Exercise: An Essential Element of a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise: An Essential Element of a Healthy Lifestyle

That dreaded eight-letter word: exercise.

Just like drinking enough water or getting plenty of sleep, we know that exercise is good for us, but it's easy to put it off, to make excuses, or to simply forget about it.

However, the benefits of regular exercise are so great that it should be an easy decision to make it part of your regular routine and healthy lifestyle!

Regular exercise can:

• Improve sleep
• Increase energy
• Help with weight loss
• Improve digestion
• Improve blood pressure
• Reduce stress

You don't have to spend an hour in the gym every day or run five miles three times a week to get these benefits. Even simple exercise can give you noticeable improvements in your health.

However, there are exercises that can be damaging to your spine. Therefore, it is important to exercise carefully and properly so you don't undo all the work your chiropractor and you have done to get your spine healthy!

• DON'T do any exercises or stretches which involve a forward-bending motion: full sit-ups, toe-touches, reaching for your toes in a sitting position, etc.
• DO always keep your back straight and only curve it the way it is meant to be curved.
• DO exercises that are gentle on your spine, such as walking (with good posture!) and swimming. Running and jogging are both hard on the spine and can be damaging to it.

Questions? Ask Dr. Hackbart or Dr. Folkers, or request a copy of our handy exercise guide next time you're in the office.

We also conduct a class for new patients most Monday nights, but anyone is welcome to attend! Learn what good posture really is and how to get it, how to exercise, lift, and even sleep in ways that won't damage your spine, and hear about people whose lives were changed because of chiropractic--and how yours can be changed for the better, too. Just call and let us know that you'd like to attend class so we can be expecting you!

The Gonstead System of Chiropractic

What's so special about the Gonstead System?

You'll hear us talk about the Gonstead method or system. What is this, and what makes it unique?

The Gonstead System was developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead, known as the “chiropractor's chiropractor.” He practiced chiropractic from 1923 until 1978. Several things make his system unique:

• It is thorough. The doctors use a variety of means to examine your spine in order to determine where your problem areas are.
• It is specific. X-rays are used to see exactly which vertebrae are out of alignment. An instrument called a Nervoscope detects increased heat along the spine, which indicates inflammation and nerve pressure. The chiropractor uses his fingers and hands to feel for swelling and tenderness along the spine, and will visually identify changes in posture and movement which could be indicative of problems.
• It is precise. Unlike other chiropractors, Gonstead chiropractors adjust with their hands directly on the patient's back, which prevents mistakes that can occur by adjusting through clothing.

Gonstead chiropractors only perform adjustments by hand. They will not use other tools to adjust the spine. Nor do they practice anything such as acupuncture or massage. However, we do have a licensed massage therapist in our office who is highly recommended by our doctors.

If you have any questions about the Gonstead system or how we practice in our office, stop in or call us at 402-646-2020. Visit the Gonstead Seminar website or gonstead.com for more information.

Babies and Chiropractic: At What Age are Adjustments Beneficial?

Do babies need to get adjustments?

Absolutely! The process of being born can be extremely extremely hard on a baby's neck and spine, causing subluxations which can result in other symptoms early in the baby's life. If a vacuum or forceps are used, that can cause even more damage to Baby's spine. Even babies born via Cesarean section can benefit from an adjustment a few days after birth.

As Baby grows, other new experiences can cause damage to the spine. Holding up the head, sitting up, crawling, standing and walking, can all affect Baby's spine. Babies should have a chiropractic checkup at each of these milestones. Learning to walk can be especially damaging to the spine, as Baby falls often during that process.

Many conditions common to newborns can be helped by chiropractic: colic, difficulty eating, ear infections, allergies, projectile vomiting, etc. These conditions are often the result of a subluxation in baby's spine. Chiropractic can help relieve these conditions without the use of drugs or surgery.

Check out the photos in our waiting room of some of our tiniest patients! We have many patients under a year old who have been coming to us for most of their lives so far. Dr. Hackbart and Dr. Folkers have adjusted some babies as young as just a few days old. We love seeing these tiny ones grow up healthy and happy!

No matter the size of the person, the health of the spine is vitally important!

