It has been awhile since I posted on my official blog site. I have been posting more on Facebook and Twitter. It feels good to be back!
I have completed my first full week without any gluten in my diet. My thoughts? It has been extremely easy and extremely challenging. The majority of the day it has been easy to avoid gluten containing foods, however the evening hours have not been as kind. I never realized how much I snacked on foods with white flour and the like. The majority of snack foods contain some form of gluten. This has made snacking more challenging. I have found comfort in fresh fruits, vegetables for a lot of my snacks. Not a bad thing.
The Pros so far: To be 100% honest, I cannot think of many direct benefits of being gluten free for a week. I don't feel particularly any different. I have less bloating after I eat, but I'm not sure if I can link it to being gluten free or more to a new cleansing supplement I have been taking. I'm sure the benefits will appear in the long run. I have been eating more fruits, more vegetables, more lean meats, less refined, processed foods. These have been a tremendous pro, but again I don't necessarily "feel" any different. I would imagine my cholesterol, blood sugar have benefited from such a large consumption of fruits and veggies.
The Cons: I am not eating as many carbs, especially any derived from wheat, barely, etc. This has caused my blood sugar to drop at times causing me to be irritable, edgy. I don't care for this feeling because in my line of work I need to always be "on" when I interact with my patients.
Gluten is hidden in many products under obscure references. One must do their homework on what foods are gluten safe and which ones are not. I was surprised on some of the foods that contained gluten.
Eating gluten-free can be a huge change for people. It hasn't been a terribly hard shift for me to this point. I did play in a golf tournament over the weekend that consisted of much beer drinking. I abstained from the beer which was a challenge. I think the greatest challenge has been trying to get people (my family especially) to understand why I would take on such a challenge. I am not doing this for a particular health reason. I am not doing this to lose any weight. I am doing this merely as a challenge to myself. "Can I do this?" That is the only reason.
I will report back my musings every week for anyone who might be curious as to what is involved with a gluten-free diet. There is a lot more to learn than I had initially thought.
Just remember, health is not by chance rather it is by choice. Every cause has an effect in our world. Unfortunately, many of the effects of our actions are not felt or experienced until later in life. Drawing a connection between our habitual actions in our 20's and our health in our 40's is not something we do. Don't forget that the effects aren't instantaneous. Make better choices today so you can reap the benefits in 10 years or more.
Until next week, Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What is Chiropractic?
Happy Spring!
I have been talking for a couple months about wellness. I have been asked recently what is the connection between chiropractic and wellness.
Chiropractic is truly the coolest profession out there, however it's just a big secret. Quite simply, we live our lives through our nervous system. Everything we do is controlled, regulated, and influenced by our nervous system. Lifestyle stress causes tension patterns along our spine called subluxation. Subluxations interfere with our expression of life and vitality. It is the simple procedure called the chiropractic adjustment that dissipates the tension patterns along the spine and nervous system, thus allowing the body to fully express itself.
When we plug too many things into an electrical outlet, the circuit breaker trips thus cutting the power to the outlet to prevent fires and other damange. A similar concept occurs within our spines as well. When we overload our nervous system with too much negative stress, the segments in our spine "trip" thus altering the energy to the affected areas to prevent further damage. Just like in our homes, we notice the more important circuits first. Also like in our homes, if the source of overloading stress remains present and unaddressed the circuit will continue to trip irregardless of our intentions.
Chiropractic, since its development in 1895, has always contended that ill health/dis-ease is caused by "thoughts, traumas, and toxins." In other words, emotional stress negatively affects our nervous system. Physical trauma, lack of physical activity negatively affect our nervous system. Poor nutrition, artificial stimulants, drugs all negatively affect our nervous system.
Chiropractic and wellness go hand in hand. It is my belief that wellness is fraud without chiropractic. You can't achieve true wellness while being subluxated. Chiropractors are the only licensed health care professional trained to detect and correct subluxations.
Choose chiropractic. Choose wellness in your life. Reclaim your life one day at a time for a lifetime!
Until next week,
BE FIT EAT RIGHT THINK WELL
- Dr. Steve
I have been talking for a couple months about wellness. I have been asked recently what is the connection between chiropractic and wellness.
Chiropractic is truly the coolest profession out there, however it's just a big secret. Quite simply, we live our lives through our nervous system. Everything we do is controlled, regulated, and influenced by our nervous system. Lifestyle stress causes tension patterns along our spine called subluxation. Subluxations interfere with our expression of life and vitality. It is the simple procedure called the chiropractic adjustment that dissipates the tension patterns along the spine and nervous system, thus allowing the body to fully express itself.
When we plug too many things into an electrical outlet, the circuit breaker trips thus cutting the power to the outlet to prevent fires and other damange. A similar concept occurs within our spines as well. When we overload our nervous system with too much negative stress, the segments in our spine "trip" thus altering the energy to the affected areas to prevent further damage. Just like in our homes, we notice the more important circuits first. Also like in our homes, if the source of overloading stress remains present and unaddressed the circuit will continue to trip irregardless of our intentions.
Chiropractic, since its development in 1895, has always contended that ill health/dis-ease is caused by "thoughts, traumas, and toxins." In other words, emotional stress negatively affects our nervous system. Physical trauma, lack of physical activity negatively affect our nervous system. Poor nutrition, artificial stimulants, drugs all negatively affect our nervous system.
Chiropractic and wellness go hand in hand. It is my belief that wellness is fraud without chiropractic. You can't achieve true wellness while being subluxated. Chiropractors are the only licensed health care professional trained to detect and correct subluxations.
Choose chiropractic. Choose wellness in your life. Reclaim your life one day at a time for a lifetime!
Until next week,
BE FIT EAT RIGHT THINK WELL
- Dr. Steve
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Listening to Your Body
Happy Day!
