It’s no big secret that exercise is good for you! Many articles and books have been written and studies completed on the subject of physical fitness. However, lately it has been discussed as to whether that five km run or spin class is really enough.

Is our work environment undoing any positive effort we put into staying healthy?

The short answer is YES. Human bodies were not built to sit for long periods of time. Our current workplace which involves working behind a desk, typing on the computer, and endless video conferences unfortunately stack against us and keep us in sitting positions throughout the day.

There are three harmful results on a person’s body that stem from sitting at work.

Sitting for many hours each day takes a toll on our backs.

Working at a desk for many hours a day causes employees to stay in one position for an extended length of time. This puts a great deal of pressure on their backs. Over time, painful back problems can develop and, if left untreated, continue to worsen.

Sitting also takes a toll on our waistline.

Obesity is at an all time high in North America, and at least a good chunk of the reason is our sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for a long period (8 or more hours a day) decreases our metabolism, causing us to burn fewer calories. All that time at our desks can end up packing on the pounds.

Sitting can increase the chance of developing a life-threatening disease.

Studies show individuals with sedentary jobs have more health problems than their active counterparts. Cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes are both examples of health issues that arise more often in people who regularly sit down most of the day.

 

 

So, what should a sedentary office person do to improve their health and decrease the risk many hours of daily sitting causes?

 

 

• Get on your feet! Schedule times during the day to stand up and walk around. If you can’t remember to do it, add an alarm on your cell phone. Even a couple minutes on your feet every hour will help balance prolonged sitting.
• Learn to sit correctly. If you must sit, make certain your chair isn’t causing more damage. Select a chair that is height and angle adjustable. The seat should support your lower body, and the back should fit the curves of your spine.
• Invest in a standing desk. A growing trend is to turn a sitting job into a standing job. Desks that are taller have the ability to keep you on your feet longer, which will provide many health benefits in the long run.

And most importantly..

• Visit your chiropractor! Back problems brought on by a job behind a desk are not going to magically go away, and can get worse over time. Make a chiropractor appointment, get examined, and work to correct the issue.

Good health is one of our greatest assets, and it pays to protect it. By understanding the risks of a sedentary working environment, we can be proactive in increasing activity and promoting our individual fitness.

Call our office today at (519) 250-6288 to set up your appointment! Don’t forget to like and share this post with your family and friends.

 

A migraine attack is often debilitating and extremely painful and it is also very difficult to stop once it starts. The best treatment for migraines is preventing them from ever occurring. There are several methods that work for some people, but chiropractic care is a popular preventative measure that many people have found to help them be migraine free.

 

Migraine Symptoms

A severe headache is the first thing people think of regarding migraines, but there are other symptoms which include:

• Pain located on one or both sides of the head
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Pain that is pulsing or throbbing
• Lightheaded and possibly fainting
• Hypersensitivity to smell, taste, or touch
• Loss of motor function or in more severe cases, partial paralysis

Causes of Migraines

There are certain triggers that can initiate an attack. Some of the more common migraine triggers include:

• Foods – Processed foods, salty foods, aged cheeses, and chocolate.
• Beverages – Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol
• Hormonal changes – Occurs mainly in women, usually during menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy.
• Food additives – Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame as well as certain dyes.
• Stress – Environmental, tress at home or work, or illness that puts stress on the body.
• Sleep problems – Getting too much sleep or not getting enough sleep.
• Sensory stimuli – Sun glare and bright lights, strong smells like secondhand smoke and perfume, and certain tactile stimulation.
• Physical exertion – Intense exercise or other physical exertion.
• Jet lag
• Weather changes
• Skipping meals

Migraine Treatments

Migraine treatments are classified as either abortive or preventative. Abortive medications primarily treat symptoms, usually pain relief. They are taken once a migraine attack has already begun and are designed to stop it. Preventative medications are usually taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraines and the severity of attacks. Most of these medications can only be obtained by prescription- and many of those have unpleasant side effects.

A migraine specialist can recommend medications as well as other treatments including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupressure, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Adequate sleep, relaxation exercises, and dietary changes may also help.

Chiropractic for Migraines

A chiropractor will use a variety of techniques when treating migraines. Spinal manipulation of one of the most common, usually focusing on the cervical spine. By bringing the body into balance, it can relieve the pain and prevent future migraines. They may also recommend vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements as well as lifestyle changes which usually involved eliminating triggers. Studies have found that headache and migraine sufferers greatly benefited from chiropractic treatment with either noticeable or substantial improvement. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment for relieving pain and preventing migraines.

Call our office today at (519) 250-6288 to set up your appointment! Don’t forget to like and share this post with your family and friends.

Health and wellness is a necessity if you want to age well.

While hitting the gym and eating salads are great for your mind and body, they aren’t the only ways to keep you feeling good as you age.

Here are 6 different things you can incorporate into your daily life that can help you to look and feel young!

 

1. CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Ok, this one was obvious! Regular chiropractic care keeps your body functioning the way it was made to. It increases you vitality, improves balance and keeps you moving, regardless of your age. So, if you haven’t already, give us a call so we can get you started on your road to wellness (519) 250-6288.

2. EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN

Keeping your brain active is just as important as keeping your body active. Find ways to challenge your mind. Try puzzles, sudoku, or even look up brain games online. Pick one or a few that you like best and make it a habit to exercise your mind.

3. FALL IN LOVE

It doesn’t have to be with a person! A hobby that you are passionate about or volunteer work can have the same effect. If you find someone or something that you can spend days or even weeks doing without noticing the time go by. That joy will make you feel younger.

4. MAKE GREEN TEA A PART OF YOUR DIET

Green tea is backed full of health benefits and it is proven to keep your mind sharp and your weight under control.  Work it into your daily diet and have at least 2 cups a day.

5. CUT THE SUGAR

Sugar is an empty calorie. It makes your body do unnecessary work and it does more harm than good. Eliminate as much of it as possible from your diet.

6. EAT MORE FAT

You might not have been expecting this one. But omega-3 fatty acids help keep your bones strong and reduce the effects of aging.

 

These tips should be fairly easy to implement into your daily life. If you want more specific advise for your goals, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Call our office today at (519) 250-6288 to set up your appointment! Don’t forget to like and share this post with your family and friends.