BACK ON THE ROAD PREVENT PAIN BEHIND THE WHEEL
Whether you’re stuck in LA traffic or road tripping to a relative’s house for the holidays, driving can be a pain in your back. Everything from the shear stress of commuting in the big city to the bumps and shudders of the open road certainly don’t help you feel any better — but the actual source of your pain is something else entirely. Chances are your aching back is the result of how you’re seated behind the wheel. AN IDLE PROBLEM In general, back pain is an incredibly common side effect of modern life. Most of us spend our day seated at a desk all day, only to get in our car to head home and be couch potatoes in front of the TV. Without the right posture or back support, these marathon sitting sessions can place unnecessary stress on your neck, shoulders, and lower body. While office chairs and even home furniture are growing more ergonomic to prevent this, the driver’s seat remains a significant obstacle. ROAD WEARY Unlike other sitting situations, driving presents some unique challenges. You can’t have your feet firmly
planted on the ground, which interferes with your posture. Furthermore, the need to keep your eyes on the road, including checking your mirrors and blind spots, can make it difficult to focus on how you’re sitting. That said, you can use a few tricks to make long drives more comfortable. SHIFTING GEARS Make the following adjustments for a more comfortable drive: • Adjust Your Seat: You should be able to reach the pedals and steering wheel while keeping your tailbone close to the seatback. Your head should be touching the center of the headrest, and the backrest should be slightly reclined at an angle of 100–110 degrees. • Adjust Your Mirrors: From your new seated position, ensure your mirrors are aligned so you can check them easily. You want to minimize head movement and neck strain while checking for cars behind you. • Use Those Rest Stops: While not always possible during traffic jams, taking a break from driving is important. Taking time to pull over and stretch during long rides can prevent back pain from becoming unbearable.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT This super easy and fun way to create homemade treats provides your kids with a healthier and more delicious alternative to packaged industrial candy. As a bonus, making it is an awesome Halloween activity for your family to enjoy.
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS
• 1 package melting chocolate • Assorted dried fruit, including apricots and mangoes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. 2. Place a large, heatproof mixing bowl on top of saucepan so that no steam can escape. Place melting chocolate in mixing bowl and double boil until melted. 3. Dip half of each piece of fruit in chocolate before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet to rest. 4. Let cool for 10 minutes until chocolate solidifies. 5. Place in school lunches, serve at parties, and indulge in a few for yourself.
LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 3
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker