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WEEKEND WINDUP BLOG 5/19/17

Posted on May 19, 2017May 23, 2017 by Ann

WEEKEND WINDUP BLOG 5/19/17

I walked in the door to United Wellness & Sports Rehab a little over five years ago… I had never been to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or nutritionist in my life. I knew very little about the full scope of what each of these healthcare professionals could do. I did know that their basic philosophy for treatment did not include prescription drugs and I liked that! I had seen too many people over- medicated and dealing with the horrible side effects of medication throughout my professional career in the medical field.

As I learned more and more about chiropractic care, I realized what an underutilized asset this treatment is. Chiropractors are extensively trained in hands-on joint manipulation, soft tissue manipulation and training each bio mechanical system to function optimally.

Acupuncture is in a league of its own when it comes to the amazing and profound effects it can have for almost any ailment. Our acupuncturist, Malgorzata Booth, has shared stories that would amaze you regarding infertility, allergies, migraine headaches, etc. And all from the placement of needles on the body.

The professionals at our office have opened me to a new kind of care. Caring for our bodies is a full time job which many people choose to ignore. The doctors and specialists here look at diagnosis differently… a holistic and synergistic way… which is often missing in western medicine.

My blog this week is a lead in for next week’s post. I will be introducing a very special patient we have had for the past couple of weeks. Her story inspires. And yet it goes beyond just her story. It is the story of people and of caring and of helping each other to be their best…

That is our business… it is not just adjusting spines and eliminating pain… it is helping people be the best athlete, the best mother/father, the best teacher, the best musician, the best YOU, you can be! The doctors and staff at United Wellness & Sports Rehab are the best in the business… they take the time to listen and care and help and fix!

I look forward to sharing Adelyn’s Story next week with you. It will truly kick off the HOLIDAY WEEKEND with JOY, HOPE and LOTS OF LOVE!

Dr H presents at the 2nd Annual INOVA Capital City Sports Medicine Summit

Posted on May 15, 2017May 15, 2017 by Ann

WEEKEND WINDUP BLOG POST – Friday, May 12, 2017

This weekend is the 2nd Annual INOVA Capital City Sports Medicine Summit presented by Inova’s Sports Medicine Department. The course description is as follows, “The diagnosis and management of football related injuries have dramatically changed over the past decade. This 2 day interactive course will feature regionally and nationally acclaimed sports medicine specialists from top NFL and NCAA football programs. This Summit will focus on the latest, evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of football related injuries. There will also be a historical perspective from our panel of highly experienced longtime team physicians, athletic trainers, players and physical therapists.”

We are proud to announce that Dr. Hirad Najaf Bagy, the owner and chief doctor at United Wellness & Sports Rehab, will be a presenter on Saturday. While it is an honor for anyone to be asked to present at a conference of this magnitude, it is especially significant for the chiropractic profession, due to the topic that Dr. Najaf Bagy will be addressing. “The Role of the Team Chiropractor” is the title of his presentation, but Dr. Najaf Bagy will also be answering the question, “Why do sports teams need a chiropractor as part of the medical team.” The chiropractic profession has long been questioned as to their role in the medical field. Fortunately with more substantial results based research, treatment success of high profile individuals such as athletes and musicians, the profession is becoming widely recognized as a vital part of health and wellness.

Dr. Najaf Bagy has been the team chiropractor for D.C. United, the Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals throughout the last decade. A very precise and hands-on protocol, named Bio-Orthomechanics, was created by Dr. Najaf Bagy to not only successfully treat the injuries of these professional athletes, but to also increase and maintain performance throughout an athlete’s career.

London Fletcher is one of these athletes. Fletcher was well known for never missing a game in his career, being one of only four players in NFL history to play in over 250 consecutive games. In an August 2013 article on Fletcher by Sports Illustrated, which discusses Dr. Najaf Bagy’s work, Fletcher discusses his daily commitment to keeping his body in peak performance in season and off season. The full article URL is here:

https://www.si.com/…/…/08/20/london-fletcher-workout-regimen

The fact that nearly all NFL teams now have one or more chiropractic sports doctors on their medical team clearly says that chiropractic care is an essential part of the care of an athlete. A chiropractor’s hands-on approach to soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization and their comprehensive biomechanical assessment is critical in the treatment and recovery of athletes at any level.

We look forward to sharing more of Dr. Najaf Bagy’s presentation with you after this weekend. We are very proud that he is representing our offices and the chiropractic profession at the INOVA Sports Medicine Summit in Washington, DC this weekend.

Acupuncture should be in your toolbox

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Ann

Our doctors often talk about “their toolbox.” All the different treatments they use depending on a patients diagnosis to help the patient decrease pain, increase flexibility, reduce inflammation, and on and on… Active Release Therapy, Graston Technique, Dry needling, Taping, Cold Laser… are just a few tools that our chiropractors use when you are treated for an injury or pain.

