Second Opinion Magazine

January/February 2017

FREE

All New

Stay Healthy This Winter

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HOPE

for 2017 The Art of Doing Nothing

“Traditional & Holistic Veterinary Care”

Need Answers?

Dr. Emily Smith

Dr. Angela Prissel

Chiropractor, Pediatric Specialist (DICCP)

Chiropractor, FICPA

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Margaret Meier DVM, CVSMT* *Certified Member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association 715-926-3836 201 Industrial Drive, Mondovi

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Contents

Happy New Year!

4

To Be or Not to Be . . . Happy?

6

All New Hope Sparkles for 2017

8

A Post-Christmas Plan to Get Organized

9

What Makes Chiropractic Different

10 Starting an Exercise Regime in 2017 12 The Art and Necessity of Doing Nothing 13 Exciting Changes for the New Year at

Healing Choice Oasis 14 Friends Don’t Let Friends Fall off Their Diets 15 Use Chiropractic to Stay Healthy This Winter 16 Starting Your Child Out Right with Dentistry 18 The Yoga Room 19 One Yoga Room Teacher’s Perspective 21 Tylenol and the Developing Brain

Also Inside:

■ Balanced Living - page 5 ■ Diaper Drive 2016 Thank You - page 7 ■ Ways to Go Green - page 13 ■ Resolve to Eat More Plants This New Year - page 24 Arwen Rasmussen, 715.831.0325 editor@asecondopinionmag.com www.secondopinionmagazine.com Graphic Design: Brigit Olson All articles are the sole property of the writers.

Opinions expressed in Second Opinion are those of the writers or advertisers themselves, not the publication or its editors. Second Opinion is not liable for use of any artwork provided by advertisers. Please direct concerns to the advertisers. ©2006-2017

22 Natural Health Tips for 2017

Why we do what we do.

Our goal is to connect Chippewa Valley consumers with alternative health and wellness resources and products that will help them lead healthier, happier lives. The idea of keeping it local and helping people discover how many incredible services and offerings our little backyard may offer has been a major driving force in everything we do in the magazine.

Why read us?

Second Opinion’s mission is to help educate and empower folks in the region to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. We are THE region’s health and wellness resource and have helped to shape and grow the wellness movement in the area—that includes helping to educate people about the value of massage therapy, chiropractics, organic foods, buying local, and much more!

We’d love to help support your mission to thrive and grow in the area, and we’d love YOUR support to help us continue being the awesome resource that we are. Together we can help create a healthier, more aware community.

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To Be or Not to Be . . . Happy?

Hmm, “happiness” turned out to be a rather extensively examined topic as I started exploring what to write about it.

There is a plethora of information and insight to be garnered from definitions, articles, books, YouTube/videos, TED Talks, research/papers, studies, stats, sayings, and general observations to be garnered and contemplated from so many learned leaders and masters of thought and wisdom with many more letters and years of education attached to their names than I have to offer (thank you Google!). As I am not about to condense the “wisdom of the ages and sages” into a few hundred words, I thought I might just try keeping it simple and ramble through a few musings, like a leisurely walk through the woods where you give your attention to the delights that you encounter on your part of the path rather than trying to take in the wonders of the whole woods (there is always more to explore another day).

If you aren’t already aware of it, please be reminded that happiness, joy, bliss, contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, pleasure, merriment, delight, gratitude, and love are states of emotion and “energy” that WE CREATE for ourselves in response or reaction to what goes on around us.

We receive information and generate a perception that often results in a judgment that gives value to what we experience in turn (the good/bad, desirable/undesirable, positive/negative, glass half full/glass half empty kind of thing). So maybe what is on the outside doesn’t “create” our state of “happiness,” but our perception of it certainly can.

Soooo, how do you change your perception from that sense of “what you lack” to the sense of “life is good”? I am working on that one every day both from the inside out and the outside in. For the “inside” part, it starts with awareness (can’t change what you don’t acknowledge because it doesn’t exist for you until you give your attention to it). Awareness is a tool or state of BEing we can all CHOOSE to PRACTICE; and it takes practice, like anything you want to be better at, to get there. Yet once there, you can make different choices from the usual pattern of thought or behavior that takes you down the “I am the victim of everything bad and am so unhappy” road to the “Wow this was challenging and I took it on regardless of the outcome and I feel pretty darn empowered” road (or something along the line of reframing the “bad” to “what is the opportunity here,” stay in the same place or DO differently and get to a place of BE/FEEL differently). As the wise old bumper sticker says, “CHOOSE JOY” because you can.

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By Carlene Sterner

Then there is the part of “getting outside of yourself.” In laughter yoga we choose to play and be silly and laugh without any particular reason because we CAN; just going through the motions feels good. You “fake it ‘til you make it” since the body generates feel-good hormones doing something you have known how to do since you were a baby and laughed from your belly without knowing what a joke was or what humor was (though that is great stuff for moving up the happiness meter too). I like how smiling feels whether my brain is in agreement or not; I will go around smiling at people—most of whom smile back—and pretty soon that sensation of joy starts growing from the outside in. Giving your time, money, skills, experience, kindness, compassion, understanding, and a shoulder to cry on, without expectation for anything in return, can create something wonderful for another human being, and that gratitude is contagious. Hugs are gifts that give where words cannot (to both the giver and the receiver of the hug).

And if all else fails to kindle the spark of joy, my most reliable source for growing my happiness is to feed my soul with nature.

Give your awareness to an awe-inspiring sky of stars, an achingly blue sky, the dance of the aurora borealis, the molten gold, red, and orange of a sunset, the mystery of the glowing moon, the power of pounding surf, the boundlessness of open prairie, the grandeur of towering mountain peaks, the impossibly turquoise waters of glacierfed lakes, the grace of an eagle soaring overhead, the dancing branches and leaves of a tree strummed like a harp in a gentle wind, the music of running water, the sound and light show of a thunderstorm, the delicacy of a frost-clad tree, the intricate complexity of a single snowflake, the perfection of the petals of a blooming flower, the hidden world of a forest of moss, the playful antics of your backyard birds, the warm comfort of looking into the adoring eyes of a loving pet, and so on.

Notice the details and revel in the wonder of being a part of/ connected to such a Universe, and pretty soon “me becomes we,” and you begin to feel that we are all in this together, and like the song says, that gives “comfort and joy.”

We are human, and part of the human experience is to feel emotions that are not joyful or happy. However, unless suffering from a state of unwellness, such as clinical depression, we do have a choice in what we will do with those emotions and what they will bring us in turn. So in this moment, may you BE HAPPY. For more information contact Carlene Sterner at Creative Life Coaching, LLC: thecenter.com/practioners or carsterner@gmail.com.

balancedliving how long should you nap?

Treat this nap as a "power nap." Great for energy and alertness.

This nap limits you to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which makes it easier to get up and go after waking up.

A nap this long could possibly cause a hangover-like groggy feeling that can last up to 30 minutes after you wake up. It's not until after that time do you feel the benefits of the nap.

If you're looking to improve remembering facts, names, and faces, this is the nap for you. It provides you slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest form. You could wake up a little groggy at this length.

You're likely to enter dream stage during this nap. It is a full cycle of sleep, meaning the lighter and deeper stages including REM (rapid eye movement). Napping at this length makes it easier to wake up and get moving.

9 WAYS HAPPIER PERSON EXERCISE MAKES YOU A

1

Reduces Stress - Exercise is a form of low-level stress, so the more you subject yourself to it, the more your body will be able to handle other kinds of stress. Stressed out? Time to work out.

3

Lowers Depression & Anxiety - People can achieve long-term relief from anxiety and depression by exercising because of its mind-boosting benefits.

true

Ginger helps a stomach ache

Ginger contains tummy-calming compounds, which can reduce vomitting and nausea. How to get some: ginger chews, grated fresh ginger, ginger tea, or real ginger ale.

You must drink 8 glasses of water a day

7

Eating bread causes inflammation

Not always. Pasta and white bread have been tied to promoting inflammation. However whole grains contain fiber and B vitamins - both good for decreasing inflammation.

false

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Better Sleep - Better sleep equals a happier you.

Having sleep issues? Regular exercise improves the sleep quality in people with sleep disorders.

4

Boosts Self Confidence Seeing your body transform for the better, does wonders for your confidence. A really great workout can lead to an awesome sense of accomplishment.

5

More Social Interaction - Studies have shown that working out with a partner allows people to do better on aerobic tests. Any type of exercise is great, but working out in a group is even better. And generally being around our friends makes us happier!

6

More Productive - Being more productive on the job makes us happier people!

Studies show more exercise can lead to a more productive work day.

8

Better Coping Skills - Sometimes in life, when faced with difficult challenges, people turn to alcohol or drugs. To be able to deal with life’s problems, turning to exercise instead helps us cope in a much healthier and happier way.

9

Be More Relaxed - Not only can working out help us sleep better, but after a hard day, exercise can help us unwind and become more relaxed.

Ear infections can be cured with garlic

There are no studies that prove this fact. Some studies show that herbal mixtures containing garlic can reduce ear pain, but this has not been scientifically proven.

Boosts Your Energy - Exercise is a great energy booster! You’ll notice after a really great workout how much more energized you feel.

More energy equals more happiness!

2

TRUE OR FALSE?

Yes, more water is better for us, but there is nothing to prove that eight is the magic number. Judge how much water your body requires based on your level of thirst and the shade of your urine (light yellow is best).

tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life

All New Hope Sparkles for 2017

By Sandi Anderson

A

fter a year of contested elections, unpredictable weather, and natural disasters (the list goes on), worry has become commonplace. We could use a new dose of hope. New hope for the New Year 2017 is doable. Even a small twinkle of hope can turn those feelings about. It’s time to create new “hope twinkles.”

“A hope sparkle is that special event, thought, or words someone said that inspired us to keep going.” Sandi-ism 11-30-2016 Yes, life can seem pretty bleak. Especially when we keep meeting resistance and the goals we set are not reached. We can begin to believe there is no reason to keep going. When we can’t get to where we would like to be and don’t feel we have any control in our life, it can start to seem like “Why bother?” “Who’s going to care?” or “What is the point?”

That’s where hope comes in. Hope can turn us from despair.

It’s a deep life energy, a reason to live. It’s the fuel for trusting intentions to manifest our desires. When we face challenges in life, hope is the magic elixir that can help us stay strong and persevere.

The “I am” statements are powerful makers of the good we do, have, see, and are. Statements such as “I am not,” “I can’t,” “I never,” or “I am always” chip away at our reserves of confidence and resilience. In this state of mind, we begin to lose the ability to see the “twinkles and sparkles” of hope in everyday life. When that happens, it’s time to create new hope twinkles.

What would it include? Think of the absolute best. Be specific.

If it’s a job, what are you doing? Where? What are your friends like? Note how these new ideas feel, how your attitude changes. Use statements such as, “I can do…,” “I am worthy of…,” “I can start....”

2. Compare your ideal vision to what you have now.

This will give insight into areas of your life that are in line with your vision, areas needing attention. Have any parts of your vision already showed up in your life? Those twinkles tell you hope is around. Acknowledge them. They’re yours.

3. Reflect (honestly) whether this is a realistic expectation.

You really expect to be a millionaire, but you don’t know what the job will be. Start with a step you can do and will be able to achieve. Believe you do have the answer.

4. Set Goals.

Be Specific. Be open to finding different ways to achieve them. Are they measurable? Remember to celebrate the small twinkles of success. Have short-term, mid-term, and longrange goals. Start and end times. Write this all down.

5. Action.

Here are some steps to creating new twinkles of hope:

What are some things you can do right now to create and achieve your goals? You are worth the effort.

