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Dynamic Chiropractic Canada
VOLUME 27, NUMBER 23
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In This Issue
The Power of Teamwork
Are doctors of chiropractic team players in the health care system? Are we even in the game? As you ponder these questions, consider how you represent yourself to patients, other health care professionals, third-party payers, the media, government officials and the general public.
UHC Fined $536,000, Reopens 50,000 Claims
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration has levied fines totaling $536,000 against UnitedHealthcare (UHC) of the Midwest, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, and ordered them to re-examine 50,000-plus chiropractic claims dating back to November 2004.
Core Stiffness and Cross Fitness
In this third installment in our series on cross-fitness, let's discuss the importance of core muscle activation during cross-fitness exercise.

What Are You Doing About Muscle Weakness?
Chiropractic treatment for extremity dysfunctions has a long history. Extremity dysfunction has also been correlated with muscle weakness extensively in the research literature. Dysfunctions in the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and temporomandibular joint consistently correlate with muscle weakness.
Ethical Purchasing and Selling by DCs
"Ethical purchasing put simply is buying things that are made ethically by companies that act ethically..." We would like to suggest another way of looking at ethical purchasing - from a chiropractic professional viewpoint.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Rethinks DC Designation
Doctors of chiropractic are once again "physicians" in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP), a designation stripped earlier this year when BCBS classified chiropractors as "other covered health care professionals."
Not in My Hospital!
The chiropractors at our hospital here in New Jersey have been serving on-call for over eight years and have assisted in the care of more than 3,000 patients. It is a successful program because it is based upon a foundation of ethics.
Educating Older Patients About Good Health
Aging is an unavoidable fact of life, and our country as a whole is getting older as more and more baby boomers approach retirement age. How can we chiropractors reach out to the middle-aged population and explain how chiropractic care can help them continue to lead active, healthy lives as they get older?
Shining a Positive Spotlight on Chiropractic
All it takes is a bright spotlight to show the world that chiropractic is an amazing healing profession. Creating that spotlight is the sole focus of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (FCP).
Why Public Health Matters
It's time for some straight talk. Did you ever wonder why chiropractic students have to take board exams in public health? Does public health ever matter to chiropractic practice? For that matter, does public health matter at all?
Lag Signs Are Important in Diagnosing Shoulder Lesions
Two primary ways of testing for rotator cuff ruptures is to determine whether the shoulder has enough strength to maintain a position against resistance, and by passive testing whereby the examiner attempts to determine if a passive position can be maintained in space (Lag sign).
Government-Defined Meaningful Use Results in Meaningful Dollars
Say it once, they hear you. Say it twice, they understand you. Say it three times, they take action. That's precisely what the government is doing regarding meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR), and each time they communicate, they get more specific.
Back Pain in a Child
History and examination: The patient is a pleasant 17-year-old male referred by an orthopedic center. Patient history is remarkable for a chest wall congenital finding, and patient complains of tenderness in the chest wall region during exercise.

Snow-Shoveling Safety Tips
As I sit down to write this article, it is still warm and sunny, but by the time it shows up in print, late fall will be upon us, with winter not too far behind. A fresh snow is one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to witness, but shoveling snow can be very stressful.
Research Abstracts From the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Research Abstracts From the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Sept. 2009 Abstracts Volume 32, Issue 7.
News in Brief
Turning Veterans Into Chiropractors. Life Gets $3 Million Donation From the Harris Foundation. Have-a-Heart Campaign Right Around the Corner. Recognizing Quality at NYCC.
DC PracticeINSIGHTS: A Forum for Success
As participants each contribute their ideas, the challenge becomes better defined. Ultimately, a synthesis of the best ideas emerges as the solution. This is precisely the concept behind our newest publication, Dynamic Chiropractic PracticeINSIGHTS.
We Get Letters & E-Mail
I recently read a letter to the editor titled "Chiropractors Eating Their Own" [Aug. 12 DC]. I am glad I did and would like to add to the doctor's comments. Here in Utah, we have a managed care group owned by chiropractors who have done just what she was talking about.
Selling You: Your Most Important Product
As a doctor, it's very easy to dislike selling or even the idea of having to sell. When you decided to become a chiropractor, the last thing on your mind was the notion of having to sell it to others. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but all of life is about selling.
A Comprehensive Program for the Osteoporotic Patient
It hasn't been that long since the arthritis drug Vioxx was taken off the shelves for producing adverse side effects. Merck stopped selling Vioxx in September 2004 after a clinical trial showed it increased the risk of strokes and heart attacks in some patients.
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NCCAM Featured Content
Bodybuilding.com Alert
Bodybuilding.com and FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients of a nationwide and international recall of all lots and expiration dates of 65 dietary supplement products that were sold through ...
 
