Calif. Congressman Addresses Students on Health Care Reform
California Rep. Norman Y. Mineta, from the 15th congressional district, visited Palmer College of Chiropractic West to update students on the status of President Clinton's proposed national health care program. In his hour-long address the congressman, now serving his 10th consecutive term, discussed facets of the prospective health care reform and the impact it would have on patients, practitioners, and various health care professionals.
Congressman Mineta discussed the challenged posed by health care reform in attempting to lower health care costs without compromising health care quality. He also lauded chiropractic as a discipline which has already demonstrated itself to be cost and clinically effective.
"A number of crucial decisions about what services to cover beyond the 'basic package,' and how to cover some health professionals like chiropractors, will take place not at the national level, but probably more at the state level," observed Congressman Mineta. "As the reformed health care system is implemented throughout the country, state governments will be called upon to create regional health alliances. Here in California, we will probably have three or four statewide health care alliances. States will have the authority to require benefits beyond those mandated in the national package in response to local conditions and patient demand."
Martin Gallegos, DC, a 1982 graduate of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, has announced his intention to seek the 57th state assembly seat. Dr. Gallegos decision to run was prompted by the decision of the current assembly member to pursue an open seat in the state senate. Supporting his election bid are U.S. representatives Matthew Martinez and Xavier Becerra, and state senators Charles Calderon and Art Torres.
Dr. Gallegos, a 37-year-old democrat, has been practicing in Baldwin Park for more than eight years and has been a member of the Baldwin Park city council for the past four years. "Our profession has worked very hard for a long time to earn the respect and credibility that it experiences in the political arena," said Dr. Gallegos. "It is time for us to move to the next level by electing someone from our own profession to the state legislature."
Faculty and staff of LACC donated food and money in December to help needy families in the La Mirada area. More than $350 in cash and gift certificates, as well as various non-perishable food items, were given to the city of La Mirada Department of Social Services to be placed in holiday gift baskets for needy families.
LACC faculty and staff also participated in the Toys for Tots holiday campaign, and placed collection barrels in the Whittier clinic, encouraging patients to donate to the cause. Three additional toy barrels were filled this year by clinic patients.
Student Robin Riba honored.
NCMIC/ACA Outstanding Service Award Presented
Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles (CCCLA) student Robin Riba was presented with the outstanding service award from the National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company (NCMIC), in conjunction with the ACA. Ms. Riba and other individuals were honored for their exceptional dedication to the chiropractic profession at the 1993 ACA convention in Hawaii. The award was presented to Ms. Riba, 1992-93 Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) past president, in recognition of her leadership role with SACA and for the many additional hours of volunteer work she provided to the chiropractic community.
"There never seemed enough time or energy to get everything accomplished, but receiving this award, I realize that I was able to make a difference," remarked Ms. Riba.
NCMIC President Dr. Arnold Cianciulli commented: "We are proud to honor Ms. Riba for work that is above and beyond the call of duty. This superior dedication personifies the cornerstone of our profession."
Life West students assisted 90 needy families in the Alameda County area in December, donating gifts of clothing, food, and gift certificates. Each class "adopted" a family and put together a box of food, clothing, and gift certificates for groceries and Christmas trees. The families were identified by the Emergency Services Network of Alameda County, a coalition of organizations dedicated to eliminating hunger and homelessness.
Drs. Gary Globe, Mark Jarmel, and Steven Freidman have joined the CCCLA faculty.
Dr. Globe, a 1981 CCCLA graduate, was a CCCLA clinician from 1983 to 1986 prior to opening a private practice in the Los Angeles area. He since has devoted himself to chiropractic consultations and care as a member of the interdisciplinary staff of a medical clinic.
Dr. Jarnel has been in practice over 10 years, eight of which he has practiced in North Carolina. He has a masters degree in learning disabilities and is certified in meridian therapy, and hypnotherapy.
Dr. Freidman practices in Beverly Hills, and holds diplomate status in the American Chiropractic Association of Neurology (DACAN).
The 85 students enrolled during this past winter quarter represent a 25 percent increase in LCCW enrollment from last year. "We are attracting a variety of students from different walks of life who are drawn to Life West's friendly campus, along with the college's strong emphasis on philosophy, technique, and academics," said Admissions Director Suzanne Smith.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
