I learned to be passionate about chiropractic early in life. My DC dad taught me – just as his DC dad had taught him. As a family, we learned about the importance of regular chiropractic adjustments to maintain our health and wellness.
Chiropractic was the first form of care if we were starting to feel sick or getting a cold.
We also learned about the importance of vitamins and healthy eating. It was part of an overall chiropractic philosophy of wellness that not only worked effectively, but also kept us away from medical doctor visits and drugs. We were the healthiest kids on the street.
While I didn't choose to be a doctor of chiropractic myself, that passion has never left me. It is the driving force behind the past 41 years of my life's work in our profession.
In Chiropractic's Corner
As I go around the country talking with the businesses that support our profession, I see the same passion for chiropractic in the people I meet. Some are DCs, some are members of chiropractic families and some have a passion that stems from their own experiences with the power of chiropractic.
They develop products, design patient services and conduct research in their efforts to make your care more effective. In addition, most support our associations and give back beyond what they need to in order to be profitable.
I daresay there would be very few chiropractic conventions if it were not for the hundreds of passionate chiropractic vendors that fill our exhibit halls. In most, if not all cases, they are the difference that allows our state and national associations to hold their events.
The same goes for our chiropractic colleges. Every year, companies step up and provide the needed support for buildings, research, faculty positions, special projects and clinical necessities. Yes, they get some recognition from the chiropractic college, but I don't believe they get the appreciation they really deserve.
In fact, I estimate that these chiropractic vendors are responsible for tens of millions of dollars in collective support every year. And most provide this support with little recognition.
Appreciation Goes a Long Way
As we approach the time of year that many chiropractic events are scheduled, I'd like to ask you to express your appreciation to the people and companies that serve you and your patients with their products and services.
Please take a moment to thank them when you walk the exhibit floor, or send a short email of appreciation. If you are on the phone with them, take a moment at the end of your conversation to express your appreciation for their support of chiropractic.
I would also like to publicly say: Thank You! to all our chiropractic vendors that continue to support and serve chiropractic. We appreciate you and all you do for our patients, doctors, students, colleges, associations, and profession. We couldn't do what we do without you.
Read more findings on my blog: http://blog.toyourhealth.com/ wrblog. You can also visit me on Facebook and Twitter (donpetersenjr, @donaldpetersen).
Click here for more information about Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher.