A brother like that

It's almost Christmas and I find myself asking what I want for Christmas? What do I need? 




I came across this story and thought I would just share it. It did not have an author to attribute this to and I wish it did. This year I guess I want to be a brother (actually a sister) to my community like that.

Click HERE and listen to the song while you come back and read this. I think this is a great way to view this holiday season.

A Brother Like That

A man named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shining new car admiring it. "Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.

Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated.

Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what this lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."
Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"

"Oh yes, I'd love that." After a short ride, the boy turned with his eyes aglow and said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?"
Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked.

He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.

"There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn't cost him a cent. And someday I'm gonna give you one just like it...and you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I've been trying to tell you about."

Paul got out and lifted the lad into the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he had said: "It's more blessed to give..."

You never know what you can do that will change someone's life.  We've all been there and most of us have had someone there to help us out.  Don't let the chain of love end with you.  I would love if everyone gave of themselves this Christmas.  No matter what has happened in your life you are better off than others.  If you are reading this you can read, you have a computer, you have electricity and you have time.  Please remember that when you are deciding what you want for Christmas or what you will give someone else.

I want to leave you with this thought:

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What you need to know about Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is tomorrow which means there will be millions of people on the road between today and this weekend.  



One thing we cannot be thankful for is the number of car accidents that happen during this holiday.  Thanksgiving is ranked the highest number of deaths and car accidents among all the holidays.

Here's the reason why:  Information provided by RITA: Research and Innovative Technology Administration of the Department of Transportation.

• An estimated 91% of Americans will travel by car to reach their destination Thanksgiving
• The number of Americans on a road trip longer than 50 miles increases by 54%

Thanksgiving is a "short" holiday which will increase the speed travelers use to get to their destination.  We have more people ON the road and more people speeding to their destination.  

We also need to look at the road rage that happen with more people on the road. More aggressive drivers, in a rush to get to their destination is a deadly combination.

According to Forbes.com:

Thanksgiving Day
Number of Fatalities in 2008: 502
Average Number of Fatalities Per Year Since 1982: 567
Average Percentage of Alcohol-Related Fatalities Since 1982: 41%

Looking at these statistics alcohol related fatalities, during the four day Thanksgiving holiday, a little less than half of the deaths. Looking at the holidays to choose from alcohol related deaths would seem to belong to New Years. Maybe people who go out drinking on New Year's Eve are getting smarter about responsible drinking but seem to forget this over Thanksgiving. 

I couldn't "figure" out why so many drink on Thanksgiving then I remembered the Bowl games.  Big weekend for college football.  This explains a little bit of the drinking on this holiday.

Gas prices have always been a determining factor on how many people are on the road over the holidays.  If gas prices are high than people will "reconsider" driving long distances to see family that they will see again over Christmas.  

No matter what the reasons are you need to be aware that Thanksgiving day is a dangerous day to be on the road so if you plan to travel...travel safe, watch your speed and please do not drink and drive.

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1515 Fortino Blvd., Pueblo, CO  (Located inside Premier Back Rehabilitation)  

How much does your Doctor need to know?

Everything!  

I could end this here but I will go on to explain:

Don't "hide" anything from your Doctor.  What they don't know can come back and hurt you.

1.     Previous injuries:  You may not think it is important to tell your Doctor that you were in a car accident 10 years ago because your injuries are healed BUT if they are not aware of your past injuries than they can't diagnosis you and decide a proper treatment for you.    

2.     Injuries since the accident:  If you are injured after your car accident you do not want that to cause problems for your current case.  Let your Doctor know of all injuries you sustain after the car accident so they can adjust your treatment.

3.     How's your marriage?  Are you divorced or getting divorced? Your emotional frame of mind will be a factor on your healing process.  Depression is common after injuries.  Your Doctor needs to know your emotional state to work on your physical state.

