A New Year's Challenge and Gift For You!

Do "we" really want to change the world and our own lives...or does it just feel good to say it and wish it, dream it, and hope someone, somewhere will do it for us...and save us all?

Like every beauty pageant contestant that has stood on stage and said, "I just want World peace". Is it all just "stuff" we say or can we decide to put substance behind it and take ACTION?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Families are falling apart, economic crisis looms large and the world is in chaos from man-made problems and the planet rebelling against our grotesquely and devastatingly poor stewardship.

If we want a way out then we have to create it ourselves! All of us. Period.

We have to get out of our own "stuff" especially when it is the hardest, worst possible time to do it and get into someone else's "stuff".

What do I mean?

It's time to focus our attention outward, on others.

It's time to give and give big.

Give of your worldly possessions, give of your time, and give of yourself.

Yourself and your family by serving mankind.

Give--Serve--Give--Serve and Give Some More...

Don't worry, you won't become poorer by doing this, you'll actually become richer! Sit back and enjoy your new abundant life! If you really want CHANGE in your life, on this planet, then learn to give.

Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

The bible tells us, "A generous person will be enriched" (Proverbs 11.25) and "Faith by itself if it has no works is dead". (James 2:17)

In other words, Give to Live.

The challenge? Make 2009 not only your best year ever, but the best year for others. How?

It's all explained in a brand new book by Dr. Joe Vitale and me.

You may remember Joe from a few things like the movie, The Secret or The Opus and books like, The Attractor Factor and The Key.

We've teamed up to make change happen!

We are starting by giving this book to you for FREE!

We're challenging you to read it now and take action. Tell everyone you know that they too, can have a FREE book.

That's our gift to you and the World!
Just go to --http://www.givetolivebook.com/ -- to download the free e-book version of it.Joe Sugarman of BluBlocker sunglasses famesaid the book, "...is probably one of the mostinspiring books I've ever read."Jon Biel, founder of Make the Difference Networksaid, "'Give to Live' is a MUST READ for everyone!"Dr. Robert Anthony said, "Joe Vitale's and Rick Barrett's'Give to Live' will bless your life and the life of everyoneyou share it with".Dr. Joe Rubino said, "Giving is the access to manifestingwhat you wish to attract and 'Give to Live' is the book thatcontains the wisdom necessary for you to manifest yourdeepest desires by contributing to others".Again, you can have the e-book for FREE at --http://www.givetolivebook.com/ Please share it with others.Love, Health and Happiness,Dr. RickPS -- If you would prefer to have a printed copyof the book for yourself or to give to people youcare about, you can order it from --http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

Partial proceeds go to charity!

A Moment of Silence and Prayer Please...

For my dear friend, Susie, who died Wednesday and for her husband, Dewitt. It was quite a shock. After a short battle with pneumonia, organ failures, and life support she was taken home. She was only 52 years old. I'm writing this partially to help with my grieving, but also for my dear friend, Dewitt and the families. Though faith is strong and our minds are clear about our belief in the afterlife, the heart still grieves.

Knowing Susie and Dewitt, loving and sharing with them for 25 years, makes her passing very difficult. This at the end of the year and during the holidays is tough. This has been one hell of a year. Not just for me, but for many of you, too.

We all struggle to know when to talk about "things", how much to share, whether we are a burden to others while trying to carry on our lives. After all, the living must go on living.

Pain, loneliness, memories, love, all collide whether we are alone or surrounded by others. We lean on our faith, our beliefs, those things that seem constant and safe, and our God.

Reviewing this year is tough. I lost my best friend, my father, in February. Shortly after, my aunt Eleanor, my father's sister, passed on. My sister had a tumor removed from her colon the size of a tangerine, and has her last chemo treatment on December 26th! My good friend Father Pedro's father passed away. I could go on and on. There have been so many stories of tragedy, illness and death from family, friends, and patients. So many of you have been suffering. This has been a year like no other.

While at the medical center on Monday night to say goodbye to Susie, I reflected on the enormity of the medical center. Home to so many hospitals and well over 5,000 employees. It's a city unto itself. There are so many people who are suffering, dying and have severe health problems. And this is just one center! Everyone of us has a story of a friend or family member. This is part of our human experience. It is something in a sad and tragic way that binds us. Knowing that others may have a similar or worse circumstance doesn't make our suffering and pain any less. Nor does it minimize our problem by comparison. You begin to wonder, or at least I do, how is everyone coping?

In the end, though, I believe that all of this makes me stronger as it does you. I am grateful for all that I have and for everyone in my life. I cherish all the good moments and I'm trying to see the hope, light, and love in all.

All our lives are so very busy. It is hard to slow down and enjoy the little things, the moments we have with each other. Life, (I am constantly being reminded of), is too short not to live it to the fullest, too short for tolerances and strife. And too short not to be in harmony with God.

I have great memories to hold onto about Susie. She enjoyed hosting a yearly Christmas party at their home that was always wonderful.

Many years ago, Susie and Dewitt opened up their home for a beautiful wedding party for Mary and I. And the last wonderful memory was just a short few months ago when we were finally able to arrange our schedules and have a great dinner together at a local restaurant. These are the moments that are important and what I know I need to create more of. And I pray you do too.

So as this year ends, I pray for all of you and your families-for health, happiness, peace, prosperity and especially for love. And I ask for your prayers in return.

Love,
Dr. Rick Barrett

Marilyn Monroe Donates to Our 14th Annual Food Drive

What could be better than our 14th Annual Food Drive supporting the East Fort Bend Food Pantry? Nothing, other than Marilyn Monroe making a surprise visit to my office after having spent some time bringing joy to others by passing out candy on Halloween along with Freddy Krueger and Edward Scissorhands. Many of you may not know, but Marilyn still gets around pretty good after all these years. She is still beautiful, vivacious, and brings joy where ever she goes. She also is very caring and brought us food for our annual food drive. I encourage all of you who live close by our office to bring us a bag of food for the needy families in Fort Bend.

This year more than ever we need your help with food or monetary contributions. With the economic situation to Hurricane Ike, people in our community have been feeling the crunch. I know many of you feel it too. So whatever you can do to help is always appreciated by so many. As always, I will give back to you, even though you don't expect anything in return. So here's how it works:

Patient Appreciation Day
We are throwing a huge community and patient appreciation day party for everyone who brings food or cash. Plus, we will have free massages, treatments and lots of door prizes donated by our community businesses such as:

Starbucks, CiCi's Pizza, The Fort Bend Star, Margie Connolly with My Personal Fitness http://www.mypersonalfitness.biz/index.php, Christina Collins with Passion Parties, Claudia De La Parra-Registered Massage Therapist, Fed-Ex Kinkos, and many more....

Please come if you can. You will love it, but remember you can bring food anytime. Please join us on...

Thursday, November 20th
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, Texas

Together we can make a difference in other people's lives!

Now, here's a big, big, big gift!! For someone you love or just want to see get healthy... A TOTALLY FREE first chiropractic visit! A Pro-Aduster analysis, conversation with me, a book on health and more. All this for one bag of food.

Those of you who know me will understand that I am serious about people getting well and avoiding unneccessary drugs and surgery. Now, more than ever, with economic strain, pressures from everywhere diminishing and disappearing health benefits, etc, etc, people are breaking down physically, chemically and emotionally. It doesn't look to be getting better anytime soon.

So if you or someone you know is experiencing more health problems, more anxiety, more stress, ask yourself or them, "Is it going to get better on its own?" Of course not! Waiting until the body breaks down is the most costly thing a person can do. It is time to be pro-active in our health choices. If we are not, physical, family and financial ruin may be just around the corner.

Don't take my word for it. Come talk with some of our patients whose family members this happened to. Call the hospitals, find out how much a stay there costs. Discover what surgeries run. With less and less insurance coverage, many people will be in for a very rude wake up call if they don't actively pursue health.

We can help in many ways. Tell your friends and loved ones to come in for a check up now before stress tears them down! This is the perfect time.

One bag of food equals a Pro-Adjuster evaluation, conversation and help!

We take most insurance and if you or your company has been paying for it...use it now before the end of the year. Otherwise, you have thrown that money in the trash.

For those who don't partake in regular chiropractic treatments, whether from me or another chiropractor, ask my good friend, Marilyn Monroe about the benefits of chiropractic care and nutrition.

Not only is she a patient, but her sister is a chiropractor in Dallas and her grandfather is still practicing. He is over 80 years old! Marilyn and her family reap the benefits of chiropractic care. Living a drug free, neurologically balanced life means a healthy life. Never without problems, but a higher level of health.

Remember, health is to be actively pursued daily and is a process. If you are lucky you may get to visit with Marilyn from time to time at my office. Another fun benefit of getting chiropractic care, maintaining your wellness through periodic adjustments and balanced nutritional intervention.

Contacting Marilyn...
To see Marilyn Monroe outside of my office, she is available for special events. Contact my friend Kristy at http://www.gigmasters.com/magic/MarilynMore/

P.S. Thanks for everyone supporting the food drive, my past medical missions to Tequila, Mexico and my next medical mission to Tamasopo, Mexico. You are loving and generous people. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

P.S.S. As always, you may send mission donations to my office.
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459

Little Lety...My Encounter With An Angel

I was taken aback, caught unaware and vulnerable, thrown to the ground, crushed, bruised and humbled. Suddenly then resurrected, enlivened, loved, energized and renewed. All within a moment with little Lety. In the flash of a blink of an eye, she became and is my angel and saviour. My love has been rekindled. I am inspired, motivated, renewed and ever so grateful.

My words simply will not do justice to the extraordinary week I have had in Mexico. Lety is just one of many people that I had the privilege to treat in and around Tequila, Mexico. But Lety is a great big part in my very special experience. I will tell you more about her in a moment.

Our mission trip was coordinated by Francisco, a friend of mine, who lives in Austin. He is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and most of his family lives in and around the Tequila area. Francisco is a hard worker, good, loving family man and servant. He has been part of our medical mission team for many years. We have travelled on previous mission trips to different parts of Mexico as well as Honduras. But this was our team's first time on his home ground. He knows first hand, the needs of the people. He himself grew up in a family with sixteen children. He is number eight. It wasn't unusual to go many days without food. And the small adobe brick home's roof would collapse and need repair after every rainy season. They slept in three rooms--five, five and eight including his parents. Francisco wanted to bring our team to his people and so we went.

Over thirty of us including nurses, translators, a nun (Sister Lillian), two dentists, one acupuncturist, five medical doctors and one chiropractor--me. By the end of the week we treated over 2,000 people in the towns of Tequila, Hostotipaquillo, Amatitan and Magdelena. With so many treated you might imagine there are many heart wrenching stories. And a lifetime of pain and anguish to go around. These people have more than their share. But as in past mission trips, the people are alive! They are joyous, happy, caring, proud gracious and oh so thankful of our presence among them and the little assistance we can give to them.

The bus driver who drove us from town to town duplicated cd's of Mexican music as a gift for all the team members. Some of us were given little handmade carvings of tequila barrels. I was given gifts of tequila, a bag of guava fruit, a beautiful crucifeix and a cane. These gifts represent the love and gratitude from people who knew we weren't going to cure them in one visit. They may feel temporarily better but they are being given hope, love, caring and respect. In turn, though most can't afford to, they come back and give some of us these gifts of love and appreciation.

Sister Leeticia Gonzalez Naeto was one of my patients. She is of the order of the Missionaries De Jesus Crucificado. After treating her she gifted me with a beautiful silver crucifex and chain that she was wearing around her neck.

It represents her order and is given to them when they are accepted into the order. This is the type of genuine heartfelt gesture that words do no justice to. The eighty plus year old man that hand carved a walking stick for me.

After treating him on the first day, he travelled to where we were staying and waited for three hours to give me his gift. He was only sorry he hadn't had time to paint or stain it. The cane is made from a local tree similar to bamboo and the eyes of the animal head are seeds. It's a crude walking stick, but beautiful and the love behind it is very powerful.

Victor Carrillo came to me on crutches in severe pain. He was helped by his mother. He is 32 years old and has been suffering with debilitating arthritis since he was 9 years old. He was apologetic for keeping me late one night after the rest of the team had closed up shop. But he explained he was in such pain in the morning that he couldn't get out of bed. When he finally managed enough strength to push through the pain, he made it to see me. He was sorry to inconvenience me! Can you believe that? One of the hardest mental hurdles to overcome is the knowledge that at some point our team must shut down and pack up. This leaves, regrettably, many people untreated. Fortunately, that day, Victor got his acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. I remain sorrowful as all of us do for those who we were unable to attend to. I struggle with images of the unattended. But I am grateful for the people I have been privileged to see and work with.

As one 80 year old man said to Rosa (my translator) and I, "He would always have us in his heart and it meant so much for us to be here; he wanted to cry!" I understand how he feels. We feel the same.

On the first day of the mission, Dr. Nathalie asked for my assistance with a young girl in a wheelchair. Upon meeting her and her mother I learned of her condition. Stunted growth from a hydrocephalic brain. A large scar from a spinal surgery due to spina bifida, a very compacted body due to severe scoliosis and lower limbs that did not function. Her name, Leticia...Lety!

When I started to work with Lety, she hurt and then she relaxed, eased into it and from then on she was all giggles, smiles and laughter. She loved the spinal adjustments and muscle work I was performing on her. Dr. Nathalie said you could just see her body unfold. Lety had an infectious giggle, engaging smile and a spirit of life that burst from her. A spirit that you don't often see in people who have every comfort and health. Never mind someone like her with obvious disabilities and hardships to struggle with daily. There were many wonderful people but Lety really got to me. As she spoke you could hear the joy in her. I became increasingly humbled and inspired as I learned more about this little girl. Confined to a wheelchair yet still wanting independence she sold gum and candies on the street. While thinking this was remarkable, her mom began to explain that she had actually been working since she was 13 years old. Then she had a job at the tequila disillery as a greeter!

This little girl displays more love, joy, strength, courage, fortitude...well you name it. She is more than most of us. That's why I said in all of a short moment she crushed me and a resurrected me. If Lety could be like this there's hope for all of us. She is an example, a role model, a person to look up to. She saved me. She became my angel in that moment. And then proved it to me three more times as I had other encounters with her over the next few days. She is a genuine loving soul.

The next day, I found Lety on the street selling her candies and gum in front of a pharmacy--her usual spot. She gave me and two of my companions a piece of candy. She was very generous. We spoke for a while, took a few photos and then I bought a $20 piece of gum. She didn't ask for it, but I wanted to buy it. I'm confident I got a great deal.

The next encounter with Lety gave me the opportunity to treat her one more time and I was thrilled to see her excitement as she told me how wonderful she had been feeling since her first treatment. Once again her giggles, smiles and excurberence were contagious. This girl was good for my health. Each time I saw Lety, life was better. She truly is a little angel to me, a gift from God.

I was given a gift the night before we left. It was a small statue of a girl with paper tags glued on a stick afixed to the statue. It was from Lety. They read :

"Que bonito es recibir,

Pero mas bonito es dar,

Gracias por darte a los demas,
Sin experar mas que una sonrisa.

Gracias por dar felicidad,
Gracias por dar alivio y consuelo,
Cuando te sientas triste y solo.
Busca una sonrisa,
Que Dios te bendiga hoy y siempre,

Tu amiga, Lety"


"How wonderful it is to receive,

But it is a lot better to give,

Thank you for giving yourself to others,
Without expecting anything more than a smile,
Thank you for your happiness,
Thank you for giving hope and much needed help,
When you feel sad and lonely,
Look for a smile,

God bless, you now and forever,
Your friend, Lety"

I will always keep Lety in my heart and mind. I look forward to seeing her again. And when I do, I know I will be renewed once again. My goal is to make her more comfortable by replacing her wheelchair with a modern electric wheelchair. A small something to make her life a bit easier. I'm sure I will succeed in locating and acquiring one for her.

I hope you've enjoyed a little of my trip. There is so much more it's difficult to process and write about all of it.

I want to personally thank the magnificent team of doctors, nurses and support staff that made this trip exceptional. Each one has their own heart warming stories.

Thanks to all who have donated funds, prayed and sent love and positive thoughts our way. Our next mission will be to Tamasopo, Mexico, November 8th through the 16th. As always, feel free to contact me at (281) 499-4810 for more information.

With love and respect,
Que Dios Te Bendiga Hoy Y Siempre

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. This paper came out the last day we were in Tequila. Anyone look familiar?

Please enjoy a small sample of photos from our trip.

South of The Border...

Buenos Dios!

Just a note to let you know our team arrived safely for our medical mission in Tequila, Mexico. This mission is with the team from St. Williams in the Austin Diocese. We have a wonderful group of medical doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, acupuncturist and support staff. Yesterday we treated over 600 people! Please remember the people that we are treating and the team in your prayers. Our next mission will be in November to Tamasopo, Mexico with the Sugar Land group. Here is a link to view some great photos of the blue agave plant which is found in the area of Tequila.
http://www.ddbstock.com/tequila1.html

Adios!

Thanks, Great Workshop!!

Thanks to all who attended our wellness workshop. We had a great time with good food from Whole Foods. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Our guest speakers, Lisa Helffrich, RD and Devra Lindsay from Transformation were well received and provided great information on weight loss/control, discovering your body type, the benefits of Body Composition Assessment and knowing your cellular age.

For those of you who couldn't attend because of the "aftermath of Hurricane Ike", don't worry. We are scheduling another workshop when Lisa returns from a talk in Russia. She is very special and providing this workshop free for my patients and friends. Don't miss the next one. We will keep you posted. Watch for the e-mail.

You can change your health by changing your physiology. Health is your choice. See you soon...

The Prayers Worked...

Alison had her surgery yesterday and it was a complete success. So thanks to you for prayers, thanks to God for answering them, thanks to the surgeons and of course, thanks to me for my great O negative blood!!!! You knew I would include myself--right? Seriously, we are all thankful. Thanks for always being there.

Patient Out For Doctor's Blood...

What could make a patient want a doctor's blood? They must really be angry right? No, it's not what you think. The patient isn't upset about a botched procedure, lack of caring, a medical mistake, or any number of other problems that sometime occur between a patient and their care giver. In fact, it's just the opposite.

