Chiropractic Resolutions for a Healthy, Pain-Free Year

We Treat More Than Just Backs

Start the new year off right by committing to a healthier lifestyle.  A few simple and practical lifestyle changes can make a positive impact on your health and can also prevent you from experiencing a painful injury in the year ahead, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).   The ACA and your Doctors at GBC urge you to adopt the following in to your routine for a healthier 2016.

1. I will limit my intake of caffeinated coffee, sodas and teas.  The caffeine in these drinks can cause dehydration and can rob the body of essential nutrients.  Stick to water, natural juices and other decaffeinated beverages. 

2. I will avoid over medicating myself and my family.  Many over-the-counter and prescription medications have unknown side effects.  Discuss alternative remedies with a doctor of chiropractic. 

3. I will stop carrying a heavy purse or briefcase with its strap over my shoulder, unless I place the strap over my head on the side opposite the bag.  Wearing a shoulder strap over one shoulder unevenly places the weight of the bag on one side of the body, potentially causing shoulder and back pain. 

4. I will make sure my children do not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10 percent of their body weight.  Beyond that weight, the backpack can cause the wearer to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his or her back, instead of the shoulders. 

5. I will not lift heavy objects over my head.  These types of movements can strain muscles and affect nerves, causing severe neck, shoulder and arm problems.

6. I will not turn my torso while lifting relatively heavy objects.  This rotates the spine and can bring on a “back attack.”

7. I will avoid the habit of consistently crossing the same knee over the other.  Such a habit can also eventually cause misalignment of the spine. 

8. I will try to keep moving while I'm at work.  If sedentary for the majority of the work day, it is very important to take periodic stretch breaks.  Get up from the desk and take a brief walk,and stretch arms and legs as frequently as possible to avoid postural and spinal stress. 

9. I will, when using a shovel — in winter or summer — remember to push rather than lift, whenever possible. 

10. I will use luggage with wheels whenever possible.  Carrying, lifting and moving a heavy suitcase can ruin a vacation.

GBC Chiropractic - 281-337-7000 - www.gbcchiro.com

Proper Hydration

One of my childhood friend’s mom, always would preach to us about the importance of drinking water when we were playing outside in the heat and humidity.  She would say that “water is good for the soul.”  After my training and personal experiences, I would have to agree that she may have been on to something.

By the time you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Once dehydrated, endurance is diminished, strength can drop, and the effect can last into the following day(s). Instead of relying on a signal, drink water at regular intervals regardless if you're thirsty or not.

When I was playing college football, the athletic trainers monitored our weight 4 times per day during two-a-day practices.  The reasoning was the possible health risks (people have died due to heat exhaustion), risk for injury (strained muscles), and lack of performance (endurance and mental clarity).

Total water intake at the reference level of 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women per day covers the expected needs of healthy, sedentary people in temperate climates.

Very active individuals who are continually exposed to hot weather often have daily total water needs of six liters or more, according to several studies.

Water has many health benefits. Health benefits include:

·         Healthier skin - dehydration can lead to dry, scaly skin

·         Healthier joints - increase synovial fluid

·         Healthier mind & body - brain is mostly made up of water

·         Aides In Weight Loss - water can suppress the appetite naturally and increases the body's ability to metabolize stored fat

·         Increases Energy - It is the medium for reactions involved in production of energy

The average amount of water lost per day includes:

• 16 ounces through respiration (average)
• 16 ounces through invisible perspiration (more if sweat is visible)
• 48 ounces through elimination

Causes of water loss:

• Caffeine/alcohol consumption
• Increased stress
• Hot, humid environments
• Increased physical activities

Compliments to water:

Potassium:

To lower blood pressure, blunt the effects of salt, and reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss, adults should consume 4.7 grams of potassium per day.

Calcium:on (more if sweat is visible)

Calcium has a number of health benefits.  However, one of its most critical and overlooked benefits is its relationship with water and muscular contractions.  Inefficient muscle contractions or muscle cramping/spasms can often be related to a lack of calcium in your diet.  Without the proper level of calcium in the system, water and other nutrients cannot move through the proper channels.

http://www.gatewaybaycolony.net/