Dr Kristofer Young ~ Functional Medicine Chiropractor ~ Ventura CA

I'm Not a Gastroenterologist, but ...

2012-01-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

For clarity and for medicolegal considerations, let me be clear; I am not a gastroenterologist.

But, please note this Google review about me, my wife Jo, and our office, written by Rachel on‎ - Jan 28, 2012:

"I went to Dr. Young with a serious case of ulcerative colitis that had been diagnosed two years prior. I had been to three gastroenterologists, an acupuncturist, a dietician and another chiropractor and had never found relief. All the doctors told me I would be on medication for the rest of my life. After a month of seeing Dr. Young I was 90% better. Six months later I feel completely healthy. With his care and Jo's wonderful supportive attitude, I have my health back and the ability to do all the things I love again. THANK YOU!" *****

Again, for clarity, what I am is a Functional Medicine Chiropractor; that just means that I have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and that Functional Medicine is the overarching systems approach upon which I base my practice. I treat a lot of back and neck pain, but I am not a specialist, I am a general practice doc. I treat everything from acne to depression to heart disease.

Does one have to be a doctor to figure out that the food that we put in our mouths is the single greatest effector of our gut?

Would one have to be a gastroenterologist to know that while the human body is composed of 10 trillion cells, that living in our gut and on us are 100 trillion microorganisms? Wouldn't it make sense that these microorganisms would also have a powerful effect on our digestive tracts?

As an Functional Medicine Chiropractor I adhere strongly to medical science, and constantly return to the basics to solve complex problems like ulcerative colitis. The first step with a new patient or new condition is to figure out the causes of the problem. I always look at the patient's diet, food allergies, digestive capacity, nutrient status, and spinal function (which directly influences digestive health).

While specializing, focusing a doctor's study and attention on one organ or system, can be valuable, it is not, if the doctor loses sight of the integrated function of the entire body. First and foremost we all need a healthcare practitioner who understands and considers the whole body, and guides us to an understanding of the causes of our illness.

The moral of this story might be: just because you have been to 3 specialists, doesn't necessarily mean there is no where else to turn for help.

And never forget, if your healthcare practitioner has not discussed with you the causes of your illness, something critical has been left behind.

http://www.Ventura-Chiropractor.com

Dr. Oz Says the Functional Medicine I Practice is Cutting-Edge

2012-01-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Dr. Mark Hyman, Chairman, IFM Board of Directors and Dr. Kristofer Young at the 18th International Symposium on Functional Medicine in 2011

Dr. Oz is right! And I am fortunate to have been studying and practicing Functional Medicine since it's inception 20 years ago.

Please watch this 4 and a half minute video which introduces my friends and colleagues, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Blum, Dr. Perlmutter and Dr. Warner. Note that Dr. Oz says that these four are doctors that he would send his own family members to, and that these doctors are practicing cutting-edge medicine; Functional Medicine.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-1

Dr. Steven Shuel, chiropractor, dropped by my office in Ventura, CA in 1991 to drop off an audio tape of a lecture on inflammation, that he thought I would find interesting. Little did he know, this act would change my life.

The lecture on the tape was given by Jeffrey Bland, PhD. The content was fascinating, and of obvious importance to any thoughtful physician. My attention, listening to the first of many lectures that I would hear Dr. Bland deliver, was drawn to his intellectual brilliance, his capacity to communicate complex materials, and his vision regarding the way forward to improve healthcare.

In 1991 Dr. Bland founded the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). That same year I subscribed to Dr. Bland's monthly audio program on current and developing trends in healthcare, Preventive Medicine Update (PMU). PMU was later renamed Functional Medicine Update (FMU). I have maintained an active subscription to PMU-FMU since 1991. PMU-FMU has been the single most important source of continuing education in my professional life. It has consistently informed me of important trends in healthcare five to ten years before they begin to become mainstream.

On the IFM website the question "What is Functional Medicine?" is answered as follows:
"Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual."

In 1993 the Institute for Functional Medicine inaugurated its annual International Symposium on Functional Medicine, a conference featuring world-reknowned speakers and attendees from around the world. I have attended 15 of the 18 conferences.

More than 50,000 practitioners have been introduced to the principles and practices of functional medicine. Faculty from one-fifth of all medical schools in America, and physicians from 44 countries have attended the IFM's foundational training course, Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice.

Functional Medicine is cutting-edge. But as you can see, it is not new. Dr. Bland, Dr. Hyman, and thousands of others around the world have been working for decades to bring us better medicine.

If you want to address the underlying causes of your disease, engage in a therapeutic partnership with a doctor, address your whole being - not just your symptoms, and return to health and vitality, go to the IFM website and find a practitioner of Functional Medicine in your area. Dr. Oz thinks you will be making a smart move!

A Baby's Broken Bones - and you can help

2012-01-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Below you will read about a 2-month old baby boy with fractures of the skull, ribs, leg and collar bone. With what you will learn, you can help this boy, help protect other infants, and actually help all Americans protect themselves not just from bone fracture, but from cancers, heart disease, diabetes, depression, weight gain, arthritis and more.

***** begin quote from VDC *****

Another Rickets Tragedy - source - The Vitamin D Council
January 19, 2012
I [Dr. John Cannell] received the following email this morning and these cases continue to break my heart. I have been conversing over the phone with this mother, Deborah, all day. While I do not definitively know if Deborah and her fiancé are innocent, my guess is that they are – I have heard and seen far too many similar cases.

Dear Dr. Cannell:
We spoke on the phone earlier today about the situation that I'm in. My fiancé and I are in the process of one of us being convicted of child abuse. My son Jason is 2 months old. I'm African American as well as my fiancé. I breast fed my baby but did not give him vitamin D supplements. The baby doctor said nothing about vitamin D. I attend college, so my fiancé took time off (from school) to help raise our son. Jason was born 11/19/11, and we live in PA (it’s very cold where we live). We do not take our son outside because I fear he would catch a cold.

The night before we took our son to the hospital, I had gone to class and my fiancé was watching him; he would never hit Jason. He has a daughter prior to our son and no history of abuse with her. So my son was crying and I came back, he was trying to calm him down by walking around the apartment, which was one of the techniques I showed him to calm our son down when he twitches and cries. Then he began to twitch worse and we called the pediatrician like we always do, and she told us to monitor him and he should be fine. Well the twitching didn’t go away and my fiancé called the pediatrician again to tell her it didn't stop. She then told us to come in, that it could be something else.

We brought him in, and he was not twitching at the doctor's office, so they directed us to the hospital. Jason started twitching again. So they took him and told us to wait, they wanted to do a CT scan of his head. The doctor came back telling us that he had suffered severe head trauma and may have brain injuries. We were shocked and started crying all over the hospital, trying to get in touch with our parents to tell them this horrible news. Jason had to be transported to a children's hospital where they then informed us that he has multiple fractures of the head, ribs, leg, and collar bone. We had NO IDEA how that happened. We were always careful.

The police then talked to us, as well as child services. They wanted me to testify against my fiancé, but I couldn't because it didn't make sense. There were no signs of abuse. He had no bruises, nothing! They said some of the fractures appeared to be old but again, there were no signs. The old fractures were from when Jason was in my care, and I would never abuse my son. His father was rarely around then as he was working two jobs. Just the past week is when he began to watch Jason by himself. Therefore, the fractures, I have no idea where they have come from. My parents didn't see it, the doctors, the hospital. Nobody saw any bruises or signs of child abuse. We were going to the hospital regularly too.

I then remembered that one of the hospital blood tests he had undergone about 4 weeks ago showed that he had very low vitamin D levels. We got it retested; the second time my son was taking Vit-D-Sol, but the test again showed his vitamin D levels were still very low.

I read all over online about what could be the cause. I came across your website and article and looked at pictures of rickets x-rays. His legs curve but the doctors told me not to worry, it’s nothing. But after reading and learning about rickets, I believe that my son may have this. Can you please help me! I'm being threatened that they will remove my child and not even give Jason to my parents unless I testify against my fiancé. I need your help.

Thank you. If you need me to do anything, let me know. Thanks for your help,

Deborah

Dear Deborah:
I can only try to understand the tragedy that you are going through. If this had happened five years ago, you would have had no chance. Either you send your man to prison or you lose your baby. However, things are starting to change. I can try to help.

The twitching you noticed in your son are probably small seizures from episodic low blood calcium; it sounds as if he has had this for a while. Given time, the baby formula Jason is now on will treat these. However, the doctors are giving your son inadequate amounts of vitamin D, that is why his second vitamin D level did not go up. Also, ask them to do an “alkaline phosphatase bone” blood test and x-rays of the ankle and wrist as soon as possible and send the doctors the request for these tests in a registered letter. How low was his vitamin D, do you remember? The fact that you have a vitamin D level before they took the baby away is incredibly important. Also, bowed legs, like your son has, are very common in rickets.

The lack of bruises over the fractures is typical with rickets. Trauma, such as hitting, causes bruises; rickets seldom does. Also, if someone was repeatedly beating the infant, the infant would often cry when that person picked him up or came close. Sometimes mothers hear “popping” noises as the rachitic infants’ bones softly break on normal handling or changing. Have you ever heard such noises?

Jason will heal now as he is on infant formula, which contains lots of vitamin D for his 10 pounds of body weight. However, they will say he healed because he is out of your abusive household. As I understand it, your fiancé was not around during the time of the old fractures, so he could not have done them. If someone had hit Jason in the last week, bruises would have been evident to you.

The “severe head trauma” is bleeding on the surface of the brain, which is common in these cases, and again, no bruises will be found. One of the email addresses that I am going to give you is Mr. Zach Bravos, a lawyer and an expert in this field of “head trauma” and abuse. His paper on the subject will help your attorney.

They will try to get you to testify against your fiancé in order to keep your baby. It is a terrible choice, a Sophie’s Choice, but I advise you to stay on the side of truth and let your man know that you will. Your fiancé needs help; tell him these false accusations are common, especially among Black couples who breast-fed their infants. He needs to know that you support him. Tell him there are others in his shoes. He needs professional help if he is suicidal.

The second person that may help your attorney is Dr. David Ayoub, a radiologist very familiar with these cases. I will call you and give you Dr. Ayoub’s information.
Please stay in touch and do not give up hope.

John Cannell, MD
Vitamin D Council
1241 Johnson Ave, # 134
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401

***** end quoted material from VDC *****

Most Americans have low blood levels of Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D increase the risk of bone fracture, osteoporsis, cancers, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, arthritis, autoimmune disease, depression.

What is your blood level? What about your children?

My wife and I have tested our Vitamin D levels, and due to supplementation and sun exposure, our levels are very healthy. We tested the four members of our daughter's family, who live in New York. Only our daughter had an acceptible level; due to supplementation. Our two grandchildren and our son-in-law had unhealthy, unsafe levels.

Beware: though current laboratory testing reference ranges suggest that 30-100 ng/mL is a healthy blood level of Vitamin D, many experts agree that 50 should be the low end of the scale.

