San Jose Chiropractic

Let’s face it, you can’t stop kids from carrying backpacks especially with school lockers being removed from many schools. And, we, adults use them, too, for plenty of activities in addition to hiking. But, not all backpacks are equal when it comes to their impact on the musculoskeletal system of young and old, alike. That’s why the endorsement of nine backpackes and daypackes from The North Face, announced today by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is so important. The endorsed styles are the Big Shot, Borealis, Box Shot, Cornice, Hotshot, On Sight, Recon, Surge, and Yavapai. \

Here’s what a panel of doctors of chiropractic found with regard to the benefits of The North Face packs:

• Injection molded shoulder straps: creating innovative flex points to alleviate clavicle and pressure point strain;

• Anatomically correct shoulder straps: constructed in a shape specifically suited for males or females;

• Back panels with improved fit: featuring a recessed channel designed to take pressure off the spine and a more comfortable fabrication for load-bearing activities; and

• Updated interior organization: providing ample pockets and dividers for storing and organizing the necessities of school, work and play .

“After careful study and consultation with Scott Bautch, DC, The North Face designers revised specific backpacks and daypacks, making improvements to fit, comfort and usability,” said Scott McGuire, equipment product director for The North Face. “Improvements to features such as shoulder straps, back panels and hipbelts increase both the function and comfort of this collection.”

For additional information and to purchase the new ACA-endorsed packs visit www.thenorthface.com.

Posted via email from chironews4u’s posterous

You’ve no doubt surmised from reading my past blogs that, as a chiropractor, my philosophy is a resounding “motion is life,” and that I believe that daily exercise is one of the most important elements to health and longevity, mentally as well as physically. So, naturally, whenever I run across a new study that validates the importance of exercise, I like to pass it along to my patients. And, that’s just what I’m doing here. A new study by researchers from the University of Essex, and published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that just five minutes of exercise a day in “the great outdoors” can improve mental health. That’s right, “green activity” like walking in the park, cycling around vineyards, and gardening, or even farming, can actually boost a person’s mood and self esteem.

Even though plenty of studies in the past have confirmed that outdoor exercise can not only increase a sense of well-being, but reduce the risk of mental illness in general, there hasn’t been a study focusing on just how much time outdoors is needed to produce positive benefits. What may come as a surprise to many people is just how little time is required. The study found that the largest positive effect on self-esteem came from just a five-minute “tip-toe through the tulips.” Surely, we all have five minutes to devote to your sense of well-being. Of course, if you don’t live or work close to a park, allow time for the commute.

You can read more on this study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology or go to msnbc.com/health

Posted via email from chironews4u’s posterous