Diamond Chiropractic

Tailored for Education

2012-02-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

Diamond Chiropractic will donate $10 to Tailored for Education for every new patient who is referred in the months of February and March.

Founded in 2011, Tailored for Education strives to increase school enrollment in developing countries by providing children with school uniforms. For millions of children around the globe, education represents the only way out of a life of entrenched poverty.

Visit their website www.tailoredforeducation.org to get more info on current projects and how you can help!

How to Catch a Cold

2011-12-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

Expecting a cold? Here's what you can do to help get one:

*Eat a poor diet. Make sure your body lacks the vitamins and minerals it needs. Eat lots of processed foods.

*Avoid rest. Stay up too late and do too much.

*Stop exercising. Your lymph system depends on exercise to circulate germ-fighting fluids, so sit around and watch tv.

*Think negative thoughts. Pay attention to news reports about outbreaks of the flu and to advertising for cold medications.

*Invite stress. Expose yourself to temperature and humidity changes, along with worry.

*Become dehydrated. Avoid drinking enough water.

*Forget your appointments. Shun periodic chiropractic checkups that help you stay well.

Not Disposable

2011-11-29T10:03:00.001-08:00

We have evolved into a disposable society.

We're lucky if our television lasts 10 years. Same with cars. Computers? two or three years, tops! We grumble every time we need an upgrade, but the truth is, few of us would prefer Windows 3.1 to our current operating system!

Unlike mechanical devices, some say our bodies are designed to last 120 years.. or possibly even longer. To achieve this feat, our bodies are designed to survive.

In fact, many everyday symptoms are merely our body's innate survival strategies at work, keeping us alive and as healthy as possible without any conscious input from us.

Runny nose? Survival strategy. Extra mucus production enhances immune system function, helping to fend off cold and flu bugs.

Butterflies in your stomach? Survival strategy. Warns you of an imagined impending physical or emotional threat.

Bleeding from a cut? Survival strategy. Blood contact with the air invokes the body's clotting response.

Gas? Survival strategy. Remove toxic food from the digestive tract as quickly as possible.

Vomiting? Survival strategy. Remove toxic food from the digestive tract even more quickly!

Pain? Survival strategy. Our body's on-board early warning system tells us we need to make a change.

When you consider how many survival strategies our bodies use, you understand why the nervous system is so important- it orchestrates the whole show.

Results of Loon Promotion

2011-10-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

Diamond Chiropractic was able to donate $90 to The Loon Preservation Committee due to the patient referrals received in the month of September.

We would like to thank you for your referrals and for helping the Loon. You can find more info on how you can continue to help this beautiful creature at www.loon.org.

Our next promotion which will be continuing through the months of October and November will be supporting P2V. P2V is a nonprofit organization that matches veterans and shelter animals.

Stay tuned for more info.

A Tangerine A Day...

2011-08-16T10:31:00.001-07:00

... may keep the doctor away.

A recent Japanese study found that people who ate citrus fruit nearly every day had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who almost never ate any.

According to the study, the high antioxidant levels in citrus may block the formation of free radicals and repair existing damage.

Try adding orange, tangerine or grapefruit sections in your salads.
Another yummy way to add some citrus to your diet is to substitute diced citrus for tomatoes in salsa to use as a quick sauce for grilled fish.

2011-08-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Joint Health

2011-08-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

As seen in Men's Health Magazine
Physical Activity Good for Joint Pain, Docs Say
By Blaine Mcevoy

"Regular Physical activity c an help curtail joint pain from osteoarthritis, experts say.

The new recommendation overturns the traditional belief that damaged joints need rest.

Exercising as little as 15 minutes three times a week can help reduce inflammation, increase lubrication to cartilage, and strengthen muscles that support joints and absorb shock.

'For a knee ache, a less weight-bearing exercise like cycling increases stability and muscle strength,' says rheumatologist John M. Davis. 'For low back troubles, stabilize the spine first with exercises that strengthen the abdominals and obliques.'

Why We Love Comfort Food

2011-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

As a child, do you remember the foods your mother served you when you were sick? Or on holidays or your birthday?

You came to associate warm and comforting feelings to these foods because they made you feel good. Maybe it was ice cream, macaroni and cheese, homemade chicken or pea soup, an apple pie or a hearty stew. You attached memories and emotional feelings to these foods because they made you feel better.

They still do.

So…why why do we stay attached to these foods?

Basically it’s because these foods bring us back in our minds to simpler times, times when we were loved and cared for, times when responsibilities were non-existent and living was relatively easy. What’s going on in your life today? Given the times, you are probably under a great deal of stress – emotional, physical and financial – the kind of stress that brings you back to comfort foods because you want to feel better.

So what’s the problem with that?

Well…most comfort foods contain rich amounts of fats, sugars, and salt – ingredients that give you instant pleasurable feelings that don’t last long, cause weight gain and pose serious health risks. They may be good in the short run, but lead to depression and other health issues in the long run.

When you are sad, you are twice as likely to indulge in comfort foods as when you are happy. The key is to look at the reasons behind your binging on comfort foods and to deal with the stress and unhappiness that is causing you to crave them. Maybe you are experiencing a job loss, a divorce or the death of a loved one and you need some spiritual or psychological guidance to help you cope.

Start looking at the nutritional information on the packaging of some of your comfort foods. Notice the amount of calories, fat and sugar on the label; that information alone can help you to moderate what you are eating. Don’t keep comfort foods in your house – if there’s no ice cream, you can’t eat it. Reach for an apple instead of a cupcake. Take a walk or call a friend to distract you from the food you crave. Keep a food diary to identify patterns of emotional eating, such as when you are stressed or angry.

And remember, regular chiropractic adjustments help your nervous system to deal with the effects of chronic stress – physical, emotional and chemical. So instead of downing that bag of potato chips, make an appointment to come in and see us today!

Older People Make the Most of Life

2011-07-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

As seen in USA Today
By Brandon Smith and Victoria Rodriguez

"Think you are happy now? Just wait. The best emotional times come later in life, according to the Gallup-Healthways well-being index.

The oldest group outscored the other three age groups in emotions, which was one of six categories measured in a sweeping study on well-being. Out of a possible score of 100, the 65-and-older age group scored 83. Those 45-64 had the lowest score, 76.

Credit experience, says Kay McCurdy, 72, of Springfield, VA. "You shift your idea of what a good life is into what you can have as a good life," McCurdy says. "You get realistic."

Elisabeth Burnett, 73, a neighbor of McCurdy's at the Greenspring retirement home in the Washington metro area, says having a strong emotional life takes a hefty dose of true grit. Burnett has a daughter going through divorce and has had to bury another grown child, yet she says she looks ahead with hope and joy.

"Today is the gift," Burnett says. "I think that's a kind of wisdom that comes with age that I may have had as a young person, but I didn't exercise as much as I do now."

Randy Weadon, 84, says honesty and discipline turned his sad life around. After going into diabetic shock one night and nearly dying, he started walking, lost 50 pounds and eventually got off insulin. He walks 7 miles a day to keep his weight down.

"I'm happier," says Weadon, also a Greenspring resident. "I have a better opinion of myself, and just all in all I'm a new person."

Obesity Starts in the Womb

2011-06-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Most patients of Dr. Diamond are well aware of the importance of taking an Omega 3 supplement.

We came across an article 'Obesity starts in the womb' by Dr. Barry Sears which highlights another reason why women should be taking Omega 3.

A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that childhood obesity begins in the mother's womb.

It's been well known from animal experiments that omega-6 fatty acids make the offspring fat and omega-3 fatty acids make the offspring thin. This new study has confirmed that the same thing is happening in humans.

The increase in omega-6 fatty acids over the years could be one of the reasons we've seen such an increase in childhood obesity.

What can you do?

If you are thinking of having a child, consider cutting back on omega-6 fatty acids and start eating more omega-3 fatty acids.
If you already have children whose gene expression has been altered by fetal programming you can minimize the damage by treating food as a drug to manage increased cellular inflammation.

Be sure to ask Dr. Diamond about the benefits of Omega-3 at your next appointment!!

How to Overcome Modern Challenges to Posture

2011-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

We recently came across a great article in the Boston Globe, "The Proper Balance".

Many studies are being done to show just how harmful it can be to sit for long periods of time.The majority of our patients are aware of the dangers of sitting but aren't sure what they can do. It's tough to maintain good posture considering today's technology-driven and deskbound lifestyle.

This article offers some good tips on how you can practice good posture even if you are unable to escape sitting at a desk for 8 hours every day.

DON'T:

Sit with head forward (like a turtle), back rounded, and elbows flexed past 90 degrees.

Pick up something without bending your knees

Cradle the phone with your neck when you're multitasking. Use the speaker mode or a headset device.