But what is in your toolbox? What treatments and therapies do you use on an ongoing basis to make sure that your mind, body and spirit are performing optimally? One tool that I believe should be a part of everyone’s toolbox and is often overlooked is ACUPUNCTURE! When asking an acupuncturist what sticking needles in different parts of your body actually does, you typically get a discussion on meridians and energy flow and things that us Westerners just cant wrap our mind around. It is not until you get on the table and have 10-30 needles in your body for at least 20-30 minutes that you will then “get it.” The sensations are unparalleled and the changes in mood, pain and focus are incredible. We have an incredible acupuncturist at United Wellness & Sports Rehab who does an amazing job at explaining the process and achieving results. Below is an article from Mens Health Magazine on some common ailments that we treat with acupuncture at United Wellness & Sports Rehab. Please feel free to email Dr. Booth with questions you may have regarding Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping, etc.

drmbooth@unitedwellnesscenter.com

If you’re struggling with one of the following ailments, you might consider going under the needle http://www.menshealth.com/health/5-ways-acupuncture-can-fix-your-health-problems?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sharebutton

Finding Joy in Rainy Days

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Ann

What a glorious rainy day here in Northern Virginia!

For those of you who just cant find the joy in a rainy day…know that Sunday will bring us a fabulously sunny SPRING day!

I saw this article while perusing the b2b Skills Training Website. Enjoy!

Perception is Everything: Finding Joy in Rainy Days

Jun 15, 2016 | Posted by b2b Skills Training

Does perception influence attitude?

Earlier this year, I met with a management team to conduct a training program. The day started out with long, heavy downpours and I introduced myself as the soggy participants trickled into the conference room.

In the process, I had a friendly exchange with an individual who asked how I was doing. I said that I felt wonderful on such a beautiful rainy day. He paused and I could tell he wasn’t sure if I was joking. “Seriously?”, he asked. “Absolutely” I replied, “I’m glad we’re getting the rain, I love the smell of the air and my cistern at home desperately needs the water.” I wasn’t joking at all. It was a simple and brief interaction, but it reminded me about how our perceptions shape our attitudes and behaviour.

Several years ago, when I’d just started counselling, I had a colleague who illustrated this beautifully for me. Dean was a seasoned clinician who shared with me about his experience growing up as a child and how much he dreaded the rain. Not only were rainy days times when he would be stuck in the house, unable to play outside, he had some very powerful negative associations with the rainy weather and they provoked deep feelings of sadness. These feelings lasted well into his adulthood. He hated rainy days.

Can we change our perception?

Then something happened. He married and had children later in life and recognizing his own dread of rainy days, made a conscious decision to change this experience for his kids. He started thinking of all the great things about rainy days and introduced his young kids to these great things too. As it turns out, rainy days are ideal for wearing bright yellow raincoats and rubber boots. They’re great for getting wet and splashing in mud puddles and for tasting raindrops on the tip of your tongue. It seems they’re also perfect for digging up worms and making mud pies.

These were the traditions he started with his children and these traditions became the reason why he and his family love rainy days. So, what changed? The rain is just as wet, the skies just as grey, but the thing that changed was that he created new positive associations, replacing feelings of sadness with feelings of joy. He changed the script in his head. The script that once read: “Rainy days, Oh no”, now read: “Rainy days, YES!”

Two Takeaways

It’s an empowering concept and one that has resonated with me over the years. The idea that I can change my attitude with a shift in perspective is something that has helped me reframe situations, both personally and professionally. It’s helped me to gain perspective and in doing so, change the way I feel. I took away two messages from his story:

Many of us believe that the events of our lives, relationships, work, and even our health, automatically dictate our moods, attitudes and behaviour, when in fact it’s our perception, our interpretation of these life events, that leads to our feelings, whatever those may be.

We are always sharing our perceptions and way we see the world with others, sometimes directly through conversations, but more telling, through our actions. Challenging our own perceptions can therefore have the dramatic effect of influencing someone else’s attitude as well, for good or otherwise.

So, what are the rainy day perceptions that are guiding your attitudes about your job, your co-workers, your boss, your career path? Are your current perceptions working for you or against you? Are you allowing them to hold you back and limit your potential? And if they’re working against you, are you willing to challenge the way you think to improve how you feel?

March 25 8-10am “Ask An Olympian” RUNNING SEMINAR

Posted on March 22, 2017March 22, 2017 by Ann

Weatherman says 55 degrees between 8-10am on Saturday!

Perfect weather for a running seminar!

