Wow...I just got a really nice surprise! I received a text from a friend and former staffer that said I was voted the Best Chiropractor in Fort Bend by readers of Living The Vibrant Life Magazine. (Fort Bend edition- August issue) Thanks to everyone who voted! It's been an honor and blessing to have served our community for 20 years.

I've treated M.D.'s, nurses, police and fire personnel, dentists, FBI agents, Rabbis, Priests, clergy of all kind, several mayors, EMT's, business leaders, coaches, pro-athletes, amateur athletes, cross- country truckers, moms and dads, children, the elderly and so on.

I've always attempted to do my very best, treat all my patients with dignity and respect, and render care for them as if they were my family. My mom would say I should treat them better than I do my family...but that's another story.

Seriously, thanks go to every patient I've ever treated. My life is enriched by each of you. Now I need to go and get a copy of Living Magazine.

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

Living Magazine
 

Good News and Update on Alfred!

You may remember that Alfred desperately needed help with his living situation. He is a highly educated and experienced psychologist of notable standing that has positively influenced many lives over his career. Through a series of very tragic and sad circumstances, he had everything stripped away from him and ultimately wound up living in a deplorable trailer in... the Texas hill country. This man has a tremendous amount still to offer our world. His only obstacle...age. It's hard to get a job at 88 years old.

Mary, some others and I have committed to helping Dr. Jones. Those of you who have supported our effort with prayers and financial resources have changed Alfred's life already. Perhaps saved it. I'm not exaggerating. He looks healthier and happier.

Mary and I have had several more opportunities to visit with him and I am amazed by him and by his stories.

In fact, on our last visit two weeks ago, I told him that the guy on the Dos Equis commercial should be stripped of his title, because Dr. Alfred Jones is actually the most interesting man in the world! He laughed and said, "Wait till I tell you about my father. He was a spy for the British. He was the most interesting man in the world."

All I can say is...wow. Alfred has told us stories about Queen Elizabeth, Margaret Thatcher, several presidents and more. I've encouraged him to write about these things...that people would find it all fascinating. I believe he will.

He wrote a message with a request to deliver it to all of you. On behalf of Mary and I, thank you for helping save Alfred. You'll be amazed by him.

From Alfred:

Dear Friends of the clinic,

There is no way I can adequately express my appreciation for your kindness. My ability to continue with a life of service was cut short because of my inability at age 88 to manage daily living. My circumstances were at best difficult. With your help, I am now able to live in a much greater degree of comfort and return to my writing. I have to pace myself, but life is so much more productive both physically and emotionally.

I have agreed to share my life story as it pertains to two wars, my work with the World Health Organization and more importantly, my many years in the academic and Christian mission field in China and Korea. Because of your help, I am now able to continue the work of letting everyone know about America and what needs to be done in Asia.

With sincere gratitude,
Alfred Jones, Ph.D.

Do You Miss These Days?

Do you miss moments like this?

I do.  Unfortunately, many kids today don't get an opportunity to experience them in our modern world.  This photo triggers great memories from my youth.  Perhaps for you too.  Kids with an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoying some simple fun.  I fear these types of moments may be slipping away from this great nation. 

Our independence was fought hard for with no small cost.  Fought for by men and women of courage.  Freedom (of all kinds) is an inalienable right given by God for all  people.  Independence won once is not guaranteed for eternity.  It must be continually appreciated, yearned for and fought for on all levels...always.

Happy 4th of July!  Let freedom ring in our hearts, and actions.  Continue to pray for our country, our military sons and daughters and freedom for all people of all nations who suffer oppression.  Be safe and enjoy your holiday!

Here's Another One For The "We Just Can't Win" Category

You know not to go outside because the sun's UV rays can kill you dead in an instant.  (O.K....slowly damage you over many years and then kill you.)  That's if sodas, tobacco, alcohol, gluten, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, genetically modified foods, drugs (medical and non), pesticides, hormones, herbicides, car wrecks, fire, electricity, terrorists, boating accidents, plane crash, asteroids, or gang bangers don't kill you first.

What you probably don't know is that going green either voluntarily or by force, by switching from regular incandescent harmless never hurt anybody and works great.  Oh yes, and cheap regular old light bulbs to those irritating, ugly, annoying to the eyes, twirly fluorescent expensive light bulbs, you could be causing serious damage to yourself and need to lather on the U.V. sunscreen inside your home or office!

I'm crazy?  ...You say.  Well, you might be right.

But apparently someone has spent some money for Stony Brook University to research compact fluorescent bulbs.

What they suggest:  use a lamp shade (of course not clear) or keep the light two to three feet away from you.