Last week when I wrote, I did not realize what was ahead of me. I woke up last Monday morning with a severe sinus headache, chills, a persistent cough, and fatigue. I hated to do it, but I cancelled all my appointments for Monday. I figured patients would not appreciate me coughing all over them.
I'm not a pill popper. I very rarely take any type of medication. It isn't some sort of self-torture, but rather because I like to listen to my body. Symptoms are our body's way of telling us something isn't right. Commonly, it is our symptoms that are designed to protect us from outside invaders. Symptoms are our body's defense shield.
Sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, etc are lines of defense that are essential to our survival. Most over-the-counter (OTC) medications rob us of our ability to defend ourselves from outside invaders. Taking an anti-histamine to dry up a runny nose is like tying our hands behind our back and telling us to protect ourselves from someone attacking us.
Many people no longer listen to their body. Many are unaware of subtle changes that occur with the body. Instant gratification leads many people to reach for the antacids, Tylenol, or Benadryl. Many don't stop to think about what their body is trying to tell them.
Your body is intelligent enough to "know what to do" when it encounters danger. Modern medicine has robbed us of our ability to fight illness and infection the way our body was designed. Modern medicine works great for emergencies and crisis care. The common cold, the flu, sinus congestion, urinary tract infections are not emergencies or crises in most cases.
Adopting a wellness lifestyle requires you to be in-tune with and to listen to the messages your body tries to tell you. If your communication with your body has been one-sided for too long, it will take time to rekindle your relationship. Be patient. You won't regret it.
By the way, the sinus headache I had last Monday was terrible. After suffering all day, I decided to take Tylenol to ease the discomfort. Needless to say, I was feeling a bit better on Tuesday so I returned to the office. I didn't feel terrible enough to stay home again. Deep down I knew I wasn't truly better, but because I "felt" better I couldn't convince myself to stay home one more day to rest. As a result of not listening to my body, I came back too soon and prolonged the duration of my symptoms. Sometimes it is best to listen to your mind and other times it is best to listen to your body. Unfortunately, I listened to the wrong source this time around!
Wellness is something we can all achieve on varying degrees. Continue on your path to wellness, this week, by being more in-tune with your body.
Until next week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
- Dr. Steve
Last week when I wrote, I did not realize what was ahead of me. I woke up last Monday morning with a severe sinus headache, chills, a persistent cough, and fatigue. I hated to do it, but I cancelled all my appointments for Monday. I figured patients would not appreciate me coughing all over them.
I'm not a pill popper. I very rarely take any type of medication. It isn't some sort of self-torture, but rather because I like to listen to my body. Symptoms are our body's way of telling us something isn't right. Commonly, it is our symptoms that are designed to protect us from outside invaders. Symptoms are our body's defense shield.
Sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, etc are lines of defense that are essential to our survival. Most over-the-counter (OTC) medications rob us of our ability to defend ourselves from outside invaders. Taking an anti-histamine to dry up a runny nose is like tying our hands behind our back and telling us to protect ourselves from someone attacking us.
Many people no longer listen to their body. Many are unaware of subtle changes that occur with the body. Instant gratification leads many people to reach for the antacids, Tylenol, or Benadryl. Many don't stop to think about what their body is trying to tell them.
Your body is intelligent enough to "know what to do" when it encounters danger. Modern medicine has robbed us of our ability to fight illness and infection the way our body was designed. Modern medicine works great for emergencies and crisis care. The common cold, the flu, sinus congestion, urinary tract infections are not emergencies or crises in most cases.
Adopting a wellness lifestyle requires you to be in-tune with and to listen to the messages your body tries to tell you. If your communication with your body has been one-sided for too long, it will take time to rekindle your relationship. Be patient. You won't regret it.
By the way, the sinus headache I had last Monday was terrible. After suffering all day, I decided to take Tylenol to ease the discomfort. Needless to say, I was feeling a bit better on Tuesday so I returned to the office. I didn't feel terrible enough to stay home again. Deep down I knew I wasn't truly better, but because I "felt" better I couldn't convince myself to stay home one more day to rest. As a result of not listening to my body, I came back too soon and prolonged the duration of my symptoms. Sometimes it is best to listen to your mind and other times it is best to listen to your body. Unfortunately, I listened to the wrong source this time around!
Wellness is something we can all achieve on varying degrees. Continue on your path to wellness, this week, by being more in-tune with your body.
Until next week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
- Dr. Steve
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What Does It Mean to be "Well?"
Happy Daylight Savings Time!
Although this weekend was overcast, rainy, and cool, it sure felt good to have some added daylight in the evening hours! I'm just happy it wasn't snowing. I was pleased to run over 7.5 miles as I train for next weekend's St. Patrick's 10K.
I have been talking for several months now about the importance of adopting a wellness lifestyle. As you remember, I define wellness as: the degree to which an individual expresses health and vitality in any dimension of life."
Health and wellness are not synonymous. As you can tell from the definition, wellness isn't something you have or don't have. We all possess a degree of wellness. Also, you might notice that wellness is multi-dimensional. To move towards wellness, we must work on all three areas of wellness (physical, biochemical, and psychological) at the same time.
Wellness doesn't mean you are "invincible." Many people think if you live a balanced wellness lifestyle that you can never get sick or suffer from more significant illnesses. It is true that staying physically active, eating balanced nutritious meals, managing emotional stress and getting adjusted regularly will stack the odds in your favor. Unfortunately, life still happens. The only real cause of disease is the body's inability to adapt to/comprehend its environment. There is a limitation to what the body is capable of adapting to.
As the famous heart surgeon, Russ Reiss, once said (I'm paraphrasing), the odds are greater of you surviving open heart surgery if you bring a strong body to the table. Meaning, if you live a life of wellness it is possible you can still suffer a heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc. Your chances of survival and coming out of the health crisis on top are that much greater than your overweight, de-conditioned, depressed, diabetic, unemployed cousin. Another way of putting it, what would you rather live in if a tornado had to come through your neighborhood, a dilapidated mobile home or a solid brick home built to code?
As the stress of our culture mounts (i.e. unemployment, rising cost of living, sky-rocketing health care expenses, tanking stock market, terrorism, etc), we need to be stronger than ever. The stress of our culture is not going away anytime soon. Rather than retreating and playing defense, we must go on offense and grow through these times. Cellular biology dictates that growth and defensive physiology cannot occur at the same time.
Why this topic this week? I have developed a case of bronchitis. Rest is crucial to healing and getting better. Retreating, however, is not. Although I did take it easy today, I did not get down about it. I did not start eating potato chips, chocolate cake, etc. Actually, when you have illness symptoms it is best to increase your consumption of fruits, water, etc.
Next week, I will discuss why the symptoms of common illnesses are actually a blessing rather than our enemy (i.e. cough, running nose, vomiting, etc.)
Erie, join me in this wellness revolution! Let's reclaim our lives together!!
Until next week,
BE FIT EAT RIGHT THINK WELL
- Dr. Steve
Although this weekend was overcast, rainy, and cool, it sure felt good to have some added daylight in the evening hours! I'm just happy it wasn't snowing. I was pleased to run over 7.5 miles as I train for next weekend's St. Patrick's 10K.
I have been talking for several months now about the importance of adopting a wellness lifestyle. As you remember, I define wellness as: the degree to which an individual expresses health and vitality in any dimension of life."
Health and wellness are not synonymous. As you can tell from the definition, wellness isn't something you have or don't have. We all possess a degree of wellness. Also, you might notice that wellness is multi-dimensional. To move towards wellness, we must work on all three areas of wellness (physical, biochemical, and psychological) at the same time.
Wellness doesn't mean you are "invincible." Many people think if you live a balanced wellness lifestyle that you can never get sick or suffer from more significant illnesses. It is true that staying physically active, eating balanced nutritious meals, managing emotional stress and getting adjusted regularly will stack the odds in your favor. Unfortunately, life still happens. The only real cause of disease is the body's inability to adapt to/comprehend its environment. There is a limitation to what the body is capable of adapting to.
As the famous heart surgeon, Russ Reiss, once said (I'm paraphrasing), the odds are greater of you surviving open heart surgery if you bring a strong body to the table. Meaning, if you live a life of wellness it is possible you can still suffer a heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc. Your chances of survival and coming out of the health crisis on top are that much greater than your overweight, de-conditioned, depressed, diabetic, unemployed cousin. Another way of putting it, what would you rather live in if a tornado had to come through your neighborhood, a dilapidated mobile home or a solid brick home built to code?
As the stress of our culture mounts (i.e. unemployment, rising cost of living, sky-rocketing health care expenses, tanking stock market, terrorism, etc), we need to be stronger than ever. The stress of our culture is not going away anytime soon. Rather than retreating and playing defense, we must go on offense and grow through these times. Cellular biology dictates that growth and defensive physiology cannot occur at the same time.
Why this topic this week? I have developed a case of bronchitis. Rest is crucial to healing and getting better. Retreating, however, is not. Although I did take it easy today, I did not get down about it. I did not start eating potato chips, chocolate cake, etc. Actually, when you have illness symptoms it is best to increase your consumption of fruits, water, etc.
Next week, I will discuss why the symptoms of common illnesses are actually a blessing rather than our enemy (i.e. cough, running nose, vomiting, etc.)
Erie, join me in this wellness revolution! Let's reclaim our lives together!!
Until next week,
BE FIT EAT RIGHT THINK WELL
- Dr. Steve
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 7
Another week has gone by. This past week's headlines have been dominated by more seemingly depressing news. The most prominent story has been the plane crash outside of Buffalo, NY. What a terrible tragedy and sadness for the families involved.
There were people of all ages on the plane. This event got me thinking of life and wellness in general. Out of this tragedy, good will come. So, where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Procrastination.
What are YOU waiting for? Many of us are waiting for life to begin. We come up with excuses for why we aren't taking control of our lives now. "After the holidays I'll start eating healthy." "When I get my dream job, I'll be rich." "Once I get my "xyz" degree, I'll be able to get any job." "When I get married, I'll be happy." "If I had a bigger house, I'd feel better."
Living life waiting for some thing to happen or come to you is wasteful. Success or happiness, whatever that means to you, doesn't happen to you. Success is a state of consciousness. How you measure success is up to you and no one else.
Look, we all share the same fate. No one can escape it. It is my belief that in life there are no such things as failures only lessons learned. When your table is ready in the big restaurant in the sky, do you want any regrets? As Tim McGraw sings, "Live like you were dying." When it comes down to it, aren't we all?
I agree that this posting is a bit morbid and dark so far. We must stop taking life for granted and start maximizing every moment we have. The past is over and will never occur again. The future has yet to be determined. All we have is this current moment. What will you do with it? Waste it worrying about what has already happened and cannot be changed? Will you squander it worrying about what may or may not happen in the future? Or will you seize the current moment and capitalize on it? Stop living in fear; fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of other's opinions of you, fear of the unknown. Remember, there is no such thing as failure, only lessons learned. Take this time to consider what you are waiting for. What is it that's holding you back? What you are fearful of? What excuses are you telling yourself? "I'm too fat" is an excuse. "I'm too old" is an excuse. "I'm not rich enough" is an excuse. "It's in my DNA" is an excuse. "I can't" is an excuse. "I don't know how" is an excuse. "It's too late" is an excuse. "It's too cold" is an excuse.
Now ask yourself, "What is it that is truly important to me right now?" "What is it that I want?" Let NOTHING stand in the way from achieving the answer to those questions. It may take you a day, a week, a month, a year, a decade or more to reach your goals. If it is truly what you want, then it won't matter how much work or how much time it will take for you to reach it.
Life is temporary. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no person. Start living today, living without fear. You can reclaim your life. In the end, life isn't about quantity, but about quality. Get out their and reclaim it!
