As mamas, we need to get our stuff in order before we can help our family. Think about when flying with your kids. The flight attendant says to everyone to secure your own oxygen mask before helping your child. He or she usually comes by my row and tells me again to make sure I understand. It must be important.

Translate this to life. If we are not doing well physically, emotionally, spiritually, how can we truly help our family?? Mamas sacrifice. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. And it should be. But if we sacrifice at the cost of our health or well-being, it’s only a matter of time before we break down.  Be an active follower of Jesus. Address your health issues. Take time to exercise and care for your body. All from by Balance post, which really is the beginning of this series, I believe these are extremely important things.

This post is going to go into just two medical professionals that I’ve turned to that have helped me immensely.  Yes, they are for the local Phoenicians.

First is Dr. Jenni Bush Hernandez (aka Dr. Jenni) with AFC Chiropractic.  She is a brilliant chiropractor, but she’s so much more.  I call her my holistic, naturopathic, chiropractor.  (This, of course, is my own unofficial title).  Like a naturopath, she is driven by the root of an issue, not just a Band-Aid to temporarily solve a problem. She understands that our bodies and internal systems are so very connected.  Dr. Jenni and her staff also offer more health services than any chiropractor I’ve ever heard off.  To me, they are a “one stop shop” towards whole body health, if you will.

I actually first went to see her when Maggie was just a few months old.  Maggie had horrible gas.  Not like cute baby gas.  Like, what dude just let it rip?  I’d heard of chiropractors helping babies.  All I could think was that I didn’t want some doctor popping and cracking my sweet baby.  But something had to give.  I made an appointment, and my plan was to take her and leave if I wasn’t comfortable with the process.  Kid you not. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong!!  No popping and cracking on my baby. Dr. Jenni was amazing.  She was so sweet and talked to me doctor-to-mom, and also mom-to-mom.  And her “exam” was the gentlest thing I’d ever seen.  And it was mostly done with me holding Maggie.  Turns out that since Maggie joined the world early and by C-section, there were a few things going on internally and she was kind of twisted up.  This was a game changer for us.  Seriously- once we left, the gas all but stopped!!

Dr. Jenni also noticed that Maggie had one eyelid that seemed to droop a bit and had a blocked tear duct. I’d been told by the pediatrician that it would most likely take 8 months to clear up.  Seriously- 8 months!! Jenni did a small adjustment and her eye stopped running goop and matched the shape and size of her other eye.  Miracle worker?  She’d say no, but I think that’s up for debate.

Since then, Brandon and I have both started going to her.  I’ve even done a food test to see what I eat that is causing inflammation in my body.  Dr. Jenni also understands that what we put in our bodies is so important!! This may also be of help to you and your redheads, as I’ve learned that food sensitivities often show through skin conditions.  Go see her.  It will be so very worth it!! And, bonus, Dr. Jenni has a redheaded daughter!! Woo hoo!! See, I knew you’d like her.

My second recommendation is Randy Grant and his staff at Divine Nature.  Randy is super brilliant on the science of how our bodies function.  Check out his site for info and he even has a video.  He has helped tons of pro athletes, actors, and regular folk (like me). But better yet, go chat with him.  His basis is all about gut health and how digestive enzymes affect our body in major ways.  He analyzes your blood on the spot (no getting blood drawn and waiting for a lab to analyze) and can tell you oh so much about your health. Incredibly eye opening!! I have chosen to take his digestive enzymes (along with a couple of other of his supplements) and I have felt amazing!!! I feel like my body is working as it should and I have more energy than I’ve had in a long time.  And that’s saying something.  Bonus- his supplements are the best and are the cheapest I’ve found!!

Finally, I have to mention that I continually turn to the ultimate physician, Jesus, to keep my “stuff” in order.  It may sound cliché but I believe He heals, and He also gifts and uses people to help others medically.  I believe that our connection with Him can aid in our physical well-being.  God wants us to eat well, he wants us to exercise and take care of the body we were given.  But don’t take my word for it- read the Bible. Really!! Here’s to your health!

Embrace Life!

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