Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - July, 2015

Compass Chiropractic July, 2015 E-Newsletter

  

Cutest Pet Contest!

Email a picture of your cutest pet to compasschiro@gmail.com by July 31 and they'll be included in our contest for in-office voting to begin August 3!  A few of our staff's cuties are below!

Sandy's pups


Amy's big girl, Reece


Anne's pups


Anne's Puchi


Anne's Pancake


Anne's Foster-Cat Belle


Anne's Teacake


Anne's Eskimo


Dr. Krohse's best bud, George

Congratulations to Dr. Krohse on his engagement to Val on June 20!

Surprise trip to Anna Maria Island, FL & a walk on the beach...


She said yes!




 

Champions maximize their performance and maintain their health with chiropractic!

 

Sandy Recommends Lenten Rose (a Perennial Plant for Shady Spots)

After a long, cold winter, I look forward to watching the early spring plants emerging from the ground and the one I anticipate the most is the hellebore orientalis -- commonly known as "Lenten rose".  This lovely perennial is an evergreen, late-winter, early-spring flowering member of the buttercup family.  It gets its name because it usually is blooming during Lent.  It actually is one of the very first perennials to emerge from the ground and I often see it peeking up through the snow in late winter/early spring.  It's a very hardy plant that can sustain cold temperatures and is categorized as suitable to grow in Zones 4-9 and can actually survive in some of the northern Zone 3 winters. 

 

This plant does well in shade and as you can see in the photos -- I grow it in the front of some of my shade-growing flower beds -- right in front of some of the taller, larger hosta plants.  Though my Lenten rose have ivory blooms, there are variations of the plant that bloom in pink, rose and magenta.  It's a slow grower -- so be patient but it is hardy and both drought and deer-resistant.  I've grown it for years and have never experienced any problems with bugs or critters.  One of the many reasons I love this plant is that, in addition to being low maintenance and hardy,  it blooms early and the blooms linger on for many weeks.  The two photos shown were taken in mid-June and the blooms are still very beautiful.

Amy Recommends Live Horse Racing at Prairie Meadows

This month I'm recommending live horse racing at Prairie Meadows. This all ages event is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening with family and friends this summer! Thoroughbreds race Thursday thru Sunday and Quarter Horses race Friday thru Sunday. Post times and event information can be found at prairiemeadows.com.

Prairie Meadows has family fun events in conjunction with some of the race days as well. Last summer we took Hattie (then 6 months old) to the family fun day and they had horses to take pictures with as well as sponsors such as Blue Bunny Ice Cream and the Des Moines Mounted Police.

If you caught a glimpse of  the Triple Crown Thoroughbred Races, commonly known as the "Triple Crown", which consists of the Kentucky Derby (May), Preakness Stakes (May), and Belmont Stakes (June) it was tough not to become interested in whether or not history would be made.  In fact, it was as American Pharoah won the Triple Crown breaking the 37 year streak of no horse winning all three races!  Keen Ice, an Iowa owned horse, was hoping to spoil American Pharoah's triple crown moment, but came in third at the Belmont Stakes.  Who knows, you may get to see a "champion in the making" right here in the Des Moines area!

At Prairie Meadows the minimum bet is $2 so it's fun entertainment without breaking the bank. There are many ways to bet on horse racing and I'm not an expert, but I've won a few races just by choosing a horse with an interesting name, or choosing the horse sporting my favorite number! Of course you can look at the odds, the horse's bloodline, track condition, etc when placing your bets. Each horse has its own unique history and story to tell. It's so exciting watching these beautiful, strong, athletic horses run.

Anne Recommends PostSecret.com

Most of us are open to adding yet another on-line distraction to our already excessively-engaged lives, right?  Well, PostSecret.com is one I came across years ago, before it became an international sensation, before it had the nearly one billion hits it has today, and before it could boast earning five Bloggies.

For those of you who haven’t already scoped it out, the PostSecret phenomenon began with a story told like this… The place: Washington, D.C.  The year: 2004.  The person: Frank Warren, who dispenses 3000 self-addressed postcards, asking strangers to return them anonymously with a secret they’ve never shared before.  (I imagine he didn’t anticipate his mailbox crammed daily with up to 200 secrets from all over the world.)

Soon after passing out those initial 3000 cards, Warren turned his project into a website, displaying a line-up of fresh disclosures each Sunday.  Each week that I peruse Postsecret, I’m as intrigued with the wide-ranging postcards as I am the assorted secrets.  Sometimes, heart-breaking words are scribbled onto obviously store-bought, pre-made cards, but other times, a liberating message is divulged in the midst of intimate hand-made “artwork”.  Plain graphics might be the only adornment for a startling truth, yet some amusing revelations are offered on precise or sloppily-created collages.  “For many readers, PostSecret is a deliciously addictive fusion of old tech (snail mail) and new tech (the Internet) that produces something never seen before,” observed USA Today in 2006.  “Just a year after its launch, (it) is a smash hit…the third-most-popular blog in the blogoshphere of nearly 30 million blogs.”

Since then, PostSecret evolved from a blog to a “happening”, cultivating not only the typical Facebook and Twitter pages, YouTube channel, and chatroom, but also developing into a “Community” where over 80,000 users have registered to participate in on-line discussion forums.  The founder, himself, is occupied by tours as far away as Australia, where his “PostSecret Live” multi-media presentations land him at college campuses, museums, and art performance centers.  Contributing secrets might have been passed over for the website or banned from Warren’s six published books (including the #1 New York Times bestseller, “PostSecret Confessions on Life, Death, and God”.)  Currently, PostSecret collections are used to construct a traveling exhibit through the International Arts & Artists organization in Washington, D.C.

Warren has mentioned how printed exposures have been mailed to him on creative objects: a baseball, rollerskate wheel, deflated balloon, dollar bill, mask- even a banana- and clothing.  Despite his unexpected global accomplishments and esteem, Warren’s interviews and talks present him as an unassuming guy who approaches his mailbox like an excited child opening their holiday gifts, and someone who is deeply moved by the PostSecret experience.  Some of the declarations stuffed into Warren’s mailbox and scanned into his blog are sent from people in apparent personal tragedies, and Warren has noted the responsibility he feels for the significant trust he receives from both his authors and his readers.  Ever since the beginning of PostSecret’s story, the blog has incorporated numerous crisis resources, and book proceeds have benefited non-profit agencies such as the National Suicide Hotline.

“I don’t think of PostSecret as being a sole voice sharing a secret on a postcard,“ Warren admits.  “I think of it as this wonderful dialogue between all of us, and through individual secrets, we can kind of see our full stories play out.”

Since PostSecret, many other websites have been  brought to life mimicking Warren’s ground-breaking confessional concept, but to check out the original invention, go to PostSecret.com, or release a secret to 13345 Copper Ridge Rd, Germantown Maryland 20874

Dr. Krohse Recommends the Lumo Lift

As a chiropractor, I get to see firsthand how poor posture directly causes so much neck pain and so many headaches for people.  When talking with teens, I tell them I want them to look like the “cockiest kid in the room” with their chest out and standing and sitting as tall as possible.  Even while I give this instruction to so many, I acknowledge that it is very hard to maintain great posture while sitting for extended amounts of time.

For that reason, I was interested when a patient shared she had bought a Lumo Lift.  This small sensor works like an activity tracker and constantly monitors the position of your upper chest.  Any time you slouch, it gently vibrates reminding you to sit or stand with good posture again.

The patient I talked with had used the Lift for a few months and reported that it definitely helped her maintain better posture at work.  Check out getting a Lift for yourself and constantly work to be the “cockiest-looking person in the room.”  Your neck will be happier as a result!

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - May, 2015

Compass Chiropractic May, 2015 E-Newsletter

 
Saturday hours continue to be available!

Bike fall?  Soccer collision?  Golf fail?

We've got you covered with Saturday hours available about two weekends a month from 10:30-1:30.  Call us to check availability.

 

Champions maximize their performance and maintain their health with chiropractic!

 

Sandy Recommends Taking a Class on Food Preservation

Spring is here and it's time to start planning and planting gardens.  Ever wonder what to do with all of your surplus produce?  Want to be able to enjoy your homegrown produce all year long?  The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Service can help you with that.  They offer many programs and resources.  Currently, their Nutrition and Health program specialists are offering a food preservation program called 'Preserve the Taste of Summer'.   Through a series of online lessons and hands-on workshops, you can learn about food safety, canning basics, pressure canning, prepping and preserving fermented and pickled foods, how to freeze and dry foods and a variety of other useful food preservation techniques.   For more information about this program click on this link.

Amy Recommends Attending a Baseball Game!

The beginning of Major League Baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is here! Baseball is of course "America's favorite past time". There’s no reason NOT to go to a baseball game this spring, but if you still need some convincing, here is a list of reasons to go to a baseball game:

1. The excitement! The radiating energy within the stadium is unmatched.
2. Baseball can help form great bonds between you and your friends and family, and even those who are strangers! Watching the game surrounded by fellow fans creates a great sense of camaraderie.
3. It’s a tradition. A love of sports is usually passed down from generation to generation, and going to the first baseball game is a rite of passage for many.
4. The foul balls. Imagine catching a foul ball hit by one of your favorite players, and owning a piece of sports history!
5. The quality time spent together is one of the best reasons to go to a baseball game. Sitting in the beautiful sun or under the lights at night with people you love, enjoying "popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks", watching a sport played by the greatest players in the world is a fantastic way to spend the day.
6. It can be affordable!  If you can't make it to a Major League game go see the Iowa Cubs in action.

