Did you know...

• Back and neck pain is one of the most common reasons for workplace sick leave.
• Up to 80% of people will suffer from back or neck pain during their lives.
• 50% of the working population will experience back or neck pain symptoms at least once per year.
• Poor posture sitting at a desk can be as damaging as undertaking manual work— nearly 50% of display screen users report neck pain

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Taking care of your spine:

• Sitting for extended periods of time can stress your spine, including your back and neck, so changing positions every 30-60 minutes can be helpful. Try taking a short walk around the office, coupled with a good stretch!
• Make sure you position yourself comfortably with respect to your desk, keyboard, mouse and monitor.
• Use a supportive chair that you can adjust to suit your spine. A small cushion or rolled up towel in the hollow of your lower back can be supportive. If you cannot place your feet flat, use a footrest or even a small box.
• Avoid twisting your back or neck by placing papers and files as close to your monitor as possible. Document holders positioned next to your monitor can be helpful.
• Avoid holding telephones between your ear and shoulder. Instead, consider using an earpiece, headset or hands-free option. 

​When to seek help?
It is important to seek help as soon as you notice that something seems changed or different. Experts can help you to identify the source of the problem and provide treatment and advice for prevention and management. If you experience any of the following then you should consider seeking immediate attention:

•  Loss of bowel/bladder function
• Pain accompanied by dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, difficulty walking or nausea ·
• After a trauma such as an accident, slip/fall, motor vehicle accident 
• Loss of coordination and or clumsiness in extremities
• Pain that is severe, constant, getting worse or does not improve
• Pain that is worse at night and/or accompanied by night sweats
• Pain/numbness/tingling that goes

Ray is one of those great characters that put a smile on your dial. If you ask him he will tell you he is as tough as a Mallee bull. And he aint lying. Except for when it comes to his granddaughters.
What we love about Ray is his strength and determination. Get to know this guy and it seems that nothing will stop him. If you don't find Ray here at Health Associates you will definitely see him at Cafe Loftus ordering his big brekky or at the newsagency picking his powerball numbers.

Over to you Ray...
Name: Ray
Occupation: Truck Driver
What health means to me:
I have always been a very strong and active person. My job is very physical and demanding and at my age it is very important that I eat well, get plenty of rest and look after my body. I have my vices but I always do my best where I can. It is very important to me to keep active and mobile so I can keep up with my grandchildren. They are the world to me.
How I keep healthy:
I get a lot of exercise through my job. It is very physically demanding. At 62 I am fitter and stronger than many of my colleagues. I keep healthy by staying mentally strong and I never give up. As mentioned, I do need to make sure I get plenty of sleep. Nutrition is important. Keeping it simple with meat and veg.
How do I keep motivated:
At my age there is a lot of motivation to keep going. I don't take any day for granted. I have a lot of purpose with my small grandchildren. My family are my motivation. Not only am I a dad but I am a granddad and I want to be doing my best for my family.
Why do I like coming to Health Associates:
Well, honestly I was very skeptical about seeing a chiropractor. I saw one in the 1970's and vowed I would never go back again! I think I just got a bad egg. My daughter is relentlessly persistent and believed I needed to change my views as not all practitioners are the same - in any profession.
After seeing Chris I feel amazing. My body is more mobile, less aches and pains and it gives me more confidence it my physical ability. Whether chiropractic is for you or not I know that Chris is a great practitioner. He treats the problem, there is no hocus pocus, he is a great guy to get along with.
I also see the podiatrist. Again - my daughter insisted. Now I love it. He keeps my feet healthy and in check which is very important for my work.
Advice for others wanting to improve their health:
It is really important to not take your health for granted. When you get older any neglect really catches up with you. Keep it simple. Keep stress in check. Always stay active and eat healthy food. I also believe in being mentally strong and never giving up.
Favourite quote:
"I get knocked down, but I get up again. Nothings gonna keep me down."