CLEAR Institute Donates $1,000s to National Scoliosis Foundation Fundraiser

LITITZ, PA, February 17, 2011 (Press-News.org) Dr. Clayton Stitzel, former co-director of the CLEAR Institute (a non-profit scoliosis research think tank), was a primary speaker at the "Sound for Scoliosis" National Scoliosis Foundation fund raiser on November 7, 2010 at the Vintage Theatre at 222 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The fund raiser is in its second year and coordinators report the event has already doubled in size.

Sound for Scoliosis is a yearly multi-venue festival of food, drink, music and silent auction held the weekend of November 5 through 7 in Scranton, Pennsylvania spanning nine venues. Tickets to each venue are $5.00 or a hopper pass is available for $10.00. Tickets can be purchased by http://charityhappenings.org/sound_for_scoliosis.html Sound for Scoliosis is endorsed by the National Scoliosis Foundation which received all of the donations. Other speakers at the event are Joe O'Brien, President and CEO National Scoliosis Foundation; Dr. Dan Golazewski, chiropractor and owner of Power Chiropractic; and Lucia Peregrim, Owner and Founder of Sound for Scoliosis.

Scoliosis occurs when the spine of the back forms a C or an S shaped curve. Scoliosis affects 2 to 3 percent of the population (an estimated 6 million people worldwide) and there is no cure. Scoliosis impacts infants, adolescents, and adults worldwide. The primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10 to 15 years old, and the condition affects more females than males. Females are more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment. Scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain, reduced respiratory function or diminished self-esteem.

Dr. Stitzel spoke on both the importance of treating scoliosis early in the course of the disease and on a new genetic prognostic test. Dr. Stitzel elaborates, "My primary message was in regards to the role early stage scoliosis intervention needs to play in the current treatment of scoliosis protocol and how the advent of genetic testing in scoliosis will change the future of scoliosis treatment entirely. Obviously it is a great honor to speak at Sounds for Scoliosis and I'm thrilled to be able to give back to an organization that has given so much to so many before me."

A donation of over $4,000.00 has already came in to the Sounds for Scoliosis from doctors associated with the CLEAR Institute, a non-profit group headquartered in Minnesota that has developed a non-surgical alternative to scoliosis treatment. "The National Scoliosis Foundation runs many worthy programs for scoliosis patients and we know the money will be used wisely," remarks Dr. Stitzel, a Director at the CLEAR Institute.

Dr. Clayton Stitzel is a Lancaster County Native. He is a graduate of Manheim Central High School. He received his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (the advanced study of biomechanics) from Penn State University. Dr. Stitzel earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. While attending Palmer College of Chiropractic, he received research honors and was inducted into Palmer's research fraternity. He is one of nine health care professionals within the U.S. that have received the CLEAR Institute's most prestigious certification in scoliosis treatment- scoliosis intensive care certified. Dr. Stitzel is a nationally and internationally recognized lecturer within the scoliosis field, speaking recently in Singapore and England. He is the co-developer of the scoliosis traction chair. Dr. Stitzel is the owner and Clinic Director for the Lancaster Spinal Health Center where he has practiced for 9 years. For more information, please visit: http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/ and http://www.clear-institute.org/.