One of the most common brain problems in children is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents of children with ADHD expend a lot of time and anxiety trying to help their child. But many ADHD treatments fail because they don’t treat the underlying causes of the disorder. In contrast, chiropractic care, because it works naturally to heal that brain-body connection, delivers safe, effective treatment for ADHD that we provide at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic.

The Ways ADHD Symptoms Affect the Lives of Children and Adults

ADHD can impair a child’s life, at a time when they must be able to absorb all the social, emotional, and academic lessons of each crucial stage of their development to reach their full potential. The disorder is very common, affecting around 10 percent of American children, according to the CDC. Boys are about twice as likely as girls to have it. Often, signs in girls are more subtle, showing up as trouble focusing rather than hyperactive behavior.

Children with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on their schoolwork, controlling their energy level and impulsivity, and retaining information. The sooner children get help for their ADHD, the more likely they are to avoid falling behind in their schoolwork and social development.

Adults suffer from ADHD, too. In some children, symptoms may become milder with age and treatment, but many suffer the effects of ADHD throughout their adult lives.

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Help With ADHD?

Evidence continues to mount in recent years that chiropractic adjustments in children and adults can improve brain function and coordination with the body. Researchers found in a 2010 study that subjects who received chiropractic treatments were calmer and better able to focus on tasks.

When areas of the spine are misaligned, chiropractic adjustments help to realign them properly, improving the overall health of the body. This general improvement stimulates the brain, reducing the distraction that previously caused agitation and trouble focusing. People who’ve been treated with chiropractic therapies have more success at changing their behaviors because their nervous system is balanced.

Our individualized treatment plan, for you or for your child, combines gentle chiropractic adjustments with other therapies as needed. When your brain and nervous system are working at their optimum levels, your body is empowered to heal, improving mental abilities and physical health.

Every parent wants their child’s ADHD symptoms to improve in the most non-invasive way. Early intervention with chiropractic adjustments can change the course of your child’s life, and improve the lives of adults with the condition as well.

Make an appointment for your consultation in the Tulsa area

Here at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic, we help align the Brain and Body to Treat ADHD through Chiropractic Care. We help you to take control of your family’s health. Call us today at (918) 940-4630 to schedule your complimentary evaluation at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic.

The post Chiropractic Care Aligns Brain and Body to Treat ADHD first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

A baby’s spine also differs from an adult in proportion to the head. A baby’s head tends to be oversized and needs spinal and muscle growth to enable better support and bracing capabilities. Instability in the spine requires underdeveloped neck muscles to carry a greater load when supporting the oversized head. These factors do not represent a flaw in development, but a design and function more sophisticated than the world’s most advanced supercomputers. The infant spine began successfully supporting and protecting newborns thousands of years ago. Modern science simply developed into an academic understanding of the importance of spinal health and alignment from birth into adulthood.

A child’s neck represents the most common location of spinal injury. Chiropractors locate and correct small neck injuries in children caused by falls, sports, accidents, and general rambunctious play. The most predominant type of neck injury occurs to a baby’s neck and spine through the trauma of the birthing process. Labor, delivery, and pregnancy factors also play into the risk and cause of neck trauma as an infant’s transition from the cramped womb and birth canal into mother’s arms.

A 2015 study found a variety of factors which led to higher risk of injury during birth. Factors include maternal pelvic mobility (the mother’s pelvic alignment and movement), type of labor, number of births for the mother, fetal head delivery, labor augmentation, caesarean delivery, and duration of labor. The most startling finding from the study correlated the duration of labor to an increased risk of spinal dysfunction in newborns. Longer labor and delivery revealed more areas of injury to the baby’s spine. The upper neck represents the most commonly compromised location of spinal birth trauma. Even normal labor and deliveries assumed to be without complication still result in neck problems for newborns.

Chiropractors specialize in the detection and correction of subtle, yet significant injuries related to birth trauma. Most birth trauma and injuries go undiscovered and unaddressed by pediatricians and delivery specialists because babies cannot express a source of pain, irritation, or discomfort. Neck problems within a fragile and flexible infant do not usually manifest as pain. The spinal stress usually presents through altered neurological function which develops in the form of ear infections, colic, or nursing challenges. The study made very clear that the identification and treatment of altered spinal and neurological dysfunction led to improved health in newborns.

Chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting areas of misalignment and reduced motion in the spine for all ages – infants to adults. A baby’s spinal size certainly measures smaller than that of an adult, but an incredible number of similarities also exist between these precious bundles of nerves. Regular Chiropractic care for the whole family improves spinal and neurological function, mobility, and whole-body health. An optimally functioning spine represents an invaluable source of life and vitality for infants, children, and adults. Chiropractic works for the entire family.

The post Why Babies & Children Need Chiropractic Attention… Study shows longer labor time leads to higher risks first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

The amazing and unique part of their health history focuses on their nervous systems. Although the same blood circulated through their bodies, each twin possessed a separate and different brain and spinal cord. The separate nervous systems created fascinating instances where one twin would become ill while the other did not. The germs of the sick twin would flow through the shared blood of both twins but only one would experience symptoms from viruses. Amazingly, the other twin would be symptom-free.

