Tag Archives: health

Life needs Motion!

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ID-10030974Roger Sperry, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in 1982 for his work in brain research, stated

“The more structurally distorted we are, the less energy we have for metabolism, for healing and for thinking.”

This is Chiropractic 101!

Without movement you could not sustain life. Blood cells that don’t move cannot transport oxygen, lungs that don’t move cannot breath, hearts that don’t move can’t pump blood, and spines that don’t move can’t create the motion needed for proper joint nutrition, proper body mechanics, or stimulation of the joint-brain pathways required for the regulation of hundreds of internal functions your body performs each and every day.

Movement and alignment of the spine is required for healthy brain function, specifically the coordination of activities such as concentration and learning, emotions, motor control and organ function.

Chiropractors ensure your spinal joints are moving the way they were designed to, so that YOU can move, think and feel the way you were designed to!

Reproductive Health & Chiropractic

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315948dr6jlzqncEvery part of your body works better with a spine that is moving properly.  

Problems with reproductive health in both men and women such as menstrual irregularity, fertility issues, PMS,  menopause, and impotence have shown improvement and resolved with chiropractic care. We’ve seen many people find support and relief!

Spinal misalignments called vertebral subluxations cause muscle imbalances, joint irritation, inflammation, and early degeneration.  Spinal subluxations alter the healthy mechanical and neurological functions in the body. Subluxations weaken all organ systems, leading to sickness, pain,  and a lesser quality of life. Doctors of Chiropractic correct spinal subluxations to restore proper motion and function within the body.

Subluxations in the lumbar spine and hips and can lead to dysfunction of the internal organs in the lower abdomen, particularly the bladder, bowels, ovaries, uterus, and prostate gland. Many people find relief when they support their body naturally, and  when combined with other lifestyle changes they feel and function better.

Instead of relying on medications (with side effects!) help your body heal from the inside-out. Consider Chiropractic first!

Disclaimer: Chiropractic care supports overall health and healing, but is not a cure or treatment for infertility or reproductive issues.

It’s About Power!

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purple NSI make house-calls – to the little boy with a fever, the woman suffering from seizures, the infant crying all night, the woman struggling with anxiety and depression. Not a single one of those house-calls was because they had back pain, nor is it the reason I am in practice.

 

There is a magnificent power that organizes your body, regulates all functions, helps you heal, and gives you life. It’s a master internal intelligence network responsible for everything your body does. Every cell, every organ, every muscle, every tissue is under the direct influence of this intelligence. This power comes from your brain, and flows down your spinal cord.

Chiropractic adjustments work because they realign your spine and restore the power in your body, allowing the life in your body to flow without obstruction.

Healing happens from above-down and from the inside-out. It’s the only way.

When you have spinal subluxations, your body cannot work properly. It’s that simple. Pressure on your spinal cord obstructs the ability of your perfectly designed body to organize itself, to grow, to heal, to think clearly, to be happy, to digest, to reproduce, to eliminate, to breathe and to move. This is why when you choose chiropractic your whole health changes over time, and problems you weren’t even aware of disappear.

This is why the boy with a fever, the woman with seizures, the crying infant, and the woman with depression all experience profound changes in their body, in their mind, and in their life. It’s why people I have adjusted have been able to conceive, recover from lifelong constant infections, get off antidepressants, and walk again. It’s why infants have their spines checked within weeks of being born. It’s why people feel euphoric after being adjusted.

And yes, it’s why back/neck/hip/leg/shoulder/elbow/foot/wrist/jaw pain goes away too.

Chiropractors don’t heal,  YOU do. We remove the power obstructions and help facilitate the process, while giving you support along the way.

Sometimes healing is fast, sometimes it is slow, we have no control over the process, but certainly the way you live your life outside of this office has a tremendous impact.

If we haven’t yet discussed your food intake, your exercise habits, your quality of life and general sense of peace and happiness, you are not healing as well as you should be. Consider what we need to address next, and let me know. We’ll reserve more time on your next visit.

You deserve to be thriving in all facets of your life, not just surviving. Allowing your body to properly communicate with itself is the best place to start.

Kids Have Spines Too!

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CIMG0902I love seeing children in the practice. Their energy is contagious and they are so much fun to be around. Many people are still surprised when they see me adjusting children…here’s some of the most commone questions I hear:

Why do so many parents choose to bring their children to Chiropractors?

