People with back pain and injuries continue working out with Chiropractic in Livermore

My husband Don Parker and I joined our businesses, Lifestyle Fitness and Haque Chiropractic in 2009 because of the close relationship of our businesses. What I mean by that is we both had our own separate businesses prior, but we were referring clients/patients back and forth so that people could get healthy from the inside out. Many of his clients who were doing personal training and getting results would have aches and pains that would come in and see me so that we could address their aches and pains and have them continue forward on their workouts and therefore their results. Similarly, I had several patient cases that could not hold their spinal adjustments and correct their spinal injuries without strengthening their muscles so I would send them over to Lifestyle Fitness so they could maximize their results and get healthier. The body is such a complex organism. When you think of the all the organ systems, organs, muscles, ligaments, spinal structure, tissues, cells and atoms that makes us a complete human being, it takes a combination of eating right, staying strong by exercising, having a healthy nervous system and functioning joints to make us feel good and function optimally. Now, being in the same building, the right combination of strengthening, cardiovascular training, chiropractic, massage, physical therapy and nutritional counseling allows our patients and clients to work out, get fit, feel good and at the same time function better so they can continue to get healthier so they are in a positive health cycle. 

For more information on working out and getting rid of back pain contact us.

Haque Chiropractic and Lifestyle Fitness in Livermore provide FREE health information at the annual Honey Wine Festival

The day is windy, but luckily sunny!  People are walking around with their wine glass or beer shot glass in hand ready to enjoy the beginning of summer.  Today we have decided to open up our doors and provide people with free spinal check-ups, massages, information on exercise and better health. It may seem ironic to talk health this weekend to those who are drinking alcohol and eating hotdogs but we know from our patients and from previous years that it is these types of festivals that educate our community on having fun and enjoying good health too. 

So far, we have met several people with neck pain, back pain, headaches, pain from being pregnant and people who have wanted to lose weight and are frustrated that they are not getting anywhere on their own.  As such, we are providing free health screenings and discounts for those who need an appointment.  

Come by, if you are walking around this weekend and try our pull-up contest, get your spine checked, get a massage and see our facility. We’d love to meet you and your family.

For more information www.haquechiropractic.com or www.donslifestyle.com

Frozen shoulder is a diagnosis that is often given out to patients who begin to have difficulty moving their shoulder.  Often times there isn’t a specific injury that causes the shoulder to become painful and difficult to move.   There is a lot of speculation on what the cause may be including repetitive strain of the tendons to hormonal influence in women who are going through menopause.  Regardless of the diagnosis, the condition impacts the lives significantly of people as it affects daily activities such as getting dressed, combing their hair, lifting groceries and sleeping.

Treatment options are slim in the medical world and usually include anti-inflammatory medications, ice and cortisone injections.  Although these options may be helpful, there are of course side effects too. Another safe option is myofascial release, stretching, range of motion exercises and shoulder adjustments.  This is the approach I take with patients in my office in Livermore.  When I see patients who have rotator cuff injuries including frozen shoulder, we bring back motion to the shoulder gently with simple movements, stretching and exercises. In most cases after a few weeks of treatment and exercises the range of motion will improve by more than 70% and pain will decrease significantly.

In many cases, I will refer the patient to one of our trainers at our gym, Lifestyle Fitness, so they can safely strengthen the shoulder muscles so that my patient can regain 100% motion and function of their shoulder and resume to their lifestyle.

One of my favorite stretches to prevent shoulder problems is the door way stretch.  It is easy to do and works great! Just stand in a doorway and place your hands on the door frame so that the elbows and forearms are 90 degrees. Then let your body fall forward so that you feel a great stretch in the front of the chest muscles. This stretch helps to relieve the stress on the shoulder and should be preformed twice daily for 30 seconds to be effective.

For more information on shoulder tendonitis, frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injury treatment options, contact us.

Jump start to your weight loss goals in 2011

As a personal trainer and fitness facility owner in Livermore, I hear several weight loss goals from my clients as the year begins.  Motivation seems to be replenished as January 1 comes around and more and more people are hitting the gym trying to burn off those pounds they gained during the holidays.

As an expert in fitness and weight loss here are a few tips that can make the difference between falling off the horse or reaching your health and weight loss goals this year.

