Many people think that once they begin chiropractic care, they’ll have to go forever.  This is simply NOT true.

After a thorough interview and exam, we will work together to come up with a treatment plan that will work for you.  You are always in charge of how much care you want and the frequency of your visits.  Like many other healthy habits, you may want to receive regular chiropractic checkups, massage therapy, and other natural therapies because they can help you maintain superior health.

Following completing the initial set of forms, I will conduct an interview and introductory exam.  The purpose of this visit is to determine if you would be a good candidate for care at our center.  After the introductory exam, I’ll let you know if I think I can help you. At this time, specific diagnostic testing or outside referrals may be necessary for your appropriate care. If I don’t feel that I can help you, I’ll let you know and may refer you to another doctor.

If it looks promising, I’ll invite you back to receive a full examination to more accurately identify the cause of your problem.

The full examination is usually attended to on your second visit, which may be later the same day or the following day. This two-visit approach accomplishes several things:

• Reduces the length of your first visit
• Gives us time to correlate our findings
• Avoids overloading you with too much information

In certain situations, and based on my professional judgment, we sometimes make exceptions. It just depends on your unique situation.

Regardless of your health goals, please understand that we see ourselves as mere servants. You’re the boss! It’s your body, your health and your future. Our job is to offer you the finest wellness care possible, and it’s up to you to decide how much of it you want and how fast you want to proceed.  Our wellness program options may help you understand this better…

Relief Care – When many people seek care in our office they have one goal: relief. So that’s where we start! During this initial stage of intensive care, we have several obligations:

• Uncover the underlying cause of the health problem
• Suggest a care plan to produce the fastest results possible
• Offer ways patients can participate in their recovery
• Suggest advanced strategies for long-term benefits
• Explain the value of post-symptomatic wellness care

Typical relief care programs range in length from 6 to 24 visits.  The more severe and more chronic the condition, the longer it may take for you to progress through this phase of care.

Rehabilitative Care – Many of our clients want to continue relief care into the next phase of care – the corrective or rehabilitative phase. Wisdom has taught us that long-lasting pain relief can be achieved only when complete healing occurs and your body returns to optimal function. This part of the healing process usually involves therapeutic exercises. We provide one-on-one coaching through this phase of care and focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and core-conditioning.

Typical rehabilitative care programs range in length from 6 to 12 visits.  The more severe and more chronic the condition, the longer it may take for you to progress through this phase of care.

Weight Loss & Weight Management – We provide one-on-one nutritional counseling, exercise program design, and utilize a special laser therapy technique, called auriculotherapy, to assist our clients lose weight in a way that is safe and very effective.

Laser auriculotherapy is non-invasive, requires no needles, and is painless. We see many overweight people that have tried diets but have failed because they have difficulty curbing their appetite and cravings. Laser therapy helps to curb your appetite and depress hunger cravings. Our laser technique also stimulates your metabolism to burn off extra calories and correct internal body hormonal imbalances.

Typical weight loss care programs range in length from 12 to 24 visits.  If you are severely obese, it may take longer to progress through this phase of care.

Ongoing Maintenance/Supportive Care – Many of our clients want to continue beyond both the pain relief and rehab phases of care.  Routine chiropractic checkups are enjoyed by millions (both young and old) who want to keep their spine, nervous system, and body as healthy as possible.  Why is regular care needed?  Because subluxations (misalignments of the spine and extremities) continue to occur in life.  Life is stressful!  You may need weekly checkups, or you may do fine with monthly visits.  It just depends on your body and your lifestyle.

So how much chiropractic care do you need?  It really depends on your unique situation and your personal health care goals.

Dogs are known as man’s best friend.  And for good reason.  For thousands of years both man and dog’s lives have become entwined in many ways.  Dogs seem to like to hang around us and we, humans, have found that dogs can be quite useful.

How can a dog promote a healthier you?

• Dogs have proven to be excellent companions, and lower stress level
• Dog owners tend to be more active, increasing their “leisure-time” physical activity
• Dogs are excellent motivators to get you moving, taking regular walks
• Dogs are cute and fun
• Dogs tend to make people more social
• Dogs coax you to play physical games like fetch, catch-me-if-you-can, and tug o’ war

We own one cool dog, named Sheba (pictured above with the pups), who was a rescue from the Philadelphia SPCA.  She’s an American Staffordshire Terrier/American Bulldog mix, and a terrific family dog.  She’s great with the kids and other people, loves to play, and she’s an excellent motivator for me to get up early and run with her.  Yes, I tie her leash to my waist and we go out every day.  We run 3-4 times per week, and walk the other times.

