What's your "current location"?

Several years ago I read that Ted Turner's response to the question, "How do you stay so healthy?" was, "I just try to do 1% better each year."

Unless you're in the middle of a health crisis (in which case you need to take drastic action), you can take advantage of the wisdom of incremental change. A transformational question for the second day of 2012 might be, "How can I be 1% healthier this year?" What modest change can I make that will move me closer to optimal health?

Whether you're refining your already exemplary health habits or taking drastic action, it's useful to know your "current location." Whenever I use my phone to get driving directions to an unfamiliar place, it asks me whether I want to use my "current location." Here's a simple test you can do today to determine your current location. It's extremely low-tech, easy, and quick. All you need is a tape measure and a calculator. With two simple measurements and one calculation, you will know your odds of developing a life-threatening condition (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease).

Ready? First, measure your waist (around your belly button), then measure your hips (widest part). Now get a calculator and divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. The ideal ratio for women is 0.70 and for men it's 0.90. Greater than 0.75 or 9.95 indicates a significantly higher likelihood of developing one of the above problems.

Now that you know your current location, you can decide whether you're going to make an incremental change or take massive action.

P.S.: Research shows, for best results, make sure you choose something you enjoy.

P.P.S: If you want help with rest of the road map, let us know. We'll make sure you're having fun while you're on your journey.

Free toxic chemical test, and more...

This week only we are offering a complimentary screening to help you reach your 2012 health and fitness goals.

The screening includes the following:

• Stress/Cleansing/Weight Loss Survey
• Urine test for toxic chemicals
• Fitness test
• Blood pressure check
• Weight
• Waist to hip ratio

Make your dreams for a healthier you in 2012 a reality by contacting us today!

How to save $900,000

Numerous recent studies show that maintenance and wellness chiropractic care saves patients, employers, and insurers lots of money. Get your own personal savings in our office, and increase your odds for a long, healthy, and happy life.

My wish for you for the New Year!

Design and Build Your Own $39 Treadmill Desk

For several years I've been singing the praises of getting up out of your chair when working at a computer. Recent research shows (see previous posting) that morbidity and mortality greatly increase with sitting more than four hours per day, even with a good exercise routine.

What to do?

Get a treadmill and build yourself a simple desk over it, so that you can walk while you're at your computer. There are $5,000 systems on the market, but here's a way to do it for just $39.

In-Office Alexander Technique Class

In 1973 I began my explorations into the realm of mind-body awareness with a class at the University of Minnesota in the Alexander Technique. It became the basis for everything I learned after that. I highly recommend study of Alexander's discoveries to anyone who would like to learn how to live with more grace in all activities, whether that's singing a song or typing at the computer.

Practice member and long-time teacher of the Alexander Technique, Stacy Gehman, is offering a 4-week session of classes in our office.

The classes will be on 4 Mondays, 7 PM - 8:30 PM, Oct. 17 - Nov. 7, 2011
Tuition: $75.

For details and to register for the classes, contact Stacy at StacyG@drizzle.com

Your Body Becomes More Self-Correcting

One of the promises of Network Care is that over time your ability to self-correct, spontaneously, becomes more and more refined. I see this happening over and over with practice members. One such practice member recently shared this testimonial. "When I first started seeing Dr. Connie I would get neck aches that would last for a few days at times. Through her care, I get fewer aches and when I do I normally just have to go home and stretch and they go away!"

Photo of the Day!

Swimming in September? A rare treat. Swimming on September 29? Never before. But the weather was balmy and I couldn't resist one last dip into Lake Washington. The water was crystal clear, the sun was warm(ish), and the water was about how it had been all summer long, in other words pretty cold! John was reading a book at a picnic table in the shade, in case I had heart attack. A Seattle Times staff photographer got down on his belly on the shoreline to get the shot.