Libertyville chiropractor offers timely wellness tips
Long before COVID-19 became a household term, Dr. Jordan Leasure made it her life's work to proactively optimize people's health, including our all-important immune systems.
A chiropractor since 2006, Leasure's extensive additional training in functional medicine - devoted to determining and addressing root causes of that which ails us - has made her a sought-after regional speaker since 2009.
The Libertyville-based practice Leasure shares with her sister, Dr. Jade Dellinger, centers not only on how a properly aligned spine keeps all neurological systems robust, but also on the importance of excellent nutrition.
The team at North Shore Pro-Active Health additionally works with clients on balanced fitness and - of especially key importance to so many right now - positive ways to cope with stress.
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 or being quarantined due to exposure should strictly follow their physician's advice. But for those looking to boost physical and mental well-being in advance of any potential illness, Leasure offers sound advice.
Q. What kinds of things do we all need to do all of the time to give ourselves the best shot at optimal health - including a ready-for-invaders immune system?
A. I think we all need to relax. We need to allow our bodies to function as they were designed. Stress should be finite. If we're being chased by a lion, either the lion is going to get us and that's the end of it, or we're going to get away. Either way, the stressor is going to end.
In today's society, we're so attached to our cell phones and we are always trying to do more and be more, so we don't give the stress a chance to end.
We all need to be more purposeful in our relaxation activities. Turn devices off. Limit screen time. I'm also a big proponent of breathing exercises. Most of us don't know how to breathe properly, especially women, who too often are holding in their bellies and breathing into their chests. We need to be breathing down into our belly buttons. It allows us to relax physically and emotionally.
Also, keep a gratitude journal. It's something everyone should do. There will be days when all you have to write down is that you woke up in the morning or you made it through the day, but that's something to be grateful for.
If you can, get routine chiropractic adjustments. It's all about removing interference and allowing the body to work as it was designed to work ... we want to make sure that the brain is able to communicate clearly with all organs and systems in the body and that they are able to send signals back to the brain.
Chiropractic is sort of like clearing a highway. Your body is far more productive in its utilization of energy.
Q. It's pretty difficult for any of us to avoid stress right now. What can we do to stay as healthy as possible in the face of rising fears over this global pandemic?
A. Relaxation techniques are so key, which is why we should practice them under less stressful conditions so it's second nature in a time like this. But it's never too late, and today is better than tomorrow.
Fear of the unknown is what is really disrupting everyone's life right now. I think that's why some people are hoarding toilet paper. So many things are out of control that they are attempting to control what they can.
Many of us are frustrated about being unable to exercise at our local gyms, or even hike our state parks. But there are some great free resources out there that I hope people will take advantage of - everything from virtual museum tours to free celebrity concerts and free college courses are coming out online.
Q. That means more screen time, doesn't it?
A. It's a delicate balance. People everywhere, no matter the weather where they are, should at the bare minimum go outside and take five deep breaths each day.
We should also minimize our sugar intake. There are a lot of memes floating around on the Internet right now about stocking up on wine, but sugar actually impedes your immune response. It fights Vitamin C for priority within the cell, and you don't want that. Alcohol basically turns into sugar in your body. If you want to keep your immune system in peak condition, you don't want to treat your anxiety with alcohol.
Q. Any other advice for us as we muddle through the uncertainty of the coming weeks?
A. Be more deliberate. In more normal times, people may assume that they're getting their steps in and that they're eating well. When we're stressed we're more apt to grab for whatever's closest, to eat the comfort food, drink the cocktail. Especially now, when people aren't going to work and their gyms are closed, they're not getting in their regular activities, and they may be more likely to reach for a sugary snack.
Sugar releases serotonin. But that short-term high is counter-productive to our immune response.
Get some physical activity. Find an online workout and join in. Jog in place. Run up and down your stairs.
If you have children and a partner or spouse at home, exercise as a family. Work regular breaks in to your home-schooling routines, even if it's just to get up and do some jumping jacks for a few minutes. And if you like yoga, include your kids. Children as young as 3 can learn to be mindful and meditative, and will benefit from simple stretching and posing postures.
Drink lots of water. Keep taking your vitamins. And engage in some sort of social connection, whether it be sitting and having a conversation with your spouse or Facetiming with family across the country.
Overall, just be more deliberate in making those healthy choices. It's more important than ever.
You can also find more healthy-living information on our blog at drleasure.com, and we routinely post helpful tips and videos on our North Shore Pro-Active Health Facebook page.