Tag Archives: children

Keeping you and your family active this summer.  Super TIPS from PlayItFit!

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Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather! A reminder that you are now able to book again online for my pacific beach location!

Now that school is coming to an end, it can sometimes be difficult to find time for yourself and your kids to keep entertained, and more importantly keep active.  It is easier when it’s nicer outside, but often times families run out of ideas.

Luckily, we have an expert guest today, who is going to give some SUPER tips on how to get you and your kids moving all summer long!  Amie Wang of PlayItFit, is  certified Pilates instructor and has practiced Pilates for over 15 years, through two pregnancies and with her two children. She specializes working with women (including pre-/post-natal), families and kids. Amie is also a Virtues Project Facilitator, trained and certified by virtues project international, which forms the positive classroom management method in her pilates after school program in elementary schools.

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Movement is extremely important as we know for some many things.  It decreases your risk of alzheimers, cancer, increases blood and lymphatic flow, creates endorphins, decreases osteoporosis, ect.  It’s also especially important for our kids in the now “tech-age” to be able to get off the screens and get outside to play.  Kids need play for brain development, as much as we as adults need play too (we all know you weekend warrior people).

A little caveat here, it’s also extremely important for growth and development to make sure you and your kids get regular maintenance care.  This being important because as you increase your activity, the muscles/ligaments/joints are working harder.  If the nerve getting to that muscle or joint is not acting efficiently, it can lead to strain or injury.  As with anything, prevention is key, and getting routine maintenance care for your nervous system is the ultimate prevention.  Kids can complain of growing pains with activity as well, which is a sign of cranial tension.

Here are 6 tips to help you and your family stay active this summer:

1. Hit the playgrounds – Expand beyond your neighborhood parks. A little bit of newness helps get kids excited.  

2. Go for walks – No matter where you are, a walk is sometime the simplest thing when everyone gets a bit antsy. Set a destination – perhaps a playground – and make the walk a journey and spot nature along the way.

3. Set up and do obstacle courses – have the kids design an obstacle course using whatever materials you have. Once it’s set up, run through the obstacle courses with them. Kids love seeing adults get silly and move.

4. Have dance parties – This is super easy and you can do it anytime without leaving the house. Make it impromptu – The element of surprise usually gets kids giggling.

5. Jump some rope – Jump ropes are great for getting some movement. You can step into the backyard or in front of the house and just do it. Start with 5-10 minutes and before you know, the kids will probably ask to stay out longer.

6. Play a movement game – If you’re a yoga and/or Pilates enthusiast, bring in the fun factor with games. Try Simon Says style and get kids to copy what you do.

Amie also has a special treat for more ideas!  She has also created a card game or movement called MoveIT!

Move it is a deck of movement cards filled with fun Pilates-based moves. “Much of the fun imagery on the cards was inspired by my kids as I’ve connected with them in their imaginative worlds. The cards were designed to get families moving and having fun together.”

What a great idea!

Be one of the first people to get move it by backing it on Kickstarter here (https://kck.st/2Le0rTB).

If you would like more information and more movement tips for your family, check out PlayItFit’s website:http://www.playitfitnow.com/

I hope you utilize these awesome tips this summer, and get moving!!

Nutritional Habits of Healthy Children, Nutrients at Different Ages

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Happy Monday!  I hope you all have been enjoying this month’s topic on children’s health.  If you missed last week’s Facebook live video I went over the top 4 foods that are a big no no for children.  If you missed that topic you can watch the replay here:
https://www.facebook.com/drrachelhamel/videos/2093150134157617/

As we shift for the second half of this month, we are talking more about nutrition in children.  We have gone over the importance of Craniopathy chiropractic care in children, and nutrition is another huge topic, but we will highlight the main points here.

What do our children need to feel healthy and happy?

