The mindset of most individuals is such that they think drugs and / or other supplements are supposed to make us feel better without any consideration for lifestyle. Consider, for example, cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arterial walls). These all-too-common diseases develop as a result of years of poor eating and lack of exercise - not because you haven't taken the proper dose of medications!
 
Many people often make the critically wrong assumption that certain drugs, herbs or other supplements will negate the poor dietary habits that almost certainly contributed to the health condition in the first place. No medication or herb or supplement can do that.

So, how should we view the utility of the supplements and herbs we choose to take? Supplements and herbs (and prescription drugs if those are necessary) play an important role as health-promoting additions to a healthy lifestyle highlighted by an appropriate anti-inflammatory diet.

We now know that chronic inflammation functions as the fuel that lights the fire to disease development and progression. Numerous inflammatory signaling molecules play a role in promoting disease activity. Research has proven that maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet and supplementing our diet with proper nutrition will reduce the activity of these molecules, which suggests these strategies are useful in preventing and treating multiple diseases. An anti-inflammatory diet is one that derives most of its calories from lean meat and fish, vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

We all suffer from inflammation issues to varying degrees. The overall goal for each of us should be to create a solid anti-inflammatory foundation with proper diet and supplemental support. It is very important to embrace this foundation as the approach to disease prevention, obesity, avoidance of chronic musculoskeletal syndromes, and overall health improvement.

Commit to at least one month of anti-inflammatory eating. Within a week to a month you are likely to feel a difference and know for sure how "deflaming" your diet can improve your health. In addition, drink plenty of clean water and appropriately exercise as much as you can. If you need help or want more information on a no-nonsense approach to healthy, anti-inflammatory eating, please feel free to contact me.

This past week I had a few new patients that had something in common. They all spent the majority of their workday at a computer, and their symptoms were directly correlated with their failure to set up their workspace correctly. It goes without saying that many of you reading this newsletter probably fall into this category as well  and may benefit from reconfiguring your workstation -  whether it be at your office or in your home. So read on.

Proper ergonomic setup refers to having your computer monitor, keyboard, chair, and workspace organized in a way that promotes pain-free work and discourages repetitive-strain and other related injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders related to computer use include neck pain, tension headaches, lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, and account for an estimated 14 million work-related injuries per year.

Here are a few easy prevention tips:

Adjust your keyboard height. When you are in a seated position and sitting up straight, the position of the keyboard should be at the height of your elbows. If the keyboard sits too low, it forces your shoulders to be in an elevated or shrugged position, which places stress on the upper trapezius muscle. If this position is held too long or assumed every day over time, adhesions and trigger points in this muscle can result in both pain and / or headaches. Keep in mind that the computer mouse should be at the same appropriate height as the keyboard.

Adjust your monitor height. The top of your monitor should be at the level of your eyebrows or top of your head. Looking down or straining your head forward to see your monitor will likely aggravate your neck and back muscles.

Adjust your chair height and sitting position. Maintain a flat-footed placement on the floor to help with overall balance while sitting. The backs of your upper legs and your buttocks should completely contact the base of the chair whenever possible. Try to sit back in the chair as far as possible and maintain contact with your shoulders against the back of the chair. This will help prevent the troublesome rounded shoulder / forward head posture we are trying to avoid.

Change positions from time to time. Make it a priority to stand up every 15 minutes or so. If even for only 30 seconds, this will decompress the spine and increase circulation. Even better would be having a standing workstation. If you are your own boss or have an employer who is open to suggestions, consider this option. Believe it or not, there are even workstations being made now that come complete with a treadmill so "desk jockeys" can get off the pine and actually walk while they are working!

I make it a priority to educate patients on the little things they can do to make a difference and help themselves. It  may seem like an oversimplification, but by incorporating some of these tips into your workstation setup, you may be able to avoid related musculoskeletal aches and pains.

If you have recently subscribed to The Renkens Center Newsletter and you find it informative, and find yourself wanting to read past newsletters, you can do so by going to my website. Old issues are all posted there. Simply go to: www.therenkenscenter.com and click on the 'Newsletters' page. While you are there, take a minute to check out the 'Blog' page as well. You may find some other food for thought and useful tips you can incoroporate into your daily life to make a healthier you!