Written by Leslie M. Dill, Kelly Jorg & Dr. Shelly C. Hogan, D.C.

In the third installment of our "Tech's Side Effects" series, we spoke with Dr. Shelly C. Hogan D.C., chiropractor with Chicoine Chiropractic. The 11th chiropractor in her family and a product of lifelong chiropractic wellness care, Dr. Hogan brings a gentle, family-centered approach to every patient she treats.

       Dr. Shelly C. Hogan, D.C.

Q: With all the technological advancements being made in the medical field, are you seeing any that are more detrimental to women than they are beneficial?

Dr. Hogan: Advancements in healthcare and nutrition, in my experience, are more helpful to women - specifically the quality of nutritional supplements for women has improved. There are also many more options available for your specific needs. New technology has improved imaging quality for X-rays and MRI machines, which lead to better images and a more accurate diagnosis for patients.

Q: Have you noticed your interactions with patients change at all due to the increase of misinformation online and on social media?

Dr Hogan: Patients these days are more likely to be well informed about their conditions. I love it when a patient takes a more active role in their healthcare! Sometimes online results can be misleading or confusing, but if a person is coming to a Chiropractor, I know they are looking for a more natural approach to health. We often laugh together about how much they like the YouTube content with all the adjustment "popping".

Q: With workplaces becoming more vocal about how they're supporting work/life balance for employees, are you seeing any trends in work-related health issues? (i.e. back issues, issues stemming from sitting at computers for prolonged hours, etc.?) 

Dr. Hogan: Yes, I definitely see lower back injuries and patients with neck or arm pain due to increased time spent at the computer. Some patients are improving with more of a hybrid work-from-home and the office model. Additionally, using a standing desk certainly can help. In other cases, a person's at-home setup includes working from the bed and couch. I know it's hard to resist, and it starts off super comfortable, but both can cause serious problems later.

"Seek out a provider that is more in line with your healthcare goals. Not every physician is going to be the right fit for every patient."

Q: From your perspective, what are some realistic ways various offices and work environments can support realistic healthy lifestyles for their employees? 

Dr. Hogan: Offices offering more nutritious food or snack options for employees and a water refill station are two great ways to promote health. Selecting one day a week to be a "Skip The Elevator And Take The Stairs (if you can) Day" or team morning stretches promote movement and reduce injuries are also great options. Many larger companies have been adding gyms or smaller exercise classes for a more budget friendly option for their employees. 

Q: What advice do you have for women looking to take their own health journeys/experience into their own hands - considering the amount of conflicting advice/opinions being published as absolute fact? 

Dr. Hogan: It is an excellent idea to follow up your at-home research with a healthcare professional. Also, seek out a provider that is more in line with your healthcare goals. Not every physician is going to be the right fit for every patient. 

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