Dad - A Son’s First Hero, A Daughter’s First Love

There is nothing that compares to the influence of a dad in a child’s life. It is true, not everyone has a dad and even of those that do, not every dad is a good influence and that is sad. However, that makes a good dad even more special.

Dads are different than moms and they bring a unique and vital contribution to their family and their relationships. Part of the reason is that Dads are made differently. Dads are men and and men are very different than women. Literally, their very body chemistry is different.

One chemical, in particular, that differentiates men from women, dads from moms, is testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in aspects of male physiology and characteristics. It is also present in small amounts in females, where it contributes to certain physiological processes. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These signals tells your body what to do and when to do it. Isn’t that alone simply amazing?

Increasing levels of testosterone first become obvious during puberty which is typically between ages 12 and 16 for males (10 and 14 for females). At this time, boys will begin to develop body hair and their voices will deepen. These are just some effects of testosterone.

Testosterone also plays a significant role in promoting muscle growth and strength. It helps increase muscles mass, protein synthesis, and the production of red blood cells. Additionally, testosterone supports bone density which is important for overall skeletal health.

Testosterone can influence mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities. Adequate testosterone levels are generally associated with positive mood, increased motivation, and improved cognitive performance.

Testosterone also has various effects on overall health. It contributes to cardiovascular health by regulating cholesterol levels and supporting blood vessel function, adequate testosterone levels are also important for maintaining optimal body composition, metabolic function, and overall vitality. All of this is controlled by one little chemical!

Of course, testosterone is only one of over 100 different chemicals that your amazing body is constantly making, altering, and destroying to stay in perfect balance. When your chemistry isn’t balanced, your body cannot work like it should.

A common reason for imbalanced body chemistry is disruption in your nerve system. You see, chemicals are made by glands and glands produce specific chemicals as directed by your brain via your nerve system. If there is any disruption to your nerve system the glands may simply not be producing the proper quality and quantity of a given chemical.

Dr. Miller can help you with that! He will check your spine for misalignment, called vertebral subluxations, that disrupt the function of your nerve system and can interfere with the messages going to the glands that control your body chemistry. You, your dad and every member of your family need that to be your most AMAZING selves!

As we celebrate Father's Day, let us reflect on the unique role that dads play in our lives and the profound influence they have on shaping our well-being. From their distinct contributions to family dynamics to the physiological differences driven by hormones like testosterone, fathers leave an indelible mark on our lives.*

Happy Father’s Day!

Provided and published by ICPA. For more information, visit discoverkidshealth.com

*Added paragraph not published by ICPA.

Directions:

1. In a blender, puree peeled peaches until smooth

2. Strain the peach puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any solids

3. In the same pitcher, combine the peach puree with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved

4. Add cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine

5. Taste the peach lemonade and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.

6. Chill the peach lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving

7. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled peach lemonade over the ice

8. Garnish each glass with fresh peach slices, lemon wedges, and mint leaves, if desired.

9. Stir gently before serving to distribute the flavors

   Psst add dads favorite whiskey to make this a fan favorite adult beverage!

Enjoy Responsibly!

Thoracic Rotation Stretch: This exercise helps to improve mobility in the thoracic spine (upper back).

Begin by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Cross one leg over the other, placing the foot flat on the floor outside the opposite knee. Twist your torso towards the side of the bent knee, placing your opposite elbow on the outside of the bent knee and using it to gently deepen the stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

Ankle Circles: Improved ankle mobility can benefit overall movement and stability.

Sit on the floor or a chair with one leg extended in front of you. Rotate your ankle in a circular motion, first clockwise for several repetitions, then counterclockwise. Switch legs and repeat the exercise on the other side.

Shoulder Circles: Shoulder mobility is important for various daily activities.

Stand tall with your arms relaxed at your sides. Slowly rotate your shoulders in a circular motion, first forward for several repetitions, then backward. Focus on making the circles as large and smooth as possible, gradually increasing the range of motion.