A professional asked me, “How can chiropractic help me if I am not in pain?”

My rhetorical response to him was to ask, “Why do you have to feel bad to feel better?” In fact, that response has been my slogan! You don’t have to feel bad to feel better!

Yet I understood what he meant because I, too, see all those commercials on television for symptoms yada-yada or dare I say the new marketing syndrome of the quarter. In my viewpoint we are not just a bunch of diagnostic codes, yet we are led to believe in our healthcare system we have to feel pain before we need care.

Any chiropractor and acupuncturist will tell you, pain is the great motivator. Yet pain is really only a signal to a more latent dysfunction; it is essentially the check engine light of the body. To appreciate this, you first have to understand some neurology. Our body’s nervous systems, both central and peripheral, have two integrated but functionally different systems. The autonomic system can be thought of as your auto-pilot to life; it regulates such automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, immunity, digestion and sleep.

The other component is our somatic nervous system, which gives action to our thoughts by creating voluntary movements. While both systems convey information between the brain and body, the somatic system relays painful stimulation. However, visceral dysfunction like a heart attack can refer pain from the autonomics to the somatic nerves and be felt as shoulder/arm or even jaw pain. The cross wiring of the autonomic and somatic nerves means a physical injury or compromise in the somatic nerves can refer dysfunction to our organs. In fact, 90% of the nerves in our body pertain to autonomic functions. If pain is an indicator of dysfunction in the somatic side and it being only 10% of all our nerves, how might our autonomics be compromised? It is no wonder why we have so many over-the-counter drugs for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, heartburn, headaches, etc.

I am not standing on a soapbox claiming chiropractors fix everything, because chiropractic really only removes the interference within the nervous systems. The pain relief that chiropractic is known to provide is really only a side affect to tuning up the body’s neurologic flow. The medical model treats the symptoms by chemically inhibiting or fascinating the cellular physiology of the body.

Our body has remarkable ability to heal itself without drugs; this innate intelligence toward health dwells in the autonomic nervous system. My intent is to understand how your body has adapted to gravity through time, which is your posture pattern. By reducing asymmetry in your posture, it minimizes the tension on your entire nervous system thereby improving your vitality. Therefore, when my patients understand why I fix their leg length as part of alleviating their headache, then I know they have received the most important adjustment, the cerebral adjustment.

Call Christopher Davis, D.C., at Back To Wellness Chiropractic P.C. at 303-674-3012.

Fifty-five percent of all computers sold today are now portable laptops or notebooks.

What are the choices? Several brands, in order of quantities sold: HP, Acer (that just bought out Gateway that bought out EMachines), Dell, Lenovo (formerly IBM, now 100% Chinese owned), Sony, Apple and a lot of cheap clones of unknown brands.

If you buy a portable computer, you will need to buy a very good factory warranty, a three-year warranty, not a store warranty. I think, besides Dell and Toshiba, no other brands offer that type of warranty at this time. It is expensive and about a third of the price of the unit.

With the damages we routinely see in laptops—dropped machines with broken screens or motherboards, torn or broken a/c adapter connectors, spilled beverages on keyboards, fried motherboards—you need a factory warranty that, if you return a damaged unit, will return to you either a repaired or refurbished unit. Store warranties do not offer that.

Operating system range from Windows XP for Dell Business units, Toshiba and Acer, to Windows Vista only for HP/Compaq, Sony and Lenovo. Apple Ibooks come with the latest version of OSX. Expect to pay two to three times more for a Mac. Also, most PC software will not run natively on a Mac.

If you use Vista, you will need to upgrade to 4GB of Ram memory, raising the price of your unit substantially. Most new laptops have a nice glossy screen and a 15.4” viewing area, wireless Internet is built in, 1 to 2GB Ram memory, 120GB to 250GB hard drives, a CD/DVD burner, and some will even have a camera card reader and a built-in webcam to place phone calls on the Internet with video.

Why not buy a cheaper, no-name brand laptop? The lack of spare parts.

When we try to repair laptops, each model requires an exact identical part to replace the faulty one. It is easier for us to fix the problem if the spare parts are plentiful. If they are of an unknown brand, or in small quantities, it is a lengthy (weeks or even months) and a very expensive process. If cheap is your objective, buy a tower, not a laptop.

Future technologies: ASUS has already released its $299 Eee PC (Linux based, 2GB flash drive, no CD or hard drive). HP, Dell and others are all working on $300 or less mini laptops.

As seen at the latest Intel Shanghai developer forum, the new Mobile Internet Devices, based on the new Intel Atom energy-saving chip, will offer the Internet on all the time, anywhere. Well, maybe not in Conifer yet. We spend 3 billion minutes every day on the Internet and none of our phones or music players or mobile DVD players are built with the Internet first and foremost in mind. MIDs have small screens 7” or less, sliding micro keyboards or touch screen, speech recognition and are compatible with PC software. Unfortunately, all these new models are developed in Asia and made there and none of them use Microsoft, so expect delays to get them in the United States.

A follow-up to last month’s recycling article: Take non-working equipment to the same people that the state sends them to: GRX, 4920 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216. Call 720-377-7700.

Computer Hounds is in the Conifer Market Place. Call 303-816-0270 or 303-330-0053. FREE wireless Internet at the store compliments of Wispertel.

Years ago, a person started his or her career with one company and would stay until they retired. Now people not only change jobs frequently but also careers. The U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that people will change careers three to four times. Why has this become more common?

What is it that people are now seeking? Probably one of the top things that many people are seeking (besides money) is balance. There are so many more options today than there were years ago. There is job-sharing, flextime, telecommuting and more opportunities for being your own boss. These choices have developed as the workforce has demanded a more balanced lifestyle with home and work.

With all of these new opportunities: What should you be when you grow up? My kids are all leaving—what now? These are the questions that more and more people are asking themselves these days. What is your life purpose? What would make you wake up and want to go to work? What would truly make you feel fulfilled? Can I be “successful” at my dream job? The answers to these questions begin the journey to finding what you want to be.

These may sometimes be difficult explorations to take on alone; but, with someone to guide you and listen, you will be amazed at what you can discover. Here is what I mean: Jody was the owner of a very successful bookkeeping business. She had run the business for 15 years and had a large volume of regular clients. She loved working with her clients but had always wondered what it would be like to write a book. She had mentioned her dream here and there to people, who all told her that she was crazy, but that did not kill the nagging desire in Jody to fulfill this dream. Was it realistic for Jody to drop everything and pursue this? What options did she have for exploring this? While working together, Jody was able to explore this dream with me and look at what all her options could be. How exciting to see the vision become a reality for Jody!

Take a look at the things that truly make you feel fulfilled and happy in both your personal life and work life. Remember a moment when you felt a real sense of accomplishment or fulfillment. What were you doing? How did it happen? Is there something that you feel really passionate about? What have you daydreamed about doing? A great final question to ask yourself is: What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Looking at the answers to these questions—as well as the realities of income needed, the hours you want to work, etc.—will help get the ball rolling. So get started exploring what you want to be when you grow up. Uncover those hidden dreams and make them a reality!

Becky Dieter is a career coach and is the owner of Inspiring Greatness LLC. She works with people facing a career transition. Contact her to schedule a complimentary career breakthrough session at 303-670-2100 or becky@inspiregreat.com.

For many it’s been an active winter; skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing/hiking. Now that spring is here, it’s time for summer activities: running, tennis, cycling, hiking or maybe some backpacking. With new activities come new stresses to the body and very often injuries; but, with a little preparation. you can prevent a trip to your family doctor.

It’s very common to confuse participating in a sport/activity with overall fitness. Absent additional cardiovascular and resistance training (fitness training), outdoor activities alone are generally not sufficient. I like to think of fitness training as a tool to prepare the body for activity.

Hiking is great example. We are either going up or downhill and have some type of backpack on. Therefore, we need the ability to slow ourselves going downhill, the leg and heart strength to get up the hills and balance to support ourselves when we slip on the ever-abundant rocks.

A little planning and a well-designed fitness program can prepare the body for these stresses and help ensure a fun and less injury-prone summer season.

Some Tip: Note, the information below is intended as broad advice and should not be confused with program design. Please consult a certified training professional for a program designed for your specific needs and abilities.

Backpacking & Hiking: Set a date six or more weeks out. Start off with shorter hikes with a light pack and gradually add distance and elevation. Check a TOPO map for the terrain of your backpacking adventure and include similar terrain for your training. Work on step-ups with a lighter pack (no knee pain allowed) and start using a Stairmaster, if you have access to one, so you can get used the grind your legs will have to endure. As you train, your body will adapt and your legs will burn less. Also, don’t forget balance work; good balance can be the difference between a fun weekend and a trip to the hospital.

Running: First pick an event to train for and sign-up! If you’re new to running, start with walks and then progress to light running. Once you start breathing hard, walk until your heart rate slows. Then start a slow run again. Before you know it you’ll be running your first 5K. Don’t forget good shoes!

Cycling: Pick an event! Start with shorter rides that are somewhat flat and slowly add hills. Take your time to build a good base. Make sure your cadence isn’t too low, >=85 for flats, which can be very hard on the knees. As you get more comfortable on the bike start adding hills and longer distances. Also, be sure to check the elevation profile for the ride you signed up for and make sure you pick training routes that mimic the terrain for the event.

Have a great summer and if you have any questions regarding this article or any other fitness questions, don’t hesitate to call us, Dave and Deb Brown, at 303-816-1426 or visit at www.onthemovefitness.com. On the Move Fitness is located directly across Highway 285 from the Conifer Staples.

Flowers speak…without saying a word.

In fact, sometimes I feel it can be a bit noisy at my shop with all of the chatter going on—and no one else is actually in the shop. At first I thought it was the voices in my head, but really it was just all of the flowers talking at once. No wonder I am easily distracted.

The orchid plant speaks to me. She is stunning when in bloom. It is like a performance. She has these quiet, not so interesting oval green leaves that just hang out near the bottom of the pot. And then, a simple, leggy stalk springs out with tiny buds, which unfold into bloom, one by one, from the bottom up.

Each flower whispers “Hey, check me out; I am so beautiful; come on, just a little closer…” And when you are drawn in, the fragility and perfection of this flower will make you stop to reflect, even if it is just for a moment.

There is a misconception that orchids are hard to grow. Sometimes a translation is needed.

I must admit. I thought the same. (I’d always planned on growing orchids when I “retired” and would suddenly have time on my hands.) But, actually, some orchids will bloom for months with very little care.

The easiest beginner orchid is the Phalaenopsis (fay-leh-NOP-siss), Buy this plant in bloom or at least in bud. Place in indirect sun; meaning, a bright, sunny room, but away from a window. Orchids that are in bloom prefer less direct sun. Orchids like a daytime temperature of 60 to 70 degrees during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night for most households.

Water your orchid once every five to seven days. Orchids are killed from kindness of over-watering. Really, once a week is all that is needed. In their natural environment, rain gushes on the orchids, but does not linger. It is important to never let your orchid sit in standing water. The green roots that arch into the air will eventually be covered by a white skin that captures and holds water.

We recommend taking the orchid to the sink, flushing it with tepid water, letting it drain in the sink, and returning it to its original spot. That’s it!

Relax and enjoy these magnificent flowers, which will reward your care with months of bloom when little else is flowering.

Orchids do like a bit more humidity than Colorado can provide naturally, but this is easy to fix. Set them on a tray of pebbles or group plants together.

Orchids also have the reputation for being expensive. The price depends on its variety, size and presentation. Compared to the price of a dozen long stemmed roses, the Phalaenopsis will bloom for months, while the cut roses will bloom for a week or so.

But don’t forget. All flowers have something different to say. Are you listening?

Dore Huss is the owner of Stems, a Mountain Connection Top 10 Best of Winner, located at Lakepoint Center on Upper Bear Creek. Stop by or call 303-674-4995. Open House May 9 & 10. See ad on this page.

With Earth Day still fresh on everyone’s mind, this may be a great time for a short tutorial on photovolatics.

How do they work? Glad you asked. The technology involves an electron transfer through a coated semi-conductor sandwiched between EVA and low iron temperature glass. 

When the semi-conductor is excited by a photon (light), a small electrical charge is generated. Hey, I saw your eyes glaze over!

The important thing is that the technology is safe, proven and comes with a 20- to 25-year production warranty from companies like GE, Sharp, Sanyo and Mitsubishi. In fact, 30-year-old panels have been tested and shown to still be producing full power.

 Answers to some common questions:

Installed weight on the roof is about 3.5 pounds per square foot, about the same as a layer of shingles. Jefferson County Building Department requires an engineer certification of your roof as part of the building permit.

Our installed systems are designed to handle 110 mph wind and certified to take one inch hailstone at 50 mph without damage.

Systems can be ground or tracker mounted if a rooftop system doesn’t work for your site.

Installations usually take two to three days including inspections.

What do they cost?

Let’s look at a typical residential, Xcel Energy served home using approximately $80 in electricity per month.  To completely offset this electric bill, a 5000 watt or 5kw system would be needed; this would cover about 400 sf of south facing or flat roof deck.

Installed system cost is in the range of $7 to $7.50 per watt ($35,000 to $37,500) with Xcel Energy rebating $4.50 ($22,500) within 60-90 days. There is generally a federal tax credit of $2,000 leaving a net system cost as little as $10,500.  If you figure an average of 8% annual rise in electric rates (Xcel asked for 15% rate increase starting in June), your payback would be about eight years. Your home has also increased in value and marketability by going green.  

For commercial buildings, let’s double the system size to reflect a higher usage. A 10,000 watt system will cost about $70,000 with Xcel Energy rebating $45,000. Now it gets interesting. The commercial federal tax credit is for a full 30% cost of the system, $21,000. The other 70% of the cost can be depreciated over five year with a 50% depreciation allowed the first year.  This federal incentive is slated to expire Dec. 31, 2008. 

To recap, with the Xcel Energy rebate, federal tax credit, accelerated depreciation and energy savings, your investment is cash positive in less than one year.

Steve Cross is the owner of Sun Spot Solar LLC, a full-service renewable energy contractor providing affordable PV, hot water, wind and geothermal systems.  Visit www.sunspotsolar.net or call 303-526-0100 for more information.

Many athletes, whether exercising for fun, health or competition, have experienced “the zone.” This state is characterized by a feeling of boundless energy, mental clarity and fluid muscular function.

How many of us have been able to recreate that feeling at will? Research shows that hypnosis combined with a mental training program can indeed help athletes to reach their peak performance on a regular basis.

Most athletes will acknowledge that 60% to 90 % of success in sports is due to mental factors and psychological mastery. In spite of that statistic, how many practice a disciplined, scientifically based mental training program? Programs that focus on motivation analysis, goal setting, autogenic relaxation training and mental imagery can help you reach your athletic goals and beyond.

Using hypnosis, I have helped many individuals achieve their athletic goals. Krista came to me as a recreational runner wishing to try a marathon. She definitely had the motivation but had many doubts about her ability to actually run the 26 miles. Together we formulated her goals. We also created mental imagery of her running in her favorite scenarios and anchored that physically with hypnosis. During hypnosis, our minds create a chemical/neurological response in our muscles. Mental rehearsal of a future event can actually create muscle memory.

Krista learned breathing techniques to stimulate autogenic relaxation. This type of relaxation influences bodily functions that we might not readily believe we can change—heart rate, gut function, blood glucose level and others.

Competition breeds a flight or flight response in many people. Autogenic relaxation can reverse this response and enhance performance.

Krista had a successful and even “enjoyable” marathon. Her time was in the range she had hoped for. Krista stated she didn’t have any physical or mental distractions during the race. She also stated that the confidence and satisfaction that she gained by competing in the marathon has carried over into her personal and professional life.

So what is your goal this summer? Improve your golf game, bike stamina or running times? Perhaps you’d like to step-up your workouts. Maybe you just want to explore and push your physical “limits.” As a team player maybe you’d like to improve your contribution.

Let hypnosis and peak performance training take you to the next level; consistently, purposefully and easily. This program can be done in one, three or six sessions depending on the level of detail you wish to explore.

Suzy Walz’s private practice, Whole Health Hypnotherapy, is located in the Healing Arts Center at Bergen Village. Contact her by phone at 303-679-2929 or check out her website for more information at www.wholehealthhypnotherapy.com. Call today for individual and group rates.