I recently created a page sharing what to look for when you search:

"chiropractor near me" 

I hope it helps people sift through the Google results and pick a great chiropractor in their area!

Tribute to George

"A Bad One"

Happy Friday the 13th!

"Life is like a ten speed bike.  
Most of us have gears we never use!"  
-Charles Schulz

 

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - November

Compass Chiropractic November, 2015 E-Newsletter
 

Leaf-raking fail?  Friday neck-tweak? We may be able to help you! 
 

 

Saturday hours are starting back up.  Give us a call to check availability on the following dates:
 

November 7, 21, 28
December 5, 12

Want to be best in the world or simply the best in your shoes?  Optimize your function with chiropractic!
 

 

November Doorbuster deal: $5 off small Natural Calm and $10 off large Natural Calm (normal price is $20 and $40 respectively)
 

Patients frequently walk out of our office on a Friday with their first bottle of Natural Calm and then come back the next Monday raving about the ways it has decreased their pain, eliminated muscle spasms, helped them sleep better, solved stubborn chronic constipation, and generally improved their life.  It seems everyone notices a benefit when they start taking Natural Calm.

Two minerals play a key role in causing muscles and nerves in your body to become more and less excited.  Calcium can be thought of as the exciter.  Most people focus on getting plenty of calcium.  However, many people neglect to get enough magnesium, the mineral which enables the muscles and nerves to relax properly.  Improving your magnesium intake can improve a number of symptoms including the ones listed above.  I love my Natural Calm and highly recommend it for patients dealing with muscle tension, spasms, pain, tightness, chronic stiffness, restless legs, and painful menstrual cramps.  You can pick up a brochure to read other symptoms that may be helped.

Personally, I take Natural Calm shortly before bed to help me get a more restful night's sleep.  I also feel it does wonders at preventing muscle soreness and speeding up recovery following my intense running and cycling workouts.  Follow the directions on the bottle and gradually increase to your ideal dose as magnesium has stool loosening effects.

November Waiting Room Wellness Activity - Share the best gifts you've ever given, received, or what you'd most like for Christmas

Through the month of November, we'll have clipboards in our reception area where we invite you to share the best gift or gifts you've ever given, received, and/or what you'd most like for Christmas.  Additionally, if you'd like to send in a picture of something unique you've created for someone or received from someone head over to the Compass Chiropractic Facebook page and submit it in a comment.

We'll be able to publish this list and photo submissions in early December in our newsletter and hope it gives you great ideas for your holiday gift shopping and crafting!

Dr. Krohse created this Mod Podge Memory Lamp for his fiance, Val

Sandy Recommends “The Intern” movie
 

It’s October and the horror films are being shown and replayed in full force.  Not my preferred genre of movies; I prefer to watch a “feel good” movie so I sought out something a little lighter and recently went to see The Intern.  It did not disappoint! 

The Intern is a movie that tells the story of 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (played by Robert DeNiro) who is looking to get back into the working world after being retired and lonely.  He finds an opportunity for a “senior internship” at an online retail start-up, owned and operated by Jules Ostin (played by Anne Hathaway).  The story is sweet and funny as it, at times, focuses on generational differences and technology gaps, but evolves into a blossoming friendship and mentorship between a seasoned 70-year-old with years of wisdom and experience who helps young Jules realize that her talents and vision are what made her company successful.  The company, “About the Fit”, has grown rapidly causing a few bumps in the road, but in the end, Ben helps Jules see that she really does have the skills to run the company and, married with a young child, “have it all”.  Predictable but a feel good movie with a happy ending and a few hilarious scenes with the seasoned Ben enlisting the help of some much younger employees.  Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.  It was a joy to see Robert DeNiro in such a low-key but well played role.

Amy Recommends Center Grove Orchard

This month I am recommending you take a trip to Center Grove Orchard. Located just a short trip north of Des Moines in Cambridge it is definitely worth checking out! Normal farmyard operating is September thru November and they offer all kinds of special events thru December for the whole family to enjoy. The weekend our family went was designated as "Hometown Hero Day" honoring local firefighters and displaying fire trucks for the kids to explore. To name a few other special events in November & December they have a Fairytale Luncheon with Princesses, Pajamas and Story with Santa, Holiday Open House, Brunch with Rudolph and Santa, and Ladies Night.
 

The farmyard has lots of activities including a corn pool, jumping pillows, pig races, super slide, and rubber duck races. You can check out the website for a complete list of events and activities at www.centergroveorchard.com.

