Providence Offers Tips for Staying Healthy While Springing Into Spring

March 26, 2009

GARDENING: PULL YOUR WEEDS, NOT YOUR BACK
As springtime approaches, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout – but your body might not be ready for all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling. Before you reach for your gardening tools it’s important to stretch your muscles before. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb. Providence physical therapists have tips for how to prepare for this type of physical activity.

THE NOSE KNOWS WHEN IT’S HAY FEVER SEASON
The onset of spring sets off attacks of one of the most common types of allergies: allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever. It usually is a seasonal allergy that appears in spring or summer, triggered by various plant pollens, trees, grasses and weeds, or airborne mold spores. Hear from Providence experts about ways allergy sufferers can prepare for the “season of sniffles” with such common but annoying symptoms as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion.

LAUGH AWAY DAILY STRESS
April 14 is the internationally heralded “Moment of Laughter Day.” A funny idea? Maybe – until you learn about benefits of a daily chuckle. Laughter is like “internal jogging,” a form of exercise that keeps the body and the mind fit. Hear from Providence experts about how laughter gives the heart muscles a good workout; can improve circulation; decreases overall body tension – and really is “the best medicine.”

GET ACTIVE: SPRING INTO SPRING
Committing to some form of regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body weight under control and spring is the perfect season to get started. Promising spring weather often draws sports enthusiasts outdoors after a long sedate winter. Talk to a Providence fitness specialist about how to create an exercise program that will provide maximum benefit, enjoyment and hold your interest long term. And remember, before tackling a new aerobic exercise or those first 18 holes of golf – stretch!