Once again we find ourselves with a “spring” in our step as the days get longer and occasionally we notice some warmth in the air. We hope that the cold wintery days are behind us and we can enjoy the outdoors a little more. Tracey and Steve are heading back to Sydney to visit the family for the first week in September (and maybe catch a footy final while they’re there?) and then Tracey’s parents will be visiting in late October when the weather will definitely be warmer. Dr Lydia has no travel plans during spring so the clinic will be open as usual except for the long weekend in early October.
Spring gives us a chance for more health resolutions after hibernating over winter. We all know we should move more and we feel better when we do. A major randomised control trial recently found that walking 130 minutes per week halved the time the participants experienced back pain compared to those who did nothing. The message is simple! Our spine responds well to regular, low impact activity. Walking keeps the spinal structures (especially the discs) hydrated and switches on the muscles that support our spine. It also gets our blood pumping which supplies circulation to these important tissues.
Once you commit to a routine it doesn’t take long before it becomes a habit that you enjoy because you can notice and appreciate the benefits very quickly. All you need to do now is decide when those sessions will fit into the longer days ahead?
Celebrating Tracey’s Dad’s 87th birthday in Sydney! He is still playing golf 2-3 times per week and is still able to walk 9 holes but uses a cart when playing 18. Tracey’s Mum walks upwards of 10,000 steps per day, often walking 15 minutes to and from the local shops to pick up “just a few things!?” Keeping moving helps to keep them fit and healthy.