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The Long Center Health Fair,  Educating the Public about Chiropractic
 
On Saturday, July 17th, PCCS member Drs. Regina Bennett, Charles Crawford, Eric Fisher, Tom Manoville, and myself  were at the Long Center in Clearwater, Florida helping out with  annual school physical examinations. Each year, hundreds of parents bring their children to this place for school check-ups, free of charge. Everything from eye exams, hearing, heart (EKG), teeth, and posture, etc. are examined by the appropriate person. Although the weather was quite rainy, several hundred children showed up to have their school physicals. In the Long Center's basketball gym, many people gave their time and energy for a great cause.
 
The entire local chiropractic community owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Regina Bennett, who has been working this event for many years. It is through her hard work and dedication that we have the opportunity to be involved with the Long Center each year. Thanks Dr. B !!!!!
 
Each of us that were there got to evaluate children for school. Part of the examination was a musculoskeletal evaluation. After checking dozens of children I was amazed by how many had postural issues, headaches, pain, and subluxations. After finishing the exam, I would point out to the parents what I had found. It was an eye opener to me to realize how many of these parents and children had no idea about chiropractic. I suppose I just don't understand why so many people are walking around subluxated and have no idea. It angers me as a chiropractor that we as a profession haven't done a better job at educating the public on what we do. It is ridiculous that almost every kid I checked had problems in the cervical spine. It occurred to me that we have to do a better job. We have to keep up the fight for the truth about what we do. Let's not sell out to be "accepted" all the time. Chiropractic is not "an idea who's time has come" but rather an idea that still hasn't happened. In many ways we are are still feeding from the scraps rather than feasting, and coming up empty when we should be overflowing.
 
The Long Center is a great event, and the Doctors that gave their time should be applauded, especially Dr. Bennett. Also, the other volunteers of doctors, nurses, and others that give out of their hearts should be commended. It is only by service to others that each of us is at our best. They are out there trying to get the word out and help out some kids. It would be great if next year some more DC's would come help us out. We would love to have you.