Bob Barker, beloved host of The Price Is Right, recently made headlines by announcing his retirement after 35 years. "Barker irreplaceable!" blared the entertainment tabloids. And yet, Mr. Barker celebrated his 82nd birthday a few months ago.
Eighty-two! Who really are the "seniors" among us? And what does "senior" mean in today's world? Certainly, America's population is aging by the minute. Baby boomers are rapidly closing in on their 60th birthdays. But most of those in this huge group (more than 76 million)1 are resisting the concept of "getting older" and searching for ways to stay healthy and fit and well.
Fitness programs provide a major answer to these challenges. Yet, there are many questions. What to do? How to get started? What if I have health issues - can I still get fit?
Before we dive in, some special concerns need attention. Baby boomers and those even older must address decreased flexibility and possibly - temporarily - decreased stamina. Medical issues, including osteoporosis2, high blood pressure3, and diabetes, as well as overweight/obesity, must be considered when beginning a new fitness plan.
The bottom line - have a complete physical exam with your chiropractic physician and/or family physician, and make sure you're good to go. Start slowly and easily, making gradual progress, and adding intensity and duration over the first several months.
Begin a walking-for-fitness program. Walking is fantastic exercise! Do 10 minutes at an easy pace the first day, build up to walking around the block, gradually building up over a 12-week period to a brisk 30-minute walk.
Also, begin lifting weights. Many helpful books are available, or ask a friend who knows what they're doing to show you the ropes. Start slowly, carefully, gradually. Train your upper body and lower body on separate days. Make sure you're focusing, paying attention, and working within yourself!
Nutrition is just as important as exercise in regaining the level of fitness we need to live healthy, long lives. Eating right requires some mental toughness, and it may take a while to build new habits. The payoff comes quickly, though, and is tremendously empowering.
We want to be fit for the rest of our lives. How to keep it all going? Here are a few tips from the fitness front lines -
• Writing down a weekly plan. This keeps your workout and nutritional goals fresh. They're right there, on your desk or refrigerator, where you see them every day.
• Vary your routines. Change your workouts every few weeks. Ride a bike if you've been walking. Use dumbbells instead of machines. Vary your fruits and vegetables, and vary your sources of protein.
• Set up a buddy system or join a fitness club. The support of a group of friends who share your lifestyle goals, can make a big difference.
And, most importantly, have fun!
1MetLife Mature Market Institute Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000.
2Carter ND, et al: Community-based exercise program reduces risk factors for falls in 65- to 75-year-old women with osteoporosis: randomized controlled trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal 67(9): 997-1004, 2002.
3Staessen JA et al: Life style as a blood pressure determinant. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 89(9): 484-489, 1996.
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Do I need to have a “problem” or an “issue” to get started with care?
No. Usually a symptom is the last phase of tissue injury - stiffness and mild discomfort or occasional pain that “comes and goes” are some early indicators. As a neurologically based chiropractic office, we focus on proactive health measures and thorough exams so we detect problem areas before symptoms arise.
How long will my first appointment be?
Your first visit will last about 60 minutes.
Insurance or No Insurance?
We are in-network with most major insurance providers. Unsure if chiropractic care is covered by your insurance? Bring in a copy of your ID and insurance card and our team will do a complimentary benefits check for you!
No insurance? No problem! We serve many individuals and families that do not have insurance or that have non-traditional health share plans. For any out of network plans or health share plans, our team will supply you with a detailed superbill.
No matter if you have insurance, or not, you will always be informed of any cost prior to receiving a service.
What is included in my first visit?
The first visit will give us an opportunity to connect with you, listen to your concerns, and discuss goals for your health. We will conduct a thorough consultation to gather information on your past and current experiences that have contributed to where you are now. You will also receive a thorough palpation and postural examination to help our doctors assess how your spine and nervous system are functioning. If recommended by the doctors, chiropractic postural x-rays will be taken as well.
Do you take x-rays?
Yes. At Vita Chiropractic, we have an on-site digital x-ray suite for your convenience and cost effectiveness. Most practice members, if not pregnant, will receive x-rays as part of our examination process.
What happens next?
Getting scheduled for your initial examination is just the first step towards your road to optimal health. After you submit your appointment request, you will receive a call from our team within 24 hours on business days. Once your appointment date and time are confirmed with a call from our team, you will be instructed to complete new patient forms prior to your visit. Those forms will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and can be found on our website. If at any time a scheduling conflict arises, please give us a call so we can make accommodations to reschedule your first visit.
How is treatment structured?
Each practice member undergoes a thorough health history consultation on their first visit to assess their specific chiropractic needs and health goals. This thorough visit allows our doctors to create a specific care plan for each individual who comes through our doors. Our focus is to help patients reach their health goals and serve their bigger purpose. Our doctors tailor care plans for corrective results, not just temporary change!
