Are you one of the many folks who’s heading south for vacation to escape our cold Canadian winter?

Make an appointment to see your chiropractor a week or so before you go.  Maintenance care will clear out those irritating aches and annoying stiffness that might interfere with your enjoyment.  It is also preventative.  Nobody wants to be seized up or in pain on holiday.

Don’t wait until the day before your flight leaves—there’s never as much time to prepare as you would like!

Crucial tips for a healthy and happy holiday

Heavy suitcases and backpacks can cause pain and injury just when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation.  Lift heavy objects properly:  bend at the knees, use your leg and arm muscles, and if you need to turn, pivot with your feet rather than twisting your torso.  Use both straps on a backpack to evenly distribute the weight.  Don’t overload your beach bags or purses.  And the less you put in your suitcase, the easier it’ll be to lift…not to mention avoiding those over-maximum-weight charges from airlines.

Airplane travel is notoriously cramped.  Train travel isn’t much better.  If you’re on a long international flight, or an all-day train trip, make sure to get up and stretch your legs regularly.  Moving around will help keep your blood flowing.

If you’re driving south, make sure your car’s seat is properly positioned.  Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and help to keep yourself alert.

It’s lovely to lie on the beach in the sun, but your body will thank you if you take some time to be active.  If you’re not into hotel gyms, then take a walking tour, enjoy a swim, go for a run on the beach or see if your hotel offers organized activities.

Stretches take only a few minutes a day. They can done in a room as small as a cruise ship cabin. Best of all, they can help to prevent injuries or aches that would put a damper on your vacation.  Your chiropractor can make recommendations when you come in a week before you depart.

Have you made your vacation plans yet?  Once you do, give Sheppard Chiropractic and Laser Healing a call to schedule an appointment before you go.  We can be reached at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.