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  • The Guide to DOT Physicals in St. Charles
    April 11, 2024 No Comments on The Guide to DOT Physicals in St. Charles
    DOT Physicals

    Are you a commercial driver gearing up for the road? Or perhaps you’re a fleet manager ensuring your team meets all regulatory requirements? Either way, understanding the importance of Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals is crucial. At Ezell Chiropractic DOT Physicals, we pride ourselves on offering efficient, cost-effective, and driver-friendly DOT physicals in St. Charles, MO. Let’s delve into what makes these exams essential and why choosing us is the smartest move for your business.

    What are DOT Physicals?

    DOT physicals are comprehensive medical examinations mandated by the Department of Transportation for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. These assessments ensure that drivers are physically and mentally fit to safely operate commercial vehicles. They cover various aspects such as vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health.

    Efficiency at Its Best

    Time is money, especially for busy commercial drivers. That’s why we prioritize efficiency in every aspect of our DOT physicals. Our streamlined process ensures minimal wait times, allowing drivers to get back on the road swiftly. From scheduling appointments to completing paperwork, we’ve optimized every step for maximum efficiency.

    Cost-Effective Solutions

    We understand the financial pressures that come with running a business, which is why our DOT physicals offer unbeatable value. Despite our commitment to quality, we strive to keep our prices competitive, making us the most cost-effective option in the area. With us, you get top-notch service without breaking the bank.

    Driver-Friendly Experience

    Navigating regulatory requirements can be daunting, but we’re here to make it as smooth as possible for drivers. Our friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere, putting drivers at ease throughout the examination process. We prioritize clear communication and personalized care, addressing any concerns drivers may have.

    Why Choose Us?

    1. Expertise: Our team consists of qualified medical professionals experienced in conducting DOT physicals, ensuring thorough assessments and accurate results.
    2. Convenience: We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy drivers, minimizing disruptions to their schedules.
    3. Affordability: Our competitive pricing makes DOT physicals accessible to all, regardless of budget constraints.
    4. Driver-Centric Approach: We prioritize driver satisfaction, delivering a seamless experience tailored to their needs and preferences.
    5. Compliance Assurance: With us, you can rest assured that your drivers meet all DOT regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.

    Conclusion

    DOT physicals are a vital component of ensuring road safety and regulatory compliance for commercial drivers. At Ezell Chiropractic DOT Physicals in St. Charles, MO, we go above and beyond to provide efficient, cost-effective, and driver-friendly DOT physicals. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to keep your drivers healthy, happy, and ready for the road ahead. Schedule an appointment with us today and experience the difference firsthand!

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  • 6 Reasons Why Drivers Fail a DOT Physical
    October 31, 2023 No Comments on 6 Reasons Why Drivers Fail a DOT Physical
    6 Reasons Why Drivers Fail A DOT Physical 1

    For commercial drivers, passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination is a crucial step in maintaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and ensuring the safety of both themselves and other road users. Unfortunately, many drivers fail these exams due to various reasons, leading to disqualification from operating commercial vehicles. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common reasons why drivers fail a DOT physical and offer guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls.

    1. High Blood Pressure

    High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading cause of DOT physical failures. Commercial drivers are required to maintain their blood pressure at or below specific thresholds, typically around 140/90 mm Hg. If your blood pressure exceeds these limits during the examination, you may not pass.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • Prior to your DOT physical, monitor your blood pressure regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress.
    • If you have hypertension, consult with your healthcare provider and work together on a treatment plan to control your blood pressure within DOT regulations.
    1. Vision Problems

    Visual impairments can also lead to DOT physical failures. Commercial drivers are required to have adequate vision, including distant and peripheral vision, color recognition, and depth perception, to ensure they can safely operate a vehicle. The minimum requirement is a 20/40 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • Visit an eye care specialist regularly to monitor your eye health.
    • If you have vision problems, consider corrective lenses or eyeglasses, and always wear them when driving.
    1. Medications