1. Set reachable small goals-don’t just say you’re going to lose weight this year. Make a set goal such as, drop 5 pounds per month until you lose 25 pounds.
2. Track your progress. Make sure you measure your results the same time each week by getting on the scale the same time with the same amount of clothing.
3. Eat right. Eating is the biggest part of achieving your goals. I tell my clients that it accounts for 80% of your success. If you need information on what you should and shouldn’t be eating contact me.
4. Don’t give up. It’s okay if you don’t reach your goals right away each month.  Stay the course and keep motivated to exercise and eat right even if you have a cheat day!
5. 5.       Get help. So many people lose their focus and motivation as life is hectic and distracting. Get a personal trainer to help you get the body you want.

If you are looking for a personal trainer consider the following checklist to give you an indication of the caliber of the trainer:

1. Have certifications in Personal Training
2. Take your weight, body measurements and body fat percentage for a baseline before training you
3. Takes time to discuss your goals and helps you to set reasonable weight-loss and fitness goals
4. Speaks with you about nutrition and gives you a tailored menu for you to follow
5. Changes up work-out routines so that your body does not hit a plateau
6. Re-assess your progress regularly by re-measuring you
7. Provides you with cardiovascular routines with your workouts for maximum fat-burning
8. Acts like a counselor and provides guidance when you need it most

If you are still uncertain about getting a 5-star Personal Trainer visit www.donslifestyle.com in Livermore or call me, at (925)699-7063

You can enjoy holiday parties and dinners without destroying your diet!

As a personal trainer in Livermore, CA, many of my clients repeatedly hear me telling them how important their diet is to their weight loss goals. In fact, I always make it a point to mention that diet is 80% of the work and exercise is only 20% of the work in achieving weight loss.

It is for this reason that many clients are getting a bit worried as the holidays are in full swing the party invitations are being passed out.  What many people may not realize is that the holidays do not have to be a break on your diet or take away from your progress.  There are many simple solutions to keeping you on tract such as the following:

• Drink water before a big holiday meal or party. Many times our bodies are confused about being hungry when we are really thirsty. Drinking water will help solve this problem and keep your appetite from expanding as you view the delicious foods.
• Plan in advance certain foods that you are going to choose to eat and foods that you are going to skip to avoid piling unwanted and unnecessary calories onto your plate.
• Stop eating when you are full. So many people keep stuffing themselves because they feel that they should be eating everything on their plate.  Sometimes using a smaller plate can help this problem and we should only eat until we are full.
• Avoid the leftovers after the parties are over. If you have splurged a little for the thanksgiving holiday, eating the leftovers all week will have calories too. Avoid this situation by not taking any home or distributing them to your guests.

Having fun at the holidays is still possible if you are trying to keep in good shape and health.  Also remember that in order to prevent weight gain is to expend as many calories out as you take in. Maybe doing an extra 10-15 minutes of cardio on the day of a holiday party can prevent the pounds from sticking to the waste line.

‘Waist-ful’ thinking at Haque Chiropractic and Lifestyle Fitness:

It is officially holiday time where the parties begin, the healthy habits go out the window, exercise routines get put off and holiday stress builds up in the joints.  That is why many suffer with aches and pains, weight gain and lowered self-esteem come January.  Instead of getting into this negative and unhealthy cycle during the holidays Haque Chiropractic and Lifestyle Fitness in downtown Livermore are teaming up to prevent people from losing sight of their health during the holiday season.

Here are a few tips to save your waistline and your joints:

1.       Stay the course-even though you are busier than ever getting your holiday shopping done and joining in on the festivities, stay committed to your exercise routine. Put it as a priority to work out with weights and do some cardiovascular exercise that gets you sweating for at least 20 minutes 3 days per week. This will in the long run prevent the excess weight gain come January.

2.       Say no-know your limits with eating and drinking.  There’s no doubt that this time of year is more challenging to stay away from the extra calories but keep it in check. Have only one small serving of desert and keep the alcohol at minimum.  Remember every 4 ounce size glass of wine is about 80 empty calories.  Also keep eating small meals throughout the day, don’t wait to eat just for the holiday dinner where you will over-fill yourself and put on excess weight.

3.       Don’t give up, get moving-Just because you might over do it at the holiday party or dinner the night before, don’t be discouraged. Get up the next morning and get your body moving. Do something that will get your heart rate up and sweat beads forming so you can burn off those extra calories. Also drink extra water to help detoxify your body. Water is the fastest and best way to cleanse your body.

4.       Keep on top of your joints! Just because it is the holiday season don’t forget to practice good spinal hygiene.  Keep your neck and back pain at bay by visiting your chiropractor and get adjusted.  Don’t forget to stretch and practice good posture while shopping and lifting and putting up the Christmas tree.

If you need help with your health and waist-line this holiday season contact us at Haque Chiropractic and Lifestyle Fitness in Livermore.

Livermore patients and clients are appreciated Saturday April 10, 2010

Yesterday, we hosted a day of appreciation for our patients at Haque Chiropractic and clients of Lifestyle Fitness. With all the negativity in the media and with the economy, we believe that hosting a party and taking the time to for gratitude can bring cheer and better health to our Livermore community.

At Haque Chiropractic, we offered all exams, X-rays, scoliosis screenings complimentary to family members and friends of our patients.  Our current patients received a complimentary adjustment all day from 8am-1pm.  In addition, we had snacks and beverages served in the reception. 

Lifestyle Fitness also promoted good health by providing workouts to couples and other people who are interested in getting in to shape without any cost. Don Parker, the owner of the personal training gym spent the time to take body measurements and discuss individual goals of those who did a sample work-out. 

The ability to influence the health and lives of our patients and clients is an honor that we take to heart. Thank you!

Some important information about Casien proteins found in milk

A big portion of health is what we put into our bodies.  The purpose of food is to provide our body with the fuel it needs to do what we require in a day, however, so much of what we consume is pre-packaged and overly processed, leading to a lack of actual nutrition. One of the key factors in living a wellness lifestyle is making wiser dietary decisions; and eliminating casein from your diet may be something for you to consider.

What is Casein? Casein is a protein found in milk and dairy products, but is also used as a binding agent in many other foods. Technically it is a phosphoprotein that accounts for nearly 80% of the proteins in cow’s milk and cheese.

Why Eat Casein-Free? Eating casein-free, when combined with a gluten-free diet, has reportedly had very positive results for those who have an autistic spectrum disorder, such as: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, atypical autism and pervasive developmental disorder.

Additionally, many people that have assumed they are allergic to milk may actually be suffering from a casein allergy. The problem with a lack of awareness as to the true allergy is that casein is found in more than just dairy products. This “binding agent” has technical uses as well as edible and has been used in paints (including fingernail polish), other cosmetics and even glue (or industrial adhesives).

The Problem with Casein Whether or not you or someone in your household battles with allergies, a digestive disorder or has an allergy to milk or dairy products, everyone in your home can benefit from eating casein free, or at least reducing their daily intake of dairy.

A clinical study by FitzGerald and Bundesanstalt, in 2000, determined that there is a “natural opiate” embedded in casein protein, which may lead to the comfort feeling after digestion and any cravings for chocolate and cheese that are unrelated to hunger.

Studies by Dr. Reichelt in Norway and Dr. Cade at the University of Florida, among others, found that urine samples from people with autism, PDD, celiac disease and schizophrenia contained high amounts of the casomorphin peptide. It has been suggested that the amounts of this peptide may also be elevated in other

similar disorders such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression based on the reported benefits of a gluten-free and casein-free diet.

The Problems With Milk While casein is most certainly a concern, it’s not the sole problem with milk. A large study led by Catherine S. Berkey of Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston revealed that the con-sumption of milk may be contributing to the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Breast Surgery Chief of California’s Seton Medical Center, Dr. Robert Kradjian, reviewed archives of medical and scientific journals and found that milk is

not the “perfect food” it is reported to be. He found that many childhood disorders were, if not induced, certainly aggravated by an increased intake of dairy products, including but not limited to: allergies, ear and tonsil infections, bedwetting, asthma, intestinal bleeding (lesions), colic and childhood diabetes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents not to give their children dairy milk before their first birthday. Dr. Frank Oski, former Chief of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and the author of Don’t Drink Your Milk, believes that milk should not be given to children to drink, ever. Since milk has been associated with iron deficiency anemia, occult gastrointestinal bleeding and various manifestations of food allergies, he believes it would be prudent to recommend that milk not be consumed at all.

Other Dairy Products These problems with milk most certainly carry over into all dairy products, including butter, cheese, ice cream,

yogurt, etc., and, in reality, are compounded by the process of creating these food items.