Wear high heels if you're going to be walking or standing for more than a few minutes. You can throw off your posture by forcing the lower part of your body forward and the upper part backward to maintain balance.

Overload your purse or backpack. If your shoulder starts to hurt after 10 minutes of toting your bag, it's time to unload excess stuff, like that ton of spare change.

DO:

Get up from a sitting position at least once an hour.

When standing, check yourself in a mirror at least once a day to see if you're standing straight with your shoulders back, pelvis tucked under, and head aligned with torso.

Distribute the weight of your backpack evenly by wearing on both shoulders.

Follow a 20/20/20 rule for computer work:
Take a 20 second rest break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet or more away from the monitor.

Healthiest Nut for Your Heart

2011-06-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Posted by Sarah Toland in Men's Journal:

The walnut is the best nut for heart health, says new research from the University of Scranton, which found that walnuts contain more and higher-quality antioxidants than any other nut.

In fact, the average guy would get more antioxidants in one ounce of walnuts than from what he eats in fruits and vegetables, says study author Joe Vinson.

"Everyone should eat one to two handfuls of nuts a day for heart health," he says, adding that all nuts have been shown to lower blood lipid levels and improve risk factors for heart disease.

"Don't worry about high calories: Nuts don't cause weight gain."

Pain PR Campaign Announced

2011-05-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

The public relations firm of Sensori & Partners has been named by Pain, Inc. to lead a campaign to upgrade the public perceptions of pain.

'Pain has a bad rap', observed a spokesperson. 'We plan to refurbish its image so it can assume its proper place in the lives of the public.'

Pain, which used to be seen as a warning sign of some other issue, is today perceived as the problem itself.

'We'll use strategies we used to stop the effort to lower the piercing sound made by smoke detectors,' says the spokesperson. 'People need to know that pain, like the smoke detector alert, is rarely the problem. It's a warning sign something needs attention."

'Bring it on!' says a spokesperson for the drug-lobbying group. 'Most people prefer the easy way and popping a pill is convenient. Drug users can mask the pain and carry on with their life. We don't expect significant changes.'

(Naturally, this is a parody. But it makes a great point. Pain isn't the problem!)

One Moment Meditation

2011-05-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Many of us get so caught up with the stresses of our daily lives that we forget to take a moment to ourselves..to just breathe.

Martin Borosen, author of One Moment Meditation:Stillness for People on the Go, provides an easy way to do this anywhere & anytime.

It begins with an exercise that takes just one minute per day.
As you progress, it will take less and less time. You will then have the power to transform just one moment into an opportunity to reduce stress, refresh your mind, and open yourself to new possibilities.

Start with the Basic Minute:

The Basic Minute

"One-Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go begins with an exercise called The Basic Minute. With the Basic Minute, you can learn to experience a quiet mind – free of thinking and doing – in just a minute.

Although the purpose of One-Moment Meditation is for you to experience deep peace in just a moment, we start with a minute because a moment goes by so quickly that you’d have to be a master to notice one. A minute, however, is like a moment with handles on it. You know where it begins and ends, so it’s easier to grasp.

Try to do the Basic Minute in a quiet place, once a day. The only equipment you will need is a timer (a kitchen timer is ideal). You may think it’s silly to use an alarm for just one minute, but it really is necessary. The alarm helps you to forget about time, while also ensuring that you don’t drift off. It’s essential that, for just a minute, you yield control of time completely—and this requires an alarm.

You can do the Basic Minute several times a day, but please don’t do it for longer than a minute. The purpose of this exercise is to learn that you really can tap a deep experience of peacefulness in a very short amount of time ... so if you do it longer, you’re cheating.

The Basic Minute

1. Create a place of solitude.

2. Sit down.

3. Place your legs in a relaxed but fixed position.

4. Sit up.

5. Set your alarm for exactly one minute.

6. Place your hands in a relaxed but fixed position.

7. Close your eyes.

8. Allow your mind to settle into your breathing.

9. When the alarm sounds, stop.

Once you’ve mastered the Basic Minute, One-Moment Meditation teaches you how to make it more flexible and more useful, with exercises such as the Portable Minute, The Emergency Minute, The Bonus Minute, and the Surprise Minute.

You then learn how to reduce the length of the Minute gradually, until you can get the same sense of equanimity in just a moment. With one-moment meditation, you can experience peacefulness wherever you are–and stillness even when you’re on the go."

You can find more info on where to purchase the book at: http://www.onemomentmeditation.com/

You will also find a great blog on this site with helpful hints to use in your daily life!

May Promo: Boston's Walk for AIDS

2011-05-10T05:32:00.001-07:00

Our last promotion supporting Project Bread was a great success thanks to our wonderful patients.
This month we are supporting another wonderful cause- Boston's 2011 Walk for AIDS which is held on Sunday June 5th.

Every year since 1986 Boston has gathered on the first Sunday in June for AIDS Walk Boston, an annual grassroots community event benefiting AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is New England’s largest and oldest AIDS service organization.

For twenty-five years, thousands of dedicated participants have raised millions of dollars for AIDS Action’s innovative programs and services that are essential to maintaining the health of individuals living with the disease and preventing the spread of the epidemic. Just as important, the Walk also raises our awareness of the impact HIV/AIDS has on individuals, families and the community at-large, reminding us all that we must work together to stop the spread of HIV.

How can you help?

Diamond Chiropractic will be donating $10 to AAC's AIDS Walk for every new patient that is referred through us from our YELP page in the month of May.
Please feel free to pass along our business page to any friends/family that could benefit from chiropractic care or share your experience at Diamond Chiropractic in a YELP review.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/diamond-chiropractic-boston

You can also visit the AAC AIDS walk site directly to sign up to walk,run,volunteer or donate!!
www.aac.org

March/April Project Bread Promo

2011-05-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU to all of our wonderful patients and your referrals!
Because of you, Diamond Chiropractic was able to donate $160 to Project Bread's Walk for Hunger!

Our office manager Emily, as well as numerous patients, participated in this walk.

"On Sunday, May 1, 2011, 42,000 people came to the Boston Common to raise millions for their hungry neighbors during Project Bread’s annual Walk for Hunger.

Organizers were heartened that the Walkers and their sponsors raised $3.6 million to provide food for 448 emergency food programs in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns. These funds will provide a hot meal or a bag of groceries for hungry families next winter."

The need is still great. Visit www.projectbread.org to learn more about how you can help.

World's Oldest Man Shares His Secret to a Long Life

2011-04-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Walter Breuning of Great Falls, Montana was well known as the world's oldest man at 114yrs until he passed away on Thursday 04/14/11.

Here is the simple philosophy that Mr. Breuning lived by and credits for his longevity:

* Embrace Change, even when the change slaps you in the face. ("Every change is good.")

* Eat two meals a day ("That's all you need.")

* Work as long as you can ("That money's going to come in handy.")

* Help others ("The more you do for others, the better shape you're in.")

You can find the full article on Walter Breuning at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42599413/ns/us_news-life/

Spring Cleaning: Good for Your Health

2011-04-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

The days are getting longer, the cabin fever is lifting and it's time to get ready for the warmer weather ahead. Now you can see the hamster-sized dust bunnies and spider webs, it must be spring cleaning time. Before you go hog wild with the disinfectant and the scrubbing, here are some tips that can safeguard or even improve your health in the process:

*Clean or replace your heating and air conditioning filters to reduce airborne allergens. Do the same with your vacuum cleaner.

*Use environmentally safe cleaning materials. Wear gloves to reduce the absorption of chemicals through your skin.

*Look for damp areas where mold or mildew can form, especially in the bathroom or kitchen. Mold is a commonly overlooked allergen that affects many.

*Inspect bicycles and outdoor play equipment for needed repairs. Look for loose bolts, rust and signs of impending danger.

*Have your chimney cleaned. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, this is a great time to have it checked for creosote buildup.

Like many healthful activities, many of these are preventative in nature. Like good health, prevention is less expensive, less stressful and can often catch little problems before they become serious. So, our final spring cleaning suggestion is even closer to home...

*Come in for a chiropractic check up. If it's been awhile since your last visit, we can help get you in tip top condition for the busy months ahead.

Life Tone

2011-04-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Bass And Treble Of It

If you've ever tried to convince a friend or loved one to try chiropractic care, you know how difficult it can be to explain how and why it works. Perhaps this will help.

While most people today think of chiropractic as a treatment for neck and back bain, that was not always the case. In fact, the first chiropractic patient back in 1895 had a hearing disorder. The second, a heart condition. In fact, these early cases prompted some to crow that chiropractic could cure anything. Oops!

But from the beginning, chiropractic was based on the concept of tone.
"Life is the expression of tone," observed D.D. Palmer, the pioneer of chiropractic.

Think of health, with a normal degree of nerve tension and everything functioning as it should, as the middle C on a piano. If there is too little tone and too little tension (the keys to the left of middle C), then organs, tissues and systems are over-active. Such as diarrhea, for example.

The objective of chiropractic is to help get you to middle C. That's done by finding areas of your spine, which are either inhibiting or overexciting the tone of your nervous system, in particular, your spinal cord.

When tone is normalized, symptoms often resolve. Which makes it appear as if chiropractic care is treating the symptoms. But in reality, it's restoring proper tone, reviving your ability to self-heal.

Diets Don't Work!

2011-04-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

"What do you think of Atkins? Or South Beach?"

It's a question I get all the time. But virtually every diet has a serious flaw. It's the diet part.

Name the diet, and if someone follows it, they'll usually lose some weight. When they reach their goal, they often return to their original eating and exercise habits. Soon, they're back to where they began. They feel discouraged and disillusioned.

This is so common, it even has a name: the Yo-Yo diet.

I mention this because many people see their chiropractic care as a short-term 'diet' of sorts. They come in religiously while they're hurting but stop when they're feeling better. Later, they experience a relapse. Lasting spinal changes are made with continued care after symptoms subside. In fact, many cases require some type of ongoing supportive care.

So rather than a brief episode, getting and keeping our nervous systems interference- free is a lifestyle choice. That's why we have more and more patients who opt to see us on an ongoing basis.

They're the ones who tried the chiropractic diet and decided to go for the chiropractic lifestyle.

Fun Fact

2011-03-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

365 Marathons were completed in
365 days by Belgian Stefaan Engels.

The 50 yr old logged 9,659 miles across 7 countries.

Drink More Water, Lose More Weight

2011-03-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

A recent study published in Obesity found that drinking two eight-ounce glasses of water 30 minutes before meals caused participants to drop 44% more weight in 12 weeks time than dieting alone.

Lead study author Brenda Davy says that guzzling two glasses before you eat can help you consume less food, about 75 to 90 fewer calories per meal. Other researchers have suggested that staying well hydrated may help increase metabolism, specifically fat metabolism.

For weight loss, opt for plain H20 over enhanced water or vitamin drinks that contain calories.

-Heather Hurlock

Is coffee the new green tea?

2011-03-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Good news ladies!

Check out this article published on 03/14/11 in the Boston Globe which shows coffee can lower the risk of stroke in women:

"Coffee, it seems, has gotten a bad rap- blamed for heart problems, higher cholesterol, and hyperactivity. Now many researchers believe that not only is coffee harmful, but it should be put in the category of health food. A study published Thursday in the journal Stroke finds that drinking coffee lowers stroke risk in women by 22-25% over a decade.

Perhaps it's time for coffee to push aside green tea. "I think it's actually more healthfull than tea," contends Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. As an investigator on the Harvard Nurses' Health Study, Hu should know. He's identified a connection between coffee consumption and lower diabetes risk.

In recent years coffee drinkers have been found to have a reduced risk of gallstones, colon cancer, liver disease, and Parkinson's. Long- distance athletes also have increased endurance if they drink coffee before a race.

Whether caffeinated coffee is safe to have during pregnancy remains uncertain. The latest research indicates that drinking as little as 200 milligrams of caffeine a day- equivalent to two cups of brewed coffee- doubles the rate of miscarriages. "The general consensus is that pregnant women should have less than this amount,' says Joan Salge Blake, a registered dietitian at Boston University.

And it's probably a good idea for nursing mothers to stick to a limit of one or two cups a day as well, since excessive amounts of caffeine can pass into breast milk and cause behavioral changes in the baby.

But what about the rest of us?

The swedish researchers who conducted the stroke study- in which nearly 35,000 women were followed for a decade after reporting their coffee intake on a 1997 dietary survey- say people shouldn't take up a coffee habit based on these results. But, they add, the finding should ease concerns of those who fear that coffee drinking is harmful.

Women in the study who drank as little as one cup a day to more than five cups a day had a lower stroke risk than those who drank none. Oddly, it didn't show that drinking four or five cups a day offered any greater protection than drinking just one, which raises some doubt about the strength of the finding.

Hu's own diabetes research found that drinking three to four c ups of coffee a day lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 20 percent and that drinking five or more cups lowers risk by 30 percent.

But "there's still not enough data to make recommendations on how much people should drink," Hu says. "It's really an individual choice." He does believe that coffee is healthful- so long as you avoid the whipped cream and sugar in those frothy blended concoctions.

Just how java delivers its nutritional benefits remains largely unknown, but it could be the significant amount of antioxidants and other disease-fighting chemicals contained in the coffee bean. These may lower levels of dangerous inflammation and may improve the action of the hormone insulin.

Also not known: whether decaffeinated coffee offers the same benefits. "Several studies suggest that," says HU, "but the evidence is limited."

That's an important question to have answered because some people can't tolerate caffeine. "They get jittery or can't sleep at night, even if they only drink coffee in the morning," says Blake.

Experts are also wary about recommending coffee for teens. "They need to be getting a good night's sleep and not be wired," Blake says.

-Deborah Kotz

Spring Promotion for Project Bread!

2011-03-08T09:02:00.001-08:00

Diamond Chiropractic is excited to donate $10 to Project Bread for every new patient referral in the months of March and April.

Project Bread is the state's leading antihunger organization. Their walk for hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country and provides millions of dollars in privately donated funds to more than 400 emergency food programs in 130 communities statewide. The walk is held on 05/01/11.

Here are some of the MANY ways you can make a difference:

*Refer your friends/family to us and we'll donate on your behalf.

Donate:
Our office manager Emily Rapp is participating in the walk so you can make an online donation to her in order to support her in the Walk for Hunger.
You can also donate by mail or over the phone, become a monthly donor, make a planned gift, honor someone, give a gift of stock, join a seasonal campaign, and even double your gift.

Corporate Giving:
Become a corporate contributor, nourish team building and a family-friendly culture while you promote your organization's message of caring!

Shop:
Shop in Project Bread's online stores. Find a Walk T-shirt, holiday cards, 7NEWS recipes and more!

Volunteer:
Volunteer during the Walk, in the office, or volunteer with one of Project Bread's funded agencies.

Social Media
Connect with Project Bread on social media. They are on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Follow this link to learn more or to donate to The Walk for Hunger:
http://www.projectbread.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_donate

What Do You Think Is Important?

2011-03-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

What with cell phones, overnight delivery, drive up windows, microwave ovens, texting and the like, it seems the latest time-saving technology does little more than increase expectations and make us even busier than we were before we came up with all these modern "conveniences."

How we use time to fulfill our priorities can be a major source of stress. How you use this precious resource reveals a lot about your purpose and what you value.

Many of us work 60 and 70 hours a week in the hopes of having a better life for our families.But out families hardly see us.

Could it be that we actually find our work more rewarding and fulfilling than our families? Turns out that success, achievement and a sense of peace are not destinations. You can have them instantly by slowing down and counting your blessings.
Check your priorities.

Stress is something we do to ourselves by what we think is important. And while chiropractic care can help each of us better accommodate stress, a better strategy is to slow down and make sure we're investing our time in what's really important.

What do you think is important?

Dr. Diamond receives Proficiency Rating in Activator Method

2011-02-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

Activator Methods International has announced that Dr. Scott Diamond has achieved a Proficiency Rating in the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique for calendar year 2011.

Such an achievement is a reflection of Dr. Diamond's significant commitment of time and energy to complete Activator's rigorous continuing education program. The designation also places Dr. Diamond in an elite class of chiropractic physicians who are expertly trained in the world's number one instrument adjusting technique.

In order to receive a Proficiency Rating, a doctor must attend an Activator seminar and then successfully complete written and practical examinations. The rating is valid for one year, and the doctor must continue his training annually in the Activator Method to maintain this status.

Dr. Diamond graduated from Life College in 1996 and specializes in treating patients with this gentle, low-force technique that is proven through clinical trials to provide relief for numerous ailments. For more information about Dr. Diamond and his practice call 617-262-2225.

About Activator Methods International
Phoenix-based Activator Methods International has a long history of research-based technique development and highly effective chiropractic care. With more than 40 years of experience in the chiropractic field, Activator employs the latest advancements in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations to manage and improve joint function.

Secrets of the Super-Healthy

2011-02-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

We all know someone, maybe even several people, who are healthy no matter what “bug” is going around. You know, the ones who show up on the job every day, who never use a single sick day all year. They seem to have been born with super healthy genes or powerful immunity to disease that helps them move easily through their lives – upbeat, positive and happy.

What are they doing that you’re not? Maybe if you do what they do you’ll get what they get! Here are some tips for healthy living that you can use to be more like them, instead of being envious of them!

• Exercise to raise your heart rate, oxygenate cells, increase circulation (which increases white blood cell count – the cells that fight disease), release endorphins (“feel good” brain chemicals), strengthen bones and muscles, release stress, gain energy and lose weight. There are so many benefits to exercise and you can accomplish all this with a 30-minute brisk walk daily!

• Drink green tea and eat plenty of broccoli and apples. They contain an antioxidant (quercetin) that helps the immune system when it’s under stress.

• Stop worrying – worry produces stress, which produces high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. These stress hormones lower immunity, and consequently increase your chance of becoming ill.

• Maintain a positive attitude – those who think positive thoughts, despite what’s going on around them, have healthier lives as well.

• Develop a diverse network of friends – according to research, those who are extroverted and who spend time among different groups of people are less prone to heart disease and live longer.

• Sleep – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, night after night, builds immunity to keep you healthier.

• Take care of your dental health – gum disease can hurt more than your teeth and gums. The bacteria in your mouth can cause other diseases in your body as well.

• Avoid excessive caffeine intake and mood-altering lifestyle drugs that can have some serious long-term negative health effects.

• Meditate or pray regularly – prayer and meditation helps to ease stress and bring about faith that “all will be well,” decreasing stress that lowers immune system function.

• Avoid processed foods, fast food and sugar - incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. A high fiber, low calorie, low fat diet is the best way to eat to stay heart healthy.

And, of course, it goes without saying that maintaining a healthy nervous system through regular chiropractic adjustments is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Many of our long-term patients claim that they are never sick, no matter what “bug” is going around or how much stress is in their lives. They feel equipped to deal with anything that comes their way and their yearly physicals confirm that fact!

That Darn Tuba Player!

2011-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Your brain and nervous system is the conductor that orchestrates the workings of your entire body.

With clear communication between your brain and all the pieces of the orchestra that make up your body, the beautiful music we know as 'life' is produced.

But many people have a problem with their tuba player!

For some the tuba player could be their thyroid. Or their gallbladder. Or their stomach. Or their lower back, neck, immune system, ankles or kidneys. Or whatever.

Their tuba player can't see the conductor or even hear what the rest of the orchestra is playing!

That often causes one of two things. Sometimes the tuba player just sits quietly doing little or possibly nothing at all.

Other times, the tuba player goes overboard with complicated scales and riffs totally out of synch with what the rest of the orchestra is playing.

The medical approach would be to surgically remove the tuba player or chemically suppress the off-key notes.

The chiropractic approach is to restore the connection between the tuba player and the conductor. Naturally, that involves locating and correcting interference to the controlling commands that travel over the nervous system.

Chiropractic care can bring organization, coordination and harmony to whatever kind of music you love.

Preparation for Outdoor Winter Activities Prevents Injury

2011-01-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Preparation for Outdoor Winter Activities Prevents Injury
by The American Chiropractic Association
http://www.masschiro.org/Articles.php?topic=8&story=29

When snow, ice and frigid weather blast into town, watch out, says the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Winter recreational activities and chores can pose problems for the outdoor enthusiast whose body is not in condition. Winter sports like skating, skiing and sledding can cause painful muscle spasms, strains or tears if you're not in shape. Even shoveling snow the wrong way, clambering awkwardly over snow banks, slipping on sidewalks and wearing the wrong kinds of clothing can all pose the potential for spasms, strains and sprains.

Simply walking outside in the freezing weather without layers of warm clothing can intensify older joint problems and cause a great deal of pain. As muscles and blood vessels contract to conserve the body's heat, the blood supply to extremities is reduced. This lowers the functional capacity of many muscles, particularly among the physically unfit. Preparation for an outdoor winter activity, including conditioning the areas of the body that are most vulnerable, can help avoid injury and costly health care bills.

"Simply put, warming up is essential," says Olympic speedskating gold and silver medalist Derek Parra. "In fact, when pressed for time, it's better to shorten the length of your workout and keep a good warm-up than to skip the warm-up and dive right into the workout. Skipping your warm-up is the best way to get hurt." Parra, who took both the gold and silver medals during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT, adds that, "You can complete a good warm-up in 15-20 minutes. And believe me, it will make your workout more pleasant and safe."

Derek Parra and the ACA suggest that you start with some light aerobic activity (jogging, biking, fast walking) for about 7-10 minutes. Then follow these tips to help you fight back the winter weather:

* Skiing - do 10 to 15 squats. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart, knees aligned over your feet. Slowly lower your buttocks as you bend your knees over your feet. Stand up straight again.

* Skating - do several lunges. Take a moderately advanced step with one foot. Let your back knee come down to the floor while keeping your shoulders in position over your hips. Repeat the process with your other foot.

* Sledding/tobogganing - do knee-to-chest stretches to fight compression injuries caused by repetitive bouncing over the snow. Either sitting or lying on your back, pull your knees to your chest and hold for up to 30 seconds.

* Don't forget cool-down stretching for all of these sports - At the bottom of the sledding hill, for instance, before trudging back up, do some more knees-to-chest stretches, or repetitive squatting movements to restore flexibility.

After any of these activities, if you are sore, apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.

If you continue to feel soreness, pain or strain after following these tips, it may be time to visit a doctor of chiropractic. "I've always believed in chiropractic care," says Parra. "I've used a lot of other treatments for injuries and pain, but the problem doesn't get fixed until I go to a doctor of chiropractic."

Using Technology Safely

2011-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Using Technology Safely
by American Chiropractic Association

Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain the same stooped-over posture for long periods of time. Be conscious of the risks involved with excessive use of PDAs or cell phones.

Mobile technological devices have made our lives more convenient. We can now send e-mails, access the Internet, manage our schedules, and use spreadsheets and other office software all from our phones. While this makes it easier to accomplish tasks without being tethered to an office, this has also increased the amount of time we spend using these devices, which is not without risks.

Before these advances in technology, our bodies moved as we used the phone and the computer, we walked to the fax machine, and we flipped through our calendars. Now we slump over a small screen with little change in our position. Our bodies are made to move—not to maintain the same stooped-over posture for long periods of time. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice these modern conveniences for your health, but you do need to be conscious of the risks and what you can do to minimize them.

Protect Your Neck
The bent-forward position increases disc pressure. It also increases loads on the muscles. This is similar to the faulty forward position often used when watching TV and working on the computer.

Remember these tips:
• Sit upright, keeping your ears over your shoulders.
• Look down with your eyes and gently tuck your chin in, not forward.
• Never pinch the phone between your ear and shoulder. Using a headset reduces muscle fatigue and frees your hands for typing or writing.
• Support your forearms on a pillow during extended texting to reduce the strain on your neck and shoulder muscles.

Prevent Elbow Injury
The ulnar, or “funny bone,” nerve wraps around the inside of your elbow. Keeping your elbows bent can compress the nerve. As the nerve becomes irritated, you can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness or muscleatrophy. The nerve sits close to the surface and is also damaged by external pressure.

To prevent the risks:
• Minimize the time you bend the elbows to hold the screen up to see it.
• Instead of returning all your e-mails on the phone, wait until you can use the computer.
• Avoid leaning on the flexed elbow while talking on the phone or in the car.

Like a Sore Thumb
Our thumbs are not made to quickly and forcefully press the small keys on cell phones to text and input data.

Use the following tips to minimize the risk of injury:
• Alternate among using your thumb, index finger, and a stylus, if available.
• If your only choice is a stylus, change how you hold it. Switch between holding it like a pen and holding it between the index and middle fingers.
• Several multi-tip pens are available at office supply stores that allow you to switch between pen and stylus tips. This is a good option, as the barrel of the pen is thicker than a standard stylus and requires less force on the joints and muscles.
• Minimize the use of scroll wheels as they often cause inflammation of thumb tendons.

As technology progresses, there are likely to be more and more tasks we will be able to complete on our phones. While it is convenient, remember to take a break and think about the effects on your body.

Tips to Minimize PDA and Cell Phone Use:
• Return only urgent e-mails on the PDA. Respond to other e-mails from your computer.
• Use key shortcuts (cut, paste, etc.) and abbreviations.
• Enter all contact info on the computer, and synchronize the devices to transfer the data to the PDA.
• Monitor the time spent on the phone or PDA.
• Avoid, or at least minimize, using word processing and spreadsheet programs on your PDA.
• Take breaks to stretch and shake out the hands.
• Turn the PDA off when possible! If it is on all the time, it’s more likely to be overused.

Germ War

2011-01-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

To boost your immunity, load your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables!

Studies have shown that eating brightly colored produce, such as peppers, sweet potatoes, oranges and spinach may be your most important weapon against getting sick.

These brightly colored foods are all rich in antioxidants, which protect immune cells from environmental assaults and speed up the production of white blood cells-responsible for destroying foreign viral or bacterial cells.

More specifically,foods in the yellow-orange color group like oranges, tend to be high in vitamin C, which not only helps to stave off colds, but also helps to speed recovery from them.

Tomato-based products contain Lycopene, an antioxidant that enhances the function of white blood cells.

And, deep orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, a precursor to the potent antioxidant, vitamin A, which also helps strengthen immune defense.

2010 Referrals

2011-01-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

Diamond Chiropractic would like to thank all of our wonderful patients and business associates who referred their friends and family in to our office in 2010.

Thanks to all of your referrals we were able to donate to and raise awareness of the following organizations:

Celtics Shamrock Foundation
http://www.nba.com/celtics/community/shamrock/index.html/

Boston Aids Walk
http://www.aac.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AIDSWALK_homepage

Epiphany School
http://epiphanyschool.com/

Bikes Not Bombs
http://bikesnotbombs.org/

Art for Kool Kidz at Boston Children's Hospital
http://www.childrenshospital.org/patientsfamilies/Site1393/mainpageS1393P445sublevel158.html

The Home for Little Wanderers
http://www.thehome.org

AFC Mentoring
http://www.afcmentoring.org/

St. Francis House
http://www.stfrancishouse.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SFH_homepage

Shoveling Safety Tips!

2010-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and it's time to bring out the shovels!

Whether you just have to clear a few steps or dig a car out from 3 feet of snow, Here are some tips to help avoid soreness, pain or strain from shoveling:

■Be prepared. Maintain your exercise program year-round.

■Listen to weather forecasts so you can rise early and have time to shovel before work; rushing the job can lead to injury.

■Wear layers of clothing to keep your muscles warm and flexible.

■Do some stretching before you grab the shovel.

■For big jobs use a motorized snow blower. If you shovel by hand, use a lightweight,
Ergonomically-designed shovel to reduce back strain.

■When you do shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don't try to throw it; walk it to the snowbank. Avoid sudden twisting and turning motions.

■Bend your knees, to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

■Take frequent rest breaks to take the strain off your muscles. A fatigued body asks for injury.

■Stop if you feel chest pain, or get excessively tired or have shortness of breath. You may require immediate professional care.

■If you feel sore after shoveling, apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.

Time to Make Your New Years Resolution?

2010-12-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

As the new year approaches and we're all pressed to make our New Years resolutions, many of us start to think more seriously about our health and well being.
Diamond Chiropractic can help get you on the road to wellness.

We are offering an amazing special for the New Year.
Call before 01/31/11 and mention that you heard about us through our blog or facebook and you will receive your 1st visit completely FREE of charge.
(The initial consultation and exam is a $265 value)

Read below for a brief summary on True Health and Chiropractic:

True Health is when your body works as it was designed and chiropractic will help you to achieve that.

Your brain, spinal cord and all of your nerves control and regulate your body. Every cell, tissue, organ and system (even your immune system!) take orders from your nervous system.

Thus, true health is how well your nervous system is orchestrating the workings of your body. That’s why vertebral subluxations are so serious! Compromised brain-to-body or body-to-brain communications can be the underlying cause of a variety of health problems.

Many people with a spinal problem discover that other health problems resolve with chiropractic care. Patients often report that as their care progresses, they notice other positive changes in their health.

Help Boston's Homeless Community This Winter!

2010-12-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Help Diamond Chiropractic Support Boston's Homeless Community This Winter:

We will donate $10 to St. Francis House for every new patient who is referred to us by YELP.

St. Francis House serves over 800 poor and homeless men and women a day.

You can help by supporting Diamond Chiropractic on YELP.

You can also donate or volunteer by going to www.stfrancishouse.org

Results of Fall Promo

2010-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of the great patient referrals we received in November,
Diamond Chiropractic will be able to donate $80.00 to AFC Mentoring.

AFC Mentoring empowers foster and adopted youth to flourish through committed mentoring relationships.

You can visit their website at www.afcmentoring.org to get more information and to help this great cause.

Antibiotics often unnecessary for kids' ear infections*

2010-11-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

The #1 reason that kids get antibiotics, costing the country $2.8 billion a year, is ear infections.

A new analysis shows that this is completely unnecessary in most cases.
80 out of 100 children with ear infections are shown to get better on their own in only about three days. Prescribing antibiotics improves that rate slightly, to 92 out of 100.

The side effects of antibiotics are another reason to avoid them.
3-10 children will develop a medication related rash and 5-10 more will get diarrhea.

Overuse of antibiotics can cause more severe problems, encouraging the growth of hardier, drug-resistant bacteria.

Many say that it's not always easy to avoid antibiotics. Alot of day care centers will not allow kids with fevers to come in and doctors are pushed to treat when not always necessary.

Richard Rosenfeld, professor and chair of Otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital in New York, says the best relief for ear infections is a bedtime dose of over the counter ibuprofen.

What are some ways to reduce ear infections?:

* Breast feed babies for 6 months or more.

* Don't smoke. Protect children from secondhand smoke.

* Don't allow babies to use a pacifier after 18 months.

* Use fewer antibiotics, to discourage the growth of resistant bacteria.

Source: Richard Rosenfeld, Long Island College Hospital

Depressed? Kill All The Lights!

2010-11-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

A new study shows a link between light exposure at night and depression.

Exposure to dim light at night- about the brightness of a TV- caused hamsters to show signs of depression, according to the study.

Autopsies of the animals revealed physical changes to the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a region of the brain linked to mood.

Light at night suppresses production of the hormone melatonin, and this could have caused the brain changes.

This is just one more reason to shut the blinds tight at bedtime.

Health Risks Associated With Social Networking

2010-11-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Follow the link below to an article found on CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/11/10/hyper.texting.teens/index.html?hpt=C2

The article discusses a study by the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine which links poor health behaviors -- including smoking, drinking and sexual activity -- to hypertexting and hypernetworking.

Hypertexting is defined as sending more than 120 messages per day while hypernetworking is defined as spending more than 3 hours per day on social networking sites such as Facebook.

Here are some statistics that were found in the study:

According to the study, teens who are hypertexters are:

*2x more likely to have tried alcohol

*40% more likely to have tried cigarettes

*55% more likely to have been in a physical fight

**90% more likely to report four or more sexual partners

According to the research, teens who are hypernetworkers are:

*60% more likely to report four or more sexual partners

*79% more likely to have tried alcohol

*84% more likely to have used illicit drugs

*94% more likely to have been in a physical fight

Backpack Safety Tips

2010-11-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Every year it seems kids backpacks get heavier and heavier. And every year we see children in our practice with spinal issues due to heavy or improperly worn backpacks. Many of these problems can be prevented by checking fit and size for your child.
We also suggest having spines checked periodically by a chiropractor.

The Massachusetts Chiropractic Society is offering some tips and guidance for backpack safety.

*Limit the backpack's weight to no more than 5-10% of the child's body weight. A heavier backpack will cause the child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back. For example a 50lb child should not carry more than 5lbs.

*The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

*A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back.

*Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.

*Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms as well as low-back pain.

*Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable and can dig into your child's shoulders.

*The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.

*Use backpacks on wheels or rollerpacks with caution. Children tend to overload these bags and then need to haul them up bus and school stairs resulting in injury. Many school districts have banned them because they clutter hallways resulting in dangerous trips and falls.

Feel Like A Kid!

2010-11-05T07:37:00.001-07:00

After seeing a man skip across the street early this morning, we thought it would be interesting to check out the benefits of skipping... and apparently there are quite a few!

Skipping- the hippity hoppity gate that came naturally to us as children is great for the body, mind and spirit!

What are the physical benefits?
Skipping is great exercise. It burns twice as many calories as walking. It has less impact on your joints than running and is joy based, unlike running, which generates from our fight or flight reflex.
It's a playful way to add variety and fun to your workouts.

What are the mental benefits?
Skipping is an instant mood lifter. The next time you are feeling down, try skipping just ten steps. Keep in mind that the times you feel like skipping the least are likely the times that you need it the most.
It is virtually impossible to skip without smiling.

Skipping also helps you to be true to yourself. It is surprisingly challenging for most adults to do. In order to do so, you must be willing to let go of your fears about what other people think about you.
When the judgment of others is no longer an issue, magical things can happen

How long do you skip at a time?
That really depends on the person and the situation. With skipping there are no rules or expectations.
In fact, the best skipping moments happen completely spontaneously in the moment and for short periods of time.

Don't people think you are crazy?
Some people do.
But even more people will smile and nod appreciatively. You'd be surprised how many people never even look twice.
And as for the people who do think that skipping is crazy.. which do you think is crazier?
Adding joy and positivity to the world or squelching someone's desire to do so through judgment and negativity?

So get out there and start skipping!
When you're out with a group of friends see how many people are willing to give it a try.
Skip with your kids.
Ask your aerobics instructor if they'll incorporate skipping into your class.
Most importantly, just have fun with it!

Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Back to School

2010-11-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

*In this month's Zone Living ezine, Dave Schreck has talked about ZoneFast recipes, and we've written about studies that prove that eating breakfast is important. Here are some recipes for quick Zone Breakfasts.
A child will typically eat two-block meals which we have listed below. Simply double the recipes for Mom/Dad.

Breakfast Hash
2 ounces cooked meat (roast beef, ham, etc)
3/4 cup chopped tomato
Chopped onion, to taste
Chopped green pepper, to taste
Chopped mushrooms, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Worcestshire sauce, to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 cup cut grapes

1.In a non-stick pain, saute onion, green pepper and mushrooms in the oil until tender.
2. Add cooked meat, sauteed vegetables, spices and worcestshire sauce to saute pan.
3. Cook, stirring until heated through.
4 Serve with fruit on the side.

Cottage Cheese with Raspberry Sauce
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup diced peaches
1/2 cup grapes
1/2 cup raspberries
2 macademia nuts, chopped

1. Mount cottage cheese in center of serving plate.
2. Arrange fruit except raspberries around cottage cheese.
3. Place raspberries in blender and puree.
4. Pour pureed raspberries over cottage cheese and fruit.
5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and serve.

Quick Cottage Cheese Breakfast
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
2 teaspoons slivered almonds
Sprinkle of cinnamon

1. Place cottage cheese and applesauce in in bowl and shake on cinnamon if desired.
2. Mix
3. Sprinkle nuts on top and serve.

Sitting Could Be The New Smoking!

2010-10-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Anybody who sits all day at work knows how painful it can become.

This is why we were not that surprised to see a new article on ABC news which explains the dangers of sitting:
"Standing Question: Could Sitting Too Long At Work Be Dangerous?"
By Deborah Roberts and Jessica Hopper

According to this article, those who stand at work say that it helps them to stay focused, avoid feeling they need a nap in the afternoon and even helps them shed pounds.
Famous figures such as Donald Rumsfeld and novelist Philip Roth have already been doing it for years and now doctors are starting to say the same.

Marc Hamilton, a physiologist at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, has shown that an enzyme that burns fat was turned off when lab mice were prevented from standing up.
Hamilton states, "This enzyme is virtually shut off within hours of not standing, completely independent of diet, comletely independent of weight changes. I think sitting is very dangerous."

Another study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that sitting for long stretches, more than six hours a day, can make someone at least 18% more likely to die from diabetes, heart disease and obesity than those sitting less than three hours a day."

How could sitting be the new smoking?

"Sitting has become the most common human behavior, literally, it outstrips the amount of time we spend sleeping." Hamilton said. Hamilton said that sitting has become a new form of smoking. Smoking was once so common that people were reluctant to see the health hazard it posed.

Some offices are already starting to initiate changes in the workplace, such as SALO in Minneapolis, Minn.
The average SALO employee put on ten pounds in their first year at the company.
This is until obesity expert Dr. Jim Levine moved into the offices to start a six month study involving a moving office. Dr. Levine brought in treadmill desks and employees would walk at about 1mph while answering phones, responding to emails and holding meetings.
One employee, Amy Langer, states she has already lost the baby weight she gained after having three kids in four years. Another employee, John Folkestad, has lost 24lbs. Every single worker at the company has lost and kept their weight off since introducing the moving office.

Doctors, Scientists, Employers and Employees all seem to agree that a standing moving office worker is the employee of the future.
As Dr. Levine states, "If we can create a world where offices are doing better and the employees are becoming healthier, we've got a golden solution."

"Life Changes Can Put A Smile On Your Face"

2010-10-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

We came across an interesting article, "Life changes can put a smile on your face" written by Elizabeth Weise.

Researchers in Germany, Holland and Australia have found that life changes can have a lot to do with life happiness.

Since the 1980's psychologists have subscribed to the set-point theory of happiness, which says that happiness is 40%-50% genetic and that once you're an adult, there's not much you can do about how happy you are.

A 26 year study of Germans, which has more than 60,000 people enrolled, suggests otherwise.

Ongoing research shows that:

*Women whose partners give high priority to family goals are significantly happier than women whose partners give family matters low priority.

*Emphasizing success and material items is actually harmful to life satisfaction.

*Working too little is worse than working too much (presumably because of lack of money), but not having work is worst of all.

*For men, being underweight is associated with lower life satisfaction. Obese women were relatively unhappy, but women who were overweight have average levels of life satisfaction.

Still not smiling?...

* Marry someone who's not neurotic!

* Focus more on friends and family, less on material goods.

* Get involved in making the world a better place.

* Have a job but also enough time for leisure.

* Stay physically active.

Office Ergonomics

2010-10-05T16:29:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel chained to your desk? If so, you aren't alone.
For many office workers, spending all day behind a desk can have a detrimental effect on physical and mental health.

That's why Dr. Diamond is concerned about ergonomics in the workplace.
You may be wondering what this has to do with chiropractic.
Improper ergonomics can spark what is known as vertebral subluxations. This common condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or spinal bones become misaligned. Dr. Diamond corrects vertebral subluxations with safe and gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.

As a prevention-oriented provider of health care, Dr. Diamond educates patients on strategies for avoiding vertebral subluxations, including proper posture and ergonomics.

Sitting Down On the Job:
How many hours did you spend sitting in your office chair today?
Were you posture perfect or a serious slouch?
Was your low back (lumbar area) properly supported at all times?
And what about the rest of your spine?

It's difficult to assess these things by yourself, which is why more and more companies are enlisting the services of professionals who monitor employee posture and movement for ergonomic deficiencies.
Some companies are even turning to electronic sensors that detect back recline angles, lumbar engagements and armerest use.

If your company doesn't provide visual or electronic ergonoomic feedback, try these tips:
*Choose an adjustable chair with adequate back support. You may also want to talk with the doctor about adding an additional lumbar support pillow.
*Position your chair so that your knees face forward at 90-degree angles and your feet are flat on the floor. This may require you to lower the seat portion of your chair or add a footrest.

Monitoring Your Monitor:

Ergonomic experts suggest sitting at least one arm's length away from the computer screen (approx. 20-24 inches) and adjusting the terminal so that the top of the screen is at a 90-degree angle to eye level.

A computer monitor placed too high or too low can also trigger neck pain. If it's too high, it can cause an exaggerated stretching of the neck and if it's too low the neck retracts downwards into the shoulders. Both postures force the cervical spine off balance, leading to subluxations.

Calling Off Neck Pain:

Another instigator of work-related neck pain is the telephone. One of the worst things you can do to your cervical vertebrae is wedge a telephone receiver between your shoulder and your jaw.
Instead, opt for a lightweight headset or a speaker phone.

Managing Your Mouse:

The traditional computer mouse forces workers to overuse muscles in their arms,shoulders,neck and upper back, often leading to vertebral subluxations.

If you have a traditional mouse, send it packing. Replace it with a more ergonomic-friendly variety such as a touch-screen or ball-roller.

If your mouse isn't built into your keyboard, place it as conveniently as possible to minimize arm and wrist movement. Never place a mouse at a different level than the keyboard.
And don't leave your hand resting on top of the mouse when you're not using it.
Look at the way your hand is bending upwards from the wrist the next time you use your mouse and you'll understand why maintaining this posture can result in pain.

Keying In On Keyboards:

If you are like most office workers today, your computer keyboard is a flat one-piece unit. The geometry of these keyboards forces the wrists into a downward deviation- simultaneously turning the forearms outward.

Two-piece slanted keyboards- with a triangle of open space between each half- keep wrists and forearms at near neutral positions.

If getting a new keyboard isn't an option, the next best thing is to focus on incorporating the following tips into your daily routine:
*Periodically release the tension in your shoulders and allow your arms to relax comfortably. If your chair is positioned at the correct height, this posture will occur naturally.
*"Float" your hands slightly above the keyboard while typing, rather than resting your wrists on a desk or wrist pad. The horizontal pad should only be used during rest periods in between keying. And keep your touch light: Don't "beat" on the keys.

Easing Eye Pain:

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a relative newcomer when it comes to work-related health issues. Symptoms include eye pain and an overproduction of tears.

According to researchers, the most important factor leading to the syndrome is the angle of gaze at the computer monitor. Pain in computer users is diminished when gazing downwards at angles of 14 degrees or more.

So, to protect your eyes, align your monitor as instructed in the previous section on monitors. It's also important to minimize glare. Ceiling ights, desk lights and office windows can cause glare that results in teary, itchy and watery eyes. Glare can also spark migraine headaches.

Remedies include relocating your workspace or purchasing a glare filter that drops down over your monitor's screen.

Shutting your eyes periodically also helps. While shut, slowly shift your eyeballs left to right, then up and down. This allows your natural tears to remoisten your eyes and provide relief.

Take A Break:

Working through your lunch hour and break time may help you get ahead of your office, but it will also compromise your health.