As a culture, we need to wake up to the need for Vitamin D.

Individuals with darker skin need more sun exposure than those with lighter skin, to make the same amount of Vitamin D. Consequently, darker skinned people in America have lower Vitamin D levels, and more of the diseases that arise from insufficiency.

So, what can you do? Have your family's blood levels tested. Share this information with your friends, family and co-workers. As we as individuals become informed, our culture as a whole becomes more informed. We will protect the bones of babies, we will improve our own health, and we will improve the health of our world.

Testing: simple finger stick done at home - see this page

http://www.Ventura-Chiropractor.com

Statins Can Cause Diabetes

2012-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Dr. Mark Hyman, the Chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine, and a doctor committed to inspiring people to learn about their bodies, and to take charge of their health, states, "A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that statins increase the risk of getting diabetes by 71 percent in post-menopausal women." He encourages, in this case, post-menopausal women to learn about their health, to advocate for their own health, and to beware of being prescribed a drug that might be dangerous for them.

The lesson here is an old lesson; drugs can be very powerful and very dangerous ~ a healthy lifestyle is very powerful and is not dangerous.

I cast my lot with Dr. Hyman, Dr. Ornish, Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, and practitioners of Functional Medicine who know and teach that we can only control our declining health and increasing healthcare expenses by living more healthfully!

http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

46 Year-Old Biologist Reverses Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine in 6 Weeks

2012-01-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

That's right! A 46 year-old biologist reversed his degenerative spinal arthritis in just 6 weeks!

But here is what is really surprising! Within this blog post, you will find neither an 800 number nor a URL for a website from which you can order magic pills for $39.95, with a second bottle absolutely free, including shipping and handling, with an unconditional money-back guarantee of satisfaction (minus a $36.95 restocking fee) so that you too can experience these miraculous results. Instead, what you will find are the simple, rational therapies of Functional Medicine that you will be able, without risk or charge, to try out for yourself.

When I first saw this patient, he had been experiencing chronic low back pain for some time. On his first visit I found the joints of his spine to be stiff and restricted, and found the muscles of his spine to be excessively tight. My attempts to manipulate his spine met with little success. Stiff joints, tight muscles and a spine that is not amenable to manipulation are hallmarks of degenerative spinal arthritis.

I explained to the patient that most Americans have insufficient magnesium in their diets and in their bodies, and that without adequate magnesium, ones muscles cannot fully relax. I told him that reactions to foods are one of the most common causes of arthritis, and that dairy products are one of the most common offending foods. I reminded him of the critical importance of daily stretching to maintain spinal and general health. And I ordered an MRI of the his low back to help me evaluate the condition of his spine.

When the radiologist's report arrived on my desk, I was not surprised to read his description of the degenerative spinal arthritis and the mild disc protrusion.

Six weeks passed before I saw the patient for his second visit. He reported that his low back pain had lessened, that he had been taking magnesium, that he had reduced his dairy intake and that he had been stretching regularly.

This time, manipulation of his spine was easier; joints that would not release at the time of the first visit, now moved. His joint function and muscle tone were not optimal, but they were better. He had reversed the arthritis in his spine.

Now, let's be clear here, I did not say that he was cured, and I did not say that his condition was resolved. I said that his degenerative spinal arthritis was reversed; the direction or trajectory of the condition was reversed from worsening to improving. Given that pain and progressive loss of mobility are classic signs of degenerative arthritis, it is reasonable that decreased pain and increased joint mobility are signs of the reversal of the condition. It is a great start.

Note that these improvements were achieved without drugs or expensive treatments. Note that these simple treatments address causes of arthritis. Note that not only did his symptom, pain, diminish, but the function of his spine improved. Note that this was achieved without attempt to cover or mask the symptom.

This is not a miracle story. On the contrary; this is commonplace in a Functional Medicine practice.

Written by Dr. Young, a Ventura Chiropractor.

Diabesity: What is it?

2012-01-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

“Diabesitydescribes a continuum of disease from optimal blood sugar balance to insulinsensitivity to full-blown diabetes. This biological imbalance is our modernplague. It affects 1 in 2 Americans and is the leading cause of most chronicdisease in this country including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke,dementia, and cancer, not to mention its leading role in weight gain andobesity.” – Mark Hyman, MD

http://drhyman.com/fifty-percent-of-americans-suffer-from-silent-killer-7915/

The Wheel Doesn't Need to be Reinvented

2012-01-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

The wheel doesn't need to be reinvented, and I don't have to work to restate what Dean Ornish, MD has stated so clearly on his website:

"People often think that advances in medicine have to be a new drug, a new laser, or a surgical intervention to be powerful—something really high-tech and expensive. They often have a hard time believing that the simple choices that we make in our lives each day—what we eat, how we respond to stress, whether or not we smoke, how much we exercise and the quality of our relationships—can make such a powerful difference in our health, our well-being, and our survival, but they often do."

Part of my job is to repeat the wisdom of others. Gently.

http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

No Heart Attack 4 You?

2011-12-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Omega-3 fats (technically fatty acids, found abundantly in fish) are essential to human health. They reduce inflammation, and have benefits for every organ in our bodies, including heart, brain, eyes, and joints.

It is medical fact that most Americans have omega-3 levels in their bodies that are so low as to cause a wide variety of symptoms and put us at greater risk for pain, illness, disability and death.

Is having fish once a week enough? No; not unless you like to gamble with your health and your life. You need to be tested to see if you have enough of these critical fats to help protect you from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological problems, anxiety, depression, skin problems, arthritis, pain, and much more ...

While many Americans simply take drugs to cover these maladies, research has shown that making sure that one has healthy levels of omega-3 fats can often improve or resolve them.

In our office we now offer a simple finger-stick, at-home test for measuring omega-3 levels and 20 other fatty acids including trans fats, saturated fats, and omega-6 fats. The test is from OmegaQuant. The cost to our patients is $130, which includes a follow-up visit to discuss the results.

You test the oil level in your car regularly because your engine will be damaged if the level falls too low. It is time for your first oil check for your body. Don't let yourself break down.

Contact us to get tested.

http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

Chilled

2011-12-24T21:46:00.001-08:00

chilled
car's heater just beginning to put out
tipping toward warmth
comfort in the process
interrupted by fearful imaginings
of those cold
without promise of shelter ...
still grateful
but troubled

KY 12/24/11

The American Chiropractic Association

2011-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Holiday Survival : Chiropractic Care Information – From The American Chiropractic Association http://bit.ly/rWw1Zu

http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

Kids' Food-Induced Behavior Wreaking Havoc on Your Holidays?

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy Citril @ Flickr

An enormous number of American families suffer with children with food-induced challenging behavior. For many, the stress of these behaviors damages the entire family.

Many families don't even realize that everyday foods can turn an otherwise wonderful child into a Mr. Hyde. Still others see their children negatively affected by foods but can't face working to make the needed changes.

Some families recognize food effects, experiment with foods, and make changes that bring joy and sanity back into their lives. Here is one such family ....

"Hello Dr. Young,

Well the results are in from our two week experiment. We added dairy and sugar back into the kids' diet and their energy level [a gentle way of saying hyperactivity] shot back up. My daughter has had some pretty intense meltdowns and the all too familiar unresponsiveness when being talked to has returned.

During the two weeks it seemed like their energy level was much more manageable and they were easier to be around and interact with overall. My daughter's nightmares lessened, she seemed more rested and easier to wake up in the morning. Her tantrums and meltdowns, while stiill present were significantly less traumatic for all of us.

Needless to say we will be considering making some major changes to our diet and possibly trying another experiment with gluten after the New Year!

I can honestly say that I didn't miss the dairy and I felt so much better without it!

Thank you so much!"

Consider a holiday gift for your kids and for your family; find and remove the behavior-altering foods from your diets. This is a gift that keeps on giving; your children will do better in school, and socially. Do it for your kids, and for your own sanity.

http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

8 Year-Old Knows His Vitamins

2011-12-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Daniel Hrabak of Ventura, CA is 8 years-old. With the help of his wonderful parents, Renee and James; and with my help since he was 3 years-old; Daniel can rattle off the valuable nutritional supplements that he takes. Many adults would be fortunate to be as engaged and knowledgeable as Daniel in this area.

We, and medical science, know that most Americans are deficient in a number of nutrients. It is critical that we all give thought to, and have a plan for how we are going to meet our nutritional needs, and the needs of our children. Daniel and his family are helping to lead the way by practicing good nutrition and by sharing their experience with the world.

Watch Daniel as he stars in his first YouTube video! - less than one minute long

Ventura Chiropractic & Massage
http://Ventura-Chiropractor.com

Welcome to Medicare - How's Your Vitamin D?

2011-12-09T12:04:00.001-08:00

"Medicare covers all the costs for a one-time, comprehensive “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during the first 12 months that you have Part B." At least that's what it says on the site.

How do you like that tagline, "My start to a healthy future."? At 65, one is going to "start" toward a healthy future? At 65, the future is now. On the positive side, at least it's a positive outlook.

I ran into my wonderful friend, Bill, at Rainbow Bridge yesterday. He recently turned 65 and very recently had one of these "preventive visits".

The first thing he told me about the visit was that he had had his Vitamin D levels tested and that his levels were low; 19 ng/ml. He didn't know it at the time, but this level is dangerously low. The broadly healthy range is 30-100. Truly healthy is probably more in the range of 60-100.

So here is what I think is important here:

How wonderful that Medicare covers Vitamin D testing!
How wonderful that Bill's MD ordered the Vitamin D test without being asked by the patient, Bill.
Bill has suffered with arthritis for many years; his arthritis could have been worsened, or been caused by his Vitamin D deficiency.
Bill's MD told him to take 5,000 iu of D3 daily; I told him to take 10,000 iu/day.
Retesting needs to take place in 2-3 months to accurately determine how much D he should take each day.
I have heard that Medicare will only pay for testing Vitamin D one time per year; not soon enough for Bill.
Major medical labs in the US have been charging as much as $250 for a Vitamin D test. At this time, I can provide the same exact test for my patients for $50 (cash only basis). Friends don't let friends flush $200 down a toilet.

Questions:

Regardless of whether you are of Medicare age, have you started toward your "healthy future"?
Regardless of your age, what is your blood level of Vitamin D?
Did you know that most Americans have low levels of Vitamin D in their blood?
Can you name 5 serious risks of being Vitamin D deficient?

Amazing what can come out of a simple trip to my local health food store!

http://www.ventura-chiropractor.com/

Dr Mehmet Oz and I Are Almost Friends

2011-12-02T19:57:00.001-08:00

Oz, you know, Oprah's doctor.

I learned yesterday that filming would take place today at Dr. Oz's studio, for a future segment on "food as medicine". Oz recruited four doctors for the show; David Perlmutter, MD, Wendy Warner, MD, Mark Hyman, MD, and Susan Blum, MD (left to right in photo).

The theme "food as medicine" is powerful and still not understood by our culture. To the degree that we begin to learn and practice using our food to heal us, we will individually and as a nation be healthier, and we will spend less on disease.

These doctors that Oz has brought together are brilliant and inspiring leaders! First, I encourage you to watch this program on The Dr. Oz Show, and second, choose one of these doctors to follow and learn from. I assure you, you will learn a lot, and will be healthier and happier for it.

So ... , I say that Oz and I are almost friends, because Perlmutter, Hyman and Blum are all friends of mine. Through attendance for years at the annual International Symposium on Functional Medicine, I have come to know them, and greatly appreciate them. I figure it is just a matter of time before I meet Memhet.

Maybe, right now, Dr. Oz and his team are looking for a Functional Medicine Chiropractor to have on the show. I'm busy, but I could make the time. And maybe, David, Mark and Susan will put in a good word for me.

Practicing Chiropractic Without a License

2011-11-29T22:17:00.001-08:00

Now don't get me wrong, I really appreciate it when my patients pay attention and appreciate my professional advice, but one doesn't want to cross that line. Why just today, Dan, a patient, and a dear man, was second guessing my advice to a new patient that he had referred to my office. Apparently, he said, "she's probably taking an epsom salts bath right now." While this was merely conjecture, it is one step away from giving advice, and practicing chiropractic without a license.

I know, I am one step away from practicing comedy without a license.

Gluten and Dairy: culprits again!

2011-11-27T21:36:00.001-08:00

Most just don't know, so it is my responsibility to report it and repeat it. Gluten from grains (primarily wheat), and casein in dairy products are extremely common causes of pain and illness.

Still others, know, but find themselves in the clutches of powerful addiction to these foods.

On Sundays you might think that a doctor would take a break from health issues, but not this doctor. While working in my organic vegetable garden, one of our wonderful neighbors, a construction worker, dropped by to wish us a belated happy thanksgiving. One thing lead to another and before I knew it he was telling me that he had found that gluten and dairy products make his musculoskeletal pains worse; keeping them out of his diet results in diminished pain.

In the office, in the garden, it's all the same; a lot of folks are sickened by gluten and dairy!

Updated Guidelines for ADHD - Really?

2011-11-22T16:04:00.001-08:00

courtesy mdanys @ flickr

"For the first time in a decade, the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] has issued an updated set of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ...". While I appreciate updating, I can't say that I am impressed with this one.

Key recommendations include: [I have only included these 3 recs]

first line of treatment for preschool-aged children 4 to 5 years old should be evidence-based parent- or teacher-administered behavior therapy;
titrating medication doses to achieve the maximum benefit with the least adverse effects; and
for adolescents, the primary care clinician should prescribe FDA-approved ADHD medications with their consent.

These recommendations are fascinating! Given that both medical science and parents are in agreement that foods can, and do cause behavioral changes, why would the AAP encourage behavioral therapy as the "first line treatment" with no mention of diet, one of the most powerful factors influencing behavior and causing specific behaviors? Many children simply can not control the behaviors that foods can cause. Asking for behavioral change from a child without removing foods that are affecting his nervous system, is analogous to asking an adult to walk a straight line while intoxicated.

So, the AAP skips the most powerful and safest therapy for ADHD, diet, and moves immediately to "titrating medication" for the maximum benefit, with the least damage. Titrating means, experimenting with the individual child to get the best balance of good and harm.

And finally, be sure to use drugs that the FDA approves.

Not only have I successfully treated some children with marked forms of ADHD (severe enough to be failing in school and impossible for the parents), but have done so primarily with diet change, and vitamin supplementation.

Medical experts such as Dr. Michael Lyon have also found that dietary change with nutritional supplementation can often resolve ADHD. These safe treatments address the causes of the condition and the needs of the child; drugs do not. These safe and science-based approaches are customary in the practice of what is called Functional Medicine.

It is my hope that by continuing to speak and write about the overwhelming evidence of the effects of food and nutrition on behavior, that some children with be spared the harsh life of "misbehaving" and its consequences. It should not be forgotten, the painful and exhausting effects of a hyperactive child on caregivers (read - MOMS).

If you know, or have a child with behavior problems, please seek guidance from a doctor who can help uncover and treat the causes of the condition. Life could be so much easier and joyful!

Breast Tenderness Miraculously Relieved

2011-11-12T15:38:00.001-08:00

I have know for years that deficiency of the mineral magnesium, can be a cause of breast tenderness in women. What was shocking was the instantaneous effect!

On November 9, 2011 I was treating a 61 year-old female whom I have seen many times over the last 25 years. On a number of occasions she has experienced discomfort from breast tenderness when lying face-down on my treatment table. This time she was unable to lie still and moved and tried to reposition herself; to no avail. She had never experienced this much discomfort on my table.

Knowing that it would not help with her current pain, I nonetheless provided the patient with some Cenitol, a powered magnesium glycinate manufactured and distributed by Metagenics, dissolved in water. Immediately after drinking the magnesium solution, I placed her face-down again on my treatment table. I was surprised to see that she did not move or reposition herself at all. After a few minutes I inquired about how she was feeling. She reported that she was amazed to find that her breast tenderness had decreased by approximately 70% within the minute that it took to drink the magnesium solution and lie back down on the table.

No placebo here: neither of us believed anything like this was possible!

Highest Rated Chiropractor in Ventura, California

2011-11-11T20:05:00.001-08:00

Ratings clearly don't tell the whole story, but I appreciate that for the time being, I am Yelp's highest rated chiropractor in Ventura, California!

The best part for me is reading the reviews written by 21 of my patients. It is rewarding, and I am so grateful that my care, enthusiasm and expertise are felt and known by my patients.

If you go to the Yelp site and search for Ventura Chiropractic & Massage, you will initially only see 3 reviews. The other 18 have been "filtered" (hidden) because Yelp's computers have trouble sorting out the legitimate from fake reviews (all businesses have trouble with this). On the far left, beneath the 3rd visible review, you will see in a very lite gray type "(18 filtered)". When you click on "(18 filtered)" you will be asked to verify that you are a real user, by typing the words that you see. Then the other 18 reviews will appear.

Please review and make public comment about those who serve you. Most people don't know who to turn to when they need a chiropractor or other provider. Your experience and your words can help another make a better, a more informed choice!

Holidays Without Illness or Weight Gain

2011-11-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

As John Lennon said, "Imagine"

Lennon was talking about something much larger, but would you join me in a small imagining? We could have a conversation, a free video conference this coming Thursday evening, the 10th, about being healthy through the holidays, and not even gaining weight. You may say I'm a dreamer, but why not withhold judgement until you have given it a whirl?

The November meeting of Community of Health ~ Ventura will again be a virtual event through Google+ video conferencing. The topic is “Holidays Without Illness or Weight Gain”. There is no charge for attendance. This is an educational gathering, and is not for sales.

If you are not yet a Google+ user, and wish to join us, go to: https://plus.google.com/up/start/?continue=https://plus.google.com/&type=st&gpcaz=edd05831. and create an account. Google+ is simple and free to use. You need an internet connection, a microphone and video camera connected to your computer.

I understand that Google+ will only accomodate 10 video conference connections at a time. First come, first served; which means some blend of those who contact me ahead of time to confirm attendance, and those who show up on time. I will try to be "fair"; and I trust you will be understanding.

We will meet online from 7-8:30 PM on Thursday the 10th of Nov. The first 10 first-time attendees at one of my Google+ conferences will receive $10 off on their next chiropractic appointment.

'Project Runway' star Santino Rice is a Man After My Own Kale

2011-11-06T21:49:00.000-08:00

I have vaguely heard of 'Project Runway'. Never heard of Santino Rice. But Lisa McKinnon's column in the Ventura County Star on November 5 rang my bell peppers!

The words: organic, vegetable, Ojai, greens, fresh, farmers, and juicing filled the page!

Some of my favorite local organic farms were named!

And the icing on this story is that if Santino eats cake, he does so only if it is gluten-free! His testimonial will save another few lives in a culture that is slow to grasp simple and profound answers to health.

Below I have pasted the words and parts of McKinnon's story that I found both healthful and delicious.

"'Project Runway' star Santino Rice has designs on local organic produce

Santino Rice shops regularly for fresh produce at the Ojai farmers market. Fresh greens are among his favorite ingredients.

... when Los Angeles-based fashion designer Santino Rice, a love-him-or-hate-him fan favorite from "Project Runway," walked through the farmers market in search of dark, leafy greens on a recent Sunday, it was hard to resist craning one's neck to get a better look.

After existing for most of his life on such on-deadline fashion-industry staples as greasy takeout food washed down with gallons of coffee, Rice has gone not only organic but vegan and gluten-free.

Making the switch has kicked his existing love affair with Ventura County — which is home to several organic farms — into high gear, he said.

Santino Rice, "Project Runway" star, also is an avid juicer. The Ojai farmers market is a favorite stop for fresh produce.

Rice, who now focuses on making one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients, was shooting the Lifetime series "On the Road with Austin and Santino" when he began having the health problems that led to a complete change of diet, he said.

"I was eating all of this gluten and other stuff and the only sleep I was getting was on planes. I was waking up exhausted," he said.

When that feeling didn't go away, Rice went to a series of doctors until one diagnosed him as having celiac disease, which causes those who have it to suffer a variety of autoimmune-system reactions to gluten, the protein in wheat.

"I had got to the point where I thought I had cancer. It took me becoming extremely ill to learn that there even was such a thing as celiac disease," said Rice.

Cutting gluten from his diet had such an immediately beneficial effect that Rice went on add meat and dairy to his list of foods to avoid, he said. And because so much of what he buys at farmers market and other sources goes through a juicer, it's especially important that those ingredients be organic, lest pesticides enter the equation, he added.

"I've been doing this for five months now; I've shed 30 pounds, my skin's great, my thought process has never been clearer and ..."

Rice paused. "It's a bit like talking religion to people — a little goes a long way," he said with a smile. "And it's a bit off topic for a fashion designer, I know. But fashion and food are about using quality ingredients. So I definitely see a connection."

Before heading home, Rice bought several bunches of spinach and rainbow chard from The Farmer and the Cook of Ojai.

Already in his bag were dandelion greens and celery from Roots Farm of Santa Ynez, black kale from Tutti-frutti Farms of Lompoc, and arugula and collard greens from B.D. Dautch of Ojai's Earthtrine Farm."

Who You Gonna Call When You've Got Health Issues? Ghostbusters?

2011-11-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Few Americans have a proven and valued health mentor, a health guru, a real doctor. And face it, few Americans have enough experience to be their own guide in the frontiers of health and disease.

Most of us focus on health only when we have lost it.

Few Americans actively practice health maintenance, and even fewer study health.

When illness does "strike" we are apt to seek symptom relief. Unfortunately, chances are that our healthcare practitioner will be interested in the same thing we are. There will probably be no discussion of the causes of the illness, nor the lifestyle factors that could predictably restore and maintain health.

