DR.STARR'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER - MAY 2009

Hello patients and friends of Family Chiropractic.

First, there are some staffing changes at the clinic. Dr. Ian Boonstra, the other chiropractor at Family Chiropractic, will be practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Donna Bellemere will be the receptionist on those days. The wonderful Tara will still be with us on Saturdays, and Wednesdays and Fridays we will sometimes be on our own.

GARDENING TIPS are our health topic of the month.

1. Always be aware of the position of your lower back. As I've said before, whenever you are bending forward, it is important to maintain the 'hollow' in the low back. For example, while weeding, I suggest using knee pads to comfortably kneel, which allows you to maintain the hollow in the back. If you lean forward, bend at the hip, keeping your back straight.

2. At the start of the season, start off slowly. With any new activity, your body needs time to get used to the new stress and tension. Start with 30 minutes and pay attention to what your body tells you the next day.

3. Protect yourself from the sun. Wearing sunscreen and a hat and remembering to stay hydrated will prolong your enjoyment of the backyard and keep away headaches.

4. Mix up your activities so that you aren't doing prolonged bending, pushing, or pulling. Change hands frequently when you are raking and hoeing. 5. Save heavier work for mid-way through your gardening, so that your muscles are warmed up and not yet tired. Keep overhead work to five-minute episodes, and avoid extreme reaching.

Enjoy and have fun!

Please check back next month for more News and Tips!! If you have a topic you would like to see covered in a future newsletter, please contact Dr.Starr