Holistic Health Tip of the Week

ABC's Mark Blumenthal Clarifies Ginkgo Study on Health Talk Radio Show

2010-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

The American Botanical Council (ABC) released a statement yesterday announcing that Mark Blumenthal, ABC founder and executive director, has "been working to publicly address misconceptions about ginkgo, resulting from a recent high-profile study."

Blumenthal was recently interviewed by Dr. Ronald Hoffman for the show Health Talk. During the interview, Blumenthal talked about a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which "reported that a leading ginkgo extract did not reduce cognitive decline in older adults. Blumenthal pointed out that this study had many significant limitations, and he highlighted some of the many positive studies indicating ginkgo's effectiveness."

Here is a link to the press release the American Botanical Council sent out addressing the "limitations" of the JAMA study: http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=9801.0

Blumenthal's interview is available for download as a podcast here: http://www.wor710.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4294989

Eye of Newt, 3 spider legs and a full moon

2009-10-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Or a cup of tea- Not many appreciate the fact herbs have been around back when Hypocrites was forming the medical community rules and guidelines. Often in todays fast paced, high stressed lifestyle we run to the over the counter quick fixes and ignore the time tested herbal alternatives. Heck, I am an herbalist and even i will offer cough medicine this time of year when one of my kids wakes me up in the middle of the night coughing. Though when I was a little girl my mother would offer me lemon and honey tea--perhaps with some catnip in it as well. I remember how soothing and pleasant the honey and lemon would taste with the warm water, the honey would be thick with granulated pieces that would crunch in my mouth and scratch my itchy throat as it went down to my belly. The cup of tea would soothe my spirit as well as my sore throat--and the healing properties in the local honey along with the vitamins in the lemon would set to work in my immune system. The catnip would soothe my need to cough and allow me to return to my sleep.

Now, I love our earth and I love science--this is why my professional and personal passions are total wellness. I know when we combined our thoughts of wellness to the right scientific measures we are 13 steps ahead of those over-the-counter quick "fixes". Very similar to the common sense of washing our hands to prevent the spread of the cold and flu viruses which seem to jump from person to person so quickly during the cold winter months. Benjamin Franklin is given credit for the quote "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and I think we need to consider what he meant by this. Waking up at 2 a.m. to a coughing child--that needs a cure, right? We need the child to sleep well, we need the child to return to a healthy state, right? However, what if we offered that soothing cup of catnip tea before bed? Perhaps as a nightly routine when colds and flu are upon us--soothing warm tea and a bedtime story. We would save the time it takes in lost sleep preparing the tea and soothing the child back to bed. This is also what I love about herbal therapies, in some regards the safety of them offers such a convenient healthy way of prevention! We can't just offer to our children cold medicine each evening just in case the may succumb to the viruses that are inside of them laying in wait. That would be more potential for harm than it would be for good. To the contrary, catnip is non habit forming, the fresh leaves contain vitamins A,B and C--all immune supporting vitamins. The plant contains minerals like calcium and zinc both shown to improve your state of health as well as iron which is needed by everyone as well. How many vitamins and minerals does the average over the counter child's cold remedy contain? Yeah--exactly.
So, next time you walk by your catnip plant outside, grab some leaves to prepare some tea. No catnip plant? That is OK, you can order some! This is the ounce of prevention you need to have in your cupboards during the cold season so your family, including your little ones, are not down and out.

Order Catnip Online!

How to Prepare Catnip Tea
Boil 1 cup of water.
In a tea cup of your choice add 1 teaspoon dried mint, pour boiled water over the herb and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the herb and add the juice of 1/2 a lemon as well as 1 tsp raw organic honey. Stir and sip while still warm.

***Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid catnip. Nursing fathers should probably also avoid it--just on the side of caution ;)***

-Maureen Jeanson CMH, cPT

Passion fruit peel may alleviate symptoms of asthma

2009-08-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Asthma, or airway inflammation and mucus secretion, can cause wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea. According to the HerbClips article "Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Alleviating Asthmatic Symptoms in Adults," about 17 million people in the U.S. have asthma, an increasing number, which has led to increased interest in the use of nutritional protocols to control asthma.

Purple passion fruit Passiflora edulis peel (PFP) has a history of use with health challenges. In South American folk medicine, extracts of the peel have been used with anxiety, insomnia, asthma, and bronchitis. The extract contains three antioxidants (cyanidin-3O-glucoside, quercetin-3O-glucoside, and edulilic acid) and was "shown to modulate nitric oxide in hypertensive rats."

In a 2008 study with 42 subjects, all participants showed wheeze symptoms at baseline, but only 19.1 % of subjects who took PFP and 78.9% of participants in the placebo group showed symptoms at the end of the study. In addition, "of the approximately 90% and 79% of subjects in the PFP and placebo groups, respectively, with shortness of breath at baseline, approximately 10% and 37%, respectively, had symptoms after treatment. Of the nearly 100% of subjects with cough at baseline, approximately 20% and 50% of subjects in the PFP and placebo groups, respectively, had symptoms after treatment."

These results show that passion fruit peel extract significantly improves asthmatic symptoms after four weeks of usage without adverse effects. The authors of the study concluded that: "PFP extract may be safely offered to asthmatic subjects as an alternative treatment option to reduce clinical symptoms."

References:

Watson RR, Zibadi S, Rafatpanah H, et al. Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma. Nutr Res. 2008;28: 166-171.

Based on article © Brenda Milot, ELS, "Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Alleviating Asthmatic Symptoms in Adults," HerbClip

Image © http://www.flickr.com/photos/17548490@N00/1608949872/sizes/s/#cc_license

Soy fact vs soy fiction

2009-08-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

The FDA has allowed the following claim to be made concerning soy products: “Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

To qualify food must: Contain 6.25 G of soy protein, have less than 3 g fat and 1 g saturated fat, and less than 20 mg of cholesterol and less than 480 mg of sodium. This claim is based on whole soy protein food, not isolated soy constituents. Asian diets contain typically 6-11 g of soy protein/day, which includes 25-50 mg of isoflavones.

Soy is a complete protein. Not really, but that might not be a bad thing.

The FDA claims that soy protein can be a good substitute for animal protein because it contains all the necessary essential amino acids. Soy is high in the non-essential amino acids, but is low in cysteine, methionine, and lysine. However, soy protein, as well as many other vegan proteins, are higher in non-essential amino acids than most animal-derived food proteins, and as a result should preferentially favor glucagon production. (This could help with insulin resistance.)

An unnecessarily high intake of essential amino acids—as in high-meat diets—may prove to be as grave a risk factor for “Western” degenerative diseases as is excessive fat intake.

Soy prevents cancer. Maybe.

Soy contains isoflavones that are phytoestrogens, which may have both benefits and risks. Phytoestrogens interact with many receptors, including estrogen hormone receptors, but the type of interaction and the type of receptor dictates the biologic response. For instance genistein, one of the main soy isoflavones, interacts differently with estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta. Genistein was shown to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Epidemiological studies show that women with traditional diets high in soy have a lower incidence of breast cancer those women with Western diets. There are no studies that show eating high amounts of soy later in life can decrease a women’s risk of breast cancer however.

Soy is safe for breast cancer survivors. Probably NOT.

Currently neither the animal data nor human data is conclusive as to whether soy is safe for breast cancer survivors. Women who are estrogen positive breast cancer survivors are frequently told to restrict their intake of soy products because of the phytoestrogen content.

GMO soy is healthy. If you don’t mind herbicides on your food!

Genetically modified soy is “Roundup Ready”, MEANING Roundup can be sprayed on the crop for weed control. Roundup Ready (RR) varieties of soybean has increased the use of glyphosate for weed control and glyphosate residues were found in soybean leaves and stems, and metabolites of the herbicide were found in the grain. Applications of glyphosate have no effects on phytoestrogen levels in glyphosate-resistant soybeans.

Fermented soy is better for you. Not really.

