NOVA
Chronicles
Hours of Operation: Monday–Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday–Sunday Closed
May 2019
MY FAVORITE TEACHER, Mr. McNeil
also enjoyed fishing and playing many of the sports I enjoyed. At the time, I was playing football and was a fan of the Buffalo Bills. Mr. McNeil and I would often chat about football or whatever sport was in season. As a kid, it was really exciting to share some of the same interests as my teacher. While that made a big difference in how I regarded him, having things in common with him wasn’t the only reason why he was my favorite. Mr. McNeil was the first teacher who pushed me to study more about science and biology, which were two topics I was already fascinated by at that age. He had a knack for figuring out what his students were most interested in and encouraging them to pursue that area. The way he taught really opened my eyes to the different methods that teachers use and the different ways I can learn. During the school year, we created a whole ecosystem inside the classroom. Mr. McNeil brought in a fish tank and filled it with fish, plants, and frogs. Our ecosystem was a part of our everyday lessons, but we did far more than just feed the fish. We learned about what the fish would eat in the wild, what animals or insects lived off the pond and the fish, and what fed into and out of the ecosystem to make it work. Along with sharing many of my interests, Mr. McNeil and another teacher at the school owned an ice cream shop in the town that I grew up visiting. Everyone went to their ice cream shop on the weekends and spent some time with their families. It was cool as a kid to see my favorite teacher on the weekends and talk about a game or two. Plus, it was the best ice cream in town. Overall, I have a lot to thank Mr. McNeil for: a great fifth grade, great lessons, and fostering the passion in the two subjects that eventually led me down the path to where I am right now. Thanks, Mr. McNeil, for everything you’ve done for me! “As a kid, it was really exciting to share some of the same interests as my teacher.”
Teacher’s Day is a fun holiday taking place this month. It’s a day to think back and remember your favorite teachers. The best teacher I ever had was my fifth grade teacher, Mr. McNeil, who helped pique my interest in science and biology. Mr. McNeil was the type of teacher who made all his lessons fun and kept the whole class engaged. He was also one of the first teachers I ever made a connection with. In my first five years of school, he was my first male teacher, and for a 10-year-old boy, that made quite an impact. Mr. McNeil
-Dr. Todd P. Sullivan
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
‘HEY, ALEXA!’ 3 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Help Get Your Kids Ready for School Even though parents and kids everywhere are getting close to celebrating the last day of school this year, school day mornings are difficult no matter what season it is. Do you feel like you’ve run a marathon by 9 a.m. every day? Rest assured that you’re not alone. Mornings are often the most hectic and stressful part of a parent’s daily schedule. Fortunately, there is an inexpensive and popular device that can help take some of the pressure off your morning routine and get your kids to the bus on time: Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa! ALARMS OF ALL KINDS You can place an Echo Dot in your kid’s room and set an alarm that wakes them up to the weather report, a standard alarm sound, or their favorite tunes. You can also program Alexa to turn on a compatible bedside lamp so they wake up to light instead of sound, which offers a more calming way to wake up. If your kid decides to catch a fewmore z’s and ignore their alarm, you can use some of Alexa’s other features, like Drop In and Intercom, to start a two-way conversation or send announcements to all the kids’ rooms in the house. REMINDERS AND LISTS Alexa can also help you check off items from your family’s morning to-do lists to minimize the chaos of weekday mornings. You can create reminders to pack lunches or grab homework, and then all you have to do is ask, “Alexa, what are my reminders?” She will run down the list, so you can hit the road early without the nagging feeling that you left something behind. MAKE IT A GAME “Out the Door” is an interactive Alexa game that turns getting ready for school into an adventure for younger children. Each day, kids are given a new superpower and have to defeat a different creature as they complete “missions,” which include tasks like brushing their teeth and getting dressed. It makes the process of getting ready for school exciting and gives kids an incentive to fulfill their responsibilities. If you don’t already have an Echo Dot, you can find them at most major retail stores. Make your mornings less stressful by starting with “Hey, Alexa” and going from there.
