Groundhog Day has Come and Gone

I know Groundhog Day is on February 2nd, but I never really knew exactly what it meant if the groundhog saw his shadow or not. If he sees his shadow there is more winter, or if he doesn't see his shadow there is less winter or if he doesn't wake up on groundhog day spring is coming soon, I never really was quite sure what it all  meant. But unfortunately it seems that we have 6 more weeks of winter...

Now, we certainly can't complain so far. It has been a pretty mellow winter for us around here (which is great in my opinion, I hate snow). As long as it is pseudo-official that we have 6 more weeks I figured just in case, lets go over tips for shoveling snow.

1- Pick the right shovel- Large blade shovels use for light snow, small blade best for heavy snow. 
2- Start by clearing a strip down the middle of your driveway, Always remember and never forget to use proper posture. Use leg and shoulder muscles to lift, keep back straight and shovel close to your body for leverage, try to avoid twisting
3- Work from your cleared center strip and push snow to outer edge and repeat on the other side. Try to shovel no more than 15 scoops per minute, try to "push and pile" not "scoop and throw"
4- Once everything is cleared, Salt. This reduces chances of injury from slipping and falling.
5- Go inside and have a hot chocolate or a hot toddy or whatever your libation of choice is

The Super Bowl is upon us so have a "super" weekend. Enjoy the game. Give us a call if you have any questions and stay safe.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Staff

To do it- or not to do it...That is the Question

Last week I had a 66 year old male patient come in who had been suffering with neck pain, arm pain and headaches for 3-4 months. He went to his family doctor and was prescribed anti-inflammatory and steroids to take which helped only minimally. He was then told to go to a neurosurgeon for a consultation. At that consultation he was told, after the results of an MRI came back, that he needed surgery for arthritic and disk issues. 

At that point, although he had a decent amount of symptoms- he was sleeping fine, working normally, and his life really wasn't effected to a large degree even though he had these symptoms. The neurosurgeon said you need surgery. At this point, this patient had no treatment done, nothing conservative done, and no hands on therapy of any sort yet he was told he needed surgery. Someone had been to my office and told him to give us a call. He came in and I was so annoyed at the surgeon. How can a competent Doctor tell a patient you need the most invasive treatment before suggesting some conservative possibilities- it is a crime and makes me very angry!

Great photo courtesy of Dr. Randolph, Chiropractor, in Pearland, TX.

I started to work on this patient and although he still has a certain amount of his symptoms, he is much improved and absolutely doesn't need surgery. 

This scenario unfortunately is repeated out there 1000's and 1000's of times a year. I am not saying that sometimes surgery isn't necessary, I just implore all of you to seek out conservative possibilities before you do the most invasive treatment because most often these conservative methods can be very effective. I wanted to call up the surgeon and yell at him, but my patient didn't let me- good thing too. Anytime anyone out there has any questions concerning this scenario, please do not hesitate to give the office a call. We are here to help, but if I don't think I can, I will tell you that also.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Staff

LET'S ALL RESOLVE...

Certainly this time of year the word resolution comes in to play. I decided to definitively look up the definition in my dictionary (yes, I admit I am technologically challenged and therefore use a dictionary- SORRY!).

So, the definition of resolution- a formal expression of opinion of intention made- Act of determining upon an action, course of action, method or procedure. 

So as New Years approaches and the new year begins, let's all resolve:
- Call your mom more
- Be patient with your kids
- Love your wife/husband more
- Exercise more
- Make better food choices
- Get more sleep
- Laugh more
- Look out for the "other guy or gal" more
- GET ADJUSTED MORE!
- Appreciate things more
- A personal resolution- To lose weight more- I resolved to lose weight in 2016- I think I lost 4 and a half ounces! More to come in 2017, just wait!
- Etc., etc. etc. 

As always, we will be here for your health needs in 2017 to give you all incredible chiropractic care. It is a privilege and an honor.

Please be safe. Lots of happiness to you and yours in the New Year. 

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Health

Joyous Holidays to all

As the holiday season is upon us, just want to remind everyone to be careful driving- the roads are filled with distracted people on their phones and pondering what gifts to buy. Watch yourself out there...

Enjoy the holiday food but don't forget to get a little exercise in also when you can...

Dr. Ray and staff just want to wish you all a peaceful and safe holiday for you and yours. Lots of love and as always...

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and staff

A Question of Balance

Years ago I was treating a woman in her mid 40's who was in a bad car accident. After some time of chiropractic care I wasn't pleased with her improvement. She kept on complaining of a decent amount of symptoms. I was getting ready to perhaps discharge her and talk to her about another type of care, since I was not thrilled with her progression. On a subsequent visit to the office, I walked into the treatment room and she sees me and starts crying. I said, "I will be back in 1 minute" and when I returned she confided in me that the state of her marriage was in disarray. 

At that point I realized why she wasn't getting better...

Chiropractic care is delivered not just to ease pain and symptoms, it is to help the body get into balance. Through chiropractic and good doctoring and good caring- maintaining balance in body/mind/spirit is really what a good doctor should strive to do for any patient. When you assist your patients in balancing those three factors then you really are helping a human being obtain optimal health, and that is what a good doctor should always have in mind. 

So I came across a couple of super quotes concerning maintaining balance, enjoy:

1- "The best 6 doctors anywhere and no one can deny it, are- sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet." (Wayne Fields)
2- "Nurturing yourself is not selfish it is essential to your survival and well being" (Renee Peterson Trudeau)
3- "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (World Health Organization)

Strive for balance my friends, life is fleeting.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Staff

Turkey Day 2016

A Very Happy Thanksgiving to all of our patients, family, and friends. We thank you for giving thanks to chiropractic for the last 25 years. It is the ultimate great feeling!

Enjoy the holiday, be safe, and don't forget to shop your small business on Saturday, November 26th for "Small Business Day" across America. Pick up a gift certificate from Resnick Chiropractic for your loved ones for the holiday season.

Safe travels to all...

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Staff

It Ain't Over 'Till It's Over...

As a long time baseball fan, and sports fan in general, a win all 7th game for a championship is a sportsman's dream. Wednesday nights game 7 with the Cubs vs. Indians should be great, can't wait to watch it!

The never give up attitude that all teams need to accomplish a championship has never been more evident than this baseball season. 

It seems to me that many people have a sort of give up attitude when they take so much prescribed or over the counter medications for their chronic and acute pain they have in their body without trying chiropractic. I am not saying that chiropractic is the answer for all of these problems. I am saying that not trying what this specialty has to give is a crime against humanity. Unfortunately many people with long term pain do have a kind of give up attitude and I am here telling you that there are possible answers for your problems. 

Over the past 30 years of practicing chiropractic, I have seen many miracles with patients who have done terrific utilizing chiropractic care to combat there long term problems and then say to me "I wish I would of tried this years ago." Please give the office a call so we can sit down together and open your eyes to chiropractic care.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ray and Staff

PS- GO CUBBIES!!!