"The only real education comes from what goes counter to you."

Andre Gide

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August 2003

Our holidays have changed. Please see under Office Happenings for our new dates. Sorry for any confusion on this matter.

Contents

1. Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?
2. Question of the Month
3. Health News
4. Office Happenings

Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?

You may have seen this ad on T.V. It’s by a wireless communication company. The actor in the commercial goes to all sorts of different locations with his cell phone. He keeps asking into his phone, no matter where he is, “Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?” and gets a positive response. The point of the commercial is that no matter where you go, your cell phone will work if you use this company. It’s that good. Did you know a similar situation can take place in your body?

Instead of thinking about what it takes to make a cell phone conversation work well, think about you. What makes up your communication system? How can you ensure clear reception of the messages that travel over your phone system? In other words, how good is your coverage? These messages are very important. Not only do they tell you how feel, but they also run your body. Without good reception or coverage, your body’s health and performance suffers.

Your communication system consists of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, what we will call the nervous system. Your brain sends the messages and the spinal cord and nerves provide a way of getting the information to and from the place it needs to go. It might be to a heart cell or part of your spleen or your big toe. Your skull and spine play the important role of support and protection to this marvelous connection. 

Think of a conversation taking place between your brain and your stomach. The brain has been alerted by another part of your body that you are starting to eat. The brain wants to send information to the stomach so that it can start to digest the fuel coming on board. For this conversation to go smoothly, there needs to be a clear line or good coverage to do so. What keeps this happening? A strong, well-aligned spine. 

There are millions of conversations like this taking place every second in your body. Do you want crystal clear communication, the best coverage for you and your family? Make sure your spine is well aligned and balanced. Consult a chiropractor to check the relationship between your spine and nervous system. So when the brain asks that heart cell, your spleen or big toe, “Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?” the answer is a resounding yes! 

Question of the Month 

Can chiropractic care help me deal better with stress?

Every physical and emotional experience of your life is integrated within your nervous system. When you encounter stress, it’s your nervous system that picks it up and relays the information to your brain where a response is made. With a sound nervous system, you interpret your stress clearer and your response is healthier. Your spine can support your nervous system and enhance your response to stress or it can interfere with it. By being under regular chiropractic care, the balance is maintained within your spine and your nervous system works better. This helps you deal more effectively with stress. You experience a higher quality of life and you can do the things you enjoy. Consult a chiropractor today.

Health News

Bodycheck Ban Urged to Cut Concussions

“Bodychecking in hockey should be banned until players are at least 17 or 18 years old to reduce the risk of brain-damaging concussions, an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests.” Have we lost all our Canadian toughness? To read more: http://reddeeradvocate.com/editorials/rad571DF.htm

The researchers note that high school athletes with a history of three concussions are nine times more likely than those with no history of concussions to have changes in their mental status. The younger developing brain is at an even higher risk of injury. The report states that pre-teens who suffer traumatic brain injuries may never fully develop adult-level social and cognitive skills and may grow up to be more violent than children who haven’t had such injuries. This is scary stuff. I have seen the effects of concussions on patients. I think these conclusions aren’t far off. 

New Study Shows Happiness Fights the Common Cold

“Don't worry, be happy and, according to new research, you will also be healthy. People who are energetic, happy and relaxed are less likely to catch a cold than those who are depressed, nervous or angry, finds a new study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.” To read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/SciTech/emotions_colds030722.html

On the surface, this study isn’t surprising, as I have mentioned other similar studies in previous newsletters. What is interesting is that a common theme keeps appearing. Our attitudes determine our altitudes. That is true for many aspects of life including our health. Staying relaxed and upbeat boosts our immune systems. Choose how you will approach today.

Office Happenings

1. Holidays. In our ever changing holiday schedule, we will now be closed August 7 and 8. We will also be closed on August 4 for the Civic Holiday and again August 28 and 29 as we attend a seminar.

2. Wellness Orientation Workshops. I know you read about these in the newsletter or see posters up in the office for them. You may wonder why we keep stressing that they are important. It’s because they make a big difference in what patients get out of their care. If you want great, long-term results, then attend one of the workshops. For August, the dates are: Monday August 18 and Monday August 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the office. 

3. Rayana will be out of the office until Monday, August 12.