DOT Exams Now Performed By Virginia Chiropractors
Starting July 1st, Virginia Chiropractors can now perform regular physicals required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for commercial drivers in order to obtain necessary DOT medical certificates. Specific training related to these DOT physicals must be completed prior to seeing patients for the purposes of this exam, but this legislation is significant because it is one more way Chiropractors can serve their communities.
What Is A DOT Exam?
Similar to annual physicals, commercial drivers have annual physicals specific to requirements given by the state in which they live. Certain levels and guidelines must be met for drivers to pass and acquire proper documents to operate commercial vehicles. This guidance is designed to help commercial drivers with their personal health as well as to support safety for others on the road.
Consider the example of blood pressure. A driver must have a blood pressure reading below 140/90 to pass the exam. If they are unable to decrease their blood pressure, they will ultimately fail. Scientific evidence shows that the likelihood of a cardiac or stroke event becomes much greater with a BP above that, which is why the exam is deemed critical.
Why Is This Significant?
Virginia law previously required DOT Exams to be done by NRCME certified and experienced medical examiners. Appointments with these professionals in larger medical centers can be hard to schedule or total lengthy wait periods. The significance of Virginia chiropractors, like Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, being granted to ability to perform DOT Exams is that commercial drivers can be seen in a more private setting by doctors with a specialty chiropractic care. Furthermore, as shared in a Virginia Chiropractic Association press release, “The legislation is an important affirmation that Virginia DCs have training consistent with the demands of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.”
Supporting Wellness
Certified medical professionals analyze both physical and mental health of drivers to determine whether they are a good fit for the daily tasks and overall job of a commercial driver. Studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time, which is a necessary aspect of being a commercial driver, can having negative health consequences. In addition to complying with state regulations, these exams with a chiropractor can ensure the driver is feeling and functioning at his or her very best. We are excited that we are now able to support our patients in this way.
Experience The Difference
Tuck Chiropractic Clinic has a single mission: To make a positive impact on every life we touch. We understand that daily activities, especially those of commercial drivers, can put a strain on the body. As this new legislation allows chiropractic to better serve patients who are commercial drivers, we look forward to soon being able to provide these exams at our various clinic locations.

Our team is fully committed to supporting the health of our patients and being an active part of their pursuit of wellness. This occurs on the individual level, when adjusting patients and providing chiropractic treatments in our clinics. We also know we can have an impact by coming together to support the community at large. In that spirit, we are partnering with the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association to collect school supplies for elementary schools in our service area.
When considering how to help children be healthy and well you must consider their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. We do not want lack of access to school supplies to inhibit a child from getting the education they need and deserve. Through this school supply drive we are going to collect the basics required for elementary school aged children. The supplies will then be given to local schools, investing in the very communities we all live and work in.
The good news is, you can help too! You can drop off school supplies any time before August 24th and our team will take care of getting them distributed. The next time you come to see us for an adjustment or treatment consider bringing colored pencils or notebooks—maybe even a USB drive or backpack. Just know, your generosity and willingness to participate will make a difference for the children of the Roanoke and New River Valley regions.

Please bring any one (or more!) of these supplies to the Tuck Clinic location closest to you. The deadline is August 24, 2017.

Parking further away at the store, using the stairs, or getting a gym membership…We’ve all heard the common fitness tips. Unfortunately, simply buying a gym membership or parking farther away at the store once a week doesn’t mean your physical activity is truly improving. Evidence by the American Heart Association tells us that becoming more active can lower your blood pressure, enhance your immune system, decrease the risk of disease, and build overall strength. Our team at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic understand that becoming active doesn’t happen overnight, it takes small, cumulative steps. With a priority in overall wellness, Tuck Chiropractic Clinic has created a list of five small ways for you to become more active:

• Put An Extra Pep In Your Step. We see it all the time: the neighbor walking the dog, parents walking with children on bicycles, or older gentlemen going for an evening walk. Walking is something we do daily, so why not add a scheduled walk in your daily routine? Just as we have a morning coffee or water the flowers, create a set time to go on a walk. Frequent walking better influences healthy triglyceride levels, as compared to a single vigorous workout paired with excessive sitting the remainder of the day. Spread out the activity across your day, in bite-sized pieces that will add up to wellness success.

• Dance It Out. For some, typical exercise classes or hitting the gym just doesn’t sound that fun and as a result, they don’t do it. There are a number of fun-focused options, many of which incorporate dancing, which adds an upbeat aspect to strength training and aerobic exercise. Working out doesn’t feel like “work” when you are able to thoroughly enjoy the experience. In addition to the excessive amount of fun you’ll have, these classes often offer low-impact options, creating less impact on joints and the back.

• Keep It Simple. Increased activity doesn’t have to come from expensive equipment or memberships, it can be as simple as a yoga ball or stretching band. Just recently, our doctors reviewed the Fit & Me Balance Board, an inexpensive, portable tool that uses balance to strengthen your core and back. Many times accessibility keeps us from exercising or keeping active. Keep small exercise tools on hand, for on-the-go activity that can make the most out of short breaks in your day!

• Be Part Of A Team. Whether you’re very active or less active, certain exercises can be intimidating. Group exercise, whether it is a class at the gym or a pickup game at the local park, have a track record of benefits. Often, those seeking to become more active are fearful of trying something new on their own. Group exercises provide a support system and an accountability system for those times where you’ve lost your motivation and are ready to throw in the towel.

• Don’t Overdo It.  If you have previously suffered from an injury or are unsure if a certain exercise set is right for you, always check with a medical professional. Make sure your body is functioning at full capacity before adding on additional activity. As Dr. Jen Rathmann states, “You function at 100% when all parts or systems of your body are working at 100%. When you function as close to 100% as possible that is when you feel great and in turn you live great!”

Live better, feel better. Use these five small steps to become more active and discover the difference it can make. If you’re unsure of your ability or the best starting place for your unique health circumstances, contact our team at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic to see what you can do, today!

In the heart of southwest Virginia, tucked away among the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find the Roanoke Valley. There is a reason why we have so many clinics located in the greater Roanoke area. There is also a reason why our own Dr. A. J. LaBarbera, who sees patients at our Bedford and Botetourt offices, chose to return to this place where he grew up after only a few years away. For Dr. LaBarbera and so many others who return to the Roanoke Valley, this is home.
If you are not from this area, you may be wondering just what makes Roanoke so great. Below, you will find five of the things we love about the Roanoke Valley.

• The Blue Ridge Parkway – No, the Blue Ridge Parkway is not exclusive to the Roanoke Valley. In fact, the Parkway stretches along 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. However, it can be argued that the most beautiful parts can be found in and around the Roanoke Valley. Take a drive on a cool, crisp day in early October and you will find yourself in awe of the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow to be seen as the autumn leaves prepare to fall. It also means that there are ample opportunities for breathtaking hikes all across our region!
• Mill Mountain – Easily reached from the Blue Ridge Parkway is Mill Mountain, home to Mill Mountain Zoo and Roanoke’s most famous landmark, the Mill Mountain Star. Standing at 88.5 feet tall, it is the world’s largest man-made, illuminated star and is one of the most photographed attractions in the area. At the base of the star, you can find a scenic overlook with a gorgeous panoramic view of downtown Roanoke.

• Museums – In the mood for something educational? Downtown Roanoke is home to Center in the Square, where you can find the Science Museum of Western Virginia. Nearby, you can also find the O. Winston Link Museum, housing the History Museum of Western Virginia. You can experience the arts with the Taubman Museum of Art, which is home to 11 galleries and features up to 20 exhibitions each year. If you are looking for a little extra fun with your educational museum trip, then you have to make a stop at Roanoke’s Pinball Museum.

• Elmwood Park – In the heart of downtown Roanoke is Elmwood Park. Most days, the park can simply be a beautiful place to go and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But Elmwood Park is also home to a 4,000+ capacity amphitheater that plays host musical artists and bands from across the country and around the world. Not to mention, each May, Elmwood is the home of Roanoke’s Festival in the Park.

• Dining Options – We could not possibly make a list of all the things we love about Roanoke and leave out the amazing food there is to be eaten. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience like Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse, international flair like Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine, or simply a fantastic bowl of chili at the Texas Tavern, you are bound to find many options to satisfy your hunger.

If you have yet to experience the Roanoke Valley for yourself, we encourage you to plan a visit. But, be warned, you may get here and decide that you have fallen in love with this area. You might just decide that, like Dr. LaBarbera, this is a place that you want to call home.

