Dates for March 2020


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Seasonal Allergies and Chiropractic

Sneezing and coughing are not always signs of a cold coming on, sometimes they are seasonal allergies, especially when accompanied by itchy eyes and head congestion. Of course it doesn’t have to be that way when the “season” comes around.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, seasonal allergies, like other allergies, develop when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problem in most people. Typical airborne allergens include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander and smoke.

The body triggers an immune response when exposed to an allergen. Immune system cells called “mast cells,” release a substance called histamine that attaches to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching and changes in secretion.

Many consider Spring the “allergy season,” because of flowers blooming and pollination, but really, trees, grass and plant pollination occurs year round. So depending on the allergy, it a person can be affected at all times of the year.

Allergies are affected by what is being pollinated and the severity can be influenced by climate factors including:

  •  Tree, grass and ragweed pollens thrive during cool nights and warm days
  •  Molds grow quickly in heat and high humidity
  •  Pollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours
  •  Rain washes pollen away, but pollen counts can sore after rainfall
  •  On a day with no wind, airborne allergens are grounded
  •  When the day is windy and warm, pollen counts surge

Allergy symptoms can typically present like a head cold, but can vary greatly and may include headaches, stuffy nose, asthma-like symptoms, or itchy eyes. Chiropractic can help you prepare for allergy season.

Typically, medical doctors focus on relieving the symptoms, not getting to their source, and will usually recommend over-the-counter allergy medications such as Benadryl and Zyrtec. It is important to consider the side-effects associated with these medications: drowsiness, dry mouth, upset stomach or pain, dizziness or disturbed coordination. And in some cases, heart palpations or increased heart rate, blurred or double vision, hyperactivity, anxiety, swelling or rash.

Treating the symptoms may seem easiest, but it’s important to understand that the side-effects of these chemicals increase in severity with long-term use and may even eventually worsen the symptoms. The best treatment for allergies is to eliminate the source of the allergens:

  •  Replace old pillows, rugs and blankets
  •  Wash and dry bed lines at least twice a month
  • Avoid items the body has trouble digesting, such as white sugar, dairy products, and grains.

Eliminating the cause of allergies is an important first step, but may not be easy to determine. Healthier choices than over-the-counter medications include:

  •  Essential oils, such as: peppermint, basil and eucalyptus.
  •  Vitamin C - can inhibit histamine
  •  Apple Cider Vinegar - mixed with 4oz water and 1 tbsp honey
  •  Raw, local honey - 2tbsp, up to 3x/day
  •  Bromelain - pineapple extract decreases inflammation
  •  Zinc - supports immune function

One of the primary causes of allergies is an impaired immune system, which substantially increases the risk of allergic reactions. “This occurs when the immune system becomes stressed due to an overload of toxins,” says C. Gableman, MD, a practitioner of environmental medicine.

The Chiropractor is the only healthcare professional that recognizes the important role a healthy nervous system plays in a healthier immune system. Most, if not all, over-the-counter and prescription allergy treatments adversely affect the nervous system, which means it can adversely affect your overall health and wellness, creating their own problems and side effects.

Many patients report their allergies improve with regular Chiropractic care; so in preparing your body for the Spring, remember to keep your immune system functioning properly with regular spinal check-ups at the Chiropractor! 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

LUCK OF THE IRISH: When you come in Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th, guess the number of gold coins in the jar. At the end of Tuesday, we will see who had the closest guess and they will win a gift card to an Irish Restaurant!

On Tuesday, March 17th, all new patients will receive their Initial Visit for just $17. Initial Visit includes: consultation, exam, thermal scan, x-rays (if necessary), first adjustment and Report of Findings (takes place on 2nd visit). Please schedule ahead of time, this special is for one day only!

SPRING/SUMMER HOURS: We are always striving to provide the best times for everyone, based on recommendations and feedback over the last few months, we have changed our schedule up a bit. We will still be doing New Patient Appointments outside of our regular adjusting hours. Starting in March, our new open adjusting schedule will be:

Mondays: 9am-12pm & 2:30-7pmWednesdays: 9am-12pm & 2:30-7pm

Tuesdays: 12-3pmThursdays: 3-6pm

Fridays & Saturdays: CLOSED


Thank You For Your Referrals!

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