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Attitude Affects Treatment Success

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You’ll hear coaches, teachers, and parents tell kids that their attitude will determine how successful they are in any endeavor. That self-defeating thoughts will undermine their efforts to do well. The same can be said with our health. Our attitude about weight loss, chronic pain, or stress levels can significantly impact how successful we are.

Most who initially seek chiropractic care are looking to resolve their pain. And while pain can be extremely motivating, the success of treatment is contingent on the patient’s attitude going in. Why? Well for the same reason as the examples listed in the paragraph above. If the patient is only interested in pain relief, then what are the chances that they will take steps to ensure it does not return? A patient’s attitude about their health and wellness is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Still two patients with the same injury and pain level can have different outcomes. For example, one can feel better after a week and the other need to pursue a surgery option.

There have been studies as to why there is a difference in how patients respond to chiropractic treatment. These studies have found that there are three key factors involved in success:

  • Improving the flexibility of the spine.
  • Increasing the movement of the smaller muscles around the spine.
  • Increasing the water content of the spinal discs.

The goal of chiropractic care is all three with every patient, but the range of flexibility, movement and water content varies from person to person. Depending on the person’s lifestyle one person can be further behind another when presenting the same injury and pain. The bottom line is giving your body the solid foundation it needs to thrive. Not doing so only prolongs healing. It also can mean the return of pain if steps are not taken to improve one’s lifestyle, including weight, stress, sleep, etc. Understanding that pain-relief can be quick, but temporary, if treatment is looked at with the wrong attitude.

 

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?”

Our Pavlov Response

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In the early 1900s, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov accidentally discovered classical conditioning while working with dogs. Classical conditioning involves an unconditioned stimulus and response. Then replacing the unconditioned stimulus with a neutral one in order to get the same response. Using dogs, Pavlov found that the dog began to salivate (unconditioned response) to an unconditioned stimulus, the food. He then realized he could turn a neutral stimulus,such as a bell ringing, into a conditioned response. In other words, the dog would begin to salivate when the bell rang, just as it did when it saw food. Our response to many things in life is really no different than what the dogs experienced in Pavlov’s experiments. We, too, have our own Pavlov response, especially when it comes to health and wellness.

Commercials and advertisements would like us to believe that what they are promoting is the solution to what we are searching for. All to often we believe that what they are promoting is the solution, as well. Heck, who doesn’t want their problem to disappear, especially those that involve our health and wellness? So, the unconditioned stimulus is the solution being promoted. Our response is the hope brought about by the possibility of a solution. Advertisements use various means to get our Pavlov response. They are looking for an action from us – a purchase!

To achieve sustainable good health and wellness, we need to change our stimulus. We have been conditioned for far too long to believe that improved health comes in the form of a pill or latest trend. Changing the stimulus means reconditioning ourselves to find the solution elsewhere:

  • whole food nutrition
  • exercise
  • adequate sleep
  • lower stress
  • meditation
  • chiropractic care
  • massage

We can change the outcome if we are aware of how we have been responding. We can train ourselves to respond in a better way. One that truly addresses the root of our problem versus opting for the band-aid approach that does nothing more than keep us exactly where we are.

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.

Strength Training

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The most recent edition of the ESPN magazine had an article on Stephen Curry. Many would argue that he is the best shooter in NBA history. While that may or may not be the case, the article actually focused on how his lucrative career might not have ever happened. You see, his ankles were creating a serious problem with his ability to play ball. They were getting injured quite frequently and in ways that weren’t considered common. Despite a surgery prior to his NBA career, the ongoing issues continued to persist, that is until a new Personal Trainer entered the picture with the Golden State Warriors. His philosophy was built around the concept of strength training. If Stephen Curry was able to strengthen his core, specifically his hips, could the stress on his ankles be offset? The short answer, yes.

Fast forward to today and one may not even realize what Stephen Curry went through to get where he is now. The hours of strength training has allowed him to continue playing the sport he loves. By investing in his most treasured asset, his own body, he has been able to nearly eliminate the ankle problems he suffered from before. The game changer was the benefits of strengthening his body.

The reality is that sometimes surgery is not the solution. The human body, if given the opportunity, can elevate its performance to compensate for any weakness with strength training, or rehabilitation. You still owe it to yourself to live as fully as possible. Working with a plan to strengthen key areas of your body that are causing problems is what we do at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness. You needn’t wait until you think you might need surgery either to improve your situation. Strength training should be your first resort, not your last.

You may not be Stephen Curry, but you can benefit from strengthening just as he did. It’s never too late to start.

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.

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.

Hormones and Weight Loss

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Did you know that you produce over 50 hormones? Each hormone is responsible for a different function within your body. There are multiple glands throughout your body that produce these hormones to carry out specific functions. They are chemical messengers that regulate functions such as sleep, growth, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the body can be affected by weight gain or with problems losing weight. As we age, we also find that hormones and weight loss become more intimately linked too.

Extra body fat, high levels of stress, poor nutrition, and toxin exposure all can play a role in how well our hormones function. Carrying this excess body fat hinders our body’s ability to control our appetite with the hormone leptin, which tells us when we are full. This miscommunication can lead to overeating and additional weight gain.

Living with excess stress can create a situation where your adrenal glands overproduce the hormone cortisol. This hormone is responsible for raising your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is also responsible for regulating your immune system. High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body because sugar cravings can increase, feelings of fatigue can worsen, and the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction grows.

Fortunately, diagnostic testing is available to help determine the reasons for unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Getting a complete hormone panel test administered will assess your thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. This will chart your course to return balance to your hormones. Recommendations from your healthcare professional could range from dietary adjustments such as reducing your sugar intake, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and increasing proteins and vegetables in your diet; switching from strength to cardio training; and increasing your sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

The good news is that hormone balance can be achieved. If you find yourself stuck in the weight loss department, something more may be going on. Knowing what you are up against can turn the tides back in your favor so you can reap the rewards from your efforts to obtain better health and wellness.

Hormones and Weight Loss

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Did you know that you produce over 50 hormones? Each hormone responsible for a different function within your body. There are multiple glands throughout your body that produce hormones to carry out specific functions. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate functions like sleep, growth, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. If a hormone imbalance occurs, our body can be affected with either weight gain or with problems losing weight. As we age, we find that hormones and weight loss are intimately linked throughout our life.

Extra body fat, high levels of stress, poor nutrition, and toxin exposure all can play a role in how well our hormones function. Carrying excess body fat hinders our body’s ability to control our appetite. The hormone responsible for telling us we are full, leptin, is produced by our fat cells. The excess weight we carry hinders our brain’s ability to receive the signal from leptin that we are full. This miscommunication can lead to overeating and additional weight gain.

Living with excess stress can create a situation where your adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. This hormone is responsible for raising your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is also responsible for regulating your immune system. High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body. We may find that sugar cravings increase, feelings of fatigue worsen, and the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction grows.

Fortunately, diagnostic testing is available to help determine the reasons for unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Getting a complete hormone panel test administered will assess your thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. This will chart your course to return balance to your hormones. Recommendations from your healthcare professional could range from dietary adjustments such as reducing your sugar intake, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and increasing proteins and vegetables in your diet; switching from strength to cardio training; and increasing your sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

The good news is that hormone balance can be achieved. If you find yourself stuck in the weight loss department, something more may be going on. Knowing what you are up against can turn the tides back in your favor so you can reap the rewards from your efforts to obtain better health and wellness.

Your Gut and Weight Loss

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We know that burning more calories than we consume each day contributes to weight loss. But, did you know that is only part of the story? The actual process of burning calories is due to what resides in our gut. Surprisingly, it is the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi (of all things) that do the burning. This collection of microorganisms is called microbiome, and it is only with a healthy balance that our metabolism is optimized and weight loss can occur.

It is ideal that a healthy balance of microbiomes exist within our gut. If this balance does not exist, then we experience conditions like bloating, stomach aches, puffiness, infrequent bowel movements, and excess weight. All are signs that our body is not happy with how we are treating it, whether with antibiotics, poor nutrition, or environmental toxins. We cannot expect a different outcome if we continually choose to ignore the needs of our body. When it comes to good health and overall wellness, we will inevitable reap what we sow, especially as we age.

So what exactly to these microorganisms do, these microbiomes? Well, first and foremost they take the food we eat and extract the energy and calories from it. If our gut contains a healthy balance of microbiomes, then they will literally eat more than half of our daily caloric intake. Being gut healthy promotes weight loss, metabolism, vitality, energy use, and energy storage.

To help improve your internal situation, consider testing your microbiota balance to identify which of your bacteria needs support. Once the imbalance has been determined, steps can be taken to correct it from targeted foods, probiotic supplements, moderating stress, and getting sufficient sleep each night. Just as you are physically unique, so too is how you are designed on the inside. Tailoring a weight loss program that meets the needs of your gut will not only bring you closer to your ideal weight, but will significantly improve your quality of life. You will look and feel good, both inside and out.

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