Welcome to Wellness

Positivity Playlist: Song 13

2012-02-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

Don't stop thinkin about tomorrow

Don't stop, it'll soon be here

It'll be better than before...

Positivity Playlist: Song 12

2012-02-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking

"What if I had given everything

instead of going through the motions?"

High Expectations: The negative side effect of Optimism

2012-02-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

It is well-documented, according to my friends, that I am an optimist to an almost pathological degree. I even have a friend who is a Doctor of Psychology who insists she is going to write a book about me and my disorder: Optimistic Personality Disorder (OPD). She assures me that I am the most extreme case she's ever seen. Symptoms include but are not limited to: perpetual silver linings, always expecting the best from people, and giving endless second (third, fourth, fifth, etc) chances.

Unfortunately, though my disorder helps me continually seek out and find the gifts offered by these experiences, I am often disappointed in others' behavior. I'm not one to typically hold a grudge or blame (at least not for long), but I definitely get let down.

Recently, however, in a conversation with a friend, I remarked on how optimistic he was... He responded that he's learned to keep his expectations low "so everything is a gain." This was such a remarkable statement to me. I really needed to be reminded of that today. And this one little sentence brings so many gifts with it...

First of all, the answers to our troubles could be waiting anywhere, even in a passing comment, so listen up, and they will find you! I am so grateful for the little ways God speaks to me on a daily basis, and the true beauty of it is that these little messages are so subtle and personalized that no one notices them but me... they're like our own little secret love letters going back and forth... I show my gratitude through my attempt to make the most of this life, and God communicates back through these random moments. I doubt that person had any idea what his statement really meant to me...

Second, keep your expectations of others low! We can't expect everyone to behave the way we would or even have the same guidelines for living, and expecting others to behave in specific ways simply sets us up for disappointment. This is not to say that it is ok for people to treat us unfairly or with disrespect, but expecting others to behave according to what we dictate to be right and good simply isn't fair.

Instead, if someone treats you in a way you find undesireable, speak up, in a kind and loving way, assuming they had no intention to hurt you. Let them know how you would like to be treated, not in a demanding or controlling manner, but it a way that brings awareness of how their behavior affected you. If they choose not to respect your feelings, you have the opportunity to decide if this person is really worth having as an integral part of your life. After all, if someone treats us with disrespect, it is OUR responsibility, and ours alone, to love ourselves enough to walk away. How can we blame the scorpion for stinging the frog?

Sometimes, results take time...

2012-02-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone felt fantastic after their first adjustment, and most of the time, this is true, but occasionally, someone's body has been so toxic or stuck or abused for so long that their first adjustment doesn't make much of a dent in their condition. In very rare cases, it can actually make them temporarily MORE sore.

The good news is, this does not last.

This soreness is a sign of how confused the nervous system is...

Just like people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome get sick after eating too much healthy food or a dehydrated person can get sick from drinking too much water, people who have had low functioning nervous systems for a long time can experience some side effects.

Be sure to report these side effects to your chiropractor.... they probably have tricks up their sleeve to alleviate some of the negative effects and help you through. Often when the nervous system's functioning is restored, things lurking in the background can spring to the surface, but the good news is that since your body is healing from the inside out, you don't have to worry that these insidious ailments will come out to get you later in life. Wellness is not a destination, it is a journey. What you do today and the choices you make physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, etc are investments into your health tomorrow. It took a while to drain your health piggy bank, and sometimes, it can take a while to fill it back up. Don't give up!

Positivity Playlist: Song 11

2012-02-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

"Our lives are made

In these small hours

these little wonders

These twists and turns of fate"

On Living Life On Purpose.

2012-02-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, there were a lot of dark days, but there was one thing that kept me going... I knew that I was here for a reason... there were people that needed my help, even though I wasn't sure how I was going to help them yet. I trusted that God had a plan in mind, even if I didn't know what it was. Someone sent me this today, and it reminded me of those days.

I am overcome with gratitude on a daily basis that I have discovered my personal way to serve the world and make it a better place. Know that even if you don't feel you have arrived at that part of your journey yet, you can make a difference every day, with every choice you make: In how you treat your friends, family, and even the strangers you pass on the street... even in how you treat yourself.

Perseverance through the darkest of days is what makes the light shine brightest on the other side. And often, through this perseverance, your purpose is discovered...

Happy travels...

Positivity Playlist: Song 10

2012-01-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Positivity Playlist: Song 9

2012-01-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

These lyrics never fail to give me chills... "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Ghandi

The Power of Affirmations

2012-01-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

In first grade, I started a new school. I was so excited (and a little nervous) to start my new adventure. I was enthusiastic to learn, to take the bus to school, to make new friends... it's such an exciting time in any six year old's life!

But things didn't turn out quite as I had planned.

The class was small and most of the kids already seemed to know each other. This one particular girl (we'll call her Melinda) picked me as a target. I was perplexed. I tried being extra nice to her and making peace offerings, but she would just turn up her nose, sneer, and walk away. Kids who I thought I had forged friendships with would sheepishly shy away from me when she glared at them. I didn't understand. I never hated ANYone, so this behavior was completely foreign and confusing to me.

My affirmations started right then and there. As Melinda's hatred infected the rest of the class like a cancer labeling me a social outcast, making friends became harder and harder. And every day, I would repeat to myself two things:

What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.

Someday, they will see me for the wonderful person I truly am.

I wish I could say it changed at the end of the year. But it didn't. In a small school, grades K-8, we stayed with pretty much the same kids all the way through. And first impressions last. After a while, everyone forgot why they didn't talk to me. I made some friends. But it continued to be somewhat of a social taboo to interact with me, and only the bravest, most secure kids were willing to take that risk (sadly, a rarity in the world of 9-13 year old girls). Luckily, outside of school, making friends was never much of an issue; I was shy but likable. However, when you spend the majority of your day invisible, it definitely outweighs the limited time you spend with friends at church or camp or girl scouts.

I'd like to clarify that this is not a complaint.

Yes, it lead to a lot of tears, down days, and a lot to process emotionally, but I couldn't be more grateful.

Why, you ask?

Because how lucky am I, that all my friends passed the test of loyalty before we ever even spoke?

And thanks to Melinda, I never had to follow the crowd. I am fiercely independent. I march to the beat of my own drummer. I have amazing empathy. I have overwhelming gratitude for friendship. I am a pro at finding things to love about others. My patients often comment that they feel no judgment from me, no matter what intimate details they share. And I have a soft spot in my heart for the underdogs of the world. But most of all, I got the opportunity to access the inner strength I never knew I had. I had no one to rely on but me. And I made it through. What didn't kill me DID make me stronger.

And you know what? Eventually, she DID see me for the wonderful person I truly am (and was). Our final year together (8th grade), we happened to get paired up in the same art group. Over the year, she got to know the person that I was. I wasn't even trying to impress her. I had given up trying to convince anyone of my worthiness years before. I just was who I was. But at the end of the year, she pulled me aside and apologized.

She explained that she had been jealous. She was jealous (of all things) of my long blond hair. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. And she laughed as well as she acknowledged her silliness of being so concerned with such a petty, insignificant thing. She said it was just like Barbie's (which made us laugh even more) and she wanted it and was angry she couldn't have hair like that. This lead her to threaten anyone who spoke to me. And eventually, most of the kids listened. The few who didn't listen, she tortured in her own seething way.

But over the course of that last year together she finally got the chance to get to know the object of her contempt. And she said that she realized how awesome I was and how unjustified her behavior had been. She said she had never met someone so accepting of others, so easy-going. She told me I was funny, and kind, and a really good friend, even when others didn't seem to deserve it. She was amazed by my capacity for forgiveness, even after she confessed what she had done. She even went as far as to tell everyone in the class that they needed to get to know me, because I was by far one of the coolest people she had ever known.

And if that's not an answered prayer (aka manifested affirmation), I don't know what is.

So I encourage you to say affirmations. Daily. Believe them. Imagine what they will feel like when they come to pass.

Because they will. Even if it takes 8 years. ;.)

Positivity Playlist: Song 8

2012-01-16T05:33:00.000-08:00

Such a great message...

Video Blog: What makes me different from other Chiropractors?

2012-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm a little different from your average Chiropractor since I utilize the Home Run Formula to get my patients optimal results. That includes not only the structural component, but also toxicity, deficiency, and accumulated emotional stress.

Positivity Playlist: Song 7

2012-01-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

A reminder not to take life too seriously...

Drug Showdown! Advil Vs. Tylenol

2012-01-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you're trying to decide whether to take Advil or Tylenol for your pain, consider this:

First, I'm going to state the obvious:

Drugs work by interfering with the body's natural functioning to create a desired effect (as well as many side effects, aka undesired effects). You cannot chemically manipulate a biochemical pathway without starting a cascade of unwanted effects.

Advil, as an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), interferes with the biochemical pathway that encourages inflammation. However, this same inflammation is what triggers the anti-inflammatory cycle which is responsible for laying down new healthy tissue and repairing the area. If you have damaged tissue and take Ibuprofen (Advil), you are actually impeding your body's ability to heal.

Tylenol (acetaminophen), on the other hand, works with a different pathway, but that pathway is also responsible for T cell production. T cells are one of our basic immune cells and are used to target invading organisms and eliminate problem cells (bacteria, viruses... even cancer!). These are the same cells that are not being produced in those with AIDs which is why people with AIDs can be killed by something as seemingly harmless as mold spores. They no longer have the cells to defend themselves.

Many athletes talk about using Advil post workout, but workouts shred tissue. Post workout, your body is working hard to rebuild and repair... is it a good idea to impede this process? Research has shown that neither Advil nor Tylenol improve recovery time from a workout.

So if Advil impedes the healing process, and Tylenol impedes the immune system, which would YOU choose?

Video Blog: Just saying hello!

2012-01-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Courageous Congruence...

2011-12-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

In the past six months or so, I have become reacquainted with the idea of owning my own behavior in a whole new way. This new approach requires me to courageously step forward and behave in a way I feel is congruent with who I am on a whole new level. Let me elaborate:

There have been a number misunderstandings in the past six months (probably longer for some) between friends and family... conflicts that seemed at an impasse despite my explanations and apologies... and yet, I still continued to find myself in situations where I still had to interact with and see these people. For one who likes everyone to get along and be happy (like most of us, I suspect), this added a lot of stress to these social gatherings.

I've heard it said many times that others' opinions of someone can shape that person's behavior. We begin to behave in the manner that is expected. Things become so convoluted that no one can see each other for the true, bright souls that they are because they get so blinded by their own Neuroemotional Complexes (NEC's). But the miracle that lies within this scenario is extracted and put on display when one person (or more) chooses to rise above this and end the illusion. This can happen in many ways, but in my personal experience as of late, I have taken on the challenge to really think of how I would behave if I did NOT assume this person or people have a negative opinion of me. What if everything were warm and loving and everything I wanted it to be? How would I behave then?

This was (and is) scary for me. It puts me in a position to get rejected, humiliated, and/or hurt. Repeatedly. But in these situations, the only thing I can control is me. And with a deeper understanding of that concept than ever before, I decided that I was going to be the person I wanted to be, regardless of others' behavior or assumptions. I chose to hold my head high, and love them the way I would otherwise, and make the conscious decision not to take their rejection personally. After all, if I could learn to love them (not to be confused with allowing them to treat me poorly) ... well... isn't that what truly loving others is all about? Letting them be miserable if they want to be miserable? Accepting how they choose to react to a situation? Respecting their decisions? Letting them be who they want to be?

Finally, I realized that they didn't have to behave to my expectations and standards for me to love them. And through loving them fully, I could be at peace with the decisions that they made, even if they were out of anger and designed to be vengeful or manipulative... even if they were decisions I wouldn't make myself. When their behavior could turn hurtful to me, I chose to love them from a distance.

And you know what happened?

A miracle.

With no fuel added to the fire, the conflict resolved itself!

The emotions that were fueling the conflict burned themselves out, and we were able to move on.

I think of the ways these situations could've played out differently. What if I had desperately tried to fix what couldn't be fixed? What if I had gotten angry with them? What if I had let it lure me into a depression? But I didn't. I didn't have to fix it. I didn't have to play into it. I just had to be me, express the goodness within, and trust in my higher power that it would untangle itself. And it did!

I challenge you to try this experiment for yourself and let me know how it turns out... you might be pleasantly surprised what happens when you release your expectations and trust everything will work out for the best...

Continuing to stumble blindly while secretly trusting that I am being conscientiously lead...

Dr. Redmond

The Positivity Playlist: Song 6

2011-12-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

"Don't be frightened

by thunder and lightening

Cuz the sun comes out

And the flowers grow

And you find you're already on the road

to be happy"

My Fitbit Experiment: Part 2

2011-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

I love dancing anyway, but it's so much fun to see the proof of how good it is for me! Can you guess when some of my favorite dances came on? And I have to admit... knowing that my fitbit was counting every step actually did get me to stay a little longer and do a few more dances...

Line dancing from 8 til 11:30pm

My Fitbit Experiment: Part 1

2011-12-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

My Fitbit

Thanks to the suggestion of some friends, I recently purchased a Fitbit. This intriguing little piece of technology is much more than a pedometer. It tracks my steps, but it also tracks how many calories I'm burning, how efficiently I'm sleeping, and graphs how active I am throughout the day.

Sleep graph example

Activity level graph example

The website (which anyone can have a free account with) has tons of tools, like a food diary, a journal to track your mood, allergies, and make notes, and logs for blood pressure, glucose, and more! I know I sound like I've been paid by the creators of this little gem, but I assure you I have not. I'm just so impressed by this tiny contraption! What a great tool to get and stay motivated. One of my favorite features is that I can compete with my friends and family for how active we are. I'm aiming for 1st place!

Stay tuned for future experiments to see how caffeine, alcohol, activity level, and diet affect the sleep graph!

A Special Thanksgiving offer...

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Patients and Friends:

Thanksgiving is a time ofreflection. It is a time to remember those who first celebrated thisday, to repeat the feeling of their heartfelt thanks. It’s a timeto remember family and the friends who mean the most to us allyear……friends like you.

Among the many things wehave to be thankful for is our health…and the resource to maintainand improve it. As the year draws to an end, it is our fervent wishthat we contribute to your being healthier and happier. We encourageyou and your loved ones to receive regular check-ups and enjoy lifeto the fullest.

As a means ofexpressing our thanks to you, we are extending the opportunity foryou to give a copy of this letter to loved ones who may use it for acase history consultation, thorough examination, with additionaltests if indicated, and a report of findings. (Total Value $200). The expiration date is March 1st. There are only a limited number ofappointments available because of scheduling. So call right away ifyou want to take advantage of our Thanksgiving gift to you.

If you haven’t beenin for six months or more, you can use this gift for yourself.

Our team wishes you andyour family a warm Thanksgiving Holiday!

In health and dedication,

Dr. Redmond

I don't believe in the Germ theory.

2011-11-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

"I don't believe in the Germ theory."

I remember laughing at the absurdity of this statement when I was in chiropractic school. After all, this is something we learn about from birth! We get exposed to a germ, it infects us, and we get sick. Done deal. Simple. There were actually people who claimed they "didn't believe" in this simple concept. REALLY? How could they be so ignorant?

But one day, I decided to put my pre-programmed dogma aside and really think about this idea.

Microscopic organisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, etc) cover every surface we come in contact with (with the exception of perhaps the operating theater where surgery is preformed, and even then, germs get in). They even cover our skin and line the walls of our digestive tract. They reside in every orifice of our body. Many of them are even beneficial and necessary to our survival! This means that more than likely, we are actually exposed to the critters that cause colds and flus almost every day of our life! Staph and strep are regular residents on and in our body. If you want to know what else might be living on you and are immune to the heebie jeebies, click here. (Otherwise, just keep reading.)

So why don't we all have staph and strep infections all the time???

Because most of us have an extremely effective immune system!! Our body is constantly working to keep our little ecosystem in balance. This is why a group of people can all be exposed to the same infected individual, but they don't all get sick. So it really isn't as simple as just getting infected, is it? Because if our body is properly cared for, we can defend ourselves! The same concept applies when it comes to the diseases we are vaccinated against. We can defend ourselves from those, too! Aren't we amazing creations?!

There are many things we can do to strengthen our immune system to help fend off these invaders. Stay tuned for that upcoming post.

Looking forward to helping you have a happy and healthy Holiday season!!

Dr. Redmond

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on all the things we're grateful for.

Don't underestimate the healing power of gratitude. It can be an incredible tonic.

I encourage you to take inventory of those things you are grateful for... especially when you have trouble finding things to be grateful for. When we are grateful, joy and contentment always follow close behind.

I also encourage you to search for the gifts within the things we would never choose for ourselves. Those curve balls, dark clouds, and disappointments that life inevitably tosses our way. What gifts have those hurts delivered to your life? Discovering those gifts allows us to release the bitterness and pain, and open our hearts and minds to the wisdom gained from such experiences.

Happy Thanksgiving to You, Beautiful Soul... May it allow you the space to discover how blessed you truly are...

Banya!

2011-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Talk about a little taste of heaven!

Banya (Russian: баня [ˈbanjə]) in Russian can refer to any kind of steam bath, but usually to the Russian type of sauna.

Saunas are great for your body. They help you sweat out toxins as well as relax your muscles, and when a friend told me about a sauna spa that was only $30 for the whole day, I had to check it out!

What a great experience! There were multiple types of saunas, both wet and dry. The wet saunas are somewhat humid whereas the dry saunas, as you've probably guessed, are dry heat and have no moisture. I loved the Russian Wet sauna... you take a bucket of cold water and splash it over you to cool off while inside the sauna. There was another version where you take a cold shower or jump into a cold pool after coming out of the sauna. In that one, people would bring large branches in and waft the hot, humid air down to their body to intensify the effect. There's also a great woodsy, herbal smell from the branches and cedar benches.

The spa that I went to also had a steam room, jacuzzi, lap pool, meditation room, and juice bar. I really look forward to going back. At the end of just a few hours spent there, my mind and body felt relaxed, and my skin looked fantastic!

A couple words of advice before you go:

1) Bring water and drink lots while you're there! Getting dehydrated is not good for anyone! You might also want to bring some salty snacks to keep your electrolytes balanced.

2) If you start to feel like you're going to fall asleep, it's time to leave the sauna and take a break.

3) Keep your hair covered while in the sauna. Some people use small hats like this:

Otherwise, your hair can become very brittle.

Feel free to cycle in and out of the saunas as long as you'd like, but be sure to listen to your body.

What a great (and affordable!) way to treat yourself during the holidays!

http://www.brc-spa.com/

The Positivity Playlist: Week 5

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Positivity Playlist: Week 4

2011-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Positivity Playlist: Week 3

2011-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Positivity Playlist: Week 2

2011-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

If I could make this song my alarm clock, I would. :.)

The Positivity Playlist

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love music. It lifts me up when I'm feeling down, helps me celebrate when I'm up, motivates me when I'm working, and acts as inspiration when I just want to sit and contemplate life for a little while.

Because of the emotion that often accompanies a melody, music can also be a powerful affirmation.

I encourage you to pay attention to what you're listening to, in the wake of our week of mindfulness.

I noticed a few years ago that a lot of my favorite songs included some very negative lyrics. The songs sounded happy, but they truly were not. I also noticed many instances where these lyrics had actually manifested in my life. It's amazing how our unconscious mind will absorb the stories we present to it and make them our own.

Now I must admit that I haven't completely given up all songs with stories I wouldn't like to have, but since our state of health is really about what we do 80% of the time, I decided to make a Positivity Playlist that I can listen to when I need a boost. And I have decided to share some of those songs with you! If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. There will be a song posted every Monday to keep you going all week long.

And now, the song that inspired this post!

Mindfulness: Day 7

2011-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

So... here we are. Today, I'd like you to reflect back over the week.. What did you take from the experience? How have you changed? Would you like more exercises like this in the future? Share your thoughts below... I'm excited to hear from you, and thanks for participating...

