Since many of us spend a majority of our time in front of electronic devices, it is important that you maintain a good posture. If you or your children are leaning over your computer for hours at a time each day, symptoms like headaches, fatigue, back aches, neck aches, and common colds may arise. This short video reviews proper computer ergonomics. If it is not possible for you or your kids to maintain proper ergonomics when on your electronic devices, you should make a habit of stretching your chest muscles regularly. This will help to prevent muscle imbalances and your head from leaning too far forward.

Enjoy the video and have a great day!

Dr. Anne Marie

Sleep is extremely important for all of us because it is when your body repairs, regenerates and grows. It is essential that we adults get at least seven of hours of sleep per night and children need significantly more. This article touches on the importance of sleep and recaps the other four topics that were discussed in last week’s countdown.

Have a great week and enjoy the article!
Dr. Anne Marie

One of the greatest gifts you can give to children is finding out what physical activity they enjoy and encouraging them to engage in it regularly. Osteoporosis is such an epidemic these days. The truth of the matter is that strong bones should be thought about during childhood. This is a great article on exercise and how studies have shown that it is essential for bone health.

Enjoy the article and have a great day!
Dr. Anne Marie

One of the secrets to great health is snacks. Healthy snacks! I thought this article was worth passing along. Please note: I am not an advocate of Gluten so I would pick gluten free bagels, breads, cereals, and crackers. They are now available at all grocery stores. Healthy snacks keep kids alert and energized throughout the day (this goes for adults too). Our Health Talk on Tuesday, August 20th at 7:15pm will review healthy snack options with some snack samples to taste. Contact us to reserve your spot and bring a loved one with you!

Enjoy the article and have a great day!
Dr. Anne Marie

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is the fuel that you are first putting into your body to set your tone for the day. What kind of fuel are you putting into your body and that of your kids? Most breakfasts are heavily laden with sugar. This gives you a high and then a crash and burn come mid morning. It is the same with your kids. Try to focus more on breakfasts that have more protein. We will be covering this at our talk on August 20th at 7:15pm. Let us know if you can make it. In the meantime…I found the article below enlightening.

Enjoy your day!
Dr. Anne Marie

Hello Everyone,

It’s almost back to school time! Each new school year means a fresh start no matter what age you are. On Tuesday, August 20th at 7:15 we will be hosting our Spinal and Nutrition Basics Class. Topics will include: good posture, strong bones, ergonomics, building blocks for good nutrition, healthy snacks (samples will be provided) and healthy lunch suggestions. Let us know if you are coming and bring a loved one with you.

Monday through Friday over the next two weeks, we will be doing our healthy school tips countdown. Today’s healthy tip is a video on choosing a proper backpack for your child or yourself if using one during your commute.

Enjoy the video and have a great day!

Alive and Well Chiropractic Backpack Safety
Dr. Anne Marie

backpack safety

While sitting in a reception this morning, I listened to a commercial for the Children’s Hospital promoting their well-trained doctors who specialize in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders like celiac, Crohn’s, irritable bowel and gastric reflux. I immediately thought of my grade school years (1970’s-1980’s). I don’t recall kids in my class having these disease processes and hospitals advertising over the airwaves their specialties. Food allergies and intolerances were rare back then.

What happened? What is it that we all have in common no matter what our socioeconomic background?
The answer is food and water. It’s often challenging for people to learn what is good and what is bad for them and their families. Just this week, my aunt brought me a salad for lunch and apologized that they did not have oil and vinegar dressing. She got me a packet of Italian Dressing. I thanked her and told her I had my own dressing in the back. When I looked at the packet of dressing today, the list of ingredients were: Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Contains Less Than 2%: Garlic, Xanthum Gum, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Spice Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dextrose, Beta Carotene and Paprika.

Here people are thinking that they are doing something good for themselves eating a salad. What they are really doing is contaminating it with the dressing. This dressing is genetically modified with soy and corn products. These two ingredients alone can create gastrointestinal distress and weight gain. So here people are going around with stomach issues and having a bunch of tests to figure out what’s going on. The culprit could be as easy as the stuff you are unknowingly putting into your body. READ YOUR LABELS.

Upcoming Events:
Next week we will be starting our school countdown. You will be receiving information to help the children in your life lead a healthier lifestyle.

Our August Health Talk will be on spinal and nutrition basics 101. The date will be determined next week.

Have a great day and Be Well!
Dr. Anne Marie

The first step is not to punish yourself. Give a listen!

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