All Natural Energy Bites

By Cassie McCully

As you may have noticed, things have been rather quiet around here.  We are working on a blog transition and have quite a few loose ends to complete.  Until we get settled, I'm going to leave you with an irresistible recipe.  It's a perfect snack for all of you last minute shoppers, those of you heading to the mountain this winter, and those who are going to motivate the rest of us during the holiday with their unwavering commitment to the gym.

All Natural Energy Bites

Adapted from fooddoodles.com

Makes approximately  16 walnut-sized bites

1/2 C. nut butter ( almond butter, peanut butter or any kind of nut butter--I buy Adam's Natural Creamy)

1/3 C. honey

1 C. old fashioned rolled oats

1 C. shredded unsweetened coconut (you can substitute here with any dry ingredients, including nuts and seeds.  I used 3/4 C. wheat germ and a small handful of ground flax seed).

1-2 tsp. vanilla

1-2 tsp. spices (optional-I didn't add any)

pinch of sea salt

1/2 C. of other addins (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, dark chocolate chips etc.  I added chocolate chips).

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the nut butter, honey, vanilla and salt if desired. 

2.  Once combined add the remaining ingredients.  Mix well.

3.  Place in the fridge for 15 or so minutes.

4. Remove from the fridge and begin to roll the dough into walnut (or smaller) size bites.

5.  Place in an airtight container in the fridge or in the freezer for a quick and delicious snack!

Enjoy!

Cassie

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Protect Your Child From Swallowing Lithium Batteries & Emmett's Fight

In 2010, more than 3400 button batteries were swallowed.

There have been 15 battery-related deaths.

11 have died within the last 6 years.

Most of the battery-related deaths have been related to the batteries found in remote controls.

You've seen the tiny batteries in small remotes, watches, flashlights, car keys, and even in toys.  Most likely, you haven't thought about your child getting a hold of them, or worse, how dangerous they can be.

Lithium batteries can cause permanent damage and be fatal to your child.

Meet Emmett. 

"Shortly after celebrating my son's first birthday, Emmett accidentally ingested a coin size button battery which was housed in our family remote control. The damage that was tragically created inside Emmett's body, has been a horrific and painful nightmare. It has been a battle to save his life ever since."
-Emmett's Fight: Battery Button Ingestion Awareness



Spread the news. 
There are many who are unaware of this danger within the home.
More informational links can be found on the blog, Emmett's Fight.

You can spread the awareness of the dangers of children and lithium batteries
by liking Emmett's Fight on Facebook,
following the blog, Emmett's Fight,
and by checking out the current fundraising event for Emmett's fight.

Google image

Photo of Emmett courtesy of Emmett's Fight Facebook page

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Settle Into Fall With These 5 Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Dip

By Cassie McCully
I don't know about you, but my love affair with pumpkin treats lasts long after the pumpkin patch closes and the jack-o-lanterns get tossed.  Whether you buy canned pumpkin from the store or you were on top of your game and canned your own pumpkin this year, incorporating pumpkin into recipes is festive and healthy, too!

Here's a few healthy ideas that will make eating pumpkin a pleasure...

Pumpkin Bread in a Bowl

Pumpkin-Leek Soup

Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin Smoothie

Each of these is making me more and more hungry for lunch.  You, too?

Do you have any go-to pumpkin recipes that you want to share?
Please do in the comments! 

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Corn Maze Giveaway Winner Announced!

Thanks to those who have taken part in the Corn Maze Giveaway.  According to Random.org, the winner of the Kruger Farms package, complete with two tickets to the corn maze, two pumpkins (25lbs. or less), two plain caramel apples, and two ears of corn, is... 

Kristian Sharratt said...

Hello! I have liked your page on facebook, as well as linked your page on facebook!

October 11, 2011 10:28 AM

Congrats, Kristian!  Please email me your email address at

cbmccully(at)hotmail(dot)come and I'll get your certificate sent over to you!

Thanks, Cassie

flickr image

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Six Secrets to a Strong Immune System

Do you get more than two colds or bouts of the flu per year? If so, it may be a sign of a weakened immune system. Follow these six secrets to build your immune system this season.

