HealthBeat April Week 1

HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are

Acupuncture & Foot Health

World Health Day - April 7th

HealthBeat

HealthBeat is an excellent

opportunity for you to reach a health-conscious audience of readers.

Next Month’s Topics:

Allergies/Asthma & Vision To advertise your business, contact your advertising representative.

April: Acupuncture & Foot Health • World Health Day April 7th

A

Spearfish 642.2761 • Lead 584.2303

How To Choose An Acupuncture Provider

cupuncture has been used to prevent and treat various diseases and ailments, as well as improve overall wellness of the mind and body for more than 5,000 years.

The Eastern medicine practice describes the universe and the body in terms of two opposing forces, the yin and the yang. For the body to be healthy, acupuncture dictates that these forces must be in balance. An imbalance or blockage of energy is considered by acupuncturists as the primary driver behind pain and illness.

According to the ancient Chinese tradition, acupuncture therapy can release that blocked energy in various parts of the body. But the value of acupuncture isn’t just an eastern myth. U.S. have confirmed that acupuncture can help relieve chronic pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis-related symptoms.

Researchers also believe it’s valuable in the treatment of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as control the side effects of chemotherapy.

How to Find a Skilled Acupuncturist

Most medical practitioners, however conservative, understand that their patients may seek alternative methods of treatment. So, your first step in finding a qualified acupuncturist is simply asking your traditional medical

provider. You may, however, want to check with your insurance provider as well, as many companies offer coverage for selected acupuncture services.

Furthermore, if you have friends or family that have undergone the procedure, ask them about their experience and whether or not they would recommend the acupuncturist they went to.

Certification is key in choosing the right acupuncturist. It indicates a practitioner’s level of training, skills, and prior experience. A qualified acupuncture provider will have all this information readily available.

A licensed practitioner may also offer other valuable health services, such as Chinese herbal medicine and cupping. These treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture.

Acupuncturists practicing in the United States must use sterile onetime-use needles, and work in a safe and clean environment. Ask to see the rooms where sessions take place and make sure standard medical cleanliness practices are adhered to, such as clean hands, covered tables, and properly disposed needles.

Don’t be afraid to request a

consultation, just as you would with any healthcare provider. Acupuncture specialists should understand the concerns of prospective clients, and should be willing to discuss your options ahead of time. Any questions you may have should be answered before booking an appointment. Your acupuncturist should be able to explain the benefits and risks, and make sure you understand what their methods are and how often you will need to come in for treatment sessions.

To that end, look for an acupuncturist who asks you questions as well.

Traditional Chinese medicine takes

Experience the of

into account all aspects of one’s life in order to determine the right treatment, and a skilled practitioner will ask you all manner of questions, from diet to family history to daily activities. Some of the questions may even seem odd or downright invasive, but they are absolutely necessary. The acupuncturist who doesn’t make any inquiries about your health, mental wellbeing, and personal surroundings might not be the best choice.

Do your research and go with your gut when choosing an acupuncture provider.

benefits

acupuncture

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain and stress while improving the overall health and function of the human body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific pressure points along the skin of the body in order to stimulate the body’s natural energy network.

Our patients have found acupuncture to provide many health and wellness benefits including: • Anxiety and stress relief • Increased healing after injuries • Neuropathy pain • Relief from chronic pain • Insomnia associated with injuries or • Hormonal imbalances disorders such as fibromyalgia 1930 North Avenue, Spearfish, SD 605-642-5196 Traditional Chiropractic - Helping Spearfish for 40 Years.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 Open Saturdays 8:30-Noon

HealthBeat April: Acupuncture & Foot Health • World Health Day April 7th

Consider a Podiatrist

Y

ou rely on your feet more than you realize. In fact, unless you’re experiencing pain in your feet, how often do you think about their health?

Certain conditions can cause chronic foot pain, making getting around unbearable.

A podiatrist can evaluate and treat many different ailments. They also will be able to determine if the structure of your foot will make you more susceptible to injuries and how you can prevent problems.

How Important is Foot Health?

The American Podiatric Medical Association states that your two feet contain more than 50 bones, 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons and ligaments that work in unison. All those moving parts and your feet still can handle the stress of your busy day.

That should be enough to get you to provide proper care.

Being further away from your heart than any other body part also may cause your

feet to incur issues. Certain diseases, such as peripheral arterial disease, can slow down your heart’s attempt to pump blood to your feet because of a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels.

Common Foot Conditions

Take a look below at some of the common conditions your feet may experience and learn what causes them. The good news is that a podiatrist can give you advice to prevent these and many other conditions.

• Athlete’s foot: A fungal infection commonly found in areas where many people walk around barefoot. Sweaty feet are more likely to catch this infection.

• Ingrown toenail: A toenail that pierces a person’s skin causing inflammation and infection. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or the

same pair of socks without washing causes the skin to become moist and weaken, allowing the nail to penetrate more easily.

• Verrucae: Warts that are usually found on the soles or near toes on the feet. Again, caused by moist environments such as swimming pools and locker rooms.

©ADOBE STOCK

Benefits of a Podiatrist

Your podiatrist can be helpful in any foot pain emergency. He or she also can assist in encouraging preventive measures so you have a much lower risk of experiencing these issues.

From gait analysis to selecting the proper size and fit of your footwear, your podiatrist can point you in the right direction for healthy feet for life. Reach out to your local podiatrist to set up your

consultative appointment today. Your feet will thank you.