Maple Meadows Chiropractic Blog

2012-01-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Our Chiropractic Alphabet Letter of the week is ‘S’ and you guessed it, ‘S’ is for SPINE! I thought you might enjoy this little poem I found online.

A RHYME ON SPINE (Poem)
BY EVERETT ESTES FORD

I often think about my spine.
Do you ever contemplate much of thine?
Last month was bad. This month it's good,
Thank God, it's behaving just as it should.
I can twist and turn without any pain,
And walk great distances without my cane.
Sitting down is OK, getting up is all right.
Just feelings that some lumbar muscles are tight.
How nice it would be if I could be unaware
Of my spine, as I am of my growing hair.
A miracle they say that it works at all
For decades of service at our beck and call.
So think in awe about your spine
Just as I do in appreciating mine.

Your spine is so important. Let us help you keep it well!
Dr. Crystal

2012-01-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Take Small Steps to a healthier you!

Making changes in how you care for your health is a matter of trying and learning. It’s all about choosing a goal and working toward it. Making a plan and taking the first step will help you reach your goal.

To get started, think about what is important to your health. What are you willing and able to do? Then, choose a goal. You’ll be more likely to succeed if it’s something that is important to you and that you believe you can do. Start small and take gradual steps. If your goal is to walk 30 minutes a day, start by walking a block or two after dinner two nights a week, and then add a block or so each week.

Let go of guilt, start fresh each day and acknowledge yourself when you do accomplish what you set out to do for the day.

Our goal is for you to stay healthy and mobile throughout your whole life. This is why we encourage you to stretch every day, start a regular exercise regiment, & most of all get a regular check up to keep your spine moving and your nervous system working the way it was designed to.

Keep up the good work!

The Maple Meadows Team

2011-12-31T11:51:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve is an interesting time of the year. Every day is day of reflection but in our culture particular emphasis is placed on the turning of a new year. Our advice is take advantage of this cultural practice to do your best in eliciting change.

Change is healthy, change is useful. Observe what is of greater importance in your life and focus on that for 2012. Now is the time to be who you want to be, build the foundations of what has relevance to your life and immerse yourself in this every moment of everyday.

Be kind to your body, look after your mind and be good to those around you, for they support your journey. Have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve.

The Maple Meadows Team!

2011-12-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

T’was a Chiropractic Christmas

T’was the day before Christmas,

but there was no cheer.
No jingle bells jingled, no sound of reindeer.
The word had gone out that Santa was sick.
There would be no visit from jolly St. Nick.

The people were sad; no gaiety sounded.
For Christmas had come,

but Santa was grounded.
He drove down the road,

and what should he see?
But a sign for a doctor, who was a D.C.

Now Santa was not one to like a new tactic,
But all else had failed, so he tried Chiropractic.
He entered the office and saw at a glance,
in a place such as this, illness hasn’t a chance.

The office staff smiled, the music was sappy,
with all of the patients contented and happy.
In a very short time, to judge by the clock,
he was in the adjusting room, talking to Doc.

It must be the hurry, the tension and all,
I simply can’t seem to get on the ball.
Life used to be easy;

just kids, toys and whistles,
now I dodge smog, spaceships and missiles.

And Doc, take a look at the size of this pack!
Have you any idea what it does to my back?
Poor Santa was miserable and just barely able,
with the help of the Doctor, to get on the table.

The Doctor was gentle;

without a fuss or a tussle
he examined the vertebrae

and relaxed every muscle.
He spotted trouble and then with a click,
started aligning the spine of old St. Nick.

Santa felt aches and pains slipping away
and in no time at all it was a great day.
The air was a tingle with new fallen snow
and a healthy Kris Kringle was rarin’ to go.

As he went out the door, he threw them a kiss;
why, it had been centuries

since he felt good as this!
Then once more he shouldered

the bag full of toys,
his heart overflowing with true Christmas joys.

*Merry Christmas!*

Have a safe and happy holiday!

2011-12-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

In the chiropractic alphabet, R is for Responsibility.

And yes, it’s true, your spine is responsible for transmitting almost every signal in your body. These signals, in turn, are responsible for controlling how your body works.

So if your body works well, thank your spine. And if your body should work better, figure out a way to improve your spine. When was the last time you had your spine checked?

Your chiropractor is responsible for detecting and correcting imperfections in the spinal column, called subluxations. If you just leave your subluxations, they are responsible for irritating nerve signals, often causing pain as well as disrupting other functions.

As much as we would like to, we cannot snap our fingers and make your pain disappear. Correcting spinal subluxations is a process. Our responsibility is to educate you on the best options for changing your spine. We will be able to tell you approximately how many adjustments you will need over what length of time as well as which type of stretching or strengthening exercises will help. Your responsibility is to choose to follow the recommendations.

The reality is that your spinal health is ultimately your responsibility.

Dr. Crystal
PS Happy Birthday Doctor Matt!!!!

2011-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

We all want to thank every single one of you who helped us to make our contribution to the

"Friends in Need" Food Bank such a success!

Wow, 1000 lbs of food! That’s incredible!!!

There are many families who are going to be touched by your generosity!

Sincerely,
The Maple Meadows Chiropractic Team

2011-11-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

In our chiropractic alphabet, ‘Q’ is for Quality.

Are you turning into one of those people who will leave things too long?
Sometimes we need someone to hold us accountable!

Maintaining your health is no different than maintaining your yard, your car, or your home. It is best done regularly and you’ll keep it better when company is coming. That’s right, visitors to your home serve as quality control inspectors! As for your health, you should have a team of people providing quality control checks for your body. Your dentist, naturopathic doctor, personal trainer, and chiropractor should be checking on you regularly because health problems start small then get big fast. The best time to correct a problem is before you know you have it!

Who is the quality control inspector for your spine? How about your kids?

Dr. Crystal

2011-11-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

We are onto the letter ‘P’.

In the chiropractic alphabet, ‘P’ is for Power!

It is widely recognized that the forces that came together to create the human body are truly remarkable. This Power that enabled each of us to come into existence can also be harnessed for healing, because “the Power that made the body, heals the body.”

In some ways it seems obvious that whatever amazing forces are at work to make a human being must also be responsible for its healing, and yet so many times we see people ignoring this logical principle.

In searching for health, why do people look outside themselves first? There is no pill or herb or remedy as powerful as your own healing potential. This healing potential comes from within. The power inside of you travels throughout the nervous system carrying all the messages for your body to work properly. When your nerve system is free from interference, the right messages get to the right places and your body resets as needed.

It’s like rebooting your computer when it’s not working right. Most times you can sort out your issues just by doing that. You don’t always need new hardware or software. You just need a service technician!

Your chiropractor should be checking your spine regularly to make sure that your power is on and can get through. If you need a reboot, we can do that too.

Speaking of getting through… it is getting harder and harder to get through to people the importance of Remembrance Day. Talk about Powerful! Maybe this time of year, ‘P’ should stand for poppy, out of respect of our veterans!

See you at the Cenotaph
Dr. Crystal Boser

2011-11-09T16:28:00.001-08:00

Every Year we support our local Food Bank by holding a FOOD DRIVE DAY!
Our patients can book an appointment for that day and bring 10 items of non-perishable food items to get their adjustment.

We will be booking appointments on Saturday November 26th between 9-12pm. If you are interested, please contact our office @ 604-465-1711.

Let's beat last year's weigh-in and reach 700 lbs of food or more this year!

2011-10-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

The next instalment of our chiropractic alphabet brings us to the letter O.

O is for Organized!

I just finished making charts for our 3 year old to check off her before-preschool and before-bed routines. It’s amazing what a dry erase marker can do… peace at last this morning.

Checklists are powerful. I can always get more done if I have a list.

How our bodies manage to function without a checklist, is beyond me. There are so many things that our brains are responsible for, yet it all happens without us even thinking about it. That has got to be the most supreme organization.

Instead of checklists and magic markers, our body sends nerve signals carrying all the important information behind-the-scenes. There are only 2 things that can mess with this amazing system. Severe tissue damage (that’s like having part of your checklist erased) or interference with the nerve signals (that’s like letting the 3 year old make the list – there’s ink there, but you can’t really tell what it means!).

Chiropractic checkups help keep your body organized by allowing the nerve signals to flow without interference. If you have subluxations, your nerve signals are having a hard time getting through the checklist.

Keep your nerves organized, get regular chiropractic checkups!

Dr. Crystal

2011-10-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well there's 81 of you so far joining us on October 15th
for our Kids Event!!!

Hurry up!! Seats are going fast!!!!!

Please contact our office to reserve a seat for you and your friend.

2011-09-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

In our chiropractic alphabet, the letter ‘N’ is for nerve.

I love the word nerve, it has so many meanings. It can be used to refer to a person’s sensitivity “Her harsh words really touched a nerve” or for her bravery “It took a lot of nerve for her to stand up to that bully” or even for rudeness “She had some nerve walking in here like she owned the place!”.

How can the same word be used to represent 3 very different emotional states?

Well, the diverse use of the word nerve in the English language quite nicely reflects the vast array of functions that nerves have in biology. It turns out we have billions of nerve cells carrying out thousands of different functions.

So although, we are most familiar with our sensory nerves (those for pain especially), by far the more important nerves are the ones working behind the scenes, carrying messages to and from the brain and each and every tissue and organ. Nothing in your body would work properly without a functioning nervous system.

Amazingly, about 30 000 miles of nerves weave through your body. If you connected them end to end, there would be a superhighway long enough to go around the planet Neptune.

Maybe ‘N’ should be for Neptune! Nerves are certainly ‘out of this world’.

And remember, be nice to your nerves... have your spine checked regularly.

Dr. Crystal

2011-09-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

Our Kids Wellness Event is coming up fast!
We'll be treating all our kids and their guests (as well as their parents) to a free movie (stay tuned to find out which G-rated movie will be playing), drink, & popcorn.

When: (Sat) October 15th
From: 9:30am –12 noon

Where: Hollywood 3 Cinemas
19190 Lougheed Hwy.
Pitt Meadows

You'll need to register by:
September 30th, 2011

Please give us a call 604 465 1711

It is our pleasure to celebrate our kids who take care of their spines on a regular basis! GREAT JOB!!!

2011-09-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

We’re going GREEN!

From now on we will be sending our Newsletters & Event Information by email, facebook, & our website.
(Also please note: that texting your appointment reminders may be available as early as 2012)!

Next time you’re in our office get your pens ready and make sure we have your correct email address or cell phone numbers, so you don’t miss a thing!

The Maple Meadows Chiropractic Team

2011-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Our letter of the week is Mekina’s favorite…. M!

Whenever she sees a word starting with M, she thinks it is her name. “That’s my word”, she says proudly. Since she’s only 3 and she can’t read yet, I try to cut her some slack. “Yes, sweetheart, mustard is your word, alright!” I say as I make her sandwich.

Unfortunately, a lot of adults are still like my three year old, spending their days jumping to conclusions (which do not officially count as exercise, by the way!)

At our office, the letter M is most often associated with Muscles. For some reason, muscles are a really big deal for people. Many times, I hear people jumping to the conclusion that their muscles are the problem with their spine. It makes sense then, why these people waited so long to get here. They thought the problem would go away if they could just ‘stretch it out’.

Of course, muscles certainly are part of the subluxation problem, often a big part. But, hey, without the nerves sending them a bad signal, the muscles wouldn’t get into trouble in the first place. And, I’m the first one to encourage stretching, but if there is a bad nerve signal to a muscle, you can stretch it all day and it will simply tighten again.

The same goes for massage. Everyone can benefit from regular massage therapy, but if you have subluxations sending bad signals to the muscles, they will just tighten again.

So, mind your muscles, but make sure you mend your subluxations using the magnificent method of chiropractic!

Dr. Crystal

2011-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Only 12 per cent of Canadian children are getting the recommended levels of daily physical activity. Seven per cent in New Brunswick to a high of 15 per cent in British Columbia. Health Canada’s physical-activity guidelines recommend that school-aged children and youth get at least 90 minutes of exercise daily.

This problem begins with pre-schoolers because only half are active as part of their daily routines. Only 5 per cent of teenage girls are minimally active, according to the annual report card published by Active Healthy Kids Canada.

We at Maple Meadows Chiropractic want to encourage you to be proactive and get your kids started on a healthier path! So take them to the park, the dyke, the pool, or have them join a sports team! You'll be shaping their lifestyles for the future & their hearts will thank you!

Stacy

2011-08-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Remember our chiropractic alphabet has been taken over by pirates!

‘L’ is for “Landlubber”, you know, those who have never been to sea. In chiropractic, landlubbers are those who have never been checked. They think if they feel ok then their spine must be fine. Unfortunately, those silent subluxations could be looting their bounty of health as we speak. We like to help all those landlubbers get to sea, or in to see us, as it were. We look forward to meeting your family and friends!

Can you decipher our third chiropractic-pirate poem? Figure out the incomplete words and place them in the same order to solve the clue at the bottom! Bring in your correct answer to win a prize!

Do you seek a distant shore?
Before you set sail for a distant shore,
be sure to check your map once more.

Are you headed to a deserted isle,
where h_ _ l t h is lost to all that’s wild?

Or is your goal a paradise,
with c h_ r _ p r_ c t i c care to keep you nice.

For if the latter is which you crave,
to stay to the course, you must be brave.

For strong winds blow against good health,
letting pirates steal your life and wealth.

It’s a better c h o _ c _ to stay well and fit,
than to have to fight those pirate ships!

Protect y o _ r s _ l f, especially your spine,
by having a check-up from time to time!

Do you seek a distant shore?
For better ______, make ____________ care a ______ for ________.

2011-08-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Our chiropractic alphabet has been taken over by pirates!

‘K’ is for “Keep an even Keel!” It’s important for your ship, in this case, your body, to be in balance. Even slight shifts in your spine can have devastating effects over time. Have your posture and body balance checked to see how you measure up.

Can you decipher our third chiropractic-pirate poem? Figure out the incomplete words and place them in the same order to solve the clue at the bottom! Bring in your correct answer to win a prize!

Do you know where true treasure lies?

Many s t r _ n _ men have failed to see,
what in life true bounty may be.

Yes it’s true, like they’ve said,
your b o _ _ s are there even when you’re dead.

But it’s the nerves that count, if you must know, ‘cause they’re what make your body go.

The nerves must pass free and clear
Through the s p _ _ e which we hold dear.

So never should there be a part that’s tight,
nowhere at all, it’s just not right.

That’s why we check and move your spine
and try to keep it all in line.

When you treat it well, the spine is a t r e_ s u r _
that for many years transmits signals with pleasure.

Do you know where true treasure lies?
______ _____ protect your nerves, the _____’s true ________.

2011-08-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

We have found a new location for our clinic!
You can see it in the background of the photo, They call it Walmer Castle

Dr. Matt

2011-07-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Profession of Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or invasive surgery. Because chiropractic is a holistic practice, treatment extends beyond the time spent in the doctor's office. Along with massage and manipulation, chiropractic doctors will also recommend a program of stretching, exercise, good nutrition, and lifestyle changes to promote better overall health.

Chiropractic is a primary health care profession that diagnoses, treats, and prevents neuromuscular disorders. Chiropractors assess joint stability and function to determine the nature of musculoskeletal disorders. When neurological symptoms are present, (tingling sensation in fingertips or shooting pain down the back of the leg) the main area of focus is the vertebral column. Chiropractic treatment involves joint manipulation, soft tissue work, rehabilitation through exercises, and general health and lifestyle counseling.

Chiropractic care works by strengthening and balancing the nervous system in order to promote the healthy functioning of the body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of your body, and it controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and bodily system. If the nervous system is compromised or over-taxed, pain and dysfunction can result, not only in the spine, but in other parts of the body as well.

2011-07-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our chiropractic alphabet has been taken over by pirates!

‘J’ is for “Jump ship!” Do you ever feel like there is a mutiny going on? First one injury, then another, they all seem to happen at once. This is no time to abandon ship. We need to hold fast. Get back to basics. Get your rest. Eat well. Exercise if you are able. Get your spine checked. Your body is powerful and can overcome almost anything.

Can you decipher our second chiropractic-pirate poem? Figure out the incomplete words and place them in the same order to solve the clue at the bottom! Bring in your correct answer to win a prize!

Are you prepared for storms ahead?

When all is gone, said and done,
you’ll value your health and a few loved ones.

Aside from that the rest can be tossed,
for wealth matters not when lo _ e is lost.

So make the best of your v _ y _ ge in life,
keep yourself well to deal with strife.

Choose each day good food and rest,
plus time to exercise and avoid bad stress.

And for your body to work just right,
Your nerves must pass without a fight.

Your chiropractor is the one,
who makes very s _ re that the job gets done.

So have your spine checked by the be _ t,
then let your mind and body do the rest.

Are you prepared for storms ahead?
____ the ______. Chiropractic is the ____ way to be your ____.

2011-07-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific turnout for our open house a few weeks ago and have had lots of great feedback on our Pirate theme! So in keeping with that, I thought I’d share with you our pirate lessons as we learn our alphabet.

So for the next few weeks we’ll be learning the pirate chiropractic alphabet...
“I” is for “I, I, captain!” Hmm. Wait a minute, that’s not quite right. It should be “Aye, aye, captain!” Oh, well. It’ll have to do  Anyway, your nervous system is the captain of your ship. Make sure you listen to it!

Here is our first chiropractic-pirate poem for you to decipher. Figure out the incomplete words and place them in the same order to solve the clue at the bottom! Bring in your correct answer to win a prize!

Can you see what lies beyond?

If a h_ p p _ life is where you aim,
mind your health, it’s not a game.

For if not you, then one you love
will someday wish for health from above.

For better health is what will count
and you will seek it for any amount.

The secret is in people’s s p _ _ es you know,
for within their realm all signals go.

M e_ _ a g _ s travel up and down,
from the brain to the spine then all around.

A subluxation to your spine brings grief,
just as a pirate to the King is a thief.

So see your chiropractor right away
to start enjoying b _ t t _ r health today.

Can you see what lies beyond?
_____ _____ send nerve ________ easily which enable your body to work ______.

2011-07-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

I’ve been distracted lately, what with our new baby!!!!
We adopted another baby girl! Her name is Léa Rose Boser.

She was given and received with love on
May 10, 2011 at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Her big sister, Mekina, is enjoying having her around

(for now at least!).

We’re happy that the adoption waiting-time is over so that
we are able to finally share our good news!

So, that’s all for now.
Next time, we’ll continue with the chiropractic alphabet.

Dr. Crystal

2011-07-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

“He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
Proverb

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

We hope you're taking in many of the great festivities in

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows!

2011-06-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

2011 Open House! Wish you were there!

Hope to see you next year!!!

2011-06-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to Sunday's Open House! See you there!!!

2011-06-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

"H" is for Health!

How do you know if you’re healthy?
Health is more than the absence of pain.

Can you feel your blood pressure? Nope!
Does cancer start off by sending out pain signals? Not very often.
Can people tell if their spine is ‘out’? Only sometimes!!!

Health is the ability of your body to adapt and function to maintain itself in working order.
Therefore, to be healthy you need a nervous system that works properly.

If even one bone in your spine is not functioning properly, you could be affecting nerves which in turn control how your body is working.

Don’t take a chance with your health. Have your spine checked regularly!

Dr. Crystal

2011-06-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Bring it Home Vancouver!!!

2011-06-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

LET'S GO CANUCKS!!!!

2011-06-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Okay Burrows! You were our Hero last game, let's see what you can do tonight!
Let's Go Canucks!!!

2011-06-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to Saturday nights Game!

Go Canucks Go!!!!!

2011-05-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

This week’s blog is brought to you by the letter "G".

G is for germs. Germs are great.

Yes, I know germs have a bad reputation. Some germs really are trouble.
But not all germs. And not all the time.

In fact most germs in and of themselves are not a problem at all.
Our bodies know how to handle them. In fact we need them, especially for proper digestion.

We get into trouble when the good germs are outnumbered by the bad germs.
So if you get stuck taking antibiotics (hopefully never), eat lots of yogurt to help replace the good bacteria that are also getting wiped out along with the bad ones.

And of course, wash your hands regularly, but regular soap is fine. You don’t need really need to use antibacterial stuff.

Remember, we don’t get sick because we were exposed to germs... we get sick because our bodies weren’t healthy enough to combat the germs.

I have never missed work from being sick, and yet I am exposed to lots of people’s germs every day. What is my secret? Why do I seem healthier than my friends?

Do I exercise more? Not necessarily. Do I eat better? Not always. Do I take more vitamins? Nope.

I do 3 things that many other people don’t:

1. I set up my life to be as low-stress as possible.
2. I get my rest (I get up around 5 am without using an alarm).
3. I get weekly chiropractic checkups so that my nervous system is always at its best.

Instead of focusing on what you don’t want (germs), try focusing on what you do want (health).

Hey, maybe I already know what H will stand for in next week’s blog "H".
Dr. Crystal

2011-05-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

"F" is for First.

I often have people ask me what to do first when they hurt themselves. Well, of course it depends. If your injury is new, you should start with ice and rest. Heat can make a new injury worse, so save it for chronic issues.

And what about physio? Shouldn’t exercise fix it? Well, exercise is fantastic, but best as a prevention. Once you have an injury, it is not always wise to jump in and start strengthening the area. First, we should make sure the muscles and joints are moving properly, so that you don’t end up tightening around the nerves.

Should I see my doctor? If you want pills, go ahead and see them. They’re really good at prescribing stuff. But if you want to heal naturally, get help elsewhere.

We believe your body has the ability to heal itself, as long as there is nothing interfering with the flow of information from the brain to all the other parts of you. If you get interference in the system, it is usually due to subluxations in the spine, which cause irritation to the nerves that are exiting between the bones.

Don’t let subluxations hold back your healing.

Think Chiropractic First!

Dr. Crystal

2011-04-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

E is the letter of the week! E is for electric. Did you know that your body runs on electricity? Instead of wires to carry the electricity, you have nerves. The nerve system is truly amazing.

Every part of your body needs nerve signals. Some of them tell your brain what’s going on and some of them are for your brain to tell your body what to do. Most people spend their time worrying about the pain nerves, but only a small part of the nerve system is for pain.

Did you know that your brain gets more messages from your fingers than it does from your arms and legs combine?

Our body is sure interesting. One thing that fascinates me is that the electricity from each side of our brain is sent to the opposite side of the body. And each side of the brain controls different skills. So, a right handed person uses the left side of the brain for language and math skills, while the right side is for creativity. The opposite happens for lefties.

The longest cells in your body are the nerve cells which can are about 4 feet long! Altogether, your body has 48,000 km of nerves carrying electricity on a tightly woven grid throughout your body. If your nerves were connected to make a superhighway, this nervy road would stretch all the way around the planet Neptune!

Electrical impulses travel along the nerves at a speed of 100 metres per second!

Your chiropractor makes sure your nerves have a clear path! Get your spine checked today!

Dr. Crystal

2011-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

We are on week 4 of our Chiropractic alphabet... so let’s hear it for the letter ‘D’!

‘D’ is for drugs. Pardon? How can that be? Isn’t chiropractic supposed to be a drug-free, all-natural, only-by-hand method to enhance the innate power of the body to correct itself?

Yes, of course. But, some of you didn’t get the memo. So, every single day, I have to deal with drugs. We used to collect the pills people no longer needed in a giant glass jar, but disposing of them was a problem. They’re toxic, you know!

None of us are deficient in Tylenol or Advil, or Motrin. Muscle relaxants may sound the same as a nice massage, but let me tell you they don’t work that way. Even anti-inflammatories are working against you.

Read the fine print. There are zillions of side-effects. And besides, your liver and kidneys have to filter out all the toxins you put in your body. They don’t need more. I won’t even tell you how many people die each day from weird reactions to regular medications. It’s too depressing. And you won’t hear about it on the news, because there is huge money being made selling these pills.

Instead of reaching for drugs, reach for the phone. Call us. Get your spine checked so your spine can be it’s best. With proper nerve signals, your body can correct itself. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Use your common sense. Your pain has a purpose. Don’t just shut it off. You’ll end up worse.

Dr. Crystal

2011-03-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

This week’s blog is brought to you by the letter ‘C’. In the chiropractic alphabet, ‘C’ is for Crunch... just kidding! We’re actually trying to avoid all those scary-sounding words that people seem to associate with what we do. That’s right, we’re leaving the ‘snap’, ‘crack’, and ‘pop’ for the breakfast cereal people. Mind you, they do say “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” So, maybe I should be serving Rice Krispies instead of apples in the reception area. That would certainly get people talking!

Anyway, the real answer is that ‘C’ is for Calcium. This important mineral is not only a vital part of your bone structure, but it also plays a big role in the function of your muscles. Ever had a charlie-horse? Those type of cramps are often caused by a shortage of calcium. So, to keep your bones strong and your muscles working properly, let’s make sure you are getting the right amount of calcium in your diet.

There are lots of sources of calcium, from the standard dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, all the way to my favourite, the dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach. You should be aiming for at least 2 or 3 servings of high calcium foods every day. If you don’t think you’re getting what you need in your food, get checked. If you need to supplement, you can get tasty chewy calcium chocolates... almost as nice as an after dinner mint!

And remember, after age 50 for women, and 65 for men, our calcium stores start reducing. This is bad news for your bones which can become brittle. Proper calcium intake and regular bone-building exercise can counteract some of these problems. Talk to us individually for recommendations.

‘C’ you soon!

Dr. Crystal

2011-03-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

In the chiropractic alphabet, what do you think B is for?
Bone?

Normally, you’d be right, the bones of the spine in particular are very important, but this month, B is for Bravo!

