DuPage Family Wellness

DuPage Family Wellness Dr. Jamie is a chiropractor focusing on wellness. Her primary goal is to help families from the preconception stage, through pregnancy and beyond!

She loves teaching how to eat real food, move well, have a great mindset, and more! The goal in our office is to help you to get out of pain and return to the top of your game as quickly as possible. Dr. Jamie does this with a combination of traditional chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques®, and rehabilitation techniques. Active Release Techniques (ART®) is a patented technique for treating injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. A few examples of conditions that can be improved quickly and often permanently with ART include headaches, back pain, shin splints, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow. Visit our website for more information! Dr. Tripp is the only fully certified ART provider in Warrenville. She looks forward to helping you and your entire family.

Breathing properly is one of the simplest, most instinctive things we do - or at least, it should be. Yet for many adult...
03/04/2026

Breathing properly is one of the simplest, most instinctive things we do - or at least, it should be. Yet for many adults, the mechanics of a healthy breath quietly drift off course over the years, and the consequences can be significant.

In 2003, researchers examined the breathing patterns of 96 adults. About 75% of adults studied did not breathe the way the body is designed to.

Most participants showed limited rib‑cage movement or relied heavily on upper‑chest muscles. And when asked to take a deep breath, nearly three‑quarters lifted their chests instead of engaging the diaphragm.

If breathing is automatic, how do so many of us end up doing it inefficiently? What does that mean for our overall health, energy, and stress levels? Ineffective breathing doesn't have to be a permanent problem, but we need to be intentional to change it.

Let's explore how we can reclaim a healthier, more natural breath in this week's blog, "Breathe Like a Baby."

https://www.dupagefamilywellness.com/blog/healthy-lifestyle/654-breathing-properly

Balance is an important component of healthy movement. If we can’t balance, we aren’t stable. If we aren’t stable, we do...
03/03/2026

Balance is an important component of healthy movement. If we can’t balance, we aren’t stable. If we aren’t stable, we don’t have a platform for our joints to move from. If we don't havea platform to move from, our muscles become "tight" to try to create more stability.

1. How did we get into this situation?
It takes very little “balance" to sit all day, especially if you are leaning back on the chair or couch. When you stand or walk, it is probably on flat ground with flat shoes. Most surfaces are cement, paved, or otherwise "flattened". Because of these things, we don't challenge our body’s systems to balance often.

2. Benefits of Balance
Studies link balance training to injury prevention both in athletes and seniors. Balance training was found to be more helpful than stretching for injury prevention. In older individuals, balance is the key to reducing the risk of falls, which can lead to broken bones and other serious complications.

3. Improve Your Balance
Like other forms of movement, balance can be improved if you work on it; here are a few ideas to improve your balance:

- Practice Balancing: Start balancing on one foot on a stable surface. Once you are good at this and can do it for a full minute, try challenging yourself by standing on an unstable surface: a folded blanket, pillow, grass, or sand. Then, try closing your eyes or moving your head around while balancing.

- Find Uneven Surfaces to Explore: Get out in nature and find some naturally unstable or narrow surfaces explore. This could look like hiking over roots and rocks to challenge your body and force it to improve its ability to stabilize you.

- Try a class or activity: try dance class, Tai Chi, Martial Arts, or play an active game (racquetball, tennis, pickleball, etc.).

National Retro Day takes us back to a time when people connected more face-to-face, without reliance on smartphones or t...
02/27/2026

National Retro Day takes us back to a time when people connected more face-to-face, without reliance on smartphones or the internet. What memories do you have about life before cell phones? Did you feel more connected?

Enjoying social connections is more important for our health than most people realize. In fact, it can directly impact not only your mental health but your physical health as well!

According to Dr. Emma Seppala, the American Association for the Advancement of Science published a study that found that “a lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.”

Would you go back to the days without cell phones - if everything else in your life and society remained the same? Do you think it would actually help you feel more connected with those you love?

"Stacking Your Life" is when you do one task that contributes to multiple goals simultaneously. There are only 24 hours ...
02/24/2026

"Stacking Your Life" is when you do one task that contributes to multiple goals simultaneously. There are only 24 hours in a day, so getting the most out of your time is important.

Here are two ideas on how I have used the concept of "stacking my life."

1. Values: healthy eating and spending time with family.
Action: my husband and I prepare healthy food together on the weekends.

2. Values: movement, time with friends, and stress reduction
Action: spending time with friends on outdoor walks. I find that movement helps connection and reduces stress.

3. Values: family, strength training, and stress reduction
Action: spending time with my kids at the park. Playing with my girls builds connection while helping me build my strength (holding the baby, lifting the kids, etc.), and being outside reduces my stress.

What can you do to "stack your life," so that it better represents what you value?

