Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - May 2013

Compass Chiropractic May 2013 E-Newsletter


Thanks to all who attended our open house!

We had a great turnout and fun time welcoming patients, family, and friends into our new location in southeast Clive.  Thanks to all who joined us!
 
 
3/4 of the Compass Chiropractic Team: Sheri, Dr. Krohse, and Jenni - Sandy chose the Bahamas instead of our open house :(



Dr. Krohse with his first patient (his mom) 

 
Hook your coworkers & friends up with a free lunch and pain-free workdays!
 
Give Sheri a call at 309-1217 and she’ll help reserve a time for us to bring in a superfantastic meal from Granite City, Biaggi’s, or your favorite restaurant!  While you enjoy great food, Dr. Krohse will provide a quick 30 minute presentation on staying pain-free at work and teach great stretches for the neck and back.  All we need from you is a date and an hour reserved in a conference room and we take care of everything from there!

Thanks to the businesses who have welcomed us to bring lunch and improved health this year: Citywide Heating and Cooling, Guide One Insurance, Flowerama, SumTotal, McCormick Company, Compressor Controls Corporation, Bank of the West, Interstate Batteries, The Wittern Group, ITA Group, and The Integer Group!

We are currently scheduling times for the end of June and all of July!

Introducing Team Compass Chiropractic Sponsored Athlete Jason Flogel

Sport: Distance Running

Achievements: 63rd place at the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials, 2:18 marathon PR!

Team: Runablaze
 
 
I am a software developer and competitive marathoner. I’ve been a runner for 17 years with the past 7 years more focused on marathons. I’ve competed in 11 marathons including the US Olympic Trials in 2012. My focus for this year is to improve my personal records and to stay healthy.

From a running perspective, the last couple years have been very trying. I’ve had a handful of injuries that have forced me to sit out months at a time and only workout in the pool. I decided to visit Dr. Krohse as I was working through an Achilles injury. He had reached out to me at a road race a month earlier and mentioned that he believed he could get me healthy again. Previously, I did not have any prior chiropractic care and didn’t know if it would help.

On my initial visit, he evaluated my posture, flexibility, and muscle tension as well as reviewed some of the issues that I’ve been having in previous years. Within the first two weeks of treatment, he helped me create a routine for improving my flexibility and posture that I could do at home. He also provided me with some tips on improving my running form to decrease the stress that I put on my legs.

Overall, I’m very happy with the treatment from Dr. Krohse. I would definitely recommend him to other injury prone runners as well as co-workers.

 
Sheri Recommends Saturated Fat From Coconut Oil

Nowadays saturated fat has been side-lined and put in the penalty box for supposedly being responsible for heart disorders, obesity, and many degenerative diseases.  They have been replaced by concoctions of questionable nutritional value.  When studies on fat were done in the 1950’s, the research neglected to distinguish between different kinds of fat.  Originally all fat was considered bad, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.  However, we now know and are learning that not all fats are equal, including saturated fats.

Research has revealed that the actual cause of health problems is the presence of trans fatty acids.  These are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the process of oil refining.  They are man-made molecules found in hydrogenated oils such as corn or soy.

So why do our bodies need saturated fat?  Because they are a key component in building cell membranes and help important hormones in our bodies.  Saturated fat reduces the levels of LDL cholesterol while raising HDL.  It is needed for calcium to be effectively incorporated into our bones.  Our livers are protected by it, our lungs need it for the thin layer of surfactant in them and our brains need it to function optimally.  They function directly as messengers signaling & influencing our metabolism, including the release of the right amount of insulin.  A saturated fat that contains myristic and lauric acid function to help white blood cells recognize & destroy foreign invaders in our bodies like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Why coconut oil?  Extra virgin coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) that the body metabolizes quickly, converting them into energy instead of storing them as fat.  It is rich in lauric, capric, and caprylic acids.  After lauric acid converts to monolaurin in the body, it works to fight viral pathogens.  Caprylic acid, a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), is a potent, natural yeast fighting agent.  Capric acid, another MCFA, forms in the body into monocaprin and has been shown to have some antiviral effects against micro-organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases.  Coconut oil can enhance thyroid function, aid in weight loss, improve digestive disorder symptoms and keep your skin smooth and supple.

Not all coconut oils are created equal though.  Look for extra virgin coconut oil because it is made from fresh coconut milk in the traditional fermenting process that retains all the vital nutrients.  So don’t be afraid of some good saturated fat!  Coconut oil has a delicious taste and aroma.  Use it in stir fries or to butter your toast!

Sandy Recommends Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

I've never met a dish of ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato that I didn't love.  Earlier this year when my old standby, TCBY (on University), closed I had to find a place to fill the void.  I'm happy to report that Menchie's is the place.  They tout their brand as one that will "appeal to people who seek a happy, friendly frozen dessert experience with the ability to have the freedom of crafting their desires".  I love that about Menchie's.  I get to control the amount that goes in the cup, the varieties and the toppings.  Let's face it -- I've walked away from many an ice cream/yogurt parlor disappointed that they skimped on the hot fudge or toppings I requested.  Or sometimes I crave just a small amount of frozen dessert.  Well....along comes Menchie's....problem solved.    I also appreciate that they have a large offering, including nonfat, lowfat, low carb, sorbet and no sugar added varieties.

Menchie's has two central Iowa locations.  One in West Des Moines at 4825 E.P. True Parkway and one in Des Moines at 2105 Ingersoll Avenue. 

Jenni recommends water exercise classes at the YMCA

I recommend the water exercise classes at the YMCA.  While I participate in the Aqua Boot Camp class at the Walnut Creek YMCA as often as my schedule allows, generally 3-4 times a week, there are several other classes.  Not only is it a fantastic work out; it is also non-impact and the intensity can be suited to your specific fitness level.  Additionally, it is a great way to meet new people!  Hope to see you at a class soon!

Dr Krohse recommends Garmin Running Watches

About 3 years ago I picked up my Garmin 305.  Though it now seems bulky and dated, this watch is a tank that has shown no signs of dying any time soon.  Through rain, cold, wind, and darkness it has given me highly motivating feedback on my running and cycling!

Wearing a GPS watch has made my running more enjoyable and successful.  The basic pace and distance info on runs is highly motivating, but the watch has helped me in many other ways.

My initial few races were marred by my excitement at the beginning of the race.  Feeling invincible, I'd take off for that first mile at an unsustainable pace, only to limp in the last couple miles as people who had paced themselves better came flying by me.  With my Garmin set to beep whenever I go more than 10 seconds faster than my goal pace, I now enjoy running steady and strong throughout the race, chuckling as I pass people in the last couple miles.

My Garmin also picks up heart rate as I run.  This information has been most valuable during hot runs.  If I run too hard, I'll see my heart rate spike and know its time slow down.

Lately, many of you know I have become more passionate than ever about both running and cycling through using Strava.  Strava can be set up simply through a smart phone, but for more accurate data or if you don’t want to buy a smart phone you can use a Garmin data.  Strava makes working out so incredibly fun, as it allows you to race others on your own schedule and also makes looking at your workout stats after the run part of the fun.

Check out this video to see how Strava is changing people's lives!

I highly recommend a Garmin as an essential running and riding feedback and motivation tool.  You can pick one up locally at our neighbor, Fitness Sports.