Flu Adjustments: Keep Healthy Without a Flu Shot

Flu Adjustments

What is a flu adjustment and how do you get one? A flu adjustment is given by a chiropractor and can be received at our office. Unlike the flu shot that has potential for harmful side effects, the flu adjustment is safe for people of any age, and has no harmful side effects.

The reason flu adjustments work and can help reduce your chances of getting the flu or flu-like symptoms is by improving your body's own ability to fight off the viruses. This is done by strengthening your own immune system by improving the function of your nervous system. Chiropractors are trained and specialize in removing nerve pressure from your body, allowing your immune system to function optimally.

Chiropractic is based on three major principles, outlined below. By understanding these principles you will see how an adjustment from a chiropractor can boost your immune system and decrease your chances of getting the flu.

Principle 1: Your body is self-healing and self-regulating, and is doing so constantly.

Principle 2: Your brain controls everything in your body through your nerves.

Principle 3: If there is disruption in the communication between the brain, nerves and body, it cannot heal and regulate properly.

The first principle states that a healthy person's body has the potential to self-heal and self-regulate. If a person gets the cold or flu, the body will fight off and heal itself of the bacteria or virus. The body is also continually regulating itself. It constantly regulates blood pressure, digestion, immune function, breathing, heart rate, etc. without you having to think about any of those processes.

The second principle identifies what controls your body, and that is the brain. It is the control center that coordinates every function and receives every sensation of your body. This process is only possible if the message from the brain can reach the different organs and parts of your body by way of the nerves.

The third principle is simple. If you disrupt the communication between the brain and the body it weakens, limits or hinders the body's ability to heal and regulate, including how it fights off viruses and bacteria. The good news is that if a chiropractor can remove the disruption, the body has a better ability to heal and function. With a proper functioning nervous system, the body will have a better potential to fight off viruses and bacteria quickly and easily. This is a flu adjustment!

Flu adjustments are specific adjustments given by chiropractors to the area of the spine where there is disruption in the lines of communication reducing the body’s ability to fight of the flu virus due to a decreased immune system. Once the pressure is removed and the nerve is allowed time to heal, the function will be restored to the immune system. With an optimal functioning nervous system, principle one will take effect and the body will have the potential to fight off the virus on its own without any intervention.

Healthy Family Living: Routines and Habits

Routines and Habits What is the first thing you do after you wake up in the morning? Do you turn on the news or pick up the news paper and start reading? Maybe you dive into your favorite scripture for some uplifting words.

How you start your day is going to play a major role in how the rest of your day goes. You choose if you want to wake up and start reacting to the world and filling yourself with stress by reading or watching the news, which is typically full of bad news and chaos, creating stress in yourself before your day begins.

Try a new morning ritual that involves a positive and uplifting start to your day with less stress so you can attack the day with a positive attitude and outlook.

Start your new morning ritual 30 to 60 minutes before you normally get up. This will allow for some alone time before anyone else is up distracting you. Start by reading some words of affirmation. This can be a simple two or three word phrase or maybe an entire sentence. If you don’t know where to look search the internet. Say it out loud to yourself and listen to what you are saying.

Next, think about what your purpose is. This can be your purpose in your family and or career. Write it down and say it out loud. Remind yourself why you exist or your purpose on earth.

Third, have a list of goals written out and go through them each morning reading them out loud to yourself.

Fourth, what are you thankful for? Say out loud all the things you are thankful for. Family, kids, wife, job, finances, health, etc...

Finally pull up a calendar or schedule book and see what you have planned for your day. Have an idea of what you want to get done today and set ways to get these things done. This is also when you can go and check emails and voicemails. This short routine will only take 10-15 minutes leaving you enough time to go and exercise and get the blood flowing before your day begins.

Remember this isn’t going to work if you only do it once in a while. For example, if you were to go into the gym and workout one time for 45-60 minutes you wouldn’t walk out after that first time looking like Mr. Olympia!

Or, if you decided you wanted to be healthy and you ate healthy food one time, you wouldn’t be healthy. Chiropractic is the same way. You can’t get one adjustment and expect long term benefits right away.

Anything you do that is going to benefit you has to be done consistently over a long period of time. What you do as a habit works, not what you do once in a while. This saying or idea can be applied to your health, job, family, relationships, religion, and any other area of your life that you want to improve.

All successful people have specific daily routines or habits they perform on a regular basis to improve their quality of life. Sit down and decide as a family what is important and start a routine together. The sooner a child develops these good habits the more likely they are to use them when they get older.

What are some of your daily habits? How do these shape your thinking, your mood, and the way your day goes? What are some ways you can improve your habits and so improve your whole life? If you have any questions, or if you want some accountability for changing your habits, stop in and see us! We'd love to help you improve your life by creating healthy routines and habits.

Healthy Family Living

Your body was wonderfully created to be healthy and have the ability heal and protect itself if needed. Part of this protection is called your immune system. This is the part of your body that if working properly is able to identify foreign objects/matter in or on your body and determine what to do with it. When the object is identified and a response to deal with it is created your body has the inherent ability to get rid of the foreign object without any help of something being added. The immune system is directly controlled by your nervous system and if these two systems of your body are not in constant perfect communication, the immune system response may be slowed or decreased. When the immune system is slowed or not working at a normal level, the body is more susceptible to virus or bacteria and can have a harder time getting rid of them. The disruption in communication between the two systems occurs when a nerve is pinched. The nerve is the line or route of communication between the nervous system and immune system. It acts much like a power-line that connects your house to a power-plant. If the line is hanging normally from pole to pole all the way to your house the lights will turn on when you flip the switches and the tv and radio will work when you turn them on. If at some point along the line from the power plant to your house the wire is cut or maybe a tree fell on the line the electricity may not be getting passed through to your house. This would result in no lights, tv, or radio since your house has no electricity.

A pinched nerve, much like a tree branch on a power-line, slows or stops the communication between the nervous system and immune system. This will slow or reduce your body’s response time to a foreign bacteria or virus and may slow the process of healing or getting rid of the foreign matter. A chiropractor is trained to detect and treat the areas of your spine where spinal nerves may be pinched.

A Gonstead trained chiropractor has the ability to find the exact location where a specific nerve is pinched by doing a thorough spinal exam, full spine x-rays, nervo-scope readings, and motion/static palpation. Then using his/her hands remove the pressure with a gentle and safe adjustment. With no pressure on the nerve and communication restored between the immune system and nervous system the body can respond normally to stresses placed on it from the environment.

A normal and healthy response that the body would have to a foreign bacteria/virus would be a fever. When the body raises its core temperature it is in response to the immune system identifying that a foreign object is present. Common bacteria/viruses can only live at certain temperatures within the body and if that temperature is raised it cooks or kills the bacteria/virus. When the immune system and nervous system are healthy, the body’s temperature will be safely raised to a temperature that will not allow the virus/bacteria to flourish. If the body’s temperature is brought down with the aid of medication it can slow the body’s response and healing time as well as weaken the immune system making it easier for that specific bacteria/virus to do more damage the next time the body is in contact with it.

Your body is not like a car that needs oil and liquids added to it to keep it running. Your body was created with everything it needs to be healthy and to thrive in the face of all stresses put on it. Adding foreign stuff to the body can slow or decrease the immune systems response time as well as its ability to recognize and create a defense the next time it comes in contact with the same or similar bacteria/virus. Keeping your nervous system free of pinched nerves and healthy will keep your immune system strong and able to better react to a bacteria/virus.

The fuel your body needs consist of healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. These foods will be in there most natural state and include items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meats. Stay away from highly processed foods that are full of chemicals and toxins added to increase their shelf life. Our bodies are not able to breakdown or get rid of these chemicals and may store them in our tissues creating an unhealthy body. The better we can eat and fill our body with good nutrients and vitamins the more likely it will be healthy and respond better to infections or foreign bacteria/virus.

Patient Success Story: Jeanne Nelson

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Patient Testimonial from Jeanne Nelson

I've been under chiropractic care since August 2012 and have had wonderful results! My joint pain is so much better and neck pain and stiffness have improved. Lower back pain and weakness are also improved.

My energy level is also better and that's so important to me.

It took a while to get results but I felt Dr. Hackbart could help me with time and he has!!! I am still benefiting from his adjustments in all areas.

