Beware of Nintendonitis!

To everyone who received a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and played it all day for the last few days, beware of waking up with sore arms and shoulders. You now have NINTENDONITIS!

What is a tendon?
A tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects your muscles to the bones. The skeletal muscles in your body are responsible for moving your bones, thus enabling you to walk, jump, lift, and move in many ways. When a muscle contracts it pulls on a tendon which pulls on the bone to cause movements. When functioning normally, these tendons glide easily and smoothly as the muscle contracts.
What is tendonitis?
Sometimes the tendons become inflamed and the action of pulling the muscle becomes irritating. If the normal smooth gliding motion of your tendon is impaired, the tendon will become inflamed and movement will painful. This is called tendonitis, and literally means inflammation of the tendon.
What causes tendonitis?
The most common cause of tendonitis is overuse. Commonly, individuals begin an exercise program, or increase their level of exercise, and begin to experience symptoms of tendonitis. The tendon is unaccustomed to the new level of demand, and this overuse will cause an inflammation and tendonitis.
Treatment for tendonitis.
Below is some advice for tendonitis treatment and avoiding recurrences of this problem. As with any treatment program, talk with your doctor before you begin tendonitis treatment! In order to aid healing you should:
· Rest - Tendonitis treatment must begin by avoiding aggravating movements. This may mean taking a break from a favorite activity for a period of time, but this is a necessary step to allow the inflamed tendon to heal. It is also recommended in tendonitis treatment to try alternative activities; for example alternate Wii Tennis and Wii bowling.
· Apply Ice - Icing the area of inflammation is an important aspect of tendonitis treatment. The ice will help to reduce the inflammation and decrease swelling. By minimizing inflammation and swelling, the tendon can heal. Ice is best 15 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Do this 4 to 5 times in a row for the first 3-4 days.
· Try over-the-counter medications - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) include a long list of possibilities such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, and many others. Tendonitis treatment can be improved by these medications that will decrease pain and swelling. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting these medications.
· Take Frequent Breaks - Alternate repetitive tasks with breaks to relieve stress on the tendons. Don't perform one activity continuously for hours at a time. For those with exercise-related tendonitis, try to vary your workouts to relieve the repetitive stress of one exercise activity.
· Try Chiropractic Care - A Chiropractic adjustment, physiotherapy, stretching and exercises can help speed up healing of “Nintendonitis” and prevent reoccurrences.

The steps listed above are usually adequate “Nintendonitis” treatment, and most patients have resolution of their symptoms. Learning to reduce or avoid activities that may cause a flare-up can also be important.

Chiropractic Care Reduces Blood Pressure

A study at the University of Chicago showed that a specific chiropractic adjustment of the upper neck can significantly lower high blood pressure. The results were better than taking 2 blood pressure medications at the same time and there were no side effects as with many medications.
The patients averaged a 14mm drop in systolic pressure (the first number) and an 8mm drop in the diastolic pressure (the second number). The decrease in blood pressure was still seen 8 weeks after the treatment. The researcher suggests that injury to the upper neck may affect the blood flow in the arteries at the base of the skull causing the high blood pressure. Whether the chiropractic treatment fixes the injury is unknown.

ref: chiropractic economics 10/08

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Dan Thibodeau.

Business Lessons Learned From My Dog

This was very interesting when I read it:

• Always greet customers with excitement and enthusiasm, even when you just saw them 3 minutes ago. They never grow tired of thinking they are the most important thing in your life.
• Don't confuse your tail with a goal worth chasing.
• Sleep as many hours a day as possible, but always be ready to play when the chance arises.
• Don't be afraid to get dirty, in fact relish it.
• When the big folks are feasting, if you know how to work things, you'll be able to feast too.
• Barking alot is annoying, so don't do it often. That way when you do bark, people spring to attention.
• Don't bark at the mailman. He's been known to have a dog treat in his pocket.
• The more you show that you don't need a leash, the less you have to wear it. Conversely, if you're always tugging on your leash, you'll always have to wear it.
• The joy is in digging the hole, not in hiding the bone. But it's also reassuring to know there are a few bones hidden.
• Biting someone never leads to anything good.
• Continuously learning new tricks keeps you young.
• Fool your masters into thinking they are in charge.

ref: My Business magazine 1/08

Don't Ignore Cough Medication Warnings!

According to researchers at Boston University, 1 in 10 children use at least one cough medication during any given week. Young children are the most frequent users.

Why is this important? Earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) issued a public health advisory recommending that parents NOT use over-the-counter cough and cold products to treat children under the age of 2. They were also questioning if these products were safe for children age 2-11.

The director of the FDA, Dr. Charles Ganley stated, "These medicines, which treat symptoms and not the underlying condition, have NOT been shown to be safe or effective in children under age 2."

ref: To Your Health magazine, 10/08

For more information on Health and Wellness, contact Dr. Dan Thibodeau at 920-954-1002.

Testimonials About Auto Accidents

Several years ago I was involved in a car collision. I began seeing Dr. Dan shortly afterwards for the injuries I sustained to my neck, low back and hip. It was amazing how much better I felt within a short period of time. The technique he uses to find the source of the pain is amazing and his approach to chiropractic treatments is totally different than any I’ve had before. No more twisting on the neck and thrusting on the back. His adjustments are virtually pain free. I am convinced that his treatments helped me to heal much quicker.
Diane B.

I was involved in a car accident on March 17th, 1997. I was stopped in traffic when I was hit from behind at 35 mph. I was under Doctor's care and off of work for almost 2 years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and taking 26 pain pills a day. I was in a fog, slept all the time and the bills were piling up. A friend told me about the Doctor and I decided I had to try something to get my life back. It took about 2 months of twice weekly visits and he finally got my shoulders and rib area to move where I was back in alignment. I was given nutrients and I no longer take any prescription drugs. I still see him on an as needed basis to keep everything in good working order and I am very thankful that I gave them a try because it changed my life.
Cathy M.

I have been a chiropractic patient for over 18 years. I started going to a chiropractor due to a car accident. Over the years I have been involved in four additional auto accidents. Chiropractic care has helped me to function in spite of my injuries. The Doctor has helped me along the way to recovery and his treatments have made it possible for me to enjoy life with my family. He has helped me with every pain from common headaches to the muscle aches due to fibromyalgia. I personally don't know what I would do without chiropractic care.
Dawn A.

I was involved in a car accident in September 2003. I had severe neck pain and was advised to see a chiropractor. I looked through a list of chiropractors and decided to go to Dr. Dan Thibodeau. Dr. Dan uses the Activator technique which made me feel very comfortable. I am very leery about going to chiropractors who adjust using the cracking method, so he was my number one choice. I was seen by Dr. Dan for approximately 6 months. My health improved at a fast rate and I was released from care at the end of March 2004. He also showed me how to do exercises to strengthen my neck and back. The exercises showed me that he really cares about his patients. He is always friendly and always will go the extra mile to make a patient as comfortable as possible. Dr. Dan made my chiropractic experience a great one and I would see him again if needed.
Dana H.

Marinades Make Grilling Healthier!

A recent study from Kansas State University published in Mens Health Magazine (Dec. 2008) discovered that commercial marinades reduced Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) - a suspected carcinogenic compound produced by cooking meats at high temperatures - by an average of 71%.

They believe this may be due to the antioxidants in the spices that stop free-radical reactants from forming during the cooking process.

Their best try, a Caribbean Marinade, it scored 88% HCA reduction:
Mix 1/4 tsp each of salt, red pepper and black pepper with 1/2 tsp each of sugar, thyme, allspice, rosemary and chives. Blend with 2 ounces of water and 1 ounce each of olive oil and vinegar

For more information on Health and Wellness, contact Dr. Dan.

Thanks For Helping With Our Food Drive Contest!

Congratulations to our Food Drive Winners

¨ Sandy W. winner of the Nintendo Wii console.

¨ Pauline W. winner of the Health Care Gift Basket with Massage.

¨ Paula V. winner of the Health Care Gift Basket with Massage.

Thank you for helping us fight hunger. You donated 270 pounds of food which was donated to St. Joe’s food pantry in Appleton.