County Mayor Mike Foster and Smithville Mayor Taft Hendrixson each signed proclamations Monday proclaiming October 2011 National Chiropractic Health Month locally.
Dr. Robert R. Atnip and his wife Guylene were on hand for the occasion.
The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the use of technology such as personal computers, smart phones and other handheld
devices has rapidly increased over the past 20 years;
WHEREAS, such equipment can involve hours of sitting in the same place, holding the body in
strained positions or using repetitive motions that lead to inflammation and pain;
WHEREAS, inactivity and poor posture can cause back pain; neck strain, which can lead to
neck pain and headaches; and pain in other parts of the body;
WHEREAS, back pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to a physician and accounts for about $50 billion in health care costs per year;
WHEREAS, repetitive stress injuries from texting and computer use are increasing, as well, and cause about 28 percent of the workforce to miss days on the job;
WHEREAS, musculoskeletal injuries in general are one of the biggest workplace health and safety
problems in American industry today;
WHEREAS, Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are health care providers who focus on the whole person and have particular expertise in the prevention and care of musculoskeletal injuries;
WHEREAS, DCs are also experts in ergonomics and can teach those who use technology frequently how to prevent injuries such as back pain, neck pain and repetitive strains;
WHEREAS, National Chiropractic Health Month serves as a reminder to all DeKalb County
citizens of the importance of being “TechnoHealthy” by using technology safely and making time to rest, exercise and engage in other wellness-enhancing activities;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Smithville and DeKalb County officially join with
the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) in proclaiming the month of October 2011 as National Chiropractic Health Month.
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