Happy New Year!

Dear [member_name_first],

On behalf of the staff at Blackrock Chiropractic Centre I trust that everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, and now back ready for another great year in 2010.

Over the New Year period, it again became obvious to me that summer is a time when we often partake in activities that we are not always conditioned to (water skiing, beach cricket, golf, bike riding etc.), and thus our bodies are subject to different kinds of strain and stresses we are not used to. It is very important that if we do involve ourselves in these summer activities, we must remember to do our stretches before and after, and to not over do it. This is also a time when our routines are often disturbed, so this is a good time of the year to sit down and make a plan for your health and exercise for the year and to get started on it. Set your goals for the year and write them down. This also applies to all aspects of our personal lives.

School is back in, and these next couple of weeks provide a good time to get the kids checked as they start their busy year ahead. It is important for parents to help educate their children on good posture and also keep an eye on how their kids are wearing backpacks to make sure their spines are not subject to unnecessary stresses throughout the school year. If you need any advice on these issues please feel free to contact me at the clinic.

We will continue with the newsletters this year and provide some interesting articles along the way. If anyone has any special requests for articles please e-mail these to the clinic and we will be happy to include these in future newsletters.

We all look forward to seeing you again this year and helping you achieve your health goals.

Yours in health

Dr. Benjamin G. Allan
and the team from Blackrock Chiropractic Centre

 
Special Offer:

Refer a friend and get a 1/2 hour myotherapy session:

We wanted to remind you of the 1/2 hour complimentary myotherapy session that we offer for referrals. It's a win-win for everyone! Your friend gets the amazing benefits of chiropractic care, and you get a little something for yourself too!

Click HERE to book with us today.
 
Are golf and your back not getting along?
Read these great tips on how to keep golf fun, while keeping your back pain-free.

Summer is here, and there are few better ways to enjoy the outdoors than a golf game with friends. 

However, because of the way you move your body when making a golf swing, you have to be very careful to have the correct posture and stance, or you may be causing yourself back issues that will get worse as time goes on.  The pros often visit a chiropractor to make sure their back is in tip-top health.

We wanted to provide you with a few tips to make sure you're playing golf pain-free for years to come.

1. Make sure your clubs fit: One of the biggest problems that golfers run into are clubs that don't fit, which cause improper stance, and eventually leads to back problems.  If you're using clubs that someone else has given you (or, ladies, if you're using your husband's "hand-me-downs") be sure that they are the correct size for you.  Both your back and your game will thank you!

2. Stretch before the game: Stretching before the game will not only improve your performance, but make sure your back is nice and limber for the duration of the game.

3. Use a pull cart for your golf clubs: Carrying your golf clubs for 18 holes can cause great strain on your back.  Instead, why not use a pull cart?  They're inexpensive to rent or purchase, and it will make your game pain free!

For more information and tips on how to make sure you're playing golf for life, pain-free, please visit the following links:

Golf Tips

Golf Stretch Tips

 

Oils ain't Oils

Eating fish has a number of positive health benefits, including increasing your omega-3, which helps ward off a variety of health-related conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning deficits, cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory disorders, and much more.

However, there is a growing concern with the amount of toxins and mercury that can be found in the fish you buy at a supermarket.  There are also very real concerns about the sustainability of fish stocks in Australia, with the Bureau of Rural Sciences indicating that two-thirds of Australian fish species are now either fully fished or overfished.

So how do you take advantage of the health benefits of fish, while leaving the negative areas behind?

A good fish oil supplement can be a great way to benefit from Omega-3 without the negative side effects of upping your fish consumption.  Fish oil supplements are created using sustainable aquaculture practices, and strip out all of the toxins that are found in fish. 

Further reading:

To read more about fish oil supplements, and their health benefits, please click here.

 
Are your kids big computer fans?
Make sure that their work area is designed for someone their size.

In recent years, there has been a big movement to improve computer ergonomics for adults in the workplace.  This movement has been very valuable, but it unfortunately leaves an important group out: your kids! 

Do you share a computer with your kids?  Or, do they have their own computer, and you've set them up with an old desk of yours?

Bad ergonomics for kids now can lead to back problems down the road. 

Following these guidelines can help you make sure your child has an ergonomically-sound computer area:

  • Try to have the computer monitor at eye-level with the child.  This will ensure they're sitting up straight, and not slouching or straining their neck to see it.

  • If you share a computer space with your kids, make sure it is easily adjustable to their needs.

  • Keep your mouse close to the edge of the desk, so your child doesn't have to put their arm at an awkward angle to reach it.

  • Make sure your child's legs are at a 90 to 120 degree angle while seated (you can adjust the chair, or add something for their feet to rest on to bring them up higher). 

Further reading:

To read more on how to make your computer station more ergonomically sound for your child, please visit the following websites:

American Chiropractic Association Tips for Computer Ergonomics

Ergonomic tips for children

 
This email was sent by Blackrock Chiropractic Centre, 475 Balcombe Rd, Beaumaris VIC 3193