It’s that time of year where we take time out to say Bravo to those of you who have committed to regular wellness chiropractic care.

Last weekend we held our annual Wellness Event in Maple Ridge. That’s where we show our thanks to the people who make our work so much fun. We had a fantastic buffet lunch and a hilarious magician who gave us a fantastic show. And although we call it a wellness event, it’s really more like a party, and we don’t talk about health or wellness or chiropractic at all. We decided a long time ago that instead of having a staff party at Christmas, we would celebrate with our most dedicated practice members.

So, for those of you who made it out on Saturday, thank you for joining us! And for those who missed it out, please sign up right away next year, because we it always fills up!

And if you are still just starting out with your chiropractic care, don’t worry, by next year you’ll have graduated to wellness, and then you can join us too!

Dr. Crystal

2011-03-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Now that Mekina is in preschool, we have to think about things like this. Excuse me, I have to go find her a green shirt... Ok, so preschool is a big deal, who knew?!

A friend of mine had me laughing the other day when he said his daughter has spent 8 months in preschool and they’ve managed to teach her all kinds of complicated tasks, like baking muffins, but she still doesn’t know her alphabet! It’s so easy to get caught up trying to make something beautiful when all we need is something simple. Sometimes it’s good to just focus on the basics. So for the next while we’re going to learn the ABC’s of chiropractic.

This week is brought to you by the letter A.

A is for Adjustment.

An adjustment is what we do to correct the tight places (subluxations) in your spine. That’s right, we do not ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ or ‘crunch’ your spine. We adjust it. These adjustments allow more space around the nerves that are exiting your spine, so that they can function better. In the end, your body corrects itself, we just help the information to have a clearer path to flow.

Can you guess what B is for?

Dr. Crystal

2011-03-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

Seeds of Wellness

Now that the signs of spring are coming, we start getting excited about gardening and what to plant? Have you contemplated what kinds of seeds you are planting in your life? What seeds of wellness are you planting?

What is wellness to you? I’m sure if we randomly asked a few people on the street what wellness was to them we would get a few different answers. I know when Dr. Matt and Dr. Crystal present their special report in our office (which is an information session that help people understand what Chiropractic is) and they ask what wellness is to those present, we get responses such as “being symptom free”, “having no pain”, “exercising regularly”, “eating healthy”, and sometimes there is someone who answers getting adjusted.

Wellness is having a properly functioning nervous system (because it controls EVERYTHING ie: your organs, muscles, tissues, immune system, etc.) so that your body is working at its best. Some seeds of wellness are: getting regular chiropractic check ups, eating healthy, regular exercise, regular stretching, and obtaining a healthy lifestyle.

Those of you who do come to our office regularly already understand what wellness is and are already planting seeds of wellness in your life. You understand that one of the best seeds of wellness is prevention & understand the benefits of Chiropractic care. You understand the importance of removing spinal subluxations (which is what your Chiropractor checks for) so that your nervous system works properly and at its optimal level.

This time of year, we love to honour our wellness patients. So watch your mail for our newsletter as you soon will be getting an invitation to our wonderful function. Remember to call our office to register soon as this is a very popular event.

Keep planting those seeds so that you are doing everything you can to grow to be a prosperous age. All of us in our office will continue to do the same, as we all get checked regularly, every week in fact and sometimes more.

So Happy planting

Colleen

2011-03-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

2011-02-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. Matt is speaking tonight to the Sun Run Training Group in Pitt Meadows. His job is to explain running injuries and how to prevent them. He always does a fantastic job and has fun doing it!

I sure wish I could get all my athletes to hear what he has to say... The best treatment is prevention. Train carefully, increasing speed and distance slowly. Follow a training plan like the one they use for the Sun Run Training. Make sure your spine is checked regularly so that the nerves and muscles and bones have the best chance to work properly. If somehow you still end up injuring yourself, get in for an appointment right away and try rest, ice, and stretching to speed up the healing.

Unfortunately, we still run into lots of people who think they are helping themselves by taking anti-inflammatories or pain relievers before or after a workout! This is crazy. A study done in Denmark in 2009 showed that those who avoided these drugs had a 27% higher rate of muscle healing than those who popped the pills!

For exercise pain, use ice. Think chills, not pills!

Dr. Crystal

2011-02-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

On February 14th, many of us in North America celebrate Valentine’s Day!

It’s a day where we celebrate, acknowledge, and appreciate that special person in our life that has chosen to be our partner in life. It’s when we recognize the person who loves us throughout our triumphs and losses. Who supports us when we are down and when we forget how strong we are. They are there when we are sick and need help. They hold our hand when we are scared. And they tell us that “you can do it”, when we feel that we cannot.

It reminds me just how precious life is & how wonderful it is that I have such a person. It’s truly a gift; a gift that we all can take for granted and Valentine’s Day helps us to remember.

One other area we may often forget to celebrate, acknowledge & appreciate is our health. It’s so easy to take it for granted. Maybe we should have a Happy Health Day every year to remind us just how precious it is too!

Remember your loved ones this Valentine’s day! And also remember your health too!

Eat healthy, exercise, and have your spine checked regularly, (like our spouse) it’s the only one you have...

Stacy

2011-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Blog for Thursday January 27, 2011

How are those New Year’s Resolutions going? I can always tell when January arrives, because it’s harder to find a parking spot at the gym. Like everyone else, we always use the New Year as a time to recommit to our goals.

One of my goals has been to memorize some kind of short yoga workout so that I could do it anywhere without having to sign up for a class or have a video in front of me. As luck would have it, the answer arrived last week.

Have you heard of the Sun Salutation? It is a series of 10 yoga postures that are done in sequence 12 times and then repeated. The name refers to the life-giving energy of the sun.

Right now, there is a group of people trying to teach it to as many people as possible. They have 2 weeks to get 1 million Sun Salutations done! I decided to try it and have found it to be just what I needed.

Want to try? Go to HSSCanada.org for an explanation and video.

Maybe all these Sun Salutations will shift the universe so we get some sun around here, I’d salute to that!

Dr. Crystal

2011-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Blog for January 20th, 2011

We might as well have been shoveling cement. That’s how heavy the snow was last week. We could have built a swimming pool with that much cement! And we certainly could have filled it with all the rain we’ve had lately.

Shoveling snow is obviously a challenge for the spine. I’ve done my share over the years, including eighty-eight minutes worth last week, so I feel qualified to share my thoughts.

If ever there was a time to lift properly, this is it. Bend the knees! Goodness knows I tried to set an example. I must have had a dozen people who said they saw me out there as they made their way to the train in the morning. I felt like I did a thousand lunges.

Second tip… just do a small shovel-full at a time. This is an endurance event, not a sprint. I actually wore my exercise-heart-monitor to see how much work we did. Apparently, shoveling really is a cardio workout. Just clearing our parking lot we each burned over 800 calories! So pace yourself. No need to rush, it’s just slush!

Shovel safely!

Dr. Crystal

2011-01-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

How carefully they watch us. Kids, that is. They absorb our every word and our every movement. I guess they have to learn from someone... but it’s so weird. The things they pick up on, especially the stuff we aren’t even trying to teach them!

Mekina has a little ‘market stand’ in her toy room. Santa brought it this year, so it’s still pretty popular. She spends a lot of time selling plastic fruit, pastries and ice cream. She likes the little cash register so much that she’s gotten quite possessive of it lately. In fact, yesterday, when I tried to have a turn, she clutched it to her chest and then marched over to her toy kitchen and put it on top of the fridge!

Well, I just had to laugh because as she did it, she looked at me over her shoulder and said ‘no touch!’ Hmm... I don’t ever remember telling her that the things I stash on the fridge are out of her reach for a reason, but apparently she figured it out herself!

Kids really are watching. They see everything. Here is a New Year’s Checklist of what your kids might be seeing you do (along with what they may be thinking)...

So staying in when it's just raining, your child may think "exercise isn’t as important as staying dry". When you decide to pop a pill because it hurts, they could be thinking " feeling bad can be solved by taking a pill (no wonder teenagers get into drugs!). And finally, when you think you need to skip your appointment, it may tell your child that "a healthy spine is not important"!

So, be careful! You may have more influence than you think!

Keep your health and the health of your loved ones within reach.

Dr. Crystal

2010-12-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

I look toward the spine for the cause of Dis-ease.
I acknowledge the body's ability to heal itself.
I understand that our nervous system transmits
the life-force to all of our bodily tissues.

I approach the body, mind & spirit as a whole.
I use only my hands to remove nerve interference,
which encourages the body to express itself to its' fullest potential.
I am a teacher of life to my patients,
Yet never claim to be a healer.

I am scientifically educated,
Yet never claim to be smarter than the body.
I can influence all diseases with the use of my hands,
Yet never claim to treat any specifically.
I understand my limitations,
Yet never claim to accept them.

