Working out all the kinks

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Local chiropractor Robert O'Dell examines a patient's neck and upper back for signs of stress during a recent visit. O'Dell's office, Fort Scott Chiropractic LLC, is participating in the nationwide "Stress Less America" campaign, a project to help people combat the potentially harmful effects of mental and physical stress. Tribune photo by Jason E. Silvers

Stress is a part of everyday life, and recently, there have been many different types of stress that can cause health problems for people.

A recent downturn in the economy has put pressure on many people all across the United States, which causes unwanted stress, local chiropractor Robert O'Dell said.

"I think it's financial (stress) these days," O'Dell said. "It's also families raising children in this economic time. Some people are taking care of parents and health issues. Some are worried about their job. It's an economically unstable time, and when all of those things happen, it puts a much larger toll on the human body, and people start having more health issues. It (stress) can also suppress the immune system and upset a person's hormonal system."

To help combat the potentially harmful effects of stress on people nationwide, O'Dell has joined hundreds of other health and wellness professionals across the country in the "Stress Less America" campaign. The project was created by Eric Plasker, a well-known doctor, health and wellness expert, and best-selling author. The campaign has attracted more than 2,000 outlets across the U.S., including chiropractic offices, health clubs, yoga studios and dental practices.

Through the program, all participating outlets will offer free tips, consultations, products and services, and hands-on help for people to help alleviate the effects of stress.

"We want to make people aware of the destructive effect that stress has on the body, and I am encouraging the residents of Fort Scott to free themselves of the worries that are responsible for this stress by taking an active part in this worthwhile campaign," O'Dell said. "As part of Dr. Plasker's Stress Less America campaign, throughout the year I will be offering local residents a free spinal stress screening."

O'Dell said he works everyday with patients who experience varying health problems caused by stress, such as headaches, digestive problems, and joint and spine-related troubles, but there are simple ways to reduce or even eliminate stress at home and in the workplace.

"If there is a weak link in that person's system, it will be the one to receive the greatest amount of stress," O'Dell said. "Good nutrition, plenty of sleep, there are so many factors in that (reducing stress). Most have to do with (a person's) lifestyle. I tell my patients to lay off sugar, breads and potatoes, caffeine. Those things diminish the body's ability to handle stress. Eat more protein, fruits and vegetables, and drink more water."

In addition to O'Dell's involvement, residents can also take a break from stress by accessing other participating providers that will be offering free services such as a complimentary week of fitness or a dental consultation. A list of specific locations for these free services is available online at www.StressLessAmerica.com.

A recent Wall Street Journal report indicated that 84 percent of women and 75 percent of men are stressing about the economy, similar numbers stress about money, and more than half of men and women stress about housing costs and job stability.

"The stress reaction can get out of control and put one's physiology into a destructive pattern of chronic stress, resulting in pain, disease and premature aging," Plasker said in a statement. "Sixty percent of doctor visits are stress-related. If you learn to manage your stress you can reduce the aging and disease-causing impact it has on the body."

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on stress-related illnesses. Treatment of back pain costs $90 billion each year, and during the Stress Less America campaign, participants will be able to get free services throughout the country, as well as learn tips for living a healthier life, a statement from O'Dell's office said.

"Get good sleep, eat well, exercise, and eliminate some unnecessary obligations," O'Dell said. "Spend more time at home and less running all the time. It's about having a balanced life, spending time with family, reconnecting with friends, going to church. We need to take more time to enjoy one another."

O'Dell's office, Fort Scott Chiropractic LLC, is part of The Family Practice, a coaching and training organization for chiropractors founded by Plasker in 2000. The Family Practice is also one of the participating providers in the Stress Less America campaign.

O'Dell said he is also available to provide other helpful advice on stress-beating topics such as fat burning, how to lose weight naturally, how to beat stress with nutrition, nutritional organ restoration, raising healthy drug-free kids, busting the cholesterol myth, and tips to improve the quality and quantity of a person's life while aging.

For more information, contact O'Dell at (620) 223-6221, or visit www.StressLessAmerica.com.