To help them grow strong and healthy! Spinal misaligments (subluxations) begin early in life, and the sooner they are corrected, the better the body is able to recover and heal. Whether in an adult or in a child, subluxations cause joint damage, inflammation, reduced mobility and structural imbalance. More importantly, subluxations impair nerve system function, affect the ability to adapt to stress, and inhibit normal body function.

Parents seek Chiropractors for their children to help them recover from an illness, develop proper motor skills, support their brain development, and offer relief for many ailments.

Is it safe? How are children adjusted?

Clinical experience shows that chiropractic spinal adjustments are very safe and comfortable, even for newborns. Chiropractic examinations and adjustive techniques are modified to fit a child’s size, weight, and unique spinal condition. They are both gentle and specific to the child’s developing structures, and parents often comment about how much their children enjoy their adjustments and look forward to visits. The best part about chiropractic care? Unlike over –the-counter prescription remedies and other drugs, chiropractc simply helps the body heal itself…no side effects, just good effects!

Does is Work?

A study compared the level of health of children raised under chiropractic care and mainstream medicine. The results revealed that:

– Nearly 43% of the medical children suffered from tonsillitis, compared to less than 27% of the chiropractic children

– The chiropractic children showed lower antibiotic use and a lower incidence of disease, especially ear infections. If this group of children did became sick, it was reported that the illness was mild compared to those exhibited by their classmates.

A pilot study was undertaken to determine if a relationship existed between the incidence of childhood diseases and the intensity of chiropractic care. “Intensive” chiropractic care (i.e. more than seven visits per year, for more than one year, according to categories defined in the study) increased resistance to common childhood diseases.

Proper Spinal Care is Essential to Your Child’s Health.    

Now more than ever before, parents are searching for proactive lifestyle habits that will nurture their child’s health. Your child may not be sick, but their spine may be developing with spinal subluxations. Consider chiropractic as a natural, safe, preventive strategy to support healthy growth and development.

Disclaimer: Chiropractic care supports overall health and healing, but is not a cure or treatment for tonsillitis or disease in children.

Live Until 100

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334229r557apc8fI have been so inspired lately by the people I have been meeting both in my practice and for the Television show. People who are in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and living healthy and fulfilling lives.

I am not surprised by their age, mobility, independence or level of happiness.

What inspires me rather are the choices they are making to better their health and live a vibrant life, in the same manner I am excited by people of any age taking steps to support their body. Sometimes it’s not ‘easy’ to choose good food when our brain craves something not so good; it’s not ‘easy’ to exercise, and it’s not always ‘easy’ to adopt a positive outlook. But, it’s always a choice.

It has been estimated that by 2050 4.2 million Americans will be living until they are 100 years old. It’s also been estimated that our generations are living an average of 34 years longer than our grandparents did.

So our ability to live longer isn’t in question, the questions are how will you be spending your years? And what are you doing now to support your body and ensure you’ll get there with the level of health you dream of? 

While genetics certainly play a role, there has never been a centenarian recorded who had a centenarian parent. Experts claim that in fact, genetics determine less than a third of the factors involved in lifespan.

Our chronological age (actual age) increases every minute regardless what we do, but our biological age (how well your body looks and functions) is much more flexible.  The difference in your actual age and biological age can be as much as 30 years!

We know the requirements for a healthy body: connecting with others, eating good food, getting enough sleep, moving your body, maintaining a happy outlook, and a healthy spine and nervous system! Studies have shown that chiropractic patients in their senior years report better overall health, have fewer chronic conditions, spend fewer days in nursing homes and hospitals, are more mobile in their communities and are less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients.  Even when the demographics were nearly identical, the chiropractic group reported fewer ongoing health problems.

Along with aligning your spine, working with a Chiropractor can help align the other habits in your life to be more congruent with good health.

Invest in your body, It will always offers excellent returns. more you do today, the more your body will reward you later in life with the physical health to allow you to pursue the activities and hobbies you dream of.

Smoothies!

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ID-10097149When made with wholesome ingredients, smoothies boost your body with nutrients while also offering hydration.

Smoothies are a great way to start your day, or to simply add more nutrition throughout it – especially if you are always on the go.

