Multiple Warning System

Little Johnny is sitting at dinner playing with his food. He builds a mountain out of his potatoes and a jump ramp out of his celery. Johnny takes his chicken bits and races them up the ramp and CRASH right into the spectator peas.

We as parents begin the multiple warning system dance. “If you don’t stop playing with your food Johnny, you’re going to your room.” And the classic little Johnny reply, “I’ll be good mommy.” In fact, we often make two, three or four attempts before we get serious. Why aren’t we serious the first time, we know it works better!

Let’s put this in a real life adult situation. You’re cruising down I-84 at 75MPH in a 60MPH zone. State trooper Chuck pulls out, chases you down and begins the process of handing out a ticket. Do you give Officer Chuck the old little Johnny, “I’ll be good officer” line? Been there, done that, Officer Chuck still hands over the ticket because he’s serious the first time.

For those of us who are self employed, treating our customers with disrespect often leads to a vote by foot, landing the customer at a competitor’s establishment. Even for those of us who are employed, missing a deadline or poor performance is met with some type of punishment or educational action to rectify the situation the first time.

So why do we think our health is any different? So many times a patient comes into our office when their sciatica is acting up. They receive a few adjustments and the pain goes away. Most get it the first time and stick around for a lifetime of wellbeing because they are serious about their health and wellbeing. But for others it takes a multitude of occurrences before the light bulb goes on that Chiropractic helps keep the pain away and continued care is a great idea.

How long do we need to live with symptoms before we do something about it? The classic telltale sign that you or someone you know is neglecting their health is the justification statement, “It’s not that bad.” How bad does it need to be before something gets done about it? Can you see a potential home buyer buying a house with a leaking pipe and the seller’s statement, “It’s not that bad.” NEVER! Fix the pipe.

Another classic sign is that you have been on medication for a long time, or are attempting multiple surgeries to correct the same problem. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result….. I know a person who went under the knife three times for the same carpel tunnel problem. When the fourth surgery was suggested they tried chiropractic. Since beginning care they’ve gone years without another occurrence of carpel tunnel pain.

It’s your choice as to how you handle your health care. Just remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.