Escape the Fire
I
n 1949 severe wildfire broke out in Mann Gulch Montana. Things were getting out of hand so a team of 14 smoke jumpers were deployed to help contain the fire. The team was headed up by foreman, Wag Dodge. Shortly after jumping and beginning their ground assault on the fire, the winds shifted and picked up to dangerous levels. The wild fire began to spread at a speed of 600 feet per minute! The fire consumed everything in it’s path and the smoke jumpers quickly realized the fight was futile and began to flee. The fire was gaining speed and it was apparent to Wag that they could not out run the fire. He came up with a crazy notion to start a fire around them and allow it to burn up all the fuel in that area so when the flames reached them there would be nothing to burn and they may be spared. This had never been done before. His crew thought it was crazy and they chose to run for it. Wag stayed behind and started an escape fire. His plan worked, his life was saved. Unfortunately the other 13 perished in the fire. I share this remarkable story because wildfire of disease and illness is spreading rapidly in this country and I am not just talking about the recent pandemic. Also thints like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative illness are consuming people we know and love everyday. I see so many patients who’s strategy is to simply try to outrun the fire. As a matter of fact a lot of people feel like they are getting away with it until a gust of wind quickly has them swallowed up with illness before they even see it coming. The WHO (World Health Organization) recently ranked the United states 38th out of the top 40 industrialized countries 10
when it comes to health. The U.S. is the richest country in the world, the most technologically advanced country in the world and we have the largest and most expensive healthcare system in the world. Yet we are on a steady decline when it comes to health. This alone should tell you that there is a better approach. As a healthcare provider I believe at this point you really have two options. Run for your life. Try to simply avoid the fire for as long as you can. Unfortunately, a look at healthcare statistics for the United States will quickly let you know this is not working well for us. Set a “HEALTH FIRE.” Just like Wag did to save his life, we can do something incredibly similar when it comes to our health, and the good news is, it works! What do I mean by health fire? It’s simple really. Each day our actions and habits are either moving us closer to health or closer to disease. The goal is when we do the proactive things that drive us closer to health, there will be less room for disease! We live in a very reactionary healthcare system where, often times, action is only taken when it’s provoked by serious symptoms or a scary diagnosis. Being proactive and setting an escape fire means doing things like: 1. Optimizing your nutrition both with health food choices and nutritional supplements to fill the gaps. Whole food vitamins & supplements can make huge differences. 2. Regular exercise. Unless you live under a rock the data is clear that regular exercise has an enormous impact on your overall health. It’s a “move it or lose it” situation so get moving!!! 3. Reducing stress. Stress in your system is no Anna Living Magazine
different than dry, brittle grass waiting for a flame. Things like chiropractics, prayer, breathing exercises, etc. can all help with this! 4. Optimizing your nervous system. This is one you may not know about. The nervous system is the master system of the body. Every other system (immune, circulatory, endocrine, etc.) is under direct control of the nervous system. The number one way to ensure your nervous system is free from interference and working optimally is to be evaluated and adjusted by a chiropractor. For the last 15 years, we have been helping patients live happier, healthier lives through chiropractic care. (We would love to help you and your family as well!) Finally, none of the recommendations above is advice for treating disease. That would be silly in light of the subject of this article. The above recommendations are actions that you can take to help build a healthier, more resilient level of health! Just like a garden, where there are no flowers, you can expect weeds to grow. Plant flowers! Start a health fire! Take small steps to give you and your family the best chance of surviving whatever may lie ahead. If you need help with this please visit us online at BraddockChiropractic.com or call us at 903482-1234. Let’s start a fire! DR CALEB BRADDOCK, DC. is the founder and owner of Braddock Chiropractic & Family Wellness in Van Alstyne. Dr Braddock has been able to help thousands of families live happier, healthier lives through chiropractic care. Braddock Chiropractic celebrates 16 years this year.