    Certain medications can disqualify drivers from passing their DOT physical if they have adverse side effects that affect driving performance or if they are on a medication that is prohibited by DOT regulations. Medications like benzodiazepines cannot be taken by commercial drivers.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • Consult your healthcare provider about medications you are taking and their potential effects on your ability to drive safely.
    • Discuss alternative medications or treatment plans with your provider if necessary.
    1. Sleep Apnea

    Sleep apnea is a common cause of disqualification. It is a sleep disorder that affects breathing and can lead to drowsiness and fatigue while driving.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • If you suspect you have sleep apnea, seek a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.
    • Comply with recommended treatment, which may include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device while sleeping.
    1. Substance Abuse

    Drug and alcohol use can be disqualifying factors. Positive results on drug tests or a history of substance abuse can lead to a failed DOT physical. Even in states where marijuana is now legal, you cannot use while having a CDL, even if this is during non driving hours.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • Avoid the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications.
    • Seek help for substance abuse problems through counseling or rehabilitation programs.
    1. Uncontrolled Diabetes

    Diabetes can be disqualifying if it is uncontrolled. Drivers with diabetes must manage their condition effectively to pass the physical examination.

    Prevention and Solution:

    • Maintain proper blood sugar control by monitoring your glucose levels regularly and following a treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.

    Conclusion

    Passing a DOT physical is essential for commercial drivers to maintain their CDL and continue their careers. By understanding these common reasons for failure and taking proactive steps to address them, you can increase your chances of passing the examination and ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. Regular communication with healthcare providers and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle are key to successfully navigating the DOT physical process.

    Yours in health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell, Certified Medical Examiner

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  • DOT Physicals and Marijuana
    November 21, 2022 No Comments on DOT Physicals and Marijuana
    DOT Physical

    Wondering whether or not your DOT physical will be affected if you use or used marijuana? With many states now allowing medical marijuana use and others going further by allowing recreational marijuana use, it is important to know the regulations when it comes to driving a commercial motor vehicle and staying compliant with your DOT medical card.

    In Missouri, medical and recreational use of marijuana is now legal. Does this mean that commercial drivers can use it and still stay compliant with their DOT cards? The answer is no.

    Whether you have a medical card or you use marijuana recreationally, it is a disqualifier and you will not pass your DOT physical. Drivers that admit to prior use but no longer use may be subject to drug testing if the examiner feels it is necessary. Drug testing is not a normal part of DOT physical exams.

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  • What Is Spinal Decompression?
    December 1, 2020 No Comments on What Is Spinal Decompression?
    What is Spinal Decompression

    If you suffer from chronic pain, spinal decompression therapy may be the answer. A nonsurgical form of chiropractic care, this treatment aims to promote optimal health and wellness by stretching the spine, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal discs.

    How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

    During spinal decompression, you’ll don a harness that fits snugly around your trunk, head, or limb and then climb onto a mechanized table. Depending on the source of your pain, you might lie down on your back or your stomach.

    For the next 10-15 minutes, your provider will make minor adjustments to the table that are designed to stretch your spine gently. For added effectiveness, your provider may recommend preceding or following the therapy with electrical stimulation, heat application, or cold therapy. 

    Generally speaking, it takes multiple sessions to experience dramatic results. Most patients undergo between 4-20 treatments over time to achieve the best results.

    What Does Spinal Decompression Treat?

    IMG 7877 3

    Spinal decompression therapy has a number of applications. It’s most often used to relieve back or neck pain caused by disc injury and nerve compromise. It can also treat degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, knee, and hip issues.

    Evidence indicates decompressing the spine and subsequently relieving pressure on a compressed spinal nerve can promote the body’s natural healing process. This therapy may be most effective when combined with other aspects of chiropractic care, especially if the compression is severe. 

