For the past few years, the emphasis of most American businesses has been to become “green” (or at least look green). Environmental consciousness was seen as a vital characteristic in any business — including chiropractic practices.
Now, trend watchers say health consciousness is the new priority among consumers. The general public expects businesses to be involved in health in ways that go beyond the health of their employees, according to a survey conducted by Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm.
“Health Engagement Barometer 2010″ found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of people trust companies that are obviously engaged in health and two-thirds (65%) either recommend or buy products from those companies.
Three out of four people polled said it’s as important to protect the public’s health as it is to protect the environment. More than two-thirds (69%) pointed to the role business could play in doing this, saying it should put as much effort into maintaining and improving personal and public health as it puts into the environment.
“Business has gone ‘green’ — now it’s time to go ‘health,’” said Nancy Turett, global president, Health, Edelman. “For a company to be prosperous and relevant in the future, it has to factor health into its business strategy, not only to fulfill its social contract with all stakeholders but to realize its full market potential.”
They aren’t talking only about health benefits, but about creating new products or services that maintain or improve health, educating customers about health topics, taking steps to address obesity, and basically being engaged in activities that help increase overall wellness.
Also, take note that they are NOT talking about “medical care.” The public is specifically focusing on health and wellness. In fact, when asked about what the biopharma and medical products industry should do, the majority of respondents said the key priority should be creating new products or services that maintain or improve health, not “new drugs” or so-called “miracle cures.”
This is really good news for chiropractors and all other wellness professionals. By maintaining our strong position as leaders of the wellness “revolution,” we already have a giant advantage over the medical and drug industries, which are becoming increasingly irrelevant to the public.
We can further our lead by continuing to offer the best possible chiropractic care AND by offering related services and products to patients, including everything from stress reduction training to nutritional supplementation. If we do, the medical and drug guys will turn green with envy!
Terry Rondberg, D.C. is Founder and CEO of the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), an international organization that promotes subluxation-based chiropractic. A leading figure in the health care community, Dr. Rondberg is dedicated to promoting health and wellness. Dr. Rondberg, is an accomplished author, public speaker, educator and advocate of drug-free chiropractic. 
If business’s could see that Healthy is the new green, it would make a big difference to the health and well being of our communities. All those who don’t seek information and advice on Health and Wellness would be getting it during the course of their working week.
Green Health. Good post, Dr. Rondberg.
If business’s could see that Healthy is the new green, it would make a big difference to the health and well being of our communities. All those who don’t seek information and advice on Health and Wellness would be getting it during the course of their working week.