Holla Back Y’All- “The Captain” Colton Cariaga speaks Out

Holla Back Y’all
“The Captain” Colton Cariaga speaks out
Michael Hollerbach DC Student

Colton Cariaga is the only captain the Life University undergrad rugby team has ever known. He is a quiet leader and leads by example. He is completing his undergrad degree in business administration and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in June, while simultaneously working on a Life Coaching certification. Following this season, he has one more year of eligibility to play college rugby. I was delighted to get to talk to him about his LIFE career so far.

“I am originally from Charlotte, N.C. When I was touring England playing on the USA National Under Nineteen Rugby Team, one of my coaches was actually coaching Life at the time. His name was Jason Payne and he encouraged me to come here. They worked out a little scholarship deal with me, and I was very flattered and excited to come to LIFE at that time.”

“I wasn’t too happy my first couple of quarters here, and I thought about leaving. But I decided to stick it out because I am not a quitter. After making that commitment, it seemed that I almost immediately became pretty good friends with Henry Hammond, my math professor. He is always looking after the students’ best interests and you can always just go into his office and he will talk to you like he has known you his whole life. That was a turning point in my enjoyment of my time here at LIFE and I really have not looked back since then.”

“In Summer quarter 2010, Coach Payne called me into his office. I had no idea what was coming. He said, ‘I like what I see in you, and the guys have a lot of respect for you. I want to ask if you would like to be the captain of our undergrad team.’ I jumped at it. I was like, ‘Yea…heck yea, I want to do this!’ I knew we all had a lot of big expectations for our team, and to be the first captain of the undergraduate team is something I really wanted to do.”

“Last year, we lost two games. We lost to our conference rival Arkansas State by two points. Then, in the playoffs, we got to travel out to San Francisco to play Cal-Berkley. They dealt us a pretty humbling defeat, beating us by 33 points. ‘Thirty-three’ became our motto for this season. We wrote it on the board and decided we had a year to close that gap. It is not so much about chasing someone else as it is more on us to get better. We are doing what it takes to improve and that is what the whole rugby program is all about. It is about constant improvement as a player and a person and I think that is the most important thing to take away from what our program is all about.”

“Being the captain of this team, I feel like I can ease up a little now, thanks to the success we have had. After winning the National Rugby Championship and Collegiate Rugby Championship qualifier in Las Vegas, I feel like the guys know how to win. They know what they need to do and how to treat their bodies. I don’t need to say much anymore. I do my part mostly just leading by example. The guys have been on top of it this year and they have been busting their butts, and it really makes my job a lot easier.”

“I have started taking life coaching classes and really enjoy it. I love my professors. I think they are very talented. My Intro to Coaching professor is Cherry Collier, the person who actually brought Life Coaching to Life University. I am excited about it, it is pretty intriguing stuff.”

“There are a lot of opportunities here at Life University and great people, too! That is what I really notice; there are a lot of good people here at this school, from the students to the professors to the staff who work here. Life University is a special place.”

Movement for Chiropractic Quality and Integrity (MCQI) Marches On

Movement for Chiropractic Quality and Integrity (MCQI) Marches On
Movement works toward ending the Chiropractic civil war
Michael Hollerbach, DC Student

The Movement for Chiropractic Quality and Integrity (MCQI) is a movement, not an organization, striving to unite the chiropractic profession and improve chiropractic education. MCQI has a vision of ending the in-fighting happening between “mixers and straights,” and to bring all chiropractors together under two basic core values, drugless and non-surgical. They believe doctors should have flexibility and freedom to utilize whichever techniques or specialties each chiropractor feels is in the best interest of their patients. The only stipulation is that they do not utilize drugs or surgery.

Arno Burnier, DC and Steve Tullius, DC are leading the fight. When asked about their uphill battle to unite this profession and do something that no other organization in the history of chiropractic could accomplish, Arno replied, “We are not battling, we are marching. With battling there is resistance, with marching we march over things. We are forging a path to peace to resolve this 100 year old civil war.”

MCQI also has a mission to improve chiropractic education. They believe the education students are receiving today is overloaded with unnecessary medical classes and does not place enough emphasis on techniques and entrepreneurship.

“MCQI has drafted a visionary curriculum and has asked for input, revision, and improvement. It is a vitalistic curriculum. We would like to see all the courses [in chiropractic program curricula] related to the philosophy and principles,” Arno said.

They are working toward reforming the National Boards and restructuring of the chiropractic curriculum around the world. According to the MCQI website, the organization feels that, “Students hold the power to choose, influence and control the chiropractic education they deserve. Students are the ones paying tuition, accruing debts from student loans and actually paying the faculty, staff, administrators and presidents of the colleges.”

In the interview, Arno restated that, “The students are the power, they are the revolution and evolution.” Revolution and unity have historically started on college campuses around the world. If there is going to be a change, it is going to have to take place on chiropractic campuses. The profession has been unable to come together for many years, but it is the new generation of chiropractic students who have seen their predecessors implode the profession. The time is now and the place is here to start the new profession. The MCQI needs students to support it by getting involved, interacting with each other and reaching out to doctors in the field to get their patients involved. The first step is for everyone to go to MCQI.org website and register. Then be sure to scroll down and sign the CCE petition to encourage reform of the Council of Chiropractic Education.

On the MCQI website people can interact with others in the open forum pages. They can use the resources offered on the website to get questions answered, as well as to find the latest news on the progress and growth of the profession.

Students can go to their own Facebook pages to post their opinions about the CCE and make comments on the MCQI Facebook page. According to Arno, “The CCE [urgent massive complaint campaign] Facebook page is like a crowd in the street; it’s nice when you have a lot of students in the crowd on the street voicing their opinions. I feel that many students have been shy to post on those various forums. They need to keep the awareness by participating on the various forums on Facebook.”

As it says on their website, “The MCQI community is made up of volunteers around the globe, promoting chiropractic as a separate and distinct life, health and well-being profession.”  It is a subluxation-centered movement rooted in the philosophy, art and science of Chiropractic. Join them today in uniting this incredible profession.  Get every person you know to register. Their goal is to bring together one million people for the quality and integrity of chiropracTIC. Won’t you help the world today? Go to http://www.mcqi.org to register. Also, ‘like’ their Facebook page and ask everyone you know to join us in this legendary march.

