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Webster Technique Diagram

The Webster Technique – What is it?

The Webster Technique – What is it?

Many expectant mothers in Hawaii have used the Webster Technique to relieve pain and discomfort they’ve experienced during pregnancy as well as deal with other issues.

But, what exactly is it? How does it work? Can it really turn a breech baby?

You can get the answers to all of these questions. Find out right here, right now:

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique – What is it? Read More »

Many expectant mothers in Hawaii have used the Webster Technique to relieve pain and discomfort they’ve experienced during pregnancy as well as deal with other issues.

But, what exactly is it? How does it work? Can it really turn a breech baby?

You can get the answers to all of these questions. Find out right here, right now:

What is the Webster Technique?

Hip Injury Chiropractic Treatment

Hip Injuries and Treatments

Hip Injuries and Treatments

Hip injuries can come in the form of acute injuries, like

  • Muscle Strain, Sprains, Contusions or Fractures;
  • Overuse Injuries, such as Bursitis, Tendinitis and Stress Fractures; or
  • Degenerative Injury due to conditions like Arthritis.

While surgical repair or hip replacement may be unavoidable under some circumstances, many hip injuries can be treated efficiently with non-invasive therapies, medications and rehabilitation.

Corrective surgery or hip replacement can be a very good option when it is absolutely necessary, but there are risks. So be sure to check into all treatment options for your hip injury before resorting to surgical solutions.

Conservative Medical Treatment

Many acute and overuse injuries are treated with –

  • a period of rest, generally 24 to 48 hours;
  • ice or heat therapy;
  • anti-inflammatory medications, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription oral medications or injections;
  • and physical therapy to rehabilitate your hip.

Physical therapists typically work with patients to maintain or increase your range of motion and flexibility as the injury heals, as well as to strengthen the hip muscles for increased joint support and stability, addressing weaknesses that may have contributed to the injury.

Physical therapy can also benefit patients who suffer from degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.

Strengthening the muscles that support the hip joint can improve joint function, decrease pain and stiffness and slow the progression of joint deterioration.

Alternative Treatments

Many people with hip injuries or chronic hip pain have found relief with chiropractic care, which tends toward a more holistic approach, incorporating joint manipulation, exercise and nutritional therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan.

Acupuncture has also proven helpful for many in relieving hip pain, and joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are often used to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

When Hip Surgery is Unavoidable

For some hip injuries, surgery is the only means of regaining mobility and relieving pain.

Hip fractures require surgical repair, and sometimes hip replacement must be done.

Severe joint degeneration may negate other treatment options as well, making hip replacement necessary.

While hip replacement has become very common, it is still major surgery and there are risks. Recently, issues have emerged with a number of hip implant products.

Several have been recalled due to faulty designs and defects that have led to high rates of implant failures and complications in patients.

Among the most recent implant products recalled is the Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant, which has proven prone to corrosion, an issue that has caused serious complications in many patients fitted with these devices.

Cobalt toxicity has affected a number of patients, as has metallosis, a serious inflammatory condition related to metallic implant debris shed into soft tissues, which can lead to tissue death, bone loss and implant failure.

Several hip replacement lawsuits have been filed by patients who experienced these severe side effects.

It is very important for people who will undergo hip replacement to educate themselves on the risks and benefits of the various hip implants available, given the serious issues with certain implant models.

Doing a bit of homework before surgery could spare the pain and expense of complications and revision surgeries later.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.

Hip Injuries and Treatments Read More »

Hip injuries can come in the form of acute injuries, like

  • Muscle Strain, Sprains, Contusions or Fractures;
  • Overuse Injuries, such as Bursitis, Tendinitis and Stress Fractures; or
  • Degenerative Injury due to conditions like Arthritis.

While surgical repair or hip replacement may be unavoidable under some circumstances, many hip injuries can be treated efficiently with non-invasive therapies, medications and rehabilitation.

Corrective surgery or hip replacement can be a very good option when it is absolutely necessary, but there are risks. So be sure to check into all treatment options for your hip injury before resorting to surgical solutions.

Conservative Medical Treatment

Many acute and overuse injuries are treated with –

  • a period of rest, generally 24 to 48 hours;
  • ice or heat therapy;
  • anti-inflammatory medications, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription oral medications or injections;
  • and physical therapy to rehabilitate your hip.

