February 2005

The culture principle

by Dr. Ben Lerner and Dr. Greg Loman

As we look at societies, that while lacking the sophisticated tools we have in the United States still experience a high degree of wellness, it's evident health isn't created by "things." It's created ‑‑ or, in reality, destroyed ‑‑ by our culture. This becomes particularly apparent watching American cultural influences make their way into other parts of the world only to witness the health of the people in those parts begin to decline.

In our culture, most adults and even many children use cell phones for chit chatting and doing business 24/7. McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and other fast‑food vendors have franchises in the public schools. Few people can imagine a stress‑free week or an unrushed moment. Consumers demand fast service and instant relief.

The medical community offers a pill for every ill and a potion for every emotion. People get their exercise by competing in an intense hockey game ‑‑ on their Nintendos. And we have a blood supply that, in many areas of Seattle, California, and New York, is up to approximately 75% Starbucks.

As our culture has permeated more and more of the world culture, we begin to see many of our problems show up on a global scale.

It's going to take more than a pill or the latest diet program to solve the incredible health, family, and emotional crises that exist in the U.S. (and more and more, the world) today. There's a need for a shift in the way people live, think, and treat their bodies ‑‑ a change that will not just save us, but save the world.

Successful chiropractors aren't necessarily the most talented but they are the most inspired. They have a change‑the‑world attitude that drives them to win "one more for chiropractic."

It may not always be overly exciting to try and adjust an atlas. Often, spinal adjustments become not so inspiring for patients either. Yet, when you begin to see the power in chiropractic thinking, and realize that our way of life is a cultural shift that could save a nation and in fact nations, you'll never cease to be excited ‑‑ and your patients will never stop getting inspired.

(Dr. Ben Lerner and Dr. Greg Loman manage Teach The World About Chiropractic ‑‑ a coaching, seminar, and product company ‑‑ and Body by God Intl. Dr. Lerner is author of the New York Times best‑selling book, "Body by God: The Owner's Manual For Maximized Living." Drs. Loman and Lerner, maintaining two of the highest‑volume clinics in chiropractic, both have a new book coming out in August from Thomas Nelson Publishing.)