Six Tips for Healthy Holiday Travel
December 1, 2011
The holidays are stressful enough – but you can double that stress when you throw holiday travel into the mix! Add that stress to the usual challenges to your immune system at this time of year and you have a recipe for illness. Luckily, we have a few tried-and-true tips to keep you feeling strong and well when you’re on the road this year so you can enjoy your holiday gatherings in good health!
- Stay well hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water to function at its best, but airports, planes and hotel rooms dry us out, so drink up! An added bonus: if you’re drinking enough water you’ll be up and going to the bathroom regularly, and our bodies love motion!
- Visualize positive family encounters! Stress about family time can have a negative impact on our health. Visualize things going well with family members and prepare yourself as best you can for those encounters.
- Get moving. Build in exercise whenever and wherever you can. Take a stroll through the airport on layovers, do some triceps dips while waiting to board or do some calf raises while waiting in line. And don’t forget to stretch!
- Bring healthy snacks. You know the food choices on the airplane will be limited at best (and full of fat and sodium), so pack your carry-on bag with fruit, nuts and veggies. They are all easy to pack and full of nutrients.
- Relieve neck strain. Try this easy stretch: bring one ear over to one shoulder, hold for 20 seconds. For a deeper stretch, bring that ear over and provide resistance from the opposite hand while bringing your head back to original position. Repeat 3 times on each side.
- Relieve back irritation. To avoid and relieve back stress, get up from your seat frequently and move around. There are no magical stretches to relieve hours of sitting, we must get up and move for our spines to be happy and healthy!
All of us at Rozenhart Family Chiropractic wish you safe, happy and healthy travels this holiday season!
Our Holiday Gift for You!!
November 25, 2011
Have you had a chance to enjoy a massage by our wonderful massage therapist Dionne? If not, what are you waiting for? As our holiday gift to you were are offering 30-40% off of 1 hour massages. You can’t beat that!
This offer expires December 23rd, so don’t wait. Purchase yours now!
You will receive 30% off for an hour of massage. That is $45.50 each for up to 4 massages. When you purchase 5 or more you receive 40% off!!! That makes each massage only $39!!!
These are transferable and make great gifts for the holidays! Let us know if you want us to mail you the certificates or if you would prefer to pick them up at the office.
The fine print:
Certificates expire June 23rd, 2012
Must be used at 4620-B Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA, 95124
May purchase a maximum of 10 certificates
Transferable
Stop Chasing Symptoms – They Can Hide the Real CAUSE
November 9, 2011
Isn’t it time you stopped chasing symptoms? These signals that you get from your body are frequently misunderstood. More importantly, treating symptoms without getting to the cause of a problem can lead to mismanagement of your health and more severe health problems as you age.
When you get sick, for example, and your temperature goes up, your body is naturally fighting off the infection. Bacteria thrive in a climate that is 98.6 degrees so your body’s Innate Intelligence raises your temperature to help fight off the infection on its own. The symptoms of this elevated temperature can be muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and general malaise. At the first sign or symptom of a fever, many people will immediately panic and try to bring the temperature down with medication, treating the symptoms rather than letting the body do its job and heal itself.
The medications that are used to treat these symptoms can lead to side effects and even weaken the body’s natural immunity. In recent years, the overuse of antibiotics has created an epidemic of superbugs within individuals that are untreatable and pose a serious threat to our long term health.
The CDC states, “If antibiotics are used too often for things they can’t treat—like colds or other viral infections—they can stop working effectively. Antibiotic resistance has been a concern for years and is considered one of the world’s most critical public health threats. Widespread overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In the U.S., antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for $20 billion in excess healthcare costs, $35 billion in societal costs and $8 million in additional hospital days.”(1)
A report commissioned by the Canadian Coordinating Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance estimated that infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms increased direct hospital costs in Canada by $15-25 million annually(2).
Many experts say that it is better to give the body a chance to heal itself with rest and fluids along with chiropractic adjustments that remove pressure from the nervous system. Unless there is an extreme elevation in body temperature, and depending on other symptoms, allowing your body to heal itself naturally helps your immune system build the resistance it needs to keep you healthy and fight infections more effectively.
