10/16/06 is World Spine Day & National Spinal Health Day–do your part!


Initiated by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade has established October 16th as World Spine Day in order to call attention to the burden of spinal disability and to help educate individuals to improve their spinal health. This year on World Spine Day in collaboration with the United States Bone and Joint Decade, health care practitioners, fitness experts and health educators are conducting Straighten Up educational outreaches across America and around the world. Stoddert Elementary School in the Glover Park Community of Washington DC has the honor of hosting the National Launch Celebration at 2 pm on October 16th, 2006.

Make sure that the activities are appropriate for you and not contraindicated by disorders which prohibit exercise and movement of your spinal column and related joints. If you experience sharp or shooting pain while exercising, stop the activity and consult with your doctor. Patients: getting started with Straighten Up
Here are some simple steps to start preparing to celebrate World Spine Day/National Spinal Health Day and to incorporating Straighten Up into your daily life:

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the “Straighten Up” exercise module and lifestyle recommendations.
Begin to practice the “Straighten Up” activities daily in order to improve your spinal health, posture and core stabilization.

Begin performing the Posture Pod/Flying Friends exercises. Perform these exercises in front of a mirror before or after you brush your teeth. The Posture Pod is fun and only takes about 30 seconds to complete. You should feel refreshed and will improve your appearance and self image through consistent performance. Straighten Up mirror decals will help you promote habitual performance.

Once you are comfortable with the exercises, you may begin to share them with others. This might include your family members, your co-workers, and others in your community. Don’t forget to share your experience with your chiropractor or other health care professionals.

Chiropractors and other health care professionals: lead the way in your community
As a health care professional, you touch the lives of many patients. Why not take an active role in patient and community education regarding spinal health promotion and wellness. You can leverage the Straighten Up program by:

Always screen individuals carefully to make sure the exercises are appropriate for them, taking particular precautions with individuals who have disorders which limit exercise or activity and the elderly.
Practicing what you preach. Work the Posture Pod Exercises into your own daily routine, e.g., after you brush your teeth, and get your family involved.

Striking up a conversation with your patients about empowerment–and provide them with resources they can use at home. Hand out copies of the Straighten Up Exercises and recommend other trustworthy back health resources, such as spine-health.com.

Conducting a Straighten Up educational outreach initiative in your local area, e.g., an event in your clinic, local school, local hospital, church, or other community location. Resources for your event are available, including brochures, PowerPoint presentations, letters, and certificates.

If you have any questions or need additional information/resources about Straighten Up America or World Spine Day, please contact Dr. Ron Kirk at rkirk@life.edu or 770-426-2709. You may also visit www.straightenupamerica.org.