
As we go through life, many of us assume that aches, pains, and weight gain are just part of getting older. But what if it's not aging that's the problem? What if it's lifestyle neglect?
In Sioux Falls and beyond, the average adult faces these troubling realities:
The Average Adult:
Gains 10-15 pounds every 5 years.
Can't do a single pull-up.
Stares at screens for 5+ hours a day.
Eats more sugar than protein.
Tosses and turns all night, missing out on quality sleep.
Can't squat or deadlift their own body weight.
Walks fewer than 5,000 steps per day.
Hits the snooze button 3 times before finally getting up.
Piles on medications for lifestyle-related diseases.
Gets winded walking up a flight of stairs.
Watches their body decay year after year.
This isn't the inevitable result of aging—this is neglect. The good news? It's never too late to turn things around.
Why Are We Letting Ourselves Go?
Sedentary Lifestyles in Sioux Falls
With our screen time at an all-time high, many people in Sioux Falls (and everywhere) spend the majority of their day sitting. Whether it's at a desk job, on the couch, or scrolling on a phone, this inactivity is wreaking havoc on our health.
Poor Nutrition: More Sugar, Less Protein
Fast food, processed snacks, and sugar-loaded drinks have become the go-to for many. It's quick, convenient, and, unfortunately, nutritionally devastating. Protein, which helps maintain muscle mass and strength, often takes a backseat to sugar-laden foods.
Sleep Struggles
With all this stress, sugar, and screen time, it's no wonder so many of us are tossing and turning at night. Poor sleep not only leaves us exhausted but also contributes to weight gain, mood swings, and decreased physical performance.
The Consequences of Neglect
Neglecting your health leads to serious consequences. Gaining weight, losing muscle strength, and needing medications to manage lifestyle diseases aren’t signs of aging—they’re the results of lifestyle choices.
In Sioux Falls, many residents find themselves out of breath after a simple flight of stairs or unable to perform basic movements like squats or pull-ups. But these aren’t just minor inconveniences. Over time, they result in major issues such as:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Joint problems
Chronic fatigue
Depression
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
It’s easy to blame age, but the truth is that neglecting your health leads to preventable problems. The first step to reclaiming your life is recognizing that you can make changes, no matter your age or current fitness level.
How to Reverse the Damage in Sioux Falls
1. Get Active
You don’t need to become a fitness fanatic overnight, but adding more movement to your day is crucial. Start by:
Walking at least 8,000-10,000 steps a day.
Trying strength exercises like bodyweight squats, deadlifts, and pull-ups (even assisted ones).
Taking the stairs whenever you can.
2. Prioritize Protein
Swap out sugary snacks for protein-rich foods like chicken, eggs, fish, and plant-based protein sources. Your muscles (and waistline) will thank you.
3. Sleep Better
Focus on improving your sleep hygiene by cutting back on screen time before bed, creating a calm sleep environment, and going to bed at the same time each night.
4. Ditch the Meds, If Possible
Many lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol can be reversed with improved diet and exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider in Sioux Falls about creating a plan to gradually reduce reliance on medications by making healthier choices.
5. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Start by making small changes—like walking a little more each day, reducing sugar intake, or trying a new exercise routine. As you build new habits, you’ll start to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized.
Sioux Falls: It’s Time to Take Control of Your Health
Getting old is inevitable, but neglecting your body doesn’t have to be. Whether you're gaining weight, losing strength, or dealing with lifestyle diseases, these aren’t signs of aging—they’re signs of a life that needs a little more care.
By committing to small, consistent changes, residents of Sioux Falls can fight back against the health decline that many accept as "just getting old." It’s time to take control, feel better, and live a longer, more vibrant life.
Lucas Marchand, DC - MyChiro, LLC

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