Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Self-Control is Contagious"

I'm sure many of you have heard the current epidemic of childhood obesity and lack of fitness. I have many parents in my practice and many of them ask me about fitness and exercise for their children. My response is always two parts; 1) Yes, exercise will be great for your kids and 2) It starts with you.

Although I have been saying this for years now, this study reinforces the notion that good (and bad) habits can be contagious. Especially when it comes to children, their parents will be the biggest role models in their lives.

This study looked at the influence of our friend's habits and actions on ourselves, however it would not be hard to see how the same effect might influence child-parent interactions.

The researchers in this study took some very novel approaches to test one's self-control. The various methods involved testing one's level of self-control after experiencing or watching situations where they saw good, and bad self-control. An example was; a study involved assigning 42 people to list the names of friends with good and bad self-control. As the participants took a test designed to measure self-control, a name was flashed very briefly on a computer screen. Those who saw the name of a friend with good self-control did better on the test than those who saw the name of a friend with poor self-control.

The moral of the story was two-fold; one, was that your own self control could be influenced by your social network. So if you wanted to improve and enhance healthy habits, it would suit you to associate with people who already have those habits. (Obviously, this could also work if you wanted to impart good habits on to others, like your children. You would have to assume the role of the model, so your children could learn good habits from you).

The second message from this study was; Accountability. Meaning that others aren't just watching your behaviours, but can be influenced by them. A perfect example would be a woman who is trying to lose weight but lives with a partner who indulges in junk-food all the time and is a couch potato. Guess what, even involuntarily, the partners actions and behaviours may be sabotaging her efforts to improve her health.

Something to think about.

If you're in the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver, contact YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR HERE!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Major Reason 'Get Fit' Resolutions Fail"

Well we are just starting the new month of February and if you are still adhering to your new years resolution to 'get fit', Congratulations!!

But as we all know, many new year's resolutions to lose weight, exercise more and eat healthy, fall to the way-side right about now. Many of my patients who are interested in starting an exercise program ask for advice on how to avoid the common pitfalls. There are many out there who need to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Statistics from the US reveals that about 67% of the population is either overweight or obese. But more alarming is the number and rate of children who are becoming overweight and/or obese.

Surprisingly, it's not that overweight people do not recognize the benefits of exercise. A survey of 1500 men and women conducted at the George Washington University Medical Center, found that overweight respondents were even bigger believers in the benefits of exercise than their 'normal weight' counterparts.

So 'what's the problem?' you may ask. New insights are suggesting, that the key may lie in your self-image and more specifically, your self-consciousness.

Researchers found that over-weight people found the prospects of exercising around people who were fit was very unappealing. The mere idea of huffing and puffing and sweating around healthier figures, literally turned them off exercise! This kind of self-consciousness understandably affects women more than men. Women were more likely to feel intimidated by the exercise equipment, feel more pressure to abide by fashion standards and feel pressure by other healthclub goers.

"Overweight people have received the message from their physicians and all the publicity about the importance of exercise," said study author Wayne Miller, a professor of exercise science at George Washington University Medical Center. "Most of the negativism or barriers that are associated with not participating in exercise are emotional, and there are differences between men and women."

Another reason many people fail to maintain an exercise or healthy lifestyle program is they often bite off more than they can chew. Many people try a workout that they just don't like, or they do too much.

In my practice I'm a big proponent of exercise for all my patients, BUT I always advise on taking it slow. Especially if the patient is new to exercise. Try small things first and go from there. Try taking the stairs, maybe more fruit here and there. You get the picture. Losing weight and getting healthy will take time, honestly. If you come to terms with that and set realistic, achievable goals, there's no reason why a slimmer, healthier you can't be realized!

If you're by the Commercial Drive neighbourhood in East Vancouver, contact me here at COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Yoga Can Help Low Back Pain"

Patients in my practice are encouraged from the very first visit to stretch and adopt healthy practices for their muscles and joints. From my experience, those who practice yoga not only benefit from increased flexibility and strength, but they become less susceptible to future injuries. Sometimes my patients are very interested in trying yoga but don't know where to start. Here are some tips I generally recommend to these patients;

1)Find a Good Teacher - This may seem obvious but unfortunately, I have heard horror stories of instructors, not being very attentive to their students and students going on to hurt themselves. Associated with this, is find an attentive instructor. Meaning, if you are a beginner and you are having difficulties, your instructor should be able to recognize this and allow you to go at your "own pace". Forcing a beginner to do the same things as a seasoned veteran is a recipe for disaster.

