Various definitions and practices exist some I agree with and some I don’t. We will use the concept of “hacking your biology to increase wellness , vitality , mental acuity and longevity”. Among the most famous are Tony Robbins and Dave Aspry both follow a healthy wellness routine I can mostly agree with and relate to. However, my favorite bio hacker was a farmer named Jack Gray who also happened to be my grandfather. Although not famous he was a bit notorious amongst family and his community for his wellness “projects and advice!” He regularly saw chiropractors, acupuncturists and reflexologists. He had been part of a chelation study; he ate good food much of which had come from his own land and community. He swore by olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar as his favorite remedies long before they were on the radar of mainstream wellness. He wore copper bracelets and had magnetic insteps. He even had dappled a bit in CBD and medical marijuana! Most importantly he approached his health with a willingness to experiment and an attitude of empowerment over his own health not just a passenger in the traditional medical model. This is my desire for our patients, to not just feel and be passive in your health journey but to be an empowered and informed patient.
We need modern medicine, it is good, but we do not have to just be a passenger on the ship. We can sensibly research our own options and conditions. I am a huge advocate of working with naturopathic doctors, functional medicine providers and chiropractors to dig deeper into your medical diagnoses, (please do not just rely on the internet!) These people have devoted their careers and decades of learning outside of the influences of the pure medical model to learn about health, biology, and vitality from a different and wholistic view. My goal here as your chiropractor is to introduce you to a few simple, effective, ideas that I use and, a few new ones I want to try myself, that I feel can increase your vitality, wellness and maybe just prolong your life. As well as helping you feel a sense of empowerment over your health and vitality. We will discuss at least one topic here each month under the umbrella of “biohacking”.
And how you ask did Papa Jacks “bio hacking” work out? Well, he lived to be 95 in his own home on his own farm with my grandmother, who also lived to just under 95. He had healed ventricular damage to his heart muscle far past what is considered “the norm” and well out lived the prognosis of his damage much to the marvel of his medical team. He still drove, better than many people I see today. His cognitive abilities were completely intact, his long and short term recall was excellent. He stood six feet tall with no stoop to his posture or walking aids until the day he died. He had hardly any symptoms of arthritis despite a long life of farming. He enjoyed his life and his family for nine and a half decades! He had a sense of empowerment over his health that he passed down to his family. When he did leave us he did not linger long in the hospital or any facilities. So I believe his simple lifestyle hacks and lifelong willingness to explore his health and biology paid off!!
The first easy bio-hack I wish to explore with you is vitamin D……..
click the link below to read more about this awesome vitamin!
Could having a healthy blood level of vitamin D help you avoid the intensive care unit and death if you become infected with COVID-19?
More research suggests that the “sunshine vitamin” may play a role in how severe your case may be.
While the studies don’t prove cause and effect, “these studies support the notion that vitamin D might be protective against COVID complications,” says Vadim Backman, PhD, a professor of biomedical engineering and medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago. He researched the link between vitamin D deficiency and differences in death rates in different countries.
Among the newest studies:
More than 80% of 200 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had vitamin D deficiency. Patients with lower vitamin D levels also had higher blood levels of inflammatory markers. But the researchers found no link between low D levels and how severe the disease was.
Interested in purchasing vitamin D and other high quality supplements for your family? Check out our store on FullScript! These products will ship from Fullscript directly to you. Staying healthy and keeping your family healthy has never been more essential to your wellness! We have created some basic protocols to equip yourfamily with a wellness plan that includes multivitamins, vitamin D3 , omega3s , and a selection of our favorite supplements geared towards boosting and supporting the immune system.
Unless you work in the medical field you’ve likely had more exposure to masks and their merits and shortcomings in the last few weeks than ever before! But here we are in the age of the Corona Virus, and now these have become part of our discussions and daily activities. Chances are at some point you are going to need to wear one, so let’s discuss how to do so correctly, because to be honest…….there are a lot of upside down, inside out and poorly placed masks out there!! ( scroll down for our instructional video!)
“When it comes to spreading COVID-19 from coughing and sneezing, there’s the large droplets of spit that fly out,” Dr. Sam Hay explains to “These land pretty quickly on any nearby surface, including your face. Then there’s the fine misty cloud that lingers in the air for longer before landing on surfaces, which are far more easily breathed in.”
It’s these fine misty droplets that are the big problem.
“A standard face mask won’t protect you from all the fine misty droplets that are also coughed or sneezed out, as these can be breathed in around the sides of the mask.”
It’s because of this, Dr Hay wants you to think of masks as “droplet catchers”, instead of a complete coronavirus protection method.
But the other problem is: they’re only effective when they’re actually worn properly, which a lot of people are failing to do.
10 steps to using a mask properly.
Before putting on a mask, wash hands for at least 20 seconds with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Check the mask for defects, such as tears or broken loops.
Position the colored side of the mask outward.
If present (normally with P2/N95 masks), make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose.
If the mask has:
Ear loops: Hold the mask by both ear loops and place one loop over each ear.
Ties: Hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings in a secure bow near the crown of your head. Tie the bottom strings securely in a bow near the nape of your neck.
Dual elastic bands: Pull the top band over your head and position it against the crown of your head. Pull the bottom band over your head and position it against the nape of your neck.
Mold the metallic strip to the shape of your nose by pinching and pressing down on it.
Secure the bottom of the mask by pulling it over your mouth and chin.
Double check the mask fits snugly.
Do not touch the mask once it’s in position.
Replace the mask with a new one if it gets soiled or damp.
Whether you are making your own or buying a cloth face covering the mask should:
Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face.
Be secured with ties or ear loops.
Include more than one layer of fabric.
Allow for easy breathing.
Be able to be washed and dried without changing shape.
How to wear and care for your mask
Take these steps to get the most protection from your mask:
Before using your mask, always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when wearing or taking off your mask. Wash your hands if you do.
Replace masks if they become damp. If you’re using a single-use mask, discard it after use.
To take off the mask, remove it from behind. Don’t touch the front, as it may contain germs. Put the mask in a secure place until you can wash it. If it is a single-use mask, throw it in an enclosed trash can.
Wash your hands right after you take your mask off.
You should wash your cloth face mask often in hot water.
Who shouldn’t wear a mask
Cloth face masks should not be placed on:
Children under age two.
Anyone who has trouble breathing.
Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help.
Do not wear a mask for water activities
Do not wear a mask during activities requiring heavy exertion
