Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

Give us a call


Schedule online

Most Insurance Accepted

Dieting

By

Dieting can be a catch 22. While a diet can help us lose those unwanted pounds, it can also create a yo-yo effect that causes our weight to swing from high to low and back again. The swing in weight is because maintaining a particular diet may not be easy nor realistic for us. A diet is also vastly different than a lifestyle, too. The word diet implies something with a beginning and an end, whereas a lifestyle denotes a way of living. Something ongoing versus finite. So beware of the diet if losing weight is your goal, because if you are going to go through all the effort you may as well be able to sustain it, right?

A recent article in The Cincinnati Enquirer (1/10/16) shed light on the inherent problem with dieting as a solution to weight loss. The article featured a notable magician, Penn Jillette, who lost more than 100 pounds in roughly 3 months. This in itself is almost unheard of, to lose that much weight in such little time. But it’s incredibly tempting to believe that it can also happen for us as well. And while it just might, the question we need to ask ourselves is this, “Can we sustain the diet that we use to lose the weight once we reach our target?” This could mean for the rest of your life. If the answer is no, then it’s time to look at weight loss a little differently.

Losing weight takes time, just as it took time to add it. It also requires a different mindset, too. The new mindset involves looking at how you live your life, or your lifestyle. With a diet, you may or may not change your lifestyle for the rest of your life. You might just see this as a temporary solution to your weight loss. Temporary is not a solution. Temporary can mean that things may go back to how they were before. A change in lifestyle implies a more permanent solution to a situation. It means changing habits, changing activities, changing routines. It revolves around change. Only when we change ourselves do we see results truly happen. Results that last a lifetime.

Accountability Partner

By

Any path to self-improvement is better when we have someone on the journey with us. Not only does it tell us that we are not alone, but it also benefits us in other ways as well. We have someone who has a better understanding of what we are going through, we have someone who can speak to our personal experience because they are right there with us, we also have someone who will hold us accountable to our journey. We have an accountability partner, who will ensure we stay on track and not let obstacles prevent us from succeeding. And sometimes that obstacle is our own self.

Many times our journey towards better overall health requires more than ourselves in order to be successful. And that’s okay. We are social beings. Taking that first step in the right direction can require a lot of effort. Why? Well, the fear of failure can be a very powerful thing. We may have tried once before and failed. We may be unsure of even where to begin. We may get frustrated and decide to settle with what we have. If we have an accountability partner, we have that external motivation to keep us moving forward. We have someone telling us not to settle, to expect and demand more for ourselves.

Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) can be that accountability partner you are looking for. We understand where you are and where you want to be, plus can address the needs of the “whole” you. Surrounding yourself with the right resources to help you along your journey can mean the difference between success and failure. And success with weight loss is what you want, right? Addressing the needs of all of you means going deeper than simply losing weight. It means strength training, it means better nutrition with supplements if needed, it means a structure that is in alignment, it also means addressing any muscle issues as well with massage.

DCW is rooting for you! Your success is our success. Who’s holding you accountable?

Health: Your Greatest Asset

By

Ringing in the new year means many things. Resolutions. Watching the ball drop in Times Square. Celebrating with family and friends. It also causes us to pause and reflect on the year coming to an end. The successes, the failures, the joys, the sorrows. We look forward to the new year with hope and excitement, too, for we realize the possibilities that await us. But we also take inventory of our life as well. This inventory is where we draw our resolutions from. It is this very inventory that we see what is truly important in our life – those we love and our health. We become astutely aware of our greatest asset, good health. For without good health everything else pales in comparison.

We can have all the money in the world, but if we are unable to enjoy it then it’s a waste. Likewise, if we have countless possibilities each day but are unable to take advantage of them because poor health is holding us back then it means nothing. Good health and overall wellness is priceless. Lose it for any amount of time due to an injury or illness and you will know what that means all too well.

