Gender Exercise Gap

Here is an article from the British Chiropractic Association, my professional association. It discusses a recent report about the perception and experience of young women relative to exercise. There is also a really useful link at the end of the piece. This link gives you access to a short video clip of the 3 minute 'Straighten Up UK' postural exercise routine. If you would like to speak with me about it then visit my website www.yourbackclinic.com and give me a call or drop me a line.

Getting more active

To help narrow the exercise gap between boys and girls the British Chiropractic Association has a great way for kids of all ages to mind their posture as part of healthy exercise.

The Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation has issued a report that shows that a gender gap between girls and boys develops as they get older. In research carried out by the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University, over half (51%) of secondary school girls said they were being put off sport and physical activities because of experiences at school in 'PE' lessons.

The report makes some key recommendations which can be viewed here

There is evidence that people of all ages are experiencing higher levels of back pain and discomfort and much of this is related to poor posture.

The British Chiropractic Association shares the belief that children should all be active and exercise in order to promote their health and to help future issues with back problems. 

Straighten Up UK is an exciting programme from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), designed to improve posture and help prevent back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine. Chiropractors want to encourage adults and children alike to start using this set of simple, three minute straighten up exercises. They are designed to be done on a daily basis and become part of the daily routine, just like brushing our teeth.

Click here to view the exercises in action and to request a free leaflet explaining the exercises.

Chiropractic Awareness Week - Ageing Actively

AGEING ACTIVELY

    Your Back Clinic encourages the people of the North West to observe the perils of back and neck pain in later years 

We are living in an era of significant population ageing and, with 2012 confirmed as the European Year for Active Ageing by the European Commission, it is time for the people of the North West to pay attention to the role posture plays in keeping us fit and active into old age.  

To mark the start of Chiropractic Awareness Week (16^th to 20^th April), Your Back Clinic unveils the results of consumer research* that highlight the need for attention and action, no matter what age you may be.

Amongst those living in the North West:

·        A quarter (25%) of those aged 55 and over are most worried about becoming less active as they age.

·         47% of over 55’s admit that they are a lot less active than 20 years ago.

·         41% of over 55 year olds are currently suffering from back or neck pain with 62% of those complaining that they suffer daily and 12% stating they have endured some kind of back or neck complaint for more than 10 years.

The research also explored how back and neck pain is impacting on people’s daily lives.  The findings revealed that 18% of those suffering from back or neck pain, aged 55+ and living in the North West experienced difficulties with going to work as a result – a clear concern for the workforce of the region. Additionally, as many as 12% find difficulty carrying their bags/rucksacks.

Remaining active as we age is important to our well-being and continued health.  So, while our bodies start to slow down naturally, there are some simple everyday steps that can be taken to help preserve your back and posture into your older years.

Neil recommends:

- Stay as active as you can within your physical limitations. Some exercises that may seem daunting or only for the very fit may, in fact, be perfect in allowing you to maintain fitness and mobility if done at a ‘lower’ level. Adding just a few minutes of exercise or stretches to your daily routine could be of benefit.

- Walking is a great way to stay active and the benefits are underestimated. It is less strenuous on the joints than other forms of exercise but is weight bearing and so can help maintain bone density too.

- A moving joint is likely to be less painful than a static joint, so even simple movement, stretches or gentle exercises could help relieve pain.

- Promoting core strength and positive posture by doing StraightenUpUK – a series of simple stretches and exercises is a great idea. (go to www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk)

- Look to increase levels of activity in simple ways: walk to the shops instead of driving; try walking a little faster to boost the exercise benefit; take the stairs instead of an escalator or lift. Any additional exercise is better than none.

- Keep fluid levels topped up; the body works better when well hydrated: Your muscles and joints will work more efficiently and fatigue less.

- Always consult your doctor before embarking on new exercises to make sure they are compatible with any known medical conditions or symptoms.