In the news Oct. 2009

203 Modern Affluent Living - Energy for the Young Professional

Article appeared in the Winter Issue of 203, Modern Affluent Living

www.203lifestyle.com

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http://www.203lifestyle.com


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May 8, 2007 New York Times article - "Study suggests Meditation Can Help Train Attention"

STUDY SUGGESTS MEDITATION CAN HELP TRAIN ATTENTION

New York Times May 8, 2007 by Sandra Blakeslee

In meditation, people sit quietly and concentrate on their breath. As air swooshes inand out of their nostrils, they attend to each sensation. As unbidden thoughts flutter tomind, they let them go. Breathe. Let go. Breathe. Let go.

According to a study published today in the online edition of the journal PloSBiology, three months of rigorous training in this kind of meditation leads to a profound shiftin how the brain allocates attention.

It appears that the ability to release thoughts that pop into mind frees the brain to attend tomore rapidly changing things and events in the world at large, said the study’s leadauthor, Richard Davidson, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsinin Madison. Expert meditators, he said, are better than other people at detecting suchfast-changing stimuli, like emotional facial expressions.

Dr. Ron Mangun, director of the Center for Mind and Brain at the Universityof California ,Davis, who was not involved in the study, called the finding exciting. “It providesneuroscience evidence for changes in the workings of the brain with mental training, in thiscase meditation,” he said. “We know we can learn and improve abilities of all sorts withpractice, everything from driving to playing the piano. But demonstrating this in thecontext of meditation is interesting and novel.”

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http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0050138

http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0050138

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_wisconsin/index.html?inline=nyt-org



http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_california/index.html?inline=nyt-org




Recent research has shown that meditation is good for the brain. It appears to increasegray matter, improve the immune system, reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. But Dr. Davidson said this was the first study to examine how meditation affectsattention.

The study exploited a brain phenomenon called the attentional blink. Say pictures of a St.Bernard and a Scottish terrier are flashed before one’s eyes half a second apart,embedded in a series of 20 pictures of cats. In that sequence, most people fail to see the second dog. Their brains have “blinked.”

Scientists explain this blindness as a misallocation of attention. Things are happening toofast for the brain to detect the second stimulus. Consciousness is somehowsuppressed.

But the blink is not an inevitable bottleneck, Dr. Davidson said. Most people can identify thesecond target some of the time. Thus it may be possible to exert some control, whichneed not be voluntary, over the allocation of attention.

In the study, 17 volunteers with meditation experience spent three months at the InsightMeditation Society in Barre, Mass., meditating 10 to 12 hours a day. A novice controlgroup meditated for 20 minutes a day over the same period.

Both groups were then given attentional blink tests with two numbers embedded in a seriesof letters. As both groups looked for the numbers, their brain activity was recorded withelectrodes placed on the scalp.

Everyone could detect the first number, Dr. Davidson said. But the brain recordings showedthat the less experienced meditators tended to grasp the first number and hang onto it,so they missed the second number. Those with more experience invested less attention to the first number, as if letting it go. This led to an increased ability to grasp the secondnumber.

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The attentional blink was thought to be a fixed property of the nervous system, Dr.Davidson said. But this study shows that it can change with practice. Attention is aflexible, trainable skill.

Just ask Daniel Levison, a staff researcher in the psychology department at the Universityof Wisconsin who meditated for three months as part of the study. “I’m a much betterlistener,” he said. “I don’t get lost in my own personal reaction to what people are saying.”

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For more information on Meditation services offered at Darien Center forIntegrative Medicine, click here .

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http://www.thenewsynthesis.com/

February 1, 2007 - "Equinox Hosts Balancing Hormones Naturally Lecture" (Printed in Darien Times)

EQUINOX HOSTS “BALANCING HORMONES NATURALLY” LECTURE

DARIEN, CT (Feb 1, 2007) --- With some 30 million menopausal women in North America and some 20 million female baby boomers on the brink of menopause, Equinox Fitnessof Darien will host a free educational lecture open to the community on Balancing Hormones Naturally on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:45 p.m. at their 72 Heights Roadfacility.

Guest speaker, Dr. Robert Zembroski, will present the latest research on the causes ofthese hormone-related issues, objective scientific evaluation, and natural therapies thataddress underlying causes of symptoms associated with PMS, menopause, infertility, and osteoporosis. Participants will learn what influences hormonal imbalances, includingthe role of diet, exercise, and stress, and natural solutions. The Equinox staffwelcomes non-members, as well as members and their friends, to attend this educational presentation.

“To understand hormone-related health problems, we must understand the roles of stress and the nervous system, estrogen, progesterone, blood sugar, and the adrenal glands,”said Dr. Robert Zembroski, chiropractic neurologist. “The cause of hormonal problemsmay be a combination of several factors, all of which will be explored in this informativelecture. Since millions of women are either approaching menopause, in menopause, orsuffering with PMS or infertility issues, the need to understand how to achieve optimalhealth is essential.”

