Thousands of uninsured Hoosiers
can now have access to affordable health care
through the new Healthy Indiana Plan

Indianapolis (Jan/Feb 2008)—Thousands of uninsured Hoosiers can now have access to affordable health care through the new Healthy Indiana Plan. Applications for the program will be accepted starting Monday. Dec. 17.

The application program began Monday, Dec. 17, and coverage began in January. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be between 18 and 64 years old, have a household income between 22% and 200% of the federal poverty level and must have been uninsured for at least six months.

The program differs from traditional entitlement program because enrollment is dependent upon available funding, and eligibility will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will make a modest financial contribution to the plan, providing incentives for individuals to price shop and look for the best values in medical services and prescriptions.

Those whose income is too great to qualify for the program, but who are still uninsured, may buy into the HIP program and will not receive state subsidy.

For more information on HIP and to download an application, visit www.hip.in.gov, or call 1-877-GET-HIP-9.

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URGENT NOTICE!
HHS Office of Inspector General
Seeks Chiropractic Records

(Jan/Feb 2008)—ACA to offer informational assistance to doctors who receive record request.

From an ACA Special Notice of 12/19/07
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the entity responsible for identifying and reporting inefficiency in Medicare, Medicaid and other related HHS agencies, announced in their 2008 Work Plan that they would again seek records from doctors of chiropractic, as a follow-up to their 2005 report on chiropractic documentation.

We are asking that all doctors of chiropractic who receive an OIG record request to please contact the ACA Office of Government Affairs via e-mail at acamedicare@aol.com for assistance to fully comply with the request.*

It is critical that doctors of chiropractic include all necessary information upon receipt of an OIG record request. It is also imperative that this be done in a timely fashion by the date specified by the OIG. Therefore, we strongly recommend that doctors of chiropractic who receive an OIG record request immediately contact ACA so that we can provide the essential information to help you navigate through the OIG request process.

* This is informational assistance only. ACA cannot be responsible for individual documentation requests or content, nor can ACA be responsible for any resulting liability and/or action taken by any regulatory authority. ACA's assistance is designed to provide authoritative information to help doctors of chiropractic fully and accurately comply with the OIG request. This assistance is provided with the understanding that the ACA is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

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Senator Ron Alting Earns
Legislator of the Year Award

Indianapolis (October 11, 2006)—Senator Ron Alting of Lafayette, Indiana, earned Legislator of the Year honors at the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) 2006 Fall Convention held at the Marriott Downtown on October 6-8 in Indianapolis.  Senator Alting becomes only the second state legislator to earn this award a second time.  Alting was previously awarded this honor in 2001.

Senator Alting is a Purdue University graduate and also a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. He was inducted into the Lafayette Jefferson Hall of Fame in 2001. He is also a Major in the Indiana Guard Reserve. Senator Alting was born and raised in Lafayette and currently resides there with his two children; Ronnie Jr. and Ashley. He works as a Key Account Specialist for Tipmont REMC. 

The award is given annually to the State Legislator who demonstrates exemplary contributions to the chiropractic profession, chiropractic patients, and the ISCA. 

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American Chiropractic Association to Promote Workplace Safety
During National Chiropractic Month

Indianapolis, IN (September 25, 2006) – The Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will educate Hoosiers on the prevention of workplace injuries during National Chiropractic Month this October. 

“To help promote health and safety in the workplace, National Chiropractic Month 2006 will focus on what employers and employees can do to reduce the number of job-related injuries and how to best treat injuries when they do occur,” announced Anthony Wolf, D.C., director of East Washington Chiropractic Center in Indianapolis.

Whether it’s a job that requires a great deal of bending and lifting or one that entails typing at a computer all day, more than 1.8 million Americans report work-related musculoskeletal injuries each year. 

While musculoskeletal injuries often require employees to take time off of work, there is compelling evidence that most injuries of this nature could, in fact, be prevented.  Dr. Wolf and the ACA recommend the following tips to help reduce the risk of injury: 

• While at the office, remember to take frequent stretch breaks while working on your computer. The more hours per day you use your computer, the greater the risk of discomfort or injury.

• While working on your computer, sit with your knees at approximately a 90- to 120-degree angle.  Using an angled foot rest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.

• Make sure your chair fits correctly.  Allow for two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.  Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.

• Don’t lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object. Keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body.  Don’t twist your body while lifting.

• Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.

• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.

• Exercise regularly. Staying physically fit, strong and flexible helps you avoid back injuries.

Dr. Wolf also reminds employers to be proactive about preventing injuries. “There is compelling evidence that most illnesses that cost employers money could in fact be prevented.  Prevention and employee involvement go hand-in-hand. Ask your workers for opinions on how to improve safety. Treat their ideas and concerns seriously.” 

If an employee is faced with an injury, they should consider chiropractic care, says Dr. Wolf.  A number of workers’ compensation studies have shown that the use of chiropractic care for acute and chronic lower-back pain can be more effective and less costly than traditional medical care – getting people back on the job in less time than other treatment options.  Furthermore, chiropractic can be an effective treatment option for carpal tunnel, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. 

Dr. Wolf is working in collaboration with the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) to observe National Chiropractic Month.  For more information on chiropractic or any of the tips mentioned above contact Dr. Wolf at (317) 898-1100 or visit the ACA Web site: www.acatoday.org.

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Dr. Robert Tennant Earns
Chiropractor of the Year Award  

October 14, 2005 

Indianapolis--Dr. Robert Tennant, Shirley, Indiana, earned Chiropractor of the Year honors at the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) 2005 Fall Convention held at the Sheraton North Hotel and Suites on October 7-9 in Indianapolis.  Dr. Tennant becomes only the third chiropractor to earn this award a second time since it began in 1959.  Dr. Tennant was a previous recipient of ISCA’s highest honor in 1992.

Dr. Tennant is a graduate of National College of Chiropractic and has been a member of ISCA for over 30 years.  He also serves as the Indiana delegate to the American Chiropractic Association. In addition to practicing chiropractic for 33 years, Dr. Tennant is a Past President of the ISCA and has served as a past member of the Indiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners.   

The award is given annually to the doctor who demonstrates exemplary contributions to the chiropractic profession, chiropractic patients, and the ISCA.

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OCTOBER IS SPINAL HEALTH MONTH
Doctors of Chiropractic OffeRr Tips to educe Risk of Back Pain

October 06, 2005

Indianapolis, IN (Oct. 6, 2005) -- October is Spinal Health Month, which offers an outstanding opportunity to speak with your local chiropractor about the natural ways you can improve your spinal health and enhance your overall well being. The Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) is offering a free patient information page on its web site, "Tips For a Healthy Spine," that provides simple posture, lifting, and healthy lifestyle guidelines to ward off unnecessary back pain.

"The goal of a doctor of chiropractic is to offer the highest-quality, professional health care, while teaching patients how to maintain their physical well being and a healthful lifestyle," says American Chiropractic Association President Dr. Richard Brassard. "Spinal Health Month is the perfect time to take control of your health by discovering this natural approach to wellness."

With a thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the human body, doctors of chiropractic make diagnoses and take steps to correct problems using manual therapies, such as spinal adjustments; dietary and lifestyle advice; and other such natural tools to care for their patients. In fact, medical doctors, realizing the important role doctors of chiropractic can play in relieving pain and restoring health, are referring more of their own patients to doctors of chiropractic than ever before. This integrative health care approach is allowing professionals of different specialties to work together to improve patients' health.

Over 30 million Americans sought chiropractic care last year alone, and recent studies show that patient satisfaction is extremely high for those who seek care from a doctor of chiropractic. Surveys have also indicated that chiropractic patients are willing to recommend chiropractic treatment to friends, family and colleagues. Dr. Brassard notes that the key to spinal health is prevention; listen to your body's warning signals and adjust your lifestyle.

The ISCA recommends the following tips to help prevent back injuries:

• Don't lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up an object.
• Don't twist your body while lifting.
• Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.
• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.
• Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels.
• Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower-back pain.

According to Dr. Brassard, "It is essential that we keep ourselves in good physical condition, and spinal health is a key aspect of overall well being."

You can achieve optimum health with the help of your doctor of chiropractic. For more information on the importance of spinal health or to find a chiropractor in your area, visit the ISCA website at http://www.indianastatechiros.org

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 Good Posture Key to Overall Health

Celebrate ‘Correct Posture Month’ this May

Indianapolis, IN. (May 19, 2005) — Do you spend all day tapping away on a keyboard at the office only to come home and slouch in your recliner for hours while watching TV?  Do your kids bend forward from the weight of their heavy backpacks?  In both the home and the workplace, countless posture pitfalls await the unsuspecting.   

In fact, poor posture can result from simple everyday activities -- leaning over paperwork or straining to peer at the computer screen – and the result is muscle tension, stiffness, backaches, neck cramps and fatigue.  

This May, during Correct Posture Month sponsored by the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA), talk to your local doctor of chiropractic about ways to alleviate the postural habits that can have a negative impact on your overall health.

“Once established, poor posture creates a chain reaction through the body,” said Dr. Anthony Wolf of Indianapolis.  “Poor posture can cause stress on the joints and the muscles, draining vital energy from the body.  Eventually, damage can progress beyond the musculoskeletal system to include the respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems.” 

“On the flip side, maintaining good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress and less fatigue,” he said.

What constitutes good posture?  Good posture keeps all body parts balanced and supported. When standing, it should be possible to draw a straight line from the earlobe, through the shoulder, hip, knee, and into the middle of the ankle.

Because people find themselves in several positions throughout the day (sitting, standing, bending, stooping and lying down) it's important to learn how to attain good posture in everyday situations.  The ISCA and Dr. Wolf offer these suggestions:

At the Office

According to Dr. Wolf, “Today, it is not only jobs in construction or other labor-intensive fields that cause on-the-job-injuries. Typing at a computer all day can be equally stressful on a person’s wrists, shoulders, neck and spine, resulting in painful impairment.” 

If you work behind a computer, work to improve your sitting posture by:

• Making sure your chair fits correctly. There should be 2 inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
• Sitting with your knees at approximately a 90-degree to 120-degree angle. Using an angled footrest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.
• Positioning your computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at or below eye level.
• Keeping your wrists in the neutral position while you type, not angled up or down. A wrist rest can help you to keep a more neutral wrist posture.  The mouse surface or mouse pad should be close to the keyboard, so you don’t have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.
• Taking frequent, short breaks from your work. Be sure to stretch your hands, arms and shoulders during your breaks.

Traveling

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, take note that heavy luggage, laptops and brief bags can cause body imbalance and serious muscle strain. Movement and simple exercises can help prevent aches, pains and more serious problems when on the road.  Keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Don’t attempt to carry too much.  Even wheeled suitcases can cause problems to the neck, shoulders and lower back.
• Consider using a back support when sitting. Using a support behind your back may reduce the risk of low-back strain, pain or injury. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline.
• If you are flying, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under your seat.
• Take rest breaks. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, and those you are traveling with.

Lounging and Sleeping

Sometimes the simplest of activities—such as relaxing or even sleeping—can wreak as much havoc on our bodies as spending long hours at a computer can. According to Dr. Wolf, “People spend a lot of hours sitting in chairs and recliners. The painful fact is that much of the furniture we sit in can damage our bodies. It is so important to select furniture that employs sound ergonomic principles.” 

Keep the following in mind when selecting a living room chair or recliner:

• Look for furniture that fits the person who will most often sit in it. The “one-size-fits-all” approach is not a good idea when selecting furniture.
• Furniture should be easily adjustable to conform to the size and shape of each unique user.
• Find a chair that offers plenty of support to both the neck and the lumbar region (lower back).
• Purchase a portable footrest that can be moved around a room. This will help smaller people use chairs that may ordinarily be too high for them.

If you can only dream of getting a good night’s sleep with that uncomfortable mattress and sagging pillow of yours, consider the following simple tips to help you select the right mattress and pillow:

·       When choosing a mattress, look for one that is comfortably —and selectively—supportive. Selective support allows you to press down one area of a mattress, leaving other areas unaffected.

·       Be sure to choose a mattress that is finished on both sides so you can “rotate” it, just like you would your car tires. Every few months, turn it clockwise, or upside down, so that body indentations are kept to a minimum.

·       When you’re purchasing a mattress, don’t be embarrassed to actually lie down on it at the store to check its fit and comfort.  Don’t just sit on it to test it.

·       Be selective when choosing a pillow. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.

For more information on the importance of correct posture or any of the tips mentioned above, contact the Indiana State Chiropractic Association at 317.673.4245, visit the ISCA Web site at www.indianastatechiros.org, or contact Dr. Anthony Wolf at (317) 898-1100. 

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