AlignLife Chiropractic Center of Springfield Illinois

Posts

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, is needed for the growth and repair of tissues and because our body does do not store vitamin C; we need to consume it on a regular basis. In fact, Humans and guinea pigs are the only mammals in the world that do not produce vitamin C themselves, which is why it is so important to ingest either via diet or supplementation. We need vitamin C to make collagen – a protein that helps support tendons, ligaments and blood vessels and keeps the skin and other organs together. Vitamin C also improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and helps strengthen our immune system, protecting us from diseases. Vitamin C helps our energy levels by aiding in the production of dopamine in the nervous system. It also supports the adrenal function for increased metabolic energy and supports the liver in detoxifying the body. Vitamin C helps the body deal with stress by reducing the elevated levels of stress, hormones, and cortisol. V

If you’re planning to take part in our annual Run for Prevention 5k for Health Missions in Washington Park on September 30th it is important that you train. If you are looking to take part competitively or this is your first 5k there are a number of things you should consider. 3.1 miles is a doable distance for almost anyone, but it requires a mix of strength and stamina that must be earned through training. That being said, if you are not wanting to run or jog the course, you are welcome to walk it. Washington Park isn’t flat so in training to run use hill strides to increase strength in your quads, hams, glutes and calf muscles. Find a short, steep hill, one in Washington Park would make sense, and stride up the incline for 10 to 20 seconds. Recover by walking back down the hill. Intervals encourage you to tolerate a faster pace despite fatigue. The challenge is to run all the intervals at a consistent pace and to push past your comfort zone. Start with a one-mile warm up at

AlignLife Thanksgiving in July

Next month we kick-off our annual food drive ‘Thanksgiving in July’ in order to provide for those in Springfield that need a little help. Following the vandalism earlier in the year at Kumler Outreach Ministries we have decided to revisit this organization, to which we donated more than 800 non-perishable food items in 2015. Kumler Outreach Ministries meets people where they live, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and helping clothe people. The food pantry, clothing ministry and medicine program reach thousands of people each year in the greater Springfield, Illinois area giving them help and hope. As well as non perishable food items, of which canned chili, peanut butter and spaghetti sauce are most needed currently, the organization is also asking for donations of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and diapers in sizes four, five, and six. In the summer the food pantry at Kumler is typically at its busiest. The community is always very generous at Christmas but donation

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine and can be debilitating if not diagnosed and treated properly. Severe cases can be painful and may limit day-to-day activity. The curves in our spine help the upper body maintain balance and alignment. However, when there are abnormal side-to-side curves in the spinal column, this is scoli osis. There are a number of causes of scoliosis, which include but are not limited to, congenital spine deformities – in other words those that are present at birth and either inherited or caused by the environment - genetic conditions, neuromuscular problems, and limb length inequality. As we head into summer and the children are running about the garden, playing with the hose, take five minutes to check your son’s, daughter’s, or grandkid’s as there are several symptoms to look for to help determine if someone has scoliosis. The earlier that scoliosis is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated, and often times the negative curves can

Third Annual Run for Prevention date announced

In 2015 we launched the inaugural Health Missions Run for Prevention 5k, right here in Springfield. As a result, we saw more than 50 runners take part in the AlignLife of Springfield event in Washington Park. Last year the number of participants almost doubled and we raised thousands of dollars for Health Missions. This year the run will take place on Saturday, September 30th and registration is now open . Health Missions is a non-profit established in 2004 to improve exposure of natural healthcare to underprivileged communities, domestically and around the world. The charity also works to educate the public about natural health opportunities, such as chiropractic care and lifestyle choices to enhance their health and vitality. We not only want to raise money for Health Missions but also involve the community. From young to old and seasoned runners to novices, participants can walk, jog or run the course. Now is the time to begin training for our 5k, while it’s not too hot, and

Expanded services at AlignLife of Springfield Chiropractic & Natural Health Center

I am delighted to announce that we have expanded our services at AlignLife of Springfield Chiropractic & Natural Health Center. Born and raised in Springfield, IL, Emily Handley, 29, focuses on massage therapy having graduated in 2012 from Midwest Technical Institute and the Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, MO, in 2012. She has worked alongside chiropractors for the past four years. When used to compliment chiropractic care, massage therapy can loosen tension in muscles and stabilize joints. Many patients find that, once massage is integrated into their care, their adjustments hold longer in between treatments. Using both therapies simultaneously can result in a much faster recovery time. Massage therapy can also help relieve pain from headaches, soft tissue and joints, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension. It can also help those with anxiety. Emily is trained in Swedish massage style, but also offers deep tissue, prenatal and hot stone massage. Emily schedules her appointm