'Wellness' is a regular term in the chiropractic lexicon. It's commonly used by today's chiropractor in naming clinics, advertising services and the theme of countless chiropractic websites, many of which are templates for chiropractors to plug-in their pedigree information.

So, what exactly is wellness?

Wikipedia defines wellness as being generally used to mean a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being, and has been used in the context of alternative medicine since Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. began using the phrase 'high level wellness' in the 1950s. The modern concept of wellness (becoming popular in the 1970s) is a view of health emphasizing the state of the entire being and its ongoing development, and the constant, conscious pursuit of living life to its fullest potential. Alternative approaches to wellness are often denoted by the use of two different phrases - health & wellness and wellness programs. Whether these techniques actually improve physical health is controversial and is an unsettled subject.

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, believed that spinal misalignments ('vertebral subluxations') were the cause of most health problems, ailments and diseases that were corrected by adjusting misaligned spinal bones to alleviate disturbances of nerve supplies to tissues and organs to allow 'Innate Intelligence' (inborn within the body) to act by way of the nervous system to heal disease within the body. Early chiropractic included palpation, a heat-sensing device ('neurocalometer') and x-rays to help diagnose subluxations. Today, palpation and x-rays are still used. Many chiropractors, primarily in spinal screenings, also use computerized testing devices incorporating Thermography and surface EMG to generate reports that purportedly show the locations of subluxations. The allied health sciences, and many chiropractors, contend Palmer's vertebral subluxation theory is not supported by scientific and clinical evidence.

Whose wellness is it? Is it the patient's health or the chiropractor's wealth that is the goal of the treatment?

Many chiropractors turn to practice building consultants for assistance with practice development and growth. Doctors find consultants waiting in line, proclaiming to have the answers for practice success. These consultants include individuals who purport to be specialist in multi-disciplinary practices, marketing whizzes, rehab specialists, as well as those gurus promoting "wellness practices." One may simply Google the term "chiropractic wellness" to observe the pervasiveness of this phenomenon.

On 10/9/09, a Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia, press release announced the health care fraud indictment of Chiropractors Andrew Sokol and Julie Weisberg (owner - operators of "WellnessOne" clinics in Marietta, Buckhead, Duluth, Vinings, and other Atlanta locations) for allegedly billing insurers over $11 million in fraudulent services.

Guess which wellness guru these doctors used

- Wellness Guru 1 (WG1) Reports that subluxations are not structural (spinal misalignments) but neurologically based. Coaches' chiropractors on using a subluxation based wellness practice model to arouse the innate and build high volume wellness based practices. Offers the 'Million Dollar Report-of-Findings' course, which instructs on; Scripting for shifting back pain patients to wellness patients; Getting yearly commitments for care; Motivating new patients to choose lifetime care. Declares the very best marketing tool on the planet - Community Lectures & Wellness Screenings with the Insight Subluxation Station that allegedly results in new patients making appointments to have a nervous system check for unhealthy neurological patterns.

- Midwest Clinic applying WG1 protocols claims 525-770 patient visits per week; and over 90% of new patients come for care of unhealthy neurological patterns.

- Wellness Guru 2 (WG2) Reports to have the tools to create a system of wellness from the inside out, a total revolution in mind and body wellness, combining the latest scientific technology with the most advanced measurement and motivational program ever developed. Offers a never before achieved multi-dimensional (physical, bio-chemical and psychological) assessment of the positive and negative stresses in daily life.

- Southeast & Midwest Clinics applying WG2 protocols purports to be a modern boutique offering spinal adjustments, personal wellness programs, surface EMG and thermal scans to monitor the nervous system, computer postural assessments of spinal stress, custom orthotics, and pillows. On-line certificates for $175.00 off price of a health screening (consultation, x-rays and surface EMG/thermal scan) and aqua massage, reportedly valued at $250.00.

- Wellness Guru 3 (WG3) Reports the easiest, most cost effective solution to transform a chiropractor's identity from a (back) specialist to a wellness doctor, and a practice's identity from one patients go to for relief into a wellness center they go to for life.

- Southeast Clinic applying WG3 protocols alleges better health by teaching and practicing the true principles of chiropractic wellness care; the finest quality of care through modern chiropractic equipment and technology, including bio-impedence analysis, neuro and orthopedic exam and total health scan.

- Wellness Guru 4 (WG4) Reports to have a team of 12 coaches with a mission to maximize the lives of millions of people by helping them achieve god-given potential through health centers, chiropractic coaching, wellness programs, wellness products and foundation.

- Midwest Clinics applying WG4 protocols use a whole person approach to wellness looking for underlying causes of neurological disturbances. Internet users get initial consult, exam & x-rays for $20 - standard fee is $250 to $300. Claim better exam than a traditional medical doctor through use of latest technology, best scientific research and proven methods to help restore body to a state of vitality and wellness. Remove obstacles to wellness rather than treat symptoms. Free comprehensive wellness inventory (valued at over $200) that includes a biostructural evaluation, thermography neuro assessment, cellular nutrition consult, and radiological screen.

- Wellness Guru 5 (WG5) Reports to have an all-inclusive, upscale program to provide tools, expertise and coaching for building a chain of million-dollar offices. Claims superiority over traditional medical community by offering Real Healthcare and not Sicknesscare. Provides patients points to reward them for visits to and purchases from member clinics, which can be redeemed for merchandise, services and more, even travel.

- Clinics throughout the U.S. applying WG5 protocols claim: Free Consult / Exam / X-rays and spinal & posture screenings. Treat ADHD, allergies, asthma, auto accidents, back/neck pain, bedwetting, carpal tunnel, colic, ear infections, Fibromyalgia, headaches, pinched nerve, PMS, pregnancy, sciatica, scoliosis, slipped disc, stress, whiplash, wellness. Provide DRX9000, chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage.

One might conclude, from researching chiropractic wellness offerings that some chiropractors, in their quest to build the million dollar practice, participate in the chiropractic wellness generation by following a blueprint:

1. Combine chiropractic with wellness services & products into business plan for accessing healthcare dollars from healthcare consumers;
2. Repackage chiropractor from a 'back doctor' to a 'wellness doctor';
3. Redefine subluxations from spinal misalignments to unhealthy neurological patterns to facilitate apparent care for every condition under-the-sun;
4. Use dubious marketing, spinal screenings and workshops to identify consumers with a ready payment-source (e.g., insurance or cash) for future chiropractic services;
5. Offer free exams and other free services (e.g., massage) to get consumers in clinic for patient conversion;
6. Incorporate putative diagnostic devices intended to persuade consumers to participate as by providing printouts depicting the elusive chiropractic subluxation;
7. Emphasize that "wellness" chiropractors enhance quality of life, eliminate pain, lower stress, make one feel good, make one more active, enables the brain to communicate with the body to fight sickness and disease...;
8. Attack non-participating peers and other healthcare disciplines by alleging that they don't provide real healthcare or use latest technological advances; and
9. Increase patient retention by offering incentives (e.g., redeemable rewards) for continuing care, and by having patients sign-on for year-long care plans, and commit to lifetime chiropractic care.

So, what say you?

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Learn the ways one can take an accurate reading of the body's temperature using a thermometer withexpert medical tips from a trained doctor in this free health care video clip. Expert: Susan Jewell Bio: Susan Jewell is a trained doctor and scientist in clinical research medicine, as well as a stem cell scientist in oncology and AIDS/HIV.t Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

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Red Ear Slider Turtles. Male. Female. Young ones. Eggs. Hatchlings. Ming not casting.

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When the symphony doesn't sound as sweet and the laughter of your grandchildren is slowly fading away, wearing a hearing aid is one of the best ways to improve your hearing ability. There are several factors to consider when buying a hearing aid, such as your budget, hearing aid style, technology, lifestyle concerns and hearing loss level.

Here are 4 tips on choosing the right hearing aid.

Hearing Aid Styles

The suitability of a hearing aid style is determined by the level of hearing loss, although most people with lifestyle and aesthetic concerns tend to select the style that they prefer.

An individual suffering from severe hearing loss will not benefit from a CIC model (Completely in the Canal), which is the smallest kind of hearing aid. This particular selection enhances the natural sound-collecting characteristics of the ear in minor hearing loss cases. CIC models are near invisible to the eye because they are placed far into the ear canal. CIC's are also custom-made and only work with users who have an ear canal large enough to handle this type of hearing aid insertion.

An ITC (In the Canal) model is slightly bigger than a CIC and is also placed far into the ear canal. With a somewhat larger battery, this style accommodates mild to moderate hearing loss. An ITE (In the Ear) option offers a wide range of uses that helps a variety of hearing loss levels. They are larger in size, but provide enhanced sound amplifiers, as well as additional features, including a telephone switch. Some patients feel that this type of hearing aid is easier to manage.

