Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor • June 2019 • From The Editor

I receive many emails throughout the work week. (Don’t we all.) Some peddle their products, announce blow-out sales or strive to make me give in to a really good deal. Oddly enough, I look more forward to dealing with my work email. That’s where I can read all about the latest health research, fitness fads and healthcare-related breaking news and in-depth articles.

A few times a day, Canadian Chiropractor also recieves articles from The Canadian Press to reprint online for a short period of time. (Other news sources and mediums use these stories in their reporting as well.) This particular article, “Study on cancer prevention a message for governments, Canadians” gave me pause. Particularly the following point: “The study, which included epidemiologists and experts in environmental and occupational exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, says as many as four in 10 cancer cases could be prevented by not smoking, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, having a nutritious diet and practising sun safety – the top five actions to decrease the burden of the disease.”

The Canadian Cancer Society funded the study, which was published in the international journal Preventive Medicine. The story goes on to report that the number of cancer cases due to excess weight could nearly triple (from 7,200 to 21,000).

Of course, in order to be physically active (and in turn maintain a healthy weight), we must be able to move – and that’s how chiropractic has a connection to exercise in its most fundamental way. I enjoyed the connection between this study and “What is chiropractic?” on page 9. The writer says: “...it is likely that all chiropractors agree that our role is to promote health, alleviate pain and improve quality of life.”

To do these things, chiropractors can’t forget about the social determinants of health, which are responsible for health inequities between countries (or communities). Turn to page 16 to read all about becoming a purpose-driven business by volunteering your time, money and/or resources to helping those in need. Not only will you and your employees feel better about doing something for the greater good, your business will be seen as a positive influence within the community you serve.