Physical therapists typically work with patients to maintain or increase your range of motion and flexibility as the injury heals, as well as to strengthen the hip muscles for increased joint support and stability, addressing weaknesses that may have contributed to the injury.

Physical therapy can also benefit patients who suffer from degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.

Strengthening the muscles that support the hip joint can improve joint function, decrease pain and stiffness and slow the progression of joint deterioration.

Alternative Treatments

Many people with hip injuries or chronic hip pain have found relief with chiropractic care, which tends toward a more holistic approach, incorporating joint manipulation, exercise and nutritional therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan.

Acupuncture has also proven helpful for many in relieving hip pain, and joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are often used to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

When Hip Surgery is Unavoidable

For some hip injuries, surgery is the only means of regaining mobility and relieving pain.

Hip fractures require surgical repair, and sometimes hip replacement must be done.

Severe joint degeneration may negate other treatment options as well, making hip replacement necessary.

While hip replacement has become very common, it is still major surgery and there are risks. Recently, issues have emerged with a number of hip implant products.

Several have been recalled due to faulty designs and defects that have led to high rates of implant failures and complications in patients.

Among the most recent implant products recalled is the Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant, which has proven prone to corrosion, an issue that has caused serious complications in many patients fitted with these devices.

Cobalt toxicity has affected a number of patients, as has metallosis, a serious inflammatory condition related to metallic implant debris shed into soft tissues, which can lead to tissue death, bone loss and implant failure.

Several hip replacement lawsuits have been filed by patients who experienced these severe side effects.

It is very important for people who will undergo hip replacement to educate themselves on the risks and benefits of the various hip implants available, given the serious issues with certain implant models.

Doing a bit of homework before surgery could spare the pain and expense of complications and revision surgeries later.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.

May is Stroke Month

May is Stroke Month

May is STROKE month……Here is some easy information we should all be aware of to recognize a stroke happening. Every second counts, so knowing these signs could make the vital difference in someone’s life. Maybe even yours.

Signs of a Stroke & What to Do

May is Stroke Month Read More »

May is STROKE month……Here is some easy information we should all be aware of to recognize a stroke happening. Every second counts, so knowing these signs could make the vital difference in someone’s life. Maybe even yours.

Signs of a Stroke & What to Do

Catalyn Benefits For You

Catalyn Benefits For You

Fruits & Vitamins

We all know vitamins are good for our bodies, perhaps you are even a regular vitamin-taker, but did you know that the quality of vitamins you consume makes a huge difference on their effectiveness?

A multivitamin with more ingredients than your body can absorb, or should absorb, may actually have reverse effects on your health!

In addition, the quality of the vitamins you take makes a big difference too.

In our office, one of the multivitamins we use is called Catalyn.

It’s a vitamin made from “whole food” ingredients, which means it is made from actual fruits and vegetables, rather than from man-made nutrients.

Because it’s made from whole foods, it contains all the enzymes and co-factors that are in food.

This is important because the effectiveness of vitamins on your body is drastically altered when vitamins are separated from their enzymes.

Catalyn supports the physiological and biological processes of your body.  Also, all the ingredients used in Catalyn are Certified Organic!

So, what are some of the ingredients in Catalyn that can help you?

Living in Hawaii, we all have to take caution in caring for our skin – the vitamin A in Catalyn works as an antioxidant and is vital for new cell growth and vitamin C is able to support the growth and repair of skin tissues and cells.

Catalyn is also essential to the overall health of your heart, as it promotes healthy circulation, aids in moderating homocysteine levels and helps your heart maintain a normal rhythm.

Last, but certainly not least, Catalyn aids in metabolism. Who doesn’t love a healthy metabolism?

The vitamin B complex in Catalyn supports energy metabolism -- the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Furthermore, it supports immune and nervous system function.  There’s a lot to this multivitamin!

A multivitamin is a good plan for anyone, but we encourage you to research the quality of your multivitamin.

If you're unsure, give us a call - (808) 834-8662 - to learn more about how Catalyn can benefit you.

Catalyn Benefits For You Read More »

Fruits & Vitamins

We all know vitamins are good for our bodies, perhaps you are even a regular vitamin-taker, but did you know that the quality of vitamins you consume makes a huge difference on their effectiveness?

A multivitamin with more ingredients than your body can absorb, or should absorb, may actually have reverse effects on your health!

In addition, the quality of the vitamins you take makes a big difference too.

In our office, one of the multivitamins we use is called Catalyn.

It’s a vitamin made from “whole food” ingredients, which means it is made from actual fruits and vegetables, rather than from man-made nutrients.

Because it’s made from whole foods, it contains all the enzymes and co-factors that are in food.

This is important because the effectiveness of vitamins on your body is drastically altered when vitamins are separated from their enzymes.

Catalyn supports the physiological and biological processes of your body.  Also, all the ingredients used in Catalyn are Certified Organic!

So, what are some of the ingredients in Catalyn that can help you?

Living in Hawaii, we all have to take caution in caring for our skin – the vitamin A in Catalyn works as an antioxidant and is vital for new cell growth and vitamin C is able to support the growth and repair of skin tissues and cells.

Catalyn is also essential to the overall health of your heart, as it promotes healthy circulation, aids in moderating homocysteine levels and helps your heart maintain a normal rhythm.

Last, but certainly not least, Catalyn aids in metabolism. Who doesn’t love a healthy metabolism?

The vitamin B complex in Catalyn supports energy metabolism -- the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Furthermore, it supports immune and nervous system function.  There’s a lot to this multivitamin!

A multivitamin is a good plan for anyone, but we encourage you to research the quality of your multivitamin.

If you're unsure, give us a call - (808) 834-8662 - to learn more about how Catalyn can benefit you.

Calcium: Important Facts About Supplements And Other Sources

Calcium: Important Facts About Supplements And Other Sources

It’s no secret that we all need calcium. We have probably all been told to “eat our vegetables” while growing up. Now, as adults and possibly with kids of your own, it turns out that Mom really did know best and those veggies are important to your health.

Surprisingly, one of the vegetables that is high in calcium is broccoli! Did you know that your body does not make calcium on its own? That is why it is so vital that your calcium intake is adequate (Calcium Supplements: What to Look For).

We all need calcium, maybe some more than others depending on age and gender, but we all need it–men, women and children alike. Children and aging adults (especially postmenopausal women) should take special care to have adequate calcium.

Children are susceptible to calcium deficiency because during their growth spurts their bodies are using up all the available calcium to grow, leaving less calcium for other body functions. Aging adults are at risk of calcium deficiency because as we age our bodies break down our bones faster than they are rebuilding them.

In many people this results in the risk of osteoporosis. In addition to building and maintaining healthy bones, calcium is essential for regulating the heartbeat, conducting nerve impulses, stimulating hormone secretions and clotting blood (Calcium Supplements: What to Look For).

How To Safely Start Taking Calcium

Check out the table from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium for recommended milligrams of calcium intakes for all ages.

As with any dietary supplement, it is extremely important that you consult a physician before you begin a supplement regimen. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free for everyone.

If you have a chronic condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension consult your physician before you begin a calcium supplement.

Furthermore, some supplements should not be taken together or with some prescriptions and even some over-the-counter medications (Tips For the Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions And Evaluating Information).

Food Sources of Calcium

In addition to supplements, there are many foods that contain calcium. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese are natural sources of calcium. Some vegetables, including broccoli, kale and turnip greens also provide calcium.

Although some foods and drinks, including fruit juices, tofu and many cereals are calcium-fortified, remember that the best way to supplement is a good vitamin made from organic whole food sources.

There are many types of calcium available. Calcium lactate, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are a few of the most common but they are not all equally absorbed by your body so its very important to know the type of calcium you are taking.

Low quality calcium supplements won’t be digested easily.

At ‘Ohana Chiropractic, we use a variety of calcium supplements with our patients, depending on their needs and the best way to determine which calcium is best for you is to ask Dr. Robert.

Resources

Calcium Supplements: What to Look For. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/calcium_supp.asp

Tips For The Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions And Evaluating Information. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/ConsumerInformation/ucm110567.htm

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium

Calcium: Important Facts About Supplements And Other Sources Read More »

It’s no secret that we all need calcium. We have probably all been told to “eat our vegetables” while growing up. Now, as adults and possibly with kids of your own, it turns out that Mom really did know best and those veggies are important to your health.

Surprisingly, one of the vegetables that is high in calcium is broccoli! Did you know that your body does not make calcium on its own? That is why it is so vital that your calcium intake is adequate (Calcium Supplements: What to Look For).

