Chiropractors Running for Elected Office

by: DrTirpak posted: May 09, 2012

The US Congress contains 19 medical doctors, 3 Senators and 16 members in the House. Unfortunately not one chiropractor has made it to congress yet. Perry Haney DC MD of Colorado started a bid for the 6th Congressional District, but left before the primary due to possible election violations.

This is the closest CE Cruncher will come to a political discussion. We decided to highlight Chiropractors running for state and local office. We need are voices to be heard far and wide. So give a few bucks and get the word out about your local Chiropractor runnng for office. Please feel free to send us other Chiropractic candidates to add to the list.

Dr. H. Christian Gunderson California State Assembly District 10

Dr. Geoff Masci Jefferson County Commissioner District 1 Washington

Dr. Dorie Herndon Brigantine City Council Ward 1 New Jersey

Dr. Art Argenio,  Florida House – District 84

Dr. Gary M. Washington, Coroner Allen County Indiana

Dr. Kip Smith US House Wisconsin – Just Dropped out

Dr. Alfonso Manforti Jr Toms River City Council New Jersey

Dr. Roger Bentley Delta County Commissioner District 3 Colorado

FL PIP billed signed, Chiropractors Under Attack

by: DrTirpak posted: May 07, 2012

I want to state that I am not a journalist, but a Chiropractor, and that this story embodies my fury and frustration. I try to offer a neutral opinion on this website and leave out the editorials however, today is the exception.

Chiropractic is under attack in Florida, California, Texas, Great Britain, and Australia to name just a few. We need now more than ever, as a profession, to put our philosophy aside and work together before we are legislated out of existence.

The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott (R), signed a bill into law today that singles out Chiropractic when treating auto accident patients in the state. Florida HB 119 passed 3 months ago amidst secrecy, arm twisting and at the behest of the Speaker of the House and the Governor. Bills were proposed in the House and Senate, but the final agreement undermined Chiropractors and eliminated Acupuncture along with Massage under the ruse of fighting fraud.

Personal Injury Protection in Florida started in the 70’s to avoid every fender-bender from turning into a full-blown legal battle. It provides $10,000 worth of benefits covering lost wages and medical expenses, regardless of fault in an auto accident. Every six years the bill comes up for reauthorization. At the last renewal in 2007 current state Senator and former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio (R), installed fee caps and provisions only allowing hospitals and doctor-owned facilities to provide care.

This year the Governor has been on a bandwagon preaching about fighting fraud. Although very little was written into the current bill to fight fraud besides stiffer penalties if a Physician is convicted of fraud. Two days before HB 119 passed the legislature Florida United Auto donated $100,000 to a political committee affiliated with Scott. You can ask any Chiropractor in south Florida about United Auto and their answer usually starts with a chuckle then they will let you know how much they are owed by the company. Getting a PIP check from them is like landing an 8 ft marlin, extremely rare. I have seen a few adorned on the walls of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Chiropractors, much like a prized catch.

The law has many problems, but my biggest concern is the blatant discrimination of Chiropractors. It stems from a provision allowing only the full $10,000 of benefits if the patient has an emergency medical condition attested to by an MD, DO, PA or ARNP. Chiropractors and the preceding providers can receive reimbursement up to $2,500 for care for non-emergency conditions. The bill also states medical benefits do not include Massage or Acupuncture regardless of the person, entity, or licensee providing these services.

To actively legislate that Chiropractors are not qualified to determine if a medical condition is an emergency indicates the Florda state government has no idea of the education and training Chiropractors have to have in order to be licensed. Any doctor in practice for a few years has had the unfortunate task of referring patients to emergency facilities for care. It also paints a vivid picture of the legislature’s lack of understanding of what injuries occur in an accident and the long term results if not treated.

I wish this was the only case of political attacks, but sadly it is not. California has a current bill SB 352 limiting Chiropractors from using lasers to treat allergies. This bill arose from the mind of one legislator, Senate leader Bob Huff (R), not happy with an aide’s kid going to a Chiropractor for allergy treatment. No complaints were filed with the Chiropractic board or any other state office. California Board of Chiropractic Examiners passed a regulation labeling claims that laser therapy can cure allergies as false or misleading in an attempt to thwart the much more restrictive bill. The measure passed the Senate and is pending in the California Assembly.

Texas Chiropractors last month had a partial win from the state Appellate Court. The legal battle pitted the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Medical Board against the Texas Chiropractic Association and the Texas Board of Chiropractic over scope of practice. Texas DCs maintained their ability to diagnosis but are banned from performing manipulations under anesthesia and needle EMGs.

As Chiropractic is spreading around the world faster than ever, international attacks on the profession are getting louder. The British Chiropractic Association has fallen under a public assault in the media after losing a libel suit against a journalist. Australia’s newest chiropractic university program has public faced flack from a group of professors.

My request to Chiropractors and our supporters, stand up for what you believe. Let your elected officials know that we vote and contribute. Support your local national and state Chiropractic Organizations that are making a difference. We cannot do this alone, make more allies. Tell patients, loved ones, and people that you do business with that our well-being is maintaining their well-being.

Come back to this post and share your comments with us. Perhaps we can help each other come up with creative and successful ways of letting government know how important Chiropractic is!

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Celebrates Expansion Completion with Government Minister

by: DrTirpak posted: May 04, 2012

Monday May 7^th The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology and for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will be at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College to celebrate the completion of expansion and renovation projects at the campus.

Federal funding for these projects was delivered through the Government of Canada's Knowledge Infrastructure Program. KIP was an element of Canada's Economic Action Plan, announced on January 27, 2009. It provides up to $2 billion to support infrastructure enhancement at universities and colleges. Ontario received almost $800 million in funds for 56 college and university projects including Ryerson, University of Toronto, University of Windsor and University of Ottawa. CMCC projects included: Enhancing Building Efficiency, Health and Safety & Diagnostic Labs and Procedural Simulation Learning Laboratories.

The two projects, according to Canadian government’s website, cost over 1.2 million dollars with a $350,000 contribution from the KIP program. The Building Efficiency included replacing the domestic hot water boiler, five sets of external doors, 16 single-pane sliding windows, three old heat pumps and the old pool heater. It also included structural maintenance on seven external brick pillars and restoring the western-facing external building surface. The Laboratories project involves renovating and expanding the current facility to accommodate three new labs, a clinical diagnosis lab, a treatment skill development and simulation lab, along with a radiology and advanced imaging classroom and lab.

As a result of the KIP funding CMCC now has Gaumard,  Meti and KBPort technologies. Two significant portions of the institution's simulation programs have been impacted with manikin-based simulations and force-sensing table based simulations being incorporated into the curriculum.

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College founded in 1945 located in Toronto Ontario has graduates practicing in 43 countries around the world. It houses the largest English language chiropractic library in Canada and a network of community based clinics serving a more than 74,000 patient visits a year.

Monday, May 7, 2012 12:45 pm at  Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College 6100 Leslie Street Toronto Ontario Canada. Minister of State Goodyear will be available for questions and photos afterward.

Chiropractor Develops Snoring & Sleep Apnea Therapy That Treats Sleep Disorders with Exercises

Dr. Walter Fong, D.C., F.I.A.C.A., F.C.T.S.

by: DrTirpak posted: May 04, 2012

Chiropractor Dr. Walter Fong has developed the Snore Terminator, a series of five simple exercises that strengthen the muscles of the throat to stop snoring and sleep apnea. He claims the Snore Terminator treatment provides long-term recovery from snoring and sleep apnea naturally, without the use of medical devices.

 Complaints from his frustrated wife promoted him to develop his exercises. “When my snoring became an issue twelve years ago, I was frustrated with the lack of viable treatment options,” said Dr. Fong. “I wanted to cure snoring at the source of the problem.”

Dr. Walter Fong’s website states snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is a result of failed biomechanics in the upper airway. Snoring is produced when the structures of the upper airway have collapsed due to muscular weakness and aging, resulting in an obstruction of the airflow. Obstructive sleep apnea is a more complete closing of the airway.

Researching on himself, Dr. Fong  developed the Snore Terminator muscle reeducation exercises: Tongue up, tongue down,  tongue back, shovel jaw and kissing lips. They are designed to rebuild the throat musculature and mitigate the effects of snoring involving the soft palate, tongue, jaw, lips and hyoid bone. The system involves isometric exercises based on normal biomechanics.

He proclaims that his program provides dramatic results and will eliminates the cause of snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Fong states at least a 50% improvement overnight and long-term recovery from snoring and sleep apnea with his thousands of his patients. He also offers it as a viable alternative to the use of a CPAP machine.

 Dr. Fong offers the Snore Terminator treatment at his office in Laguna Beach and sells an instructional video for those interested in the treatment. He also offers a free patient education ebook about snoring and sleep apnea.

A 1979 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College Dr. Walter Fong, D.C. is also  a Fellow of the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture and the a Fellow of the California Thermographic Society. He has practiced at Laguna Beach Chiropractic in Laguna Beach CA for over 30 years.

Check out the informercial style commercial- it might be included in Win/Fail

Dr. Laney Nelson ACBSP Sports Chiropractor of the Year

by: DrTirpak posted: May 01, 2012

During the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) 2012 Chiropractic Sports Sciences Symposium in Portland Oregon April 26^th -29^th Dr. Laney Nelson was honored with 2012 Sports Chiropractor of the Year. Previous Award Winners nominated and voted on the candidates for the award. The criteria includes: actively working in the field of Chiropractic sports and ACBSP certification.

When discussing the award Dr Nelson stated, “I feel very blessed to be recognized by a group whose sole purpose and mission is to elevate athletic performance. While it’s an honor for me, I must give credit to Logan for supporting my work and creativity that led to this award.”

