When you think of winter, there are few things that come to wind: snowmen, fireplaces, hot cocoa…but not all of them are pleasant. Wintertime also means flu season. There’s no denying the extra sniffling and sneezing you hear during the winter season, and it is important to pay extra attention to your health and wellness. Instead of hiding out this winter, learn how chiropractic can help you stay health.
Joint Pain
Did your grandma ever predict a snowstorm with her knee pain? Well, it’s not just something she made up. Cold weather can really impact your joints, making pain much worse.
As the temperatures drop, the barometric pressure and outside temperature can cause joint fluid to move less freely. That fluid is a lubricant that helps your joints function, but cold weather causes your joints to become stiff and painful. You read that right - your frozen shoulder could actually be the result of freezing temperatures.
With regular chiropractic care, you can reduce pain and restore range of motion to keep your joints moving freely. Here at Bird Chiropractic, we perform effective and gentle joint adjustments to keep that fluid moving as it should.
So much for walking in a winter wonderland…
Have you ever really stopped to think about why joining a gym seems to be the most popular New Year’s resolution? It might be because of all those holiday cookies and treats, but the weather outside can be to blame, too.
During the winter months, inactivity is common. Freezing temperatures make it difficult to want to leave a warm and cozy house, let alone go workout outside. The lack of activity and movement has a negative impact on your health, causing weight gain and added stress to the joints.
When you maintain regular chiropractic care, you give yourself a reason to get out of the house and keep your body performing as it should, thus preventing injuries and health conditions from setting you back. This year, try skipping the resolutions you don’t plan to keep anyways. Instead, commit to move more, even if it is walking in place during a commercial break or doing squats when you get up to go to the bathroom. Every little bit counts toward the goal of 20-30 minutes of moderate activity every day.
Take initiative
To keep yourself active, there are a few measures you can take. We want to help you achieve great health in 2019, and here’s what we suggest:
Wear warm clothes - This one’s easy! Keep your body and joints warm and protected from freezing temperatures. You so want to wear the right footwear, so you don’t risk slipping and falling on ice.
Stay active - Make sure you are doing some form of physical activity, no matter how hard it might seem to get up and moving. Your body will thank you!
Eat well - A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you reach and maintain your weight loss goals. That will reduce some of the stress from your joints and provide your body with what it needs to function optimally.
You wouldn’t leave the house without a coat, so don’t head into the coldest days of winter without chiropractic care. Be proactive with your health this year, and your joints will thank you for all of 2019!