Kids love smoothies too! Freeze them in popsicle molds for a cool treat that is full of many more nutrients than commercially made versions.

As with any recipe, there is always room for  individual creativity. Proportions can easily be modified to suit your taste and texture preferences.   For all these combinations, start with adding 1 cup of liquid (water is best but diluted juices work too). If you like your smoothies thick,  add less fluid, for a more liquid consistency add more.

Adding protein powders or other supplements can offer additional benefits, but remember, supplements supplement not replace!  Choosing only the goodness in these fruits and vegetables is a great place to start.

These are some of the favourite smoothie combinations from within the practice and within my own home. Give them a try and share your favorites too!

Kickstart

1 Banana + 1 Avocado + 5 Strawberries + 1 Carrot + Pineapple Juice

Morning Sunrise

1 Banana + ½ Mango + orange juice

Strawberry-Banana-Romaine 

1 cup strawberries   +   2 large romaine leaves  +  2 bananas    

Pear – Mint – Kale

sprig of fresh mint + 1 pear + 2-3 kale leaves     

Parsley Citrus

handful of fresh parsley + 1 orange + 1 banana

Red Devil

2 cups watermelon + 1/2 cup raspberries

Chocolate Monkey

1 banana +  1 tsp of cocoa powder + 2 tsp of honey

                      *this one works best with almond, coconut or rice milk

 

Hydrate!

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ID-1006167Your body is approximately 80% water, and it requires an on-going supply to stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months when we perspire more. Water contributes to our cellular composition, and is essential to flush toxins out of our body. Drink a minimum of 5-6 8 oz glasses per day of pure water, and clear fluids such as herbal teas, broths, and diluted juices.

Beware of fluids that further dehydrate your body such as caffeine, sodas, and alcohol. If you simply cannot give them up, make it a routine to counter your cup of coffee or tea with a glass of water when you’re done.

I always recommend keeping water in various places so that it’s easily accessible and will subtly remind you…a glass in various rooms in your home, a bottle in the car, at your desk. When at home, I often carry a glass with me to whatever room I am going into and then leave it there, and before I start my day in my practice I strategically place glasses of water in the various places I know I will be in.

If you’re not fond of plain water try adding fresh herbs or fruit to it! Recently at an event we made “spa water” and filled a beautiful glass pitcher with grapes, strawberries, and orange slices. The water became lightly flavored and it certainly looked lovely!  Other combinations I have tried are:

~ lemon slices and a few springs of fresh rosemary

~ lime slices and fresh mint

~ berry blast:  strawberries, blueberries, raspberries  

~ citrus punch: slices of lemon and orange

~ cucumber slices

~ green apple and ginger

Experiment, create your own, and share your ideas!

Finding a Chiropractor

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ID-10083067Everyone can benefit from having a Chiropractor on their health care team, but finding the right one depends on your health goals. Chiropractors are primary health care professionals.  As Doctors, you don’t need a referral to see us, which is great news because you get to choose someone who suits you!

My 3 Tips for finding a Chiropractor:

1) Think about What Kind of Care You Want. The first place to start when searching for a Chiropractor is determining exactly what kind of care you are looking for – someone to help you specifically manage an injury or someone to support your overall health? Are you looking for help with a specific health challenge and a short-term fix? Or looking to rebuild your body?  Remember that any investment in your health will always pay you back multiple returns, and the long-term cost to your health by relying on ‘quick fixes’ is dramatic, often eventually leading to larger problems.  Having said that, sometimes limitations in time or money can cold us back with pursuing some health initiatives, and we just need to do the best that we can at the current time.  Once you know what kind of care you want, you can better determine who can help you.

2) Connect With Them.  I have given workshops, had guests tour my practice, even hosted booths at farmer’s markets to offer people the chance to connect with me!  If you have a name of someone find out how you can meet them, and make the time to do so.  Most Chiropractors will offer complimentary consultations, a time you can meet with them, discuss your health and find out more about their approach.  

3) Do They Fit On Your Team?  You are a consumer in a world of health care professionals, and that’s how I recommend you think about finding the right Chiropractor for you – like you’re hiring someone for your health care team! Consider the doctor’s personality, office atmosphere, location, office hours, office team, and accessibility.  Did you feel heard, cared for, and were you assessed thoroughly? Can you see yourself working with them? Do you want to? 

You are the health care consumer and you have every right to invest your time and finances with someone who will provide the care you want, and to change provider if you are not happy, not getting the results you want, or simply need a fresh approach.

Taking responsibility for your health involves building a team of professionals to support you. Find a Chiropractor to add to your team and get aligned with a better health.

Allergy Relief

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69443tegi1jeqhsAllergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen (dust, pollen, pet dander, foods) and produces too many histamines to counteract this process. Histamines are chemicals the body creates to neutralize the effects of the item offending the respiratory or visual system, a way the body’s innate wisdom attempts to correct the problem. 

Histamines cause you to produce mucous, sneeze, will make your eyes watery, and even give you rash sometimes, all ways the body tries to expel the offending allergen.

Most allergy medications attempt to treat the symptoms your body instigates to get rid of the allergen.  Antihistamines dry up the mucous membranes, and minimize the sneezing, itching and congestion. They can provide relief, but the underlying problem remains.

What if there was another way to help your body with Allergies? 

The Chiropractic approach focuses on restoring proper function to your body, so that you can better adapt to the ‘stressors’ in your environment, including those of seasonal allergies.

Spinal misalignments (termed subluxations) are caused by physical stress, emotional stress, and chemical stress. These misalignments in your spine cause muscle imbalances, joint irritation, inflammation, pain, and weakness. What is more important though, spinal subluxations affect your spinal cord and impair healthy neurological function.

Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments in your spine, restoring proper joint movement, balancing your muscles, and improving your overall health!

Specific to allergies, the correction of spinal subluxations helps your body respond more appropriately to the pollens, danders and other airborn items you inhale because they help restore balance to your immune system.  There is a direct correlation between your spine and immune system.  It’s simple: A nervous system that is working more effectively permits the immune system to function more effectively – something all allergy sufferers need!

How can you get started finding relief?

An initial consultation and assessment will help us determine if Chiropractic can help, and whether our approach is right for you.  Following your evaluation we’ll create an action plan to get you functioning and feeling better. We’ll monitor your symptoms and changes over time, and document them! Many of our patients note dramatic reductions in their allergy symptoms and improvements in their overall wellbeing when they add Chiropractic care to their life.

Disclaimer: Chiropractic care supports overall health and healing, but is not a cure or treatment for allergies.

Things Unseen

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So many times when I speak with someone about what I do, they comment “I would hate to know what you’d find in my spine, it’s probably a mess!”.  This attitude still surprises me.

The attitude “if it’s not broken, why fix it” does not apply to the human body.

Some of the sickest people on this planet have no symptoms and “feel fine”. We all know people who seemed to be fine but then suddenly are diagnosed with a major illness. People who ‘suddenly’ have a heart attack, stroke, are told they have cancer.

Waiting for your body to give you symptoms is like waiting for a bomb to go off…everything is quiet until suddenly there is a huge impact.

I cannot tell you how illogical this seems to me, but I certainly didn’t always look at health this way. Like many people, I too viewed things differently, only responding to challenges in my body with medications. Luckily, 18 years ago, a shoulder injury forced me to see a Chiropractor, and from that point on everything changed. Not only my own health, but my attitude about it.

The Chiropractic approach is just that – an approach to supporting your body from the inside-out in every way.  Giving the body what it needs from the top-down (neurological function from the brain through the spinal cord), as well as all the other ingredients necessary for optimal function….food, hydration, movement, love and social connections, sleep, purpose and passion!

Chiropractic is not just an adjustment or treatment for a symptom, it’s an approach to looking for the causes of problems in the body, rather than just reacting to them. 

Waiting for something to happen before you take action often makes the healing take longer, and requires more investment of your time and resources.

People who choose to make chiropractic care a regular part of their life understand this, but they also see the profound changes in their health, and are more empowered to be in control of their body. It’s a beautiful thing to watch in my practice and something I will never tire of.

People often hear me say “health comes from choice, not by chance”. Choosing to honour your body and give it what it needs on a consistent basis is one of the wisest decisions you can ever make.

If you’re still struggling with some aspects of your health, ask for direction.   If I can’t help you, we’ll find someone who can.

Life is short. Give yourself the gift of better health so that you can live more fully.