There is a difference in the isoflavones in non-fermented vs. fermented soy food, but the effect of enzymes and flora activity in the digestive tract makes the difference unimportant.

Soy is a common food allergen. True!

Soy is one of the top food allergens, along with cow’s milk, citrus, nuts, wheat, seafood and egg. Allergenicity of GMO soy may be altered. Hydrolyzed soy protein may not be as antigenic and there may be cross-reactivity with birch pollen and soy.

Soy inhibits the thyroid. Not True!

In 14 human studies, most found little change in thyroid function tests of normal subjects ingesting isolated soy protein. There are a few case studies of soy impacting hypothyroid patients, by reducing thyroid medication absorption. Always also consider iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency lead to goiter and soy may make an iodine deficiency worse. An interesting not is that Asian soy consumption is often coupled with seaweed, which is naturally high in iodine.

Soy inhibits protein digestion. Possibly.

Raw soy contains Bowman-Birk (BBI) inhibitor of chymotrypsin and trypsin and the Kunitz inhibitor of trypsin (KTI). Heating and processing of the soybean removes most but not all of these inhibitors. On the other hand, several studies suggest that BBI can also function as an anticarcinogen, possibly through interaction with a cellular serine protease.

Soy is safe for infant formulas. Caution is needed.

Infants consuming soy formulas had 10 times higher isoflavone levels in their blood than women receiving soy supplements who show menstrual disturbances. Small, physiologically relevant phytoestrogen exposure levels can alter estrogen-dependent gene expression in the brain and affect complex behavior in a wide range of species. The implications for these findings in humans, and particularly in infants, largely remain uninvestigated but are a subject of increasing public interest.

Soy infant formulas contain BBQ and KTI, protein enzyme inhibitors; infants on soy formula consume about 10 mg of KTI plus BBI per day. The impact of reduced protein digestion due to these enzyme inhibitors in infants is not known.

Soy is a good food. Most likely.

Whole soy foods are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, calcium and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Replacing some high fat animal protein with soy foods is beneficial. Soy can be part of a healthy diet, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, fish and lean meats Introduce soy slowly to the daily diet. Avoid if you have soy allergies.

Soy is a nutraceutical. Most likely.

Soy isoflavones may be helpful for modest cholesterol lowering effects. Soy isoflavones effect on breast cancer is unclear. Soy isoflavones may be helpful for menopausal symptoms. Soy isoflavones may be supportive for postmenopausal bone health.

>> By Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, ACHS Dean of Admissions

ABC’s Blumenthal Quoted in AP Article on Supplements for Pets

2009-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press released an article yesterday regarding supplements for pets, which included quotes from ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal.1 The AP article, written by Marilynn Marchione, focuses primarily on concerns over the quality and effectiveness of supplements for pets—particularly those that are intended to offer nutritional and/or other support for arthritis and other joint conditions. The article has already been distributed through several major media outlets.

The article quotes Blumenthal as stating that quality problems have been associated with supplements, although many companies do a good job. Blumenthal is also quoted as stating that dogs and cats are unable to give their subjective assessments of a supplement’s efficacy, and that owners want to believe that the supplements they pay for are having beneficial effects on their pets.

These statements were pulled from an approximately 45-minute phone interview that Marchione conducted with Blumenthal on June 24, and many topics of that conversation and qualifications that Blumenthal provided were not included. For instance, Blumenthal discussed several companies that are conducting legitimate research on the benefits of supplements on companion animals (dogs, cats, horses), but these were not mentioned in the article.

The American Botanical Council published its own article on supplements for pets in HerbalGram issue 82, titled “The Expanding Market and Regulatory Challenges of Supplements for Pets in the United States,” written by HerbalGram Managing Editor Courtney Cavaliere.2 Marchione stated that she had read that article during her interview with Blumenthal, and she included a link to the HerbalGram article below her own AP story (found under the “On the Net” subhead).

In the HerbalGram article, Cavaliere pointed out that the nonprofit National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)—of which 90% of pet supplement manufacturers in the United States are members—has initiated many self-regulatory measures for the pet supplement industry. NASC created quality control guidelines and instituted risk monitoring procedures for the industry. Companies that manufacture supplements for pets that meet the NASC’s quality and safety protocols, and that have completed a facility audit, are able to use the NASC’s Quality Seal on their products. Although Marchione mentions the NASC and quotes its president Bill Bookout in her AP article, she fails to mention the NASC’s self-regulatory protocols or its Seal Program.

As noted previously, Marchione also fails to point out that some companies that manufacture supplements for pets are increasingly testing the effectiveness of their products. She quotes anonymous “veterinary experts” as saying that there is little evidence that joint-pain supplements for pets work, and she uses quotes from Blumenthal to support the idea that testing the efficacy of supplements for pets is particularly difficult. The HerbalGram article, however, includes information on a randomized, controlled clinical study to assess the efficacy of an herbal supplement called Pet Relief® (RZN Nutraceuticals, Orange Park, FL) for treating canine pain and lameness, which was initiated in October 2008 at Colorado State University. This study is testing a pet supplement for the very condition (arthritis) that Marchione focused on within her own article, yet she did not include any information about such trials, or quotes from researchers conducting such trials, within her own article.

The AP article on supplements for pets is the latest of a series of articles that Marchione has written about dietary supplements, beginning in June. These articles have been generally critical of complementary and alternative medicine and the supplement industry. Blumenthal provided some commentary on Marchione’s series, which was published in the July issue of ABC’s monthly electronic newsletter HerbalEGram and has also been posted on ABC’s homepage.3

>> To learn more about holistic nutrition classes, click here.

References

1. Marchione M. Tests reveal some pet supplements skimp on meds. Associated Press. July 9, 2009. Available at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iaIOY9TjrDQryHoiXy-FMcmfyrugD99B3A880

2. Cavaliere C. The expanding market and regulatory challenges of supplements for pets in the United States. HerbalGram. 2009;82:34-41.

3. Blumenthal M. AP publishes series on dietary supplements and CAM. HerbalEGram, July 2009;6(7). Available at: <http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/R?i=wJRkzsf4TV33qL56AOBr8Q..>http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume6/07%20July/AP_Commentary.html?t=1246541625. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Being Green: simple environmentally friendly habits from Scientific American

2009-06-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

We all know the big ones: leave the car at home, don't waste electricity, and recycle. But, there are many more less obvious, equally simple ways to green your lifestyle. In their article "Being Green: 11 Environmentally Friendly Habits," Scientific American outlines some little-known tips that you can start using today. Here are some highlights:

1. Chemical Decoder
Read the label on your body care products. You're likely to find chemicals in the fine print: "Is polyquaternium-10 safe for you and everything that lives downstream from your shower drain? And why do toothpastes and toilet bowl cleaners share some ingredients?"

For information about the chemicals in household products, cosmetics, and body care products, checkout the Green Media Toolshed’s Scorecard (www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/), the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic safety database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com) and the National Library of Medicine’s Toxicology Data Network (http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov).

2. Hand-held Energy Savers
Replace electric-powered with hand-powered tools. Some suggestions: the can opener, coffee grinder, juicer, stick blender, and the electric knife.

3. Go Outside
According to Scientific American, "Sending a kid outside to play can improve his or her concentration and fight climate change. A study published in 2008 by researchers at the University of Illinois found that children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who took walks outdoors raised their attentiveness scores and that kids who walked in natural settings did better than those who walked city streets. A dose of nature was just as effective as a dose of Ritalin. Of course, the more time kids spend playing outdoors the less time they’ll spend at video-game consoles—which consume an estimated 16 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, about four times the output of Hoover Dam."

To read the full length article, click here.

Pledge to source your July 4th meal locally

2009-06-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

This invitation came to us directly from Kitchen Gardeners International. Their motto: Life's too short for mystery-meat hotdogs and water-flavored beer. We agree!

Please pledge to source your July 4th meal locally and petition your governor to do the same:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/153?m=639e3179

Grab a widget for your Facebook profile:
http://seed.sproutbuilder.com/fACFBbu2FXe1uaFA

Add a marker to our interactive map with your local food plans for the July 4th meal:
http://foodindependenceday.org/

You really need to call yourself to action

2009-06-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder why we have so many packaged lies on the grocery store shelves and vegetables and fruits have no one to march a campaign for them? Me too--here is my second article on my new campaign to allow our choices to be healthy choices!

FDA to Approve the Highest Bidder:

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires animal feed, like human foods, to:

· Be pure and wholesome
· Contain no harmful substances

This was sent to me in a recent newsletter update from the FDA in regards to the safety of pet food. I was immediately tickled by the idea of the FDA saying food sold for animals is required to be pure and wholesome, just as they dictate that food for humans also be pure and wholesome. Webster defines the word pure as- "being unmixed with any other matter—free from what pollutes". If that made you laugh, then you will love how Webster defines the word wholesome- "providing health of mind and body". So, the FDA states that they require food to be unmixed with any other matter and provide health to the mind and the body. Despite these regulations the FDA is said to require, we are becoming more and more aware of the dangers in our foods today. read more

Write your local government to change what we feed them!

2009-06-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

News Flash! Epidemic sweeps the nation -- 25% of people in New Hampshire have tested positive for this disease, 30% in Alaska, 27% in Ohio. In fact, almost every state in the nation has a quarter of its population testing positive for this deadly disease. Deaths attributed to this epidemic are staggering: heart attacks, strokes and even cancers are stemming from this epidemic, there is no realistic end in site. Why is this not reported to us on the news? Why are we not issued alerts on each news update on how to protect ourselves from this worldwide killer? READ MORE....

World Health Organization declares Swine Flu pandemic

2009-06-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the Swine Flu pandemic warning level from 5 to 6 on Thursday, June 11, according to the Associated Press. The global flu is reportedly the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. WHO Chief Dr. Margaret Chan is expected to make a statement about the pandemic on Thursday.

WHO said in a statement that, "At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity." The organization also told member countries that it was talking with flu vaccine makers and believes the "firms could work '"to ensure the largest possible supply of pandemic vaccine in the months to come.'"

In the meantime, Swine flu in continuing to spread in the northern hemisphere. The last pandemic, the Hong Kong flu of 1968, killed about 1 million people. Some health experts feel the current pandemic warning should have been declared earlier; however, others fear that would have caused widespread panic. "Raising the epidemic alert to the highest level will almost certainly spark some panic about spread of swine flu," according to the Associated Press article "WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun, 1st in 41 years."

Though some countries are responding more aggressively, representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, "the move would not change how the U.S. tackled swine flu." So far, in the U.S., there have been "13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu."

>> Oregano essential oil, with 72% carvacrol, is great herb for immune support, and may be helpful with Swine Flu: http://tinyurl.com/dbgx2d

>> Read the original article from the Associated Press, "WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun, 1st in 41 years"

Create your own antiaging program in 6 steps

2009-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

The June edition of More magazine features a special section called "Age proof your health." The article emphasizes two interesting points: 1. that health is primarily do-it-yourself, and 2. using a holistic* approach to health, you can create your own anti-aging program.

Here are six steps for creating your own anti-aging program based on More:

1. Set a time frame.

Pick a set time (they suggest 30 days) to focus on making lifestyle changes. Being specific focuses on your intention and creates a benchmark against which to measure progress.

2. Partner with a doctor.

To find an integrative medicine specialist to work with, More suggests the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. However, you can also alternative healthcare workers through the American College of Healthcare Sciences Practitioner Directory and on industry-specific sites like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

3. Get tested.

Standard tests will show areas of concern, including diabetes and heart disease.

4. Evaluate your diet.

You may want to work with a nutrition consultant, who can help you to develop healthy eating plans. *Incorporating organic herbs into your daily diet will impart additional vitamins and nutrients (and flavor!). For more information about cooking with herbs, download the free lecture Antioxidants and Herbs from the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe.

5. Develop and exercise routine.

Do something active every day. There is no single definition for what "active" means, which provides a great opportunity to make exercise work for you. That can mean taking a walk at lunch, joining a jogging group, or working with a personal training at the gym, to name a few.

6. Reduce stress.

Yoga and breathing exercises both help to reduce stress. For how-to techniques visit the American Institute of Stress website and download this free lecture about aromatherapy.

* What does holistic mean? Holistic is a whole person approach to health care, which emphasizes prevention, and optimal health through a balanced approach to mind, body, and spirit.

No Bones About it!

2009-05-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

According to recent studies on bone loss our North American diet is so acidic it is destroying our bones! Most people increase calcium intake when we hear we need denser bones- but we are missing some steps. Diets high in proteins and cereal grains cause more calcium to be excreted than retained. So, we are just peeing away our added calcium rather than building a stronger structure to combat aging. To fight the acidosis we can increase our magnesium as well as potassium in our diets. A diet high in vegetables and fruits increases potassium and magnesium levels in the body, reduces calcium output and shows an increase in our bone mineral density. Balancing your food can increase bone health!

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can be anxiety, muscle twitches, confusion and disorientation. This makes me wonder how many neurological problems can be attributed to Magnesium deficiency. It is also thought that a deficiency in this mineral is closely related to heart disease, blood clots and kidney troubles. A diet too proteins, coffee, and refined sugars can lead to a Magnesium deficiency(fast food anyone?). Excellent sources of this mineral are; almonds, citrus fruits, bananas, seafood, molasses and baked potatoes.

Potassium deficiency can go unnoticed in a mild case but more severe cases can cause muscle weakness, hypertension, abnormal heartbeat, and fatigue. Excellent sources of potassium in foods are; avocado, beans, melons and squash.

If you start to demand that the foods be as natural as possible you will be able to better balance your body. A lot of health advocates teach "If it did not have a mother or grow from the earth do not eat it!" This is so basic and such an easy tool to use when we look at our food as medicine for the body. We can increase longevity and the quality of our life as well.

Make your own whole food granola bars

2009-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Making your own healthy, natural granola bars is fun and easy. Here's one recipe that will take you about half and hour from start to finish.

Happy Hippie Granola Bars

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar ( store bought or make your own)
1/2 cup honey
1 cup dried fruit (any kind)
1 tbsp butter
1 cup wheat germ

Toast the oats and wheat germ on a cookie sheet for ten minutes (until lightly browned). Then
melt honey, butter, and brown sugar. Once it is melted, remove from heat and add oats, wheat germ, and dried fruits. Put into a square glass pan and let cool. Once cooled, cut into squares. You can store your granola bars in the refrigerator for about a week.

Have your own recipe to share? Please post to the blog so we can all build up our recipe boxes.

*Happy Hippie Granola Bars submitted by Melissa Klevans, Eng 101

Foraging for wild, medicinal plants and herbs

2009-05-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Foraging for wild food is not a "I just happened to see it" activity anymore. More and more websites are sprouting up with tips about what and how to forage native plants in your local neighborhood. So, what does "forage" mean? Generally, to forage for wild food is to search for and identify natural food sources safe for eating.

Whether in the country or an urban setting, wild foraging is a good way to incorporate local foods, including medicinal plants and herbs, into your everyday diet. For example, dandelion is a common weed found in many backyards. Medicinally, dandelion has a long history of use as a diuretic, tonic, and aperient. The tops can be eaten fresh in salads and the root, when dried, makes an excellent coffee substitute. (Before eating from the wild, make sure you have correctly identified the plant. For this, you may want to go foraging with a local expert or reference a reputable guidebook. Also, avoid plants that may have absorbed harmful toxins, such as plants growing by the roadside.)

In Portland, Oregon, where ACHS is based, some of the most commonly foraged foods include, pears, berries, walnuts, lavender, mint, and rosemary. (The ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, for example, invites locals to cut fresh herbs. such as rosemary and chives, for personal use, and will host a U-Pick Lavender event in July.)

