Partake in a morning of discussions about healthy aging this May 23, 2012 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Senior Club’s weekly meeting to be held at the Santee Hall. Aside from the special talk about aging gracefully, participants can also enjoy the usual offerings of this gathering like meeting and chatting with friends, playing board games, and joining in the activity of the week.

For more information, visit www.ci.santee.ca.us.

“Mercury toxicity should be evaluated in any patient with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, cerebrovascular accident, or other vascular disease.” This was the conclusion of an August 2011 study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. 

For those of you lucky enough to not know the term, hypertension is the medical name for high-blood pressure. About one out of every three adults in the United States has high blood pressure (National Center for Health Statistics, 2008) so the odds are that at least one of your parents or grandparents is affected. Or, perhaps it you that has high blood pressure? Either way, this is a study you’ll want to know about since it clearly connects how mercury toxicity (which can be tested for and reduced) can manifest itself as hypertension and other vascular diseases.

Most research studies you hear about on the evening news or popular science programs are full of data and statistics. These types of studies are typically trying to correlate two facts – such as people with higher mercury exposure have greater incidence of heart disease – and may go future to try to establish causation. However, statistical methods don’t ever really settle the causation question. For that we need biochemistry.

Biochemistry is all about understanding the different pathways that nutrients (and toxins) travel in our bodies. This particular study looked at the many internal processes that mercury interferes with in order to establish a biochemical basis for the resulting symptoms  - hypertension and coronary heart disease. Here’s what they found.

Mercury:

1. Inactivates many reactions that depend on sulfer-containing enzymes
2. Inactivates many sulfer-containing antioxidants
3. Substitutes itself for zinc, copper and other trace minerals in certain reactions

As a result:

1. Mitochondria – the energy powerhouses of the cell – malfunction
2. The body’s oxidative defenses are diminished increasing oxidative stress and inflammation

Which manifests in the body as:

1. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
2. Coronary heart disease
3. Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
4. Cardiac arrhythmias
5. Atherosclerosis
6. Renal dysfunction, and
7. Proteinuria

Even if you didn’t follow any of the preceding couple paragraphs, you can appreciate the need to ‘connect-the-dots’ between cellular-level processes and downstream diseases. This study connected the dots between high levels of mercury and the many downstream disease states listed. A brilliant piece of work!

So, what should you do if you have hypertension or other types of coronary heart disease? The study authors advise testing for acute or chronic mercury toxicity. Modern mercury toxicity tests are done using urine, blood, hair and toenail samples so they are minimally invasive and results come back fairly quickly.

Bibliography

 

Houston, M. (2011, August). Role of mercury toxicity in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 13(8), 621-7.

National Center for Health Statistics. (2008). Retrieved August 12, 2011, from Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus08.pdf

When: Thursady, May 10, 2012

Time: 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM

Location: San Diego Zoo

Cost: $37.80

Adventurous older adults will get a chance to explore various locations in the San Diego County area this May 10, 2012 from 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM, particularly the San Diego Zoo. Get motivated by the fascinating connections between people, plants, and animals and have some home gardening works started.

Travel-loving people are set to enjoy the sights San Diego County has to offer for only $37.80. Adults over 62 years old must present their senior’s I.D. Also, participants are advised to carpool as transportation is not provided.

Interested parties may sign up via phone and contact 619-258-4100 extension 120.

Source

Sleepless in America?

For more than one in three Americans, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t as easy you might think.  According to a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation[1], a combination of daily stress and lifestyle choices (including nighttime activities as well as eating and exercise habits) is causing more than a third of the U.S. population to get fewer hours of sleep than they need.  Not surprisingly, the same proportion report that sleepiness has in some way affected their quality of life. 

 

The Long-Term Prescription for Quality Sleep.

Many studies have focused on the time we devote (or don’t devote) to sleep.  However, a good night’s sleep is about more than just quantity.  It’s also about quality.  If you’re sleeping poorly, experts point out that developing a sensible routine and avoiding certain behaviors around bedtime can improve your chances of falling asleep quickly and sleeping soundly through the night.  Here are a few of their suggestions:

• Go to bed at the same time each evening and wake up at the same time each morning.
• Exercise regularly but avoid increasing your heart rate within two or three hours of bedtime.
• Eat dinner early enough in the evening so that digestion doesn’t interfere with bedtime.
• Drink plenty or water but avoid drinking hot or cold liquids before or after bedtime.
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine and other stimulants in your diet.
• Sleep on your back and/or your side.  Don’t sleep on your stomach!

 

When it Comes to Sleep, Little Things Matter More Than You Might Think.  And They Add Up.

While finding more effective ways to manage stress and making adjustments to your lifestyle can take some time, there are several “little” things you can do right away that may improve the quantity and quality of sleep you get.  These things focus on your sleeping environment itself: 

• Make your room is as dark as possible at bedtime.
• Reduce background noise.
• Keep your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature.
• Sleep on an appropriate mattress.
• Choose the right pillow

Is Your Pillow Doing Its Job?

Let’s face it.  You probably don’t give a lot of thought to the pillow you sleep on.  And you probably didn’t give your pillow much thought when you purchased it either.  The truth is that most people don’t.  It’s not unusual for a person (or a couple) to spend thousands of dollars on a high-quality mattress but then buy pillows that don’t support the head and neck properly.  That’s because—while they understand that sleeping on the wrong mattress can quickly lead to a backache—they aren’t aware that poor alignment of the neck and upper back during sleep can lead to other, more subtle problems that they may not associate with the spine. 

If a person’s head is supported by the pillow at a level that’s either too high or too low relative to the rest of the body, the neck and upper back can be placed under stress.   Similar stress can also occur if their upper back is not supported along with the neck (so that the head tilts forward), or if the head is allowed to roll sideways when the person is sleeping on his or her back.  Symptoms include snoring, insomnia and waking up with a headache, stiff neck or numbness in the arms and hands.  If you’re experiencing these sorts of symptoms, you may be sleeping on the wrong pillow.

 

What Makes a Pillow “Right”?

Choosing a pillow is a very personal decision.  The pillow that’s right for someone else may not be right for you.  Nevertheless, we’ve provided some basic guidelines that will make it easier for you to choose the right one.  The right pillow:

• Supports your head at the proper height whether you’re sleeping on your side or on your back.
• Supports both your head and neck in a neutral position while you’re sleeping on your side (Make sure there is no gap between the pillow and your neck!).
• Provides adequate support for both your neck and upper back while you’re sleeping on your back.      
• Keeps your head tilted in the proper neutral position while you’re sleeping on your back.
• Prevents your head from rolling sideways while you’re sleeping on your back.
• Is easy to move on.

In general, you’re looking for a pillow that supports your neck, cushions your head and keeps your spine in alignment.  It must be comfortable!

 

Purchasing Tips

 

• Know what you like.  Do you prefer a pillow that’s “bouncy” or one that can be “molded” to the shape of your head and neck?  How “dense” do you like your pillow to feel?   Is it important to you that the material “breathes” and offers good insulation from heat and cold?  Maybe you prefer a pillow made of synthetic or hypo-allergenic material?  The more clearly you can describe your preferences, the more likely it is that a knowledgeable salesperson will be able to help you find your ideal pillow. 

 

• Don’t skimp.  Like most things, pillows can differ a great deal in the quality of their construction and materials.  They also (naturally) differ a great deal in their price.  Buy a better quality pillow if you can, since they’re generally made of materials that will provide better support, comfort and durability.  But keep in mind that the first priorities are comfort and function.  Just because a pillow is expensive doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

 

• Take the time to “test drive” and compare.  Many department stores, mattress retailers and specialty bedding shops will have sample pillows that you can try.  If possible, follow the “Ten Minute Rule” and test drive pillows in your favorite sleeping positions.  Remember—you and your pillow will be spending about eight hours together every night for several years, so it makes sense to choose wisely now.

 

• Avoid buying a matched set of pillows for yourself and your partner.  Keep in mind that your partner probably needs a different pillow that you do.

 

Get an Expert Opinion from the Doctor Who Understands Your Neck and Back Best

If you’re not sleeping as well as you used to, or if you’re waking up with a headache, stiff neck or numbness in your arms or hands, we invite you—and your pillow—to visit our office.  As chiropractic physicians, we understand that the way you sleep affects your health.  And that your health affects the way you live your life.  Call today to schedule an appointment.  Sometimes a small thing (like a new pillow) can make a big difference! 

 

Bibliography

 

(n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2011, from The Better Sleep Council: http://bettersleep.org/

CBS The Early Show. (2009, February 11). Purchasing the Right Pillow. Retrieved August 10, 2011, from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/19/earlyshow/main2947304.shtml

Gordon, S. J., Trott, P., & Grimmer, K. A. (2002). Waking cervical pain and stiffness, headache, scapular or arm pain: Gender and age effects. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy(48), 9-15.

National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). 2010 Sleep in America Poll Summary of Findings. Retrieved August 10, 2011, from http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/nsaw/NSF%20Sleep%20in%20%20America%20Poll%20-%20Summary%20of%20Findings%20.pdf

 

When: Saturday, April 28, 2012

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Cameron Family YMCA, Santee, CA

Event Website

Urge your kids to stay fit and healthy and join YMCA’s Health Kids Day on April 28, 2012 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Cameron Family YMCA at Santee, California. Let your kids partake in fun and exciting physical activities that boost not only the body but also the mind. So brace yourselves for a day of fun, play, and discovery as the Y teaches kids and parents how to bridge the gap between health and education.

Understanding the cause of your back pain is the key to proper treatment.  There are many different underlying conditions that cause back pain. The more common causes of back pain are described below. Don’t try to make your own diagnosis. A trained chiropractor that deals with back pain complaints on a daily basis will know what to look for and what questions to ask you to determine the underlying cause.

1. Muscle strains and muscle spasms are the most common cause of low back pain.  Patients may or may not remember the initial event that triggered their muscle spasm. Back pain from muscle spasms can be incredibly painful and feel like nerve pain when the muscle tighten and twitch around a key nerve such as the sciatic nerve.
2. A ruptured intervertebral disc, also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain. The terms ruptured, herniated, slipped and bulging disc don’t really have precise definitions to distinguish one from another and are often used somewhat interchangeably to describe protruding disc material. It is important to note that a large percent of the population is walking around with bulging discs that cause no symptoms, so not every herniated disc warrants treatment or intervention.
3. Discogenic back pain is the result of damage to the intervertabral disc, but without disc herniation.  Diagnosis of discogenic back pain may require the use of a discogram.
4. Spinal stenosis causes a lot of back pain in the elderly.  As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted from arthritis and other conditions.  If the spinal canal becomes too tight, back pain can be the result.
5. Arthritis most commonly affects joints such as the knees and fingers.  However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine.  Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement.
6. Spondylolisthesis causes back pain because adjacent vertebra become unstable and begin to "slip."  The most common cause of spondylolisthesis are degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column. 

As stated earlier, backaches are hard to self-diagnose.  The causes listed above are just a few of more common possibilities.  If you suffer from acute or chronic backaches, consult a qualified chiropractor for a complete exam.

When: April 7, 2012

Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 4/7/2012 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Parking Fee: $5.00

Activity Ride Ticket Cost: $0.50 each

Location: Santee Lakes, Lake 5, 9310 Fanita Parkwa, Santee, California 92071

Join the excitement of continuous egg hunting activities at the Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Santee Lakes. The event is open for kids 8 years old and below on a first come, first served basis. The fun never stops for all ages with the wide variety of treats and entertainment from food, pony rides, crafts, inflatables, carnival rides, petting zoo, primo DJ, bunny photos, and more.

Feel free to contact the special events hotline at 619-258-4100 ext 201 or visit the events website at www.ci.santee.ca.us for more information.

Inviting all Ladies to be part of the Head to Toe Women's Expo on March 17-18, 2012 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall at 10:00 o'clock in the morning.

Feel free to contact 619-491-0677 or visit the events website at http://www.headtotoewomensexpo.com/ for more information.

When: Saturday, March 17, 2012

Time: 9:00 AM

Where: Town Center Community Park, 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, California 92071

Cost: Free

In lieu of celebrating earth day, the city of Santee will be holding the SanTree Fest, rain or shine on March 17, 2012, from 9:00 in the morning until noon. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and shovels, as well as wear closed shoes and comfortable working clothes. Sun protection such as hats and sunscreen are recommended too.

Activities:

• Tree planting, Landscape Improvements, and Creek Clean Up

• Crafts for Kids

• Live entertainment

• Food sampling booths that offer an array of healthy menu choices

• Interactive environmental and health and wellness booths

For more information, interested parties may contact the special events hotline at 619-258-4100 ext. 201 or visit the event website at www.ci.santee.ca.us.

When:                February 25, 2012

Time:                 9:00 am

Assembly:          Mast Park, 9125 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, California 92071

Phone Number:  619-297-7380

Email:                 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event Website:  www.sandiegoriver.org

In an effort to make Santee a cleaner and safer place for its residents, volunteers are encouraged to join the river clean-up drive on Saturday, February 25, 2012.  Spearheaded by the Friends of Santee’s River Park, the clean-up drive will cover the areas of Cuyamaca Street to Chubb Lane, just south of Town Center Community Park. Assembly will be at 9:00 in the morning in Mast Park.

Volunteers are required to wear closed shoes and sturdy clothes that can be soiled, and are requested to bring sun protection as well as safe drinking water for additional comfort and safety. In addition, work gloves, tools, and supplies will be provided. To RSVP or for further information, interested parties are requested to send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call their hotline at 619-297-7380.