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What Are Your Fingernails Saying About You?

by Dr. Thomas K. Lo, Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center

Fingernails and toenails are comprised of a rich complex of micronutrients needed to maintain their health and strength. A protein structure known as keratin makes up nails, along with critical nutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, sodium, vitamins A and C, and B-complex vitamins like biotin.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes that nail problems may often be a sign of a serious disease, including cancer, that should not go untreated. The organization summarizes:

“Nails often reflect our general state of health. Changes in the nail, such as discoloration or thickening, can signal health problems, including liver and kidney diseases, heart and lung conditions, anemia, and diabetes.”

The declining health of your nails is your body’s cue that you may have an underlying disease, nutrient deficiency, or chronic health concern. The following are some examples of what your nails may be telling you about your health.

Dry, Cracked, or Brittle Nails

There are many influences that cause nails to be brittle, dry, and to crack easily. Activities like swimming and washing dishes can cause these symptoms. Also, nails exposed to chemicals from nail polish remover and cleaning products can weaken them. Low humidity can also make your nails dry and brittle.

Related Conditions

Symptoms of dry, cracked, and brittle nails may be a sign of a fungal infection or a more serious endocrine disorder called hypothyroidism.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Brittle nails may be associated with a deficiency in vitamins A, C, or biotin (B vitamin), and iron.

Yellow Nails

Lifestyle factors such as aging, the use of acrylic nails, constant application of nail polish, and smoking can stain your nails a yellow color. However, if they appear thick and crumbly, that is often caused by a fungal infection.

Related Conditions

Health problems associated with yellow nails include smoking, fungal infection, diabetes, thyroid disease, psoriasis, and bronchitis.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies include antioxidants such as vitamins A and C.

Also, be sure to dry your hands very well each time you rinse your hands. Fungus thrives in environments with extra moisture.

White Spots

Typically, white spots are a result of nail trauma, resulting in calcium deposits as the body recovers from the damage. If you see white spots, chances are the damage occurred months ago, given the length of time it takes for nails to grow.

Other causes of white spots include a fungal infection and gut disturbances, which may lead to a deficiency in the critical mineral zinc, which is essential for immune health.

Related Conditions

Fungal infection or possible gastrointestinal disorders that may prevent the absorption of adequate nutrients for nail health.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Boost the concentration of zinc you are taking into your diet to improve your gut health, immunity, and increase nutrient assimilation by the body.

Horizontal Ridges

Horizontal ridges that appear as a white line across the nail may also be a result of nail injury. If the ridges appear on multiple nails, there may be a more serious issue, resulting from the body’s redirection of responsibilities to heal where there is a more critical need.

For instance, a dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. John Anthony, explains that the nail bed pauses its growth during a serious illness, such as pneumonia, high fever, or heart attack. Multiple lines represent a chronic issue, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Related Conditions

Pneumonia, high fever, arsenic poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, leprosy, psoriasis, circulatory disease, uncontrolled diabetes, malaria, Hodgkin’s disease, and also malnutrition present in individuals with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Celiac disease, and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

Nutrient Deficiencies

What are termed Beau’s lines result from horizontal ridges that appear as indentations into the nail bed and can be associated with a deficiency in zinc.

Vertical Ridges

Vertical ridges are generally a sign of aging, becoming more visible throughout the years, as blood circulation in the body decreases. Cases where these ridges are of concern are if you are experiencing nutrient malabsorption; also a possible result of reduced circulation and, therefore, decreased nutrient delivery in younger years. The deeper the ridges, the more severe the deficiency of nutrients.

Related Conditions

Health complications that may cause malabsorption problems in your body include thyroid issues, heavy metal toxicity, rheumatoid arthritis, possible parasitic infection, and digestive disorders.

Nutrient Deficiencies

May be caused by deficiency in vitamin B12 and magnesium.

Clubbing

Clubbing is characterized by the downward curve at the end of the nail and enlarged fingertips. Clubbed nails are not as common as many of the other nail problems and can be present with heart or lung issues, resulting from inadequate oxygen flow from the blood to tissue.

Related Conditions

Lung disease, lung cancer, and complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, congestive heart failure, AIDS, and thyroid cancer, can all present with clubbed nails.

Nutrient Deficiencies

The most common nutrient deficiency associated with clubbing of the nails is iodine.

Spoon Nails

Spoon nails curve upwards at the end of the nail, resembling a spoon in appearance, often flat or dented towards the nail bed at the surface.

Related Conditions

Heart disease, hypothyroidism, autoimmune issues like Lupus, Raynaud’s disease, anemia, and hemochromatosis (excess iron absorption) may be associated with spoon nails.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Iron deficiency is the most common reason for spooned nails, but it can also result from excessive iron.

White Nails with a Strip of Pink

Known as Terry’s nails, the nail appears mostly white with a narrow pink strip at the top of the nail. Although this problem may be a result of aging, it may also be an alarm that a more serious health concern is lurking.

Related Conditions

Kidney failure, liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and malnutrition.

Nutrient Deficiencies

A general need for increased nutrient intake is especially associated with elderly individuals with symptoms of Terry’s nails.

Dark Discolorations

If you are experiencing painful growth of your nails or the appearance of black, brown, or purple streaks on your nails, visit your health practitioner as soon as possible.

Related Conditions

Skin cancer like melanoma, Bowen’s disease, Addison’s disease, nutritional disorders, and AIDS. Less serious health concerns include nail bed trauma, resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome and nail biting.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Malabsorption of multiple vitamins and minerals can be to blame for the wide range of pigmentation discolorations resulting on the fingernails and toenails.

Pitting

Pitting is characterized by the multiple dents or pits along the nail. It may be a sign that you are possibly at risk for a serious health problem.

Related Conditions

Psoriasis, eczema, connective tissue disorders such as Reiter’s syndrome or Lupus, syphilis, and alopecia areata.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Inadequate nutrient intake of calcium, minerals, and proteins is associated with pitting and is most susceptible in children under the age of 12. Also, many prescriptions such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapeutic agents, have been shown to induce nail pitting.

If you are struggling with health issues, call the Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center at 240-651-1650 for a free consultation. Dr. Lo uses Nutritional Response Testing® to analyze the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health. The office is located at 7310 Grove Road #107 in Frederick. Check out the website at www.doctorlo.com.

Ask Dr. Lo

L e t ’ s G e t Mo v i n g

P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y a n d H e a l t h

by Dr. Thomas K. Lo, Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center

Some physical activity is better than none at all, so start slowly and build up from there.

   If you are a healthy adult, it is advised that you make aerobic and strengthening activities part of your regular routine. If you have a health problem such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, ask your healthcare professional about the types and amounts of physical activity you can safely do.

Aim for at least an accumulation of 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

Walking fast, jogging, dancing, and other types of aerobic activities make your heart beat faster and may cause you to breathe harder. Try to be active for at least 10 minutes at a time without breaks. You can count each 10-minute segment of activity toward your physical activity goal. Aerobic activities can include biking, swimming, brisk walking, jogging, pickleball, racquetball, dancing, jump-roping, rebounder, or engaging in activities that will support you such as chair aerobics.

Try to do aerobic activities at a moderate intensity. Do the “talk test” to make sure you are exercising at a pace that you can maintain. You should be able to speak a few words in a row, but you should not be able to sing.

Aim to work in at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days. Add a brisk walk after lunch, dinner, or when your schedule permits as a way to boost the amount of aerobic activity in your life.

Do strengthening activities twice per week.

Try adding strength-training activities to your schedule. Squats, lunges, deadlifts, lat pull-downs, pull-ups, push-ups, triceps pull-downs, bicep curls, and standing calf-raises are a few examples.   Activities that make you push or pull against something will help you improve your strength and balance.

   Strength training helps you build and maintain bone and muscle. So, to help strengthen your whole body, work all the major muscle groups, including those in your legs, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. Doing two to three sets for each muscle group twice per week is a great start. You can try different activities to find out which ones you enjoy most. Try lifting weights or working out with resistance bands. Isometric exercises also work.

The good news is that activities that build strength in your lower body may improve your balance. Try activities that work your ankles, feet, and lower legs.

Pilates and yoga may improve balance, muscle strength, and flexibility. You can also try tai chi or practice standing on one leg.

Take breaks from being still.

Recent studies suggest that long periods of inactivity may be linked to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Add motion to your day. Download an app to your phone, computer, or other device to remind yourself to take breaks. Routine tasks such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, raking leaves, mowing, and other yard/house work can also be part of your physical activity plan.

How Can I Start to be Active?

First, pick activities you enjoy. Create a list of the ones you would like to do, such as walking, aerobics, tennis, rowing, or taking a class at a fitness or community center. To increase your activity level, add an activity that sounds fun and try it out. You are more likely to stay active if you choose activities you enjoy. Start slowly and add a little at a time.

The idea of being active at least 2.5 hours per week may seem like too much at first. Start by moving for 10 minutes a day. Every few weeks, add 5 to 10 minutes until you are active at least 30 minutes most days.

Set a goal, add it to your calendar, and do it.

Setting goals and having a plan to realize them helps you stick with a physical activity routine.

Set specific short-term goals that you can track. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to be more active this week,” set a goal of walking 30 minutes a day for 3 days this week.

Think of the days and times you could do the activity, such as first thing in the morning, during lunch breaks, after dinner, or on Saturday afternoon. Look at your calendar, phone, or computer to determine the days and times that work best and commit to those plans in writing. Also, set your phone to send reminders to help you stay on track. You can also confide in a close friend to help you stay accountable.

How Can I Overcome Physical Activity Roadblocks?

Starting a physical activity program and sticking with it is easier than you think. You can overcome these common roadblocks to physical activity and “just do it.” You will feel better in the end when you accomplish the goals you set for yourself.

If  work, family, and other demands are making it hard to be active, try the tips below for adding physical activity to your daily routine. Remember, every little bit counts.

•   Do 10 minutes of physical activity at a time. Spread bursts of activity throughout your day.

•   Add a 15-minute walk or activity that you will stick with during your lunch break or after dinner.

•   Make activity part of your daily routine. If you have time, walk a flight of stairs or, instead of driving, walk or bike with your child to school.

•   Take a break from sitting at the computer or TV. Stretch or go for a short walk. Perhaps do some jumping jacks or push-ups against the wall.

   If you are not motivated and find it hard to get moving and working out seems like a chore, then here are some ideas that might keep you moving:

•   Switch it up. Try a new activity, such as dancing, a racquet sport, or water aerobics, to find out what you enjoy most.

•   Make it social. Involve your family and friends. Physical activity is good for them, too. Plan fun physical activities that allow you to spend quality time together and stay on track.

o    Meet a friend for workouts or train together for a charity event.

o    Join a class or sports league, where people count on you to show up.

o    Find an activity you can enjoy with your children, like dancing to music, hiking, or playing sports such as basketball, tennis, or racquetball.

o    Seek support from someone who will inspire you to get moving and help you reach your goals. This could be a family member, coach or trainer.

o    Have a list of people close by that can help you out if need be. Perhaps they can watch the children, pick the children up from school, work out with you, or just continue to encourage you as you make progress.

If the weather is not ideal, you can reach your fitness goals in any weather by: (1) Wearing the right gear. A rain jacket, sun hat, and sunscreen, or winter clothes will protect you and help you stick to your plans; (2) Find a place to stay active indoors. Download an app to your phone or other device to be active at home, or take an indoor class when the weather is bad.

If cost is an issue, check out your local recreation (rec) or community center. These centers may cost less than other gyms, fitness centers, or health clubs. Find one that lets you pay only for the months or classes you want, instead of the whole year. Choose physical activities that do not require special gear or advanced skills. Check out the local Goodwill or Thrift Store to see if they have some of the equipment you may need. Racquetball racquets, baseball bats, golf clubs, etc. are usually easy to find at a secondhand store.

Prepare to break through your roadblocks. What are the top three things keeping you from being more active? Write them down and stop using them for an excuse. Find a solution. If you cannot join a gym, then start walking in your neighborhood. If you have very little time, then jump rope or do jumping jacks for five minutes a day. If you do not have anyone to watch your children, then be active with your children. You can take walks together or play games such as “catch” or basketball. Find a friend or family member you trust who is willing to watch your child while you exercise. Some people take turns watching each other’s children. Some exercise facilities have free day care.

If you are struggling with health issues, call the Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center at 240-651-1650 for a free consultation. Dr. Lo uses Nutritional Response Testing® to analyze the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health.

The office is located at 7310 Grove Road #107, Frederick, MD. Check out the website at www.doctorlo.com.

*Content Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

PDG Susan Bonura, District 22 W

The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, with more than 1.4 million men and women members in more than 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide. LCIF helps Lions improve peoples’ lives around the world, from combating vision problems to responding to major catastrophes to providing valuable life skills to youth, and much more.

In 2018, LCIF launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign at the annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The most ambitious fundraising effort in LCIF history, Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering ServiceSM will span three years, with a goal of raising $300 million by June 30, 2021. Campaign 100 will empower Lions to serve 200-plus million people each year.

Campaign 100 will expand Lions’ commitment to communities, with a focus on vision, youth disaster relief, humanitarian causes, diabetes, hunger, childhood cancer, and the environment.

•   Vision — LCIF leads the global charge to reduce preventable blindness and visual impairment, to eradicate blindness caused by infectious disease, and to improve the quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired.

•  Youth — LCIF serves youth through inclusive social and recreational opportunities, positive youth development, improved access to quality education, and vital health services.

