Is Your Kid Low on Red Blood Cells or Just Low on Snacks?
Why Routine Blood Work Is a Smart (and Super Affordable) Choice
As parents, we’re used to deciphering strange behavior from our kids. Are they tired—or just trying to get out of math homework? Pale because they’re low on iron—or because they haven’t seen the sun since Minecraft came out? Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s just a growth spurt or something deeper happening in the body.
That’s where routine blood work comes in—specifically, a Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). These two simple tests can offer a surprising amount of insight into your child’s health, growth, and well-being—and here at Harding Holistics, we can run both for around $25. Seriously.
Let’s break it down (without breaking the bank).
What’s a CBC with Differential?
A Complete Blood Count with Differential checks the levels of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Basically, it's a microscopic roll call to see how your child’s immune system and oxygen transport are doing.
Why it matters:
Low red blood cells? That could be anemia.
High white cells? Could be fighting an infection—or inflamed from food, stress, or immune imbalance.
Low platelets? Time to dig deeper into clotting and healing function.
And the "differential" part? That’s the nerdy bonus round where we see the types of white blood cells—helping us figure out if your child’s body is fighting off a virus, bacteria, or just tired from too many late-night sleepovers.
What’s a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?
Think of this as your child’s internal dashboard—checking electrolytes, liver and kidney function, blood sugar, calcium levels, and more. It's like popping the hood of a car, except way cuter and with less grease.
Why it matters:
Elevated liver enzymes? Time to look at toxins, medications, or even gut health.
Electrolyte imbalances? Could explain fatigue, mood changes, or leg cramps.
High or low blood sugar? Early insight into metabolic health.
Basically, it tells us if everything’s running smoothly—or if something needs a little tuning up.
Why Bother? Aren’t Kids Supposed to Be Healthy?
Yes, kids are resilient, energetic, and covered in dirt most of the time—but even the healthiest child can benefit from a check-in. Subtle imbalances don’t always show symptoms until they’ve been simmering a while. Blood work helps us seethings before they become a big deal.
And no—we’re not here to chase numbers or scare anyone. We use blood work to empower parents and support real, holistic care. It’s not about diagnosing disease; it’s about optimizing your child’s foundation for growth, focus, sleep, mood, and immune strength.
But Isn’t Blood Work Expensive?
At Harding Holistics? Not on our watch.
We’ve partnered with trusted labs to keep this accessible for families. A CBC and CMP together run around $25 when ordered through Dr. John. That’s less than a family pizza night—and way better for long-term health.
(Though we’re not knocking pizza. Just... maybe add a salad.)
From Our Family to Yours
We love supporting healthy kids and empowered parents. Whether your child’s bouncing off the walls or curled up on the couch, we believe in giving you the tools and insights you need to raise them strong.
And don’t worry—we’ll make it as easy and gentle as possible. We write up a lab requisition and you go to LabCorp for the blood draw. Just a quick lab draw, a deeper look at the data, and a plan that makes sense.
Let’s keep your child thriving—from the inside out.
Want to get your child’s blood work done?
Give us a call or stop by the office. We’ll make it simple, helpful, and even (dare we say?) fun.
Yours in health,
Dr. John
Harding Holistics
Healthy Aging: Reclaiming Vitality at Every Stage of Life
At Harding Holistics, we believe aging is not a disease—it's a natural, powerful, and even beautiful process when supported with intention. The truth is, many of the aches, slowdowns, and "getting old" feelings people accept as inevitable are actually signs of imbalance, not age itself.
Aging well doesn't mean avoiding every wrinkle or gray hair—it means maintaining strength, energy, and independence so you can keep doing what you love for as long as possible.
Let’s talk about how to support your body to age vibrantly—starting today.
1. Movement: Your Daily Dose of Youth
Movement is one of the most powerful tools for preserving vitality. It improves circulation, maintains joint health, supports mood, and even enhances cognitive function. And the best part? You don’t have to run marathons.
Daily walks, bodyweight exercises, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments all help:
Keep joints mobile
Support lymphatic flow and detoxification
Prevent muscle atrophy
Reduce fall risk and promote balance
At Harding Holistics, we love reminding patients that motion is life. The more you move, the more your body can heal, adapt, and thrive.
2. Protein: Fuel for Repair and Resilience
Protein isn’t just for athletes—it’s essential for everyone, especially as we age. It supports:
Muscle repair and retention
Immune function
Skin elasticity
Hormonal balance
Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough high-quality protein daily. That’s why we recommend our Harding Holistics Bone Broth Protein. It's a gut-friendly, collagen-rich protein source enhanced with digestive enzymes and bovine colostrum—making it easier to absorb and even more supportive of healthy aging from the inside out.
3. Supplement Smarter with Standard Process
To give your body a true edge, targeted supplementation fills in the gaps that diet and lifestyle alone may not address. We trust Standard Process supplements because they’re whole food-based, deeply researched, and time-tested.
Here are our top three for aging vibrantly:
B-Vitality™
A comprehensive B-vitamin complex that supports energy production, mood balance, and cellular resilience. Perfect for combating the sluggishness often mistaken for “just getting older.”Zypan®
Healthy digestion is foundational to healthy aging. Zypan supports stomach acid production and protein digestion, helping you get the most from your food and supplements.Regeneplex®
This multi-system support formula nourishes your skin, eyes, and connective tissue while reducing oxidative stress—an important part of cellular aging.
Together, these supplements address common aging concerns from the inside out—naturally.
Aging Is Not a Disease—It’s a Season of Strength
With the right support, your later years can be some of your best. At Harding Holistics, we’re passionate about helping you rewrite the narrative of aging—not with fear, but with strategy and confidence.
Whether you're 45 or 75, it's never too early (or too late) to invest in your vitality. Through chiropractic care, targeted nutrition, movement, and smart supplementation, you can live with clarity, mobility, and resilience—on your own terms.
Need support on your healthy aging journey?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. John or Dr. Shanna and let’s build a custom plan to help you age strong.
Brain-Boosting Basics
Boost Your Brain Health Naturally: Fuel Your Focus, Memory & Mood
At Harding Holistics, we believe true wellness starts with a healthy brain. Whether you're juggling work, parenting, learning new things, or simply trying to stay sharp as you age, your brain needs support just like the rest of your body. The great news? There’s a lot you can do—starting today.
🧠 Brain-Boosting Basics
1. Eat Smart for Mental Clarity
Your brain is hungry for nutrients—especially healthy fats, antioxidants, and quality protein.
Here are Dr. John's top brain foods:
Wild-caught fish (especially salmon & sardines): Rich in omega-3s for brain cell flexibility
Organic eggs: Packed with choline, which supports memory
Leafy greens: High in folate and antioxidants
Blueberries: Tiny, powerful brain protectors
Walnuts & pumpkin seeds: Full of healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc
2. Move to Improve
Physical exercise doesn’t just tone your muscles—it actually increases blood flow to the brain and encourages the growth of new neurons.
Try:
Brisk 20-minute walks outdoors
Balance exercises like yoga or tai chi
Cross-crawl patterns (great for integrating left-right brain communication)
3. Prioritize Sleep
During deep sleep, your brain flushes out toxins and consolidates memories.
Dr. John's Sleep Tips:
Be asleep by 10 p.m. for optimal hormone regulation
No screens after 9 p.m.
Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask
Magnesium-rich foods or a magnesium supplement can help support restful sleep
🌿 Supplementing Smarter with Standard Process
We use clinical nutrition to support the body where it needs it most. For brain health, these are some of our go-to products:
🧩 Neuroplex®
A comprehensive formula that nourishes the central nervous system, combining whole food ingredients and synergistic organ tissues to support memory, focus, and clarity.
🌿 Ginkgo
Supports circulation—especially to the brain—and can improve short-term memory and attention span. Ginkgo also acts as an antioxidant shield for brain cells.
🐟 Olprima® EPA/DHA
These concentrated omega-3 fatty acids are critical for cognitive function, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation in the brain and body.
⚡ EZ Mg™
This magnesium blend supports nerve transmission, muscle relaxation, and sleep quality—all essential for a high-functioning brain.
🌟 How Chiropractic Care Supports Brain Function
Chiropractic adjustments do more than relieve pain. At Harding Holistics, we focus on restoring balance to your nervous system. By removing interference along the spine, especially in the upper cervical area, we help your brain and body communicate more clearly and efficiently.
Patients often report:
Improved focus
Better sleep
Calmer mood
Reduced brain fog
When your nervous system is in alignment, your brain performs at its best.
🧠 Dr. John's Brain Health Recommendations
Here’s how to take action this week:
Add protein to every meal – your brain loves amino acids!
Hydrate often – even mild dehydration affects memory.
Take a tech break – unplugging daily gives your mind a reset.
Get adjusted – especially during times of high stress or mental fatigue.
Ask us about a personalized supplement plan to support your unique brain and body.
Your Brain Deserves the Best
You only get one brain—let’s take care of it. With nourishing foods, movement, rest, and strategic supplements, you can stay sharp, focused, and vibrant at any age. If you’re ready for a customized approach to brain health, we’d love to guide you.
Come visit us at Harding Holistics, where healing starts at the top—your brain and spine.
Why Knowing Your Omega-3 Index Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Health
You’ve probably heard that omega-3s are “good fats,” but did you know that tracking your Omega-3 Index can give you powerful insight into your overall health? While most people focus on cholesterol or blood pressure, the Omega-3 Index is an overlooked but critical marker that reveals the level of omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA—in your red blood cells. And yes, it's something you can actually test at home.
What Is the Omega-3 Index?
The Omega-3 Index is a simple measurement that tells you what percentage of your red blood cell membranes are made up of EPA and DHA—two essential omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and algae. A healthy Omega-3 Index is 8% or higher, but most Americans fall around 4% or less—a range linked to higher risk of heart disease, inflammation, cognitive decline, and more.
Why It Matters
Here’s what a healthy Omega-3 Index supports:
🧠 Brain Health – Omega-3s play a key role in memory, focus, and mood regulation. Low levels have been linked to mood disorders, depression, and cognitive decline.
❤️ Heart Health – Higher omega-3 levels are associated with lower risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular disease.
🔥 Inflammation Control – Omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help counteract the chronic inflammation driving many modern illnesses.
👁 Eye Health – DHA is essential for retinal structure and function, supporting lifelong vision.
🧬 Healthy Aging – Omega-3s help stabilize cell membranes and support graceful aging at the cellular level.
How to Test Your Omega-3 Levels
This is where the Omega-3 Index Plus Test shines.
It’s a simple, at-home blood test (or if you are a patient we will be happy to perform in our office) —just a finger prick, a drop of blood on a test card, mail it in, and within a few weeks you receive a personalized, in-depth report.
The test includes:
Your EPA + DHA percentage (your Omega-3 Index)
Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio
AA:EPA ratio (a key inflammation marker)
Trans fat levels
Individual EPA and DHA breakdown
Personalized strategies to improve your numbers
Easy. No lab. Just powerful, actionable data.
How to Improve Your Omega-3 Index
If your levels come back low, the good news is it’s totally within your control to improve. Here’s how:
1. Eat More Fatty Fish
Aim for wild-caught salmon, sardines, mackerel, or anchovies at least 2–3 times a week.
2. Supplement with Whole-Food Omega-3s
When food alone isn’t enough—or you're looking for therapeutic support—Standard Process offers several high-quality, whole-food-based omega-3 options:
Tuna Omega-3 Oil – A clean, sustainably sourced fish oil delivering natural EPA and DHA in triglyceride form for better absorption. Great for daily foundational support.
Cod Liver Oil – In addition to EPA and DHA, this also provides natural vitamin A and D—excellent for immune and bone support.
Olprima EPA/DHA – A more targeted option for those needing specific anti-inflammatory or cardiovascular support. Choose Olprima EPA for inflammatory conditions and Olprima DHA for cognitive or neural support.
All Standard Process products are rigorously tested for purity, potency, and sustainability—so you can trust what you’re putting into your body.
3. Reduce Omega-6 Overload
Eliminate processed vegetable oils (soybean, corn, canola, rapeseed) that throw your fatty acid balance out of whack. Instead, use olive oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed butter.
Final Thoughts
Your Omega-3 Index is a biomarker worth knowing. It gives you a clearer picture of your cellular health, heart risk, and inflammation levels than most standard labs ever will.
With the Omega-3 Index Plus Test, you can measure it easily and accurately from the comfort of home. And with support from Harding Holistics, you can take immediate steps to optimize it using whole-food-based nutrition you can trust.
One simple test. One powerful number. And the potential to protect your brain, heart, and cells for life.
Chiropractic Care and Protein-Based Eating: The Foundations of Our Family’s Health
Health is more than just the absence of disease; it’s a way of life. In our home, we believe that true well-being is built on a strong foundation of chiropractic care, protein-first nutrition, and a holistic approach to daily living. This philosophy isn’t just something we stumbled upon—it’s a legacy that has been passed down through generations in our family.
A Legacy of Chiropractic Healing
I am proud to be a third-generation chiropractor. My grandfather was a chiropractor, dedicating his life to helping others achieve optimal health naturally. His passion for chiropractic care was passed down to my parents, and now, I carry on that tradition with my own family and practice. For us, chiropractic is not just about treating pain—it’s about unlocking the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Regular adjustments keep our nervous systems functioning at their best, allowing our bodies to adapt to life’s stresses and maintain balance without reliance on medications.
Why Chiropractic Care Matters
The spine is the body’s central highway for communication. When it is misaligned, the nervous system can’t function optimally, leading to a cascade of health issues. Through chiropractic adjustments, we restore that alignment, allowing the body to function as it was designed to. From improving immune function to enhancing mobility and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care is the cornerstone of our family’s well-being.
We see the impact firsthand in our home. Our kids grow up with regular adjustments, rarely experiencing the chronic ailments that so many children today suffer from. Whether it’s colic, ear infections, or postural imbalances from too much screen time, chiropractic care has provided us with natural solutions to keep our children thriving.
The Power of Protein-Based Eating
Nutrition is another pillar of our health philosophy, and for us, it starts with prioritizing protein. In a world filled with processed foods and quick fixes, we choose to fuel our bodies with organic, nutrient-dense foods. Protein is the foundation of our meals, providing the essential building blocks for muscle repair, immune function, and sustained energy. Our typical dinner contains 3 pounds of meat.
We emphasize high-quality, organic sources of protein—grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild-caught fish. By making protein the priority, we ensure our bodies get the nutrients they need to stay strong and resilient. This approach not only supports physical health but also enhances mental clarity, energy levels, and overall vitality.
A Holistic Home: Raising Kids in a Natural Environment
Health doesn’t stop at adjustments and nutrition. Our holistic approach to life extends to the way we raise our children. We homeschool, not just for the academic freedom but for the opportunity to create a learning environment that aligns with our values. Our kids learn in a setting that prioritizes real-world experiences, hands-on education, and an appreciation for nature.
We believe in the importance of getting outside, breathing fresh air, and staying active. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply playing in the backyard, movement is a daily priority. We limit exposure to toxins by choosing organic foods, natural cleaning products, and non-toxic personal care items. And most importantly, we cultivate an atmosphere of love, togetherness, and gratitude—values that shape not just our health but our overall happiness.
Living a Life of Wellness
Our family’s health journey is built on time-tested principles: chiropractic care to keep our nervous systems strong, protein-first nutrition to fuel our bodies, and a holistic lifestyle that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a trend for us—it’s a way of life, rooted in generations of experience and success.
If you’re looking to take control of your health, start with the basics. Get adjusted. Eat real food. Get outside. Prioritize your family and your well-being. Health isn’t something we find in a pill—it’s something we cultivate through the daily choices we make.
Here’s to a life of vitality, balance, and true wellness!
With love and gratitude,
Dr. John