I frequently hear a particularly disturbing comment at the office. People tell me how much they do for others often sacrificing their own health in the process. These are people who work tirelessly at their jobs and volunteer positions while managing family commitments.

They seem to have endless energy. They are hard working employees performing above and beyond their job descriptions. They are involved in multiple charity organizations and sit on numerous boards. If you feel jealous because you cannot keep up with their accomplishments, wait a moment to ponder the other side of the story.

It would seem almost funny to hear them brag about their endless service to others but there is a problem with their statements. If they are so giving and selfless to everyone around them, then no one else should be sick and stressed.

Everyone else should be living the carefree life style of royalty but that is hardly the case. This small statement sounds noble but actually speaks volumes about the denial we are all in about the dangers of stress.

I am not trying to belittle people's intentions; however, their one sided efforts can backfire with dismal consequences. No one escapes stress, and it is unrealistic to think we can shelter others from it, as well. We have a responsibility to take better care of ourselves and making it a group effort has benefits for us all.

To the hurried parent who wishes for 27 hours in a day, what attitudes are your children learning from you? To the anxious worker who doesn't get home on time, what inefficient procedures need to be changed? To the team leader or executive who cannot meet long range goals, does the break down in communication start with you?

We all do it. We plan poorly and overextend ourselves with an altruistic sense of devotion to our friends and families. These repetitious behaviors create the ineffective patterns that impair health. Stressful thoughts lead to poor choices that are traumatic to the body.

Lack of sleep, lousy nutrition, and preventable injuries lead to chronic illness. While reversing bad habits are helpful, negative spinal patterns that burden nervous system healing must also be addressed through chiropractic care. Spinal adjustments to relieve stress allow healthier habits to make a positive difference in the body.

Part of my job as a chiropractor is to coach people to make better choices. Teaching them how the body falls apart under stress and how to introduce healing inspires them to make the effort to live better.

One important lesson is to stop trying to do it alone. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Teaming up with natural health practitioners such as chiropractors who specialize in stress management provides the opportunity to evaluate stress behaviors. Enlisting friends and family to get on the healthy bandwagon together makes it a joy rather than a chore. Most of all, we need to be truthful about priorities so making time for health is one of them.

Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C., may be contacted at www.DrHomic.com