The Natural World

The natural world functions very well on its own. Left to their own devices, members of the tens of millions of species on our planet thrive and prosper without relying on outside agencies.

In order to grow abundantly, plants consume carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients from the soil. Likewise, herbivorous animals consume plants whereas carnivorous animals consume other animals. Insects eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, fruit, other insects, detritus (dead leaves, stems, and twigs), and even blood. Many types of bacteria and fungi recycle decomposing matter. Whales, the top predator in the oceans, may consume more than a ton of plankton per day in addition to fish, squid, and other crustaceans.

Every member of every species excepting humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) obtains everything it needs from the environment. Modern humanity is the only species for which the abundance provided by the global ecosystem is insufficient.

For instance, mountain lions, raccoons, and coyotes don't need sleeping pills. But humans spend more than $1.5 billion per year on the sleep aid Ambien. Dolphins, antelope, and bluebirds don't have problems with blood glucose levels. In stark contrast, the annual cost of diabetes medications in the United States was $12.5 billion in 2007. In the wild, oak trees, tuna, and elephants don't need nutritional supplementation. Humans, however, spend more than $23 billion annually in the United States alone. What is wrong with this picture?

As a species, humans have the unprecedented ability to manipulate and drastically alter the world in which we live. Also aside from epidemic infectious disease, there exists no natural check on human population growth. As populations expand, resources become scarce. Populations flocking to urban enclaves not only leave behind the countryside but also local sources of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry. Canning, packaging, and transportation of food over long distances become necessary to supply the energy needs of cities. But only calories and not much else are obtained by these methods. Energy is provided but food quality is substantially reduced.

Chronic disease becomes widespread. Diabetes, cardiovascular disorders including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke, and obesity are all the direct result of a severely compromised food supply.1,2,3

Our disconnect from the natural world poses many additional challenges. Our bodies were designed to meet the demanding physical requirements of a hostile environment. But for the most part we don't do physical work anymore. If we don't find satisfactory substitutes for strenuous physical activity our musculoskeletal, metabolic, and endocrine systems easily deteriorate. The consequences include osteoporosis, chronic aches and pains, gastrointestinal problems, and anxiety and depression.

It takes a lot of effort to maintain good health when we're so far removed from the natural world. We need to make sure our diets are healthy and we need to get sufficient and regular strenuous exercise. The short- and long-term benefits include happiness, self-esteem, and ongoing well-being.

1Kesse-Guyot E, et al: Adherence to nutritional recommendations and subsequent cognitive performance: findings from the prospective Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals 2. Am J Clin Nutr Nov 24 2010 (Epub ahead of print)
2Wolfe AR, et al: Dietary protein and protein-rich food in relation to severely depressed mood: A 10 year follow-up of a national cohort. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry Nov 22 2010 (Epub ahead of print)
3Pekmezi DW, Demark-Wahnefried W: Updated evidence in support of diet and exercise interventions in cancer survivors. Acta Oncol Nov 24 2010 (Epub ahead of print)

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-1:45 pm

Wednesday:

2:00 pm-6:45 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-1:45 pm

Friday:

2:00 pm-7:00 pm

Saturday:

by appt only

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "This was my first time coming to a chiropractor and it was amazing. The Doctor explains everything and shows you what is going on. Makes you completely comfortable. Plus there was a 60 min massage after. If you thought your poster was good, you walk out feeling great. Staff is wonderful, would recommend it."
    Patricia S
  • "I'm so happy that I found this place, and that it is so close to my office. Dr. Gerry is awesome, down to earth, so welcoming and understanding. He really takes the time to listen to what you want, and need, and he does all that he can for you to reach your healing goals. Dr. Gerry his staff create an environment that allows you to accept their healing energies. I find that weekly adjustments and massages really help me to heal from not only rigorous physical activity, but also from daily stressors. My massage therapist (I cannot recall his name) was INCREDIBLE - very likely the best deep tissue/sports massage that I have ever received.
    I would recommend this office to anyone who seeks a deeper connection to their very essence, who wants to heal, and create and nurture positive healing energy."
    Ben L
  • "Dr Gerry is amazing. I went there with a terrible back pain. After I finished the whole session I felt half of my pain has gone."
    Erin D