Coronavirus and chiropractic guide: a patient conversation starter

A coronavirus and chiropractic guide that DCs can use as a conversation springboard

The fast-spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) is sidelining workers across the U.S. and proving deadly for many of those over the age of 60 or individuals with respiratory or immune issues who contract the virus.

Large events across the country are being cancelled, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is advising Americans to avoid gatherings and use strict cleaning procedures including frequent and thorough hand washing and sanitizing surfaces to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Chiropractors and other health care workers are at greater risk due to patient or client interactions and are encouraged to take extra precautions when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and skin or close contact.

“Every chiropractic practice has been touched by coronavirus [fears],” says Bill Esteb, DC, who has created and is circulating a coronavirus and chiropractic guide on how to avoid contracting the virus.

“We wanted to create a tool that chiropractors could use as a conversation springboard. Chiropractors need to remind their patients that germs don’t automatically cause disease. And that ‘catching’ the coronavirus, or anything else, requires a hospitable environment.”

The only way to catch anything, says Esteb, is to become a hospitable host. Flipping the message, Esteb in his coronavirus and chiropractic guide says here is “How to Catch the Coronavirus”:

• Eat a Poor Diet — Make sure your body lacks the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients needed to keep itself in good repair.
• Avoid Adequate Rest — Stay up late and use sugar, tobacco, coffee and energy drinks as needed.
• Become Dehydrated — Reduce the effectiveness of your natural defense mechanisms by shunning adequate water.
• Stop Exercising — Reduce the efficiency of your lymphatic system, which requires movement to circulate this important germ-fighting fluid.
• Think Negative Thoughts — Worry that you’ll be a victim. Closely monitor news reports about outbreaks, fearing the advancing pandemic.
• Rarely Wash Your Hands — Use your dirty hands and fingers to rub your eyes, pick your nose or wipe your lips.
• Skip Your Chiropractic Adjustments — Handicap your nervous system, the master system that controls your entire body. Wait until symptoms are clearly present.

A coronavirus and chiropractic guide for patients

“Following these suggestions is the way to become a suitable host for any number of germs or microbes,” Esteb says. “The tongue-in-check approach keeps the subject light. It stimulates more instructive patient conversations. It helps reduce appointment cancellations.

“Most people have an inappropriate fear of germs. And while this poster and patient handout won’t eliminate it, use it to explore the value of ongoing chiropractic care as a preventive strategy.”

To download a copy of the coronavirus and chiropractic guide poster go to patientmedia.com/coronavirus-poster.