when-you-are-pregnant
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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

One of the most common questions I am asked is “Why would a pregnant woman go see a chiropractor?”. The real question is: “Why would a pregnant woman NOT see a chiropractor?!?”. Chiropractic care is a proactive step to improve the health of you and your baby throughout pregnancy.

Chiropractic care ensures that the master control system of your body, the nervous system, is working properly so that you can be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. By maintaining a well functioning nervous system, your body is better able to adapt to the physical and hormonal stressors that pregnancy demands.

As gravitational changes develop through pregnancy, additional stress is placed on the back, neck, and joints. Chiropractic adjustments take stress off of these areas allowing for a more comfortable pregnancy.

Chiropractic care also ensures that the pelvis maintains proper alignment so that the baby has adequate room to grow and develop. Research shows that proper alignment of the pelvis reduces intra-uterine constraint, labor times, and the chance for a potential cesarean section. In addition, chiropractic adjustments allow for a more straightforward delivery with less pain and trauma.

If you would like to have a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy or have any questions, feel free to contact Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499.

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3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
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What To Do During Your 3rd Trimester Of Pregnancy

3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

You’ve made it past the first 28 weeks and only have a few weeks left before the baby is born. Take a few deep breaths, connect with your baby, and prepare for your new life as a parent. Ditch the mile long to do lists and prioritize the most important things during your last trimester.

[title size=”2″]1) Create a Birth Plan[/title]

Your support team is there to honor the type of birth you wish to have. However, if they are unaware of your birth plan, how can they help you achieve your ideal birth? Or worse, if you are not certain about the type of birth you wish to have, you may fall victim to the agendas of others. Become clear in your vision, write it down, and maintain communication with all parties of your birth team. Important considerations for the birth plan include:

Labor and Delivery:

  • People in the room
  • Birth Environment
  • Pain Management
  • Birthing Positions
  • Vaginal Exams
  • Time Limits on Pushing (if any)
  • Monitoring (intermittent, continuous, etc)
  • Preferences if complications occur

After Birth:

  • Skin to Skin contact
  • Vaccinations (Hepatitis B, Vitamin K)
  • Breast Feeding vs. Formula supplementation
  • Instructions about baby leaving room
  • Instructions regarding cord clamping
  • Placenta encapsulation
  • Circumcision

[title size=”2″]2) Pack your Birth Bag[/title]

Pack the bag with your birth partner so he/she knows what is in the bag and where the items are located. Here are some essentials for the birth bag:

  • Birth Plan
  • Clothes for Baby (including take home outfit)
  • Disposable nappies
  • A change of clothes for yourself (take home outfit and extra undies!)
  • Socks
  • IPOD or CD player to play music
  • Camera (with extra batteries or charger)
  • Food snacks and drinks
  • A Water Sprayer
  • Lip Balm
  • Massage Oil
  • Items to help with Pain Relief (i.e. Essential Oils, (Warm) cloth Nappies and bucket for water, Homeopathic remedies, Lacrosse Ball, Calcium Foods)
  • Bendable Straws
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Nursing Bras

[title size=”2″]3) Put the car seat in the car properly[/title]

Make sure that the baby’s car seat has been properly installed and has passed a safety inspection. Health care professionals will not allow you to bring home your little one unless all the safety recommendations have been met. Here is a website where you can find locations of Child Car Seat Inspection stations throughout Georgia. http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm

[title size=”2″]4) Ensure that your hips are in proper alignment[/title]

With all the hormonal and gravitational changes that take place during the last trimester, it is so important to make sure that your hips are in proper alignment (so the baby has the optimal amount of room for proper growth and development). Research shows that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy reduce intra-uterine constraint, labor times, and the chance for a potential cesarean section. In addition, these adjustments allow you to have a more straightforward delivery with less pain and trauma.

If you have any questions about your third trimester of pregnancy, or would like to make a chiropractic appointment, call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499.

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What Are the Best Foods for Kids’ School Lunches?

Best Food For Kids School Lunch
With a busy holiday season in full speed, preparing school lunches can be pushed to the bottom of the to-do list (especially when it comes to making wholesome, nutritious meals). Kids need constant fuel to maintain momentum throughout the day- every cell, organ, tissue, and muscle are hard at work every moment of the day to keep your child alive and well. Therefore, it is at the utmost importance to feed her or him nourishing and energy-filled foods to supply the body’s systems with fuel.

Let’s be honest- reaching for the packaged box of crackers can be much more convenient than making a raw side salad. I totally get that. Do you want to hear some great news, though? Making supercharged dishes and sides for your child’s lunch really can be as easy as opening a box of crackers- it just takes one thing: commitment.

The key to healthy lunches is to include a little bit of everything (nutrients and flavors, of course!) Make sure to provide sources of protein, healthy fat, complex carbs; different textures (i.e. crunchy and smooth); and a combination of flavors (e.g. (Check out our previous article “Healthy Breakfast Options for Kids” for examples of good proteins, fats, as well as fruit and veggie options.)

Here are some homemade food options that are easy to prepare, colorful, and packed with nutrition to fuel your child’s energetic fire all day long (in a healthy way!).

[title size=”2″]Apple Sandwich Delights[/title]

Ingredients
Local apples
Raw Nut/Seed Butter*
Organic Raisins/Figs
Cinnamon
Local Honey (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Core the apples, and slice horizontally into roughly ¼ inch sections (use the ends, too!)
  2. Spread the nut/seed butter on one slice; sprinkle with raisins/figs cinnamon, and honey (if using).
  3. Top the sandwich with another apple slice, and voilà!

*Making your own nut butter is the best option to avoid unhealthy ingredients like sugar or hydrogenated oils. To make, soak raw nuts/seeds in water for 1-2 hours or so, then drain and pat dry. Next, use a food processor to blend the nuts/seeds. Feel free to add a dash of sea salt, a bit of organic, grass-fed butter (melted), coconut oil (melted), or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (might affect taste a bit, so experiment first). Flavor with cinnamon, honey, fair trade dark cocoa powder, etc. The taste opportunities are endless!

[title size=”2″]Fruit & Veggie Chips (Homemade!)[/title]

Ingredients:
Various fruits that are naturally crisper (apples, pears)
Various veggies (zucchini, squash, beets, sweet potatoes)
Coconut Oil (melted)
Spices (cinnamon, salt/pepper, garlic, dill)

Instructions:

  1. Slice veggies/ fruit into extremely thin slices (about 1/16 in thick).
  2. Coat veggies in coconut oil, and spread out on baking sheet (use parchment paper to keep food from sticking to baking sheet).
  3. Sprinkle spices of choice onto fruits/veggies.
  4. Bake at 200 for 1- 1 ½ hours, or until a bit crispy.

[title size=”2″]Toasted (Not)! Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars[/title]
Makes about 15 bars

Ingredients:
16 oz. of raw sunflower seeds
16 oz. of Organic Thomson Seedless Raisins
1 tablespoon of grass-fed butter or ghee*
Dash of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter/ghee in a sauce pan. Add sunflower seeds, and toast over medium heat; stir constantly to prevent burning (5-10 min).
  2. Process seeds in food processor (30 seconds). Add raisins and salt; process until the mixture comes together in a sticky ball (1-2 min).
  3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and spread mixture onto a third of the pan.
  4. Place second parchment paper on top. Smooth out mixture with rolling pin.
  5. Place in the fridge, and store in an airtight container. Cut into bars when chilled.

 

* Check website for dairy-free version

Recipe courtesy of Honestly Delicious blog

http://honestlydelicious.blogspot.com/2013/10/toasted-peanut-butter-and-jelly.html

[title size=”2″]Farm Fresh Wrap[/title]

Ingredients:

Coconut Wrap (these are seriously amazing and are an excellent healthy alternative to other wrap
options like flour or corn)

Optional Toppings:

Avocado
Sliced veggies (ex: peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, carrots, radishes)
Sliced fruits (tomatoes, apples, grapes, pomegranate seeds, peaches, pears)
Sprouts
Leafy greens
Organic, pasture-raised loose meats/chicken

Instructions:

  1. Spread avocado on wrap.
  2. Top with veggies, fruits, sprouts, leafy greens, meats, or any other farm fresh food!
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SIDS, Preventable Epidemic?

SIDS

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about SIDS (also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). SIDS takes the life of more than five thousand infants each year and is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant less than one year of age.

While the cause of SIDS hasn’t been proven, recent research explains that a possible cause may be due to Atlanto-Occipital hypermobility. This hypermobility refers to a misalignment (or subluxation) between the top vertebrae in the neck (the atlas) and the base of the skull. Research is showing that this misalignment can put pressure against the level of the brain stem that controls breathing and heart function. No wonder these kids are not thriving!

Pediatric chiropractors, like myself, understand the impact that the birth process can have on the spine, and recommend that children be checked by a chiropractor at birth to remove nerve interference, allowing the infant to thrive, and to prevent potential future issues. While subluxation is not the definitive cause of SIDS, it is strongly implicated. I guess these chiropractors may have been on to something, huh? Adjustments also help keep the body strong to fight against asthma, headaches, flu viruses, and poor posture, so they are a win-win for the body.

Make sure to have your child checked for any spinal misalignments. Call our office today to schedule your child for her or his exam!

