Baby Your Back

Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA)

Statistics show that over 80 percent of Canadians will experience back pain at some time in their lives. Back pain hurts, of course, but it can also curtail routine activities, such as picking up a child or getting in and out of your a car. The good news is that while some causes of back pain such as – i.e., medical factors and pregnancy – are unavoidable, in most cases you can prevent problems by taking care of your back with simple lifestyle habits. Here are five tips that will help.

1. Perfect your posture
   It’s important to keep your spine properly aligned, whether you are walking or sitting. One way to improve your posture is to imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head, pulling you gently upwards towards the ceiling. Just thinking about it will help you lengthen your spine. When sitting, especially in front of a computer, be sure the chair supports your lower back – in a slightly arched position – and that both feet are flat on the floor. Don’t slump, and use an armrest to help reduce stress in the upper body. For good sleeping posture, use a supportive pillow and mattress, and sleep on your back or side.
2. Be more active – every day
   Poor fitness is associated with back pain. All types of activity contribute to back health, especially strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles, and flexibility stretching for the entire body. Always warm up before physical activity, and stretch -out when you’re finished. To help make physical activity a habit, follow the Fit-in 15 program.
3. Lift with care
   Avoid lifting heavy objects that may place too much strain on your back. When you do lift, bend your knees and use your arm and leg muscles, not your back, to do the work. Hold the object close to your body and distribute the weight evenly.
   Other lifestyle habits make a difference too!
   • Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on your back.
   • Drinking several glasses of water every day helps to keep your entire body hydrated, including the disks of your spine. Your spinal disks need water to keep them cushiony, which is good for back health.
   • Mind/body activities including restorative yoga and regular massage can help you avoid stress-related back problems.
4. See a health professional
   See a health professional, such as a chiropractor, if you have back pain that persists. It may go away on its own, but there’s also a chance that back pain will recur if left untreated.

Exercise And Over-Training Syndrome

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

 

Many individuals strive to incorporate more exercise into their daily routine and for good reason.  Regular exercise has long been identified as an essential element of good health due to its ability to positively affect every organ and structure in the body.  However, if done in excess, exercise can also lead to negative health consequences such as over-training syndrome (OTS).

 

OTS occurs when there is an imbalance between exercise training and the body's ability to recover. This typically occurs when exercise volume (the total amount of exercise performed) and intensity (the total amount of effort exerted) are both too high for an extended period of time.  Therefore, it is important to find the correct balance between exercise volume and intensity.  A good exercise program should allow you to exercise on a regular basis without "burning out".

 

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of OTS which may include:

 

·       Performance related issues such as:  decreased strength, endurance, and power; poor workout recovery; an inability to complete workouts.

·       Physical symptoms such as:  an increased resting heart rate; persistent aches and pains in muscles and joints; repetitive strain injuries.

·       Health related symptoms such as:  frequent headaches; chronic fatigue; gastrointestinal distress; menstrual irregularities; decreased recovery from and/or increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses.

·       Mood and behavioural changes such as:  insomnia; loss of appetite; increased irritability; depression; decreased motivation to exercise.

 

Below are some useful tips that can help overcome or minimize the chance of OTS:

 

1.    Rest is essential for recovery.  This may include absolute rest from all exercise activity or increasing the recovery time between exercise bouts.  Proper rest allows for the body's important biological systems to recover, repair and recharge.

 

2.     Change your training method.  Look at the cumulative stress of the exercises performed.  Use a variety of exercises when training specific body regions and avoid continuous training without proper recovery.  Change your program frequently and find the right balance between exercise volume and intensity.

 

3.    Check your nutritional status.  Your body needs the proper nutrients to function optimally.  Inadequate intake of carbohydrate and protein can lead to muscle fatigue and poor muscle tissue repair.  Healthy fats are needed to produce hormones that regulate many body functions. Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramping and joint pain.  Avoid nutrient deficient foods such as trans-fats and refined sugars and starches which put physical stress on the body.

 

4.    Get professional help:  Overcoming OTS is not always simple.  There are healthcare practitioners who can treat physical injuries and provide advice on nutrition and proper exercise training techniques.

 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of OTS and knowing how to avoid or minimize its effects can ensure that you can continue to enjoy the many health benefits exercise has to offer.  For additional information on exercise, nutrition, and improving your physical health, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Restorative Sleep

Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA)

Many people would agree that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Stressful day at the office? Long hours running errands with the kids? All this can be repaired with restorative slumber.