Topics discussed by Olympian, Moise Joseph:
-Outline of how to train for races
-From 5ks to marathons
-Overview of nutrition
-Why body care maintenance has improved my performance
-Co-worker who will be there to help will share her experience as new runner
-Importance of running shoes

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 8-10am
510 W. Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-600-8208

“Ask An Olympian” Running Seminar THIS SATURDAY March 25/ 8am-10am

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Ann

Join us this Saturday 8am-10am at our Falls Church office for “Ask An Olympian” Running Seminar. Led by Olympian and World-Class Athlete, Moise Joseph. The weather looks to be absolutely beautiful! Email amcintyre@unitedwellnesscenter.com to sign up for this FREE event. Donations will be accepted at the event for the GHATES organziation.

Marc-Arthur Jean-Louis, the founder of Global Haitian Advancements through Education & Sports (GHATES)
just sent me this youtube video highlighting the awesomeness of Moise Joseph and the work he has done with GHATES and the youth of Jeremie, Haiti.

2017 NFL Combine News!

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Ann

March 3. 2017

Dr Hirad Najaf Bagy (Dr H), the president and founder of United Wellness & Sports Rehab, is in Indianapolis for the 2017 NFL Combine this week. The NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long showcase occurring every February where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general managers, and scouts. This week is also an opportunity for the medical staff of each NFL team to come together to learn from each other and share their treatment stories. We are proud to announce that this year marks an advance for the chiropractic community in that Dr. Najaf Bagy (Dr H) became the first chiropractor to join the medical meetings at the combine. Dr Najaf Bagy has been an integral member of the Washington Redskins medical staff for eight years. Congrats, Dr H!

H at combine with redskins medical staff

Yesterday the recipient of the 2017 NFL Orthopedic Doctor of the Year Award was announced.

Congratulations to Dr. James Andrews, this year’s recipient. Dr. Andrews is one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the NFL and serves as a team doctor for the Washington Redskins.

H with Dr James Andrews

Andrews is well known for performing orthopedic surgery on high-profile athletes from a wide array of sports and was the subject of an ESPN.com article that praised his talents and listed some of his notable clients. One excerpt from the magazine stated that “[Andrews] is the alpha doc at the center of a sports-medicine network that extends well beyond doctors. Every athletic trainer, physical therapist, strength-and-conditioning coach in the land seems to have Andrews’ cell phone number”. (credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. Najaf Bagy shared with us, “It is an honor to work with doctors such as Dr. Andrews. He is a true leader in the field of orthopedic rehabilitation. The Washington Redskins medical team is second to none and Dr. Andrews has been instrumental in the health and vitality of the team’s athletes.”

Safe travels home, Dr. H!

The WEEKEND WIND-UP is a United Wellness & Sports Rehab blog posted every Friday. WEEKEND WIND-UP’s goal is to get you ready for the weekend and hopefully some well-deserved “me time” or “we time” with your family and friends. Wellness articles will be shared, interviews with doctors and athletes, and thoughts on wellness for you to ponder. We hope you enjoy our menagerie of topics and guest writers.

SPRING TRAINING Is Here!

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Ann

In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing players practice time prior to competitive play. (credit: Wikipedia)

Dr H is heading down to the Washington Nationals Spring Training this week and the excitement is high in our office with the approach of their home opener on April 3!

It made me think… shouldn’t we all start preparing our bodies for the upcoming season of sunshine and outdoor activity?

The first on my list is to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist…I know, not much fun to talk about. I like to do this prior to heading out into the sun for some “color.” Getting those freckles, moles, and yes, even “age spots” checked out is so very important.

The second on my list is my own spring training… yes, a series of practices preceding the start of 5k’s, 10k’s and 1/2’s. I have found that the strongest I have been in my life is when I have incorporated multiple types of exercise into my weekly routine instead of just running or just biking. I have begun a walk/sprint work out at my gym. I read a book this winter titled “21 Day Total Body Transformation” by Mark Sisson, which discusses the benefits of working out as our primal ancestors did… walking primarily with short bursts of sprints, much like the hunter-gatherers. So I’m giving that a try. Also, with the amazing weather lately, I was able to get outside and do what I LOVE most… I hiked four miles last weekend. This area is one of the best for day hikes. Check out www.hikingupward.com for a map of trails nearest you.

Good luck with your own Spring Training! We encourage you to share your own training program with us on our facebook page. Everyone who shares on facebook will be included in our monthly drawing for a fabulous wellness gift!

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Shorts or Mittens? Im so confused!

Posted on February 10, 2017February 10, 2017 by Ann

Weekendwindup

FEBRUARY 10

What a crazy week… I have spent more time this week trying to decide what outfit to wear to match the weather than I care to admit.

Between the shorts and the mittens, I took both my teenagers to their annual physicals. For some reason the doctor decided to do a group appointment and it is quite funny to watch a 17 yo brother and 14yo sister get weighed together, get eyes checked together, etc.… the sarcasm and jokes were flying. I also warned them before entering “do not touch anything” since I read that this year’s flu season has been a doozy! My pediatrician confirmed that the last three weeks have been horrible, “the worst he’s ever seen.” I don’t know about your kids, but my teens know everything and I know nothing… so I am often forced to present my knowledge through someone else… like WebMD or Joseph Brownstein and the ABC News Medical Unit.

This is what I shared with the know-it-all loves of my life.

10 WAYS TO STAY FLU FREE (Credit to Joseph Brownstein and the ABC News Medical Unit)

Wash Your Hands Regularly
Don’t Touch Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
Sanitize Your Keyboards, Phone, Door Knobs, etc. Regularly
Exercise- Helps Boost Your Immune System
Get Plenty of Sleep
Avoid Shaking Hands- or Wash Them Immediately Afterwards
Avoid Finger Foods
Flu Vaccine
Quite Smoking
And this one is new to me, but makes a ton of sense…. Use a Humidifier and/or Saline Nasal Spray… because…“When the air outside gets colder, it gets a lot drier. It dries out the membranes of the nose,” said Ken Haller, an associate professor of pediatrics at St. Louis University. This is bad news for the mucous membranes, which rely on moisture to trap invading microbes and protect us from them. The mucous is sent to the stomach, where the acids it produces destroy the invaders. Because of that, keeping nasal passages moist is an important step. Additionally, in dry air, particles like the flu virus can stay airborne longer. By moistening the air, the water droplets will adhere to the particles, sending them downward. Even ensuring that you’re drinking enough water, Haller said, can help keep the body moist enough to protect against the flu.

So this weekend wind-up is STAY HEALTHY… We only have 37 days until SPRING!

By the way, spring training for the Nationals begins next week!

WEEKEND WIND-UP

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Ann

WEEKEND WIND-UP FEBRUARY 3

The Winter Doldrums- Although the weather here in the mid-Atlantic region has been mild this winter, it still seems there is a freeze among our psyche. Psyche for those of you who don’t have time to look it up means “the human soul, mind, or spirit.” Winter is a time for hibernation: dormancy and inactivity. We all have great intentions of starting that New Year’s Resolution, but our frozen psyche usually keeps us from succeeding. RealSimple Magazine wrote an article on combating the effects of winter and came up with these 8 things we should do:

Make your environment brighter.
Eat smarter.
Simulate dawn.
Exercise.
Turn on the tunes.
Plan a vacation.
Help others.
Get outside.

How many can you check off this list? Pick one and make it your goal for this weekend! Get outside for a walk, turn on your favorite 80’s music, or start planning that summer beach trip! I can’t promise anything, but it makes me smile just writing this.

On January 1, 2017, our president, Dr Hirad N. Bagy, noticed that the winter doldrums were affecting many of us in the office. He quickly sprang to action and implemented the United Wellness & Sports Rehab GIVING BACK Campaign. Every staff member and doctor is given the resources needed to give back to our community. One of our staff members is now a member of our local fire department (not fighting fires, but helping with community events and fundraisers), another staff person has started her own non-profit organization to help at-risk teen girls in our community. Our frozen psyches are thawing and it feels good for each of us to share with each other how we are helping others!

Start the THAW this weekend! Talk to ya again on Feb 10!

Reston Office

(703) 437-8195

McLean Office

703-600-8208

WE ARE HIRING for our GROWING physical therapy department!

COVID-19 PATIENT GUIDELINES

The Overtraining Sports Injury "Epidemic"- An Overuse Treatment Protocol (by Dr. Hirad NajafBagy)

Dr H at Spring Training with Nationals

D.C. United and United Wellness & Sports Rehab GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAM!

Category: Blog

WEEKEND WINDUP BLOG 5/19/17

Dr H presents at the 2nd Annual INOVA Capital City Sports Medicine Summit

Acupuncture should be in your toolbox

Finding Joy in Rainy Days

March 25 8-10am “Ask An Olympian” RUNNING SEMINAR

Weatherman says 55 degrees between 8-10am on Saturday!

Perfect weather for a running seminar!

“Ask An Olympian” Running Seminar THIS SATURDAY March 25/ 8am-10am

2017 NFL Combine News!

SPRING TRAINING Is Here!

Shorts or Mittens? Im so confused!

WEEKEND WIND-UP

READY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH TODAY

Reston Office

Directions
(703) 437-8195

McLean Office

Directions
703-600-8208

Category: Blog

Weatherman says 55 degrees between 8-10am on Saturday!

Perfect weather for a running seminar!

READY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH TODAY

Directions (703) 437-8195

Directions 703-600-8208

Directions
(703) 437-8195

Directions
703-600-8208