America’s weight problems are now so well-known they’re even fair game for jokes at the Oscars. “Americans really know how to fill up a seat,” jibes Ellen DeGeneres, host of the 2007 Academy Awards.

The statistics are alarming. Sixty-five percent of Americans - 130 million in 2001 - are overweight. Fifteen percent of American children are overweight (up from four percent only 20 years ago). Healthcare costs related to overweight Americans has ballooned to $117 billion (that’s billion) in 2003. And the numbers keep going up. The scales don’t lie.

And yet, diet and weight-loss books fill our nation’s bookstores. Low-carb diets. High-protein diets. The cabbage soup diet. The grapefruit diet. The raw foods diet. Most people we know have tried one or more of these. The new diet works for a while, then we can’t take the deprivation any longer and break the diet. Then, horrifyingly, all the weight we lost comes right back, and we’re right back where we started. Or possibly even a few pounds heavier.
The very good news is that a real, long-lasting solution exists. The basics of this healthy approach to long-term weight loss have been known for decades. This solution is not a diet. It doesn’t have a catchy name. There are, though, a few “magic” secrets to this food plan that works.

• “Secret” Number 1 – eat six small meals throughout each day, separated by 2.5 to 3 hours
• “Secret” Number 2 – combine protein and carbohydrates in each meal
• “Secret” Number 3 – drink plenty of water (eight to ten glasses) throughout the day
• “Secret” Number 4 – eat two portions of vegetables each day
• “Secret” Number 5 – take one day off each week (a “free” day) and eat whatever you want, whenever you want

Why combine protein and carbohydrate at each meal? This critical combination feeds our muscles by providing the amino acids (from protein) necessary to build and maintain muscle tissue, and the carbohydrate needed to shuttle the amino acids into the cells. If the carbs aren’t there the protein doesn’t get used. There’s also a human performance benefit – eating balanced meals enables better cognitive/mental function. So we’re not only getting healthier on this food plan, we’re getting smarter!¹

Why eat six times a day? Studies have shown this approach results in a faster metabolic rate, a lower percentage of body fat, and reduced “bad” cholesterol levels, all while maintaining lean muscle mass.^2,3 Each meal contains approximately 300 calories (proteins and carbohydrates in each meal are in “portion” sizes). That’s it! This sensible, easy approach to food allows you to eat everything – there are no restrictions. And, on your free day you can indulge, or not, letting your natural instincts guide you.

¹Fischer K, et al: “Carbohydrate to protein ratio in food and cognitive performance in the morning.” Physiol Behav 75(3):411-423, 2002
²Jenkins JD, et al: “Nibbling vs. gorging: metabolic advantages of increased meal frequency.” NEJM 321(14):929-934, 1989
³Verboeket WP, et al: “Influence of feeding frequency on nutrient utilization in man: consequences for energy metabolism.” Eur J Clin Nutr 43(3):161-169, 1991

There is no better way to rejuvenate your health than by eating more nutritiously. In fact, even a few simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can have a positive impact on your health-and can also prevent a variety of health problems in the future.

The traditional coffee and doughnuts for breakfast; a hamburger for lunch-or no lunch; candy, cookies, and a soft drink for a snack; followed by a huge dinner with more protein than a person needs-are unhealthy dietary choices. As a result, younger people are starting to suffer from heart disease-not only because of poor diet, but also because of an epidemic of inactivity.

To reverse the alarming trend, many doctors of chiropractic urge patients to stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and augment their balanced diet with appropriate nutritional supplements.

Information provided by the American Chiropractic Association.

Backpacks are the tote of choice for most school-aged children with two books per class to lug around. In fact, it is reported that between 92% and 94% of schoolchildren carry backpacks. And it appears these contraptions are evolving somewhat with sturdier-looking designs, heavily padded straps and about a thousand small pockets for pencils, house keys and other knick-knacks. But even though the sturdiest backpacks can withstand the pressure, how are the kids taking it? On average, children load their backpacks to between 10% and 22% of their own body weight. During a study conducted in 2005, researchers set out to quantify the pressure and pain incurred when backpacks are loaded so heavily. For the study, 10 children wore backpacks loaded to 0%, 10%, 20% or 30% of their body weight for 30 seconds to determine the amount of pressure under the backpack's shoulder straps. While wearing the backpacks, the children were also asked to report whether they felt any pain and, if so, the severity of that pain.

According to the results, pressure beneath the shoulder straps was "significantly increased" when the backpack was loaded at only 10% of the child's body weight – on the low end of the reported average. Increased pressure also was associated with an increase in pain, and interestingly the pressure was always greater on the right shoulder than the left shoulder. Over the long term, the researchers noted that uneven backpack loads could alter the curvature of a child's spine and produce back pain. The authors of this study compiled their results and offered a few suggestions for parents of school-aged children and their parents: 1.Backpacks should be positioned high on the back. 2.Backpack straps should be worn over both shoulders. 3.Weight in the backpacks should be minimized. 4.Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps. It is important to remember that 3 out of every 100 people have some degree of scoliosis – an abnormal curvature of the spine – that begins in childhood and has the potential to worsen over time. Having your child evaluated by a chiropractor is the best way to determine whether he or she has some degree of scoliosis. Chiropractic care can manage any problems related to scoliosis, and a lightened load on their back can have long-term benefits as well!

Discuss questions regarding backpack safety and scoliosis with Dr Everingham, he can make the proper recommendations to avoid unnecessary back pain and strains.

An annual American holiday usually held on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is dedicated to the American worker who puts in long hours dedicated to preserving a way of life by selflessly endeavoring to promote the prosperity and growth of a nation proudly, through their efforts. In recognition of this dedicated way of life, a Labor Day Party is a fitting tribute to workers from all walks of life. There is no clear answer to who began the Labor Day tradition America celebrates so proudly, but it is normally attributed to either Peter J. McGuire or Matthew McGuire, who were both instrumental in improving working conditions for Americans throughout the United States, and preserving a way of life so dear to one and all.

From the earliest known celebrations of Labor Day to present day celebrations, Labor Day parties seem to have a common thread. From the very beginning, Labor Day has been a family break from doing what it takes to maintain hearth and home, and doing it in a manner to best benefit workers and their families all over the nation. Some people prefer to celebrate in quiet comfort in their own homes, some prefer to hit the holiday hot spots all over the world, and see this holiday as their just desserts for day after day of hard work throughout the year. So, when making plans for your 2010 Labor Day Celebration and the end of the summer season, the only hard and fast rule is to to enjoy the Labor Day Weekend with your families and friends.