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Minimizing Health Regrets

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We’ve all seen those movies where the main character is reflecting on their life. The choices they made, their regrets, joys and failures. The movie typically focuses on their regrets. That one love that got away, fear that led them down a safer path, quitting too soon. While it may be the movies, there are undoubtedly parallels to our own lives, because truth be told, who wants to experience regret? The key to living a good life is minimizing one’s regrets, so when we look back on our golden years we can truly say, “well done!”

We can also apply this same rationale to our health. Many times poor health is the result of a series of decisions that contribute to it. This series of decisions can literally take years before we see the results such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. When faced with the reality of our decisions it’s easy to think that we can simply get by with taking prescription medications. But this only masks the symptoms and does not get to the root of the problem. Getting to the root of the problem means taking a good hard look at the decisions we have made up until that point and deciding to change. Change what we eat, change our level of physical activity, change how we treat ourselves. Consider the symptoms a warning sign. A warning sign to minimize your health regrets in the future.

Yes, we can always take positive steps to change the outcome. We can take control of our daily decisions so that they help us be the best version of ourselves. We needn’t look back on our life with health regrets. We needn’t negatively impact the quality of our golden years. We can enjoy optimal health at every stage of life. It simply begins by making better decisions, every day. The choice is ours.

Good Health Choices

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Remember growing up and hearing your parents ask you, “Are you a leader or a follower?” You probably heard that question after making a poor choices with your friends. Of course, our parents want us to be leaders, right? Because being a follower implies that we simply do what others are doing without question. It is important to own our sense of individuality and think about the decisions we are making. We can still end up doing what others are doing but at least we thought it through and decided that it was the best decision for ourselves.

Over the course of recent history there have been countless products that were initially thought to be safe only to be discounted later as unsafe. The most obvious examples are cigarettes, sacchrine, lead, asbestos, and high fructose corn syrup. Still, how many people continue to smoke, live, work or play in an unsafe environment, or consume unhealthy foods and drinks? We know the dangers, do we not?

When it comes to our health and aging well, we need to take the lead rather than be lazy with how we care for ourselves. If we don’t, we could take unnecessary years off our life, not to mention possibly lower the quality of our life.

In the field of chiropractic care, many are aware of the countless benefits. They may even know someone who sought a chiropractors care and had their pain resolved. Yet, these same people continue to choose to either live in pain, take pain medications to cope, or seek a surgical solution that may only create other issues down the road. Why would they make these choices? Same as why people still continue to smoke, drink diet sodas, or eat highly processed foods. Is it just easier to live that way? Is it easier to follow instead of lead?

Take time to think about the choices you are making regarding your most valued asset, your health. Could you make better choices each day to ensure you enjoy the best health possible as you age?

Eat Smarter

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Upon entering any grocery store one can feel a bit overwhelmed. We all want to eat smarter, but aside from increasing our fruit and vegetable intake and cutting out processed foods we may not know what to do next. We can walk the aisles, looking at all of our options, but not truly understand all that we were seeing. We may know that organic is the ideal, but what do the terms “all-natural” or non-GMO or “free-range” really mean? For that matter, is it really that important to know? What about the use of antibiotics and pesticides in the feed, how the animals are housed, and high levels of omega-3s? All that we find on the labels can be quite confusing.

The purpose of this blog post and the next four is to break down the food groups that create the most confusion:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Salmon

Hamburgers seem to be an American favorite, especially during the warmer months. The choices you will find in the meat department are numerous, from the cut of meat to the type of meat. You have probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” The same is true with cattle. The beef they produce is in essence what they eat. If they are raised on grains with a mixture of antibiotics and hormones, rather than the grass they were intended to eat, then that is what you consume as well.

A favorite protein is chicken. This animal is meant to eat both grains and protein from insects. Much of the chicken consumed today has been confined to a cage and fed the same type of grain as that of the cattle. Grain that is laden with antibiotics and hormones. Now imagine the impact on the eggs that these chickens produce.

It is common knowledge that salmon is a healthy fish to eat. However, the means by which it is raised and/or caught can compromise its nutritional value. Clever names are given to project a different image. For example, did you know that Atlantic salmon is actually farm raised salmon? Why not just say farm raised?

The next four blog posts will dig deeper into what the best options are for you and your family when it comes to beef, chicken, eggs, and salmon. The more you know the better decisions you can make.

