September 2004

Contents

1. Quality in your Quantity
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

Quality in your Quantity

Do you know what portion of the population is experiencing the highest amount of growth? The answer to this question surprised me and it wasn’t that we are in the midst of another baby boom. People living to 80 years of age and older has increased 41% in the last ten years. We are seeing the greatest number of people living to be over 100 than any time in history. If you knew you were going to live this long would you do things differently?

This leads to the issue of the quality of life with living longer and longer. It’s one thing to live to a ripe old age. It’s another issue to be healthy and well during that time. To live well later in life, it comes down to the habits we start when we are younger. Think about the impact your health habits could have. If you retire at age 65, you could live another 35 years or more. Or if you are on the “Freedom 55” program, you are just over half way there.

The most powerful health habit you can establish is regular lifetime chiropractic care. Keeping your spine healthy allows your brain and nervous system to connect with your body. By doing so, it brings out the best in you. Your digestive system works better, you have more energy, you think clearer and your immune system does it’s job. You will get the most out of your other health habits you may already have in place. How long would you like to stay healthy? That is how long chiropractic care is necessary.

Take a few minutes and look at your approach to health. Are you waiting for it to be gone before you do something about? Or when you have the time? Are you looking to the future, realizing what you do today impacts your health tomorrow? Start your healthy habits now to give you quality of life as well as the quantity.

Question of the Month

Please note: I have placed this question in the newsletter before but I think it is a very important issue. Backpacks seem to be getting heavier and heavier, damaging the developing spines of our children. We also have guidelines we will be handing out in the office to address this issue.

My kids are going back to school. What recommendations do you have for backpacks?

The proper guideline to follow for how heavy the backpack should be is 10% of the body weight of the child carrying it. For example, if your child weighs 80 pounds there should be no more than 8 pounds of books and supplies in the backpack. More than that will increase the risk of damaging the developing spine of the child. Also remember to have your child use both straps of the pack at all times. Using only one strap puts unbalanced stress on the body and can injure the spine and surrounding structures. If the backpack has a waist strap, use it, it will distribute the weight evenly over the body. A sound spine and nervous system are the foundation for building healthy futures for our children. Proper use of backpacks and getting their spine and nervous systems checked by a chiropractor can ensure that future.

Fitness Corner

Hey, Scott McDermott has some awesome articles in his monthly newsletter for September. They include:
1) Why would you want to go to the gym or exercise?
2) Fructose - Healthy sugar or not?
3) Dental Amalgam - What's the deal there?
4) Magazine Watch: Articles from current magazines reviewed
5) Coming Events

To receive a free copy of this informative and helpful newsletter, send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca and tell him you want to subscribe.

Health News

Chiropractic correction of upper neck injury may help reverse multiple sclerosis

“A recent case study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), is the first to show that correction of upper neck injuries may reverse the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).” To read more: http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/media/msresearch.htm

Although chiropractic care is not a treatment or cure for any disease, it’s great and exciting to see research coming out that shows the benefits of a healthy spine and nervous system. We are just scratching the surface as to the tremendous impact chiropractic has and will have on health and wellness of humankind.

Elective C-sections on the rise

“An increasing number of healthy women are asking to have their babies delivered by caesarean section, doctors say.” This issue is receiving a lot of press both here and in the U.S. To read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/csection_births/

http://calgary.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=ca_csection20031023

There are a number of important things that happen with a vaginal birth that are lost with a C-section. While an elective C-section may be more convenient, the health of the newborn should be a priority as well. A healthy birth can be the foundation for a healthy future.

Office Happenings

1. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you want to introduce chiropractic to a loved one who’s never been? Do you want a better understanding of chiropractic care so you can be healthier? Then join us for one of our W.O.W.’s in September. The dates are Wednesday September 1 and Monday September 20. They start at 5:30 pm here in the office. See you there!

2. Office Closures. The office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday September 6. We will reopen Tuesday September 7 at 8:00 a.m. Have a great long weekend.

3. Wellness Club. Congratulations to all those people who have been in the club for one year. If you haven’t been contacted already, your complimentary half hour massage is ready for you. Thanks for making your health a priority! If you are newer to the Wellness Club, stick with it, your health is improving and your reward is coming. If you’re not a member, contact Carol for more information.

4. Massage. Brad will be working a short day on Friday September 17. He will be in the office 8 -10 a.m. that day only.