August Newsletter
It's been a hot minute since we last checked in, so let's reintroduce ourselves! We're Dr. Bethany and Dr. Johnny, the family chiropractors at Jireh Chiropractic in sunny Clearwater, FL. This newsletter has a fun twist—we're bringing in two of our amazing friends to share their expertise of knowledge! Get to know them below :)
This month’s topics:
Chiropractic care + ear infections with our very own Dr. Bethany (@jirehchiro)
Chronic fatigue with Colleen Kurtz (@colleen_mindfullynourished)
Mindset surrounding birth plans changing with Aarica Mc Clary (@motherevesbirth_)
Colleen Kurtz, LCSW, FNTP, MRWP, CIMHP
Hi! I'm Colleen, and I'm deeply committed to helping moms in their 30s and 40s who are battling chronic fatigue. I understand the frustration of feeling disconnected and dismissed by healthcare providers, and the exhaustion of seeking relief through countless avenues. My mission is to change the narrative of what's considered "normal" and to support moms in regaining their energy. I want you to enjoy quality time with your family and truly savor life again.
I am married to my best friend, mom to 3 beautiful girls, 2 on Earth and 1 in Heaven, and thankful for all that God has provided for us. I am from Chicago originally and relocated to Tampa several years ago with no regrets at leaving cold weather behind.
After enduring my own health crisis and battling chronic fatigue for over five years, I immersed myself in the world of nutrition and found a pathway to healing. Now, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I focus on bringing this healing to my clients with a blend of therapy and nutrition to offer a one-of-a-kind and comprehensive service. Understanding that each journey is unique, I am dedicated to providing personalized support and fostering healing for every client.
Aarica Mc Clary, birth doula + educator
I’m Aarica Mc Clary, a passionate birth doula, childbirth educator, and perinatal nutritionist. With a background in supporting families through the journey of childbirth and beyond, I bring expertise in pregnancy and delivery, and also in nutrition to nourish both mother and baby. As a mother of 3 and devoted Christian, I believe that our bodies are beautifully designed by God to give birth. I love creating a nurturing and informed birth experience grounded in faith and trust in the bodies natural abilities.
Chiropractic Care + Ear Infections!
Ever heard of the tensor veli palatini? This teeny tiny muscle opens the auditory tube and helps drain any fluid. The muscle is at the back of the mouth, where soft and hard palate meet. Now, there's a super important nerve at C1, the top neck bone, that powers this little muscle. When kiddos struggle with constant ear infections or ringing in their ears, we often find a subluxation or poor communication in the upper neck during our nervous system checks. In fact, sometimes there's barely any communication happening there at all!
Our job is to restore that connection so ears can drain properly, just as they were designed to. Antibiotics or tubes? Research indicates that most ear infections are caused by viruses or a combination of viruses and bacteria, which explains why antibiotics often fail to provide complete relief for children. They usually just cover up the real issue: the lack of good communication from the brain to that inner ear part. Instead of masking symptoms with a band-aid fix, we focus on correcting the root cause!
Aside from chiropractic adjustments, we also focus on soft tissue work to support muscle relaxation and lymphatic drainage. Massaging the sides of the neck and around the clavicle can aid in the lymphatic drainage of the head and neck. We also perform some work inside the mouth to directly impact sinus and auditory tube drainage.
I have provided some natural remedies that you could do if your kiddo has an ear infection (on top of getting them adjusted!)
First off, boost that immune system with neurologically based chiropractic care, let’s get that C1 checked out! Oh, probiotics, vitamin D, and elderberry too!
A warm cup of water can help ease ear pain by creating a vacuum that clears your ears and relaxes the muscles around your ear canal. To try this, follow these steps: Fill a plastic cup with hot water, dampen two cloths with boiling water, place the cloths in the cup, and hold the cup over your ear for a few minutes.
Saline solution to rinse the ear. Apply a small amount and let the excess solution drip out by tipping the head. An ear cleaner can be used, but it's not necessary.
Garlic Mullein Oil provides natural relief for earaches. Simply put a few drops in the ear.
Fan favorite: Earthley Earache Ease ear drops!
— Dr. Bethany
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is more than just being tired, it’s persistent exhaustion that feels like you are carrying a heavy weight all day, no matter how much sleep you get. It leaves you feeling drained, frustrated, and missing out on important moments with family and friends. But there’s hope!
Chronic fatigue can stem from various underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and more. Functional nutrition looks at the root causes of this exhaustion vs just the symptoms, and works to bring the body back into balance. Comprehensive lab testing is a crucial step to identify deficiencies and imbalances, pinpointing the reason for the symptoms and creating a personalized plan that includes nutrient-rich foods, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes to boost your energy and restore vitality. This holistic approach not only fights chronic fatigue but also enhances your overall well-being.
Where can you start? Diet is a big piece of the puzzle, aim to eat three balanced meals a day, starting with breakfast within an hour of waking. Focus on foods that are high in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein rich. Beyond diet, simple lifestyle shifts and habits can significantly impact your energy levels. Prioritizing sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine without TV or screens to help your body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Manage stress with techniques like breathwork, meditation, journaling, yoga, or saying no to things that don’t serve you. Supplements can be necessary for short term to support the body’s healing and address specific deficiencies. As a functional nutrition practitioner, I guide women through this process to ditch their fatigue, help them regain energy, and get back to the things that matter in life.
— Colleen
Mindset Surrounding Birth Plans
As a birth doula, I understand how important it is for expectant parents to have a birth plan that reflects their hopes and desires for their birthing experience. However, it’s equally important to recognize that birth is a dynamic and unpredictable process. Sometimes, despite the best-laid plans, circumstances can change, requiring flexibility and adaptation. Maintaining a positive and resilient mindset during these moments can make a significant difference in the overall experience.
When birth plans have to change, it’s often in response to unforeseen medical needs or unexpected developments. Whether it’s the decision to have an unplanned C-section, the need for medical interventions, or even a change in the birth location, these changes are made with the safety and well-being of both the mother and baby in mind. Understanding that these adjustments are not a reflection of personal failure, but rather a response to the unique circumstances of the birth can help in accepting and adapting to the new plan.
It’s natural to feel disappointment or even grief when things don’t go as planned. Allowing yourself to acknowledge and process these emotions is an important step towards embracing the new reality. Shifting your mindset to appreciate the journey and the support system around you, can provide comfort and reassurance during these times.
Adaptability is a powerful tool in the birthing process. By remaining open to change and trusting in your body’s ability to navigate the unexpected, you can find empowerment in your flexibility. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand your birth preferences and can provide encouragement and advocacy can also make a significant difference. Remember, the strength and resilience you demonstrate in adapting to changes in your birth plan are an integral part of your unique birth story. Ultimately, while it’s wonderful to have a birth plan, the ability to adapt and maintain a positive mindset when plans change is equally important. Embracing this flexibility can lead to a more satisfying and empowering birth experience, no matter how your baby’s arrival unfolds! Having someone you can talk with after your birth to help you process the experience is often very helpful, and is one of the many services I offer.
— Aarica
