My oldest son just received his learner’s driving permit. Now he wants a Mustang. He is not getting a Mustang.
My big mistake was to tell him that my first car was a Mustang. I drove the family car for about two years before I worked out a deal with my parents, so I could purchase my own car. It was a Mustang. A rear-wheel drive, high horse-power Mustang. It was definitely a mistake given that we Canadians drive a lot in the snow. My son is not getting a Mustang for his first car.
On the day he got his learner’s license we took him to a vacant parking lot to see what he could do. As expected, it was jerky and “whiplash-y” at first but within 10 minutes things got a bit smoother. The next day he drove around our neighbourhood and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly he was catching on. I loved watching this young kid begin to adopt a brand-new motor skill.
As a chiropractor, the nervous system intrigues me. I see what happens to motor skills when the spine pinches the nerves that control the muscles and how function improves when pressure is taken off the nerves.
As parents we all see motor skills improve as babies turn into toddlers, and as toddlers turn into children, and then on to adolescents. This occurs as the nervous system matures and new skills are practiced. Unfortunately, as we get older we can lose motor skills as our nervous system deteriorates, either from disease or normal aging.
Is there anything we can do keep our motor skills intact? Can we slow down the aging of our nervous system?
Like most anything health related, lifestyle is key. Vitamin D and healthy fats may help support the myelin (the insulation) around your nerves. Keep your blood sugars and insulin levels normal (they call it diabetic neuropathy for a reason!). Average seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
For a healthier nervous system, it is essential to maintain a healthy spine. Nearly every nerve in the body has to pass through the spine. Misalignments, muscle weakness and spinal arthritis can all affect the nerves, ultimately leading to a loss of motor skills. Maintaining exercise that includes strength training and flexibility can lead to a healthier spine and nervous system.
And just like driver’s training…practice makes perfect. Repetition can keep our motor skills sharp and trying new things can stimulate our nervous system to grow and maintain its youth.
Still, not getting a Mustang though.
