|
Press Release Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739.2500 drben@oschw.com Three-year old shows marked improvement after one month Chiropractic Care Helps Child With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (05/18/09 - Oakdale, MN). A recent article published in The Journal of Pediatrics, Maternal and Family Health, March 2009, reports the case study of a 3-year old male patient who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The child’s mother indicated that her son’s birth was traumatic and complicated, including a fractured left clavicle during birthing. The boy showed signs of ADHD from the age of two, including falling out of bed as many as three times a night and having a history of ear infections and respiratory problems. The child’s pre-school teacher referred him to a psychologist because of temper tantrums and biting incidents with other children. “The usual medical treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD is a psycho-stimulant drug, like Ritalin,” said Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. “This type of treatment is reported to be about 70% effective, but there are serious side-effects of these drugs, like stunted growth, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, stomach aches, and, in some instances, heart and blood pressure problems.” In the case of this 3-year old, the mother wanted to try chiropractic care as a way to avoid using the drug regimen usually prescribed. The examining chiropractor, using a non-intrusive device known as an Insight Subluxation Station, conducted thermal scans of the child’s spine and found the existence of a subluxation in the child’s upper cervical area. “A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that disturbs normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Smetana. “Many chiropractors, including myself, have this technology that allows them to conduct thermal and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist.” The patient underwent chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments, with frequency of care initially set at three times per week for the first three weeks, then once a week, then once every two weeks. After one month, the mother and teacher noted improved attention and less hyperactivity. The patient’s thermal scans also showed improvement. The child remains on a twice-monthly plan of chiropractic care, with no drug therapy, and continues to show improvement. “This is just one case study,” explained Dr. Smetana, and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn.” Dr. Smetana’s chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station. This technology is certified by the Space Foundation, which was co-founded by NASA, and is used by 8,000 chiropractors worldwide to measure nervous system health and performance. # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (telephone 651-739-2500). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com Chronic constipation second most frequent pediatric complaint Study Shows Chiropractic Care Benefits Constipated Infants (5/4/2009, Oakdale, MN) A very small study group—three infants, all under two years of age—was put into chiropractic care for periods of three weeks to three months in a controlled research project. Following the study, which was funded by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association of Media, PA, all three children showed marked improvement in their condition. “Chronic constipation afflicts the very young and the aged among our population with more frequency than the rest of us,” said Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. “This problem accounts for 25% of all visits to pediatric gastroenterologists, but few formal studies have been conducted.” Researchers chose three infants who were experiencing infrequent bowel movements of from once a week to once every 3 or 4 days. Parents of these infants had tried dietary changes and the use of cod liver oil and mineral oil, all under the direction of medical doctors. Nothing worked. “The infants received full spinal chiropractic care,” said Dr. Smetana, “for periods ranging from three weeks to three months. All three experienced almost immediate improvement, and by the end of the study, all three had bowel movements at least once every 1-2 days.” “This study represents a very preliminary level of findings, and much more research is needed,” Dr. Smetana added. “But the results should offer some encouragement for parents of children with this problem.” Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN (telephone 651.492.4485). # # # Reference: “The successful chiropractic care of pediatric patients with chronic constipation: A case study and selective review of the literature,” Clinical Chiropractic (2008) 11, 138-147. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500X drben@oschw.com Eight-year old got no relief from drugs or surgery Chiropractic Care Helps Child With Headaches, Chronic Ear and Sinus Infections (4/20/2009, Oakdale, MN). An article published in Proceedings, a respected journal of the Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics of the International Chiropractors Association, reports the case study of an eight-year old female patient suffering from recurring headaches and chronic ear and sinus infections. The child had been through repeated rounds of antibiotic treatments and sinus surgery. Even the extreme procedure of two typanectomy surgeries to one of the child’s eardrums failed to alleviate her condition. “Children are often plagued with sinus and ear conditions,” said Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. “This case study illustrates that when medical treatment fails to bring about the desired results, chiropractic care may be an effective alternative. It is a non-invasive approach.” In the case of this 8-year old, the parents had taken their child to several medical practitioners, but symptoms persisted. The child’s regular pediatrician was about to recommend another tympanectomy and a continued regimen of antibiotics. Before following that recommendation, the parents took their daughter to a chiropractor. The examining chiropractor found the existence of a subluxation in the child’s upper cervical area and, using sEMG scanning technology, evidence of muscle hypertonicity, or tightness, in both the cervical and thoracic areas. “A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that disturbs normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Heidi Salonek. “We have technology that allows us to