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CEDAR CREST CHIROPRACTIC
Spring 2025
Dr. Paul Braadt
1028 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103 • 610-776-2005 • CedarCrestChiropractic.com
AND INTRODUCING DR. ALLAN PETRILAK A Thank You From Dr. Braadt It is with a blend of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation that I write to inform you of an important transition in our practice. After 44 deeply rewarding years serving this community as your chiropractor, I have decided to step away from active practice. This decision comes with much thought and a profound appreciation for your trust in me throughout the years. When Georgette and I first opened this practice, our goal was simple yet profound: to help individuals achieve optimal health and well-being through natural, holistic care. To us, chiropractic care has always been more than adjustments or techniques — it’s about helping people get out of pain so they can chase their dreams, big and small. Witnessing the transformations in my patients has been the greatest privilege of my career. Over the years, I’ve shared your triumphs and challenges. From welcoming new families to seeing children grow into adulthood, our journey together has been one of connection and mutual care. I am deeply humbled by the relationships we’ve built and the countless moments of trust you’ve extended to me. As I look back on these 44 years, I am struck by the profound lessons I’ve learned — about resilience, the body’s incredible capacity to heal, and the importance of listening with my ears and heart. These lessons will remain cherished memories, and I will carry them into the next chapter of my life. As I step away, I am thrilled to introduce Dr. Allan Petrilak as the new steward of this practice. Dr. Petrilak shares my deep commitment to patient-centered care and the philosophy that true health comes from within. He brings his own expertise, energy, and dedication
to our community. I have full confidence that you will find that Dr. Petrilak is not just a capable chiropractor but a compassionate partner in your health journey. Dr. Petrilak and I worked together to ensure a seamless transition for all of you. He has taken the time to familiarize himself with your care and our practice’s unique culture. I am certain that his fresh perspective and commitment will continue to uphold the standards of excellence we have all come to value. While I may no longer be in the office, my gratitude for each of you remains boundless. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for trusting me with your health. I will carry the memories of our time together as one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Petrilak to the practice. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office. Our team remains here to support you during this transition.
With heartfelt thanks and warm wishes,
–Dr. Paul Braadt
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THE SOLUTION TO AVOID DAMAGE How Sugar Harms Your Body
The Solutions Fat is a neutral food when it comes to secreting insulin, and it helps you feel full longer. Increase your consumption of healthy fats with avocado, raw unsalted seeds, and nuts (macadamias, pecans, Brazils), Kerrygold butter, organic coconut oil, hormone-free beef, fatty fish like salmon, uncured bacon (no nitrates), aged cheese, and organic eggs. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce, field greens, and cruciferous vegetables (plants from the cabbage family) like kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radishes. These veggies provide lots of needed nutrients and fiber, and they replenish your potassium, which stops cravings. Potassium-rich foods also help lower the effects of insulin to minimize fat storage. Include high-potassium foods like avocado, broccoli, mushrooms, salmon, beets, beet tops, and kale. If you use sweeteners, use the herb stevia (no maltodextrin), a 100% non-GMO sweetener called erythritol (NOW is a good brand), or non-GMO xylitol (extracted from birch wood). These three sugar alcohols do not stimulate insulin. These lifestyle changes will increase your energy, reduce your weight, and help minimize future health problems so you can continue to chase your dreams!
Many factors affect your metabolism (the conversion process of food into energy), but sugar is the most harmful. During my certification in clinical nutrition, we tested sugar’s effects. I was shocked at how toxic even a single grain can be! All aspects of your health — especially how efficiently you burn fat — are enhanced by the absence of sugar. Cut out sugar and those foods that quickly become sugar, like refined carbs (bread, pasta, cereal, fruit drinks, etc.), and you’ll automatically trigger hormones that burn fat and accelerate your metabolism. Sugar triggers insulin, a fat-producing and fat-storing hormone that blocks fat from being burned as fuel. No fat is burned in the presence of insulin. As your insulin level rises, resistance occurs in your cells (insulin resistance), which advances to prediabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes. As many as 70% of Americans are prediabetic, and at younger ages than ever. Most processed foods contain hidden sugar, too. Unless your diet consists of whole foods, your health and weight control are compromised. So-called “healthy” grains, like whole-wheat breads and cereals, stimulate insulin and block fat burning. Artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, and MSG, cause increased sodium and fluid retention. To digest sugar, potassium (a mineral) in your cells increases fluid retention, making you feel swollen, bloated, and thirsty.
