The impetus for the proclamations derived from the efforts of Monte Greenawalt, DC, and his wife, Jeanne. Dr. Greenawalt is best know as the founder of Foot Levelers, Inc. The Greenawalts are currently living in the Las Vegas area, where they continue their good work to promote the chiropractic profession.
Dr. Greenawalt attributes most of the credit for this latest success to Jeanne. For her part, Mrs. Greenawalt said she had a "lot of help from other friends of chiropractic who have come to know chiropractic through Monty." But either way, the couple's hard work has paid off.
Senator Richard Bryan (D-Nevada) read a chiropractic centennial proclamation from the floor of the U.S. Senate on February 22, 1995. On March 16, 1995, Freshman Congressman John Ensign (D-Las Vegas) read a similar version of the proclamation from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mrs. Greenawalt said the chiropractic centennial year was deserving of recognition around the nation and in every community. "We are hoping that each state will pass similar proclamations."
Dr. Greenawalt said that although chiropractic's first hundred years have been a struggle, the "future has never been brighter." "We are now recognized nationally as demonstrated by these proclamations," he added.
The proclamations are printed below. Chiropractors can use them as examples of the kinds of declarations that should be read and go on record in every state, county, and city.
Senate
(Legislative day of Wednesday, February 22, 1995)
COMMENDING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION
Mr. BRYAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Chiropractic Profession which was founded on September 18, l895, and is celebrating 100 years of providing chiropractic services to Americans across the country.
The Chiropractic Profession was founded in Davenport, IA, when the first chiropractic adjustment was performed in an office building on a janitor named Harvey Lillard. One hundred years later, the Chiropractic Profession is now recognized by Congress which included chiropractic care under Medicare and authorized the commissioning of Chiropractors as officers in the military.
Today, the Chiropractic Profession is practiced by doctors throughout the world, including 50,000 Chiropractic Physicians throughout the United States. As the number of Chiropractors continues to grow, so do the standards in chiropractic education, research, and practice. This has led to broadening acceptance of the benefits of chiropractic health care by the public and the health care community.
According to health care experts, as many as 80 percent of Americans will suffer back pain at some point in their lives. Low back problems are the most common health complaints experienced by working Americans today. For this reason, every year millions of Americans choose chiropractic health care for the restoration and maintenance of their health. For many who suffer from pain, chiropractic care is a natural method of alleviation that does not require the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractors around the country have made and continue to make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of many people whose lives would not be the same without their services.
On March 18, members of the Chiropractic Profession will gather in Las Vegas to honor those dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for many people in the Silver State. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the devoted professionals involved in this occupation for their commitment and service. Chiropractors have made many Nevadans' lives better through their practice.
House of Representatives
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION
HON. JOHN E. ENSIGN
OF NEVADA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, March 16, 1995
Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the chiropractic industry's tremendous contribution to improving the health of Americans for the past 100 years.
The year 1995 marks the chiropractic profession's centennial. In 1895, Daniel David Palmer founded the chiropractic profession and opened the first chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa, in 1897. The profession has come a long way since 1895. Today, more than 50,000 chiropractors serve 15 to 20 million patients. The improved standards of education and quality of practice has given rise to the tremendous growth in this field.
While early chiropractors had difficulty gaining acceptance in the health care field, they now enjoy broad support from the public and their fellow health care professionals. Chiropractic care is now widely recognized as one of the most effective and efficient treatment for back ailments, especially for sufferers of severe or chronic back pain. An increasing number of Nevadans rely on the choice and freedom in health care options that chiropractic care offers them. Recognizing this trend, Congress provides for chiropractic care in Medicare and authorizes chiropractors to be commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces.
Mr. Speaker, as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, I admire the dedication of my fellow health care professionals and their contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life for so many Americans. As members of the chiropractic profession gather in Nevada's first Congressional District on March 18, I would like to extend a warm welcome to these doctors. I join my colleagues in the house of Representatives and my fellow Nevadans in congratulating them and their profession's many achievements over the last century.
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