Key to Senior Fitness: Chiropractic Care, Healthy Lifestyle

Over the hill at age 65? Ready for the rocker at 70? Not these days. Americans are living longer and making more of their later years. One key is exercise.

"Perhaps the most debilitating influence in people's health as they age is a sedentary life," said Dr. Jerome McAndrews, national spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). "Exercise of some type is all but mandatory."

Otherwise, an individual may set him or herself up for broken bones, circulation problems caused by atrophying blood vessels, and a myriad of other physical problems associated with aging.

"Exercise, however, can improve a person's mobility, digestive processes and circulation. It can also reduce anxiety. Add proper nutrition and you have the makings of a naturally healthy lifestyle," said Dr. McAndrews. "Following a healthy diet is another way of extending your golden years as long as possible."

Here are some general guidelines to help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Walking

  • Walking improves elasticity in blood vessels, which makes them less susceptible to formation of aneurysms or rupture.
  • Start with one-third of a mile per day - one-sixth out and one-sixth back. (Measure the distance with your car.) Do that three days a week for a month, then double the distance, working gradually up to at least one mile a day, three days a week.
  • Expect a little soreness in the thighs and calves for the first week or two. If you experience more than soreness, check with your chiropractor.

Stretching

  • The average person should stretch to prevent the bowing or stoop caused by shortening of ligaments. A stoop can inhibit normal breathing.
  • Stretch the groin muscles by sitting on the floor and bending one leg to the side and back as far as possible. Or sit Indian fashion on a cushion and watch television. A relaxed stretch is the goal.
  • Stretch the back leg muscles by putting your hands on a wall, one foot flat on the floor behind you. Then lean into the wall. Or stand up straight and bend over. Or sit with one foot on an ottoman and bend forward.

Eating Right

  • Make sure you have a properly balanced diet. If you take vitamins, take them with a meal. Drink 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day to help keep the kidneys active, dilute and remove toxins from the body, and replace lost fluids. (Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol are diuretics. Don't substitute them for water.)

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • "Dr. Dorais was recommended to me by a family friend and he has yet to disappoint! Not only are he and his staff courteous, but very professional in all that they do.

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  • "I recently had an emergency trip to the ER with spasms so bad in my back that it brought tears to my eyes. I followed up with Dr. Dorais. He was able to adjust my back over a short period of time."
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    Response from the owner2 months ago
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  • "I have always had a few back issues,and have always just dealt with the issues myself. I was nervous at first to go to a chiropractor, but Dr. Dorais and the team showed me there was nothing to be nervous about. They welcomed me like I had been going there for years, but it was my first visit. My back issues have been getting better and I couldn't be happier with Dorais Family Chiropractic. I can only thank them for the help they have given me!!

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    It has been our pleasure working with you Blake. Thank you for the kind words."
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  • "Doctor Dorais is just short of a miracle worker. I will not let anyone else but him adjust my neck and back, and I have been seeing chiropractors for 25 years. He is kind, caring, educated on all things spine, and truly cares about his patients, and most of all his adjustments HELP me immensely.

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    Thank you for the kind words Chantal. 😀"
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