Trotting towards trouble
Some Health Risks you can prevent at the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your fascinators and don your sharpest suits; it's time for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, the pinnacle of horse racing and social gatherings in Australia. But before you gallop off to Flemington, Caulfield, or Moonee Valley, saddle up and get ready to discover the not-so-glamorous side of this celebrated event. Let’s talk about the health risks associated with the Spring Racing Carnival – from the perils of high heels to the hazards of alcohol and the effects of makeup on your body and why a trip to your understanding and non-judgemental Chiropractor before and after a race day might be just what you need!
1. High Heels: A Pain in the Backside
Ladies, we understand the allure of those skyscraper stilettos – they make you feel like a gazelle, but they might turn you into a quokka. Wearing high heels can be a double-edged sword for your fashion sense and your spine. Those towering shoes can throw your posture off-kilter, causing stress on your lower back.
When you're at the races, you might spend more time standing than watching the horses, and those high heels can spell disaster for your feet and lower back. Your spine will scream louder than the punters in the final stretch, and your posture may look more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Remember, comfort and style aren't always the best of friends. Consider swapping your stilettos for some stylish flats or wedges later in the day and save your back from the woes of high heel hell . . . or come for an adjustment the next day. . .
2. Alcohol: Cheers to the Liver and Kidney Marathon
The Spring Racing Carnival is known for its exuberant atmosphere and champagne-fueled celebrations. But before you raise your glass and toast to the horses, take a moment to consider the impact of alcohol on your liver and kidneys.
Alcohol, as we all know, can be a delightful social lubricant, but it's also a silent saboteur for your vital organs. Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short span can lead to dehydration, causing your kidneys to work overtime. Think of them as marathon runners being forced into a sprint – they won't be too pleased.
Your liver, on the other hand, is the unsung hero of alcohol metabolism. While it might forgive you for the occasional tipple, subjecting it to a day of endless alcoholic delights can lead to fatty liver and long-term damage. So, as you savour your beverages, don't forget to intersperse them with plenty of water to keep your organs cheering for the horses in the home stretch! Or come for an adjustment, some Thermophase and Gtox powder the next day . . .
3. Makeup: The Masked Rider of Beauty
Ladies (and gents), we understand that the races are the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner makeup artist. A day at the races is like an extravagant masquerade, and makeup is your mask. However, before you paint your face with a rainbow of colors, remember that your skin deserves a bit of TLC.
Heavy makeup might make you look like a Hollywood star, but it can also lead to clogged pores and skin irritation. As you sweat under the summer sun, your foundation could start to feel like a mask you can't take off.
So, if you're going all-out with makeup, make sure to use a good primer and a setting spray to give your skin a fighting chance. And don't forget to cleanse and moisturize your face diligently after the event, or you might wake up looking more like a Picasso painting than your beautiful self. Or come for an adjustment the next day . . .
4. Sun Protection: Hats Off to SPF
Ah, the sun – the eternal companion at the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. While it provides warmth and brightness, it also serves up a healthy dose of UV radiation. Your fascinator or dapper hat might look stunning, but remember, the sun doesn't discriminate based on fashion.
Overexposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and the dreaded skin cancer. The sun doesn't care if you're flaunting your favourite race-day ensemble; it will show no mercy.
So, when you're making your fashion statement with your headwear, make sure to include sunscreen (important to use a barrier sunscreen rather than a chemical one to avoid the toxic chemicals in the sunscreen) as part of your ensemble. Slather on some SPF before and remember to wash it off afterwards, or you might end up looking like a racetrack veteran before you're even through the gate. Or come for an adjustment the next day . . .
5. Food Choices: The Battle of the Buffet
It's not just the races; it's the food! The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is a culinary adventure with an endless parade of delectable treats. But beware, dear racegoers, for excessive indulgence can turn your day into a gastrointestinal steeplechase.
Rich and indulgent foods might taste like heaven, but they can lead to an upset stomach and leave you feeling as sluggish as a sloth.
If you plan to indulge, do so in moderation. Find the balance between gastronomic delight and digestive health. Your stomach will thank you as you watch the horses dash towards the finish line without feeling like you're racing to the bathroom. Or come for an adjustment the next day . . .
6. The Racing Frenzy: Stress Management
The races, the bets, and the heart-pounding excitement can turn even the calmest of individuals into a bundle of nerves. While this emotional rollercoaster is part of the fun, it can also take a toll on your stress levels.
Excessive stress can wreak havoc on your body, leading to a cascade of health problems, including high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. So, as you cheer for your favourite horse and scream at the jockey to "whip it good," remember to take a deep breath and keep your stress levels in check. Or come for an adjustment the next day . . .
In the grand tapestry of life, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is a vibrant thread, and, like all things worth celebrating, it comes with its own set of health considerations. So, ladies and gentlemen, as you prepare to don your finest attire and set off for a day of horse racing and social revelry, be mindful of the potential health pitfalls.
Celebrate, enjoy, and make memories, but remember to keep your back straight, your skin fresh, and your organs happy. After all, it's not just about looking fabulous; it's also about feeling fabulous. So, with a nod to the horses and a toast to good health, do it all and let the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival begin! And maybe come for an adjustment the next day . . .