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

Andre Gide

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November 2005

Contents

1. Get Started
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

Get Started

When writing articles like these, I often talk about or make reference to the sport of triathlon. There is a term that isn’t unique to the sport but is used it in. That term is DNF – did not finish. If that abbreviation follows your name in the race results it means your day didn’t go so well. In fact, it can be devastating to start a race and for some reason you can’t finish. The same can be said about things we do in life. Sometimes things don't go quite as planned.

Recently though the DNF label was placed in a different light. By not finishing a race it means you started it. You had a dream and made the decision to try a new sport. You dedicated the time and made sacrifices to train. You invested money in equipment, coaching and race entry fees. You risked yourself and your pride by being there at the start of the race. You put your self in a position to be triumphant but also to be humbled. But, you started! You tried!

It is quite an accomplishment to start something and not complete it. It means you took initiative. It means you didn’t get to the finish line but you can start again. I am sure you have heard the saying “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” By starting you have done something that many people have never done and that is to take that first bite.

What are you not starting? What could you do right now that you have been afraid to do or putting off? What dream could you start pursing? Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from starting. Make that call. Get that gym membership. Make that chiropractic appointment. Ultimately it just matters that you tried because a DNF is worlds better than a DNS – did not start.

Question of the Month

Why do you recommend drinking water after you get adjusted?

Water is an integral part of health and wellness. It’s important after you get adjusted as well. When the spine is adjusted, the nervous system works better. Often times this allows the body to flush its self of toxins and bring nutrition in. This process goes much smoother if there is adequate water available to the body. Always remember to make water a part of a healthy lifestyle, especially after a trip to your chiropractor!

Fitness Corner

(Pretend this is the voice of a ring announcer) And in the fitness corner, this author, fitness guru, gym owner, entrepreneur, and citizen of the year, hails from Sylvan Lake, Alberta… Ladies and Gentlemen, Scott “Iron Man” McDermott!! Sign up for his free newsletter (email mybestbody@shaw.ca) and receive this month…
1) WARNING: Do you read while you do your cardio?
2) Taking time off from fitness (but not too much or you will suffer a major setback!)
3) Lose one pound a month easily!

Health News

A shot of fear: flu deaths often exaggerated; so is benefit of vaccine

This balanced article comes from the Washington Post. There are a lot of things being said and reported in the media right now that have the potential to instill fear and panic. The authors pull back and give an objective view of the flu and the vaccine. Articles like this can give perspective when you think the sky might be falling in regards to the flu. Read more: www.docstacy.com/flu_article

Sharp increase in sleeping pill use by U.S. teens and children

“The use of sleeping pills by children and very young adults in the United States increased by 85 percent between 2000 and 2004” says a recently released study. “The study also found that about 15 percent of people under age 20 who took sleeping pills were also being prescribed drugs to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), The New York Times reported.” Drugs used to treat attention disorders can cause insomnia. To read more:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/1507120/main.html

I realize that this is an American report but it is something that we need to be aware of. I think there must be some other solutions to prescribing sleeping pills to kids especially if they are already on other medications. When more than one medication is taken, the interactions between them can cause more problems.

Office Happenings

1. Thank Goodness For Prosperity. On Monday 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 2 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. Referral Month extended. The referral month contest has been extended to November 18! Anyone who refers a new patient to the office will be eligible to win one of our great prizes. Prizes include models from Choo Choo Willies, a DVD player and a gift certificate from Runners Den. 

3. Office Closing. The office will be closed on Friday November 11 in honor of Remembrance Day and will also be closed on Thursday November 24 to celebrate American Thanksgiving with my family.

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you have questions about chiropractic care? Do you want to introduce our office to a loved one? Here is a great opportunity to do that. Attend one of our Wellness Orientation Workshops. The dates are Monday November 7 and Wednesday November 23. They start at 5:30 pm here in the office. See you there!

5. Patient Survey. In an ongoing effort to provide the best chiropractic care, the Alberta chiropractic association is doing a survey through November 21. If you haven’t been asked in the office, you are invited to go to www.PatientSurvey.ca to complete a 3 to 5 minute survey. Any help you may provide is greatly appreciated.