Lenape Valley High School Dinner and Tricky Tray

Lenape Valley Regional High School PTSA will be sponsoring a Dinner and Tricky Tray on Friday, May 7 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1000 International Drive North, International Trade Center, Mt. Olive. Hotel phone number is 973-448-1100. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

The "Cinco de Mayo" theme will definitely spice up the evening! Wear your best Mexican Riviera outfit for a special prize! Due to limited seating, you'll want to buy your tickets early! You can also reserve a table for ten. PTSA recommends that all parties submit payment as a group or the table will not be guaranteed. If you have a smaller group please indicate the names of the other parties in your group on the reservation form that can be found at the school's web address: www.lvhs.org.

Tricky Tray proceeds directly offset the cost of Project Graduation.

Optimal Family Chiropractic is providing a Wellness Basket for the Tricky Tray. We look forward to seeing the lucky winner!

Obesity Causes Knees to Suffer

Obesity leads to a wide range of health problems including osteoarthritis, which can play havoc with your joints, especially the hips and knees.

A Canadian study examined the relationship between obesity and hip- or knee-replacement surgery, noting that 81% of joint replacement patients were classified as overweight or obese. Luckily, most knee problems can be avoided:

Assume a Healthier Weight. Carrying around that extra fat puts needless wear and tear on your joints and spinal discs, impairing proper function.

Strengthen Leg Muscles. Something as simple and inexpensive as walking or climbing stairs can do wonders to strengthen your knees.

Wear Supportive Shoes. When properly fitted, shoe orthotics help support the arches of your feet, giving your entire body a more stable platform.

Can You Defy Gravity?

We see it all the time. A patient faces a health crisis and shows up in our office. We're always delighted to help, but often as soon as the client feels better, they discontinue their regular care.

That's how our society tends to view health care: people attend to health matters only after losing their health.

The entire process is similar to riding a roller coaster.

After getting strapped in and using lots of energy, the roller coaster is pulled up a steep incline. That's like the frequent visits a new patient experiences when beginning care. When you reach the top the views are great, but when the power pulling the coaster up is removed, there's only one way to go!

Like patients who feel better and then discontinue their care, they coast. Which is what a roller coaster is: a scary ride that while fast, is entirely based on coasting downhill. Gravity wins every time.

Much of the healing and retraining of muscles and ligaments necessary for more lasting spinal changes happen after the relief of obvious symptoms. That's why discontinuing care too soon invites a relapse. Coasting right back to the bottom is fun on a roller coaster, but not much fun when it applies to your health!

Are you coasting? If it's been awhile since your last chiropractic checkup, schedule one today!

Patient information provided by the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors

Resolution Check-In

Just a few months ago, many of us resolved to make changes in our lives. What happened?

Consider some of the traits of those who keep new, healthier habits:

They believe in their ability to change.
They know that keeping old habits and forming new ones are choices that they control.

They don't blame themselves or make excuses.
Instead of giving up after "falling off the wagon," they dust themselves off and recommit to their goal.

They concentrate on measurable results.
They track their progress.

They make change a long-term lifestyle decision.
Diets don't work. Abandoning unhealthy habits requires thinking long term.

If you've fallen out of the habit of regular, preventive chiropractic care, it's not too late to get back in the habit!

Patient information provided by the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors

Historic Pro-Chiropractic Provisions Will Become Law

A Press Release from the American Chiropractic Association

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 3590, the Senate-passed version of national health care reform legislation, on March 21st. The final vote took place after a nearly 13 month battle, culminating in a contentious struggle to garner votes from undecided members of the Democratic majority in Congress.

The provisions contained in HR 3590 were enacted into law by President Obama’s signature on March 23rd. . These provisions include an important provider non-discrimination provision long championed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Incorporation of this provider non-discrimination provision, also known as the “Harkin Amendment,” was achieved primarily due to the efforts of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), with help from other key players such as Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut). Although he did not support the final bill overall, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) also lent his support for the advancement of the non-discrimination provision.

Regardless of how you feel about this legislation and its overall impact on the nation, it has to be recognized as an historic first for the chiropractic profession. We now have a federal law applicable to ERISA plans that makes it against the law for insurance companies to discriminate against doctors of chiropractic and other providers relative to their participation and coverage in health plans. Such discrimination based on a provider’s license is inappropriate and now must stop,” said ACA President, Rick McMichael, DC. “While this does not fully level the playing field for doctors of chiropractic in our health care system, this is a highly significant step that has the potential for positive, long-range impact on the profession and the patients we serve. Congress has finally addressed the issue of provider discrimination based on one’s license, and they have said that such discrimination must stop.”

The provider non-discrimination provision (Section 2706) enacted into law reads in part: “A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the plan or coverage against any health care provider who is acting within the scope of that provider’s license or certification under applicable State law.”

Regarding this provision, John Falardeau, ACA’s Vice President of Government Relations said, “The Harkin non-discrimination language will be applicable to all health benefit plans both insured and self-insured. National health care reform is designed to eventually cover 30 million currently uninsured Americans. The non-discrimination language will, over time, apply to those individuals as well. However, that number of covered individuals pales in comparison to the 55 percent of workers who are currently covered by self-insured plans that will be affected by the Harkin non-discrimination language. The potential impact in this regard cannot be overstated.”

Additionally, the legislation passed by the House includes two other provisions that impact the chiropractic profession. Doctors of chiropractic are specifically included as potential members of interdisciplinary community health teams. These teams support the development of medical homes by increasing access to comprehensive, community based, coordinated care. Community health teams are integrated teams of providers that include primary care providers, specialists, other clinicians, licensed integrative health professionals and community resources to enhance patient care, wellness and lifestyle improvements. The language in the bill ensures that doctors of chiropractic can be included in these patient-centered, holistic teams. Dr. McMichael noted, "This language was a critical inclusion to give doctors of chiropractic increased opportunities to be fully engaged as part of the health care team."

Furthermore, the legislation establishes a National Health Care Workforce Commission to examine current and projected needs in the health care workforce. The commission specifically includes doctors of chiropractic by defining them as part of the health care workforce, and includes them in the definition of health professionals. In addition, chiropractic colleges are included among the health professional training schools to be studied. The National Health Care Workforce Commission is tasked with providing comprehensive, unbiased information to Congress and the Obama Administration about how to align federal health care workforce resources with national needs. Congress will use this information when providing appropriations to discretionary programs or in restructuring other federal funding. The language in the bill guarantees that the need for doctors of chiropractic will be addressed when considering federal health care workforce programs, another very important inclusion.

Assuming final modifications to the bill are ultimately agreed to by the Senate; ACA will then publish a detailed analysis of the entire legislation, including a timeline for when certain provisions become effective. Additionally, ACA will maintain an active watch over the implementation of the legislation over the next several years and will offer its views regarding proposed regulations that will likely be developed in order to fully implement the new law. ACA will also respond to any future legislation such as “technical corrections” and other modifications that might be considered. Dr. McMichael noted, "Our partners on the Chiropractic Summit were important team members in securing these critical inclusions for the benefit of our profession and our patients. We thank all team members for their good collaborative work on this major effort and future efforts to come."

The American Chiropractic Association is the largest chiropractic organization in the United States.

Using Technology Safely

Mobile technological devices have made our lives more convenient. We can now send e-mails, access the Internet, manage our schedules, and use spreadsheets and other office software all from our phones. While this makes it easier to accomplish tasks without being tethered to an office, this has also increased the amount of time we spend using these devices, which is not without risks.

Before these advances in technology, our bodies moved as we used the phone and the computer, we walked to the fax machine, and we flipped through our calendars. Now we slump over a small screen with little change in our position. Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain the same stooped-over posture for long periods of time. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice these modern conveniences for your health, but you do need to be conscious of the risks and what you can do to minimize them.

Protect Your Neck
The bent-forward position increases disc pressure. It also increases loads on the muscles. This is similar to the faulty forward position often used when watching TV and working on the computer. Remember these tips:

• Sit upright, keeping your ears over your shoulders.
• Look down with your eyes and gently tuck your chin in, not forward.
• Never pinch the phone between your ear and shoulder. Using a headset reduces muscle fatigue and frees your hands for typing or writing.
• Support your forearms on a pillow during extended texting to reduce the strain on your neck and shoulder muscles.

Prevent Elbow Injury
The ulnar, or “funny bone,” nerve wraps around the inside of your elbow. Keeping your elbows bent can compress the nerve. As the nerve becomes irritated, you can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness or muscleatrophy. The nerve sits close to the surface and is also damaged by external pressure. To prevent the risks:

• Minimize the time you bend the elbows to hold the screen up to see it.
• Instead of returning all your e-mails on the phone, wait until you can use the computer.
• Avoid leaning on the flexed elbow while talking on the phone or in the car.

Like a Sore Thumb
Our thumbs are not made to quickly and forcefully press the small keys on cell phones to text and input data. Use the following tips to minimize the risk of injury:

• Alternate among using your thumb, index finger, and a stylus, if available.
• If your only choice is a stylus, change how you hold it. Switch between holding it like a pen and holding it between the index and middle fingers.
• Several multi-tip pens are available at office supply stores that allow you to switch between pen and stylus tips. This is a good option, as the barrel of the pen is thicker than a standard stylus and requires less force on the joints and muscles.
• Minimize the use of scroll wheels as they often cause inflammation of thumb tendons.

As technology progresses, there are likely to be more and more tasks we will be able to complete on our phones. While it is convenient, remember to take a break and think about the effects on your body.

Tips to Minimize PDA and Cell Phone Use

• Return only urgent e-mails on the PDA. Respond to other e-mails from your computer.
• Use key shortcuts (cut, paste, etc.) and abbreviations.
• Enter all contact info on the computer, and synchronize the devices to transfer the
data to the PDA.
• Monitor the time spent on the phone or PDA.
• Avoid, or at least minimize, using word processing and spreadsheet programs on your PDA.
• Take breaks to stretch and shake out the hands.
• Turn the PDA off when possible! If it is on all the time, it’s more likely to be overused.

Patient Information from the American Chiropractic Association
Written by Chris Sorrells, OTR, CHT, CEAS
www.ErgonomicsSimplified.com, President

CDC Has Created a New Program: Fruits and Vegetables - MORE Matters

Almost Everyone Needs to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health. To get the amount that's recommended, most people need to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they currently eat every day. How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need?

Fruits and Vegetables Can Protect Your Health
Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Whole Foods or Supplements?
Nutrients should come primarily from foods. Foods such as fruits and vegetables contain not only the vitamins and minerals that are often found in supplements, but also other naturally occurring substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases.

For some people, fortified foods or supplements can be helpful in getting the nutrients their bodies need. A fortified food contains a nutrient in an amount greater than what is typically found in that food.

Fruits and Vegetables and Weight Management
Substituting fruits and vegetables for higher-calorie foods can be part of a weight loss strategy. Read more on CDC's page How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight.

Fruits and Vegetables on the Go!
Busy lives can benefit from food that's nutritious, yet easy to eat on-the-go, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of energy and give the body many nutrients you need to keep going.

The Colors of Health
Fruits and vegetables come in terrific colors and flavors, but their real beauty lies in what's inside. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases.

To get a healthy variety, think color. Eating fruits and vegetables of different colors gives your body a wide range of valuable nutrients, like fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Some examples include green spinach, orange sweet potatoes, black beans, yellow corn, purple plums, red watermelon, and white onions. For more variety, try new fruits and vegetables regularly.

View a chart that lists specific nutrients and tells you how these nutrients contribute to good health. You can also find out which fruits and vegetables are good and excellent sources of these nutrients.

For additional information about this program, visit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.