healthy devil

6 thoughtful reasons to choose Jacobs Chiropractic Acupunture

2012-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

6. We accept most major insurance. You'll get the care you need at a price that you can afford- we have plans in place for those without insurance.
5. We cover the spectrum of alternative medicine. Chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture & Ayurveda.
4. JCA is a safe, comfortable environment where your needs are met and we listen to you.
3. If we can gently treat a 2 day old infant, we can treat an adult with the same care.
2. Dr. Lou will dress up like a clown, do magic tricks and make balloon sculptures for your kids.
1. Life can deal us some tough blows, having a staff of caring people who love their work and their patients is an environment where people can heal.

Congratulations Maine!

2011-01-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

Below is a press release that sent out last week.

For Immediate Release January 7, 2011

Contact: Dr. Lou Jacobs - 207-807-1119 or drj@drloujacobs.com

Portland Doctor has message for Governor LePage about addiction problem

Portland, Maine -- Governor Paul LePage has a serious drug problem. His state has recently been ranked #1 in the country for treatment rates for addiction to the pain killers oxycodone and hydrocodone. Dr. Lou Jacobs of Portland, Maine believes he has a partial solution to the problem for Governor LePage. Focus more on drug free healthcare for key health problems that may often be effectively treated without prescriptions.

Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common. For over 110 years chiropractic care has successfully treated low back pain and headache for a fraction of the cost of traditional medical modalities and without the risk of drug addiction.
Chiropractic is the third largest healthcare profession in The United States. The foundation of chiropractic care since 1895 has always been drugless and non-surgical intervention that regulates the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Maine has a wealth of Doctors of Chiropractic who can provide a first line of treatment for people in pain without using risky and highly addictive medications like Oxycontin.
Chiropractors will also save the state money. In the short term, fewer and less expensive medical claims paid by the state. In the long term, less need for detox clinics, crime investigation and state funded social services aimed at addiction treatment. Additionally it will position Maine as a progressive, health conscious state that could use a little help in this area. Maine statistics show that over 60% of residents are overweight or obese, and of now there’s the Oxycontin issue to boot. Governor LePage has the opportunity to clean up addiction and crime as well as reduce the healthcare burden on taxpayers, thereby freeing up money for important issues. He simply needs to begin discussion and ask for help from Maine’s chiropractic community.

Holiday stress in Portland, Maine?

2010-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

October through April are the most stressful months for most Mainers. It's dark, cold, financially demanding, time constraining and energy draining. Family, friends, gifts and parties. As much as we love these things, they take their toll.
Our ability to adapt to stress is a function of the master controller of the body, the nervous system. If the nervous system is not communicating properly with the rest of the body it's like an internet connection that keeps dropping signals. The result? Poor function, poor adaptation to your commands. Fine tuning the nervous system and ensuring that there is no disruption to communication will make you more adaptable to your in-laws bickering, the turkey and alcohol binging and the kids not wanting to sleep. If you don't know how your system is functioning you should have it checked.

Dr. Lou Jacobs Portland, Maine Chiropractor - GO magazine

2010-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest article on Dr. Lou Jacobs in Portland's GO Magazine.

GO

Let me rephrase that.....

2010-10-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

The FDA does not deserve your trust. Botox for "migraines" is not only a diagnostic blooper, but a horrible choice for treatment.
does this mean that they have a horrible misunderstanding of the human body and inflammation? Yes, it does. Should you listen to CNN and Sanjay Gupta? I'll repeat myself. Under some circumstances, NO.

whoah.

2010-10-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

Holy S#&t!
Why am I so upset? call (207) 774-6251.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/15/migraines.botox/index.html?hpt=T2

Considering Back Surgery? Read this first!

2010-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

All surgeries carry some risk. If you are going under the knife, it would be nice to know that your odds of being helped were pretty high. Chiropractors have tried to warn you of the risks of surgeries, now it's not just us reminding you!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39658423/ns/health-pain_center/

Dr. Lou's stomach sleeping remedy - Portland, Maine

2010-10-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself with neck pain AND you sleep on your back, try this:

While lying in bed on your back, repeat the following 5-10 times
"I am a back sleeper, I never sleep on my stomach, but if I do roll on to my stomach I will wake up and return to my back."

Step two involves a visualization:
Close your eyes and imagine watching yourself sleeping comfortably on your back. Continue this exercise for 1-5 minutes.

Repeat for at least one week before consulting Dr. Lou.

Avandia Restricted. Too Little, too late?

2010-09-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Remind me why the FDA approved this in the first place? Click Below

CNN

Is that touchdown worth the risk of brain damage?

2010-09-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that football is a dangerous sport. Repetitive hits to the head by kids running full speed. CRACK! If you have a child who plays football, you’ve heard the sound. While football helmets are better than ever, the demands being put on kids to hit hard are also greater than ever. The truth is, the helmets are not fully protective. Evidence highlighted in research and published in an article in TIME magazine last year shows that repetitive blows to the head are very strongly linked to brain damage later in life.

If you ever played a team sport as a kid, you know how much it stunk to sit on the sideline. When you finally did get on the field, you’d play as hard as you could to stay there. Playing hard in football means not only using all your might to plow through or over other players, it also means saying you are ok when you feel a little dizzy, light headed or fuzzy in the head. Football has the highest number of brain injuries of any sport. With over 3 million kids and 1.5 high school students playing football it is suspected that there could be hundreds of thousands of concussions each year, many of them unreported. If your child plays football through high school, their futures may be seriously compromised.

Protein tau is an indicator that lies on a damaged brain that is a hallmark sign of a debilitating disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. Unfortunately, protein tau is only visible during an autopsy. There are not tests for CTE while a person is alive. Many football players and former players show signs of sudden memory loss, depression, paranoia that is often associated with CTE, otherwise known as punch drunk syndrome. This condition most commonly presents itself in middle age but it’s beginnings seem to start during childhood football collisions.

It is important to remember that dangerous head trauma often only occurs inside the skull. A child can receive a major trauma to the brain with no visible damage to the outside of the head. They may or may not feel bad immediately and may not be able to accurately convey to a coach or parent what they are feeling and how serious it is. They may also choose to down play the severity of the injury because they don’t want to be pulled from the game or be seen as a whimp by their peers. Football injuries should not be diagnosed, qualified or quantified by a child who wants to stay in the game. Adults need take charge.

As a parent, what do you do with a child who is playing or wants to play football? The first thing is to recognize that football is very dangerous and that ignoring the dangers won’t make it any safer. Make certain that you are willing to live with your child’s potential injury. Head injuries are just one category of a multitude of injuries possible. Your child must know, understand and practice the safest techniques of tackling and taking a hit. If your child’s coach cannot provide adequate safety information to your youngster, do not let them play.

We all want what is best for our children and safety is generally first. While sports are important opportunities for growth and development on many levels, allowing your child to be exposed to potential brain damage is nearly as negligent if not more than letting them sniff glue. There are other, equally educational and rewarding sports. Your child’s favorite past time as they age won’t be of much value if they can’t even remember it.

If your child has suffered a football related injury or if you are suspicious of repetitive head injuries, take him or her to the doctor as soon as possible. Head injuries may be very serious and require evaluation by a medical professional immediately.

Dr. Lou Jacobs - Portland Press Herald

2010-08-25T05:28:00.001-07:00

Have a look at our latest press in the Portland Press Herald!

Link

Chiropractor- Portland Maine

2010-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Doc encourages mustache growth to fight cancer
By Betty Jespersen, Special to the Sun Journal
Published Aug 11, 2010

Dr. Lou Jacobs, a Farmington native and Portland-based chiropractor, is encouraging men to grow mustaches to raise money for cancer research.

- submitted photo
Growing a mustache to raise awareness of cancer is an odd thing to do, but Dr. Lou Jacobs is hoping the idea is quirky enough to catch on.

The Farmington-born chiropractor and acupuncturist with a busy practice in Portland sports a waxed, handlebar mustache that he started growing when his mother, Patty, was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer last year.

A runner and locally known volunteer in Farmington, she died in May of complications from the aggressive disease. Now his father, Bert, a psychology professor at the University of Maine at Farmington, has contracted leukemia and is scheduled to have a bone-marrow transplant later this month.

“At first, I grew it as a joke and Mom thought it was funny,” Lou Jacobs said Monday. “She kidded around and said she would have preferred I had been a clown rather than a chiropractor.”

He had contemplated organizing the mustache-growing fundraiser when his mother was still alive, but it wasn't the right time. Now, with his father ill, Lou Jacobs sees it as a way to help others and support two good organizations that focus on cancer patients and their families.

“Dr. Lou," as he is known to his patients, has set a goal of raising $5,000 between Aug. 25 — the day of his father's bone-marrow transplant surgery — and Jan. 1, 2011. Donations will be split between The Cancer Community Center of South Portland, where Jacobs has been a volunteer and is on the Board of Directors, and the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation, which provided the Jacobs family with support.

For the mustache project, Jacobs has partnered with Dr. Roger Inhorn, medical director of oncology and hematology at Mercy Hospital in Portland. Along with fundraising, Inhorn and Jacobs plan to secure a monthly spot for the rest of the year on a local news channel to discuss the latest topics related to cancer detection, prevention and treatment.

To follow Jacobs' “My 'Stache Fights Cancer” campaign, go to his blog at http://mystachefightscancer.blogspot.com. A website, www.mystachefightscancer.com, is under construction and will be completed this week. He also is tracking the project on his Facebook site.

Men who want to grow their own versions of face fuzz can create their own pages on the new site, download photos of their progress and make direct pitches for donations.

As an added incentive, if $5,000 is raised, Jacobs is offering to shave off his own handlebars. If $10,000 is pledged, he will up the ante and sacrifice his prized goatee.

"But I really don't want to do that," he said.

Jacobs is asking the donors to decide by casting ballots when they make their pledges, either on their checks or on the website. He said his wife, Ana, would like to see the waxed mustache gone, but his patients are split on the facial-hair artistry.

“My thinking behind all this is that people shouldn't always have to run a race, ride a bike or do a walk to raise money for a good cause,” Jacobs said. “I understand those are all healthy things, but not everyone can or wants to do it.”

“I thought, 'Why not give people a way to get involved that was fun and kind of silly?'” he said.

On Tuesday, Jacobs learned he had landed a national sponsor, Oregon Wild Hair Moustache Wax based in Oregon.

“This is a proud day in the world of fundraising with mustaches,” Jacobs wrote on his blog.

The company is owned by Susan and Mark Coyl, whose website is www.oregonwildhair.com.

“We feel his cause is noble and important. We lost a sister-in-law two years ago to cancer that she fought for 10 years and we miss her very much,” they wrote in an e-mail on Tuesday.

Their product is made in small, handmade batches of beeswax, petroleum jelly, lanolin and natural musk oil and “does not spoil the taste of tea or coffee,” according to the website.

Jacobs attended the University of Maine at Farmington and Beijing Polytechnic University in Beijing, China. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Mo. He returned to Maine in 2003 and opened Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture Center that same year.

Donations can be sent to The Cancer Community Center, 778 Main St., South Portland, ME, 04106. For information, e-mail Jacobs at drj@drloujacobs.com or search for Dr. Lou Jacobs on Facebook.

Mystache Fights Cancer

2010-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

More Press for mystache fights cancer

Sun Journal - Maine

2010-08-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sun journal Article on Dr. Lou & Mystachefightscancer.com

(CNN) -- The global H1N1 pandemic is over

2010-08-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Brilliant.
If ever there has been a time to question the CDC and WHO it is now. How ever was such a brilliant team of scientific minds compiled, with such impartiality no less, to monitor the health and safety of the U.S. and world. The swine flu is over? Remind me please when it even started. Oh, right after all the vaccines were made, that's right. How many died in the U.S.? Don't remember? Why not?

Have you read what Steven Slater of jet blue fame said over the intercom before he grabbed a few beers and jumped out of the plane onto the escape slide?

Insert his comment here ______________________________ and address it to WHO and the CDC from me, please.

It is as much the responsibility of national and global health organizations to protect us from disease as it is to protect us from the healthcare system itself.

(CNN) -- The global H1N1 pandemic is over

Dr. Lou on Good Day Maine - FOX morning show

2010-08-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lou on the FOX morning show.

wisdom from a great one.

2010-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

The opposite of courage is not fear, it is conformity
~Dr. John Maxwell

Stay Hydrated!

2010-08-04T14:15:00.001-07:00

Be sure to drink plenty of water in this heat!!

Breast Cancer without a warning lump - Inflammatory Breast Cancer

2010-05-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

The breast cancer without warning signs
(originally written for Best Ever You Magazine by Dr. Lou Jacobs. May 2010)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rather uncommon but very aggressive form of breast cancer that presents without the presence of a lump. IBC occurs in 1-5% of breast cancers in the U.S.. Women in their late 50’s and early 60’s are most commonly affected. The prognosis for people with IBC is quite poor with a 5 year survival rate between 25% - 50%.

True Story

Our mother was an athletic marathon runner for much of her life. Mum never smoked and generally ate very well. She had a degree in health education. She was very much a down to earth, organic health nut. In her mid to late fifties she began to gain a bit of weight but was still active. She received routine mammograms and examined her breasts regularly as instructed. Last August she noticed that the skin around the nipple of her right breast was odd looking. This was a week or two before her yearly mammogram. She went to the doctor, they gave her antibiotics to rule out mastitis and the inflammation did not go away. They did a biopsy and diagnosed her with Stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer. After further imaging she was diagnosed with stage IV IBC. Our mother died 8 months after her diagnosis, she was 61. As knowledgeable as she was about breast cancer, she did not know about IBC. Knowledge of presenting signs may save your life.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for IBC are being a woman, being African American and your age. Men rarely get IBC although it is not impossible. For reasons that are still unknown, IBC is more common in African American women.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Lumps in the breast are uncommon with IBC. In fact IBC often masquerades as mastitis, or inflammation of the breast. If mastitis is present, antibiotics will usually take care of the inflammation. With IBC the affected breast will often look red or inflamed, it may feel warm. One presenting symptom around the nipple is called “Peau d’ orange” or an orange peel appearance. Sometimes the nipple may be flattened out or inverted. The affected breast may also be itchy or painful to the touch. Because there is no lump, IBC is often missed with ultrasound or mammography. Diagnoses are most commonly made by biopsy or by PET scan.

Treatment & Prognosis

Like with other cancers, early detection is helpful for successful treatment. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and other standard treatments for cancer. The medication types, doses, frequency and overall order of the treatments may vary but will often be customized for the individual needs of a patient. Prognosis is poor with the five year survival rate being between 25% -50%.

Information on IBC

An internet search will put you in contact with local as well as national Inflammatory Breast Cancer organizations. In our quest to learn more we discovered Massimo Cristofanilli, M.D., F.A.C.P at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Cristofanilli is one of the leading experts in the world on IBC and his office may be reached at 1-888-369-2427. Please visit www.eraseibc.com

Coffee Drinkers Rejoice!!!

2010-05-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have always touted coffee as a healthy drink for most people. Much of the information on the health benefits of coffee has been around for some time now. People haven't listened until now.

Studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of certain ailments and diseases. Cases of Type II Diabetes, Prostate Cancer, Dementia and Alzheimers are all seemingly reduced in coffee drinkers. Coffee consumption also helps with weight reduction. This does not mean if you drink coffee that you won't get cancer, it just means you'll likely be better off with coffee than without.

Chlorogenic acid as well as quinnic and caffeic acids play a major role in the protection of your body. Chlorogenic acid is a phytonutrient responsible for prevention of diabetes and weight loss. It may also be found in supplement form as an extract of green coffee beans. Roasting the beans is said to reduce the amount of chlorogenic acid by up to 70%, but rest assured that if you are drinking 4-5 cups a day you are receiving a decent dose of the good stuff. Quinnic and Caffeic acids contain high levels of Anti oxidants and have received an Oxygen Absorbance Capacity rating (ORAC) of approximately 9,000 per gram according to Dr. John H. Maher.

Experts also note the presence of a hormone called trigonelline which acts in a way similar to estrogen. This may make trigonelline dangerous to some women with breast cancer but helpful in prevention of colon cancer.

It should be mentioned that with many of the studies done to date, there are numerous variables that may impact the results. It should also be noted that Americans get more anti oxidants from coffee than anywhere else.

Spine Transplant

2010-04-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

If your teeth rot you can have some made for you. If your liver fails you can wait in line for a new one. If your hip degenerates, you can replace it.

Can you get a spine transplant? How about some new nerves?

There is no such thing as a spine transplant and nerves don't generally re-grow or transplant well. One of the few systems in the body that has no transplant or decent surgical options is the spine and nervous system.

