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.

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.

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.

Talk the TIC is Back on Campus!

Talk the ‘TIC Is Back on Campus!
Ron Sweeney – DC Student

Talk the ‘TIC is coming. To some, those few words are enough to cause sweaty palms, nervous twitches, and butterflies in stomachs. Sadly, to many, it means absolutely nothing. What is Talk the ‘TIC, you ask? Simply put, it’s a contest showing how well you really understand and communicate chiropractic. Arguably, participation in this contest is just as important, if not more so, than sitting for your National Board exams. How can that be, you ask? Talk the ‘TIC forces you, the participant, to take a good, hard look at yourself and ask the question, “How’s your health talk?”
Talk the ‘TIC was first conceptualized by Dr. Erik Van Slooten in November, 2006, following an incredibly vivid dream. He dreamt a student was on stage, passionately sharing the principles of chiropractic with an audience of thousands. Even though he was only a student himself at the time, Van Slooten recognized this dream for what it was—a call to action. He knew that he and his fellow students could rekindle the understanding of the importance of the chiropractic lay-lecture. As he pored over ways to bring students together, he came up with the idea of a health-talk competition. And thus, Talk the ’TIC was born. I believe Dr. Van Slooten says it best—“Talk the ‘TIC is a beautiful story. It’s a story of dreaming, believing, creating, organizing, and delivering. It is the story of a student, a chiropractic brotherhood, a student body, and a multitude of institutions. Indeed, it is a story that is being woven in to the fabric of the chiropractic profession, perpetuating a conversation that joins together students and practitioners, associations and organizations, past and future generations.”
Over the last five years, Dr. Van Slooten has worked tirelessly alongside his brothers in ΔΣΧ (Delta Sigma Chi, chiropractic’s oldest professional fraternity) to share this competition with every school that wants it. Currently, approximately 15 chiropractic schools around the world participate in Talk the ’TIC on an annual basis. Last year, nine schools participated, with each sending a finalist to Parker University in Dallas, Texas. Among the nine was Life University’s Mackenzie Hubert, who represented Life with passion and verve, but was beaten out by Julia Pinkerton of Life College of Chiropractic West, Magalie Lefevre of Palmer College of Chiropractic Iowa, and Derrell Pratt-Blackburn of Parker University. In addition to the accolades of victory, the top three contestants took home cash prizes: $500, $1000, and $2000 for third, second, and first places, respectively.
Following the registration and informational meeting, scheduled for May 15, the competition consists of three rounds of single-elimination presentations, carefully graded by a panel of judges. Successful participants move on to the next round, before one finalist from our school will be chosen to represent Life University at the grand finals, this time being hosted by Life College of Chiropractic West in Hayward, California August 3-4. The schedule for the events is as follows:
Informational meeting & Express Registration — May 15-11am C125
1^st Round — May 23, 7:30pm
2^nd Round — May 24, 7:30pm
Local Final — June 2, 8:00pm-Ampitheater
National Finals — August 3-4
Event coordinator Ben Rubinstein has successfully reached an agreement with the administration to have the local presentations take place on campus. Not only does this make it more convenient for students to participate, but it provides the rest of the student body with the opportunity to watch their colleagues hone their craft. Please contact Ben Rubinstein for more information, using the Facebook group “Talk the ‘TIC 2012”. In the meantime, sketch out your ideas, get started on your PowerPoint or Prezi presentations, and get ready to bring your A game!

WCCS Hosts Big Super Bowl Bash

WCCS Hosts Big Super Bowl Bash
Great Food + Great Friends = Great Memories
Michael Hollerbach UG Student

On February 5^th, the Life University Chapter of the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS) held a fun-filled Super Bowl party forLifeUniversity students. Approximately fifty students attended the off-campus event to watch the New York Giants edge out the New England Patriots 21-17 in a historic last-minute victory. The nerve-wracking game came down to the very last play, in which New England quarterback Tom Brady fired a pass into the end zone with just seconds left on the clock, only to be narrowly missed by receiver Rob Gronkowski, costing them the game.

“The game was a nail biter. It had me on the edge of my seat. It is not very often that I get a chance to go to parties during the quarter,” said second quarter chiropractic student Rob Wood. He added, “I am very grateful I was invited. They put an awesome environment together for watching the football game. Plenty of seats and food, the honey garlic chicken wings were the best wings I’ve ever eaten.”

“I’m not much of a football fan, but I definitely enjoy a good Super Bowl party. You can always feel the electricity in the air as everyone is screaming for their team. I would say that even the students who only came out for the beer and food enjoyed the way the game played out, as well as the chance to meet new people,” said WCCS club president Ron Sweeney. He continued, “It’s the students at Life that make WCCS possible. We wanted to give something back to the community, in appreciation of our fellow students and how they’ve supported our club over the past year. I’m very pleased with tonight’s turnout; I know a lot of students are taking time out of studying to watch the game, and they could have gone anywhere, but chose to spend the night with us.” Echoing Sweeney’s sentiment, chiropractic student Eric Axmacher said, “It was nice that the WCCS had people out that are not in their club. The food was awesome and the chicken wings were fantastic.” He went on to say, “Seeing all of the chiropractic memorabilia in the house was really cool too.”

As is the case for any self-respecting Super Bowl party, the food was the real star of the show. Just before kickoff, the house was buzzing with culinary activity—chicken wings were sizzling in the fryer, the savory smell of burgers and brats was wafting off the grill, plantains were magically turning into tostones at the skilled hands of chiropractic student Ramón Miranda, homemade guacamole was being lovingly churned by hand, and ice-coldNewcastlewas flowing from the tap. In the spirit of the Super Bowl, supplying the guests with good food and drink was a total team effort. Life alumnus Dr. Lou Hilliard was gracious enough to cook up his own secret recipe of delicious flavors of wing sauce. Trying to cater to the wide array of taste preferences, Hilliard mixed up a little something for everyone: honey-garlic, lemon-pepper, sweet and spicy BBQ, and of course, fiery hot wings. The wings were a huge hit—thirty pounds of wings were gone within minutes of reaching the table.

There were mixed reactions to the Madonna halftime show. When asked his thoughts afterward, chiropractic student Ryan Ball was straight to the point, “Liked it. I liked how Madonna played her good songs.” Surprisingly the majority of the women at the party enjoyed the mini concert while the majority of the men were not impressed. Club president Ron Sweeney said, “I didn’t even watch it. I stepped out of the room to check on food stuff, and walked back in on the middle of it. I recognized an aged Madonna and Nicki Minaj, but I had to have someone tell me that was M.I.A. The [halftime] show didn’t hold my interest at all.” There was also mixed opinions on the highly publicized Super Bowl commercials. Many party goers didn’t feel they were as good as past Super Bowls, summarized by Ryan Ball as, “Letdown. Definitely not as good as past years.” One of the more popular commercials of the evening showed a Great Dane bribing his owner with bags of Doritos after finding the “missing” cat’s collar buried in the backyard. Kia had some entertaining entries as well, and Coca-Cola went a little overboard with its polar bears, trying to compare not dropping a drink with a game-winning touchdown play.

The WCCS is a club on campus for students considering political involvement and/or international practice. Once a year, students from thirty-three chiropractic schools around the world come together for a week to discuss chiropractic topics from a student perspective. They discuss global chiropractic issues from legislative levels where they learn what is going on in other countries politically. The WCCS tries to help countries develop laws and guidelines to better the profession worldwide. During this week, students also learn what is going on at other schools around the world to gain a different viewpoint on what is being taught. The week spent together is also a great avenue for students to network and make friends in other parts of the world. These friendships quite often lead to future job opportunities.

If you are interested in learning more about the World Congress of Chiropractic Students club here on campus you can contact them at wccsclub@life.edu. Their club meets Wednesdays at noon in room C-108.

Markson Connection Connects with Students

Markson Connection Connects with Students
Mentorship for a Bright Future
Kelly Milano, DC Student

One of the biggest curriculum complaints students have throughout their time at Life revolves around the business program and not feeling prepared to go out into practice. Many feel they need more one on one help than is offered. And as graduation approaches, many end up taking associate type positions because of the lack of confidence they have.

On Friday, February 10 Markson Connection sent 60 of their doctors to LIFE to work with our students and begin coaching them. The students were all 10^th quarter and above and were part of various business classes that received personal invitations. Dr. Markson opened up the event by discussing some of the reasons why some people are successful in practice while others aren’t. It isn’t necessarily about technique or personality, but is about headspace. Dinner was served and each student in attendance was paired with an individual coach to begin some one on one mentoring while enjoying the meal. Many students stated that they were so hungry at the beginning of the night but by the time they went to eat, they were so engrossed in conversation with their new mentor they didn’t want to eat, but instead talk about the future, their careers, ask their questions and gain important insight into what their next steps were. Tim Milano, 12^th quarter DC student stated, “It was encouraging to have someone want to give without anything expected in return and that the gift they were giving far exceeded my expectations going into the event”. Melissa Bettess, 12^th quarter DC student loved the event and stated “Student Tuition $200,000, Books $1000, Buying organic food $100 a week, Vita Mix to use with organic food $400.  Markson Connection…PRICELESS!”  At the end of the night, each new mentor exchanged contact information with the student they will be working with and a mentorship was created for the needs of the student.

Markson Connection is an organization of chiropractors who are looking to make a difference in the world around them. It was started by Dr. Larry Markson and his son Dr. Rick Markson as well as Dr. Riekeman and Dr. Brett Axelrod. According to its website, the goal of Markson Connection is to “attract a tribe of like-minded chiropractors who have already achieved some success, and are now looking to play a bigger role in positively influencing the lives of others.” Unlike many of the larger seminar and coaching groups, this is a more intimate group and is smaller and more exclusive. They state right on their page that the group is not for everyone and that it takes a high level of commitment to bettering one’s self. According to their website “The Connection is about building and living a life of significance, which means more than just chiropractic practice. It is for those who aspire to improve who they are and make a greater contribution to humanity while building a legacy in their own names.”

