This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Winter Safety for our Seniors

  • Healthy Living and Winter Safety as you Age
  • What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Aging Adults?

Winter weather can be challenging for some seniors, especially those who have trouble getting around and other health issues. Chiropractic care is especially important for maturing and elderly adults because of the dramatic changes that occur in the spine with increasing age. As we age, spinal discs, joints, ligaments, muscles and other spinal tissues become weaker, less hydrated, more fibrous, and less able to withstand normal strain. As a result, back pain from arthritis becomes more prominent, soft tissues increase as the body is more vulnerable to injury. As aging sets in, healing from an injury minimizing risk and overall health and wellness becomes even more important.

“Seniors who utilize chiropractic care experience fewer symptoms from chronic conditions, less days in hospitals and more mobility than elderly non-chiropractic patients, says Dr. David Silbert,  a West Bloomfield resident, and Silbert Chiropractic Clinic in Southgate, Michigan.

There are things seniors can do to help improve their health and quality of life.  Routine chiropractic care has a number of benefits which are especially important as we age:

Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·         Make sure to keep your body moving every day, even if it's just walking at the mall or taking a stroll around the block. Exercise is the key to living a long and healthy life.

 

Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·         Incorporate a diet that is rich in fiber eating plenty of vegetables and low-sugar fruits which can help slow the aging process every day. Hydration is important throughout the day

·         Social support and positive experiences have been seen in studies to be beneficial to health.

·         Rest is necessary for your body to run optimally.

“Chiropractic adjustments can correct spinal and extremity misalignments in addition to reducing nerve irritation, improving circulation and release muscle tension, says Dr. Silbert, which all help the body return to a balanced, relaxed state.”  Chiropractic care with exercise can also have a positive impact on your health by aiding in preventing a variety of health problems in the future.

Use these basic safety tips that help minimize injury when shoveling snow this winter.

Shoveling snow can wreak havoc on the musculoskeletal system. Dr. David Silbert, suggest these simple basic tips if you must shovel, be careful. Listen to weather forecasts. Layer your clothing to keep muscles warm and flexible. 

Shoveling can strain muscles between your shoulders, in your upper back, lower back, buttocks and legs.  A proper warm-up by stretching before grabbing shovel is always important. When you do shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don't try to throw it. Walk it to the snow bank.

Avoid sudden twisting and turning motions.

Bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back. Take frequent rest breaks to take the strain off your muscles. A fatigued body asks for injury. Stop if you feel chest pain, or get really tired or have shortness of breath.

Remember that when it comes to shoveling snow, stay safe. Taking note of these simple tips could make the difference between spending your day enjoying the new snowfall or lying in bed with a sore back, sprained ankle or other injury that could have been easily avoided.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?