•  Disaster Relief — LCIF engages in disaster relief efforts and prepares for, and responds to, natural disasters whenever and wherever they strike.

•  Humanitarian Causes — LCIF sponsors and delivers programs that address the needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations such as the disabled, the elderly, orphans, and others disproportionately impacted by social and economic factors.

•  Diabetes — This campaign allows Lions to respond to the global epidemic of diabetes, by increasing public awareness, sponsoring diabetes screenings, emphasizing healthy lifestyles, and other comprehensive health initiatives designed to improve quality of life for those living with this disease.

•  Hunger — LCIF works toward a world in which no one goes hungry, expanding resources and infrastructure needed to address food shortages worldwide.

•  Childhood Cancer — LCIF helps strengthen medical and social services, increasing the  life expectancy of children living with cancer and enhancing the quality of life for them and their families.

•  Environment — LCIF protects the environmental health of our global communities, generating long-term, positive ecological impact.

A $100 donation provides immediate relief to four people in the wake of a natural disaster; provides the measles vaccination to 100 children; provides diabetes screenings for 18 at-risk individuals; gives access to clean water for 14 people; feeds 14 disabled, elderly, or low-income people; or, funds two cataract surgeries. One hundred percent of your donation to the Lions Clubs International Foundation goes toward one of the following two global funds: the Empowering Service Fund, supporting all LCIF causes, or the Disaster Relief Fund, reserved for disaster relief. Visit www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate to donate and make a difference in the lives of millions

Thomas K. Lo, a doctor of Chiropractic, has just returned from completing the most advanced nutritional training module in Nutrition Response Testing®.

Nutrition Response Testing®, used by thousands of health practitioners of all types and specialties across the United States, helps osteopaths, medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and veterinarians to help their patients safely and naturally without the use of drugs or surgery. Dr. Lo is one of less than 600 health practitioners in the country who have graduated this very extensive Advanced Clinical Training program in Nutrition Response Testing®, conducted in Clearwater, Florida. He has studied the advanced breakthroughs in all aspects of nutritional healing, ranging from the in-depth analysis of specific deficiencies to successful continued patient care.

“I found the training to be invaluable as an upgrade of my clinical skills and abilities to help those who have had or are having physical difficulties, which may well have a nutrition-related cause,” Dr. Lo related. “With the advanced skills that I now have, difficulties experienced by my clients, such as Hypothyroid or Diabetes and Digestive disturbances are regularly improving and it is very gratifying,” he added. One of Dr. Lo’s patients, a sixty-eight-year-old woman remarked; “I was bothered by knee pain and tried various approaches, but nothing fully handled my condition until now. I have already seen improvements in just one week,” she concluded.

Nutrition Response Testing® was developed by Dr. Ulan, a chiropractor and certified clinical nutritionist after 25,000 hours of clinical experience in his highly successful practice in upstate New York. According to Dr. Freddie Ulan, “Nutrition Response Testing® is a non-invasive method of analyzing the body to determine the actual root causes of health conditions. It enables the practitioner to determine the nutritional deficiency or imbalance, so it can be corrected. And that pinpointed deficiency is usually at the root cause of the problem,” he stated. “Nutrition Response Testing® is quick, non-invasive, inexpensive, and painless,” he added.

Nutrition Response Testing® practitioners encourage their patients to make better food choices.

Dr. Lo: “Many people we see in our practice have eaten themselves into their current state of ill-health, to one degree or another. The deficiencies or imbalances lead to a breakdown in resistance or immunity and loss of the ability to cope with environmental stresses (chemical, bacterial, or otherwise). The good news is that it is possible to reverse the process, and my patients are very appreciative of the fact that we have a very effective system of monitoring their progress at each visit. By contrast, in medicine, the medical doctor makes a diagnosis and then uses drugs or surgery to attack or suppress the symptom, or perhaps, surgically removing the ‘offending’ organ or part. Through Nutrition Response Testing®, we determine the exact whole food supplements needed to supplement the patient’s diet in order to bring about improved health.”

Dr. Thomas K. Lo has been serving the Crofton/Bowie area for the past thirty-four years and has recently opened a Nutritional Healing Center in Frederick, located at 7310 Grove Road, Suite 107, Frederick, MD 21704.

In addition to Nutrition Response Testing®, Dr. Lo offers Instrument-assisted chiropractic adjustments, using the Activator Method, Cold Laser Therapy, Foot Bath Detoxification, and Allergy Elimination.

View the advertisement on page 45 for more information about changing your life from the inside out.