Friday, July 8, 2016

Maintain Your Independence

Posted by: The Balancing Center

July 4th, 1776 was the day the United States of America officially declared independence from Britain.  The core issue outlined in The Declaration of Independence was summarized in the phase, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

As a chiropractor I believe these rights extend to our bodies as well. All day, every day you experience life through the wonderful vehicle of your body. Because you only get one body, your future abilities to enjoy life are effected by your day to day efforts to use it actively and appropriately!

When you see kids running around on the beach playing or adults throwing a frisbee it is apparent how much enjoyment there is in the freedom to move. Oftentimes people forget this. I see able bodied twenty five year olds standing on the escalator instead of walking. I see people calling an Uber rather than walking the half or quarter mile to their next location. It is almost as if people choose to use their healthy bodies as little as possible even though the ability to move is one of the greatest gifts and freedoms a human being has. 

Physical inactivity makes the body progressively weaker and stiffer, which takes away freedoms once taken for granted. Just like in a democracy, citizens of a country must use their freedom appropriately to protect their rights; we need to move our bodies to be able to continue to happily and efficiently move as we age. Next time you find your inner voice complaining about the effort of climbing a flight of steps, be grateful for the ability to do so. Next time you are in walkable distance to your next business engagement, leave early and enjoy the fresh air and rejuvenation of walking. If it is not comfortable for you to do these everyday activities come into The Balancing Center so we can re-connect  you to your natural ability to move. This Independence Day take full advantage of the freedom of movement you have, no matter how small or great, recognizing it as integral to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.     

by: Dr. Helgerman