The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Kids’ Minds, Bodies, & Spirits

An interview with Dr. Samantha Potrzebowski, Precision Chiropractic, Roswell, GA 

The benefits of chiropractic care for adults are becoming increasingly widespread. Many of us have utilized it for chronic pain, or after a car accident, sports injury, or rough night of sleep. Regular chiropractic adjustments have been shown to help with everything from headaches to osteoarthritis pain to athletic performance. 

But we often forget to take advantage of chiropractic for our children, and we miss out on a huge opportunity to strengthen our kids’ immune systems, improve their sleep, enhance their physical and neurological development, and even boost their mood and overall behavior. 

We recently sat down with Dr. Samantha Potrzebowski of Precision Chiropractic, located  just down the street from our office in Roswell. Dr. Sam received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, and she has special training and a huge passion for working with kids.  She was kind enough to let us pick her brain about the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of chiropractic care for infants and children of all ages.  

Tell us about your practice. What led you to specialize in treating children and to receive advanced certifications in pediatric care? 

We are a family-based chiropractic office located in Roswell, GA that proudly serves kids of all ages (including infants), moms, dads, grandparents- really the whole family! Before even attending chiropractic school, I knew I wanted to work with kids, which really shaped my education. I sought out additional training in pediatrics, which allowed me to become both Pediatric Certified and Webster Certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association after 200+ hours of post-graduate training. From there, we have continued to immerse ourselves in pediatric training that grows our knowledge in the areas of brain development, sensory processing, and developmental challenges.  Our office works closely with children who experience symptoms of or have been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, Autism, learning disabilities, and more. With two siblings that have different developmental challenges, this is a subject I hold near and dear to my heart, and I am honored to be a part of these kids’ healthcare team.

What are the physical benefits of chiropractic care for children? 

Chiropractic care is a great way to physically support the body. We often see children with complaints that feel typical to chiropractic care- headaches, neck/back pain, and scoliosis. In addition, a lot of our kids involved in sports have their knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists evaluated. 

But, we also see kids who come in to maintain their stellar level of health. Especially as our kids’ bodies grow, it’s incredibly important to maintain healthy spinal alignment. Our bones, specifically our spine and hip bones, create the foundation for the stability of our “home,” aka our bodies! And if your kids are anything like mine is, they’re so physical- playing at the park, jumping off of whatever they can find, doing somersaults across the floor, riding bikes, etc. It’s no wonder their little spines can become misaligned! Chiropractic adjustments allow a gentle, effective and most importantly a safe way to shift the spine back into its proper alignment to keep their “foundation” strong.

How have you seen chiropractic care boost kids’ brain development and cognitive function? How can it support kids with ADHD, Autism, PANS/PANDAS, and other neurological disorders or learning disabilities? 

Most patients start out in our office with the misconception that chiropractic care is purely about spinal alignment. Of course spinal alignment is important, but one of the main reasons why we focus so much on spinal alignment is because the spine has such a close relationship with the nervous system. Because so much of our nervous system is housed within the spine, misalignments can put added tension on the nervous system. In the same way a guitar doesn’t perform at its best when its strings are tuned too tightly, our body has a hard time adapting to its environment when the nervous system is too tense. 

Disruption in the nervous system can contribute to “sympathetic dominance.” This is that “fight or flight” reaction you experience when you’ve been in danger. If you’re driving down the road and a car swerves towards you, once you get yourself to safety you’ll probably notice that your heart is racing, you’re breathing heavily, and you might feel a little on edge or anxious afterward. This is your sympathetic nervous system, or your fight or flight, kicking in. It’s a fantastic response by your nervous system working to keep you safe, but you certainly don’t want to get stuck in that state. 

Sympathetic dominance happens when your nervous system gets stuck in a state of fight or flight. It can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, loss of focus and attention, difficulty with memory, sensitivity to light/sound, digestion troubles, and sleep disturbances to name a few. Adjustments work to restore a healthy balance within the nervous system by removing added tension, making it more adaptable to its environment and less likely to get stuck in sympathetic dominance. Do we treat anxiety, focus and attention issues, and sleep challenges? No. But, we are able to adjust the spine and help the nervous system regulate which in turn can allow some of those challenges to subside or even resolve. 