Markson Connection embraces the concept of “To Give, To Love, To Serve.” Every year, their doctors embark on a mission to serve those around them including Habitat for Humanity or missions trips. This year their “To Serve” was about how to serve future chiropractors and decided to bring this event to LIFE. According to Dr. Scott this event is “A commitment to a new initiative we are piloting here at LIFE to create cooperative relationships with organizations that benefit our students and new graduates in a meaningful way.”

Amanda Phares, 14^th quarter DC student stated “It was a great experience. It helped ease my concerns about transitioning into practice. I now have an even larger network of successful, knowledgeable doctors to look to for mentorship. I’m very grateful that Life arranged this opportunity and hope Life continues utilizing the Markson Connection for future graduates.” Lee Ann Kalaba posted on Life’s Facebook page and sums up the sentiments of the students in attendance when she stated, “Thank you Life University and Dr. Rob Scott for the amazing opportunity with the Marskon group. Gratitude to you from all the DC students in attendance who will surely benefit from this experience.” This relationship with Markson Connection has the potential to greatly impact the outcome of future chiropractors graduating from Life University.  Kudos to all involved and hoping to hear or make more connections in the future

Life to Add Women’s Sports

LIFE to Add Women’s Sports
Volleyball & Cross Country to join campus life

 

When Coach Barrett rejoined the staff at LIFE University in 2007, he had a mission – to create an athletic program that had the potential to benefit every student on campus. At that time, LIFE only had a rugby team that consisted of roughly 17 players and played on the club level. The basketball team was begun and started LIFE’s journey back into the world of intercollegiate athletics.

In an effort to continue to expand on the intercollegiate sports program and bring more sports options to females, LIFE will be adding two women’s sports teams to the campus. Beginning in the fall, women’s volleyball and cross country will be available. Coach Barrett stated that they analyzed women’s sports nationwide and saw the best potential for growth was in volleyball and cross country. As the student body changes from the previous 70/30 Male/Female ratios of the past to a more 55/45 range, the need for more female sports has grown. According to Barrett, “Women drive sports on small college campuses,” and these emerging sports will begin to address the needs for more female oriented sports here at LIFE. In a press release, Barrett stated “We’re excited for the beginning of our women’s sports program at Life University. Offering intercollege sports in every season is a goal of ours. We want student engagement and excitement all year long.”

As intercollegiate teams and part of the NAIA, scholarships will be available for females looking to compete in these two sports and eligibility requirements will be upheld.

When asked about the future goals for the athletic department, Barrett stated the goal is to work into the NCAA Division Two and that it will take around 5000 students before that conversation can really happen, as well as ten intercollegiate sports. He also made reference to adding men’s wrestling in the winter and shortly after bringing in men’s & women’s golf and tennis.

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, LIFE is truly showing its commitment to the athletes of LIFE.

For more information on any of the sports at LIFE, check out the Athletics page at http://www.liferunningeagles.com/

Let’s Talk-A Quarterly Update

Let’s Talk
A Quarterly Update
Kelly Milano, DC Students

Every quarter Student Council creates an event which brings all the administration of LIFE to the forefront in the lobby of the Center for Undergraduate Studies. Students are able to sit face to face with the department heads, Dr. Riekeman and Dr. McAulay to ask them any question, voice any concerns or complaints and look for answers.

This quarter brought out many of the same students and many new ones too. Topics were much broader than the typical issues with parking or bad teacher topics that are normally thrown out and Dr. Riekeman even made jokes about it stating “Surely SOMEBODY has an issue with parking”, which brought a laugh from most in attendance. Including in the topics were:

         CCE Update

The question was asked about how LIFE was responding to the CCE updates and what the schools official position was. Dr. Riekeman made it very clear that the school doesn’t, nor should it, have an official response. He stated that our mission statement is the best response and that it is “Subluxation YES, drugs & surgeries NO.”

Classroom Upgrades

Next a student asked about rumors that the school will be updating classrooms and the library and wanted to know more information and a possible time line for these renovations. Dr. Davis, Dr. Gross & Dr. McAulay answered the question by stating that every room on campus has been reviewed and analyzed. A $4 million plan has been put into place and will begin shortly and will continue at the pace of $1  million a year in the budget for the next several years. While we as students tend to look at just seating, projection units and pencil sharpeners, this plan also includes replacing ceiling tiles, outlets and improvements to the HVAC units to help classrooms monitor their temperatures better and keep one from being hot while the room next door is freezing. C127 was chosen as the first major overhaul of classrooms due to its multiple uses as well as early quarter students spending most of their time in that room due to its large size.  The question was asked by a student if pencil sharpers would be replaced during these renovations and Dr. Riekeman joked that they weren’t sure they could squeeze them into the budget. He then jokingly added that the board is currently looking into the cost effectiveness of pencil sharpeners and a committee would be created to decide if it is more feasible to continue replacing pencil sharpeners or to give each student a small handheld.

      CBP X-rays

A big issue many students have been questioning is the reasons behind CPB not being allowed to do x-rays for their technique despite Toggle x-rays being allowed.  Dr. Davis & Dr. Riekeman both spoke about the issues stating the CCE requires that x-rays be utilized to rule out pathology, infections and fractures and these CBP x-rays do not fall under these guidelines. It was stated that several years ago, LIFE was x-raying over 90% of its patients and the CCE stepped in and demanded it be stopped. Dr. Davis stated that during a ‘routine quality assurance’ check over the past couple quarters, it was found there were more CPB x-rays being taken than what they deemed appropriate. He stated that modifications were made to remove CPB x-rays from being standard unless there was a need based on the above criteria. He stated that the school brought Deed Harrison in to consult with them and put together a plan as to how to allow these x-rays to be taken under the guidelines the CCE has put into place. He also stated that too many x-rays are potentially damaging to the community and the patients. Many students argue that this is not fully the reasons behind why the x-rays are not allowed and feel that it has to do with the x-rays technicians and the time required to take CBP x-rays. Vital Source will be doing a full article of this issue next quarter so stay tuned.

Curriculum Revisions

The next issue that is often a hot button for students has to do with the overall curriculum. Dr. Davis stated that revisions are currently underway and that it started with a survey to the faculty for them to assess the curriculum.  After this took place a plan was created for a long range re-envisioning. In this, they are looking to help students better incorporate clinic time as to not have to juggle class time and physicals, x-rays and adjustments. He stated that when they hit a good idea that can be implemented quickly, they jump on it. He used the ‘clickers’ and professors working to do more integrating of material in class as two examples. He also stated that many ideas take time to fully implement and that they are part of a two year plan to overhaul the classroom.

        Utilizing Chestnut in Clinic

The next question was about if and how Dr. Chestnut’s information is going to be utilized in clinic. Dr. Davis spoke as to the requirements for creating the program and how there needs to be student training and that this will be happening through the clubs on campus. He also stated that there had to be trained faculty and that there are currently two faculty members in CHOP that will be taking their tests this month for full certification. And the third aspect was if there is a benefit to the students and the community, and the answer to that is yes. Tim Milano, president of the Wellness Club at LIFE, happened to be in the audience and spoke up. He has been in contact with Dr. Chestnut and has been part of the creation of this program with the clinic system. He stated that students will be required to take the four home modules offered through Chestnut and that the club will be providing the support for that. There are currently two different clubs, a beginners and an advanced club currently. Email tmilano@student.life.edu for times, locations and more information regarding the clubs.

Mandatory ICA Membership

A question was raised about the ICA on campus and whether it was possible for the school to automatically enroll all students, upon enrollment, into the ICA. Dr. Riekeman stated that it would be pointless except to be able to say that all students are enrolled, as Parker can. (Parker currently enrolls all students in both the ICA and ACA upon admission.) Dr. Riekeman pointed out that while it looks good on paper, unless the students are actually involved and engaged, it does nothing. Another issue that students had about this topic was taking away their freedom of choice as to what organization best fits them. How would the ACA, FSCO, ICPA, WCC or other organization feel if the school mandated enrollment into the ICA?

Do you have comments about these issues? Have your voice heard! Visit us on Facebook at Vital Source Newspaper or email us at publisher.vs@gmail.com Vital Source will continue to update these stories as we get more information.

Institute for Animal Adjusting

New Environmental Committee On Campus

New Environmental Committee On Campus
Students concerns being addressed
Carley Edwards, DC Student

The Chemical Assessment and Review for the Environment (C.A.R.E.) committee was formed due to mass emails, Facebook posts and articles in Vital Source protesting the use of pesticides on the green area, toxic soap in the bathrooms and other chemicals being used on campus. It is evident that the student body is concerned about the health of the community, the effect these chemicals have on the environment, and the university standing by its Eight Core Proficiencies, including Philosophy of Human Existence and Health Care Policy, and Integrative Change. The group also wants to ensure that Life stands by its choice to be vitalistic as stated in the Life University mission statement.

The goal of the committee is to review the chemicals used for landscaping, custodial, and other facilities on campus and to investigate alternative measures where appropriate. The group’s research and recommendations will be delivered to the President’s executive committee for further evaluation. The group is headed by Dr. Tim Gross and has about nine members, including students and staff. The group’s ultimate goal is the safety and wellbeing of the Life community and to set an example for other universities to follow.

For more information on the committee please contact Dr. Tim Gross at tgross@life.edu or Cynthia Lund at clund@life.edu.