‘Why’ – such a short word that that has the ability to reveal so much. At the end of the day everyone has their own personal why. Why they chose the college they attended, why they took a leap of faith, why they made a life-changing decision, or why they chose their career path. For Dr. Emily Ranstadler the reason she chose chiropractic isn’t what you may expect, as she actually started out on the other side of the examination table as a chiropractic patient desperately looking for relief.
Dr. Ranstadler’s first calling—before she began pursuing chiropractic—was serving our country in the United States Marine Corp as a helicopter mechanic and aerial observer. While in service, she obtained a B.A. in Criminal Justice. During her education, a forensics class piqued her interest in anatomy, something crucial for chiropractors to understand. Dr. Ranstadler’s background and experience was the launching pad to future greatness—and a great example of her consistent track record of striving to positively impact others.
Her journey towards a career in chiropractic began with excruciating back pain. One morning Dr. Ranstadler (Emily at that time) woke up with “explosive” back pain and still remembers lying on her kitchen floor, staring at the ceiling, trying to breathe. “I assessed my situation and realized my options were pretty grim,” she recalls. “My husband was in Afghanistan, my friendly neighbors recently moved away, and my 16 month old was screaming his head off upstairs.” Then she had an idea: she had seen a chiropractor several months prior and remembered feeling good after an adjustment. She began calling chiropractors in her area, made an appointment, found the strength to get dressed and grab her baby, and was on her way to the appointment that would change her life and career aspirations (and relieve her back pain).
Following her visit, Dr. Ranstadler felt instant relief. As she was driving home she came to the realization that she didn’t want anyone to feel the pain she felt that morning, she wanted to be part of the solution to the pain so many people suffer from. That very same day, she began calling chiropractic schools. Ultimately, Dr. Ranstadler graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sherman College of Chiropractic, achieving her goal of obtaining an education to help others deal with pain that may be interfering with their quality of life.
While taking prerequisites, she completed a massage therapy course, which improved her clinical skills and now helps her with patient interaction. During chiropractic school, Dr. Ranstadler concurrently obtained an M.S. in Sports and Health Science. “I am very interested in how movement plays into overall function, maybe a crossover from my days of troubleshooting aircraft,” she said.
For an individual questioning whether chiropractic is the right choice for them, Dr. Ranstadler has some advice. “A good chiropractor should always take the time to speak to you, address your concerns, and explain what your options are before proceeding with treatment plans. Additionally, a thorough exam should be performed so that the safest and most effective treatment can be offered for your individual case,” she explained. “I think that at Tuck, we do a great job of gathering the right information to give great care or help get you where you need to be.”
Dr. Ranstadler’s path to joining our team is filled with dedication and passion: two qualities that have led her to be the successful and caring chiropractor she is today. We are very fortunate to work alongside Dr. Ranstadler, who is also a Certified Massage Therapist, NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. When she is not serving patients at our Roanoke-Peters Creek office, Dr. Ranstadler finds joy spending time with her husband and two sons, as well as exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

This Tuck Test Kitchen recipe is very simple and quick. It is a great alternative to traditional pizza. You only need 3 ingredients:

• Zucchini Squash
• Pizza Sauce
• Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Start by slicing zucchini in even slices, about 1/4 thick. Next arrange the zucchini on a cooking sheet in a single layer. Broil the zucchini for about 3 minutes, then flip the zucchini. Broil again another 3 minutes.
Next, top the zucchini with a spoonful of pizza sauce and part-skim mozzarella cheese. If you are feeling fancy you can also top these pizzas with fresh basil sliced thin or Italian seasonings.
Place your zucchini pizzas back in the oven to broil until the cheese has melted. And just like that, you have a tasty dish! Consider serving it as paired with a lean protein.
Using zucchini as the base of this pizza reduces the calorie count, as compared to a flour-based crust. It is also a gluten-free alternative for those who have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance. Zucchini also has a “rich nutritional profile,” to include vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and manganese.
We also love this recipe because once all the slicing is done, it is very kid friendly! You can sit them at the table and ask them to spoon on the sauce or sprinkle the cheese. Not only will it be a fun way to spend time together, turns out teaching them how to cook and involving them in the meal process may encourage more healthy eating habits.
Remember the importance of nutrition in your overall wellness. Wellness is multi-faceted and includes all areas of your life from nutrition to exercise, mindfulness to work-life balance, and maintenance care of your body.  We encourage you to take small steps to pursue wellness. The first small step may be coming in for a chiropractic adjustment or it just might be making zucchini pizzas. Regardless, we want to support you as you strive to feel better and live better.
 

Prioritized patient focus, local investment, and regional involvement keep Tuck Chiropractic Clinic ahead of the “healthcare puck”.

