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14 | THE COLONY NEWS | JANUARY 2025 | Your body can adapt and strengthen at any stage in life. By Dr. Ken Lam, DC, West Coast Chiropractic For most of history, life expectancy for homo sapiens was short, hovering around just 32 years. In the last century, however, medical and technological advancements have drastically extended our lifespan. With the advent of clean drinking water, access to food, refrigeration, and medications, we now enjoy life well into our 80s and beyond. This presents new challenges for our bodies — challenges that our ancestors never faced. This extended lifespan brings increased wear on our bodies, particularly our spine, joints and muscles. Over a lifetime, the average person walks approximately 200 million steps, creating micro collisions that accumulate stress on our bones, joints, and spine. As time goes on, this continuous impact can lead to arthritis, disc bulges, and nerve compression, manifesting in common issues such stiffness, discomfort and pain. Pain and discomfort are natural signals from our bodies. They don't necessarily mean something is "wrong" — often, they signal a life well-lived, filled with phenomenal experiences. Pain only becomes a barrier when ignored or allowed to linger unaddressed. Rather than simply masking pain with medication, addressing the root cause through corrective movement and therapeutic care can be life changing. By working to reduce the stiffness and adhesions around the spine helps increase your body's tolerance for movement, making daily activities more natural and enjoyable. Nerve pathways can sometimes be restricted by scar tissue and adhesions, limiting movement, and contribute to pain and immobility. Corrective adjustments can help your body "re-remember" its natural range of motion. By restoring this movement, you can increase agility, enhance flexibility, and even reclaim a feeling of youth. If pain or stiffness is limiting your ability to live fully, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional. Whether it's a chiropractor, physical therapist or another specialist, working with someone who understands your body's needs can open new ways to keep moving comfortably. With the right support, you can continue to enjoy a life full of movement, vitality, and satisfaction. Age is just a number — your body can adapt and strengthen at any stage in life. By Rita Nastri The Elf was overjoyed to again see the generosity of our Colony neighbors who filled the Toys for Tots barrel multiple times with beautiful gifts. I have to tell you, not only was there quantity, but the quality of the gifts was wonderful and filled me with pride. I represent you and your caring ways. Not only do we take care of each other, but we also go outside The Colony and take care of others so generously. Marine Corps League and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve thank you for your gifts of unwrapped toys for children of all ages. As in the past, this effort has not only provided some joy to our local children during the holidays, but also sent a message of Hope, which can motivate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. I want to thank the Colony Bridge Club, the Ladies Racket Club and Corte Calanova, who invited the Elf to bring the barrels to their Christmas parties and filled them multiple times with wonderful toys. Knowing there are so many good causes out there, I want to thank you personally for considering the Toys for Tots program in your holiday giving this year. The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation is an IRS Recognized 501c-3 not-for-profit public charity. The Elf will see you next November, but I will begin collecting gowns and tuxedos in June. But more about that later! Happy New Year! 14 | THE COLONY NEWS | JANUARY 2025 | In Meoria Bill Way Toys for Tots AGE IS JUST A NUMBER