1. Exercise--Any exercise is better than no exercise. Think of the ways you can get moving throughout your day, the times when you can stand instead of sit and how you can find enjoyment in being active, regularly.  Did you know that walking is one of the most effective exercises?  Think of walking like an invigorating massage for every cell of your body.
2. Multi-Vitamin--Preferably one with aloe vera juice.  Studies have shown that the absorption of necessary vitamins C and E is significantly increased when taken in conjunction with an aloe supplement.  I prefer a liquid, organic multi-vitamin that includes aloe vera juice, such as the one we carry at our office. Drop by for a free tasting sample. 
3. Chiropractic Immunity Adjustment--Subluxations are subtle misalignments in the spinal column that put pressure on the exiting spinal nerves that run the organs and systems of the body, such as the immune system. Subluxations may be caused by falls, sleeping funny, bad lifting or bad posture such as prolonged computer/desk work. Subluxations increase the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Stress may tax the body and decrease immunity. Research suggests a link between a specific chiropractic adjustment of the upper cervical spine that may boost white blood cell count up to 300% and give a powerful punch to fight infection. Schedule a time for a free consultation to see if chiropractic is right for you.
4. Water--Is 8 glasses a day the right amount for you? It turns out that that amount is for someone who is truly dehydrated. For those who stay fairly well hydrated, aim for 4 to 5 glasses a day of filtered water.
5. Sleep--Most people require 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily.  A good way to measure your sleep needs are to spend a weekend or even better, a week, allowing yourself to wake uninterrupted.  After you've caught up on sleep-debt, you may see a pattern in the hours your body wants to spend sleeping.
6. Managing stress--In the office, I teach a FREE Championing Stress class*.  One tip we talk about in the class is pacing.  It may seem obvious, but the task of pacing is often overlooked.  Pacing means that if you know you have a big project coming up such as a wedding or large work/school project, you may want to postpone other non-essential tasks for later. *The next Championing Stress class will be taught 12/12 and includes lunch on me if you RSVP to (360)823-2225 while seats are still available.  Reserve a spot for yourself and a friend. 

I often get other questions on the topic of immunity. What about anti-bacterial soap, and should I wipe surfaces down with anti-bacterial wipes?  Also, do pets help or are they detrimental to immunity (and allergies for that matter)? Look for our upcoming blog posts to get answers to these important questions. Be sure you are a follower to this blog so you will know when those posts are available.

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

 'Giveaway!  Free Tickets to Sauvie Island's Corn Maze' happening now!

References:
Vinson, JA. Effect of Aloe Vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E.  Phytomedicine 2006; 12(10):760-765
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GIVEAWAY: Tickets to Sauvie Island's Corn Maze!

The leaves are turning and the temperature is dropping here in the great Northwest! Bothered by the rain, already?  Well, Dr. Marc and 'Life, Naturally' is offering YOU, the readers, a chance at tickets to Kruger Farms to enjoy a fall outing, complete with two tickets to the corn maze, two pumpkins (25lbs. or less), two plain caramel apples, and two ears of corn. 

An amazing deal, right?

There are three ways to enter the drawing for this
fantastic giveaway:

1) Become a follower of this blog by clicking the 'join this site' button and leave a comment here saying you've done so.
2) 'Like' Davis Family Chiropractic on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you've done so.
3) Link this giveaway on your facebook page for others to hear about and leave a comment here saying you've done so.

Easy, right?

Giveaway closes Wednesday, Oct. 12 11:59pm. 

Winners announced Thursday morning.  Stay tuned!

If 'Life, Naturally' hits 50 followers,

we'll double the offer and two sets of tickets will be given away!

Thanks for helping 'Life, Naturally' grow it's readership.

There's more fun in store!

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Why Your Desk Job May Be Hurting You

The American workforce and the way that it operates across the country has changed incredibly over the last four to five decades.  Fifty years ago, laboring on a farm or in a factory was a common way to make ends meet.  Jump ahead thirty years and insert the web.  Today, a vast majority of Americans spend the better part of their work day at a desk staring into a computer screen, and when we aren't working, we social network, apply for jobs, search recipes, rent movies and do our banking all while sitting and staring into a computer screen.

DANGEROUS DESK WORK

An interesting study done by Pennington, the nation's leading obesity research center, studied individuals who exercised regularly and have a desk job, with individuals who don't exercise regularly but who do work that requires movement.  The results are probably not what you think.