Two LIFE Students Called to Duty – Michael Hollerbach, DC Student

Juan Fernandez and Jason Ellis head to kosovo

Fourth quarter student Jason Ellis and third quarter student Juan Fernandez will be leaving Marietta and heading to Kosovo for twelve months of active duty. The two are both 1^st Lieutenants of the Georgia National Guard 3^rd Squadron 108^th Calvary R&S (reconnaissance and surveillance.) Their Squadron will be part of a peacekeeping mission in aiding the Eastern European country.

Juan and Jay have been best friends since the day they met in eighth grade at G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania. Their friendship goes way beyond most friendships. Juan having moved from Puerto Rico to America barely knew any English and fortunately for them, due to the fact that they were seated next to each other in alphabetical order, Jason looked out for him. Their friendship grew as they went through high school. Following graduation in 2001 they both enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard doing their boot camp at Fort Sill Oklahoma. While at boot camp Juan’s father passed away unexpectedly, shortly after that his mother moved to Houston, Texas. Jason’s parents became Juan’s legal guardians.
Such tragedy brought to both young men a tighter bond; they were closer than most biological brothers. Jason and his family took Juan in as a member of the Ellis family. Fernandez was humbled and honored, and from that point until today Jay and Juan both feel like true brothers.

After military training they both enrolled at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. As roommates they took all the same classes together, majoring in Exercise Science. While there they were members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps, graduating in 2007 as commissioned 2^nd Lieutenants.

This is not the first time the two have been called to active duty. In the fall of 2003 they were a part of the Iraqi Freedom II mission. They were flown to Kuwait, then onto Qatar where Juan spent six months protecting Central Command as a Military Police officer on the base. Meanwhile, Jason was put on a personal security detail to protect high-ranking officers. They also spent time as convoy security at the Kuwait-Iraqi border before returning to Bloomsburg University to finish their degrees.

In January of 2009 they had a second call of duty. This time Uncle Sam sent them to a more volatile area: Camp Taji, ten kilometers north of Baghdad. During their stay they were responsible for protecting the base from attacks. They returned to their civilian lives shortly, got into Life and studied for six quarters till duty called for a third time.

When they received the orders this third time, the reactions were not the same as before. Jason was upset, at first, because he did not want to leave his wife Devon or school. Juan persuaded Jason to look at the positives: it will be a relatively safe deployment due to the fact that it is a peace keeping mission and the Kosovo military is in charge; after that, the NATO forces give support. The U.S. military is the third line of defense. Juan comforted his friend by saying, “Look Jimbo it’s a cake deployment. We’ll come back with some money in our bank accounts, we’ll get promoted to captains and nobody is going to die. And they can’t touch us for another three to five years so we will be able to graduate from Life.”

The comfort and support that they give to each other transcends all aspects of their lives. One example is the fact that Jason is taking a modified load of credit hours here at Life so his buddy can catch up with him. Juan fell behind Jason when he took time off to go to Ranger School, a childhood dream fulfilled.

Jason’s cousin, a chiropractor in New York State, guided the two to Life University.

The chiropractor asked Juan some questions about the body’s ability to heal itself. Upon answering, the doctor told Juan he had all of the philosophies of a chiropractor. Following that meeting, Juan knew his next mission. He came to Marietta to survey the campus in 2009 right after Camp Taji. After visiting the school he knew this was the site for them. Juan recruited his longtime buddy to study Chiropractic. In January of 2010 the two men came to Life University together in a rented truck pulling Jason’s Jeep.

The two soldiers leave for training on August 31^st, and will be in Kosovo by October.  Jason will be leaving his wife and his dog Bailey for the 13 months. Juan will be leaving behind his 5^th Quarter girlfriend Whitney Wills and their dog Foster. In the meantime, Whitney and Devon, will support each other just like Juan and Jason do, by living together and being there for each other on their wait for their dedicated men’s return. Jason and Juan are looking forward to coming back and changing attire from combat boots to Vibrams and the twice-a-week scrubs for wet lab. The two men ask that Life students stay in touch through Facebook. If you would like to show your support you can “friend them” at Juan Fernandez and/or Jason Ellis.

Mastering at LIFE – Sarah Moreau, Dietetics Student

Master of Clinical Nutrition Coming Soon

In the field of dietetics, a bachelor’s degree in a qualifying field, an America Dietetics Association-approved internship, and the Registered Dietitian’s national exam are all that are required to obtain the coveted “RD.” However, many RD’s find themselves wanting to pursue a Master’s degree in order to have a competitive edge in the workforce. In addition, many institutions with Master’s degrees in the field count the experience from the internship towards credit for the Master’s.

With this information taken into consideration, Life University decided to begin the process of developing a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition. ”By exposing students to best practices in teaching, and evidence-based research in clinical nutrition, each student will gain the proficiencies necessary to achieve optimum personal performance,” director and chair of the department of nutrition Jaleh Dehpahlavan says. “The program will also create opportunities for dietetic students to obtain an advanced degree after completing the requirements for the Dietetic Internship Program, expand the Department of Nutrition and Life University program offerings and will provide another opportunity for the Department of Nutrition to expand its Dietetic Internship Program slots to 30 from 16.” With this expansion, Life will have the largest accredited program in the entire state of Georgia.

“Since this program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, which is a peer reviewed process, it will enhance the integrity and quality of the university program offering as well.” Ms. Dehpahlavan continues.

The degree will be in Clinical Nutrition, equipping the dietitians who earn this degree to assess and assist patients with a wide array of issues. As our nation grows more and more obese, dietitians are a critical part of helping Americans understand what foods are best for them, and educating patients on the correct way to prepare foods so they are enjoyable and healthy. “Not only will it prepare graduates with the critical scientific and thinking skills needed for transformational leadership in an increasingly diverse, global, and dynamic world, it will also provide them with the values needed for career success and life fulfillment based on a vitalistic philosophy,” Ms. Dehpahlavan says.

Ultimately, this degree will enable Life University to become a leader in the world of dietetics education and will give students who are studying dietetics here an option to stay at Life for the duration of their education, provided the students meet the requirements that will be set. Truly, the future for the nutrition department at Life is bright and only growing brighter as the department grows!

Finding a Fix for Falling Scores – Kelly Milano, DC Student

National Board Scores Plummet

As National Boards are quickly sneaking up on us, it only takes one look to realize that scores have plummeted over the past year. According to LIFE’s website, the most recent National Board scores for Part One were a mere 57.4% compared to the national average of 74.8%. This number has decreased from 63.2% just six months earlier and from 82.1% just in September of 2009. These numbers are concerning to not only the students facing boards in a few weeks, but to the faculty and administration as well. Many students have felt we are ‘reliving the past’ and that we are on the fast track to another collision with the CCE.

According to Dr. McAulay, Executive Vice President, over the past two years, our first time test takers pass rates have put us in a tie for fifth place among the other chiropractic schools. He states that in the past 18 months we have been as high as third, but the ultimate goal is to be first. So what do these numbers mean? When you look at the 57.4% passing rate we currently have, it means that of the 136 students who took the test, 57.4% passed all six sections and don’t have to retake any of them. While we, as students, feel relieved to see we only have to retake one or two sections, we are hurting the overall pass rate of the school as a whole. When it comes to Parts two, three and four LIFE is sitting in a good position, surpassing the averages in both Part two and Part four. We are not out of the woods and a lot of

Dr. Numeroff and Dr. King both stated that after the initial downfall 18 months ago the school began to look at what was causing the changes and what needed to be done to correct it. A group of professors began assessing the patterns and the process of our education. They began reviewing syllabi from the professors and seeing how they lined up with the NBCE tests. Dr. Amos, has been gathering questions from professors to update and expand the National Boards Prep section of the schools website. (Didn’t know we had that? If you are registered for the National Boards Prep Assembly, go to Blackboard and to the Board Assembly section. Under Documents you will find practice tests that target some of the most difficult board questions, memory joggers, review information and items contributed from each of the professors. There is also a link to Study Stack, an online flash card program that has a chiropractic section already created.)

Dr. Numeroff also stated that one of the big things the faculty is looking at is what a Part One successful student looks like. By doing this, they are hoping to be able to create a standard to strive for and to strengthen any weaknesses in the curriculum. New teachers have been hired in the Basic Sciences Department, but it will take time for them to perfect their curriculum and to see those changes in the board scores.

While the school is working to revamp the curriculum and fight back against the dropping scores, Dr. King and Dr. Numeroff both gave several tips to help students do the best they can to pass boards. They said studying needs to start in first quarter. Dr. King stated that students need to begin putting together a binder and organizing their class notes. She states that she often tells students to keep their notes at the end of the quarter. If you’ve already thrown them away, go back to the professors and get their notes and put them in your binder for boards. Dr. Numeroff added that when you take a test, even if you get a 98%, go and look at the test. See what you missed and have the professor explain the concept to you if you don’t understand it. That topic could end up being heavily tested on boards and you will not want to miss those questions. Some of the biggest tips they gave included:

• Look at the National Boards Breakdown both on Blackboard and on NBCE.org.  Find your strengths and weaknesses and how they will weigh on the test. Study accordingly.
• Time management is crucial. It’s difficult to study for boards at the same time you are taking classes. Don’t wait until the last minute. Just because Microbiology may be mostly memorization, don’t put it off until the very end thinking you’ll remember it all. It’s one of the highest failed sections of our scores at the moment and it’s mostly because students push it off to the end.
• Rotate your study time. Don’t spend hours on one subject, but instead spend 20-30 minutes on it, then move on. Once you have a subject learned, move on and don’t come back to it.
• Know your study style and use it!  If you are a group studier, plan your group early. If you are visual, use one of the online flashcard sites.
• Keep a positive attitude!  When taking the test and you come to a question you don’t know, acknowledge it, remember that you are smart and have made it this far, and move on.
• Take boards as soon as you are eligible. The longer you wait, the more you will have to relearn.

Some other tips include that you don’t need to spend $500 on board review. Our professors have given us the information we need. They are the ones who write for National Boards and they are the ones who know what is on the exam. Use the tools they give you and study hard! If you do go to a review, remember it is a REVIEW! You will still need to put in outside study time.

Don’t try to give up caffeine if you are addicted to it. Don’t start or stop any habits or make major changes while preparing for boards. LIFE is responsible for making sure that students are prepared and pass boards, but only can assure your success! Be prepared and ROCK BOARDS this quarter!!! You are ready!

Let us know how you did. Follow us on Facebook and follow the conversation!

Two Pioneers, One Home – Jason Feltz, DC Student

LIFE honors drs. sid and nell williams’ legacy

It was approximately one year ago that Drs. Sid & Nell Williams returned home to LIFE’s campus to be honored, including having their feet and hands preserved in concrete for display on a campus “Path of Heroes.” Their return, among hundreds of chiropractors, guests, and students was both a healing experience and the unveiling of a legend unknown to some students. On Thursday, July 21, both Sid and Nell came back to LIFE, this time, their legacy was to be immortalized by a series of dedications and unveilings.

With approximately 400 doctors and a multitude of students in attendance, Dr. Riekeman introduced Drs. Sid and Nell at Lyceum Park to a welcoming applause and chants of “Sid, Sid, Sid.” The ceremonies proceeded with a walk to Celebration Plaza, where two monuments were to be unveiled next to D.D. Palmer’s, one honoring D.D.’s son B.J., and the other for Sid. After exposing Sid’s monument, the crowd was riding an emotional ridge. When Dr. Riekeman read the tribute’s inscription, he and the crowd choked up and many tears were shed. The ceremony then moved to the entrance of the Nell Williams Library, where reconstruction has been ongoing since the end of the spring quarter. The library was rededicated as the Drs. Sid E. & Nell K. Williams Library & History Center, which contains Williams’ family memorabilia and LIFE history not before seen. The ceremonies were concluded at a luncheon to dedicate the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research. Then as a surprise to all, Dr. Riekeman presented Sid with a set of keys to his permanent office on campus, which eventually will be reconstructed with the administrative offices. LIFE has opened its doors and hearts to Sid being home on campus.

LIFE’s dedications to Sid and Nell were moving experiences to all those who attended that day. In honoring the legendary couple who helped create a school and defend the chiropractic profession, both the LIFE and chiropractic communities shared the glory. For Sid, the pride he has for his followers, his institution and the profession must be insurmountable. There will come a day when new students will not have the opportunity to be in Sid’s presence, to discover him. According to Miguel Hastings, “It is the students, after all, that Sid adores most.”

Dr. Sid may not be the president of LIFE, but this campus still reflects his accomplishments, passion, and commitment. The university was Sid’s outlet for his lasting purpose of protecting and growing the chiropractic profession. Each student, employee, and member of the community has been impacted by his creation. He plays a part in the destinies and influence of the LIFE community as he helped make them possible. There is euphoria about his presence that makes the campus feel more alive. Will LIFE be able to capture this, so that the Williams legacy is felt on campus forever? By the reactions of visitors and the Williams’ themselves on July 21^st, it was a huge step in that direction and Life University made it right.

LifeSource – Jenn Roberts, DC Student

Octagon

During the weekend of April 15th, LifeSource 2011 sponsored the Octagon event on Life’s campus. Attended by DC’s, CA’s, spouses, biochemists, functional neurologists and, unfortunately, very few students, the Octagon brought together experts in their field to pose their own definitions of subluxation and how to measure success in treatment of that subluxation.

Dr. Riekeman started the conference Thursday afternoon, after the Lyceum Park opening on campus by discussing the term subluxation, focusing specifically on nerve interference, including mechanical dysfunction, environmental toxins and thoughts & stressors. Dr. Riekeman also drew our attention to the fact that the Octagon is a dynamic, ongoing forum for thought and discussion to benefit understanding of chiropractic both externally and internally of our profession.

Dr. Triano discussed that while Vitalism asks ‘why,’ Reductionism asks ‘how;’ how the Vital Force is equal to the human soul. He stated that the goal of any DC should be to intervene both productively and predictably with the subluxation. He also pointed out that while the flutter of a butterfly wing can indeed cause a hurricane half a world away, we do not yet know which flutter set off the storm.

Drs. Haavik-Taylor and Goertz discussed research and statistics around subluxation and chiropractic and results experienced by patients and how that translated into statistical data. Dr. Goertz talked about what matters most to patients and the difference between somatic dysfunction and subluxation while Dr. Koch mentioned how ‘intelligence exists without scientific hypothesis,’ however the nervous system ‘is scientifically appraisable.’

Dr. Lipton spoke to the attendees about how the more energetically connected we are, the more we care… and that entanglement is equal to a change in the recipient. He also stated, “In order to be the master of your science, you have to DO your science.”

An attendee brought about an interesting question as to are we ‘mechanistic back crackers or are we Wholism, Holistic. The answer was that yes, we are more than just biomechanics. We need to bring the theory of subluxation into the classroom. We need a mutual starting point for the discussion.

A lot of chiropractors in practice focus on pain and whiplash, being a focus of many, received some attention at Octagon. Dr Damadian discussed Chiari Syndrome and Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia as well as the amazing results experienced by patients once they had their atlas adjusted. Patients experienced a reduction in headaches from occlusion of CSF movement and arterial flow to the brain, nausea and vomiting, pain and numbness and black outs among others. Dr. Damadian, inventor of the MR Scanner, (more commonly known as MRI,) demonstrated how results are different in MR pictures depending on whether the patient is recumbent or sitting/standing; the more evident injuries were visible in a standing/sitting scan.

Dr. Carrick spoke about the relationship between science and philosophy and how once you answer a philosophical question it becomes science; the theory of Science = True & False while Philosophy = Sense & Nonsense and about errant a priori concepts upon which conceptual questions can be developed.

We discussed politics and its relation to improving or impinging patient care and comparative effectiveness and that the ‘absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence’.

Another point mentioned by staff at the Octagon was how few students were repeat visitors every day – only three signed in and out on the registration sheet. Fellow students remarked Saturday evening at a gathering I attended how they didn’t know it was happening. As students of chiropractic it is our duty to learn, be focused and pay attention. Ignorance is no longer a viable excuse for missing data and details. The Octagon was published on the front page of the Vital Source newspaper, on all of the televisions in the cafe as well as communicated several times by student email. And while I know there were a lot of events during the same weekend, DE, a BGI (biogeometric integration) seminar, a Pierce Results seminar, the Gonstead Extravaganza and a few others, many of us were still on campus.

And while attendance of the conference excused us from class, I know whole-heartedly we are still responsible for the material, but to some that acted as an excuse for not attending any of the forum. To that I say, what about Thursday night and Saturday? Or when classes ended for the day Friday. The more we attend, understand and breathe in about philosophy, the physical attributes in technique as well as the biggest concept, subluxation, the better DC’s we will be when in practice with our own patient base, or the better our research will be, should we follow that tract.

The Octagon is an ongoing event we were fortunate to host this time on our campus. Hopefully it will be back on our campus for the next session

Factoids: Did you know…

• 45-50% of people experience whiplash symptoms 17 years after of the injury

• A ten mile car cash is equal to catching a 200lb bag of cement dropped from a second story bldg.

• 4-30% of neck injuries are missed by other practitioners, which leads to permanent ‘neurologic sequela’.

Faculty for the Contemporary Scientific Paradigm that is Octagon:

Dr. Bruce Lipton, PhD, Conference Chair.

Dr. Gerry Clum, DC, Conference Host

Dr. Fred Carrick, DC PhD

Dr. Ray Damadian, MD

Dr. Joe Dispenza, DC

Dr. Christine Goertz, DC PhD

Dr. Heidi Haavik-Taylor, DC PhD

Dr. David Koch, DC

Dr. Scott Rosa, DC

Dr. Peggy Samples, PhD

Dr. Rob Scott, DC PhD

Dr. Jay Triano, DC PhD

Mandatory Direct Deposit – Phyllis Shropshire, Student Accounts

Life University is implementing Mandatory Direct Deposit starting Summer Quarter 2011.  For those students who have not signed up for Direct Deposit, please do so immediately.  Financial Aid Refund checks will no longer be available for pick-up in Student Accounts.

The Direct Deposit Enrollment form is available in the Student Accounts Office or print the form out at http://www.life.edu/sites/default/files/Direct%20Deposit%20Form.pdf. Please return completed form with a voided check to the Student Accounts Office. Direct Deposit refunds will be processed on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. All direct deposits are guaranteed to arrive in your bank account within 48 hours after the refund has been processed in your student account. Your financial institution must be a U.S. bank and funds will be deposited only to your checking account.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at 770-426-2626.

World Congress of Chiropractic Students – Michael Hollerbach, DC Student

Life Represents in Rio

The Life University World Congress of Chiropractic Students represented well at the 32nd annual congress. The WCCS congress was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

April 2^nd-9^th. There were six Life students representing our school this year, more than any other year. The delegation was led by its president, Sean Drake; also attending the congress were DC students Ryan Barnett, Tania Demiray, and Ron Sweeney, as well as undergrads Jessica Quintero and myself.

