Taking care of your whole body, inside and out, is an ongoing daily and sometimes hard job. As we age, things begin to stop working like they did when we were younger. Not that we notice until it’s too late. I started to notice aches and pains in my lower back one day, then a sharp pain brought me to my knees. I ended up at the St. Joseph’s Spine Center where they wanted to go the cortisone shots and surgery route. Cortisone breaks down the tissue and only masks the problem. Why would you do this to yourself? After having X-rays and an MRI, I found out that I had an L4-L5 slipped and protruding disc. I said, “NO!” As I limped back to my car, I began to make some very important appointments that would change my way of life.

TIP #1 – MASSAGE THERAPY
    I began a regimen of getting a massage, focusing on my lower back, hips and legs. As a result, I had an all-over body wellness and improved blood circulation from head to toe. It also helped with my breathing and allergy/nasal congestion. I began to feel better with an all-over healthy glow outside as well as inside. And boy, did it relieve my stress.

TIP #2 – CHIROPRACTIC CARE
    A chiropractic alignment first, then massage, not only relieves the pressure on the discs, but I began to walk upright without a limp. Pain subsided. At first my visits were once a week; then every two, then every three until I felt well enough to stop wearing my back brace. I continue to this day to go once a month. Chiropractic care really worked for me.

TIP #3 – ACCUPUNCTURE
    I was referred to an accupuncturist about halfway through the massage and chiropractic care. At that time, I would have tried anything. It worked to relieve the tension tightness. During one session I felt as though I was floating above the table. Nothing hurt and I felt as though I had taken a three-hour nap. That was five years ago. I will always have back stress, but I really try and keep my inner core strong. When I do too much, though, I really feel it.

TIP #4 – INNER CORE STRENGTH
    Every morning I stretch and put in a few Tai Chi moves. Tai Chi is a mind and body inner core focus exercise. Some of my friends go to the gym or take yoga. More power to you. Two years ago I contracted MRSA from a local gym (which no longer exists) so I stopped going. FYI - carry hand sanitizer and wipe down every piece of equipment before you touch it. I had tried physical therapy and after the third visit of stretches, hot compresses and co-pays, I left and never went back. I said to myself, “I can do this on my own, and save myself a lot of money.” So now, I stretch, do Tai Chi, use hot and cold packs and my back brace when needed. I have to remind myself that I’m not 21 anymore, and I must take care of my body if I want to continue my crazy, busy life.
    In every article I have stressed the importance of daily care of your body, inside and out. On Sunday at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill, I watched a little boy break free from his dad’s hand and run straight for a water puddle. The smile on his face as he jumped into the puddle was priceless. Try not to let your mind grow old. No matter how old you are, take those shoes off and splash in that puddle. Today I took a moment to smell the beautiful roses in my front yard right after it had rained. I took my shoes off, smiled, and jumped in that puddle. This is a quote that I have always loved: “A body that is in motion, stays in motion.” Think about it. “Mind, body and soul as one.”