Caron Chiropractic

St. Paul Chiropractors

Healthy living means making positive choices that enhance your mental, physical and spiritual health.  The doctors of Caron Chiropractic promote the achievement of a healthy balance in life.

A few tips we can offer to achieve this healthy balance include:

•Eat nutritiously, choosing a variety of foods from all of the food groups;

•Build a strong circle of social contacts to create a supportive environment of people who love you and respect you;

•Stay active physically to keep your body strong, reduce stress, and improve your energy.

•Choose not to smoke; and

•Put an end to other lifestyle practices that wear you down and have negative consequences.

Let us keep you informed about how to develop positive health practices that address your spiritual, physical and mental health needs.  Give our office a call and let us get you on your way to a healthy balance.  We may be reached at (651) 255-9999.

Caron Chiropractic

Drop Your Sugar Habit Now!

Sugar hurts us in a lot of ways, but the most harmful is that high blood sugar is toxic to the blood vessels that carry sugar throughout our bodies and, wow, it is hard to break free of that addiction.

Sugar addicts are a funny gang, they want to have their cake and eat it too. Most people’s solution to sugar addiction is to ask for a substitute: “if I can’t have my sugar,” they say, “what can I still eat that is sweet?” This would be like a cigarette smoker asking if it were okay to smoke cigars rather than cigarettes.

What You can do to Break Free of Sugar
First you need to be prepared. No one tells a cigarette smoker or a junkie that it is going to be easy to break free of their habit; sugar addiction is the same. Prepare for a battle. Studies show that sugar addiction is every bit as powerful as addictions to alcohol, cigarettes and other habit-forming drugs, so you will have a tough road ahead of you. However, the way you feel after kicking sugar and the health benefits are well worth the effort. Here are a few mental pieces of luggage you need to pack for your journey.

•Out of sight and Out of Mind – the best assistance you can give yourself is to take everything sugary and get it out of your house, workplace and, yes, even your car. Many of our sugar-eating habits are just that: habits

•You will have cravings – Sorry, but there is nothing to do about this. Understand, though, that cravings do get better over time and many people are surprised when they break down and try something sweet after being sugar-free for a while that the thing they were craving doesn’t taste all that great and the wonder why they were craving it in the first place.

•Artificial Sweeteners are not an option –These chemical sweeteners do much harm to our bodies; some speculate that the harm done by artificial sweeteners is greater than even sugar itself.

•There are no substitutes – Remember, you don’t give an alcoholic even non-alcoholic beer once they are sober. As long as you are using substitutes, you are still addicted to sugar.

Let’s get healthy together and lessen our sugar intake.  Please give our office a call if we can be of any assistance to you.  We may be reached at (651) 255-9999.  Or, visit us on the web to learn more about our programs and services.

Whiplash

St. Paul Chiropractors

Neck Sprain
The term, neck sprain is used when a ligament is hurt.  There are seven bones in your neck called which are called cervical vertebrae.  These bones are connected to each other through ligaments, which are strong bands of connective tissue. When the neck is moved in an extreme position, it is possible to over-stretch these ligaments.

Symptoms of Neck Sprain
Typically, neck pain is experienced immediately following impact. In the case of a neck sprain, pain can occur several days after. Other common symptoms of neck sprain or whiplash include:

•dizziness and headaches
•tension and muscle pain
•back pain and shoulder pain
•Neck stiffness

Neck sprain is treatable and most if not all symptoms should resolve over time; however, early intervention is key to a speedy recovery. If left untreated, pain and discomfort may become chronic and can easily impact the quality of your life.  Be sure to consult with your doctor immediately following a whiplash injury.

To learn more about the care we provide at Caron Chiropractic, please visit our website.  Give our office a call at (651) 255-9999 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

Chiropractors in Minneapolis

Chiropractors in St. Paul

Let’s face it, many people make a new years resolution to lose weight.  Since this is the case, let Caron Chiropractic provide you with some tools to help make this a healthy and successful goal.  One such tool is to keep a food journal to keep track of exactly how many calories you are taking in.

Being very detailed is noting everything, i.e. instead of writing down sandwich you should write two slices of bread, one slice of turkey, one slice of cheese, ½ tbsp mustard, two slices of tomato, and ¼ cup lettuce.

In this food journal you should write down the food you are eating, what time you’re eating, the exact amount you’re consuming, and the amount of calories and fat you’re taking in.  It also would be a good idea if you noted if you were eating alone or with someone else, the mood you were in or how you are feeling, the total amount of time it takes for you to eat, and if you’re doing something else while eating (playing cards, reading, on computer, etc.).

Studies show that people who stay dedicated and keep track of a detailed food journal lose more weight and actually maintain the pounds lost.  Food journals make you responsible for observing what you are putting into your body.  Food journals provide you with evidence that cutting calories and choosing healthier foods really do translate into weight loss.

Additionally, you may find it beneficial if you write yourself a goal to obtain each week after looking back at previous journal entries.  An example could be, you notice that you are only eating two servings of veggies at dinner, so you decide to incorporate at least one more serving of vegetables everyday at lunch.

Keeping a food journal can feel tedious and time consuming, but if you stay dedicated and really put forth the effort to maintain one, you will truly benefit by losing those unwanted pounds and keeping it off!

The doctors at Caron Chiropractic can help you with any questions you may have concerning getting healthier in 2010.  Give us a call to schedule an appointment at (651) 255-9999!

Minnesota Chiropractors

Back Pain and Obesity

Losing weight successfully often results in partial or complete back pain relief.  The reason for this is that your muscles work harder in order to help you accomplish everyday tasks if you are overweight.  Another reason is that the extra load on the spine can take vertebrae out of alignment. When you lose weight, you are effectively reducing strain on your spinal column and on your back muscles.

It is recommend that you stay within 10 pounds of your ideal weight in order to keep your back healthy.

Weight loss has many values, beyond the well-being of your back. It can help prevent serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes. But whether it’s a back ache or the threat of another health issue that gets you going on a weight loss program, it is important to put forth the effort. Achieving your ideal weight is the key to preventing disease and fully participating in your activities.

If you would like additional information concerning the development of a weight loss program for yourself or a loved one, please give us a call at (651) 255-9999.  If you would like to learn more about our programs and services, please visit us at www.caronchiro.com

Twin Cities Chiropractors

Caron Chiropractic

The physical demands of skiing can be significant.  How can the average weekend warrior prepare for the slopes and improve their chance of driving home in one piece? 

Here are three excellent exercises to make your back muscles stronger and more flexible for skiing:

1) Lunges- Lunges focus on the thighs and butt. Skiing is a very leg-intensive sport. If you do not train your legs properly for the work, then you may compensate by using other muscles like the back.

Additionally, as you return to the ski slopes, you will use your back for many extraneous activities. You’ll bend over and fool with your boots countless times. You’ll lean over to pick up gear countless times as well. By doing lunges, you train your legs to do more work and give your back the break it needs.

2) Dead Lifts- Dead lifts focus on the lower back muscles. You can use dumbbells, a barbell, resistance tubing or bands, or a cable machine with the handles set low.

Generally, you can use heavier weights when you practice dead lifts. However, you should start with lighter weight and slowly progress.

If you have any previous back injuries, only perform dead lifts with the supervision of a medical professional.

3) Good Mornings- These are beneficial for both your lower and middle back. Unlike dead lifts, you keep the chest lifted forward during these back-strengtheners. This will improve posture and upper-body tone, as well as making the low-back stronger.

Like dead lifts, seek the care of a medical professional if you have a history of back pain or injuries.

By practicing these three exercises diligently for a few months, you will get a stronger back, prevent back pain and injury, and enjoy your powder days more. 

If you have injured your back and need some relief or guidance on strengthening and condition, please give our office a call at (651) 255-9999.  To learn more about us, please visit us at www.caronchiro.com.

Chiropractors in Minneapolis

Tips to a healthier back

Following any period of prolonged inactivity, begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes a day can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Yoga can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Ask your chiropractor or physician for a list of low-impact exercises appropriate for your age and designed to strengthen lower back and abdominal muscles.

· Always stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity.
· Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
· Don’t slouch when standing or sitting. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet. Your back supports weight most easily when curvature is reduced.
· At home or work, make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you.
· Sit in a chair with good lumbar support and proper position and height for the task. Keep your shoulders back. Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension. A pillow or rolled-up towel placed behind the small of your back can provide some lumbar support. If you must sit for a long period of time, rest your feet on a low stool or a stack of books.
· Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine. Always sleep on a firm surface.
· Ask for help when transferring an ill or injured family member from a reclining to a sitting position or when moving the patient from a chair to a bed.
· Maintain proper nutrition and diet to reduce and prevent excessive weight, especially weight around the waistline that taxes lower back muscles. A diet with sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps to promote new bone growth.
· If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.
· Don’t try to lift objects too heavy for you. Lift with your knees, pull in your stomach muscles, and keep your head down and in line with your straight back. Keep the object close to your body. Do not twist when lifting.

If you have had problems with your back and you would like a consultation from one of our doctors, please give our office a call at (651) 255-9999.  If you would like to learn more about Caron Chiropractic, please visit us at www.caronchiro.com

Chiropractors in Minneapolis

Chiropractors in St. Paul

Let’s start the year off on the right foot.  Spend a few moments reflecting on how you can improve your health in 2010.  Here are a few suggestions to start the ideas flowing…..

Quit smoking:
Smoking, and exposure to secondhand smoke, is the most preventable cause of death in the country. When smokers quit, within just 30 minutes of smoking that last cigarette the body begins changes to combat the damage that cigarettes have caused.

Get more exercise:
Increasing physical activity to at least 30 minutes a day, on five or more days a week, can drastically improve overall health and lower the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Improve your diet:
Eat a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and trans fat, and high in fruits and vegetables to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of obesity and heart disease.

Keep your heart healthy:
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in this country. Having cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly can reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.

Stay away from excess salt:
A diet high in sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, so limit salt intake to one teaspoon per day. Those 50 or older should make that half a teaspoon. This will help lower blood pressure and decrease the chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke.

Screen for cancer:
Early detection is often the key to beating cancer. Women older than 40 need to schedule an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. All patients older than 50 should talk to a physician about a colonoscopy to improve the chances of early detection of colon cancer.

Protect your skin from the sun:
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and be sure to increase it to 30 or higher if exposed to the sun for a prolonged period.

Talk to a Chiropractor:
Many people only see a Chiropractor when they’re back hurts, and they often overlook the fact that chiropractic doctors are great resources for information on losing weight, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and other issues that may affect overall health.

Contact Caron Chiropractic with any health concerns or questions.  We may be reached at (651) 255-9999!

Chiropractors in Minneapolis

Chiropractors in St. Paul

The doctors of Caron Chiropractic treat a broad range of sports related injuries involving the neck and back.  Due to the physicality of hockey, players often strain the neck and back either through player-to-play contact or by simply twisting or bending in a way that results in injury.

Common Injuries
In the past decade there has been a sharp increase in neck and spine injuries. Some players adopt a false sense of security when they have protective gear. Usually, injuries happen when you least expect them.

The knee is also commonly injured. Mostly, the injuries are sprains to the medial collateral and capsular ligaments. Cruciate ligament tears are infrequent in hockey.

Shoulder injuries, joint separation, Acromioclavicular, or AC, or separated shoulder is a common injury that occurs both with checking to the boards and falls onto the ice. Other common injuries are shoulder dislocations, gamekeeper’s thumb (tear of the ulnar collateral ligament), and fractures of the hand and wrist.

It is estimated that one-third of injuries are caused by foul play.

Prevention
· wear appropriate tire and equipment, helmet, face mask, shin guards, gloves, etc.
· drink plenty of water so that you won’t be dehydrated
· always warm up and stretch thoroughly
· have a first aid kit on hand at facilities and be able to use it

If you have sustained an injury while playing, give our office a call and we can discuss your treatment options.  Our office number is (651) 255-9999!

Chiropractors in Minneapolis

Chiropractors in St. Paul

Other than sustaining an injury, poor posture is the single largest contributor to back pain and poor spinal health.  The way you stand, sit, sleep and walk are all part of your posture and can all contribute to the health or injury of your spine. If you consistently have poor postural habits, it can lead to long-term injury to your spine.  The bottom line is, an unhealthy spine can lead to many other health problems.

At Caron Chiropractic Clinic, we will work with you to determine how your posture is affecting the health of your back and spine.  You need to be sure that you are doing all the right things to maintain proper posture throughout the day.  Are you using the right chair, the right pillow? Is your work area set up so as to avoid unnecessary bending, twisting or slouching? What can be done to ensure that you are as close to optimal posture all day long? Maintaining proper posture is probably the best thing you can do to avoid damage to your spine.

Please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can be reached at (651) 255-9999.  To learn more about our organization, please visit us at www.caronchiro.com