 

We really enjoyed the hay rack ride around the farm to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkin as well as the apple orchard to hand pick some delicious apples! There is also a Country  Store, bakery, coffee shop, and Feed Bunk where you can get all kinds of food and goodies! We loved the apple cider donuts that we purchased there.

Center Grove Orchard is also a favorite for memorable gatherings of church groups, clubs, and youth groups. Need a place to meet for a company outing or family reunion? They offer campfire areas and bonfires by reservation, and can tailor a party or gathering to fit your needs!

Anne Recommends Iowa Public Radio
 

More than any other radio or internet station and application, I’ve been listening to Iowa Public Radio (IPR) since I heard about it during my college years.  Found at 90.1FM in Des Moines, IPR is listener-supported and virtually commercial-free, an aspect I respect most about the broadcast.  Though local sponsors are sometimes mentioned briefly at the end of segments, it creates a more pleasant listening experience and increases my confidence in their use of fair and neutral reporting and subject-choices. 

Though IPR plays an assortment of tunes each evening and on the weekends, I’m most interested in their daytime line-up of talk radio.  It is how I stay up-to-date with current events; I can be informed while commuting in my car or folding my laundry- no eyes or hands required!  And if I missed a particular program, I utilize their free app or podcast to catch up on it.

National Public Radio productions from all over the country are also aired through IPR, such as my personal favorite- award-winning “Fresh Air”, hosted by Terry Gross and comprised of clever interviews with “prominent cultural and entertainment figures, as well as distinguished experts…”  Shows like “Talk of Iowa”, “All Things Considered” and the “BBC Hour” circulate local, national, and international news while “interest” segments such as “Here and Now” and “Science Friday” cover a full spectrum of topics from what’s happening specifically in Iowa to general commentaries, cooking trends, media reviews, horticulture, and recent scientific findings.  Sports and economics are also daily topics on IPR, and more amusing programs like the well-known quiz show "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" air on Saturdays.  This station has it all.

Dr. Krohse Recommends Uber

Do you remember the last time you used a camera not built in to your phone?  Is there a Garmin or TomTom car GPS taking up space in a junk drawer somewhere in your house?  Can you picture the blank look on your kid's face if you asked them to call directory assistance?  In the last few years, smartphones have rendered entire categories of devices obsolete and revolutionized industries.  Lately, I have had the opportunity to use another smartphone-based service that is rapidly overtaking the old-school option: Uber.

Uber is the modern taxi service in which people use their own nice-condition vehicle to pick you up and get you to your destination.  As a user, simply put the Uber app on your smartphone, enter my promo code davidk10562ue for a free ride up to $15, and begin enjoying the many benefits of Uber over traditional taxis. 

In just three uses, I've noticed a number of ways that Uber improves on the classic taxi experience.  First, you can use the fare estimator and quickly put in your start location and destination and see what your ride will cost.  When you order your Uber, you can see your Uber driver’s car show up on the map of the city and watch him progress to pick you up.  Third, many of the Uber cars are significantly nicer than normal taxis.  While in Minneapolis last weekend, my Uber ride to a concert was a sweet BMW 725. Before you order an Uber you put your credit card information into the app.  The best part of using Uber is that you don’t have to deal with money a bit after that.  When you finish your ride, your card is instantly charged and you aren’t expected to tip at all.  Because Uber uses independent contractors rather than employees, they are able to significantly undercut the cost of established taxi services.  As an example, a ride from Mullets Restaurant by Principal Park to the North of Drake neighborhood was under $8!

I’m glad I decided to give Uber a try!  Get the app today and enter that promo code davidk10562ue and you’ll get that free $15 ride! Full disclosure: you’ll hook me up with another free $15 ride as well. Thanks!

Dr. Krohse featured in Momentum Magazine

Dr. Krohse was quoted in this Momentum Magazine article on taking a proactive approach to your health as an athlete.

Dr. Krohse finished the 101 Gravel Race in third place overall!

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - October

Compass Chiropractic October, 2015 E-Newsletter


 

Professionals know Chiropractic supports Optimal Performance!

 

 

October Special:  $5 off Biofreeze products!  

This month we have the premier professional-grade pain-relieving gels and sprays available at a door-buster discount of $5 off normal prices!

Many of our patients keep an extra tube of Biofreeze available in the car glovebox, at work, and in the RV for those inconvenient times when a flare-up of neck or back pain starts up and you aren't near home.

Schedule your chiropractic check-up/tune-up this month and get your Biofreeze while you are in!


Sandy Recommends Torex Cold Therapy (Cold Packs)

When I hurt….I like ice.  Several months ago, I had foot surgery requiring fracturing two bones and the installation of titanium plate, screws and wire.  I was warned that it would swell and that it we be quite a while before my foot returned to normal size.   Because of the nature of the surgery, I found that my foot swelled on the top, side and bottom.  What I really needed was a product that would fully surround my foot with the comfort of cold  and without lumpy ice or packs that slipped and fell off.  So I did my research and found a company called Torex .  They sell exactly what I needed – cold packs designed specifically for various body parts that come in a variety of sizes.  They do not freeze solid and slide on and off easily – while delivering a good dose of cold that greatly helped with the pain and swelling.

While I have used (many, many times) the cold pack designed for my foot (see below), Torex also sells ice packs for back, neck, feet, legs, ankles, hands, arms and shoulders.  For more information, check out their web site:  www.torexhealth.com.  The cold packs are also sold on Amazon.

Amy Recommends Two Favorite Recipes

As the weather is starting to change to Fall and football season is upon us I wanted to share two of my favorite recipes for this time of year.  I love getting the crock pot out and cooking a dish that fills the house with a delicious savory aroma and my twist on the Mississippi Roast does just that.  The second dish, One Pot Mexican Quinoa, is a quick and easy healthy dish that makes for a tasty side or a main dish if you're feeling like having a lighter meal. I have modified the recipes a bit so I put the original ingredients in parenthesis. Enjoy!!!

Mississippi Roast
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 8 hours
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:              
1-3lb chuck roast
1-packet dry ranch seasoning mix
1-packet dry french onion soup mix (original recipe: 1-packet dry au jus gravy mix)
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
(original recipe: 5-6 pepperoncini peppers)
Instructions:
1. Add 1/4 cup of water into the slow cooker and place chuck roast on top
2. Sprinkle dry ranch and french onion soup mix on top of chuck roast, then place 6 tbsp. of butter on top of the roast. (place pepperoncini around roast)
3. Cook on low for 8 hrs
4. Shred and enjoy alone or with veggies/rice, or as sandwich meat

One Pot Mexican Quinoa
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (original: olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced                                                           
1 cup quinoa
1 cup vegetable broth
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
1 can corn
1 can rotel-mild with green chilies (original: 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 1 jalapeno, diced)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
juice of 1 lime
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and diced
(2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and rotel (fire roasted diced tomatoes, jalapeno) and cook stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice, (and cilantro). Serve immediately.

Anne Recommends Eliminating Synthetic Scents

Most of us don’t realize that the cleaning products, body lotion, colognes/perfumes, air fresheners, dryer sheets, deodorants, and candles we use could be causing us some not-so-appealing health issues.  One of the biggest culprits?  Synthetic scents.

As consumer consciousness is increasing, and individuals like us are curious about the ingredients of products we consume, breathe in, and absorb through our skin, more studies are proving that, many chemicals, even though they’re FDA-approved, can be causing us much more harm than good.  The FDA does not currently require individual chemicals that make up a fragrance or “parfum” to be listed.  In fact, the International Fragrance Association gives a pass for the fragrance industry to regulate itself.

A recent Huffington Post piece details that “…95% of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals…capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous system disorders, and allergies…” ¹  Phthalates are just one of the chemical types often hidden in the mix that make up these man-made scents, and it is well known that they interrupt our hormonal activity, which prompts a myriad of health problems.  Dr. Mercola warns that, “according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ report, 66 percent of the secret chemicals, and 19 percent of the listed chemicals, found in product tests have not been assessed for safety,” ² and an Environmental Health Perspectives article mentions a U.S. study confirming that 44% of the fragrant products measured “generated at least 1 of 24 carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants, such as acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, or methylene chloride.” ³

Life doesn’t have to be unscented.  In fact, many goods labeled as “fragrance-free” may contain a masking agent that prevents our brains from perceiving the unlisted fragrant chemicals.⁴  I personally choose products that list essential oils (extracts from flowers, leaves, resins, seeds, etc.) as their only source for alluring aromas.  Watch out for items that try to trick us into believing it is “all-natural” and eco-friendly.  There may be some other advantages, but many of these fad trademarks still use (synthetic) fragrance.  The newer Method line is a good example of this.  It is easy to make your own household cleansers with vinegar, baking soda, and even essential oils (many of which possess anti-microbial properties,) and there are thousands of recipes for nontoxic body care on-line.  For convenience, Dr. Bronner’s, Better Life, Fresh Wave and Desert Essence are a few affordable cleanser, deodorizing, and body care brands I trust, and if you’d like recommendations for anything else, feel free to ask me.

