Chiropractic News

Palmer College of Chiropractic Announces New Chancellor

planetc1.com-news — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Palmer Chiropractic News

DAVENPORT, IA (November 4, 2009) -- Following what might be the most expansive search for a chiropractic college leader in the history of the profession, the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the unanimous selection of Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D., D.A.C.B.R., as chancellor of Palmer College. His appointment will take effect December 15, 2009.

Dr. Marchiori was approved by the Board of Trustees at its October 30, 2009, meeting in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. He was recommended to the full Board after a comprehensive interview process led by a Board-appointed, seven-member ad hoc Succession Planning and Search Committee. The Committee was assisted by Diversified Search, a Philadelphia-based executive search firm, and a five-member search advisory group consisting of notable chiropractic, higher education and community leaders.

"I'm very pleased with the process we followed to identify who we all believe is the most qualified person to lead Palmer College," said Mr. Ken Koupal, chair of the Committee. "Diversified Search, the Committee and everyone involved worked as a true team to recruit and examine a strong pool of 27 internal and external candidates. In the end, we all recognized that the best candidate, Dr. Marchiori, was right here at Palmer."

"From the outset, our goal was to be thorough and committed to finding the right candidate to lead this institution," said Trevor Ireland, D.C., chairman of the Palmer Board of Trustees. "We will never lose sight of our responsibility for doing what is best for Palmer College and we're confident that, under Dr. Marchiori's proven leadership, we will continue to uphold that responsibility."

"For more than a century, Palmer College has been leading the chiropractic profession and contributing to the communities surrounding our campuses," said Dr. Marchiori. "I am honored to continue the successes of the past, including recent regional accreditation and growing extramural research grants, as we advance the College through its next phase of accomplishments. We have energized students and a dedicated team of staff, faculty and administrators to promote our educational mission. Palmer College is an exceptional organization and well-positioned for future success. I'm truly honored to have been selected chancellor."

A Palmer Product: A native of western Pennsylvania, Dr. Marchiori completed his prerequisite work at Penn State University before earning his Bachelor's of Science at Regents College in Albany, New York. He graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College's Davenport Campus in 1990 and went on to earn his Master of Science degree in Anatomy at Palmer in 1992. In 1995, he completed a three-year residency in radiology at Palmer College leading to Diplomate status with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology. Dr. Marchiori received his doctorate in Policy, Planning and Leadership from the University of Iowa in 2005. He has had faculty appointments in the Research, and Diagnosis and Radiology departments. His administrative tenure includes the roles of department chair, dean, vice president of Academic Affairs for the Davenport Campus, and vice chancellor for Academics for the College system. In addition to his teaching and administrative service, he has published numerous scientific articles and two editions of a comprehensive textbook in radiology, titled "Clinical Imaging."

"With nearly 20 years invested with Palmer College, Dr. Marchiori has proven himself as a leader in chiropractic and higher education," said Dr. Ireland. "There is a great sense of pride in watching someone like him live the American Dream, advancing through the administrative levels and excelling with each new chapter."

Passing the Baton: In assuming the chancellor role, Dr. Marchiori will succeed Mr. William Wilke, a respected Quad-City area businessman and a member of the Palmer Board since 1998. In December 2008, following the departure of Chancellor Larry Patten, the Board asked Mr. Wilke to serve until a complete and thorough search could be conducted.

"While we are excited about the future of Palmer College under Dr. Marchiori's leadership, I want to express the Board's sincere gratitude to Mr. Wilke for his service during the past year," said Dr. Ireland. "His guidance and management expertise played a key role in so many of our accomplishments."

Dr. Marchiori lives in Bettendorf, Iowa, with his wife, Cheryl, and four children: Isabella, Sophia, Tony and Olivia. An investiture ceremony is being planned for early next year.

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Palmer Media Relations: Lori Leipold, Media Relations; Palmer College of Chiropractic
Phone (563) 884-5726; fax (563) 884-5225
College web site at: www.palmer.edu

Chiropratic Team Successfully Finishes Chicago Marathon

planetc1.com-news — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:03:00 GMT

Chicago, Illinois -- Chiropractic history was made on Sunday, October 11th on the streets of Chicago when all runners on Team NPCO for Chiropractic successfully crossed the finish line at the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in front of over one million cheering spectators. Waking up early and bearing the chilly 33 degree weather, runners from various parts of the country ran 26.2 miles on behalf of Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization (NPCO).

Team NPCO's theme for the marathon was "run with a vision; a vision for a healthier tomorrow." Wearing neon green jerseys, many runners finished with a personal best record after six months of intense training. Paul Nottoli, who finished with Team NPCO's fastest time, explains that "this year's Chicago Marathon was a great experience. Not only was I able to run a great time of 2 hours 52 minutes and 47 seconds (which is about a 6.5 minute mile, Personal Record for me), I was able to personally raise $2,000 for NPCO and be the top fundraiser. NPCO is a guiding light in building a positive future of healthcare for others around the world with chiropractic care. I will continue to support NPCO even though the marathon is over."

The 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon took the runners through downtown Chicago and its many neighborhoods where thousands of screaming spectators were on the sidelines hoping to spot their favorite runner. A portion of Mile 14 was designated the official cheering station for NPCO and signs reading "Nothing Beats Chiropractic" and "Run with a Vision" were visible as Team NPCO volunteers, family and friends clapped and jumped up and down to keep warm as they cheered the team on.

"As I ran through the streets of Chicago wearing my Team NPCO neon-green jersey, I was amazed by the number of people that cheered me on by yelling out the slogan written across the front of my jersey saying, keep going, Run with a Vision. It kept me going not only that day, but has continued to keep me going as I continue to take care of patients on a daily basis," states runner and chiropractor Dr. Ryan Novak of Hickory Hills (Chicago), Illinois.

There were also many first-time marathon runners who ran on Team NPCO. "I firmly believe that running a Marathon is 90% mental and 10% physical. My friend and fellow runner, Heather Archer, and I made it through our first marathon because we envisioned the hope that we could bring to so many people in pain. We prayed, sang, and leaned on each other to accomplish a goal to bring a better life to men, women, and children everywhere. We wouldn't change our experience for anything in the world and thank God for our amazing experience with Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization!"

Fundraising was not a requirement for Team NPCO runners, but many runners created their own personal fundraising web pages. All monies raised went directly to NPCO, an official 501(c)3 charity dedicated to providing chiropractic healthcare, in the form of non-profit clinics, to those less fortunate around the world.