Praise God, chiropractic has improved other areas of my life! When I came in August 2010 I “hurt” everywhere and my energy was used up. I am doing so much more and feeling so much better! I know that I need to be faithful about keeping my routine adjustments. I never want to go back to the way it was.

Everyone at Hackbart Chiropractic is great and they're a fun group! I love how the girls at the desk greet and work with clients. Dr. Hackbart of course is wonderful as well!

Patient Success Story: Christina Sereda

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Patient Testimonial from Chrissy Sereda

I had experienced knee pain when exercising for six years and had severe hip and lower back pain for 1-2 years. Since having regular adjustments, exercising and daily activities have become less painful.

The hip pain has completely disappeared and the pain in my lower back has become much less and more infrequent. Knee pain during exercising has lessened significantly. Relief from the knee pain was an unexpected change.

Besides much less pain, I sometimes have extra energy during the day now. Stress levels are noticeably lower and it has been easier to wake up in the morning.

I have received excellent, friendly treatment from the staff. Besides that, it's nice to not be dependent on over-the-counter pain medication anymore.

My experience at Hackbart Chiropractic has helped me with my conditions and the staff and doctors are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Even if the treatment isn't for you, it is worth a shot. Wellness is important, and if you have a treatable condition, it can help bring you to a better state of health.

The Role of Food in a Healthy Lifestyle

Chiropractic care is one element of a healthy lifestyle, one thing that helps keep your body working the way it was designed to. Chiropractic doesn't treat or cure any disease; instead, it enables your body to better fight disease and helps strengthen you immune system, as well as relieving pain.

Chiropractic alone isn't enough to keep you healthy. If you visit the chiropractor regularly, that's great, but if you're also putting food into your body that isn't what it needs, if you're not exercising regularly, if you're not drinking enough water or getting enough sleep, you won't be healthy.

What is the role of food in a healthy lifestyle?

Well, we all know that food is what gives us energy. More specifically, our bodies need calories (in the form of fats and starches) to burn for energy, so all the body functions can work. Our bodies need protein to build and strengthen our muscles so we can move. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to perform all its essential functions. Our bodies need plenty of water for everything!

What foods give us these essential nutrients?

Fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat and eggs. Dairy products. Healthy, natural fats like butter and plant oils such as olive and coconut. Some whole grains, although some people have to be careful with this.

Many "foods" contain preservatives, chemicals to affect their color, taste, or texture, added processed sugars, chemically-produced fats such as margarine, canola oil and shortening--all things our body doesn't need.Not only do our bodies not need these things for proper function, but putting those things in our body actually inhibits its ability to function optimally. Our body has to work extra-hard to clear out all the unnecessary things so it can absorb the good stuff that it actually needs.

So just as eating whole, real, natural foods helps keep your body healthy, eating processed, fake and not natural foods can contribute to disease.

Now, there's nothing inherently wrong with eating the occasional candy bar, doughnut, or Big Mac. It is important, however, to keep our intake of those foods that aren't good for us to a minimum, and fill our menus and stomachs with food that is nourishing and will actually improve our health.

It is unfortunate that it is the processed, less-healthy foods which are cheaper and usually have a longer shelf life. For people on a tight budget, it may be difficult to keep to a truly healthy diet because fresh produce, meat and dairy products are among the most expensive things in the grocery store. But don't let that be a discouragement to you if you're in a similar situation. Do your best with what you can. Here are some ideas to save money and still eat foods that will nourish your body:

• Start a garden if possible and grow your own produce, a much cheaper option than the grocery store or even the farmer's market.
• Skip the coffee shop and make coffee drinks at home with your favorite coffee, milk, and a natural sweetener like honey. You'll save a lot of money!
• Cut out soft drinks and sugary fruit juices, and instead drink water and spend the $3-$5 that a bottle of juice can cost on some fresh fruit.
• Instead of buying expensive and processed lunch meat, buy a whole chicken which you can roast and make into sandwich meat, chicken soup, and homemade chicken stock.
• Buy frozen vegetables instead of canned if fresh ones are too pricey.
• Try making homemade bread to avoid the preservatives and added sugar in packaged bread. Homemade bread can be as simple as flour, yeast, water, and a little fat--very frugal and very good for you.

