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Concussion: There is a treatment to stop future brain function loss in your child.

A study published Monday August 30th in the journal Pediatrics prompted me to sit down at the keyboard of my Mac and write this to all of us who are parents or grandparents. The study revealed that the number of children going to the emergency room for concussions they suffered while playing competitive sports has more than doubled in recent years. Reuters Health reported that more than 100,000 visit the ER rooms of hospitals with concussion and many more never are seen at the hospital or even diagnosed with concussions. This fact is due to expanding the old definitions of concussion which said the person had to lose consciousness to have a concussion which is false. Now we realize that even more minor shakeups of the head and brain can cause varying degrees of trauma and concussion to our brains.

I am going to begin with the end in mind in this article and that is to dispel the old school thinking that there is no treatment for concussion! Yes indeed, there is a treatment for concussion and this is FSM Frequency Specific Microcurrent.

As a parent if you knew that concussion leads to dysfunction of the brain with decrease in learning ability, emotional upset, sometimes personality changes and even diminished athletic performance now and probable increase in the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases of the brain down the road…would you be willing to stop these current and future losses of brain function/health in your child? I certainly am betting that you would if you only knew there was a safe and effective treatment. Well there is a treatment and as I stated above it is called FSM Frequency Specific Microcurrent and it is the only treatment I know of that will remove the concussion out of the brain/body. This is vital to know, as the brain/body seems to have a stored memory of the trauma. This is so important that we begin most treatment plans with the FSM concussion protocol as it is helpful to the treatment of any and all conditions to remove the effects of concussion from the brain. In fact it is like a rebooting of your computer when it is acting up and not processing information effectively and correctly. Control alt delete is in fact what the FSM microcurrent does for our brain. It can only help and there are no side effects.

Beyond the contact sports of football, soccer, hockey and basketball there are many other causes for concussion. Gymnastics, trampolines, car accidents, falls from all causes including skiing, biking, rollerblading, playgrounds, water tubing, snowmobiling and just rough housing at home with brothers and sisters. So with this in mind I am going to be so bold as to make this statement, “Every child could benefit from a 30 minute FSM microcurrent treatment to remove concussion and every child who has had a fall or trauma from any sport or activity NEEDS to have this FSM microcurrent treatment for concussion.” If every one of you who has children takes this as seriously as I do…then call and make an appointment now because there will be a scarcity of available times in the next few weeks.

Here are a couple of questions to test your concussion knowledge.

1. What is the most common accidental cause of concussion in children ages 8-13? A. Roller blading B. Swimming C. bicycle riding D. Gymnastics (see answer at end of article)

2. Are girls or boys more likely to suffer concussions from playing soccer or basketball?

3. To have suffered a concussion you must have lost consciousness after the fall, injury or trauma. True or False

4. There is no treatment for concussion. True or False

5. The effects from a concussion may last for the rest of one’s life without treatment. True or False

Answers: 1. C. Bicycle riding accidents 2. Girls 3. False 4. False 5.True

Chiropractic A Better Option than Drugs for ADHD
A recent study links stimulant use to sudden death; both the media and current research indicate chiropractic is a safer alternative for your child. The study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and basically says that stimulant prescription medications that are most often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may cause sudden, unexplained death, adding to previous reports emphasizing the potential dangers of such medications.1 This study along with research from the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association (ICPA) are both suggesting the benefits of chiropractic care for ADHD sufferers. In addition a CBS Early Show segment following on the coattail’s of the study's release…the CBS Early show mentions chiropractic and other natural options and now for the first time a drug-free management of this complex condition is one step closer to reality.

Where can parents whose children have ADHD turn besides potentially dangerous medications? Chiropractic care, says the ICPA in its release, referencing a recent study titled "The Chiropractic Care of Patients With Attention Deficit Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis." According to the ICPA, the study, which has been accepted for publication, "shows promising results for children under chiropractic care." Dr. Ohm also references "Adverse Effects Associated With Chiropractic Care for Children," accepted for publication by a "major biomedical journal," which reports only "minimal and minor adverse effects associated with care."

The CBS Early Show's June 15 "Healthwatch" segment also recommended chiropractic care as a potential treatment option for children with ADHD.4 In a segment titled "ADHD Drug Warning," medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton told CBS anchor Julie Chen, "There have been studies that have shown complementary or alternative therapies [such as] chiropractic care or dietary changes can be beneficial in some children who are on ADHD medication ... either in place of or in conjunction with [medication]." Dr. Ashton also emphasizes the risks associated with ADHD drugs, stating that they can have "potent effects on the body," including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which she says may account for the connection between stimulant use and sudden death (what she refers to as sudden cardiac death) seen in the study.