conduct Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist.” The patient underwent chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments. After one month of such care, child and parents noted an absence of headaches, and sinus and ear pain had also decreased markedly. As a result, the planned third ear surgery was cancelled. The patient’s sEMG scans showed improvement, but chiropractic care was continued. After four months, the patient reported that headaches had ceased and that ear and sinus infections were absent. Her sEMG scans and x-rays were at, or near, normal. “This is just one case study,” explained Dr. Smetana, and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn.” Dr. Smetana and Dr. Salonek’s chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station. This technology is certified by the Space Foundation, which was co-founded by NASA, and is used by 8,000 chiropractors worldwide to measure nervous system health and performance. # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana or Dr. Salonek, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com Study of 43 infants shows less crying and more sleep Colicky Babies Benefit From Chiropractic Care (3/2/09 - Oakdale, MN). A study was conducted late last year by doctors at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom to determine if chiropractic care had any benefit for colicky infants. Colic is generally defined as persistent crying, not likely to be soothed by a caring parent, mainly occurring in late afternoon and evening in infants who are well fed and healthy. “Colic is a condition with no known treatment protocols that have proven to be entirely effective,” said Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. “This study represents an interesting approach that parents with colicky babies may want to try.” Researchers established criteria for inclusion in the study: infants less than eight weeks old who cried more than three hours for at least four of the previous seven days. The study group was eventually set at 43 children. "Two methods of chiropractic care were used, both very gentle, non-invasive procedures,” said Dr. Heidi Salonek. “Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was used on 22 of the infants, and occipito-sacral decompression (OSD) on the other 21, all selected at random for each particular care methodology.” By the 7th day of the short-term trial study, crying was significantly reduced by about 2 hours per day in both groups. By the 14th day of the trial, that reduction in crying was even more pronounced. Four weeks after the completion of the study, colic had disappeared in 82% of the infants undergoing the SMT care and in 67% of the infants undergoing the OSD care. “A properly functioning nervous system is just as important in infants as it is in adults,” said Dr. Salonek, who makes a point of encouraging all her adult patients to bring in their children to get checked out. “Stress and other imbalances have an overall effect on our bodies that we in the profession refer to as subluxations,” explains Dr. Smetana, whose chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station, a technology used by NASA in the space program, to measure nervous system health and performance. “Listen to your body and you can dramatically alter your well-being,” Dr. Smetana continued. Dr. Smetana added that studies like these give insight into potentially new ways to approach age-old problems of health, but was quick to remark that such studies are just a first step toward further understanding health issues like colic. # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana and Dr. Salonek, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (telephone 651-739-2500). You can also listen to their weekly health news podcast by visiting http://ssmetana.healthnewspodcast.info/ Reference: “Comparison of the short-term effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation and occipito-sacral decompression in the treatment of infant colic: A single-blinded, randomized, comparison Trial,” by Maria Browning and Joyce Miller, Clinical Chiropractic (2008) 11, 122-129. Smetana, Salonek Attend Creating Wellness Summit Dr. Benjamin Smetana and Dr. Heidi Salonek recently attended the Creating Wellness Alliance summit in Chicago IL. Drs. Smetana and Salonek are the owners of Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center in Oakdale, MN. During the summit, chiropractors, wellness coaches and chiropractic assistants celebrated the 113th birthday of chiropractic. Speakers included Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, Lance Armstrong’s chiropractor and Dr. Patrick Gentempo, the chiropractor who is the creator and CEO of the Creating Wellness Alliance. Dr. Russ Riess, a heart surgeon, is the medical director of the Creating Wellness Alliance. Reiss is responsible for developing and implementing a medical referral program for Creating Wellness Centers across North America. The medical referral program will partner Creating Wellness Centers with local medical doctors. The program will focus on helping patients identify the causes of their disease or anti-wellness behavior and provide them with a wellness solution designed to work on all three dimensions of wellness – physical, biochemical and psychological (Be Fit, Eat Right, Think Well). “Nobody is incorporating the three dimensions of wellness like this program,” Reiss said. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Reiss is the son of two pediatricians. A 2007 Inductee into the Wellness Revolution Hall of Fame, Reiss is a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Utah and Salt Lake City VA Hospital. He works with a multi-institutional team of researchers who focus on all aspects of stem cell therapy for the heart. He is recognized as a world leader in this research. The Creating Wellness Alliance is a privately held company with a network of hundreds of doctor-led wellness centers. CWA provides wellness programs to consumers and corporations. For more information, visit www.creatingwellness.com or call Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center at 651-739-2500. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 651.739.2500 drben@oschw.com Local Doctors Point to Study in Infant Care Chiropractic Care May Improve Infants’ Sleep (11/12/2008, Oakdale, MN). A pilot study conducted by Joyce Miller and Matts Klemsdal evaluated whether routine chiropractic care in infants had also improved the patients’ sleep pattern. Sleep problems plague about 25 percent of all infants; they are measured by the time it takes the child to settle down, the amount of consecutive sleep hours the child accumulates and the quality of sleep. All this can add a great amount of stress to new parents. And according to Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. and Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C., in many cases, a disturbed sleep pattern is usually also accompanied by an infant’s excessive crying. Drs. Smetana and Salonek point to a pilot study published this year in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. In the study, 116 infants, who were in chiropractic care for various health challenges, were rated on their sleep behavior during the course of their care. Of the infants, only 10 percent had initially come to the chiropractor because of dysomnia or sleep disturbances, while the majority of the children received chiropractic care for excessive crying. The parents were asked to complete a questionnaire on their child’s sleep pattern after the 1st, 4th and 7th visit to the chiropractor on the amount of hours the child slept, the quality of sleep and the time it took for the child to fall asleep. The data was analyzed and showed a significant improvement in the children’s sleep pattern after the adjustments. After the 1st visit, almost 40 percent of infants slept deeper. That percentage jumped to more than 60 percent after the 7th visit. The percentage of children who had difficulty falling asleep fell from more than 65 percent after the 1st visit to just over 22 percent after the 7th visit. Most children had received adjustments to the upper cervical spine. “This is an important finding that warrants more scientific and clinical research,” adds Dr. Smetana. “Chiropractic care seems not only to help children get a better night’s sleep, it also reduces the stress on parents. And stress, as we all know, has its own health challenges.” Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana or Dr. Salonek, their office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). # # # Reference: “Can Chiropractic Care Improve Infants’ Sleep?” by Joyce Miller and Matts Klemsdal, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Volume 9, No. 1, 2008. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com Local Doctors Stress Mind-Body Connection Chiropractic Care Eases Severe Depression (10/20/2008 – Oakdale, MN) A case study authored by Alain M.J. Desaulniers credits regular chiropractic care with helping a 46-year old man overcome his major depression and increase his quality of life. More than 15 million American adults are diagnosed with mood disorders every year, which include major depression, Dysthymia and Bipolar Disorder. The disease is usually treated with antidepressants, according to the study, but the quality of life of people who are clinically depressed is subdued by the medications’ many unwanted side effects. The prevalence of the disease has Dr. Smetana and Dr. Salonek pointing to the case report published this year in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The report states the important role chiropractic care can play in the management of depressions. In this particular study, a 46-year old man suffered from major depression and was taking an antidepressant with unwanted side effects, such as decrease in his sex drive, dizziness, muscle weakness and insomnia. A chiropractic evaluation revealed that he had suffered physical trauma in the past, which led to vertebral subluxations. A subluxation is a condition in which the body is unable to function properly because of interferences with the nervous system, and the condition may be corrected with chiropractic adjustments. The patient had a total of 34 adjustments done on various parts of his spine over a period of 11 months. After the first visit, his dizziness subsided, and he experienced a decrease in lower back and neck pain. After three visits, he felt less anxious and fatigued and reported an increase in muscle strength. Over time, his depression significantly improved, and he was eating healthier. Previous studies have shown a correlation between injury or trauma to the spine and the onset of social disorders, in addition to biochemical changes in the brain. One of the areas that chiropractic care focuses on in the spinal cord is enriched with neuropeptides receptors, which are responsible for the so-called brain reward cascade that triggers a feeling of well-being. “An impairment of these receptors due to subluxation in the corresponding area of the spine can be one of the underlying causes for depression and for mood or social alterations,” said Dr. Smetana. “However, more studies of this kind are needed. But one thing is clear: An adjusted spine is vital to our health, to our overall state of well being and thus to our quality of life.” # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana or Dr. Salonek, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). Reference: “Effect of Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care on Quality of Life in a Patient With Major Depression” by Alain M.J. Desaulniers, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 23, 2008. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center 1015 Helmo Ave Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com Local Doctor Points to New Findings in Child Nutrition Diet Change May Ease ADHD (10/20/2008 - Oakdale, MN). An article authored by Nina Larson credits changes in diet with the successful treatment of hyperactivity in children. As part of a long-term study that began in 1996-1997 in the southwestern Norwegian town of Stavanger, 23 children aged four to 11 — all suffering from hyperactive disorders including ADHD — were put on milk-free and/or gluten-free diets. Their development has been monitored by researchers ever since in a quest to prove a theory by scientist Karl Ludvig Reichelt that a metabolic disorder hinders the adequate breakdown of certain proteins in kids suffering from hyperactive disorders. Eating certain foods like milk and gluten may accelerate ADHD in the children, because they lack an enzyme that breaks down proteins like casein (which is found in milk and enables milk-clotting to make cheese), explains Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Moreover, the missing or inhibited enzyme has an opium-like effect on the children’s brains. By reducing the intake of foods containing proteins that require casein for proper digestion, the patients’ hyperactivity can be controlled. Dr. Smetana points to the study published this year by Agence France Press. In the study, 22 of the children taken off milk products and other foods containing casein showed an almost immediate improvement in their mental health, including overall behavior, enhanced attention-span and increased learning capabilities. The symptoms returned, however, as soon as the foods were reintroduced into their diets. Most kids had been taking medications, like Ritalin, to treat the disorders prior to changing their diets. After adjusting their food intake, however, they were taken off the medicine. Similar international research has already been done to link the protein disorder with autism and schizophrenia. Now, ADHD may stem from the same digestive disorder as well. “Digestive problems and metabolic imbalances have an overall effect on our bodies, even on our mental state,” explains Dr. Smetana who also stresses the importance of a properly functioning nervous system. Dr. Smetana’s chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station, a technology used by NASA in the space program, to measure nervous system health and performance. “Listen to your body and you can dramatically alter your well-being,” Dr. Smetana continued. “That old adage is true: You are what you eat.” # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). Reference: “Diet Change Gives Hyperactive Kids New Taste for Life in Norway” by Nina Larson, AFP and Yahoo! News, Feb. 24, 2008. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Benjamin Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 651.739.2500 drben@oschw.com Local Creating Wellness Center introduces “The Biggest Winner - Fall Challenge”. Doctors Focus To Re-Vitalize Their Community - $2500 awarded to one national winner. (09/23/08, Oakdale, MN). Dr. Benjamin Smetana and Dr. Heidi Salonek, owners of the Oakdale-based Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center, are participating in the nationally recognized wellness program entitled “The Biggest Winner – Fall Challenge”. This program is being launched by Creating Wellness Alliance and their 250 plus Creating Wellness Centers through North America and Canada. “The Biggest Winner – Fall Challenge” will offer participants a customized wellness program based on their needs. Each person that registers will receive a comprehensive non-intrusive wellness assessment that measures their own level of wellness, along with a customized program that focuses on all three dimensions of wellness – Be Fit (Physical), Eat Right (BioChemical) and Think Well (Psychological). “The Biggest Winner – Fall Challenge is a fun and motivational way to get people involved in their own wellness” stated Dr. Ben Smetana. “The Creating Wellness program is so simple, and the results so fantastic, that everyone will want to be involved”, added Dr. Salonek Creating Wellness challenges and encourages people all over the world to “Reclaim Their Lives” through a safe, doctor lead program of fitness, nutrition and life style with the goal of transforming their bodies, health and lives. “The Biggest Winner – Fall Challenge will coach participants on how to deal with the challenges of everyday stress through a proven wellness program” commented Dr. Smetana. “If your goal is to lose weight, tone muscle, eat right or just fell better about yourself overall, than this is the program for you” added Dr. Salonek. To learn more about “The Biggest Winner – Fall Challenge” contact Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center at 651.739.2500. # # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center 1015 Helmo Ave N. Oakdale, MN, 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com Local Doctor Points to New Findings in Alternative Medicine Our Cells Respond to Human Touch (09/04/08 - Oakdale, MN). A 2-year research study headed by Gloria A. Gronowicz of the Department of Surgery at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, New Jersey, credits certain forms of alternative energy medicine with the successful stimulation and growth of normal human cell cultures. Energy medicine includes such biofield therapies as Reiki, quikong and Therapeutic Touch (TT), according to Oakdale-based Dr. Ben Smetana, D.C. The study focused on TT, which was credited with directly impacting how human cells respond to external stimulation. Dr. Smetana points to the case report published this year in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The findings suggest that external stimulation with TT may also be effective in decreasing abnormal cell growth in cancer patients. In this particular study, three different cell cultures — fibroblasts (derived from neonatal foreskin obtained during circumcision), tendon cells (derived from human hamstring discarded during orthopedic procedures) and bone cells (obtained from healthy bone chips) — were grown and isolated. All cultures were obtained from different patients. In addition, each of the three cell types that were simultaneously subjected to the various tests all came from different patients. The cultures were subjected twice a week, over a period of two weeks, to the healing hands of three experienced TT practitioners. During that time, the cultures also underwent sham treatments, or they received no stimulation at all. Each experiment was repeated three times at a minimum. TT was performed by sweeping hand motions at least 4-10 inches above the plate without ever touching the specimen itself, for a period of 10 minutes, twice a week. “These hand motions direct positive intentions through the hands,” explained Dr. Smetana. Control groups of the cultures underwent sham treatments — random hand motions without any thoughts or intentions — or they received no treatment at all. All cultures were assessed at the same time. The results were obtained by statistical analysis and were rather surprising: TT resulted in a measurable change in all three cell cultures. Osteoblasts (bone cells) showed a significant increase in cell growth, compared to the untreated cells; a slightly smaller increase was seen in fibroblasts (cultures from neonatal foreskin). But the largest increase in growth compared to the control group occurred in tenoctytes (cells derived from hamstring tendon). “We see that human touch has the capacity to affect even cell growth and thereby has a real healing potential,” exclaimed Dr. Smetana. “More studies are needed, but the findings also give hope to many patients who suffer from abnormal cell growth — in particular cancer patients. By and large, energy medicine treatments, in particular TT, promise significant benefits for our bodies.” # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana, whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). Reference: “Therapeutic Touch Stimulates the Proliferation of Human Cells in Culture” by Gloria A. Gronowicz, Ankur Jhaveri, Libbe W. Clarke, Michael S. Aronow, Theresa H. Smith, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 14, Number 3, 2008. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (8/4/08) Contact: Dr. Benjamin W. Smetana, D.C. Dr. Heidi Salonek, D.C. Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center 1015 Helmo Avenue N. Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 739-2500 drben@oschw.com drheidi@oschw.com Local Doctors Host School Supply Drive. Dr. Ben Smetana and Dr. Heidi Salonek, wellness chiropractors and owners of Oak Springs Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center in Oakdale, are hosting a school supply drive through the month of August. In an effort to shift the health consciousness of the community from a “sick care” model to a wellness model and save thousands of lives in the process the doctors will be conducting nerve function screenings to check for hidden health problems in exchange for school supplies. "Everything that we experience in our lives is experienced through our nervous system, you could say that we live our lives through our nervous system" states Dr. Smetana. When it comes to our health it is important to remember that our bodies were designed to heal and function without any outside assistance, and our nervous system is the master control system in this process" he continues. The doctors use a NASA developed nerve function technology known as the Insight Discovery, which gives the doctors "Insight" into the function of a person's nervous system. "Our nervous system is the "window" to our health. If there is any interference to our nervous system our healing ability and ultimately our health will be compromised", states Smetana. “The nervous system is extremely important when dealing with children” states an excited Smetana. “In childhood the body is growing and developing more rapidly than any other time in life, and the nervous system controls and coordinates this process. Any disturbance can reduce a child’s overall potential” he continues. The doctors will be donating a full, professional nerve function screenings to check for hidden health issues, in exchange for a bag of school supplies through the month of August. All supplies will be donated to ISD 622 and distributed to children in need. To schedule an assessment, contribute supplies or for more information on the Insight technology, contact Melanie at 651.739.2500. Local Doctors Call for Further Research Chiropractic Care Helps Pre-Term Infant Thrive (7/23/08, Oakdale, MN). A case report authored by Kelly A. Miller credits chiropractic care with the successful management of a pre-term infant who had suffered severe lung ailments, gastrointestinal complications and developmental delays, both physical and mental. More than 50,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States each year, according to Oakdale-based Drs. Benjamin Smetana, D.C. and Heidi Salonek, D.C. Of those who survive, many suffer from lung ailments and respiratory distress, with some facing a life-long battle. These alarming numbers have Drs. Smetana and Salonek pointing to the case report published this year in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The report suggests that chiropractic care may alleviate some associated effects of premature births. In this particular study, an infant born at 24 weeks gestation, underwent surgery and spent four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. After her discharge from the hospital, she continued to receive antibiotics as well as ventilation and oxygen therapy. Three months after her discharge, she was diagnosed by a chiropractor with spinal subluxations. The infant weighed only 12 pounds; she was listless, constipated and congested. She was put on a regimen of regular chiropractic evaluations and adjustments, starting with twice daily for two weeks, that were decreased gradually to once every two weeks. During the course of chiropractic care, according to the case report, the baby increased her range of motion and started breathing on her own as her lung function improved; she was less congested and colicky and became noticeably more verbal and alert to her surroundings. She sat up and was able to stand on her own. Four months later, the infant was virtually symptom-free and in no need of further medical attention. In her physical and cognitive development she was now one month ahead of her age. “This case study, where chiropractic care improved health challenges associated with premature birth, is promising,” said Dr. Smetana, “but more studies of this kind are needed. Nevertheless, this report gives hope to many parents of premature babies with underdeveloped lungs. Even full-term infants as young as a few months can benefit tremendously from regular chiropractic care.” # # # Editor’s note: Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Smetana and Salonek whose office is located at 1015 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN (telephone 651-739-2500). Reference: “Chiropractic Care of a Pre-Term Infant with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia & Vertebral Subluxation” by Kelly A. Miller, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, February 19, 2008. Study Shows Chiropractic Care Quiets Crybabies A Simple Adjustment Could Mean No More Tears (5/15/2008, Oakdale, MN). Research out of Great Britain offers hope to parents across the globe whose weary morning appearance is caused by a crying infant at home. Baby’s tears not only concern mom and dad about his/her health, they often disrupt the entire family – and in worst case scenarios may impact postnatal depression and lead to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Where should parents turn? Well, research authored by Joyce Miller of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic at the University of Bournemouth details that an excessively crying baby drives 21% of families in the UK to seek care. She found that pharmaceutical, dietary and behavioral interventions most often provide no comfort to the infants – or anyone in the family. But, a trip to the chiropractor offers relief to crying babies and those living under the same roof. Miller’s work, entitled Cry Babies: A Framework for Chiropractic Care, notes that persistently crying infants are traditionally diagnosed with colic – defined in 1954 by Dr. M.A. Wessel as “bouts of crying amounting to more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks.” A useful description for research, but not very consoling to distressed parents. Furthermore, the diagnosis of colic implies gastro-intestinal disorder. Yet, out of the approximately 5,000 infants brought to the University’s teaching clinic in one year’s time, only 7% presented with digestive issues. 