Today marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of the chiropractic profession. Chiropractic has always been special to me since it’s all I have known my entire life. My dad opened his practice right here in Emmaus, Pennsylvania in 1961. In my house, when I had a “sniffle”, it meant I got an adjustment. When I was playing soccer or running track, I got an adjustment. When I was already feeling great and just wanted a little boost, I got an adjustment.
This was only the beginning.
At 17, my dad asked me if I wanted to go to a convention that he was attending in New York City. I was excited at the prospect of heading to the city for a great time. I did not think much about the chiropractic part of the weekend. This would turn out to be the legendary NYC Parker Seminar at the New York Hilton. The keynote speaker was Dr. Bernie Siegel whose book “Love Medicine & Miracles” was the #1 NYT best-seller at the time. By the end of that Saturday, I told my dad with great enthusiasm, “Dad, I want to be a Chiropractor!” The die was cast.
I had a great experience at Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia. Living in metro Atlanta in the late 80s and early 90s was amazing. It was then that I discovered “Network Chiropractic” as it was known at the time. I was smitten by the depth of connection that it provided both doctor and patient. I told my dad about this new method. His reply was priceless. “Darin, old dog...new trick.” He couldn’t possibly change lanes after being in practice for over 30 years at this point. He then followed it up with this sentiment, “But you learn it. You absorb the latest and greatest there is.” I really respected his encouragement.
In January 1997, Vitality of The Lehigh Valley was born. In 2000, it evolved into its present form of Vitality Natural Healthcare Center. Of the 125 years that chiropractic has existed as a profession, nearly 60 of those years Emmaus has had a chiropractor named Mazepa. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Emmaus and the Greater Lehigh Valley for close to 6 decades. I am excited to see what’s to come and look forward to a bright and healthy future for our community.