This may be NHS Self Care Week (Nov 12- 18), but lifestyle choices can make a huge impact on health all year round, so it’s something we should be mindful of.
There are things we can do to help prevent illness and injury. Colleen Shannon, our health writer, brings great advice on staying strong and steady in “The People’s Friend” November 24 issue and explores how exercise can help ward off a whole host of serious conditions, from depression through to weak bones. Of particular benefit are muscle-strengthening and balance-building exercises, such as yoga or badminton.
Preventing Back Pain
As part of NHS Self Care Week, independent advice from Dr Dawn Harper highlights the issues around one common ailment – back pain, which affects a growing number of people across the nation. It can be brought on by desk-bound occupations or inactive lifestyles, among other causes.
Did you know that in 2016/17, 3.2 million working days were lost due to work-related back disorders?
Now, Dr Dawn Harper and Mentholatum UK are working together to help the nation manage and prevent back pain with the “Mind Your Back” campaign, which comprises five simple S.T.E.P.S:
Five Easy Steps
- Stretch, this increases mobility and reduces muscle stiffness
- Therapy, if pressed for time, start with applying a suitable topical product to help relieve aches and pains
- Gentle Exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling to keep your back healthy and strong
- Posture, practice correct posture throughout the day and when sleeping to avoid future back issues
- Strengthen, use strengthening exercises to develop a strong core to help prevent future back pain
You can find out more at www.mindyourbackuk.com
