Minor misalignment of the atlas can potentially injure, impair, or compress and/or compromise the brain stem neural pathways. The relationship between hypertension and the presence of circulatory abnormalities in the area around the atlas and posterior fossa of the brain has been known for more than 40 years and manual correction of the atlas misalignment has been associated with reduced arterial pressure. 

For more Information visit:
www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS7Atlas_Vertebra_Realingment.shtml

If the stress is prolonged, the hypothalamus will trigger the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland. This will then stimulate the adrenal cortex to release steroid hormones called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids then turn on transcription of certain genes in the nuclei of target cells. 
In other words, when stressed or afraid, our bodies release various hormones to create a biomechanical response. Yet, what if the source of that stress or fear is a prank? What if there is no actual danger? Our body has just released a deluge of hormones, we're in fight or flight mode, and we're geared up charged, ready to defend ourselves against...nothing. What happens to all those hormones that are flooding our body, entering cells, affecting muscles, and preparing to help us defend ourselves? When we look at misalignment this way, it's easy to see how emotional stressors may very well affect our spine and result in nerve interference. ​

Additional chemicals consumed include caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Any chemical we put in our body is going to affect our overall health and irritate the optimal function of the nervous system creating nerve interference. 

It's estimated that there are about 80,000 chemicals on the market in the U.S that have never been tested. To put this into perspective, let's compare the FDA, which has banned only 11 products, to the European law where over 1,000 products are restricted. In Europe it is required that the manufacturer proves the chemical is safe prior to releasing it to the public as opposed to the US where chemicals are not subject to FDA approval. 

Tragically, studies have shown that many of these chemicals are not metabolized by the body and so they pass to the environment through human waste. Rebecca Klaper and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recently tested Lake Michigan and found evidence of 32 pharmaceuticals and personal products in the water and 30 in the lake's sediment. Ecologists have long acknowledged that pharmaceuticals are polluting the environment. 

The Chiropractic Response
Clearly, no matter how hard we try, it's not going to possible to completely shelter ourselves and our children from all exposures to chemicals. We live in a society that makes that next to impossible. But with education and research we can at least avoid some of the more blatant chemicals. Making dietary changes, researching the best household cleaning supplies, and picking the best personal-care products, is a start.

The biggest concern must be how exposure to these substances is affecting our health and what to do about it. Regular chiropractic checkups and adjustments will surely be the first step at reversing the spinal misalignment being caused by these chemical stressors, and also the physical and emotional ones as well! 

Thirty young healthy subjects recruited from a local university participated in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental group and control group. The experimental received thoracic spinal manipulation and the control group received placebo thoracic spinal manipulation. Respiratory function tests, including forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second, were measured before and after manipulations. 

the values for both tests were significanly higher ub tge experimental group. The control group showed no change after the placebo manipulation. Differences in pre- and post-manipulation values for both tests were significantly different between the experimental and control group. 

In conclusion, spinal manipulation therapy applied to the thoracic region improved respiratory function test results of participants in this study. This is good information and can be applied to individuals who may suffer from asthma, allergies, COPD or other debilitating diseases of the respiratory system. 

For more information visit: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5080173/

With the nicer weather happening now...and yes I'm aware that it can change at any moment...it gets me in the mood to deep clean my house, garage, and yard. Yes I know that sounds ambitious, and I'll be real with you it probably won't happen, but if you are catching the spring cleaning bug as well let's talk chemicals. Chemicals? Yes, those cleaning products that we use to keep our house free of germs and smells can have some pretty harmful chemicals in them. 

Almost every single cleaning product today will contain some kind of toxin or dangerous substance. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has noted that many household cleaners contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs, such as formaldehyde and other harsh acids. This is important because exposure to VOCs can lead to several symptoms including: eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; liver, kidney and central nervous system damage; loss of coordination and more. 

​Let's Talk Laundry
The skin is out largest organ and extremely absorbent. The chemicals that we use when laundering our clothing may easily be absorbed into our bodies through our skin. However, while that may seem obvious, what many don't know is that we may be inhaling chemicals as well. How we care for our clothing may genuinely be affecting our health. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals in today's laundry detergent: formaldehyde, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,4-dioxane (a byproduct of the detergent when used). I know these are big names, but what's so bad about them?

Cleaning Green
So then how can we avoid all these chemicals and still get a spotless house? The good news is there are tons of products out there that can be switched out for you regular cleaning supplies...and the even better news a lot of these are safe to have around the house without having them locked away from those crazy kids!

Our daily household cleaners can be replaced by things like: vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, and olive oil. There are also many good green companies out there that have cleaning products without the harsh chemicals, if making your own isn't your style. 

Chiropractic Factor
There are three causes of spinal misalignments: physical, emotional and chemical. Yes, chemicals in our environment can actually work against our regular adjustments and wreak havoc with our central nervous system, not to mention some of the side effects the chemicals can have. So if you are experiencing any symptoms while spring cleaning make sure you get in and get checked. Better yet, take the steps to clean green, and if you have any questions on homemade products, or what store bought products are chemical free we are here to answer your questions!

As the weather turns coler, you may find that your family will be spending less time outside and more time inside with the heater running. (Unless you're those die hards up at Bridger no matter what the temp is!) But if you are inside more, your body's natural immunity against common illnesses will be put to the test now more than ever, right down to the common cold and flu.

and protecting the body. It does this using a number of tools inside your body: white blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic system, specialized cells and body tissues, and specialized substances that are present in the blood. All of these must work together to protect the body against viral or bacterial infections and disease.

Immunity Status
It's not difficult to tell when your immune system is being overly taxed; one of the first symptoms is fatigue. Other symptoms to look for include chronic infections, frequent colds and flu, frequent cold sores and sore or swollen lymph glands.

A poorly functioning immune system can be caused by many factors. These can include any of the following:
* Emotional state/stress                        * Surgical/medical treatments
* Abrubt lifestyle changes                     * Prescription medications
* Dietary habits/nutritional intake
When your immune system is not functioning at it's best, any exposure to germs, bacterial or viral infections can lead to a serious health risk.

Healthy Changes
There are choices you can make for your family to help them have strong and healthy immune systems. Then, as children bring home bugs from school, your whole family can fight them off successfully.  

The first change should be dietary. Food provides energy for our bodies and there are several vitamins and minerals that are a fundamental part of a strong immunity, including the following:​​

• Vitamins A, C, E, Beta-Carotene and Selenium are antioxidants, which are part of our body's natural defense mechanism - consumed in fruits and vegetables
• The mineral Zinc is important because of the role it plays in increasing your child's resistance to infection     - found in red meats, eggs and most dairy products
• Magnesium is another important mineral essential for boosting your child's immune system - available in legumes and milk​​

Finally, make sleep a high priority for your entire family. Long considered a restorative process that is a fundamental part of a healthy body, recent clinical studies have found that sleep is also a crucial part of a properly functioning immune system. In fact, a sleep-deprived individual's immune system includes patterns of alteration similar to those found in depressed and alcoholic patients.

It may be that your child just won't sleep this long, but, while this chart is certainly not a requirement, it is most definitely a healthy guideline. The most important thing to remember is that good rest is a prerequisite for a healthy immune system, so begin to establish a simple routine Sunday through Thursday that encourages your child to get their much-needed sleep. 


​Some suggested routines to fight stimulation close to bedtime can include:

• No TV, VCR, DVD or computer/video games in the child's room
• No homework right before bed
• Avoid TV, computer games within an hour of bedtime
• Play soothing music or have "Story Time" with little ones an hour before bed

Other Tips and Recommendations

To help support your immune system and keep it operating at peak efficiency, consider the following healthy lifestyle choices for you and your family:

• Increase your water intake -  you should be drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to boost the immune system and flush out toxins
• Exercise regularly - daily physical activity for 30 minutes a day will improve your overall health and give your immune system the boost it needs
• De-stress - be sure to include regular relaxation and down-time into your weekly schedule as stress will quickly wear down your body's natural defense

​

The most popular natural remedy for supporting the immune system is the herbal supplement. These are Mother Nature's cure for a poorly functioning or over-taxed immune system.

• Astragalus Root is used to treat viral infections including the common cold, it helps to stimulate white blood cells and protects from invading organisms

• Bayberry has antibiotic effects for sore throat, coughs, colds and the flu
• Garlic is effective against many types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi as well as has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties
• Aswagandha is a general stimulant of the immune system - this herb is known to counteract the effects of stress and promote general well-being
• Ginseng is popularly known to provide support to the immune system
• Goldenseal strengthens the immune system, cleanses and detoxifies the body and has antibacterial properties
• Echinacea is an herb that helps to stimulate a variety of immune cells
• Green tea can stimulate the immune system
• Gargling or steaming Apple Cider Vinegar and water has proven health benefits

Misconceptions about the dangers of fever are commonplace. Unwarranted fears about harmful side effects from fever cause loss of sleep and unnecessary stress for many parents. Let the following facts help you put fever into perspective:

for more myths and facts visit
www.cpnonline.org/CRS/CRS/pa_feverpho_hhg.htm