Right now American health is on life support, but if we are going to be the change we would like to see in the world, here is what we might do:
1) begin gently to study health. You could start reading Dr. Gundry's Diet Evolution,
2) start practicing basic health; you know, vegetables, walking, forgiveness,
3) find yourself a great health mentor; a example would be Mark Hyman, MD,

Who you gonna call now?

Treating Reflux with Drugs is a Loser

2011-10-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

I would gladly tell you the reflux/acid blocker story, but Dr. Ballard has done such a magnificent job in this short animated YouTube video, that I'll let you watch it and then be available to answer questions. Click here to watch, learn, change, and not lose your health.

Chiropractors Treating Cancer Patients

2011-10-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Things just keepuh changin'. There are chiropractors on staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a highly acclaimed cancer treatment organization.

Just this evening I participated in a webinar entitled "Chiropractic Care for Cancer Patients", that was sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association, and presented by Dr. Jeffrey A. Sklar, a chiropractor on staff at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

We are seeing more and more cooperation on the parts of healthcare providers, for the good of the patient; as it should be.

Dr. Mark Hyman Said Hello to Me

2011-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

You'd think I had a crush on him; but it is actually enormous admiration and deep gratitude. Dr. Hyman is one of the leading doctors in the world; not just in healing patients, but in healing the American disease-care system. When you read about Dr. Hyman you will see that he is Chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine. He is on the Board of Directors of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. He is also on the Board of Advisors of Memhet Oz’s HealthCorps, which tackles the obesity epidemic by “educating the student body” in American high schools about nutrition, fitness and mental resilience.

Dr. Hyman has testified before the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and has consulted with the Surgeon General on diabetes prevention. He has testified before the Senate Working Group on Health Care Reform on Functional Medicine, and participated in the White House Forum on Prevention and Wellness in June 2009. In June 2010, Dr. Hyman was nominated by Senator Tom Harkin for the President’s Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health, a 25-person group to advise the Administration and the new National Council on Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health.

With Drs. Dean Ornish and Michael Roizen, Dr. Hyman crafted and helped to introduce the Take Back Your Health Act of 2009 into the United States Senate, to provide for reimbursement of lifestyle treatment of chronic disease. He continues to work in Washington on health reform, recently testifying before a Congressional hearing on Functional Medicine, nutrition and the use of dietary supplements.

So, as you can imagine, it is an honor to be acknowledged in a Twitter by Mark, my good friend and esteemed colleague!

Life Hard Enough?

2011-10-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of tourist on earth at creative commons

If life is hard enough, consider rolling it back to livable, maybe even to an enjoyable level, by removing the dairy, gluten, refined starch and sugar from your diet for 30 days.

If things get too good, you can always start eating them again.

When you try this, you probably won't need to take 2 aspirin, and you probably will call me in the morning, but just to tell me how much better life is.

You can afford this treatment. Occupy it.

Oprah's Got a Book List - So Do I

2011-10-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is the next book on health that I would like you to read!

I recently listened to a one-hour interview with Dr. Gundry. He is a brilliant cardiovascular surgeon who became more brilliant when he realized that what we eat is much more powerful and beneficial than surgery. He now has a center in Palm Springs where he helps patients reverse heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

My own kids are already starting to read this book for my birthday present.

Let me know what you think!

Ever Thought of Becoming an Allergist?

2011-09-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

If you were to become an allergist, or just start paying attention and learn a bit about allergy, it could potentially, literally save your life!

Many common ailments and complaints are caused or worsened by allergy. Things like headaches, constipation, frequent infections, apnea, weight gain, depression, hypothyroid disease, ADHD.

On September 23, 2011 (today) WebMD had this posted on their site: "There is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medications available -- both over-the-counter and prescription -- to help ease annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and others. Allergy shots, which gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens, are also available."

No cure, but here are the drug choices. Ever hear that before? "Cure" is a word that must be used cautiously, but the fact is that many people with allergies can be relieved of their allergies by making dietary change (even if environmental allergens appear to be causative), without drugs.

I am not an allergist by training, degree, nor certification, but everyday I help individuals, young and old, recover from what they thought were "incurable" allergies.

Ready for a change? Ready to become an allergist? Or are the symptoms and drugs alright with you?

E-mail from a 14-year-old female patient

2011-09-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

   my visit
   Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000
   From: @aol.com
   To: kychiro@pacbell.net
Dear Dr. Young,
I would just like to say I think you are one of the nicest doctors I have ever met! After my visit today (10/16) I felt so relaxed. Before I had felt like I was real tense, then after I felt so much better.     Thank You so much!
Love,
BAS
P.S.
I can't wait to see you again!
BAS

*******

I save these. ~ Dr. Young

You Patients Affect Me!

2011-09-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

I recently received this note from a patient.

“I'm at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego and theymirror your thoughts. Have been on detox. It is an opportunity to grow andexpand. I look forward to talking with you when I get home. You are a truefriend.”

You probably don't need help understanding the many ways that this message touches me, but being of help, being on target, and being a friend are so important to me.

Afraid of Cancer?

2011-09-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

photo from cancer.gov

Most of us know that cancer can be a pretty tough road, and one that often kills. So, it makes sense that we might have some fear about developing cancer, or having a loved-one develop it.

Fear activates the immune system and interferes with the function of the digestive system; each of which increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation is known to be a central factor in the initiation and progression of cancers.

So, we fear cancer, but fear can be a factor in the promotion of cancer. What's a body to do?

What we can do is to learn more about cancer and the factors that precipitate it, and those that keep it at bay. Most cancers are a direct cause of lifestyle; according to medical science. We can begin to practice more fully the optimization of our health and the tracking of markers that reflect cancer risk.

The following are just a few steps to begin with:
1)     make sure your sugar and refined starch intake is much lower than the American average,
2)     have your body composition measured annually - as body fat increases as a percent of total weight, inflammation and cancer risk increase,
3)     don't just have your blood glucose tested, have your insulin levels tested too - insulin can increase inflammation and cancer risk,
4)     have your Vitamin D blood levels tested and think beyond the normal reference range on the lab test - more and more studies are confirming that higher levels of Vitamin D confer greater protection from cancers such as breast, colon and prostate - discuss your results with a doctor that knows,
5)     if you aren't exercising regularly, start - exercise reduces cancer risk.

Finally, stay with this conversation. If you don't feel safe; address those feelings with intelligent, engaged behavior.

Oh yeah, many people state that they have found it difficult or impossible to find a healthcare provider to guide them in this, and other arenas of health and disease; don't give up, look actively, speak up, ask others, beat the bushes. Giving up doesn't work.

Facebook Spreads Health

2011-09-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Facebook posts: 9/13/11

Nicole Haines: "I am at a pre-release gathering for a new book called Gluten Gladi8or. I am going to send you a copy....thought of you!

Dr. Kristofer Young: "Nicole, thank you so much for this update and for the upcoming book! Thank you for knowing that I care about you! Thank you for your work with food! We so need those who can lead like you!

Note: Nicole was a patient of mine for a number of years before she moved to Colorado. You can see that we will be looking out for one another indefinitely.

What's the Matter with Kids Today?

2011-09-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

For the month of September, my nephew, Ian, and his sweetheart, Kristen, are off of sugar, gluten and dairy. I am grateful to them for leading. Our Country is in deep trouble in a lot of ways; not the least of which is eating ourselves to death. These 3 "foods" are known to be causes of much disease in America.

Ian and Kristen are experimenting with the effects of what they eat. This is both smart and powerful.

I guess this time we can't say, "what's the matter with kids today?"

Putting a Bit More Public in Public Health

2011-08-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

In December of last year I began to design Community of Health Ventura (COHV), a monthly gathering at which attendees can learn more about health and wellness, and be supported in living healthfully.

We have had many valuable meetings since beginning in January.

Recently Google launched Google+, a Facebook-like online platform that offers free video conferencing. I realized that we could incorporate Google+ into COHV and allow access to more individuals.

At this very moment I am hosting a Google+ hangout (virtual gathering) of COHV from my home in Ojai. Actually, there's nobody else on the conference but me, but it takes time for folks to get on board with new technology. :)

You can sign up for Google+ by going to this page: https://plus.google.com/, and join us on the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM PST.

In health,
Dr. Young

Finding a GREAT Chiropractor

2011-07-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

It is important to find and use great doctors of every kind. It is pretty much the same approach what ever kind you are looking for.

1)    Don’t use a referral service. Doctors often pay to be listed. Don’t go by the college attended. There are GREAT doctors from every school and poor doctors from every school.
2)    Personal referral is the best place to start.
3)    Ask everyone you have contact with, “Do you know of a GREAT chiropractor?” Ask everyone; the gas station attendant (historically speaking ;) ), the grocery clerk, friends, family, co-workers. Ask if they know of a GREAT chiropractor, because you don’t want a good/OK/average chiropractor. It is true; Ask and ye shall receive.

Read the rest at: http://www.ventura-chiropractor.com/finding-a-chiropractor

Lost 16 lbs in 2 Weeks

2011-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

A wonderful patient of mine was prompted by progressive health problems to take a closer look at her diet. What she said to me today was, "Wow, there is sugar in everything!"

Two weeks ago she got rid of all the sugar, and cut out the refined starches.

She lost 16 lbs. in 2 weeks, without effort. And that is just the beginning.

Simple story. Simple answers. Cut way back on sugars and refined starches. Reduce your risk of all chronic degenerative diseases that disable and kill Americans.

And the price is right for the treatment.

Who Would Have Guessed?

2011-06-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

As we have learned more about ourselves and the universe in which we live, we have relatively recently learned that while the human body is made up of roughly 10 trillion cells, there are roughly 100 trillion one-celled organisms, bacteria and fungi, living in and on us. Ten times as many of their cells as ours.

Knowing this, could and should change one’s life.

If it doesn’t jump out at you, at least, consider what they eat, and who’s feeding them.

I am Not a Chiropractor ... Entirely

2011-06-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Dr. Young and Emma Hrabak

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. While I used to be a chiropractor, it is clear to me that now I’m only part chiropractor.

Don’t be mislead, I am proud to be a chiropractor. I love that part of me.

The schism occurred between our culture’s understanding of chiropractic, and my own professional life in the healing arts.

The chiropractic profession was founded in Davenport, Iowa in 1895. The central thesis of its practice was that the function of the spine directly influenced the function of the rest of the body, and the central therapy was spinal manipulation. Though not as well known, chiropractors have historically also provided patients with physical therapy, laboratory testing; and lifestyle, exercise, and nutritional counseling. Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states and are only limited in our scope of practice in that we cannot perform surgery nor prescribe drugs.

While many satisfied patients in the last hundred years have directly experienced, and known the benefits of chiropractic care for problems such as constipation, menstrual cramps, allergies, and elevated blood pressure; the more obvious cures were of back pain, neck pain, sciatica and headache. Understandably, what stuck in our cultural mind was that chiropractors are back doctors, the treaters of musculoskeletal complaints.

From the day that I opened my practice in 1983 I wanted to treat both musculoskeletal and other conditions. In the first few years I had the opportunity to treat 2 insulin-dependent diabetics, who within 2 weeks of beginning spinal manipulation, had to reduce the amount of insulin that they were injecting by 50%. Years later
I successfully treated a 19-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis who had been in and out of a wheelchair, and had been told that she would be on drugs for the rest of her life.

I have always loved relieving back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but have continued to be drawn to a deeper involvement with patients. I have also been driven by the unmet health needs of our community, our nation, and our world that cry out for doctors who are willing and able to apply a Functional Medicine, or holistic approach to patient care.

This last month I was rewarded and fulfilled to treat an eight-year-old with excessive weight gain (unresolved medically), an adult female with severe ulcerative colitis (unresolved medically), and a two-year-old with ADHD (unresolved medically).

Thank goodness some people know that I am not a chiropractor ... entirely.

Stool Softeners Like Dynamite

2011-06-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Stool softeners are treatments, not answers. Folks use stool softeners because they are constipated. Obviously, stool softeners do not answer the burning question of why the food you ate is moving through you at a snail's pace.

Something mysterious is holding things up in your gut. While stool softeners are not literally explosive, you are metaphorically using dynamite to blow things on through you. Sounds like something is wrong, and we all know that it is not bright, and often dangerous to simply use a bigger hammer or more dynamite.

So, what causes constipation, bowel movements less than once a day, or difficult bowel movements? The four main factors are: food allergens such as dairy products, lack of exercise, stress, and lack of the mineral magnesium. Correcting the real causes can often cure the problem.

For you ladies, please beware that if the contents of your digestive tract move slowly, there is greater opportunity for bacteria in your gut to re-release estrogen that was slated for excretion with your stool, back into your blood stream, thereby potentially increasing your risk of hormonally-related cancers such as breast cancer.

Remember, dynamite is not the best answer for your colon, or for your health and safety.

Do Some People Just Like Being Miserable?

2011-06-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

photo by cliff1066 at flickr

This is a really important question. You can read my answer by going to my book at:
http://turning60consciously.blogspot.com/2011/06/day-248-do-some-people-just-like-being.html

We Need to Talk About End-of-Life and its Costs

2011-04-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

"The soaring cost of health care is the greatest threat to the country’s long-term solvency, and the terminally ill account for a lot of it. Twenty-five per cent of all Medicare spending is for the five per cent of patients who are in their final year of life, and most of that money goes for care in their last couple of months which is of little apparent benefit."

From the New Yorker:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/02/100802fa_fact_gawande#ixzz1JeLEuFd9

Delicious Way to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2011-04-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here is where you can read about and see it better!
http://turning60consciously.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-186-delicious-way-to-prevent-age.html

Dr. Young

America is Due for its Annual Chiropractic Check-Up

2011-03-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dr. Eve Venturi treating Dr. Young

It’s a simple idea; maybe so simple as to be overlooked or misunderstood; but the annual chiropractic check-up is not only a concept whose time should have already come in America, but should have arrived at least 39 years ago.

Chiropractic was founded in America in 1895. In 1972 the US Congress voted to make chiropractic care available under Medicare. Chiropractic was clearly determined to be of value, for at least our elderly, 39 years ago. Recognizing that those under 65 years of age also have spines, and that degenerative diseases don't begin at 65, one might conclude that all American's would be benefited by chiropractic care.

We all know that it is wise to see our dentist each year, and we do so because of 4 factors: 1) we have teeth, 2) teeth are known to become unhealthy and painful, 3) dentists specialize in treatment of the oral cavity, and 4) preventive care is less expensive and results in better oral health than that achieved by repairing damaged teeth.

The situation with chiropractors (doctors of chiropractic – DC) is a bit more complicated, because while we do specialize in treatment of the spine, we are also licensed as general practitioners, treating virtually all conditions, and being limited only in regard to the use of drugs and surgery. But, for the moment, let us focus on chiropractic expertise in spinal function and spinal health.

It would be reasonable for all Americans to have annual spinal check-ups provided by a spinal health expert; a chiropractor. The same 4 factors that drive the annual dental check-up, drive the need for the annual chiropractic check-up: 1) we have spines, 2) spines are known to become unhealthy and painful, 3) chiropractors specialize in the treatment of the spine, and 4) preventive care is less expensive and results in better spinal health than that achieved by repairing a damaged spine.

It is important to additionally consider that while dental problems can be very serious, their effect on our society, compared to the effect of spinal (back and neck) problems, is minor. Back pain is the second leading cause of lost work time, and was estimated to have cost America $100 billion in 1998.

Do you get at least one spinal check-up per year?

I am suggesting that our culture needs a chiropractic check-up, and a wake up to spinal health.

PS – I know that there are some doctors, other than chiropractors, that can provide excellent spinal evaluation. If you have one, then see her/him at least annually.

The Fox that is Guarding the Drug House May be Offshore

2010-12-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

For a very long time it has been hard to feel a sense of trust in drug companies. This is true because there is so much money (imagine billions) to be made in drug sales, and because there has been so much evidence against, and conviction for fraud in the prescription drug world.

Things are not getting better, they are just going "offshore". Check out this Vanity Fair article that an MD friend sent me, about how the testing and safety of your drugs are becoming less tested and less safe.

http://m.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2011/01/deadly-medicine-201101?currentPage=all

So, what's the moral? It might be, to start learning about and practicing health, so that you have less need for drugs.

Our Commitment to Health 2011

2010-12-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

You care about your health.

You care about your family's health.

Knowledge about health, taking care of yourself, and lifestyle are more important and more powerful than treatments or medical insurance.

Would you give 90 minutes each month of 2011, in Ventura, on the second Thursday of each month, from 7-8:30 PM to join with others in a commitment to learning about and practicing health? Would you pay, in advance, $2 per gathering?

We would be talking about food, pain, depression, sleep, relaxation, family, cancer, allergy, vitamins, behavior, and more.

Please take a moment and let me know if you would join this group? Other thoughts also appreciated. E-mail me at: kychiro@pacbell.net

Every Child Needs a Chiropractor

2010-10-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Every child deserves, and needs evaluation and treatment from a knowledgeable doctor of chiropractic (DC).

For those of you who may react negatively, or with incredulity to the above statement, please read along and hear me out.

Proper function of the spine, and the muscles, nerves and connective tissues of which it is comprised, are critical to a child’s health and vitality. The most common spinal dysfunction that affects children is a gradual loss of motion and flexibility in the spinal joints. This loss can be a major factor in, or cause of back or neck pain. A knowledgeable DC is trained to diagnose this loss of mobility, often before pain occurs and before damage is detectable on an x-ray.

Back pain in children is very common. A 1994 Scandinavian study, by Trousler, showed that 51% of 1,174 school children had experienced back pain.

For most families in America, the two choices of practitioners to treat childhood spinal pain or spinal conditions are a DC and an MD (family practice or pediatrician). In my opinion, the best choice is a knowledgeable DC. DCs specialize in treatment of the spine, while neither family practice nor general pediatricians do. Additionally, MDs rarely address prevention of spinal problems, while prevention would always be a primary focus of a knowledgeable DC.

Turning 60 Consciously

2010-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I want to let you know that I have established a new blog on which to share the daily writing of my new/first book entitled “Turning 60 Consciously ... With Something to Say”. http://turning60consciously.blogspot.com

Look for life-changing insights, wisdom and guidance in the areas of health, marriage, politics and more. Please consider reading along as I write this book during my 60th year.

In health,
Dr. Young

Some People Don't Like Worriers

2010-09-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love worriers! They care, and are usually looking out for others, too.

Dr. Young

photo by angelic_shrek from Flickr

Fish Oil up -> Breast Cancer down

2010-08-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

More evidence.

Researchers in the Public Health Sciences Division found regular use of fish oil supplements, which contain high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, is associated with a 32 percent reduction in breast cancer risk. The findings—the first to demonstrate such a link—were published in the July issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

The research, led by Dr. Emily White and funded by the National Cancer Institute, adds to the growing evidence that fish oil supplements may play a role in preventing chronic disease.

http://www.fhcrc.org/about/pubs/center_news/online/2010/07/fish_oil_breast_cancer.html

Food Allergies on the Rise

2010-08-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

For 20 years I have been counseling patients, and those within earshot, about the critical importance and common occurrence of food allergies. Too bad that the epidemic needs to grow for our culture to become aware.

Read about it here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/03/food.allergies.er.gut/index.html?iref=obnetwork
Dr. Young
Note: the photo above is from the CNN article linked above.

What is Flexibility? And Why is it Important?

2010-07-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

You know how they say that a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, take a look at these 3 pictures!
http://ventura-chiropractor.com/Keys/Flexibility.htm
In health,
Dr. Young

Save Your Child From Being Lazy

2010-06-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! Are your kids sleeping a lot, lying around, not doing much, being "lazy"?

Are they really "lazy"? Maybe they feel tired; even with lots of sleep and no work. Maybe they don't really feel good. Maybe they have food allergies that are negatively affecting their energy, mind, mood or behavior.

It is time for a holistic chiropractic check-up for your kids! Let's see how they really are, and help them have more energy and feel better. They might even offer to help out around the house this summer.

(photo courtesy of Ollie Crafoord from Flickr Creative Commons)

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer

2010-06-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

Louise Brinton,PhD, Chief of the Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology branch at the National Cancer Institute, studied the long-term effects of endometriosis in Sweden starting about 20 years ago. Using the country's national inpatient register, she identified more than 20,000 women who had been hospitalized for endometriosis. After an average follow-up of more than 11 years, the risk for cancer among these women was elevated by 90% for ovarian cancer, 40% for hematopoietic cancer (primarily non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), and 30% for breast cancer. Having a longer history of endometriosis and being diagnosed at a young age were both associated with increased ovarian cancer risk.

Autism Professor Needs Help: Vittamin D in Pregancy?

2010-05-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

This request came to me from the Vitamin D Council. Please read and pass this on to pregnant women and the rest of the world!
Thank you, Dr. Young

5/26/10
Autism Professor Needs Help

Professor Gene Stubbs of the University of Oregon needs help with his study about vitamin D and autism. He is testing the theory that a mother with one child with autism will not have another if the mother takes vitamin D during her pregnancy. Women no longer need to come to the University of Oregon but can participate at a distance. Professor Stubbs writes:

"Can anyone assist us in recruiting mothers who already have children with autism and the mother is pregnant again before her third trimester? We are giving the mothers 5000 IU D3/day. So far every mother who has delivered has delivered within 1 week or on the date of expected delivery, and the babies are well within normal birth weights. They have not progressed far enough in age for us to screen for autism, but so far, the babies are interactive, have eye contact, are vocal etc..

However, we need more research families to participate. We have recruited other doctors to help us recruit and we have recruited doctors on the Vitamin D Council sites to help us recruit. We still need more families to participate to make our results significant. The families no longer have to come to our site to participate. If you know of any families who potentially might be eligible for our research, please give them my research assistant's phone number, 503-351-9255."

Thank you,
John Cannell, MD
The Vitamin D Council
1241 Johnson Ave., #134
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Learn About Cancer Tomorrow - Protect Yourself - Read This Blog

2010-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be in Carlsbad, CA at the 17th International Symposium on Functional Medicine, on “Confronting Cancer as a Chronic Disease”. I want to encourage you to watch a live lecture online on a revolutionary approach to cancer by one of the greatest medical thinkers of the 21st century, my mentor, Jeffrey Bland, PhD tomorrow morning, Thursday, May 20th at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time.

I will be sitting in the audience. You can join me. No cost. No travel. No expense. And you can learn from one of the greatest minds in medicine, how to protect yourself and your family from cancer.

Go to: http://functionalmedicine.org to register for the live lecture on what you need to know about cancer. Click anywhere in the green and yellow box that contains the words “Webcasting Live From Symposium!”. Enter your name and e-mail address on the new form that opens, and click “download”. You will then be automatically redirected to the webcasting page which will be offline until the talk starts on Thursday morning. But you can bookmark it now. The archived presentation will also be available throughout the duration of Symposium (May 20-23, 2010).

We are at a moment in medical history that requires a new way of thinking to successfully address our global epidemic of chronic disease. Practitioners need a new set of lenses to interpret and act on clinical information. Functional Medicine provides those lenses, a new way of seeing the epidemic of chronic disease based on underlying causes, and treatments based on restoring balance within dysfunctional biological systems and networks. It focuses on treating the whole system, not just the symptoms. Applied in practice, Functional Medicine can more effectively prevent, treat and often cure chronic conditions, at lower cost, failed by our current paradigm.

This year's International Symposium on Functional Medicine on cancer as a chronic disease will be attended by practitioners representing 23 countries ranging from Croatia to Japan, Columbia to Finland.

Cancers as systemic functional diseases is a topic of critical importance to today's primary care providers, who will find nearly half their patients confronting cancer during their lifetimes. Due to the urgency of this year's Symposium topic, this year's introductory talk is open to the world as a live webcast. The Institute for Functional Medicine is thrilled to invite you, your friends, family, and colleagues to watch a free, live webcast of the cutting-edge presentation "Looking Anew at Cancer" by Jeffrey Bland, PhD, FACN, CNS, which will address the mechanisms underlying primary cancer formation and growth and how these factors are addressed by various cancer prevention strategies and treatments.

Sign up at: http://functionalmedicine.org and join me on Thursday, May 20th from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. PST for the live webcast.

Please share this with your family, friends and colleagues! You could save a life.

In health,
Dr. Young

Health Reform, Prevention and Health Promotion: Milestone Moment on a Long Journey

2010-05-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dr. Redwood is a very bright doctor with valuable insights into our recent national Healthcare Reform and its implications for greater health through preventive health and integrative care (care provided not just by medical doctors, but with access to chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, etc...). Here is the link, check it out!

Dr. Young

14 Year-Old Shining a Light on Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

2010-05-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes a kid to break through dogma.

Please consider lending Ryan a hand. His work with MS will help the world to awaken to the power and value of sunlight and Vitamin D to improving the health of people around the world.

Ryan is aware of the effects of Multiple Sclerosis, as it impacts on the lives of 10,500 people in Scotland and one of of those affected is his Mum. His experience of MS made him determined to find a way to help the thousands of people who are fighting this chronic progressive disease, an illness which has no cure, and to lessen the impact of MS on future generations. So what is his answer? Shine On Scotland ~

http://www.shineonscotland.org.uk/

For additional information: The Vitamin D Council

Dr. Young

Vitamin D status of nursing mothers is critical

2010-05-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Mothers need to have their Vitamin D blood levels tested.

"That is, when pregnant women keep their levels where we think prehistoric human levels were, about 50 ng/mL, breast milk becomes a rich source of vitamin D. First Carol and Bruce gave 2,000 IU per day, then 4,000 IU per day and finally 6400 IU of D3 per day to lactating women. Only at 6400 of D3/day did the women maintain both their own 25(OH)D levels and the levels of their breast feeding babies above 50 ng/mL. On 6400 IU/day, the vitamin D activity of the breast milk went from about 80 to 800 IU/L. Quite a discovery, and another reason for all of us to keep our levels above 50 ng/mL."

This quote comes from the Vitamin D Council at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2008-may.shtml

College Students with Food Allergies

2010-05-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

An article in the Ventura County Star on March 7, 2010 entitled "College dining halls adjust to students with allergies" states that only 4% of the Americans under the age of 18 have food allergies. According to me that number is way too low. It is yet to be appreciated that many childhood symptoms and conditions are caused by reactions to foods. Headaches, bed-wetting, ear infections, constipation, intestinal gas, nightmares, aggressive behavior, ADHD, asthma, acne, and many others are often caused by, or made worse by the consumption of certain foods.

Help your kids be healthy and feel great. Find out what they are allergic to. Beware of those who tell you that food allergies are uncommon.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/mar/06/college-dining-halls-adjust-to-students-with/

Sidecar Restaurant Local-Food Dinner – All Aboard!!!

2010-04-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

First, let me tell you why this dinner and this movement are so important. Few things are making America more sick than the food that we eat. Local food, by any definition, is healthier that the processed and long-distance-shipped food that Americans live on. Secondly, industrial farming, which feeds most of America, is an unhealthy system. If you question that, watch the film, Food Inc. Locally grown food tends to be grown in a more sustainable manner. And it is always good, when possible, to know your farmer. Now, the dinner ....

This Thursday, May 6, 2010 between 5 and 9pm Chef Tim Kilcoyne and his team will host a Locavore Light 2010-inspired all local dinner! That means all ingredients used (except for the salt) will be sourced from within a 100 mile radius of Ventura! The cost will be $55 per person which will include wine, or $45 per person without wine. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. Please call 805-653-7433 or make reservations from our website at www.thesidecarrestaurant.com

Menu:
For the table- Breakfast radishes with radish top"butter" and tangerine pickled beets
First course- Salad of local greens, english peas, shaved fennel, avocado, meyer lemon vinaigrette
Second course- Mushroom ragu filled cabbage, fennel frond-garlic vinaigrette
Third course- Grilled cauliflower "steak", crushed potatoes, braised greens, caramelized onion bbq sauce
Fourth course- Strawberries, blood oranges, pistachios, lavender-honey syrup

This dinner is the third in a series of all-local-food restaurant meals in Ventura County in 2010! Come join us for dinner and support our local farmers and local agriculture!!!

Come meet special guests for the evening;
John Krist, CEO Ventura County Farm Bureau
Kristofer and Joanne Young, cofounders of Locavore Lite 2010

SLEEPING POORLY? WHAT'S "D" ANSWER?

2010-04-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Gormon Servasta, a medical neurologist from Oklahoma, recently wrote to John Cannell, MD, the Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council in San Luis Obispo, CA, to share his experiences of the benefits of Vitamin D for his patients.

Dr. Servasta reported that all of his patients with sleep disorders had low blood levels of Vitamin D and that when the patients’ blood levels were brought above 50 ng/ml through supplementation, that their sleep improved and secondarily several of their neurologic problems, improved, especially their headaches.

Additionally, Dr. Servasta reports that many neurologic disorders respond to supplementation with Vitamin D. They include improved sleep, seizures, headaches, vertigo, tremor, gait problems, Parkinson's, depression, psychosis, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Note: At Ventura Chiropractic & Massage, we sell high quality Vitamin D supplements, and Dr. Young orders blood testing for Vitamin D – insurance and cash - (cash only orders for Vitamin D can be done for $50 by Dr. Young)

To learn more about Vitamin D and to protect yourself and your family from numerous health problems and serious diseases, go to the Vitamin D Council’s website at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org and sign up for their free newsletter.

It's "D" Truth

2010-04-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. Chilkov's column starts by saying,
"Life Saving and Health Promoting Benefits of Vitamin D:
Vitamin D can reduce your risk of the flu and complications of flu. Vitamin D contributes to lowering the incidence of infections and inflammation during the fall-winter flu season. The Canadian government has recommended increased Vitamin D intake as part of their flu prevention strategy, including prevention of H1N1 Swine Flu."

She is not only right, she is accurately reporting the medical science that it is critical for you to have your Vitamin D levels tested in your blood. Read the rest of her column at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nalini-chilkov/10-reasons-you-should-be_b_525914.html

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Inner-City African American Youth with Asthma

2010-04-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Journal of Pediatrics

http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01290-6/abstract

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Inner-City African American Youth with Asthma in Washington, DC

Robert J. Freishtat, MD, MPHacefCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Sabah F. Iqbal, MDacef, Dinesh K. Pillai, MDadef, Catherine J. Klein, PhD, RDbe, Leticia M. Ryan, MDbce, Angela S. Benton, BASa, Stephen J. Teach, MD, MPHbce

Published online 17 March 2010.

Objective
The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among urban African-American (AA) youth with asthma compared with control subjects without asthma.

Study design
A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at an urban pediatric medical center. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were assessed in urban self-reported AA patients, aged 6 to 20 years, with (n = 92) and without (n = 21) physician-diagnosed asthma.

Results
Blood samples were available for 85 (92%) cases. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were significantly greater among cases than control subjects (73/85 [86%] vs 4/21 [19%], adjusted odds ratio = 42 [95% confidence interval: 4.4 to 399] for insufficiency and 46/85 [54%] vs 1/21 [5%], adjusted odds ratio = 20 [95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 272] for deficiency).

Conclusions
Most of this sample of urban AA youth with persistent asthma were vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Given the emerging associations between low vitamin D levels and asthma, strong consideration should be given to routine vitamin D testing in urban AA youth, particularly those with asthma.

Urinary Incontinence in Women

2010-04-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

Vitamin D Council
Press Release
4/2/2010

Researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse New York recently announced that pelvic floor disorders in women are associated with low vitamin D levels.

In a paper published in the April issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Samuel Badalian and Paula Rosenbaum studied 1,961 women and found 23% of American women over the age of 20 have a pelvic floor disorder, which often leads to urinary incontinence. Women who are overweight or who have had more than one child are at an increased risk.

The researcher found that low vitamin D levels predicted pelvic floor disorders, even in younger women and that urinary incontinence was twice as likely in vitamin D deficient women compared to women with higher vitamin D levels.

The authors concluded:

“Our findings suggest that treatment of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women could improve pelvic muscle strength, with a possible reduction in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence.”

Press contact information: Dr. Samuel Badalian, MD, 104 Union Ave., Suite # 803, Syracuse, NY, badalian@netzero.com
John Cannell, MD
Executive Director
The Vitamin D Council
1241 Johnson Ave., #134
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis

2010-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

The only cure is in your willingness to get involved.

Let me talk to you about osteoporosis, about "getting older", and about your need to think and act to protect your health and the health of your children.

Are your bones healthy? Never been tested? Well, either way, whether you have osteoporosis, or you think that your bones are healthy, you need to be engaged in learning about your body, and living in harmony with it.

