Chiropractic was well represented at the 10th Annual International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.  The chiropractic portion of this world-renowned program was hosted by the International Chiropractors Association, (ICA). As reported in the December 13, 2002 issue of the Chiropractic News from the ICA , the International Congress on Anti-Aging and Biomedical Technologies, was the world's largest and most prestigious international conference on anti-aging science. 

The chiropractic portion of the conference included authoritative chiropractic presenters who spoke on the clinical application of chiropractic in the care of the aging population.  Dr. D.D. Humber, ICA President stated, "This inter-disciplinary professional conference represents an important frontier for chiropractic because in a segment of the population awash with prescription drugs, and where one-half of all emergency room presentations by Medicare beneficiaries are related to those prescription drugs, awareness of and access to the benefits of chiropractic care becomes an urgent matter of public health."

The conference focused on  a strong professional awareness and education.  The conference brought together thousands of health professionals to explore the frontiers of prevention, health and healing. Dr. Humber further stated, ""This event provides the chiropractic profession with an opportunity to educate consumers, policy makers, and health care professionals alike on the value of chiropractic as a health care discipline that encourages wellness practices with their patients."

The January 12, 2003 issue of the Washington Post featured an article that highlights the difficulties of being a referee in the National Hockey League.  The article highlights the career of one of hockey's more enduring referees, Andy Van Hellemond, who refereed 1,475 games, more than anyone else in league history.  Van Hellemond, now serves as the NHL's director of officiating.  

During his active career as a referee he broke his hand, broke three ribs and separated his sternum after a collision with Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson along the boards. Van Hellemond was twisted awkwardly upon impact and spent five weeks in the hospital with a badly pinched nerve. He recalls the effects of his injury, "I couldn't feel my right leg for the longest time," Van Hellemond said. "They would put pins and needles in my leg up to my hip and I didn't feel a thing. It was completely blocked."  The article then explains that his career was saved by chiropractic. The article stated, "Eventually a chiropractic adjustment saved Van Hellemond's career."

Van Hellemond, was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. He is also at the vanguard of a sweeping evaluation system in which every official travels with a laptop computer and receives daily critiques via e-mail and video downloads.  He was also the first official to wear a helmet.  His innovations and contributions to hockey would have been sorely missed had his career been cut short.  Andy Van Hellemond, and Chiropractic have made their mark in hockey's history.

A new poll from Canada points to snow shoveling as the leading cause of back and neck pain during the winter months. In the poll, 73 per cent of Ontario chiropractors surveyed say improper shoveling technique tops the list of reasons for winter back pain problems. 

The story, reported in the January 9, 2003 Canadian News Wire, Quotes Dr. Dennis Mizel, President of the Ontario Chiropractic Association, who said, "Chiropractors are finding that some patients experience back and neck pain as a result of improper snow shoveling technique. Improper technique can be anything from bending at the waist instead of the knees to throwing snow instead of pushing it. When you combine improper technique with the average weight of one shovelful of snow (five to seven pounds) it becomes even more evident that this is a serious problem for both adults and the children who help them."

Dr. Kristina Peterson, a chiropractor in Thunder Bay was also quoted in the article, "Back problems can surface in patients during the winter, especially those who are unaccustomed to participating in challenging physical activity on a regular basis. Activities requiring exertion that is higher than one's daily routine such as winter sports or pushing stuck cars can cause back injuries. However, snow shoveling is the number one reason patients present with back pain in the winter."

The Ontario Chiropractic Association offers the following preventive measures to help keep backs in shape:

1. Warm-up. Before beginning any snow removal, warm-up for five to ten minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation. A good warm-up should include stretches for the back, shoulders, arms and legs. This will ensure that your body is ready for action.

2. Don't let the snow pile up. Removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.

3. Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight push-style shovel. If you use a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon first so snow won't stick.

4. Push, don't throw. Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it as much as possible. If you have to throw, avoid twisting and turning - position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.

5. Bend your knees. Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.

6. Take a break. If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.