Dr. Kathleen Sherwood's Blog

Are you getting enough sleep?

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:59:18 +0000

A recent survey by the Better Sleep Council indicated that almost 70 percent of U.S. women sleep less than the recommended eight hours per night and more than 50 percent of men report the same. If you are not getting enough shut-eye, then take heed, because lack of sleep has been linked to increased health risks in a number of areas such as heart disease, obesity, and chronic fatigue.

So, why are we having trouble getting enough sleep? Stress from work or family, anxiety, illness, allergies, diet factors such as too much caffeine, sugar, or alcohol, are just some of the reasons.

Here are some common sense hints for getting you the sleep your body deserves:

1. Get plenty of regular exercise and try to complete your workout at least three hours before bedtime. Exercise increases the amount of deep sleep you get. Aerobic exercise each day and weight lifting two-three time per week is optimum.

Mind the Body First, and the Mind will Follow. (Part 1)

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:34:28 +0000

Sometimes the brain needs a little time-out.

Heart Disease Doesn’t Just Impact Men

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:38:18 +0000

Many of us think of heart disease as a disease that kills primarily men. In a 2000 Yale University study, 250,000 women died from heart disease, compared to 40,000 who died from breast cancer. This is a huge difference. The study also showed that in women who have a heart attack before the age of 75, the risk of the chance of mortality is much higher in comparison to their male counterparts. Many times women do not realize that they have heart disease due to the fact that their symptoms may present differently than the “typical heart attack” symptoms of crushing chest pressure with pain radiating down the arm. Women may experience a “gastritis” or “reflux” feeling, along with a headache or neck pain.

Diaphragmatic or Belly Breathing

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:04:35 +0000

Before you can take a deep breath “in”, you have to give one away “out”. Because, when you’ve been breathing in a short, shallow manner (from your chest), if you try & take a deep inhale, you just can’t do it. All you can do is take a more labored, shallow breath from your chest. That will give you all the air you need, but it won’t feel “good”.
Breathe very shallowly a few times, and then try to take a deep breath. When you breathe in this shallow manner, you get all the air you need to live, but you can also get other symptoms which contribute to a panic attack.

Run Your Best with Chiropractic

Dr. James Murphy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:19:01 +0000

As a chiropractor and avid runner, I’m constantly asked by patients – and prospective patients – how chiropractic Spinecare can help maximize athletic performance and minimize injury. My response is that without chiropractic care, it is virtually impossible to be the best runner you can be. I experienced this personally over years of running, prior to having my own spine adjusted, and Dr. Sherwood and I have witnessed it first-hand with numerous patients who comment on how much better they run once they receive chiropractic care.

Eat, Drink and be Healthy

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:04:14 +0000

Once again it’s that special time of year where we all gather to eat, drink and be merry. The temptation to overindulge is lurking around every buffet table or kitchen counter this season. Here are a few tips to satisfy your appetite this season without overeating:

Read more on Eat, Drink and be Healthy…

Understanding Carbohydrates

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:05:56 +0000

Carbohydrates are essentially sugars needed by the body to provide energy. Under the best of circumstances your body can break carbohydrates down quickly and efficiently.
What Are Good Carbs?

Good carbohydrate foods are those that are still in their natural state and have not been processed or altered by people or machines.
Good carbohydrates are nutritious. Good carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and fiber that will give you energy over a long period of time and a sense of feeling full. Foods that are high in fiber will also lower cholesterol levels and assist the body in removing toxins. Good carbohydrates generally have a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index will support the body nutritionally and not cause a spike in blood sugar.
Here are examples of good carbohydrate foods:
Fruits