The process of making cheese removes the water, lactose and whey proteins resulting in the casein being concentrated, increasing the effect of the peptides being released during digestion.

What to Avoid There are many foods that as matter of course contain casein and should be avoided, these include but are not limited to milk, cream and Half & Half, yogurt, butter and sour cream, cheese (even some soy brands), white or milk chocolate, ice cream, ice milk or sherbet, creamed soups or vegetables, soup bases, puddings, custard and whey. 

Concerned About Calcium When making a decision to eliminate dairy many parents are concerned about calcium. According to researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, food is the best source of calcium, with a cup of spinach containing more than an 8 ounce glass of milk. Other great sources include broccoli, kale, romaine lettuce, cabbage and oranges.

Consuming diary products is a matter of choice, but with the potential for allergic reactions, the high fat content and the problems with casein, it’s good to know that there are other choices.

While a casein-free diet can be necessary for those struggling with specific disorders, everyone can benefit from making this life-changing decision.

 For more information contact us!

20 benefits of regular exercise

As a personal training and chiropractic facility in the heart of Livermore, we try to promote to our patients and clients healthy living and wellness through regular spinal adjustments, healthy eating and regular exercise. This week’s blog lists the top twenty benefits to regular exercise: 

1. Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories everyday.
2. Increases your aerobic capacity (fitness level).  This gives you the ability to go through your day with less relative energy expenditure.  This enables a “fit” person to have more energy at the end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less fatigue.
3. Maintains, tones, and strengthens your muscle.  Exercise also increases your muscular endurance.
4. Decrease your blood pressure.
5. Increases the oxidation (breakdown and use) of fat.
6. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
7. Makes the heart a more efficient pump by increasing stroke volume.
8. Increases hemoglobin concentration in your blood.  Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
9. Decreases the tendency of the blood to clot in the blood vessels.  This is important because small clots traveling in the blood are often the cause of heart attacks and strokes.
10. Increases the strength of the bones.
11. Causes the development of new blood vessels in the heart and other muscles.
12. Enlarges the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
13. Decreases blood levels of triglycerides (fat).
14. Improves control of blood sugar.
15. Improves sleep patterns.
16. Increases the efficiency of the digestive system which may reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
17. Increases the thickness of cartilage in joints which has a protective effect on the joints.
18. Decreases a woman’s risk of developing endometriosis by 50%.
19. Increases the amount of blood that flows to the skin making it look and feel healthier.
20. Exercise, in addition to all the physiological and anatomical benefits, just makes you feel GREAT!

For more information on exercise, chiropractic or seek professional help with personal training contact us.

A Recap of events at our office…

Our day began early today….actually we begin seeing patients at 5:30a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.  It was lively on this rainy morning!  First we had a patient who works with the Cirque Du Soleil come in from San Jose for chronic pain in his right rib cage from setting up the materials for the show and directing the actors.  Because of his results, he insists on make the drive to Livermore from San Jose 3 times per week.

As the morning progresses we are taking care of patients who have complaints of lower back pain, shoulder pain after rotator cuff surgery, a patient who is suffering from a whiplash after a car accident and a patient who complains of numbness and weakness in her hands.  Each adjustment goes well and provides the patient with improvement in their functioning and pain relief. 

We all get together for our weekly pow-wow to discuss patient needs, office management and other subjects that include improving our efficiency and services to our patients.  During our meeting, we get a walk-in patient who is complaining of a stiff neck upon waking up.  After taking care of her, we see a patient who comes in from the Lifestyle Fitness who worked out with their trainer and was feeling some stiffness in her back afterwards. We get her adjusted and provide some therapy on her muscles so she can face the world.

The phone rings and a new patient comes into the office who found us on the web. She limps in after being in pain for the last few days in her lower back with pain radiating into her buttocks. She tells us that she is having difficulty moving, lifting her baby and sleeping. We examine her thoroughly and take X-rays of her lower back. 

One of my favorite parts of the day is our patients who come in feeling great. They come in on a maintenance basis to “tune-up” their joints and prevent and future injuries. It’s fun to take care of people who are making a conscious effort to take care of themselves before problems arise!

Next…getting ready for my presentation on Back Injury Prevention at Eden Villa in Pleasanton.  This one hour presentation is provided to businesses and groups around the area complimentary so that I can spread the word and preventing injuries and help to improve the health care system.