Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor

Editor’s Note: February 2012

By Maria DiDanieli   

Features Education Profession

I recently received an e-mail from Dr. Johnny Clubb, a DC in Sarnia, Ontario.

I recently received an e-mail from Dr. Johnny Clubb, a DC in Sarnia, Ontario. He wrote that he had just welcomed a new patient, whose story he wanted to share, into his practice.

The patient was Bishop Otis Clark, a travelling evangelist making a Canadian stop on his World Missions Crusade. The bishop wanted to see a chiropractor to verify the state of his health. Dr. Clubb was recommended. Bishop Clark was born in Oklahoma, the son of a slave and, as a young man, survived the Tulsa Race Riot. He moved to California, where he worked as a butler for actress Joan Crawford. In a few years, he would look to God after being arrested for bootlegging during Prohibition. You will have calculated, by now, that Bishop Clark is special not only for his history and his work, but also for the number of years he has lived – born in 1903, he turns 109 this month! A thorough initial exam revealed that Bishop Clark is on no medications, has good eyesight and hearing, and a strong heart. He moves around entirely on his own and yes, continues to tour. (You can view Bishop Clark’s first chiropractic visit in the video below.) Dr. Clubb felt inspired by this new patient, not to mention the bishop’s wish to have his health verified by a DC.

Advertisement
{youtube}dJEWLRjEFtw|400|300{/youtube}  

 

Centenarians, and seniors in general, are growing in number and presenting to health-care providers more frequently than ever! In this issue, Canadian Chiropractor pays homage to our more mature patients, with articles that review current theories and science surrounding the process of aging as well as strategies for making this time of life as comfortable and pleasant as possible on a number of levels.

The topic of seniors needing health care is also at the forefront of discussion as Canadian provincial premiers negotiate the next era of our health care with the federal government. Although this discussion begins with fiscal requirements, it embodies identifying which strategies and approaches will be financed while ensuring accessibility to services and accountability for outcomes. Depending on where the current talks lead, the structure of health care may again become the responsibility of the provinces or may proceed under the guidelines of a federal health accord. Regardless, there seems to be an agreement that changes must evolve to bring about more efficient and inclusive systems that will support the health of all Canadians.

Inclusiveness, in this context, is bifid. On one hand, it is about ensuring/improving accessibility to care for cohorts such as aboriginal communities and seniors. On the other, it refers to a more comprehensive scope of disciplines – extending beyond medical specialties – being included in decision-making, front-line health care and coverage strategies. The overall idea, though, is that breaking down current barriers to accessing or delivering care may be a key to a more efficient system, and better health, nationwide.

In support of these concepts, this issue features a discussion regarding the opportunity for the profession to add its voice, and the voice of its patients, to the cause of greater inclusiveness in health-care delivery and access. After all, it was Bishop Clark’s choice to verify the status of his health in the hands of a Canadian DC, and not an MD – it’s likely there are many others who would want chiropractic care, and other viable practices, included in the Canadian health-care landscape.

Bien à vous,


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below