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You can’t survive without water. It makes up nearly two-thirds of your body and is essential for you to function properly. Water has a wide range of benefits for your body – everything from removing waste products in urine to lubricating your joints. It can even make your skin look good.Summer Strawberries
Wimbledon would not be Wimbledon without strawberries and cream, but did you know that this little red gem, has great health benefits too!
Ever since 1877, when the four grand slams were first played, the strawberry become a traditional accompaniment to tennis. Did you know that according to the CNN news, over 28000 Kg at eaten at Wimbledon every year!
So why strawberries?
“It was probably two things — strawberries were in season at the time the tournament was played, and in Victorian England they had become a fashionable thing to eat,” explains Johnny Perkins, the All England Club’s head of PR.
“They were part of afternoon tea, which had become a fashionable ritual, and that took root at Wimbledon.”
It may be difficult for some to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, but don’t resist temptation, as they have great health benefits to.
The strawberry is said to be is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world and there are more than 10 species that differ in flavour, size and texture. They all have the same heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat with small, leafy green caps.Strawberries are not actually fruits as their seeds are on the outside and are actually a member of the rose family.
Nutritional Information
Strawberries are said to be an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium. They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations. Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion. Strawberries are rich in colourful pigments which have a protective effect and are thought to have a number of potential health benefits, including prevention of inflammatory conditions and heart disease. [Read more…] about Summer Strawberries
Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger
Horse Riders seem to have that canny ability to put their horse’s needs above their own. I know many horse riders who will have the osteopath or chiropractor out to their horse on a regular basis, but when it comes to their own aches and pains, they are strangely reluctant.
I have received regular chiropractic treatment over the years and have found that this has really benefited my riding position, as well has helping with pain and injury after riding altercations….yes, horses can be dangerous and you can get hurt when you and your horse have a difference in opinion! I think that my chiropractor Stuart Bennett must just shake his head when I walk in after another riding accident, smelling of horse and generally filthy!!
Let me tell you a bit more about my background, I first sat on a pony when I was 18 months old and that was where my love affair with all things horses began. I have now been riding for about sixteen years and have regularly competed in Pony Club Area and Championship events over the last few years. I have also worked as a groom for a couple of event yards and currently work as a groom and volunteer as a show rider at Kynren, in Bishop Auckland, whilst I finish my college course. I have two horses of my own, purchasing Max, my Irish Sports Horse recently with my hard earned wages. He is my little project and I am hoping to compete him at BE100 by the end of summer. All in all, I get to muck out up to 20 horses a day and ride 6 to 8 so, hopefully my personal opinion and experience counts for something.
It makes logical sense to me that if you are unable to sit correctly on your horse due to pain or 
muscle tension, then you are going to be constantly stressing your horse’s back which will only cause them to have problems as well. All riding requires a good upright posture, with shoulders back and no slouching. You need to maintain nice soft arms in order to have good soft contact. If you have a load of tension through your shoulders, this is simply not going to happen! [Read more…] about Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger
What’s the Crack? by Dr Stuart Bennett
As chiropractors we are often asked this question. We are apparently infamous for cracking backs and necks.
Stuart Bennet chiropractor explains – What is a crack or a pop? Because quite simply,
We don’t crack bones,
We do adjust joints
The joints we adjust are usually synovial (two bones or more with a joint capsule), which basically contain fluid. This fluid helps to protect your joints acting as a shock absorber.
This fluid absorbs gases from the body,(mostly CO2 and Nitrogen) and when we adjust a joint, we stretch that joint capsule and a small amount of the gas is released and makes a ‘popping’ sound (just like opening a bottle of pop).
Sometimes this popping sound is loud, sometimes quiet and sometimes no sound is made at all.
So here is the secret
- The crack has nothing to do with what we as chiropractors do.
- We adjust to increase mobility, stimulate the neurology and realign the spine.
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Health Benefits of Gardening
Protect your back whilst enjoying the health benefits of pottering in your garden.
It is that time of the year that the sun is starting to shine and the surrounding countryside is full of golden daffodils, fragrant blossoms and bouncing lambs. Just the motivation needed to get ourselves outdoors and start think about our own gardening needs and jobs. [Read more…] about Health Benefits of Gardening
Exams becoming a pain in the neck?
The exam period can be a stressful time for many students: Long periods of revision hunched over a book, computer or notes and then the exams themselves, with hours of focused concentration.
Consumer research (2017) by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) found that 37% of 16-24 year olds have struggled with back or neck pain in the past.
Our Chiropractor, Stuart Bennett says:
“The pressures of assignments and studies mean that a lot of time can be spent behind a desk and whilst stress doesn’t cause back and neck pain it can exacerbate the symptoms, so it’s important that students take steps to ensure this doesn’t affect their work. Simple actions such as taking regular breaks, drinking water and doing exercise can help prevent these symptoms and keep you focused. “
We at Durham Family Chiropractic have helped many of our students and this is what Megan has to to say:
Exams and writing my dissertation, totally stressed me out and I was constantly suffering with tightness in the shoulders and headaches. Thanks to regular adjustments from my chiropractor and a healthy lifestyle, I kept my head clear and survived my studies in one piece!”
Health Benefits of the Tomato-“Love Apple”
February is considered the month of love, so why not examine all things good that symbolise love?The French actually named it tomato d’amour, “love apple,” because of its believed aphrodisiac power. Whether or not this prophecy is true, there is a lot to love about the tomato.
According to an article published in Medical News Today, a tomato is considered to be a nutrient-dense superfood that offers benefit to a range of bodily systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weight loss, and heart health.
There are different types and sizes of tomato, and they can be prepared in different ways. The health benefits can vary between types. Eating a diet that contains large amounts of fruit and vegetables, is also linked to healthy skin and hair, increased energy, and lower weight. Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality.
[Read more…] about Health Benefits of the Tomato-“Love Apple”
Essential Vitamin D
Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles?
We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
According to the NHS, a lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.
During the spring and summer months, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. However, in the UK, the winter sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation for our skin to be able to make vitamin D. During these months, we rely on getting our vitamin D from food sources and supplements. Using sunbeds is not a recommended way of making vitamin D.
Why Getting Adjusted makes Perfect Sense
Every year we tend to plan ahead and set goals for our future. One’s health and wellbeing is often top of these lists.
The United chiropractic Association offer a list of reasons why getting an chiropractic adjustment is good for you and therefore a perfect choice for you to consider adding to your personal goals Each statement is supported by peer reviewed articles which back up the benefits of regular chiropractic care.
Walking Fit
May is National Walking Month, so whether it is a walk in the park, or hike in the hills, enjoy the health benefits of walking and make every step count!
So, whatever the weather, get yourself and your family outdoors to enjoy our beautiful countryside. Not only is walking simple and free, it is also one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight (if needed) and become healthier. Walking is ideal for all age groups and all levels of fitness, what a great way to spend some healthy familytime!
According to the NHS, “Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers.”
It is recommended by the NHS that you start slowly and try to build your walking regime gradually. To get the best health benefits from walking, it needs to be of moderate-intensity activity. In other words, it needs to be faster than a stroll.
Set yourself a goal and try to walk 10,000 steps a day, if you would like to track this and don’t have a smart watch, there are some fun apps available as a free download. [Read more…] about Walking Fit
Top Tips to Combat Hayfever Naturally
Nature can be cruel! Just when we are over the worst that Winter has to offer looking forward to the Spring sunshine, those suffering with seasonal “hayfever” allergies, are probably sighing and stocking up on their tissue supplies. Thankfully nature also provides us with, natural remedies, and natural ingredients that can provide some relief from hay-fever symptoms and help to prevent their return.
Sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes, nose and throat can be a miserable problem for those suffering from hay-fever (allergic rhinitis) and the figures are rising, as 20% of the population are now affected by allergic rhinitis (Allergy The Unmet Need)
The chief reasons for seasonal change allergies are airborne dander, dust-mites, feathers, moulds, and pollen. The immune system of sufferers overreacts to the normally harmless particles in the air. The airborne pollens cause the body to produce antibodies, and it releases a natural substance called histamine. Histamine irritates the upper respiratory passages (nose, throat, eyes and sinus), resulting in swelling and other hay-fever symptoms.