Maybe Coppertone can cut a deal with G.E. to package sunscreen with every bulb sold. 

Just thought you should know.

Stay Healthy,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S.  I'm waiting for the next million dollar lawsuit here.  Don't laugh!  It's coming.  I think I'll call my lawyer now and cash in!


SBU Study Reveals Harmful Effects of CFL Bulbs to Skin

Thyroid Disorders, Hormones, Nutritional Supplements, Iodine, Salt, Cholesterol Drugs, Drug Reactions and More Were All Part Of…

A Holistic Approach to Overcoming Thyroid Disorders medical seminar I attended two weeks ago.  A group of about 100 attended this lecture.  The majority were Chiropractors,   maybe ten or so M.D.’s, a few Nutritionists and one Pharmacist.  It was a nice group of professionals and I made some great contacts.

Staying current on procedures, treatment options, statistics and research have always been important to me.  Why?

1)    I enjoy it

2)    It helps me to deliver the best possible care to my patients

3)    The more I know the better resource for healing and education I can be for my patients

4)    I satisfy my requirements to practice in the state of Texas. 

Important right?

The seminar reinforced much of what I attempt to educate patients about every day in my practice.  But I did pick up a few new jewels of wisdom that many of you will benefit from.

What you may not know is many of the lectures I attend like this one, are given by Medical Doctors who work with, appreciate, teach and learn from Chiropractors.

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough MD’s that are truly interested in anything other than blindly following the tragic and harmful path of doling out dangerous medications.

Those MD’s who have questioned that path,  stepped off of it and onto a holistic path that we Chiropractors are on, often are black listed, ridiculed and criticized by their colleagues.  You may know some of the big names like Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil, Julian Whitaker and in the last few years, Dr. Oz.   There are countless others, most not in the national spotlight.

David Brownstein is the Medical Doctor who gave the lecture on thyroid disorders.  I’ve wanted to meet him for a while now.   He’s written about eleven books on natural healing.  He was a traditional MD that believed like many, what he was taught in med school—don’t associate with or ever refer to Chiropractors.  We are evil.

Dr. Brownstein had become extremely disillusioned with medicine, the problem drugs were causing in patients and the lack of results!

He had serious discussions with his wife about quitting the profession.  That’s a huge decision.  Fortunately she introduced him to a Chiropractor (that he didn’t really want to meet), but would ultimately change his path and his life.  That decision has translated to thousands of patients eliminating their medications and healing naturally.  Not to mention it also put him on the road of writing and lecturing.

Brownstein cited statistics, and studies that would bore most of you.  Such as:

∙ over 100,000 people die each year from properly prescribed medications

∙over 500% increase risk in breast cancer in women deficient in progesterone

∙1,000% increase risk in developing cancer of any sort in women deficient of progesterone

Are you aware that the #1 cause of death in this country is due to medical drugs, medical procedures and cancers caused by nuclear scans?  You’ve likely heard me talk about this before if you’ve attended one of my lectures or read some of my articles or books.

 Brownstein also spoke about the pitifully poor quality of the majority of nutritional products available to consumers.  Again, something I speak about incessantly and every patient who sits with me for a nutritional consultation gets to hear.

You know, I’m amazed by humans.  We fall from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Example?

Some people buy nutritional supplements from places like warehouse stores, drugstores, and the like.  Buying quantity for the lowest possible price.  (They delude themselves into believing that they are getting a great deal for their dollar.  We all love bargains, sales and free, things, etc.  Don’t we?

But should we sacrifice quality, performance and results for a bargain?  I don’t think so.

Others buy a product because they identify with a brand or store they believe is good. i.e. Whole Foods, GNC, etc.

Then there’s the group that is attracted by outrageously high pricing and names or ingredients that appear or sound exotic.  Something from a distant land, with a foreign name, from the top of the Himalayas, to the depths of the oceans, or from deep in the rain forest or outer space.  All seem to hypnotically entrance some people and trigger a belief that the product must obviously be superior!

I’ve even seen one product that has lutein, grape skin extract, selenium, Co-Q 10 with special processing that costs but a mere $350 per month!  Are they serious?  Listen, don’t get taken in.  You don’t want to buy garbage, but you don’t need to lose your mind and spend too much either.  Generally too low or too high, don’t bother.  Do expect to pay more for better products, however.  You will get results.  Most doctors carry high quality products, while most retail stores don’t.  Sorry that’s the fact of life.  Know the source, but don’t get taken in.