It is critically important to care for these systems through the utilization of consistent chiropractic care. If it makes sense to regularly brush your teeth, it stands to reason that regular chiropractic spinal adjustments should be part of your healthy lifestyle as well.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Lou

Stomach Flu

2010-03-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

The local stomach flu blows. Literally. If you get it, be prepared to sleep close to the bathroom for at least a day, maybe two.

I don't often blog about my personal experiences with being sick. This time is worthy of comment.

Fell asleep sunday night feeling fine, woke up at 3 am and couldn't get back to sleep. Began vomiting at around 7 and didn't stop until 1 pm. I haven't thrown up since 1 pm on Monday but I haven't eaten either. Staying hydrated by eating popsicles and drinking gatorade & orange juice, I am feeling much better now, 36 hours after the beginning of this escapade.

5 recommendations regarding the stomach bug.

1. Don't get it.

2. Don't go to work, sleep.

3. Stay well hydrated.

4. Find help if you have it. (someone to buy you popsicles)

5. Eat Popsicles.

5.2 If your fever gets very high or symptoms persist, call your doctor immediately.

The surprising reason that being heavy isn't healthy

2010-01-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

CNN

The Taco Bell Diet?

2010-01-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

CNN-Taco Bell Diet

Has corporate america completely lost it's mind? Are Americans stupid enough to buy this refried garbage? The diet is based on choosing "better choices" at Taco Bell. Eliminating a few hundred calories to ultimately lose weight.

Apparently people are buying it.

In the book Food Rules by Michael Pollan, rule number 20 is "It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car". He's right. If you are misguided enough to try to lose weight and be healthy by using the Taco Bell diet because it "worked" for Christine Dougherty, you need to to have your mouth taped closed. You can eat hundreds of calories less of anything and it will be better for you than if you dont, including 500 calories less with the butter diet. 500 calories less on the crisco diet. 500 calories less on the pate diet.

Don't get caught up in the garbage of of certain corporations that don't care about your health as much as they care about their paychecks.

Over 60%

2010-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Over 60% of Maine is overweight or obese. The problem my friends with the health of Maine is not a lack of Swine Flu shots, but rather a lack of education from our health care leaders. Obesity related illness and disease are what is destroying the health of this state. Be at the front of the pack when it comes to health education by joining the family at Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture Center. Home of Dr. Lou's Weight Loss Challenge. If you aren't satisfied with the educational opportunities at our office, you may need to start applying to graduate schools!

Call (207) SPINAL 1 to schedule an appointment.

drloujacobs.com

Cancer Rates Down

2009-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Great news from the front lines of the battle with cancer. Rates are down and treatments are working better. Rates are down. Awareness, lifestyle changes and exercise.

CNN - Cancer Rates Down

New Year Resolutions 2010

2009-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

If your new year resolution is to lose weight in 2010, you should already be creating a master plan for success. If you have not included Dr. Lou's weight loss challenge, you should. If you are going to lose weight, you may as well win money too.

For more information visit:

Dr. Lou's WLC 2010

Calling out the CDC

2009-11-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Commercials for the H1N1 vaccine have been airing daily. These ads urge pregnant women to get the vaccine for swine flu.

Read the insert.

The inserts say that the vaccine has not been adequately tested on pregnant women to consider it safe for this population.

It is the duty of a medical doctor to use science to safely help patients. Science and lack of research say the vaccine may not be safe. Doctors who recommend the vaccine are not adhering to their oath or duty when recommending this vaccine to pregnant women. They are not only undermining research, they are putting their patients at risk.

The blood brain barrier, which protects the central nervous system against neurotoxins begins formation in the first trimester of gestation but is not at it's fully formed until later in life. H1N1 vaccines contain a cocktail of thimerosal, aluminum and formaldehyde. Thimerosal and aluminum are known neurotoxins. How often is it recommended that you eat fish because of mercury? Thimerosal is a mercury derivative (see Methylmercury). Don't eat fish, but inject thimerosal into your bloodstream to protect you against an illness that by all accounts is similar to the seasonal flu. Why would the director of the CDC in Maine urge the use of the H1N1 vaccine among pregnant women, knowing full well that these chemicals and preservatives could expose unborn fetus' to known neurotoxins?

sounds like malpractice in the making. Sounds like medical pawns putting women at risk without scientific evidence that it is safe. Ask questions, do your homework and make an informed decision.

*The opinions and research expressed on this page are in no way a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment for your health concerns. This information is strictly for you to think about and research further. Ask questions, do your homework and make your own informed decision.

Cell Phones and cancer

2009-11-10T12:51:00.001-08:00

If your gut instinct says it is not a good idea, don't do it. Get a corded headset.

I would hate to have to tell you that I told you so.

If you don't believe there's enough research to prove a link, use common sense. Don't follow the herd.

Cell Phones & Cancer

"Moskowitz recommends getting a corded headset and keeping the phone away from your body. Even holding the phone a few inches from your ear makes a big difference in terms of exposure, he said.

Bluetooth devices, which produce much less energy than cell phones, may still be problematic if people keep them on next to their heads all day, as the length of exposure is also relevant, he said."

Dr. Lou's 2010 Weight Loss Challenge

2009-10-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

If you've forgotten how popular this challenge is, just watch some of last years' coverage!

NBC

Dr. Austin Cohen explaining Chiropractic Immunity - CBS

2009-10-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic and Immunity - Watch!

Dr. Austin Cohen

drloujacobs.com

2009-10-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Visit our website for details what it means to be a healthy devil.

www.drloujacobs.com

www.chagabrand.com

www.weightlosschallengeme.com

Swine Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy

2009-10-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

According to an article published on CNN.com today, only 60 women have been given the swine flu vaccine thus far to prove it's safety. The NIH plans on testing 120 women in total in their study. Wow, hardly seems like enough testing. I wouldn't want my pregnant wife getting this.

CNN: What to know about getting the swine flu vaccine

RFK Jr., Vaccines and their risks

2009-09-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone should read RFK Jr's paper on vaccines and autism. Everyone.

Watch his interview below:

Robert Kennedy Jr. discussing vaccines

2009-09-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Public Health Officials miss the mark again and again.

2009-09-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Why is it that public health officials' only solution to the swine flu is a vaccine that is under tested, contains potentially dangerous adjuvants, and may not work anyway?

Did you know that Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Selenium help fight the flu by boosting your immune system?

Did you know that Chaga Mushroom has been shown to fight viruses & bacteria that may cause flu and infections?

There are many options for people to protect their immunity that don't require vaccines. Unfortunately for the government and big pharma, they won't make a profit if we use them.

Just think about it.

Too Controversial for "The Maine Switch" ?

2009-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

How safe are your drugs?

Michael Jackson’s death, as shocking as it was, was hardly a surprise. Death from prescription medications are in the hundreds of thousands. Potential patients are preached to on TV and taught how to most effectively plead their case to their dealers, just like Michael. Poor patient management, failure of the FDA and an endless stream of advertising with fluffy clouds, smiles and subtle hints of sexual prowess have all led to a country of drug addicts. So who is protecting us? Who is at fault? What should we do?

The FDA tries to keep drugs safe, but in cases like those of Vioxx, it was linked to the deaths of over 30,000 people before it was pulled. The CDC reports that from 1999 to 2004, unintentional poisoning death from prescription drugs, sleeping pills, antidepressants and tranquilizers grew 84 percent, overtaking cocaine and heroin combined as the leading cause of lethal overdose. Furthermore The FDA compiled reports from 1998 to 2005 and finds that dangerous side effects and deaths from prescription and over-the-counter medications almost tripled to roughly 90,000 cases.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1998, a report found that prescription drugs kill about 106,000 Americans each year – that’s three times as many as are killed by automobiles—making prescription drug death the fourth leading killer after heart disease, cancer and stroke, which in many cases are preventable causes of death. A large 727 aircraft holds 189 people, according to JAMA statistics, that is the equivalent to 560 crashes each year. What would happen to the airline industry if we had a year of over one crash each day? Would you fly?

Doctors are supposed to give us what we need, not what we want. Doctors make mistakes and so does the FDA. We all need to take a look at what we are using for drugs. Most drugs don’t cure, they help, the need for help is often preventable. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections. Lipitor helps lower cholesterol levels, but doesn’t teach a lazy person how to eat well and exercise. Many drugs are not needed, but they do help when common sense or genetics are not on a person’s side. What is needed is education and empowerment, not dependence and more drugs. After all, our country is no healthier despite our new drugs and medical advancements. Do yourself, your family and your wallet a favor, take steps to avoid the need for the drugs. If you don’t know how to, find a doctor who does.