STRAY DOG OUTSMARTS FATE AND SAVES HER PUPPY’S LIFE
When our furry friends get sick, it’s up to us to bring them in for a veterinary appointment. It’s part of the responsibility of being a pet owner, but stray animals have no owners. Who takes care of them when they most need it? Sadly, help is beyond their reach in many cases. However, some dogs won’t let anything stand in their way, especially if it’s a difference between life and death. In January 2025, a stray mother dog noticed her puppy stopped moving and jumped into action. Without an owner to guide her, the mother brought her baby to a local veterinarian clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The staff saw the dog standing outside their door, so they checked on her and noticed the lifeless puppy. The pup was freezing cold, and the vet wasn’t even sure if it was still alive! The vet could not hear the puppy’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, so he checked it with a needle, which provided promising results! The
dog was alive but had a very slow heartbeat. The vet used a blow dryer to warm the puppy up, and before long, it was awake and moving again. All the while, the mother was at the puppy’s side with her head perched on the examination table.
So, how did the puppy’s mother know where to take her baby? This wasn’t her first encounter with this vet clinic; the same doctor was already treating the puppy’s littermate after good Samaritans brought her to the same clinic a few days earlier. Both puppies have been reunited with their mother and are all under the close eye of the clinic. Whether discussing humans or dogs, parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children survive and thrive. However, dogs might have to be more creative with their efforts.
CedarCrestChiropractic.com
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610-776-2005
MEET DR. ALLAN PETRILAK, DC Chiropractic
Inspired by SugarAndSoul.co
Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup
Physician, Certified Medical Examiner, and Corrective Exercise Specialist
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
1 tbsp vegetable oil
• • • • • •
Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken broth 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Italian seasoning 3 cups kale, chopped 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Dr. Allan Petrilak is a dedicated chiropractic physician with a passion for holistic health and patient-centered care. Since graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, FL, in 2019, he has been committed to helping individuals optimize their health, recover from injuries, and enhance their physical performance. For Dr. Petrilak, the best part of chiropractic care is its immediate impact: “Chiropractic is the only profession where you can directly and positively impact a person in just three minutes.” Whether he’s treating athletes, professionals, or those seeking general wellness, Dr. Petrilak is committed to helping patients move better, feel better, and live pain-free. His journey into chiropractic care wasn’t defined by a single moment but rather by a series of experiences that led him to appreciate a holistic approach to treatment. Initially drawn to working with athletes, Dr. Petrilak shadowed a chiropractor and quickly realized the profound impact chiropractic care has on patients. This experience solidified his dedication to the profession. Dr. Petrilak holds certifications as a Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners by the Department of Transportation (DOT). He is also trained in Activator Methods and is actively pursuing further education in Orthopedics. His extensive experience includes working as a team chiropractor for two professional sports teams over seven seasons and being a Pro Hockey Chiropractor Association member. His passion for sports, particularly basketball and weightlifting, allows him to connect with athletes and active individuals seeking specialized chiropractic care. Previously, Dr. Petrilak operated a 37-foot mobile chiropractic clinic, offering corporate wellness treatments and personal injury care. His mobile practice provided on-site chiropractic services to employees across various corporate campuses, ensuring accessible and effective care. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, Dr. Petrilak eventually moved to Allentown, PA, where he now practices. He values family and lifelong friendships, having maintained the same close-knit group of friends since elementary school. He is looking forward to working with all of you to get you out of pain and restore normal function and ability so you can return to the activities that are most important to you.
4 Italian chicken sausages, sliced to bite-size pieces
6 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped
6–7 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from the pot and set aside. 2. Add garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add squash, salt, and pepper. Sauté 8 minutes. 3. In a slow cooker, combine sautéed vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low heat for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 4. Open the pot and add the kale. Cook another 20 minutes, then add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Cook 10 more minutes, then serve and enjoy! DIRECTIONS SUDOKU
Safe, Effective Health Care Without Drugs & Surgery
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PAGE 1 The Beginning of a New Chapter PAGE 2 How Sugar Harms Your Body A Stray Dog Pulls Off the Ultimate Rescue Mission PAGE 3 Get to Know Dr. Allan Petrilak, DC Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup Take a Break PAGE 4 Mastering the Art of Nature Photography LOGO CEDAR CREST CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Paul Braadt
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1028 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Allentown, PA 18103
Hours of Operation: Mon: 3–6:30 p.m. Tue–Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fri: Closed
Give Us A Call! 610-776-2005
Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Master Your Equipment Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. Consider Composition In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes.
(guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
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