Dr. Robert Zembroski is a chiropractic neurologist and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, a credential held by only about 600 doctors worldwide. Forover twelve years, he has maintained a successful private practice in Darien, theConnecticut Chiropractic Neurology Center, a specialized facility for the treatment ofneurological dysfunctions without drugs or surgery, such as such hormonalimbalances, depression, learning disorders, fatigue, vertigo/dizziness, and more. Devotedto educating the public, he has donated countless hours over the years to speak in thecommunity.

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February 1, 2007 - "Equinox Hosts Balancing Hormones Naturally Lecture" (Printed in Darien Times)

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Healing Headaches (Dr. Z quoted in E magazine)

E The Environmental Magazine July/Aug 2008 issue

Healing Headaches

Drug-Free Remedies for One of the Most Common Medical Complaints

By Jessica Rae Patton

According to the American Headache Society, 90 percent of people have at least oneheadache per year. With $1 billion dollars spent annually on over-the-counter headachemedications, it’s clearly a big, throbbing problem. But simply popping apainkiller isn’t always so simple, particularly when weighing in the possible side effects, whichinclude gastrointestinal upset, kidney and liver damage and rebound headaches (headaches causedby overuse of headache medications).Triptans and beta blockers, commonly prescribed drugs for migraines, can cause fatigue,dizziness and cloudy thinking.

Types of Headaches

Headaches fall into three general categories: tension-type, cluster and migraine. Tension-typeare the most common and create a pressure pain.Cluster headaches are very rare and feature a stabbing pain in or around the eyes. Migraines are characterized by pounding, debilitation pain accompanied by nausea andsensitivity to light and sound.Migraines are thought to be neurological in nature.The brain stem loses its ability to control constriction of the nerve pathways responsible foropening the arteries to the brain, according to Dr. Robert Zembroski, a board-certifiedchiropractic neurologist and director of the Darien Center for Integrative Medicine in Darien, Connecticut.“As the pathways fatigue, there is massive dilation, resulting in the pounding sensation of bloodflowing into the brain”.

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A Holistic Approach

Drug side effects aside, headache sufferers may also wish to seek alternative,nonpharmacological treatment in order to address the underlying cause of their pain, not justtreat the symptoms.

Dr. Steward J. Tepper, the director of research at the Center for Headache and Pain, ClevelandClinic Neurological Institute in Ohio, points to several non-drug-related, self-care actions:“Regular and sufficient sleep, relaxation and mind-body therapies and aerobic exercise are veryhelpful in migraine prevention.” He says eating a balanced diet and not skipping meals is moreimportant than eliminating or adding certain foods to one’s diet, but notes that foods containinghigh level o tyramine (such as aged cheeses, chocolate and alcohol) should be avoided.

Caffeine should also be eliminated, not only because virtually everyone who regularlyconsumes caffeine experiences withdrawl headaches when it is discontinued, but also becauseit seems to render other migraine-prevention regimes less effective. Tepper also says to drinkplenty of water: “In a 2005 study, 34 out of 95 people reported perceived dehydration as atrigger for their migraines.”

Alternative approaches that look to cure the underlying causes of chronic headaches includeacupuncture, biofeedback and chiropractic manipulation.

Acupuncture

According to Eileen Karn, L.Ac. Dipl. CH., director of the Meridian Wellness Center in Stamford,Connecticut, “In natural medicine we think of migrains as disregulation. There is almost alwaysa food allergy or intolerance involved, or a hormonal imbalance,” she says.Stress headaches often get remarkable results with acupuncture alone; migraine and menstrualheadaches benefit from combining Chinese herbs with acupuncture.

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Karn also suggests acupressure points one can practice on their own. Heku is the point in thewebbing between the thumb and index finger.Pressing this is very helpful for alleviating everything from dentistry to shoulder pain.For nausea associated with migraine there is neiguan, on the inner wrist.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback teaches people to consciously change bodily functions such as heart rate, bloodpressure and muscle tension. The U.S. Headache Consortium reports that 10 studies assessingthe benefits of thermal biofeedback in combination with relaxation training for migraine found amean average improvement of 33 percent. Five studies of EMGbiofeedback were analyzed, revealing a weighted average of 40 percent improvement.

Chiropractic Neurology

This area of chiropractic medicine uses specific adjustments, alongside nutritional support, toaddress and correct neurological weaknesses. According to Dr. Zembroski, “In chiropracticneurology, we have an ability to understand where the nerve pathways are dysfunctional andhow to use manipulation to correct this dysfunction.”

Natural Remedies

In terms of herbal, vitamin or mineral treatments, Tepper notes several that have performed wellin randomized controlled studies. The herb butterbur has proven safe and effective for peoplewho don’t experience its one often-noted side effect - burping.An article in Current Vascular Pharmacologycited a 120week trial in which use of butterbur cut the number of migraines by more than a halfin 45 percent of those who took the herb.Tepper recommends CoQ10, particularly if one is on a statin drug.Vitamin B12, or riboflavin, can be useful.Magnesium can be used not only preventatively but also acutely: if administered intravenously it

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can terminate an attack.

“People do not have to suffer or get dependent upon medication,” says Karn. “The headachecan be a real symptom of a very stressful existence that needs to be look at and corrected,rather than medicated.”

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Massage: It's Real Medicine

Massage: It's real medicine

By Kristyn Kusek Lewis Health.com

March 8, 2007

Having your honey rub your back is sweet, but it's tough to compete with the hands of a pro. Agood massage therapist can make you feel like a new person. And now research suggestsmassage can ease insomnia, boost immunity, prevent PMS, and more. Maybe that's whyhospitals are making it a standard therapy.

"All of our surgery patients are offered the treatment -- I call it 'service with a smile' -- and it's amandatory weekly prescription I give myself," says Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., director of theCardiovascular Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital--Columbia Presbyterian MedicalCenter and a member of the board at LLuminari, a health-education company.

Our advice: Enjoy your hands-on time with your sweetie, but set aside some time for a realmassage, too. Here are some feel-good reasons:

Goodbye, pain

It sounds like a no-brainer, but rubdowns are especially effective for aches like low-back pain.Researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington, found thatmassage works better than common treatments including chiropractic therapy and acupuncture.It's not clear why, but several studies show massage reduces levels of the stress hormonecortisol while boosting the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Those changes slowyour heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and block your nervous system's pain receptors.Massage also increases blood flow to the muscles, which may help them heal.

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A bonus: Massage also seems to ease distress from migraine, labor pain, and even cancer, aswell as the body tenderness seen with fibromyalgia, says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of theTouch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Plus, the benefits maylast as long as a year after just a few treatments, says Partap Khalsa, Ph.D., a chiropractor anda program officer at the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary andAlternative Medicine, the agency funding many major studies on massage.

Hello, dreams

Fluctuations in several types of brain waves either relax you or wake you up. Massageincreases delta waves -- those linked with deep sleep -- according to a study at the TouchResearch Institute. That's why it's easy to drift off on the massage table, Field says.

Nice to have you back, brain power

The Touch Research Institute study that connected massage to sleep also found that a15-minute chair massage boosted alertness. "Subjects reported that it felt like a runner's high,"Field says. Tests also show that brain-wave activity stimulated by massage is linked toimproved attention.

Take that, colds

Massage helps ward off bugs by boosting your "natural killer cells," the immune system's firstline of defense against invading illness. "We know that cortisol destroys natural killer cells,"Field says. "Therefore, since massage decreases cortisol, your immune cells get a boost."Massage even seems to boost immunity in those people with severely compromised immunesystems, such as breast-cancer patients.

Blues, be gone

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Less cortisol and more serotonin and dopamine in your system may also mean less stress,anxiety, and depression. "We know that the right side of the frontal lobe of the brain is moreactive when we're sad, and the left side's activated when we're happy," Field says. "Our studieshave observed that massage decreases activity in the right lobe and increases functioning inthe left." The well-being people feel after a massage is a big reason why some hospitals offer itto anxious patients preparing for surgery and cancer patients going through chemo.

Shove off, PMS

A small study of 24 women with severe PMS found that massage reduced symptoms such aspain, water retention, and mood swings. Try it with proven remedies such as exercise (andwho-cares-if-they-work solutions like a little dark chocolate).

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The Benefits of Enzyme Therapy (by Dr. Zembroski)

Nutrition and Anti-aging: The Benefits of Enzyme Therapy

By: Robert Zembroski DC, DACNB

According to Paul Zane Pilzer an Economist, by the year 2010 the “Wellness Industry” willexceed the 1 trillion dollar healthcare (sickness) industry. In 2000, the anti-aging and wellnessmarket reached 30 billion dollars annually and is projected to reach 1 trillion dollars by the year2010.

The wellness revolution places economics as a driving force behind health by making it goodbusiness and providing the consumer with products that enhance well-being and quality of lifeby preventing and treating age-related diseases. This anti-aging and wellness phenomena isbeing driven primarily by the 78.2 million baby boomers which consists of a 1/3 of the populationand 50% of the economy. This anti-agingtrend is due partly to the actual fear of aging, more individuals embracing self-care, greateraccess to information on wellness, and an increased understanding that good health beginswith good nutrition.

