A few hours later in the emergency room, the sandbag on my head and the horror on everyone's face spoke volumes about the severity of my diving accident. I had crushed a vertebra in my neck and was extremely lucky not to be paralyzed from the neck down. As I laid there in cervical traction, I knew my life had changed forever. To that point in my life, all I knew was sports. Football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling had ruled my existence. One dive had just taken that all away from me.

I have never been one to quit or give up. So, I thought, "What's plan B?" In that hospital bed, one day after my accident I decided I was going to help people live better lives. I was 15, so I really didn't know how, but I knew this was my life's calling.

My middle class Midwestern upbringing proved hard work, a positive attitude, and a strong family can overcome any obstacle life can throw at you. Student loans and summer jobs produced a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree before I was 25. My chiropractic decision evolved as I studied how I was going to help myself with my neck injury. I have always looked for natural solutions to problems. To me, drugs and surgery should only be used when all other options have been completely exhausted. Chiropractic creates a natural environment to allow the body to heal itself. That sounded good to me!

In my nineteen years in practice, I have studied many possible alternative healthcare systems. I have always had trouble getting the normal everyday person off the couch to give something new a chance. I finally figured out the best way to get people motivated is to let them create their own personalized healthcare system. But how can everyone create a personalized healthcare system for themselves from scratch?

In this book, I answer that question. Every person will pick up this book and take away something different. Everyone is in a different place. The key is to find where you are and decide where you want to go, and then go for it.

This is exactly what I have done in my own life. I have found a way to help people live better lives. I must use my knowledge, energy, and skills to fulfill the promise I made to myself lying in that hospital bed almost thirty years ago. I have lectured extensively on all of these wellness principles. I write a weekly wellness column for my local newspaper and I'll stop people on the street if I think they need some help.

So take the assessment, learn more about yourself, and use the action steps to make a difference in your life. You truly can add more years to your life and life to your years.