The providers at Back in Line love to encourage Making Healthy Contagious!
One of the ways I encourage healthy living is by investing inwearabletechnology.
I prefer Garmin watches but there are various options on the market such as the Oura Ring, the Whoop Strap, and Fitbit devices. There are many pros and cons to consider when considering your investment, but let’s talk about why I encourageswearabletechnology.
To help you understand your overall health. Many of us are so busy with life we don’t have an accurate pulse check on our nervous system. Our nervous system controls everything—from your heartbeat to digestion and elimination of your food, your thoughts, perception of pain and emotions, and your muscles, and organs! Sometimes we find people’s fight and flight system to be linked to their G.I. Or, we see that cognitive decline is related to lack of quality sleep.
Understand your sleep quality. Sleep quality is underrated and has not had enough emphasis put on tracking it. Sleep, esp in Deep and REM stages. Sleep is vital to your overall health, wellness, and anti-aging. Someone may get 8 hours of sleep but spend little time in deep and REM that helps our providers work with our patients on biohacking, and supporting them nutritionally to get them into those stages.
Being mindful of your current state of nervous system functioning. It’s amazing how many people can share their data with me and say “I didn’t realize I spend so much time in a high-stress state.” Knowledge and awareness are powerful and influential in our behaviors. Oftentimes it gives patients the permission to slow down, or, if you have a Garmin*, it’ll tell you to up-level your fitness to get you to peak performance because your HRV is well balanced and sleep quality is on point.
*Please note, if you purchase a Garmin, make sure it includes HRV tracking. Not all Garmin’s do. From my understanding, the Whoop Strap has the most accurate technology, but personally, I don’t appreciate app memberships or subscription-based devices. The Oura ring may be less accurate but still helpful tool. Many people appreciate not having a bulky watch on their wrist so this is more helpful for their needs. The Oura ring is also subscription-based.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation in time between successive heartbeats, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, breathing, and digestion. HRV specifically refers to the differences in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats, and these variations are influenced by both the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “fight or flight” response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “rest and digest” response).
HRV is typically measured in milliseconds and is considered an essential indicator of the body’s autonomic nervous system activity and overall health.
A higher HRV indicates a more flexible and adaptable autonomic nervous system, while a lower HRV suggests a less adaptive system.
Here’s why monitoring HRV is important
Stress and Recovery Assessment: HRV can be used to assess stress levels and recovery status. When the body is under stress, the sympathetic nervous system dominates, leading to reduced HRV. On the other hand, during periods of relaxation and recovery, the parasympathetic nervous system dominates, resulting in increased HRV. Monitoring HRV can help individuals understand how well their body is coping with stress and whether they are adequately recovering from strenuous activities.
Fitness and Training: HRV can serve as an indicator of fitness level and training readiness. During periods of intense training, HRV may decrease due to increased stress on the body. By monitoring HRV, athletes and fitness enthusiasts can optimize their training schedules and prevent overtraining, thus reducing the risk of injury and improving performance.
Heart Health: HRV has been linked to cardiovascular health. A higher HRV is associated with better cardiovascular fitness and a lower risk of heart disease. It can also indicate the presence of certain heart conditions and help in their diagnosis and management.
Mental Health: HRV is linked to emotional well-being and mental health. Lower HRV has been associated with conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By tracking HRV, individuals can gain insights into their emotional states and use this information to manage stress and emotions more effectively.
Overall Well-Being: Monitoring HRV can provide a holistic view of overall well-being. By understanding the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, individuals can make lifestyle adjustments to promote better health and wellness.
It’s important to note that while HRV monitoring can offer valuable insights, it should be interpreted in conjunction with other relevant health data. Additionally, different individuals may have different baseline HRV values, so it’s essential to track trends and changes over time rather than comparing absolute numbers. HRV monitoring is commonly done through wearable devices or smartphone apps that can analyze heart rate data and calculate HRV.
https://mybackinline.com/wp-content/uploads/Garmin.jpg16442400Dr. Calla Kleene/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Back-In-Line-Logo-Horizontal-4c.pngDr. Calla Kleene2023-10-15 08:00:592023-10-26 08:43:42Wearable Technology and Your Health
I continue to learn each and every day as a healthcare provider. Recently, my own 73-year-old dad fell and broke his hip. It is a humbling place to be as a daughter and a healthcare provider who focuses on spine and bone health.
I am somewhat ashamed at the denial I have about my parents getting older, and the fact it never crossed my mind that my Dad (strong as an ox, indestructible frame of a man) could break his hip. Mind you, my mother shattered her wrist a few years ago but it was a traumatic fall/accident. I was in denial then too. I didn’t accept until recently that I have probably done a terrible disservice to not only my parents but also, to my patients and my own dedication to my bone health.
My main focus as a Chiropractor and a Functional Medicine provider is highly focused on prevention. Prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. I also work to optimize thyroid and hormone health BEFORE hormones and thyroid become so out of whack that medication needs to be considered. I’ve appreciated our preventative mindset as the more we aim to optimize our blood work and biomarkers, it lays the groundwork for the incredible quality of life and longevity.
Now, I am adding BONE health to that area of emphasis and care for my patients.
I have been humbled by how much and how little I have been at expressing the importance of protecting and investing in your bone health SOONER rather than later. So, by nature with regards to helping my dad in his recovery, I revisited bone health and what I SHOULD have been working with my Dad (and should have been with my mom).
Why is it so important?
In patients over the age of 65 who fall and break a hip, the mortality in the next 12 months increased by 30-40%! Meaning, for every 10 patients over the age of 65, who break their hip falling…3-4 of them will die in the next 12 months. That’s alarming and sobering.
I have confidence because my Dad will now be highly annoyed by me focusing on how to not be a victim to that statistic but use it as a motivator for recovery, and rehab as a result of this fall. 😉
I also am thankful to consider this now for my own health, my kids’ health, and my patient’s health. I will take each lesson I am humbled by I can get to learn and improve how I care and treat for optimal health. Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but due to menopause and hormone decline in women, it does affect more women than men.
Some refreshers of terminology with regards to aging bones:
BMD: Bone Mineral Density, a measurement of how much calcium is left in the bones
Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a condition characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) that is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It is considered a midpoint between normal bone density and osteoporosis. Bone mineral density is a measure of the amount of minerals, such as calcium, in your bones.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by weakened and porous bones, resulting in an increased risk of fractures. It occurs when the density and quality of bone are reduced, making the bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measurement that reflects the amount of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus, contained in a segment of bone. It is a key indicator of bone health and density. BMD is often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Here are some key points about bone mineral density:
Measurement Method:
BMD is typically measured using a technique called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). This non-invasive procedure involves a low-dose X-ray to scan specific bones, usually the hip and spine. The DXA scan produces images that show the distribution of mineral content in the bone, and the BMD is then calculated from these images.
T-Score and Z-Score:
The results of a bone density test are often expressed as T-scores and Z-scores.
T-score compares an individual’s BMD to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1 and above is considered normal, while scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate osteopenia, and scores below -2.5 suggest osteoporosis.
Z-score compares BMD to the average BMD of individuals of the same age and sex. It is more relevant in certain populations, such as children and premenopausal women.
Bone Health Classification:
Based on the BMD results, bone health can be classified into different categories:
Normal: T-score above -1
Osteopenia: T-score between -1 and -2.5
Osteoporosis: T-score -2.5 and below
Top 5 Recommendations for BONE Health
Strength Training 4-5x/week (yes, I am talking deadlifts, squats farmer’s carry, lunges)
Walking with a weighted vest
Optimizing Hormones (working with a functional medicine provider to test and measure these biomarkers)
Vit D3 with yearly testing, and levels above 60!
CalciumIntake as it is a crucial mineral for bone health. Good sources include dairy products and leafy greens!
I encourage you to nerd out over two videos to better understand bone health and HOW early investment into your bone health is best!
This is a 2 min video about my favorite supplement to protect and rebuild bone. This is excellent for those already diagnosed with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. This is also excellent to consider for those wanting to prevent OP from occurring in this first place.
This PODCAST is by one of our office favorite GURU’s that we look to as a leader in the Functional Health Care Realm, Dr. Peter Attia.
Thanks for reading and please share. Healthy is Contagious!
*Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or taking supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status.
https://mybackinline.com/wp-content/uploads/Home-AdobeStock_131905531.jpg869869Dr. Calla Kleene/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Back-In-Line-Logo-Horizontal-4c.pngDr. Calla Kleene2023-10-01 08:00:302023-10-25 08:06:44Bone Health—Not Just For Old People!
We are now located at 1212 Dina Court in Hiawatha.
The new space is bright and energetic and we can’t wait to treat you at our new home! We loved our 99 N Center Point Road location and will miss our friends Pat and Kara Callanan (the best landlords ever)! We are thankful for how it served us well over the last 7 years.
https://mybackinline.com/wp-content/uploads/Hands-On-Healing.jpg6301500Dr. Calla Kleene/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Back-In-Line-Logo-Horizontal-4c.pngDr. Calla Kleene2023-09-10 12:01:322023-09-13 11:58:28Back In Line Has Moved!
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Wearable Technology and Your Health
The providers at Back in Line love to encourage Making Healthy Contagious!
One of the ways I encourage healthy living is by investing in wearable technology.