This patient loves the doctor in question. It's her and her family's chiropractor for over 14 years--Me! Unfortunately, Alison needs a delicate surgery that requires enough of the right type of blood to be available for her. About 4:30 p.m on Wednesday afternoon, while treating patients, Mary rushed into my treatment room and shouted, "What blood type are you?" The response, "O negative, why?" "Alison's surgery is Friday and they can't do it unless she has more blood, your blood! Will you do it?"

Of course I said "yes" immediately. "Then you have to get to the blood bank by 6:00 p.m or it will be too late. I finished with a few more patients and rushed over to the blood bank. I did make it on time and successfully donated blood. I even have a blown out vein to prove it.

Alison is a precious, beautiful girl whose had health challenges since birth. She and her family are like family to me and staff members. Even my mom knows and love Alison and Sandy (her mom). In fact, the first thing my mother said was, "I wish I was there. I would give her my blood too!" She also has O negative blood.

The next day, I found out from Sandy that because of power problems at the hospital due to Hurricane Ike, Alison's surgery has been pushed to next week. So, I am once again soliciting all your prayers for Alison, the surgical team, and anyone involved in Alison's care and recovery.

Also, please remember blood is a precious commodity that is very much needed. Especially in times of crisis like Hurricane Ike. Please consider giving blood especially if you have precious blood like mine. O negative! Contact your local blood bank. They can use your help.

Ike Update

This is mainly for those of you outside the Houston area. The rest of us are on news overload with constant radio and television broadcasts. We are now at one week since Ike hit the Texas coast. Galveston was ground zero and it along with the Bolivar Peninsula is devastated. People are not allowed back on the island yet. The west side of the Houston area was hit the worst. But the effects are far reaching. About one million people are still without power and may not get it for several more weeks. Even though the power companies have about 8,000 people from all over the country and Canada working on it. Between floods, storm surges and wind, depending on the location, people either have minimal damage to complete devastation. Most in the Houston area have minimal damage--water in home, roof problems, power out, but houses and businesses still livable. If you can't reach someone you love, it may take awhile but I am confident they are physically okay with few exceptions. Our friends, Drake and Michele live in the Kemah area. Michele is a nurse and massage therapist that many of you will remember has been on medical missions with me. They had water in the house but are okay. My friend, Steve in Sugar Land, had part of his roof blown off and has wall, ceiling and sheet rock damage. Both houses are livable unlike most people in the Galveston area with total destruction. Ninety-percent of my patients are still without power but everyone is okay. This all will take months to years to repair and normalize depending on the area and severity of damage. Many people still have no phone or Internet. So try not to worry about friends and family.



You can check our local stations like _http://www.khou.com/weather/hurricanecentral/or http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/index for updates. PODS (points of distribution) have been set up throughout damaged areas. I've heard as many as fifty. These are manned by volunteers-military, TSA employees, etc. Ice, water and mre's (meals ready to eat) are distributed from these sites. Tuesday morning, I volunteered at one that Mary saw on the news. This particular POD was severely understaffed. I spent four hours schlepping ice from refrigerated trucks. Then treated patients at the office until 5:30 p.m. at which time I raced over to the blood bank and donated blood for a patient who is scheduled for a surgery. It was a busy day to say the least.

Right now all of us have to chip in and help one another. Lend support wherever and however we can to the best of our abilities. Prayers and money are needed for the most devastated. Contact the Red Cross if you can help. http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?

Why Do You Crave Specific Foods?

We have put together an informative workshop to discuss what you can do to maintain optimal health throughout your lifetime. In our class you can expect to learn:

• The Importance of Digestive Enzymes


• Health Benefits of Enzyme Therapy


• Understanding Your Body Type


• Learn How to Balance Your Health Through Diet and Enzyme Therapy


• Body Composition Assessment (BCA)

Have you ever wondered why you gained weight on the same diet your friend lost weight on? Why you crave certain foods? Are you interested in knowing your "cellular age" and how to monitor your aging rate?

Then join us on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for our wellness workshop with guest speakers: Lisa Helffrich, RD and Devra Lindsay with Transformation Enzyme Corporation.

Give us a call at (281) 499-4810 to reserve your spot in our workshop. The workshop will be held at 2853 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX.

Hurricane Ike and us...