In order for Insurance Companies (no matter how you were injured) to avoid paying you...they have to find reasons not to.  Don't let any of those reasons be something that could have been avoided had you been honest and forthcoming with your Doctor.  And, don't think that your history cannot be discovered because to avoid paying your settlements Insurance Companies DO THEIR RESEARCH!!  

Let’s be honest….to everyone who is attached to your injury. This includes your Doctor, your Attorney, your family…everyone.  You cannot heal until your Doctor knows what to help with.  You cannot move forward until you are honest. 

Let’s talk about prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, smoking and alcohol intake.  You may think keeping those secrets from your Doctor is a wise move BUT your health and your life may be determined by your secret.  Doctors prescribed what they do; medications, physical therapy, etc. by what they know…they only know what you tell them.  Tell them everything even if it means getting a lecture about it.  Your life depends on it!

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Pain Solution

Someday.....
Someone.....
Will invent a pill you can take to erase ALL of your pain no matter what causes it.



Not in my lifetime so what do we do until then?

Let's be honest.....not all pain is created equal.  The same injury will cause different pain for different people.  

I love when two people with the same injury get together.....
"Ya, but does this happen to you?"
"I bet I hurt more than you."
"There's no way that you hurt more than I do."

and even better:
When people are in pain from an injury they quickly are able to diagnosis everyone else who is in pain.  

The truth:  Doctors have a hard time finding out what is causing the pain.  
If your back hurts what exactly is the injury?  Remember I said not all pain is created equal?  A herniated disc will be treated differently than a slipped disc.  

Here's what happens:
You are hurt.
You go to the Doctor.
You have X-Rays.
You go to a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist.
You aren't better you get more tests.
You go to a different Chiropractor or Physical Therapist.
You aren't better so you get MORE tests.

Stop the madness and go to a Doctor who has the latest technology and can figure out what is wrong quickly.  Some injuries get worse if not treated.  Some injuries will cause different symptoms the longer they go without being treated.

Go to a Doctor who understands your pain!
Go to a Doctor who uses the latest technology!

DMX can change your life.  If you have never heard of this technology click HERE to read about it.

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1515 Fortino Blvd., Pueblo, CO  (Located inside Premier Back Rehabilitation)  

America the Beautiful: History of Veterans Day

Click HERE and come back and read.

We live in a world that either supports the war or hates the war.  People choose sides.  People talk about their views on the war.  

I want to talk about the SOLDIER not the war.  I want to talk about their sacrifice.  

You can hate the war but still support the soldier who risks their life for you. No matter which side you support...support the Soldier!  

My challenge to you is this:  Each and every time you see a Soldier tell them "thank you." If you understand their sacrifice you will appreciate what they stand for.  

Today is Veteran's Day.  There have been many sacrifices for your right to have whatever opinion you may have.

The following is taken directly from:  United States Department of Veterans Affairs

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

• Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

• Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

• Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

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What is traction and how can it help you?

Traction is the use of a pulling force to treat muscle and skeleton disorders. 

Okay, that doesn't even sound fun and how can pulling anything help with pain and why would anyone need to do this?

Skin Traction:  Traction on a body part maintained by an apparatus affixed by dressings to the body surface.

Skeletal Traction:  Traction applied directly upon long bones by means of pins, wires, etc.,

Traction works if done correctly: the force of the pull is essential.  The patients age, weight and medical conditions need to a primary factor when deciding the type and degree of traction.  If it is done incorrectly it can cause pain and more damage.  

In this blog we are going to focus on traction for neck injuries.

If you have neck pain or headaches caused by neck pain traction can be used and be very effective.  There are two types of traction for necks:  

• Manual:  When you have manual traction you will lie on your back with your head in the Doctor's hands.  (Get it....your pain is in your Doctor's hands).  The patient lies down on a table, and the Doctor uses his or her hands to pull the head away from the neck. While performing manual traction, the Doctor may re-position the head to achieve better results, moving it to the side or turning the head.  
• Mechanical:   This form of traction for the cervical spine involves tension provided by mechanical means. A machine may provide the tension, or it can be a system of weights used with a harness or sling. Straps are placed on the patient's head, and then mechanical pressure is used to pull the head away from the neck and spine.  Another type of mechanical is a cervical collar is placed around the neck.  You press a "pump ball" to pump air into the collar.  The collar will begin to stretch your neck causing the traction.

