Hi everyone,
I hope you had a safe, happy 4th of July and were able to get outdoors and experience the wonders of fresh air, sunshine, and people. Sunshine brings higher levels of vitamin D3, an immune system booster. However, you must be outside for twenty minutes per day with exposure to the sun. Sunscreen negates this exposure so if you avoid the sun or use sunscreen then it is essential for you to take a supplement daily. The minimum dose recommended by most nutritional experts is 5,000 IU per day. If you are never in the sun or minimize your UV exposure by wearing protective clothing, you will likely need more. Minnesotans are only able to manufacture enough vitamin D3 per day for about 2 1/2 months each year. Ask your medical doctor for a blood test to determine your levels. Once you know your levels, I can help you manage your daily dose of vitamin D3.
It has been incredibly hot and dry this summer and most people are not drinking enough water. I hear many people say they aren't thirsty but you are already dehydrated when you begin to feel thirst. A basic, but not carved in stone, rule of thumb is to drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Naturally, the more active you are, or if you work outdoors, you should drink much more. A good way to know if you are hydrated is if your urine is clear. Bright yellow urine is an indication that you are dehydrated.
We are in a state of heightened stress on a daily basis. You many not even recognize it anymore because it is there constantly. I have, though. People are anxious, tense, impatient, and often unkind. There is more hostility on the roads, not to mention the social chaos occurring daily. Chiropractic care is able to help you with your stress. Stress comes in three forms...physical, emotional, and chemical. We are all familiar with physical and emotional stress and we are certainly experiencing that. You may not consider physical stress occurring from lack of activity but it definitely impacts your health. Chemical stress occurs from pollution, cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription and recreational drugs, among other sources. How are you coping with your physical, emotional, and chemical stress?
Your endocrine (hormone) system impacts your immune system. When you experience stress, your endocrine system releases more cortisol, a stress hormone. This hormone is great for needing a sudden burst of energy to jump out of the way of a car. It is designed to elevate and then quickly drop to normal levels. Viruses, layoffs, job loss, economic depression, stay home orders, fear, and lack of social contact keep our cortisol levels elevated for long periods of time which can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and eventual heart disease and stroke. Cortisol also reduces your immune system function. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate nerve function which helps regulate your cortisol levels and improves immune function and blood flow to your brain, organs, and tissues. It helps to relieve tension in your muscles that occurs from chronic stress. Isn't it time you call for your next chiropractic adjustment? The clock is ticking...
As always, please call us to get evaluated or adjusted if you are injured. Time is of the essence in restoring normal joint alignment and promoting soft tissue healing after an injury, whether it involves a sport, a fall, or a car accident. Muscles and ligaments repair in six weeks. Whether they heal with healthy new fibers or scar tissue depends on getting chiropractic care or ignoring the injury. Not sure if you need to schedule? Call us and we can help you determine if you need an appointment. We are here to help.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook for timely health-related articles and information. Like us on the homepage of our website to receive this information.
Susan and I will be getting out of the office to enjoy summer by taking a vacation the week of July 27th. I hope you are enjoying summer. Get out and breathe fresh air and soak up the sun's healing rays.
Dr. Tracy
Please Visit and like us on Facebook for special updates and offers
|
