Stars, Stripes, & Spines! Gulfshore Chiropractic Clinics July Newsletter 2022

Wishing you and your family a Happy Fourth of July from the Gulfshore Chiropractic Clinics team! In this newsletter, learn more about how to stay healthy this Fourth of July, preventing injuries while running or jogging, and how important gut health really is!

STAY HEALTHY THIS JULY 4TH!

“Sunshine! Barbecues! Fireworks! Who doesn’t love a good Independence Day celebration? To many of us, it’s not just about celebrating our great nation and proudly displaying our red, white, and blue. It’s also about spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and of course, seeing the fireworks! But, don’t forget to stay healthy while enjoying the fun!” Below are 5 Healthy Tips to Remember this July 4th:

• Stay Hydrated with Water

No matter where you are in America, July is hot! Be sure to drink water plenty of water and keep your body from overheating. Try and stay away from caffeinated and sugary drinks that dehydrate you. Keep plenty of fresh fruit on hand too, as fruits are packed with vitamins, fiber, and water.

• Eat Light

No one wants to eat a heavy meal when you’re outside in the heat. Make sure your food doesn’t weigh down your festivities, make salads and sides to balance the main course, and maybe grill your meal! You might be snacking all day too, so make sure healthy snacks like veggie sticks are readily available.

• Wear Sunscreen

Although being outside in the sun is a great way to absorb some healthy Vitamin D, make sure to use sun protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies show that sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer by 12 times!

• Play Lawn Games

Encourage your party guests to bring their favorite lawn games instead of yet another dessert. Then you can take turns trying out all the different games. Plus, it encourages everyone to be active and fit!

• Skip Sugary Deserts

This is the season when tons of fresh fruit are available from the grocery, farmers’ markets, and fruit stands! Cut up strawberries and melon or grill peaches, pineapple, or bananas to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding unnecessary processed sugar.

*Information provided by Health Fitness Revolution

HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES FROM RUNNING

How Running Can Cause Back Pain

• Joints and discs are jarred and compressed by the force of the body leaving the ground and landing on every stride when running or jogging

• Back muscles have to work to keep the body upright and in good posture during the duration of the run

• Other muscles associated with the kinetic chain (this is a linkage system that connects the muscles and joints of the body through the fascial system) may also influence back pain while running

Preventing Back Injuries from Running

• Use a form that reduces the “up and down” stride motion and focuses on a forward motion while running; this means leading with the chest, keeping the head tall and balanced over the chest

• Wear top-quality cushioned running shoes. Many sports medicine physicians advocate running with the added cushioning of high-quality running shoes to help protect the joints and spine from the jarring impact of running

• While this approach is controversial, some studies indicate that running barefoot may be preferable to running with shoes. If this is an approach that sounds attractive, it is advisable to start slowly, first by walking barefoot and on a soft surface, such as grass or sand, and slowly progressing to walking on a hard surface, running on a soft surface, and possibly running on a hard surface

• Consider running on softer surfaces, such as grass, a padded track, or a treadmill rather than concrete or asphalt

*Information provided by Spine Health

WHAT CAN HARM YOUR GUT HEALTH?

Did you know that a healthy gut plays an important role in your OVERALL health? According to UC Davis Health, “a healthy gut communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being.” What can harm our gut health?

• Eating Processed Foods

• Drinking Too Much Alcohol

• Overuse of Antibiotics

• Too Much Stress

HEAT UP YOUR MUSCLES… IN A GOOD WAY!

Our Warming Muscle Salve made only from natural ingredients melts into your skin that can temporarily relieve sore muscles!