From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC.....

Thanks to its status as a spotlight food in the Mediterranean Diet, and thanks to extensive research on its unique phytonutrient composition, olive oil has become a legendary culinary oil with very difficult-to-match health benefits. Among its extensive list of phytonutrients, no single category of nutrients is more important than its polyphenols. These natural plant compounds are largely responsible for olive oil’s ability to calm inflammation, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support key systems in the body such as the heart, brain, bones, and digestive tract.

Polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil act as powerful antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals before they can damage tissues, blood vessels, or even DNA. They also serve as gentle, food-based anti-inflammatory agents that can help down-regulate pro-inflammatory chemicals and enzymes in the body. This dual action—both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory—is a major reason why olive oil stands out among culinary oils and is so strongly associated with health benefits in research on the Mediterranean Diet.

The specific blend and concentration of polyphenols in olive oil are influenced by factors such as the olive variety, growing conditions, harvest time, and how the oil is processed. Early-harvest, minimally processed extra virgin olive oil generally retains the highest levels of these protective compounds. This is why choosing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is important when you are using it for its health-promoting properties, not just for flavor.

The list below shows some of the key polyphenols found in olive oil, organized by their chemical category:

As the New Year begins, it’s a natural time to reflect on fresh starts, new possibilities, and better health. Celebrations may be brief, but the daily choices you make in the months ahead can shape how you feel, move, and live—now and in the future. This year, consider setting intentions that genuinely support your long-term well-being in mind, body, and lifestyle.

Rather than focusing on quick fixes or “all-or-nothing” goals that are hard to maintain, think in terms of gradual, realistic shifts you can build into your everyday routine. Even small changes—made consistently—can have a powerful impact on your energy, mood, pain levels, sleep, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with chronic issues or simply want to feel your best, the New Year can be a helpful reset point to recommit to caring for your body and nervous system in a more intentional way.

• How do I want to feel day-to-day—in my body, in my mind, and in my life?
• Which habits have been quietly working against my health, and which small steps could start working for me instead?
• What kinds of support—professional care, education, or accountability—would help me follow through?

From the food you eat and how much you move, to how well you sleep and how you respond to stress, each area of your life offers an opportunity to move a little closer to balance and better function. Even if you’ve struggled with resolutions in the past, you can choose a different approach this year: one that emphasizes gentle progress, self-compassion, and sustainable routines instead of pressure and perfection.

With that in mind, here’s to your health in the New Year—and to realistic, sustainable resolutions that can help you feel and function at your best all year long.

Are you aware that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen are counterproductive for bone and tissue healing when taken long term? Research suggests that by suppressing key inflammatory pathways involved in the early stages of repair, these medications can interfere with the body’s natural healing response, potentially slowing recovery of bones, tendons, and other soft tissues.¹

Did you know these drugs can work against you from the beginning, even when taken short term? While they may temporarily reduce pain and swelling, they do not address the underlying drivers of chronic inflammation—and in some cases, repeated use can actually contribute to a cycle of delayed healing, increased tissue vulnerability, and ongoing discomfort.

Discover how targeted nutritional strategies can offer powerful, drug-free relief for chronic pain, empowering you to take control of your health naturally.

Stay Safe & Healthy This Holiday Season: Healthy Mitten’s Guide to Winter Activities

The holiday season is a wonderful time in Michigan—sparkling snowfalls, festive lights, family gatherings, and plenty of winter fun. But with all the excitement comes a rise in common aches, pains, and injuries. Snow shoveling, decorating, long-distance travel, and winter sports can all take a toll on your spine and joints if you aren’t careful.

To help you stay healthy and enjoy every moment, Healthy Mitten is sharing top tips to keep your body moving safely this season.

Study Highlights Chiropractic’s Value as a First-Line Non-Pharmacological Option for Low Back Pain

A new multi-institutional study, led by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, found that adults with newly diagnosed low back pain with or without sciatica who initially received spinal manipulative therapy administered by a chiropractor were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with opioid use disorder over a two-year follow-up compared to those prescribed ibuprofen. The study suggests an association between spinal manipulative therapy and a lower risk of opioid use disorder in this population, highlighting its potential value as a first-line non-pharmacological option for low back pain amid the ongoing opioid crisis.

While factors like nutrition, cardiovascular health, and genetics often come to mind when considering longevity, emerging research highlights that your ability to move well is perhaps one of the most powerful indicators of how long—and how well—you’ll live.

Mobility Is A Vital Reflection of Your Overall Health

Mobility is far more than simply walking or the ability to move—it's the seamless coordination between your nervous system, muscles, joints, and metabolic pathways. When any aspect of mobility diminishes, whether due to stiffness, weakness, pain, or disruptions in neurological function, the whole body can begin to lose conditioning.

Loss of mobility leads to:

• Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), resulting in a slower metabolism and increased insulin resistance.
• Weakened circulation and reduced oxygen delivery, which paves the way for fatigue and potential organ dysfunction.
• Decreased stability and a higher risk of falls, commonly causing fractures and hospital stays.
• Greater likelihood of social withdrawal, feelings of depression, and declining cognitive abilities.
• Heightened inflammation and mitochondrial stress, which speed up the aging process at the cellular level.
• Altered balance and reduced diversity of your intestinal bacterial population, which can significantly disrupt how your body manages inflammation and absorbs nutrients, which in turn can affect energy levels, immune regulation, and even brain function. As your gut microbiome becomes less varied, it loses its resilience—making you more susceptible to infections, chronic inflammation, digestive difficulties, and autoimmune disturbances. This ripple effect from the gut can result in systemic consequences, impacting everything from joint comfort and muscle strength to your cognitive sharpness and overall vitality.,

Simply put, when movement stops, your body’s aging process accelerates.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and the early months of motherhood bring incredible joy—but they can also bring unique physical challenges. At [Clinic Name], we’re proud to provide safe, gentle, and effective chiropractic care for expecting mothers, postpartum women, and even infants.