 Amy & her husband, Joe, enjoying a game in Phoenix
 

Anne recommends Fadeaway Floatation Therapy

As I mentioned in our previous Compass Chiropractic newsletter, I’m attracted to just about anything therapeutic.  That’s why, when, a couple months ago, my boyfriend suggested trying out a newer local business called “Fadeaway Floatation Therapy“, I was game. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but had heard rumors that floatation therapy is especially relaxing and the closest sensation to being suspended in outer-space that most humans could have.  My only concern was, will it be clean?  We were assured that, between the salt content and the strenuous filtration processes, there would be no danger of contracting anything but a peaceful state of mind.  So we set the appointments for Valentine’s Day.

“Fadeaway” looks like an ordinary commercial office from the outside, tucked back in West Des Moines’ development area near Jordan Creek and situated between suites.  Stepping in, however, the immediate impression was that of a small, serene spa.  A desk wrapped in a gorgeous deep-blue mosaic greeted us, and across the softly-lit room, a couple had sunk into a sofa, sipping tea between quiet conversation.  A door swept open from the loungey space and Talia, one of the owners, walked towards us with a cheerful smile.  She took time to satisfy some last-minute curiosities and then shuffled us through the entrance she had come from.  A hall led to two large bathrooms on one side and more closed doors on the other.  We stepped into the first floatation room, furnished with a floatation tank or “pod“, connecting shower, towels and more.  I was left in the model room and my boyfriend took the one down the corridor.  I locked the door and suddenly felt nervous from inexperience and excitement.  After the mandatory shower, I lifted the flap to the floatation tank and hurriedly stepped in.  I didn’t want to waste any of my allotted hour.

At first, I thought, “okay, this is nice… I’m floating without effort.”  Talia had encouraged us to focus on resting our necks in particular, since most people seem to fear, at first, that their heads will submerge if they don’t.  It tickled me that I could truly use zero exertion- the massive amount of Epsom salts in the mere 10 inches of water allows for that.  But beyond the extraordinary floating, I wasn’t sure yet what I was going to get from the adventure.  So for the following 50 minutes or so, my goal was to “let go”.  It took some time, probably nearly the entire occasion I had inside the pod, but I finally started to feel it… the matchless calm, and the realization that I couldn’t quite discern the boundaries of my body anymore.  Since the water in floatation tanks are kept at the temperature of human skin, we purposely have that sensation.  The pod also seals out any external stimuli such as light and noise; I didn’t realize how liberating that would feel.

Floatation is proven to increase theta brain waves, the same chemistry change that would occur after some serious meditation, and the type of brain activity that promotes clarity and turns on creativity and problem-solving skills.  The nervous system is rebooted and certain hormones are adjusted by floating as well.  Endorphins and dopamine surge while cortisol dwindles, physically reducing stress, amping up the immune system, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, and diminishing pain for up to 48 hours.  Since the body is unencumbered by gravity, floating decompresses our joints and spines, making it an effective supplement to chiropractic.

Longer story shortened, when I finally heard Talia’s slight knock against the tank, I had already decided I would definitely be returning in the near-future.  I also thought of all the people in my life who could profit from floating, for all sorts of disparate reasons.  I stood once again in the entry of “Fadeaway” and admired the breath-taking mosaic dressing the reception desk.  Like the tiny tiles of color collected to create a stunning whole, floatation is a therapy with assorted benefits resulting in one much-needed and nourishing experience: transcendence.

“Fadeaway Floatation Therapy” is open seven days per week to give us all an opportunity to experience its advantages.

Dr. Krohse Recommends Kyle's Bikes

Cycling has been a hobby of mine for a while now, but since joining the Sakari Race Team last fall my needs for equipment and repair work have definitely increased.  Thankfully, I've been able to depend on the experts at Kyle's Bikes for my gear and service needs.

Kyle's Bikes is located on the south side of Ankeny.  Our team member, Amy, shared with me that Kyle worked at UPS for years with her husband and started Kyle's Bikes about the same time Compass Chiropractic opened.  They carry bikes designed for all different types of riders and have a team ready to help you find or fix up your bike.  Beginners to the most demanding elite athletes will all be pleased with the attention and expert advice they receive at Kyle's.

I'll admit that while I've made steady progress at becoming a faster rider, I still feel like a newbie when it comes to mechanical issues.  When I've asked for help with simple problems at Kyle's they've been great about assisting me without making me feel silly.