Peter Katzmarzyk, Ph.D., of Pennington states that individuals who exercise regularly but who spend the better part of their day sitting at a desk, are most likely not leading the overall active life that they assumed.  Katzmarzyk's colleague Marc Hamilton, Ph.D., agrees.  "People tend to view physical activity on a single continuum," he says. "On the far side, you have a person who exercises a lot; on the other, a person who doesn't exercise at all. However, they're not necessarily polar opposites."

The article 'Why Sitting all day is slowly killing you' explains this effectively:

"In a 2007 report, University of Missouri scientists said that people with the highest levels of nonexercise activity (but little to no actual "exercise") burned significantly more calories a week than those who ran 35 miles a week but accumulated only a moderate amount of nonexercise activity.

For instance, a "standing" worker—say, a sales clerk at a Banana Republic store—burns about 1,500 calories while on the job; a person behind a desk might expend roughly 1,000 calories. That goes a long way in explaining why people gain 16 pounds, on average, within 8 months of starting sedentary office work, according to a study from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington."

Interesting, right?  Worse than weight gain, are the risk factors associated with prolonged sitting.

DANGERS ATTRIBUTED TO PROLONGED SITTING:

• Higher risk of heart disease
• Higher diabetes risk--less steps raises insulin levels
• Back, spine, hip and shoulder pain
• Posture changes due to the body adapting to the position in which it spends the most time
• Weakening of muscles as the body adapts to the sitting position and uses less muscles to contract movement

So what can be done to lower these risks if your work involves desk work?  Add as much physical activity to your day as possible.  The little things add up.

• Park at the back of the lot
• Take the stairs to your office floor
• Stand while on the phone
• Walk to lunch
• Stretch throughout the day 

Other ways to increase your "non-exercise" regimen:

• Yard Work--the leaves are falling...
• Take the kids to the park
• Clean house
• Playing catch with the dog or kids

What do you do to keep active during your day?

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

Want to read more on the risk of heart disease and chronic pains related to prolonged sitting?  Read more of  'Why sitting all day is slowly killing you' on MSNBC.

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FREE backpack Safety Checks in the Office Now!

We look forward to seeing you, 

Davis Family Chiropractic, PLLC

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Activities for This Weekend's Sunshine

By Cassie McCully

With our warm days coming to an end, how do you plan to spend Friday and Saturday's sunshine?

For those of us who live in the greater Portland metropolitan area, we're lucky to have so many great places to visit and things to do.

Visit. Have you been to this local landmark lately?  This museum is hosting 'Harvest Fun' for the family.

Hike. This view is worth the climb, and this trail at the edge of the city is the perfect place for bike riding, stroller pushing, walking and running.

Market.  This market in Portland's Historic Old Town is a must-visit for out-of-towners and locals, alike.  In Southwest Washington?  This market is close by in Vancouver and is the second largest farmer's market in Washington.

Browse.  Looking for a new read?  This store's shelves just might pull you in for a few hours. 

Eat. The calories are high and the lines are long, but this sweet shop has been talked about across the country. 

Listen. Live music and dancing at this cultural festival in the city.

Anything to add?  Write to us in the comments!

photo credit

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Is Your Child's Backpack Safe?

Now that it's back to school, have you noticed your child's backpack and what he or she may be carrying?  Have you ever thought about the safety of your back while you are toting your books and belongings to school or work?  Or do you rarely give second thought to carrying those extra pounds on your back?

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine researched children and back pain associated with backpacks and concluded information that shouldn't go ignored.

In a test of ten students, boys and girls, thirteen years of age, backpacks were fitted to each student with pressure sensors to test them carrying 10%, 20% and 30% of each of their body weight for 30 seconds.  With each increase in weight, were increased pain levels.  According to UCSD, studies have shown that children commonly carry 22% of their body weight on their back, which can be attributed to

• Posture change
• Spine curvature
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) annual estimates "there are nearly 7,500 emergency room visits due to injuries related to backpacks or book bags" (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2004). 

Now, to answer yesterday's Quiz Question From the Doc :

Q: As a rule of thumb, what percent of a child's body weight is the recommended safe weight limit for that child's full backpack?

A: According to Backpack Safety America, the recommended safe weight limit for a child's full backpack is up to 10% of a child's body weight.

Tips for backpack safety:

1. Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight.  This will prevent your child from slouching forward while carrying their backpack.
2. Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders.
3. Backpacks should be positioned square on the back, close to the body, with the bulk of the weight at the waist.
4. Minimize what is carried in the backpack.
5. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to help carry weight effectively.
6. When backpack has a waist strap--use it.

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

ucsd study

photo credit

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Quiz Question From the Doc

In the spirit of back to school, backpacks and books...

Q: As a rule of thumb,

what percent of a child's body weight

is the recommended safe weight limit for that child's full backpack?

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A Doubled Success

Friends and Patients,

Our 'Help Color a Child's World,' Back to School Drive was a huge success thanks to you!  With your help we brought in over 20 bags of supplies and 12 back backs.  The kids at Hearthwood Elementary will be benefiting from your generosity.  Shawn Renee, from Hearthwood Elementary, stated the need has doubled this year compared to last year.

2011

Thanks again for making it a success.

Best in health naturally,

Dr. Marc

top image

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Feeling Adventurous This Weekend?

By Dr. Marc Davis

Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to have a new experience (as an elementary student I loved fieldtrips…nothing has changed there) but 3:30am?

Some friends and I and some of our kids decided to spend Labor Day on the Oregon Coast crabbing. In 23 years of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest I had never taken the opportunity to go crabbing.

We woke up at 3:30am, met our friends at 4:30am and were on the coast a couple hours later. We wanted to get there early to be there for high tide. Also, because it was a Labor Day, we wanted to beat the rush (both with traffic and renting our crab baskets and bait).

Some things to keep in mind from my perspective as an amateur crabber:

• You will need a license for anyone 14 and older (kids under 14 can crab for free).  You must get the license in Oregon such as at Bi-Mart or Sports Authority. It is $11.50 for a three day pass or $20.50 for an annual pass. You will need to know the Social Security number for anyone for which you want to get an annual pass, but not for the three day pass. I got an annual pass for myself; however I did not have my 15 year old son’s SS # on me and calling him did not provide the needed information so I settled for the three day for him.  One day passes are not available.  These are rates for Washington residents.  Oregon residents are presumably less.
• Garibaldi Marina in Garibaldi, Oregon is a popular spot to crab, and the people at the marina are professional and personable. You can rent a boat for about $60 (seats 6) for a few hours I am told. All the boats were reserved because of the holiday weekend and our spontaneity. Instead we went to a local pier and crabbed along with about 30 others.  Pier access was free.
• We rented our crabpots for $5 each and the bait (frozen fish) for $3.
• You will need a bucket filled halfway with the bay’s water for collecting your crabs. You may only keep male crabs over a certain size.  According to nwfish.com you can keep male crab larger than 5 3/4 inches across the back.  In Washington, the legal size limit must be at least 6 inches across the back.  Smaller than that, you must throw them back.  Check with the bait shop or the marina to be sure.  It seemed that we would catch 5 for every one that were “keepers.”  It is nice to buy the crab measuring tool available where you rent the crab nets for a under $3.
• Some of our group used frozen chicken legs which were well received by the crabs. Also you can buy smelly jelly that can make the lure even more attractive to crabs (the more pungent the better, apparently).
• Even tough it was early September, instead of sunglasses and sunscreen, we needed warm clothing. I was glad I’d brought a sweatshirt.
• Gloves such as the kind that are yellow used to clean the kitchen are helpful to not feel the pinch so hard (although I never got pinched, some in our group did without gloves and it hurt but usually did not seem to draw blood). Also the gloves are vital to prevent rope burn from quickly pulling in the crabpots.
• Bring a chair (and your patience and/or a good book or a friend to talk to)…it takes time. We were there on the pier from about 7am to 1pm (with a hot chocolate break somewhere in between). 
• The anticipation was fun.  One in our group caught 11 crab (the limit is 12 per license per day). My son and I caught five between the two crabpots that we had.
• Once we were home I realized that, being amateurs, we did not own the correct utensils to enjoy eating the crab. I had to make a last minute trip to Wal-Mart and for $2 bought nut/shellfish cracking tools and picks which I found in the sporting goods section.

FUN FACT:  To tell between Male & Female crabs look on their belly.

The female shape "looks like the US Capitol Building,"

while the male shape "looks like the Washington Monument."

Need to know how to prepare your crab?

Here's a YouTube video that is informative and will have you enjoying your crab quickly!

There's nothing like a crab feast!

