Welcome to the first of our new series of eHealth tips.
Over the coming months we will be sending our patients regular hints and tips for keeping active and healthy. However if you do not want to receive information by email please let us know by using the unsubscribe link below.

The weather outside is….
This winter has been more severe than in recent times. So the temptation is to hunker down and become even less active than normal, which can increase the risk of back pain and is not so good for your general health. Consider:

Keeping warm. This is fairly obvious when it’s cold but can easily be overlooked when exercising outside. It’s exerting muscles that are cold, for instance pulling the children on a sledge, when you are more likely to strain yourself if you forget to keep warm. Relax when walking out in the cold, as we all tend to tense up and end up with our shoulders around our ears!

Footwear. It’s surprising how many patients come into the clinic wearing inappropriate footwear. Choose shoes or boots with soles that will grip and prevent slipping. Perhaps consider cheaper, versatile rubber shoe spikes or shoe chains that can wrap around shoes to help them to grip.

Keep mobile. Find somewhere indoors to walk with space to move freely if it’s too dangerous to venture out in the open. Maybe visit an art gallery, exhibition or a museum as an alternative to the shopping mall. Gentle indoor activities such as dancing, T’ai-chi, Pilates, swimming or aqua aerobics can be beneficial, along with the sports offered at your local gym or fitness centre. You are more likely to “stick with it” and gain the long-term benefits if you choose an activity you enjoy or that is sociable.

IMPORTANT. Before starting a new type of exercise check with an appropriate healthcare professional that it will be suitable for you, especially if you have existing health issues. Your usual chiropractor will be more than happy to discuss with you the merits of any exercise you may wish to start.