Thursday, February 4, 2010

Snow (more), shovels, and you

Hi everyone. It appears that Mother Nature is far from done showing us what she can whip up when put in the mood. We've had just over 24" of snow here already, and they say we may get that much just in the next three days. The mid-Atlantic states are not accustomed to this much snow, so it seems warranted to say this once again: Shovel Snow Carefully!

We've mentioned this before, but in case you won't take our word for it, here are some perspectives from someone more accustomed to getting heavy snow week after week: a Canadian chiropractor.

Dr. Evans' Tips for a Healthy Back while shoveling snow.

Warm up: Before beginning any snow shoveling, warm-up for five to ten minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation. To do this march on the spot, climb stairs, or go for a quick walk around the block. Follow this with gentle stretches for the back (knee to chest), arms and shoulders (body hug), and legs (forward bends from a seated position). This will ensure that your body is ready for action.

Don't let the snow pile up: Removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.

Pick the right shovel: Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel.

Push, don't throw:Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing. If you must throw, avoid twisting and turning. Position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.

Bend your knees: Use your knees, leg, and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.

Watch for ice: Course sand, ice salt, ice melter, or kitty litter can help give where you walk and drive more traction, reducing the chance of a slip or fall.

Wear proper footwear: Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls.

Take a break: If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Make it a habit to rest for a moment or two for every 10 to 15 minutes of shoveling. This is especially important if the snow is wet and heavy. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.

Back Problem Warning Signs

Leg pain with numbness, tingling, and/or weakness.
Back or leg pain with coughing or sneezing.
Difficulty standing up after sitting for any period of time.
Stiffness in the morning that decreases when you move around.
Pain in your hip, buttock, thigh, knee, or foot.
Inability to turn or bend to each side equally.
Unbalanced posture, when your head, neck, or shoulder may be higher on one side than the other.
Pain which prevents you from sleeping well.
Pain that persists or worsens after 48 hours.

Thanks Dr. Evans! If you think you may have overdone it, remember that your local chiropractor is there to serve you. You don't need to go all the way to Toronto when Waldorf will more than do! Be safe out there.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Chiropractic Mission to Haiti a Success...More Help Needed

From one of Dr. Sharman's peers:

Recent donations made possible the first post earthquake chiropractic mission trip to Haiti. 

Because of what we experienced, we are planning a succession of trips for continued relief aid, support, and care. We were instrumental in saving many lives and offering relief to those in dire distress. No matter what you see on CNN or any other news outlet, the devastation, suffering, despair and death is far worse than portrayed.

Reaching Haiti was challenging as the infrastructure of the country has been destroyed and with the help of Stepping Stone Ministries, we were able to arrive and render help.

We brought food and five water filtration systems in five different locations to people hadn't had 1 drop of water or food in 6 days. We also brought medical supplies that were critical, yet grossly inadequate.
We brought chiropractic tables and adjusted thousands in ´Tent City" refugee camps around the corner from the Capitol building and in the outlying areas. The next day we ventured into the fields behind the US Embassy where we offered low tech bandaging and wound care in Civil War conditions.

2 of our team worked in the hospitals assisting in amputations and delivering babies. As a result of the lack of accessibility to doctors and medicine, Haiti is becoming a country of amputees and that has to stop.
 
The people we worked with begged us to not forget them and we will not; we are going back and this time, staying.
We need volunteers serving a few days at a time, so we can staff the effort continually and we need your money to continue to save lives.

We have teamed with Stepping Stone Ministries, an organization recognized by the Haitian Consulate, who are accepting donations on our behalf. Please click below and be very generous, lives depend upon it. Make sure to indicate CHIROPRACTIC when donating, so the money gets to the chiropractic relief mission.

If you have already donated, another $100 will not change your life, it will however, save others

…Thank you …Peter Morgan DC
Donation Web site: www.steppingstonesminstries.com