2010 New Year's resolutions

Greetings my Oregonian friends.

This new year's eve I heard a lot of people talking about leaving 2009 behind them. Things were a little tough here in Portland, OR for many. There was job loss, a weak economy, the rise of health insurance rates with decreasing reimbursements rates, a collapsing US auto market, collapsing stock portfolios, a depressed real estate market, weakening of the US dollar, and banks that received bail out cash that wouldn't lend to small fish like you and I.

When Pres. Obama changed "Health care reform" to "Health insurance reform" I felt that he had clarified a big distinction in what he was actually working toward improving. Unfortunately, health insurance represents a small portion of what keeps us healthy as Oregonians and Americans. How we personally treat our bodies and our healthy choices determines our health outcomes, not shether we are insured by Regence BC/BS or Kaiser Permanente. What we eat and drink, how we move our bodies and our outlook on life have a greater influence on our state of health than that of any health insurance coverage.

If 2009 was the year of hope then let us make 2010 the year of action, constant and never ending action or kai zen. GIGO or garbage in, garbage out applies to your body as well as computers. Fill your self with a majority of fresh local and organic foods. Get home delivery from Organics to You, shop at one of Portland's many farmers' markets (Hillsdale, Beaverton, complete list), support the local grocery stores like New Seasons Market, drink local micro brews and wines in moderation. Stay hydrated (hydration calculator). Get outside and play. Go for a hike, walk or bike ride. Join a kickball league, golf league (OKC, Recesstime) or get a Wii fit. Use your gym membership that you keep renewing every year but you don't use (to avoid the high pressure sales tactics in the club check out Costco to get a sweet deal on a 2-year 24-hour Fitness membership for $399). What ever, just do something and keep doing it. Take a mental break, vacation locally to help Oregon's economy. Go to the beach, ski Mt. Hood (Meadows, Ski Bowl, Timberline, Summit), visit the Redwoods of southern Oregon, or spend a weekend at a hotel in downtown Portland at a boutique hotel, go shopping and dine out.

Keep your resolutions simple this year:
- Eat well.
- Move & exercise well.
- Think well & relax.
And you shall be well my friend.

Come visit me at either my Portland or Beaverton Chiropractic clinic. We can talk about how you can improve what you already do to make your self healthier and happier.

Yours in health,
Dr. Christopher Pierce

Chiropractor and co-owner of Chiropractic First, llc
12820 SW 2nd st, Beaverton, OR 97005
222 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
503-626-5761
www.c1pdx.com