New
Study:
Chiropractic Does Not Increase Risk of Stroke
From ACA 1-24-08 - A new study
finds there is no evidence of excess risk of stroke following
chiropractic spinal manipulation, according to a February 2008 report
in the journal Spine. In the study,
researchers note that patients are no more likely to suffer a stroke
following chiropractic treatment than they are after visiting
their family doctor’s office. The study goes on to say that the
association between a vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke and
chiropractic is likely due to patients with an undiagnosed vertebral
artery dissection seeking care for neck pain and headache before their
stroke. Review a
full-text copy of the study.
This study is just
one of several articles published in a Feb. 15 Spine
supplement, which discusses the work of the Bone and Joint Decade
2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders
(NPTF).
This group is composed of international researchers and
scientist-clinicians who have spent the past seven years undertaking a
comprehensive review of the current research on neck pain. Read the group’s
summary of key findings.
With regard to publicizing the research
findings, ACA is working in cooperation with the Task Force to solidify
key messages and other important media documents. These items
will be available on Feb. 15, which is the official publication date of
the supplement.
The
CCA is planning a press release to Colorado media when the additional
materials are available.
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Colorado Doctors of
Chiropractic Win
Awards (download
photo below)
October 31, 2007 - Denver, Colorado - Nine doctors of
chiropractic and
five friends of chiropractic were honored with awards during the
Colorado
Chiropractic Association's (CCA) 73rd Annual State Convention on
October 21,
2007 at the Doubletree Hotel Denver. All
winners were nominated and chosen by their chiropractic colleagues and
peers.
In
recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedication to the
chiropractic profession in Colorado,
the following individuals received these prestigious awards:
2007 Chiropractor of
the Year
Dr.
James Farrell (practicing in Golden, Colorado)
- PALMER
2007 Rising Star Chiropractor
of the Year (in practice in Colorado
less than 10 years)
Dr. Kristen Kells
(practicing in Colorado
Springs, Colorado)
- NORTHWESTERN
2007 Chiropractic
Sports Award
Dr.
Robert C. Nelson (practicing in Lakewood,
CO) - LOGAN
2007 Community Service
Award
Dr. Michael
Simone
(practicing in Dacono, CO) - LOGAN
2007 Frank
Elliot
Pioneer Award
Dr.
Robert C. Nelson (practicing in Lakewood,
CO) - LOGAN
2007 Legislator
of
the Year Award
Senator
Lois Tochtrop AND Representative
Anne McGihon
2007 Neal Bishop
Service Award
Joyce M.
Martello (CCA Executive Director)
2007 CCA
President's Service Awards
Dr. James Farrell (PALMER);
Dr. Hal Lease
(PALMER); Don Mielke; Dr. Tim Murphy (LIFE); Dr. Steve Schuster (PALMER); Dr.
Nelson Vetanze
(NATIONAL); and Dr. Terry R. Yochum
(NATIONAL).
2007 Exhibitor of the
Year
Dr.
Lynn Toohey of Nutri-West.
(download photo)
Photo caption: CCA
2007 Award Winners. Back row l to r: CCA Executive Director
Joyce Martello; Kristen Kells, DC; Nutri West Rep Dr. Lynn
Toohey. Front row l to r: Keith Lundberg, DC
(receiving 2006 award); Mike Simone, DC; James
Farrell, DC; Terry Yochum, DC; Hal Lease, DC; Nelson
Vetanze, DC.
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Golden
Doctor of
Chiropractic Elected President of the
Colorado Chiropractic
Association
(download photo below)
10-31-07 -
Denver, Colorado
- Dr.
James M. Farrell, a doctor of
chiropractic practicing in Golden, Colorado,
was recently elected president of the Colorado Chiropractic Association
(CCA). He was nominated and chosen by his
fellow
doctors practicing in Colorado.
