Precision healthcare center

09/02/2025

Check out our new blog post at.
Precisionhealthcarecenter.com
Topic Glycation and Joint Degeneration.

03/29/2025

The Power of Walking: Good for Your Body, Great for Your Spine

In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook simple habits that can make a big difference in our health. One of the easiest, most effective ways to take care of your body—and especially your spine—is something you already know how to do: walking.

1. Boosts Overall Health
Walking regularly helps improve your cardiovascular health, supports weight management, and boosts your mood. Just 30 minutes a day can:
• Increase circulation
• Strengthen your heart and lungs
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve blood sugar control
• Enhance your mental clarity and reduce stress
It’s a low-impact exercise, which means it’s gentle on your joints while still offering real benefits.

2. Supports Spinal Health
Your spine loves movement. Walking keeps the spine healthy by:
• Improving posture: Regular walking encourages a more upright posture and activates the core muscles that support your spine.
• Increasing spinal mobility: Gentle, consistent motion helps the spinal joints stay flexible and lubricated.
• Reducing back stiffness and pain: Movement promotes blood flow to spinal tissues, which can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Strengthening core and back muscles: Walking engages the muscles that stabilize your spine, helping reduce the risk of injury.

3. Encourages Disc Nutrition
Spinal discs don’t have a direct blood supply; they get nutrients through a process called diffusion, which is helped by movement. When you walk, the compression and decompression of your spine helps pump nutrients into your discs, keeping them healthy and hydrated.

Tips for Walking with Spinal Health in Mind
• Start slow if you haven’t been active, and gradually increase your pace and time.
• Use good shoes with proper arch support.
• Walk with purpose: Keep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and engage your core muscles.
• Stay consistent: Even 10–15 minute walks a few times a day can make a difference.

03/14/2025

Happy Pi Day!
How Chiropractic Care Helps You Stay
Well-Rounded

March 14th is Pi Day—

a celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the never-ending ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. But what does Pi Day have to do with chiropractic care? More than you might think!
Finding Balance in Life and the Spine
Just as pi is essential in geometry, balance and alignment are crucial in chiropractic care. Your spine is designed to maintain a delicate equilibrium, allowing your body to move efficiently. However, when misalignments (subluxations) occur, it disrupts this natural harmony—similar to how an off-centered wheel makes for a bumpy ride.
The Circle of Motion
Much like pi is used in calculating circles, chiropractic care emphasizes circular and fluid movement in the spine and joints.
A misaligned spine can limit your range of motion, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments, along with targeted exercises, help restore proper biomechanics, ensuring your body moves smoothly—just like a perfectly drawn circle!
Sweet Relief (But Maybe Skip the Sugar?)
Pi Day is often celebrated with pie, but while indulging in a slice is tempting, too much sugar can contribute to inflammation and joint pain. A well-balanced diet, along with regular chiropractic care, supports overall wellness by reducing inflammation and keeping your body functioning optimally.
Spinal Health Formula: Keep It Constant
Pi is an infinite, unchanging constant in mathematics, and similarly, spinal health requires consistent care.
So, this Pi Day, while you celebrate the beauty of mathematics, take a moment to appreciate the symmetry and balance within your own body.
Happy Pi Day! Stay aligned, stay balanced, and enjoy your slice of wellness.

12/16/2024

12/14/2024

The Benefits of Fermented Foods and Their Role in Managing Chronic Diseases
In recent years, fermented foods have gained significant attention for their impressive health benefits. These nutrient-rich foods have been staples in traditional diets across the globe for centuries, offering unique flavors and textures along with profound health benefits. Whether you're looking to boost gut health, reduce inflammation, or manage chronic diseases, adding fermented foods to your diet could be a game-changer.
What Are Fermented Foods?
Fermentation is a natural process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi convert sugars into alcohol or acids. This not only helps preserve the food but also enhances its nutritional profile. The acids and beneficial bacteria produced during fermentation improve digestion, promote gut health, and may bolster the immune system.
Examples of fermented foods include:
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Fermented vegetables like pickles (opt for naturally fermented versions without vinegar)

How Fermented Foods Can Help with Chronic Diseases
1. Improved Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics—live beneficial bacteria that replenish the gut's microbial diversity. For individuals with chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, consuming probiotics can help reduce symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. A balanced gut microbiome is also linked to better immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved mental health.

2. Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune conditions. Fermented foods, particularly those rich in probiotics and polyphenols (like miso and kombucha), have been shown to lower markers of systemic inflammation. The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced during fermentation are known to have anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Fermentation increases the bioavailability of certain nutrients. For instance, fermented dairy products like yogurt are easier to digest for individuals with lactose intolerance. The fermentation process breaks down lactose and enhances the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and B-vitamins, which are vital for bone health and energy production.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation
Research suggests that fermented foods can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, making them an excellent addition for people managing type 2 diabetes. Foods like kimchi and tempeh are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.