 “I think it goes without saying that this year’s award was very well deserved,” American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians Associate Director Jenny Schnell said . “This was the first time Dr. Nelson spoke at the symposium. He presented information on the topic of chiropractic management of concussion and those in attendance were blown away by his lecture.”

Dr. Laney Nelson currently is the director of the BIOFREEZE® Sports & Rehabilitation Center at Logan College of Chiropractic. Since the Center opened in 2006 Dr. Laney has served at the helm with a goal of advancing chiropractic as a critical component of the sports medicine field. Under  Dr. Nelson’s direction the clinic has reached over 1000 athletes, developed programs working with the Disabled Athlete Sports Association,  and provided care for athletes at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico.

When asked about Dr. Laney Nelson and his work Brenda Ellis, Executive Director of ProSport Chiropractic Seminars, explained, “He is an amazing person, an amazing man, and an amazing doctor. To know him is to love him."

Beyond teaching at Logan College of Chiropractic, many weekends he can be found lecturing on Chiropractic in Sports at numerous seminars. Including: ProSport Seminars , Professional Football Chiropractic Society, Chiropractic Sports Sciences Symposium among other.

Dr. Laney Nelson, DC, ICSSD, DACBSP received his bachelor of science from Utah State University. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Western States Chiropractic College. He is has a International Chiropractic Sport Science Diploma, a Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, acupuncture certified, and credentialed in manipulation under anesthesia. According to his blog he is working on a PhD in organizational management and leadership.

The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, ACBSP, was created in 1980 had has over 5,000 board-certified chiropractors. Their goal is to promote the highest standards of excellence and clinical competence for chiropractors specializing in sports medicine and physical fitness.  Dr. Nelson will confer the award to the next recipient at the 2013 Chiropractic Sports Sciences Symposium in Colorado Springs Colorado to be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Chiropractor Dr. Neil Spanier Created a New Posture App

by: DrTirpak posted: April 30, 2012

Chiropractor Dr. Neil Spanier  created a new posture analysis tool app. He had the idea 30 years ago to see the reflection of a reflection, so you could view yourself not as a mirror image. When accessing a patient’s posture he claims it prevents them from leaning or cheating.  Using the Check ME Out APP the patient can keep track of their posture, head tilt, and high shoulder without having to view a reversed image.

Dr. Spanier’s website claims the app is a new and improved mirror, because it fixes the inversion that occurs with a reflection from a normal mirror. Currently the app is available on Google Play and is under development for the apple platforms for use on the Ipad and Iphone.

January Jones spotted on her way to the Chiropractor

Celebrities Need Adjustments Too

by: DrTirpak posted: April 25, 2012

January Jones hides behind dark glasses and a floral scarf on her way to her Chiropractor Monday in Los Feliz CA. The actress known for her portrayal of Betty Draper on “Mad Men” has achieved two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nomination for Best Actress for the role.

No HIPPA rules were violated in the writing of this story, it came from gossip sites.

WV Chiropractor Rachael Bryant’s Heroic Act: Donating Part of Her Liver

by: DrTirpak posted: April 24, 2012

Dr. Rachael Bryant, a Parker College of Chiropractic Graduate, is donating a portion of her liver to a friend’s husband that has had chronic liver problems for 15 years. John Joyce’s, the liver recipient, health deteriorated in November when he found out he also had cancer in his already infected liver and needed a transplant. Dr. Rachael stepped right up when she heard he would be a candidate for a partial liver donation.

May 8^th Dr. Bryant is scheduled for surgery, which she said, "I think this is just the moral thing to do - its just flesh. The liver does regenerate. I mean in two months, my liver will be back to its normal size." A truly selfless act considering she will be out of work for at least 4 weeks to recover.

Since the recipient isn't family, she won't receive any paid time-off.  Luckily the community is stepping up to help. Spelter Volunteer Fire Department let Dr. Bryant use their building to host a dinner last Saturday night to raise money for her recovery. Another benefit dinner with the Joyce family attending will take place in Pittsburgh at Propel Braddock Hills High School on Friday, April 27.

“I have been really fortunate. I am doing my dream. I am a chiropractor. I have wonderful practice with wonderful supporting pt's. I have also always loved fire and EMS. I worked for 7 years as a full time fire fighter and gave up the paid gig. I still work EMS and Fire just not full time. Its more my hobby. Serving the community is my passion!” quote from Dr. Rachael Bryant’s Facebook page.

To help out  email Dr Bryant

Dr. Brimhall Started a New Partnership with Xymogen

And is winding down his involvement with Nutri-West

by: DrTirpak posted: April 11, 2012

 

Most Chiropractors know Dr. John Brimhall from his 40 plus years of wellness education, most notably his 6 Steps to Wellness Chiropractic seminars. This month Dr Brimhall has been named to the Medical Board of Advisors as Director of Educational Development for XYMOGEN (pronounced “Zymogen”), leaving his partnership with Nutri-West.

