Bicycle Safety Tips & Workshops

April 23, 2010

Summer is almost here, which means it is time to check your breaks, inflate your tires and lubricate your chain. You’ll be pulling out your bicycle helmet too, I’m sure, but what else can you do to keep yourself safe as the you ride this summer.

Well, here’s where you can find out!

Free Bicycle Safety Workshops at four Peninsula library branches and one community center. If you register before the workshop, you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card from a local bike shop.

The 90-minute workshop will include information on current traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers, Bike to Work Day 2010, bicycle maintenance, maps and safety booklets.  Visit
“Safe Bicycling in San Mateo County” for a practical guide in biking to work, or combining public transit and biking to work.
For more information, email: [email protected]

In the meantime, here are some great bicycle safety times.

1. Get a rear light. If you’re riding at night, use a flashing red rear light. Bike shops have red rear blink lights for less than $15. If you already have one, make sure the batteries are working!

2. Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle. High quality reflective gear that you can get at any bike shop  makes youmore visible, even in the day time. When you hear a car/truck approaching, straighten up to make your reflective gear more noticeable.

3. Choose wide streets. Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide enough that it can fit both a car and your bike side by side. That way a car may speed past you and avoid hitting you, even if they didn’t see you!

4. Choose slow streets. The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you.

5. Use back streets on weekends. Because some people still drink and drive, it’s safer to ride along neighborhood streets..

6. Get a mirror. Get a mirror and use it. If it looks like a car doesn’t see you, hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk. Mirrors cost $5-15.

7. Don’t hug the curb. Allow space between yourself and the curb so you have someplace to go to avoid getting hit. This also enables turning across or from your lane to better see you.

By admin | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Affects Of Tight Hamstrings

April 18, 2010

A lot of patients that come into my office have tight hamstrings and think it is normal to feel a pull in the back of their legs when bending forward.  This is not normal.  Sure, there may not be any problems right now but in time, the muscle can cause several dysfunctions.  Tears, low back and sciatic pain (because the muscle attaches to the lower portion of the hips), and pain or tears in the back of the knee may occur.  The hamstring muscle is really three muscles.  The semitendinosis, semimembranosis and biceps femoris.

What causes hamstring tightness?
Sure, genetics can play a part but in most cases it is caused by improper or not enough stretching.  There are easy stretches that only take about 6-10 minutes and can prevent tears and problems in the future.  Stretching before and after an athletic event helps in maintaining a flexible muscle so it is recommended to do so every time you engage in a sport.  Here is a common stretch that is easy to do.

  • Sit on the floor with one leg straight
 and the other bent with the foot pressing against the inner portion of the outstretched leg
  • Keep your back straight as you lean forward through the hips 
to one the straight leg side
  • Hold (don’t bounce) for 25 to 30 seconds
  • Switch sides

Doing these exercises will prevent injuries and keep you low back loose preventing injuries.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

San Carlos CA Events & Happenings for April 2010

April 3, 2010

Spring Classes Starting Soon!

Don’t miss out – sign up today for a class to enrich your life!  Most classes begin the weeks of April 5th and 12th.  There are plenty of classes to choose from for all ages and interests.  How about a Pilates class?  Call us for information about our “Try It” program.  How about Kids Carpentry for your budding builder? With the fine weather coming, all sorts of fun sports classes will be out on the fields.  Here’s a list of just some of the new, very cool classes we have for you:

  • Musical Theater for Tots
  • Skateboard Art
  • Parent’s Helper
  • MTA QuickStart Tennis Festival
  • Salsa Dance Workout
  • Zumba Fitness
  • Vegetarian Recipes from the Indian Pantry
  • Green Living Discussion Series

Register at www.RecConnect.net or call the Recreation office at the Youth Center, 802-4382, for more information.  You can view the Spring/Summer Recreation Guide online or stop by the Youth Center to pick up a copy.

Have You Signed Up for Summer Camps Yet?

Check out the vast array of specialty camps we have this summer-Science, Art, Lego, Math Review, Mandarin, Spanish, Kids Cooking, Magic & Wizards, Chess, Eric Carle Study, Dance to Fitness, Sum’s Up, Shakin’ it up with Shakespeare, Kids’ Carpentry, Drumline Experience, Super Searching on the Web and more.  Looking for Adventure Day Camps?  We have those too:  Wee Woodsmen (age 4-5); Burton Adventure (age 6-8); Arguello Adventure (age 9-12) meet for 2 week sessions June 21-August 13.  We suggest you register soon before your favorite camp is filled.  We also offer tons of Sports Camps including Fencing, Soccer, Basketball, Indoor Rock Climbing, Ice Skating, Golf, Sailing, Gymnastics, Tennis, Baseball, Flag Football, Skateboarding and more.  Whew!  Go to www.RecConnect.net to register or call the Recreation office at 802-4382 for more information.  We want you ‘Making a Splash’ with US this summer!

