Take Steps to Better Musculoskeletal Health During National Chiropractic Health Month

Dr. Newhalfen Participates in National Public Awareness Campaign

Schererville, Indiana — Dr. Newhalfen of Motus Integrative Health in Schererville is joining the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA), and chiropractors nationwide during National Chiropractic Health Month in October to encourage people to take simple steps to improve the health of their bones, muscles, and joints—the musculoskeletal (MSK) system—as part of this year’s “Strength. Stability. Success.” campaign.

More than one in two adults report experiencing an MSK condition such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, arthritis, and osteoporosis. They are the most commonly reported medical conditions among those under age 65 and the second most common condition for people aged 65 and older. Low back pain alone is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

“Nurturing musculoskeletal health over a lifetime begins with good nutrition, adequate hydration and healthy habits such as regular rest and physical activity,” notes Dr. Newhalfen. “Prevention is also key; we can reduce the risk of injury by improving our posture and movement techniques as well the ergonomics of our work and home environments.”

This October set yourself up for future stability and success by taking a few simple steps to improve the strength of your MSK health:

1. Move more. Bones, muscles, and joints need movement to stay healthy. The U.S. surgeon general recommends adults get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate physical activity (such as walking, yardwork, recreational swimming) or at least 75 minutes of intense weekly activity (such as jogging, hiking uphill, basketball).
2. Eat a balanced diet. Proper nutrition is just as important to musculoskeletal health as it is to overall health. Eat a balanced diet that includes whole fresh foods and try to avoid processed foods. Be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D for your bones and lean protein to build and maintain strong muscles.
3. Go outside. The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which in turn helps us to absorb calcium and strengthen bones.
4. Do weight-bearing exercises. Walking, jogging and resistance exercises such as weightlifting can improve bone density. Planks and squats can also strengthen core muscles. Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming and biking also can benefit the MSK system, especially for people unable to walk or jog while recovering from back, hip or knee pain.
5. Stay hydrated. Drinking water makes muscles stronger by carrying oxygen to the cells of the body. It also helps lubricate and cushion joints.
6. Quit smoking. Smoking contributes not only to cardiovascular disease but also osteoporosis and bone fracture as we age.
7. Get adequate rest. A good night’s sleep enables our bodies to repair muscles and joints that are strained or injured during the day.
8. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Drinking alcohol excessively can lead to osteoporosis and bone fracture.

About National Chiropractic Health Month

National Chiropractic Health Month, an initiative of the American Chiropractic Association (ISCA), is an annual campaign that raises awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered and drug-free approach to health and wellness.

About the Indiana State Chiropractic Association

The ISCA is the largest statewide organization representing Indiana’s chiropractic physicians.

The ISCA provides programs and assistance to advance the educational, ethical, licensing, legislative, and social interests of its members.

The ISCA disseminates the specialized knowledge and contributions of chiropractic treatment to the public and other health care providers.

For more information about Chiropractic Health Week or how you can benefit from chiropractic, go to www.indianastatechiros.org or contact the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) at info@indianastatechiros.org.