The connection between your DNA and your weight

Did you know that your DNA could affect your weight?  Our DNA holds the key to how our metabolism is working and how it can work optimally. There are certain genes that contribute to how  your body responds to certain types of exercise, fullness cues, ability to lose weight, and how your body processes the different types of food groups.  There are genetic differences in the way different individuals process fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Our DNA also determines the intensity and duration of exercise our bodies require to maintain our optimal weight.

There are 24 genetic markers that can be used for weight management. Nucleotides string together on a DNA molecule and form a sequence or gene. A SNP (pronounced snip) is a DNA sequence variation. By determining an individual's SNP variants, we gain insight into how their body processes fats, carbs, proteins and how their body responds to different types of physical activity. For example, someone may have a variant that indicates they have a hard time processing carbohydrates or that their body does not respond well to steady state cardio exercise or that their body requires a higher level of physical activity to maintain weight. These variants give a specific, individualized look at what works for your body and how you can lose and maintain weight loss for good.

Through the SNP variants on your report, a personalized nutrition and fitness plan is made specifically tailored to your results. If the plan is followed, you are guaranteed to be successful.

At Hover Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, I offer a DNA Weight Management test with a 50+ page report to help you lose and maintain your optimal weight. We will go over your results together and I will formulate a plan specifically for you. If interested in more information or to book an appointment, call 630.832.4476.

National Chiropractic Month

Since it's National Chiropractic Month and I am in fact a Chiropractor, obviously I had to make a post about it!

First off, let's talk about what Chiropractors are known for. They give 'adjustments.' An adjustment or manipulation is a hands-on, high velocity, low amplitude thrust directed towards a specific joint in the body. Adjustments target misalignments in joints, in an effort to realign them, which in turn can affect the nervous system, decrease muscle spasms, decrease tension, decrease stress, increase range of motion, and many, many more benefits.

Adjustments can help with a diverse variety of conditions, including everything from headaches and stress to strain/sprains and joint pain. Chiropractic is known for treating aches and pains, but can also treat digestive issues and asthma through the effect on the nervous system. By targeting specific vertebral segments in the spine, the specific nerves passing through those vertebra are affected, which increases function to the parts of the body those nerves supply. For example, the C4 cervical vertebra affects the diaphragm through the phrenic nerve. Adjusting that specific segment and the two surrounding vertebrae (C3 and C5) can help with asthma or even hiccups. This is why it is extremely important to keep your body aligned properly, to remain as healthy as possible. Chiropractic does not just deal with muscle and joint pain but can alter the way the entire body functions.

In addition to the above benefits, Chiropractic has also been shown to be more effective than drugs in relieving pain. A recent article posted, pointed at the opioid epidemic, stated that Chiropractic could help this epidemic by decreasing opioid use.  The study follows people with neck pain for 12 weeks, with pain levels greater than 3/10. 1/3 of the participants received only Chiropractic adjustments and stretching techniques, 1/3 received exercise advice (strengthening and stretching) from physical therapists, and the last 1/3 was given anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen however stronger narcotics or muscle relaxants could be used if they did not respond to the other medications. The results showed that the chiropractic and exercise groups achieved the most effective outcomes. After 12 weeks of treatment, 32% of the groups that had spinal adjustments became pain free and 30% of those in the exercise group. Only 13% of the medication group became pain free.

You can read the full article here.

Get yourself an appointment with your Chiropractor to reap some of these benefits and celebrate National Chiropractic Month! And if you are looking for a Chiropractor or have questions, feel free to reach out to us at Hover Chiropractic and Sports Medicine at 630.832.4476.

Ergonomics

In my recent post about 'text neck,' I mentioned that for every inch the head comes forward, the pressure on the cervical spine doubles. This goes for computer screens as well as cell phones/tablets. Proper ergonomics is essential to preventing repetitive stress on the body. This repetitive stress can eventually present as neck pain, low back pain, headaches, radiating pain, and the list goes on.

There are a few easy tips to help counteract some of the strain on everyday computer and desk work.
1. You want your screen to be at or just below eye level. Most people have their screens too low which requires constantly looking in a downward direction with either the eyes or entire head/neck, both which will cause strain.
2. Your head should be aligned directly above your spine/body in a straight line.
3. You want to focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed, rolled back and downwards, not shrugged up by your ears.
4. Forearms and hands should be in a straight line resting on the desk with a 90 degree bend in the elbows, with elbows kept close to the body. (i.e. the desk or surface should be elbow level)
5. Wrists should be in a neutral position, not cocked up.
6. Same with the hips, you want a 90 degree bend in the hips with feet resting flat on the floor or firmly on a footrest, so seat height and desk height should be adjusted accordingly.
7. There should be lumbar support in the chair you are using, to help maintain an upright body position and take pressure off of the lower back.

In addition to the tips above, there are a few additions you can add to help ensure proper positioning:
1. You could use something to elevate the screen of your computer to ensure proper height.
2. Use an ergonomic mouse and mousepad to take extra pressure off the wrist and hand.
3. Invest in a good chair. It is where you are parked majority of the day and should be the highest quality with the most support and easily adjustable.
4. They do make ergonomic keyboards as well, which could help.
5. Take frequent breaks to get up and stretch, standing at least 10 minutes every hour.
6. Consider a standing work station if it is a possibility for you.
7. BE AWARE of your posture at all times. Staying aware and focused on your posture will help make adjustments earlier and more often.

If you are interested in an ergonomic consultation, feel free to reach out to us at Hover Chiropractic, 630.832.4476.