A healthy lifestyle has many components: exercise, adequate sleep, chiropractic care, and good nutrition. Putting these components together enables your body to work to its fullest potential and keep you healthy and happy!

Patient Success Story: Patricia Herron

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Patient Testimonial from Patricia Herron

Chiropractic care keeps me so that I can keep doing the everyday things that need to be done. It keeps me feeling good.

I keep coming back because of the results that I can feel after an adjustment, and I know I need to get adjusted for my health.

Chiropractic care has helped keep me from getting other illnesses that a lot of other people around me have. It also helps me sleep better, increases my energy level and strengthens my immune system.

I have recommended chiropractic care to others, and my experience at Hackbart Chiropractic is very worthwhile. It keeps me going.

Patient Success Story: Brittni Love

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Patient Testimonial from Brittni Love

For over two months I suffered severe shooting pain in my lower back that went down the backs of my legs. I was very stiff and could barely get dressed in the morning. It just kept getting worse, and that's when I decided to try chiropractic.

I knew what would happen if I went to a doctor at a clinic. I really did not want to take pills.

I really liked how positive Dr. Folkers was that chiropractic would help my problem. I also appreciated how realistic he was about how long it may take.

The staff treats me like they know me, and they are pretty much amazing. Now I can get dressed without pain almost every day.

I would recommend anyone to try out Hackbart Chiropractic! Listen to them and trust that you will start feeling better with time. I did, and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Patient Success Story: Tom Jorgensen

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Testimonial from Tom Jorgensen

I've been dealing with shoulder pain and weakness for the last six months and reflux for the past 20 years on and off. For the shoulder pain I was taking ibuprofen, and a variety of acid blockers for the reflux.

My symptoms have improved greatly. I am able to get all my workout done without pain, and sleeping through the night instead of waking up from the reflux. My stress is less as a result of the reduced pain.

My treatment by the staff is excellent; they are good people and very caring. Dr. Folkers is very thorough and helpful.

I would recommend to anyone to give chiropractic a try. I have had a very positive outcome!

Allergies and Chiropractic: A Natural Way to Find Relief

Allergies: a result of an unhealthy immune system

Millions of people suffer from allergies of various kinds: allergies to food, to dust, to pollen, to pet dander, etc. Allergies happen when the body's immune system overreacts to one of these things, called allergens, and "produces too many neutralizing chemicals (especially histamines) to counteract it" (Koren, 2013). Simply put, allergies happen because of an overreacting immune system--one that's not working properly.

The medical approach

As with most disorders and diseases, regular doctors will only treat the symptoms of allergies. There is no cure for allergies in orthodox medicine, only treatment of the symptoms (Koren, 2013). Typical allergy treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. Antihistamine is a drug that blocks histamines, which cause runny eyes, sneezing, itchiness, redness, and other allergy symptoms.

The problem with antihistamines is that they can come with a variety of side effects, including upset stomach and nausea, dry mouth, nose and throat, dizziness, headaches, among others. Extended use of antihistamines (such as in treatment of chronic allergies) can cause liver damage over the long term.

The chiropractic approach

People who suffer from allergies have been finding relief in chiropractic care for decades. (See some testimonials below from our own patients who have had relief from allergy symptoms thanks to chiropractic.)

Not a treatment of the problem, but of the cause

"The goal of chiropractic care is to locate and correct a serious type of spine and nervous system stress called the subluxation" (Koren, 2013). When the nervous system is relieved of the stress caused by pinched nerves in the spine, it is free to function optimally. A healthy body is able to neutralize allergens instead of overreacting to their presence in the body. Koren quotes Dr. Kurt Donsback, saying "A healthy body is capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by eliminating all the allergens" (Donsback, 1980, quotes in Koren, 2013).

If you or a family member suffer from any food allergies (wheat, milk, peanuts, etc.) you know how frustrating it can be to make sure you don't come into contact with any of those allergens which could potentially cause devastating allergic reactions. If you rely on drugs to keep your allergies at bay, or have a restricted diet as a result of food allergies, try chiropractic care.