A BTE (Behind the Ear) showcases electronic features contained within a case positioned behind the ear. Tubes and other customized characteristics are utilized to drive sound to the ear canal. Usually presenting a sturdy body, this model is often selected for children with hearing problems. This type of hearing aid also provides increased amplification over smaller selections. To accommodate an array of lifestyle concerns, a BTE hearing aid may come in a variety of colors to match hair and skin tone.

Cost of Hearing Aids

Hearing aid prices depend on the style, features, accessories, warranty, telephone coils, advanced microphones, insurance coverage, and whether or not you need one or two hearing aids. Overall, a pair of hearing aids can cost between $500 and $6000.

Hearing Aid Technology

Basic analog technology provides the same amount of amplification regardless of sound changes. Most hearing aid users of the analog model complain that they often face periods of receiving too much sound or not enough. Basic analog hearing aids are the cheapest, making them a reasonable choice for someone on a budget.

Programmable analog technology offers amplification adjustments. Certain programmable analog hearing aids come with multiple settings. You can change the setting with a remote control or by pushing a button on the hearing aid according to your situation.

Over the years, the technology associated with hearing aids has come a long way. Digital technology utilizes computer chips to separate incoming sound into different bands and channels. Digital hearing aids highlight the most advanced technology that allows the most accurate prescription fittings.

Where to Buy

A patient may purchase a hearing aid directly through a hearing instrument manufacturer and hearing aid dispenser. Many companies now market their hearing devices on the Web, and often entice buyers with discounted prices. The internet also offers auction sites that provide fair hearing aid prices.

Careful comparison-shopping can help you find a hearing aid that meets your budget and hearing needs.

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Harper was sick and had a fever, but the only way he'd let me take his temperature was if he took mine. But he would put the thermometer in my mouth or his (even though I use an in ear and forehead type) and say "Mmm! Scrumptious!"

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Door to door directions - now you can't get much better than that in a travel assistant!

Garmin nüvi 680 Review

The Garmin 680 is a powerful navigation system to have in your vehicle when you travel to different locations. It has a widescreen touch display and is preloaded with the maps you need depending on the continent on which you are traveling. If you buy this device in North America, then it will have the street maps of all the cities of this continent. European models have the preloaded maps for European cities and destinations.

One of the distinguishing features of the nüvi 680 that sets it apart from other models of the Garmin nüvi systems of the 600 series is that this device can connect directly to MSN. The purchase of this device comes with three free months of free service from MSN Direct.

After that introductory period, if you like this service you can choose to make a one-time payment or subscribe to the service on an annual basis. This service allows you to check the weather along your route, find out if there are any traffic tie-ups up ahead and compare the gas prices in the local area.

The 4.3 inch widescreen display of the nüvi 680 is easy to read even in direct sunlight.  You have a large view of the map of your route along with voice directions telling you when you need to make a turn. There are also photos of the route in brilliant color.

As soon as you unpack the nüvi 680 and install it in your vehicle using the easy to follow instructions, it will start working for you. The maps are already preloaded as well as the points of interest in each location.

As you drive along, you no longer have to keep your eyes peeled for gas stations, hotels or restaurants as the device has a database of all this information at your fingertips.  The voice even announces the names of the streets for you and the exits giving you lots of time to prepare to turn off if you need to.

You can also download free software to further customize the nüvi 680 with points of interest that you want to visit. This will also allow you to find out where the traffic has to slow down for school zones and where the safety cameras are posted. Therefore, this device will not only help you find your way, but it will also help you avoid receiving any speeding tickets.

Garmin nüvi 680 Review Summary

The Garmin nüvi 680 may be the perfect GPS if you want an MSN Direct compatible GPS navigator. It includes a free 1 year subscription to MSN's information service which provides real time traffic conditions, fuel prices and weather data to your GPS device.

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It's been hot, really hot, around the south eastern part of Australia recently. Not just warm, but ear-wax meltingly hot! So we thought we'd offer up some wines that go well when the mercury is busting through the top of the thermometer. The All Saints Moscato is light on alcohol, with a light, bright fizz and a touch of sweetness and goes beautifully chilled down or even served over chipped ice. Wirra Wirra's Mrs. Wigley Grenache Rosé might be your style if you're not after a white but the day is just a bit too warm for a big red. And to round things out, a Pinot Noir is the obvious choice for a red during the hot months, and Paringa Estate's Estate Pinot Noir is one of the very, very best you can buy.

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