By stretching apart the vertebrae of the spine, traction is believed to help relieve pain caused by worn spinal disks. Traction can free nerves pinched by compression between vertebrae.

There are some out there that say traction does not work and that some studies show that placebo traction shows the same results.

Having had traction for my neck I have to disagree with "these people."  When traction is done by an experience Doctor (and sometimes a physical therapist) it is a great way to relieve pain.  Here is the one down side to traction for the neck.  It is not a one-time fix.  When I started it I did traction (at home with the collar) three times a day and three times a week at the Doctor's office doing the manual traction.  Although it does sound time consuming it really isn't.  

Traction is a serious treatment.  If you are looking for results contact your Doctor.  Find an EXPERIENCED Doctor or Physical Therapist to perform the traction!!

If you are in Southern Colorado I highly recommend Colorado Car Wreck.

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1515 Fortino Blvd., Pueblo, CO  (Located inside Premier Back Rehabilitation)   

Long term effects of car accidents

Long term effects from a car accident can be devastating.  We have talked about the physical injuries that come from a car accident.  If those weren't enough we have all the other long term effects:

The emotional side of car accidents.  

• Time away from work:  In today's economy losing time at work, losing your job, losing that paycheck can cause long term problems.  
• You are off work with no income coming in but you still have to pay for the gas to and from your Doctor appointments and treatment.  With gas prices today this can cause more stress on you.
• You aren't working so family time should increase, right?  Wrong.  When you are in pain those "little things" that you used to do are no longer possible.  You injuries and pain make taking the kids and the dog to the dog park almost impossible.  Family time, although you are home, will often suffer.
• Stress and Pain cause stress and pain in relationships.  What you used to let "roll off your shoulders" suddenly become a fight.  

The old saying "Time heals all wounds" doesn't always pertain to car accidents.  Without treatment for your injuries time is often your enemy.  Some injuries you will never recover from...unfortunately they will be there your entire life.  

So what is the good news?  Getting treatment early can reduce the physical injuries and pain.  With less pain you will be able to lead a somewhat "normal" life.  The sooner you get treated the sooner you go back to work.  Healing takes time and that time starts when you take action and see a Doctor for your injuries.  

Car accidents cause stress in all aspects of your life. When you see you Doctor and learn what the cause of your pain is and get treated you are on your way to recover.  Remember not all pain is created equal and not all pain is easily discovered.  Find a Doctor who uses the latest technology and understands YOU and your pain.  

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Understanding Chronic Pain for loved ones

Let's be honest.  Living with someone who has chronic pain, no matter what the reason, is difficult at times.  Those who have never suffered from chronic pain it is hard to understand why their loved ones behaves the way they do.  

Even if you have suffered chronic pain and it's under control it is emotionally difficult living with someone who is currently experiencing it.

If you haven't already read the blog on chronic pain please do so by clicking HERE.

The person that is experience the chronic pain is heard.  You listen, their Doctors listen, their friends listen.....but who hears you?  Who talks to you about it?  That is what this discussion is going to be about...YOU and how to live with someone who is in chronic pain.

When a person is on the receiving end of comments from someone experience chronic pain the words that are spoken hit differently.

For my example I am going to use Mary as the wife and her husband Joe as the person in chronic pain.

Mary asks Joe if he knows where something is.  Joe tells her to look in the drawer.  Mary does and it's not there so she tells her husband it's not there where else could it be.  

This is a normal occasion and if you are married you probably cannot count how many times this situation has come up.  The difference is a person with chronic pain will respond differently.  So the response is "I don't know what you did with it you are always moving things and not putting them back" can be funny in some households but those same words from a person with chronic pain have a different "tone" to them.  If you have ever lived with chronic pain or lived someone who has chronic pain you know that tone.

