How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults

The American Chiropractic Association(ACA) recommends these tips in preventing falls in older adults:

1. Perform a Home Safety Check: Many falls occur at home. Most commonly, people trip over objects on the floor. To make your home safer, check out these tips.
2. Exercise: Exercise reduces your risk of falls by improving your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Talk to your physician about an exercise program.
3. Review Your Medications: Many medications have side effects that can affect your brain function and lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Ask your prescribing physician to review your medications and reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage. Also, discuss the need for walking aids or supports while taking medications that can affect balance.
4. Get Your Eyes Check Regularly: Reduced vision increases risk of falls. Age-related vision diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma, can alter your depth perception, visual acuity and susceptibility to glare. Have your vision checked regularly. Also, regularly clean your glasses to improve visibility.
5. Prevent Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis makes bones less resistant to stress and more likely to fracture. Caused by hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and a decrease in physical activity, osteoporosis is a chief cause of fractures in older adults, especially women. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to prevent osteoporosis.
   

Source:ACA

Looking Your Best May Not Be the Best Thing For You

Being fashionable isn't always a good thing.

The latest fashion may look good, but popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems.

Some offenders: high-heel shoes, large bags, and tight clothing.

It's important to find clothes and accessories that not only fit your style, but are also comfortable. The American Chiropractic Association(ACA) gives these tips:

• Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
• If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body's center of gravity.
• Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
• While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.
• Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.
• Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
• When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
• Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
• Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
• If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants.
• Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle.

Source: ACA

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

The majority of lower back pain is preventable (exceptions being accidents, tumors, etc.). The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) gives these tips on how to prevent back pain:

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Remain active.
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities.
• Maintain proper posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
• Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.

Source: ACA

Interested in seeing a chiropractor? Locate one near you using our Chiropractic Center Directory.

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Benefits of Needless Acupuncture

Have you heard of needless acupuncture? For those with a phobia of needles, it's a great alternative to regular acupuncture.

Needless acupuncture can help to relieve chronic problems like sinus headaches, asthma, and allergies. It is also a lot quicker than regular acupuncture, taking 2 to 3 minutes, compared to 20-30 minutes.

To see needless acupuncture performed, watch this youtube video:


The downside is that needless acupuncture is 80-85% effective when compared to regular acupuncture.

Interested in needless acupuncture or a seeing a chiropractor? Locate one near you using our Chiropractic Center Directory.

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.