Consequences of Prolonged Stress

Prolonged stress has damaging effects on all the body’s systems. We say this not to add to our patients’ stress, but so that they’ll understand the importance to their health of relaxation and the stress-reducing therapies we offer at the Carolina Chiropractic Center.

Stress is what we feel when our brains signal our endocrine system to produce a flood of hormones and our hearts to pump faster. The hormone in question, cortisol, instructs the liver to raise its production of the simple sugar glucose. This is good for an energy boost but bad for people who do not produce enough insulin to process glucose quickly.

Likewise, an increased heart rate will cause blood to deliver oxygen more rapidly. However, arteries will thicken in response to increased strain, which can cause muscles to tighten up. Strain on arteries in the brain can contribute to a stroke and numerous cognitive failures, such as memory loss and mood changes. This does not mean that increasing your heart rate is inherently bad—a heart rate can also be too low— but the best ways to raise it are through aerobic and resistance exercises which will strengthen other body systems.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit CarolinaChiroCenter.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Safety Rules for Lifting Heavy Objects

One of the most common workplace injuries is strain on the lower back from lifting heavy objects. A back injury doesn’t have to be due to a single traumatic event; it can also result from a prolonged period of strain. However, because people who lift infrequently are the most likely to not know how to do it safely, we want to provide these guidelines.

Always get an idea of how heavy an object is before attempting to move it and whether its weight is distributed evenly. Make inquiries about getting a dolly or assistance. If you must move an object yourself or feel comfortable doing so, make sure make sure the area is clear and stand as close to it as possible. Propel yourself upward with your legs, and keep the object at the level of your ribs and close to your body. While standing up, keep your head vertical.

Move slowly and smoothly to your destination. When turning, shift your whole body at once instead of twisting your torso independently of your lower body. When releasing the object, try to position it so that it will be easy to pick up if it needs to be moved again.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit CarolinaChiroCenter.com and fill out a contact form.