Hear ye, Hear ye, Hear ye! Oh yes, one of the most exciting and anticipated days of the year…Groundhog Day! At our house, we often like to commemorate this day with our annual viewing of the movie, “Groundhog Day.” If you’ve seen the movie, you know that Bill Murray’s character keeps living Groundhog Day over and over until he realizes that to successfully get past that day, he’s got to change and better his life. It’s a pretty funny movie and it’s a great reminder to all of us that it’s good to reflect and work on self-improvement.
Many have coined the term, “Groundhog Day Syndrome,” as a feeling of repetition, boredom, stuck-in-a-rut type behavior. We see this a lot with our first-time patients here at New Directions Chiropractic. Initially, they come to us because they feel like they are stuck living uncomfortable, painful and generally unhealthy lives. They take tylenol and prescriptions to mask the symptoms and pain but unfortunately, it just keeps coming back again. Then we introduce to them the world of chiropractic!
The benefit of chiropractic and our mission is to find the SOURCE of the problem and care for you accordingly. We are here to provide a lasting source of health and wellness, not a simple quick fix that will leave you living a “Groundhog Day” kind of life. We take the time to adjust and care for your body in a way that allows the nervous system to work properly…so that you see improvement and health, rather than uncomfortable pain day after day.
So this year, famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil proclaimed that even for himself, it was time to do something for his health! “This year, I’m getting adjusted!”
Contact us and see how you and your body can benefit from a new day! Call us at 214.215.4119 or e-mail us.
Happy Groundhog Day,
Dr. Harrison and Dr. Margot
New Directions Chiropractic
Allen, TX
Our passion is working with families, especially with moms, dads and their new babies. Most recently, it seems as though we’ve been blessed with the opportunity to help out a large number of pregnant moms with breech presentation. When babies are breech, it causes concern for a normal delivery and many are referred to our office before more extreme measures and interventions are made.
Chiropractors specializing in Websters technique, like us here at New Directions Chiropractic, are very successful in releasing tension in the pelvis and sacrum, thereby allowing the baby to turn into the appropriate birthing position. In the last month, we’ve had 3 babies successfully turn head down, which made their mothers very happy…us too!
Many people are unaware of the great benefits of chiropractic care in pregnancy. Not only is it extremely safe for mother and baby (and dad too), getting adjusted regularly is very effective in reducing back pain and discomfort that many pregnant women have. Studies show that chiropractic during pregnancy has also shown to decrease labor time by 29% and produce more favorable outcomes at birth.
Because we know pregnant mothers bodies are changing and growing, we are excited to offer many different pregnancy plans that will accommodate mom’s chiropractic needs. In addition, as a part of your pregnancy care with us, we always offer each mom a complimentary newborn exam for the new baby! It’s also a great excuse for us to meet those precious little ones.
Every family can benefit from chiropractic. Contact us through our website or give us a call at 214.215.4119 and see how we can help you.
It seems like just about everybody has come into contact with those winter illnesses such as the flu, so we’d thought it’d be a good idea to post some of our favorite home and all natural remedies to get your family feeling better.
1. At first-site of flu-like symptoms, find natural immune booster, elderberry, at your local health market. Elderberry has fantastic natural properties and anti-oxidants that stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Better yet, it doesn’t have the side effects that flu medication often presents.
2. For a sore throat, make “Grandmas Top Secret Lemon Honey Drink.” heat 1-cup water, add 1-Tbsp lemon juice, and 1&1/2-Tbsp honey
3. For an earache, find garlic oil capsules at your local store and pour just a few drops in the ear. Works every time to relieve the ache!
4. Remember B.R.A.T. for diarrhea. It stands for- Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. The combination will get you feeling more regular in no time.
5. Black licorice will cure constipation nine times out of ten! Who would’ve thought?!
6. For a headache, try these three things first: Drink a large class of water. Rub head/neck making sure to work out the knots. Find the pressure point between your thumb and pointer finger and press.
7. For teething kiddos, take a washcloth, wet the center with a little water, spread on a Tbl of applesauce, roll it up, then freeze it. Babies love this because it’s sweet, chewy, & cold so it numbs their gums!