Unless of course, you are allergic to shell fish.

Any adventures in store for you this weekend?

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc Davis

First crab photo
Crab shell photos and information source.

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Mint: For Health & Enjoyment

By Cassie McCully

Growing mint is as easy as throwing seeds and watching them turn into wildflowers--my kind of gardening!

Did you forget to water...for a week?  No problem!  With a lot of sunlight, mint will continue to grow and grow, and if you're not careful, it may just grow outside of its pot, into the ground and up the porch. 

Mint can be highly invasive. 

The good news is that growing mint can be purposeful and enjoyed in various ways.

The use of herbs and essential oils are becoming more popular with health care professionals, and even Dr. Davis.  Especially since we live in a day and age where our grocery store shelves are filled with processed foods that lose their essential nutrients through their processing.  Essential oils are the concentrated and complex heart of the plant.  The heart of mint, is in fact its leaves. 

MINT FOR HEALTH: 

• Digestive Process: The menthol in peppermint aids the digestive process by creating bile, an essential digestive fluid, to soothe the digestive lining.
• Nasal, Sinus and Chest Congestion: Menthol vapors are widely used for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion.  Just as Vick's Vapor Rub is marketed to give soothing effects, a cup of mint tea can do the same.
• Cough: Drinking cold peppermint tea has been known to help with coughs. 
• Colic: Peppermint tea has been used to soothe colic.  Talk with your pediatrician about soothing colic with peppermint.
• Nausea, Gas and Tension Headaches:  Mint can ease nausea and excess gas when taken orally, and soothe tension headaches by rubbing peppermint oil on the temples.
• Anti-inflammatory, Pain-Reducer, Counterirritant: Mint, in its essential oil form helps create white cells
• Mental Fatigue: Mint has been used to re-energize the mind, and lift the mood.
• Mint contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Using mint for the above mentioned remedies call for mint in either the concentrated essential oil form or in its natural-grown form.  You can find the essential oil of mint at your local health section in your grocery store or at your health food store.  Ask your health foods expert how to incorporate mint as a remedy for your health.

MINT IN THE KITCHEN:

• Mint Tea
• Moroccan Mint Tea  "It's so popular, it is served all day long..."
• Lemon Mint Cucumber Water
• Mint Smoothie
• Tropical Fruit Salad With a Hint of Mint
• Mint Rice
• Fried Eggplant With Walnut and Mint Sauce
• Salad With Lime-Mint Dressing
• Ina Garten's Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad

I could keep linking, but you get the picture. 

Mint can also be dried and stored for later usage. 

Perhaps now you are looking at those mint plants a little differently? 

I know I am.

Health references and more information: mintrubbing.org/themintplant.pdf 

Photos by Cassie McCully

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Blackberry Heaven

By Cassie McCully

The blackberries are ripe and ready to pick!  The kids and I have been on a couple berry picking outings already, and have gathered ourselves quite a few bowlfuls. 

Last week, while up in the more mountainous region of Camas, Washington, my husband and his friends found some Huckleberries.  He always does a nice job of thinking of me while away, even on a guys outing, and returned home with said berries in hand.

So what did I do with my berries, you ask?

I made one decadent pan of Blackberry & Huckleberry Crumble Bars!

  Not only did they taste divine, my house smelled just as nice.

Blackberry Crumb Bars

Adapted from Martha

"Delight picnic-goers with a portable version of summer berry crumble:

a perfect marriage of tart fruit and tender cake, capped with a slightly crunchy topping."

Ingredients

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted, and 1/2 C. (1 stick), room temperature, plus more for pan

1 3/4 C. flour

1/2 C. packed light-brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 C. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 large eggs

2 containers (5 oz. each) blackberries--or whichever berries you have on hand

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 8 inch square baking pan, or double the recipe like I did, and use a 9 x 13 pan.  Line bottom of pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides to use as handles when you remove the entire pan of treats after they've baked and cooled.

2. Make topping: in a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt; add 1 cup flour and mix with a fork until large moist crumbs form.  Refrigerate topping until ready to use.

3.  In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt; set aside.  In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture.  Spread batter evenly in pan and sprinkle with berries, then chilled topping.

4. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached, 40-45 minutes.  Cool completely in pan.  Using foil overhang, lift cake onto a work surface; cut into squares.

Note: These are even more delicious on the second day.

