NOVA
Chronicles
Hours of Operation: Monday – Wednesday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday – Sunday Closed
March 2019
MAINTAINING A BALANCE Putting Your Phone Down
my kids, I try to be with them as much as possible. I try not to open my phone, and I even avoid looking at it as much as possible, which helps minimize the amount of time I spend on it when I’m with my boys. While there’s a lot of good use for our phones, the main problem they present is a constant distraction from the people around us. Everyone is very driven by their phones, mostly because they give us access to everything work-related. This is something I regularly see, even when I’m out enjoying dinner with my family. There will be a group of people sitting together to have dinner, but instead of talking to each other, they’ll all be on their devices. My wife and I have tried to set boundaries to keep as perfect of a balance as we can. While I’m at work, my wife knows that she can get in touch with me, especially if there happens to be a problem. However, she also knows that’s the time I’m focused on giving patient care and respects that boundary. When I’m home, I respect that boundary by not being on my phone for any reason. If we’re out to dinner, I leave it in the car so that I don’t have it on me while I’m with my family. I know it’s not easy to stay off your phone. It takes constant discipline. Most of us carry our phones with us at all times, which serves as a continual temptation. There are many different methods people use to minimize their cell phone use. I’ve found that removing it from the equation works well, but I know other people who hide it in their nightstand drawer or use apps that disable it for a certain amount of time. We all know that finding the perfect work-life balance is important, but it’s also vital to know which method works best for you. If you’re trying to find a balance in your life, try separating yourself from your phone during your moments at home. You never know; it could be exactly what you’re looking for. “I think one of the most significant reasons people have trouble getting that separation and relaxation time away from work is because we always have our phones on us. “
Maintaining a work-life balance is pretty significant. Many people struggle with separating their work and their home lives because both are equally important. However, once you find a method that works for you, it helps reduce the stress you’re feeling. My schedule is set so I work Monday through Thursday and have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. I did this to have a better work-life balance. With this schedule, I’m able to concentrate more on work when I’m at work and more on my family while I’m at home. When I’m done with patients on Thursday, I separate from the work environment and focus on spending as much time as I can with my wife and kids. I came up with this idea after reading Tim Ferriss’ book, “The 4-Hour Workweek.” I can’t work four hours a week, especially in my line of work, as I have to see my patients. However, I decided to come up with the next best scenario: my current schedule. My work days are very long, but once they’re over, I can unplug and focus on family time during the weekend. I think one of the most significant reasons people have trouble getting that separation and relaxation time away from work is because we always have our phones on us. It can be easy to lose a few hours by checking your phone for emails, messages, or texts when you’re trying to relax. The best thing I’ve found to avoid falling into this habit is that when I’m with
-Dr. Todd P. Sullivan
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
WHEN SHOULD YOUR KIDS START WORKING?
Out of the Game Room and into the Workplace
When the dolls and baseball cards get pushed to the wayside for cell phones and movie dates, it may be time to gently nudge your child out from under your wing and into the workplace. It doesn’t have to be pushing shopping carts or spinning signs on the corner; working in any capacity during formative years builds character and gives your child real-world experience. Summer jobs teach the value of a dollar and give kids lasting memories, and after-school gigs lead to more pocket change for the weekends and less worrying for Mom and Dad. The hard part isn’t asking yourself if they should work; it’s asking yourself when they should work. In the U.S., most of us have about four decades of working to look forward to. Many start working in late adolescence and continue until retirement age. Now, that’s a lot of work to be had. So why rush it? Well, idle hands often spell disaster. Sitting around all day is a burden on both child and parent, whether they realize it or not. Those few years between hitting puberty and graduating high school are the sweet spot for your child to start their part-time career. There’s no shame in flipping burgers, stocking shelves, or mowing lawns. As of 2014, there were 16 million workers in the retail and food service industries, and the numbers have only gone up from there. But work ethic is changing among American teenagers. Just one- third of individuals aged 16–19 had a job lined up for last summer, compared to 51.2 percent for the same age range in 1997. While surviving on minimum wage as an adult is a topic of great debate, raking in around $10 an hour as a 14-year-old can seem like a king’s ransom. A few working hours here and there will do your grown baby a world of good and prepare them for the next chapter of their lives.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Identifying and Solving the Problem
NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture treats a variety of health problems with the determination to ensure our patients return to their lives pain-free. One ailment we see often is carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway located in the underside of the wrist; it serves to protect the median nerve and flexor tendons that allow our fingers and hands to move. When the median nerve is compressed or becomes irritated within the carpal tunnel, it causes a tingling or numbing sensation in the hands, thumb, or index and middle fingers. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome, and when it’s not addressed or treated quickly, it can worsen over time. When a patient comes into the office with these symptoms, our priority is to find out what exactly is causing the problem. Many people think this condition only occurs due to something in the wrist, but the root of the problem could be taking place higher up in the arm. Dr. Sullivan will perform a series of tests to see if the nerve is compressed or irritated in the carpal tunnel, forearm, or neck. It’s imperative to check each area that might be causing the patient discomfort, as it will determine the proper diagnosis and treatment. Once the root of the condition is discovered, we’ll provide the appropriate treatment to ensure our patient the best and quickest recovery. There are several methods we use to treat carpal tunnel syndrome efficiently. The first treatment is laser therapy, which reduces any nerve inflammation and irritation that may be causing the patient pain. If tight muscles are the cause, we focus on relaxing them to remove pressure from the nerve. Dr. Sullivan will use Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique to help release the muscle tension compressing the nerve. Another treatment we perform to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome is chiropractic adjustments to the joints in the wrist, elbow and neck if needed. If you’re showing signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, our office can help. Give our office a call today at 703-912-7822 to learn more about how we can help you return to your life pain-free!
