King West Chiropractic

Golf – Get in the Game Without the Pain

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:49:09 +0000

As warmer weather approaches golfers can’t wait to get to the first tee. However twisted postures, the torque of the swing and forgetting to warm up can cause unnecessary injury.
Pain shouldn’t be par for the course!

Get the right fit:
Playing with clubs that don’t fit hinder your game and cause you pain. Consult a pro to ensure your clubs are the right height, are made of a material appropriate to your arm strength, and have the right grip for you.

Take Lessons:
The right swing technique can do more than just improve your game – it can also spare you plenty of unnecessary pain. Working with a CPGA professional is a great way to learn the basics.

Warm up and warm down:
Take a few minutes to stretch before and after your game. Start with a brisk walk, then do some light stretching.

Push, don’t carry, your golf bag:
Pushing or pulling your bag and taking turns riding in cart can help you prevent a back injury. If you prefer to carry clubs, use a double-strap carry bag that evenly distributes the weight.

Choose the right shoes:
Wearing a golf shoe with good support and the proper fit can prevent some knee, hip and lower back pain. A custom orthotic can provide optimal support for sore arches and help to avoid knee, hip and low back pain.

Drink lots of water:
Dehydration can cause fatigue and increase your risk of injury. Water and juice are ideal refreshments. Drinking alcohol depletes the body’s fluids and can lead to stiff muscles and soreness.

Golf – Get in the Game Without the Pain

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:56:26 +0000

Warm up and warm down:
Take a few minutes to stretch before and after your game. Start with a brisk walk, then do some light stretching.

Plant and Rake With-out the Ache

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Gardening is a great way to stay active and have fun in the sun. But many people sustain injuries that could easily have been prevented with a little know-how.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Before You Start
Take 10 minutes to stretch before you start planting or raking. The stretches should be gentle and should not cause pain.

Overall Conditioning:
Take a walk, even on the spot. Don’t forget to lift your knees and gently swing your arms.

Your Sides:
Extend one arm over your head, bend from the waist. Hold for 15 seconds, and repeat for both sides.

Your Thighs:
Lean against a tree, bend your knee and grasp your ankle with your hand. Hold for 15 seconds, and repeat for both sides.

Your Wrists:
Hold one arm out in front of you, palm down. Bend your wrist until the fingers point to the ground. Hold for 15 seconds, repeat for both wrists. Hold one arm straight and place your palm in the “stop” position. Hold for 15 seconds, repeat for both wrists.

Your Shoulders:
Let your arms hang loose. Rotate your shoulders forward, then rotate back.

The Right Moves

Alternate heavy and light chores
Change hands, they take the strain off by changing the position of your hands
Check your position, kneel then stand. Or simply sit and relax.
Lift with your back straight, and always bend your knees. Carry the load close to your body, and avoid heavy lifting immediately after bending or kneeling

Flaxseed Oil: An Essential Fatty Acid

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:34:09 +0000

Naturopathic Tip of the Month:

Essential fatty acids (or EFAs) play a critical role in our normal physiology and may help prevent many degenerative diseases. Flaxseed oil, for example, contains both omega-6 and the very important omega-3 fatty acid from a vegetarian source. It has been suggested that flaxseed oil may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and the nervous system. Look for organic unrefined flaxseed oil for best results. But remember…flaxseed oil can be easily damaged by heat and light so it should be stored in your refrigerators and it must not be used in cooking. The best way to get your daily intake of flaxseed oil is to incorporate it into your food. Try using it as a salad dressing or adding it to your cereal!!

As there are many types of essential fatty acids, seek advice from your Naturopathic Doctor to see which one is most appropriate for you.

Chiropractic Tip of the Month: Five Physical Fitness Myths

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:27:03 +0000

“Exercise is only for those who need to lost weight.” Physical activity is important for more than just losing weight. It also improves mood, decreases the risk of disease, strengthens the heart and lungs, and improves sleep.

“Getting in shape requires a gym membership.” There are many alternatives to gyms. Do push ups, squats, and other exercises that use your body weight as resistance. Try taking walks, ride a bike, take the stairs, or use resistance bands for strength training. Be inspired by at home exercise videos and games.

