Special Olympics Georgia

Photo on left: Dr. Len Zaprowski and daughter Carlin had a summer spirit of giving as they helped raise funds for Special Olympic Georgia athletes. Dr Zaprowski is a member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and his office is located in Alpharetta.

Photo on right: Dr. Beaumont of Sparlin Health Care donates his services to screen new adult athletes at “Seeds of Hope” in Atlanta. Dr. Beaumont’s generous time allows 15 athletes to begin a SOGA training program. Sparlin Health Care is located on Dill Ave in Southwest Atlanta.

Medfest is a working and innovative partnership between Special Olympics Georgia and volunteer health care professionals throughout Georgia, in which we come to your community or school to conduct athlete health screenings.

1) Leverages visibility and raises public awareness about those with intellectual disabilities

2) Creates more cultivated partnership between local health care providers, their local communities and schools

4) Provides opportunity for positive public relations and possible media coverage for all involved

5) Creates the opportunity for many -- even hundreds of individuals with intellectual disabilities

6) Markets your schools, organization, or agency commitment to those with intellectual disabilities.

A screening is quite simple and takes 6 to 8 minutes and conducted by a licensed physician or chiropractor for the state of Georgia. Additionally, a SOGA staff member is present. The screening is composed of the following:

For more information about free athlete screenings and how to conduct a Medfest in your community or school, please contact: Jennifer Daniell at (770) 414-9390 ext. 110 or Jennifer.Daniell@SpecialOlympicsGA.org

Why Georgia?

Georgia continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation and the capacity for athlete growth and participation is just waiting to be cultivated! Medfests can be conducted at schools, recreation settings, group homes or other facilities.

The Well Adjusted Spine
It‘s important to look at the big picture to understand what is going to take place during your lifetime. This can help you see how chiropractic can work to preserve many of your body’s functions and prevent degeneration of your spine.

Your 20s and 30s: This period of time is when your chiropractor can start to see the early stages of degeneration and arthritis that actually had its beginning in your childhood and teens. You may begin to experience diminished flexibility and joint aches and pains. Athletic performance typically begins to decline. The early signs of joint degeneration begin to appear on X-ray. These are all signs of long-standing physical decline, yet you still don’t have pain most of the time.

Your 40s and 50s: This is the time frame during which we start to see the effects of arthritis. Generally this is when your activities start to become limited because of reduced muscle flexibility and joint pain. Chronic pain is commonplace and destruction of cartilage in the knees and hips often results in joint replacement surgery.
How to Prevent or Slow the Damage: Using a combination of proper diet, exercise, regular chiropractic adjustments and custom orthotics if necessary, you can have an active role in preventing damage (or slowing down the wear-and-tear process). Your chiropractor or nutritionist can suggest what you should be eating, but it’s up to you to actually follow this plan and choose a healthy lifestyle. The five keys known to contribute to longevity are:

1. Don’t smoke.
2. Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation.
5. Get regular exercise.

Chiropractic Healthcare of Buckhead
Dr. Bruce L. Salzinger, D.C., CCSP®
Dr. Salzinger was a competitive collegiate Alpine Downhill Ski Racer and Cross Country Runner
He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician

Thank you to Georgia Chiropractic Association

Special Olympics would like to thank the Georgia Chiropractic Association (GCA) for their continued support. SOGA and the GCA share a committed alliance for our athletes. To find a chiropractor in your area who may offer free athlete screenings, contact Jennifer Daniell at Jennifer.Daniell@SpecialOlympicsGA.org