August 2024
Clinic News
If you thought that a new style of newsletter was good last month, wait till you see what we have planned this month!
As the Olympics are currently taking place we wanted to run a competition of our own.
Below are our names and a list of sports within the Olympics, our challenge to you is to match us to the sports that we like to watch the most in the Olympics. Let's see how well you know us!
Whoever guesses the most right will win an ice pack and a box of Sport Tape (in a colour of their choice) and if more than one of you guess the highest number we will pick a name out of a hat.
Alex, Erin, Sophie, Natalie, Julie,
Andrea, Jenny, Jo and Anne
Diving, Swimming, BMX freestyle, Hockey, Badminton, Athletics, Equestrian, Triathlon, Rowing
Please send your guesses to sophie.merritt-drew@beestonchiropractic.co.uk
You have till 16/08/24
On your marks, get set, GO!!!
Other news - Sophie completes her radiography course - congratulations to her.
The team has been busy completing their CPD (Continued Professional Development) submission for the General Chiropractic Council Registration, which is a great opportunity to reflect on the seminars and conferences we attended over this last year. It has to be said that the introduction of Zoom and Teams online seminars has been a revolution in allowing us to access a wider range of topics that we now don't have to travel the country long and wide for.
Sticking to the athletic sport theme this month we will look at swapping your screen time for outdoor activities, plus the benefits of aloe vera.
5 Benefits of Cutting Back Screen Time
Whether it is for entertainment, education or work, people often spend countless hours weekly in front of digital screens.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased dependency of digital screens. They allow friends and family to stay connected and for employees to work from home.
However, now that COVID-19 vaccines are allowing people to gather in-person again and go back to the office, you might consider spending less time on your screen to improve your wellbeing.
Many people are unaware of the number of ways excessive screen time can cause health risks. By reducing your time spent on tech, you’ll experience benefits like:
- Boost your physical health.
Physical activity is essential for your health – however your phone and computer could be cutting into your exercise time.
Reducing screen time can improve your physical health by:
- Freeing up more time for exercise and socializing
- Improving sleep
- Reducing eye strain
- Avoiding headaches
- Helping prevent obesity and conditions related to excess weight
- More time for leisure activities.
Disconnecting from your phone and going outside or doing an activity you enjoy can be a tremendous mood booster. It can improve your well-being and make you feel more satisfied with your day.
Having fun and exploring the world is an important part of living. Instead of dedicating so much time to digital screens, encourage yourself and your family to try new activities. Perhaps go for a walk in the park, a bike ride, visit your local museum or explore a nature trail. Activities that don’t involve your devices can be just as fun.
- Make social connections.
Social connections can decrease anxiety and depression, help us balance our emotions, encourage higher self-esteem and empathy and improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we risk our health.
- Improve your mood.
If you are steadily providing your brain with new information to manage until right before you sleep (scrolling through social media, reading from a kindle), then your stress levels are going to be high. Studies have found that stopping screen time a few hours before sleep resulted in reduced levels of anxiety and stress. This will also often lead to waking up happier.
- Build a community.
Being a part of a community and wanting to feel connected to others is human nature. Feeling a sense of belonging and being social is a good way to manage your stress. Having support and feeling that you are not alone can help you manage difficult times in life.
There are many ways to get connected, consider these ways to get involved: Turn off electronics during meals or family time to eliminate distractions. Find events in your community (Volunteer, join a sports team, etc.) or plan a family fun day (game night, BBQ, etc).
Technology is undeniably a great tool, but it can interfere with your wellbeing and make you feel disconnected from the people around you. Taking a break from digital screens frees up more time to be active and enjoy time with loved ones. Why not give it a try?
The Fantastic Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice:
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe and people have used it for thousands of years for healing and softening the skin. There are no regular foods that contain aloe vera, so it must be taken in supplement or gel form.
Benefits of using Aloe Vera on your skin:
You can apply Aloe Vera juice directly on your face as its molecular structure helps heal wounds quickly and minimises scarring by boosting collagen and fighting bacteria. The gel contains antioxidants, enzymes, and Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory, Aloe Vera can help treat burns, acne and dry skin. It is also known to work best on superficial surface acne rather than cystic or deeper acne. Research backs up the ancient use of topical Aloe Vera as a skin treatment, at least for specific conditions. Studies have shown that Aloe gel is beneficial for skin conditions such as:
- Psoriasis
- Seborrhea
- Dandruff
- Minor burns
- Skin abrasions
- Skin injured by radiation
- Acne
Eating Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera juice is a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. This lowers oxidative stress on your body and reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Aloe Vera juice is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. The easiest way of getting Aloe Vera for consumption is to peel away the skin of the plant and crush the meat inside to eat in its purest form.
Drinking Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is extremely hydrating. By drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach, you’re providing your body with a boost of fluids first thing. This will help your system to push out toxins and clear your body of impurities that might otherwise have adverse effects. Another common use for Aloe Vera juice is for the treatment of IBS and constipation. The laxative compounds found in Aloe Vera are called Anthraquinones, and they work by reducing intestinal water absorption. This compound is found in the natural latex of the plant.
Oral Supplement:
Also taken in supplement form, Aloe Vera pills can improve digestion, decrease inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth. Aloe Vera is available as tablets, capsules, gels and ointments. You can also sometimes find it in health drinks and as an ingredient in cosmetic products and hand sanitizers.
Summer Time Sports
Summer time has arrived and with it the added need for us to take extra care of our necks, backs and spines to avoid pain and injury…
If the arrival of sunshine has caused you to pack away your winter jumpers and, instead, pull out your racket, shin pads or helmet for a bout of summer activities, remember to take note of these simple steps to ensure you steer clear of any unwanted pain and discomfort.
RUNNERS can avoid injury by regular stretching of the tendons and wearing good shoes with shock-absorbing features.
RACKET-SPORTS PLAYERS should be wary of playing through the pain of Tennis Elbow. Tennis Elbow is in fact an overuse injury, caused by repetitive movements at the wrist forcing the thumb outwards and the palm upwards. Continuing to play will only exacerbate the problem.
GOLFERS are particularly prone to lower back injuries. Graphite clubs and soft spiked shoes will help absorb the shock which can bring on back injury. Your chiropactor can suggest appropriate warm-ups and exercises, and help you work on an alternative swing.
GARDENERS commonly suffer from aches and pains, but they can avoid lower back trouble by kneeling on one leg rather than bending from the hips, keeping the back hollow whilst digging, and varying tasks throughout the day to avoid repetition injury.
DIY, like gardening, is often far-removed from everyday activities. When the sun is shining many will want to get out in the garden and get on with the long list of DIY jobs that have piled up over the winter months. Enthusiasts often injure their back by inhabitual exertion, so when lifting, take the weight on bent legs, keeping the back straight.
We treat all conditions that affect any muscle or joint in your body, from your head to your little toe! One of the most common complaints that we treat is back pain and Chiropractic is recommended by the government authority, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for acute and chronic back pain. Some of the other conditions that we treat are neck and headache, shoulder pain, leg and hip pain, knee and foot pain, sciatica and arthritis. Our registered Chiropractors all have at least five years of training. Treatment costs can be covered through most health insurers. If you are in any doubt, we are always very happy to talk with you on the phone to see if your condition will respond well to Chiropractic treatment. Call the clinic now to arrange an appointment time that works for you. 0115 9225085 If you would like to opt-out of receiving these newsletters please follow the unsubscribe link below, email alex@beestonchiropractic.co.uk or let us know at your next appointment.