Palmer Homecoming EXPO - where's the chiropractic?

Whewww! That was a busy weekend...but we made many great contacts with Chiropractors, Palmer alumni, professors, administrators, and students.
ChiroKiddos was one of the few truly "chiropractic" vendors in the alumni auditorium, and while this was disappointing in some ways, it was an encouragement to us. We were reminded again of the importance of getting the message out about the BIG IDEA of true health and wellness through removing subluxation. Amidst all the other exhibits focusing on pain relief, vitamins, nutrition, massage, natural pills and potions, etc. our voice for chiropractic education was in the minority.
This may be a key to long term success, finding a niche and sticking to our principles.

Fantastic Newsletter with a Kids Focus

Just surfing around I discovered the above newsletter from a family Chiropractor in CA. Check it out for its great articles, tips for patients, and marketing insights from Sierra Chiropractic.

Palmer Homecoming EXPO

ChiroKiddos will have a booth displaying "Atlas and Axis" chiropractic dolls at the 2008 Palmer Homecoming.
Come for the continuing education, entertainment, inspiration, and the exposition. We look forward to seeing you in Davenport, IA. We'll be at the Fountainhead from Thurs.-Sat. August 7-9.

Pediatric Diplomate Certification Recognized by Both ICA and ACA

I was encouraged to come across this Press Release about the coming together of the ACA and ICA on the issue of pediatric chiropractic specialization. ACA's article. ICA's article. The two leading chiropractic associations now both accept the postgraduate training originally developed by the ICA's Pediatric Council. It is exciting to see the ACA agree with the purpose and accept the ICA's 15 year old program as their official credentialed program for specializing in Pediatric Chiropractic...interestingly, this is the first Diplomate ever recognized by both Associations.
The degree is called the Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP). Check out the specifics of the DICCP here. It is a board certified and fully credential postgraduate degree in pediatrics for doctors of chiropractic.
The advancement of this part of our profession ought to be an example to the rest of us to "get along" a little better and work toward unity in areas where we can be truly unified for the good of the public.
Let's Keep Moving Forward!
The children deserve our best efforts.

Local Newspaper Coverage

ChiroKiddos was featured on the front page of the Business section in a couple of our local newspapers. The website QCOnline had the story too. Although the author, Rita Pearson, did a pretty good job presenting the company's ideals, several knuckleheads have posted comments on the website. Hopefully not many people will read them, but I guess the old adage "any press is good press" will pull us through the negative remarks and the wrong name in the title..."Chirobuddies?!?"
This was a fun time for the kids and Jessica even though she was a little nervous about the interview.

Demonstrating Specific Chiropractic - Scan, Palpate, Adjust

We launched our ChiroKiddos YouTube channel about a week ago. You can watch the other videos here at the blogspot too. Drop by and leave a comment or sign up as a new subscriber. I'll be posting new favorites regularly and uploading more CK stuff soon.

Becoming Influential vs. Popular

My darling wife found this great little article about what it means to be an influential person. She is a constant reminder to me how important it is to be intentional and excellent in my life. Being lazy, haphazard, and inefficient is not virtuous or worthy of admiration.
Since I hope to be the type of father my children will emulate, I must reach for the heights. In 12 simple steps the reader of this 12 qualities... blog is encouraged to move beyond ordinary, and money isn't the prerequisite answer to becoming an influence on others.
Chiropractors possess amazing potential to have a powerful impact on the lives of their patients. We can model healthy decision-making for children, teens, and adults of all ages. Living for something bigger than popularity will not be easy. It takes vision, work, and commitment to rise above the crowd. While it is natural and common for humans to seek acceptance and approval from others, these things are not what motivate truly influential individuals.
Kuddos to "RH" for her article!

CK Press Release

Check out our press release for ChiroKiddos!
We used prlog to send it out.
"http://www.prlog.org/10070296-chirokiddos-new-pediatric-education-company-taking-the-big-idea-to-the-little-people.html">ChiroKiddos � NEW Pediatric Education Company! "Taking the BIG IDEA to the Little People"

Getting the BIG IDEA onto the web!

Optimal Spinal Health - Supporting the spine while you sleep

Hey, I thought I'd pass on another great resource for supporting the chiropractic adjustment. Sleep Easy Pillows is a NEW company offering top quality cervical and lumbar support pillows, among other spinal care products. The president of Sleep Easy Pillows, Remi Champagne, is dedicated to providing quality neck pillows, lumbar spine support products, along with various back support belts to help restore normal posture of the spine for Optimal Health.
You can choose from any of their hypoallergenic pillows for the one that fits your needs. You can expect to find the best prices on chiropractic pillows right here. So, here's to a good night's sleep and improved posture all night long!