My staff and I just finished treating some of the most dedicated patients in the World! With hurricane Ike looming in the Gulf and water lapping over the sea wall in Galveston, these people dedicated to their health came in for their life enhancing chiropractic adjustments! YES! It's clear that their first priority is their health. A few years ago during hurricane Rita, Evelyn, while millions of people were gridlocked on the freeways, took all the back roads to my office and got her chiropractic adjustment. That's dedication! Well, she was the only patient that day. She instantly became my patient of the century! I've talked about that day so much, I guess other patients wanted to join her elite ranking. After all, how many people can say they received chiropractic care during a hurricane? In fact, I dare you to find too many chiropractors who are open. I know this either makes me dedicated or crazy...maybe a little of both. But sincerely, I want to thank Mary and Krystal for coming to the office today to make it all work. I realize most people are either leaving town or making preparations to weather the storm that will hit in a few hours. So don't feel bad about not coming in. You can make it up later. But obviously some people truly believe Barrett Chiropractic Clinic is the cool place to be during a hurricane!



Thanks go out to all of you, Kevin, Brian, Trish, Marlene, Linda, Nailya, Jill, Sharon, Kathy, Maxine, Jerrie, Miriam, Ashley and Jesus. I salute you! We at Barrett Chiropractic Clinic are praying for all our patients and their families and friends. And for everyone in the path of the hurricane. May we all be safe as we ride out the storm.



P.S. New area maps have jut been delivered to my office. Please come pick up your free map. Of course, I have a business card size ad on the map and I'm listed under physicians and surgeons. So, if you need a surgically precise chiropractic treatment...give me a call!

Photo of My Great Nephew and His First....

Hunter Rittweger was born July 11, 2008 to my nephew Adam and his wife, Shannon. Hunter is the first Texan on my side of the family. Coming from New Jersey, it's a little strange having "kin folk" from the south. My nephew, Adam, was born in Louisiana (which I still hold against him). Though it's his mother's fault. haha Anyway, back to Hunter. He's a great kid, healthy and happy. His parents are very smart because they've already started Hunter on chiropractic care to ensure his health. For many of you, this only makes perfect sense, but I know some of you are struggling with the idea.

First of all, the baby is obviously a little version of an adult. With a brain and nervous system that must function to it's highest and best capacity to regulate and control everything in the entire body. Any small misalignment of the vertebrae can potentially interfere with the neurological transmition of vital life developing signals. So no, he doesn't complain of back pain, or headaches and he hasn't lifted anything the wrong way and herniated a disc. Adjusting and molding his spine now is all about proper alignment, enhanced development and allowing his body's health to express itself to its best potential. Improving all his systems and giving him the best chance to be strong with strenghtened immunity.

It's preventative health care and life enhancement at its best. Why wait until he's broken to attend to his needs? Let's keep him healthy from the beginning and continue to manage health. Rather than the opposite which is managing sickness!

So to Hunter, we wish you the best health and happiness for a lifetime and all the blessings that God bestows upon you.

P.S. Here's a picture of Hunter receiving his first chiropractic spinal adjustment. The pressure is very light but extremely effective. To understand more about the nervous system, health, nutrition and why we are able to help childhood ear infections, colic and more visit our website at http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/

Talented Children Musicians

If you like beautiful, talented children musicians, you've got to watch this YouTube video. It is from the award ceremony given by the Child Care Council of Greater Houston. My good friend, Nerissa Oden (aka The Video Queen), shot the video and posted it to YouTube. You'll see my mom, wife, sister and friends acting goofy....of course, but the beginning and end show some precious, talented kids playing music.

Hope you like it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkcYrh9EbBU


P.S. It's a great organization to support!
Check out these weblinks:

Child Advocates of Greater Houston http://www.cccghi.com/

The Video Queen http://www.thevideoqueen.com/index.html

Arnold Schwarzenegger sends message to the United States...

These very unhealthy trans unsaturated fatty acids are known to cause heart disease and other health problems. California has just said, "NO MORE"! This is a first great step to changing our country's health and saving lives.

Hopefully, all the other states will take notice and go into similar immediate action. But our health problems that have been set in motion over decades won't be so easily reversed. Unfortunately, it will take time and this means our obesity problem will continue to grow and likely millions more will die considering that over half a million Americans die yearly from heart disease.

I am supportive of California's effort because as consumers of a product (food), we should have a presumption of innocence regarding our food. By that I mean that the food should be innocent of creating harm to our bodies. When we eat, we should not have to guard ourselves or be concerned that it is toxic in any way.

We must rely on those that feed us to be responsible and look out for our needs, safety and health. But this does not negate our personal responsibility to eat better, make healthier choices and do all we can individually to create wellness from within. I think we may be moving in the right direction, however, I do have a concern that by replacing trans fats with soybean oil as stated in the ABC article will create a host of other health issues. Yes, I know most people think soy is wonderful. However, soy has its own problems.



Back in 1995, the Israeli Health Ministry created a thirteen member team of oncologists, nutritionists and other specialists to study soy. Their conclusion:

Soy adversely affects the body in many ways and should be minimally eaten or not at all. The estrogen like plant hormones in soy can cause hormonal and reproductive problems and even cancer. They even advised a ban on soy based infant formula.



Many years of doing food allergy tests on patients have shown a high percentage have soy issues. Often times these are not full blown allergic symptoms but sensitivities. They can manifest as an array of symptoms that a person would not suspect a seemingly harmless food to be the cause.



As always, stay informed, eat as naturally as possible, and take good nutritional supplementation. I also highly recommend a food sensitivity test for everyone. It is highly informative and can change your life. Call my office or go to our website at http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/ to read more.

Also, check out the rest of the trans fat story on ABC news at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=5454372

Learn more about trans fat at http://www.bantransfat.com/



P.S. I think I'm going to write to Arnold and suggest they change all state signs and license plates to read "First trans fat free state"! What do you think?

Healing Hands, Loving Heart, Faith In God

Hi Everyone!



I just wanted to share with you a beautiful gift I was recently surprised with. A long time patient who has become an absolute cherished friend drew something especially for me. I love it so much that I didn't want to keep it to myself. So here it is...

My friend, Lisa Daidone, drew this in charcoal. As you continue to look at it you become increasingly captivated by all the beautiful elements. It is mesmerizing, some would even say spiritual and hypnotic. The more I look at it and reflect on it, the more it speaks to me on different levels. I have always enjoyed different forms of art, but have never been one to sit and observe and then over analyze a piece for all its meaning. This piece is different. Maybe because I know and love Lisa so much or because I am familiar with the subject matter. Or because I know the love Lisa put into the art. I think it's probably all this and more.

Certainly at first glance everyone should notice that there are hands and these hands are giving life enhancing spinal adjustments. The hands are mine though I didn't pose for the picture. The lower left hand shows my wedding ring. The figure could be a man or a woman. Or perhaps it's Jesus? Or perhaps it's representative of every human that is touched is bringing me closer to God (or any other person that helps another human being). Certainly the heart leaps out of the picture representing love, caring and the commonality of all people (the vessel that gives us all life). The heart must be taken care of and any caring of the human frame touches the heart, embraces it and protects it. You may also notice the subtlety of the cross paying homage and respect to my faith.

Although the picture is vertical I invite you to see it from my perspective which is to say that of a chiropractor leaning over a patient who is face down on an adjusting table. If you can imagine laying the picture down on a table and looking at it from above this is what I would see as my hands palpate and treat the patient. So each patient becomes even more important because each has Jesus (God) within him/her. Therefore, my responsibility to that individual (or any chiropractor) is breathtaking, awe inspiring and overwhelming. Anyone caring for another human being would or should think or experience the same thing. But to see this in a piece of art is a great awareness generator and constant reminder.

As I said earlier, the more I look, the more I think, the more I see. I hope you enjoy looking at this piece as much as I do. I've displayed it prominently in the front of my office for all to view. If you have an opportunity please come and look at it. You may get to see some of Lisa's other pieces as I plan to display some for her.

P.S. I'd love to hear your interpretation and insights about my picture. I think it speaks volumes more than Lisa even intended. Let me know...Thanks!

As Always, Yours In Health,

Dr. Rick Barrett

www.barrettchiroclinic.com

www.2healnow.wordpress.com

The Champions for Our Children

I was recently honored with a wonderful recognition award. I now join the ranks of noteables like past honoree, Houston's Mayor Bill White. I was awarded a humanitarian award on June 4th as one of several honorees receiving the Community Caring Award given by the Child Care Council of Greater Houston, an organization which has served children and their families for over 35 years. The Community Caring award was created in 2006 and originally called the Humanitarian Award.

"Giving the Community Caring Award is our way of expressing appreciation for the efforts and successes of the organizations that choose to exhibit deep caring for their communities by dedicating themselves to addressing the needs of children."

Dr. Doris Bilton, Board President said, "It is our privilege to honor them for they honor us each day by their continual support to the communities that they serve."

To learn more about this wonderful organization visit http://www.cccghi.com/

The Mish Mosh Mission

Mary and I just returned from another mission trip to Mexico. I've named it the Mish Mosh Mission. Why? Because it was a combination of so many different activites. From providing chiropractic care for the Nahuatl Indians, building healthy, environmentally friendly stoves, (Mary took pictures of me up to my elbows in cow manure!) re-building the small village of La Gloria and working on a new film project. Oh, yes, and there was a dinner in Mexico involving "Richard Gere". All of this is too much to tell you about right now. I will blog about it over the next few days. Enjoy the photos!

E-Factor

For those of you who weren't able to hear my interview with the E-Factor you can download the MP3 directly from:

http://ipeccoaching.audioacrobat.com/download/ec3dfdca-e2c9-1484-a951-0641ac58ba46.mp3.

www.the-efactor.com

Jennifer Zeller with the E-Factor said,"That was one of my favorite installments of the E-Factor in the history of the show! Thank you so much for sharing what you did. It was very inspiring, and I hope will get people to move forward in making a difference in their own remarkable ways, and down their own remarkable paths..."

Enjoy!

What Does Miss USA and Chiropractor, Dr. Rick Barrett Have In Common?

They are both winners! Crystle Stewart (Miss Texas) just won Miss USA and is featured in the April issue of H Texas Magazine.

Dr. Rick Barrett is also featured in H Texas Magazine as one of Houston's Top Chiropractors! This on the heels of being named one of H Texas Magazine's Top Professionals in 2007!

Both Miss USA and Dr. Rick Barrett hail from Fort Bend County, Texas. Crystle lives in Missouri City and Dr. Barrett's office, Barrett Chiropractic Clinic is located in Missouri City. www.barrettchiroclinic.com

Dr. Barrett and Miss USA both believe in setting goals, reaching for ones dreams, overcoming obstacles, inspiring and empowering people to reach their full potential.

Miss USA 2008 is a motivational speaker and self-improvement teacher.

Top Chiropractor 2008 Dr. Rick Barrett continually strives to help individuals improve their mental, physical and spiritual health. As all healing comes from above, down, inside and out. Dr. Barrett teaches and heals through his daily example through lectures and books he has written such as "Dare To Break Through the Pain", "Healed By Morning" and "Improve Your Health Pro-Actively".

What else do they have in common? She calls Dr. Barrett all the time for advice, tips on fashion, modeling, etc. Okay, well that's not true. She has never called him. He doesn't even know her. But if she did call, he would definitely talk to her. They would have a lot in common and much to talk about. They could help a great deal of people. So, hope she reads this and calls him.

They could even go on the lecture circuit together!

Both Miss USA and Dr. Rick Barrett are stunningly beautiful! Well...okay...Miss USA, Crystle Stewart is stunningly beautiful. Dr. Barrett...well...not so much.

We in Fort Bend and Missouri City are proud of Crystle. She will be a fine representitive for the U.S. and will strive to make a positive impact through the use of her title just as she has done as Miss Texas. Congratulations, Miss USA!!

P.S. Dr. Barrett is going to be interviewed on the E-Factor. We invite you to listen in and be part of an E-Factor. The date will be Tuesday, April 29th, at noon, Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. Central, 10:00 a.m. Mountain, 9:00 a.m. Pacific) E-Factor is the popular bi-weekly, 60-minute conference call show, which explores the mindset of success, and the people who make success a reality. Go to http://www.the -efactor.com/ to register for the call!

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Mission Possible!!!

It’s almost time!!! We are traveling to Mexico from April 18th to the 26th. Our goals:
1)To help build a much needed school in a colonia near Arteaga Mexico. This project was started by Dr. Nathalie Fiset. To learn more visit http://www.mymedicalmissions.com/ We will also provide some natural care through chiropractic.

2)To help build much needed stoves for the indigenous Nahuatl in the remote areas of Tamazunchale, Mexico. We will also provide chiropractic care to the people. Our friend, Rodolfo Reyes, creates a list for all those who want a stove. After he teaches and has the first person to participate in building the family’s stove, it then is the responsibility of that person to aid in building the next family’s stove. So all the community comes together and shares in the work of creating something new for one another. The wood gathering is an ordeal as the men cut wood daily to stoke the fires for cooking. The quantity of wood needed for their existing “stoves” is larger than the circumference of your arms if you held them in front of you to form a circle. This large bundle of wood is carried by the men from a strap around their forehead that hangs on their backs. Can you imagine cutting and carrying wood like this everyday of your life just to cook your food? One bundle of wood is needed per day, but with the new stove, one bundle will last seven days! This is a huge savings to the environment and to the amount of work the people have to do.

To learn more about this project visit http://www.missionsofhope.com/

An exciting and upcoming project: Orlando O’Neil, an independant filmmaker and author of “Ultimate Learning Program”, myself and a great friend of mine, Dr. Joe Vitale (http://www.mrfire.com/) are working on a movie and book about humanity. I would like to tell you more….stay tuned!

Some of you have helped with our mission projects before and know that any contributions go directy to these projects. We are not a 501K, but we ensure all donations go to these much needed projects.

If you can help (any amount will be appreciated), please send donations to:
Dr. Rick Barrett
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459
As always, thank you for your support in this important cause!

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