Until next week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
-Dr. Steve
There were people of all ages on the plane. This event got me thinking of life and wellness in general. Out of this tragedy, good will come. So, where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Procrastination.
What are YOU waiting for? Many of us are waiting for life to begin. We come up with excuses for why we aren't taking control of our lives now. "After the holidays I'll start eating healthy." "When I get my dream job, I'll be rich." "Once I get my "xyz" degree, I'll be able to get any job." "When I get married, I'll be happy." "If I had a bigger house, I'd feel better."
Living life waiting for some thing to happen or come to you is wasteful. Success or happiness, whatever that means to you, doesn't happen to you. Success is a state of consciousness. How you measure success is up to you and no one else.
Look, we all share the same fate. No one can escape it. It is my belief that in life there are no such things as failures only lessons learned. When your table is ready in the big restaurant in the sky, do you want any regrets? As Tim McGraw sings, "Live like you were dying." When it comes down to it, aren't we all?
I agree that this posting is a bit morbid and dark so far. We must stop taking life for granted and start maximizing every moment we have. The past is over and will never occur again. The future has yet to be determined. All we have is this current moment. What will you do with it? Waste it worrying about what has already happened and cannot be changed? Will you squander it worrying about what may or may not happen in the future? Or will you seize the current moment and capitalize on it? Stop living in fear; fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of other's opinions of you, fear of the unknown. Remember, there is no such thing as failure, only lessons learned. Take this time to consider what you are waiting for. What is it that's holding you back? What you are fearful of? What excuses are you telling yourself? "I'm too fat" is an excuse. "I'm too old" is an excuse. "I'm not rich enough" is an excuse. "It's in my DNA" is an excuse. "I can't" is an excuse. "I don't know how" is an excuse. "It's too late" is an excuse. "It's too cold" is an excuse.
Now ask yourself, "What is it that is truly important to me right now?" "What is it that I want?" Let NOTHING stand in the way from achieving the answer to those questions. It may take you a day, a week, a month, a year, a decade or more to reach your goals. If it is truly what you want, then it won't matter how much work or how much time it will take for you to reach it.
Life is temporary. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no person. Start living today, living without fear. You can reclaim your life. In the end, life isn't about quantity, but about quality. Get out their and reclaim it!
Until next week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
-Dr. Steve
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 6
Greetings and salutations, Creating Wellness Warriors!
What a wonderful weekend we had! Temperatures into the 50's was a welcomed respite from this winter. I hope you were able to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. A little sunshine, warm temps, and fresh air does a mind and body wonders!
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? This week I find tremendous amounts of wellness in "perserverance."
The topic of the economy, employment, retirement funds, etc cannot be avoided. It is everywhere we turn. National and local headlines are rich with this type of news. It is difficult to find any positive news out there.
There is no doubt we are currently in and are heading towards troubling and challenging times. Rumors are swirling about large layoffs in our local workforce. When the big companies slow down and layoff employees, the trickle down effect is felt everywhere. Small businesses will feel the effects of the economic downturn even more.
If you have been recently laid off, face foreclosure on your home, or face other economic uncertainties, these times are very troubling indeed.
Many of us have enjoyed the fruits of a recent healthy and prosperous economy. Unfortunately, some of us enjoyed those fruits excessively and in an unsustainable manner. Now we are faced with uncertainty and challenges.
As King Solomon has said, "This too shall pass." We can and will survive these times. No, it won't necessarily be easy, nor will it be fun. We, as a culture, must return to a simpler time. No one is immune to these changes. Reducing the clutter in our lives will have tremendous benefits in our abilities to perservere and come out on top. Some examples of how to simplify our lives:
1. Buy only what is necessary
2. Entertain yourself/family with low cost/no cost activities
3. Recycle/Reuse
4. Consolidate where reasonable (i.e. 2 cars vs. 1 car)
5. Self Sacrifice (i.e. ride a bike to work instead of drive)
6. Eliminate habits that destroy health (i.e. smoking, excessive drinking, over eating, etc)
Cars, homes, iPods, etc come and go. During these tough times, we need our health more than anything. Creating Wellness in your life doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Creating Wellness in your life does require time, effort, and energy. To be truly well, remember, we must focus on the physical (how we use our bodies), biochemical (things we put into our body), and psychological (mind-body) dimensions at the same time. Focusing on wellness during difficult times may be the last thing on your mind. Being aware of your mental state and consciously creating a new awareness can help you perservere in the face of any adversity.
Creating Wellness in your life is no longer a choice. It is slowly becoming a necessity. Not to be too cliche, but only the strong will survive these times. Being strong physically (through adequate exercise and balanced nutrition) and strong mentally (through conscious awareness) will enable people to cope with the challenges ahead. A strong mind and body that is without interference to the nervous system can withstand many forms of stress.
Erie, now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to buckle up, hold on tight and reclaim your life. Reclaim your life from inactivity! Reclaim your life from over-consumption! Reclaim your life from the status quo! We can and will perservere during these times.
Will you join me?
Until next week, Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well.
-Dr. Steve
What a wonderful weekend we had! Temperatures into the 50's was a welcomed respite from this winter. I hope you were able to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. A little sunshine, warm temps, and fresh air does a mind and body wonders!
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? This week I find tremendous amounts of wellness in "perserverance."
The topic of the economy, employment, retirement funds, etc cannot be avoided. It is everywhere we turn. National and local headlines are rich with this type of news. It is difficult to find any positive news out there.
There is no doubt we are currently in and are heading towards troubling and challenging times. Rumors are swirling about large layoffs in our local workforce. When the big companies slow down and layoff employees, the trickle down effect is felt everywhere. Small businesses will feel the effects of the economic downturn even more.
If you have been recently laid off, face foreclosure on your home, or face other economic uncertainties, these times are very troubling indeed.
Many of us have enjoyed the fruits of a recent healthy and prosperous economy. Unfortunately, some of us enjoyed those fruits excessively and in an unsustainable manner. Now we are faced with uncertainty and challenges.