 According to the Nutri-West website “Dr. John Brimhall is a mainstay of the Nutri-West sponsored seminar program” A statement on Dr. Brimhall’s website confirms that his son, Dr. Bret Brimhall will be teaching the remainder of the Nutri-West / Brimhall seminars. Those seminars will qualify participants for certification in the Brimhall technique. The Certification Seminar is still scheduled for this year on August 3-5, 2012 in Meza Arizona

 A press release from Xymogen yesterday quoted Brian Blackburn, President & CEO of XYMOGEN, as saying “This is a truly collaborative effort marrying XYMOGEN’s expansive network and Dr. Brimhall’s Health and Wellness education programs,” “Dr. Brimhall’s addition to our Medical Board will greatly expand the resources available to our practitioners and strengthen wellness methods worldwide.” The release also mentioned that Dr. Brimhall would continue his nutrition work by creating new formulas for XYMOGEN.
 
Xymogen is a Nutraceutical Company started in 2003 by Brian Blackburn with its manufacturing plant and headquarters in Orlando Florida. A family owned company that allows providers and others to purchase private shares. They do not allow product sales on the Internet or in retail locations. Xymogen also offers providers custom private label to brand your own product line and has independent third-party purity analysis

 John W. Brimhall, BS, BA, DC, FIAMA, DIBAK received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1971, he is a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture (FIAMA) and holds a diplomat of the International College of Applied Kinesiology. He is a published author, researcher, chiropractic device patent holder, nutritional supplement formulator and wellness educator.

Another Edition of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Chiropractic Hero, Tax Evasion & Insurance Fraud

by: DrTirpak posted: April 08, 2012

The Good

Dr. Levi Nehrt should be called a hero. The chiropractor in Seymour IN saw lightning strike a high school softball player, Emily Bobb, from the window of his office at Klaes Chiropractic. The doctor recounts "I saw a flash of light.. blinding, the flash of white. After that, I saw her go straight to the ground. It takes you a couple seconds to realize what you saw."

He then raced to the dugout, climbing a 7-foot fence on his way to perform CPR on the freshman that was not breathing. Recounting the incident he stated “You do what you can, and my part was just to keep her going until the ambulance got there.” He performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived and they transported her to the hospital.

Emily’s condition was downgraded  from critical to fair to good in less than a day. Her three teammates were all checked out of the hospital and went home that night.

Dr. Nehrt is a 2010 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and practices at Klaes Chiropractic and Physicial Therapy in Seyour Indiana.

The Bad

The Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service statement detailed that Steven Kern DC was arrested on eight counts of failing to file his individual tax returns and eight counts of filing false corporate tax returns. The Marine City Michigan chiropractor is facing up to 32 years in prison and up to $2.8 million in fines if convicted of several tax charges if convicted.

Dr Steven Kern allegedly didn’t file individual tax returns on $1.2 million in gross income he earned between 2003 through 2010. Cash or checks were funneled from his office, Kern Chiropractic Center in Marine City, for personal gain. He was also accused of having employees keep two sets of books: one consisting of medical insurance payments with all gross receipts and another of cash and check transactions which he diverted for his own use.  He is also accused of filing false corporate tax returns for Kern Chiropractic Center for the same time frame.

The Ugly

A joint task force of local police,United States Secret Service and other agencies arrested 12 employees from chiropractic clinics in Cape Coral Florida after suspeciuos car crashes evolved into a 12 month investigation. Dr. Stephen M. Lovell’s, president of Cape-based Xtreme Care Rehabilitation Center, name topped the list with charges of: conspiracy to commit mail fraud; health care fraud and health care/mail care fraud: aiding and abetting; conspiracy to commit money laundering; money laundering: aiding and abetting; money laundering

The two clinics Dr. Lovell licensed in his name, Xtreme Care Rehabilitation Center Inc. and C & A Family Rehab Center Inc, were operating in Cape Coral as physician owned health care clinics. When in fact they were owned by Abel De Jesus Perez, Ernesto Diaz and Francisco Huici Fernandez, all faced multiple charges in the sting. In 2009 Florida State licensing requirements changed creating more scrutiny and licensing for non-physician owned facilities. Steven Lovell DC circumvented the law by registering  exclusive ownership of the clinics, resulting in the clinics avoiding greater regulatory scrutiny.

Code name Operation Whiplash reports individuals were recruited to claim involvement and injuries from staged accidents. They would then go to the clinics in exchange for payment, the clinics billed insurance companies. They even allegedly had victims sign blank forms indicating they had been treated when, in fact, they had not.

Cape Coral Detective Josh Silko, who headed the investigation stated “The expenditures were going all the way from purchases at McDonald’s to cruises.” “They weren’t living lavish lifestyles, purchasing houses or real expensive cars, but it was evident that they were profiting from this to live their everyday lives.” Also according to police items purchased by those arrested included an $95,000 airplane,  a Mercedes and Cadillac Escalade.