A member of
the CCA since 1992, Dr. Farrell has been extremely active with the CCA
since
1999. He has served as a committee
chair, board member, and executive board member prior to his election
as CCA
President. In addition, he was named
2000 Young Chiropractor of the Year, 2007 Chiropractor of the Year, and
received CCA President's Awards in 2005 and 2007. He
chaired the CCA Public Relations Committee
from 1999 to 2003 and 2005 to 2007. In
2006, he created and organized a successful chiropractic ad campaign
with
Needchiro.com billboards appearing in the Denver Metro area and Colorado Springs.
Dr. Farrell is
a life-long resident of Colorado and
a 1970
graduate of Northglenn
High School. He served in the US Army in Vietnam, Fort
Carson, Colorado, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He
worked as an Air Traffic Controller until
1981 when he was fired by President Ronald Reagan during a strike. Dr. Farrell said, "Once you're fired by
the President of the United
States, no employer will ever hold too
much
power over you." After receiving an
associate degree in Solar and Alternative Energy, Dr. Farrell worked in
several
different areas including a United Way agency, a weapon's
company, river guide, and
importing and exporting mining supplies in and out of South Africa.
After
experiencing his first chiropractic adjustment in 1990, he decided to
become a
doctor of chiropractic. He entered Palmer Chiropractic
College in Davenport, Iowa
in 1992 at the age of 40 and graduated in 1995. He
has maintained a private practice in Golden, Colorado since
1995.
(download photo)
caption:
2007-08 CCA President Dr. James Farrell accepts the ceremonial gavel
from 2006-07 CCA President (and now 2007-08 CCA Chairman of the Board)
Dr. Rebecca Noren.
Colorado Chiropractors
Achieve Professional Unity
(download photo below)
Denver,
Colorado, July 22, 2006 - A determined group of Colorado
doctors of chiropractic,
representing three state associations, have decided to combine their
energies,
efforts, and resources to unify the chiropractic profession. The Colorado Chiropractic Unity Committee
began work on promoting chiropractic harmony in November 2005. The first-ever Colorado Unity Symposium was
held in May 2006 and then, in July 2006, Unity committee members forged
an
agreement to begin working together as ONE state association for the
progress
and benefit of the entire chiropractic profession.
The Colorado Chiropractic Unity Committee
consists of representatives from the Colorado Chiropractic Association
(CCA),
the Colorado Chiropractic Society (CCS), and the Colorado Chiropractic
Wellness
Alliance (CCWA).
There is still much work to
be completed
regarding how members of all three associations will merge and how to
encourage
non-members to join. On July 22, 2006,
the committee held a day-long strategy session with Pennsylvania
Chiropractic
Association Executive Director Mr. Gene Veno. Mr. Veno has assisted four other states with
merging their numerous associations and unifying the profession for the
greater
good. The group will continue to
coordinate and shape their efforts into a meaningful process with the
common
goal of promoting chiropractic to the public, enhancing the practice of
the
profession through legislation and education, and preserving patient
rights.
Activities planned for the
near future
include meeting with chiropractors in small groups and special
appearances at
gatherings and meetings. At the 2006
Colorado Chiropractic Association's State Convention September 15, 16,
& 17
in Denver, Dr. Terry R. Yochum will present "The Chiropractic National
Anthem;"
Applied Kinesiology developer Dr. George Goodheart will make a special
appearance; and an open forum with the Colorado State Board of
Chiropractic
Examiners will be held; and Mr. Gene Veno
will facilitate a luncheon discussion inviting doctors, their staff
people,
exhibitors, and chiropractic colleges to explore what chiropractic
unity will
mean for the state.
Members of the Colorado
Chiropractic Unity Committee are: Dr.
Joe Arvay; Dr. Richard Bergeron; Dr. Jeanne Des
Roche; Dr. Katherine Flesia;
Dr. John Hanks; Dr. Rob
Jackson; Dr. Amanda Kelley;
Dr. Kristen Kells; Dr. Daniel Knowles; Dr. Tom Lankering; Dr. Hal
Lease; Dr. Daniel Lemberger;
Ms. Joyce Martello; Mr.
