The world around us changes constantly, requiring us to do the same. Relationships change, needs change, and we naturally evolve to adapt to these changes and try our best to maintain. What doesn’t change, however? Our genes.

Did you know that 90% of our life span is determined by our lifestyle choices? Yes, that’s right. Your genes and the makeup of your entire being only amounts to 10% of what affects how long you’ll live – a staggering statistic to swallow.

According to Dr. Gena, owner and founder of Dr. Gena Chiropractic in Plantation, it’s critical that we pay very close attention to our lifestyle choices. “Over the years, our genes have stayed the same, but our lifestyles have GREATLY evolved – and not necessarily for the better. Currently, the top two killers in the United States are heart disease and cancer - both influenced a lot more by lifestyle choices than by genetics.

So while it is physically impossible to manipulate and rewrite our genetic code, we DO have some control over the 90% that dictates our lives, we DO have the power to make lifestyle choices that can literally add years to our life and life to our years.

Lifestyle choices imperative to living your best life:

Proper Nutrition

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that what you are what you eat. When you eat well, you feel well. When you eat poorly, well, you end up feeling sluggish, slow, and completely rundown. And that’s just on the outside! What you may not know, is that foods high in trans fats will clog your arteries faster than any genetic predisposition ever could, and avoiding them can help tell that predisposition to take a hike. Further, processed sugars are known to feed and promote cancer growth, so there is literally NO reason to be allowing processed sugars to enter your body.

Adequate Motion

Feeling stressed? Move. Feeling depressed? Move. Feeling anxious, overtired, overweight or all of the above? MOVE. MOVE. MOVE.

According to the American Heart Association, “only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health. Being more active can help all people think, feel and sleep better and perform daily tasks more easily. And if you’re sedentary, sitting less is a great place to start.” It is recommended that adults get 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise, and 60 minutes per day for children 6 and up.

Quality Rest

Sleep is the single most restorative action our body takes, but sadly, 60% of Americans are not getting enough sleep! “First things first,” Dr. Gena says, “You need to set a curfew for yourself each night. Choose a time that makes sense for you to go to bed and commit to it each night. Practice a nightly routine that can help relax and prepare your body for sleep, such as using a mediation app, reading a book you love, or journaling. Try to avoid television and handheld devices as they can actually interrupt sleep patterns.” Aside from these helpful tips, make sure to cut back on your caffeine consumption in the afternoons, avoid alcohol before bed, and ditch the afternoon nap!

Positive Mental Attitude

The power of positivity is real. Your health is directly affected by your stress levels. While tackling the items on the list in this blog will help your mental attitude, sometimes it’s okay to admit that you need a bit more help staying positive. Whether that’s speaking to a therapist or keeping a journal to chronicle your feelings, make it a point to check in with yourself on a daily basis to ensure you’re doing what you need to do to feel positive. And when your attitude has you down – breathe! Close your eyes, put your hand on your belly and take three long, deep breaths to help center yourself again.

Properly Functioning Nervous System (Chiropractic Care)

Pop quiz: What functions well in your body without a properly functioning nervous system? Not much!

Be sure to make regular chiropractic care a part of your routine, even when you’re feeling well, to avoid having to be reactive in your lifestyle choices. It is essential that the brain and the body communicate clearly, free of any interference. Chiropractic works with the nervous system to help ensure that you and your family members express optimal health. Let your inborn healing potential shine through safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care.

At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, a leading family chiropractor located just minutes west of Fort Lauderdale, we want to make sure you live your best life and outshine those genetics. Remember, your health is in YOUR hands, but our hands are here to help.