The CBS segment mentions that 4.5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, an estimated 2.5 million of whom are taking medication for their condition. With those staggering numbers and the latest research suggesting the potentially lethal dangers of prescription drugs in mind, all parents and patients should be aware of natural alternatives such as chiropractic care and weigh the risks vs. benefits associated with ADHD medications.

We have witnessed the facts above in our clinic here in Libertyville over the past 28 years. In addition to the chiropractic care noted here in the news, we have found hair analysis screening for heavy metals like mercury to be helpful. Also a food allergy testing by immune antibodies often reveals sensitivities or allergies to gluten which is in wheat, rye and barley and oftentimes dairy allergies as well as other foods in the diet. A newer therapy called Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) has also been effective in stimulating or calming the various portions of the brain as needed for a balancing effect.

References

1. Gould MS, Walsh T, Munfakh JL, et al. Sudden death and use of stimulant medications in youth. American Journal of Psychiatry, June 15, 2009; published online ahead of print. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/appi.ajp.2009.09040472v1
2. Press release from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, received June 18, 2009.
3. Vedantam S. "Study Shows Possible Link Between Deaths and ADHD Drugs." Washington Post, June 16, 2009.
4. "ADHD Drug Warning." CBS Early Show, June 15, 2009. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5088795n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

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Elimination Diet

Comprehensive Elimination Diet

The Comprehensive Elimination Diet is a dietary program designed to clear the body of foods

and chemicals you may be allergic or sensitive to, and, at the same time, improve your body’s

ability to handle and dispose of these substances.

Here in Libertyville, Dr. Pletcher and Dr. Watkin have called this an “Elimination Diet” because we will be asking you to remove certain

foods, and food categories, from your diet. The main rationale behind the diet is that these

modifications allow your body’s detoxification machinery, which may be overburdened or

compromised, to recover and begin to function efficiently again. The dietary changes help the

body eliminate or “clear” various toxins that may have accumulated due to environmental

exposure, foods, beverages, drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.

In our experience, we have found this process to be generally well tolerated and extremely

beneficial. We obviously hope that you will find it useful too. There is really no “typical” or

“normal” response. A person’s initial response to any new diet is highly variable, and this

diet is no exception. This can be attributed to physiological, mental, and biochemical

differences among individuals; the degree of exposure to, and type of “toxin;” and other

lifestyle factors. Most often, individuals on the elimination diet report increased energy,

mental alertness, decrease in muscle or joint pain, and a general sense of improved well-being.

However, some people report some initial reactions to the diet, especially in the first week, as

their bodies adjust to a different dietary program. Symptoms you may experience in the first

week or so can include changes in sleep patterns, lightheadedness, headaches, joint or muscle

stiffness and changes in gastrointestinal function. Such symptoms rarely last for more than a

few days.

We realize that changing food habits can be a complex, difficult and sometimes confusing

process. It doesn’t have to be, and we think that we have simplified the process with diet

menus, recipes, snack suggestions and other information to make it a “do-able” process.

Peruse this information carefully. If you have any questions about the diet, or any problems,

please give us a call. We would be happy to help, and often we can resolve the issue quickly.

Bon apétit!

Introduction to the Menu Plan for the

Comprehensive Elimination Diet

Eat only the foods listed under “Foods to Include”, and avoid those foods shown under “Foods to

Exclude” in the “Comprehensive Elimination Diet Guidelines.” These Guidelines are intended as a quick

overview of the dietary plan. If you have a question about a particular food, check to see if it is on the

food list. You should, of course, avoid any listed foods to which you know you are intolerant or allergic.

We also may change some of these guidelines based upon your personal health condition and history.

The “7-Day Menu Plan” may be used "as is" or as a “starting point.” This is a suggested menu that you

might find useful while you are on the elimination diet. Feel free to modify it and to incorporate your

favorite foods, provided that they are on the accepted list.

A few suggestions which may be of help:

♣ You may use leftovers for the next days' meal or part of a meal, e.g., leftover broiled salmon and

broccoli from dinner as part of a large salad for lunch the next day.

♣ It may be helpful to cook extra chicken, sweet potatoes, rice, and beans, etc. that can be reheated for

snacking or another meal.

♣ Most foods on the menu plan freeze quite well.

♣ Please add extra vegetables and fruits as needed. The menu is a basic one and needs your personal

touch. This is not a calorie-restricted diet. Use the suggested snacks as needed for hunger or

cravings; leftovers are also handy to eat as snacks.

♣ If you are a vegetarian, eliminate the meats and fish and consume more beans and rice, quinoa,

amaranth, teff, millet, and buckwheat.

♣ Breakfasts that need cooking are easiest to incorporate on your days off. Muffins can all be made

ahead of time, frozen, and used as needed.

♣ If you are consuming coffee or other caffeine containing beverages on a regular basis, it is always

wise to slowly reduce your caffeine intake rather than abruptly stop it; this will prevent caffeinewithdrawal

headaches. For instance, try drinking half decaf/half regular coffee for a few days, then

slowly reduce the total amount of coffee.

♣ Select fresh foods whenever you can. If possible, choose organically grown fruits and vegetables to

eliminate pesticide and chemical residue consumption. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

♣ Read oil labels; use only those that are obtained by a “cold pressed” method.

♣ If you select animal sources of protein, look for free-range or organically raised chicken, turkey, or

lamb. Trim visible fat and prepare by broiling, baking, stewing, grilling, or stir-frying. Cold-water

fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, and halibut) is another excellent source of protein and the omega-3

essential fatty acids, which are important nutrients in this diet. Fish is used extensively. If you do not

tolerate fish, consult with us. We may suggest supplemental fish oils. Avoid shellfish, as it may

cause allergic reaction.

♣ Remember to drink the recommended amount (at least two quarts) of plain, filtered water each day.

♣ Strenuous or prolonged exercise may be reduced during some or the entire program to allow the body

to heal more effectively without the additional burden imposed by exercise. Adequate rest and stress

reduction is also important to the success of this program.

Finally, anytime you change your diet significantly, you may experience such symptoms as fatigue,

headache, or muscle aches for a few days. Your body needs time as it is "withdrawing" from the foods

you eat on a daily basis. Your body may crave some foods it is used to consuming. Persevere. Those

symptoms generally don’t last long, and most people feel much better over the next couple of weeks.

Good luck!

Comprehensive Elimination Diet Guidelines

FOODS to INCLUDE and FOODS to EXCLUDE

Fruits: Include...whole fruits, unsweetened, frozen or waterpacked, canned fruits and diluted juices

Exclude...Oranges and orange juice

Dairy substitutes: Include...rice, oat, and nut milks such as almond milk and coconut milk

Exclude...Dairy and eggs: milk, cheese, eggs, cottage cheese, cream, yogurt, butter, ice cream, frozen yogurt, non-dairy

creamers

Non-gluten grains and starch: Include...brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth, teff, tapioca buckwheat, potato flour

Exclude...Grains: wheat, corn, barley, spelt, kamut, rye, triticale

Animal protein: Include...fresh or water-packed fish, wild game, lamb, duck, organic chicken and turkey

Exclude...Pork, beef/veal, sausage, cold cuts, canned meats, frankfurters, shellfish

Vegetable protein: Include...split peas, lentils, and legumes

Exclude...Soybean products (soy sauce, soybean oil in processed foods; tempeh, tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, textured vegetable protein)

Nuts and seeds: Include...walnuts, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, nut butters such as almond or tarini

Exclude...Peanuts and peanut butter

Vegetables: Include...all raw, steamed, sautéed, juiced or roasted vegetables

Exclude...Corn, creamed vegetables

Oils: Include...cold pressed olive, flax, safflower, sesame, almond, sunflower, walnut, canola, pumpkin

Exclude...Butter, margarine, shortening, processed oils, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and spreads

Drinks: Include...filtered or distilled water, decaffeinated herbal teas, seltzer or mineral water

Exclude...Alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages, soda pop or soft drinks

Sweeteners: Include...brown rice syrup, agate nectar, stevia, fruit sweetener, blackstrap molasses

Exclude...Refined sugar, white/brown sugars, honey, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, evaporated cane juice

Condiments: Include...vinegar, all spices, including salt, pepper, basil, carob, cinnamon, cumin, dill, garlic, ginger, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, turmeric

Exclude...Chocolate, ketchup, relish, chutney, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki, and other condiments

Things to watch for:

♣ Corn starch in baking powder and any processed foods

♣ Corn syrup in beverages and processed foods

♣ Vinegar in ketchup, mayonnaise & mustard is usually from wheat or corn

♣ Breads advertised as gluten-free which contain oats, spelt, kamut, rye

♣ Many amaranth and millet flake cereals have oats or corn

♣ Many canned tunas contain textured vegetable protein which is from soy; look for low-salt versions which tend to be pure tuna, with no fillers

♣ Multi-grain rice cakes are not just rice. Purchase plain rice cakes.

READ ALL INGREDIENT LABELS CAREFULLY

Elimination Diet Shopping List