ClickCease
Give Us a Call (425) 737-5343
800 164th St SE STE O Mill Creek, WA 98012
Open Weekly Mon – Thurs
Schedule Appointment
Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Diabetes, Informational

According to Joslin Diabetes Research Center, over 30 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. That’s almost one in every ten Americans that are struggling with some form of this disease. 

Chances are that you or someone you know is living with type II or type I diabetes. Educating yourself about the symptoms of diabetes, its causes, and how to live with it can be empowering to start your journey to health and wellness. 

Here is a primer on what you need to know about the most common type of diabetes, type II. 

Type I Versus Type II Diabetes 

There are some unique differences between type I and type II diabetes. Type I diabetes often begins in childhood and adolescence but can begin later in life as well. It requires daily injections of insulin to manage the disease as the body has stopped producing insulin. 

Type II diabetes is often seen later in life in those that are overweight and have a genetic predisposition to the disease. With type II, the body is still producing insulin, but the body’s cells can no longer properly use it due to insulin resistance.  

In type II diabetes the body’s pancreas can no longer generate enough insulin to properly regulate the body’s blood sugar. 

Type I diabetes does require lifelong insulin treatment, but the early stages of type II diabetes can be combated through diet and exercise changes. 

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

Many living with type II diabetes, may not realize it as these symptoms can slowly present themselves. Symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Vision issues including blurry vision
  • Increased infections and sores that take a long time to heal
  • Exhaustion
  • Increased appetite
  • Numb and tingling extremities

Causes of Type II Diabetes

There are numerous contributing factors to developing type II diabetes. Here are some of the causes to be aware of:

  • Being obese or overweight increases
  • Risks increase over the age of 45
  • Lack of daily movement and exercise
  • Having a family history of type II diabetes 
  • Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American ethnicities are more at risk
  • Low HDL and high LDL levels
  • Body fat storage in the stomach area 
  • Pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Unmanaged stress 

Living With Type II Diabetes

If you are suffering from type II diabetes, there are changes that you can make to your lifestyle to help you manage and even reverse it. 

Nutrition and weight loss are two key areas to address. Incorporating a diet of whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats can help you lose weight and improve health. 

Eliminating processed foods, fatty meats, and high sodium snacks is an important lifestyle change to make as well. Look for new ways to incorporate some healthy snacks.

Incorporating more movement in your day, from taking a walk to starting a daily exercise routine, can have a big impact on your weight, energy level, and overall wellness. 

Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

by | Feb 2, 2021 | Informational, Nutrition

Are you ready to start eating healthy in 2021? If eating a healthier diet is your resolution this year, but you’re afraid you can’t make it happen because you’re low on time, we’re here to help. 

Keep reading for some healthy eating tips that are simple and easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Feel better this year by giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

Snack Smarter 

No matter how much you may try to avoid it, snacking is inevitable. If you’re craving a snack in between meals, turn to a healthy option. Stocking up on healthy snack options can help as can reducing the unhealthy snack options you purchase for your home or workspace. 

Instead, find healthy snack options that you also will actually enjoy eating. Nuts, apples with peanut butter, or veggies sticks are all great options. Plus, eliminating the unhealthy snacks in your home will help you avoid grabbing the potato chips when a craving comes on. 

Hydrate All Day 

If over-eating is an issue for you, hydrating throughout the day can help. A lack of water leads to dehydration which can cause you to want to eat more.

Additionally, hydration helps with digestive health which can affect weight loss. Limit the number of sugary drinks in your home so that you can opt for water when thirsty instead. 

Make Healthy Meals in Bulk

Are you often opting for eating out or grabbing fast food during a busy work week? A great way to make sure you’re stocked up on healthy lunches for the week is to meal prep.

Meal prepping can be as easy as finding a good source of protein, carbs, and veggies to cook in bulk. Once cooked, portion out the food in containers for the week. This is also a great easy dinner solution for the whole family and is a great alternative to frying or sauteing your food. The fewer oils you add when preparing the food, the fewer calories you add. 

This is a great way to make easy, healthy homemade meals that also allow for a quick cleanup. 

Swap Your Grains 

A simple solution to a healthy diet is to swap out your refined or white carbohydrates for whole-grain and complex carbs. Whole-grain carbs have tons of dietary fiber which are essential for weight loss. This is also easier to swap out than you may think, as you can find tons of options for whole-grain pasta, bread, crackers, and more.

Eating Healthy Made Simple 

We are much more likely to accomplish our goals if they are attainable. For this reason, if your goal is to improve your health this year, make eating healthy simple. There are tons of little things you can do to improve your overall health that won’t clash with a busy lifestyle. 

Are you looking for more ways to improve your overall health this year? Contact Amazing Life today to request an appointment. 

Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

by | Jan 26, 2021 | exercise, Informational, Stretching, Wellness

A whopping 16 million American adults deal with chronic back pain — that’s 8% of the population. 

So, if you have an achy lower back, you’re certainly not the only one. And that’s good news if you’re seeking out remedies to help yourself. Those before you have found many methods for natural back pain relief. 

Here are four restorative movements to try. 

1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch

For this one, you will lay on the ground with your legs out straight. Bend your left knee and pull it in toward your chest, holding it in place with interlaced hands. Keep your right leg straight and your foot on the floor as you hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. 

Repeat this move on the right, then cycle through both stretches a few times for a well-rounded stretch. And, if you want to make it a little tougher, pull both knees in at once and hold the crunched position for 20 seconds. 

2. Cat-Cow Pose

If you have any familiarity with yoga, then you may know how to do cat-cow — it’s a great one to have in your arsenal if you’re looking for back stretches. 

Roll over from your knee-to-chest stretch and get on all fours. Make sure your hands are on the ground directly beneath your shoulders. 

Breathe out, and pull your belly button upward toward the ceiling. Imagine how a scared cat’s back looks — you want to mimic that curve. 

When you breathe in, your belly will drop and your spine will relax. This is the cow portion of the stretch. 

Repeat for ten rounds or more to really loosen up and relax your spine. 

3. Seat Forward Bend

Interestingly, it might not just be your lower back that hurts. Research has shown that tight hamstrings can cause tension and pain in the lower back, too. 

So, try the seat forward bend to reduce tension in your legs that could be pulling on the lower back. 

Stay on the floor, but stretch your feet out in front of you so you’re seated in an L-shaped position. Then, grab a towel and wrap it around your feet with both ends in your hands. 

Pull the towel and use it to help you bend your upper body closer to your legs. Keep your back straight, though. You should start to feel the stretch down the back of your legs. 

Hold your bend for 30 seconds and repeat three times with half-minute breaks in between. 

4. Massage

Sometimes, you’re the one performing the restorative movement. Other times, it’s a licensed professional manipulating your body and providing relief. 

In this case, we’re obviously talking about the latter. Massage can reduce the pain and tension in your lower back. And it’s a low-impact treatment method — you’ll probably even find it relaxing. 

Find Natural Back Pain Relief

Whether you get moving or get a massage, you will have signed up for natural back pain relief. But if you need further help to assuage your lower back pain, look no further than Restoration Fitness located in Mill Creek, WA. Request an appointment today and get started on your journey to a stronger, pain-free back. 

 

 

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Informational, Injury, Y-strap

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression and Adjustment

Curious about Y-Strap Decompression? Or did someone suggest it for your chronic neck pain? It might look intimidating, but Y-Strap Adjustments have been used for years to relieve neck pain and balance the spine.

Developed by Dr. Burl Pettibon in the 1970s, the Y-Strap treats the entire spine, not just a single vertebra. Today, the Pettibon Technique is used alongside traditional chiropractic methods to improve posture and relieve spinal pressure.

How is it Performed?

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, WA, we use a Y-Axis traction strap to gently stretch the neck and spine, easing pressure and creating space between the vertebrae.

The practitioner wraps a flexible strap around your neck, cradling your head. The strap extends to a handle at the top of the “Y.” Once positioned, the chiropractor applies a smooth or more assertive force (called High Velocity, Low Amplitude movement), depending on your needs.

Unlike other techniques that use twisting or turning, the Pettibon technique moves straight up and down. This approach effectively relaxes back muscles, aligns the neck and spine, and alleviates compression.

Is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment Safe?

Yes, it’s safe and effective when performed by a professional. At Amazing Life, our chiropractors are highly trained to ensure your treatment is as safe as possible.

While there are at-home products claiming to be safe, we recommend seeing a healthcare professional to ensure a positive outcome.

When is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment a Good Alternative?

Our clients in the Seattle area find Y-Strap Decompression effective for active lifestyles, sports injuries, and overuse issues. It’s also beneficial for spine and neck compression from wear and tear or osteoarthritis, especially in those over 50.

Don’t endure pain and stiffness. Schedule an assessment with us. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, considering your:

  • Lifestyle challenges
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise habits
  • Overall well-being

A Final Note

We offer advanced chiropractic care as a non-invasive treatment for a range of issues. Our goal is to promote lifelong health. Contact us to learn more about the Pettibon technique, Y-Strap treatment, or our other services.

If you are in the greater Seattle community, please contact us to learn more.

Chiropractic and Neurology a Powerful Team For Patients

Chiropractic and Neurology a Powerful Team For Patients

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Informational, Providers, Resources

Can Neurology Providers Broaden the Scope of their Treatment Team by Adding Chiropractic Care?

Neurology — the study and treatment of nerves and the nervous system — is complementary to the practice of chiropractic care. That brings the question of whether an alternative form of care, like functional chiropractic, can enhance the overall treatment plan for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, disorders of balance, and problems with the neck and spine.

Chiropractic care can be used in addition to (or sometimes even in place of) medications for ailments like migraines, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, in Mill Creek, WA, we specialize in working collaboratively with specialists to provide a holistic overall program for their patients.

Can Chiropractic Care Be a Valuable Addition to Your Care Team?

Chiropractic practitioners specialize in spine, nerves, and nervous system issues with a non-invasive, gentle approach where the need for medications can often be significantly reduced. Our thorough lifestyle evaluation techniques isolate and identify changes in body mechanics, nutrition, and exercise that improve the patient’s recovery and overall life experience.

As an alternative treatment option, chiropractic care has been shown to ease pain in patients with nerve damage as well as successfully treat brain injury patients experiencing balance and vestibular problems. They can also be very successful in the treatment of Post-Concussion Syndrome as a longer-term solution to this type of head injury.

For chiropractic care and neurology, a natural partnership makes infinite sense. Their hands-on approach to gentle manipulation and holistic healing coupled with a neurologist’s commitment to treating diseases of the entire nervous system while improving patients’ lives, defines a bridged relationship that would bolster patient care.

Ways to Integrate Chiropractic Care into Your Neurology Practice

Chiropractic is a focused approach that can expand your treatment team’s effectiveness in these ways:

  • Chiropractic care can relieve the pain and inflammation experienced by many neurology patients presenting with head injuries and spine/nerve damage. This non-invasive treatment can reduce the need for medications in many patients.
  • Chiropractic care can be a beneficial way to address balance problems where other options have not been successful. For example, vertigo and vestibular issues respond positively to gentle chiropractic manipulation and massage.
  • Chronic or episodic diseases, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, respond well to chiropractic care and an in-depth focus on lifestyle changes can continue the improvements for an enhanced quality of life in the long term.

Bringing A Holistic Focus

At Amazing Life Chiropractic & Wellness, our goal is to contribute our professional expertise to your team of healthcare providers. We want to support your experience, methodologies, and treatment plan with our deep knowledge of chiropractic medicine and the mind-body wellness connection. It’s one of our core tenets to professionally represent our field within the greater healthcare continuum.