    To see if you’re a good candidate for spinal decompression, turn to Ezell Chiropractic. Located in St. Charles, this clinic is led by one of the top ten chiropractors in Missouri. A St. Charles native, Dr. Glenn Ezell is proud to help members of his community achieve much-needed relief through comprehensive chiropractic care. To grab our new patient promotion, click here. To make an appointment for quality chiropractic care, call (636) 486-7044.

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  • What’s In Your Water?
    September 30, 2020 No Comments on What’s In Your Water?

    You can find water pretty much anywhere in the United States. We are lucky to have access to drinkable water unlike some third world countries. That doesn’t mean that our water is necessarily “good” for us though, most tap water sources are loaded with toxins and chemicals that can make you sick and unhealthy. Today, we are going on a mission to find out what’s in your water and how to make it better!

    So what’s actually in your water? I live in St. Charles, Missouri, so I retrieved the 2019 St. Charles Water Quality Report to show you, (you can find yours on your city’s government website).

    How did they do?

    So you might be thinking after looking at all of that, “It didn’t violate any rules or laws” or “Those numbers are very small”, which you would be correct in some regards. Legal limits don’t always equal “safe”. Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in over 20 years. It’s always safer if it’s not there at all or reduced.

    Do you trust your water?

    We’ve all learned by now that the government cannot be trusted when it comes to keeping your water clean just by using what happened in Flint, Michigan as an example with lead. Contaminants such as antimony, arsenic, barium, fluoride, chloride, and aluminum have no business in your drinking water and can harm your body. What can’t you see on this report? Things like bacteria, viruses, sediment, and pharmaceuticals.

    What do we want in the water?

    You should also know that there are some things that are in the water that you WANT to keep in there! Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Cobalt, Manganese, and Magnesium. These are your good minerals.

    How do we make it better?

    So how do we keep the bad out and the good in? We need to have some sort of capability to filter or purify the water. First, let’s talk about the difference between filters and purifiers. Filters eliminate protozoa and bacteria, purifiers eliminate protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. So the difference is the ability to remove viruses from water.

    Types of filters and purifiers

    There are literally thousands of water filters and purifiers on the market and even more pre-bottled options for purchase.

    • The lowest level of filtration would be a simple carbon filter which is similar to something that you can install on a faucet.
    • Water pitcher filters like Brita can filter out a few more contaminants and help with taste.
    • Reverse osmosis is able to purify and remove a very large amount of contaminants but also removes many beneficial minerals in the process.
    • Water distillation purifies but leaves the water completely void of any nutrients and minerals. This is called “dead water”. Without having the proper minerals, your body’s electrolyte balance can be thrown off.
    • Berkey gravity purifiers with fluoride attachments are in my opinion the best water purification systems. They purify the vast majority of the bad and keep all of the good minerals.
    • Buying bottled water is a toss up and is a corrupt industry. Many bottled waters are just tap water with fancy labels. Some are better than others but they create waste and provide little benefit for healthy drinking water.

    What can the Berkey filter out?

    Viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and much more! Check out the full list here. https://www.berkeyfilters.com/pages/filtration-specifications

    Hopefully this will help for you to make a more informed choice about the water you are drinking. Remember, your body is made up of about 60% water!

    Yours in health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell

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  • Ways To Stay Healthy During A Pandemic That They Are Not Telling You About
    August 2, 2020 No Comments on Ways To Stay Healthy During A Pandemic That They Are Not Telling You About

    The world is full of fear and we are being told to wear masks, socially distance, limit travel, avoid groups, and close contact. These may be effective measures to limit the transmission of coronavirus but it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get it. As more businesses are opening back up, the majority of people will have to go back to work, and kids back to school. Realistically we have to come to terms with the fact that life must press on, albeit in the safest way possible. Whether you are working from home or having to get out more, most people are likely to come close or actually come in contact with this virus at some point in the future. So here are the ways to stay healthy during a pandemic that they are not telling you about.

    This might come as a surprise to some people but you should be supporting your immune system the same way as you would if there were any other virus or bacterial infection risk out there. (pssst, which there always is)

    Gut Health

    70% of your immune system resides in the gut! Read that again! Did you know that your gut is the pathway in which most of your nutrients and vitamins are absorbed from what you eat and drink and from there are transported to the rest of the body? This makes the gut the most important player when it comes to immune health.

    So this means that the 1000mg Airborne vitamin-C tablet you just took does absolutely nothing for you if your body doesn’t absorb it.

    Your gut has what is called a “norma flora” which is basically a collection good bacteria that line the intestines. Think of it as the “gatekeeper” to what is allowed to pass between the gut lining. It keeps the bad stuff out and the good stuff moving through. If you’ve ever heard of “leaky gut”, that happens when your flora and the gut lining is now permeable to the bad stuff and the good stuff doesn’t get transported.

    So what decreases your normal gut bacteria? Eating or drinking items that your body is sensitive or allergic to will certainly do it. The most common culprits here are dairy products, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and more. Certain medications can decrease your norma flora. For example, antibiotics will wipe your gut clean of all of that good bacteria. This would be a good time to double up on dosages in order to re-populate. Not eating enough prebiotics for the bacteria to live off of will de-populate. Alcohol use, lack of exercise and sleep also decrease good gut bacteria.

    There is a supplement that will help you keep up with a healthy functioning gut, it’s called a probiotic and you can learn all about it in one of my previous blogs! https://www.ezellchiropracticllc.com/the-one-supplement-everyone-should-be-taking/

    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin along with A, E, and K. What makes vitamin D different is that we primarily make it on our own, rather than relying on food sources. Vitamin D is stored in the liver and in fatty tissues.

    The way that our body makes vitamin D is by converting sunshine into D3. D3 is made as the sunshine is converted by the cholesterol in our skin. Vitamin D becomes a hormone in the body. It impacts our skeletal structure, blood pressure, mood, brain function and most importantly, IMMUNITY!

    Most people believe (or have heard) that the best way to get vitamin D is by drinking milk, eating fish, eggs, or taking supplements like cod liver oil. While these foods do have some vitamin D, the best way is still by direct sunlight exposure. There are 2 types of supplemental vitamin D: D2 and D3. The type that our bodies make naturally is called cholecalciferol which is the D3 version. D3 is readily absorbed and up to 4 times more effective. D2 is only partly absorbed. D2 is made from vegetarian sources while D3 is animal based. Unfortunately, most products fortified with vitamin D (milk, etc) contain the D2 type and therefore are less absorbable and convertible.

    How much vitamin D should you be getting daily? 

    • Adult patients shoot for 5,000 IU daily (pregnant women included)
    • Ages 5-10 need 2,500 IU daily.
    • Children younger than age 5 need 35 IU daily

    Of course, the only way that you would really know exactly how much vitamin D to take is by way of a blood analysis, but for reference, in the midwest here like Missouri, you’d need close to 45 minutes to 1 hour of full sun on arms, legs, and face to get this amount for an average adult. One of the major reasons why more people get sick in the winter time is due to the lack of sun exposure and therefore the lack of vitamin D, causing weakened immune system function. This is why it is extremely important to take a vitamin D supplement in the winter months if it gets cold where you live.

    Lifestyle Activities

    This one goes without saying. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, proper work/rest balance, chiropractic adjustments, yoga, stretching, meditation, and many more things keep you at the top of your game and in a round about way will absolutely effect your immune system either in a positive or negative way depending on how you use (or don’t use) them.

    Can you use to tune up your immune system? Share this with a friend that could use to learn about the ways to stay healthy during a pandemic that they are not telling you about!

    Yours in health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell

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  • 11 Spinal Warning Signs
    June 30, 2020 No Comments on 11 Spinal Warning Signs

    11 Spinal Warning Signs

    There are often signs that can alert you when something is not functioning properly in the body. Some are more commonly known than others.