In addition to spinal alignment, our office also evaluates for primitive reflexes and looks at different areas within the sensory system such as the visual system, vestibular system (balance), and proprioceptive system (where our body is in space). In healthy brain development, primitive reflexes should integrate or go away by 12 months of age. The presence of primitive reflexes beyond 12 months old and/or challenges within the sensory systems can lead to difficulty with handwriting, reading comprehension, balance, coordination, emotional regulation, speech, poor posture, and poor hand-eye coordination. Once evaluated, our team creates a specific brain-based therapy program to specifically stimulate different areas within each child’s brain, allowing their brain to build new or reinforce existing neural connections, supporting the development of new skills or the strengthening of old skills. This can translate into improved academics, social skills, and physical coordination.

So many kids are struggling with mental health challenges right now. How can chiropractic care help with emotions and mood regulation? 

It all stems from the idea of nervous system regulation. Think of your nervous system as a bucket- with each stressor that presents itself, whether that stressor be physical, emotional, or chemical in nature, a drop of water is added to your bucket. At some point, without any selfcare, your bucket will quickly overflow. Quick to anger, feelings of depression and/or anxiety, tantrums, and difficulty with transitions are all an expression of an overflowing bucket. By keeping the nervous system at a healthy tension through tonal chiropractic adjustments, we are allowing the body to process those stressors a little easier- smaller drops are added into your bucket so to speak. With the added physical support that adjustments provide, we’re also dumping some of the water out of your bucket at each visit. We’ve seen time and time again that chiropractic care is a great piece of the puzzle when it comes to emotional regulation and can be an incredibly beneficial way to support mental health.

As we prepare for another school year, what are some ways parents can help prime their kids’ brains for learning? 

I could talk about this for hours! But let’s keep it simple- My top 5 ways to help prime our kids’ brains for learning include:

1. Getting adequate sleep– Our bodies need rest! Kids are exposed to stimulation all day long and need a break to rejuvenate so they can perform again the next day. Sleep of course gives the body time to rest, but is also a time for healing! A well-rested brain and body is more likely to perform better with tasks that require memory, attentiveness, and problem-solving skills. School-aged kids should be getting roughly 10 hours of sleep each night- some more, and some less depending on the kid. 
2. Eating a well-rounded diet– Food is a way to fuel our bodies but can also have a negative impact on our health, depending on what you choose to consume. High-sugar diets have been linked to hyperactivity, emotional challenges, impulsivity, and aggression. Here’s the reality- nobody is expecting you or your family to eat a perfectly well-rounded meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But if you can make a conscious effort to replace sugary breakfast foods and snacks with foods high in protein and healthy fats, it’ll be a change worth making!
3. Taking supplements that support brain health– Study after study link the importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to brain development. There is also research to suggest that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD have lower levels of Omega-3s in their cells, which can also contribute to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Supplementation is an easy way to make sure you and your kids are getting enough Omega-3s on a regular basis.
4. Activating the brain through cross-crawl activities– Cross-crawl activities are some of my favorites because they activate so many different areas of the brain and require so many of the sensory systems to work together which is exactly how we function in everyday life! An easy cross-crawl exercise would be to stand upright with arms extended towards the ceiling. Bring the right hand to meet the left knee, return to the starting position, then switch to bring the left hand to meet the right knee. Perform 20 repetitions of this exercise every single day for the rest of the summer! It’ll keep the brain activated and engaged, and keep it ready for learning!
5. Get them adjusted!– By now I hope I’ve expressed the importance of adjustments for everyone, including our kids who are working hard and learning new information every day. With a regulated nervous system, we can see improvements with emotional regulation, focus and attention, and improved quality of sleep, all of which support an easier learning environment. 

Making changes can feel completely overwhelming. I encourage you to start small. Make one change, and once that change becomes a part of your standard routine, simply make another! As parents, we all hope to see our kids thrive. These simple changes can support their journey to becoming the best version of themselves! 

Precision Chiropractic is a tonal chiropractic office based in Roswell, Georgia. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive program that strengthens the nervous system by focusing on proper spinal alignment through the correction of tonal shifts, in addition to improving weaknesses in the brain. Precision Chiropractic serves people of all ages with a variety of health conditions. Learn more at PrecisionChiroGA.com. 

Women First Rehabilitation Helps People in All Stages of Life

By Dr. Sara Bolden, 

Licensed Physical Therapist and Board Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist

If you’re like most people, you don’t hesitate to talk to friends about medical problems like a sore throat or an arthritic knee.  But when it comes to pelvic issues, you probably hesitate, thinking you are the only one with this problem.  Truth is, you’re not alone.  Young, old, or somewhere in between, chances are you (and many of your friends) have experienced a pelvic floor problem.  

Even though you might not want to talk about it, pelvic floor conditions can be – and should be – successfully treated.  The specialists at Women First Rehabilitation have just the solution no matter what stage of life you’re in.

The Female Athlete

• Fact – 43% of female athletes have experienced leakage while engaging in their sport.
• Patient Population = 15-40 years old
• Results – 70% of female athletes who experience incontinence are cured after pelvic floor rehabilitation.
• “Since 2012, I have struggled with issues related to the musculature of my hips and pelvis.  For four years, I trained hard, lifted weights, ran a marathon, raced bicycles, did yoga; yet my list of issues got longer!  Low back pain, painful hips, incontinence, and then – the last straw – hemorrhoids.  I was embarrassed and frustrated.  Dr. Bolden quickly showed me that it wasn’t weak muscles that had me in this predicament; it was the way in which certain muscles were so incredibly tight.  Through specific relaxation techniques and dry needling, Dr. Bolden had me back to feeling like a normal person in about four visits.” – Lynn

Reproductive Services

• Fact – 50% of women have diastasis recti that does not resolve after they give birth, and 58% of new moms have pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Patient Population = Mid 20s to late 30s
• Results – 71.9% of patients who received pelvic physical therapy during pregnancy and/or immediately post-partum improved in stress urinary incontinence, diastasis recti and/or pelvic pain.
• “For two years, I had been having lower back pain due to post-partum diastasis recti, and I’d given up hope that anything would reduce the pain.  Dr. Bolden took the time to listen to my issues, gave me exercises to work on at home, and used special techniques to relieve pain.  Within a couple months, my abdominal muscles have closed significantly, and my lower back pain has resolved.  I am now able to hold my kids, run, and walk without any back pain.” – Anna

Pain with Intimacy

• Fact – One in four women have pain with intimacy.
• Patient Population = 20-60 years old
• Results – 74% of patients with painful intercourse significantly improve with pelvic floor physical therapy.
• “At first, I was skeptical as to how physical therapy could help with pain I had when my husband and I were intimate.  I had, for many years, discussed this pain with my gynecologist, and there never seemed to be lasting relief.  Thank you for taking the time to educate me on what my pelvic floor muscles were doing and how scar tissue from three C-sections played into my pain.  I have also noticed that my urinary incontinence has completely resolved, too.” – Mary

Bladder Health

• Fact – Up to twelve million men and women have interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome).
• Patient Population = Children to elderly (dependent on diagnosis)
• Results – 60–85% of patients with bladder conditions are adequately managed (absence of symptoms) or cured with pelvic floor therapy.
• “My physical therapist was treating me for lower back pain, and recommended I go to WFR for issues I was having with my bladder.  When I saw Dr. Bolden the first time, I was experiencing intense pain and repercussions from use of antibiotics.  Dr. Bolden’s wisdom, skill and caring approach sent me on a journey to good health again.” – Jeanie

Wellness/Weight Loss

• Fact – 74% of Americans are considered overweight.
• Patient Population = Anyone consuming the “average American diet”
• Results – 53% of individuals who used supervised weight loss plans lost more weight than those who tried on their own.
• “I would never have believed that following a simple eating plan could rid my body of inflammation and pain, and as an added bonus, I lost sixty pounds!  Thank you!” – Vicki
• “I went on a special diet about a month ago (under the direction of Women First) and noticed such a difference.  My energy levels have gone up!  Thank you so much for all your help.” – Anna

Elite Healthcare

Women First Rehabilitation is an elite healthcare practice devoted exclusively to treating individuals with pelvic pain, urogenital disorders, fertility challenges, prenatal preparation, post-partum musculoskeletal impairments and pelvic floor dysfunctions.  All the practitioners are licensed women’s health physical therapists with advanced knowledge and training in pelvic floor rehabilitation and women’s health. 

Learn more at WomenFirstRehabilitation.com.

