Taking the Pain Out of the Holidays
I just came across Dr. Lynn Kerew’s recent “Taking the Pain out of the Holidays”" blog and I really want to share this information with all of you. Dr. Kerew is a chiropractor who is very in-tune with the importance that ergonomics plays in a healthy lifestyle. This is great advice for all of us preparing for the Holidays and those of us traveling.
Per Dr. Kerew's blog, Last year, AAA reported a total of over 100 million Americans traveling during the holiday season in November and December. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average Thanksgiving long-distance trip length is 214 miles, compared with 275 miles over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday. At the same time the near 50,000 shopping centers throughout America are expected to swell with busy shoppers, despite the state of the economy.
“Low back pain is the number one ailment my patients come to see me with during the holiday months,” said Dr. Lynn. “This is an exciting time of year for many folks, but it is filled with so much planning, traveling, gathering, shopping and often too little sleep that many people can get themselves into a world of hurt, literally!”
Dr. Lynn has several tips and reminders for everyone looking to make it a pleasant pain-free holiday season, also many of the items recommended in this list double as great holiday gift ideas for any friend or family member who travels frequently. Here are a few of Dr. Lynn's recommendations and your can read her blog in its entirety on her blog website: http://lynnkerewchiropractic.com/blog/
When shopping:
• Be sure to really be aware of how much time you are spending on your feet and especially how much weight you are carrying when shopping.
If you’re already in pain or have a history try to keep your shopping load to no more than 10% of your body weight.
• Consider a portable shopping cart to make those long days at the mall less painful, they may not be the sexiest, but neither is spending the holidays on your back!
• This simple ergonomic shopping bag handle 
is great for reducing hand, wrist and arm stress from carrying too many bags at once
• Wear proper walking shoes! Get a proper pair of shoes that will give you the proper support so you can walk for hours at a time. 
Pretend you will be walking on cobblestones the entire time; you will not want to wear shoes that will hurt after 1 hour.
When traveling:
• Get some sleep! On overnight flights, bring some sleeping aids. Even if you are not tired, force yourself to sleep by using homeopathic supplements you can purchase at the homeopathic store. If you don’t sleep you will be jetlagged for days. Likewise, use JetLag homeopathic remedy when you arrive and just before you go home; about 12 hours before on either end will really help you.
• Get up often on the flight if you are not sleeping. This will help to prevent DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis which is a potentially deadly blot clot that can travel to your brain (stroke) or heart (heart attack).
• Get an aisle seat. If you can sit in either business class or on international flights, luxury economy, there is more legroom and possibly a better meal. More legroom which is important, even if you are only 5 foot 4 like me!
travel footrest
• Invest in Noise Cancelling Headphones and also eye shades, to help you rest easier. 
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• Neck pillows provide much needed neck support for long periods of travel both in a plane or in a car (if you‘re a passenger of course!)
Neck Pillow
It is perfect for providing much needed extra support at hotel and travel destinations.
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• Special ergonomic suitcases like this one have better telescoping and softer handles with special wheels to make them easier than others to pull around airports and hotels.
Hope you have a great holiday!
Tags: great gift ideas for the holidays, health and the holidays, holidays and ergonomics, safety and ergonomics, travel and ergonomics
I have chronic bad upper back and spine pain. Shopping is one of the the things that make my back ache the worst. The lifting, carrying and trying on clothing are the worst.. It was very beneficial to read some of the tips. Especially the one about bringing a shopping cart. I never thought of this idea before. It is absolutely perfect for pple with upper body pains and aches. I am constantly carrying way more than I should and end up crippled. This tip alone will change how often and how I shop. Thank you. Shawn Lichtman
That travel footrest is great. It really does put your body in a better position. I an grateful to your site for some tips that really make a difference and I am happy to say will be able to finally order some of your great gifts for Christmas.
That article is a help. Thanks and I will pass it on to my wife.