…at least I’d think you do since you’re reading our blog which means you have more likely than not been to and benefited from The Balancing Center.If that’s the case I wanted to let you know that even Consumer Reports thinks you are making a great investment in your health.Just click on the link below to see a short news interview about the benefits of chiropractic.
If you haven’t been to The Balancing Center or were unaware of the improved health and vitality you can achieve through chiropractic care.I encourage you to watch this video.We also have a lot of great videos and information on our website that explains how our approach is very unique and specialized, unlike other kinds of chiropractic.
One quick fact for you.
80% of all visits to a M.D. end in a prescription!If you like pills and like covering up symptoms that's great news.For those of you that want to treat the cause of the problem, give us a call, that’s what we specialize in.
In our society, people tend to take their car into the shop after something has broken down, install anti-virus software after their computer has got scammed, watching what they eat after they've gained ten pounds, and go to the doctors after their body has had some kind of crisis. One thing that we try and teach people is prevention. If you take care of things on a more regular basis (even if that just means once a month, or a few times a year) your crisis times will be less intense and take less time to handle. Having worked at the office for over a year now I am starting to understand patterns, especially the patterns of patients. We receive many calls from people in crisis trying to get in with the doctor as soon as possible. They then find themselves needing multiple adjustments to got back on course. Once back on track, they often say that they want to revise their treatments and start coming in for regular care so that they don't find themselves frenzied in a time of crisis. In my experience at the front desk, people who have integrated chiropractic care as a part of their lifestyle keep their body functioning well are better equipped to handle emergencies. They're body is more resilient and able to be healthy and balanced. We are here for all of our patients, whether it be a crisis or just a regular check up, but from my perspective I see the benefits of keeping yourself healthy and coming in to see the doctor on a regular basis.
As most of us know from our direct experience, something special occurs between the time of entering the center and when we walk out. Over and over again, I have observed several patients walk in quietly, only to leave with a big animated smile and a “thanks doc,” sentiment. Witnessing that transformation reinforces my confidence that I am truly in the right place. Part of my role at the center is to share the unique BC message with the rest of the world. Although the doctor’s schedule fills up, we still recognize that our unique message of care is still needed out in the world. After brainstorming with the doctors, it became clear that we need to take this show on the road and impart some of these pearls of wisdom with the rest of Chicago. As a result, Dr. Fedeli, Dr. Bennett, Dr.Taka and I came up with “Employee Productivity Programs.” Let’s face it we don’t know what we don’t know. Many of us know we want to be healthy, but we do not know how to integrate healthy practical solutions within the framework of our work and familial responsibilities. Therefore, we now offer programs to Chicago based business that immediately improve the lives of all those who participate. Our website has descriptions, but in summing up, our talks plus a nervous system check provides immediate results. In addition, Dr. Bennett’s discussions are fun because he takes seemingly complicated topics about the body and explains it in a way that is easy and fun to understand. I have shared his material with my network of friends and now I feel like I’ve been able to help those closest to me and now I invite you to do the same. For more information contact me to coordinate a health talk at your place of business or personal event and let’s share the best kept secret in Chicago.
If you feel stress and strain after sitting at a desk all day, it’s possible your body is out of alignment. This article will help you align your body at your desk. Before we talk about how to set up an ergonomically efficient workspace, you need to understand how the body is designed to function. Your body (your bones) should be in proper alignment, which means that the hips are level to the ground, legs are equal in length, shoulders are level, the center of the top of your spine lines up directly over the center of your tailbone/sacrum and your head is level. This is important because only when the body is lined up properly can the joints move freely along their joint surfaces, muscles engage symmetrically and appropriately to move the bones and joints and the nerves freely and openly communicate messages between the brain and the target organ or muscle to perform a desired function. If your body is aligned and functioning properly, you should feel pretty good. Misalignment means muscles are unevenly tight, holding bones and joints out of position; joints grind or wear ’n’ tear when moving, creating inflammation; and nerves can be irritated, leading to dysfunction or interference in the ongoing conversation between your body and brain. Over time, misalignments lead to chronic symptoms, pain and loss of energy and vitality. A properly aligned workstation, when set up and used correctly, means that a majority of the things you do 40+ hours a week will no longer contribute as much to any symptoms you feel, both physical and mental. If there are two words to remember when setting up your workspace, they would be “90 degrees.” Here’s what to do:
• Clear out the area under the desk. You need room to move and stretch your legs.
• Adjust your chair height so your forearms are resting at 90 degrees on adjustable arm rests (if available), with your elbows at your sides and wrists straight and at the keyboard.
• When the chair is adjusted as described above, your feet should be resting flat on the floor with knees at 90 degrees.
If not, a footrest should be used.
• Use a lumbar support on the chair to help support the natural curvature of the lower spine.
• Sometimes desks are adjustable for height. If not, a one-time adjustment might be needed to fit your body size.
• Keyboard trays are another option when attempting to set your chair and desk height. Adjustable keyboard trays are a great way to set things at 90 degrees.
• The keyboard and the mouse should be directly in front of you and easily accessible when sitting as described above. Elbows should be at 90 degrees while typing or using the mouse.
• The monitor should be directly in front of you. The top of the monitor should be two to three inches above eye level.
• Use a lift if needed.
• Document holders should be used if needed.
• Use a headset if you are on the phone a lot.
• Phones, staplers, paper clips, and other items used regularly should be within arm’s length so you are not straining to reach them.
• Take a 10-minute break every 50 minutes to move and stretch.
• Stand up when you are on the phone.
• Sit up straight in your chair and perform pelvic tilts for a minute or two as you read or type.
• Look away from the monitor and let your eyes relax and refocus.
• Gently turn your head to the left and right a few times.
• Sit up straight, relax, and breathe. These are just a few suggestions that will help relieve a lot of the stress and strain of sitting at your desk all day. If your body is in proper alignment, these simple adjustments and stretches should decrease any strain you feel at the end of the day. If you find that these tips are not helping, it is probably because your body is misaligned. These workstation adjustments will help prevent things from getting worse, but there is an underlying cause that is still there. The most important thing to do when an underlying cause is present is to identify it, remove it, and watch the body realign and start to heal. In my office we help many people realign their bodies and lives every day. We offer complimentary introductory workshops on the first and third Wednesdays of every month to learn more about our services. Call the office and reserve your spot for the next one. We are also available to come to your office or home to discuss ergonomics and other health topics or perform health screenings. For additional information visit the following Web sites:ergo.human.cornell.edu/ergoguide.html (ergonomics) thebalancingcenter.com/handouts.html (exercises and information)
Dr. Daniel Fedeli established The Balancing Center in 1987 to meet the increasing demand for alternative health care in Chicago and offer access to a different perspective on health and wellness Dr. Fedeli is a 1981 Graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
More information can be found on his website at: http://www.TheBalancingCenter.com
Dr. Daniel Fedeli established The Balancing Center in 1987 to meet the increasing demand for alternative health care in Chicago and offer access to a different perspective on health and wellness Dr. Fedeli is a 1981 Graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
More information can be found on his website at: