The Final Results: Chicken Caprese with Roasted Brussle Sprouts

• 2 Teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• 1 1/2 Pounds Chicken Breast Tenders
• 2 Cups of Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
• 8 oz of Mushrooms
• 1 Teaspoon of Diced Garlic
• 1/4-1/2 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar
• Fresh Basil
• Fresh Mozarella Cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

First, prepare your vegetables and basil. Once you start cooking this recipe moves quickly. Slice your tomatoes in half, dice your garlic, slice your basil thin. You can leave your mushrooms whole, as they will shrink during cooking.
Begin by heating the EVOO in your pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breast tenders and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until they have a pretty golden brown color on both sides, and are cooked thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Next, add the garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Cook, while stirring, a few minutes to soften the mushrooms. They will continue to cook as the recipe continues, bear this in mind so you don’t end up with overcooked mushrooms. Next, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar. Start with 1/4 cup and increase the amount as necessary. You will want a little bit of excess liquid so there is a sauce component.
Add the chicken back to the pan, also add the fresh basil and tomatoes. At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will be doing jumping jacks. Cook until the cherry tomatoes are softened, while you spoon the sauce over the mixture in the pan. When the tomatoes are softened, add pieces of fresh mozzarella on top of the chicken. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt. You’ve done it! You can now enjoy this amazingly tasty and healthy recipe.
You certainly could serve it with pasta, as chicken caprese often is. However, we challenge you to serve it with a veggie side dish that will pair this already healthy dish with a healthy side. One of our favorite go-to side dishes is roasted brussel sprouts. You simply cut them in half (or buy them already cut in half!) drizzle them in a little EVOO, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them. They do all the work while you fix the main dish–it’s a great solution for a simple side.
We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did. We are always on the lookout for healthy new offerings that support the big picture view of wellness. Remember, wellness isn’t a destination and it’s not only about eating right. Consider how your nutrition, activity level, and care for your body all come together to make you the very best version of yourself. If we can support you in your wellness journey, please let us know.
 

The moment Dr. Anna Occhiuzzi-Flynn (Dr. Flynn) knew chiropractic was her calling didn’t come as you may expect. Her plan was to graduate from high school and ultimately work as an administrator. However, as life sometimes goes that wasn’t the case. During her youth, Dr. Flynn had never visited a chiropractor or had an adjustment. “At 10 years old I had leg pain, and a family doctor prescribed me Valium. I took one pill and threw the prescription away,” Dr. Flynn explained. “I innately knew it was not the right path.” Unbeknownst to her – this was the beginning of discovering what would become her future passion: chiropractic.
Soon after high school, Dr. Flynn found herself following life’s plan: she was an administrative assistant at a non-profit organization, where she worked alongside a nutritionist. She became inspired by the individuals she worked with and decided to change her plans and attend college, working towards a degree in nutrition or public health. However, she soon realized with a degree of this nature, she would most likely end up working in a hospital, which wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. That’s when she crossed paths with a chiropractor who took her to listen to Dr. Sid Williams speak, a champion of chiropractic, as some called him. “Sid talked about the innate power of the body to heal itself,” Dr. Flynn said, “I felt like he was speaking to me.”
All of these pivotal moments pointing to chiropractic were scattered throughout her life, and cumulated in her 1983 graduation from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in Sunnyvale, California. It didn’t take long to receive affirmation that this was the correct career path. While working as a sole practitioner, Dr. Flynn’s assistant brought her son in with extreme abdominal pain — so bad, his family was contemplating taking him to the emergency room. Dr. Flynn took time out of her day to adjust him every few hours and by the end of the day he was pain free. Even after 25 years in the field, Dr. Flynn still gets excited about the possibilities of chiropractic care. “We are non-invasive – it will never hurt you. Just give it a try – don’t suffer,” she explained.
Various life experiences led to Dr. Flynn’s ultimate decision to pursue chiropractic. Similarly, her life experiences have contributed to her passion for serving others and strong sense of empathy. When she was eight years old her family moved to the United States from Argentina. Her parents spoke very little English, and she often found herself going to appointments with them to help translate because she didn’t want to see her parents struggle to communicate. Dr. Flynn is trilingual, and at one point worked at a Spanish speaking practice – making for a comfortable and stress-free environment for those who spoke predominantly Spanish.
Dr. Flynn found herself in Roanoke after some of her friends from chiropractic school moved to the area. When she came to Virginia to visit them, she fell in love with the small town environment, and felt it would be a great place to raise a family. She started her own practice in 1996 in Rocky Mount, but sold it in 2000 to focus on being a mother. We are thrilled that she is not only practicing chiropractic again, but has chosen to do so with our team.
Outside of the office, Dr. Flynn finds joy in life’s simple pleasures such as cooking, hiking, listening to music and skiing.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Flynn to our Botetourt office. We are enthusiastic about the talent and care she will bring to our group, as well as the patients in the Botetourt community.

In exciting news, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recently re-elected Dr. Ray Tuck as chairman and governor of its Board of Governors (BOG). The re-election occurred in March during ACA’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Tuck has been a member of ACA leadership since 2007. He was elected to the ACA BOG in 2013 as the District 3 Governor of the Board and was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2016. In addition his role on the Board, he is a member of the Investment Committee and the Council on Pediatrics.
The American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients.
We are thankful for Dr. Tuck’s leadership with the ACA. We know this leadership position is a reflection of his dedication to advancing the profession of chiropractic and providing patients with the very best in healthcare.
Over the course of Dr. Tuck’s career he has served on numerous boards to include the Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club and the American Red Cross Board – where he served as chairman for three years. He is currently a member of the Christiansburg Moose Club, Pulaski Elks, Hokie Club and Blacksburg Sports Club.

We were recently honored to learn one of our very own was nominated for a regional leadership award though the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Jen Rathmann, who serves in our Blacksburg Clinic, was nominated for the award of Accomplished Business Woman of the Year. While Dr. Rathmann would be the last person to make a big deal of such recognition, we know how important it is to celebrate the incredible leader that she is.
Dr. Rathmann is one of those leaders who makes time not excuses. Like most of us, she is busy keeping up with the day-to-day demands of life but always finds a way to make her patients, and those around her, feel valued. In fact, she even has one patient that calls to wish Dr. Rathmann a “Happy Anniversary” when the date of her first chiropractic adjustment rolls around. Her people-first approach is an example to us all.
The dedication of Dr. Rathmann extends beyond one-on-one relationships and deep into her emphasis on community building. She is involved locally with the Chamber of Commerce, Blacksburg Sports Club, and Downtown Blacksburg Inc., and the American Business Women’s Association. In the past, she has also been a member of Rotary, a Board member for the American Red Cross, a Board Member of Valley Interfaith Childcare Center, and a volunteer for the United Way. It quickly becomes apparent that Dr. Rathmann is leading by serving in our local community.
When reflecting on Dr. Rathmann’s support from our community Dr. Tuck shared, “Dr. Rathmann has always been very dedicated to the communities here in Montgomery County.  Since joining us, she has served on several boards and committees and volunteered at meaningful events countless times.  I think her service to others both within the office to her patients and outside the office in the community is a testament to why she is so loved in the area.”
Not only is Dr. Rathmann highly relational and very invested in our local community; she is also dedicated to advancing the professional of chiropractic. Dr. Rathmann serves as Clinical Operations Manager for Tuck Chiropractic Clinic to ensure continuous quality improvement with clinic staff members. Dr. Tuck said, “I have worked with Dr. Rathmann for almost 18 years now.  Her work both here in southwest Virginia and across the state to advance our profession has always been about improving care for patients.  I feel very blessed to have worked with her!”
This nomination means a lot to our team because it means that others are recognizing the dedication that Dr. Rathmann has to our patients and community. It is something that can’t help but be noticed. We are honored to have her as part of our team and thankful for her leadership within Tuck Chiropractic, our community, and beyond.

In Virginia, the Department of Health is predicting that over 1,000 people died from opioid overdose in 2016, a 33 percent jump from the previous year. Just four months ago, the state’s health commissioner, Dr. Marissa J. Levine, had declared Virginia’s opioid addiction and overdose crisis a public health emergency. As a result, emergency provisions were put in place to deal with the epidemic in the state.
And the situation is just as severe in North Carolina, where the state’s Department of Health and Human Services labeled opioid addiction its “number one public health crisis.” A third of all prescriptions in the state are being abused, and there are twice as many deaths per year from overdose than murders. These startling numbers resulted in Gov. Pat McCrory signing a bill making the drug naloxone, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, available to anyone who needs it.
Pain is a pervasive problem — an article in the New England Journal of Medicine states that 30 percent of Americans suffer from acute or chronic pain, and the figure is even higher among older Americans. It goes on to say:

The urgency of patients’ needs, the demonstrated effectiveness of opioid[s] for the management of acute pain, and the limited therapeutic alternatives for chronic pain have combined to produce an overreliance on opioid medications in the United States, with associated alarming increases in diversion, overdose, and addiction.

Here at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, we believe that a patient-centered approach, one that starts with the most conservative pain treatment possible, holds great potential for preventing an over reliance on pain medication.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) backs up this approach. According to opioid prescription guidelines released in March 2016:

• Non-opioid care is favored for chronic pain, except when it’s related to cancer, palliative, and end-of-life cases.
• When opioids are indicated, the lowest dose possible should be prescribed.
• Providers should use extreme caution when prescribing opioids and should monitor patients very carefully.

Conservative Care: A First Line of Defense Against Pain

According to many state and national health regulatory boards and organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conservative care is an important first line of defense against pain and, in some instances, is effective in reducing or eliminating a patient’s reliance on over-the-counter and prescription painkillers.
Options for pain management run a wide gamut, from ice packs and exercise, to chiropractic manipulation,  physical therapy, massage therapy, and non-opioid medications, all the way to the prescription of opioids and even surgery.
Patients often rely on social connections to help them locate a trusted provider. When they’re suffering from severe pain, their first impulse may be to turn to a trusted physician — or to immediately seek out a prescription for a strong painkiller. Conservative  care, as mentioned above, may not even be on the radar. Often times, people may feel a certain anxiety about trying something new and different like chiropractic care.
At Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, we’re striving to change this. We believe pain treatment should be patient-centered and should begin with the least invasive options available.  We support conservative care measures as outlined by the CDC and chiropractic is one of those conservative care options. We also feel strongly that chiropractic is a great conservative care option to consider before trying opioids, which in addition to their potential for addiction, can over time be harmful to the liver, kidneys, and stomach lining.

How Can Chiropractic Care Relieve Pain?

When a patient comes to us seeking relief from pain, we typically recommend beginning with an ice pack on and off for 20 minutes at a time. If the pain isn’t resolved in the first 48-72 hours, the next logical step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors. Although medication may sometimes be necessary, we try a range of conservative options before recommending a prescription.
Patients who are currently taking opioid pain medications should consider chiropractic care in conjunction with other therapies, particularly as a way to deal with severe pain. We often collaborate with family doctors and pain management specialists to break the cycle of pain.
In addition to using spinal manipulation and exercise to resolve physical problems causing pain, a chiropractor can recommend an ergonomic approach to work, and stress-relieving techniques to make pain easier to live with.
Our main goal at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic is to stop the stimulus of pain. We believe the best way to deal with pain medication addiction is to stop it before it starts.
Image by kmiragaya / 123RF Stock Photo.

It all began when he was a young child. Dr. Anthony “Tony” Hamm witnessed his stepfather eliminate pain for countless patients with chiropractic and this type of healthcare was captivating to him. He specifically recalls that as he grew, he realized how much he, “liked the fact that it was drug-free and effective.” Beyond that, Dr. Hamm noted, “There also seemed to be a great deal of patient satisfaction.” His path forward in life was clear; he was going to follow in his stepfather’s footsteps and become a chiropractor.
When Dr. Hamm was in high school, he began planning the best path forward to make his dream a reality. Specifically, he designed his college experience around the goal of being accepted into Chiropractic College. He finished the required prerequisites and attended Chiropractic College at National University of Health Sciences. Interestingly, Dr. Nathan Tuck, the father of Dr. Ray Tuck, was a classmate and friend to Dr. Hamm.
It was sometime later that this friendship and connection to the Tuck family came around full circle. Dr. Ray Tuck and Dr. Hamm began working together on American Chiropractic Association projects about seven or eight years ago. In that process, they developed a close friendship. Dr. Hamm explained, “He and I developed a close friendship and a lot of that had to do with my former relationship with his dad.”
Dr. Hamm’s career as a chiropractor is one that can be characterized by service and leadership. He has served within the North Carolina Chiropractic Association for a number of years. He was also the North Carolina delegate to the ACA in the 1990s. Ultimately, he spent a two-year term serving as the President of the American Chiropractic Association. For him, this leadership was a natural progression stemming from his dedication and love for chiropractic. He explained, “I love what I do. I love the patient interaction. I love to see people in pain get better.”
Like many wise leaders, Dr. Hamm makes sure to consider what’s next. While no date has been set for Dr. Hamm’s retirement he realized it was a reality looming on the horizon. In true Dr. Hamm fashion, he began focusing on his patient’s needs and how he could ensure continuity of care for them.  Dr. Hamm explained, “I witnessed how Tuck Chiropractic Clinic was emerging and evolving. I like that it is a team-based approach and everyone in the company is a team member.” Dr. Hamm made the decision to join our team and make his practice part of Tuck Chiropractic Clinic.
The change has been exciting and welcomed by Dr. Hamm and the Tuck team alike. Dr. Tuck said, “Dr. Hamm has long been an expert in many areas of the chiropractic field and in healthcare. We are confident his expertise and dedication will help us continue to live our commitment to excellence through consistent, convenient, and patient-centered care.”
Don’t mistake this mention of retirement for an indication that Dr. Hamm is slowing down. That’s anything but the case. Currently, he is enrolled in a master of science in health sciences curriculum, with a concentration on health care quality, at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is also an avid golfer who has traveled to amazing destinations like Pebble Beach and Scotland to spend time on the green. However, Dr. Hamm is making some intentional moves to slow down just a little, to make sure he can enjoy his children and 5-month old grandson.
As Dr. Hamm reflects on his busy and rewarding career, he can’t help but acknowledge the privilege it is to help others live pain-free. He described, “One of the things that I’m most proud is that we take both acute and chronic care patients and provide services that assist with improvement and management of those conditions without total reliance on medication.” We are thankful for now having Dr. Hamm, and his dedication and drive to serve others, as part of Tuck Chiropractic Clinic.

What do you think the most predictive characteristic for low back pain chronicity and future disability is?  Obesity?  Prior back surgery?  Type of injury? What would you say if we told you multiple studies have shown the most predictive factor for progression of low back pain from acute to chronic are psychological factors like depression, fear avoidance, and poor outlook? 
You may have never considered a possible link between health, pain, and attitude. While it may be difficult to stay positive during all situations in life, there are positive steps you can take to enhance your overall health and wellbeing. And that’s why we’re here — to discuss four positive lifestyle changes that are simple but come with the potential to improve your health.

1. Stay Active

When your body is in pain, relaxing on the couch may seem like the easiest thing to do. After all, you don’t want the pain to get worse. We’re going to stop you right there. The reality is getting your body up and moving could actually be the first step to feeling better! In fact, a recent study revealed physically active adults had lower pain perception than those who were not physically active. This can be as simple as going outside and taking a quick walk. So if you’re feeling stiff, or your back is starting to give you trouble, challenge yourself to get up and get moving. Going through the motions, in a literal sense, could be the first step in feeling like you can take on just about anything.