Study Suggests That Both Traditional and Simulated Acupuncture Relieve Pain but by Different Mechanisms
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November Is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
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Director's Message on the Flu
As we are all aware, flu season is upon us. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths are reported. This year, ...
 
Strategic Plan Request for Input
NCCAM is now seeking stakeholder comments on three "big picture" topics:MissionPriority settingInformation and communicationComments will be accepted through November 19, 2009. More » ...
 
Job Opening: Director for the Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation
Looking for an exciting opportunity? Come join the nation's medical research agency, where we are making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives!If you are a knowledgeable and ...
 
Message from the Director: Symptoms Matter
CAM approaches have sometimes been discounted in popular press as only being helpful for "life's little miseries"—trouble falling asleep, menopausal hot flashes, memory lapses, the need ...
 
Alternative Health News
Trauma: The Hidden Pathogenic Factor
A burn feels better over time, but trauma becomes worse. We all know of a college football or tennis player who felt great until hitting 40 or so. Then the trauma that resulted from acute injuries during the teenage years has enough time to warp the joints and create arthritis, twist the bones and cause spurs, or dry the tendons, which results in chronic tendonitis.
The Problem With Prevention
As the swine flu spreads, there is greater urgency to try and prevent illness. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are natural approaches that support the immune system, reinforcing the body's ability to heal and protect itself.
Thinking Outside the Box to Reach a World-Wide Market
I want to share with you one of the most important lessons I learned in building my own practice over the past several years and in coaching so many acupuncturists to expand their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.
Going Back to the Theory of Yin and Yang
When I was a student of Chinese medicine and starting my internship, I was struck with the overwhelming amount of signs and symptoms that patients were presenting to me during their initial interviews.
It Doesn't Matter What You Say
I have written in the past about the importance of clear and accurate documentation. I continue to receive comments about that topic. There is no argument. Paperwork is a pain, but it is necessary. Whether you like it or not, some day, someone will look at your treatment notes.
World Massage Conference, Nov. 12-17
Join thousands of massage therapists in the largest event in the history of massage for a live conference without ever leaving your home. The World Massage Conference is a live, web-based massage conference that will be held November 12-17, 2009.
Researchers DO Get It
After reading "Is Most of Acupuncture Research a Sham?" in the August 2009 issue, I feel compelled to respond. I was disappointed in the emotional tone of Dr. Amaro's article. Instead of the article being a scholarly critique of the study's design flaws and offering suggestions for improvement, it sounded like complaining about how Western researchers "don't get it."
The Silent Progression of Kidney Infections and Stone Formation
There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections.
Active Isolated Stretching: Empowerment through Flexibility
Massage therapists are expected to alleviate stress, help with relaxation, and relieve pain caused by injuries, repetitive use and physical limitations. A therapist's success in doing so often leads clients to view their massage therapist as a "cure-all."
News in Brief
The Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) is sponsoring its 2010 research conference Translational Research In Acupuncture: Bridging Science, Practice & Community. The primary goal of translational research is to speed the application of basic and clinical research findings to patient care.
Essential Oils for Pain Relief, Part 2
Essential oils that treat the nervous system and bring down swelling may be only part of the picture when dealing with pain relief. Joint pain and muscle injury or chronic stiffness may also require bringing more circulation into the area and removing toxins.
Healing Body and Soul
We are all trained in a variety of techniques to assist our patients. What usually brings them into our clinics are their needs to look younger, get free of pain or to get more healthy. Basically, most people want to be free to do what they want without dysfunction. If it were only that easy.
School Seeks Input on New Degree Program
The academic leadership at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) is creating a proposal for a master's of acupuncture degree with an emphasis in public health, qi development, nutrition and bodywork.
Tips From the Field: Creating a Supply Kit
"What supplies should I take with me?" I've been asked this question a lot over the years by massage therapists anticipating work in eldercare or hospice settings. This situation is far different from having an office space with all your supplies conveniently available.
Manageable Fitness Solutions
A lot has changed in the world of massage therapy since I first started practicing more than 25 years ago. While massage has been used for healing in East Asia for a long time, our attitude towards it in the U.S. has evolved from a practice that simply feels good, into a necessary part of professional sports, and a respected form of alternative healing.
Fixing Achy Hips
Structurally oriented therapists are keenly aware of the crucial role proper iliosacral alignment plays in preventing compensatory low back and SI joint pain.
Important Safety Issues on Mycotoxins
A mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by an organism of the fungus kingdom, including mushrooms, molds and yeasts. While there are several different groups of mycotoxins, this article will focus on aflatoxins and ochratoxins.
It's Never Too Late
If you believe what media pundits have to say, it is too late to panic. The barn door has been open for quite awhile now and just about everything that can run out has. However, it's never too late to put your financial house in order now so that you can ride out this mess and be prepared when everything settles down.
Farewell: Keep Sharing the Love
After nearly nine years of contributing as a columnist for Massage Today, Dr. John Upledger tells his readers farewell and leaves us with inspiring insight to this special field of work.
AMTA Convention: Largest Attendance Ever
The 2009 American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) national convention held September 23-26 in Orlando welcomed more than 1,800 attendees and nearly 100 vendors, making it the largest annual AMTA convention ever.
Is the Meridian System the Most Senior?
Chinese medicine starts with the teaching of meridians and acupoints. Western medicine starts with the teaching of anatomy, which is the foundation of Western medicine. Here, we discover heart, nerves, blood, hormones, cells and DNA.
Clients Who Are Reluctant to See a Physician
Whenever a client comes to me with an injury or pain condition, I make sure the person goes to see a physician if they have not already. I recommend this policy to all the practitioners I have trained around the country, and believe it is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our clients, our profession, and ourselves.
Acupuncturists Help Homeless Vets "Stand Down" Safely
Stand down is a military term, originally used to describe what soldiers did when leaving a castle's walls: standing down in safety with their heads down. Putting down arms and letting some one else be on patrol. This came to mean any ceasing of combat behind the lines.
Manifesto for Plant-Based Food Therapy
Food therapy needs to reclaim its central place in the practice of Chinese medicine and reconnect with the spirit of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who echoed the Yellow Emperor with his motto: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
East/West Protocols for Dysmenorrhea, Part 2
In my last article, I discussed options for integrating two effective Western herbs with TCM medicinals to minimize the pain of dysmenorrhea. In this part, I will continue to examine ways to use TCM medicinals to treat dysmenorrhea and discuss important natural supplements which can complement herbal protocols to more effectively assuage menstrual pain.
The CAM Legislative Scorecard
The process of reforming health care is complex and will need to consider all stakeholders - the public, providers, institutions, third-party payers and public insurers. Each of these entities has its own vested interest and issues, which may result in confusion and challenges. This article will attempt to unravel some of these complexities and address areas of interest to acupuncturists.
Massage Today T-Shirt Photo Contest Extended
Due to the recent availability of the Massage Today T-shirt for purchase, we have extended the deadline of our Massage Today T-shirt photo contest.
Be Prepared
In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for which acupuncturists dispensing dietary supplements across the nation will be accountable. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements.
AMTA Board of Directors Disbands Council of Schools
After months of evaluation, the AMTA's Governance Committee recommended the association's board of directors (BOD) vote to remove sections of the bylaws that refer to the COS, effectively dissolving the COS as an AMTA organization.
A Few Shameless Self-Promoting Tips to Build Your Practice
Promoting your business does not need to be a huge task weighed down with labor and expense. Often, all you need is a groundswell of ideas, and then follow with a little effort.
An Alternative Approach to Stretching
Clinicians, athletes and rehabilitation specialists advocate stretching as a means for injury prevention and treatment. The primary purpose of any stretching technique is to enhance pliability and flexibility in the soft tissues.
Practice Building: Taking Your Massage Practice to the Next Level
Many massage therapists are frustrated by how the current economic situation has affected their practice. They are having difficulty making ends meet while trying to find or maintain continuous employment.
Comprehensive Military PTSD Treatment Programs
So far, there are four comprehensive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat stress treatment programs in the U.S. Army that have incorporated different CAM approaches in their treatment programs. Many of these comprehensive programs started as a result of the Ft. Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center, near El Paso, Texas.
Dynamic Chiropractic – November 19, 2007, Vol. 25, Issue 24
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The Voters Are Speaking

