Accountability Is Critical!

"Health is an achievement. If you want it, you have to say so, then work for it!" 

- B.J. Palmer

Can you believe we are a quarter of the way through 2011 already? I can't! Many of us made commitments back at the beginning of the year to improve some aspect of our health and/or wellness. How are you doing on those commitments? Did they fade away as quickly as you made them, or are you still on track?

I have found that having an accountability system in place is critical in keeping the promises I made to myself. Regardless of how you do it, it has to be done. Did you make commitments just to yourself? Did you make a commitment to your family because neglecting your own health has interfered with your family life and responsibilities? Who is holding you up to the tasks and goals you have set for yourself?

Here are some ideas to incorporate accountability into your health journey:


1.  Put it on your task or to-do list. Do you plan to exercise, but sometimes it gets done and other times it doesn't? For me, I find it empowering to be able to check something of a list. It might seem like a small thing, but completing what you plan to do is a WIN, so celebrate it! Even if it doesn't get done, it can serve as a reminder of where you need to better focus your efforts.

2.  Blog about it. Utilizing a blog can be a great way to journal your efforts. Doing it regularly can help you keep track of where you started and where you are today. Going back and reading your own posts from when you started is a great way to see where you are making progress. You can also search the Blogosphere for others in the same boat as you, or for motivation to keep you going. Before you know it you may develop your own support group amongst fellow bloggers. There are free blog site services you can use that are simple to update and personalize. I am using one now. Here is a great example of a blog that a local runner writes: http://www.runningbecauseican.com/.

3.  Use a tracking system. If you are a whiz at creating spreadsheets, feel free to create your own program. I like to use systems that are already done for me. I am currently using MyFitnessPal. It allows me to create goals, log my exercises as well as keep a food diary. If you choose, you can connect with others using it to add to the level of accountability. You can also share your progress on your blog site, on Facebook and/or Twitter. Another helpful tool to track your exercise, especially if you are a runner is Daily Mile. 

What systems are using to help you stay on track? I would love to hear your comments and ideas!

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

"I Had Been Told Nothing Could Help"

I can go on and on about the benefits of chiropractic care for pain relief, improving function, wellness care, etc. But for this post I want to share someone else's story about how chiropractic has helped him.

"For the past 20 years, I have lived with constant lower back pain due to a compressed disc. I had severe pain from doing the simplest, everyday tasks such as putting on my socks and shoes. Every year it seemed to be getting worse and it finally began to affect my work performance. 

I met Dr. Wimmer at a health fair, where he gave me a free screening and we set up an appointment to discuss my condition. Years before, I had been told nothing could help a compressed disc and I would have to live with the pain.  At Dr. Wimmer’s office, he gave me a thorough exam, took x-rays, and answered questions that I had. 

After only 2 weeks of adjustments, I was already seeing results. I was amazed! I could easily do things that caused me pain before, without the pain. I have told everyone about chiropractic and how I have enjoyed it’s benefits. My only regret is that I waited so long to try chiropractic care. 

-Tommy Brown

Just a couple of comments about this story. Many people ask or wonder why we go out into the community and provide free spinal screenings. I even see comments that chastise chiropractors for doing screenings saying it is a marketing scam. Well, this story illustrates perfectly why I do it. There are too many "Tommys" still out there that would have no idea that they could leave their pain behind without getting a free screening!!! Enough said!

Final comment: Don't suffer for 20 years before finding out whether or not we can help YOU!

"I Can't See A Chiropractor!"

All too often while I am out in the community doing spinal screenings, I will speak with people who have been suffering with chronic back or neck pain for way too long. I usually ask them if they have ever seen a chiropractor for the problem. And then I hear the answer, "I can't see a chiropractor!" My next question is logically, "Why not?" The response is often, "My doctor said I can never get chiropractic."

Further discussion usually reveals a past history of spinal surgery or fracture in one region or area of the spine. Typically, the person's orthopedic surgeon or general practitioner has given them advice (bad advice in my opinion) to NEVER see a chiropractor. I would like to think that there is no ill-will toward chiropractors from other physician groups but I know that is not always the case. I would also like to think that the doctor that gave the advice just doesn't realize that chiropractic care can be very beneficial even after surgery.

Granted, there are some people with conditions that would be absolute contraindications to seeing a chiropractor, but that number is small. With a thorough history and physical examination, a chiropractor can determine whether or not treatment will likely be safe and effective. If there are areas of the spine that should be avoided, that doesn't mean the rest of the spine should be NEGLECTED! In most cases modifications can be made that will make chiropractic treatment safe for most people.

Personally, I have treated many people that have had spinal surgery and/or old, healed spinal fractures with good success in decreasing pain and increasing function. If you have been suffering too long and have been told that you can't see a chiropractor, I would recommend that you contact your local chiropractor and schedule a consultation. If I think I can help you, I will tell you what we need to do next. If I don't think I can help you, I will try to find someone that can. That sounds fair enough...doesn't it?

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Odd Reminder of Better Structure = Better Function

I promise this post isn't going to get gross, but I was strangely reminded of how a better structure can lead to optimal function this morning of all places...in the bathroom!

Have you ever gone to the store and bought a new pack of toilet paper, threw it in the back of the car, and without noticing you put something heavy right on top of it? Then when you go to use said toilet paper, every time you give it a tug only one tiny square comes off. This of course was happening to me and I couldn't figure out what was going on. So, I investigated further and noticed the round cardboard tube had been squashed into an oval, and there lies the problem. It wasn't meant to be that way! After just a gentle squeeze the oval returned to a circle and the paper easily glides off the roll.

If such a minor thing can effect the function of toilet paper, then you can only imagine how even a minor structural misalignment can effect something as complex as your spinal column, which houses something as important as your spinal cord. When your nervous system is not functioning at its optimal level you really don't stand a very good chance of achieving optimal function!

All You Have To Do Is "Like" Us!

Okay, this post isn't on a specific health topic or product review. Instead, I wanted to talk about how you can stay connected with what is going on at the office and get a great deal while you do it!

I try to keep our office website updated as much as possible, but it is usually easier to quickly share links to interesting articles or videos through our Facebook Fan Page. If you already "Like" us or go there now and click "Like" you will have access to a great coupon for our massage services. After that, just enter your email address in the box and you will receive the coupon. Then you can schedule your relaxing massage and enjoy!

I hope you don't just do this for  the coupon (but that's okay too). I hope you will find that interacting with us on Facebook is fun and informative.

You can also connect with Wimmer Chiropractic on Twitter if you prefer, but the massage deal is exclusively available to our Facebook Fans/Likers.

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net