There are plenty of excuses for not eating healthy. The most common complaint is that it costs too much. Most won't argue that they could actually save money in the long run by avoiding expenses for health problems related to unhealthy eating. But what about right now?

Here's 7 tips to help you spend less now (and later) while eating healthier.

1. Buy Vegetables in Season - they are generally cheaper in season because there's more to go around. In February that includes: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, kale, leeks, lemons, oranges, parsnips, rutabagas, tangelos, and turnips. In March look for: artichokes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnips, pineapples, radishes, rutabagas, and turnips. Watch for those sales in the produce aisle and stock up.
2. Buy Frozen Vegetables - most frozen veggies are just about as good as fresh ones. Fill the freezer so you always have some around without worrying about them going bad. It's best to avoid canned fruit & veggies with added salt and sugar.
3. Drink Water - quit wasting your money on "performance enhancing" sugary beverages. Do you really need an energy boost to be able to flip through TV channels faster? Water is the best and cheapest drink on earth. Use a filter on your tap and fill up a metal bottle instead of buying plastic bottles each day. Most bottled water is just tap water in disguise.
4. Grow a Garden in Your Yard - buy a few packs of seed for only a few dollars and fill your table with fresh, chemical-free produce during the summer. If you're really dedicated, you could stretch our growing season from early spring to late autumn with insulating covers or frames. Don't forget fruits. Strawberries and raspberries spread each year (unless you cut them back), providing an abundant harvest of delicious berries with little work.
5. Grow a Garden in Your House - whoever said you need a yard for a garden? With a jar, water, and seeds, you can make sprouts year-round with little effort. Some of the most common seeds for sprouting are alfalfa, broccoli, radish, red clover, and mung beans. Many more types can be sprouted. Seeds cost only a few dollars per pound, but can produce heaps of sprouts.
6. Shop at the Local Farmers' Market - snag great deals buying local produce straight from the farmer. You get better quality food that's fresh in season. The best deals come in the last hour or so when everyone wants to clear out their stock.
7. Pick Your Own - local farms offer opportunities to pick your own fruit or veggies at a reduced price. This is a great chance to stock up. Take the whole family and make an adventure of it.

You don't have to be rich to eat healthy. It just takes a little effort, but it's worth it.

Pop Quiz: Who consumes the most antibiotics in this country?
A. Humans
B. Livestock (including the animals we eat)
C. Cousin Bob, he's always sick with something

It has been reported that more antibiotics are consumed by our farm animals than by humans in the US. Our last blog post discussed the efforts of the the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help physicians reduce the use of antibiotics for children and adults. Unfortunately, the farm industry has been slower to respond.

The CDC reported in 2005, "In the United States, data on the quantity of antibiotics given to food animals is not available to the public or to government agencies. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, about 25 million pounds of antibiotics and related drugs are used every year in livestock for nontherapeutic purposes. The Animal Health Institute estimates that 20.2 million pounds of antibiotics were produced for use in farm and companion animals in 2003."

Why are so many antibiotics being used on farm animals (and what are "nontherapeutic purposes")?

The CDC reports, "Antibiotics are used in food-producing animals for three major reasons:

1. Antibiotics are used to treat sick animals.
2. Antibiotics are used in the absence of disease to prevent diseases during times when animals may be susceptible to infections. This use affects a larger number of animals, because it usually involves treating a whole herd or flock, which increases the likelihood of selecting for organisms that are resistant to the antibiotic. In these two examples, high doses of antibiotics are used for short periods of time.
3. Antibiotics are commonly given in the feed at low doses for long periods to promote the growth of cattle, poultry, and swine. In the 1950s studies showed that animals given low doses of antibiotics gained more weight for a given amount of feed than untreated animals. Exactly how this occurs is unknown. This effect appears to be less effective or absent in animal production settings with good sanitation."

Do you notice anything odd here? While doctors recommend humans take antibiotics only when they are sick with a bacterial infection, our animals are given antibiotics to prevent infections and to cause them to gain weight (more pounds = more $$$). Often farmers are not therapeutically treating sick animals. They are using antibiotics to fatten up animals quicker, and as an easy way to keep them from becoming sick. The Union of Concerned Scientists notes, "This type of 'disease prevention' is a crutch that allows [factory farm] operators to avoid good husbandry practices that could avoid and manage disease outbreaks responsibly, and is the ideal breeding ground for antibiotic-resistance."

Based on the CDC's information above, we can assume the farms using antibiotics to fatten their animals must not provide "animal production settings with good sanitation", otherwise this wouldn't work. A sanitary environment seems like a reasonable "good husbandry practice" to expect from farms. Other issues involve crowding the animals in limited space and feeding them unnatural foods (primarily corn-based diets) that tend to bring on these diseases.

