Dr. Mike's Blog

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Here Comes Summer!- May 2015

HERE COMES SUMMER!
May 2015

Hi Everybody, Dr. Norris here.
As the summer approaches most people become more active. Kind of like a bear after hibernating for the winter. After being indoors for months we move outside doing yard-work, gardening and recreational sports. All this sudden activity can cause neck and back pain. Often there is a chain reaction - muscles tighten up - which pull the vertebra out of alignment - which irritate the nerves - which causes pain. I can provide therapy to decrease muscle tightness - adjust misaligned vertebra - which takes the pressure off of the nerves - which decreases pain. Or you can just stay inside lying on the couch... but that may give you a stiff neck in which case you may need to see me anyway.

As temperatures heat up and we all wear less and less clothes, some of you may be thinking about dropping a few pounds to fit better into a swimsuit. Take it day by day and remember to have fun.
Well here are some quotes which will help you laugh about dieting.

A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand!
I didn't go to the gym today... but the cashier at McDonald's was named Jim... so same thing.
Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree. Trees are plants. Therefore chocolate is like a salad.
I've decided I will never get down to my original weight. Besides 6lb 3oz is just not realistic.
My swimsuit said "Go to the gym". My sweatpants said "Nah you're good"!
If you lick the frosting off of a cupcake... it just becomes a muffin and muffins are healthy.
I hate it when I think I'm buying organic vegetables and when I get home I discover they're just regular donuts!

On a serious note eating healthier is not difficult. Eat more plant based foods, less dairy and processed foods and rarely junk food.

If you or someone you know is in pain
I would be honored to help.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP: Try A Smoothie
If you're in a hurry or just want a healthy meal replacement... try a fruit smoothie. They are simple quick and surprisingly filling. My favorite is banana, strawberry, ice and protein powder with a bit of water. Blend for about 30 seconds for a low calorie, vitamin packed treat. Many athletes use smoothies to help control weight and improve energy. There are hundreds of variations. Some add yogurt, some add vitamin water, others use green tea. Whatever your taste, mix it up and enjoy!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Nerves control and regulate most of the functions in the human body. Therefore a healthy nervous system is essential for a healthy human." - Grays Anatomy, textbook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Some More Random Thoughts- April 2015

SOME MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS
April 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here. The year is a quarter of the way done, hard to believe April is here. This month I have a few more random thoughts for you.

Stress Awareness
April is National Stress Awareness Month.
Stress comes in many forms and bombards us from all sides. It may be too much work, relationship issues, poor habits or even environmental influences that can affect our health. The symptoms of too much stress are: fatigue, insomnia, poor digestion, irritability and malaise.

Experts in stress management recommend five things you can do to combat this problem.
1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep most nights. Burning that candle at both ends
    will catch up with you real fast.
2. Eat healthy. Easier said than done. Simply start by decreasing fast foods, dairy and sugar;
    then eat more plants.
3. Minimize stressful relationships. Avoid people who drain your energy
    and seek out people who build you up.
4. Prioritize your schedule. Do those things you have to do first, need to do second,
    and want to do last.
5. Do something for yourself. A weekend retreat or a massage can work wonders in reducing stress.

Who Needs Help?
Most of you know I love to fish. Have you ever watched the movie "A River Runs Through It".
It's a good movie, mostly because it is about fishing. Oh... and ladies, Brad Pitt is in it. There is a line in the movie that says "Why is it that the people who need the most help won't take it?" That line reminds me of some people I know who need help with pain and poor health... but and they won't accept any help. What's that other line about leading a horse to water?

If you, or someone you know is in pain
I would be honored to help.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Foot Pain? Try A Golf Ball.
I often have patients who complain of pain on the bottom of their feet. This is usually an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that starts at the heel and runs along the bottom of the foot to the toes. It causes a sharp pain that is worse when bearing weight after sitting. I recommend putting a golf ball in the refrigerator overnight. Put the ball on a carpeted surface and roll your foot on the cold ball for 5 minutes. It will be uncomfortable at first, but it will loosen up. Do this every day until the pain is gone. It usually resolves in about 1-2 weeks.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“A Psychologist is like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat.
A psychiatrist is like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn't there.”
- Dr. B.J. Palmer, Author of The Red Book.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Some Random Thoughts- March 2015

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
March 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.
This month I have a few random bits of info for you. So here they are.

A Storm Is Coming!
I'm sure you have heard someone say "The weather is changing... I can feel it in my bones." Well there is a scientific reason why this happens. As a low pressure front comes into an area the barometric pressure drops. This drop in pressure, and the decrease in temperature, causes the fluid in our joints to become thicker. Just like putting syrup in the fridge causes it to thicken. When the synovial fluid in our joints becomes more viscous the joint does not move as freely. If you have some wear on the joint (arthritis) it will ache or move slower. Hot baths will help reverse this.

Age Proof Your Brain.
Studies have shown there are a number of activities which can slow down brain degeneration. Here is a list of things that are proven to help: Dancing, playing an instrument, being bilingual, reading, writing, exercise and playing games... even video games!

Napping Also Helps.
Another activity that helps improve brain function is taking a nap. NASA found that the optimal time frame for taking a nap is 28 minutes of sleep; that's just enough for one REM cycle. Less than that, there is little benefit and more than that causes us to be drowsy. So do like the astronauts do and snooze for 28 minutes.

Why Don't You Go To The Doctor?
A questionnaire asked people why they don't go to a doctor more often. Here are the results:

22% said they were too busy.
22% said they never get sick.
17% said they had no insurance.
17% said they were too busy.
12% said they used home remedies.
10% said they don't like their doctor.

If you run out of excuses and need to see me...
I would be honored to help.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP: 117 years old!

Happy Birthday to Japan’s Misao Okawa, who turns 117 on Thursday, March 5th. She currently holds the Guinness World Records title of the world’s oldest living person, and is one of five people born in the 1800s who is still alive today — she was born on March 5, 1898! When Okawa was asked about the secret to being a super-centenarian she credits her long life to sushi and deep sleep — at least 8 hours nightly. “You also have to learn to relax,” she’s said.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”
~ Charles Schulz, Author of Peanuts Cartoon

Friday, February 6, 2015

The Cost of Healthcare- February 2015

THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
February 2015

Hi Everybody, Dr. Norris here.
With the economy still in a slow recovery we all have to compare costs and what we need versus what we want. That new car looks really nice but a good used car may be more practical. Eating out is more expensive than, and not as healthy as, a home cooked meal... but that pizza smells so good!

Being responsible with our hard earned money is also applicable when choosing healthcare. From what insurance to get to which doctor to choose we have many decisions to make. I have people that consult with me about their chronic musculoskeletal conditions. They may say something like "I would do anything to get rid of this pain." Yet when I tell them that they need regular treatment (chiropractic/ massage therapy) often they tell me "I can't afford that". It's not my nature to force care on people or try to make them feel bad for not choosing what I think is best. But let me break this down for a moment.

If someone is in pain every day it begins to affect all parts of their life. Work performance, interpersonal relationships, family life... even our recreation time is bound to suffer. Our joy for life is lessened by some degree. In my opinion decreasing or eliminating chronic pain is... invaluable.

So let's talk some real costs. Some insurance plans cover all or a portion of chiropractic care. With increasing co-pays, large deductibles and non-chiropractic coverage my rates for a dual region chiropractic adjustment is still only $30. A one hour massage therapy session is $50. That is at most a total of $80. Most chronic conditions will respond with as little as one chiropractic/massage combination per month. That is $2.70 a day. This amount can be offset by ordering fewer lattes, eating a homemade lunch several times a week, or choosing basic cable instead of a deluxe package. So is $2.70 a day worth feeling better? Only you can decide if it is.

I will be here if you need help.

“Nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP:
Exercise Saves Money
A little exercise makes us feel better and reduces health care costs. According to the Journal of Occupational Medicine people who exercise 2 1/2 hours or more per week reduce healthcare costs by $1,100 per year.
J Occup Environ Med, 2014 Sept; 56(9):919-26.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”
- Wayne Gretzky, National Hockey League Hall of Famer.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!- January 2015

SIGN, SIGN EVERYWHERE A SIGN!
January 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.
In my office you may have noticed there are a number signs on the walls. I put them there to help my patients understand what chiropractic is and why I do what I do. Take for instance the sign just inside the front door that says "Try Chiropractic First". If people would do what the sign says, they would most likely save time and money.

