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COLUMN JULY/AUGUST 2019
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Happy Trails! Seeking Relief From Common Hiking Injuries
When I had more time to devote to my hobbies, I was an avid hiker. I’m sad to say that I don’t get to do it as much as I used to, but I find myself at peace whenever I get the chance to go. I have always enjoyed the relaxation fresh air offers down a winding trail, especially along the rail trails that dot Connecticut. If you aren’t familiar, our state is home to 185 miles of walking trails that once served as the booming railway system that ran through our colonial state. These trails are not your typical hillside, cardiac-burner paths. Instead, you will be treated to the Connecticut landscape during a leisurely walk down former railroads. As with any physical activity, there’s always a need for caution, and because hiking often involves outdoor exploring, it’s important to prepare. I always wear sturdy walking shoes and carry plenty of water. It’s also vital to religiously apply sunscreen, let someone know where and when you are going, and dress appropriately for the weather. The most experienced hiker will tell you that no matter how advanced you are, accidents and injuries happen. Always carry a small backpack with a few first-aid essentials so you can be prepared for the unpredictable. I like to include Band- Aids, braces, and rope in this pack, in case I have to secure anything, and pocket knives can be useful tools, as well. Brushing up on standard first aid is a good idea, too. Above all else, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries so you can avoid further problems down the road — and so you can continue to explore! Back in the clinic, it’s not uncommon for me to see patients’ hiking injuries spur on other pain and problems. What starts as an ankle strain can transpire into knee problems from limping, hip aches from the knee pain, and lower back strains from supporting the hip. Soon, patients are wobbling into our clinic with That’s not to say I don’t enjoy those sweat-drenching climbs and hikes through Connecticut, too; they often have the best views!
limited mobility, wondering where their back pain even came from. I often try to get to the root of their problem by inquiring about injuries or past pains they have had. As I deduce what the main issue that caused their problem is, I can then figure
out the best way to treat them. During the process, I can educate them about the communication system our bodies rely on. A sprained ankle that hasn’t healed properly can lead to back pain because of the connections between your back and your ankle. Your spine moves you forward, because it serves as the communication superhighway that makes this all possible. Instead of letting the pain linger, focus on reducing the swelling from a strained ankle. Apply ice to your injury regularly for the next 72 hours, and if it’s more severe or swollen, use a compression bandage for stability for the next 24 hours. Monitor the color, swelling, and pain as you heal. Concussions and shinsplints are also common hiking injuries that can be relieved and mitigated with regular care and maintenance. Be extra cautious when it comes to concussions, as these injuries can have detrimental effects on the rest of your body and its communication processing. Common signs of concussions include nausea, dizziness, disorientation, and memory loss. Consult with your doctor immediately if you suspect you are concussed. Don’t let your pain keep you from hitting the trails this summer. I’m looking forward to finding time in my busy schedule to venture into our local woods, and I hope you will do the same. Happy trails! –Dr. Chris Colby
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During the summer, the backyard grill becomes the place to be. It’s the best site for sharing grilled meat and memories. But as you grill this summer, why not take a step out of your “meat comfort zone?”Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, just about any backyard grill can be transformed into an all-purpose, high-temperature oven. Get ready to kick some of your favorite foods up a notch! Here are three foods that are great for grilling. Pizza Making your own pizza at home is incredibly easy. You can make your own dough or buy it at the grocery store. Roll it out, add all your favorite toppings, then toss it on the grill. Just make sure your pizza will fit on the grill first! You may need to make smaller personal pizzas if you have a smaller grill. Pro Tip: The hotter you can get your grill, the better. At 500–600 F, it may only take a few minutes to completely cook the pizza, so don’t leave the grill. This is the best time to use a pizza stone (if you have one) to ensure a golden-brown crust, but you can place the pizza directly on the grill. Out of Your Grill This Summer 3 Foods Made for Grilling
Bread There’s nothing like making your own artisan bread at home, and you can do it right in the grill. You can create your own flatbread, rolls, or full loaves with just about any bread recipe. It all comes down to time and temperature control. 500 F tends to be a safe bet. If it’s too hot, you’ll overbake the outside while the inside remains raw. Salsa You can kick up the flavor of any homemade salsa by first grilling each ingredient you want in your salsa, such as tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, or garlic. This includes salsa with fruit, such as mangoes or peaches. Allow each ingredient to get a light char, but be sure to remove the charred skin of the tomatoes after grilling. Leaving it on can result in a burnt flavor rather than a smoky one.
