Duncan Chiropractic Group Newsletter

From Your Howell Michigan Area Chiropractor

Elderly: Benefits of Chiropractic

Dr. Darrel Crain

Heart disease is the number one killer in America. The American Heart Association (AHA) says they have identified 7 steps to achieving a healthy heart. And, just like so many other important things in life - these "steps" may be "simple"... but they will not always be easy. Published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the AHA says ideal cardiovascular health for adults is defined by these health measures:

1. never smoked or quit more than a year ago;
2. a healthy body mass index (BMI), an estimate of body fat determined by a formula using weight and height;
3. physical activity, and more is better. (The new measure says at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise is necessary for ideal health, or 75 minutes weekly of vigorous physical activity);
4. blood pressure below 120/80;
5. fasting blood glucose less than 100 milligrams/deciliter, a fasting measure of blood sugar level;
6. total cholesterol of less than 200 milligrams/deciliter; and
7. eating a healthy diet. Healthy factors in a 2,000-calorie diet include: at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day; at least two 3.5 oz. servings of fish per week, preferably oily fish; at least three 1-ounce servings of fiber-rich whole grains per day; limiting sodium to less than 1,500 milligrams a day; and drinking no more than 36 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages weekly.

The American Heart Association hopes a couple of great things happen if people follow these 7 steps: By 2020, Americans could have improved their cardiovascular health by 20%, and also reduce deaths from cardiovascular-related diseases and strokes by 20%. This would not only add many years to countless lives, it would dramatically alter the QUALITY of life.

Here's the amazing thing about the AHA's "new" finding...It Is NOTHING NEW! I'm sure this is not the first time you been advised to eat a healthy diet, exercise, don't smoke, don't eat too much salt, and stay away from sugar. Barring abnormal genetics, it's incredible how simple living a healthy life can be, which is what Chiropractors have been saying for over 100 years. The key is living up to your genetic potential. And living up to your genetic potential is NOT about fancy technology, wonder drugs or surgeries. All of these advancements may save lives ONCE YOU ARE SICK, but they have nothing to do with staying healthy. The key to living up to your genetic potential is doing all of these simple things consistently for the rest of your life. That's where it gets a little tricky.

It is easy to eat right, exercise, etc. for a few weeks or months. What is difficult is doing all the right things for years and years and years. But, it all starts with a decision. The decision to take charge of your health and life. And when you do that - anything is possible. Make your decision and take your first steps to true health today.

Remember, we're always here, using the miracle of Chiropractic to help your body heal and maintain the health you deserve.