Auditions for San Carlos Children’s Theater Summer Production

SCCT’s summer production will be “Les Miserables”.  Auditions for youth age 8-18 will be held April 14, 17 or 20 at the Youth Center.  Sign up online for an audition appointment at www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com.  For more information, call 594-2730.

The ‘Fun Calendar’ of San Carlos, CA Activities

  • 4/1/2010
    Maximize Your Memory Lecture
    Adult Center, 650.802.4384
  • 4/6/2010
    Travel Presentation by Collette Tours
    Adult Center, 650.802.4384
  • 4/7/2010
    Pathfinder Hike to Monte Bello OSP
    Start at Adult Center, 650.802.4384
  • 4/9/2010
    Spring Luncheon at Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/9/2010
    Walt Disney Family Museum Trip
    Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/10/2010
    Star Gazing at Crestview Park,
    Bob Black 650.592-2166
  • 4/10/2010
    Special Needs Dance,
    Laureola Park, 802-4383
  • 4/12/2010
    Free Composting Workshop
    Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/13/2010
    AARP Driver Safety Program, Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/14/2010
    Auditions for SCCT Production
    www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com
  • 4/15/2010
    AARP Driver Safety Program
    Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/ 17/2010
    Auditions for SCCT Production
    www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com
  • 4/17/2010
    Star Gazing at Crestview Park,
    Bob Black 592-2166
  • 4/21 /2010
    Health & Wellness Lecture
    Adult Center, 802-4384
  • 4/22-5/1
    Chicken’s Ball Show “One World”
    www.2010chickensball.org
  • 4/28/2010
    AYSO Signups,
    Youth Center,
    www.sancarlosayso.org
By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Tagged | Comments (0)

How can I prevent spraining my ankle?

March 28, 2010

Ankle sprains are becoming common.  Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched and pulled beyond their capacity.  This sometimes leads to partial tears or complete tears in the foot.  In 85% of ankle sprains, the Anterior Talofibular ligament is damaged by someone planting their foot, then rolling over the outside of their foot.  This inside of the foot is only sprained about 15% of the time.

In a total tear, stabilization of the foot is necessary along with R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) for regrowth and restoration of the tissues.  The foot can still be checked for proper movement and can be manipulated safely but with caution.  Partial tears require R.I.C.E and stabilization is not normally necessary.  Exercises after the inflammation is gone along with getting the foot and ankle in their proper position helps and gets patients back walking normally quickly.

People with chronic sprains sometimes think it is normal to keep spraining their ankle.  This in NOT true!  The reason why someone sprains their ankle many times can be because of balance issues, pathological gait patterns and improper foot position.  Learning balance exercises, proper gait and getting the foot in the proper position can prevent future sprains and keep patients healthy and active for a lifetime.

We are extremity experts at Precise Moves Chiropractic.  We can help with any sports injury or extremity problem.  Please call us today to make an appointment for an exam and consultation!

Precise Moves Chiropractic has been serving the San Carlos, CA area since 2007!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Bursitis in our joints

March 27, 2010

Bursitis definition:
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa.   The bursa is an area of fluid around a joint which functions like grease on a machine.  It helps our joints glide properly and protects us from unnecessary friction causing injury. Technically, there are 160 different bursae in our body.  Most common areas where bursitis occurs is by large joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hips and knees.  These are complex areas that are commonly flared up by most athletes who train hard.

Over the years there may be flare ups of the bursae because of added joint pressure, crystal accumulation or degeneration in the joint space. Infection affiliated with Rheumatoid Arthritis can also cause Bursitis.

Symptoms of Bursitis is pain, swelling and tenderness in the joint space.

How can this be treated?
In the case of an infection, a visit to your primary care physician may be necessary for inflammatory medication.  In the majority of cases, rest, ice and making sure the joint is moving properly to prevent unnecessary friction is recommended.  Once your body is moving correctly, the bursae can now go back to functioning normally.

We take great pride in helping people through this debilitating problem.  Proper treatment and rehabilitation can prevent future flare-ups.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

2010 Census: Get Counted!

March 22, 2010

The Census Bureau is preparing for the upcoming Census that will be conducted throughout the United States in 2010.  Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is taken every 10 years and is a count of everyone living in the United States, citizen or not.

Everyone must be counted, including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and non-citizens.  The Census is conducted to apportion Congressional seats and determine the distribution of Federal funds to local and State governments, affecting the daily lives of residents through funding for essential services.

Everyone is required by law to participate and the Census form only takes about 10 minutes to complete.  Federal law protects the personal information you share during the Census count from being used for any other purpose.  The confidential information provided in the Census on the new shorter questionnaires will provide an accurate picture of the community in the year 2010.

San Carlos, RedwoodCity, Belmont, and the County of San Mateo need YOUR help to ensure everyone is counted in the next Census.  A questionnaire will be sent to your address for you to fill out and mail back by April 2010.  It is safe, easy, and critically important for every city in San Mateo County, the County, and the United States.

Information and assistance is available!

