,

Why are you still drinking soda pop?

coke spray soft drink

Top 10 health problems from drinking soda pop:

1. Extra weight and obesity

2. Liver damage

3. Tooth decay

4. Kidney stones and chronic kidney disease

5. Diabetes

6. Heartburn & acid reflux

7. Osteoporosis (soft, brittle bones)

8. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

9. Heart disease

10. Impaired digestion and gastrointestinal distress

Here is what happens in your body after you enjoy a soft drink:

Within the first 10 minutes,10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100 percent of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.

Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.

Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.

Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physically identical response to that of narcotic use.

After 60 minutes, you’ll have a sugar crash and become irritable while your cravings will become very powerful in hopes to find a way to bring your blood sugar back up again.

Diet soda drinkers are not off the hook because the health risks are very similar to those of regular soda drinkers. The fake sugars used in diet drinks are very confusing to the human body.

One of the best things that you can do for your health is to choose to hydrate your body with water instead of soft drinks. Every chemical reaction that takes place in the body requires water as an ingredient. We know far too much about health and wellness now to continue consuming soda pop and soft drinks. There are better uses that have been discovered for these products in the area of astringents and cleaners to remove rust and grime from surfaces.


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Genes Load the Gun – Lifestyle Choices Pull the Trigger

epigenetic chiropracticWe once thought that the human genome served as a recipe for the body and that when you end up with “bad genes” there is simply nothing that can be done. Sometimes “bad things” happen to “good people” and that was long thought to be the end of story. The fact of the matter is that what you are born with is only the beginning of the story, and every day, through the choices you make in the area of diet, exercise, meditation, and Chiropractic care, you are actually recreating all aspects of your body. 

Although the genes you are born with can be thought of as loading your genetic gun, it is your life choices that determine when and even if those genes are ever fired. This is why a woman who carries a gene for breast cancer does not have breast cancer the moment she is born or perhaps even several decades into her life. Something must trigger the expression of that gene in her body. A recent study revealed that by practicing intermittent fasting, women can significantly reduce the chances of expressing the genes responsible for developing breast cancer. With life choices, we can choose whether or not to express certain genes.

There are thousands of epigenetic switches on each of our 25,000 genes and the position of those switches — whether the gene is turned on or off — is what determines when and if any given gene expresses in the body. 

So the question is, what controls expression of the genes? The pharmaceutical industry is spending billions of dollars looking for pills that will turn these epigenetic switches on and off. Science has already discovered the most powerful keys to the epigenetic switches. A clean diet, consistent exercise, centered emotions, daily meditation and Chiropractic care have all been shown to have powerfully positive epigenetic impacts. Currently, it is estimated that somewhere between 70 and 90% of our genes can be turned on and off epigenetically.

When you eat processed and conventional food, fail to exercise, and struggle to manage stress in life, you are playing a potentially deadly game of genetic Russian roulette. You cannot  continue to abuse the body without suffering in health. The beauty of how our bodies come to be is that we are now creating our body’s future experience with the choices made today.


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Intermittent Fasting: 16/8 Method

 

Food clock

Food clock

Fasting is not as difficult as it sounds

Intermittent fasting is a term for a cycling eating pattern between periods of fasting and eating. It does not say anything about which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, it is not a “diet” in the conventional sense. It is more accurately described as an “eating pattern.”

Humans have actually been fasting throughout evolution. Sometimes it was done because food was not available, and it has also been a part of major religions, including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.

If anything, fasting from time to time is more “natural” than constantly eating 3-4 (or more) meals per day. If you think of your digestive system as a machine, you would understand that the less often you use a machine, the longer it will last. Our digestive machine will last longer if it is not overworked.

There are many different types of intermittent fasting. For the purpose of this blog, I will focus on my favorite and the most popular type, which is the 16/8 method. It involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to just 8 hours, for example from 10 am to 6 pm, 11 am to 7 pm, or from 12 pm to 8 pm. (The actual 8 hour window can be during any time of day but makes the most sense for a majority of people at these times) Then you “fast” for 16 hours in between. I’ve personally found the 16/8 method to be the simplest, most sustainable and easiest to stick to. Timing it so that most of your fasting is done while sleeping works great!

When you fast, several things happen in your body on the cellular and molecular level. For example, your body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible. Your cells also initiate important repair processes, and change the expression of genes. This is a wonderful discovery in the area of epigenetics.

Here are some changes that occur in your body when you fast:

  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH): The levels of growth hormone skyrocket, increasing as much as 5-fold. This has the benefit of fat loss and muscle gain. Another great way to boost your HGH is to practice High Intensity Interval Training.
  • Insulin: Insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop dramatically. Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible. This provides answers to those struggling to manage their blood sugar levels and are labeled pre-diabetic.
  • Cellular repair: When fasted, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. A natural and healthy occurrence where cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells. Cleansing and “taking out the trash” so to speak.
  • Gene expression: There are changes in the function of genes related to longevity and protection against disease. Less stress on the system allows for longer life span. Ask your body to express healthy genes, not flawed ones.

These changes in hormone levels, cell function and gene expression are responsible for the health benefits of intermittent fasting.

Here are the main health benefits of intermittent fasting:

  • Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and belly fat, without having to consciously count calories.
  • Insulin resistance:Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar by 3-6% and fasting insulin levels by 20-31% which is protective against type 2 diabetes.
  • Inflammation:There is a significant decrease in the lab work markers of inflammation, a key driver of many chronic diseases.
  • Heart Health:Intermittent fasting may reduce LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood sugar and insulin resistance. These are all risk factors for heart disease.
  • Cancer:Animal studies suggest that intermittent fasting may help prevent cancer.
  • Brain Health:Intermittent fasting increases a brain hormone called BDNF, and may aid the growth of new nerve cells. It may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Anti-aging:Intermittent fasting can extend lifespan in rats. Studies showed that fasted rats live as much as 36-83% longer.

What if I don’t want to lose any weight? Intermittent fasting is not just for those who hope to lose weight. While it is a very effective way to do so, many people who practice IF are doing it to sculpt lean muscle and provide preventative healthcare benefits while maintaining a healthy body weight.

I invite you to give intermittent fasting a try for a few days. You will likely enjoy the benefits as much as I have and be surprised at how efficiently the body is capable of working.

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I workout so I can drink protein shakes

protein-powderProtein is required by the body, especially when challenging it with exercise. Nowadays it is widely accepted and (even expected) to follow a good workout with a protein shake or smoothie. They go well together. Your body will crave the amino acids available in protein to rebuild damaged tissue post workout. Their is even a small window of time after exercise termed the “anabolic window” where the body is primed to absorb nutrients for assimilation.

You may have noticed that there are MANY types and flavors of protein powder available to choose from. Some are much safer and healthier than others. I encourage you to read the label of your current brand and lookout for a few things.

First of all, find out the source of protein. Is if from a plant or animal?

Plant protein powders typically come from rice, chia, hemp, pea, flax, and soy. These are very easy to digest and almost immediately ready for absorption. I recommend avoiding all types of soy for many different reasons so be sure to find one without soy. 

Animal protein powders typically come in the form of whey which is made from dairy. Conventional dairy is an allergen to everyone. Some of us more than others. It increases inflammation in the lining of our guts and produces various symptoms such as digestive discomfort, acne, headaches, congestion, excess mucus production, and sinus infections. Those who choose whey protein powders commonly report bloating, distended stomach and gassiness. Another pitfall for conventional dairy products is the high amount of contamination with hormones, antibiotics, and other environmental contaminants. No wonder dairy consumption is directly linked cancer in many different studies.

Secondly, watch out for many different types of additives and fillers. Your body will digest and absorb real food better than it will artificial ingredients. Be careful about sugar of many different names and forms and ALOT of it! This is added simply for taste and will harm your body. You may find different types of binding agents and dyes also. Ideally, the best protein powder will be made with protein.

I enjoy high quality plant protein from Metagenics


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Foam Rolling: What’s the Point and How do I do it?

Foam RollerWhat is the point of foam rolling?

Foam rolling can provide health benefits by breaking down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue that is in your fascia. Fascia is a three dimensional fibrous matrix that interconnects and surrounds all cells of the body including muscles, bones, and joints, providing integrity and strength.

Abnormal fascia can cause chronic pain, reduced flexibility, and decreased athletic performance. Foam rolling can be an effective, inexpensive and convenient way to keep your body healthy, limber, fit and flexible. I recommend a high density foam roller.

Whether you are a bodybuilder, athlete, or weekend warrior, foam rolling is important to allow strength along with flexibility and full range of motion.

How to use a foam roller:

Foam rolling is very simple to learn. Choose an area of tightness in your body and place it on top of the foam roller. Slowly roll along the muscle groups end to end until you find a tender spot. Stop right on top of the painful area and hold it there until the pain diminishes by about 75%. Then continue scanning around to find another area to hold until you can’t find any other tender points to work on. Over time, with practice and repetition, you might be able to work out all of the tender points throughout your body and then keep the foam roller handy for maintenance and prevention. You can increase pressure over the soft tissue by stacking your body parts upon one another or repositioning your body in many ways. You can use a foam roller before physical activity, or after, or both to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery.