And now, my family is helping by fostering dogs without homes to get them ready for adoption.  Our first two dogs were actually an adorable pair of puppies (pictured above).  Emma is a Shepherd/Husky/Rottweiler mix, and Ryan is a Bluetick Coonhound/Pointer mix.  Man, did they keep us busy for several days until they were adopted.  To learn more about our local dog rescue, check out WetNoseRescue.org.

So if you want get more active, relieve stress, have fun, get outdoors more often, meet more people, and get healthier… get a dog!

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Some research studies about dogs and physical activity:

JPAH Volume 8, Issue 3, March

The Impact of Dog Walking on Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results From a Population-Based Survey of Michigan Adults

Background: The extent to which dog walking promotes leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) remains unresolved. We describe the characteristics of people who walk their dog, and assess the impact on LTPA. Methods: Information on dog ownership, dog walking patterns, total walking activity and LTPA were assessed in the 2005 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Multiple logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the effect of dog walking on total walking and LTPA. Results: Of 5,902 respondents 41% owned a dog, and of these, 61% walked their dog for at least 10 minutes at a time. However, only 27% walked their dog at least 150 minutes per week. Dog walking was associated with a significant increase in walking activity and LTPA. Compared to non-dog owners, the odds of obtaining at least 150 minutes per week of total walking were 34% higher for dog walkers (AOR= 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13-1.59), and the odds of doing any LTPA were 69% higher (AOR= 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33-2.15). Conclusions: Dog walking was associated with more walking and LTPA, however a substantial proportion of dog owners do not walk their dog. The promotion of dog walking could help increase LTPA.

From Pubmed.gov

Walking the dog: is pet ownership associated with physical activity in California?

Yabroff KR, Troiano RP, Berrigan D.

Applied Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported positive associations between pet ownership and a variety of health outcomes. In this study, we explored associations between pet ownership and physical activity in a large, ethnically diverse population-based sample in California. METHOD: Data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) were used to assess the associations between pet ownership (ie, dog, dog and cat, cat, and non-pet owners) and transportation and leisure walking in a sample of 41,514 adults. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between pet ownership and type of walking, and linear regression was used to assess associations between pet ownership and total minutes walking per week. RESULTS: Dog owners were slightly less likely to walk for transportation than were non-pet owners (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.99) but more likely to walk for leisure than non-pet owners (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.5 to 1.8) in multivariate analyses. Overall, dog owners walked 18.9 (95% CI: 11.4 to 26.4) minutes more per week than non-pet owners. Walking behaviors of cat owners were similar to non-pet owners. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the moderate association between dog ownership and higher levels of physical activity.

Happy new year!  I hope you and your loved ones are experiencing vibrant health.  If you are… what a blessing!  Remember to thank God, the creator and giver of all good things, for His gift of life and health.

The Spectrum Wellness team would like to let you know that we are honored to be a part of your health care.  Over the last couple months, we have become even more focused on improving our patient care.  In light of that, the Spectrum Wellness team is excited about what the future holds in 2011… because we are on the verge of a clinic expansion!

We are going to be taking over 2 new therapy rooms in the back of the building.  These rooms will be spacious, totally private, and will be used for massage therapy.  If you use our massage services, I’m sure you will appreciate our office “upgrade”.

We have also recommitted to our practice MISSION, which is:

To Help People Feel Better and Live Better Through Natural Therapy.

And we also want to be fully committed to our web site VISION, which is to:

• Deliver Spectrum Wellness news and happenings
• Furnish nutritional advice and our favorite recipes
• Explain simple and practical wellness tips
• Supply pictures and videos of therapeutic exercises for our clients use at home
• Provide a friendly “meeting place” for wellness minded people pursuing a lifestyle of health and fitness
• Equip our practice members with the wisdom to feel better and live better

CareCredit is a special healthcare credit card that can be used only for health and beauty needs.   It is accepted by over 100,000 healthcare providers and is the nation’s leading patient financing program.  It  gives you a revolving line of credit that can be used for multiple charges up to your established credit limit.  The CareCredit card gives you the opportunity to take advantage of various promotional financing plans offered by our office and other healthcare practitioners.

