After the long, hot summer it’s time to label those uniforms, pack the lunch boxes and get measured for new shoes as schools get set to return. Here are some tips to help your child or teen cope with the strain of wearing a backpack full of books and sports kit.

Firstly when choosing a backpack, look for design features that hep reduce the chance of back pain:

• Canvas material is lighter as opposed to a heavier fabric such as leather.

• Two padded adjustable straps should be worn snugly on the shoulders, not too tight or too loose.

• Look for a padded back for extra support
Compartments inside the backpack for arranging different items so they don’t all gather in one area.

• When packing the items in your chosen backpack, begin by putting the heaviest items at the bottom so they are carried lower and closest to the body.

• Try to fill the individual compartments so that the load is evenly distributed, placing any sharp or bulky objects away from the back.

• Make sure your child can carry the backpack, if they are leaning forward when walking this means there is too much weight and you will need to remove items into another bag. This may be especially important with heavy electrical items such as laptops.

Don’t forget you can book your child an appointment with your Chiropractor, regular appointments will help them stay well and greatly reduce the likelihood of compromising their back.

Good luck to all starting new schools this term!

We all know that fruit and vegetables contain all the goodness our bodies need to stay healthy, but making sure we fit them into our diet can be a challenge. Especially if we are all still making our way through those Easter eggs!

While it’s good to let yourself have a treat now and again, we should all be mindful to create and maintain a healthy eating pattern that will benefit both your mind and body.

Studies have shown that eating a variety of fruit and vegetables helps boost your immune system, fills you with fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals. All contributing to a healthier body, more glowing skin and improved brain function and who doesn’t want that!

Here’s our recipe to help you on your way with our Rainbow Smoothie, a handy tip is to buy your fruit ready-frozen in the supermarket or freeze your own.

Red strawberries halved and hulled.
Orange mango chopped.
Yellow banana sliced.
Green spinach, just a handful.
Blueberries.
Two to three tablespoons plain yoghurt.
Place all the ingredients into a blender and whizz until combined. Sweeten with vanilla bean paste or honey if desired. Choosing locally made honey can also help if you suffer with hay fever symptoms.

Don’t forget to book an appointment with your chiropractor, regular appointments will help you stay well and keep your body healthy.

 

As the season changes and we look forward to Spring we are all looking to tidy up our gardens. But we must be mindful of our backs when digging, lifting and carrying.

 

 

 

 

All too often in our clinic we see many strains and injuries from overdoing it when gardening. Here are some tips to get you started safely.

Try a gentle warm up before you undertake any tasks. Begin by taking a walk before stretching your neck and lower back. Yoga position child’s pose and cat/camel are good places to start.

Split up the jobs on your list and keep changing the tasks every 30 minutes or so. Use a kneeler to do your weeding, then after the time is up make sure you change to do something while standing instead.

Take breaks and continue stretching during these if you start to feel uncomfortable.

Changing to planting in raised beds or pots instead of the ground can help if you suffer with chronic back pain but still want to enjoy the benefits of gardening.

When you have finished, take another gentle walk and take time to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Don’t forget to book an appointment with your chiropractor, regular appointments will help you stay well and greatly reduce the likelihood of compromising your back when engaging in exercise.

At this time of year our bodies can be missing out on regular sunlight and enjoying the many benefits of producing Vitamin D such as boosting immunity, improving sleep quality, improving mood and stimulating brain function.

One surprising benefit of sunlight is that it is capable of killing bacteria. Drying your washing outside helps to clear away a percentage of bacterial flora found lurking on clothing, alongside that fresh scent of the outdoors!

The University of Edinburgh released a study where the findings showed UVA rays in sunlight exposure releases a compound in the body called Nitric Oxide that reduces blood pressure in the circulatory system. So get outside, take a deep breath and marvel in the knowledge that you are reducing your blood pressure naturally.

We are all constantly being told to make sure we have enough sleep but did you know that exposure to sunlight actually improves your sleep quality? Mobile phones and devices emit a light similar to that of the sun’s which inhibits the release of melatonin in the body. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. The more sunlight you get, the more time your body has to stockpile melatonin production therefore making you sleepy when it is dark.

As always with everything in life we are reminded to do it in moderation. This definitely applies to exposure to the sun. We recommend applying Factor 50 sunscreen, especially on your face and hands as this will help counteract the ageing effects of sunlight. Particularly important if you use skincare products containing Retinol, as these amplify the potential for sun damage. Just 10 – 30 minutes of sunlight a few times per week will be enough to produce Vitamin D and when the weather is warm make sure you avoid midday sun when it is at it’s hottest.

Your Chiropractor can recommend daily stretching exercises you could incorporate on your daily walk, helping you to soak up the sunlight even on a grey February day!

At the end of November Alana will sadly be leaving us to pursue her other career.  Alana has been with us for 4 years and we will be very sad to lose her.  We wish her well for the future as I am sure you do.

We are very excited to welcome Tanya green to the practice who will be looking after Alana’s patients. Tanya originally trained in London where she qualified in Massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Aromatherapy and Reflexology. Tanya is also certified in deep tissue massage.  Tanya is a very experienced practitioner and has been practising for over 20 years.

Tanya is a warm intuitive therapist who considers every aspect of the patient and tailors each treatment to meet their individual needs.

Please feel free to contact us at the practice if you would like to make an appointment with Tanya or you would like any further information

Best wishes

Alison Rigby DC