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

Andre Gide

Unfortunately, due to the intermittent nature of information on the internet some links provided within the body of our newsletters may no longer be functioning. We apologize for the inconvenience.

November 2003

Contents

1. What are You Pretending Not to Know
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

What are You Pretending Not to Know? By Carol Simpson

Unfortunately, it sometimes seems we are the masters of our own self-decline. We know that a low fat diet, exercise, stress relief, regular chiropractic adjustments and adequate rest all help us be at our best. Yet, we regularly sabotage ourselves by not following through with the effort that is required. The workout that was scheduled remains undone, the bottle of water sitting on the desk remains full and the appointment for an adjustment remains un-scheduled. Why do we choose not to do those things that will help us be at a higher level in all areas of our life?

A lot of it has to do with habits. Bad ones. It has been said that a follow through of six months is required to develop a new healthy habit. That doesn't guarantee that you will always do that habit, but it will ensure that you have a much greater chance of starting that routine again if you happen to stray away from it at one point or another. Give yourself enough time to develop healthy patterns. The old, bad habits didn't establish themselves over night and neither will the new, good ones. 

We need to take ownership of our health and accept the responsibility of improving it. While an enthusiastic friend, a knowledgeable coach and a supportive chiropractor go along way in making your changes attainable, it is only you who can make it happen on a consistent basis. Everyone around you can be a cheerleader but only you can make it happen by deciding it's time to follow through. 

Remember that it isn't about the destination but about the journey. Find things that you enjoy doing. If you try something and don't like it, try something else. If you commit to something and find that after giving it an honest effort it doesn't increase your quality of life, de-commit yourself and move on. Find a chiropractor you really connect with and who will help coach you on your path to wellness. 

Be nice to yourself. It's great to get in 4 workouts a week, drink 2 liters of water a day and see your chiropractor once a month. However, if one of those things gets missed don't beat yourself up. Acknowledge to yourself that what you did or didn't do was detrimental to your wellness goals and go forward from there. Each day is always brand new and represents a clean slate. 

We pretend that regularly eating a high fat diet won't affect our heart health or our waistline. We pretend that going months without an adjustment won't affect our nervous system's response to added stressors. We pretend that it won't take years off of our life and quality out of our years by sitting inactive. We pretend that we really don't need to be involved in our community or that we don't need 'down time' with our families and 'me time' with ourselves. 

Stop pretending. Being aware of how you think is a huge step towards a higher level of wellness in all dimensions of your life. Recognize if you sometimes get in your own way. Ask yourself "what am I pretending not to know?" and then do something positive about it.

Question of the Month 

I recently had surgery and I want to see my chiropractor but I can’t lie down. Can I still get adjusted?

There is more than one way that the spine can be adjusted. You can be sitting or even standing and still receive chiropractic care. Getting adjusted while you are healing from surgery can be very helpful. Often the position you are placed in during your operation puts a lot of stress on your spine. As well, with a healthier spine and nervous system, you bounce back faster from the surgery. Your healing time can be faster. The nervous system coordinates healing in your body. If it is well supported by your spine, everything works better. Call your chiropractor today for more information.

Fitness Corner

In the Fitness Corner this month, Scott McDermott newsletter has some great topics to consider. They are:

1) Would you REALLY like to know what the deal is with Cholesterol?
2) No time to work out?
3) Oh yes, it's time for ANOTHER BRILLIANT AB EXERCISE!!!
4) A clarification on assessing your daily caloric needs
5) Coming Events 
To sign for this for the free and informative newsletter, send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca.

Health News 

Study Shows Link Between Antibiotics and Allergies, Asthma 

Children who receive antibiotics within their first six months of birth increase their risk of developing by age 7 allergies to pets, ragweed, grass and dust mites and asthma, according to a study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. More:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=515314

This study demonstrates a phenomenon called “switching”. When an immature immune system is exposed to antibiotics and other nervous system toxins (like mercury etc) it switches from focusing on the outside world to their inside world. Thus more allergies, asthma and other autoimmune disorders occur. This is another reason to look closely at healthcare choices for infants. 

Canadian Chiropractor Takes Care of Celine Dion and her Performers

After a long day that has turned into a long evening of work, Trevelynn Henuset, DC, 32, waits for his midnight dinner at an off-the-strip Las Vegas restaurant and says, “I feel very blessed with this job.” Though Henuset, a 2001 graduate of Life Chiropractic College West, is slightly weary, it’s obvious that the health services department director of international superstar Celine Dion’s A New Day… is quite content with his unique work in chiropractic. Read more: http://www.canadianchiropractor.ca/Current_Issue.htm?ID=1759

How cool is that! Chiropractic care for these professionals is more than neck and back pain. It’s about striving to be their best at every performance. That is where chiropractic does its best work, keeping you at your best. Feel and perform great, don’t wait!

Office Happenings

1. Thank Goodness For Prosperity. This event was such an outstanding success last year that we are doing it again. On Friday November 21, we will be kicking off our Thank Goodness For Prosperity (T.G.F.P.) celebration. Again this year we are sponsoring a family through the Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society who would not otherwise have the means to celebrate Christmas. From November 21 to December 5 we are asking patients to help us raise $400 to purchase gifts, food vouchers and decorations for this family. Join in the spirit of the season and make a difference in our community.

2. New Web Resource. There is a new health-related website that I would encourage you to access. The address is www.webhealthsupport.com and is an Alberta based site, which is rather unique. They have a free monthly newsletter that people can sign up for as well. Check it out!

3. Half-Price Half-Hour Massages. For the week of November 24 – 28, all half-hour massages are half price! For $16, you can experience the healing hands of our great massage therapist, Rayana Bragg. Call or email the office to schedule an appointment. 

4. Office Closing. The office will be closed on Tuesday November 11 in honor of Remembrance Day and will be closed on Thursday November 27 to celebrate American Thanksgiving with my family.

5. Wellness Orientation Workshops (W.O.W.'s). Here are the dates for upcoming classes: Monday November 3, Wednesday November 12, Monday November 17 and Wednesday November 26. If you have been planning to get to one, here is your opportunity. They all start at 5:30 pm in the office and help you maximize your results and understanding. See you there!