Effects of Too Much TV

Effects of Too Much TV

As winter continues, we will find that kids are less willing to go outside and play after school and see the transition to an increase in watching TV.   This blog will help with understanding the effects of having too much time in front of the screen.   According to the American Academy of Pediatrics media use by children under the age of 2 should be discouraged as well as limiting older children’s TV time to no more than one or two hours a day.   Too much screen time has been associated to:
 Obesity. 

The more TV your child watches, the greater his or her risk is of becoming overweight because of the lack of movement and activity.   Kids can also start to develop cravings for junk food that they see promoted on advertisements.

Irregular sleep. 

The more TV your child watches, the more likely they are to have trouble falling asleep or having abnormal sleep schedules.   Sleep loss can also lead to decreases in the immune system as well as increase snacking.

Impaired academic performance. 

Elementary students who have TVs in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than do those who don’t have TVs in their bedrooms.

Aches and pains. 

The positions that children sit in while watching TV can put their spines in positions for long periods of time that they are not accustomed to.  These positions can cause abnormal strain to muscles and joints causing soreness as well as limited flexibility.

Things you can do to help your children limit time spent in front of the TV include closer monitoring, keep TVs out of the bedrooms, suggest other activities, and don’t allow eating in front of the TV.  Also if your children start to complain about aches and pains bring them in to your chiropractor to get treated. 

For more information regarding this article visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/MY00522.

Snow Shoveling Techniques to Prevent Low Back Injuries

Snow removal is one of the most common causes of back injuries during the winter.  

Using the wrong body mechanics can put high amounts of stress on the lower back.  This undue stress can cause variations of muscle strains and possibly more serious injuries such as disc herniations.  The following five snow removal tips can help to avoid low back injuries.

1.  Pick the right snow shovel. 
An ergonomic shovel can help minimize some of the effort needed to shovel snow.  A shovel with a curved or adjustable handle will minimize bending of the back and focus primarily on slight knee bending.

2.  Warm up thoroughly. 
Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury than warm, flexible muscles.  Before you start shoveling make sure you warm up for about five to ten minutes by stretching the low back and hamstrings as well as a light walk.

3.  Pace yourself. 
When shoveling, stick to small amounts at a time instead of large piles of snow.  Also take periodic breaks every 10-15 minutes or if you feel like you are overworked.  Take this opportunity to stretch out the major muscle groups which include shoulders, low back, and legs.

4.  Use ergonomic lifting techniques. 
When possible push snow to the side rather than lifting it.  When lifting is necessary make sure to:

Bend at the hips with the chest pushed forward, and lift with your legs.

Always face the object you intend to lift.

Keep loads light.

Avoid twisting by pivoting your whole body.

Keep heavy loads close to the body.

Walk the snow to a different area rather than tossing.

Keep hands about 12 inches apart when gripping the shovel.

5.  Keep your feet on the ground. 
Slippery conditions can lead to slipping and/or falls causing muscles strains in your low back.  Using sand or salt and wearing boot with good traction can also to help minimize slippery conditions.

If injuries still occur while shoveling make sure get ice on the injured area immediately for twenty minutes to help minimize the inflammation from setting in and contact your local chiropractor immediately.  Chiropractic treatments along with muscle work and stretches can help you get back to health quickly and efficiently.

http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/snow-shoveling-techniques-prevent-low-back-injuries

For more information, visit our website at

www.oxborochiro.com 

Lesser Known Superfoods

Lesser Known Superfoods

As more and more nutrition information is released, the general public is becoming more aware of certain "superfoods" that have a multitude of health benefits.   Although there is not an official or defined list, there are certain types of foods that are acknowledged as superfoods.  The following list will describe the lesser known or less mainstream superfoods.

1.  The Acai berry is a small purple berry that has weight loss and anti-aging properties.  This fruit also contains anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease.

2.  The Gogi berry is an orange-red tangy berry that contain a lot of vitamin C.  Chinese herbalists have utilized this berry to treat circulation and visual ailments for centuries.  This berry also contains plant-based antioxidants.

3.  Cacao/Cocoa Powder are rich in flavonoids which help lower blood pressure as well as improving blood flow to the heart and brain.

4.  Seaweed  is a sea grown vegetable that contains omega-3 fatty acids which help boost heart health.  This superfood also contains important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc.

5.  Chia Seeds  are put in the superfood group because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium.   

6.  A mangosteen is a fruit that has a thick purple rind that contains xanthones which are thought to combat cancer and inflammation.

7.  Maca Powder is a root vegetable that when grinded into a power is said to help undo damage from fatigue and improve regeneration/repair.  

8.  Probiotics have becoming more popular to improve digestive health and boost the immune system.  Kefir is made from fermented milk and is found to have probiotic compounds.

9.  Hemp Seeds are beneficial due to their high protein and essential amino acid content.  These are needed for growth and repair.  

10.  Black Garlic is created by fermenting raw garlic by being exposed to heat and humidity.  The nutritional components of garlic have heart and anticancer benefits, and due to the fermentation can be an important source of priobiotics.

Fan, Shirley. "11 Superfoods You Should Know About." Real Simple. Alexia Foods, n.d. Web.