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

Andre Gide

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March 2004

March is Referral Contest Month. Check out the details in Office Happenings!

Contents

1. Chiropractic: The Best Kept Healthcare Secret
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News 
5. Office Happenings

Chiropractic: The Best Kept Healthcare Secret

I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently. We were talking about her son and his battle with ear infections. He had been on numerous courses of antibiotics and they finally chose tubes because they didn’t want him on so many antibiotics any more. The sad part of this story was that the parents thought that when it came to ear infections, they only had two choices – antibiotics or tubes. As a chiropractor, I was embarrassed.

Why do people go see a chiropractor? Because their back hurts or they have headaches, of course! That’s what chiropractors are for, they take care of stiff necks and hurt spines. Unless you have one of these conditions, you don’t need to see one. Chiropractors are the mechanics for your spine when it hurts. 

Unfortunately, this is the role that chiropractors have put themselves into. These are the easy and obvious things to talk about when someone asks what we do. And we are good at taking care of pain around the back. But what gets lost when we just talk about symptoms is the real benefit of being under chiropractic care. A healthier spine means a healthier nervous system, which means a healthier you.

Chiropractic was not founded to be a natural solution for back pain. It was started because a man developed a concept that if the spine wasn’t working, it would interfere with the nervous system and throw the whole body off. That interference could slow down healing, throw off digestion and mess up the immune response in the body. These principles have been proven time and time again on millions of patients who have received those benefits from being under chiropractic care. But by just talking about back pain to our patients, this message is lost. We are keeping quiet one of the most powerful things available to effect health and potential.

So going back to the conversation with my friend about her son, in the future I want the thought to come into her mind that chiropractic care is an option for her son. Not that chiropractic is a cure for ear infections or any other conditions. What it does is gives the body a fighting chance against whatever challenges might come its way. Chiropractic care provides everyone the opportunity to express their full potential on every level. 

As a chiropractor, I pledge to let it be known what a powerful choice chiropractic care is. Let’s make it the worst kept healthcare secret. 

Question of the Month

Dr. Larsen, how often do you get adjusted?

I get my spine checked, on average, every two weeks. It doesn’t matter if I have symptoms or not. The reason I make sure my spine stays healthy is so I can stay healthy and get healthier. I know and understand how important it is to keep interference away from the nervous system. If I want to be my best, my spine has to be as well. A healthy spine and nervous system enhances all the other healthy habits I have. By the way, I see another chiropractor here in Red Deer. I can’t adjust myself. 

Fitness Corner

Would you like some great information to improve your fitness and health? Sign up for Scott McDermott’s free newsletter. This month’s topics include: Body Mass Index (BMI) is it accurate for you? Healthy Bacteria - Probiotics and what you need to know, the definition of a "treat" is killing us and Magazine Watch: articles from current magazines reviewed. Your heart and lungs will thank you for it!

Health News

Research Suggests Link Between Vaccine Ingredients and Autism, ADHD

According to new research from Northeastern University, University of Nebraska and Johns Hopkins University, there is an apparent link between exposure of neurodevelopmental toxins (including the vaccine preservative thimerosal) and an increased possibility of developing disorders including autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. To read more: http://www.newswire.com/p/articles/view/503041 

From the National Post: In tests on human brain cells, researchers found two natural chemicals—one compound that stimulates cell growth and also dopamine, which transmits nerve signals—are key to a process in the brain called methylation. Methylation helps DNA work properly and is crucial to the normal development of the brain. The team found thimerosal, ethanol and mercury all interfere with methylation. What’s more, thimerosal not only did so in amounts typically found after a child is vaccinated, but even at doses 100 times lower than a child would receive after a single shot with a thimerosal-containing vaccine. “It was by far the most potent,” says investigator Dr. Richard Deth, a professor of pharmacology at Northeastern University in Boston. “Some would consider (thimerosal) a smoking gun,” he said. “I think it is.”

Super Size Me

This is a true story. Morgan Spurlock decided to become a gastronomical guinea pig. His mission: To eat three meals a day for 30 days at McDonald's and document the impact on his health. His documentary, "Super Size Me," details his diet and subsequent health woes. Prepare to be shocked. Go to http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/reviews/
review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2072523 

It matters what we eat. I think the best approach is one of moderation when it comes to food. This article demonstrates what happens when we go to extremes.

Office Happenings

1. Referral Contest. For the month of March, we are having an exciting contest in our office. For each referral we receive, the person who referred the new patient will receive an entry for one of our great prizes. The prizes include: a 3 month membership to Body Basics, two models from Choo Choo Willies and a gift certificate from Hudson Madison (346-0411), a new house ware store in Red Deer. For each referral you send us, your name goes into the draw. So the more referrals you send, the greater chance you have of winning. Good luck and thanks for the referrals!

2. Luck O’ the Irish Day. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we are supporting a local charity, The People’s Place. Depending on the card you cut from the deck, that will determine what portion of your adjustment we give to The People’s Place, a temporary local shelter. Remember, you don't need the Luck of the Irish with your health when you are under chiropractic care. 

3. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you have questions about my adjusting style? Would you like to know how to get the best out of your chiropractic care? Join us for one of our W.O.W.’s in March. The dates are Monday March 8 and Wednesday March 24. They start at 5:30 pm here in the office. Bring a friend!