Summer is a time for fun in the sun, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. But with the warmer weather and increased activity, it's important to take care of your body to avoid aches and pains. At Keyes To Health, we want you to make the most of the summer while staying healthy and feeling your best. Here are some chiropractic tips to keep your body aligned, energized, and pain-free all season long.

1. Stay Hydrated

As temperatures soar, maintaining proper hydration becomes vital for your overall health. Dehydration can result in fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps, increasing your risk of injury. Water plays a key role in keeping your joints lubricated and ensuring your muscles operate effectively. Strive to consume at least eight glasses of water daily—more if you're engaging in outdoor activities.

Chiropractic Tip: Maintaining proper hydration supports spinal health by keeping the discs between your vertebrae well-hydrated, which can help alleviate back pain and stiffness.

2. Use Proper Posture When Gardening

Gardening is a beloved summer pastime for numerous individuals, yet it can take a toll on your back. Spending hours bending, lifting, and kneeling may result in strains and injuries if you're not cautious. To prevent this, remember to:

• Bend your knees when lifting heavy pots or bags of soil.
• Take breaks to stretch every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Utilize a kneeling pad or seat to alleviate pressure on your knees and back.

Chiropractic Tip: After a long day spent in the garden, consider visiting your chiropractor to relieve tension and maintain proper spinal alignment.

3. Warm Up Before Outdoor Activities

No matter if you're playing beach volleyball, going for a run, or embarking on a hike, warming up before physical activities is crucial. Stretching enhances blood circulation to your muscles, boosts flexibility, and minimizes the chances of strains or injuries. 

Chiropractic Tip: Pay attention to stretches that target your lower back, shoulders, and legs—regions often overworked during summer activities. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can enhance the health of these areas, promoting better range of motion and alleviating muscle tightness.

4. Protect Your Neck and Back During Travel

Summer vacations frequently involve lengthy car rides, flights, or train trips. Spending long hours sitting can create tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable while traveling:

• Utilize a lumbar support pillow or roll a towel to maintain the natural curve of your lower back.
• Make it a point to take regular breaks to stretch and walk around whenever possible.
• Adjust your seat so that your knees are either level with or slightly below your hips.

Chiropractic Advice: If you often experience neck or back pain while traveling, think about scheduling a chiropractic appointment before or after your trip to help align your spine and relieve tension.

5. Don’t Forget Sun Protection

When you're out enjoying the great outdoors, don’t forget to shield your skin with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. However, it’s important to note that extended sun exposure can also impact your posture. Squinting and tilting your neck to dodge the sun’s glare may result in tension headaches, neck stiffness, and ultimately, poor posture.

Chiropractic Advice: Pay attention to your body's posture while enjoying the outdoors. Visiting your chiropractor can help alleviate tension in your neck and shoulders, keeping you comfortable and properly aligned.

6. Stay Active, but Pace Yourself

Summer is an ideal season to remain active, whether through swimming, cycling, hiking, or engaging in sports. Consistent physical activity helps maintain your body's strength and flexibility. However, it's crucial to avoid overexertion. Overdoing it can result in muscle fatigue, strains, and potentially serious injuries.

Chiropractic Tip: To allow your muscles some recovery, balance high-impact activities with low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga. Should you experience any discomfort or pain, chiropractic care can assist in resolving issues before they develop into chronic conditions.

7. Visit Your Chiropractor Regularly

Summer activities frequently introduce fresh physical challenges that may strain your body. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper alignment of your spine and joints, enhancing your overall mobility and lowering your injury risk. Additionally, chiropractic care can alleviate stress, boost your energy levels, and help you feel your best all summer long.