I Just Wanted to Share Something Fun...

As I've said many times before, I am blessed to have a great chiropractic practice full of wonderful, talented, loving and giving patients.  It is the patients who truly give me the strength to continue to do what I do and have fun with it.  Because, believe me, the insurance companies do their best to make patients, doctors and their staff miserable.  I love coming to the office every day.  It's a blessing to be a part of helping someone heal.

Often times, patients give me wonderful gifts of appreciation.  It could be cookies, home made gluten-free zucchini bread, bourbon (okay...forget I said that one, alcohol is very, very bad) or just a thank you card with a personal message.

Well, just the other day, my patient Maurice, brought me a poem that he had written for me.  It's so great I just had to share it with you.  Maurice writes poetry of all kinds, is an opera aficionado, sings, etc.  He has a powerful, captivating British voice which I find delightful especially when he reads his writings.  Believe me, when I read his works out loud, it is a pitiful comparison...like a kitten's meow compared to a lion's roar.

Maurice truly breathes life into the piece.  I think he could make one cry if he read the ingredients on a cereal box out loud.  Obviously, I'm attempting to verbally illustrate the power, grace and elegance of his voice and likely failing.  So with no further ado...my gift from Maurice...

My Chiropractor Dr. B

 

High on my list of those who've influenced me

Would be my chiropractor Dr. B

I've known him now for more than twenty years

He's eased my pain and calmed my fears

I know he's passionate about his work

A true believer who would never shirk

Biblical injunctions to those in need

Who barely have the means themselves to feed

Much less to pay for treatment only he

Inspired by charity can give for free

This gives me comfort, hope and confidence

To lie upon his couch, so much less tense

God knows it takes a lot of faith, by heck

To let a man manipulate your neck

 

 

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I.  Thank you Maurice and to each and every patient who has blessed me by allowing me to be part of your healing experience.

 

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

www.barretthealthcenters.com

A Christmas Message

"So this is Christmas and what have you done" are some of the
immortal words in John Lennon's song, Happy Christmas (War is
Over).  It's one of my favorites.

One could likely write an extensive commentary on those words as
they relate to our community, society and world.  And that's just
the opening line.

The other day, I was partially watching/listening to the t.v. while
getting breakfast and preparing to go to the office.  The t.v.
show, of course, was all about preparing us for the Christmas
"shopping" season.  Alerting viewers to the new, have to have
products, the best deals, and what's hot.  It's all lights,
decorations, Santa Claus and parties.  Between segments the
commercials were doing their best to entice with steals and deals.
Emphasis was put on the idea that Christmas is all about
giving...gifts, merchandise, toys, electronics...yes...stuff!

It gave me pause and I thought..."and so this is Christmas and
another New Year", here we go again.

I'll be the first to admit I love the commercial side of
Christmas.  I'm a big kid.  I like everything about it, the lights,
trees, decorations, food, parties, and presents.  I like receiving
presents and giving presents.  I like Santa Claus, his elves,
Rudolph, and all the other reindeer.  I like driving around looking
at Christmas lights on homes and businesses.  I like hot chocolate,
hot cider, cold weather and snow!  There's not much snow in Texas,
especially in our area.  In fact, it looks like it will be another
hot Christmas.  Its 80 degrees as I write this, but growing up in
New Jersey I had plenty of cold and snow.  In fact, some of my
fondest memories are walking to the church in the snow to attend
midnight mass.  There is a strangely magical and special feeling
that you get as you walk in the quiet of the late night enjoying
the crispness of the air, and looking at all the homes lit up with
their Christmas decorations.  Back then, it seemed as if almost
everyone had a nativity scene in their front yard.  The feeling you
got was one of true peace and tranquility.

While I enjoy all the fun and commercial parts of Christmas, and
recognize it is a perfect time to acknowledge, appreciate, and show
kindness and love to those you know in the form of material gifts.
It is ancillary to the heart, and soul of Christmas.

As many of you know, I'm blessed to have an extremely diverse group
of patients.  I love to hear about everyone's beliefs, rituals,
heritage, ancestry, religion and customs.

During a conversation about Christmas and presents, one young
patient said they exchange gifts and her cousins put up a tree and
decorate.  I said, "but you're Muslim and don't celebrate
Christmas".  She replied that the holidays are fun and they like
the presents.  So, of course, being the sarcastic person I am, but
in a nice way, I said, "If it's all about presents then why not
celebrate Hanukkah that way you can get eight days of presents!"
Well, we had fun talking about it.  But it made me realize there
are all kinds of people that celebrate Christmas and the holiday
season because for many, it's all about Santa Claus and presents.

