INJURIES

A fall, a twisted ankle, waking up with a neck ache after sleeping in a stressed position----any kind of injury should be checked and addressed as soon as possible. The quicker my patients come in to get adjusted, the quicker they heal and can go comfortably about their lives.

Vitamins:  What's the REAL "Scoop?"

Taking a closer look at recent media claims that vitamins have no benefit and aren't worth spending money on, we find many flaws in the studies used to make these claims. Santa Cruz holistic physician Dr. Randy Baker explains why:  http://drrandybaker.com/2014/01/01/multivitamins-are-not-a-waste-of-money-beware-of-flawed-studies-and-biased-conclusions/

Healing Power of Nature

"Warrior Hike" program helps veterans heal from PTSD with long-distance hiking on the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails. http://warriorhike.com/program/ 
     The 2185-mile Appalachian Trail goes from Georgia to Maine; the Pacific Crest Trail is 2600 miles from Mexico to Canada through CA and the High Sierra; and the 3100-mile Continental Divide Trail goes from Mexico through New Mexico, CO, and north to Canada.
     "Trail angels" along the way will support hikers with food, lodging, first aid, moral support, and the warmth of community.

So our body's health depends on the health of the SOIL where our food was grown? Here's a doctor whose "thinking dirty" explains why:  http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/how-to-eat-like-our-lives-depend-on-it/how-dirt-heals-us

When your body is balanced, is in equilibrium, both feet should be bearing equal weight beneath you, and your gait will be easier and smoother.You will be more comfortable, and more effective at your activities. Part of being in equilibrium is also that your joints should be moving properly, and be in normal alignment. As an Activator Chiropractor, these are my specialties. Every patient visit is a full-body balancing, including cranio-sacral.

Attention Seniors:  Medicare covers Chiropractic. Although it will only pay for adjusting the spine, Medicare does reimburse for chiropractic care. I am happy to discuss how this works, always happy to help seniors, and to bill Medicare for my senior patients. Questions? Give me a call, 831-476-2168.

My office is open throughout the holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Years Day. I will be available to see patients during my regular office hours, Tuesdays through Fridays, and I am available by pager, 831-421-7353, for emergencies or urgent situations. Happy Holidays!

Four secrets to a strong immune system: (1) Avoid sugar---the amount of sugar in one soft drink suppresses immune function for up to 12 hours. (2) Support the health of your intestinal tract by taking a good probiotic---up 70% to 80% of our immune system is in our intestinal tract. (3) Get plenty of sleep. (4) Find effective ways to manage your stress.

Gift Certificates:  Available from my office, for low force, comfortable, full-body balancing with Activator Method of chiropractic care. Introducing people to my thorough, precise, Activator Method is one of my favorite things!

 Happy Holidays! Wishing everyone peace, safety, and good health throughout the Holiday Season and in the coming New Year.

Want to help sea otters and other wildlife at our local Elkhorn Slough? Now through Dec. 31, your donation will be doubled:  http://www.elkhornslough.org/  Check out the Otter Cam at Elkhorn Slough National Estaurine Research Reserve:  http://www.elkhornslough.org/ottercam/

Head-forward postures can cause, and constantly aggravate, neck tension and pain. Patient education and ergonomic counseling are vital parts of every patient's treatment plan in my practice.

Supporting Pollinators

Did you know that old hollow stems of sunflowers from your garden can make welcome homes for  bees? To help support our pollinator friends, save those old sunflower stalks. Here's what to do:  http://www.xerces.org/in-your-pollinator-garden-november-2013/

Bumping your head can be more than just an embarrassment or a temporary discomfort. It can disturb the cranial rhythms, perhaps setting you up for future headaches. Cranial balancing is included in every treatment in my office.

Healing of tendonitis, which is inflammation of a tendon, may be impeded by inflammatory foods, such as sugar, damaged fats (such as vegetable oils used for cooking) or gluten-containing foods. What we're eating may be promoting inflammation in our bodies.

With the coming of winter, and cold and flu season, it's a good time to include a little organic, unrefined coconut oil in our diet every day. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is anti-viral.