I believe in love and sharing it with all whom I encounter.
I believe in miracles and in the power that creates them.
I believe in restoring life, where there was once only death.
I believe that with the same hands that we destroy, we can heal.

I am a Chiropractor.

-- Dr. Victor Naumov, D.C. 19

2010-12-25T11:45:00.001-08:00

Have a very Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is it! You’ve almost made it safely through Christmas! Now, don’t get slack, here. You will likely be on your feet a lot today in the kitchen.... take time to stretch your hamstrings again!

2010-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, let’s hope you followed my earlier advice, and have everything put together. Don’t try to carry a million gifts at once to put under the tree. It’s better to make a million trips back and forth. In fact, you’re probably overdue for a good cardio workout, so why don’t you put on your jogging clothes and run back and forth from the closet to the tree!

2010-12-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

You shouldn’t be madly cleaning if you followed my advice last week. But just in case, to avoid burnout, follow a system. Take regular breaks, especially from vacuuming! It is very hard on your lower back. Follow the advice by Flylady on how to do Crisis Cleaning found at www.flylady.net .

2010-12-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Now is a good time to load up on will power. Adding another 10 extra pounds will not help your back one bit! So have a plan. Over-eating is a common problem this time of year. Either go slowly with the sweets and the treats, or plan to do a few extra workouts. Better yet, do both. Don’t leave it to be sorted out in January!

2010-12-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you don’t have any last minute shopping to do, but just in case... Look at it as a time to catch up on your exercise. That’s right, I mean, just think of all the walking you’re going to do! Walking to and from the farthest parking stall, walking up and down the aisles of each store trying to find ideas, and then walking back to the first store because you imprinted on the first thing you saw! Maybe we should have everyone wear pedometers to the mall to see how far they go!

2010-12-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

Blog for December 20, 2010

We’re planning to go tobogganing on Christmas Eve. If you have similar plans, please heed this advice... teach your kids to slide down the middle and walk up the sides. Oh, and also to get out of the way quickly! We don’t want any drama on the slopes!

2010-12-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Blog for December 19, 2010

Stop wearing those silly shoes! It’s cold, and it can be very slippery. If you need to leave an extra pair of shoes at work to change into, just do it. Slips and falls account for a lot of injuries over the winter. Don’t be one of those!

2010-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Blog for December 18, 2010

I always say that someday health will be the most important thing in your life. Either your own health, or that of someone close to you, will be tested eventually. Let’s don’t add to what life dishes out. If you are heading out tonight for holiday festivities, drive responsibly. If you choose to drink, plan for a ride home.

2010-12-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

Blog for December 17, 2010

Double check to make sure that your car is ready for winter... we don’t want you getting into an accident out there! Car accidents can easily damage your neck, back, or worse. Get the right tires, it’s worth it.

2010-12-16T11:54:00.001-08:00

Do you have company coming for the holidays? If you expect to have a nice clean home, start getting your systems figured out now. Last minute marathon cleaning sessions will surely be hard on your back! Plan to pace yourself. Getting it clean is one thing, but keeping it clean is healthier. Here is a great website to help you get it done www.flylady.net

2010-12-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

The best time to get a check-up for your spine is before you do something to it, as in before you shovel snow, and before you lift the heavy presents! If your spine is healthy, you will be able to heal from unexpected injuries much more quickly. So make sure you have a chiropractic checkup planned!

2010-12-14T11:53:00.001-08:00

When the snow comes, pace yourself. Shovel the critical areas first. Take lots of breaks. And for goodness sake, stretch!

2010-12-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Blog for December 13, 2010

Stock up on salt. If it’s not already icy, it will be soon. And you just know it’ll be more expensive, never mind dangerous if you have to rush out and get some on the day it freezes!

2010-12-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

Blog for December 12, 2010

Oh, and about wrapping. Let’s be smart, and wrap your gifts at a table or counter, not on the floor or on the bed. That is too much for your spine to take!

2010-12-10T13:07:00.001-08:00

Blog for December 11, 2010

For the gifts that need wrapping, have a plan. Don’t expect to wrap them all in one day! That is terrible for the middle of your back and your shoulders. Just wrap a few each day!

2010-12-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

When you put up your tree, make sure it is secure. Every season we hear stories where people either got hit by a falling tree, or hurt themselves by suddenly reaching out to stop it from falling. If your tree is already up, test it (carefully)!

2010-12-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to put together any toys that you are giving the kids in your life. Don’t leave it until Christmas Eve that will wreck your back for sure. Don’t forget to put the batteries in!

2010-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Figure out all the batteries you will need. Go buy them today, while the lines are still short. If you wait too long, you’ll be standing in long line-ups, and that is sure to give grief to your lower back.

2010-12-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

Stretch your hamstrings every day and especially before and after you do any baking... this will help counteract all that standing you’re going to be doing!

2010-12-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

Planning to do some baking? Don’t do it all in one day, that’s too much standing. Mark on your calendar which day you will do each recipe.

2010-12-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Advent Blog for December 5th

Make sure your extension cords won’t trip you up later... tape them down if you need to!

2010-12-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

Advent Blog for December 4th

When you find yourself up on a ladder, don’t reach too far! Just climb back down and move the ladder! It only takes 3 seconds and it can save you!

2010-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Advent Blog for December 3rd

Putting up lights? Have someone hold the ladder for you! Getting it done now is not worth the risk. You’re already late  Just kidding. Wait until you have help.

2010-12-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Advent Blog for December 2nd

Whew! You dragged up all those decorations. Take a good look at your bins. Are they too big? Were they heavy or awkward? Use smaller bins or boxes next year.

2010-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Advent Blog for December 1st

When you pull out those boxes and bins, bend with your knees!

2010-12-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Blog for Tuesday November 30, 2010

So this is it. The countdown is on. We dragged out the Christmas decorations and flicked on the lights. You’ve gotta love those Christmas lights. Dr. Matt really has the place looking nice, but if you must know, the Giant Book was my idea. Every year he groans when I make him drag it out there, but we always gets lots of nice comments. People are surprised that we made it ourselves. Well, when I say “we”, I really mean Dr. Matt. He did most of the work. I just cheered him on (or was that nagging?). Anyway, it’s all up now, so we can sit back and enjoy.

For those of you still working on decorating your yard, or for that matter, even inside, please be careful. I don’t want to hear anymore stories of people falling off ladders, or wrenching their back as they haul up boxes from the crawlspace. There are things you can do every day to make this holiday season better for your back.

Forget little chocolates in the Advent Calendars, there should be health tips in there every day! Hey... maybe that’s what I’ll do! I’m going to have an Advent Blog with a safety tip every day until Christmas! Check out the blog tomorrow to see if I remember to do it.

2010-11-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

I’m really looking forward to using my new NEXUS pass! It’s amazing that for only $50 I can have 5 years of no line-ups when I cross the border.

Lately we’ve had some long waits. Two weeks ago, on our way home from a conference, we got stuck in line for almost 2 hours! That’s not much fun with a two year old in-tow. Then, last weekend, we narrowly averted a 3 or 4 hour wait, by heading to Sumas where it was just over an hour.

Lining up is just no fun. Around here, we strive to keep you on the move. It helps us keep a smooth flow if we know of any extra challenges ahead of time. If you are coming in for a regular checkup, but have had a new injury, such as a car accident, sports or work injury, let us know ahead of time so we can adjust the schedule accordingly. We want to make sure we have the right amount of time to help everyone.

And if you would like to experience our version of the NEXUS pass, sign up for our pre-payment program. Once your appointment schedule is determined and your pre-payment has been complete, you’ll be able to sail right out of the office after your adjustments. Not only that, but the pre-payment option helps you save money too. You pay $400, but get to have 12 adjustments instead of 10!

So, the only thing we like to keep in-line, so to speak, is your spine! Regular checkups will take care of that.

Dr. Crystal

2010-11-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Lest We Forget

Please take time this Remembrance Day to think about all those soldiers put into harms way all over the World.

2010-11-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Blog for Thursday November 3rd, 2010

Our adventure to San Francisco for a conference was eventful as usual. For our team-building activity, we rode the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf where all the tourist shops were. Wow, if you needed t-shirts, this was the place to come! I kept hoping to find some with funny sayings, like the one my brother has that says “I’m a bomb technician, if you see me running, try to keep up!” But all there seemed to be were pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, or ones that said “My ___________ went to San Francisco... and all I got with this t-shirt!”

It wasn’t until we were back at the airport that I saw a really funny shirt. I almost laughed out loud when I read “My other life is epic.” The guy wearing it appeared to be reading one of the Star Wars Trilogy books. Of course the fact that I laughed means that there must have appeared to be some truth to it.

How many people out there feel like their lives are less than epic? How sad. Living vicariously through books, television, or our children’s lives is not living up to our full potential. Each of us is meant to live an epic life.

What is it that holds people back from living their full potential? We know that the average humans are only utilizing a small fraction of the capacity of their brains. What about the nerve system... could it be that irritation on the nerve system is interfering with the flow of information in our bodies, thereby limiting our results? Could the bones of the spine be part of the problem? Absolutely. We see it every single day. Subluxations are creating less-than-epic situations for your nerve system.

Do you know someone whose life is less than epic? Make sure they have their spine checked. We want the t-shirts of the future to say “My current life is epic!”

Dr. Crystal

2010-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday October 28, 2010

It’s the time of year when finally I’m not the only one interested in bones! There are skeletons every where right now. But how bone-smart are people? Here are some quiz questions for you…

A. How many bones are in your body, do you think? About 100, 200, or 400?

B. True or false… Nearly half the bones in your body are located in your hands and in your feet.

C. Do you have more bones or muscles?

D. What is the strongest bone in your body?

Here are the answers…

A. About 200 (206 to be exact).

B. True!

C. Muscles (about 650 of them)

D. Your femur (runs from your hip to your knee).

Keep your bones working their best! See your chiropractor today.

Dr. Crystal

2010-10-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday October 21,2010

2010-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year again where we officially get to give thanks.

So... thank you.

We truly appreciate each and every one of the people we serve here at Maple Meadows Chiropractic. Not only are you wonderful people that we look forward to seeing, but without you, we would have nothing to do! You certainly seem to know how to keep us on our toes. There is never a dull moment at our office.

In particular I am most thankful for the gift of being able to help. I know we are doing a great job when we have happy, healthy people stopping in for their checkups. The sound of laughter in the front office, and the smiles of thanks as you leave the adjustment room will be what I think of in years to come.

And finally, a special thanks to all of you parents who make the effort to bring in your kids for their preventative checkups. You are the ones making the biggest difference. Imagine what it was like 100 years ago when no one knew to brush their teeth? No matter what the dentists said, it was the parents that actually made it happen. We are hoping for the same progress with spines.

Perhaps one day, there will be no subluxations... no back pain, no headaches, no nervous system interference. I imagine a time where we just do nice preventative checkups, everyone does their regular stretching, and gets ample healthy exercise. How lovely.

This weekend we are hosting our annual Kids Wellness Event to thank the kids (and their parents) who come for regular checkups. See you at the bowling alley!!

Thank you.

Dr. Crystal

2010-10-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Science World lately? I went to see that Body Works exhibit yesterday, and wow! The human body is truly amazing. Scientists still struggle trying to understand how it works.

The Body Works exhibit gives a person a lot to think about. There are displays showing several tissues in healthy versus diseased states. The smoker’s lung was quite disgusting. Then, of course, there was an emotionally sensitive area showing a pregnant woman. My daughter was fascinated by the babies. It was all fascinating to me, and brought back lots of memories of the anatomy lab at chiropractic school.

You would think that human anatomy would top the list of interesting things for a chiropractor, but actually, there is something even more amazing. After all, it is not the anatomy itself that makes us alive. When a person passes away, for example, all the parts are there, yet something very important is missing. The Innate Intelligence that travels from the brain to each and every cell is gone… evaporated… disappeared. Yikes!

We want to help you keep your Innate Intelligence flowing for as long as possible. To do that, we need to keep your spinal bones free of subluxations so that nothing interferes with the flow of your nervous system.

Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow!

Dr. Crystal

2010-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

My Free Advice Just Got More Expensive

Thanks to the HST a lot of things just got more expensive. Lucky for you, we’re too lazy to change our fees to account for our increased costs. I’m sure if I added it all up, from the lawn guy to the accountant to the restaurant bills for our team-meetings, I’d be astonished. I looked up the list of changes due to the HST and it was quite long.

The thing that really shocked me was the realization that even if I kindly keep the fee for our services the same, the cost of my advice to people will still have gone up! That’s right… taking your vitamins and going to the gym, is going to cost you more than it used to.

For those who really want to save a buck, apparently there were a few items that went down in price with our new tax system. Yes, shocking, I know. To maximize your tax savings, just buy a new home over $525000, turn the heat up really high, rent a car and stay in a hotel because it’s too hot at home, drink some alcohol and ponder the idea of leaving your child in disposable diapers till they are five.
But then again, the government knows how to get their money. Even if you follow the plan above, you have to pay more for the movers to get your stuff to the new house, and though the heat is cheaper, you need more of it because you can’t afford the extra tax on the energy efficient windows, insulation, and caulking. On top of that, you need to plan a trip to a local hotel because getting there by plane, train, or bus will be too much. And when you get there, you can’t even relax with a magazine or newspaper for fear of blowing your budget. Yup, even camping holidays will be more expensive. And staying home for your holiday won’t be much better. Forget watching tv, going to a movie or taking in a game. Even signing up the kids for activities will put your wallet to the test. And don’t even think about playing sports in the backyard. You’d have to skip the kids safety gear to save tax! And you know what would happen if you did that! Someone will get hurt, and guess what... they put up the tax on the first aid kits too! So you just can’t win.
And for those who usually like to save money by repairing worn-shoes or buying second hand clothes, look out, they’re after you too.

Well, after reading about this new tax system, I figure, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. We’d like to impose our own HST tax so that we don’t feel left out. We’re going to call it the Hurt Spine Tax. It will be charged to those of you who skip your preventative checkups and instead drag yourselves in here with a hurt spine. We’ll use the extra 12% to offset the stress of dealing with a spine in crisis. Save yourself time, money, and stress by coming to see us regularly for your preventative checkups.

Remember, there is no HST on chiropractic care!

Dr. Crystal

2010-09-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Teamwork is working together – even when apart. There is such strength and reward in teamwork. Your body works like this too. When your nervous system is subluxation free, your body has an inborn “innate intelligence” to work together for the benefit of your wellbeing and health. Every organ, cell, muscle, etc is controlled by your nervous system. Each one of them can work at its best individually and together with each other when your nervous system is properly aligned.

The result of this miracle is reflected in your health and wellbeing. Regular checkups by your Chiropractor play a vital role in striving towards teamwork within your body. All of us at our office, including our little mascot Mekina get our spines checked regularly. What about you?

Enjoy each day that you are given in striving towards Teamwork.

Colleen

2010-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

2010-09-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Time is running out. School starts in 6 days! Goodbye freedom, goodbye happy spines…

School is very hard on children. I mean that in the nicest way, but I do mean it.

Well, not that school is a bad concept entirely. The idea of learning is fantastic. It’s all that sitting-around that I protest.

We aren’t meant to sit all day. Luckily, kids are naturally fidgety, which keeps their spines moving a little. But by the time High School rolls around, after years and years of sitting, time is taking its toll. Bad posture, headaches, achy shoulders, on and on the list goes.

Of course, it’s not just school that causes us to sit too much. The car, the television, video games and the computer, are part of the sitting-problem.

For those of you who spend too much time on the computer, there are things you can do to help yourself. The number one thing is to get up and move around more often.

A great program that you can download for free is called stretchclock. It will pop-up a little video so you can see which stretch you should be doing next. You can set the frequency yourself and we recommend that you move around at least once every hour.

Take the time to stretch!

Dr. Crystal

2010-08-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

I’m surprised we still have pennies. It must cost more to make them than what they are worth! For that matter, I’m surprised we have nickels and dimes.

I would love to know who came up with our coins. Even our 2 year old knows that the penny should be worth more than the dime because it’s bigger! Did you know that in England, even the paper money comes in different sizes? That's made it much easier to figure out. But their coins were mixed up just like ours.

No matter what we say each coin is worth financially, there is no arguing that some are bigger than others. Did you know that the weight of a dime is enough to affect the transmission of a signal on a nerve! So, even small amounts of tightness in your spine can have a big affect on your nerve signals.

The cost of an unhealthy spine is enormous. Nickels and dimes won’t cover it. Just ask anyone who has had to take time off work to get better. Studies have shown time and again that preventative care saves you money. Like they say, it is easier to stay well than to get well.

A checkup today saves treatment down the way!

Dr. Crystal

2010-08-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

“No, me! Me!” she says while pushing me away with her pudgy little hand.

“Pink and red? Are you sure? Usually we try to have 2 that are the same!” She ignores me and continues to struggle with the stubborn socks.

Our 2 year old doesn’t really care about matching socks. Nothing has to match at all, really. Not yet. One day it will matter, we know its coming. Our teenage nieces are meticulous about what they wear. But not Mekina, not now. A blue shirt and orange pants are no problem with the pink and red socks.