Because of increasing antibiotic use, the CDC is concerned about growing resistance to antibiotics and started "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work On The Farm". The CDC notes, "Antibiotic resistance is a food safety problem for several reasons:

1. Antibiotic resistance is increasing to some antibiotics...commonly used to treat serious infections caused by bacterial pathogens frequently found in food, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Each year, several million people in the United States are infected with [these bacteria]...
   
2. More people may become ill. Ordinarily, healthy persons who consume a few Salmonella may carry them for a few weeks without having any symptoms, because those few Salmonella are held in check by the normal bacteria in their intestines. However, even a few antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in food can cause illness if the person who consumes the contaminated food then takes an antibiotic for another reason. The antibiotic can kill normal bacteria in the gut, letting a few Salmonella that ordinarily would be unlikely to cause illness, take over and cause illness...
3. The food supply may be a source of antibiotic-resistant genes. Harmless bacteria present in food-producing animals could be resistant, and humans could acquire these bacteria when they eat meat products from these animals. Once ingested, resistant genes from these bacteria could be transferred to bacteria that cause disease. Quantifying the extent to which this contributes to a food safety problem is difficult."

How do resistant bacteria spread from animals to humans?

The CDC notes, "Resistant bacteria may be transferred to humans through the food supply or direct contact with animals. For example, Campylobacter lives in the intestines of chickens. People get Campylobacter diarrhea primarily from eating undercooked chicken. In 1989, none of the Campylobacter strains from ill persons that CDC tested were resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. In 1995, the FDA approved the use of fluoroquinolones in poultry. Soon afterwards, doctors found Campylobacter strains from ill persons that were resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics."

What does the CDC say about this health risk?

"The use of antibiotics to promote growth is widespread in food animal production. Antibiotics used for growth promotion increase the pressure for bacteria to become resistant. To address this public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that antibiotics not be used for this purpose. It is determined that this practice is unsafe for the public's health (World Health Organization)."

There is growing agreement that farmers should at least stop using antibiotics as a cheap way to fatten their livestock, and we may see legislation to stop this. It will be harder to convince factory farms to give up using antibiotics as a preventive health measure. They would have to provide a more sanitary environment with more space for the animals and provide healthier feed to keep them from becoming sick. That costs money.

The best way to encourage positive change is by avoiding meat grown with antibiotics. We recommend looking for meat that is grown without antibiotics (or hormones) to avoid any potential harm to your health. Organic foods are grown without the chemicals or medication. Pasture-raised or grass fed animals are even better. Farms will only produce what sells, so buy the good stuff.

Find more information about this topic on the CDC's website.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) started a program called "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work" to educate Americans about the overuse of antibiotics and the growing danger of antibiotic resistance. With coughs, sneezes and sore throats (oh my!) going around, we want to help share this important information. The following is from the CDC website:

Facts About Antibiotic Resistance

• Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.
• The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. 
• Decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use is the best way to control resistance.
• Children are of particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use.

Colds or Runny Nose
Since the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help it get better.  A runny nose or cold almost always gets better on its own, so it is better to wait and take antibiotics only when they are needed. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can be harmful.

Sore Throat
When a sore throat is caused by a virus or irritation from the air, antibiotic treatment will not help it get better.  Most sore throats will improve on their own within 1-2 weeks. Antibiotics are needed if a healthcare provider diagnoses you or your child with strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. Strep throat cannot be diagnosed by looking in the throat – a lab test must also be done.

Ear Infections
When an ear infection is caused by a virus, antibiotic treatment will not help it get better.  Ear infections will often get better on their own without antibiotic treatment.  Your healthcare provider will determine what treatment is best for you or your child. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors when determining if antibiotics are needed for you or your child: age, severity of illness, diagnostic certainty, and follow-up options.

Bronchitis (chest cold)
Antibiotics will rarely be needed since acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis are almost always caused by a virus and chronic bronchitis requires other therapies. If your healthcare provider diagnoses you or your child with another type of respiratory infection such as pneumonia or whooping cough, antibiotics will most likely be prescribed.

Sinusitis (sinus infection)
When sinusitis is caused by a virus or irritation in the air (like cigarette smoke), antibiotics will not help it get better. Acute sinusitis will almost always get better on its own. It is better to wait and take antibiotics only when they are needed.

What You Can Do to Feel Better

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
• Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, and other pollutants (airborne chemicals or irritants)

The CDC notes OTC meds may provide some relief. However, the CDC also notes, "Cough and cold medicines do not cure the common cold. Although cough and cold medicines may be used to treat the symptoms of the common cold in older children, they should not be used in children less than 4 years old. Too much cough and cold medicine can cause serious harm or even deaths in children."

