SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING
Avo iding the Lure of Your Chair
As modern technology continues to evolve, it seems like people are sitting more and more. Smartphones and tablets are a big part of everyday life, and many activities that used to be physical can now be done without having to move at all. It’s not uncommon for someone to get out of bed, sit in the car on the way to work, sit all day at a desk, sit in the car on the way home, and then sit all evening watching television or playing on their smartphone. The Trouble with Sitting Many people will look at the previous paragraph and say they have no choice but to commute to work and sit at a desk. This may be true, but excessive sitting is rough on your back and bad for your overall health. More and more evidence has emerged regarding the health dangers of sitting all day, and you need to take a more active role in managing your health. Know the Symptoms When you sit all day, you put almost twice the stress on your spine as you would standing, which is dangerous. If you’re the type to hunch forward slightly in your chair, the problem gets even worse. When TAKE A BREAK
you lean your shoulders forward, your back makes a “C” shape, removing the natural curve at the bottom of your spine. You might not realize you’re suffering the effects of sitting at a desk all day, but there are several symptoms you probably
already notice: • Neck pain • Back pain • Hip pain • Numbness in your legs and hands
• Swelling in your ankles • Weak abs and glutes • Fatigue
to stay active. While it might be difficult to muster the energy to take a walk after work or to hit the gym, you won’t be sorry. Every hour, take a quick break and get up for a few minutes to stretch (we have some effective ones to share with you). Work with us to come up with a healthy nutrition plan, and avoid unhealthy foods that will only add to your already less- than-optimal situation. How Chiropractic Care Can Help We can help you achieve pain relief and overall wellness. Ongoing chiropractic treatment relieves stress; improves posture, brain, and immune system function; and helps you sleep well, all of which will ramp up your productivity during the day. Call us to make an appointment today.
Long-Term Effects There are far more dangerous conditions that can stem from sitting for prolonged periods, including heart disease, diabetes, less brain function, and a 61 percent greater risk of dying if you sit for more than seven hours a day. While these are certainly alarming, you can take an active role in preventing them. How You Can Help Yourself Those who have a sedentary job and sit most of the day need to work extra hard
CITRUS AND AVOCADO
Salad
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bunch arugula • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1 avocado, cut into wedges • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8- inch thick and deseeded • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado. Inspired by Bon Appétit
P.S.
What if you devoted this year to simply loving yourself more? If you are starting this year not quite feeling like yourself and wishing you felt better, please give us a call and schedule a free, no obligation consultation. (805) 648-7987
3 (805) 648-7987
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