Target specific muscle groups with your foam roller:

Paraspinals

Paraspinals: With your arms behind your head, lie on your back, face up, with roller positioned in the middle of your back and your butt off the ground. Roll up and down along your spine.

Latissimus

Latissimus: Lie on your side with your arm overhead. Roll back and forth along your side from your arm pit to your mid-torso.

Gluteus Muscles-Minimus-Piriformis

Gluts / Piriformis: Sit on the foam roller while leaning forward into the side your working on. Roll up and down along the entire buttock area.

Hamstrings

Hamstrings: Sit with the foam roller on your hamstrings on the back of your thighs. Roll up and down along the back of your thighs.

Quadriceps

Quadriceps: Lay face down with the foam roller under your thighs. Roll up and down your quads and rock side to side to work the entire muscle group.

Iliotibial Band

Iliotibial  Band: Lay on your side with the foam roller on your lateral thigh. Roll up to your hip and down to your knee.

Calves Gastro-Soleus

Calves Gastro-Soleus: Sit with the foam roller behind your legs. Roll up and down along your calves from behind your knee to your heels.

Peroneals

Peroneals / Tibialis: Kneel over your foam roller and roll up to the knee and down to the ankle while focusing on the outer / lateral portion of your shin.

If you have pain/discomfort which does not resolve or worsens with exercise and foam rolling, I encourage you to consider Chiropractic care. After you are more comfortable with your foam roller, a full body routine might take about 10-minutes to complete. I recommended to foam roll anywhere from 3 to 5 times each week. Take this time to focus on deep breathing.

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Sitting is the New Smoking – Even if Fit & Active, Desk Jobs are Bad for Health

sitting the new smokingSitting is the new smoking. It is killing us by the masses and we don’t know any better. Our human bodies are not meant to be folded in half for hours at a time. Sedentary lifestyle instigates every co-morbidity known to man. The muscles decondition and atrophy. The organs are squished, restricted in function and get backed up with viscous fluids. The joints degenerate and the nerves get irritated and inflamed. The brain slows with fog. The cardiovascular and lymphatic systems grow stagnant. All that is just the beginning! Compile years of desk time studying, reading, computer work, phone calls, meals, entertainment, and traveling then you have created a human body that is really good at one thing- sitting. We will adapt to the stresses and demands that are asked of us. If the challenge is only that of endurance in the seated posture, then we will lose our mobility. Use it or lose it!

Researchers are taking a closer look at how we position ourselves day to day and are repeatedly demonstrating that standing and moving is a much more safe, efficient way to spend our time as opposed to sitting. Those who are adopting standing workstations, where the day to day tasks can be performed in the upright standing position, are experiencing many benefits including: improved health profiles and lab-work, more efficiency and productivity, better mood, more enjoyment and fulfillment in career, more energy etc. They are finding less fatigue, irritability, brain fog and sick days. Choosing standing over sitting can reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The abundance of evidence is in. Standing desks need to replace the primitive seated work environment in school, home, and work. There are many options available to help you make the switch. You can simply prop up your monitor and keyboard with standard household tables, boxes, and stands of any kind.  Or you can invest in yourself with more elegant and custom fitted furniture like this one from www.anthrodesk.com/

This is the model that we use at Baltuska Chiropractic!
http://anthrodesk.com/standing-desk-converter.html

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Essential Oils Now Available at Baltuska Chiropractic!

Essential OilsPic

Essential Oils are naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health care practices. I enjoy using oils topically during patient care and diffusing scents into the office for additional health benefits. Essential Oils are great to help cut down or avoid the use of dangerously invasive medications. You can give your whole medicine cabinet a make-over.

Essential oils are used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends in one of three methods:

Aromatic

Essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air.

Topical

Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and many can be safely applied topically when used in conjunction with a carrier oil, such as Coconut Oil.

Internal

Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements supporting a variety of healthy conditions.

Some of the most commonly used oils include Peppermint for tummy trouble and headaches, Lavender for stress and anxiety, Tea Tree for topical skin infections, and Eucalyptus for sinuses and breathing. There are many other more exotic oils to use and the possibilities are endless when mixing them together.

You can shop online now at www.mydoterra.com/baltuskachiropractic and have your favorite oils delivered to your home or purchase them in my practice when you visit for care.

Schedule your appointment for Chiropractic or Acupuncture at this link:
Schedule Appointment Now!


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Lenexa Chiropractor Kelly Baltuska, DC Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headache, Stress, Anxiety, Sleep, Flexibility, Fewer Colds

TableChiroCallnowTop Benefits of Chiropractic Care

First of all, your spine protects the most important system in your body, your central nervous system. When the vertebrae in your spine become restricted in their motion, the area begins to degenerate at a faster rate than normal. Degeneration is a normal part of aging, but lack of motion in a joint speeds up the degeneration process. We are now beginning to see advanced stages of spinal degeneration in people as young as 30. This is due to lack of activity and lack of motion in the spine. The health concern with spinal degeneration is that the space that protects your spinal nerves decreases. This directly affects spinal nerve function in a negative way, as the nerves become inflamed.

Some of the later symptoms of spinal degeneration are shooting pain down the arms and/or legs and muscle weakness. Any organ systems these spinal nerves innervate, are also affected and begin to not function as well as they should. This is why chiropractors stress getting adjusted on a regular basis even if you don’t show pain. Pain is often the later stage of the problem.

With that said, your central nervous system controls all function in your body. By keeping your spine aligned, you prevent degeneration of your spine and maintain the health of your central nervous system. Visit your chiropractor today and start feeling better! In the meantime, here are five more reasons why you should get adjusted on a regular basis:

Click here to schedule your Chiropractic Adjustment online now!

1. Improved Posture & Relief of Back Pain

The research doesn’t lie, as chiropractic is proven to be effective time and time again for neck pain and low back pain. (1,2,4)

This is the most common reason patients seek chiropractic care. Chiropractors are very good at getting to the root cause of the problem, so that you get out of pain. Unfortunately, many patients wait for the pain to get severe before seeking chiropractic care. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong and should not be accepted as normal. One of the most common things we hear in the office before a patient seeks chiropractic care is that “I just thought I’d tough it out” or “I thought the pain would go away”.

Don’t let the pain get to this point. Just about every patient wishes they would have tried chiropractic sooner because of the relief it provides. Many patients also choose to get regular chiropractic care, once a week or once a month, so that their pain does not ever return or get worse.

2. Fewer Headaches

There are many reasons physiologically why chiropractic can help with your headaches. One reason would be that misalignments in your spine cause stress on your nervous system resulting in muscle tension, neck pain, and headaches. Getting adjusted helps remove this stress. (6)

Did you know that there are two arteries called the vertebral arteries that run between the cervical vertebrae in your neck? When the vertebrae in your neck become misaligned, this causes stress on the arteries, resulting in vascular headaches such as migraines. Adjustments help remove this stress and relieve migraine headaches. (3)

3. Less Stress & Less Anxiety

Everyone is familiar with the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord. But, are you familiar with the autonomic nervous system? The parasympathetic and sympathetic systems make up the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for the body’s unconscious functions.

Adjustments to the spine help restore the balance between these two systems which is important for controlling stress and anxiety. (5) Again, often times after an adjustment, patient’s often report feeling “Lighter” and “More free”.

4. Greater Energy & Better Sleep

Adjustments positively affect the autonomic nervous system which can help improve energy. In addition, because the central nervous system is calmed after adjustments, the mind is able to relax and many patients often experience a very restful sleep. We’ve had many patients tell us that “last night was the best sleep I’ve had in years”, after an adjustment.(5)

5. Better Coordination & Flexibility

Muscle spasms and tightness occur when there are restrictions in your spine. By getting adjusted, the “tightness” is relieved and patients often feel like they can not only move better, but also feel like they can breathe better.  As mentioned before, the removal of this tightness can also help with tension headaches.(7)

6. Improved Immune System & Fewer Colds

The central nervous system and autonomic nervous system control immune system function. Adjustments improve their function which indirectly affects immune system function. In fact, Dr. Hampton adjusts his family whenever anyone starts to feel under the weather. By getting adjusted before the cold/sickness kicks in, it can help boost your immune system so that virus is defeated before it even gets started.

Click here to schedule your Chiropractic Adjustment online now!

1: BMJ 2003; 326 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7395.911 (Published 26 April 2003)

2: JAMA Patient Page. April 24, 2013. Low Back PainDenise M. Goodman, MD, MS; Alison E. Burke, MA; Edward H. Livingston, MD

3: A case of chronic migraine remission after chiropractic care. Peter J. Tuchin

4: Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Bronfort G1, Haas M, Evans RL, Bouter LM.