¹  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/five-mustknows-on-the-dan_b_4737654.html
²  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/27/toxic-perfume-chemicals.aspx
³  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018511/
⁴  http://davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/fragrance-and-parfum/

Dr. Krohse recommends free Bridges/Overdrive Audiobooks & E-Books

In this world of one-click purchases through Amazon it's easy to forget that there is an even better, FREE way to get a book... the library!

While my fiance, Val, loves to actually head down to the library, peruse the shelves, and inhale the sweet scent of books I gravitate toward the techie side of the library, the Bridges audiobook & e-book system.  The steps to get started with free audiobooks and e-books are few.  Get a card to the local metro library where you live.  Download the Overdrive app onto your phone.  Then start browsing Bridges for a book that grabs your interest.  Once you have selected one to read and checked it out you download the files to your device and can begin listening or reading.  If one you are interested in is not available, you can get in line and receive a notice by email when it is your turn to listen to the more popular book you have selected.

Personally, I listen to more books than read them.  Any time Val and I head on a roadtrip we try to pick out a decent book to listen to.  Some of our favorites have been by Stephen King.  His stories like The Shawshank Redemption, Dolores Claiborne, and The Monkey kept us sitting in the car listening to the gripping stories for 15 to 20 minutes after we'd reached our destinations.  Another good listen on a long trip was Sarah's Key.  I have also enjoyed listening to books while doing my cycling.  A favorite book listened to while cycling was My Cross to Bear, Gregg Allman's rock and roll memoir.

Get started with free audiobooks and e-books today through the Bridges/Overdrive system.  Remember:

"You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read"  - Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

Dr. Krohse had his first overall win at the Mullet Fall Classic Mountain Bike Race

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - September

Compass Chiropractic September, 2015 E-Newsletter

 

Our Cutest Pet Picture Contest WINNER is Max!!!  Congrats, Max!!
 

Little Dude & Harley and Sprocket & Dave were tied for close second...  Thank you to everyone who entered; they are all adorable animals!
 

Victors Choose Chiropractic!

 September Deal- $15 off ChiroFlow Pillows!!    
ChiroFlow Pillow benefits:
• A new source of wellness – improved quality of sleep will reduce signs of aging, improve coping skills and sharpen reaction time.
• Reduced neck pain intensity – ranked best of all pillows tested in a clinical study at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.
• Generous jumbo size 20’x 28′ – most cervical pillows are under sized to cut costs. ChiroFlow fits standard AND queen pillowcases.
• 3-Year warranty against defects – our quality is best and we stand behind our product with the best warranty.
• Fully adjustable to any preference – the choice is yours, soft medium, or firm.
• Water base responds to head movement – no more waking up to fluff and re-stuff. Proper cervical support all night long even as you change sleeping positions.

Sandy Recommends Alexander's Photo (& Photo Restoration) in WDM Valley Junction

Ever stumble across an old family photo that's faded and torn and wonder what it might have looked like years ago?  I love tracking my family history, collecting old family photos and recently I found myself in possession of an old treasure of a photo that needed repair.

But first the history......my 97-year-old uncle passed away in May.  I made many trips to the nursing home to visit him over the years and he was always full of treasured family stories.  Growing up on a farm, Uncle Ward loved animals, had many pets and often spoke fondly of a pet fox he had growing up. (Disclaimer:  I certainly would not advocate domesticating a wild fox.....but this was in the 1920s on an old farm....)  As we were cleaning out his belongings, much to my surprise and delight we found a very small, faded and worn out photo in his wallet of him holding the fox.  It was tiny -- not much larger than a postage stamp.  

In preparation for his memorial service, I just had to find someone who could restore the photo and enlarge it for sharing with family and friends.  I was happy to find that Alexander's Photo in Valley Junction does this type of work.  And needless to say -- that restored and enlarged photo was a huge hit and brought smiles to all who saw it and had heard him talk about his beloved pet fox.  I was very happy to be able to share prints with family and my uncle's 87-year-old sister was thrilled to take home a 5 x 7 of the photo.  Thanks Alexander's Photo for helping preserve special family memories! 