Spend more time sitting on the floor! When we are little, sitting on the ground is natural and comfortable. But after si...
02/22/2026

Spend more time sitting on the floor! When we are little, sitting on the ground is natural and comfortable. But after sitting at desks, in chairs, and on couches for years, sitting on the floor feels much less natural and comfortable.

Here are some reasons that I think it is important for all of us to try sitting on the floor.

1. Sitting on the ground = movement when you aren’t “trying to move”.
If you took a time-lapse video of me sitting on my couch and the ground for 2 hours, you would see MUCH more movement in the video with me on the ground.

2. On the floor, my muscles and my core remain engaged. I would also be shifting when a position gets a little uncomfortable. This leads to much more MOVEMENT and MUSCLE ENGAGEMENT even during my “sedentary time”.

3. Sitting or lying on the couch is so “comfortable” that you can turn off all of your major muscle groups. You might even get in compromised position where joints are placed in unnatural ways, because the comfy couch cushions prevent it from hurting.

Tips for Sitting On the Floor?
1. Find a time - sit on the floor during any of your normal activities (watching a show, playing with kids, or even when doing computer work).

2. Position to sit in - you don't need to pick a position. Keep moving through ALL OF THE POSITIONS! That is the beauty of this, you don't stay in any one position for a long time when sitting on the ground.

3. Building up - for many people, sitting on the floor is tough. Try this progression if you can't quite make it to the floor.
- Sit on a harder chair
- Sit on a chair with no back
- Sit on progressively lower chairs or stools
- Sit on the floor with some pillows around/under you.

Give floor sitting a try, and let me know how it goes!

When it comes to getting a healthy dinner on the table quickly, learning to chop can make a big difference.1. Let’s star...
02/21/2026

When it comes to getting a healthy dinner on the table quickly, learning to chop can make a big difference.

1. Let’s start by considering the best type of knife for the job. Many people feel more comfortable with smaller knives, but chopping will be quite a bit more efficient with a big, sharp knife.

It can be intimidating to use a large knife, but don’t let that hold you back from trying. Just start slowly as you get used to it, and you will be chopping like a pro before you know it.

2. Now that you have a good knife for the job, here is a trick that is especially helpful for those circular vegetables - onion, zucchini, carrot, eggplant - that keep rolling around as you try to cut them.

- Cut the vegetable in half long ways
- Place the flat sides down, so the food doesn't roll away from you.
- Make quick slices lengthwise.
- Slice in the other direction, across all the strips.

* Cutting will go so much faster for you with the proper knife, a little practice, and this cutting trick.

Eating out can be fun! Here are some ways to make it a littl healthier.1. Tortilla Chips - ask if there is something bes...
02/20/2026

Eating out can be fun! Here are some ways to make it a littl healthier.

1. Tortilla Chips - ask if there is something besides chips to dip in the delicious salsa at Mexican restaurants; they may bring you some veggies.
2. Fries - ask for a small salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
3. Rice or noodles - ask for extra veggies in stir-frys; they are more nutrient-dense and taste great.
4. Bun - ask for a lettuce wrap with a burger, chicken, fish, or even an Italian beef sandwich.
5. Salad dressing - ask for oil and vinegar instead of salad dressings that contain sugar and other unexpected ingredients.

Be kind to your server! They may not be able to accommodate you, but it doesn't hurt to ask nicely. And remember, healthier options may cost a bit more.

Our bodies are not meant to live in a continual stress response. Chronic stress can damage the body and wreak havoc on o...
02/18/2026

Our bodies are not meant to live in a continual stress response. Chronic stress can damage the body and wreak havoc on our health, but not all stress is bad. The key is to have enough stress to encourage growth, without letting it weigh you down.

According to Chris Kresser, “when the total amount of stress you are experiencing at a given time exceeds your ability to cope with it, that’s when stress wreaks havoc on your health.” He continues to say, “If you’re not doing some form of stress management, you will sabotage all of your best efforts with diet, exercise, and supplements."

Let’s look at why certain things are so stressful, what we can do to change some stressors, and how to manage stress from things we can’t change in this week's blog, "When Stress Overwhelms."

https://www.dupagefamilywellness.com/blog/healthy-lifestyle/616-when-stress-overwhelms

Fun Ways for People to Stay Hydrated. (Yes, the picture is of my dog in the spring, but it's too cute not to share.)1. K...
02/15/2026

Fun Ways for People to Stay Hydrated. (Yes, the picture is of my dog in the spring, but it's too cute not to share.)

1. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, and a SCOBY. That funny word is an acronym for a “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast.” As the bacteria eat the sugar, it produces probiotics, which are good for your gut. Some brands are high in sugar, so read the label carefully before buying a jar.

2. Water Kefir
Traditional kefir is a fermented drink made from milk with a variety of bacteria and yeast. Water kefir uses the same process but uses water as the base. It is easy to make. Just get the grains, put them in sugar water, and let them ferment. Some people enjoy adding flavor to enhance the taste. You can also do a second fermentation to make it bubbly.

3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is naturally sweet, making it taste great. It is a good source of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. In fact, it has more potassium than a banana. Look at the ingredients, though, because some companies add sugar, preservatives, or additives.

4. Mineral Water
Mineral water with a splash of juice gives you the flavor without the higher sugar levels of straight juice. You can also put a couple of tablespoons of balsamic in your sparkling water. Start with a fruity flavor such as mango, blueberry, strawberry, peach, or lemon.

5. Tea
Tea has been used for centuries for its health benefits. It is thought to decrease inflammation while improving gut health. With so many flavors, tea is a great alternative to coffee. As with most things, quality matters. Traditional tea bags may release chemicals and mycotoxins as they steep. Organic loose-leaf tea made with an infuser is a safer choice.

6. Zevia (if you can't give up soda just yet)
This soda contains only pure ingredients and has lower sugar levels than traditional soda. Many flavors mock popular drinks on the market. It can often be found at Target, Jewel, Whole Foods, and Walmart.

Looking for Valentine's Day treat? My sister introduced me to these coconut fat bombs which can be made into hearts! The...
02/14/2026

Looking for Valentine's Day treat? My sister introduced me to these coconut fat bombs which can be made into hearts! They are a great treat without all of the sugar and processed ingredients in most boxed chocolates. I love them.

Ingredients:
2½ c. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 t. vanilla
⅛ t. cinnamon
1 pinch of nutmeg
½ c. coconut oil (melted)
2 T. cocoa powder (optional)
Almonds, Walnuts, or other nuts of choice

Directions:
1. Simply blend the unsweetened shredded coconut in a food processor with the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. When it starts to form a butter, pour in the melted coconut oil. Continue to blend until smooth!
3. Pour half of the mixture into silicone mini muffin molds or heart-shaped molds.
4. Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the other half (if you want to make the chocolate version).
5. Pour the chocolate mixture into the molds.
6. If you choose, add a nut of your choice to each fat bomb for some additional crunch.
7. Throw them in the fridge and they harden right up!
8. Enjoy!

I hope that you will be intentional about taking care of yourself this Valentine’s Day!

*This Recipe was adapted from the RESTART Cookbook by Jeni Hall, NTP

From Scratch Farmstead

Will you be YOUR Valentine? No, that wasn't typed wrong; it's intended to say "your."When we ask someone to be our Valen...
02/13/2026

Will you be YOUR Valentine? No, that wasn't typed wrong; it's intended to say "your."

When we ask someone to be our Valentine, we are telling them that they are special. We put thought into what they would like and treat them kindly. So, let me ask you, what kind of Valentine would you be towards yourself?

Many of us take better care of others than we do ourselves. We are patient and accepting of their struggles and failures while we beat ourselves up over ours. How different would life be if you treated yourself with the same care that you show good friends?

Here are some ways you can act as your own Valentine this year...

Put on a cozy sweater or sweatshirt and give yourself a hug.
Snuggle with a blanket while enjoying a hot drink.
Massage or stroke your face.
Do a self-compassion meditation.
Smile in the mirror and say an affirmation.
Put on your favorite music and dance.
Look up jokes to make you laugh.
Gaze at the stars and stay with a sense of awe.
Hold the child’s pose or do a short yoga session.
Take some deep breaths and watch nature.
Put on some makeup and tell yourself you are pretty.
Close your eyes and let the sunshine on your face.
Diffuse your favorite scent.
Enjoy doing a Sudoku or crossword puzzle.
Apply a face mask or put on lotion.
Give yourself a foot massage.
Mindfully drink your coffee or tea.
Eat a piece of dark chocolate.
Buy yourself a little something you have been wanting.
Apply lotion to your body.
Doodle, color, or engage in something else creative.

In today’s culture, being sleep-deprived is often worn like a badge of honor. We glorify productivity, forgetting the im...
02/11/2026

In today’s culture, being sleep-deprived is often worn like a badge of honor. We glorify productivity, forgetting the importance of rest. But rest isn’t wasted time - it’s one of the most important things you can do for your body, your mind, and your overall wellness.

Every system in the body relies on sleep to function at its best, including the nervous, hormonal, immune, digestive, and muscular systems. If we truly care about our health, sleep deserves to be at the top of the priority list. When we honor sleep, we support the systems that help us thrive.

It isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. We need to stop treating rest like a reward for productivity - instead of a prerequisite for it. Make a plan to get enough quality sleep, just like you might meal plan or schedule time to go to the gym.

Let’s look at some things to consider when prioritizing your sleep in this week's blog, "Sleep Tight."

Photo credit: Becci Hethcoat Photography

https://www.dupagefamilywellness.com/blog/healthy-lifestyle/653-sleep-tight

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28W530 Batavia Road
Warrenville, IL
60555

Opening Hours

Monday 2pm - 6pm
Wednesday 2pm - 6pm
Friday 10am - 1pm

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