Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 7 (Oops! Forgot to post)

So it's over a month later and I just realized I never posted day 7. Thankfully, I kept my written notes from the time.

So, I did sleep "some" better, but not much. The number on the scale is headed back in the right direction this morning, but not a huge loss.

The 30 minute workout today felt "ok." Got a busy day ahead so let's see what happens.

Actually the energy held up pretty good throughout the day. Chicken and salad again for dinner. I will confess, I had a couple of Oreo's tonight.

So Phase 1 of this system is over, here are some of the pros and cons of my week.

Pros:

• Had no caffeine all week. Can't remember the last time that happened.
• I did lose some weight, but not quite as much as I would have liked.

Cons:

• The meal replacement shakes were just awful!!!
• My energy level stayed low throughout the whole week.
• Even though I had no energy, I couldn't sleep well at night.

There is a phase 2 of this "system." I guess I will give it a little bit of time, since there are no more of the meal replacement shakes required. But, I will not be recommending this particular product to my patients (and probably not even my enemies).

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 6

My cleanse/detox diet experience continues!

Day 6 - Tuesday

Slept better last night, but still not great. Overeating last night led to no additional weight loss this morning, but overall still have lost a good bit. At least it wasn't junk food I overindulged with.

Had a good workout this morning. And when getting dressed, I noticed the clothes are fitting a little better. Busy day at work was ahead of me. Hope the energy holds up.

By the time I got to take a short break, I didn't feel as tired as with previous days...and I didn't have time for a power nap anyway. Hope it will be earlier to bed tonight.

Had a salad with chicken for dinner with just red wine vinegar and pepper. It was good and I did much better with portion control tonight.

Unfortunately, the idea of going to bed earlier didn't pan out. Had to get some work done, but still managed to get in bed by 11pm. Tomorrow is the last day of the meal replacement shakes. Yipee!!!

Image: Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 5

The cleanse continues!

Day 5 - Monday


Another night of not sleeping so well, but still enough energy to push through a workout. My legs were still very sore after yesterday's hour long workout, but I made it through.

The number on the scale this morning was a little bit smaller. I have reached the promoted, average loss for the full 7 days.

It was encouraging to hear my office staff say they could tell a difference in the way I looked today. I seemed to feel a little bit hungrier than during the prior days but the veggie snacks are still getting me through. Definitely haven't felt like I was starving or anything.

By lunch time, I was again very tired. I began wondering if people that have never been hooked on caffeine feel this way all the time? 30 minute nap and I was ready to go for the afternoon. The rest of the work day went well. When I got home I had my small protein and veggie dinner. Unfortunately, I snacked too much before bed. Hope the scale doesn't punish me too much in the morning...

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 4

My week long series of posts about my current cleanse/detox diet continues!

Day 4 - Sunday


Definitely didn't make it through the end of the football game last night! I did sleep better, but with the time change, I was awake and ready to start the day at 5:30 am. Hopefully that will mean an early bedtime tonight.

The weigh-in didn't reveal as much weight loss as the past 2 days, but still headed in the right direction. Had a nice hour long workout in the basement doing a cardio video with Bob Harper.

The cleanse/detox protocol remained the same for today. There will be a minor change starting tomorrow. The meal replacement shakes seemed a little more tolerable today...but still not going to say I like them.

Didn't have to much strenuous activity the rest of the day. Worked on editing a video and knocked a couple things off the honey-do list. The whole family went to an enjoyable production of "Flat Stanley," put on by Dunbar Middle School.

I did have some irritability this afternoon and evening, but not sure I can blame that completely on the diet. Had grilled turkey and steamed broccoli for dinner for a change.

The weekend is gone. It's back to work tomorrow. We will see how the last 3 days of this process turn out. Good night for now...

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 3

My week long series of posts about my current cleanse/detox diet continues!

Day 3


Really didn't sleep well again last night. Woke up at 3:00 am thinking it was time to start the day, but I finally convinced myself to go back to sleep for a while. When I did get up, I was pleasantly surprised by number on the scale. I also retook the initial measurements and saw some slight differences. Oddly, my energy level seemed high even though I didn't sleep well...maybe because I am going to bed earlier. It's Saturday, so I am a bit worried about the temptations to snack on stuff I shouldn't because I will be home all day.

Again, I followed the protocol for capsules, cleanse, shake and small snacks throughout the entire day.

