Successfull Mothers’ Appreciation Day

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Dr. Valenti

We are proud to say we had a successfull event on May 5th.  We collected non-perishable food, diapers, baby food, toys, books, and so much more.  We donated these items to MOMMA’S HOUSE in Wantagh.  They were so grateful.  This is a mother-child residence that helps women continue education or get vocational experiance.  It helps guide and mentor young women to support themselves and their children independently.The donations we collected in one day.

We couldn’t have done it without our generous patients.

We hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day with your family.

Dr. Valenti & Staff

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Resources for Pregnancy

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Dr. Valenti

We are proud to offer you these resources that we have compiled together for our patients.  It’s a great way to inform yourself during your pregnancy so you are empowered to make the best decisions for you and baby.

Healthy Child- www.healhtychild.com: Empowering parents to make informed choices.  Healthy child takes the confusion out of shopping for safe, non-toxic, organic baby and children’s products.

Holistic Mom’s Network- www.holisticmoms.org : Are you a mom who is intrested in holistic health and green living?  Are you looking to connect with moms who share your perspectice?

Holistic Pediatric Association- www.hpakids.org : Holistic education and support for both parents and family health professionals.

La Leche League International- www.lli.org : La Leche League has a rich history and an established philosphy of mothering through breastfeeding.  Learn more about who we are and what we do on our website.

National Vaccine Information Center- www.nvic.org : This website was created to provide you with information you need to make informed decisions about vaccinations.

International Cesarean Awareness Network & VBAC information- www.ican-online.net : This is a collection of fact sheets and information put out by ICAN and other sources.  Monthly ICAN meetings of the Long Island Chapter are held right here in our office on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30pm.

Long Island Doula Association- www.lidoulas.com : The LIDA was founded as a result of doulas searching for additional education and professional growth.  LIDA, Inc. is also passionate about looking for ways to enlighten the community about the benefits of having a doula before, during and after their birth.

Long Island Birth Network- www.birthnetwork.org/newyork.htm : As a chapter of Birth Network National, we are a non-profit organization comprised of a network of childbirth educators, midwives, labor assistants (doulas), family physicians, nurses, breastfeeding consultants, and parents who know the importance of informed options and alternatives in childbearing.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association- www.icpa4kids.org : A wealth of information for parents on many holistic topics.  “Advancing the family wellness lifestyle”.

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Local Honey and Allergies

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Dr. Valenti

Many allergy sufferers believe that locally produced honey can alleviate symptoms.  The idea is that bees become covered in pollen spores when they go from on flower to the next-spores which are transfered to their honey.

It is thought that eating that honey, even just a spoonful a day, can build immunity through gradual exposure.

A recent NYT article reported the negative results in a study over 10 years ago, stating: “In the study…the scientists followed dozens of allergy suffers through the springtime allergy season.  The subjects were randomly split into three.  One consumed a tablespoonful of daily locally collected, unpasteurized, and unfiltered honey; another ate commmercial honey; and a third was given a corn syrup placebo with synthetic honey flavoring.  After tracking the subjects’ symptoms for months, the scientists found that neither of the honey groups saw improvement over the placebo group.”

Interestingly enough, a study published in 2011 came to a completely different conclusion! (Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology February 2002;88(2): 198-203 & International Archives of Allergy & Immunology 2011; 155(2): 160-166).

This brand new study assessed the effects of the pre-seasonal use of birch pollen honey or regular honey on symptoms and medication during birch pollen season.

A total of 44 patients with diagnosed birch pollen allergy consumed either the birch pollen honey or regular honey daily from November to March.  The control group consisted of 17 patients who were just using their usual allergy medication to control symptoms.

The study found that, during birch pollen season, compared to the control group, the patients using birch pollen honey experienced:

*60% reduction in symptoms, *2x as many asymptomatic days, *70% fewer days with severe symptoms, *50% decrease in usage of antihistamines.

From dr. mercola via mercola.com

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Balanced Life Chiropractic supports Cell Phones for Soldiers by Donating Unused Cell Phones

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Dr. Valenti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2011-Bethpage, NY – From Memorial Day to Independence Day the office of Dr. Larain Valenti collected over 40 unused cell phones and accessories to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers.  “We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soliders,” says Dr. Valenti of Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center, she continues “It’s an honor to help our soldiers stay connected to their families here at home”.
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed millions of prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – the money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards which are sent to troops.
We will continue to be a drop off site and collect cell phones from the community. If you have unused cell phones and accessories you can bring them to Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 361 Broadway, Bethpage NY 11714, or call us at 516-731-0712.

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Don’t Let Traveling Be a Pain in Your Neck (or Back) this Summer.

