Joan Sparkman, Vice President of First Citizens Bank in Murrieta, and Andy Melendrez, Ward 2 Councilman for the City of Riverside, have signed onto the 2010-11 Annual United Way of the Inland Valleys (UWIV) Campaign as Co-Chairs.

Ms. Sparkman and Mr. Melendrez will be heading up the team of locally recruited volunteers who will work to raise enough money in the fall campaign to fund 35 local member agencies, various local partner agencies and four local community initiatives.  Ms. Sparkman said, “We know these are tough times, but it is during tough times that the need is the greatest and when people of good will pull together to make a difference.” 

Mr. Melendrez pointed out, “In December 2009, the Employment Development Department of California announced the unemployment rate increased to 14.3% for Riverside. In 2009, over 750,000 people were receiving unemployment funds, which was a 62% increase from last year. In Riverside, one of the hardest hit cities during this economic struggle, there were over 115,000 families unemployed.  This year, we need to support the United Way campaign, not just because it feels good, but because our community needs us to step up.”

Ms. Sparkman added, “This is about our bottom line as a region to live, work and play.  If we don’t invest in these agencies and programs, who is going to want to live or work here?  We can restore the quality of life here by making an investment in our own best interests.” Mr. Melendrez said, “We can do this, if we choose to Live United; if we dare to care.”

Ms. Sparkman and Mr. Melendrez will serve a one-year term as Campaign Co-Chairs and will be members of the UWIV Executive Committee of the Board for that year.  They will serve a three-year term as members of the general board of directors.

United Way of the Inland Valleys supports agencies, programs and services, serving residents of Greater Riverside, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Canyon Lake, Cabazon, Glen Avon, Jurupa, Lake Elsinore, Mira Loma, Murrieta, Pedley, Rubidoux, Wildomar, and Perris.

For more information about United Way of the Inland Valleys, please visit our website at www.uwiv.org or call 951.697.4700.

by Leann Sumner

You may know massage is a great way to relax, but if you think massage is a luxury (and one you can’t afford) think again!  Here are just six of the many ways regular massage relieves pain and increases health.

Relieve Headaches -Trigger point massage, applying direct pressure on knots and tender points, increases circulation and dissipates knots which can cause headaches and neck pain.  Cranial sacral massage is also helpful in relieving headaches, neck pain and the symptoms of TMJ.  Regular massage relieves symptoms and decreases the likelihood of chronic recurrence.

Decrease Anxiety - Massage is able to lower the body’s level of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 53% according to the Touch Research Institute at University of Miami, and increases the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, naturally decreasing anxiety.

Stop Back Pain - Back pain left untreated becomes chronic, and is a common cause of disability and missing work.  The most common causes of back pain are poor posture while sitting or standing, repetitive movements, using a work station that is not ergonomically correct, and carrying extra weight.  A recent study showed that regular massage was more effective in relieving back pain than other therapies and even appeared to reduce the use of painkillers by 36%.

Increase Flexibility - Flexibility is an important key to good health.  Regular massage can help maintain or increase flexibility and range of motion by working the muscles, connective tissue and tendons and ligaments, and by stimulating the production and retention of the natural lubricants between the connective tissue fibers.  With regular massage, athletes will prevent injury and recover faster from workouts with less soreness.  Those who are less active will increase range of motion and improve blood flow.

Treat Your Feet  - Reflexology, a system developed thousands of years ago, is based on the belief that zones of the hands and feet relate directly to different parts of the body.  Pressure is applied to a specific area in the foot or hand, which then relates to an area of the body, such as the lower back. Easing soreness in the feet and hands feels great and increases overall well-being.

Massage Envy therapists will customize your massage to meet your individual needs.  First time guests receive a one hour customized session for only $39.  That’s pain relief you can afford.  Visit MassageEnvy.com to find the clinic nearest you.

by Tina M. Gottlieb, D.C.                 

• What Is Fibromyalgia? - Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which the patient suffers from pain and tenderness over a great deal of the body.  Fibromyalgia sufferers may also experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, stiffness, and other symptoms.  Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, however, it is generally accepted that the tenderness must exist in 11 of 18 precise points on the body and be persistent for 3 months. 
• Fibromyalgia Facts - 3-6 million Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia. (American College of Rheumatology) 80-90% are women and of them most are of child bearing age.   The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, however, it is widely accepted that it is likely the result of an injury or trauma which affects the central nervous system.  “An injury or trauma, particularly in the upper spinal region, may trigger the development of Fibromyalgia in some people.” (Mayo Clinic)
• Treatment For Fibromyalgia - Medical treatment for Fibromyalgia emphasizes minimizing symptoms and general health care.  Over the counter medications are often utilized to control pain.  Antidepressants and medications to assist with sleep are also used.  Exercise, relaxation, and physical therapy are also utilized to help reduce pain.
• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Works - Upper Cervical Chiropractic works by correcting injuries to the upper cervical spine (upper neck).  Misalignments in the upper cervical vertebrae cause irritation to the nerves traveling between the brain and spinal cord resulting in Fibromyalgia. Causes of upper neck misalignments include traumas to the head, neck, or spine, such as concussion, auto accidents, whiplash, sports injuries, bumps on the head, and poor posture. Specific correction of misaligned vertebrae in the upper neck removes irritation in the central nervous system, thereby allowing a patient's nervous system and body to heal and resume normal function. Typical Upper Cervical Chiropractic treatment involves an initial spinal exam, specific x-rays of the upper neck, computerized thermal spinal scans to detect neurological irritation, and specific adjustments by hand to correct the misaligned vertebrae in the upper neck. Many patients who have responded extremely well to care remember a specific trauma, although there are many who do not remember what events preceded the onset of their problems. 

If you would like to find out more about upper cervical chiropractic care contact Dr.Gottlieb at 909-699-5161 or visit www.drtina.com.