chiropractor rhode island

RHODE ISLAND…

The biggest fear among seniors and their children/caretakers is falling. Reducing the risk of a fall requires a global approach that starts by addressing your senior’s physical surroundings to eliminate potential hazards. Even more essential is creating a wellness program whereby seniors sustain a health level where they can maintain their coordination and balance.

“Exercise is more essential for seniors than perhaps any other age group,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and chiropractic practitioner at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “Otherwise, an individual may set him or herself up for broken bones, circulation problems caused by atrophying blood vessels, and a myriad of other physical problems associated with aging.

Adds Dr. Gottfried, “Exercise, however, can improve a person’s mobility, which will minimize the likelihood of a fall and reduce their anxiety—another contributing factor to senior falls.”

Exercise programs for senior can be as basic as walking in place or short distances. Walking as little as one third of a mile per day can deliver many benefits, such as improved elasticity in blood vessels. Improved elasticity makes blood vessels less susceptible to the formation of aneurysms or rupture.

Tai chi is especially useful for improving balance and preventing falls. In fact, studies have shown tai chi to reduce falls in seniors by up to 45 percent. A recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine found the program particularly effective for balance in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Simple stretching programs can also be invaluable to overall wellness that prevents falls. Some basic stretches seniors can do include stretch the groin muscles by sitting on the floor and bending one leg to the side and back as far as possible. Or sitting Indian fashion on a cushion and watch television. A relaxed stretch is the goal.

Another easy stretch for seniors is stretching the back leg muscles by putting your hands on a wall, one foot flat on the floor behind you. Then lean into the wall. Or stand up straight and bend over. Or sit with one foot on an ottoman and bend forward.

More and more seniors are utilizing chiropractic care as a preventative measure against falls. Some of the ways seniors can benefit from chiropractic include: pain relief, increased range of motion, increased balance and coordination, decreased joint degeneration, increased health and well being, and decreased incidence of falling.

“Many seniors experience problems related to misalignment of the spine and can really benefit from chiropractic care,” said Dr. Gottfried. “While there are many myths regarding the safety of chiropractic care, in reality this type of medical treatment is very effective and quite safe, particularly in comparison to alternative treatments such as surgery and drug therapy.”

If you are a senior or caring for a senior and interested in learning more about the benefits of chiropractic care, visit www.richiro.org or call 401-207-0700. To find a chiropractor near you, can utilize the “Find A Doctor” feature on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island’s website, www.richiro.org.

About Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI)

Founded in 1918, CSRI is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the United States and represents more than 25 percent of the chiropractic physicians in the Ocean State. In addition to providing a regional voice for chiropractors in the business and legislative arenas, CSRI also helps educate the general public on the benefits of chiropractic. Those all-natural benefits can include relief from headaches, asthma, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, colic, and stress, just to name a few. Olympic ski champion Picabo Street, NFL legend Jerry Rice and Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman are but a few notable celebrities who have embraced chiropractic.

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

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RHODE ISLAND…

In households with elementary age students, computer use is a focal point for parents. Yet how children are seated at the computer takes a literal backseat to what students are viewing on the computer screen. While both merit concern, how your child sits at the computer can have lasting negative impacts.

“Chiropractors are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and chiropractic physician at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “With more than 70 percent of elementary school children using computers for schoolwork, parents really need to literally have their children’s backs.”

To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, Gottfried recommends several precautionary measures. First, if children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make sure that it can be modified for each child’s use. For instance, position the computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at or below the child’s eye level.

Second, make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. This can be achieved by placing an ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel behind the small of the child’s back for added support.

Finally, your child’s knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 130-degree angle. This can be accomplished by placing a foot rest, stool or similar object underneath his/her feet.

“The length of time your child spends at the computer should be monitored for a number of reasons. For their posture’s sake, make sure they are taking periodic breaks—at least once an hour—to stretch,” said Gottfried. “Also, don’t assume the computer stations at your child’s school are ergonomically sound and fitted to people their size. Ask questions, see for yourself. Posture during their developmental years is incredibly important, particularly at school where you cannot monitor them.”

As one of the oldest and largest chiropractic associations in the country, the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island regularly presents at elementary schools to discuss ergonomics at the computer and safe backpack use. To contact a chiropractor for a presentation, you can contact

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

About Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI)

Founded in 1918, CSRI is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the United States and represents more than 25 percent of the chiropractic physicians in the Ocean State. In addition to providing a regional voice for chiropractors in the business and legislative arenas, CSRI also helps educate the general public on the benefits of chiropractic. Those all-natural benefits can include relief from headaches, asthma, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, colic, and stress, just to name a few. Olympic ski champion Picabo Street, NFL legend Jerry Rice and Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman are but a few notable celebrities who have embraced chiropractic.

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

Why is your child in a slump after school? Computer ergonomics are even more important for students.Read More

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island says just say no to flip flops. These shoes may appear more comfortable but lack a shank or any real arch support or cushioning to protect your feet.

Rhode Island…

With the warm summer weather comes the option to wear cooler, more comfortable clothing and footwear. Unfortunately for some—particularly women–the change in footwear can have a detrimental impact on your posture, the way you walk and, ultimately, your back. To that end, the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island offers some quick tips selecting shoes that are both comfortable and provide support for your back.

First, find a shoe with a proper shank. A shank is a semi-rigid and semi-flexible material that allows for support and proper mobility and found in the arch support. Unfortunately, the typical summer sandal is thin and does not allow for a shank. Try to stay away from shoes without shanks.

Similarly, look for shoes that support the three arches in your foot: the medial and longitudinal arches and the transverse arch. Coupled with a proper shank, arch support adds to the stability of the entire human frame.

Also, pick a shoe that fits your foot comfortably and is the proper length and width. Very few people realize that their feet expand with aging as the arch collapses.

Finally, just say no to flip flops. These shoes may appear more comfortable but lack a shank or any real arch support or cushioning to protect your feet. In fact, many flip flop wearers end up with heel pain, leading to plantar fasciitis. Changing the way you walk because of heel pain can also lead to back issues.

“Improper footwear can lead to degenerative changes in the muscles, joints and connective tissues in the feet over time and that can cause a number of musculoskeletal issues,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and a practicing chiropractor at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “If you see a chiropractor, you may want to consult with them before making any summer shoe selection. If you don’t and you start experiencing back pain this summer, you may want to consult a local chiropractic physician.”

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island, founded in 1918, is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the country and represents over 60 of the practicing chiropractic physicians in the state of RI. Chiropractic is the largest non-drug health care profession in the US. The chiropractic profession has been affording relief for many types of health conditions naturally, without drugs and their potentially harmful side-effects, for over 100 years.

Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

 

Don’t let the wrong summer footwear set you backRead More