Stress and Sensibility

There's no doubt that today's busy lifestyles can cause stress and lead to health problems.

According to Doctor Vanessa Haller at Peninsula Women's Health Mornington, stress not only causes emotional problems but physical problems as well, and it's women who are particularly at risk.

"Constant juggling of roles like motherhood and work, as well as financial pressure, marital and personal relationships, just to name a few impacting factors, can take their toll."

Dr. Haller says that anxiety and stress cause an increase in muscle tension and chemicals such as adrenal ", in the body, which in turn reduces 'relaxing' chemicals like endorphins." This has the effect of reducing emotional tolerance to stress and also reducing a person's pain threshold".

Michelle Blake, senior Physiotherapist at The Sports Injury Clinic agrees. "A stressful life event or a sustained period of emotional stress can cause a physical reaction in the body. Your heart rate, posture and body temperature can change as well as a higher level of adrenalin output leading to injury and illness," says Michelle, who sees the physical results of stress in her practice everyday.

"Women tend to put themselves last when it comes to time out and relaxation: says Dr. Haller." Many women believe they are too busy to relax and if they stop to recharge they will somehow lose control. What they don't understand is that by keeping up their relentless and hectic lifestyle they will, in fact, in the long term make things worse"

Dr. Haller says the first step to dealing with stress is recognising what triggers it. "Women particularly need to understand what triggers their stress and their reactions to it learning to accept that some things are out of their control Is a big step towards dealing with stress," she says.

Here are just some of the things that Dr. Haller suggests you can do to help alleviate the stresses and strains of every day living.

Exercise

Regular exercise is a great way to manage stress. Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week that gets your heart rate up and makes you feel puffed. Walking, swimming, cycling and even dancing are all ideal ways to get moving.

Relax

Relaxation is vital for a stress free life. Aim to have some quite time every day. Take the phone of the hook and try some meditation or yoga.

Eat Well

A nutritious diet is important. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and low G.I. foods that provide sustained energy. Avoid sweet and fatty foods which cause a sudden jump in blood sugar levels and an equally rapid decline leaving you feeling flat sluggish and fatigued.

Sleep

During sleep your body repairs and recharges. Get Into a good sleep routine that Includes some relaxation and calm before getting into bed like listening to music or reading.

Enjoy Life

Take time to do the things you enjoy. Whether it's reading a book, having a coffee with friends or taking up a hobby, be happy and stay healthy - for life!

EMAIL YOUR INJURY QUERIES

This is your newsletter - if you have any specific topics you would like to see included email us at info@tsic.com.au

Podiatry at TSIC

Podiatrists can offer further expertise in foot related injuries. TSIC now includes podiatry as a service.

Podiatry looks at a wide variety of foot and lower limb problems from children with walking difficulties, teenagers and young adults with sports related overuse injuries, ingrown toenails or arthritic foot complaints. All podiatrists are registered with The Podiatrists Registration Board Victoria, are members of the Australian Podiatry Association (A.Pod.A.), Sports Medicine Australia and are enrolled in the A.Pod.A. Accredited Podiatry Program.

Services provided by the podiatry team include:

• Management of problems such as corns, callous, warts, blisters, nail and skin infections.
• Surgical removal of ingrown toenails under local anesthesia.
• Annual screening of Neurological and Vascular complications in the Diabetic Foot including use of Doppler Ultrasound. Regular foot care and management of Ulcers.
• Foot and Lower Limb injury assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Common complaints such as bunions, arch, heel, ankle, shin and knee pain can be addressed by our Podiatrist's.
• Gait/Running Treadmill Video Analysis
• Orthotics, Casting for prescription Rigid, Semi-Rigid or Soft Orthotics.
• Fitting of Preformed Orthotics or soft insoles to provide cushioning or simple offloading.
• Prescription of runners appropriate for your foot type and sporting needs.
• Podiatrists are able to refer for X-Ray, Ultrasound Scanning and Pathology where necessary to assist in accurate diagnosis of your problem.
• Ballet Dancers: Pre Pointe Work assessment of the structure and technical functioning of the young dancer's foot.
• Advice on correct Pointe shoe selection. Treatment of dance related foot and lower limb injuries.

To book in for a session call us on 03 9783 9990.