Every 3,000 Miles

My wife and I recently went car shopping for my 2 teenage drivers. We were specifically looking for a higher mileage, older car that would enable us to have lower cost insurance. However, since I am no longer a mechanic, I don’t want to have to take it in the shop all the time. I want to be able to have the regular maintenance done and have it be pretty worry free. I know that can be a tall order with an inexpensive car but that’s what we were searching for.

The first car we test drove had 91,000 miles and was made in 2001. The outside of the car looked good. It had a V6 engine and had nice acceleration. On the test drive the first thing we noticed is that it was noisy. One of the dashboard lights that signifies the airbag was on but the owner of the car disclosed that to me when I visited with him on the phone. We took it to a mechanic for him to look over and he noticed some things that we would not have noticed but they were fixable and we were willing to purchase the car…then we changed our mind.

As we were taking the car back to the owners house to seal the deal the check engine and another dashboard light came on. We decided that we did not want to buy a car that was maybe not maintained well. After visiting with the owner he disclosed that the person that owned the car before him, a friend of his, only changed the oil after constant urging from friends, sometimes as long as 9,000 miles in between changes. We knew that because of the lack of proper maintenance we would be setting ourselves up for worry and we did not buy the car.

Then we found another car that the owner was able to show us records proving that the oil was changed meticulously every 3000 miles and everything else was maintained religiously. The paint was not in great shape and it showed the gentle loving use of 15 years and 117,000 miles. The car was quiet to drive and showed that it had been well taken care of. Fortunately we were able to find what seems will be a reliable car for my girls to drive.

These two cars are like many people. Some may be younger but not nearly as healthy because they have not taken care of themselves. Others may be older but you can tell as you visit with them they are happy, vibrant and full of life.

It all comes down to maintenance. How well do you take care of yourself? Do you regularly put foods into your body that you know are causing damage? Do you exercise regularly? Do you stay current with your adjustment schedule? Do you fill your mind with positive healing thoughts? In short, Do you Eat Well, Move Well and Think Well?

Today is a new day and it can be a new start. If you or someone you love has NOT been checked for subluxation lately, call our office to see if we can help you and them live the life you deserve.

Patient of the Week- Jackie Gibbons- October 2009

In Jackie’s own words…

“My life certainly changed for the better since joining Dr. Brad and being under his care since July. I had been in a lot of pain in my right hip for the past year and thought I was headed for a hip replacement.
I walked by the office one day and saw a big banner that said “Freedom from Medications” and that sounded good to me! I signed up for treatment and each day I feel better than I have in years and my energy level has also increased. I have had allergy problems for years with sinus infections constantly. As of this date, I am off nearly all of my allergy medications and no more sinus infections. I feel the “straight spine” theory is the only way to go and would advise anyone contemplating chiropractic care to give it a try. It will change your life and for the best!”

In the words of Kiara’s mother…
“Kiara was first diagnosed with asthma at 11 months old. She had been on a nebulizer for the first couple of years then since the age of 3, has been on Singulair and Pulmicort once a day each and Albuterol as needed. Since starting chiropractic visits in June, Kiara is off the inhalers and Singulair. If her breathing does get worse, we use herbal teas, increase visits to the chiropractor and reflexology to help. This has happened about once a month instead of 4-5 times per month! In addition, Kiara has had chronic ear infections since she was born. Since beginning chiropractic care, she has not had one! We really believe in chiropractic because we have seen how it has improved the quality of life for Kiara. No more emergency room trips or visits to the doctor to adjust medications-only to Dr. Brad who has done a tremendous job in helping Kiara!”

Patient of the Week- Bobbie Rabenberg- October 2009

In Bobbi’s own words…
“Having been through a lot of trauma starting at a very young age, the pain had compounded over the years. I had chiropractic adjustments before and knew they would help, but it had been many years since my last adjustment and I was in a lot of pain when I happened upon Dr. Brad. IMMEDIATELY after my 1st adjustment, I could go up and down stairs much easier and the next day I noticed my eyesight was noticeably better!
Now that I’ve been getting adjustments regularly, the pain I was experiencing is virtually gone and that has helped with my outlook on life. Recently, I had an eye exam and found out the sight in my left eye has actually improved! My old prescription was 175 for my left eye and now it is 125! Regular adjustments by Dr. Brad have helped more than I thought!”

Patient of the Week- Carlos Acosta- Sept 2009

In Carlos’ own words…

“We began care in 2007. My wife’s back was always hurting and I had shooting pain up my spine occasionally. After about a month of care, neither of us had reoccurring pain. Due to the distance of travel and our schedule, we had to discontinue care temporarily. We all felt this was a huge mistake, but had no other choice at the time.
After receiving a phone call from Dr. Brad earlier this year, we began our care again. Since then, we have been happier and healthier. Through Dr. Brad’s care and informational classes, we have had better days physically and mentally. We have 3 children who all look forward to going to Dr. Brad to get their adjustment, too! I recommend Straight Chiropractic to everyone I talk to. Back pain or not, this care is a natural way for your body to heal itself from more illnesses. It makes me feel better knowing that my family and I don’t have to heal our bodies with medicine that damages your body in the long run.”

Patient of the Week - September 2009- Jeff Stong

In Jeff’s own words…

“I initially came to Straight Chiropractic for the same reason many other folks do: I was experiencing chronic lower back pain and stiffness in my neck. It was keeping me awake at night and just seemed to be worsening. My pain has now reduced significantly, the pain no longer keeps me awake and I have more mobility in my neck! But what is unique about Straight Chiropractic is that what they offer is not just a solution to back and neck pain through a few bone-cracking adjustments; Dr. Brad offers a “total health” care package including health care tips for your body, mind and spiritual needs. He holds seminars, has fitness tips, and I have learned more about how my body works here than through all my college years! Plus, they offer a fun, family atmosphere and they make you feel like family. Unfortunately, most of us wait until we experience pain and discomfort before seeking treatment. Dr. Brad’s teachings show that the earlier you get on the road to a healthier you, the better chance you have of never having to experience the pain and discomfort I have experienced over the years. Thank you, Dr. Brad and his staff for the wonderful experience and for getting me on the road to a better me!”

Patient of the Week-Sept 2009- Colleen Frenz

“After a rear end collision, I was diagnosed with chronic myofacial neck pain (whiplash). Over the course of several years, I had chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, took 1000’s of mg of Ibuprofen, had marcaine injections in my neck, and took time off work trying to get relief. People would often ask me, “How much damage was done to your car?” I learned there is NO direct correlation between car damage and me. After the insurance ran out, and no other options were presented, I figured I was destined to tolerate the pain and the egg-sized lump in my neck.
I came to Dr. Brad originally for my daughter… not for myself. Once he explained his philosophy and approach, took x-rays to show me the issues I had were in my neck AND in my lower back, I knew I was there for me. Receiving chiropractic adjustments, doing home exercises, and attending workshops on a consistent basis equals results! Receiving adjustments keeps the spine aligned to allow for self-healing. Home exercises help maintain muscular flexibility and modifies bad habits. The workshops inform and inspire.
In the 2+ years I have been receiving adjustments and actively participating to “Be Well”, the pain and egg-sized lump in my neck are gone, and the forward posture and the reverse curve in my neck have improved! I’ve learned from Dr. Brad wellness is a lifestyle and life-long. It’s a conscious decision we make to “Think Well, Move Well, and Eat Well”!