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Why Eating Seasonally Is So Important (Summertime in Atlanta)

Don’t you just love summertime foods? This season is booming with delicious produce! From watermelon, to tomatoes, to squash, to berries, to peaches, to greens, to herbs, and the list continues.

Ever wonder why we crave these foods in the summertime and other foods in the fall or wintertime? It is because our bodies were intentionally designed to eat seasonally – this is why eating seasonal is important to our body. We want watermelon in the hot summer months because it is made almost entirely of water, so the fruit provides refreshing relief on a humid and sunny day. In the colder months though, we desire warmth and comfort, which means root veggies and soups. These foods are heavier and starchier, so we feel satiated and internally warm. Nature knows best, that’s for sure.

Check out a local farmer’s market for this season’s food selection – all the healthy kids are doing it 🙂

There are ITP (Inside The Perimeter) and OTP (Outside The Perimeter) markets almost every day of the week!

I do chef demos at the Grant Park Farmer’s Market (Grant Park, Atlanta) one Sunday each month during the season, so put Sunday, July 17th on your calendar to come hang out with us and sample delicious and fresh foods! You surely do not want to miss free samples of delicious food, right?! Also, here is a free local summer salad recipe you can try out first.

 

Want to get more of our healthy food recipes?

Be sure to follow my food blog @More_Than_Food on Instagram/ Facebook to stay updated on demo dates and daily recipes/health tips!

Be sure to try out also the summer supplements Dr. Austin recommend and use. Or follow the 3 steps to maximize your health and summer!

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Breaking Down the 3 Phases of Chiropractic

by Dr. Adam Podraza

 

Picture walking onto a construction site, and the contractor shows up with no blueprints or plans. He says he is going to show up every day, view the progress thus far, and make all decisions on what to do as he goes. Is that a fool-proof plan that will lead to successful results? Unfortunately, it is not.

Before even lifting one hammer, the contractor should explain in detail the different stages of construction, what to expect during each stage, and when you should expect the job to be completed.

Chiropractic care is, and should be, the same way. Your Chiropractor should have a plan for your care and explain the three phases in detail, so you can fully understand what to expect during each phase and where you are throughout the process.

Phase 1: Crisis (Relief) Care

Most people begin in this phase, unless they have been under care for a significant amount of time or if their spinal structure is in excellent condition. The primary objective of Phase 1 is to eliminate pain and have patients function as they did before the pain started. First, a thorough examination is done to reveal the areas of spinal dysfunction. Then, a care plan is created with two objectives in mind: eliminate or reduce discomfort/dysfunction and stabilize your condition in the shortest time possible. Each plan is personalized depending on the presenting condition of the patient. Phase 1 typically takes 4-6 weeks and is confirmed through objective testing.

Phase 2: Corrective (Rehabilitative) Care

This phase is centered on maintaining the progress that has been made in the relief phase while also strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. With the areas of stress in the spine diminishing, it is important to give the body the time it needs to adapt all of the surrounding structures and tissues to their position of optimal function. The frequency of visits reduces during Phase 2 because the body is starting to hold the adjustments longer and is becoming more stable. This phase typically lasts 6-8 weeks depending on the patient’s progress.

Phase 3: Wellness Care  

Wellness is the third and final stage of Chiropractic care. This phase is meant to maintain your improved health and spinal function while also preventing the return of any condition we have corrected throughout this adjusting process. At this point – depending on a person’s goals- specific suggestions can be made to take a patient’s health to the next level, such as on the topics of fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. Please understand that if during this process you suffer an injury or setback, you may need to begin with Crisis Care initially to support your body, and that is perfectly okay. The good news is that your body has gone through this process in the past, so it will be ready to move through the phases more quickly!

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Top 3 Myths About Chiropractic Care for Children

Myth #1: Children Don’t Need Chiropractic Care/ Chiropractic Care is only for Children involved in Car Accidents or Major Health Issues

Children can experience spinal misalignments from major trauma, minor trauma such as common falls, and even the birthing process (especially cesarean section, vacuum and forcep extractions). Spinal misalignments interfere with proper nerve function, which is vital, given that the first year of life involves 65% of a child’s brain and nervous system development. Chiropractic care also has great results with common issues such as ear infections, colic, acid reflux, difficulty latching/feeding, sleeping problems, constipation, and bed wetting.

On the other hand, more parents are choosing to be proactive and seek chiropractic care for their children even when no symptoms are present, in order to ensure proper neurological development and optimal health levels of their little ones.

 

Myth #2: Chiropractic Care Is Dangerous/Unsafe for Children, & They Adjust Children the Same Way as Adults

Pediatric chiropractors who obtain specialized training and certification via the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) are equipped with gentle techniques for children of all ages. Low-force techniques (such as the Activator tool) use the same amount of force one would apply to check the ripeness of a tomato. Newborns and infants are adjusted with a sustained contact. Trained pediatric chiropractors will analyze and determine the proper technique needed for each child.

