Chicken Soup for a Cold

Chicken Soup actually helps with your cold! The anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning effects make you feel much better. Here is a recipe from the Medical Journal Chest, Vol. 118, 2000, Drs. B. Rennard, Erti, Gossman, Robbins, and S.I. Rennard:

1  5-to-6-lb stewing hen or baking chicken

1  Package of Chicken Wings

3  Large Onions

1  Large Sweet Potato

3  Parsnips

2  Turnips

11-12  Large Carrots

5-6  Celery Stems

1  Bunch of Parsley

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cover the chicken with cold water, and bring it to a boil.  Add chicken wings, onions, sweet potato, turnips, and carrots. Boil about 1½ hours, removing fat regularly.  Add the Parley and celery.  Cook all about 45 minutes longer. Remove the chicken, which is no longer used for the soup. Put the vegetables in a food processor until chopped or pass them through a strainer. Add salt and pepper.

True or False: Back pain will go away by itself.

False. Back pain does not heal on its on. Contrary to what many people believe, if back pain is not treated or corrected properly the problem can become long term. Sometimes the pain may temporarily go away, but if the problem is not corrected the pain will return. A chiropractor is effective in preventing long-term or recurring spinal pain.

Consult with your chiropractor today to learn state of the art FDA approved methods of treating this condition. Looking for a chiropractor? Contact Dr. Harper's office at (205) 425-5428.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go 5K Prep

Looking for a new way to get in shape?  Striving for a new goal is always an excellent way to put a little extra excitement into your workout!  While small, consistent goals like keeping your heart rate up for 30 minutes per day at least 3 days per week are wonderful ways to stay healthy, getting in shape for an event is even better because it gives you a goal that you are fully accountable for.  Sign up for a local event, and go ahead and pay the entry fee so that you will stay committed.  You could even include your friends and family so that everyone is involved!  Competitive? Make it a competition so you can see who can get the best time! 

We will be hosting a 5K run/fun walk on September 8, 2012 in Bessemer, Alabama and would like to challenge you to get into shape for it.  By starting to prepare now, you can ensure yourself to finish the 3.1-mile race in a healthy way, with a time that may surprise you!  Here are a few tips & tricks that will help you stay healthy and not overdo it at first:

§         First, get a physical from your chiropractor or family physician to make sure that you are healthy enough to begin working out, and talk to them about problems you may encounter.

§         Next, talk to your doctor about how you should get started in striving for your goals.  Remember, everyone may start at a different level, and it’s important to push yourself, but be sure to know your limits.

§          Go get some properly fitting running shoes.  If you have had problems with your feet in the past, I would suggest you go to a running store and talk to them about the support that you will need.

§         The next step is to break those shoes in!  Set up a work out plan that you can stick to!  Don’t plan on working out for 2 hours per day 7 days a week because you will become discouraged.  Start small: 3 days per week for 30-40 minutes would be great.

§         Be sure to begin and end each workout by walking 5-10 minutes and doing some light stretching.  This warm up and cool down will help to prevent injury and decrease soreness.

§         Stay hydrated!!! Dr. Harper recommends that you drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.  For longer workout sessions (90 minutes or more), a sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade would be good to replace the sodium & minerals lost while sweating during your workout.  Always drink plenty of water after your workout, despite the time spent working out or the intensity.

Stay motivated!  You CAN accomplish your goals!  You WILL succeed!

We have some exciting news: Town & Country Spinal Pain Center will be hosting our first annual Fans For Fitness, 5K Run/Fun Walk on September 8th, 2012!  We would love to have you be a part of this wonderful event.  Additional news will be coming your way as we progress!

The Chiropractic Approach Toward Obesity

The chiropractic advantage is a welcome approach in the fight against obesity. We as chiropractors, provide beneficial services to patients who struggle with obesity. Patients may initially come to us because of lower back pain brought on by their additional weight. The extra weight that people carry can also affect their knees and hip joints. A 10 pound weight gain can have an impact on your balance and alignment. As these patients come into the office, the chiropractor will have the opportunity to assist them in making better lifestyle choices that will result in achieving overall health. The unique advantage is that the chiropractor can monitor their patients increased physical activity, reduce musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain that may occur, make any adjustments to their specific weight loss plan, address concerns, and offer helpful words of encouragement to stay on course.

Dr. Harper is eager to offer his expert advice in order to aid you in achieving your weight loss goals. Call (205) 425-5428 today!

Strained from Stress?

There are many ways your can unknowingly put loads of stress on your back. Jolting activities, repetitive actions, or even just sitting with poor posture for long periods of time can put stress on your back. A lack of regular exercise can cause core muscles that support your spine to weaken. Any irregular incline in activity could lead to straining or even pulling muscles in your back.

Muscles strains are small tears in, or the stretching out of, muscle fibers. They are a leading cause of back pain. Stiffness and soreness that worsen with small activities such as bending or twisting are signs of having strained muscles, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

If you are experiencing pain from what you believe to be a muscle strain, follow these quick tips:

• To alleviate pain, start by icing the strain every 20 minutes for the first 24 hours. This will also help to reduce swelling.
• Every 2 hours, stretch gently with small movements. Lying down for long periods of time could cause muscles to tighten even more.

If the pain hasn’t reduced in 48 hours, contact your primary care physician or visit your local chiropractor. It is best to make sure your injury isn’t more severe than you first suspected.  There would be no harm in coming sooner if you are in serious pain or just want to be sure about the severity of the injury.

Regular exercise that will strengthen your core will reduce your risks for muscle strains. Don’t jump into a workout schedule that will be too rigorous for your body, as it may cause painful soreness or an injury that could set you back. Talk to your chiropractor about setting small, attainable goals. These can be paired with a large end goal like our upcoming 5K in September. This will give you plenty of time to get in shape and prevent future injuries. You will look and feel better when you achieve these goals!

*Some information in this blog was found in an article at www.health.com