In case you missed it, you could also throw some berries into

 these low-fat treats.

What berries have you picked lately and what plans do you have for them?

-Cassie

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Crayfish...Not just in the Boondocks.

Care to insert some tunes for your read? 

Little Big Town mentions Crayfish in their song, Boondocks! 

During a recent sunny afternoon, the kids and I decided to go crawdad/crayfish catching. I believe their fun Uncle Nathan and his brother taught them how to find them a year or two back. Since then we have gone out on the Washougal River three or four times. It is a fun time in the sun and sure beats the kids playing X-Box!

One year, the older kids and their friends brought several home and cooked ‘em up in boiling water and ate ‘em up like mini lobsters. This year, however, we just caught them for the sport of it and then released them again.

Our kids and some friends (ages 4 to 15) had fun, even those terrified of being in the water with anything that could “get them” had a blast searching and pointing to where they saw one, like hunters cornering their prey.

Caleb releasing the crayfish back into the water.

Thank you Dan for taking pictures with your phone.

FUN FACTS: 

• Crayfish are farmed and are quite a lucrative business for many farmers across the nation.
• There are over 300 species of freshwater crayfish in the USA with different colors, sizes and temperaments
• Crayfish, when farmed are fed natural sources of food such as hay, grass and other vegetation.  They are also fed processed feed such as crayfish feed, sinking fish food, pellets and even dog food.
• Some crayfish, in the right living conditions, can grow to be as long as a dollar bill or larger!

picture and information source

Items needed for your Crayfish fun: sunblock, sunglasses and/or hat, swimsuit (you will get wet—the rocks can be slippery), a container such as a small cooler (emptied and filled with a few inches of the river water) to hold your catch, watersocks or sandals with a strap in the back (flip flops don’t work well) and a camera to record the fun.

Our favorite location: park at the Washougal skate park (old bowling alley) and follow the trail to the boat launch.

Have you come across any favorite free places to visit in the great NW, lately?

-Dr. Marc

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Keep 'Cool' With Homemade Popsicles

I've been eyeing homemade cool treats all over the web...

Orange & Blueberry Pops

Three simple ingredients.  Perfect, right?

Yep, you guessed it--

Avocado Popsicles and Greek Yogurt with Blackberry Popsicles!

Via Cup of Jo

Plum Smoothie Pops

Strawberry Banana Pops

I know what I'm making this afternoon!

Want to search for the perfect popsicle?
Here are another 50 popsicle recipes from Growing a Green Family

and 176 (!) popsicle recipes from Laura's Best Recipes. 

You can get creative with your popsicle molds by using muffin tins,
individual baking molds, or cups and popsicle sticks,
or you can pick yourself up an actual popsicle mold.
I'd like to get my hands on one of these stainless popsicle molds. 

Want to be automatically entered into our first giveaway? 
Click on the 'join this site' button and follow 'Life, Naturally'.
You can get a second entry by following us on Facebook.
Details to come!

Have a great Wednesday,
 Cassie

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Help COLOR a Child's World!

Can you believe we're about a third done with August?  Summer seems to be hit and miss around here, but the beginning of the school year is definitely around the corner.

Since 2010, Davis Family Chiropractic has partnered with elementary schools in the Vancouver area to provide school children with the supplies they need for back to school.  Last year we had a tremendous outpour from Davis Family Chiropractic patients, friends and family.  This year, we're hoping to offer the same and more, to students in the area who are in need. 

In exchange for your support, and to say thank you, Davis Family Chiropractic is offering a free first visit (to include an in-depth check up, computerized scans and onsite x-rays, if necessary) for the month of August.  We are also accepting a bag of socks or underwear as well, in exchange for your first visit. 

You can help promote this cause by bringing in school supplies or by passing along this blog post url or by 'liking' the post on Facebook for others to see and use.

Click coupon to enlarge and print

Thanks for helping us

"Color a Child's World!"

top image credit

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Around Town This Weekend...

Hello friends!  My name is Cassie and I'm a Contributor to Life, Naturally.  You can read more about me in the 'about' section if you are interested, but I will tell you that I love the Northwest, being outdoors, finding fun (especially free) things to do on the weekend, and cooking healthy and delicious meals for my family.  So these are the sort of things I'll be writing about on this blog.  Keep your eyes peeled, because my other job is to keep you informed of giveaways, promotions and other fun things!