I want to introduce you to The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis by R. Keith McCormick, DC; published by New Harbinger Publications, Inc. I have only read some of the book, but can tell you that it is a wealth of knowledge and a source of protection for you and your family.

Please read this one paragraph from page 2 of the introduction and see if you aren't drawn to the wisdom.

"Osteoporosis is a chronic disorder. It's not a condition you can fix by swallowing a daily or weekly pill, or even by a yearly intravenous infusion of an extremely powerful bone-specific medication. Unfortunately, in our country the same approach used to treat acute conditions is also used with chronic disorders such as osteoporosis. For example, in crisis care management, the doctor visually examines a patient, possibly scrapes for a culture or analyzes the patient's blood, and then prescribes a pill or a shot to reduce the symptoms. The underlying physiological vulnerability is usually never questioned-let alone assessed. The patient feels better,
the crisis is satisfactorily averted, and yet the nutrient deficiency or physiological dysfunction that might eventually damage his or her long-term health is not addressed and stays unchanged."

Dr. McCormick is talking about the necessity for engagement in ones own health. The central theme of his book is osteoporosis, but the broad theme is living a healthful life.

I am considering organizing a book group here in Ventura, CA to read and discuss this book. But the group would be more; it would be a vehicle for each of us to engage more fully with our lives and our health. Send me an e-mail if you would be interested in being a participant in a The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis - book group. kychiro@pacbell.net

To purchase The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis go to Dr. McCormick's website at: http://mccormickdc.com

Practicing health,
Dr. Young

Locavore Lite 2010 Update March 18, 2010

2010-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here is some of what is happening in the Locavore Lite 2010 world in Ventura County.

Current Locavore Restaurant Meals that are scheduled:
March 20th – The Farmer & the Cook in Ojai
April 8th – Main Course California in Ventura
May 6th – The Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura
September 16th – The Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura

Presentations on Locavore Lite 2010 by Kristofer and Joanne Young:
April 18th – Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura

Community Leaders who are Participants in Locavore Lite 2010
http://locavorelite2010.webs.com/apps/forums/topics/show/2290212-community-leaders-as-of-march-18-2010

Please consider hosting an all-local-food potluck.
Please consider inviting a community leader to participate in Locavore Lite 2010.
Please consider inviting a local restaurant to offer one all-local-food meal in 2010.

Thank you!
Kristofer Young, DC

2010-03-12T17:28:00.001-08:00

The Farmer & the Cook, an organic cafe, market and farm in Ojai, CA, in association with Locavore Lite 2010, will host a Ventura County historic first all-local-food restaurant meal at 6:30 PM on Saturday the 20th.

All media welcome! This story of current pioneers of Ventura County Agriculture is hot.

Press inquiries to: Steve Sprinkel @ farmerandcook@gmail.com
Kristofer Young @ kychiro@pacbell.net or 798-1858

Check out the evening’s menu and the listing of the local sources of the ingredients at:
http://www.farmerandcook.com/straightfromthefarm.htm

No pitch needed for supporting local food. Everyone is in favor of improving our local economy; supporting our local farmers; recovering our health with fresh, local produce; and protecting our open and agricultural spaces.

Join us for a first in Ventura County’s history! But be sure to get a reservation @ farmerandcook1@gmail.com or 646-0960. Seating is limited.

During this great celebration of local food, expect a few comments from hosts, The Farmer aka Steve Sprinkel and The Cook aka Olivia Chase, and from special guests, Kristofer and Joanne Young, co-founders of Eat Local One Year and Locavore Lite 2010. http://locavorelite2010.webs.com/

2010-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

With great pleasure, on Tuesday the 9th of February, 2010, 6 of the 9 remaining members of Eat Local One Year 2009 received from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors a Resolution and Certificates of Commendation. In part, the Resolution read; “WHEREAS, nine individuals completed and entire year of local eating following the guidelines of Eat Local One Year, mapped the current frontier of eating locally in Ventura County, and inspired others to expand their own utilization of local food;”.

During the presentation of the Resolution and Certificates at the Ventura County Government Center, Supervisors Bennett, Parks and Long each stated that they would sign up to participate in Locavore Lite 2010. It is now confirmed that the CEO of Ventura County, Marty Robinson has also committed to participate.

The local-food movement is growing. Please consider who you would like to invite to join us.

Dr. Young :)

Share a Local-Food Valentine on Sunday, February 14 in Ventura

2010-02-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions presents:

WHAT: Exciting presentation of Locavore Lite 2010 and how it interfaces with three other Ventura County, food projects/practices. Expand your awareness and support of eating local foods, being healthy and reducing global warming.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.

WHO: Kristofer and Joanne Young, Co-founders Locavore Lite 2010 & Eat Local One Year;
Dulanie Ellis, Chair, Food & Ag Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition;
John Fonteyn, Ojai farmer of Rio Gozo Farm
Casey Lynn Hopkins, Intern at Abundant Table Farm Project in Oxnard

WHERE: Foster Library’s Topping Room, 651 E. Main St., Ventura, CA

BACKGROUND: Locavore Lite 2010 (http://locavorelite2010.webs.com) is a fresh, fun, healthy, Ventura County-based, local-food project that welcomes participants from our county and from around the world. The project is designed to increase public awareness of the importance and availability of local farm produce, by encouraging residents to involve themselves in their local food system. A major objective of the project is to reduce global warning.

A locavore is a person who eats food that is grown or raised locally. The term Locavore Lite suggests a form of local eating that is so easy, that anyone can do it. If you have an interest in delicious food, health, farming, the environment, the local economy, quality of life, climate change, or food safety; then you will want to come to this meeting, and participate with your friends and family in Locavore Lite 2010.

Dulanie Ellis is the Chair of the Food & Ag Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and is the founder of Walk Your Talk Productions, a film production company working to engage communities through film to provide relevant inquiry and seek solutions for community-based issues of global significance. Dulanie produced and directed “Home Grow’n”, a documentary about “smart growth” and urban sprawl in Ventura County. http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org http://www.walkyourtalk.tv/dulanie.php
John Fonteyn is an Ojai farmer of Rio Gozo Farm. He has been working in the local food scene for the last 11 years. His career has included owning and operating a farmers’ market, and being the head cook at the Farmer and Cook in Ojai. He currently runs a CSA (community supported agriculture) program in Ventura County. 272-5337 http://riogozofarm.blogspot.com

The Abundant Table Farm Project (ATFP) has partnered with DeBusschere Family Farms to form “Join the Farm! CSA”. Paul DeBusschere and five ATFP interns are farming 10 acres of certified organic land near the Farm House. As part of the ATFP, the five interns are connecting working the land, spirituality, and social justice by living in the Farm House, sustaining Join the Farm! CSA, and being available to meet the needs of the earth and the community. http://jointhefarm.com
* * *
Learn more about "LOCAVORE LITE 2010" and its parent project "EAT LOCAL ONE YEAR", and sign up at http://locavorelite2010.webs.com

All-Local Food Scheduled for Restaurant in Ventura

2010-01-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

The first Ventura County all-local-food, restaurant-meal supporting the goals and actions of Locavore Lite 2010 has been scheduled at Main Course California for Tuesday, April 13th. Chef Rachel Main will offer an all-local meal for 20 people. Details will be released as available.

You can thank Rachel Main and Robert Jacobi, co-owners of Main Course California, for leading off our year of restaurant offerings of all-local-food meals by going to their website at http://www.maincoursecalifornia.com or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/people/Main-Course-Ca/100000083264778 and leaving a note.

Keep in mind that The Sidecar Restaurant at http://www.thesidecarrestaurant.com and Bonano’s Fine Peruvian Cuisine at http://www.bonanos.com will also be offering all-local-food meals in 2010.

You can help by asking the manager or owner, of the restaurants that you eat at, if they will offer an all-local-food meal in 2010. Have them contact me at: http://locavorelite2010.webs.com .

What Causes Diabesity?

2010-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when someone else does your work for you? Well, I do. Dr. Hyman has this great video on YouTube that tells you what you need to know about diabetes, obesity, heart disease, strokes, cancer, dementia.

Ever concerned about your health, the health of a loved one, or the health of humanity? And looking for some rational hope? Listen to Dr. Mark Hyman! And then, act on it. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VanORGuXgkk

Dr. Young

Leaning Toward Health

2009-12-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

Finishing up my office work for this year, I wrote the following note to a patient.

"As I said to you yesterday, my advice is that you become joyfully very-involved in the monitoring and improving of your health. I am concerned that anything less than this, given your current state of being, would put you at further risk. And, of course, it is more fun and functional to be involved in your life and health."

I realize that this advice really applies to each of us. Who do you know who is joyfully very-involved in the monitoring and improving of his or her health? Regardless of our current state of being, we would be wise to be leaning toward health. Illness and pain will find enough of us on their own.

As I have been recommending to you for some time, please start this New Year with a resolution to create a health notebook for yourself and your children. Imagine what you will be communicating to yourself, your family, and your doctors when you arrive at each doctor's visit with your notebook and the sense that you are engaged in your health.

2009-12-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's 4 PM on Wednesday, December 30th. I'm at the office finishing up. Joanne is off running some errands. And, once again, I am starving. I had a decent breakfast. Started with coffee (exception 1), coconut milk (exception 2) in my coffee, and half a big cherimoya. I stirfried onion and napa cabbage in coconut oil (ex...ecption 2, like I said) and threw in some freshly steamed brown rice (exception 3). Decent, right? Huge, by some standards. Joanne and I (mostly Joanne this time) made giganto salads for lunch (pic) with more brown rice on top. By 1:30 PM I had consumed the entire salad. And now my stomach is growling. Within 10 feet of me are high-quality and delicious protein bars and powdered meal replacement shakes. But, I'm a hardcore locavore on day 364 of Eat Local One Year. I wanted to tell you this so that you would know, that there have been many times and days in 2009 when I have not planned well and found myself hungry and with not a scrap of local food in sight. No complaint here. Just a great year-long, life-awakening choice! :)

2009-12-29T21:05:00.001-08:00

I just communicated with Chef Tim at the Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura. He is a committed participant of Locavore Lite 2010 and a proud supporter of the project!

Tim has been using lots of great local food for a long time. Please check him out at: http://www.thesidecarrestaurant.com/ , and let him know how much you appreciate his support of local food and Locavore Lite 2010 !

Kris

Day 362

2009-12-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note before I head off to bed. We have 3 days left of this beautiful and informative year-long Eat Local One Year project (http://eatlocaloneyear.com ). I will let you search out and read of the rigors that we have lived, but suffice it to say that we have shopped for or grown, planned for and prepared over 900 all-local food meals in 2009. Almost every day we thought about and worked with where our food came from.

In 2008 we called out for, looked for 98 others in Ventura County to join us on this journey. We found 19, and the 21 of us set forth together on January 1, 2009.

The difficulty of the project is clearly indicated by the number of those willing to give it a try. Nine of us will complete the project at 12:00 AM on January 1, 2010.

I am so grateful to have been inspired by Barbara Kingsolver to create this project, for the opportunity to have participated in this project, and to the friends that took the challenge with us!

We will continue in 2010 and beyond to eat more locally than previously in our lives. But not as edgy as in 2009.

On January 1, 2010 we launch Locavore Lite 2010. Please join us. We are looking for 5,000 people to join us in Ventura County, and thousands more world-wide.

Kris

New Year's Restitution

2009-12-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am going to need both resolution and restitution in the New Year!

I will need resolution to make change toward better care of myself and the world in which we live. And restitution for the harm that I have unintentionally done to myself for not caring for myself adequately, i.e., not enough sleep, stretching or walking.

My hope is that you have plans, or at least thoughts about expanding the care of yourself, and maybe even our planet.

In 2010, be sure to have your blood tested for the level of Vitamin D; very important to your health.
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

Wouldn't take too much to increase the amount of stretching that you do each day. From none to 5 minutes would be easy. :)

You could also join Locavore Lite 2010 at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Locavore-Lite-2010/180619179086?ref=ts
Super easy project to eat a little local food and help make our lives and planet healthier! I would like to see tens of thousands of people participate around the world and thousands here in Ventura County. Will you help me spread the word?

In health,
Dr. Young

What a Salad!!!

2009-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Butter lettuce, red cabbage, green cabbage, carrot, white onion, red bell pepper, avocado, basil, parsley, brown rice, lemon juice, salt, not a drop of oil, - the best!!!

Joanne, my wife, and I made this salad this morning to take to our office for our lunch. The picture you see is my salad; Joanne has her own.

And every bit of it local!

And there I sit, full and satisfied!

In health, Dr. Young

Cancer Cure

2009-11-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

One of the things that is helping our healthcare system go bankrupt is that we keep spending billions of dollars trying to find the magic bullet for cancer prevention and cure. There is no magic bullet. We need to intelligently and loving support our bodies to reduce the incidence of cancer. We already know that what people eat, how much they exercise, and how they feel about themselves and the world in which they live, are some of the most powerful factors influencing cancer. I think we need to face these and invest in helping ourselves make changes in these areas.

What is a Doctor?

2009-10-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Our culture has a tendency to imagine a “good” doctor as somewhat conservative and restrained.

I, personally, am a very conservative doctor, insomuch as my practice is focused on anatomy, systems biology, physiology, and the scientifically validated means of achieving health; like healthy lifestyle. Expressing love for my patients is also an important aspect of my conservative practice.

There are those who would say that I have deviated at times from practicing in a restrained manner. And there is surely some truth to that. Just last week, in fact, I took a little walk on the wild side. I flew to Washington, DC and spent time outside the White House with a placard stating my desire to be President Barack Obama’s chiropractor.

Check out this 41-second video of me at the White House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NMt_ZnU_70 . I am serious about my desire. Spread the word if you would like to help me.

Surely you can appreciate that it can feel a little risky putting oneself in the public eye in when doing something somewhat unusual.

As chance would have it, I have a current example to share with you of a brilliant and highly-trained medical doctor and researcher, Dr. Kenneth Fine, who is a great doctor, with out being restrained. Here is what might be seen as the conservative Dr. Fine - https://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/Frame_OurTeam.htm and https://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/Frame_Cirrculum.htm . And here is the somewhat unrestrained Dr. Fine, aka Kenny Davin Fine - http://www.kennydavinfine.net As far as I am concerned, Kenny, I mean Dr. Fine, rocks!!!

I am grateful to Kenny for being himself. I don’t know if it has been scary for him, but when I get a chance, I will ask.

I have received an invitation to a medical lecture and a rock concert in Dallas next month. Dr. Fine will be lecturing and Kenny and his band will be rockin’. Now I am trying to decide if I would be a fool to fly to Dallas for two great events, or if I would be a fool not to go. What’s your advice?

And finally, what is a doctor?

National Healthcare Reform

2009-07-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

If you didn't see my letter to the editor of the Ventura County Star in May of this year, on national healthcare reform, go to: http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/letters/archives/2009/05/healthcare-refo.html

It is not just our President's top national priority, it is critical to the health of our citizens and our country!

Do You Have a Short Leg?

2009-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

For many decades, many doctors of chiropractic (DCs) have “measured” the leg lengths of their patients. It is important to understand that “measuring” in almost all of these cases actually meant a visual inspection (looking at) of the heels of a patient lying prone (face down). If one heel appeared to extend farther than the other, then the patient was said to have a “short leg”.

In most cases, a DC, finding a “short leg”, would adjust the spine of the patient, immediately recheck the leg length and find that the legs were even. How could that be?

The distinction that is not often made in chiropractic or orthopedic practice is between an anatomical short leg (ASL) and a physiological short leg (PSL).

An ASL can occur from polio. It can occur from trauma that results in leg fracture and shorting of bone. An anatomical leg length discrepancy is a true difference in length and can be measured using x-ray.

A PSL is not truly short, but rather one side is drawn up in relation to the other by muscular contraction or shortening of connective tissues. When a patient with a “short leg” is adjusted, thereby evening the leg length, what the DC has done is to balance the muscles that support the legs, or to release connective tissue restrictions. A PSL is extremely common.

When a PSL is resolved by chiropractic treatment, the resolution is almost always temporary. There are many factors that result in muscle imbalance and connective tissue asymmetry in the lower extremities, and these must be dealt with to attempt to maintain an even physiologic leg length.

It is valuable to understand that a PSL is just a sign of muscle and/or connective tissue imbalance. It is not the problem.

Rather than checking for a PSL, a thoughtful DC could check for muscle and connective tissue imbalance; the real causes of the PSL. That same thoughtful DC could treat the patient for the imbalance, and then instruct the patient about the causes and self-care measures for resolving the imbalance.

Resveratrol Day 15 w/ Change

2009-07-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

No clear signs of affect from taking the resveratrol. Time for a change. Today I began doubling the dose. I am now taking 500 mg per day. We shall see; or not see.

Nothing like being alive, seeking answers, doing experiments!!!

Resveratrol Day 2

2009-06-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

I took my second dose of resveratrol today at 12:30 AM. At this time I am not aware of any affects.

It is worth noting what this experiment will tell us, and what it won't. If I end up feeling nothing after 30 days on resveratrol, we will only know that I did not feel anything after 30 days on this dose. That, of course, will not mean that it had no effect; just that I was unable to feel the effect. If I have a sense of altered sensation or function during the 30 days, what will be known is that I have had a sense of altered sensation or function; nothing more.

If I happen to feel more energy, or other valuable functional improvement, you can bet that I will go off the resveratrol for a month, and then try another month on it again. If the improved function reappears, it will be more suggestive that the resveratrol is having an effect.

Isn't it fun to be a scientist?

Resveratrol w/o the Wine

2009-06-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

My 60 year-old friend, Bill, told me last Sunday that he had been taking resveratrol for 3 weeks and was feeling a lot more energy; feeling younger. He offered to buy me a one month sample of the product that he was taking so that I could try it out.

Here is what the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University says about resveratrol.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/resveratrol/

Here is what I started taking at 11:40 AM today; one per day:
http://www.biotivia.com/bioforteresveratrol.html
I will be taking one each day and will try to blog about it each day for 30 days. We'll see how that works. :)

I believe Bill told me that he is taking what he gave me, every other day, and on the days in between, he is taking twice as much resveratrol.

I have no question about the safety of my taking this level of resveratrol, and I appreciate the opportunity to do yet another small experiment with my life and health. If we don’t experiment, we may not learn much, we may get into a rut, and we may not live as vital and engaged a life.

I will try to blog this each day for the next 30 days.

Thank you Bill!

Dr. Young

OBAMA HEARTS CHIROPRACTIC

2009-05-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

The couple in the picture with the Obamas is Dr. Steve and Jill Kraus. Dr. Krause is a doctor of chiropractic, and is an Iowa Delegate to the American Chiropractic Association. Obama visited Dr. Krause twice at his clinic in Carroll, Iowa during the campaign.

OK, I won't keep you waiting. Here is a bit of what our President wrote to the American Chiropractic Association when he was a candidate for the presidency:

"We need to knock down unreasonable barriers of access and discriminatory insurance coverage so Americans in need of quality chiropractic care can access it without difficulty. We need to expand the range of chiropractic services covered by Medicare, facilitate integration of doctors of chiropractic into the health care systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, and allow commission of doctors of chiropractic as officers in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. And again, under my health care plan, many, if not all, chiropractic services would be included in the benefit package offered in the public plan."

And here is the link to the complete letter.

To support the call for chiropractic care in our national health care reform, please register - now - with http://ChiroVoice.org

Osteoporosis Cure

2009-05-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know about a cure, but I know a few things about osteoporosis and bone health.

One thing I know is that the human body needs adequate vitamin D to maintain healthy bone. Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. Most people don't get enough vitamin D from their food to have healthy blood levels. Most Americans don't spend enough time in the sun to get what they need.

Yesterday was just another great day at the office. A new 91 year-old female patient told me that she had been diagnosed with osteoporosis and had been put on medication to treat it. After a few more questions, and it was clear that this patient's medical doctor had not looked into the causes of this patient's poor bone health. The patient's vitamin D blood levels had not been checked. There are many other things to check, but vitamin D is a good start.

It is not wise to assume, even in a 91 year-old patient, that she has osteoporosis just because she is elderly. It is wise to make sure that the patient's body has what it needs to make bone, before simply prescribing a drug to slow the progression.

In case after case, the lesson is the same; try to understand what is going on with the person's health before resorting to a drug.

If your doctor doesn't bring up the idea of trying to understand your condition, I recommend that you bring it up. It is your body, and it is your health.

Health Care Reform Now

2009-05-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hello!

First, I would like to acknowledge how powerful it is to be able to share information on a blog! I will do my best to provide you with news to use and things to consider.

Immediately below I have posted a letter that I submitted yesterday to the Ventura County Star and the Ojai Valley News.

Letter -

Have you EVER heard ANYBODY say that health insurance and health care are affordable in America? Me neither.

Our health care system is broken, has been so for a long time, and is bankrupting our Country.

We have tried the free-market approach, but greed, waste, and the absence of wellness and preventive care, have made it an expensive and abysmal failure. Since 2000, health insurance premiums have almost doubled and health care premiums have grown three times faster than wages.

It is not time for more of the same. It IS time for change. It is time to provide an affordable public option for health care.

Insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and providers, all big-money and big-lobbying players, just met with the President and offered to try to cut the 6% annual inflation of health care costs by 1.5 % per year. Such a deal. This offer is business as usual; more of the same.

Join “Health Care for America Now” to make certain that everyone in this Country has accessible, quality health care they can afford, and to guarantee coverage and real choice: keep your private insurance plan or join a new public health insurance plan so you are no longer at the mercy of the private insurance industry.

Contact: Health Care for America Now, 1825 K Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 454-6200 info@healthcareforamericanow.org http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

Stand up this year, stand up now, for your family’s health and for our Country.