Treat Holiday Shopping as an Athletic Event

A November 10, 2005 PRNewswire release advises shoppers to consider holiday shopping as an event that requires preparation and attention to your health and well being. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges people to consider several points to help ward off the stress and strain that often accompanies this season.

They offer a checklist to help, which includes the following:

• Stretch before and after a long day of shopping. When you are under stress, your muscles are less flexible than usual.
• Wear shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard shopping mall floors.
• Leave your purse at home. Wear a light fanny pack or a light backpack instead. Pack only those items that are absolutely essential (driver's license, credit card, etc.).
• Plan frequent breaks into your shopping day -- at least once every 45 minutes for most people. Those with less stamina may need to take a break every 20-30 minutes.
• Do not wrap packages while sitting on a hard floor. This can wreak havoc on your posture.
• Always stretch before and after you wrap gifts. Stretch the opposites; if you are leaning forward when wrapping your gifts, stretch backward when you are done.

If problems do result the article recommends that you seek chiropractic care as a natural approach.