Don Mielke; Dr.
Larry Morries;
Dr. Robert Nelson; Dr. Bruce Shotts; Dr. Tom
Stanzel; Mr. Gene Veno;
Dr. Nelson Vetanze; and Unity
Committee Chair Dr. Terry
R. Yochum.
Download Photo
(L to R: Dr. Richard Bergeron, Dr.
Joe Arvay, Dr. Hal Lease, Dr. Terry Yochum. Standing: Gene
Veno. Colorado Chiropractic Unity Committee Meeting July, 22,
2006.)
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Shoveling
Snow Safely
Many back and neck injuries occur in the winter as a result of
shoveling
snow. Experts in Colorado, where snow shoveling is an art form,
agree
that with just a few simple suggestions, you can protect your back and
neck from potentially painful injuries.
Watch your
back!
Since you've probably been less active during the winter, it's wise to
take it easy. Don't overexert yourself while shoveling your
driveway
and sidewalk. Be sure to take frequent breaks.
Follow safe lifting and bending guidelines when you shovel snow to
protect
against back and neck injuries. Bend with your knees, not your
back!
To pick up a shovel from the ground or lift a heavy slab of ice, bend
at
the knees, grasp the object with both hands and lift with your legs
slowly
and carefully. Always be sure of your footing on ice and in bumpy
snow before you shovel or lift.
When using your snow shovel, grasp the tool so that you work with your
elbows slightly bent. Try not to bend over too much while
working.
Work with your arms and legs, not your back. Throw the snow
forward
with your arms, not from side to side. Consider using a ergonomically
designed
snow shovel, investing in a snow blower, or hiring someone to shovel
snow
for you!
If you hurt
your back. . .
Even after you've read all these suggestions and done your best to
follow
them, you may still suffer a back problem or injury. Your
chiropractor
can help you get your back on track! Don't delay seeing your
chiropractor
when problems arise. The sooner you go, the sooner your
back
and spine will be healthy and normal again. The U.S. Department
of
Health, through the Agency of Health Care Policy and Research,
recommends
manipulation for treatment of a low back injury. In addition to
manipulation
and spinal adjustment, your chiropractor may recommend other types of
treatment
for strengthening your back and relieving tension and pain.
These additional treatments may include personalized stretching and
strengthening
exercises, moist heat, ice packs, electrotherapy, ultrasound, or
traction.
The Colorado Chiropractic
Association has served is the professional association of choice for
Colorado
doctors of chiropractic since 1917. Currently, the CCA represents
the 1600 doctors of chiropractic practicing in Colorado today.
For
a referral to a doctor of chiropractic who fits your needs, please
contact
the CCA at (303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339.
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STAND
UP STRAIGHT!!!
Denver
- Did your
mother always tell you to stand up straight? Well, she was
right!
Good posture doesn't just help you look better, it helps you feel
better,
too! Good posture fuels your self confidence and poise.
You'll
look taller, more dignified, and your clothes will actually "hang"
better.
You'll project a healthy feeling of overall well-being! That
feeling
of well-being happens not just because you look great, but because your
spine is properly aligned in its normal, balanced position.
Correct
spinal alignment allows your joints, ligaments, and muscles to function
in a natural way, without strain or pain.
Poor posture may
feel comfortable in the beginning, but it will eventually hurt!
Muscle
tension, stiffness, fatigue, backaches, neckaches may all be the result
of poor posture. You may be able to trace chronic back problems
back
to poor posture habits. In addition, your vital organs,
particularly
those in your abdominal region, may not function properly if your bad
posture
crowds and compresses them. Maintaining good posture while
standing,
sitting, lifting, walking, or bending will help protect you from
injury,
stiffness, and backache. You'll simply feel better if you improve your
posture.
Good posture means
a straight, vertical alignment of your body from the top of your head,
through your body's center, to the bottom of your feet. Imagine a
string running from your feet through the top of your head. Pull
on the string at the top to straighten it; that's how good posture
feels!
Your ears, shoulders, pelvis, knees, and ankles should be lined
up
on this "plumb" line.
Use these tips
to help you develop and maintain excellent posture for a lifetime of
good
health!
- During each day, concentrate
on keeping your spine in balanced alignment. Think about
the
string through your plumb line – and sit, walk, and stand
tall!
- Avoid
staying in one
position for long periods of time.
- Sleep
on a firm mattress
and avoid using oversized or multiple pillows. DO NOT sleep
on your stomach.
- Wear
comfortable,
well-supported shoes. Avoid high-heeled or platform shoes.
- Visit your doctor
of chiropractic on a regular basis to insure a healthy spine and
maximum wellness.
For
more information
about chiropractic treatment or a FREE referral to a chiropractic
doctor
anywhere in Colorado, please contact the Colorado Chiropractic
Association
at (303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339.
Chiropractic:
It's more than you think – it's how you'll feel!
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Colorado Chiropractic
Association Says Pull
Weeds, Not Your Muscles!
Denver, Colorado - It's time to get out and
enjoy the
warm weather. For many people, that
means trading in their treadmills for exercise of the garden variety. Bending, reaching, and digging in the garden
can provide a great workout, but if you're not careful you can get hurt!
A warm-up and cool-down
period is just as important
for gardening or doing yard work as it is for any athletic activity. Stretching is essential to help prevent
injuries, pain, and stiffness.
Stress-Free
Stretches
Before stretching for any
activity, keep a few tips
in mind. Breathe in and out slowly
throughout stretching exercises; stretch gently and smoothly, do not
bounce or
jerk your body in any way; and stretch as far as you can comfortably. You should not feel pain.
Here are a few easy stretches designed to
help you get the most out of your gardening workout:
- Stand up and prop your
heel on a
back door step or stool with your knee straight. Bend
forward until you feel a slight pull in
the muscle at the back of the thigh, called the hamstring.
You may need to stabilize yourself by
holding
onto a garage door handle or sturdy tree branch. Hold
the position for 20 seconds, then relax. Do
the stretch once more, then repeat with
the other leg.
- Stand up and put your
right hand against a wall or other
stable surface. Bend your left knee and
grab your ankle with you left hand. Pull
your heel toward your buttocks to stretch the quadriceps muscles at the
front
of your thigh. Hold that position for 20
seconds, relax and do it again. Repeat
with the other leg.
- Weave your fingers
together above
your head with your palms up. Lean to
one side for 10 seconds to stretch the upper body, then reverse. Repeat two or three times.
- "Hug your best
friend:" Wrap your arms around
yourself and rotate to one side, as far as you can go.
Hold it for 10 seconds, then reverse.
There are many more
stretching techniques that can
enhance all of your physical activities. Look
for stretching guides in your local
bookstore. Finally, be aware of your
body's form while
working in the yard. Kneel, don't
bend. Alternate your stance and motion
as often as possible to balance the muscles used.
When you've
worked too hard
If you
are already feeling aches and pains from gardening, there are ways to
help
alleviate the pain: apply a cold pack
during the first 48 hours of symptoms or a heat pack AFTER 48 hours. If pain persists, consider visiting a doctor
of chiropractic. Studies show that
chiropractic care is more effective than traditional medical treatment
for
low-back pain in particular. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to
identify
the problem and manipulate your spine to encourage the body's natural
healing
process. More than 30 million Americans
used chiropractic treatment last year for these kinds of problems.
The
Colorado Chiropractic
Association is the professional association of choice for Colorado
doctors of chiropractic since
1917. Currently, the CCA represents the
1,600 doctors of chiropractic practicing in Colorado today.
For more information on chiropractic or a
referral to a doctor of chiropractic who fits your needs, please
contact the
CCA at (303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339 or visit the "Find a Doctor"
page on the CCA's web site at www.coloradochiropractic.org.
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