At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we understand the value of your greatest asset. We work tirelessly to return every patient we treat back to good health and wellness. We know the value of a team approach. Coordinating care to address the unique needs of each person we see. When you have that road map to take you to your destination you understand peace of mind. You would never take a trip without one. Same with your health. You need a care plan that maps out the steps to your destination of wellness, and DCW does just that. Combining chiropractic, massage, rehabilitation and nutrition to ensure we find that solution you are looking for. Now that’s peace of mind.

 

Eating Wrong

By

Every year we know it’s coming. We try to prepare for it, both mentally and physically. Yet despite our best efforts, we tend to throw caution to the wind and get swept away by the many delectable sweets and treats throughout the Holidays. As we get older, that the time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can impact us even more so if we make too many poor eating choices. Eating wrong, if we have been eating right, can do more than add a few pounds to our body.

When we are young, our body’s ability to rebound from poor eating choices is rather quick. Fast forward a few decades and it’s simply no longer the case, especially if our body is use to a well balanced diet. Several days of delicious but fattening desserts and high calorie cocktails can wreak havoc on us. Our body is suddenly overwhelmed with less than desirable nutrients, in amounts that far exceed what it can handle. It’s like a perfect storm. And when our body reaches its tipping point, we then start to feel the impact of our poor eating choices. We may feel bloated, have an upset stomach, feel sluggish, or experience headaches.

These symptoms are the signs indicating that we took things a bit too far. It’s our warning that our body is not happy with the food we gave it. Your body knows when it’s happy, knows when it feels good, knows when it gets what it needs to thrive. It also knows what it doesn’t need. If we take the time to listen to all that it is telling us we can learn so much. We can know if we are really hungry or simply bored. We can know if we overindulged. We can learn when to give our body a little extra TLC if we happen let temptations get the best of us during the Holidays.

Our body is incredibly smart. Listen. It has so much to say to you.

Genes and Weight Loss

By

It is true that we are all genuinely unique. Each of us has the genes to prove it. However, while our genes may dictate our traits and characteristics that make us unique, we do have some control over which genes we activate, especially when it comes to weight. It’s true that researchers searched for the specific gene that controlled weight, but it was finally determined that it didn’t exist. In fact, what does exist are hundreds of genes that can influence weight. And while we might have a predisposition to weight gain, there are strategies to help prevent this from occurring.

The genes that affect our weight loss cannot be altered, but the lifestyle we lead can determine whether these genes turn on or off. Diagnostic testing can reveal whether or not we carry a known gene, or gene variant, that predisposes us to gaining weight. We can also look to our family history, too. Our ancestry will shed light on conditions we might be predisposed to such as weight gain. Knowledge is power, especially in this case. If we know we are predisposed to weight gain based on our family tree, then we can change our lifestyle to prevent weight gain from occurring. We can “turn off” the gene that predisposes us to weight gain by not giving it the fuel it is looking for. Changes in nutrition, exercise, stress, and exposure to toxicity help offset the tendency.

According to the CDC, “obesity is usually the product of complex interactions among multiple genes and environmental factors” rather than a single gene. Which is why a weight loss strategy for one person may be successful and a failure for another. Understanding how unique we really are is a relief. We can know that we simply need to find a strategy that is custom tailored to our specific needs, versus utilizing a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to weight loss.

Understanding and honoring our uniqueness will go a long way to achieving the weight goals we desire.

Eating Wrong

By Leave a Comment

Every year we know it’s coming. We try to prepare for it, both mentally and physically. Yet despite our best efforts, we tend to throw caution to the wind and get swept away by the many delectable sweets and treats throughout the Holidays. As we get older, that the time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can impact us even more so if we make too many poor eating choices. Eating wrong, if we have been eating right, can do more than add a few pounds to our body.

When we are young, our body’s ability to rebound from poor eating choices is rather quick. Fast forward a few decades and it’s simply no longer the case, especially if our body is use to a well balanced diet. Several days of delicious but fattening desserts and high calorie cocktails can wreak havoc on us. Our body is suddenly overwhelmed with less than desirable nutrients, in amounts that far exceed what it can handle. It’s like a perfect storm. And when our body reaches its tipping point, we then start to feel the impact of our poor eating choices. We may feel bloated, have an upset stomach, feel sluggish, or experience headaches.

These symptoms are the signs indicating that we took things a bit too far. It’s our warning that our body is not happy with the food we gave it. Your body knows when it’s happy, knows when it feels good, knows when it gets what it needs to thrive. It also knows what it doesn’t need. If we take the time to listen to all that it is telling us we can learn so much. Whether we are really hungry, simply bored, or overindulged ourselves. We can learn when to give our body a little extra TLC if we happen let temptations get the best of us during the Holidays.

Our body is incredibly smart. Listen. It has so much to say to you.

Toxins and Weight Loss

By

Our modern world is filled with conveniences brought to us by the latest technologies. Inventions of plastic, pesticides, and preservatives have given us a wealth of options to help us live at a faster pace and do more. However, this lifestyle comes with a price. The price we pay is that we now must live in an environment that is filled with the byproduct of these conveniences. Byproducts that we ingest and then store within us. This situation can prevent us from achieving the weight loss we desire, simply because our body can not function as it should.

Let’s face it, if we can’t see it, we really don’t think about it. Out of sight, out of mind. Right? Unfortunately, whether or not we can see the toxins in our environment, they exist. Evidence is growing that reveals how harmful these toxins are to how our body functions, specifically how we process, store, and lose fat. Toxins can be found in everyday items like processed foods, cosmetics, many personal care products, our dental fillings, and even the plastic containers we store our food and water in. Yet, we trust that because the product or food is on the shelf it must be safe for us. While initially it might be, long-term exposure has the potential to change your body’s ability to control weight.

Our body is designed to naturally detoxify itself. Educating ourselves on what foods and products contain toxins and then working to avoid them our body can begin the process of ridding itself of the harmful inorganic compounds. Certain foods can help speed up the process, too. Foods such as cilantro and parsley, and eggs. You can also determine through diagnostic testing what toxins are present in your body so you can develop a plan to eliminate them.

More often than not, the presence of toxins in our body is the result of years of exposure. Be patient and give your body time to eliminate them. You may just find that by going this route your weight loss goal will be successful.

Hormones and Weight Loss

By

Did you know that you produce over 50 hormones? Each hormone responsible for a different function within your body. There are multiple glands throughout your body that produce hormones to carry out specific functions. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate functions like sleep, growth, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. If a hormone imbalance occurs, our body can be affected with either weight gain or with problems losing weight. As we age, we find that hormones and weight loss are intimately linked throughout our life.

Extra body fat, high levels of stress, poor nutrition, and toxin exposure all can play a role in how well our hormones function. Carrying excess body fat hinders our body’s ability to control our appetite. The hormone responsible for telling us we are full, leptin, is produced by our fat cells. The excess weight we carry hinders our brain’s ability to receive the signal from leptin that we are full. This miscommunication can lead to overeating and additional weight gain.

Living with excess stress can create a situation where your adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. This hormone is responsible for raising your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is also responsible for regulating your immune system. High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body. We may find that sugar cravings increase, feelings of fatigue worsen, and the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction grows.

Fortunately, diagnostic testing is available to help determine the reasons for unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Getting a complete hormone panel test administered will assess your thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. This will chart your course to return balance to your hormones. Recommendations from your healthcare professional could range from dietary adjustments such as reducing your sugar intake, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and increasing proteins and vegetables in your diet; switching from strength to cardio training; and increasing your sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

The good news is that hormone balance can be achieved. If you find yourself stuck in the weight loss department, something more may be going on. Knowing what you are up against can turn the tides back in your favor so you can reap the rewards from your efforts to obtain better health and wellness.

Metabolism and Weight Loss

By

As individuals, we are so unique that even our metabolism is vastly different than anyone else. Metabolism, or the way we use the calories we consume to sustain life, is central to our overall health. Understanding how our body works in terms of metabolism and weight loss will prevent needless frustration and keep your goals realistic and attainable. So what exactly is metabolism? What factors can affect it? And how can we determine what our metabolism is?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, metabolism is “the sum of chemical reactions that take place within each cell of a living organism and that provide energy for vital processes and for synthesizing new organic material.” Essentially, metabolism is the process by which the food we eat is converted to fuel. This fuel, or energy, gives us the ability to perform each and every function, from the ones we perform intentionally to those our body simply does for us like breathing, circulating blood, and tissue repair.

There are three factors that can affect our metabolism:

  1. The number of calories we need to maintain life.
  2. The number of calories we use during physical activity.
  3. The number of calories we consume each day.

A key component of metabolism is how your body uses proteins to build muscle and how it uses nutrients for fuel. The first is called anabolism, the second catabolism. If you eat far more than you burn each day, your body will be forced to store the excess energy which, in time, will increase your weight. You will also begin to accelerate your aging. The extra weight puts a tremendous burden on each system of your body simply because it needs to work harder to do even the most basic things like breathing. This, in addition to your age, height, gender, and body composition, also affects the rate of your metabolism.

You can determine your metabolism through both a resting and active assessment that includes a respiration test. This can be a useful tool in determining your baseline and help create your personalized plan to improved health. It can also tell you which you burn more of, fat or carbohydrates, for fuel, plus your ideal heart rate zone that promotes weight loss.

Understanding the unique needs of your body will prevent you from compare yourself and your progress to others. This journey towards wellness is for you alone. Honor who and what you are, and give your body the tools it needs for success.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

By

It’s probably not surprising that there is a direct correlation between nutrition and an individual’s weight. Reality TV has created several shows around this, from “My 600 lb Life” to “The Biggest Loser.” As a society, we are fascinated by each person’s unique story, the struggles that brought them to this point in their life, and their ultimate transformations. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a majority of Americans are overweight and eating far less than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. While good nutrition and weight loss go hand in hand, there is still quite a bit confusion as to the best means to obtain the weight loss we desire.

If we could compare our stomach to that of a gas tank in an automobile, we would know there is a maximum volume. We know our gas tank is full because of the automatic shutoff. While our stomach may not have an automatic shutoff, we do have cues that tell us we’ve reached capacity. Do we listen to the gentle pressure that is your cue to stop eating?

Being mindful of not only the food you eat, but also the quality of the calories makes a difference. Many times the various diets and specialty “diet” foods are not the quality of calories our body needs, nor do many contain the necessary nutrients either. Do not make assumptions that just because an advertisement says something is true, that it is. Don’t make assumptions that your body will respond the same way as another’s as you work towards your goal weight. It might take longer, and you just might need to recalibrate your goals, but don’t give up. Advocate for yourself and learn as much as you can about your most treasured asset – your body. We also know that if the calories going in exceed the number of calories going out, weight gain will be the result. Exercise certainly helps with this, but not if the amount of calories going in exceeds what the exercise can burn.

The bottom-line is using our common sense when it comes to nutrition and weight loss. Paying attention to things like:

  • What do we eat? Keep a journal to remind yourself.
  • When do we eat? Is it late at night? Do we skip meals?
  • How do we eat? Is it on the go? Is it for convenience?
  • How do we feel after we eat? Are we uncomfortable or bloated?
  • How much physical exercise we do actually do each day? Keep a journal to track yourself.
  • What does the scale say? What should we weigh based on our height?
  • How does our body look and feel? Do we like what we see in the mirror? Could we look better?

Even the smallest of changes can end up with a big impact in the end. Imagine if you made many small, positive changes to your daily nutrition and lifestyle. Imagine the big difference it could make in your life if you give yourself the opportunity.

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