How To Recharge Your Whole Health in 1 Month Part 2

How To Recharge Your Whole Health in 1 Month

Part 2

Earlier this month we started a three-part series on how to refresh all aspects of your health (mental, social, spiritual, environmental, emotional and physical). In our last post, we talked about simple ideas to improve your mental and social health because it’s important (and often forgotten) to pay attention to every part of your health (not just your weight).

Take care of YOU so you feel your best. You deserve it!

So, if you’re just joining us, try to do something on the list each day! Then, enjoy the refreshed and positive feeling you get from taking care of yourself. Now, let’s take a look at two more parts of your health, spiritual and environmental.

Let’s Think About Your Spiritual Health

Spiritual health is your values, beliefs and what you find meaningful in life. It’s what gives you direction and joy!
So, what does your spiritual life look like? Do you know what you believe and why? Think about the things or people that influence your beliefs, if you’re happy with where you are or you need to make a change? There’s lots of obstacles in life that may get in your way, distracting you from having the kind of spiritual life you desire, and now’s the time to think about it.
You’re in control, so you can have the healthiest spiritual health you want, you just have to put some energy into it! So, let’s get started.
Practice forgiveness. Holding onto a grudge? It’s time to put it in the past and let yourself heal so you can move forward.
Reevaluate your values. What do you find important? And, what areas of your life would you like to make changes in. Jot them down somewhere so you can stay accountable.
Find peace. Spend some time to pray, meditate or simply just count your blessings. You are blessed, and it’s good to remember that.
Think about what your purpose in life is. You’re here for a reason, so live each day with a purpose!
Judge less, love more. Remember, everyone is fighting a battle you may not know about. And, the world needs more love. So try to be more understanding and caring each day.
Focus on the good. Whatever is good, whatever is lovely, whatever is right focus on these things. The rest… isn’t worth your time.

Surround yourself with good hearted, funny people.

Environmental Health, What’s That?

All that surrounds you, the colors, sounds, people, decor and mess… all affects your environmental health, and therefore your overall wellness. It’s often overlooked; many of us forget how “good” it feels to have a clean home or a good friend nearby. It’s because whether we realize it or not, that makes up our environment.
So, let’s focus on creating the happiest, healthiest environment for yourself and your loved ones:
Go deep. Spend a few hours a weekend working on deep cleaning and organizing your home. Or, start small with the messy closet or cupboard. You’ll feel so much better. Just take it one junk drawer at a time!
De-clutter your house to de-clutter your mind. If it’s not beautiful, joyful or memorable, rid your home of the clutter that’s just collecting dust (donate it to a local charity or someone in need).
Fill your kitchen with healthy, beautiful fruits and veggies! Not only are fruits and veggies beautiful, you’ll eat more when they’re in plain sight.
Surround yourself with good hearted, funny people. Laughing is contagious, so spend time with those that bring you joy.
Enjoy some silence. Declare a night “technology” free to just enjoy the presence of family and pets. Enjoy a peaceful and serene home without any rings, beeps or adverts in the background. Sigh, and take it all in.

Light your candles and enjoy a peaceful, serene evening at home.

Use the good stuff. Light your candles, put out the good china and wear your favorite sweaters. Stop saving your “special” things for a specific occasion, today is special enough.
Get regularly adjusted. The quality of our nervous system determines how well we can adapt to our environment and handle stress-even our ability to avoid the “bugs” that go around.
Wondering why your chiropractor is encouraging you to de-clutter your home or re-evaluate your values?
While we cherish the value of how chiropractic care enhances your health, we also believe that wellness goes beyond your physical health. We believe that it’s important to focus on all the areas of your health that come together for your truest wellness. So, let us know how your challenge is going and we’ll encourage you along the way.
Ready to get in on the fun? It’s not too late. Get started on your most productive, refreshing month, ever!