Mindfulness: Day 6

2011-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

When we are talking with others, we seldom listen deeply. We're more concerned with what we're going to say next. Today, when you are engaged in conversation, just be there. There's no need to fill the silences. Just leave space for the other person to continue with their thoughts. Just listen with heart and discover a new way to care for another person...

What were your observations?

Mindfulness: Day 5

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we're going to engage our sense of smell. Unless something smells "bad, " we rarely focus our attention on it. Today, start taking in deep breaths. Take in the walls of your home, your office, your car... Even the street! Notice the difference in each place you go... no need to judge it... just observe...

What did you notice? Looking forward to reading it below!

Mindfulness: Day 4

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we will taste and savor our food. This is a favorite exercise of mine, as well.

Pay close attention to the smell, texture, and the variety of tastes as you slowly roll each bite on your tongue. This is great for weight loss efforts as well, since many of us gobble our food so fast, we don't even realize we're full until we're feeling like a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey. There is no question that when we pay attention and slow the pace, we eat less.

When I took a mindfulness class last summer, we actually took at least 20 minutes just to experience ONE raisin. And I use the word "experience" instead of "taste" on purpose. First we examined it with our eyes and fingertips, observing all the qualities we could before smelling it and then eventually putting it in our mouth. And we didn't just bite into it, either.

This can be a really enlightening experience... and as I did this with other foods, I learned a lot... including some foods I really didn't like as all, but had been gulping down so fast I didn't even realize it. I encourage you to go as far as to think of where the food comes from, from farm to table, and all the people involved along the way...

What was your experience? Tell me in the comment section below...

Mindfulness: Day 3

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today, just look around you.

When was the last time you noticed the unique features of your home, gym, office, car, etc?

Today, notice the colors, sounds, shapes of rooms, windows, blinds, floors, ceilings, furniture... Check in with your senses in each location. What do you feel, see, smell, taste, and hear? What have you noticed today that you never noticed before? Share it below!

Mindfulness: Day 2

2011-09-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today, your task is to people watch! I love doing this. Look at the people close to you as if you have never laid eyes on them before. Note their unique way of walking, the cadence in their voice, their mannerisms, the crinkles in their faces... Anything surprise you? I encourage you to share it in the comment section below!

Mindfulness: Day 1

2011-09-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Your mission for today (or tomorrow, if you shower in the morning) is to be present in the shower. The next time you shower, concentrate on feeling the water cascading over your head and body. Pay attention to the scent of your soap and shampoo. Notice the sensation on your skin. Take note of your surroundings... the shower head, the tiles, the curtain, etc. This can be a beautiful, relaxing meditation, and a great way to start your day. And the best part is that it doesn't add any more time to your morning routine!

A week of Mindfulness

2011-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Mindfulness is a great tool. Being more aware of one's thoughts and actions can help us be less stressed, as well as help us make better choices. This can effect our lives profoundly, causing us to be healthier and happier overall.

In an effort to be more mindful, I have committed to a week of mindfulness, and I thought I'd invite you along for the ride! :.) Starting Monday, I will post once each day for a week on something we can do to be more mindful. Subscribe to this blog to receive your daily instructions and reminder. I look forward to hearing what you learned!!

Update: 21 Day Meditation Challenge

2011-09-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm loving it! I had really fallen into a rut with meditating... what a way to break free! I have even expanded it further into my daily life by taking some time out from my triathlon training to become a regular at my local yoga studio again. I've also felt more energized and balanced in my daily life and I'm even feeling more productive! Did you sign up? Share your experience in the comments below!

Years of Knee Pain are Over...

2011-08-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Recently, a patient came in with knee pain so severe she could barely walk. She had injured it about 20 years prior and it had never been "right" since. She had been to multiple orthopedists, naturopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc, but nothing seemed to help.

I examined it and found a number of things; muscle memories, trigger points, a fibular head subluxation, etc.

So what did I do? What I always do! My job! I fixed what I found, helped the nervous system get balanced, and allowed her body to heal as it was designed.

And whaddaya know... It doesn't hurt anymore. She can actually go for walks again! (Not to mention the happy little "side effects" of better energy, less anxiety, and being able to live her life again.)

Just another day saving lives.

I love my job.

Why can't I get pregnant?? from guest blogger Dr. Martha Nessler

2011-08-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

I met Martha at a Chiropractic function not too long ago. She's an amazingly passionate Chiropractor and person, and she speaks the truth from the heart. Here's her blog for those struggling trying to conceive. She said it even better than I could...

Why can't I get pregnant??

Swimming for the first time without fear? Priceless.

2011-08-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm always so excited to share my patient's successes and this is no different.

I met Michelle at a triathlon where she was volunteering and I was competing. Somehow, we got onto the topic of her fear of the water. I was amazed that with such a severe phobia, she was even capable of being a triathlete, which really says a lot for her strength of will and determination. She didn't even learn to swim until three years prior. Now in her early 50's, this incredible woman had completed multiple triathlons but still had to fight back the panic every time she got in the water. I told her about NET and how it had helped me complete my first Olympic tri, and she took my number and said she would check it out.

A week later, she went to compete in her first Olympic tri, and sadly, couldn't finish. She had a panic attack in the water. How scary is that?! Shortly thereafter, I saw her at my office. I examined her, and believed I could help (she seemed like a GREAT candidate for NET!), so we got to work. We had one week before her next tri, and honestly, I didn't know if she'd be ready... one week isn't much time and we found a lot that needed to be addressed. With her first adjustment we cleared her Allergy point, which we found out of balance due to accumulated emotional stress. This was simply to set the stage for the work we needed to do, and start to bring some semblance of balance to her nervous system.

You won't believe what happened next.

On her next appointment, after only one session, she came in and reported that she had done an open water swim in the ocean that morning, and she was fine!! Even I didn't expect results that fast! It truly is a testament to her strong constitution! I can't wait to see what happens when her nervous system is actually functioning at it's MAX!

GREAT JOB, MICHELLE! I'm so proud of you!!

21 Day Meditation Challenge

2011-08-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in this and welcome you to join me. You can still sign up.

Meditation has some wonderful health benefits. It can also catalyze a healing process in and of itself, and every time I have committed to a meditation program, formally or informally, I have always been impressed with how much I got out of it. Sign up here:

http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/Meditation_summer/Meditation_summer.asp?id=5765

Happy meditating!

Cyclist Gets Great Results with Chiropractic Care!

2011-08-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Troy*, came to me as a relatively healthy guy in his early 50's. As an avid cyclist and smartphone enthusiast, his only complaint was the annoying numbness and tingling he was experiencing in his arms and hands, at seemingly random moments, but especially after cycling or when using his phone. After a thorough examination, we determined that Troy's body, as a result of accumulated stress, was not adapting and healing properly and his body had built up scar tissue around his nerves traveling from his neck to his hands.

Since Troy's case was not severe and other health issues and degeneration were not present, we started him on a conservative schedule of once visit per week. We adjusted his wrists and elbows and did Active Release Technique (ART) on his forearms, and the numbness in his hands and wrists cleared up quickly. But the sensation in his arms was persistent. After about 4 visits, we had seen 100% improvement in his hands, but only 40% in his arms, so I decided it was time to dig deep. The small muscles in his neck were pinching down on the nerves going to his arms. After some more ART, we hit 70% improvement, and though Troy was happy, I knew we could do better. We found some accumulated toxicity keeping his body from healing, so I prescribed a homeopathic remedy to help bring his body back into balance. Finally, we released some accumulated emotional stress with Neuroemotional Technique (NET) and a little more ART, and Troy hit 100% improvement!! Another success story for the books! :)

*Name changed.

Screw enough. Be priceless.

2011-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had an especially profound session of NET with a patient yesterday. We've worked together for quite some time now, working through whatever issues bubble to the surface on this wild journey called life. This particular patient has been going through a very big transition lately... she quit her full-time job to focus on her business. She felt that quitting her job would give her the time she desperately needed to focus on her career goals, her health, and her overall happiness.

But a funny thing happened.

She seemed to have even LESS time than before!

She was still overwhelmed, lacking the time for exercise, lacking the motivation to eat well, never able to get 100% organized.

This is really a lesson for all of us... That we have time for what we MAKE time for... but I digress...

I noticed a pattern in her life, and she was up for a journey down the rabbit hole.

We started picking apart the story she was telling herself... that there wasn't enough money, enough time, enough of ANYthing...

We tested the concept of her being ok with having too much, not enough, and even just being ok as she was... None of which she was congruent with.

But then, as we spoke, and I continued to probe, we realized that this endless, infinite pursuit of "enough" was about something more. I asked her, "Why do you need more? Why aren't YOU enough?" and we both stopped.

We had hit the mother load; the core issue that was driving all her pain and suffering.

How many of us are driven on endless journeys just like this one because underlying it all, we are just trying to measure up? How many of us never feel like we are enough? How many of us can't be happy with what we have because we always tell ourselves we could do more, be more, have more?

What kind of world would we create if we all felt like we were enough? And how much better would THAT world be if we all realized we were PRICELESS?

(PS I'm happy to say that we did clear this issue for her, and she felt a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. I can't wait to see the shift manifest in her life!)

Your child is not broken...

2011-08-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm bracing myself because I'm sure I'll offend some folks with this one, but it needs to be said.

Your child is not broken.

There is nothing wrong with them.

Sadly, the people who need to read this probably won't or won't think I'm talking about them, but it breaks my heart every time a parent contacts me telling me that their young child needs professional help because they challenge them as parents.

THAT'S WHAT CHILDREN DO!

And some will definitely be better at it than others. But to teach a child that there is something wrong with them because of this only destroys their self-esteem.

It's a child's job to test the boundaries, and a parent's job to lovingly set them.

Believe me... I am by no means saying being a parent is easy. Being a parent is the hardest job that exists, and it often goes unappreciated. Setting boundaries in a loving way is nearly impossible at times. But to blame your child for your own inadequacies is (dare I say it?) abusive.

You consciously chose to bring them into this world. And with that choice, you elected to be their guardian... to protect their developing mind from undue stress, to nurture their self-esteem, and to teach them how to deal with the world and thrive. If you are choosing to consider yourself a victim of their behavior, what are you teaching them? That they are broken? They they are victims of their environment?