5. Support for Cardiovascular Health
Fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut may help lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Probiotics in these foods can reduce cholesterol reabsorption in the gut, and some strains even produce heart-healthy compounds.

6. Mental Health Benefits
The gut-brain axis highlights the link between gut health and mental health. Consuming probiotic-rich fermented foods has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, making them a valuable dietary addition for those with chronic mental health conditions.

How to Incorporate Fermented Foods into Your Diet
Adding fermented foods to your diet doesn’t require an overhaul of your eating habits. Here are a few simple ideas:

1. Start Your Day with Yogurt or Kefir
Opt for unsweetened varieties.

2. Snack on Fermented Vegetables
Keep a jar of naturally fermented pickles or sauerkraut on hand for a quick and healthy snack.

3. Add Miso to Soups or Marinades
Miso paste can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, dressings, and sauces. Remember not to boil miso, as high heat kills the probiotics.

4. Include Kimchi as a Side Dish
This spicy Korean staple pairs well with rice, noodles, or grilled meats.

5. Sip on Kombucha A refreshing and slightly fizzy drink, kombucha makes for a great alternative to sugary sodas.

If you’re new to fermented foods, start small to allow your gut to adjust.

Introduce one serving a day and gradually increase your intake. Be mindful of added sugars in products like flavored yogurts or kombuchas.

Also, check labels to ensure you’re buying live-culture, naturally fermented foods, as some commercial products are pasteurized, killing the beneficial bacteria.

12/14/2024

Give Yourself the Gift of Health this Holiday.

Fact: the total amount of sugar in your bloodstream at any given time is approximately 4 grams—roughly equivalent to just one teaspoon.
This tightly regulated amount is maintained by hormonal feedback systems, primarily insulin and glucagon, ensuring your body gets enough energy without tipping into toxic levels.
Yet, in a world of excessive sugar consumption, this delicate balance often goes awry.
Now, here’s a startling contrast: the average American consumes about 77 grams of added sugar per day, equivalent to nearly 20 teaspoons!
That’s nearly 20 times the amount circulating in your blood and well above the recommended limits by health organizations:

• American Heart Association (AHA): 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar daily for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men.
This excess sugar doesn’t just disappear; it infiltrates every organ, contributing to chronic diseases. Let’s examine how sugar affects specific organs and drives health conditions like dementia, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Chronic exposure to high blood sugar levels triggers inflammatory and degenerative processes throughout the body. Let’s explore how sugar harms specific organs and contributes to common chronic diseases.

1. Sugar in the Brain: Cognitive Decline and Dementia
The brain, which accounts for about 2% of body weight but uses 20% of the body's energy, depends on glucose. However, chronic high blood sugar damages brain cells in several ways:
• Insulin Resistance in the Brain: High sugar levels impair insulin signaling, leading to reduced glucose uptake by neurons. This has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, often referred to as "Type 3 diabetes."
• Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Excess sugar increases the production of free radicals, damaging neurons and impairing memory and cognitive function.
• Formation of Amyloid Plaques: Chronic sugar exposure is believed to accelerate the deposition of amyloid proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
In essence, high sugar levels rob the brain of its ability to function optimally, laying the groundwork for dementia.

2. Sugar in the Joints: Arthritis
Joints and connective tissues are particularly vulnerable to sugar-related damage due to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These harmful compounds are created when sugar molecules bind to proteins or lipids:
• Inflammation: AGEs trigger chronic low-grade inflammation in joint tissues, worsening conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cartilage Breakdown: AGEs weaken the collagen in cartilage, reducing its elasticity and durability, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
This means that a high-sugar diet not only increases systemic inflammation but also accelerates wear and tear in the joints, a hallmark of arthritis.

3. Sugar in the Arteries: Atherosclerosis
High blood sugar contributes significantly to arterial damage, driving the progression of atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
• Glycation of LDL Cholesterol: Excess sugar binds to LDL particles, creating glycated LDL. These particles are more likely to lodge in arterial walls, triggering plaque formation.
• Endothelial Dysfunction: Sugar damages the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels), reducing its ability to regulate blood pressure and blood flow.
• Inflammatory Cascade: Elevated sugar increases the production of inflammatory cytokines, promoting the growth of plaques and their eventual rupture.
The result is a stiffening and narrowing of arteries, impairing circulation and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Sugar in the Pancreas: Diabetes
The pancreas plays a pivotal role in maintaining blood sugar levels by secreting insulin. But chronic sugar overload can overwhelm this system:
• Insulin Resistance: High sugar intake forces the pancreas to produce excess insulin. Over time, cells stop responding to insulin, leading to insulin resistance—a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.
• Beta Cell Exhaustion: The insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas eventually wear out, leading to reduced insulin production.
This vicious cycle of insulin resistance and beta cell burnout is the defining feature of diabetes, a disease whose prevalence has skyrocketed in the sugar-laden modern world.