5: Heart failure as an autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Takuya Kishi, MD, PhD,

6: Boline PD, Kassak K, Bronfort G, et al. Spinal manipulation vs. amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: A randomized clinical trial J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1995;18(3): 148-154.

7: The effect of spinal manipulation on imbalances in leg strength. Philip D. Chilibeck, PhD, Stephen M. Cornish, PhD, Al Schulte, DC, Nathan Jantz, MSc, Charlene R.A. Magnus, BSc, Shane Schwanbeck, MSc, and Bernhard H.J. Juurlink, PhD

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Believe it in Your Heart that Life is Miraculous

 

old-and-healthy

I was visiting with a good friend and patient of mine earlier this afternoon during his weekly adjustment. He was just about to turn 70 years old and told me about his monthly lunch get-together with his lifelong friends. Over the last few years, he has watched as his buddies let their health slip away. Poor diet and inactivity were catching up with them and causing many different kinds of problems in how they felt and how they functioned. What was once a cheery reunion full of laughter and nostalgic memories now seemed to be a pity party. Each guy would take turns complaining about a body part, explaining why they were worse off then the last guy. They would solemnly talk about their favorite activities that they missed doing since their health deteriorated. Then they would explain how some of the regulars couldn’t attend that day due to hospitalizations or doctors appointments.

This was difficult for my friend to watch. We agreed that the more often we see and hear of people suffering, the more we wanted to avoid such a demise. This would encourage us to take better care of ourselves and do our best to maintain good health in many different ways. I do understand that there are uncontrollable variables that cause pathology in us. I often wonder if I might end up the unlucky diagnosis of a completely random and fatal condition, simply because it would be so ironic for a guy who spends so much time, energy, money, and focus on trying to be as healthy as possible. An outside perspective might shake their head and think: “All that for nothing. What a shame.”

But as the healthy habits and practices become so ingrained, I wonder how others could get along living any other way. It really doesn’t take more than a couple of days falling out of the routines to start to feel worse in my mind, body and spirit. I crave the practices that nourish me. As I reflect upon my life’s calling, I continue to return back to similar ideas. I want to show you how to take care of yourself. I want you to feel vibrant, young, healthy, and alive. I want you to learn to love the practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit so that you too can live your calling and passion. I smile SO BIG when a patient gets it. 

As for the sick and suffering, please know that you can always do more to nurture yourself. When the health maladies begin to overlap and the medications begin to mix dangerously within your body, the heaviness of self defeat is gargantuan. Know that what is holding you back the most is the limitations you have in your thoughts and your mind. Cyclical negative ideas will stop you in your tracks before even attempting to change your ways. Your body will freak out when you try to trade a bad habit for a healthy one. Break free from those old stories you have been telling yourself and your loved ones. Rewrite a vision for yourself. One that is fresh and revitalizing. Believe it in your heart that life is miraculous and be amazed and grateful when the healing ensues. 

Schedule your own Chiropractic adjustment at this link.

I’ll be looking forward to meeting you!


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What’s up with that colorful tape? Kinesio Tape

KT tape

Call 913-283-9803 or schedule online at this link.

Have you noticed the colorful tape on professional athletes lately? It is typically called Kinesio Tape but has many other names depending on the company brand. If you ask someone that has tried it out, you’ll likely hear pretty awesome feedback.

Unlike traditional medical taping methods that seek to stabilize an area and restrict range of motion, Kinesio tape is a new functional taping strategy that can be used in a variety of ways. KT can be applied to the body with the intention to speed the healing process of a sports injury and quickly resolve bruising. It can also be applied in such a way to either inhibit or activate certain muscle groups. For instance, KT tape could be used to calm overactivity in tendinitis and hypertonic muscles to allow them to relax and recover. Or KT tape could be used to “wake up” and turn on or activate a de-conditioned and atrophied muscle to rehabilitate it back to full function.

Although KT tape may seem relatvely new to the scene of sports medicine and performance, there is already a good amount of published research showing its’ efficacy in many ways. Here is a link to an extensive list of research: http://www.kinesiotaping.com/research/published-research

I am enjoying powerful and effective results taping my patients in collaboration with their full spine and extremity Chiropractic adjustments. I offer this functional taping service for just $10! I invite you to come try it out at my new practice in Lenexa, KS soon.

Call 913-283-9803 or schedule online at this link.

Dr. Kelly Baltuska, DC

Baltuska Chiropractic 13830 Santa Fe Trail Drive Suite 102 Lenexa KS 66215


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