Archive for March, 2010
No matter where you stand politically, “blue” or “red,” surely we all feel “purple” (a unity of red and blue) when it comes to the health of our children. And, it is wonderful to know that our children have a strong advocate in such a powerful position of influence. First Lady Michelle Obama is fighting hard to implement ways to help our children lose the unhealthy and unnecessary weight that impacts their lives now and will add up to disease and disability in their future. She’s making it very clear that her fight against childhood obesity isn’t about appearance, i.e., slender is beautiful, but rather it’s about whether kids have enough energy to be productive at school.
Mrs. Obama spoke recently at a Forum sponsored by Newsweek magazine. She voiced from her own parental experience that every parent is familiar with the difference in a child’s behavior when a child has had a healthy meal and when he or she has eaten a lot of sugar. She suggests that it is more important to give parents information on the ingredients in sugary snacks and how many of them can safely be included in a child’s diet, rather than requiring warning labels on unhealthy foods, an idea she calls “extreme.”
Let’s all join in the good fight, “for” our children and “against” obesity, and help the next generation to grow up to be healthy and strong adults and ready for the world we’ve left them.
As a San Diego Chiropractor, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. Before you let the seams out in those slacks or skirt, there are some things that you may want to know about those few seemingly benign extra pounds you may have gained. Over time, they can add up to a surprising number of health problems from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back pain and joint degeneration. Even a few additional pounds put undue stress on organs, like the heart, not to mention on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. Over half (62%) of American adults are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is a substantial percentage and a truly gigantic problem (no pun intended).
Though it is capable of making a surprising array of compensations the human body was not designed to transport surplus poundage in the form of body fat. Just an additional 20 or 30 pounds can, in point of fact, overload and overburden the musculoskeletal system. Excess weight in the belly, for example, requires that the body compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. This angle produces compression in the joints of the low back. Painful inflammation results as this joint compression impinges nerve activity. The majority of men and women that have a heavy midsectionfeel substantical pain in their low back generated by a compressed sciatic nerve or spinal misalignments that impinge nerves due to weight-bearing stresses. If not addresses, misaligned vertebra not only persist in irritating the degenerative changes that have already taken place, but can develop into new arthritic changes in the spine in the future.
Here are the ways in which chiropractic treatment can help. First of all, to be clear, a healthy body weight is required in order for the musculoskeletal system to function in the way it is designed to. Chiropractic treatment can not only relieve pain generated by excess weight compensation, but it can aid in weight reduction. Here’s how. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve impingements in the spinal column and help to get mobility back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the low back, hips, and knees. And, of course exercise and physical activity are a lot easier, and healthier for the body, when the the joints have good movement and the spine is aligned. Not only will exercise help with weight reduction, but it can actually slow the pace of degenerative changes as over the years.
Healthcare professionals, like your chiropractor, can talk to you about your diet and exercise choices. In addition to assisting people suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide trained guidance regarding the type of lifestyle changes that can help a person to stay healthier, more vigorous, and more active through the years. Arthritis and immobility due to aging don’t have to be inevitable. The human body was intended for a lifetime of pain-free movement.
So, if you’ve been throwing your weight around and all you’ve been getting in return is back and joint pain,as your San Diego chiropractor and someone who cares about your health, I can help relieve your suffering. Make an appointment today!
As a chiropractor I recommend exercise to all my patients, both the young and aging baby boomers alike. I get resistance from all ages, too! The young ones would rather play video games and many of my older patients suffer from the degenerative changes that lead to the pain of arthritis. But, getting the body moving can actually act as a pain reliever, increase flexibility, and help individuals to maintain their weight and improve their cardiovascular system. Exercise and play activities keep every body, no matter what age that body might be, in better health. So, for my older patients I advise that though they should never want to “play through” pain, mild exercise, including golf can actually help their arthritis symptoms, improve their balance, increase their strength and aid them in getting more mobility and range of motion.
In fact, the Arthritis Foundation has some tips for arthritic golfers that can help to make playing golf more enjoyable for those of you who suffer from arthritis. You can check out all of their suggestions at arthritis.org Stabilizing the joints in the hands and wrists is important, so wear wrist braces and gloves when playing golf. Wear golf shoes with no spikes for more comfort. Use tees when you play. It is very important to always warm up before playing golf or any other sport or physical activity. For golf, stretching muscles and a few practice swings are good. Warm up and start swinging slowly. Swing half-strength at first and don’t try to hit the ball too hard. A hard swing is not necessary, it is accuracy that is most important. When you begin to feel tired, rest a bit (It is not a rule that you have to play all 18 holes), and when you feel sore after you play, here are a few tips to relieve your pain and stiffness:- A warm shower can feel great on stiff muscles.
- Gently stretch your muscles.
- Apply an ice pack to any sore areas.
- Sore joints need to be rested.
- Magnetic therapy has been found to work.
For more help tips from the Arthritis Foundation, click on the link above. And, remember, your chiropractor is an excellent resource to help you get out of the and back into the game of life!