Brain Health

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Getting old can be a very humbling experience. Just like an old car, parts begin to deteriorate. Our vision is not as clear, our hearing not as sharp, hair starts to thin, the waistline begins to expand, the fine lines on our face deepen. And many times our memory seems to dull. Perhaps the thing that bothers us the most is the combination of aging and our brain health. Our recall may not be as quick as it was when we were younger and at times it can get quite frustrating.

When it comes to reclaiming the benefits of our youth, we can wear glasses or contact lenses to improve our vision or even get Lasik surgery. For our hearing, wear low profile hearing aids. Hair, use special products to regrow it. Waistline, exercise and better nutrition. And for those not so fine lines? Again, special products or even the care of a plastic surgeon. But what about declining memory?

Our memory is perhaps our most prized possession. Not only is it an endless photo album of our life, but also what gives us the ability to connect with others and be productive each day. The thought of aging and even losing a tiny bit of our memory is enough to fill us with dread. The good news is that just like the other areas of our self that can be reclaimed as we age, our memory can be, too.

There is increasing evidence that memory loss is not only preventable but perhaps reversible as well. Yes, it is true. Did you know that poor nutrition and insufficient fluid intake strongly affect a person’s reasoning and thought processes? Think about the emphasis we place on prenatal care and the very young. Much of it is regarding brain development and support.

So what can we do, as we age, to support brain health?

  • Eat foods that contain DHA such as fish, eggs, and meat.
  • Eat foods that contain resveratrol which is found in grapes, pistachios, blueberries, cranberries and dark chocolate.
  • Take supplements that support nervous system health.

To learn more about what supplements would benefit you the most, we encourage you to inquire at DCW.

Education Advantage

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When we are young, we don’t fully understand the significance of our education, the advantages that a good education provides us. However, later in life, after experiencing many of its realities, we fully realize and appreciate the advantage of our education. Education can open doors for us that may not have opened without it. Education can open our eyes to things we may never have known about, that then in turn empower us. Knowledge can transform lives. It can also create value to those who receive it and increase the credibility of the one giving it.

How many encounters have you had with a representative from any company, big or small, that truly educated you on what you were purchasing or considering to buy? That number is probably rather small, but those experiences definitely left a positive impression on you, didn’t it? Think about how that person made you feel as they educated you on why a certain thing needed to be done, on how it would truly benefit you. Did you feel important? Did you feel valued? Did you trust that person more? Did you walk away feeling like you had the knowledge now to make the best decision for yourself?

Let’s face it, there are not many individuals who really take the time to provide you that much value. However, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we make a concerted effort to educate and inform each and every one of our patients. Our goal is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors has a deeper understanding of true wellness and the power that they have to influence it. We aim for less reliance on medications to treat symptoms, but rather on addressing the cause of the symptoms. Only when this happens can transformation take place. We strive for an elevated quality of life.

When you understand the solution, you can make better choices for yourself and those you love. You also realize that the truth will indeed set you free.

 

Teenagers and Sleep

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Why is it the older we get the more we crave sleep? And the younger we are the more we think we can get away with little of it? The truth is that sleep is essential to our well being, it allows our body to refuel each day. A lack of sleep is cumulative. One night will not make up for several weeks of inadequate sleep, yet we seem to think that is the case. Just think about how much teenagers sleep.

It’s probably no surprise that a chronic lack of sleep has a severe impact on a person’s health. It has been increasingly documented that not getting enough sleep contributes to an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke. But why is this the case? While we are asleep our body has the opportunity to perform necessary repairs that can only happen when the body is quiet. This occurs in our digestive, respiratory, central nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. Sleep allows our body:

  • to rest the neurons in our brain so that new pathways can be built.
  • to build up our immune system defenses to keep us healthy.
  • to prevent respiratory illnesses like a cold and the flu.
  • to prevent weight gain.
  • to control our appetite.
  • to repair itself.

Now, what about teenagers? Studies are showing that teenagers are more at risk for chronic sleep deprivation. It is not surprising that teenagers are typically sleep deprived, especially during the school year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently published a study that indicates teens who get less than 7 hours of sleep a night are more prone to dangerous behaviors. These behaviors include texting and driving, drinking and driving, riding with someone who has been drinking, or not wearing a seat belt. This is all compared to a teen who gets 9 or more hours of sleep a night.

Encourage enough sleep in your home. Consistency is key. Maintain a routine for bedtime. Be careful with napping, as 20-30 minutes is the ideal, otherwise one might have trouble falling asleep later. Get plenty of exercise each day. 30-60 minutes is a good range. Make healthy food choices. And, lastly, make sure that the bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfortable.

Good night!

Attitude Affects Treatment Success

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You’ll hear coaches, teachers, and parents tell kids that their attitude will determine how successful they are in any endeavor. That self-defeating thoughts will undermine their efforts to do well. The same can be said with our health. Our attitude about weight loss, chronic pain, or stress levels can significantly impact how successful we are.

Most who initially seek chiropractic care are looking to resolve their pain. And while pain can be extremely motivating, the success of treatment is contingent on the patient’s attitude going in. Why? Well for the same reason as the examples listed in the paragraph above. If the patient is only interested in pain relief, then what are the chances that they will take steps to ensure it does not return? A patient’s attitude about their health and wellness is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Still two patients with the same injury and pain level can have different outcomes. For example, one can feel better after a week and the other need to pursue a surgery option.

There have been studies as to why there is a difference in how patients respond to chiropractic treatment. These studies have found that there are three key factors involved in success:

  • Improving the flexibility of the spine.
  • Increasing the movement of the smaller muscles around the spine.
  • Increasing the water content of the spinal discs.

The goal of chiropractic care is all three with every patient, but the range of flexibility, movement and water content varies from person to person. Depending on the person’s lifestyle one person can be further behind another when presenting the same injury and pain. The bottom line is giving your body the solid foundation it needs to thrive. Not doing so only prolongs healing. It also can mean the return of pain if steps are not taken to improve one’s lifestyle, including weight, stress, sleep, etc. Understanding that pain-relief can be quick, but temporary, if treatment is looked at with the wrong attitude.

 

French Fries and a Side of Phthalates

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What you don’t know can potentially kill you. This statement is not referring to accidents that cannot be helped, such as the possibility of there being a drunk driver on the road or the acts of Mother Nature. Rather, it is referring to not having the knowledge of the dangers of something which unknowingly cause your harm. The most recent issue of Dynamic Chiropractic (June 15, 2016) had a great article titled “Drive-Through Disease” regarding the not so obvious harmful effects of fast food, effects far beyond the regular consumption of it.

Are you familiar with the word phthalates? You may have heard it in conjunction with plastics, as it is commonly called the “everywhere chemical.” Phthalates make plastics soft and pliable. However, just because a particular food item is not served in a plastic container does not necessary mean that it was not processed in one. But why does this really matter?

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is also found in plastics alongside the phthalates. It is used to make plastics such as water bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and inside many food and beverage cans. But where is the connection to the fast food industry? In addition to the poor quality of nutrition found in most fast food items, there is also another danger – phthalate and BPA exposure. Think about how the food is manufactured and packaged? In the article, a particular study was highlighted that was featured in The Washington Post that found higher levels of these two chemicals in individuals that had a higher consumption of fast food. So, not only are we increasing our risk of obesity and diabetes, but also an adverse effect on reproduction, behavior, and respiration in children, plus insulin resistance in adults. How do you feel about that big old double cheeseburger now?

Fast food is a silent killer. The only way to prevent its harmful effects is by limiting our exposure to it. The choice is ours.

Phase 3 – Wellness Maintenance

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Perhaps the most rewarding phase of the three on the journey to wellness is the last phase, or phase 3. Phase 3 is simply considered wellness maintenance. It begins when the most challenging phases have been accomplished. Phase 3 is the reward.

In phase 1 you are in pain. It was being out of your comfort zone that prompted you to get help. Phase 1 addressed the most pressing issue, the one that was preventing you from enjoying daily life. But, even though the pain was gone, you were taught that the root of the problem still needed to be fixed. You understood that if it was not corrected the pain would return. So, you began phase 2 which involved rehabilitating the problem area of your body. You built up your strength so that your body could function as it was designed to. During phase 2 you realized what it meant to feel good again. You realized that you were stronger than you thought. You took ownership of your health and wellness. But then what?

Enter Phase 3. This final phase is the one that elevates your life from what it was before you sought care. What type of lifestyle were you living that may have lead to the pain? Were you eating right? How was your weight? How about exercise? What types of medications were you on before? Something for high cholesterol? Type 2 diabetes? High blood pressure? Many times patients find that once they enter phase 3 on their journey to wellness that their weight is down, along with their blood pressure and sugar levels. The ultimate goal of this journey is to live not only pain-free, but with more energy, lower stress, and feeling great each day.

In this final phase, visits to the chiropractor become a monthly thing, or as needed. This is simply maintenance. Maintaining the proper alignment of your body to stay healthy and well. Because now you know what good feels like. Through education you understand your body at a level that you never knew. You are now enjoying the rewards of healing your body and giving it what it truly needs to thrive.

Phase 2 – Rehabilitation

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rehab2

The end of pain can create a sense of disillusionment. The person who was suffering from pain now feels immense relief. This feeling of relief can lead the person to mistakenly believe that the absence of pain means the cause of the pain has been eliminated. The truth is that that person has entered the second phase of returning to wellness. Phase 2 is rehabilitation. This stage requires a conscientious effort on behalf of the patient to strengthen their body to restore proper functioning and to reduce the chance of their pain returning.

As indicated in the prior post, phase 1 involves pain relief – period. The person in pain made a decision to seek help, whether is was the result of an accident or a series of life choices that lead to the pain. Sometimes in the chiropractic field, the patient decides to discontinue care once the severity of the pain is gone. Unfortunately this only delays progress, or healing. Why? Because in time, the pain returns as nothing was done to prevent it.

In phase 2, the most important work is accomplished. It basically ensures that the treatment received in phase 1 is successful. While symptom relief is still a motivating factor in the treatment plan, other elements are introduced. Elements such as strength training, balance, and stretching. The body’s proper alignment (that is, one without pain) is enhanced by strengthening the muscles that support it. Without that, the body will eventually go back to it’s pre-treatment alignment – which caused the pain in the first place.

Understanding why and how function will be restored is a critical piece in the process. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we believe education is the foundation for every patient’s success with treatment because the ultimate goal is elevated wellness. What does that mean? It means raising the bar on personal wellness. It means being in a better place of wellness than where you were before.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Andrew Damron, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Damron established DCW because he was fed up with the current health model. Statistics continue to show an increase in pharmaceutical prescriptions to patients every day. Although he does believe some medications are necessary, he believes the majority of what is prescribed is actually harmful to the patient’s long-term health, creating another set of healthcare issues as a result. Dr. Damron believes DCW’s unique approach to achieving overall wellness will revolutionize the healthcare industry through collaborative care utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. The DCW focus addresses the whole person versus a only symptom and uncovers the root cause. He also believes that education is vital to sustaining a healthier more vibrant lifestyle as well. His goal is to create a healthier society and a better place for our children to live.
Dr. Damron began his medical career with a Biology Degree from Wright State University in 2002. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida in 2007. While attending Palmer, he had the opportunity to travel abroad to Madagascar and provide chiropractic care to the native Malagasy people. Dr. Damron has continued his post-graduate studies with a focus on nutrition, rehabilitation, and functional medicine.
Dr. Damron and his wife, Kristy, reside in West Chester with their two young children, Graden and Isabelle. An avid Buckeye fan, Dr. Damron enjoys playing the guitar in a band with his college friends, watching/playing any sport, cooking, reading, and attending concerts, especially the Dave Matthews Band and Foo Fighters.

Dr. Greg Washam, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Washam was introduced to Chiropractic by his mother at the age of 16. She was working for a Chiropractor at the time, experiencing all the benefits that Chiropractic care had to offer, and thus began taking Dr. Washam and his siblings in for regular adjustments. Dr. Washam had been experiencing painful bouts of Strep Throat from the age of 8, which always included a 10 day course of antibiotics. While under Chiropractic care his doctor convinced him to avoid the antibiotics and receive Chiropractic adjustments instead. To his amazement, Dr. Washam’s strep throat symptoms had vanished within three days and he never had an issue from that point forward. He was so astounded by his experience that he fell in love with Chiropractic and decided that was the path for him. He wanted to commit his life to helping people through the power of Chiropractic, just as it had helped him.
Dr. Greg Washam began his college education at the University of Cincinnati, studying biology. After he made the decision to become a Chiropractor, he attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. While at Logan, he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Life Sciences in 2009. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2011. Dr. Washam was presented with various awards upon graduation. These included Dean’s List honors, the Senior Intern Assistant Award, and the Award of Excellence from the Division of Research. He has completed many hours of post graduate education focusing on nutrition, supplementation and injury recovery.
Dr. Washam and his wife Kassie reside in Mason, Oh with their two daughters, Lillian and Wren. In his free time, Dr. Washam enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, touring local craft breweries and reading. He also spends a great deal of time outdoors with his family and his Beagle, Willow. Dr. Washam is a music enthusiast and listens to all genres of music. He especially loves classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s. His favorite band of all time is Led Zeppelin.

