October is National Chiropractic Health Month

Hosted by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) is a national public awareness and education campaign held each October. NCHM strives to teach health care consumers about the benefits of chiropractic services and to promote the expertise of doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in helping their patients reach optimal levels of health and wellness.

In 2014, NCHM will use the theme “Conservative Care First!” to educate the public on why a conservative approach to pain management and health enhancement is both sensible and effective. For years, many patients would find relief through conservative forms of care such as chiropractic services only after unsuccessfully trying a range of other, more complex and riskier treatments. Today, that approach has been reversed, with more medical research and guidelines supporting the idea that patients should exhaust conservative approaches to pain management before moving on to other options.

During NCHM, doctors of chiropractic will share information with the public about chiropractic’s conservative approach and why it is especially relevant in today’s health care system—and urge them to become their own best health care advocates by insisting on “Conservative Care First!”

Pilates and Yoga Programs End at Neenah Office 8/29/14

All good things must come to an end...

Hello to all,

I am writing this with a sadness in my heart. I have decided to disband the Pilates and Yoga program at Schubbe Resch. There are many reasons that have been mounting over the past 6 months. I kept trying to hang on due to my passion of the Pilates practice. It has come time to accept that all good things must come to an end.

Topping the list is becoming a Network Health Physical Therapy provider that has grown my Physical Therapy practice considerably. I need to put my efforts in this direction in the coming years.

Several of you have been loyal participants that I dearly value and will truly miss.

The last class will be Friday, August 29th and there will be no class Wednesday, August 20th. Refunds will be given. Please contact Malynda at our office via email at mb.srcpt@gmail.com or 920-720-0660 to request refunds.

I wish the best to all of you,
Kari Resch
Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor

Technology and Health Care at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and PT

Over the years, we have made many technological advancements to improve patient care.   Here are a some of the ways technology has been implemented at our offices:

1. Access to EPIC - As the first chiropractic office in the Fox Valley to be granted access to EPIC, we can bow routinely review records, reports, and images prior to seeing a new or existing patient.  This prevents duplication of images, saves staff time with records requests, and improves the efficiency with which care is delivered.
2. Digital X-rays read by Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley - We have also established a relationship with Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley.  Our digital x-rays can be electronically forwarded for pathological review and second opinion evaluation.
3. Implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) - In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, our offices have implemented EHR software that meets all government requirements.  We routinely collect and record information on patient's blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status along with our treatment notes.  If a patient does not have a family physician, we encourage them to develop a relationship with a primary care physician to further manage their health conditions. Our software also allows us to offer electronic health records to our patients.
4. Voice Activated Dictation - Our Appleton office has implemented the use of Dragon Medical voice activated dictation so we can complete patient notes immediately, eliminating delays in communication.  Patient records can be quickly faxed to medical offices to be scanned into the EPIC system for any provider to use.
5. Monthly Email Newsletters - Our E-newsletter lets us communicate with our patients and inform them about different services offered in our clinics.  Topics include recent certifications, new techniques, and free workshops in addition to office news.
6. Social Media - Our offices share information on topics ranging from diet and nutrition to chronic medical conditions.  Check out more articles on this blog, and follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @SchubbeChiro.

Schubbe Resch will continue to implement technology to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care in the future.  This allows us to collaborate with other physicians and provide better and more efficient treatment to our patients.

Laptop Setup

Laptops are designed with portability in mind rather than with sound ergonomic principles.   If the screen is at the right height, then the keyboard is too high - if the keyboard is in the right position, then the screen is too close and too low.

Given these challenges, here are some tips for laptop setups:

1. Use a large screen - purchase a laptop with the largest screen possible to avoid the stressful posture that results from straining to see the text on a small screen.  If you still find yourself straining to see your screen, increase the font size.
2. Place the screen at eye level - set your laptop height and screen angel so you can easily view the screen without bending or rotating your neck.  Put it about arm's length in front of you.  To do this, you will usually need to elevate the laptop a few inches above your desk, which you can do by placing it on a stable support surface, such as a laptop stand or a thick book.
3. Don't slouch - propping your laptop on top of your lap requires you to slouch down to see the screen. So if you must work on your lap, put the laptop on your briefcase so you can raise it up slightly.
4. Use a separate keyboard - when using a laptop for extended periods, use an external, full sized keyboard and position it at a height that allows your shoulders and arms to be in relaxed position, with your elbows at 90 degree so your wrists can stay in a flat position.
5. Use a separate mouse - use a separate mouse rather than the one that is incorporated into your laptop.  Consider placing the mouse on an adjustable position platform so you can keep your wrist flat while using it.

These tips were taken from a Spine-Health.com newsletter.

10 Tips for Improving Posture & Ergonomics

Over time, poor posture may be caused by habits from everyday activities such as sitting in office chairs, staring at the computer, cradling a cell phone, carrying a purse, driving, prolonged standing, caring for small children, or even sleeping.  The following guidelines suggest ways to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for people who work sitting in an office char for most of the day.

