The Gonstead Difference

The Gonstead System is know as the Gold Standard within the chiropractic profession.  It is unique because it is thorough, precise and specific in both analyzing and adjusting the spine.  The Gonstead Technique focuses on the structural relationship of the spine and nervous system with its overall effect on health.  It underscores that a specific approach toward correcting spinal conditions will produce long-lasting and often permanent results that last well beyond the recommended treatment plan.  Gonstead practitioners address the entire spine when evaluating for the presence of a structural misalignment pattern (vertebral subluxation) which causes ill health. 

The Gonstead chiropractor conducts a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.
1. Instrumentation: The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope.  The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of infammation and nerve pressure.  This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
2. Static Palpation: This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position.  The Gonstead practitioner will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
3. Motion Palpation: This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles.  This enables the doctor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions. 
4. X-ray Analysis: X-ray films enable the doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine.  This is helpful in evaluating for any disease processes, fracture, posture, joint and disc integrity and vertebral misalignments.
5. Visualization: Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings.  Gonstead practitioners look for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.

After a complete analysis, the Gonstead practitioner is ready to deliver any necessary adjustments.  The focus of the Gonstead adjustment is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation).  Great care is taken to ensure a mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible.  It is the goal of a Gonstead doctor to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any interference to the nervous system cause by structural misalignment patterns (vertebral subluxations).   

For more information, visit our website at www.valleychiroassoc.com or contact us at 952.882.1965.

The Facts on High Fructose Corn Syrup

What is it: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a sugar alternative made from corn (mostly genetically modified corn) and genetically modified enzymes.  It contains up to twice the amount of fructose than other types of sugars. 

Why is it used: HFCS is cheaper, sweeter, and preserves food longer than regular sugar.

Where is it found: HFCS is found in most soft drinks and soda pops, fruit juices, canned fruits, jams and jellies and processed foods.

Why avoid it: Fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals, and it leeches micronutrients from the body. It can interfere with the heart's use of minerals such as magnesium, copper and chromium.  Fructose also makes it harder for insulin to recognize sugar in the body, which is the principle characteristic of type 2 diabetes.  HFCS has been shown to elevate blood cholesterol levels, and it has been found to inhibit the action of the immune system's white blood cells. Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar, leading to elevated triglyceride (fat) levels in the body.  This is thought to be a major cause of obesity. Fructose also interacts with oral contraceptives and elevates insulin levels in women on "the pill."  Because the manufacturing process of HFCS often requires the use of mercury, it is one of the most common sources of environmental mercury today.

Healthy Alternatives: To reduce high-fructose corn syrup in your diet, read food labels and avoid any foods that have it as an ingredient. Here are some easy tips for cutting back on high-fructose corn syrup:

* Choose Whole Foods over processed foods whenever possible

* Drink water instead of soda pop.  

* Choose fresh fruit instead of fruit juices. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a

   high concentration of sugar.

* When buying fruit juice, look for 100 percent fruit juice instead of fruit-flavored drinks.

            * Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.

            * Use agave nector, maple syrup, stevia or honey to sweeten your food

For more information, visit our website at www.valleychiroassoc.com

The answer to today's poll question: 37th