I prefer Garmin watches but there are various options on the market such as the Oura Ring, the Whoop Strap, and Fitbit devices. There are many pros and cons to consider when considering your investment, but let’s talk about why I encourages wearable technology.
*Please note, if you purchase a Garmin, make sure it includes HRV tracking. Not all Garmin’s do. From my understanding, the Whoop Strap has the most accurate technology, but personally, I don’t appreciate app memberships or subscription-based devices. The Oura ring may be less accurate but still helpful tool. Many people appreciate not having a bulky watch on their wrist so this is more helpful for their needs. The Oura ring is also subscription-based.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation in time between successive heartbeats, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, breathing, and digestion. HRV specifically refers to the differences in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats, and these variations are influenced by both the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “fight or flight” response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “rest and digest” response).
Here’s why monitoring HRV is important
It’s important to note that while HRV monitoring can offer valuable insights, it should be interpreted in conjunction with other relevant health data. Additionally, different individuals may have different baseline HRV values, so it’s essential to track trends and changes over time rather than comparing absolute numbers. HRV monitoring is commonly done through wearable devices or smartphone apps that can analyze heart rate data and calculate HRV.
Bone Health—Not Just For Old People!
I continue to learn each and every day as a healthcare provider. Recently, my own 73-year-old dad fell and broke his hip. It is a humbling place to be as a daughter and a healthcare provider who focuses on spine and bone health.
I am somewhat ashamed at the denial I have about my parents getting older, and the fact it never crossed my mind that my Dad (strong as an ox, indestructible frame of a man) could break his hip. Mind you, my mother shattered her wrist a few years ago but it was a traumatic fall/accident. I was in denial then too. I didn’t accept until recently that I have probably done a terrible disservice to not only my parents but also, to my patients and my own dedication to my bone health.
My main focus as a Chiropractor and a Functional Medicine provider is highly focused on prevention. Prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. I also work to optimize thyroid and hormone health BEFORE hormones and thyroid become so out of whack that medication needs to be considered. I’ve appreciated our preventative mindset as the more we aim to optimize our blood work and biomarkers, it lays the groundwork for the incredible quality of life and longevity.
Now, I am adding BONE health to that area of emphasis and care for my patients.
I have been humbled by how much and how little I have been at expressing the importance of protecting and investing in your bone health SOONER rather than later. So, by nature with regards to helping my dad in his recovery, I revisited bone health and what I SHOULD have been working with my Dad (and should have been with my mom).
Why is it so important?
In patients over the age of 65 who fall and break a hip, the mortality in the next 12 months increased by 30-40%! Meaning, for every 10 patients over the age of 65, who break their hip falling…3-4 of them will die in the next 12 months. That’s alarming and sobering.
I have confidence because my Dad will now be highly annoyed by me focusing on how to not be a victim to that statistic but use it as a motivator for recovery, and rehab as a result of this fall. 😉
I also am thankful to consider this now for my own health, my kids’ health, and my patient’s health. I will take each lesson I am humbled by I can get to learn and improve how I care and treat for optimal health. Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but due to menopause and hormone decline in women, it does affect more women than men.
Some refreshers of terminology with regards to aging bones:
Here are some key points about bone mineral density:
Measurement Method:
BMD is typically measured using a technique called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). This non-invasive procedure involves a low-dose X-ray to scan specific bones, usually the hip and spine. The DXA scan produces images that show the distribution of mineral content in the bone, and the BMD is then calculated from these images.
T-Score and Z-Score:
The results of a bone density test are often expressed as T-scores and Z-scores.
T-score compares an individual’s BMD to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1 and above is considered normal, while scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate osteopenia, and scores below -2.5 suggest osteoporosis.
Z-score compares BMD to the average BMD of individuals of the same age and sex. It is more relevant in certain populations, such as children and premenopausal women.
Bone Health Classification:
Based on the BMD results, bone health can be classified into different categories:
Top 5 Recommendations for BONE Health
I encourage you to nerd out over two videos to better understand bone health and HOW early investment into your bone health is best!
This is a 2 min video about my favorite supplement to protect and rebuild bone. This is excellent for those already diagnosed with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. This is also excellent to consider for those wanting to prevent OP from occurring in this first place.
This PODCAST is by one of our office favorite GURU’s that we look to as a leader in the Functional Health Care Realm, Dr. Peter Attia.
Thanks for reading and please share. Healthy is Contagious!
*Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or taking supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status.
Back In Line Has Moved!
We are now located at 1212 Dina Court in Hiawatha.
The new space is bright and energetic and we can’t wait to treat you at our new home! We loved our 99 N Center Point Road location and will miss our friends Pat and Kara Callanan (the best landlords ever)! We are thankful for how it served us well over the last 7 years.
See our September 2023 newsletter for more information. See you at our new location soon!