You can drop by our office to apply or apply online at CareCredit.com and get instant approval.  Once approved, you can begin using your CareCredit card immediately.

Unlike other credit cards, CareCredit offers special financing every time you use it.  No teaser rates. No introductory rates. No application fees. No pre-payment penalties. Just Special Financing every time. Need more time or want a lower monthly payment? We offer Extended Payment Plans with low fixed monthly payments.

Use your cash and major credit cards for other expenses and finance your care plans with CareCredit, the credit card just for healthcare.

Use credit wisely.  CareCredit is a credit card and as with most credit cards, if you do not make your monthly payment on time or miss a payment, you will incur a much higher interest rate and fees. If you have not yet applied for CareCredit, you will see this high interest rate within the application.

In order to make CareCredit successful for you and to avoid these high interest rates, it is essential you make your minimum monthly payment and pay off your balance by the agreed upon due date.

To learn more, go to CareCredit.com.

Our wellness team specializes in balancing the spine and body.  That’s our job.  That’s what we love to do.  Drop by our office… you relax, and we’ll do the work.

But what about your life?  Is it balanced?  Are you putting forth the effort to have a balanced life?  What are you doing to help establish or maintain a healthy and balanced life?

A healthy life involves a balance of many different areas in life:

• Physical health (are you giving your body what it needs to be vibrant?)
• Mental health (what is the quality of the things you focus your mind on?)
• Spiritual health (Are you connected with God?  Do you have inner peace?)
• Social health (How are your relationships?  Your friendships?  Your family?)
• Career health (Is your career meaningful?  Are you productive?)
• Financial health (Are you living within your means?  Are you content?)

It’s a good exercise to go through these areas and rank yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.  If you realize that you are out of balance in any of these areas, you may need to make some changes.  You may need to set new goals.

You may need to sacrifice some TV time to spend more time nourishing a relationship with a family member or friend.  You may need to cut back on late night activities so you can give your body some extra rejuvenating sleep.  You may need to prioritize your spending, and channel more of your resources into health-related activities.

Evaluate your own life and see if your activities are congruent with your life goals.  Remember your primary goal to have a healthy and balanced life.

The bottom line is that your health affects everything you do and everyone you know.  Achieving a more balanced life will not only benefit you, but also your family, friends and even co-workers.

I want to thank our staff and patients for helping come up with this list of fun Spring activities.  I hope it helps encourage you to stay active and enjoy this beautiful world.

1. Walk dog at the park.
2. Getting a massage at Spectrum Wellness.
3. Having a picnic at Kelly Drive park.
4. Playing hopscotch with the kids.
5. Playground!
6. Riding bikes.
7. Play my acoustic guitar.
8. Riding a Ripstik.
9. Play capture the flag in the woods.
10. Playing with the grandkids.
11. Plant a garden.
12. Driving with the windows down.
13. Ride a Harley!
14. Gardening.
15. In the morning, running in the cool grass.
16. Walking on the beach.
17. Biking to Spectrum Wellness.
18. Sitting on the porch drinking a banana, pineapple smoothie.
19. Cutting the grass in the sun.
20. Go to the park with friends.

Happy new year!  You’ve made it through another year.  2009 is behind you and 2010 is way up in front of you.  It still shocks many people when they consider that it’s the year 2010.  So many things have changed in our world over the last 20 or so years. But something that hasn’t changed is the view that with the turn of the new year, you can get a “fresh start”.

Fresh starts can come in many forms.  One of them are New Year’s resolutions… but from my experience, New Year’s resolutions don’t work.  They’re just wishful thinking that doesn’t last very long.

Unfortunately, many people continue this type of behaviour year in and year out.  I worked in a fitness center environment for several years and saw the same thing.  The gym became a crowded frenzy in January.  This always annoyed the regulars at the club.  But things always settled down over the next 1-2 months.  I learned from one gym manager that the club made somewhere between 75-80% of their profit in the first half of the year!  So many sign up for year memberships in January and February, but the majority who  just don’t bother showing up after a short time.

The same things happen with diets.  The very nature of a diet is that it is something that is done for a time and then is stopped.  How can that be effective for the long haul?  It just can’t be.

So what’s the solution?

My solution is to identify the areas that you want to improve.  Establish a clear goal as to what you want to achieve.  Develop a simple plan of small steps to work towards the goal.  Now you have to be committed to work your plan.  After all, a project isn’t completed in a single action step.  Your “project” will be completed and your goal achieved after many smaller action steps have been attained.

In regards to health goals… as you begin develop healthy habits, you will develop a healthy lifestyle that has the potential to last you for the long term.  Isn’t that better than fizzling out by April and then waiting until January first again to try it all again?

So begin thinking through your health goals this year.  Write them down.  Develop a simple plan.  If you need help, contact our office.

So, what are your plans for 2010?

“The medical care costs of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs.”

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/overview.htm#3

Many (if not most) of these “chronic diseases” are absolutely preventable.  Smoking and bad eating habits account for most of the incidences of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.  Quitting smoking and changing your diet can be difficult, but it is the best choice for superior health.

It appears that much of the problem with our health care system is rooted in corrupt poliltics, insurance company policy, and pharmaceutical company agendas.  There needs to be reform at those levels.  But, if we are going to make some real long-lasting changes to our health care, we need to take prevention and healthy living seriously.  More than ever now, we need to get to the cause of the problem.  

A key concept that sets chiropractic apart from the medical approach is:

Chiropractic’s Goal Is To Remove Or Reduce The Cause Of The Problem

When I examine a patient, I am always considering what the cause of the problem is.  If someone visits our office complaining of a body pain, I will seek to discover if their problem is biomechanical in nature (from joints, muscles, or nerves) or not.  If the problem is biomechanical, I can develop a treatment plan that targets the cause and provides a quick and natural solution.  If their problem is not biomechanical (in whole or part), I will refer the patient to an appropriate health care provider.

For the majority of cases, I can find a safe, natural, solution that gets to the cause of the problem.

On the other hand, the typical medical approach to a biomechanical problem is to perform a cursory exam and then provide risky drugs, injections, or surgical procedures.  Chemicals that reduce pain, inflammation, and spasm don’t get to the cause.  They merely treat the symptoms and can actually make things worse in the long run.  The cause remains and the problem lingers.

Why can’t we treat our health care reform crisis with “chiropractic strategy”… and target the cause?

Because chiropractic care and other natural therapies are so safe, you can enjoy their benefits throughout your entire life.  And so can your children.

Many different scientific studies have found that spinal adjustments to be “remarkably safe” and “effective”.  To learn more about the safety and validity of chiropractic care for children, please check out our chiropractic research page.   One of the reasons chiropractic care has an undeniably solid track record is because we help our patients avoid dangerous drugs and risky surgical procedures.

Many parents ask me when they think their children can start chiropractic care.  I tell them that even newborns can receive adjustments. Childbirth tends to be rough on an infant’s body, and the sooner things are “straightened out” the better.

Even Natural Childbirth Can Have A Negative Impact On An Infant’s Spine

I’ve been adjusting my four children since the day of their births.  I’ve seen their births, and some have been rough.  I know that checking them regularly and providing chiropractic adjustments as needed is one of the best things I can do to keep them healthy and feeling good.

Some studies connect colic, unusual crying, ear infections, poor appetite, and erratic sleep habits can be signs of spinal imbalances. Our children are exceptionally healthy.  I thank God for their good health and for the honor of helping them achieve superior health.

Please remember…

Not All Adjustments Are Done The Same

Although I always provide careful and precise adjustments, when I adjust infants I am particularly gentle and use only light pressure.  I won’t ever separate children from their family.  In fact,  I’ll usually have mom or dad hold the baby while the adjustment is done.

Another key point to understand is…

Chiropractic Care Is Not Just For Pain Relief.

In fact, the major benefits of chiropractic adjustments are not felt.  When the spine and body are “balanced”, the positive effect on your nervous system influences your whole body in a healthy way.  Adjustments help to “relax” your nervous system, which allows your whole body to function at a more optimal level.

If your child has subluxations (spinal misalignments), their nervous system and body will operate in an “irritated” or “agitated state”.  This can manifest as a multitude of different health problems.  When your child receives a chiropractic adjustment, their nervous system and body can “relax” and “balance”.

Like Giving Your Children Healthy Food And  A Healthy Environment To Grow, Many Parents Make Chiropractic Care Part Of Their Child’s Wellness!

What parent wouldn’t want to provide their children the opportunity for superior health?

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns about chiropractic care for your children.  I will gladly meet with you and spend time explaining how our procedure is done.  If my children are in the office, I may be able to provide a “live demonstration”!

In the USA and in the UK, calling someone a senior citizen is the common polite way of saying that the person is older and possibly at the age of retirement.  Right now, the baby boomer generation has reached that age where many are seniors and reaching retirement.  Seniors are everywhere!

If You’re Not A  Senior Citizen, You May Have A Parent Or Grandparent Who Is!

Either way, it is good to appreciate and to understand some of the unique health situations that seniors face, and to focus on natural solutions.  By doing so, you can help serve, honor, and respect the ones who have invested much of their own lives supporting the younger generation.

Do You Have A Mature Spine?

As you age, many physical changes have taken place in your nerves, muscles, and joints (the neuromusculoskeletal system).  That is, unless you’ve discovered the fountain of youth!  Some changes are normal.   But many of so-called “normal” changes, are really just common and abnormal.  You may have been living with some of these abnormal changes for so long that you’ve grown accustomed to them.  The worst part is that they may be preventing you from experiencing superior health.  We’re talking about:

• Arthritis
• Restricted range of motion
• Loss of strength
• Loss of balance
• Cardiovascular weakness
• Postural imbalances
• Abnormal muscle tension and pains

Some changes come from the build up of “macro trauma” such as slips and falls, work injuries or auto accidents.  Some of your physical problems could be due to the build up of past “micro traumas” such as poor posture, bad work ergonomics, or repeatedly doing harmful exercises.

Some of the negative changes involving your neuromusculoskeletal system can be long-lasting.  These changes include arthritic changes, muscular tension, loss of normal ranges of motion, bent over rounded shoulders posture or “widow’s hump”.  Other lasting problems could include muscular weakness, incoordination, core instability, or loss of balance.

Loss Of Core Stability And Balance Is Very Serious And Can Result In Unexpected Falls!

If you are experiencing a body pain or a loss of body function (i.e. loss of balance, restricted motion, or weakness), getting help as soon as possible is very important.  Certain conditions can degenerate quickly, and the sooner you receive the proper care, the sooner you can begin healing properly.

We Have Had Great Success Treating Difficult “Long-Lasting” Problems

On your first visit to our office we will first perform a detailed case history and exam to identify your problems.   We may need to coordinate care with your primary physician and to review past diagnostic tests (i.e. x-rays or MRIs).  After the exam, I will clearly explain the best course of action to achieve your health goals.  If you decide to become a patient and I feel it’s safe, we can start treatment.

First, we will do our best to promote pain relief as fast as possible, while using natural therapies.  In my experience,  we can usually provide substantial relief within 5-10 visits.  On the short term, our focus is on reducing your pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm, and improving your joint motion, balance and stability.

In The First Few Visits We Will Provide Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments, Massage, And Other Natural Therapies To Promote Fast Pain Relief!

In addition to the care we provide, often you may be able to benefit from support to your “problem” areas.  We may recommend the following additional support to help ensure the best outcome from our treatment:

• A lumbar support pillow
• A cervical pillow
• Spinal pelvic stabilizers (Foot Levelers orthotic inserts)
• A joint support wrap
• Nutritional superfood supplements
• A TENS unit (electrical stimulation for home-based pain relief treatment)

As your body heals and you begin to experience freedom from your pain, you’ll probably begin wondering… “How long will this last?”.   For long-lasting improvement, you have to consider the “big picture”.  When considering the big picture of your ongoing wellness, you may need to incorporate ergonomic changes, targeted exercises, stress relief strategies, and dietary changes. Many of our seniors have found that even when they “feel good”, they benefit from some schedule of maintenance “chiropractic checkups” and/or massage therapy sessions.

We All Want To Stay Young!

Life may have been very rough on your body over the years, but we can help!  We see many patients who have reached the golden years.  Many of our seniors visit us on a regular basis because they have experienced the health benefits of regular care. They feel the results of having their joint mobility restored, their body balanced, their core stabilized, and their nervous system “relaxed”.

You can also experience freedom from pain and superior health naturally.  Why not give it a try?  It really works!