October 2024 Health Newsletter

This October, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and chiropractors across the nation recognize National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) under the theme "Plan for a Strong Healthspan." This initiative aims to highlight the significance of maintaining a robust musculoskeletal (MSK) system for healthy aging, along with the benefits of chiropractic care.

While lifespan refers to the total years we live, healthspan indicates the duration we enjoy good health, free from major chronic illnesses or disabilities, allowing us to engage fully in life. Musculoskeletal health plays a vital role in healthspan, supporting physical activity, minimizing fall risks, and enabling individuals to carry out daily tasks independently.

With a growing aging population, there's increasing focus on the crucial influence of musculoskeletal health on overall well-being. The World Health Organization has noted a rise in MSK conditions that lead to functional limitations.

Dr. Leo Bronston, ACA President, emphasizes that "by effectively managing musculoskeletal pain and enhancing function through evidence-based, non-drug methods, chiropractors can significantly improve their patients' health and quality of life as they age."

Research backs the effectiveness of chiropractic care in pain management and reducing reliance on medications. Leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Physicians, recommend that individuals with common MSK issues, like lower back pain, explore non-drug therapies as a first line of treatment before resorting to prescription opioids.

If you're looking to enhance your healthspan and explore the benefits of chiropractic care, consider reaching out to your local chiropractor. They can provide personalized insights and treatment options to support your journey toward better musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.

Danish researchers have determined that a staggering 70% of 8-16 year olds suffer from one or more pains in the spine and/or extremities lasting at least one week.  This data was collected over three school years. Now that children are getting back to learning and many are doing so remotely due to Covid, these musculoskeletal pains are likely to be even more prominent.  Extended sitting, increased electronics use, and a reduction in physical activity levels is sure to increase the already high degree of schoolchildren's musculoskeletal pains.  Encourage your children to take frequency breaks from extended sitting positions, every 20-30 minutes.  Ensure they're participating in daily physical activity whenever possible.  Limit the use of electronics.  And, if your child does suffer from musculoskeletal pain - in the neck, back or extremities - be sure to seek immediate help.  Chiropractic care is not only effective in adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain, it is similarly effective for all ages, including children and teenagers.  Please don't let your young ones suffer, we can help!

About 1.4 billion people around the globe – about one-quarter of all the adults on earth – aren't getting enough physical activity in their day-to-day lives. According to a study from the World Health Organization, people who don't exercise enough daily are at higher risk for cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, to start. To keep healthy, you need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous, strenuous activity every week. According to the 2016 study, only one-third of women and one-fourth of men were not getting the recommended amounts.  The countries with the highest rates of inactivity were mostly Middle Eastern, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq, as well as American Samoa. Over 50% of adults in these areas were not getting enough physical activity. Meanwhile, 40% of all U.S. adults, 14% of Chinese adults, and 36% of British adults were not active enough. In addition to the high rates of inactivity, the study found that these rates are staying stagnant despite growing research that proves how vital exercise is to health. In fact, inactivity is twice as high in richer countries versus poorer ones, and even increased during the years 2001-2016 by 5%. One big reason may be because sedentary occupations are becoming the norm in richer countries, while poorer countries have more active occupations.