That's why it's so important to take a break every 30 minutes. If you have trouble giving yourself 'permission' to get up, make sure to drink plenty of water while you work. Then you won't have to force yourself to take a break, you'll have no choice but to answer the call of nature!

Plus you'll be doing your body an extra favor by keeping properly hydrated while you work.

We Care! Our chiropractic office is committed to keeping your spine- and overall health- on the straight and narrow. If you have any concerns about how the ergonomics of your workplace may be affecting your health, plan on discussing it with the doctor at your next visit.

How to Meditate

2010-09-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

Pick a Focus Word, Sound or short phrase such as 'one' or 'hmmm'

Sit Quietly in a comfortable position

Close your eyes

Relax your muscles, progressing from your feet to your calves, thigh, abdomen, shoulders, head and neck.

Breathe slowly and naturally, and as you do, say your focus word, sound or phrase silently to yourself, as you exhale.

Don't worry about how well you're doing. When other thoughts come to mind, simply say to yourself 'oh well' and gently return to your repetition.

Continue for 10-20 minutes.

Do not stand immediately. Continue sitting quietly for a minute or so, allowing other thoughts to return. Then open your eyes and sit for another minute before rising.

Practice the technique once or twice daily. Good times to do so are before breakfast and before dinner.

Home for Little Wanderers Update

2010-09-22T03:52:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of the great referrals through YELP in the July and August, Diamond Chiropractic was able to donate $174 to The Home for Llttle Wanderers.

Please Check out our YELP page for the latest promotion involving Children's Hospital.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/diamond-chiropractic-boston

www.thehome.org

www.childrenshospital.org

3 Health Tips That Work (by Kate Powers)

2010-09-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

1. CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVITY

The Ideal: Do 30 minutes most days of the week. The surgeon general advises this near-daily regimen will help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, and improve cardio health, reducing the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

The next best thing: Take three 10-minute walks each day. Short bursts have real health benefits, says Cris Slentz, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina. Assuming the intensity is identical to that of a 30-minute workout, you'll burn the same number of calories and get the heart-health benefits.

A few ideas:
*Devote 10 minutes of your lunch hour to a brisk walk.
*Climb a few flights of stairs several times a day instead of using the elevator.
*Offer to take a friend's (energetic) dog for a walk.

2.FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The ideal: Have 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Eat such a bounty and you'll get a full array of nutrients, as well as plenty of fiber, says Claudia Gonzalez, a registered dietitian in Miami.

The next best thing: They may not be farmers market -worthy but sneak in servings this way:
*Try vitamin-rich dried fruits and single serving packs of applesauce.
*Using frozen berries, whip up a fruit smoothie,which can hold up to three servings of
fruit.
*Try canned. Vegetable and bean soups are good sources of fiber and can be as nutritionally rich as fresh produce, says Gonzalez. Go ahead and take a multivitamin if you're still falling short. It may cover key nutrients.

3.SLEEP

The ideal: Get at least 7 hours each night. Skimping on sleep can have a major impact on your health. A study at the University of Warwick, in England, found that women who slept fewer than five hours a night were twice as likely to suffer from hypertension as women who got seven hours of sleep. Previous studies have linked lack of sleep to weight gain and a weakened immune system.

The next best thing: If you've been short on sleep, take a nap. A recent study found that people who took a short daily nap had a lower rate of dying from heart disease than did those who never snoozed during the day.

Two suggestions:
*Lie down for a 20-minute siesta in the afternoon to revive yourself.
*Take a quick catnap when you get home from work to counteract the effects of lost
sleep.

Why Pregnant Women Need Chiropractic Care

2010-09-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is frequently marked by dramatic changes in a mother-to-be's posture and spinal function.

Dr. Diamond cares for expectant mothers with a unique approach, aimed at keeping them in optimal wellness, so that they may be well-rested and full of energy when their bundle of joy arrives.

Read on to learn just a few of the reasons why pregnant women need chiropractic care:

*Shorter Labors-
According to a study presented at the World Chiropractic Congress, first time mothers who receive chiropractic care average 24% shorter labor times than women who are not under care. Chiropractic patients who have had previous children enjoy 39% shorter labors compared with control subjects.

*Chiropractic May Lessen Labor Pain-
Women who experience back pain throughout pregnancy often suffer back pain through delivery. Expectant mothers who receive chiropractic care are less likelky to battle backache during delivery. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991;14;116-8)

*Pregnancy & Back Pain-
Backache is rampant among expectant mothers. According to one scientific study, roughly one half of all pregnant women battle backache. Dr. Diamond helps many expectant moms prepare for childbirth without the needless aggravation of back pain.

*Postural Changes-
As the baby grows, mom's center of gravity shifts forward. This results in an exaggerated lower back curve. This postural alteration triggers a chain effect, which disturbs the normal curves throughout the spine.

*The Hormone Relaxin-
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SI joint dysfunction) is the primary cause of pregnancy related back pain. SI joint dysfunction involves misalignment or restricted movement of the sacrum and the iliac bones that form the pelvic girdle. In preparation for delivery, the body increases production of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone softens the ligaments that hold together the pelvic bones, which then in turn underminds the alignment of the sacrum and adjacent iliac bones.

*The Spine's Role-
Since the pelvis is the base of the spine, SI joint dysfunction can also affect spinal posture in the mid-back and neck. During pregnancy, a loosening of the abdominal muscles, which are instrumental in maintaining optimal posture, further aggravates postural problems.
Chiropractic corrects spinal misalignments using gentle and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.

Why choose Chiropractic?
*Chiropractors work to correct the 2 main causes of pregnancy-related backache: SI joint dysfunction and vertebral sublucation.
*Chiropractic offers a drug-free approach to pain reduction. Since avoiding unnecessary medication is essential in preventing birth defects, chiropractic provides relief without the worry that comes from taking medication.
*Scientific studies prove it works. A plethora of scientific studies establishes chiropractic as the most potent technique for halting low-back pain associated with vertebral sublucations.

How to Live to 100

2010-08-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

People born 100 years ago would typically live to the ripe old age of 50 years, while children born this year are expected to live longer than 80 years. A study of centurions reveals some general guidelines that you can use to help extend your own life, regardless of your current age

1. Be born a female.
Hard to do much about this, but females have been outliving males for centuries.

2. Stay married.
Married people live longer than single people - 10 years longer for men, 4 years for women.

3. Eat less.
Research shows that life expectancy can be extended by eating less.

4. Pass up refined sugar.
Sugar can speed the aging process.

5. Use little salt.
Getting used to salt-free tastes will take some time.

6. Reduce protein intake.
Excess protein stresses the body and reduces your ability to fight disease.

7. Regular exercise.
No need for a gym membership. Brisk walking improves circulation, metabolism and emotional well-being.

8. Shun alcohol and tobacco.
There are no health benefits to tobacco and too much alcohol can counter any of its positives.

9. Cultivate your spiritual connection.
Those who regularly worship or meditate are shown to enjoy greater life expectancy.

10. Accept what it is.
Make life the kind of adventure that will compel you to see how it all turns out!

11. Eliminate unnecessary stress.
Stress is very aging.

12. Keep it positive.
Optimists live longer than pessimists.

13. Have a purpose.
Serve. Donate your time. Letting up can lead to a let down.

Don't take a single day for granted!

Pain-Free Percolation

2010-08-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

I recently read an interesting article in Mens Health magazine.

If you are anything like me then you are not quite ready to give up on your morning joe regardless of the heartburn that it may cause.

Luckily a new study from Germany revealed that dark-roasted coffee stirs up less stomach acid than the lighter brews.

Researches believe that these acid-blocking properties in the lighter brews may come from N-methylpyridinium, a compound in coffee that increases with roasting.

If you are suffering from heartburn but not ready to cut coffee out of your diet than consider trying a French or Italian roast which are both rich in N-methylpyridinium.

Lighten Up! Laughter is the best medicine

2010-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict.

Have you ever noticed how easily children find joy and laughter in the simple things in life? We would all be better off if we adopted this same attitude.

There are many benefits of laughter including:*

*Boosts Immunity
*Lowers Stress Hormones
*Decreases Pain
*Relaxes your muscles
*Prevents Heart Disease
*Eases anxiety and fear
*Strengthens Relationships
*Helps Defuse Conflict

How can you bring more humor and laughter into your life?
Here are some ways to start:

*Laugh at yourself- Share your embarrassing moments and don't take yourself too seriously
*Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them- Look for the humor in a bad situation- This will improve your mood as well as the mood of those around you.
*Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up- Put up a funny poster in your office, keep photos of family and friends around.
*Keep things in perspective- Keep in mind that many things in life are beyond your control.
*Deal with your stress- Stress is a major impediment to humor and laughter
*Pay attention to children and emulate them

Extended Promotion

2010-08-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

Due to the positive response we received from July's promotion we have decided to extend it through the month of August as well.