1. Identify Warning Signs - Back pain may be the result of poor ergonomics and posture if the pain worse at certain times of the day or week; the pain starts in the neck and moves downwards into the upper back, lower back and extremities; pain that goes away after switching positions; onset of back pain with a new job, new office chair, or new car; and/or back pain that comes and goes for months.
2. Sitting or Standing, Keep the Body in Alignment - When standing, distribute body weight evenly to the front, back, and sides of the feet.  While sitting in an office chair, take advantage of the chair's features.  Sit up straight and align the ears, shoulders, and hips in one vertical line.  Any prolonged sitting position, even a good one, can be tiring.
3. Get Up and Move - As muscles tire, slouching, slumping, and other poor postures become more likely.  This is turn puts extra pressure on the neck and back. In order to maintain a relaxed yet supported posture, change positions frequently.
4. Use Supportive "Props" or Ergonomic Office Chairs - Supportive ergonomic props can take the strain and load of o the spine.  Ergonomic office chairs or chairs with an adjustable back support can be used at work.  Footrests, portable lumbar back supports, or even a towel or small pillow can be used while sitting in an office chair, on soft furniture, or while driving.
5. Be Aware of Posture in Everyday Settings - Becoming aware of posture and ergonomics at work, home, and play is a vital step towards instilling good posture and ergonomic techniques.  This includes making conscious connections between episodes of back pain and specific situations where poor posture or ergonomics may be the root cause of your pain.
6. Exercise Promotes Good Posture - Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or bicycling will help the body star aerobically conditioned, while specific strengthening exercises will help the muscles surrounding the back to stay strong.  These benefits of exercise promote good posture, which will in turn further help condition muscles and prevent injury.
7. Wear Supportive Footwear - Avoid regularly wearing high heeled shoes which can affect the body's center of gravity.  When standing for long periods of time, propping a leg up on a foot rest, wearing supportive shoe orthotics, or placing a rubber mat on the floor can improve comfort.
8. Remember Good Posture and Ergonomics When in Motion - Simply walking, lifting heavy materials, holding a telephone, and typing are all moving activities that require attention to ergonomics and posture.  It is important to maintain good posture even while moving to avoid injury, walking tall with shoulders back for example.  Back injuries are especially common while twisting and/or lifting and often occur because of awkward movement and control of upper body weight alone.
9. Create Ergonomic Environments and Work Spaces - it does require a small investment of time to personalize the workspace, home, and car, but the payoff will be worth it.  Undue strain will be placed on the structures of the spine unless the office chair, desk, keyboard, and computer screen are correctly positioned.
10. Avoid Overprotecting  Posture - remember that it is important to maintain an overall relaxed posture.  Avoid restricting movements by clenching muscles or adopting an unnatural, stiff posture.  For individuals who already have some back or neck pain, it is a natural tendency to limit movements to avoid provoking increased pain.

The above changes are relatively easy to make and will pay off in terms of a healthier spine and less pain and stiffness over time.

From Spine-Health.com

Free Hydration Stations

Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley Invites Trail Users to Stay Hydrated

Appleton, WI—In partnership with the City of Appleton and Appleton Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Management, Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley is once again offering free hydration stations to all users of the Apple Creek Trail. A new location on the Newberry Trail has also been added.

Saturday, May 3 marked the start of two summer-long Saturday morning hydration stations that will be available near the intersection of Ballard Road and Evergreen Drive and at the bottom of the hill near the Banta Bowl, underneath the College Ave Bridge. The hydration stations will be available 6:30AM until 10:30AM through September 27, 2014. All walkers, cyclists, runners, and passers-by are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of the hydration station.

Says Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley co-Operator Leah Schapiro, “We got such great feedback from trail users last summer, we were more than happy to expand our involvement for 2014. The City of Appleton has been a great partner to work with and it allows us to encourage the community to take advantage of the amazing trail system offered here in the Fox Valley.” Leah also reminds outdoor enthusiasts that, “thirst is not an indicator of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, you are already low on fluids. If the summer is as hot as the winter was cold, we hope people will plan their routes accordingly and take advantage of the opportunity to stay hydrated.”

Users of Newberry Trail are reminded of the construction activities that will impact the trail in 2014. The segment of Newberry Trail in Telulah Park will be closed as the new Newberry Street extension is completed and a new parking lot and skate park are constructed in Telulah Park. The segment of Newberry Trail between Lawe Street and E. South River Street will also be closed from April through July as the City of Appleton repairs the retaining wall near the corner of Olde Oneida Street and E. South River Street. This segment of the trail will also be re-surfaced while it is closed for the retaining wall work. 

About Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley

Fleet Feet Sports is a locally owned and operated National Franchise specializing in walking, running, workout gear, and training programs. At Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley you will find a welcoming environment and unprecedented customer service that is the cornerstone of health and wellness in the community. Our mission is to educate, empower, and motivate individuals by providing consistent information, engaging programs, and effective tools to assist individuals in achieving their fitness goals. Whether you walk, run, exercise or simply need advice and motivation to lead an active or pain-free lifestyle, the expert team at Fleet Feet Sports can help.

For more information about the program, visit us online at: www.fleetfeetfoxvalley.com

Dr. Nathan Zachor offers free injury assessments at Fleet Feet the 4th Thursday of each month.  See the Fleet Feet website for more information.

Free Headache Workshop 5/15/14

Join Dr. Nathan Zachor and Dr. Laura Kemps for a free workshop on headaches.  The workshop will be held on Thursday, May 15th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic at 2200 S. Kensington Dr. in Appleton.

Topics to be covered include:

• The most common types of headaches and why they occur
• Soft tissue and joint techniques for treatment
• Corrective stretches and exercises to reduce postural strain
• Proper ergonomics 
• Testing to diagnose other contributing factors 
• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling to improve headaches affected by diet, hormones and environment.

Register by calling 920-738-0200, by emailing patientservices@schubbeappleton.com , or by signing up online here.