A guide featuring the latest products and services
Orthotic Improvement
Foot Levelers Inc announces an improvement to its Shoethotics® line whereby the wearer can remove the orthotic from the shoe.
This added flexibility allows the wearer to save the orthotic should the shoe no longer be desired or keep the shoe if an orthotic change is required. The orthotics may also be used in other shoes of similar style.
Made specifically for the patient using 16 measurements from the companys weight-bearing casting method, the design is developed to accommodate a patients foot plus an orthotic. It features a full toe to accommodate the foot with the orthotic, a solid shank and stronger heel counter to provide level support for the orthotic, and durability.
For additional information, contact Foot Levelers Inc, PO Box 12611, 518 Pocahontas Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24027-2611; 540-345-0008; 800-553-4860; fax: 540-345-0202; www.footlevelers.com.
Electrotherapy Device
BioMedical Life Systems Inc introduces the BioStim® Digital NMS Muscle Stimulator. The unit measures 3.75-in by 2.5-in by 1.25-in when closed, and opens an additional 2.5-in to reveal the LCD screen and digital keypad. Five pre-programmed protocols, three of which are incontinence therapies, ensure ease of use. With two waveforms, asymmetrical or symmetrical biphasic square waves, the device can be used as a muscle stimulator and/or a TENS device. The unit has three types of stimulationcontinuous, cycled, or reciprocatingand adjustable pulse rate and pulse width.
The patient lock system, when activated, allows parameters to be set and locked. The patient compliance meter shows the cumulative time the device has been used. The timer allows the patient to set the duration of each therapy session.
For additional information, contact BioMedical Life Systems Inc, PO Box 1360, Vista, CA 92085l; 760-727-5600; 800-726-8367; fax: 760-727-4220; email: information@bmls.com; www.bmls.com.
Ergonomic Chairs
Spinal Technologies Co offers four ergonomic chairs designed by Burl Pettibon, DC, to provide safe motion for all patients.
The best treatment and maintenance of mobile tissue, such as the spine, is motion. There are two mandatory movements necessary to maintain a healthy spine and to cure it if it has become injured. The spine needs four full range-of-motion repetitions every 24 hours. It also requires spinal micro-motions as a by-product of other biological functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and movement of the extremities that cause muscles to contract.
Pettibons ergonomic chairs allow full range of motion, encourage venous blood flow through their seat design, and meet the criteria for rehabilitation in a clinical setting.
For additional information, contact Spinal Technologies Co, 253-265-2702; fax: 800-738-4266.
Software Upgrade
Kim Christensen, DC, and Steve Yeomans, DC, announce the 2002 upgrade to their Outcomes Assessment CD-ROM with a 30-day free limited trial to new users.
The upgrade includes normative data on every patients outcome assessment summary report. Range of motion reports demonstrates improvement and further treatment necessary to normalize patient. Updates help users learn this program in less than 10 minutes. It offers the ability to resize fonts to your liking for report production, and a cost itemization function documents case costs and averages.
For more information, contact FCER, PO Box 4689, Des Moines, IA 50306-4689; 800-622-6309; www.fcer.org.
Appointment Scheduling Interface
SpectraSoft Inc releases a Palm OS® interface for its front office management system, AppointmentsPRO.
Health care professionals using the system can download a range of appointments to Palm OS-powered Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and carry the schedule with them.
Palm OS technology enables the transfer of information from a computer source to a PDA. To download appointments for a new date range, or to refresh the PDA with new information from the system, set the device in its cradle and press the hot sync button. Requirements for use with Appointments PRO 7.0 include any Palm OS device and docking cradle.
For additional information, contact SpectraSoft Inc, 6100 S Maple Ave, Suite 118, Tempe, AZ 85283; 800-889-0450; email: info@ssoft.com; www.appointmentspro.com.
Stress Assessment
BioMeridian introduces the Meridian Stress Assessment System (MSAS)® Professional, a stress assessment system customized for the professional health care practice. The company also announces its trade-in, trade-up policy for current customers wishing to upgrade to the MSAS-Professional.
The MSAS-Professional is a combination of hardware and a Windows®-based software application that provides a computerized assessment of meridian energy levels in the body. The MSAS device incorporates a software application with a database of natural items that may be referenced by a practitioner to restore or sustain meridian balance. The virtual library includes nutritional, homeopathic, herbal, pharmaceutical, and vitamin supplements.
The software can customize and store assessment protocols, and the electronics incorporate a programmable logic processor. The MSAS-Professionals rugged hardware combines sophisticated electronics with an aluminum case that minimizes signal interference from outside electrical equipment, while maintaining the integrity of its contents. The MSAS-Professional can be connected to a laptop computer for simple portability. A long-lasting commercial brand battery fits easily in the device, which does not require power from an AC outlet. External cords and accessories store neatly in the device when not in use.
For additional information, contact BioMeridian, 12411 S 265 W, Suite F, Draper, UT 84047; 801-501-7517; 888-224-2337; 801-501-7518; www.biomeridian.com.
Nutrition Seminar
Nutri-West Southern California presents Six Steps to Restoring Normal Joint Function with Eval Mladenoff, DC, Ac, advisor to the Kansas City Chiefs, on Saturday, April 13 in Marina Del Rey, Calif.
The seminar will cover nutritional applications for pain, inflammation, and recovery of function. Mladenoff will provide some physiological explanation about topics such as cortisol/DHEA function, phosphate-lactic acid balance, antiinflammatory mechanisms, and muscle testing techniques.
For additional information, contact Nutri-West Southern California, 23362 Madero Rd, Suite L, Mission Viejo, CA 92691; 949-829-9245; 800-541-1588; fax: 949-829-9230; email: nutriwsc@aol.com.
Pain Reliever
China-Gel Inc offers its Topical Pain Reliever to improve the effectiveness of ultrasound treatments and post-treatment care.
China-Gel is an herbal, greaseless, therapeutic gel that incorporates modern technology with ancient pain relieving concepts of Chinese medicine. The gel was developed to resemble a hand cream that spreads evenly and then disappears into the skin, allowing for a smooth glide without having to be mixed with any neutral gels or lotions.
With a lavender fragrance on application, the gel becomes odorless as it dries. Once applied, it leaves a cool to warm comfortable pain relieving sensation. Use with ultrasound or massage the gel into the major muscles of the limbs and trunk to stimulate circulation, eliminate lactic acid in muscles, and initiate the endorphin response, thereby reducing pain and discomfort, and enhancing healing.
China-Gel relieves pain associated with arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel.
For additional information, contact China-Gel Inc, 515 E Golf Rd, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-364-0353; fax: 847-364-5460; 800-898-4GEL; www.chinagel.com.
50th Anniversary License Renewal Seminars
Foot Levelers Inc offers its 50th Anniversary Conferences, a cost-effective way to get your license renewed. Each conference consists of 3 days of concurrent speaker sessions (featuring 10 speakers) for 18 hours toward your license renewal. An exhibit hall will feature demonstrations and information, and there will be a social hour with a cash bar, complimentary hors doeuvres, and door prizes for an early registration price of $99. Students and CAs are $49.
Proceeds will be evenly split between your choice of chiropractic colleges and the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) to support the ACA lawsuits against the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia.
Conferences will be held March 22-24 in San Jose, Calif; April 26-28 in Newark, NJ; and May 17-19 in Minneapolis. Speakers and topics may include the following DCs: Mark Charrette (Charrette Adjusting Protocols), Patrick Gentempo (The Incredible Power of Uncommon Commitment), Terry Yochum (Stress to the Human Skeleton), Kim Christensen (Chiropractic Rehabilitation Using Outcome Management), David Jackson (The Power of Intent), KSJ Murkowski (How to Get Paid for What You Do), William Austin (Spinal Pelvic Stabilization), Kathleen Baumgardner (Caring for the Female Athlete), John Hyland (Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis), Kirk Lee (Sports Injuries), and Jeff Olsen (Progressive Postural Analysis).
Foot Levelers continued their 50th Anniversary celebration at the Parker Seminars Celebration as president and CEO Kent S. Greenawalt presented four awards in recognition of long-standing excellence.
The Golden Achievement Award for Philosophy was given to James M. Sigafoose, DC, who is recognized worldwide for his inspirational chiropractic philosophy and motivational skills, especially as a TEAM teacher with PSPS Seminars; and DE for more than 25 years. The Golden Achievement Award for Clinical Excellence went to George Goodheart, DC, the author, founder, and developer of Applied Kinesiology, who continues to teach all over the world. Goodheart was the first chiropractor to serve in the US Olympics. The Golden Achievement Award for the Advancement of Chiropractic through Publishing Excellence recipient was Donald Petersen, Jr, BS, HCD (hc), FICC (h), the editor and publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic magazine.
The final and more prestigious honor, the Dr Monte Greenawalt Chiropractic Excellence Award, was given to Mark Charrette, DC. Charrette began building million-dollar practices within 1 year of graduating from Palmer College. He became an educator, specializing in extremities, developing proprietary protocols for extremity adjusting to make adjustments last longer and hold stronger.
For additional information, contact Foot Levelers Inc, PO Box 12611, 518 Pocahontas Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24027-2611; 540-345-0008; 800-553-4860; fax: 540-345-0202; www.footlevelers.com.
Mature Adult Equipment
Hoggan Health Industries, a manufacturer of cardiovascular and strength equipment, launches a new focus into the mature adult market with the Upper Body Ergometer and the Walk Thru Recumbent Cycle.
The Upper Body Ergometer provides an upper torso cardiovascular exercise that does not require use of lower extremities. This is a great benefit for anyone with lower joint problems. The Walk Thru Recumbent cycle was designed so that patients would not need to lift their legs over the machine in order to sit down. Users do not need to balance on one leg and can comfortably enter the machine, exercise, and exit.
For additional information, contact Hoggan Health Industries, PO Box 957, 12411 S 265 W, Draper, UT 84020; 801-572-6500; 800-678-7888; fax: 801-572-6514; email: customerservice@hogganhealth; www.hogganhealth.com.
Training Video
Breakthrough Coaching LLC and Mark Sanna, DC, have developed Peak Performance, a comprehensive training video tool to instruct clinical staff in fundamental rehabilitation procedures.
Many rehabilitation facilities in the United States and Canada use this video for the instruction and education of health care practitioners involved in the treatment of common spinal musculoskeletal disorders.
The program begins with a step-by-step demonstration of movement pattern analysis, used to identify muscular dysfunction. This is followed by instruction in the postisometric relaxation muscle lengthening technique for 11 key muscle groups. The program ends with a six-step, progressive spinal stabilization protocol through neuromuscular re-education. The video also includes two bonus exercises: range of motion and isometric exercises for the neck.
For additional information, contact Breakthrough Coaching LLC, 1111 Brickell Bay Dr, Penthouse 3310, Miami, FL 33131; 800-723-8423; www.mybreakthrough.com.
Seated Stepper
NuSep Inc offers the No Sweat program for home exercisers. The maker of the original seated stepper is offering home consumers $300 off the price of its popular NuStep TRS 4000, which is regularly priced at $3,195.
NuSteps sales history has shown that most of the people who buy a NuStep TRS 4000 for home exercise first used the product at a fitness, wellness, or rehabilitation center. They like the results of a workout on a NuStep TRS 4000 and the machines comfortable padded seat and ease of use.
The seated stepper is a low-impact exerciser for people of all ages and levels of ability. Its wide, padded swivel seat makes it easy to get on and off and is comfortable and safe. It provides effective total-body exercise for people seeking time-efficient cardiovascular and strength training workouts, as well as for people with balance concerns or those who cannot safely use conventional fitness/rehab equipment like a treadmill or upright exercise bike.
For additional information, contact NuStep Inc, 5111 Venture Dr, Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; 754-769-5959; 800-322-2209; fax: 754-769-8180; www.nustep.com.
Electroacupuncture Device
OMS Medical Supplies Inc offers the Model IC-1107+, a compact, lightweight, sturdy, palm-size Japanese electroacupuncture device.
A hi/low switch on the back of the unit facilitates use with needles (low voltage setting) or electroacupuncture (hi voltage setting). The unit offers three independently controlled output stimulator channels with adjustable frequency indicated by flashing light.
Featuring a biphasic pulse form, it has been designed to minimize electrolysis damage to the needle. The pocket portable device is a small professional electroacupuncture unit for use in or out of the office. Accessories include three sets of wire leads with rectangular jack, carrying case, belt clip, 9-volt battery, and instructions.
For additional information, contact OMS Medical Supplies Inc, 1950 Washington St, Braintree, MA 02184; 800-323-1839; fax: 781-335-5779; www.omsmedical.com.
Leg Pillow
Crescent Products Inc introduces the Contour Leg Pillow, designed to relieve pain and pressure on the lower back, hips, and knees.
The leg pillow will ensure that the body remains properly aligned during the night. Made of 100% nonallergenic materials, the pillow is designed to fit leg curves. The leg pillow will help back muscles relax and relieve strain on hips, knees, and joints. The small size of the pillow enables it to move with the user throughout the night. Since it does not get tangled in sheets and blankets, users experience more restful sleep.
For additional information, contact Crescent Products Inc, 7410 Lakeland Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55428; 763-315-4920; 800-989-8085; fax: 763-315-4924; www.crescentproducts.com.
