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How to Keep Your Brain Healthy

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In a recent edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there was a great article on keeping our brains healthy as we age.  The article was based on a report from the Institute of Medicine on “cognitive aging,” which is the “changes in memory, thinking speed, decision-making, problem-solving and learning that most people notice as they age.”

There were essentially three pieces of advice from the expert panel that published this report:

  • Get more exercise
  • Control your risks for cardiovascular disease
  • Be aware of medical conditions and medications that can impair your thinking

Exercising throughout your life is important, but the older you get the the studies indicate an improvement in thinking tests, especially in middle-aged and older adults.  Don’t let excuses prevent you from starting today, even if it’s the smallest of steps.  A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.

Eating a balanced diet of nutritious food is key to maintaining a healthy weight.  This plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.  Not smoking is another major factor in controlling your risks for cardiovascular disease.  Being acutely aware of what you eat and how you live will help to keep your aging brain healthy.

Did you know that conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea contribute to cognitive decline? And that certain medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some sedating antihistamines have been linked to this decline as well?  Many of the chronic conditions we face today are simply the result of a poor diet and lack of exercise.  We can reverse this trend by making better choices for ourselves.  Maintaining brain health as we age is very important based on a recent survey that was conducted by the AARP.  93% of the respondents stated that brain health was “very or extremely important” but, ironically, “few knew how to protect it.”

The answer is simple, have an active lifestyle and eat a nutrient rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.  Many times it’s that first step that is the hardest, because we’re not sure where to start.  That is when a practice like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is ideal.  Offering you the resources to take that first step, in an environment that addresses the entire body through not only chiropractic care, but massage therapy, rehabilitation services, and personal training.  Working together we can ensure a proper foundation is in place for long-term health and wellness – especially for your brain.

 

Chronic Inflammation

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When we think of inflammation, the first image that comes to mind is probably a minor injury we suffered that became infected like a splinter or skinned knee.  The area around the wound got red and was tender to the touch.  It felt hot and hurt.  We knew that with proper treatment the inflammation would subside and the wound would heal.  But inflammation can also take place inside our body as well, which doesn’t leave obvious visual signs like the splinter or skinned knee.  However, being aware of the symptoms of inflammation can help you remedy the situation.

According to Medical News Today, “inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process.” (Feb. 2015)  Acute inflammation is the wound example above which is short in duration. Chronic inflammation can last months or even years due to the body’s failure to eliminate the cause of the problem.  What are some conditions that cause chronic inflammation?

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Sinusitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes

So how would you know that your body is suffering from chronic inflammation?  What are some of the symptoms?

  • Persistant pain in the joints or muscles
  • Worsening allergies or asthma
  • High blood pressure or blood sugar
  • Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
  • Ulcers
  • Constant fatigue or exhaustion
  • Skin problems or bloodshot eyes

According to a 2012 article in SCD Lifestyle, “Inflammation becomes chronic when it stops being an acute response” (i.e. the body’s reaction to a cut or bruise) “and remains a constant low-level physiological response.”  It continues by stating, “Chronic inflammation is when your body no longer has the ability to turn off the inflammatory response and it starts damaging healthy tissue in your body.” But guess what?  Chronic inflammation can be preventable.  Yes, it’s true – preventable by YOU.  Our lifestyle and the choices we make significantly impact our body.  A hectic schedule, high pressure job, lack of sleep, high fat foods, weight gain, sugary foods and drinks, daily consumption of alcohol – are some of the choices, when made each and every day, cause our body to become chronically inflamed. Only for the simple fact that it is trying to protect YOU.

In addition to improving your lifestyle and choices,  there are other changes you can make to reduce and eliminate chronic inflammation:

  • Taking Fish Oil
  • Getting 8 hours of sleep
  • Spinal adjustments
  • Exercise
  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meat and fish
  • Supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, and turmeric

You can stop the war your body is waging against itself.  Be aware of your choices and how they really impact you.  Allow your body to begin the healing process so you can enjoy the benefits of living without chronic inflammation.

 

Wellness Is a Journey

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Being a kid has many benefits.  You live for the moment, especially during the summer.  Every day has countless opportunities for fun and adventure, from sun up until sun down.  You can eat just about whatever you want, plus have second and third helpings without gaining a pound.  You are fit and toned with all that running around, playing, swimming, bike riding, and general horseplay.  Too bad we can’t stay young forever.

As a youth, we learned a lot about health in school, the major food groups, a balanced diet, calories, and exercise.  But learning it back then just didn’t seem too relevant to our lives.  We figured it was something we’d tuck away in our brain for a much later day.  How ironic is it that time flies by?  Sometimes it can seem like in a blink of an eye 5 years has gone by.  We look back and think, “how did that happen?” Getting older is inevitable, and with this passage of time we find that all that knowledge we tucked away for a later day is now here.  We realize that we do not have the benefits that come with youth and that living in a state of wellness is truly a journey.

It’s easy to think that being healthy is a destination.  That by setting our goal of losing 30 pounds and then achieving it means we have arrived at the finish line and the job is done.  Good health and wellness is an ongoing process that requires daily effort.  It means making wise choices at every meal.  Opting for healthy snacks versus junk food.  It means sticking with a work out plan and getting off the couch even though it’s cold and raining outside.  Learning to say no when offered the dessert menu.  Staying clear of the inside aisles at the grocery store where all the preservative laden boxed “food” is.  It means choosing to stay active both mentally and physically.

Granted, there may be some people out there who seem to have a crazy, high metabolism and are thin as a rail.  Those that no matter what they eat they remain thin.  But for the vast majority of us this simply isn’t the case.  Choosing to look at wellness as a journey will help to ensure we maintain our health goals. Aging is a blessing, but continuing to age well requires an investment from us of time, energy, and care. Not doing so can result in obesity, high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes, arthritis, plus so much more. Choose to love yourself and your life.  Honor it by treating your body with the utmost care.  Make sure that you are diligent in your choices that can protect and care for you.  Stop settling for less.  Wellness is a journey, but only you can take that first step.  Begin today by making the decision that from here on out, things will be different.

Arthritis

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Arthritis use to be a word associated with the elderly.  We knew it was painful because of the reaction the person made when moving.  Unfortunately, arthritis is one of those health problems that can affect all ages.  In fact, according to the CDC, an estimated 52.5 million adults suffer from arthritis and 1 in 250 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed.  But what is arthritis?  What causes it?  And what can be done to minimize symptoms so one can live an active, pain-free life?

Another word for arthritis is inflammation, specifically joint inflammation.  The knee is the most common spot for arthritis to develop but it can also occur is other parts of the body as well:

  • Spine
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Wrists
  • Hands
  • Fingers
  • Hips
  • Ankles
  • Heels
  • Toes

In order to identify the causes, it’s important to understand the two main forms of arthritis – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid.  Osteoarthritis is caused by the inflammation, breakdown, and the loss of cartilage in the joints.  It is the most common type of arthritis that progresses over time and is said by many – “has no cure.”  However, preventative steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence, or if you already suffer from it, steps can be taken to halt its progression.  Typically it affects people over the age of 40, especially women, but it can also develop in younger people, too, which is known as juvenile arthritis. The causes can be linked to poor diet, obesity, a prior injury or joint condition, muscular imbalance over time, family history, age, and your sex.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint, also known as synovial membrane, causing it to become inflamed and swollen.  As the disease progresses it can cause painful deformity and immobility in an individual. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “nearly three times as many women have the disease as men.”  The risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include a family history, age, and being a woman.  The reason it affects more women is due to a lower percentage of muscle mass, which continues to decline later in life, especially during and after childbirth and menopause.

The symptoms of both types of arthritis include stiffness, pain, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion which can significantly affect quality of life.  And while there is no known cure, there are many steps a person can take to minimize symptoms:

  • Strength training
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise
  • Heating pads or ice packs
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Yoga or Tai Chi
  • Massage therapy

Life may throw us many curve balls.  We simply course-correct and continue on our journey living our best life – today.

Chronic Pain

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According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), chronic pain is defined as “any pain lasting more than 12 weeks.”  It affects 100 million people and can range from mild, excruciating, episodic or continuous, and simply be an inconvenience or totally incapacitate a person.  The effects of chronic pain can take both a physical and an emotional toll.

But where does chronic pain come from?  What causes it?  Some of the most common sources are:

  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Injury
  • Backaches
  • Tendinitis
  • Sinuses
  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Chronic pain can weigh heavily on a person emotionally, causing anxiety, depression, anger, and stress.  Studies indicate a correlation between emotional well being and the body’s ability to fight infection.  Individuals who suffer from chronic pain are in a relentless cycle from which it is difficult to emerge from.

Fortunately, there are options for sufferers of chronic pain, and surprisingly, many of these options are more holistic and proactive than traditional medicinal remedies.  The goal is to uncover and address the source of the problem versus simply masking it.  Here are a few areas to explore if you, or someone you know, is suffering from chronic pain:

  • Anti-inflammatory plants and herbs – turmeric, green tea, ginger, rosemary, and willow bark
  • Fish oil- omega-3s for headaches, back pain, some
  • Vitamin D increase
  • Exercise – releasing endorphins through physical activity can provide pain relief as endorphins are the body’s natural pain reliever
  • Stretching – through massage or other exercises
  • Meditation
  • Spinal Decompression – through Chiropractic care
  • Spinal Manipulation

It’s important that the underlying cause of the pain is correctly identified so that the proper course of treatment can be prescribed.  A Chiropractor can work with both a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Rehabilitation Specialist to develop a plan to help a person get back to a pain-free life once again.  And while it might take some time to get there, it will be worth every step.

You can start today on your journey to wellness.  Don’t let pain rob you of one more moment.

 

Range of Motion

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“The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended or flexed.”

Everyone has a different range of motion for any given joint.  Take for example an Olympic gymnast.  Watching this Champion compete leaves you in awe of her extreme flexibility.  Someone without that level of training can appear quite limited in comparison with their range of motion. In reality, it is completely within that person’s normal range.

As we age, life circumstances have a tendency to affect our bodies, in ways that can significantly limit our mobility and overall movement.  But what exactly are these life circumstances that can affect our range of motion as we age?

  • Our overall flexibility and motion can be affected by muscle or fat mass.  An overabundance of either can limit how far we can extend an arm or leg, or even how far we can bend over to touch our toes.
  • The pain caused by injury will impact range of motion.  When the body experiences pain the muscles surrounding the injury/pain will contract reflexively to prevent further injury.  Examples include sprains, bruises, and dislocation.
  • When our body is afflicted by disease, like arthritis or bursitis, the joints are affected causing pain and, once again, a limited range of motion.
  • If muscles are not moved or stretched regularly they can become stiff and lack extensibility, which is flexibility and elasticity.  That is why it is recommended that you stretch properly before engaging in sports or certain exercises like jogging.
  • Scar tissue from surgery or injury can limit the movement of joints due to the loss of elasticity in the affected tissue.

Fortunately the body is an amazing machine that, if given the proper care, can rehabilitate itself.  While many of us will never be that Olympic gymnast, or any gymnast for that matter, we can achieve the ideal range of motion for our age and body type.  We needn’t limit ourselves due to contentment, ignorance, fear, or pain.  Working with the right team of healthcare professionals – like a chiropractor, massage therapist, and rehabilitation specialist – will help you work you way back to optimal motion and flexibility, so you can stay there.

Never settle for anything less.

Whiplash

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Not a day goes by that we don’t see someone involved in a car accident.  It could be something as minor as a parking lot mishap to a serious multi-car pile up on an expressway.  Motor vehicles, and the mechanisms inside it are designed to keep us safe from injury.  While we are fortunate to benefit from these lifesaving measures, there is still a price we pay for being involved in a car accident.

The impact of one vehicle hitting another is absorbed by not only the car itself, but by those who happen to be inside of it, regardless of the speed the car is traveling.  The person inside the vehicle is also thrust forward, backward, or side to side – especially their head which is not restrained by a seatbelt like the torso. This sudden, jarring motion, known as whiplash, causes havoc on the muscles and tendons in the neck as well as the rest of the body.

So how do you know you suffer from whiplash, especially after a minor car collision?  Here are some of the symptoms to look for…and remember, some may feel these issues immediately following an accident, while others may not feel the effects for days or weeks afterwards.

  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Tenderness

Left untreated, the effects of whiplash can cause long-term pain.  A Doctor of Chiropractic is specialized in the care of the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems, which a car accident tends to disrupt.

Scheduling a visit with a chiropractor at the onset of any of the above symptoms will help to heal the damage done to the body, minimize pain and discomfort, and prevent additional trauma.  In addition to spinal adjustments, your doctor will prescribe an exercise or stretching program, rehabilitation, and massage.  Listening to your body, yet remaining active, is key to recovery.  Your body will tell you if you’ve pushed it too far after suffering from whiplash.  It’s important, though, that you don’t let the pain immobilize you.

Building your strength every day will bring you back to wellness.

 

Personal Health Advocate

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Advocacy.  Every day we advocate for something:

  • our children and their needs
  • a nonprofit that is close to our heart
  • our local schools
  • our friends
  • our employer
  • our community

We have no problem advocating for the betterment of any of the above, yet how many of us can say that we place ourselves on that list?  When was the last time that you advocated for yourself, especially as it relates to our most precious gift – good health?

According to OxfordDictionary.com, the definition of an advocate is:

“a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.”

What we fail to realize is that a particular cause can be ourselves.  For if we are not taken care of then how can we be of good to anyone else?  Advocating for ourselves can mean many things, but for the sake of this blog our focus will be on health and wellness.  Patience is not a virtue as it relates to general good heath and overall wellness.  In fact, the trend today is emphasizing preventative care.  Taking time to prevent harm and illness to ourselves with key steps every day so ensure we are at our best.  Examples of those key steps can include – eating a balanced diet, exercising every day, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress,  and when a problem does surface, taking the time to remedy the situation to prevent a domino effect of other health issues.

There is a great quote from Benjamin Franklin that comes to mind when talking about preventative healthcare, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  How true it is.  While there probably isn’t one of us who hasn’t heard this saying before, I’m willing to bet that many of us do not really take it to heart.  Why?  Because it seems more natural to put others needs ahead of ourselves, more acceptable to advocate for others.  However, anyone going through a health crisis would tell you that the prevention is worth it, that investing the time and effort into better health is a very small price to pay for the best quality of life.  Don’t wait until you are that person in a health crisis that finally “gets it.”  Be the voice for yourself, and then inevitably others, for better health and wellness.  Because if you take care of yourself you can then take care of others.

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