10 Tips to Keep Your Memorial Day Pain Free!
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and with it comes the unofficial start to summer! We want this summer to be pain free. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when we start to see summertime injuries in our office. Here are 10 tips to keep you feeling great and pain free this weekend!
1. Drive Safely
This fact shocked us, but the National Highway Safety Administration statistics show that you are 4 times more likely to die in a fatal car crash on Memorial Day weekend compared to other weekends. Be sure that you are aware when at the wheel. Put all distractions to the side including your cell phone. It is so tempting to text and drive, but it isn't worth the risk. If you have had a drink or two, stay off the road. Buzzed driving is just an unsafe as drunk driving.
2. Start Slowly
Changes in the seasons can be hard on our bodies. The activities that we do change and our body movements change as well and our bodies need a little time to adjust. Don't spend your entire Memorial Day weekend doing landscaping projects if your body isn't used to that. Doing a little at a time is a much better strategy to stay pain-free.
3. Take Breaks
This goes hand in hand with the last tip. Be sure to take plenty of breaks to give your body a chance to recover and allow you to assess how you feel. If you feel pain or discomfort that is your body's way of telling you to stop. Don't overdo it on Memorial Day weekend and pay for it the rest of the summer!
4. Watch How You Bend
Pay attention when you pick up that cooler full of ice and beverages! Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions we see at Sioux Falls Chiropractic. To help avoid low back pain, learn how to bend and lift properly. If it is too heavy, ask for help!
5. Pay Attention to Your Footwear
'Tis the season for flip flops, sandals, flats and high-heeled wedges, but your feet would appreciate it if you thought of them too! Summer footwear is notoriously unsupportive and all that extra walking, running, jumping and playing can take a toll on your toes. Take care to choose footwear that is supportive for the activity you will be doing. And if you are looking for a comfortable everyday sandal that actually gives you support, we can order attractive, supportive, and custom foot orthotics right here in our office!
6. Watch What You Eat
What you eat affects your life much more than you would think. Many painful conditions are triggered by inflammation; and one of the best ways to tame inflammation in the body is through a healthy diet. While it is tempting to eat bratwurst and Doritos all Memorial Day weekend, make sure you also balance your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you need additional help establishing healthier eating habits to help you meet your summer fitness goals, we offer nutritional help at Sioux Falls Chiropractic. We are happy to help you establish better eating habits and add in wonderful nutritional supplements as well! Click here for a free consultation.
7. Drink More Water
Even though it isn't predicted to be a hot weekend, drinking more water is one of the best habits you can develop to keep you safe this summer. Dehydration is a serious medical condition that can put you at greater risk of injury and even impair your judgment.
If you are planning to enjoy an alcoholic beverage this weekend, make sure you don't forget the water too. Dehydration helps prevent hangovers and assists your body in processing and breaking down alcohol.
8. Watch Out for the Sun
Whether our Memorial Day weekend is full of sunny days or partly cloudy, make sure your skin is covered. Sunburn is painful and can lead to other issues like skin cancer and skin infections if not treated properly. Wear sun protection if you are planning to be outside; even if it is cloudy. Cloudy weather doesn't prevent sunburns!
9. Stay Off Technology
In addition to being a huge contributing factor in many traffic accidents, looking down at your phone is an actual pain in the neck! This weekend is a great time to unplug and focus on your friends and family. Put away that addictive phone, tablet or laptop and try our guided stretches to keep your neck in top shape.
10. Get a Chiropractic Tune Up
We don't just treat pain! In fact, we love to see patients before they are in crisis mode so we can help you avoid it altogether. Most of us wouldn't wait for our car to break down before changing the engine oil, so don't treat your own body worse than your car. People need tune-ups too!
A general rule of thumb for those without pain is that it is a good idea to get a chiropractic adjustment every time the seasons change. When the seasons change, our activities usually change too, so it is a good time to check your alignment and make sure you're prepared for a fun summer.
Get your body in tip-top shape for summer and keep it there! Make an appointment today with Sioux Falls Chiropractic by clicking below. This is your life, live it well!