January 2007

Gary Deutchman, DC, with representatives of National Dance Week

DCs to teach dance instructors about scoliosis

The non‑profit Scoliosis Care Foundation, founded by Gary Deutchman DC, has been asked to provide training for U.S. dance educators in scoliosis detection and screening methods.

Patricia Goulding M.Ed, of the National Dance Week (NDW) Organization extended the invitation after learning of the Foundations' non‑surgical approach, and the willingness of chiropractors to offer community service. The Foundation plans to offer an educational series to NDW members in all 50 states and is calling the effort "Project Protect Our Dancers."

"Our efforts at "National Dance Week' are directed toward increasing the awareness of dance and its contributions to our culture," Goulding explained. "Part of our national celebration of dance also includes a celebration of the dancer. The health and well being of our dancers must always hold a place in our efforts. To serve this purpose, National Dance Week has partnered with the non‑profit Scoliosis Care Foundation."

Chiropractors affiliated with the Foundation will be called upon to offer educational seminars to dance educators around the country. There are nearly 10,000 events associated with National Dance Week, all of which present opportunities to increase the awareness of scoliosis and create greater awareness of the chiropractors involved in the project.

Marc J. Lamantia DC, the Foundation's Science Advisor, noted that "chiropractors have an opportunity to let people know how well trained we are. Dance educators want to avoid surgery for their students and early detection and case management from the chiropractor gives these children the best chance at avoiding surgery."

Scoliosis affects nearly one million adolescent females in the United States per year. Dancers represent 25% of those diagnosed, ten times the incidence seen in the general population.

The Foundation needs volunteers from each state to work with dance instructions from NDW. For more information contact Dr. Deutchman at info@scoliosiscare.org or call 1‑800‑391‑8837.

The Foundation also makes available to its affiliate doctors a free brochure which can be distributed to local dance studios and schools to increase awareness of the program. A donation is not required. To request brochures, write to The Scoliosis Care Foundation, 1085 Park Ave, Suite 1E, New York, NY 10128.