WELLNESS

What is a Cervicogenic Headache? By Dr. Aaron Dutruch

THE TERM CERVICOGENIC MEANS “ORIGINATING FROM THE NECK”, AND AS A CHIROPRACTOR I SEE THIS CONDITION ALMOST DAILY. SYMPTOMS ARE OFTEN NECK PAIN, TIGHTNESS AND TENSION— WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO HEADACHES. THESE CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES ARE MORE LIKELY TO START TOWARD THE END OF THE DAY. THEY FOLLOW THE OCCIPITAL NERVE TRACT, WHICH STARTS AT THE BASE OF THE SKULL, AND CAN MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD AND EVEN THE FOREHEAD. THEY ARE USUALLY ONE-SIDED AND CAN BE MADE WORSE BY INCORRECT NECK POSITION AND MOVEMENT. IN EXTREME CASES, THEY CAN EVEN CAUSE NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS; AS WELL AS AN INCREASED SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT AND SOUND.

TREATMENT: There are many options for treatment. The “go-to” for most chiropractic offi ces is the cervical adjustment. This technique helps to relieve the tension within the joints and muscles of the neck, allowing for greater pain-free range of motion. This reduces the pressure from the primary structures responsible for cervicogenic headaches. If a patient is opposed to having their neck adjusted, gentler techniques can help as well. These techniques involve manually stretching and decompressing the joints, as well as working on the muscles in the neck and base of the skull. Using these techniques, chiropractors can achieve results similar to a neck adjustment. Additionally, there are other techniques that focus specifi cally on the musculature, such as: dry needling, massage therapy, laser therapy, electrical stimulation and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Outcomes vary from person to person, but on average, we see signifi cant results within the fi rst few visits. PREVENTION: As previously mentioned, cervicogenic headaches start in the neck. Because of this, your posture plays a major role in the development of neck tension and headaches. It’s estimated that for every inch forward your head is from a neutral position (ears over shoulders), you add roughly 10 pounds of pressure for the neck muscles to hold up. Over time this causes some of the chronic tension many people suffer from. NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING MAY ALSO BE HELPFUL. One of

my common recommendations for patients dealing with chronic tension, and cervicogenic headaches, is to increase the amount of magnesium in their diet. Natural sources of magnesium include avocados, nuts (especially cashews), leafy green vegetables and bananas; which both have potassium and B-vitamins. Magnesium is used by the body for many different functions, but it plays a big part in helping your muscles to relax. On average, you should aim to get around 400 mg each day; natural sources being the best, but supplements will suffi ce.

AN INCREASE IN STRESS CAN BE ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR TO NECK TENSION AND HEADACHES. Make

sure you fi nd time toward the end of your day to wind down a bit. Do something you enjoy, whether that’s time with your family, reading a book or exercising. Mental well-being is especially important to your overall health.

Dr. Aaron Dutruch received his BS in Kinesiology, Fitness and Human Performance from LSU and his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College. He utilizes Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR).

IF YOU’RE SUFFERING WITH HEADACHES, CALL A CHIROPRACTOR NEAR YOU. THEY WILL DO THEIR BEST TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM, FIND THE TECHNIQUE BEST FOR YOU, AND GET YOU ON A BETTER PATH TO TOTAL WELLNESS.

APPLES APPLES

By: Crissie Mergogey

RED, GREEN, OR GOLDEN? NO MATTER YOUR APPLE PREFERENCE, THIS COMMON FRUIT DESERVES MORE PRAISE THAN IT GETS.

This crisp, juicy fruit can help improve immunity, regulate digestion, lower high cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure and help prevent cancer (among other diseases).

It should be obvious why the apple is one of the most popular fruits in the world!

In 2018, the USDA estimated that 11.4 billion pounds of apples were grown in the United States alone.

Apples can be eaten fresh as a snack, chopped into salads, cooked into oatmeal or used in sweet desserts.