THANK YOU, PATIENTS! Celebrate With Us on July 20 Every day, we get to help hardworking and dedicated patients who trust us with one of the body’s most vital components. Your commitment to your spinal health makes our dream come true each day, and we could not be more grateful that you put your health in our hands.
In honor of our patients and to show our appreciation, we are celebrating Patient Appreciation Day this July! This midday party will feature great food, exciting entertainment, and special offers for all new and returning patients.
Patient Appreciation Day When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 20 Where: SouthWindsor Neck and Back parking lot The Details Get away without leaving SouthWindsor this summer and celebrate at our Hawaiian-themed Patient Appreciation Day. Enjoy a Hawaiian barbecue and various refreshments, and try your hand at your own barbecue party by entering to win a grill! Attendees can enter for a chance to win this new grill when they refer a friend to our clinic.
And what would be a SouthWindsor Neck & Back celebration without a nod to spinal health? Relax with chair massages or purchase a $20 gift card to our clinic. Proceeds from the gift card sales will be donated to the SouthWindsor Police Department and the exams include a chiropractic exam, thermal spinal scans, and X-rays.
If you don’t want to come alone, bring friends and family to the celebration! Our staff and experts will be on hand to answer any questions new or returning patients have about their care. After all, this day is all about you. We cannot wait to celebrate with you this July! Thank you for your support, and to learn more about this event, follow us on Facebook, visit FunctionForLife.com, or call 860.644.2437.
In addition to great food and prizes, a tarot card reader will be on hand for those who dare to peek into their future. Don’t forget to bring the kids for some exciting face painting, too.
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“Relief today ... function for life!”
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Pains SUMMERTIME How Chiropractic Care Can Help With 2 Common Conditions
Having a backache or hip pain typically has you wobbling to your chiropractor, but there are somany more ways their expertise can help you. Find out how this kind of care can relieve two common summertime conditions below. RunningOut of Tissues? Withmore pollen wafting through the air and warmer temperatures beckoning you outside, it’s not uncommon for allergies to spike during the summer. Allergy symptoms are commonly a response of your body’s immune system, which is perceiving something as harmless as dust or grass as an invasive intruder. Sneezing and watering eyes are methods your body uses to clear these toxins out. Decongestants are often the go-to source for relief, but these aids rarely target the root of your problemwhen allergies attack. Chiropractic care is designed to realign your body and open up proper communication within your nervous system. By realigning the spine and neck, chiropractors can relieve sinus pressure, properly drain your sinuses, and align this communication back to center.
swim safety, there are health concerns every swimmer and parent should know before diving in. Swimmers typically get ear infections, commonly called swimmer’s ear. This condition occurs when bacteria builds up in a patient’s ear canal, and while contact with water is a common cause, it can happen to anyone. If your ear is throbbing, aching, and warm, consult with your doctor for a diagnosis. This will eliminate any other serious conditions that could stem from these symptoms. After an ear infection diagnosis, your chiropractor can offer you relief. Hinging on the same science as allergy relief, care for an ear infection stems from a chiropractor’s ability to open up that primary communication between your sinuses and immune system. As the bacteria in your ear increases the pressure within that cavity, your body becomes stressed, and readjusting your spine removes that pressure, allowing your body to fully heal. Don’t reach for pain relievers when allergies and ear infections leave you feeling groggy and achy. Find out how the experts at SouthWindsor Neck & Back can help by calling 860.644.2437 or visiting FunctionForLife.com.
CanYouHearMe? Nothing is more refreshing than dipping into the pool on a hot day, but in addition to
Angie Colby’s Asian-Inspired Burgers and Slaw
Fire up the grill for another Colby family classic! We’ve combined recipes fromFoodNetwork and Carlsbad Cravings to create ameal everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Burgers: •
• • • • •
1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• • • • • • • • • •
1/4 cup of soy sauce 1/4 cup of lemon juice 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp each of salt, dried basil, garlic powder
• • • • • • • •
1 tbsp of olive oil
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 lb. lean ground beef 1/2 cup of red onion
1/4 tsp of pepper
2 tbsp of freshly grated ginger 2 tbsp of white vinegar 2 tbsp of dark brown sugar
4 burger buns
Coleslaw: •
1/3 cup of panko bread crumbs 1–3 tsp Asian chili garlic sauce
2 16-oz. bags of coleslaw mix or 1 bag each of 16-oz. green and red cabbage
2 tsp of sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp of sesame seeds (optional)
1 tbsp hoisin
• •
1 thinly sliced red onion
1 tsp of salt
1 tbsp lime juice
6 large scallions, thinly sliced
20 grinds black pepper
Directions
1. Gently whisk egg in a large bowl and combine the remaining burger ingredients. 2. Use your hands to mix the burger meat well, and form the mixture into four equal-sized patties. 3. Make a deep impression into the middle of each patty, and refrigerate the burgers for 15 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, toss the coleslawmix (or red and green cabbage), the red onion, and scallions together until everything is mixed. Combine the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.
5. Before serving the slaw, bring the mixture to room temperature and stir in the sauce. 6. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and add the patties. 7. Cook the burgers until they are brown and slightly charred on one side, about 3–4 minutes. Flip the patties and cook until your desired doneness. 8. Stack the burgers on a hamburger bun, top with your freshly made slaw, finish it off with any condiments you prefer, and enjoy the tangy twist on this grilling classic!
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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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Hiking With Dr. Colby
Get Even More Out of Your Grill This Grilling Season! Celebrate Patient Appreciation Day on July 20 Chiropractors Can Relieve Your Allergies and Ear Infections! Asian-Inspired Burgers and Slaw
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Taking a Step Into the Past This Summer
There are only so many times you can go to Disney World over the summer until both kids and parents start snoring from boredom. Why not take a break from your modern ways? Silence your cell phones, pop in a road trip CD, roll the windows down, and get a new perspective on this great nation of ours. You’d be surprised by the hidden historical gems our country is home to. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Whether you have a car full of restless young’uns to entertain, or you just want to gain some new insight into your country roots, this outing is fascinating for the whole family. As a truly unsung and unique aspect of the American West, this blast from the past gives new meaning to “girl power.”Through exciting displays and informative tours, the National Cowgirl Museum brings you back to a daring world where no day was guaranteed. Starting as nothing more than a modest room in the building’s basement, the museum has grown to more than 33,000 square feet and boasts over 4,000 artifacts. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this destination may be a bit of a drive, but the unique opportunity to take in the bravery and achievements of some of history’s greatest cow girls makes the trip worth it. Break the Mold With These Exciting Outings Summer Destinations Unique, Old-Timey
Tombstone, Arizona, and All Its Wild Wonders Few towns have played a more important role in our common knowledge of the WildWest than Tombstone, Arizona. From the popular movie of the same name to the famed “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” this stunning city is unparalleled in historical value. Through countless restoration efforts and local museums, this WildWest behemoth has no shortage of adventures to set out on. From old-timey saloons and spooky graveyards to the infamous Birdcage Theatre, you can go on a week’s worth of expeditions accompanied by friendly guides who are there to fill you in on all the tales of old.
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860.644.2437
“Relief today ... function for life!”
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