Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Benefits of an Active Lifestyle

The health benefits of living a more active lifestyle are widely reported for everyone, from teenagers to senior citizens. Experts have noted the benefits can include everything from a reduced risk of heart attacks to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and risk of falls. With that in mind, why else is it important to maintain an active lifestyle? Here are a few reasons:

An Improved Mental Health

There have been some incredibly optimistic studies that seem to prove what we already knew all along, which is that exercising just makes you feel better. In the practice we are in, we see this day in and day out, but it’s nice to see that the data is on our side. In fact, according to HelpGuide, “running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.” They even have suggested that certain studies show exercise is as effective of a treatment for mild-to-moderate depression as antidepressant medication!

Increased Metabolism

Everyone wishes that their metabolism could catch up to how it was when they were younger. We find ourselves seeing those calories a bit more prevalently in our stomachs than we perhaps did when we were younger. A great way to combat Father Time’s effect on our bodies is through exercise! Researchers at the European Society of Cardiology have found that, “Metabolic adaptation to exercise is far more profound than previously reported…One of the major benefits of exercise is on metabolism, which is how the body converts food into energy and eliminates waste.” So, not only will getting active help you lose weight, but it will also help your body do its job better to keep the weight down. 

Better Sleep

We’ve all had that post-workout nap that just hit a bit differently. Did you know there’s actually scientific data that “spots” the belief that exercise improves your quality of sleep? The professionals at Sleep Foundation recently stated, “Moderate-to-vigorous exercise can increase sleep quality for adults by reducing sleep onset — or the time it takes to fall asleep — and decrease the amount of time they lie awake in bed during the night.” So, next time you are struggling to get out of bed and hit the gym, just remember how much better it’ll feel to pass out after the workout is done.

It’s Free

Being active does not require a gym membership or an extensive home gym (although, if that’s your thing, we’ve got you covered here!) It can be done by just finding a nice outdoor trail. Sometimes communal exercise can be daunting, so don’t be afraid to start smaller by incorporating a daily walk or a couple of quick push-ups into your daily routine. You can always increase the tenacity from there. 

The data does not lie. Whether you are 15, 35, or 82, there are a plethora of benefits that an active lifestyle will have on your health. If you have any questions, Dr. Hartle would be happy to answer them. Feel free to stop by!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Enjoy Spring

Spring into Wellness 

 

As the seasons change and the days grow warmer, patients across the U.S. are preparing for spring. While winter is an enjoyable time for many, others are looking forward to a season of new beginnings. Still, others are looking forward to relief from the joint pain that often comes with winter. Whether you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or relief from sports-related injuries, there are many ways a chiropractor can help improve your quality of life throughout spring.

 

Say Goodbye to Winter Blues

 

Winter is a beautiful season but leaves many susceptible to joint pain, injuries, and depression. Season Affective Disorder (or SAD), which is more common during fall and winter, occurs due to a lack of serotonin. Left untreated, SAD can lead to bouts of depression and joint pain. Thankfully, a chiropractor can alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Through spinal manipulations and adjustments, your chiropractor can relieve joint pressure and improve nerve function. This, in turn, alleviates the symptoms of SAD. 

 

March Madness 

As the days get warmer, more and more people will spend their time outdoors. While some will engage in low-risk activities, others will play high-impact sports. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Baseball 
• Basketball 
• Football
• Waterskiing
• Running
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Gymnastics

 

While high-impact sports are a great way to exercise and build strength, they come with a higher risk of injuries. Thankfully, chiropractors are fully equipped to handle any sports-related injuries. To help treat any injuries you might receive on the field, a chiropractor will perform a full assessment. This includes gathering information about your medical history and any past injuries. Then, after carefully examining the injury, a chiropractor will perform soft tissue manipulation, spinal manipulation, therapeutic modalities, education, and exercise prescriptions.

 

Mood Boosters 

Finally, chiropractic care can boost your mood and give you extra energy. Chiropractors reduce joint restrictions which, in turn, can reduce any pain or suffering you might experience throughout spring. Plus, the more energy you have and the better your body functions, the better you will feel! 

 

If you would like to add chiropractic care to your routine before spring hits, contact the professionals at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic. Dr. Michael Hartle and his team are experts in treating patients no matter their activity level. Book an appointment today! Dr. Hartle can usually see you the same day you book an appointment.

5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Athletes

In 2019 alone, over one million injuries were caused by playing sports. Many of these injuries happened on the field, where over 800,000 injuries were caused by participating in sports. Bicycling had the highest casualty numbers (over 417,000 cyclists were injured while riding), with basketball (404,000 injuries) and football (292,000 injuries) following close behind. As athletes debate where and how to treat their injuries, many will inevitably turn to chiropractic care. Chiropractic care offers many benefits for aspiring and professional athletes, but there is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet. To help, here are five benefits that athletes can expect from chiropractors:

1. It can Treat (and Prevent) Injuries:

Experienced athletes know how common it is to injure themselves on the field. Therefore, a large part of an athlete’s healthcare program should include preventing, as well as treating, common injuries. Thankfully, a chiropractor can do both! 

Athletes’ bodies undergo enormous amounts of stress daily. To combat this, chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments and massage therapy to treat injuries. Spinal adjustment reduces pain in the joints and muscles, which helps to prevent injuries, while massage therapy increases blow flow to the muscles to help them heal. Additionally, it also restores one’s range of motion.  

2. It can Increase Performance

According to The Odyessy, athletes who make repeated visits to the chiropractor see increased performance while playing. In fact, several studies claim that athletes can see a 30% increase in performance after 12 weeks of care. This, according to The Odyessy, is a result of the increased range of motion people receive after repeated chiropractic care. 

3. Improved Strength 

The European Journal of Supplied Physiology published a study in 2018 claiming that regular chiropractic care can improve athlete’s strength. After separating a group of Taekwondo athletes into two groups – one which received chiropractic care and one that did not – they found that those who received care demonstrated increased muscle strength. The experiment was replicated with a group of U.S. military personal and found similar results. 

4. It’s a Natural Treatment

Surgeries and medication are typically the last resort in a treatment plan. Many people, athletes included, turn to natural remedies before considering extreme measures. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and drug-free. As an added bonus, the lack of surgery means that, for most athletes, they can return to the field straight away. 

5. It Reduces Stress 

Massage therapy is incredibly relaxing! If you’re an athlete looking to relieve stress and anxiety before playing, try the Swedish massage, one of the most commonly used techniques in America. The Swedish massage promotes general health and wellbeing throughout the body and is reportedly very relaxing. 

Dr. Michael Hartle and his team are experts in treating patients no matter their activity level. Book an appointment today! Dr. Hartle can usually see you the same day you book an appointment. 

Chiropractic Care As You Age

As we age, our bodies inevitably change. While many people associate aging with negative side effects – like aches and pains – the truth is that our “golden years” are better than ever! Thanks to new advances in technology and medicine, it’s easier than ever to age gracefully. But, no matter how well we treat our bodies, we may need an occasional tune-up. The body is like a car – occasionally, it needs repairs and checks to run properly. Thankfully, chiropractic treatment can help us age gracefully.

Common Conditions

Unfortunately, seniors are more prone to aches and discomfort as a result of mobility issues. Senior citizens’ stiff joints are a result of neck and back pain that comprises the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine. This, in turn, causes pain. Additionally, seniors are prone to joint deterioration, a condition where the cartilage between the joints begins to erode.

To alleviate joint deterioration, chiropractors will practice spinal realignment – a series of gentle movements that relieve spinal pressure which, in turn, de-stresses joints and slows degeneration. To treat other common ailments, such as joint pain and discomfort, chiropractors will perform chiropractic adjustments to reduce pain and relieve tension. These adjustments will have numerous benefits, including:

Reduced pain
Decreased inflammation
Improved range of motion
Improved flexibility

After receiving treatment, many chiropractors will also give their patients “homework” or small exercise to complete at home.

The Benefits of Senior Chiropractic Care

There are many benefits to frequent chiropractic care as you age. First, chiropractic care helps seniors stay active. Chiropractic patients have more joint flexibility and less pain – meaning they’re more likely to exercise. Second, this type of treatment boots antioxidants. Antioxidants, which fight against free radicals, play a role in the aging process. Chiropractic care boosts antioxidant levels, meaning it can have a powerful anti-aging effect. On a similar note, chiropractic care can also reduce stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure in people of all ages.