Medical schools continue to teach that germs cause disease.

The simple philosophy implies that people become sick when they encounter germs. The case study of Masha and Dasha countered that hypothesis when germs circulating through the same body did not create a simultaneous effect on both twins. Scientific research proves that immunity works under the direct control of the brain and nervous system. A 2013 book titled “Autonomic Failure” published scientific proof that specific immune-fighting white blood cells (macrophage) operate under the direct control of the sympathetic nervous system. Such evidence proves revolutionary to health, medicine and immunity.

Any interference to the nervous system lessens immunity and makes a person more susceptible to illness.

The spine is designed to be in a specific position which allows for appropriate movement. These factors enable the brain and nervous system to communicate effectively with organs and systems throughout the body. A misaligned or impinged vertebra will alter the body’s potential to heal at full capacity.

Chiropractors do not seek to treat, cure, or heal symptoms or diseases. However, chiropractic adjustments gently improve position and movement in the spine.  This allows the brain and nervous system to become balanced. Research proves that Chiropractic adjustments improve immune function by removing interference from the nervous system.

Case studies like the story of Masha and Dasha helped lay a deeper foundation of understanding into the power and potential which exists within the body. Nervous system care continues to compile evidence of healing and restoration as people recognize that true health begins with caring for the function of the body. Research compiled in 2011 showed a 139% increase in specific immune-boosting hormones following a spinal adjustment. The future of health care begins with understanding the past. Expensive pills and medicines pale in comparison to the powerful healing capacity present in a healthy nervous system. The evolving science of Chiropractic continues to educate communities about the long-term benefits of nervous system care for the entire family.

The post Conjoined Twins Help Explain the Influence of Chiropractic on Immunity first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Wait Until She’s Ready for Visitors

Everyone is so excited to see, snuggle and ‘ooh and ahh’ over the latest family addition, however, it’s critical to take cues from the new parents on when to visit. Some parents want space, i.e., no visitors for a bit, while others are ready to show off their pride and joy almost right away. Even if you’re a close family member, be sure to ask the mother when she feels up to having visitors. Don’t be offended if she’s not ready for others to hold the newborn, her top priority is the health and safety of her child, and she just might not feel comfortable yet.

Offer to Help and Leave the Baby to Her

In the days and weeks following birth, for many women, one of the best things to hear is, “how can I help?” Many people are anxious to see and take the baby off the momma’s hands so she can get a break, however, those first days and weeks are a critical time of bonding for the baby and new mother, especially if she is establishing breastfeeding. What the exhausted new parent(s) often need is help with all the other stuff. You could offer to:

• Pick up groceries
• Bring by some freezer meals
• Do some laundry
• Mow the lawn
• Take the older kids out for an afternoon
• Drop off a gift card to a local food delivery spot

If you’re really comfortable and close with the new mom, and you know she wouldn’t mind, take things into your own hands: Tidy up the kitchen, clean out the fridge, fold the pile of laundry in the family room, wipe down the bathroom, etc. And, if the mama tells you she needs a break from the baby to take a nap, shower or eat something, by all means, snuggle up!

Many people have a hard time saying yes to help, so a great way to word it is: “It would make me feel wonderful to be able to help you, may I [pick up some groceries or diapers? drop off a dinner? do a few chores around the house]?” Depending on how close you are to the family and their comfort level, sometimes a card or a gift card is perfect.

It truly does take a village—to raise a child and raise up a mother! Those weeks and months after a baby arrives can be some of the toughest, and most beautiful, in a woman’s life. Kudos to you for giving her your love and friendship.

The post Ways to Help a New Mom first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

I see too many 10-year-old kids in the line at Starbucks before school grabbing their iced coffee cooler or mocha lattes. I am always shocked that any parent would allow their kid to eat something like this-EVER. It is especially shocking considering that this is supposed to fuel them until lunchtime and they are expected to concentrate and behave throughout the day.

For kids to concentrate they need good quality whole foods, a balance of carbohydrates and protein and very little sugar. Here are a few do’s and don’t for breakfast with your kids.

Do Try to get some protein in them before they leave their house in the morning. If they like yogurt, try mixing a scoop of protein powder into the yogurt. A good quality protein powder makes the yogurt taste like pudding. Lots of kids like it.

Do Get creative and try to make they a fruit smoothie with the protein powder as well. If you leave it with just fruit it is very sugary so adding the protein powder to balance it is virtually tasteless, helps make it a bit thicker and shake like and is healthier.

Do Use whole foods. While these ideas with protein powder added are better than their average breakfast, whole foods are better. How about a vegetable omelet? Cut up veggies they like ahead of time and add them to the eggs each morning. It won’t take more than 5-7 minutes to make and your kid is out the door with a healthy breakfast. If you can’t find veggies they like, you need to start improving your cooking skills now and model healthy eating for them. Kids usually won’t eat what parents themselves don’t enjoy.

Don’t Start the day with a sugary cereal or really any kind of cereal. Most are very high in sugar, take minutes to break down in their bodies and send their blood sugar spiking and then dropping very quickly. Also-they have very little protein and….the vitamin-fortified cereals….hate to break it to you…I’d love to test the bioavailability of the vitamins added to the cereal. I’m guessing there isn’t a lot of nutritional value coming through. Empty calories.

