Category: Diary of a NJ Chiropractor

A more diverse genome model that goes past simple DNA may lead to better medical care.

Posted on by bill
A more diverse genome model that goes past simple DNA may lead to better medical care. DNA is the genetic code that we have been told makes up the building blocks of who we are. Scientists are finding that DNA is much more complicated than that and there is a regionality to it. A new model known as the Pangenome may actually be more accurate, since many of us may have come from areas other than Europe. Considering different peoples developed differently in different areas of the world, the Pangenome model is more accurate and considers different regional adaptations that Read More »

Why are so many men screened for prostate cancer when research suggests active surveillance instead?

Posted on by bill
Why are so many men screened for prostate cancer when research suggests active surveillance instead? When doctors don’t know, they test. There is also something called best practices that different professions have developed to eliminate unneeded or potentially damaging procedures that are of little or no value if done routinely. In chiropractic, best practices include being more selective about taking X-rays.  Compared to years ago when the standard of practice had to take x rays on everyone regardless of age, today, I select patients for X-ray only if there was trauma, the suspicion of cancer or organic phenomenon, or if Read More »

Chia seeds benefits to your health.

Posted on by bill
Chia seeds benefits to your health. Chia seeds which have been a staple in latin America are making a comeback.   Many of you may remember the chia pet which was huge years ago and is still made.  It basically was a small statue that you would plant chia seeds on and it grows like hair. It is basically an herb garden. Chia, according to a recent NY Times article, Chia seeds which are high in fatty acids and have lots of fiber can help you feel full longer, and may actually help you reduce your food intake. They are basically Read More »

Processed foods and brain function.

Posted on by bill
Processed foods and brain function. What are processed foods?   Most processed foods are prepackaged foods that have been heavily ground up and often contain ingredients you and I cannot pronounce.   Twinkies are the ultimate processed food, high in calories, high fructose corn syrup, and chemicals we cannot pronounce with no nutritional value whatsoever. Cereals such as cheerios or lucky charms are loaded with sugar and many frozen meals also fall into this category. Research suggests that diets heavy in these foods lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.  Could this be why so many of us have weight issues and Read More »

What are the benefits and downfalls of barefoot running?

Posted on by bill
What are the benefits and downfalls of barefoot running? Years ago, a book called Born to Run convinced an entire generation of runners that barefoot running was better than running with shoes. Africa has produced many Kenyan NYC marathon winners who grew up running barefoot to school and culturally spent most of their time without shoes.   The book suggested that they were better runners because of this and as a result, they ran faster and it was better for them.   The book failed to mention that years of adaptation were also built into their boy mechanics. The truth is that Read More »