How To Recharge Your Whole Health in One Month Part 1

How To Recharge Your Whole Health in One Month

In a recent newsletter article we talked about some simple ways to recharge your health this month. We’re here to remind you that health goes beyond just your physical condition! Remember there are six aspects of your health that need attention:

Mental | Social | Spiritual | Environmental | Emotional | Physical

So, in a special three-part blog series we’re going to share some suggestions to revitalize your health, two “parts” at a time for the entire month of March. While life is hectic, we know you can do this. Why? Because it’s important, refreshing and fun!
Try to do something on the list each day. Do your best and you’ll be feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world (oh, and don’t forget to get a friend involved, too). Shall we get started?

Lets Start with Your Mental Health

Make the best out of every moment in life!

Our mental health affects the way we think, act and how we handle and get through life. It has to deal with issues such as anxiety, decision making, and simply put, our sanity. It’s often overlooked, unmentioned and sometimes forgotten about (sadly). But, it’s just as important as your physical health, because after all, all the pieces of our health come together for your overall wellness. So, this month, focus on the forgotten:

Set an exciting goal. Look for that new job you’ve been wanting, sign up for a 5k or challenge to keep your mind focused on something new and positive.

Take a break. Take a nap, watch that romantic comedy you’ve been wanting to, or plan that weekend getaway you so badly need. You deserve it, and you need it.

Keep it positive. Life is always going to be hard, so you might as well make the best of it! Plus, your positivity influences those around you, so make someone smile today with a brighter, refreshing outlook on life!

Rid your life of a stressor you’ve been avoiding. Do your laundry, deal with the stack of bills that’s been staring at you or initiate that tough conversation you’ve been meaning to. You’ll feel so much better after the weight has been lifted.

Make time for the things you love most. Take a walk in the park, enjoy a picnic, read a book, get a manicure/pedicure, watch the sunset or take a walk with a loved one. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it!

Get regularly adjusted. Your mental health is directly related to your nervous system. Make sure it’s in tip-top condition.

Next up, Your Social Health!

Your social health is how well you maintain healthy, positive relationships with those around you. By nature, we’re social creatures. So, it’s important that you have a sense of belonging and that your social needs are met and fine-tuned. So, here’s a few ideas to help your social life flourish this month:

Call a long-time friend and setup a coffee date to catch up.

Plan it! You know that ladies night out, weekend getaway or social event you’ve been craving? Now’s the time to send out the email or texts and get it on the calendar.

Pick up the phone. Call that long-time friend you haven’t talked to in months (or years)! It will feel so good to catch up.

Join forces. Call a friend to get groceries with you or ask a friend to do this health challenge too, it’ll be even more fun to share the experience with someone!

Find a sense of community. Whether joining a non-profit or volunteering somewhere for an afternoon, remember that your health is just as important as the health of your community, so give back.

Avoid unhealthy relationships. We all have them, but life’s too short to let other people get you down! Make an effort to spend time with people who are positive, happy and who will encourage and support you!

Itching to plan a picnic or call your old friend? Great! We’re here to help you achieve true wellness. And, while we believe chiropractic is part of your wellness, there’s so much more to your health. Let us know if you’re going to give this a try, we’d love to support and encourage you along the way.

Tell your friends and get started! You’ll have a better chance to stay on track when you have accountability. Plus, doesn’t planning movie night sound fun? Stay tuned for more ideas in part 2 and 3 coming later this month.

Good luck and enjoy your most productive, refreshing month, ever!

Depression, You Might Not Know You’re Feeling Down

We all experience highs and lows. But when the lows become increasingly often and begin to interfere with the functions of daily living, then it’s a cause for concern.
Depression affects twice as many women as men and most people don’t seek the help they need. Those that do, usually receive some type of drug therapy to mask the issues.

Depression isn’t all in your head.

The Biggest Concern?

You may not realize you’re actually feeling depressed until after you’ve overcome it or someone mentions it to you. Often we think it’s just a bad day, but what happens is it becomes bad day, after bad day until it begins to affect your life, family and livelihood negatively.