As King Solomon has said, "This too shall pass." We can and will survive these times. No, it won't necessarily be easy, nor will it be fun. We, as a culture, must return to a simpler time. No one is immune to these changes. Reducing the clutter in our lives will have tremendous benefits in our abilities to perservere and come out on top. Some examples of how to simplify our lives:
1. Buy only what is necessary
2. Entertain yourself/family with low cost/no cost activities
3. Recycle/Reuse
4. Consolidate where reasonable (i.e. 2 cars vs. 1 car)
5. Self Sacrifice (i.e. ride a bike to work instead of drive)
6. Eliminate habits that destroy health (i.e. smoking, excessive drinking, over eating, etc)
Cars, homes, iPods, etc come and go. During these tough times, we need our health more than anything. Creating Wellness in your life doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Creating Wellness in your life does require time, effort, and energy. To be truly well, remember, we must focus on the physical (how we use our bodies), biochemical (things we put into our body), and psychological (mind-body) dimensions at the same time. Focusing on wellness during difficult times may be the last thing on your mind. Being aware of your mental state and consciously creating a new awareness can help you perservere in the face of any adversity.
Creating Wellness in your life is no longer a choice. It is slowly becoming a necessity. Not to be too cliche, but only the strong will survive these times. Being strong physically (through adequate exercise and balanced nutrition) and strong mentally (through conscious awareness) will enable people to cope with the challenges ahead. A strong mind and body that is without interference to the nervous system can withstand many forms of stress.
Erie, now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to buckle up, hold on tight and reclaim your life. Reclaim your life from inactivity! Reclaim your life from over-consumption! Reclaim your life from the status quo! We can and will perservere during these times.
Will you join me?
Until next week, Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well.
-Dr. Steve
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 5
Wow! What a Super Bowl! You just have to love a good game!
It is important to remember that wellness encompasses three dimensions. To achieve true wellness, we must work to improve all three areas at the same time. Physical wellness pertains to how we use our body. Biochemical wellness refers to things that we put into our body or don't put into our body. Lastly, psychological wellness refers to the mind body connection.
So, where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Presque Isle Bay. Today I walked from Dobbins Landing to the water taxi dock on the peninsula. I've always wondered how far of a distance it was. I ventured off with my brother and a GPS unit. The walk took us 46 minutes, through snow drifts and soft ice in some spots. In total, it was 2.01 miles.
The obvious wellness correlation is the physical activity of walking, however I am referencing the Bay because of the psychological dimension of wellness.
The walk across the bay was very invigorating, exciting, and calming at the same time. Walking across a frozen body of water is not something you do often, nor is it something many people do. That was invigorating and exciting. Looking back towards the city, but only hearing silence was calming. With no one around for at least a mile in any direction (at the halfway point) helped bring a state of consciousness to my mental forefront. Spending quality time with my brother helped bring back memories of our childhood. By the time I stepped on land on Presque Isle, my mind was more focused on the present vs thinking of the past or worried about the future. I was relaxed and in a state of ease.
I recommend any able bodied Erie resident try this before the ice on the bay melts. Walking across the bay may be too far for some and not far enough for others. I urge you to attempt a distance that is within your physical abilities. Walk some distance off the shoreline and just feel alive! Feel the sense of freedom, feel the excitement of just being alive! It is often the simple things and the seemingly routine events that can bring about the greatest joys in life.
Improving your attitude, your outlook will have tremendous effects on your daily actions and ultimately your life experience. The mind-body connection is real. Your physical health will benefit greatly from a healthy and positive mental state.
Erie, get out there and Create Wellness in your world! Create Wellness in your life one day at a time for a lifetime! Together, we can and will improve our community.
Until Next Week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
Dr. Steve
It is important to remember that wellness encompasses three dimensions. To achieve true wellness, we must work to improve all three areas at the same time. Physical wellness pertains to how we use our body. Biochemical wellness refers to things that we put into our body or don't put into our body. Lastly, psychological wellness refers to the mind body connection.
So, where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Presque Isle Bay. Today I walked from Dobbins Landing to the water taxi dock on the peninsula. I've always wondered how far of a distance it was. I ventured off with my brother and a GPS unit. The walk took us 46 minutes, through snow drifts and soft ice in some spots. In total, it was 2.01 miles.
The obvious wellness correlation is the physical activity of walking, however I am referencing the Bay because of the psychological dimension of wellness.
The walk across the bay was very invigorating, exciting, and calming at the same time. Walking across a frozen body of water is not something you do often, nor is it something many people do. That was invigorating and exciting. Looking back towards the city, but only hearing silence was calming. With no one around for at least a mile in any direction (at the halfway point) helped bring a state of consciousness to my mental forefront. Spending quality time with my brother helped bring back memories of our childhood. By the time I stepped on land on Presque Isle, my mind was more focused on the present vs thinking of the past or worried about the future. I was relaxed and in a state of ease.
I recommend any able bodied Erie resident try this before the ice on the bay melts. Walking across the bay may be too far for some and not far enough for others. I urge you to attempt a distance that is within your physical abilities. Walk some distance off the shoreline and just feel alive! Feel the sense of freedom, feel the excitement of just being alive! It is often the simple things and the seemingly routine events that can bring about the greatest joys in life.
Improving your attitude, your outlook will have tremendous effects on your daily actions and ultimately your life experience. The mind-body connection is real. Your physical health will benefit greatly from a healthy and positive mental state.
Erie, get out there and Create Wellness in your world! Create Wellness in your life one day at a time for a lifetime! Together, we can and will improve our community.
Until Next Week, BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
Dr. Steve
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 4
Greetings and salutations, Erie!
It has been a historic week. Last Tuesday was a wonderful day for our country. I don't know about you, but I am inspired and very optimistic. I think good things are on the horizon.