Finally, chiropractic care reduces the need for medication and surgery. While medication and surgery can be necessary to live a long, happy life, chiropractors see them as a last resort, rather than the first option. Alternative methods of medication can provide natural and holistic alternatives to medications and surgeries with dangerous side effects.

Dr. Michael Hartle and his team are experts in treating patients using natural, holistic methods that promote a healthy lifestyle. Book an appointment today! Dr. Hartle can usually see you the same day you book an appointment.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Enjoy the Winter

Chiropractic care is vital during the winter. As the days get colder and the nights get longer, people can and will experience a wide variety of cold-related symptoms. While adjusting the thermostat or burrowing under the blankets can relieve symptoms, it’s only temporary. Thankfully, chiropractors can relieve some of the most common ailments during winter. 

 

Cold and Flu-Related Symptoms

 

Sometimes going to the pharmacy isn’t enough. For some flu and cold sufferers, joint or muscle pain can linger five to seven days after initial exposure. If you have aches and pains that won’t go away, consider adding a chiropractor to your treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments, a series of painless movements that realign your spine, can alleviate lasting flu symptoms. 

 

Additionally, regular visits to your chiropractor can bolster your immune system and prevent illness. Subluxations and misalignments along the spine can cause your immune system to malfunction – meaning you’re more vulnerable to seasonal maladies. Visiting your local chiropractor for periodic adjustments can protect you and your family from common illnesses throughout winter. 

 

Joint Pain and Stiffness 

 

As it turns out, there is a scientific reason why your joints act up before a storm: according to thejoint.com, as the temperature drops, barometric pressure causes the fluid between our joints to move less freely. As a result, when the temperature hits 30 or lower, our joints become stiff or even painful. This effect is more pronounced in the elderly population and those who suffer from chronic pain.

 

Thankfully, regular visits to the chiropractor can alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Through gentle movements and adjustments, chiropractors can help the fluid in your joints move freely. The expert team at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic can help relieve your joint paint throughout the colder months.  

 

Depression 

 

Several studies have shown that chiropractic care can alleviate the symptoms of depression. While depression can affect everyone no matter the time of the year, a lack of sunlight may lead to SAD or seasonal affective disorder. Thankfully, increased blood flow and mobility improvement can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Additionally, by performing a series of slow, gentle movements, chiropractors can relieve stress and, in turn, reduce anxiety and depression. 

 

Weight Gain 

 

The winter months are well-known for an abundance of food. But all those delicious holidays treats come with a price – weight gain. While you likely won’t experience drastic weight gain during the holidays (Americans put on 1-2 pounds over the holiday season), the added weight can cause unnecessary strain on your joints. In turn, this leads to unnecessary joint pain and more weight gain. 

 

If you or a loved one have weight-related joint pain, book a chiropractic appointment today! Regular chiropractic appointments are an investment in yourself and your future. Traveling to and from appointments will keep you moving, while regular treatment will relieve joint pain and encourage movement. 

Ready to book an appointment? Head over to the Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic’s page to schedule with us today! Dr. Hartle and his team can usually see patients the same day they call.

Should Children Visit a Chiropractor?

Childhood is marked by dramatic change. From infancy to adolescence, your children will experience behavioral changes, growth spurts, and more! Unfortunately, these changes may reveal underlying health problems or developmental delays. While you should always consult your child’s general practitioner (or GP) if they are experiencing pain or discomfort, chiropractors can provide a holistic, natural way to relieve your child’s pain. 

 

Do Chiropractors Treat Children? 

 

Yes, many chiropractors treat children. While 35 million adults visit the chiropractor’s office annually, over 11% of patients are under 18. If you’re looking for a chiropractor that treats children, look for practices with “family” in the name – Family Chiropractors treat all ages.

 

How Early Can a Child Visit a Chiropractor? 

 

That depends on the parents! Typically, children can visit the chiropractor once they’re a few months old. Birth can be a traumatic event for both mother and child, which can result in damage to a newborn’s nervous system and spine. Chiropractic care can alleviate a newborn’s pain and strengthen their nervous system. If you’re nervous about letting a chiropractor see your child, be sure to schedule a consultation first!

 

What Does a Pediatric Chiropractic Appointment Look Like? 

 

Treatment is always tailored to the patient’s unique needs. First, a chiropractor will schedule a consultation to determine your child’s individual needs. This includes obtaining a medical history from the child’s guardians or parents. Then, the chiropractor will schedule a physical examination to identify spinal issues and any other health problems. 

 

It’s important to note that chiropractors will apply less pressure to younger patients. Many chiropractors will use fingertip pressure to gently correct spinal issues and bolster the nervous system. While adjusting spinal joints, you may hear some soft popping noises. This is normal and will not harm your child.

 

When Should a Child Visit a Chiropractor? 

 

Generally, children should see a chiropractor if they suffer from debilitating or chronic pain. If your child’s primary doctor cannot alleviate their pain, a chiropractor may be a useful addition to their treatment schedule. If your child suffers from limited head/neck mobility, back pain, neck pain, hunched shoulders, or irregular sleep patterns, a visit to your local chiropractor may reduce their pain while improving their quality of life. 

 

What Ailments Can a Pediatric Chiropractor Treat? 

 

Chiropractors can treat a wide variety of ailments, no matter the patient’s age. However, children seeking chiropractic care will see improvements if they suffer from several chronic conditions. Chiropractors can alleviate infants’ breastfeeding problems, reflux, colic, and movement issues. Older patients often seek out chiropractic to help with headaches, scoliosis, spinal misalignment, asthma, growing pains, constipation, urinary incontinence, and other chronic issues.

 

Does Chiropractic Treatment Hurt?

 

No. Unless your practitioner is treating a severe injury, chiropractic treatment is painless. Any sensitivity your child experiences during treatment is short-lived and should fade shortly after the adjustment. 

 

Fun for the Whole Family 

The Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic is proud to serve clients of all ages! If you or your child needs chiropractic services, schedule an appointment with us today. Dr. Hartle and his team can usually see you the same day you call.

Chronic vs Acute Pain: How Chiropractors Help

Chiropractors are well-versed in treating pain. Whether it’s back, neck, or spinal complications, chiropractors correct ailments throughout the body. However, not all pain is temporary. Chronic pain, which the NHS defines as “persistent pain that carries on for twelve weeks” and resists medication, is a serious condition that causes unnecessary suffering. On the other hand, acute pain lasts less than three months and is typically the result of an injury. While chronic and acute pain can be debilitating, both conditions can be treated.

Chronic vs Acute Pain: What’s the Difference?

Before discussing how chiropractors treat different types of pain, we must understand the difference between chronic and acute pain. Chronic pain is constant: it can last for weeks, months, and even years. Caused by several factors, including, but not limited to poor posture, traumatic injury, spinal issues, and more, chronic pain lasts long after injuries have healed. Examples of chronic pain include:

•       Headaches
•       Lower back pain
•       Cancer pain
•       Arthritis pain
•       Nerve damage

Acute pain, according to WebMD, “starts suddenly and usually feels sharp.” Unlike chronic pain, acute pain can last moments or even months. While acute pain normally signals an injury, it disappears after the injury has healed. Acute injuries include, but are not limited to:

•       Broken bones
•       Burns
•       Cuts

If left untreated, acute pain can become chronic pain.

How Chiropractors Treat Acute and Chronic Pain

For those who suffer from prolonged pain, there is hope. There is a wide variety of medical and holistic treatments available to help treat pain. If you’ve exhausted all your medical options, chiropractic treatment may be right for you.

Chiropractors are well-versed in treating different types of chronic pain. First, your chiropractor will perform a physical assessment to local the pain. Next, they’ll develop a treatment plan. The most popular remedy for chronic pain is a spinal adjustment – a series of firm movements that apply pressure to vertebrae. For other issues, chiropractors may use the flexion-distraction technique (most commonly used for whiplash injuries) or instrument-assisted manipulation. As the name suggests, your chiropractor will use a small, hand-held instrument to apply gentle pressure to stretch soft tissue. This, in turn, will relieve pain.

Chiropractors treat chronic pain and acute pain similarly. To treat acute pain, a chiropractor will first perform a physical assessment. Next, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms: for example, those suffering from subluxation or joint restriction as a result of a fracture should undergo a Gonstead chiropractic evaluation. Patients with burn scars may benefit from massage therapy, which controls the development of scar tissue and helps burn victims heal more quickly.

Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic treats both acute and chronic pain using proven, natural methods. To help manage your pain, schedule an appointment with us today. Dr. Michael Hartle and his team of experts can usually see you the same day you call.

Five Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the best holistic treatments for various ailments. A proven method of pain and stress relief, massage therapy is astonishingly popular – over 47.5 million Americans sought out massage therapy in 2018. Today, we’ll look at five different types of massage therapies and the benefits they offer.

 

Swedish Massage

 

One of the most popular therapeutic massages, the Swedish Massage is both relaxing and energizing. Using long, even strokes and rhythmic tapping motions on the outermost layer of muscles, the Swedish Massage focuses on larger muscles (i.e. legs and arms) as well as smaller areas of the body. This massage focuses on deep movements that break down scar tissue and increases blood flow. More advanced masseuses may use effleurage (gliding strokes that relax muscles) or tapotement (short taps using cupped hands.)

 

Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is another popular therapeutic massage. Created over 5,000 years ago, the hot stone massage was “reborn” in 1993 and experienced a surge in popularity during the next two decades. This therapeutic massage uses warm basalt stones to penetrate muscles and treat stiff limbs. The warm stones are used to massage muscles and relax the body. The heat improves blood flow and circulation while releasing accumulated toxins from the body. To increase effectiveness, have your chiropractor or masseuse place stones over the most stiff muscles in your body.

 

Deep Tissue Massage 

 

Perfect for those who suffer from chronic pain and tension, the deep tissue massage eases pain and releases toxins from the body. Using deep pressure to penetrate the body, it fixes spammed and knotted muscles as well as heal fibrous adhesion and trigger points. The deep tissue massage can potentially offer relief from chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia. It can also relieve chronic neck and back pain. Studies suggest that this massage can also improve posture, aid in sports-related muscle recovery, improve limited mobility, and aid in injury rehabilitation. 

 

The Thai Massage 

 

Dating back 7,000 years, the Thai massage is more “active” than other Western Massages. Instead of lying on a bed, customers lie on the floor and actively participate during the session. Thai massage is a combination of yoga, acupressure, and zen shiatsu. Practitioners will gently guide their clients into yoga-like poses and apply a slow, rhythmic massage that increases energy levels and blood flow. Participants can expect to transition from one position to the next to open the joints and facilitate limbering. 

 

A Thai massage has four basic poses: lying supine, lying on one’s side, lying on the back, and sitting up. While the pressure may seem intense at first, an experienced chiropractor will adjust to their clients’ needs. The Thai massage has numerous benefits for the body, including increasing flexibility, eliminating pain, improving posture, stimulating blood circulation, and relieving swollen joints. 

 

Shiatsu Massage 

 

Meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese, the Shiatsu massage is based on applying rhythmic pressure to key points of the body. By applying pressure, the massage is said to restore vital energy (chi). There are many benefits to the Shiatsu massage, including pain relief, headache relief, and improved sleep quality. 

 

If you’re looking for massage therapy that will treat your pain, Dr. Hartle and his team of experts have you covered! The professionals at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic are fast, efficient, and can usually see you the same day you call. Book an appointment today!

Why NFL Teams Use Sports Chiropractic Care

American football is one of the most dangerous contact sports to date. According to the Seton Medical Center, over 1.2 million young men are injured while playing football per year. The most common injuries players experience are concussions, overuse, and heat injuries. As players – especially the pros – are vulnerable to injuries, more and more coaches require their team to visit chiropractors. The NFL considers chiropractors essential to a team’s health and well-being, and all 32 teams have chiropractors on staff. As players consider longer careers and spend less time off the field, chiropractors have become a vital part of the NFL.

 

Proper Joint Function 

 

Many athletes’ careers end prematurely due to improper joint function. Our joints are made of fibrous materials, with a piece of cartilage in the middle. Synovial fluid, a type of liquid found in our joints, ensures smooth and easy movement. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments, professionals help players prevent common joint injuries. These adjustments also have the added benefit of reducing pain and tension in muscles, which ensures that NFL players can run, jump, and tackle with ease. 

