professions – regarding what it has to of-fer and how these offerings will help cut costs in the long run. Much information is already available to make this point ring loud and clear – it’s a matter of strengthening efforts to har-ness it to the advantage of the profession. PREVENTION For chiropractors, musculoskeletal pro-tection is a fundamental principle that receives much emphasis in didactic and clinical training – prevention of injury, degeneration, etc., is considered key for optimal function and even overall good health. Therefore, prevention of mus-culoskeletal injuries and conditions is definitely an area where chiropractors can continue to become very active prac-titioners and powerful educators, advo-cating also for the potential cost savings to our system that effective prevention strategies can garner. This is a no-brainer and, again, requires only that DCs and/or their associations, rise up and harness opportunities to write or speak on pre-vention and safety. But, as prevention is a key component in the chiropractic paradigm, DCs are be-coming much more vocal in matters of pre-vention in areas outside of musculoskeletal considerations, as well. Although I have observed instances where DCs have been criticized for speaking on topics that ap-pear outside of their scope of practice, 19 it is not difficult to find reasons a DC should not be daunted by such heckling. A DC’s education involves the whole body, as well as various diagnostic and therapeutic pro-cedures, pathological situations and more. It may not be a stretch, then, for a DC to include, in his or her messaging, strategies that encompass overall prevention-based health care – for example, smoking cessa-tion, healthy eating, exercise, good sleep, etc. – in a holistic, safe manner. In other words, the concept of prevention can con-tinue to exert more influence on how we approach our health-care issues, and chi-ropractic practitioners can position them-selves at the forefront of this dialogue. EMPOWERING PARADIGM This last point is harder to capture. In the past, the profession has grappled with its underlying philosophical system of well-ness and healing, questioning the effect that discussing it can have on how the profession is perceived. Recently, howev-er, a much more open dialogue might be emerging within the profession, regarding some of these concepts, that may result in a spectrum of consideration that ranges from acknowledging its possible utility to considering the possibility of real and meaningful research in this area. 20 Take, for instance, chiropractic’s vitalis-tic concepts that describe the body’s natu-ral ability to heal itself. In this paradigm, the body requires minimum intervention to perform at its best and incites a person to ensure optimal conditions for the body to do so: rest, nutrition, exercise and so forth. When one does become ill, and re-quires a more aggressive strategy, this idea suggests that this same body remains oc-cupied, despite appearances to the con-trary, in its efforts toward healing. This, again calls upon the individual to uphold his or her participation in the effort. These concepts can be empowering and inclusive rather than hopeless and disenfranchising; furthermore, there are studies showing this mindset and strategy to be beneficial for healing and/or staying healthy. 21 One main point this article postulates is that chiropractic’s very fundamental and salient features are its most compelling of-ferings – and this includes elements of chi-ropractic philosophy. These concepts can be introduced without confusing the audi-ence at hand, if this is done with the intent to help, educate and give hope, rather than to overpower, and/or vindicate an idea for personal, or group, gratification. SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS Whether you speak to new patients or organize a health class; whether you rep-resent your province to your politicians or speak on behalf of your profession in academic situations; or whether you are a chiropractic student trying to educate other health-care students regarding what you do, you needn’t worry that you bring less to the table than other health-care groups. When you try to communicate this, I suggest you stick to the clear and verifiable points that are relevant for the audience you are addressing and avoid: a) introduction of complicated or eso-teric information too early or out of context; b) efforts to “fit in” to other systems or mindsets; and c) denial of your limitations and areas where investigation is still in progress. As a chiropractor, you already offer strategies and elements that matter in our current health milieu, not just with respect to musculoskeletal health – although this is important and significant – but in other health and health-care areas as well. You do this in ways that are relevant to soci-ety’s changing needs, and that will provide sustainable long-term benefits. This is important information that should be passed on beyond your circles. • To view this article with references, please visit www.canadianchiropractor.ca. news NEW PRESIDENT FOR RCCSS(C) The Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences of Canada (RCCSS(C)) welcomes its new president, Dr. Glen Harris. The torch was passed from Dr. Greg Uchacz to Dr. Harris at the RCCSS(C) AGM, held on November 13, 2010, in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Harris, a long-standing, valued contributor to the activi-ties of sport chiropractic in Canada, moves into the president position for the first time. Serving previously as first and second vice-president, secretary and member at large, Dr. Harris brings experience, a passion for involvement, new ideas and a fresh perspective on today’s environment for sports chiropractic in Canada to the position. Others selected to positions with the RCCSS(C) are Drs. Chris deGraauw (first vice-president), Scott Howitt (second vice-pres-ident), Cameron Borody (continuing as secretary) and Janice Drover (treasurer). A special presentation, including a plaque honouring his years in service to the RCCSS(C) and to sports sciences in Canada, was made to immediate past-president, Dr. Greg Uchacz, at the AGM. Congratulations to all new RCCSS(C) board members and best wishes to Dr. Uchacz for success in his future endeavours. www.canadianchiropractor.ca 10 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | APRIL 2011
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