The WCCS is an organization of students that represent thirty two chiropractic schools from around the world. Their purpose is to advance and unite the global chiropractic profession through inspiration, integrity, and leadership. According to the website at www.wccsworldwide.org, the objectives of the corporation are “to promote the exchange of new ideas from a student perspective, to unify the chiropractic profession from within, and to unify the health care community in the interest of contributing to world health.” Each year, students get together for a week to discuss issues in chiropractic education, as well as in the profession worldwide. At this year’s congress, 160 students represented twenty-four schools from five continents.

While in active session, the WCCS congress utilizes the formal Robert’s Rules to discuss a wide variety of topics that the delegations propose. Each delegation was allowed to submit three proposals at this year’s congress. The proposal topics range from issues at particular schools, to how to further improve the WCCS, to building a foundation for the future of the profession.

For the first time ever in the history of the WCCS, this year’s congress was held in conjunction with the World Federation of Chiropractors bi-annual conference. This was an excellent opportunity for students to mingle with chiropractors from around the world, listen to the leaders of the profession, and get a different perspective on chiropractic at the international level. There was also a wide variety of chiropractic seminars that students could attend.

The WCCS had very good speakers each day that had spoken to the congress. One of the most emotional moments was when a Korean chiropractor spoke about the struggles he faces practicing in his country. Only six months earlier he had been put in jail for practicing chiropractic.  The Minister of Public Health and Sports for the island nation of Aruba is a chiropractor and he spoke about his plans for making chiropractors the point of entry into the health care system in his country. The universal health care in Aruba is being looked at as a model for larger countries in Europe. Life University graduate, Dr. Liam Schubel, had a high energy passionate talk on the endless opportunities in the profession and the need to take chiropractic to every person in the world.

One of the things that makes the WCCS such a special organization is that students are able to make and develop friendships with other chiropractic students from around the world. There is much bonding while discussing the similarities and differences in the educational processes at different schools, but some of the best connections are made after congress when people let down their hair and take to the city on adventures, like everyone piling into buses to visit one of the new seven wonders of the world, Cristo Redentor—or as we know it in English—the Christ the Redeemer statue.  And aside from the organized side trips, there are the informal, intimate encounters between newly-made lifelong friends over a good meal and a night of dancing and enjoying the local nightlife.  Many times, friendships at the WCCS easily turn into working relationships following graduation.

At this year’s congress, the delegations voted on where to hold the 2013 congress. The Durban University of Technology won the bid to host the congress in Durban on the eastern coast of South Africa. Next year’s congress will be held in August at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. Past congresses have been held in Dallas, Texas; Auckland, New Zealand; Mexico City, Mexico; Toronto, Ontario; and many other cities.

The Life University chapter of the WCCS would like to thank all of those Life students who came out to support the organization at the mansion parties. We would also like to thank the Office of the President, Student Services, and the student council for their generous support.

If you have any questions or interest in being a part of our school’s chapter, WCCS meets in room C-108 at 5:00pm on Wednesdays.

Life Faculty, Student to Co-Present – James Williams, UG Student

At Worldwide Coaching Conference

A professor and student from Life University have been invited to present at a prestigious international conference in Las Vegas this fall. Dr. Cherry Collier, teacher in the psychology and life coaching degree programs, and Life student James Williams, have been invited to give a 90-minute presentation at the International Coach Federation (ICF) 2011 Conference this September.

The pair share a passion for life coaching, which helps people to move out of their own way, set goals, and create the business, relationship, financial, and health successes they want.  Together, they’ll share information about how psychology research and theories support the work of the nearly 10,000 life coaches worldwide.

Dr. Collier has worked for a decade as a highly successful executive coach with corporate managers and entrepreneurs. James Williams, specializes in health coaching and draws together his skills, experience, and qualifications from the nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle management professions.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the life coaching profession, and put Life University on the map as a premier Life Coaching school,” said Dr. Collier.

Hidden Treasure – Collin Bartoe, DC Student

Found on Life’s Campus

I recently discovered a hidden treasure on Life University’s campus. I was originally notified by a field doctor of the existence of this treasure, and the map was promptly laid out with a little help from some of the faculty doctors. I found the treasure in an unsuspecting location, and at first it seemed like an insignificant finding, until I learned the truth behind this historic and Chiropractic wonder. When I first saw it, hanging on a dark wall, hidden away in the student preparation lounge in the C-HOP, I didn’t realize what I was looking at. An average looking picture frame containing an unsuspecting official looking document that I had previously passed by, sat under, and even glanced at, but something I had never given a second thought.

After sitting down and reading this document, I began to realize that this was something beyond anything I have previously seen. It was, rather it IS a State Senate Resolution. A legal governmental document recognizing not only a physician for their work in healing and educating people, but a chiropractor! I did a little more asking around to clarify the true meaning of the document, and came to find out a few very interesting and unique things about it. Apparently, in 1989, when the resolution was accepted by the New Hampshire State Senate, no physician had ever been honored with a senate resolution, and to my knowledge, it still has yet to happen again! For those of us who are ignorant about the specific workings of senate politics, in order for a resolution to be passed like this, it has to be agreed upon by ALL of the members of the senate. The magnitude of this find, and the fact that it is located on Life University’s campus is astounding. This is a one of a kind piece of not only chiropractic history, but American history. An original document commending a chiropractor for their work both nationally and internationally is completely unheard of.

This document was written in commemoration of Dr. Carrick, a chiropractor who has utilized chiropractic care in combination with his extensive knowledge of human physiology and neurology, (functional neurology,) to help innumerable patients. Dr. Carrick has become a world-renowned chiropractor and educator, teaching hundreds of chiropractors, PT’s, and even MD’s about utilizing a drug-free and surgery-free approach to improving the function of the nervous system.  He was honored with this resolution for his extensive work in research, the publication of that research in indexed journals, and successfully treating patients around the globe. By utilizing his knowledge of how both subluxations and adjustments work on a physiological level, as well as focusing on research and publication of topics relating to chiropractic treatments, Dr. Carrick has created a global shift in how healthcare is being viewed. This is a change that all of us can help to progress.

As chiropractic continues to shift more toward proposing, completing, publishing, and utilizing research within our profession, we are able to transform the lives of more and more people. Most everyone in chiropractic agrees that our ultimate goal is to help sick people get well and/or to maintain or maximize the expression of health in those who are not sick. So if the principles of life in all places and in all things are based on growth and adaptation, should we as chiropractors not strive to adapt and grow? As Chiropractic was founded on a tripod principle, we must ensure that we continue to grow the profession in an even and balanced manner. If any one of the legs is over-developed or forsaken, the tripod will topple. The Art, Philosophy, and Science of chiropractic must be combined and nurtured together. So why are so few chiropractors contributing toward the research that validates the scientific proof of our work? This research isn’t just meant to validate our work, but to show HOW our adjustments work. As that body of knowledge increases, we not only become more sought after doctors, we find ever better ways that we can help our patients! Dr. Carrick himself noted in his lecture at Life University on March 7^th, 2011, that upon seeing the specificity and affect of chiropractic as performed in an empirical and directed manner, the medical (allopathic) community is shifting toward adopting what we do….because it is unlike anything that any other profession can do! Let’s appreciate the work of those who have gone before us; the achievements they have made, and then let us step up, assume our responsibility to make chiropractic the predominant health care system, and become contributors of our time and money to the production of chiropractic science research! For more information please contact neurodork@gmail.com.

Clinic Gateway Experience – Kelly Milano, DC Student

Celebrating Student Success

On Tuesday, April 12, Life University hosted its first Clinic Gateway Reception honoring the new interns who are joining the Life Clinics. The event began in the afternoon with a learning experience that included speakers such as Dr. Davis (Dean of Clinics) and Dr. Schneider (Director of Student Services) as well as hands on events such as the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory.  The afternoon event, as stated in the invitation, was geared toward “Communication, Celebration, Care, Compassion, and Success.“ According to Dr. Marc Schneider, “The experience was developed to provide a means to help students entering the clinical setting, to be better able to, and more effectively communicate with, prospective and current patients. Our experience with students transitioning into the clinical setting informs us that one of the areas that would enhance and improve the transition is effective communication.”

Following the afternoon events, the students and their guests were invited to a dinner catered by Bon Appetite. The evening was a chance to recognize the students for the hard work they had endured as they reached the next step in their education. Ceremonies such as this are becoming more popular among medical, dental, chiropractic, physical therapy, and veterinary medical schools and marks the student’s transition from the basic sciences to clinical health sciences and patient care. Brett Kubricht, Vice President for Student Council and new 8^th quarter intern, opened up the evening by welcoming the guests.  He was incredibly excited because just hours before, he had given his first adjustment in the Student Clinic (CCHOP.) As any new intern knows, that is truly a life changing moment for a student!

Dr. Riekeman addressed the students by telling them, “The day you said you were going to a chiropractor, you became a chiropractor.”  He went on to challenge them by asking, “When do you stop being a student and start being a doctor?  I hope it’s now.” He talked about the chiropractic profession being a ‘tribe’ and continued that it’s not, “faculty, staff, administration and students. We are all CHIROPRACTORS”.

After Dr. Riekeman’s talk, Dr. Davis called each student’s name and ‘presented’ them to Dr. Riekeman. The students walked across stage and received their Clinic Gateway pin, signifying the next phase of their journey.
In the past, student turnout to the event was dismal at best. Of the students entering clinic, only a small handful showed up, most choosing to ‘boycott’ the event all together. This quarter, the event coordinators responded with not only having the learning event, but by adding the reception afterwards. This changed the perspective of the students and only a handful didn’t show up. Grant Lassiter, 9^th quarter intern, stated on Life’s Facebook page “It was great to celebrate this accomplishment with fellow classmates and faculty” and most students agree.

Congratulations to all the new interns on reaching this milestone and thank you to Life University for taking the time to honor the students along their journey!

Carrick on Chiropractic – Collin Bartoe, DC Student

A Functional Neurology Perspective

With an almost palpable level of awe, excitement, (and for some, disbelief,) hovering throughout a crowd of nearly 160 students, video after video was shown of the true breadth of what chiropractic can achieve.  Dr. Carrick, a world-renowned chiropractor, functional neurologist, and educator to thousands stood before the Life University student body on Monday, March 7^th 2011 and delivered a lecture for the ages. He spoke about the depth with which chiropractic can be utilized, explained some of the basics of what science shows us regarding how chiropractic may exceed our own expectations, and challenged the profession to step up and move toward integrating modern knowledge.

The topic of the lecture was, “Functional Neurology: What It Is And What It Means For The Future Of The Profession,” and Dr. Carrick delivered every ounce of that topic and then some.  For Dr. Carrick, the work of a chiropractor is vital for the health of the world. He shared stories about how veteran medical doctors, even surgeons around the world are looking at the possibilities that only chiropractic can deliver, and they want it. He explained about and showed videos of a myriad of situations in which standard medical practices were powerless to help patients, and the only thing that was able to help was directed and specific chiropractic care. One of the most influential clips of the night was of Dr. Carrick being called into a hospital room to adjust a medical patient in the throws of a stroke. The sounds of jaws hitting the floor almost rose above the video as he utilized his knowledge of physiology and chiropractic and ADJUSTED a patient to help her during a stroke! During the performance of a George’s Test, a test to determine vascular integrity in the vertebral arteries, the patient began to shake uncontrollably, and her eyes began to shake (nystagmus.) The patient had also lost her ability to speak prior to his entering the room. After a quick assessment of the situation and the patient, Dr. Carrick began to adjust her upper extremities on both sides, and then moved on to adjust her NECK! After just a few moments of adjusting, the patient began to speak again! When Dr. Carrick performed George’s Test again, the patient did not being to shake and the nystagmus did not recur. For Life’s students to see the absolute majesty of directed and intentional chiropractic giving a most dire patient their life back was incredible.

In total, more than a dozen separate case study videos and clips portraying specific disorders were shown while Dr. Carrick lectured over a number of topics that ranged from what a subluxation is, to how the adjustment can affect the function of the nervous system and body. Students were challenged to not become stagnant in their knowledge, to continually educate themselves and expand their understanding of how the body works so they can better determine how to give that specific chiropractic adjustment. One of the greatest comments of the night pertained to how chiropractors are utilizing 1895 science that is no longer scientifically valid, when the 2011 science that stands now shows much more diverse and empowering possibilities for our profession than ever before. We have seen through modern research that the bone-on-nerve model has been largely disproven and that new models of how subluxations and adjustments work is based on a brain-based nervous system approach. More and more research is being published to support how chiropractic works, and now a new fully-indexed journal is being unveiled! The journal is called: “Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics” and is part of a movement being created in part by Dr. Carrick as well as other interdisciplinary physicians and functional neurologists. The importance of the journal is not just that research is being done, it is that advanced research, by many different professions is being done for the sake of chiropractic and functional neurology…and it will be published in a place where people of all professions can read it!

For more information about the journal, go to http://www.frcarrickresearchinstitute.org/iafnr

There’s a New Greek in Town – Jacqulyn McDaniel, UG Student

Kappa Omicron Nu Initiation Held

Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu of Life University initiated seventeen founding members on 17 November 2010. Dr. Deborah Tippett, Chair of the Board of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society was in attendance to instill the Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu. Dr. Michael Smith, Dean – College of UG Studies; Jaleh Dehpahlavan, Head of Nutrition Department; Donna Plummer, Dietetic Internship Director were invited speakers.

Founding initiates of Nu Omega Chapter are, in alphabetical order:

Helen Abbadi, Tamara Clark (Secretary), Abha Chopra, Derrick Dawson, Lisa Ferrone, Sarah McCormick (President), Jacqulyn McDaniel (Editor), Alexandra McNamara, Patrick Miller, Makeda Mogerie (Treasurer), Sabrina Nyka, Christina O’Neil, Ashley Patterson, Karen Porter, Sarah Tennesen, Erin Thompson, Cindy Trieu, (Vice President), and Julie Wallace.

Dr. Beverly Demetrius is the faculty advisor for the society at Life University.

Eligibility criteria for undergraduate & master degree students and professionals include exemplary study and practice in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Sports Health Science.

Kappa Omicron Nu consists of more than 100,000 members worldwide. The mission of the organization is to recognize and encourage excellence in scholarship, research, and leadership in the human sciences.

Among the activities and programs of the honor society is a scholar program that awards local scholarships and a fellowship and grants program that makes national awards. Nu Omega Chapter, a new chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu, plans to be very active in both the Metro Atlanta community and Life University community as scholars, researchers, leaders, and volunteers.

The 5th Annual All-Star Event Makes An Impact – Jenn Roberts, DC Student

On Saturday, February 26, Innate Enterprise, in conjunction with the SICA, hosted the 5^th Annual All-Star Event at Life University. This annual event was held in the Socrates Cafe and was attended by students from both Life University and Sherman College of Chiropractic. Doctors of ChiropracTIC spoke to the group of students as mentors to each of us. The panel included Dr. Susan Brown, creator and developer of Bio-Geometric Integration (BGI), Dr. Jim Dubel, founder of New Beginnings, Life Universities own Dr. Drew Rubin, Dr. Cirone, Dr. Clarino, Dr. Liam Schubel and Dr. Austin Cohen, graduates of Life University.

As a first quarter DC student who had never before attended the All-Star Event, I didn’t quite know what to expect. What I got was more than I bargained for. I was utterly amazed by what I experienced, listened to and learned. Not only were there recurring themes of philosophy, faith, an innate intelligence, and following your calling, but truly deep and touching recollections were shared by each of the DC’s who spoke and they spoke with incredibly passionate conviction. Each of them shared with us what ‘success’ means to them on such an emotional level, it was like they spoke to us all on a one-to-one basis in private discussion. They also not only recalled how they have impacted their patients’ lives, but how their patients have impacted them.

As Dr. Dubel asked, “What happens when you cut your finger? It heals… from the inside out.” That is innate intelligence. Bringing the body around to its homeostatic state. A power we all possess but a power we don’t all unleash in ourselves to its greatest potential.

Drs. Cirone and Clarino struggled with getting their own practice off the ground until they changed their thought processes, abandoning the educated mind for their own philosophy. Instead of bringing their practice into their faith, they brought faith into their practice. By sharing the wondrous capabilities of the human body with their patients, and how they were helping to facilitate their return to their own innate function, their patients experienced more. More than the pain relief that may have led them to their door. More than treatment of a symptom or a syndrome. While they may have made their initial appointment for those very reasons, they returned to their office for others.

Drs. Liam Schubel and Austin Cohen talked about the expansion of the ChiropracTIC philosophy. From offices in Atlanta and the Northeast, to practices around the world, ChiropracTIC is impacting the lives of people who have not only never had access to allopathic healthcare, many had never heard of ChiropracTIC until they were face down on an adjusting table in an office, a homeless shelter, a patch of grass near a rainforest in South America.

While the world needs exposure to what we do, our calling, we, as students need exposure to the world. We are only in the Life University bubble for a short time, like an egg in a nest. But when we graduate, we are kicked out of that nest by the Momma bird and we have no choice but to fly or fall hard. While our classes teach us the academics, we must embrace the challenge to experience and be taught the practical lessons ourselves, by volunteering at a local ChiropracTIC office, becoming involved in outreach/mission trips abroad, by doing PEAK somewhere other than our own back yard.

The world is a very big place and while some of us have seen a lot of it, it changes all the time. Views and opinions are changing and many people are now eager for other options related to health care. At assembly last week, even Dr. Manns talked about how the corporations and even the very government of Ghana have embraced his mission of ChiropracTIC as a natural, critical way to improve one’s body function proactively.

Each of the presenters at the All-Star Event shared miracles with us. Dr. Rubin shared the story of Peggy and her family with us and watching Dr. Rubins eyes tear up absolutely wrenched my heart. It was a beautiful story of how ChiropracTIC not only helped Peggy rebound amazingly from the cancer she had been in treatment for with radiation and rounds of chemotherapy, but it gave her time, three additional years of time with her most valuable asset, her family. When she knew her time was short, she called Dr. Rubin to her home and asked him to adjust her so she could be more clear of mind and heart, and could spend her last three days of life with her family at home. Dr. Rubin gave her that gentle, final adjustment and on the night of the third day Peggy spent with her children, their spouses, their children and their children’s children, Peggy died in her sleep.

ChiropracTIC is not about the money. It is not about treating pain. It is not about the number of patients you ‘have to see’ in order to have a ‘good’ practice. If you practice for the right reasons, with faith and passion to help others, the rest will follow. ChiropracTIC is about the difference you make in others lives by empowering them and liberating the innate intelligence within to allow the body to function at its own maximum potential, do its own healing, to perform better.

And ChiropracTIC care is indeed for everyone. From adjusting a pregnant mother-to-be to giving her newborn baby his/her first adjustment after birth. From adjusting the young child through his/her adulthood, and then caring for that patient until they pass from this earth.

We are a small but growing group. We are meant to do this. We have been picked by the very innate intelligence we restore the connection to in the patients we care for. We are ChiropracTIC

Declare Your Nerd Day – Sarah Moreau, UG Student

“Nerd.”  When you hear or read that word, what images come to mind? Do you, like most Americans, picture a skinny boy with suspenders, acne, and a pocket protector bursting with pens and a graphing calculator? Do you use the word “nerd” synonymously with the words “geek,” “dork” and “dweeb?” While the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a nerd as someone who is “socially inept,” I would argue that we each have at least one subject we totally geek out on. While some people might have nerd-offs about stereotypically dorky things like Star Wars, Star Trek, computers, chess, band, and episodes of Glee, many other people have nerd-gasms about books they love, history, school clubs or even sports. That’s right! I said (well, typed) sports.  Some men can recite the winning team names of all of the World Series since 1903. While many scoff at unofficial official holidays like Pi Day (3/14), Mole Day (10/23), and Intergalactic Star Wars Day (May the Fourth [Be With You.]), I would love to see each member of the Life community find at least one day a week to nurture their inner dweeb.

Why only one day? Well, unless we happen to be able to live our lives immersed in our passion, (what we’re nerdy about,) we probably can’t spend all our time focused on something that isn’t helping with school or work, lest we flunk out and freak out. Why a whole day? Well, if you can’t do a whole day at once, try an hour or two a day. Or, try treating yourself to a whole weekend of geekiness once in a while by indulging in a conference. By living in Atlanta, we have a unique opportunity to have a ton of historical sites, professional sports, touring plays and concerts, an amusement park, museums of science, art, and history, beautiful parks, and annual conferences such as the Atlanta Comic Con and Dragon*Con right in our back yard! There are local events such as “Sip and Stroke,” a wine and painting class, groups that participate in table-top role playing games, groups that participate in weekly trivia games, opportunities to audition to be an extra in various films, and even Frisbee golf leagues, fantasy football leagues, and fantasy baseball leagues. Perhaps we could each volunteer to coach our favorite sport with an underprivileged team, teach our favorite art or craft at the local craft store or recreation department, or even just have a party to discuss our particular passion. By using common interests and even differing interests, we can bond with our fellow LIFEers to create a stronger bond within our community. Embracing and encouraging this part of yourself can help each of us understand each other, relieve stress, and become well-rounded students.

This Pi Day, I challenge each of you to step out of your normal routines and relish the side of yourself you typically hide from the world for fear of being mocked. Fly your nerd flag proudly, and you just might help someone insecure about their own geekdom feel a little more secure to reveal themselves.

While our campus is very accepting and is overall a very loving campus, we can nurture those around us more by accepting different interests and different points of view. By doing this, we improve our bonds with our classmates, our ability to relate to others who are not quite like us, and perhaps even learn more on a subject about which we knew nothing before. Who knows, we might even find a passion we’d never discovered before.

Freshness Delivers – James Beuerlein, DC Student

New Student Run CSA brings premium produce to campus

For those who care for high-quality nutrition and sustainability, this is big, big news! Two Life students were recently recognized with an article in Atlanta Magazine for their work beginning a new Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative at Life University. A CSA is essentially a co-op between farmers and consumers, bypassing the middleman grocery chains in order to deliver the cheapest, freshest produce to the consumer and to promote and sustain small business practices for the farmer.

It works like this: The consumer pays a set, recurrent membership fee to the farmer in return for a consistent quantity of fresh, local, and seasonal produce each week. The farmer delivers identical baskets of produce to all consumers each week, based on what the farm is producing that season, so the exact produce received is constantly changing with the seasons.

What are the benefits to this system?

1. Freshness.     The produce delivered to each consumer is usually picked the day it is delivered or the day before.

2. Absolutely local.    All of the produce comes from one farm (or a co-op of farms) in the immediate vicinity of the CSA. This benefits small farms, creates a more sustainable relationship between producer and consumer, and reduces the environmental impact because the produce doesn’t have to be shipped across the country or globe! CSA’s usually imply a face-to-face relationship with the farmer. Often, members are invited out to see the farm and to be familiar with the farmer’s practices and methods. There are also health benefits from eating locally-grown produce, including greater nutrient concentration and reduced seasonal allergies.

3. Seasonal dietary variety.     The changing of the seasons places different demands on the body’s chemistry. Humans (as have all animals) have evolved to be nourished by different foods during different seasons. When people eat seasonally, they give their bodies the nutrients needed to maintain health in response to a changing environment (seasonal temperature, sun exposure, etc.). When consumers buy the same 15 items at the grocery store year-round, they compromise their bodies’ ability to adapt to the environment (i.e. feeding it summer-food in the winter).

4. Variety.     As part of a CSA, members will be receiving some produce that they may not normally eat – or perhaps have never tried. CSA communities are great about sharing recipes and increasing one’s appreciation for food, as well as expanding the palate. In addition, fresher food tastes better! The longer produce is “preserved” on the shelf, the more taste it loses.

5. Fewer shopping trips.     This system allows for far fewer trips to the grocery store, since each week’s shipment brings a new supply of produce for the week. Less standing in line and searching for needed items equates to less stress in one’s life.

Now let’s talk about the new CSA at Life. Life’s CSA is the brainchild of Peggy Kalis and her fellow enthusiast Noah Beaudry. Oddly enough, both were raised on farms in Canada, and so were raised with an appreciation for food and for the farmer. The CSA came about as a result of Peggy’s own search for a CSA. She met a local farmer, Neil Taylor of Split Cedar Farms, this past summer. In the fall, he called her and asked her if she would help start a new CSA that would go year-round. Peggy and Noah went out to visit his farm later that same day and got to see his dedication to his farm and the passion he has for organic produce and good food!

They struck up a deal and landed on the arrangement of $300 for 10 weekly deliveries during the quarter (corresponding with the 10 weeks of class). This buys members a delivery of 5-7 lbs of fresh-picked produce each week. Most CSA’s work on a “meet-up” system, where the members come to the farm at a certain time on a certain day and get the food directly from the farmer. Life’s system is a little different.

With the class and life schedule of each member varying greatly, creating a meeting time was impractical. This is where Noah’s genius came into play. He built a locker system in the Sports Health Science building. Mr. Taylor brings his produce on Friday, opens up the back of the lockers (similar to a community mailbox) and deposits identical baskets in each locker for the members. Then each member comes at their convenience and unlocks their personal compartment to get their produce.

Peggy and Noah have a vision of an expanded and completely autonomous CSA. As more and more members are added, Peggy would like to see cooking classes put on in the kitchen of the nutrition department on campus, giving members ideas on how to use their produce. The goal is for each member to deal directly with the farmer – rather than having to go through Peggy and Noah – so that the CSA can survive long after they graduate. Currently, members make checks out to Neil Taylor and give them to Peggy or Noah, who deliver them to Neil.

Currently, there are 26 members from the Life University community, with plenty of room for more. If you’re interested in joining, or simply want more information, email Noah Beaudry at nbeaudry@student.life.edu. Additionally, check out Neil Taylor’s farm online (as well as recipes for the produce that he grows) at both of the following websites: taylorganic.blogspot.com and http://www.localharvest.org/taylorganic-farm-dba-split-cedar-farm-7359.

Life Source Octagon – Kelly Milano, DC Student

A new model for subluxation

As most of us are aware, the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) recently held meetings and votes and revamped much of the underlying philosophy and definitions within chiropractic. With this, they removed the terms ‘subluxation’ and ‘drug and surgery free’ from the description of what chiropractic is. This allows the CCE to accredit any program it deems to be “equivalent” to the current DC program [1]. This move by the CCE accelerates the decline of the chiropractic profession, moving it away from the drugless paradigm we currently follow, and allows for the validation of a “Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine” degree.
Dr. Riekeman, Life University and many of the chiropractic colleges have challenged the CCE in this decision but as of now, the CCE has not backed down. For Dr. Riekeman, this is a chance to further discussions and bring together some of the great minds within Chiropractic to discuss this important matter.  On April 14-16, 2011, Life University will be hosting a forum entitled “Contemporary Scientific Paradigms: A New Model for Subluxation.” According to the Life Source Octagon webpage, this is an “attempt to explore these concepts, issues, and work to outline a new theoretical model that is more capable of explaining these and other phenomena related to growth, development, health and healing.“ Joining in this forum will be Joe Dispenza, DC, PhD, Bruce Lipton PhD, Rob Scott DC, PhD, David Koch DC, Fredrick Carrick DC, PhD and more.  Dr Gerald Clum, former president of Life Chiropractic College West, will be the host for this discussion.
Currently, our health care system is based on a mechanistic model. This model doesn’t fully explain many of the phenomena we observe in a chiropractic definition of health and healing. The mechanistic model may work in the medical community, but it does not give adequate place or understanding to the concept of subluxation and the approach to health and well-being seen in chiropractic.  The LifeSource Octagon weekend is unlike any other held at Life University and many students are expected to take this opportunity to be in attendance. There may never be another time when all these minds will be together in one room, discussing the very core of the existence of the chiropractic profession and the foundation of human health.  The event will include topics such as evidence that our bodies function through adaptation to their environment instead of following a static genetic predetermination. This series can lead you to a deeper understanding of your role as a chiropractor and teach how to help your patients understand these complex subjects.
Registration for this three day event is only $30 and it is open to all students, faculty and the general public. Visit www.life.edu/octagon for more information and registration.  Students will be able to attend a conference packed full of speakers they find interesting and receive excused absences. Students are required to talk to their professors the week before the seminar and they must attend all sessions for which they want to be excused from classes. Attendance will be taken at all sessions and reported to faculty for the proper documentation of excused absences.

EDITED: New names are continually being added to the list of speakers. Since the writing of this article, Dr. Stephen Bolles has also been added. Dr. Bolles will be the coordinator/director for the conference.

Life Student Email Gets Bombarded – Carley Edwards, DC Student

How to get rid of unwanted emails

Life University student email has become a high traffic area. With emails from the Georgia Council of Chiropractic, Band of Brothers, Dynamic Essentials, and other  names and organizations you may have never heard of before, it’s difficult to keep up with important, school-related emails.