Article in The Maine Switch

2009-08-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Prescription drugs kill more than illegal drugs. According the the American Medical Association, prescription drugs kill well over 100,000 people a year. That is when they are prescribed properly.

The Maine Switch will feature an article on this very subject this coming week. Read it!

P90X week 4ish

2009-07-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

I have not written about my adventures with P90x recently. Still going. Last week got a little too relaxed and I did very little. This week, back on track. I decided to repeat a full week 4 this week which should be week 5, and then move on to phase 2 next week. It's amazing how just a couple of days of this routine get you feeling like you are back in shape. It is designed in such a way that you never really peak out as far as the exercises go. Add more weight, work harder, faster, slower, etc. It's always a challenge so I'm always sore. My diet is getting cleaned up this week and for the weeks to come. This should help with weight loss and muscle growth. I am supplementing with Muscle bar chocolate brownie xtreme, which tastes like unsweetened, very dense, chocolate dough/paste. They don't taste good, but they pack 22g of protein into each bar for help with recovery time.

The key with any program like this is to never give up. Giving up is failure. Persistence with any great idea, always leads to success.

Day 3 week 3 - arms, shoulders and sleep

2009-07-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

The weights have increased on a weekly basis and I'm feeling pretty good about pushing the limits of the weight to rep balance. I did not finish the entire hour yesterday, I was exhausted.

My thoughts have proved true. If you don't get abundant sleep, you won't be able to do this workout the way it was intended to be carried out. It is absolutely draining.

Plyometrics day - week 3

2009-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Plyometrics today was finally a bit easier. I had to stop early to eat lunch and get back to the office, but the 32 minutes I did today felt much better and I could have done more had time allowed. Yesterday's chest and back workout I modified due to lack of time. I used much heavier weights and high reps on the chin ups in an effort to burn myself out quicker. It worked and I'm pretty sore today. People have been commenting on my larger shoulders and arms already. Hanging from a chin up bar makes my back look huge. I knew it would, but this program works well and it's actually kind of fun.

* It definitely helps to have an hour and thirty minutes to take it slow and do things to the end. It is a decent commitment of time.

Week 3 of p90x

2009-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Last week was derailed by a wedding, a birthday, an unavoidable meeting and a couple other obstacles, I managed to only do P90x for 3 of 6 days. It seems as though monday through wednesday are the easiest to get done. This week im already shaping up to be much more dedicated. The workouts are getting much easier and I'm a lot less sore than the first couple times. I'm definitely seeing a change in my arms, shoulders and back.

Pregnancy and Chiropractic

2009-07-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Giselle Bundchen

Pregnant and loving Chiropractic

arms and shoulders

2009-07-08T19:34:00.001-07:00

It's never easy to work out at the end of the day. Today's workout began at 7:07 and ended at 8 something. While at whole foods getting something for dinner at 6:30, I became really motivated to push hard with tonight's workout. I did just that. Much heavier weight than last week with all of the exercises. When I was finished, my arms looked like they were going to tear through my skin. Pumped! 2 hours later, I'm pretty sore. This particular workout is a lot of fun though. Tell me how you feel about it.

Rock & Roll

P90X week two

2009-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last week ended with soreness. The yoga video on thursday didn't do much for me and I only did about 20 minutes of it. On friday I woke up, pressed play and did as much as I could. My exhaustion from previous days made it hard to really push it. Saturday I did not do Kenpo X and sunday I rested more. Yesterday was the beginning of week two. Back to chest and Back. It went well, I'm definitely stronger than last week. I managed to get through 90% of it and then couldn't do another push up or pull up to save my life. I did some abs and called it a day. Today I am not nearly as sore as I was last week at this time. In 2 hours I'll be doing the plyometrics CD and I'm really looking forward to seeing how long I last this week. Last week I made it an hour. While I see improvements in strength and size of my arms already, I haven't noticed any weight loss. With that said though, I haven't been watching my diet too closely.

p90x day 3 pre-workout

2009-07-01T12:18:00.001-07:00

Now that Monday's chest and back and tuesdays plyometrics workouts have settled in, I am going to have to pull it together for tonight's arms and shoulders punishment. I am really sore, legs are slow and weak, chest feels like it was used as a punching bag by an orangutan. My triceps are still sore from monday, which should make the arm workout challenging tonight. I'll report back later.

This is certain, p90x is not for sissies, quitters, or people afraid of pain. 2 down, 88 days to go.

Dr. Lou on The brand new TV show! Thursday July 2nd!

2009-06-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, July 2, 2009 is the premier of "The Brand New TV Show". I will be Co-hosting on Thursday July 9th, 2009. The show airs at 10 pm on Channel 35 (WPME).

p90x day 2

2009-06-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Day 2:

The Plyometrics portion of p90x will kill you. I made it through 30 minutes and could barely walk up and down the steps to take a shower. I was soaked within 20 minutes and a few hours later I'm still hobbling around like a pirate with 2 wooden peg legs. The day I can make it through this class at the intended speed will be a true accomplishment. It makes day one look like no challenge at all. I'm speechless and legless. wow.

p90x Day one

2009-06-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Day 1:

Began p90x yesterday over my lunch break. Chest, Back and Ab ripper x. Chest and back is almost an hour, I made it through doing about 15 repetitions of each exercise the whole way through. Toward the end I reached total exhaustion and couldn't do any more pushups. It was tough and today I am pretty sore, but I pretty much made it through it. The ab ripper x workout is insane and I got through quite a bit and then collapsed. On a difficulty scale of 1-10 I'd give day one about a 6. Bedtime couldn't come soon enough.

P90X - as seen on tv

2009-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

One of the hallmarks of our office, and indeed a unique quality, is that we don't provide care or products to our patients that we haven't first tried ourselves. We attempt to experience as much as possible so that we may provide suggestions and care that we've experienced first hand. All of our patients appreciate this.

I finally ordered P90X from the infomercial so many of us have seen. I was getting far too many questions from patients to ignore it any longer. The program looked perfectly sound on TV, but now I'll be able to speak from experience.

I will be bringing you regular updates on my trial of P90x.

I received the package about 2 weeks ago and began the program yesterday. I am not following the diet exactly, but eating sensibly and doing my best to stay as active as possible. I would like to lose about 20 lbs, fit more comfortably into my current size 32 waist jeans and reduce my body fat % by at least 10 points.

Wish me luck, everyone tells me this program is no joke.

Dr. Lou on The brand new TV show!

2009-05-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Brand New TV Show! Coming to Maine this summer!

Case 236 - 2 headed Swine Flu (H2N1)

2009-04-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

There are officially 236 confirmed cases of the swine flu worldwide. 236 out of over 5 billion people. Hmmmmm. You do the math.

While the potential for this flu to get out of control is possible, remember, we've still had only one U.S. casualty, and there are only 109 U.S. cases confirmed at this point.

I'd be more concerned, from an "odds perspective" of getting attacked by a dog than by the swine flu.

Adios amigos.....

Swine Flu - maintaining perspective

2009-04-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Tragically, since my last post, a 23 month old baby in Texas who was infected with the flu has died. I don't think that there is any question that local and federal governments are trying to contain this bug. Total confirmed cases in the U.S. - 60.

Let us not forget that in a normal flu season in the U.S., 35,000 people die. Proper prevention, planning, and measures to decrease the risk of a plague like epidemic are very important. BUT, there is no need to panic. Watch the news no more than once a day and limit the amount of sensationalized hype you absorb.

OINK OINK

2009-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

50 cases of swine flu have been reported in the U.S. No deaths in the U.S. at this time.

The population of our country is over 306 million. That's one person in every 6.12 million in the U.S. who currently has swine flu.

To put this number in perspective 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism. 1 in 2-3 people will be diagnosed with cancer. And lastly, I've used this one before, but approximately 400 Americans a year die from straining while using the toilet. That's 400x more than have died from the swine flu in this country thus far.

Could the swine flu spread rapidly? Absolutely.

Could it become a pandemic? Sure it could.

Is it our national responsibility to try to prevent it's global spread? Absolutely.

Could it kill a lot of people? yes. In this country? Possibly, but it has not yet.

Is it fair to compare this flu to that of 1918? Not really, things have changed a lot in 90 years in this country. New methods of treatment and prevention are one obvious change.

Be cautious, get the facts and listen to the news with caution. They have, once again, scared some to the point that the stress and fear will likely prove more dangerous than the flu itself.

Musicians need Chiropractic too!

2009-04-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

"Healthy Devil" with Eugene Hutz, lead singer of the band Gogol Bordello

Jennie Vieira, LMT

2009-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Jennie Vieira, LMT was featured in this edition of The Maine Switch! Congratulations on a great article!

Link to Jennie's article

Allergies Blow

2009-04-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

The following article was published by Healthy Devil in last week's Maine Switch Magazine.

Link

Go ahead, say it: Allergy season blows

By Dr. Lou Jacobs

2009-04-14

If you have allergies, spring often brings more than flowers and rain. It brings flooding — of mucous from your nose and sinuses. And there’s also the scourge of headaches, chaffed nostrils, watery eyes, sneezing and bad sleep.

The good news is there’s something you likely haven’t tried to calm allergies, and it has thousands of years of proven results.

In March, “Men’s Health” magazine called acupuncture the non-drug solution to allergies. With good reason. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been used for centuries to acclimate the human body to seasonal changes. At the most basic level of Chinese medical theory, if our bodies are out of whack — out of balance — we are more susceptible to “outside invaders.” We are less able to adapt to allergens. Our body reacts with inflammation and copious amounts of snot.

At a deeper level, and according to Chinese medicine, susceptibility to allergies often begins with a weakness in the lungs. In Chinese medicine the lungs produce what is called “wei qi” or defensive qi. Defensive qi protects us from external irritants like allergens, viruses and bacteria. As we know, wind carries many allergens to our mouths and noses and into our bodies. Wind and airborne irritants are less invasive and harmful if our defensive qi is strong. If our bodies are unable to adapt and over respond, we have an allergic response: mucous, runny nose, itching, cough, asthma and so on.

Chinese medicine offers a variety of treatments based on an individual’s wishes. Americans, already feeling over-medicated, are increasingly turning to acupuncture and Chinese medicine for quick, long-lasting and safe results. Both are used to bring your system “into balance.” If balance is achieved, your allergies will go away.

Skeptical because nothing else has worked? Remember, Chinese medicine uses very different diagnostic tools and treatment than Western medicine. It is this different approach that often leads to results that work. With more than 5,000 years of human trials and no side effects or risks, acupuncture may hold the key to your springtime happiness.

If you’re frustrated because conventional methods haven’t worked, remember this saying: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Dr. Lou Jacobs is the director of Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture Center in Portland. He is also the owner & manager of Chaga Brand medicinal mushroom skin care products. Dr. Jacobs speaks Chinese, is a volunteer chef, operates healthydevil.blogspot.com and may be reached at drj@drloujacobs.com.

Dr. Lou's weight loss challenge 2009 - WINNER!

2009-04-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.......

Valerie Odams! Valerie lost 45 lbs and won all three categories! When it was all said and done she took home $1,125 for doing what she wanted to do anyway.

I call that a healthy stimulus check!

the next challenge begins next week. Call 774-6251 for details!

Letter to the Portland Press Herald

2009-03-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Editor, March 1, 2009

Thank you for your story in Sunday's paper. The story addresses an alarming trend that we have been seeing on a daily basis in our clinic for the past year or so. Our neighbors are neglecting their care because of money, they don't have the basic understanding of health needed to stay well, and they are too reliant on medications that treat lifestyle related disease and dysfunction. Fortunately for our clinic, when they can't afford their medications, they have to manage their illness with lifestyle change and drug free care.

The people of Maine are facing a statewide health crisis that is going to end with massive expenditures and a great deal of suffering.

Here is the problem and it's the same problem we are facing with the economy. The health care system has become one of sticking band aids on problems that are preventable. We are inclined and encouraged to be reliant on a fix, not on responsibility and prevention. As simple as auto mechanics, if you don't prevent problems by changing your engine oil the solution is going to cost you an arm and a leg. The system has a huge hole in it and the only thing that will fill the hole is education, accountability and the situation with the economy. Desperate times require desperate measures, and the desperate measures under current and future circumstances is actually going to be working at staying healthy.

Never have we as health care professionals, the government and the media had a better opportunity to help restructure American health care. The solution is not in being able to afford medications, the solution is not needing them in the first place. The major causes or morbidity and mortality in this country are related to lifestyle. Health and lifestyle are not corrected through medications, if that were the case this country wouldn't have any problems. It would be hard to argue that the U.S. doesn't have the best medical schools, best doctors, best hospitals, best technology and the largest budget used for all of these items. Despite this global domination, we are failing. Which, would lead anyone who still thinks on their own, to believe that we are defining insanity by doing the same things over and over again and expecting to get different results.

Who is paying for misguided health care philosophy and actions? The "average" American. They have entrusted their health and lifestyles to the people who have done a lousy job preparing them for the time that they need to take care of themselves most. Now.

I urge you to do a story that is positive, and that expresses the importance of responsibility and accountability for oneself. There are health care providers in the area who are generous, flexible with financial plans and can help them navigate the system at less cost and more benefit. People need insurance, but if they don’t have it they need to know how to stay healthy and out of trouble.

Clinics like the one my brother began at the YMCA in Portland that offers free care to veterans and the clinic that I will be running that offers free care to autistic children are all ways that we as providers can help those less fortunate. I would love to see you push the need for more gratitude, volunteerism, generosity and love of fellow human beings among health care professionals in an article in the future. Why is there so little being done by those who can actually do something? For the record, I will skip the Porsche this year if it means I have enough time to help people through this under insured and overcharged health care predicament.

Thanks for considering a follow up article,

Dr. Lou Jacobs

Bikini Brain

2009-02-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

According to researchers at Princeton University "Bikini Brain" is real.

To read the entire article click below

Bikini Brain

comments are welcome. But please don't come to our office looking for a diagnosis of bikini brain to get off the hook with your lady.

Healthy Devil is in the news again......

2009-02-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

Watch the news at noon on WGME Channel 13 in Maine for the Healthy Devil's take on shoveling and back pain.

12 o'clock news (since removed)

Campbell Brown is still speaking without thinking.

2009-02-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Chew on this for a minute:

The FDA vaccine committee and Dr. DeBold estimates that 90-99% of vaccine reactions are unreported. Do you think that this might make it sort of hard – or impossible – to determine a true risk/benefit ratio......?!

Dr. DeBold is a consumer advocate and a link to her info is below.

Dr. Vicky DeBold

Seems fair to say, you ought to be pretty careful before your trust "the experts"

Don't let lack of confidence discourage you though. If you are well informed, careful, ask questions and work hard to prevent health issues, you'll be much safer "within the medical system".

Campbell Brown is dangerous.

2009-02-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Campbell Brown hosts "no bias, no bull". She should change the name of her show to "I'm a pawn who's paid to be biased and ....do you smell something?" We are plagued in this country by public figures with stupid logic, uneducated experts and reporters that have no values or investigative self respect. Today we add another to the list. Campbell Brown from CNN.

(there is a lot to say on this topic and CB's commentary, for the sake of the length of this blog I'll keep it short. I have more to say, just scratching the surface here so think a bit deeper on the subject.)

Campbell Brown's take on the measles vaccine

Here is my problem with Ms. Browns thinking.

1. The verdict may "be out" on the safety, but major medical groups and government agencies are the same that brought you vaccines with mercury/thimerisol in the first place...and said it was safe.

2. they are the same groups that said VIOXX was safe prior and during it's killing of 30,000 americans. The list of stupid regulatory measures goes on for volumes. Should we trust the results of agencies who's best interest is selling the products their testing?

3. Medical Doctors in this country as recent as 50 years ago endorsed smoking cigarettes.

4. Can you think of someone who has died, been injured or lost a family member because of a medical mistake or regulatory blunder?

5. Medical science doesn't know what causes autism, nor do they have a solution for the problem.

If you don't know the cause of a problem and you don't know how to fix it, how can you be sure that a vaccine, a chemical, food preservative, an air pollutant is not causing it? This type of "scientific reasoning" that we should trust is similar to saying, "we don't know what causes autism, but we do know that food preservatives are not the cause, so food preservatives are a reasonable risk. Again, at the risk of sounding redundant, are we as certain as we were with VIOXX that vaccines are not the cause even if we don't know what causes the problem?

~Just because the government and doctors agree, doesn't mean that we should trust them, and I am a doctor and I'm pro vaccine. It is important for all of us to remember that medicine is big business. Vaccines are also enormously helpful in the prevention of many diseases. This is very clear. However, while measles can be deadly, it doesn't kill that often. Shouldn't we re focus our energy?

Campbell mentions that in 2008 the US had the highest rate of measles in 10 years. What she doesn't mention is that she didn't read the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on how few cases there actually were. (Click here to read the report)

50 people just died in a plane crash in NY. What risks are worth taking and which are not. Does the crash mean that we should stop flying? Research has shown that over 95,000 people in the US die each year because of blatant medical errors, not because they were already knocking on heavens door. Should we ban doctors?

Question Ms. Campbell, which causes more morbidity and mortality each year, smoking or measles. Do stupid people flip their SUV's each year and die, or do more die from measles? Have you lost your mind? Stop making the news with stupid stories and start making a difference by making news that matters. We'd protect more children by getting you off the television. Incidentally Campbell, your child on the way has a 1 in 150 chance of being autistic, are you willing to risk your child's future on a measles vaccine?

Acupuncture and Migraine Headaches

2009-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

In the March 2009 Womens Health Magazine is a brief blurb about Acupuncture and Migraine headaches.

In our clinical experience it works exceptionally well. It is an absolute "must try" for anyone suffering with migraines. I would recommend a doctor who is traditionally trained as opposed to one from the website recommended in the magazine, but the article is good despite bad recommendations. Addtionally, I will add that often much fewer than 15 sessions are needed for moderate to complete resolution of the headaches.

for the article click the link! "The Link"

Film Review: "The future of food"

2009-02-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

As Part of Dr. Lou's weight loss challenge, participants are given the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of films associated with food, exercise and diet. "The Future of Food" was released in 2004 and exposes many of the practices of companies using genetically modified foods to gain patent and legal control over the food of the world.

This movie gets a 3 out of 5 and is definitely worth a watch.

Another Case of CNN not doing their homework

2009-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, we pay attention.

Arthritis Myths Debunked- CNN January 2009

On pages 213-216 of Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (ninth edition) they speak of Baroreceptors and the circulatory system. Baroreceptors are little receptors that send signals to the brain based on a drop in pressure, just like a barometer. Blood vessels run throughout the body and are present in and around your joints as well. Arthritic joints are often already inflamed, and changes in pressure in the atmosphere (as in when a weather front passes through), will cause additional swelling and signals to the brain triggering a blood vessel respons.. Dilation of the veins and arterioles occurs in and around joints causing increased irritation and the sensation that your joints ache.

It's not rocket science, it just takes a little knowledge of the facts and some reasoning.

The same is true of headaches. Many headaches are triggered by changes in environmental pressure which activate dilation of blood vessels which leads to headaches.

The rest of the article is accurate, but come on folks, this is first year medical physiology!

drloujacobs.com

2009-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Did you know that we have a website that is all our own?

I want to visit JCA

Cars and back pain

2009-01-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

visit The BMW Car Club of America Pine Tree Chapter newsletter to learn how you can save your back while driving.

Painless Driving

Be afraid of everything part II.... interesting reality?!

2009-01-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Whether you are pro or anti gun or doctor, reality is not always what it seems to be.

This was sent to me and all jokes aside, is interesting food for thought.

Doctors vs. Gun Owners

Doctors

(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. Is 700,000.

(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians Per year are 120,000.

Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services.

Now think about this

Guns

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. 80,000,000.

(Yes, that's 80 million)

(B) The number of accidental gun deaths Per year, all age groups, is 1,500.

Statistics courtesy of FBI

So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.

Remember, 'Guns don't kill people, doctors do.'

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.

Please alert your friends To this Alarming threat.

We must ban doctors Before this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

Out of concern for the public at large, I withheld the statistics on Lawyers For fear the shock would cause People to panic and seek medical attention!

Be afraid of everything....

2009-01-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

AAA of Portland sent me a free temporary membership (even though I've been a member for 15 years or so). The letter is addressed to me and it reads:

"We live in dangerous times. The notion of driving (or being a passenger in a car) without protection against car failure is not smart."

2009 would be a great year to start acknowledging and ignoring the fear salesmen. Our times are dangerous if we are living in war torn Africa, or The Gaza Strip. I just want all of you in Portland who received the same letter to rest assured, with me, that we are not living in dangerous times here in Maine.

Let's not forget the 400 or so people who, according to national statisticians, die each year on the toilet. Does AAA offer a plan for people who use toilets?

You see, fear has permeated our society to the point that most of my patients are on some form of anti anxiety or anti depressant medication. People are more stressed, more tense and more sick than ever in our nations history. Don't sweat the small stuff. If your car breaks down, call a friend on your cell phone. AAA is incredibly helpful and useful, so much so that I've been a member for a long time. I feel that their service is SO good, that they should not have to try to scare people into subscribing. After all, when was the last time someone you know broke down and was attacked by a killer moose?

You 'kin do it!

2009-01-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

America Runs on Dunkin. That's what everyone is saying. The more one thinks about it, the more it's true. The U.S. economy is dependent on many things, and more and more it is dependent on you being fat and sick. A donut, bagel or breakfast sandwich every once in a while probably won't kill you or even make you fat. But if you follow the masses to fill up on Dunkin every morning, here are some of the ways that you will stimulate Americas economy:

The SUV industry will grow because of a need for more room to fit you

Hospitals will flourish

The drug industry will continue to grow to fill the need for new and better medications for lifestyle related illness like Cancer, Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and morbid obesity to name a few

Manufacturers of medicine cabinets will continue to produce larger sized storage facilities for your prescriptions.

Counselors will be booked solid trying to help ease the emotional strain of obesity and disease.

Gyms will open all over town, people will join and then not go. - much like now.

Clothing manufacturers and retail stores will expand to fill the niche of expanding bellies

Chiropractors and orthopedists will be turning people away because they'll already be too busy helping with structural aches and pains related to being to heavy for your frame

This list could go on forever. Obesity and poor health are HUGE business. America does run on Dunkin and we should all be scared. In maine alone, over 50% of the population is overweight or obese and it is only getting worse.

a 300 calorie breakfast sandwich is a great idea to someone at DD, according to them....You 'Kin do it! Resolve to eat like crap in the new year....

5 Small Changes

2009-01-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is a great article on a weight loss success story. Baby steps work really well for some. Check out this article!

5 Small changes lead to big changes!

Weight Loss Challenge update! - Come on Portland!

2009-01-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

For a city of more than 100k people you'll be shocked at our final numbers of participants in this years weight loss challenge! It's not too late to sign up!

Dr. Lou at 6 O'clock!

2009-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Dr. Lou's weight loss challenge on the six o'clock news. Stop thinking and just do it!

wcsh6.com

Bowl to Better Health

2008-12-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

It has been said that any movement is good movement. If running and weights aren't your style, check out www.bowlportland.com . Just another way to shed some extra insulation.

Autism Awareness Month- 1 in every 150

2008-12-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

Some statistics show that autism affects 1 out of every 150 children.

April is autism awareness month. Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture will be offering free care to children diagnosed with autism. April 10, 17, 24 and May 1st will be the Fridays from 11-4pm that care will be available.

Research has shown that regular chiropractic care is helpful for autistic children.

Tell everyone you know. Anyone with an autistic child may take advantage of this offer. We will accept all children who qualify until we have no available appointments available.

Call 207-774-6251 or email drj@drloujacobs.com for more information.

Crab Cakes for the masses

2008-12-29T17:10:00.001-08:00

The Maine Switch has been kind enough to print my crab cake recipe. Eat 'em and weep. And don't scrimp on the ingredients!

Visit the following link:

http://themaineswitch.com/story/view/2236/

Drop The Gut

2008-12-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

Mushrooms for your face?!

2008-10-09T05:00:00.001-07:00

Before Chaga Brand there were a few others. Andrew Weil, MD and his line called Plantidote. Skincare is nothing new and neither is the idea of Doctors creating products to help their patients. Chaga Brand products are about to up the ante to a whole new level. With levels of anti oxidants that put all other products and ingredients to shame, Chaga Brand products are already impacting the lives of those using them.

Visit our latest article in The Maine Switch, it's about half way down the page!

www.themaineswitch.com/story/view/2167/

www.dividedwefail.org

2008-10-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

I just saw the commercial stating that every week thousands of Americans file for bankruptcy because of a health issue. I mentioned it in my last blog. I've only read some of the website. what I've read of the fundamentals I like and I think you will too. Check it out at www.dividedwefail.org

Recipe for bankruptcy

2008-10-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

If the failing economy has got you in it's grip, just wait until you get sick!

did you know about half of all bankruptcies are because of a health issue. There has never been a more important time to be healthy and have insurance. Imagine losing your job because you can't work! Imagine losing full time employment for part time work because of a health issue. Think your wallet is looking lean now, just wait.

I don't like to play the "fear game" but when it's an absolute reality we'd be foolish not to acknowledge it. Protect your financial future by protecting your health.

Arthritis Drugs Get Stronger Warning

2008-09-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

The drugs Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia are getting a new warning. These drugs may put patients at risk of fatal fungal infections. The symptoms mimic the flu. Patients will be alerted to call their doctors if they develop persistent fever, cough, shortness of breath or fatigue, which can be signs of the fungal infection.

If you know someone who is taking any of these drugs for rheumatoid arthritis or any other conditions, have them express their concern to their prescribing physician. Changing their meds could save their life. FYI Enbrel is also commonly used to treat eczema and psoriasis.

The Maine Switch

2008-09-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

On thursday an article was printed about myself and my brother Max. Check it out!

http://themaineswitch.com/story/view/2143/

FDA Drug Investigation

2008-09-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Visit

http://www.fda.gov/cder/aers/potential_signals/potential_signals_2008Q1.htm

The FDA is investigating a hand full of drugs currently prescribed for a number of conditions. Check the list and see if you or someone you love is taking any of these. If you are, mention to your prescribing doctor that you are concerned.

Generally speaking, unless your life is in danger, newer drugs are not always better. If you can get the same results from a medication that has been around for a while, ask about getting a prescription for that one instead.

Now the plastic is safe?!

2008-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Turns out the FDA is saying that the chemicals in Nalgene bottles (BPA) is safe. CNN reports that "The Food and Drug Administration scientists said the trace amounts of bisphenol A that leach out of food containers are not a threat to infants or adults"

The FDA is the same organization that approved VIOXX that killed over 30,000 people. Canada intends to ban the substance, California too. The studies that the FDA cites are apparently "industry funded studies". In other words, they are kind of like having Phillip Morris do research on the dangers of cigarettes.

My question is....Who do we believe? ..And when?

What percentage of the time is safe to trust agencies who are supposed to keep us safe? When are they being corrupted? Are they being corrupted?

My thoughts are ultimately consistent, though not be entirely scientific. "If it seems like a bad idea, it probably is". Drinking out of plastic just doesn't seem as safe as glass, wood or steel.

Driving without a seat belt, just not smart. Drinking gasoline.... bad idea.

Why is America so sick? Think about the small stuff and sweat it. Little things like toxins leaching out of plastic into your water may be 1% of the 100% of bad stuff that leads to you or someone you love getting sick. Is it worth the risk?

I welcome your thoughts!

Insurance, Insurance, Insurance

2008-08-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Millions of chronically ill, lacking insurance, can't get needed care

Over 11 million Americans with chronic physical illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and asthma are not getting the medical care they need because they don't have health insurance, a new study shows.

Copies of the study are available at http://www.pnhp.org/chronically_ill

Maybe it's time for a change?! What are your thoughts about a national system of healthcare for everyone vs. the system we have now? Are you happy with things? How are your premiums?

Last Year my health insurance increased in cost each month by 33% - for the same coverage. WOW.

If you need info on great insurance specialists, please let me know and I'll send you in the direction of the people that I work with.

Blind Leading The Blind

2008-07-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

Are we Americans the most stupid people on the planet? I'm beginning to wonder and here's why....

Today, the American Pediatric Association decided to announce that they are recommending cholesterol lowering drugs, traditionally reserved for adults, for children as young as 8. They are saying testing should be done as early as 2 years old and no later than 10.

Dr. Stephen Daniels says that "If we are more aggressive about this in childhood, I think we can have an impact on what happens later in life". Dr. Daniels has worked as a consultant for Abbott Laboratories and Merck & Co. He SHOULD be working making license plates in federal prison. The impact they'll have on kids later in life will be an dependency on medications for ailments that are preventable by living healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Li a Duke University heart specialist agrees and says "We need to do something to stem the tide of childhood obesity". Hey Stupid, how about feeding kids decent food and spending more on physical education development.

Another well established medical pawn falls for the same erroneous line of thought. Dr. Elena Fuentes-Afflick, pediatrics professor at UC San Francisco praises the new advice in the statements by the APA. And to add incompetence to stupidity she is concerned that parents erroneously think the kids will outgrow obesity and cholesterol problems and should therefore act early to prevent obesity. Obesity is not eliminated when cholesterol is lowered.

Forgive me for being so hard on these morons. I'm not asking for much. A little common sense. How are cholesterol drugs at 8 years old going to stem childhood obesity? They don't seem to be stemming adult obesity. They may lower cholesterol in kids being fed too many hot dogs and twinkies, but they'll still be obese.

Here is the problem with American Medicine and Americans when it comes to health. We believe that medications fix most problems. Medications fix some problems. Medications don't fix problems like obesity, lifestyle changes do. If meds cured the problem there would be no fat people.

Just remember that the people you are supposed to be able to trust are not always those you should listen to.

I'm not making this stuff up, the world is really this messed up:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-07-cholesterol-kids_N.htm

Do your homework Dr. Gupta

2008-07-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is the CNN chief medical correspondent. Last week he spent a decent amount of time highlighting the risk of stroke after Chiropractic Treatment. This has long been one of medicine's excuses for not referring to chiropractors. Chiropractic hasn't changed much in over 110 years-because it works and is safe. Millions of people have been helped and very few have ever been directly injured as a result of negligent treatment. The joke among Chiropractors is that the walk up the front steps into the office is more of a risk than the actual treatment. Most injuries occur at the hands of untrained, non-doctors. Adjustments or manipulations should only be done by a licensed Chiropractor or Osteopath.

As for sensationalism on the news, I suppose it will continue. Be careful what you listen to. Ask questions. Just because someone is a Doctor, Lawyer or army General, doesn't mean that they are trustworthy. CNN should be ashamed for having a leading correspondent and physician that neglects to do his research while simultaneously providing the nation with a commentary based on old wives tales. In fact, the research shows that stroke is just as likely after a visit to your Primary Care Physician who doesn't even perform spinal manipulation. It also eludes to the reality that many of the strokes that occur after a doctors visit were the result of an event that occurred prior to the visit.

Apparently, Dr. Gupta doesn't read SPINE, the leading medical journal on the spine. But he does have the nerve to comment on a specialty he knows little about. The abstract below says it all and is the from SPINE as found on www.pubmed.com

Spine. 2008 Feb 15;33(4 Suppl):S176-83. Links

Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study.

Cassidy JD, Boyle E, Côté P, He Y, Hogg-Johnson S, Silver FL, Bondy SJ.

Centre of Research Expertise for Improved Disability Outcomes, University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. dcassidy@uhnresearch.ca

STUDY DESIGN: Population-based, case-control and case-crossover study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between chiropractic visits and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke and to contrast this with primary care physician (PCP) visits and VBA stroke. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chiropractic care is popular for neck pain and headache, but may increase the risk for VBA dissection and stroke. Neck pain and headache are common symptoms of VBA dissection, which commonly precedes VBA stroke. METHODS: Cases included eligible incident VBA strokes admitted to Ontario hospitals from April 1, 1993 to March 31, 2002. Four controls were age and gender matched to each case. Case and control exposures to chiropractors and PCPs were determined from health billing records in the year before the stroke date. In the case-crossover analysis, cases acted as their own controls. RESULTS: There were 818 VBA strokes hospitalized in a population of more than 100 million person-years. In those aged <45 class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CONCLUSION: VBA stroke is a very rare event in the population. The increased risks of VBA stroke associated with chiropractic and PCP visits is likely due to patients with headache and neck pain from VBA dissection seeking care before their stroke. We found no evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated chiropractic care compared to primary care.

Look and Feel younger with Chaga Brand!

2008-06-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Chaga Brand, LLC is a local Maine manufacturer of Super antioxidant skin care products, tinctures and tea. The current line of soap is an antioxidant powerhouse.

Think blueberries are high? ORAC is a numerical value assigned to materials based on their absorption of free radicals (in other words, antioxidant power). Blueberries are rated at somewhere between 24 and 100. Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus), the main ingredient in Chaga Brand products is rated at 52,000-60,000.

