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I found this fantastic video on living life, being thankful for what you have, and dancing in the rain. 

I was at a meeting the other night with other health care professionals, when the discussion turned to "what does a chiropractor do?" Another doctor asked me "what does a chiropractor fix?" My answer to that was "As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I don't 'fix' anything."

This drew up some eyebrows.

I went on to explain, it is not my job to "fix" a problem. I used the example of a Medical Doctor treating a broken clavicle. If someone breaks their clavicle and it is separated (which usually happens, one side of the bone moves up, the other down, so the fractured ends do not touch and do not align with each other), and that person does not get the area treated, he/she just "lets it heal." The body, amazingly, will connect the two broken bones. They will not be in the correct position, but the bones will fuse/"fix" itself. Now if that same person were to seek out a Medical Doctor who would set the clavicle so that the bones line up, the body will still "fix" itself, and the bones will be in alignment with each other. The M.D. did not "fix" the body; they just helped it along its path.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I have the great privilege of doing a similar thing. If someone hurts their lower back/neck/wrist, etc and "does nothing." The area will probably heal so the body can function. That function may be impaired, the area may have chronic inflammation, weakness, etc, but it will "heal." Now if that same person seeks out a Doctor of Chiropractic, the DC will find the area of weakness/injury and help re-align/strengthen the area so that it may heal more correctly. I am blessed to be a Doctor of Chiropractic, and I also know that I do not "fix" the body; the human body is much more amazing than I can ever be.

A nerve transmits an impulse at a rate of 131 to 299 feet per second, half of your body's blood cells are replaced every 7 days, the average adult has 206 bones in their body, the human body has about 640 muscles... and somehow the body coordinates all of this without any of our help.

So as a Doctor of Chiropractic, I do not "fix" anything, I just help ensure that the body does not have impedance, or interference in its quest to heal itself.

Chiropractic Resolutions
for a Healthier

Start the New Year off right by committing to a healthier lifestyle. A few simple and practical lifestyle changes can make a positive impact on your health and can also prevent you from experiencing a painful injury in the year ahead, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

The ACA and Lindeman Chiropractic urge you to adopt the following New Year's resolutions for a healthier 2009.

1. I will limit my intake of caffeinated coffee, sodas and teas. The caffeine in these drinks can cause dehydration and can rob the body of essential nutrients. Stick to water, natural juices and other decaffeinated beverages.
   

    

2. I will avoid over medicating myself and my family. Many over-the- counter and prescription medications have unknown side effects. Discuss alternative remedies with your chiropractor.
   

    

3. I will not carry a heavy purse or briefcase with its strap over my shoulder, unless I place the strap over my head on the side opposite the bag. Wearing a shoulder strap over one shoulder unevenly places the weight of the bag on one side of the body, potentially causing shoulder and back pain.
   

    

4. I will not allow my children to carry backpacks that weigh more than 10 percent of their body weight. Beyond that weight, the backpack can cause the wearer to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, instead of the shoulders.
   

    

5. I will not lift heavy objects over my head. These types of movements can strain muscles and affect nerves, causing severe neck, shoulder and arm problems.
   

    

6. I will not turn my torso while lifting relatively heavy objects. This rotates the spine and can bring on a "back attack."
   

    

7. I will avoid the habit of consistently crossing the same knee over the other. Such a habit can also eventually cause misalignment of the spine.
   

    

8. I will try to keep moving while I'm at work. If sedentary for the majority of the work day, it is very important to take periodic stretch breaks. Get up from the desk and take a brief walk, and stretch arms and legs as frequently as possible to avoid postural and spinal stress.
   

    

9. I will, when using a shovel - in winter or summer - remember to push rather than lift, whenever possible.
   

    

10. I will use luggage with wheels whenever possible. Carrying, lifting and moving a heavy suitcase can ruin a vacation.

10a.  I will see my chiropractor for maintenance care rather than attempting to "patch a hole" I will fix the problem :)

The Big Idea

A slip on the snowy sidewalk in winter is a small thing.

It happens to millions.

A fall from the ladder in the summer is a small thing.

It also happens to millions.

The slip or fall produces a subluxation.

The subluxation is a small thing.

The subluxation produces pressure on a nerve.

That pressure is a small thing.

That decreased flowing produces a dis-eased body and brain.

That is a big thing to that man.

Multiply that sick man by a thousand, and you control the physical and mental welfare of a city. Multiply that man by one hundred thirty million, and you forecast and can prophesy the physical and mental status of a nation. So the slip or fall, the subluxation, pressure, flow of mental images, and dis-ease are big enough to control thoughts and actions of a nation.

Now comes a man.

And one man is a small thing.

This man gives an adjustment.

The adjustment is a small thing.

The adjustment replaces the subluxation.

That is a small thing.

The adjusted subluxation releases pressure upon nerves.

That is a small thing. The released pressure restores health to a man. This is a big thing to that man. Multiply that well man by a thousand, and you step up the physical and mental welfare of a city. Multiply that well man by a hundred thirty million, and you have produced a healthy, wealthy, and better race for posterity.

So, the adjustment of the subluxation to release pressure upon nerves, to restore mental impulse flow, to restore health, is big enough to rebuild the thoughts and actions of the World.

The idea that knows the cause, that can correct the cause of dis-ease, is one of the biggest ideas known. Without it, nations fall; with it, nations rise.

The idea is the biggest I know of.

BJ Palmer, D.C.