To Your Health Newsletter: Destress, Your Back Will Thank You. - February 28, 2012 | toyourhealth.com

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February 28, 2012 - Volume 6, Issue 5

Stress and Back Pain: The Link

Stress is a part of life, and unfortunately, so is back pain. Ironically, stress is a leading cause of episodic back pain. Stress increases tension in the body 24/7. It is like flipping the light switch on for self- protection, muscle tension and tightness.

So what are some simple and effective tips you can start doing today to help alleviate stress? Here are a few suggestions for reducing the physical, mental and environmental stress in your life.

Nutrition: Eat healthy and eat often to control blood sugar levels. When you wait long periods between meals, you have a spike of a hormone known as insulin. This hormone controls how fast sugar enters your bloodstream after eating. Big surges in insulin occur when you wait too long between meals which may increase stress on your body chemistry.

Mental: Take some "me" time every morning before you start the day. Use this time to reflect on yesterday and plan out today's events. With the craziness of non-stop information overload in today's society it's more important than ever to take quiet moments.

Physical: Learning how to breathe with your diaphragm takes some practice, but in time it will become second nature. Practice breathing through your diaphragm on a daily basis for 3-5minutes.

Simple changes in your life to help reduce stress can have a profound impact on your back and your overall health. Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about the link between stress and health, and what you can do to reduce your daily stress.

Don't Sit Too Long or Things Could Go Wrong

A pulmonary embolism is nothing to scoff at – it's a blockage of one or more arteries in your lungs, often caused by blood clots that travel from another part of your body to the lungs, and it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. How do you reduce your risk of suffering a pulmonary embolism? According to a recent study in the British Medical Journal, it starts with something simple: don't sit for too long.

Interval Training Is
Good for Your Heart

Intervals, or repeated, short bursts of strenuous activity interspersed with rest periods, can strengthen your heart and improve your overall health. Common intervals include one minute of exercise that hits about 90 percent of a person's maximum heart rate, followed by a one-minute recovery, repeated multiple times during a workout. Read what research says about the benefits of interval training.

Cooking Oils: Better Choices for the Family

With childhood obesity and cholesterol levels on the dramatic rise in the U.S., making decisions on how to pursue healthier lifestyle choices should include the oils you and your family use in your daily lives for cooking and food preparation. So when the opportunity arises, make a healthy lifestyle move by incorporating these healthy cooking oils into your diet.

Beat Those Allergies

With the seasons constantly changing, many people are forced to confront an unfortunate inconvenience that can wreak havoc on their daily schedules - allergies, which are exaggerated immune responses to various substances. Are you prepared to avoid them?

Tai Chi Beneficial for Parkinson's

For thousands of years, tai chi has been practiced all over the world for its health benefits, including improving strength and flexibility through slow, graceful movements. Now, it is known to help those living with Parkinson's improve their mental and physical health.

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy.

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All Rights Reserved, To Your Health, 2012.

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. MPA Media is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.