Still Working From Home?
Many people have returned to the office to work, but many others are still working from home. Are you still making do with the dining room table or a too-small desk perched in a corner? If you are experiencing discomfort from the hours you spend at a dysfunctional work station, read below to get more comfortable and reduce the strain.
We remain open during lockdown
After Christmas holidays, we are open for regular appointments. Chiropractors as regulated health care professionals are permitted to remain open during the lockdown. We continue to adhere to public health protocols and look forward to seeing you during regular clinic hours.
Chiropractic Care During Covid-19
Stepping Stone Chiropractic has re-opened to serve you during these challenging times. We have adapted our practices to keep you safe and healthy with additional cleaning and disinfecting, wearing PPE, creating more time between appointments and allowing for social distancing in the clinic. The opening hours have changed (and may change again) but we are able to see new patients as well as returning patients. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Benefits of Comfort Measures for Labour
Comfort measures help promote a natural labour, help you avoid medications and decrease interventions, reduce pain, help you labour more comfortably and enable you to effectively support your partner through childbirth.
Back Health at Work
So many people sit at a desk for long periods of time. Here are some suggestions to help you minimize the strain from sitting at a desk. Take some time to evaluate your workstation and see what you can do to improve your ergonomic setup.
Lift Light to Shovel Right
Snow Shovelling
Winter weather can pack a punch and, with the season’s heavy snowfalls, injuries often result. Improper snow shovelling is often to blame.
But shovelling out after a storm doesn’t have to leave you stiff and sore. With a little know-how, you can clear your driveway without the all-too-common back, neck and shoulder pain cramping your style. Here’s how:
Before You Start
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in the winter months as it is in the summer.
- Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as you get warm.
- Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
- Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. An ergonomically correct model (curved handle) will help prevent injury and fatigue. Also, if you spray the blade with a silicone-based lubricant, the snow will slide off more easily.
- Before beginning any snow removal, warm up for five to 10 minutes to get your joints moving and increase blood circulation. A brisk walk will do it.
All Set to Go
PUSH, DON’T THROW.
Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it. If you must throw it, avoid twisting and turning — position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.
BEND YOUR KNEES.
Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.
WATCH FOR ICE.
Be careful on icy walkways and slippery surfaces. Intermittent thaws and subsequent freezing can lead to ice building up underfoot, resulting in nasty slips and falls. Throw down some salt or sand to ensure you have a good footing.
Once you’ve mastered safe snow shovelling techniques, you’ll be free to have fun and stay fit all winter.
Check Your Posture
Here are some great suggestions on how to stand properly and prevent pain.
Butterfly Run Ottawa
On Saturday, October 14, 2017 my family will be walking to raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss at Aaron’s Butterfly Run. As part of the organizing committee I am hoping this event reaches many people in a meaningful way. Please join us at the opening ceremonies at Brewer Park beginning at 9:30, followed by a 5km run and a 1 mile family walk. Click on Butterfly Run Ottawa for more information and to register. Hope to see you there.
World Doula Week
Doulas really do make a difference. There is an excellent article written by Rebecca Dekker about the evidence for doulas. Read it here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
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