By Dr. Whitney R. Carlson, D.C.
Many people in modern society are not living at their full health potential. As our society becomes more sedentary, eating processed foods, and maintaining poor posture habits our health is dwindling day by day. According to the US Public Service, in 1900 there were 64 deaths per 100,000 due to cancer; yet, by 2000 there were 200.5 deaths per 100,000! There are five pillars to achieving your God-given health potential that all need to be maintained equally.
Positive Mental Attitude
The pursuit of 100% health and vitality must start with a positive mental attitude. All that we are is a result of what we have thought. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health linked a more optimistic outlook with a lowered risk of heart disease in older men. Multiple studies have reported that optimistic women have less thickening of the carotid artery walls and suggest that a positive mental outlook is associated with reduced evidence of coronary heart disease and total mortality in postmenopausal women. Conversely, pessimism has links to negative effects on health.
Normal Alignment and Position of the Spine
The spine and Central Nervous System must be in a normal position and alignment in order for the normal amount of mental “Life” impulses to flow through the body. Years of research have shown that with normal spinal curves, the spinal cord is in the most relaxed position and can therefore send and receive signals without interference. The neck should be a lordosis measuring 42.2 degrees, the mid-back should be a kyphosis measuring 37.4 degrees and finally the low back should be a lordosis also measuring 40 degrees. When there is a reverse of these curves or a slight misalignment between the bones of the spine pressure is placed on the nerves of the central nervous system resulting in interference to the flow of signals. Chiropractors are the only professionals trained in the removal of this interference. You must maintain your spine for the rest of your life. KEEP YOUR POWER ON!
Proper Nutrition
Your body is a temple. Your body needs adequate amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and other organic compounds in order to function properly and efficiently. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and artificial chemicals in processed foods are poison to the body and can interfere with normal, natural body function. Spending time to find the foods that are truly healthy is more and more critical in todays’ society.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is vital for the management of stress. Your body is designed to move, not sit all day long. Without regular exercise, you interfere with the normal oxygen supply of your body. It is also essential for normal bodily processes such as digestion, circulation of blood, and strengthening of the lungs and heart.
Rest and Reduce Stress
The body only heals itself when it is at rest. By not getting enough rest and indulging in too much stress, you and your family interfere with the healing and body function. Stress hormones can increase pain, inflammation, and chronic diseases. Find new ways of letting go of the stress in your life to allow your
body to function at a higher potential.
When each of these pillars is being maintained, your health can reach its full God-given health potential. Start today by taking care of yourself and your family.
Resources:
- Dr. Dave Espinoza, DC
- Harrison CBP seminars, www.idealspine.com
- Ginsberg, R. A Positive Mental Attitude Benefits Health, longevity and Quality of Life. Chicago Tribune [internet]. Cited 2012
Mar 20. Available from: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chi-primetime-pma-022611,0,137010.story - Death Rates by Cause of Death. [Internet] Cited 2012 Mar 20. Available from: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0922292.html
March 23rd, 2012