We all need calcium, maybe some more than others depending on age and gender, but we all need it–men, women and children alike. Children and aging adults (especially postmenopausal women) should take special care to have adequate calcium.

Children are susceptible to calcium deficiency because during their growth spurts their bodies are using up all the available calcium to grow, leaving less calcium for other body functions. Aging adults are at risk of calcium deficiency because as we age our bodies break down our bones faster than they are rebuilding them.

In many people this results in the risk of osteoporosis. In addition to building and maintaining healthy bones, calcium is essential for regulating the heartbeat, conducting nerve impulses, stimulating hormone secretions and clotting blood (Calcium Supplements: What to Look For).

How To Safely Start Taking Calcium

Check out the table from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium for recommended milligrams of calcium intakes for all ages.

As with any dietary supplement, it is extremely important that you consult a physician before you begin a supplement regimen. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free for everyone.

If you have a chronic condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension consult your physician before you begin a calcium supplement.

Furthermore, some supplements should not be taken together or with some prescriptions and even some over-the-counter medications (Tips For the Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions And Evaluating Information).

Food Sources of Calcium

In addition to supplements, there are many foods that contain calcium. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese are natural sources of calcium. Some vegetables, including broccoli, kale and turnip greens also provide calcium.

Although some foods and drinks, including fruit juices, tofu and many cereals are calcium-fortified, remember that the best way to supplement is a good vitamin made from organic whole food sources.

There are many types of calcium available. Calcium lactate, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are a few of the most common but they are not all equally absorbed by your body so its very important to know the type of calcium you are taking.

Low quality calcium supplements won’t be digested easily.

At ‘Ohana Chiropractic, we use a variety of calcium supplements with our patients, depending on their needs and the best way to determine which calcium is best for you is to ask Dr. Robert.

Resources

Calcium Supplements: What to Look For. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/calcium_supp.asp

Tips For The Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions And Evaluating Information. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/ConsumerInformation/ucm110567.htm

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium

Upper Body Stretching

More on Stretching…..Upper Body

More on Stretching…..Upper Body

Here are some simple stretches for your upper body that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Shoulder Shrug: Sit straight up with your shoulders relaxed.  As you inhale, squeeze your shoulders up toward your ears.  Hold this position for several seconds.  As you exhale, relax your shoulders.  Repeat this 5-10 times.
  • Neck Stretch: Sit straight and let your head drop forward, tucking your chin to your chest.  Relax for a few seconds, then lift your head back to center.  Next, let your head drop to the left by bringing your ear toward your left shoulder.  Try not to let your shoulder rise up toward your ear. You will feel the stretch on the opposite side of your neck.  Only go as far as is comfortable, don’t force the stretch.  Hold this pose for a few seconds, then do the right side.  Repeat this sequence 5 times or so.
  • Chest Stretch: Stand or sit up straight and put your hands on your lower back with your fingers pointing down.  Your elbows will be pointing out towards the side.  Keep your hands in position and slowly stretch your elbows backwards as far as they can go.  Hold this stretch for several seconds and repeat a few times.
  • Spine Stretch: Sit straight in a chair.  Clasp your hands behind your head and slowly turn toward the right, exhaling as you turn. Only twist as far as you comfortable can without strain.  Hold this for several seconds, then inhale as you return to your starting position.  Repeat this stretch on the opposite side.  Do this stretch 5 or so times.

Regular stretching will help you to feel great and avoid injuries, so make stretching a habit!

More on Stretching…..Upper Body Read More »

Here are some simple stretches for your upper body that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Shoulder Shrug: Sit straight up with your shoulders relaxed.  As you inhale, squeeze your shoulders up toward your ears.  Hold this position for several seconds.  As you exhale, relax your shoulders.  Repeat this 5-10 times.
  • Neck Stretch: Sit straight and let your head drop forward, tucking your chin to your chest.  Relax for a few seconds, then lift your head back to center.  Next, let your head drop to the left by bringing your ear toward your left shoulder.  Try not to let your shoulder rise up toward your ear. You will feel the stretch on the opposite side of your neck.  Only go as far as is comfortable, don’t force the stretch.  Hold this pose for a few seconds, then do the right side.  Repeat this sequence 5 times or so.
  • Chest Stretch: Stand or sit up straight and put your hands on your lower back with your fingers pointing down.  Your elbows will be pointing out towards the side.  Keep your hands in position and slowly stretch your elbows backwards as far as they can go.  Hold this stretch for several seconds and repeat a few times.
  • Spine Stretch: Sit straight in a chair.  Clasp your hands behind your head and slowly turn toward the right, exhaling as you turn. Only twist as far as you comfortable can without strain.  Hold this for several seconds, then inhale as you return to your starting position.  Repeat this stretch on the opposite side.  Do this stretch 5 or so times.

