Fitness...we all know that maintaining good physical fitness can help us lose weight and lower our risk of cardiovascular disease, but there are some new studies out that have shown some surprising benefits of exercise.
Eyes
Exercise increases blood flow to many areas of the body, including the eyes. Cambridge University conducted a study that showed regular exercise reduces risk of low ocular-perfusion pressure. This is an important risk factor for glaucoma since it can lead to irreversible vision loss. Any amount of exercise is better than nothing. Even less than an hour of aerobic activity each day, such as walking, can help make the difference.
Migraines
Medication only relieves or covers up the symptoms of a migraine. Migraines are not normal and can be caused by many different things, such as hormones or mechanical issues. Mechanical issues, such as a vertebral subluxation (misaligned vertebrae), can only be fixed by mechanical methods such as a chiropractic adjustment. Advil, Tylenol, or other medication cannot make the vertebrae move back into its proper position. The good news is that there is another natural way to help relieve migraines.
The journal Cephalalgia found that exercising for 40 minutes three times a week was just as effective at preventing migraines as taking a prescription migraine drug everyday or participating in guided relaxation techniques daily. The likely explanation? Exercise has stress-relieving benefits and this can help relax tense muscles as well as relax the mind.
A Sharper Mind
University of South Carolina researchers have discovered that exercising increases the number of mitochondria (power producers in cells) in the brain, which can lead to improved brain function. This provides hope for treatment of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. To sharpen your thinking skills you only need 30 minutes of vigorous exercise most days of the week.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy
One of the goals of Chiropractic care is a healthy and well-maintained spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. It involves the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, especially of the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress and therefore promotes health throughout the body.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant and many have advanced training.
Below represents designations of chiropractors that have taken advanced steps in working with infertility and pregnancy wellness.
DACCP – Diplomate with ICPA reflecting highest level of advanced training.
FICPA - Fellow with ICPA reflecting advanced training.
Member of ICPA - Reflecting special interest.
Webster Certified – Trained to work specifically with breech positions.
Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women will use tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.
A chiropractor that is versed in the needs of women who are pregnant will also provide you with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy and complement any adjustments made to your spine.
Why should I have chiropractic care during pregnancy? During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.
The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joint:
• Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
• Pelvic changes
• Postural adaptations
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.
The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproduction system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant and many have advanced training.
Below represents designations of chiropractors that have taken advanced steps in working with infertility and pregnancy wellness.
DACCP – Diplomate with ICPA reflecting highest level of advanced training.
FICPA - Fellow with ICPA reflecting advanced training.
Member of ICPA - Reflecting special interest.
Webster Certified – Trained to work specifically with breech positions.
Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women will use tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.
A chiropractor that is versed in the needs of women who are pregnant will also provide you with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy and complement any adjustments made to your spine.
Why should I have chiropractic care during pregnancy? During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby.
The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joint:
• Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
• Pelvic changes
• Postural adaptations
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.
The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproduction system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Have you heard the good news?
WE'VE MOVED!
We have relocated our clinic to the Nichols Hills area in Oklahoma City just north of Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
Our new address will be 6516 N. Olie, Suite D. While we await construction on that location, we will have a temporary clinic set up a few doors down at 6516 N. Olie, Suite A. We are really excited about moving and think it will be a great experience for you. We will begin seeing patients at our new location on Monday, November 7, 2011. We still have the same website, email, and phone numbers so if you have any questions or concerns about our new location please contact us.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we want to give a special thank you to all of our wonderful patients. Your referrals and confidence in us is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for patients like you!
-The Doctors and Staff of Balanced Wellness Chiropractic
We have relocated our clinic to the Nichols Hills area in Oklahoma City just north of Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
Our new address will be 6516 N. Olie, Suite D. While we await construction on that location, we will have a temporary clinic set up a few doors down at 6516 N. Olie, Suite A. We are really excited about moving and think it will be a great experience for you. We will begin seeing patients at our new location on Monday, November 7, 2011. We still have the same website, email, and phone numbers so if you have any questions or concerns about our new location please contact us.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we want to give a special thank you to all of our wonderful patients. Your referrals and confidence in us is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for patients like you!
-The Doctors and Staff of Balanced Wellness Chiropractic
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Bone and Joint Decade National Awareness Week
During “Bone and Joint Decade National Awareness Week,” October 12-20, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and health care organizations world-wide urge you to take steps to prevent musculoskeletal problems before they negatively impact your life. The Bone and Joint Decade is a global, multidisciplinary initiative targeting the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions – or bone and joint disorders. Its focus is to help improve your quality of life as well as advance the understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions through research, prevention and education.
Spinal health, posture, and other lifestyle factors are important in the body’s ability to function optimally. The following advice can help improve and maintain your musculoskeletal health.
At the Office:
• Make sure your chair fits correctly. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your legs. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. If you can’t sit that way, use an angled or elevated footrest.
• Take periodic stretch breaks. Clench your hands in a fist and rotate your hands ten circles in, then ten circles out. Put your hands in a praying position and then “pray” with the backs of your hands together, fingers pointed downward for ten seconds. Spread your fingers apart then bring them together one by one.