Dr. Bruce Phillips of North Vernon, Indiana said "the Chicago Marathon was just an awesome experience. I was very delighted to participate and support Team NPCO in their first appearance at the Chicago Marathon! The fans were great and I received many positive comments from fellow runners in support of chiropractic! I was a little sore on Monday, but it was worth it."

On Friday, October 9th, two days before the big marathon race-day, NPCO President, Joshua Heines and NPCO runner Reza Baluchi appeared on Chicago's WGN channel 9 news station for a mid-day news interview talking about Chiropractic healthcare and Team NPCO. Runners were congratulated at the Team NPCO Awards & Recognition Dinner held later that evening in downtown Chicago. Guest Speakers included Dr. John V. Whaley, Dr. Robert Schiffman and Reza Baluchi. Dr. Whaley, the first licensed Chiropractor from Palmer College in the State of Illinois, sported his 1948 Cross Country letterman's jacket and told the runners that their efforts to raise money to provide free chiropractic care to those living in poverty will help them to win their own race for heath. Motivational Speaker and founder of Get The Big Idea Dr. Robert Schiffman reminded runners that they were running with a vision, a vision of Chiropractic that was more far reaching than the streets of Chicago.

Team NPCO runner, Reza Baluchi, played a slideshow for the runners documenting his 43-day running journey from Los Angeles, California to New York, New York in pursuit of the World Record hoping to encourage the runners, and to remind them that anything is possible.

NPCO President, Joshua Heines, spread the word about Team NPCO and Chiropractic by doing a book signing at Bloomingdales on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago on Saturday, October 10th. Costumed characters from his recently published children's book Peter Meets Pedro � On Vacation roamed Bloomindales and took pictures with runners and shoppers. Proceeds from the book are being donated to NPCO.

To view pictures and find out more about Team NPCO for Chiropractic, or to sign up for the 2010 team, please visit www.NPCO.org.

Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research Receives Federal Stimulus Funds

planetc1.com-news — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:56:00 GMT

Palmer Chiropractic News

NCCAM Awards Stimulus Funding to Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research for Low Back Pain Study Focusing on Muscle Function

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), has awarded a supplemental grant to the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research (PCCR) for its clinical study on the relationship between back pain and possible abnormal function of the supportive muscles in the back. The PCCR is located on the campus of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

Totaling $578,853, the grant was awarded to Palmer by NCCAM through its funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as federal stimulus funds. The money will create at least five new jobs at the PCCR's research clinic facility on the Palmer College of Chiropractic campus in Davenport, Iowa.

This latest award will assist the PCCR in its efforts to improve the care provided to patients with low back pain through clinical research. "We are pleased to be able to bring federal stimulus dollars into the Quad-City area, especially since these funds will allow us to create new jobs while also building our research infrastructure," said Palmer's Vice Chancellor for Research and Health Policy Christine Goertz, D.C. Ph.D. "We are now able to accelerate the progress of our clinical studies by recruiting patients more quickly."

The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research is the largest institutional chiropractic research effort in the world, supplemented increasingly by federal grant funding. These funds, totaling nearly $30 million in the past 10 years, have been instrumental in expanding PCCR programs in research education, clinical science, translational research, experimental biomechanics, neurosciences, and health services and policy research.

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Palmer Media Relations: Lori Leipold, Media Relations; Palmer College of Chiropractic
Phone (563) 884-5726; fax (563) 884-5225
College web site at: www.palmer.edu

Santa Monica Los Angeles Metro CCA Chiropractors October Meeting

planetc1.com-news — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:21:00 GMT

By Michael Dorausch, DC

California Chiropractic Association (CCA) member and non member chiropractors gathered on Wednesday, October 21st, for a combined Los Angeles Metro and Santa Monica District CCA meeting/presentation. The event, which featured chiropractic attorney Shawn Steel, was held at the world famous International Sport Science Institute, a facility owned by long time chiropractor, Dr. Leroy Perry.

Chiropractor Attorney Shawn Steel and Chiropractor Leroy Perry

The opportunity to visit Dr. Leroy Perry's International Sport Science Institute alone was worth the price of admission ($10 for CCA members and $20 for non-members). Besides providing a location for chiropractic care, the 2 story Cheviot Hills facility included an indoor pool, gym, yoga studio, and other lifestyle/rehabilitative areas.

Attorney Shawn Steel, of Shawn Steel and Associates, APLC shawnsteel.com, gave a terrific presentation related to chiropractic care and questions that may arise on depositions, mediations, and trials. It was a Wednesday evening, a work night for most of the chiropractors in attendance, so Shawn Steel kept the presentation under 2 hours, and it was rich with valuable information to chiropractors practicing in California.

CCA chiropractors provided pizza and beverages for the event and there was a good turnout of active LA region CCA members. It was mentioned that now is a great time to join the CCA (see Time to Join California CCA) and doctors gave mention to the benefits of CCA membership, including events like the CCA Hosting of the 100 Year Lifestyle Weekend, which features 12 Hours Free CE from the California Chiropractic Association. The CCA recently held relicensing events in San Diego and there's a 12 hour event taking place in San Francisco in November 2009 (see San Francisco and San Diego CE Credits from CCA).

LA Metro and Santa Monica Chiropractor CCA Reps Bryen Bell and Michael Tebbe

Combining efforts from the Metro Los Angeles and Santa Monica chapters helped make the night a success, that along with the hospitality of Dr. Perry and the skilled presentation by Shawn Steel. Even if chiropractors took away only one thing Shawn taught, the investment made would provide great returns on investment.

Like the enthusiasm shown for chiropractic by CCA reps like Dr. Kevin Joe (see Kevin Joe and California CCA events), the energy and passion for moving chiropractic forward was shared by elected CCA representatives on hand for the evenings event. Many thanks to chiropractors Michael Tebbe, Bryen Bell, Evan Berk and others for organizing this event.

For more CCA information or to find a doctor of chiropractic supporting the California Chiropractic Association, visit the official website at: calchiro.org.

Parker Alumni Awarded for Contributions to Chiropractic Profession

planetc1.com-news — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:17:00 GMT

Parker College of Chiropractic News

October 22, 2009 (Dallas) -� The Parker Alumni Association recognized alumni who have made a tremendous difference in the chiropractic profession during the Parker Annual Homecoming and Class Reunion in Dallas, Texas.