I am happy to help children overcome those things that challenge them, but more importantly, if you feel there is something wrong with your child, it's time to look in a mirror.

How are you guilty of the behaviors you accuse them of? How can you adjust your parenting techniques to make things run smoother in the household? Children will often resist structure and discipline, but if you stand firm (and fair!!), they will thrive. Perhaps we need to utilize some NET to help you let go of your fears, resentments, and other emotions that are preventing you from being the parent you want to be.

Here's the cold, hard truth... if your children are not who you want them to be, it's not their fault; it's yours. And if this made you angry, or brought out some other emotion for you, I encourage you to let me have it in the comment section below.

Need some encouragement?

2011-08-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

For a bit on inspiration, click here and listen.

Enjoy!

Love, health, and happiness,

Dr. Redmond

Feeling better and better... Where does it stop?

2011-08-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

A patient said to me this morning, "I haven't been in pain for months, and yet every week I come to get adjusted, I just feel better and better!"

This made me think. If we have never experienced a fully-functioning nervous system, how can we ever know what it's like to have one? So many people think they don't need a chiropractor, but they don't even know how much better their body could be functioning! If you were born blind, would you never want to see? If you were born deaf, would you never want to hear? Imagine all the untapped potential out there... all the people who, if adjusted, would begin to shine in ways they never imagined were possible...

Taking time...

2011-08-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty much all of us at some point have said that we don't have time to do what's good for us.

We don't have time to exercise, to get enough sleep, to cook healthy meals... The list could go on and on. For me, I had convinced myself I didn't have time for a vacation.

But this past weekend, I MADE time. I TOOK time. I stole time from all the other things that were pulling at me, and made my rest, relaxation, and renewal a priority.

And it paid off in spades, as these things have a tendency to do.

I kayaked, I biked, I ran, I stretched, I laughed, I danced, I napped, I read, I ate delicious and healthy foods (and some not so healthy foods, too)... And last night, as I was preparing my salad for my last dinner at the shore, my friend and colleague looked at me and said, "You look so relaxed," in a way that made me realize just how long it had been. I smiled and contentedly responded, "I am," and went back to preparing my beautiful salad (overflowing with fresh cucumber, avocado, romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, endive, peppers, and my favorite new salad dressing.).

Crabbing on the dock, watching the sunset...

Today, I feel so relaxed and energized with a renewed sense of patience and tolerance. All it took was a couple of days away. Incredible.

"Parents give us something to rise above..."

2011-07-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I often feel the need to remind my patients when we are releasing past hurts and patterns with Neuroemotional Technique that no parent is perfect. Even "bad" parents are doing the best they can for themselves and their children. They may be caught in their own illusions that convince them they are incapable of doing things differently, but they are still doing their best. Don Miguel Ruiz, one of my favorite authors states,

"Your best is going to change from moment to moment.

It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick."

It's important to remember that no parent, or human being, for that matter, is perfect. And those imperfections effect us as we grow and learn and emulate those imperfect humans that raised us. The important thing to remember is that we have a choice whether we are going to use that as an excuse to stay stuck in our childhood programming and ride along the path we feel has been created for ourselves, or to rise above our parents' humanity and be a better person for what they have taught us.

I challenge you to think of your parents' inevitable mistakes as something to rise above instead of fall victim to... after all, how boring would life be if everything was perfect?

I did it!

2011-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's so surreal. I don't even know if I can formulate my thoughts enough to share the experience. But so many of you have been so supportive that I feel as though I'd be cheating you if I didn't share.

I completed my Olympic Distance Triathlon yesterday. For those of you who don't know, that was a 1500 meter lake swim, 25.5 mile bike ride, and a 6.2 mile run on a 96 degree day.

This is one of those things that ten years ago, I thought only crazy people did. Crazy, athletic people. Even two years ago, you couldn't have convinced me that I'd do this some day soon. I was never athletic. And I wasn't that crazy. I remember when friends in school signed up for a sprint triathlon and invited me to join. I laughed. They were obviously delusional if they thought I could EVER do something like that.

But now, I've done it. And I've done more! And there were a lot of people who helped make that happen. What amazes me most is that it felt... dare I say... easy? Just another day. Another workout. And completely pain-free. And I'm sitting here dumbfounded wondering how that can be... What did I do to make this such an enjoyable experience?

First of all, I made sure I got adjusted. Running a race without tuning up my nervous system is like riding a bike with flat tires. You can do it, but it's not going to be fun.

Second, I got a massage a week before to work out all the kinks that might keep my muscles from functioning properly. Three weeks before, I also got my troublesome IT band worked on with SASTM, a Graston-like technique that hurts more than you can imagine but was amazingly effective.

I also used Neuroemotional Technique to address the anxieties that I had about the event as well as the emotional components of some of the injuries I developed during training.

But I think the biggest help was hypnosis and visualization! I was hypnotized the Thursday before the race by Corene Noack, practiced self-hypnosis (a form of meditation) every day from then until the race, and then was hypnotized by her again on race day, and I have never had a smoother, more focused race, or a stronger finish. I sprinted over the finish line and felt like I could keep going. I was so impressed! I suggest everyone give it a shot! So thank you to Corene, and all those other fabulous practitioners, friends, and family who made this such an enjoyable event for me. I see more Olympic tris in my future!

Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway.

2011-07-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

I will admit; I am terrified. I'm in that phase of Triathlon training where there is no more training to be done. The heat index is expected to be at 97 degrees this Sunday, and for the first time in my life, I will be doing a 1500 meter swim, 25 mile bike ride, and 6.2 mile run, all in one morning. I don't know if I'm ready, but I'm as ready as I'll ever be, so it's time to relax, hydrate, take a deep breath, and hope for the best. Time to trust that my body is capable of anything I set my mind to accomplish. Time to feel the fear, and do it anyway... What fears are holding YOU back?

Me at my first Triathlon last year (a sprint)

Saying hello!

2011-06-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hi! Just wanted to post to say hello... I know I've been MIA lately, but I've been so busy enjoying the warmer weather and training for my upcoming triathlon! Bike rides, hikes, 5K's, the pool... even a scavenger hunt and a dragon boat race! What have YOU been doing to enjoy YOUR summer?

What to do when you've let your body get run down... (How to fight a cold)

2011-06-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, we overbook our schedules, run ourselves ragged, and end up depleting our resources that help fend off microscopic invaders. That's when we end up expressing outwardly the symptoms of an infection, such as a flu or cold. Our bodies keep these microbes in check every day, so these symptoms are simply the demonstration of our unbalanced lifestyle. Getting "sick" is the nervous system's way of regaining homeostasis... since we aren't giving ourselves the rest we need, it puts us into a depleted state, forcing us to slow down and rejuvenate. I could happily ramble about the mechanisms involved in this process... the sympathetic nervous system in overdrive with it's "fight or flight" response and the counteracting parasympathetic nervous system that we experience while sleeping, meditation, and prayer... the neural link to why we create mucus and run fevers and ache and experience all the other unsightly symptoms of colds and flus but I doubt you want that much detail (and if you do, be sure to mention it in the comment section!).

The reason I bring this up is because I have been guilty of not giving my body the recovery time that it needs lately, and as a result, I am fighting something. And since I'm currently experiencing the first day of knowing something is "off," I figured it was the perfect time to share what I do to help my body recover as quickly as possible, drug-free. It really is possible!

First, HYDRATE! Flush your system with as much water as possible. Sometimes, I will drink close to a gallon within 24 hours. Sometimes, doing ONLY this enough to stop whatever bug is trying to get me.

Second, SLEEP! Your body is trying to achieve balance again after going into overdrive, so resting quietly, in a dimly lit or dark room will help this happen faster. Resist the urge to turn on the TV since it is highly stimulative to the nervous system.

Third, SUPPLEMENT! Taking large doses of Vitamin D- around 4000IU/day should do it- has been shown to stop respiratory infections in their tracks. I also like to mega-dose Vitamin C, but I wouldn't recommend doing this for more than a week and if you experience burning during urination, stop taking it. It's very hard to overdose on Vitamin C since it is water soluble, but over-saturation can cause it to crystallize in your urine which can be awfully uncomfortable. Echinacea is a great herb to take at the first sign of symptoms and has been shown to shorten the duration of a cold by a few days if taken early on.

Fourth, ELIMINATE DAIRY! Dairy products increase mucus production due to the low level of inflammation they cause in the body. If you are prone to colds and sinus issues, I would encourage you to eliminate dairy from your diet entirely, but that's another blog. For now, let's just focus on eliminating dairy until you're feeling better.

Fifth, HOMEOPATHY! There's a number of homeopathic remedies that can be used to help eliminate your symptoms altogether. I like using the Earth, Flu/Immune, and ER911 remedies that I use in my office. Sometimes, I don't catch the symptoms in time and will call up my homeopath for something more specific. Homeopathy has allowed me to completely eliminate pharmaceuticals from my lifestyle so I am a huge fan. But please be aware: It is a tricky science and requires extensive knowledge of the remedies to find the right one so PLEASE! make sure you seek out a qualified practitioner. The great thing about it is that there are no side effects so you can't hurt yourself if you take the wrong thing, but I've heard so many people say that homeopathy doesn't work, simply because they had the wrong remedy.

I've listed all the things I would definitely do... there's others but this should get you through. Other helpful things are to avoid sugar, wheat (if sensitive to it), add some mild exercise like some gentle yoga or walking, meditate... and keep a positive attitude! Beware stating affirmations like, "I'm sick." Stay strong! You're FIGHTING it! :.)

Excuses...

2011-05-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

This song popped onto my iPod the other day, and I couldn't help but think of it in the context of the work I do. We all have excuses regarding why we can't acheive greatness... What excuses are holding YOU back?

Neuroemotional Technique for Postpartum Depression

2011-05-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share this success story, as it is one of the worst cases of Postpartum Depression I've ever seen in my office. This particular mom has four children, and experienced PD with ALL of them. She was anxious, depressed, and couldn't connect with her babies. What a heart-breaking and anticlimactic experience for any mom.
I started working with her when she was about 5 months pregnant with number four. She was very nervous about getting depressed and anxious again. She was also concerned about her other three children and whether she could provide what they needed while caring for her newborn. I saw her about 5 times before her new baby boy arrived... and what do you know! It's about a month after her delivery and she feels great! Sure, there's still the fatigue and stress that comes with a new baby, but she's not incapacitated or disconnected, and taking everything in stride. Congrats, mom! You're an example of what is possible for so many others who suffer in silence!

