Summer is really its own special kind of event. In some ways it is like one long holiday, as excitement builds and everybody rushes around to put everything into play.
Vacations, barbecues, visitors and kids’ swimming classes all compete for attention and sometimes wear us out. To stay sane and reasonably happy, try to alternate schedules between relaxed and active events, so you have a chance to catch your breath.
The American Chiropractic Association advises us to slow everything down a bit, so we get to enjoy it all without injuries or exhaustion. They advise eating right, drinking plenty of water, stretching, and opting for a brief nap on the patio when we can swing it.
To keep the whole family safe, healthy and happy, they advise doing a series of stretch exercises before heading out for hiking, biking or swimming. They also advise choosing comfortable layers of clothing to stay cool and stay warm as activities move into the evening. Also, skip purses, and use light fanny packs or backpacks with just the essentials to avoid overload and strained muscles. When traveling, by air or car, leave plenty of time for breaks. It’s always good to have a few backup plans, snacks and diversions tucked in too in case of delays or other mishaps.
Finally carry along healthy snacks on trips and hikes and eat light at barbecues with lots of salads and fruit to go with the corn and ribs. Try to skip most of the ice cream sandwiches and pizza runs too.
Visiting the Chiropractor
Sometimes summer activities lead to injuries or stretches of back pain, and then a chiropractor’s visit could help sort everything out. The visit starts with a spinal manipulation to evaluate spinal health and pain. Then a complete medical history and discussion of the problem follows as the chiropractor seeks to find solutions for pain without using medications or surgery.
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recommends sufferers of low back pain use spinal manipulation as a safe, effective drugless form of professional treatment.
As the summer progresses, the chiropractor will work to keep everyone active, recommending stretching or relaxation routines as good starting points for all of the summer exercises and plans. There will also be recommendations to maintain proper posture, maintain a good weight, and lift heavy objects safely. Advice to stop smoking and avoid slouching in long fixed computer positions may also come up as summer time mixes in video games and movies.
Overall, the chiropractor will work to help smooth everything out, helping the whole family hang onto a really good summer.
Make an appointment now and find out more.