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Show Volume II , Issue II Page 23 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS November 1999 Improving Health Through Chiropractic By Dr. Lewis D. Harper When one thinks of chiropractic care the first thing that pops to mind is back pain. While it is true that chiropractic care is one of the safest, most effective and cost efficient ways to treat low back pain; it is also true that it helps many other problems. Chiropractic has been shown to help with headaches (including tension, stress and even migraines), arm and leg pain, and sciatic nerve pain. It can also improve the immune system. Chiropractic care is able to help with these conditions because it focuses on the nervous system, which controls and regulates all of the functions of the body. Once you understand how the body works, you will understand how chiropractic can help with these and many other problems. The body is a self-healing organism and if given the opportunity, through proper communication, it can and will correct any problem that may occur. The brain is the main control center of our bodies and it requires constant input to maintain the health of the body. The nerves carry important information from various parts of our body to the brain. The brain in turn sends information back along different nerves telling the body what needs to be done. The body can produce anything it needs, but it first must know what it needs. All of the nerves that carry information to and from the brain are located within the spinal cord. As the nerves travel through the spinal cord they exit at different levels between vertebra, which make up your spine. If there is any interference from muscle spasms or subluxations (spinal misalignments), causing pressure on the nerves, the information can’t be delivered or received as intended. In a study conducted at the University of Colorado, it was discovered how pressures on spinal nerve roots disrupt proper communication and function. When the pressure of 20 millimeters of mercury (about the weight of a quarter) was placed upon a nerve, the function of the nerve decreased by 40%. When the pressure was increased to 40 millimeters the function decreased by 60%. Yet when 60 millimeters of pressure was placed on the nerve, the nerve failed to function at all. The findings from this study indicate that the nervous system is very sensitive and any abnormal pressures from muscles, ligaments or bones can hinder proper communication and function, thus resulting in pain and/or sickness. How do you know if you have interference? A lot of people think that the only time there is a problem is if there is pain. Pain is only an indicator that the body was not able to correct the problem itself. The body will do everything it can to correct the problem, but if it can’t correct it, pain is produced. Let’s relate this pain to the oil light in our car. If the light comes on, we want to correct the problem so we put more oil in our engines. If low oil is the cause of the problem the light will go out. Many of us take a different approach when we have pain in our bodies. Many individuals will take a pain pill and hope the pain goes away. If a lack of painkillers is the cause of our problem the pain will go away and stay away, but this is seldom the cause. Suppose you told your mechanic about the oil light and he comes out with a marker and colors over your light (pain pill) or cuts the wire to the light and tells you the problem is taken care of. The light (pain) is not bothering you any more, so the problem is fixed, right? Wrong, the warning communication between the engine (our body) and the driver (our brain) was covered up or cut, but the problem is still there. Chiropractic doctors receive many years of graduate studies and training to detect and correct these types of problems within the nervous system. The chiropractic adjustment removes the interference from the nerves so the communication can be re-established between the brain and the body and the healing can begin. By removing interference within the nervous system between the brain and the entire body, the body itself can function at a higher level. If your nervous system is functioning at a higher level, your immune, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems will in turn function at a higher level and increase the potential to recover and heal naturally. Chiropractic is great for the treatment of low back pain, but if used to it’s full potential it will improve your quality of life. Thanksgiving For Pets Sheriffs’ Seek Volunteers HERE ARE A FEW DO’S AND DON’TS FOR YOUR PET AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. The Ogden Valley Sheriffs’ Precinct is forming a citizen advisory committee. The Sheriffs’ Precinct is seeking volunteers to form an advisory board who can periodically meet with Valley Sheriff Officials to discuss problems and concerns in our area. The Valley Sheriffs’ Precinct serves Ogden Canyon and the entire Ogden Valley. The Precinct would like one volunteer from each of the following areas: Ogden Canyon, Huntsville Town, East HuntsvilleSouth Fork area, Eden, Wolf Creek Area, Liberty, and Nordic Valley. Committee members would represent their respective area and would bring to meetings their concerns about traffic problems, criminal activity or anything the Sheriffs’ office could assist them with. Valley Sheriffs’ Deputies would also be on the committee to discuss and assist in the problem solving. The committee members are non-paid, non-compensated volunteers who will be asked to meet once a month or every other month as needed. This program is a Community Oriented Policing effort by the Weber County Sheriffs’ Office to provide quality law enforcement for the Ogden Valley. Interested adults may send a letter of interest, briefly introducing yourself and the area you request to represent. Please submit your letter by December 10th, 1999, to: Ogden Valley Sheriffs’ Precinct c/o Sgt. Ryon M. Hadley P O BOX 453 EDEN UT 84310 The Sheriffs’ Office reserves the right to accept or reject any application. 1. Do not feed your pet bones from your Thanksgiving turkey. Poultry bones have a tendency to splinter. This may cause the bone to lodge abnormally and may cause gastric irritation. 2. If your animal gets overly excited or likes to jump, it’s good idea to warn your company ahead of time. It may be a good idea to keep your pet in a separate room until all have arrived, then provide controlled introductions. 3. Do not share candy or sweets with your pet, even if they beg. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and candy can make all animals very sick. 4. Often times we’re tempted to give our pets a “special treat.” Please know that a sudden change in diet may cause vomiting or diarrhea. It is best to check with your veterinarian prior to giving your pet leftovers. 5. As the weather is getting colder, provide shelter for your companion animals. Generally speaking, if they can stay dry and out of the wind, most animals can tolerate freezing temperatures. If, however, the weather is going to be extremely cold, i.e. Less than 15 degrees bring your pet indoors. If your companion animal gets wet, dry them off prior to letting them sleep in cold areas. Please check their bedding periodically to make sure it is dry. 6. Make sure water dishes haven’t frozen over. Your pet will need fresh water at all times. 7. While skiing or snow shoeing with your dog. Take a minute to check inbetween the digital pads to make sure no “ice balls” are forming. 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