Patient Education

Patient Education tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 How to's, tips and opinion on raising healthy lifestyle awareness. TypePad Recent Report Highlights Growing Dangers of Anti-Inflammatory Medications tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55720 2012-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

In the Sept. 27, 2011 posting of the Biomedical Central Journal: Family Practice, R.J. Adams and colleagues commented on concerns raised by the common prescribing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, particularly with respect to their important and sometimes fatal adverse side effects. They state, "Non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most common causes of reported serious adverse reactions to drugs, with those involving the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the cardiovascular system and the kidneys being the most common.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In the Sept. 27, 2011 posting of the Biomedical Central Journal: Family Practice, R.J. Adams and colleagues commented on concerns raised by the common prescribing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, particularly with respect to their important and sometimes fatal adverse side effects. They state, "Non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most common causes of reported serious adverse reactions to drugs, with those involving the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the cardiovascular system and the kidneys being the most common. The Problem With Statistics tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55719 2012-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

I'm not sure when I began to mistrust statistics; I think it was in college in the late "'60s." I remember reading in the Peoria Journal Star newspaper something to the effect that 50 percent of high-school students in Peoria either smoked marijuana or knew somebody who did. A confusing conclusion, I agree, since it could have meant that there was only one student smoking dope, but 50 percent of the students knew who that person was!

By John Hanks, DC I'm not sure when I began to mistrust statistics; I think it was in college in the late "'60s." I remember reading in the Peoria Journal Star newspaper something to the effect that 50 percent of high-school students in Peoria either smoked marijuana or knew somebody who did. A confusing conclusion, I agree, since it could have meant that there was only one student smoking dope, but 50 percent of the students knew who that person was! Are You a Bagel or a Donut? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55705 2012-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

Freakonomics, co-authored by University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and New York Times journalist Stephen Dubner, examines a unique business model. A company delivered bagels (including cream cheese) and donuts to office buildings. They left the food, a price list and a lockbox. An honor system was used to collect payment. At the end of the day, they would come back and collect the money from the lockbox and the leftover food. The company maintained a database of more than 12 years and 75,000 bagel and donut deliveries.

By Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS Freakonomics, co-authored by University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and New York Times journalist Stephen Dubner, examines a unique business model. A company delivered bagels (including cream cheese) and donuts to office buildings. They left the food, a price list and a lockbox. An honor system was used to collect payment. At the end of the day, they would come back and collect the money from the lockbox and the leftover food. The company maintained a database of more than 12 years and 75,000 bagel and donut deliveries. Foundation for Chiropractic Progress Acknowledges Top Corporate Sponsors tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55703 2012-01-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-04T12:00:07-07:00

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), architect of the chiropractic profession's longest running public-awareness campaign, is pleased to recognize its highest cumulative corporate contributors: Foot Levelers, whose total contributions equal $1,241,218, and Standard Process Inc., whose monetary support adds up to $567,264.

As we begin 2012, I think it's time for our profession to face the direction health care is going in the United States and consider the impact it has on our future. Often when speaking with someone or listening to a presenter, I hear them say something to the effect that people are recognizing the need to seek natural health care and we are headed for a paradigm shift away from drugs. While this is what we would all like to see, the facts point in the opposite direction.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher As we begin 2012, I think it's time for our profession to face the direction health care is going in the United States and consider the impact it has on our future. Often when speaking with someone or listening to a presenter, I hear them say something to the effect that people are recognizing the need to seek natural health care and we are headed for a paradigm shift away from drugs. While this is what we would all like to see, the facts point in the opposite direction. Putting Chiropractic in the News tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55669 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

There are a number of strategies involved in changing the opinions of millions of Americans. If you ultimately want a million more people to choose chiropractic care, you have to inform, educate and provide them with a clear understanding of why chiropractic care is the best choice for maintaining their health.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher There are a number of strategies involved in changing the opinions of millions of Americans. If you ultimately want a million more people to choose chiropractic care, you have to inform, educate and provide them with a clear understanding of why chiropractic care is the best choice for maintaining their health. Foundation Ad Turned Down by Medical Journals tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55660 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Apparently the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians are taking the word medical in "medical home model" quite literally, at least if their interest in publishing a Foundation for Chiropractic Progress advertisement on the topic of the medical home is any indication. The foundation recently submitted the ad to the Archives of Internal Medicine (an AMA journal) and the AAFP's American Family Physician for publication.

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor Apparently the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians are taking the word medical in "medical home model" quite literally, at least if their interest in publishing a Foundation for Chiropractic Progress advertisement on the topic of the medical home is any indication. The foundation recently submitted the ad to the Archives of Internal Medicine (an AMA journal) and the AAFP's American Family Physician for publication. A Week to Remember: Foundation for Chiropractic Progress Makes History tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55632 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

After hosting several exclusive media interviews with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and distributing a press release detailing National Hockey League standout Sidney Crosby's concussion and remarkable progression following treatment by chiropractic neurologist Dr. Ted Carrick, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress has generated unprecedented high-profile media coverage, with circulation totals surpassing 6 million in the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Sun Herald, The Oakland Tribune, Monterey County The Herald, Press Democrat, Bleacher Report, Contra Costa Times, Chicago Sun-Times, MSN Fox Sportshttp://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci_19089458and Boston Herald.

Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening. Reaching More People: From Research to Ads to Social Media tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55575 2011-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, architect of the longest running public- awareness campaign for the chiropractic profession, has achieved landmark success, but still needs your help to reach new heights. The foundation is setting the tone for the chiropractic profession about how to spread positive news to the public, but we can do more and reach even more people with your help. We are only as strong as our supporters.

By Kent Greenawalt The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, architect of the longest running public- awareness campaign for the chiropractic profession, has achieved landmark success, but still needs your help to reach new heights. The foundation is setting the tone for the chiropractic profession about how to spread positive news to the public, but we can do more and reach even more people with your help. We are only as strong as our supporters. Former "Seal Team Six" Member Is Newest Foundation Spokesperson tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55545 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

During the 2011 Florida Chiropractic Association National Convention and Expo., held in Orlando, Fla., Howard Wasdin, DC, former Navy Seal and author of The New York Times best-seller Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper, made an initial pledge to support the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. Dr. Wasdin immediately displayed his supportive position by engaging in a presentation and book signing to publically announce his advocacy.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness regarding the benefits associated with chiropractic care, is pleased to appoint Earl DeCarli, president and CEO, Scrip Companies, to its Board of Directors. Sunblocks and Sunscreens: Year-Round Advice for Parents tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55532 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

With an unusually hot summer winding down, many parents have been diligently covering their children with sunblocks and sunscreens for the past several months, believing it is best for their children. But how effective are these products at protecting them from the damaging rays of the sun? And just as important, how safe are the products themselves?

By Claudia Anrig, DC With an unusually hot summer winding down, many parents have been diligently covering their children with sunblocks and sunscreens for the past several months, believing it is best for their children. But how effective are these products at protecting them from the damaging rays of the sun? And just as important, how safe are the products themselves? Substance Abuse: A Prenatal-to-Grave Public Health Issue tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55509 2011-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Deaths from substance use and abuse exceed in number deaths caused by all other diseases. Doctors of chiropractic nationwide have added substance testing (and education) as a service promoting healthful living or the restoration of health and wellness for patients. Half of all people living in America are affected by substance abuse or by abuse by a loved one. A leading contributor to deaths caused by cancer, stroke and heart disease, substance abuse is no respecter of age, gender, race, social or economic status, level of education, station in life, geographic location, or faith system.

By Elizabeth Auppl; guest author for Joseph J. Sweere, DC, DABCO, DACBOH, FICC Deaths from substance use and abuse exceed in number deaths caused by all other diseases. Doctors of chiropractic nationwide have added substance testing (and education) as a service promoting healthful living or the restoration of health and wellness for patients. Half of all people living in America are affected by substance abuse or by abuse by a loved one. A leading contributor to deaths caused by cancer, stroke and heart disease, substance abuse is no respecter of age, gender, race, social or economic status, level of education, station in life, geographic location, or faith system. Thayer Hotel at West Point Honors Foundation Spokesperson Rebecca Halstead tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55506 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

The Thayer Hotel at West Point, N.Y., will dedicate a room to distinguished West Point graduate, U.S. Army Brigadier General, Rebecca Halstead (Ret.), spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.f4cp.com), on Nov. 2, 2011. The ceremony will take place on hotel grounds beginning at 6 p.m. and will include a one-hour reception followed by an official dedication program. The Thayer Hotel, an historical landmark at the United States Military Academy located at West Point, N.Y., is offering 149 guest rooms and several common areas to graduates whose global and national accomplishments are well-deserving.

How can any DC, student, faculty member, supplier or chiropractic organization not endorse a positive press campaign for the profession? How can you not say, "Here is X amount of dollars each month. Now go out and become a big success. Shout from every PR rooftop the value and significance of chiropractic care"?

By Michael Flynn, DC; guest author for Kent Greenawalt How can any DC, student, faculty member, supplier or chiropractic organization not endorse a positive press campaign for the profession? How can you not say, "Here is X amount of dollars each month. Now go out and become a big success. Shout from every PR rooftop the value and significance of chiropractic care"? Quick Response Codes: Help People Learn About You and Your Clinic tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55437 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Seen anything resembling this image before? They're appearing more and more frequently in various places. They are known as QR (Quick Response) codes. Originally developed in Japan for tracking parts, these codes are being used in many places to provide additional information to people with smartphones and tablets. Believe it or not, these codes can contain up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Seen anything resembling this image before? They're appearing more and more frequently in various places. They are known as QR (Quick Response) codes. Originally developed in Japan for tracking parts, these codes are being used in many places to provide additional information to people with smartphones and tablets. Believe it or not, these codes can contain up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters. Wellness Rebates: Motivating Patients to Reduce Health Care Costs tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55436 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

The original idea behind health insurance was probably a good one. The assumption was that the risk of catastrophic illness or uncompensated injury experienced by a single individual would be borne by a group of healthy people who didn't experience a need for that level of care in a given year.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher The original idea behind health insurance was probably a good one. The assumption was that the risk of catastrophic illness or uncompensated injury experienced by a single individual would be borne by a group of healthy people who didn't experience a need for that level of care in a given year. Shared Decision-Making and Self-Management in Health Care tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55400 2011-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

There is increasing interest in shared decision-making (SDM) by patients, health care professionals and policy-makers. Woolf reports that "patients increasingly seek more active participation in health care decisions and many groups have called for a shift toward more meaningful dialogue between patients and physicians." However, although shared decision-making is advocated as the preferred form of health care decision making, it is rarely observed in practice.

By David J. Brunarski, DC, MSc, FCCS(C) There is increasing interest in shared decision-making (SDM) by patients, health care professionals and policy-makers. Woolf reports that "patients increasingly seek more active participation in health care decisions and many groups have called for a shift toward more meaningful dialogue between patients and physicians." However, although shared decision-making is advocated as the preferred form of health care decision making, it is rarely observed in practice. Are We Connected or Disconnected? Technology and Genuine Dialogue tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55391 2011-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

I've had discussions with a good friend of mine, Sy Ogulnick, for more than 30 years on the subject of how to achieve "honest communications." This past week, he and I were examining the issue of technology and how this is impacting honest communication, doctor-patient relationships, and interactions between parent and child, employee and employer and friend to friend.

By Louis Sportelli, DC I've had discussions with a good friend of mine, Sy Ogulnick, for more than 30 years on the subject of how to achieve "honest communications." This past week, he and I were examining the issue of technology and how this is impacting honest communication, doctor-patient relationships, and interactions between parent and child, employee and employer and friend to friend. New Projects Further the FCP Mission tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55388 2011-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (FCP) has implemented several initiatives to further its mission to provide education and generate widespread positive press for the chiropractic profession. The FCP remains the architect of the longest-running public awareness campaign for the chiropractic profession and has achieved much success. Through new research studies, work within the business community and an aggressive media campaign, the FCP is expanding to do even more. Here is an update on some of the foundation's latest projects and outreach efforts in support of chiropractic.

By Kent Greenawalt The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (FCP) has implemented several initiatives to further its mission to provide education and generate widespread positive press for the chiropractic profession. The FCP remains the architect of the longest-running public awareness campaign for the chiropractic profession and has achieved much success. Through new research studies, work within the business community and an aggressive media campaign, the FCP is expanding to do even more. Here is an update on some of the foundation's latest projects and outreach efforts in support of chiropractic. If You Speak It, They Will Come tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55384 2011-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