  • Water
  • Digestion
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Play
  • Sleep
These I believe are the top factors that need to be looked at for healthy and happy children.  
1. Water-  Is he/she getting enough water?  So many children drink so much juice, milk and sports drinks and are severely dehydrated.
2. Is the child getting daily exercise?  What activities could be recommended besides organized sports?
3. What is the child eating?  (topic today)
4. Is the child getting adequate rest?  How many hours and what is the quality?  Is the sleep schedule consistent?
5. What kind of stress is this child managing?  What can produce stress reduction for this child?  Is this child allowed time to relax and have fun?

First and foremost, it matters WHAT our children eat!
Numerous studies have shown how our diet can affect:

  • mood
  • energy
  • clarity of thought
  • behavior
  • healthy weight
  • overall health and vitality

The quality of the food is also extremely important.  Non-gmo, organic foods or growing your own foods is SO important!  Otherwise you aren’t eating real food, and are ingesting loads of toxins.  There are however different needs children have at different ages.

As I’ve mentioned before the BIGGEST age in brain growth in development is the age of 2 years and younger.  So, it will be no surprise to you that nutrition for this growth is extremely important.

2 years and younger:

Children during this age, should of course be breastfeeding if possible.  It is through breastfeeding that the child will develop immunity, and get adequate nutrients from mother’s milk.  If there are issues with breastfeeding, this can be helped with craniopathy and nutrition for both mom and baby.  I do understand women are in the working world and breastfeeding that long may not be feasible.  So, here are the key percentages of nutrients children need at this age.

Children can’t digest protein until they have molars, so protein at this age is less than that of older ages.
The majority of their nutrition should be healthy fats 40%.  The brain is made of fat, and needs a good amount for that huge amount of brain growth.  Carbs are second coming in also at 40%  I will explain in a minute what type of carbs because it’s “complex carbohydrates” that they need.  And lastly protein at 20%

2-5 Years Old:

The percentage starts to change slightly through this stage, fats move down to 30%, protein increases slightly to 25%, and carbs increases to 45%.

School Aged and Older:

The fats are around 20-25%, protein 25-30% and 50% Carbs.

What are complex carbohydrates??

  • Complex carbohydrates are nutrient dense but light in calories.  Refined foods and sweet will have just to opposite composition.  Try to limit those to occasional treats.
  • Complex carbohydrates should consist primarily of vegetables and fruits at a 2:1 ratio.
  • Organic fruits and vegetables when possible!
  • Whole grains should be organic and limited to no more than 2 servings per day
  • Understand that the percent of carbohydrates recommended in the guidelines is referring to quantity of food, not calories.

PROTEIN

  • Adequate protein is essential for children for growth and repair of cells, nerves, muscles and bones.
  • Relatively subtle effects of protein deficiency are now recognized, especially on the immune system and gastrointestinal mucosa
  • A child with aversion to protein should be tested for mineral imbalance and food intolerances, their bodies will pull them in a certain direction.
  • Quality protein from natural sources is best and animal proteins contain the highest amount per serving.
FATS

  • Fats are the main dietary energy source for infants.
  • Fats provide essential fatty acids necessary for brain development
  • They are needed for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and for myelination of the central nervous system.
  • They can be stored easily without much every cost which is important for infants.
  • Good sources are: avocados, eggs, nuts, olives, fish.
    • Introducing a variety of foods slowly helps the immune system
  • All trans fats should be avoided
  • Breast milk
    • It is considered a superior source of fat for infants because of its normal array of fats in its composition ALA, GLA, AA and DHA
    • It is important for a nursing mother to keep her diet high in healthy fats
    • Parent essential fatty acids and DHA need is especially high for the infant since it cannot efficiently make this fatty acid for rapid brain growth.
What is happening to our youth when it comes to weight management??

Why is their an increase in Type II Diabetes in children?  Now up to 46% of cases are children.
Why has the weight problem in children more than tripled in the past 30 years??
In 2012, more than 1/3 of children and adolescents were overweight or obese!