Since it's now officially the weekend, I've rounded up a few activities that I think may peak your interest...

Downtown Camas Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival   Fri. 5-8pm & Sat. 9-4pm
There will be quilts displayed up and down the street, along with raffles, make-and-takes and demonstrations.

Soar With Books: Toddler Story Time at Pearson Air Museum  Sat. 10am
"This story time includes an age appropriate tour of the museum along with an airplane story read beneath the wings of a historic aircraft, followed by a craft project...."
Adults (16 and older) $3
Youth (15 and under) Free
Family $5

Clark Country Fair!  Runs Aug. 5-14  Unlimited rides for $25 till 11pm tonight.  Want to add some beachy tunes to your summer?  The Beach Boys perform tonight at 7:30pm.  Tickets to the concert are not included with fair admission. 

What are you up to this weekend?  Anything happening that we should know about?

Enjoy the sun,
Cassie

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Rid the Pain With Bromelain

Dealing with aches and pains is inconvenient, and no less uncomfortable. Maybe you threw your back out doing yard work yesterday, or aggravated your knee during your last run? Maybe you landed on your ankle during that wild game of backyard volleyball?  Bromelain is a supplement that may help ease the pain.

Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from the stem and fruit of pineapple, has been used for hundreds of years to reduce swelling and inflammation within the body.

I often turn a patient on to Bromelain when they are dealing with a minor injury such as a sprain or strain.  When Bromelain enters the blood stream, it works in the same way other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and inflammation. 

Bromelain has also been known to help:

Swelling in the nose or sinuses as a result from surgery or hay fever

Joint pain caused by arthritis

Loss of motor function caused by symptoms related to carpel tunnel

To benefit from Bromelain, it is best taken in concentrated capsule form, since much of the enzyme is found in the stem of the pineapple.  You can find the supplement at your natural food store, such as Whole Foods, in various brands and milligrams.  Talk to your natural health expert about dosage and how to incorporate Bromelain into your diet.  (Do not take, of course, if you are allergic to pineapple.)

Of course, the best part, is that this remedy is natural.  I'm all for natural.  You, too?

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

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Migraine Headaches...uggghhh!

Today, I met with a mother and her 14 year old daughter. They were referred in by a massage therapist patient of mine. They both suffer from migraines. The mom took notes as I shared two vitamins that can make a big difference (read on...).

When people have migraines I really feel for them, especially if they have been going on for a while. Imagine all that vice-like pain...the minutes that tick by so slooooowwwlllllyyy, not to mention the loss of productivity and the toll it takes on relationships. I wonder how many divorces are related to migraines, how many children that don't have both parents under the same roof?! The loss of a great job because of having to "go home again because I've got a headache"...

What is a migraine?
Several characteristics make a migraine different from other headaches:

• Usually affecting the front of ONE side of the head
• Intense, throbbing pain that can last as long as 72 hours
• Nausea and vomiting frequently present
• May have light and/or sound sensitivity
• Some may have an "aura"--an abnormality in perception such as seeing blobs of light, auditory hallucinations or strange smells
• They usually begin before age 40
• Women affected usually more than men
• Food triggers include cured meats (think hot dogs or some sandwich meat), wine, chocolate, MSG, etc.
• Heightened neurological activity may trigger a headache such as lots of reading and/or computer work, TV, gaming, etc.

I once got a bad headache after making lots of copies when I worked as a research assistant at WSCC--the quick, blinking greenish lights of the copy machine combined with the smell of the toner...still makes me sick just thinking about it.

Did you know also that some migraines actually don't hurt? Some people have silent migraines and only experience the "aura".

Better than Meds
Studies reveal that chiropractic adjustments offer relief for migraine sufferers. One trial divided up participants into three treatment groups for eight weeks: amitriptyline (a medication commonly given for migraine), chiropractic adjustments, and a combination of the two.

Four weeks after treatment concluded those who received just adjustments reported a 42% reduction in pain compared to 24% and 25% for medication and combination therapy, respectively. The chiropractic only group did not have to worry about dangerous side effects either! (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998;21:511-9.)

Other Remedies
Consider riboflavin, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid for reducing migraines as well as the herbs butterbur and feverfew (Neurol Sci 2010;31:S137-9).

Spread the word and don't suffer needlessly!

Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc

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