Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Keeping fit as well as festive this Christmas

0222166FV December 2005

Keeping fit as well as festive this Christmas…
- The British Chiropractic Association has health tips for the busy season -

Ailments from backache to muscle and joint pain can occur at the most inconvenient times and the Christmas holiday is no exception. Here, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) shows how, amongst the fun and festivities, we should make time to look after ourselves …

The festive period is certainly more frenetic than ever - we are all increasingly pushing our bodies to the limit. BCA Chiropractor Tim Hutchful comments: “Christmas holidays is a key time when people tend to experience pain or discomfort. Not only are people out of their usual routines but they are also rushing around, often stressed and tired. At times like this, it takes only one shopping bag too many or a wobble on a high heel at a party to trigger a muscle spasm.”

Tim Hutchful continues, “Even if the pain is slight, people are so busy at this time that they gloss over it, risking
making it worse. It is advisable people acknowledge their pain to avoid it developing into something more
serious.”

Five Top Tips for a Healthy and Happy Christmas break:
· Shopping: possibly the most physically demanding task of the season, bustling through the crowds with heavy bags of presents. Try to think ahead and take a backpack to ease the load as you trek between shops, distributing the weight evenly across your back. Also, ensure you remain hydrated, wear flat shoes rather than heels to protect your back and knees and if possible avoid any big, heavy shops first thing - since most injuries take place during the 1st 2 hours of your day when the body isn’t properly loosened up.
· Wrapping: Tempting as it may be to sprawl presents and paper on the floor for wrapping, avoid risking back strain and use a table at waist height instead
· Tree and decorations! Even a small tree can be heavy, so take care when lugging it home and be aware of your back if reaching up, unsupported, to hang decorations
· Travelling Many people travel long distances to spend the holidays with loved ones, so ensure you consider your comfort and safety if confined to a car, plane or train seat. Position yourself so your back is straight and supported, remain hydrated and take regular breaks from your seat to have a walk, which will loosen up your muscles and get blood circulating. Also, if staying overnight with friends, you can’t take your own bed but consider taking your pillow as this will ensure you sleep with your neck at a comfortable angle, as you are used to
· Play It Safe. Christmas is for children so lucky you if you’re surrounded by young, excited toddlers this year! However, be careful when joining in their fun - your limbs are probably not as flexible as theirs when it comes to piggybacks and roly-polies!



To find out more information about the BCA please visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk or call 0118 950 5950

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BCA Press Enquiries: Liz Harding/Jon Temerlies,
icas public relations
Tel: 020 7632 2400, Fax: 020 7240 2520