Why taking Ibuprofen could be the worst thing you could do for yourself...

2011-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am by no means against taking medication, but we often forget, even when taking over-the-counter drugs, the reason these things change our present situation. It's not simply that we are experiencing something undesirable, take a magic pill, and turn off the annoyance, though it may often seem that way. What we are actually doing is turning off mechanisms and biochemical pathways that result in the "symptom" we are experiencing. By turning off or altering these mechanisms, we also create a domino effect, turning off systems that are in place further down the line. The processes that get interrupted are usually referred to as the "side effects," unless, of course, those effects are the desired outcome.

The reason I bring this up is because often, people will experience something in their body that they consider undesirable, like pain, and will instantly reach for Advil/ibuprofen to make it go away. Since most folks are not biochemists, and are trained that ibuprofen and other "NSAIDs" are often the answer by medical doctors and pharmaceutical ads, they don't stop to think why it makes the pain go away or what other processes may be affected, so I'm going to teach you!

Advil and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation by interfering with an enzyme in the pathway that creates prostagladins called cyclo-oxygenase. But prostaglandins are used for a lot more than just to create pain to indicate we've damaged something. They also help our blood clot when we get injured, promote the production of mucus to protect our stomach lining from our digestive juices, and promote inflammation.

Why in the world would we WANT to promote inflammation?

Because that same inflammation is what tells our body where we need to heal! It's a message that new tissue needs to be laid down. By taking Advil, you are turning off the distress signal, letting your body know it has work to do! Seems a little counterintuitive, doesn't it? So if you need to cut the cycle off temporarily just to get through a rough patch, that's up to you, but taking these medications when your body is trying to recover from exercise, injury, or overuse will simply slow down the healing process... which I'm sure was never your intention. Instead, get checked out by a good chiropractor, learn to use ice, heat, nutrition, rest, and even Epsom salts accordingly. You'll bounce back faster than ever!

A smoking baby??

2011-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Watching this from an educated perspective, it may seem completely preposterous that someone would allow a 2 year old to smoke. I mean, a child doesn't just pop by the store and whip out some of their hard-earned cash to purchase a pack of cigarettes. They don't even have the hand-eye coordination to *light* a cigarette! It's easy to look at this and wonder what is WRONG with those parents for doing that to their child. Some would even claim it's child abuse!

But is it really so different from what we are doing to children in this country? We raise them on diets loaded with saturated and trans fats, refined sugars, preservatives, unpronounceable chemicals, and dyes. Our most consumed "vegetable" in this country is french fries. We serve kids food that don't even resemble anything coming from nature. Children can't even recognize common fruits and vegetables. Toddlers are developing plaque in their arteries and early-onset diabetes. Roughly one in four children in our country are actually obese! This generation is expected to be the sickest ever. And yet, parents continue to feed their children unhealthy foods that they refuse to eat themselves.

When we were children, there were no options at meal times... we ate what was given to us, or we didn't eat at all. Have human beings changed that much? I assure you, kids WILL eat. And I know they'll throw a tantrum. Or two. Or ten. But who has allowed them to develop these bad habits? And do you really want to be responsible for your own child's future health issues?

Remember when doing your best to lovingly stand your ground that you're doing it for THEM. It may be hard to swallow, but they have developed these unhealthy habits because you have allowed it. They were entrusted into your care for you to show them the way. Please don't let them down.

Allergies eliminated overnight???

2011-05-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Back when I was a fledgling Neuroemotional Technique practitioner, not really sure if the technique itself could live up to it's claims, I had a patient show up late to her appointment.

This was unusual since she was always on time. She ran into my office, apologizing for her tardiness, explaining that she had to wait for the swelling in her eyes to go down so she could see to drive. "The what?!" I exclaimed. This patient was young, vibrant, and healthy, and had never mentioned any such reaction before. "The swelling," she stated matter-of-factly. When I asked her to tell me more, she nonchalantly expressed how every morning, for years I might add, she would wake up with her eyes swollen shut. "It's no big deal."

"Are you kidding me? No big deal?" I laughed incredulously. If I woke up like that every morning, it would be a big deal to me! In an effort to improve her quality of life any way I could, I tossed the option of NET out there... I had just taken my first seminar the previous weekend. I told her I didn't know if it would work, but it was worth a shot. She said she was game.

I checked her allergy point and found accumulated toxic stress. Her body tested as needing the allergy remedy which I happened to pick up when I was at the seminar. I gave her the bottle, adjusted her, and sent her on her way, not expecting much in the way of results.

I will never forget because the next morning was a Saturday... at 7am, my phone rang. "Is it supposed to work this fast?!?!?!" For the first time in years, she woke up without swelling. I was officially a believer.

We had one relapse a few months later, this time with accumulated emotional stress. After a brief adjustment to reset her circuits, she was on her way. That was 6 years ago, and she hasn't had allergies since.

A note to my readers...

2011-04-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read! I hope to keep bringing you things worth reading!

Second, I'd like to know what questions YOU want answered? Let me know in the comments section below or email them to me at DoctorRedmond@gmail.com with CHIROPRACTIC QUESTION in the subject line... I promise to answer them all, and if I have enough to say about it, I'll even turn it into a future post!

Last, but most important, what should I do to celebrate my 1000th page view?

Are you going to be the one who raises others up? Or tears them down?

2011-04-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

A number of years ago, I went with friend to see the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. I had seen it numerous times before and it was always a magnificent show. We got a great deal on tickets since they were giving away orchestra seats for opening day prices in celebration of the show's anniversary. We were front row center, just a few rows back from the stage.

I don't know a nice way to put this, so I'm just going to say it: It was awful. The actors were singing off-key and seemed not to know their cues or lines... I couldn't believe these were supposed to be professionals!! I've never been more disappointed in a Broadway performance. I felt like *I* could do a better job.

But then... the magic happened...

The man who played the Phantom came out on the stage. And he was good. No; he was more than good... he was amazing. He was so good, in fact, that just his presence on the stage elevated everyone else's performance. It fascinated me as I sat there, reflecting how one person's performance could have such a dramatic effect on the entire show; one person's behavior could change the whole dynamic.

We have a choice to make when going about our daily existence. We can choose to "be the light in the darkness," as a wise preacher once told me, or we can add to that darkness. How do you choose to show up? Are you doing your best to elevate those around you by your performance, allowing us to all be in a better position to thrive? Are you going to be the "light in the darkness?" Or are you going to contribute to the chaos and darkness that exists in this world? As with everything, the choice is yours. What impact do YOU choose to have on the world?

Pooping is FUN!!

2011-04-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have a patient. We'll call her M. M is an adorable little girl who I have been seeing on and off since infancy. M's mom called me up one day when M was about 3 years old, and said that she had to bring her in. She hadn't had a bowel movement in two weeks. "TWO WEEKS? !" I exclaimed. That's an awfully long time for ANYone! Mom explained that usually prune juice did the trick but it didn't seem to be working. I was concerned that there might be a bowel obstruction but since M wasn't showing any physical signs of distress, I thought it would be best to get her adjusted.

When she came in, I found multiple subluxations in her pelvis, low back, and upper neck. This justified her presenting symptoms: the nerves in the low back and pelvis control the lower digestive tract and elimination while the upper neck dominates overall visceral functioning with it's relationship to the vagus nerve. So, as I always do with my patients, I found it, fixed it, left it alone, and let her body take over the healing process as it was designed to do. I warned Mom that if things did not change soon, a medical response would be required, and I sent them on their way.

Within a half hour, I got a text from Mom... M went to the bathroom as soon as they got home. Afterwards, she proclaimed, "Pooping's FUN, Mommy!!!" and proceeded to play "Chiropractor" by pretending to adjust Mom. Perhaps we have a future Chiropractor on our hands?

Why I spread my message to people who don't want to listen...

2011-04-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

When I first started Chiropractic School, I was on fire with the passion to spread the Chiropractic message. Any time I came across someone with a health issue, I would start telling them how Chiropractic could help. But sitting at a family function last week, listening to a number of people gripe about their health issues and brag about the ways they've found to fix (aka cover up) the problem all by themselves, I became frustrated.

The things they are experiencing are red flags of serious conditions lurking under the surface that no amount of medication is going to heal! They've heard the miracles that occur in my office, and yet they don't seem to want that for themselves. Do they not think it will work for them? Are they deluded into believing that chemicals can grant them long-term quality of life? Have they just decided that they'll worry about it later, when things are broken down past the point of repair? Or are they convinced that the negative consequences will never catch up to them? When they think of how many years they could potentially be on this earth, how could they not want to take care of the only body they'll ever have??? They treat their cars better!

It hit me, as I sat there biting my tongue, that somewhere along the way, I realized that some people just don't want my help. I've already told them what Chiropractic can do for them. I've told them how serious the condition is. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing by giving up on them and quite honestly, I'm torn.

If someone had the answer to my problem - an answer that would make my life happier, longer, and more rewarding - I would feel cheated if they didn't share it. Actually, I would probably want them to take me by the shoulders and shake some sense into me until I listened.

And this is why, despite the knowledge that many people don't want my help, I still find myself telling complete strangers, as well as friends and family, what chiropractic can do for them. Most of the time, they brush it off, and continue living their sub-par existence, with their body and mind just struggling to exist in this world... but sometimes... they actually listen... and I get to see their lives transform. And THAT really is a beautiful thing. Those moments make all the rolled eyes worth it.

Don't be afraid to share the message... you might just save a life.

When a canceled flight turns into an educational experience...

2011-04-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

A healthy attitude is more important than a healthy body.

As a chiropractor, it may seem blasphemous to say such a thing, but the truth of the matter is, a healthy attitude is PARAMOUNT to having a healthy body!

