Our daughter went off to college and made us empty nesters. It has been an interesting experience to say the least. We have been to two concerts out to eat, and maybe had a couple more adult beverages than usual. Las week I just didn’t feel like cooking and talked my hubby into taking me to supper on his motorcycle. When we were looking at the menu, I noticed the opportunity to get a Bahama Mama drink. 3 drinks later, I didn’t even care if I ate supper! It was so much fun, talking to everyone and just relaxing. When we prepared to leave, it is rumored I put my helmet on backwards… and I did not know the directions to home. I don’t think it is true… but after a short ride home and what I remember of the night, I think I slept well… but my neck and shoulders are very “tight” I’m not sure if a massage or an adjustment is in order? My hubby says a few more Bahama Mama’s are the answer. Please advise!! Thank you! Bahama Mama Lover Dear Lost Mama, Not being able to find the direction home might indicate the need to eat supper before drinking… It is great to hear you feel good about being an empty nester. Enjoy life and love those around you. It sounds like a massage from your husband before your adjustment is in order. Cover all your bases! I heard leaving a trail of breadcrumbs when you leave home might make it easier to get home. Always here for you! Dr. Aaron

This has been a great summer! I think I spotted you at the Airshow in Camdenton? We really enjoyed the show but now our necks are killing us!!! Too much looking up and blocking the sun. Can my wife and I get appointments together? I noticed you have a new website; it looks fantastic! How many of those planes do you own? How long have you been a pilot? Will you fly us to Hawaii? When do you move offices? My wife is dictating these questions, she is very curious. I refuse to ask about the status of you and that pretty girl! Hope we get to see you soon! Thank you, Cricked neck in Camdenton Dear Cricked, Wearing awesome sunglasses does not make one a pilot!! But awesome sunglasses do help with not holding your hand up to shade the sun. We enjoyed the show and appreciate the efforts of all the hard work put in to make it such a great family event! I was excited to receive a 2022 Impact Award from bestphotospot.com, I love what they are doing! Please check out my favorite spots. To address a couple of your questions. I am a fully qualified pilot of paper airplanes; I received my qualifications when I was 7- paper folding came naturally…. Just kidding, all my paper planes crashed. We will get you two in back-to-back (pun intended) New web site: YES!! You can see all the Dear Dr. Aaron posts and you can subscribe to the blog. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron P.S. A gentleman would never kiss and tell

I heard or saw someplace you are moving offices? Are you staying in town? I sure hope so… I was reading an interesting article on my phone about ants taking aphids as slave food producers. Its true! Anyway, I was reading while going down steps and thought I had one more step to go but I already arrived at the bottom. Short legged now, and hoping you aren’t closed for moving. Thank you in advance, Short Legged in Osage Beach Dear Legged, I too recently saw an article about those vicious ants, they sprayed something on the aphid so the wings were incapacitated and the aphids would remain on the same plant and continue to secrete sweet sustenance for the ants. Amazing world we live in! Yes, I am moving, but just down the street. I suspect there will be no disruption in schedule. Looking forward to comparing ant facts. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

My wife is obsessed with 2 things right now, reading your advice, and killing flies! I am not sure I need her to obsess over me. She was trying to read last weeks post and a pesky fly was trying to prevent her from enjoying it. She started chasing it with a rolled up newspaper. The fly obviously enjoyed the game and continued to pester her. I was trying to watch some crime tv and it became very annoying. She was yelling, I assumed it was at the fly, and then she started using words I haven’t heard since the Navy! My comments about the “poor fly” only seemed to make things worse. Two hours into the great fly hunt of 2022 she was red faced, looked like years in her eyes and she was having a hard time walking. In her efforts to exterminate her aggressor she did something to her back. Can we get an appointment on Friday? Thank you, Thankful for TV Dear Thankful, We all have our favorite pastimes and it is very annoying to be pestered. I may have likened to “A gnat at a barbecue” as a child. Your wife obviously has good taste! Looking forward to meeting you on Friday. Please remember we are moving to a new location soon! Website makeover is almost done! And it is nearly deer season… Life is Good! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

The boat races are coming up and I was thinking it would be a good idea to sell hot dogs from my floating raft named “Big Wiener”. I inflated it and put a big piece of plywood on it to support my grill and decided to test it out. I floated it out about 50 yards from shore and put 2 anchors down to keep me in my spot. I fired up the grill and started to cook some dogs. I like the all-beef dogs, but they are too expensive, so cheap hotdogs to the rescue. I sampled the first one off the grill and it was pretty tasty. I decided it was time to advertise, so I put my big banner up. “Big Weiner Here!” I was sure it would get a lot of attention. It did not take long for people to notice, but just then a strong breeze came up and my banner acted like a sail. The 2 anchors seemed like a good idea when I put them down, but now the sail and anchor combination were working against each other. Combine that with the wake of a monster boat and it was chaos! My grill tipped over, slid off the plywood, melted the raft and it started sinking, my cooler lid blew off, and people on the boat were yelling something about a big wiener. I put my life jacket on and made for shore. It took about 4 trips to recover all of my stuff, the “Big Wiener Here” banner and deflated raft were a real challenge. My back and neck are a wreck, I know you can’t do much to fix my Big Wiener, but can I get an emergency appointment to fix my back? Thank you, Missing Big Wiener Dear Wienerless, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot even imagine how I would feel if I were to lose a “Big Wiener” It is great to hear you were wearing your life jacket. I am happy to work on your back and neck, but leave fixing “Big Wiener” to a professional. I’m sure there will be other opportunities to make extra money with or without “Big Wiener” Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

