Priorities

“When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.”

                                                                        C.S. Lewis

 We try to remove as many obstacles as possible in our office to people receiving continuing regular chiropractic care.  However, the most common excuse that we hear as to why a person has not come regularly is that they do not have time, that their life is so busy. I usually respond to that with “I manage to get here regularly.”  That is a lighthearted way to respond, of course, but it overlooks a very important concept.  People just do not realize the importance of chiropractic care.  This past week, due to unusual circumstances, I realized that I only had my own spine checked once during the week.  I actually felt fine during the week even though I worked extra hours (my associate took a few days off, which was the reason for working more and getting checked less.) Those things happen on occasions and we understand that.

 The real problem occurs when we seem to always have other priorities; things that prevent us from seeing the chiropractor regularly.  There are always things to do—urgent, important things—that crowd out the vital things like getting enough rest, exercising regularly, eating good food rather than “fast food,” and, of course, getting to the chiropractor.

 Here’s the point:  when we put the important things first, the vital things take priority and there is always time to do the other things.  Not only is there time, there’s more energy, more clarity of thought and the ability to set aside the things that are not important.  Winston Churchill once said that most of what is accomplished in the world is done by people who do not feel good.  That may be true and I suspect it is, but imagine what could be done by those same people if they were expressing all of their potential or at least expressing more of it.  Great athletes could be greater, great thinkers would be smarter, and employees (and bosses) would be more effective and efficient.  We’re not even talking about the time that is lost from work and play because people are sick.  Imagine if you made staying healthy a priority and doing all the things necessary to stay healthy.  Going to the gym is not a once a month activity.  Getting a good night’s sleep is not beneficial if you only do it every few weeks.  They don’t tell you to get six servings of fruit and vegetables (if that’s really what you need) only on Sunday.

 To be your best, getting regular chiropractic care must be a priority, not just something you do when an ache or pain tells you to go and get your spine checked.  Not everyone needs the same schedule and only your chiropractor can know how often you need to be checked to make sure you are subluxation-free or to correct the subluxations that are there as soon as possible.  Make sure that spinal checkups are a priority in your life.  Your body will thank you.