Still not convinced? Read these testimonials from patients who found relief from allergies through chiropractic:

From Ryan Coufal:

For the past 10 years I've had sinus and allergy problems. It seemed I was allergic to everything in Nebraska – mold, pollen, dust. Outside activities left me with cold-like symptoms and exhaustion. I took allergy shots for three years, and about every kind of allergy medication available. I had between five and eight sinus infections each year. I was prescribed antibiotics so often that I grew resistant to the medications; some had no effect on me at all.

Since getting adjustments from Dr. Hackbart, I haven't used my allergy medicine once! I can mow a lawn, work out and exercise. He was straightforward and talked with me extensively about how changes in my lifestyle would help improve my health.

The staff at Hackbart Chiropractic genuinely care about my personal well-being and have worked around my busy schedule to get me in for my appointments. I previously thought chiropractic care was only for joints and muscles. I couldn't have been more wrong, it has changed my health entirely!

From Kathy Hartmann:

For the past 12 years I've had sinus and allergy problems. I've also suffered from pain in my right side, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. I couldn't even move my neck to see behind me.

I tried many things in hope of some relief - I had surgery on my sinuses 9 years ago, allergy shots weekly, took allergy medications, and took antibiotics for sinus infections. But since seeing Dr. Hackbart, my allergies and headaches are gone! I can actually turn my head to see behind me, and I'm no longer suffering from dizziness and fatigue!

My mobility is better and I am sleeping much better through the night. I wake up feeling good! My family had been after me for years to give chiropractic a chance and I regret not coming in sooner. You should give him a try! It will change your life for the better. And the staff was wonderful, friendly and very welcoming!

Happy 2014.5: Make the second half count!

Happy 2014.5!

Struggling with your New Year's resolutions this year? Make the second half of the year count!

Welcome to 2014.5: your second chance to keep your New Year's resolutions! Listen to our most recent teleseminar for tips and ideas to make the most of the rest of this year.

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Patient Success Story: Amy Johnson

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Testimonial from Amy Johnson

I had been dealing with a lot of issues when I first started seeing Dr. Hackbart: hip and leg pain, arm pain and numbness, restless legs, and headaches. The headaches had been going on most of my life; the other problems about a year and a half.

I took aspirin for the aches and pains and migraine medication for the headaches because they were so bad. Nothing helped permanently.

Now all that's left of my original problems are minor headaches that I can deal with easily. I don't have the extreme headaches anymore or pain in my arms or legs. I am not as stressed as I used to be, my sleep has gotten better and so has my energy level.

The staff is amazing—everyone treats you as a person and not a number. I love the positive environment. All the staff members are very understanding.

I especially like the personal attention and quality care I receive each time I come in. I also liked the educational classes that helped me change my habits to healthier and safer ones.

Doctors Hackbart and Folkers are here to help you get better as long as you are willing to do your part! I love the way they know what areas to work on to get you feeling better, so you can enjoy your life.

Avoid Colds and Flu: Get Adjusted Regularly

Colds and flu are no fun, but we've come to expect to get sick sometime during "flu season." Catching a cold isn't always a bad thing, as you'll learn, but there are ways to keep from getting one entirely, and heal quickly when you do get sick.

Why we get sick

You are exposed to "germs"--different viruses and bacteria--every day. Any of these could make you sick except that your body's defense system kills most of those germs before they have a chance to do any damage (unless you are afflicted with a poor or weakened immune system).

When you do get sick, it's a result of a low resistance to disease. This is usually caused by stress: structural stress (what chiropractors correct), emotional stress, and chemical stress (toxins that your body hasn't been able to get rid of). A combination of two or more of these can allow an infection to take over your body.

3 reasons why cold symptoms aren't a bad thing

When you get sick, it means an infection or virus has gotten past your body's initial defenses. In order to get out the intruder, your body goes on the attack. Your body temperature will often raise to try to kill the invading germs (resulting in a fever), and other systems will do whatever they can to get rid of the bacteria or virus (resulting in a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or in the cases of a digestive infection, vomiting or diarrhea). These symptoms are uncomfortable and unpleasant, but they're a sign that your body is doing what it's designed to, in order to heal from the illness.

If you take a fever reducer, you're taking away your body's ability to kill an infection with heat. If you take a decongestant to stop your nose or eyes watering, you're keeping the virus or bacteria in your body instead of letting your body get it out.

