Tummy Time

 

Tummy Time Tummy time is crucial for infant spinal curvature development.  When a baby is on their tummy it forces them to lift their head which promotes their cervical (neck) curvature.  Then when they are strong enough they are able to push up their upper half of their body and develop their lumbar (lower back) curvature.   The curves in your spine are SOOOO important.  They are the shock absorption for your spine.   Tummy time is also crucial for many brain functions.  I could go on and on about how important it is.  I will just list a few of my favorite reasons why:  1. Curvature development 2.  Horizontal eye tracking 3.  Muscle development for crawling   4.  Hind brain development

baby bare This book written by Stephanie Johnson is one of the BEST books for new parents.  It would be an excellent gift to any expecting mom.  The book goes into great detail the developmental stages of infants and how to do SIMPLE things to encourage better curvature and brain development.  It is easy to read and so knowledgeable.  To order or check out her website you can click HERE Cervical curves Our cervical curve is so important.  When we jut our heads forward (forward head carriage) we slowly lose our cervical curve.  It also requires our neck and upper back muscles to continuously carry our heavy head.  It would be like carrying a bowling ball with our outstretched arms instead of up close to our body.  It is SOOOO much work and a major cause of tension headaches.

Chiros LOVE this word!

 

SUBLUXATIONS A subluxation is just a big fancy word for a joint that isn't in its optimal position and isn't moving the way it was designed to move.  Chiropractors adjust subluxations to help restore motion and optimal positioning.  When you have a subluxation in your spine it can put pressure on your VERY important nerves.  Those nerves when free of interference work more optimally and they innervate all of your organs.  Then your organs work better!  Who wouldn't want that?  Getting regular chiropractic adjustments is the best way to ensure your nerves are working optimally.

#1 Cause of Subluxation Believe it or not, the #1 cause of subluxation is EMOTIONAL stress followed by chemical and physical stress.  What can you do to help eliminate emotional stress in your life?   Adjustments EVERY member of your family can benefit from chiropractic adjustments.  Dr. Felicia is trained and has TONS of experience working on infants, toddlers, children, pregnant women, and all other family members.

Stomach Acid: What can you do to help?

 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Apple cider vinegar has MANY health benefits.  Some of them are:  Aiding in Weight Loss Skin Care and yeast infection treatment Acid reflux treatment Silky hair ACV used to be what MD's gave their patients for many ailments.  I am making it part of my routine now, but for YEARS I would put ACV in my water when someone in my house had a stomach virus and sip on it all day long.  I rarely, maybe never, got the virus.

ACV Book This is a great book if you are looking for more information about Apple Cider Vinegar.  I put the link HERE to purchase on amazon.   Stomach pH Did you know that our stomach acid pH is supposed to be between 1.5-2.5.  That is AMAZING because that is a VERY strong acid.  We NEED it that way to help break down foods and kill bacteria and viruses.  A great way to help aid our stomach is to consume ACV.  I add mine to tea with honey.  It tastes better than you think!  Make sure it a homemade or organic ACV.

Plantar Fascitis

 

PLANTAR FASCITIS Plantar fascitis is a tightening of the plantar fascia on the bottom of your feet.  It has a common symptom of pain when you first stand up after sitting or laying down.  It is usually caused by bad shoes with no support or wearing heels.   Getting your feet adjusted and muscle therapy by Dr. Felicia will help kick start the healing process.

Massage Hook The massage hook in this picture can be used on the bottom of your feet as well.  Dr. Felicia can show you how to use it for your feet in the office.   Epsom It Lotion Epsom It Lotion is an Epsom salt infused lotion.  It can be massaged into sore muscles to help with muscle aches and pains.

10 signs of Dehydration

 

DIURETICS There are so many activities we do every single day that leaches water OUT of our system.  When we sweat during a workout.  When we breath.  When we eat certain foods.  Little do we realize that when we are drinking liquids we can also be LOSING water because of their diuretic properties.  Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are the worst.  Our body NEEDS water.  So, if you partake in some of these liquids, then you need to make sure you are drinking extra water to replenish what it has lost.  AND NO... the water in caffeinated coffee does not count.

Drink Water Drinking water is one of the most important activities we do during each day.  It is said that you should consume HALF your body weight in ounces per day, and 8 more ounces for every hour you exercise.  If you find it hard to drink water by itself, spice it up a bit by adding a little bit of juice.  My favorite are cranberry and grape.  They taste yummy super watered down.  I avoid the fake sugar drops that you can add to water.  Stur makes a great natural water enhancer.   10 Signs of Dehydration 1. Excessive fatigue 2. Dark colored urine 3. Light headedness 4. Increased heart rate 5. Muscle cramps 6. Constipation 7. Dry mouth and lips 8. Headaches 9. Dry Skin 10. Bad breath

Tension Headaches

 

TENSION HEADACHES Tension headaches are headaches that usually show up at the end of the day, and you feel the pain in her neck and bilateral to your temples and forehead.  They are the most common headache I treat in my office with great results.  They can be uncomfortable but not usually severe.  Many times they are caused by subluxations in your neck (which I treat) and tight muscles.   If this sounds like you, please, please, please schedule an appointment.  You don't need to feel this way.  Although it is common, it is NOT normal.

Massage Hook You can use your very own massage hook to massage the tension out of your upper back, shoulders and neck to help release the tension that causes some headaches.   Moist Heat Pack Moist heat can be VERY soothing for tension headaches.  We ALWAYS want to use moist heat because it helps to keep moisture in your muscles.  Dry muscles cause more pain.

Breech babies... why Chiropractic might be your solution.

 

BREECH BABY Breech means that the fetus is coming butt first in the womb.  Most physicians get really nervous delivering a baby in this position so will do a surgical birth.  Most moms I know are trying to avoid a surgical birth and so hearing that your baby is breech can be scary for them.   See below two ways Dr. Felicia and others can help assist mothers with breech babies.

Webster Technique In chiropractic we use a technique called the "Webster Technique" to help assist breech babies to make their way head down.  For those of us who have been trained, like Dr. Felicia, it works well for a lot of those women.   Spinning Babies Spinning babies website originated here in the Twin Cities by Gail Tully.  She has some amazing tried and true techniques to helping babies rotate to an optimal position.  You can find her website at www.spinningbabies.com .

OUCH! Gas pains are rough.

 

GAS PAINS There are few things more horrible than listening to your baby cry.  One reason babies cry is due to gas pains.  Here are a few ideas to try: 1.  Probiotics, probiotics, probiotics!  I would highly recommend FloraBoost for infants (see below) 2.  I LOVE YOU abdominal massage.  This is something I teach nearly every parent that brings their baby to see me.  It is such a valuable tool.  3.  Distractions such as a warm bath or shower.  4.  Getting your infant adjusted by a TRAINED pediatric chiropractor.

FloraBoost Nothing helps to balance good bacteria and bad bacteria in your gut better than a HIGH QUALITY probiotic.  Bad bacteria in your gut can cause gas, bloating, and pain.  This probiotic is inexpensive and amazing.  MANY of my sweet infants patients have done VERY WELL with this supplement.  InflammaCORE This is an anti-inflammatory protein powder that is DAIRY FREE!  If you have been suffering with symptoms of inflammation such as joint pain, body aches, fatigue, etc then this is an option for you!  Works great in a smoothie with oat or almond milk.

Are you struggling with a kid that is a bed-wetter?

 

BED WETTING (aka Nocturnal Enuresis) Bed wetting is FAR more common in our kids than people talk about.  This is one area that can be a very complicated diagnosis and treatment or can be quite simple.  By the time I see these patients they have usually ruled out all sorts of things, and have tried so many things.   Chiropractic adjustments, in my office, have helped MANY kids with this issue.  Both boys and girls from 4-16 years of age.  Let me know if you have any questions!  If someone you know is struggling with this in their home please let them know about our office.

CopaCalm This product helps to calm your sympathetic nervous system.  Sometimes when we are running stressed all the time it makes it hard to urinate during the day.  It is a liquid and tastes great.   Reacted Magnesium Powder This product is so good at helping you get a restful sleep, calming your sympathetic nervous system, and can aid in bowel movements for some.  It is a powder with a great taste.

What should I do for a sore throat?

 

SORE THROAT  There are many causes for sore throats.  The illness reasons fall into two categories: Bacterial and Viral.  Bacterial sore throats usually has white patches, swelling, and a "furry" tongue.   Viral sore throats usually have redness and swelling.   Bacterial sore throats usually warrant a trip to the pediatrician to check for strep throat (although there are tests you can buy online now).   Viral sore throats can be managed at home.  Drinking lots of healthy fluids can be helpful.  Try warm teas with honey, or cold coconut water.  Popsicles can also be a fun distraction.

ViraKid If your child's sore throat is Viral this is the perfect supplement for them.  This will help boost their immune system to help fight the invaders faster.     FloraBoost Probiotics are known to help restore normal gut function.  We now know that much of our immune system comes from how well our gut is functioning.  This supplement is a MUST HAVE for every day kids' health.

Help! My kid has an ear infection!

 

EAR INFECTIONS (aka Otitis Media) There is nothing worse than when you kids are sick.  It's hard not to feel helpless, but I want to give you ideas on things you can do at home.  When your kids have stuffy noses or ear infections you should: 1. Avoid dairy and sugar.  These will increase mucus production and cause it to thicken.   2. Get adjusted !  This will help tremendously to get the sinuses and ears to drain.   3. For ear pain try Mullein Garlic drops in the ears.  4. Kids: take D-Hist Jr and ViraKid,  Infants: FloraBoost.   5. Adults: take Sinatrol.

ViraKid ViraKid is a booster of your immune system again viruses.  This works best when taken at first sign of a virus.   D-Hist Jr The NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) in this product will thin out mucus which helps the mucus to drain.