Regular stretching will help you to feel great and avoid injuries, so make stretching a habit!

Stretching Exercises for Your Health

Remember….You Need to Stretch Too!

Remember….You Need to Stretch Too!

Sometimes getting regular chiropractic adjustments aren’t enough.  Occasionally a person will experience pain that doesn’t stay away with an adjustment.

You might feel relief immediately after your adjustment – but soon the pain returns.

One cause for this is tight or strained muscles.  And no matter how many adjustments you receive, they may not hold because your muscles are working against it.  Sometimes it is our own muscles that pull our bodies out of alignment.

And while an adjustment can alleviate the pain for a short while, the tight muscles may pull you right back out again.

An easy solution patients can do for themselves is to remember to stretch every day.  It’s simple, but something that most people forget to do!

Stretch regularly even when you’re not experiencing pain.  Keeping your muscles limber and flexible is a good habit to have and will help you achieve optimum health.

To do effective and safe stretching you don’t need to go to the gym or have any special equipment.  In fact, most stretches are best done just with your own body.

We can help you with the proper ways to stretch, and can give you a set of exercises specific to your problem areas.

Stretches That Could Make Your Pain Go Away

Here are three simple Yoga Stretches that help with tight low backs:

  • The Cat and Camel: This exercise helps to stretch all of the pelvic muscles and the lower back.
    • Start on your hands and knees.  Keep your hands just in front of your shoulders and your legs about hip-width apart.
    • As you inhale, tilt your tailbone and pelvis up, and let the spine curve downward, dropping your stomach low.
    • Lift your head up, gently stretching your chin towards the ceiling. Stretch gently. This position is the Camel stretch.
    • As you exhale, move into the Cat stretch by slowly arching your back towards the ceiling and tucking your head and tailbone down until you are looking between your arms.
    • Tighten your stomach by imagining that you are pulling your belly button towards the ceiling.
    • Hold each pose for several seconds and repeat 10 times, flowing smoothly from camel into cat, and cat back into camel.Angry Cat Stretch Exercise
  • The Fish:
    • Lie on your back and bend your knees, placing the bottom of your feet on the floor by your hips. Place your hands at your side, palms down and keep your chin up with the back of your head on the floor.
    • Inhale and push your buttocks up slowly toward the ceiling as far as you can with your feet, hands and head remaining in the original position.
    • Exhale and slowly lower your buttocks to the floor. Repeat 10 times.The Fish Stretching Exercise
  • The Corpse: This very simple exercise is great relaxation for your lower back.
    • Lay flat on your back on the floor–don’t use a soft surface like a bed for this exercise.
    • Place your hands at your sides, palms up.  Close your eyes and breath deeply to relax the lower back muscles.
    • If this position causes you too much pain in your low back,  try bending your knees and placing the bottom of your feet on the floor to ease the tension in your back.
    • Relax your whole body, including your face, by imagining your muscles slowly melting into the floor.  To help with this, you can tighten, then relax, each body part individually, until you have done this with your whole body.
    • Start with your toes, then your calf muscles, your thighs, etc. When your whole body is relaxed, stay in this position for 5 – 10 minutes.
    • When you are done, wiggle your fingers and toes before you get up.  Gently awaken your body rather than jumping up.

Remember, don’t do any of these if they cause pain or discomfort–the stretch should feel good, not sore.

We all should play an active role in our own wellbeing.  Knowing we can speed along our healing process or help maintain our health and wellness is empowering!

Remember….You Need to Stretch Too! Read More »

Sometimes getting regular chiropractic adjustments aren’t enough.  Occasionally a person will experience pain that doesn’t stay away with an adjustment.

You might feel relief immediately after your adjustment – but soon the pain returns.

One cause for this is tight or strained muscles.  And no matter how many adjustments you receive, they may not hold because your muscles are working against it.  Sometimes it is our own muscles that pull our bodies out of alignment.

And while an adjustment can alleviate the pain for a short while, the tight muscles may pull you right back out again.

