January 2004

Lerner book hits New York Times best seller list

Chiropractic has made it onto two prestigious best‑seller lists with "Body by God; The Owner's Manual For Maximized Living," by Ben Lerner, D.C. The book shot up to the number two spot on the Wall Street Journal Non‑Fiction Best Seller List and number 13 on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Dr. Lerner is used to making history. After only five years in practice, he had five clinics adjusting over 10,000 patients per month. He has been the chiropractor for eight U.S. World Wrestling Teams, and was the U.S. Wrestling Team chiropractor at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.

His accomplishment in making the best seller lists stems, in part, from the hundreds of businesses, churches, and D.C.s who pre‑purchased books prior to its official release.

"Finally, it looks like chiropractic will be getting some badly‑needed credibility for the incredible gifts we possess," noted Lerner. "I didn't do this to become personally famous. Instead, I spent incredible time and resources on this so our profession would have a greater chance of getting its very powerful voice out there.

"I see our profession inviting other best‑selling authors like Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dyer to speak at our seminars and felt compelled to put us back on top of our own profession," he added. "We are the true leaders in the health‑building world. We just need to continue to support each other and do the right things to place ourselves there."

The book uses the unique combination of the principles of chiropractic, science, administrative technology, and the Bible to create a practical, lifetime approach to nutrition, fitness, stress management, and time management.

The most popular books on the market today are nutrition and other health books. These books have caused their writers to become noted and respected leaders in the wellness world. In his book, Lerner teaches people to honor and be good custodians of their "Body by God." That way they will treat the body as a temple created by God and become inspired to take care of it, he says.

As a result of making these best seller lists, Lerner has been asked to appear on dozens of T.V. and radio talk shows all across the country. Many of these programs reach millions all over the world. "We have done such a poor public relations job, when I do talk shows and radio interviews these people are shocked to find out I am a chiropractor," says Lerner. "They had no idea we did any more than crack backs. They cannot believe the benefits we offer, that we are so well‑versed in all aspects of health, and that we are more like health coaches than M.D.s or P.T.s. They certainly never thought they'd see one of us on a New York Times Best Seller List ‑‑ never."

Lerner is often asked why the book is not explicitly about chiropractic. "In the past many people have written books on chiropractic, which is great," he explains. However, people do not go to the bookstore or log onto Amazon.com to buy chiropractic books in mass. By writing on topics that relate to our principles and the foundations of health we can reach people who may never go to a chiropractor because they do not know what we do or what we are capable of doing. Now we have a voice."

According to Lerner, his website gets about 100,000 hits per month and he receives thousands of fan mail letters. "I rarely get hate mail," he noted. "When I do it is always from chiropractors."

The book has been a learning as well as a teaching experience for Lerner. "My greatest lesson in all of this," he relates, "is that when our profession decides we are all on the same team and we get together on important things like this book, other books by chiropractors, and politically active, principled organizations like the World Chiropractic Alliance we will move straight to the top."

Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president, says he's thrilled with Lerner's achievement, but not surprised. "Ben has been out there promoting chiropractic for years and his dedication and expertise made his success almost inevitable."

Doctors who attend the World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit 2004 in Washington, D.C., will have an opportunity to share Lerner's expertise during the "Teach the World about Chiropractic" program, presented by Drs. Greg Loman and Robert Schiffman.

The program ‑‑ formerly known as "Body by God" ‑‑ helps doctors establish and run high‑volume, subluxation‑based chiropractic practices. Topics explored will include the philosophy and principles of high volume practices, and provide specific, detailed information on the office processes and procedures you need to see more patients, get results, and get paid for your services.

To learn more about the "Body by God" book or the "Teach the World About Chiropractic" program, visit www.bodybygodttwac.com.

To learn more about or register for the 2004 WCA International Summit, visit www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/summit04.