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? This one may surprise you, but this week it is in in your medicine cabinet! I want to discuss the dangers of NSAIDs. This stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some examples include Aspirin, Tylenol, Celebrex, Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aleve. The general public and physicians alike regard these drugs as safe and relatively harmless. Most would believe their side effects to be relatively mild.
It has been estimated, conservatively, that there are 16,500 NSAID related deaths every year among arthritis patients! This ranks up there with the number of annual AIDS deaths and more deaths related to multiple myeloma, cervical cancer, Hodgkin's, or asthma. If gastrointenstinal toxic effects from NSAIDs were calculated separately, those effects would constitute the 15th most common cause of death in the United States!
(At the time I write this, there are now seven (7) confirmed deaths nationally related to salmonella tainted peanut butter. The FDA and public are in a panic over seven deaths from peanut butter, but not 16,500 deaths related to a common over the counter drug.)
Pain is a good thing. We were designed to experience pain in order to tell our brains that we need to make changes within our immediate surroundings. Pain is essential to our survival. Quieting our pain senses without addressing the source/cause of pain is idiotic and detrimental to our existence.
When we are in pain we need to ask ourselves, "What does this mean?" "Do I need to take my hand of this hot stove?" "Why did I drink eleven beers last night?" NSAIDs were designed for short term, temporary relief. They are reasonable to use for acute conditions while you address the actual cause of discomfort. Unfortunately, too many people take NSAIDs as if they were candy. Most are unaware of the damages occurring to their stomach lining, liver, and kidneys.
Living a lifestyle rich in wellness choices dramatically decreases the need to use NSAIDs. This doesn't mean people who live a wellness lifestyle don't experience pain. A wellness lifestyle greatly diminishes or eliminates chronic pain.
We were born to be healthy. It is imperative we listen to and honor our body's warning system. In today's day and age with multi-billion dollar marketing campaigns from drug companies, it is often easier and quicker to listen to their ads than it is to listen to our body. This is why it is important now, more than ever, to be consciously aware of all of our thoughts and actions. Don't be afraid to ask, "Why?" or "Does this really make sense?"
It is time we reclaim our lives from drug companies! It is time we reclaim our lives from fast food restaurants! It is time we reclaim our lives from irresponsible living! Our lifestyle choices do have consequences, whether it is tomorrow morning or 25 years later. Reclaim your life today! Start living healthier one day at a time for a lifetime!
Until next week, Be Fit, Eat Right, Think Well.
- Dr. Steve
It has been a historic week. Last Tuesday was a wonderful day for our country. I don't know about you, but I am inspired and very optimistic. I think good things are on the horizon.
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? This one may surprise you, but this week it is in in your medicine cabinet! I want to discuss the dangers of NSAIDs. This stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some examples include Aspirin, Tylenol, Celebrex, Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aleve. The general public and physicians alike regard these drugs as safe and relatively harmless. Most would believe their side effects to be relatively mild.
It has been estimated, conservatively, that there are 16,500 NSAID related deaths every year among arthritis patients! This ranks up there with the number of annual AIDS deaths and more deaths related to multiple myeloma, cervical cancer, Hodgkin's, or asthma. If gastrointenstinal toxic effects from NSAIDs were calculated separately, those effects would constitute the 15th most common cause of death in the United States!
(At the time I write this, there are now seven (7) confirmed deaths nationally related to salmonella tainted peanut butter. The FDA and public are in a panic over seven deaths from peanut butter, but not 16,500 deaths related to a common over the counter drug.)
Pain is a good thing. We were designed to experience pain in order to tell our brains that we need to make changes within our immediate surroundings. Pain is essential to our survival. Quieting our pain senses without addressing the source/cause of pain is idiotic and detrimental to our existence.
When we are in pain we need to ask ourselves, "What does this mean?" "Do I need to take my hand of this hot stove?" "Why did I drink eleven beers last night?" NSAIDs were designed for short term, temporary relief. They are reasonable to use for acute conditions while you address the actual cause of discomfort. Unfortunately, too many people take NSAIDs as if they were candy. Most are unaware of the damages occurring to their stomach lining, liver, and kidneys.
Living a lifestyle rich in wellness choices dramatically decreases the need to use NSAIDs. This doesn't mean people who live a wellness lifestyle don't experience pain. A wellness lifestyle greatly diminishes or eliminates chronic pain.
We were born to be healthy. It is imperative we listen to and honor our body's warning system. In today's day and age with multi-billion dollar marketing campaigns from drug companies, it is often easier and quicker to listen to their ads than it is to listen to our body. This is why it is important now, more than ever, to be consciously aware of all of our thoughts and actions. Don't be afraid to ask, "Why?" or "Does this really make sense?"
It is time we reclaim our lives from drug companies! It is time we reclaim our lives from fast food restaurants! It is time we reclaim our lives from irresponsible living! Our lifestyle choices do have consequences, whether it is tomorrow morning or 25 years later. Reclaim your life today! Start living healthier one day at a time for a lifetime!
Until next week, Be Fit, Eat Right, Think Well.
- Dr. Steve
Friday, January 23, 2009
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 3
What a week it has been since I last wrote! It seems like winter flexed its muscles this week. The coldest I saw was minus 4 degrees. That's not including windchil, either! I lost track of how much snow fell, but I think the Erie region is up to 104.9 inches this year.This leads me to this week's Creating Wellness topic.
Remember, Creating Wellness focuses on all three dimensions of wellness, not just one. When most of us think of wellness, we think of it in the physical realm. "If I'm physically fit or if I eat properly, then I am well" is a common mistake we all make.
This week, Creating Wellness is located in: conscious awareness.
