Monday, November 24, 2014

Thanksgiving - Food Traditions Revisted

by guest blogger Jody Perrecone


Thanksgiving - it’s a feeding frenzy and a day of guilty pleasures. We eat more than we should - and oh my - the calories!

Here’s how to have an epic Thanksgiving dinner with a nutritional boost, and save on the waistline at the same time.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

5 Tips to Eating Healthy During the Holidays

by guest blogger Holly Yzquierdo


We are all adults here so I'm going to go ahead and say it. You can't let a couple of holidays completely derail your health or your goals. Now I know that was a little harsh but let's think about it objectively. Depending on your traditions you probably only really celebrate a few days between now and the end of the year. Why does that usually turn into a junk food fest for a month and a half? Are those few days worth the downward spiral that usually follows poor food choices. I'm not saying you can't indulge a bit but let's be smart about it. The following tips will help you celebrate without derailing your health.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Back Pain – Taking a Natural Approach to a Painful Condition

by guest blogger Jody Perrecone

Nearly  80% of Americans will have back pain in their lifetime. Americans spend at least $50 billion a year on back pain. Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. Various back disorders include sprains, strains, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degeneration of disc.

The spine consists of 30 vertebrae and is the body’s main support structure. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the central opening of the vertebrae called the vertebral canal and the nerve roots that extend from the sides of the vertebrae to various areas of the body. Muscles and ligaments that move and stabilize the vertebrae attach to the spinous process located at the backside of each vertebrae and to the transverse process located on the side of each vertebrae. Discs are flexible cushions located between each vertebra and hold the vertebrae together. They allow the vertebrae to bend and twist and minimize stress on the spinal column.