We have a big dog, a big Chocolate lab that is a little bit spoiled. This morning I let him out to do his business and started cooking his breakfast. In about three minutes I heard a ruckus and saw a blur heading towards the shed. Upon further investigation, Max (my lab) chased something to the shed. I gave in, put my shoes on and headed to the shed, temporarily secured Max to a rope tied to a concrete block. I opened the shed without any trouble and there it was, a cute little kitten looking scared. I tried to grab it and quickly found out the kitten was a skunk! Max was eager to get away, and started dragging the block. I grabbed the block and Max really pulled hard at the same time, I fell over the block and landed in what I think was mud! Whatever it was, broke my fall, kind of.. Max was barking, poor little skunk was scared, and I really stink! I know I need an adjustment, but it is embarrassing to go anywhere smelling like this. The internet said to use tomato juice and alcohol, I drank all I had, it didn’t touch the odor! How long before I can come see you? Thank you in advance for your help! Stinky in Sunrise Beach Dear Stinky, There is a reason I am a dog person! Trusting a kitten will get you every time. Poor Max! He must be miserable hanging out with a stinky parent! The internet is a veritable smorgasbord of information, it is easy to misunderstand instructions. I read bathing in the tomato juice helps more than drinking it with alcohol, but I am not an authority on skunk smell resolution. Your health is most important to me, call the office and we will get you in as the last appointment of the day, and see if we can get you feeling better. It would be best to leave Max and your new kitten at home! Always here for you! Dr. Aaron P.S. What are you feeding the new kitten?

I had the best 4th of July ever! I went to this awesome pirate themed lake bar, and they had a great band playing. My friends and I were on the beach for a while, then when the band started playing the Irish party music, it was time to dance! Dancing and maybe an adult beverage or two and then I saw her!! Yowza!!! Pretty much perfect for me! A girl with just the right size bikini and mirror sunglasses…. We started dancing and went out to the beach to talk. My friends challenged us to chicken fights in the lake and …. Yeah, I am competitive. I am pretty sure it was the sand bottom or too much chicken, but my back feels like a grape that spent 2 weeks in the sun. Sunburned and all out of whack! Can you fix me? I have a real date with my sandy soul mate and it might mean more chicken fights! Thank you, Sandy Chicken Fighter Dear Sandy, It seems you found real fireworks! Chicken fighting is an age-old sport known to be responsible for many marriages! When coupled with awesome music and patriotism chances are increased by 10 fold. If I might offer a tip or two: 1- Inspect your fighters nails for sharpness prior to first match 2- Hydrate!!! Water does a body good! 3- Sunscreen! And not the spray stuff!!! Do not cheap out, get the good stuff! Now, get in here for an adjustment, and I hope to get an invitation to the wedding! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron P.S. The i-Berrys are one of my favorite bands too!

I am writing to say you have been awesome as my chiropractor and I believe you are a good man, but for $19.00 one-time fee, I may not need you anymore!!! While scrolling the internet looking at really cool car parts, I noticed a small discreet ad with a very attractive lady in it. Upon closer inspection, the beautiful creature clearly stated I could end all trips to see chiropractors with this miracle machine. I said to myself “Self! You need to pay attention!” after 23 pop up ads were finally discarded- the truth was revealed to me. A small one-time investment of $19.00, and $49.00 shipping, Relief was on the way. I was pins and needles waiting, I canceled my appointments with you, (sorry about fibbing! My dog didn’t really have kittens...) ninety-one and a half hours after clicking the buy now button, it arrived! Sure it wasn’t the steel blue color I hoped for, but off pink is nice too! It was almost easy to figure out, only 4 steps: 1 rotate operation 2 low speed rotating gear 3 rotate the middle 4 high-speed rotating gear. I’m not too good with all that medical talk, so I looked at the pictures. My wife’s spandex took almost 10 minutes for me to get over my butt, and another 5 minutes to make a cutoff shirt, but there I was! All set for my first adjustment. I put it on the carpet and laid down on it. My first impression was Oh my gosh!!! This thing hurts!!!!! But I figured I might not have it adjusted right. If I bring it in, can you help me adjust it, so it can adjust me? I always feel better after you adjust me, but the price of gas is way too high! Thank you, Dr. Aaron Wannabe My Own Chiropractor Dear Wannabe, I am very disappointed to hear I cannot hold your dogs’ kittens! I know how tempting the internet ads are. Once when I was younger, I saw and ad about being my own dentist. It turns out a $300.00 pair of pliers doesn’t make one a dentist. Even if you spend $39.00 on special powers x-ray filters, you cannot look at peoples’ bones, (I’m really sad about that one). There is always a bigger better more nicer “thing” out there and we will always be looking for the next miracle fix. I hope we can get your miracle machine adjusted just right, and you will continue to visit me on occasion. If not, we will restore your appointments and add your contraption to my ever-growing museum of artifacts. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

