Craig W. Brue, D.C.
Too many seniors are making wrong decisions when it comes to their health management. In my everyday practice, these are four of the biggest mistakes seniors are making:
1. I don’t believe in chiropractors.
This past month I read a rather amazing statistic. Less than 30% of all Medicare recipients go to a chiropractor for care. This statistic shows that many seniors are uneducated about the health benefits of spinal adjustments. Most people that say, “I don’t believe in chiropractors,” have never been to a chiropractor. These nonbelievers have never experienced or understood the unique benefits of chiropractic care.
What’s unique about chiropractic care? A chiropractor is the only health care provider who specializes in spinal adjustments to correct vertebral misalignment. Discs degenerate and wear out because of spinal misalignment. Nerves can get pinched because of biomechanical stress and misalignment. A chiropractor has advanced training and experience to correct spinal misalignment. Chiropractic care is the safest, fastest, and most effective way to relieve back and neck pain.
2. I take medication for pain.
The vast majority of health problems are not caused by a drug deficiency. In the elusive hope that a pain medication will help to alleviate or prevent the symptoms you are experiencing, you have now introduced into your body more potential side effects than possible benefits. You are not experiencing pain because of a lack of aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, or narcotic drugs. Drugs may reduce painful symptoms, but they won’t stop the cause of your problem.
3. I don’t believe in vitamins.
When people tell me that they don’t believe in vitamins, I know this: That person probably doesn’t understand the importance of a healthy diet and vitamin supplementation. Even with a good diet, many seniors are deficient in essential vitamins. However, vitamin supplementation will not make up for a diet that is full of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. If you have any questions about your diet and what supplements to take, find a good chiropractor or a naturopathic doctor (ND) for a nutritional and dietary evaluation.
4. I don’t like to exercise.
I often suggest walking for patients who have back pain. I can’t tell you how many people tell me, “I don’t like to walk.” That’s really a bad health choice. My advice is this: Gradually increase your activities. Get out of the chair more often. Walk, wiggle, move, and stretch during commercials. Get a pedometer. Exercise has unbelievable health benefits, because every cell of your body is positively affected. The more you exercise, the healthier you will be.
My advice: Your body has a profound, miraculous ability to heal when you make the right health choices, so consider the inclusion of a great chiropractor on your health team.
Dr. Brue is an author, lecturer, and chiropractic provider in SaddleBrooke, Ariz. For more information on the benefits of chiropractic care, go to bruechiropractic.com.