Unpredictable Weather

Posted by: The Balancing Center Dr. Daniel Helgerman

Perhaps you have heard the saying, "If you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait five minutes!".  As one who has never lived in the northern Midwest before this past year, I have a comical appreciation for this exaggeration of truth.  I have never lived in a place that can be sunny and fairly warm, rain, and snow all in the same day!

Not only does the weather change fast, but life changes fast!  We often find ourselves in a situation we wouldn't have imagined several hours earlier.  Although life often gives us unexpected joys, the unexpected painful experiences often sink much deeper into our memory.  The love we have for our family and friends, the financial security we have in investments, the pride we take in our career all leave us vulnerable to feeling strong emotions when life changes unexpectedly. 

Nothing in life is guaranteed.  The only constant is change itself.  We have only 2 choices: embrace change and adapt or become defeated in our denial and rigidity.  At The Balancing Center we are not only interested in the biomechanics of the human body, but the human experience itself.  Memories, emotions, images, and thoughts are all remembered and recycled deep in the brain and nervous system.  They form the basis of our beliefs about ourselves as well as the world, and are responsible for the initial formation of many habits. 

To break free from these patterns of thoughts, actions, or emotions we first need a new perspective.  Intentional chiropractic care and bodywork can help one integrate past experiences within the body so that they do not create such intense resistance to present changes.   Releasing past traumas also lessens the stress on the body so that each new additional stimulus doesn’t feel so overwhelming.  Because the brain and nervous system are responsible for coordinating all events in the human body, restoring the proper alignment and self-correcting nature of the spine makes you the most up to date, functional, and adaptable version of yourself possible.  

The changes of life do not need to frighten us or cause excessive grief.  Instead, we can use them as fuel for growth.  With each new day, each new experience, and every unexpected weather occurrence, there is a lesson to be learned and perspective to be gained.  Chiropractic care and bodywork help initiate this learning and growing.  Although sometimes changes may be uncomfortable or even painful, if we wait five minutes, the sun will come out again.  

Sunshine: Medicine for the Soul

Posted by: The Balancing Center

What would summer be without sunshine?  Summer is characterized by beautiful warm weather that invites us to enjoy the outdoors.  In our modern era we are constantly working and socializing indoors.  It is rare that we spend much time outside, especially when the weather is cold.  When it is pleasant outside in Chicago there are literally hundreds of ways to get outside and enjoy this wonderful summer weather, from street festivals and outdoor concerts to meet-ups or wonderful Lake Michigan with its clear blue water, cool breeze, and sandy beaches. 

Getting outside and enjoying the sun has more benefits than the obvious mood enhancing qualities.   Vitamin D, a hormone we can synthesize when sunshine beams on bare skin, has been known to decrease heart disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammation, depression, asthma, autism, chronic pain, bone loss, allergies, autoimmune diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,  and some have even sited it to be a deterrent of cancer due to its immune boosting properties. 

Vitamin D boosts the immune system, promotes relaxation, and healthy bone growth by increasing intestinal absorption of the key minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc.   By spending 20 minutes per day in the sun, the average adult can get a sufficient amount of vitamin D to receive these benefits.  Often times the 20 minutes we spend outside away from all of life’s demands soaking up the sun will be one of the best parts of the day.   Finding a quiet, private spot outside to enjoy lunch is ideal.  More vitamin D is absorbed without sunscreen and with less clothing. 

If you are someone who wants to make sure you receive your daily dose of vitamin D regardless of whether the sun is shining, taking supplements is a great and affordable way to reap all these benefits.  It is recommended that people ingest up to 1000IUs of Vitamin D3 per 40lbs. of body weight.  I personally use Innate Choice D3 drops.  They are highly absorbable and great for people who don’t like to swallow pills or risk sun exposure without sunscreen. 

Sunshine and laughter are abundant during the summer time, and for the soul there is no better medicine.  Nothing is better than enjoying a day outside with family or friends.  Just as I reminded us all to stay independent for Independence Day, I urge you all to take full advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy every moment you can outdoors and in the sun!  Don’t let the sun set on the summer.  

Maintain Your Independence

Posted by: The Balancing Center

July 4^th, 1776 was the day the United States of America officially declared independence from Britain.  The core issue outlined in The Declaration of Independence was summarized in the phase, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

As a chiropractor I believe these rights extend to our bodies as well. All day, every day you experience life through the wonderful vehicle of your body. Because you only get one body, your future abilities to enjoy life are effected by your day to day efforts to use it actively and appropriately!

When you see kids running around on the beach playing or adults throwing a frisbee it is apparent how much enjoyment there is in the freedom to move. Oftentimes people forget this. I see able bodied twenty five year olds standing on the escalator instead of walking. I see people calling an Uber rather than walking the half or quarter mile to their next location. It is almost as if people choose to use their healthy bodies as little as possible even though the ability to move is one of the greatest gifts and freedoms a human being has. 

Physical inactivity makes the body progressively weaker and stiffer, which takes away freedoms once taken for granted. Just like in a democracy, citizens of a country must use their freedom appropriately to protect their rights; we need to move our bodies to be able to continue to happily and efficiently move as we age. Next time you find your inner voice complaining about the effort of climbing a flight of steps, be grateful for the ability to do so. Next time you are in walkable distance to your next business engagement, leave early and enjoy the fresh air and rejuvenation of walking. If it is not comfortable for you to do these everyday activities come into The Balancing Center so we can re-connect  you to your natural ability to move. This Independence Day take full advantage of the freedom of movement you have, no matter how small or great, recognizing it as integral to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.     

by: Dr. Helgerman