For information about wild foraging in Portland, check out the Urban Edibles website, and for foraging wild and edible plants in your area, check out foraging.com.

Click here for more information about upcoming ACHS community classes and to download free information about growing, harvesting, and using medicinal plants to support your health.

Studies show the benefit of vitamin D for asthma and allergies

2009-05-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D, often thought of as the "sunshine vitamin," has more benefits than a sunny disposition. For example...did you know that vitamin D can help control allergies? According to a recent study in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, children with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to be hospitalized for asthma and had more allergies. That means, with regular levels of vitamin D, your kid's asthma and allergy symptoms may be significantly reduced.

How do you get more vitamin D, especially if it's not sunny? There are many sources, but for kids, perhaps one of the most friendly products is Kids Chewable DHA. In addition to vitamin D, fish oil is a natural source of vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acid, which are essential nutrients.

Other foods with vitamin D include: salmon, tuna, sardines, milk, eggs, cheese, and many ready-to-eat cereals.

Now is the time for education. Take a moment to find out what natural health can do for you.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Founded by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Awareness Month was established to educate clients, family, friends, and co-workers about asthma and allergy challenges, as well as how to live a full, healthy life with them.

Herbal medicine chest for busy moms

2009-05-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

We all know that it is important to nourish ourselves by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, making sure we take care or our own needs as moms, and getting plenty of rest.

However, sometimes our kids have other plans for us! Whether it is a crying baby that keeps you up all night, over-committing ourselves, or just generally being off balance and on the verge of burnout- herbs can be an excellent ally! Fellow moms often ask me what herbs I like to use during busy or stressful times- below are some of my favorites! All of these herbs are safe to use while nursing and are also excellent for postpartum.*

Nutritive Herbs

Milky Oats - Milky oats (tincture) will give me instant relief when I am on the verge of burnout and exhaustion, not thinking clearly, moody, and just plain overwhelmed. Milky oats are nourishing for the nervous system and can be taken over a long period of time. I notice the effects immediately, feeling revived and rejuvenated.
Alfalfa- Alfalfa is packed with nutrients- a great addition to tea!
Gotu Kola- Commonly used in Ayruvedic medicine, combined in a formula with other nervines, it reduces nervous exhaustion while at the same time promoting mental clarity.
Nettle- One of the best nutritive herbs. This herb can be used daily. This is a great herb to use to revive yourself if you are feeling drained. The whole plant including the seeds is an excellent remedy for adrenal exhaustion, something a lot of mom's may experience when they juggling multiple tasks and don't take the time for self care. Nettles are packed with trace minerals and vitamins.
Dandelion- Often thought of as just a weed, dandelion is a wonderful mildly bitter herb that has a long use in traditional herbal medicine as both a food and a beneficial medicinal remedy. Dandelion leaf can be eaten in salads, stir fry, the root roasted can be used as a coffee substitute and the dried root can be added to your tea blends.

Nervines

Catnip- this herb will come in handy for both mom and baby. Not only does it have a gentle relaxing effect, it will reduce colic in your baby both through the breast milk, used alone as a tea, or used in a "gripe water" formula. Catnip in a tea along with slippery elm, chamomile, fennel, and infant massage helped my daughter with her colic symptoms tremendously.
Chamomile- Another great herb for both mom and baby, it is not only relaxing it is a natural anti-inflammatory, and good for nervous tummies. So when your baby begins teething, chamomile is an excellent herb to have on hand to both relax you and your baby. Chamomile will also help with local inflammation of the gums when your baby is teething (apply tincture directly). I like chamomile combined with lavender as a tea for relaxation.
Lavender- Gentle and relaxing to the nervous system, it is good for insomnia, as well as milk production & the let down reflex, combined with other herbs such as chamomile, fennel, catnip.
Passionflower- I like this combined with other nervines in a nighttime tea, excellent for relaxation.
California Poppy- Excellent for anxiety and insomnia.
Lemon Balm- I like lemon balm combined with other herbs in a tea, the herb gives a general over-all good feeling. Calming effects will pass to your infant through the breast milk if you are nursing. Combines well with milky oats in tincture form.
Motherwort- This herb is bitter, great for anxiety. I like this herb in tincture form.
Skullcap- For the mom's with so much on their mind, new changes, over stimulation, a touch of the blues, exhaustion from lack of rest, I think this herb is one of the most valuable. It will nourish & restore your nervous system.
Vervain- This herb will help when you are irritable and on the verge of the angry "I've had it and I just might lose it" cry. Great to combine with the skullcap and or milky oats in tincture form. Good for the emotional mood swings of PMS-safe to take over long periods of time.

Author Bio
Angie Goodloe graduated from the American College of Healthcare Sciences with her Diploma in Herbal Studies Master Herbalist and Holistic Nutrition Certificate in 2005. She also graduated from the East West College of the Healing Arts in 2003 and currently teaches holistic health courses online. To read more about Angie and her work, check out her blog: http://authenticmama.com/

*This is the opinion and/or claim of the author. It is always recommended that you consult with a primary health care provider before making significant changes to your diet or health care routine.

Garland chrysanthemum healthy addition to fresh soups and salads

2009-05-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Garland chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum coronarium greens are a traditional addition to chop suey and soup, according to an April 30 article by Vern Nelson in The Oregonian, "Get set for chop suey." An annual that grows from 1-4 feet tall, garland chrysanthemum has yellow flowers and, depending on the cultivar, can also have white tips.

For cooking, Nelson recommends these varieties:

Broad leaf, which has a mild flavor
Maiko, which has a vigorous flavor
Round leaf, which has a milder flavor and bi-colored flowers
Small leaf, which has serrated leaves
Tiger ear, which has a strong flavor and broad leaves

To cook garland chrysanthemum, Nelson suggests you lightly "saute the leaves and stems or whole 4- to 6-inch seedlings with sesame seeds, garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Overcooking the leaves causes bitterness."

To also can eat the chrysanthemum raw in salads [like dandelion], add to "soups containing fresh ginger, or dunk in fritter batter and deep-fry." Nelson says that, "You'll detect flavors of carrot, celery, and juniper in round-leaved cultivars, and mesclun in most cultivars. The species and serrate-leaved varieties have a stronger, sometimes bitter finish [...]. The petals of all varieties have less flavor but look great in salads. The seeds can be sprouted and used in sandwiches or as salad."

To read the complete article, including tips for planting garland chrysanthemum, care, and harvest, click here.

© Nelson, Vern. The Oregonian, "Get set for chop suey." April 30, 2009.

Swine Flu--What does it mean for your health?

2009-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

This week there has emerged a new influenza A virus in Mexico which can be spread from person to person by contact. The virus contains genetic material from four different flu viruses – North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe swine virus, a bird virus and a human virus. (Sharing of genetic material between viruses is common). The virus seems to have originated in Mexico and has spread throughout the country quickly, as well as to the US Europe and New Zealand. All the confirmed cases seem to have contacted the virus while traveling in Mexico and then brought it back to their country of origin. The first US cases occurred on April 17, 2009, in two children who resided in adjacent counties in southern California.

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human influenza A H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

Since this is therefore a novel virus for human immune systems, we don’t have much natural immunity, thus allowing the virus to spread quickly. This is why there is worldwide concern over the possibility of this becoming a pandemic (A pandemic (from Greek pan all + demos people) is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic).

Click here for tips about how to give your immune system a natural boost, and more information from the CDC.

Written by Dr. Ariana Staruch, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon, and ACHS faculty member.

How much water do you really need?

2009-04-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

How much water do we really need to be healthy? The answer: It depends. The amount of water a person needs is dependent on many factors, such as where they live, how active they are, and overall health. So, the question may not be, "Am I drinking the right number of glasses?" but, "Is my body getting enough fluids?"

Water accounts for about 60% of our body weight, and every system in our body depends on it. For example, water flushes toxins out of our organs, hydrates our skin, and carries nutrients to our cells. But as we live through our day, we lose water through natural processes like breath and perspiration. What happens to our bodies when this water is not replaced?