This concept might be a bit foreign at first, but if you truly begin to be consciously aware of your thoughts and emotions as well as the meanings behind them you'll begin to live well. How many of us reacted to the cold temps and snowfall with a feeling of discontent, irritation, or depression? How many of us actually thought about WHY we were upset with the weather? Was our response instant? Rationalized? Justified? This is an example of not being consciously aware. It is okay to not like the snow and cold weather. Snow is neither good or bad. Warm, sunny summer days is neither good or bad. The two are seemingly the same when it comes down to it. The problem arises when we let something, such as the weather, completely ruin our attitudes, thoughts, and ultimately our actions. Nothing in this world has any meaning only the meaning we apply to it. Attitude influences thoughts and it is our thoughts that influence our actions. Think back to this past week.
Think of one of the days when it was completely snowy and cold. What was your attitude toward the weather on that day? What kind of thoughts developed as a result of your attitude towards the weather? Lastly, think about how you acted those days. Were you short with a loved one? How was your interactions with co-workers? How was your energy levels those days? If you had a negative attitude towards the weather, it is likely you didn't have a great week last week. Were you a victim of circumstance or did you have a role in how the week was perceived? If you had a positive attitude towards the weather, then it is likely you had a pretty good week.
Weather is just one example. An upcoming deadline at work, heavy traffic, sick child at home, or a sagging economy are things or events that have zero meaning. In and of themselves they do not have meaning. You will apply a different meaning than your spouse, co-worker, or neighbor. The great thing is that you CAN CHOOSE your attitude by first being aware of it. If you aren't aware of it, you can't choose. Being consciously aware takes time, takes effort, but ultimately leads to a happier, healthier life.
Start today by being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions to every situation throughout your day. You may not be able to control unexpected events or accidents, but you can control how you react or perceive them. Your life is what you make it. Make it a good one.Erie, we need wellness now more than ever. We need to be physically and mentally well if we are going to be able to withstand the turbulent times ahead. Are you with me in this wellness revolution? The world is counting on you and me.
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
Reclaiming lives,
Dr. Steve
Remember, Creating Wellness focuses on all three dimensions of wellness, not just one. When most of us think of wellness, we think of it in the physical realm. "If I'm physically fit or if I eat properly, then I am well" is a common mistake we all make.
This week, Creating Wellness is located in: conscious awareness.
This concept might be a bit foreign at first, but if you truly begin to be consciously aware of your thoughts and emotions as well as the meanings behind them you'll begin to live well. How many of us reacted to the cold temps and snowfall with a feeling of discontent, irritation, or depression? How many of us actually thought about WHY we were upset with the weather? Was our response instant? Rationalized? Justified? This is an example of not being consciously aware. It is okay to not like the snow and cold weather. Snow is neither good or bad. Warm, sunny summer days is neither good or bad. The two are seemingly the same when it comes down to it. The problem arises when we let something, such as the weather, completely ruin our attitudes, thoughts, and ultimately our actions. Nothing in this world has any meaning only the meaning we apply to it. Attitude influences thoughts and it is our thoughts that influence our actions. Think back to this past week.
Think of one of the days when it was completely snowy and cold. What was your attitude toward the weather on that day? What kind of thoughts developed as a result of your attitude towards the weather? Lastly, think about how you acted those days. Were you short with a loved one? How was your interactions with co-workers? How was your energy levels those days? If you had a negative attitude towards the weather, it is likely you didn't have a great week last week. Were you a victim of circumstance or did you have a role in how the week was perceived? If you had a positive attitude towards the weather, then it is likely you had a pretty good week.
Weather is just one example. An upcoming deadline at work, heavy traffic, sick child at home, or a sagging economy are things or events that have zero meaning. In and of themselves they do not have meaning. You will apply a different meaning than your spouse, co-worker, or neighbor. The great thing is that you CAN CHOOSE your attitude by first being aware of it. If you aren't aware of it, you can't choose. Being consciously aware takes time, takes effort, but ultimately leads to a happier, healthier life.
Start today by being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions to every situation throughout your day. You may not be able to control unexpected events or accidents, but you can control how you react or perceive them. Your life is what you make it. Make it a good one.Erie, we need wellness now more than ever. We need to be physically and mentally well if we are going to be able to withstand the turbulent times ahead. Are you with me in this wellness revolution? The world is counting on you and me.
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
Reclaiming lives,
Dr. Steve
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? Week 2
Greetings and salutations! I wrote last week about introducing the Creating Wellness concept to the Erie community. With Creating Wellness, we like to say, "BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL." Creating Wellness is a system that brings together all three dimensions of true wellness under one roof through the chiropractic vision.
We live in a culture that is growing increasingly obese. A recent report indicates that there are more obese people in our country right now than people who are "just overweight." These trends cannot continue if we want our country to survive. Our economy will crash if these trends continue. The US currently spends $2.4 trillion on health care. You haven't seen anything yet in terms of a financial mess until you see our healthcare industry collapse.
Each week, I will post entries on where you can find wellness in your day to day lives. It isn't hard, we just need to open our eyes and see the opportunities in front of us.
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Work.
It doesn't matter if you work in retail, manufacturing, social services, etc, you can find wellness where you work. Is the culture of your workplace one of health/wellness or is it nonchalant towards healthy habits? You can lead the wellness revolution at your workplace. You can be the source of change that is desperately needed. You will face resistance initially, but persistence will pay off! Your workplace needs a wellness revolution, our world needs a wellness revolution.
1. During breaks, lunch, etc. go for walks. Walk around the perimeter of your workplace. Walk the hallways. Walk laps around different floors. Just get moving when you can. This will increase blood flow, wake you up, burn calories.
2. Use the stairs. Rule of thumb: If you work on the first through fifth floor of a building, you should always use the stairs. It may take time to be strong enough to walk five flights of stairs, but ultimately there should be no excuses (unless you are in a wheelchair).
3. Skip all the candy, brownies, cookies, etc that coworkers bring in. The only reason they bring it in is so they don't eat it at home. If you find yourself reaching for one of these treats, ask yourself, "What am I trying to achieve by eating this?" If the answer is because you are hungry, then find something better to eat. If it is because you are bored, then maybe you need to find more challenging work.