1. Ask yourself how would you really want your life to look.

Sandi Anderson, CHTP, RM & Intuitive Life & Soul Coach.

Energetic Healing.

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thank you... for making a difference in your community and in the health of its children.

This Holiday Season, magazine organized a Diaper Drive. Community members brought packages of wipes and diapers to local businesses in our area.

The generous efforts from our community more than exceded our expectations! In total we collected

4567 diapers & 5084 wipes!

Diapers will be distributed to Community Table, Beacon House, Bolton Refuge and other places in Eau Claire that can benefit.

The Facts

• An adequate supply of diapers can cost over $100 a month.

• In 2008, the WIC (a federal nutrition program for women, infants and children) office in Eau Claire served 3,875 clients. more than half of those clients were infants and children in diapers, however, the WIC program does not currently include diapers. In fact, no federal social safety net programs (e.g. Food Stamps, WIC) currently includes diapers.

• National statistics say that 50% of all babies born are eligible for WIC services.

• Local food pantries provide diapers to families only when they have been donated or when they are available for purchase at a low cost, which is rare.

• Most people living in poverty do not have affordable access to washing facilities, so cannot use cloth diapers. Even if they did, most coin operated Laundromats do not allow customers to wash cloth diapers for health and sanitary reasons.

Imagine having to pick between diapers and food. And with the holiday stress of gift giving included, Christmas time can be so stressful and sad for many. Christmas time is a time for giving and you have made a difference in someone else’s joy this season.

Thank you for giving that gift this year!

CH

I L D R E N ’S

NATURE ACADEMY U W- EAU CLAIRE | E S T. 1 9 74

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A Post-Christmas Plan to Get Organized

By Ellen Anderson

Another holiday season is wrapping up, and this is the time our thoughts turn to the New Year. While probably the most popular New Year’s resolution is to exercise more and lose weight, another popular resolution is to get organized. As someone who is in the business of helping people get organized, that of course is my favorite New Year’s resolution, and I encourage everyone to get on board!

It’s very easy to decide to have the resolution of getting organized, but what does that really mean, and how on earth does one go about it? Weight loss experts say you shouldn't have your stated goal to be to “lose weight.” It’s not specific enough, thus making it easy to not get engaged in the specifics of the process. The same applies to “getting organized.” One needs to zero in and make some specific goals and plans. One area of focus that fits well at this time of the year is purging and organizing your holiday decorations.

Following is my handy “Get Your Holiday Decorations under Control Guide.”

1. Designate some time slots when you are going to take down

There is NOTHING WRONG with parting with decorations that for whatever reason just don't do it for you anymore. Remember, surround yourself with things you love and that bring you joy. If those two things aren't met, get rid of it. Even the gifts, even the family heirlooms, even the stuff your twenty-six-year-old son made when he was in preschool, even the stuff that is “worth money” or deemed valuable.

2. Be well rested and fed, and put yourself on “Do Not Disturb”

5. Set aside the items you are getting rid of for further sorting

your holiday decorations: give yourself at least two 2 to 3 hour time slots. Depending on how many decorations you have, you may end up needing more time or you might get done sooner. But start by putting two 2 to 3 hour time slots on your calendar. If you typically have other family members help you take things down, let them know your plans.

with regard to your devices. This is important because once you start, you will get done so much faster if you are not starting and stopping to take care of texts, phone calls, and other interruptions.

3. Establish a staging area where you place all your decor that

you put out this year AND any decor you didn't put out and is still in storage. Save taking down the Christmas tree for a later step.

Don’t forget to include holiday table linens, candles, and dishes.

4. Once you’ve got everything out in front of you, now comes the

hard part, but the most important part of this process: pick up each object and assess if you still want to keep it in your holiday collection. Do you still love the piece? Did you ever love the piece?

Was it a gift or a hand-me-down that just doesn’t spark a thrill or joy when you hold it and look at it? Is it getting worn out?

Do you put out things that were hand-made by a loved one and you feel obligated to put them on display every year? Do you love the object, but it’s a part of a village theme or collection that you're burned out on putting together every year? I hope you see my point with all these sometimes uncomfortable questions.

later. Now you are ready to assess the storage containers you already have and determine if you need to replace old boxes, etc.

Wrap everything up and pack in boxes or bins and label them. A masking tape label done with a Sharpie is just fine.

6.

Now repeat the above steps with your Christmas tree (if artificial), ornaments, garlands, and lights.

7. Now repeat the above steps with your outdoor decorations

and lights. Get rid of the stuff you never put up anymore or that just doesn’t look that great to you anymore.

8. Time to address your pile of stuff you are parting with. Round

up some boxes and trash bags. If you want to make this as simple and painless as possible, I recommend sorting the items into only two categories: 1, Stuff to be donated to a thrift store like Goodwill, and 2, Trash. Other possibilities are designating a box of things you would like to try to sell or for a future garage sale, or in the case of family heirlooms, put those items in a box to see if other relatives would like any of the items.

The cool thing about this guide is that you can apply this same process for other household items, such as your clothing, kids’ toys, books, etc. Trust me, you will love the results of your efforts. Next year when you get out your holiday decorations, you will put out the stuff you truly love, and/or perhaps enjoy shopping for some new holiday decorations.

Happy New Year!

Ellen Anderson helps people declutter and get organized through her business Moving Forward Organizing, serving the Chippewa Valley and Wausau areas. Visit MFOrganizing.com

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What Makes Chiropractic Different

By Dr. Heather Mickelson, DC, Wissota Chiropractic

Chiropractic looks at the nervous system and works to help optimize the function of this system that controls all the other body functions so that the human body can have the best chance to heal itself. I have observed that in the majority of instances our culture does not look to the human body to heal from the inside out. That is what makes chiropractic different. Let me tell you my chiropractic story.

