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Joshua Borgardt received his degree from Life Chiropractic College West in 2006. He has recently practiced in his own clinic, but spent many years working for a highly regarded medical office, Health in Balance, in Laguna Beach, California. While employed at Health in Balance, Joshua worked closely with patients needing treatment of common biomechanical issues that arise with everyday life. Joshua is comfortable treating all types of clients, including the professional athletes he worked with in California. Doctor Borgardt is currently completing neuro-diplomate coursework through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and will take his examination through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.
By Dr. Borgardt Health , , , ,

COVID-19 Truth & Facts | March 17th, 2020

COVID-19 Truth & Facts

I would like to thank you for all of your business over the past few weeks. We appreciate your trust in our office and feel privileged to be a part of how you take care of yourselves during this sensitive time.

Truths as we know them today, March 17th 2020:

    • COVID-19 is also known as: “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]
    • The incubation period (the time between infection and symptom onset) can be one to fourteen days. Statistically it is 5 days. [2]
    • It is still unclear regarding if it is infectious during its incubation period. [3] On February 1st, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that "transmission from asymptomatic cases is likely not a major driver of transmission”. [4]
    • There are some concerns regarding an action called “pre-symptomatic shedding” and a statistical model has been built and appears to model what we know about its  known documented spread.[5]
    • Transmission is via respiratory droplets. [6]
    • Details regarding its ability to live on surfaces for a period of time are not available as of 26 February 2020. However, it is assumed that they are similar to other coronaviruses, which survive up to 9 days at room temperature. [7]
    • Community mitigation or the ability to delay the outbreak peak as to decompress the health care burden is the major goal at this point regarding the quarantining of individuals. [8]

How do you offend or defend yourself against this viral menace?

I would like to preface that any supplementation of any item suggested here comes with concern and risk for the interaction with medications or pre-existing conditions. The perfect example is the second recommendation - Vitamin C, which can directly impact some very important antipsychotic drugs. Please do not under any circumstance just take my word for it, over the internet, that you should start this as a regiment, as it can have unintended consequences. Please talk to your health care provider or call our office if you have any questions. These suggestions are not for emergency care under any circumstances. They are meant for possible preventative care, as all disease processes are multifactorial.

    • Eat foods that are dense in nutrition and hydration; I won’t even use a citation for this one
    • Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid [9] [10]
    • Vitamin D [11]
    • Zinc [12]
    • Cordyceps [13]
    • Vitamin A [14]

Mechanisms and actions can be explain at further detail at a later date. At the time of this article I just want to get it out to the people of the Flathead Valley and in most part maybe even further to help those that might need it. Especially considering the state of our current news organizations just want to talk about what makes them special.

Please call our office (406) 314-6314 if you need any suggestions or advice; I may not be at the office or be busy with patients. However, I will be returning all phone calls within a 8 hour period.

Citations

  1. Gobalenya AE, Baker SC, Baric RS, et al. (March 2020). Nature Microbiology: 1–9. doi:10.1038/s41564-020-0695-z
  2. "WHO COVID-19 situation report 29" (PDF). WHO.int. World Health Organization. 19 February 2020
  3. Kupferschmidt K (February 2020). "Study claiming new coronavirus can be transmitted by people without symptoms was flawed” Science. doi:10.1126/science.abb1524
  4. World Health Organization (2020). Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): situation report, 12 (Report). hdl:10665/330777
  5. Li R, Pei S, Chen B, et al. (16 March 2020):  "Substantial undocumented infection facilitates the rapid dissemination of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2)" Science: eabb3221
  6. How Coronavirus Spreads: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/05/812570693/how-coronavirus-spreads-a-cough-in-your-face-or-a-kiss-on-your-cheek 
  7. Kampf, G.; Todt, D.; Pfaender, S.; Steinmann, E. (March 2020). "Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents". The Journal of Hospital Infection. 104 (3): 246–251. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2020.01.022
  8. Anderson, R. M.; Heesterbeek, H.; Klinkenberg, D.; Hollingsworth, T. D. (March 2020). "How will country-based mitigation measures influence the course of the COVID-19 epidemic?”.  Lancet. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30567-5 .
  9. Jariwalla RJ, Harakeh S. Antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of ascorbic acid. In: Harris JR, ed. Subcellular Biochemistry. Vol. 25. Ascorbic Acid: Biochemistry and Biomedical Cell Biology. New York: Plenum Press; 1996:215-231
  10. Nutrients 2017, 9(11), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211 
  11. Viruses and Bacteria in the Etiology of the Common Cold. J Clin Microbiol. 1998 Feb; 36(2): 539–542.
  12. Therapeutic Application of Zinc in Human Immunodeficiency Virus against Opportunistic Infections. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/130.5.1424S 
  13. Cordycepin is a novel chemical suppressor of Epstein-Barr virus replication. Published online 2014 Dec 18. doi: 10.18632/oncoscience.110 
  14. Vitamin A and Human immunodeficiency virus infection doi:  https://doi.org/10.1079/PNS19970046
By Dr. Borgardt Chiropractic , , , , , , , , ,

Text Neck | Upper Crossed Syndrome | Weekly Wakeup

Text Neck; Why it's important? Who cares if you look down when you walk or talk or don't look people in the eye - Right?

More importantly, it is called 'Upper crossed syndrome' and as most of my patients know, I have a thing for talking about very weird things like embryology, physiology, and anthropology. So, i'll keep this one short, the symptoms of upper crossed syndrome can include shoulder pain, upper back pain, neck pain, rounded shoulders and a hunched posture, and headaches.

If you have a desk job, go to school, and/or spend lots of time in front of the computer or TV every day, then the answer is statistically YES you might have this thing called 'Text Neck'. In fact, the two most common problems I’ve encountered in my practice are low back pain and headaches, both of these items can be caused by text neck / Upper Crossed Syndrome. It is essential to be aware of compensation patterns within this system as it can often lead to injuries.

Do you have good posture?

A couple of things to consider:

  • Does your chin protrude forward in the mirror if you look at yourself in pictures?
  • Do you have a problem looking up?
  • Do you have headaches at the end of the day and notice that you spend more than 1 hour a day on your phone?
  • Have you ever looked at your phone usage and realized you spend way too much time on it?

Can you fix it without chiropractic care?

You might want to consider the basics, proper exercise and stretching. One of the best combination workout regiments is the downward facing dog. It works on all the things you want it too and its very easy. If you have tight hamstrings we will talk about that later, however just getting to work on this part of the spine, includes the shoulder muscles especially the posterior and serratus muscles within the shoulder complex that are very important for the health of your shoulders and your neck.

If you try to modify this posture to add a little tension in the spine in a positive direction you may want to consider tucking your chin in and lifting your head almost 'retracting' your spine back and up. In this posture you will feel the tension set by hours of your text neck behavior and honestly it's a great workout!

Can chiropractic care help?

100%. Just look at the studies listed below:

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that a single cervical manipulation is capable of producing immediate and short-term benefits for

2016 Jun;39(5):319-329. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.03.003. Epub 2016 May 12.

 

CONCLUSION:

Sensorimotor function and multisensory integration associated with fall risk and the physical component of quality of life improved in older adults receiving chiropractic care compared with control.

2016 May;39(4):267-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.02.003. Epub 2016 Apr 2

 

CONCLUSION:

In this study, the physical examination findings between preadolescents with neck pain and/or headaches and those who were symptom free differed significantly in one of the parameters measured. Cervical joint dysfunction was a significant finding among those preadolescents complaining of neck pain and/or headache as compared to those who did not.

2009 Oct;32(8):625-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.025.

Lake Louise Photo
By Dr. Borgardt Exercises, Uncategorized , , , ,

5 Ways to Beat the Cold Weather Blues | Weekly Wakeup

I am a cold weather person, my wife however, isn't. So over the years I have put together some items that has helped her, and should help you through the tough months of winter. Yes, they do work, I promise. I have shortened the details of this list for your reading. However, if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask me. You might get a 16 hour lecture, but you will be informed!!!

 

Finding Sunshine

Look, I know this seems obvious and quite ridiculous considering it will be grey for a couple of months. Oddly there are things you can do to consume light, one of them being hiking in the wilderness. Every storm we have there is often a bright spot, the clouds disappear and there is usually some light to be had. Seriously go outside, hike, walk, climb and find more of it. Setting on your couch and you will not get the benefits of photon phase energy from the sun that chemically shifts vitamin D into making you happy!

Read Here if you don't believe me.

 

Limiting Excessive Holiday Cheer

Look, I know, this is common sense. But seriously, just know that the combination of not being active and then drinking too much will get you sick and depressed. In the winter months this can take a toll on the immune system no matter how much you think it warms you up, it does not.

 

Comfort Foods Made Healthier

I know I am opinionated, but this one should be an alarm bell for those of you that 'diet'. There is no such relationship between a foods' calorie and how your body consumes that said food as fuel. I am serious; It is the worst, saddest, marketing joke ever played on humans. Now, you see why I hide and try to not be as 'social' as other people. I get very, sad and frustrated with people that don't use logic. So here is some logic. A calorie is: "The energy needed to increase the temperature of a given mass of water by 1 °C depends on the atmospheric pressure and the starting temperature".

That has nothing to do with how your body enzymatically processes your food - ever. The only relationship it will have is social hysteria. Just don't eat crap food and a lot of it. If you have a metabolic issue, then you should address it. Under no circumstances you should use calories as some emotional marker for your success, or your weight for that matter. It will get you into a psychological tailspin that will create more depression in the winter months. Agreed eating less 'calories' will allow to loose weight, however that is not the way to do it and you know it.

Now, that being said, do the simple stuff. Eat good meats, vegetables, cook them in crock pots ovens. Make sure to eat the fat. Consider soups for leftovers from the previous days meals. Consider drinking way more water and taking some base minerals to boot. I will get off that horse before it becomes a treatise.

 

Wake Up, Exercise & Cold Showers.

Waking up and exercising and following it up with cold showers. Yes, I said it, no joke. Both in combination, have been proven to produce 'brown fat' which literally burns itself. Yes, fat that burns itself, so do it. Calories, what a joke.

You can even loose weight in winter doing this. Imagine a world where you lose weight by eating fatty tasty things but you just have to take a warm shower followed by a cold shower and work out for 30 min. Well, it is real, and it is the one you're living.

Read more here if your curious.

 

Limit Social Media & Get Out There

Just stop it, get out and enjoy yourself. Find the sunshine. Share your love for being happy with others that don't know how to break out of the cycle.

By Dr. Borgardt Mental Hygiene , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mental Hygiene for Your Kids | Part I | Weekly Wakeup

Part I - The Basics

The idea that your kids need 'mental-hygiene' seems ridiculous. However, I would like to point out that our culture as Americans has dramatically changed within the last hundred years, producing a real gap between what we are and what we have to adapt in order to keep up with our daily activities. This evolutionary hurdle between how we are and how our world is now shaped, is yet another culprit in the behavior of our children and their behavioral issues. This article is written with the intent to give you, the parent, helpful tools and an overall awareness to improve your children life and in the long run yours as well.

Lets start off with the four 'big questions' regarding neurological development. Observe how they may have influenced the behavior of your children in the past and become curious in that moment on how you can in the future create positive change. Remember, being that 'curious fellow' is one of the most influential methods of showing your children that they can accomplish most anything. They just have to learn how to ask the basic questions surrounding any problem; The what, why, who, when, and the how.

  1. Does the brain have enough fuel?
  2. Are the neurons within the brain able to become plastic, making new connections and creating new thoughts?
  3. Does the neuron have the ability to rest and repair itself?
  4. Is the neuron being stimulated correctly, in-regards to its' chronobiological requirements?

 

Part II - Energy & Neurons

Sugar (in the form of glycogen) is stored in the liver. Your children have small livers. That is why they need to eat so often. Good, now I got all that cleared up, let me explain myself. Neurons are very different than other tissues, as they cannot make the fuel they need to survive. They are like helpless children waiting for some-one to deliver them food, sound familiar? Without a steady supply of fuel, your brain will slowly shut down as it cannot function without it. Now considering other tissues can make energy, even some adipose (fat) cells can make their own energy, having a child have low level neurological symptoms without the physical body having the same response is very logical.  Please note: There is a way around not having sugar, it involves making it through another process, but that we can cover later.

It becomes an important thing to create a balanced regular diet, especially when your kids are reaching for quick sugar, usually fructose without fiber. Examples being soda, juice, or energy drinks. This cycle can produce bad habits, horrible learning behaviors, and this behavior has been known to change a mood or two.