After fixing my kids breakfast, I had a good 40 minutes core/cardio workout and buckets of sweat were coming off me. Hey wait, this is 3 straight days without any coffee and no massive caffeine withdrawal headache this morning. I am wondering though if the energy level will plummet like it did yesterday.

I mowed the yard/leaves and still felt good. Then I finished the last few sections of my deck that needed stained and still felt good. Actually, got the kid's swing set/fort stained as well. I would have to say this was a dramatic improvement over yesterday...thank goodness!

It was more chicken and veggies for dinner. Really enjoyed the spinach salad with cucumbers, mushrooms, red peppers and just a little red wine vinegar. Got the kids to bed and then started watching the LSU vs. Alabama game. Likely, won't make it until the end.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Image: winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 2

This is a follow-up to yesterday's post. I am sharing thoughts and feelings during my cleanse/detox diet.

Day 2


Had a little trouble sleeping last night, but still found it a bit easier getting out of bed this morning. I know it's early in the process, but the number change on the scale is encouraging!

My morning workout was a little surprising. My joints and muscles felt noticeably better. Energy level felt pretty good.

Let me just get this part out of the way...I stuck to the recommended protocol for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few snacks throughout the day.

The workday went so/so. I was feeling a little hungry but not starving. The snacks helped get me through that. My big concern is the lack of energy by mid-day. Thankfully, my work schedule allows for a little power nap! I did feel pretty wiped out by the end of the day.

At home, it was an uneventful evening. I may have eaten too much chicken. Still feeling the energy drain, I'm heading to bed at 10 pm. Hope the energy picks up tomorrow and I get a good workout in the morning.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleanse/Detox Diet - Day 1

I do not recommend products or services that I have not used myself or seen others benefit from it, so I just started a "Cleanse/Detox" diet protocol to see what it's all about. Admittedly, I recently packed on some extra pounds so my experiment is somewhat self-serving. I won't reveal the product/protocol until I'm finished...so don't ask.

What I will do is give you some insight into my thoughts and feelings during the week long process.

Day 1
I got up excited to begin this trial, even though I am somewhat skeptical. I weighed my self, took some measurements and even took a few pictures (that probably won't be shared). The protocol uses 3 products: capsules, a cleanse liquid and a shake.

After doing the morning procedures, I got my workout in and felt pretty good. My face did feel a little warm from the herbs included. I was off to work and doing well, even without any coffee at all (expected massive headache to come on shortly). The mid-morning snack definitely helped get me through.

Lunch consisted of more of the cleanse/shake protocol. Began thinking the shake really wasn't very good. Took a short power nap and was ready for the afternoon in the office. Another snack was welcome because I felt a little sluggish. Went to my son's wrestling practice and felt pretty good.

Dinner was some chicken and some raw vegetables. It was plenty but did take some will-power to stop. Night time eating is my problem area! Finished the evening with more cleanse/shake and decided the shakes really are terrible, but I can manage for a week.

Off to bed at 10:45, which is early for me! Oh, no massive caffeine withdrawal headache, so that's a good thing. Let's see what tomorrow holds!



Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You Should Have Listened To Your Mother!

You shouldn't bother reading this if, and only if, you meet all of the following criteria:

• You always listened to your mother and you always sat up straight in your chair and never slouched when standing.
• You have never fallen asleep with your head propped up watching TV.
• You have never slept on a couch.
• You have never slept on your stomach.
• Your office chair is perfect.
• You have never sat at your desk/computer for more than an hour without taking a break.
• You have never stared at a computer until your eyes crossed, neck hurt, back hurt or hands went numb.
• Your monitor is always directly in front of you and at eye level.
• You have never had a 30 minute conversation...all by text messaging. 
• You have never used a Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, etc., etc., etc..
• You have never stood in one place for an 8 hour shift doing the same thing over and over again with only two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch.

Have we lost anybody yet? I didn't think so! Keep reading.

So many of the problems I see in my office are not due to trying to pick up something heavy, or falling off a ladder or tumbling down a flight of stairs. Sure we see some of that but the majority of the time we see conditions related to repetitive postural strain! Symptoms related to poor posture do not typically occur over night...and guess what, they probably aren't going to go away that quickly either. What does that mean to you? It is going to take some work on your part.