"Our alumni association members give so much to the chiropractic profession," said Timothy Gunn, director of Alumni Relations. "It's nice to honor them and show our appreciation for everything that they do."

Dr. Marco La Starza '04 was honored with the Young Alumni of the Year award, which is given to a recent graduate because of his/her passion and dedication to chiropractic and Parker College. While at Parker he made deans list, was a part of almost every club possible, and participated in Chiro Games. Shortly after graduation he returned to Florida to open his own practice in Rockledge. He has focused his marketing on his community by getting involved in numerous non-profit, civic, and government organizations. Not only did he receive patients from his involvement, he received state-wide press when a local news station ran a feature story on him called "Good Guy Chiropractor Volunteers Time."

Dr. La Starza is a member of numerous chiropractic organizations such as the Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractors Association, World Chiropractic Alliance, and Florida Chiropractic Society.

The 2009 Alumni of the Year award was presented to Dr. Patrick Bodnar, assistant professor at Parker College of Chiropractic, for his devotion to giving back to Parker College. He is a very well-known entity at Parker due to his commitment with the students and all members of the Parker family. Dr. Bodnar is also a team teacher for Parker Seminars, where he lectures on a variety of topics including business methods, patient communication systems, functional assessment and treatment protocols, and advanced patient rehab. "The Alumni Association is so proud to not only have him as a member but have him as an advocate," said Dr. Camille Reagan �01, vice president of the Parker Alumni Association. "We feel his contributions will truly make this profession stronger by strengthening our communication and business skills."

The James W. Parker Award was created by the Charter Class to recognize individuals who live the principles our founder left to guide us. He was a man who had a vision greater than himself and lived to make this world a healthier place for all. Dr. Michael Hall '90 was given the 2009 James W. Parker Award. For more than 11 years he has taught the students enrolled at Parker College. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Parker Alumni Association and practices at Hall Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center in Dallas, Texas. He has a background in neurology and has been a diplomat in chiropractic neurology since 1993. Dr. Hall is also certified in spinal trauma. He is a member of the International Association of Chiropractic Neurology, American Chiropractic Association, and Texas Chiropractic Association.

The annual Homecoming and Class Reunion event also included entertainment, a chance to reconnect with classmates, and meet others who walked the graduation stage before or after their graduation year. This year is the reunion year for graduates from classes 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004.

For a list of upcoming events please visit www.parkercc.edu or to contact the Parker Office of Alumni Relations e-mail askalumni@parkercc.edu.

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Parker College of Chiropractic, located in Dallas, is one of the country's leading educators of healthcare professionals with an international student enrollment. For additional information about Parker College of Chiropractic, visit the college's website at www.parkercc.edu.

Chiropractic Industry Leaders Award Chiropractic Students

planetc1.com-news — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:10:00 GMT

Parker College of Chiropractic News

October 15, 2009 (Dallas) � Parker Seminars partnered with several of the chiropractic industry leaders to present Parker College of Chiropractic students with 10 scholarships totaling 37,250 dollars during the Dallas Parker Seminar. Scholarship recipients were chosen by the Parker College of Chiropractic scholarship committee. Students who applied for the scholarships were required to write an essay about what they have learned from speakers during Parker Seminars and Parker College assemblies.

Chiropractic Industry Leaders Award $37,250 to Parker College of Chiropractic Students during Parker Seminar

Chiropractic Economics gave Janna Cottingame and Taryn Lowery 5,000 dollars each. Lowery revealed how she will be using the scholarship. "I am opening a practice after graduation in December," said Lowery. "This scholarship is going directly to the �practice fund.� I have waited three very long years to fulfill this dream of not only owning my own business, but of serving the lives of the loving families in my community."

Also sponsoring a scholarship, Standard Process gave 5,000 dollars to Carol Watkins. "This scholarship will allow me to further my chiropractic education by providing the financial ability to attend seminars, including 2010 Parker Seminar Las Vegas," said Watkins. "This furthering of my education will allow me to provide better care for my patients."

Chiropractic Leadership Alliance allotted Jacob Hansen and Mary Sue Branch 3,750 dollars each. "My family and I can't even begin to express how grateful and blessed we are for their generosity," said Hansen. "I don't think it is possible for them to understand how much this means to us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them for their support and for this incredible gift."

Performance Health presented Lindsay McIinnis with 3,750 dollars. "I am very appreciative to Dr. Dana Mackison and Performance Health for their generosity," said McInnis. "Companies that put money back into the profession by investing in students really make a difference. This scholarship has alleviated some financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies which will in turn greatly enhance the care of my patients."

Additional scholarship sponsors included Pro Solutions who gave 3,750 dollars to Paul Stadler, Erchonia who allotted 3,750 dollars to Erin Spindler, Douglas Labs designated 2,500 to Dan Sullins, and B&D Enterprises gave Ashley Posa 1,000 dollars.

A reception followed the presenting of scholarships providing time for the students to thank their sponsor and the opportunity for the sponsors to meet the recipients face to face. Tremendous appreciation was shown from the scholarship recipients.

Now You Know Launches Digital Office News Service

planetc1.com-news — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:57:00 GMT

by Michael Dorausch, DC

Chiropractic waiting rooms are being transformed into patient education rooms thanks to a new service launched by Now You Know (NYK). The chiropractic website and Internet educational service, Now You Know, has created an in office chiropractic news service that streams information from online to television screens in chiropractic reception areas.

I met up with chiropractor BJ Harman (one of the company's founders) recently while in Phoenix Arizona for a chiropractic conference. While in Phoenix, I had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Harman and learn more about this new service. I really like it.

First off, the service is free for those that already use NYK for chiropractic website Internet services, and I believe they'll be rolling out a monthly subscription package for those that don't have websites hosted with them. Through their service a chiropractic office can connect an LCD flatscreen monitor to a computer connected to the Internet and play live streaming news information that is chiropractic centered.

Chiropractic News coming to your office TV soon

The process is fairly basic and chiropractors can use a flatscreen monitor television that's connected to a computer with Internet connectivity. Using the Internet browser Firefox, chiropractors will be able to login to an account that allows them to manage the various aspects of the chiropractic news service, which will allow them to display the news on the TV full-screen.

The folks at NYK are probably most excited about the value the service is going to have for chiropractors in the way of patient education. I think that's fantastic but what I really find terrific about what they're doing is that they're pushing technology adoption on chiropractic offices everywhere. How many chiropractic offices have their LCD screen TVs (or plasma screens if you like) showing content full screen from the Internet?

What happens as a result of more chiropractors combining the use of online and visual displays through technology in the office is that increasing numbers of practitioners become geek aware and tech intelligent. This leads to increased use and development of continually improving and readily accessible chiropractic educational materials for the office. That's good for all chiropractors as well as the patients they serve.

California Chiropractic Credit Union 1943

planetc1.com-news — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:50:00 GMT

By Michael Dorausch, DC

From what I've gathered by researching chiropractic publications, journals, historical archives and other sources from around the golden state, Chiropractic as a profession in the state of California, experienced a significant amount of activity in the 1940s, especially in Los Angeles. In 1943, the year Warner Bros. won Best Picture Academy Award for the film Casablanca, chiropractors in the state of California got to be part of a federally insured state credit union.

National Credit Union Administration screenshot showing California Chiropractic Credit Union (CCCU) chartered in 1943

According to the National Credit Union Administration (ncua.gov), a chiropractic credit union was chartered in the state of California in 1943. From documents I've viewed online and off-line, I found a significant amount of historical information regarding the credit union, which operated in the state through December 31, 1990 (nearly 50 years).

Charter Number: 64494
Name: CALIFORNIA CHIROPRACTIC
Year Chartered: 1943
Credit Union Type: 2 - Federally-insured State

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the independent federal agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions throughout the United States and its territories.

Why was the credit union merged out? I haven't yet found the answers to that, but the more I look at documents from early times of chiropractic in California, the more I understand how it is we got to where we are today. Just the other day I had another historical post that was from the same era, a check for chiropractic research funding, written in 1945 and presented at an Elks Temple in what is now the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles.

Another dot gov website, kepler.sos.ca.gov, shows the Corporation number C0191903 for the California Chiropractic Credit Union, which was reportedly filed on January 21, 1943 in the state of California. By the time the credit union was merged out, a P.O. Box in the city of North Hollywood is listed as the address for the credit union. I suspect that around the time of filing in the 1940s, the credit union office location was somewhere around downtown Los Angeles.

A 9 page PDF document (from the NCUA) shows a complete statement of financial condition for the California chiropractic credit union after its closing in December of 1990. During the near 50 years of the credit union's existence, chiropractors in the state of California were able to receive unsecured loans as well as new and used auto loans. 450 total loans were made through the CCCU (I'm assuming that's from 1943 to 1990), which provided many chiropractors in the state of California with opportunities to finance new offices, equipment, automobiles, and more.

While news about a credit union in California may not seem as exciting as some ultra secret formula to grow your chiropractic practice, the reviewing of chiropractic history plays an important role in understanding what accomplishments (and what defeats) have taken place during the past 110+ years. Somebody found it significantly important to create a credit union for chiropractors in 1943, let's take the time to appreciate their efforts, as we move forward.

COCSA Annual Convention November Saint Pete Beach Florida

planetc1.com-news — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:54:00 GMT

COCSA News

Have you registered for the COCSA Annual Convention November 12-14th, 2009 in St. Pete Beach, Florida? We are getting closer to white sandy beaches, cold fruity beverages, and the COCSA Convention!

Have you met the General? - Thursday November 12th - Join us for dinner with General Becky Halstead - "Steadfast Leadership and Life Principles for you, your practice and your profession"

Dinner sponsored by Florida Chiropractic Association, Palmer College and National University: General Halstead sponsored by F4CP

Eight Critical Steps to Getting Member (and Future) Members' Attention! Taking Your Association to a New Level of Marketing & Communications Competence. Join us Friday at 10:15am for Melynn Sight's insight!

Most times, we don't see things as they are; we see things as WE are. When associations communicate with members, it is almost always from the association's point of view. AEs are frustrated when members don't seem to pay attention, read, or respond to their mail! You will leave this upbeat session with eight specific practices to make your members pay more attention to and act on the services you offer. Learn first-hand about association mistakes and successful communications makeovers. Learn the new rules of communication to successfully market to your members.

Please join us for Rita Emmett's presentation: "Blast AWAY Procrastination" - Author of The Procrastinator's Hand Book; Manage Your Time To Reduce Your Stress: - Recovering Procrastinator & Professional Speaker, (as seen on the Today show with Katie Couric) November 14th, Saturday at 2:15pm

STAND TALLER - LIVE LONGER -- Dr. Steven Weiniger, author of Stand Taller~Live Longer, presents the concept of Posture Expert as a path for chiropractic cultural authority and acceptance. Dr. Weiniger will describe how strengthening posture is an achievable target for chiropractic "branding" by bridging the gap from the broad public health initiative of COCSA endorsed Straighten Up America to an in-office, individualize clinical program.

Mary Bushman -- HIPAA and Beyond - The New ERA of EHR - Real World Claim Attachments Experience - Overview: This presentation will provide some background on Claim Attachments, the Claim Attachments pilot and the first steps to Electronic Health Records. The adoption rate for the electronic standard solution for automating the claims attachments process remains low, however those who have implemented have enjoyed not just efficiencies, but significant ROI. After today's session you will better understand the advantages to implementing this solution and preparing for implementing a total Electronic Health Record System.

For Convention registration visit www.cocsa.org. Register for TradeWinds Grand Island HOTEL by OCT 11th for your ROOM DISCOUNT: 1-800-808-9833

COCSA Main Office 316.613-3386
Fax 316.633.4455

HAPPY 40th COCSA! -- Please join us for a fabulous Celebration of 40years of COCSA! Enjoy a Wonderful Evening on the Beach with Magic, Dinner and live Music! Networking Reception Sponsor - Core Products -- Dinner Celebration sponsored by NCMIC PAYDC -- Entertainment Sponsor - Parker College

National Senior Games a Golden Experience for Chiropractic Students

planetc1.com-news — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:16:00 GMT

Palmer Chiropractic University System News

Palmer's West Campus Sports Council takes care of athletes at National Senior Games -- Members of the Sports Council chapter of Palmer College of Chiropractic's West Campus in San Jose, California, provided chiropractic sports care services to more than 800 competitors in Augusts 2009 National Senior Games, the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Competitors in the two-week National Senior Games, held primarily at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., were able to enhance their performances through chiropractic care. There were more than 10,000 athletes participating in the August 1-15 competition.

Palmer College's West Campus Sports Council worked as part of an integrative healthcare team with residents from the Stanford University Medical Center, who referred any conditions that were musculoskeletal in nature to the Palmer Sports Council tent. More than 800 athletes received care from the Sports Council team, and many returned for follow-up care, which pushed the total number of patient visits to more than 1,200.

