Coconut Almond Cookies

Coconut Almond Cookies with Chia Berry Jam This is a remake of a classic holiday cookie that is gluten-free, swapping regular flour for low-glycemic almond flour, which won’t cause a quick rise in blood sugar. Add in chia seeds with the jam, which provide protein, fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Amazingly delicious!   Ingredients: ½ cup almond butter 6 tablespoons maple syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract 2 cups almond flour 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds or flax meal pinch of sea salt 1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen blueberries 2 tablespoons coconut sugar 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut Instructions: Heat oven to 325° F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, stir together the blueberries and coconut sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and sugar is melted, about 5 minutes. Add the chia seeds and stir well. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.   Wisk almond butter, syrup and extracts until smooth. Add the almond flour, flax meal and salt and mix by hand with a spoon until dough forms. Add a drop or two of water if dough is too dry. Measure one tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place on cookie tray, 2 inches apart. Press your thumb into the center of each ball and fill with ½ teaspoon of jam. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and bake for 18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.   Recipe adapted from www.adashofcompassion.com and contributed by Dawn Kurth of No Kidding Nutrition.         Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matthew Scott, DC 5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 (972) 540-5445 www.scott-chiropractic.com

Foot Pain During The Holidays Got You Down?

Defeating Foot Pain During the Holidays

Did you know that 3 out of 4 people will suffer with foot pain and dysfunction?  The American Podiatry Medical Association has estimated that 72% of Americans will have foot pain.

 

There is a solution however to that disabling foot pain; and it doesn’t have to take a long time to experience relief. 

 

Addressing the root cause and correcting the underlying biomechanical problem that’s responsible for your foot condition is extremely important for long-term relief and correction.

 

Most people don’t think of their chiropractor first when it comes to their foot condition.  However, don’t let that to keep you from coming in to our clinic for a chiropractic evaluation for a foot problem.

 

We take great pride in providing a higher level of care for patients’ feet than what you would typically expect.

 

There are 26 bones in each foot and these bones are aligned into four separate arches.  These four arches are designed to absorb the shock from each step.  However, when you have misalignments of one or more of those 26 foot bones, it causes great stress to the arches of the foot as well as the surrounding muscles, joints and nerves.

 

 

Foot bone misalignments will often lead to foot pain, stiffness or dysfunction is they are left untreated.

 

Here at this clinic, we adjust the tiny bones and joints in the feet, restoring function and optimal performance.  Many of our patients have suffered for years with unbearable foot pain and dysfunction and we have been able to help them immensely.

 

The foot adjustment is a gentle process, and it’s generally a pleasant experience to have your feet adjusted. Your feet will move and feel better when they are properly aligned.

 

Many of our foot patients have been referred by other satisfied patients.  Thank you for recommending others to us for their foot health.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season

4 Great Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season And it's NOT What You Think!

 

According to a study by psychologists at the University of British Columbia, children are happier to give than to receive. In this study, children were asked to give away their own treats, as well as extra treats. They showed greater happiness about sharing their own possessions. The study suggested that the act of personal sacrifice was emotionally more rewarding to the children involved. 

 

What is the best way to increase your children’s holiday cheer?  According to the research, it’s allowing them the opportunity to give.

 

 

Here are 4 great ways you and your family can give back this holiday season.

 

1. Volunteer. If you are not in the position to give financially, there are many ways to serve and give of your time. Call a local charity and give them some hours of volunteer service. It is the best holiday therapy of all! Some example ideas would be to serve holiday dinner to the homeless, or sing Christmas carols as a family to those that do not get frequent visitors throughout the year, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers and disabled or handicapped service centers. Perhaps you can make a meal for someone that is sick or home-bound or even donate your time to babysit for a single mother.

2. Donate books. Spread your joy for books to others that like to read. Collect books that you may never read again and look for ways to give locally. You will save on shipping costs and help those in your community. Consider your local libraries, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. If shipping is not a problem, you may consider great charities such as “Books for Soldiers” or “Books for Africa”.

 

3. Deliver cookies. Baking cookies as a family is a common activity during the holiday season. Make a few extras to gift those who are serving the community by working on Christmas day. Hotels, airports, hospitals, fire stations and stores are open for business. Call ahead and check company policy before you deliver.

 

4. Give yourself. Pack up the kids for a quick holiday visit to those that matter most. Bring egg nog or hot chocolate and share a cup (…or two) with those relatives who you do not normally have the opportunity to spend extra time with during the year. Start a tradition while strengthening family bonds.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

 

Cold Weather Affects on Your Body

 
Cold Weather Affects On Your Body

Your teeth chatter, your body shivers, and despite all your efforts to bundle up from head-to-toe, you can’t prevent it, the cold weather has arrived. Every person reacts differently to thermal stress. Age, fitness level and underlying diseases play a major part in someone’s reaction to cold. All these reactions are an attempt by your body to preserve heat, although not a very successful one.


With cold weather comes more impaired immune systems, and that’s pretty much an invitation for the common cold. In addition, the cold weather can affect your body in ways that never crossed your mind. Besides leaving you vulnerable to viruses, here are other ways the cold weather affects your body.

Migraines – With temperature change comes the falling of barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure that is most noticeable in drastic shifts of the weather and temperature. The pressure can be so intense with cold weather that it can lead to sinus issues and migraines.

Muscle and Joint Stiffness – Our bodies, which are about 70 percent water, can become more sensitive in colder weather. As temperatures drop, our bodies can lose elasticity, and it becomes harder to stretch. Colder temperatures can also cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness.

Weakened Hair and Nails – Cold temperatures can warp hair cuticles and make hair scales weak causing split ends to form while blood circulation slows down in cold weather causing your nails to become weak and brittle.

Depression – Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a season pattern, occurring most often in months when there is less daylight. It is most common between the ages of 18 and 30 and affects more women than men. People with SAD may have abnormally low levels of serotonin and high levels of melatonin, which affects sleep quality and happiness.   

Vasoconstriction – When temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your blood vessels narrow to reduce blood flow near the body’s surface. Sometimes the blood vessels dilate and burst which causes redness and can also numb your hands.

Heat loss in cold, wet weather increases the risk for hypothermia, frost bite and other cold injuries. Heat loss can occur in warm temperatures through conduction. For those of you who live where the winters are bitter and brutal, it is important to pack on the layers when taking a trip outside. For those who experience warm winters, swimming or sitting in cool or cold water can cause the body to lose heat very quickly, so think twice before taking dip to cool down.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers Recipe

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers With 13 grams of protein in a cup of quinoa flakes and over 5 grams in a mere tablespoon of hempseeds, this delicious cookie is packed with protein and contains more fiber, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and minerals than a traditional chocolate chip cookie. And they’re delicious! 1 ¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour ½ cup cacao powder or unsweetened baking cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon sea salt ½ pound (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup coconut sugar or regular sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 ¾ cups dark chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand) 1 ½ cups quinoa flakes (I use Ancient Harvest Quinoa Hot Cereal Flakes) ¼ cup hemp seeds Directions: Heat oven to 375° F. In medium bowl, combine flour, cacao, baking soda and salt; mix well.  In large bowl, beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually add flour mixture, beating slowly to incorporate. Stir in dark chocolate chips, quinoa flakes and hemp seeds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheet.   Bake 9 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.   Contributed by Dawn Kurth of No Kidding Nutrition. Click here for more delicious and healthy recipes like this one.          ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Bunions

The Cause of Foot Bunions

A bunion is a deformity involving the big toe.  As the bunion develops you will begin to notice an enlargement on the inner side of the first toe near the metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTP joint).  The MTP joint is where the big toe joins to the long bone of the foot.

 

As a bunion continues to enlarge you may begin to experience pain, swelling and limited range of motion in the MTP joint.  You may even develop pain due to the rubbing and friction of your bunion on the inside of constricting shoes. 

 

Most patients who suffer from bunions and many doctors who have treated those patients do not understand the actual cause of why the bunion developed in the first place.  Most doctors believe that the bunion was caused by an inward misalignment of the first metatarsal bone (the long bone on the inner side of the foot), combined with a compensatory outward deviation of the large toe.  Although this is a correct observation with a bunion deformity, it is not the true underlying cause of the bunion formation.

 

The bunion deformity is merely the result of a more profound problem involving the entire foot structure.  There is a “normal posture” of the foot’s structure, and when that structure is maintained a bunion will not develop.

 

There are 26 bones in the foot.  Those bones all have a normal, healthy alignment that they are supposed to be in.  The primary misalignment or foot dysfunction leading up to a bunion formation develops in the hind-foot.  The hind-foot consists of two primary bones, the heel and ankle bones.  When the heel and ankle lose their healthy alignment, it causes a domino effect of misalignments into the mid-foot and fore-foot.

 

A common proposed solution for bunions in the medical world is to break the first metatarsal bone and bend it into a straightened position. The problem with this procedure is that it does nothing to improve the actual underlying biomechanical problem that caused the bunion.

 

 A better solution is to work with the entire foot to diagnose and correct the alignment of the heel and ankle and then the mid-foot and fore-foot.

 

In addition to adjusting the spine, we also work on correcting misalignments of the feet.  We do this through gentle adjustments to the foot bones.

 

Our foot patients love having their feet adjusted.  Since your feet are the foundation, having them adjusted and aligned properly will benefit your entire body.

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

 

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

 

 

We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving season!  You will find valuable health tips in every month’s issue of our Full Body Chiropractic Newsletter.

 

We strive to provide the latest and best health information to help you meet your goals and have the well-being you deserve.  Please continue to share your testimonials, as many of you have been experiencing wonderful results with chiropractic care at our clinic.

 

 

 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health with Gratitude

Dr. Robert A. Emmons described research he carried out with three experimental groups over 10 weeks (Emmons & McCullough, 2003):  People who expressed daily gratitude felt 25% happier. They were more optimistic about the future, they felt better about their lives, and they even exercised 1.5 hours longer per week on average.

 

Here are 5 simple ways to improve your health with gratitude.

 

1.  Keep a gratitude journal.

 

Take time first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening to write three to five things about what you are thankful for.  Keep a notebook, journal, or loose paper and a pen on your nightstand for convenience.  Reflect on the good, pure and lovely highlights of your day and transcribe them onto paper.  You will feel better and have a deeper sense of appreciation.

 

2.  Speak positively to yourself.

 

Learn to tame your “inner chatter” with only words of encouragement, edification and confidence.  Transform any self-doubt, negativity and words of disapproval such as,

“I am not good enough or worthy” to words like “I am worth it, I am valuable, I deserve to have the best in my life.” 

 

Speaking and thinking positivity over yourself will improve your self esteem and cause you to feel better and happier about yourself.

 

3.  Surround yourself with optimists.

 

Find people that are grateful and spend quality time with them.  Chances are you are like those that you hang around with most.  This is true with attitudes.  Make sure that the people you spend the most time with are uplifting and live life in a positive light instead of an ungrateful manner.  Other people’s gratitude and positivity will rub off on you and as a result you will become a happier and healthier person.

 

4.  Listen to and read uplifting material.

 

Spend leisure time indulging in edifying material.  Books and audios that build up the inner man and make you feel good about yourself and life.  Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor, Joyce Meyer and other wonderful authors have wonderful material to encourage, motivate and promote proper thinking.

 

5.  Take time to say thank you.

 

One of the best ways to remain thankful is to tell others you appreciate them and how much they mean to you.  A simple handwritten note is a nice touch and means a lot to the one receiving it.  Picking up the phone to call someone and say “thank you” goes a long way and will cause you to feel good in the process.  As you engage in making other’s feel appreciated you will in turn reap great rewards with your own happiness and emotional health.

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com