5 Reasons to Take Your Child to the Chiropractor

5 Reasons to Take Your Child to the Chiropractor

Are you a parent?  No parent wants to see their children in pain, but it does happen from time to time.  Children occasionally get headaches, suffer from allergies, get earaches, and have back pain.  Basically, the list is endless.  As a parent, you know that children are like magnets to injuries, pain, and illness.  Although most are minor, care should be sought, but where should you turn?  Instead of heading to your child’s primary care physician, head to a local chiropractor.  Why?

1 – It Is Safe

Chiropractic care is natural medicine.  For that reason, it is safe.  If your child experiences pain and discomfort, their primary care physician is likely to suggest over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe prescription medication.  This may work, but the pain usually returns.  Why?  They only mask the problem.  Yes, some forms of pain and discomfort may disappear on their own with time and self-care, but there may be a more serious underlying issue.  You will not know unless you turn to a chiropractor.  Their job is to treat the pain by going directly to the source and fixing the problem.

Chiropractic care involves manual, hands on, therapy.  Since medications are not prescribed and the hands provide treatment, it is safe for individuals of all ages, including children.

2 – Most Treatment is Covered by Health Insurance

It is no secret that raising kids is expensive.  Add in the cost of medical care, and the overall cost soars.  Luckily, many insurance providers extend coverage for chiropractic care.  Some will offer discounts for opting for an in-network provider, but you can seek care anywhere your insurance is accepted.

If your family is not covered by medical insurance, there are still benefits to seeking care.  Just look for a chiropractor with affordable rates or one who is willing to set up a flexible payment plan.

3 – They Treat a Wide Range of Problems

Many adults mistakenly believe that chiropractors only treat spinal, back, and neck problems.  Yes, this is their specialty, but more is offered.  For example, did you know that a chiropractor can treat and lessen the onset of earaches and ear infections?  They can.  Blocked draining pathways cause most ear infections.  Chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massages are used to open up those pathways and promote the proper flow of fluid.  Basically, if your child is experiencing pain, no matter how often or severe, a chiropractor can provide relief and that relief is usually long-lasting.

4 – It Is Easy to Find a Chiropractor

If you are unfamiliar with chiropractic care, you may have not given any thought to the offices in your area.  You may have driven past one each day on the way to work.  Turn to your local phonebook, a standard internet search, online business directories, or your insurance company to find a local chiropractor.  Call and schedule an appointment for your child and wait.  It really is as easy as that!

5 – The Benefits

Last, but not least, there are many benefits to chiropractic care.  As previously stated, medications are not prescribed.  Treatment is natural and safe.  It is also long-lasting, as chiropractors do not mask the pain, they treat it.  As a parent, this should be very important.  Successful chiropractic care can allow your child to return to their happy normal self.  Reduced pain and increased mobility means more fun and less suffering.

Medicaid is about to eliminate chiropractic care...

Help Stop Medicaid Policy Change

In 2016 Heather Wrenn, Interim Executive Director of the NCCA, and leaders of the chiropractic community met with DHHS to oppose a Medicaid policy change that wouldlimit chiropractic reimbursement to children over the age of 19. Testimony was presented from DCs on the benefits to their patients, as well as letters of referral from MDs. Unfortunately, DHHS has decided to continue with the policy change.They have also changed the process for prior approval for beneficiaries with Medicaid in regards to Pregnant Women Benefits. This policy change will make referrals cumbersome and an obstacle for someone to seek chiropractic care. The NC Chiropractic Association adamantly opposes both changes.   The public comment period runs today through April 22nd, 2017. Even if you do not see Medicaid patients, the NCCA encourages all licensed NC doctors, their staff members, family, patients, etc. to submit a statement against this policy change to dma.webmedpolicy@dhhs.nc.gov. Sample text is below that you can copy and paste. Please feel free to add your own personal story or testimonial. Please send this language and email to your patient database and ask them to submit comments. The only way the policy change will be stopped is if we have an overwhelming number of negative comments so please take two minutes to send this email.  Subject Line:  Oppose Policy Changes to 1-F, Chiropractic Services Attention DHHS policymaker: I am strongly opposed to the changes proposed to 1-F, Chiropractic Services. It is crucial that children have the opportunity to seek chiropractic care and this policy will take away the option for those under the age of 19.The benefits of chiropractic are well-documented and you are removing a choice of health care that is effective and cost-efficient. The changes to prior approval requirements for pregnant women are cumbersome and will provide an obstacle for those seeking care. Neither of these changes is in the best interest of the Medicaid patient.

Auto Accidents and Chiropractic

If you've been in an auto accident you know how much of an impact it can have on your daily life.  You have all the hassles
with insurance, car issues, scheduling conflicts, work priorities and to top it all off, you are not feeling like yourself.

Many of our patients are caught up in the problems that the car accident has caused to their daily routine, that they are unable to take the time to take care of themselves.  This can be a huge problem when the person finally gets their car back, and tries to get back to normal activities only to find out that the pain and problems they are having are now ruling their lives and causing more issues.

So if you've been in an accident, it's time to take care of you FIRST.  You have our permission to make sure that the injuries from the car accident don't become a permanent problem that haunts you for the rest of your life.  By taking 2 simple steps, you could be on the way to getting back to a normal life.

Step 1 - GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE HEALTH 1ST DOCTORS!
Our doctors see hundreds of patients who have gone through the same issues that you are now facing and are well equiped to address your problems and get you back on the road to health.

Step 2 - TAKE CARE OF YOU!
If you've done step one, then you're well on your way to getting things back on track, but if you haven't come to speak with our doctors, it's time to go back and take care of step 1.  This will help you through step 2.  Since our offices see patients who have been in an accident, we have resources for helping get things taken care.  So don't wait - call us today.

Exercise for Diabetics

The two most common forms of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that with type 1 diabetes the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own insulin.  As obesity increases, there is a larger number of younger adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

With either form of diabetes, a person loses the ability to properly utilize sugar in the body. Blood sugar levels increase in the blood stream due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. There are various ways to lower blood sugar levels including exercise, diet, and medications.

Exercise is a very important part of managing your diabetes symptoms for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. For the Type 1 diabetic, regular exercise helps maintain insulin sensitivity, along with preventing the accumulation of excess weight, and it increases the use of glucose by muscles, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. While there is no medically understood way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it may be possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Some of the things to consider when attempting to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise, supplementation with vitamins and herbs that help prevent insulin resistance, and proper weight control.

Exercise not only helps directly in diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity, but also helps indirectly by minimizing many of the complications that can often arise in people with diabetes. Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes per day can substantially diminish the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.
It is understood that diabetic sufferers tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can certainly help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body. Since individuals with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower extremities and feet, better circulation is a true benefit.

Although there are some risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Since exercise does lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after exercising. Since your body uses more sugar while exercising and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia.  This is especially true for Type 1 diabetes sufferers.  Always speak with your doctor before beginning any exercise programs.

When exercising it is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should be informed what to do in case of hypoglycemia. You should always carry candy or fruit juice to treat low blood sugar levels should they occur. During and after exercise sessions, you should pay close attention to how you feel since rapid heart beat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are becoming too low.

So remember, exercise benefits diabetic sufferers but as with any lifestyle changes, you need to be aware of how your body reacts to exercise. Speak with your doctor to understand what exercise is best for you, and enjoy the benefits of healthier living.

5 Tips For Traveling if You Have Diabetes

Planning ahead when you are traveling tends to  reduce the stresses that come hand in hand with travelling.  This is particularly true for the diabetic.  These 5 diabetes travel tips are simple to implement and can be  crucial to managing your diabetes both during and after you travel.  We've also found these 5 tips are particularly important if you are traveling outside the country.

1)  It's always best to visit your doctor for a pre-travel check-up.  This way you can insure that your A1C blood sugar levels; your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels are in good shape and you are ready to travel.  You will also want to be aware of the particular medical restrictions of the areas you are planning on traveling to.

2)  This step is important for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes sufferers.  When you travel, make sure to wear a diabetes medical ID.  If you want to make sure people understand your health issue, you can have it printed in the language spoken in the country you are going to be visiting.  Although English is a universal language, depending on the country, not everyone will be able to speak or read your language and this is the time you do NOT want medical problems through misunderstandings.

3)  A simple tip is to keep your medication and glucose snacks in your carry on luggage.  Checked baggage does, unfortunately, become lost and misdirected. Don't risk losing your diabetes medication by packing it in your checked bags.

4)  On thing that people don't often think about is keeping your medication in its original box, complete with pharmacy labels.  It will prevent misunderstandings about why you are carrying drugs and, if you are using insulin, syringes or other paraphernalia that may cause you an issue through security.

