Inspired Living Chiropractic

02/20/2026

5 fun, and Inspired Living Approved....outside-the-box winter snow day ideas for kids:
1. Snow Volcano Science Lab
Turn your backyard into a winter science experiment.
What you need:
• Snow
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring
Build a snow mountain, hollow out the centre, add baking soda + coloring… then pour vinegar in.
Boom — snow volcano eruption.
Bonus:
It sneaks in STEM learning while they burn energy building it.
2. Ice Treasure Hunt
Fill balloons or containers with:
• Small toys
• Coins
• Nature items
Freeze them overnight.
The next day, give kids:
• Warm water in spray bottles
• Salt
• Kid-safe tools
Let them “excavate” their treasures like little Arctic archaeologists.
Great for:
• Fine motor skills
• Problem solving
• Patience
3. Backyard Winter Olympics
Create events like:
• Snowball toss accuracy
• Sled relay race
• Longest snow angel contest
• Obstacle course in boots
• Fastest snow fort build
Make medals out of cardboard and foil.
4. Night Snow Adventure
Wait until dark.
Bundle up.
Go outside with:
• Headlamps or flashlights
• Warm cocoa in thermoses
Walk around the yard or block and notice:
• How quiet snow makes everything
• Animal tracks
• Sparkling reflections
It feels magical.
And kids rarely get night adventures.
5. Snow Day Movement Challenge

Instead of sitting inside all day:
Create a “movement card” jar with prompts like:
• 20 jumping jacks
• Bear crawl across the living room
• Wall sits
• Dance break
• Yoga animal poses
Pick a card every hour.
Keeps:
• Circulation flowing
• Energy regulated
• Meltdowns reduced
Because snow days + no movement = chaos
***Bonus Tip for Parents:
The goal isn’t Pinterest perfection.
It’s connection.
Snow days aren’t interruptions.
They’re built-in memory makers.
Lean in.
Get messy.
Drink the cocoa.
And let them be little.
See you soon-
D&D

02/19/2026

How Can a Newborn or Child’s Nervous System Become “Stressed”?
When we speak of “stressed,” we don't mean emotional stress like adults think of.
We’re talking about physiological stress... anything that pushes the nervous system out of balance.
The nervous system controls:
-Immune coordination
-Digestion
-Sleep cycles
-Inflammation
-Breathing patterns
-Hormone signaling
If it’s dysregulated, immune function can shift.
-
Common Sources of Nervous System Stress in Babies & Kids
1. Birth Stress (Mechanical + Physiological)
Birth is amazing ..but it’s intense, not only for the mom, but for the baby.
Even normal vaginal delivery places significant pressure on:
-The upper cervical spine
-The skull
-The vagus nerve...
C-sections, forceps, vacuum extraction, or prolonged labor increase this stress load.
That doesn’t mean injury... but it can mean tension patterns that affect:
-Latching
-Digestion
-Sleep
-Immune coordination
2. Early Immune Overload
-Babies are born with immature immune systems.
Repeated:
-Antibiotics
-Formula intolerance
-Early daycare exposure
-Viral cycles..can all overload a developing system, keeping the nervous system in a heightened defensive state.
3. Chronic Fight-or-Flight Activation
Children today experience:
-Screen overstimulation
-Sleep deprivation
-Constant noise/light stimulation
-Emotional stress
-Food sensitivities
When the nervous system stays in sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) mode:
- Immune balance shifts
- Inflammation increases
- Gut function changes
- Recovery slows
The immune system works best in parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) mode.

4. Gut-Brain Axis Disruption
-70%+ of immune cells live in the gut.
If a child has:
-Dairy sensitivity
-Processed food intake
-Frequent antibiotics
-Chronic constipation
This affects gut bacteria... which directly signals the nervous system and immune regulation.
5.Poor Posture & Airway Development
Mouth breathing, forward head posture, and airway restriction stimulate stress pathways in the brain.
-Poor oxygenation → elevated stress hormones → altered immune signaling.
-This is often overlooked.
When the nervous system is dysregulated:
The immune system may become:
1. Overreactive (allergies, eczema, asthma tendencies)
2. Underactive (frequent infections)
3.Poorly coordinated (slow recovery)
It’s not that the immune system is weak.
It’s that it’s not properly regulated.

Where Inspired Living fits in this...
Chiropractic care focuses on:
-Restoring nervous system balance
-Improving vagus nerve tone
-Reducing mechanical stress in the spine
-Encouraging parasympathetic dominance
-It does not “boost immunity.”
It helps restore regulation.
See you and your family soon-
D&D

02/19/2026

How Does Chiropractic Help Regulate the Immune System?
This might surprise you:
Chiropractic doesn’t “boost” the immune system.
It helps regulate it.
And that’s far more powerful.

Here’s Why That Matters:
-Your immune system is controlled and coordinated by your nervous system.
Every immune response —
• Inflammation
• Fever
• Antibody production
• White blood cell activation
• Healing... is directed by signals from your brain through your spinal cord and nerves.
If that communication is stressed or disrupted…
Your immune system may become:
- Overactive (allergies, inflammation)
- Underactive (frequent infections)
- Poorly coordinated (chronic immune stress)
What Chiropractic Actually Does
Chiropractic adjustments:
- Improve spinal alignment
- Reduce nervous system interference
- Help shift the body from “fight-or-flight” into “rest-and-repair”
- Improve vagus nerve tone
- Support lymphatic movement
When the nervous system regulates properly, the immune system can respond appropriately... not excessively, not insufficiently.
That’s regulation.
Studies have shown that chiropractic care may influence:
• White blood cell activity
• Immune markers
• Autonomic nervous system balance
• Inflammatory cytokine levels
-
It’s not about treating illness or pain at all...
at Inspired Living...it’s always been about improving the body’s ability to adapt.
Think of It This Way:
Your immune system is like an orchestra.
Your nervous system is the conductor.
If the conductor is overwhelmed or misfiring, the music becomes chaotic.
Chiropractic helps the conductor lead clearly again.
The Goal Isn’t “Boosting.”
The goal is balance.
A calm nervous system.
A coordinated immune response.
A body that adapts instead of overreacts.
That’s Inspired ;) resilience.
And that’s powerful.
See you soon-
D&D

02/19/2026

Gut Health for Kids (Especially the Ones Who Love Cheese & Milk!)

Let’s be real... most kids could live off string cheese, milk, and yogurt alone.
But if your child is constantly…
- Bloated or gassy
- Dealing with allergies or congestion
- Tired or cranky after meals
- Struggling with constipation or loose stools
…it might be time to take a closer look at gut health ... especially when dairy is a daily staple.
- Why Dairy Can Be Tough on Some Kids’ Guts
While some kids tolerate dairy fine, others may experience:
- Inflammation in the gut lining
- Mucus production → more congestion & ear infections
- Disruption in the balance of good bacteria
- Irritation to an already sensitive digestive system
And remember: gut health = immune health + mood + focus.
It’s all connected.
-
So, here are 5 Simple Ways to Support Gut Health (Even if They Still Love Dairy):
1. Add fibre-rich veggies + fruits
Berries, carrots, apples, and greens feed the good bacteria... even in picky eaters!
2. Try a kid-friendly probiotic
Look for a high-quality, sugar-free blend to support a healthy microbiome.
3. Swap in some dairy-free alternatives
Almond, oat, or coconut milk in smoothies or cereal can help lower daily dairy load.
4. Bone broth or collagen powder
Great for soothing the gut lining... easy to sneak into soups, sauces, or smoothies.

5. Chiropractic care at Inspired Living..(you knew it was coming;)
Gentle adjustments support the gut-brain connection and reduce nervous system stress ... which affects digestion and immune regulation.
You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight.
Start small. Support the gut. Watch your child thrive.
And if dairy is causing issues, you don’t need to “take it all away”…
Just give the body what it needs to balance and heal.
See you soon-
D&D

02/18/2026

Tubes.
Then Tonsils.
Then Adenoids.
Does Anyone Else See the Pattern?
Many parents quietly notice it.
First comes chronic ear infections → tubes placed.
Then recurring sore throats → tonsils removed.
Then congestion, snoring, mouth breathing → adenoids removed.
And for some ?
Allergies.
Wheezing.
Asthma.
Now — let’s be clear:
There are absolutely situations where these procedures are necessary and appropriate. Severe obstruction, sleep apnea, or serious infection must be addressed.
But here’s the deeper conversation:

Ear drainage systems, tonsils, and adenoids are not random tissues.
They are the body’s first line of defense from keeping bacterial or viral invaders out of the system.
They:
• Trap pathogens
• Activate immune response
• Protect lower airways
• Help train the immune system in childhood
When they become chronically inflamed, it’s usually not because they are useless.
It’s often because they are overwhelmed.
Large long-term studies (including a 2018 JAMA Otolaryngology population study) have shown associations between tonsil/adenoid removal and increased risk of later respiratory and allergic diseases. Some studies suggest higher asthma incidence, while others show mixed findings.
This is not about fear.
It’s about asking better questions:
Why is my child’s immune system overloaded?
Is gut health compromised?
Is there chronic inflammation?
Is nervous system stress playing a role?
Is airway development restricted?
Sometimes surgery is necessary.
But removing the defense system without strengthening the terrain may shift the problem deeper.
The goal is to build resilient kids for a life of health and happiness.
SO...
If Your Child Has Had Tubes, Tonsils, AND/OR Adenoids Removed… What Now?
First — take a deep breath.
This is not about regret.
This is not about blame.
This is not about “you shouldn’t have.”
We aren't here to poke you in the chest....we are here to help.
Many loving parents make the best decision they can with the information they have.
Now the better question is:
How do we strengthen their system moving forward?
Because even without those first-line defenses, your child’s body is still incredibly intelligent and adaptable.
What Changes After Removal?
Ear tubes, tonsils, and adenoids are part of the early immune defense system.
Here's the good news...if they are removed:
• The body still fights infection
• The immune system still functions
• But the “front gate” protection is different as the initial security checks (tonsils, adenoids) have been removed.
So now we focus on strengthening the whole terrain.
What Can You Do Now?
1. Support the Nervous System
The nervous system regulates immune coordination.
Gentle, consistent chiropractic care helps:
- Improve lymphatic drainage
- Support immune regulation
- Reduce chronic stress patterns
- Improve breathing mechanics
A calm nervous system = stronger immune response.
2. Build Gut Health
70%+ of the immune system lives in the gut.
Focus on:
• Probiotics
• Fiber-rich whole foods
• Reducing processed sugar
• Minimizing inflammatory foods
Healthy gut = resilient immunity.
3. Check Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D plays a massive role in respiratory immunity.
Many kids are deficient especially in the winter months as they are outdoors much less to get sunlight.
4. Omega-3 Support
Omega-3s help regulate inflammation and immune balance.
Especially important after immune tissue removal.
5. Address Breathing & Airway Development
Encourage:
• Nasal breathing
• Good tongue posture
• Myofunctional therapy if needed
• Postural correction
Airway health is foundational to respiratory health.
The Most Important Thing:
Their body will still thrive.
Removing tissue does not remove their ability to heal.
It simply means we now need to be more intentional about strengthening what remains.
The goal isn’t fear.
The goal is resilience.
See you soon-
D&D

02/18/2026

The Most Overlooked Nutrient That Could Change Everything:
--->FIBER
It’s not flashy.
It doesn’t get trendy headlines.
But when it comes to real health, fiber is a game-changer.
Most people think fiber is just “roughage” for digestion…
But the truth is, it’s a foundational tool for energy, metabolism, immunity, and hormone health.
Here’s What Enough Fiber Can Do:
- Keeps your gut microbiome happy
Good gut bugs LOVE fiber... and a balanced gut means better immunity, mood, and digestion.
- Regulates blood sugar + reduces cravings
Less crashing = more stable energy throughout the day.
- Supports hormone balance
Fiber helps your body eliminate excess estrogen... key for clearer skin, fewer mood swings, and easier cycles.
- Reduces inflammation
Especially important for autoimmune support, heart health, and long-term wellness.
- Keeps you regular (yep, it matters)
Daily detox happens through healthy bowel movements. No shame... it’s essential.
But Here’s the Shocker:
Most adults only get 10–15 grams a day.
We need 25–35 grams — minimum.
** Simple Ways to Up Your Fiber Game:
- Add chia or flax to your smoothie
- Eat the whole fruit, not just juice
- Load up on veggies before your main meal
- Swap refined carbs for sweet potato, quinoa, or lentils
- Consider a high-quality fiber supplement if needed
Your gut is your second brain.
And fiber? That’s one of its favorite fuels.
Want more energy, better digestion, less inflammation, and a body that feels lighter and stronger?
Start with fiber.
Stay consistent.
& Stay Inspired;)
And then watch your health shift.
See you soon-
D&D

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

Who’s Really In Charge of Your Health?
Let’s have an honest and transparent moment for a second…as we get this question from time to time--
'why does Inspired Living not opt in to any insurance plans?'
Here's the deal and why we chose this path from day 1 in practice...
If Inspired Living chose to be in-network with an insurance company, DrB would have to sign a contract with the insurance company and agree to their terms …
At that point...
Inspired Living would no longer work for you.
we would work for them.
Let that sink in.
Here's the Analogy:
-Imagine hiring a personal chef to help you get healthier, lose weight, and feel amazing.
But then…
A fast food company steps in and says:
“Hey chef, we’ll pay you… but only if you use our ingredients, our portions, and follow our menu.”
And your chef says:
“Okay. I’ll do whatever they say — even if it may not be the best option.”
That’s what happens when doctors contract with insurance companies.
- They now follow the rules of the insurance company... not your health goals.
- Use their timelines
- Follow their definition of “medically necessary” care
Have you ever heard of someone say--
'I was getting so much better...and then the insurance ran out.'
Yikes:(
So Who’s the Boss in That Room?
Hint: it’s not you.
And may not your doctor either.
That’s why we choose to stay out-of-network:
-So we can form a relationship and help you go after your goals...as a team.
-So we can listen to your body's needs ... not a billing code
-So your care is built on function, prevention, and long-term healing not a bandaid approach
-So we can do what’s right and based upon your goals, not just what’s “covered”
You deserve care that’s guided by what your body needs,
not what a spreadsheet approves.
Are we for everybody?
Thankfully not.
We choose from day 1 to only work for people who want to take an active role in their health by choosing a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.
If you fit that model...we'd love to welcome you and family into the Inspired Living Family.
See you soon-
D&D

02/18/2026

Why are there so many baby's getting adjusted at Inspired Living these days?
It all stems from answering this question...
How Can a Baby’s Nervous System Become Stressed — And Affect Immunity?
Babies don’t have deadlines.
Kids don’t pay bills.
So how can their nervous system be “stressed”?
Stress isn’t just emotional.
In kids, it’s often physiological stress... signals that keep the body in a more defensive state (fight-or-flight) instead of rest-and-repair.
And because the nervous system and immune system constantly communicate, dysregulation can influence things like inflammation, recovery, and resilience.
1) Birth stress & early physical strain
Birth is intense (even when it’s “normal”). Babies can experience mechanical strain through the head/neck and body during delivery. In rare cases, medical literature documents cervical/spinal injury after delivery, highlighting that birth can involve significant forces.
(Most babies are fine... but this explains why clinicians pay attention to early tension patterns and movement preferences.)
2) Early-life stress → autonomic imbalance → inflammation
Early-life stress is linked with changes in the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic balance) and can promote pro-inflammatory conditions through reduced vagal (parasympathetic) regulation.
Translation: when the system stays “revved up,” the body may struggle to shift fully into healing mode.
3) Antibiotics & microbiome disruption (gut–immune connection)
A growing body of research links early antibiotic exposure with higher asthma risk and later immune/respiratory issues, likely mediated through microbiome changes.
And reviews continue to highlight how the early-life gut microbiome is tied to childhood asthma and immune development.
4) Breathing patterns and sleep disruption (often overlooked)
Breathing and sleep are major regulators of the nervous system. Research shows diaphragmatic breathing can reduce stress responses (including cortisol) and support calmer physiology.
For kids, chronic mouth breathing/snoring and poor sleep can keep the system more activated — which can influence immune balance over time.
Your child’s immune system usually isn’t “weak.”
It may be overloaded or poorly regulated.
That’s why many Inspired Living families focus on:
-Sleep and airway/breathing support
-Gut health (especially after antibiotics)
-Nutrient sufficiency (e.g., vitamin D, omega-3s)
-Movement, outdoor light, and lowering inflammatory load
-Nervous system regulation (including gentle adjustments by DrB as part of a whole-family wellness approach)
See you and your family soon-
D&D

02/17/2026

My Neck Hurts… Why Are You Looking at My Hips?
DrB hears this all the time... and it’s a great question.
Because if something hurts, shouldn’t we just focus on the area that’s painful?
Typically, in any other type of office... that is what happens... the practitioner will only look at the area of 'concern'....
YET...at Inspired Living...we do things a bit different..
Here's Why We Look at the Whole Body:

Pain is a signal... not always the source.
- That neck tension? Could be starting in the pelvis.
- That knee pain? Might be compensation for poor spinal alignment.
- That headache? Could be triggered by posture, jaw tension, or nerve interference in the upper spine.
Inspired Living has never been about being "Pain Chasers."
We’re Pattern Seekers.
As Family Wellness Facilitators...we prefer to look at:
- Structure
- Posture
- Movement patterns
- Nervous system function
Because your body works as a whole system... not isolated parts.
-A Misaligned Area Can Create a Ripple Effect:
Think of it like a chain:
If one link is off, the rest compensate... and eventually, something hurts.
So, if we only focus on the pain, we miss the bigger picture.
And that means we miss the real solution.
That’s why DrB looks at your entire body's function...
Not just where it hurts, but where the imbalance started.
True healing means getting to the root, not just putting a bandage on the symptom.
DrB has always had the running joke--if you want to simply be out of pain...go with morphine...the stuff works great......YET, if you want a life and body of resilience and optimal function...you'll want to live it Inspired;)
See you soon-
D&D

02/17/2026

(*Continued from yesterdays post)
What’s the Webster Technique — and Why Does It Matter in Pregnancy?
Let’s talk about one of the most powerful and gentle tools available to pregnant moms today:
The Webster Technique.
It’s not just about easing pregnancy pain (although that’s a huge win).
It’s about helping your body and baby function at their best... together.
-What Is the Webster Technique?
It’s a specific, pregnancy-safe chiropractic technique that focuses on:
- Pelvic alignment
- Reducing sacral and round ligament tension
- Creating space and balance in the pelvis
- Supporting baby’s optimal positioning for birth
All done with:
- Gentle, low-force adjustments
- No twisting, cracking, or pressure
Why It Matters:
During pregnancy, your body is constantly adapting:
- Hips shifting
-Pelvis widening
- Nervous system working overtime
When the pelvis is misaligned or tight, it can cause:
- Back and hip pain
- Nerve pressure (hello, sciatica!)
- Discomfort for baby — and difficulty settling head-down
- Benefits of the Webster Technique: Reduced back, hip, and pelvic pain Improved posture and mobility Less tension in ligaments supporting the uterus Encourages optimal fetal positioning Supports an easier, more efficient labour process
Your body was designed for birth.
-The Webster Technique helps it get there with more balance, comfort, and confidence.
-Supporting mama’s body = supporting baby’s development.
See you soon-
D&D

02/16/2026

We sometimes get the question...'Why are there so many pregnant women getting adjusted at Inspired Living? Is there something in the water here?'
Woah...slow it down...but let us explain the benefits:
Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative experience...
but let’s be honest… it’s also a time of rapid change, new stress, and physical discomfort.
Your spine, hips, and nervous system are working overtime to support:
-Baby’s development
- Your changing body
- Your ability to breathe, move, and sleep
So… where does chiropractic come in?
Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy:
- Relieves low back, hip, and pelvic pain
- Improves posture and balance as your baby bump grows
- Reduces pressure on nerves (like sciatica)
- Supports better sleep and digestion
- Helps baby get into an ideal position (by aligning pelvis)
- May support shorter, more comfortable labour
- Keeps the nervous system functioning clearly... for both mom and baby
How Are Pregnant Women Adjusted?

Gently. Precisely. Respectfully.
We use:
- Pregnancy-safe techniques
- Special tables or pillows that allow you to lie face down comfortably
- No twisting or cracking — just soft, targeted adjustments to restore balance
- Webster Technique (for pelvic alignment and optimizing baby’s positioning--more on this tomorrow--stay tuned)
Your body is doing incredible work.
We’re just here to help it do that work more comfortably, more effectively, and with less stress.
Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean “pushing through pain.”
You can feel aligned, empowered, Inspired:) and supported — all the way to delivery day.
See you soon-
D&D