April 2015
The
InsideOut
A Chiropractic Patient Newsletter
“Health, Fitness and Chiropractic Tips That Will Help You Master the Art of Being You.”
Chiropractic & Stroke
I’ve heard it said that you should “never let a good crisis go to
waste.” Now that may seem a bit cold, but there are entire
industries that are built on that concept. Take the news media
for example. They exist almost exclusively going from crisis
to crisis. If bad stuff stopped happening, what would they
have to talk about? What would they do?
But from time to time, things do get slow. And although it
never seems to last long, there are those days where there just
isn’t much to talk about. Those days are what we call “slow
news days.” And if you watch the news much, you can
usually tell when it’s happening.
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chiropractic care was one of the most dangerous thing in the
world and patients were dropping left and right. Of course
that’s simply not the case, but the news media doesn’t
typically let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Of course you never really know what drives a story like that.
Some chiropractors seem to think that it’s a conspiracy to tear
down the chiropractic profession. I have a tendency to think
it’s nothing more than just a slow news day. Regardless, the
recent stroke story got a harsh reaction from the chiropractic
profession and from those who love their chiropractors.
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You can almost picture the news directors scurrying around,
looking for something to fill space. They have to choose
between a cat story, an explanation about why yellow is the
new black or wait...here’s something...it’s a story about a
chiropractor getting into trouble. OOOOOH!
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Now I say that as a half joke. But rarely will you will see
anything in the mainstream media about chiropractic. So any
mention of chiropractic in the news is a pretty good indication
that you are watching a slow news day. And to make matters
worse, when chiropractic is mentioned, it’s usually not good.
I saw a prime example of this just a few weeks ago. A local
news station did a story about how chiropractic adjustments
where causing strokes. From the sound of it, you would think
In This Month’s Issue of InsideOut:
Chiropractic & Stroke........................................1,2,3
Elbow Licking..........................................................2
Referral Thank You..................................................2
5.5 Reasons to be a Healthy Parent.......................3,4
Random Fun Facts...................................................4
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Ultimately, I don’t think stories like that change anything for
the people who are chiropractic regulars. People who use a
chiropractor on a regular basis have experienced first hand the
tremendous upside of chiropractic care. As a results, they are
unlikely to be scared off by a “chiropractors are killing
people” story.
But what about the people who are less familiar with
chiropractic? What do they think about such stories? Well I
can tell you this, people absolutely take notice and they have
legitimate concerns. And whether the “chiropractors are
dangerous” stories are on the news, the internet or just told by
other health care providers, stories like that do scare away
certain people from the chiropractors office. Even though in
many cases, the chiropractor is their best option for getting
help.
Unfortunately, most chiropractors don’t have to be in practice
long to have a “chiropractors are dangerous” conversation
with one of their patients. During my time in practice, I had
one particular situation that stood out amongst the rest.
The short version of the story is that an elderly patient of
mine told me she wasn’t going to come into my office any
more because “her doctors had gotten together and decided
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that it wasn’t safe for her to go to the chiropractor.” Now that
wasn’t the first time or the last time that happened. But that
particular case really pushed my buttons for a couple different
reasons.
First of all, none of her doctors bothered to call me and ask
what I thought about her or her case. Second, none of the
doctors who decided that “chiropractic was unsafe for her”
had ever taken even a minute of training in chiropractic.
Third, her doctors ASSumed that I was providing adjustments
that would have been inappropriate for her age and medical
history. (I wasn’t.) Lastly, her entire group of doctors
completely disregarded the fact that she was showing signs of
improvement for the first time in decades. The chiropractic
care she was receiving was helping her feel better after years
of medications and surgeries had failed her. But in spite of
that, her trusted group of doctors decided that “chiropractic
was unsafe” and she discontinued care.
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Now I said all that to emphasize the point that there is a lot of
misinformation going around about the safety of chiropractic.
Especially when it comes to chiropractic and stroke. And that
misinformation can actually keep people from getting the help
that they need. So I thought I would bring some much needed
sanity to the conversation.
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My intention is not to sugarcoat the issue or explain things
away. I want to lay all the information out there so you can
know where these stories come from and what your concern
should and shouldn’t be. Here we go...
