The average age of Americans is increasing year-by-year. Approximately 77 million babies were born in the United States during the boom years of 1946 to 1964. In 2011, the oldest will turn 65, and on average can expect to live to 83. Many will continue well into their 90s. Most people continue to retain the habits they developed as children and teenagers. For many Americans, these habits included lack of regular exercise, sedentary activities, and poor nutrition.
As adults we no longer possess the free pass we had when we were kids. If we continue to eat high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods, we'll gain more and more weight. If we persist in viewing regular exercise as an unnecessary indulgence, we'll continue to experience high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune systems. Older adults who resist the importance of good nutrition and regular exercise are also missing the thrill and sheer joy of having a vibrantly healthy, high-efficiency body. In contrast, older adults can achieve high levels of fitness, or even satisfactory levels, and feel much more youthful than they have in years.
Young adults who are the children of older adults can set a good example for fitness. Of course, this strategy is the reverse of what we're used to - our parents setting the example for us. But good examples work both ways, and smart parents may be willing to take a tip from their kids.
The first good example is regular exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 30 minutes of exercise five times per week. Most Americans do no exercise at all. Get your parents into the routine by inviting them to go for a walk or bringing them to the gym and showing them a few basic exercises. For our parents, the key is to get them started. Keep encouraging them - not as something they "should" do, but rather as something they could bring into their lives as a "choice". No one wants to do what they "should". Make it an invitation - make it fun.
Also, begin to set a good example with nutrition. Take your parents out to dinner at a healthy place - talk to them about eating smaller portions, avoiding fried and processed foods, and food combining. Food combining means eating a portion of protein and a portion of carbohydrate at every small meal. For most people, altering their food habits-of-a-lifetime is pretty radical. Help your parents learn how to take small steps in the direction of healthy nutrition, rather than attempting to change everything at once. Again, help them have fun with it. Good nutrition is a choice.
For all of us, it's important to walk the talk. Our kids - and even our parents sometimes - will mimic what we do. We want our own lifestyle choices to be healthy and life-promoting, so our kids and our parents have a good example to follow. Your chiropractor is an expert in using exercise and nutrition as a means of helping patients restore good health. She will be glad to provide valuable information on both of these topics for you and your whole family.
1MetLife Demographic Profile. MetLife Mature Market Institute, New York, NY, 2006
2Howard RA, et al:Physical activity and breast cancer risk among pre- and postmenopausal women in the U.S. Radiologic Technologists cohort. Cancer Causes Control October 21, 2008
3Leitzmann MF, et al: Physical activity recommendations and decreased risk of mortality. Arch Intern Med 167(22):2435-2460, 2007
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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!