ACUPUNCTURE AND ALLERGIES Reducing Your Sniffles and Coughing This Allergy Season Many people suffer from allergies when May rolls in. With flowers blooming across the city, a flurry of sneezing, coughing, and congestion follow. Over the counter and prescribed allergy medication becomes a much-needed commodity, especially as the season progresses and symptoms worsen. However, there is a more effective treatment available to people with allergies this time of year. NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture offers acupuncture treatment, which not only alleviates allergies but also helps calm down the symptoms before they intensify. Although certain allergy medications, such as Zyrtec, might help reduce the symptoms, they don’t work as well as acupuncture. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, acupuncture allows the body to produce a wide range of natural pain-relieving substances, such as hormones, anti-inflammatory chemicals, and immune system enhancers, which can help open nasal passages, reduce congestion, and minimize sneezing and coughing. Dr. Sullivan, who suffers from allergies at least twice a year, says that between allergy medication and acupuncture, the latter worked far better. “It’s what helped me the most,” he explains. “I was taking over-the-counter medications for my allergies, but they weren’t really helping. Then I started treatment with acupuncture, and it’s definitely controlled my allergies far better than the medication.” The greatest thing about receiving acupuncture treatment is the results. Once a patient lays down and Dr. Sullivan begins putting the needles in, they experience instant relief. In terms of long-term relief, acupuncture can assist in preventing sinus infections from developing after the allergies are gone. Any adult or child suffering from allergies, acute or chronic, can greatly benefit from acupuncture treatment.
You don’t have to suffer through your allergies this season. Call our offices using the number below and set up an appointment today!
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
What Is It Good For? There are many different opinions on the healthiness of snacking. Some people think of snacks as processed foods with high calories, but snacks don’t have to be junk food. Depending on what snacks you’re eating, and how often, these little in- between-meal bites can be highly beneficial or detrimental to your overall health.
WHO BENEFITS FROM SNACKING? Depending on your weight, fitness level, and medical conditions, snacking throughout the day can be more effective than eating three large meals a day. Individuals who are crunched for time, have particular health conditions, are athletic, or are trying to lose or maintain weight all benefit from healthy snacking throughout the day. People who have high cholesterol or diabetes can better maintain their cholesterol and blood glucose levels if they eat frequently during the day. For athletes,
HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY SNACKS People snack when they’re hungry, but they also do it when they’re stressed, bored, or have a habit. When people snack
snacking helps distribute the consumption of nutrients their body needs throughout the day instead of all at once. This way, their energy levels stay the same instead of fluctuating with their meal times. If you find yourself in need of a quick bite, think clementines and almonds instead of chips and Pop-Tarts. You’ll still satisfy your hunger without jeopardizing your health or increasing your waistline.
on unhealthy junk food when they’re bored, the result is weight
gain. An excellent way to avoid unhealthy snacks is to surround yourself with healthy alternatives. Fill your fridge and pantry with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and legumes. With those in your kitchen, you’ll have plenty of healthy options to choose from when you’re hungry.
Be INSPIRED
Inspired by PaleoLeap.com
Shrimp Sausage Skewers
Ingredients
CREOLE SEASONING INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons paprika • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder • 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano • 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
•
1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
•
•
2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
•
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions
1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
5288 Lyngate Court Burke, VA 22015
Inside Issue THIS
My Favorite Teacher
3 Ways Alexa Can Help Get Your Kids Ready for School • Fighting Allergies With Needles
A Healthy Snack
• Shrimp Sausage Skewers
Events Near You
YOGA AT THE NATIONAL BUILDINGMUSEUM Where: National Building Museum When: Sunday, June 2, 10–11 a.m. Admission: $20 Website: nbm.org
Exercise, History, and Musicals, Just for You! LOCAL EVENTS
Learning about our history has never been more enticing than spending the morning warming up the body. The National Building Museum invites you to join in on a yoga class and have a chance to tour history. The yoga class is open for anyone interested and intended for all levels. The class will be held beneath the 75-foot Corinthian columns in the Great Hall and the 40-minute tour will start directly afterward. Be sure to register by visiting their website, and bring your own yoga mat.
No one wants to stay indoors when there are so many fun activities taking place around town. Now is your chance to get out and enjoy the month of May!
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Where: NextStop Theatre Company When: Visit Website to Learn More Admission: $40–$50 Website: NextStopTheatre.org/shows/singin-in-the-rain/
MUDDY PRINCESS MARYLAND Where: Budds Creek MX When: Sunday, May 19, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $39–$99 Website: MuddyPrincess.com
This classic musical has been re-imagined by Director Evan Hoffmann. The musical promises a unique take on the famous film that will keep you loving every minute. The struggles depicted in the original musical, of the transition from silent film to film with sound, is now portrayed with the Hoffmann’s artistic touch. Don’t miss this chance to see a musical of a lifetime.
Enjoy playing in the mud? This 5K obstacle run will have you covered in mud in no time! With no group number limits, bring along as many princesses as you can to join in a day of playing in the mud. Prepare yourself to run, jump, slide, and crawl into this event. Although it’s a bit of a drive, it will pale in comparison to the day of laughs and fun waiting for you!
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker