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Give Yourself the Gift of Health This Mother's Day

"Stay-at-home mom," "working mom" or "Mr. mom:" Regardless of your title, you've got children depending on you for non-stop nurturing and guidance. Whether you have an infant or four teenagers, you've got your hands full - the early hours, the late hours, the tears, the scraped knees and the broken hearts - a mother is expected to take care of everything. But who's taking care of you? This Mother's Day, look out for number one - give yourself a gift that can make you a better mom and a better person - the gift of health. After all, by taking care of yourself you will be better able to care for your family. So, this Mother's Day, discover chiropractic. Make an appointment with Dr. Christiana today and rediscover your hidden reserve of energy! "Not now, Mommy's too tired." Society tells us that it's "normal" for mothers to be tired most of the time. Consequently, many mothers accept feeling perpetually "wom down" and turn to caffeine or medication to regain lost gusto. The problem with these methods is that they don't attack the root of the problem. Guzzling coffee or popping pills can keep you going at times but often fail to provide a lasting solution. In contrast, chiropractic care offers long-term results. Doctors of chiropractic, including Dr. Christiana, work to correct areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones are out of alignment - dysfunctional regions known as vertebral subluxations. Chiropractors theorize that vertebral subluxations impair the body's ability to function at optimal capacity, decreasing energy levels. Dr. Christiana uses gentle maneuvers called spinal adjustments to restore movement to dysfunctional areas and prevent future vertebral subluxations from forming. "Kids, quiet down. Mommy has a headache." Sound familiar? The stress of motherhood can sometimes be a headache - and it can cause them too! Scientific evidence shows that chiropractic adjustments fight head pain and decrease a headache sufferer's need for medication (Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics 1995;18:148-54). And, unlike drugs which may relieve symptoms yet mask the underlying cause of pain, chiropractic care addresses the source of discomfort and prevents future headaches. Get Moving, Mom Want more energy? Try exercise. Not only does exercise boost your energy level, but it will also tone your physique and improve your mood. In one study, investigators found that after 50 minutes of step aerobics, subjects' levels of tension, depression, fatigue and anger plummeted. And, working out bolstered the exercisers' vitality levels (Journal Sports Medicine Physical Fitness 1997;37(3):200-4). Moms need this extra energy boost more than anyone; however, mothers are less likely to stay fit compared with fathers or women without children (according to a 10year study presented at the 1999 American Heart Association's epidemiology and prevention meeting). The researchers stressed that physical inactivity doubles a woman's risk of coronary heart disease and is directly responsible for 12 percent of total deaths each year. "To reverse this trend, morns must take time to exercise and programs should be designed that make it convenient to enjoy an active lifestyle," said the study's lead author. Finding time to exercise can be difficult for mothers, but keep at it - the boost in energy exercise delivers will save you time in the long run. Your chiropractor can help you develop and stick with an exercise program that works with your hectic schedule. "Mom, what's for dinner?" Do you decide what's for dinner by scouting out which fast-food restaurant is closest to your child's evening baseball practice? When you're tired or anxious, you're more susceptible to poor eating habits. But your poor eating habits may be making you tired or anxious to begin with. Plus, constantly grabbing fast food deprives your kids of essential nutrients and sends them the wrong message about food. Believe it or not, it doesn't take more energy to eat healthy - just a little time management. Planning ahead may seem tedious, but it's truly effective. Below are several proven techniques recommended by mothers who have made healthy eating a top priority. Plan your week's meals and determine preparation time: Sunday is usually a good day to take into account what the week ahead will hold. Also, consider the "when" and the "where" of evening events and if the activities coincide with meal or snack times. Make sure your trip to the grocery store includes purchasing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At home, cut or chop these colorful vitamin and energy replenishers into bite sized pieces. Pack these wholesome treats in lunch boxes, purses and brief cases to arm your family with healthy, energy-boosting weapons when snack attacks hit. Engage your children in meal planning. The more involved they feel the more likely they will be to accept healthier alternatives. If you're not sure what's included in a balanced diet, ask. Nutrition was an integral part of your doctor's training. Make the Most of Motherhood Your potential energy is just waiting to be unleashed! It's simple to discover your own hidden source of energy when you know where to look. If you lack vigor, you don't have to rely on drugs that have potentially dangerous side effects. There is a safer, natural and effective way to stay healthy and full of energy: chiropractic. Mothers throughout the world are discovering chiropractic and rIDding winning solutions to their lack of energy. So, this Mother's Day, treat yourself or a mom you know to a chiropractic checkup: The first step on the road to renewed vitality!

Our purpose is to educate and adjust families toward optimal health