Healthcare Update
RCS to Recruit ‘Army’ of Chiropractic Researchers to Conduct
Massive Global Research Program
Renowned chiropractic leader David Jackson, D.C., and two highly respected chiropractic
researchers—Matthew McCoy, D.C. and Robert Blanks, Ph.D.—have founded
a private-sector research company that will conduct a massive syndromic surveillance
project, with vertebral subluxation as the dependant variable. The three formed
RCS (Research and Clinical Science) in order to provide the scientific research
needed to validate chiropractic as a wellness discipline.
An International Scientific Advisory Panel comprised of D.C.s, M.D.s, Ph.D.s,
university professors, medical researchers and other reputable scientists will
compile, analyze and interpret the data collected from hundreds of thousands
of chiropractic patients around the world. This data will provide answers concerning
the direct and distinct correlation between subluxations and states of wellness,
stated Dr. Jackson, CEO of the new company.
“There's little doubt that chiropractic is more beneficial for wellness
than drugs. Yet, that remains just an opinion without the research to prove
it,” Jackson explains. “The data collected by RCS could lead to
ground-breaking and powerful conclusions as to the effect of subluxations and
chiropractic on the human nerve system and their repercussions on health.”
RCS is hoping to formulate the definitive gold standard for lifetime, scientific,
subluxation-based chiropractic care for families and demonstrate the advantages
of regular chiropractic care—improved function and performance, enhanced
immune function, improved quality of life and so forth. RCS will seek publication
of seminal studies in key peer-reviewed scientific journals, and broadly publicize
those papers over the Internet and through press releases and articles directed
at the mainstream print and broadcast media.
RCS's innovative concept involves training thousands of DCs around the world
to recruit volunteers willing to complete a Self Reported Quality of Life survey
and undergo a complimentary chiropractic examination. Doctors input their usual
adjusting and patient care procedures into the RCS database via a personalized
PDA and computer system supplied by RCS. Volunteers receive a “Vitality
Wellness Index” report showing their relative wellness factor compared
to all others in the database.
RCS officials hope to use the data to explore specific subluxation-related issues,
including the impact of chiropractic on the human immune system as well as on
a broad range of health and wellness concerns. To apply or obtain more information
about the RCS program, call (800) 909-1354 (U.S.) or 1+(480) 303-1694 (outside
the U.S.).
Veteran Chiropractic Care Program for Fall 2005
After months of policy development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
has announced the launch of a Congressionally mandated chiropractic services program.
Last month, the DVA reported that they will begin hiring and/or contracting with
chiropractors to provide care.
“Limited to 26 sites, the inaugural in-facility program will begin in the
fall of this year,” says ICA Board Member Dr. Michael S. McLean, who also
served on the Chiropractic Veterans Advisory Committee created by Congress to
advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the new program. “This
initiative will test the resolve of the DVA to provide accessible chiropractic
care to our nation’s military veterans, and ICA is already in close contact
with senior members of Congress to monitor the results of this first phase of
implementation.”
Chiropractors will work in consultation with VA primary care providers and offer
patient evaluations and care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Locations where
chiropractic care will be provided include: Togus, Maine; West Haven/Newington,
Conn.; Buffalo and the Bronx, N.Y.; Butler, Pa.; Martinsburg, W.Va.; Salisbury,
N.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Tampa and Miami, Fla.; Mountain Home, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio;
Danville, Ill.; Iron Mountain, Mich.; Kansas City, Mo.; Jackson, Miss.; San Antonio,
Temple and Dallas, Texas; Albuquerque and Phoenix, N.M.; Fort Harrison, Mont.;
Seattle, Wash.; Martinez and Los Angeles, Calif.; and Sioux Falls, S.D.
Eligible veterans in areas outside of these locations will also be able to receive
chiropractic care through VA’s outpatient fee-basis program after a referral
by their primary care provider and prior authorization by the department.
Chiropractors seeking employment or to provide contract services to veterans should
call the Human Resources office of any of the above facilities. Some VA positions
may be advertised at www.vacareers.com.
NBCE 2005 Annual Meeting
During the week of May 2-7, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners held
its Annual Board and State Delegates Meeting in conjunction with the Federation
of Chiropractic Licensing Boards’ 79th Annual Educational Conference in
Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
During the National Board’s reorganization meeting on Saturday, May 7, the
board of directors elected officers to form the executive committee. Dr. Peter
Ferguson was elected to return as NBCE president after serving for one year as
chairman of the board, during which Dr. James Badge served as president. Dr. Frank
Hideg was elected as chairman of the board to replace Dr. Ferguson in that role.
Filling out the executive committee, Dr. Rick Murphree, Dr. Kenneth Padgett and
Dr. Donna Craft were re-elected as vice president, treasurer and secretary, respectively.
“I want to recognize and thank Dr. Badge for his many years of service on
the NBCE Board and we will continue many of the programs started under his leadership,”
said Dr. Ferguson. “His guidance, especially in the international arena,
sets the foundation for some of the most important work that we face.”
In other business, the NBCE Board voted to broaden its eligibility policy for
international students, including students from colleges accredited by a number
of councils on chiropractic education, whose programs are deemed to be substantially
equivalent to those of the United States’ Council on Chiropractic Education.
Dried Fruits vs. Fresh
The chemistry department at the University of Scranton conducted a study to determine
the amount and quality of phenol antioxidants in dried fruits and compare them
with the corresponding fresh fruits.
Researchers found that dates have the highest concentration of polyphenols among
the dried fruits. Figs and dried plums have the best nutrient score among the
dried fruits, and dates among the fresh fruits. Processing to produce the dried
fruit significantly decreases the phenols in the fruits on a dry weight basis.
Compared with vitamins C and E, dried fruits have superior quality antioxidants
with figs and dried plums being the best.
The study proved dried fruits, especially figs, are a convenient and superior
source of some nutrients. Unfortunately, in the American diet, the consumption
of dried fruits amounts to less than 1 percent of total fruit consumed. The findings
suggest that dried fruits should be a greater part of the diet as they are dense
in phenol antioxidants and nutrients, most notably fiber.
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