63% of these infants were brought to the clinic due to excessive, unexplained crying. “Perhaps the term ‘colic’ should be abandoned,” writes Miller. Why did chiropractic succeed where other options failed to sooth the seemingly inconsolable child? Chiropractic care is primarily aimed at correcting biomechanical and neurological fault. Miller's writings offer ever-increasing evidence that antenatal and natal factors contribute to irritability in infants. “Pre-natal constraint – pressure in the womb, trauma during birth, the use of forceps or other extraction devices – may be the underlying cause for the discomfort of the crying infant,” according to Dr. Benjamin Smetana, who along with Dr. Heidi Salonek, operates a family wellness chiropractic practice in Oakdale, MN. Dr. Smetana and Salonek report a sharp increase in their pediatric patients in recent months. Miller’s research established protocols that many doctors, including Smetana and Salonek, are following. “After ruling out other diseases and clinical conditions that could cause gastro-intestinal disorders – and after interpreting the baby’s growth chart for consistent development – I have found that specific chiropractic adjustments bring about a significant reduction in an infant’s crying, followed by better sleeping patterns and an improvement in posture,” added Dr. Salonek. And, while tranquility leads to a happy household, pediatric chiropractic care offers long-term benefits as well. “Chiropractic provides a maintenance program for one’s nervous system that allows the human body to operate at peak efficiency,” states Smetana. “If the body is free of nerve interference, it promotes health. Providing chiropractic to an infant and continuing through adulthood is the true definition of health care – taking steps to ensure health instead of waiting for pain or illness,” added Salonek. “I guess it’s fair to say that if you’re not bringing your baby to a chiropractor, it’s a crying shame,” concluded a smiling Smetana. # # # Reference: Joyce Miller, “Cry Babies: A Framework for Chiropractic Care,” The Clinical Chiropractic (2007) 10, 139-146. Study Shows Chiropractic Care Aids Asthmatics Doctor and Technology Offer a Breath of Fresh Air (4/17/2008, Oakdale, MN) Dr. Curtis Fedorchuk, a chiropractor from Dahlonaga, Georgia armed with technology that has been used by NASA, has made remarkable inroads in the battle against asthma. Fedorchuk’s research was recently published in The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research and detailed the wonderful transformation of his star patient — a 7-year old girl who had suffered from severe asthma and chronic cough for almost her entire life. Before encountering Dr. Fedorchuk, this little girl was using multiple oral medications and inhalers that totaled 24 inhalations per day — yet her symptoms persisted. Her parents were not only shouldering the financial burden of their daughter’s care, but the hours of lost sleep caused by asthma attacks impacted the entire family. Concerned about the volume of medications that their daughter was consuming, the parents sought help from Dr. Fedorchuk. Following an examination using the Insight Discovery Subluxation Station (the diagnostic tool that has not only benefited the Space program, but has been used by chiropractors treating Super Bowl champions and Olympic gold medalists); the young girl began receiving chiropractic adjustments. By nightfall after her first adjustment, the little girl’s coughing ceased. Over the next three weeks (while visiting Dr. Fedorchuk for adjustments 2-3 times per week), the little girl’s mom reported no attacks, an increase in activity levels, and a decrease in the need to use an inhaler. After 4 weeks, she was no longer using the inhalers. Her teachers noticed the change in the child’s demeanor, while swimming and running became part of her everyday life. Subsequent tests showed an increase in lung capacity and the little girl’s visits to the chiropractor became less frequent. Within 10 months of from the onset of care, Dr. Fedorchuk’s young patient was no longer using any medications — only carrying Albuterol in the event of an emergency. “Childhood asthma is a prevalent in the United States with nine million people under the age of 18 suffering from this debilitating lung ailment, four times as many as 20 years ago,” noted Dr. Ben Smetana, an Oakdale-based chiropractor whose has invested in the Insight technology. “For some, this leads to a lifetime suffering or, for those less fortunate, death. There are approximately 5,000 deaths annually in the U.S. that are linked to asthma. After reading about Dr. Fedorchuk’s research, I wanted to do more for those in my community who fight respiratory ailments,” continued Smetana. “The use of technology identifies areas of disturbance in the nervous system that could be caused by stress, trauma or toxins. Asthmatics have more frequent incidents of misalignment of the upper and lower thoracic region, which is the area of the shoulders and below,” explained Smetana. “That condition can lead to dysponesis — best described as a short circuit effect between the brain and muscles — which in turn causes abnormal tonic muscle activity. Shoulder tension triggers a decrease in lung volume, which increases the likelihood of respiratory ailments. The patient simply has less air to breathe. Since dysponesis can lead to asthma, we can now help prevent or manage the disease by treating its underlying cause,” he added. Today’s medical treatment of asthma remains largely pharmacological. Despite the increase in prescription drug usage, the prevalence of asthma increased 75% from 1980-1994. Direct health care costs for asthma-related illnesses in the U.S. amount to more than $11.5 billion annually — with over $5 billion of that figure being directed towards prescription drugs. “Aside from the obvious physical benefits this little girl derived from her chiropractic adjustments, one can’t dismiss the financial ramifications during this time of economic woe. Her need for medication decreased along with her medical bills. With all that in mind, you might say that chiropractic care for asthmatics is a breath of fresh air,” concluded a smiling Smetana. # # # Reference: Curtis Fedorchuk, “Correction of Subluxation and Reduction of Dysponesis in a 7 Year-Old Child Suffering From Chronic Cough and Asthma: A Case Report,” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, November 26, 2007. Celebrating Two Years of Saving Lives! (03/31/08, Oakdale, MN) Dr. Ben Smetana and Dr. Heidi Salonek are excited to announce the two year anniversary of their Creating Wellness Center, located at the Oak Springs Chiropractic office in Oakdale. Two years ago the doctors began their practice with the mission of shifting the health consciousness of the community from “sick care” to that of “wellness care” and to save thousands of lives in the process. “We are seeing the shift occur” states Dr. Ben Smetana who is a wellness chiropractor and wellness coach at Oak Springs. “People’s lives are being transformed on a daily basis. It is amazing to watch sick children get well, and help our adult members not only get out of pain, but find increased energy, get active again, lose weight and hear that they are becoming less dependent on medications as a result of our wellness programs.” The key, in addition to the gentle and personalized care offered at the Creating Wellness Center, is the advanced technology. The doctors utilize two state-of-art pieces of technology: The Insight Millennium Subluxation Station, a technology that allows the doctors to detect nerve stress, an often overlooked causative factor of health challenges and The Creating Wellness Assessment Station (CWAS). The CWAS is considered one of the most highly advanced wellness systems ever developed and the only program that focuses on all three dimensions of your life. The breakthrough technology scientifically measures, records and scores your level of wellness in the physical, biochemical and emotional dimensions. One of the unique features of the Creating Wellness system is the “Wellness Quotient.” The Wellness Quotient is a score of your overall state of health and wellness – think of it as your Wellness IQ. It helps the doctors determine your biological age and if your body is aging prematurely and at increased risk of chronic disease. Then based on your scores a specific customized wellness program shows you how to scientifically, slow, stop and reverse the aging process. “I have consistently seen people getting their lives back,” stated Dr. Salonek. “They are losing weight and regaining their vitality, getting back to their favorite activities and hobbies and becoming the vibrant people they were meant to be instead of prematurely aging and dying. I couldn’t recommend anything more highly than this wellness program,” exclaimed Salonek. To celebrate the two year anniversary the doctors are holding a week long open house from April 14th -18th in which they will be serving appetizers and refreshments, hosting free workshops on “Shifting Your Focus to Create Outrageous Health and Happiness,” “Creating Wellness to Slow, Stop and Reverse the Aging Process” and “Headaches: A Drug Free Approach to Reclaiming Your Life”. In addition they will be holding prize drawings for wellness supplements, custom pillows, a one year’s supply of fresh flowers delivered to your door and the chance to win a Caribbean cruise. In addition, the doctors will be performing complimentary nerve stress and Wellness Quotients assessments throughout the week (limited availability). For more information on the wellness technology, the open house or to register for the free workshops please call Melanie or Kelly at 651.739.2500 ABC News Could a Neck Adjustment Lower Your Blood Pressure? A New Study Implies a Link Between Hypertension and Spinal Alignment By LARA NAAMAN AND IMAEYEN IBANGA March 25, 2008 — Though doctors are unsure of what causes blood pressure to increase, a new study suggests that a specific type of neck adjustment may reduce hypertension for some of the 65 million Americans battling it. The University of Chicago study, published in the Journal of Human Hypertension this month, looked at the possibility of a connection between a spinal realignment and a decrease in blood pressure. "We set up a double-blind study to really look and see if in fact this procedure was affecting high blood pressure," said University of Chicago Medical Center hypertension specialist George Bakris. The results were intriguing. The patients who received the chiropractic adjustments saw their blood pressure drop an average of 17 points -- a dip that usually takes two blood pressure medications to achieve. "My blood pressure dropped tremendously," said Denise Nieman, who had neck pain before participating in the study. Why It May Work The idea behind the realignment is that the C-1 vertebra, located at the top of the spine, operates like a fuse box in the body. When it's twisted, it can pinch arteries and nerves at the neck's base, which not only causes discomfort but also affects blood flow. "When the spine is misaligned, it can affect all types of things, all types of disease, conditions," said chiropractor Marshall Dickholtz Jr. So for patients like Nieman, whose X-rays showed her C-1 out of alignment, the special chiropractic adjustment lowered the pain and her blood pressure simultaneously. The Limitations While the study presents some interesting ideas, it has its limitations, according to "Good Morning America" medical editor Dr. Tim Johnson. "[There are] a lot of unanswered questions. But I'm telling you, this catches our attention because of a significant drop in blood pressure. It absolutely deserves more study," Johnson said. A larger study has been commissioned; in the original study only 50 patients were treated, of which only 25 got the real adjustment, while the others received a fake one. Afterward there was only an eight-week follow-up. Besides determining which patients would require X-rays to determine whether the procedure could help them, the procedure requires very special chiropractor training, Johnson said. And no one knows for sure how long the neck adjustments or decreased blood pressure will last. "The truth is we really don't know that vertebra at the top of the neck is in a critical area where the brain stem, the lower part of the brain, is involved with regulation of blood pressure. It's theoretically imaginable that changing the anatomy of that area may have effect on regulating blood pressure," Johnson said. Johnson said people with neck pain and hypertension should visit their primary care physician first and not substitute the doctor's visit with a trip to the chiropractor. "I wouldn't consider the chiropractor to be the primary care [doctor] for people with high blood pressure. They should absolutely go to their doctor," he said. "But in talking to their doctor if they are having some neck problems, they might want to entertain this idea." Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures Blind Man Finds Trip to Chiropractor Insightful (3/17/08, Oakdale, MN). Doug Harkey – a Dubuque, Iowa man whose left eye suddenly stopped working 12 years ago – thought he was making a routine visit to his chiropractor. But, the results of his “normal” adjustment left Doug with new-found vision while leaving friends, family and some in the medical community speechless. However, local chiropractors, Dr. Ben Smetana and Dr. Heidi Salonek of Oakdale, are quick to credit their colleague from the Hawkeye State and the power of the human body. Harkey’s miracle – as first reported by Katie Wiedemann of KCRG-TV Channel 9 News in Dubuque – began to unfold following his visit to the chiropractic offices of Dr. Tim Stackis. “My blind eye started watering after I left there and it watered for 45 minutes straight. It started making my good eye water. I went to wipe my right eye – and I could see out of my left eye again,” said Harkey. Dr. Stackis told his patient that the “adjustments” (chiropractic care) that he (Harkey) had been receiving alleviated the nerve interference that had prevented his spinal column from properly communicating messages from his brain. Once full communication was restored, so was Harkey’s sight. “It is important to note that Dr. Stackis never once claimed that chiropractic care cured this man’s blindness,” added Dr. Smetana. “He just provided quality care. The adjustments eliminated nerve interference that had prohibited the human body from operating at peak efficiency. And, when operating at peak efficiency, the human body can do great things — just ask Doug Harkey,” smiled Smetana. As for Harkey, the timing could not be better. He credits Dr. Stackis’ “miracle hands” for the depth perception he had been missing – which helped him navigate his walk down the aisle with new wife Gina last month. The return of his vision, now nearly perfect with the help of corrective lenses, has left the couple with some welcome adjustments. “I’m not quite used to him not running into things or stepping on my feet,” Gina quipped. Dr. Salonek sees Harkey’s tale – which thanks in part to the Internet is becoming well-traveled – as one that will help educate the public about chiropractic care and the importance of taking good care of your body. “No man-made technology or medicine will ever surpass the capabilities and genius of the human body. Think about this…when you cut yourself – you heal. When the climate changes – your body adjusts. Who wouldn’t want their body operating at maximum capacity? In short, chiropractic care is a great vehicle to improve your general health and function,” concluded Salonek. For Doug Harkey of Dubuque, Iowa, the benefit of such care was more than he could possibly have envisioned. Study Offers Hope to Those with Traumatic Brain Injuries Crash Victim Responds to Chiropractic Care (02/18/2008, Oakdale, MN) A Canadian doctor has author ed a study detailing the positive impact that chiropractic care has had on those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). The article – published in The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research – highlights the incredible recovery of a 55-year old woman with a severe brain injury caused in a horrific car accident. What makes the case even more remarkable is the fact that the noticeable strides in the healing process began nine years after a half-ton truck had plowed into her parked car – and only after chiropractic care was initiated. A TBI occurs when an external force causes damage to the head by inducing motion of the brain within the skull. TBI’s are divided into two sub-categories: primary and secondary. The primary injury occurs at the point of the trauma while secondary injuries occur after trauma and produce effects that continue for long periods of time. “There are physical, biochemical and emotional stresses associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries,” noted researcher Dr. Andrea Ryan from her Barrie, Ontario practice. “Since one of the aims of chiropractic care is to reduce those stresses and find a balance in a person’s life, it has proven to be a vital component to the healing process of anyone afflicted with a TBI,” she added. “In 1910, D.D. Palmer – the Founder of chiropractic – stated that if the spinal column is free of interference that compromises neural integrity, then the human body is able to adapt to its inner and outer environment to the best of its ability,” said Dr. Ben Smetana, a wellness chiropractor, who along with Dr. Heidi Salonek, operates a family wellness chiropractic office in Oakdale, MN. “Dr. Ryan’s work really illustrates this long held chiropractic principle,” continued Smetana. And, there is no greater example than Dr. Ryan’s star patient. Nine years after her dehabilitating accident, the aforementioned 55-year old woman came to Dr. Ryan still suffering from significant neurological and neuromuscular symptoms including disturbed vision, dizziness when bending over or standing too quickly, and pain throughout much of her body. She was forced to walk with a cane or walker. Her quality of life deteriorated to the point where depression set in and she attempted suicide. “Dr. Ryan was able to identify and monitor nerve interference through the use of chiropractic technologies called surface electromyography and thermal scanning. These technologies have proven invaluable to the likes of NASA and professional sports teams who seek to maximize the physical capabilities of their employees. Today, they are benefiting those in the general public,” explained Smetana, whose practice features such state-of-the-art equipment. Dr. Ryan’s course of care included chiropractic adjustments twice a week. Within a month, the woman’s dizziness had decreased dramatically. After seven months, the patient reported spectacular health improvements including no dizziness and increased muscle strength in her shoulders, arms and legs – all while living virtually pain free. She became more stable and comfortable while walking (although she still used a cane). Her quality of life improved to the point where she could accomplish numerous daily activities – and depression was a thing of the past. “Dr. Ryan’s work offers hope to those afflicted with Traumatic Brain Injuries. And, the case |
About Us
|
|
|
651-739-2500 |
