In my years as a family chiropractor I have notices that people usually consult a chiropractor for one of four reasons.  The first is usually pain.  Often low back pain or headaches.  They've tried medications, PT, exercises, sometimes even surgery, and nothing has helped, so as a last resort they finally try a chiropractor.  Chiropractic works great for pain, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.  Chronic pain is a sign of chronic injury to the nerves.  It often relates back to childhood.  Once the pain starts to clear up many other chronic conditions improve also.

Which brings me to the second reason people seek the care of a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic): correction of a major condition.  A major condition is something like asthma, ear infection, allergies, ADHD, bedwetting, colic, reflux.  Many of the illnesses that are considered typical in children are related to nerve injury and irritation.  Some lucky parents hear early on that chiropractic can help with these conditions and their children get to experience increased health from a young age.

The third reason that families seek chiropractic care is for improved health and prevention of illness.  These are families who know that when they get their weekly adjustments they have fewer illnesses, fewer missed school days and work days, fewer visits to the pediatrician, little or no medication, increased peace within the family, and a better life together.

The fourth reason is for the people who have a big vision for their lives.  Chiropractic has a vision.  It is healthier people=healthier planet.  The people who come to a chiropractor for this reason are fully aware that the better they are functioning, the better they get along with their families, co-workers, and friends; the more productive they are in their jobs and lives; they contribute more good to the world and really make it a better place to live.  They know that the more people who are functioning at this high level, the better planet we will have to live on.  They know that health and wellness start when a child is as young as possible, so make sure all their loved ones are taken care of.  They know that chiropractic is the only thing that makes sure your brain and nerves are functioning at their best so your whole being can function at its best.   They get the big vision and are determined to make the world a better place by telling everyone they know about chiropractic and all its many benefits.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, let us not forget to be thankful.  I'm thankful for the lovely holiday with my family.  Thankful for my health.  It allowed me to eat lots of delicious food, hike Jay Peak, and get the first ski turns of the season, and still have energy left over to play with (and adjust) my niece and daughter (ages 3 and 4) all afternoon.  I owe that health to chiropractic as it has allowed my innate wisdom to blossom so that I can enjoy all the health and fun possible in my life.

The other thing I wanted to thank everyone for today is all the donations we've had for our Christmas on the Reservation gift drive.  This is the last week!  If you still have toys to donate please bring them in by Friday Nov. 30 so I can get them out to the kids in time to be wrapped and given out.  Here is all the information you'll need:

Dear Friends of Clear Connection Chiropractic,   We're feeling grateful at Clear Connection Chiropractic of Middlebury and want to say THANK YOU to all of our clients who have already participated in this year's Love Has No Color Gift Drive.    For all of you who brought gifts, you'll be entered into a raffle for a month of free adjustments. We'll announce the winner at the end of the month, so stay tuned!   If you've not yet brought a gift or made a donation, you still have time! Our deadline for the Gift Drive is THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th. Read more about the Gift Drive below....   ALSO, we know how important word of mouth is when it comes to building a family practice. We know you've been saying great things about us, sending people our way. Here's your chance to make it official and get a big "Thank You" for your kind words...   Write a review on our Google Page and we'll give you or a loved one a free initial exam. Or if you're an existing member, you'll get a free adjustment.  Just our way of saying "Thanks"! A Reminder... WE'RE COLLECTING GIFTS FOR CHILDREN OF FORT PECK NATIVE AMERICAN RESERVATION! Dr. Elizabeth Davidson, is part of The New Renaissance - a group of like-minded chiropractors intent on making the world a better place. The New Renaissance is currently in full swing of their 3rd annual Gift Drive to bring gifts and hope to the children of the Fort Peck Native American Reservation in Montana. For those of you who participated in the prior years, you know how fulfilling it can be to know the joy you bring to the children of the Reservation. In the area where we donate, 65-75% of the children areconsidered needy. 71% of these children live in single parent households. Just surviving takes most of the family income and manyof the children's basic needs go unmet. The Love Has No Color project reminds these children that there are people in the worldwho care about them and wish them joy. Imagine the smiles on the faces of the children when they receive the gifts brought to them through this gift drive. So far the Love Has No Color project has distributed over 50,000 gifts since they began visiting the Reservation 5 years ago. That's a lot of smiles.   This year we are asking you to participate in our annual Love Has No Color gift drive to once again help bring toys and cheer to the children of Fort Peck Native American Reservation.  At Clear Connection Chiropractic, we are collecting brand new unwrapped toys and games for boys and girls of all ages. Some of the children have specifically requested GI Joes and Barbie Dolls. Also, as our way to say thanks to the Middlebury Community for your generosity, Clear Connection Chiropractic is further spreading the Holiday Cheer by offering you and your families the Gift of Wellness this Holiday Season.  Now through November 30th, if you bring in 3 gifts, we're offering your (or your loved one's) initial chiropractic exam for free, with  4 gifts, yours (or your loved one's) first exam plus adjustment is free. And, if you're already a practice member, for each donation, you will be entered into a raffle to receive one month of chiropractic care for free. Enter as often as possible to increase your chance of winning! This holiday season help contribute to the Native people of this country and, at the same time, take a step towards better health for your self and your whole family! Please bring unwrapped gifts to Clear Connection Chiropractic at 152 Maple Street, Suite 302, Middlebury, VT. Or ship unwrapped gifts directly to the Fort Peck Reservation (save proof of mailing) :  Kenny Smoker  Health Programs Specialist  417 13th ave. east  Poplar, MT 59255  Collecting gifts now through this Friday, November 30th More info: www.transformyourlifechiro.com www.savethereservation.com/get-involved/christmas-on-the-reservation/ Copyright © 2012 Clear Connection Chiropractic, All rights reserved. drelizabeth@transformyourlifechiro.com  http://transformyourlifechiro.com/ Clear Connection Chiropractic 152 Maple Street, Suite 302 Middlebury, VT 05753

Turkeys and Spines and what I'm thankful for

All joking aside, I am truly thankful for chiropractic and how it has changed my life.  I was a very sick child.  Headaches, joint pain, skin trouble, breathing problems, sore throat, etc, etc.  I was so sick that I swore I would never have children because I would not want anyone to grow up feeling like that.  Then, at age 20, I discovered chiropractic and almost miraculously started getting well.  Recovering from my childhood has been a long road, but chiropractic care has seen me through every step of the way.  Not by treating my symptoms, but by allowing me to heal.  

The best part is what I am most thankful for.  Chiropractic gave me the confidence to raise a healthy vibrant child.  Every day I celebrate the joy of having my daughter Elena in my life.  She doesn't know what sickness is, or medicine, or pain.  She only knows joyful, vibrant health and growth.  We couldn't have done it without chiropractic.  So, thank you chiropractic for empowering me to have the best thing in my life, my daughter Elena!