Recently, I was traveling for a seminar, and my flight was canceled after first being delayed by about 4 hours. The next available flight would be the following morning, which not only meant I would have to be up at 4am to get to the airport in time, but I would also miss half of one of the two days of a seminar I was traveling halfway across the country for. I made a conscious choice not to get upset about it. After all, there was nothing I could do to change it, and getting upset would just flood my system with stress hormones and increase my cardiovascular risk. I amused myself while waiting in line, chatting with the other passengers and joking that this was just another story for my book... another adventure unfolding. What could have been termed as a "complete nightmare" transpired as a pleasant exchange with some new acquaintances and a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

It's important to remember that wellness is more than just how one treats their physical body, but also how one treats their emotional and spiritual body. Research has shown that not only does a positive mental attitude make a person more attractive, it also speeds recovery time and reduces overall illness. It even effects your pain tolerance! Taking time regularly to reflect on the way you approach and affect your world is imperative to having a truly fulfilling life. And finding a chuckle in the bumps along the way makes life far more fun! After all, the worst disasters often turn into the most compelling tales... Perhaps, the lessons I learned on my way to the seminar were even more valuable than those I learned while attending... What kind of experiences have you made positive as a result of your own attitude shift?

What to do when you can't turn your head...

2011-04-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

A friend reached out to me with this question this morning and I thought I'd share my response:

Q: My neck muscle strained and I can't move it comfortably left to right - I have no idea how or why this happened. What can I do at home to gain more comfort and mobility? Heat or ice? Motrin load up?

A: As a Chiropractor, I get asked this question a LOT. Most folks completely underestimate the importance of this red flag! Nothing replaces a good chiropractic exam to determine exactly what the issue is. If I were alone on a desert island with no one to examine me and an endless supply of moist heat and ice, I would probably start with moist heat. If it got worse than it was when it started once the heat is removed, I'd switch to ice. I would also find which vectors made for a good stretch and hold the stretch for at least a minute at a time. Massage will also help. Since Motrin (ibuprofen) interferes with healing, that might not be the best idea. Tylenol (acetaminophen) interferes with T cell production and your immune system, so I would avoid that if possible as well.

Most of all, and I can't stress this enough, I would definitely get it checked out by a good chiropractor, since this is usually a warning sign that there are major problems lurking under the surface... If it's addressed now, you could potentially stop or prevent the development of arthritis and disease, saving you from a whole bunch of other issues including but not limited to headaches, fatigue, allergies, and more pain. I can't tell you how many times I see people coming into my office with major health problems that resulted from ignoring things like this. It's SOOO easy to fix when you catch it early on... but wait too long, and the damage becomes irreparable. Good luck! If you need the name of someone convenient to you, let me know and I'll see who I know in your area!!

And now, for a chuckle and lesson... all at once!

2011-04-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

I was so amused by this I had to share... Wellness is not just about your body... use these wonderful tips to help make your SOUL healthier! Which one's YOUR favorite?

10 Guidelines for Enlightenment

The journey of 13.1 miles begins with a single step...

2011-04-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

I was never "athletic."

Actually, that is probably the understatement of the year. As a child, I was the farthest thing from an athlete one could ever imagine. I was consistently picked last in gym class. I would always miss when attempting to kick or catch a ball... as a matter of fact, the only sport I was remotely good at was Dodgeball... because, as the worst player on the court, learning to dodge balls effectively was the only thing that saved me from getting injured. I made the decision very early on that I would never compete in anything that required physical ability. I spent most of my summer in my bedroom, reading.

So if you told me I would run a half-marathon, or even a 5K, I would have laughed in your face. I couldn't even run a block! My knees would feel like they were turning inside out just from WALKING! I was always spraining my ankles... My body did not seem to be built for anything that required an elevated heart rate, physical strength, or anything involving even minute amounts of coordination.

Knowing this, you might find it surprising that I ran my first half-marathon last Spring... and my first triathlon last summer. I'm even considering a half-ironman next year. How does one go from being unable to run at all to running a half-marathon? The answer is simple... one step at a time.

I started walking. That was easy, so I started alternating between walking and jogging. Along the way, I learned how proper form and heart rate training could make such a positive impact on how I felt during and after my workout. Running went from being pure torture to actually being fun! I set my goals, and I stuck to them... first, I just wanted to be able to run a mile. Then, I wanted to do a 5K. I thought I'd stop there, but the next thing you know, I was running 5 miles... then 6... Until finally, last year, I ran 13.1 miles; a half-marathon.

There's something to be said for pushing your body's limits. The biggest thing I learned from completing that race, and every race it seems, is that our bodies are capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for. But our own excuses hold us back. We think we can't do it. And we prove ourselves right. So my challenge for you is this: What goal are YOU going to set for yourself? And when are you going to accomplish it? Will it be to run a mile? Or is there something else you want to challenge your body to do? Let me know in the comments section below... I'm curious to see what you can come up with. Who knows! Maybe I'll even join you!

You'll probably get Cancer...

2011-04-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the sobering title, folks, but with the odds being 1 in every 2 men and women developing cancer these days, if it's not the person sitting next to you, it's you. This may seem scary and somewhat hopeless, but statistics also tell us that only about 20% actually die from it. And THIS is the statistic you can control.

The fact is, we will ALL face health challenges throughout our lives, but are you going to meet those challenges unprepared for battle, with a bulging gut, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, and a sub-par immune system? Or are you going to storm the building, guns blazing, ready to handle whatever is thrown your way? Sadly, the leading causes of death in this country are life-style related. We are doing this to OURSELVES. And if you're waiting for the medical industry to save you after neglecting yourself for decades, no one can promise quality of life. You get what you give.

Invest in your body! It's the only one you've got! Most people spend more money in the last two weeks of their life than they ever do on prevention. Eating fruits and vegetables, preferably organic or the clean 15, keeping your nervous system tuned up, exercising, getting restful sleep, stretching, adequate stress management, spending time with friends, communing with nature, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption... all these things are like making deposits into your armory and will contribute to you living a long, healthy life.

See you at the battleground! How will YOU show up?

Age is no excuse for pain... The World's Best Kept Secret

2011-04-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

I had a patient come to me not too long ago.

He had heard about the fantastic results I had gotten for another patient with chronic neck pain and he wanted to know if I could help him. He had been getting adjusted for a year, once per week, and though his neck and shoulder pain had improved, it was still there. Mondays it was mild, but as the week wore on, it got consistently worse. The weekends, it was as if someone had pressed the reset button... and the pattern continued.

He has been seeing me for three months, and his shoulders feel great. The symptoms are gone, and the scans of his nervous system are vastly improved. We were marvelling together at his speedy recovery once the proper tools were implemented and we addressed the emotional component of his nervous system and the resulting symptoms and he mentioned that he had thought, as a man in his 50's, that he was just getting old. I noted, as I have many times with patients, that age really is just a number. He agreed... something that might not have happened if it hadn't been for chiropractic. "Isn't it sad that more people don't know that? It's the world's best kept secret."

Only 7-10% of the population is under care of a chiropractor right now. At least 90% have had a favorable experience with a chiropractor. I had the pleasure of hearing a Chiro in his 70's speak last night... he had great posture and was in excellent health despite years of beating up his body with the very physical work of being a high-volume chiropractor. What was his secret? Weekly Chiropractic Adjustments. Are you going to wait for your body to break down before you start taking care of it? Do you only brush your teeth when they hurt? Do you only change your oil after your engine breaks down? Any other part of your body can be replaced... but you only get one spine, and one nervous system. Treat it well.

Carving a new path...

2011-03-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

A patient walked into my office today and announced that something felt a little "off." I asked him to explain.

The disruption began with a car "incident." Something diverted his attention from the road while driving and he ended up going through a ditch and narrowly missing a telephone pole before managing to get his car back on the road unscathed. He was thankful that he and his car were ok, but there was something nagging at him the rest of the day. As an NET practitioner, I was as curious as he was to get to the bottom of it so I had him picture his "off-roading" event.

There was definitely an emotional charge with the liver meridian involved and the emotion that the body resonated with turned out to be "depressed." (In the NET world, depressed isn't usually a synonym for depression, but more a term that describes feeling pushed down or inhibited in life.) I asked if that meant anything to him and quickly he responded that he didn't know if it was correlated, but lately, he's been wondering if he's on the right path in life.

Through testing, we found that this was, in fact, the emotional pattern that had been triggered by the incident. It was left unresolved while observing his mother as a child, sensing her own inner debate of where she should be spending her energy: being the stay-at-home mom she felt called to be, or working outside the home.

I was struck by how clever his unconscious mind was... encouraging him to explore his feelings by making him quite literally carve a new path other than the one he was driving on... resulting in what was not necessarily an all-out storm, but more of a light cloud coverage of contemplation. It was this resulting contemplation that allowed us to bring these feelings and patterns to light and reprogram them...

Many, if not all of us, have had these moments where we question our direction. We wonder if we're doing the right things, making the right decisions, or whether we should have done something different. We have fears about the future... but using NET, we can help bring these feelings to a state of neutrality, allowing us to move forward and take action. We can stop them from overwhelming us, from hijacking our thoughts, and from keeping us frozen in fear or indecision.

What's holding YOU back?

Yours in health,

Dr. Redmond

Spring Cleansing!

2011-03-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

You Spring Clean your house, why not your body!?

Join us for our Spring Cleanse Kick-off on March 28th at 7:30pm to get everything you need for our Spring Cleanse. We will be using the Standard Process Purification Kit, an excellent, gentle, and effective cleanse that I have been using for years. This 21 day cleanse is comprised of organic, whole food supplements and includes recipes, instructions, and, since you're doing it with us, GROUP SUPPORT! I will also give some tips based on my personal experience to get you off on the right foot. Feel more energized, clear-headed, and even drop a few pounds!

Reservations are required, so please call ASAP!
908-218-1002

Yours in health,

Dr. Jenn

Sleep issues?

2011-02-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

You never forget your first... and that's how it was with the first patient I helped with sleep issues. It was five years ago. I was a relatively new Neuroemotional Technique (NET) practitioner at the time. A patient came in, explaining that although his back and allergies had drastically improved since commencing chiropractic care, he felt he would be doing much better if he could just sleep through the night. I asked him to elaborate and he explained that, night after night, he would wake up sporadically all night long. He no longer had his achy back to blame, and was somewhat perplexed by his inability to sleep. I asked if he wanted to check it out and he agreed. What came next caught me by surprise, but taught me a very good lesson about sleep.