When you think of biking, think of Kyle's.  I know they'll take great care of you!

Dr. Krohse on his way to a 6th place overall finish at Tranquility Tantrum in Omaha

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - February, 2015

Compass Chiropractic February, 2015 E-Newsletter

 

Hang in there! We are almost to March and the end of winter!

Saturday hours available this winter!

Winter car accident?  Skiing injury?

We've got you covered this winter with Saturday hours available two to three weekends a month from 10:30-1:30.  Call us to check availability.

 

Sandy Recommends REI

I was thrilled to learn this week that REI will be opening a retail store in West Des Moines in the fall.  A 23,500 square foot store will open in the Mills Crossing development, along 60th Street and Mills Civic Parkway.

REI sells gear and clothing for outdoor enthusiasts, young and old.  I've been an online and catalog customer of REI for many years and can't wait to roam the aisles of their store and check out their merchandise in person.  Their store will be stocked with gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports as well as travel products. I read that the West Des Moines location also plans to offer year-round REI Outdoor School classes and a bike shop for expert assembly and repairs.

To check out all of their amazing merchandise for outdoor enthusiasts, go to their website:  www.rei.com

Amy Recommends Blaum Bros. Distilling Company in Galena, IL

My husband and I went to Galena, IL for our four year anniversary back in October and we just had to visit my friend Alaina’s family business - Blaum Bros. Distilling Company. The distillery was founded by Alaina’s husband Matt and his brother Mike. My husband and I along with our daughter, who at the time was 9 months old, took a tour of the Distillery. Yes, the Distillery is kid friendly! We were very excited not only because we were getting to experience a friend’s successful business but we have always found distilleries and breweries to be intriguing. (We are fans of the tv show “How It’s Made”- if you’ve never watched it, you should!). Even if you are a non-drinker you will enjoy the experience of this tour!

Blaum Bros. Distillery opened their doors in 2013 and have been successful since day one. The company sources its grains from local Galena farmers, and the brothers are hands on in controlling the entire distilling process which allows them to make the highest of quality products. The distillery itself is beautiful inside. There is a gift shop with lots of fun Blaum Bros. accessories as well as bottles of their products- Vodka, Gin, Moonshine, and Bourbon to name a few. They have an inviting bar area complete with oversized leather couches where you can enjoy a cocktail before the tour, and after the tour this is where you get free samples of their products.

As part of the tour you get to see their hand-made copper still which they named “Chester” in reference to the movie Goonies character Chester Copperpot. They also have a “flux capacitor” from the movie Back to the Future. The Blaum brothers love movies and make several references to great movies throughout the distillery adding giggles and entertainment during the tour.

The barrel room is amazing! This is where the products age in barrels that are particular to the type of alcohol- again you learn all of the specifics about this on the tour. The tour guides are very versed in the history of the process, and the brothers themselves, which you get to learn all about on the tour.

Blaum Brothers also holds “bottling parties” which volunteers get to label and number bottles in preparation for distribution and as payment you get to enjoy pizza and alcohol samples along the way! How neat would it be to see a bottle of Blaum Brothers Vodka in the store labeled with your initials on it that you got to label and number! (These volunteer opportunities fill up months ahead of time so if you are interested ask NOW about future dates!)  For more information about Blaum Bros Distillery you can find them on Facebook or www.blaumbros.com.

You can find Blaum Bros. Distillery products in restaurants and over 300 retailers in Illinois including Whole Foods. In Iowa at Hy-Vee in Bettendorf as well as Bootleggin Barzinis in Coralville. And now available in Wisconsin.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Des Moines will soon carry the Blaum Bros. products!

Anne Recommends Iowa Acupuncture Clinic

During my interactions with patients of Dr. Krohse at Compass Chiropractic, I’ve noticed that many of you employ additional remedies to enhance your well-being, like massage or physical therapy.  The phrase “the more the merrier” applies here.  Why not utilize as many modalities as possible to achieve your highest level of health?  As long as it is credible, constructive and worth its costs, it makes sense.  Something else to consider complimentary to your chiropractic care?  Acupuncture.
 
I happen to know licensed acupuncturists William and Elizabeth Terrell personally, and have been fortunate to draw on their proficiency with Traditional Chinese Medicine more than several times.  Many friends have done the same, all with restorative results.  Both Elizabeth and Bill Terrell earned their Masters of Science degrees in Oriental Medicine at the Acupuncture College in Sante Fe, New Mexico, a highly esteemed program.  They decided to move to the Midwest and introduced the very first acupuncture clinic in Iowa in 1997, where their practice and aptitudes have flourished.

Though other acupuncture operations have since sprung up in this area, I’m especially impressed with Bill and Elizabeth Terrell and choose to rely on their expertise.  They also are a perfect resource for herbal remedies, and I’ve gleaned much from their health counseling.  My first experience at Iowa Acupuncture Clinic is memorable… I was nervous, being the type of person who nearly faints at the site of needles approaching skin, but my curiosity and the success of acupuncture transported me there.  I was entertaining misconceptions about acupuncture, of course.  The sterile needles are so slight, they’re barely noticeable, and the itty-bitty sting of them being situated was well worth the exceptional feeling of rejuvenation I left with, not to mention the incredible nap I took in the quietude of the clinic and the convincing outcome.  Since then, I’ve lounged in their sheeted recliners or laid atop their treatment tables with tiny (single-use) needles sticking out of various body parts (including my face) and blissfully thought, “this is a luxury.”

Acupuncture is more than a luxury.  It has been used for centuries as an adjustment to the body’s energy.  It may sound esoteric, but it has tangible results.  As with any holistic approach, the upshots might be immediate or transitional, and acupuncture is best known for alleviating all sorts of aches and pains, nerve, digestive and respiratory disorders, and even infertility, as it helps re-balance the body.  Medical News Today calls it a “very effective combination treatment” and mentions a Mayo Clinic trial that affirms it relieves symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Looking for a special experience with your partner?  Iowa Acupuncture Clinic offers a reduced price for couple’s acupuncture appointments.

Dr. Krohse Recommends Donating Running Gear to Dominican Youth Runners
 
On March 7th, one of the Capital Striders Running Club members, Marzia Corni-Benson (Student Support Services Coordinator at Simpson College) and 6 Simpson students will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for a service trip. They will be working with an organization that works with 140 super poor children ages 5-18 and that use running as a way to keep kids in school and off the streets. (Away from a life of crime and prostitution).

This is basically one young runner (Victor Lagares) who decided to use his passion for a good cause; the kids he works with are so poor that several run barefoot or in socks, some run in their school clothes/uniforms because that’s all they have.

The students and Marzia are collecting donations of gently used running clothes and shoes, as well as donations from organizations that may have leftover race shirts, etc.

Since there are 7 of them travelling, they plan to carry 7 suitcases full of donations. They are seeking anything from shorts to shirts to shoes would be great. Probably nothing bigger than a size medium, and definitely kids sizes too. Dominican’s tend to be smaller due to malnutrition.

There are collection boxes at Compass Chiropractic, Fitness Sports, and at Anytime Fitness in Indianola.   Please try to get your donation in by the end of February.  Thank you!

&

Capital Striders / Fitness Sports Winter/Spring Running Program

Are you looking for motivation as we wait for Iowa to finally get warm.  Do you wish you could meet some active people to run with?  Well head to Drake University on Saturday mornings and meet both those goals with their Winter/Spring Running Program.

Co-sponsored by Capital Striders and Fitness Sports, these were originally established to assist runners in training for the Drake Relays Marathon. It’s an extremely valuable tool in getting ready for the Drake Half-Marathon, Dam to Dam, or any number of spring races. Runs will be varying distances up to 20 miles – you choose your distance and pace. Click here for the official 2015 Winter/Spring Training Guide.

Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter - January

Compass Chiropractic January, 2015 E-Newsletter

Hook Your Team Up With Our Free Wellness Programs!

At Compass Chiropractic we offer a number of free wellness services for area businesses.  Amy has become our Wellness Programs Manager so if you'd like to arrange one of these great free options for your team or coworkers just call Amy at 515-309-1217 or email her at compassca@gmail.com and she can send you the full information along with a number of testimonials from area businesses who have enjoyed our wellness programs.

Lunch & Learns
 
With a lunch and learn WE provide an amazing meal from restaurants like Granite City, Biaggi's, Centro, and Gusto while Dr. Krohse gives a 30-45 minute health talk.  We now have three lunch and learn topics available.

"How to Stay Young the First 100 Years at Work" educates your team on the importance of and strategies to maintain spinal health and mobility throughout your life.  This talk finishes up with a few minutes of stretches great for reducing neck pain, upper back pain, and headaches.

During "Seven Stretches for a Pain-Free Day" Dr. Krohse takes you through his favorite seven stretches to keep you pain-free, standing tall, and walking without assistance for the rest of your life.  These can be implemented as micro-breaks and can be thought of as a “desk pilates” routine to counteract the tightness that develops with extended sitting.  Participants in past lunch and learns have given this lunch and learn rave reviews.

“Four Steps to Eliminate Stress & Take Control of Your Life” will motivate and inspire your coworkers.  They’ll learn how to reduce stress by becoming more effective in all areas of their life, from personal finance to relationships to work to their health.  Healthier, happier, less stressed employees are more productive as well as more pleasant to work with.  Don’t be surprised when your team seems more confident and ambitious after hearing this talk.

Health Fairs and Screening Sessions
 
Invite Compass Chiropractic to your health fair, or invite just our team to your office over a lunch hour or break time for a "Screening Session."  Generally we bring in an instrument that measures muscle tension along the back and neck and displays it visually on a TV for participants.  Then we're able to discuss whether the care available at our office might be able to help.  We love to help make your event a success, and will be happy to contribute:

•             A fun snack such as Fresh Panera Bagels and cream cheese spreads or Gusto Pizza
or
•             A Kindle Fire HD to be given away to one of the participants

Saturday hours available this winter!

Slip on ice? Shovel too much snow?

We've got you covered this winter with Saturday hours available two to three weekends a month from 10:30-1:30.  Call us to check availability.

 

Standard Process Purification Program Sale

Regular readers of this newsletter have read about Dr. Krohse's experience with the Standard Process Purification Program.  In 21 days starting January 1, 2010 it helped him drop 15 pounds and the lessons learned helped him drop 25 in another five weeks and maintain it ever since.  During the 21 days, his year-round environmental allergies disappeared and he no longer needed his daily doses of Zyrtec and nasal steroids.  The program taught him that gluten and wheat were the underlying causes of his body's allergic response.  You can read his blog about his experience here.

With the new year approaching, we know many of you may be looking to get back on track or jumpstart your health improvement in 2015.  Through January, the Standard Process Purification program will be on sale - $50 off of the program ($173 instead of $223).  If you will need more than one kit to have a friend or family member join you please give us a call to make sure we have enough kits in stock.
 

Dr. Krohse October, 2009 before purification and July, 2010 after
 

Thank you for helping us help our community!

During 2014 I made a commitment to donate at least $10 to a community organization for each new patient who came into our practice.  We appreciate when you recommend us to your family and friends and are excited to share how it helped our community!  In addition, we strongly support the missions of these organizations and encourage you to consider them for your future charitable giving.   
                                                                  -Dr. Krohse

$2,000 to the Walnut Creek YMCA's Partner with Youth Campaign
 
A defining part of my childhood was being a part of the YMCA swim team every year.  Competitive swimming at the Y built up the character trait of diligence that has been crucial as I studied to be a doctor and later started this practice.  We know the contribution will enable local children to experience the awesome character-building and health-promoting programs of the Y today.

$800 to Autism Speaks

Autism is on the rise and it touched the life of our former team member Sheri when her great nephew was diagnosed with it.  We were glad to support Autism Speaks.  Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
 
$500 to the Des Moines Bike Collective

Bicycling is a top passion of mine, and the Des Moines Bike Collective does so much to promote that passion.  This past year, I took one of their bicycle maintenance courses and was excited to support them as they do the following in 2015:

•             Recycle and refurbish good used bikes; provide good used and limited new parts
•             Conduct classes in bicycle maintenance and repair; bicycle safety and training (outreach to K-12 schools, youth organizations, businesses, other public and private organizations)
•             Provide good used bicycles available for long-term loan or purchase
•             Organize Central Iowa Bike Month
•             Operate the Des Moines B-cycle program (bike-share stations  and fleet bikes)
•             Produce regional trails maps and guides.
•             Promote cycling as viable, healthy transportation; increasing numbers of bicycle commuters; get bicycles into the hands of people who need and will use them
•             Advocate to make Des Moines and the metro area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly
•             Provide training and mentoring of youth in bicycle safety, etiquette, and maintenance; partnership with
•             Organize bicycle tune-up clinics (YMCA adult residents, East Side Boxing Club, Homes of Oakridge) to youth and families and provide information and education about bicycle maintenance and safe riding
•             Provide bicycles for Des Moines refugees
•             Provide part-time employment for appropriate youth and adults

$500 to the Central Iowa Trails Association

Des Moines has a handful of outstanding mountain biking trails, all maintained by CITA volunteers and primarily funded by donations such as this one.  These trails are used by families and athletes for mountain biking and trail running.  I love riding the trails and look forward to racing on them more this coming year as a member of the Sakari Race Team.  I haven't done a lot of trail work because I am quite sensitive to poison ivy, so I appreciate your referrals helping us contribute to the Central Iowa Trails Association financially!

$330 to Furry Friends Refuge

At the end of the year, I asked Anne if she loved any local organizations we could support.  As you can read, she was excited to see funds contributed to the Furry Friends Refuge:

 

Before the close of 2014, I delightfully discovered that Dr. Krohse had sent a hefty-sized financial contribution to one of our local no-kill, non-profit animal shelters, Furry Friends Refuge.  This excites me to no end because compassionate animal shelters like Furry Friends are dear to me… and for reasons I’m sure you- as an intelligent, thoughtful reader- can guess.