Palmer West Sports Council at 2009 Senior Games

"Although I know this is just a step on a journey for our Sports Council, the National Senior Games felt like the culmination of a career for me," said Edward Feinberg, D.C., a Palmer professor and Sports Council faculty adviser since the organization's formation in 1994. "This was the first time that we've interacted with Stanford Emergency and Sports Medicine, and we've left them with some very positive impressions."

"I can't help feeling proud about our Sport's Council's recent experience working alongside other health providers at the National Senior Games," said William Meeker, D.C., M.P.H., West Campus president. "This is truly a high level of visibility for Palmer College and for chiropractic in general, and it demonstrates the value that the organizers saw in making chiropractic care available to these amazing athletes. Whenever we work with other healthcare providers in these settings, we generate respect and open up other avenues of potential collaboration."

Palmer College alumni who served as Sports Council clinicians during the two-week event included: Pauline Anderson, D.C. (1990 graduate and West Campus associate clinical professor); Steve Capobianco, D.C. (2003); Dr. Feinberg (1983 graduate, West Campus professor and Sports Council adviser); Tony Kearns, D.C. (2007); and Mehdi Moossavi, D.C. (1992 graduate and West Campus professor). In addition, another West alumnus, Taylor Rabbetz, D.C. (2000), was instrumental in helping to facilitate the opportunity for the West Campus Sports Council to serve as the event's chiropractic provider.

"The National Senior Games was by far the best event during my time as a member of the Sports Council," said Michael Lord, West Campus Sports Council president. "There were nearly two dozen sports, so you had athletes presenting with a variety of conditions. Plus, you had athletes returning after their events, which provided the opportunity for immediate feedback and evaluation. The competitive spirit of these athletes was inspiring. And it was great to have so many athletes return and thank us for helping them compete, and, for several, win their events."

For additional information: www.palmer.edu - www.palmerwestsports.com - www.2009seniorgames.org

Thousands in Dallas receive Southern Hospitality at Parker Seminars

planetc1.com-news — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:08:00 GMT

Parker College of Chiropractic News

September 30, 2009 (Dallas) -- Parker Seminars played host to more than 1,500 chiropractors, chiropractic assistants, massage therapists, and chiropractic students from all over the world. The seminar included Parker traditions along with many new events, speakers, and topics where attendees discovered, shared, and celebrated the profession.

Helping each other live a better quality of life was one common theme that kept appearing throughout the seminar. Dr. Mancini, president of Parker College of Chiropractic, presented the keys to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. He explained that in order to maintain a healthy body you must exercise regularly, eat healthy, and receive chiropractic adjustments frequently. The key to achieving a healthy mind is de-stressing by ridding the negative parts of your life. To maintain a healthy spirituality Dr. Mancini told the audience to believe in a purpose that is higher than themselves.

Dr. Mancini encouraged the audience to put health at the top of their priorities by living what they are promoting so that they are living a life congruent to the chiropractic philosophy. He advised them to educate their patients about nutrition and exercising regularly by setting an example. "The patients are watching more of what you do instead of what you say," said Dr. Mancini.

Parker Seminars partnered with several of the chiropractic industry leaders to present Parker College of Chiropractic students with 10 scholarships totaling 37,250 dollars. Scholarship sponsors included Chiropractic Economics who gave Janna Cottingame and Taryn Lowery 5,000 dollars each, Standard Process who allotted 5,000 dollars to Carol Watkins, Chiropractic Leadership Alliance who gave Jacob Hansen and Mary Sue Branch 3,750 dollars each, Performance Health � Biofreeze who presented Lindsay McIinnis with 3,750 dollars, Pro Solutions who gave 3,750 dollars to Paul Stadler, Erchonia who allotted 3,750 dollars to Erin Spindler, Douglas Labs designated 2,500 to Dan Sullins, and B&D Enterprises gave Ashley Posa 1,000 dollars.

The Parker Alumni Association held the Parker Annual Homecoming and Class Reunion where they honored chiropractors by presenting awards and recognizing alumni who have made a tremendous difference in the chiropractic profession.

photo of the Parker College of Chiropractic student scholarship sponsors and recipients

Dr. Larry Markson, 40-year Parker Seminars attendee and author of Talking to Yourself is NOT Crazy (Change Your Inner Dialog � Take Control of Your Life), spoke during the general session. Dr. Markson believes that if you tell yourself something you want, you will receive it. He explained to the audience that everything about success is in your head. "You can have it your way if you open your mind to concepts and ideas that will make you successful," said Dr. Markson.

A roast and toast celebration was held for Dr. Mancini's 10 year Anniversary as president at Parker College of Chiropractic. The event included roasting, toasting, dancing, drinks, dinner, and networking. All proceeds from the celebration will be used for student scholarships.

This year members of the DFW community also attended for the Whole Body Health and Wellness Seminar and Fair, which included health care information like bone density testing, body fat testing, blood pressure screening, pain relief footwear, and a variety of wellness products. Dr. Ian Smith, well known for VH1's Celebrity Fit Club and the creator of The 50 Million Pound Challenge was one of the featured speakers that gave insight into what he calls "The Advantage." This is how each individual can take control of their personal health, show how small changes can assist in preventing or controlling diseases that cut life short, and provide insight on making healthy choices in order to reach the goals of a longer, happier, and easier life.

Dr. Smith advised the audience to ask themselves, "What kind of fuel am I putting into the greatest machine ever?" said Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith provided tips to use in order to obtain a better quality of life including eating enough colorful food, putting in thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day, watching your glycemic index, and exercising your mind.

San Francisco and San Diego CE Credits from CCA

planetc1.com-news — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:38:00 GMT

By Michael Dorausch, DC

The California Chiropractic Association is doing it again, FREE continuing education for CCA members in the state of California. The events take place in October and November and are going to be held in San Diego and the San Francisco Millbrae areas. Celebrating 81 years, the CCA held 12 hour California relicensing seminars this summer as well. Get the highlights here on both seminars and be sure to contact the CCA directly for specific details on these continuing education events.

What CCA has for these two weekend seminars...

100 Year Lifestyle Weekends: October 17-18 in San Diego, California. Event offers free continuing education credit for CCA members. On the weekend of November 14-15 in San Francisco/Millbrae there is another free CE CCA member event.

