The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Iowa Chiropractic Society (ICS) today announced that Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) has introduced House Resolution 1523 (H. Res. 1523)—“to observe the contributions of the chiropractic profession and recognize National Chiropractic Health Month”—in the United States House of Representatives. National Chiropractic Health Month, sponsored by ACA, is a nationwide observance held each October. This year’s theme—“Why Weight? Get Healthy!”—and related activities will focus on how doctors of chiropractic play an important role in preventing and treating obesity. More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and obesity is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some types of cancer. There are two factors that are instrumental in successfully addressing weight problems—diet and exercise. Often, people who suffer with weight problems avoid the exercise component due to painful conditions like back, neck and joint pain, and osteoarthritis. That lack of exercise, in turn, causes more weight problems, which adds more strain on the musculoskeletal system, which causes increased pain. It's a vicious cycle! DCs are experts at helping patients reduce such pain naturally, getting patients more active and functional again. DCs also counsel patients on good nutrition, diet and lifestyle advice, in addition to offering expert structural care. “Chiropractic care provides patients with a path to overall wellness through natural approaches to health issues, including weight management,” said ACA President, Dr. Rick McMichael. “We have a growing list of congressional members who strongly support the good work that doctors of chiropractic do to help patients lead healthier lives, naturally. We very much appreciate their recognition and support.” Rep. Boswell was joined by Representatives Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), Steve King (R-Iowa), Tom Latham (R-Iowa), David Loebsack (D-Iowa), Michael Michaud (D-Maine) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) in support of the resolution to recognize National Chiropractic Health Month. “We are proud to have Iowa’s entire U.S. House of Representatives Delegation support this important resolution,” said Daniel Garrett, executive director, Iowa Chiropractic Society. “We hope other legislators will sign on and support this effort to improve overall health and wellness across the country.” H. Res. 1523 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Read the full text of the resolution, and then contact your member of Congress and urge them to cosponsor H. Res. 1523. To learn more about National Chiropractic Health month, visit www.acatoday.org/NCHM. The American Chiropractic Association, based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. The Iowa Chiropractic Society (ICS), based in Des Moines, IA, is the exclusive professional society in Iowa representing more than 800 doctors of chiropractic.