Dr. Pankow with Roto 1 staff in San Jose, Costa Rica
As a chiropractor, people naturally come to me with a primary concern for their physical health. Many people don’t naturally connect mental health with physical health. However, there is a connection between the two. One of the primary beliefs in chiropractic is that there are three major causes of spinal joint dysfunction: traumas (physical traumas, both small and large), toxins (our nutrition and exposure to environmental factors), and THOUGHTS. This relationship works both ways: depression is considered a risk factor for developing chronic physical conditions, and chronic physical conditions are a risk factor for developing depression.
In a more straightforward way, think about the posture of someone happy vs someone sad vs someone who is upset. All three moods carry very different physical postures, and better moods tend to be associated with more upright, proper postures, and power posing in these postures can positively affect ones mental state.
Dr. Pankow at Territorio de Zaguates in Costa Rica
My experience with Camp Aftermath as a staff volunteer on Roto 1 was very positive. During Roto 1 in Costa Rica in March, participants worked to improve all aspects of their health: the emotional aspects with the psychologists; meditation and the itinerary designed to help show the participants purpose outside of service; and the physical aspects with myself through yoga and other positive physical habits, as well as improving their chemical health through promoting positive dietary habits.
I even developed and ingrained more positive habits in my own life, which have been helpful in my own life at home.
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How you can help
There are currently many amazing programs that focus on helping veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. If you believe in our cause, please help us make a difference in the live of five military veterans and first responders slated to experience our three-phased program in early 2019. You can donate to our campaign on Canada Helps.