The Santa Claus we know and love today is a modernized,
commercialized adaptation of the original Saint Nicholas-a real
person and a Bishop in the early church.  He believed in and
practiced Christ's teachings that we help those in need.   Now,
Christmas is more about those in, want!

Christians have to navigate the mine field of Christmas, reminding
others and ourselves of the history of Christmas, the truth of
Christmas, and the reason we celebrate.  Christ, Jesus was born!

I am saddened that we need to commonly justify or clarify the
intent of Christmas by saying such things as "the real reason for
the season" or the "true meaning of Christmas" or "put Christ back
in Christmas".  I guess we are compelled to do this because society
as a whole has diverged so far from the truth.

Merry, are those who sell consumables in a country that zealously
worships consumerism almost as much as a religion.  The message of
Christian religion-the message of Christmas is virtually being
overshadowed, diluted and paved over by the message of
consumerism-buy, buy, buy!

The message of Christmas is of a love so powerful that God
presented humanity with the greatest gift ever given.  It is a
continuous everlasting gift that in my mind comes in three parts.
The first is the miraculous birth of a baby, the Son of God, made
human, named Jesus.  The second part of the gift unfolds and is
revealed as this baby becomes a man who lives amongst us and
teaches us daily through his words and actions about the kingdom of
God.  Last is the ultimate gift, some 35 years later when the gift
is fully manifested in the ultimate sacrifice-the crucifixion of
our Lord, Jesus.

Of course, I realize that not all people share the belief that
Jesus is the Son of God.  For some He is simply a historical figure
and others don't believe there is even a God.  There are many
religions and belief systems.  Everyone's entitled to their
beliefs.  I can honor and respect them.  But if one is to celebrate
Christmas, they should be at least aware, appreciative of, and
respectful of the truth of Christmas.  It is the joyous celebration
of the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ into our lives.  He came to
love, cherish and teach us and eventually die for us.  Now that is
a spectacular gift!

God's gift connects us so intimately with Him in a very obvious
human way.  It serves as a supreme example-a sort of gift of all
gifts.  What larger expression of love can be demonstrated than the
gift of a life...a Son.

We should be encouraged and even inspired by God's example to find
ways of giving part of ourselves to others who can benefit by what
we have to offer.  Our love is free and our time, expertise and
talents can be given as gifts.

Understandably, the joy of Christmas that many experience can also
be an extreme burden and time of sorrow for others who are
suffering from their own problems or from the loss of family.
There are people in great need, physically...emotionally.  Perhaps
there is some gift that you can give to one of them.  Something
you've created or built with your hands-something that has a piece
of your heart and soul.

Perhaps it's the gift of visiting the elderly, and sitting quietly
as you listen to their stories.  Find someone to connect with this
season, in a human way.  You'll not only be blessing someone else's
life, but giving an everlasting gift to yourself.

"So this is Christmas and what have you done.

Another year over and a new one just begun...

And so this is Christmas, I hope you had fun.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Let's hope it's a good one without any fear."
I wish blessings upon each and every one of you, your friends and
family during this Christmas season and each and every day.  May
peace and freedom be yours with health and prosperity following you
all the days of your life.

Merry Christmas to all who believe and happy holidays to all who
believe differently.

Love,

Dr. Rick Barrett

    P.S.  To find people in need check with your church, synagogue,
The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, nursing facilities,
service organizations like The Rotary Foundation, Kiwanis
International, Lion's Club or your neighbors.

I Owe You...

...A Big Thank You

Our Open House celebration was a huge success. I was very happy to host this party for you in celebration of our new location. I am truly grateful for everyone who was able to attend. Though it was a rainy day, we still had well over one hundred people show up. I understand many couldn’t make it due to weather or other commitments. You can come to the next one!

Thanks, also, to those of you who sent e-mails or called! We had so much great food from our generous sponsors. The wine, beer, sodas, water and juice for the kids kept everyone well lubricated.

Special thanks to Dennis and Geoff from Louisiana Homestyle Kitchen, Adam Julius from My Fit Foods, Sal Karouni from Red Oak Grill. Not only did they provide great food, they all gave coupons out for discounts at their establishments. Please let them know how much you appreciated and enjoyed the food. Those of you who missed the party still might get a discount by mentioning you are a patient or friend of ours …worth a try.

Many thanks, also, to Lisa Daidone for bringing her artwork all the way from Austin.

Thanks also to our nutritional product vendors who brought giveaways. Our nutritional sponsors took time to support us and bring giveaways for you: Dr. Rachel Olivier with Biotics, Lisa Helffrich with Transformation Enzymes and author of the book, The Ripple Effect of Toxicity, Ken Tate with Anabolic Labs, Nutri-West, Standard Process, Wellness Watchers and Spectracell. Thank you all.

 

 We also appreciate Dr. Richard Silver and Dr. Craig Brenan from Insight Medical Diagnostics, Inc. for bringing wine and a doorprize.

Thank you to Delvis with Transformation Enzymes for the great vegetable, cheese and fruit platters from Whole Foods. JENC Medical for ice packs and BioFreeze, Chick-fil-A for coupons, Liquor 4 You for wine, and  Lisa Abraham for the cake.

Thanks to Rod Tate with Colony One Auto Center for oil change coupons and Claudia De La Parra, RMT for massage coupons. Thanks also to Gloria Stauber with Nerium, Tiffany De La Rosa with Relax the Back and Ray Aguilar with Classic Chevrolet for goody bags.

 

Also, a big thank you to Michele Fisher, our friend and radio personality, for promoting our event on 93Q.

A big hit for parents and kids was the fingerprinting of children provided by officers Sonny McClamrock and Michael Berezin, Assistant Chief of the Missouri City Police Department. Thank you!

 

It was a great treat to have our Mayor Allen Owen attend the party as well. He presented me with a beautiful Proclamation. It reads:

Whereas, it is a pleasure to congratulate and welcome Barrett Health Centers in their new home in the city of Missouri City; and
Whereas, we are most pleased and honored that Barrett Health Centers has chosen to continue to be a part of our community; and
Whereas, we are confident you will continue to find the city of Missouri City the ideal location for your new store; and
Whereas, we pledge our cooperation in continuing to make your future with the city of Missouri City both an enjoyable and successful venture.
Now, therefore, I, Allen Owen, Mayor, and on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of the City of Missouri City, do hereby extend to Barrett Health Centers a warm welcome and best wishes for a rewarding future.

 Pretty cool right? Well, I think so.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary effort put forth by Mary and the rest of my staff—Sloan, Lisa, Daniel and Daniella. So a great big thank you to them.

 

 

As always, I’ll keep you updated on future events. The next big ones will be the Guatemala Medical Mission trip at the end of October and our 18th annual food drive for Thanksgiving.

Thanks again!

Wishing you great health and many blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

Could You Do This?

Or this...

Nicki and Myra are incredibly gifted dancers and generously give me some credit for keeping them performing at optimum levels, and minimizing the pain that a rigorous dance schedule pummels their bodies with.  They are the talent, of course.  It’s all them!  I’m just happy that they entrust me to provide chiropractic care and nutritional counseling to them.  Could you do that with chiropractic care?  Some of you could.

I know I couldn’t.  If I tried dancing like that I’d be crippled for life.  These ladies are dedicated, and practice, practice, practice!  Years of training allow them to make these moves look effortless!  I’m amazed by their talent.

But even if you and I can’t do that…we can do other things.  We all desire to live our lives to the fullest with as little pain as possible, and stay healthy!  This can be…achieved!

Myra and Nicki value chiropractic care to improve their health, keep them operating at peak performance, minimize damage to their bodies and just plain stay healthier!  In other words, improve longevity in a healthy way.  Getting older will happen; the trick is to stay young while doing it.

These two women are incredible dancers…athletes and celebrities in their own world.  You may not know them, but you would recognize the names of some major celebrities who also use chiropractic care.  Perhaps you’ve heard of these people:  Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Lance Armstrong (in his book, Lance gives much credit to his chiropractor for his success), Arnold Schwarzeneeger and a virtual endless list of performers in all genres.

In fact, a past spokeswoman for chiropractic and avid user of chiropractic care since she was a child, is former Ms. Fitness, USA, Sarah Harding.

 See one of Sarah's fitness competitions here:

You know that athletes and other celebrities put their pants on the same way you and I do.  They’re human.  But performers will do whatever it takes to succeed.  Many use chiropractic to reach the level of success they desire and keep themselves at the top of their game.  What makes them different, perhaps, is that when they encounter a health challenge they handle it immediately.  It’s the difference between success and failure, winning and losing.  Isn’t it interesting that so many choose to utilize the benefits of a specialist in spinal care…a chiropractor?

