Four Ways to a Healthier Heart

Balanced • February 11, 2018

Did you know heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. The good news is that 80 percent of those deaths may be prevented. Your heart is the engine that keeps you going – supplying the ‘oil’ for your full body machine – so it’s important to take care of your heart.

February is heart health month, and we’re celebrating by sharing tips to help you keep your ticker ticking!

Exercise daily. You should get 30-minutes of moderate exercise each day – and 1-hour per day for children. Moderate exercise includes things like a brisk walk, biking, weight lifting, or recreational sports. Exercise is important to keep your heart strong, much like you would for other muscles in your body. Check out our other recent blog posts about different types of aerobic exercises and heart rate zones.

Eat Right. This may be the best, but also the hardest, thing to do to keep your heart healthy. Check the labels at your grocery store and choose foods high in fiber as well as vegetables – try to pass on foods high in fat, simple sugars, salt, and cholesterol. This will help ensure arteries stay open and your ticker stays healthy.

Lessen the stress in your life. Stress can create a large burden on your heart by increasing blood pressure and releasing cortisol, and other stress chemicals. This can all have a negative effect on both the heart itself and the arteries it uses to transport blood. When you can’t eliminate the stress, try to manage it with a few breathing techniques; meditation; and even exercise! Find what works for you and try to work it into your daily routine.

Stay positive with friends and family. Want to live a longer life? Positive relationships with those closest to you has been linked to be the #1 factor in living a longer life – ahead of quitting smoking and drinking; exercising; and eating right. As humans, we are meant to be social animals and look for opportunities to build relationships. So when you are done reading this, pick-up the phone and call a friend or family member and set up a time to get together and reconnect.

Some of the best indicators of a healthy cardiovascular system include a normal heart rate, low blood pressure, low cholesterol and A1c levels.

So, remember to take care of yourself, and keep your heart in check!

Bryan Esherick PT, DPT

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

From Pain to Progress: What Real Patients Say About the Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Experience

By Allison Hawthorne • September 18, 2025

When you're in pain — whether from a nagging injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic discomfort — finding the right care can feel like a maze. At Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, many patients walk in skeptical but leave with something they hadn’t experienced in other clinics: real relief and a clear plan forward. What sets this clinic apart? It's not just the treatment. It’s the total experience — one where skilled practitioners combine chiropractic care, physical therapy, and patient education to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life. A Different Kind of Care Experience From the moment individuals arrive, they notice a different tone. The team at Balanced doesn’t just treat the symptoms — they take time to understand the full picture. Many patients describe the approach as comprehensive, personal, and results-focused . Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing long-standing joint pain, patients often comment on how the care they received here was more effective than what they experienced elsewhere. The key difference? Integration. At Balanced, chiropractic and physical therapy are used in combination — not in silos. This means spinal adjustments might be paired with strengthening exercises, or dry needling might be used to reduce tension while also building joint stability. It’s a multi-modal approach designed to accelerate healing while helping prevent future injury. Common Conditions Addressed Patients come in with a wide range of challenges: Shoulder pain and limited mobility Back and neck discomfort, including sciatica Hip pain and post-surgical recovery Sports-related injuries Plantar fasciitis and foot issues Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness or tingling Knee pain and age-related joint stiffness Repetitive strain injuries from work or athletics Postpartum musculoskeletal challenges In each case, treatment plans are tailored — not only to the condition but to each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and progress. What Patients Consistently Say Here are some recurring themes reported by patients in public reviews: “I finally found relief after years of trying other providers.” “The care team really listens and adjusts based on how I feel week to week.” “The home exercise programs helped me stay consistent and feel in control of my progress.” “They went above and beyond — even following up after care to check on how I was doing.” “I was able to return to normal activities that I hadn’t done in years.” It’s not just about symptom relief. It’s about restoring function and confidence — whether that means returning to work, walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply sitting comfortably during long drives. Results That Speak for Themselves Across the board, patients report: Reduction in pain (often from high pain levels to minimal or none) Improved mobility and flexibility Faster recovery timelines post-surgery Better outcomes compared to previous care elsewhere Knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence One of the most notable differences? Patients feel like they are part of the process , not just receiving care but actively participating in their own recovery with a supportive team behind them. A Team That Prioritizes People, Not Just Protocols Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy isn't just known for clinical skill — the people are a major part of the equation. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and administrative staff are frequently described as: Attentive Encouraging Thorough Responsive Easy to communicate with This atmosphere of support and collaboration often leads to stronger patient engagement and better long-term results. Why It Matters Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just affect the body — it affects work, sleep, relationships, and mental focus . The goal at Balanced isn’t just pain reduction; it’s full-body function and restored confidence in movement. Whether you’re facing a complex injury or a nagging issue you’ve ignored for too long, Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers something that’s hard to find in today’s healthcare landscape: individualized, integrated care that actually works. If you're exploring options for recovery, rehabilitation, or chronic pain management, Balanced may be worth your time — and could be the turning point your body’s been waiting for. Contact us today