Health & Fitness
Prevention rather than treatment is the name of the game!
How do we reduce our dependence on medications? Prevention!
Thomas Edison once said "The doctor of the future will prescribe no medicine but will interest patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and
prevention of disease." Wise words. According to the Center for Disease Control (the CDC) estimates that in the past 10 years, 48% of Americans and 1 out of 5 children took at least 1 prescription medication monthly. (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db42.pdf). Prescription medications have a place in society, but until our culture focuses on prevention of disease and ailment, our dependence on pharmaceuticals will continue to rise.
I will step off my soapbox now and offer a couple simple tips to
help decrease our dependence on “cures” and increase our awareness of
prevention!
Go for a hike! Did you know Martinez has a ton of beautiful hiking
trails? Check out the Regional Parks (http://www.ebparks.org/) for a hike in
Briones, the regional shoreline or one of the Martinez city parks (http://www.cityofmartinez.org/depts/recreation/parks/default.asp). Getting your natural vitamin D, and exercise
is a win win! Studies have shown that vitamin D is much more effective than the
flu vaccine (source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article7061778.ece) and
getting a daily dose of sunshine can help increase your levels!
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Change your diet! Visit the Martinez Farmer’s Market to talk with
some local food vendors about healthy alternatives to eating out or store
bought meals. The farmer’s market booth always has healthy recipes that utilize
the fruits and vegetables that are in-season! Everyone knows that a diet high
in fruits and vegetables is better for overall health and getting to know your
local farmers is a great way to invest in your health and community.
As a chiropractor, I will almost always lean toward the more
natural approach to health. I know that there is a place in our lives for
medications and some people really need them. The point of this article is to
increase our awareness of prevention so we don’t have to rely so heavily on
medications.
