With the rising rate of obesity in Australia, it’s no wonder that the rate of cardiovascular disease is also increasing to a dangerous level.

With the statistics surrounding heart disease so worrying, and given Walkerville Chiropractic’s drive to help all of our patients achieve the best from their health through the promotion of wellness and health through their lifetime, we’ve compiled a list of nutrients that are vital to keep the body’s most vital organ going.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish and fish oils, these good fats are essential for general health. They help to lower cholesterol in the body and decrease the prevalence of other dangerous fats in the blood.

Vitamins A, C and E.

Found in fish oil, egg yolk, liver, citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, peppers, peas, avocadoes, almonds, tuna and muesli, these vitamins help to promote healthy circulation, prevent fatty deposits and boost cell health.

Folic Acid

Often prescribed to pregnant women, to promote healthy foetal development, folic acid reduces blood pressure and improves brain function.

Flavanoids

Found in many naturally occurring plants and herbs, these compounds prevent blood clotting and boost circulation. Apples and onions are particularly good sources.

B Vitamins

These are essential for depleting dangerous amino acids in the body. Fish, pulses and chicken and bananas are rich sources.

Monosaturated fatty acids

Don’t be fooled by the word “fat”. The fatty contents found in nuts, nut oils and olives are fantastic for your health. They help to reduce dangerous toxins in the blood stream and lower cholesterol.

Photoestrogens

Again, another dietary compound excellent for reducing cholesterol. Also rich in vitamins and minerals, these can be found in leafy greens, broccoli, soy products, watermelon and garlic.

Always remember that a healthy diet, teamed with exercise and general care for your body is the best way to achieving an optimal level of health. To ensure that your nervous and immune systems are functioning at their best (to prevent disease and infection), continued and regular chiropractic care promotes the principles of health and wellbeing over a lifetime. Here at Walkerville Chiropractic, we seek to promote the best in health for all of our patients. If you have any concerns about your diet, or general health, please don’t hesitate to speak to any one of our knowledgeable doctors at your next consultation.

When an infant is growing and developing, its body is changing and strengthening at a rapid pace. Everything that a baby or toddler does affects the way their spine and nervous system develops – ultimately impacting the quality of health they enjoy during growth and in later life.

For parents, this time is often an exciting one, as they explore the different challenges and milestones, but it can also be confusing. Particularly with the number of appliances, toys and aids that are on the market, it’s hard to know what tools are the most effective for helping your child in their development.

In recent years, chiropractors and paediatricians alike have called for parents to reconsider whether baby walkers are suitable for children. Industry research has even revealed that one in every three infants who use walkers suffer significant injuries including skull fractures, concussion, spinal fracture, finger amputations and even death.

Aside from the life-changing and detrimental affects that can come as a result, baby walkers may also impede the healthy development of children.

Firstly, while many parents and manufacturers believe that walkers may help children learn how to walk, studies suggest that use of a walker can actually lead to locomotor problems and skewed walking patterns. Furthermore, if assisted walking replaces crawling stages of development, children may in fact be missing out on important cognitive learning skills.
If you’re still dubious about the risks, however, it’s been proven that infants who use walkers both sat, crawled and walked later that those who did not. Plus, their spinal development was also affected by prematurely forcing children to assume an upright position.

This is harmful for young children in that their bone strength and muscular coordination may not naturally be able to cope with certain pressures during this time, and prematurely encouraging such unnatural behaviours may cause detriment to their long-term development.

If you’re concerned about the health of your child’s spine or have any concerns about the toys or tools they’ve been engaged with, please don’t hesitate to bring it up at your next visit to us. Chiropractors can assess the developmental phases of a child’s development and help boost their spinal and immune health – giving them the best start to life possible.

Just as in adults, the nervous system plays an integral part in everything that a child does – from eating, breathing and sleeping to running, playing and thinking and feeling. Any interferences or damage to the system can not only impact a child’s ability to function at their best, but also their chances of growing up to be healthy individuals.

Alarmingly, interferences to the nervous system can often go on for some time without any warning signs. Regular chiropractic care from the time a child is born can greatly enhance the chances of any problems being identified early on and corrected for normal development. Care from a chiropractor can also prevent the development of injuries and conditions like scoliosis, which begin to present themselves in young teens. Research even suggests that the prevalence of more common illnesses like asthma, colic, allergies and chest or ear infections are greatly reduced also. In some instances, even behavioural changes (for the better!) have been noted.

While some people who have not experienced the chiropractic process may have misconceptions about what it involves, chiropractic techniques are just as suitable for children as they are for adults. Just as each person is unique in the way they move, feel and grow, so too is their adjustment. Given the fragile and changing nature of children’s bodies, chiropractors use gentle, effective techniques, adapted specifically for children, depending on their age, size and specific health concerns.

Most significantly, it provides a solid foundation of knowledge – teaching children from the outset the importance of maintaining good health, the functions of their body and why it’s important to look after them.

If you are still sceptical about the value that chiropractic can offer to your child and their health – rest assured that Walkerville Chiropractic has a large number of Chiropractic Kids all reaping the rewards of regular and continued care. The decision to bring your child to a visit is one we welcome – giving your child the best start to life in health is one of the biggest gifts you can give them. If you do have any questions, however, whether that involves the most appropriate care for them or their development, please do not hesitate to ask any one of the team at Walkerville Chiropractic.

TO coincide with National Chiropractic Care Week, the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia has launched a major new initiative aimed at encouraging people to boost their activity levels. To get their message across they’ve also released a new “Just Start Walking” website and free, downloadable mobile phone application.

We’ve put together a list of things you can do everyday that help your body work to its maximum potential.

Diet and Supplements

What you put in your body has everything to do with what you get out of it. Selecting foods that are proven to boost health and fighting agents in the system are the first start to good health all year round.

Mushrooms: Although they’ve been around for centuries and have been used in cuisines all around the world, science still can’t tell us why this vegetable is so good at fighting illness. It is known that they aid in the production of white blood cells (which are primary in fighting infections), but they are also rich in beta D-glucans which have immune-boosting properties.

Garlic: Rich in a number of minerals which help to fight infection, both garlic and onions contain antibacterial agents which help to fight disease and sickness.

Ginger: Ginger has a sort of “warming effect” on the body and is excellent at addressing circulation problems. In addition, it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Spice: While they may be harsh on the sinuses and hard for many people to take in larger doses, spicy foods are great, in moderation, for keeping healthy. They’re tough on viruses and act as effective anti-bacterials

Zinc: This mineral is found in abundance in a number of foods that are present in our day-to-day diets. Lean red meats, poultry, nuts and beans are all rich sources of zinc and promote a process called cell synthesis – acting to boost immunity naturally. Zinc deficiencies are however, common. Complex carbohydrates, like those found in breads, can actually hinder the absorption of zinc in the body. Hence, Zinc is readily available as a supplement and highly advisable for those looking for that extra kick!

Magnesium: Also found in a number of foods and vegetables, magnesium is a vital part of the body’s make-up. IN fact, over 50% of the body’s bones are made up of magnesium. Further to this, the body also relies on magnesium for cell development and regeneration and also for an all-round healthy immune system. Similarly to Zinc, the nature of today’s diets and the quality of our foods means that we might not be getting enough magnesium through our diets. Fortunately, a supplements are  available and are excellent for replenishing levels naturally.

Activity

The body was made to move and keeping it active is one of the best ways to keep it strong and in fighting form. Regular exercise helps to blood circulation, mental health and keeps all the systems of the body functioning at their best.

Stress

This is one thing the body can do without too much of. While some stress is good, excessive physical and emotional stress can promote the release of harmful chemicals through the body which can reduce immunity.

Chiropractic Care

Free of harmful agents and foreign bodies, chiropractic care seeks to boost the body’s functions and build solid foundations for healthy life practices that can last a lifetime. Regular care boosts the nervous system, helping the body to achieve an optimum level of wellbeing.

Walkerville Chiropractic stocks a comprehensive range of vitamins and supplements which have had proven results in boosting immune health and general wellbeing in our patients. If you have any questions about your diet, supplementation or your general health, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our Chiropractors at your next visit.

Getting a great night’s sleep and getting the best out of rest can be reliant on the quality of the mattress that you sleep on. A bed shouldn’t just be comfortable; it should be promote the best in spinal care, alignment and relaxation of the muscles.

For over thirty years Sleepmaker has produced an exclusive bedding range designed in conjunctions with the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia – Chiropractor Adelaide. Their uniquely designed support system includes a range of features that provide the correct spinal alignment for health and invigorating sleep.

A good mattress, in any instance, should support the body’s weight evenly and allow the spine to stay in its natural alignment. Choosing the right mattress for your body, be it soft or firm, is a completely personal matter and one that requires research and testing. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, lie on it for at least three to five minutes – sitting on it isn’t enough.

If you are happy with the mattress you’ve got there are some other tricks you can use to get the best out of it.

If you’re experiencing acute back pain, and your mattress is too soft, placing a board underneath the mattress while the pain persists can help alleviate the problem. Make sure you remove the extra support when the pain goes away, as it’s not good for routine sleeping. On the flip side, if your mattress is too firm, you can soften it by putting a 2 – 5 cm thick padding on top.

In addition, rotate your mattress every few months, changing clockwise and rotating which side faces upwards. This will keep body indentations to a minimum and helps to reduce wear and tear. Higher quality mattresses don’t need to be rotated as they are designed to keep their shape for longer periods without rotation.

If you’ve had your mattress for a while, but are unsure if it’s time to get a new one, here are some factors to keep in mind:

It may be time for a new mattress if you’re waking up uncomfortable. There is no standard life-span of a mattress – it depends on the frequency and type of usage it gets and the weight it has been subjected to. Also be aware that significant changes in your life can signal the need for a new bed. If you’ve gained or lost a lot of weight, if you’ve developed a medical condition that changes the way you sleep, or even if you’ve changed partners (or are newly single), it could be time to find a new mattress that will accommodate your changing needs.

On a long-term basis, chiropractic care can help you get the best out of your rest – it’s the most important and regenerative time of the day for your body, so why wouldn’t you invest? The team at Walkerville Chiropractic can also offer valuable advice to help improve the quality of sleep you get each night.

As usual, if you have any questions or are after some recommendations, please don’t hesitate to ask the friendly team at your next visit. Chiropractor Adelaide

It is important to understand the facts, based on solid research and peer-reviewed findings.

Here, we’ll go through some of the most common misunderstanding associated with the chiropractic profession and set the rumours straight.

Spinal adjustments hurt

Chiropractic adjustments are scientific techniques, practiced to provide relief and pain management for a wide variety of problems. For some people, this relief can even be immediate. Only in acute cases of pain and degenerative problems can there be some short-term discomfort. Some patients report feeling discomfort following their initial treatment, however we take this to be a sign of the body adjusting and adapting to find it natural equilibrium once more. These cases are rare and with continued care will ease and improve.

Spinal adjustments are dangerous

Unless performed by a person not qualified or without tertiary qualifications in the field, manual adjustments are completely safe. Just as doctors are required to be registered by the commonwealth government in order to practice, so too are Chiropractors – Chiropractor Adelaide. If you have been adjusted by anyone other than a qualified chiropractor, osteopath or naturopath in the last ten days it is vital that you consult with a health professional as this is the only situation in which spinal adjustments can pose a threat to your wellbeing.

Chiropractors lack education compared to Medical Doctors

In today’s education system, students of chiropractic spend as much time in clinical practice and the classroom as medical students. Furthermore, with the improvements in technology, resources and educational standards, the practices of Chiropractic care have also improved.

The methods of chiropractic care are not scientifically proven

As a profession that has been prominent in the world since 1895, chiropractic has always endeavoured to provide the utmost in care and support for its patients. Especially in the last 20 years, chiropractors have established an array of scientific research programs to further improve, develop and hone the techniques used to treat and heal patients. The Australian Spinal Research Foundation provides research funding for Australian chiropractors to continually build the knowledge base of chiropractic in the scientific research journals.

Chiropractors only treat back pain

A central focus of chiropractic care is the spine, as it is critical to proper function of the nervous system and a healthy functioning body. However, chiropractic techniques can also help to treat a wide range of sports induced injuries, age-related degenerative disorders and pain in any part of the body caused by injury or accidents.