Your doctor can give you advice about your workplace ergonomics or your bed. We can also give you exercises to do that will help you, but you will have to put in the effort if you want to make lasting changes. Here are 3 main reasons for improving your posture: 1) You will look better, 2) you will feel better and 3) you will spend less money at the chiropractor's office if you do some of the work yourself. Do you really need any other reasons? If so contact me.

I recently read a great, easy to understand book by Natalie Cordova, D.C. and Philip Cordova, D.C. They are chiropractors from Houston, Texas. If you are looking to improve your posture and your overall health, I recommend you get a copy of Posture Confidence.

The authors do a wonderful job explaining how good and bad posture develops. They also give great tips on ergonomics, selecting the right chair and the correct mattress. Questions that are all asked frequently in my office. They also explain many conditions that can result from years of poor posture.

Many postural problems can be corrected on your own...if you take care of it soon enough, but sometimes you will need some help. The doctors write about when it might be time to seek professional help and what are your best choices to get that help.

What I really like about this book are the simple to perform exercises with detailed pictures and written descriptions. These aren't exercises that will require an expensive gym membership or some fancy machine at home. The exercises can be done at home or at work and all you need is your own body and a couple of light hand-weights. If you don't want to go buy weights, soup cans can be a good starting weight. You just have to get off the couch and make it happen.

For those of you that prefer to watch the exercises on video, that is available too. The video is very affordable and comes with some nice bonuses such as an eBook version of "Posture Confidence: Everything You Need To Change Your Posture For Good", more stretches to help you with the program and an audio interview with Dr. Natalie Cordova. There is also a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee when you order the video. This is a great deal because you get the video and the bonuses for only $37. Click on the link below to order the video and get your free bonuses:

Posture Confidence Video Plus Bonus Materials

So if you are tired of having forward head posture, rounded shoulders or you fear the dreaded upper back "hump," check out these resources. So, sit up straight and order your copy today. It will definitely be a good investment in your health!

Updates & Upcoming

So, it's a bit past half way through the year and it has been a little while since I have updated the blog. Here are some things that have happened so far this year and what's coming up.

One big change we have made at the office this year has been the addition of massage services. This has been an exciting change and many people have taken advantage of the services provided by Jill and Annie. We offer relaxation (Swedish) massage, therapeutic (deep-tissue) massage, pregnancy massage and hot stones massage. So whether you are just looking to relax or you need massage in combination with chiropractic treatment to help you recover, we can help you! By the way, you don't have to be a current chiropractic client in order to schedule a massage and some insurances even cover massage when it is medically necessary.

Our strong focus on community involvement has continued and grown this year as well. We have done Pampered Employee Program events for several local companies. Schools and teachers have benefited from our Teacher Appreciation Events. We have also participated in several health fairs and other events for local companies, Chambers of Commerce and other community organizations.

The highlight of our community service this year has been participating in Relay for Life of Lynchburg! This was our first year putting together a team to help a great cause. We were able to surpass our fundraising goal thanks to donations from friends/family, a bake sale, donating proceeds from new patient evaluations, providing chair massages at the event and even from me dressing up like a woman and begging for money. I want to thank everyone that donated and participated. I especially want to give a huge thanks to Kristin Abbott, our team captain. She put so much heart and effort into this event and her dedication is priceless!

We are really looking forward to celebrating Wimmer Chiropractic's 7th Birthday this week! We will have cake!!! We will also have some fun activities and chances to win some great prizes such as free massages, chiropractic visits, pillows, Biofreeze, etc. Again, a big thanks goes out to all that have made this milestone possible. Without out those we serve, we would have no reason to celebrate. Please come buy this week for some fun.

Our calendar of events for the rest of the summer and into the fall is looking exciting. We will be doing several more Pampered Employee Program events, charity golf tournaments, health fairs, etc. Please let us know if your business or organization has any upcoming events that may benefit from the presence of Wimmer Chiropractic.

Before you know it we will begin planning our annual Toys For Tots drive that will begin in late November and our Patient Appreciation event in early December. We always look forward to this event and I hope we can surpass last years efforts and fill 2 vans full of toys.

Lastly, we look forward to continuing to assist our community with its health care needs during this second half of the year and for many years to come. Let's finish the year with a bang!!!

"Cracking the Cure"

This is our first year fielding a Relay For Life team and we need all  the help we can get! In addition to our New Patient Offer, there are other ways you can help us reach our goal of raising $1500 for the event.

