How To Keep Your Body Tuned Up

STEPHANIE JOHNSON, Maximum Performance Physical Therapist

Insurance reimbursement for health care services is based on necessity. A philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is not only the basis for health insurance coverage, but also for other insurance such as auto and homeowner’s.

Disease prevention and health maintenance are our responsibility. Auto insurance covers the “fender benders” and the major crashes. The tune ups, minor repairs and clean-ups come out of our own pockets. Our healthcare should be treated no differently.

We tune up our cars and put a new coat of paint on the house, but what did we do for our bodies? You can buy a new car if you crash it or don’t take care of it, but you can’t buy a new body.

We take our bodies for granted every day by filling them with junk, pushing them too hard, or letting them sit around and waste away. We would never treat our possessions this badly and yet we are so surprised when our bodies fail us!

When I got my first car, I remember my dad teaching me how to change a tire and check the oil. I learned what the gauges said about my car’s functioning, changed oil every 3,000 miles, checked fluids every few months, kept the tires aired up…everything that was required to keep my car safe, reliable and running well.

My challenge to you is to make the same effort with your own health. Have a discussion about maintaining your health with yourself as well as your family and friends. Commit to investing the time, energy and finances into keeping your body tuned up with the same dedication that you would give to the family roadster.

What have you budgeted to spend on your maintenance this year? What preventative plan are you purchasing? If you are not sure where to start, ask a PT. Yes, we accept insurance for the big boo-boos, but we are also here to help you with the prevention, maintenance, and tune ups as well. Your body, your health…no trade-ins allowed.