spring / summer 09 news

Congratulations To The Runners Easter Monday morning a few of the staff here at Lushington Chiropractic decided to give up the Easter eggs and instead a 2 mile run was in favour. Although a slightly grey morning the rain stayed away and a little sunshine helped us on our way. We had an excellent morning and although our legs maybe a little tired it’s all worth it as so far we have raised over £450. We have been collecting donations for Barnardo’s Children’s Charity.

 

spring news

Chiropractic Awareness Week 2009: Tips to Avoid Injury Spring can be a great time to make a fresh start. We can turn over a new leaf and start looking after ourselves better. But one thing we often neglect until it’s too late is our back. Almost half of us suffer with back pain every year. We should take head of early warning signs before they get too much. Statistics show that almost a third of over 65 year olds suffer with constant back pain. It’s Chiropractic Awareness Week this April, so consider this practical advice to help keep you healthy:   Chill out – Use an ice pack for a recent injury. Wrap it up, and leave it on for up to 10 minutes then take it off for 20 minutes before repeating. People with arthritic aches are better with warmth/heat (e.g. a lavender bag). Lift carefully – When lifting, keep the weight close to your body. Bend your knees; keep your back straight and don’t twist at the same time as lifting. Most importantly HOLD YOUR TUMMY IN TIGHT. Sitting – Try to support for your low back, if your chair doesn’t have any built in, then use a rolled up towel. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed or with them curled up underneath you on the sofa (especially if you get a “hip type” backache). Sleeping posture – At night your body is resting and recovering from the day so it’s important you have good sleep posture. Lots of my patients have benefitted from improving their sleep position. Sleeping on your back is best, some people prefer a small pillow under their knees. If you must sleep on your side then put a pillow between your knees – don’t twist over in to the recovery position. Sleeping on your front is even worse as it twists your neck and low back all night. Bed rest – This old fashioned remedy has been proven useless and often makes things worse. Strengthen your back – Pilates is particularly good. Brisk walking, with your arms swinging and getting into a steady pace is also good. Brisk walking does NOT include shopping or gardening etc this type of dawdling around will aggravate your back. Swimming – can also help but avoid breast stroke, which can irritate your neck and low back.

 

more Spring News

CPD The clinic is currently celebrating some recent exam successes for our Receptionists. Rachel has now completed her National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Customer Care, and Stephanie who has passed some recent English qualifications and has also decided to tackle an NVQ in Customer Care. The clinic is proud to support our team members as they continue to train and develop their skills. Vicki Cowen one of our massage therapists is currently doing an advance massage therapy course with the London School of Massage, Kate Arnold our Nutritional Therapist is working on her Masters (MSc) and Matthew George the chiropractor is getting a lot out of his postgraduate "PRTS" course, which he hopes to complete later this summer.   Customer care is very important to us, and it's great that these recent qualifications by our reception team reflect their natural attitude and ability.   Well done Rachel & Stephanie.

 

winter News

Free Wii While you Wait At Lushington Chiropractic we want our patients to have the best of everything. This Spring you can try the new virtual video game sensation, the Nintendo Wii -free while you wait . The clinic has brought it's own Wii for you to play in reception whilst you wait. We've also put together some Wii warm up advice to help you avoid Wii injuries or muscle aches at home. Wii Warm up Advice This Christmas many families have been playing on the new Nintendo Wii. This exciting "virtual" gaming experience lets you the player get physically involved. You actually hit the virtual tennis ball, or swing the golf club. The power and technique of your hit can make all the difference. The Wii's success is that it's just like the real thing. With built-in motion sensors, players actively control characters and actions on screen by physically playing out the actions themselves rather than just slouching on the sofa. You realize just how realistic it is, when you wake up the next morning with a stiff muscles from the exercise. Dr James Revell from Lushington Chiropractic comments: "As a chiropractor I encourage exercise and fitness, so any excuse to make it fun is great. This Spring the clinic has even got a free Wii in reception for patients to play whilst they wait. But like any exercise, especially one our bodies are not used to, we need to be careful." Dr Revell continues "gamers should treat a 'Wii session' like any other exercise, make sure there is enough room, warm up and stretch." He recommends the following 'Wii Warm Up' to keep users injury free:  1) Shoulder Shrug - Slowly shrug your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for 2 seconds, then relax. Repeat 3 times. Because it is easier to relax a muscle after you've tightened it, you will relax the muscles in the shoulder and allow the blood to flow into the arms. 2) Wrist Stretch - Slowly stretch the wrist backwards, hold for 2 seconds, then Slowly stretch is forwards and hold for 2 seconds. Repeat 3 times. This exercise prevents tightening of the wrists. 3) Make a Fist - Hold the arm at right angles from the elbow. Make a fist and tense it, and the whole of your arm. Hold for 2 seconds, then relax and let the arm flop to your side. Repeat 3 times. This will help the blood flow and tone the muscles. 4) Neck muscle stretch - Try to make a double chin, to stretch the muscles at the base of the neck. Hold this position for 2 seconds and repeat 3 times. Always stretch very slowly. 5) Lower back loosen - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart slowly circle your hips 5 revolutions to the right and then 5 revolutions to your left. But remember warm up exercises shouldn't be painful, so if they are stop! Many of us will have good intentions for a new healthy start to the year. When it comes to using the Wii to help, stretches, rest breaks and plenty of space seem to be the chiropractor's orders.

 

News

Halloween Pumpkin Competition This Halloween the staff at Lushington Chiropractic have been busy carving away at pumpkins!! Its up to our patients to choose their favorite pumpkin design. There is a special prize in store for one lucky member of staff. So please get voting for the most scary, spooky or just silly pumpkin. Happy Halloween

 

Summer News 2008

Lushington Family Chiropractic Open Day Raises £238 for Barnardo’s On Saturday 26th July we held our Summer Open Day. The day was opened by Gladys Walshaw and her great granddaughter Leila. Both Gladys and Leila are chiropractic patients at the clinic. Leila saw Dr Revell when she was just six weeks old for a newborn check-up, and her great grandmother Gladys (84), finds that treatment helps with a wide range of arthritic aches. Gladys and her great grand daughter were asked to open the day to represent the wide age range of chiropractic patients. There was plenty to do on the day, ranging from health talks to blood sugar testing, mini sports-massage and more. The chiropractors were doing posture assessments, answering questions and giving advice. As well as a few pregnant patients who visited there were plenty of children who enjoyed the face painting, balloon race and games. Not only did everyone have a fun and educational day, but they also raised £238 for Barnardo’s Children’s Charity. NOTE the pictures are of: The clinic team who helped on the day Gladys Walshaw (84), Carolyn (Gladys’ grand daughter) and Leilah (Gladys’ great granddaughter) all of whom are patients and Dr Revell, cutting the ribbon to open the day