So I encourage my patients to get recommendations from friends and colleagues of good classes that they might enjoy.

(If you live by the Commercial Drive neighborhood in Vancouver, I would recommend; Unity yoga, just off 10th Ave and Commercial Drive. I would also recommend taking classes at EastSide Yoga, again on Commercial Drive. Ask for Natasha, she's very good!)

2)Start off slow - There are many styles of yoga out there. Some are very relaxing and focus on stretching. Others focus more on strength and conditioning and can actually be a demanding workout for some. So find one style that works for you. If you are a beginner and just want to become more limber, perhaps Hatha would be more appropriate for you.

3)Join a Class! - I make this recommendation because some people will try yoga at home following a dvd. Although this isn't bad, per se. I would definitely recommend a class first. Primarily because it helps most beginners to work with a teacher who can guide you and correct any mistakes. (I think it's better to know if you're making a mistake, correct it and perfect the technique rather than just wonder is you're doing it right)

Another added benefit is that when you join a class, you often become acquainted with other students. This can actually be extremely important to your success and your continued involvement.

Yoga has so many benefits for your body as well as your piece of mind. But with anything, you should know what you're getting yourself into. Try it out! See if you like it. Chances are very good that your body will thank you for it!

If you live by the Commercial Drive neighborhood in East Vancouver contact your COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR HERE!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Prescription Painkiller Overdoses on the Rise According to Study"

In my practice I often come across patients who have used prescription painkillers to manage their pain. Very often,they go to see their family doctors or a doctor at a walk in clinic and they complain of severe back or neck pain. After a usually brief exam and history, they are sent home with a prescription for Tylenol 3, Oxycodone, Naproxen etc. Usually when I uncover this during a history in my office, the patient admits that they don't want to become "hooked" on the medication for the long term. They are looking for an alternative. A more natural method of pain relief and management, without the aid of prescription drugs. These people are concerned, and according to this study being published today in the the Annals of Internal Medicine, they should be.

This study reviewed the pharmacy files of nearly 10, 000 patients who were prescribed opioids such as; oxycodone and hydrocodone, for 3 months between 1997 and 2005. The results were alarming, but perhaps not surprising. The researchers found that 51% of the patients overdosed on these drugs and tragically, 6 of these overdoses were fatal.

The study found a clear correlation between the risk of overdosing and the dose prescribed. Those who were prescribed a higher dose were 9 times more likely to oversdose. "The rate of overdose was strongly related to dose," said senior study author Michael Von Korff, a senior investigator at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle. "For patients currently receiving higher-dose regimens, their rate of overdose was almost 2 percent per year, which is a lot."

One reason for the greater reliance on opioids is a recognition among physicians that chronic pain is a serious problem, hindering people from working, sleeping and enjoying their lives, Von Korff said. These types of "chronic pain" included; back or neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, pain in the extremities, arthritis and menstrual pain or injuries.

Coincidentally, a Chiropractor can offer very reasonable and effective treatment options for all of the above noted conditions.

On a personal note, I am not a Chiropractor who will advise my patients to steer clear of all prescription medications. I do however believe that a patient needs to be educated and aware of the risks and benefits of medication, especially for pain. I believe that helping patients find strategies to manage their pain involving a healthy lifestyle with sustainable health practices is far superior than to just popping pills.

If you're in pain and want a natural way to find relief, visit your COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR HERE!!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "To Be Healthy, Dieting May Not Be Enough!"

This is the time of year that many people make a resolution to be healthier. Many people will try to eat more vegetables, eat less sweets and maybe snack on the potato chips a little less. Although, these are all great ideas for your overall health, they may not be enough!

A new study has found that adding exercise to a calorie reduced diet resulted in better health outcomes than just dieting alone. In the study people were divided into three different groups. One group reduced their calorie intake by 25%. The other group only cut their calorie intake by 12.5% but also participated in an exercise program. The final group only stayed on a 'weight-maintenance' diet.