Life Rugby Faces Tough Competition at CRC

Life Rugby Faces Tough Competition at CRC
Falling to Cal Berkley for Medal Contention

After months of buildup and preparation, LIFE Rugby took to the field in Philedelphia to compete in the College Rugby 7s Championship. Alongside them were big names in rugby including Penn State, Dartmouth, Maryland, and Cal Berkley, just to name a few. 16 teams would face off in 32 matches, all in an attempt to win this championship. If LIFE walked away with the win, they would be the first team in history to win the “Triple Crown” in college rugby 7s.  The first challenge LIFE faced was Penn State, beating them 19-17 with the final try coming seconds after the game had technically ended (one of the many things that sets rugby apart from other sports). Next came Temple, who showed to be an easier win for LIFE as the Running Eagles walked away with a 33-7 win. Last up on the first day of competition came Wisconsin, who LIFE defeated with a final score of 36-12.

LIFE fans and supporters filled the stands, all wearing matching t-shirts and making their presence known! Over the years, LIFE rugby supporters have transformed from just a handful of loyal fans in the bleachers in Marietta to hundreds of faithful fans that traveled all the way to Philadelphia to support their school. Alumni from all over joined in as well, as did several faculty and administrators from LIFE. While LIFE may not be a big name school, compared to the others in the competition, they are well known for their fierce rugby play on the field. Many of the athletes from other schools, when interviewed by NBC commentators, commented on LIFEs performances and how they are really one of the teams to watch. Arizona’s star player, Peter Tiberio, commented that LIFE would bring their most fierce competition and it would take all they had in order to defeat them.

A few of the amazing LIFE U Fans in Philly

Rugby 7s is a face paced game with two seven minute halves. In normal rugby, the teams have 15 players facing off against each other. In 7s, you have seven players who are covering the same field of play, which is approximately 10 meters longer and roughly 20 meters wider than a standard football field. According to Diffen.com “Rugby is best described as a blend of the contact of American football, the running of soccer, and the transition of basketball.” Rugby 7s is a game of stamina and speed, with quick turnovers and quick scores.

The second day of competition started out fierce. LIFE first faced off with a 12-5 win against Delaware, setting LIFE up for the Quarterfinals. The commentators on NBC had great things to say about LIFE, often stating that LIFE was the favorite to win and discussing what an upset it would be to Dartmouth and Cal Berkley, both of which are rugby power houses.  Our lesser known school next would face Arizona, who would prove to be the fiercest competition they’d faced so far. LIFE simply could not keep up with the speed and team work that Arizona and Tiberio would provide. After falling behind in the opening minutes, LIFE simply could not come back, although they made a hard push at the end but fell short. Ultimately, they succumbed to Arizona 19-12.

Cal Berkley faced off against Dartmouth, last year’s championship team, with Dartmouth taking the win, placing Cal Berkley and LIFE to face off for the 3^rd place spot. Cal Berkley, however, proved to be too much for LIFE to handle and walked away with a 26-7 win. LIFE fought hard to gain possession and up until the final play, LIFE wasn’t about to give up, walking away in the 4^th place position. Darmouth took 1^st  place for the 2^nd year in a row, defeating Arizona in a VERY physical, emotional game, taking out several players for Arizona in the process due to injury.

A great tribute to the school, its fans and its players was a statement found on Facebook by a Philadelphia native who works at Philadelphia University in their Financial Aid. He stated “Went from never hearing of Life University to becoming a fan. What a great group of people and such ardent supporters of their Rugby team. Their passion rivals that of any major program. In two days, every person I met from this school just north of Atlanta, GA in Marietta was so pleasant and really made working seem like I was at a good friend’s party.” While LIFE may have not walked away with the title, this tournament really put LIFE on the map!

Congratulations to Dan Payne, Tui Osborne and all the LIFE rugby players! You’ve had a great season and we are all proud to be called LIFE RUNNING EAGLES!!!

Life Adds Wrestling to Sports Program

Life Adds Wrestling to Sports Program
Sports Program Continues to Grow
Kelly Milano, DC Student

As LIFE’s sport program continues to grow, with the ultimate goal of having 12 sports programs offered by the year 2015, the next step along the way is the addition of a men’s wrestling program. According to Coach Barrett “Offering intercollegiate sports in every season is a goal of ours. We want student engagement and excitement all year long.” With this new addition, Life will have intercollegiate rugby, women’s volleyball and cross country in the fall and basketball in the fall and wrestling in the winter.

Currently LIFE has an intramural program consisting of seven sports and allows any student on campus to be involved with a minimum time commitment.  The club sports program includes rugby, tennis, hockey, cycling, tennis and some others. Club sports require a little more commitment and are more competitive in nature. It’s a great starting point for ChiroGames. With the addition of these new intercollegiate teams, including women’s cross country and volleyball, LIFE is truly showing its commitment to its athletes.

Wrestling competitions will begin in the winter 2012-2013 quarter. If you think you believe you have eligibility left and are interested in learning more about the upcoming wrestling season or trying out for the team, check out the Athletics page at http://www.liferunningeagles.com/ or contact the Athletics Department at Athletics@life.edu

Letter From the Publisher-Embrace Life

Letter from the Publisher
Embrace LIFE!
Kelly Milano, DC Student

As I look back at the five years I’ve spent on the campus of Life University, I’m still amazed at the changes that have taken place, the beauty of this campus and the opportunities I’ve experienced. As I walked across the catwalk a few weeks back after finishing up a meeting with Coach Barrett, I caught myself getting emotional that soon I won’t have meetings with executives, lunches with friends or drinks after a long hard day. At the same time, I won’t have midterms or finals to study for, long ten-hour days of classes or hoops to jump through.

My time at LIFE has been extraordinary! When I joined the campus in the spring of 2007, I had a goal to leave the school better than I found it. What that meant, I didn’t know, but I quickly found places to get involved and make a difference.

We each have the same experiences here at LIFE and I challenge you to embrace it. While you may have an issue with a teacher, it is how you deal with it inside you that makes the difference. Just about everyone on this campus will experience a failure in a Dr. Fox or Dr. Rigby class, difficulty scheduling physicals in clinic, missed appointments, and disappointments of many types. You WILL continue to see your tuition go up, your parking spots be difficult to obtain and your financial aid messed with. It is how you choose to view each of these experiences that will dictate your experience at LIFE. When you become the victim, believing the school is only out to make money or to harm its students in some way, your experience will be a difficult, unpleasant one. If you choose to view it as a learning and growing experience, choosing to find a way to better yourself in the process, you will grow and thrive on the campus and become a person of true influence.

I’ve heard many of my peers say I’m too quick to justify the actions of the school or that I need to stop being such a big cheerleader. It’s not that I have agreed with every decision made, and in fact, MANY have infuriated me to my core, but in understanding these actions were not taken out of spite but were made with a bigger picture and goal in mind, I was able to dig deeper to find the true meaning behind the decision that was made. As I’ve now taken all four parts of National Boards, I’ve been able to realize the reason classes are offered in the order they are and why teachers have remained in place despite their apparent high failure rates of students. I’ve come to see that getting angry about my failures is more revealing of my character. It was in understanding it was my inability to accurately and completely understand a concept, that I failed a test or a class, not the teacher’s inability (necessarily) to teach it. And I say this after ‘successfully’ having failed about six classes as well as 12^th quarter OSCE. While 20 students may fail a given class, 80 would pass it. The 80 likely won’t see the teacher as the ‘bad teacher’ the 20 who failed did. It was the same class, same teacher, same experience, but different outcome. It is our job while here to find out why we get the outcomes we do. It’s our job to become the best student, doctor and educator we can!

I encourage you to change your outlook and experience LIFE in all its fullness! Get involved in the opportunities offered on this campus. If you aren’t happy about the direction of the school or your education, get involved in student council, the curriculum or clinic committees or Vital Source, Student Ambassadors or PLI where students are working with administration to make a difference. I heard a recent graduate state that he didn’t enjoy his experience while at LIFE and it would seem he was a former ‘disgruntled student’ but when digging deeper into the conversation, it wasn’t the school he didn’t enjoy but the fact that he didn’t do more while here. He wasn’t incredibly involved and didn’t experience all that he could have while here. There are more clubs now than ever, more intramural and club sports, more sporting events to attend and more chance to be a leader. Embrace LIFE and this journey and create your story while you are here. We have a big mission and goal before us. It’s a noble calling and one that will likely have many challenges along the way. Learn to handle the challenges, disappointments, and frustrations while you are here so that when you graduate and join the ranks within the profession you are best capable of being the doctor you wish to be. I wish you all the best in the remainder of your schooling and pray you will come to value your time here in the same way that I have!

What if I Fail?

What If I Fail?
Becoming committed to the process
Carla Gibson, DC Student

As a third quarter DC student, I consider myself “new” to the DC program.  As a mother of three and someone who has worked in the corporate world and as a volunteer for several large organizations, the time I spend in classes and taking exams is relatively less stressful to me than raising children or coordinating events for large groups of people.   However, there is still some pressure to perform and a fear of failure to overcome.  As an undergraduate student, I had my share of failures. I probably set the record for taking and failing calculus, ultimately changing my major so I wouldn’t have to suffer through it a fourth time.  But despite the fact that I have had a little experience with failing, my first failure here at Life was emotional yet defining.

 My experiences with failure in the DC program have been on a small scale – a Gross Anatomy lab midterm, a Mo-Pal mini-practical and an Instrumentation lab practical. But I managed to redouble my efforts and pass all the classes I’ve taken.  However, even these small experiences of failure were intense for me, and I realize that they have produced more substantial personal growth and enhanced my commitment to the DC program more than the classes where I’ve been successful.  I started to ask other students what failure has meant to them.
At an average of $800 per class, failure is not only detrimental to the ego, it’s expensive.  Among the students I interviewed for this article, most wished to remain anonymous.  Though every class has its share of failures, some classes have a reputation for being difficult to pass.  Particularly the diagnosis and radiology classes came up again and again as a challenge to pass the first time.   Nathan Potter, 12^th quarter DC student, came to Life from a background in film.  “I was an artist.  Thinking ‘scientifically’ was a challenge for me.”  Despite this obstacle and taking each gross anatomy class twice, Potter found he passed the National Board exams with ease.  What was once as difficult to understand as a foreign language is now clear and familiar to him.  Like Potter, many of the students I spoke to have been able to overcome their failures, and have gone on to pass Boards and OSCE’s and, ultimately, to become great chiropractors.
The most important question that successful failers have to ask themselves is, “What is causing me to fail?” In my case, it was a lack of study skills.  Recalling information for a practical exam is very different from playing multiple guess on a written test.  I misjudged how much time and repetition it would take to do these tests well.  For other students, often life (not just LIFE) got in the way of their studies.  A family emergency, a stressful relationship or just a true lack of background in the subject contributed to their failure.  Do most students blame the instructor? Not usually. Most of the students I interviewed realized it was their failure, not the failure of the instructor.  In cases where the instructor was truly at fault, I found the teacher had usually been subsequently fired or reassigned.
Jonathan Via, DC, graduated from Life University in 2010.  He began his journey to his DC in 2001, first as an undergrad, then in the DC program.  He was at Life both prior to and following the accreditation issues and got to witness many changes in the school.  He began the DC program in the Fall of 2006, with the first class to start under the new curriculum.  During his school career, he had many opportunities to learn from his failures and believes they were a valuable part of his education. As a member of Delta Sigma Chi and president of the Chiropractic Philosophy club on campus, Dr. Via was very grounded in philosophy and felt like he was pursuing a calling, much more than just becoming a doctor.  After failing Spinal Anatomy, Dr. Via referred to his favorite ‘green book’ The Bigness of the Fellow Within and used the mantra he found in its pages, “I can. I will. I must!” to guide him.  Even when struggling with taking soft tissue radiology classes multiple times, once failing to pass a second time with a grade of 69.5, Dr. Via took it all in stride and believed that everything happened for a reason. He saw his failures as just pointing out the fact he was not ready, yet, to be a doctor.  Now, eighteen months into his practice in Pullman, WA, he is 50% of the way to achieving his initial practice goals, which he considers remarkable for a small business owner just starting out.   “School is a great preparation for practice. The failures help keep you humble. In practice, you need humility. It’s not about us.”  Dr. Via encourages students to appreciate the program for what it is and to realize that you will need to become a small business owner, community leader and volunteer to be successful in practice. All of these things take time and commitment, even when “life” gets in the way.

Experiencing failures during school, even though they may seem overwhelming and expensive at the time, might be the most valuable part of your education.  Dr. Via says, “All the successes in the world were one step away from being a failure. When you fail, you’re almost there.”
For me, failing was like the Universe asking me “Are you sure?”  I realized that even though I had completed the prerequisites, moved 600 miles from my family and completed the first quarter of the program, I still wasn’t fully committed to being here. On some level, staying was still optional.   Failing showed me that I needed to be fully present and completely committed to becoming a Chiropractor.
Have you failed a class or two? Has it made you question your commitment and your choice? Are you afraid to fail?  Of course, you’d rather not fail, but if you do, ask yourself what you’ve learned and how it can help you reach your goal.

Vibrams are Out, High Heels In

Vibrams Are Out, High Heels In
Clinic system dress code changes
Kelly Milano, DC Student

Beginning in the summer quarter, new dress code changes, developed and recommended by the Student Council’s Clinic Committee, will be implemented in the clinic system at LIFE. While most of the changes to the dress code may be minor, one change that continues to concern me involves Vibram’s 5 Finger shoes.  The CC-HOP (a.k.a the student clinic) banned them several quarters ago. However, the C-HOP (a.k.a. the outpatient clinic) had continued to allow them, as long as they were the more conservative styles of black or brown. According to the new rule, this type of footwear will no longer be acceptable in either clinic, despite their reputedly beneficial proprioceptive and postural effects on the body.  In my opinion, this is a mistake. According to the testimonials of individuals who have worn Vibrams, including myself, many report a large decrease in their low back complaints. As a chiropractic student, this is what I strive to do on a daily basis – reduce my patients’ pain complaints, realign their spines and bring them into optimal health. When I began wearing Vibram 5 Finger shoes, I began to notice that all the pain in my L4/L5 area was greatly diminished. As long as I wear my Vibrams, I am pain free. As soon as I begin to wear other shoes, I start to slowly notice the return of the pain in this area, ultimately leading to an antalgic posture to try to reduce the additional stress being placed on these vertebrae.
As chiropractors, we pursue an understanding of how posture affects our body and overall health. Thus, when we consider the importance of the biomechanics of the foot, it is easy to see how by simply allowing our feet the freedom to function as they were created to function, we could effect changes throughout our bodies. When we have a dropped arch, for instance, it can have an effect on the ankles, the knees, and ultimately into the hips and spine. Within these two feet are 52 bones, 66 joints, 40 muscles, ligaments, tendons and hundreds of proprioceptive and sensory receptors. The thousands of neurological receptors within the foot continually send important information to the brain regarding the type of surface the body is walking on, which signals alternative muscles to fire in response. According to Vibram’s website, “Actively stimulating these receptors improves balance, increases circulation, and enhances overall foot health. There are more bones in the feet than any other area of the human body with the exception of the hands. When our feet are confined in shoes, it’s as if we are placing them in casts. The toes, which are designed to evenly disperse the weight and force of our body and help us balance, are placed tightly together and not allowed the freedom of movement they were designed for. Eventually our toes lose their ability to move individually as the tiny muscles weaken and potentially atrophy. The muscles and ligaments that hold the arch up are so used to being supported by the arch of a shoe that without the shoe on our foot, the arch drops and results in flat feet

A foot in a normal shoe. Notice the angulation of the 1st metatarsal
as well as the position of the 5th. This leads to altered biomechanics through the
whole body and into the low back and spine.

Feet in Vibrams, showing a much more proper alingment of the toes.

As students, we are taught the importance of proper foot kinematics and the importance of adjusting and taping dropped arches to help offer support, but we continue to encourage shoes with ‘arch support’ instead of understanding the importance of creating and maintaining the health of our arches on our own, independent of the shoe’s support. Vibrams encourage the creation of proper foot biomechanics and arch development. Because the shoe does not have a strong arch support, it preserves the natural demands on

the musculature within the foot, allowing the body to strengthen the arch without additional support of a shoe or tape. New research is currently suggesting the importance of not putting young infants in ‘walking shoes’ as our mothers did to us. Not wearing shoes allows children just learning to walk to feel the floor underneath their feet, helping them to establish better balance as proper gait cycles and proprioception develop.¹ The reasoning is that a minimalist shoe will continue this process in the adult foot, as well.
Postural compensations are unavoidable while wearing shoes that elevate the heels and most shoes do this to an extent. Even ‘flats’ and men’s shoes have a heel on them and most tennis shoes have a thick pad in t

he back, again elevating the heel. These postural compensations and distortions are necessary to maintain balance when the heel is elevated off of the ground and the body weight pushed forward from the center of gravity. It’s part of the reason why, when we do postural analysis, some chiropractors have their patients to take off their shoes, as having shoes on will alter our findings. Chronic use of a heel often results in some degree of kyphosis in the lumbars and lordosis in the thoracics, thus leading to additional pain in the low- and mid-back.
While we, as students, understand the importance of maintaining a professional look in clinic, we also understand the importance of proper postural alignment throughout the body. We understand that being barefoot is the best option, but due to hygiene and safety issues, being barefoot in public is not acceptable. Those who have worn Vibrams in the clinic have found them to be a great teaching tool for our patients.
It is ironic that high heels are considered acceptable in clinic and but students are no longer allowed to wear shoes that improve our posture and benefit our body’s biomechanics.

The horrible positioning of a shoe in high heels. Notice the pressure and  put on the metatarsals.

1. Rossi WA, Children’s footwear: launching site for adult foot ills. Podiatry management 2002; 83-100.

The League of Chiropractic Women

The League of Chiropractic Women
A new group for all women of chiropractic
Carley Edwards, DC Student

The League of Chiropractic Women (LCW) began when fourteen women came together with an idea for a group that will empower women leaders in the chiropractic profession, elevate them into leadership roles, and provide a place for women to have a voice in what’s going on in chiropractic. The women met at the elegant Chateau Elan in late March and it was here that the group put everything into action by adopting a mission statement and electing officers.

The purpose of the LCW is to “intentionally develop, empower, and grow a community and a legacy of powerful and innovative women leaders in loving service for Chiropractic.” Most importantly, the mission of LCW is that “we commit to serve the vitalistic principles of chiropractic as a subluxation focused and drugless profession.” Any woman living by this philosophy is encouraged to join, including students, doctors, wives, CA’s, and teachers. One of the group founders, Sharon Gorman, points out, “We are called chiropractic women because we include all women of chiropractic, not just women chiropractors.” Although the group’s membership is ‘females only,’ certain events will include men. The group values and appreciates the lengths men have taken the profession thus far, but women need more of a voice in what’s going on in chiropractic.

The group had a luncheon early this quarter in Atlanta and 27 women turned out for the event. On July 27-28 the inaugural event will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at the Galleria. Some of the topics to be covered will include: How to define and create a unique practice, CA skills, keeping our life balances, personal finances, maintaining a chiropractic lifestyle in the ‘real world,’ spreading the big idea, and more. The event will also provide chiropractic women with the opportunity to network and develop new relationships. It will inspire women, look for and provide solutions to their concerns and help women to truly understand what it means to be a ‘woman in chiropractic.’ Barbara Lo Fisher, Sharon Gorman, Jeanne Ohm, and Selena Sigafoose Jackson are just a few of the empowering women who will take the stage, and awards will be given out to some chiropractic women warriors. Students can visit www.lcwomen.com and register under the DC2B for $20 and that will cover the remainder of time while in school and all seminars, including the inaugural event.

Chiropractic schools following a vitalistic philosophy, including Life University, have their own chapters of the LCW. The advisor for the Life University chapter is Cynthia Boyd, and the group leader is Ashley Staple. “We provide a network of support for mothers, daughters, wives, girlfriends, CA’s, etc.,” explained Staple. “Everything we do is to prepare women to be confident and competent forces in the profession. We are active in chiropractic philosophy, politics, and technique. We will be hosting Focus philosophy events, birthing classes, office tours, and different technique seminars to expose members to a variety of options for practice.” There will be an information meeting about the club Thursday evening of club day next quarter, so keep an eye out for flyers.

For more information on the group or the inaugural event visit www.lcwomen.com.

Starbucks vs Plato

Starbucks vs. Plato II Go

Corporate is detrimental to school’s progress

Katherine McCarty, DC Student

Starbucks. Say the word and already mouths begin to water, so thirsty for that addictive drug we all know as coffee. Some can even smell if from a distance, following with our nose as if a siren were seducing us towards it. I have even been pulled into the waters for an ice cold Mocha Frappuccino! So what will happen to us all when a Starbucks is put into our Plato II Go?

I appreciate the Starbucks franchise for its delectable drinks and treats, but I do not think it belongs at Life University. Just on a title basis, how can a school of philosophy and art move from a to-go shop called Plato II Go, a name derived from a renowned philosopher, to Starbucks, a company whose marketing has been put in place to overcharge us for coffee. Even if the area will still technically be called Plato II Go, would it not be a lie if from within it a commercialized company became the (caffeine-accelerated) beating heart of our café? I see a movement here that does not sit well with my sense of the wholeness and vitality that seems to vibrate from the walls of this university. If a change must occur within Plato II Go, then shouldn’t it be toward the very lifestyle that we are taught to follow? A change toward fruit and vegetable smoothies, for example?

To put the biggest name in over-priced coffee marketing into our school is not going to give the school what it needs. Nor do we need to be spending close to five dollars for a coffee drink. In the academic scene, coffee drinks are sought after to stay awake and keep minds focused for late night studying. On that note, Starbucks would be a good idea, but not great. I do not think our school should go down the path of supporting more coffee for the health of our minds, but rather find other suitable means to create drinks that could be scientifically healthy for our study habits. That, at least would go more with the philosophy of our school.

Do not misunderstand me. If a Starbucks is put in the café of our school, you will see me in line for it. I do not argue that Starbucks should be eradicated from this planet, but rather our school should be progressive in its philosophy, and not just satisfy the popular addiction to coffee.

Shopping on a Student Budget

Shopping on a Student Budget
Planning is the key to the challenges of student finances
Carla Gibson, DC student

I was recently invited to speak to the Better Half of Life group on campus about the techniques I use to feed my family (mostly) organic and natural foods on a limited student budget.  As an at-home mom on a modest income, I decided early on that organic and natural foods were going to be a priority. Over the years, I found resources and developed habits that helped us feed our family of five, (sometimes six, when we had an exchange student living with us– a teenager no less!) organically for about the same price as other families spent on their conventional foods.

“No one plans to fail, they only fail to plan.”  If you keep finding that your grocery budget has been blown by week three, this is probably the case.  In my experience, the first principle of eating healthy and economically is planning. If you went into your favorite restaurant and they didn’t hand you a menu, ordering would probably be a frustrating experience and the place wouldn’t last long. Without a menu and a plan, a restaurant couldn’t manage its expenses and provide a quality experience for its guests. Neither can you. Here are some rules to live by, if you’d like to eat healthy and stay within a budget.

Rule #1 – Always start with a (meal) plan, and always shop with a ‘shopping list’

Meal planning can be a challenge, especially when you want to ensure that you’re getting enough variety in your foods, but not buying expensive ingredients you’ll only use once. (Why do I have that plum sauce in my cabinet?) Many online meal-planning services provide weekly menus complete with recipes and a shopping list.  Each week you only need to scan your pantry and cross off anything you already have on hand, then go to the store and buy only what is on your list.  Just having a list and sticking to it will immediately save you money, since modern grocery stores are scientifically set up to encourage impulse buys and to lure you into purchasing expensive convenience foods.

Since my goal was always whole foods in the most natural state possible, I liked the menus I find on Savingdinner.com, (and also in the book of the same name by Leanne Ely) or on cookingtf.com (the ‘tf’ stands for ‘traditional foods’).  Both sites provide recipes that are simple and don’t use ingredients that come from packages.  Savingdinner.com has a variety of options from vegetarian menus to menus that avoid certain allergens, which are sized for two, four or six people.  The menus are mailed to you on Sunday of each week and include six recipes the shopping list for six main courses, and suggestions for sides and dessert.  Cookingtf.com sends a similar plan, with recipes based on the book Traditional Nutrition by Sally Fallon. The author includes reminders to soak the grains or start fermenting carrots that are in the plan for that week. Cookingtf.com’s menus are also gluten- and casein-free. Both sites pay attention to seasonal eating, (Savingdinner.com even has menus tailored for subscribers in Australia!) and rotate the recipes so you don’t get bored.  Using a service like this gives you great variety in your meals, but the recipes use similar ingredients. Once you’ve been using the service for several months, you’ll start to notice you are shopping for less because your pantry is stocked. Prices for these menus are minimal and once you’ve subscribed for six months to a year, you can probably reuse them for several years without getting bored.

Rule #2 – Buy direct and buy in bulk, whenever possible

I purchase most of my natural groceries directly from the distributor through a buying club.  In a buying club, members pool their time and talents to essentially run a co-operative store that is only open once or twice per month.  In my buying club, we worked collectively to order items by the case, meet the truck, sort the order and do the accounting.  Buying this way gives you access to special pricing, helps you build a community of people who care about their food, allows you to get your fresh food at its freshest, and saves you money by keeping you out of a store designed to stimulate you into buying things you don’t really need.  It also allows you to buy in bulk, which saves on packaging, lowers prices and gives you the opportunity to stock up on pantry items at good prices. UNFI (www.unitedbuyingclubs.com), the country’s largest natural foods distributor, offers buying clubs in the Marietta area, but I was unable to find a working produce co-op. I did find a produce distributor that welcomes buying clubs, so if there is interest on campus, it would be possible to get one started.

Rule #3 – Grow it yourself or buy it locally, freeze it, then cook it slowly

When you find a sale, stock your freezer. The book “Frozen Assets” by Deborah Taylor-Hough is a great resource for learning how to use your freezer, and how to cook your meals ahead and save them for a busy day.  If you are a meat-eater, buying local, grass-fed meats in bulk is the most economical way to eat ‘clean’ meat.  Vineyard Farms delivers beef and other farm-raised products to LIFE on Fridays. Get details at vineyardfarms.blogspot.com/.  One of the best ways for a busy student to come home to a hot meal is to use a crock-pot. Most slow cooker recipes just require you to toss everything in and leave it on low for most of the day.  Check out crockpot365.blogspot.com for a ton of great ideas.

Finally, you might want to check out the LIFE ‘support group’ for these challenges. It is the Better Half of Life Club, and it is open to the spouses and significant others of all LIFE students. The purpose of the club is to create friendships and provide support to those whose loved ones are going through any of the grueling and time-consuming programs at Life University. Find us on Facebook!

Sports Health Science Department is a Hidden Gem at LIFE

Over the River and Through the Woods
The Sports Health Science department is a hidden gem at LIFE
Michael Hollerbach, DC Student

There is a little known area on the LIFE campus where most students have never set foot, and, I suspect a large percentage don’t even know exists. It is a very special part of the school where the people “in the know” bond and thrive and thoroughly enjoy the anonymity and peacefulness of their educational oasis. The Sports Health Science (SHS) department is its own little tribe within the LIFE community.

Though at first it may seem secluded, actually there are many paths to this haven. It is easily accessible to all, and nearly every student has been within twenty-four steps of this sparkling jewel and never realized it. The SHS department is located in the building at the end of the footbridge, which is also home to the gymnasiums. It is located on the lower level through the wooden door located next to the elevator. Upon first entering the department, students and visitors are greeted by the wonderfully caring and personable Miss Martha. The SHS department is home to two undergraduate degree and five Masters degree programs. This fall will be the first quarter they will be offering a Masters degree in athletic training. They are currently taking applications with limited space due to it being a new program.

The SHS department’s undergraduate degree in health coaching is focused on exercise, nutrition and psychology classes. The exercise science degree offers a wide variety of interactive classes within a well-rounded curriculum, including classes in biomechanics, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology, exercise principles, kinesiology, a research class and two exercise science classes in addition to the core classes. There are lab classes that help students get hands-on experience. The SHS lab, located adjacent to the Student Services offices, has a plethora of equipment to train students. Students are trained in EKG testing, VO₂ max testing, and various strength tests. They are trained to measure body mass indexes and learn how to take vital signs. There are also labs in the Wellness Center to learn proper exercise techniques.

The department is lead by the highly driven and always nurturing Dr. Catherine Faust. Her leadership and passion for educating students is the inspirational force that drives the SHS department to the standards of excellence they have set. She is motivated to teach students at a high level, so they may leave the University with an exceptional level of competence and skill. She believes every graduate is a reflection on the University and she is dedicated to making sure the reflection is one that sparkles.

The SHS department stresses the importance of professor-student interaction. Dr. Faust says, ‘I know each and every one of my students. There is that one-on-one interaction. Real bonding takes place. We can figure out what their needs are and develop a career or degree plan that will help them realize their career goals.”

The SHS department has a fully engaged, dedicated staff of professors, who are student-centered. They’re a close knit group of educators with a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities, all with a common goal of sharing their knowledge with students, so that they can go out into the world and educate people to live healthier lives.

One of the things that draws the SHS faculty together is that they all come from athletic backgrounds in one form or another. While in college, Dr. Faust was a five-time Division-1 All-American distance runner. Dr. Lander, who teaches biomechanics, as well as some Masters classes, was a division 1-A track and field athlete at Oregon University. Dr. Rupp was a gymnast and long jumper in his days at Slippery Rock University. Dr. Rau ran track here at Life College, while Professor Lim played water polo on the Malaysian National team and was Swimmer of the Year in Malaysia. Mrs. Timberlake is an avid heath proponent, leading by example, walking two or three miles per day and stressing the importance of nutrition. James Paul has life experiences owning his own athletic training business that specialized in working with athletes. Speaking on behalf of all of the professors, Dr. Rau says, “We enjoy what we do and we are all experts at what we teach.”

The SHS department is a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people who care. It has a computer lab and three classrooms on the lower level located in the hallway near the racquetball courts. (Yes, we have racquetball courts! Two of them, actually!!) If you are unsure about which program to get an undergraduate degree in, I suggest you take a walk over the river or through the woods to the Sports Health Science department. You may find the educational gold you are seeking.

Oh, For the Love of Starbucks

Oh, For the Love of Starbucks
Soon to be a reality on LIFE’s Campus?
Kelly Milano, DC Student

Grande double caramel Frappuccino – no whip. Venti white chocolate Mocha. Decaf double tall, non-fat, extra-dry Cappuccino. Quad venti, skinny with whip, iced caramel Macchiato.  Starbucks has a language all its own, but one that true Starbucks fanatics know and speak fluently.

With the upcoming change-over in management for the Socrates Café also comes the possibility of a licensed Starbucks in Plato II Go. While many may question the school putting a Strabucks franchise in our café, it should be noted that Allmora Culinary, the new management company, is a licensed Starbucks franchise, having already set up Starbucks coffee shops in many of its locations. The creation of a Starbucks is part of what they offer, alongside their culinary expertise.
This new location on LIFE’s campus will be a fully operating Starbucks, complete with baskets of coffee beans, yogurt parfait, RAW bars, pastries, biscotti, Protein Bistro Boxes and Izze drinks. Currently, students are leaving campus to run to the nearest Starbucks (which is just off Windy Hill) just for their dose of caffeine. They are stopping on the way to school for their morning wake-up cup and a quick breakfast, then scrounging to find parking. Now, students will have the option of avoiding the crazy drive thru and get their morning Latte right here on campus, possibly leading to an easier time parking and a better chance of making it to class on time. And while doing this, students will be supporting the school and keeping the money on this campus, instead of Windy Hill Starbucks or Cobb Parkway Starbucks.
 As LIFE moves forward in creating this new venture on campus, Liz McGarey, General Manager for Allmora Culinary has stated that every single employee who works in the Socrates Café Starbucks will have undergone thorough Starbucks training. That means no more waiting while the one person who can make your specialty coffee request is tracked down or brought from Socrates to serve you. And no more trying to get your coffee from that little Starbucks vending machine, only to find out, after you have already swiped your card, that it doesn’t work and you are still without your kick of caffeine. Liz stated that she is open to considering longer hours, including possible weekend hours, for Plato II Go, if the need is there.
The name Plato II Go will not change. However you will see the Starbucks logo, as well. The new Starbucks location should open on July 9, the same day as the new Socrates management.

Life and Bon Appetite Part Ways

Life and Bon Appetite Part Ways
Allmora announced at LIFE’s new food service provider
Kelly Milano, DC Student

Just over two years ago, Life University joined forces with Bon Appetite in an attempt to create a cafeteria that would provide healthy food at reasonable prices in a sustainable way. Bon Appetite’s motto was “Food service for a sustainable future.” It boasted high quality food that was made from scratch (as much as possible). It seemed like such a great fit. Over the last two years, however, the Café has seen many challenges from students, as well as multiple changes in management, menu, pricing and service hours. Students often complained of increasing prices with decreasing portion sizes, limited food options and poor customer service. Students began leaving campus or bringing their own lunches, rather than utilizing the Café for their meals.
On May 22, 2012, Dr. Tim Gross, Vice President for Administrative Services, announced that Life and Bon Appetite had agreed to part ways and that Life was partnering with Allmora Culinary Services. He stated that Allmora would be taking over operation of the Socrates Café and all catering functions, as well as all vending machines and concessions, on LIFE’s campus. Gross stated, “We are confident in the quality, commitment to service and overall abilities of our new partner, and look forward to a productive, creative and innovative relationship.”  Allmora currently boasts over 300 locations across the state of Georgia, including several large accounts such as Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Tech and Emory, as well as several corporate accounts including Delta Airlines. Recently, Allmora catered the luncheon for the new terminal opening at Hartsfield Jackson airport, and currently they are the only culinary service allowed on the tarmac.
In trying to understand the unique challenges of meeting the demands of LIFE’s students, the question came up about gluten-free options and paleo-dietary specific choices. Head chef “Chef Bruce” had never heard of the paleo-diet concept, so he went home to investigate. In researching it, he decided to become a “Green Chef” and is now paleo-diet certified. This is just one example of the commitment and dedication that Allmora is bringing to LIFE.  They believe that in order to gain and keep customers, they need to continue to find ways to offer new and exciting options.
General manager Liz McGarey says that her philosophy is simple – “Cook what they want and deliver what they want.” She states that consistency in both food quality and level of service are vitally important in maintaining customer satisfaction.

Some things that students can look forward to when the new company takes over on July 9 is more gluten-free options, perhaps a once-a-week all-gluten-free meal day, larger (and cheaper) pizzas that will easily feed two people, and a licensed Starbucks Coffee Shop in Plato II Go. Also, there will no longer be a shut down period between breakfast and lunch, and hours will be expanded to open earlier in the morning, and to stay open later in the afternoon and evening. The University is also exploring the possibility of weekend hours for Plato II Go, and the idea of meal plan options for students.
General manager McGarey also says that she is a big fan of give-aways, and that this is a large part of her promotional style. In the past, she has given away free meals, big screen TVs, and gift baskets to her loyal customers. Another option that is currently being investigated is the use of the Nutrition Exhibition Kitchen in coordination with the Nutrition Department to provide gourmet-cooking demos. The recipes will be simple to make, and use with simple ingredients, to help demonstrate that high quality healthy cooking doesn’t have to be difficult.
With this new company, the potential for the Socrates Café is unlimited, including the possibility of soft serve ice cream. (Attention Brett Kubricht, get ready to rally the troops and start the fundraising, because it’s not a cheap set up, but they are very open to the idea!!)
At the end of the announcement, Cynthia Lund, Administrative Services, thanked Bon Appetite for its service to the University, saying that Bon Appetite has been very gracious during this transition and that Denise Gilbert, Bon Appetite’s manager of the Socrates Cafe, has been great to work with.
Vital Source would like to take this opportunity to welcome Allmora to our campus. We look forward to great things ahead.
Have a comment about the Socrates Café? We’d love to hear it.  Email us at submissions.vs@life.edu or find us on Facebook at Vital Source Newspaper.

Getting to Know the IFCO

Getting to Know the IFCO

Ron Sweeney, DC Student

Recently, during my work with the WCCS, I had the opportunity to become familiar with the newly renamed International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO). The IFCO is an international organization of chiropractors, students and others who support the practice of chiropractic for the purpose of correcting vertebral subluxations because subluxations, in and of themselves, are a detriment to the fullest expression of life in all people at all times. Founded in 1979 as the Federation of Straight Chiropractic Organizations, the IFCO recently changed its name to reflect the international growth of chiropractic, and avoid confusion with translations of the term “straight,” which does not necessarily have the same connotation in all circles. While this new name may cause some to question whether it represents an “organizational shift,” Dr. Bill Decken, chair of the IFCO Board of Directors, and head of the philosophy department at Sherman College of Chiropractic (which also recently dropped the term “straight” from its name), ensures us that the IFCO’s actions and vision have always been and will remain congruent with the principles of chiropractic. “The mission of the IFCO is to support and advance chiropractic that is exclusive for the location, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxation because vertebral subluxation, in and of itself, is a detriment to the fullest expression of life. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the future of chiropractic as a separate and distinct profession, to secure and insure public access to vertebral subluxation correction. We shall accomplish this by uniting and supporting chiropractors and organizations who share the IFCO mission through professional, legislative, educational and personal growth endeavors.”

In an interview with IFCO board member Dr. Liam Schübel, DC, after his address to the assembled student delegates of the first annual Americas region summit for the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS), Dr. Schübel elaborated his vision for student representation within the IFCO. “There’s been a rebirth of the IFCO. It’s the fastest growing international organization on the planet right now, and what we’re seeing is a lot of students are joining up with the IFCO. We’re in the initial phases of developing a more complete student experience as it relates to the IFCO. I would like to see eventually, in part of our global summits, that we actually have—just like the WCCS—student leaders from all over the world who are involved with the IFCO coming together in unison, united around the principle.”
Membership in the IFCO is open to anyone interested in the mission and purpose of the Federation. Student membership costs a one-time fee of $50 and covers the student through the entirety of their time in school, plus their first year in practice. Student members have no voting rights and may not hold office, but may receive special student publications, attend IFCO events at a discount, and gain access to a library of information at discounted prices. A mentoring program is also available to students and new graduates, pairing them up with doctors of chiropractic who are successfully applying the principles of chiropractic in their practices.
Dr. Schübel went on to say, “…unity behind principles—that’s what distinguishes the IFCO from most other organizations on the planet. We’re actually focused on the promotion and the protection. Many organizations are focused just on the protection, and when you focus just on protection and you’re just in defense, you’re always in a reactionary mode; rather than bringing the fight to the battlefield, you’re always in the defense mode. Bruce Lipton has a saying, ‘A cell in defense can’t grow.’ Just like a successful sports team has defense and an offense, we have very brilliant minds involved in defense. I wake up every day in the morning and say, ‘Thank God for Christopher Kent and Matt McCoy.’ These two minds are some of the most brilliant in chiropractic, some of the most politically savvy minds in chiropractic. They’re involved in some of the change we’re bringing about in the IFCO.”

In describing one aspect of the IFCO’s mission, Dr. Schübel joked, “We’re the first organization to divide the United States into fifty different states! We have a systemized process that we’re working to get an IFCO member on every state board in the United States, every provincial board in Canada, and every single regulatory board… in the world. The reason for this, new graduates, is that one of the first things you’ll notice as you go into your community, your town in the United States or Canada, is that if you start becoming very successful—which you will if you understand the principles of chiropractic and how to apply them—you will be called up before the state board. Other chiropractors will rat you out to the state board and make up things [like] ‘You’re practicing unethically; how could you see so many people and give quality care?’—that age-old, but ridiculous argument. What you would like to see is a smiling face from the IFCO on that state board when you go before it, because the IFCO does not practice “business protectionism,” based on the idea of scarcity. We’re the only profession that says ‘There’s too many chiropractors!’ at 50,000; the dentists have 142,000 dentists and say they’re in a crisis because they don’t have enough dentists to take care of all the people in the United States. Are there more people with teeth than with spines? 50,000 chiropractors is not enough. If you understand, really, what chiropractic is all about, that every person with a spine and a life force should be under chiropractic care, then you understand that we desperately need more chiropractors. What we don’t need are more chiropractors who have no clue as to what chiropractic is about; what we don’t need are more people who only focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disease through more natural methods. That market is definitely shrinking. That’s when you’re going to see an economically-driven shift in the profession. The system of musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment of disease that we’ve been using and teaching in the schools is no longer viable for the modern-day practice of chiropractic. It’s ironic, because the educational process we’re receiving in school would have been very popular in the 1980s and 1990s, but today, it’s a system that is failing the graduates of schools.” Schübel went on further, stating, “We just need to fail badly enough in the current paradigm before people starting looking for the answer.”
In addition to political involvement, the IFCO has been heavily involved in the reform of the educational processes and standards of the Council on Chiropractic Education. The IFCO seeks to help the CCE outline an education that is adequate and will produce competent practitioners of chiropractic and chiropractors that understand the power of what it is they hold in their hands, that ability to unleash the potential of every human being on the planet. Regrettably, that message is not being taught in every chiropractic school, and is part of the reason the IFCO would like to increase student involvement and representation through the formation of campus chapters. For more information on the IFCO, please visit http://www.ifcochiro.org, and if you have any interest in forming a chapter at Life University, please get in touch with me, Ron Sweeny at ifco.life@gmail.com.