Easter Chiropractic Service Project

Chiropractic care for the needy was a grand success with four chiropractors volunteering throughout the day. This service project of the Georgia Chiropractic Association District 1 began in 2010, and provides chiropractic care at four events each year in downtown Atlanta at Thanksgiving, Christmas, MLK Day and Easter. We were part of the Easter Day of Services at the Georgia Dome. The chiropractors involved were Drs. Winston and Chantaye Carhee, Dr. Bianca Kiovanni and myself. Men and women from the ages of 81-21 who came to the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Event received exams and chiropractic adjustments. There were folks with years of accumulated stress and strain, old injuries that were not properly treated and joints and muscles that bear the burden of poverty and ill health. We had a steady flow of people wanting to have their spines checked, and ask questions about their health concerns. I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and am thankful that I have a home and food on the table.

Holiday Stress- Busters

The holidays bring stress in all kinds of ways.
Some are physical, like wrestling boxes of decorations from out of the attic. Some are mental like trying remember all the people who need presents, what they got last year, and what you want to get them this year. Emotional stress comes from dealing with relatives, memories of past holidays and unfulfilled expectations. Metabolic stress comes from holiday cookies, eggnog and too much time on the couch.
What can we do to make sure that holiday stress doesn't turn into holiday illness, injury or disease?

1. Stretch- Even 5 minutes in the morning can help prevent knots, strain and spasms from ruining your holiday celebration. Remember to stretch slowly and don't bounce.
2. Breathe- If you are feeling tense and rushed, take a moment, stop what you are doing and just take 4-5 slow, deep breaths. The pause and intake of fresh oxygen to your system is good for you.
3. Drink- Water. Dehydration is just as easy in the wintertime as in the heat of summer. Keeping your body hydrated helps to ward off exhaustion and aids in weight control.
4. Take your vitamins-Stress can deplete your body of essential nutrients like B vitamins and Vitamin C. Exposure to germs can compromise your immune system, increasing your requirement for zinc.
5. Get adjusted.-Chiropractic adjustments help put your nerves and muscles at ease, which reduces stress in your body. The less stress that is pent-up in your body, the better you sleep and quicker you heal.