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A Good Health “Impression”

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What is a good health “impression”? Let’s start with a few simple analogies to help explain.

Growing up, we were told never to “judge a book by its cover.” If we did that we’d miss out reading a great book, simply because there wasn’t a great picture on the cover compelling us to open it. It’s interesting how a simple piece of advice can apply to other areas of our life. Take, for example, meeting a new person. Will we make a snap judgement about them without getting to know them? Or, what about purchasing a new home? Will we miss the potential in a piece of real estate because the house is in need of an exterior paint job? There is also a flip side to this lesson, as well. Do we make the assumption that a pretty package automatically makes something good for us? Common sense would tell us that it doesn’t.  But how many times do we make the decision based on appearance alone for the sake of a good health “impression”?

When it comes to our health, the same philosophy can be applied. Judging our personal health by what we see on the outside can be deceiving. Deceiving and deadly. Many times, the last sign we see that something is wrong with our health is the one on the surface. Take, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, hormone imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. Just because we can’t see the effects of these conditions doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  Yet, how many of us do just that? It’s almost like we’d rather wait until it’s a four-alarm fire before we acknowledge there is a problem with our health.

The difference is choosing to be on the offense, versus the defense, when it comes to protecting our most cherished possession – our health. For too long, many of us have been on the defense, blocking the curve balls that life throws at us as we age. We seem to prefer reacting to health scares and challenges, rather than investing in prevention. But, what an easier road we could travel if we chose the offensive approach. Choosing to take the steps each and every day to give our body what it needs to serve us well. Daily steps such as:

  • Staying physically active
  • Getting the recommended sleep each night
  • Drinking alcohol with moderation
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
  • Creating a baseline of our health so we can anticipate problems before they arise
  • Learning to listen to how we feel each day
  • Advocating for ourselves
  • Relying less on the “truths” of big business and the media
  • Assuming less

Healthy aging requires nothing more than our willingness to not be passive any longer. To challenge the status quo so that we can reap the benefits with good health. Removing our assumptions enables us to enjoy a better quality of life, for ourselves and those we love.

Nutritional Diagnostic Testing

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Nutrition is the fuel necessary to sustain life.  However, proper nutrition is the ideal from which our bodies thrive.  Unfortunately, our Western diet of fried and processed foods tends to be the nutrition many of us sustain life with.  This is not the fuel our body had in mind.  Fried and processed foods require our digestive system to work overtime, searching for the nutrients it needs to sustain itself. Over time, a consistent diet of this nature leaves our body nutrient deficient, opening the door to the onset of many chronic illnesses.  Nutritional diagnostic testing is a tool that provides insight into the core nutrients our body is receiving, plus determine  deficiencies.

Understanding the unique profile of an individual can shed light on the root cause of many chronic conditions such as:

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • sleep disturbances
  • fibromyalgia
  • fatigue

Diagnostic testing to assess the nutrition our body is receiving reveals more than one might think. Overall malnutrition is gauged, which according to the World Health Organization is defined as “the cellular imbalance between the supply of nutrients and energy and the body’s demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions.” In addition to malnutrition, nutritional diagnostic testing can also detect:

  • malabsorption
  • vitamin deficiencies
  • toxin exposure
  • need for detoxification
  • antioxidant reserve to combat free-radicals
  • energy production
  • abnormal metabolism

The quality of the food we eat significantly impacts our body.  Many times in such subtle ways that we aren’t even aware of it. Taking the time to look beyond the symptoms can save our body from needless suffering.  Our body is designed to extract the nutrients it needs from food that it recognizes.  Food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.  However, modern day conveniences have made the food virtually unrecognizable to our body. There are far too many ingredients and cooking methods that have fundamentally changed the type of food that we fuel ourselves with.  The implications of this trend are obvious.  Obesity rates are at an all time high, diabetes is common, and healthcare costs are soaring as a result of our poor choices.

Nutritional diagnostic testing can hone in on what exactly our body is deficient in.  There is no guess work.  All with a simple test.

Digestive Diagnostic Testing

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The key to good health lies within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. It is this system that has the ability to impact not only digestion, but mood and immunity, as well. We typically underestimate the influence it can have on our daily lives. We tend to minimize our symptoms, especially if they seem minor and don’t significantly impact our lives.

Truth be told, many people have lowered their expectations on what it means to actually feel good, or they forget what “good” feels like. Our bodies can face a daily onslaught of poor nutrition, toxins, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and inadequate physical activity. It’s no wonder that after a period of years living like this that our body begins to show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, this situation can be reversed with digestive (GI) diagnostic testing. It is one of the tools that can reveal where the deficiencies are that are causing the symptoms. By providing this insight, the proper course of action can be taken to improve not only overall digestion, but mental and emotional health, and immunity.

Our GI system contains significant amounts of bacteria. Ideally, the bacteria remains in balance, working in harmony with our body. However, the scales can tip in favor of the bacteria if we become sick or deny our body the essentials it needs to thrive. When this imbalance occurs, we open the door for disfunction in the form of an illness such as:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular Disease

We also become more susceptible to developing allergies and joint disease, in addition to inflammation, poor digestion, and malabsorption. Other consequences of an imbalanced digestive tract include:

  • gas
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • anemia
  • malnutrition
  • impaired metabolism
  • hormone imbalance

A simple test, taken at home, provides the data necessary for the diagnostic testing. The most common tests require between 1 and 3 days of samples. The lab that performs the analysis provides the results to your Doctor so that he or she can determine the best course of action to return balance to your gastrointestinal system.

The clues to our overall health can be found. They may not be obvious or visible, but they are there. We may need a little extra help to find them, but it is worth it if it means living a higher quality life, without pain, discomfort, or imbalances.

VIP Supplements: Fiber

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This is the first in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of supplements out there today.  So many, in fact, that it’s near impossible to to discern what supplements to take, leaving many of us scratching our heads and walking away empty handed.  Well, believe it or not, there are some supplements that are more important to our overall health than others simply due to the incredible benefits they provide.  One might call them the VIPs of supplements.

The top five nutritional supplements, ranked in no particular order, that provide you with an optimal foundation to begin your wellness journey are:

  • Fiber
  • Fish Oil
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Probiotics
  • Multi-Vitamin

While this list in no ways ranks in terms of significance to one another, it is meant to provide you with the basics to ensure your journey begins on the right foot.  It is the starting point.  Many times we never take that first step due to the uncertainty surrounding what direction that first step should be in.  A common phrase describing this indecision is “analysis paralysis” – a decision is never made because we consume ourselves with analyzing our options to the point of complete confusion.

So let’s begin by dedicating this post with the first nutritional supplement on the list, fiber.  When it comes to fiber we know that it is an essential part of our diet, but what does it do?  Most of us might immediately think of Metamucil when we hear the word fiber or that fiber helps to keep things moving in the right direction, if you know what I mean.  But fiber is so much more than that.

Fiber is actually a carbohydrate that is found in the plants we eat each day such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.  However, due to its chemical makeup, it cannot be digested by the body.  Passing through our system undigested is what makes fiber so important to our overall health and puts it on the top five list above.  Fiber’s benefits to our bodies include:

  • Helping to lower our blood cholesterol.
  • Preventing diabetes because it slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
  • Lowering the risk of heart disease.
  • Reducing overeating by helping to make us feel full.
  • Promoting a healthy bowel function.
  • Adding zero calories to a meal to help to control weight.

Fiber gives our body that initial tune up.  Cleaning out the old to get ready for the new.  The new you! Unfortunately, most Americans are not getting enough fiber in their diet each day.  The average adult eats an average of 10-15 grams per day when the recommendation ranges between 25 for women and 38 for men according to the Institute of Medicine.

To help you reach your dietary goal of fiber intake, fiber supplements can help.  Sometimes our busy lifestyles get in the way of maintaining optimal health.  That should never stop us from giving our bodies what it needs to thrive.  Continue to build on eating whole foods full of fiber like brown rice, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Utilize fiber supplements to fill in the gaps, because gaps can make for a very bumpy road.

Whole Food Potential

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A key is designed to fit into a certain lock, and when that perfect combination occurs doors open and opportunities are realized.  This analogy can also be applied to food, too.  How pairing particular foods together can unlock countless health benefits to our bodies.  Mother Nature is truly clever.  She has provided a tremendous assortment of whole foods that have the ability to become a powerhouse when eaten in unique combinations – for one is the key and the other the lock.

Take for example, raisins and dark chocolate.  There is a vital trace mineral in raisins called boron that allows the body to absorb more magnesium from the dark chocolate if they are eaten together. Magnesium provides many essential benefits to our body such as:

  • helping to prevent osteoporosis with the formation of healthy bones
  • lowering the risk of heart disease
  • regulating high blood pressure
  • preventing type 2 diabetes
  • treating migraines, insomnia, and depression

Eating foods rich in magnesium with foods that are rich in boron significantly increase the benefits to us.  Another example of food synergy is found with green tea and lemon.  The ascorbic acid found in lemons helps the body better absorb the antioxidant catechin which is found in the green tea.  The medical community has long touted the benefits of antioxidants in protecting the body from its daily onslaught of free radicals.  Free radicals are a danger to our well being.  They are either created internally from normal metabolic processes or as the result of exposure to external sources such as X-rays, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and industrial chemicals.  Antioxidants help the body protect itself. Unlocking more antioxidant absorption by combining two key foods together is a huge benefit to maintaing good health.  Here are a few other great food pairings from the most recent issue of Experience Life (2015) magazine:

  • Tomato Sauce & Olive Oil – the phytochemical lycopene needs the fat in the olive oil in order to be absorbed by the body.
  • Avocado & Mixed Greens – the good fat in the avocados helps the body to absorb the phytochemicals from the greens.
  • Broccoli & Steak – the iron in the meat needs the vitamin C from the broccoli to aid with absorption.
  • Spinach & Tofu – the vitamin K in the spinach helps the body absorb the calcium in the tofu.

Take time to learn more about the benefits of not only whole foods, but which whole foods are best together and why.  Not only will you do your body good, but you will undoubtedly find new foods and recipes to love as well.

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.

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