FACTORS:

  • Parental Influence
    • Family food preferences
    • Eating patterns
    • Daily activities and habits
  • Portion size and food choices
    • increased portion sizes in restaurants and fast food establishments
    • increased intake of sugary drinks, refined flour and other high processed foods
    • increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup that has replaced sugar in almost all processed food and drinks, hunger is barely satisfied.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle
    • increased screen time
    • reduced opportunities for physical play
  • Increase in toxins
    • typical american diet
    • gmo, non organic food
    • vaccines
    • amalgum fillings
    • digestion bugs
RESTORING NORMAL, HEALTH DIGESTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GOAL WHEN I WORK WITH CHILDREN!
ACID stopping medications, the number one selling drug initially meant for adults, are being prescribed at an alarming rate for our children.  Children don’t really produce adequate stomach acid until they get molars, because they then need it for protein digestion!
These drugs:
– Induce a state of low acid which creates progressive malabsorption and malnutrition!
Mineral and protein digestion requires strong acid production in the stomach.

PROMOTING STRONG DIGESTION REQUIRES:

  • quality nutritious foods
  • adequate enzyme production
  • proper pH balance in the stomach and intestines
  • presence of healthy bacteria
  • relaxed state of mind
  • healthy adrenal function
    • HEALTHY Teeth and Gums!  (You would not believe how many “healthy” people who eat right, exercise, do everything but still struggle because of hidden dental infections and metal fillings)
    • Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Gut is our immune system!
Common causes of impaired digestion:

  • Dehydration, low fiber, food intolerances
  • Birth Trauma, nerve compression to the vagal nerve and intestinal nerve areas
  • Not breastfed
  • C-section
  • Carbonated beverages with meals- neutralized the digestive enzymes
  • reduced pancreatic enzymes
  • antibiotic use
  • acid stopping medication
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • hidden gut parasites, bacteria, viruses or mold
How do you know if your child is having digestive symptoms?  Other than the obvious ones….
  • Indigestion/upset stomach/ “belly aches”
  • Constipation/diarrhea
  • reflux
  • fatigue
  • eczema/psoriasis
  • food cravings/food intolerances and/or allergies
  • weight loss/gain
Two facts:

1. Stomach pain is the MOST common reason for children to visit their primary care physician, according to the CDC
2. Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of abdominal pain in children and can be caused by viruses or bacterial agents.

I hope this was helpful to you this week.  I know it’s a lot of information, so you might have to go through it a few times.  Next week we will go into a few other nutrition related topics for children.  Share this with those who have kiddos as children are our future!!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Digest Zen Roller ball!  The rollerball products are awesome for children because they are already diluted, so no worries for the safety or skin irritation for children!

DōTERRA DigestZen Touch is the perfect oil to have on hand at home, work, or when traveling. The calming aroma of DigestZen essential oil blend is combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil in DigestZen Touch for gentle topical application. The essential oils of Anise, Peppermint, Ginger, Caraway, Coriander, Tarragon, and Fennel are known for their ability to ease the effects of motion sickness and stomach upset when inhaled or applied topically. dōTERRA DigestZen Touch is perfect for those who want the benefits of DigestZen essential oil in a diluted version for gentle or sensitive skin.

Uses

  • Take on a road trip to ease the effects of motion sickness.
  • Apply to the stomach or bottoms of feet after eating a large meal.
  • Have on hand when flying or traveling.
  • Use for food poisoning, diarrhea, constipation

Digestion Issues in Children on the Rise, What is happening?

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Happy Monday!  I hope you are all enjoying this month’s topic of chiropractic, nutrition and children.  After this week, I will diverging more from the chiropractic portion and moving more towards the nutrition aspect. 

I am returning this week, from a chiropractic research conference, where I had a poster and presentation this year (see the bottom for pictures).  I will tell you, there is a huge need for more research for cranial care, but one thing is certain that there is more and more research happening for its use in pregnancy, post partum and children.

It seems more and more children are having more and more digestion issues.  Why is this?
Well, of course this isn’t an “easy” answer or a quick fix, as it can be multiple different factors. This is a “blog” so as you know this is my professional opinion, I believe that the increase in digestion issues is caused by three main factors.

1. The increase in vaccinations.  Food proteins are added among other things, which causes abnormal immune responses, which can then lead to food allergies, and gut imbalances.  Wonder why no peanuts are allowed in schools anymore, that’s because so many are allergic to so many foods because of this increase.

2. The sources of our food.  Genetically modified foods we cannot digest, sprayed with herbicides and pesticides that break down our intestinal wall, and allow bugs and proteins to seep through.  Our soil is nutrient deficient, so most are nutrient and mineral deficient. Non organic GMO foods can cause problems in children and adults as well, and dairy (cow’s milk) has often too much casein that children cannot properly digest.  A decrease in infants breastfeeding, and an increase in children being fed soy based formulas is also a huge cause of digestive disruption in children.

3. Nervous system dysfunction and Sympathetic overload. This is mainly structural problems caused from birth.
 For the sake of this blog, we will mainly focus on the structural causes of digestive issues.  

1 What’s big in this category is the involvement in the nervous system.  As previously mentioned before            in last week’s blog is birth is traumatic on the head and nervous system.  Because it is traumatic on                the head and nervous system, what can usually happen and cause digestion problems in infants and           children is compression on a nerve called the vagus nerve (shown in green).

The vagus nerve starts its origin within the head, and exits through the base of the skull.

What does the vagus nerve do??

It is one of the 12 cranial nerves we have that exit the skull. The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emanate from the brain. It transmits information to or from the surface of the brain to tissues and organs elsewhere in the body. This nerve has many functions, but the 4 main functions are:

  • Sensory: From the throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen.
  • Special sensory: Provides taste sensation behind the tongue.
  • Motor: Provides movement functions for the muscles in the neck responsible for swallowing and speech.
  • Parasympathetic: Responsible for the digestive tract, respiration, and heart rate functioning.

The parasympathetic side, which the vagus nerve is heavily involved in, decreases alertness, blood pressure, and heart rate, and helps with calmness, relaxation, and digestion. As a result, the vagus nerve also helps with defecation, urination, and sexual arousal.

Other vagus nerve effects include:

  • Communication between the brain and the gut: The vagus nerve delivers information from the gut to the brain.
  • Relaxation with deep breathing: The vagus nerve communicates with the diaphragm. With deep breaths, a person feels more relaxed.
  • Decreasing inflammation: The vagus nerve sends an anti-inflammatory signal to other parts of the body.
  • Lowering the heart rate and blood pressure: If the vagus nerve is overactive, it can lead to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. In some cases, excessive vagus nerve activity can cause loss of consciousness and organ damage.
  • Fear management: The vagus nerve sends information from the gut to the brain, which is linked to dealing with stress, anxiety and fear – hence the saying, “gut feeling.” These signals help a person to recover from stressful and scary situations.
Because we are focusing on digestion, some big points here.  Vagal dysfunction whether increased or decreased CAN and does can digestion problems.  
  • Difficulty swallowing is one, which when you are dealing with a child or an infant swallowing it can have huge problems.  Also can lead to problems with the tongue and palate which can change the way the palate grows and develops.
  • Delayed gastric emptying- nausea, heart burn, stomach pains, spasms in the stomach, weight loss
  • B12 deficiency.  The vagus nerve stimulates parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid and intrinsic factor. This factor is needed to absorb vitamin B12.
  • irritable bowel syndrome.  Dys-regulation of the nervous system plays a role in the development of IBS.

How to normalize the nerve function?

-There are many ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, however the BEST and only way in children I have found (and adults), is taking the compression of the nerve away at its source.  THE HEAD.  Craniopathy chiropractic care.  Taking direct pressure can cause symptoms to improve almost instantly in children.

2.  Structural causes can also stem from dysfunction within the palate, which can further cause digestion problems.  Birth trauma can cause changes in the palate, or dysfinction in the tongue.  And of course genetic problems such as tongue and lip tie can cause digestion difficulties and speech and developmental problems for some if severe.  These dysfunctions also made breastfeeding difficult and for some infants impossible.  Get them checked for cranial care before stopping breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is huge for much development.

