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

Andre Gide

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July 2003

Welcome to summer! I hope you get to enjoy a holiday this year. We will be taking one at the end of July. Check the dates under Office Happenings in the newsletter.

Contents

1. No. Yes.
2. Question of the Month
3. Health News
4. Office Happenings

No. Yes.

“Your life is busy, but is it full?”

Busy-ness is worn like a badge of honour in today’s society. Being busy must mean we are doing something important. I think it gives us a sense of worthiness or that we are making a difference somehow. I also think racing from place to place distracts us from bigger issues in life. What gets lost when we do that is the person who is busy. Rarely is the busy-ness about taking care of us.

“I have this to get, take this child there, do this for that person and then do that so I can’t make it back in until two weeks from next Thursday.” This is a response I am hearing too often when I recommend to someone that they need to be back soon for another adjustment. You can fill in the “that’s” and “there’s” with stuff from your life. We have all been there. It’s time to start saying no to being busy and yes to ourselves.

A good place to start stepping out of the fast lane is by saying no. This is a very hard word for many, as they sincerely want to help when asked. It goes against their nature to turn someone down or not be of assistance. But, by not using that simple word, you can get busy very quickly. As a result, almost everything takes precedence over you.
Another powerful word is yes. When used at the right time, it can downshift the speed of your life. It can change your focus from outward to inward. For example, when someone offers you help, say yes and accept it gratefully. They wouldn’t ask if they didn’t mean it. Say yes to making time for yourself. Get that adjustment sooner, have a massage and take that person up on the offer to watch the kids or check in on your parents. 

Two simple words. Say no to so much busy-ness and say yes to yourself. As that old Participation commercial would say, “Your heart and lungs are gonna thank you for it!” So is the rest of your body and the people around you. 

Question of the Month

I am busy over the summer and I don’t see my chiropractor as regularly. How will that affect my health?

The quality of your health today is a result of the habits you have established up to this point. Missing a few adjustments may not affect your health today but it has an impact in the long run. Regular chiropractic care is the same as healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep in terms of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make a point of keeping up your health habits even though your kids are out of school and your routines have changed. You may have to adapt them somewhat but don’t forget about them completely. What you do about your health today affects your health tomorrow. Have a great and healthy summer.

Health News

FDA Says Paxil Not For Use By Kids

The Food and Drug Administration (U.S.) warned that patients under 18 years of age should not take the antidepressant Paxil because of increased risk of suicide. To read more: http://www.msnbc.com/news/928863.asp?0cv=CB10

British officials made this recommendation as well. New data from a number of studies showed that episodes of self-harm and suicidal behavior were 1.5 and 3.2 times higher in patients under 18 taking the drug. Not many children are prescribed this medication but if you are aware of any, please let them know about this.

Scientists Learn Why Stress Can Kill

Higher levels of a certain chemical, Interleukin 6, were sharply increased in the blood of stressed caregivers compared to those who weren’t. Previous studies have associated Interleukin-6 with several diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes and certain cancers. Read more: http://www.msnbc.com/news/933118.asp?0dm=C1APH

Stress is a topic often discussed in the office. An interesting fact that came from this study was that this chemical lasted for up to 3 years in the blood of the individuals after the stress passed. Stress has long lasting and wide-ranging effects. Lets hope the next step is looking at ways of helping the body deal with stress (chiropractic care!) rather than a drug to limit the production of Interleukin 6.

Office Happenings

1. Holidays. The office will be closed on Wednesday July 16 and then from Wednesday July 30 until Tuesday August 12. Rayana will be out of the office Monday July 28 and Tuesday July 29 as well. Make a note of this in your calendars so that we can continue to improve your health over the summer.

2. Alberta Health Care coverage renewed. If you've been waiting to get adjusted because your health coverage ran out, it is back in July 1. It's great that it’s back in but consider how much your health is worth to you. Don't let the government decide for you how healthy you want to be. 

3. Happy Anniversary. We are celebrating our fourth year at Larsen Family Chiropractic from July 2 to 4th. Stop by, say hi and have a few treats on us!

4. Watch left at office. We a have a watch that was left at the office in June. It’s a Time Zone Quartz. If you are missing your watch, give us a call or email the office and we will get it back to you.

5. 24 Hour Relay. A huge thank you to all of our team members who braved the less than ideal conditions to raise over $37,000 for the youth of our community. Check out the pictures on the website. Thanks for making a difference!

6. Parade Day – July 16. Although we are not seeing patients this day, Carol will be at the office during the time of the parade. If you want to come by the office for a great place to watch the happenings, you are more than welcome.