Chiromom’s Soap Box

Empowering women to make healthy life choices

Back from the sleeplessness… October 16, 2007

Filed under: Uncategorized — chiromom @ 1:36 pm

After giving birth on August 17 to a thriving 6 pound boy, I have had little time to update here.  Now that I have returned from bedrest and post-pregnancy recovery, I will continue to have less time to update new information.  Please feel free to look at the past posts for relevant information.  I am a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania and I am practicing in the York area.  If there is anything I can do to answer any of your health related questions, feel free to email me at drangelalindenmuth@hotmail.com

Take care of yourselves and thanks for stopping by!

 

How to juggle it all… August 14, 2007

Filed under: Empowerment, Happiness, Parenting — chiromom @ 8:19 pm 


working-mom_501.jpgAfter being on bedrest for five months, I’m faced with the scary prospect of having an active 2 1/2 year old and a newborn under the same roof.  Don’t get me wrong it will be a very rewarding/frustrating time in my life, but after sitting and watching everyone take care of the major responsibilities in my life, I’m a little afraid.  Moms today have a double standard to live up to.  We’re supposed to be Supermom while maintaining a job and keeping a house that doesn’t consistently collect dust bunnies.  A little overwhelming, don’t you think?   If you are an overwhelmed stay at home mom or full time mommy, here are some tips that we can both try to balance it all.




    

  • Let it go…  I have learned this after five months of bedrest.  The house is NOT going to be perfect all the time.  I find that as long as toys are somewhat picked up at the end of the day, that is good enough.
    • 

  • Get over the guilt…  Many working moms are laden with the guilt of being away from their children.  Many studies are supporting that child care is a wonderful opportunity for children to develop great social skills while learning to be independent.
    • 

  • Take a time-out…  We don’t have to be Mommy martyrs.  Take time for yourself, preferably daily time-outs of at least 10 minutes.  I teach aerobics and I enjoy that time to move my body while not having to think about diaper changes for an hour.
    • 

  •  Believe in yourself…  We need to believe we are doing a good job.  We may not always get that praise so it needs to come from within.  Are your kids (usually) happy, are they fed, is there a roof over their heads?  If yes is the answer, then you are doing fine.
    • 





As we all know, being a mom is our most important job of all.  Take time and appreciate the little things of this job as it changes over the years.   Trust yourself!




 




























Drop the cholesterol points, naturally… August 2, 2007


Filed under: Uncategorized — chiromom @ 6:41 pm 
 





heart.jpgI can’t tell you how many patients I have had that have been prescribed medication to lower their cholesterol.  With this new age of statin drugs, what risks do they bring?  Check out the fun side effects that are listed for the “latest and greatest” drugs of choice by doctors across the country.




I must be brutally honest at this point.  Many people in our society want a quick fix for their “cholesterol” problem and their doctors want to take care of it immediately.   Well, instead of using a band-aid, how about we address the real reason for the problem: poor nutrition, lack of exercise and being significantly overweight.




    

  1. Nutritionally, we need to go back to the basics.   Dean Ornish, MD discussed a regimented diet that takes some getting used to, but ultimately lowers your overall cholesterol, naturally.   His diet recommendations are to help lower cholesterol levels to below 150.  His diet is vegetarian and does not allow more than 10% of calories to be from fat.  I think one could add low fat poultry and fish to his recommendations while still achieving the desired result.
    2. 

  2. Weighty issues…  Two thirds of the population is overweight and the problem is worsening. You need to find the incentive to take responsibility for your lack of food restraint and LOSE WEIGHT!  People need to understand that they are not invincible and a heart attack CAN happen to them, not just the poor guy down the street.  I think once the reality that being overweight is REALLY leading to a life of discomfort and numerous health issues with variable side effects, that our society will start to shift the country’s paradigm to take responsibility for its own overindulgence.
    3. 

  3. Exercising…  Many of you have a mindset against exercise, that it’s work and no fun.  Well, you need an attitude shift.   I understand that our society makes it very easy to be sedentary.  However, we can’t use that excuse forever, since our lives will begin to be shortened from poor lifestyle choices.  Your body is a machine that is comprised of energy.  It is meant to MOVE!   You don’t have to go run a marathon but you should find a total of 30 minutes a day of physical activity that increases your heart rate.  You don’t have to do it all at once, but in three increments of ten, if that works better for you.  Try the stairs instead of the elevator, join in a game of tag with your kids, or go out and wash your car the old fashioned way (meaning no drive through car washes).
    4. 





Our lives are surrounded by modern conveniences that make it easier to do everything from one location.  When you top it all off with a fast food diet and toxic medication it’s not a wonder that our country is getting sicker.    We need to take charge of our own bodies and allow them to work as they were designed to.  If we give ourselves a chance, instead of relying on a pill, then we can change this obesity epidemic and be stronger because of it!




 




























5 ways to cope with complications in pregnancy July 24, 2007


Filed under: Uncategorized — chiromom @ 7:50 pm 
 





965.jpgMany pregnancies are blissfully uneventful.  But then, there are those handful that are fraught with complications causing endless hours of worry.  As a mom-to-be in the second category, I felt compelled to share my knowledge in this arena.




22% of pregnant women experience complications at some point during their pregnancy and 20% of all will be on some form of bedrest.  As we await our babies from the sidelines, we have extra time to worry and obsess with every pregnant symptom and wonder if it warrants yet another 3 am call to the OB.   With this pregnancy I have sustained nearly 20 weeks of modified bedrest, which means I’m allowed to shower, make a quick meal, and take care of general hygeine, but remain quiet most of the day either in bed or on the couch.  Here are a few tips that I have found helpful while dealing with the stress of the unknown…




    

  1. Positive thinking and visualization.  No matter what your doctor/midwife tells you, there is always hope.  The babies that develop in us are typically pretty hardy and can flourish even as moms deal with complications.
    2. 

  2. Visualization.  Find a quiet place and focus your attention on having a healthy baby that is growing and receiving all the nourishment he/she needs.  Set at least five minutes a day to devote to this empowering exercise.  Banish the negative thoughts from your thinking.
    3. 

  3. Don’t internalize.  You’re scared, you’re freaking out and no one understands.  Since the minority of women have complications, you may not find the sympathy that you need or crave.  I have found some wonderful forums online that have very supportive women that have helped me get through my difficult periods.  Check out Sidelines for those of you on bedrest and look into forums through Yahoo.
    4. 

  4. Take one day at a time.  If you think about dealing with your complication for the rest of your pregnancy, you could be incredibly discouraged.  Instead, take a moment every day to express gratitude for another day that your baby is still growing in your belly.
    5. 

  5.  Put your trust in your faith.  Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs are, you need to trust in something greater than you that this pregnancy will turn out just as it should.  If it comes to pass that the pregnancy is not viable, you need to find a way to recognize that life will go on and maybe you will be blessed with a child at a later time.  This concept is the hardest.  But if you can release some of your worry, you will be less stressed allowing your baby to have a more relaxed environment increasing his chances to develop normally.
    6. 





This time in our lives can be an emotional roller coaster that does end and usually results in diaper duty and 2 am feedings.   Happy, healthy mommies make healthy, strong babies!




 




























Natural childbirth, are you crazy? July 20, 2007


Filed under: Pregnancy — chiromom @ 2:22 pm 
 





bellysilo.jpgAs a pregnant mom, I find that I’m constantly involved with conversations revolving around birth stories.  I have had women say they had a natural childbirth and after further query they meant that they had a vaginal birth.  So according to them natural and vaginal are one in the same.  Well, I want to dispel that myth and find some helpful hints to have a beautiful childbirth where mom is in control.




First of all a natural birth really is an unmedicated, vaginal birth.  To many, an unmedicated birth seems stupid.  However, there are many wonderful benefits to a natural birth.   Here are some tips to keep in mind while you are in the throws of birthing:




    

  • Trust your body.  Women have been giving birth for thousands of years without the help of an epidural.  Listen to your body and follow your instincts.
    • 

  • Avoid laying on your back. I must be honest.  With my first birth I did just this and almost ended up with a c-section.  Try to sit up on a birthing ball or take a walk (if you can) or even a warm shower to ease your pain.
    • 

  • Have a coach or doula.  I hope you will have someone with you that is educated in natural birthing techniques and is well versed in your birthing plan.   As they encourage you through your birth, recognize they are there to help you.  Don’t be afraid to let them help.
    • 

  • Relax.  Many of us want to tense up as our body experiences a lot of discomfort.  Focus your energy on the muscles of your uterus as it contracts to get baby out.  Take even and deep abdominal breaths to keep yourself as relaxed as possible.  Try dimming the lights and putting on some Enya to get you into that zen zone.
    • 

  • Don’t beat yourself up.  Complications can arise no matter how hard you are trying to have your “ideal” birth.  If there is a chance of having you or your baby’s life to be in danger and medical intervention is inevitable, don’t feel like you failed.  Holding that precious, healthy baby in your strong arms is a success, no matter how you got there.
    • 





If you are serious about more information on natural childbirth, you can look into the Bradley Method, which is a 12 week course, or search the internet for further info.   I plan on using my own advice with my birth.  I’ll let you know how it goes after he makes his debut.




 




























5 Ways to Treat Asthma Naturally… July 13, 2007


Filed under: Chiropractic, Health — chiromom @ 6:05 pm 
 





asthma.jpg __


You are running after your kids in the back yard when it strikes!  You are unable to catch your breath and you start frantically looking for your inhaler.   As you puff on the little device you think, “There has to be a better way to take care of this.” Asthma, a condition that affects 15 million people, is traditionally treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids which can have potentially serious side effects with prolonged use.




So what can you do?   Are there any natural techniques that have shown to help this epidemic?  Well, as a matter of fact there are.  Just take a look below.




    

  1. Go to the chiropractor.  Preliminary studies are showing that by receiving regular chiropractic adjustments have demonstrated promising results for asthma sufferers.   Chiropractors will look for subluxations (misalignments in the spine) and correct them.  The upper back region contain nerves that affect the lungs so this area may be of interest to your chiropractor as a potential source of subluxations.
    2. 

  2. Get that weight under control!  When you carry extra weight on your frame your organs, including your lungs will have to work harder to keep up with the extra demand of your added girth.
    3. 

  3. Drink water!  Many Americans are plagued with chronic dehydration, especially for our fellow caffeine addicts in which caffeine acts as a diuretic.   Good old fashioned water will help rehydrate your body and restore moisture to your lungs, allowing breathing to be an easier task.  Shoot for 8-10 glasses a day.   Trust me, as a former Diet Coke addict, it gets easier to drink over time.
    4. 

  4. Stay away from the fumes!   Whether you or someone around you smokes, get away from it.  If you smoke you need to quit to avoid a whole host of health problems.  If you are around smoke on a consistent basis - ask the person to smoke outside.  Luckily, many states are starting to pass laws prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants.
    5. 

  5. Use natural cleaners!  Many cleaners on the market have some pretty toxic fumes that can irritate sensitive lung tissue.  There are many ways to clean your house using just vinegar, some lemon juice, water and baking soda.
    6. 





Try these suggestions and see how your attacks will become less severe and less frequent.  Feel free to leave your story in the comments!




 




























Another option for seizure control… July 6, 2007


Filed under: Chiropractic, Seizures — chiromom @ 12:36 pm 
 





ep1.jpgOver 2.3 million people are affected with a type of seizure disorder.  I personally have someone very close to me that is afflicted by significant and serious seizures.  Traditionally, medications such as Phenobarbital, Depakote, and Tegretol have been given to help manage seizures.  These medications have many side effects that include liver damage.  Other traditional management options have included brain surgery and VNS therapy.




If you have tried some of these options with little success or the side effects have been overwhelming, I would suggest finding a chiropractor in your area that has had some experience with seizure control.   How it works:  seizures are a serious neurological problem where overstimulation of the brain causes the circuits to go “haywire” resulting in a seizures.  Chiropractic works with the nervous system by providing adjustments to the spine in order to allow the system to function more appropriately and essentially “dial down” the overstimulated brain and nerves.  There are a number of different techniques that have been shown to be effective to treat this type of disorder.  Studies are constantly increasing in number of how chiropractic has successfully helped patients with seizure disorders.   Why not try an option that has minimal side effects and potentially unlimited benefits.




 




























Fertility options continue to change… July 2, 2007


Filed under: Infertility, Pregnancy — chiromom @ 7:39 pm 
 





slide0073_image006.jpgA new procedure for the IVF method has recently surfaced in the news giving hope to otherwise barren women.   When a woman goes through IVF she must be exposed to massive amounts of hormones to stimulate her ovaries to produce mature, viable eggs.  These hormones can wreak havoc on a woman’s body and emotions.  This new procedure allows for the eggs to be extracted from the ovary in its immature form, thus bypassing the need for hormone injections.  The egg can then be frozen for a few months.  After it has been fertilized, it is placed into the mother-to-be’s womb, just like a routine IVF.  A woman in Montreal received this treatment last year and successfully birthed a little girl.




Of course, I am a big fan of letting nature run its course.  However, if your body is unable to get pregnant on its own, I believe this option has so many less side effects for the mother-to-be.  This procedure has many more trials to go through before it will be considered for the general population, but for a woman who cannot tolerate the hormonal rush from traditional IVF, such as those who need chemotherapy or who have polycystic ovarian syndrome,  this has great potential.




 




























Oh the horror of the scales… June 27, 2007


Filed under: Health, Pregnancy — chiromom @ 8:47 pm 
 





pregnancy.jpgBeing pregnant is definitely not the time to get overanxious about the scales and what they read. So, how do we cope and not get overly upset about the creeping numbers?




We have to face the fact, that we WILL gain weight. Okay so now that is out of the way, how much are we going to gain and can we lose it all? I’m a firm believer of “anything is possible”. After my first pregnancy and 30 pound weight gain, I did get back to my pre-pregnancy weight within a few months. However, with this pregnancy (I’m gaining a little slower) I have been on modified bedrest for almost 4 months and I worry about how much I’m eating and whether I will tip the scales over my 25-35 pound gain range, once this is said and done. Point is, I’m with you about the weight worry and since I have more time to dwell on it, it’s driving me crazy. So I’m going to make some suggestions for both of us that we can follow and focus on something more important than those stupid scales or the nurse “tsk, tsking” us if we gained more than the recommended pound a week.




    

  1. The most important reality here, is that we are growing another human life! Okay, and if that isn’t enough we need to gain enough weight for his and your health.
    2. 

  2. You’re pregnant, not FAT! Realize that many of those pounds are breasts (yay!), uterus, baby, placenta, blood volume and fat stores. It’s recommended to eat an average 300 extra calories a day (so we can’t literally eat for two=(
    3. 

  3. If you find that you are bored and want to eat, call a friend or take a walk. If you are on bedrest, try some easy exercises like isometric contractions and ankle circles.
    4. 

  4. If you do gain more than the recommended amount, let it go. Once the weight is there you can’t get rid of it, until baby comes. Since you can’t change it, release it and move on. This is the hardest for me since I like to dwell on it. Big waste of thoughts and energy. By the way, you will find that some months you will gain more than others as baby has growth spurts. Just keep that in mind when the scales take a huge jump.
    5. 

  5. Take heart, you CAN lose the weight after the baby is born. Breast feeding can burn an extra 500 calories a day. So a very nice side effect.
    6. 





Hang in there! Enjoy your diet, your pregnancy, and enjoy some ice cream (just not the whole half gallon!)




 




























How to turn a breech baby… June 24, 2007


Filed under: Chiropractic, Pregnancy — chiromom @ 6:59 pm 
 





breech-2.gifSo I had another little jaunt to the hospital on Friday due to some complications.   Luckily the baby and I are healthy, but the baby is breech at this time.  I’m almost 7 months pregnant so I have some time for him to turn, but it started me thinking about ways to turn a baby safely and naturally.  Breech presentations (where baby’s butt or feet are in the pelvis rather than the head) are a common reason for cesarean sections.  In this country 30% of births are by c-sections.  It can be a very safe option when mom and baby are in distress.    However, a vaginal birth is much more preferred, barring any other significant issues.   Here are a few options to try to coax baby into turning.




    

  1. See a chiropractor.  Many times us pregnant women are lucky enough to have low back issues causing a less than ideal situation for little one.  When there are low back problems they can cause restraints in our pelvis, causing baby to want to stay in a breech position.  Getting adjusted is a wonderful way to release that pressure in your pelvis.  Sometimes, the chiropractor can use a technique call the Webster’s technique to help turn the baby in the third trimester.  It’s a gentle procedure that works with the pelvis.
    2. 

  2. A knee chest position where your head, shoulders are on the mattress with your butt in the air (looks like how my two year old sleeps) while your hips and knees are bent to a little more than 90 degrees without touching tummy.  Hold for 15 minutes and repeat every two waking hours for five consecutive days.  I tried this one last night and I think the baby moved some.  At least he wasn’t kicking my bladder all night.
    3. 

  3. Try visualization - I don’t know the success rate of this option but it never hurts to try. Visualize him/her turning into a head first position and talk to your baby about it.  Keep yourself relaxed and your mind free of stress.   Repeat this a few times throughout the day.
    4. 

  4. Lastly, your OB or midwife may try an external cephalic version.  This can be very painful and you must have no other complications involved before it can be attempted.  I would use this as a last resort.
    5. 





Most likely, if your baby is full-term, he/she will turn.  The odds are in your favor at 96%.  So keep the faith and I’ll let you know how successful I am with my exercises.