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Exercise Is Key to Healthy Aging

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There is a stereotype that exists regarding senior citizens or the elderly. The image that typically comes to mind when we hear one of those words is more than likely a grandparent. This person is sitting in a chair, resting or watching television. Perhaps there is a cane or walker nearby. How many of us would think of a grandparent running a 5k? What about playing tennis or bike riding? The reality is that the lifestyles of the older population can run the gamut. But as we age, we play an active role in determining how well we age by how active we remain.

Essentially we are in the driver’s seat when it comes to controlling our aging process. We cannot avoid getting older and the physical changes that take place such as graying hair, wrinkles, and thinning hair. However, we can slow down the overall aging of our body through something as simple as exercise. Yes, it is true!

There are many benefits to the body and aging through exercise:

  • improved memory and thinking
  • improved spacial memory
  • formation of new neural pathways, brain cells, and blood vessels
  • decrease of inflammation
  • decrease in stress and anxiety
  • better moods, sleep, circulations and digestion
  • improved bone density
  • improved muscle mass, strength, and power
  • better balance
  • higher energy levels

Studies show that older adults that continue to exercise and remain active can be just as competitive as their younger rivals, except, of course, at the elite level. At a fundamental level, we know the importance of exercise regardless of our age. We know the significance of being fit and maintaining a healthy diet. Yet, we continue to engage in unhealthy lifestyles. The question is why? Is it because we feel we can put it off until a tomorrow that never comes? Do we feel okay so therefore we are physically okay? What about excuses we give ourselves that we simply don’t have time, we are too busy? What needs to change within us to accept responsibility for our health? The decision of course is up to you. How one ends up aging comes down to a series of decisions that are made each and every day, starting right now.

Why We Need Mobility and Stability as We Age

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In our youth we take many things for granted – our health, time, money, high metabolism, and there will be food on the table when we get home. We have a sense of immortality, that nothing bad will happen to us. It is the gift of our youth, ignorance. You can tell by how kid behave on the playground this sense of innocence. Climbing, running, swinging, it seems they are showcasing the benefits of their youth. Compare this to those who are living in a nursing home. The sharp contrast in both the mobility and stability between the two groups is obvious.

Mobility implies freedom. The freedom to move from one place to another. The ideal is the ability to move easily and without pain. Stability, on the other hand, implies strength and steadiness. Children manifest both. The older we get, the more we need to work to keep both. However, the reality is that we don’t appreciate what we have until it is gone. According to the most recent statistics published by the CDC, over a third of U.S. adults are obese (11/2015). But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the extra weight, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers are also connected to obesity. So, what happened? In one word, life happened.

Mobility and stability are not only for the young. Granted, it is easier for our youth to be like that because not enough life has happened yet. However, as we age, keeping our mobility and stability is essential to living well and here’s why. Mobility is freedom. Being mobile allows us to remain active which helps keep us fit. Stability helps to prevent falls. Falls, especially in older people, contribute to broken bones and other injuries. These consequences of falls can affect our mobility which in turn can affect our weight and create further health issues.

At DCW, we help our patients with both mobility and stability through our Rehabilitation Department. We make it a priority to individualize treatment plans to ensure each patient can improve their ability to move without pain. We also incorporate balance exercises to strengthen stability. While we cannot be young again, it doesn’t mean we can’t reverse the effects of time on our body and regain our movement.

The Injury Ripple Effect

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When we injure ourselves, the focus is immediately put on the area affected. We break our arm, we get a cast. We scrape our knee, we put a band-aid on. We sprain our ankle, we put a brace on. We lift something heavy the wrong way and hurt our back, we take pain medication. But a question still remains. How does that injury affect the rest of the body? The trust is that any injury has a ripple effect on the rest of the body. The injury is not contained within itself, rather it impacts other areas of the body as well because the body needs to compensate for the injured part. It’s this compensation that creates misalignment and the potential for future problems.

Rehabilitation after an injury should encompass not only the affected area, such as the knee or shoulder, but the whole body. Granted, the initial emphasis needs to be made on the knee or shoulder, but rehabilitation does not end with the injury. True rehabilitation ensures that the impact on the body from the injury has been addressed, even if it is minor. Imagine how the body will be impacted in the long run if countless injuries over the years have never been corrected? Would we be out of balance because we subconsciously shifted our weight to our left side ever so slightly? Would we be more prone to falls later in life because this occurred? Would this have been avoided had we taken proactive steps to protect our body from daily living over the years?

Consider looking at your body as an intricately connected system, like that of a clock. If even one small piece is affected, it impacts the other parts. The time is no longer accurate. Everything is off. We are that clock. One piece not working as it should does affect the whole.

 

The Hazards of High Heels

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You’ve heard the saying, “The shoes make the outfit.” Women and their shoes. It all started when we were young, dressing up in our mother’s clothing, with lots of jewelry, and heels! And the higher the heel the better. Didn’t matter if they didn’t fit us, we just loved the way they looked on our little feet. Now that we are older, high heels speak femininity, make us feel sexy, makes our legs more shapely, and our outfit look better. As much as we love them, wearing heels comes with a price. This price affects our posture, knees, muscles, tendons, and potential for pain.

Just like anything in life, there needs to be a balance. Balancing the good versus the bad to create a happy medium. A good example is with our diet. Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean cutting out all the bad stuff. It means keeping that bad stuff in moderation. It can’t be all or nothing. Moderation is key. Now, if we look at shoes the same can be said, especially when we understand the impact the shoe has on our body.

High heels cause many changes in our body:

  • They put our whole body out of alignment. The heels are unnaturally raised above the toes. This, in turn, creates a shift in our hips, shoulders, back, and spine. In the long-run this can cause severe lower back and leg pain.
  • The higher the heel, the more pressure on the front of the foot. This can cause bruising, ankle injuries, pain, tendinitis, and even arthritis.
  • Our balance can be affected, which increases our chances of falling and spraining or breaking an ankle.
  • Much of our body weight is carried by the ball of our foot. Over time this can create a condition called metatarsalgia, which is pain in the foot just before the toes.
  • Pressure is increased on our knees due to the body shifting forward. One study found the pressure on the knees to be increased by 26%. This situation increases one’s risk of developing arthritis in that area.
  • Because the muscles and tendons naturally contract when we walk in high heels, long-term wear can cause them to shorten and tighten creating tendinitis.
  • “Pump Bump” is a term used to describe the bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can develop from the straps of shoes or simple the height of it. This condition is also known as Haglund’s deformity.
  • Hammertoes can develop from squeezing our feet into poor fitting high heeled shoes. This causes the toes to curl in order to fit into the shoe. Over time, this can cause the toes to become misshapen.

By understanding how shoes, especially high heeled shoes, affect our body, we can make better choices in terms of which shoes we purchase and how long we wear them. Being aware can help us age well so we don’t negatively impact the later years of our life.

Seeking Balance

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There seems to be a fundamental balance in life that requires the presence of two opposing forces for it to be achieved. Much like a sea saw that moves both up and then down depending on the size and force of either side. We realize that it is only through these two opposing forces that any type of movement can occur. In fact, without both sides nothing happens. There are many examples of opposing forces creating balance all around us:

  • If there is success, then we must have failure.
  • If there is joy, then we must experience sadness
  • If there is good health, there exists illness
  • If good exists, then so too must evil.
  • If there is light, then there must be darkness.

You see, the existence of one side creates the existence of the other. Saying something is truly beautiful implies a comparison to something that is not.

Every day at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, two opposing forces collide. Every person that walks through our doors is seeking to achieve balance in their life as it relates to good health and overall wellness. It was only due to an imbalance that they sought us in the first place. However, maintaining balance is really a daily task. We must take an active role to ensure that it becomes a reality, otherwise we leave our future to chance which might be why a majority of our population is dealing with poor health today.

When we are young, we can afford to skimp on taking care of ourselves. We can pull all-nighters to study for exams, eat junk food galore, or jump into a spontaneous pick-up basketball game without any significant impact to our health. Fast forward to our 30s, 40s, or 50s and doing these things would end us up in surgery or, at a minimum take, days to recover from. Our bodies simply don’t rebound like it did when we were young which is why balance is imperative for healthy aging. Maintaining this balance will allow us to do the things we want to do without unnecessary consequences that derail our life.

Our unique team approach at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness brings you back to the balance you desire quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to value your time as much as you do, which is why we provide each patient with a plan of treatment that has a completion date at the end. We are here when you need us once you’ve achieved your balance again. That is the DCW difference! Educating our patients to recognize the signs of early imbalances allows them to see us only when preventative maintenance is required. Advocating for oneself empowers you to live more fully, without setbacks. Listening to what your body is saying allows you to achieve the balance you need every day to thrive.

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