It turned out that, as a child, this man was woken up nearly nightly by his abusive alcoholic father and you can only imagine the atrocities that ensued. Sleep was not safe to his subconscious mind. How could it be? And it occurred to me in that moment how vulnerable we are when we fall asleep... and how much something interfering with our safety could interfere with this seemingly automatic function. When the mind feels that staying awake is imperative to staying alive, which one do you think it will choose?

This particular patient, like most, was well-aware of what had happened in his childhood, but had no idea how it was affecting his health in the current day. Using NET, we were able to reset these circuits and let the programming of the past go. The threat was gone, but the body had remembered, and the timeless limbic (emotional) brain had been trained well. NET didn't make the mind forget, but it allowed healing of past traumas to take place so that his body could let go and allow him to get the rest he so desperately needed.

Not all sleep issues are caused from such traumatic origins, but I do believe there is a stress component the majority of the time. Wouldn't it be great if everyone could rest easy?

Sweet dreams.

When you have no one else to love, love yourself.

2011-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the unexpected absence... I've been experiencing some computer issues on my end but I'm back!

"When you have no one else to love, love yourself." It's a piece of advice that one of my teachers gave our class in Chiropractic school, and quite appropriate to remember on Valentine's day. Now, the truth of the matter stands firm that there really is never a moment when we have no one else to love, but when it feels that way, the best thing we can do is focus on loving ourselves... give ourselves what we need to feel nurtured, loved, accepted, secure, and protected. Whether that's a quiet night at home to lick the wounds of the long-gone or not-so-distant past, or a night out with friends or family. Sometimes, it means giving ourselves those things we've been deprived of, like going to get a massage or taking time to read that book that's been tempting us from the bedside table... Or treating ourselves to a delicious, nourishing meal, for no other reason besides our being worth it. There are so many ways to give yourself the love and attention we need... A quiet moment with a cup of tea, a hot bath, watching a great movie, talking to a friend.... And this type of nurturing should happen whether you're in a relationship or not. What's your favorite way to nurture yourself?

Is your diet REALLY healthy? Or do you just think it is?

2011-01-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

Most Americans THINK they're eating healthy, even though few are... Read this article for tips, and stay tuned to join Samsara Chiropractic's "Cleanse Club" to jump start YOUR new lifestyle...

http://www.wellnessuncovered.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2024%3A-licensed-from-afp-americans-under-illusion-their-diet-is-healthy&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=50

A Drug-Free Me.

2011-01-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

I have been drug-free for over 5 years.

I'm not talking about illegal substances here, or even just prescription drugs. Even OTC drugs like Advil and Tylenol have detrimental side effects, as a friend of mine I visited in the hospital yesterday can attest to. She had a headache for four days, and in that time, took so much Tylenol that her liver started shutting down and she ended up spending the remainder of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 in a hospital bed, lucky to be alive.

I chose to go drug-free because I saw the negative consequences of fooling with our biochemistry... And I have alternatives. I have since relied solely on Chiropractic adjustments, Neuroemotional Technique, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, meditation, exercise, and diet to manage my body and treat whatever ails me. I'm not telling you what to do, but I want you to know that the alternatives are out there if you choose to seek them.

And now, without further ado, 15 drugs big pharma is pushing, and their nasty side effects:

http://www.alternet.org/story/148907/15_dangerous_drugs_big_pharma_shoves_down_our_throats

Hey! I made the news!

2011-01-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110104/HEALTH/101040304/Neuroemotional-chiropractic-technique-gets-you-thinking

Revolution against the Resolution

2011-01-03T17:56:00.001-08:00

I have given up on New Year's resolutions.

It happened three years ago. I was so disenchanted with following the trend: Make promises to ourselves that we never keep and then berate ourselves for not following through. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

I decided that instead of adding so much pressure by setting my sights on specific goals, I would pick a theme and make all my decisions for the following year based on that theme. Every decision would be made by first -as best I could- filtering it through my theme. The first year, I decided I was going to nurture myself. This could be done a multitude of ways, and as the year went on, I discovered more ways to nurture myself than I ever expected. I thought it would translate to eating better, exercising more, and getting regular massages... but it turned out to be so much more... I started asking myself, "Is this what I NEED right now? And if not, what DO I need?" Sometimes, it meant canceling plans to rest. Sometimes it meant planning activities so I could go out, have fun, and socialize. Sometimes it meant planning time to run errands so they wouldn't cause unnecessary stress in my life by hanging over my head. Sometimes, it simply meant NOT exercising and being gentle with myself for that decision... you get the idea. As a result, I came into 2010 feeling stronger and more capable than I had in a very long time.

Last year, I decided to follow the still small voice within. You know the one I'm talking about... that one that says, "I wonder what so-and-so's up to... I haven't talked to them in ages. I should give them a call." Or tells you to do something you don't want to do but you know will be good for you in the long run. I had been ignoring this voice for a variety of reasons... fear being the main one. In re-connecting with this voice, I let my inhibitions go... I took my first surfing lesson, ran my first half-marathon, did my first triathlon, made new friends, and nourished relationships that had been starving for attention...

The things I accomplished as a result of these themes seemed almost effortless, because they simply became a part of my routine. This experiment provided beautiful learning experiences, as well as a flurry of love, laughter, and adventure. And by choosing one theme, it has allowed me to embrace and implement new behaviors and thought patterns into my life. Much more effective and efficient than some arbitrary resolution that averages about a two week lifespan, eh? A wonderful side effect has been the others that have been postively motivated in my wake... the friends and patients who had been inspired to change or act based on what they saw me doing... Like ripples in the pond... It really has been a beautiful year...

So I invite you to join me in my Resolution Revolution. What's YOUR year going to stand for?

"I've got a headache THIS BIG! And it's screaming for..."

2008-08-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

Miserable with Migraines: I'm hot, I'm tired, and I have the worst migraine EVER! Is there anything I can do?

Dr. Redmond: Dear Miserable, Being a chiro, I help people with migraines quite a bit. And actually, it's not uncommon for people to get migraines when it's really hot out. Or when it rains. Or when they eat certain foods or are under stress. Usually it's actually of combination of these factors and others but a most useful thing I have learned is that often, dehydration plays the biggest role. Dehydration + other aggravators = misery. My best advice (other than getting to the Chiropractor of your choice as soon as possible to evaluate your nervous system and find what is causing these miserable migraines in the first place ;) is to roll a hand towel like one of those swiss roll snack cakes and lie on it with it tucked under your neck with a cold compress on your eyes and a hot compress on your shoulders. It typically works just as well or better than Imitrex. And hydrate!

Feel better soon!

Your local doc,

Jenn

Chiropractic and your love life????

2008-07-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Usually, these two things would have nothing to do with each other... until now. Since Neuroemotional Technique addresses subluxations (short circuits) in the emotional response, as a chiropractor certified in the technique, I often work with therapists to release emotional blocks, and even occasionally, one of my regulars will come in with something bugging them and we'll check it out.... which is exactly what happened last week. A patient of mine came in complaining of a complicated love life... I asked her if she wanted to check it out with NET. Being well-aware of the benefits of NET, she was thrilled that I asked and immediately and enthusiastically agreed. We cleared a couple of big issues using personal declarations about her love life and men in general just by finding the emotionally charged statements and addressing that charge.

My favorite moment, however, was the next morning, when I got a phone call from said patient who was so excited about a huge breakthrough she had! She realized what a great catch she was and realized that she deserved better treatment than what she had been getting from the new man in her life. Not only that, but she didn't get upset about it, or get mad at him... she just calmly and kindly explained the situation to him. He appreciated her honesty and she got some clarity. No harm, no foul. Bellisimo!!

You ask, I answer...

2008-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Q: I saw a chiropractic office with a sign advertising to come in if you were suffering from a car accident or ADD/ADHD. Please explain to me how a chiropractor helps with ADD/ADHD. As it is, I am skeptical of this "sickness" to begin with. My ex and her sister had it and used to take medicine for it which I did not support.

Dr. Redmond: In my experience, ADD/ADHD is the consequence of a combination of various behaviors and their effect on the developing child's brain which, over time, alters brain chemistry. These factors include but are not limited to: lack of structure, sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise, as well as a number of food allergies/sensitivities. I have found that when those things are addressed, a drastic change is often seen in the child. However, even when those things are not addressed, when you start adjusting a child (just like when adjusting an adult regularly) it allows their nervous system to function more efficiently, allowing them to deal with lack of structure, sleep, nutrition, exercise, etc. more effectively. I've seen the same thing happen with autistic children. Within weeks, even people in the waiting room think it's a different child...

I don't think medicine is necessarily the answer... from what I've seen, it simply replaces the need to do what is best for the child and predisposes them to drug abuse later on... (got a problem? take this pill! But just say no to drugs...)

Send your questions to Dr. Redmond at doctorredmond@gmail.com with "Question for Dr. Jenn!" in the subject line and see them answered here!

Do you keep getting in your own way?

2008-06-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

A patient of mine was talking about her theater group a couple weeks ago, and when I expressed interest, she encouraged me to audition. I dismissed the idea, stating that I'd have to do a lot of N.E.T. before I'd voluntarily get up on a stage for an audition. (For those of you who are wondering what N.E.T. is, it's Neuroemotional Technique, a technique I'm certified in, and utilize quite frequently with my patients. You can find out more about it at www.netmindbody.com)

A few days later, she was back in for her next appointment, and she brought it up again. "Remember when you mentioned you'd need a lot of NET before you'd get back on stage again?" I wasn't quite sure where she was going with this. "Were you serious? Can it really help you with your audition?" Ah. Now I understood. And I proceeded to question her about her audition anxiety and the circumstances in which is pops up. And, yes, NET can help with those sorts of things. Some might ask, "What does a chiropractor know about anxiety? Isn't that a therapist's job?" The truth is, yes, and no. Yes, therapy is great for learning to deal with anxiety, depression, and a whole host of traumas that can happen in daily life. It's great for teaching, and coaching, and support. What NET targets is the biochemistry in the brain that has been programmed to react a certain way. Every time we find ourselves in a situation resembling (even slightly) a previous trauma, we find ourselves reacting the same way, whether it be a phobia, or simply dating the same guy (with a different face) over and over and over again. I can't even say how many times I have come across a Neuroemotional component to a problem and after clearing it, a patient has said, "Wow! I've been doing that forever!!" Everything from weight issues and emotional eating, to allergies and chronic pain/illnesses, it's amazing how often neurochemistry plays a part. If you feel that emotional blocks are getting in your way, please set up an appointment to speak with me. You'll thank yourself later. As far as my patient with audition anxiety, I'll keep you posted. These things always turn out well...

