Dr. O'Hara
Chiropractic Helped Me As An Athlete
When I was 8 years old I entered the sport of gymnastics. Through the years my talent and skill level let me advance into International Competitions. At 16 years old my career was over due chronic injuries. The orthopedic surgeon recommended I quit gymnastics because he was no longer willing to continue giving me cortisone injections for pain. I was devastated.
While taking classes in Sports Medicine a pre-chiropractic student asked if there were any future chiropractic students in the class? I raised my hand and asked him questions about chiropractic. I spoke to him for about an hour after class. He explained how physical injuries, like I had in gymnastics, should be corrected physically and not chemically.
My cortisone injections were not able to correct the cause of my injuries. In fact, it made me weaker. To correct the underlying mechanics of my joints I had to fix the cause of my problem, not just treat the pain! A light literally went off in my head. Maybe I could have been an Olympian! At that moment, I decided I wanted to devote my life to giving people the opportunity to reach their health potential. I changed my major from pre-med to pre-chiropractic and my passion has grown stronger each passing year.
A Chiropractic Family
My husband and I are both Doctors of Chiropractic. I met him at a seminar he was giving when I was just a student. I was so impressed by his knowledge, passion and commitment, I transferred schools to learn from him. The difference in my own health under his care was miraculous. I drove over one hour to and from his office for appointments in the bay area traffic three days a week. Ten years later we were married. Besides being the very best chiropractor he is also a terrific husband and father to our eleven year old daughter Sarah. Destiny who is a Shit Tzu and Spirit, a Pappion are also part of our family and often visitors in my office. My husband of twelve years is no longer in active practice after an auto collision. Although, my patients and I benefit from having him behind the scene whenever necessary.
Our daughter, Sarah
Having a husband who is also a chiropractor means that most of our free time is spent doing what we love-Learning ways to improve the quality of peoples lives with chiropractic care, which in turn improves our own health and knowledge as well. If you get the idea that I love what I do- you are right!
Our daughter, Sarah is the greatest joy in life. She has followed in my footsteps of competitive gymnastics (level 7). She is smart, talented, and a truly compassionate person. She is going to make a great chiropractor someday! As a volunteer coach for many years at Spirals gymnastics team at U.C.S.B. and now Girls Inc. I am able to keep a close eye on safety and injury prevention. As you can see, we are very proud of her.
Walking on the beach, hiking and spending time with my family and friends complete my life. Living in Santa Barbara is a gift in itself and I feel so lucky to live, work and play here.
Our Chiropractic Wellness Lifestyle
We, as a family, receive Chiropractic care on a regular basis. Getting adjusted several times a week to several times a month depending on the physical demands that work and life put upon us. I prefer to maintain optimal health rather than to treat symptoms. I believe there are basically six keys to health and I try to follow them as much as possible.
•Sound nervous system- By maintaining my chiropractic care.
•Exercise- Both cardiovascular, strength and flexibility.
•Proper Posture- sitting, standing, sleeping and lifting correctly.
•Diet- Eat to live, don't live to eat. This is the hardest for me- I love good food. I do avoid fast food and try to eat every color of the rainbow everyday from fresh whole foods. Organic is better and minimize processed foods. I take high quality supplements to fill in the blanks which even with an excellent diet I feel is essential for optimal health.
•Rest- This is when your body is repairing and healing. Take the time, usually 7.5- 8.5 hours of sleep each night is adequate rest and repair.
•PMA (positive mental attitude) - Reduce stress, find purpose and have hope, faith and love. This has been proven to improve health and longevity: Have an attitude of gratitude. Have a lasting purpose. Mine is to love, to do, to give and to serve out of my own abundance.
