June 2024 Newsletter

Important Dates to remember:

We will be OPEN Memorial Day (5/27)

We will be CLOSED June1st- 11th

We will be CLOSED Thursday July 4th

Q: WHY DOES MY SPINE KEEP GOING "OUT"?

A: It's your parent's fault! Possibly your grandparents too!

A fascinating study published in Nature Neuroscience in 2013 by researchers Brian G. Dias and Kerry J. Ressler found that mice can pass down fear to their babies through their genes. In their experiment, they made male mice scared of a certain smell by pairing it with mild electric shocks. Amazingly, even the babies of these scared male mice, who never smelled the scent or experienced the shocks, were also scared of that smell. This happened because the fear made changes in the male mice's DNA, which got passed to their babies.

This discovery is very important when we think about why people might have stress and anxiety that they can't explain. It suggests that the experiences and trauma of our parents, grandparents, and even further back could be affecting us today. For example, if your grandparents went through something very scary or painful, like a war or severe hardship, their stress could be passed down to you, even if you never experienced those things yourself. This can cause unexplained stress, anxiety, and even physical problems like subluxations (which are misalignments in the spine).

Knowing this helps us understand the importance of healing these deep-rooted traumas. One way to help with this healing process is through regular chiropractic checkups. Chiropractors help keep your spine healthy and aligned, which can relieve the physical tension that comes from inherited stress. By making sure your spine is properly aligned, chiropractors can help you feel better both physically and emotionally.

It's also beneficial to do things like mindfulness, therapy, and other self-care practices to manage and heal stress. By taking care of yourself and addressing these inherited stresses, you can break the cycle of trauma and promote a healthier, happier life for yourself and future generations. Understanding that your stress might be connected to your ancestors' experiences can help you take positive steps toward healing and well-being.

So, when you get frustrated and ask me why you keep going "out" of alignment and I tell you in the office that STRESS is the cause of the muscle spasm next to your spine that pulled the vertebra out of alignment, don't look at me like I have two heads and proceed to tell me that you have no stress in your life. The stress you're experiencing may actually have been passed down to you through many generations.

And, yes, I did learn this at the seminar I went to last week in NJ. :)

References:

Dias, B. G., & Ressler, K. J. (2013). Parental olfactory experience influences behavior and neural structure in subsequent generations. Nature Neuroscience, 17(1), 89-96.

Zovkic, I. B., Guzman-Karlsson, M. C., & Sweatt, J. D. (2013). Epigenetic regulation of memory formation and maintenance. Learning & Memory, 20(10), 580-594.

Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A. (2018). Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(3), 243-257.

Nestler, E. J. (2016). Transgenerational epigenetic contributions to stress responses: Fact or fiction? PLoS Biology, 14(3), e1002426.

So, how's the SOS diet going, you ask?

Over the past two months, I embarked on a journey to improve my health by eliminating sugar, refined oil, and added salt from my diet. This "SOS" diet, as it’s often called, seemed like a straightforward way to tackle my health issues and manage my weight. Remarkably, I've lost 13 pounds since starting this diet, a clear sign that it’s having a positive impact. However, despite my success, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. Last week, while attending a Chiropractic seminar in New Jersey, I found myself giving in to temptation and indulging in foods containing all three forbidden ingredients: sugar, refined oil, and salt. This experience reminded me how difficult it can be to stick to such a strict regimen, especially in social or professional settings.

Interestingly, while cutting out sugar and refined oil became easier over time, my cravings for salt have been much harder to manage. This isn't surprising considering how our bodies can develop a strong desire for salty foods. According to a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, salt cravings can be driven by the body's need for sodium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle function (Bertino, F.J., Beauchamp, G.K., & Engelman, K., 1982). Moreover, salt can trigger the brain's reward system, making salty foods highly palatable and easy to overconsume. This makes it particularly challenging to avoid salty snacks and meals, as our bodies are hardwired to seek out and enjoy these flavors.

Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that the SOS diet is worthwhile. The simplicity of cutting out sugar, refined oil, and added salt makes sense from a health perspective, even if it's not always easy to implement. I empathize deeply with anyone struggling with weight and health issues who is looking for a simple yet effective solution. While it might not be easy to overhaul your diet and resist cravings, the benefits are undeniable. Losing 13 pounds has not only improved my physical health but also boosted my confidence and energy levels. I encourage anyone facing similar struggles to consider this approach, to be kind to themselves if they slip up, and to recognize that each step towards healthier eating is a step towards a better life.

References:

Bertino, F. J., Beauchamp, G. K., & Engelman, K. (1982). Long-term reduction in dietary sodium alters the taste of salt. Physiology & Behavior, 28(2), 259-263.

The PulStar and So Many Other Ways To Correct Subluxations In Our Office

The implementation of the PulStar in our office has been a significant step forward in enhancing the care we provide to our patients. One of the standout features of the PulStar is its ability to scan the spine for subluxations, offering precise and detailed insights into spinal health. However, this is just the beginning of its benefits. The gentle adjustments made with the PulStar have produced incredible results, both in terms of structural alignment and in how our patients feel. Many report feeling better for longer periods, which is a testament to the effectiveness of this advanced technology.

That said, I understand that some patients still prefer the old-fashioned manual adjustments. I get it. I used to love getting adjusted that way too even though now I prefer the PulStar or Arthrostim adjustment for my spine. I'll admit that there's something uniquely satisfying about the sudden release of pressure in the joints during a manual adjustment. Whether this preference is rooted in the physical relief it provides or in the psychological comfort it brings doesn't matter to me. What is most important to me is that each patient leaves our office unsubluxated and feeling valued, and confident that their concerns have been heard and addressed.

In our office, we have a wide array of techniques to correct subluxations. These range from the Activator, Integrator, Vibracussor and Arthrostim to the PulStar, Thompson drop table, Upper Cervical Toggle Recoil (enabled by an elevating headpiece on every table), the Jackson Technique I recently learned in New Jersey, and the Soft Touch Technique, which I developed by combining Network Chiropractic with several other methods. Of course, we also offer the traditional Palmer Package manual adjustments when absolutely necessary and the gentler techniques are not achieving our goal. Over the last few months, incorporating the PulStar as our primary technique has shown me that while no single method fits everyone perfectly, our long-standing posture evaluation and PulStar scan are exceptional at indicating when another technique might be more suitable.

I want to thank all of you for supporting this transition to the PulStar. It has dramatically improved my health too, as it's much easier on my body. Not only have I seen a notable improvement in my patients' health, but I've also become highly proficient at determining when the PulStar is the best tool for an adjustment and when another technique might be more appropriate. I'm genuinely excited to offer such a comprehensive array of adjustments tailored to each individual's needs.

Please know that my commitment to your health and well-being is unwavering. I deeply care about you and your families, and I'm always striving to learn and incorporate the most effective chiropractic techniques available. As new methods emerge, I promise to continue integrating them into our practice to ensure we provide the best, most cutting-edge care possible. Thank you for trusting me with your health, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

In Health and Faith, Dr. Jay

Time to lighten it up a little bit!

The Quotes of Steven Wright:

1 - I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.

2 - Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back.

3 - Half the people you know are below average.

4 - 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5 - 82.7% of all statistcs are made up on the spot.

6 - A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

7 - A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

8 - If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.

9 - All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand.

10 - The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

11 - I almst had a psychic girlfriend, ..... But she left me before we met.

12 - OK, so what's the speed of dark?

13 - How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?

14 - If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

15 - Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

16 - When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

17 - Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

18 - Hard work pays off in the future; laziness pays off now.

19 - I intend to live forever ... So far, so good.

20 - If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

21 - Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

22 - What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

23 - My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."

24 - Why do psychics have to ask you for your name

25 - If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.

26 - A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.

27 - Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

28 - The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.

29 - To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.

30 - The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.

31 - The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.

32 - The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it.

33 - Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film.

34 - If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

35 - If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?

And Now A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the wonderful patients You have entrusted to my care. As we enter the month of June, I lift up each of them in prayer, asking for Your divine protection and blessings over their lives.

Lord, I pray that You keep my patients safe and healthy during this time. Guard their bodies against illness and injury, and keep their spirits uplifted and strong. May they continue to experience wellness and vitality, free from dis-ease and subluxations. Guide them in making wise choices that promote their well-being, and surround them with Your love and peace.

As I prepare to go on vacation in the beginning of June to celebrate my 40th anniversary with my beloved wife, I ask for Your watchful care over my patients in my absence. May they feel Your comforting presence and know that they are always in my thoughts and prayers. Help them to maintain the progress we have made together and to stay aligned in both body and spirit.

Bless my patients with good health and happiness, and let them know how much I care for each one of them. I am grateful for the trust they place in me and for the opportunity to serve them. Grant us all a month filled with joy, peace, and continued healing.

In Your holy name, I pray.

Amen.

In Health and Faith,

Dr. Jay, Kim, Lori, Nastassja, Kerrie and Kaitlin