Let me give you an example:
People have frequently told me horror stories when they seek medical care for simple health problems. Like the mother who took her 15 year-old daughter to her family MD for re-occurring headaches. The MD examined and x-rayed her saying "I don't see anything wrong but we should get a CT-scan to be sure." He then gave her pain medication. After the scan was completed she had a return visit and was told "The scan was normal". After two weeks the girl's headaches continued, despite the medication which made her nauseous and sleepy. She was scheduled for a specialist appointment and more tests. Finally the mother brought the girl to my office for a check. She had three cervical spine adjustments over a week. The mother called telling me that her daughter's pain was gone. She then cancelled the specialist and test appointments. Numerous appointments with much waiting and thousands of dollars spent when all she needed to do was...TRY CHIROPRACTIC FIRST!

I have several posters which describe the subluxation complex. This is when a bone is displaced from its normal position. That misalignment can cause a cascade of symptoms from pain, spasm, tingling, numbness, weakness, swelling, inflammation and weakness. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to detect and correct this physical condition. If left uncorrected, this subluxation can eventually cause degeneration of the bones, which is arthritis, which is permanent. Don't let something that is easily corrected become permanent and difficult to treat.

In order to help my patient's understand what is going on in their bodies, I have put up anatomy posters showing the most common musculo-skeletal problems. I also take the time to explain what is likely happening and how to treat it. There is a poster which says "Cause & Effect" showing the many conditions which can be effected by spinal subluxations.

I have one particular sign which gets many comments. It says "Five Dangerous Words:
Maybe it will go away!"

So before it gets worse,
more expensive and harder to treat
give me a call I'm here to help.
That's what I love to do
help people get out of pain.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP: Eating Clean
OK I have officially jumped on the bandwagon of those eating "clean" diets. These diets promote no artificial, processed or junk food. Also no dairy, grains or sugar. Thankfully you can eat meat, fish and eggs...even bacon! If interested there are many websites you can visit. Check out: Whole30, Paleodiet and Skinnytaste. I will keep you posted on my progress.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“It is better to be fit as a fiddle than tight as a drum.”
~ B.J. Palmer, A founding father of Chiropractic.

Friday, December 12, 2014

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas- Christmas 2014

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
December 2014

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.
Well the holidays and the end of the year are here. Reflecting over the past year I am so blessed to have such wonderful patients. THANK YOU for trusting your health to me and for referring your friends and family. It's because of your loyalty that I am able to provide for my family doing something that I love doing. My hope is that you have a very Merry Christmas and a great
New Year. May you have good health and much happiness in 2015.

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

Holiday Schedule
Norris Chiropractic will be open during the week of Christmas and New Years. I will be in all day Monday and Tuesday, and half-day Wednesday morning. If you, or someone you know, needs pain relief have them give us a call. "Because Nobody Has Time For Pain!"

Christmas Trivia
- Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees.
They were made of goose feathers and dyed green.
- Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
- Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930's
for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.
- Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular
Christmas songs.
- If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas,"
you would receive 364 gifts.
- In 1843, "A Christmas Carol" was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks.
- Christmas became a national holiday in America on June, 26, 1870.
- More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
- In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve
is said to bring new love in the upcoming year.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Where Does the Time Go?- Happy Thanksgiving- Nov. 2014

Where Does The Time Go? November 2014
Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.

This month's newsletter includes an interesting commentary on something that we all can relate to ...aging.

The Truth about Getting Older
Do you realize that the only time when we like to get older is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions. “How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key.

You get to your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. “How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16!” You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life…You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. You BECOME 21!

But then you turn 30. Whoa, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now, you’re just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put the brakes on, it’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait! You MAKE it to 60. Like you didn’t think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it’s a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80’s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn’t end there. Into the 90s you start going backwards; “I was JUST 92.”

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it to 100, you become a little kid again. “I’m 100 and a half!”

Always remember, life is short. Enjoy the simple things. Laugh often, long and loud. Cherish your health and surround yourself with what you love.

If you need help getting through a physical challenge, I'm here to help.
That's what I love to do,
help people get out of pain.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris
P.S. Have a great Thanksgiving.

HEALTH TIP:
Hydrotherapy Helps Reduce Stress.
Relaxing in a hot bath relieves sore muscles and joints, reduces stress and tension, and promotes a good night's sleep. Add some soft music, lighting and scented bubbles to create an inexpensive spa experience.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We only have today... let us begin” ~Mother Teresa

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.