Consider the case for “referred pain.” This means you can feel a symptom in one part of your body while the cause or the origin of that pain is somewhere else. For example, very often the cause of arm, hand or finger pain is in the neck. Leg and foot pain will often originate from a problem in the back. Problems with the gallbladder will often refer pain to the spinal nerve roots in the middle part of the spine and vice versa.
Because chiropractic works to restore health and vitality to the nervous system, we are always amazed at how the entire body often becomes free of symptoms through our work with the spine. Since nerves control every cell, tissue and organ of your body, problems in the nervous system can cause or mimic nearly any and every symptom imaginable.
It is very common to hear our practice members say things like “I know I came because my neck hurt, and my allergies and headaches are gone too.” or “I didn’t even tell you about my menstrual cramping but since I’ve been getting adjusted, my cramps have been reduced dramatically.” or “I sleep so much better since beginning my care.”
The list goes on and on. Isn’t it time you stop chasing symptoms and get to the cause? You will enjoy a much healthier life when you do.
1 Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/features/getsmartGet Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work: Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance
2 Birnbaum D, Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance. Antimicrobial resistance: A deadly burden no country can afford to ignore. Can Commun Dis Rep. 2003 Sep 15;29(18):157-64.
Reprinted with permission from The Family Practice.
Rozenhart Family Chiropractic Now Offers Massage!
November 3, 2011
Rozenhart Family Chiropractic welcomes Dionne Wilson, Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner to our family! Dionne graduated with honors from National Holistic Institute’s massage therapy program and is a second degree Reiki practitioner. She brings a passion for helping people get their lives back by using a variety of gentle techniques customized to each individual’s needs. Dionne employs traditional myofascial and trigger point therapies and Swedish techniques as well as weaving in positional release, acupressure, energy healing (Reiki) and reflexology.
Dionne Wilson
We are excited to be able to offer massage therapy to our clients, as it is beneficial for a broad spectrum of physical and emotional ailments and an important facet of holistic care. And while a massage can be deeply soothing, the benefits go beyond relaxation. Research shows that in addition to relieving tension and anxiety, massage can:
- Reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure
- Improve circulation
- Improve range of motion and stimulate muscles
- Increase endorphins
- Relieve tension and migraine headaches
- Speed healing
- Ease chronic pain
- Strengthen the immune system
Find out for yourself how adding massage therapy to your care can improve your overall well-being. Schedule an appointment with Dionne today by calling Kristina at 408-979-9999 or schedule online now!
Find a Bra Your Back Will Love!
October 21, 2011
Does your bra fit correctly?
It is estimated that 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. What’s the big deal? It turns out that wearing the wrong size bra can contribute to poor posture, back and shoulder pain, neck pain and even headaches. An improperly-fitting bra can cause you to hunch your shoulders or carry too much weight on your upper back. For women who struggle with these issues, wearing the right size bra can make a world of difference!
How do you know you are wearing the wrong-size bra? One sign is if you feel better when you remove your bra. Here are a few other things to look out for:
- The straps fall off your shoulders or dig into your shoulders.
- The cups have gaps or wrinkles.
- The band rides up on your back, won’t lie flat in the center or cuts into your sides.
- Your breasts fall out of the bottom of the bra or spill over the top.
- The underwire pokes into your skin – ouch!
If you notice any of these problems, it’s a good idea to see a professional bra-fitter for some expert advice. Specialty shops often have a trained bra-fitter on staff; check with local department stores as well. Lingerie manufacturers vary, so once you know your proper size, try different brands and styles to see what works for you. Once you’ve found the right bra for your body, you’ll find that not only do you look better and feel more comfortable, but that any bra-related pain may disappear. That’s worth shopping for!
If you think an improperly-fitting bra might be contributing to your discomfort, talk to us about it at your next adjustment!
The Critical Transition Is Critical
October 7, 2011
Photo Credit: Diganta Talukdar
The Critical Transition is that period of time when an individual, you, makes the choice to become quality of life motivated versus Crisis Care motivated in the way you take care of your health. It is that critical time when you decide to get off the roller coaster ride of health, weight, or any other aspect of your life that is causing you suffering and change your priorities.