 

To prevent injuries, many NFL players will see a chiropractor before or after a game. In fact, a chiropractor performs thirty to fifty adjustments in a regular season. Jerry Rice, a former wide receiver who spent twenty seasons in the NFL, had this to say about the importance of chiropractors: “I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor made all the difference.”

 

Muscle and Joint Maintenance 

Football is a brutal sport. From drills to practice to preseason games, players are putting constant stress on their bodies. This leads to wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and spine. Even if players aren’t injured, they may still feel pain and soreness all over their bodies. Through spinal alignment and manipulation, chiropractors reduce pressure on the body’s nervous system. This, in turn, relieves pain without the use of addictive medications. Continued work with a chiropractor helps players perform at their highest level. 

 

As an added bonus, many players have reported increased strength and endurance on the field. The Excellence in Health Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic reports that chiropractic adjustments have been shown to increase endurance and stamina. 

 

Sports Hernia Relief 

 

Athletic pubalgia, also called “sports hernia,” is another common injury athletes suffer from. Sports hernias occur when tears or dilation occurs near the superficial ring of the inguinal canal. These injuries are incredibly painful and can prevent an athlete from participating in games and practice. Thankfully, chiropractic treatments have been shown to improve pain and range of movement for those suffering from sports hernias within eight weeks. 

 

It Treats Symptoms at the Source 

Chiropractic treatment has rightfully gained a reputation as a natural, holistic way of treating injuries. Chiropractic care treats pain at the source by applying slight pressure to painful areas. This can aid in the healing process and even reverse some of the causes of pain. For NFL players, chiropractic treatment is non-invasive, meaning they can return to the field and never miss a game. 

 

Whether you’re an NFL player or a fan cheering a touchdown, the Allen County Family and Sports Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can treat your sports-related injuries. Dr. Hartle and his team of experts are fast, efficient, and can usually see you the same day you call. Book an appointment today to relieve your pain. 

 

Happy holidays from the Allen County Family and Sports Chiropractic team! 

How to Spend the Holidays in Fort Wayne, Indiana

With its small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the perfect place to spend the holiday season. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Wayne is still celebrating the upcoming holidays with modified festivals, light displays, Christmas trees, and more!

HolidayFest 

HolidayFest is Fort Wayne’s official start to the holiday season. HolidayFest begins on Wednesday, November 25th with the Night of Lights event. While large gatherings are banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors can watch a televised special on WANE15 at 7 pm or view the famous Christmas lights from a socially safe distance. 

The Festival of Trees 

Since 1948, The Festival of Trees has raised money for the historic Embassy Theater. From November 25th to December 2nd, visitors can view breathtaking Christmas trees, each decorated by local community groups. All proceeds go to the preservation of the Embassy Theater. 

Nervous about COVID-19 risks? The venue is taking measures to ensure the safety of all its guests. If you’re still nervous about going to an in-person event, the Embassy Theater is hosting an online Christmas tree tour. 

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe 

Calling all ballet lovers! The Fort Wayne Youtheatre is transforming C.S. Lewis’s classic novel into an elegant dance, just in time for the holiday season. Join siblings Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy as they explore the magical world of Narnia and encounter unforgettable characters. Tickets are on sale now. The event is wheelchair accessible. 

Headwaters Park Ice Skating 

Looking for a classic, wholesome holiday activity? Try ice skating! Headwaters Park offers scenic views and tranquil ice skating throughout winter. Headwaters Park also offers concessions, skate sharpening services, and private ice rentals. Parking is free, and kids under 13 skate free on Wednesdays. Admission prices can be found online. 

The Days of Holly Shopping 2020 

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Want to buy a Hannukah present for the kids and support local stores at the same time? Fort Wayne’s traditional Small Shop Saturday has been expanded to a four day-long event in order to minimize crowds and keep people safe. Bring your masks and create a new holiday tradition while supporting local businesses. This year, keep an eye out for the snowmen, who will lead you to some very special prizes! 

Remember: the best way to keep safe this holiday season is to observe social distancing guidelines and to always wear a mask. Happy Holidays from the Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic Team!