Facing the Cold with Help from the Chiropractor
By Brandi Swieter
Cold weather can have a huge impact on the body. Chiropractors make some recommendations to help you face the cold and handle outdoor tasks. Follow these and you'll be able to remain as pain-free as possible this winter.
Warm Up Before Your Activities
No, this doesn't mean to actually get yourself warm, though that's helpful too. What chiropractors are saying is to warm up with stretches and light exercise before commencing more strenuous activities. If you have to shovel some snow, want to go sledding or skiing, or even just feel like taking a walk to see the snow-covered trees, some warming up beforehand will help to keep your joints and muscles limber. Flexibility is key in maintaining balance on icy surfaces.
Wear Layers
Now this recommendation does involve actually getting warm. Wearing layers that will protect the body can help tremendously in the cold. Extremely chilly days may require a long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, and coat to start out. You can take the coat off and just wear the sweatshirt if you begin to feel warm enough.
You will also need:
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Boots
These items are equally important on especially cold days. Cold straight to the body can cause blood vessels to contract, joints to stiffen, and pain to set in. Staying warm is not only beneficial, it's necessary.
Avoid Physical Activity in the Cold if You Have Heart Problems
Due to the contracting blood vessels when cold weather hits, it's imperative that people who suffer from heart problems avoid physical activity on cold days. People tend to experience heart attacks far more often in the winter, and for good reason. There is limited blood supply throughout the body because of the blood vessels and muscles working hard to conserve the body's heat. This means there is not as much blood pumping efficiently to the heart. If there's work to be done outdoors then it's best to hire someone else to get it done rather than attempt it and potentially suffer.
Facing the cold is possible with help from the chiropractor. Take this advice into consideration the next time you're about to head outside on a rather cold day. It's also beneficial to visit the chiropractor throughout the winter months and the rest of the year. Stop in at The Joint Chiropractic during their extended walk-in hours to be seen.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salem, N.H.