Caregivers look at empowerment through health

People attending the Waseca Area Caregiver Services (WACS) educational session titled “Empowerment of mind and body as we age” the afternoon of Nov. 2 heard from two presenters. Dr. Jay Bulfer of Growing Roots Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture and More offered information about choosing a chiropractor and the types of treatment chiropractors typically provide. Linda Grant, a massage therapist, reiki master, and life coach is associated with the local Healing Hands Group.

 

Kelly Boeddeker, WACS executive director, welcomed Dr. Bulfer to the front first. He told those in attendance, his work with the elderly centers around, in his words, “The puzzle of it, figuring the pain out, taking the time to.” He showed the group the sock on his right foot and revealed a photo of his one-year-old baby daughter knitted into the fabric.  

 

Bulfer says 70 percent of his clientele are from outside of Waseca and that they admit, “It’s not that I don’t like my hometown chiropractor, but…” He continued, “My technique might not work for you, and it might not work for the next guy. All of us chiropractors have our own technique, and someone else in town might be better for you.” He said working in a practice where it's insurance based, “I was only seeing my patients for roughly three minutes at a time. Speaking of himself and his wife Lindsey, who is also a chiropractic doctor, he said, “That’s why we opened up a cash-based practice in Waseca. Not taking insurance allows us to focus on the patient. We do a time-based clinic, spending 30 minutes with every single patient. Back to the puzzle piece, taking time through muscle work, adjusting many ways, some heavy touch, some lighter touch.” He says there are a lot of people and room for a lot of growth in Waseca.

 

He is also very big on posture, “The repetitive nature of us texting, bending over to get laundry, bending over your computer. No one looks up at the ceiling. Just try it for 30 seconds and you’ll feel that stretch.” He demonstrated stretches, breathing and other activities to help loosen up. He also warned everyone that the ice season is approaching and to be careful.

 

Linda Grant is a massage therapist, reiki master and life coach. She explained reiki is a Japanese healing energy practice. She has also worked in hospice for 13 years. During her talk, she noted the importance of hydration and maintaining a healthy diet that includes a balance of protein,  vegetables and fresh fruits, “I haven’t had a pop in probably 30 years.” For those who drink diet pop, she observed, “You have to put chemicals in them to make them diet.”

 

She also suggests trying to meditate, saying “It’s worth the piece of mind.” She said she gives meditation at least 40 minutes every morning, after originally beginning with only ten. She noted that practice and consistency are important to getting the benefits of meditation. To stay focused, she suggested people could repeat the statements, “Just for today I will not anger. Just for today I’ll do my work honestly. Just for today I’ll be grateful for my many blessings. Just for today I will not worry. Just for today I’ll love my neighbor and every living thing.” She avoids the news and only turns the tv on for baseball and football.   

 

As of December 31, Waseca Area Caregiver Services will close their doors due to lack of funding. All active support programs and client services will be provided through Friday, Dec. 11.