3 Ways to Snack Smarter
As a chiropractor, my job isn’t just to help you recover your health-it’s to help you stay healthy, too. Sometimes, this goes beyond your adjustments and into your diet. Admit it or not, everyone snacks-but not always healthily. Here are a few suggestions to help you snack smarter:
1. Keep chewing. Did you know that properly chewing a mouthful of food means upwards to 40 chews? Studies show that people who chew thoroughly feel fuller than those who wolf down their food.
2. Fill gaps with snacks. Finding it hard to fit in the recommended servings of fruits and veggies each day? Consider snacking on frozen grapes or celery with peanut butter to take the edge off your hunger.
3. Plan your snacks. The brown-bag approach never fails. Pack your snacks yourself so you aren’t stuck running to the vending machine when hunger strikes.
4 Tips for Creating an Ergonomic Work Space for Kids
With children spending more time at their computers schooling from home, it’s important to make sure they have an ergonomic work space.
And, fortunately, creating an ergonomic work space for your child doesn’t have to be difficult.
Here are 4 simple things you can do to improve their posture and comfort while working:
• Make sure their feet are resting flat on the floor (give them a stool or stack of books to put their feet on if they can’t reach the floor)
• Keep the computer monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain and about an arm’s length away
• Put a pillow between their back and the chair so that their back is fully supported
• Last, but definitely not least, encourage them to get up and move! Children’s bodies are made to move, so a few laps around the living room in between Zoom lessons will do wonders for their body and mind.
Easing Carpal Tunnel Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is what’s known as a “repetitive stress injury” and is the result of pressure on the median nerve. Commonly caused by repetitive motions such as typing, cleaning, and assembly line work, it often presents as pain and numbness in the hand and wrist. As it progresses, it can greatly impact daily activities.
Here are a few tips for easing carpal tunnel pain:
• Take frequent breaks from repetitive work to rest your hands
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Wear a wrist splint
• Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms (if possible)
If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel pain, come in for a visit. We can discuss stretches and other non-invasive therapies, such as adjustments to restricted joints in the neck and wrist, that may help.