My suggestion is for you to choose a complex sugar with protein and fat. Yes, I said it - fat. Like from a pig, or an olive, maybe even a cow or a lamb. If you have active kids, a mixture of complex carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, in general, is the best thing for them - every meal. It will allow for their systems to create a steady sugar supply for the brain and allow for an environment where, we will talk about later, it allow for neurons to make new connections and grow. Please avoid all vegetable oil. I usually don't like to make a blanket statement however please just eat fat from healthy animals and seeds. Remember, its' called 'rape seed for a reason', this book link is an automatic download link and yes it is safe, and quite educational.

I also want to touch upon another thing to think about, genetics and how they play a massive role in how your children grow, develop, and interact with their environment. I want you to think about a basic facts, so please do not take this as point to be racially provocative, I am talking about facts and how you can help you and your children's lives. Africans, specifically African Americans, have an amazingly significant risk factor to developing type II diabetes over the course of their lives. Is it their diet? Is it there genetics? Is it both? Studies have shown the risk is both. So, simply said, children with African heritage should not eat fructose, ever. Yes, I said it, ever. Please do not ignore the concept of anthropology and how it applies to your children. Again, that is a different topic that can be another treatise.

For now, lets go over the basics when it comes to that basic question: Does the brain have enough fuel?

  • Eat regularly 3-5 times a day.
  • Eat a combination of complex carbohydrates, fats, & protein.
  • Know that your child has less stored energy so snacks can be key if your out and about.
  • Do not eat fat that is crap; Anything listed as hydrogenated, rapeseed, canola, margarine, vegetable oil. etc...

To be continued... [part III, IV, & V]

By Dr. Borgardt Blood Drive , , , , , , , , , ,

Donate Blood | Hallows-Eve | Vitalant | Weekly Wakeup

Vitalant is proud to be part of this this thriving community We are dedicated to help people realize their life-transforming potential by offering convenient blood donation opportunities and sharing our expertise in transfusion medicine. Vitalant services over 30 hospitals in the Montana and Wyoming area including our own Kalispell Regional  Medical Center and its affiliates. This means that your vital donation will benefit the community you know and love. Your donation could save the life of a local cancer patient, someone undergoing emergency surgery, or someone involved in a traumatic event. 

Blood Facts

There is no substitute for blood. It is essential for life. It carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infection and helps heal wounds. Blood donors are amazing. When you roll up your sleeve to donate, you make an immeasurable difference in your community.

  • 1 in 7 people entering a hospital will need blood. 
  • Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. 
  • There are 10-12 pints of blood in the body of an average adult. 
  • A single Whole Blood donation can impact the lives of three people in need.

Vitalant Vein Drain

Present to donate and participate in our costume contest, win prizes, and celebrate with our spooktacular cookie bar!

October 27th 2018 | 7:00PM - 2:00PM

2593 US HWY 2 East
Kalispell, MT 59901

TBI & Concussions
By Dr. Borgardt Brain , , , , , , , , ,

How to Spot a Possible Concussion | Youth Sports | Weekly Wakeup

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the first set of guidelines allowing parents the information and tools they need to spot possible concussions from youth sport activities in their children. Between you and me, it's about time. That being said, let me start with going over some of the basics; A bit of Mansplaining (my wife's term not mine).

 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most importantly, they are the most significant cause of TBI's in Americas youth. These 'concussive events' in our youth sports occur through simple impacts of head and to some degree, any sizable impact that causes the brain to wiggle back and forth impacting the skull like Jello smashing up against a glass container. This is what creates a concussive event leading to a TBI. One thing that is important to remember when it comes to how hard an impact may or may not have been; There are no tools that allow medicine to determine a value or measurement of an impact and how it equates to the measurement of neurological destruction, every situation is different, every patient is different.

 

Why are concussions so harmful?

The major concern regarding any concussive event, is the sensitive nature of neurons. They are very sensitive to physical impacts. Making matters worse, any impact that ends up causing a neuron to die, initiates a protective inflammatory chemical chain reaction. As a result, this chemically induced cascade creates more and more neurological destruction.

The study of this reaction is in its infancy. However, what we do know is that a good clinical workup is the best choice to document what systems of the brain have been effected. Allowing clinicians to provide tailored clinical program that will certainly reduce the impact of a concussion. As a result, we can help reduce recovery times and any long term damage. The final and most important item to note, on average about 10,000 neurons die every day on their own regardless of any injury. The body recovers this daily 'die off' of neurons through the process known as neuroplasticity creating more complete and healthy connections. As a result, this plastic growth is responsible for creating who you are as a person that develops over time.

 

Why is knowing important?

Teens that play while healing from a lingering concussion have a much greater risk of having a more significant concussion with the same impact. Consequently, these repeat concussions are believed to be much more serious and affect your children over their lifetimes.

 

How can you keep your children safe?

Sports are a fantastic, healthy outlet for anyone, let alone your children. Similarly, I am not an advocate of hiding your children in room to keep them safe. I have had so many concussive events I can't even remember. Yes, that is supposed to be funny. Here are the direct recommendations from the CDC to help your children stay safe:

 

  • Help Create a Culture of Safety for the Team.

›  Work with their coach to teach ways to lower the chances of getting a concussion.

›  Emphasize the importance of reporting concussions and taking time to recover from one.

›  Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

›  Tell your children or teens that you expect them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

 

  • Signs Observed by Parents

› Appears dazed or stunned.

› Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.

› Moves clumsily.

› Answers questions slowly.

› Loses consciousness (even briefly).

› Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

› Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.

 

  • Symptoms Reported by Children

› Headache or “pressure” in head.

› Nausea or vomiting.

› Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.

› Bothered by light or noise.

› Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.

› Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.

› Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down.”

How we can help!

At Flathead Chiropractic we offer the ability for your children to get the neurological evaluation needed following a concussive event, allowing your family to take a positive direction. This includes, many advanced clinical assessment tools and nutritional guidance intended to measure performance and improve the recovery rate. We will give your children the best treatment program possible helping them to get back to being themselves. Call into our office if you have any questions regarding our TBI Assessment Program or if you want to make an appointment please call our office at (406) 314-6314.

By Dr. Borgardt Uncategorized, Weekly Wakeup , , , , , , , ,

Nutrition Facts | Weekly Wakeup | Sport Drinks

A recent research article comparing chocolate milk and sport drinks for post exercise recovery has shown that chocolate milk is the winner, by far. Yes, listen boys and girls to the basic facts: Drinking chocolate milk while exercising and after any decent workout should allow your body to recover just as quickly, if not more than expensive, specialized, sport drinks [1].

Mind you, most studies asses recovery drinks through the comparison of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and proteins through assumed absorption rates and subjective values; So take it with a grain of salt. That being said, please think about your options as consumers. Rule number one: Drink quality, organic if possible, full fat milk, lets say from your local cow milk manufacturer! Rule number two: Use real chocolate dark powder in specific usually 70% or greater I like Dagoba Unsweetened Drinking Chocolate Powder. Rule number three: Use as little sugar as possible, if you use any.

Let me put things into perspective. My brother after football practice would be thirsty and hungry, we were poor and my mothers only real option was full fat milk. For the record he was 6'4" and 270 pounds and he drank a gallon after practice and a gallon throughout the day. The best part of it, is that back in the 80s that only amounted to about $5 / day. Pretty cost efficient I'd say and honestly I do think that it would translate into todays economy as well.

For those that may be a little argumentative about the basics and logic let me man-splain, I will ignore the caloric measurements cause we all know that is bunk. Here is a list of actual nutritional items from a grass / hay fed cow that produces actual milk vs. commercially raised milk food product. When I say 'commercially raised milk food product' I mean to say; milk that has had a specific solution injected from blood derived proteins (precipitated blood albumin to increase protein the content so they can add more water making more money per gallon): Seriously they do that. No wonder people don't 'like' milk.

May I make a recommendation?

Here is what I have as a post workout drink, values of proteins and other recovery items will very greatly with workout scheme, goals, body type, size and sex. That being said, the basics are very important not the values. Remember each person and situation is very different. If you have any questions just call my office and I will give you some feedback.

Dr. Borgardt's  Milk Chocolate work out recovery drink or Sport Drink:

  • Organic milk
  • Dagoba dark chocolate powder
  • Banana
  • N-Acetylcysteine
  • Creatine
  • Protein powder
  • Chia seeds (soaked in water for 8-16 hours)

Blend. Drink. I also take in pill form during this time:

  • phosphatidylcholine
  • Vitamin B (complex)
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C

Go back to work.

  1. Chocolate milk for recovery from exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2018)

  2. Phospholipids and sports performance: J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007; 4: 5