Dr. Joshua Schlade, owner of Montpelier Chiropractic Center, was guest speaker Monday, Jan. 13th for the regular meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary in the hospital conference room.
Dr. Schlade explained that chiropractic is the care and treatment of the human body without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery. Most chiropractors focus on the structure and function of the joints, muscles and nerves of the body, especially those associated with the spine. His office focuses on the spine.
The body’s spine is involved in all motion. Twelve nerves come from the brain and directly affect the face, eyes, ears and head. Other nerves travel down the brain stem into the spinal cord, and then from the spinal canal to the rest of the body. The spinal column is made up of 25 moveable vertebrae. Dr. Schlade’s office deals mainly with the function, mobility and posture of the spinal column.
Spinal disorders are the common cause of functional disability for individuals over the age of 50. Dr. Schlade recommends that adults of all ages should be involved with a spinal health “wellness” program with regular visits to a chiropractor.
The majority of patients come to a chiropractor for relief of pain involving sciatica, low back, between shoulder blades, neck and headaches. Initially a comprehensive health review is taken, followed by an examination to determine the cause of the pain and overall health of the patient. Then, a treatment program with goals of pain relief, stabilization and maintenance/wellness is set up to improve spinal health.
Pain management includes reducing muscle spasms and inflammation. The patient’s condition is stabilized with mobilization, stretching of affected tissues and strengthening of weakened muscles. Maintenance care is necessary for follow-up. Patients are taught in-home exercises to increase flexibility and muscle strength, and complement maintenance appointments.
Dr. Schlade grew up in Swanton, the son of a chiropractor. Dr. Schlade opened the Montpelier center located at 1225 East Main St. in 1998 after attending Ohio State University for pre-med and graduated from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL with a B.S. degree in human biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He and his wife Carrie have three children.
Following the program, the regular auxiliary meeting was conducted by President Deanna Gipe. Roll call was answered with “What is your favorite Olympic sport?”. Reports were presented by Secretary Jean Young, Treasurer Barb Dietsch, Hospital Gift Shop Manager Vivian Brown and several committees.
Deanna reported that some of the items approved for purchase by the auxiliary for the outpatient therapy department have been received. Vivian Brown is in charge of patient favors for the month of January. More volunteers to man the hospital gift shop are needed, especially for Monday afternoons and weekday evenings.
Jean Young, Beverly Perkins and Kathryn Schroder volunteered to serve on the Nominations Committee to seek out members willing to run for office. Those nominations will be announced in April with election of officers in May.
The next regular meeting of the auxiliary will be Monday, Feb. 10th at 12 noon with the annual soup and salad luncheon in the hospital conference room. Members are asked to bring a salad or dessert to share. Guest speaker will be Pam Schroder of the Williams County Historical Society. Roll call will be “Who do you know had open heart surgery?”. Deanna Gipe and Armeda Sawmiller will be in charge of February patient favors. Guests are always welcome.