5. Sugar in the Liver: Fatty Liver Disease
The liver metabolizes excess sugar, converting it into fat when glycogen stores are full. Over time, this leads to:
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Excess sugar, especially fructose, overwhelms the liver’s capacity, causing fat to accumulate in liver cells.
• Liver Inflammation and Scarring: Chronic NAFLD progresses to liver inflammation (steatohepatitis) and, in severe cases, cirrhosis.
A high-sugar diet thus directly contributes to liver dysfunction, impairing its ability to detoxify the body and regulate metabolism.

6. Sugar in the Kidneys: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The kidneys filter waste and excess sugar from the blood. But persistently high sugar levels damage their delicate filtration system:
• Glomerular Damage: Excess sugar damages the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys.
• Proteinuria: Sugar-induced kidney damage can cause proteins to leak into urine, a sign of kidney dysfunction.
Left unchecked, this process leads to CKD, which affects millions worldwide, particularly those with diabetes.

7. Sugar in the Skin: Aging and Acne
Even the skin isn’t spared from the harmful effects of sugar:
• Collagen Damage: AGEs degrade collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles and sagging.
• Increased Acne: High sugar spikes insulin, which can increase androgen production and sebum, contributing to acne.
Your skin, often the most visible organ, reflects the damage sugar can do.

8. Sugar in the Immune System: Suppressed Immunity
Excess sugar reduces the efficiency of white blood cells, impairing their ability to fight infections. Studies show that just a single high-sugar meal can suppress immune function for hours, making the body more vulnerable to illness.

Conclusion: The Case for Moderation
The problem lies in overconsumption, which leads to chronic high blood sugar levels that damage tissues, organs, and systems throughout the body.
To reduce the risk of sugar-related diseases:
• Opt for a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables (greens, Broccoli), proteins (eggs, fish, meat, Chicken), healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil).

• Limit added sugars, particularly from sugary drinks, desserts, and processed snacks.

• Stay active to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health (walking).

11/26/2024

Office will be closed.
Friday 11/29 and Saturday 11/30.
For the Thanksgiving holiday,.
We will return on Monday 12/2 Regular hours.
Have a Great Thanksgiving.

11/09/2024

Lumbar Disc Imbibition and How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Low Back Pain

If you’ve ever had low back pain, you know it can make everything feel harder—from playing with friends to doing schoolwork. One important part of keeping your spine healthy and pain-free is understanding how it works and what can go wrong. Today, we’re going to talk about two important things: lumbar disc imbibition and how chiropractic care can help with low back pain.

What Are Lumbar Discs?
Your spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra has a special cushion between it called a disc, which is like a squishy, jelly-filled pad. These discs keep your bones from rubbing together and act like little shock absorbers, protecting your spine when you move, twist, or jump. Discs are especially important in your lower back, or lumbar area, because this part of your spine carries a lot of weight and helps you move in many directions.

What Is Imbibition?
Here’s a word that might sound new: imbibition. It’s actually a simple idea that helps keep your spine healthy. Imbibition is the way discs absorb fluid. Imagine a sponge soaking up water—when you press down, it squishes out some of the water, and when you release, it fills up again. Your spinal discs work a lot like that sponge!

Discs don’t have a direct blood supply, so they can’t get nutrients and fluids in the same way other parts of the body do. Instead, they use imbibition to "drink" up the fluids and nutrients they need. Every time you move, bend, or walk, your discs squeeze out old fluids and pull in new ones. This keeps the discs strong, hydrated, and able to handle the pressure of your movements.

Why Does Low Back Pain Happen?
Sometimes, your discs don’t get enough fluid, or they get squished too much and can’t soak up new nutrients properly. This can make them weaker, causing pain in your lower back. Injuries, poor posture, sitting for too long, or even just growing older can stop discs from getting the fluid they need. Without proper fluid and nutrients, discs can start to dry out, become damaged, and even lead to low back pain.

When a disc dries out or is damaged, it may cause the nearby nerves to get irritated. This can lead to pain, weakness, or tingling down the leg—something called sciatica.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractors focus on keeping your spine healthy. They’re experts in understanding how your spine, bones, and muscles all work together. Here are some ways a chiropractor can help if you’re having low back pain or problems with your lumbar discs:

1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to help align your spine. This can reduce pressure on your discs, giving them more room to absorb fluids. Adjustments also help reduce pain by allowing nerves to work properly again.