At the end, those who included exercise had better health outcomes, according to the study published in the January issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Researchers found that the group who included exercise also experienced other health benefits other than just weight loss. These other benefits included improved blood pressure, and better Cholesterol and Insulin levels.

The results of this study is not particularly surprising since the benefits of exercise has been well known. But at this time of year when people are focusing on their health and waistlines a bit more, it doesn't hurt to be reminded of a well balanced fitness plan.

You can visit the website of your COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR HERE!!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "New Findings on Cancer and Obesity"

I'm sure everyone has heard that Obesity is a risk factor for certain types of cancer. But have you ever wondered, Why? Well new research is uncovering possible clues as to why obesity may increase the incidence of cancer. If this research is proven to be true, it may be the gateway to future treatments for cancer. However, the best intervention and most commonsense approach remains to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular activity and exercise. On to the study.

Scientists have found an enzyme called, monoacylglycerol lipase or (MAGL), that normally helps to break down stored fat cells. However, this same enzyme seems to become over active in some cancer cells and may help the cancer cells to spread.
The study authors found that this enzyme promotes the production of free fatty acids, which can later go on to actually promote the proliferation of cancer cells.

"Historically, research has focused on the mechanisms leading to cancer formation, and therapies have focused on taking out cancer cells. But here we were looking for pathways that lead to cancer aggressiveness," corresponding author Benjamin Cravatt, chair of the Scripps Research Department of Chemical Physiology, said in a news release.

Researchers also noted that people who eat diets high in fats are constantly introducing free fatty acids into their bodies.

Some of you may find this a little abstract but to draw another connection, I'm sure many of you have heard of the term "anti-oxidants". Well these beneficial molecules found in healthier foods serve to counteract the effects of harmful substances like free fatty acids and free radicals. This may also help to explain why Western cultures have been known to have a higher proportion of cancer. It starts with the food we eat.

I find these issues important for me to pass on to my patients because they rarely hear this type of advice from other health care providers. In addition, as a Chiropractor, I feel it is my duty to promote "lifestyle medicine" to my patients. Once they are made aware of issues that can affect their immediate and long-term health, I believe that they can make better decisions!

Please feel free to contact me here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic Rated #1 - According to Consumer Reports Survey"

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that respondents rated Chiropractic as #1 when asked, "Who Helped the Most?" regarding back pain.

As you may or may not know, about 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives, and "back pain" is in the top 5 reasons people go see their doctors. With back pain being so common and also affecting our economy as well as one's own enjoyment of life, Consumer Reports wanted to know, "Who helped the Most?" when back pain sufferers went looking for relief.

The survey done on about 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers came out with some surprising results. First off, more than half of respondents reported their back pain severely affecting their daily activities. 46% said it affected their sleep. 31% said it affected activity levels and their efforts to maintain a healthy weight. 24% said it affected their sex life and 88% reported their back pain recurred throughout the year!!

As Consumer Reports found, many people go to their family physicians for treatment and advice when it comes to back pain. However, Consumer Reports was surprised to discover that a significant number of their respondents were disappointed with what their family doctors could do to help. So, "Who Helped the Most?"

Professional - Highly Satisfied (% of Respondents)

- Chiropractors - 59%
- Physical Therapists - 55%
- Acupuncturists - 53%
- Physician, Specialist - 44%
- Physician, General Practitioner - 34%

The respondents of this survey tried an average of 5-6 different forms of therapy and these were the results.

As a Chiropractor, I can't say I am totally surprised with these results. Especially when I hear from patients in my own practice how disappointed they were with what their family doctor had to offer. But to even my own surprise is the amount of dissatisfaction people felt with the care/advice they received from a specialist. Although respondents were significantly more satisfied with the care they received from a specialist compared to a general practitioner, it still trailed far behind the care from a Chiropractor.

I believe that as time goes on and more surveys and studies emerge regarding the efficacy and benefits of Chiropractic, these types of findings will become more commonplace. However, until that happens it is up to the patients to ask their doctors about Chiropractic and discuss with them the most effective form of therapy for back pain. If you were to believe a group of 14, 000 people, chances are good that you too will be happy with what a Chiropractor can do for you!

Contact Dr. Chan at COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC HERE!!!!