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Spring cleaning

3/10/2025

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Is it just me, or now that’s it’s March is anyone else already thinking it’s time for spring cleaning? I personally would love for a leprechaun to show up and dust off my house and mop my floors, but sadly I know that’s not going to happen. 

With the bitter cold, oftentimes we keep our houses sealed up leading to poorer indoor air quality. Poor air quality inside the home may lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia. All symptoms that make the long winter feel even longer. 

Some easy ways to improve indoor air quality is to improve ventilation by opening windows on our slightly warmer days, reducing pollutants, and using air filtration. Some common air pollutants are heavily scented candles, air fresheners, and harsh surface cleaners. So for your spring cleaning, I’m going to suggest a few of my favorite low tox cleaners. 

My current favorite is Branch Basics. I purchased their starter bundle a few years back. So now I just purchase their cleaning concentrate. What’s nice is you simply dilute the same concentrate by adding different amounts of water to their pre-marked spray bottles. They have bottles to make foaming hand soap, multipurpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, etc. Surprisingly Branch Basics does very well even in the kitchen, cleaning more difficult surfaces like the stovetop (I’m a messy chef and oftentimes have some decent spills on the stove). I personally don’t enjoy the concentrate for laundry or cleaning windows, but you may have a different experience. 

My number two favorite easy to make and use cleaner is the Doterra Abode Multipurpose Cleaner. This is another cleaner that you dilute the concentrate with water in a (glass) spray bottle. Abode cleaner does well in the kitchen and bathroom but since the essential oils are so strong, you have to avoid porous materials and surfaces such as wood. 

A great classic cleaner is diluting white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Most of us have white vinegar in our kitchen, and if you don’t mind the smell of it, white vinegar has been shown to work effectively against E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria but it’s not technically a true disinfectant. White vinegar is also helpful for removing hard water stains and mineral buildup. If you truly can’t stand the smell, some people soak lemon peels in the water and vinegar for two weeks then strain the solution to give it a slightly lemony scent. 

The last low tox cleaner I’ve read really good things about is Force of Nature. I personally haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list. It’s a little more techy— it uses an electrolyzer to “activate” salt, vinegar, and water to make Hypochlorous acid. Essentially it’s a less harsh chlorine. Each bottle once it’s activated only lasts two weeks before it “loses” its disinfectant properties. Force of Nature is registered as a true medical grade disinfectant and sanitizer. 

If you’re wondering how your current cleaners score in regards to how healthy they are for you to be using, a great online resource is the Environmental Working Group (EWG’s) Guide to Healthy Cleaning. It scores different products from a range of EWG verified (very good) then A to F- with F being the worst. It’s definitely worth checking out. They have a version for cleaning products, skin care products, and food brands as well. It’s a great resource if you’re wanting to start looking into different ingredients and products. Happy cleaning! And if you happen to find the cleaning leprechaun, please send them to my house next! ​
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Benefits of Animal Chiropractic for Dogs with IVDD

2/5/2025

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Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common and often painful condition affecting dogs, especially breeds like Dachshunds (hot dogs), Basset Hounds, and Beagles. This group of dogs are considered longer backed dogs- they often have more stress in the middle of their spine which can lead to secondary conditions like difficulty with stairs, jumping, and overall happiness of the dog. IVDD is a degenerative disorder involving the breakdown of the intervertebral discs, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and in severe cases, sometimes paralysis. While traditional treatments like medication and surgery are frequently utilized, animal chiropractic care has emerged as a non-invasive complementary therapy to improve quality of life for dogs diagnosed with IVDD.


Animal chiropractic focuses on restoring proper motion and alignment to the spine and surrounding joints. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care can alleviate pressure on the nerves, reduce inflammation, and improve overall neurological function. Certified animal chiropractors deliver gentle adjustments tailored to the anatomy and needs of each dog.


One of the most immediate benefits of chiropractic care for dogs with IVDD is pain reduction. Misaligned vertebrae and compressed nerves can contribute to chronic pain in affected dogs. Dogs with IVDD often experience stiffness, limited range of motion, or even hind limb weakness and muscle atrophy. Owners may notice their dog being hesitant to go up and down stairs, or not wanting to jump onto their spot on the couch or into the truck to go for a ride. Owners may notice their dog struggling to walk in deeper snow or across the ice. Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal joint movement, allowing dogs to regain some of their lost mobility and strength. Inflammation is a significant factor in IVDD progression. Corrective chiropractic care can improve blood flow to affected areas, promoting natural healing and reducing inflammation in the spine and surrounding tissues. 


Chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper spinal alignment, which supports the health of intervertebral discs and minimizes the risk of further degeneration. For dogs prone to IVDD, regular chiropractic care can be a preventive measure, reducing the likelihood of acute flare-ups. Corrective animal chiropractic is not a replacement for traditional veterinary care but rather a complementary therapy. It works in conjunction with medications, physical therapy, and even post-surgical recovery to optimize outcomes and improve the dog’s overall well-being.


When pet owners visit the office for the first time, they often don’t know what to expect during the appointment. A certified animal chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation including a review of the dog’s medical history and a physical examination. The chiropractor will watch the animal walk around the office and will analyze any videos that the owner may have brought in. Adjustments are very gentle and well-tolerated, with many dogs showing improvements after just a couple sessions.


Corrective animal chiropractic offers a non-invasive, medication free way to improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from IVDD. By addressing spinal alignment and promoting natural healing, chiropractic care helps relieve pain, enhance mobility, and support long-term spinal health. If your dog has been diagnosed with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), consult with your veterinarian to see if animal chiropractic could be a beneficial addition to your pet’s care plan.
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Compounding Goals in the New Year

1/14/2025

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The new year has come and I’m ready to take 2025 on head first. Our health is our best wealth. Without it we have nothing. Many of my mentors have constantly taught me that we can’t give from an empty cup so your number one priority needs to be your own health and well-being. As January fades and the year goes on, even my own priorities tend to shift but the first month of the year is always a good reflection and reset time. I always hear I’m willing to die for my kids, but would you be willing to live for them at 100%? 


As much as I would love for this to be true about our health, you can’t get stronger at the gym if you go once every few months. Same with eating better- if you want to reverse chronic health issues it all takes time and consistency. And sometimes this can be a roller coaster of ups and downs so be patient with yourself and your year long goals. I recently learned about compounding goals. Basically instead of making ten new goals for the new year to start working towards all at once you pick one to focus on in January- maybe that’s eating better. Then in February you add in exercising or stretching 20 minutes a day while eating better. Then in March you add in reading 20 minutes a day while exercising/stretching, and eating better. The idea is that small actions over time can lead to big outcomes. Maybe this method of goal setting sounds more manageable for your life as well. Making smaller long term changes over time allows you to form consistent changes in your life.


Making smaller longer term changes over time also applies to what I see in my office as a Chiropractor. In my profession, Chiropractic has never been only about symptom management. Although a well known benefit of chiropractic care is less pain. Some lesser known benefits of chiropractic include nervous system optimization. Do you know someone with chronic headaches? How does their cervical curve look? Don’t know what that is? Set up a consultation to learn more. Do you know children or grandchildren with chronic ear infections? Toddlers and kids are constantly moving and falling which is the most common form of physical stress but other issues could start from birth with interventions like vacuum assistance, c-section, and birth stress can cause restricted movement in baby’s upper cervical spine from the moment they’re born. 


Structural shifts to the nervous system from daily life as adults (sitting while looking down at computers and phones) or bigger traumas like car accidents and falls can cause the body to function less than optimal. These degenerative changes usually take years to form which means they also can take time to take stress off of these areas with gentle chiropractic adjustments. To fix these issues often a digital X-ray is helpful in locating and identifying how long the problem has been there and how long it may take to fix. 30 years of arthritis and degeneration is harder to work with than a teenager. Sometimes these areas of the spine need more time and repetition to change than a baby, but don’t let these issues manifest into bigger issues down the road. Just like eating healthy and exercising, corrective structural shifts to the spine through chiropractic care to improve neuroplasticity also takes time and repetition. Oftentimes, after seeing structural images we can incorporate corrective stretches/exercises to aid in the correction of the spine. 


This year, let’s try to be 1% better than we were the day before. If we focus on making smaller changes over a longer period of time we can move forward more consistently than trying to change everything at once in the month of January. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet! 

