Free Hugs at Family Life Chiropractic

April 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Spider monkeys in rival gangs do it. There are kits to show you how, books explain the benefits, and parties are hosted for it. Anyone can perform it on virtually anything. Some people do it to trees, teddy bears, real bears if one is ever so daring, and most importantly other people. The taboo was broken in the ‘60s and ’70s by the hippie movement and there is more than one way to do it. What am I talking about? Huggin of course!

The brilliant therapist Virginia Satir, once said “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Having a positive mental attitude and living a stress free life are imperative to living healthy and disease free. Studies introduced at the American Psychosomatic Society demonstrated that the simple but powerful hug lowered the blood pressure and heart rate of stressed individuals compared to those who did not receive hugs. These stress reducing attributes affected both the hugger and the huggee. Moreover, the best part of hugging is that it’s a great drug-free approach to reducing the harmful effects of stress without any side effects. Therefore, make sure you get your quota of hugs today and don’t forget Family Life Chiropractic is a FREE HUG ZONE.

Posted by Dr. Gary Nolan | Filed Under Health Tips

Quick Reference

1. Exercise Regularly—This does not mean anything overly strenuous. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge impact on your health.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet—Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier. Eat organic, unrefined foods and drink at least eight glasses of pure water every day. Avoid drugs, whether recreational or prescribed, including alcohol and caffeine.

3. Maintain Good Posture—Are you sitting up straight as you read this?

4. Sleep on Your Back or Side, Never Your Stomach—Avoid sleeping on your stomach, it twists your neck; avoid the fetal position, it reverses your spinal curves.

5. Invest in a Good Chair, Pillow and Mattress—When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it’s worth it.

6. Stretch Your Spine Before and After Sports—This will also help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.

7. Stretch Your Legs and Back After Each Hour of Sitting—whether in a car or at a desk, stretching regularly will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.

8. Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.

9. Do Not Overload Your Backpack, Purse or Wallet. Remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible). Keep your wallet out of your back pocket when sitting, especially when driving.

10. Remember To Visit Us Regularly—Especially if you are ill, under a lot of stress, pregnant or in an accident or trauma. Remember, it is much easier to prevent a problem than to correct one.