8. For an overall immune system booster, chiropractic works! We adjust your spine so that your nervous system can help other systems in your body (like immune system) work better and more efficiently, especially when it comes to the flu!
We see a lot of patients that suffer from allergies, I mean, A LOT. Nevermind the unpredictable Texas weather that makes allergies even crazier! While many of them find some relief from taking dosages of Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl etc., the problem is that with these medications 1. Allergies still keep coming back, 2. They often leave undesirable side effects like grogginess 3. It gets expensive.
One of our awesome patients, Charlie, has been on an allergy pill, every day, for over 3 YEARS! He came to NDC to feel better, so as a part of that, I challenged Charlie to find a healthier alternative to rid his allergies. Charlie obliged and even honored us with a guest blog. Good news: He found some things that works…check it out.
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Hey guys! Charlie here. Dr. Harrison knows I love a good challenge, so when I told him frankly how annoying it was to take my allergy pill every day (and because I knew it probably wasn’t all that good for me), he challenged me to a month free of the Zyrtec and see if I could find another way to tackle it.
I spent the first week or so putting 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with a little water once a day. Dude it’s nasty, I can’t lie to you, the smell of vinegar, whew! But I stuck to it, and Dr. H was right, it helped me almost immediately. I specifically noticed that the mucus in my throat would instantly start thinning and my ears would feel less clogged right after I drank it.
Moving on, my next challenge was to eat local honey. That means I had to find honey that was produced in my city (or close to it) and then slap it on a piece of bread once a day. At first, it didn’t seem like it was working, I was still feeling really stuffed in my head and ears, but after 2 days or so, it was like a switch turned on! My sneezing and runny nose had subsided and my eyes weren’t bothering me at all. So far, life without the allergy pill has been pretty good.
Lastly, I took an Omega-3 Fatty Acids supplement (fish oil or flaxseed oil both work, I took flaxseed). After trying the other two options, I think this supplement really helped me maintain the great progress I had made from them. My allergy symptoms weren’t any worse or better, but the flaxseed oil seemed to maintain the work I had made. My guess is that this is more of a long-term solution for me.
I shouldn’t forget, during all of this, I also went up to New Directions to get adjusted too. All I can say is that I’m super pumped about what this challenge has done for me and who would’ve thought something so simple could do the trick? Props to Dr. H for his great advice and great chiropractic work.
I’m a little less of a cranky, old man thanks to a good doctor and some good ole fashioned natural work.
If your spine could talk, he’d have a few New Year’s resolutions of his own to share with you! If you’re resolving for a better quality of life, you may want to listen up and see what your spine has to say!
Your Spine’s Top 5 Resolutions for 2012
1. Stop Slouching. It drives me crazy when you sit hunched over a computer all day, it’s putting a cramp in my style (literally)! Get up and stretch at least once every hour. Promise me, you and I will feel a lot better at the end of the day.
2. Exercise and Stretch. Yeah, we all know this is on your list this year too, but when it’s Day 5 and you feel like quitting, think of me! I need you to build strong muscles to help support me. I also need you to stretch so I’m strong and limber. Go head to the gym, I’ll be right behind you, hehe.
3. Drink More Water. Ok, I threw you an easy one! But water helps the elasticity and fluidity of my soft tissue and joints. In other words, if you don’t drink enough water, you’re going to feel older and weaker a whole lot faster. Keep a full water bottle with you all the time. In fact, drinking more water might help you drink less soda (resolution #12).
4. Sleep More. I know you’ll love me for this one! But staying up late, facebooking and watching bad tv ain’t helpin’ a spine out! Sleep! Why? Because I and the rest of your body need sleep to repair and relax. Do me a favor though, sleep on your side or your back (no whining!) When you sleep on your stomach it makes for a rather uncomfortable night for me. Sweet dreams!
5. Visit your favorite Chiropractor more often. Pretty please?! You and I both know how awesome we feel after visiting Dr. Harrison’s office in Allen,TX. He puts me right back where I need to be and I get along and work so much better with everyone else (ie, your nervous system, brain, stomach, etc.) when you get adjusted regularly. Here’s the number, 214.215.4119 and the contact to set up an appointment online. I took initiative…I already scheduled one for you later this week 
We can do this! Help a spine out, you know you need me!
Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays from the Harrison Family
I want to personally thank our wonderful patients and the Allen community for being a part of New Directions Chiropractic.
It’s a true honor to do what we love and we look forward to serving your health and wellness needs each day.
May you have a blessed holiday and new year!
Dr. Harrison and his family
Dr. Margot De Paz
We are honored to share in the Christmas Spirit this year by helping kids in our community. Next week, December 12-16, 2011, half of all proceeds from our office will go to provide Christmas for children in need through the Allen Community Outreach Adoption Program.
Join us in providing a Christmas for those who could really use our help. All you have to do is make an appointment to see us next week and your visit will be a part of the contributions.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Dr. H
Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. I mean, food, football, family…what more could a guy ask for? This year we’re headed to New York City and doing it up big in Manhattan with my brother and his family.
We’re excited to watch the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, stroll down Central Park, perhaps ice skate in Rockefeller Center. It’s going to be a great time…this will also mark the first trip for our daughter and the very first Thanksgiving for our cute little 2-month-old niece!
Adding to that string of firsts: It’s also the first time either of us has cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal. Talk about pressure. Probably just like your family, there’s a long list of traditions and expectations when it comes to the big day. It’s a lot to live up to. We’ve been lucky enough all these years to be near family (mostly moms who love to cook) and this year, well I guess it’s about time, it’s our turn.
So I say bring it on! I actually really like to cook and my wife prefers it that way believe it or not. Basting turkeys, caramelizing potatoes, simmering gravy; it all sound like a good game plan to me…well, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the Turkey Bowl (our traditional get-the-old-guys-together-and-play-football-and-probably-get-hurt-game). I’m kidding, ok, maybe.
We’ve got some family recipes lined up and fingers crossed, together, we’ll somehow figure out how to make this meal a success. While I’m pretty confident in our abilities, it’s possible that it could turn out a disaster and we’ll have to settle for take-out. And I’m REALLY hoping it doesn’t turn out like Christmas 2008, when we all 8 of us got the stomach flu and had to share 2 bathrooms. Yikes. That was a holiday to remember (if we’re talking worst-case scenario).
But regardless of the outcome, you want to know the best part of all? Good or bad, we’ll make great memories with family members we love. Can’t beat that.
So with that said, I want to personally wish you great memories and times with your loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday. Be safe, be grateful, be happy.
*Oh, feel free to wish us luck. We’re gonna need it!*
This past Saturday, we headed over to Family Fun Day at the Village of Fairview for a good time. We held an obstacle course (Don’t worry, Red our Skeleton supervised) where kids were asked to challenge their balance on a wobble board. One kid even did it with his eyes closed, while holding things in both hands…impressive. After which, they would “walk the line” heel to toe, frontwards and backwards. Some kids were determined to master it and came back time and again to perfect their balance!
While the obstacle course was a light-hearted, fun challenge, we did it for good reason. A lot of children’s balance and coordination issues concern their cerebellum or what we like to call their “mini-brain.” When their balance is off, it means the cerebellum isn’t receiving messages like it should. Chiropractic is an easy and effective way to correct it.
Think of your brain and body as one big loop. Messages (nerve inputs) are constantly being sent from your brain back to your body to tell it what to do. Sometimes there is a road block (interference) preventing those messages from getting to your body effectively, creating many issues, balance being one of them.
When you receive chiropractic adjustments, those road blocks are removed, which allows the messages to be sent properly. Pretty cool right?
We make chiropractic fun! Come in and get your balance checked. Call us at 214.215.4119 or send us an e-mail through our contact page!
New Directions Chiropractic is happy to announce that we are participating providers for the following networks:
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
We hope that this will provide a benefit to you and your family and allow us to care for many of you in the North Dallas area!
Please contact our office at 214.215.4119 or through our contact page for questions! We look forward to seeing you soon.
New Directions Chiropractic • Chiropractor in Allen, TX
