“Plan for a strong healthspan” is the theme of 2024’s National Chiropractic Month, which is celebrated and acknowledged throughout the month of October. Let’s talk about what that means and how you can weave that message into your own life and health journey. Our team at Momentum is inspired daily by the dedication that our patients demonstrate, and we are glad to be a part of it all.
Many people aspire to live a long and healthy life. We want to be around to care for and enjoy the people we love. Staying active and following a healthy diet contribute to this, of course. In contrast to our lifespan, the total years we live, the term healthspan is used to describe the years we live in good health, without major chronic illnesses and disability. It is describing the ability to do the things that matter most with the people who matter most. Along with cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and other factors, having a strong and healthy musculoskeletal system is recognized as a key component in extending healthspan, as it enables people to remain physically active, to engage in daily activities and stay independent longer, and reduces the risk of disabling falls. Your environment plays a part in reducing risk, but setting your body up for success will give you an advantage in creating a path for your strong healthspan.
Chiropractors play a key role in helping people achieve a long and strong healthspan by providing alternative approaches to treating common musculoskeletal conditions and improving joint junction, as well as offering advice on injury prevention, ergonomics, nutrition, and lifestyle that enhance overall health and wellness. Rather than starting the conversation with medications, chiropractic professionals focus on identifying the root cause of the pain so it can be eliminated, not just medicated. Prevention is a big focus on extending and improving our healthspan. Once we have the skills and awareness we need to navigate our environment, building new and healthy habits will work to sustain our lifespan and healthspan.
Whether you have an existing relationship with a chiropractic practice, or you are thinking about your own healthspan, we have a few suggestions to offer on ways to celebrate and honor National Chiropractic Month (and your body!). Which one will you try first?
- How about yoga? Try a new stretch that targets the upper, middle and lower back.
- How’s your posture? Have you looked at yourself in a mirror while you’re sitting at a computer or desk for work? Have a friend snap a photo of you in your natural seated position, because that will help you make corrections!
- How about a new healthy habit? Have you been wanting to start walking in the morning? Start with a 5 minute stroll. Move up to 10 minutes. Track how you’re feeling throughout the month. Will this become a new routine?
Healthspan and Lifespan are terms related to our overall lives, and we get to be in control (for the most part) of how rich our lives will be. Share your successes with us as we kick off National Chiropractic Health month together.