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

Andre Gide

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July 2004

Hey, July 2004 marks the 5th Anniversary of Larsen Family Chiropractic. Thanks goes out to all our patients for making this happen!

Contents

1. The Value of Consistency
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News 
5. Office Happenings

The Value of Consistency

We are a society that places a lot of value in sudden miraculous changes. We celebrate the “magic bullet”, the life-saving ER room heroics and come out of nowhere sports triumphs. We love to hear about the overnight success stories that come out of Hollywood and Nashville. What is usually on the top of the best-seller list? Why it’s the latest diet to lose weight quickly! So when it comes to our health and everyday lives, we expect that same approach will work. Unfortunately, that will leave us disappointed.

I recently watched a half Ironman triathlon race. It was amazing to see these athletes of all ages and sizes complete this distance. These people were swimming 2.1 km, biking 90 km and running 21 km. At the finish line, the announcer would often remark that a certain triathlete had just set a personal best by beating their previous time by 30 minutes. It would be easy to assume that person had a magical race day. That may have happened but it was most likely a result of months and months of consistent training. It was getting out of bed when they didn’t want to, riding or running in the rain or cold to get their workouts in. That’s what made the difference.

To be healthy over a lifetime and receive the benefits, it’s about consistency. It’s about getting in that daily walk, eating well each day, making sure you drink water. It’s about getting adjusted regularly over the summer months even though your schedule and routines have changed. It’s not about playing catch up after neglecting your health for 40 years and expecting to be healthy instantly. Being healthier does not happen overnight.

So as the summer settles upon us, don’t forget the healthy habits you have been working on the rest of the year. Or use this as a time to start some healthier habits and get them in place for the fall and beyond. Be consistent with your exercise, eating, rest and your chiropractic adjustments. Have an experience like the triathlete who dropped half an hour off their previous best time. Work at your health every day and see the benefits down the road.

Question of the Month

Why would I want to keep going to a chiropractor even after I feel better?

Continuing to be under chiropractic care has many benefits whether you have symptoms or not. Your spine is the main support for your nervous system. Messages that run and manage your health originate and travel over the nervous system. Low-grade misalignments of your spine don’t cause pain but can disrupt those messages, causing a downward spiral in your health. Regular chiropractic adjustments remove the low-grade misalignments. Your body can better manage your health and wellness when the messages get through clearly. You can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Being outside a full day, completing the round of golf and picking up your grandkids can be performed with greater ease. Stick with your care even after you “feel” better.

Fitness Corner

Do you want the latest tips on fitness and health from a guy who knows what he is talking about? Sign up for Scott McDermott’s free monthly newsletter (send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca). It will make a consistent difference in your approach to health and wellness!

Health News

Teens and bone strength

What factor is most important to ensure adequate bone density in teenage girls? When 80 young women were followed from age 12 to 22, the only factor in their lives that influenced bone density was exercise. To read more: http://www.docstacy.com/bone_strength

Bone density loss is a problem for many women and some men as they get older. The biggest difference a person can make with their bones or health is to start early. This study is further proof of that. If you want good health later in life, start taking care of it now.

Hospital Safety

After a recent incident at our local hospital, I think it is important that people who may be entering the hospital or a loved one who is be aware of the risks of doing so. I think with better education and awareness around this issue, the safer it will be for everyone. This information comes from a study reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. 

Office Happenings

1. Happy 5th Anniversary. A big Thank You to all our patients as we are celebrating our 5th year at Larsen Family Chiropractic. We will be celebrating through out the month so join us in the office for fun, the Tour de France and great times.

2. 24 Hour Relay. Another big Thank You to all of those people who helped us raise over $36,000 for the youth of our area. As a team, we raised the second most among all the teams participating! Thanks for helping us make a difference in our community.

3. Wellness Club. Don’t forget to make that appointment in July to maintain your membership in the Wellness Club. For some people, your complimentary half hour massage is just a few months away. I know routines are different in the summer but stay consistent with your care. It makes all the difference.

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you want to make a big difference in what you get from your chiropractic care? Do you want to introduce chiropractic to a friend who’s never been? Then join us for one of our W.O.W.’s in July. The dates are Wednesday July 14 and Monday July 26. They start at 5:30 pm here in the office. See you there!

5. Office Closings. The office will be closed Tuesday July 6 so I can attend a seminar and be closed Tuesday July 13 at 10:00 a.m. as I will be at the Calgary Stampede working with the Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine team, adjusting the cowboys and cowgirls.

6. Parade Day. On Wednesday July 21, the Westerner Days Parade comes past our front door. This makes it difficult to drive to the office. We will not be scheduling any appointments that morning but if you can make it here, we will see you. Regularly scheduled appointments are available at 2:00 p.m. that day. Please come join us for a front row seat for a great parade.