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Greetings everyone! Here are some tips and highlights from past Newsletters.

~Seasonal Back Pain~

We have had a small amount of snow to shovel this season, but it has been the wet and heavy kind. So, a small amount of snow to shovel translates to a large force on the back. There exists a potential for back pain from the repetitive movements and poor lifting mechanics. As you may know, the most common lifting injury is from lifting and turning at the same time. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of injury while shoveling:

• Have less in your shovel
• Bend your knees to lift the load
• Twist as little as possible
• Take breaks every 15 - 20 minutes while working to either rest or move about in a different way
• Stay well hydrated

~ Travel ~

Most people travel by plane over the holiday season and arrive at their destination feeling depleted. Here are two simple things you can do to double your energy when you arrive.

1. Stay well hydrated - drink a liter of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages every 3-hours in flight. The plane is a very arid environment, and just like being on a mountain, you won't notice your water loss.  Consider bringing packets of instant soup and drinking the tomato juice offered on the plane.
2. Wear ear plugs - a plane is constantly noisy, and all that stimulation can fatigue your nervous system by the time you arrive at your destination. Although you can buy a pair at the airport's news shop, the foam variety at the local Home Depot / hardware store is just as effective.

~Office Notes~

You may have noticed on your caller ID that we have been making calls using our secondary number.  However, only our primary number can receive messages.  To be sure your call is answered, or your message delivered, please use our primary number to call the office: (301) 718-3696

Inclement Weather Policy:

            If there are school closings due to unsafe road conditions on the day of your appointment, please call to let us know that you will be keeping your appointment.  If we are closed or delayed, there will be a message on our answering machine letting you know our status.  We will also attempt to contact you by phone.

Be Well!

Scott Kwiatkowski, D.O., P.C.

Visit the links below for additional information regarding similar topics

Osteopathic Medicine and Cranial:

www.AOA.net – Site of American Osteopathic Association.

www.CranialAcademy.com - The official site for Cranial Osteopathy.

www.MAOPS.com - The Maryland Association of Osteopathic Physicians is a non-profit organization representing osteopathic physicians (D.O.'s) in the state of Maryland.

Pain Management:

www.aaPainManage.org – The American Academy of Pain Management strives to bring together practicing professionals with individuals in pain. Many specialities are represented.

www.StopPain.org - The Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel is dedicated to providing comprehensive care of the highest quality in pain management and palliative care, and advancing the educational and research aims of these disciplines.

www.AllAboutBackAndNeckPain.com - Many useful articles with beautiful pictures. You can learn about your body, your symptoms, and your rehabilitation.

www.SpineUniverse.com - Educating for better care. Articles for patients & professionals. Good basic information about surgical treatments for pain.

Allopathic Medicine & Pharmaceutical Information:

http://my.WebMD.com - To learn more about the medicines you take

www.FamilyDoctor.org - For the heart of Family Practice.

Sports Medicine - Injuries & Prevention:

www.NLM.NIH.gov - Thorough Medline source for sports injuries and prevention
for all ages, most conditions, and many sports.

www.SportsInjuryClinic.net - A UK based site which indexes injuries and describes treatments.It also has a "virtual diagnosis" section with an injury forum.