? Because your nervous system controls all bodily functions, posture care is essential to your long-term head-to-toe wellness. Vertebral subluxation is a syndrome that begins with poor posture, later putting undue pressure on your spine and nervous system. Research shows that weighty backpacks, improper computer ergonomics, spinal trauma, slouched television or video game positions along with the most widespread problem, Forward Head Posture (FHP), can lead to:

-          Chronic spinal pain

-          Lung, pulse and blood flow complications

-          Headaches

-          Mood disorders

-          Pinched nerves

-          Premature degeneration and arthritis

-          Fibromyalgia

-          Joint tension

But education, awareness, exercise and retraining can help men and women of all ages feel better and avoid more serious complications in the years to come. Self-care solutions are easy to integrate into your busy day, with strengthening exercises conducted in the comfort of one’s own home.

 

After your free digital posture exam, Executive Express Chiropractic will present personalized information on targeted posture improvement exercises based on your individual exam results. You will also receive guidance on proper sleeping positions, computer workstation set-up and ergonomics to correct and improve your general health.

Make a commitment to your health, your comfort and your well-being in the New Year.  Call Executive Express Chiropractic at 415-392-2225 to request your free digitized posture exam and home posture improvement kit today.

 

If you have never been in before, you can also request an appointment online. Use promo code “POSTURE” in the Referred By field of the intake form. Don’t delay: This offer ends January 31, 2010.

                                                                

Q & A With Dr. Jennifer Young, MD of One Medical Group San Francisco

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Once per month we profile one of the outstanding medical doctors, physicians assistants, or nurses of One Medical Group in downtown San Francisco. This month is Dr. Jennifer Young, MD.

Dr. Jen Young

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Jennifer received her undergraduate degree in Journalism with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her MD at Georgetown University. Drawn to California, she completed her Internal Medicine training and an additional year of Hematology and Oncology at Stanford University. Jennifer believes that good health is best achieved when the patient and physician work together as a team. Through education and health information technology, she empowers her patients to take what they've learned and attain a healthy balance for life. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and, in addition to providing comprehensive primary care, she offers patients with cancer an integrative approach.

 

Why did you decide to become a medical doctor?

When it comes down to it, ever since I was a young girl I really just wanted to help people and empower them. I was also able to be mentored by my neighbor who was an oncologist, which helped motivate me to become a doctor and advocate for cancer patients.

 

What is your approach to overall healthcare?

The patient and the doctor are partners in their overall health. I view myself as an advisor to the patient, and I devise practical treatment plans that they can follow and have them come back to update their progress.

 

How often should someone visit their primary care physician?

Well, there’s really no set frequency, but at minimum everyone should be getting annual physicals to check things like heart rate, blood pressure, address preventative care needs, and explore any abnormal things that arise.

 

How important is lifestyle decisions influence health?

Lifestyle is health. All the choices we make in our daily lives from what we eat to what activities we do, even how we manage our stress. It all shapes our lives. Anything I can do to help inform patients to make smarter lifestyle choices the better.

 

You have an integrative approach in treating cancer patients?

I did a year of fellowship in hematology and oncology at Stanford.  That fellowship offered me a window into the experience of a patient who finds out they have cancer. Now I feel   I am better equipped to be able to diagnose, treat, and most importantly coordinate the necessary open communication between  a cancer patients oncologist, hematologist, and me, the primary care physician. My patients can feel confident that all issues are being covered by the team.  When working with the cancer patients, I act as both their doctor and their advocate. 

 

 

What’s one of your biggest challenges in being a doctor?

There’s a fine line because you become attached to the patients as they go through the most traumatic thing they’ve ever gone through (cancer). You walk them through it, and sometimes they make it and sometimes they don’t.  It’s very difficult when they don’t pull through, but it’s through those experiences which have allowed me to be much more empathetic and understanding  than most doctors.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jen Young MD, please contact One Medical Group at 415-578-3100.

Forget Making New Year’s Resolutions This Year

By Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, The Veggie Queen™

Within a month or two of rolling out the New Year’s resolutions most people cast them aside. So, rather than go that route, why not set some realistic goals instead? Here’s my short list, which is often a repeat of the previous year. For some reason, I have the need to repeat and improve on what I’ve already done. Does that happen for you, too?

