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Health-E News from The Britannia Clinic® Newsletter

Contents

September 1, 2009

A message from Dr. Hasick

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

"Hey, just what are you doing with my neck?"

It was September 1, 1980 that marks the official opening of the Britannia Clinic. Since that time we have had the privilege to take care of thousands of patients who have benefited from getting their heads on straight and maintaining their body balance.

One of the greatest challenges we face as practitioners is to be able to accurately and fully help you understand just what it is that we are doing to influence your health and well being. After all these years and visits with many patients, I find that there is still a gap in understanding.

It stands to reason that the process of healing can be quite complex and is very personal. It is also not easily understood by everyone. For that reason, I want to take time to refresh your understanding about what it is we do and why we focus so much on the neck.

What brings most patients to the clinic is pain or discomfort. The primary purpose of the visit is to alleviate the pain and discomfort which is also our goal and commitment. In order to accomplish this, we must first bring the body into proper relationship to the most common and significant physical stress that we encounter - gravity.

Gravity produces a load on the spine and framework of the body. When the body is distorted or not well balanced, it adds stress to the muscles and then the nervous system. This in turn creates pain, discomfort and dysfunction.

The NUCCA procedure corrects the condition known as the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome (ASC Syndrome). The atlas is the very first bone in the neck on which the 12-14 pound skull sits. When the atlas is subjected to a stress or injury, it can become misaligned in relation to the skull and the other vertebrae in the neck. The atlas is in close proximity to the brain stem which is the part of the central nervous system responsible for controlling a number of vital body functions. One of these important functions is the muscle balance of the spinal column which maintains our healthy relationship to gravity.

If the spinal column and the postural balance are not within normal limits, the impact on the central nervous system and the other nerves running to the arms and legs can also be affected. This is no small thing as it can cause many problems including tingling, numbness, loss of strength and co-ordination.

During 30 years of practice and my own experience with having the Atlas Subluxation corrected, I know first-hand that there are many far-reaching benefits such as improved memory, sleep patterns, and mental clarity, better digestion, healthier immune system function and a general sense of feeling more relaxed.

As our world becomes more complex and operates at a pace that is unlike previous generations, how we attend to our health from a preventive wellness approach becomes more and more important. Remember that healing is an ongoing process requiring support on a number of levels.

Vibrant health is also supported through our nutrition, exercise and activity programs, and lifestyle management. This means we need to get adequate rest, drink enough water, take time to catch our breath, have a good balanced nutritional program and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. These basic foundations for personal health are central to all of the work we do at the clinic.

Our goal is to have you maintain your health, and well being and spinal correction for as long as possible with the least amount of intervention from our part. It is a healthy relationship between us that produces the best results.

To help support the healing process we have partnered with Dr. Janet Major, integrative Doctor of Chiropractic at The Britannia Clinic, The Britannia Bodyworks Centre, and The Britannia Acupuncture and Herb Centre, to offer additional nutritional support and care for the soft tissue and nervous system. These are the key systems for keeping us healthy, mobile and active. What more can we ask for?

So whether your pain is in the neck or the low back, know that when we approach the correction of the upper neck and the Atlas Subluxation Complex the effects that this correction has and the benefits that you experience are far beyond just the neck. It affects your low back, mid-back, knees, ankles, shoulders, wrists, jaw, head, thinking, breathing, sleeping... in essence everything!

Don't forget to get your spinal balance checked periodically, especially if you have had a fall or injury during your summer activities. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I wish you continued health and enjoyment as our summer extends itself slowly into autumn and I look forward to seeing you at the clinic in the near future.

Keep well,
Sincerely,
D. Gordon Hasick D.C. F.P.A.C.
Clinic Director

A message from Dr. Hunter on her Maternity Leave

As many of you know, I will be going on maternity leave in early September. Although I continue to do well in this last trimester, I have had to reduce the number of patients that I see in a day, in order to accommodate my growing baby's needs.

To meet your ongoing health needs in my absence, the clinic will offer additional hours during the week and also cover the Saturday schedule in order to not interrupt your continued care. It is my intention to return to the clinic in early January 2010.

I am aware that my leave does cause an interruption to my availability, it is important to remember that this does not cause an interruption to your spinal care and process of healing. I encourage you continue with your recommended care schedule in my absence. Please call the office if you are unsure of the time interval that you should be getting checked to maintain your correction.

I very much appreciate your understanding and well-wishes at this time. Though Mitch and I are very excited for this new addition in our lives, I also look forward to the reunion with my practice and patients in the New Year! I wish you continued healthy progress and wellness.

Warmest regards,
Sloane Hunter, B.P.E., D.C.