Each city is working with agencies in the region including the U.S. Census Office, San Mateo County, and the State of California to ensure that all residents are counted.  Information and Census questionnaire assistance is available in a variety of forms and languages.  For more information, stay tuned to www.cityofsancarlos.org, call (650) 802-4263, or visit the following websites:

Census 2010 Website (the Official U.S. Census Bureau):
http://2010.census.gov

“Be Californian, Be Counted.”  California Complete Count:
http://www.census.ca.gov

San Mateo County Census 2010:
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/census

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San Carlos California Activities for March 2010

March 9, 2010

Spring/Summer Recreation Activity Guide Available March 12th!

Our biggest issue of the San Carlos Active Guides  of the year is coming soon! The Spring/Summer Recreation Guide will have all the spring session classes (April-June), plus our huge array of summer classes and camps (June-August). There will be so many choices that you’ll wish the summer were twice as long!  Youth Adventure Camps (Wee Woodsmen, Burton Adventure Camp and Arguello Adventure Camp), Youth Sports Camps, and Club Ed Specialty Camps are back, including many old favorites as well as exciting new offerings. We have plenty to keep the adults busy, too.

Resident registration begins Tuesday, March 16th at 9:00am. Non-resident registration begins Tuesday, March 23rd at 9:00am. Register is on-line at www.RecConnect.net. Call the Recreation office at (650) 802-4382 for your PIN and BARCODE number to access the system.

San Carlos Children’s Theater Spring Production

San Carlos Children’s Theater presents “Comic Book Artist”, written by Pat Lydersen and directed by Eron Block.  Cheer and laugh out loud as Superheroes come to life to battle the dreaded Doctor Shock Clock.  Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6 at 7:00pm; Sunday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Performances are held at Central Middle School Auditorium, 828 Chestnut St., San Carlos. Tickets are available online at www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com or at the Youth Center at Burton Park weekdays 8:30am-5:00pm.

Adult Center Hosts Great Bunco Roll Off

Everyone is invited to the San Carlos Adult Community Center on Friday, March 19, 2010 for an evening of food, drink, conversation and friendly competition.  You don’t even have to know how to play this exciting game of dice and luck.  Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Adult Center.  For more info, call 802-4384.

San Carlos  March Activity Calendar

  • March 5-7, 2010:    ‘Comic Book Artist’ presented by SC Children’s Theater.  (650) 594-2730
  • March 10, 2010:      Pathfinder Hike to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve.  (650) 802-4384
  • March 12, 2010:      St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Adult Center. (650) 802-4384
  • March 13, 2010:      Special Needs Shamrock Dance at Laureola Park.  (650) 802-4383
  • March 13, 2010:      Challenge Hike Purisma Creek Redwoods Grand Loop.  (650) 802-4382
  • March 16, 2010:      ‘Mood & Behavior’ Lecture at Adult Center.  (650) 802-4384
  • March 20, 2010:      3-on-3 5th-8th Grade Basketball Tourney at Youth Center. (650) 802-4471
  • March 23, 2010:      Ironstone Vineyards Trip from Adult Center.  (650) 802-4384
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San Carlos City Budget Meeting

March 1, 2010

City Council – 2010-11 Budget Study Session – March 13th at Noon

The City Council will hold their annual budget study session on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from Noon to 5:00 pm. in the Community Room, 2nd Floor, San Carlos Library, 610 Elm Street.

This meeting will include a presentation by the City Manager and City Department Heads on the proposed 2010-11 City Budget.  The meeting will also provide time for City Council questions and discussion on the proposed budget.

It is also anticipated that there will be time for public comments on the proposed budget.  Individuals who are unable to attend this meeting will be able to comment on the proposed budget at the second budget study session to be held on the evening of March 22nd starting at 6:00 pm.

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San Carlos Environmental Action Plan

February 10, 2010

The City of San Carlos California has adopted a Climate Action Plan

On October 12, 2009, the City Council adopted the City’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP). The City of San Carlos took a proactive approach by developing a Climate Action Plan in parallel with the 2030 General Plan. The CAP is linked to the 2030 General Plan by a set of principles and this unique approach was recently recognized by the local chapter of the American Planning Association through an Innovation in Green Community Planning Award.

The CAP identifies and analyzes 23 measures that will enable San Carlos to attain its reduction goal in the areas of energy use, transportation and land use, and solid waste reduction between now and 2030. Also included in this Plan is a section on potential adaptation strategies that may be necessary as the climate changes and sea levels rise.

Additionally, the CAP includes a discussion of the outcomes of adopted reduction efforts and how these efforts are intended to be implemented, including the timing and phasing of the measures. These measures will enable San Carlos to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of a 15% reduction by 2020 and a 35% reduction by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

Read More »

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Fresh From Twitter

January 22, 2010

new blog post at http://www.precisemoves.com/category/general-health/

Agave Syrup: an UNSAFE sugar… http://bit.ly/8TIuwr

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