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
The Importance of Green Foods ADDING NUTRIENTS TO YOUR MEALS
When you eat a well-balanced meal, you provide your body with the right nutrients and the calories it needs. If you’re unsure how many calories you should eat to maintain your current weight, multiply your weight in pounds by 12. If you want to lose weight, start by subtracting 500 calories per week to lose approximately 1 pound per week. You can start adding greens into your diet by adding them as side dishes. For dinner, serve a bowl of steamed broccoli or green beans. Instead of grabbing a burger at lunchtime, pack a leafy green salad topped with protein, such as nuts or chicken. This time of year, soups and stews that contain leafy greens will warm you up. If you don’t enjoy eating greens, hide them in smoothies and juices. The more you eat leafy greens, the more you’ll develop a taste for them. Who knows? Before long, you might find yourself reaching for the broccoli instead of the potato chips when you’re craving a snack!
Being healthy is at the forefront of many Americans’ minds. The nutrients you put into your system are critical to keeping your mind and body healthy. Everyone knows that staying away from junk, fried, and sugary foods is a good start, but knowing what to add to your diet is equally crucial. Leafy greens, such as kale, mizuna, and spinach, are rich in dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron. They also contain vitamins C, K, and E. Adding these greens into your diet can support weight loss and reduce your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. To make sure you’re eating enough greens, divide your plate up between fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. Vegetables or fruits should take up half of your plate. One-fourth should be lean proteins, and one-fourth should be whole grains. This guarantees that you’re eating a well-balanced meal and not overloading yourself with large portions of unnecessary calories.
Homemade
Be INSPIRED
Inspired by Food Network
Corned Beef
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • •
8 cloves garlic
• • • •
2 quarts water 1 cup kosher salt
8 whole allspice berries 12 whole juniper berries 2 bay leaves, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons saltpeter (potassium nitrate) 1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 pounds ice
•
1 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed
1 small onion, quartered
• •
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Directions
1. In a large stockpot, combine water, garlic, and all herbs and spices to make brine. Cook over high heat until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in ice. 2. Once water temp reaches 45 F, place brisket in a 2-gallon zip-close bag, pour in brine to cover, lay flat in a large container, and store in fridge. 3. Brine for 10 days, checking daily to make sure brisket is fully submerged and brine is stirred. 4. After 10 days, remove brisket from brine and rinse under cool water. In a large pot, cover brisket, onion, carrot, and celery with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours. 5. Remove, slice across the grain, and serve.
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
5288 Lyngate Court Burke, VA 22015
Inside Issue THIS
Getting Away From Your Phone
Is It Time for Your Child’s First Part-Time Job? • Treating a Common Condition Getting Important Greens on Your Plate • Homemade Corned Beef
Events Near You
has a chance to win two free tickets by participating in the “Shoot to Thrill” game — take a chance and shoot the gem!
NOVATEEN BOOK FESTIVAL Where: George C. Marshall High School When: Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free! Website: NoVaTeenBookFestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS JUST FOR YOU!
If you love reading, you’re sure to love this festival! Celebrating their sixth annual event, the NoVa Teen Book Festival is here once again! Attendees will enjoy visiting with authors and other young adult fiction lovers all day. Readers of all ages are encouraged to come enjoy the event and maybe pick up a new book or two. RISE, RUN, AND SHINE RUNNING FESTIVAL Where: Mason District Park When: Saturday, March 30, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Admission: $0–$60.50 Website: LocalRaces.com/events/annandale-va/rise-run-shine- running-festival No matter which run you’d like to take part in this month, you’ll fit in perfectly with this festival! This event features a 6-hour run, 3-hour run, 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run, and a half marathon. This celebration and shared love of running will last all day. Before the races start, runners will be allowed to stretch and warm up with some guidance from PR Performance Fitness. To learn more about the festival, visit the website above.
Finding New Adventures
Finding new adventures can be as easy as walking out the door! Whether you’re looking to begin a new book or get your heart racing, you don’t want to miss these exciting events.
FAB FRIDAYS AT SHADOWLAND Where: Shadowland Laser Adventure Center – Springfield When: Recurring weekly on Friday, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Admission: $6 Website: ShadowlandAdventures.com/friday-night-special
Getting out for a weekend of fun starts here! Gather your family and friends together for laser tag in one of the largest multi-level arenas you’ve ever been in, which houses specialty sounds, lighting, and fog. 40 guests can play simultaneously and enjoy $1 pizza during happy hour. The winner of each game
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker