Week of: Monday Jan. 7, 2019

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

IN THE NEWS: Is Vaping Bad for You? Well, for Starters, Your E-Cig Vapors Might Contain Lead New study findings show that the vapors from a variety of devices contain potentially toxic levels of metals, including lead. The study comes on the heels of research out last year that detected metals in e-liquids used in the devices. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers recruited 56 daily e-cigarette users and studied the vapors they give off. "We devised a relatively simple system that collects the aerosol, what people call the vapors. We collected it almost as soon as it came out of the e-cigarette,” study author Ana María Rule, PhD, MHS, told Men’s Health. The Hopkins researchers also tested for the presence of metals in e-liquid refilling dispensers and in the remaining liquid in the e-cigarette tanks. "Knowing many metals are toxic when inhaled, we wanted to check it out," Rule says. "We didn’t know what we were going to find." The metals they discovered, when regularly inhaled, have been linked to lung, liver, immune, cardiovascular, and brain damage, and cancer.

WELLNESS: Immune-Boosting Foods to Eat If You Don't Want to Get Sick This Winter 1. Turmeric According to Los Angeles–based holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman, turmeric is one of the richest sources of antioxidants and is therefore chock-full of the inflammation-fighting goodness our vulnerable immune systems needs. "Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is antiviral, antifungal, and can help keep the immune system strong," Goodman shares. "Just make sure to mix turmeric with black pepper, which increases absorption. I like to juice turmeric in addition to adding it to curries, sauces, soups, and coffee-free lattes." 2. Pumpkin Seeds Go Raw Organic Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds We already knew nuts and seeds are one of the best foods for our daily quota of plant-based protein and fats, but it turns out seeds (pumpkin, in particular) are filled with zinc—one of the most important minerals for staving off sniffles and sluggishness. "Zinc is an essential mineral for the immune system," Franceschini confirms. "An immune system without zinc is like an army without soldiers. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate in the afternoon, toast up some chickpeas for a salad, or snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds to help to store optimal levels of zinc in the body." 3. Broccoli Whether you prefer broccoli (or any cruciferous vegetable, for that matter) steamed, roasted, or riced, Farah Fahad, MS, RD, creator of The Farah Effect, says it's one of the best foods for supporting immune health. In reference to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Fahad says sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli, might activate antioxidants and enzymes in specific immune cells which fight the free radicals that lead to cell damage and disease. 4. Elderberry—a antioxidant powerhouse with a surplus of immune-boosting perks. "Elderberry has long been used as an herbal remedy for colds, flu, and sinus infections," she explains. "Preliminary studies suggest that elderberry extract may offer virus-fighting, immune-stimulating, and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore I recommend addingelderberry syrup to your oatmeal, coconut yogurt, or taking a swallow-full straight. (Note: Pay heed if your elderberry supplement recommends dilution. Many syrups and juices are super concentrated!) 5. Fermented Foods Remember what we said about gut health being paramount for optimum immunity? Yep, it's time to prick up your ears. "Keeping your gut bacteria healthy is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy since roughly 70% to 80% of the cells making up your immune system are in your gut," Goodman shares. Source-wise, she recommends snapping up fermented foods like coconut kefir, tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha. "If you're in L.A., I love getting the tempeh Reuben in a collard wrap from Real Food Daily. They add sauerkraut so it’s two probiotics in one meal. I also frequently sauté tempeh in coconut oil, and kimchi fried rice is another favorite," says Goodman.

CHIROPRACTIC: Chiropractic and Leg Length Leg length plays and important role in posture. When there is a difference in leg length, the pelvis cannot maintain a level position, and because the spine’s base is the pelvis, it cannot stay straight if there is a leg length discrepancy. Doctors of all disciplines realize the importance of leg length, especially orthopedic surgeons as they consider a hip or knee replacement! There are many causes of leg length issues, and some include a genetic predisposition (inherited) or trauma during bone growth years. From a treatment standpoint, a heel lift (with or without arch supports) can be placed into the shoe on the short leg side. Unfortunately, there is not a 1 to 1 mm correction of the leg length deficiency with heel lifts. In adults, it has been reported that about a 66% correction occurs, which means a 10 mm lift would result in around a 6.6mm leg length deficiency correction. Note: if you have an anatomical short leg you need to wear a lift for the rest of your life or otherwise have your shoe on the short leg side built up, structural balance affects your health.

FUNNY BONE: The Thoughest Questions Woman Ask To Men 1. What are you thinking? The proper answer to this question, of course is, "I'm sorry if I've been pensive, dear. I was just reflecting on what a warm, wonderful, caring, thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful woman you are and what a lucky guy I am to have met you." Obviously, this statement bears no resemblance whatsoever to what the guy was really thinking at the time, which was most likely one of five things: Baseball! Football! How fat you are. How much prettier she is than you. How he would spend the insurance money if you died. 2. Do you love me? The correct answer to this question is, "Yes." For those guys who feel the need to be more elaborate, you may answer, "Yes, dear". Wrong answers include: I suppose so. Would it make you feel better if I said yes. That depends on what you mean by "love". Does it matter? Who, me? 3. Do I look fat? The correct male response to this question is to confidently and emphatically state, "No, of course not." and then quickly leave the room. Wrong answers include: I wouldn't call you fat, but I wouldn't call you thin either. Compared to what? A little extra weight looks good on you. I've seen fatter. Could you repeat the question? I was thinking about your insurance policy. 4. Do you think she's prettier than me? The "she" in the question could be an ex-girlfriend, a passer-by you were starring at so hard that you almost cause a traffic accident or an actress in a movie you just saw. In any case, the correct response is, "No, you are much prettier." Wrong answers include: Not prettier, just pretty in a different way. I don't know how one goes about rating such things. Yes, but I bet you have a better personality. Only in the sense that she's younger and thinner. Could you repeat the question? I was thinking about your insurance policy.

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