February 2016 – Stress Management
5 Tips to help manage STRESS
Each year, one in three Americans dies from heart disease or stroke, yet many of the deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise, and eliminating tobacco use are crucial factors in lowering the risk of heart disease, but another important factor is managing stress. When stress isn’t managed properly, it can lead to unhealthy behaviors that raise the risk of heart disease, including smoking, increased alcohol consumption, overeating, or lack of exercise. Stress can also cause disrupted sleep whether through physical discomfort, such as aches and pains, or anxiety. A lack of sleep is associated with many of the factors of heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and excess weight.
Learning to manage stress effectively can reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. To help manage stress effectively and lower your risk to heart disease, remember to:
- Breathe deeply.When faced with an immediate stressful situation, take a few minutes to breathe. Focus on your breath, and envision the stress blowing away from the body. Even ten breaths can relax your body.
- Even if you only have a few minutes, move your body.Exercise releases endorphins, which can help you feel good! Physical activity is also a great way to release muscle tension and soothe the aches and pains of stress. Removing yourself from a stressful situation to take a walk is also a great way to allow your mind to refocus and better handle the situation.
- Make time each day to relax and unwind.You can sit quietly, read a book, or do some yoga.
- Schedule time for fun!When days are jam packed, and the to-do list is a mile long, time with friends and family is often the first thing to go; however, time with loved ones is a great way to manage the effects of stress. You can talk through difficult situations or just relax and laugh.
- Receive regular chiropractic care.The negative effects of stress on the body include muscle tension and contraction, which can lead to misalignments of the spine. A Doctor of Chiropractic can detect and adjust these misalignments, which can improve on body aches and pains and help the body function more optimally.
Stress may be unavoidable, but the negative effects are not. Learn to deal with stress effectively to reduce the damaging effects on the body.
If you have a particular question that wasn’t directly answered or you are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call the office at (716) 335-9711.
As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, winter sports enthusiasts eagerly prepare for a season of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more. While these activities offer an exciting way to stay active during the colder months, they also present unique physical challenges that can lead to injuries if the body isn’t properly prepared. A strategic approach to seasonal wellness can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of common winter sports injuries.
When it comes to filling a stocking, there’s something magical about tiny treasures that pack a big punch. Sure, candy canes and fuzzy socks are classics—but what if your stocking stuffers could actually make someone feel better long after the holiday sugar crashes fade? This year, level up your gifting game with wellness-forward, feel-good, wow-that’s-so-useful ideas curated with your favorite chiropractic and massage office in mind. Whether you’re shopping for the gym buff, the “my neck hurts every day” coworker, the parent who needs a moment of peace, or that friend who swears they’re finally going to prioritize self-care in the new year, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top stocking stuffers that are cute, practical, and chiropractor-approved.
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we pause to appreciate the big things—family, food, football, and maybe even a perfectly flaky pie crust. But there’s one thing we often forget to be grateful for: our bodies . Every day, your muscles, joints, and connective tissues do a whole lot more than you realize. They carry you through grocery store marathons, marathon-marathons, late-night study sessions, workdays, workouts, and everything in between. So this season, before you grab that second helping of mashed potatoes (no judgment here), take a moment to thank the parts of you that keep you moving. Here are five simple, meaningful ways to show your body a little gratitude—and feel better in the process.
If you’ve ever stood up after a long day at your desk and thought, “Why does my lower back feel like it’s been personally offended?”—you’re not alone. In fact, your posture may be telling a whole story. Enter Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) : a common postural pattern that shows up when certain muscle groups decide to overachieve while others go on vacation. The good news? You can absolutely fix it—and your favorite chiropractic and massage team is here to help.
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, winter brings cozy nights, comfort food, and—for many—an uptick in sniffles, coughs, and the flu. While we can’t control every germ that crosses our path, we can support our immune systems to better defend against them. A strong immune system is the body’s best defense against seasonal illnesses, and with a few intentional habits, you can give yours a well-deserved boost this winter. Let’s break down some evidence-based ways to keep your immune system in top shape through the colder months.
Fall in Buffalo is beautiful—the crisp air, the smell of bonfires, and, of course, the sea of colorful leaves blanketing your yard. But before you grab your rake and get to work, it’s worth talking about something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the physical toll of yard work. Raking may seem harmless, but poor technique, repetitive motion, and improper lifting can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and even more serious injuries. Here’s what you should know about protecting your body during fall cleanup—and how chiropractic and massage care can help you recover and stay strong all season long.
Let’s play a quick game: When you think about staying healthy, what comes to mind? Eating veggies? Getting enough sleep? Maybe strength training or cardio? All great answers — but there’s a key piece many people forget…
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We’ve all hit our “funny bone” before — that zinger of tingling pain shooting down your arm that you shake out. But when that sensation starts happening without bumping your elbow, it might not be so funny anymore. You could be dealing with something called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — a condition that gives your ulnar nerve a bit too much attention for comfort. Let’s break down what’s going on inside that elbow of yours, what causes this pesky problem, how to treat it, and what you can do to keep your funny bone feeling more “fun” than “numb.”
