Stuck Living on the Sidelines? Find Your Game!

American Chiropractic Association Launches 2012 Public Health Awareness Campaign

You may not be representing the U.S. in London this summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to live your life on the sidelines. This fall, doctors of chiropractic (DCs) across the country will highlight ways you can feel your best every day, regardless of your age, occupation or fitness level, during National Chiropractic Health Month in October. This year’s theme—"Find Your Game"—focuses on how everyone can take steps toward optimal health, wellness and functioning.

"I see patients with a wide range of goals. Some want to finish a local 5k road race, some want to have more energy after work and others want to play with their grandkids without pain," says American Chiropractic Association President Keith Overland, DC. "The good news is that all of these everyday victories are possible with just a few healthy lifestyle changes. If you don’t know where to start, your chiropractic physician can offer help by providing nutritional advice, exercise and lifestyle recommendations and natural approaches to managing injuries, aches and pains."

As expert in health and wellness, DCs can offer tips to help you find your game, including:

• Get moving: You don’t have to train like an Olympian, just aim for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week.

• Stretch daily: Improving flexibility is key to avoiding injury. Make a habit of stretching your major muscle groups each day.

• Bust stress: New activities and experiences help prevent professional and personal burnout. Finding your game involves discovering new activities you enjoy.

• Eat right: Even a few simple changes can have a positive impact on your health. Limit red meat, sugar and salt; and don’t self-prescribe dietary supplements, consult a health care professional to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

• Recharge: Try to sleep more each night, and revitalize with a glass of pomegranate juice and a brisk walk in the afternoon. Rest, exercise and good nutrition can put pep back into your step.