    Did you know that only 10% of your nerves perceive pain? Most people DO NOT recognize that they have a problem until it creates pain! Although pain is an indicator for spinal problems and bodily dysfunction, it it often a last resort, your body’s final push for help.

    The overwhelming majority of patients that I see have had some underlying issue that preceded the painful event. Here are some other not so commonly heard body signs that indicate spinal misalignment. Look for these on family members, friends, and co-workers.

    1. Rounded, slumped or hunchback posture.

    2. One pant leg drags the ground or shoes wear unevenly.

    3. Shoulders not level with the floor.

    4. Restricted or reduced ranges of motion like looking over your shoulder when driving.

    5. Asymmetrical muscle development.

    6. Chronic muscle tightness.

    7. Ringing in the ears.

    8. Headaches. Migraines, tension, and plenty of others.

    9. Numbness or tingling. This could be down the arms or legs.

    10. Muscle weakness or wasting.

    11. Constant feeling of having to “crack” your own neck or back.

    Further assessment of these signs is vital in preventing future complications! Your chiropractor is trained to be able to look deeper into these health concerns to get to the root of the problem.

    Yours in health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell

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  • Counting Macros For Beginners
    June 8, 2020 No Comments on Counting Macros For Beginners

    Counting Macros for Beginners and How to Lose or Gain Weight

    Counting macros can be easy, even for beginners. Counting macros can also help you to achieve weight loss goals or even to promote and sustain muscle growth. It is a powerful tool to help manage what you eat so that you know the exact amounts of macronutrients that your body needs for a specific goal.

    First of all, what are macros? The three macros (short for macronutrients) that the body needs in large numbers are protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Each of these macronutrients provides energy in the form of calories or kcals. In addition to energy, these nutrients have other specific roles in helping your body function properly.

    Proteins contain 4 kcals per 1 gram

    Fats contain 9 kcals per 1 gram

    Carbohydrates contain 4 kcals per 1 gram

    Protein

    Protein foods are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body. Proteins play a key role in building and maintaining muscle mass and providing energy for our cells and brain. Young children need approximately 1-1.5 grams of protein per kg of body weight. Average adults need about 0.8-0.95 grams per kg of body weight. Some common sources of protein include:

    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Fish
    • Eggs
    • Beans
    • Milk

    Fats

    Fats are the most calorie dense macronutrient at 9 calories per gram. Fats get a bad reputation because most people think that fats make you fat. Your body should have an appropriate amount of healthy fats to do things like regulate hormone production and allow for proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Granted if you eat too much fat, your calorie intake can spike faster because each gram accounts for about double of what you would get out of protein and carbohydrates. You want to take in a variety of fats that include monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and some saturated fats as well. Common sources of fats include:

    • Butter
    • Avocado
    • Olive Oil
    • Coconut Oil
    • Nuts/Seeds

    Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source. In most diets, carbs make up the majority of the calories consumed. The body takes simple or complex carbs and breaks them down into glucose which is either used right away or stored in muscle or fat for future use. The problem that most people run into with carbs, is that they over eat processed and refined carbohydrates which release sugar into the bloodstream very quickly leading to more cravings, low energy levels, cravings, weight gain, and brain fog. Carbs like vegetables, ancient grains, whole fruit, and others digest slower and come without all of the bad side effects. Good carb sources include:

    • Fruit
    • Starchy Root Vegetables
    • Whole Grains

    Counting Macros

    So now that you know what “macros” are and where they come from, how do you count them? And how do you use that information to gain or lose weight?

    Tracking Your Food

    First and foremost, you have to have an idea of what you are currently taking in. Download a food and meal tracking app such as My Fitness Pal. This app makes it really easy to track your food. Simply scan the barcode on the back of the items that you are consuming and make sure you put in the right amount of servings you are eating. At the end of the day, you will have a total amount of protein, fat, and carbs that you consumed. Along with that, you have your calorie count. Do this for a full week so that you can get an average of what you normally eat.