Our team, "Cracking the Cure," will be  walking in the event on June 3rd-4th from 7pm-7am, at Heritage High School. We will also provide chair massages during the event in exchange for small donations to benefit the American Cancer Society. 

We are participating in this event in honor of close friends and family that have gracefully battled cancer and others that have recently been diagnosed and are just beginning their fight to beat cancer. We also walk in memory of friends and family members of our staff that fought courageously but were unable to overcome the disease.

Please consider joining our team or making a small donation. Here are some links to help us "Crack the Cure":

Join our team or make a donation

Get updates on our progress on Facebook

Relay For Life of Lynchburg on Facebook

Reduce Tension Between Your Chiropractic Adjustments

Do you ever feel tension, stress or a headache coming on between your chiropractic adjustments? Does it ever happen outside of your chiropractor's regular office hours...like at 9:30 at night and it took forever to get your kids to bed, or on Saturday evening and your next appointment is on Tuesday?

The Still Point Inducer is a great product to have at home for just these occasions! Here is some information from the website that I use to order the product for my office:


Use this simple device inspired by Dr. John Upledger and created by John Matthew Upledger to create soothing still points like those you can achieve with CranioSacral Therapy. 

By applying gentle pressure to the base of your head, you can create a pause in the rhythm of the craniosacral system. These still points increase the movement of fluid through your system, which can remove tissue tension and improves your body's ability to relieve pain and stress naturally. 

Simply lying in a relaxed position on the Still Point Inducer for 10 to 20 minutes a day can bring about comforting results:
* Helps relieve headaches
* Eases chronic musculoskeletal pain
* Enhances immune system efficiency
* Facilitates your body's self-correcting abilities
* Provides deep relaxation and helps reduce stress
* Promotes an overall sense of well-being

This is really a simple to use device. Just align the Still Point Inducer with your ears while lying on the floor or other firm surface and allow your body to relax. I have found in my own experience and based on comments from patients that use it, that the during the first few minutes of use you may feel a "good hurt," but after that you begin to feel relief. Patients that are receiving chiropractic adjustments for headaches have reported that using the device when the tension first comes on will keep a headache from occurring. This can be especially helpful early in treatment before the misalignments or subluxations in the neck have had time to stabilize. Others have stated that the Still Point Inducer helps reduce sinus congestion as well. We have even had patients doze off while using it while at the office, so the claim of providing "deep relaxation" has certainly held true in my experience.

If you are suffering with chronic headaches, tension or stress, make sure you first get evaluated by your chiropractor to find out if misalignments in your spine are causing increased stress on your nervous system! Then ask if using a Still Point Inducer is right for you.

Spring Yard Work Tips to Keep You Healthy

When I shot this video on Friday afternoon, I had no idea what kind of crazy weather our area would have today. So first off, I hope everyone has stayed safe and avoided damage. I hope these tips will help you stay safe and healthy if you have some clean-up to do following the storms.

Q&A With David H. - Runner, Blogger and Chiropractic Success Story

I recently had the privilege of taking turns asking and answering questions with David Hylton about running, injuries and chiropractic. David is an editor by day, but he is an avid runner, blogger and all-around good guy.

David first came into Wimmer Chiropractic for an iliotibial band injury that was limiting his ability to train the way he wanted. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) typically causes pain along the outside of the knee, but many times that is not where the underlying problems occur. Misalignments in the spine and pelvis often cause imbalances in the core and extremities. The body can try to adapt to these problems, but if the underlying causes go uncorrected long enough, pain and suffering eventually follow. ITBS is a common problem amongst runners, especially when running on hills, which is nearly impossible to avoid in our neck of the woods.

David mentions that pictures of himself actually jump-started his journey toward better health. Here are the pictures:

In this video it is my turn to ask the questions...and you get to see David in his current form.

To learn more about David's motivational journey to better health and wellness, you can read his blog (where you can also see the other half of our Q&A session). He is also active on Twitter and Facebook.

Top 4 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractor!

In keeping with the theme of the upcoming events, here are my Top 4 reasons to visit a chiropractor.

#4: You want to leave the pain and suffering behind!

#3: Drugs and surgery are not the best option!

#2: You have a spine and you are breathing!

and the #1 reason...

You remember this guy? He thought it was a great idea!

Accountability Is Critical!

"Health is an achievement. If you want it, you have to say so, then work for it!" 

- B.J. Palmer

Can you believe we are a quarter of the way through 2011 already? I can't! Many of us made commitments back at the beginning of the year to improve some aspect of our health and/or wellness. How are you doing on those commitments? Did they fade away as quickly as you made them, or are you still on track?

I have found that having an accountability system in place is critical in keeping the promises I made to myself. Regardless of how you do it, it has to be done. Did you make commitments just to yourself? Did you make a commitment to your family because neglecting your own health has interfered with your family life and responsibilities? Who is holding you up to the tasks and goals you have set for yourself?

Here are some ideas to incorporate accountability into your health journey:


1.  Put it on your task or to-do list. Do you plan to exercise, but sometimes it gets done and other times it doesn't? For me, I find it empowering to be able to check something of a list. It might seem like a small thing, but completing what you plan to do is a WIN, so celebrate it! Even if it doesn't get done, it can serve as a reminder of where you need to better focus your efforts.

2.  Blog about it. Utilizing a blog can be a great way to journal your efforts. Doing it regularly can help you keep track of where you started and where you are today. Going back and reading your own posts from when you started is a great way to see where you are making progress. You can also search the Blogosphere for others in the same boat as you, or for motivation to keep you going. Before you know it you may develop your own support group amongst fellow bloggers. There are free blog site services you can use that are simple to update and personalize. I am using one now. Here is a great example of a blog that a local runner writes: http://www.runningbecauseican.com/.

3.  Use a tracking system. If you are a whiz at creating spreadsheets, feel free to create your own program. I like to use systems that are already done for me. I am currently using MyFitnessPal. It allows me to create goals, log my exercises as well as keep a food diary. If you choose, you can connect with others using it to add to the level of accountability. You can also share your progress on your blog site, on Facebook and/or Twitter. Another helpful tool to track your exercise, especially if you are a runner is Daily Mile. 

What systems are using to help you stay on track? I would love to hear your comments and ideas!

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

"I Had Been Told Nothing Could Help"

I can go on and on about the benefits of chiropractic care for pain relief, improving function, wellness care, etc. But for this post I want to share someone else's story about how chiropractic has helped him.

"For the past 20 years, I have lived with constant lower back pain due to a compressed disc. I had severe pain from doing the simplest, everyday tasks such as putting on my socks and shoes. Every year it seemed to be getting worse and it finally began to affect my work performance. 

I met Dr. Wimmer at a health fair, where he gave me a free screening and we set up an appointment to discuss my condition. Years before, I had been told nothing could help a compressed disc and I would have to live with the pain.  At Dr. Wimmer’s office, he gave me a thorough exam, took x-rays, and answered questions that I had. 

After only 2 weeks of adjustments, I was already seeing results. I was amazed! I could easily do things that caused me pain before, without the pain. I have told everyone about chiropractic and how I have enjoyed it’s benefits. My only regret is that I waited so long to try chiropractic care. 

-Tommy Brown

Just a couple of comments about this story. Many people ask or wonder why we go out into the community and provide free spinal screenings. I even see comments that chastise chiropractors for doing screenings saying it is a marketing scam. Well, this story illustrates perfectly why I do it. There are too many "Tommys" still out there that would have no idea that they could leave their pain behind without getting a free screening!!! Enough said!

Final comment: Don't suffer for 20 years before finding out whether or not we can help YOU!

"I Can't See A Chiropractor!"

All too often while I am out in the community doing spinal screenings, I will speak with people who have been suffering with chronic back or neck pain for way too long. I usually ask them if they have ever seen a chiropractor for the problem. And then I hear the answer, "I can't see a chiropractor!" My next question is logically, "Why not?" The response is often, "My doctor said I can never get chiropractic."

Further discussion usually reveals a past history of spinal surgery or fracture in one region or area of the spine. Typically, the person's orthopedic surgeon or general practitioner has given them advice (bad advice in my opinion) to NEVER see a chiropractor. I would like to think that there is no ill-will toward chiropractors from other physician groups but I know that is not always the case. I would also like to think that the doctor that gave the advice just doesn't realize that chiropractic care can be very beneficial even after surgery.

Granted, there are some people with conditions that would be absolute contraindications to seeing a chiropractor, but that number is small. With a thorough history and physical examination, a chiropractor can determine whether or not treatment will likely be safe and effective. If there are areas of the spine that should be avoided, that doesn't mean the rest of the spine should be NEGLECTED! In most cases modifications can be made that will make chiropractic treatment safe for most people.

Personally, I have treated many people that have had spinal surgery and/or old, healed spinal fractures with good success in decreasing pain and increasing function. If you have been suffering too long and have been told that you can't see a chiropractor, I would recommend that you contact your local chiropractor and schedule a consultation. If I think I can help you, I will tell you what we need to do next. If I don't think I can help you, I will try to find someone that can. That sounds fair enough...doesn't it?

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Odd Reminder of Better Structure = Better Function

I promise this post isn't going to get gross, but I was strangely reminded of how a better structure can lead to optimal function this morning of all places...in the bathroom!

Have you ever gone to the store and bought a new pack of toilet paper, threw it in the back of the car, and without noticing you put something heavy right on top of it? Then when you go to use said toilet paper, every time you give it a tug only one tiny square comes off. This of course was happening to me and I couldn't figure out what was going on. So, I investigated further and noticed the round cardboard tube had been squashed into an oval, and there lies the problem. It wasn't meant to be that way! After just a gentle squeeze the oval returned to a circle and the paper easily glides off the roll.

If such a minor thing can effect the function of toilet paper, then you can only imagine how even a minor structural misalignment can effect something as complex as your spinal column, which houses something as important as your spinal cord. When your nervous system is not functioning at its optimal level you really don't stand a very good chance of achieving optimal function!

All You Have To Do Is "Like" Us!

Okay, this post isn't on a specific health topic or product review. Instead, I wanted to talk about how you can stay connected with what is going on at the office and get a great deal while you do it!

I try to keep our office website updated as much as possible, but it is usually easier to quickly share links to interesting articles or videos through our Facebook Fan Page. If you already "Like" us or go there now and click "Like" you will have access to a great coupon for our massage services. After that, just enter your email address in the box and you will receive the coupon. Then you can schedule your relaxing massage and enjoy!

I hope you don't just do this for  the coupon (but that's okay too). I hope you will find that interacting with us on Facebook is fun and informative.

You can also connect with Wimmer Chiropractic on Twitter if you prefer, but the massage deal is exclusively available to our Facebook Fans/Likers.

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Don't Forget the Pillow!

"Doc, what bed should I buy?" is a question I get quite frequently in my office. But, it is a much less frequent occurrence that people ask, "what pillow should I buy?" Both questions can be answered the same way. "It depends." Not a very direct answer for sure, but none of us are built the same. We all are comfortable in different positions, but I would recommend sleeping on your back or side to best support your natural spinal curves.

Many times, I hear of people that go out and spend a small fortune on a fancy, highly promoted mattress, but they won't spend more than $7.99 on a pillow from the local discount or close-out store. I can tell you this: Your neck and entire spine are not going to benefit from skimping on the pillow.

Some pillows are soft and some firm. Some made from foam and some from feathers. Some thick and some thin. Some are round and some have cut-outs to support your neck. Are you starting to see there are a lot of options here! Since we have so many options, it makes sense to me to look for a pillow that can give you different options for being a side-sleeper or a back-sleeper, and for the level of firmness that is just right for you.

One pillow that I find with these options is the Chiroflow Pillow. I use a Chiroflow pillow personally and I have them available for people that come into my office. The pillow has a foam layer on top and a water bladder on the bottom. The water bladder can be filled with different amounts of water to help you select the desired firmness. That also allows the support to move with you whether you are on your side or back, unlike some pillows that may be great if you sleep on your back, but give you no room for your head when you turn to your side.

According to the company's website, the Chiroflow pillow is, "the only cervical pillow with peer-reviewed published clinical proof of effectiveness."

Clinical sleep trials at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and at Logan College of Chiropractic showed that the Chiroflow pillow is preferred over other cervical pillows and that it improves the quality of sleep. Scientific studies have linked enhanced quality of sleep with improved quality of life.

Reports from my own patients indicate that people sleep better, have less discomfort and feel more rested when using the Chiroflow pillow. Some have even said their spouse snores less with the pillow.

The product comes with a small spout to attach to it so it is easy to fill. It also comes with clear instuctions for filling and recommendations for the amount of water for different firmness levels. Make sure you follow the instructions for getting extra air out of the bladder so you don't hear water sloshing around.

One downside to the pillow is the weight once you add the water. So, if you plan on traveling with your pillow you may want to look at the Chiroflow Travel Water Pillow. The only other con on my list is that it is more expensive than the second-hand, $7.99 pillow from the Dust-Mites-R-Us store.

