More has been understood about pain in the past 20 years than the previous 100. We still aren’t clear on a number of things with regard to pain – especially chronic pain. But as science uncovers more each year, the focus becomes clearer. Pain changes everything, including how our immune systems function.
It’s time we change the way we change diapers.
Too often parents and caregivers put unnecessary stress on the spinal bones and hips, contributing to shifts in the spine that lead to issues with coordination and digestion.
The you think of how many times a day you change a diaper, this stress can add up leading to problems that little ones too often struggle with.
Most parents will grab the ankles and lift towards the head cau
sing significant flexion (bending of the spine) and added stress to the hips and legs. This added stress to the lower mid-spine and lumbar spine can affect the the nerves that regulate digestion come from leading to constipation, and gas.
Another error I see, is lifting the child so high off the table that the child is essentially balancing their weight on their head and neck.
So rather than do that, what we want to do maintain the proper shape of the spine.
One way is to roll baby to the side and wipe. Then roll to the other side and wipe. It can be a little difficult with a toddler or infant 
that ‘alligator rolls’ as soon as that diaper comes off. (you know exactly what I mean! They lay there all still until the diaper comes off and then they breakdance their way away from you!)
So another way to properly do this is limit the amount of flexion towards the head. Keep the knees together and gently lift slightly sothe proper shape of the low back and mid spine is maintained. Do your wiping and put on a fresh diaper and voila!
Dr. Craig Hazel’s mission is to help families THRIVE. After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, he went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas. He is passionate about seeing children and families in his private practice at Synergy Chiropractic in Kanata Ontario. A sought after speaker, he has been featured regularly on TSN Team 1200, CTV and Rogers TV. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Chiropractic of Ontario.
The best way to feel more energized? Stay active! Top research journals have shown that moderate exercise can increase your energy. A simple 10-15 minute walk can get your blood pumping and increase the oxygen coming into your body, helping you feel more energized and maybe even helping you shed a few extra pounds.
Moderate exercise can help you feel energized by releasing endorphins,
New Year = a fresh re-start
which make you feel happier, while contributing to a better quality of sleep. Additionally, exercise helps train the heart to work more efficiently. Ultimately, your immune system will also function better with consistent exercise. In other words, exercise can not only help you feel more energized, but it can reduce your likelihood of getting sick. And combining a moderate exercise routine with chiropractic care may be one of the best ways to stay healthy and energized all year long.
▪ Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel more energized and happier
▪ A simple 10-15 minute walk per day can improve your energy level by over 20%
▪ Regular exercise can help you sleep better and reduce your risk of getting sick
Don’t feel like exercising? You choose your pain. It’s either the pain of feeling terrible and living in so-so or poor health or the pain of getting up and exercising. The former results in more pain. The latter allows you the joy of experiencing something great later. Have you ever had a great workout and been miserable afterwards? Then let’s get moving and choose the ‘pain’ of exercising shall we?
And another thing – stop feeling like it is an “ALL OR NOTHING” thing! Many people get caught up in the notion that you have to ‘kill yourself’ in order to get a great workout; or if you usually do 60mins and you only have 30 mins then it’s not worth doing.
Nonsense.
All exercise helps your body. Even if you have 10mins, you can get a great 10 mins of activity and feel great afterwards. Who doesn’t have 10 mins?
Start with a simple calendar. Schedule at least three days per week that you can take a 10-15 minute walk. By putting the activity on your schedule, it’s more likely that you will follow through. Also, ask us about how chiropractic care may be able to keep you pain-free and on track with your exercise goals. We want to partner with you to make this year your healthiest and happiest year ever!
Comment below – what are you committing to doing?
Dr. Craig Hazel’s mission is to help families THRIVE. After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, he went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas. He is passionate about seeing children and families in his private practice at Synergy Chiropractic in Kanata Ontario. A sought after speaker, he has been featured regularly on TSN Team 1200, CTV and Rogers TV. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Chiropractic of Ontario.
Bottom Line: Believe it or not, getting sick is a body signal that your immune system is working! Yes, you read that correctly. Every single day you encounter bacteria that could make you sick. Fortunately, when you come into contact with these germs, your immune system kicks in and starts fighting them off without you ever knowing. On rare occasions, when your immune system isn’t functioning at 100%, your body will give you a signal- like a fever or a runny nose, that sickness may be on the way. But, what if there was research showcasing how you could make a few simple changes and not only decrease your likelihood of getting sick, but also strengthen your immune system?
Why it Matters: You probably know someone who almost never gets sick. Are they built with a superhuman immune system? Probably not. Most people who rarely get sick are taking pro-active steps to keep their immune system in tip-top shape. And when your immune system is functioning correctly- it can fight off almost anything that it comes in contact with. By making smart choices with your diet, staying active, and getting enough rest, you can ensure your immune system remains strong. Also, emerging research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can also improve our ability to stay well!
February is the perfect time of year to take a few action steps and boost your immune system. A robust immune system will help you stay healthy and active, enjoying the things you love with the people you love. And don’t forget to attend our upcoming health workshop where we will give you a custom-tailored plan to boost your immunity in 21 days!
After seeking chiropractic help in her twenty’s for the usual (and expected –or so I thought) lower back issues that go with horseback riding, she experienced a new level of health. Not only has she made chiropractic a regular part of her life but she has made a commitment to changing her lifestyle and coaches others how to do the same. She is an avid outdoors person. You can find her walking her beagle, biking, painting and drinking great coffee. Her true passion is riding horses and has been a competitive rider/jumper for years.
