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The Reality of Healthy Aging

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If you had the opportunity to jump into a time machine and see your future self, would you take it? Would seeing your future self change anything about how you live your life? Would you be afraid of what the future holds? Unfortunately, people tend to gamble with their health and wellness starting when they are young, doing things like:

  • eating a lot of processed foods
  • binge eating
  • binge drinking
  • not exercising
  • smoking
  • not getting enough sleep
  • consuming too much fast food
  • looking at electronic devices much of the day

In our youth, our body can handle this wear and tear, then rebound quickly. As we age, the speed at which we rebound becomes much slower. Our body’s ability to recover from unhealthy habits becomes ineffective over time. Yet, if we look around us, how many people do you see that are out of shape, overweight, or obese? This didn’t happen overnight.

Aging does not mean we cannot enjoy life the way we did when we were younger. We can successfully age with awareness and accountability. Awareness means:

  • monitoring our daily activities.
  • making better food choices.
  • getting plenty of sleep each night.
  • drinking more water each day.
  • making exercise a priority.

In terms of accountability we can:

  • align ourselves with others who have similar goals.
  • seek out wellness professionals such as a chiropractor and massage therapist.
  • sticking with the perimeter at the grocery store, where most of the whole foods are located.
  • commit to ourselves with a written contract to live our best life now.

While we cannot prevent ourselves from aging, we certainly can help ourselves age better. Looking better, feeling better, sleeping better, and moving better will happen with awareness and accountability. We really don’t need a time machine to show us what a life of poor decisions can do to our body. We can simply look around us.

 

Maintaining Good Health Is Not a Luxury

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Luxuries in life include many things from exclusive vacations, exquisite dining, a day of pampering, to a sporty new car. We treat ourselves to these luxuries as a reward. The reward could be for hard work, getting through a difficult time, or celebrating a special occasion. Sometimes we treat things as a luxury even when it really isn’t. We experience it sporadically and lose interest when it isn’t fun anymore. A great example of this is with our health and wellness.

Gyms across the country are filled with people looking to get in shape and lose weight. They are decked out in the latest technology, shoes, and apparel. All too often this is not their first attempt at wellness. What makes this time any different than the others? Will this be the next attempt in a series? Why are we treating our health and wellness as if it were a luxury?

Being fit and in good health should be the standard, a priority. It should never be something we think about during the Holidays or just before bathing suit season. At the gym, personal trainers find that people are not interested in investing in their professional help. They have decided they will “do it themselves.” because their money was spent on technology, shoes, and their brand new apparel. Without realizing it, the person is sending a message that this “workout thing” is simply a luxury to them. Looking good on the surface is more important.

It’s time to set the bar higher for ourselves. Good health and overall wellness should never be considered a luxury that we occasionally partake in. It is a priceless asset that raises our quality of life. It is a commitment we make to ourselves every day, not as a reward, but as an essential foundation to our living.

Commit to Your Health

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Bringing a child to the grocery store is challenging. A battle typically ensues that is a balancing act between food that promotes good health and food that does not. When we grow up things are no different. We battle ourselves over how much we should indulge ourselves and how well we should eat. As an adult the difference is there is no one telling us ‘no.’ We are left to make decisions for ourselves; countless ones, each and every day.

We can face making too many bad choices over a long period of time. Things like too much fast food, not enough water or exercise, eating processed foods, and skimping on sleep. At some point in our life we second guess our bad choices. We want to change, but change can be difficult and it take time to see results.

However, change can happen if we are committed to ourselves. After awhile, poor lifestyle choices ultimately have a domino effect on our bodies from weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It can even then lead to conditions like chronic pain in places like our back, neck, and legs.

A healthier life means surrounding yourself with others that have the same wellness goals as you. That doesn’t necessarily mean joining a health club (although those are fantastic places to find those people) but rather doing simple things like:

  • walking with a friend.
  • heading to the local farmer’s market and talking to the farmers about their produce.
  • packing a lunch for you and a co-worker instead of going out to eat.

It’s amazing how surrounding yourself with the right people in the right environment can inspire you. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we work hard to create an environment of wellness. We work hard to be a positive influence in people’s lives through weight loss, alleviating pain, strength training and healing gut issues. We are committed to your health, but are you committed too?