    Basal Metabolic Rate

    Up next is calculating your BMR. Use this BMR Calculator to get your estimated number. This number is an estimate for the amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, and in a post-absorptive state (meaning that the digestive system is inactive, which requires about 12 hours of fasting). So basically, this is how many calories your body would need if you didn’t do anything all day and just lied there. It also gives you a guide based on your activity level on how many calories you need to maintain a specific weight.

    Plugging In The Numbers

    An average person who is trying to lose weight should aim to shoot for a ratio of about 30% carbs, 20% fat, and 50% protein that come from your daily calorie intake. If you are looking to build more muscle along the way, your ratio should be focused more around eating as much protein in grams as you want your goal body weight to be (175g protein for 175lb bodybuilder).

    Let’s say my BMR is about 1700 cal/day and when I add in my activity level and exercise that I do regularly, my recommended is about 3000 cal/day. Theoretically, if I ate 3000 calories each day, my weight would stay the same.

    Look back now at your averages when you tracked your food. If I ate over 3000 calories/day, I would gain weight. If I ate under 3000 calories/day I would lose weight.

    To make it simple, 3,500 calories= about 1lb of fat. In general, if you cut about 500 to 1,000 calories a day from your typical diet, you’d lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week.

    Just remember that BMR number, if your calorie count consistently stays below that number, your body will not be able to function at an optimal level.

    Final Thoughts

    This advice is very baseline and will work for most people. There are a lot of different circumstances that change these formulations, it’s best to consult someone who has knowledge in nutrition, exercise, body mechanics, and metabolic function.

    Your numbers will change if you lose weight, gain weight, start more exercise, get pregnant and more! Keep good track of things. Myfitnesspal has settings that help you stay on track if you upload your weight.

    Yours in optimal health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell

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  • How To Pass A DOT Physical
    April 16, 2020 No Comments on How To Pass A DOT Physical
    passing a DOT physical

    The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Association (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/) oversees the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Certified Medical Examiners are the only healthcare providers that are able to perform DOT physicals. As a tenured medical examiner, I am going to share with you today how to pass a dot physical.

    There are standards put in place by the FMSCA for examiners to follow when determining the results of a particular exam. The toughest and strictest areas of the exam include blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Other common roadblocks are diabetes and other medical conditions. Rest assured, as long as you are relatively healthy, taking medications properly, and have adequate documentation, you are likely to pass the dot physical exam.

    Urinalysis

    Let’s start with the urinalysis. You will be required to provide a urine sample that will be collected at the time of the exam. This is not a drug test and we are looking for the specific gravity, protein, blood, and sugar. Any abnormal result here could indicate further testing if needed. The most common irregularity here is sugar. The presence of sugar in the urine means that the body is not regulating blood glucose properly indicating probable diabetes. If you are diabetic, you can pass the exam, even if you take insulin. In the case of type 1 insulin dependent, you will need the ITDM Assessment Form filled out by your treating physician to certify that your blood sugar is well controlled. In the case of type 2 diabetes, your most recent blood work will be requested to check your A1C levels. TIP: Prepare and bring documents/letters with you on your visit so that we can get your card to you same day!

    Health History

    The medical examiner will review your health history. Surgeries, medications, and other factors may need to be reviewed if it could potentially effect your ability to drive. All of these things are up to the medical examiners discretion. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea you will need to bring a print out of your recent CPAP compliance report. TIP: bring a letter from your treating doctor if you are concerned about a particular surgery you had or a medication you take, it will speed up the certification process!

    Blood Pressure

    Next up is blood pressure, this is the most common reason that drivers fail or get reduced certifications. Your blood pressure needs to be 140/90 or less to pass without complicating things. TIP: Do not smoke, drink coffee, or energy drinks before the exam! These will elevate blood pressure.

    Vision

    For your vision screen, you will need to be able to have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. TIP: wear your contacts or glasses in for the exam so that you pass this portion!

    Hearing

    For the hearing screen, you will need to hear a forced whisper at at least 5 feet. Typically the examiner will forced whisper (a loud whisper) a number, and you will repeat the number when you hear it. TIP: if you wear hearing aids, wear them in so that you can hear and pass!

    Physical Exam

    And then lastly, a physical exam will be performed. The examiner will look in your ears and eyes, listen to your heart and lungs, evaluate your joints and look at your spine. There are other parts to this as well, but these are the highlights.

    And that is it! If you did your homework and were well prepared for this exam, you are completed with the dot physical. If everything went well, you should get your medical card before you leave.

    Your examiner will determine how long your medical card will be certified for. Typically the most common limitations are with heart conditions and diabetes. The FMSCA recommends a 1 year card in those instances.

    Now you know the inside information on how to pass a DOT physical. Please keep in mind that the determination is ultimately up to the medical examiner and it is best to be honest and talk about any concerns you have with him or her.

    Dr. Glenn Ezell is a certified medical examiner that practices in St. Charles, MO at Ezell Chiropractic. He provides DOT physicals for many drivers and comes highly recommended.

    Need a DOT physical? Click here

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  • 10 Best COVID-19 Work from Home Posture and Productivity Tips
    March 30, 2020 No Comments on 10 Best COVID-19 Work from Home Posture and Productivity Tips

    Many of you have had to make drastic changes to your work environment and schedule due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on businesses. If you are fortunate enough to still be able to work from home, you may be faced with even more difficult challenges. Makeshift offices and easy access to distractions can pose problems with posture and productivity. Today, I have the solution. The 10 best COVID-19 work from home posture and productivity tips. There are 5 posture and 5 productivity.

    Posture

    • Resist the temptation to work from your bed or on the couch. These locations offer little to no back support and will compromise healthy spinal function.

    • Find a chair that has back support. A bar stool at the kitchen counter is an example of a poor choice. If you don’t have a desk chair, try a dining room chair. A rolled up towel or small pillow behind the lower back will help with creating more lumbar support. If you are having a hard time finding something appropriate here, maybe try creating a standing workstation from a counter.

    • Use boxes, books, or storage containers to get your computer monitor to be at eye level. This will reduce the amount of strain on your neck, upper back, and shoulders. Avoid using your laptop on your lap, go figure right? They should rename it.

    • With the new addition of your monitor stand, if you are working from a laptop computer, you will need a wireless keyboard and mouse to prevent reaching and over-elevating your arms and shoulders.

    Productivity

    • Start your day like you normally do. Wake up at the same time. Start work at the same time. Make your coffee, do your workout. Keep it consistent.

    • Dress up! Brush your teeth! This determines your mindset, as well as number 1. Working from your pajamas might sound comfortable but your mind isn’t used to it and it can actually throw you off.

    • Have a defined schedule. Plan your breaks and set a reminder for them. Take a whole 30 minutes for lunch (or however long it usually is). Finish at a certain time and don’t be tempted to come back to it until you start working again!

    • Protect your workspace. Get the lighting right, shut the door, bring what you will need and get it close to you. Talk to your family members about your work time hours and have them commit to respecting them.

    • Limit distractions. Try using a sound machine, looping ambient noise or pleasant sounds on a speaker. Alexa and Google assistant both have many skills that can play your favorite with a simple request. Just one bark from your neighbors dogs can break your train of thought and set you back 5-10 minutes. Another good habit is to pick a workspace that has no TV in it so that there is no temptation to binge Ozark on Netflix while working.

    These are the 10 best COVID-19 work from home posture and productivity tips to help keep you pain free and productive!

    Learn how to protect yourself from the Corona Virus with the CDC recommendations here –>https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

    If you find yourself needing advice from a chiropractor during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ezell is available in the office and via telehealth.

    Yours in optimal health,

    Dr. Glenn Ezell

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