Having made it through a cold, snowy, winter spring is finally
coming to our northern climes. We have been faced with winter indoor
confinement and lack of activity. We are anxious to get outside and
become more physically active.
While winter creates challenges to our health springtime presents its own opportunities and risks. It's important to remember that while we can start to enjoy the outdoors we need to be careful that we don't try to do too much too quickly. There are four simple secrets that you can utilize to enjoy spring and be healthy as we head into the warmer months. These steps are not expensive and will make you stronger and able to get the most from the spring and the coming summer.
Golfers and Gardeners Beware
It's not uncommon for these two groups of people to begin their activities too strenuously at the beginning of the spring. On the first warm, sunny day many golfers will arrive at the driving range and hit way more golf balls than their bodies are ready for. Likewise enthusiastic gardeners will try to spend too many weekend hours preparing their yards and flowerbeds. Unfortunately this typically results in injuries to the neck and back and shoulders, knees and hips.
It would be much more prudent to take some time in the early days of spring to start to do some stretching, light resistance and cardiovascular activity before beginning strenuous outdoor tasks and sports. Taking some time each morning to do 10 to 15 minutes of light stretching is wise throughout the year but especially during the warmer months. If a person has been very sedentary through the winter walking and lifting some light dumbbells several days per week is a great way to start to prepare for longer hours of gardening and explosive, repetitive motions involved when golfing.
Dress Warmly
Even though the temperatures are rising it can still be relatively colder in the spring. Many people will leave their house with clothing that would be more appropriate for August than for April. As the temperatures rise and we become more active we will be more prone to perspire. A cool breeze or drafts will chill the area of our skin where the perspiration lies and make the underlying muscles more likely to go into spasm. So while you don't have to wear your winter garb make sure you protect your exposed skin and muscles with appropriate clothing.
Use a Sinus Rinse Before Bedtime
Our sinuses are a first line of defense for our body's immune systems. The sinuses filter dust and particles. We all know there will be plenty of pollen in the air sometime this spring. By using a sinus rinse before bedtime the sinuses can be clean, moistened and kept healthy. This is usually a very simple process. I personally use a product called Neil Med sinus rinse which is simply a small plastic squeeze bottle, filled with lukewarm water and a pre-made saline packet. By squirting the water solution up each nostril while standing over a sink the sinuses can be rinsed and moistened. This will make the sinus membranes healthy and strong and help make us more comfortable through the spring.
Have Regular Chiropractic Adjustments
Most people realize that chiropractic care can help with neck pain and back pain. Adjustments given by a chiropractor will also help the entire nervous system to remain free of interference and irritation. By keeping our spine and good alignment and moving properly we have the ultimate ability to resist the stresses and demands spring places on us.
Take these steps to be healthy this spring. Be proactive in your approach to having a healthy, enjoyable spring season by following these simple, inexpensive secrets.
While winter creates challenges to our health springtime presents its own opportunities and risks. It's important to remember that while we can start to enjoy the outdoors we need to be careful that we don't try to do too much too quickly. There are four simple secrets that you can utilize to enjoy spring and be healthy as we head into the warmer months. These steps are not expensive and will make you stronger and able to get the most from the spring and the coming summer.
Golfers and Gardeners Beware
It's not uncommon for these two groups of people to begin their activities too strenuously at the beginning of the spring. On the first warm, sunny day many golfers will arrive at the driving range and hit way more golf balls than their bodies are ready for. Likewise enthusiastic gardeners will try to spend too many weekend hours preparing their yards and flowerbeds. Unfortunately this typically results in injuries to the neck and back and shoulders, knees and hips.
It would be much more prudent to take some time in the early days of spring to start to do some stretching, light resistance and cardiovascular activity before beginning strenuous outdoor tasks and sports. Taking some time each morning to do 10 to 15 minutes of light stretching is wise throughout the year but especially during the warmer months. If a person has been very sedentary through the winter walking and lifting some light dumbbells several days per week is a great way to start to prepare for longer hours of gardening and explosive, repetitive motions involved when golfing.
Dress Warmly
Even though the temperatures are rising it can still be relatively colder in the spring. Many people will leave their house with clothing that would be more appropriate for August than for April. As the temperatures rise and we become more active we will be more prone to perspire. A cool breeze or drafts will chill the area of our skin where the perspiration lies and make the underlying muscles more likely to go into spasm. So while you don't have to wear your winter garb make sure you protect your exposed skin and muscles with appropriate clothing.
Use a Sinus Rinse Before Bedtime
Our sinuses are a first line of defense for our body's immune systems. The sinuses filter dust and particles. We all know there will be plenty of pollen in the air sometime this spring. By using a sinus rinse before bedtime the sinuses can be clean, moistened and kept healthy. This is usually a very simple process. I personally use a product called Neil Med sinus rinse which is simply a small plastic squeeze bottle, filled with lukewarm water and a pre-made saline packet. By squirting the water solution up each nostril while standing over a sink the sinuses can be rinsed and moistened. This will make the sinus membranes healthy and strong and help make us more comfortable through the spring.
Have Regular Chiropractic Adjustments
Most people realize that chiropractic care can help with neck pain and back pain. Adjustments given by a chiropractor will also help the entire nervous system to remain free of interference and irritation. By keeping our spine and good alignment and moving properly we have the ultimate ability to resist the stresses and demands spring places on us.
Take these steps to be healthy this spring. Be proactive in your approach to having a healthy, enjoyable spring season by following these simple, inexpensive secrets.
Dr. James Schofield is a healthy living enthusiast. To see more topics about healthy living visit here. Please visit James Schofield DC's website here http://northhillspachiropractor.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment