August Blog

Chiropractic and Personal News

• Website:  http://www.drjohnriggs.com/ for more information about the practice.
• The Joint Commission recently recognized chiropractors as physicians (ACA News, August 2010).  This status has also apparently been extended to optometrists as well.  Such recognition, although being fought by certain medical organizations, has an impact on health care and how other players view chiropractic.  This as well as the phased in license parity of chiropractic doctors in the new health care legislation will make participation easier in future health care policies and programs.
• Personal News:  Dr. Riggs has recently been named president of the board of directors of the newly formed Suginami Aikido Association and is the technical director for the organization.  He holds a 4th degree black belt and teaches seminars 1-2 times a year in Texas.  He recently taught a seminar in Victoria TX and prior to that San Antonio TX.  He is the senior student (rank wise) of Hiroshi Kato, 8th dan with a planned visit by him to Midland next spring. Dr. Riggs also teaches Aikido as adjunct faculty at Midland College and participates in the MISD PE credit program.  He has been a chief instructor (dojo cho) for 15 years teaching at schools in Memphis, TN, Austin, TX, Waco, TX and Midland.  Aikido of Midland is recognized by the World Headquarters Aikikai Foundation and Hombu dojo through Suginami Aikikai (Kato sensei's organization).  All black belt rank is certified in Japan.

Health News

• Swimming may be one of the best exercises for lifelong health.
• Short periods of exercise protect telomeres from stress (telomeres play a role in cellular aging).
• Increased intake of B6 and B12 linked to less depression.
• Omega 3s (fish oils):  may help delay age-related hearing loss.  It may also increase brain volume. 

Sports Injuries

School is soon to start and with it school sports.  Dr. Riggs performs sports physicals for students at a nominal cost.  He also serves as the chiropractor for athletes at Midland College and has treated baseball, softball, soccer and basketball athletes.  He has trained with Dr. Jeff Spencer on laser therapy as used with the Tour De France athletes and is planning advanced laser training in Denver in October.  Dr. Riggs offers the following services for athletes (whether weekend or team sports):

• Examination and treatment of injuries to the neuromusculoskeletal system (neck, back, joints, shoulders, knees, etc.).
• Treatment of repetitive stress and acute injuries (strains/sprains, tendinosis/tendinitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer's elbow), repetitive stress injuries, biomechanical problems (pronation), trigger points, etc.
• Laser therapy for injury prevention and treatment.
• Physiotherapy modalities (electrical stim, interferential, ultrasound, etc.) for injury repair and treatment.
• Kinesiotaping and Graston deep tissue instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for injuries and scar tissue.

Laser Therapy

Dr. Riggs has been using low level laser therapy (3LT) or what is sometimes referred to as cold laser since April.  Clinically, he has successfully treated the following conditions:

• Neck and back pain.
• Sciatica
• Nausea (2 years duration resolved in 2 treatments)
• Headaches and TMJ problems
• Ankle, knee and wrist pain
• Carpal tunnel
• Plantar fasciitis/heel spurs
• Shoulder impingement syndrome/rotator cuff strains
• Tendinitis (Knees/Hips)
• Arthritis/Cartilage pain
• Sprains/Strains
• Sports Injuries
• Muscle weakness

ADDENDUM

ADDENDUM:

I am in the process of putting up a new website.  Keep in mind it is current a work in progress.

New web address.  www.drjohnriggs.com

Dr. Riggs July/August Blog

Nutrition News:

• Chocolate:  for all you chocolate lovers the good news is it may reduce heart disease and hypertension.
• Green tea may help the eyes combat oxidative stress (glaucoma and other eye diseases).
• Vitamin C may also help protect against glaucoma, while a high fat diet increasese the risks of macular degeneration.  It also helps decrease blood vessel growth to tumors.
• Omega 3 (fish oils):  DHA- a component of Omega 3s may help destroy neuroblastoma cells.  Omega 3s may decrease chronic disease risks.  Fish oils may also expand brain volume and stave off mental decline.
• Selenium may decrease diabetes risk.
• Vitamin D:  is a key nutrient for skin cell growth and replacement.  A recemt study also showed that higher levels of vitamin D was associated with improved physical performance.
• Resveratrol (in grapes) may help chronic colitis sufferers.
• Obesity:  has been linked to the availability of unhealthy foods.  The spice saffron may help curb appetite by increasing serotonin levels.

Hormones:

• Male Menopause:  low testosterone can cause low sex drive, low energy and decreased enthusiasm for life.  Levels drop as we age and this decline may have an impact on men's overall function, performance and longevity.    Male Hormone Replacement Therapy may help stave off the effects of age-related decreases in testosterone.

Medical ID Cards:

Medical ID cards (e.g., 911 Medical ID Card, 911 Medical ID Medallion) is a preprogrammed USB that holds all your medical information and opens up in a Windows based program.  If you have an extensive health history background, this can save you time and energy and provide valuable information quickly for health care providers.

June/July Blog

Monday, July 5th we will be closed for the 4th of July. 

Sorry for any inconvenience.  If you have an emergency, please call the office for a contact number for off hours.  I will be in the area.

Not much of a blog this month since I have been in the process of moving.

SAFETY on the 4th.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Children and fireworks do not mix.
• Drugs and fireworks do not mix.
• Drugs and alcohol also apply to operating motor vehicles, boats, and any other motorized apparatus.

Be careful not careless and you will have a safe and healthy holiday.

I'm still getting good results with the LASER.  I like this modality.  I've helped nausea which was non-responsive to medical treatment (resolved in 2 treatments after 2 years of it). It has also helped/resolved:  carpal tunnel, shoulder pain, knee pain, shingles, weak muscles, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, wrist pain and stiffness, headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, bruises (decreased), pulled muscles, and other conditions.

May you holiday be safe and relaxing.  We all need time to disconnect.

Dr. Riggs' April/May Blog

Taxes are done so I'm back on.

NEW SERVICES
(Laser Therapy/Ionic Detoxifying Foot Baths)

LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT or 3LT):
I'm excited about a new therapy modality I am now offering.  I trained recently with Dr. Jeff Spencer, the chiropractor responsible for keeping Lance Armstrong and his Tour de France team healthy during their multiple straight wins (7 for Lance, 8 for the team).  Dr. Spencer used the Erchonia LLLT or 3LT (cold laser) to treat Lance and other professional athletes such as Tiger Woods and many others.  I have purchased the same laser he uses and have been using it with very good results for almost a month.  Even though the equipment was quite expensive, I have made treatment very affordable as a cash service since insurance carriers and medicare do not cover it.  Currently, as far as I know, I am the only one in Midland using the laser.

There are many conditions that can be treated with 3LT (cold laser) and so far, I have treated the following conditions with the laser:

• Muscle weakness found through muscle testing
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel and hand pain
• Neck and Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• TMJ problems
• Tendonitis/Bursitis
• Knee Pain
• Tennis Elbow
• Foot Pain
• Meniere's/tinnitus
• Sciatica/radiculopathy

DETOXIFYING FOOT BATHS:  (Using  the EBPro)
I have also added ionic detoxifying foot baths as a cash service.  Many of my patients were driving as far as Abilene to receive such services.  Treatment times (18-25 minutes) vary but we have tried to make this affordable as well, plus the time and gas savings of having to drive out of the area.  It helps pull out the toxins we build up from daily exposure. TREATMENT PRECAUTIONS:  Cannot be used on patients with-pacemaker, organ transplant, arrhythmia, heart regulating medication, pregnant or lactating females, patients with open wounds.  Excess use can cause dehydration, fatigue, increased blood pressure, dizziness, headache , or upset stomach.  Diabetic and patients with low blood sugar should eat a meal prior to treatment.

NUTRITION NEWS:

Lowering Heart Attack Risk Naturally:  chronic inflammation in the body is a risk factor for many diseases including heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's and many others.  One indicator of inflammation in the body is C-Reactive Protein (CRP).  Studies have suggested that CRP may even be a greater risk factor than high cholesterol in evaluating heart attack and stroke risk.  Crestor, a statin drug, has been found effective in lower risk for those with moderate LDL levels and excess CRP.  However, Crestor has its issues including major cardiovascular events.

A multi-method approach to lower CRP: 

• Vitamin C (1000 mg/day)
• Decreased high-glycemic carbohydrates
• Intake of cholesterol lowering foods (almonds, soy protein, fiber, plant sterols)  High fiber tends to lower the risk of elevated CRP
• For men, balancing the free testosterone/estrogen levels (decreases inflammation and belly fat).
• Dietary supplements suppressing inflammation:  curcumin, Irvingia, vitamin K, Luteolin, fish oil, borage oil (GLA), acetyl-L-carnitine, Vitamin C, theaflavins, soluble fiber, CoQ10, isoflavones.
• Good dental health (periodontal disease increases CRP)
• Decrease homocysteine levels
• 17 Daggers of Arterial Disease:  low blood EPA/DHA (fish oils), Elevated CRP, Excess LDL, Excess Insulin, Low HDL (good cholesterol), High Glucose, Nitric Oxide Deficit. Excess Estrogen, Excess Triglycerides, Low Free Testosterone, Excess Fibrinogen, Excess Homocysteine, Hypertension, Low Vitamin K, Excess Cholesterol, Oxidized LDL (from Life Extension Foundation).

March Blog Update on Health

Office Note:  Note: I will be closed on Saturday March 6 and March 20 for seminars.

Heart Health (from WebMD):  Men and women experience different symptoms when having a heart attack.  Time is muscle, so early recognition.

Men Heart Attack (MI) Symptoms:  chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue are the most typical symptoms for men.

Women:   these heart attack warning signs for women should be considered carefully.
Major symptoms prior to MI             Major symptoms during the MI

•Unusual fatigue                                            •Shortness of breath
•Difficulty sleeping                                        •Weakness
•Shortness of breath                                      •Unusual fatigue
•Indigestion                                                   •Cold sweat
•Anxiety                                                        •Dizziness






































Major symptoms prior to heart attack Major symptoms during the heart attack









•Unusual fatigue •Shortness of breath









•Difficulty sleeping •Weakness









•Shortness of breath •Unusual fatigue









•Indigestion •Cold sweat









•Anxiety •Dizziness

February Blog on Aging and Nutrition

Marty's surgery went well and she is recovering nicely.

Nutrition/Alternative Medicine News:

• Mimicing caloric restriction which aids in longevity through nutrition.  5 substances showing the most promise to mimic caloric restriction include:  resveratrol, pterostilbene, quercetin, grape seed extract, black tea extract.  These substances help prevent cancer, enhance glucose control, control inflammation, , optimize fat and carbohydrate metabolism
• Excess calorie intake bloats our bloodstream with glucose, insulin, cholesterol, fat, and other products that are pro-inflammatory and predispose us to cancer, stroke, heart attacks, inflammation, and senility as well as other age related problems (Life Extension Foundation).
• Carbohydrate Overload-as we age we are more likely to suffer from impaired glucose tolerance-we can't effectively utilize the sugars we eat.  It makes us prone to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (central obesity is one element).    In our excessive carbohydrate American diet it may be necessary to inhibit enzymes (amylase, glucosidase, sucrase) to regain glycemic control.  Acarbose (low cost drug) controls glucosidase, a nutrient compound InSea controls amylase and glucosidase, and white kidney bean extract and irvingia controls amylase while l-arabinose controls sucrase.  To combat carbohydrate overload your fasting glucose should be below 86 mg/dL.
• Excess glucose:  converts to fat, increases triglycerides and C-Reactive proteins, deceases HDL (healthy cholesterol), increases blood pressure, may damage kidneys, increases risk for certain cancers and injures the vascular system.
• Restricting calories is the key to taking care of the above problems but what about hunger?  Pinolenic acid (pine cone extract) decreases appetite without stimulants.  It reduces the desire to eat and makes you satisfied earlier.
• Other options to emulate caloric restriction:  orlistat, acarbose, optimized irvingia and black tea.  Obesity is responsible for 100K cancers annualy.
• Omega 3 fatty acids boot the benefits of glucosamine.  I'm vindicated.  I have been recommending a supplement triad of glucosamine + boswellic acids + fish oils (Omega 3s) for years.  Boswellia because it has anti-inflammatory properties as does fish oils.  So my combination  enhances the effectives of one component.  I usually recommend Osteo-biflex since it has glucosamine and boswellia (5-Loxin) in it.
• Vitamin D:  low levels are associated with heart disaes, stroke, premature death and heart failure.  Long-term doses of D are well tolerated over an 8 week period.
• Cancer Prevention Nutrition:  green tea may protect against oral cancer; soy shows promise as a colon cancer prevention; resveratrol may serve as a chemopreventative reagent for breast cancer. Vitamin D may lower colorectal cancer.
• Lungs may be protected by anti-oxidants during flu season.
• CoQ10:  key to heart health.  I also recommend it to counter the muscle side-effects of statin drugs.  Ubiquinol for is key.  CoQ10 also help counteract the stress to muscles after exercise.
• Green Tea Extract may reduce uterine fibroids.
• Low carb diet lowers blood pressure.

Medical News:

• FDA has approved milnacipran, a dual serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, for the management of fibromyalgia. Medscape Medical News
• Toilet seat dermatitis (butt rash) may be making a comeback due to harsh chemical cleaners and exotic wooden seats.  It causes a rash in the buttocks and upper thighs.  To avoid:  use seat covers in public rest rooms, avoid harsh cleaners and go back to plastic seats.