ChiroKiddos video

Squidoo - a new lens

I hope ya'll check out our newest web presence on Squidoo. This is yet another way to help more people find out about chiropractic care for children...and hopefully get some more traffic to our web home.
Our own video about ChiroKiddos is being created as I type. Who knew our kitchen would become a movie production studio!?!

Atlas & Axis finally arrive and head to Nashville, TN

They arrived!! The ChiroKiddos are here now. Click on the website and go to the ChiroKiddos tab and order a pair.
Last week Atlas and Axis made their first trip south of the Mason-Dixon line to Music City, USA. It was a lovely occasion to see the greenest state in the land of the free, relax at the Opryland resort, and eat breakfast at Waffle House.
The "Tribute to BJ Palmer" weekend was another fantastic event for me and my family. The ChiroKiddos were very well received by students and doctors alike. Several dolls were purchased and many contacts were made. Thanks to Dr. Ray Drury, Dr. Thad Vuagniaux, Billy Doherty, and all the people at UCHCA for an incredible conference.
I learned a ton of info. from the speakers. My wife and I were especially impressed with Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt from Clearwater, Florida. Her presentation was a moving and extremely emotional experience for the whole audience. I was deeply impressed (even more than before) about children's need for specific scientific chiropractic care. Thanks Dr. Hunt for your interest in ChiroKiddos, but we are even more grateful for your commitment to bringing health and hope to children! If you live anywhere near Clearwater, Florida you must make the effort to get to know Dr. Julie and her father. Their clinic's website has a great mission statement, which ends like this:
"...Mayer Chiropractic is dedicated to spreading health and wellness throughout our community ... beginning with children."

The Revolution in Healthcare

How's it going with you today? Things here at ChiroKiddos are slowing progressing. Sometimes I feel like the order which comes down from on high is: Hurry Up...and Wait! Our first order of dolls entered the USA over the weekend and should be in our hot little hands very soon!
The upcoming revolution in health care in this country will be focused more on prevention and wellness. The allopathic model of disease-focused management, risky drug therapies, and expensive surgeries has continually failed our citizens. BUT, there is a better way!! We can actually correct the cause instead of just treat the symptoms. You can join us at the forefront of this revolution by helping get the message about chiropractic wellness broadcast from coast to coast. Every child deserves a full and healthy life.
I have some great news about the upcoming annual conference of the ICA Pediatric Council
Dr. Larkin of Palmer College is headed for Australia to attend the meetings and she has promised to distribute ChiroKiddos business cards and brochures! I hope she is able to spread the word about this unique teaching tool to hundreds of Pediatric Doctors. Putting a pair of ChiroKiddos in your office is both FUN for the kids and FUNctional for Chiropractors as we revolutionize the mindset of our next generation.
You can order yours directly from the CK website...BTW, our logo and website was designed by twenty-nine 11 studios.
My wife and children will be putting the finishing touches on the CK dolls this week, hopefully completing assembly before our trip to Nashville for the Upper Cervical Evolution--a tribute to B.J. Palmer.

About Us Wiki

Check out our new ChiroKiddos.com Wiki on AboutUs.org

ACA | ACA Pediatrics Council | ADD ADHD | Adjustable Doll | Adjustable Toy | Adjusting Toy | American Chiropractic Association | American Chiropractic Association Pediatrics Council | Atlas | Atlas Subluxation Complex | Axis | Big Idea | Bill Esteb | Brain Stem | Canada Chiropractic | Cheddy | Childhood Bedwetting | ChiroKiddo | Chirocub | Chirokiddos | Chiropractic | Chiropractic Adjustment | Chiropractic Business Marketing | Chiropractic Business Opportunity | Chiropractic Care | Chiropractic Colic | Chiropractic College | Chiropractic Doll | Chiropractic Dolls | Chiropractic Education | Chiropractic Equipment | Chiropractic Family | Chiropractic For Kids | Chiropractic Is Safe | Chiropractic Lifecare | Chiropractic Logo | Chiropractic Marketing | Chiropractic Office | Chiropractic Patient Education | Chiropractic Pediatric Patient Education | Chiropractic Pediatrics | Chiropractic Plush Toy | Chiropractic Resources | Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment | Chiropractic Subluxation | Chiropractic Supplies | Chiropractic Supply | Chiropractic Web site | Chiropractic Website | Chiropractic Wellness | Chiropractic for Kids | Chiropractor | Chiropractor Education | Chiropractor Equipment | Chiropractor Office | Chiropractors For Children | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Chronic Otitis Media | Cleveland Chiropractic | Colicky Infant | Colicky Infant Chiropractic | Doctor of Chiropractic | Drug free Health care | Drugless Health | Drugless Health care | Educational Child Toy | Educational Doll | Educational Dolls | Educational Kid toy | Educational Kids toy | Educational Online Resource | Educational Toy | Educational Web site | Educational Website | Enuresis Children | Enuresis Treatment Children | FSCO | Family Chiropractic | Family Chiropractic Education | Family Chiropractor | Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations | Fountainhead | Fountainhead of Chiropractic | Healthy Children | Healthy Habits | Healthy Kids | Healthy Spines | Healthy Spines + Healthy Habits = Healthy Kids | Holistic Health | Holistic Health Education | ICA | ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics | ICPA | ICPA4kids | Infant Colic | Infantile Colic | Infantile Colic Chiropractic | International Chiropractic Pediatric Association | International Chiropractors Association | International Chiropractors Association Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics | Is Chiropractic safe for children | KCUCS | Kid Chiropractic | Kids Chiropractic | Kiro Kids | Kirokids | Life Chiropractic | Life West | Little People | Logan Chiropractic | Maximized Living Chiropractic | National Chiropractic | Nocturnal Enuresis | Northwestern Chiropractic | Otitis Media | Otitis Media Acute Chiropractic | Otitis Media Chronic Chiropractic | Palmer Chiropractic | Palmer College | Palmer Florida | Palmer West | Parker Chiropractic | Patient Care | Patient Communication | Patient Doctor | Patient Education | Patient Media | Pediatric Allergies | Pediatric Allergy | Pediatric Asthma | Pediatric Bedwetting | Pediatric Chiropractic Dolls | Pediatric Chiropractic Education | Pediatric Chiropractic Online | Pediatric Chiropractic Resources | Pediatric Chiropractic Supplies | Pediatric Chiropractic Website | Pediatric Chiropractor | Pediatric Clinic | Pediatric Doctor | Pediatric Ear Infection | Pediatric Education | Pediatric Health | Pediatric Neurology | Pediatric Primary Care | Pediatric Resources | Pediatric Supplies | Pediatric Wellness Chiropractic Education | Plush Dolls | Sherman Chiropractic | Specific Chiropractic | Spinal Cord | Spinal Health | Spine in Line | Straight Chiropractic | Subluxation | Subluxation Correction | Subluxation Detection | Subluxation Removal | Subluxation and Disease | The Masters Circle | The Masters Circle Chiropractic | Upper Cervical Care | Upper Cervical Chiropractic | Upper Cervical Doctor | Upper Cervical Health Care | Upper Cervical Subluxation | Vertebra | Vertebrae | Vertebral Subluxation Complex | WCA | Wellness Chiropractic | Wellness Chiropractic Education | Wellness Chiropractic Patient | Western States Chiropractic | World Chiropractic Alliance | twenty-nine 11

Family Wellness Care Growing Market

I've noticed many wonderful Chiropractors have virtually ignored family and pediatric care...not necessarily because they don't care about children's health, but maybe they don't know how to go about doing it. This ChiroWeb article is a brief introduction to the growth of family wellness and pediatric chiropractic. Click on this link to learn more about how you can educate and entertain children in your practice. There are a number of other sites mentioned in the ChiroWeb article, including national organizations committed to training DCs in this vital growing aspect of our profession.