I love reading your advice, is there an archive someplace where I can read more? My problem is more of a rant really… We are new to the lake area and I enjoy looking at all the treasures for sale on marketplace. Do people really think saying they have something for sell is appropriate? Well, I enjoy looking and occasionally will purchase or attempt to purchase a “treasure” as a project or a novelty. I don’t look for specific items, just whatever might catch my eye. Last week while looking, I spotted a soda machine for sell…. Ugh, swallowing my frustration I sent a message in an attempt to set a time for viewing. The response was slow in coming.. me: is this available, and if so when can I come look at it? Seller: yes, do you want it or not don’t want to waste time Me: I think I want it, but need to see it in person first, is there a time that works best for you? Seller: I do not know much about it- no keys- if there is money inside when you open it, you have to bring it back!!! Me: When can I see it? Seller: No one comes to my house, I will meet you Me: time and place? Seller: Do you want it? It’s a lot of work to load it up and I don’t wanna waste my time!!! Me: ….. Yes I want it, meet me in Osage Beach in Lowes parking lot at 5 pm Seller: I do not like Lowes Me: Okay where would you like to meet? Seller: Camdenton Me: Okay where? Seller: I don’t care Me: Orscheln parking lot at 5 pm Seller: I eat dinner at 5 Me: 6:30? Seller: okay- are you sure you want it? I don’t take checks Me: yes, I will see you at 6:30 Orscheln Parking lot As painful as the 1 hour long conversation was, the suspense of meeting the seller in person was fantastic! I arrived 15 minutes early and waited.. at 6:30 on the dot I get a message Seller: Still want it? Me: yes, I'm here waiting Seller: ok leaving now, be there in 30 minutes Me: okay So I wait, and wait, he finally arrives in a big diesel truck 10’ lift, nice guy, I pay him, he unstraps it and said there you go! I am by myself, this is like a big refrigerator, and his truck is a foot taller than mine. I asked if he could help? He said nope, and offered no explanation. Now I am mad and pulled the thing into my truck strapped it down and left. It has been 5 days; it is still in my truck because I can’t hardly move to unload it. My appointment is Friday, after my appointment maybe you could help me out and unload it for me? Thank you, Nomoreforsellforme Dear For Sell, Buying treasures off the internet is kind of like internet dating, looks can be deceiving, and so can texts, messages and phone conversations! Saying it is for the adventurous is an understatement! I wish I had time to help all of my patients with their home chores, but unfortunately, I too have chores keeping me busy. The lake vernacular grows on you, it is endearing and you will come to love it! In the future look for clues like for sell to know whether or not the time spent is worth the gain. Soda machines are awesome, (online dating…?) Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

Your advice always leaves me wanting more! I was very lucky to get to spend last weekend with my daughter, son, daughter-in law, her mom, sister and a whole bunch of little ones. It was a fantastic time- shopping, water park, the whole vacation experience packed in to a couple of days. Now I am home and my back is not right. Dull pain, stiff, uncomfortable. Maybe its from carrying grandbabies on my hip? I wouldn’t trade the experience and memories for anything, except maybe less pain. Can you help? Thank You, Hurting Grandmamma Dear Hurting, Memories are so valuable and the little ones don’t even realize it yet. Spending time with family is an important component to our mental health. (I might drive my mom a little crazy at times!) Our core strength adapts to our everyday activities, and it seems logical your hurting could very well be a result of additional time spent carrying little ones. Vacation time usually include dietary choices a little different than normal and staying hydrated is always a challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your vacation pictures at your next appointment. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

I dread getting groceries at our local “big box” store. I went Saturday morning hoping it wouldn’t be busy. My hopes were shattered as I pulled in to the already overflowing parking lot. My inner self said just go home, my belly said feed me! I made my way in to the store and began filling the cart from my list, being careful to mind my own business. The third item on my list was delicious DOT Pretzels. I searched and dodged five or six of the big carts with head phoned employee shoppers. Try as I might to not get agitated… I started feeling the frustration build. I spotted a very well-dressed lady a little older than me trying to retrieve DOT pretzels from the very top shelf. Always a gentleman, I offered to assist her. I pulled the last two bags from the top shelf and in the process, my shirt came up revealing only for a second my otherwise concealed firearm. I pulled the bags and she readily helped hold them while I fixed my shirt situation. I made small talk about the best pretzels ever and then realized I was talking to myself. She was gone!!! My DOT Pretzels gone! I was beyond agitated, things went downhill from there, the big can of peaches landed on my big toe, I am pretty sure it is out of place or broken and the case of water did my back in completely. I’m sure you can help my back, but can you help my pinky toe? Thank you, Not so peachy pinky toe in Lake Ozark P.S. The law enforcement officer waiting to talk to me about brandishing my weapon was very understanding, turns out he loves DOTS too!! Dear Peachy, Things can get a little wonky when we take our little piggies to market! Sometimes grocery pickup is the greatest! They even load it for you! We will give you a full adjustment and see if we can right some of the wrongs from the box store. I appreciate the suggestion to try those pretzels, I hope they live up to the image you painted for me. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron P.S. We have great law enforcement at the lake!