I find this inherently difficult after years of working in an environment where matching is important. That’s right, chiropractic works is a lot about matching. Your shoulders and hips should be the same height on the left as on the right, and your spine should feel the same on both sides. A lump or bump on one side or the other is usually a sign of subluxation. Chiropractic adjustments help to re-match your spinal bones and soft tissues.

To check for matching socks, just look down. To make sure both sides of your spine are a perfect match, see your chiropractor!

Dr. Crystal

2010-08-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday August 12, 2010

Tell your friends.

Our charity of the month is the Terry Fox Foundation. We are helping raise money by handing out care-to-share cards to our practice members. These cards allow your friend or family member to have their first visit for $20 instead of $55, and it all goes to charity.

The Terry Fox Run will be held on Sunday, September 19th this year. Please join in! Exercise is good for your spine and supporting the cause is good for your heart.

Thank you for helping us help more people.

Dr. Crystal

2010-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the grass at Whonnock Lake, we could hear their urgent voices before we could see them. The dad was running while the kids were trying to launch something into the sky. Again and again they tried. They were trying to fly a kite, but it was taking a lot of effort. The dad was getting tired, the kids frustrated.

Starting chiropractic can feel like this for some people. Two or three adjustments won’t usually keep your kite off the ground. The hard work is always at the beginning, while the payoff waits till the end. It helps to have someone holding your kite up while you run.

Our team has been helping people fly healthier for 13 years. We know how to help you maneuver your spine to take advantage of the best wind conditions. Once you get up in the air, it’s easy to stay up. That is why we recommend regular checkups.

Keep flying! And if you’ve somehow hit the ground, call us today and we’ll get you up and running.

Dr. Crystal

2010-07-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

F18 fighter jets are easier to fly than they look. I was surprised.

Last weekend we were at a conference in Minneapolis, near the Mall of America. We always do some kind of team-building activity. Last time we took a class where we learned how to paint a flower. Poor Doctor Matt! So, this time I signed us up to go flying.

They said that these flight simulators are the real deal. The very same ones the real fighter pilots learn on. Cool. I surprised myself and had a great time. I didn’t feel woozy at all. I was certain my head was going to spin, because in the past I’ve had problems with motion sickness.

Why is it we place limits on our self based on the past?

Did you know that in the circus they can keep a giant elephant secure using just a 12 inch spike at the end of a chain? It’s because as a baby, the chain was attached to a very strong pole deep in the ground that just looked like a spike at the top. So after many unsuccessful attempts to get free, the elephant has learned to not even try.

What have you given up on? Exercise? Eating well? Having a healthy spine? What happened in the past may not happen again. Make a fresh start. Your nervous system has the powerful ability to reset. Give it a chance.

Don’t limit yourself. See your chiropractor today.

Dr. Crystal

2010-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

We were standing right on top of one of the fallen stones… After the sunrise, we actually had a picnic leaning against a four-thousand-year-old world heritage artifact. Wow. The Summer Solstice at Stonehenge was quite an experience. Once a year, they open up the monument area and allow tens of thousands of visitors to spend the night celebrating.

We only showed up for the sunrise. You know, the once-a-year event where alignment of these ancient stones is in perfect symmetry with the rays of the rising sun. It amazes me that thousands of years ago people were thinking about alignment! How could they know exactly where they needed to place these huge rocks?

Of course, we think about alignment all the time. The alignment of the human spine has its own challenges. There has to be just enough space between the vertebrae to allow the nerves to pass through without interference. Your chiropractor has to be able to feel by hand the movement of each vertebrae and if there is any kind of restriction, then the proper corrective adjustment needs to be determined and applied. Phew! I know what you’re thinking; we make it look easy, right? Well, it actually takes a whole lot of practice. I guess that’s the reason they locked us up in school for 8 years!

So, our visit to Stonehenge may have been pretty interesting, but it was nothing compared to my regular day at the office.

I figure, if they give out World Heritage Status to a bunch of giant rocks whose alignment only matters once a year, then the human spine must deserve Universal Heritage Status!

We’ll help keep you in line every day of the year.

Dr. Crystal

2010-06-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

What Shape is your Spine in? Come and Find Out!

It's that time again, Come & join us for our annual

Maple Meadows Chiropractic
Open House

Food, Fun,
Free Family Portraits,
& Prizes!

July 10, 2010 from 1-4 pm

Call our office to book your family portrait @ 604-465-1711

Bring a friend & you could earn a special prize...

2010-06-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

Over the past 15 or 16 years I have had a number of complaints - migraines, cervical neck strain/sprain/pain, upper extremities strain/sprain/pain, mid-to-low back strain/sprain/pain, knee strain/pain, sciatica, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, stress, insomnia, tendonitis (bilateral wrists), tinnitus, and others. I have been in a few auto accidents and off work due to work injuries in the past and have turned to "conventional" medical doctors to help relieve my symptoms. In every case I was given
anti-inflammatories, pain medications, sleep medications, asthma inhalers, to name a few.

A pill-taker I am NOT, as can be verified by many of my previous/current physicians. I have probably caused a few of them to start taking medications just to deal with me on appointment day! I will admit that I have taken every medication prescribed and continue to take those I feel I absolutely have to from time to time for muscle pain and discomfort or even headaches, but let me make this clear - medications, I believe, do a lot more harm than good to our bodies in the long run. I was even told that taking one particularly common medication long term requires an every 6-month BUN/CREATININ test of your kidneys to ensure you are not being poisoned.

At 51 years old I was diagnosed with asthma. I have never smoked so it was a mystery to me how I could all of a sudden have asthma and have to take 1 then 2 then 3 inhalers a day! My father and 4 brothers and 1 sister all smoked so I guess I am a victim. I had to go through overnight sleep evaluation with wires attached to my face, throat and a band around my chest (oh yeah, I could really get a good night's sleep you think?) The next day, not knowing I was allergic to the tape I was given to hold the wires in place, I awoke with very large red bruising on my face and neck (just try to explain that they're not hickies!) I had to breathe into machines and blow into machines to have my lung capacity measured and then I was told I had asthma, all after one other doctor said it after just listening to me breathe. This was the turning point for me regarding medications, their effect on my body and well-being and how I was feeling. I was spending so much time trying to carry on with my daily life (a very hectic one I can assure you raising grandchildren) and trying to remember my daily "essential" medications (blood pressure, potassium to replace what the blood pressure medication depletes, and hormones (yes I've reached that age)) and whether I had taken all of the other medications too from the time I got up until just before going to bed everyday!

I was involved in another auto accident and I believe this was my wake up call as far as my health. The first doctor I thought about seeing was a chiropractor when I couldn't get up from a laying position (had to roll over onto my side and try to push myself up). From previous experience with chiropractors, I knew I would be back to "normal" (or as normal as I could be with all of my problems) in a minimum amount of time. I started to remember how my head hurt after a very serious previous accident years ago and how the chiropractor was the only one who stopped the pain without medication after 6 months of physical therapy and continuous anti-inflammatories from the orthopedic doctor.

Another time I couldn't turn my head or move without pain in my body, I knew it was time to see a chiropractor if I wanted to feel better anytime soon. It's been a little over a month of treating 2-3 times a week and I have not been short of breath (also thought by medical doctor to be anxiety) so have not used the inhalers; headaches have minimized; neck and back pain is minimal to slight as opposed to unbearable; hips are feeling better and knees are feeling pretty good (no real need for massive doses of anti-inflammatories).

All in all I feel better than I've felt in a long time. This is not to say that the muscle discomforts won't persist from time to time, but for now, I'm feeling better.
Now instead of spending the whole day worrying about whether I took my medications I can do something productive and live again.

If I help one person seek chiropractic care as an alternative to medical care for certain health problems, then I am happy and I'm sure after your chiropractic visits, you will be feeling a lot happier too! I plan to keep my appointments with my medical doctors and let them wonder how these wondrous changes have taken place and if asked, I will proudly tell them I went to the chiropractor (something I know for a fact they're not always happy to hear - but why is that you should be asking yourself). If your health is truly their concern, shouldn't they be glad that you're healthy?

To all chiropractors - keep up the good work!

Diana Chambers San Diego, CA
This story is from Chiropractor.com

2010-06-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday June 10, 2010

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.

Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can improve your health by boosting your energy, sharpening your memory and stabilizing your mood. Expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.

Try to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy recipe basics:

Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

Recipe and soup starters such as garlic, onions, carrots, and celery.

Healthy staples like brown rice, white Basmati rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, and wild rice.

Whole wheat bread and tortillas for healthy sandwiches and wraps.

Beans such as lentils, black beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, fava beans, and lima beans.

Frozen corn, peas, and other vegetables to add to recipes or for a quick vegetable side dish.

