Teen Headaches

It is very common for teens to get headaches, especially girls. There are many types of headaches, but the most common kind teens suffer from is caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, low blood sugar and dehydration, or fluctuating hormones.

Muscle Tension Headaches

When the muscles at the base of the skull and/or tops of the shoulders get tight, headaches often result. These muscles become tight from slouched posture, carrying heavy backpacks and bags, and sleeping on your stomach. Weekly headaches are not normal! Your body is trying to tell you something, so listen to it.

The best way to treat these headaches:

• Stop slouching. Sit up straight!


• Sleep on your side or back instead of your tummy.


• Lie on your back and place an ice pack under the base of your skull for 10-15 minutes.


• Stretch your shoulders (upper traps)--we can teach you an easy stretch at your next appointment.


• Massage your shoulders and the muscles at the base of your skull.


• Lighten your load! Carry less stuff in your backpack.


• Use a rolling backpack. Sorry! Ditch your vanity and just do it!


• Chiropractic treatment. When home remedies don't work, the combination of massage and adjustment can reduce muscle tension and greatly alleviate not only your symptoms, but the cause of your headache.

If you or someone you know is having problems with headaches, please don't hesitate to call our office at (408) 255-2592.

Combatting Colds and Immune System Boot Camp

I was sick with colds and flu ALL the time as a kid. I practically lived on antibiotics, which we now know don't help fight off those viral beasties. It is a wonder my teeth haven't fallen out by now (thank heaven for Crest White Strips or my teeth would be ashen gray from the antibiotics)!

For the past 20 years of practicing chiropractic, it is very rare (knock on wood) that I come down with a cold or flu. That is pretty miraculous since I work very closely with people, many of whom are sick. I have a multi-pronged and very do-able approach to keep my immune system tuned up. I am prone to laziness and procrastination, so it has to be easy and enjoyable for me to stick with anything.

Here it is.

Regular Chiropractic adjustments. They have been shown, when done with regularity over the years, to boost immune system functioning as much as 400%!

Regular sleep. I get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. All the time. And yes, I get up at 5 am weekdays. And no, I don't have babies. Sorry, new moms.

Daily vitamin supplements IN ADDITION to an organic produce based diet. See my vitamin regime below. I take a lot of them and have for years. Did I mention I rarely get sick?

Regular frequent exercise. I exercise 45-90 minutes 5-6 days per week and get a mix of cardio and weight training. I exercise outdoors (hiking and walking) 2-3 times per week for at least an hour a session. I have been doing this for 30 years. I was THE most unathletic couch potato child and teen. Somehow, that all changed when I turned 22 and was tired of being frequently sick, chronically depressed, and OVERWEIGHT! Yep, at 51 I am lighter, leaner, healthier and happier than when I was 21.

I am not extreme in my diet, sleep or exercise regimes, nor am I an obsessive hand washing germ-o-phobe. What I am is very very regular about my moderate healthy habits. Over 30 years, it has really paid off!

Dr. Lisa's Immune Tuning Supplement regimen:

Multi vitamin with extra anti-oxidants (Maxxum 4 by Karuna)

2000 mg Essential Fatty Acids (Omegaplex by Karuna)

800 IU Vitamin D

100 mg coQ10

1200 mg Calcium

600 mg Magnesium

Mushroom Extract capsules (MaitakeReikiShitake)

Vitamin C 1500 mg

800 mcg Folic Acid (in addition to the 400mcg in my multi)

Addtional immune boosters for the cold and flu season:

Tincture of Astragalus

Tincture of Ashwaganda

Next: What I take when I DO get sick!

As usual, ask away!

Fighting Flu with Food and Dr Lisa's Soup for Sickies

Fighting the Flu with Food aka Good Eats When You're Sick

Whether you are already down with a bug or want to lower your odds of getting sick, eating these foods will help!

Mushrooms, especially Shitake and Maitake; even white button mushrooms boost immunity.

Garlic

Onion

Peppers and Chilies

Ginger

Deeply colored fruits and vegetables

Berries

Pomegranate

Tomatoes

Watermelon

Citrus

Here is a favorite and super easy recipe:

Dr. Lisa's Soup for Sickies (and Not-Wanna-Be Sickies)

Makes 4 servings

2 Tablespoons butter or cooking spray

1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, chopped coarsely

6 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced (do this 10 to 20 minutes before they hit the heat)

3-6 Tablespoons chopped or minced fresh ginger

2 cups sliced mushrooms (shitake, maitake, crimini, button or mixed)

4 cups water or prepared vegetable stock

red pepper flakes

Melt butter or spray large soup pot with cooking spray.

Over medium low heat, saute onions, garlic and ginger until onions are soft. Don't overheat or the garlic will brown and turn bitter! Be patient and definitely inhale the aroma: the ginger will clear your sinuses and odors of onion and garlic will give your immune system a jumpstart!

Add mushrooms, water or stock and heat until the mushrooms are cooked to your liking. Season with red pepper flakes and salt to taste. The spicier, the better!

This low-cal soup is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It will help clear your sinuses, boost your immunity and won't pack on the pounds, so eat as often as you like.