One example of the Critical Transition is commonly seen with people who are on the weight loss, weight gain rollercoaster ride. People who successfully reach their goal and then maintain their new healthy weight make the Critical Transition to have healthy eating be a part of their lifestyle. They make exercise a part of their lifestyle. This is their Critical Transition. They make their quality of life a priority and make healthy eating their new lifestyle.
People who are unsuccessful at getting off this rollercoaster go back to old bad habits which have the obvious consequence of gaining all the weight back. These people did not make the Critical Transition.
When it comes to the health of your spine and nervous system, the master control system of your body, people go through this Critical Transition by continuing with their care regardless of how they feel so their spine, nervous system and their body can regenerate.
Temporary relief is not enough for them and they shift their motivation from crisis to quality of life because they want to enjoy an active, healthy life today and every day of their life as they age.
People who do not make this Critical Transition often ride an unhealthy rollercoaster of pain and
sickness that is expensive, unpredictable and can lead to decades of unnecessary suffering. Too many people have to experience too many different crises before they get the wake up call that forces them to change. Don’t let this happen to you.
The Critical Transition is followed by Lifestyle Care which is a quality of life choice to utilize chiropractic care to keep your spine, nervous system and body functioning at its full potential. This is something that you should want.
Our aging parents’ and grandparents’ generation has taught us that you cannot afford to get sick and no matter what your age is, if you do not have your health, nothing else matters. The motto of that generation was, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This macho mentality was not sustainable for a quality long life. It was a philosophy that led to, for many of them, severe deterioration, pain and disease.
In our generation, where we know that we have the potential to live healthy lives to 80, 90, 100 years and beyond, we must redefine “broke” as being out of balance and make Lifestyle Care and quality of life health choices our priority.
Crisis Care is based on need. The Critical Transition and Lifestyle Care are based on want. Which will you choose? Every time you see a handicapped parking space, see an assisted living center, sit down to a holiday dinner with your extended family or hear about someone who is suffering from a health problem, think about the consequences of your choices.
Make this Critical Transition now. Want it for yourself and loved ones so that you can truly enjoy every day along the way to a sensational century.
Reprinted with permission from The Family Practice.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
October 6, 2011
Photo Credit: sling@flickr
Leg cramps, back pain, sore feet…these are just a few of the things you can suffer with improper shoes. Shoes that fit well and provide sufficient support are essential for healthy feet and a happy spine. Here are a few tips to help you choose shoes that will leave you smiling even after a long day on your feet.
Fit. Feet are as individual as fingerprints, so be sure you know your foot type and get a shoe that was engineered specifically to fit your type. Do you overpronate (roll your feet inward) or under pronate (roll your feet outward)?
Measure your feet every time you shop for shoes, as your size can fluctuate over time. Shop at the end of the day, when your feet are tired – if shoes feel good then, you know they’ll feel good when you first put them on in the morning. Shoes should feel comfortable right away – there should be no need to break them in.
Style. Sadly, most of the “flip flop” type sandals that are popular in warm weather are hard on the body. But you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style! Look for strappy sandals that offer a supportive footbed and some stability. Soft, flexible materials, like a glove-like leather, are more comfortable than stiff leather straps that can chafe and cause blisters.
High heels are tough on the body, no matter how great they may look. They change your center of gravity and can exacerbate back pain. Try not to wear them for more than a few hours.
Price. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Investing in quality footwear will pay dividends down the road. That said, the most expensive shoes are not necessarily the best shoes for you – you can spend hundreds of dollars on sky-high stilettos that will only end up causing you pain and discomfort.
Use. Think about how you’ll be wearing your shoes. Are you on your feet all day? Choose something with a rubber sole to absorb impact and cushion your joints. Walking on uneven terrain? A lace-up shoe with a grippy sole will keep you more stable.
For runners, choose a shoe that provides the right support for you – barefoot running has become popular in recent years, but it’s worth discussing with your chiropractor before you try running without shoes or wearing glove-like shoes with minimal support.
Call us at 408-979-9999 to learn more about how we can help you put your best foot forward!
The Benefits Of Lifestyle Care
September 15, 2011
The benefits of Lifestyle Care are many and well documented. From improving athletic performance, increasing brain function and increasing bone density to strengthening the immune system and preventing deterioration, the results can be dramatic. And as common sense and world renowned chiropractor, Dr. Ernie Landi has stated so eloquently, “If you prevent it, you don’t have to treat it.”