According to Dr. Ronald Klatz, President of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, thebiological processes that decline with aging are:

- Cardiovascular health – with age, the heart may weaken, and the network of arteries that circulate blood may become may accumulate deposits, and hinder blood flow

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- Metabolic function - with age, some people develop diabetes, a disease involving aninability to regulate blood sugar, due to insulin deficiency - Brain function - neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's canmanifest themselves in the older body - Nervous system – a decline in the sensory system such as the vision and hearing, aswell as the peripheral system where aging affects the neuromuscular system - Muscle and skeletal health - Muscles atrophy and bones weaken with age - Endocrine function - The body's system of glands, which secrete helpful chemicals intothe blood, becomes less efficient with time - The immune system - The natural system of defenses mounted by the body to combatforeign organisms becomes less efficient as we grow old - Gastrointestinal system – malabsorption with poor nutrient acquisition, and lowered gastrointestinal movement. These dysfunctions will also lead to poor immune function - Reproductive system – Menopause and andropause

With the natural process of growing old, people are continually searching for ways to decreasethe aging process and erase the signs of age: from a receding hairline, to the bulging waistline,to getting rid of those crows feet, to forgetting to turn off an iron. Any doctor of chiropractic whohas interest in the field of anti-aging medicine, looks to detect, prevent, and treat age-relateddysfunctions, while looking to also improve the patients productivity and their health. They dothis through a multitude of ways from chiropractic, esthetics, dermatology, weight-loss,nutritional and biochemical diagnosis, to antioxidants, yoga, meditation, dietary intervention, andsupplementation.

Chiropractic has always been in the fore-front of the anti-aging process (or aging process) bymanaging the entire person. Being in the greatest profession, our goal is to combat time andslow down the inevitable, by eliminating biomechanical dysfunction, improving neurologicalfunction, improving digestion, blood health, elimination, enhancing immune function, anddecreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, at the same time increasing muscle function anddecreasing body fat.

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There are claims that human growth hormone is the elixir of life, DHEA is the promised product,beta-carotene is the answer to macular degeneration, glucosamine HCL is the answer toarthritis. I don’t buy this. The body exists as a complex symphony of biochemical eventsorchestrated by enzymatic activity, hormones, neurohormones, and neurotransmitters, traceelements, synaptic activity within the nervous system, nutrients and so forth.

I have seen the greatest changes to this orchestration of function through the use of mycelial orplant-based oral enzymes. They have the most profound effect I have observed on not onlywarding off the ravages of time, but also improving that person’s health more than any othersingle type of treatment. Because there is no “single bullet theory” of applying a single nutrientfor a single health issue, oral enzyme therapy makes the most sense.

Enzymes are proteins made in the body, and taken in through our food sources. Enzymes ‘mustbe present before any chemical reaction can take place in our bodies. Even vitamins, minerals,and hormones cannot do their jobs without enzymes.’ (1) There are three types of enzymes:metabolic, digestive, and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are produced in the body fromamino acids, food enzymes are found in uncooked raw foods, and digestive enzymes are foundin the gut. Amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase, are a few. These enzymes are needed tobreakdown the various macronutrients found in food, to be absorbed for all processes takingplace in the body.

Enzymes are molecules that facilitate biochemical reactions and metabolism. Metabolism andenzyme production does slow with age just as all biological processes slow with aging. A lack ofenzymes has been correlated with inflammation, poor immune function, oxidative stress,

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degenerative diseases and premature aging. Adding enzymes to your patient care will preventmany disease conditions, improve healing and immune function, improve digestion andabsorption of nutrients, enhance blood quality and the elimination of toxins and digestiveby-products.

Which enzymes to use? Enzymes in supplements come from a plant-based source, microbial oranimal sources. Animal-based enzymes have a great disadvantage over plant-based enzymes,because animal-based are broken down in a lower pH in the stomach as opposed to aplant-based which are active in a pH range of 2-12. This means they are active longer in thegut, and capable of breaking down protein, fats, and carbs longer.

Enzyme therapy improves:

- Digestion – we all do it, but how well does this take place. With aging digestion andabsorption slows down because of a lack of available enzymes. Therefore supplementingwith plant-based digestive enzymes will ensure your food is digested, nutrients are absorbedinto the blood, and waste products are eliminated. - Nutrient acquisition – is the process of assimilation of nutrients and their ability toget to the cells for their function - Blood rheology- is essentially blood health and how well the flow of nutrients takesplace. Poor rheology leads to poor tissue perfusion and failed tissue servicing - Elimination – of the waste products of digested foods, with proper bacterial function making it all happen -

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These basic functions must all take place in order to have appropriate function within us and toimprove the health issues associated with aging.