Whether or not you are a “certified” animal-lover, I bet you can appreciate minimizing stray cats and dogs running around streets and neighborhoods.  Furry Friends labors to meet this goal of reducing the overpopulation and homelessness of pets in a variety of ways.  Not only does Furry Friends and similar animal sanctuaries supply warm, safe temporary lodging for animals in need, they also provide financial support for spay and neuter procedures- an extremely important part of shrinking the number of strays.

Furry Friends toils to educate others.  Through their community outreach, they facilitate discussions about responsible animal care and welfare, and they furnish free counsel to pet parents frustrated with the behavior challenges their animals might be struggling with.  In addition, Furry Friends offers recommendations to citizens in case they witness animal cruelty.  Plus, have you heard about pet therapy yet?  That is yet another progressive and valuable program Furry Friends provides!

While we relish the luxury of sleeping in our own snug spaces each chilly night, and while we are pleased that our family animals are also, I feel it’s crucial to consider all the animals that aren’t so fortunate, or, at the least, to acknowledge the societal benefit of a reduced stray population.  Shelter contributions to our community can only be as strong as the support they receive.  I’m personally thrilled with anyone who- in any way possible- assists Furry Friends and like-minded organizations who work tirelessly to see all companion animals safe, comfortable, and, ideally, well-loved.

Want to know more about the pet therapy movement?  Look up: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342  OR/AND  http://www.pawsforpeople.org/who-we-are/benefits-of-pet-therapy/

Sandy Recommends Roasted Vegetable Quinoa and Chicken Salad

Here's a very savory recipe that is bursting with flavor, protein and all kinds of good-for-you ingredients.  It can be prepared with or without the chicken, which changes it from an entree to more of a side dish.  It's versatile enough it can be eaten piping hot or as a cold, side dish/snack. As a leftover, it's still delicious and filling.

Quinoa
•             1 cup quinoa, rinsed
•             2 cups chicken stock
•             1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
•             4 cloves garlic, chopped
•             1/2 tsp sea salt

Roasted Vegetables
•             2 bell peppers, cubed
•             1 zucchini, cubed
•             1 squash, cubed
•             2 carrots, sliced
•             1 red onion, cubed
•             1 turnip, cubed
•             4 garlic cloves, whole
•             1 Tbsp Herbs de Provence**
•             2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
•             1/2 tsp smoked salt

Dressing
•             1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
•             2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
•             fresh herbs
•             1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite shredded grilled chicken

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees (can also be grilled outside).

In a bowl, combine all the cubed veggies and toss with the Herbs de Provence, oil and salt. Place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping half way through (or grill the veggies to your liking)

In a small saucepan, heat the oil over low heat and add the garlic, saute for 1 minute, then add the rinsed quinoa and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, let sit for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.

In a serving bowl, combine cooked quinoa with roasted veggies. Add dressing, toss and enjoy hot, room temperature or cold!

**Herbs de Provence is a mixture of dried herbs usually containing  basil, savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano (or some similar combination).  A little bit goes a long way!

Amy Recommends Following Mark Bustos

My recommendation for this month's newsletter is for those that are on Instagram to follow Mark Bustos (markbustos). I did my college internship in NYC at Equinox Fitness Clubs and during my time there I had the experience of a lifetime. With that being said I also saw a lot of homeless in the city.
 

Mark is a hairstylist who spends his days off sharing his talent with the homeless and giving back by giving free haircuts to them. He started #BeawesomeTosomebody which is the hashtag that Mark came up with for people to share photos of themselves performing random acts of kindness. It is a platform for individuals to be inspired by others by sharing photos of themselves using their talents and gifts to pay it forward and give back to fellow human beings who are in need of help. He happens to be a hairstylist, but his goal is to inspire others by showing people how simple it really is to share their gifts and talents. Mark has been recognized by the New York Times recently and has had an outpouring of love from complete strangers donating things such as 10 $50 gift cards for him to give to the homeless people he comes across.

The pictures that Mark shares on Instagram are amazing. His haircuts give the homeless a better outlook on life and lets them know that someone cares about them. A lot of the pictures share a story below them.

Mark's girlfriend Lucille (BABYL_A_L_A) is also a hairstylist in the City and goes around with him giving the homeless toiletry bags. To donate to this amazingly awesome project email LucilleJavier@yahoo.com.

Follow Mark on Instagram and you won't be sorry! He will inspire you too to #BeawesomeTosomebody.

Anne Recommends Baron Baptiste Yoga

This past week has reminded us, like a cold slap in the face, of how arctic Iowa winters can be.  The frosty sting makes it especially taxing for me to willingly step out of my cozy house to exercise, regardless of new-year resolutions and seasonal deals on gym memberships.  And since I don’t (yet) own workout equipment, I turn to the Baron Baptiste yoga DVDs leaning against my laptop.  They've kept me loose, warm, and invigorated despite our frozen landscape.
 
If the barren scene outside your window immobilizes your intent to take that extra icy (perhaps even risky) drive to the local YMCA, you may want to drop a mat in front of your tv and slide one of Baptiste‘s discs into your player.  Start with either Baptiste’s “Journey into Power: Vinyasa Yoga” or “Power Yoga: The Initial Challenge”, two from my collection.  Both are simple and explanatory enough for beginners, yet, after years of repetitive use, still give me a rejuvenating whole-body workout.  After only 30 minutes of Baptiste’s motivating instructions I have that adrenaline high.

There are a sea of yoga videos out there, but none I've felt more enthusiastic about spending money on than these.  Baron Baptiste’s style is straightfoward and sincere, despite having taught celebrities.  His father, Walt, started the Baptiste style of yoga in the 1940s, which Baron later took to L.A. to train individuals such as Raquel Welch, Elisabeth Shue, and, later, the Kennedy family, earning the title “Yoga Trainer to the Stars.”  He even became part of the coaching staff for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.  Perhaps his popularity is because his instruction is easy-to-follow yet challenging.  From what I've experienced with diverse yoga studios and trainers over the years, Baptiste doesn't sell out; he's devoted to yoga’s traditional tenants and techniques.  In his videos, the cameras show his unpretentious yoga studio “set” and Baptiste reminding his class to breathe, lengthen their spines, and readjust their position to achieve maximum benefit.  His voice is soothing and his words sometimes comically campy, which makes him interesting enough to watch again and again.  He’ll gently urge you to keep in mind that “our bodies are a wonderful anchor for the mind” and prompt you to “shift your biochemistry” as you shimmy your way into the next asana (or pose).

Baptiste’s DVDs contain helpful tutorials, isolated sequences for quicker workouts, and music that can be turned off, though I’ve never found the enchanting and low-key mix distracting.  You can tell that Baptiste teaches to empower his viewers to promptly follow the yoga practice without having to look up at the screen every two minutes.  And, once you have the knack, I can almost guarantee that your frequent yoga regime will compliment your core strength and back health.  I’ve heard many of you (Dr. Krohse’s patients) observe that the rehab exercises we teach at Compass Chiropractic are similar to what you’ve encountered in yoga classes.  My observation is that it is not every instructor who takes the time to explain how to move through asanas most effectively and without harm, even in local studio classes.  Baptiste, however, urges you through the movements as if he were in the room with you, tending to your posture and emphasizing that “your spine is your physical foundation.... love your spine.”

If this frosty weather has stiffened your joints and chilled your workout attempts, heat your routine up with an inexpensive investment of one of Baron Baptiste’s yoga videos.

Dr. Krohse recommends Ansley Campbell-Porter at Blondies Beauty Parlor

I used to have wavy hair.  Now it just waves good bye. :)  When I heard our friend Ansley was starting to cut and style hair in Des Moines after moving here from Atlanta I knew he'd be a great option for Central Iowans looking for great style.  Since my hair (or should I say progressive lack thereof) necessitates minimal cuts, I suggested that my girlfriend, Val, go see him.  I was confident that she'd have a great experience and asked her to write up how it went:

My past experience working as a cosmetologist leads me to expect more out of the stylist doing my hair.  Since returning to Des Moines, I have jumped around to various salons, and most provided nothing special.  Over Christmas, my boyfriend, (Dr. Krohse:) recommended someone at Blondies Salon on Ingersoll.  The stylist by the name of "Ansley" was who he suggested.

I was due for a much needed cut and color after final exams.  Upon arriving to Blondies Salon I was greeted by a friendly staff that were personable and friendly!  After discussing my needs and wants with Ansley, he also provided great recommendations for my style.  As a nursing student I am somewhat low maintenance, but also like bright, shiny hair, with an easy to style haircut.  Throughout the appointment Ansley and I chatted about the hair business, health, and also the great products the salon carries.  I was very pleased with his friendliness and professionalism!  He did a great job with my color and cut and I feel very confident recommending him.  Blondies Salon also carries products free of synthetics, dyes, and what I call "junk".  I plan to buy one or two Surface styling products at my next visit!  With my first visit I received 10 % off and a discount card for my next visit!

Ansley provided a hair "pick me up" after my long semester!  :)  Very impressed with this stylist! 
                        -Val