Summertime is fun time - swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, beach barbecues, and lots of sunshine!
We want to be sure to enjoy ourselves all summer long and not be slowed down by the speed-bumps of sunburn, muscle aches and pains, and back strain. There's plenty we can do for prevention and to make sure we continue to have fun for the whole summer and beyond!
Sunburn first. This is now a real problem for almost everyone. More harmful ultraviolet radiation is reaching the surface of the planet, and that means it's reaching us! When we were kids we could get away without putting on sunscreen. Now we really need protection - for kids as well as adults.
Everyone needs to use a sunscreen. These products are rated by the amount of sun protection factor they offer - the SPF. Generally, sunburn can be avoided by using a product with an SPF of 15. Infants and children should be protected with an SPF of 30. Babies younger than six months of age should be kept out of the sun.
Both sweat and water reduce SPF protection. So if you've been in the ocean or the pool or have worked up a sweat playing volleyball or Frisbee, reapply your sunscreen right away. If you're fair-skinned or have a receding hairline, wear a hat. Protecting your lips is important too - lip balms are available with an SPF of 30.
The right kind of sunglasses is important - not all sunglasses are created equally. For proper protection, choose sunglasses that offer ultraviolet (UV) protection - helping to avoid cataracts and other eye diseases. Protection should block 99% of UVB and 95% of UVA radiation.
Getting ready for exercise is next on our summer-fun agenda. Swimming, surfing, and volleyball all require a good amount of flexibility. It's a bad idea to jump in the ocean after having spent the last six months sitting on your couch playing "Grand Theft Auto" or "World of Warcraft". The first big wave may knock you over and sprain your back!
Getting ready is important. Begin by doing daily gentle stretches for your major leg muscles - the hamstrings, quads, and calves. Stretching these big muscle groups reflexively relaxes and lengthens the muscles of your lower back.
Also, start doing abdominal exercises - leg lifts for the lower abs and crunches for the middle and upper abs. Strong abdominal muscles translates into support for your lower back.
Learning how to do a set of core exercises is very valuable. These exercises specifically strengthen the inner wall of your abdominals and lower back, resulting in more strength, more flexibility, and better balance. The only equipment required is an exercise mat.
Your chiropractor will be glad to provide information, guidance, and recommendations for a range of exercises and stretches that will help keep you healthy all summer long and beyond!
1Holick MF: Sunlight, UV-radiation, vitamin D and skin cancer. How much sunlight do we need? Adv Exp Med Biol 624:1-15, 2008
2Moehrle M: Outdoor sports and skin cancer. Clin Dermatol 26(1):12-15, 2008
3Urquhart DM, et al: Abdominal muscle recruitment during a range of voluntary exercises. Man Ther 10(2):144-153, 2005
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Do I need to have a “problem” or an “issue” to get started with care?
No. Usually a symptom is the last phase of tissue injury - stiffness and mild discomfort or occasional pain that “comes and goes” are some early indicators. As a neurologically based chiropractic office, we focus on proactive health measures and thorough exams so we detect problem areas before symptoms arise.
How long will my first appointment be?
Your first visit will last about 60 minutes.
Insurance or No Insurance?
We are in-network with most major insurance providers. Unsure if chiropractic care is covered by your insurance? Bring in a copy of your ID and insurance card and our team will do a complimentary benefits check for you!
No insurance? No problem! We serve many individuals and families that do not have insurance or that have non-traditional health share plans. For any out of network plans or health share plans, our team will supply you with a detailed superbill.
No matter if you have insurance, or not, you will always be informed of any cost prior to receiving a service.
What is included in my first visit?
The first visit will give us an opportunity to connect with you, listen to your concerns, and discuss goals for your health. We will conduct a thorough consultation to gather information on your past and current experiences that have contributed to where you are now. You will also receive a thorough palpation and postural examination to help our doctors assess how your spine and nervous system are functioning. If recommended by the doctors, chiropractic postural x-rays will be taken as well.
Do you take x-rays?
Yes. At Vita Chiropractic, we have an on-site digital x-ray suite for your convenience and cost effectiveness. Most practice members, if not pregnant, will receive x-rays as part of our examination process.
What happens next?
Getting scheduled for your initial examination is just the first step towards your road to optimal health. After you submit your appointment request, you will receive a call from our team within 24 hours on business days. Once your appointment date and time are confirmed with a call from our team, you will be instructed to complete new patient forms prior to your visit. Those forms will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and can be found on our website. If at any time a scheduling conflict arises, please give us a call so we can make accommodations to reschedule your first visit.
How is treatment structured?
Each practice member undergoes a thorough health history consultation on their first visit to assess their specific chiropractic needs and health goals. This thorough visit allows our doctors to create a specific care plan for each individual who comes through our doors. Our focus is to help patients reach their health goals and serve their bigger purpose. Our doctors tailor care plans for corrective results, not just temporary change!
