Dear Doctor,
The trend toward wellness continues, as more and more decision-making centers
around the financial consequences of an unwell society. For example, an msn.com
article published last week detailed the state of Alabama’s recent decree that
rewards well behaviors, and punishes those who don’t comply.
Starting in 2011, Alabama will charge overweight state workers a surcharge of
$25 per month if they don’t make an obvious effort to lose weight and get more
fit. They already charge smokers extra, and have seen progress in decreasing
smoking in their workforce, and this new rule accentuates their determination to
reduce health costs by establishing a new code of conduct for state employees.
All workers will be screened, and if issues with blood pressure, cholesterol,
glucose or obesity turn up, they will have a year to see a doctor at state
expense, enroll in a wellness program or take steps on their own to address
their challenge. If they succeed, then there will be no extra payments, but if
not, then they will have to shoulder some of the fiscal responsibility of their
self-induced jeopardy.
Radical as this may seem, it is a clear indicator of a blossoming intention to
save ourselves from the specter of medical bankruptcy that looms over us. When
state governments, not often the quickest to move in such circumstances, are
certain enough about these trends to take such dramatic action, they must be
convinced of the magnitude of the dilemma, and the necessity for meaningful
change.
As chiropractors, we have been proponents of wellness for many years, and this
kind of validation by our leaders is proof that our position is not only
philosophically sound, but also consistent with contemporary understanding of
the health and wellness landscape. We should be champions of such causes,
helping our neighbors to develop better health habits, whether they face
immediate economic penalties or not. Alerting people to the risks of poor diet
and the benefits of a chiropractic wellness lifestyle falls on our shoulders,
and we have an opportunity for great impact.
As public awareness shifts toward this way of thinking, we must take the
forefront and lead all we touch and serve to make better lifestyle decisions,
and come to these proper conclusions before they reach the point of obesity and
other dangerous and expensive health problems.
This is the primary mission of the Discover Wellness movement – to inspire our
citizens to educate themselves about the importance of better lifestyle choices,
to improve quality of life, diminish suffering and increase longevity, not
simply by extending the number of months and years of existence, but by
maximizing the glory of a life well-lived and experiencing all the vitality and
vibrancy such a life would encompass.
It’s more than a pipe dream – it’s happening right now. Governments are setting
policy based on wellness – so, how about your practice? Is your office an
example of what a well community could look like, or is it a warning of what may
happen if we don’t alter our course? This is serious – please accept
responsibility and be an influence in shaping your patients toward a better way
of life.
Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle
PS If you haven’t jumped on board yet, please go to
www.DiscoverWellnessMonth.com
and download your free materials to promote wellness in your community. Also,
SuperConference is coming up, with an amazing array of speakers, including
Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad) – this is a must see event, please call
800-451-4514 or go to
www.themasterscircle.com to find out more.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
