Winter 2001 Newsletter
As the twig grows into a tree, so does the body grow
from child to adult. Chiropractic care can help your
body grow right and function optimally.
This Issue:
- Sitting Right from the Start: Good Computer Ergonomics for Children
- Get Back into Shape After the Holidays: Why Exercise is important in the Winter
- Weekly Wellness Classes: Winter 2001 Schedule
- Bottom of Page
Sitting Right from the Start
Good Computer Ergonomics for Children
At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer station the are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders. These are harmful physical effects that can last a life-time.
What Can You Do?
- Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at the child's eye level.
- Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. A back cushion, small pillow, or rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added support.
- Wrists should be in a neutral position while typing or using the mouse.
- The child's knees should be positioned at a right angle. If necessary, use a footrest.
- Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and no glare on the screen.
- Limit your child's time at the computer -- no more than _ hour without a break.
- Have your child take stretch breaks every 15 minutes -- Ask Dr. Allen for details.
- Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury -- four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Soda, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.
- Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.
- Ask Dr. Allen for further information. He would be happy to come to your child's school to provide ergonomic evaluation and education. Chiropractic care can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury.
Thanks to the American Chiropractic Association for background information.
Top | BottomTop Five Reasons Why Exercise is Important Over the Winter
By Rick Allen, DC
- It helps keep the winter holiday weight off. Let's face reality. We all eat more over the winter holidays. The average Thanksgiving meal can include as many as 3,500 calories and that's just the start of the holiday eating binge. You can either use those extra calories to fuel your winter exercise or you can store them as fat. The choice is yours.
It keeps the fitness momentum on track. When you exercise on a regular basis, it's easier to stay motivated. By making your workouts a regular part of your daily schedule, you'll keep fitness a part of your life through winter and into the warmer seasons.
- It's not fun to jump-start a fitness program. A layoff of three or four weeks is enough to lose your cardiovascular conditioning...and starting from scratch is never easy.
- You need to maintain a decent training base to reach performance levels at spring races. If you take a break from exercise over the winter, you won't be in condition to race at your best in the spring, especially if you have your eyes set on a spring marathon. At a minimum, exercise three or four times per week for 30 to 45 minutes a session and you will be able to rebuild your training as the weather warms up.
- It reduces the stress of the holiday season. Winter exercise is a healthy way to deal with all the pressures of the holiday season. It will help you feel better as you race around to meet holiday deadlines and attend holiday functions.
For specific questions about exercising and staying healthy during the holiday season, contact Dr. Rick Allen at (503) 257-1324. Dr. Allen is a Professional Member of the American Medical Athletic Association, www.americanrunning.org.
Top | BottomFree Wellness Workshops Every Thursday
Dr. Allen's free1/2 Hour to Health is now 6:15 to 6:45 PM Thursdays each week. Seating is limited. Call (503) 257-1324 or e-mail drrick @ cascadewellnessclinic.com to reserve your spot.
Bring a Friend!
Refreshments Served!
Date Topic Jan. 4 Immune System Enhancement Jan. 11 Headaches-Drug-free Discoveries Jan. 18 Boost Your Energy by 200% Jan. 25 Changing Concepts in Arthritis Feb. 1 Breaking Free from Sinus Problems & Allergies Feb . 8 Stand Tall! Feb. 15 AMA Secrets Feb. 22 Rocket Fuel Food March 1 Immune System Enhancement March 8 High Blood Pressure Control without Drugs March 15 Achieving the Best Recovery from your Motor Vehicle Accident March 22 Ritalin & Drug-free Kids March 29 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS: Trauma Nurses Talk Tough April 5 Back-Pack Safety: Bring Your Backpack in for a Check-up Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student who splits his time between Portland, Oregon and Trout Lake Washington. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone at 503-257-1324 in Portland, 509-395-0024 in Trout Lake, or toll free at 1-888-247-3248, email or on the World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com
DISCLAIMER: The information included in this website is meant to encourage thinking concerning choices of care for and insight pertaining to possible causes of various problems. It is not a prescription for or diagnosis of any disease or condition. Suggestions are based on the assumption by the writer that a thorough examination was done previously and the reader is under care by a healthcare professional. This information is not a substitute for a live doctor.
© Dr. Rick Allen
Cascade Wellness Clinic