• Hold the telephone with your hand or use the speakerphone. Don’t cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder.
• Take breaks and alternate tasks that use different muscle groups.
• Arrange your desk so that everything is handy – phone, mouse, reference materials, and reports – to minimize awkward stretching and reaching.
• Position your computer monitor so that the middle of your chin is aligned with the middle of your monitor. This will allow for good neck posture.
At Home:
• When you wash the dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee, and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in the front. This helps alleviate low back pain or discomfort.
• When resting or watching TV, don’t use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for the neck.
• Don’t bend from the waist when you lift a child. Squat with your back straight. Keep the child close to you and use your legs and arms to lift.
In the Yard:
• For mowing, use your weight to push the mower. Whenever possible, use ergonomically correct tools for the job.
• When raking leaves, use a scissors stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes; then reverse. Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up leaves. Make piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.
• If you shovel snow, push the snow straight ahead. Don’t try to throw it and walk it to the snow bank. Avoid twisting and turning motions. Bend your knees to lift. Let your legs and arms do the work, not your back. Take frequent rest breaks.
Playing Sports:
• Warm up slowly before a game. Do calisthenics, flexibility exercise, or light running to increase your heart rate.
• When sweat beads form, your body is at the proper temperature to stretch the tendons and muscles.
While Traveling:
• When driving, adjust your car seat so you can sit firmly against the seat back. Buckle your seatbelt and shoulder harness, and adjust the headrest so that it supports the center of the back of the head.
• Invest in a wheeled suitcase that has a sturdy handle.
• Don’t always carry the weight on one side – take frequent breaks and transfer the weight to the other side.
• Don’t try to carry too much.
• When traveling by air, check all bags heavier than 10% of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided. While lifting your bags, stand directly in front of the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.
• While seated in an airplane, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down.
While following these tips can lead to better musculoskeletal health, remember that good spinal health is but one component in a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, getting a good night’s sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a nutritious diet contribute not only to health but also the ability to heal after an injury.
For more information on Bone and Joint Decade efforts in the United States, visit www.usbjd.org.
Spinal health, posture, and other lifestyle factors are important in the body’s ability to function optimally. The following advice can help improve and maintain your musculoskeletal health.
At the Office:
• Make sure your chair fits correctly. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your legs. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. If you can’t sit that way, use an angled or elevated footrest.
• Take periodic stretch breaks. Clench your hands in a fist and rotate your hands ten circles in, then ten circles out. Put your hands in a praying position and then “pray” with the backs of your hands together, fingers pointed downward for ten seconds. Spread your fingers apart then bring them together one by one.
• Hold the telephone with your hand or use the speakerphone. Don’t cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder.
• Take breaks and alternate tasks that use different muscle groups.
• Arrange your desk so that everything is handy – phone, mouse, reference materials, and reports – to minimize awkward stretching and reaching.
• Position your computer monitor so that the middle of your chin is aligned with the middle of your monitor. This will allow for good neck posture.
At Home:
• When you wash the dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee, and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in the front. This helps alleviate low back pain or discomfort.
• When resting or watching TV, don’t use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for the neck.
• Don’t bend from the waist when you lift a child. Squat with your back straight. Keep the child close to you and use your legs and arms to lift.
In the Yard:
• For mowing, use your weight to push the mower. Whenever possible, use ergonomically correct tools for the job.
• When raking leaves, use a scissors stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes; then reverse. Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up leaves. Make piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.
• If you shovel snow, push the snow straight ahead. Don’t try to throw it and walk it to the snow bank. Avoid twisting and turning motions. Bend your knees to lift. Let your legs and arms do the work, not your back. Take frequent rest breaks.
Playing Sports:
• Warm up slowly before a game. Do calisthenics, flexibility exercise, or light running to increase your heart rate.
• When sweat beads form, your body is at the proper temperature to stretch the tendons and muscles.
While Traveling:
• When driving, adjust your car seat so you can sit firmly against the seat back. Buckle your seatbelt and shoulder harness, and adjust the headrest so that it supports the center of the back of the head.
• Invest in a wheeled suitcase that has a sturdy handle.
• Don’t always carry the weight on one side – take frequent breaks and transfer the weight to the other side.
• Don’t try to carry too much.
• When traveling by air, check all bags heavier than 10% of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided. While lifting your bags, stand directly in front of the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.
• While seated in an airplane, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down.
While following these tips can lead to better musculoskeletal health, remember that good spinal health is but one component in a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, getting a good night’s sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a nutritious diet contribute not only to health but also the ability to heal after an injury.
For more information on Bone and Joint Decade efforts in the United States, visit www.usbjd.org.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
With today's technology-driven, fast-paced society, it was only a matter of time before people started developing a condition called BlackBerry thumb. BlackBerry thumb is exactly what it sounds like: a repetitive stress injury of the thumb joints from doing the same types of actions or movements on a cell phone over and over again. You might have BlackBerry thumb if you have joint and wrist pain and inflammation, especially after using handheld devices. This article has some important tips on how to decrease your risk for this injury and what chiropractors can do to help.
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