I am sure that, like me, you have spent the last few days exclaiming disbelief at the passing of yet another chunk of time.

I wonder how many of you have made the same resolutions as you made last year, but really meant it this time?

We all do it. Unsurprisingly, following the excesses of Christmas, we often reflect on the state of our health.

Prior to the festivities we all shop for food as though it is going to run out. Even the healthiest shopper suddenly buys an alcohol rich cream, or butter, to smother over an already calorific dessert.

I can almost hear our hearts and livers sighing with relief, that they may soon be shown some mercy.

This is the time of year when observant folk notice a new breed of runner slumped at the end of a road, gasping for breathe, wearing ten year old tennis shoes, surprised at the aches in their joints and the thumping in their chest.

People suddenly start to pound the streets as penance for the gluttony over recent days. It is the same every year. People want to get fitter.

The themes of wanting to stop smoking, wanting to weigh less or eat more healthily and ease back on the booze, all resurface at this time of year.

I think this is a great time to use the turning of a new year to kick-start a healthier lifestyle. I am no different. My resolutions are to drink more water.

I do drink a fair amount but certainly not a consistent daily two litres. I love tea too much.

This is a well known diuretic so doesn't do anything to rehydrate the body. I too intend to get fitter.

In less than ten weeks I, like many others, will be lucky enough to be embarking on a skiing holiday.

For me it will be the first time since I was 18. Quite a terrifying thought.

It is at this time of year when we see a group of patients who are all desperate to enjoy their skiing holiday but are a little concerned that the injury they picked up last year and didn't get round to sorting out, may flare up again.

As chiropractors we are often given a couple of weeks to sort out a condition dating back several years. It is a too often fielded telephone call where the prospective patient states: "I'm going on a skiing holiday at the end of the week and I wondered if you could fix my shoulder."

The chiropractor asks: "How long has it been a problem?"

The patient replies: "Oh I've had it for years, but I'm sure you can fix it!"

We also see the regular skiers who come for a preventative session before taking to the slopes.

We manipulate any restricted joints, optimise the pelvic function and advise on stretching to counteract the daily strains.

It is always a good idea to get checked out biomechanically before embarking on any new regime or sport.

If you have any joint problem, such as a knee, or a low back problem that occasionally grumbles through the course of a normal working week, the chances are it will be under more stress if you suddenly start running or exercising in an unfamiliar way.

If you have any muscle imbalances around a joint such as a shoulder or around the pelvis, the likelihood of injury is increased.

This is also a really good time of year to start stretching. To perform optimally at any level, it is essential to have good flexibility.

If a joint moves well and is unrestricted and is surrounded by muscles that offer stability, yet allow free movement, more activities that carry risk can be undertaken without under exacerbation.

As well as seeing skiers, we will see the people who recognise the toll another year has taken on their bodies.

These people aren't necessarily in pain but they just feel a bit stiff in the morning or get occasional twinges they never used to.

These people want to take control of the ageing process, instead of falling victim to time.

They are often men between 40 and 50 years old who need a bit of treatment and advice to regain the spring in their step they have just realised has been slowly slipping away.

Unfortunately, we will also see the direct victims of Christmas itself. Each year we see at least a couple of cases of Turkey Back' and Christmas Tree Shoulder'.

They may sound silly, but many a Christmas has been spoilt through the benign process of cooking the roast and decorating the house.

These are hazardous times.

The pre-christmas shopping also takes its toll, the loading of the boot and then its unloading at home.

The extra bed making and tidying, topped off by wrapping presents on the floor, all adding up to an ever tightening low back and that's before the family arrive.

Eager stomachs sit at the table and just when everything seems to be going smoothly under control, as Mum braces herself to lift the bird plus all the trimmings out of the oven twisting to put it down ping.

Oh dear. Mum now can't move and doesn't know what to do for the best.

An ice pack and a sherry are always a good idea. Uncle Bob, knows the benefits of an ice pack because he used one on his shoulder a couple of weeks ago when it went during the annual fight to get the tree and all the decorations out of the loft.

The decorations are always stuffed into a box just a little too small to hold all of them yet just a little too big to fit through the loft hatch. Sound familiar?

Luckily he managed to stay on the ladder and so didn't fall victim to yet another classic injury.

Seriously readers, if you wish to start a new regime, go for it. But do get some advice first.

Good Health is one of the most precious gifts anyone can have, and importantly it is in our control to some degree.

I believe an investment in our health is one of the most worthy resolutions anyone could make. If you want to improve yours, do it! This time next year you could be a healthier and happier you.

If you have been affected by anything you have read and would like any help or advice please contact Ilkley Chiropractic Clinic on 605060. Please email me with any suggestions or comments at lkleychiro@tiscali.co.uk