SUMMER SWIMMING SAFETY
3 TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER
There’s nothing like taking a dip in a nearby pond, lake, or even the ocean. For many, it’s a summertime tradition. However, swimming in open bodies of water brings certain safety risks, as these environments are not nearly as controlled as public, club, or backyard pools. Everyone should follow these tips to have a fun and safe time cooling off under the summer sun. NEVER SWIMALONE When you swim in virtually any body of water, having someone there to keep an eye on you can be a lifesaver: the more people, the better. Stick to bodies of water with a professional lifeguard on duty when possible, though that’s not always an option. When swimming in open bodies of water, have a “designated spotter” to keep an eye on the swimmers. This way, you’re prepared if anything bad happens. It’s also a great idea to keep flotation devices nearby, such as life jackets, life rings, foam boards, etc. KNOWWHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO Sometimes, it’s next to impossible to see what’s under the surface of the water. If you are unfamiliar with a body of water, don’t jump or dive in without knowing how deep it is. If you cannot confirm what is under the surface (and the spot is not a known diving location), don’t risk it. It may be okay to swim or wade, but jumping is out of the question. Along these same lines, be VERY careful around bodies of slow- moving or standing water. These can house dangerous microbes and other contaminants that can make you ill and potentially be deadly. WATCH FOR RIP CURRENTS These can occur at any beach without warning. They pull swimmers away from shore and are strong enough that even excellent swimmers struggle to get through them. In fact, rip currents are behind nearly 80%of beach rescues. Keep an eye on the foam at the surface of the water. If it seems to suddenly pull away from the beach, there’s a good chance a rip current is lurking beneath. If you find yourself in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid expending energy swimming directly back to shore. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current.
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
How We Can Help You
Around this time of year, we see a lot more runners and triathletes at our office. People exercise more during the summer months, but this leads to an increase in injuries. A common injury I treat is Achilles tendonitis. ACHILLES TENDONITIS The Achilles tendon is the thickest in the human body and attaches the heel of the foot to the calf or gastrocnemius muscle in the leg. It allows people to run, jump, walk, or stand on their toes by moving the heel as the gastrocnemius is flexed. When the Achilles tendon is strained through repeated use, it can become inflamed and irritated, making it painful to walk. A person can also feel pain or discomfort if they have been inactive for a long time, such as when they step out of bed in the morning. This condition is known as Achilles tendonitis. Although this injury is acute, if left untreated, it will worsen over time and weaken the tendon, increasing the likelihood of a tear. SEEKING TREATMENT NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture uses several techniques when treating Achilles tendonitis to reduce pain and promote healing. Our first goal when treating patients is to reduce inflammation in the tendon by using laser therapy. After this, they will experience an increase in movement with less pain, but it doesn’t fix the condition. What usually causes Achilles tendonitis is tightness in the calf muscles that pulls on the tendon from overuse. To ensure our patient is completely healed, we treat the tightness in the calf and lower muscles of the leg. Depending on the severity of the condition, I will use a combination of techniques: dry needling, Active Release Techniques (ART), and the Graston Technique. Typically, 6–12 treatments will have patients back on their feet and enjoying the activities they love.
You don’t have to experience pain with every step any longer. Call our offices today to learn which treatment options are best for you.
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
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