I was Rejected by a Chiropractor

Despite being in a lot of pain, about a week ago a chiropractor rejected treating me.

In the lines below I share my experience with the first practice that I visited in Washington. I have been in the state since Summer 2018. The rejection was really disappointing but not more than discovering how they operate and that patient wellness is not their goal.

As you go on reading the red flags that I observed and ignored are in red. After being rejected, I did some research that inspired me to share my experience. This is my personal experience. My hope with this is to inform you if you decide to go under chiropractic care.

I was (still) in a lot of pain

I found the chiropractor name on a community Facebook page. I did a couple of checks: reviews, recommendations, webpage, and office location. Since I was satisfied I proceeded to contact them. When I called they were available the next day, that doesn’t happen all the time. And they accepted my health insurance.

First visit

I had to do the usual paperwork and tour the office. I talked to the doctor. Then I had a back scan and an x-ray. Then we talked a little more. To my disappointment, no adjustments were done on the first visit. And to continue being disappointed at the check out I discovered that the practice was not yet contracted by my insurance.

Second Visit

I entered the office to find a group talk setting. Then we discussed my results. My back scan results showed a lot of problem areas. My spine and neck are misaligned (the natural curve has changed). I needed a lot of therapy according to the doctor. The doctor presented the options for treatment and pricing. The treatment varied from two to four visits a week and between $1,800 to $3,200 for a year. This was incredibly expensive. I told the doctor that I needed to talk to my husband.

We went to the treatment room. I was adjusted with an activator. Once again, I was disappointed because the doctor didn’t talk about the technique to be used. The adjustment was in the back of my pelvis, but I went there for neck and back pain. I told the doctor that my neck was really hurting and I was adjusted at my request. Promptly and insistently they made an appointment for the next day. I was told to drink lots of water.

Third Visit

We went to talk again…lol, Of course, they wanted to know my decision regarding the treatment. As I went into the room in disappointment again because I was asked about my decision but not about how I was feeling. I told the doctor that the treatment was not affordable for us. The doctor responded that they focus on preventive care and that two visits a week was the least they could do. I was used to going once a month or as needed in other practices. The doctor said that I had severe injuries and that the prescribed treatment was the best course of action. I stood in my position of not moving forward with the treatment. The doctor recommended another practice. We left the office and a copy of the x-rays was provided to me.

After the visit

-The first thing was to look for a new practice. Then I did a lot of reading (some links will be shared at the end) and I learned/realized a couple of things:

-I was not familiar with the treatment plans that some chiropractors offer. I have visited three practices before and was never in a treatment plan. As I read more, this is like a standard process in Washington. I checked some doctor’s websites, and there it was…the option of treating you for a long period of time. I went back to check my previous doctors (California and Puerto Rico), just regular treatment depending on your condition. Of course, I may need to visit the practice more than once but four times a week for around $264 a month wasn’t for me.

-The secretary lied or made a mistake (no trust at this point) about the health insurance coverage. Then on the second appointment, everything worked out for the treatment pricing. Looks like they were planning on using all my chiropractor visits benefit on a year. So, magically I needed all the approved visits from the health insurance.

-They didn’t provide treatment on the first visit. According to some chiropractors themselves, they are capable enough to provide relief in the first visit.

-They weren’t upfront about the treatment and pricing.

My take for you 

This has been a really uncomfortable experience. I’m still in pain and not trusting the doctors around here. Its been a week after the last visit, I have checked about 10 practices and none have inspired me to make an appointment.

I really believe in chiropractor care. I have seen improvements in my health in the past and in family members as well. But the practices on the “treatment” are fishy. How can a doctor say that a patient will get better in 32 visits? We are not machines every person/case is different.

If you are looking for chiropractor care, please ask questions about the price, treatment and the techniques. You are the patient and you are paying for it. You have every right to know. Consider talking to your primary doctor for the best medical options or for finding a chiropractor.

 

Be well & good vibes;

Mayra

Reference links:

• https://smartpainsolutions.com/5-reasons-to-fire-your-chiropractor/
• https://www.chirobase.org/16Victims/kesterson.html
• https://nwspinalrehab.com/chiropractic-prepayment-plans/

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. The external links in this publication do not represent my opinion and are for reference purposes.

 

 

 

 

The Constant Use of the Mobile Phone

Due to technology accessibility and portability, we can do a lot of things with our devices.

As we evolve with the technology advancements, we still label negatively the individuals using technology. We label the ones using their phones “too much”. I am referring to those situations when individuals are seen alone using their phone.

-We label them as people that are wasting their time with the phone.

-We label them as if they were not working or doing something productive.

-We label them as if they were high jacked by technology.

-We label them as if they do not have anything else to do.

-We label them as people that stare too much at their phones.

-We label them too many things but probably not one positively.

I am not generalizing but I have seen too much of this lately. Of course, people go to social media, watch online videos but this is a form of entertainment as many others.

Then we became disrespectful enough to go and interrupt whatever they are doing because they were just on the phone. But have you thought about all the things that we do in our devices besides “wasting time”?

-We promote our businesses.

-We work with our phones.

-We probably have the work email synced to our phone.

-We could have collaborative working apps on our phone.

-We could be attending a family or work emergency.

-We could be working in our pajamas or gym outfit.

-We are generating content because our core business is on social media or the web.

-We could be taking notes from a conversation or from an idea.

-We could be doing an online course.

The possibilities of the things that we can be doing in our phones are endless. Why think that people are just wasting their time? We have evolved with technology and enjoyed its benefits why not give some space to people to do their “stuff”. Why not give them same space we give them when they are talking with others, or when they are over the phone (landline), or they are just simply taking a break.

I often go to places like Starbucks, Panera Bread or Corner Bakery Cafe to name a few and I have seen a little bit of everything. There are people having a good time with food, a drink and probably using the Wi-Fi. And also there are people working, having food, a drink and probably using the Wi-Fi. What is wrong with either of them? Nothing.

A few weeks ago, I saw a video prank targeting people using their phones. It was not funny to me. They were interrupting with loud noises and shouting to stop using the phone. I cannot imagine being myself the victim of this. Months ago I was at the community gym alone. I was just starting my routine and my phone rang. I decided to answer. It was a recruiter. Can you imagine if someone decided to prank me while I was in the phone?

Can you imagine yourself being a victim of a prank when you are talking to your boss or a client?

I want to encourage individuals to stop labeling others as “unproductive” when they are using their phones. Technology has advanced and us with it. The way that we do interactions, business, marketing and many other things have changed with technology. Why we cannot change our perception when we see people using the phone?

They literally can do whatever they want with their phones. Of course, there are some legal limitations, work policies or expectations when in public. But what is wrong with being alone and using your phone? What is wrong with taking your phone out of your pocket to show/share an image with another person? What is wrong with taking out your phone to take notes when talking? You could be talking with someone and they can be recommending an awesome place to visit. Or someone can be taking notes with their phone or tablet like it happened to me with a vendor.

We can be more understanding and less judgmental. We often ignore what they are doing with their phones. Why jump to negative conclusions?

Let’s think good of others and take advantage of the great things that technology can provide to all.

Have you been in this situation? Do you do business with your phone?

A version of this article was published on LinkedIn.

Life Postcards is a lifestyle blog focusing on improving life by sharing professional and life experiences. The blog’s main purpose is to frame every day as a postcard. To immortalize happy memories as outstanding sceneries. If you want to reach out please email mylifepostcards@gmail.com or visit the Facebook Page Life Postcards.

Establishing Tips & Habits – Go to Sleep

When people ask me about one thing I can do easily, I answer SLEEP.

I do not know how I evolved into being like this but I love to have my hours of sleep. I really feel accomplished about this. Since I was a kid, I went to bed early even on New Years’ Eve. I could not stand being awake until very late. Even to this date being awake until late, messes up my next day mornings’.

Today I am sharing my journey to protect my sleep time. This post is inspired by close relatives that cannot get to sleep that easily.

When I was 19 years old I had to take a break from college to be able to work. I was living by myself. Some of my friends thought that I was hanging out until late just because I was living alone. Truth to be told I was really busy working and eventually working and studying. I worked seven days a week. I was a young adult and of course, I went out and stayed out late. But not as everybody imagined. But do you remember what happened when I stayed late…yes, I was all messed up the next morning.

Going “on time” or early to bed have been always part of me. I am glad that my husband thinks the same way. Not always in my life, I have my hours of sleep but it has been for good reasons for its majority. One of the main reasons for less sleep some nights was because of college. I had a fulltime job and almost a fulltime semester at college during the evenings.

Whenever I could I will go to sleep. At some point, there were other projects going on in my life and again this was against my sleep hours. My solution, I napped during the day. When I say that the next day I was messed up, it was real. I use to get like morning sickness and very bad stomach issues.

 

Know that you know that I like to sleep, this is my method to achieve going to bed on time.

I;

1. Treat bedtime like a routine. I go to bed early even on the weekends.
2. Do not think of sleep as a waste of time or a minor “task” in my life.
3. Never had a TV in my room. I do not think I need one now with smartphones.
4. Enjoy feeling comfortable in bed. I am in love with the bed sheets.
5. Have two good quality pillows. Sometimes I have used body pillows too.
6. Established a limit of time that I can spend on my phone when going to sleep.
7. Avoid watching movies or series at bedtime.
8. Treat the bedroom as a rest area. Especially the bed.
9. Occasionally read for about 20 minutes.

The room;

Needs to be efficient, comfortable and relaxing. I enjoy having:

⇒ A nice comforter.

⇒ Bedside lamps, I do not use the room main light.

⇒ Some small decor on my side of the bed that makes me feel myself and smile.

I discovered my methods to feel good in my bedroom over the years. And yes, the method is not perfect and life happens. I can say the most constant thing in my life to be able to sleep is to strive to go to bed early.

Another thing that I practice is planning my day or week. There is a phrase that says that you can never get back lost sleep. Anyway, I try to make up for it when I can. When I was going to college, I tried to sleep more the night before the long day. The other option was having a nap at home or in the car. For safety purposes, the naps in the car were very short and my family knew that I was napping in the car. Also, I only took naps in “controlled environments” like at work or at college. Funny thing is that in college, there was an area of the parking were you can see people in their cars taking naps. I was not the only one trying to get some sleep. Be careful if you decide to try having naps in your car.

As part of the planning, I had to decline or leave early family or friends’ events. It was really sad but I needed to get some rest for the following day. I also worked third shifts. When this happened I was even more committed to getting my sleep. Before having to work this shift, I heard how people got sick or moody because of the lack of sleep. Guess what, it did not happen to me.

To you out there, trying to get some sleep tonight I tell you the following:

– Establish a routine, go to bed around the same time each night.

– Establish a bed routine (warm shower, lotions, candles, darkened room).

– Avoid using the phone for long periods of time.

– Avoid watching movies or series, especially if you love the series.

– Be responsible with your body and stay true to the plan.

– Do not go to sleep hungry, angry or agitated.

– Reduce the brightness in your devices including the TV.

– Do not let the social pressure get into you. Your life, you are in control.

If nothing seems to work out, you should evaluate your life in general. Check your daily routine, how are you feeling about work or school or if there a specific situation that is keeping you from sleep. It could be a good moment to seek professional help or to end unsolved situations.

Declutter your mind and declutter your life.

 Feeling anxious, check out my article: How I Overcame Anxiety

Are you are easy to go to sleep person? If yes, please share your tips.

With good vibes;

Life Postcards

 

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition.

Life Postcards is a lifestyle blog focusing on improving life by sharing professional and life experiences. The blog’s main purpose is to frame every day as a postcard. To immortalize happy memories as outstanding sceneries.  If you want to reach out please email mylifepostcards@gmail.com or visit the Facebook Page Life Postcards.

 

 

Earth Day

Is our duty to protect this noble and wonderful place that we call home.

-Life Postcards

What do you do to collaborate with the planet?

Do you know that even the smallest act of care will have a tremendous impact on the planet?

We need to teach our children and families to protect the planet.

Let’s start educating ourselves now.

Today is a good day to start collaborating in the preservation of our only home, the Earth.

The future of the planet and the future of our families depend on how we continue to live here.

With hope;

Mayra | Life Postcards

The Joy in the Outdoors

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. -H. Keller

It is in the outdoors when we mostly feel free. The blue sky, green mountains, birds, the sea and the feeling that there’s more to see keep us at the edge of curiosity. I enjoy being at home but also love being outdoors. When I visit places like the one in the pictures I love being amazed by them. I want these scenarios to drop my jaw, to take my breath away, to have that feeling that you do not want to leave and of course taking a lot of pictures.

Often when I get back home from outdoor trips I review my pictures and I know that I will have to delete some but I can’t decide which. This is when I came with the name for the blog, there is so much beauty in our world and the postcards record part of it. Seeing in the media pictures from around the world makes you realize that there is much more beyond the mountains and the sea in front of you.

Every postcard pictures some of our favorite places and having a life postcard “frames” an infinite feeling in the picture.

Being outdoors gave us the chance to feel whole, to feel complete, to feel empowered. to feel the great creation around us and to share your experiences around them. When I’m outdoors I often find myself thinking that those places would be an ideal area to rest in a hammock.

Being outdoors lets you connect with everything around: the sky, the wind, the trees, the flowers, the flying insects around; among many other wonders that you can enjoy in a simple walk.

The connection with the planet is felt every time you go outdoors. This can even be enjoyed in your backyard, a park or in forest.

Have you seen the kids or the dogs when they are outdoors? They go around running, jumping or making noises. I will just call that happiness and we all deserve that. Let yourself feel free, happy, amazed, curious and in sintony with the Sun above and the wind hugging you.

Some say the happiness is in the little things, being outdoors is not little but certainly can be enjoyed simply. If you are happy, mad, sick or stressed a dose of the planet outdoors will help you.

Hope you have a blast during the summer and enjoy the outdoors. Go and explore!

Best;

Life Postcards

2017 Resolutions

Is it too late? To soon? Or you still on time for new year’s resolutions?

There’s a lot to do in our life that having direction each year makes it less complicated.

Some resolutions examples: health, wealth, love, work success, family, progress or personal advancement, among many others.

In my next post for resolutions I will share some tools used to accomplish them. 

Best;

Life Postcards

Six Tips to Make the Most of your Day

The pharmaceutical industry is a very busy world. It is not just making drugs, it also involves documents revision, lot review, meetings, planning, operations improvement, etc. This work environment is very demanding and exhausting. But which job is not? This type of activities, sometimes require the extra mile and that means overtime, weekends or even sacrifices from our personal lives. A couple of years ago I was being affected by all the work I was doing, plus marriage, college and the rest of the family. One day I almost hit rock bottom and that is the day I decided to modify my work routine and part of my lifestyle too.

I started reflecting on the things that were harming me and that put me in stress. To my surprise, most of them were things that were in my control. An easy fix resulted in great changes to my work and life. These six things helped me regain control of my time and my overall health:

1.      Wake up Early– Yes, that’s right! I added between 30 minutes to an hour to my morning routine. I exercised, prepared the meals for the day (when possible), included snacks, planned for the next hours and even changed the alarm music. Especially with the alarm music, I did not notice that the music that I was using made me woke up tired and in bad humor. Now, I use sounds like: sea waves, birds, raining or water dropping. You can also evaluate the traffic and alternate routes. Wake up early and you will be feeling glamorous and with strength.

2.      Plan for the rest of the day– This one helped me carry snacks and water for the day, so I did not starve. At the same time, I evaluated if I needed extra clothing and prepared a bag for this purpose. Usually, I left home with my purse, college bag, clothes bag, lunch bag, and water. Also, you can evaluate the weather and consider using a coat, closed shoes or carry an umbrella. Doing this was crucial since most of the week I left home at 5:30AM and did not return until 11:00PM. Remember to plan with the entire family, so no one misses anything and everybody is successful in their day.

3.      Re-evaluate the plan through the day– In this one, you will evaluate if you need to stop for food, refuel the gas tank or pick up the kids from school, so you can make all the stops at once or in sequential order. This allows you to save time, money and even stress less. Remember to write down or revise your plan during the day. Add or remove things from your list (I use Evernote, which is cool since it can be accessed from your mobile or computer) as necessary. When you plan, you save money!

4.      Eat-Remember: you are what you eat! Make time for your three meals and at least three snacks. When you plan for the day, half of the meals or snacks can be covered from home. If eating in fast foods, try selecting the best option in quality, time, distance and of course money. I recommend that you best carry non-refrigerated items since they are easy to carry on the go. Plus, if you have kids having snacks around will reduce their need for candies.

5.      Plan for the next day– When finally home: prepare in advance the snacks, prepare the clothes for the next day, analyze what needs to be done and move forward. Planning will be a crucial part of our lives and work. Plan for the family things, when possible anticipate unexpected situations and their resolutions. Reflect on your day, how can it be done better. When you have done this a couple of times you will feel successful with your time and day management.

6.      Bedtime– Have a nice shower. Try not to rush it. This is a very nice moment to let go your day. Go to bed with relaxing music (I use Pandora Relaxing Panpipes Station and put a half hour timer), read a book or do something that calms you down and be ready to sleep. I recently added to my bedtime routine an eye pillow with lavender scent (which feels very nice). Your bedtime routine will determine the energy for the next day.

These simple things can be done easily. The best part is that all of them are under your control. By achieving these simple changes you can impact in a positive way your daily routine, your work, your life, and health. You can even start noticing changes immediately. Your mood will improve and you will feel better. The key is to plan and to take control over the things that can be controlled.

What would you add? What makes you successful?

Let the magic begin and enjoy this new day!

Originally published on LinkedIn.

 

Mayra Martinez is a Process Improvement and EH&S Consultant, Founder of Corporate Basics Consulting. She is passionate about improvements, culture engagement, EH&S and emergency preparedness. In the last 14 years, Mayra has been focusing on process improvements and safety programs within the biologics’ field. If you want to reach out please email: mayrarmv@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.