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Dr. Valenti

Traveling can be rough on the body. Whether you are traveling alone on business or on your way to a sunny resort with your family, long hours in a car or airplane can leave you stressed, tired, stiff, and sore.

Treat traveling as an athletic event. Warm up before settling into a car or airplane, and cool down once you reach your destination. Take a brisk walk to stretch your leg muscles.

Tips for the Car:

  • Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips.
  • Consider a back support, this can reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.
  • Take rest breaks, to prevent fatigue, and muscle cramping.

Tips for Airplane Travel:

  • Stand up straight and feel the normal “S” curve of your spine. Then use rolled-up pillows or blankets to maintain that curve when you sit in your seat. Tuck a pillow behind your back and just above the beltline and lay another pillow across the gap between your neck and the headrest.
  • Check all bags heavier than 5-10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your backs, stand right in front of the overhead compartment so your spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.

For more information please visit www.acatoday.org or call Dr. Larain M. Valenti of Balanced Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center at: (516) 731-0712.

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Are You ‘D’ Deficient?

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Dr. Valenti

by Cristina Rivera, MS, RD, Certified Sports Nutritionist

If you feel sadder than usual or tend to get sick more frequently than your coworkers, it could be from what is lacking in your diet.  Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is linked to immunity, depression, blood sugar control, bone health, and numerous other health issues.  If vitamin D is so great for your health, why, we may ask, would anybody be deficient?  One of the biggest problems with Vitamin D is that it is not found in many foods (salmon, tuna, makrel, and fortified milks are among the few sources).  While it is possible for our skin to absorb vitamin D from the sun, the increased use of sun block along with our underexposure during the winter months makes it difficult for us to get enough.  Popping a multivitamin?  You still may be at risk due to the fact that the recommended daily intake for Vitamin D is outdated is much less than what we actually need.  A typical multivitamin contains only 400 IU, while most of us need 800 IU or more.  In order to make sure you are getting your daily dose of D, choose a multivitamin with 600 IU or more.  If you take calcium, opt for a calcium plus vitamin D tablet (the two help each other become absorbed).  Try to get ten minutes of sunlight per day and opt for fatty fishes such as salmon and fortified milks, yogurts, and eggs.  If you have diabetes, poor bone health, are an athlete and can never recover from injuries, or have a case of winter blues, it may be beneficial to take a Vitamin D tablet with 1,000 IU – 2,000 IU (check with your doctor if you are on medications or have any serious illness).  And remember, while we all know the importance of our A,B,Cs, take a quick look at your current diet and don’t underestimate the power of D!

For more information visit Nutrition in Motion, PC at http://www.topnutritionservices.com/

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Mother-Friendly Care

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Dr. Valenti

I’m pleased to announce that I am now a member of BirthNetwork National.   This organization strives to empower women during this special time, with the fundamental understanding that birth is a normal, healthy process not an illness or disease.  Women should be entitled to complete and accurate information on their full range of options for pregnancy, birth, post-partum and breastfeeding.  Their mission is in direct congruence with how I practice.  They promote awareness and availability of Mother-Friendly maternity care.  I believe patient education helps people make well informed decisions regarding their health-care.  No decision should ever come out of fear or pressure.

For more information visit www.birthnetwork.org

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Myth vs. Truth

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Dr. Valenti
Once you start going to the chiropractor, you have to go for the rest of your life….

This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. The real question is how do you view health? Is health merely a lack of symptoms or is health functioning at your optimal potential and expressing true vitality? Most people exercise to maintain a healthy weight and to stay in shape, brush their teeth and visit a dentist regularly to prevent cavities, so why not get spinal check-ups to not only prevent problems but to maximize your nervous system function (the system that controls and coordinates all other body functions).

The truth is you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.  You can choose to go to a chiropractor to relieve pain.  (A quick fix, like a fad diet to loose weight) .  Or you can choose to get adjusted to stay healthier throughout your lifetime-as part of a wellness lifestyle just like exercising and brushing your teeth.  In the end it’s your choice :)
How do you want to live your life?

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Back Pack Safety Tips

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Dr. Valenti
icpa4kids.org, July – August 2002 ICPA Newsletter

Taking the Measures to Protect Spinal Health

Backpack Safety America/International gives us these simple steps for avoiding injury and improving spinal health.

Step 1: Choose Right.

Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use.

Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly.

Step 2: Pack Right

The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of your body weight, so pack only what is needed. 

Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it’s overloaded.

Step 3: Lift Right.

Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees – Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. Lift with the legs. Apply one shoulder strap and then the other.

Tip: Don’t sling the backpack onto one shoulder

Back Pack Safety America and your Doctor of Chiropractic have contributed this information for your child’s better health. www.backpacksafe.com

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