Living healthy on a budget

2008-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Impossible, you say? I've heard it all... "But doc, all I can afford is mac and cheese out of a box!" "But the dollar menu at Mickey D's is all I have money for..." Those, my friends, are words that stem from pure laziness.

Let me start from square one. Let's assume you live in a 200 square foot studio (for argument's sake), and the closest you come to a kitchen is a hotplate and a bar fridge. All hope is not lost. First of all, rice and beans are not only a complete protein, but pay a buck for a bag of each (if that) and you're eating for a week! They are easily flavored with herbs from a small window herb garden (a desk lamp with a fluorescent bulb will do the trick if your place is devoid of light). Other things you can grow inside? Salad greens, tomatoes, and peppers can all make it with a grow light, however, if you have a "black thumb" all hope is not lost! Frozen veggies are an excellent economical option. The methods used these days regarding harvesting and flash-freezing are so effective at preserving nutrients that in today's market, frozen can often be better than fresh that has been sitting in a warehouse, truck, or store for two weeks or more. Once something is harvested, it's nutrients immediately start breaking down. Flash-freezing stalls this process. Watch for sales and use coupons and stock up! Frozen veggies are always on sale and a whole bag can often be purchased for a dollar or less!

Another thing to remember when grocery shopping: The more packaging, processing and marketing, the higher the price! Stick with simple ingredients - eggs, milk, produce, beans, rice, and herbs - and you'll not only spend less, you'll be eating healthier!

As far as exercise goes, who needs a gym membership to get moving? My friend Godelieve Babey, a personal trainer, shows people how to use playgrounds, parks, and even their own backyard to get a good workout. Really, all you need is a good pair of sneakers and your imagination. A jump rope, a few cans of soup, a flight of stairs... all can be used to create a great workout that gets your heart pumping, muscles stronger, and nerve cells firing to make a healthier you!

But truly, the most powerful instrument you can use to be healthy and stay healthy is free and everyone comes into this world fully equipped with one. It's your mind. Refuse to harbor unhealthy thoughts. We cannot control the world around us, but we can control the world within us. Be kind to yourself, refuse to pass judgment, accept yourself and others... Love yourself, and healthy actions will simply be the logical choice. Now go and get 'em, tiger!

Ear infections are causing Asthma and Allergies?!?

2008-06-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Or could it be the parents or the Pediatricians? Let me fill you in. I read a number of studies, all released around the same time last year, stating that the incidence of asthma and allergies increased with the number of antibiotics taken within the first year of life. It has also been discovered that parents and pediatricians who take a wait-and-see approach with ear infections (one of the most common things treated with antibiotics with infants) 80% of the time see a resolution of said ear infections, as well as the accompanying symptoms, in the same amount of time it would take for the antibiotics to do the trick. Meaning there's no really no need for those antibiotics in the first place. Makes me wonder if the antibiotics were working in the first place or if it simply distracted the parents until the ear infection healed as a result of a fully functioning immune system... Now there's a thought... the body might actually be fully equipped to deal with these things on it's own? Colds and flus and ear infections aren't caused by an aspirin deficiency?? Hmmm... now THAT would be a revolutionary concept, wouldn't it?

Now I'm sure we've all heard of children who have had tubes in their ears and stopped having ear infections. Of course, what parent would put their child through that process if they knew there was a safe, non-invasive alternative and that those ear infections may just be a warning that something isn't right. Yes, now we're getting to the juicey information every parent needs that pediatricians often aren't even aware of. Often, when babies are getting ear infections, they have a subluxation (aka joint that is not moving properly) in their upper neck. Often, you can even just gently touch these spots at the base of baby's skull and get a reaction. They don't like it! Because it's sore! And it needs to be adjusted! Make sure you go to a chiropractor who is comfortable working with babies and get your child checked! Subluxation is easily treatable at this age and will make a world of difference for your growing child.

Imagine the difference: Child 1, (we'll call him Sammy since I hate referring to people as numbers), Sammy, experienced his first ear infection at the tender age of 6 months. He was prescribed antibiotics, destroying the natural, healthy flora that had been developing in his intestine to allow him to digest the solid foods he was starting to eat, making it difficult for him to absorb many nutrients. Being nutrient deficient, Sammy grows up with a compromised immune system, frequently experiencing colds and flus and being fed a sporadic diet of flora killing antibiotics. He develops asthma, as well as a wheat allergy, which goes undiagnosed. Sammy lives his childhood with an inhaler, finding it difficult to run and play without suffering. This is only the beginning, yet you can see the path Sammy is heading down. It seems sadly so common in this day and age... obesity, increased breathing difficulties, and decreased immune function will follow him indefinitely, leading to heart disease, cancer, and possibly a stroke. All hope is lost...

But, ah! Child 2, Tammy! Tammy was evaluated at the hospital just days after her birth by her family's chiropractor. The one subluxation found was addressed gently and effectively. Tammy's parents continued to bring her to the chiropractor every month or so to keep her spine subluxation-free. Tammy has never had any major infections, never been vaccinated, and plays soccer on a local rec league. She is a bright, vibrant child with an equally vibrant future. Her Pediatrician is amazed that Tammy has never had an ear infection, but her parents suspect chiropractic is to thank.

Which future will you choose for the children of this world?

How dare you put sugar in my gas tank!

2008-05-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, Wellness Seekers! Today, I'm going to talk about your car. We all know that if you take good care of your car, it will last a bare minimum of 10 years. Sometimes even 20! (and if they made them like they used to, or you're hyper vigilant, it might even last you 40 or 50!) There's some things we need to stay on top of when it comes to caring for a car. To live a nice, long life, a car needs proper maintenance as well as hygiene. You need to wash it, and feed it the right gasoline and make sure the tires are properly inflated. You need to give it regular oil changes, and keep up with the belts, and filters. You need to wax it, vacuum it, and get it examined every couple years to be sure it's fit for the road. You need to drive it with care to avoid accidents and excess wear and tear. You need to keep it supplied with washer fluid, and oil, and antifreeze, and fresh tires. You need to replace the headlights and taillights, turn signals, spark plugs, and battery. And of course, there's the larger stuff that occasionally needs to be replaced like the alternator, the clutch... you know, all that car stuff that I'm not going to embarrass myself talking about. (I'm not a mechanic, and don't claim to be... I'll stick to the human body, and leave the car stuff to them.)

What we don't seem to recognize as a society is that the human body is the same way! If I put sugar in your gas tank, your car would not run, and you'd probably be pretty annoyed with me, and yet how often do we fuel our bodies with candy, cookies, ice cream, and soda. I hear people say it's different, but how different is it? We put so much energy into preserving our vehicles, which are relatively easily replaced and will work for us for a small portion of our lifetime, while we abuse our bodies relentlessly and refuse to give it the same attention. When our body wears out, there's no driving to the dealership for a trade in. We only get one nervous system. Shouldn't we take care of it? I see bodies ravaged with arthritis, and diabetes, and atherosclerosis, and cancer.... how sad to know that it could've been prevented if we had only dedicated a little time to regular maintenance. It's never too late to get your nervous system checked for interference!!! And for gosh sakes, please stop sugar in your gas tank... our body is so incredible, it can cope a lot better than your car, but it can't hold out forever...

I begin my blogging journey...

2008-05-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome, to both of us! You, to my blog, and me, to the world of health blogging. I'm not new to the blog scene, but I realized recently that people are either clueless, apathetic, or hopeless about their health and what it means to be truly well, and as a Chiropractor, who lives, breathes, and was trained with a wellness philosophy, I felt it was my responsibility to get out there and educate. And this just happens to be one of the many ways I intend to do so.

I'd like to add a disclaimer at this point. I am, by no means whatsoever, "a picture of perfect health." I indulge my sweet tooth. I skip exercise to do other things. I even *gasp* eat such nutritionally terrifying foods like fried chicken and biscuits with gravy. I am not perfect, nor do I expect anyone else to be. But I strive for good health. I strive to be healthy the majority of the time, so that those days when I misbehave, it doesn't count quite so much in the long run. Some days, I do better than others. Some days, I let it all go, give myself a hug, and remind myself that I'm only human. And some days, I beat myself up with the best of them, before I remember, "Oh yeah. I'm not supposed to be perfect!" This blog is simply a place where I can share the latest in research, observations, and the wellness philosophy. I'll even throw in a recipe, cooking tip, or favorite exercise here and there. Topics you can look forward to are as follows (but don't even think I would limit my topics to these few!):

Living healthy on a budget
Affordable Organics
Easy vegetable gardening for small or large spaces
Why do parents feed their children things they wouldn't eat themselves?
Exercise: Why bother when I don't have time?
I'm going to the pediatrician for ANOTHER prescription????
Vaccines
ADD/ADHD
Recently discovered causes of Asthma and Allergies
Why put sugar in your gas tank when you wouldn't do that to your car?

And of course I'll throw some chiropractic success stories in there as well as general rants (be assured those will be both equally amusing AND disturbing).

I hope you enjoy our journey, and remember, true health is not simply the absence of disease, but a sense of vitality in which all our body's systems are working in harmony and the mind is at ease. It is a potential we are all born with, or we wouldn't be born at all. Unfortunately, through introducing toxins, depriving ourselves of nutrients, leaving our body to become one with the couch, and sabotaging it with toxic thinking, we give our health away. Time to earn it back! We are constantly traveling the distance between health and sickness... which direction are you going to choose?