Friday, July 27, 2012

Davis Family Vacation (Part Two)

We had an excellent time visiting family in Montana last week!  The weather was pleasant, including the thunder and lightening storms that accompanied us on the final stretch of our drive.  There's nothing like driving on an almost deserted highway, in the middle of the night, during a thunder and lightening storm.  It was quite the experience. 

Our week away was great, and we had the best time catching up with family from Utah and Montana, who we don't get to see nearly enough.  We filled our time playing games, on the water canoeing, knee boarding, surfing!, wake boarding, riding wave runners, and during quieter times--relaxing on the beach with a book, or taking walks around the island.  Of course, all that playing required a few adjustments from the doctor!

Jeannie on the knee board!
My sisters, Amber, Tammy and Cassie
My oldest, Caleb and I
My youngest, Hunter knee boarding!

My son, Ammon
Davis cousins

It was such a good time!  I hope you are enjoying your summer and are getting the chance to rest, relax and enjoy the family that you don't get to see regularly!

Want to see part one of our vacation? 

Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Davis Family Vacation (Part One)

Last week, I was away from the office, catching up on some much needed rest and relaxation with the family and extended family.  We headed East to Montana where my sister's family has a lake house.  On our way there, we stopped at Silverwood, an amusement park outside of Coeur d'alene, Idaho, for a full day of rides and water slides.  The family was spent by the time we headed out to drive the rest of the way to the lake house.  We spent the better part of the week, on the water, by way of wave runner or boat, or near the water, by way of a comfy lounge chair and a good book. 
Nothing rejuvenates and refreshes like a vacation away from cell and Internet service for a week!

A couple days into our arrival, we headed about ten minutes down the highway to the Ross Cedars (part of Kootenai National Forest), to take a scenic walk through the ancient forest.
Many of the cedars reach 8 ft. in diameter, and some say the beauty of these
ancient trees (as old as 400 years!) rival the great sequoias of
Northern California.
Our dancer, Olivia.
Most of the Davis family grand kids--minus four.
 I had suspicions we were traveling with a quirky group...
Davis Family :: Summer 2012

Montana is one of the most beautiful places to visit.

Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

17 Quick Tips for a Healthy Spine


One of Dr. Davis' primary focuses as a chiropractor, is preventing health problems before the onset of symptoms.  During his appointments with patients, examining the spine for postural misalignments, is routine.  Such misalignments, also known as vertebral subluxation, may lead to a wide range of ailments, such as back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome and headaches.  Studies have also suggested that vertebral subluxations may be related to ear infections, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, colic and other maladies.  Dr. Davis also emphasizes the power of prevention with his clients by teaching monthly wellness courses and educating patients about vertebral subluxation and how treat them through chiropractic adjustments, as well as teaching about nutrition, stress reduction and exercise, as a means of  preventative measure.

1.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis for a chiropractic checkup.  Even the slightest postural discrepancies, over a period of time, can have harmful effects on the spine.  Dr. Marc is educated to detect and prevent such conditions before they turn painful.

2. Strive to be well.  Having a "wellness attitude," is on that focuses on prevention and strives to address issues when they arise, rather than ignore them or try to cover them up with potentially harmful medications.

3.  Switch from coffee to green tea.  Green tea contains the emerald elixir, which is an antioxidant which is filled with healing chemicals that are known to prevent Osteoarthritis, an attack on the spine that occurs in older individuals.

4.  Be an ergonomic expert!  Invest in a headset for your home, office and mobile telephones, to avoid unnecessary neck strain associated with cradling the phone between the shoulder and ear.  Consider trading out your traditional computer mouse, which require repetitive movements that can lead to muscular imbalances, for a touch pad or a roller ball device.

5.  Ask your doctor about glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements in relation to your health situation.  Both supplements are linked with preventing degeneration of cartilage in joints.  Make sure that you speak with your doctor about any other supplements and/or medications that you might be taking.

6.  Watch your water intake.  Six to eight glasses of water a day is essential in keeping the intravertebrae disks separating the spine's vertebrae soft and elastic.  Dehydration can cause the disks to lose flexibility and shrink, thus failing to provide cushion for adjacent vertebrae.

7.  Nourish your spine with daily multivitamins and minerals.  Always consult with your doctor or chiropractor before beginning a new regimen.

8.  Avoid carrying your wallet in your back pocket.  Doing so, may hurt your spine and put unnecessary pressure on your sciatic nerve.  The disproportionate pressure can also lead to posture incongruities which can lead to low-back pain.

9.  Request a posture check from Dr. Davis.  This procedure can help identify any posture problems that you should be aware of, before they become painful or lead to a disorder.

10.  Sleep on your back.  As much as you might like to stretch out on your stomach, sleeping there can tweak vertebrae in your neck, leading to vertebral subluxations.

11.  Choose a soft spine-friendly pillow made from down feathers.  Or ask your doctor about the many therapeutic pillows on the market.  AND make sure you pack your pillow with you while on trips.  You might not know how accustomed you've become to your pillow until you have trouble sleeping at your hotel, or wake up with neck pain the following morning.

12.  Purchase a neck-cradling pillow for road trips and airplane flights.  Extra support while sitting upright for long periods of time, helps avoid strains in the neck area.

13.  Stretch each day.  As a rule of thumb--for every 30 minutes of inactivity i.e. sitting at your desk during work hours, take a three minute stretch break.  Set a timer to remind yourself to be kind to your back.

14.  Be active.  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and incorporate both strength training and aerobic programs.

15.  Incorporate abdominal strengthening exercises into your fitness regimen.  Low back pain is often associated with weak abdominal muscles.

16.  Pass up excessive caffeine, sugar, processed and fried foods.  Not only do these foods drain the body of energy, they interrupt appropriate nutrients from reaching the spine.

17.  Maintain regular chiropractic checkups to stay subluxation-free.  Ask your doctor to suggest a schedule that will keep you on track.  Remember, your spine is worth the time and effort to avoid pain and be healthy!

Davis Family Chiropractic, PLLC

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Monday, July 9, 2012

Don't Get Burned: Protect Yourself With Safe Sunscreen

By Cassie McCully

How was your fourth of July weekend?  For those of us in Vancouver, Washington and the surrounding areas, it was hot and sunny, which made for an excellent holiday weekend. 

While the sun was blazing, some of us were so busy with the festivities and enjoying the heat, that the sunscreen was applied too late, or worse, not at all.  There's nothing like some good sun-striping to help make sunscreen a priority the next time you're basking in the sun.

This year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), is recommending 1 in 4 sunscreens compared to 1 in 5 last year and 1 in 12 the year before.  You can read on the U.S. Sunscreens 2012 highlights in their annual review, and learn what makes sunscreen safe and effective.  You can also look up your specific sunscreen and read its overall score, information on ingredients, effectiveness and safety.  You can also view the list of best sunscreens


Personally, it's time to rid of the sunscreen I've been using and make a healthier choice. 

Keep safe in the sun this week!



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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

10 Ways to Make Your 4th of July Festive


Do you have big plans for the fourth?
1.  Great firework shows will be happening in Southwest Washington tomorrow, from Independence Day at Fort Vancouver and the Independence Day on the Beach, to your favorite family shows. 

2.  You could also make your way out the the annual Vancouver Rodeo during July 4-7 at the Saddle Club, for some true down-home country fun.

3.  The fourth of July means for many great BBQ and festive desserts.
Here's a few dessert ideas that got our taste buds excited:

Want to make the day extra memorable?

4.  Write a letter/send a package to a soldier.
5.  Visit a local memorial.
6.  Play patriotic music.
7.  Pick up a historical read at the library.
8.  Take the kids to be part of a children's parade.
9.  Take part in a ball game.
10.  Wear red, white and blue!

Enjoy the holiday,

Davis Family Chiropractic, PLLC





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Health Disclaimer

This information on this web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting Dr. Marc, your pediatrician or family doctor.

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