Chiropractic Economics Blog

I just came back from a weekend in Chicago where I visited my two small grandchildren, ages 3 and 5. Since I live in Jacksonville, Fla., I only get to see the grandkids about twice a year. Those semi-annual long weekends are never enough; I miss out on so many of the things they are learning to do.

The one advantage of visiting infrequently, though, is that I have a different perspective of the kids than their parents have. I can see how much they have grown since the last visit, and how well they have mastered “little” things, such as dressing themselves, expressing their thoughts, and understanding and respecting boundaries. It’s not that their parents don’t see these accomplishments; it’s just that I see them with a fresh eye. And my perspective allows me to take great joy in them and to “ooh” and “aaah” over what they do.

Several years ago Kent Greenawalt, CEO of Foot Levelers, launched the Campaign for Chiropractic. He mobilized the profession’s leaders and educators and asked them to stand united behind a single public relations campaign, both in spirit and with money to support it. The vehicle that drives the campaign is the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP).

F4CP started small. But it is growing and getting better all the time. Its aim is to position chiropractic so that the public will consider it as a healthcare option.

I think the advertisement F4CP placed in USA Today last week (April 25) was significant: It was an endorsement of chiropractic by three medical doctors.

Some people might look at the ad and think, “That’s nice.” But you need to put the ad in its proper perspective. During the 1960s medical doctors were ordered by the AMA not to associate in any way with chiropractors! Wilk vs. the AMA caused the AMA’s directives to be stricken down.

Yes, chiropractic has a long way to go. Only about 12 percent of the U.S. population goes to a chiropractor each year, so clearly F4CP needs to continuing its education and public relations program.

But I urge you to look at F4CP’s accomplishments in the same way I look at the development of my small grandchildren. Take pride in what it has done and support it in any way you can so the Campaign can continue to develop and grow. Make it your “baby” and take pride in what it does.

Until next time,