An easy solution patients can do for themselves is to remember to stretch every day.  It’s simple, but something that most people forget to do!

Stretch regularly even when you’re not experiencing pain.  Keeping your muscles limber and flexible is a good habit to have and will help you achieve optimum health.

To do effective and safe stretching you don’t need to go to the gym or have any special equipment.  In fact, most stretches are best done just with your own body.

We can help you with the proper ways to stretch, and can give you a set of exercises specific to your problem areas.

Stretches That Could Make Your Pain Go Away

Here are three simple Yoga Stretches that help with tight low backs:

  • The Cat and Camel: This exercise helps to stretch all of the pelvic muscles and the lower back.
    • Start on your hands and knees.  Keep your hands just in front of your shoulders and your legs about hip-width apart.
    • As you inhale, tilt your tailbone and pelvis up, and let the spine curve downward, dropping your stomach low.
    • Lift your head up, gently stretching your chin towards the ceiling. Stretch gently. This position is the Camel stretch.
    • As you exhale, move into the Cat stretch by slowly arching your back towards the ceiling and tucking your head and tailbone down until you are looking between your arms.
    • Tighten your stomach by imagining that you are pulling your belly button towards the ceiling.
    • Hold each pose for several seconds and repeat 10 times, flowing smoothly from camel into cat, and cat back into camel.Angry Cat Stretch Exercise
  • The Fish:
    • Lie on your back and bend your knees, placing the bottom of your feet on the floor by your hips. Place your hands at your side, palms down and keep your chin up with the back of your head on the floor.
    • Inhale and push your buttocks up slowly toward the ceiling as far as you can with your feet, hands and head remaining in the original position.
    • Exhale and slowly lower your buttocks to the floor. Repeat 10 times.The Fish Stretching Exercise
  • The Corpse: This very simple exercise is great relaxation for your lower back.
    • Lay flat on your back on the floor–don’t use a soft surface like a bed for this exercise.
    • Place your hands at your sides, palms up.  Close your eyes and breath deeply to relax the lower back muscles.
    • If this position causes you too much pain in your low back,  try bending your knees and placing the bottom of your feet on the floor to ease the tension in your back.
    • Relax your whole body, including your face, by imagining your muscles slowly melting into the floor.  To help with this, you can tighten, then relax, each body part individually, until you have done this with your whole body.
    • Start with your toes, then your calf muscles, your thighs, etc. When your whole body is relaxed, stay in this position for 5 – 10 minutes.
    • When you are done, wiggle your fingers and toes before you get up.  Gently awaken your body rather than jumping up.

Remember, don’t do any of these if they cause pain or discomfort–the stretch should feel good, not sore.

We all should play an active role in our own wellbeing.  Knowing we can speed along our healing process or help maintain our health and wellness is empowering!

Sunscreen Ingredients Infographic

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting You?

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting You?

As we all know, sun protection is an important part of living here in Hawaii.  There are two basic rules of sun protection; always wear sunblock and know your sunscreen.

However, what most people don’t realize is that many sunscreens contain ingredients that may either be harmful to us or don’t offer sufficient protection.

According to the environmental working group’s research team, some sunscreens can leave you overexposed to damaging UVA rays; it can break down in the sun, or contain potential hormone-disrupting compounds.

Check out this website to find out what’s in your sunscreen.
Environmental Working Group 2019 Sunscreen Guide

We tried it and recommend a mineral-based sunscreen with natural ingredients, so that it is friendly to you and the environment!

For your convenience, we now carry Grahams Natural Alternatives SunClear SPF 30+ at our office!

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting You? Read More »

As we all know, sun protection is an important part of living here in Hawaii.  There are two basic rules of sun protection; always wear sunblock and know your sunscreen.

However, what most people don’t realize is that many sunscreens contain ingredients that may either be harmful to us or don’t offer sufficient protection.

According to the environmental working group’s research team, some sunscreens can leave you overexposed to damaging UVA rays; it can break down in the sun, or contain potential hormone-disrupting compounds.

Check out this website to find out what’s in your sunscreen.
Environmental Working Group 2019 Sunscreen Guide

We tried it and recommend a mineral-based sunscreen with natural ingredients, so that it is friendly to you and the environment!

For your convenience, we now carry Grahams Natural Alternatives SunClear SPF 30+ at our office!