Is your smartphone or tablet a pain in the neck?

Let us take a moment to stop and look at your posture right now. Do you have your smartphone or tablet in your lap, head bent forward, and looking down? There is a good chance if your reading this article on your smartphone or tablet that you have found yourself in this position. Now take 10 seconds to look up and see how your neck feels. Go ahead, I’ll wait…………….Is your neck a little sore and tender from maintaining that position for too long? I have been spending more time than normal on my tablet enjoying a good book and have found myself guilty of maintaining that hunched over posture. If you are like me and are guilty of this as well, modify your posture to keep your head up and shoulders back. Also remember to take breaks frequently to stretch out your neck and shoulders. If these simple changes don’t make a difference in your neck pain, it may be time for you to give us a call!
Karen Mathers, PTA

Increasing temperatures foretell the coming summer and swimsuit season. Whether you wish to lose a few pounds or simply tone up, getting your body beach-ready will require working out and a healthier diet.
Some may prefer joining a gym, taking spin, pilates, or zumba classes. Others, including myself, would rather spend every spare moment of the day outside choosing outdoor workout.
So, to drop a few pounds, you need to begin with cardio exercises. You may start power walking, jogging, running, biking or swimming for more than 30 minutes, at a moderate level of intensity (60-80 percent of maximal heart rate) at leased 4-5 times a week. To develop muscular fitness, as well as aerobic conditioning, cross-training would be your best choice. Alternating activities during your workouts will keep you from getting bored and will recruit different muscle groups. It creates less stress on your body, decreasing chances of an injury and wearing out your joints. Cardio-intensive exercises will not only speed up your metabolism and burn fat, but also improve your cardiovascular health. They increase HDL – cholesterol (the good one), reduce total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improving your body look and stamina will also require some diet modifications. Consider reducing calorie intake, cutting down on empty carbohydrates (sugar, refined flour, white rice), processed food, and ready meals. Increase consumption of vegetable proteins, such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, artichoke. Prepare home-cooked food and eliminate fast food and takeouts from your daily routine.
Set achievable short-term goals. Instead of thinking that you need to lose 20 pounds, think that you want to lose 1-2 lb. this week. So, it is time to dust off your bike or hit a gym, and see you at the beach.
Maggie Garbiec, PTA

Proverbs 11:14 states “…victory is won through many advisers.”
Here at First Choice we live out that principle. We believe in team approach with all of our treatments we offer to our patients. After you have been evaluated by one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy, every individual on our team becomes part of your treatment to give you the best possible care. We consider it a victory if a patient is progressing well. Call us today at (850) 248-1600 to schedule an evaluation to experience our winning team.
Simon Haussmann, PTA