Common Symptoms of Depression

• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Overwhelming sadness
• Hyper-irritability
• Poor concentration
• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawal
• Chronic physical symptoms
• Thoughts of suicide

Not Just in Your Head, A Whole Body Experience

Since your mind affects your body, and your body affects your mind, changing your physiology can change your psychology.
Depression is really a whole body condition that affects body, mind, emotions and spirit.
It’s not something to be ashamed of, nor is it something you can simply wish away. You can’t just “snap out of it” or put on a happy face and think it away.
So, it’s time to do something about it, naturally if possible.

Dealing with Depression | Finding Relief

A recent study, conducted by Duke University Medical Center, compared exercise with the use of a popular antidepressant. Those taking the drug saw a 38% relapse in their symptoms. In the exercise-only group, only 8% of participants experienced a relapse.
This shows exercise may be a key element in elevating your mood and improving your health – whether you’re depressed or not.
Remember, you experience everything in life through your nervous system. If your nervous system is compromised, your life experience will be compromised. This is just one more reason to seek safe and natural chiropractic care first.
Want to talk to someone about how you’re feeling and get natural care? We’re here for you, with open ears and open hearts.

Can Chiropractic Manage Migraines?

What Causes a Migraine Headache?

You’re in agony, in a darkened room, with no sound. Your throbbing head feels as though it is splitting in half and you’re nauseous, maybe even vomiting. You have a migraine and you just want the pain to go away…and never come back.

There are many triggers – the most common are:

• Foods, including alcohol, aged cheese, caffeine, chocolate, artificial sweeteners and seasonings (MSG)
• Hormonal changes, related to a drop in estrogen levels, which may occur before a woman’s monthly period. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger migraines
• Medications
• Stress
• Too much/too little sleep
• Weather changes or changes in time zone or altitude
• External factors, such as bright lights, certain smells (perfume) or second-hand smoke

Typical medical treatment for migraines is prescribed preventative and symptom-relieving medication.

Positive Results with Chiropractic Care

A number of research studies have examined the effects of chiropractic care on the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine headaches. One such study, conducted for six months at the Chiropractic Research Center of Macquarie University in Australia, involved 177 participants who had migraine headaches for an average of 18 years.
The results of the study were impressive; most of the participants experienced positive outcomes. Seventy-two percent had substantial reduction or noticeable improvement in their symptoms, including a drop in the frequency, intensity and duration of their migraines, and a decreased need for their migraine medications.

Consider the All-natural Approach

If you or someone you love suffers from migraine headaches, or any other type of headache, please consider all-natural, conservative chiropractic care. Ask to see our testimonials; we have many patients who are grateful for the headache relief they have experienced as a result of chiropractic care.

Silence Those Sinuses!

 While it’s not specifically a treatment for sinus headaches, many report improvement with chiropractic care.

 
You know the feeling…your head is congested and your face hurts. You press on your cheeks and there’s pain – the pain that can only come from an inflammation in your sinuses. And then…there’s the headache that usually accompanies the sinus congestion. Let’s face it – you feel downright miserable.

Sometimes the symptoms of a migraine and a sinus headache can be confused, however, sensitivity to light and sound and nausea generally accompany migraines.
Symptoms of a sinus headache may include:

• Pressure and pain in the areas of the forehead, eyes and cheeks
• Nasal congestion and stuffiness
• A yellow or green discharge from the nose
• Extreme tiredness
• Chills and fever
• Swelling in the face

Natural remedies that may alleviate some of these symptoms include using a nasal saline (salt) rinse or spray, breathing moist air to help drain nasal passages, avoiding cigarette smoke and drinking plenty of water.

A visit to our practice may also help. Many have reported improvement with chiropractic care. Restored nerve communications to the head and neck can often help reduce sinus pressure and improve sinus drainage. It is a safe and natural alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medications that may leave you feeling fuzzy-headed and tired, or that may produce additional side effects that only address symptoms, rather than the cause of your discomfort.

Kinnard Chirpopractic 

Insomnia and What You Can Do About It

Can’t make it through the day because of your night?

We all know that getting a good night’s rest is an important part of maintaining good health. And, we know that missing out on sleep can affect how we function, our energy and our moods.
So, if you’re having problems falling or staying asleep, let’s do something about it! There’s a lot you can do naturally before relying on a sleep aid, so give a natural solution a try before reaching for a pill.
About 10% of us experience chronic sleep difficulties. Unfortunately, the number of people using prescription drugs to treat insomnia has increased, while the true causes for insomnia are left unaddressed. So, let’s take a deeper look.

What Exactly is Insomnia?

Here are a few indicators that you may be dealing with insomnia:

• Trouble falling asleep in the evening
• Waking up repeatedly throughout the night
• Waking up too early in the morning, unable to get back to sleep
• Waking up feeling tired instead of refreshed

Drowsiness or fatigue during the day, problems concentrating, low energy and irritability; even weight gain are all problems associated with not getting enough sleep. The lack of sleep can take physical tolls on your body as well, such as poor posture or dark “bags” under your eyes. And, we know how much you want to avoid that… so read on.

Some Causes of Sleeplessness:

Emotions running wild. For some, lack of sleep may be a sign of grief, unhappiness, depression or other emotional concerns. For others, anxiety, worries or an ongoing mental to-do list get in the way of getting to sleep.
Food and drink. Sometimes, excessive amounts of food, alcohol or caffeine before bed can make falling asleep and staying asleep challenging. So avoid evening use of alcohol, food, caffeine or smoking as that could help you sleep better.
Exposure to light. The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light. Melatonin, an important hormone, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, those who don’t get enough exposure to direct sunlight, can suffer similar types of insomnia.
Being inactive. Regular exercise will tire you out so you’ll fall asleep faster! If you’re having a hard time fitting exercise into your schedule, try fitting a family walk with the dog or even a friend once a day to get some fresh air and a little exercise.

What Can You Do To Get Some Rest?

Chiropractic care for proper function and sweet dreams. In our practice, many of patients report vastly improved sleep patterns after beginning regular chiropractic care. Why? The act of removing interferences in the nervous system often helps with the natural processes of the body, including sleep. You could be one of many who start getting a full night’s rest and enjoy feeling refreshed in the morning after visiting us.

Get a full nights rest after your chiropractic adjustment and enjoy feeling refreshed in morning.

Relax. Little changes in your day can make a huge difference at night. Read, listen to music, write in a journal or take a warm bath before bed. Also, try to avoid upsetting discussions, stressful work, etc. before bedtime so you can relax. Then, dim the lights throughout the house and stay off technology to give your mind a hint it’s bed time.
The Last Resort. Sleep problems are not the result of a sleeping pill shortage! While convenient (and potentially addictive), drugs merely mask the real problem. And while you may sleep, the quality of your sleep from a drug-induced stupor is hardly the rejuvenation you need! But you knew that.
See what’s possible when you have a better working nervous system! By utilizing today’s chiropractic care and tweaking your routines, you can get better, more refreshing sleep to make each day just a little brighter!
Give us a call so we can help ensure you stay on track and get the rest you need to wake up on the right side of the bed!

One Size Doesn’t Fit All!

Your adjustment will be tailored to meet your individual needs.

You may have noticed that from one visit to the next, your adjustments all seem the same. “Seem” is the key word!
To those without a chiropractic degree and professional experience, the timing, angle, force and intent may appear to be the same on each visit. Even more inaccurate is the assumption that all patients are adjusted in the same way. Not true!

Every Chiropractor Is Different

There are many tools available to assist in an evaluation of your spine on each visit. These tools may include skin temperature readings along your spine, leg length measurements, posture, range of motion or even a high-tech tool called surface electromyograph. These and other objective measurements, combined with years of training and experience determine the care you receive on each visit.
That’s just the start. Your care is also based on a highly refined sense of touch. “Feeling with the hands” by gently pressing on muscles and spinal joints is called palpation. This form of ultra-sensitive touch provides volumes of information about joint stability, function and the approach that should be used. Nothing, not even an observant spouse or friend who accompanies you on your visit, can substitute for this special form of experience.

