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What Is a Real Doctor?

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If you were asked the question, “what is a real doctor?” how would you answer it? Would your answer include how they look? Where they work? Where they went to school? How they ranked in their graduating class? What their specialty is? It’s probably safe to say that our answers are based on our own experiences with doctors and what we have seen in the media. If we look beneath the surface, do we really know what makes not only a real doctor, but a good doctor?

History tells us that a doctor is about disease care. We see one when we are sick and suffering from symptoms. We also see a doctor when we discover something abnormal about our body, have suffered a broken bone, or have a chronic condition like juvenile diabetes or arthritis. Unfortunately, sometimes when we see that abnormality or have developed that chronic condition we are at a major disadvantage. It also costs us far more in the long run. So, what is the alternative? Being on the offense, or rather, practicing preventative care.

To a majority of Americans, preventative care means going to the dentist twice a year, getting a mammogram at the age of 40, or a yearly checkup at the pediatrician for our kids. But shouldn’t it go further than that? In an ideal world, wouldn’t it be better to prevent illnesses and chronic conditions, plus improve our quality of life in the process? The reality is that the ideal is possible and with a real doctor, too.

One of those real doctors that most Americans fail to consider are Doctors of Chiropractic. Yes, it’s true. Chiropractors actually specialize in preventative care. In other words, their treatment helps to keep us healthy and improve our quality of life. These specialists earn a Bachelors Degree just as physicians do, typically in biology, chemistry, physics or exercise science. Just as physicians do. Both chiropractors and physicians attend four years of graduate school with similar classes such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. They both also perform clinical hours, lab hours, and are required to pass their Boards to become certified.

So perhaps it’s time to rethink what a real doctor is and which camp you have been in – disease care or preventative care.

 

French Fries and a Side of Phthalates

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What you don’t know can potentially kill you. This statement is not referring to accidents that cannot be helped, such as the possibility of there being a drunk driver on the road or the acts of Mother Nature. Rather, it is referring to not having the knowledge of the dangers of something which unknowingly cause your harm. The most recent issue of Dynamic Chiropractic (June 15, 2016) had a great article titled “Drive-Through Disease” regarding the not so obvious harmful effects of fast food, effects far beyond the regular consumption of it.

Are you familiar with the word phthalates? You may have heard it in conjunction with plastics, as it is commonly called the “everywhere chemical.” Phthalates make plastics soft and pliable. However, just because a particular food item is not served in a plastic container does not necessary mean that it was not processed in one. But why does this really matter?

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is also found in plastics alongside the phthalates. It is used to make plastics such as water bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and inside many food and beverage cans. But where is the connection to the fast food industry? In addition to the poor quality of nutrition found in most fast food items, there is also another danger – phthalate and BPA exposure. Think about how the food is manufactured and packaged? In the article, a particular study was highlighted that was featured in The Washington Post that found higher levels of these two chemicals in individuals that had a higher consumption of fast food. So, not only are we increasing our risk of obesity and diabetes, but also an adverse effect on reproduction, behavior, and respiration in children, plus insulin resistance in adults. How do you feel about that big old double cheeseburger now?

Fast food is a silent killer. The only way to prevent its harmful effects is by limiting our exposure to it. The choice is ours.

No More Disease Care

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What if Christopher Columbus never discovered the New World and we still believed the world was flat? What if we never had space exploration? How limited would our thinking be? What if we continued to believe people were witches when all along it was mental illness and it couldn’t be helped? Discoveries literally changed the way we viewed the world. They enriched our lives, lengthened our lives, and improved our quality of life. The naysayers were proved wrong. Countless myths were dispelled. People were vindicated. Those individuals who committed their lives to finding the truth faced a tough battle. But their perseverance paid off. They changed the course of history. What was once considered different or non-traditional became the norm or standard. This same philosophy can be said for the field of chiropractic. Doctors of Chiropractic were commonly referred to as “quacks”, “back crackers”, or even a “fake doctor.” The reality is that the truth about these pioneers in wellness care is changing the way people take care of themselves. Healthcare is changing from disease care to wellness care.

Wellness care means digging beyond the symptoms and searching for the cause of the symptoms. It does not mean relying on prescription medications or over the counter drugs to mask the symptoms. It means understanding the cause so the symptoms are resolved. It means searching for the truth in a sea of revenue generating pharmaceuticals. That’s not to say that there is not a place for pharmaceuticals, only that it should not be the first choice in care.

Education is key to this way of thinking, to this way of viewing the world. Look to first hand accounts of success people have had with chiropractic care. Seek out testimonials of those who count a chiropractor as a professional they see just like their dentist. A chiropractor is in the business of keeping you well. Consider it preventative maintenance. Change your perspective on life. Take the road less traveled and reap the rewards of living a higher quality of life with chiropractic care.

Skip the Flu Shot

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The arrival of autumn brings with it the annual advertising campaign for flu shots. Walk into most pharmacies and grocery stores and the signage is everywhere. It seems incredibly easy to get the vaccine to protect yourself from the dreaded flu. With such a preponderance of ads, we believe it is a necessity in order to stay healthy during flu season. And that is the intention behind the campaign – we need it! However, the reality we find, if we dig a little, tells us that we may want to skip the flu shot.

So, what is this reality as it relates to the flu vaccine?

  • On average, approximately 5%-20% of the U.S. population get the flu each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Statistics on those who receive the vaccine, but do not get the flu, are only high when the “match” between the vaccine and the circulating strains is close. This means if a statistic reads “70-90% of people 65 and younger who receive the vaccination don’t get the flu” that the vaccine actually matched the particular strain of flu that year. Every year researchers make a prediction as to what strain will arrive during the flue season. Yes, that’s right, a prediction. So what happens if the researchers are wrong? That 70-90% drops substantially. In fact, last year the CDC was wrong in predicting the flu strain. It was only 23% effective, at best.
  • The flu vaccinations still contain mercury, a preservative used to prevent contamination, which has been linked to autism, neuro-development disorders and heart disease.
  • There are better ways to protect yourself against the flu that does not require a vaccination.

Our goal in life is to remain healthy, so we can fully enjoy each stage of our life. If we are healthy, then our body is able to do its job and prevent illness. Protecting ourselves from getting the flu, without a vaccination, simply means doing the things that keep our body working as it should. Things like:

  • Getting plenty of sleep each night.
  • Staying fit with regular exercise.
  • Ensuring our body receives the proper nutrition each day.
  • Managing the stress in our lives.

This healthy approach keeps our foundation strong so our body can fight infection and disease. So the next time you see a sign or advertisement for the flu shot, continue on and instead provide your body with the resources it needs to keep you well.

Our Body the Fortress

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Back in medieval times, the castle served many purposes. Not only did it house the royal family, but it served as a focal point for the people. Healthy aging is similar to the effort required to protect the castle and its inhabitants. And treating our body as we would a fortress helps to make better choices every day.

So what role did the castle play for the people who lived during this time period? Besides providing a sanctuary for the king and queen, nobles resided there as well. The king held court with his trusted advisors and met with dignitaries from other countries. For the common people the exchange of goods took place inside its walls, people shopped for food and supplies, there was entertainment with music and acting, plus it offered protection from invaders. The castle was surrounded by high walls and a moat. Entering the castle meant going through the open drawbridge. The castle was a fortress but also the hub of daily life.

Our body is also that hub of life. It is also a fortress that is to be protected from invasion, but the enemy is disease and chronic conditions. If a castle is not properly maintained and protected, inevitably invaders will gain entry. It may not be through the drawbridge either. Holes in the walls of the fortress allow entry as do unprotected walls and passageways. Undesirables are merely biding their time, waiting for a lax in security to make their move and enter unnoticed.

Choosing to look at our body in the same way as a fortress is enlightening. Germs, bacteria and viruses are those undesirables biding their time, looking for an opportunity to invade. It is up to us to create those barriers, plus give our body the daily maintenance it needs to stay well. It allows us to be on the offense rather than the defense. One or two preventative measures can save us the trouble of recovering from illness which affects our family, work, and social life. But there is another side to this. One that doesn’t mean picking up a bug and recovering after a few days.

Subjecting our body to a daily barrage of arsenal, from:

  • eating a poor diet
  • lack of physical activity
  • insufficient sleep
  • smoking
  • excessive alcohol consumption
  • extra body fat

Over time, this lifestyle erodes the natural protection our body has. Similar to a castle in the midst of battle. With each round of attack, the walls surrounding the castle become damaged. How long can the castle defenses withstand the impact? How long can our body withstand the impact of a damaging lifestyle? Fortunately, there are signs of deterioration, alerting us to a potential of a larger problem. It could be weight gain, chronic exhaustion, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. This is our body’s means of communicating that there is a war going on inside of us and the walls of protection are deteriorating.

Protect the only fortress you have. Take the extra steps of preventative care to ensure your quality of life, because healthy aging is not a guarantee for any of us. Chiropractic care is an effective way to remain on the offense to keep those invaders at bay. Stay vigilante and align yourself with those who will help to keep you well.

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