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The turkey has come and gone, and the holiday season is officially upon us. This season is a joyous time filled with overeating, hectic travel, and quality time with friends and family. But, while many of us look forward to the season all year long, others are less than enthusiastic. It’s not because we don’t enjoy it, but this particular season can wreak havoc on a person's mental and physical health. Many people report increased stress during the holidays as they strive to create the “perfect” holiday for families and friends. This often means balancing an already hectic schedule with work, social obligations, holiday shopping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, gift wrapping, and baking. Others are faced with financial stress, worrying over how to complete the gift list without breaking the bank. From shopping and hosting to gifting and traveling, there is no shortage of holiday stressors. But remember, this season is about enjoying time with family and friends, so we put together this list of ways to help you manage holiday stress. Take a Deep Breath When you find yourself getting caught up in anxious thoughts about how you’ll manage your to-do list, stop, count to ten, and take a deep breath. One of the simplest ways to calm your nerves as tensions rise is to practice more mindful breathing. Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the body's rest, digestion, and relaxation response. There are many different breathing practices, but the one below is simple for anyone to master. Four, Seven, Eight The key to this exercise is to remember the numbers 4, 7, and 8. Here’s how to do it: Place the tip of your tongue up against the back of your front teeth. (You will hold this tongue position for the entire breathing process.) Breathe in silently through your nose to the count of FOUR Hold your breath to the count of SEVEN Exhale through your mouth to the count of EIGHT, making an audible “woosh” sound as you exhale. That’s it. These four steps complete one full breath. Repeat the above breathing cycle for a total of three times. You can do the 4-7-8 exercise as frequently as you want or need throughout the day. The benefits of this simple breathing practice can go a long way to calming your nervous system anytime you’re feeling stressed. Have a Cup of Tea There’s nothing quite as soothing as a warm cup of tea, but if you make the right selection, you can help support your nervous system with every sip. Chamomile, for instance, is well-known for calming the spirit. As a “nervine,” it specifically helps support the nervous system and regulates anxiety. Other great choices would be any blend that contains rose, lavender, or Holy basil (Tulsi.) Each of these herbs has adaptogen, nervine, and immunomodulating qualities to help restore a state of calm when stress is high. Get Physical Between travel and friends and time spent visiting, for many, the holiday season can mean less opportunity for movement and exercise. This can be bad not only for your waistline but for your stress levels as well. Take time each day throughout the season to get physical. Try doing simple stretches in the morning, or encourage visiting family and friends to take daily walks on the river trail. Research shows that exercise helps to modulate dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals linked with treating depression, and it also improves mood while reducing stress and anxiety. Add Upper Cervical Chiropractic to Your Routine Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the topmost bones in the spine, the atlas, and the axis. This area houses most of the body’s reflex centers, the spinal cord, the brainstem, and the central nervous system. The nervous system is the master control panel of our body. Optimal communication between the body and the brain via the nervous system helps with not only stress management but stress reduction as well. An injured, damaged, or less-than-optimally functioning nervous system can increase the effects of stress on the body. Upper cervical chiropractic can help resolve some of the stress you may have already experienced and prepare you to manage the rest of the upcoming holiday season like a champ. Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care Upper cervical care is the gift that keeps on giving with benefits like pain reduction, better sleep, improved mood, and increased immune function. Put your health and wellness at the top of the gift list this holiday season. To schedule a free consultation with your Durango upper cervical chiropractor, give us a call at 970 – 259 – 6803, drop by our office at 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, or, better yet, click the link below at any time. You could be a gentle correction away from a happier, healthier holiday season! Notice of Disclaimer We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website are for informational and educational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of the patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

Do you suffer from leg pain? If you’ve had an obvious injury from a sport or accident, the immediate source of pain may be easy to name. If you’ve stressed your body through repetitive motion or pinched a nerve by falling asleep in an awkward position, the source of your immediate pain may be harder to pinpoint. However, when leg pain develops slowly over time without the occurrence of an obvious source, things become perplexing. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common issues that lead to leg pain and describe how Upper Cervical Chiropractic can help. Common Causes of Leg Pain Our legs are literally the structure on which we stand. They support the weight of our body, move us from place to place, and allow us to walk, jump, and run. Since they are one of the most used parts of the body, there are a number of possible sources of leg pain. The most common include: Accidents or injuries From sprains, breaks, and falls to overuse, sports injuries, as some of the most mobile and widely used parts of the body, injuries to the legs are common. Arthritis Arthritis is the inflammation and gradual degeneration of the protective cartilage in your joints. Bursitis The bursa is located between a tendon and skin or between a tendon and bone. It protects the joint and helps to create fluid movements. Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac or bursa. Pinched nerves A pinched nerve occurs when cartilage, tendons, or muscles apply too much weight to a nerve. This pinching can cause numbness, tingling, or burning and may prevent the nerve from working properly. Pinched nerves can be caused by injury, illness, poor sleeping positions, or even bad posture. Sciatica Sciatica is a condition characterized by compression, pinching, inflammation, or irritation of the sciatic nerves, which extend from the lower back down through the legs, resulting in leg pain. This condition is so common that it is estimated that 40% of people will experience sciatic pain at some point in their lives. Structural anomalies Structural anomalies of both the spin and the leg bones can result in chronic leg pain. Tendinitis Tendonitis occurs when tendons become compressed on a rigid bone. Inflammation or damage to the compressed tendons can cause pain. Repetitive motions in our daily activities can cause tendonitis. However, at the root of it all, misalignments of the vertebrae in the Upper Cervical spine, called subluxations, are responsible for a large percentage of chronic leg pain issues. How The Upper Cervical Spine Affects Leg Pain When we discuss the upper cervical spine, we refer to the uppermost bones of your spinal column, consisting of the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). This is where your spine connects with your skull. If your Upper Cervical spine is misaligned, it throws the head and neck off-balance, putting pressure on the nerves that travel down your back. This misalignment causes your body to compensate by raising one shoulder and hip. In turn, this structural imbalance irritates the nerves in your lumbar spine, including the sciatic nerve. Treating the subluxation and ensuring the Upper Cervical spine is properly seated allows nerve signals to travel the length of your spine unimpeded, resulting in pain reduction and or elimination. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment for Leg Pain Every body and every cause of leg pain is different. Due to the complexity of the joints and the vast number of possible causes of leg pain, it is important to get a professional evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort. Using a combination of a thorough review of your medical history, a physical examination, and advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Tim, your Durango Upper Cervical Chiropractor, can get a comprehensive, holistic picture that will lead to the root cause of your pain. Once the root cause of your leg pain is determined, a personalized treatment plan will be created for you. Then, using non-invasive and carefully applied adjustments, Dr. Tim will assist your body in gently re-positioning the vertebrae. Upper Cervical adjustments can restore your body's natural communication pathways and provide both instant and long-term, drug-free relief. The Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Leg Pain One of the main benefits of Upper Cervical chiropractic care is that it is a safe and non-invasive treatment option for chronic pain issues. Unlike conventional medical treatments, Upper Cervical chiropractic care doesn’t involve the use of drugs or invasive surgery, both of which can have adverse effects on the body. Moreover, rather than masking symptoms, Upper Cervical chiropractic focuses on finding and addressing the root cause of the problem. This approach ensures long-term relief and enhances the body's natural healing ability. Upper Cervical chiropractic care is a safe and effective all-natural alternative for leg and other forms of chronic pain. If you are struggling with leg pain, sciatica pain, migraine, or other debilitating chronic conditions, stop by our Durango office at 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, give us a call at 970 – 259 – 6803, or, better yet, click the link below at any time to schedule a free consultation. You could be a gentle correction away from a happier, healthier, pain-free life! Notice of Disclaimer We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of the patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended to substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

Upper cervical care is a form of chiropractic that involves targeted adjustments of the upper two spinal vertebrae, the axis, and the atlas. A subluxation in this area can have a cascade effect on your overall health, so while you may come to us for a specific ailment, there are many hidden benefits to upper cervical care. Here at Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care, we are the only chiropractors in the Four Corners region to specialize in this form of treatment. Plenty of people know that in general, chiropractic care is good for your body. But most people are unaware of just how many hidden benefits there are to upper cervical chiropractic care. So today, we thought we would share a few: Increased Balance Balance is a funny thing. Did you know that your inner ear is actually responsible for maintaining your balance? When your spine is out of alignment, especially at the top of your vertebrae, your head is no longer properly positioned. Even a slight misalignment in the cervical area can alter the position where your head sits on your spine. As a result of your head position, your inner ear’s interpretation of your surroundings can become altered, causing imbalance. A correction to your upper spine can help to relieve this issue, realign your head and reduce any dizziness or vertigo you may be feeling as a result. Increased Immune Function Studies show that when your body’s nervous system is properly functioning, your immune system is better equipped to fight viruses and bacteria. In fact, one study found that long-term chiropractic care increased an individual’s immune system strength by as much as 200%. With regular adjustments, Atlas Specific can help your body learn to heal naturally. Upper Cervical Chiropractic treatments can reduce the occurrence of common colds, ear infections, and other common illnesses. And, if you do get sick, your body will be able to fight off illness more effectively. Improved Moods It may seem far-fetched to consider chiropractic for the treatment of