Yard Work

This time of the year as the flowers are starting to bloom and the grass is getting greener, is also a time when people start doing yard and garden work.

Lots of injuries to the middle and low back are caused by excessive bending and twisting. Getting down on your knees when possible helps to limit the amount of bending over you do while working the yard. If necessary you can use a padded surface on the ground for comfort. Also not reaching out too far and working in an area close to your body helps to limit excessive twisting.

These are two simple tips to help you stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors this summer.  Hope everyone has a safe and fun filled summer.

A great salad

A good salad needs to have lost of fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as different types of leafy greens (not just iceberg lettuces) and even some beans for protein. Below is the recipe for a great salad that is quick and easy to make. (this recipe is taken from the book Superfoods Rx by Steven Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews)

(makes on serving)

1 cup spinach torn into bite-size pieces

1 cup chopped romaine

1/4 cup shredded red cabbage

1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper

1/2 tomato chopped

1/4 cup chickpeas; if canned, rinse well

1/2 cup grated carrot

1/4 avocado, cubed

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar.

Combine the above ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix the olive oil and vinegar and whisk together. toss the salad and dressing just before serving.

Spring is a great time to experiment and find health good foods and snacks. Take advantage of fruits and vegetables that are in season to find great healthy snacks for you and your family.

Migranes

many people may not know but headaches and neck pain are the number 2 reason that people go see a chiropractor. there are many different types of headaches and some respond better to care than other. I was reading an article on another chiropractor's website in the St. Louis area and he had posted some common causes of migraines. I thought I would share these with you all.

What causes a migraine headache? There are many triggers – the most common are:

• Foods, including alcohol, aged cheese, caffeine, chocolate, artificial sweeteners and seasonings (MSG).

• Hormonal changes, related to a drop in estrogen levels, which may occur before a woman’s monthly period. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger migraines.

• Medications

• Stress

• Too much/too little sleep

• Weather changes or changes in time zone or altitude

• External factors, such as bright lights, certain smells (perfume) or second-hand smoke

No matter what kind of headache you may suffer from it is important to look at things in your environment that may trigger them. Conservative care for any type of headache can include, diet assessment, stress management, chiropractic care, and massage. other options may exist depending on the person and type of headache. I have seen chiropractic and conservative care work wonders for people suffering from chronic headaches. It's great to see peoples lives change and their ability to function improve. Remember no matter if its one headache a week or one a year its not normal and something you have to live with. People suffer years with headache lots of time because they just never seek treatment. you don't have to suffer longer than you choose to.