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S.A.D. or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer, spring or autumn year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), S.A.D. is not a unique mood disorder, but is "a specifier of major depression". There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin. Little things make a huge difference in dealing with S.A.D. We need to get up and bring some motion into our lives. Get out of the office for a few minutes during the work day and schedule an exercise regimen. Be aware of the foods you eat and make every attempt to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Proper relaxation techniques, restful sleep and being around people that are positive may also be very helpful. Most importantly make sure that the nerves in your body are functioning properly. Get checked today to see if chiropractic can help you in achieving optimization of your health.

What better time of year, than around the holidays to address this subject. As we partake in all the upcoming holiday revelry, we tend to overeat, overspend, become sedentary and get involved in all the planning that goes along with the holidays. This may send noxious or nociceptive input into our bodies which triggers the nerve system to release the chemical stress hormone, cortisol. There is a cascade response traveling from our Hypothalamus to our pituitary gland and then the adrenal gland (HPA Axis), which results in a release of adrenaline. Cholesterol, blood pressure, clotting factors and sugars then increase causing ill health overall. If these habits are continued they may lead to increased incidence of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, strokes or even diabetes. Make sure to watch your intake of foods this year, stay active, spend wisely and do not overextend yourself. Most importantly, get checked by your local chiropractor and learn how to keep your nerve system free of interference and begin your first step towards better health.