Amazing Unforgettable Entrepreneur

I have a fantastic story to tell today. My wife of nearly 16 years is the love of life. But she is also a great friend/companion/homemaker/housewife/mother/home educator/inventor/entrepreneur. She is AMAZING! Sometimes, to my peril, I've forgotten or ignored her greatness. It has been a timely and much needed reminder to all of us just how great she is becoming.
Risk often brings fear and worry into our lives, yet this is probably a healthy thing b/c it makes us evaluate our purpose in life. We can chose how we respond to life. Winners (eagles) will rise up to a challenge and jump forward toward greatness. Their keen vision and clear goals allow them to dive headlong from the death-defying heights of the skies precisely aimed at their target. This risk is necessary for success. Their dreams will only be achieved by flying. The entrepreneur is unlike everyone else.
Let me contrast eagles with most of the people I've met. The majority (chickens) stay close to home, squawk about their problems, cower in fear, peck around in the dirt, and quit when the going gets tough. They never realize their dreams and may even avoid thinking about the world outside of their cage. Perhaps a family member or teacher or spouse or boss stole away their dreams. Fears and self doubts rule over the majority, shackling them to low expectations.
Over our years together as husband and wife I have seen my wife shrink back from many new things. She felt forgettable and average...but that was the past. We have a different plan now. 2008 is the year we do new things instead of talk about them. 2008 is a new phase of growth and risk. 2008 will be amazing.
This last weekend at Palmer Destination Success left no doubts in anyone's mind that she is unforgettable! Many of my friends and colleagues got to see a new side of her and they were amazed. When I handed one of her great new ChiroKiddos business cards to one of the "student leaders" at Palmer he was dumbfounded. He didn't know what to say. She shared her vision for the company - helping Chiropractors take the BIG IDEA of Chiropractic to children and their families - and he looked puzzled. She explained the critical importance of having children's spines checked and adjusted so they can grow and develop properly, yet this normally intelligent young man couldn't wrap his mind around it. Even after my children explained what the Atlas and Axis ChiroKiddos did to help DCs help kids learn about how the body works, he still looked stupefied. Finally we walked away to talk to some other people. Only later on that evening did we realize what happened. He was afraid. Our new idea was intimidating to him. His small view of what students and their spouses can accomplish was blown away and he couldn't process the data. I LOVED IT!!!
My wife is creative. She invented a phenomenal teaching tool to propel her vision that every child needs specific chiropractic care (and the earlier the better). And then she had the audacity and courage to form a company to promote her ideals. ChiroKiddos was born and delivered at the Fountainhead of Chiropractic. She doesn't fit inside the box of mediocrity. She is an eagle, not a chicken. Most people will never understand...but some of you out there get it and we ask you to join us on a grand adventure.
Thanks to Jennifer Lease (for coming all the way from AZ to help), Patrick and Jackie Newhouse (for being ChiroKiddos ambassadors all day long), Roger Duda and Andy Gibson (computers), Dwight Bailey (for the vendor space), and my children (the original ChiroKiddos for all their help).

Keep Moving Forward...changing, learning, and growing, as we go...

Well, the big launch event this weekend at Palmer Destination Success will primarily be a marketing and name promotional event for us. Our ChiroKiddos supplier has been delayed in getting the recordable sound modules from one of his partners, so we will not have any product on hand this weekend.
But we will not be deterred by such a trivial nuisance!! To quote one of my kids' favorite new movies we will "KEEP MOVING FORWARD!" For any of my readers (all three of them) who are unfamiliar with children's movies, I must give a hearty recommendation for Disney's recent Meet the Robinsons. This YouTube scene from the movie is far superior to the typical industry trailer (which doesn't do justice to the movie or the fantastic story.) If you've not seen Meet the Robinsons yet, go rent the DVD this weekend.
Keep moving forward. Persevere. Never give up. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Practice makes perfect--or as my piano teacher often said, "Perfect practice makes perfect."
So, if you are facing some hard times or struggling to get things working right, I'd like to encourage you to keep moving forward.
Don't let unmet expectations stop your progress.

Taking the BIG IDEA to the Little People

ChiroKiddos pediatric chiropractic education company launches in 3 days! We exist to help Chiropractors bring the message of chiropractic to children and their families. At ChiroKiddos we hope to bring more children under specific chiropractic care so they can enjoy a lifetime of good health. Check out the website for more info. and to order your very own ChiroKiddos.

Website is online!

ChiroKiddos is online now. Go check it out! We are still a few days away from it being fully functional, but at least you can see the Atlas and Axis characters. My wife has a design patent pending on these figures. Their unique characteristics include: palpable AND adjustable spine, plus they talk too. Kids love to play with them. Doctors will love the new patients generated by active use of ChiroKiddos.
Purchasing on the web will be available by the last week of March. We have a special introductory price on the Atlas-Axis Combo, $20.00 off if you buy the pair.
These 15 inch plush figures are a one-of-kind pediatric education aide. Chiropractors are waiting expectantly for this product to hit the market. Student interest at my college is building this week as they see posters, travel mugs, bags, and other promo items. We are anticipating a grand launch at the Palmer Destination Success event.
As I contemplate the upcoming holiday...the earliest date for the Easter since 1913...I think it would be appropriate to read through one of the Gospel accounts of the Passion of Christ during this holy week. I'd suggest starting with Matthew 26-28 found here: Biblegateway (a great resource for searching the Bible). If you want more info. just drop me an email. bigidea@chirokiddos.com
I'll write again soon...look for a continuing series about Healthy Kids.
Until then, have a wonderful Friday and Resurrection Sunday!

Animation

A cool link by Alan Becker:
Animator vs Animation

Adapting to Change

As the launch date approaches, I'd like to have some help spreading the word about ChiroKiddos. The website will be online soon...I'll keep you posted.
The Palmer College of Chiropractic student newspaper The Beacon will run an ad and article in the March issue (should be distributed this week).
With all the new things happening with my wife's business, our household is constantly changing. We are learning to adapt to the idea of running a company. In case you are facing life changes too, here are some thoughts on change:

I've heard it said, "Nobody likes to be changed except babies, and even they fuss and holler during the process!" And what about this one, "Beyond death and taxes, the only constant in life is change itself." Even as we've grown accustomed to the idea of change occurring there remains some apprehension about what will be next!?…So I figured we all might be in need of some reassurance and stability.

I have lived over 37 years and in my observations of humanity it has become clear that nobody enjoys life when their little world is altered by outside forces. Let's face it: changing is difficult, and it can be downright annoying when someone else's decision was forced upon us without our input or knowledge. Many changes are healthy and welcomed, but that doesn't make them easy.

While many marketing/business gurus tell us that the only successful businesses are the ones which adapt quickly to changing markets and provide unique services to the new consumer, it is not an easy thing to do. "Innovate or Die!" may be their mantra, but how can we keep up with the rapidly changing pace of life? Where is the solid predictable routine allowing me to function with some level of sanity?

First of all: liking change and learning to adapt to it are not synonymous. We may not like the next president (or the current one), but does that mean we will uproot our lives and move to another country in protest? I personally don't like paying taxes and think the government wastes incredible amounts of money. So I vote, write letters, make phone calls, sign petitions, send emails, and discuss my concerns--then get this--I move on with my life. Although I do not agree with every decision made by our leaders, I am proud to be an American and I sincerely enjoy the freedoms this country affords my family to live and worship as we please.

This analogy may break down for you at some point, but maybe there will be a nugget for you to apply to your life. Yes we get stuck dealing with change regularly, yet I wonder if that is part of the grand plan to toughen us up a bit for the real world?

Secondly: If you have coworkers, employees, colleagues, or staff who gripe and complain about the changes just keep an eye on them. They will likely make adjustments and continue pressing forward or give up and quit as failures and you may even need to encourage this in their lives. No matter how horrible it appears, the world actually hasn't come to an end! Remember the caterpillar becomes a butterfly only after a long hard metamorphosis.

Thirdly: Remember the high calling we have--to deliver hope and health to the public. Pursue that goal. Keep your focus on why you are a Chiropractor or Teacher or Parent. Don't allow the changes you don't like to bring you down; better yet, don't let other people's disillusionment bring you down. I always tell my children that they can decide how they will respond to situations. We get to choose how we react. We can rise above the malcontents and soar above the fray. Let us not fall to the lowest common denominator and grumble about the winds of change. If I don't like the direction of the wind I can always adjust the sails.

To paraphrase B.J. Palmer, don't underestimate how powerful and far-reaching things you say and do today will be for other people tomorrow. Changes and our reaction/adaptation to the environment are true hallmarks of Chiropractic, so we might as well begin now.

ChiroKiddos Links

Look for ChiroKiddos at these premiere Chiropractic Events in 2008:

Palmer Destination Success
"...the only program of its kind in chiropractic education...some of the top inspirational business and chiropractic speakers...geared for students and recent graduates..."
March 28-29, 2008
Davenport, IA
Palmer College of Chiropractic

Upper Cervical Evolution
A Tribute to BJ Palmer
"...distinguished group of guest speakers that will motivate and inspire you...honor[ing] diversity among Upper Cervical doctors around the world...presenting a unified front of Upper Cervical Care to the general public"
April 17-19, 2008
Nashville, TN
Gaylord Opryland Resort

ChiroKiddos First Blog

Getting a business started is much more time consuming than we'd originally thought it would be. Logo design, colors, slogans, a look for the website, and that doesn't even count all the months of research into finding a supplier, perfecting the design, discovering the purpose of the company, and defining the target market. WHEW!
ChiroKiddos will be launched on March 28 & 29, 2008 in Davenport, Iowa at Palmer College of Chiropractic during their Destination Success event.
Our next big event will be even more important in measuring the success of our product. Look for ChiroKiddos at the Upper Cervical Evolution in Nashville, Tennessee.
"Taking the BIG IDEA (of Chiropractic) to the Little People."

Healthy Spines + Healthy Habits = Healthy Kids