Conditions helped by enzyme therapy in my chiropractic neurology clinic:

- Arthritis/Inflammatory conditions - ADD - Autism - Cardiovascular issues - Celiac disease - Macular degeneration - Bowel dysfunction - Diabetes - Fatigue - Pain syndromes - Allergies - Memory loss - Muscle wasting - Decreased immunity - Skin problems - Leaky gut - MS - Constipation - Weight regulation - High blood pressure - Fibromyalgia - Acid reflux

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The list goes on.

Chiropractic manipulation creates change to the central system in a multitude of different ways.It will improve neurological function within the cerebellum and cortex, as well as having a localresponse, and changes in autonomic activity. Without a doubt, chiropractic is the physicalmodality of choice when it comes to decreasing the affects of aging.

In my opinion, if you want to invest in therapies that restore your patients’ health, addingenzyme therapy to your patient management would render faster and longer lasting results thuscreating a much happier patient. In addition to using manipulation as a way to improveneurological and biomechanical function, enzyme therapy is necessary in restoring the complexsymphony of biochemical events that occur within us. Exercise and eat good foods; decreaseyour stress, and encourage your patients to get the testing needed for early disease detection,and any necessary treatment without delay.

1. The healing Power of Enzymes DicQie Fuller p3

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September 1, 2006 - "CT Chiropractic Neurology Center Expands Space and Services" (Printed in Natural Awakenings Magazine, Sept.)

CCNC Expands Space and Services DARIEN, CT, Aug. 15, 2006 -- The CT Chiropractic NeurologyCenter (CCNC) has just expanded in response to an increased demand fortheir specialized services. The expansion will allow for continuing theircurrent services while also allowing for new services discussed below.

Current services focus on neurological rehabilitation, chiropractic and physicaltherapy. With advanced technology and clinical experience, they havethe ability to objectively detect and correct underlying health problems. Todate, the CCNC is the only integrative clinic that utilizes videonystagmography (VNG) infrared camera technology to detectneurological dysfunctions such as ADD/ADHD, Tourette’s, movementdisorders, vertigo/dizziness, migraines, etc.

Beginning in August, CCNC is the first in the state to incorporate a new,non-invasive, state of the art, diagnostic tool that utilizes BiocellularAnalysis to determine nutritional deficiencies through a simple urine andsaliva test. It is a superior evaluation tool to detect biochemical abormalities and nutrient deficiencies behind age-related health problems likeinflammation and arthritis, hormone-related problems, weight loss difficulties, fatigue, digestive issues, Ph, and oxidative stress and muchmore.

This technology is also used by professional athletes including EvanderHolyfield and Yao Ming, to optimize athletic performance. It’s ideal forboth kids and adults to reach their peak performance in preparation for anathletic event. In just 15 minutes, a patient receives a detailed report with supplementation recommendations based on their abnormal levels. CCNCoffers a high-end line of isotonic nutraceuticals that, according to research,has greater absorption than any other product currently available.

Dr Zembroski and staff are excited because this allows the CCNC to becomea more comprehensive clinic that integrates neurological evaluation and

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September 1, 2006 - "CT Chiropractic Neurology Center Expands Space and Services" (Printed in Natural Awakenings Magazine, Sept.)

rehabilitation, physical therapy, and biochemical evaluation and treatment. What distinguishes their clinic from others is that they don’t just claim totreat symptoms and conditions; they actually uncover and resolve physical/neurological/biochemical dysfunctions through objective testing andappropriate treatment.

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Autism and Chiropractic Neurology

”A child with autism and a doctor’s incredible journey”by Dr. Keri Chiappino, DC, DACBN

PARENTGUIDE News March 2008

“Want water.” These words, spoken to me by a 7-year-old patient named James, might seeminconsequential to most parents. But for the parent whose child is diagnosed as autistic, thesewords are life altering.

James had been diagnosed at age 2 with autism, a developmental disorder of the human brainthat first shows signs during infancy or childhood.

Autism is characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication,and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The manifestations of autism cover a wide spectrum,ranging from individuals with severe disabilities to less impaired individuals who may haveactive but distinctly odd social behaviors.

In Newsday, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory recently revealed it believes it has identifiedautism-related genes. While this news is encouraging, a search for a cure continues. And at arate of one in 150 children being diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, the incidents of autismhave risen dramatically since the 1980s. In the meantime, parents are desperately seekingimmediate ways to deal with the condition.

Chiropractic neurology (CN) offers a non-pharmacological, noninvasive approach to treatingchildren with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The brain controls everything in our body andmind— from thoughts to heart rate to muscle tone. Most people have a dominant hemisphere,or side, of the brain. This can easily be seen in personality traits— someone who is musicalversus someone who is mathematical— or differences may be subtler and not easily detectedby the untrained eye.

