DR. THORBURN'S HEALTH TIPS

Relief for Computer Eyestrain

If you find yourself experiencing eyestrain from working on the computer for many hours at a time, here are some tips for relief:

1. To help with dry eyes, make a conscious effort to blink more often.  It wets the eyes and helps with irritation.

2. Look away from the screen at least every 20 minutes.  Focus your attention on a large object a good distance away.

3. If you have not already done so, replace your old tube-style monitor (called a cathode ray tube or CRT) with a flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD), like those on laptop computers.  These are much easier on the eyes.

4. Most importantly, take frequent breaks. During your computer breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders.

How to Boost Your Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the way the body uses energy and it’s measured in calories.  The body uses calories in three ways:

1)  To sustain basic body functions like breathing, heart rate, waste removal, cell growth and cell repair.  Even when at rest, these things use up an amazing 75% of the calories you use daily.

2)  Calories are also used for physical activity, and

3)  For digestion and absorption of food, which uses about 10% of a day’s calories.

Here are some easy ways to raise your metabolism:

1)  Do 30 minutes or more of aerobic activity several times a week.  This includes those exercises that get your heart pumping and enhance your breathing and circulation.  Brisk walking, biking, and dancing are good.  

2)  Don’t wait more than five hours between meals.  Skipping meals can slow down your metabolism and deprive you of needed energy.  

3)  Eat breakfast each day in order to wake up your metabolism after a night’s sleep.  Having a healthy breakfast gives you energy and prevents overeating at your next meal.

Stress Busters

Here at our office we have several different types of adrenal gland supplements designed to reduce your stress and support overall health and energy.  The theory of glandular therapy is "Like Cures Like".  Adrenal extracts are usually derived from the adrenal glands of bovine (beef) sources. They contain nutrients and substances that stimulate the rejuvenation and regrowth of similar tissue in people. This is a healing technique that dates back to early primitive times.

When adrenal gland supplements are used, the adrenals will begin to produce more of their own natural hormones. After taking the glandulars for a while, you may come to a point when your energy is restored and your other symptoms have improved.  Because each person is a unique individual, we do Nutrition Response Testing in our office to determine which type of stress supplement is perfect for you.  

May you have good success with reducing stress and increasing your health and energy!

Lower Back Strain

Here are some tips for preventing lower back strain:

1.   Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.

2.   Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects.

3.   If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch.

4.   Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower).

5.   Exercise regularly. An active lifestyle is key to preventing lower back pain.