How did these organizations get a hold of the email addresses? A post was made on the Life University Facebook page asking this very question.  The response from LIFE was that student, faculty, and staff emails are publicly available through the Life University directory.

How can students stop unwanted emails? Students can report unwanted emails as spam by clicking on the email and then clicking on the ‘Report spam’ icon. Students can also sort through each email individually and unsubscribe to emails they don’t wish to receive anymore. Gmail also has a filter feature that allows users to keep certain messages, but not have them appear in the inbox and not get sent to spam. Messages can be sorted by sender, keywords, recipients and more. This only applies to new messages. For directions on how to do this, visit http://bit.ly/etCxNH.

MMR – Carley Edwards, DC Student

The facts behind a highly controversial vaccine

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, a vaccine that combines live viruses of the three diseases. The vaccine was manufactured in the 1980’s, a couple of decades after the individual vaccines were created. In the USA, the three vaccines are manufactured separately so they can be administered individually. However, most doctors do not recommend this option. In England, the British Medical Association banned the production of the individual vaccines and any medical doctor who tries to challenge this risks losing his/her medical license.

The reason for combining the vaccines has nothing to do with safety or efficiency. It is done simply for convenience. Aborted human fetal tissue is used in the culture for the rubella portion of the MMR vaccine. According Merck & Co., Inc, the MMR vaccine can cause diabetes mellitus, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, arthritis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, pneumonia, seizures, Steven-Johnsons Syndrome, pancreatitis, and death. The two full pages of reactions can be found online at www.merck.com.

How dangerous is measles? Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection with symptoms that include a runny nose, fever, red eyes, coughing and a pink rash that develops on the skin. Treatment involves letting it run its course, although vitamin A supplementation has been shown to greatly decrease the chance of death from measles. A major concern with the measles is that it can result in encephalitis. The CDC claims that one out of every 1000 children who contract the measles gets encephalitis. Dr. Robert Mendelson (MD), pediatrician and vaccine researcher, says those numbers many be accurate in malnourished children, but for everyone else, those numbers are closer to one out of every 100,000. Ironically, one of the several dangerous side effects of the MMR vaccine is encephalitis!

Hasn’t the vaccine decreased the number of measles outbreaks? The measles vaccine wasn’t introduced until the mid 1960’s. However the death rate had dropped by almost 98% by 1955. The measles vaccine does not grant permanent immunity and a person can contract it again at any time. Other concerns include an increase in outbreaks among populations of unvaccinated children.  However, senior epidemiologist for the Center for Disease Control Dr. William Atkinson admitted, “Over 95% of  [measles] cases have a history of vaccination.” Even the World Health Organization (WHO) admitted that those who have been vaccinated are 15 times more likely to contract the disease than those left alone. In 1995, 56% of all measles cases in the U.S. occurred in people previously vaccinated.

Mumps is a viral disease whose symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Symptoms dissipate within a week and medical intervention is rarely required. Last year, news broke of a mumps outbreak in New York and New Jersey. 1,000 people contracted the mumps, and a spokeswoman told CNN that 77 percent of those who contracted the mumps had already been vaccinated against it.

Rubella is a contagious viral infection with symptoms including fever, rash, runny nose and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is allowed to run its course and is gone within a few days.

When a person contracts measles or mumps naturally, they are permanently immune. Very rarely will a person who has contracted rubella contract the virus again. When given the MMR vaccine, no person is fully immune and can contract the disease again at any time.

When 49 doses of 14 vaccinations are recommended before age six, parents are urged to investigate all the possible side effects and dangers. The list of ingredients in vaccines is extensive and the side effects even more so. The state of Georgia allows for medical and religious exemptions from vaccination. Parents are urged to do the research before making a risky decision. For more information, parents should read “Vaccine Safety Manual” and “Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective,” both by Neil Miller.

Pierce Results Level One’s – Anthony DeMaria, DC Student

The opportunity of a lifetime is coming to Life University

There is an opportunity of a lifetime coming to Life University on April 15. The leaders of the Pierce Results System and the Life University Pierce Results Club will be hosting a Level One Pierce Seminar in Marietta. It will be headed by Dr. James Galgano, the lead instructor for the Pierce Results System in North America. With the addition of other strong leaders in of the Pierce System, including Dr. Anthony Pugliese, a former lead instructor of the system who studied directly under it’s creator, Dr. Vern Pierce, and Dr. John Madeira, the founder of Chiropractic Pure and Simple, who recently converted his practice to the Pierce system, this seminar promises to be different from any other Level One Seminar to date. Both will be joining Dr. Galgano in teaching the Pierce System for this one weekend.

The seminar will kick off with a free introduction on Friday, April 15, from 5:00-6:30p.m. in room CCE-149. The rest of the seminar will span Friday night through Saturday afternoon and cover a variety of topics, including specific analysis, drop table adjusting, instrumentation and business. Come for a chiropractic “pick me up” with some  keen philosophy and learn a new technology that addresses subluxation philosophically, scientifically and artistically.

This seminar is an opportunity to learn from some great doctors for a price that will never be available again once you’ve graduated. Come learn how to be an excellent chiropractor, one who knows without a doubt that you can both remove, and prove you’ve removed, the subluxation.

For more information, contact Anthony DeMaria or visit the Pierce Club on Tuesdays from 11:00-12:00p.m. or Wednesdays from 5-7 pm in CUS-109.

Vaccine-Autism Study Retracted – Carley Edwards, DC Student

Wakefield’s defense against accusations of fraud

In January of this year, news resurfaced of Dr. Andrew Wakefield retraction of his study examining a possible link between vaccines and autism. The study was retracted in early 2010.  Wakefield had about three-dozen charges brought against him.  He lost his job at London’s Royal Free Hospital, and his license to practice medicine in the UK was revoked. Wakefield’s study was published in 1998 in the Lancet, (a specialty medical journal for oncology, neurology and infectious diseases,) and described the findings of 12 children who experienced autistic regression and GI symptoms following inoculation with the MMR vaccine.

Brian Deer, author for the London Sunday Times and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) called Wakefield’s study linking autism to vaccines an “elaborate fraud.” According to Deer, clinical histories of the 12 children were falsified, and information in the study was fabricated. It is believed the results of Wakefield’s study led to a drop in vaccination rates from 92% to 80% in the UK. According to Vaccination News, “There were strikingly far fewer reported measles cases in the UK in the ten years that followed Wakefield’s paper than in the ten years that preceded its publication.”

Another argument against the study was that it has not been replicated.  However, according to Wakefield, the study has been replicated in five different countries. A year before Wakefield’s paper in the Lancet, Professor Walker Smith and Dr. Amar Dhillon had previously documented the exact same issues with children from their study, in fact, proving the Wakefield study had been replicated. In a statement made by Wakefield, he has documents proving, “beyond a shadow of a doubt that I did not falsify the data, that the findings are real, and that these findings were accurately reported in the Lancet.”

There was also no claim in Wakefield’s article that vaccines cause autism and states the link may have occurred by chance. The study says, “We did not prove an association between measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described,” once again proving false the allegations brought against him.

Wakefield’s opinion on whether vaccines actually do cause autism remains the same and is backed by claims made from parents about their children’s regression after the MMR vaccine. For example, two children involved in the study were brothers and the eldest experienced fever, rash, aggressive behavior, and convulsions within two weeks of receiving the MMR vaccine and later experienced developmental regression. The boy had been previously potty trained but became incontinent. The mother informed doctors that she did not want to give her youngest son the MMR shot until he was closer to two years old. After being told she was an irresponsible mother for putting her son at risk by not vaccinating, she was persuaded by guilt to give him the shot. A month later, he experienced some of the same symptoms as his brother.

There is concern about 11 of the 13 authors of the study and how they issued a retraction. Wakefield commented on this in his book Callous Disregard, saying, “11 of 13 authors issued a retraction of the interpretation that MMR is a possible trigger for the syndrome described. This remains a possibility and a possibility cannot be retracted.” In his book, he continues to defend himself against other rumors, saying there was no conflict of interest on his part and the children involved were not litigants, as some have alleged.

The question of fraud really lies with Brian Deer, who lied about his own identity to gain entry into the home of the parents of one of the autistic children from the study, and with the vaccine makers who have been quietly settling autism and other neurological disorder cases related to vaccination since 1991. Let’s not forget that Merck, the makers of the MMR vaccine, also created Vioxx, a drug that has been linked to heart attacks and stroke in as many as 50,000 people[JH1] . In 2009, an email from Merck was leaked during a lawsuit involving Vioxx. Referring to doctors who were questioning the drug’s safety, Merck said, “We may need to seek them out and destroy them where they live.”

Wakefield may have been targeted for several reasons, including fear from pharmaceutical industries. A recent poll from Ohio found that 61% of parents believe that vaccines cause autism. Vaccination rates in higher income families dropped by four percentage points between 2008 and 2009. New statistics show that 1 in 110 children has autism, and the rate in boys is even higher at 1 in 70. Parents are looking for answers and standing by Wakefield’s claims.

Wakefield is defending his study and his need to protect children from the corrupt medical community. “In a less compromised world, these presentations, (and those in many more thousand children worldwide,) and the pattern that emerged from the commonalities in their symptoms and clinical findings should have initiated a cascade of urgent clinical research that would have led through an iterative process to discovery-discovery of cause, treatment, and prevention, Sadly, this has not been the case.”

Visit www.vaccinesafetyfirst.com for pages of studies that support Dr. Wakefield and a copy of his response to the BMJ demanding a retraction of their false allegations. Read Wakefield’s book, Callous Disregard that details the events of his study and his battle against the medical system.