What happens when we're sedentary?

A recent study,* as reported by Dr. Malik Slosberg, "thoroughly describes what is termed 'Inactivity Physiology.' In our progressively sedentary culture, there has been a rapid reduction in demand for energy expenditure as we sit more in more driving in cars, sitting all day at work, sitting watching TV, sitting playing video games, sitting while reading, and sitting while relaxing.

"Sitting has an extremely low demand for energy expenditure, because as this paper explains, there is virtually no muscle contraction of any major trunk or lower extremity muscles. With this reduction in energy demand for approximately 70-80% of our waking day, muscle fibers do no use their stored glycogen and resist the inflow of additional glucose which can be toxic to cells in excess amounts. Thus, insulin resistance develops along with elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which is then converted to fat, raising serum trigylceride levels and increased size and number of fat cells.

"The insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension (known as the Metabolic Syndrome) contribute to the diseases associated with the corresponding increase in obesity. These metabolic derangements along with increasing waist girth leaves individuals at dramatically increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiac death, type II diabetes, and all-cause mortality."

Moral of the story? Get up!

*Wittink H, et al. The Dangers of Inactivity; Exercise and Inactivity Physiology for the manual therapist. Manual Therapy 2011; 16:209-216.

Latest Laser Therapy Research

Three new studies show the effectiveness of laser therapy for various health problems:

1. Laser heals inner ear damage-There is an increasing use of laser for the treatment of many hearing disorders, especially ringing in the ears (tinnitus). The most recent study (Lasers Med. Sci. 2011 Dec 4) shows a positive effect on the recovery of cochlear hair cells.
2. Laser and brain damage-MRI analysis of of rats with traumatic brain injury showed significantly smaller brain damage in laser-treated mice as compared to controls (J Neurotrauma. 2011 Oct 31).
3. Laser heals herpes lesions-Two studies showed an obvious effect of laser therapy for both initial healing and for the length of the recurrence periods (Photomed Laser Surg. 2011 Nov 2).

Groupon Daily Deal Coming Soon!

Alert your friends! We are participating in a Groupon Daily Deal for a $29 massage and pain evaluation (valued at $164). When the deal shows up, there is a choice of four offices, two in Seattle. Please ask your friends to select Ki Chiropractic & Massage. The daily deal will run for 72 hours, beginning Monday, January 23. Please help us spread the word. Thanks!

Chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents

The National Library of Science released another extensive paper, "Xanthones from Mangosteen Extracts as Natural Chemopreventive Agents: Potential Anti-Cancer Drugs," in December, 2011. This provides just one of about 202 reasons why I continue to drink at least three ounces of whole fruit puree mangosteen juice every day (and there's only one, XanGo, that fits that description). If you're interested in optimum health, do your own research by going to pubmed.gov and searching on "xanthones."

Thanks for attending

Thanks to all who attended our "5 Secrets to Weight Loss" workshop yesterday. Next workshop--Saturday, February 4. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lot easier when you know about some common pitfalls, misconceptions, and most importantly, what works.

About two years ago I lost 35#, but was stuck on the remaining 10 and was constantly struggling with gaining back the lost weight. But when I learned about how important cleansing was to weight management--because fat accumulates around stored toxins--I started looking around for a good cleansing program (there are lots of options!). I try to avoid obvious sources of toxins (such as in food, water, air, and personal care and cleaning products), but since we're exposed to 82,500 different toxins in a week, it's safe to assume at least some are getting through!

There are lots of options for cleansing. The one I chose comes with a complete program for cleansing, fat burning, and muscle building, along with meal and exercise planning. I'm happy to report that during the 25-day cleanse:

• I lost 2 inches from my waist, bringing my waist-to-hip ratio to 0.75
• I went from 33.5% body fat to 28.5
• My weight dropped from 152.2 to 148.4

All while not feeling hungry, not starving myself, and having plenty of energy. Best of all, my legs feel super light and springy when I'm running! Wish me luck as I continue on toward my goal of a healthy 22-25% body fat!

Just one spot left

For a massage on Monday, Jan. 9, at our introductory price of $25.

5 Secrets to Weight Loss Workshop

Resolved to make 2012 the year of living more healthfully? Join us this Saturday, January 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m., for our free, monthly Cleansing/Weight Loss Workshop.

You will learn five secrets to weight loss, and learn about a revolutionary, effective, and sane new program for resetting your lifestyle habits.

Light refreshments will be served, so contact us to register yourself and a friend* today!

*Best results occur if you bring an accountability partner.

Welcome Our New Massage Therapist

And receive an introductory one-hour Swedish massage for just $25! Toni James has joined our growing family of practioners, and is eager to help you ease into the New Year with a relaxing Swedish massage. Or, if you prefer, she also does Deep Tissue, Myofascial, and Neuromuscular therapies. Whichever you choose, you will love her intuitive, relaxing work.

Toni is currently available on Mondays, from 2:00-9:00 pm. Contact us right away to take advantage of this New Year's opportunity!

What's your "current location"?

Several years ago I read that Ted Turner's response to the question, "How do you stay so healthy?" was, "I just try to do 1% better each year."

Unless you're in the middle of a health crisis (in which case you need to take drastic action), you can take advantage of the wisdom of incremental change. A transformational question for the second day of 2012 might be, "How can I be 1% healthier this year?" What modest change can I make that will move me closer to optimal health?

Whether you're refining your already exemplary health habits or taking drastic action, it's useful to know your "current location." Whenever I use my phone to get driving directions to an unfamiliar place, it asks me whether I want to use my "current location." Here's a simple test you can do today to determine your current location. It's extremely low-tech, easy, and quick. All you need is a tape measure and a calculator. With two simple measurements and one calculation, you will know your odds of developing a life-threatening condition (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease).

Ready? First, measure your waist (around your belly button), then measure your hips (widest part). Now get a calculator and divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. The ideal ratio for women is 0.70 and for men it's 0.90. Greater than 0.75 or 9.95 indicates a significantly higher likelihood of developing one of the above problems.

Now that you know your current location, you can decide whether you're going to make an incremental change or take massive action.

P.S.: Research shows, for best results, make sure you choose something you enjoy.

P.P.S: If you want help with rest of the road map, let us know. We'll make sure you're having fun while you're on your journey.

Free toxic chemical test, and more...

This week only we are offering a complimentary screening to help you reach your 2012 health and fitness goals.

The screening includes the following:

• Stress/Cleansing/Weight Loss Survey
• Urine test for toxic chemicals
• Fitness test
• Blood pressure check
• Weight
• Waist to hip ratio

Make your dreams for a healthier you in 2012 a reality by contacting us today!