 

Myth #3: Children Must Be a Certain Age to Receive Chiropractic Care

It is never too early for a child to be seen by a chiropractor. Some children are seen days, even moments after birth, due to the stress on the spine during the birthing process. On the other hand, it is also never too late to seek chiropractic care for children. Children at any age can benefit from chiropractic care during their various stages of development.

Ideally, to maximize the benefits of chiropractic care for children, it is advised that mom seeks chiropractic care during her pregnancy. Care during pregnancy ensures proper alignment of the pelvis, which allows adequate room for the baby to properly grow and develop. Correctly aligning mom’s pelvis also promotes a more efficient birthing process for both mom and baby. For more information on publish research regarding children and chiropractic, visit icpa4kids.com.

Ready to bring your children to pediatric chiropractor? Schedule your appointment now by clicking the button below.

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Prepare for Unwanted Spring Allergies

Do you get those unwanted spring allergies every year? What if those symptoms can be lessened (and sometimes even eliminated)? The keys are preparation, detox, and support. We need to cleanse the body of toxins and build up the fighting organs with enough fuel to combat allergens that are coming just around the corner. Follow these steps, and build a titanium internal defense against allergies. We provide tips on how to prepare for unwanted allergies this spring season.

  1. Beat spring allergies by eating beets. Lots of them! These root veggies are powerful in thinning out the bile that carries toxins out of the body, making everything move out a bit faster.
  1. Include more raw leafy greens into your food choices. Not only do they provide a surplus of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the body, but greens also are important for the cleansing process of your organs, blood, and tissues.
  1. Add a high quality fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils decrease inflammation in the body that is caused by toxins. Healthy oils also build up the brain, cardiovascular system, and digestive track.
  1. Increase foods that are high in Vitamin C. This important vitamin is essential for adrenal health and stress response, as well as your immune health {organic bell peppers, leafy greens, kiwi, broccoli, berries, oranges, papayas, and tomatoes}. Vitamin C will help your body fight seasonal allergies by strengthening your immune system.
  1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar. This versatile ingredient does wonders for the body. First thing in the morning, mix 2 tsp of ACV in a glass of water with juice from a lemon, and your digestive track and detox systems will start working asap.
  1. Check for nutritional deficiencies in your body. Use whole food-based concentrates to correct any levels that are off balance, and regain your health before the seasons change. Ask Jessica, our Nutrition Advisor, about nutrition services offered here at Corrective Chiropractic and to schedule your appointment.

Alternatively, this is also a time in the season where chiropractic visit becomes so important. Regular chiropractic adjustment has proven effects that lessens allergies on patients. You can also check out nutritious recipes and healthy living tips on the @More_Than_Food in Instagram and YouTube channel!

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Sun Safety 101 by Jessica Elizondo, Nutritional Advisor

The sun is extremely beneficial for our bodies- it gifts us with the highest amount of natural Vitamin D, which is a very vital nutrient for proper functioning and improved immunity, and the warm rays can improve mood and sleep quality. In fact, we all need to get about 20 minutes of unblocked sun on a daily basis to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D into our bodies. That being said, there are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you do not burn your skin with too much sun exposure.

Before

– Prep your body for sun exposure. If you are not used to being in the sun unprotected, start with 5 minutes a day for one week, and increase by 5 minutes each week thereafter until you are getting 15-30 minutes each day.

– Eat foods that prepare your body internally and protect against harmful UV radiation effects:

o Red Apples (block/kill cancer cells)

o Green Tea (fights free radicals/decrease inflammation)

o Strawberries/Kiwis/Oranges (block development of cancer cells/decrease inflammation)

o Watermelon/Tomatoes (protect against UV radiation-induced effects)

o Carrots/Sweet Potatoes (protect against/repairs cells from UV radiation-induced effects)

o Fish/Avocados/Coconut (Decrease inflammation)

During

– Use natural, organic sun screens. Many of the common creams out there are filled with toxic chemicals that are harmful to the skin (ironic, huh?). Some good brands include Coola, Raw Elements, Aubrey Organics, Alba Botanica, and Dr. Mercola.

– Use clothing, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses to cover your skin from the sun- they are easy ways to get protection without having to lather chemicals onto your skin.

– Drink lots of water!

After

– If burned, apply aloe Vera (from the actual leaf, which you can buy at the grocery store). Cut the tip of the leaf, and rub the gel-like liquid over the skin. You can also put aloe Vera in your drinks for extra hydration.

– Drink even more water! The sun dries out your skin, so beat dehydration with some good H2O.

– Cucumbers all around! Slice ‘em up, and put them in your water, on a salad, or even on your skin- they are incredibly hydrating and have high antioxidant healing properties.

– Rub coconut oil on your body to help replenish the skin- healthy fats are key to good health (especially skin health!)

Same rules apply when it is an overcast day- do not be fooled by the sneaky clouds!

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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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