Dehydration happens when the body does not have enough water to function correctly. Dehydration can manifest in many ways, but include sluggish body function and lack of energy. Who wants that.

To figure out how much water your body needs, here are some guidelines based on the information provided on the Mayo Clinic website:

1. Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is about 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating, and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.

2. Eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Another approach to water intake is the "8 x 8 rule"—drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters). Though the approach isn't supported by scientific evidence, many people use this basic rule as a guideline for how much water and other fluids to drink.

3. Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

For more information about nutrition, Click Here for the free download "Keep Your Kids Healthy."

Angela Stokes and Matt Monarch speak about holistic nutrition April 24

2009-04-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

An event like this doesn't take place every day. If you have an interest in raw and living foods, finding answers to health concerns, or you're just looking for a great group of positive, green conscious people, you won't want to miss this event.

Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes, world-renowned raw food authors, educators, and lecturers will speak at the Meadow Park Building in San Luis Obispo, California, April 24, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monarch and Stokes produce an online TV show called The Raw Food World. In addition, Stokes runs Raw Reform, blogs, and speaks worldwide about the benefits of raw and living food, and Monarch has written books and blogs about the raw food lifestyle, and runs Raw Spirit.

For more information, go to Love, Life, and Laughter, the blog of ACHS holistic health alumni Stephanie Austin.

Earth Day is a celebration of health: help your body to thrive

2009-04-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day, a celebration of life and health, ACHS wants to support your choice to live well. Now through April 26, 2009, we are offering 20% off your entire purchase of earth friendly products made through the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store.

When you purchase sustainable products, you protect the environment, but you also take a further step toward protecting your personal health. Help your body to thrive. Purchase organic, spray and synthetic-free products whenever possible.

Stock up on EcoCert organic, sustainably wildcrafted herbs and essential oils, do-it-yourself natural body care kits, health reference texts, flower essences, gardening supplies, and a wide variety of holistic health resources.

CLICK HERE for 20% off your entire purchase of earth friendly gifts.
Offer expires April 26, 2009.

Did you know...
In 1970, 20 million celebrated the first Earth Day. Founded by John Gardener, Founder of Common Cause, Earth Day started as a grassroots celebration of the planet, which continues today.

AHG Vice President Roy Upton leads TeleSeminar about FDA Good Manufacturing Practices

2009-04-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

When the new GMPs for herbal products were finalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2007, many breathed a sigh of relief: the FDA was not requiring practitioners who make their own products for their clients to adhere to the new regulations. The FDA did retain the authority, however, to do so in the future. This raises questions for herbalists, like “What would cause the FDA to come knocking" on an herbalist's door or to change their minds and require us to follow the guidelines?

There are few better people than Roy Upton to answer these questions or to discuss the ways to ensure that your clients are receiving high-quality herbal medicines.

Registration is open for the second installment in the 2009 AHG TeleSeminar Series. Roy Upton, AHG's Vice-President, will be speaking on "What Do the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices Mean for Herbalists" on May 4 at 7:00 p.m., EST.

Trained in both traditional Western and Chinese herbalism, Roy Upton is a founding and professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. His background includes extensive study with various Native American and non-Native herbalists, ethnobotany of the United States Virgin Islands, and seven years of clinical practice, followed by a three-year clinical internship with Michael Tierra and training at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China. He is the executive director and editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia® and is also a member of the Standards Committee of the American Herbal Products Association.

In his "day job," Upton is general manager of Planetary Formulas. He writes extensively and is the author of St. John's Wort and Echinacea, as well as co-author of the Botanical Safety Handbook—a landmark text of herbal safety—and is currently active in the preparation of a new edition.

To register for the AHG TeleSeminar, call the AHG Office at (203) 272-6731 or visit: http://americanherbalistsguild.com/node/132.

Claim your certified organic, shade-loving seeds

2009-04-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Just in time for spring seed starting...

Save money and improve your health by growing fresh culinary herbs from seeds. Your family will love that you are saving money and creating yummy flavor-filled meals, packed full of vitamins, and nutrients. This is true preventative medicine!

Growing your own herbs is easy. Even if you have a shady patio, there are several herbs that will thrive in partial shade. Parsley, anise, and hyssop “are among the best herbs for dappled light or areas that receive only a couple of hours of direct sun daily.”*

To help you get started, CLICK HERE. Order any gardening book from the Apothecary Shoppe's select list April 16-22, and we'll send you a free pack of certified organic, shade-loving seeds for every book you buy.

Never grown herbs from seed before? CLICK HERE for an introduction to seed starting. Watch videos on seed starting presented by Erika Yigzaw, ACHS Senior Vice President and Master Gardener.

Order any select gardening book April 16-22 and receive a free pack of certified organic, shade-loving seeds.

CLICK HERE to add your seeds to your shopping cart.

* "7 Herbs that Grow in Shade," featured in the latest edition of The Herb Companion

We know to filter water. But should we be filtering our cosmetics too?

2009-04-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hormone-altering chemicals in your makeup? Could be. The FDA does not require cosmetics manufacturers to test their own personal care products for safety. And yet, we buy it. We think...Chapstick can't hurt. It's just shampoo. But studies are showing that a little of something used over a long period of time can, in fact, hurt your overall health and wellness.

Ever wondered what those long, garbled words ("ingredients") on the back of your personal care products mean? They're synthetics. You probably new that. But...what do they mean? The skin is a complicated organ, one that needs clear pathways to excrete toxins. Synthetics block the skin's pathways, which, to the average eye, looks like less-than-vibrant skin.

To help you sort the good (natural!) from the bad and the ugly (synthetic), the Environmental Working Group has launched Skin Deep, a cosmetics safety database where you can search the products you use on a daily basis by product name, ingredient, or company. For example, did you know that Pantene Conditioning Spray has a hazard rating of 10 out of 10. Ingredients in this product have been linked to: developmental and reproductive toxicity, violations, allergies, and organ system toxicity, to name a few. Burt's Bees Avocado Hair Conditioner, however, only has a toxic rating of 3, which reflects its link to allergies.

Don't be fooled the word "cosmetics." We're not talking lipstick and sparkle eyeshadow here (not only). Toxic ingredients are equally included in men's and women's personal care products. For example, AXE Deodorant Body Spray for Men has a hazard rating of 5, while BOD MAN Fragrance has a rating of 8.

The decision to protect your health is a personal one. Make the most of it. Choose natural. For more information about natural products, download free tips and recipes from the Apothecary Shoppe College Store.

Plant a Row for the Hungry: gardening for the greater good

2009-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Take the pledge and grow a garden for the greater good. As you start your spring planting, ask yourself, "What would it cost to plant one more row? One more container? One more vegetable, fruit, grain?"

According to the Plant a Row for the Hungry website, there are more than 84 million households with a yard or garden in the U.S., and if "every gardener plants one extra row of vegetables and and donates their surplus to local food agencies and soup kitchens, a significant impact can be made on reducing hunger."

CLICK HERE to find the fresh produce donation center nearest to you and to take the GrowGood pledge.

History
PAR was founded in Anchorage, AK, in the garden column of Jeff Lowenfels, former Garden Writers Association president. Lowenfels asked his readers to Plant A Row of vegetables for Bean’s Cafe, an Anchorage soup kitchen. The program was so successful, he introduced it to GWA as a national program.

It took five years to reach the first million pounds of donated produce. The next million was reached in only two years, and in the next eight years, more than a million pounds of food was donated each year. This is a significant contribution considering that each pound of produce supplements four meals.

Since 1995, over 14 million pounds of produce providing over 50 million meals have been donated by American gardeners.

CLICK HERE to learn more about holistic nutrition.