I was raised eating homemade granola with ingredients from Sunyata co-op and fresh fruit. We worked our garden and hiked at Big Falls. My parents chose not to have us vaccinated, and some of my teachers told me they were sure I was vaccinated but my mom just forgot and told me incorrectly. I have no memories of going to a medical doctor and never needed a prescription.

What I do remember are the healthy lifestyle choices my parents made for us. Homemade food with real ingredients, going to bed early, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, and having regular trips to the chiropractor.

I grew up and became a chiropractor. I have seen people come in with low back pain and tell me that after having their spine adjusted they were no longer constipated or that they started being able to sleep again. I have seen chiropractic help so many people in so many ways.

Having the nervous system free flowing would be a benefit to us all.

The nervous system coordinates the whole body, including immune response, the circulatory system, and the digestive system. So seeing a chiropractor is for so much more than back pain and headaches. I believe it is part of a healthy lifestyle that supports an understanding that in most cases the body can heal itself from the inside out. That is what makes chiropractic different.

Tips for a healthy lifestyle: • Eat real food and avoid processed food.

• Get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

• Get the sleep your body needs.

• Keep your mind active and sharp.

• Visit a chiropractor regularly.

For more information, contact Dr. Heather Mickelson, DC at 715-723-3333 or visit wissotachiro.com.

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320 Putnam Street, Eau Claire, WI 54702 www.thecommunitytable.org

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Starting an Exercise Regime in 2017

by Heidi Toy, NTP

If exercise has so many health rewards, why do so many people find it so hard to do?

Remember, when it comes to evaluating your fitness success, you are only competing with yourself.

Michael Otto, PhD, a professor of psychology at Boston University, has some theories about that. First, most of the health payoffs that make people want to exercise are not experienced instantly. Many of those payoffs take weeks or months to manifest. Losing the belly fat, or having your lipids normalize, is just not going to happen overnight.

Exercise should be balanced with strength training, proper stretching, core strengthening, stress reduction, restorative sleep, and good nutrition.

Starting out too hard in a new exercise program may be another reason. When you exercise above your respiratory threshold, that is, above the point when it gets hard to talk, you postpone exercise's immediate mood boost by about thirty minutes, per Dr. Otto. If you’re a novice, that delay might keep you from returning to the gym.

now tells us that prolonged sitting can have a tremendously detrimental impact on your health, even if you exercise regularly.

Whenever you have a chance to move your body, do so.

Many people set their fitness goals around the scale, which can be a recipe for failure. Weight loss may be your goal, but you can sabotage it with an unhealthy fixation on a number.

You will probably feel better quickly, so that’s a better shortterm goal. For some, the hardest part of the workout is getting dressed for it—or getting to the gym. So start simply by walking around the neighborhood for twenty minutes. Much research now tells us that the first twenty minutes of moving around provide most of the health benefits.

Excessive physical activity may be as harmful to your health as being too sedentary. If this is you, then your goal is to find the middle ground and know when enough is enough.

5 TIPS 1. Stand up every fifteen minutes. Compelling research

2. Include interval (anaerobic) training. Interval training involves alternating short bursts of high-intensity exercise with gentle recovery periods. This is called a PACE or Peak Fitness routine, originally put forth by Dr. Al Sears. Check out this website: www.paceliving.com/exercise/sample-exercises.

3. Don’t forget strength training. Rounding out your

exercise program with a one-set strength training routine will work different muscle groups and keep them in shape. It is especially important that women who are concerned about osteoporosis lift weights to keep their bones healthy.

4. Include core exercises. Our bodies have twenty-nine

core muscles located mostly in the back, abdomen, and pelvis.

This group of muscles provides the foundation for movement throughout the body, and strengthening them can help protect and support your back, make your spine and body less prone to injury, and improve your balance and stability. Enlightened chiropractors work with physical therapists who can teach the movements and how to use a ball, a balance board, etc., to work out and stretch the muscles that support the fascia.

5. Stretch. It is as important as weight

lifting or any other part of an exercise routine. It becomes more important the older we get. It allows the body to repair itself and prepare for daily activity.

Heidi Toy is a Functional Nutritional Therapist, and the owner of “Educated Nutrition”, located in Altoona, WI. Her focus is helping people heal holistically, with an emphasis on digestion, weight loss, depression, female hormone issues, and fatigue.

See her ad on page 19.

10 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

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Solar energy is like a tree; the best time to plant it was yesterday. The next best time is today.

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Winter is Here!

Book Your Warm-Weather Spring Break Today!

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The Art and Necessity of Doing Nothing

By Anna Martinson

T

he busy-ness of the holidays is over. It's time to settle into a winter routine and plan for what you'd like to accomplish this season. Whatever your to-do list is for the coming year, here is another task to add to your list: do nothing.

Doing nothing will promote a quieting of the body and mind, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote better digestion, and improve over-all mood. Doing nothing gives the body a chance to replenish glucose and oxygen levels. Doing nothing can help you to feel more rested, clearheaded, and calm. All of this is key to healing the body, mind, and spirit. Doing nothing calms the soul and helps to create peace, balancing us in an otherwise, overly busy, overstimulated world.

Think of a time when you have hit a dead-end while working on a project or felt stumped while seeking a solution to a problem.

Do you remember how leaving the task and coming back to it after a mental break produced new and fresh ideas, or even a solution to your problem? Like-wise, intentional quiet time improves concentration, boosts problem-solving capability, and enhances creativity.

Humans are the only creatures in nature that resist the pattern of ebb and flow. What if instead of Facebook, texting, emailing, TV viewing, and gaming you did nothing? What if, instead of saving up vacation time to finally rest and enjoy life, you spread those moments throughout each day of the year? What if you penciled yourself into your busy calendar by putting yourself first with a plan to do nothing? What if...

Doing nothing can be challenging at first! It can be difficult to get out of your head and into your body. Our minds will conjure up numerous reasons why doing nothing is not a good idea.

Some reasons may include the following: • I don't have enough time!

• I have too much to do!

• Sitting still is just being lazy.

Trust your body. The messages of your body will guide you if you listen. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, for example, check in with your body to know what it needs.

Also, self pressure to DO and take care of others before yourself can lead to chronic pain. Eventually your body says STOP! There is a difference between truly quieting the mind by doing nothing and being involved in a leisuretime activity (watching TV, taking a trip, 12 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

dinner out with friends). Leisure activities engage your brain; that is, your brain is still busy. Sitting in front of the TV or computer for an hour feels very different than an hour sitting in the park.

The following are some simple strategies to help you learn how to do nothing: • Turn off or separate yourself form all electronic devices.

Yes, ALL of them! Disconnect to replenish your soul.

• Ground. Bring your attention inside your body. Notice any body sensations. Feel the chair supporting you with your feet flat on the floor.

• Breathe. Gently pay attention to your breathing, just noticing. There is nothing you have to do. Your body breathes itself. Paying attention to your breathing naturally slows your heart rate and brings you into the present moment.

• Be Still. Stare out the window or sit in nature. You might want to pay attention to something beautiful in your space or meditate, or listen to the sounds around you, or shut your eyes and just BE. • Let your body relax and your feelings unfold. Just a few minutes of doing nothing is enough. What matters is that you're still.

Give yourself permission to care for yourself. Take in the sweetness of doing nothing. You'll be glad you did!

Happy New Year!

Anna Martinson, B.S., LMT, is a Certified Life Coach, Mind-Body Coach, (715-834-3959) and Licensed Massage Therapist (715-4562544).

Ways to Go Green

With all this talk about going green, we can really only see one thing: dollar signs. Because whether we like it or not, living an eco-friendly lifestyle can be costly. Organic foods and non-toxic products aren’t cheap. So how do you merge a green lifestyle with a frugal one? Let us tell you.

Battle Vampires

Can you identify the energy vampires in your home? Energy vampires are devices that appear to be turned off, but are actually pulling tiny bits of energy while they’re plugged in. EnergyStar.gov estimates that in one year alone, an average American family will throw away $100 on their electricity bill on home devices while they are on standby mode. Pinpoint the devices in your home that are costing you money. Unplug the unnecessary ones and put $100 back in your wallet.

Be a Gas Miser

U.S. Department of Energy studies conclude that poor driving habits reduce highway mileage up to 33 percent. Learn to drive conservatively and you can put that savings back in your pocket.

If you aren’t getting the gas mileage you expected from your vehicle, review these tips to increase your mileage rates and cut back on fuel consumption: • Keep idling to a minimum • Utilize cruise control on long trips • Unload excess cargo weight • Heed speed limits

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T R A N S FO R M AT I ON 13 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

Exciting Changes for the New Year at Healing Choices Oasis

Carol Rudd is a registered respiratory therapist and licensed massage therapist with over forty years’ experience in healthcare. She is the owner of Healing Choices Oasis, LLC, with a passion to provide hope, joy, and healing to our community.

As she transitions from running the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Sacred Heart Hospital to focusing her energies full-time at Healing Choices Oasis, she will be offering many new and exciting options for healing. Carol’s experiences in the healthcare setting qualify her to work with many health challenges. Besides her healthcare experience, she has a strong base in traditional Chinese medicine and healing energy arts.

New this year, she will be offering healing Qi Gongs (energy building activities) and meditation, in addition to her AMMA therapy, a form of Asian massage. Fit4ALL is an exercise and education program for anyone struggling with lung problems, like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. The Fit4ALL program is personally tailored to the individual’s health concerns and capabilities. It can focus on anything from balance training, flexibility, weight management, strengthening, and specific, positive coping solutions. Carol is most excited to provide her Fit4ALL program and healing Qi Gongs in addition to her AMMA therapy.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS Watch for new offerings, healing qi gongs, meditation and Fit4ALL, an individualized fitness program for anyone with health challenges & specifically for lung problems.

While the focus is changing, I’m excited to continue offering hope, joy and healing.

C AROL RUDD

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Friends Don’t Let Friends Fall off Their Diets “C’mon. One bite’s not going to hurt you. It’s the holidays.

Live a little.”

There’s one in every crowd: holiday diet saboteurs. Whether it’s among co-workers, family, or friends, they’re out there. And although their intentions might seem harmless enough, they can derail months of concerted effort in losing weight and improving one’s health.

Diane Dressel, a registered dietitian and coordinator of Weight Management Services at Mayo Clinic Health System, offers advice on how people can stay on track with their weight loss goals amid saboteurs during the holiday feasting season.

“Successful weight loss is about successful behavior modification,” Dressel says. “And because we’re social people, when we change our own behavior, it affects others in some shape or form. So it’s not surprising that people do encounter some ‘push back’ from others when trying to lose weight.”

When caught in a situation where someone is applying food pressure, Dressel advises having a couple stock responses, such as: • “No thanks. I’m already really full.”

• “It looks great. Maybe you could wrap some up for me to take home for later?”

If people know someone who’s trying to lose weight, Dressel offers the following advice on how to become a food friend instead of a foe: • Offer to take a walk instead of going out to eat for lunch • Become a “get healthy” buddy by offering encouragement instead of peer pressure • When bringing treats to the office or hosting a party, offer low-calorie alternatives • Ask what you can do to be supportive “A lot of successful weight loss programs offer education groups because we can learn from each other, and that mutual support can go a long way,” Dressel says.

For information about Mayo Clinic Health System weight management programs and education groups, or to sign up for a free orientation in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie or Rice Lake, call 715-838-6731.Diane Dressel, R.D., Weight Management Services, Mayo Clinic Health System.

What moves you to lose?

Weight Management Services A healthy weight can help control high blood pressure, manage cholesterol and diabetes, as well as reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Register to attend one of our free weekly orientations to learn more about the variety of weight loss programs available.

Call 715-838-6731. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

14 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

Use Chiropractic to Stay Healthy This Winter

By Lisa Arkowski, DC at Gonstead, Stangl & Arkowski

O

nce again, cold and flu season is upon us. There’s an endless list of things that we can do to keep ourselves healthy this time of year. Maintaining good sleep, drinking water, and keeping sugar intake and stress levels down are all things we often know we should be doing. Making sure we’re eating our veggies and possibly adding some supplements can all help us stay healthy through the winter season.

and parking lots create a slippery surface that creates extra work just to keep yourself up on your feet. Even those winter illnesses lead to more problems. Starting to get that cough going around the office? After a little while you may start straining your ribs and back, and you’ll get a quick reminder of just how many muscles and parts of your spine are involved in something as simple as a cough.

But could chiropractic play a role in this too? Chiropractic care is often thought of when your back “goes out,” when you sleep funny, get a headache, or if your hands or feet start to tingle.

But how can it help you get through the winter season? This time of year we tend to go into hibernation mode—we’re inside more, outside less. We bundle up when we go outside (and sometimes inside), and often we just start to feel tight all over just from the thought of the first snowfall. Spending hours in the kitchen cooking big meals for large family gatherings, sitting in the car to drive to see the ones you love, or even just sleeping in a different bed than usual are all activities that are necessary to see the friends and family we care dearly about. Unfortunately they can also lead to their own aches and pains down the line.

Chiropractic care can have a large impact on how comfortably you make it through this season. Chiropractors address the body as a whole, which leads to improved function, alleviated pain, and support for the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

They evaluate the body and spine to see what’s working, and more importantly, what isn’t. In addition, chiropractors can teach you ergonomics so you’re moving right when you’re clearing those snow piles and skidding across those icy patches. They can give advice on what to do with all the driving and travel. Many chiropractors have additional training in nutritional counseling so they can help you get your body what it needs to stay healthy. They can help you address your health top to bottom, inside out.

Sugar and stress often take more of a toll than we realize, leading to inflammation in the body. This in turn may make us more susceptible to both those holiday aches and pains as well as the more acute neck and back pain injuries.

Whether it’s staying proactive and taking care of yourself before those holiday aches and pain set in, or after you get through those activities and your body starts to tell you how much you’ve put it through, chiropractic can help you feel your best so you can focus on enjoying the season. Which is what it’s all supposed to be about anyway!

Once the holidays are over we still don’t get off easy. The snow keeps falling and you have to put it somewhere. Icy sidewalks 15 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

Starting Your Child Out Right with Dentistry

By Neal R. Benham, D.D.S., KiDZ.R.US Pediatric Dentistry When should child have their first dental visit? Before the rest of the information, it is important that you keep your teeth clean starting in pregnancy. Decay is passed from the main caregiver to the child. The AAP, ADA, and AAPD recommend a first visit by age one.

What should you expect to happen at the visit?

• Expect some crying. All children cry except those who don't.

It's a new experience, and it is normal for children to cry.

• A review of concerns of the parents.

• Hygiene instructions.

• Review of flouride use, both topical and systemic.

• Cavity check. Yes, one year olds do get cavities.

• Feeding issues, bottle, breast, and snacks .

What should parents do before the first visit?

• Work with your child about opening and showing their teeth.

Be persistent and consistent. This should start with cleaning gums before teeth erupt and brushing when they do erupt.

• Be positive. If you have issues with going to the dentist, have your spouse or a grandparent be the one to bring your child for their visit.

• Read books about visiting the denist. Bernstein Bears is a good example.

How often do children need to visit the dentist?

Every six months is usual due to the rapidly changing development. Different things happen as the child grows and develops. They get used to the office. They get more teeth.

Teeth get closer together. Children become more cooperative.

What happens if my child gets cavities?

Options depend on the number, location, and severity.

Postponing with daily topical flouride applications, removing decay with hand instruments, and a flouride-releasing filling being placed, or if more involved, sedation or general anesthesia in the hospital.

The key is start early - be positive - it's a life-long journey, not a single visit.

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Wishing You the Best of Health and Wellness this Holiday Season and New Year!

“People under chiropractic care use 53% less drugs than those not under chiropractic care.”* John & Judy Soborowicz DC CCN 3521 London Road, Eau Claire, WI

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*Sarnot RL, Winterstein, J Clinical and Cost Outcomes of an Integrative Medicine IPA, JMPT, June 2004; 27:336-347 17 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

The Yoga Room By Wendy Oberg, Owner & Teacher, The Yoga Room Room is brand-new business featuring some of benefits. If you can make it to your mat two times a week, you T heEauYoga Claire's long-time yoga teachers. We kicked off our WILL feel the difference. first class on Sunday, November 27, with a sold-out class. We are in the location of the former Orange Leaf (by Festival Foods).

There are two studios: one is non-heated and the other is our HOT studio. The excitement and support has been amazing!

This space has sixteen dynamic and unique yoga teachers all in one easy-to-find location. Finding where the area teachers are has been challenging for people, so The Yoga Room was born out of the necessity to make it easier to find a class at pretty much any time of the day in one location. Yoga is not a “one-size-fits-all” practice. It comes in a variety of ways and flavors. Yoga is something very different to everyone. Some people find their yoga while moving through the postures in a 100-degree room, building physical strength, balance, and flexibility, while another finds it in a seated meditation with calming poses. The intention with The Yoga Room is to create a space where people can practice a wide variety of yoga styles with a unique variety of yoga teachers. This enables the students to find a class and a teacher that works for them.

We have fifty-two classes a week on the regular schedule.

We have some signature classes called the YogaRoom Flow, and we have several specialty classes, including Prenatal, Yoga Sculpt, Yoga for Runners, Easy Does It (for seniors), Yin, Tantra, AcroYoga, kids, and Power, to name a few.

Finding Balance and Peace

Yoga is a science of linking breath and body movements (yoga poses) to create a positive change. The best part of a yoga practice is the only thing you have to do to start seeing the changes is simply show up! The yoga will do everything else.

Harvard has a recent study showing how yoga helps rebuild your brain’s gray matter. There is a reason that yoga has been around for over 5,000 years. It works!

What If I Am a Beginner?

Yoga is the MOST accepting practice. We were all beginners at one point, and what is hard today will be easy tomorrow. You will actually start to feel and see the changes very fast. You are never meant to do anything perfect in yoga. It's all about the process.

Prices and Specials

Our standard monthly unlimited membership is already an amazing value. We offer an $80 a month unlimited yoga membership. With this membership all you have to do is attend two classes a week, and your per class rate is only $9.20 a class; three times a week becomes $6.40 a class. The coolest part is seeing the yogis come to more than one class a day. They may do a hot power class in the morning and then a restorative or yin class later that evening. The membership makes it really accessible to get onto the mat whenever possible. More is more.

Trained, Experienced Teachers

The tribe of teachers at The Yoga Room is simply unbelievable, and the experience they bring to this space is a dream come true for yogis. All the teachers are at least 200-hour trained through accredited Yoga Alliance schools. Several have additional specialty certifications and training. They also have deep backgrounds in areas outside of yoga that complement their understanding of the body and allow for a richer yoga experience in a safely guided class setting. The Yoga Room tribe is made up of several teachers, including massage therapists, nurses, physicians, and occupational and physical therapists. It is a kind-hearted group of teachers committed to bringing more joy to people.

Advice for Yoga as a New Year’s Resolution

Keep your goals bite-size. They are easier to stick with than the really big ones. I feel that two classes a week is a perfect place to start. Be kind to yourself and just keep showing up, even if it’s been “too long” since your last class.

Every time you get on the mat, it’s your chance to reinvent yourself, wipe the slate clean, and start over.

Our Mission

My favorite quote about starting a practice is from T.K.V Desikachar in The Heart of Yoga: “We begin where we are and how we are, and whatever happens, happens.”

We have one very solid mission at The Yoga Room. We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to practice yoga. The Yoga Room . . . Room for Everyone. Be Happy, Be Healthy, Do Yoga!

How Often Is Needed to Get the Benefits?

For more information visit theyogaroomec.com.

One yoga class can change your life. That sounds a bit dramatic, I know, but it’s true! Just like anything, once you make a commitment to something, you will reap the greatest 18 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

One Yoga Room Teacher’s Perspective

By Amy Annis, travelwellyogaretreats.com

A person doesn’t have to go to yoga every day or several times a week to get the benefits.

And this is coming from someone who has practiced and taught for over a decade. I have a good, steady Vinyasa practice. It’s not every day, and sometimes it’s not long. But some yoga is better than none. And being mindful to commit to the practice I remind myself and my students that yoga every day is not sustainable. It shouldn't feel like something you have to do or have to get in. That is about as anti-yoga as possible. It should be practiced to open the body and feel good, and depending on the client’s unique situation, what works for him/her is different than what works for the next person.

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What is special about The Yoga Room? For all of my years teaching in the Chippewa Valley I have encouraged my clients to try other teachers to get a comprehensive understanding of the value in different styles and disciplines of the practice. Unfortunately until now, this wasn't really an option. Teachers were spread out and spread thin, and finding the right teacher for you could be a challenge. Wendy’s studio, The Yoga Room, offers a broad selection of classes from highly trained teachers so that any beginner can truly experience the different styles of yoga and find the teacher that speaks to them.

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who feel the benefits and make a personal commitment to roll out the mat three to four times a week. They feel better and see the difference. But realistically, a forced practice unravels all of the benefits. If you are new to the practice, come to the studio, unroll your mat, and determine what works best for you.

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Tylenol and the Developing Brain

By Judy Soborowicz, DC CCN

Walking through the grocery store the other night, I found myself admiring a young family with two children making their way through the produce section. As I walked by, I heard the young mother say to her husband that she had forgotten Tylenol at Target, and could he grab some Children’s Tylenol right away, as she was thinking about it. I could relate, remembering how hectic and busy I was as a mother to young children, and how I would have to put such effort into making sure I had the essentials. So it seemed this product was an essential to this mother, and I wondered if anyone had ever let her know about any potential downside to this product.

The most common use for Tylenol is for fever or pain, although acetaminophen is found in over 600 over-the-counter and prescription medications (www.knowyourdose.org). Parents want the best for their children but may not be aware that “acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, with 48% of acetaminophen related cases (131 of 275) associated with accidental overdose.” Consumers may attempt to treat different conditions or symptoms at the same time with more than one product containing acetaminophen. They may not realize that acetaminophen is in each of those products and that they are at risk of acetaminophen overdose.” (FDA.gov) One of the reasons acetaminophen causes damage to the liver is that it depletes the most potent antioxidant present and available in the body, glutathione. Glutathione is the mother of all antioxidants and the primary detoxifier in our bodies. It protects the body and prevents toxins from accumulating and causing devastating damage. Glutathione is also depleted with poor diet, pollution, medication, stress, and infection. This means that giving Tylenol for fever brought on by infection may seriously compromise your or your child’s ability to clear toxins.

It is well known that toxic substances like alcohol and drugs are much more harmful and dangerous for children than for adults, and we all know to protect an infant’s/child’s developing brain from toxins. What parents may not know is that the least beneficial time to deplete glutathione is when a child presents with a fever. In fact, a large Danish study published in JAMA involving 64,322 children found that “prenatal exposure to Tylenol may increase the risk in children of receiving a hospital diagnosis of hyperkinetic disorder or ADHD…with higher use frequency increasing risk in an exposure-response manner.”

Studies show the acetaminophen also acts to interrupt the endocrine system of the child and the mother. This is significant because the mother’s hormones play a role in proper brain development of the fetus, and the developing child’s brain depends on proper hormonal communication.

Fever is a normal, protective method used by your and your child’s immune system to fight off infection, viral or bacterial, 21 | www.secondopinionmagazine.com

and promote repair. There is growing evidence that not only does fever provide a potent tool for our immune system to fight infection, it also triggers an essential step in the development of a healthy brain. It is important for parents to know when and when not to treat a fever. All fevers are not created equal, and not all require treatment nor is treatment of a fever a harmless act. Normal fevers, between 100° and 104°F (37.8° and 40°C) are actually beneficial for children. If your child will respond to you, make eye contact, move around, and take liquids, you can opt out of treatment. If you are concerned, instead of using acetaminophen with your child, use cool washcloths or physical cooling methods. In fact, the well-respected independently funded Cochrane Database review done in 2002 determined essentially that there was no evidence that Tylenol worked better than physical cooling methods (fanning, cool washcloth, bath) to reduce fever.

Studies have been accumulating since early 2000 about the potential harm of acetaminophen/paracetamol. Do a PUBMED search and read the studies for yourself, then make an informed decision for your family. If you are in pain during pregnancy, drug-free chiropractic is an option. Talk to your health-care provider about nutrition options and how to promote family health from within.

Judy Soborowicz practices chiropractic and nutrition at Active Health Chiropractic along with her husband John. For more info call 715-834-6333.

Sources: JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Apr;168(4):313-20. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4914.

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy, behavioral problems, and hyperkinetic disorders. Liew Z1, Ritz B2, Rebordosa C3, Lee PC4, Olsen J5.

JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Apr;168(4):313-20. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4914.

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy, behavioral problems, and hyperkinetic disorders. Liew Z1, Ritz B2, Rebordosa C3, Lee PC4, Olsen J5.

Int J Epidemiol. 2013 Dec;42(6):1702-13. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyt183. Epub 2013 Oct 24. Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a sibling-controlled cohort study. Brandlistuen RE1, Ystrom E, Nulman I, Koren G, Nordeng H. Paracetemol for Treating Fevers in Children, Published: 22 April 2002 Authors: Meremikwu MM, Oyo-Ita APrimary Review Group: Infectious Diseases Group

Natural Health Tips for 2017

By Debbie Koteras, Owner, Mother Nature’s Food, Inc

A new year is upon us, and for many people it is a time to reflect and make a New Year’s resolution. For many this can be a lifelong change, and for others it lasts about two weeks and then it is back to old habits. During this time of reflection, I would love to give you some things to think about that I have seen make a difference in many of my customers' lives.

The first thing is water. I cannot say enough about having consistent good-quality water in your life every day. I think the key for many people is finding that perfect container for you because it really needs to go everywhere with you. Maybe you have one for home and one that goes with, whatever works for you!

Now the next item is sleep. I am not here to debate how many hours of sleep you should get, but my goal is to have you really think about the quality of sleep that you get. For many people having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom is a nightly interruption. Is it an easy fix of not drinking anything too late at night or is there a prostate issue or a bladder issue?

Getting to the root cause of the problem and not covering it up

or ignoring it is really what you need to figure out. For some, you cannot get to sleep because you are unable to shut your thoughts off. There are different natural products that may help you out with many of these issues.

Now that you are drinking enough water and getting a good night’s sleep, there are a handful of supplements that MANY of my customers use every day that are helpful to their overall well-being. The top items are an omega supplement, a vitamin D3, and a multivitamin. Now these are all basics for people of any age – young to old.

Taking responsibility for your own health has to be a personal decision. Once you take on that challenge to get and keep yourself healthy, you will never regret it. Here is to an awesome 2017 and a healthier and happy you!

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It’s the start of the New Year and many of us are resolving to take better care of ourselves by eating healthier and exercising more.

With the endless amounts of nutrition information out there, it may seem like a challenging task to find the right approach.

Luckily, many strategies to eating healthier have one key component in common – eat more plants … or rather, plant-based foods!

Plant-based foods include lots of delicious and nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Filling our plates with these types of foods is commonly referred to as plant-based or plant-forward eating. And, plantbased eating serves as the basis for several different popular lifestyle approaches including Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan and paleo. Although each lifestyle approach is varied and may be appropriate for different individuals, there is a common theme between each - plates are filled with mostly plant-based foods.

Filling our plates with a variety of mostly fruits and vegetables, but also whole grains, nuts or seeds can help promote health and prevent serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In fact, followers of the Mediterranean diet, a plant-based approach, have some of the lowest rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the world. Enjoying a variety of nutrient dense, plant-based foods can help us achieve and maintain a healthy weight, while promoting long-term health.

Not only do plant-based foods provide a lot of quality nutrients, but plant-based foods also promote sustainability. According to the United States Geological Survey, it takes roughly 2600 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat compared to the 110-250 gallons needed to produce one pound of wheat.

With staggering figures like this combined with the knowledge of our steadily growing world population, eating a plant-based diet may promote sustainability.

Resolving to eat more plants this year is the easy part. The “doing” is often a little more challenging. So, here are some ideas to help you make this 2017 resolution easier:

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• Remember that all forms matter – meaning that fruits and vegetables, whether they are fresh, frozen, canned or dried or 100% juice, are all important and count toward your daily intake.

• Discover the world of herbs and spices! Add flavor to vegetables, whole grains or beans without adding calories or sodium.

• Experiment with global flavors! Many traditional cuisines from around the world consider plant-based foods staples.

• Magical meat extender! Substitute cooked beans or lentils for half of the meat in some of your favorite recipes for soups, casseroles, meatballs and more • Sneak in plants! Blend beans into brownies, zucchini into cake or butternut squash into macaroni and cheese for extra nutrition.

• Join Festival’s #halfplateplants campaign for a little support and accountability by sharing pictures of your plates filled with mostly plants on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Looking for even more plant-based or healthy food ideas this New Year? Visit FestFoods.com/health for additional nutrition information, product recommendations, tips and meal ideas.

Emily Schwartz is a nationally accredited, registered dietitiannutritionist (RDN) serving the Eau Claire and La Crosse communities as Festival Foods’ Western Wisconsin Regional Dietitian.