CCA's 100 Year Lifestyle Weekend featuring Dr. Eric Plasker includes 8 hours on Saturday, with training to help you learn how you can guide your patients to not only survive, but to thrive into their extended years! Each seminar has been approved for 12 hours of continuing education credit from the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

On Sunday (both events), earn 4 hours of Adjustive Technique to complete your 12 hours of FREE continuing education. Event registration will also include lunch with a tradeshow showing off the latest gadgetry and high-tech equipment and chiropractic on Saturday.

These classes are also applicable as credit hours for those doctors who are CCA 100 Year Lifestyle certification registrants. Class hours that are applicable toward the CCA 100 Year Lifestyle Certification program have the certification logo listed. See the PDF link for more details on that.

I've been notified that seating is going to be limited so don't hesitate and getting registered. These dates will come up quickly and it's a great opportunity to get your continuing education credits taken care of, if you're practicing in the state of California.

To open up and download the detailed seminar PDF form CLICK HERE and make sure you have proper software installed for viewing PDF documents. You can also call (916) 648-2727 EXT. 120 OR 141 and tell them you want to attend.

Here is some info related to the events...

Dr. Eric Plasker, D.C. -- Join CCA for an 8-hour overview of the CCA 100 Year Lifestyle program with renowned wellness guru Dr. Eric Plasker. The public is being given advance notice of their longevity potential our grandparents never had. As doctors of chiropractic, you are uniquely positioned to guide people to not only survive, but to thrive into their extended years. You'll learn how to implement revolutionary strategies and skill sets for establishing and maintaining a functioning wellness practice. These 8 hours will apply to the 100 Year Certification Classroom Seminars - The 100 Year Lifestyle Overview.

Dr. David Benevento, D.C. -- Join CCA's immediate past presdient on integrating functional evaluation testing with diversified adjustive technique. Lower and upper back, lower and upper extremities will be reviewed.

Grace SynDr. Grace Syn, D.C. -- Dr. Grace Syn's dynamic presentation showcases the art of chiropractic through cranial adjusting along with the three main models of chiropractic techniques: segmental (diversfied), postural (CBP and mirror imaging) and tonal (upper cervical toggle recoil).

* Be sure to contact the CCA regarding any specifics related to these relicensing seminars.

2010 Have A Heart Chiropractic Campaign Announced

planetc1.com-news — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:12:00 GMT

Oklahaven News

Oklahoma City, OK -� "Oklahaven" Children's Chiropractic Center is excited to announce the annual "Have-A-Heart" campaign. This worldwide event will be held during Valentine's week, February 8th � 14th, 2010. The purpose of this event is to increase the awareness of the healing power of chiropractic for the very sick children and to benefit "Oklahaven".

"It is through the amazing generosity and support of people all around the world that allows us the opportunity to help children with their journey back to optimal health. I am extremely hopeful that our expanded campaign efforts to businesses in your community this upcoming year will not only increase the awareness of our mission, but allow us to provide more children with the chiropractic care they so desperately need," says Dr. James O'Dwyer, Director of "Oklahaven" Children's Chiropractic Center.

The prestigious award, "The Golden Heart" � the giver of life, is given to the college and whoever sells the most hearts. Past winner, Dr. Howard Berg, said, "It allows the community to see that you do contribute to something greater and that chiropractic makes a difference in children's lives. That's huge."

To learn more about "Oklahaven", sign up for the 2010 Have-A-Heart campaign, or to make a donation please visit www.chiropractic4kids.com.

Founded in 1962, "Oklahaven" Children's Chiropractic Center is a 501(c)3 charitable institution dedicated to making sick children well through a natural, medication-free chiropractic lifestyle. The Center specializes in the treatment of neurologically disorganized children, including failure to thrive, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADHD, and the autism spectrum. Children throughout the world come to "Oklahaven" to seek chiropractic care. The Center continues its work through the generosity of individuals without federal, state or United Way funding.

Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center
4500 N. Meridian -- Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 948-8807

Chiropractic Awareness Day Officially Proclaimed as September 18th

planetc1.com-news — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:52:00 GMT

Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization News

Davenport, Iowa (September 21, 2009) -- History was made on Friday, September 18th in Davenport, Iowa - the birthplace and fountainhead of the Chiropractic profession. Doctors, chiropractic students, members of the Davenport City Council and the public were all on-hand to witness the first ever Chiropractic Awareness Day of Davenport, Iowa in the courtyard of the B.J. and Mabel Palmer Residence in Davenport, Iowa.

Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization (NPCO), working with the City of Davenport, Iowa, celebrated the first ever Chiropractic Awareness Day September 18th at 12:00pm on the historic Palmer College of Chiropractic campus in Davenport in conjunction with Palmer's Founder's Day. Founder's Day is celebrated annually within the chiropractic profession in recognition of the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895 by D.D. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Now, every year on September 18th, Chiropractic Awareness Day will be recognized and celebrated in the City of Davenport.

Pictured are: Quad City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors (in red), Palmer College of Chiropractic President Dr. Donald Kern, Vickie Palmer, Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization President Joshua Heines (with scissors) and Aldermen Gene Meeker and Bill Boom -- Photo taken by Shelley Vermeulen

President of NPCO and current Chiropractic student, Joshua Heines, approached the City of Davenport, Iowa over the summer to petition September 18th as Chiropractic Awareness Day and received the official Proclamation in mid-August. NPCO's goal of bringing Chiropractic awareness to the general public was the motivation for Heines to work hard towards having Chiropractic Awareness Day proclaimed in Davenport, Iowa, the birthplace of the profession. "The more awareness about Chiropractic we can bring to the public, the more lives we can help with Chiropractic care," states Heines.

In the short thirty minute ceremony on September 18th, Davenport, Iowa Alderman Gene Meeker (representing Mayor Bill Gluba) read the proclamation for Chiropractic Awareness Day and said that he, and all the members of the City Council, were proud to have a day to celebrate the Chiropractic profession and involve the local community in events to raise Chiropractic awareness. Other speakers included NPCO President Joshua Heines, Palmer College of Chiropractic President Dr. Donald Kern and Vickie Palmer (granddaughter of B.J. Palmer).

"This is a day that the citizens of this community can be proud that the healthcare profession that began here in 1895, Chiropractic, now contributes to the healthcare of communities all around the world. With NPCO's similar goal of raising Chiropractic awareness in the general public, each year Chiropractic Awareness Day will be a day dedicated to educating the local community on the background, history and importance of Chiropractic healthcare contributing to a healthy community," stated Heines.

The first ever Chiropractic Awareness Day ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Joshua Heines and Vickie Palmer, and tours of the B.J. and Mabel Palmer Residence. To get Chiropractic Awareness Day proclaimed in your city or to view the official wording of the Chiropractic Awareness Day proclamation, please visit www.ChiropracticAwarenessDay.org.

NPCO is an official 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing Chiropractic healthcare and education to people living within the harsh realities of poverty around the world. For more information on NPCO, please visit www.NPCO.org.

Texas Health Care Leaders Discuss National Health Care Reform

planetc1.com-news — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:35:00 GMT

Parker College of Chiropractic News

(Dallas, TX) -� Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker College of Chiropractic, along with other Texas health care leaders met with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in Dallas, Texas where they examined the precise state of national health care reform discussions to determine how and where the chiropractic profession will be most effective in directing messages of concern and calls for inclusion in any reform program.

The leadership of the chiropractic profession is united in believing that effective national health care reform will only achieve its maximum benefit for the people of the United States when joined with a progressive health system that focuses on comprehensive wellness care, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease prevention. This is critical because of the provider shortage and the unprecedented demands our aging population will place on the system.

Dr. Mancini proposed that the new health care system include three pillars vital to the health reform movement. The first is access, which aims to extend health care access to the estimated 45 million uninsured Americans that currently have little or no reliable access to comprehensive care services. Second is cost, which should reduce the current high cost of health care services and health are insurance coverage. The third pillar is quality, which will significantly improve the effectiveness of those health care services being delivered now and in the future.

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker College of Chiropractic, and other Texas Health Care Leaders

Parker has joined other organizations in urging the call to action from the profession to represent chiropractic in the national health care reform debate. "It is essential that we all take part in this to make certain chiropractic is included," said Dr. Mancini.

All chiropractors have been asked to help ensure that their interests and those of their patients are fully protected in any final legislation to emerge from Congress. The request has been to guarantee that essential services delivered by a doctor of chiropractic are included as a covered benefit under any national reform plan, that all plans allow for full direct access to the providers and health care pathways of their choice, and that any attempt to impose an MD-referral requirement for patients to obtain access to chiropractic care are defeated.

It is encouraged that every doctor of chiropractic, state association, student, and patient assist in representing chiropractic in the national health reform debate by contacting Members of Congress using American Chiropractic Association's Legislative Action Center at www.chirovoice.org or International Chiropractors Association's www.adjustthevote.org. Both websites have pre-prepared messages that can be used to send to Congress quickly and efficiently.

DC Thots on Swine Flu Pandemic Planning

planetc1.com-news — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:34:00 GMT

By Darrel Crain, DC

It's a flu-for-all out there. War has been declared on the swine flu by governments around the world. The H1N1 swine flu virus is most notable for its tendency to be drearily lackluster, tame and below average as influenza goes, but on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) pushed the hyper-panic button for the swine flu anyway, triggering a global chain reaction of emergency medical preparations.

A Phase 6 global pandemic alert, until that moment, stood as the highest possible red flag warning, reserved for massively monstrous and hideously harmful epidemics. WHO moved the goalpost? At some point earlier this year, the term 'global pandemic' was apparently redefined by the WHO on its Web site, resulting in a dramatic upgrade for the virus from puny pathogen to perilous pandemic.

The WHO's definition originally stated that influenza pandemics cause "enormous numbers of deaths and illness," but for reasons best known to WHO leadership, the part about death and illness was deleted. Taken together, the actions of the WHO this year seem intended to ratchet up fear about the new flu to just south of pure panic.

Panic did break out in a few countries, such as India, but with so many other fundamental problems to deal with, such as how to get food on the table, much of world's population appears unconcerned about the whole thing.

All of which may explain why the WHO fires off alarming press releases every few days. A recent update warns that the H1N1 flu is spreading at an "unbelievable" speed. Not only that, a couple of turkeys in Chile just came down with the flu. Just in case anyone missed the urgency here, the WHO once again reminds us that all governments "must prepare for the worst."

"Pronouncements about pandemic planning in recent years � and the plan itself � for all practical purposes redefined a pandemic as a horror-laden event in which mortuaries would be overflowing, with people dropping dead in the street and normal civic functions grinding to a halt," remarked Hugh Pennington, professor emeritus of the University of Aberdeen.

Public health leaders around the world are cast as the lead actors in the unfolding pandemic drama, perhaps best entitled, 'Much A-flu About Nothing' (apologies to Bill Shakespeare). The usual playlist of tactics for manufacturing flu shot demand is in full swing, such as creating a sense of urgency and scarcity. Who gets the shots first? Will it be soon enough? Will there be enough vaccine to go around?

In Greece, the Health Minister has declared, "We decided that the entire population, all citizens and residents, without any exception, will be vaccinated against the flu."

In South Korea, it is reported that elementary and secondary school teachers will take the body temperature of all their pupils at school gates every morning and sterilize each classroom daily.

The Associated Press reports that hundreds of public schools in the U.S. are "heeding the government's call to set up flu clinics in the fall, preparing for what could be the most widespread school vaccinations since the days of polio."

Leaders in the Obama administration are playing their role with gusto, announcing recently that 90,000 Americans may die this fall because of swine flu infections, while millions will be terribly sick and 300,000 will wind up in intensive care.

But here's the part we should all be worried about: the declaration of a global pandemic for the H1N1 flu is only the latest sign that an insidious and far more dangerous disease has taken hold, an ominous epidemic that is plaguing the planet, the dreaded "Scientific Thinking Deficiency Disorder" (STDD).

The STDD epidemic is particularly devastating because it strikes first and hardest at medical leaders, causing extreme alarm and a massive collapse of rational thinking. Unlike normal disease outbreaks, the STDD infection is transmitted verbally. Each and every time a medical authority opens his or her mouth in public the situation gets worse. The telltale signs of STDD are rash and fever�a rash of hysterical and dire predictions accompanied by feverish plans to vaccinate every man, woman and child. Twice.

But there is an obvious gap in logic here, approximately the width of the Grand Canyon, being used to justify vaccinating as many as possible as soon as possible. Health leaders agree that the virus remains relatively harmless, so all the excitement is based on fear, the possibility that the H1N1 virus might mutate and become something else. Of course, this is a definite possibility, but the vaccines in production are being made from the pre-mutation, wimpy virus. If H1N1 mutates into something entirely different and deadly, the fast-tracked vaccines will be useless.

Not so, say vaccine defenders, who are of the opinion that inoculating with an H1N1 strain "close" to the mutated version will offer "some protection." Scientific studies that have tried to confirm this very popular hypothesis have proven inconclusive, but the consensus of opinion is accepted as scientifically established. Translated, consensus means "Really important and powerful people believe this to be true, so you'd better believe it to be true too."

It is also a matter of consensus among public health experts that flu shots save lives. Has any one of them have bothered to check official flu-related death statistics? The percentage of the population receiving the seasonal flu shot has risen dramatically over the past thirty years. A corresponding dramatic decrease in the death rate, plotted on a graph, would appear as a steeply sloping, downhill line. The actual graph shows a line just about as flat as a proverbial pancake, with a slight rise in the death rate for the elderly.

When the consensus says that the shot saves lives, but the data says the shot does not, who wins? As Vladimir Lenin once observed, "A lie repeated often enough becomes the truth."

The U.S. government climbed on board the pandemic bandwagon early on, writing big checks to a handful of vaccine makers faster than you can say "adverse reaction." Critics claim we are seeing swine flu deja vu, a repeat of the 1976 swine flu vaccine debacle. Forty million people were injected with a fast-tracked vaccine that flu season, leading to 25 deaths and 500 cases of paralysis from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Thousands of legal claims were filed seeking compensation for vaccine-induced injuries, and taxpayers coughed up more than $1.3 billion in awards for death and damages.

Don't worry, say CDC officials, be happy. The new pandemic vaccines will be just as safe as seasonal flu vaccines. This may suggest to you that the safety of seasonal flu shots has been thoroughly studied and established for pregnant women and young children, the two groups at the head of the line for the H1N1 flu shot.

"There is no study of the vaccines on pregnant women�no randomized clinical trials," according to researcher Tom Jefferson of the independently funded, highly regarded Cochrane Institute. And according to the printed insert for one brand of 2009-20010 seasonal influenza vaccine, "Safety and effectiveness of Flulaval have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children."

According to a study released at the 2009 American Thoracic Society International Conference, children with asthma who received FluMist (the up-your-nose flu shot) experienced a three-fold increased risk of hospitalization. I wonder what other surprises are in store for us once the safety studies finally are done?

One clinical trial is underway, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). The folks there are currently recruiting pregnant women for a randomized trial�randomized, but not placebo controlled. Is this more evidence of deficient scientific thinking? The trial's design cannot possibly establish vaccine safety, because there is no control group for comparison of outcomes. The NIAID study will simply compare using one brand of flu shot over another. Any safety problems common to both vaccines will never show up in this kind of incomplete analysis.

This is called cigarette science, producing studies just right for industries dying to have some good news to talk about. This is akin to comparing one group of pregnant smokers with another group of pregnant smokers, while meticulously documenting zero difference in health between the two groups. The point of the whole exercise is in the headlines at the conclusion of the study, "Smoking cigarettes found perfectly safe for pregnant women and their babies."

Dr. Marie Paul Kieny, director of vaccine research at the WHO, explained what is known and not known about the safety of the pandemic flu shots this way: "It's not to say they would not be safe, they may be very safe but there is no data for the time being to demonstrate safety." Translation, "We know squat about the shot."

The following draft statement from the federal government's Vaccine Advisory Committee admits we are embarking on a risky medical experiment involving millions of human guinea pigs: "The need to actively monitor vaccine recipients for vaccine adverse events is critical given that the vaccine candidates will all contain a new antigen and may be combined with adjuvants that are not part of licensed vaccines in the U.S."

If you were not panicked before, now may be a good time. The ranks of our medical leaders have been overcome by another infection, the ominous "Cover Your Assets Syndrome" (CYAS). Government planners, vaccine manufacturers and all medical personnel involved at any level of the swine flu shot effort now share a blanket of absolute legal protection against any and all claims of vaccine-caused death or damage. This has been extended to cover any problems caused by antiviral drugs. Does anyone else wonder why these people need all this legal immunity if the shots and drugs are as safe as we have been told?

Around the world rumors are swirling about forced vaccination, forced quarantine and other draconian measures. In the U.S., for the time being we are assured by leaders in the CDC that state laws regarding vaccination will prevail. Even so, the lines of authority are blurred considerably in the middle of this pandemic exercise.

Anti-terror laws created under the Bush administration were enlarged to include bio-terror and pandemic responses. Language in these laws, as well as emergency powers law under consideration in various states, spells out alarming suspensions of certain constitutional rights. The Massachusetts senate just passed a bill declaring emergency authority to bypass protection from: illegal search and seizure; illegal arrest without warrant; government price controls; "involuntary transportation" (kidnapping anyone?); forced vaccination; forced quarantine; $1,000-a-day fines for non-cooperation; threat of jail for noncompliance, and other scary stuff. Sounds like a party I'd just as soon skip.

With all this talk around the world about forcing healthcare workers, without exception, to receive the pork shot or lose their jobs, and forcing the shot on citizens under the threat of losing of civil liberties, a groundswell of unrest and defiance is building. A few polls of nurses and doctors indicate many would refuse the shot. Online petitions are proliferating, declaring stark opposition to forced vaccination or quarantine.

One question is being asked by many people, why are highly intelligent public health leaders around the world so focused on flu shots to the exclusion of exciting new science that confirms vitamin D supplementation has the power to vastly reduce all influenza-like illness no matter what its cause?

The following suggestions offered by Tom Jefferson make a lot of sense: "We need a more comprehensive and perhaps more effective strategy in controlling acute respiratory infections, relying on several preventive interventions that take into account the multi-agent nature of infectious respiratory disease and its context [such as personal hygiene, adequate food, water and sanitation]."

Why do our public health leaders seem to ignore the fact that the flu doesn't kill, secondary infections do, and much can be done without drugs and vaccines to face this reality head on? For those of us living in the 21st century industrialized world, a plague of chronic diseases is killing us, not the potential threat of infectious disease.

What if we instead spent billions on putting together the pieces of the autism puzzle, which currently affects one child in 96 in some states? What if we made a high priority of figuring out why one of every six children has a learning disability? What if enormous sums of money were spent educating people, from a very young age, that cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and many other chronic diseases are not primarily medical conditions, but largely the result of daily lifestyle choices?

The answer is, it just might be a whole lot better than the flu-for-all to which we have all been invited. What if they threw a pandemic and nobody showed up?