Gaffney Chiropractor :: Dr. Kevin Bernhardy

Dr. Kevin Bernhardy

My Introduction to Chiropractic Care

During my teenage years, in Cleveland, Ohio, I visited several local chiropractors when a problem arose. A stiff neck, pain in my back, or any annoying problem stopping me from being able to do the things my friends were doing that I wanted to do too! I never learned anything about what the doctor was doing or why. Just a “twist” here and a “pop” there, “pay the lady up front” and “come back when you need to.” No miracles, but I’ve seen them though. I just wish I had known then what I know now! This was an important phase of my developing years! Maybe with a bit of information about how chiropractic could have helped me then, I may not have had to suffer through the things I did as I grew older.

An Interest in Health and Well Being

I’ve always had an interest in how things work; whether it was a toaster, a clock, or an automobile. I enjoyed taking things apart to find out what made them “tick.” In the 70’s I became interested in diet and health and began to study traditional and non-traditional methods in the healing arts. I explored the Oriental approaches to health because they were based on a view of the “whole” body, which felt right to me, and had been in use for many thousands of years. I studied Eastern philosophy and macrobiotics which led me to a new view of health and healing through nutritional methods. Put into practice, I experienced a profound change in my overall health in both mind and body. This approach had given me an entirely different viewpoint in understanding how the human body can function when cared for properly. It helped me to a better, higher level of health and well being. I shared my experiences with others who, like me, were interested in having better physical, emotional and spiritual lifestyles. Yet, something was missing. Helping others to a better quality of life on a large scale was difficult especially when your ideas were, well, strange in comparison to what is commonly accepted in our “civilized” culture.

Dr. Kevin Realizes A Career in Chiropractic Is the Next Step

Through a dear friend, I met a man who was about to graduate from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (as it was named then) and we proceeded to have one of the most interesting debates on health and healing in my life. I was 29 at the time, some 31 years ago. We talked about Why (the philosophy), What (the science), and How (the art) of chiropractic. It was on that day I knew I had found what was missing! I received the first chiropractic “adjustment” of my life that night, and a picture formed in my mind of me doing exactly the same thing to others. I had found the next right step. My search began as to how to make this happen. My college search began by visiting some of the local chiropractors I had used in the past to discuss their educational backgrounds looking for some “tips” to help in choosing the right college. There was a lot to consider in my selection, but one aspect that seemed to be the most important to the local doctors was not about the best chiropractic education I could get, rather it was where I would be able to practice and how much money I would be able to make. I was steered away from Sherman College because I would be limited to the number of states accepting an application for a license to practice and Ohio was not one of them. I would be unable to return home to begin practice; as a matter of fact, only 13 states were accepting Sherman graduates at the time. Well, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, so I weighed their advice and visited several campuses.

Chiropractic Education

My visit to Sherman College’s campus was by far the most personal and comfortable of all that I had been to by then, and it was also the last one I visited because I felt at home there. I trusted my instincts, filled out an application and had a sit down with Susan the admissions director. She and I went over my application and found everything in order. All she needed to proceed was my college transcripts – whoops, did you say college? You mean I have to go to regular college before I can start in professional college? OK, well then, it’s off to Cleveland State University first.

Three years later, in the spring of 1983, I was officially a student at Sherman College of Chiropractic getting an education that would serve me for the rest of my life. I can truly say it was a challenging endeavor with many fond memories and continuing friendships to this day. Being highly motivated and older than most of my classmates, I was able to complete the four academic year program in 3 years (taking no summer breaks) and proudly graduated with high honors in March 1986. Without the help of the financial aid staff this may have never happened and I thank them all very much for their guidance.

A Little About Me

I come from a small family, two loving parents, my older brother and myself. My female companion and I enjoy spending our available time in service to others, taking time to be outdoors in nature, traveling together when possible. Playing games occasionally (brain food), watching movies – very little to no commercial TV; mostly enjoying the comfort of true companionship.

In my solo time, I’ve been introduced to the ever growing world of cyberspace…the net right? That’s what got me here telling you this. Bought my first computer two years ago – welcome to the 21st century. I enjoy working in the yard getting dirty, and then getting to see the fruits of my labors as things grow and blossom. Yes, yard work is one of the many chores I enjoy – really.

My Health Habits

I hydrate daily as this is an essential part of proper nutrition being that we humans are composed of approximately 80% water. This habit along with choosing and preparing food properly, taking the time to eat well by chewing adequately, and nourishing with some degree of regularity provides the body with its essential needs. I am neither fanatical nor rigid when it comes to diet, as I enjoy a wide array of choices at mealtime. I enjoy preparing meals as much as dining: simply because there are so many fabulous taste sensations available to us. I love a good long brisk walk regularly as it is low impact on my body and a fabulous way to clear my mind as well. Simple exercise combined with a good sleep routine is an easy way for me to stay focused and at ease. I have spent the greater part of my life studying about health and well-being. There is still so much to learn about the human body and its extraordinary abilities. I feel fortunate to have discovered a system of health habits that have helped me not only to stay well, but actually allows my quality of life to improve with age…and it works!

Enough about me! Thanks for visiting my website. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how I may be of service to you. Give my office a call, or email me using the link below and let’s arrange a time to explore your options. Remember, at Family Chiropractic Center, it’s all about You!