The Health Problems Our Seniors Are Up Against

Are you having a hard time with aging? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with getting older, and our senior population is only growing; the number of Americans over 65 is estimated to more than double—from 46 million to more than 98 million—by 2060. And while the average American life expectancy is higher than ever, we’re also sicker than ever. Here are just a few of the conditions older Americans are dealing with today. 
 

Arthritis

It’s estimated that more than half of people over 65 have been told by a healthcare provider that they have arthritis. In fact, it’s the leading cause of disability in older Americans. Untreated, arthritis may only worsen, causing stiffness, inflammation and swelling in the affected area—it can also lead to pinched nerves and other more serious problems that hinder daily activities.

Fall-Induced Injury

The risk of accidental falls and slips increases exponentially as you age—in fact, more than one in four older people fall every year, and less than half tell their doctor about it. This is even more troubling when you consider that falling even once doubles your chances of a repeat accident, and many falls cause a serious injury like broken bones, fractures, head injuries and more.

Osteoporosis

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis affects one in four women age 65 and older—a drastic difference than the rate for men (one in 17). In fact, most don’t know they even have it until they break a bone. If untreated, osteoporosis can cause back pain, vertebrae issues, height loss, stooped posture and increased risk of bone fractures.

Fatigue or Energy Loss

In a 2015 study examining the causes of fatigue in adults over 65, researchers found 31 percent felt tired all the time. Although chronic fatigue and energy loss can greatly affect daily activity, social interactions and more, it can cause or facilitate poorer health, loss of function, loneliness, depression, poor sleep and decreased physical activity.

Staying Superman: How to Keep Up With the Kids

Dad, we get it. There’s so much that goes into being a father—emotionally, mentally, and for many, physically. Whether it’s a game of catch, chasing them around the house or whatever form of physicality is possible for you, we know you want to be present in every way you can. Your health is a huge factor in this, right? Here’s how you can maintain it! 
 

It Starts With Your Health

Yes, it starts with YOUR health. “But I’m doing just fine.” While that may be true, doing well and being well are different things. In order to be there for your kids the way that you want, you’ve got to stay healthy. Not only will you be able to keep up with their boundless energy, you’ll also be teaching your kids how to embrace healthy habits. Let’s take a look at some easy ways you can keep it healthy.

Keep it Moving

Switch up your exercise routine; alternate between different forms of physical activity, from cardio to strength training to low impact exercises like walking. Both cardio and strength are amazing for heart health—super important, because heart disease is the biggest health threat toward American men. For tips or tutorials on getting started, or just even getting an idea of what you’d like to do and how to do it, take to the web! For a good starting point, go to Youtube and search: beginners workouts for men.

Eat It Up

Food is fuel! If used properly, it’ll give you more than enough energy to keep up with the little ones. Outside of consulting with a dietician or nutritionist, the best thing you can do for yourself is to begin eliminating things that aren’t good for you and replacing them with things that are—try ditching some of the more harmful things in your diet like processed foods, refined carbohydrates and refined sugars and begin replacing them with lean proteins, leafy greens, dark berries and healthy fats!
Top Tip: Chiropractors are experts in nutrition! Sit down with your chiro for a bit and ask them for some helpful healthy eating tips or pointers on where to start.

Sleep It Out

Not catching too many ZZZs lately? Lack of sleep can result in heart disease, stroke, mood fluctuations, loss of energy and more. To keep it healthy and alert, the average adult should aim for between 7-9 hours each night. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, regular exercise, setting a night time routine and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake may help!

The Best Care

In order to be well and stay well, you’ve got to look after yourself. Our culture treats sickness like an inevitability, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If we maintain our bodies with regular care, it’s possible to unlock a future of optimal health. An often overlooked part of the body? The spine—our body’s life line.
Through chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors help your body function optimally by removing interferences (known as subluxations) to your nervous system, allowing the brain to better communicate with the rest of the body. This helps your body function at its highest level.
With a combination of regular exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep hygiene and chiropractic care, you can be up and ready to go when your kids come a-runnin’ (or stampeding—let’s be honest.)

5 Healthy Breakfasts That’ll Help You Start the Day

Good morning, sunshine—it’s time to rise and grind! But first you need fuel, and a cup of coffee and a bite of high-fructose granola bar just won’t cut it. In fact, a lot of the breakfast selections we consider “easy” aren’t exactly the easiest on your body.
Let’s take a look at some protein-packed, all-natural breakfast alternatives that’ll give you a fresh, healthy start to the day!

Overnight Oats

OK, friends—we know, we talk about overnight oats a lot. But they’re such a good breakfast option (in moderation!) how could we not? Full of fiber and easily paired with different flavors, oats are a great way to get the nutrients you need. Stick to Greek yogurt, a bit of honey, some berries, a scoop of nut butter, almond milk and some steel-cut oats.

Eggs Your Way!

A breakfast classic, eggs are a protein-rich way to start the day off right, and there are so many variations you can try. Have to leave quickly in the morning? Prep some hard-boiled eggs the night before to take with you, and pair them with some kiwi and berries. If you’ve got more time, try scrambling some eggs with black beans or a nice vegetable omelet filled with fiber-rich leafy greens.

Greek Yogurt with Chia Seeds

Fun fact: Chia seeds have double the fiber of bran flakes! Greek yogurt has way more protein than milk (12-17 grams per serving) and helps build strong bones, muscles and cartilage. Just stir the seeds into the yogurt and store it in the fridge overnight! If you’d like a little sweetness, add a little honey and top it with some fiber-rich dark berries in the morning.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie

The Greek yogurt powerhouse is back again! For a quick meal, put together a healthy breakfast smoothie—it’s the perfect way to get in a whole batch of nutrients at once. Start off easy by combining the fruit of your choice (you can use frozen), Greek yogurt, water and ice in a blender until smooth.

Apples and Almond Butter

Packed with protein, fiber and good fats, almond butter is known for being a great heart-healthy food choice. Spread thinly on some apples, and you have a bonafide snack superhero on your hands. But beware, this breakfast treat is best in moderation! Too much sugar, even natural, can be harmful. Also, keep an eye on any additional salts, sugars and preservatives on the ingredient list when selecting which almond butter to buy. Many stores have a raw, unsalted version!

9 Health and Wellness Quotes to Inspire You

Finding and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle can be tricky. Nutrition, exercise, therapies like chiropractic and other healthy habits like good sleep hygiene and stress management are great places to start. The choice to adopt healthier habits is a big decision, but remember, you and your body are worthy of the best care possible. 
 
Here are a few quotes about wellness to keep you inspired on your health journey!

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”

— Arabian Proverb

 

“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”

— Hippocrates

 

“By cleansing your body on a regular basis and eliminating as many toxins as possible from your environment, your body can begin to heal itself, prevent disease, and become stronger and more resilient than you ever dreamed possible!”

— Dr. Edward Group III

 

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

— Buddha

 

“Wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness.”

— Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu

 

“Nurturing yourself is not selfish—it’s essential to your survival and your well–being.”

— Renee Peterson Trudeau

 

“If we are creating ourselves all the time, then it is never too late to begin creating the bodies we want instead of the ones we mistakenly assume we are stuck with.”

— Deepak Chopra

 

“What drains your spirit drains your body. What fuels your spirit fuels your body.”

— Caroline Myss

 

“Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.”

— J. Stanford

How to Minimize Concussions in Young Athletes

Shake, rattle and roll. It’s not what you want your brain to do, but that’s what happens inside the skull of someone who experiences a concussion. 
 
Young athletes who engage in a ton of physical activity, like contact sports, are not immune to concussions. At times, certain collisions in sports can shake the brain inside the skull, possibly causing it injury. When the brain is jarred within the skull due to outward trauma, like falls or blows to the head, it is known as a concussion. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and can include disruptions in sleep, mood, cognition and physical issues (like headaches or problems with balance).
Fortunately, a young child can learn to take precautions that will help him/her diminish the chances of a concussion. Of course, they’ll need the support of an adult like you! There’s no guarantee your favorite quarterback will avoid a head-first tackle, but being knowledgeable about the ramifications is a step toward minimizing the chances of a concussion.

Get proactive. Take your young football star or basketball MVP to a general physician and chiropractic physician for a preseason physical. It’s a great way to get the conversation going about physical health and the possibility of head injuries. The better your child can identify the symptoms of a concussion either in himself/herself or recognize them in a teammate, the greater the chances it will be reported and treated quickly.

Stick together. David Marshall, the medical director of the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta, suggests his young patients practice the buddy system: have your child ask his teammate when he experiences a blow, if he sees stars or feels light-headed. Then let someone know. Marshall says more kids, parents, teachers, administrators and coaches are becoming aware of concussions experienced by young athletes. Early detection, care and rehabilitation are extremely important.


Play fair. Talk to your kids’ and their coaches about proper sportsmanship. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests “coaches should strive to reduce the number of impacts to players’ heads, and should offer instruction in proper tackling techniques.” The AAP also recommends neck strengthening to help reduce injuries.

Suit up. Wearing proper gear is important, especially in tackle sports like football. While helmets do not prevent concussions from occurring, they can help protect your child from a serious head injury.
The benefits that come with children playing sports cannot be discounted. From participating in the spirit of competition to enjoying positive recreation, parents realize sports are central to any athletic child’s curriculum. Taking the right precautions, discussing the facts with your athletes, getting educated and being aware in the moment are elements that will help protect your child in the face of heading the ball in soccer, a head-first tackle in football or a baseball home-plate collision. Cheer on!