Summer Health Tips

Travelling: In preparation for your trip, pack your case on the bed or kneeling on the floor to protect your back... make sure you can lift it down, with some help if necessary. Cases with wheels are really helpful, but again, don't overload as they can become unsteady and present a hazard for everyone. If you're making a long journey, try to take regular breaks and keep well-hydrated. Every hour or so, find an excuse to get out of the car and stretch. A loo break is the perfect excuse. If you're on a plane, do the same. Keep yours legs parallel, crossing them might be more comfy in the short term, but you may pay for it later, with aching or swelling in the ankles.

Sun-loungers: Lazing by the pool reading a good book is a perfect way to let the tension of life ease away. Keep active though! When it's time to replace the sun lotion, take a swim or a walk, and stretch out, and try changing your position. If you're on one of the fixed type of loungers, try lying on your front, legs up the slope and pop the book on the floor. A bit contrived, but it'll stop your back stiffening up.

Sunshine: While the sun shines (hopefully) as well as taking important steps to guard against sunburn, try to remember the positive benefits of sunshine on our levels of Vitamin D - beneficial to general health, mental well-being, immunity and the health of our bones. For short periods then, at off-peak periods of the day, soak up some sunshine for 15-20 minutes, safe in the knowledge it's doing you good... just don't fall asleep!

On the water: If you fancy taking up any really wild activities on your hols, do make sure that your insurance covers you, as you might need it. It is not uncommon for osteopaths to be asked to repair the damage done whilst water-skiing, bombing down a water-shoot or falling of some inflatable accident-waiting-to-happen. Don't let the sun go to your head, check all relevant health and safety guidance, equipment and training.. preferably before you hand over your money. Finally, try to assess whether your frame is strong enough to stand all that whipping and flailing... and then you can really have a whale of a time, safe in the knowledge you're being well-looked after!

Gardening: bending and twisting, like Gin, should be taken in small doses. As for other forms of exercise, try to warm-up before you launch into landscaping the borders; perhaps take a brisk walk around the block first. Then after, you need to stretch - some yoga or a swim perhaps.

Therapies abroad: Beware! Please check that your practitioner is properly trained, and preferably, registered with a statutory body. If it becomes necessary for you to see an Osteopath while you're away, still check with the UK's General Osteopathic Council, that the osteopath is registered with the right organisation for that country. Even massage can be dangerous in the wrong hands, especially if they offer to use their feet!