Spread the Word about Lifelong Health and Wellness

Doctors of chiropractic are recognized as capable, efficient providers of health care
services, particularly for their emphasis on preventing illness and promoting health
and wellness.

A recent two-part study sought to specify the role and use of maintenance care (MC)
within the chiropractic profession. Part I focused specifically on chiropractors'
attitudes toward MC and the preferred types of MC provided in U.S. chiropractic offices;
part II addressed the frequency of MC use by the elderly.

Results from part I:

· Chiropractors agree that the primary functions of maintenance care are to optimize
health, prevent conditions from developing, reduce/relieve conditions, and minimize
the recurrence of such conditions.

· They also agree that MC should combine exercise, chiropractic adjustments/manipulation,
and dietary and lifestyle changes.

· While MC is recommended to nearly 80% of chiropractic patients, only 34% actually
receive such care.

Results from part II:

· Elderly patients make an average of 17 visits per year for chiropractic MC.

· These patients report making only half the annual number of visits to medical doctors
compared with the national average.

· Stretching exercises, aerobic exercises, dietary advice and other prevention strategies
are also recommended for this age group.

The moral to this story is simple: Chiropractors believe in providing well-balanced
preventive care that focuses on maintaining wellness and dealing with potential health
problems. Many people take advantage of this opportunity, but many more have yet to
receive the benefits chiropractic can offer. Do you have friends or family who've never
been to a chiropractor? Tell them about your experiences and help them follow the same
road to wellness you've chosen.

Rupert RL. A survey of practice patterns and the health promotion and prevention attitudes
of U.S. chiropractors. Maintenance care, part I. Also: Rupert RL, Manello D, Sandefur
R. Maintenance care: health promotion services administered to U.S. chiropractic patients
aged 65 and older: part II. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics,
Jan. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp1-9 and 10-19.