Fighting Germs

There have been several news articles on the net recently about how many germs are lurking on common surfaces we contact on a daily basis.  Among those highlighted have been toothbrushes, the computer mouse and keyboard, cell phones, dishwashers, sponges, vacuums, door knobs, your office desk, handles on kitchen faucets, mats at the gym, the ATM, and of course the TV remote.  The solution given in every article is to to clean, clean, clean.  Disinfect every surface, every time.

The reality however is that we all touch countless surfaces every day that are brimming with pathogenic bacteria and viruses.  So why aren't we all sick all the time?  That's because the germs are only part of the equation.  The most significant factor is what is termed "host resistance".  This refers to the ability of the person coming in contact with the pathogen to be able to fight the pathogen's ability to cause the disease.  The stronger our immune system is the less likely we are to be affected by any particular germ.  I've observed over the years that some of the people with great immune systems are not particularly fastidious.  On the other hand, I've seen many people who are obsessed with cleaning things yet they have poor immune systems and are frequently sick.  One of the reasons for this is that contact with pathogenic organisms strengthens our immune systems.

The immune system is complex and contact with pathogens is only one factor in strengthening it.  Other things an individual can do is to get adequate sleep, manage stress levels, avoid toxins. exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet particularly one that promotes alkalinity.  Nutritional supplements such as B complex, Vit. A, C, D & E, probiotics, zinc and others can be very helpful.  An often neglected factor in immune system health is the nervous system which controls all body functions.  Regular chiropractic care assures that the nervous system and consequently the immune system can work optimally.  I've worked hard to keep my immune system strong and chiropractic adjustments are a key factor for me.  Please do not take my next statement as bragging.  As a result of getting adjusted regularly plus consciously looking after my immune system, I have missed only 3 days of work in 26 years due to illness.  Keep in mind that I'm in contact with unhealthy people every day.

Despite what you might think from what I've written already, I truly believe hygiene is an essential factor in maintaining a healthy immune system.  But, we cannot rely on chemical cleansers to keep us healthy.  It's unrealistic to think we can simply clean every surface every time.  We cannot avoid all pathogens, but we can't be foolish and put ourselves in situations where our immune systems will be overwhelmed.  Cleaning hands and surfaces is wise but not to the point of being obsessed. Germs only beat us when we are weaker than the germs, so stay strong.

Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause injury deaths in people over the age of 65 and alarmingly the rate of deaths due to falls has increased dramatically in the last decade.  It has been postulated that side effects to medications may be a significant factor in this increase. Given our aging population, the numbers of serious injuries and deaths from falls is expected to continue to increase.

The first step in preventing falls is to have the neck checked for vertebral subluxations which may affect the posture orientation and equilibrium system of the body.  Chiropractic adjustments can be very effective to improve balance and prevent falls.    According to the Mayo clinic steps to take to prevent falls include keeping physically active, wearing sensible shoes, removing hazards from around the home, keeping living spaces well lit, and using assistive devices such as canes and walkers.

Here are some exercises to improve balance.  Please start the exercises at a slow pace.

1. Put yourself in the position that activates the dizziness and hold for 30 sec.  Repeat.  The symptoms should diminish with repetition.
2. Move the eyes up and down and side to side while keeping the head stationary.
3. Repeat exercise 2 while focusing on a finger held in front of the face.
4. Bend over as though you are picking something off the floor 20 to 30 times.
5. Watch a ball as you throw it from hand to hand 20 to 30 times.
6. Walk across an uncluttered room 10 times with your eyes open
7. Walk across the room 10 times while turning your head from side to side while focusing on fixed items on the walls.
8. Walk across the room 10 times with your eyes closed.  Make sure the room is safe!  You may need someone to assist you.

The best time to start a balance improvement program is before you have balance problems.  Prevention is the term.  Even if dizziness is already present, all people are capable of improving their balance.  Talk to your chiropractor.

Imbalance

When I use the term imbalance, I'm referring to dizziness which is also referred to as vertigo.  It can be a light headedness, a sense of being unstable, the room may be spinning or the person may feel like they are spinning in a stationary room.

Imbalance or dizziness is reported by 70% of non-institutionalized people over the age of 65.  Balance experts report that all people are capable of improving their balance.  It is one area that there need not be a constant decline.

Here's  a simple test to see how good your balance is: stand on one foot.  You pass if you can do it for 30 sec (under age 60), 21 sec (60-69) and 14 sec (70 - 79).  Now try it with your eyes closed.  Do this where you can grab onto something or have someone to catch you.  I don't want you to hurt yourself doing this test.  Your balance is good if you can last 21 sec, 10 sec. or 5 sec. for the age groups listed above. Try it.  How did you do?

Balance is controlled by three systems in the body.  The vestibular system in the inner ear receives the most attention and when imbalance occurs it is almost always blamed on inner ear problems.  But the posture orientation and equilibrium system which is concentrated in the upper neck is probably of equal importance.  The third system is the visual system,  All three of these systems work together to keep our body balanced.  If any one is impaired the others attempt to take over to keep us balanced.  Dizziness occurs when these systems fail.

Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to have a profound effect on the posture system which is concentrated in the upper neck.  Many people with balance problems have benefited from receiving chiropractic care.  There are also procedures within the chiropractic scope of practice that can improve vestibular function as well, including exercises.

The big concern with imbalance is that it leads to falls.  As we all know, falls can result in serious injuries, particularly in the elderly.  I'll discuss fall prevention in my next post.