Working with you and your team collaboratively, our modes of treatment may include:

  • The latest techniques in chiropractic manipulation that are gentle and effective for nerve and nerve-related problems.
  • Guided stretching exercises that can be translated to home care and provide lifelong relief when continued beyond the scope of treatment.
  • Massage therapy used in alleviating pain, inflammation, and stress-related stiffness.
  • Lifestyle support with doctor-guided weight loss solutions, stretching exercises, and activity/exercise counseling.

When you partner with Amazing Life, you, your practice, and your patients can expect extraordinary care, outstanding service, and communication throughout the care continuum. Our commitment to the healthcare providers we work with ensures that your patients are treated as if they were in your own practice.

For your patients in the Mill Creek, WA, community, please contact Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness about our innovative approach to dual disciplines partnering for patient success.

Chiropractic Care for Rheumatology Patients

Chiropractic Care for Rheumatology Patients

by | Nov 23, 2020 | Informational, Resources

Chiropractic Care for Rheumatology Patients — A Missing Puzzle Piece?

Rheumatic disease is often debilitating and wreaks havoc on patients’ activities and their lives. As a Rheumatologist, your patients present to you with stiff, swollen, and painful joints and muscles that limit their movement and can lead to a host of related concerns from inactivity and being sedentary.

With over 54 million Americans suffering from some form of arthritis, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, or Scleroderma, the problem is only going to grow in size as our population continues to live longer and problems from joint pain and cartilage damage expands. While low by national standards, about 23% of the population in and around Mill Creek, Washington, suffer from some form of arthritis.

How Chiropractic Care Can Be Valuable to Your Care Team

Chiropractic practitioners specialize in all types of joint pain and discomfort.  Their skilled manipulation has been found to be beneficial in treating lower back and neck pain along with other joints, such as the hip and knee.

As a non-invasive alternative, chiropractic care is shown to ease pain and, coupled with stretching and a healthy, inflammation-reducing diet, can improve mobility in rheumatology patients.

Consider these ways a chiropractor will contribute to and expand your treatment team:

  • Chiropractic care can relieve inflammation and the associated pain, which is a main factor in arthritis. This non-invasive treatment can reduce the need for medications in many patients.
  • Chiropractic care is a beneficial and non-invasive way to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis by using among other things, gentle manipulations, infrared sauna, and full-body vibration plate machine.
  • Although chiropractic care cannot reverse arthritis, it has been shown to improve spinal posture which relieves pain from arthritis and may slow the advance of the disease.

A Holistic Focus

At Amazing Life Chiropractic & Wellness, we take a holistic treatment approach. By working with our referring providers to understand the scope of treatment being sought, we can then actively listen to the patient about the how their pain is progressing and develop a plan together as part of a cohesive team.

One of our core beliefs at Amazing Life is that the best care comes from treating the whole patient which means understanding their specific objectives, as well as their overall lifestyle and health goals. Once we can envision the patient’s whole situation, it becomes much easier to find treatment options that help the patient and that the patient will absorb as part of their own habitual program offering lifetime benefits.

Chiropractic Care Brings an Additional Steady Hand to Your Team

At Amazing Life, every chiropractor is board-certified and each one has a deep knowledge of treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, our providers are well-versed in treating chronic pain issues suffered by many rheumatology patients.

Our modes of treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic manipulation using the latest techniques that are proven gentle and effective for muscle and joint aches and pains.
  • We focus on stretching exercises that help alleviate the tightness and inflammation often experienced by rheumatology patients.
  • Massage therapy for patients to help them learn to relax while alleviating pain, inflammation, and soreness.
  • Lifestyle support with doctor-guided weight loss solutions, stretching exercises, and activity/exercise counseling.

At Amazing Life, our goal is to keep you fully informed on your patient’s treatment plan, progress, and final outcome. We are committed to open communication throughout the treatment of your patient and want to ensure that our treatment regime fits within your overall rheumatology philosophy. We are always open to guidance from the patient’s primary care or rheumatology provider.

If you are a Rheumatology physician or advanced care provider in the Mill Creek, WA, community, please contact Amazing Life to discuss how we can partner with you as part of your holistic care team or stop by for a visit — we’d love to show you around!