For years now, I have worked with people to help them attain their nutrition goals. But the truth is that you cannot separate out what you eat from your life. Often you need to make lifestyle changes that impact your eating and food choices. It takes at least three weeks, and often more, to change a habit so keep that in mind.

To set a goal that makes sense, we say that it needs to be SMART.

Specific – often a small step

Measureable – how can you tell when you’ve done it?

Attainable – it has to be something that you have the ability to do

Realistic – you can do it in the time frame and way that you’ve allowed

Timely – it is set for a limited time period, often one to three weeks

Last year I wrote a blog post The Veggie Queens Healthy Resolutions 2009  about goals that I’d like everyone to adopt.

Here’s my short list for this year when most of us are thinking about health care reform.

1. Eat a green vegetable every day. In fact, make it a goal to eat at least 3 servings (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw) of green vegetables each day to help you reach the ultimate goal of 9 to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

2. Drink plenty of unsweetened fluids, especially water, herbal and green tea. Avoid sweetened drinks such as sodas and limit how much alcohol you drink.

3. Avoid plastic containers of any sort, especially for storing food and beverages. Glass is wonderful for storage. Buy yourself some canning jars or glass bowls with lids in various sizes to use for storage. Put your water in a glass jar or stainless travel container.

4. Eat fewer white foods, except for cauliflower, onions and fish. White flour, sugar and rice are not what I consider good-for-you foods. A white potato as part of a meal is OK once in awhile. Track how often you are eating these types of foods and work on cutting down on them. Instead of sugary foods eat more fruit. Instead of refined grain products choose more whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, millet and wild rice.

5. Move daily. The recommendation is to get 10,000 steps each day. Start from wherever you are and build up to that. Most of us can get fitter at any age. Studies show that even if you begin resistance training with weights after age 70, you still build muscle mass and improve balance.

6. Find “me” time as often as you can. Find time to laugh, enjoy nature and breathe deeply every day. It’s good for your soul. As I tell my husband when he reacts instead of remaining calm, “It’s nothing that 15 years of doing yoga couldn’t help.” So start doing something that helps you keep centered today.

Shoot for one goal at a time. Master it, continue it and move on to the next. It’s best to start with the one that’s easiest so that you can be successful.

Wishing you a happy and healthy, goal-filled New Year.

Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, aka The Veggie Queen™, works on her goals all year. She forgives herself when she doesn’t achieve them but reformulates and tries again. She realizes that she is human and makes mistakes. She laughs at herself when necessary, which is quite often.

Happy Holidays From Dr. Eben Davis & Family

Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented With Diet?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

There is an ongoing debate in the medical community as to the effectiveness of high protein-high calcium diets as they relate to osteoporosis (some say it's the cause). This debate has been going on for many years now and I have written about it several times on these pages...and voiced my opinion to anyone that cared to listen.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I came across one of the best articles I have ever read on this topic in the Health section of  www.nytimes.com. Nov. 24, 2009. The article is entitled:

Exploring a Low-Acid Diet for Bone Health

Here is an excerpt from the article:

The science of osteoporosis and its resultant fractures has long been plagued by some vexing observations. Why, for example, are osteoporotic fractures relatively rare in Asian countries like Japan, where people live as long or longer than Americans and consume almost no calcium-rich dairy products? Why, in Western countries that consume the most dairy foods, are rates of osteoporotic fractures among the highest in the world? And why has no consistent link been found between the amount of calcium people consume and protection against osteoporosis?

Bones are the storage tank for calcium compounds that regulate the acid-base balance of the blood, which must be maintained within a very narrow range. When the blood becomes even slightly too acid, alkaline calcium compounds — like calcium carbonate, the acid-neutralizer in Tums — are leached from bones to reduce the acidity.

Studies by Dr. Bess Dawson-Hughes, at the Jean Mayer U.S.D.A. Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, and collaborators have demonstrated the acid-neutralizing ability of fruits and vegetables and the crucial role they can play in maintaining healthy bones.

Do yourself a favor and read this article and it’s links. You be the judge.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco.

Checkout this video. Foods that kill healthy eating.