Here's to a better night's sleep!

Pampered Employee Program

At Wimmer Chiropractic, we have a strong focus on community service. One of the ways we serve area businesses is through our "Pampered Employee Program". We go out to local businesses and provide relaxing chair massages, spinal stress screenings and answer questions about posture, ergonomics and spine care. These events help participants better deal with today's fast paced work environment and reduce tension/stress. Companies can show their employees that they are concerned about health and appreciate the hard work done by their workers. For business owners, the best part of our "Pampered Employee Program" is that we provide these events at no charge to the business!!!

Here is a short video from one of our recent events. Enjoy!

If you would like to schedule an event for your business or co-workers just give us a call at Wimmer Chiropractic.

Just In Time For Valentine's Day!!!

It's All About the Timing!

We should all know by now that regular exercise is a crucial component of keeping us healthy...right? But when should we exercise can be a much more difficult question to answer.

I see a lot of information that says that exercising in the late afternoon or early evening is the best time physiologically for your body. Your body temperature is higher, muscles and joints may be more flexible, it helps you unwind after a stressful day, etc. But, there can be some downsides to trying to exercise later in the day. I want to share my recent, personal experience on the subject.

If you are like me (I am by no stretch of the imagination a morning person...yet), then the thought of getting out of bed a little earlier to exercise seems to be out of the question. So, I always PLANNED to exercise when I got home from the office. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned! I would get home a little late, or it took longer to get the kids to bed, or I was just a bit too tired to get myself to my basement where I exercise. Before I knew it, my exercise was becoming less consistent and the effects where starting to take a toll on my body. Stress levels increased, I put on a few pounds and had to loosen up the belt a little bit. So the theory that the evening is a better time for my body to exercise became irrelevant when I was barely doing it at all.

So, I decided to "suck it up" and drag my grumpy morning self out a bed earlier, get my workout clothes on and crawl to the basement to exercise. And guess what is happening...

I am exercising consistently over the last 4 weeks. I find my energy level is better throughout the day even without my previous overindulgence of and addiction to coffee (but that's another story). I am losing the weight that crept back on me when I was barely exercising as PLANNED in the evening. I even got to tighten the belt back up a notch. So for me exercising first thing in the morning has been a good thing. There are much fewer distractions and excuses to keep me from doing it!

I guess I really can't answer the original question of "When is the best time to exercise?"  because the answer is different for all of us. The important thing is to find the time that is right for YOU and maybe my personal experience will help you get on track with regular exercise. Of course to be really healthy, it is going to take more than just exercise. It is also important to eat a healthy diet, get proper rest and stay well hydrated. And, of course, as a chiropractor, I know that proper spinal care is a vital component in reaching optimal health!

Image: zirconicusso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Chiropractic Wall of Fame

Ok...Admittedly it has been a long time since I have done a blog post! I guess reading some inspiring blogs from other chiropractors and other bloggers I know that are striving to live a healthier lifestyle, I started thinking more about it. So, tonight when I was leaving the office, I glanced over at our recently implemented "Wall of Fame" and the motivation hit me. The "Wall of Fame" displays patient success stories with chiropractic care. Enough about that...now back to the topic at hand.

When I looked at the "Wall of Fame" I started thinking about why are those stories up there and what do these people have in common? All  of these people entered our office with varying complaints such as chronic back pain, headaches, postural strains, auto injuries, etc. They all have had wonderful results with chiropractic, but why are their results so good and sometimes people have very limited results. As I look back on those cases, some things certainly stand out.

As a chiropractor, I have a job to do. That job is to find out what is causing the problem and figure out what I can do to assist in restoring a persons health, but it doesn't end there. The patient has a job to do as well. Sorry if that disappoints you, but YOU have to work at restoring your own health. I can lay out a plan, I can adjust your spine to reduce nerve stress and give you advice and home care instructions but you have to do your part.

The patients that have had the greatest improvement in health rarely, if ever, cancel or reschedule appointments. They make dietary changes when recommended. They avoid repetitive stresses, such as sitting at their desk all day without taking a break. They do their home exercises (and yes, we can tell when you have been doing those). In short...THEY STICK TO THE GAME PLAN!!!

If you have been living in pain and poor health, I want to help you, but you are going to have to put in some work too. With teamwork, before you know it, you could land yourself on our Chiropractic "Wall of Fame"!