4. Pack a lunch. You can control what you bring and how much of it you bring. Yes, this requires additional planning and work at home, but the extra work will be worth it. Bring nutritious foods that won't cause you to have a sugar crash or feel ill 10 min after eating. Foods high in B vitamins will provide you with a nice energy boost for the afternoon.Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center wants you to reclaim your life. Stop surviving and start thriving. Subtle lifestyle changes will lead to tremendous benefits tomorrow, next week, next year, and for your entire lifetime.
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
-Dr. Steve
We live in a culture that is growing increasingly obese. A recent report indicates that there are more obese people in our country right now than people who are "just overweight." These trends cannot continue if we want our country to survive. Our economy will crash if these trends continue. The US currently spends $2.4 trillion on health care. You haven't seen anything yet in terms of a financial mess until you see our healthcare industry collapse.
Each week, I will post entries on where you can find wellness in your day to day lives. It isn't hard, we just need to open our eyes and see the opportunities in front of us.
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness this week? Work.
It doesn't matter if you work in retail, manufacturing, social services, etc, you can find wellness where you work. Is the culture of your workplace one of health/wellness or is it nonchalant towards healthy habits? You can lead the wellness revolution at your workplace. You can be the source of change that is desperately needed. You will face resistance initially, but persistence will pay off! Your workplace needs a wellness revolution, our world needs a wellness revolution.
1. During breaks, lunch, etc. go for walks. Walk around the perimeter of your workplace. Walk the hallways. Walk laps around different floors. Just get moving when you can. This will increase blood flow, wake you up, burn calories.
2. Use the stairs. Rule of thumb: If you work on the first through fifth floor of a building, you should always use the stairs. It may take time to be strong enough to walk five flights of stairs, but ultimately there should be no excuses (unless you are in a wheelchair).
3. Skip all the candy, brownies, cookies, etc that coworkers bring in. The only reason they bring it in is so they don't eat it at home. If you find yourself reaching for one of these treats, ask yourself, "What am I trying to achieve by eating this?" If the answer is because you are hungry, then find something better to eat. If it is because you are bored, then maybe you need to find more challenging work.
4. Pack a lunch. You can control what you bring and how much of it you bring. Yes, this requires additional planning and work at home, but the extra work will be worth it. Bring nutritious foods that won't cause you to have a sugar crash or feel ill 10 min after eating. Foods high in B vitamins will provide you with a nice energy boost for the afternoon.Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center wants you to reclaim your life. Stop surviving and start thriving. Subtle lifestyle changes will lead to tremendous benefits tomorrow, next week, next year, and for your entire lifetime.
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
-Dr. Steve
Where in Erie is Creating Wellness? An introduction
Where in Erie, PA is Creating Wellness?In October 2008, Krauza Family Chiropractic introduced a new model of chiropractic and wellness to the Erie community. Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center believes, in order to achieve true wellness, one must address the physical, biochemical, and psychological dimensions of life. We like to say: BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL. This blog will discover places in our region that focus on these dimensions to help Erie residents create wellness in their lives one day at a time, for a lifetime.
The concept of wellness is not new, rather it is something humans have all considered and sought since the dawn of time. The problem is that the majority of us have looked in the wrong place. We have looked to outside sources, rather than looking inwards to ourselves. Our country currently spends over $2 trillion in health care, unfortunately we continue to grow unhealthier as a society every year.
It is obvious our current approach is not only not working, but also failing. Why? It comes down to several factors that can be summed up with one word: LIFESTYLE. 1. Humans like to symptom treat vs. address the underlying cause of a symptom. This is evident in health care, but also in almost every other aspect of human life. 2. We humans do not like to take responsibility for our lives. We want someone else to be responsible for what happens or for our misfortunes. 3. Most of us no longer actively participate in our lives, rather just go through the daily motions and just exist. We accept things as the status quo or fail to ask, "Why?"I'm not claiming to have all the answers, nor am I suggesting it will be easy or quick to solve what ails us as a culture. I do believe the solution is simple, though.
Wellness is not something you either have or you don't. It is a continuum. Every decision we make in life moves us towards or way from wellness. Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center believes we have the tools, resources, and support to allow you to reclaim your life. Each week, I will introduce places, concepts, themes across the Erie region that will provide you with opportunities to achieve a state of wellness you may have once thought was impossible to achieve.If you feel that something in your life is holding you back, please, join with Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center to grow a new mindset of health and wellness within the Erie community. How will you create wellness in your life?
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
The concept of wellness is not new, rather it is something humans have all considered and sought since the dawn of time. The problem is that the majority of us have looked in the wrong place. We have looked to outside sources, rather than looking inwards to ourselves. Our country currently spends over $2 trillion in health care, unfortunately we continue to grow unhealthier as a society every year.
It is obvious our current approach is not only not working, but also failing. Why? It comes down to several factors that can be summed up with one word: LIFESTYLE. 1. Humans like to symptom treat vs. address the underlying cause of a symptom. This is evident in health care, but also in almost every other aspect of human life. 2. We humans do not like to take responsibility for our lives. We want someone else to be responsible for what happens or for our misfortunes. 3. Most of us no longer actively participate in our lives, rather just go through the daily motions and just exist. We accept things as the status quo or fail to ask, "Why?"I'm not claiming to have all the answers, nor am I suggesting it will be easy or quick to solve what ails us as a culture. I do believe the solution is simple, though.
Wellness is not something you either have or you don't. It is a continuum. Every decision we make in life moves us towards or way from wellness. Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center believes we have the tools, resources, and support to allow you to reclaim your life. Each week, I will introduce places, concepts, themes across the Erie region that will provide you with opportunities to achieve a state of wellness you may have once thought was impossible to achieve.If you feel that something in your life is holding you back, please, join with Krauza Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center to grow a new mindset of health and wellness within the Erie community. How will you create wellness in your life?
Until next week,
BE FIT. EAT RIGHT. THINK WELL.
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