Brooke Snyder, Operations Manager

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Brooke had never been to a medical office where she really felt like they cared more about her than her money until she came to DCW as a patient. DCW made it so easy to arrange financial payment with, they were compassionate, dedicated and most importantly 100% honest. The team addressed all aspects of her health and well-being, above and beyond chiropractic care. Her initial impression of chiropractic offices were that they would only adjust then send her on her way. She realized that she was wrong. Because of her experience as a patient at DCW she realized she wanted to pursue a career within it. She saw everything she wanted in healthcare at DCW. Finally, a place where patient care really comes first! She comes to DCW with a degree in Nursing and a background in finance. When someone asks her “Why DCW?” she cannot think of one reason why not.
Brooke has a background in business finance and computer technology prior to the start of her medical career. She attended Southern State and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Science, R.N. Sh began working from DCW in December of 2014.
Brooke has five beautiful girls from 15 to 6 years old. She is married to Jamey Snyder who has two boys of his own. She lives on a two acre farm in the country with horses, dogs, cats, and a pot belly pig. Brooke enjoys spending time with her very active family and watching their kids play sports.

Nicole Foreman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Why MassageProfessional Experience Personal Information
Nicole always wanted a career that was focused on helping people. It wasn’t until she drove past the Dayton School of Medical Massage on a daily basis that it became clear what she was meant to do. She enrolled as soon as she could and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She loves the feeling of knowing she has alleviated someone’s pain and possibly made their day better in some way. She had been working alongside chiropractors for over 7 years before joining the DCW team. Before DCW she never really felt her opinions and insights were valued or even asked for, which she felt hindered patient care and the effectiveness of each treatment. At DCW she feels valued and part of a practice that is focused on changing the approach of wellness with cohesive and effective patient care.
Nicole is a graduate of the Dayton School of Medical Massage and obtained her license in 2008. She utilizes Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai massage techniques to relieve pain, tension, and stress while increasing range of motion and flexibility.
Nicole is married to her husband of 5 years and they one daughter, Rylee, and one child on the way due in September 2016. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking and spending time at the lake during the summer.

Erika Pantona, Insurance Specialist

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Erika started coming to DCW in 2010 after spending two years in substantial pain after an injury. She had spent those two years at various specialists and taking medications to simply get up in the morning due to the pain. She was 18 when she found herself facing a major, life altering surgery (SI Fusion) and realized there must be another way. When she began her treatment plan at DCW she started to have days with little or no pain. She stopped taking her medications and realized they had been affecting her overall mood. In 2015 Erika joined the DCW team because they allowed her to live her life once again. She wants to prevent others from living in pain like she did unnecessarily, and to receive the benefits of chiropractic care.
Erika is well versed in the insurance industry with her previous employment at Express Scripts and Anthem.
Erika has two siblings and resides in Liberty Township. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.

Amy Faris, Patient Care Coordinator

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
After moving to Ohio in 2010, I was in need of some relief from minor pain associated with working in customer service fields for 15 years. I was interested in seeking alternative forms of therapy and found a chiropractor in our small town. After going for a few visits, the therapy seemed somewhat outdated compared to what I had researched. In talking with my husband, he remembered that he knew someone who was a chiropractor. After just a few visits with Dr. Damron, I definitely noticed a difference in his techniques and style. It was nice to see results and feel like I was being listened to as a patient, not just heard…something you don’t always feel with doctors. After being a patient for several years, the opportunity came about to join the DCW team. It would be something different from what I had done in my past, however I knew my passion for working with people would translate well into helping patients receive the best care possible. I believed in the mission of DCW as a patient, and I am excited to be part of living that mission every day. 
 I am originally from St. Louis, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Secondary Education – Language Arts. I worked in restaurant/catering management for several years before starting a career in retail management and training.
In that position, I met my husband, Matt, who is from Wilmington, OH. After we got married in 2010, I moved to Wilmington. Realizing retail wasn’t where my heart was any longer, I began working as a substitute teacher in the Clinton County area. Matt and I live in Wilmington with our 6 year old German Shepard, Dale. I enjoy camping, boating, riding 4-wheelers, and spending time with family and friends. I love St. Louis Cardinals baseball and am a recently converted Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Hours

Monday 9-1 & 2-6

Tuesday 9-1 & 2-6

Wednesday 9-1 & 2-6

Thursday 9-1 & 2-6

Friday 8-11

Saturday and Sunday CLOSED

Contact information

 3187 Western Row Road Suite 114
    Maineville, OH 45039

Office:
     (513) 770-3434

Email:
    info@damronchiropractic.com