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Christmastime is here

12/12/2024

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Merry Christmas! I hope this article finds you before you rush to do any last minute holiday errands. While Christmastime is a magical time of year it can also be stressful depending on how much running around you have to do. I’m blessed with having a big family and two adorable sons so this time of year always involves a lot of running around visiting with loved ones. I personally have to remind myself to slow down and relax as stress can increase cortisol and inflammation in our bodies leading to pain and even tanking our immune system which can lead to the common cold. Taking time to put your feet up and relax by the fire truly can do wonders for your overall health. Or relaxing by the fire and doing some light stretching and deep breathing. 


If you only remember one thing - this is my number one piece of advice during the holidays. If you find yourself decorating, wrapping, or even shoveling don’t do these three things at the same time—- twist, bend, and lift. This is called a coupled motion and it’s the number one complaint I hear on a daily basis, “I quickly bent over to pick up x and strained my back.” Slowing down and being mindful of turning your feet towards the object you want to pick up (no matter how light the object is) is so important. Once you turn your body towards the object, bend at your knees and lift with your legs to pick the object up rather than hinging at the waist. Once upright, turn with your feet to head the direction you want to go. 


If you find yourself having to do a lot of wrapping this holiday season, I recommend trying to find a taller surface to wrap on. Hunching over a kitchen table or coffee table can lead to an achy mid and low back. The kitchen counter, an ironing board, or even a chest freezer may be a more helpful wrapping surface since these areas are taller meaning you can be more upright. Even if using a taller surface to wrap on, I recommend taking frequent breaks to stand up all the way, walk around, and drink some water. 


Lastly, be mindful if you have to shovel this holiday season. Take your time and remember not to twist and lift a full shovel of snow. Use a good shovel and spend most of your time pushing the snow into a big pile rather than lifting. If you have to lift, remember to slightly bend at the knees and lift with your legs. Some shovels are more ergonomic than others so pick the shovel that feels comfortable for you. 


I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with the people you love! ​
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Fall Exploring in the Northwoods

11/4/2024

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This fall I’ve had the pleasure of combining two things I love: adjusting animals and exploring/hiking. By taking a few long weekends and packing up the camper with the dogs, the boys, and Jeanette we’ve had the opportunity to adjust more horses in each area and have more time to actually explore all the beautiful sites we have right in our own backyard. I’ll share a couple of our favorites we found this fall. But please, if you know of some beautiful hidden gems that are doable with a toddler in a hiking backpack and an infant in a baby carrier please send me an email ([email protected]) or stop by and let me know. I’d love to start a list of must see places for next spring and summer! 


This fall we found ourselves in the Hurley area and happened upon the Interstate Falls. This was a nice little loop. The fall colors were just starting and the trail spent a decent amount of time following the Montreal river. Marshall enjoyed pointing out the trail markers to keep us on the correct path. We were able to spot quite a few birds and chipmunks running around. That same weekend someone told us we had to check out Black River Harbor. This was an unseasonably warm fall day and we had such a fun time walking across the suspension bridge. There were several different waterfall trailheads there, but after our busy day, we enjoyed sitting on the Lake Superior shore while Marshall hunted for unique rocks and Campbell played in the soft sand. So many people were out that day soaking up one of the last warm sunny days. It’s amazing how well the boys slept after our adventures those two days. They’re usually good sleepers but all the fresh air truly tired them out. 


A few weekends later we found ourselves in the Glidden Wisconsin area. This was a much rainier weekend but the fall colors were absolutely gorgeous. There was so much yellow and orange and with the rain the leaves were falling. Marshall enjoyed staring out the window watching the leaves fall like snow. We were fortunate that Saturday afternoon, after the boys’ nap, it was barely misting out so we adventured to Doughboy’s loop in Morse Wisconsin. This trail follows the Bad River and Brownstone Falls for a 1.7 mile loop. The overlooks of the falls were gorgeous and luckily the slate steps weren’t overly slippery that day. I will warn you though - there were A LOT of stairs to climb on the trail. So if stairs aren’t your friend, I recommend avoiding this trail. We enjoyed reading all the plaques along the way- everything was marked very well in comparison to some of the more obscure trails. During our hike, we were sheltered by the thick tree coverage and were only walking through a light mist. Almost as soon as we made it back to the car, it started to pour again. We were very grateful to have had the opportunity to see the falls especially during peak fall color times. 


I felt like I stayed so busy this summer that I almost forgot to enjoy the beauty around me. The few fall weekends that we camped and forest bathed felt so refreshing, and I felt so lucky to share these quiet moments with my family. So I’m serious- please share your favorite spots and I’ll be sure to share an update on our spring and summer adventures! 