The reason I am talking about this is for those who live with chronic pain sufferers have to realize it is the PAIN talking not the person.  

I can tell you I have worn both of those shoes.  I have been the person in chronic pain and I could hear the tone in my voice at times.  I know that I didn't like how my tone sounded but the pain I was in or being so tired of the pain I just didn't care how I sounded.  Other times I had no idea how bad the tone in my voice was for just simple responses.

I have lived with someone who was in chronic pain and it was like deja vu only I was hearing the tone that I used to use.

Here is my point:  If your loved one suffers from chronic pain it takes understanding to live with them.  It takes thick skin.  It takes love.  It takes walking away and realizing that it is the pain and it is NOT PERSONAL.   I promise you if they could not react the way they do they wouldn't.  I promise you if they understood what was going on and how much it hurts you when they "talk" the way the do, they would stop.  Take it from a chronic pain sufferer; we don't like how we act at times.  We are so tired of the pain, tired of the constant, tired of being tired and remember the saying, "we only hurt the ones we love."  It is NO EXCUSE, I don't want you to think that I am saying to just deal with it.  I'm saying don't take it personal and try to understand why.  Talk to your loved ones' Doctor and get help there.  If one treatment isn't working try another.  Often times their Doctor doesn't know everything.  When chronic pain sufferers are talking to their Doctor it is clinical and about the pain.  If you talk to their Doctor they will see the whole picture and be able to help your loved one, and you, better.  

With the right treatment it can and will change.  Don't give up keep trying.  There is never a one fix for everyone.  

I would not feel right if I did not say this:  If you are EVER in physical danger GET OUT!  Chronic pain is no excuse for violence.  This discussion is for those who are living with "tones" in voices...NOT physical violence.  Your first priority is YOU because if you are not safe and healthy you can never help someone who is in chronic pain.  


I wish you the best of luck and please if you need a someone to talk to about this, one who has been on both sides, send me a comment.  I will be here to listen but PLEASE talk to your loved ones Doctor.

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Understanding Chronic Pain

There is pain and than there is PAIN. Chronic pain is mild to severe, can be constant or sporadic, may cause inconvenience or be total incapacitating. Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than six months.  



The most common of chronic pain are:

• headaches
• joint pain
• backaches
• pain from an injury

Most of us can understand the physical side of pain but what we don't often understand or recognize are the emotional side effects of chronic pain.  These side effects are often more damaging to us than the physical pain and cannot be ignored.  

If you, or someone you love, suffers from chronic pain be aware of these emotional side effects and symptoms:

• Anxiety:  Now we all experience anxiety occasionally,  (I experience it more often because I cannot understand why my husband can walk by the dishwasher to put a glass in the sink...but that's for another day,)  so be careful not assume emotional problems for the occasional anxiety attack.  The anxiety for someone in chronic pain will be more often and last longer.
• Stress:  Again, we all experience stress.  Some stress is good for us.  A person who is in chronic pain will experience stress more often and more extreme.

Here is a link for more information about stress and anxiety from MedlinePlus.

• Depression:  Please note that depression is NOT sad.  Depression is an on-going emotional experience that the person cannot seem to overcome.  
• Anger:  Okay lets face it we all get angry (again when my husband passed the dishwasher to put the glass in the sink) but this anger will appear longer or in rages.
• Fatigue:  We all get tired but this goes beyond "tired."  

If you, or someone you love, has chronic pain and is experiencing any of the above symptoms it's time to see your doctor ABOUT the emotional side effects.  Your Doctor (hopefully) knows about your pain but unless we TELL them about these....they may never know.  We are so good about "pretending" when we need to.  We can all be "normal" for 30 minutes.  TALK to your doctor about these....there are ways to eliminate or decrease these symptoms.

This information is not to be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your Physician if you are in chronic pain and are experiencing one or more of these side effects.

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