" The Home for Little Wanderers is a nationally renowned, private, non-profit child and family service agency. It has been part of the Massachusetts landscape for over 200 years, making it the oldest agency of its kind in the nation and one of the largest in New England. Originally founded as a orphanage in 1799 (see history for more details), The Home today plays a leadership role in delivering services to thousands of children and families each year through a system of residential, community-based and prevention programs, direct care services, and advocacy. "

You can help support this organization as well as Diamond Chiropractic by logging on to Yelp and writing a review for us.

You can also find more info on The Home for Little Wanderers by visiting www.thehome.org

Home for Little Wanderers

2010-07-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Diamond Chiropractic has a very exciting promotion going on for the month of July through YELP. All of the fees that are collected from our YELP referrals will be donated to The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston.

" The Home for Little Wanderers is a nationally renowned, private, non-profit child and family service agency. It has been part of the Massachusetts landscape for over 200 years, making it the oldest agency of its kind in the nation and one of the largest in New England. Originally founded as a orphanage in 1799 (see history for more details), The Home today plays a leadership role in delivering services to thousands of children and families each year through a system of residential, community-based and prevention programs, direct care services, and advocacy. "

You can help support this organization as well as Diamond Chiropractic by logging on to Yelp and writing a review for us.

You can also find more info on The Home for Little Wanderers by visiting www.thehome.org

June Update

2010-06-16T06:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of our great referrals Diamond Chiropractic was able to donate $100 to the 2010 Boston Aids Walk which was held Sunday June 6th!

As for this month, please help us in supporting one of our current patients by participating in Bikes not Bombs bike-a-thon this year.

The bike-a-thon will be held in Jamaica Plain this Sunday June 20th and you can visit www.bikesnotbombs.org for more information on how to donate or volunteer for their cause.
They also have a full service bike shop that you can visit anytime if you're unable to make the upcoming event.

Refer a friend, family member, co-worker by giving them a health pass for a complimentary initial visit. If your not currently a patient, just mention our blog and we will honor the health pass deal!

Together we can make Boston a healthier and happier place!

Adjustments for Animals

2010-05-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article that was featured on the Front Page of The Boston Globe last week.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2010/05/21/for_animals_an_adjustment/

This shows that chiropractic care is becoming much more acceptable as a form of treatment, not just for humans but for animals as well!

Chiropractic care helps to promote the body's natural healing powers by focusing on the cause of physical discomfort rather than symptoms.
A wide range of animals from cats and dogs to zoo animals have shown significant improvement in their health after receiving chiropractic care.">

Spring Promotion!!!

2010-05-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Help Support Boston's 25th AIDS Walk while helping your friends and family as well!

For every patient that is referred in May, Diamond Chiropractic will donate $10 to AAC's AIDS WALK! You can contact the office to get a HealthPass granting the bearer a complimentary initial exam!

The AAC is New England's largest and oldest AIDS service organization and they will be holding their walk on Sunday June 6th.

We all have someone in our lives who has been suffering silently from Back, Neck and other pains so don't hesitate to call us today!
Together we can make a difference!

April Update

2010-04-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of our great referrals Diamond Chiropractic will be donating $90 to the Boston Celtics Shamrock Fund.

As for this month, April 7th is World Health Day. This years focus is on health and urbanization. Diamond Chiropractic has been working hard to get Boston healthy since 1996, we would like your help to celebrate World Health Day this year!

Refer a friend, family member, co-worker by giving them a health pass for a complimentary initial visit. If your not currently a patient, just mention our blog and we will honor the health pass deal!

Together we can make Boston a healthier and happier place!

Dogs and Chiropractic

2010-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here’s something to think about: There are a multitude of health care services/treatments/procedures that have been alerted and transferred to the field of veterinary medicine, but for some reason many people laugh off the idea chiropractic care for dogs. It’s so easy to think about the daily stresses that our bodies encounter that result in discomfort, but what about our pets? They suffer from many of the same ailments as we do, including back/neck/joint pain, arthritis, muscle spasms and so on.

It’s terrible to see our pets uncomfortable and chiropractic care offers an alternative to drugs and painful surgery that can inhibit their quality of life. Chiropractic care for pets is gaining popularity, and there is even training for both veterinarians and chiropractors available through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Just like kids puppies can benefit from chiropractic care, and regular adjustments not only gets them used to being adjusted but it can help prevent further problems down the road just like human chiropractic care.

Here are some signs that your pet may be in need of an adjustment:
-abnormal reluctance to be pet on their head, neck, back or have their tail groomed (pets have vertebra extending through the tip of their tail)
-lameness, stiffness, reduced flexibility
-Athletic ability/level reduction
-Difficulty changing from lying to standing and vice versa
-Difficulty climbing stairs, and jumping

Fun fact

2010-03-12T08:44:00.001-08:00

We have the same number of bones in our neck as a giraffe!

Get to know your spine

2010-03-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

There are three main purposes of the spinal column
1. To support the head
2. To protect the spinal cord
3. Attachment site for the muscles concerned with body movement

There are 5 sections of the spinal column
1. Cervical (Neck) consisting of 7 vertebrae
2. Thoracic (upper back) consisting of 12 vertebrae
3. Lumbar (low back) consisting of 5 vertebrae
4. Sacral (pelvic) consisting of 5 fused vertebrae
5. Coccygeal (tail bone) consisting of 4 fused vertebrae

The effects of nervous system dysfunction like headaches, fatigue, colds, heartburn, pain throughout the body, etc… are caused by misalignments of your vertebra. Regular chiropractic adjustments help to prevent the many common and serious effects of nervous system dysfunction.

Feeling green

2010-03-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

For every new patient referral in the month of March I will donate $10 to the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. Call 617-262-2225 to schedule! Make sure to ask for a healthpass from your friends and family members so they receive a complimentary initial visit!
The Shamrock foundation is an amazing support mechanism for kids in need through education, health care, shelter, and much so more.

Are you sitting?

2010-03-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

I recently read a very interesting article in the New York Times outlining a study proving that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health, not just for your posture.

Even if you are a regular at the gym, sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of obesity and the numerous other health related problems that comes with it (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes ect…).

In a study referenced in the article a group of men who made healthy choices like taking the stairs, and walking to work were asked to reduce their activity level for 2 weeks. The study found “By the end of the two weeks, all of them had became worse at metabolizing sugars and fats. Their distribution of body fat had also altered — they had become fatter around the middle. Such changes are among the first steps on the road to diabetes.” Maintaining a healthy weight can be a constant battle, it’s amazing how much a little change to your daily routine can affect you body!

Some Suggestions:

Do you commute? Don’t take the first seat available on the T, try standing.

If possible, get off the train a stop before yours and walk to your destination from there.

Set a timer every hour: make sure to get up and stretch, take a walk around the office, or just stand while you work.

Take a walk on your lunch break, enjoy all the sites the Boston has to offer.

Skip the elevator and take the stairs.

Fidget, engage your muscles.

Check your posture, are you sitting up straight? Maintaining good posture uses the muscles along your spine helping to keep your muscles active while you sit.

Skip the couch, and sit on an exercise ball while you watch TV.

Check the article out for yourself:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/stand-up-while-you-read-this/?hp

Are you still sitting??

Kids and Chiropractic

2009-07-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Most people assume that bad backs are a sign of an aging body’s inability to cope with the day to day stresses and traumas. One of the things I hear most in my practice when my patients begin to feel the lasting effects of chiropractic care is “I wish I had discovered chiropractic care sooner.” Yet they are surprised to see young patients in my waiting room.
The notion that chiropractic care is for adults has been widely accepted, but what about chiropractic care for kids? You may work at a desk all day and feel the strain it puts on your body, but what about the daily stresses our children face? Heavy backpacks, school desks, a fall on the playground or off a bike many things our children face can have an adverse affect on their spine and their nervous system. If the problems are ignored it only creates trouble further down the road.
A study put together by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association derived from 812 pediatric cases including patients from birth to 18 years of age found that 88% of the cases reported feeling relief from their symptoms. Another 9% reported improvements unrelated to their condition including a better night’s sleep, a greater range of motion, enhanced immune system, and an overall better mood. While only 1% of the pediatric patients experienced aggravated complaints. The study concluded that chiropractic care is “safe and effective” for pediatric patients.
As a father I share the feeling of only wanting the best for my children. As a chiropractor I know children respond quickly and favorably to adjustments, and soak up the long lasting effects of chiropractic care from adjusting my own kids from day one. A child with a healthy spine is resilient, healthy, happy, and much less likely to be burdened aches and pains as they mature.

Would you consider chiropractic care for your child?

Study information acquired from: http://www.icpa4kids.com/research/updates/archives/Research_Update_008.htm