The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) would like to send special thanks to everyone who participated in National Chiropractic Health Month 2024. With this year’s “Plan for a Strong Healthspan” theme, together we raised awareness of the importance of musculoskeletal health (MSK) for aging well and the benefits of chiropractic care.
Healthspan is marked by the years we live without major chronic illnesses or disability–able to do what matters most. Extending and enhancing healthspan has become a goal for many who aspire to live a long life. In addition to cardiovascular health, metabolic health and other factors, musculoskeletal health contributes to healthspan by making it possible for people to stay physically active, reduce their risk of falls, engage in daily activities and remain independent longer.
It was these simple yet important messages that ACA members, students, vendors and others in the chiropractic community shared during NCHM, reinforcing the critical importance of the MSK system and how chiropractic care supports it.
Hands Down Better Website
ACA Hands Down Better website, which is the central hub for NCHM consumer content, featured a series of blog posts in October that explored topics around MSK health and aging. The posts, which were also posted on ACA’s social media, included articles and interviews with ACA members David J. Marcon, DC, CCSP, Jeff Remsburg, DC, MS, DACRB, and Robert Hayden, DC, PhD, FICC. Read them here:
- Musculoskeletal Health Plays Important Role in Healthy Aging
- Exercise Can “Add Life to Your Years”
- The Importance of Resistance Training as We Age
- Free to Do What Matters Most: Age, Weight, and Your Joints
On the ACA website, researcher Robert Vining, DC, DHSc, examined the science behind healthspan and chiropractic’s approach to pain relief and wellness. “When chiropractic care is effective in helping people with musculoskeletal conditions, there is a relatively obvious and direct contribution toward improving health. There are also other ways to contribute. For example, promoting healthy habits, like regular exercise, healthy diet, and activities that promote psychological well-being can also contribute to improved health,” he writes. Read the post here: “Healthspan: Not Easily Defined or Measured, But a Key Goal to Pursue.”
Proclamations
One of the most visible ways that chiropractors bring attention to MSK health during NCHM is by obtaining proclamations in their states and local communities. This year, 35 NCHM proclamations were issued: 15 state governments and 20 cities. Once again, Texas led the pack with 18 local proclamations (click here for photos)! Obtaining an NCHM proclamation often enables doctors of chiropractic to set up a meetings and photo opportunities with their elected representatives, raising awareness of the role the chiropractic profession plays in keeping citizens healthy. In some cases, NCHM proclamations are read aloud at city council meetings.
Virginia chiropractors created an innovative way to raise awareness with their “Pass the Proclamation” campaign, which was coordinated by ACA/United Virginia Chiropractic Association member Alli Totkze, DC, of Montpelier, Va. The initiative made it possible for the framed state proclamation to travel to different chiropractic offices throughout the state, enabling DCs to share it with their patients and showcase NCHM in their practices.
ACA appreciates everyone who took the extra time to obtain a proclamation. A full list of is available below, and several photos are available on Hands Down Better. (If you obtained a proclamation and you don’t see your state or city listed below, please email [email protected] so we can update our list.)
States: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington State
Cities: Delphi, Indiana; Smithville, Tenn.
Cities in Texas: Dallas, Austin, Pasadena, The Colony, Huntsville, Amarillo, Bee Cave, Burleson, Canyon, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Lubbock, Mansfield, Pampa, Plano, Staton
Traditional Media
In traditional media, NCHM received mentions on the Salem Radio Network, Bloomberg News, Yahoo News and other outlets. Highlights this year included an interview on the Fox News affiliate (KHON) in Honolulu Hawaii, an interview with the hosts of “ATL Live” on Atlanta News First, which is broadcast on the CBS station; and an interview on News4JAX (WJXT4) in Jacksonville, Fla., which is broadcast across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Social Media
NCHM’s greatest asset is doctors of chiropractic themselves, spreading the word about musculoskeletal health and chiropractic’s evidence-based, patient-centered and non-drug approach. As a result, this year more than 300,000 impressions of NCHM-related content were achieved in social media during the the month of October. ACA provides a toolkit with ideas on how to participate; however, in many cases chiropractors go a step further to put their stamp on the observance and the theme. Just search #StrongHealthspan on Facebook and Instagram to get a snapshot of some of the creative ways that doctors of chiropractic celebrated NCHM, from sharing NCHM-enhanced content, demonstrating adjustments to interviewing patients and posing with staff.
Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who contributed their time, talents and enthusiasm to NCHM, helping to raise awareness of the critical role that the musculoskeletal system plays in healthy aging. We are always eager to receive feedback about the campaign, the toolkit resources and your experience; please send comments and suggestions to [email protected].
Annette Bernat is ACA vice president of branding and communications.