A Legend in Chiropractic Reggie Gold passed away March 24, 2012

by: DrTirpak posted: March 25, 2012

"If you are not out to change the world, everything else is just 'Mickey Mouse'." ~ Reggie Gold

The Chiropractic profession has lost a legend, we are sad to report that Dr Reggie Gold died yesterday March 24, 2012

Dr. Reggie Gold’s influence on the profession started in 1957 when he graduated from Palmer School of Chiropractic. Following graduation he moved to Spring Valley, New York and began teaching at the Columbia Institute of Chiropractic and later at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. He also who went on to receive an advanced Ph.C from Palmer College in Davenport in 1961. His lectures spanned chiropractic colleges around the world and generations of doctors.

His lectures, videos, and presentations demonstrate that he was a master of communication, he developed techniques to explain chiropractic to lay people with ease and beauty. A beacon of information to the world about the benefits of chiropractic, he worked diligently at debunking the misconceptions about chiropractors. His “Chemistry of Life” lecture helped thousands of chiropractors articulate that we are so much more than back doctors. He explains, “Chiropractic deals with all the things that your body has to do, how you perform, how you drive, how you make a salad, how fast you can read and how well you can remember things.”

Dr. Reggie Gold is survived by his wife Dr. Irene Gold, also a great contributor to our profession. She started her medical career as an RN, then after marrying Reggie she graduated from Columbia Institute of Chiropractic in 1974. The next year she started her famous National Chiropractic Board Reviews, helping a large portion of the Chiropractic professionals prepare for licensure.

A generous man, sharing his skill, ability and expertise with the chiropractors world wide also supported the profession financially. In 1994 he contributed $125,000 to Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, at the time it was the largest single donation in the school’s history. He also made Sherman the primary beneficiary and executor of his estate in 1999. At the time it was estimated to be more than six million dollars. When asked about the 1994 donation he stated, "Everything I have, everything I hope to have, everything I am or ever hope to be, I owe to chiropractic."

Dr. Reggie Gold's Website 

Dr. Phil Discusses Chiropractic Care

March 14, 2012

by: MickeyM619 posted: March 08, 2012

A segment of Dr. Phil, scheduled to air on March 14, 2012 was taped on Feb. 23. Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker University, was filmed for the episode.

This was Chiropractic's first appearance on the popular daytime talk show. Nearly 21 million viewers tune in weekly to hear the advice given by Dr. Phil McGraw, a clinical psychologist with 25 years in practice.

Dr. Phil introduced Dr. Mancini as his Chiropractor for 14 years and author of the book, The Power of Self-Healing: Unlock Your Natural Healing Potential in 21 Days! This introduction set the stage for Dr. Mancini to talk about the concepts of Chiropractic. He stated that "the only way to truly fulfill your life potential is to fulfill your health potential." Dr. Mancini added that the difference between Chiropractic and what he called the "sick care system" in the US is that "Chiropractors see patients as people, not just diseases."

Dr. Phil reinforced this notion, telling viewers, "I got Chiropractic treatment from Dr. Mancini 2 or 3 times a week." He went on to introduce his current personal Chiropractor in Los Angeles, Dr. Patrick DeFazio, who was given an opportunity to talk more about Chiropractic and how it can help relieve stresses on the body.

As the show wound down, Dr. Phil thanked both Dr. Mancini and Dr. DeFazio for taking care of him over the years. He then let the audience know they would each receive a copy of Dr. Mancini's book, which elicited a huge cheer from the audience.

Dr. Mancini outlines core elements of self-healing - physical, emotional and spiritual - on the "Dr. Phil" show. After the show, a number of people working on the set asked about how to find a local Chiropractor or remarked how much they had learned about the value of Chiropractic. This was in addition to the many members of the audience who talked about Chiropractic and asked Dr. Mancini to autograph their copy of his book.

This was an important positive event for Chiropractic. The audience heard about Chiropractic, the wellness philosophy and that Dr. Phil sees his DC more than once a week. They were also taught that Chiropractic can play a role in the health of everyone. Once the show airs, a global audience will have the opportunity to learn about the power of Chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Sport Quotes of the Week

by: DrTirpak posted: February 24, 2012

“The whole week I was seeing a great chiropractor, Stuart Yoss. He did a great job of getting me back.” NBA Bulls Guard Derrick Rose to ESPN’s Doris Burke on Sports Center Chicago Tribune

"Even talking with my chiropractor," Span said, "the last thing he told me was, 'You're over your concussion. Now it's about body functioning.'"  "I try to take care myself." "See a chiropractor and get adjusted. Get massages on my neck and cranial work done."  Denard Span Minnesota Twins Outfielder 1500 ESPN

“I couldn’t do this without them,” she said. “There’s a real camaraderie, that’s what I love about it.”  Jane Armstrong credits her support team, chiropractor, mechanic, teammates and the athletes she coaches for keeping her motivated as she trains for her 20th world duathlon. Your Ottawa Region

Australian Chiropractors help Straighten Up Kindergartens

by: DrTirpak posted: February 16, 2012

The Chiropractors' Association of Australia (South Australia) is getting geared up to present Straighten Up Australia to kindergartens for the second year. Straighten Up Australia is a 3 minute spinal health program designed to help children feel and look their best.  The program will be presented by local Chiropractors across the state on March 29.

Chiropractors' Association of Australia SA president Dr Brett Hill  said "Kids and adults are spending a long time sitting down, hunched over desks and computers and that obviously has a detrimental effect on the spine and overall health as well." The goal is to incorporate the exercises into a daily routine with the hopes of on  improving posture, stabilizing the core muscle, and enhancing overall health.

Straighten Up Australia is a community service initiative with a program for adults and a specific one for children. The kids’ brochure includes cartoon drawings and exercises whimsically  named the eagle, humming bird, twisting star and many others. The CAA hopes that over time all Australians will take a few minutes every day to care for their spinal health.

According to the Chiropractors' Association of Australia’s website “Studies conducted overseas indicate that 90% of people who adopted the exercises as part of their daily routine reported a postural improvement. Approximately 80% reported that their backs are more comfortable and that they have better core stability after practicing the activities for several weeks.”

Video from last year's events

UOIT and CMCC create new professional pathway for qualified students

by: DrTirpak posted: February 11, 2012

A new articulation agreement between the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) will enable qualified students to complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) in Kinesiology degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in seven years, instead of eight. For individuals who identify their career path early, this agreement seamlessly bridges a foundational degree into a professional degree in chiropractic.

"We are delighted to partner with UOIT on this initiative, which expands opportunities for students in Ontario," says CMCC President Dr. Jean Moss. "This articulation agreement will benefit our students who will be able to meet the requirements for both degrees, while fast tracking their education towards becoming a doctor of chiropractic. It will also allow the two institutions to collaborate and benefit from each others' strengths."

"UOIT and CMCC share a commitment to innovation in education," said UOIT President Tim McTiernan, PhD. "This accelerated pathway will enable our students to further their education in less time so they can take an active role in helping others. In addition, cross appointments between our two institutions will enable the sharing of expertise and knowledge resources, allowing us to fully leverage the academic excellence resident at both institutions."

As part of the agreement, members of the CMCC faculty will begin teaching in two new UOIT anatomy courses during the third year of the Kinesiology program, providing opportunity for UOIT students to familiarize themselves with CMCC's campus and to gain experience in its modern anatomy laboratory.

"I'm very glad CMCC and UOIT have come together to provide such an opportunity," says Jide Busari, a Year I student at CMCC who earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences at UOIT. "I've always wanted to become a health professional. This agreement will help make that dream more accessible for students like me."

Acceptance into the CMCC-UOIT Bridging Program will begin in September 2012.

About UOIT

UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. More than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by world-class professors who are experts in their field. Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the faculties of Business and Information Technology; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT's commitment to research excellence and innovation has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five prestigious Canada Research Chairs, with another four in development, and six industrial research chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About CMCC

The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is an academic institution recognised for creating leaders in spinal health. With graduates practicing in 43 countries and faculty who are leaders in their fields, CMCC delivers world class chiropractic education, research and patient care. Spearheaded by the McMorland Research Chair in Mechanobiology, with a focus on spine instability, degeneration and joint dysfunction, CMCC graduate students and researchers contribute to the understanding and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The campus features modern teaching and laboratory space, including new simulation and biomechanics laboratories, and is extended across Toronto through its network of community based interprofessional teaching clinics that serve diverse patient populations. CMCC is one of only 10 schools of anatomy designated by the Ontario Anatomy Act.

CMCC offers a four year undergraduate program leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.  This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period from 24/3/11 to 24/3/21.  Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).

For more information, visit CMCC

Chiropractor Boyce Callahan is Movin' On

by: DrTirpak posted: January 26, 2012

Having a difficult time balancing life and a Chiropractic practice. Boyce Callahan does all that and just released his third album, Movin On.

 Dr. Callahan is a chiropractor by day in Anniston Alabama and solo artist, producer, writer and sound engineer by night. Following in his family’s footsteps Boyce has practiced with his father since graduating from Life University in 2007. He put a hold on his music career in 2003 after the birth of his son to begin his Chiropractic education. He worked his way through his Doctorate in Chiropractic performing on weekends at various sites in and around Atlanta.

Now he has decided to pick back up on the other family tradition, music. His grandfather was an outlaw country/bluegrass picker and his mom a high school music teacher and church choir director. Boyce started writing and performing his own original songs in college, then signed with a Nashville based label. He describes his sound as blues, rock, soul, gospel, bluegrass, americana and funk.

Lately, in his spare time, he trained online in sound engineering through Berklee School of Music music. On his website he states“It’s always been a dream of mine to record and produce my music. The new album is going to be my best so far, but I never could have imagined how much work went into a project like this if I hadn’t gone through the process myself.”

Movin On, his third album, is set to digitally release on January 27th. The album will be for sale in Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, CDBaby, Napster, Facebook & directly from BoyceCallahan.com Individual tracks or then entire album will be available for purchase. He will begin touring with his new band Jackson Station later this year.

Chiropractic Neurologist Dr. Carrick is an international headline on many sport pages

by: DrTirpak posted: January 17, 2012

Chiropractic Neurologist Dr. Ted Carrick is an international headline on many of the top sport pages for his treatment of Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby.

Last season the 24-year-old Crosby suffered 2 head injuries in close proximity.  The first entailed a defensive shoulder to the left side of his helmet, rendering him unable to play the rest of the Jan 1 2011 game. The second, only 4 days later, came in a game against the Capitals that found him smashed against the glass and after concussed, light sensitive, with headaches and dizziness.

Dr. Carrick started treating the Penguin’s forward last August while recovering from his initial concussion after progress slowed with medical treatment. Carrick, founder of the Carrick Institute, said in September that Crosby would have a "very good outcome" following his rehab.

Crosby returned this season on Nov. 21, scoring two goals against the Islanders and 12 points in the next  8 games. Unfortunately this all unraveled after getting tossed around on December 5 in a loss to Boston. Dr. Carrick, DC, PhD, according to the Penguins, has been treating Crosby and Friday he was back on the ice practicing with the team.

Dr. Ted Carrick is the founder of the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studes and offers a Clinical Neurology program accredited by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.

Related Articles:
McLean's
Sports Illustrated,
NBC Sports

Toronto Chiropractor behind the Purchase of Premier Fitness

by: DrTirpak posted: January 09, 2012

Premier Fitness clubs have a new name, Physiomed Fitness, and owner Physiomed. Physiomed’s CEO Chiropractor Scott Wilson organized the purchase of the chain, “to help change the way that the Canadian health and fitness industry operates".

Physiomed's new health and fitness model will be different from other fitness clubs, it uses owner/operators to ensure a high degree of accountability to the members. "When the opportunity came up for us to extend our clinic operations to the club itself, it was an easy decision since we have been tenants in these locations for over 15 years and we know that they are exceptional facilities," stated Scott Wilson, DC Physiomed’s Chairman and CEO.

The new structure has the chiropractors, physiotherapists and other professionals who operated Physiomed clinics becoming the franchised owner-operators of the fitness clubs, with Wilson as a partner and franchisor. According to Dr. Wilson “With our model, everyone can now have an unparalleled level of access to professional health and fitness support; the likes of which was previously only available to the wealthiest Canadians at executive health clinics."

Physiomed is a large Canadian franchise of multi-disiplinary healthcare clinics. They also provide physiotherapy services to nursing homes, medical office software and a billing company targeting preventive incentives and uninsured patients.

Chiropractic is Better than Drugs for Neck Pain

by: DrTirpak posted: January 03, 2012

New research published in The Annals of Internal Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments or simple exercises done at home were better at reducing pain than taking pain killers and muscle relaxers for acute neck pain.

The study included 272 persons aged 18 to 65 years who had nonspecific neck pain for 2 to 12 weeks. Participants were divided into 3 groups: spinal manipulation from experienced chiropractors, pain medications from a medical doctor, and  2 sessions with therapists to learn home exercises.The researchers concluded that spinal manipulation was more effective than medication at improving neck pain by the end of 12 weeks of treatment and 1 year later. Also they were more satisfied with their care than the home exercise and drug groups.  Home exercise patients experienced improvement in their pain similar to that achieved with spinal manipulation.

One of the authors of the study Dr. Gert Bronfort DC, PhD and research professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University stated, “There was a void in the scientific literature in terms of what the most helpful treatments are.” Other research has shown that spinal manipulation relieves acute lower back pain. This however was the first study to compare chiropractic spinal manipulation with medicine or exercise as a treatment for neck pain.

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain. A Randomized Trial.” It is in the 3 January 2012 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine (volume 156, pages 1-10). The authors are  Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD; Roni Evans, DC, MS; Alfred V. Anderson, DC, MD;  Kenneth H. Svendsen, MS, Yiscah Bracha, MS; and Richard H. Grimm, MD, MPH, PhD

The Good, Bad and Ugly of December 2011

by: DrTirpak posted: December 26, 2011

The Good

A Rhode Island Chiropractor has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for helping rescue a woman from a submerged car

 

The Bad

Dr. Josh Biberdorf president of the South Dakota Chiropractor Association contends the prepayment plans he has used for years without any patient complaints are ethical financial tools for his customers. The South Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners disagrees.

 

The Ugly

A former Manhattan chiropractor and his alleged wife have been living in a 1.2 million dollar Seattle mansion while cashing welfare checks

Chiropractic Education Battle in Australia

by: DrTirpak posted: December 08, 2011

Australia is a buzz about Chiropractic. The land down under has intimidated steps to add a DC program to a fourth university, causing an out pour of opinions from the medical and chiropractic communities. The major dissension arises from a group of medical doctors, which is surprising considering chiropractic education had been in Australia for over 20 years with over 4,000 chiropractors practicing. Central Queensland University is planning on adding a Bachelor of Science Chiropractic this year and a Masters in Chiropractic in 2015

Professor Alastair MacLennan, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Adelaide is at the forefront of the complaints. He claims "We are trying to encourage universities not to introduce or continue anti-science nonsense degree courses in quackery (such as) naturopathy, homeopathy, iridology, acupuncture, energy medicine and chiropractic," Also included was a letter signed by 39 MDs and PhDs voicing their discontent.

