Upcoming Talk at the Running Room

Hi Everyone,

Exciting news! I will be doing a guest talk at the Running Room located at the Country Hills Town Centre (NE Calgary) this Monday July 2nd! I will be talking about PLANTAR FASCIITIS to their 10km running group. Will update everyone how it goes! Also I’ll be posting some information presented here on CHIROPRACTIC CORNER.

Chatelain’e Back Pain Myths and Facts

Hi Everyone,

Here’s a great article from Chatelaine’s Back Health articles:

 (article link = http://site.chatelaine.com/backhealth/archive.aspx)

My favourite parts of the article are  in “blue” and I definitely include them in my educational material to patients.

Back Pain: Myths and Facts

It is easy to confuse myths and facts when it comes to back pain. Back pain is one of the most common health complaints today, with 80 percent of people experiencing problems at some point in their lives. But rather than rely on hearsay about what causes back pain and what treatments work best, it’s important to consult a health professional. Here are some myths and facts about back pain, along with spinal health tips that can help prevent problems.

Back facts
Your back is an amazing part of your body! It allows you to stand and supports your arms and legs. It also protects your spinal cord, which sends messages between your brain and the rest of your body. Knowing what to do when you have back pain is important. And back pain, unfortunately, is one of the most common ailments today. A sedentary lifestyle, as well as injuries, arthritic changes and aging can all lead to problems. What to do when you have back pain? Have regular spinal check-ups, practice recognized self-care and see a health professional.    

MYTH: Bed rest is a great treatment for back pain.
FACT: At one time, many people believed this to be true. But in fact, bed rest may worsen your back pain unless it is so severe that you cannot move. See a health professional such as a chiropractor about chronic or new back pain.

MYTH: Applying heat is recommended for a sore back.
FACT: Applying heat may worsen the inflammation of the joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Use ice on a sore back instead. The usual recommendation is to ice – use a commercial cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or ice in a dampened towel – for the first three days of acute pain. Limit cold pack treatments to 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and always place a damp towel or cloth between the sore area and the ice.

MYTH: Pain is the main indication that something is wrong.
FACT: Pain in your back is definitely an indication that something is wrong, especially if the pain is chronic and stops you from doing everyday chores and activities. But you don’t always feel pain in your back when there is a problem. Restricted movement or discomfort in your arms, legs and shoulders are also indications that something’s up with your spine.               

Just the facts about back health
One of the most important facts about back health has to do with posture. It’s a fact that good posture and a properly aligned spine, in everything you do, can help prevent back and neck pain. Exercise can help keep your back and spine fit and healthy too. Flexibility stretches help keep you limber while core exercises such as those involving balance, Pilates or a stability ball will help to strengthen your spine.

So until next time, see a chiropractor for back pain (new or old/lingering), keep in mind that pain is not the only indicator that your back is unhealthy and along with chiropractic care, exercises (flexibility and core) are also important in getting you “back” to health.

Dr. Lynda Chen  

EXCITING NEWS!!!

Hello Everyone! I have some exciting news in Alberta and at my clinic: www.centreforchiropractic.ca

Effective July 1, 2012, Alberta seniors will receive coverage for chiropractic services as part of the Coverage for Seniors health benefit plan, sponsored by Alberta Health and administered by Alberta Blue Cross. Seniors enrolled in the plan will receive coverage up to a limit of $25 per visit, to a maximum of $200 per benefit year (July 1 – June 30).

So call up your parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours about this exciting addition to Alberta Blue Cross! Its time we all started taking care of those who once took care of us…let me be an active part of your family’s path to optimal health!

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Another exciting piece of information…

We are expanding our days of operation! As of Saturday June 16, 2012 I will be providing my services by appointment only on Saturdays at the Centre For Chiropractic Care in the Crowfoot location from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

As a reminder I provide the following services:
-Chiropractic Spinal and Extremity Adjustments
-Laser therapy
-Acupuncture
-Active Release Therapy (ART®), a muscle release technique
-Rehabilitative exercises

Visit my contact page for my clinic information or email me at dr.lyndachen@gmail.com if you are interested in booking an appointment this Saturday!

 

Backpack Smarts!

Hi Everyone,

Here’s a great post from the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors written by Tara Madden:

Pack it light, wear it right: Back healthy backpack tips

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 3:00 pm • Tara Madden

Kids and backpacks just seem to go together. Whether sending them off to summer camp, to a sporting event or for a sleepover with a friend, chances are they will be taking a backpack. Since carrying a heavy load unevenly or improperly can result in poor posture, muscle strain, headaches, neck and arm pain, and even distort the spinal column, it is crucial that that backpack fit properly and not weigh too much.

More than 50 per cent of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years. Alberta’s chiropractors offer the following tips to ensure your child’s pack doesn’t become a pain in the back:

Pick it right

• Choose a bag made of lightweight material, such as vinyl or canvas.
• Pick a bag that has two wide, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, a padded back and plenty of pockets.
• Ensure the bag is proportionate to body size and no larger than needed. The top of the pack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
• Explore other options such as bags with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.

 Pack it light

• The total weight of the pack should not exceed 15 per cent of the wearer’s body weight.
• Make sure the backpack contains only what is needed for the day or activity.
• Spread the weight throughout the pack using the pockets.
• Pack the heaviest items close to the body.

 Wear it right

• Both shoulder straps should always be used and adjusted so the pack fits snugly against the body.
• The pack should sit two inches above the waist.
• Never allow your child to carry their backpack slung over one shoulder.
• Using the waist strap reduces the strain on the back and transfers some of the load to the hips.

To ensure your child’s back is healthy and strong, consult your chiropractor. They can teach you and your child how to pack, lift and carry a backpack properly to prevent injury. More information, including where to find a chiropractor near you, can be found at www.albertachiro.com. 

 

Thank You G.R.I.T For Having Me!

Hi Everyone! I want to thank G.R.I.T for having me speak at their 2012 Annual Conference yesterday. It went really well and I met a lot of wonderful people. Great participation and great questions!

Topics from yesterday’s talk were: 1) How working with children can cause a lot of mechanical stress to the body, 2) How chiropractic care can help these workers, 3) Some exercises to strengthen the spine and 4) Bending tips… Awesome turn out!

If you or someone you know is looking for a guest speaker please feel free to contact me! Stay tuned for my next talk…Happy weekend everyone!

G.R.I.T 2012 Annual Conference! Chiropractic Care for the WORKERS that work with special needs children…

Hello Everyone!

Dr. Chen will be speaking at the G.R.I.T Calgary 2012 Annual Conference this Thursday April 19th! She will be addressing topics about the benefits of Chiropractic Care for those who work with children with special needs.

G.R.I.T – “Getting ready for inclusion today”, is a non-profit Early Childhood Education Program for preschool children with disabilities. G.R.I.T. has been providing services to the Calgary Region since 1995.

Stay tuned for updates on how it went!

Please visit the G.R.I.T website for further information about this organization! http://www.gritcalgarysociety.com/

UPCOMING promotions!

NEWS!

Hi everyone! I was at Amaranth Whole Foods Market this past Saturday (March 3rd) talking about chiropractic. It was a fun afternoon meeting their customers and getting to know their workers!

I will be at the Crowfoot Library’s Health & Wellness Fair THIS Saturday March 10, 2012 to showcase my clinic and discuss more about how Chiropractic can keep your body feeling and moving better in a natural way!  The Crowfoot Library is located at:  8665 Nose Hill Drive NW. I will be there from 12 to 5 pm! Hope to see you all again, and meet some more people. Come by to pick up my free initial consultation promotion!