We would also recommend eating as well as possible (mom's homemade chicken soup) and don't forget your vitamins. Find more information on appropriate antibiotic use on the CDC website.

A future post will explore the CDC's report and recommendations on the use of antibiotics fed to our farm animals, which may also be contributing to antibiotic resistance: "According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, about 25 million pounds of antibiotics and related drugs are used every year in livestock for nontherapeutic purposes. The Animal Health Institute estimates that 20.2 million pounds of antibiotics were produced for use in farm and companion animals in 2003." Stay tuned...

Exercise has been recognized as an important part of the management of Parkinson’s disease to slow the deterioration of motor function and to prolong functional independence. Now research on alternative forms of exercise, such as tai chi, are showing potentially more improvement in balance, gait, and function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

In the four-year project funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, researchers randomly assigned 195 patients to one of three exercise groups: tai chi, resistance training, or stretching. The patients participated in 60-minute exercise sessions twice a week for 24 weeks.

The results of the study showed that the tai chi group performed consistently better than the stretching group in how far they could lean in any direction without losing balance, as well as demonstrating better levels of directional control of the body and walking ability, such as longer stride length. Tai chi participants also outperformed those in the resistance training group on the balance and stride length measures.

Finally, tai chi training was shown to significantly lower the incidence of falls compared to stretching, and was as equally effective as resistance training in reducing falls. Read more...

Exercise is an important part of maintaining health and mobility as we age. Improved balance is one of the many benefits researchers have documented with regular exercise. Tai chi is becoming increasing popular as a low to moderate intensity exercise option for any age. It can be performed almost anywhere and does not require equipment. For those looking to improve their balance or general health, tai chi is a great exercise to consider.

Dr. Miller adds, “Most of our players will get adjusted prior to games to adequately prepare their bodies for battle. Several times during the playoffs, incidents occurred that required chiropractic care and, subsequent to sideline treatment, players were able to return to action the following play. We expect to have the same efficiency going into and during the Super Bowl.”

Viewed by both teams as a valuable healthcare component, chiropractic care is commonly used to address neuromusculoskeletal strain injuries, including neck pain, low back pain, strains to the hamstring and quadriceps, and certain whiplash injuries. Additionally, it provides treatment for other extremity problems, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), carpal and tarsal tunnel misalignments, and shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle tribulations.

Being involved with the Patriots for over 30 years, Dr. Miller knows first-hand that the players appreciate the service he provides, and he is excited to enter another Super Bowl together, sharing, “As we get closer, I'm reminded of a mantra from head coach Bill Belichick who says, 'Do your job. If done well, it will reap rewards.' I wish both teams health through this next game and may the best team WIN!”

The NFL has come a long way and so has their appreciation of chiropractic. Chiropractic care was once considered unusual in the NFL, but now every team has a chiropractor on staff. Why? Because it works and players demanded it to keep them healthy and help them win. The video below shows how Joe Montana and other 49ers once had to get chiropractic care on their own to help them deal with the repeated injuries sustained on the field. Now players like Jerry Rice and Aaron Rodgers regularly discuss the value of chiropractic care and how it has helped them succeed in the game.

"A new scientific breakthrough in meat may change the way people classify their eating habits. Scientists have figured out how to produce animal flesh in a lab, and will soon be marketing it for consumption. This man-made meat has huge implications for the future of food, as it is entirely different from the current vegetarian tofu-based substitutes."

"Globally there are about thirty projects in development to create more of these meat cultures, which NASA scientists have already proved to be possible. The demand for research in this area is very high, as companies are very interested in investing in these products. If successful, man-made meat can largely replace traditional meat simply because it was created without any cruelty to animals and produced in a sustainable manner." - dailyfoodtoeat.com

Next time you stop by your favorite restaurant, the daily special could be grilled tenderloin (grown extra tender in the lab) and a side of genetically modified corn and mashed potatoes. Doesn't it make your mouth water? In case you didn't know, the corn you eat is most likely already genetically modified (most of it is in the US). At least you could count on your meat coming from an animal before.

Whether this meat is healthy or not, it will likely follow the same path that genetically modified foods have in the United States:

1. The FDA will be aggressively lobbied by the companies that produce lab meat to avoid any regulation, leaving that up the the companies themselves.
2. The companies will report some short term animal studies they ran to show the meat is safe for human consumption.
3. Despite the concerns of researchers, the FDA will determine no independent long term studies need to be performed.
4. The FDA will state lab meat is essentially the same as animal meat; therefor it is approved for human consumption in the US and does not require any labeling.

At the very least, these foods should be clearly labeled so consumers can make a choice. We recommend consumers avoid these unnatural foods until long term independent research has been performed to determine whether they are safe for human consumption. Research demonstrating it's healthy would be even better.