Election Day! I was upper excited and planned on being the first voter in the door. The Universe had other plans. I woke up way too early and made coffee, and forgot to put coffee in the filter. While cursing and blaming the coffee maker for my error, I spilled the hot water on the floor. The hot water spill accidentally revealed how dingy looking my clean floor was. After real coffee and looking at the clean spots, it was more pressure than my OCD could take. Three hours later, a gleaming floor to be proud of!! Coffee maker for the win! I now remember why the floor was not as clean as I originally thought. My back and knees are screaming DUMMY!!! I was not the first voter, but I am confident my floor is as clean as any voter's floor out there. I am proud to be able to exercise my right to vote and I want to be able to stand upright to show it! Please help! Thank you, Voted now I can barely walk Dear Voted, We live in a great country where we can vote and even employ others to do the tasks that may be beyond our physical abilities. I am very happy you were still able to exercise your rights, and when you come in for your appointment, we will give you exercises to help you stand strong! Always here for you. Dr. Aaron

I did it!! I really did it! I stood up on a paddle board. Ok well, that was before it was in the water. I did try my best, and I almost stood up on the board out in the water. My legs were so shaky! It was like the first-time walking. I watched YouTube and it seemed pretty easy. Start on your knees and then just stand up! I would love to blame my lack of balance on the heat, or being out of adjustment or anything other than me just being un-coordinated, but I cannot. My question is if I resume regular adjustments will my balance improve? Will I conquer the paddle board? Will I be on my way to SUP perfection? If you fall and no one sees you, did you really fall? Thank you, Unbalanced in Osage Beach Dear Unbalanced, Paddle boarding is fantastic fun and exercise! Balance is often affected by poor alignment, regular adjusts will help keep you from straining the “unused muscles” we often hear about. I myself attempted paddle boarding last weekend. I do not want to brag, but I stopped my fall in to the water with my face…. Getting out spending time with loved ones is so valuable, keeping yourself in tip top shape makes it even better! I am looking forward to comparing war stories about paddle board mishaps in your next appointments. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

My headaches have become much less frequent with the combination of regular adjustments and cutting back on the caffeine, thank you! I have a question about a habit so annoying to my husband. I am chronically late. Late for work, late to pick up the kids, and you might have noticed late for my appointments. I really want to do better; do you think one of those smart watches might help? I get so focused on what I am doing, I lose track of time... not sure what to do, please help! Thank you, Timeless in Kaiser Dear Timeless, It is great to hear your headache situation is improving! We all struggle with time management from time to time…. Becoming aware of it as an issue is the perfect first step. Your husband is lucky to have someone responsive to his concerns. I am not sure a smart watch is the answer, but we need to find out. Stop by the office and I will have a smartwatch waiting for you! Now this is not one of those $500 fancy units, but it will let you know if an alarm here and there might be best to get you on track to perfect punctuality! Looking forward to hearing a follow up report on how happy your hubby is! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

I have been watching your advice for a little while, and I think you can help me. Well, help me and “Also Me” I am starting to finally be an adult, one failed marriage, no real career, always looking for the next fun thing to do. The problem I recognized recently is there are 2 of me. Me that says I’m not drinking tonight, and also me that wakes up late for work with a horrible hangover. Me that promises I will never drive crazy again, and Also me going to court for my 3rd careless and imprudent driving ticket. Me thinking that 2 bundles of shingles up a 2-story ladder to the roof is not possible, Also Me showing off for the girl next door by carrying 3 up the same ladder. I know this sounds crazy, but I need an adjustment and hopefully I only have to pay for me and not Also Me? Will one adjustment help both of me? Can “Also Me” benefit from my adjustment? I want to be fair and I sure do not want to get something for nothing… Please advise, Me, and Also Me in Tuscumbia Dear Me and Also Me, It sounds like you are having growing pains also known as “growing up” We all experience growing pains in one form or another and I commend you for recognizing your situation. Alcohol and substance abuse can play an adverse roll in the growing pain phase of our lives and should be carefully addressed to prevent the often irreversible effect of our decisions. Keeping your body fit and keeping your physical health to a high standard can help with the mental fitness. There are many resources to help your situation and you and Also Me are not alone. I look forward to treating me and Also Me for one single rate. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron