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As the world slowly recovers and regains a sense of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic, you might feel like you’re on the brink of a major life change. Re-entering the “real world” after such an intense period of change can be intimidating, but it also represents an opportunity. Here are a few ideas from Vitality Family Chiropractic to get you motivated for this big life transition.

Start a Business

If you’ve always dreamed about going into business for yourself, maybe now is the time! These days, more people than ever are taking the leap, as well as working from home, thanks to the freedom afforded by the internet. And getting started isn’t as tough as you think. You just have to decide what product or service you’re going to offer, choose a business structure, and get established.

The next step is marketing. There, again, the internet has you covered! If you don’t already have a big marketing budget set aside, you can use this free Instagram post maker then spread the word about your business via social media. Especially in the wake of the pandemic, people are eager to get out, so now could be the perfect time to offer your services!

Find a Therapist

 Throughout the pandemic, you might have struggled with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. If you want to truly thrive during your re-entry into the world, you might be interested in seeking therapy to fully heal from your experiences and learn from this new chapter of your life.

You don’t need to attend therapy sessions in-office – if you would prefer, you can look for a therapist who offers virtual appointments. You won’t have to devote any time to commuting, and you can rest assured that online therapy is still secure and private. When you compare counseling online vs. in-person, online therapy is often more affordable, and to ensure that you click with your therapist, you’ll generally be able to schedule a free consultation before paying for a session. Plus, when your options aren’t limited by geography, you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of therapists who specialize in your needs. 

Commit to Fitness

Yes, it was possible to work out at home or outdoors throughout the pandemic. But without the accountability of a gym membership, you might have dropped your workout routine. Perhaps it’s time to head back to the gym, sign up to work with a personal trainer, and incorporate regular workouts into your weekly routine. Working out frequently can boost your confidence and improve your mental and physical health! 

Refresh Your Home Environment

Throughout the pandemic, you probably spent more time at home than ever before. Now, you might feel as though your home environment could use a little refreshing. You don’t need to renovate your entire house to change up the atmosphere! My Move recommends rearranging your furniture to create more open spaces, brightening up poorly lit rooms and corners with warm lighting fixtures, and updating your window treatments.

Try a New Hobby 

Perhaps you had to drop some of your hobbies during the pandemic because you couldn’t do them from home. If you had to sacrifice an activity you loved in order to stay safe, you might be curious about trying something new that you couldn’t do throughout the pandemic. Think about trying a social activity so that you can meet new people while exploring your interests!

 Start a Self-Care Routine

After living through such stressful times, it’s important to take good care of yourself. This is the ideal time to cultivate a self-care routine that can carry you through each week. But how can you create a self-care routine that you’ll actually stick to? Prevention recommends thinking about how you can care for your mind, body, and spirit. Don’t stress yourself out by adding too many activities – instead, choose a couple of low-maintenance activities that help you recharge. When you’re ready to travel again, you may even want to plan a self-care getaway so that you can fully relax and unwind.

Adapting to life after the COVID-19 pandemic may not be easy. But the past few years have made you stronger and more resilient, and you never know what exciting things will happen if you re-enter the world with courage and optimism. With these suggestions, you’ll be ready to embrace whatever comes next.

Vitality Family Chiropractic is a family oriented practice with extra training to service different groups: auto injury, pediatric, prenatal, adult, geriatric, sports injury. Call 904-434-3465.

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We all have unhealthy habits, but these habits could be costing you not only your health but your money as well. Further, not recognizing the poor ways that you treat your body can lead to physical and mental health issues, which can affect everything from your mood to your musculoskeletal system.

Today on the Vitality Family Chiropractic blog, we take a look at a few simple ways that you can improve your health that might also be a boom to your finances.

1. Signs Of Poor Health

When you think of somebody in poor health, being overweight is likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, an expanded waistline is not the only indication that you need to make changes in your life. According to HealthShots, other issues to be on the lookout for include:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Persistent fever
• Joint pain
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Extreme weight loss

2. Everyday Updates

Reclaiming your wellness doesn’t have to be a major hassle, and you may find that you save money by simply making healthy choices. A few of these are:

• Eating more vegetables. Buy your fruits and vegetables locally, and you’ll save money and enjoy more nutrition.
• Change your cleaners. If using bleach burns your eyes and gives you a headache, switch to all-natural cleaning products, which can be just as effective without the unpleasant side effects.
• Get a massage. Massages are an inexpensive and enjoyable way to relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. At Vitality Family Chiropractic you will find the most up to date specials and offers for massage.
• Walk every day. Cancel the gym membership, because you do not need to work out in a rigid setting to improve your health. Prevention explains that walking in nature can even have a significant and positive impact on your mood.

