South Windsor Neck & Back - November/December 2019

Check out our November/December newsletter! Happy Holidays!

Spinal The

COLUMN NOV/DEC 2019

860.644.2437 WWW.FUNCTIONFORLIFE.COM

Hawaiian Adventures Chris and Angie Return From Vacation Aloha! Angie and I just returned from our first trip to Maui, Hawaii, this fall, and we already cannot wait until we can make it back someday. (We may never make it back, but we can certainly hope. Fingers crossed!) While I had never been to Hawaii, Angie had visited years ago, but this eight-day trip was still new and exciting for both of us. My cousin got married in Hawaii this September, so our entire family made the lengthy trip to the islands to celebrate together. For Angie and me, this meant we had a 13-hour flight to essentially nap through, but the views and experiences were worth the trek. The wedding itself was gorgeous and right along the ocean. It was a great opportunity for my family to connect and make new memories in a place many of us may have never thought we could visit. Now, we have the memory of going together! We spent the wedding day making sure the bride was happy, and the number of pictures she has been posting on social media tells me she was thrilled. (She should be. It was a beautiful day!) We could not have asked for better weather during our entire trip. It was warmer than what people on the island were used to, but, as East Coast residents, we enjoyed the warm 80–90-degree days. When we weren’t celebrating a marriage, our days were spent snorkeling, taking helicopter rides, enjoying relaxing stints on the beach, and driving the Road to Hana. For those unfamiliar, the Road to Hana is a picturesque drive complete with 600 twists and turns, waterfalls, and oceanic views. The drive may not be suitable for those with queasy stomachs, but it’s perfect for tourists looking for idyllic Hawaiian landscapes.

My favorite part of the trip by far was swimming with the sea turtles. In Maui, they have a place called Turtle Point, where sea turtles congregate 20 feet off the beach in the coral reef. You’re not allowed to touch the turtles, but, as you paddle along in the ocean, the massive creatures swim up next to you, curious about who these new invaders are in their ocean home. The turtles we saw were younger and smaller, but they were still large animals, clocking in at about 4 feet long and about 500 pounds. Looking back, we had a fantastic trip, complete with wonderful weather and experiences. The island was very quiet during our visit, and we didn’t feel packed in with other tourists. Instead, we were on island time, enjoying breathtaking views, crystal blue waters, and relaxing beach days. That’s my kind of vacation and just what I needed as we prepare for a busy holiday season.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and, as they say in Hawaii, Mele Kalikimaka !

–Dr. Chris Colby

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“Relief today ... function for life!”

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860.644.2437

Crashing Into Pain

Car Accidents Can Damage

Fix It

Your Back, andWe Can

As we enter another snowy season in the Northeast, we know the latter half of each year becomes a dangerous few months for your spine. This winter, avoid a spinal meltdown with chiropractic care from Dr. Chris Colby and the experts at South Windsor Neck & Back. Here’s why your spine is in danger. Shifting From Normal According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 21% of the 5.8 million traffic accidents that occur each year are the result of inclement weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, and fog. A car accident puts a tremendous amount of force on your body, even when you are traveling at a speed as low as 30 miles per hour. Vehicles are designed to absorb as much impact as possible, but like the human body, a vehicle can only take on so much force before that energy is applied elsewhere. Specifically, your neck and spine can often feel the brunt of this pressure. A 2017 study published in the Asian Journal of Neurology found that spinal injuries happened at a high rate in auto accidents, specifically for the drivers. Similarly, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke claims that car accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal injury and could lead to paralysis, pain, and further problems.

Back to Normal Any jolt or pressure on your spine shifts it from its fully functioning, open position to an abnormal position. These abnormal positions increase inflammation on your ligaments and muscles, constrict your mobility, and muddle the communication between your brain and body. As you begin to heal, your spine’s abnormal position allows scar tissue to form in dangerous places, which can further complicate your healing process and prolong your pain. To mitigate this, it is imperative that you work with a chiropractor to get your spine back into its proper position to allow for restorative healing, better communication along your nervous system, and less pain. At South Windsor Neck & Back, Dr. Colby can create a healing plan that promotes recovery.

Please use caution as you travel this season, but if you are in an accident, don’t wait to give us a call. Schedule an appointment immediately by calling 860.644.2437.

Winter Wonderland RUNNING IN A Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather

Maybe you love the majesty of a winter’s morning, or maybe you just hate the treadmill. Whatever your reason is for wanting to run or jog outside in the dead of winter, remember to take the proper precautions before stepping out. Runners face challenges during the winter that they don’t face any other time of year. If you want to experience the winter safely, there are a few things to keep in mind. Warm up inside first. If you’re planning on braving the snow and frigid temperatures, try to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before you walk out your front door. Cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, so stretching your limbs in a heated environment is a good way to ensure maximum comfort and minimum risk of injury when you’re running in the cold. Wear shoes with traction. If your favorite running path is covered with snow and ice, you should consider finding a different route. But, if you can’t resist going down your beaten path, then you need to make sure your shoes are up to the challenge. If your running shoes have worn soles, then you’ll need to get a new pair with soles that will grip the

ground better before stepping out on the ice. Regardless of how amazing your shoes are, remain vigilant about where you’re stepping. Dress down a layer. Yes, it is cold outside, but your body will naturally warm up as you run, just like it would with any other

physical activity. Think of what you would normally wear to stay comfortable in the cold, and then wear one less layer when you’re running. Of course, you should keep other weather elements in mind as well, such as wind, rain, and snow, when you’re picking out your running clothes. Finally, if a day is particularly cold, snowy, or windy, don’t force yourself outside for the sake of your health. Sometimes, a good bowl of soup and a roaring fire can be just as physically satisfying as a run outside.

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860.644.2437

“Relief today ... function for life!”

www.functionforlife.com

Homeless Vets HELP LOCAL

Donate to Our

Winter Survival Pack Drive

ATTENTION South Windsor Neck & Back PATIENTS! Take Advantage of This 1-Time Offer From Synergy Fitness Please bring donations of coats, backpacks, socks, gloves, long john thermals, hand and foot warmers, lip balm, and ready-to-eat and nonperishable meals to SouthWindsor Neck & Back. Our goal is to collect enough items to supply 20 packs for various veterans in our region. These bags will then be donated to South As we finish 2019, say goodbye to lowered confidence and being unsatisfied with your body, and say hello to a healthy lifestyle with this partnership between South Windsor Neck & Back and Synergy Fitness. This winter, Synergy Fitness is offering our patients a free consultation if theymention SouthWindsor Neck & Back upon scheduling. If you are looking for a relaxed environment with no judgment, no ego, and, best of all, nomirrors, Synergy Fitness is the place for you. The goal is tomatch those looking for a healthy, strong, and confident body with a personal trainer who takes time to educate andmotivate them. Many clients at Synergy see a significant improvement in their lifestyle and create positive habits that stick. Exercise is not a temporary solution to a healthy lifestyle; it is an ongoing habit that requires dedication and commitment. There are a million reasons to quit According to government statistics from January 2017, there are more than 40,000 homeless veterans on any given day in the U.S. In addition, the government supports approximately 90,000 housing options for soldiers and their families. To put this in perspective, that means there are men and women who fought for and protected the rights we enjoy every day—which includes the right to own a home—only to return and be unable to afford their home when they return to civilian life. At SouthWindsor Neck & Back, we want to do our part to combat this epidemic and thank local veterans for their service to our country. We are partneringwith the University of Saint Joseph Connecticut and the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter to provide winter survival backpacks to 20 homeless veterans this fall. In order to fill these bags, we need your help.

Park Inn, which provides temporary and long-term housing to our homeless population. The organization also offers resources and services for the homeless. The drive ends on Nov. 18, but SouthWindsor Neck & Back will accept donations after that date. We will work with South Park Inn to ensure the items are donated to those in need. OnVeterans Day each November, our nation is asked to honor and support those who fought for our freedoms and continue to serve in our nation’s military. This winter survival pack donation drive is your opportunity to extend your appreciation into the winter and protect veterans from the harsh Northeastern weather. Thank you for your help. And to our nation’s military men and women: Thank you for your dedication to our country. For questions andmore information about this drive, call SouthWindsor Neck & Back at 860.644.2437. Visit FunctionForLife.com for our office hours.

If you would like to learnmore about South Park Inn Homeless Shelter’s resources, visit SouthParkInn.org.

TAKE a Break

when you first begin the journey toward a healthy lifestyle, but if you make your goals a priority, you won’t quit. An environment like the one at Synergy Fitness lays a strong foundation for your new fitness routine with experts who will push you to succeed. Plus, you already know you will have a support system—and a healing partner for aches and pains—with SouthWindsor Neck & Back! Take it fromus: Start now, and your body will love you for it later. Take advantage of this special offer by calling SouthWindsor Neck & Back at 860.432.5980

WINTER SLEIGH COOKIES ORNAMENTS REINDEER STOCKINGS

HOLIDAYS FLURRY FROZEN

PENGUIN WREATH SNOWFLAKE

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“Relief today ... function for life!”

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860.644.2437

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Inside This Issue

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Dr. Colby Escapes to Hawaii for a Week of Relaxation and Family

Seek Healing After Car Accidents With Chiropractic Care

Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather

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Help South Windsor Neck and Back Give Back to Homeless Veterans

Introducing a Special Offer

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The Rise of Holistic Products in Big- Brand Stores

Store Near You Coming to a Holistic Health Products for All Holistic wellness is sometimes seen as an inaccessible form of care. Holistic treatments and products can be hard to find, but access to them should never be restricted based on location, demographics, or affluence. Thankfully, this problem is becoming less relevant as more stores begin stocking holistic products. Holistic health products, which were often reserved for expensive online shopping or limited boutique releases in the past, are becoming more accessible as drugstores and big-box stores around the country jump on the holistic health train. Chains like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target have started stocking their shelves with notable holistic staples, especially those related to digestive and immune health. You can even find cleaner beauty and cosmetic products from brands like Burt’s Bees and Tom’s of Maine in many of these stores. Safer baby products, like cough syrup made with all-natural ingredients and diapers from brands like The Honest Company, are being placed in the eyesight of more people everywhere. With this shift in availability, customers have more options than ever before when shopping for holistic care.

These stores have an incredible opportunity to bring alternative wellness to areas that haven’t experienced it. Citizens in small, rural, or distressed communities where specialty stores and holistic medical practices are scarce can now explore more options. And if more options at reasonable prices result in healthier and happier people, then that’s great for us all.

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860.644.2437

“Relief today ... function for life!”

www.functionforlife.com

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