No matter how you decide to enjoy this beneficial super-fruit, make sure to keep the skin intact to reap the most rewards. FIBER IS THE HERO HERE.

Apples are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber. The skin contains most of the insoluble fiber, while the flesh holds the soluble fiber. BOTH TYPES OF FIBER PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH BENEFITS.

During digestion, soluble fiber becomes gel-like and binds to cholesterol.

Instead of entering the blood stream, cholesterol exits the body via a bowel movement.

This special fiber also slows digestion, which keeps you feeling full longer and can support weight loss.

Insoluble fiber does not change during digestion, which allows it to physically push food, excess hormones and toxins out of the body.

Inadequate amounts of insoluble fiber in the diet leads to constipation, bloating, and irregularity. FIBER IS NOT THE ONLY Apples originated from the CHAMPION WHEN IT COMES mountains of Central Asia and TO APPLES, IT’S LOADED WITH there are now 7,500 varieties in the ANTIOXIDANTS TOO. world, ranging in color from green

One antioxidant that is to red and some can grow to the particularly high in apples, called size of a grapefruit! quercetin, has been associated Most apples in the United with decreased risk of lung cancer, States are grown in the state of according to a study by Finland’s Washington, with the Gala variety National Public Health Institute winning the popularity contest. involving 10,000 people. ALL APPLES ARE A GOOD

Antioxidants found in apples also SOURCE OF POTASSIUM, help protect blood vessels and other MANGANESE, COPPER, organs from oxidative damage, which VITAMINS A, C, K AND reduces the risk of cardiovascular SEVERAL B-VITAMINS. disease and other health issues. These nutrients play crucial

Minimizing oxidative damage to roles in metabolism, immunity and the pancreas can help to lower the bone strength. chance of developing type 2 diabetes, Apples are widely available, according to a long-term Women’s affordable and loaded with diseaseHealth Study. fighting nutrition.

This study found that women So, enjoy an apple (or two) a day, who ate apples had a 28 percent and keep the doctor away! lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who did not eat apples.

Not only can an apple’s antioxidants help reduce the chance of life-threatening PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF ST. TAMMANY PRESENTS diseases, but also the risk of catching a common cold or flu. THE DISEASE-FIGHTING COMPOUNDS IN APPLES REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she made apple season arrive right before cold and flu season!

Benefitting Professional Women of St. Tammany’s Scholarship Fund

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18

RUN / WALK: 8:30 AM KIDS DASH: 8:00 AM

FONTAINEBLEAU STATE PARK

67825 Hwy 190 • Mandeville, LA

HEAL Back to Basics YOURSELF FROM WITHIN

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease. –Hippocrates

By Christian Dischler

From childhood we’re likened to snowflakes. Unique creations destined to stand apart from the rest. But it’s a poor analogy.

At best, our fingerprints alone are the snowflakes of our bodies, and the rest can be considered an ever-changing atmosphere; capable of creating life, experiencing destruction and responding with regeneration. If each of us is a unique ecosystem, then it’s important to take care of the natural forces within us if we want to get in touch with our true nature.

James Knapp has spent the last decade exploring these natural forces and the complexities surrounding the world of health. And much like medicine’s godfather Hippocrates, Knapp believes the key to unlocking our potential lies in natural simplicity.

“Health and well-being do not have to be complicated. Yet it’s become very complex in our nation this day and age. At Sacred Earth we’re trying to create some balance by intentionally going back to the basics. Back to nature,” said Knapp, a Mandeville native and resident.

Founded in 2019 by Knapp and his wife Mel, Sacred Earth is the Northshore’s premier health food store and educational event center. By combining their knowledge of natural supplements and cold-pressed juice, Emerge Juice, they have created a comprehensive, alternative health solution for Louisiana residents. “We saw the need for this in our community, and we went all in,” said Knapp.

“Louisiana is arguably one of the unhealthiest states in the country. We are in the heart of cancer alley, and what we choose to eat is often detrimental to our health, and specifically for our gut microbiome. It’s not a popular experience where people have an intimate relationship with their body and how it operates. It’s also popular thinking that when you have a medical issue, you go to the medical industry. And although they have their place, again, it’s time to get back to the basics.”

Sacred Earth is founded on the fundamental understanding that by investigating our body’s needs and deficiencies from a comprehensive standpoint, we can discover and treat the root problems. If we’re experiencing symptoms, the tendency can be to reach for the pill bottle. Knapp’s mission is to give people reason to think

twice about that. Instead, he wants his patrons to become educated on their unique biological makeup, target their specific needs and take the steps to feel better naturally.

“All the answers to the questions of health and well-being are in the field of biology. Nature, in other words. You have to understand how the body and its various systems operate in order to work with it well. Specifically, the gut microbiome, the foundation of the immune system. What do we know about the gut and the microbiome? It has a microbiota, which is an ecosystem of bacteria, parasites, protozoa, viruses and fungi. What we know

is that the more diverse this ecosystem is, the stronger and healthier the individual will be. This is a direct reflection of nature, which is also filled to the brim with bacteria, viruses and fungi,” Knapp said, gesturing as if to encompass the world.

He’s right. The same microorganisms that keep this planet alive, keep us alive. To turn a blind eye to such powerful knowledge is counter-productive. Yet it’s a perpetual problem. So, what’s the first step towards achieving what Knapp refers to as “homeostasis”?

“Our primary service is our supplement consulting program, where I analyze blood work or hormone panels to really get a good look at whatever complex issues are occurring in the body. The more info, the better. What’s unique about this program is that we look at the entire individual’s life. I’ll ask many questions about your family history, medical history, sleep patterns and even your astrological chart, because it provides psychological insight.”

Building that foundation, specifically for your distinct biology, can be a watershed moment in reclaiming your health. Another core principle is managing one’s toxicity, stress and mental disposition.

“Homeostasis for everyone is unique, because everyone’s stress and toxic levels are different. No one is the same. Often times a person’s ‘biography is their biology’, a phrase coined by Caroline Myss. What you tell yourself about you is what ends up manifesting on a physical level. If the body is too stressed and toxic, it’s not going to be able to regenerate effectively. Then we’re tired, fatigued, anxious. The approach here is you have to give your body the fundamental resources, vitamins, nutrients, minerals and rest—so that it can regenerate the way it’s meant to. Bio-diversity is bio-security.” Knapp explained, his words teeming with life.

“People are tired of being tired, of taking poor advice from professionals utilizing a narrow approach. We want to help you help yourself, and have fun doing it. To educate and help people realize that being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.”

“Because at the end of the day when you help someone else, you’re helping yourself. If you look at the biology of any ecosystem, everything is helping everything. When you embrace that with intention, good things happen.”

Sacred Earth provides a hand-picked

“Health and wellbeing do not have to be complicated. Yet it’s become very complex in our nation this day and age."

selection of health foods and supplements with an emphasis on pure ingredients. As well as organic cold-pressed juice, a mineralized alkaline water well, local vendors and a wellness consultation program with affordable rates. You can schedule a consultation by calling (985) 778-2323 or give James and Mel a visit at 310 Dalwill Dr. in Mandeville to chat about your health needs. The duo will also be releasing a podcast soon, called “Exposing Wellness: A Paradigm Shift”.

50%OFF Bottle of Vitamin D*

James and Melodie Knapp, owners, *While Supplies Last invite you in for a visit. Mandeville's Premier Health Food Store & Wellness Boutique

RECEIVE DISCOUNTS & EVENT NOTIFICATIONS • TEXT SACREDEARTH TO 72727 310 Dalwill Dr., Mandeville, 70471 • Across from Rouse's on Hwy 22 985-778-2323 • SHOPSACREDEARTH.COM