Here is a video that I just finished watching done by Tony Robbins.  In the video, Tony talks about how to make 2012 a great year.  The big take away for me, that I want to share with you is a quote in the video, "There are 2 pains in life, the pain of  DISCIPLINE  or the pain of REGRET"   Which one do you want to live out this year?  Some times it takes a lot of discipline to get where we want to go in life.

Enjoy!    

Dr. Jennifer Bonde 

Dear Patient,

Happy New Year!

Today we are going to wrap up the review of Dr Mark Percival's excellent publication, The Importance of Optimal Nutrition.

Why do we eat?  We eat to nourish the body. And unfortunately it is rare that an individual can eat the foods necessary to preserve and maintain good health.  We see evidence of it from the cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions rampant in our society.  1/2-1/3 people find themselves challenged by these conditions alone with the diabetes rate coming up fast and right behind.

Few people actually manage to eat a well balanced diet for a variety of reasons.  Our busy lifestyles, further entice us to succumb to eating highly processed fast food which tend to be high in fat and sugar and contain few of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. 

Even those who frequent the fruit and vegetable aisles may be getting shortchanged when it comes to nutrient content.  Fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients from the moment they are picked.  After picking, shipping and storage can also negatively impact nutrient content due to time, temperature, and handling variables.  Blanching, cooking, boiling, cutting, and freezing can further reduce micronutrient content.

The milling of grain results in variable losses of vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and chromium-many of the nutrients needed to metabolize carbohydrates. 

According to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES), the mean intake by Americans(all ages)of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, B2, B6, folate, B12, and vitamin E do not even meet the RDI's set by the govenment as minimum daily requirements. 

In a study of childbearing age, large segments of the population had very low nutrient intakes.  For example, intakes were estimated at only 142mcg folate, 6.7 mg zinc, and 433 mg of calcium(RDI's are 400mcg, 15mg, and 1,000mg respectively).

About 4,000 U.S. pregnancies are affected by birth defects of the spine and brain each year.  The CDC estimates that at least 2,000 of these defects could be prevented with adequate folic acid intake prior to and after conception.  Furthermore, an amimal study indicating that an inadequacy of zinc during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy results in depressed immunity in offspring through 6 months of age--despite a diet adequate in zinc after birth--exemplifies the lasting effects of temporary deficiency.  In fact, depressed immunity even manifested in the second and third filial generations despite being fed zinc-adequate diets.  Hm, something to consider regarding the rise of childhood diseases.

Older adults are at greater risk of nutrient insufficiencies than most of the population.  Due to their decreased caloric need, lower caloric intake, and the decreased digestive function that accompanies aging, the majority of older Americans fail to meet dietary standards.  Studies show that over 40% of men had intakes of vitamin A  and E, calcium, and zinc below 2/3s of the RDI, and over 40% of women had intakes of vitamin E, calcium, and zinc below 2/3rds.  It is apparent that good nutritional status is imperative to help today's rapidly growing population of older adults remain independent and maintain quality of life.

The data clearly indicates that nutrient deficiencies are a problem that spans all age groups, placing most people at risk for less than optimal health and possibly more chronic, serious maladies like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer.

Dr T

Source:  The Importance of Optimal Nutrition-Dr Mark Percival

Thanks to Natural Awakenings Magazine for their story about BWC!

Birmingham Wellness Center Treats Patients in New Facility

The Birmingham Wellness Center has an entirely new facility. “We researched, planned and created our dream-come-true practice designed around one essential concept,” said Jennifer Turnbull-Bonde, Doctor of Chiropractic at Birmingham Wellness Center. “This facility allows us to best serve our patients and the community by consistently producing the most outstanding clinical results.”

In addition to the services offered, the new Birmingham Wellness Center’s layout includes specific colors and lighting thought to aide in the healing processes.

They are also offering new diagnostic technologies that allow doctors to analyze a client’s current state of health. The new WellWave soft tissue therapy machine helps patients de-stress and hold their adjustments longer. The wellness center has three massage therapy rooms and all four doctors have their own private treatment rooms, along with a new community healing room.

“Chosen because research has shown that the semi-open community healing environment produces faster, better and longer-lasting results due to the intense focus of the doctor and the educational value gained from a communal environment,” notes Dr. Bonde.

Birmingham Wellness Center is located at 219 Elm Street in Birmingham. To learn more please visit BirminghamWellness.com or call 248-645-6070.

---------------------------------------------------------

This NewsBrief was published in the December 2011 Greater Oakland/Macombissue of Natural Awakenings magazine.

Many of you have seen our staff walking around in their "What is your Score?" T-shirts.  Soon we will be introducing our "Wellness Score" to all of our patients.  We are very excited about this and think you will be too.  It will provide you with a number that will be tangible and can be re-tested after a few months of care.  Components of this score will be the following with some additional components in the future.

1.  NSFI- Neuro Spinal Function Index

2. BIA- Body Composition Analysis- Body Fat, Lean Muscle, Phase Angle (overall health of your cells), Water Retention

3.  Footlevelers  - Pronation, Supination, Weight distribution scale

4.  Posture Pro - posture score

5.  Blood Pressure

6.  Cholesterol- (if available)

7.  Core Flexibility

8. Core Strength

9.  Waist to Hip Ratio

10. Functional Movement Assessment