“Oi” (hello) from Rio de Janerio where my wife and I just attended the World Federation of Chiropractic’s biannual Congress. Chiropractic leaders from all over the world gather every two years to discuss the state of chiropractic and spinal health around the world. These conferences are the best of the best.

The highlight for me this year was hearing about the advancement of the chiropractic profession in Brazil where the vocation has grown from 3 chiropractors in 1992 to around 800 this year. This doesn’t mean that Brazilians have more back pain. Rather, it is a reflection the right care being provided at the right time and at the right cost.

The scientific evidence reported at the congress made it clear that adjustments, exercise, acupuncture and the judicious use of anti-inflammatory medication are the best ways of treating back pain. I was very pleased to have confirmation that our clinic is providing the treatment protocols being recommended by the scientists. We’re doing what the research says works!

I also learned about an exciting new global initiative recently started by a chiropractor. The organization is called World Spine Care. Their mission is to bring quality, evidence-based, treatment and community education for health conditions related to the spine in under-serviced communities around the world. They have started two pilot projects, staffed by volunteer chiropractors, medical doctors and other specialists to bring musculoskeletal and spinal health care to Botswana and India. Endorsed by Bishop Desmond Tutu and Paypal co-founder Elon Mush, these health centres are vital in countries where physical spinal disabilities aren’t just painful; they stop people from being able to provide for their families. (Check out www.worldspinecare.com)

I am proud to be part of a profession that is positioned to become the world authority in spinal care. No other profession is as well equipped to take on that role.

The next Congress will be in Durban, South Africa in 2013. I’m planning on being there.

Dr. David Lawson

When our clinic was founded in the 1930′s, the Canada Broadcasting Corporation was being established as a national radio station. By the 1950′s most households had TV. The first CBC stations were established in Toronto and Montreal but the first coast to coast signal did not begin until 1958. The first colour TV program was in 1963 – The Forest Rangers.

Fast forward to today. The CBC is certainly a broadcast leader in multi-media news presentation. We can still tune in to CBC radio and TV but now we also have access to a web site, twitter, facebook, blog and podcasts. A cool link for the upcoming election is the “Vote Compass” (http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/votecompass/), a stylish way of educating yourself on some of the election issues. Check it out… really!! Find out if you’re as much of a conservative as you think you are.

Downtown Integrative Health Group has also embraced this world of information technology. With the launch of  our new web site (www.ihealthcalgary.com) we are going to give you more than advertising and promotion. Our Facebook page and this blog are your connection with our health team. We’ll provide information such as simple health tips and suggest healthy things to do in Calgary, but we’ll also make comments about relevant health issues, at times giving you an alternative view. In response we hope you will give us your feedback and questions.

Type “Downtown Integrative Health Group” in the Facebook search field and become our fan.

The first 100 new fans will be entered in a draw to win 1 of  5  FREE 30 min massage sessions.