July 2004

WCA Life students at it again!

Inner‑city kids get lesson in health and chiropractic

Earlier this year, Student World Chiropractic Alliance (SWCA) member Anthony Hardnett and two of his Life University classmates broke through the age barrier to bring an important message about health to about 40 pupils in the pre‑K class at a local elementary school. Although chiropractic information isn't usually geared to the pre‑school set, the youngsters were genuinely enthralled and seemed to grasp the ideas presented.

Hardnett was equally enchanted with the kids and eager to go out into the community again to bring the chiropractic story to young people. So, when fellow student Christina Esposito invited him to give a presentation at an after‑school program for inner‑city school youngsters, he jumped at the chance. He had no trouble recruiting two other students, Melodie Mitchell and Jason Regis. The three students are also members of the SWCA.

Attending the program, held at an Atlanta community center, were about 20 youngsters between the ages of 8 and 15, and four adult volunteers and workers at the center. Anthony and his schoolmates were warned that this presentation wouldn't be as easy as the pre‑K ones, that it would take more than an oversized spine and coloring books to get these kids' attention.

"We were told that they were a tough crowd," Hardnett recalled. "So, I tried to touch on topics that might hit home for them. I started off the talk by telling them about chiropractic being founded by D.D. Palmer after he helped Harvey Lillard. They were very interested after that. When I talked about famous actors, and sports figures who've openly admitted to using chiropractic to maintain wellness ‑‑ including Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods, they were fully intrigued."

Hardnett also told them about chiropractic education, and distributed handouts comparing the hours of schooling received by DCs and MDs. Another handout was a nervous system chart that showed the link between the spine/nerves/organ and every function of the body.

He demonstrated motion palpation and leg checks and a mock adjustment in order to give them a clear idea what to expect if they went to a chiropractor themselves. He warned them it wasn't something they should try at home because giving adjustments correctly required years of training.

"I told them that even though there are wonderful benefits to getting adjustments, if done incorrectly by an unlicensed DC, damage could be done."

Some of the students related stories they'd heard of chiropractic from members of their family. One girl told Hardnett that her aunt went to a DC after a car accident, but stopped when the pain lessened. Later, the woman's back started hurting again.

Hardnett explained that in such cases, people might need to have additional chiropractic adjustments to reverse the damage caused by the accident and to re‑train the spine from a lifetime of subluxations.

"I also let them know that they should also think about becoming doctors of chiropractic and not sell themselves short," Hardnett said. "Just because they are from the inner city, they can still become great doctors!"

The message was well‑received by the youngsters, many of whom seemed to have an easier time accepting the concepts than adults.

"It was so refreshing to speak to children about chiropractic," Christina Esposito noted. "At an early age, the allopathic mindset has not been ingrained in their heads yet. The simplicity which chiropractic is based on (taking pressure off nerves) can easily resonate with them. They can see that it's really just common sense. I was honestly impressed with the knowledge of these young students. When asking them whether or not having a fever was a good or bad thing, one student replied, 'Good ‑‑ it burns up the germs.' I told him within limits, that he was exactly right! I also told him that most of the world doesn't even know that much."

Melodie Mitchell agreed wholeheartedly with Esposito about the receptivity of young people.

"The kids... were very attentive and energetic. They had good insights about health and how lack of symptoms doesn't always mean good health. I discussed sports chiropractic with them and tried to relate the benefits of getting adjusted. They seemed to have a good understanding of how the nerves supply the body. I went further to explain that relieving the spine of 'pressure' or subluxations can enhance performance.

"I think we planted the seed for the students to understand the importance of chiropractic care," said Mitchell. "I think their eyes were opened to see that chiropractic care is not just for neck and back pain from accidents and injuries. I really enjoyed their enthusiasm and I hope it continues for them to get the best health care through chiropractic."

The SWCA members gave the young people valuable advice beyond the need for chiropractic care, though.

"Kids need to be motivated to do and be their best by separating themselves from the normal and usual standards," explained Jason Regis. "Thinking outside of the box, reading between the lines, and perseverance are skills that can be utilized to promote personal success. That's the reason I introduced them to 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu. The same characteristics that will take them to their goals is the same open mindset that will get them to break away from traditions such as the medical model of health and realize the value of chiropractic!"

After learning of the presentation, WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, DC, said he was constantly amazed at the ingenuity and commitment shown by SWCA members.

"Anthony Hardnett's energy and dedication spills over onto everyone he meets. It's already marked him as a future leader in the profession. Even before he and Christina, Melodie and Jason have graduated, they've helped mold young minds and no doubt put these kids on the right path toward health and wellness. I'm very proud of them all."

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