Enjoy Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa Safely This Summer!

Our Mesa chiropractor Dr. Daniel Secrest, DC treats patients of all ages, from kids to adults. He has many fond memories of outdoor fun with his family, and as he says, "Outdoor family fun like biking, mountain climbing, tennis, golf, or other sports offers great vibes, mind relaxation and terrific bonding fun for the family." The Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa areas offer a plethora of outdoor fun options for the family. However, in our year-round warm climate, special precautions need to be taken before embarking on a day of family fun outdoors.

Our Chiropractic Staff Recommends Planning Ahead for Fun

Don't forget the sun protection: Ensure that everyone wears a hat, sunglasses and a sweat-proof sunscreen - 25 SPF or more is best. Wear loose clothes in light layers so that you can add or remove clothing as needed. We all know how quickly the temperature can change here in the desert, so this allows you to be prepared for the sudden temperature dips and spikes we sometimes get here in Scottsdale, Tempe, and the surrounding areas.

Take along a small first aid kit with all the essentials and bring a pack of matches. Your cell phone needs to come with you too - even if you think you might not be able to find a good signal, it is always good to have in for emergencies. Bring plenty of water for the whole group. Our chiropractic staff says to be prepared with at least two 16-oz bottles of water for each person.

Before engaging in any physical activity, our chiropractor Dr. Secrest says to do some light stretching. Avoid jerky movements, using fluid motions and holding stretches for 7 to 10 seconds. Do three to six repetitions of each stretch and you should be ready for outdoor fun! Our "Member Wellness" section has some excellent stretching routines if you're interested in learning the best ways to warm up for physical activity.

If you experience any minor cuts or scratches, you can treat them while on your outing. However, any injury more severe, such as one that results in neck pain or back pain, needs to be seen by a professional immediately. Being a "Tough Guy" equals being a "Dumb Guy" in this case!

Did you know that over 90 percent of patients who visit our facility for neck or back trouble actually end up needing an extremity adjustment as well?  If you seek help immediately after injury you can avoid the injury impact spreading. Remember, use caution when outdoors - safety and fun should always co-exist when it comes to the great outdoors!

What was your latest outdoor adventure?