Lifestyle Care is about keeping your spine and nervous system aligned, balanced and functioning to its full potential throughout your lifetime. This allows your brain and your body to communicate efficiently, without interference, so that they can function at their highest level and you can enjoy life to the fullest.
People will frequently ask, “This makes a lot of sense. How often should I come and get my spine and nervous system checked?”
The answer is quite simple and depends a lot on you. The intensity of your Lifestyle Care will depend on the intensity of your lifestyle as well as the underlying condition of your spine and nervous system. People who live stress free lives and have no underlying deterioration in their spine or nervous system require much less Lifestyle Care.
On the other hand, people with moderate amounts of stress and deterioration require more frequent visits and people who are under severe stress or have a lot of severe deterioration in their spine and nervous system require much more frequent visits to keep their body functioning at high levels of health. You and your chiropractor will determine together the frequency that is best for you based on your personal health condition and goals.
As the intensity of your lifestyle changes from month to month or from year to year you may find that the intensity of your Lifestyle Care also needs to change.
For example, if you have found that an adjustment every two weeks has been ideal for you and you change to a more stressful job with a lot of sitting or a long commute you and your chiropractor may find that one adjustment a week works better.
If you are a casual exerciser and decide to start participating in triathlons, the increased intensity of your training might require you to increase the intensity of your visits to multiple times per week. On the other hand, if your life becomes less stressful, you begin meditating three times a day and your underlying spinal conditions have already been corrected, you may find that your Lifestyle Care frequency may decrease in its intensity.
The most important thing for you to understand is that Lifestyle Care is not based on symptoms. Your frequency is not determined by how you feel but instead is determined by whether or not you have a subluxation, a spinal imbalance with nerve pressure, that needs to be adjusted. Since additional research has revealed that nerve compression can exist without pain, waiting until you have symptoms to get checked is not a good idea. Only your chiropractor can determine whether you need an adjustment or not through a chiropractic check-up.
Ask around and you will find that there are millions of people who have been under chiropractic care for decades not just because they have had a problem but because they have experienced the benefits of Lifestyle Care. These people may be some of the healthiest people you meet. Too many people in our society are suffering because they are crisis oriented when it comes to their health. Don’t let this happen to you. It is easier, less expensive and more fun to stay well than it is to have to get well after you become sick or injured. Make Lifestyle Care your top priority.
Nerve Compression Without Pain – M. Hause in Spine
Bone Density –JBSR September 2002
Increased Brain Function – In Touch Volume 4:3 March 2000
Reprinted with permission from The Family Practice.
Have You Shared Your Story Yet?
September 8, 2011
There’s only one week left for you to win an iPad by sharing your story. Have you told your friends and family about your experience with chiropractic care? Here are some stories we’ve received from practice members that we just had to share:
“I have been going to Rozenhart Family Chiropractic for several years now and feel so much better for the incredible care that I have been given. In between all of my care I have had surgeries and have always recuperated much faster than the doctors could have imagined. This is why chiropractic is so very valuable to a healthy life style, it keeps my body in a continuous state of health and healing. The doctors always listen to what is going on and act upon making sure they can make things better. My husband went prior to his surgery and it was such a success to his healing that he was surprised that he could do things so much sooner than the doctor thought he would. Chiropractic at Rozenhart is competent, professional and wonderful to the over-all well being of our bodies. Thank you for being there, you are both amazing Chiropractors!” – Margie Krasno
“What sets Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Jennifer apart from other wellness clinics is that they genuinely care about your health and your well-being. They listen to your concerns and will do whatever it takes to help you improve your life. I highly recommend them.” – John P.
“Drs. Jennifer & Stephanie have taken me from being virtually unable to walk because of the excruciating pain in my feet, to being able to go for half hour daily walks that I anticipate increasing in length and speed going forward. Thank you for the healing combination of chiropractic and The Emotion Code.” – Susie Good
Remember to tell your story before Thursday, September 15 to enter to win our iPad drawing! You can see details here: http://ow.ly/6pecu
Check Out Why This Professional Athlete Loves Chiropractic!
September 6, 2011