The Russian government has recognized Chaga as a form of cancer treatment. This stuff is the real deal. Currently 3 facial soaps are available, two unscented in marbled grey and dark brown and a dark brown scented with clove and clove oil. Chaga Brand, Chaga Tea is also available.

2008-06-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Gas Prices got you in a strangle hold?

2008-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Quite a few people are beginning to complain about the gas prices that until now have said nothing. It seems 4 is a magic number. I don't like any more than anyone else but let's put this in perspective, stop whining and be thankful. At least we still have gas. When I lived and travelled in China, there were times where one would have to hike 8 hours and drive 2 just to get a can filled with gas to fuel their generator.

For most people it's still not an issue of money, it's an issue of priorities. Below are some priority shift ideas that are healthy and will save money:

- Cancel your Cable

- "Eat out" less

- Quit Smoking

- Drink Less Alcohol

- Buy water in Bulk: a 16 oz. bottle is over a dollar......more than a gallon of gas!

- Shop at Hannaford or Shaws

- Ride a bike....lose weight, save gas, cardio health, win, win, win.

- Get off your medications

- Buy less clothes

- Pass on the flat screen tv (aka: Fat Magnet)

- Enjoy free entertainment like exercise, hiking, swimming and walking

- Before you spend, ask yourself, Is this going to add a necessary improvement to my life and is it a wise investment?

- Brew your own coffee and coffee drinks (save on money and calories)

- Don't drive/ride alone

- Turn off your air conditioning, it's still cool.

If you have said to yourself....Well, I can't do that! Then what are we really complaining about? In a time when people are still going to bed hungry in this country, give thanks that there's food on the table, a roof over our heads, gas to be purchased and a job to go to in the morning.

If you have any other money saving ideas...Post them for others!

No ________ Sherlock

2008-06-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Stress can cause health problems?! What an unbelievable statement by modern medicine and researchers. For 113 years Chiropractic has made this claim, for 5,000 years Chinese Medicine has said the same. How completely brilliant science can be.

I love science, but what will it take for the medical establishment and media to understand the connection.

Have you ever heard an off color joke? Ever left your zipper down, had food on your face, a booger in your nose and someone let you know about it? Did you blush? Feel hot or flushed? Tense up? This my friends is the mind body connection. Thoughts becoming physical manifestations. Just like increased blood flow to your face when you are embarrassed. I am embarrassed right now for the most powerful medical establishment in the world, because they just can't see the writing on the wall. Stress, emotions and thoughts impact our health. check out the article below, and think about it based on your experience. Any thoughts?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/06/09/stressing.over.debt.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Fear got you?

2008-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

How's your Amygdala? The Amygdala is the part of your brain that experiences fear. In recent news on CNN, an article talks about how men are afraid of doctors. Why do you suppose this is?

I suspect it has something to do with the fact that the media has been programming us to fear everything from the Bird Flu to Terrorist attacks. While both could happen, who was the last person you knew to have the bird flu? How about a victim of terrorism? I don't want to demean those who have been affected, but let's put this into perspective.

Medical documentation and research has shown that 11 of 100 children who enter the hospital will be given the wrong medication or the wrong dose of the right medication. Sometimes in lethal doses. Over 100,000 people a year die due to blatant medical errors. Not because they were high risk patients but because a mistake was made. Did you know that research in the U.S. and Israel has shown that when Medical Doctors go on strike fewer people die?! Emergencies are emergencies, but so are the numbers. This is the equivalent to about one jumbo jet each day. Imagine if a jet dropped out of the sky every day in this country with 250+ people.....I suspect the airlines would be shut down.

Maybe people have a good reason to be afraid of their Doctors.

Chiropractic is safe. Acupuncture is safe. There is nothing to be afraid of and Chiropractic malpractice and liability insurance premiums would shock you. We pay less than many people pay for their car insurance, less than most attorneys and probably a lot less than a cab driver.

If you are afraid of something, put it into perspective and don't let the news blow your mind.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/06/06/psychology.fear/index.html

Nintendo Wii is awesome

2008-06-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Nintendo has done what I always dreamt of as a kid. No joysticks, keypads or remote controls that require crazy coordination. Playing with the Wii is like actually being part of the video game. If you are unfamiliar with the system follow the link below. If you are familiar with Wii and would like to learn about how we use it in our office for rehab, click on the picture to your right and give us a call.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/05/16/wii.fit/index.html

Retirement Planning

2008-05-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

A recently retired patient recently told me that he heard “The best thing to take into retirement is your health.”

What a great thought. All the money in the world won’t do you any good if you haven’t got your health. Ask your grandparents.

"Wii-hab"

2008-05-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, fun rehab.

Did you know that one of the primary reasons rehab doesn't work is because people don't follow through with their treatment plans? Did you know that one of the leading causes of death among older folks is a fall that leads to complications? Look no further, compliance is now fun. We can also save lives by improving balance and stability.

Some of you may have seen Nintendo's new Wii Fit on the news. As it turns out, some hospitals are even using it in their rehabilitation departments.

We have decided to implement a similar plan at our office. We have purchased two Wii Fit nintendo consoles for our office. With the video game projected onto the wall we will be able to help our patients with shoulders, backs, legs, elbows, wrists, knees, hips, balance, stability, mobility and strength.

For those of us who grew up around video games, this is a perfect way to enjoy doing your otherwise mundane rehab and stretching exercises.

Need help? We have solutions.

Childhood Obesity leveling off at high levels. Yipeee.

2008-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

A recent article says that childhood obesity may be leveling off. If it indeed is, and there is plenty of reason to disbelieve this claim, it is still far too high. Could it be that the Wii Fit video game system has turned America around? Or is it a declining economy and a shift in values favoring gas in the tank instead of twinkies and frozen mac & cheese? I hope this trend of decreasing levels of obesity in the children is because of more exercise and healthier diet and not a sign of continued economic down turn.

Parents, it is your responsibility to educate your children how to be healthy. If you cannot or will not help them, you need to seek out someone who can get the job done. Permitting your children to manipulate you so that you feed them garbage and let them watch cartoons all day, is by some, considered child abuse.

Sheryl Crow Fights Cancer?!

2008-05-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

"Sheryl Crow Fights Cancer" was the CNN headline. I looked. Sure enough, she doesn't have cancer, but she is fighting for a bill in congress to allocate research dollars for environmental studies on links to cancer.

It is about time that we start to look at our environment. Drinking out of synthetic jugs, inhaling pesticides so that our lawns look nice, eating highly processed foods and sleeping under plastic blankets. I'm not so sure that we understand the long term impact of our ways. Sure the plastic, unbreakable Nalgene bottle is cheap, but it isn't cheaper than chemo.

Start inspecting your environment, look around and try to make many small changes that will add up. Remember: Just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it's not bad for you.

Plastic and Cancer - Shocker!

2008-05-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

#7 plastic has been in the news lately. This plastic is found in Nalgene bottles as well as most 5 gallon bottles that sit atop your water cooler. They are cheap, make companies big profits, but....The plastic has been shown to leech into the water leaving it’s carcinogenic (cancer causing) trail which may cause mutations in human genes and lead to uncontrollable, abnormal proliferation of cells. Cancer.

There are alternatives. If you see a “7” surrounded by recycling arrows on your plastic container, I suggest you toss it and don’t eat or drink the contents. Heating or warming the plastic will make matters worse. Letting contents sit for months at a time in the containers makes matters worse.

Buying aluminum containers, according to research, may lead to alzheimers disease. Avoid aluminum. I recently found a stainless steel water bottle that is very nice and by all accounts should be safe. Visit www.kleankanteen.com to check it out. As far as the water cooler bottles, Summit Spring of Maine is going to be having a safer plastic used in some of their bottles and making them an option for buyers. They will twice as expensive, but safer.

I would like to thank the government regulatory agencies in charge of protecting consumers for completely dropping the ball on an otherwise obvious conclusion to plastic bottle use. Keep up the great work!

Remember: If your gut instinct tells you it's probably not a good idea, it most likely isn't.

Welcome to Healthy Devil!

2008-05-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

The primary purpose of this blog is to discuss health related articles, issues and headlines concerning American healthcare. Postings regarding local Maine issues, events, food and healthcare will also be discussed. Welcome to the blog hosted by Dr. Devils Advocate

p.s. I am not here to teach people how to use proper grammar and punctuation. Much of this blog will be stream of consciousness type writing and not intended for the editorial faint of heart. If I had wanted to be a journalist I would have followed my sister to The Columbia School of Journalism.