I hope this was all beneficial to you this week, and for those with children, know children or expecting children, please keep my care in mind.  There are not many individuals that do what I do, and the need is BIG.  Having proper digestion is key to actually absorbing nutrients which help children and adults alike.  If that child is nutrient deficient it can cause big problems later on.

Neurological & Structural Growth and Developmental Factors in Infants, and where Craniopathy Comes into play.

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Happy Monday everyone! This month is all topics on chiropractic and nutrition for children and infants.  If you missed last week’s blog I mentioned that each month will have a topic we will focus on for the ENTIRE month, as well as every Wednesday Live Facebook videos on the topic of choice!  If you have topics you’d like covered, suggested are HIGHLY welcomed:)  It is hard coming up with topics every week!

I will also be out of town the later part of this week presenting at the annual chiropractic research conference for a couple of papers I submitted.

On to this week’s topic!

This blog is about the neurological development that happens as we grow, and how chiropractic care (especially cranial care) is essential in this time.

I will be taking most information from different sources, the majority from a certified craniopath Dr. Martin Rosen as he has done so much for the pediatric chiropractic world.

Growth & Development 
How and when does the nervous system develop?

  • Total brain volume increases 101% in the first year of life, 15% in the second year.
  • Gray matter development increases 149% in the first year, white matter 11%
  • Cerebellum (cognitive) volume increases 240% in the first year
  • Lateral ventricle volume increases 280% in the first year
  • The brain reaches 80-90% of adult volume  by age two
  • The period from birth to two may be THE MOST DYNAMIC and IMPORTANT phase of postnatal brain development in humans!
The large increase in total brain volume in the first year of life suggests that this is a critical period in which disruption of developmental processes, as the result of genetic abnormalities, birth trauma, or environmental insults may have long lasting or permanent effects on brain structure and volume. 

The dural tissue.. let me explain… we have a tissue over our brain like a sac the brain sits in, which extends all the way down into the tailbone.  This tissue when under tension either from head or sacrum trauma results in neurological dysfunction developing at the spinal or cranial area are under the greatest stress.

“The primary mechanisms of injury to the spinal cord appear to be excessive traction applied to the spinal canal and cord during the birth process.” – Donn, MD Obstetrician.

This is why it’s so important to correct these structural components in an infant!  Studies have shown that these children will function at reduced capacity later in life.  It will cause compensatory patterns, to allow us to react to our environment the best we can.  However, this can cause complications.

Environmental factors come into play OF COURSE.  Being that a relatively small percentage of illnesses are really just from genetics…

Perceptions acquired before the age of six become the fundamental subconscious programs that shape the character of the individuals life!

This can even happen all the way in the womb…

Any pregnant woman who wants to give birth to a child must understand how much she affects the child in her womb.  She influences her child through the vibratory effect of her mental self, her circulation, her impulses, her feelings and all that she goes through.  The serum which flows through her spine and the change of the grey matter and neural patterns in her brain, combine with the beat of her heart and the impulse of the breath, to produce an imprint on her child’s brain. – Yogi Bhajan.

Birth trauma is REAL, and even in a normal birth, it can cause complications in the infant.  C-sections, forceps, vacuum, all have detrimental effects on how the child functions, unless these injuries to the head and body are addressed right away.  As previously mentioned, so much happens during the first 2 years of life!

Chiropractic care and cranial care for children is not just a “hoax”.  It really can be preventative, since most “patterns” we have as adults are made up till the age of seven.

Then … layer of years of other accidents, traumas, and other incidents.  It’s often times hard to actually see what the true pattern was!

Most the time I will say to my adult patients, after an initial examination, at the end of the treatment after we’ve treated and addressed many things… noww.. we had to clear ALL of that out to get to your ORIGINAL cranial compression from BIRTH.

It’s harder when you’re an adult to fix all these problems, if only children could get this care right away, you can avoid so many implications and interventions.  This is why I’m also passionate about treating children.  We have the ability to change THEIR future and development.

Wouldn’t you have liked that opportunity?  I sure would have.  It’s important now as an adult to create the best environment possible since I myself didn’t have that care.

Share this with those who have little ones or who are prepping to have little ones!  It could be LIFE changing for them.!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Marjoram. Marjoram Oil Product Description
Commonly recognized for its ability to spice foods, Marjoram essential oil is a unique cooking additive with many additional internal and external benefits. The herbaceous flavoring of Marjoram oil can be used to spice up stews, dressings, soups, and meat dishes and can take the place of dried marjoram when cooking. Aside from its culinary benefits, Marjoram can be taken internally to help support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system.* Marjoram can also be used topically and aromatically for its calming properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.* The aroma of Marjoram oil is warm, herbaceous, and woody and helps promote a calming atmosphere.

Marjoram oil is a unique and valuable oil because of the extensive benefits it provides for the body. One of the most significant benefits Marjoram essential oil offers is its ability to have a positive effect on the nervous system.* Marjoram oil is also used for its calming properties. To obtain these benefits, take Marjoram oil internally, apply it to the skin topically, or use it aromatically.

Acetylcholine is an important chemical produced by the body. It plays a crucial role in numerous neurological functions as a neurotransmitter. For example, acetylcholine is necessary for muscular contraction, the function of the cerebellar cortex, hippocampus and other neurologic structures. Recent research has even begun to suggest that healthy acetylcholine levels may correspond directly to healthy neurological function.1 An in vitro study lead by Tunisian researchers found that Marjoram essential oil inhibits enzymes that degrade acetylcholine. While further investigation is needed, these findings add to a growing body of research suggesting the use of essential oils in maintaining neurological health.*

Another powerful benefit of Marjoram essential oil is its ability to support a healthy immune system.* To help support your immune system with Marjoram oil, dilute one drop of Marjoram into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink. You can also put Marjoram oil into a Veggie Capsule and ingest.

While working on long, intense projects, apply Marjoram essential oil to the back of the neck to lessen feelings of stress. Marjarom oil contains calming properties that help relax emotions during stressful moments. Applying Marjoram essential oil topically can help provide the calming feelings you need to get through difficult or strenuous tasks.

The cardiovascular system includes one of the most fundamental and crucial parts of the body—the heart. Because of its prominence in keeping the body running, it is important to support your body’s cardiovascular system. Marjoram oil may promote a healthy cardiovascular system, helping to give your body essential strength that it may need.* These benefits can be obtained by taking Marjoram essential oil internally.

Indulge in a creamy, Low-Fat Spinach and Artichoke Dip that will have you coming back for seconds. Combining the rich flavors of cheese and yogurt with the nutrients of artichoke, jalapenos, and spinach, topped with a hint of Marjoram, this recipe will be hard to replace. This essential oil recipe is easy to make and is an instant crowd pleaser—perfect for office parties and holiday gatherings.

If “Rock-a-bye Baby” doesn’t seem to be lulling your child to sleep, don’t worry; just use some Marjoram oil. Prior to a nap, apply Marjoram essential oil to a fussy child’s feet. The calming properties of Marjoram oil will help soothe the child, helping him or her to rest easily and peacefully.

Marjoram is a great spice to have in the kitchen and can help spice up a variety of dishes. Next time a recipe calls for dried Marjoram, replace it with Marjoram essential oil for a convenient and spicy flavoring that will take your meal to the next level. Usually, one drop of Marjoram essential oil is equivalent to two tablespoons of dried Marjoram.

To bring relief to your muscles, apply Marjoram essential oil to the desired areas of your skin before and after exercising. Marjoram is also a perfect oil to add to a soothing massage blend for targeting tired and stressed muscles.

Fun Fact
In Germany, the marjoram herb is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese.

Plant Description
The marjoram plant, Origanum majorana, is an herbaceous perennial that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant can grow to be one to two feet in height and can spread an equal distance. This plant is busy with fragrant, ovate leaves that are gray-green in color. Tiny, tubular flowers that are white or pale pink bloom in clusters on this plant.1 doTERRA Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant.

 

That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Dr. Hamel