If you have any concerns or questions, please rest assured that at Walkerville Chiropractic – Chiropractor Adelaide you are in capable hands. If you do have any concerns or feel uncomfortable at any time during your adjustment or treatment it is important that you let the doctor know. We believe in creating a friendly, satisfied and supportive environment for all of our patients and your wellness and care is our top priority.

But despite the numerous benefits, only 40 per cent of people exercise on a regular basis and many of us don’t stick to programs for more than a few weeks or months.

Below are a few tips to enjoy exercise and to devise a plan that works well for you and your needs.

Enjoying Exercise

There is a general misconception that exercise needs to be strenuous in order for you to feel the benefits. However, an elevated heart rate, constant over a period of time, should be enough to improve fitness and energy levels; even a walk around the block once a day can have significant rewards.

Furthermore, when exercise is enjoyable you have a better chance of maintaining a routine and making it a permanent part of your life.

Try to choose sports or activities that you enjoy and suit your body type and level of fitness.

• Vary your activities if you get bored easily – try riding a bike, swimming or taking classes like yoga or pilates
• Put some time aside in your diary for exercise to ensure you have a routine and structure
• Try making a social activity out of exercise – games like tennis and golf are great to do in groups
• Exercising outdoors can give you and extra boost – the benefits of fresh air can work wonders
• Choose ‘low impact’ activities as they can reduce strain and lessen the chance of injury
• Start with light activities and work your way up to harder and more challenging tasks as your fitness improves

Furthermore, knowing when to exercise can greatly impact your chances of maintaining a routine and get the most out of your efforts.

It’s good to exercise in the morning as it builds energy levels and metabolism for the whole day. Otherwise, try to avoid vigorous exercise just before bed as raised endorphins can make it hard to sleep.

Chiropractic care can also greatly improve your physical health and make exercise easier, as well as health lifestyle practices.

To maximise your strength, coordination and energy levels and to lessen the chances of injury, keep your spine and nervous system in good working order. Research has shown spinal care aids the improvement of athletic performance and helps to achieve the many health benefits of strength and fitness as well; many world class athletes undergo regular chiropractic care to ensure optimal results. In addition a positive attitude to health and fitness helps to keep up the highest level of health and wellbeing over long periods of time.

Whilst many of the stretches overlap, and can be performed in any sort of environment, the following exercises are designed for those who spend long hours sitting at a desk performing repetitive tasks.

As with all stretches, they should be done within comfortable limits and if pain or discomfort occurs, should be discontinued. If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to ask for advice or recommendations from the chiropractors here at Walkerville Chiropractic.

Wrist Flexor Stretch

With your left palm facing upward, place your right hand on the fingers of the left hand and slowly bend the wrist back until a gentle stretch is felt in the forearm. Hold, then relax and repeat with the other arm.

Wrist Extensor Stretch

Gently flex your left wrist by curling your fingers down toward your inner wrist; use your right hand to gently assist. Hold, then relax and repeat with the other arm.

Neck Rotation Stretch

Tilting your chin slightly downwards, slowly turn your head to look toward your right shoulder. Hold a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat toward your left shoulder.

Neck Side Stretch

Gently tilt your head to the right, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder. Hold a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat toward your left side.

Mid Back Stretch

With your hands clasped behind your back, straighten your arms and then lift your hands up and away from your body.

Balloon Stretch

Visualise the front of your chest as a balloon. Imagine that the balloon is filling up with helium and slowly raise your upper chest (sternum) so that is pointing slightly upward. Try to maintain this posture position during your daily activities.

Hand Relaxation

Clench both of your fists, then release and extend your fingers wide. Shake your hands to relax them.

Seated Stretch

Sit in a stable chair and place your hands on your thighs. Look straight ahead as you slowly bend your upper body forward, until a comfortable stretch is felt. Hold, the use your arms to slowly push yourself back up to the seated position.

Temple Massage

Place your fingers on your temples and massage lightly in a circular motion. Don’t press too firmly as there are delicate blood vessels in this area.

Chiropractor Adelaide

Ankle Range of Motion

Point your toes toward the floor then flex them toward your shin. Next move your big toe while keeping your leg still. Repeat this movement in the opposite direction and then repeat with the other foot.

Adelaide chiropractors believe that systematic daily stretching routines go a long way to maintaining flexibility and function.