A New Vision For Health

B

elieve it or not, it is that time of
the year again. Amidst parties,
travel plans and a bit of work, of
course, the final days of 2007 offer a time
of reflection. We reflect on relationships,
achievements and even adversities from the
preceding 12 months. And we look eagerly
at the year 2008 for what always feels like a
clean slate.
Most often, resolutions for the new year
include a renewed commitment to health.
This year, allow me to suggest a new vision
for health that our Jewish community and
this nation must begin to embrace.
This new vision is a product of the "new"
world where we now live. I think most of
us can agree that the world today hardly
resembles that of even 30 or 40 years ago.
The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the
water we drink and the home products we
use often contain chemicals and contami-
nants not known to our ancestors. We are
constantly on the move, and stress is just

sion. This change does not mean giving up
an accepted consequence of this life. These
new realities are postulated as a major con- all that we love or necessarily making even
major sacrifices. It simply involves a shift
tributor to the dramatic rise in nearly all
in awareness to take the proverbial "bull by
chronic disease.
the horns" to protect and enhance your life
Due to these new realities in nutri-
moving forward.
tion, the rules have changed
The reality is that the pursuit
for what will equate toward
of health is not reserved for those
optimal health. It is no longer
with symptoms or a diagnosable
good enough to have an occa-
disease. It is available to anyone
sional side salad with dinner.
wanting a better quality of life, but
It is no longer goP _I enough to
it must first come from an aware-
buy inferior synthetic multi-
ness of this new reality. Maybe
vitamins P.nd mineral supple-
this is the first time you have
ment. We can no longer accept
considered that you had a "choice"
simply being reactive to health
to make in this, but it is never too
challenges. Instead, we must
Je ff
late to begin this journey and take
be pro-active to experience the
berg
Rosen
action.
quality, longevity and vitality
Colu mnist
And how do you begin to take
that we want out of life.
this renewed path to vitality?
The first thing that we all
Begin to read, research or work
must decide today is that
with professionals skilled in this area and
we want to make a commitment toward
design a sensible program making health a
health, and only you can make that deci-

priority. Pick up reputable magazines, visit
professional Web sites, subscribe to online
newsletters — you will begin to feel per-
sonally empowered in the pursuit of health.
You will see that safe, natural and effective
strategies do exist!
Taken further, if you then begin to incor-
porate a sensible diet and superior nutri-
tional supplements into your daily routine,
you will likely notice a shift in energy, clari-
ty and overall vitality. Additionally, you may
experience a confidence that this initiative
will enhance the quality of your life moving
forward. Let's all pause to embrace this new
reality as 2008 approaches. We all deserve a
better chance at health, and it's available to
us today!

Dr. Jeff Rosenberg is a chiropractor and a certi-
fied digestive health specialist. His practice, the

Vitality Center, is in Birmingham. Contact him at
(248) 540-1340, docjrdt@gmail.com or at

www.pathtovitality.com .

The Facts About Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis

Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis is a narrowing in the lumbar spinal
canal, a very small space in the lower spine that carries nerves to the
legs. After many years, this space can become even smaller, if the
surrounding bone and tissue begin to grow.

Neural Claudication is relatively easy to diagnose. Physicians can usu-
ally determine if a patient has the condition by asking a battery of
questions. However, special tests and x-rays of the spine are often
required.

Arthritis, falls, accidents and wear and tear on the bones and joints
in the spine also play a part in Stenosis. As the lumbar spinal canal
shrinks, the nerves within it become squeezed and can cause chronic
back and leg pain, as well as leg weakness.

STENOSIS VS. RUPTURED DISC: "Many patients confuse Stenosis
with a ruptured disc," says Dr. Radden. "However, they are not the
same thing." A ruptured (or herniated) disc usually pinches one or two
nerves at a time. The resulting pain, called Sciatica, is caused by a
pinched nerve in the lumbar spine and causes back pain that shoots
down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when standing
up or walking.

The pain and weakness associated with Stenosis is usually described
as a burning or prickly feeling which begins in the buttocks and
spreads down to the feet when standing up, walking or exercising.
Unfortunately, many adults suffer from this condition.

OTHER FACTORS: "Legs might also feel cramped, tired, or weak,"
says Dr. Louis Radden, D.O., a St. Joseph Mercy Oakland orthopedic
surgeon. "This usually points to a condition known as Neural Claudi-
cation of the legs. For patients with Stenosis, the Claudication starts
when standing up. Pain may worsen when walking, but will most likely
get better when walking stops."

Also, crouching down or lying in a fetal position has been shown to re-
lieve symptoms, since it's believed that these positions open the lum-
bar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs.

6621 W. Maple Rd.
West Bloomfield
248-661-4700

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Several treatment options are available for
Stenosis and Neural Claudication, depending on the extremity of
symptoms. If the pain is mild and hasn't been present for long, an
exercise or physical therapy program to strengthen back muscles and
improve posture is usually effective. A physician may also prescribe
medication for inflammation in the backbone.

Dr. Radden notes that with severe back pain and Neural Claudication,
however, spinal surgery may be required to take the pressure off the
nerves in the lower spine.

SPINE SPECIALISTS OF MICHIGAN P.C.

Dr. Louis N. Radden

RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINE SURGERY

30055 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 270
Farmington Hills
248-865-4262

December 27 n 2007

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