Black History and the Chiropractic Connection

 

February 14, 2022 Dear Friends, February is half over and we have seen everything from 9 degrees to 60 degrees; rain, snow, and sleet! It's been Groundhog Day, St. Valentine's Day, the winter Olympics and SuperBowl Sunday. It's also Black History Month. In the past I've commented on all most of these subjects, but I want to acknowledge a little bit of African American history that you might not know. The very first Chiropractic patient was a gentleman named Harvey Lillard, an African American man that worked in the Ryan Building where D. D. Palmer had his magnetic healing practice. There are variations in the particulars, but what is without doubt is that 17 years earlier Mr. Lillard had become deaf after a minor accident. For years Dr. Palmer had been trying to find what made one patient stay well while another got sick under the same circumstances in life. He surmised that the nerves would have a great deal to do with healing and wellness, and the spine protected the nerves. He asked Mr. Lillard if he might examine his spine for a connection between it and his deafness. He performed the first specifically Chiropractic adjustment and, within 3 days, the patient's hearing was restored! Dr. Palmer expanded on his practice and several years later began to teach others this new art, science and philosophy of Chiropractic! For a while Chiropractic was pigeonholed as good for stiff necks and sore backs. And, though chiropractors do help those things as well, you can see that once you clear the interference with to normal, optimal nerve system expression, something extraordinary can happen!  If you are not loving the way you feel, come for an adjustment. We are here to help! Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment and Saturdays 9 - 1 by appointment. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with me. All the best and see you soon! Carmel-Ann Mania, D.C.

You've Got The Power!

 August 18, 2020

Dear Friends,

Today we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting the right to vote to all women in the United States. There were states and counties where women already had the right to vote (including in New Jersey), but it was a milestone for our country and a step towards equality that had been long sought. 

As we have seen in these last few months, the right to vote, the right to access to healthcare and the ability to live in a civilized society have been front and center in our lives. As a Chiropractic physician with over 40 years in the field, I know how important it is for people to speak up...after all, even Chiropractic was only accepted once its proponents, the patients, made it plain that legality, licensing and availabilty were necessary for their health. Our patients came forward for decades to demand that Chiropractic be available without fear of their doctors being arrested. Chiropractors demanded that we have state licensing and insurance parity. And, our patients backed us up with their legislators in their offices and at the ballot box, as well as with the insurance companies and employers!

There's power in numbers, but those numbers must be counted. I am urging all of you to check your voting registration status. Register to vote if you haven't already. Search the platforms and vote in person, by mail, early at the county drop boxes or Board of Elections. (Every New Jersey county has at least 5 drop boxes.) Vote early, avoid the crowds, socially distance, volunteer to work the polls. Be heard!  You've got the power!

Per the NJ State regulations, we will continue to practice masking, social distancing, appointment management and constant cleaning in the office. Everyone is asked to wear a mask or face covering while in the office except during treatment in the facedown position. We will continue to ask a few CoViD19 related questions and take thermal temperature readings every time you come in for treatment. The tables are sanitized between every patient visit. If you are sick, please call us before keeping your appointment, so we can assess whether you should come in or stay home. We are doing everything we can to keep you and your family safe and healthy by diligently practicing these guidelines. 

Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and  Friday by appointment and Saturdays 9 - 1 by appointment. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with me.

All the best and see you soon,

Carmel-Ann Mania, D.C.

A friendly face, a listening ear, and a caring heart!

July 18, 2020
Dear Friends,

I happy to say that the staff and I are back in the office for regular hours...things were a little lonely for me while they were sheltering in place. Thank you to those of you who were patient with my front desk fumbles while I was working alone these past few months.

Even though things in Bergen County are improving regarding the CoViD19 pandemic, we will continue to practice masking, social distancing, appointment management and constant cleaning in the office. Everyone is asked to wear a mask or face covering while in the office except during treatment in the facedown position. We will continue to ask a few CoViD19 related questions and take thermal temperature readings every time you come in for treatment. The tables are sanitized between every patient visit. If you are sick, please call us before keeping your appointment, so we can assess whether you should come in or stay home. We are doing everything we can to keep you and your family safe and healthy by diligently practicing these guidelines. 

Though I usually try to be cheerful and upbeat, I know it has been tough for everyone these last few months. Unfortunately, I believe the evidence points to some more tough times in the coming months. However, I want to let you know that you have people that care about you right here in this office. You have people who will listen to your concerns and do whatever we can to address them. If all you need is a friendly face, a listening ear and a caring heart, you will find it here. And a good, stress relieving adjustment may be gotten here, too! Please let us know how you are doing.

Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and  Friday by appointment and Saturdays 9 - 1 by appointment. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with me.

All the best and we'll see you soon!  No, make that Love and best wishes,
Carmel-Ann Mania, D.C.

Ask Me!

March 10, 2020
Dear Friends,
I'm having a bit of trouble writing the newsletter intro this time because there is so much going on right now. Trying to be topical, informative and helpful can be easy or difficult depending on what I want to share with all of you. Should we address the stressful news, or the approach of Spring? Need some advice on handwashing or a recipe for hand sanitizer? How about recommendations for the best low back stretches; are custom orthotics better than flip-flops for plantar fasciitis? So many questions!
I am always ready to help you find the answer to these or your own individual concerns. That's part of my job as your Family Chiropactor. Helping you achieve the optimum level of health for yourself and your family is the top of mind in this office. Not sure if we can help? Ask. If not, we will help you find the help you need. Is it a clunky shoulder...a crunchy foot..a booming head...a grumbly tummy? Ask. Best office chair...comfy sleep pillow...hot or cold on this? Too young, too old for whatever? Ask. If we can help, we will.
Don't let not being sure keep you from finding out. Ask us, ask me! And, by the way...Spring is coming?
Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and  Friday 9 - 1 and 3 -6 and Saturdays 9 - 1. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with Jolanta, Joan, or Debi.

Let's Relieve Stress Together!

October 10, 2019
Dear Friends,

The only thought that comes to my mind as I sit here thinking about writing, is how stressed many of you have been in recent weeks. Sometimes you tell me about a problem at home or at work; sometimes the state of the world weighs heavy on you; sometimes you express apprehension about what is happening in your body. I want you to know that you are listened to and that you are heard!
There is a clear connection between the function of the body and the state of your mind (thoughts) and your spirit. The thoughts that race around in our heads influence the neurotransmitters that direct the body's function. In turn, the way we feel, our emotions and outlook are also affected. I will not try giving a physiology lesson with every particular function and formula, but research in the lab and in practice advances our knowledge of this inter-connectedness. You have probably observed how a perfect cup of tea or the fresh breeze and sunshine on your face will set a mood for the rest of the day -- less tension and stiffness will follow. A smile comes out of "nowhere" and the day is simply better. The physical, mental and emotional realms are intertwined.
Offering you my ear, my sympathy, my advice and the best adjustment I can perform is how I hope to help you, your family and friends to navigate the stress we each face everyday. Please don't hesitate to call on me or my wonderful staff even if you are not sure we have the answer to your stress. We will always do the best we can to help you, to cheer you on or to steer you in the right direction. Let us relieve stress together!
Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and  Friday 9 - 1 and 3 -6 and Saturdays 9 - 1. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with Jolanta, Joan, or Debi.
All the best and we'll see you soon!
Carmel-Ann Mania, D.C.

Thanks for being Connected!

November 10, 2019

Dear Friends,
Thanks are in order for the many of you who took the time to contact our New Jersey Legislators regarding the proposed merger of Horizon and American Specialty Health. Over 200,000 Chiropractic patients (and their doctors) spoke out about the issue and got the matter dismissed. There is likely to be another attempt sometime next year, but if there is, I know that those of us who rely on Chiropractic to keep us at our best will answer any challenge. Thank you for your participation and support!
I am writing as a cold, wet front is sliding in... The patients have been telling me they feel it their bones! Recent studies have confirmed that weather changes do actually make people feel more body pain and stiffness. We didn't really need a study to tell us that! Maybe though, it feels good to have your perceptions vindicated. Perhaps we should take comfort in the idea that we, as human beings, are very much connected to what happens in the universe, as well as, what goes on in our individual lives.
We are so connected that we respond to the changes in sunlight, to the angle of the earth and the pull of the  moon. We are also connected to the energy of others and can affect their outlook and energy as well. Take the opportunity as the daylight hours shorten and the angle of the earth changes, to care for your self and your loved ones with a Chiropractic check up and adjustment. Enhance your lengthened sleep time with a comfy new sleep support pillow! Order new moisture resistant orthotics for those snow boots (before you are desperate). Spend some of your Health or Flexible spending account on something to uplift your energy and enhance your health. Bring that energy to yourself and others...Connect with others from a new Healthier perspective! And remember that we are always here to help you achieve the optimum in wellness!
Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and  Friday 9 - 1 and 3 -6 and Saturdays 9 - 1. Call 201-525-0707 to make an appointment with Jolanta, Joan, or Debi.
All the best and we'll see you soon!
Carmel-Ann Mania, D.C.

Thank You For Speaking Out on Horizon ASH Merger!

The New Jersey Division of Banking and Insurance has disapproved the proposed merger of Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield With American Specialty Health Network. This was in response to over 230,000 emails sent by Chiropractic patients and their families protesting the merger and the likely restrictions on health care benefits that such merger would have brought. Your actions saved the day, by making the Legislators listen to the will of their constituents. Your prompt and consistent actions spoke out to maintain a voice in your health choices. Congratulations in this victory over insurance policy "hocus pocus" designed to deprive patients of necessary Chiropractic (and other) care! It is possible that there may be other attempts to restrict access to needed benefits, but I will certainly keep you apprised of anything that comes down the way. In the meantime, you can visit Association of New Jersey Chiropractors for more information.