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Frigid temps and pain

Have you noticed that the temperature drop makes your pain levels soar? You’re not alone! Many people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia find that their symptoms get worse during the winter. As the cold sets in, the tissues within the joints expand, causing an already inflamed joint to become even more swollen and therefore more painful. Here are tips to fight off the cold weather pain:

1. EXERCISE

Dropping temps and polar vortexes may discourage you from getting outside or hitting the gym to exercise. But lack of movement can actually increase your pain and stiffness. At home exercises are a good way to maintain flexible, functioning joints and muscles. As an added bonus, exercise can also improve your mood!

2. STAY HYDRATED

The lack of heat usually leads most people to forget to drink enough water. This can prevent the body from properly processing waste, making you feel more stiff and achy. Carry water with you and make sure to get the proper amount.

3. STAY WARM

The most obvious solution would be to warm your body up to soothe those sore joints and muscles. So bundle up, try heating pads, and hot baths to relieve pain.

4. VISIT YOUR CHIROPRACTOR

Chiropractic care has been shown to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, headaches, chronic neck and back pain, etc. So stay pain-free this winter by visiting your chiropractor regularly. If you don’t have a chiropractor, contact one of our clinics to see how we can make your winter as pain-free as possible.

Breaking News:

You can now follow Dr. Kay and Dr. Ash directly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @DrsKayandAsh! They will be sharing tips and tools to elevate your health, events hosted throughout the year, video blogs, recipes and more!

Join this new community and take charge of your families health! Dr. Ashlin’s Facebook page is being rebranded as Drs. Kay and Ash, so if you already follow him, you’re ahead of the pack.

With the holiday season in full swing, it can be difficult not to over-indulge during holiday parties and gatherings. While indulging a little is perfectly acceptable, remembering to be mindful of our habits and health is also important.

Here are some tips to consider during this holiday season:

1. Eat regularly. Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day can help manage hunger and temptation. Plan and prepare your meals and snacks in advance with healthy options.  Skipping meals, for example, can in fact lead to over-indulging later in the day.

2. Portion sizes. Eat in moderation and smaller portions. Due to the hustle and bustle, it may be more challenging to be mindful and eat slowly during meals. Try eating smaller portions, but more frequently (depending on hunger).

3. Pay attention to what you drink. Often we only pay attention to the food we consume, without minding our beverages. However, what we drink can be even more important than what we eat. For example, some traditional holiday specials such as eggnog, alcohol and punch can be high in sugar. Consider other options such as water, soda water or herbal teas. Otherwise, simply be mindful and consume in moderation when possible.

4. When dining out, come ready with a plan. Dining out with friends and family can be a great time to reconnect over food and laughter. Fortunately, most restaurants now have their menus available online for customers to consult. Check out the menu in advance and decide what to order. Restaurants are open to adapt to dietary requirements, so do not be afraid to ask for foods to be baked, grilled, roasted, or steamed.

5. Move. You can’t out-run a poor diet, but exercise and physical activity can help manage stress, cravings and over-indulgence during the holiday season. There is no need to wait until January to start moving, start today.

Making good choices over the holidays doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the fun, or avoid treats, it simply means staying mindful and moderating the choices you make.

For more info on nutrition and healthy living contact a UWS chiropractor today!