Purification Products
Standard Process introduces three new products: SP Cleanse, SP Complete, and Gastro-Fiber.
SP Cleanse enhances the bodys ability to efficiently remove metabolic and environmental toxins and adds additional nutrients to the body during purification. Gastro-Fiber helps maintain optimal digestive function. Combined, these three products work synergistically in three separate purification programs.
For additional information, contact Standard Process Inc, 1200 W Royal Lee Dr, PO Box 904, Palmyra, WI 53156; 800-848-5061; fax: 800-438-3799; www.standardprocess.com.
Summer Convention
California Chiropractic Association presents Fun and Games when the 2002 CCA Summer Convention and Exposition convenes June 21-23, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County near Disneyland.
More than 30 hours will be submitted for continuing education in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Submission to other states by request. Six hours of QME relicensing credit is also available, as well as a 2-day chiropractic assistant program.
CCA's 50-booth exposition hall will feature many chiropractic products and services. This area will serve host to luncheons, receptions, and a $3,000 cash giveaway. Saturday night's "Fun & Games" extravaganza is a ticketed event open to everyone.
For further information, contact California Chiropractic Association, 1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Suite 106, Sacramento, CA 95815; 916-648-2727; fax: 916-648-2738; email: ccaseminars@calchiro.org; www.calchiro.org.
Cramp Formula
Boiron Institute offers Cyclease®, a multi-cramp formula that eases the pain of people suffering from menstrual cramps.
The cramp tablets soothe the discomfort associated with menstruation, including pain, soreness, and cramping. The formula combines cramp-relieving homeopathic medicines in one convenient quick-dissolving tablet. These medicines offer quick relief from menstrual cramps, including those improved by lying down, bending over, and by warmth.
Cyclease CRAMP has no side effects. Nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can upset the stomach, and women with ulcers, asthma, and allergic reactions to this type of drug may experience adverse reactions. This formula is aspirin-, ibuprofen, and caffeine-free.
For additional information, contact Boiron, 6 Campus Blvd, Bldg A, Newtown Square, PA 19073; 610-325-7464; fax: 610-325-7480; www.boiron.com.
Grant Program
Foot Levelers Inc and the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) announce a new grant program to benefit state chiropractic associations and COCSA.
The 3-year agreement includes a variety of services offered by Foot Levelers to make annual conventions exciting, low-cost, and easy to plan. The program includes an all-expense paid speaker for the associations annual convention(s); marketing and public relations services associated with the convention(s); complimentary on-site seminar assistance provided by Foot Levelers seminar staff; an annual $1,500 donation to the association for the duration of the agreement; and an annual $500 donation in each associations name to COCSA for the duration of the agreement.
For additional information, contact Foot Levelers Inc, PO Box 12611, 518 Pocahontas Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24027-2611; 540-345-0008; 800-553-4860; fax: 540-345-0202; www.footlevelers.com.
Side Memory Pillow
Crescent Products Inc introduces the Crescent Side Sleeper, a memory pillow designed for back and side sleeping.
The Side Sleeper is a combination memory foam pillow that allows the user to make a natural transition from back to side sleeping without interruption for hand positioning the pillow.
Its shape supports the head and neck for proper cervical support while back sleeping, and it slopes outward for ease in moving to the side position. The pillow is available in 5- and 6-in thicknesses.
For additional information, contact Crescent Products Inc, 7410 Lakeland Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55428; 763-315-4920; 800-989-8085; fax: 763-315-4924; www.crescentproducts.com.
Liver Supplement
Natures Life introduces Liver Vitality, a comprehensive formula of vitamins, minerals, and herbs to protect and maintain healthy liver function.
The nutrients in the liver formula are developed to fight free radicals, encourage regeneration of liver cells, metabolize fats, and support normal internal functions. Herbs featured in the formula include standardized milk thistle seed extract, artichoke leaf, and dandelion root. The formula also contains betaine, NAC, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, and lipotropics. The supplement is available in bottles of 90 vegetarian capsules.
For additional information, contact Natures Life, 7180 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841-3914; 714-379-6500; 800-854-6837; fax: 800-864-7744; email: custsvc@natlife.com; www.natlife.com.
Expert Witness Certification
Southeast Diagnostics Inc, Biocodex Nutrition, HealthCare and Legal Review Consultants, and Florida Chiropractic Physicians Association offer Medical-Legal Issues for Physicians Expert Witness Certification Course. All modules are taught by experts in their respective field, ie, chiropractors, attorneys, law enforcement officers.
Courses are offered in Orlando, Fla, on Sat 8am8pm (12 hours) for Module 4: Dec 1, 2001; Module 5: Jan 12, 2002; Module 6: Feb 9, 2002; Module 1: Mar 2, 2002; Module 2: Apr 6, 2002; Module 3: May 4, 2002; and Modules 46: TBA. 2002 courses will be offered in Ft Lauderdale, Fla.
The fee is $195 per module, $175 each for two or more modules, or $600 for all six modules.
For more information, contact HealthCare and Legal Review Consultants, 908 Red Fox Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; 407-682-6041; 800-214-7622, ext 1057; fax: 407-682-3408; email: backdoc2@prodigy.net; website: www.medicallawjd.com.
Good Deed Contest
Michael L. Darr, DC, announced that he will participate in the national Do A Good Deed Essay Contest, which is being organized by DoctorRelation.com.
The contest encourages young people under 21 years of age to do a good deed and write an essay detailing what they did, what motivated them to do it, and what they got out of the process. Darr and DoctorRelation.com will then review the essays, and a winner will be chosen.
DoctorRelation.com is a national search and referral system for individuals who want to find local doctors. The website and its affiliates are implementing the contest to motivate young people to become active in their communities and instill in them positive qualities, such as innovativeness, self-motivation, self-esteem, and a desire to help others.
Darr is the local sponsor of the contest, and he will provide a new computer to the winner. Good Deed Doers who accomplish at least six good deeds in 1 year will also qualify for the $15,000 Master Deeder Scholarship sponsored by the website.
The contest will run throughout the year. The deadline for the next computer giveaway is March 31, 2002.
For additional information, contact Doctor Relation.com or Darr Chiropractic, 26291 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH 44145; 440-835-8484; www.doctorrelation.com.
Colostrum Supplement
Doctors Choice offers Colostrum products formulated to provide a versatile, Kosher-certified approach to patient management.
Chewable tablet and capsule forms are convenient, and more concentrated delivery is available in pure powder, Immuno Boost and Immuno-boost Pkus which deliver up to 11 grams of colostrum per serving. These maintenance and high does forms allow improved patient compliance and easy implementation. The company uses NZGold Colostrum, collected from specially selected, range fed cows that graze year-round on pristine pastures. New Zealand herds are certified free of Mad Cow and Foot and Mouth diseases.
For additional information, contact Doctors Choice, 1701 E Woodfield, Suite 810, Schaumburg, IL 60173; 866-DOC-ONLY; www.doctors-choice.com.
Neck Therapy
Gibbons Health Products introduces Oriental Neck Therapy, a product designed for neck tightness, neck pain, headaches, pinched nerves, arthritis, and disc problems. This market is expanding due to increased computer use, long commutes to work, recent or past athletic and auto injuries, increased stress, and aging baby-boomers.
Users place the product around the neck and Velcro it together in the back. Pumping the inflation bulb inflates the product, providing a gradual neck stretch. It is easy to add or release air to provide a comfortable stretch.
After using the product and doing a few simple stretches, the neck feels looser and moves easier, with added comfort. Currently the Oriental Neck Therapy comes in sizes regular and large.
One side of the products box is printed in English, while the other is printed in Spanish and Chinese. The instruction sheet also includes 3 languages.
For additional information, contact Gibbons Health Products, 3808 Riverside Dr, Suite 105, Burbank, CA 91505; 818-563-1990; fax: 818-563-2098.
Neuromodulation System
Vertis Neuroscience Inc introduces Vertis PNT, a minimally invasive, nonsurgical approach for treating low back pain involving the delivery of electrical stimulation directly to the deep tissues near the spine.
This electrical stimulation is delivered in a series of outpatient treatment sessions performed in a doctors office. The launch of the system follows the December clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration for commercial distribution of the product. PNT, or Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy, is based on the application of electrical therapies to treat diseases and disorders that affect the central nervous system. A range of low back pain patients experience significant benefit from a course of PNT, including substantial pain relief, less reliance on pain medications, improved sleep, and increased physical activity.
Vertis PNT delivers electrical stimulation directly to the deep tissues in order to reach the nerve pathways that can affect pain. This type of stimulation is designed to modulate, or alter, the hypersensitivity of the nerve cells that give rise to persistent and unremitting pain. This technology will serve as the foundation for a series of PHT applications designed to treat debilitating pain.
For additional information, contact Vertis Neuroscience, 2101 Fourth Ave, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121-2329; 206-728-1477; fax: 206-728-1497; www.vertisneuro.com.