Jessica Heller, DC, CSCS
Jessica Heller, DC, CSCS Quick Facts
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A Healthy Back Starts With Your Feet
Contrary to popular belief, many people with foot problems do not have any pain in their feet. Instead, the area of pain is transferred up the body, to the knees, hips, lower back, or even neck. An example of this is one whose feet roll inward, which causes their pelvis to jut forward. This, in turn, causes the upper back to âhumpâ and the head to move forward, all in an attempt to keep the body balanced. In fact, 80% of people over forty years of age experience bodily di
October 11, 2007
Article
Post-natal Abdominal Exercises
Having a baby means making many changes in your life: losing sleep, learning how to take care of a tiny person, and dealing with the ânew bodyâ that pregnancy caused you to have. Most women are eager to get to some abdominal exercises to firm up their now-stretched-out middles. The following exercises can be done in the first six weeks, provided that your ârec checkâ (see below) is okay. (Note: If you have had a C-section, wait until your 6-week checkup before beginni
August 6, 2007
Article
Nutritional Approaches to Musculoskeletal Healing
The Inflammatory ResponsenWhenever injuries to muscles, ligaments, or tendons occur, a sequence of events that initiates healing begins at the cellular and biochemical levels. This inflammatory response is protective and restorative, as it allows the body to repair itself. When inflammation becomes excessive or uncontrolled, though, delayed healing and chronic inflammation can cause pain. A variety of supplements and herbs are available to help control excessive inflammation
August 6, 2007
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Healthy Weight Control For Children: Habits to Help Your Child Lose Weight the Healthy Way
Childhood ObesitynApproximately twenty-five percent of children and teenagers in the United Sates are obese. In spite of the significant adverse effects that obesity can have on health, many parents find dealing with obesity in childhood difficult and figure it can be dealt with later. Childhood weight problems often carry over into adulthood, leading to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Worse, these formerly âadultâ diseases are now increasingly being
August 6, 2007
Article
Swimmer's Shoulder: Prevention and Rehabilitation
Competitive swimmers train an average of ten to twenty thousand yards per day. At eight to ten arm cycles per twenty-five yards, this leads to nearly one million shoulder rotations per week. Itâs no wonder studies have shown the lifetime incidence of shoulder injury in competitive swimmers is over 70%. nnThe most common shoulder injury incurred in swimmers is âswimmerâs shoulder.â This syndrome is a combination of any of the following: rotator cuff or bicipital tendon
August 6, 2007
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Nutrition for Cancer Prevention
Itâs a known fact that fruits and vegetables are essential to a healthy diet, because they are filled with antioxidants: substances or nutrients in our foods that can prevent or slow damage to our body. When our cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals, by-products which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers," preventing and repairing damage. Health problems such as cancer are caused by oxidative damage. Researchers are busy discoverin
July 10, 2007
Article
Non-Migraine Headaches
One of the most common types of pain is a headache. Many people resort to over-the counter medications to relieve their headache, instead of trying to eliminate the cause of it. Twenty-seven percent of patients with headaches seek alternative forms of therapy, with the most common being chiropractic care. Below is an overview of the most common forms of non-migraine headaches. (For information on migraine headaches, please see the article âWhat is a Migraine Headache?â)nn
July 10, 2007
Article
Natural Approaches to Prostate Health
What is the Prostate?nThe prostate is a walnut-sized sex gland in men that secretes a fluid that forms part of the semen. It surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. Most men will suffer some form of prostate disease sometime in their lifetime. In fact, among men in their seventies and eighties, the rate of prostatic disease may be as high as 90%. The exact reasons for prostatic disease are unknown, but tissue inflammation and an imbalance of male sex hormones are s
July 10, 2007
Article
Healthy Eating Starts at Home
In the quest to lose weight, it is often too easy to get involved in difficult, hard-to-keep- track-of diet plans, and overlook the simple steps you can take in your life to eat healthier, and consequently, lose weight. There are many simple steps you can take at home to allow you and your family to eat better. The most important change most Americans need to keep in mind is to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (grains that are minimally processed or refined.) nnI
June 26, 2007
Article
Frequent Migraine Triggers
Migraines are headaches that are caused by a decreased blood flow to the brain and increased pressure on the blood vessels. Although the exact mechanism of migraine headaches is not yet known, migraines are often triggered by particular lifestyle factors. Try to keep a diary of your own particular triggers. Knowing what to avoid can change your pattern of attacks. The triggers listed here are the most frequent ones that migraine sufferers should pay attention to.nnFood Trigge
June 26, 2007
Article
So What's the Buzz About Core Strengthening?
Recently, everyone in the exercise and fitness industry seems to be talking about core strengthening. Your bodyâs coreâthe area around your trunk and pelvisâis where your center of gravity is located. It is the nexus of all your bodyâs movements. A strong core gives you:nâ¢Increased protection and bracing for your back.nâ¢Controlled movements, especially when reacting to changes in direction.nâ¢A solid base for all bodily movements.nâ¢Better posture.nnThe main mus
June 26, 2007
Article
Choosing a Mattress
The right mattress can significantly contribute to decreased back and neck pain, and increase the ability to feel rested after a good nightâs sleep. Using the wrong mattress can cause general aches and pains, aggravate any pre-existing pain, and lead to sleeplessness. nnMany patients ask us, âWhat is the best mattress to buy?â Unfortunately, there has not been extensive medical research or controlled clinical trials on the topic of mattresses and back pain. (Claims that
June 26, 2007