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Don’t just sit there,
move it, buddy!
Mills River Family Chiropractic
Drs Tom and Laura Gross
School is out (for most) and summer is in!This is the
time of year that almost everyone becomes more active outdoors.But that
is a very big almost and what being more active outdoors means to some
of us won’t do us much good.We have all heard something or other
about the benefits of exercise, yet all segments of our population are
reportedly becoming more and more sedentary.
When I was growing up, you would see families riding
bicycles, kids in the trees and running around in every neighborhood.Where
have all the people gone.I used to tell my mom, “bye mom, I’m
go’in to Jeff’s” and she would say “be back
in time for dinner”.Then my friends and I would be all over the
streets, disappear into the park or something like that for hours and
hours.I would come home with grass stains and holes in my pants knees,
oops!Now, where are the kids?If you drive around through neighborhoods
you don’t see them out rough housing like you used to.
The effects of being sedentary can be disastrous. The
first thing that comes to mind in summer regarding exercise is weight
loss.Regular exercise can improve your BMI (Body Mass Index). Most of
us have heard that exercise is good for our cardiovascular system.It
improves heart function, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, helps
prevent hardening of the arteries and can help develop a nice healthy
pulse. Exercise can even increase insulin sensitivity to help correct
hypoglycemia and prevent Type II diabetes. Many people who are prone
to constipation know that walking can help keep them regular.Regular
exercise actually improves bone density, joint integrity and can benefit
posture and efficiency in breathing.
Exercise is also known to help reduce stress and anxiety
while increasing your sense of wellbeing.In fact, findings recently
published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine show that naturally
occurring phenylacetic acid increases after exercise and is associated
with increased energy and improved mood, even to the point of acting
as an anti-depressant. Research has also shown that the two biggest
factors associated with the cognitive decline of aging (senility) are
decreased motoricity (lack of movement) and increased caloric consumption
(high calorie diet).In other words, even your ability to think well
is effected by your natural and daily activity level.This decline in
mental function can be seen at any age with lack of movement and a high
calorie diet, even in our children.
If your lifestyle has become sedentary, don’t
just sit there, move it buddy!If your job has you sitting all day long
practically in the fetal position, try the Bruggers Postural relief.Every
20 minutes or so take 10 seconds to scoot to the edge of your chair,
sit up straight, spread your legs apart with your toes pointing out
to the side, bring your arms back and out to your side about a 12 inches
from your waist with your thumbs back and your palms facing up and gently
slide your head straight back, tilt your pelvis forward and lift your
ribcage up so as to increase the curve in your low back. This therapeutic
posture can help relieve muscle aches and help prevent headaches.
Mills River Family Chiropractic is pleased to offer
Whole Person Health Care. We can help identify and offer alternatives
to lifestyle or work related aggravations to help you and your loved
ones express more of their God given health potential.
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