depression, but research shows the proper alignment of the atlas and axis can help control hormone levels. Proper chiropractic care can result in fewer negative hormones, like cortisol, and increased levels of positive hormones, like dopamine. Stabilizing these hormones can make a big difference in how the brain and body interact. That’s why people suffering from anxiety and depression can have dramatic results with upper cervical chiropractic care. Improved Sleep Chiropractic care is most often thought of as a treatment for spinal problems. Not many people associate chiropractic care with improving sleep issues. However, upper cervical care has been shown to help improve not only the quality but also the quantity of sleep. Sleeplessness is one of the most common problems people face today, with nearly 60 percent of adults reporting sleep issues multiple nights a week. Consequently, facing fatigue, lack of concentration, and a high risk of illnesses. With all that in mind, improving your sleep could have a huge impact on your overall livelihood. When the upper cervical area is properly aligned, the nervous system communicates with the body properly. This results in better quality and quantity of sleep for many patients. Decreased Pain A subluxation is an altered position of the vertebra resulting in subsequent functional loss. Simply put, it is when either the first or second bone (atlas or axis) in the neck has moved out of place causing pressure and torsion on the brainstem and nervous system. One of the ways that your body shows a subluxation is through pain and inflammation. When the body’s nervous system isn’t communicating well, a pain response is triggered. Upper cervical chiropractic care can help to eliminate this pain by properly aligning the top of the nervous system. This allows free communication between the body and the brain letting the system as a whole to function optimally. We’re Here for You We want you to feel your best, be well-rested, ward off colds, and live a healthier life. If you’ve never been to an upper cervical chiropractor before, why not take the first step to a healthier you? At Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care we invite you to visit our Durango, Colorado office to experience relief from these conditions and more for yourself. To schedule your evaluation today, click here. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that drive a patient to seek chiropractic care. In fact, experts suggest that up to 70% of adults in the US will experience neck pain that interferes with their daily activities during their lifetimes. But did you know that outside of illness or injury, some of your daily habits may be the cause of neck pain? Read on to discover the link between neck pain, poor posture, and daily habits. Defining Neck Pain It’s a pain in the neck, sure, but sometimes it’s more than just an aching sensation in your neck. Other symptoms of neck pain can include: Headaches Muscle tightness or spasms Limited head or neck mobility Pain, tingling, and numbness in the shoulders neck, and arms Neck Pain and Poor Posture There’s a reason your mom always said to stand up straight, one of the primary culprits behind neck pain is poor posture. Many of us today lead sedentary lives meaning hours of sitting in front of a computer or television. Bad posture can take your spine out of its natural position leading to vertebral misalignments which can result in disc pain, sciatica, and other problems that stem from the neck down. Increased Stress on the Cervical Spine Another element of poor posture is spending long periods of time with your head extended forward. Think for a moment about the position you sit in while looking at your phone or tablet. Now, consider that the human head weighs between 10 and 14 pounds, and every inch extended adds 10 lbs to the weight your neck must carry. This results in a condition known as “Tech Neck” and it can lead to a host of ailments above and beyond neck pain. Neck Pain and Your Daily Habits There are certain daily habits that many of us tend to have that can either cause neck pain or significantly aggravate existing neck pain. Once you become more aware of these, you’ll be able to make conscious efforts to improve on them or avoid them to help minimize or even eliminate your pain and discomfort. Let’s go over the daily habits that may be the culprit of your neck pain: A Hard Days Night Everyone knows that few things are better for the body than a good night’s sleep. But nagging neck pain can ruin that and can last for days. Oftentimes, however, the culprit can be the position that you sleep in, particularly If you have a tendency to sleep on your stomach. This is because when you lay on your stomach, your neck stays on one side for long periods, which can be stressful for the neck. It’s also important to remember that the type of pillow you use can make a huge difference. There are types of pillows created for each type of sleeper, but no matter which pillow you choose, it should be able to support the natural curve of your neck thereby ensuring that the neck and spine stay relaxed throughout the night and not overstretched or stressed. The Long Commute If your work involves a long commute or hours spent traveling, your time behind the wheel can lead to neck pain. It can be hard to get comfortable in a car, and many of us will have a tendency to hunch over the steering wheel. This position can overwork the muscles that are trying to maintain your forward head position and counterbalance the pull of gravity. Because of this, your muscles become highly susceptible to strains and spasms. Additionally, when your head is in a forward posture, your shoulders tend to move forward, and your upper back rounds up. Unfortunately, this brings more pain in the back, upper back, and shoulders. Work, Work, Work If you are among the many who work in front of a computer for a living you’re probably unaware of the stress it’s putting on your body. You may think that because you are seated there isn’t stress being put on your muscles. But the truth is that sitting for extended hours without proper back and neck support can exhaust your muscles, adding strain and stress until the pain starts showing up. Heavy Lifting Heavy lifting can include anything from grocery bags to your backpack or purse. Lifting incorrectly can cause misalignments, muscle strains, and spasms. Always use your legs when lifting heavy objects. If you carry a purse or backpack over one should be sure to alternate the weight often. Sports and Exercise Sports and athletic activities are not only good for your health, they reinvigorate your mind, promote good eating habits, fill your lungs with air and even increase your metabolism. But what happens when we practice bad techniques? Whether it’s doing crunches in the gym, riding your bike, lifting weights, or swimming lap after lap, there is always a possibility of straining the neck or working one side while not working the other. Not Dealing with Stress Stress and anxiety have a way of affecting not only your mind but your body as well. If you regularly experience any form of anxiety or stress, it can easily develop into neck and back pain over time. Be sure you find ways to destress on a regular basis to avoid any adverse effects. Finding Gentle, Drug-Free Relief From Neck Pain Many people have resigned themselves to the idea that neck pain is a regular part of life. At Atlas Specific, we discourage you from thinking this way. In fact, we know that living a pain-free life is not only ideal but highly possible with upper cervical care. If you live in the Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, or Four Corners Region, contact us today by visiting our Durango office, calling us at 970 – 259 – 6803, or clicking the link below to schedule a free consultation. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

When you think of allergy symptoms, it’s likely that your mind fills with thoughts of sniffles, sneezing, a runny nose, and maybe hives, or itchy eyes. While these are some of the most common allergy symptoms, they are not the only ones. Allergies can also frequently lead to one of two types of headaches, migraine or sinus headaches. Both are referred to under the single heading of allergy headache. What is an Allergy Headache? An allergy headache occurs when allergy symptoms trigger a headache. Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, causes inflammation of the sinuses. This inflammation can present as sinus pressure, and facial pain throughout the nose, forehead, and cheekbones. It can also be accompanied by symptoms that resemble the common cold: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and nasal buildup. Common Causes of Allergy Headaches The causes of your allergy headache may depend on your allergies and the type of headache you’re experiencing. They will normally coincide with your regular allergy triggers and allergy sufferers will often experience both worse symptoms and more frequent headaches in the springtime. It’s important to note here that allergy headaches are often miss diagnosed as sinus headaches or sinusitis. However, sinus headaches are actually quite rare, and more often than not, what a patient is experiencing is a migraine. Common allergy headache triggers can include: Hay fever or seasonal allergies Headaches caused by hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, aren’t a result of sinus headaches. It’s the inflammation in your nasal passages that is causing you discomfort. Histamine responses Histamines are your immune system’s response to allergy triggers such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. They can cause the worst of your allergy symptoms, and may even trigger migraines in those prone to chronic headaches. Food allergies Some foods can trigger a headache response not because of the allergy itself, but because of your own food sensitivities. There is some evidence that foods like dairy, chocolate, and eggs may cause migraines in some. Certain medications Certain medications, even those prescribed to treat migraines, headaches, or allergies can trigger the very headaches and migraines they are meant to treat. Migraines It’s possible that the headache you’re experiencing may be the result of allergens triggering an immune system response. This causes inflammation that presents as a migraine attack. If you’re a chronic migraine sufferer, it may not have anything to do with your allergies at all. Misalignment of the upper cervical spine Sometimes migraine or sinus headaches are actually symptoms of misalignments in the upper cervical spine. How Long Does an Allergy Headache Last? It depends on the real cause of your headache. An allergy headache can last as long as you’re exposed to the triggers for your allergy symptoms. True sinus headaches are the result of a sinus infection and can last up to 2 weeks while migraine attacks can last for hours or days at a time. Allergy Headache Prevention The key to allergy headache prevention lies in limiting your exposure to known allergens and triggers. That may mean spending more time inside during allergy season and leaving yardwork for those without seasonal allergies. To prevent the worst allergy symptoms: Keep windows closed on days with high pollen counts Drink lots of water Use a dehumidifier Take steam baths or hot showers to Use allergy-friendly bedding Wash your hands often, especially when you’ve been in contact with known allergens Vacuum and dust your living space regularly Avoid strong-smelling fragrances, air fresheners, and deodorizers Consider bare floors if your living space is carpeted Apply a warm washcloth or compress to the sinus area to reduce inflammation Drug-Free Relief For Allergy Headache Sufferers Here at Atlas Specific, instead of treating your allergy symptoms with medications to mask them, we look for the root cause of the problem. Upper cervical care can restore your body’s ability to adapt to allergens. By correcting vertebral subluxations in your upper cervical spine we aim to locate and reduce disturbances to your central nervous system allowing your body to better communicate with your brainstem and heal itself from the inside out. Our method of care can not only relieve your chronic headaches, but it can also help to prevent those headaches from returning. If you or someone you know suffers from allergy headaches, there’s no need to live with chronic pain and discomfort any longer. Click the link below to schedule a complimentary initial consultation, visit our Durango office at 1800 E 3rd Ave #108, or call us at 970.259.6803. Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.

The average person is born with 33 individual bones or vertebrae in their spine. These vertebrae interact and connect with each other through flexible joints called facets. By adulthood, some of the vertebrae at the bottom end of the spine will be fused together during normal growth and development leaving approximately 24 vertebrae. The neck portion of the spine is made up of 7 of these vertebrae. The top bone, named after the Greek God Atlas, (C1) is where the head attaches to the neck. The second bone (C2) is called the axis, upon which the head and atlas rotate. From there, the vertebrae are numbered C3 through C7. So, with a total of 206 bones in the body, why is the Atlas the most vulnerable bone in your body? Why is the Atlas the Most Vulnerable Bone in Your Body? As we said above, the Atlas bone was named after the Greek God Atlas whom Zeus condemned to carry the world on his shoulders. You’ll find that this is an apt name when you consider that the average human head weighs between 8-12 lbs, and the function of the Atlas bone is to carry the weight of your world, your head, on your shoulders. The reason it’s the most vulnerable bone in your body is because of its unique anatomy. Unlike the other vertebrae in the spine, the Atlas bone is not connected to a disk; only a few ligaments hold it in place. This feature allows your head and neck flexibility and a full range of motion. However, since it’s not fused to any disks, it’s the bone that is the most vulnerable to misalignment in the spine. Accidents, injuries, and the stress of daily living can cause this bone to be knocked out of place. We call this a vertebral misalignment or subluxation. What Happens When the Atlas is Misaligned? If the atlas shifts out of place even to the slightest degree it can press upon, stretch, or otherwise impinge on the nerves of the brain stem. This can cause interference in the nerve flow between the brain and body resulting in an array of different ailments including: Chronic Pain A misaligned Atlas or subluxation can result in chronic pain throughout the neck, back, lower back, and hips as well as other areas of the body. Body Imbalance Furthermore, this type of misalignment typically tightens the muscles along only one side of the body. When this happens, a cascade effect is created. The muscle tightening pulls one hip up higher than the other, which pulls the leg up higher on one side. To compensate, the entire spine shifts or twists out of place in order to try and stabilize your core and remain upright against the force of gravity. This can lead to a body imbalance as well as structural degeneration and other painful conditions such as: Arthritis Bone spurs Bulging discs Nerve Interference A misalignment of the Atlas can cause undue pressure to be placed on the nerves. This pressure can cause conditions such as: Headaches Migraines Sciatica Numbness in the arms, legs, or feet Disruption of the Central Nervous System The brain and spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System, the most important system of the body. Your body relies on the spinal cord to relay messages from the brain to every organ in your body. A spinal misalignment can interfere with the proper functioning of the Central Nervous System. When this happens, information traveling through the nervous system can be obstructed. This could cause many potential problems over time, resulting in conditions such as: Multiple Sclerosis High blood pressure Insomnia Dizziness & Vertigo How to Care for Your Atlas Upper cervical chiropractic is a highly specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the top two vertebrae of the neck, the Atlas and the Axis. Using gentle, non-invasive techniques and specialized imagery, doctors Tim and Danielle of Atlas Specific Upper Cervical Care can help you to maintain the correct positioning of your Atlas and help you to heal your body from within. Click the button below now to schedule your free consultation and start your journey to wellness today! Notice of Disclaimer: We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.