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Genes and Weight Loss

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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.

Inflammation Diagnostic Testing

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“Into Flame”

The Latin translation of the word inflammation literally means not only flame, but to become a flame. When we think of inflammation, the immediate image that comes to mind is skin that is red, swollen, and painful. It is visible. Yet there is another type of inflammation that may not be visible or even painful, but just as much a cause of concern, if not more so.  This type is hidden beneath the surface and is gradual in its manifestation.  It begins slowly and does not cause the immediate reaction of red, swollen, and painful skin like acute inflammation does.  This is termed chronic inflammation and diagnostic testing, in addition to mindfulness, can help identify if this culprit resides within us.

Inflammation is a natural process by which the body attempts to protect itself from harmful stimuli and begin the process to heal itself.  However, unlike acute inflammation where the body’s effort is rewarded and the body is healed (like a cut or a bruise), with chronic inflammation there is no reward.  The reason? The harmful stimuli is continually present in the body.  The healing is attempted but is thwarted by the constant onslaught of the problem. Here are a few examples:

  • smoking
  • eating a diet of highly processed foods
  • alcohol consumption
  • lack of exercise
  • poor sleep habits
  • excess weight

Imagine trying to build a sand castle as the tide is rolling in. No matter how fast you move that sand to protect the castle, the waves continue to advance. With each wave, what ever progress you made is washed away leaving you where you started. Inevitably, the water begins to win and you are left with a destroyed sand castle.

Our bodies react in much the same way. The harmful stimuli is the tide. The sand castle is our body. If we continually choose to eat a diet that is high in processed foods and fat, then each meal represents another wave. Over time, our body can’t keep up with repairing the damaged caused by our poor nutrition choices. This chronic inflammation can eventually cause several diseases, including some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and periodontitis.

The key is to recognize the signs of inflammation before the disease shows up. Knowing what to look for can help you change the way you live and avoid a health scare as so many do. The symptoms that may indicate your body is suffering from chronic inflammation include:

  • ongoing, irritating pain in your joints or muscles
  • worsening asthma or allergies
  • high blood pressure or blood sugar
  • ulcers or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • constant lethargy or exhaustion
  • skin problems

If you suspect there might be a problem you can also have inflammation diagnostic testing performed. A simple test can help uncovered the truth. If you listen, your body will tell you what it needs.

What do you hear?

 

Allergy Diagnostic Testing

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It may come as no surprise that the incidence of food sensitivities has increased dramatically over the years.  According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011. There is also an increase in gastrointestinal problems associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and acetaminophen.  These digestive problems can become chronic conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which can significantly impact the quality of one’s life.

There are also other allergies besides food.  People are allergic to mold, pollen, spices, and gluten. Despite this overabundance of allergens, simply uncovering the root cause of symptoms does wonders for the sufferer.  Allergy diagnostic testing provides that microscope to determine what is causing the problem so steps can be taken to correct it.

Dealing with allergens can be tricky business.  Many times we cannot even see the culprit.  We feel it’s effects, but can’t say for certain what caused it.  Was it something we ate?  Something we touched? Breathed in?  Trying to discern for ourselves the hows the whats and the wheres can be exhausting and confusing.  A simple diagnostic test can pinpoint the allergy, allow for course correction in one’s life, and immediately begin to reap the benefits of implementing the change.

But what are some of the symptoms you might have to alert you to the need for allergy diagnostic testing?

  • asthma
  • arthritis
  • migraines
  • ear infections
  • eczema
  • sinusitis
  • urticaria
  • colitis
  • hyperactivity (as it relates to children)
  • IBS
  • anemia
  • abdominal cramps, gas, bloating
  • diarrhea
  • gastric ulcers

Obviously the list is quite extensive.  How the body reacts to an allergen can be different for each person.  However, knowing the signs helps prevent needless suffering.

While we aren’t sure why allergies are on a significant rise, we do know what we can do to stop them from affecting our lives.  Knowledge truly is a powerful thing, especially when it comes to dealing with an allergy.

 

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.

Diagnostic Testing

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Sometimes it is necessary to shed additional light on our health in order to find the solution to the problem we are experiencing.  By digging a bit deeper, we can reveal the true culprit of our symptoms so the issue can be resolved once and for all.  This approach also eliminates the band-aid solution because sufficient time was not given to properly assess the situation.  One of the tools utilized to shed this light is diagnostic testing.  This advanced form of testing looks at a variety of functions within the human body to identify abnormalities in one or more its intricate systems. Diagnostic testing requires only one of three things – saliva, urine, or blood – which can uncover a wealth of information to help bring good health back.

At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer 6 different types of diagnostic testing to help us provide the answers you are looking for:

  • Gastro-Intestinal (GI)/Digestive
  • Nutritional
  • Hormonal – Male and Female
  • Adrenal/Stress/Thyroid
  • Allergy
  • Inflammatory

Depending on the reason for the visit, performing a diagnostic test may be exactly what Dr. Damron prescribes.  The initial consultation may be enough to warrant this next step, but over the course of your visits, symptoms may appear that were masked by something else.  Either way, this valuable tool can provide invaluable insight into how the body is functioning, what is contributing to the imbalance, and most importantly, what can be done to correct it.  The bottom-line goal is to get back to wellness by giving the body exactly what it needs to thrive.

In addition to the samples of saliva, urine, or blood a simple questionnaire is also included.  Questions that help create an overview of daily functions, activities, and experiences.  Many times the answer is right in front of us, but we fail to see it simply because of how obvious it really is.  Diagnostic testing can also validate our intuition.  It can confirm what we have suspected all along.  It is amazing how a person’s life can be transformed with the truth.  For it is only by knowing the truth that progress can be made.

The next 6 blog posts will look at each type of diagnostic testing to give you a better understanding of their benefits.

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