Literally! Yes, I had the pleasure of providing backstage care for The Grateful Dead at the DCU Center on November 10.
After 50 years of performing, 2+ hour shows a night on tour, The Grateful Dead are still performing and going strong. They are touring again as “Dead & Company”. Three of the original members plus 2 world class musicians now make up the band.
I had the pleasure of working with 2 members of “Dead & Company” and feel honored that I could do my part in keeping them moving so they can perform at their peak. Mickey Hart, one of the 2 drummers who is now 72, and Oteil Burbridge, bass, who is in his 50’s understand the value of spinal health and motion. Just like musicians take care of their instruments, more and more understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. Every occupation has its hazards leading to imbalance and eventually dysfunction. Musician’s are no exception. Like all of us, when we were younger we felt invincible. As we age we better understand and appreciate the value of our health, sometimes after it is too late. The Grateful Dead during the mid 1960’s took part in establishing the San Francisco “psychedelic music” scene. They partied hard and paid a price for it. Today, in order to tour, performing nightly for months on end requires a commitment to being healthy.
George Burn, when he turned 90 said, ”if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. Many of us wish we heeded this advice at a much younger age. The good news is that it is never too late to start. So commit now, get ready for 2016 with a resolution and determination to optimize your health! What you eat and how much are important factors. So is having a healthy nervous system. The nervous system controls all the functions of the body. The nervous system starts in the brain, travels down the spine and exits the spinal column through nerve roots which control all the functions of the body. If the spine is not functioning properly, the communication from the brain to the rest of the body will be effected. Chiropractic care not only relieves pain and restores function, it is also vital for proper nerve function.
You take care of your teeth and eyes, and visit your PCP every year. Are you taking care of your spine and nervous system? Chiropractors are experts in keeping the spine and all the joints of your body healthy, functional and balanced. Race cars need more TLC and maintenance than street cars. So what are you? What do you want to be doing, how active do you want to be, and for how long? Don’t look back when you turn 90 and wish you had taken better care of yourself. Start today!
A famous line from the Grateful Dead song Truckin’ goes, “lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.”
Enjoy the trip! Be healthy for it! We’re here to help!
For more information, or to get “star” treatment contact me at [email protected] , or call 508-259-6566