April 2005

It’s not too late to enter our Amazing Race!! Check for details in our Office Happenings. Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to your friends and family.

Contents

1. Beating a Dead Horse
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

Beating a Dead Horse

I’m sure you have heard of the saying that is the title of this month’s feature article. If you haven’t, it essentially means that someone is dwelling on or belaboring a certain point. If you have read many of my newsletters in the past 4 years, you could accuse me of doing just that, beating a dead horse.

That certain point would be about the value and importance of chiropractic care. The reason I do that is because this newsletter may be one of the only ways you receive this information. The media is saturated with drug ads, the latest on breakthrough surgeries and the genes scientist have discovered. Drug companies in the U.S. spent $54 billion on marketing their products last year. My provincial association spends about $1 million a year to get the word out about chiropractic.

So bring out the horse. Chiropractic care is more than a natural way of relieving back and neck pain. Chiropractic care directly affects how well your nervous system functions. Your nervous system runs and controls how well your body and mind works. How healthy your spine is affects how healthy your nervous system is. In other words, a spine that works well equals a nervous system that works well which equals a “you” that works better. At every level. Period.

Does chiropractic care help with bed-wetting or colic or headaches or an improved sense of well being? It might but it’s not a cure-all. It gives the body a better chance to express health and life. How that impacts that person is hard to predict. But they have a much better opportunity to work better with a healthy spine and nervous system. No matter their age.

Repeat after me. A spine that works well equals a nervous system that works well which equals a “you” that works better. At every level. A spine that works well… Okay, I will put the horse away, at least until next month.

Question of the Month

Is getting exercise while I work the same as exercising as part of a program or workout?

This question has been asked since we started our Amazing Race program at the office. I can’t quote any studies that specifically show a difference but I think there is a distinction between the two. The difference is why you are doing the exercise. Getting exercise while you work helps the body but doesn’t have the same impact as getting a workout for the health benefits. Exercising as part of program gives you more benefit because of your intent behind it. Simply put, work isn’t the same as play.

Fitness Corner

Do you want the latest information on the field of health and fitness? Do you want a fresh perspective on how to approach exercising and working out? Subscribe to Scott McDermott's free newsletter (send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca) and receive some great information. This months topics include: Don’t hate your body parts and Healthy pancakes…Yum! Sign up today.

Health News

Laughter is good for the heart, study finds

“A daily dose of laughter may be good for the heart because, like exercise, it makes blood vessels work more efficiently, U.S. researchers reported. Depression, on the other hand, can raise the risk of dying from heart failure, a separate study found.” While this may seem like common sense, it is important to be reminded that our psychological state can directly affect your health. Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7120909/

This study showed that laughter may be almost as good for the heart as exercise. So please remember that your state of mind has a direct impact on your physical health. And don’t forget to laugh, even at yourself.

Kid’s ATV injuries rising

A recent study showed that hospitalizations increased 80% from 1997 to 2000 for children who had been involved in ATV accidents. With spring approaching and people getting out more, this is a good reminder to take it easy and review safe riding techniques for you and your kids. To read more: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/524370/main.html

Office Happenings

1. The “Amazing Race”. There is still one month and two legs of our Amazing Race to a healthier you. If you haven't started yet it’s not too late. This program is designed to reward you for having or implementing habits that support your overall wellness. Prizes are a gift certificate to The Runners Den, 3-month membership to Body Basics, massage and adjustment package or a 3-month supply of water and a cooler. Contact Carol or go to our website www.docstacy.com and scroll down for details and the forms you need.

2. Wellness Orientation Workshops. In another example of beating a dead horse, I would recommend attending one of our workshops. Quite simply, they make a big difference in your life and what you get out of your chiropractic care. April’s workshops are on Monday April 4 and Wednesday April 20. They start at 5:30 pm and are here in the office. Bring a friend!

3. Massage Rate Change. Starting in April, the massage rates will be $45 for 1 hour, $40 for ¾ of an hour and $30 for ½ hour. Contact Carol to schedule your next massage with Brad.

4. Opening at 3 pm on April 7. I will be attending a conference on Thursday, April 7 and won't be in the office until 3 p.m. Sorry for any inconvenience.

5. Other Resources. Rob Cooper puts out a monthly E-zine that gives you health tips and discusses topics that can get you on the road to a healthier you. Visit his website, www.formerfatguy.com and sign up for his newsletter. Rob is someone who knows from what he speaks. He has lost over 300 lbs and now helps people make healthier choices in their lives.