Individualized Care Just for You!

Your care is unique and your adjustments are tailored specifically to your individual needs. Your adjustments are unlike anyone else’s. That’s just one reason why we think you’re so special!

 

It’s a scientific fact that your nervous system controls everything.

Chiropractic is Scientific Nervous system and chiropractic It’s a scientific fact that your nervous system controls everything. How do you define “scientific?” If you define it as the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment and then testing the resulting hypotheses, then today’s chiropractic is quite scientific. Because it’s based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls and regulates virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body.

Don’t be misled by the “low-tech” nature of chiropractic adjustments! There are a growing number of studies that suggest the chiropractic approach to reducing nerve disturbance along the spine, may enhance the ability of the brain and nerve system to control and regulate the body. These include published research documenting the results of chiropractic care on asthma, infantile colic, immune function, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), improving vision and brain function, lower back pain, one’s overall health status and many others.

The “scientific” argument is largely a red herring and the sign of a double standard. Medical economist David Eddy, MD, Ph.D., observes that only 15% of medical procedures have ever been scientifically verified, and the other 85% of common medical procedures have no “scientific basis!” Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. Ask our delighted patients whether chiropractic is scientific.



References: Gray’s Anatomy, Henry Gray F.R.S.Smith, R. Where is the wisdom? BMJ 1991; 303(Oct 5): 798-799. Paul Shekelle, MD, MPH, Head of a back study of RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, 1992, Medicine, Monopolies and Malice, pp. 49, 199, 208. John Carey, Medical Guesswork. Business Week, May 29, 2006, 73-79.

Keep it Simple. Easy, Affordable Ways to Slim Down and Stay Healthy

 

Are your kids, family or life making it impossible to exercise for an hour everyday? We understand. The pressure to exercise can feel really overwhelming and if you can’t meet your goal it’s easy to feel discouraged.
Here are some easy changes you can make in your life that can make a difference in how you look and feel. Sometimes keeping it simple is the secret to success.

Jump! Jump! Skipping ropes, aka jump ropes aren’t just for kids. Get your cardiovascular system revved up and ready to go. This is one calorie-burner that works every muscle, delivering a full-body workout that slims and tones (quickly). Do it for 5 minutes before you hop in the shower in the morning, or while you wait for dinner to cook in the oven–you’ll be surprised how much energy you’ll have afterwards.

Bark in the Park! Get your dog and go for a walk. In one study, people who walked their dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week lost an average of 14 pounds in a year! Let your best friend help you become more active. Plus, a tired dog is a happy dog. Remember to grab your headset and you can double-up on those phone calls to family and friends. Or, you may have a neighbor or friend who would love to join you.

Feel the Beat! Listen to some fun, energetic music while you exercise. New music can make exercise exciting and keeps you going and maybe even helps you workout harder. Music is a great distraction, so it doesn’t seem as though you’re working as hard. So make a fun playlist and get moving.

Get a Gym Ball. This popular new trend provides a fun way to improve flexibility, balance, strength and tone. Use one as your desk chair to help strengthen your core and improve posture. Or, take a few breaks to do sit-ups or pushups throughout the day. Remember, when it comes to your goal, start small, you’ll be more likely to succeed.

Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water can help tame your appetite and make you feel more energetic! So, spruce up your water with some lemon or oranges, or add a splash of juice. Even herbal tea can be a nice way to hydrate without getting bored of H20. Want to spice things up a bit? Enjoy coconut water every once and a while for extra hydration after a workout or busy day.

 

Catch some extra Zzzzzzz’s. Recent research found that sleep deprivation increases food cravings and decreases the amount of leptin in your body – a hormone that helps burn more energy. So don’t skimp on sleep if you want to slim down. How? Cut out a little television or cut back on technology so you can get to bed early. Trust us, you’ll be happy and alert come the morning.
You don’t have to get fancy to exercise, and you certainly don’t have to join an expensive gym or spa either. So, start small and set goals and before you know it you’ll be feeling and looking better!