Chiropractic neurologists specialize in analyzing the differences between the hemispheres ofthe brain. James’s parents turned to chiropractic neurology for their son after pursuing a numberof different treatment options. While these therapies proved helpful for some behaviors, Jamesseemed capable of reaching a greater potential. During his first CN visit, an extensiveneurological exam was performed to determine which hemisphere was deficient. A treatmentplan was then designed using hemisphere-specific stimulation.

Therapies differ with each visit in order to accommodate the changing brain. The goal is to

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create new connections in the under-functioning hemisphere that then creates a balance in thebrain. In James’s case, the types of stimulation employed include spinning, doing coordinationexercises, balancing, using cognitive exercises such as jigsaw puzzles and mazes, makingsound stimulation, using a tuning fork and using visual stimulation.

Children with Autism are less likely to make requests, express needs or share experiences,and are more likely to repeat others’ words (echolalia). This can lead to frustration andaggressive behavior. When James said the words “want water,” at first I had to make sure hewasn’t just repeating words he had heard. But when I handed him water and he drank itvoraciously, I was thrilled. This was an enormous breakthrough.

James’s parents report other improvements. He is more affectionate and less aggressive andfrustrated as he begins to be able to express his needs. He also demonstrates a decrease inneurological tics, like hand flapping, and is able to make more connections and employ moreabstract thinking. Upon recently seeing a fireman with a helmet, James was able to express hisdesire, “I want fire truck.” Before, James would not have been able to make the connectionbetween the fireman and his desire for the fire truck. The implications are tremendous.

Up until now, the goal of treatment for ASDs has been to manage and improve symptoms andfunctioning. Treatments for children with ASDs are limited, with more than half of childrendiagnosed being prescribed psychoactive drugs or anticonvulsants. The most common drugclasses being prescribed for ASDs include antidepressants, stimulants and anti-psychotics.Other drugs are prescribed off-label, meaning they have not been approved for ASDs. Thesemedications may have serious side effects, and no known medication relieves autism’s coresymptoms of social and communication impairments.

Other treatments include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which focuses on teaching childrentasks one-on-one using the behavior principles of stimulus, response and reward, andTEAOCH, which focuses on structuring the physical environment and using visual supports forlanguage developmental tasks.

Chiropractic neurology offers hope for the future. Helping children to make connections andexpress needs makes it possible for them to form relationships with others and to navigate inthe world without institutional care. This increases the chances for a higher quality of life for anautistic child and the possibility of living drug-free and independently— a tremendous relief forparents who worry about the future for their children, especially as autistic children enter theteen years and adulthood.

When James was leaving the CN office after his treatment last week, he turned to me withoutprompting and said “Bye, Ke-ri,” another first. These are the moments that make work withspecial needs children priceless.

What is Chiropractic Neurology? •Chiropractic neurology (CN) is brain-based chiropractic care. •CN is an advanced branch of chiropractic care that requires more than 300 hours ofpostgraduate neurological course work and a minimum grade of 80 percent on the board

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examination to achieve the status of Diplomate in the American Chiropractic Board of Neurology(DACBN). •CN incorporates similar training to medical neurology but differs in application, treatment andtherapies, using noninvasive, nonsurgical and non-pharmacological approaches to conditions. Who Might Benefit From Chiropractic Neurology?

Those suffering from the following issues might want to seek CN. •Learning and attention disorders such as ADD/ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s and autism •Chronic pain, memory and concentration difficulty •Aphasia •Vertigo •Movement disorders •Dystonia •Visual disturbances and eye fatigue •Peripheral nerve injuries, radiculopathies, neuropathies, foot drop •Raynaud’s phenomenon, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

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Feb. 9, 2006 - "Local Neurologist Responds to ADHD Drug Concerns, Offers Free Community Lectures (Printed in Darien News-Review)"

LOCAL NEUROLOGIST RESPONDS TO ADHD DRUG CONCERNS, OF

FERS FREE COMMUNITY LECTURES

(originally published in Darien News-Review)

DARIEN, Conn., Feb. 9, 2006 --- On February 8th, the Food and Drug Administration released a report stating that 25 people died and 54 moresuffered serious cardiovascular problems after taking drugs to treat AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder between 1999 and 2003. Dr. Robert Zembroski, Director of the Connecticut Chiropractic Neurology Center inDarien, a facility that specializes in diagnosing and correcting the underlyingneurological causes of disorders such as ADHD, will address the recenthot topic regarding the risks of ADHD medications in a series of free monthlylectures.

An estimated six to seven million American children are said tohave a mental disorder that results in them being chemically restrained by powerful mind-altering psychiatric drugs, includingRitalin and Adderall. Ritalin has been classified as a schedule IIdrug by the FDA, just like cocaine, morphine and opium. Accordingto the FDA report released on February 8th, children taking ADHD medication accounted for 19 of the deaths and 26 of thecases of nonfatal cardiovascular problems, including heart attack,stroke, hypertension, palpitations and arrhythmia. With all this inmind, many concerned parents are increasingly seeking a betterunderstanding of what is actually at the root of their child’s symptoms and what non-drug solutions exist.

As a Chiropractic Neurologist, Diplomate of theAmerican Chiropractic Neurology Board, andPost-Graduate Faculty member at National University ofHealth Sciences, Dr. Zembroski regularly lectures to

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Feb. 9, 2006 - "Local Neurologist Responds to ADHD Drug Concerns, Offers Free Community Lectures (Printed in Darien News-Review)"

doctors and other healthcare practitioners on theneurological causes of cognitive and behavioral disorderssuch as ADHD. In response to the recent concerns anddemand from parents, educators, and other communitymembers for more information on this topic, Dr. Zembroskiwill donate his time to deliver a free lecture monthly andanswer questions at 870 Post Road in Darien. The lectureis designed to help educate people on why children andadults develop ADD/ADHD, and the latest research fromthe field of neurology on how these disorders can beevaluated and treated without dangerous medications.Nutritional research will also be discussed, including thevital role of nutrients in neurological health and treatingADHD, such as essential fatty acids, co-enzyme Q10, andOPCs.

"We’re finding that often parents feel guilty about having tomedicate their child for lack of knowledge of other options,"said Dr. Robert Zembroski. "Parents want to make aninformed decision on how to best give their child thechance to succeed socially and academically. We giveparents an understanding of the neurological causes ofADD/ADHD and non-drug solutions to correcting theproblem." For more information or to reserve seats at alecture, contact Mary at 203-655-2659.

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July 16, 2006 - "Back in the Saddle" AN ADHD SUCCESS STORY (Originally printed in Danbury News-Times)

Back in the Saddle

Struggling to find answers to their son's behavior problems, a Newtown couplefound help through diet, vitamins and traditional medicine

By Heather Barr, Danbury News-Times

A brown-haired boy with glasses and a toothy grin, 8-year-old Andrew likes to ride hisbike with his family on weekends.

Sometimes he can be found teaching his 3-year-old sister to play basketball. He bought hera small basketball hoop at a tag sale, and it's just her size.

While he's helping her learn the basics of basketball, he's also doing some learning of hisown in a summer school reading program. His mother helps him practice reading andspelling in their Newtown home.

At one point going forward into the third grade didn't seem like a realistic possibility forAndrew, she said, because he struggled mightily through most of second grade. Helacked energy, was irritable and couldn't focus. His family didn't know what to do.

After seeing several psychologists, Andrew was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome andADHD (attention deficit hyper activity disorder). Because of the stigma which can beassociated with these conditions, his family asked that their last name not be used in this feature. But they wanted to share their story, in hopes it will help others who may be in asimilar situation.

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Partof Andrew’s therapy is to dribble a basketball with one hand to strengthen weak motorskills.

Tourette's is a neurological disorder which becomes evident in children between the agesof 2 and 15. It's defined by multiple motor and/or vocal tics lasting for more than a year.

The first symptoms usually are involuntary movements or tics of the face, arms, limbs ortrunk that are frequent, repetitive and rapid. The most common first symptom is a facialtic like an eye blink or nose twitch and is replaced or added to by other tics of the neck, trunk, and limbs.

These involuntary tics may involve the entire body such as kicking and stamping. Many withthe condition say they have an urge to perform a motor activity. Other symptoms suchas touching, repetitive thoughts and movements and compulsions can occur, too.

There are also verbal tics like grunting, throat clearing or saying obscene words. Males aremore likely to be affected than females.

Associated conditions can range from learning disabilities to attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD).

Andrew's symptoms began around the summer of 2005. "Last summer he was feelingbadly," said his mother. He didn't want to play outside with any other kids. He wouldstay inside on the couch and watch "National Geographic."

In the fall of 2005, Andrew began keeping his mouth wide open and soon began to jump upand down all day long. "The jumping was unbearable," said his mother. About threetimes a day he would slam into something and hurt himself, she added.

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When his parents asked him to do even small things like pick up his shoes, he wouldn'tlisten. Mornings were very difficult for his mother – he didn't want to get ready forschool.

He had problems completing assignments for school because he was irritable and couldn'tfocus. Andrew's teacher told his parents he struggled with reading even a singlesentence.

His mother and father saw him struggling, too. He'd kick and scream when he had to go tochurch and Sunday school, said his father.

"I couldn't take care of him," added his mother. We couldn't visit people. It was miserable."

Finding help for Andrew became a full-time job. His mother took him to numerouspsychologists who gave him different medications. One mistake she said the family made was staying with one doctor too long; even though treatment wasn't working, theykept going back, hoping for some change.

"The majority were co-pay and go away," she said.

After numerous attempts to discover the best ways to help Andrew, they wound up seeing anaturopath who recommended fish oil and multivitamins. Finally, there were signs ofimprovement.

In addition to the basic medical sciences, they use everything from food and herb therapyto psychology.

On March 29, Andrew's mother attended a seminar at the Raymond LearningCenter in Ridgefield. The speaker, a chiropractic neurologist, was Dr. Robert Zembroski of the Connecticut Chiropractic Neurology Center in Darien. He spoke about how to get

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help for kids with learning and behavior problems without having to put them on prescribed medication.

"I didn't sleep all night after the seminar," said Andrew's mother. The next day she calledthe center and got an appointment for her son.

Zembroski did research into the family's history, and performed a neurological and physicalevaluation, which included taking the boy's blood pressure and measuring the size ofhis pupil.

With Andrew he used videonystagmography – an infrared camera system that records eyemovements during specific testing procedures. Because the eyes are a reflection of brain function, information from these tests aids in the discovery of brain asymmetry,according to the clinic's Web site.

Goggles were placed over Andrew's face for the test. From the videonystagmography, itwas determined he had a decreased function in the right hemisphere of his brain, saidZembroski.

It's all about defining the dysfunction of a patient and then specifically putting in place anutrition plan to makes it better, he said.

He has seen a lot of patients with a number of problems, some up to 20 symptoms, fromdyslexia, Tourette's syndrome and motor depravation, all "stemming from an aspect ofthe nervous system."

"He (Zembroski) is the only one who was able to tell me what was wrong with Andrew'sbody," said his mother.

Zembroski prescribed Andrew a multivitamin, OPC-3, Co Enzyme Q10 and fish oil vitamins.

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He prescribes NutriMetrix Products vitamins because he has seen the best results withthem. About 90 percent of the nutrients are absorbed, said Zembroski. Many vitamins people take are not absorbed as well as they think, he added.

Diet is also important. His mother said ever since he was a young boy, he'd becomeirritable after eating foods with dyes in them.

Zembroski told her many petroleum-based food dyes have a negative effect on the basalganglia of the brain, shutting off the chemicals needed to function. He tells parents tokeep their kids away from foods with dyes.

What we usually find is when people start to improve their health conditions, they can weanoff their medication (if they took prescription medication for the disorder), saidZembroski.

Andrew continues to take a prescription drug for Tourette's, but takes a smaller dosagethan what he needed before finding Zembroski. He's also been able to wean off othermedications.

Many people are skeptical about the program, said Zembroski, but "when you educatethem on the real cause of what's wrong, they get over their skepticism and they areshown how the dysfunction goes away in a short period of time."

He recommends patients have office therapy and home therapy.

To increase the function of parts of the brain, he has patients do therapy with differentintensities for a patient's condition.

"Most times I recommend a specific physical stimulus to rehabilitate someone," he said. InAndrew's case he needs to strengthen weak motor skills, so Zembroski has Andrew

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dribble with his right hand like usual down the driveway, and then dribble back down thedriveway with his left hand.

Another exercise he does is squeezing putty in his left hand. "There is nothing painful orunpleasant about this," said his mother.

Now he's a "completely different kid," she said. "He's doing fantastic."

"There has been a huge improvement," added his father.

Improvements have been ongoing since the beginning of April when Andrew began takingthe vitamins in addition to the Tourette's syndrome drug. He went from a reading levelof six to 28 and is now in same reading level of other kids his age, said his mother.

In a math assessment done near the end of his second grade school year, Andrew got 43out of 44 answers correct and was able to move out of special education math.

He began to enjoy learning about subjects from history to dinosaurs. He finished hishomework in a short amount of time.

"I feel a lot better," said Andrew.

"He is much more confident in his behavior," in social settings, added his mother. "I couldn'tget him to play with other kids (before). Now he can't wait to play with everybody."

The biggest improvement "is his behavior," said his father.

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Andrew now looks forward to church on Sundays; he enjoys everything from the goodiesafter the service to the arts and crafts at Sunday school.

His relationships with his family are better, too. He and his sister can play together withoutfighting. He and his two sets of grandparents spend time together. With one of hisgrandfathers he takes money deposits to the bank. He also helps one of his grandmothersrecycle her bottles. With his father's father, who has a tree business, he goes with himto deliver logs.

"I don't have to hold my breath wondering 'What's he going to do?,' " said his mother of hisbehavior and actions.

While each case is different, Andrew's parents want others to know there are optionsbesides prescription medications that are worth exploring.

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In the news Oct. 2009

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