I’ve seen people’s lives change with a $60 consultation and maybe a hair analysis, or food allergy test and some reasonably priced high quality nutritional products.  I’ve also had patients throw away bags full of products worth hundreds of dollars because the supplements were junk and not doing a bit of good for them.  The goal is not to be on the most products but to supplement some key ingredients for a therapeutic benefit.  And this can be done without spending $2000 to $5000 for testing, consultation, and products.  Unfortunately, I’ve seen patients run in to this trap too with some doctors in our area.

After Dr. Brownstein changed to a holistic practice, he would write scripts for nutritional supplements to be purchased at the health food store.  He did this because he thought it was “beneath him to sell nutritional products”.  But what he learned is something I’ve taught you…most nutritional supplements are not good quality!  His patients weren’t getting well.    So, Brownstein began spending his own money, sending products out for independent lab testing.  He was shocked and appalled by the majority of products from retail stores.  He found what we have—there are a handful of really good companies that guarantee their products are:

∙consistent potency from one bottle and pill to the next.

∙the product in the bottle is actually the product that is supposed to be in the bottle

Biotics is one company that both he and I rely on.  We get great results and our patients love them.   I have used them for many years because of their superior quality and the team of experts that formulate their products.

The bottom line for the patient = effective results.

Oh yes…and for those 70 million people who are gluten sensitive (68 million seem to be patients of mine).  All Biotics Research products are gluten free!  This is over 300 products.  Other companies may boast one or two gluten free products.

Another area that Brownstein spent a lot of time on was the use of iodine, the right type and dosages of iodine.  Most of you know this is a product we love to use in our practice because it really transforms lives.  Some of his case histories were fascinating.  One was even his nurse.  I’m sure she wasn’t thrilled about being discussed at a seminar.  We both agreed iodine supplementation can give dramatic effects in a short period of time.  Typically patients will lose their “brain fog”, increase concentration and see dramatically improved energy fairly rapid.  But many other problems disappear too.

Brownstein also spoke about toxicities in the body and medical drugs that destroy our nutrients.  A good reference on this is the handout by Spectracell Laboratories “Do the Prescriptions You Take Deplete Your Nutritional Status?” Likely it’s stuck in a drawer somewhere.  Go find it.  Check any medications you are taking to see how it’s depleting certain key nutrients and what health problems could result.  If you don’t have the chart, let me know.  I’ll send it to you, or you can come and get one.  Here are a few examples from the chart. 

Anti-Inflammatories             

Deplete these nutrients:                   What potential health problems might result?

 Vitamin D                                           Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss

Vitamin B6                                          Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk

Chromium                                           Elevated blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes risk

Diabetic Drugs

Coenzyme Q10                                    Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy

Vitamin B12                                        Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk

Antacids/Ulcer Medications

Calcium                                               Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay

Iron                                                      Anemia, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails

Cholesterol Drugs

Coenzyme Q10                                    Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy

To stay healthy you must keep your physiology (your internal chemistry) balanced.  Not bombard yourself with medications.  Ideally we should get all the right nutrients our bodies need from our foods.  But that is not realistic in today’s world.  Don’t fool yourself; you need nutritional supplements as much as I do.

This article is getting way too long and I haven’t even scratched the surface.  Let’s talk.  If we haven’t consulted on nutrition or your unwanted health problems in a while, let’s get updated.  Give me a call.  (281) 499-4810

You may also want to read one of Dr. Brownstein’s many books.   You’ll find he recommends much of the same types of supplements and treatments that we do.  But it’s nice to have a second opinion.  Let me know if you want to pursue changing your health.

Now, there are a few things that only a prescribing doctor can help you with.  I can’t take you off your medications, but I can show you what works for others and I teach you what I and my family do to keep healthy, which allow us to be drug free.  Interested?  If you have a good relationship with your MD, and he or she is alternative minded we can work as a team for your benefit.

Oh yeah…one last thing.  Brownstein really hammered statin drugs and discussed the research.  I hate to keep saying I’ve told you this before but…

A four year study followed thirty severely ill diabetic patients.  The result?  No difference between Lipitor and placebo in terms of combined risks of heart attacks, strokes and death.  When fatal strokes looked at individually, fatal strokes found to be over 200% higher in Lipitor group.

I realize sometimes hearing it from another source or an “M.D.” makes it more real for you.  That’s okay.

Bottom line.—I want you and yours to live a long healthy life. 

Stop believing commercials and advertising.  Look at the research.  Everything I share with you is documented.  I read other doctor’s research and you can too, if you want to be bored.  Anyway, I’ve always got your “back” and I’m here to help however I can, whenever you want.

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S.  Mention this article and my staff will give you a 10% discount on your next nutritional supplement purchase.

 

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.