How chiropractic prevents colds and flu, and helps you heal faster

We've established that you get sick because of a compromised immune system. When your body's natural defenses are not functioning the way they should be, viruses and bacteria can get in and attack. How do you keep your immune system working properly? The same way you keep all your body's systems working correctly: by keeping the nerve pathways between your organs and your brain open and healthy. That's what chiropractic does, by keeping your spine in alignment and the nerves in your spine un-pinched!

Chiropractic also helps you heal faster when you do get sick. Sometimes, even with a healthy spine, you might get a cold, flu, or gastrointestinal infection ("stomach flu"). You'll be able to heal more quickly with a properly aligned spine. That's why it's important to come to the chiropractor when you get sick, ideally before you go see any other doctor. Come see us, then go home and rest!

Other ways to get healthy and keep healthy, naturally

Don't fight your body's well-designed defense system. Work with it! Keep healthy by:

• eating nourishing food, and avoiding food that doesn't benefit your body
• getting adequate sleep (at least 7 hours a night for adults)
• drinking plenty of water
• exercising regularly
• seeing your chiropractor at least monthly!

Source:

Koren, Tedd, D.C. (2014). Colds & Flu (pamphlet). TAN Koren Publications Inc.

Patient Success Story: Deb Hemphill

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Testimonial from Deb Hemphill

Definitely worth trying!

I've been having problems with my left hand for about 3 ½ years. When the problems started I couldn't make a fist and my hand was very tight. I was prescribed medication for it. I was able to get off the meds, but 6 months later it all came back. After visiting with Dr. Folkers I decided to give chiropractic care a try.

I had been seeing an arthritis doctor for joint pain in my hands and also for inflammation. I had to take other medication to deal with the side effects and have monthly lab work as well.

Having regular adjustments has helped my hand! I don't like the many appointments, but I understand why they're necessary.

My original symptoms are much better. I'm trying to get off the medication to see if the symptoms return.

The staff at Hackbart Chiropractic is VERY nice and helpful. Chiropractic care is definitely worth trying!

Healing Digestive Disorders with Chiropractic

The Digestive System

Like all the body's systems (respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, nervous, and others), the digestive system is made up of several organs which work together to accomplish a task. The job of the digestive system is to break down food so the body can absorb energy and nutrients from that food, and remove from the body whatever the body can't digest or doesn't need.

Each organ in the digestive system (the throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestines) is connected to the brain via nerves which pass through the spinal column, just like every other organ in the body. If any of those nerves is pinched due to a vertebral subluxation (vertebrae which are out of place), the signals between the organ and the brain will be disrupted or prevented entirely. This can cause a host of problems and conditions.

Types of digestive disorders:

Various digestive disorders include: dyspepsia (chronic stomachache), ulcers (stomach acid burning through the lining of the stomach and intestines), heartburn (stomach acid escaping up into the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach walls), chronic constipation (difficulty eliminating the bowels). These are some of the most common digestive disorders.

A medical doctor's approach to treating these disorders seems simple: prescribe a drug and solve the problem. But most drugs don't solve the cause of the disorder. They cover the symptoms.

Pain is not always a bad thing. If you have a headache, that can be a sign of pinched muscles or nerves, dehydration, or sleep deprivation. When you touch something hot you feel pain because your nerves send your brain a signal: something is wrong. Fix it!

The same is true with digestive discomfort of all kinds. A stomachache is a sign that something is wrong. Either there is something in your digestive system that shouldn't be there (food that doesn't agree with you, a bacterial infection or virus), or something isn't working right. The brain and the organ aren't communicating the way they should be.

This is where chiropractic comes in.