Frozen fruit and berries to make smoothies or frozen desserts.

Dark greens for salads, plus salad add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, beans, and seeds.
Fresh and dried herbs and spices.

Healthy fats and oils for cooking, such as olive oil and canola oil. You can also try specialty oils like peanut, sesame, or truffle oil for adding flavor.

Unsalted nuts for snacking, like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and pistachios.

Vinegars, such as balsamic, red wine, and rice vinegar for salads and veggies.

Strong cheeses, like aged Parmesan or blue cheese for intense flavor in salads, pasta, and soups.

This information is brought to you by www.helpguide.org

2010-06-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday June 3, 2010

We need a name for our cabin. I’m thinking ‘Domino Lodge’. It all started with the stained bathtub. Grandma made it clear that Mekina wasn’t allowed in there.

My dad (being the handy carpenter that he is) offered to help. (Notice, I did not say handy plumber). This was not going to be a simple job because once we committed to changing the tub; my mom said that the toilet had to go too. And we might as well get a new sink so that everything matches. To get a shower, there were two walls to move and a fair bit of jack-hammering to do. It was going to be a long time without a bathroom.

That’s when I had the brainwave. Hey, let’s put a second bathroom upstairs! Then we can take as long as we want on fixing this one. So we started on the upstairs bathroom. It changed a wall in the kitchen, which meant painting. Well, the new paint made the floor look shabby, so mom made me get some new lino. Then the counter looked ridiculous, so my brother in law tore it off. My dad walked by and said “don’t even bother putting that old sink in the new counter” and so it went. Two years later it’s quite the little cabin.

Renovating can sure set off a chain reaction of events. All that physical work can certainly cause problems in the spine. If you hurt yourself during your renovations, we can help you, but we need to deal with it right away.

A bigger worry is the chain reactions people get from medications. Every drug has side effects and they don’t always show up right away. Just last week someone had a terrible reaction to a blood pressure pill which caused his lip, tongue, and throat to swell. Of course to correct that problem, they gave them another pill! Who knows what that one will cause?

Avoiding medications is the best way to go, but if you end do up deciding to take something, make sure you pay attention & read up about the side effects. The last thing you want is for there to be a second problem from that drug and a third problem from the one they give you for the second and so on.

Avoid the chain reaction. Take adjustments instead of drugs.

Dr. Crystal

2010-05-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday May 27, 2010

Did you know that your body is hard-wired to handle stress? Unfortunately, the wiring was set-up for the dinosaur-chasing-you kind of stress. So, you have a built in fight or flight option. Neither of these usually works with today’s type of stress, but your body doesn’t know the difference. That’s why you get physically tense even if the stress is emotional or chemical.

This past weekend Dr Matt and I had an unexpected chance to test out our fight or flight responses. We had decided that the long weekend was a great chance to take Mekina on her first camping trip. We went for just one night, on our way to visit his sister in Kamloops.

After a lovely evening at the campsite, with the requisite trip to the play area, we took a walk around looking at all the people in their big comfy trailers. It was a bit cool, so we were all zipped up in our warm jackets and had our toques on. Sure enough, some guy in a 30 foot trailer made a wisecrack about us in our arctic survival suits, or something similar. We laughed and explained that we were spending the night in a tiny little tent which didn’t have forced air heating and an electric fireplace like his unit did!

Well, the evening was great, but the morning was another story. We woke up to snow! That sure makes for a memorable first camping trip with the one year old. Before this, I never thought of camping as stressful, but hey, there’s a first time for everything. The way we figured it, we had two options: fight or flight. Fighting the snow sounded like a losing battle, so we chose to flee. We ended up having a lovely breakfast at a truck stop in Kamloops, followed by a relaxing weekend with Matt’s family.

If you feel like you have extra subluxations in your spine after camping, we know how you feel!

Let us help you to unwind your spine after your weekend of unwinding your mind!

Dr. Crystal

2010-05-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Blog for May 20, 2010

S ome
T hings
R eally
E xacerbate
S pinal
S ubluxatons

There were 8000 sleeping bags crowded across every bit of floor space in the Pacific Coliseum. The hum in the air was from the thousands of girls and women who were trying to settle down for the night. This was some birthday party! We were celebrating 100 years of Girl Guides in Canada.

I figure I had at least 30 of my practice members there last Saturday (I know a lot of Girl Guides!), so I was prepared for the Monday rush at the office. It’s pretty hard to spend your weekend in those kind of circumstances and not find yourself under some extra stress. And stress, of course, is the root cause of all subluxations. Physical stress is the obvious one, but emotional stress is right up there, and even chemical stress can affect your spine.

In the case of our giant sleepover, we had all 3 types of stress. There was physical stress from sitting too long and from sleeping on the floor. There was emotional stress for the kids having to wait in line, missing home, and staying up too late. And for the leaders, it was from dealing with all the kids’ issues and being on the go for so many hours. The chemical stress was from eating hotdogs and cupcakes and other not-so-natural foods! But, then, it was a party! Even I succumbed to the cupcakes!

All in all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The girls had a fantastic time and I know I’ll never forget it!

When possible, minimize the stress in your life. And when the stress is unavoidable, choose to be happy anyway!

A happy spine is a healthy spine.

Dr. Crystal

2010-05-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

Blog for Thursday May 13, 2010

We went to a new playground yesterday up in Citadel Heights in Port Coquitlam. The playground equipment was amazing, like no other park I’ve been to. First of all, the slide was weird. Your legs went around the outside of it! And almost every other piece of climbing apparatus was wiggly. Kids who grow up around there are going to have great balance! Dr. Matt had me in fits of giggles as he tried to walk across a really tricky section of the play area… he kept slipping off!

Mekina’s favorite thing was a really fancy 2-level merry-go-round. There was a second story that you could get to by climbing up the outside on a rope ladder type of thing… of course the kids all did this as it was spinning! Thankfully Mekina was happy to just sit and twirl around.

I guess for kids, going around in circles is fun. For me, I just get dizzy. In fact, sometimes I get dizzy just watching people going in circles. This happens at the office every now and then when I get people that keep going through the same scenario over and over. They let their body get so tight and subluxated that they are in pain again. After a few adjustments they start to ‘feel ok’ so they disappear! Of course the problem isn’t completely corrected yet. So then comes the relapse. This is such a viscous cycle.

There is a simple way to stop it. Get off the merry-go-round. As they say, if you want different results, you have to change what you are doing. Let us help you break this expensive and time consuming cycle. Regular checkups keep your spine working at its best. When you are your best, things that happen are easier to handle.

Leave the spinning to the kids at the playground.

Dr. Crystal

2010-05-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday May 6, 2010

The wind was really blowing on Monday. One of my patients said it was because the Canucks lost to Chicago, which is, of course the windy city. Well, all I know is that it was crazy. If we ever have wind, it’s always on Mondays, right after the yard guys have left for the day. So, we have branches all over the place again. At least our power didn’t go out. From the sounds of things, we got off easy. Lots of people went without power that day.

It’s a good time to talk about power, actually. So, let’s say the power went out at your house. Your stove didn’t work and neither did the lights. Did you run out and buy new light bulbs or a new stove? Of course not. You waited for repairmen to get the power back on.

So why do people think that when something in their body isn’t right, they should get new parts? A bad knee for example, might have more to do with the ‘source of power’ rather than the knee itself. Same with carpal tunnel… surgery doesn’t always help, because it may not be coming from the wrist at all! Your body gets its signals from your spine. Make sure that you don’t have anything interfering with your power!

Chiropractic adjustments turn your power back on.

Dr. Crystal

2010-04-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Blog for Thursday April 29, 2010

Why is it that kids learn faster than their parents do? Mekina figured out how to get into the toy closet long before I figured out how to lock that door. Of course, it’s filled with toys she has outgrown, but still recognizes - so now every time we go into her room, all I hear is “uh, uh, Uh, UH, UH!!!” In Mekina’s world that means “get me that! And that! And that!”

This is around the time where I wish I knew from looking which toys still have batteries that work. But, of course, you can’t tell from looking. So, we have to drag down all the different things only to discover that her favorite jungle animal songs won’t play or that Winnie the Pooh has lost his voice!

Chiropractic works the same way. We really can’t tell from looking whether or not a person has a subluxated spine. For example, we could line-up all the kids in a classroom and try to guess which ones need adjustments according to how they stand or fidget, but the only way to truly tell is to get them properly checked.

Toys work better with fresh batteries and kids work better with healthy spines. And as anyone who has a toddler knows, it’s much, much easier to check before you play. Playing without batteries isn’t much fun and neither is playing with a subluxated spine!

Have your kids been checked?
We can make sure their batteries are fully charged!

Dr. Crystal