Luckily articulate doctors are speaking up about the body of research that supports the effectiveness of Chiropractic. Dr. Peter Tuchin BSc GradDipChiro DipOHS PhD wrote one such poignant article.

Former NM Chiropractor Bludgeoned to Death in Belize

by: DrTirpak posted: November 13, 2011

Dr. Larry Johnson was bludgeoned to death during a home invasion at his Iguana Creek Resort in the Cayo District, 60 miles west of Belize City. According to Police spokesman Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood. The Police have detained several people for questioning over the brutal slaying of the retired New Mexico chiropractor. Julio Funez, a worker at the resort, recalled seeing six masked men beating the retired chiropractor then the men tied both of them up in Johnson's van and doused the vehicle with gasoline.  Julio survived, but  later Dr. Johnson died at a local hospital.
Information obtined from the  Iguana Creek Resort's Website (no longer working) discussed the The Johnson’s move to Belize  in 1993. Dr. Johnson and his wife, Sunny Johnson, sold all of their businesses after a dispute with the US government over taxes and relocated to the Land inOntario Village of the Cayo District, Belize,Central America. Dr. Johnson’s youngest son described his father as a philanthropist, saying that he loved Los Lunas and Belize and gave so much to the community.  He also mentioned that even though his father had retired from chiropractic work in the U.S., he spent nearly 20 years offering free treatment to locals in Belize.

Chiropractic Official in the Bahamas

by: DrTirpak posted: November 12, 2011

Ready to practice in the Caribbean on a lush tropical island. In March The Bahamian Government  officially recognized the Bahama Chiropractic Association, approving it as a non-profit organization. Currently there are 12 chiropractors practicing in the islands. Chiropractic has been alive on the island since 1946 with the opening of Dr Maurice Kelly’s practice.  

The Association released in a statement "Our goals as an association are to educate the community and the other health care professionals to the importance of a healthy spine and nervous system so we can work together in the restoration and maintenance of a healthier Bahamas."

NUHS' Florida DC Program Receives Accreditation Approval

by: MickeyM619 posted: August 12, 2011

National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) received notice on July 29, 2011, from the Council on Chiropractic Education regarding accreditation of its Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program at the National University of Health Sciences is awarded programmatic accreditation at both the Illinois campus and the Florida site by the Council on Chiropractic Education, 8049 North 85th Way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85258-4321, Phone: (480) 443-8877, Website: cce-usa.org.

National opened the doors of its Florida campus to welcome its first DC students in Fall 2009.  Its facilities are housed on the campus of St. Petersburg College (SPC) as part of NUHS' participation in the University Partnership Center at SPC. Since 2009, National has successfully expanded its facilities, faculty and student enrollment, in addition to opening a clinic for SPC and NUHS faculty, staff and students on the St. Petersburg College campus.

"We are very pleased to receive this notice from the Council on Chiropractic Education, and will continue to work toward a high standard of program excellence at both our Illinois and Florida campuses," says Dr. James F. Winterstein, president of NUHS.

Source: National University of Health Science

NJ Chiropractors Arrested for Paying Runners

by: DrTirpak posted: August 12, 2011

Three chiropractors in New Jersey were arrested July 27^th for allegedly hiring "runners". They used the state Open Public Records Act to pore through police reports and find car accident victims. Then they would track them down and persuade them to get chiropractic treatment at the respective facilities. For each new patient, the chiropractors allegedly paid $500 to $1,500 to the “runners”. State Officials claimed the chiropractors paid the runners more than $130,000.

New Jersey State law prohibits paying people to recruit patients for treatment when a doctor plans to file an insurance claim, according to Ronald Chillemi, acting insurance fraud prosecutor. Chillemi also stated they learned of the two alleged schemes through complaints by two private insurance companies, more than a dozen companies were impacted.

Attorney General Dow said there was no allegation that patients were paid a fee to use the doctors. Nor is there any allegation that the treatment was improper, or “fictional,” according to Chillemi.

One of the accusesd is Scott Greenberg of Franklin Township New Jersey, a licensed chiropractor and owner of Central New Jersey Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Centres in New Brunswick. He faces charges of health care claims fraud, conspiracy, money laundering,  misconduct by a corporate official, along with use of runners.

Also arrested were Christopher Montana of Chester NJ, and Fernando Barrese of Washington Township NJ. Both chiropractors allegedly acquired  about 50 patients since November using runners. Drs. Montana and Barrese face charges of conspiracy, money laundering, filing false tax returns, commercial bribery and use of runners. They own Chiropractic Centre of Elizabeth, Chiropractic Center of Newark and Chiropractic Centre of Jersey City.