One of our professors at Parker College of Chiropractic always said, genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. As you can tell this little saying stuck with me, but as each day passes, I realize how much truth there is to this catchy phrase. You might first be thinking, why does a chiropractor care about my genetics and my lifestyle…..I assure you I will get to that! But secondly, you are probably wondering why this montra that so many people condemn their future health aspirations by is being challenged. You have heard it a million times, “well, my dad had it and his dad had it so I guess I better start getting used to the idea of __________ (fill in the blank) because it’s bound to happen to me sooner or later.”
So first, doom and gloom thinking will lead to doom and gloom realities!! Like an unknown author said, “what you love you empower, and what you fear you empower – and what you empower, you attract.” Don’t attract things into your life that you don’t want in your life. Focus on the good!! BE A POSITIVE PONDERER!
Then, look to the science. Dr. Mercola recently commented on a WebMD study on diet and how it relates to genetic malleability in 276 male twins, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/08/your-diet-could-be-more-important-than-your-genes.aspx. Here is a small excerpt:
“Epigenetic “malleability” helps to explain why identical twins become distinct as they age, health-wise, and it explains how you can actually tweak your genes for better or worse, too. In fact, you ARE changing your genetics daily and perhaps even hourly from the foods you eat, the air you breathe, and even by the thoughts you think. You are the “caretaker” of your genetic roadmap. As you age, your genome does not change but your epigenome changes dramatically, especially during critical periods of life, such as adolescence. It is influenced by physical and emotional stresses — how you respond to everything that happens in your environment, from climate change to childhood abuse.”
There is probably just as much science that says we can “change our genetics daily” as there are saying we have no control over strong hereditary influence. So back to my “first.” What do you CHOOSE to believe? Do you choose to believe that your daily choices affect the future of your health and vitality or are you black-balled with no other choice? The power of choice lends to empowerment! Think about it…when you are TOLD what to do, do you want to do it? Do you get excited about doing it? Your dad tells you to mow the yard, your boss bumps up your deadline without any notice, your mother-in-law tells you how to dress your kid. I know you can relate…and the answer is NO! When your choices are taken away you feel cornered and threatened. You become defensive and cold. These negative feelings are not condusive to healing, much less the chance of overcoming any predisposed obstacles. Again, choose to believe that you do have control and as a result, empower yourself and give your health a little hope!
Finally, how does chiropractic relate to all of this talk about genetics and choices? The chiropractic lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle of choices. Chiropractors get a cross look from time to time because we do things a little different than most. We believe that health comes from within. We believe that the Power that made the body can heal the body. The idea of choices comes to the forefront when this Inside-Out philosophy collides with the modern, fast-paced, Outside-In conveniences. We try to do “things” in our daily life that KEEP us healthy (without Dis-ease nor Disease). Most American thought is to go, go, go until you can’t go anymore, due to Dis-ease or Disease, and THEN fix the damage.
Think about your teeth for a minute. Most of us are in a habit of brushing our teeth 2 – 3 times every day. It has become a social no-no to have bad breath and dingy teeth. We also visit the dentist every 6 months to have our teeth checked, making sure there is nothing that needs attention. In doing this, we have revolutionized oral care. This is similar to what chiropractors try to accomplish through chiropractic care. We evaluate your spine, medical history, current complaints, posture, work habits, stress exposure, nutrition, environmental toxins, etc. We look at ALL of these things to help you attack all areas of your life in an effort to stop chasing the day where you feel good. We want you to feel GREAT everyday! We want your body to be as efficient as the finest machinery, even better! We were created as superior creatures. We have an innate intelligence that knows how many pumps of the heart and how many expansions of the lungs we need each day. Embrace that intelligence. Feed that intelligence! Give your body the tools that it needs to thrive. Don’t throw trash in your temple. Don’t subject your temple to chronic pain and injury. These are the choices that pull the trigger. Invest in your health and do a little EVERYDAY for YOU! This is a CHOICE. Chiropractic care can help you become familiar with specific gifts you can give your body to reconnect with your health!! Please get your spine checked!!
Peace of Life Chiropractic 