"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond
farewell to the old; here's to the things that are
yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."
—Anonymous

Most people look toward New Year's with great anticipation of starting anew. After all, a fresh change is likened to moving on in life and toward goals that may have fallen by the wayside the previous year. It is refreshing to begin as the Editor of Chiropractic Products when all things seem to be headed in the direction of "new."

It has been almost 20 years since I first discovered chiropractic, and experienced its ability to help the body heal. At the time, my brother-in-law was on his way toward graduating from Life Chiropractic College West, and the newness of chiropractic was all around me. It wasn't until I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands that I sought treatment. Amazed with all of the gadgets and products used in my treatment, I became particularly fond of ultrasound and feeling my spine zipping back into alignment (still a personal favorite!). Chiropractic treatment brought life back into my grip, and also corrected a misalignment in my neck and helped me to stop a pronation in my right foot. I didn't become the Bionic Woman, but came pretty close, thanks to my chiropractor.

It seemed only natural that, having always been a writer and editor, I combined my print background with chiropractic to form a new business. Together with my husband, we published the Orange County Chiropractic Society Bulletin, which involved everything from design and marketing, to advertising and editorial. Through the Bulletin, I had the opportunity to meet many doctors and their staff, listen to their stories, and more thoroughly learn about the field. I later broadened my health care experience by working with dentists, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons, but always felt that chiropractic was my first love.

Today, more than a decade later, I am back in the chiropractic fold with CP and look forward to meeting many of you. I welcome your e-mails and phone calls, as well as your insight and commitment to patient care. My predecessor's message of change is very true both in the field of chiropractic and with life in general. I look forward to continuing to offer you the latest and greatest product information that will help you build your practice and its bottom line. Having the right tools to fit your practice definitely impacts your ability to serve your patient base. A dedicated chiropractor, with the right products in hand to build his or her practice, is a powerful player on the patient's health care team.

Julie Duck