Anne Shows the Way to Wellness

There is so much in Anne’s story that is valuable sharing and it is well worth a few minutes to read, (see My Story From Living With Chronic Pain to Wellness – testimonial available in the clinic.)After living with chronic pain for 27 years and seeking help from numerous mainstream and alternative practitioners Anne finally had enough and took control of her health and her life.

Her last diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and the medication side-effects, on top of existing arthritis and osteoporosis, was the last straw and Anne chose a three-pronged approach – spiritual, nutritional and chiropractic. Anne’s symptoms and conditions are not uncommon in our community to some degree and many people live in suffering going from practitioner to practitioner and falling back on the panacea of drugs that mask the true causes and delay appropriate action and treatment. So often chiropractic is undertaken as a final last resort when all else has failed and there is no other alternative.  We ask whywait?

We say in our Half Hour to Health new patient workshops that we grow up in a medical and medicalised world with (often unconscious) medical attitudes, beliefs and habits. Part of this atmosphere is the legacy of years of dis-information (incorrect facts) about chiropractic, as well as a tone and projection of fear and wariness about our wonderful profession. As a result it is not until people are really suffering – under the medical regime – that they begin to question the wisdom of drugs, surgery and illness-care. (Continued page 2…) Anne was fortunate to choose what we could call the three of the four main pillars to Wellness to focus on: Spirituality – healthy mind, self-awareness through meditation and self-awareness and growth. Proper Nutrition – luckily Cyndi O’Meara was Anne’s mentor here and her book was as helpful a resource as ever. Chiropractic – after some not good experiences Cyndi encouraged Anne to try us at LHCC and we had the formula and Wellness approach that worked for Anne as it does for many. Exercise – a multitude of ills can be healed, averted and helped by regular exercise, a pillar of health vital to full Wellness. “What I love about the LHCC Centre is their holistic approach to health care.” So put your chiropractic first, tell others about chiropractic, help people to question the (medical -skewed) conventional wisdom that prevails. Attend our Advanced Healing workshops on meditation, nutrition (much taken from Cyndi’s book!), posture and breathing etc.

Ten Tips to Avoid Neck Pain

Many of our patients have read with interest and commented on this clinic handout so we have included it in this edition of our newsletter to get a wider audience and hopefully help more people. Global Burden of Disease studies report that musculoskeletal disorders such as neck pain are a major cause of disability and loss of work time as well as quality of life. Appropriate visits to the chiropractor will maintain correct neck function and posture and following ten simple tips will ensure a healthier, happier neck! Exercise to build strength, resilience and circulation. 2. Drink 2-3 litres of water a day. The body is 60% water and needs regular replenishing.

1. Minimise time spent in awkward positions that strains muscles and ligaments. 4. Strengthen posterior (back of) neck muscles to balance stronger anterior (front of) neck muscles.
2. Move and stretch your neck and body regularly using micro-breaks – reduces incidence of neck-related symptoms. 6. Sit at your desk and work correctly. Avoid leaning forward. 7. Invest in a quality bed and chiropractic pillow. Sleep on your side and back, never on your front.
3. Reduce stress with techniques such as yoga, diaphragm breathing or meditation. 9. Keep a correct driving position: spine upright with slight recline with shoulders, arms and neck relaxed.
4. Attend regular chiropractic ‘tune-ups’ and workshops to keep best function and alignment of your spine and stay current with wellness actions and motivation.

LHCC News

Well we are right in to the New Year now after what seems a very short January and February many of our patients have hit the ground running so to speak, continuing on with full and busy lives with work, parenting and sporting pursuits. The floods have tested or affected nearly all of us in some way and it was great to see that many of you who had to move home or office furniture and equipment to higher ground did come in for extra adjustments to help you stay strong.

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Thank you also to all who came to our patient Christmas Party.  I know our staff and doctors had a great time and thanks to the caterers and face painters, not to mention our wonderful and resourceful CAs, for their enthusiasm and help in putting on the event.

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Anne’s Story: From Illness to Wellness, An Ongoing Journey

Anne was aware enough to choose three of what we call the four main Pillars to Wellness to focus on: Spirituality – healthy mind, self-awareness through meditation and self-awareness and growth. Proper Nutrition – luckily Cyndi O’Meara was Anne’s mentor here and her books were as helpful a resource as ever. Chiropractic – after some not good experiences Cyndi encouraged Anne to try us at LHCC and we had the formula and Wellness approach that worked for Anne as it has done for many. Exercise – a multitude of ills can be healed, averted and helped by regular exercise, a pillar vital to whole-body Wellness. “What I love about the LHCC Centre is their holistic approach to health care.”

They understand to get truly well, we must completely look at all aspects of our health and I think the fact that they offer free classes on meditation, diet and exercise shows that they are truly dedicated to getting people well.” So put a priority on your chiropractic and the four pillars of wellness today, tell others about chiropractic and also you can help people to question the (medical -skewed) conventional wisdom that prevails. Anne is a wonderful inspiration to us all as to what is possible when you take charge of your life and health through decision, research, commitment and focussed & ongoing action.

Thank you Anne!

Good Sitting Posture Tips for Kids Spines

Do you share a computer with your kids?  Or, do they have their own computer, and you’ve set them up with an old desk of yours? Bad ergonomics for kids now can lead to back problems down the road. In recent years, there has been a big movement to improve computer ergonomics for adults in the workplace.  This movement has been very valuable, but it unfortunately leaves an important group out: your kids!

Following these simple guidelines can provide your child with an ergonomically sound work area: 1) Have the computer at eye level. This ensures upright sitting and no neck strain. Don’t sit for too long. 2) Make the workspace easily adjustable if they share the workspace with adults.

3) Keep the mouse close to the edge of the desk to minimize arm awkward stretching. 4) Make sure the child’s legs are at a 90-120 degree angle while seated. Use a footrest if required.