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July 5, 2011 — This October, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will once again lead the nation in celebrating National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM).
This year’s theme — “Get TechnoHealthy!” — and activities focus on how doctors of chiropractic can help the public stay healthy and injury free while toting the gadgets they love or working long hours in front of a computer.
The excessive use of mobile devices and incorrect posture while using smart phones and other gadgets or while sitting in front of a computer can lead to neck, back, wrist, and even thumb pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal issues. The problem is becoming so widespread that earlier this year a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the biggest workplace health and safety problems in American industry.
“National Chiropractic Health Month offers us an opportunity to educate the public on the potential injuries associated with extended technology use, which is a growing public health issue, and also raise awareness of how chiropractic care can help people prevent and treat these conditions naturally.” said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. “Our bodies are made to move — not to maintain the same stooped-over posture for long periods of time or to repeat the same motions endlessly. Doctors of chiropractic can teach patients how often to take breaks and how to stretch and exercise to prevent pain and injury.”
To kick off the celebration, ACA has created an online planning kit for chiropractors, as well as state chiropractic associations, chiropractic colleges, Student ACA (SACA) chapters and anyone who wishes to participate. The kit contains information and resources that will assist participants in planning and implementing NCHM activities at local and regional levels. Certain resources are exclusively available to ACA members.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org