Public speaking is the secret weapon to building a professional business. In today's economy, it can be your most powerful and cost-effective marketing strategy. Expensive Yellow Pages ads and time-consuming spinal screenings cannot compare to the close personal connection established with potential patients via public speaking. Personal connection builds trust, and trust builds your practice.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Public speaking is the secret weapon to building a professional business. In today's economy, it can be your most powerful and cost-effective marketing strategy. Expensive Yellow Pages ads and time-consuming spinal screenings cannot compare to the close personal connection established with potential patients via public speaking. Personal connection builds trust, and trust builds your practice. Must-Knows About Car-Seat Safety tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55367 2011-06-03T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-03T12:00:07-07:00

Any parent with a newborn to first or second grader knows that car seats are a part of family life. However, many parents may think that if they use the child restraint system required by law, their children will automatically be safe. But how safe are they? As their chiropractor, you can provide parents with the proper information and advice.

By Claudia Anrig, DC Any parent with a newborn to first or second grader knows that car seats are a part of family life. However, many parents may think that if they use the child restraint system required by law, their children will automatically be safe. But how safe are they? As their chiropractor, you can provide parents with the proper information and advice. Are Chiropractors Protecting Patients From Medical Care? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55333 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

"[C]hiropractors might be preventing some of their patients from receiving procedures of unproven cost utility value or dubious efficacy." This quote comes from the latest study revealing chiropractic's superiority to "traditional medical approaches." Titled "Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association With Disability Recurrence," the study was published in the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher "[C]hiropractors might be preventing some of their patients from receiving procedures of unproven cost utility value or dubious efficacy." This quote comes from the latest study revealing chiropractic's superiority to "traditional medical approaches." Titled "Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association With Disability Recurrence," the study was published in the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Exploitation of the American Medical Patient tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55317 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

"Clinical practice guidelines play an enormously important role in society and the practice of medicine. Individual physicians use CPGs to determine which diagnostic tests and therapeutic strategies are most appropriate for their patients. Government and third-party payers use CPGs to determine which procedures and drugs should receive reimbursement. Hospitals and clinics use these CPGs to decide when innovative, but expensive, therapies are sufficiently mature to warrant a major investment. Increasingly, government, the public and the media use CPGs as a benchmark to gauge the quality of medical practice for both hospitals and individual physicians."

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher "Clinical practice guidelines play an enormously important role in society and the practice of medicine. Individual physicians use CPGs to determine which diagnostic tests and therapeutic strategies are most appropriate for their patients. Government and third-party payers use CPGs to determine which procedures and drugs should receive reimbursement. Hospitals and clinics use these CPGs to decide when innovative, but expensive, therapies are sufficiently mature to warrant a major investment. Increasingly, government, the public and the media use CPGs as a benchmark to gauge the quality of medical practice for both hospitals and individual physicians." Leveraging Local Search: Recent Search-Engine Changes Can Bring You New Patients tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55315 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Have you heard the news? Google's new search-engine algorithms have changed the way this leading search engine "organizes information," giving both "location" and "reviews" a new centrality in how Web sites are ranked in the search-engine search results. Whereas before, your practice could still be listed on the map without a Web site, the new search algorithms are demanding your practice have a Web site if you want to show up on the first page for location-based searches. Now, the first seven search result listings can only be chiropractors who have a physical location in the town searched.

By Glenn Lombardi Have you heard the news? Google's new search-engine algorithms have changed the way this leading search engine "organizes information," giving both "location" and "reviews" a new centrality in how Web sites are ranked in the search-engine search results. Whereas before, your practice could still be listed on the map without a Web site, the new search algorithms are demanding your practice have a Web site if you want to show up on the first page for location-based searches. Now, the first seven search result listings can only be chiropractors who have a physical location in the town searched. Health Coaching: A Model That Makes Sense for Chiropractic tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55314 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

As anyone who has ever raised a teenager knows all too well, telling someone to do something because it's "good for them" can feel like so much wasted breath. Chiropractors also can find themselves winded from exhorting (encouraging, cajoling, threatening, nagging, etc.) patients to persist with their programs of care and enhance their overall well-being with more frequent chiropractic visits, better nutrition, more sleep, stress management and exercise.

By Guy Riekeman, DC, President, Life University As anyone who has ever raised a teenager knows all too well, telling someone to do something because it's "good for them" can feel like so much wasted breath. Chiropractors also can find themselves winded from exhorting (encouraging, cajoling, threatening, nagging, etc.) patients to persist with their programs of care and enhance their overall well-being with more frequent chiropractic visits, better nutrition, more sleep, stress management and exercise.