Monday, June 10, 2019

Summer is Coming - Who's Minding the Kids?




SUMMER IS COMING---WHO'S MINDING THE KIDS?

"Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is working hard to make sure that that no child goes without care this summer by providing affordable, convenient, and impactful summer programs and safe places to come during the summer."

Summer offerings at Boys & Girls Clubs include:

     Day Camp
     Summer Meals and Snacks
     Open Swim & Swim Lessons at the Downtown Club
     Field Trips
 Sports
     Creative Arts,
     Chill Out Time
     "Walking Bus" to Junior Guards
     Computer Activities
     Academic Learning With the Watershed Rangers        

Monday, June 3, 2019

Floating Ribs

  Ribs at the lower ( T12, T11) and upper (T1) regions of the spine typically extend from joints on both sides of the spinal vertebrae at these levels, but unlike the other ribs, do not reach around and attach in front of the chest at the sternum.
Thus they are called “floating” ribs.
This “floating” characteristic is usually inconsequential, except in the upper spine at the T1 level, where these smaller ribs, as they curve around toward the collarbone, may cause an impingement of nerves exiting the neck (called the brachial plexus) and going down into the arms.
The nerves of the brachial plexus pass down through the region where the T1 “floating” ribs come close to the collarbones. The “floating” T1 ribs may press or abrade the nerves against the collarbone(s) (aka clavicle(s) on one or both sides.
This nerve impingement is a condition called “thoracic outlet syndrome,” and can manifest as numbness, tingling, or pain in the arm and hand.
My treatment includes gently separating contact between the T1 “floating” rib and the collarbone with the Activator, teaching specific stretches, and counseling about upper body postures that exacerbate the problem.

Monday, May 27, 2019

"The Biggest Little Farm"--Don't Miss This Movie!



     This is the true story of John & Molly Chester, who "traded city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with Nature."
    John and Molly's farm became a heartwarming adventure of pigs, plants, and perseverance, of discovery and wonder, hard work, and learning the magic of Nature's balance. 
   Their story, the microcosm of their farm, is a model for restoring damaged & depleted ecosystems everywhere, for returning to growing food in equilibrium with the natural world.
   Take the kids and the grandkids! Don't miss this wonderful story!

Monday, May 20, 2019

Stomach Sleeping

  Oh, the deliciousness of being able to sleep on one’s stomach! We may fondly remember doing it, with no negative repercussions, as a kid.
Some adults habitually sleep on their stomach, but often have unpleasant cervical and upper extremity symptoms as a result.
Torquing of the head when stomach sleeping causes aberrant strain on the cervical joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. One may wake up with neck pain or tension, pain or numbness & tingling in the arms or hands, and sometimes headaches.
If this is happening to you, it will benefit you to make an effort to change your sleeping position.  A body pillow can discourage rolling over onto one’s stomach during sleep. 
As you change your sleeping habit, it is a good idea to have your spine and upper body balanced and aligned. I am happy to provide this with my Activator Chiropractic Method of full-body balancing.

Monday, May 13, 2019

Sinus Adjustments

  One of the most valuable new adjustments I learned at my most recent annual Activator Chiropractic update training is one for sinus congestion.
It is done with the Activator on the lowest force setting, contacting the face over the right and left frontal and maxillary sinuses, and applying a gentle impact at each contact.
Patients are reporting significant results---draining of their clogged sinuses, increased ease of breathing, feelings of opening of blocked nasal passages, etc.
I am impressed with the positive results of this new adjustment.