Self-Care is the new healthcare

The current state of health in the United States looks dire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) statistics state, "Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease... Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in America, and they are also a leading driver of healthcare costs."

In addition, the average lifespan of Americans is declining. In 2022, The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported the life expectancy at birth at its lowest level since 1996. And the National Alliance on Mental Illness warns that "1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youths suffer from mental health disorders each year." If this is not enough, the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on people with compromised immune systems.

Dealing with health problems is expensive - collectively and individually. According to the CDC, the estimated annual healthcare cost in the U.S. is $4.1 trillion, and 90% of this amount goes to treating chronic diseases and mental health conditions. In 2022, Blumberg reported that "Americans spend more on prescription drugs - average costs are about $1,300 per person per year - than anyone else in the world." The cost is primarily due to high drug prices and the number of medications Americans must take to manage their health.

Medications can save lives and often improve the quality of life of people with serious

diagnoses. Still, there is something else that is a lot less expensive, more pleasant, and

more effective than taking pills.

Many chronic conditions can be prevented, and some reversed, with self-care, behavioral

changes, and taking personal responsibility. The top four risk factors are tobacco use,

poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Also, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, investing in healthy relationships, and

finding the proper support can be game changers for anyone who wants to live a long,

purposeful, and healthy life.

Self-care is a broad concept and understanding of the term varies from person to person. Typically, it falls outside the conventional healthcare system, mainly because primary care appointments are short (generally under 20 minutes), and doctors receive insufficient training in nutrition, exercise, and other self-care practices in medical schools.

There are many ways to eat healthily, incorporate physical activity into daily schedules, cope with stress, maintain well-being, and change unhealthy habits. There is something for everyone, depending on individual needs, desires, and the wallet.

Niwot and its surrounding areas offer many organizations, modalities, and services to residents and visitors who want to take charge of their health and well-being and live healthy, happy, and long lives. Here are a few:

Outdoors and Nature

Connecting to nature doesn't cost anything. Using the outdoors for exercise, meeting

with other people on walking paths, and getting sunshine and fresh air are some of the

best self-care practices. Niwot and Gunbarrel provide this opportunity through several biking and hiking trails, including the LoBo Trail, the Niwot Loop, and the Cougar Trail, as well as public parks, including Niwot Children's Park, Left Hand Valley Grange Park, and Whistle Stop Park, and open spaces, picnic areas, ponds and lakes such as Dodd Reservoir, Walden Ponds, Sawhill Ponds, and Coot Lake.

Food and Nutrition

Niwot Market has fresh, local, and seasonal food all year round. Farmers markets, Ollin

Farms, and neighborhood farm stands provide locally grown fresh produce during

summer. Restaurants and coffee shops, including Farow, 1914 House, Old Oak Coffeehouse, and Winot Coffee Company, create menus around healthy food with local ingredients.

Fitness and Mindful Movement

Niwot is home to boutique exercise and movement studios, including Una Vida

Meditation & Movement (chi gong, yoga, dance, meditation), Pilates of Niwot, The Hidden

Yoga Studio, and Pathways Neurofitness (brain-based approach to movement). And for

anyone who likes to show up in the gym at unusual times, Anytime Fitness in Gunbarrel

is open 24/7.

Spa and Bodywork

Spa treatments are treats for the body and soul. Some options to explore are Wellness

Within (massage), Talitha Butterfield (massage), Daisy Cutter Skincare (waxing, facial,

massage), Blessings Day Spa (facials, body treatments, cosmetic injections), Nourish and

Company (massage, esthetics, personal training, and coaching), Chill (Cryotherapy and

recovery), Niwot Inn and Spa (massage, steam shower), and Prairie Ocean Bodywork

(massage).

Holistic, Integrative, and Specialized Medicine

Local practitioners include The Healing Collective (Functional Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nutrition), Southwest Acupuncture College in Gunbarrel, Livia Hall Acupuncture (acupuncture, diet, Chinese herbs), Niwot Natural Medicine (Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, IV therapy, holistic nutrition), Clarity Dermatology (general dermatology, vein care, cosmetic services), Niwot Vision (holistic vision care, vision therapy), Niles Family Dentistry (diagnostic,

preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care), The Adjustatorium (chiropractic care), Life Spa (Ayurvedic medicine in Gunbarrel), and Integrated Healthcare Clinic (acupuncture, chiropractic care,botanicals, cranial therapy, homeopathy, nutrition).

Life Coaching and Personal Growth

These services are provided by Danae Shanti Thrive (spiritual and motivational guidance) and Little Aspen Studios (meditation, intuitive development).

Stay tuned for future articles exploring local resources and the people behind them.