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Spine-Saving Tips for a Happy Halloween

10/17/2024

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Halloween is full of spooky fun—costumes, candy, and haunted houses—but don’t let the real scare be back pain or muscle strain. With a little mindfulness, you can enjoy all the Halloween festivities without hurting your back. Here are a few tips to keep your body in top shape during the holiday.


Costume Comfort: Keep It Light
Elaborate costumes can be fun, but heavy or restrictive outfits may cause strain on your neck, shoulders, or back. Large props or accessories that are unevenly distributed can throw off your posture as well. Instead, choose a comfortable costume that doesn’t weigh you down or hinder movement. If your costume requires props, make sure you balance the weight to avoid leaning.


Trick-or-Treat Posture
Whether you’re walking around with kids or attending a party, poor posture can lead to back pain, especially when standing or walking for long periods of time. When on the go, keep your shoulders back, chin slightly tucked, and spine neutral while walking. This is honestly good advice for any day of the week. If you feel tension, take breaks to rest or stretch. We as a general population spend too much time with our shoulders rounded forward while looking down at things like our cell phone, computer, books, or hobbies like woodworking and crafting. We need to spend more time looking up while being conscious of keeping our chin tucked back and our shoulders pulled back and downward. 


Keep Candy Bags Light
Carrying heavy bags full of candy can strain your back and shoulders, especially for young trick-or-treaters. Instead, encourage frequent stops to empty heavy candy bags and use lightweight bags with comfortable handles. Even while handing out candy to trick or treaters, be mindful of not overextending when reaching for the candy bowl and definitely don’t reach for the bowl and twist quickly. This coupled motion can very quickly lead to a back strain or disc injury. 


Haunted House Hazards
Jumping, twisting, or sudden movements in a haunted house can also lead to muscle strain or injury. While visiting spooky haunted houses or watching scary movies at home, stay mindful of your movements, even when scared. Avoid sharp twists or sudden turns to protect your neck and spine.


Careful Pumpkin Carving
Leaning over to carve or paint heavy pumpkins can cause back strain. When pumpkin carving, sit in a supportive chair and raise the pumpkin to a comfortable height. Take breaks to stretch and relax your muscles. When repositioning the pumpkin be mindful of supporting your back and standing to lift with your legs rather than remaining seated and loading your spine.


By following these simple tips, you can enjoy Halloween without any lingering back pain. If you do experience discomfort, consider a visit to your massage therapist or chiropractor to work on your back and muscles and keep you feeling your best! Happy Halloween to all! ​
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rooting for the windigo

8/14/2024

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Sports have always been something I’ve enjoyed participating in, coaching, and watching. I’ve played baseball, hockey, and lacrosse competitively through college. When I played hockey in high school, I was pushed from behind into the hockey boards. From the impact, I had a fairly severe concussion resulting in light sensitivity, migraines, neck pain, and even nausea. This lasted for weeks and the doctors I went to offered me different medications and said it would just take time to heal. All I wanted was to feel better and be able to get back on the ice. One of my friends at the time asked me if I had ever been to a chiropractor before. And I answered, “no”. I had absolutely no idea what chiropractic was. I had nothing to lose at this point so I went to visit her chiropractor. The way this doctor explained the nervous system and how structural shifts affected the body, it just made so much sense with what I was dealing with. After a couple treatments I was feeling much better and after a couple more visits I was cleared to play hockey again. I went on to play hockey at graduate school and still play at the noontime hockey league at least once a week in Eagle River. I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made along the way and how refreshed I feel after getting off the ice after a skate. Hockey is definitely a stress reliever for me and also introduced me to chiropractic- if this didn’t happen, I honestly have no idea what I would be doing today. 


Most professional sports teams have doctors of Chiropractic on staff. Athletes have found that chiropractic care offers non-invasive pain relief and performance enhancement by addressing spinal misalignments that can impair overall body function. Unlike medications or surgery which have side effects, chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, improve flexibility, and improve athletic performance without negative side effects. Studies show that chiropractic care can increase performance by over 6% and improve hand-eye coordination by 30%. It's widely used by professional athletes, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL players, to prevent injuries and expedite recovery. Additional techniques that can go hand in hand with chiropractic care are assisted stretching, using stainless steel tools to break down scar tissue, cold laser therapy, and even electrical muscle stimulation. This can lead to faster healing, making chiropractic care essential for athletes at all levels.


Recently I’ve been given the opportunity to combine my love of hockey with my love of chiropractic to support the young athletes on the Wisconsin Windigo Hockey team in Eagle River as their team doctor. With my knowledge and personal experiences, I’m hoping to help reduce the number of injuries this year and help speed up recovery times for the athletes. I’m looking forward to supporting all of them from the bench and if you’re looking for something fun to do on some Fridays or Saturdays, head out to the historic dome in Eagle River to catch a home game. Just check their online home game schedule first. ​
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Performance animals benefit from alternative therapies

7/18/2024

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Happy summer! The beautiful days are officially here and my boys and I are loving it. The past few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working on several high performance horses. These gorgeous animals are barrel racers, jumpers, dressage, endurance riders, and I’ve even met some search and rescue horses. I’m not going to lie- previous to being an animal chiropractor, my only experience with large animals was visiting my mom’s horse who she used for western style riding. Jericho was the sweetest horse and I loved giving him treats. Fast forward 10 years and in pursuing my postgraduate small animal chiropractic education for dogs and cats, I also learned equine chiropractic. While many of the adjustments are the same, some of the chiropractic adjustments are specific to canine or feline as well as equine.  Basically, not all spines move the same, and just because you can adjust a human one way doesn’t mean you can adjust a chicken or horse the same way. As I meet more of my equine patients I’m amazed at what these animals can accomplish with their very specific training. 


Barrel racing horses run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels. The goal is to run the pattern in the fastest time. Knocking over a barrel results in a five second penalty. These horses are cutting around corners so fast that I often find tension and misalignments between the shoulders, lower part of the neck, and into the front limbs. A barrel racer owner I met with this week mentioned that her horse was able to turn faster and smoother after being adjusted. On a follow up visit, I found less tension in the muscles of the lower neck and shoulders. 


Dressage is a beautiful discipline. I remember the first time I saw a dressage horse perform. I couldn’t believe how fluid the horse’s movements were and how in tuned the horse and rider were together. When training dressage, the horse must have three free balanced gaits. We learned how to analyze these movements in chiropractic school: a four beat walk, a two-beat trot and a three beat canter. Before having more hands on experience this seemed overwhelming. But after observing different horses perform, it truly made sense. Dressage horses definitely benefit from chiropractic care because a horse that feels good and isn’t experiencing tension or pain can perform with greater mobility. Dressage looks so effortless and graceful that it’s been described as equine ballet. 


Endurance riding horses have to be able to go the distance. In the United States, most endurance rides are either 50 or 100 miles. Generally, horses and riders have 6 hours to complete a 25 mile ride, 12 hours for a 50 mile ride, and 24 hours for a 100 mile ride. Both the owner and the rider have to build up endurance and strength for these races. Oftentimes I find tension in the withers of these horses where the saddle puts the most stress on the horse. As well as T18, another spinal transition area for horses. 


I’m often asked why horses benefit from chiropractic care and how an owner can tell their horse many need an adjustment? Horses work hard. Like us they perform better and are more focused when they feel good and move good. And horse owners are truly in tune with their animals and can pick up on changes in their friend’s movement, attitude, and willingness to perform to their highest ability. Happy summer all! Enjoy these beautiful days.
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belly down toes out

6/20/2024

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Babies are miraculous and watching them develop and change so quickly month to month is unreal. When we were expecting our baby boys my wife and I definitely felt overwhelmed by all the baby “stuff” out there. Different cribs, swings, bouncers, activity centers, chairs, strollers, diaper brands—- you name it. The baby industry is full of so many things that are marketed as being important to have. Luckily we came across two occupational therapists (who are also moms) who reminded my wife and I that less is more. 


When babies are born they have nine major primitive reflexes. Six of them are more commonly talked about like the moro, sucking, rooting, babinski, startle, and grasp reflexes. Stepping, tonic neck (fencer’s reflex), truncal incurvation, and parachute reflexes are far less talked about. Some of these reflexes integrate (go away) as early as two months. Others stick around for almost a year. Some reflexes that we’re born with never go away such as blinking, sneezing, coughing, and yawning. 


Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the more “free movement” babies can experience, the faster these reflexes integrate which leads to a happier baby who tends to crawl and walk earlier. The best advice is to spend as much time as possible on the floor with your baby until they’re off the floor aka tummy time and crawling and then walking. While sometimes a bouncy chair is necessary for mom and dad to take a shower or unload the dishwasher, babies who spend too much time inside “containers” can develop what’s being called “container baby syndrome”. Containers such as strollers, bouncy chairs, car seats, swings, high chairs, bumbos, activity centers, and walkers limit a baby’s free movement. On average, babies spend about 6 hours a day in containers. The actual goal is for baby to spend 15-20 minutes in a “container” only twice a day when you need to keep baby safe and be productive with two hands. Container baby syndrome actually can lead to movement problems as well as cognitive, speech, and social/emotional delays. 


But instead of focusing on the negatives of container baby syndrome, I’m going to focus on the “what can I do” aspect. My number one advice is to focus on tummy time. Some babies really do not enjoy tummy time. What a lot of parents don’t realize is when an adult is laying in a reclined position on the couch and baby lays on their belly on our chest- this actually counts as tummy time. A lot of babies enjoy laying so close to mom and dad- breathing in their familiar smells and listening to their heartbeat. Bonus points for doing this skin to skin— this actually helps baby regulate their nervous system even more and helps with bonding. On the other hand, when trying to work on tummy time on the ground, getting down on the ground with your baby and talking with them eye to eye can also help. Again, being close to baby helps to calm them and regulate their nervous system. Instead of just laying baby directly onto their belly, I recommend laying your baby on their back and then slowly rolling them into (and out of) tummy time. At first this can literally just last a minute or two. The goal however is to build up sessions that are closer to 10-15 minutes at a time as baby gets older. While baby is working on tummy time, it’s best for their toes to be out— not in socks or a footy onesie. Remember: belly down, toes out. This helps give baby even more awareness of their body and helps with coordination and brain mapping. 
​
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Ergonomic Gardening

5/18/2024

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The weather seems to be changing for the better and with that comes gardening season. The past couple weeks I’ve been trying to get out in my flower garden in front of the office. Gardening can definitely take a toll on our bodies so I’m going to share my top tips for making the most out of our short gardening season. 


My number one piece of advice is to be very aware of how you’re lifting heavier objects. Whether that be bags of soil or mulch or relocating already potted plants. It’s best to squat close to the object and then lift with your legs (rather than bending forward at the waist.) After you’re upright, then turn your feet the direction you’d like to go. Sometimes as we get tired or maybe distracted we lift and turn at the same time. This “coupled motion” is what oftentimes leads to people suffering from some sort of back pain or muscle spasm. If you have to move a heavier object some distance, it’s best to load the object into a wheelbarrow or UTV first to minimize the distance you’re actually carrying the object. 


While doing more strenuous activities where you have to bend over for an extended period of time such as large amounts of weeding or planting, it’s best to take several short breaks. While you’re resting you can take a short walk or simply rest on a bench. This is a good time to focus on rehydrating as well. Even on a cooler breezy day we still need to be drinking plenty of water. Consider adding some fresh lemon, electrolytes, or trace minerals to your water. 


A few things to invest in for your garden are a garden kneeler and longer handled tools. Garden kneelers are great because they can be a bench for taking a break or a great height for sitting while working on raised garden beds. When you flip over a garden kneeler, it makes it much easier to plant and weed as you’re on your knees instead of bending over at the waist or squatting. The kneeler is also great because it gives you handles on either side to help you get up and move to another location in your garden instead of having to push yourself up off the ground. It’s best to not over reach when gardening so having these handles makes moving to a new location that much easier and you’ll be less likely to over reach. Longer handle tools for weeding and planting also help you spend more time upright instead of bending forward. This puts less strain on the spine. 


If gardening has become more of a chore than a pleasure or it seems more overwhelming than last year, transitioning to raised garden beds or vertical gardens is a great option. The Land O’ Lakes Community Garden in town has three different heights of garden beds. Or better yet, ask a friend or family member for help. Gardening can definitely be more enjoyable when spending time with others. Marshall loves to dig in the dirt beside me. He’s still learning the difference between plants and weeds (and so am I)! ​
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    Dr. Doug Tansor DC, CVSMT loves teaching people about health and wellness. If he hasn't covered a topic that you're interested in, feel free to leave a comment and he'd be happy to give you his thoughts! 

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