Happy New Year! As the holiday season wraps up and those last few Christmas biscuits have been eaten, now’s the perfect time to refocus on your health and set goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re seeking to exercise more, weigh less, or simply move comfortably, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your wellness journey. We truly value your commitment to your health and are grateful to be part of your care.
Below are our January stories that may help you enjoy a year of excellent health!
Dr Anthony Shares Why We Assess HRV
Have you ever wondered why Dr Sheree and I perform a scan to assess your Heart Rate Variability (HRV)? There are many crucial clinical reasons why we check your HRV on a regular basis.
Assessing HRV has been documented as a valuable method to objectively measure improvement in nervous system function. HRV reflects the influence of the vagus nerve and the sympathetic nervous system on intrinsic heart rhythm and, therefore, gives us, as chiropractors, a window into autonomic nervous system function and vagal tone.
Our autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual function – essentially, everything that keeps us alive!
If our ANS function is stuck in fight-or-flight (sympathetic dominance), our body will be constantly stressed and, therefore, unable to heal, rest, and relax.
Common symptoms of sympathetic dominance include:
- Regular headaches
- Tightness around the neck and traps
- Feeling anxious
- Constipation
- Being easily irritated
If left unaddressed, over time our ANS reserves are depleted and our body then struggles to generate an appropriate sympathetic response to meet the body’s needs at all. This can show up with serious consequences, including exhaustion, chronic fatigue and autoimmune related disorders.
Like anything in life, we need a nervous system with plenty of reserves (big batteries that can be drawn from, that recharge adequately to keep up with the drain of life’s demands) along with a balance of good sympathetic and parasympathetic function to be healthy humans. This is where chiropractic care may help!
A study done by Haas and Russell in 2017 demonstrated that patients under chiropractic care for a minimum of 10 weeks showed a sustained improvement in HRV. This study shows that chiropractic care not only improves those aches and pains but also enhances your nervous system’s resilience and adaptability to stress in the long term!
Dr Sheree’s Healthy Habits to Add to Your Day
From juggling work deadlines to family commitments, life gets incredibly busy, making it all too easy to let healthy habits slip when there’s so much on our plates. But staying healthy doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire routine. I’ve found that making small, simple changes can make a massive difference.
One habit I swear by is starting the day with two glasses of water. It’s such a refreshing and easy way to wake up your body and get hydrated after a night’s rest. Throughout the day, I also try to find moments to stretch or move. Whether it’s going for a quick walk or playing tennis, staying active always helps boost my energy and mood.
When it comes to meals, I like to focus on adding nutritious foods rather than overcomplicating things. Including colourful fruits and vegetables in my meals not only makes them look more appealing but also packs in those critical vitamins and antioxidants. If I’m reaching for a snack, I’ll go for something like nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit instead of processed options that have multisyllabic ingredients. And little tricks like tossing some leafy greens into a dish- can make a big difference over time.
Mindfulness is another habit that’s made a huge impact on my wellbeing. Just a minute or two of deep breathing, or taking a moment to notice my surroundings, helps me feel more grounded. And I always remind myself of the power of a smile – whether it’s for someone else or for myself. It’s amazing how something so simple can instantly brighten the day.
Remember this: healthy habits don’t have to be complicated. By weaving small moments of self-care and attention into your routine, you’ll feel so much better over time. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about making progress, one small step at a time.
New Year’s Resolutions to Reduce Back Pain
From hoping to crush your workouts at the gym to eating more dark, leafy greens, the new year feels like the perfect time for us to focus on habits that help you feel your best. Unsurprisingly, reducing back pain is definitely one of our top priorities for our practice members. Whether you’ve dealt with occasional discomfort or ongoing issues, we know that small, intentional changes can make a massive difference in how your back feels every day.
Let’s start with posture. Do you find yourself couch-slouching or hunching over your desk? Whether you’re spending many hours a day at your workstation or scrolling on your smartphone, sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the floor helps alleviate strain on your spine. Sure, it might feel awkward at first, but trust us – your back will absolutely thank you in the long run.
Another helpful habit we recommend is incorporating regular movement into your day. Take a few minutes every hour to stand, stretch, or walk around. Simple stretches like reaching for the ceiling, touching your toes, or doing gentle twists help relieve tension and improve flexibility. Strengthening your core muscles also provides extra support for your back, and we’re more than happy to guide you with exercises tailored to your needs.
We also remind our practice members to be mindful of their body’s signals. If something feels off, give yourself permission to rest or adjust your routine. Taking care of yourself isn’t about pursuing perfection; it’s about making consistent choices that work for you.
Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Workshops!
Ready to take your health to the next level? Our workshops are here to inspire, educate, and empower you to live your best life.
- Eat By Design
- 22 January 2025
Discover how to fuel your body with the proper nutrition for maximum energy and health.
- Move By Design
- 19 February 2025
Find out how to stay active, move freely, and keep pain at bay!
Spots are limited and filling up fast – secure yours today and join us for some hands-on fun and learning!
Looking Ahead to a Healthier You in 2025!
As we head into the new year, our team will walk alongside you on your path towards optimal health and wellbeing. Whether you’re attending one of our workshops, scheduling your next chiropractic adjustment, or simply staying informed with our tips, we look forward to helping you make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
Thank you for trusting us with your care. We look forward to seeing you at the practice soon!