As providers we don’t know what’s going on. So my direction for our organization is we do what we do best. We take care of patients. We continue our strategies, but we’re very in touch with what’s going on nationally and regionally, and we’ll respond appropriately.

These comments from a local and national healthcare leader really resonated with us. When considering these remarks Dr. Ray Tuck said, “I am trying to constantly look ‘where the puck is going’ so we can provide the best possible care for our patients.” That can be very difficult to achieve when the direction of “the puck”—meaning the direction of healthcare—is often outside of the hands of practitioners and unknown. However, if you know Dr. Tuck and our team, you know we are a team that strives for positive and proactive impact. As such, Dr. Tuck and the rest of our team, ensure we stays ahead of the puck for our patients’ sake.
What does that mean exactly? Great question! It means that like Agee, Dr. Tuck realizes there are critical components, which contribute to staying ahead of changes within healthcare. Three key aspects are staying invested locally, remaining involved regionally and nationally, and prioritizing patient care.
Staying involved locally keeps us in touch with the community we love and serve. It ensures that we hear the their needs, concerns, and problems with healthcare. It also means that we give back and serve, through volunteer work and supporting charitable organizations, so that we are helping create a widespread positive and healthy community. A healthy community forms collective resilience and is able to weather political and policy-based changes in a stronger manner.
Nationally we must ensure our voices are heard—we must speak up and advocate for our patients. Whether in Washington DC working with the American Chiropractic Association or in Richmond working with the Virginia Board of Medicine, Dr. Tuck has leadership positions that allow him to speak up for Southwest Virginia. It is important to note, while he speaks up and advocates he also makes sure to listen. When Dr. Tuck participates in regional gatherings with other healthcare leaders he is able to hear about shared struggles, solutions, and the action that can be taken. He contributes thoughts, ideas, and expertise and also gains from the contributions of other leaders.
Finally, and most importantly, we stay ahead of the healthcare puck by prioritizing what drives us each and every day: our patients. We know that our true measure of success is in our ability to make a positive impact on our patients. Listening to their needs in terms of pain and wellness, but also in terms of logistic struggles related to healthcare, is a must. While we can’t always control frustrations with the healthcare system we can control the level of convenience our clinics create—from flexible appointment times, to multiple locations, and support navigating insurance coverage of chiropractic.
We want to help our patients eliminate pain and live well—which can’t happen if we allow ourselves to be reactive. We remain ahead of changes within healthcare by staying invested in our local and regional community while always remembering to focus on what truly matters most; providing the very best in care to our patients.

Much like driving a car fueled by gas, our bodies can’t function properly without water. Without proper fuel, a vehicle’s engine will break down or become unreliable.  Our bodies are made up of 70% water, and without proper hydration, our ability to function is diminished substantially.
Since childhood, we’ve been told to drink water so accepting this reality comes easy. However, if you look further into this, you’ll find that water is more important than you may realize. Water is key to regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and lubricating joints. Without proper hydration, the body is unable to function optimally. The health of the spine, in particular, relies heavily on proper hydration.

How Does The Spine Work?

As crucial as the spine is within daily activities, it is important to understand its mechanics. At its core, the spine is home to vertebrae, rows of bone that align vertically. Wedged between each bone is a disc which works to absorb shock when bending, twisting, or flexing. Discs between the vertebrae ensure the bones do not rub together, therefore, reducing shock.
Within each disk of the vertebrae lies a nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus is mainly made of water and provides movement as the spine rotates and moves in various directions. From the loss of hydration in discs, the adult spine is capable of losing height daily. Without proper rehydration, disc height starts to gradually reduce creating other medical issues.

Spinal Issues Resulting From Dehydration

Dehydration deeply affects spinal health as discs become compressed or unable to refill. Unable to refill, discs that lack proper hydration remain compressed leading to potential spinal injury. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, water loss causes discs to collapse between vertebrae resulting in injury. Injuries like spinal stenosis, degenerative disc, and herniated disc can arise from a core of dehydrated discs within vertebrae. This creates an immediate need for treatment and subsequent preventative measures.

How Can The Spine Rehydrate?

As your entire body relies on proper hydration, it is important to not only drink plenty of water, but eat foods that hydrate, as well. Not only does direct water consumption hydrate but incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet also aids in hydration Watermelon, cantaloupe, lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries are made of more than 90% water and also contain essential nutrients. Eating and drinking things that hydrate will help your spine function more efficiently.
There is a lot of question about the right amount of water to drink in order to ensure proper hydration. Common wisdom is to drink eight glasses (8 ounces each) per day but this general rule isn’t always the right amount for everyone. For example, if you are active or have a propensity to sweat a lot your needs will increase beyond this. We found a cool calculator to help determine your water needs based on things such as your age, size, and activity level.
While hydrating is a great starting point, water replenishment may not fully heal spinal injuries or back pain. Chiropractic care to include spinal manipulation or adjustments is recommended for those with injury in relationship to the spine.  We offer extensive varieties of treatment, to include herniated disc treatment. We believe in positively impacting your health and wellness and know that chiropractic care and proper hydration are two keys to this.

Putting It All Together

Just as you keep fuel in the gas tank of your car, maintain appropriate hydration for the health of your spine and overall wellness. Proper hydration through daily water intake and a diet rich in fruits and veggies will keep you feeling and functioning at your very best. Remember: if the spine becomes dehydrated, chances of spinal injury increase. A combination of tailored chiropractic care and hydration through both food and water are key to repairing and preventing such injuries.

Feel Better. Live Better.

Whether you are suffering from pain, or are interested in learning how to live a more healthy lifestyle we invite you to reach out to the clinic location that is most convenient to you and begin to reap the positive benefits of chiropractic care.

At Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, our experienced doctors provide their expertise as they examine cases in detail. Concurrent care helps guarantee a consistency throughout our practice.

• Obtaining the most effective and efficient outcomes for patients, even if we have to incorporate other disciplines into the care plan
• Valuing our patients’ time and money
• Working to continually improve care to obtain the best outcomes for our patients

What Are Clinical Rounds?

By sharing experiences with colleagues and encouraging collaborative efforts, we are able to increase the level of care and satisfaction for our patients. We share this information through a process called clinical rounds.
Clinical rounds are carried out in a “roundtable” process, which is designed to improve the collective power of our practice. Each month, one or two of our chiropractors are selected to present a case to their colleagues. These cases are diverse, and could range from a new approach to lower back pain to abdominal migraines. Strong measures are always taken to ensure that patient privacy is maintained.
Our doctors share intake information, diagnoses, demographics, treatment rationales and modalities, outcomes and resolutions, and unique aspects of cases, as well as insurance information and the cost to patients.

Collective Power

There are several important benefits to our clinical rounds process. We use our collective power to discuss the case and offer feedback. We can discuss internal practices in documentation and case management, which often leads to discussion about our best practices. And, our doctors have an opportunity to sharpen their presentation skills.
Clinical rounds also give the professionals at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic a chance to build and develop their relationships with each other, which is very important because it translates into better care for our patients.
If you think our concurrent care model might be beneficial to you, contact any one of our Tuck Chiropractic Clinics to schedule an appointment for your initial assessment.
Image by rawpixel/123RF.

How can you improve balance and strengthen your back?

How can you improve balance and strengthen your back?

Chiropractic adjustments support better balance, as they ensure the body is in proper alignment. This is a great starting point but to strengthen the core and back other exercises should be completed.
One great way to accomplish this is with balance board exercise. We recently got to try out the Fit&Me Balance Board as a solution to enhancing balance. Fit&Me is a circular, wooden balance board with anti-slip pads at its base designed for balance training for people of all ages. The balance board is portable and lightweight, it’s easy to use on-the-go or store at home. It also can be used with multiple exercises targeting different areas of the body.
Users of the Fit&Me Balance Board detail personal accounts of success made up of recovering patients, users with chronic back issues, training athletes, and seniors looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Balance boards not only enhances balance and promote strength, but increase confidence, as well.
In the case of the broken ankle, what was the root of the issue? The problem was not that the ankle was broken, but that the body lacked the strength and balance to prevent the fall or break. The body needs to be conditioned and strengthened for occurrences such as a bad fall. With established balance through strong core muscles, the body could prevent injury.
Balance impacts everyday life in big ways. Imagine reaching for an item in the grocery store and losing your balance. The top shelf doesn’t have to be so intimidating, though, with proper balance exercise. We believe you deserve to live a healthier and pain-free life, So, jump in and take the next step, quite literally. Ask your Tuck Chiropractic Clinic doctor about how you can improve your balance, strengthen your core, and better your back.
 

Dr. Matthis had a lot of fun giving the Fit & Me Balance Board a try!