An Interview with Crystal Hood, Owner and Founder of Lazy Susan Meal Prep, Woodstock, GA 

As we get busier and busier, we can fall into a habit of feeding ourselves and our families what’s most convenient, and whole and healthy choices can fall by the wayside. But if we are what we eat, we don’t want to be fast, easy, and cheap! We sat down with fellow small business owner Crystal Hood to hear her tips for feeding our families food that will nourish our mind, body, and spirit, even on the go. Enjoy this interview, and to learn more about Lazy Susan Meal Prep, follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Tell us about yourself and your business. How did the idea of Lazy Susan Meal Prep come to be? 

I grew up in a home where health and wellness were top priority. My parents opened a health food store in the North Georgia mountains in the late 80’s (before it was cool, LOL).  I watched them lead so many people on a path of wellness.  It was inspiring to say the least. I grew up eating organic, whole, nutrient dense foods.  I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps but my talent was in culinary arts.  I have cooked professionally for over 15 years.

I came up with the idea of Lazy Susan while living in Asheville, North Carolina. I had this vision of bringing families back around the table to eat a healthy meal together. I remember growing up how we always sat at the dinner table as a family and how important that was. Finding myself in a financial need, I decided to make a little extra money doing just that. I had about ten clients who I prepared meals for every week with a rotating menu of 3 lunches and 3 dinners. It was great side money, but I was still finding myself drowning in bills. It was all work and no play.

I decided to move with my son to Woodstock, Georgia to be closer to my family with only about $40 in my bank account. In less than two weeks, I was working two jobs and enjoying this new community. Once I got back on my feet, I decided to join a gym. Here is where I noticed the need for a healthy, meal prep service. So I decided to apply my knowledge in nutrition and culinary arts and start cooking for some of my fellow gym friends who had expressed they needed help with their weekly meal prep. It didn’t take long for the word to get out. Business had increased by so much that I decided to follow my true passion, quit my other two jobs and operate Lazy Susan full time.

I am amazed at how fast this business has and continues to grow! The kitchen has always felt like home to me. I feel honored that Lazy Susan helps keep our clients on track with their nutrition in an affordable and convenient manner.

How do Lazy Susan meals fit in with those trying to eat a gluten-free, paleo/keto, anti-inflammatory diet or with other specific health and fitness goals?  

We follow a high protein/low fat and low sugar diet.  We steer clear of GMO’s, artificial ingredients, and hydrogenated oils.  Our meals are clean and mostly organic.  On our menu, we provide a breakdown of macros and ingredients.  We also specify which menu items are gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and whole30 compliant. We provide weight watchers points as well following the current blue plan. 

What do you think are the biggest obstacles keeping people from eating more nutrient-dense, whole food meals?

100% time and convenience. People are so busy these days and many unfortunately do not have the time to prepare healthy meals at home or may not even have the knowledge with proper food combining.  That is why Lazy Susan offers single serving meals that are easy to heat up or freeze.  (All of our packaging is BPA free.)

What are your best tips for those wanting to do more healthy meal prep each week? 

Planning your menu is key.  I also recommend planning a menu that has some of the same fresh and quality ingredients.  This helps with cost and time.

Example Menu:

One pan- Fajitas

Shrimp Stir Fry 

Grilled Chicken with Sauteed Veggies

With this menu you can use so many of the same veggies- Zucchini, Mushrooms, Red Bell Pepper, Onions and Summer Squash.  They can all be prepped at the same time and when ready to use, add different spices and sauces. 

How can we make meal prepping more efficient and FUN so that it’s not something we dread, but instead enjoy doing? 

Keep it easy! Try not to over complicate your menu.  Maybe invite a friend over, turn on some tunes and have a meal prep dance party in the kitchen.  

What are your secrets for getting more nutritious foods into picky eater children?

I typically plan my menu on Saturday for the following week.  This is something my son and I like to do together.  He enjoys being a part of the planning process and having a say in what we are eating.  Sometimes he enjoys cooking with me as well.  For veggies he doesn’t particularly like, I blend in a food processor and hide them in his food.  For example- blended zucchini and carrots often go in our meatloaf.  He has no clue and loves it!

Lazy Susan’s weekly menus are posted on their Facebook page. You can also subscribe to the weekly newsletter to have the menu sent directly to your inbox.  You can contact Crystal with more questions at info@lazysusanmp.com.