December 2013 Newsletter

In this month’s newsletter:

Read on for information on the far reaching effects of posture, holiday office hours, a simple chopped salad recipe, squats, and to learn about our efforts to help youth in need at the holidays. Please take a moment to share the newsletter with friends via Facebook or Twitter at the bottom of the page.

The Powerful Effects of Posture     

Would you believe that your posture impacts your hormone levels in your body? As we learn more about the connections between posture, our brains and our bodies, we see that many aspects of our health and life benefit, or suffer, based on our posture.

  • When we sit up straight, we are more likely to have positive thoughts or recall positive memories.
  • Practicing good posture actually reduces blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and increases testosterone.

We can help you achieve better posture through chiropractic care and home postural exercises. Next time you are in the office, ask us how!
 

Office Hours for Christmas and New Year’s Day

The office will be closed from Monday, December 23rd through Friday, December 27th. We will also be closed on Wednesday January 1st.

Utilize your health insurance benefits and FSA accounts prior to 2014 calendar year

At this time of year, many people have about-to-expire funds in their FSA accounts. Remember, we can help you purchase a package of adjustments that you can use over time rather than letting this money go unused.

Other folks have met their deductible and/or family deductibles for the year. When this is the case, many policies have small or no co-pays for chiropractic visits. Now is a good time to use these chiropractic visit benefits that you have as part of your policies!

Shawna is happy to take your insurance info and let you know your exact costs per visit. Call or email the office for help.

Help Us Help Youth in Need: Bring in Items for the Lighthouse Happy Holidays Wish List

Lighthouse Youth Services helps southeastern Ohio youth and families in need. From now through Friday, December 13th, we are collecting the following items at Thrive to take to Lighthouse. We would love your help! This list reflects items that Lighthouse is most in need of.
 

Teenagers
(Lighthouse teens are often forgotten during the holidays; many are living on their own for the first time)
 
Alarm Clock with CD player
Bed linens of any kind
Basketball, Football, Soccer ball
Board Games
Clothing (especially larger sizes)
Cologne or perfume
Dishes
Duffle Bags or book bags
DVD player
Gym Shoes
Hair accessories
Hair dryer, curling or flat iron
Hats/Scarves/Gloves
Lotion/Bath Gels
Microwave
MP3 player
Personal Care Items
Pots and pans
Socks
Sports Apparel
Stereo
Sweatshirt Hoodies
Towels
Underwear
Wallets
Wrist Watch
 
Babies and Toddlers
(Developmental toys are so important for proper growth and development)
 
Ball towers
Blocks
Books
Cars/Trucks
Clothes or Pajamas (any size)
Coloring books
Color sorting toys
Crayons/Paints
Diapers & diapering supplies
Dish sets (toy)
Dress Me / Fastener Dolls
Dress Up items
Floor / Activity Mats
Foam Feeding Seats
Instruments
Music/Light activity boards
Mobiles – Contrasting Colors
Nursery rhyme or classical music CD’s
Pop-up books
Pretend Food
Playskool toys
Push-Pull toys
Puzzles (shapes, peg/knob, etc.)
Ride-On Toys
Safety Items (outlet covers, gates, etc.)
Shape sorting and/or stacking toys
Socks
Teething items

 
Recipe of the Month: Turkish Chopped Salad

This recipe from Well Fed, is simple and easy way to include more vegetables in your diet. To make this dish even easier, consider substituting this All Natural Salad Dressing from our friends at the Organic Farm at Bear Creek for the one listed below.

Dressing Ingredients
a large handful of parsley
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon sumac (optional; it will still taste great if you don’t have this somewhat unusual spice on hand)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt & pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients
2 cucumbers, peeled
2 green peppers, cored
3 tomatoes, cored
1/2 medium red onion
1 bunch radishes, tops removed
1 can black olives

Are squats really bad for your back and knees?

Most people assume that squatting is a dangerous exercise. As this blog post explains, squats are actually an excellent exercise.

Some folks will need a modification due to previous injury, but the majority of people will actually IMPROVE back and knee health by incorporating squatting of some sort into their routine.