May 2006

DCs needed for national wellness programs

Over the past several months, Michelle Bowers, a chiropractic advocate and marketing guru, has created an opportunity for chiropractors around the country to present the wellness message to government agencies and large corporations, accounting for more than 800,000 employees nationwide.

In the midst of the current "Wellness Revolution," many DCs have had little or no luck positioning themselves as wellness experts in their communities. Yet, Bowers, using her marketing and communication skill, has successfully placed chiropractors in government agencies, corporations, banks, hospitals and schools to deliver wellness lectures, screenings, health fairs and services to employees.

"After being trained by Michelle, I now lecture in the local schools and startup more than 100 people per year as a result. Last week I did a health fair in my local community and started up 50 people," remarked Michael Sarnoff, DC, of Vineland, NJ.

Another of Bowers' clients, Peter Sulack, DC, of Tenn., was invited by the Mayor of Knoxville to kick off a government wellness initiative for employees of the city. As a result, many city employees received chiropractic care during the 14‑week health "challenge" that took place this March.

So far, 11 states have signed up to participate in wellness initiatives organized by Bowers, and more states have expressed interest. Judging from the response she's received from state officials, wellness is on the forefront of agendas for most government agencies and educational institutions.

Bowers also was invited to Washington, DC earlier this year to attend meetings on the possibility of implementing wellness programs and procedures for all federal government offices. As a result, chiropractors will provide most of the wellness lectures to the federal agencies around the country.

"For the first time in chiropractic history, it appears that someone has broken through the red tape that has prevented chiropractors from reaching the masses and educating the public about the global burden of the vertebral subluxation," stated Bowers' husband, Jason Bowers, DC.

"We are so fortunate to have a non‑chiropractor with an understanding of and passion for chiropractic to meet with these officials and employers and break down the barriers that have held us back for so long," said David Sarnoff, DC of Margate, NJ.

One obstacle Bowers faces, however, is a shortage of chiropractors available to fulfill these obligations with the companies and agencies interested in wellness programs.

"It's very important that the right chiropractors deliver the proper message to maintain the integrity of our mission," stated Brian Stenzler, DC, of Long Island, NY.

To overcome this hurdle, Bowers will train chiropractors and their staffs on how to volunteer for these programs and provide the necessary tools to make the talks consistent and effective nationwide.

The talks will be geared towards living a complete wellness lifestyle, using the acronym, DREAM: Diet, Relaxation, Exercise, Adjustment and Mental Wellness.

That DREAM concept is based on one created by Dr. Stenzler and Gregg Baron, DC of DREAM Wellness.

"It's so exciting that chiropractors will finally position themselves as the authorities in the wellness community and help ensure that the public understands a fully functioning nerve system is an essential ingredient to any wellness lifestyle," Stenzler stated.

To learn more about this project and the wellness initiatives in your community, contact Michelle Bowers at the DREAM Foundation, 800‑856‑8718 or dreamfoundation@dreamwellness.com. For upcoming seminar dates and locations, visit www.chiropracticawareness.net.