5)  Be aware of time zone changes, especially when altering your watch.  Remember when you travel east your day becomes shorter; if you travel west your day becomes longer.  You may need to alter the timings of your medication.

Traveling need not be traumatic.  A sensible attitude and a bit of pre-travel planning can make things go far more smoothly.  If you want more information about natural ways to assist or reverse your diabetes, check out our website:

http://wellness.hstriad.com

Happy New Year

What an exciting time!  The New Year always holds excitement and promise, and one of the best ways to make sure you keep a positive outlook for your year is to make sure you are doing what you need to do to stay healthy!

We've been talking about multiple health related topics on this blog, and we want you to know that our offices should be your first stop when wanting more information about living healthier.

As chiropractic continues to grow, more and more people are learning the benefits not only for their neck and back, but for their overall health as well.

We've created an entire division dedicated to Health and Wellness and addressing concerns such as neuropathy, hypothyriodism, diabetes and more.

It's time to look for natural alternatives to living healthy.  If you're ready to start the New Year off right, come by and check out any of our 4 Triad locations, including Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem and Burlington!  You'll be glad you did!

Hypothyroidism

Here is our latest article on Hypothyroidism.  Check it out by clicking on the picture.

Fall Update

Since fall is here and everyone is enjoying a little "brisk" in the air, many of you should also be thinking about getting back to the chiropractor.  Why - you ask?  Well, let's explain.
During this time of the year, the weather is very unpredictable and many people are ill prepared for the changes.  And what does that mean?  It means "ILLNESS"!  So this is the time of year, many people start to suffer from colds and flu and other seasonal disorders.  So make sure your body is up to the task and get adjusted before the colds and flu strike!

Next is the stresses.  Holidays are HERE!  Yes, Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas and New Year's are right behind.  That means travel, stress, functions, stress, family, stress, and just overall stress!  So if your body is not ready to handle the stress, you have dysfunction and with dysfunction come disease.  And we just Don't Have Time For That!!!!

So don't let the stresses of the season wear you down, make sure to schedule your adjustments and keep your body in top shape for the holiday season.

One a up note...many of our patients have HSA/HRA accounts to help pay for their medical costs, so for many patients - your care is already paid for!!  What a great opportunity to get healthy and happy without an outlay of cash!  So call our offices today and get ready for the season!  ENJOY!

Katie May, Chiropractic Care

There has been talk in our offices about the tragic death of Katie May, the Playboy model that was ruled as an accidental death from stroke after seeing a chiropractor.  Since I was not there and I'm sure there is information I may be unaware of, I just wanted to give everyone some information that I DO know about stroke and chiropractic care.  So for all you folks who enjoy studies and information, this is for you:

In 2008, Cassidy, Boyle, Côté, He, Hogg-Johnson, Silver, and Bondy  studied the occurrence of this problem in the province of Ontario over a nine year period with a database representing almost 110 million person-years (12.2 million people, studied over 9 years equals 110 million person-years). The purpose of this study was to investigate if an association between chiropractic care and vertebral basilar artery stroke exceeded the association between medical primary care providers and vertebral basilar artery stroke. The premise was that if there was a greater association between chiropractic care and this stroke then one could logically say there was a cause and effect relationship between chiropractic care and this problem. There was no greater likelihood of a patient experiencing a stroke following a visit to his/her chiropractor than there was after a visit to his/her primary care physician. The results were conclusive; there was no greater association between manipulation (chiropractic adjustments) and ischemic stroke or TIA's (transient ischemic attacks).

The research did conclude that overall, 4% of stroke victims had visited a chiropractor within 30 days of their strokes, while 53% of the stroke cases had visited their medical primary care providers within the same time frame. The authors offer the perspective that because neck pain is associated with some stroke, patients visit their doctors prior to the development of a full-blown stroke scenario. Cassidy et al. (2008) noted, "Because the association between chiropractic visits and [vertebral basilar artery] stroke is not greater than the association between PCP [medical primary care providers] visits and [vertebral basilar] stroke, there is no excess risk of [vertebral basilar] stroke from chiropractic care" (p. S180). In fact, the incident of chiropractic vs. medical care was substantially lower in certain situations based upon the data.
There is more information out there and if you want to read more studies, feel free to follow our link:

Studies on Chiropractic