Are you part of the 85%?

sunshineBeautiful weather is in our midst!  Finally! You are likely already aware that excessive sun exposure can increases the risk of skin cancer and can cause damage to your skin, but you might not be aware that there are health benefits to the sun. Sun exposure allows our skin to absorb solar ultraviolet photons, which leads to the conversion of vitamin D.  We are not able to get adequate Vitamin D through our diet, so it is essential that we get it through sun exposure.

Did you know that an estimated 85% of us in the United States are Vitamin D deficient?  That is an alarming figure!  Why is it such a big deal?

  • Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, autism and multiple sclerosis.*
  • Recent studies have linked Vitamin D to the prevention of many other conditions including cardiovascular disease, blood pressure issues, high cholesterol levels, neurological system disorders, kidney failure, reproductive system disorders, muscle weakness, obesity, disorders of the skin and even tooth decay.*

Give your body a boost it deserves by getting a little sunshine this week.  Remember that moderation is the key.  Getting just 10 minutes daily can help your body make the vitamin D it desperately needs.

If you have further questions about Vitamin D or want to know about Vitamin D supplements, please contact us here.  We are here to help you build a healthy lifestyle.  Let us help you!

*For research articles on Vitamin D, click here.

Are you prepared for allergy season???

allergies

Spring is just around the corner…..bringing with it allergy season!  We must make sure our bodies are armed and ready to defend against the allergens in our midst.

Are you ready?  Here are 5 ways to help you combat allergies this season:

1.  Get checked by your Chiropractor!  Did you know that getting adjusted helps to boost your immune system?  Your nervous system and immune system work very closely together to create optimal responses and adaptations.  By getting your spine checked and adjusted, you will ensure that your body will be better prepared for the allergens you face.  Check out more on chiropractic and your immune system here.

2.   Eat local honey.  Did you know that local honey may contain pollen specific to your region?  By consuming as small as a spoonful a day you can help build your immunity against local allergen irritants. (Do not give honey to children under the age of 1).  Read more on local honey and allergies here.

3.  Eat more garlic.  Did you know that garlic has a natural antihistamine effect on the body?  It helps to reduce watery eyes and runny noses associated with allergies.  Plus, it tastes great, too!  Learn more on garlic and seasonal allergies here.

4.  Use cold chamomile tea bags on your eyes.  Did you know that chamomile tea is not only a tasty drink, but can also help relieve itchy dry eyes?  Try placing a cold tea bag on your eyes for five minutes.  Enjoy the relief!  Read more on chamomile tea here.

5.  Season your food with thyme.  Did you know that thyme can actually reduce the amount of phlegm produced?  Next time you are cooking your fish and are looking for a new way to add flavor, dash some thyme on top before baking.  Don’t want to season with it?  Then, try drinking thyme tea (with your local honey, of course) each morning to get your day started.  Learn more about Thyme and seasonal allergies here.

 

Learn more about how chiropractic care can meet the needs of you and your family here.  We look forward to serving you!

 

Buy Local Expo

Buy Local Expo

Watch this video about the Buy Local Expo!

Come out and support your local community and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce at the Buy Local Expo.

Who:  Over 70 local businesses will be showcased

What:  Buy Local Expo

Where:  Gainesville Civic Center

When:  February 20th, 2pm-7pm

Why:  So you can learn more about how our Gainesville businesses can serve you….plus, it’s free and open to the public!

Stop by the HOPE Chiropractic booth to learn more about a Complementary Health Screening.  We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

 

 

 

Straighten Up America

Spinal HygieneHere are 5 easy steps to help enhance your posture:

  1. Inner Winner – stand tall in your Inner Winner posture with your head high and your stomach in
  2. The Eagle – breathe in and stretch your spine as you slowly raise your arms up above your head 3 times
  3. The Hummingbird – circle your shoulders backwards for 10 seconds and focus on bringing your shoulder blades together
  4. The Butterfly – gently draw your head back into your hands 4 times while adding slight resistance with your hands; be sure to keep your elbows out away from your face
  5. The Trap Opener – softly massage your neck and shoulder muscles

“Straighten Up America” is intended to be incorporated in a healthy lifestyle. Consistent healthy choices and  healthful habits form the foundation of a healthy life. Our hope is that you make these exercises a daily part of a vibrant empowering lifestyle for your whole family.  For more information check out the Straighten Up America website at http://www.straightenupamerica.org/index.html.

The Benefits of Baby Wearing

The Benefits of Baby Wearing

The temperature is dropping making it a perfect time to stay warm through body heat.  If you have a little one, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the benefits of wearing your baby in a wrap.  Below are just four of the many benefits to wearing your baby:

  1.  Babies get used to moving with the mother during pregnancy.  Therefore, moving around with the mom or dad in a wrap is calming and can have a soothing effect.
  2. The stimulation received while in a wrap helps babies breathe and grow more efficiently.  This connection can be attributed to the fact that more contact between mother and baby can help establish and maintain a good breastfeeding relationship.
  3. Being worn in a wrap enhances brain development as babies are exposed to a myriad of sounds and experiences.  Since the baby is positioned closer to eye level, he/she will feel included in conversations and interactions, which can boost speech development.
  4. Baby wearing frees mom or dad’s hands to get other things accomplished.  Perhaps you need to push a stroller with your other child, wash dishes or prepare veggies for dinner…You can!  It’s that simple.

Learn more about baby wearing here:

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/benefits-babywearing

https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/baby-wearing/

http://www.attachmentparenting.org/parentingtopics/babywearing.php

 

Learn more about the importance and benefits of chiropractic care for you and your family by clicking here.  Having a nervous system free of interference is vital to raising healthy children.  Call HOPE Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Gainesville, GA.

Chiropractic and Your Immune System

Chiropractic and Your Immune System

Chiropractors focus on finding and correcting subluxations in your spine. When subluxations are present your nervous system is not able to operate at 100%.  Since the nervous system is the master control system of the entire body, every other system in the body will suffer if the nervous system is operating at a less than optimal state.  The nervous system and the immune system are very intricately related.  They work closely together to ensure that you are able to respond and adapt to your environment, including the ability to fighting off bad bacteria and viruses.

One of the largest chiropractic studies performed by Blanks et al found that chiropractic patients showed a decrease in incidences of cold and flu after beginning care.  Patients also reported less allergies and related skin rashes.  Over 2,000 chiropractic patients were analyzed, and the outcome of the study showed improvements in not only physical health, but also emotion/mental health and overall life enjoyment.  This study illustrates how a better functioning nervous system is beneficial on all aspects of life including the immune system.

Keeping your spine healthy through chiropractic care is one of the best ways to keep your immune system working at its best.  Make an appointment today to give your immune system the boost that it deserves!

Learn more about the above mentioned study here:

http://www.mccoypress.net/annals/docs/1497-0041_retrospe.pdf

Click here for further reading on the benefits of chiropractic care at HOPE chiropractic.

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