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher

"Basic health benefits should include coverage for any licensed health care professional, such as naturopaths, acupuncturists and chiropractors, as long as they are certified and licensed by the state and by their profession."

Just two months ago (September 2007), the Gilmore Research Group released its findings from a survey of Iowa voters.1 The telephone survey sampled registered voters' opinions from around the state.

The demographic mix was similar to that of the state. The survey was commissioned by CodeBlueNow!

The topic of the survey was "Iowa Health Care Issues." The purpose of the survey was "to obtain their opinions regarding health care in the United States." When asked about the above statement, approximately two-thirds (68 percent) of the registered voters agreed. Only 11 percent disagreed, with 19 percent remaining neutral.

This current attitude reflects the continued growth of the importance of chiropractic in the minds of the public. In the minds of two-thirds of the Iowa public, chiropractic isn't "alternative," nor is it "complementary." In the minds of the voters/patients, chiropractic is a "basic health benefit."

At this point you may be thinking "OK, but how does this affect me and my practice?" Good question. The answer is that the opinion your patients and the public have about the necessity and importance of chiropractic care is a major determinant in defining your relationship with your patients and with your community. There is a difference in how you communicate and what you expect, based upon the relationship you have. Consider these statements:

  • As a "basic health benefit," chiropractic is considered just as important and valuable as medicine.
  • In the context of this statement, your license is considered just as valid as the license of any other health care provider.
  • This opinion demonstrates a level of expectation equal to all other licensed health care professions.
  • Your educated opinion holds just as much weight in the eyes of the voters who want to ensure that you are part of the basic benefit health care team.

To use a sports analogy, the public is like the football coach who moves chiropractic from the second string to the starting lineup. This means that you can interact with your patients, the public and other health care providers with a sense of security in knowing that most of them (finally) understand the importance of the knowledge and expertise you hold. You can speak more authoritatively and expect your opinion to be appreciated. You can hold a different, or even conflicting, opinion and still expect it to be recognized as valid.

In addition, this survey sends a political message. According to its Web site, "CodeBlueNow! is a national, nonpartisan, grassroots, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to giving the public a voice in shaping a new health care system." Their goal is to make the public and the political candidates aware of our country's health care needs.

No doubt, there will be additional surveys that reflect this same concern for chiropractic to be established as a basic health benefit. Chiropractic's place in the health care arena will continue to grow over the next year as the politicians begin to better appreciate what the public wants. We can expect to have more exposure as the 2008 elections draw closer.

Reference

  1. Iowa Health Care Issues Survey Results, conducted by The Gilmore Research Group. September 2007. www.codebluenow.org/UserFiles/File/CodeBlueNow %20Report%20 SUMMARY%2010-02-07.pdf.

DMP Jr.

Click here for more information about Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher.

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