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Lifestyle Excuses

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Remember as a kid thinking about using the excuse “the dog ate my homework” when you forgot to do it? While you may have been one of those kids who absolutely loved homework and studying, I would venture to guess that the thought at least crossed your mind more than once throughout your school days. In fact, you probably even thought about pretending to be sick just to get out of a test. It seems this mentality continues as we age. Excuses we make to get out of exercising, to rationalize being lazy or overweight. Why do we allow this mentality of excuses to permeate our culture? Why do we choose one lifestyle over another?

Many times, unless we are faced with a life-threatening illness, we do not change our ways. But why should it take a situation like that to create a lifestyle change? Why can we not take control of our lives and live healthy? Is contentment more preferable than wellness? Is it because we cannot see the havoc our poor choices are having on our body that we seem to think we are okay? It is easy to say that if given an ultimatum we will choose the option that helps us. But if it’s not an ultimatum we tend to gravitate towards what we want, what makes us feel good, what is easiest.

If you look around yourself throughout the day, chances are you will see people who look incredibly healthy and those who have made excuses and don’t look healthy. Which would you rather be? Choosing a lifestyle of health and wellness means no more excuses. It means not waiting for that ultimatum, or life-threatening illness, to force you to change your ways. It means taking control of your life. Yes, looking good and feeling good requires discipline. It requires awareness and better choices. But you are also rewarded with countless benefits:

  • better sleep
  • more energy
  • improved moods
  • weight loss
  • lower stress
  • increased muscle mass

The next time you feel the need to make an excuse to remain sedentary, eat unhealthy, or make other poor choices, stop yourself. Ask yourself this question, “Do I want to tempt fate and wait for that ultimatum to make a change, or do I want to take that first step today because I value myself and my quality of life?”

Looking Good vs Feeling Good

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Skinny jeans. SkinnyMom.com. Skinny Pop Popcorn. Skinnygirl Cocktails. Even skinny love. All this focus on skinny. What does skinny really mean? Does skinny equate to looking good and feeling good? While this may be something we say we want, to be skinny, but do we really know what we are wanting?

According to the dictionary, the definition of skinny is “very thin.” Synonyms for skinny include scrawny, emaciated, undernourished, and bony. Granted, there are some people who are simply born that way, who remain thin no matter what they eat. However, for the vast majority of us, our metabolism is not equipped that way. Calories in must be less or equal to the calories out, or the weight gets added to our frame. But let’s say that we lose weight and become skinny. Does looking good and feeling good go hand in hand?

There is a fine line between being too thin and being at a healthy weight for our height, age, and whether we are male or female. There is also a price to be paid if we cross that line into the unhealthy waters of skinny. Being healthy is really how you feel, not about the number on the scale. How you actually feel on a daily basis is a good indicator as to your overall health. But there is another way to look at it, too. You can be thin, but also extremely unhealthy. Your body may not have the nutrients nor body mass it needs to thrive. Likewise, being overweight is unhealthy, as well. The extra weight puts additional stress on the body. It can affect your sleep, your metabolism, plus create aches and pains. But if a majority of our population is overweight or obese, why are we letting ourselves stay this way? Is it because we are so use to feeling bad, we don’t know what good feels like anymore?

So, what does feeling good feel like? Perhaps letting go of the crutches we are using to get through each day would help us to see how we are really feeling? Letting go of the caffeine, alcohol, pain medications, sleep aids, elastic waistbands, and anti-depressants. How would we really feel if we stopped using these things to help us feel good? What if you knew that you could feel good again without the crutches? What if you knew that it was possible to feel good again, but it would take time? Would you be willing to let go of your crutches and find out?

A life of health and wellness requires work, just like anything worth having does. Feeling good is priceless, especially after spending years not experiencing it.

What are you waiting for?

Wellness Is An Inside Job

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Remember the scene in the movie “The Wizard of Oz” when Glenda the Good Witch tells Dorothy that she always had the power to go home? That the power never was in the ruby slippers that she was wearing throughout the movie. That was a powerful statement made by Glenda, and it truly shocked Dorothy when she heard those words. All along Dorothy thought the answer was somewhere to be found within the land of Oz, not as simple as something she had all along.

How many times have we done something similar to Dorothy when it comes to how we treat our health and wellness? We buy into the latest trends, buy the books, the products, the memberships. We search for answers to our healthcare challenge outside of ourselves whether it’s to lose weight or simply get in better shape. The reality is that all along the answer really resided within us. We didn’t need all that “extra stuff” to get where we needed to go. Sometimes the answer is in plain sight, and because it is so obvious we can’t see it.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a choice. The first step is acknowledging that we alone have the power to transform our lives for the better. It begins with a commitment to ourselves to make decisions each and every day that align with a healthy lifestyle. We might need a little help along the way too, just like Dorothy with the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. It may have been quite some time since we’ve exercised, so we don’t even know where to begin. We may not really know how to prepare healthy meals. That’s okay. Finding a place that focuses on wellness care versus disease care is a good starting point. Think of it like those ruby slippers. You need to actually put your feet into those slippers first. Just like you need to take that first step towards your wellness goals. No one has the power but you. No one.

 

Passing the Buck With Pain

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Sometimes it takes a health crisis to realize that the healthcare industry has a tendency to pass the buck more often than not. A patient came to us recently who had seen various doctors regarding unexplained pain she was experiencing. Each doctor essentially did nothing to help her except tell her to see another doctor. It was obvious she was lost and frustrated, not to mention still in pain without any answers.

One of the first questions Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) asked her during her consult was, “What happened around the time you began experiencing this pain?” She replied, somewhat hesitantly, “A very minor car accident.” It was right then and there that the doctor realized what was causing the pain and the X-rays confirmed it.

The “very minor car accident” was causing pain in her lower abdomen, specifically her bladder. The various doctors she had seen kept testing for a urinary tract infection that continued to come back negative. One doctor suggested it could be interstitial cystitis, an incurable inflammation of the bladder lining. The X-rays revealed a compression in her lower spine involving the vertebrae that contained the nerves affecting the bladder and lower abdomen. After one decompression treatment and a spinal adjustment her pain had noticeable improved. She was also prescribed supplements that aid in disc and connective tissue health. Fast forward one week and this patient is feeling like her old self once again!

You see, two things happened that left someone in pain:

  1. The right questions were never asked.
  2. Something as insignificant as a “very minor car accident” can have a big impact on a person’s body.

There is always a root cause to pain. And usually where the pain is felt is not the actual source. Plus, any jarring of the body, no matter how small can create havoc in the body because the body absorbs that energy. Slight shifts in the body’s alignment can be enough to create pain. Seeking the car of a chiropractor can not only heal a person, but also keep them healthy and well.

The Lifestyle Pendulum

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We hear the word all the time – lifestyle – when speaking about wellness. While it might be true that being healthy is a lifestyle versus something temporary like a diet, there are still bumps along the road that take us off course. Frustration seems to set in when we experience something that alters our course, like a vacation, an illness, or a busy schedule. However, remembering that our journey to better health doesn’t exist in a vacuum will help us get back on course once again, without beating ourselves up needlessly. Wellness is actually a lifestyle pendulum.

In a perfect world, our homes would always be clean, the sun would always be shining, and our weight would be the ideal. Reality is quite the opposite, isn’t it? But, reality is the same for everyone, not just you. A healthier approach to life involves lowering your expectations and adapting to what life throws at you. Take for example going on vacation. Many times we return from vacation heavier in weight than before. Vacation means overindulgence and lazy days for many of us. Rather than feeling defeated that we put on some extra weight on our time off, realize that it’s normal, weight will fluctuate, and you can get back on the right path once again. The key to living a healthier lifestyle is to acknowledge the imperfections in life and celebrate them. There’s nothing to be gained by doing anything but that.

So, the next time you find yourself off the wellness path, use these 4 steps to get yourself back on:

  1. Acknowledge where you are at.
  2. Accept that it will be okay and you will get back to where you were before.
  3. Ask for support and encouragement if you need it.
  4. Celebrate the small successes as you return to the life of wellness you want. Make your first success the fact that you are moving in the right direction once again.

Advocate for yourself. Be your biggest fan, not your worst enemy when it comes to living the life you want and deserve.

 

A Different Perspective on Wellness

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Talking about health and wellness seems to be very much like talking about politics or religion. Everyone has an opinion, but no one is willing to listen to the other person. Instead, we are all interested in only what WE have to say, not what the other person has to say. Somehow, we believe that if we do listen, we are indicating that they are right and we are wrong. Well, that way of thinking couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, not only is it wrong, but it also severely limits our ability to learn and grow.

Think about it for a moment. What happens when people start talking about things like not vaccinating their children, not getting a flu shot each year, or even organic food? If it is something completely different than what we believe, we make either a snap judgement about that person or flat out disagree. Either way, we aren’t listening or aren’t interested in learning more about their decision to pursue something different from us. But why? Is it because we secretly like to be right? Is it because we can’t admit that, perhaps, we didn’t do enough research to justify our decision? Is it because we simply took the path of least resistance, because “everyone is doing it” – something like the mob mentality?

Maybe it’s time we started to really listen to what is being said out there about maintaining good health and wellness? Not the advertisements about particular weight loss products or medications, but to what the professionals in the field are saying and living. Take, for example, chiropractors. If schooling for both chiropractors and M.D.s are very similar in terms of classes and length of time, why would one decide to pursue a more holistic approach to wellness? That is the key. Choosing a profession that is vastly different from the norm speaks to passion. It also speaks to a different view on what it means to be healthy and well.

Instead of choosing to stick with what we know as it relates to our own health and wellness, maybe it’s time to start looking through a different lens. A lens that sees the body as intricately connected. A body that is designed to function with proper nutrition, alignment, exercise, sleep, and stress management. One has nothing to lose by learning more about something which we may not know much about. In fact, what we learn could have a significant impact on our quality of life.

Try using a different lens on life. You might be surprised at what you see and how it affects your overall wellness.

Life Choices

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Have you ever heard the saying “Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as the result of hard work” by Booker T. Washington, the famous educator, author and advisor to U.S. Presidents Roosevelt and Taft? Essentially it means that it requires discipline and willpower to have the better things in life. You might ask what those better things are. Well, let’s look at good health and fitness. Individuals that are in great shape have invested the time and effort into themselves to be that way. It meant sacrificing a snooze on the couch for a workout, skipping that late night snack of a bowl of ice cream and eating instead a handful of almonds, or taking the stairs at work versus the elevator every day.

There was an interesting picture on Facebook the other day. It showed two images of women that were the same age, in their 70s. One image, the woman pictured was in fantastic shape. In fact, she was actually wearing a bikini! In the other picture, the same aged woman was in a wheel chair. She looked tired, out of shape, and not particularly happy. The caption at the bottom asked “Which one would you like to be?” I would venture to guess that every single one of us would pick the younger looking version of the two, the one in the bikini. But what created the difference between the two women? Hard work. One made a series of life choices that added up to a healthy lifestyle and a higher quality of life. The other? Well, other life circumstances may have led to the wheelchair, but the fundamental message is the same. It takes a daily commitment to oneself to achieve more in life.

Wellness is a state of mind, but also a lifestyle as well. And while it may be difficult at times to sustain, the end result will definitely be worth it.

Fear of the Unknown

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Remember being a kid and your parents wanting you to try a new food? You would look at your plate with fear at that strange food staring back at you. Your parents would proclaim how delicious it really is, but you just aren’t buying it. Eventually, after some cajoling you do try it. Remember being pleasantly surprised? Being fearful of the unknown is normal. We have all experienced it at some point in our life. The question we need to ask ourselves is if the fear itself is preventing us from enjoying life more and living life better? Perhaps misconceptions are creating the fear and if we were provided with the most accurate information it would change our lives.

Chiropractors and those that work within the wellness field have been known to fall in this same category – fear of the unknown. While we may have heard the word “chiropractor” we may not fully understand what it really means. This misunderstanding could be the result of misinformation, assumptions, or ignorance, but that does not change the fact that we choose to avoid what we don’t know or understand. It is not uncommon for people to visit Damron Chiropractic & Wellness for the first time and seeing a chiropractor is their last resort. Upon finishing their treatment plan they realize that seeing a chiropractor for their pain should have been their first choice of care. They realize the time they wasted on other solutions that simply did not work. They realize that they let misconceptions get in the way of choosing the best option of care for themselves. Seeing a chiropractor has its benefits.

Advocating for yourself means taking the time to learn. Seek to know how to best ensure you live in wellness. Challenge the status quo and never make assumptions, especially the older you get and good health is priceless. If the fear of the unknown is something you struggle with, invest time to educate yourself. You never know, it could end up being that the fear was holding you back from living your best life yet!

Wellness Speed Bumps

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In an ideal world, events would go as planned, the sun would always shine, and our favorite team would always win. There would be no obstacles in our way. Ever. Unfortunately, we all know that isn’t reality. In the real world, there are ups and downs. Days we wish would never end and days we wish would end already. Likewise with our health, our intentions to work out, eat right, reduce stress, and sleep more may always be our goal, but there inevitably comes a time when we experience those wellness speed bumps.

Think of it as one of those speed bumps you come across in a parking lot or residential area. As annoying as it might be, there is a reason for its presence. It’s telling us to slow down, watch for children, beware of other vehicles. The bumps we experience on our path to wellness are there for a reason as well.

You might be thinking, “what exactly is a speed bump that I might experience on my quest for a healthier life?” Well, a great example falls about 6 weeks after the new year. Six weeks after we state our New Year’s resolutions. We get to a point where our motivation dwindles, we let excuses hinder our progress, or we simply get tired. That would be a wellness speed bump.

When this happens, acknowledge it. Don’t deny the shift in yourself. Maybe this speed bump is telling you that you need to recharge for a day or two. Maybe it means it’s time to mix things up a bit and pamper yourself as a reward for the progress you have made. Maybe it’s just trying to remind you that you are not a robot. Programmed to go through the motions without feeling anything. Either way, there is a message. Listen to what your body is telling you and honor it. Taking a break doesn’t mean you have given up. It only means you need some time to refocus on your goals once again. It happens to everyone. Don’t beat yourself up for being human. The path to a better life is filled with speed bumps. Learning to expect and respect them will help ensure you stay true to your wellness goals.

Proactive Self-Care

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Being proactive means anticipating that something may happen. It keeps us aware. This is very obvious especially at the professional level of any sport like basketball or football. Each player on the team is always proactive. They anticipate where the ball is going to go and take the necessary steps to possess it. Every team invests the time it takes to determine how to win the game based on who they are playing. Their strengths and weaknesses. They are proactive at winning. When it comes to our health, the ideal is the same mentality. Choosing proactive care helps to ensure we stay healthy and well. The alternative puts us constantly on the defense. Reacting to problems as they arise.

One of the benefits to chiropractic care is the overall awareness one has of their body. People will say they know when they need an adjustment because they can tell when their body is out of alignment. They can feel it and because they can feel it they can anticipate it. Being aware of how one’s body feels is part of being proactive with one’s health. Just like that basketball player watching the ball, and knowing exactly when it’s coming his way. He can feel it.

Opting for proactive care, such as that which is offered with a chiropractor, helps to keep you ahead of the game.This holistic approach to your health teaches you how to be more aware of what your body is telling you. It helps you to anticipate the signs of change, an imbalance, a shift. If we can anticipate the onset of something like pain, we can minimize it’s impact on our life. We can address it and prevent it from getting to the point where it’s life altering. Imagine our world without pain? Or minimized substantially.

Educate yourself on you. All the intricate details that make you you. Doing so could save you days, months, even years of living in pain or discomfort. That’s proactive self-care.

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