There aren't many better ways to strengthen the foundation of your practice than to educate the children of your practice. They have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a sense of wonder about their bodies. You can help keep them from being raised in the "doctor bag" culture and watch what a difference the chiropractic lifestyle makes in their lives.

Here are just some of the benefits your health talk offers your new pediatric patients.

*** Educated children will take better care of their bodies and grow up healthier.

*** If patients give you an excuse that they can't attend your health talk because they can't get a baby sitter, you can tell them to bring the kids with them.

*** If you have a two-doctor office, one can do the adult health talk and one can give the children's health talk. If you are a one-doctor office this gives you a good opportunity to have your spouse or chiropractic assistant take a leadership role and present the children's health talk. This will also boost your staff's morale and participation in your office and mission. You can also schedule the talk at a different time than your adult health talk.

*** Giving a children's health talk also offers you a great opportunity to educate the parents an extra time, too. After the talks are over, bring the children and parents together and ask the kids to share their health talk experience. With your coaching, the children will explain what they learned about chiropractic -- allowing their parents to understand the chiropractic story on a simple level without you coming across in a condescending way.

*** After children attend the health talk, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the way they let their parents know when chiropractic visits are scheduled, and how the family's visit compliance increases. They'll point out to their parents the importance of keeping good posture and remind them how adjustments will keep the family healthy. Kids will also demand -- in addition to their regular wellness visits -- that they get checked for subluxation if they have any falls on the playground or other types of trauma.

*** Although adult health talks last about one hour, when giving them to children, we must keep in mind their attention span. Children's health talks are usually about 20 minutes in length. The rest of the time they can play games or watch videos. Giving children's health talks also keeps you on purpose and in tune with the children of your practice.

*** It's important to keep the talk for the children fun and interactive. You will be able to teach them about subluxation, brain function, adjustment and the causes of subluxation, as well as many other important health issues. This can lead to other educational opportunities such as teaching children's health talks at day care centers or schools.

When you start scheduling health talks for the children of your practice, you'll see the practice take on a higher purpose and the energy become infectious. Remember, these educated children will be the leaders of tomorrow who will make the world a healthier place for everyone.

(Drs. Theresa and Stuart Warner, whose New Jersey practice is comprised of 70% young children and pregnant woman, have brought chiropractic pediatrics to the forefront of the profession. Their company Future Perfect, which has publishing, consulting, product and seminar divisions, presents around 100 pediatric programs a year including the certification program. The Warners are founders of "Kids Day America," and the World Children's Wellness Foundation and the Children's Wellness Newsletter. Comments or questions can be directed to DrsWarner@chiropediatrics.com or by phone at 732/295-5437.)