Why do we seem to always put our own health last? After your kids, after you get this done at home, after your job? There’s one thing about health and our perspective on it. None of us, including myself sometimes appreciate where our health is at until it starts to decline or interrupt your normal day. Let’s change that!!!

Christmas season is in full swing and for many patients so has a lot of stress. Im going to remind you that our bodies need rest. You shouldn’t have to earn it. The best think you can do for your self this season is to make some steps to your day to make it easier for you to stay healthy. Health is really about the journey. There are multiple areas that have to add up and work together. Chiropractic is just one piece to the puzzle.

There are many quick fix options out there to feel better. Usually by the time people reach our office they have tried ALL OF THEM (chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapist, stretching on their own, ice, heat) and they still feel like they are exactly where they started or worse.

Most of the time, people wait to see if a problem will go away on its own, in the meantime degeneration in the spine is happening leading on the path of disease. Secondary Conditions or also called symptoms are the signs that something underneath isn’t working right. The problem has started long before your symptoms start to show up and even longer before it starts to interrupt your day. It is most of the time not from sleeping wrong, or lifting something too heavy or sitting for long periods. Yes, these things contribute to an underlying issue but it all stems from the spine long before your back flairs up. Don’t wait too long for it to create bigger issues!

Neurostructural chiropractic is not a quick fix. It is a long term solution. We work on correcting any primary conditions in the spine and that makes it so you don’t have to deal with the same issues over and over again. It doesn’t take much to get out of pain but to keep it corrected is what our goals are for people to create a healthier lifestyle.

Your nervous system is so important as it plays a huge roll in keeping you healthy and feeling great! I am always talking about “your nervous system.” It controls everything in your body. It senses pain which is a lot of the time why people come to my office. There is so much more going on underneath than feeling pain or tight muscles. It also controls your organs which control every function in your body.

I can’t stress enough, it is so much easier to maintain the health of your spine rather than fix it later after months or even years of having an issue.

Regular adjustments maintain and take care of your health in a proactive way. It keeps your body in its best shape. It helps your body adapt to daily life stressors – physical, chemical (food and environment toxins), emotional (stress). When life is stressful or not the healthiest, its time to make it a priority for your health by doing your regular adjustments, regular massages, adding movement into your day, eating nourishing foods, detoxing regularly, prioritizing rest, taking your supplements and many more to even try to list.

“Don’t let your body feel so crappy before you start to prioritize your health.”

– Your future self will thank you later.

There will always be times in our life that hinder our healing process, but as long as we keep moving forward, we will see the progress and how the hard work and time commitment that you give yourself has paid off.

Take time for you by scheduling your regular visits to stay healthy! And maybe you need an extra self care massage appointment, acupuncture, yoga class or detox foot bath and sauna!

What Does Health Mean to You?

With the new year coming up comes along new goals about getting healthy again. First off, it’s not all about losing weight, which it seems like new years resolutions are all about. Health is so much more than “looking” your best. I have shared this one in years past and I just really relate to it still.

Health is happiness.

Health is having more energy.

Health is having less stress.

Health is your body functioning at its best ability.

Health is taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Health is eating nourishing foods that your body can us as fuel.

Health is doing exercises and movements that you enjoy and will benefit your body and not harm it.

Health is getting enough restful sleep (most nights of the week).

What are your health goals this next year?

What is one small thing you can start to add to your daily routine to help you start creating healthy habits that will stay for the long term!? If you are not doing the small simple things the big things like more energy, better sleep will not be able to be accomplished.

December Health Challenge!

Here are some fun healthy living habits to start or try. One tip is to look at what you want to change most and focus on that one thing. Don’t try to add a whole bunch of new habits because they will not stick if you overdo it. Take one at a time, master it and move to the next.

Track Water Intake
Make a Phone Call
Cook at Home
Go for a Walk
Pay it Forward
Healthy Snack
You time
Fridge and Pantry Purge
New Workout
Gratitude List
Plan your Meals
Treat Yourself
Eat the Rainbow
Come in for an Adjustment and make sure you have it on the schedule for a busy holiday season to stay ahead!
Supplements – order/sit down and get on a regular routine
Shop Local for a unique gift
Make a Donation
Hand written Note
Take the Stairs
Try something New
New Healthy Recipe
Write down your goals for 2023
Coffee Date with a friend
Drink More Water — and enjoy the holiday!
Essential Oils – specifically for you and what you need!
Clean out a closet/bedroom/clothes that you haven’t worn for a long time
Read a book
Treat yourself to a massage/pedicure/facial
Drink some Kombucha (or start to make your own!)
Fresh Start – Reflect on 2023 and let go of anything you are holding on to and get ready for a new year!

Recipes:

My goal is to get my kids eating more vegetables! Lets do some super easy vegetable side dishes!!

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans
2 TBSP olive oil
2 TBSP Grated or Shredded Parmesan Cheese
2 TBSP Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; toss to coat.
Spread green beans on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Roast for 15-20 minutes; stirring halfway through.

HONEY GARLIC BUTTER ROASTED CARROTS

Ingredients

2 pounds (1 kg) carrots washed and peeled (or unpeeled) – Did you know the baby carrots are washed in a chlorine bleach solution? Don’t buy those. Buy the big ones and peel, wash and cut up!
1/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves minced
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for seasoning
Cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray; set aside.
Trim ends of carrots and cut into thirds.
Melt butter in a pan or skillet over medium-heat. Pour in honey and cook, while stirring, until completely melted through the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant while stirring.
Add the carrots and allow the sauce to thicken for a further minute, while tossing the carrots through the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer carrots to baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly. Toss to evenly coat.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until carrots are fork-tender. Broil (or grill) for 2-3 minutes on high heat to crisp/char the edges.
Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with parsley.