 

On the other hand, not getting the eight to nine hours of sleep that you need may leave you feeling grumpy and tired all day. But here’s something you may not know: you have far more control over the quality of your sleep than you think.

 

Choose a good mattress

If you wake up with aches and pains that were not there when you went to bed, it may be time to get a new mattress. A good mattress supports the natural contours of the body, letting your muscles and joints fully relax.

 

Test your pillow

The quest for a restful night’s sleep should always include a proper pillow. Keep in mind that your head weighs eight to twelve pounds. A good pillow provides comfortable support for your head, neck and upper back muscles so they can get some much-needed rest.

 

Don’t sleep on your stomach

Canada’s chiropractors recommend sleeping on your back or side. These positions allow your head, neck and spine to relax into their natural alignment. This reduces stress and strain on your muscles and joints that can disrupt your sleep and lead to aches in the morning.

 

Get to bed on time

Try to go to bed at the same time every night – even on weekends – to keep your sleep cycle in a regular rhythm. Avoid naps, but if you must, limit naps to less than 30 minutes, and be sure to have your siesta before 3:00 p.m.

 

Wind down

Avoid caffeinated beverages, heavy meals, alcohol and vigorous exercise within two hours of bedtime – they can all disrupt sleep.

 

Bedtime rituals

Some people like a hot shower before bed while others like to listen to relaxing music, watch TV or read. These cues let your body know it’s time to prepare for sleep.

 

Light up your life!

In the morning, open the curtains or blinds soon after you wake up. Bright light helps to regulate your natural biological clock.

 

Still sleepless?

If you can’t fall asleep after 30 minutes of tossing and turning, get up and do something boring in dim light until you feel sleepy. Try not to look at the clock – it may only make you feel anxious.

 

Sleep is an important aspect of your overall health – both your body and mind rest and refresh while sleeping. If you have continued difficulty getting a good night’s rest, consult a health professional such as a chiropractor who can help identify the problem and find solutions.

Key Components To Weight Loss Success

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

A healthy weight puts less stress on the muscles, joints and biological systems of the body.  It also provides an individual with increased self-esteem, confidence, energy, and everyday productivity.  This article helps identify key components that can be implemented for safe and effective weight loss.

 

1. Exercise helps keep you lean:  Regular physical exercise such as strength and aerobic training plays an important role in weight management.  Strength training burns calories, improves body composition by building lean muscle tissue, and thereby reduces fat stores in the body.   Aerobic training also burns calories and helps control blood sugar levels.    Current guidelines recommend 30 to 45 minutes of exercise, 3 to 5 times per week.  Be sure to incorporate components of strength and aerobic training to ensure you are getting the full benefits of exercise.

 

2. When it comes to diet, many things count:  The average individual should consume 1,400 to 2,000 calories per day to meet the body’s total energy needs for daily functioning.  Simply put, any extra calories consumed above what is required for daily functioning will contribute to an increase in weight gain.  Sensible eating should consist of nutritional balance with the correct proportion of quality carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.  Individuals should avoid refined sugars and starches, along with trans-fats.  Refined sugars and starches adversely disrupt blood sugar and put your body into fat storage mode, while trans-fats pack many unnecessary calories.  Successful weight loss can be attained by planning your meals, cutting down serving sizes, eliminating unhealthy snacking, and minimizing foods that can be detrimental to your health.

 

3. Increase water intake:  Water contains zero calories and is a great fluid replacement for other high calorie drinks such as alcohol and sodas/carbonated drinks.  Drinking water before meals can help kick-start metabolism and act as an appetite suppressant.  Water also regulates metabolism by assisting with lubrication, digestion, and transportation of nutrients.

 

4. Get enough sleep and rest:  Research suggests that people who do not sleep for six to eight hours per night are more prone to weight gain.  Regular restful sleep allows for important biological systems to recover and recharge.  Without this rest, the additional stress on the body will activate the release of cortisol, a hormone that is linked to weight gain.  In addition, sleep deprivation is believed to affect appetite hormones which can contribute to food cravings and overeating.

 

5. Ask for help:  Achieving weight loss is not always simple.  Whether you are dealing with a medical condition, require help rehabilitating from a physical injury, or need advice on exercise, diet or nutrition, surround yourself with healthcare professionals who can help you reach your weight loss goal.

 

For additional information on diet, exercise, managing weight loss, and improving your physical health, visit www.nhwc.ca. 

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.