Possibility: Let’s address the elephant in the room. Can a
person have a stroke after getting a chiropractic adjustment.
In short...yes. But does that mean because something CAN
happen that it WILL happen? Absolutely NOT!
Elbow Licking
Contrary to popular urban legend, it is quite
possible to lick your own elbow.
Guinness World Records receives about five
claims a day for this and stresses the following
point: Being able to lick your own elbow is not, in
any sense, a world record.
If you're one of the rare few who can lick your
elbow, save it for the water cooler.
(From the Guinness World Records)
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Probability: Any time you are discussing risk, you have to
talk about probability. For instance, every year, well over 30k
people die in motor vehicle crashes. Does that mean that cars
are too dangerous? Most of us don’t think so because,
although it’s possible, dying in a car crash is not probable.
So back to your neck. Believe it or not, it’s possible for
someone to cause a stroke from “popping” their own neck.
Even worse, there are documented cases of people
accidentally killing themselves from “popping” their own
neck. But every year, millions of people “pop” their own neck
and you never hear on the news or read journal articles telling
you how dangerous it is. Why is that?
Simple. Injuries like that are incredibly unlikely, even in the
worse case scenario of an untrained person twisting their own
neck.
Anatomy: There is something very unique about your neck.
It is the only place in your spine that an artery runs up
through little holes in the bones. So when anyone is talking
about the connection between chiropractic and stroke, they
are referring to neck adjustments and neck adjustments only.
And to be specific, it’s very top of the neck that is the only
part of the spine that has a possible connection to stroke.
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Neck Rotation: And to be even MORE specific, it would
have to be a rotation adjustment (twisting of the head and
neck) of the very top of the neck for artery damage to be
possible. So if your chiropractor does not adjust your neck or
does not adjust the very top of your neck or does not do
rotation adjustments to the top of your neck, your chance of
getting a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment is 0%. It can’t
happen. It’s impossible.
Training: This connection between neck adjustments and
stroke is NOT news to any chiropractor. We have all been
taught the anatomy. We all know why it happens. We all know
how it happens. And every chiropractor has been taught to
look for indicators that a patient could be at risk for such an
injury. Chiropractors are also taught safe ways to adjust the
neck so that there is little or no strain on the artery.
Insurance Rates: Anytime I have a conversation about
chiropractic and stroke with patients or potential patients, I
bring up the topic of malpractice insurance. In recent years
our society has become quick to drag doctors into court. As a
result, malpractice insurance premiums for health care
providers has sky rocketed. It’s gotten so bad for some
professionals that many have been forced to close their doors
simply because they can not afford their malpractice
insurance premiums. It’s maddening.
5.5 Reasons to be
a Healthy Parent
For a lot of people, one of the big reasons they try to take
care of themselves is because of their kids. Maybe that’s one
of your reasons or maybe you haven’t ever thought about it.
For me, it definitely is. I have 3 beautiful kids and I would do
anything for them…and that includes staying healthy.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You think it’s easier for
someone like me because I’m a health nut…HAHAHA…but
that’s not true at all. It’s not easier.
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I was raised on junk food just like most Americans and I
actually like junk food (just like most Americans). But I’m
not an animal. I have the ability to resist my unhealthy food
urges and make the choice to do something different…
something better. m
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But high priced malpractice insurance is not the reality for
chiropractors. To my knowledge, chiropractors have the
lowest premiums of any doctors in the country. In fact, most
chiropractors pay more for their monthly phone bill than they
do for millions of dollars of malpractice insurance coverage.
S
Why is it so cheap? Is it because the malpractice insurance
companies love chiropractors and are cutting them a break?
HA! Chiropractic malpractice insurance companies are no
different than any other insurance company. The greater the
risk, the greater the premiums. Chiropractors have low
malpractice insurance premiums for one reason only.
Chiropractic care is extremely unlikely to cause harm. Low
risk equals low premiums. End of story.
Final Thoughts: For the vast majority of people, the benefits
of spinal adjustments far outweigh any risks. For the most
part, the people who says otherwise are either misinformed or
purposely trying to mislead. Of course that doesn’t mean you
are not allowed to ask questions or express any concerns. If
you have something in your health history or your family
health history that worries you, please discuss it with your
chiropractor. Open communication is always the best
approach and will allow you to maximize the benefits of your
chiropractic care in the safest way possible.
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And you have that same ability too. It’s one of those things
that make us uniquely human. You don’t have to eat a box of
HO-HO’s just because they are deeeee…(wait for it)…
licious! But in order to have the desire to put down the box of
Ho-Ho’s and pick up a vegetable or a piece of fruit, you have
to have a reason other than taste. Because let’s be honest, on
taste alone…the Ho-Ho’s win every time. So if you are a parent, I want you to start thinking about what
your health means to your kids. You may just find it easier to
hold yourself to a higher standard, get healthy and stay that
way.
5.5 Reasons to be a Healthy Parent 1.) They need you sround: Most of the things that are most
likely to kill you (heart disease, cancer, etc) are, for the most
part, preventable. They are "Lifestyle diseases." Don't choose
to live a lifestyle that is going to rob your kids of their
parents.
Questions? Comments?
The Inside Out Newsletter is about providing valuable
information you. If you have any suggestions, comments
or questions, email me at [email protected].
- Dr. Jerry Kennedy (Inside Out Newsletter Author)
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Random Fun Facts
Butterflies taste with their feet
Elephants are the only mammals
that can't jump
Starfish don't have brains
his goals a lot higher. But for now...I'm the mark he's
shooting for, so I need to raise my game as high as possible.
Be the best example I can be. I want to give him something
worth shooting for.
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4.) You can rewrite history: Our society likes to blame
poor health on genes...genetics...family history. Even our
health care providers do it...A LOT! I think that’s lousy! If
your parents had taken care of themselves, like they should
have, they would have been healthier. Then you wouldn't
have them to blame for your health problems.
Now I understand that your family history plays a roll. But
your family health history is not a crutch. Stop using it as one
and start making better choices. You will end up being
healthier and show your kids that they can be healthy too.
Polar bears are left handed
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A duck's quack doesn't echo, and
no one knows why
5.) You will be happier: I have a confession. When I first
became a parent, I was overweight and out of shape. I was
fat, tired, stressed, winded, unhappy and uninspired. I was
living as "Fat Jerry" and he's a preeeeetty crabby dude.
Something finally clicked inside of me and I got my act
together. Fat, cranky dad is gone for good and my kids love
it.
Snails can sleep for 3 years
without eating
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Porcupines float in water
My father and Uncle are both in their 60's and when my 94
year-old grandma passed 2 summers ago....they were both
crushed. No matter their age, EVERY kid need their parents
around...don't live in a way that shortens that, not even for a
minute.
2.) You need the energy: I love my parents very much. But
my earliest memories of my father are about visiting him in
the hospital. My dad was undergoing chemotherapy at the
ripe old age of 32. And although he is still alive, that health
crisis took something from him. My dad was always tired and
it was impossible for him to keep up with my brother and I
(we were a hand full...maybe two hands full). Like I said...I
have 3 munchkins. And kids are a lot of work. So if you are
going to really be involved in their lives, you need to stay
healthy. You're going to need all the energy you can get.
3.) They look up to you: My 5 year old son, Knox, is the
one of my kids who does this the most. He ALWAYS tells me
how much he wants to be like me when he grows up.
Honestly, there are plenty of times that the thought makes me
cringe because I really want better for him. I want him to set
5.5) You deserve better: I know this is about the kids (sort
of) but the bottom line is...you deserve better. YOU DO! You
only have one life. You only have one body. Start treating
yourself with the respect that you deserves. It won't take long
and you will start loving what you see, loving how you feel
and becoming the person you were always meant to be.
SEE YOU AGAIN SOON!
Inside Out is a health newsletter provided to
chiropractic patients all around the world. This
issue was provided to you compliments of
Dr. Your Name
Your Name Family Chiropractic
123 Your Address., City, State 12345
(888) 123-12345
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Copyright 2015 - Dr. Jerry Kennedy - All Rights Reserved - DrJerryKennedy.com
DISCLAIMER: All material provided in Inside Out is for information only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. No action
should be taken based solely on its content. Readers should consult with the appropriate healthcare professional. The publisher is not
engaged in the practice of medicine and does not enter into a healthcare doctor/patient relationship with its readers.
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