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Healthy Breakfast Options for Kids
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Healthy Breakfast Options For Kids

Healthy Breakfast Options for Kids

With the school year starting and schedules quickly filling with homework and after-school activities, fast and healthy nutrition can easily be overlooked. However, proper food choices are key for these busy times, especially for our kids. After all, the food we put in their bodies is the fuel that powers them through the day. Do we want our kids running on sugar and processed (i.e. whole nutrient deficient) foods? Hopefully not because this kind of diet leads to energy crashes and various developmental challenges (Dr. Mercola, “Breakfast is Not So G-r-r-reat When Your Only Option is Frosted Flakes”)*. So for this weeks article we’ll discuss healthy breakfast options for kids.

One of the struggles with preparing a nourishing meal is breakfast time. What is filling and nutritious but also intriguing to the youngin’s taste buds? Here are some quick tips when focusing on such an important meal of the day:

  1. Include healthy omega-3 fats (e.g. Avocado; coconut oil/milk; seeds; organic, grass-fed meat). These fats support the brain and cellular functioning, and they keep us fuller longer.
  2. Include protein sources (e.g. organic, pasture-raised eggs; organic, grass-fed meat; chia/hemp seeds). Protein helps rebuild the body’s tissues and support the immune system and hormones.
  3. Veggies! (Any kind). Vegetables are vital for their high vitamin, mineral, and fiber contents. The goal is to have veggies at every meal!
  4. Fruits (e.g. Berries, cherries, green apples, grapefruit). Look for fruits that are low-glycemic. In other words, they do not affect insulin levels as greatly as other high sugar/carb fruits.
  5. Avoid processed grains. They have various negative effects on the body and brain, especially for growing kids!*

Quick Breakfast Recipes

  • Poached eggs with avocado; veggies; a side of berries
  • Chia seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil; top with berries, sliced raw almonds, and cinnamon
  • Green smoothie (kid-friendly!). 1 handful greens, 1 ½ c. fruit, 1 c. coconut milk, ½ avocado,
    2 tbs. chia/hemp/sunflower seeds. Blend together.
  • Leftovers from dinner

Articles for more details on Child Nutrition

by Dr. Joseph Mercola (a leading expert in the nutrition field)
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/29/breakfast-is-not-so-grrreat-when-your-only-option-is-frosted-flakes.aspx

PaleoMom.com- this is an article with bountiful information and resources on food for kids! http://www.thepaleomom.com/paleo-for-kids

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What to do in your 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
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What To Do During Your 2nd Trimester Of Pregnancy

What to do in your 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy

You’ve made it past the first twelve weeks and the reality of pregnancy starts to set in. You’re having a baby! Congratulations! It’s now time to start preparing for the birth of your child and your life as a parent. This time may seem overwhelming but I want to remind you to relax and use this time to connect with your baby. In order to have the most enjoyable pregnancy possible, I’ve created a list of things to focus on so you know what to do during your 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

1) Reduce your Stress Level

Throughout pregnancy, your baby is extremely sensitive to stress hormones. These hormones cross over the placenta and can have a significant impact on your baby. Taking care of your baby means taking care of yourself too! Whether this involves a foot massage, meditation, candle-lit bath, or going on an evening walk, indulge in activities that allow you to slow down and nurture yourself. Use this time to relax and to really connect with your baby.

2) Create your ideal “Birth Team”

Once you know what type of birth you would like to have (e.g. birthing center, home, hospital birth), decide who you want as a part of your “birth team”.

When patients ask me for advice about creating a birth team, I strongly suggest hiring a midwife and doula. A midwife is highly trained to provide exceptional medical care for mom and baby during the pregnancy, birth, and post-natal weeks. A doula is there to support the mother physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A doula gives the mom the utmost confidence and support during the birth process.

Regardless of who you choose to be a part of your special day, make sure that your birth team honors the type of birth you wish to have.

3) Attend a Birthing Workshop

Pick a birthing workshop that reinforces the type of birth you would like to have. Educate yourself on the different types and choose one that inspires and empowers you! Corrective Chiropractic will host 2 different childbirth classes this fall, Hypnobabies and Baby Steps. These amazing classes educate and honor the body’s natural ability to give birth.

4) Maintain Good Posture

As pregnancy advances, you will start to experience gravitational changes. As a result, women compensate for the additional weight by widening their stance during pregnancy. This widened stance hyperextends the lumbar spine, compressing the disc spaces between the vertebrae. In order to maintain proper spinal biomechanics during pregnancy, I recommend that every pregnant woman goes to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments ensure proper alignment for better posture and a more comfortable pregnancy.

 

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about your second trimester of pregnancy, would like more information on a birthing class, or would like to get your posture checked, call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499 or leave a comment below.

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Noise When Chiropractor Adjusts You
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What is the Noise When Chiropractors Adjust You?

Noise When Chiropractor Adjusts You

Many people think when they receive a chiropractic adjustment that either their bones are cracking, grinding, or popping. Well, I have good news! For this article we’ll answer the question “What is the noise when chiropractors adjust you?” so you’ll know once and for all what you’re hearing.

Eggs are cracked and popcorn is popped but chiropractic adjustments gently move the vertebra back into it’s proper position without damage.

Similar to how you hear noise when you release your knuckles; anytime you move a joint past its end range of motion there will be sound.

As we setup for the chiropractic adjustment, the space inside the spinal joint is being increased, and the pressure within is dropping. Due to the pressure drop, carbon dioxide is released and this is the noise you hear during your adjustment.

These adjustments are 100% safe and effective which is why Corrective Chiropractic in Atlanta has the best results for the correction of vertebral subluxation.

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thoracic-outlet
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Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful?

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful

“Are chiropractic adjustments painful?” This is the most common question I hear from people in Atlanta coming in for their first adjustment.

Many people come to the chiropractor scared to have their body adjusted, which I completely understand. However, once people receive their first adjustment they usually say “that was it?” or “I never realized how locked up I was”.

Our goal at Corrective Chiropractic is to make sure you understand 2 important steps:

  1. Why we are adjusting?
  2. What to expect during the adjustment

We are one of the only chiropractors in Atlanta to specialize in corrective care so we want to make sure you are fully knowledgeable and understanding of your case.

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What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy
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What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

You are pregnant…..now what?!? With all the research the internet offers, figuring out what to do and what not to do during your first trimester can be a daunting task. Based on my experience as a birth professional and chiropractor, I’ve attempted to simplify this task for expecting mommies so you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible during your 1st trimester. In this article I discuss what to do during your 1st trimester of pregnancy by providing 4 actions steps.

1) Focus your attention on your baby from day one

My friends and patients have told me that they don’t allow themselves to really “feel pregnant” until the first kick, 36 weeks, or until the baby is born. As a result, many women do not start caring for themselves until this reality sets in. Unlike an exam, we can’t cram good health for our baby into the last few weeks. The first trimester is crucial for growth and development, and the baby needs your attention and focus from day one.

2) Define HEALTH

The World Health Organization defines health as “optimal physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This means your health is based on how your body is functioning (rather than how you feel). To achieve optimal health during pregnancy, you need to focus on:

  1. quality nutrition, sleep, and exercise
  2. having a well functioning nervous system
  3. reducing toxins
  4. minimizing stress
  5. maintaining positive thoughts

In our office, we acknowledge that all of these factors influence health so we educate our patients on the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy.

3) Decide what type of birth you want to have

I tell my patients from to start thinking about what type of birth they would like to have from day one. Do you want to have a home birth, give birth at a birthing center, or have a hospital birth? Do you want the birth be more of a medical process? Or do you desire to take a more natural approach? Educate yourself on the pro’s and con’s of each birth and pick one that honors the needs of you and your partner.

4) Get checked by a chiropractor

Chiropractic care ensures that the master control system of your body, the nervous system, is working properly so that you can be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. By maintaining a well functioning nervous system, an expecting mom can better tackle some of the hurdles that the first trimester offers such as nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, heartburn and constipation. Also, chiropractic adjustments ensure that your pelvis maintains proper alignment to allow your baby the adequate room to grow and move.

Your Turn

If you have any questions about your first trimester of pregnancy, or would like to see how your body is functioning, feel free to call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499 or leave a comment below.

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What’s the most important week of the year?

This week is my favorite week of the year!

As we come closer to July 1, we become a step closer to the halfway point for 2014.

Many of us have gone full steam ahead after our goals and dreams, while several of us have lost our steam and drive.

As many of you know, my wife and I always take off time this week, so we can have full reflection away from “most” technology and distractions.

This year, we are adventuring in the beautiful country of Italy, enjoying the scenes, food, people, and culture.

Here are a couple pictures of our trip so far:

                    

I am taking this time to reflect on the first part of the year to see what I need to do or who I need to become in the ladder part to fulfill my dreams.

When reviewing this 2014 year, I find that focusing on the following 5 categories helps align my life goals and dreams: Personal, People, Play, Professional, and Prosperity.

I find it fascinating that in Italy locals do not let their professional commitments consume every facet of their lives.

This is a very different mindset from that of ours in United States, a society where many people (not all) look at success only from a professional standpoint.

Breaking down the 5 P’s, however, shows that “professional”  is only one piece of the puzzle (or only 20%) to living a successful life. This means a person could be at 0% in her or his professional career but still be living an abundant life of 80% success overall.

I would love to hear from you about what you plan to do to reflect on how your year is going thus far.

Are you where you want to be or are you better?

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