Three minutes a day – all it takes to maintain a healthy spine
October 16th is World Spine Day 2008, and the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (CAA) and member chiropractor Mark and Julie Uren from Lane Cove Chiropractic are urging Australians to set aside three minutes a day to care for their spines through a specially designed exercise program, Straighten Up Australia.
Spinal health related problems affect millions of Australians, are often poorly managed, and result in massive burdens to the health system – musculoskeletal conditions accounted for the $4.6 billion in expenditure in 2000-01 . Fortunately, according to the CAA, simply changing the way we think about caring for our spines can help to prevent spinal health problems and associated musculoskeletal conditions.
“We often only think about our spines when something goes wrong, often turning to drugs for quick fix solutions,” said Mark “However, drugs ignore the underlying structural problems associated with poor spinal health.”
According to Dr Uren, simply changing the way we think about caring for our spines – away from cure and towards prevention – is key for achieving optimal spinal health. Straighten Up Australia has been designed to provide Australians with individual empowerment over their spinal health.
“For just three minutes a day – the same amount of time we take to brush our teeth – we can take control of our spinal health rather than waiting until it is lost,” said Dr Uren.
The Straighten Up Australia exercise program stabilises core muscle groups, enhances health and prevents spinal deterioration. It encourages all Australians young and old to participate. Separate adults and children’s programs provide specially tailored exercises to maintain spinal health for all ages. The program also includes healthy lifestyle recommendations aimed at markedly reducing obesity in children.
Visit http://www.straightenupaustralia.com.au to download the exercise program, call the CAA toll free on 1800 075 003 for more information, or contact Mark Uren on 02 94284033 for specialist advice on how to care for your spine.