Amy Recommends Scenic Route Bakery

This month I am recommending locally owned and operated Scenic Route Bakery.

I recently tried out Scenic Route Bakery in the East Village on a lunch date with a friend. Neither of us had ever been to the restaurant before and we were pleasantly surprised. The location doesn't have the most convenient parking, but once you find a spot and go in the atmosphere is very nice. You order your food at the counter and are given a number and they bring it out to you. It was a lot bigger inside than we had expected! It was very inviting and would be perfect for everything from a lunch date to a group meeting. They also have a patio that is open weather permitting. It is a bakery, coffee shop, and cafe all wrapped up into one.    

I had the Hawaiian Ham sandwich with sweet potato tortillas and their signature "Honeybee" coffee drink. My friend had the chicken salad sandwich with sweet potato tortillas and a Diet Coke. Everything tasted fantastic! They have a selective list of beer and wine as well as a catering menu consisting of mostly breakfast pastries, coffee, and sweets- perfect for those morning business meetings!

350 East Locust Street, Suite 104 — Des Moines, IA 50309
Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Phone: 515-288-0004

Anne Recommends Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil knocks me off my feet every time.  Their performances are fantastic fusions of striking costumes, suspenseful human feats, and sensational music live on stage in a whirlwind of activity.  Having seen seven of their shows so far, I’m enthralled by the ingenuity and massive talent consistent in their assortment of productions.  Cirque du Soleil is also an all-human cast and operation, an aspect I appreciate just as much as (if not more than) their breath-taking, premium presentations.  This whimsical circus company originated in Canada, employs over 4000 people from various countries, and has never forced animals to entertain us.

In addition, Cirque du Soleil is an exhilarating exhibition of our individual capacities… particularly the accomplishments we are capable of via constructive relationships.  Many of the acts involve teams of people who count on each other for their lives- literally.  Cirque du Soleil presentations require an immense amount of cooperation, intense group training, collective imagination and competence, and confidence in their “community".  The outcome is a captivating art form of make-believe and representational reality, of humor and mad skills.

If you relish feeling fascinated and inspired; if you are delighted by magical scenes, visionary artists, displays of arduous physical aptitude and matchless music, consider adding Cirque du Soleil to your experience.  Just three years ago, I was riveted by their production “Dralion” at the Wells Fargo Arena; their traveling shows often appear in the Midwest.   Www.cirquedusoleil.com is your key to amazement!
 

Dr. Krohse Recommends the White Rock Conservancy

 

I highly recommend a trip to the White Rock Conservancy this fall!  This conservation area is located about 20 minutes west of Perry and offers something for everyone!

I first explored the White Rock Conservancy shortly after moving to Iowa.  Back in 2009 or so I learned that the local mountain bike trail building organization, Central Iowa Trails Association, was hosting a weekend called Ales and Trails Fest which would focus on gravel road and farm road biking and have a great party one evening with a keg of microbrewed beer and music by Brother Trucker hosted in an awesome rustic party barn.  Two years in a row I rounded up friends and headed out for the Ales & Trails event.

 

While at White Rock, I learned that they have multiple “farm ponds” stocked with bass just waiting for any lure to land in the water near them.  Compared to the overfished lakes near Des Moines, I was thrilled to catch a good-sized fish every few minutes even while fishing from shore.  I’ve taken multiple people out there over the years and we’ve always had a blast and caught fish.
 

Dr. Krohse with a 21+ inch largemouth bass caught at White Rock
(Pre 2010 Standard Process Purification Program Transformation)
 

While Val and I first met outside of the Ritual Café next to the sculpture park downtown, we consider our first real date to be an outing to White Rock Conservancy.  It was a beautiful October day and we took George for a long walk through the beautiful prairies, woodlands, and river paths.  We have enjoyed many nice trips back there since.
 

First date picnic in a sunny prairie

This spring, White Rock Conservancy put in about 14 miles of the most fun mountain bike single-track trails in the state.  I took a recent Sunday afternoon to check out these new trails and had the time of my life!  They are beginner friendly but will also challenge more advanced riders.  I can’t recommend these new trails highly enough!
 

The Raccoon River flows through the conservancy, and just this past week Val and I decided to take a special mid-week trip out there for a night of camping at their Star-Field Campground and a kayak trip on the river.  The people who set us up with kayaks were great and we loved the peace and beauty of our kayak float and paddle down the river.

Find a time to make it to the White Rock Conservancy this fall.  I know you’ll love this little slice of heaven just an hour from Des Moines!