“If you are physically active, you can eat whatever you want.” It is true that you burn calories when you exercise, but this doesn’t mean indulgence is smart. In order to remain healthy, remember to eat wisely, keeping your body’s nutritional needs in mind.

“You can stop thinking about physical activity once you hit 65.” We are never too old for exercise, and should never stop being active. Whatever age you are, loss of muscle means gain of fat. Remember the other benefits of exercise such as balance, coordination and cognitive sharpness.

“Full steam ahead is the right way to begin exercising.” If you have not been active for awhile, the best way is to begin slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your physical routine to avoid injury and discouragement.

Heart Healthy Habits

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:13:20 +0000

Chiropractic Tip of the Month:

Start your day with whole grains and green tea (anti-inflammatory, boosts blood vessel function).

Increase your potassium intake (helps regulate blood pressure and prevent hypertension).

Cuddle your cat, play with your dog (pet owners are less likely to die of heart attack than those who have never had a pet).

Boost your workout routine (as part of a regular workout, include quick bursts of activity).

Say goodbye to stressful relationships (people in troubled relationships have higher risk of heart problems).

Get more vitamin D (low vitamin D levels have been linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks).

Protect your gums (chronic gum conditions can lead to cardiovascular disease. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and don’t forget to clean your tongue).

Naturopathic Tip of the Month: Food for Thought

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:48:38 +0000

Naturopathic Tip of the Month: Food for Thought

A businessman on a Mexican seaside holiday was complimenting a fisherman on the quality of his catch. But why, asked the businessman didn’t the fisherman stay out longer and catch more fish? “Senior” said the Mexican. “I sleep in, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta, sip wine in the village and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.”

The American scoffed. “I am a Harvard MBA. I could help you. You should spend more time fishing. With the extra money you could buy a big boat, and then even a bigger boat, then a fleet. You could open your own fish plant, make and distribute your own products. You would need to leave this little fishing village, move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, eventually to New York City to run your fish empire. Finally, 30 years later, you could sell your company and become a millionaire!”

“Millions, Senior?” said the fisherman.. “Then what?”

“Then” said the American, bursting with enthusiasm, “you could retire! Move to a small village on the coast of Mexico, where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta, sip wine in the village and play guitar with your amigos.” –Unknown

Chiropractic Tip of the Month: Benefits of Chiropractic

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:54:54 +0000

Makes you feel great
Prevents many health problems
Quicker recovery
Treats the cause of the problem
No needles
Slows or stops spinal degeneration
More energy
Counteracts the effect of gravity
Improves overall health
Natural
Improves athletic performance
Relieves tension
Makes spinal disks healthier
Drug free

Improves spinal structure
Less lost work time
Improves posture
Restores normal mobility
Painless
Relieves stress
Restores normal nerve supply
Better sleep
Relieves symptoms
More efficient body function
Affordable health care
Relief from pain
Improves immunity

Naturopathic Tip of the Month: Foods to Decrease Lingering Winter Head Congestion

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:49:49 +0000

Naturopathic Tip of the Month: Foods to Decrease Lingering Winter Head Congestion

As the winter drags on colds and flu can leave lingering head congestion that is difficult to get rid of. However there are foods that, when avoided, aid in relieving nasal congestion and phlegm build up. By reducing head congestion, our immune system is able to better fight infection. Aim to MINIMIZE/AVOID the following foods as we near winters end to enhance the immune system and ready our bodies for spring.

dairy
cold foods (ice cream is a BAD culprit!)
raw foods (opt for steamed veggies instead of raw)
highly sweet foods
hydrogenated fats
peanuts
foods with concentrated sweeteners (ie frozen juices)
tofu
highly processed foods (meats, cheeses, canned foods, foods out of the box, microwaveables)
pineapple

Foods to Decrease Lingering Winter Head Congestion

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:42:46 +0000

dairy
cold foods (ice cream is a BAD culprit!)
raw foods (opt for steamed veggies instead of raw)
highly sweet foods
hydrogenated fats
peanuts
foods with concentrated sweeteners (ie frozen juices)
tofu
highly processed foods (meats, cheeses, canned foods, foods out of the box, microwaveables)
pineapple