The Athlete in All of Us

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Many of us watch television shows that reveal the lives of celebrities and their exclusive lifestyles. It seems these individuals have access to things that a majority of us never will. From backstage passes, red carpet events, and the best doctors. The same can be said when it comes to their health and wellness. Great care is given to the food they eat, the dining establishments they patronize, and their appearance in the public eye. Yet, the reality is that we too can have access to many of the benefits enjoyed by those we consider to be the “rich and famous” of our society.

One group in particular is worth noting – the professional athlete. These celebrities also give great care to selecting trainers, nutritionists, and doctors. Interestingly, one such doctor that is heavily relied upon by professional athletes is the chiropractor. Why would it be then that a majority of the U.S. population does not take advantage of the same level of care? Especially when chiropractic care is affordable and easily accessible?

Think about it. We buy the shoes that celebrities wear, purchase products that are endorsed by an athlete. The question we need to ask ourselves is, does the same philosophy also apply to the level of care an athlete receives? Are we not just as worthy? Do we think that because we are not a “professional” athlete that it isn’t necessary? If that is the case, why even buy the expensive sneakers?

The benefits of seeing a chiropractor should not be limited to a select group of the population. Whether they are pro-athletes, or suffered an injury from a car accident. Seeking the care of a chiropractor should be more proactive and inclusive. If a professional athlete sees a chiropractor so they can perform at their desired level of play, imagine what this profession can do for the rest of us?

Unhealthy Choices

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Going through each day is like walking through an amusement park. There are constant distractions in the form of unhealthy choices. It could be tempting desserts, a late night cocktail, a quick meal at a fast food restaurant, or vegetating on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn and a great flick. Our bed might just be too comfy to get out of early to work out. We need that extra boost of energy mid-day with a diet soda or a fancy coffee to get us through. Someone in the office brought in a cake to celebrate a milestone. There’s a box of donuts in the break room. The daily distractions that keep us off the path of wellness are too numerous to count. So what are we to do?

Maintaining a life of wellness requires discipline from an unhealthy lifestyle. Discipline because we need to be aware of our choices on a daily basis. Wellness also requires accountability to ourselves. We can make the wrong choice but should strive to do better the next time. To help with these daily distractions, it helps to surround ourselves with others who also want to live in wellness. It will be those people who will encourage us to avoid the distractions and make the better choice. Whether it be choosing water over soda, fresh fruit over cake, or going out for a walk versus sitting at home.

The team at DCW takes our role as your accountability partner very seriously. We act as your training wheels, holding you up until you are ready to sustain yourself. Minimizing the daily distractions and increasing your awareness of what your body is telling you. Helping you to understand the benefits of chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, proper nutrition, supplements, stretching and strength training. Education is the foundation to your success. Having the knowledge allows you to take those training wheels off and sustain the wellness you’ve created. It also allows you to know what your body need and when.

Good Health Choices

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Remember growing up and hearing your parents ask you, “Are you a leader or a follower?” You probably heard that question after making a poor choices with your friends. Of course, our parents want us to be leaders, right? Because being a follower implies that we simply do what others are doing without question. It is important to own our sense of individuality and think about the decisions we are making. We can still end up doing what others are doing but at least we thought it through and decided that it was the best decision for ourselves.

Over the course of recent history there have been countless products that were initially thought to be safe only to be discounted later as unsafe. The most obvious examples are cigarettes, sacchrine, lead, asbestos, and high fructose corn syrup. Still, how many people continue to smoke, live, work or play in an unsafe environment, or consume unhealthy foods and drinks? We know the dangers, do we not?

When it comes to our health and aging well, we need to take the lead rather than be lazy with how we care for ourselves. If we don’t, we could take unnecessary years off our life, not to mention possibly lower the quality of our life.

In the field of chiropractic care, many are aware of the countless benefits. They may even know someone who sought a chiropractors care and had their pain resolved. Yet, these same people continue to choose to either live in pain, take pain medications to cope, or seek a surgical solution that may only create other issues down the road. Why would they make these choices? Same as why people still continue to smoke, drink diet sodas, or eat highly processed foods. Is it just easier to live that way? Is it easier to follow instead of lead?

Take time to think about the choices you are making regarding your most valued asset, your health. Could you make better choices each day to ensure you enjoy the best health possible as you age?

Education Advantage

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When we are young, we don’t fully understand the significance of our education, the advantages that a good education provides us. However, later in life, after experiencing many of its realities, we fully realize and appreciate the advantage of our education. Education can open doors for us that may not have opened without it. Education can open our eyes to things we may never have known about, that then in turn empower us. Knowledge can transform lives. It can also create value to those who receive it and increase the credibility of the one giving it.

How many encounters have you had with a representative from any company, big or small, that truly educated you on what you were purchasing or considering to buy? That number is probably rather small, but those experiences definitely left a positive impression on you, didn’t it? Think about how that person made you feel as they educated you on why a certain thing needed to be done, on how it would truly benefit you. Did you feel important? Did you feel valued? Did you trust that person more? Did you walk away feeling like you had the knowledge now to make the best decision for yourself?

Let’s face it, there are not many individuals who really take the time to provide you that much value. However, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we make a concerted effort to educate and inform each and every one of our patients. Our goal is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors has a deeper understanding of true wellness and the power that they have to influence it. We aim for less reliance on medications to treat symptoms, but rather on addressing the cause of the symptoms. Only when this happens can transformation take place. We strive for an elevated quality of life.

When you understand the solution, you can make better choices for yourself and those you love. You also realize that the truth will indeed set you free.

 

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.

 

Phase 2 – Rehabilitation

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rehab2

The end of pain can create a sense of disillusionment. The person who was suffering from pain now feels immense relief. This feeling of relief can lead the person to mistakenly believe that the absence of pain means the cause of the pain has been eliminated. The truth is that that person has entered the second phase of returning to wellness. Phase 2 is rehabilitation. This stage requires a conscientious effort on behalf of the patient to strengthen their body to restore proper functioning and to reduce the chance of their pain returning.

As indicated in the prior post, phase 1 involves pain relief – period. The person in pain made a decision to seek help, whether is was the result of an accident or a series of life choices that lead to the pain. Sometimes in the chiropractic field, the patient decides to discontinue care once the severity of the pain is gone. Unfortunately this only delays progress, or healing. Why? Because in time, the pain returns as nothing was done to prevent it.

In phase 2, the most important work is accomplished. It basically ensures that the treatment received in phase 1 is successful. While symptom relief is still a motivating factor in the treatment plan, other elements are introduced. Elements such as strength training, balance, and stretching. The body’s proper alignment (that is, one without pain) is enhanced by strengthening the muscles that support it. Without that, the body will eventually go back to it’s pre-treatment alignment – which caused the pain in the first place.

Understanding why and how function will be restored is a critical piece in the process. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we believe education is the foundation for every patient’s success with treatment because the ultimate goal is elevated wellness. What does that mean? It means raising the bar on personal wellness. It means being in a better place of wellness than where you were before.

Life Is a Journey

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There’s a saying about life that is all too familiar – “life is a journey, not a destination.” While we know it to be true, we mistakenly find ourselves treating our lives like that of a vacation. We have a beginning and an end. We drive for 12 hours to reach our destination – paradise. However, there is no real destination in life. Only moments. Our overall health and wellness is a journey, as well. There is no real destination, as maintaining wellness requires our daily effort. So, what happens when we hit a road bump in our wellness? Well, it’s important to remember that there are phases involved in restoring wellness after that road bump. Understanding this core principle will help make for a much smoother journey.

In an ideal world, we would always feel good, we would age gracefully, we would avoid any chronic conditions or injuries, but life happens. It’s unavoidable. However, we can get back on track if we give our body what it really needs to heal if we give it the time and effort it deserves. Let’s explain with a few examples:

  • You overdo it in the yard and hurt your back.
  • You play in a recreational softball league and injure your shoulder sliding into home.
  • You are rear-ended in a minor car accident and your neck is sore.
  • Work has gotten extremely busy over the past year. You’re sleeping less, experiencing more stress, not working out, putting on weight and eating poorly.

There are 3 phases of care when we hit that road bump in life. In the first phase, a person is seeking pain relief because it is very difficult to function when you are in pain. The second phase is focused on restoring function now that the pain has been properly addressed. And the last phase, phase three, is about maintenance. When you are once again back on your journey to wellness.

The next three blog posts will explore each phase in more depth. The goal is to fully understand and appreciate what needs to happen when you hit those road bumps on your journey. Just like preparing for vacation, having the essentials make for a more enjoyable experience. The same is true in maintaining optimal health and wellness. Proper planning makes life more enjoyable.

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