A chiropractic approach to treating digestive orders

• Get to the source of the problem. Chiropractors will examine the spine to see where there are pinched nerves. They will also help the patient determine if a lifestyle habit could be causing the problem, such as overuse of alcohol, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise or dehydration. Instead of using drugs to cover symptoms, chiropractic looks for the root cause of the problem and seeks to solve it.
• Correct vertebral subluxations. When an out-of-place vertebra (or more than one) are the cause of the problem, chiropractic care solves that! Regular adjustments are necessary for keeping all the body's systems working the way they were designed to.
• Increase water consumption and avoid dehydration. Especially in older patients, dehydration can be a problem because the sense of thirst can diminish with age. The digestive tract needs plenty of water to move food through it, and water is essential for the body to absorb energy and nutrients into the bloodstream. Dehydration can cause constipation, ulcers, colitis and dyspepsia.
• Improve diet and remove foods that trigger digestive issues. Many people's digestive problems are simply a result of a poor diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with plenty of whole grains, healthy fats and protein, will ensure the digestive system works optimally. An overabundance of sugar-rich foods, spicy foods, or greasy foods (made with unhealthy fats) can cause chronic digestive issues. Try improving your diet, eating less fast food and processed foods, and see if that helps your digestive system.

If you suffer from chronic (or even occasional) digestive disorders or problems, try chiropractic care before you try drugs. Chiropractic will help improve the health of your whole body, and you won't be stuck with taking medicine the rest of your life!

Source:

Koren, Tedd D.C. (2012). Digestion, Heartburn and Ulcers (pamphlet). TFL Koren Publications Inc.

Patient Success Story: Allie Alt

Patients at Hackbart Chiropractic have seen significant improvements in their health because they receive chiropractic care. Some of these patients have extraordinary improvements and are examples of the life-changing power of chiropractic. We've asked some of these patients to share their stories. These testimonials are proof that chiropractic works and that it truly does change lives!

Testimonial from Allie Alt (age 9)

All my pain was gone after the second treatment!

"I was experiencing pain in a variety of areas—head, lower back, legs—for a couple weeks. Now I have no pain at all!

"I felt better after the first treatment. All the pain was gone after the second! Now I can play without a headache, and I wake up with no headache.

"I was treated very well by the staff—they and the doctors are all very nice. "

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Most expectant mothers understand the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and supplements during pregnancy, as well as avoiding alcohol, smoking and certain medications. However, many pregnant mothers may be unaware of the benefits chiropractic care can provide before, during and after pregnancy.

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Before:

When trying to conceive, it is important to keep all the organs working properly, especially those pertaining to reproduction. Dads-to-be can benefit from chiropractic for this reason as well. Obviously maintaining a healthy diet and, if necessary, taking appropriate supplements are important when trying to conceive. But if any nerves leading to the reproductive organs are pinched at all, fertility will be negatively affected. (Read more in this post about how and why this works.) In this way chiropractic can help improve fertility and chances of becoming pregnant.

Chiropractic also helps prepare the mother's body for carrying a growing baby. A woman's body goes through myriad changes during pregnancy. Chiropractic care will keep her at optimum health by keeping her spine in alignment, and a healthy mother means a healthy baby.

During:

Chiropractic will correct vertebral subluxations (out-of-place vertebrae) that often occur during pregnancy. This happens when the mother's lower back will get pulled forward as her abdomen grows. To compensate, the mid-back and shoulders pull back, and the neck and head tilt forward. All of this can mean backaches and headaches for the mother-to-be. Chiropractic care keeps the spine in place, relieving the mother of many aches and pains.

Regular adjustments can help decrease morning sickness, back pain associated with a growing belly, and keep mother and baby healthier. A healthy spine allows the immune system to function at its best, which means the baby's immune system (intimately connected with the mother's) will be stronger as well.

Chiropractic also often shortens labor time and can decrease amount of labor pain, since a pelvis which is properly aligned makes enough room for baby to grow and be delivered more easily.

Chiropractic care is so safe that it can continue up till the day of delivery, and the mother may choose to be adjusted during labor, according to the discretion of her doctor and chiropractor.

After:

As the mother's belly returns to a normal position, chiropractic helps her spine return to its normal position. Adjustments can help curb back pain from nursing, carrying baby, and normal wear-and-tear from the work of caring for a newborn.

Keep baby healthy and make sure he or she gets adjusted too, as soon as possible after birth (see our post on Kids and Chiropractic).

Chiropractic care is for everyone, and that includes expectant mothers! If you received chiropractic care during pregnancy, please comment below with your experience. We'd love to hear your story!

Source:

French, Matt D.C. (2007). The Gonstead Difference: Pregnancy (pamphlet). Chirodesign, LLC.