Jessy Unsung Hero - International Women's Day 2018

International Women's Day (IWD) Special!
(Don't forget to check out our special event for the ladies on IWD - Thursday 8th March 2018!) 

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“‘Mum and I’m coming to see you’ - then everyone comes.”

— Jessy

Some people are magnets. They bring people and joyful times together. And in a society where we’re all so busy, this is crucial. We might not live at home, we work overtime, or relocate overseas, have kids to care for and have a million chores and admin to do. So creating time for family and nurturing relationships is tough. But no matter how tired she is, and how much her hip or shoulders hurt, Jessy is the keystone of her family. When she’s away, the family do their own separate things. When she’s around, someone says ‘Mum and I’m coming to see you’  - then everyone comes and the family bonds. Her culinary skills are superb, (which definitely helps!) and she always makes time to teach and listen to her grandkids - so much so that they respect and love her beyond measure. 

Her granddaughter seeks out her advise, listens to her, and when I asked the granddaughter if she likes talking to nana, she replied that she prefers to listen to nana’s stories. What are these stories? The stories of Jessy's life. The stories of lessons we all need to learn: how to be patient, compassionate and humble. 

Jessy struggles to find time for herself, as she always puts her family first. But she's now finding a balance between giving her all for her extended family and time for her own interests and self care. She sets aside time to seek chiropractic care to ease her hip and back pain, as well as a very chronic and severe shoulder injury. In the past, wearing clothes was a difficult and painful task. Now and again it flares up, but is so much under control. And as for her hip, it's come a long long way and she's able to walk and stand for extended periods of time with much less problems. What really stands out for me though, is her kindness and that she's always grateful. I've received packed lunches of her home-cooked goodness, and she even gave me an ang pow for Chinese New Year this year!! =]  (and I'm not so young!)

So even in the most simplest of ways (and yet so powerful), there are people around us that do amazing things. To see how she has positively impacted the people around her. I hope she continues to create more memories and more togetherness with her family. 

Sally, the unsung hero - International Women's Day 2018

International Women's Day (IWD) Special!
(Don't forget to check out our special event for the ladies on IWD - Thursday 8th March 2018!) 

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Just like many people’s perspective that it’s a wife’s duty to take care of the family despite busy work schedule, lack of sleep, muscle aches or health problems - this is her. She also believes that

“Tough days don’t last, tough people do!”

She would do whatever it takes for her husband’s and three children’s needs, without hesitation though she might nag and whine all day long. 

That includes her toughest days when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and having to go through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a surgical procedure, not forgetting all the side effects she experienced such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, aches, pains etc. Yet, she still remained strong mentally, reminding herself that her family need her to cook, do laundry and other chores every day.

After her operation, she was not able to use her left arm to carry any load. Naturally, she depended entirely on her right arm. Five months of work on her right arm saw it get tired, and injured. It’s like her right arm just decided to give up. She was not even able to lift it to chest height and any attempt to, would result in excruciating pain. Yet she would still continue to do what was necessary around the house. 

She came in to see me and her shoulder started to improve. And because it improved, she did even more because she felt that she could. In doing so, her condition worsened. We put her in a sling, so that she would rest it more, but instead she just endured the pain, and kept doing what was necessary. 

But besides her chores, she also did her exercises and home care routine diligently. In fact she did more. Multiple times every day she would slowly improve her shoulder range of motion. She wants her shoulder to get better and to work properly again, and she persisted with her exercises to make that reality. 

She is really a strong person who does not get defeated. She believes ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. This is what makes her our every day hero! We are so glad that you now have pain free shoulder movement in all directions and that you can now raise your arm up overhead. It is a huge relief and allows her to not only do what she pleases, without any pain, but she can do more! Amazing! I wish you continued health and happiness.

 Ps. In the last year, she was recommended to get a knee replacement surgery because she couldn’t walk or even put weight on her knee. But she said no. And every day she did her exercises and willed her knee to get better. And it did! Though not perfect, she’s out of the wheelchair and walking independently. 

PPs. Another amazing woman, and a hugely unsung hero is her daughters Sharon and Sarah. Sharon quit her job to take care of her parents full time, bringing them to all their doctors appointments, chemotherapy, encouraging them to do exercises, bringing them out to walk more and of course chiropractic sessions. Sarah is working hard to help with the family expenses. 

9 Ways To Prevent Your Back Pain From Ruining Your Vacation

Going on a vacation is often how we escape from our amazing yet oftentimes stressful life and job. Therefore, you have to make sure that you have nothing but a smooth getaway which starts from your travel to and from your destination. Believe me when I say that a car ride or flight can wreck a trip because of back pain. Here are some tips that can help you keep that from happening to you and have a blast on your vacation.

1.  Visit The Chiropractic Clinic Before And After Your Trip

Flying can be stressful especially when you fly during the holiday season. Don’t let back or neck pain makes it even worst! Pre-flight and post-flight spinal adjustments let you get comfortable aboard and get off pain-free. Chiropractors can help prepare the back for this change in activity. Chiropractors will search for and remove restrictions in the spine, which then leads to less discomfort. With regular visits, they can keep the back in a state of wellness, which may even keep the pain away in the future. If you start visits before traveling begins, it can help prepare the back and body beforehand. And if you continue the practice while traveling, it may bring about, even more, benefit by removing any restrictions picked up along the way.

2. Sit Properly

Don’t hunch over to the steering wheel. It’ll only strain your neck and shoulders. Instead, let your shoulder blades rest at the back of your seat with your bottom all the way back.

3. Don’t Sit On Your Wallet

For those who put wallets in their back pocket, always remember to take it out when you drive or even sit. Sitting on your wallet creates an asymmetry or imbalance that distorts your pelvis and hips which can lead to all sorts if issues from pain to degeneration.

4. Keep Your Knees Lower Than Your Hips Throughout The Journey

Remember that your spine has a natural curve, so when you sit, don’t try to sit too straight. You can roll a towel and put it against the small of your back and the chair to make sure support this slight natural curvature without a lot of conscious effort.

5. Pull Into Rest Stops

If you know your destination will be hours away, then pull into rest stops at least every hour or two. Rest, stretch everything out or take a walk to loosen up everything so that you don’t arrive at your destination feeling stiff all over.

6. Try To Book Or Request An Aisle Seat

This is the best spot for you to easily stand up and stretch, something you’ll appreciate especially when you’re in a 17-hour flight.

7. Get Up And Move Every Few Hours

If you have a history of back problem, it’s crucial that you get up and move every few hours. You can simply explain your condition to your fellow travelers and the crew if you’re worried about upsetting or disturbing them during the flight.

8. Know How To Lift Properly

Carry-ons go in the overhead compartment of the aircraft. So if you have a medium-size suitcase you’ll have to lift that up there yourself. To avoid getting injured, learn how to properly lift. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your luggage, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift. Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy suitcase.

9. Choose Carry-Ons Wisely

When it comes to carry-ons, opt for a proper backpack rather than a shoulder bag. Lugging a shoulder bag often leads to excessive strain on the neck, shoulders and lower back. By making use of a backpack you’ll distribute the weight more evenly, reducing the potential strain. And pack as light as possible. If you don't need something before you get to your destination don’t carry it with you onto the plane, pack it in your checked luggage instead.