Don’t Allow them to start their day with a pop or coffee or any other sugar and caffeine-laden beverage. Adding all those chemicals to their little bodies at a young age isn’t good for them.

Don’t This should go without saying but the energy drinks that are so prevalent today…not good for you…not good for your kids. This is just good common sense. The amount of sugar and caffeine and chemicals in these beverages make the kids in the line at Starbucks look like they are getting healthy food.

Listen, I’m a parent and it’s not easy to get your kids to eat what you want them to eat.  That being said, you owe it to them to make quality decisions regarding their diet.  During childhood, you are setting the stage and creating eating habits that will last a lifetime.  Don’t sell your kids short and don’t let them get away with sub-par nutrition.  You’ll thank me later :-).

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the health of your family, please give us a call at 918-940-4630.  We would be happy to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Travis Ring of Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic to help you uncover that which is limiting your health.  Thank you for allowing us to be your chiropractor.

The post What Should My Child Eat for Breakfast? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

We’ve all been taught that “normal” body temperature is 98.6 F, right?  WRONG!!  98.6 F only represents an average of the “normal” body temperature.  When you look at the population, you quickly realize that what is normal for you or your child may not be what is normal for everybody.  In fact, your child’s temperature can hover anywhere between 97 and 100 F and still be considered “normal”.

Fever is simply an increase in heat.  Normal body heat, aka “fever” is the result of your child’s body working as it was designed and programmed to function under the perfect control of the nervous system. So the question remains, “What should I do about my child’s fever”?

To answer that question appropriately, let’s first take a step back and see what is actually happening inside your body.  To help your child recover when they are fighting a flu bug or other infection, two things happen.

First, the nervous system commands an increase in heat production in order to literally “burn” the invading germ, which can only survive at a “normal” body temperature.  Therefore, any increase in heat above body temperature kills the invading germs… This is a good thing!!

Second, as a result of orders from the nervous system, many-body activities speed up.  Respiration increases, the heart rate rises in order to pump blood faster, breathing quickens, the skin becomes moist and clammy and the child begins to shiver.  The extra work produces heat which we diagnose as a fever.

All this activity has a purpose: to eliminate the invading germ.  This does not necessarily mean that your child is “sick”.  While we view fever as a symptom of sickness, it is actually a function of a healthy individual.  The body is doing exactly what it has been naturally programmed to do.  I’d even go as far as saying that fever is an expression of health.

But as a loving parent, it is at this point that you feel you have to do something.  Not necessarily.  The most important things to do in the event of a “fever” is to understand why it is happening, provide supportive care and allow your child’s body to do what it needs to do with no interference.

Oftentimes parents will ask their doctor, “how high do you let the fever get, or how high is too high?”  There has been mounting evidence that suggests that the “height” of fever has no bearing on the seriousness of their condition and there is absolutely no clinical evidence to suggest that high fevers cause convulsions or brain damage.  I mean think about that for a second… Why would the nervous system increase the temperature to a level that will injure itself?

On its own, a high fever is not critical.  However, when there are other signs of sickness, it could be an indicator of a developing serious condition that warrants your attention.

If your child is less than one year old and has a fever with the presence of any of the following signs, you should seek the advice of your health care provider:

1. The child is in severe pain and cannot be comforted

2. The child is anxious or lethargic

3. The child whines continuously

4. The child cannot retain fluids and/or has diarrhea

5. Has difficulty breathing, urinating, or swallowing

6. Has an unexplained rash and a pulse rate of over 120 beats per minute

So why do you have to take a child’s temperature when he is feverish?  You don’t!!  In fact, an increasing number of physicians now feel that taking a child’s temperature is an unnecessary ritual.  So why do we do it?  Many trace this action back to a cleverly crafted marketing campaign by the makers of fever-reducing drugs.  If they can train a parent to fear the fever and think of it as something that must be treated from the very beginning, the sales of the medications would skyrocket!!

Many are beginning to lean more to the stance that lowering the child’s body temperature during a fever episode is neither necessary nor wise.  Fever is not the problem, in fact, it’s the body’s beautiful attempt at a solution.  Embrace the fever and comfort your child but try not to jump the gun on the administration of medication to reduce the temperature.  Let the body do its thing and more times than not, the episode will be shorter than it would have been if it was treated.

At our practice, we see so many children and love educating the parents on health.  Dr. Ring firmly believes that every human being on the planet would be able to live a healthier life if they were under the care of a chiropractor to ensure your body was functioning optimally.

While chiropractors have great success treating pain and other symptoms, an often overlooked benefit to chiropractic adjustments is the increased function of the immune system by increasing the function of the nervous system.  We believe that every child should be checked by a chiropractor at birth and throughout childhood to ensure the proper development of the nervous system.

If you have any questions about chiropractic for your family, please give us a call at 918-940-4630 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  We would love to answer the questions you have regarding chiropractic care for your family.   We hope you will give Dr. Ring and Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic a chance to help you along your health journey.

The post What should I do about my child’s fever? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.