Wellness means different things to different people these days. For some, it means the absence of disease. In other words, as long as you don’t feel sick, you are healthy. Most people today though realize that is not the same thing as truly being healthy.

Given the amount of money spent on legal drugs and medical care in this country every year, we should have the healthiest country on earth. The fact is, we don’t. That is in part because our medical system has historically been focused on curing disease, not promoting health, and they certainly are not the same thing.

There are many factors which can affect your health. One is genetics, over which you have little to no control. On the other hand, researchers now believe the most important factor affecting your overall well-being is lifestyle, which you have plenty of control over.  Studies have demonstrated that people who take care of themselves use fewer medical services, lose less time from work, and are more productive. The reality is that YOU have the responsibility to look after yourself, by watching what you eat, watching your weight, getting exercise, and maintaining a positive mental attitude. It also means controlling your exposure to risk factors like smoking, alcohol and drug use.

Let’s face it: you can’t live off fast food and Starbucks, never exercise more than your texting thumb, not get enough sleep and spend 10 hours a day on a computer and end up healthy!

Doctors of Chiropractic have been focused for more than 115 years on promoting health by ensuring optimal mechanical functioning of the musculoskeletal system, which is believed to enhance neurological functioning.  Why does that matter?  Because neurology affects biology, and biology affects health.  In addition, chiropractors have been advising their patients on diet, exercise and other important lifestyle issues for more than 100 years, long before it was popular elsewhere.