Hoover Chiropractic

03/02/2026

Proprioception and Aging - Do they go Hand in Hand?

Aging is inevitable, falling is not. Are there ways to prevent falling or reduce the risk? Absolutely! Proprioception is often called our “sixth sense”, the body’s ability to sense where we are in space without looking. It pulls signals in from muscles, joints, tendons, the ear’s balance system and our eyes to coordinate movement and stability. When proprioception declines, the effects may be subtle at first: landing harder when stepping off the curb, a bit more sway when standing still, a slower walking pace. But, left unchecked, problems creep in.

Try the Unipedal Stance Test (aka Single Leg Standing Assessment).
Stand barefoot, preferably in a corner for safety, with arms crossed over the chest or hands on the hips.
Prepare to lift one leg, keeping it from touching the standing leg.
Start the Timer beginning when the foot leaves the floor and stop when the foot touches down, arms move, or the standing foot shifts.
Perform with eyes open first, then closed, for up to 30–60 seconds.
Record your times.

Balance declines with age, making this test critical for assessing fall risk in older adults, yet we are seeing changes in younger populations now.

30-49 years: averaged close to a minute (eyes open)
50-59 years: averaged 45 seconds (eyes open)
60-69 years: averaged 27 seconds (eyes open)
70-79 years: averaged 18 seconds (eyes open)
80 +: averaged 6 seconds (eyes open)

Game changer: Now try it on your NON-DOMINANT leg!
How to improve balance and proprioception next week.

It is time to schedule your appointment…

02/23/2026

What Elaine LaLanne Teaches Chiropractors about Longevity
(Part 2)

Excerpted from Dr. Fab Mancini interview:
Here are Elaine LaLanne’s top five lessons to live well to 100:

1. Move daily. Walk, stretch or lift; motion keeps joints mobile, posture strong and nerves firing.
2. Eat whole foods. Fresh produce, lean protein, and minimal sugar sustain vitality at the cellular level.
3. Protect posture and alignment. Spinal health influences balance, breathing, and nervous system performance.
4. Stay socially and mentally engaged. Love, laughter and purpose are as critical as exercise.
5. Practice lifelong discipline. Small, steady habits over decades create resilience more than short bursts of effort.
By integrating posture care, nervous system assessments and lifestyle coaching, we can extend not just the years of life, but life within those years. Elaine LaLanne reminds all of us that it is
possible to live long, live strong and live fully.

It is time to schedule your appointment…

02/16/2026

Is Maintenance Care Important?

Most new patients who walk into a chiropractic office for the first time have one primary goal: to relieve their pain. Pain is a powerful motivator and the driving force behind most people seeking care. A sharp, persistent ache or deep throb can disrupt daily life—making it difficult to work, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities. As your doctor, my first and most important responsibility is to address this immediate concern by relieving pain, restoring function, and helping patients regain comfort and mobility.
However, when the pain goes away, many people assume the problem is fixed—but pain is only the alarm, not the problem itself.
Think of pain like a smoke alarm in your house. When it goes off, silencing the alarm doesn’t mean the fire is out—it just means the noise stopped. If the source of the smoke isn’t found and corrected, the alarm will return… or the damage may continue quietly.
Chiropractic care works the same way. Relief tells us we’re moving in the right direction, but continued care helps correct the underlying issue so the problem doesn’t return. Maintenance care isn’t about treating pain—it’s about preventing it from coming back.
If you haven’t been in for a while, it is time to return and get adjusted.
See you soon…

02/09/2026

What Elaine LaLanne Teaches Chiropractors about Longevity
Excerpted from Dr. Fab Mancini interview:

At 99 years old, Elaine “LaLa”LaLanne is living proof that age can be vibrant, active and purposeful. Few realize Jack LaLanne -the “Godfather of Fitness” was a licensed chiropractor. He graduated from chiropractic college and carried its principles into his fitness empire: structures matters, the nervous system governs health, posture drives vitality and daily movement fuels longevity. His message, more than pushups and juicing, was about alignment and nerve flow and the simple disciplines that keep minds sharp.

Elaine emphasized what Jack taught for decades: while fitness and nutrition are the twin foundations of health, chiropractic added something unique - the nervous system connection. Posture and alignment are not cosmetic, they determine how nerves communicate with every organ.

When posture collapses, nerve interference accelerates decline: poor breathing, weaker balance, reduced energy. Chiropractic adjustments help to preserve this delicate system moving patients to vitality and better function.

It is time to schedule your appointment…See you soon...

01/12/2026

The weather is cold during the month of January; focusing on immune health is a good idea. What can you do?

1. Wear a neck gaiter or "Buff" around your neck during the day and especially to sleep. This prevents the cervical spine (where the spinal canal is thickest and the body is thinnest) from catching a chill. Wear it to bed at night to keep the throat warm and blood circulating.
2. Don't underestimate the temperature outside. Stay warm by wearing layers. The sun can be deceiving making you think it is warmer than it is. It is winter; dress appropriately.
3. Drink plenty of water to keep your mucous membranes hydrated helping the body defend against viruses.
4. Use humidifiers in your home to add moisture to the air to prevent dryness in your nasal passages and throat.
5. Chicken soup is always wonderful and still highly recommended. Thought to be a natural decongestant, the hot steam may be effective for clearing nasal mucus.
6. See me for the correct supplements to boost immune health. In addition to Vitamin C, supplements stocked at this office also help fight winter health issues:
• Congaplex
• Immuplex
• Zinc Lozenges
• Vitamin D

11/24/2025

My wish for you and your loved ones is a healthy, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for the trust you place in me and for the opportunity to be part of your care.

May the season be blessed and bring you comfort, gratitude, and meaningful time with those who matter most. Thank you for being my patients.

09/08/2025

Following up on alternatives to Ozempic:
In 2006, I met with the high school wrestling team to teach them how to "make weight" while still eating in a healthy manner; everything said then still applies.

There are three problems in weight gain:
1. Combinations of food
2. Portion sizes
3. Times eaten

Components of a balanced meal:
To simplify, divide all food into three categories: protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Each is essential to good health and each must be eaten at each meal or snack to compromise a balanced meal.

Protein is needed for growth and development of everything in the body -- especially muscles and bones, organs, and cells. It also supports critical functions in producing hormones, enzymes and antibodies to fight infection. But protein's other very important function is to provide energy for the body. Remember, protein is a major factor in the healing of muscles and other tissues, AND supplies the fuel needed during exercise or competition.

What foods are classified as protein: meats, fish, eggs, cheese, soy, tofu, NOT PEANUT BUTTER*. They are located in most grocery stores at the back perimeter of the store.

Breather: More on peanut butter coming.... don't have a peanut butter melt...

08/17/2025

Beyond the Hype: Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss
With all the attention surrounding Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, little is said about alternatives for those who choose not to take this path but still want to lose weight. The good news: there are practical, natural steps you can take to support healthy blood sugar levels and weight management.
Steps to Support Weight Loss Without GLP-1 Drugs
1.Diet
Focus on foods with a glycemic load under 10, and avoid those over 20. (Glycemic load measures how a given food affects blood sugar and is closely related to glycemic index—more on that another time.)
2.Magnesium
Insulin resistance interferes with magnesium absorption. Supplementing magnesium helps restore balance and supports blood sugar control.
3.Berberine
This supplement works in a manner similar to metformin, helping regulate blood sugar naturally.
4.Glucose Multiple
Nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, and others aid blood sugar control. Many supplement companies make comprehensive glucose-support formulas.
5.Meal Timing
Avoid snacking between meals and refrain from eating between dinner and bedtime. Each time you eat, insulin is produced—limiting eating to set mealtimes helps regulate it. If you’re comfortable, intermittent fasting can be even more effective. (Fun fact: this approach is mentioned in the Bible, so it’s hardly a new idea!)
6.Exercise
Physical activity naturally stimulates GLP-1 production. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint intervals, and moderate continuous training are especially effective.

Activate GLP-1 Naturally
GLP-1 is released in response to food and bacterial metabolites. Its effect on insulin secretion is glucose-dependent—meaning it stimulates insulin only when blood sugar is elevated (as after meals or in cases of pre-diabetes and diabetes).
A high-fiber, plant-forward diet supports GLP-1 production. Specific foods shown to help include:
Proteins: eggs, tofu, nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts)
Healthy fats & grains: avocados, olive oil, high-fiber grains
Fruits: apples, berries, pomegranates
Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots
Extras: dark chocolate, green tea, coffee

This doesn’t mean eliminating meat—just aim for balance without relying too heavily on one source..

Next week, we’ll discuss the balanced glycemic meal and how to put these principles into practice. Remember: there are sustainable, natural ways to enhance GLP-1 production—from supplements and probiotics to dietary and lifestyle changes—that carry fewer risks and lower costs than prescription drugs.

08/10/2025

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus (generic name: semaglutide) have been in the spotlight, often described as “miracle drugs” for diabetes and weight loss. While many are drawn to the weight-loss potential—even for as little as 10 pounds—it’s important to remember that these are medications, and all medications (drugs) carry both benefits and risks.
Pros:
Effectively lowers blood sugar (type 2 diabetes)
Significant weight loss (often 10–15% in one year)
Reduces appetite and cravings
Cons:
Common gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Expensive!!!!
Weekly injections or daily oral tablet (oral form is less potent for weight loss)
Risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, possible thyroid tumors
Limited long-term safety data for high-dose weight-loss use
Concerns Overlooked or Downplayed:
Hypoglycemia risk is greater than reported
Muscle loss: up to 40% of rapid weight loss comes from lean muscle mass — most concerning for older adults
Sarcopenic obesity: stopping the drug and regaining weight leaves you with less muscle and more fat, requiring much effort to rebuild strength
Heart muscle shrinkage: reductions in overall heart size and heart muscle thickness may lead to long-term cardiac issues

Discontinuation Rates
Over 53% of adults stop use within 6 months
By one year, discontinuation rises to 68%, most often due to unpleasant side effects
Next week: Options…

Chiropractic treatment for all, not just athletes from a Sports perspective-Active Release Techniques(ART), Spinal Adjusting, Instrument Assisted Myofascial Release Techniques, Kinesiology Tape, Dry Needling, Cupping, Exercise, Pre-hab & Rehab

06/30/2025

Many of our chronic health problems are self-inflicted. Yes, I know that is not what any of us want to hear, but I've always you told the truth, be it hard to hear or not. At least 35% of Americans walk around in an inflamed state (the numbers are likely much higher). This is because all diseases are inflammation and the best and easiest way to reduce this inflammation is through diet--WHAT WE EAT!
It may not be fun (when I read about the fried Tw***ie, my heart hardened just on the mere thought, UGH!) but Tw***ie excepted, there are many tasty foods out there I would love to keep eating, but the next day??? Whoa! Is feeling like crud the next day worth it?
Let's think about it. There is a LOT of nutrition information out there. How can we make it simple? Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds come from the earth. Meats, fish, and grains are produced from the earth. There are tasty foods processed and altered therefore NOT created from the earth. Why don't we try eating 70-80% fresh produce, meaning from the earth and just eating a little of the processed food, instead of making that the staple of the diet. Just sayin'....

06/23/2025

Sodium is one of the most critical minerals in the human body, yet it is frequently misunderstood. It gets bad press for raising blood pressure but is actually a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

As we get into the hot weather and we exercise and spend time sweating, leg cramps often appear at night. Sodium plays a significant but indirect role in nighttime leg cramps. These sudden, involuntary muscle contractions—often affecting the calves—can be influenced by electrolyte imbalances, especially when sodium levels are low or improperly balanced with other minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Why at night is this felt at night?
Dehydration or sodium loss may become apparent at night due to:
1) Reduced fluid intake throughout the day, complicated by low sodium diets
2) Post-exercise sodium depletion (heavy sweating without electrolyte replacement)
3) Lying down shifts fluid distribution
4) Leg position and poor circulation in bed can aggravate nerve sensitivity
5) Magnesium and calcium levels may also dip overnight upsetting the balance and increasing cramp risk

What can you do?
a) Maintain balanced hydration - not just water, but electrolytes too
b) Use an electrolyte supplement if you exercise for more than 45 minutes in the heat, sweat heavily or cramp often
c) Light stretching before bed
d) Evaluate your dietary sodium intake
e) Keep water and kosher salt by your bed for a quick fix if you do wake up with a cramp.

Schedule now to make an appointment to meet your health goals!

06/01/2025

Several things can make or break a good surgical outcome (beyond picking a good surgeon, surgi-center and support staff).
What YOU do prior and immediately after surgery are most important! These tips ensure a solid outcome, things my wife did prior to hip replacement, shoulder and knee surgeries, and things we've learned from each.

1. Check your protein intake. Protein is vital for all of the body's processes, but muscle and tissue repair are low on the priority list. If you are not intaking 20-30 grams of protein per meal, and at least 14 more grams in snacks, you are likely low.
Tip: Eat the above protein amount every day for at least two weeks before surgery.
2. The ice therapy machines work really well; they will be your best friend post-surgery. She found a good one at reasonable cost - call me if you need one.
Tip: Keep four water bottles frozen in your freezer. Add ice every morning to the water, but rotate the water bottles to keep the water cold instead of constantly making ice.
3. Pre-hab is essential. You want to go into surgery as strong as possible. If you are not sure what to do make an appointment with me. These exercises will speed your recovery more than anything else I offer.
Tip: Do the exercises at least twice every day.
4. Follow the surgeon's directions. This may sound obvious, but they bet against my wife and thought she would not listen. Tip: Do not go to a doctor and not follow the recommendations because you do not like the rules. They are there for a reason and necessary, based on experience. She actually listened and did not overdo (and did well)!
5. You may be borderline anemic for up to two weeks post-surgery due to blood loss. Do NOT overdo! If they say walk 15-20 minutes, walk that amount--not 30 minutes, not 10.
Tip: Same as number 4.
6. She likes lifting weights; it must be done to meet the demands of her job. They told her NO, not for 6 weeks. Okay, this sucked for her, but it was ONLY 6 weeks, then she was allowed to ease back in.
Tip: Same as number 4, but IT was only a short time in the big picture of life and then quality of life went back to pre-injury levels.
7. Your hips and spine have been trying to hold alignment while your gait was likely altered from the hip, knee, ankle or foot pain. We brought an adjusting table to the hotel the night before her hip replacement and adjusted her at 11:30pm. She was in the surgi-center the next morning at 5:30am, as well-aligned as possible.
Tip: Get adjusted as close to the date of your surgery as possible.

Know I am here for you and will get you through the after-effects!

See you in the office SOON!