When asked for a definition of health, a common response is “the absence of disease.” In truth, health is a continuum that goes far beyond just the absence of disease or symptoms. It looks something like this.
- Optimal Health/ Optimal Fitness
- Fitness
- Wellness
- Good Function
- No Symptoms
- Minor Symptoms/ Dysfunction
- Moderate Symptoms/ Dysfunction/ Pathology
- Severe Symptoms/ Pathology/ Disease
- Death
Where do you think you are on the list? It becomes apparent that the absence of disease or symptoms only gives one’s health a “C” grade at best. A “C” is passing. A “C” is just getting by and is OK for some. To get a “C” in anything you don’t have to put forth much effort. The problem we have is that this health continuum is like standing on a slowly-moving down escalator. If we stand still, we will lose ground. As we age it becomes easier to move down the list if we stop where we are. Soon we are no longer acheiving a passing grade with our health.
Where ever we currently find ourselves on the list, it takes consistent daily effort to even maintain our position and even greater effort to move up to the next level.
To do that we need to turn our attention to, and focus on the areas where we are deficient. Diet, exercise, rest, and attitude are a begining but any positive change will do little good unless we commit to moving forward and not turning back. Going back and forth with our eating habits, for example, can actually be harder on our systems than if we had made no change at all. It all amounts to a lifestyle change- not easy for most, but well worth the effort.
Chiropractic care focuses on a natural approach to to improve one’s health.
- Chiropractic uses natural and conservative methods to promote the body’s own healing capacity.
- It encourages healthful living and good nutrition, exercise, stress management and posture.
If you are interested in taking that first step, chiropractic is a good option. We can help you make the changes that will move you up the health continuum.