While the changes listed above might help you feel physically better, they will do much more than that. When you feel healthier, you’ll also enjoy better mental health, and when you feel better mentally and emotionally, you may be encouraged to make even more positive lifestyle changes for yourself and your family.

3. Better Health, More Income

Something very few people consider is that their health journey may even bring about income opportunities. More than just saving money at the grocery store or on gym memberships, you can become an inspirational market influencer or even open your own fitness studio. Before you do:

• Determine your business structure. All businesses operate on a structure. This could be a sole proprietorship or, more commonly, and LLC. Register your business online by checking your local state requirements and using a formation service to steer clear of attorney fees.
• Understand invoicing. If you’ve never owned a business before, get comfortable asking people for money. You’ll need a great invoice, and a customized invoice generator can help you easily create one using pre-made templates. You can add your own images, logo, and text to make it your own.
• Track your progress. If you are going to open a business in the health industry and plan to use your own journey in your marketing, you have to track your progress. One simple solution is to start a blog. If possible, use your business name and then pick a simple theme that allows you to write and share content with your followers.

Your health and wealth go hand in hand. When you save on your health, you can put money in your pocket that you might otherwise be spending on hefty insurance premiums and doctor visits. And, if you’re truly diligent, you may even be able to turn your wellness journey into an income.

Caring for a new infant while recovering from the physical stress of labor and delivery can be emotionally and mentally challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in nine women experiences postpartum depression, or PPD, a form of depression that can arise following childbirth. Fortunately, treatment and self-care measures can get you through this trying time. Vitality Family Chiropractic Wellness Center can help you from a physical perspective before and after birth with services designed especially for pre- and postpartum care.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is characterized by a wide-spanning range of different feelings following the birth of your child. It could be as minor as an occasional low mood, and as serious as becoming despondent and suicidal. While severe symptoms should be addressed with an immediate 911 call, it’s important to stay in regular contact with your OB/GYN provider after birth. Keep an eye out for anything that resembles PPD, especially if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. While of course, new mothers are experiencing hormonal and physical changes paired with a lack of sleep a new baby brings, PPD is something more serious that may need medical or therapeutic interventions.

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

A woman’s body goes through many changes as part of the gestational process, and a feeling of depression can arise following childbirth. According to Mayo Clinic, this is characterized by mood swings, sadness, poor sleeping, and crying, among other symptoms. In the past, this used to be known as “baby blues,” and was originally thought to be attributed to physical recovery and making the transition to new motherhood. There are varying levels of PPD, including a more severe form known as postpartum psychosis, which includes confusion and disorientation, and feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or your baby. This form of PPD requires immediate medical intervention.

Talking About It

In the past, many women have been hesitant to talk about their PPD symptoms, feeling it would signal their inadequacy as a mother. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and talking about it in families and in society can help reduce the stigma that used to be associated with this condition. Obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and pediatricians are all trained to recognize the symptoms of PPD and talk openly with women about ways to make their way through this often debilitating condition. Interestingly, new fathers can also experience a non-hormonal form of PPD that can stem from the stress that comes with the changing family and partnership dynamics that come with the birth of a child. PPD is more common in women and men with a history of depression.

PPD Treatment Approaches

There are a variety of treatment options for women with PPD. These include talk therapy and medical intervention. Self-care is also essential during this time. Ask for help when you need it and give yourself time to rest and recover. Eat well, participate in light physical activity, and treat yourself with kindness. Buy clothing like compression leggings that will help your body start feeling “normal” again. Get adequate sleep, even if it means pulling in other people to help with nightly childcare. Take the time you need to bond with your baby while you’re in recovery.

Postpartum depression used to be dismissed as a woman’s issue with no consequence, but fortunately advances in women’s health care have created pathways for identifying and treating the condition. If you, your partner, or someone else you care for is exhibiting PPD symptoms, get in touch with an OB/GYN as soon as possible, or call 911 in the case of an emergency situation.

Vitality Family Chiropractic Wellness Center of Jacksonville, FLA promotes self-care and holistic approaches to wellness. Book your appointment today.

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La Fibromialgia se caracteriza por una fatiga extrema y dolor generalizado en ciertos puntos específicos, que impide a los pacientes a realizar actividades o tareas cotidianas.  Otros síntomas frecuentes son la rigidez muscular, dolores de cabeza, alteración en el sueño, ansiedad, depresión, además de problemas con la concentración y memoria.

Hoy día, algunas de las causas de la Fibromialgia aún siguen siendo desconocidas. No existe examen o medicamento específico para esta condición.  Usualmente se prescriben analgésicos para ayudar a disminuir algunos síntomas de dolor y otros fármacos que pueden ayudar a mejorar el estado de ánimo.  La mayoría de los investigadores coinciden en la literatura describiendo la Fibromialgia como un desarreglo del sistema nervioso central que crea una percepción anormal de dolor.  El sistema nervioso es sobre estimulado manifestando síntomas de dolores musculares o en articulaciones.  Estudios recientes indican que esta condición ataca el 4-6% de la población entre 30 a 50 años de edad y afecta mayormente a mujeres.

La profesión de la Quiropráctica ha tomado un rol importante en el tratamiento alternativo para la Fibromialgia, utilizando los ajustes quiroprácticos como una técnica gentil, no-invasiva y no-adictiva. De esta forma se ha comenzado a proveer una alternativa no farmacológica, natural y eficaz al paciente; la cual a través de los ajustes se promueve la disminución del efecto del sistema nervioso sobre los pacientes.  Como quiroprácticos, nos enfocamos en atender la necesidad de los pacientes desde un punto de vista holístico, trabajando con la modificación de alimentación y el manejo de estrés.

Los ajustes pueden realizarse de forma manual, utilizando alguna instrumentación, o realizando la técnica de flexión-distracción, proveyendo seguridad, comodidad y eficacia como resultado. Las terapias complementarias como la acupuntura, la quiropráctica y el masaje pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas.  El doctor en medicina quiropráctica, además de enfocarse en síntomas músculo-esqueletales, también trabaja con otras áreas: como el diario vivir del paciente, estilo de vida y nutrición.

Aquella persona que padece de Fibromialgia debe ser tratada desde un punto de vista de la salud integral del paciente. Debe haber un grupo de profesionales proveedores de la salud en el co-manejo del paciente: quiropráctico, internista, reumatólogo, nutricionista, psiquiatra, psicólogo, entre otros. Para un diagnóstico sobre Fibromialgia y evaluar que opciones de tratamiento pueden beneficiarle, es importante que visite a su médico. En Vitality Family Chiropractic, estamos completamente capacitados para proveer una alternativa diferente en el manejo de dicha condición. Para mayor información pueden comunicarse al email: drlopez@vitalitycenterjax.com ó número de teléfono 904-434-3465.

A. Como terapia alternativa para la Fibromialgia están las terapias de ultrasonido y de estimulación eléctrica que ayudan a disminuir dolor e inflamación en el cuerpo.

B. Como parte del diagnóstico de fibromialgia, el dolor durante la palpación digital debe estar presente en al menos 11 de los 18 puntos específicos.

In many ways, the sudden ubiquity of remote work serves pregnant people well. For many expecting families, the ability to stay home while staying productive is an absolute game-changer. Thanks to many companies offering (or requiring) this workstyle during the pandemic, expecting parents can moderate their risk to a level that feels comfortable to them.

However, working from home comes with drawbacks, especially when it comes to spinal health. Pregnancy is already notorious for causing back pain and muscular discomfort. When you work from home, however, you’re far more likely to be less active and less mobile. This, paired with a non-ergonomic home office, can lead to serious back trouble that stays with you throughout — and after — pregnancy.

Vitality Family Chiropractic  helps expectant women take the best possible care of themselves during pregnancy. To that end, we’ve come up with this guide to help you figure out how to protect and strengthen your back while working remotely:

Reduce Stress

Pregnancy is stressful, pandemics are stressful, and suddenly working in a new environment is stressful. Suffice to say, you’re likely getting stress from almost all directions right now, particularly if you’re serving in a leadership role with your job. ZenBusiness points out that the more employees you supervise the higher the stress levels, and maintaining a proper work-life balance is among the biggest stressors of all. Although feeling some anxiety due to all of these is perfectly normal, it can also lead to a snowball effect.

Stress tends to make your muscles tenser, which can lead to worse posture and, as a result, more back pain. Moreover, when you’re stressed, you often wind up fatigued and unmotivated, which makes you less likely to take the steps you must to properly care for yourself. Fortunately, as Healthline notes, stress reduction techniques can go a long way toward reducing pain and empowering you to take preventative measures.

For example, you could start a daily pregnancy yoga practice, or work on developing mindfulness. If you’re finding you have a lot of trouble relaxing, you should consider doing something to reset your home’s energy. Lots of stress in a single area can effectively build an association with anxiety when you’re in that space. Redecorating, reorganizing, or even just letting in some fresh air can help redefine your home’s mood.

Prioritize Posture

Another step you can take to protect your back health while working from home is to prioritize good posture. In an office environment, most people are used to using large, elevated monitors that facilitate a neutral head position. At home, however, many people work off laptops and, as a result, spend more of their time looking down at their screen. This results in the aptly-named “Text neck,” a type of poor posture that puts unnecessary strain on the back. Elevating your screen can go a long way toward reducing this issue — use an external keyboard in order to lift up your laptop and work effectively.

Posture has more of an impact on pregnant people than you might realize. In addition to strengthening the core and reducing back pain, good posture is vital for optimal fetal positioning in the later end of the third trimester. When you sit up straight and avoid crunching down, you open up space in the torso and pelvis, giving the baby room to engage properly. This can make labor safer and easier for everyone.

Walk Daily

Finally, working from home tends to make you more sedentary. When you’re going in and out of an office, there are many moments of incidental walking — to the car, to your desk, to the breakroom — and, although these may feel like small moments, they’re often not replicated in the remote work environment.

As a result, you must intentionally increase your walking in order to make up for this. Daily walks will keep your core strong, help you stay active, and help you build the stamina necessary for childbirth. Remember, you’re preparing for a major physical endeavor — your body needs training in order to cope.

Remote work offers a world of benefits for expecting parents, but it comes with drawbacks, too. Make sure you’re protecting your spine and core and giving yourself plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy while working remotely. Doing so will make pregnancy, birth, and the time that follows substantially easier and more comfortable.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Las infecciones de oído (otitis media) son la enfermedad más común que afecta al 80% de bebés y niños pequeños; también es la razón más común por la cual se visita a un médico durante los primeros años de vida, según ha sido reportado por el Instituto Nacional de la Salud de los Estados Unidos.

El tratamiento convencional para la otitis media es a base de antibióticos y analgésicos. El antibiótico puede ser eficaz si la causa es bacteriana, mas no viral. En muchos casos los medicamentos pueden tener algunos efectos secundarios, razón por la cual deben ser utilizados bajo supervisión médica y cuando sea completamente necesario. Un sistema inmunológico fuerte es mucho más eficaz que los antibióticos.

Existen estudios que sugieren los ajustes quiroprácticos como tratamiento natural para la otitis media y prevenir futuras infecciones de oído. La quiropráctica puede ayudar debido a la estrecha relación entre la estructura del oído interno y las vértebras de la parte superior del cuello.

Los ajustes ayudan a disminuir la presión que se puede estar generando en el oído interno del niño, que posteriormente causa inflamación en el Tubo de Eustaquio e infecciones de oído como la otitis media.

La otitis media comúnmente surge cuando no hay un drenaje adecuado del sistema linfático en el cuello, o cuando el tubo de Eustaquio, el cual evita que las bacterias o los virus entren, no funciona correctamente. Algunos de los síntomas de la otitis media incluyen dolor de oído, fiebre e irritabilidad. Puede haber acumulación de fluido detrás del tímpano e inflamación.

Los adultos, por lo general no desarrollan infecciones de oídos recurrentes debido a: que en primer lugar la forma y la longitud de los Tubos de Eustaquio son diferentes, lo que permite un drenaje más fácil y hace que sea más difícil para una bacteria invadir. En segundo lugar, los adultos tienden a pasar más tiempo en posición vertical que los niños pequeños, lo que también fomenta un mejor drenaje y disminuye el riesgo de infección. El Tubo de Eustaquio en niños es más corto, estrecho y horizontal, creando más dificultad para el drenaje.

Article from Orlando Sentinel by Dr. Yamilette López