  2. Be Aware of Your Attitude

Emotions such as anxiety and depression can worsen pain perception. However, there are ways to combat those feelings. Activities like yoga, meditation, and positive thought reinforcement have been linked to reduced pain intensity and better overall health. Yoga and meditation have also been linked to decreased stress and better cardiovascular health. Make a conscious effort to be more aware of your mental attitude. If you are facing a difficult situation, don’t dwell on it. Challenge yourself to consider the positives that may come from the situation.

3. Surround Yourself with Positive People – this includes your doctors!

You’ve probably heard the saying “surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.” That saying holds true when it comes to family, friends, and even doctors. Partnering with a chiropractor or physician who is fully dedicated to helping you feel better can give you the confidence you need to take on the pain that has been bogging you down, or a surprise diagnosis that has left you in a rut. Choose a chiropractor or physician who you feel connected to and who has a plan to get you back on the road to a healthy life.

4. Don’t Dwell on Your Age. After all — it’s just a number!

Did you know feeling older than you actually are is a health hazard? Something that should be celebrated – the beauty of living life – could be causing people health problems. That’s hard to believe if you ask us! Reflect on the positive things happening around you. Consider getting involved in clubs or volunteer opportunities in your local community, or pick back up on your favorite from a few years back. Don’t let another year around the sun rain on your parade! And that brings us to our next, and final, recommendation…
—
From time to time, life can throw you a curveball. It’s important to maximize your chances of coming out on top, and recognize the key role positivity and lifestyle play in this. We encourage you to examine your life and determine how you can apply these simple tips. Starting with small changes to your approach to pain and positivity will help you experience big results.  

We welcomed 2017 with big news as we announced a new clinic location in Botetourt, Virginia. The excitement hasn’t slowed down. We are thrilled to announce that Tuck Chiropractic Clinic has crossed state boundaries and we have established our first clinic location in North Carolina.
Dr. Tuck explained, “As we looked to grow, North Carolina has always been on our ‘list’.  This clinic, located in Goldsboro, represents our commitment to continue to provide convenient, professional, and consistent access to chiropractic care. Many of us on our leadership team have family connections in that area, so we are excited to have this opportunity.”
Dr. Anthony Hamm, a seasoned chiropractor with decades of experience, was the owner of Hamm Chiropractic Clinic prior to the merger. Dr. Hamm has an overt and unwavering commitment to healthcare quality. He is the immediate past president of the American Chiropractic Association and is currently enrolled in a master of science in health sciences curriculum, with a concentration on health care quality, at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Dr. Hamm’s connection to Tuck Chiropractic Clinic reaches back to his years in chiropractic when he was a classmate of Dr. Tuck Sr., the founder of Tuck Chiropractic Clinic and father of our current president, Dr. Ray Tuck. Dr. Tuck said, “Dr. Hamm has long been an expert in many areas of the chiropractic field and in healthcare and we felt that expertise could help us continue to live our commitment to excellence.”
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Goldsboro community, which has already made us feel extremely welcome. We also must thank our wonderful patients for their support, which has been a major component of our ability to continue to grow as a company.
Expanding our company into Goldsboro, North Carolina represents a big and exciting step forward for our team. We are confident that this is a change that will allow us to collectively leave a bigger and more positive impact on the lives we are privileged to touch.  
 

Feel Better. Live Better. – Our theme for this quarter.

“Often Chiropractic is seen in a dichotomous way. Meaning, people see it as a means of eliminating pain OR as a way to support a lifestyle of wellness. At Tuck Chiropractic we choose to see it as both. For me as a Chiropractor, and as a practice collectively, we work with patients across the continuum; from those in acute pain situations all the way to patients who feel absolutely wonderful and know chiropractic is a key to staying that way.”

Dr. Sean Skinner: Roanoke, Peter’s Creek

“When you are feeling well with no pain, you can focus on the important things in life. You can focus on your family, your job, your hobbies, and things that make you happy. Your overall quality of life is improved when you feel better.”

Dr. Susan Kilmer: Cave Spring

“To me it means, even with past injuries, I can get out and enjoy my life to the fullest with chiropractic. I will be able to do what I want in this life much longer with chiropractic.”

Dr. Lee Matthis: Christiansburg

“Feeling good radiates! Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. When we feel bad or are in pain, we can often lash out at those around us. We can be short, rude, and sometimes offensive without even knowing it.  Feeling good is not only better for us; it’s better those around us too!”

Dr. Tiffany Grace: Rocky Mount

“Feel better, Live better” to me means helping patients be their best self. It means helping reduce pain and restore function to their bodies so they can participate in the activities they enjoy. It means addressing other aspects of their lives such as posture and nutrition, exercise and water intake so their bodies will function optimally. We want patients to be “healthy” and not just pain-free.”

Dr. Jen Rathmann: Blacksburg

“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! The better you feel from your head to your feet and everywhere in between the higher quality of life you have. Doing what you want to do and when you want to do it! We call these activities of daily living. Whether it is the ability to pick up your kids and grandkids, go to the grocery store or hike the Appalachian Trail.  We want you to function as close to 100% as possible. When you take care of your body it will take care of you! You will feel better and you will be living the life you want to live!”

Dr. Anthony Hamm: Goldsboro, NC

“Recent epidemiological studies show that 41-80 percent of the population will experience back pain in given year. So back pain is prevalent in our society. Relieving back pain and returning to action, whether short-term acute pain or chronic conditions, is one important way to “feel better, live better.””

While an oncologist treats cancer patients with chemotherapy and other options, a chiropractor can be part of an integrated plan to improve quality of life.

[…] appears to offer many economical and effective strategies for reducing the pain and suffering of cancer patients, as well as providing the potential to improve patient health overall. […]

Cancer treatments often put great stress on the musculoskeletal system, and as a result many cancer patients suffer from peripheral neuropathy, neck and back pain, muscle tension, and headaches, and may have difficulty walking.
Although not all patients undergoing cancer treatment may be candidates for chiropractic care, including those with bone metastasis or low platelet counts, chiropractic manipulation can help many patients deal with the secondary effects of cancer treatment and the associated discomfort they experience.

How Chiropractic Care Benefits Cancer Patients

Chiropractic treatment can benefit cancer patients in many ways. It can reduce stress, increase mobility, and optimize function, and generally improve quality of life.
By easing headaches and nausea, and relieving muscle tightness and neuropathy pain, chiropractic can help patients follow through with their treatment plans, which may even help extend their lives.
Chiropractors treating cancer patients approach patient care in much the same way as other primary care providers by:

• Gathering a comprehensive health history
• Conducting a thorough physical exam
• Ordering necessary diagnostic tests
• Deciding on an appropriate treatment plan

The chiropractic course of treatment often includes spinal manipulation and adjustments that provide patients with pain relief as well as overall improvement in function.

Chiropractic as Viable Alternative to Pain Medication

Chiropractic care can also be a viable alternative to pain medication for cancer patients. Although the use of medication is common in the management of a patient’s pain, it’s estimated that at least half of all cancer patients do not receive tolerable relief from their pain. Chiropractic care can address this issue, potentially even decreasing a cancer patient’s dependence on pain medication.

Integrated Care Plans

Cancer treatment has historically been focused on treating the disease itself. While doctors of chiropractic don’t treat cancer directly, they function very effectively as part of an integrated care plan to help the patient obtain the best treatment results possible.
While an oncologist provides the treatment necessary to fight cancer, a chiropractor is uniquely equipped to offer cancer patients a variety of noninvasive and nonpharmaceutical options at any stage in the disease process. These options not only help decrease pain but also dramatically increase quality of life.
If you need help managing the pain associated with cancer treatment, contact Tuck Chiropractic to schedule an appointment for your initial assessment today.
Image by racorn/123RF.