2. Helping With Imbibition: When a chiropractor adjusts your spine, it encourages imbibition. Moving and aligning your spine the right way can help discs absorb fluid better, which keeps them healthy and less likely to cause pain.

3. Exercises and Stretches: Chiropractors can teach you special exercises to strengthen your back muscles. Strong muscles help support your spine and keep the pressure off your discs. These exercises also keep you moving, which is super important for imbibition!

4. Tips for Good Posture and Movement: Sometimes low back pain comes from sitting or standing in ways that put too much pressure on the discs. Chiropractors can show you how to keep a healthy posture and avoid movements that might be harmful to your discs.

5. Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors might talk to you about healthy habits, like staying active, eating well, and taking breaks from sitting. These habits help your spine stay strong and keep your discs hydrated.

Keys to a healthy spine are proper alignment, proper movement, proper nerve flow and proper circulation.

11/04/2024

Office will be closed
Tuesday 11/5.
Return Wednesday 11/06
Regular Hours.

10/18/2024

The office will be closed on
Saturday 10/19.

10/04/2024

Calcium Score Test
Special kind of X-ray that looks at your heart. It checks for calcium deposits in your coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that bring oxygen to your heart. When calcium builds up in these arteries, it can cause blockages, making it harder for blood to flow, and this can lead to heart problems.
Why get a Calcium Score Test?
• Helps predict heart disease: This test can tell if you're at risk of heart disease before you even have symptoms.
• Quick and painless: It’s a fast test, and you don’t have to do anything special to prepare for it.
• Gives a clear picture: The results show how much calcium is in your arteries, which helps doctors know if you're at risk and what to do next.
What does the score mean?
• The higher the score, the higher the risk: If you have more calcium in your arteries, it means you might be at a greater risk for heart disease.
Here’s what the scores mean:
• 0: No calcium at all. This is great! It means there’s no sign of heart disease at the moment.
• 1-99: Small amount of calcium. This shows early signs of heart disease, but it’s still mild.
• 100-399: Moderate amount of calcium. This means you’re at a higher risk of heart disease.
• 400 and above: A large amount of calcium. This means there’s a high risk of heart problems, and you should talk to your doctor about the next steps.
Getting a Calcium Score Test can help you take care of your heart early, before serious problems happen!

08/12/2024

The Benefits of Acupuncture Point LI 4 (Large Intestine)
HE Gu; Meaning Union Valley

Acupuncture has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and its benefits are widely recognized around the world. Among the many acupuncture points used in treatment,
LI 4 (Large Intestine 4), also known as the He Gu point, is one of the most powerful and versatile. Located on the hand, between the thumb and index finger, this point is celebrated for its wide range of therapeutic effects. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of LI 4 and why it's often called the "master point" in acupuncture.

1. Pain Relief
One of the most well-known benefits of stimulating LI 4 is its ability to relieve pain. This point is frequently used in acupuncture for treating headaches, toothaches, and facial pain, making it a go-to for many practitioners. LI 4 is particularly effective for tension headaches and migraines, often providing rapid relief. This is because LI 4 is believed to help unblock stagnant energy (Qi) and promote the free flow of energy throughout the body, reducing pain and discomfort.

2. Boosting Immune Function
In traditional Chinese medicine, LI 4 is linked to the immune system, helping to enhance the body’s natural defenses. Regular stimulation of this point can help boost immunity, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to prevent colds, flu, and other common illnesses. Acupuncture at LI 4 is thought to regulate the body's internal environment, supporting overall health and well-being.

3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
LI 4 is also renowned for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy, acupuncture at this point can help calm the mind and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. This is especially beneficial in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and mental health concerns are increasingly common. Regular stimulation of LI 4 can help you feel more centered, relaxed, and in control.

4. Digestive Health
Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can also be addressed through the stimulation of LI 4. This point is believed to influence the large intestine, helping to regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive function. Whether you're dealing with chronic digestive issues or just occasional discomfort, LI 4 can be a valuable part of your treatment plan.

5. Regulating Blood Pressure
Another significant benefit of LI 4 is its potential to help regulate blood pressure. By balancing the flow of energy and blood within the body,

6. Enhancing Skin Health
In traditional Chinese medicine, LI 4 is associated with the lungs, which are believed to control the skin's health.
Stimulating this point can help improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin issues. By enhancing the flow of Qi and blood, LI 4 can contribute to clearer, healthier skin.

The LI 4 acupuncture point is a powerful tool in traditional Chinese medicine, offering a multitude of benefits for pain relief, stress reduction, immune support, and much more.

Whether you're seeking to address specific health issues or simply looking to maintain overall well-being, the He Gu point is an excellent choice for achieving balance and harmony in your body.