Vikings Are Tough, but Need Chiropractic

As we go to press, the Minnesota Vikings are currently tied for the lead in the National Football League's NFC Central division with an 8-3 record. Led by running back Robert Smith and wide receiver Cris Carter, the Vikings have one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL. Many of the team's players credit the efforts of local chiropractor Tim Fargo with keeping them in peak condition.

Carter is one of the team's strongest advocates for chiropractic, having been under Dr. Fargo's care for approximately five years. "He does legs, elbows, shoulders, fingers -- you name it -- and we are involved in so much contact that we need that," Carter said. "It has really helped me to keep my body in line and to help my body recover."

Robert Smith, a star running back for the Vikings, agrees. He usually sees Dr. Fargo once a week, a few days before a game. "There are definitely times when joints need release. It can just loosen you up. Eastern styles of medicine and holistic styles of medicine have their uses. Medical doctors won't admit that because it steals their fire."

Smith isn't just another jock spouting off cliches about chiropractic, either. He was the Dial Corporation's national high school scholar/athlete of the year in 1989, and in 1991, he sat out a year of football to concentrate on academics. Smith, 25, knows about sports injuries, having undergone surgery on his left knee, ankle, and shoulder during his short career.

As professional athletes, the Vikings' players of course have team trainers and a medical staff to look after their needs, yet the players pay out-of-pocket to see Dr. Fargo. And as with many DCs who treat professional athletes, Dr. Fargo is in the tricky position of treating multi-million dollar athletes without official sanction from the organization.

"We operate from the premise that the body is capable of healing itself," says Dr. Fargo. "The magic that happens with these players is the magic that comes from within their bodies."

The Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) held its first Leadership Conference September 26-28. The attendees, meeting at a resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, were from the FSCO board of directors, the executive committee, the administrative council, and affiliated state organizations.

The meeting's agenda included panel discussions by FSCO president Bill Decken, DC, and facilitator Russell White; topics included organizational goals, group and personal development, and a clear mission statement. Attendees also discussed ways to increase the exposure of straight chiropractic to the public and the chiropractic profession.

For more information on the FSCO, call (800) 521-9856, or visit the FSCO website at [url=http://www.straightchiropractic.com]http://www.straightchiropractic.com[/url].

On November 1, Hawaii native Michele Whitman became the first "Ms. Life University" at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia. An 8th quarter student, Michele competed against 28 other Life co-eds for the title. Contestants were judged in evening gowns, beach/aerobic wear, and on their answers to a variety of questions.

Among Michele's gifts were $500 cash, two free airline tickets, an official pageant portrait, and a reserved parking space on campus.

Michele will be making public appearances on behalf of the school. "I am honored to be the first representative of the Ms. Life University pageant," Michele said. "My intention is to be as active as possible in my new role as an ambassador for the school."

Sherman College student Mary Helen Hensley paints the Phonathon '97 sign to show the college's progress. Assisting her is Marggi Roldan, SCSC's development and alumni affairs coordinator.

This year, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (SCSC) set a goal of $50,000 for their annual phonathon. The event, held during October and early November, has been a smashing success. SCSC has already generated more than $52,000 in funds for the college, and donations are still being counted as we go to press.

Monies received during the phonathon will go to Sherman's annual fund, which supports faculty salaries, student scholarships, purchasing of new books, equipment/supplies, and to help support the activities of the Sherman College Chiropractic Health Center.

Bruce Eisenberg, DC, of Staten Island was recently named the official chiropractor of Pro Wrestling America, a regional independent wrestling organization. As the organization's official chiropractor, Dr. Eisenberg will present his insights in a column that will appear in programs published for Pro Wrestling America's upcoming live shows, and on future television programs.

Earlier this year (May 19, 1997, DC, Northeast Forum) we reported on Dr. Eisenberg receiving proclamations from the U.S. Congress and New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani in honor of his community service and charitable efforts.