Why weight? Get healthy!
More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese, according to CDC statistics, and obesity is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
However, many people don’t know that even modest weight loss, such as 5 percent to10 percent of a person’s total body weight, could improve blood pressure as well as blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. That’s only 10 to 20 pounds for a person who weighs 200 pounds.
Yet losing weight can be a struggle, and many people wonder where to begin. The answer for some may be in the office of a doctor of chiropractic. Consultation with a DC is particularly important when you consider that the effects of obesity on the musculoskeletal system — osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain and joint pain — often cause overweight and obese people to avoid physical activity and exercise when they need it most. DCs also counsel their patients on good nutrition and offer dietary and lifestyle advice in addition to expert structural care.
“If you’re carrying more weight than the load-bearing structures of your body —spine, legs, etc. — can handle, there’s going to be pain, loss of movement and degeneration in the joints,” explains James Powell, DC, a member of ACA’s Wellness Committee. “Particularly if you’re carrying most of your weight in your abdomen, the low
Each year in October, ACA and its members raise public awareness of chiropractic care by observing National Chiropractic Month. Starting this year, the association will celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month in an effort to promote a broader understanding of chiropractic’s approach to patient care — as natural, whole-body, patient-centered healthcare.
“National Chiropractic Health Month is an important opportunity to educate the public on the general health benefits of chiropractic care, which include so much more than simply the expert hands-on care that DCs are so well known for,” said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. “Doctors of chiropractic focus on changing patients’ habits — postural, physical activity, nutritional, etc. — to promote health and wellness, short-term and long-term. Patients are tired of quick fixes that don’t produce lasting weight loss and better health; and they are always delighted to discover how doctors of chiropractic promote total health and wellness over a lifetime.”
To kick off National Chiropractic Health Month, ACA has created an online toolkit for doctors of chiropractic, as well as state chiropractic associations, chiropractic colleges, Student ACA (SACA) chapters and anyone who wishes to participate. The planning kit contains information and other resources that will assist participants in the planning and implementation of National Chiropractic Health Month activities at local and regional levels. Certain resources are exclusively available to ACA members.
In addition, ACA is offering a specially designed water bottle and wrist band, for purchase, to commemorate the event. The water bottle is BPA-free and urges patients to “Discover Chiropractic: Get Healthy!” Additionally, DCs can purchase a silicon wrist band with the same message that appears on the water bottle. These convenient and stylish items make perfect patient giveaways and will remind patients to make healthy choices.
For more information about National Chiropractic Health Month, visit www.acatoday.org/NCHM.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org