I’ve had the great privilege to care for thousands of patients, average people like my own family, medical personnel (medical doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, massage and physical therapists, pharmacists, dentists, surgeons and more), lawyers, clergy, priests, ministers, rabbis, aerospace (NASA) engineers and personnel, four mayors, city council members, government and law enforcement personnel (FBI, police, sheriffs), the young (two days old) to the elderly (you’re never too young, too old, fragile or brittle, but the care is different), postal workers, fire personnel and EMT’s.  CEO’s and, yes, even a few downright celebrities and pro athletes.

I don’t know if there’s a person in a profession I haven’t treated.    All in all…very regular folk.

Why am I sharing this?  No, it’s not to boost my ego.  It’s to let you know people are people.  We all need help; we all have the right to HEALTH, but health is a choice.  Intelligent people choose wisely.

If you haven’t utilized chiropractic care lately to stay healthy, then maybe it’s time to get a check up!

If you live locally and would like to avail yourself of chiropractic care, why not give us a call and…come to the chiropractor you wish you had in your family!

Be the celebrity of your life…be a champion…to yourself and your family!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Go to our website for more information and health tips! www.barrettchiroclinic.com

P.P.S.  Don’t be stingy, like one of my patients who refused to let his golf buddies know why his game had dramatically improved.  Now he was winning!  Tell others about chiropractic care and all the benefits!

Would You Walk 5,000 Miles...

...for people you don't know...

In foreign lands...

To give them hope...

Improve their self worth...

And correct disfiguring physical deformities?

I know someone who is about to do just that!

Please watch this very important video!

Stress Management

Stress In The Workplace

Let’s face it, if you have a job, you have stress and little time to relax or repair the mind and body. This translates to a host of signs and symptoms like irritability, anxiousness, depression, aggressiveness, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches, neck and back pain, mood swings and sleep disturbances to name but a few. So how do you cope? Try these tips!

Get wet--Drink more water, at least half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water a day. Avoid sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined “break” foods and sugary drinks like sodas. These not only cause excess weight but give false energy followed by a crash. They can create agitation and even aggressiveness. Instead, bring a thermos of chamomile or Melaluca tea for healing and relaxation.

Play ball--Standing for long periods puts excessive stress on the feet, knees, hips, back and neck. To handle, put a golf ball on the floor and apply pressure rolling the ball under the foot and concentrating on the sensitive areas. Next, place a tennis ball behind your back and lean against a wall or a door. Roll the ball applying pressure to any sore or tender muscles.

Move it--It is crucial to take breaks. Create a habit of a two minute stretch break every hour. Elongate those cramped overworked muscles, move fresh blood and oxygen into stressed, overworked tissue and reduce fluid build up. Do ten to fifteen jumping jacks--remember those? Don’t like them? Okay, simply stretch your arms, lift them to the sides and up over your head stretching towards the ceiling or sky. Stretch forward, touch your toes. Put your hands on your low back for support and stretch backwards--don’t fall! Stretch left and right, turn your torso left and right, always holding a position for a few seconds never bouncing through these motions.

Now for the neck. Flex your head forward, extend it back, flex right and left towards each shoulder, turn your head left and right. Do each position five or ten times.

Next, shoulder shrugs. Perform slowly and deliberately forcing a strong sustained contraction in the muscles. Bring your shoulders to your ears, roll them backwards (imagine trying to crush a can between your shoulder blades), roll your shoulders and arms down towards the floor. Roll forward towards your sternum and then back up to your ears. Do this all with your head back, looking at the ceiling. Repeat five to ten times.

Suck it up-- Breathe. Stress makes us breathe shallow or even hold our breathe. Break this cycle! Take slow, deep breathes from the diaphragm. Breathe through the nose for four seconds, exhale slowly through the mouth for six seconds. Repeat five or ten times.Lavender can also alleviate stress-related symptoms. Dab it on the wrists or fill a spray bottle with six to eight tablespoons of water. Add two to four drops of essential lavender oil and shake. Spray it periodically throughout the day.

Let it be--Holding on to workplace drama, only serves to cause more stress and becomes toxic to us. Identify the problem, take responsibility, change your external and internal dialogue. Saying to yourself, “I am so angry. I am hurt, etc.” only continues to promote and foster that negativity. It seems trite but you will get more of what you say. “I am” is very powerful. Instead why not say, “I am happy”, “I am having an exceptionally great day.” Or at the moment of anger, say a prayer or mantra that is appropriate for you.

Give--Do something nice for a fellow employee or stranger. This will elevate your mood, kick up your endorphins and create a nice environment externally and internally.  For more ideas on giving and to receive a free e-book go to http://www.givetolivebook.com/ .

Pray/Meditate--Pray or meditate throughout the day, it doesn’t have to be long, just focused. Perhaps before you leave the car to start your job, at lunchtime or before you end your work day. This can lower your blood pressure, regulate heart rate, change your mood, balance blood glucose, regulate your nervous system and “center’ you. Read my free special report on how to get closer to God which includes prayers and an affirmation that I created and personally use. Go to http://www.attractmoregod.com/.

Music--If allowed, and assuming it doesn’t interfere with your job or endanger you, music is an obvious stress reducer. Studies show it helps regulate physiological functions that impact our health. It enhances the nervous system, elevates mood, stimulates good memories, creates a calming effect, slows respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. Identify your responses to different types of music and then listen to that before, during and after work. Match the music to the desired effect you want. I’ve created some unique and special prayer music to help me. You may find them beneficial also. Samples can be heard at http://www.attractmoregod.com/.

Dr. Richard F. Barrett is a renowned chiropractor, author, nutritional healer and public speaker. He is the author of many books including Improve Your Health Pro-Actively. He has been voted one of America’s Top Chiropractors in 2004, 2006 and 2007. For more information and additional stress reduction techniques please visit http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/,send an e-mail to info@barrettchiroclinic.com. Or visit Barrett Chiropractic Clinic 2853 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX.

In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

St. Blaise, Dubrovnick and Father Roy Oggero

Immersing oneself in the pilgrimage experience means abandoning one’s normal life and embracing in totality all that the Blessed Virgin Mary…that God, wishes for that person. Once one says, “Yes” and commits to the journey, they must push themselves…their ego, out of their own way. Hence exposing themselves to the entire richness of the trip from the grand and obvious, to nuances and subtleties that weave together a powerfully fulfilling, rewarding and enduring spiritual experience.

Part of this means continual prayer. Silently…openly…individually…or in groups. Sometimes, casually and other times more formal.

For Catholics, “mass” is the ultimate formal gathering of the body of the church, to praise, worship, confess, speak utter gratitude and receive Christ in their lives. During the journey, we participated in daily masses in various churches and hotels.

Understandably, for many, this can be an overload. But after all, this is what we went for…to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, get closer to God and have a spiritual…a divine encounter.

A significant blessing for our group was having Father Roy Oggero, a Basilian priest, as our spiritual leader. Father Roy, as most people call him, has a beautiful, loving soul coupled with a lively and humorous personality. It’s easy to feel love, warmth and the presence of God when he is in your company.

Masses were celebrated by Father Roy, with the exception of a few, in which he was a con-celebrant with many priests such as in Medjugorje. I’ll share more of that with you later.

The Church of St. Blaise is a magnificent 18th century Baroque church dedicated to the patron Saint and protector of Dubrovnick, the beautiful ancient port city on the Adriatic Sea.

George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright, described Dubrovnick as, “the pearl of the Adriatic”. Unfortunately, “the pearl” wasn’t glowing the day we visited. It was a rather gloomy day, punctuated with rain storms and yet, it was still magical and beautiful.

St. Blaise holding the city of Dubrovnik

Ancient treasures abound inside St. Blaise Church.

This day we brought our own treasure…Father Roy! (Knowing Father Roy as I do, he’ll probably think I’m calling him ancient when he reads this…)
Having video camera in hand, I was able to capture much of our adventure including many of the masses. Father Roy and our group were gracious enough to indulge me as I attempted to record forever our experiences during the Medjugorje pilgrimage.

I invite you to participate in the mass at St. Blaise celebrated by Father Roy Oggero and listen to his insightful sermon. I believe you’ll be captivated by his powerful message delivered in his usual gentle, loving but “cut to the chase” fashion, as he discusses the reason for our lives.

The video is an edited version which does not cover the mass in its entirety (so don’t panic…it’s not an hour long…only about five minutes).

You don’t have to be Catholic to glean some pearls of wisdom from this. I believe it can serve all. If nothing else, you’ll get a glimpse into the Catholic mass, and enjoy the beauty of the Church of St. Blaise.

My continued purpose with the Medjugorje Chronicles and accompanying videos is to expose and enlighten. To help all of us tap into our spiritual being and connect with God.

Embrace the love!

Continue the journey!

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. More videos and stories to come…