My husband and I love your advice, and hope you might help us with an argument. My husband claims flip flops are way better for your feet because it’s like walking barefoot the way we are supposed to. I say good quality footwear that support your ankle are far superior to flip flops and he is using antiquated thinking to avoid having to tie his shoes! Last year he tried to convince me that beer and chicken wings are the best diet for his diabetes…. Oh! and me making him breakfast in bed every day is a key to the perfect marriage. I love him, but he really pushes my buttons, please explain how much more right I am than him! Flippity Flop Wife Dear Flippity, Chicken wings and beer do sound delicious!!! The inherent danger of wearing flip flops while eating chicken wings is those stains from drops of hot sauce on your feet are a dead give away to all of your friends. There is much debate in the medical community about bare feet vs the “best” shoes. I am of the opinion you might have a tie here. Flip flops, like safety shoes have a direct purpose, and should be used accordingly. It is beneficial to rotate types and styles of shoes. I heard of guy who happened to be diabetic, ran across the parking lot to grab some important information from his truck. He was barefoot, Temp was 98 degrees, direct sun on asphalt parking lot. He was suffering from Neuropathy and did not recognize the extreme heat on his feet until it was too late. Sad, sad story, What I am trying to say is, a $1.00 pair of flip flops might have changed his life. On the other hand, cooking French fries or deep frying a turkey might require leather boots. Being safe and appropriate is imperative for those with diabetes. Your husband is lucky to have someone to look after him, and you are lucky to have a husband that communicates with you. Pushing buttons is often unavoidable! I mean it is the best way to get to the kiss and make up part!!! Ranch dressing is best with wings!! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron Looking forward to you bringing your husband in for an adjustment, we will compare notes on the best area wings!

My friends and family keep telling me I am way too old for my preferred activities. I told them I would really like to get high, and my grandkids almost passed out. I’m still not sure why? Skydiving has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. I think maybe they do not expect a grandpa to use current slang. Are there any medical reasons why I shouldn’t “get high?” Looking forward to your approval, Getting high in Missouri Dear Getting high, Slang is hard to keep up with!! I once saw a quote on a church sign- “A goal without a plan is little more than a wish” Having goals and accomplishing them is a vital part of our life. If you are medically fit and follow good safety protocols I say jump out of that plane- paint the picture- ride that rodeo horse- sail a boat- follow your dreams! Now this business about getting high, with the changes in legislation medicinal herbs are easily acquired, I prefer to treat patients with traditional methods and leave the “getting high prescriptions” to those who know better than me. Do not forget the parachute! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

We have a very traditional family with traditional family values. My Oldest son is 15 and has aspirations of becoming an astronaut. I want to support his dream, but he struggles with his weight. Astronauts I see pictures of are thin and in shape. He is working hard to get in shape and shed some pounds, but I fear he is overtraining and he started complaining about his back and knees hurting. What can we do to help him, the last thing I want to do is crush his dream? Thank You, Astronaut mom to be Dear Astromom, Astronautical aspirations are to be admired and supported! I get many questions about youth fitness and in some of my recent posts I address overtraining and stretching in depth. Of course, a good physical assessment and maintenance are important, but also the support system at home. It appears you are doing everything right! Good job! The mental toughness required of astronauts is learned at early age. Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. I have not ruled out a trip to the moon myself! Elon if you are reading this…. Hit me up!!! I look forward to meeting your son in person! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

I love horseback riding, after riding this weekend my back just doesn’t feel right. I am not sure if its from riding or after we finished, I was trying to take my boots off. The bench where I normally sit to take my boots off was full of cats. When I tried to sit down the cats wouldn’t move, I tried everything, including barking at them, no dice! With great reservation I decided to just test my balance and used the tip of one boot to start the removal process of the other. My balance is not what it used to be, the boot got stuck in my pants leg, I grabbed the boot and tried to pull it off. I was confident within 2-3 hops on one foot I would be free to put my foot down and be stable again. There I am hopping on one foot, pulling on the boot, cats watching in delight and it was then I realized the edge of the porch was much closer than anticipated. I landed in the gravel on my back, boot in hand, it was bittersweet. It is hard to celebrate the victory while laying on your back in the gravel and realizing the mail lady watched the entire event unfold… sorry to be so long winded, I just need to know how soon can I get an appointment? Thank you, Cowboy Cat Grampa Dear Cowboy, When herding cats, it is best to use positive reinforcement (delicious treats). There are many hidden dangers associated with horseback riding. From personal experience, I might suggest eye protection (long story!) I am confident we can get you in right away for this emergency situation. Call now for your appointment. Stay safe! Dr, Aaron

I am a regular office worker, yes, the cubicle and copy machine issues are real. My neck and back feel very tight and I have started getting headaches from staring at a computer screen all day. In the past I had good relief from my chiropractor, but he has since retired and moved to Mexico. It’s kind of scary trying new doctors, can you tell me a little bit about you and your practice, something that may alleviate some of my anxiety? Thank You, Nervous in Camdenton Dear Nervous, You have a real conundrum! First and foremost, your health and well being are paramount to me and other practitioners in our area. I would love to wow you with loads of awards and make a bunch of promises of how you may be able to walk on water after your first visit, but I cannot. Promises such as this are not realistic, I can however promise to be gentle, caring and complete with your treatment and listen carefully to your concerns when creating a treatment plan. Some say stereotypes exist for a reason, but individual healthcare and treatments are far from typical. While your occupation requires staring at a screen, your headaches might be unrelated. Make an appointment, I am eager to learn more about your situation and see if we can create a solid treatment plan to get you relief! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron Ps. To have your questions answered- send a private message

After an exhausting weekend floating, fishing and enjoying cold beverages, I think I might benefit from an adjustment. My insurance does not cover chiropractic care, what can I do? Thank You, Too Relaxed Dear Relaxed, Insurance is not a prerequisite for feeling good! I accept patients equally with and without insurance. I encourage everyone to be mindful of one’s health. Being healthy allows for better relationships, and in children often times better behavior. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the office this week. Always here for you, Dr. Aaron Ps. To have your questions answered- send a private message

It’s the weekend, family time! Baseball with the kiddo’s floating in the lake, you know the All-American dream. Last weekend the game was so exciting I might have cheered a little too much and my lawn chair was not up to the task of supporting a real man size fan… (It Broke!!!) the other spectators did not even try to disguise their laughter as I hit the ground. I’m wanting a sturdy chair to support me in times of triumph and excitement and won’t kill my back. Can you make a recommendation? I already know about frequent standing, stretching, losing weight and exercise, I want to know what chair might be best? Thank you, Most Excited Superfan Dear Most Excited, It warms my heart to know you and your family are enjoying time together with good wholesome activities. Every child deserves a superfan. Every superfan deserves a chair they can count on. Hammacher Schlemmer (Guaranteeing the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected for 174 years.) Suggests The Generously Sized Zero Gravity Lounger- it employs the same supine seating posture developed by NASA to reduce stress on astronauts’ bodies during launch (139.00). I’m of the thought “if it is good enough for astronauts it is good enough for me. Water Safety- If you feel a shock swim away from the dock! And most important alcohol and water doesn’t mix! Be safe enjoy your family to infinity and beyond. Stretch- take frequent breaks- come see me for an adjustment! Always here for you, Dr Aaron

The holiday weekend was a much needed break from the daily grind. Live music, BBQ and reverence for the fallen. My family thought it would be a good idea to play croquet… When your family is as competitive as mine…any game that may be played with a large wooden mallet is a bad idea. It all started when my wife decided to “send” my mom’s ball. The ball ended up in the prized flower bed, my dad started yelling to stay out of the flowers, dad yelling excited the dogs so much they began running in circles, the grandbabies started crying, the grill flared up, such a mess!! My mom tackled my wife and they both went to the ground…. Laying on the ground they both started laughing hysterically….. neither are getting around very well can you help? Thank you, Dazed and Confused Dear Confused, I stopped giving croquet lessons a few years ago. Thank you for the reminder, I probably should get my mom flowers! Dogs barely listen to me… so while I might offer the advice of keep a spray bottle of water nearby for the grill (and a fire extinguisher….don’t ask) I’m sure a treatment might be a big help for the both of them. Make an appointment today.. wait at different times (less chance of repeat chaos) Family time is always the most fun!! Always here for you, Dr. Aaron

Your tips are helping me feel better about my children playing sports. The exercises and stretching seems to agree with my children and I might even sneak a few stretches with them. One of my concerns is their head, how do I tell them to stretch their head? Thank you, Head Over Shoulders Dear Head Over, The head, melon, nut, gourd, brain bucket, grape, dome- whatever euphemism is being used for it in the sport your children are involved in is an area of great concern. Coaches do their best to protect their players, but as parents we have the responsibility to keep them healthy. Attention to proper technique is a top priority. Core and neuromuscular condition to prevent falls. Avoidance of overtraining. Providing adequate rest and recovery are essential for pediatric and adolescent athletes. Use a HELMET when appropriate!!! Protect that dome!!! Don’t let the grape get sunburned! Do not fall and bust your wig! It is all the same, protect the head and stay healthy!! Neck stretching exercises Static – Looking right and left which will stretch the sternocleidomastoid Flexion and extension which affects the sternocleidomastoid, suboccipitals and splenae (Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning) Neck strengthening exercises Deep neck flexors - Craniocervical Flexion with Cervical Flexion Chin tucks Prone rows