ARE YOU READY FOR LIFE?

GET READY FOR LIFE!

As we all know life is full of unknowns, but you can take simple and practical steps now to be ready for life at any age. Currently 15% of the Australian population are aged 65 and over, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that this will increase to 22% by 2056.

This increase in the age of the population puts additional strain on the government to provide care for older Australians. 
Chiropractors are ideally placed to assist in the healthcare of Australians as they age and potentially help improve their quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal conditions that reduce mobility, dexterity and functional ability, are the second largest cause of disability worldwide. Musculoskeletal conditions can have a damaging effect on your quality of life by affecting your ability to participate in work, social activities and sports. In Australia, 3.7 million people reported back problems in 2015 alone.

With statistics like these and the burden of low back pain ranking first in Australia, it is likely that you or someone you know could suffer from back pain.  Improving posture, maintaining an active lifestyle and keeping your spinal health in check can help you continue to do the things you love and always be Ready for Life!   

Improve Posture
By decreasing the amount we move each day, we have increased the severity of poor posture and in turn, its negative effects on health.6  Daily activities that we now consider common, like sitting at a desk, driving instead of walking, and even playing video games, may lead to incorrect posture.

What is poor posture?
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. When your posture is poor this can increase pressure on your spine and contribute to tension, soreness, headaches, back pain and fatigue. Australian adults, on average, spend an estimated five hours per day sitting, with a quarter of the population sitting for more than eight hours per day,  including the 67% that play video games recreationally.  This time sitting and hunching over a desk or on the couch can add pressure to the spine.  

Get a Ready for Life Posture
A healthy posture is all about healthy movement, by both your spine and your body. It does take discipline to correct poor posture, but there’s no doubt the benefits are well worth the effort.
The Straighten Up App, developed by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is designed to help everyday Australians maintain and improve their spinal health. Use the app to set reminders and receive notifications about sitting right, stretching, improving posture and even staying hydrated. 

Keep Active
An active spine is a healthy spine. This is important at any age. The Department of Health recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Activities such as surfing, soccer and strength training in the gym can have great benefits to your overall mental and physical health. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 56% of all Australians are not sufficiently physically active. This has a negative impact on your spinal health.  

Benefits of regular exercise
Most physical activity can have great positive effects on the spine including the stretching, strengthening and repairing of muscles that help support your back. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, build stronger bones, increase your energy, improve sleep patterns and so much more.

Just Start Walking
If the gym or sports field isn’t for you then walking is another great way to keep active. Some benefits of brisk walking include increasing your heart and lung fitness, muscle strength and endurance, and it contributes to a naturally upright posture.

Need a little extra help to get you walking to a healthier life? The Just Start Walking app is just what you need. This free app was developed by the Australian Chiropractors Association to encourage Australians to get outside and to get walking! The app allows you to not only map your walk, but track the distance and time taken.

The app also displays your walking history, so you can see your improvements, features local walking events near you and lets you share your walk with friends on social media.

The Just Start Walking app is in the final stages of redevelopment and will be available to download from the App Store and Google Play from 15 May 2019. Mark your diaries now for 15 May to download the Just Start Walking app to take the first steps towards a healthier spine and be Ready for Life!

Chiro Can Help
Your spine supports you. Growing from birth and moving with you at every stage of life. Whether you’re hula hooping in the park, jumping on a trampoline or just getting dressed, it is important that your spine is always Ready for Life.
Good posture and exercising regularly are important factors in maintaining spinal health. Visiting a chiropractor as part of your spinal healthcare regime can assist with ensuring that these practices are maintained.
Did you know

• Australian chiropractors manage an estimated 21.3 million patient visits per year.
• Chiropractic care is drug and surgery free
• Chiropractic care is backed by scientific studies from around the world.

Chiropractors focus on the diagnosis, management and prevention of disorders of the spine, including the effects these disorders can have on your nervous system and general health.

Chiropractors work in partnership with you by utilising their clinical experience, and tailoring care to your needs and preferences. This ensures the highest standards of patient-centred care.
To find your nearest ACA chiropractor visit locateachiropractor.com.au and make chiropractic a part of your healthcare routine.

Don’t give up the activities you love. Make spinal health a priority and be Ready for Life!
About ChiropracticChiropractic care is not a one size fits all healthcare option. Chiropractors carefully assess each patient individually and tailor their care accordingly. By using a variety of non-surgical techniques, such as specific spinal adjustments, manual therapy and low-force intervention, chiropractors offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to spinal healthcare.

Australian chiropractors are highly qualified healthcare professionals who study at university for a minimum of five years and are government regulated and registered. Like all other registered healthcare providers, chiropractors adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines.
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They never stop training and working to improve their clinical skills. All chiropractors must undertake continuing professional development courses every year to maintain their registration, constantly learning and staying current with the latest research.