How to Avoid a Crisis of Illness PART II: ACTION STEPS

By Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal

Last month’s article discussed how sickness can seemingly spring out of the blue. This happens when too many burdens are exerted upon you and your ability to adapt is overwhelmed.

Remember to think of your body’s resources like a checking account with a set amount of money to spend each month. You need to write checks for bills, food, clothing, your house, etc. If you spend too much in one area, not enough money will remain for other needs. Many unwanted consequences will result. Similarly, if the demands on your body exceed its capacities, symptoms of poor health will manifest as fast as a collection notice from one of your utility companies.

This article will focus on easy to implement strategies that will reduce the overall load placed on your system each day. This will not only help you prevent a crisis of illness, but also allow you to live the most vibrant and satisfying life possible.

Please refer to the previous article on the topic, “How to Avoid a Crisis of Illness,” by visiting RosenthalChiropractic.com

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR)

1. Only carry your cell phone on your body when necessary. Slip the phone into your purse, backpack, or bag when not in use. When in a restaurant, car or at work/school, put it on the table, seat, or desk.  (Hint: when out and about, place your car keys on the phone in order to insure that you don’t leave it behind.)
2. Text or use the speaker phone feature instead of phone-to-ear conversations.
3. If your cell phone or tablet is kept on your nightstand when you sleep, turn it off or put it on airplane mode. This will eliminate your close proximity exposure to the EMR from the device’s regular signaling that it uses to speak to the mother ship.

Stress

1. Meditate, sit in quiet contemplation, and/or pray for at least 12 minutes per day. This not only helps mitigate the effects of stress on your system, but has anti-aging benefits as well.
2. When experiencing a stressful situation, or shortly after (if more appropriate), focus on your breathing and intentionally slow your exhalation to twice as long as your inhalation. If needed, count. Breathe in to a count of two and out to a count of four. Repeat a few times until you feel more calm and relaxed.
3. When stress is extreme, try making faces at yourself in a bathroom mirror. It sounds ridiculous, but it works! I discovered this trick during college and find that it helps break the trance of despair felt during the most trying of times. (Hint: refrain from performing this technique in the presence of bystanders in public bathrooms, as that may lead to other stressful situations.)

Structural

1. Commit to gifting yourself regular work-outs two to three times each week. Again, please see my website for articles outlining some of the best ways to stay in shape. Importantly, find what you like to do and do it — yoga, Pilates, the gym, walk in the park, etc.
2. See a doctor of chiropractic on a periodic basis for structural check-ups! If you have not tried chiropractic before, you will be amazed how this strategy helps you be at your best. Most people not only feel better, but feel younger, experience enhanced performance and greater levels of energy!

Harmful Microbes

This category mainly requires professional help to address. There are preventative measures you can take on your own. Below are a few examples:

1. Save doggie kisses for places other than your face.
2. Next time you need to scratch your eye, nose or mouth, try using your forearm or putting a finger up your shirt sleeve in order to prevent its surface from touching your face. Imagine what may be living on a dollar bill, door knob, or any surface frequently touched by other humans.

Allergens

1. Use air purification at home and at work (if possible). I personally use two devices. One is a UV light system that was installed in my duct work that treats the entire house. The other is a plug-in unit that I keep in the bedroom.
2. Use nasal irrigation with a neti pot or squeeze bottle device in order to flush away allergens and other impurities from your nasal cavity

Sleep

It has been brought to my attention by my office staff that I missed this one in last month’s article. (I must have been overly tired!)

Sleep deprivation or over-consumption places much stress on your system. The perfect amount of sleep for you likely falls somewhere in the range of 7-8 hours each night (more if you are a teenager). Quality is important as well (sorry new moms and dads or puppy/kitten owners). Here are a few tips to get better ZZZs:

1. Avoid caffeine past the mid-afternoon
2. Eat lighter in the evening and refrain from late night snacking.
3. If deprived, consider going to sleep earlier rather than sleeping in longer.

The suggestions in this article are an important starting point. The best approach, after implementing the above, would be to pursue learning as much as you can on each topic. Become a total-burden-lowering geek! At times, you will need help from a professional to reduce the burdens that challenge your health and wellbeing. If you can balance the forces that are placed on your system each day like you would balance a check book, the surprise of illness can be avoided and you will live a fuller and healthier life!