Fit While You Fit - Lower Body

About the Author: ​Dr. Gabrielle Soucy, D.C., is co-owner of Amazing Life Chiropractic located in Mill Creek, WA. Dr. Soucy graduated from New York Chiropratic College in 2012. She practiced a few years in Montreal before settling in Lynnwood, WA, in 2015. Practicing in a Family wellness health Clinic has been her dream since starting Chiropractic College. This led Dr. Soucy to open her health clinic and specialize in women's health issues, pediatrics and pregnancies, while her husband, Dr. Kochelayev, is certified in sports injuries. practicing in an environment that uses a holistic approach is a no-brainer for thes two practitioners. 
 "Women come to see me either for prevention, or as a LAST RESORT in cases where their bably is in breach position (anything that is not head first) and they are trying to avoid a C-Section. To me, being able to permit a natural birth for these women is one of the most rewarding things."  -- Dr. Soucy
  Dr. Soucy is proficient is a variety of techniques and modalities including: Diverisified Adjusting, Thompson Drop Technique, Webster Protocol, instrument assisted adjustments (Activator), Myofasial Release Technique and Kinesiotaping. Her purpose is to help families in her community be healthy, to thrive and to live amazing lives. When is is outside the clinic, Dr. Soucy likes to go to the beaxh, camp and whitewater raft. She also enjoys reading a great book and going to the movies with her husband. Visit www.amazinglifechiropratic.com to find out more about her practice.    

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 Sitting Can Make You Sick. Did you know the average adult sits 8-10 hours every day? If you consider the amount of time spent sitting at an average job, in the car, at the dinner table, and perhaps watching TV, it adds up quickly. But there’s a problem. Sitting for long hours may be hazardous to your health!
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 If your day requires sitting for long periods of time, try to get up and move around for 5 minutes every hour. See if you can occasionally work while standing up and moving around your area. Even if you cannot change the amount of time you spend sitting, proper posture and some ergonomic adjustments to the areas where you sit can reduce your risk of serious health problems. Plus, you will be much more comfortable.

Ergonomics 101
 Today we will look at ergonomics for the lower body. Ergonomics is a scientific word for arranging your area to help you have the best comfort and posture for your health. Making ergonomic changes to the way your lower body is positioned while you sit can prevent back problems, leg pain and fatigue.Be sure to check back for our next article about ergonomics for the upper body.

Position of your Back
 Problem: Constant leaning, reaching, and poor posture while sitting can alter the natural curves of your spine and cause damage to your discs and nerves.

 Try This: Find a good chair with lower back support, or add a back-rest cushion to the chair. Try to keep all important equipment and documents within arm’s reach.

Position of your Legs
 Problem: When your legs don’t reach the floor properly, it can put stress on your lower back and the nerves that go down your legs.

 Try This: When sitting, your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your legs should be slightly bent with both feet squarely on the floor. When using an adjustable chair, first stand next to it and change the height of the sitting surface so it’s just below your kneecaps. If your feet do not reach the ground and your chair does not adjust, try putting a low stool under your feet. Avoid crossing your legs. When driving, remember to position your seat so your legs are slightly bent when your foot is on the pedals.
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 Chiropractic Coaching and Care for Sitting Stress. Our team at Amazing Life Chiropractic is specially trained to aid in prevention of spinal, muscular or neurological problems related to extended sitting. We can also coach you through stretches and ergonomic adjustments you can use at home or at work to improve health and reduce the stress caused by sitting all day. We look forward to helping you have happier sitting and a healthier life! 
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