Living on a Budget and Eating Organic are hard to blend

2009-04-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

We are living in an organic world, and I am an organic girl—sing along if you know the words. However, most people would read this title and think that I have more money to spend on food than the average family does. I don't. I just shop savvy. I know how hard it is to feed a family wholesome foods in today's tough economy. We have a healthy vibrant brood of five children, and they all seem to demand meals consistently day to day. Not to mention the snacking kids can do— that hits hard on any budget but especially for those who want to live organically.

Click here to read Hunt and Gather Organic Foods on a Budget, tips about eating organically without eating up your kid's college funds.

Holistic health approachs to cancer care

2009-04-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Cancer...We have options, but--what are they?

Though we've yet to find the cancer cure-all, more and more people are rediscovering age-old holistic health protocols to augment more traditional treatments. For example, according tot he National Cancer institute website, aromatherapy has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce stress and anxiety for cancer patients, and can easily be combined with other treatments like acupuncture and massage.

But there are several less known, yet effective methods for eliminating stress and excessive toxins from the body, both linked to cancer development.

Here is a very useful personal account with 5 tips for turning the tide of cancer with holistic health protocols.

To learn more about holistic health for personal care and consulting, CLICK HERE.

Caring for your pets with homeopathy

2009-03-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Caring for pets with homeopathy is a very satisfying experience. The secret is simple: Treat your animals like people.

Your pets are part of your family. They have their own character, personality, and quirks—and individualism, it just so happens, is the foundation of homeopathy.

Yet, unlike other family members, pets cannot answer your questions while you are examining them. So, you must be very observant and sensitive to your pet’s change in appearance, attitude, and demeanor.

Establish the norm. What is your pet’s normal temperature, pulse, average number of breaths per minute, and typical appearance.

Law of Similars

The Law of Similars, or “like cures like,” is the foundation of homoepathy and a universal law of nature. Remedy involves small doses of substances that would produce symptoms of illness in healthy people when given in larger doses.

Most house pets are mammals, and they have similar metabolisms to people. Yet, there will be differences in how they react to homeopathics. For that reason, when caring for your pet, use mineral remedies with herbivores when possible.

Homeopathics

To administer the remedy, it is best to mix a few drops into fresh water. Yet some pets prefer tablets. See what works best in your house.

For guidance about administering homeopathics to your pets, consult a book like Treatment of Cats with Homeopathy by Sheppard.

For more information about specific homeopathic remedies to use with your pets, visit the Bach Flower Essence website, where you can ask a practitioner for guidance: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm/.

For more information about homeopathy for personal use, Click Here.

3 stress relieving meals your family will love

2009-03-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Stress has many harmful effects on the body. The demands of modern life have been shown to weaken our immune systems and to increase our risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Although we may not be able to eradicate stress altogether, we can minimize negative effects by consciously maintaining a healthful lifestyle.

In addition to relaxation and exercise activities, one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost overall health is through nutrition, specifically the daily use of nutritious herbs. Adding herbs to daily meals is important, because it builds health over time. Consistently eating nutritious herbs bolsters the body’s vitality, which makes it easier to fend off health challenges.

CLICK HERE for a free ACHS download with tips for using antioxidants and herbs.

Here are three easy-to-use herbs sure to get good reviews from the whole family.

1. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basillicum)

The health benefits of eating basil include: vitamins and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B2, A, and C), healthy digestion, and the essential oil, which has a clove-like aroma, eases anxiety.

Easy-to-make meal:

• Chop fresh and add to pre-made tomato sauces;
• Add raw flowers and leaves to green, leafy salads; or
• Use a blender to combine olive oil, basil, sun dried tomatoes, and garlic—serve as a side dish with bread or on top of pasta.

2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

The health benefits of eating fennel include: vitamins and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and vitamins B2, A (as beta carotene), and C), healthy digestion (including indigestion), and healthy respiration.

Easy-to-make meal:
• Add fresh fennel leaves to green, leafy salads;
• Fennel stems can be cooked with in a variety of vegetable or lentil-based soups; or
• Chop fresh into tuna and pasta salads for flavor.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

The health benefits of eating pumpkin seeds include: vitamins and minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, silica, and linoleic acid), healthy digestion, and healthy kidney function.

Easy-to-make meals:

• Eat the seeds raw or lightly-toasted as a mid-meal snack;
• Grind until smooth and add to granola or breakfast cereal; or
• Grind until smooth and add to a breading for fish or chicken.

To learn more about holistic nutrition, or career training to be a holistic nutrition consultant with ACHS, CLICK HERE.

Major food safety reforms would be would be gr-r-reat

2009-03-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

ACHS Master Herbalist Christina Suarez, owner of The Good Herb Company, led a talk at ACHS Saturday, March 21, about Organic Standards. While outlining the extensive requirements for organic certification, Suarez emphasized the importance of reading food labels to evaluate the health benefits of ingredients. As part of her presentation, Suarez talked about a recent news article in which the CEO of Kellogg calls for a food safety reform program. On principle, it just sounds like a good idea. But, on a practical level, it’s essential because, as Suarez pointed out, many of the foods we have been eating for years are GMO (a genetically modified organism), which many people don’t know.

Here is an excerpt of the article “Kellogg’s CEO calls for major food safety reforms” from the Associated Press, March 18.

“Tony the Tiger's boss says a food safety overhaul would be Gr-r-reat!
The Kellogg Co.’s top official is urging U.S. legislators to revamp the food safety system. The world's biggest cereal maker—its brands include Frosted Flakes—lost $70 million in the recent salmonella outbreak, after recalling seven million cases of peanut butter crackers and cookies.

CEO David Mackay will tell Congress on Thursday [March 19] the company wants food safety placed under a new leader in the Health and Human Services department. He also calls for new requirements that all food companies have written safety plans, annual federal inspections of facilities that make high-risk foods and other reforms.

Mackay’s strong endorsement of major changes could boost President Barack Obama's efforts to overhaul the system. Last week, Obama launched a special review of food safety programs, which are split among several departments and agencies and rely in some cases on decades-old laws. Critics say more funding is needed for inspections and basic research.

"The recent outbreak illustrated that the U.S. food safety system must be strengthened," Mackay said.

"We believe the key is to focus on prevention, so that potential sources of contamination are identified and properly addressed before they become actual food safety problems."

In addition to health prevention and safety, there are several reasons to avoid GMO-grown foods, however used to eating them we are. Here are a few:

1. Sustainability agriculture supports local food growing (like your favorite farmer’s market)
2. Environmental preservation
3. Taste. Non-GMO foods have it!

Click here to read more about Christina Suarez and The Good Herb Company.

To learn more about David Mackay’s presentation to Congress March 19, click here.

What do you know about GMO? Tell us below. Label-reading tips? We want to know those too.

March is National Nutrition Month

2009-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

According to the American Heart Association, making wise dietary choices keeps your heart healthy. This month, make a commitment to learn more about cardiovascular health. It may sound difficult, but it's not. Heart health is not about one big, overwhelming choice. It's about the small choices you make throughout your day.

Here are a few simple choices from the AHA website to help get you moving towards a happier, healthier you...

1. Use up at least as many calories as you take in.

Start by knowing how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight. Don’t eat more calories than you know you can burn up every day. Increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity to match the number of calories you take in. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week or—best of all—at least 30 minutes every day.

2. Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups.

Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often.

3. Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods.

The right number of calories to eat each day is based on your age and physical activity level and whether you're trying to gain, lose or maintain your weight. As you make daily food choices, base your eating pattern on these recommendations:

Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.

Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.

Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.

Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means one drink per day if you’re a man.

Keep an eye on portion size.

If you have heart-healthy tips or recipes of your own, we'd love it if you'd share. The more we know about making healthy choices, the better. Thanks!

For more information, visit the American Heart Association website at: http://www.americanheart.org

JJ Virgin & Associates is Hiring World Class Health Coaches

2009-03-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

Calling all ACHS grads...trained health coaches needed by JJ Virgin and Associates.

JJ Virgin, is a 25 year veteran of the health and fitness industry, and has worked in nearly every aspect of the business, including numerous network television appearances as a nutritionist, fitness expert and health show host, including and E! Modern Girl’s Guide to Life, NBC’s ivillage Live and Extreme Makeover, where she was part of The Extreme Team on the show’s season finale. She was also a Nutritionist on The Dr. Phil Show for two seasons, assisting the contestants of the Dr. Phil Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge with their nutrition challenges. She recently filmed two pilots for ABC for the international hit show, You Are What You Eat.

Today, JJ Virgin integrates her educational background of nutrition, exercise physiology, psychology, functional medicine and laboratory evaluation into her work as a nutritionist and fitness expert, writer, professional speaker, and television and radio personality.

The Job...

JJ Virgin and Associates is looking to add part-time health coaches to our growing business. Work in tandem with National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) President and health expert JJ Virgin and our Director of Health Coaching, Miriam Zacharias, utilizing a holistic point of view to provide health coaching, counseling, and consultation to our clients on a variety of health conditions. Our ideal candidates will be highly organized, demonstrate superior and proactive communication skills, and convey professionalism in working with our high-caliber clients.

Our Health Coaches must be very comfortable in a virtual coaching environment, and be well-versed in telephone and computer communication protocols. We expect all Health Coaches to maintain professional membership in the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and to pass the board certification in holistic nutrition exam within 6 months of hiring.

Minimum Skills and qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in health education, health science, food nutrition, dietetics, fitness or related field and at last 1 year experience + Masters in a Health related discipline OR equivalent experience working with clients or patients in a health setting as a RN, nutritionist or fitness professional. You may be located anywhere within the U.S., and be able to work independently with limited direction or supervision.

For more information on this opportunity, please send along your resume and cover letter to Miriam Zacharias at mirzacharias@jjvirgin.com.

Check out JJ Virgin's new website, www.healthprovt.com, an online virtual training site for health care professionals.

Three Tips for Optimism: Positioning Health Products Amid Recession

2009-03-02T17:31:00.001-08:00

With the economy hurtling downward, it's not a question of if the economy will affect your business - but to what extent. However, if you're selling health products, you've got some reasons to be optimistic. In fact, the health product market has a history of staying strong despite dips in the economy. And the reasons behind this staying power bodes well for health products today.

A recent survey conducted by Nutrition Business Journal and Avero Research found that 98% of American households spend at least a portion of their budgets on healthy foods. And better yet, on average consumers reported spending 51% of their household food budget on healthy foods.

Now admittedly, this survey was conducted in May 2008, before the real financial travails started, but when you look deeper into consumer thinking, you'll find three significant reasons to feel more positive about your health business' prospects over the next few months.

Furthermore, these 3 reasons provide great ways to position your products for the altered consumer mindset:

1. People see health as a wise investment: This election showed more than ever that people are hurting financially as a direct result of health problems. And as the Avero poll above demonstrates, people are using health, specifically preventative health, as a criteria for where to put their dollars.

Even more telling, people see better health as an investment in their careers. As Cara Morrison reported in her extensive report for Packaged Facts, Sport Nutritionals for Active Lifestyles in the U.S., sports nutrition products are not only used by people for sports performance improvement but increasingly for better performance outside of the gym. The benefits of increased energy, higher acuity and even better physical appearance resonate with consumers seeking to perform better at work.

And on the corporate side, corporations are rewarding employees for good health and investing in personal trainers and gyms to help them achieve it - because they know how much this pays off.

Positioning Tip: Position your product [or services] as a smart investment, an investment that will never be at the mercy of global economic fluctuations, investment scandals or government interventions. Place value on your product by comparing it to the costs of more costly interventions - prescriptions, medical bills or time lost from work.

2. People latch onto health as something they can control: In 2001, the Hartman Group, a Seattle-based market research organization that focuses on the natural health consumer, found to their surprise that sales of organic foods was not declining, despite the economic problems.

When they started to look into why organics had staying power, they found out that consumers did not perceive them as luxury items, but as essentials. But even more interesting, consumers reported again and again that purchasing healthy food was a way of maintaining some feeling of control in their lives when everything else seemed so out of control.

Positioning Tip: Position your product [or services] as something that gives your prospects' control over their lives. When they choose to take care of their health, they are making themselves invulnerable to whatever comes along. With good energy, strength, alertness and stamina, they can take on the changes up ahead and find a way to tackle problems. They are not held hostage by the fears of medical bills, or debilitating chronic disease. And within the health care world, they can advocate for themselves better with better information and be smarter consumers as a result.

3. Health care items can be smart and satisfying indulgences: With a tightening budget, consumers are putting off old rewards like big vacations, a new car or the latest electronics. But consumers are still looking for ways to feel good and treat themselves - even more than ever. As green marketing expert, Darrin Duber-Smith explained, with troubling financial times, people tend to nest more, taking care of themselves and their immediate retreat - their homes. Many health care products - from natural personal care items to tasty but healthy desserts - strike a chord with consumers looking for a guilt-free way to reward themselves and put a soothing balm on their stress-filled days.

Positioning Tip: Emphasize the nourishing, sensual nature of your products [or services]. If you sell a lotion, don't just talk about how good their skin will look, but talk about the scent, the feeling of putting it on, the experience of using it. If you have a wonderfully-flavored whey protein, suggest using it in a delicious smoothie treat when you get home from work. Promote a new cookbook as a replacement for those restaurant meals consumers have been cutting out of their spending habits.

Health Freedom Updates for March

2009-03-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

Many states have started their legislative sessions and are going strong. Make sure you check your state update to see if there is anything new.

I have also set up a health freedom website so you can see what is new. This website address is: www.fyhf.synthasite.com.

I also have the yahoo group set up so that you will receive important alerts as they are released. Just send a blank email to: FYHF-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

We all have friends, relatives, customers, etc. in other states. This is a good way to pass along information to people you know in other states.

Please remember that each state has different laws and regulations regarding what you can and cannot do when it comes to complementary and alternative health care.

There are currently six states that have health freedom laws. These are: Minnesota, California, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Idaho. If you live in one of these states, you need to know the laws regarding health freedom, what you can and cannot do, and what disclosures you may need to provide to your clients.

There are 15 states and the District of Columbia that license or regulate naturopathic physicians. If your state is one that regulates naturopathic physicians, you need to know what that law says in regards to what you can and cannot do. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Minnesota just passed a registration bill for naturopathic physicians that should take effect July 1, 2009.

For questions about health freedom in your state, contact Kim Sharples at kimberlysharples@msn.com or call (719) 390-1979. Kim Sharples, HHP, was the 2008 ACHS Famous Alumni of the Year.

For state-by-state information, CLICK HERE.

ALASKA
Alaska has introduced a Naturopathic Physician bill, SB70: http://www.aksenate.org/index.php?bill=SB70

For more information, contact Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

CALIFORNIA
Prop 65 is proposed regulation that wants to classify all beneficial nutrients with above-RDA potencies as cancer-causing agents under unless proven otherwise.
For more information, please go to this website: http://www.thenhf.com/press_releases/pr_12_may_2008.html

There is also California Health Freedom Coalition: www.californiahealthfreedom.com and
California Citizens for Health Freedom: www.citizenshealth.org or email: frank@citizenshealth.org.

HAWAII
House bill 1196 has been introduced. This bill has amendments to the Naturopathic Physician Act. For more information, contact Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

IDAHO
Idaho has a bill, S1014 that will repeal the Naturopathic Physician Licensing Act. This has passed the Senate and is now in the House. For more information about Idaho, contact Boyd at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org or info@naturalhealthidaho.org. You can also visit the website for Idaho CNH at: www.naturalhealthidaho.org.

ILLINOIS
HR0095 creates a task force on the licensure of Naturopathic Physicians: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=0095&GAID=10&GA=96&DocTypeID=HR&LegID=44565&SessionID=76

For more information, contact Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org

IOWA
From Iowa Health Freedom Coalition: Our work for 2009 has already begun. Our website improvements include a PayPal button that will make donating or renewing membership a breeze. Check it out at: http://www.iowahealthfreedom.org/join.html.

We now have a Speakers Bureau where groups can request a speaker on many topics relating to health freedom, access to holistic wellness, and current laws or legislation relating to holistic, integrative wellness. Please visit the site and line up a speaker for your event.

IHFC will have a booth at the Iowa Holistic Expo, March 14th and 15th at the Polk County Convention Center. This was a wonderful event last year and this year promises to be as well. Please plan to attend! More information can be found at: http://www.edgelife.net/expos/iowa/index.htm

As we shape our activities for the year, we want to hear from you: your concerns, your experiences, and your questions. The more we know about what is going on throughout Iowa, the better we can serve you. Please be our eyes and ears! And we will be a more effective representative for you at the Capitol. We are also expanding our organization and are looking for people to fill leadership roles or just help out; let us know if you’d like to join us and what you are interested or willing to do. Our email: info@iowahealthfreedom.org.

We have introduced the Iowa Access to Wellness bill once again in the Iowa Legislature. It has not been assigned a bill number yet, but look for an update soon! Or check the website in the next week or so: http://www.iowahealthfreedom.org.

MARYLAND
Alternative Health care bill HB 1380 has been introduced. Here is the link to view the bill : http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/bills/hb/hb1380f.pdf.

You may find contact info and email of the HGO committee and Senate EHEA committee members. It will be very useful to send an e-mail to these members in support of the bill. Ask your friends to do the same.

Senators by name: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/senal.html
You may want to track the bill for next few weeks for hearing dates.

HGO committee members
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/05heal.html
Delegates by name: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hseal.html
Members of the Senate EHEA committee
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/com/02eco.html

MISSOURI
The Coalition for Natural Health was able to stop attempts made to attach amendments to bills moving through legislature last year. House Bill 750 has been introduced and relates to the practice of naturopathic medicine: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills091/biltxt/intro/HB0750I.htm.

For more information, contact Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

NEVADA
SB 69 creates the Board of Complementary Integrative Medical Examiners: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/Bills/SB/SB69.pdf.

For more information contact Boyd Landry: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

NEW MEXICO

A Health Freedom bill, HB 664, has been introduced in New Mexico: http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=%20664&year=09

And also the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine bill, HB 492: http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=%20492&year=09

For more information contact Boyd Landry: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org or the NMCAAMP website at www.nmcaamp.org.

NORTH CAROLINA
From North Carolina Citizens for Healthcare Freedom: Citizens For Healthcare Freedom (CHF) has been working to protect your rights to natural and complementary healthcare in North Carolina since 1995. This year, CHF will be working with North Carolina legislators to pass the Consumer Health Freedom Act.

What is the Consumer Health Freedom Act? An amendment to the NC medical licensing law to protect the right to choose nutritional supplements and access alternative, holistic, complementary, or natural health providers or practitioners. The legislation would protect the right of health care providers to offer their services legally and safely, without fear of being prosecuted for "practicing medicine without a license" in NC.

For more information on this proposed legislation and CHF, visit: www.ncchf.org.

Support us! It's imperative we raise funds immediately to cover the costs and expenses needed to pass The Consumer Health Freedom Act in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session. CHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported solely by membership dues and donations. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Please support our vision of a health freedom state and a sustainable community by becoming a CHF member or by making a donation. To join or contribute with a credit card, visit our website: www.ncchf.org.

OHIO
There are 2 health freedom organizations in OHIO: The Ohio Health Freedom Coalition (www.ohiohealthfreedom.org) and the Ohio Sunshine Health Freedom Coalition.

1. The Ohio Health Freedom Coalition was originally formed in 2004; OHFC is a nonprofit organization that advocates for changing Ohio law to allow for greater access to complementary and alternative health care services. OHFC’s members believe that complementary and alternative health care options should be available to members of the public, that citizens should have the freedom to select the practitioner who delivers them and that the state should not prohibit access to natural health services.

Just in time for the New Year the Ohio Institute of Energetic Studies & Bodywork is hosting a FREE Holistic Health Expo in Cleveland, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio. Come out and meet our Executive Director, Sara Donlon. For more information or questions regarding the Ohio Health Freedom Coalition please call: (614) 888-7351.

2. Ohio Sunshine Health Freedom Coalition (www.ohiosunshinehealthfreedom.info). To learn more, please contact Linda Murray (hertouch@juno.com).

OKLAHOMA
Health Freedom Action Network: contact information: information@oklahomahealthfreedom.org or their website: http://www.oklahomahealthfreedom.org.

OREGON
Oregon Health Freedom Website: www.oregonhealthfreedom.org or
email: john@oregonhealthfreedom.org.

VIRGINIA
Virginia Chapter of Certified Natural Health Professionals: HB1744 Natural Health Care Providers bill (Health Freedom Bill) has been tabled by the Health, Welfare and Institutions committee. What exactly does this mean for us? Over the last few weeks, I have been talking with Delegate Pogge and others to decide what action we can take with a tabled bill. We have decided that for the present time we should not do anything with it, not because we don't want it passed, but the likelihood of passing it this year is slim. We just don't have enough support.

So, here is what we need to do in preparation for next year:
-Form local constituent groups for each of the delegates and senators to educate them about the need for a Health Freedom Bill.
-Arrange for your group to meet face to face with your delegate and senator to let them know your concerns to pass a Health Freedom Bill in the 2010 legislative session and build a relationship with them over this next year. It's an election year for delegates so helping them with their campaign could put you in a position of favor. If they know you personally they are more willing to help you out.
-Arrange a meeting with local supervisors/city council, mayor etc to educate them of the need for a Health Freedom Bill and ask them to contact the delegates and senator that serve their district.
Your local officials know these delegates and senators and have influence.
-Talk with other groups or individuals that may have an interest in our cause; Home school groups, holistic minded groups, your clients.

I am willing to help educate and train the leaders of the constituent groups so they in turn can educate and motivate their groups. I am also willing to go with you when you speak with your representatives. Our message to our officials must unify, so teamwork is a must. If
we are going to be successful we will need many leaders to reach each of the 100 delegates and 40 senators. If you are interested in being a team leader please contact me, let's move forward together.

Sharon E. Hrichak for
Virginians for Health Freedom, a project of the Virginia Chapter of Certified Natural Health Professionals
P.O. Box 316, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0005

WASHINGTON STATE
There are several bills in Washington:

HB 1638 refers to Colon Hydrotherapy: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1638&year=2009

HB 2007 pertains to Naturopathic Doctors:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2004&year=2009

For information on these bills, contact Boyd Landry boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

Health Freedom: The bill was heard on the Senate floor on Friday, January 30. It has been assigned a number: Senate Bill 5755 2009-10. The best way to easily stay updated is to use the following website address: www.leg.wa.gov/legislature and use the "Bill Search" tab near the top of the page (enter 5755).

According to the website: The "short title" of our bill is "Concerning alternative health care practitioners" In reading SB5755 as it is posted on the website, Section 1 says: "This act may be known and cited as the health care choice act."; The direct-access URL is: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5755&year=2009.

After the bill was heard, it was referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee. The next step for our bill is that it will have to be scheduled for a hearing before the H&LTC Committee. Senator Karen Kaiser is the chair of this committee. Our discussions with her have not been promising; she does not intend to hear the bill. That would kill it for this session. We need to convince her to hear the bill. What people can do-call/write their senators and members of the Senate Health Committee. Contact Kaiser requesting that she hear the bill.

For more information, go to the Washington Health Freedom website: http://healthfreedomwa.org/ or email: healthfreedom.wa@gmail.com or call (360) 357-6263.

2009-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hawthorn, known for its show-stopping bright-red berries, is an all-star performer in the winter garden. But, did you know...

Hawthorn is your heart's best friend.

Native to northern temperate zones in East Asia, Europe, and eastern North America, hawthorn fruit has been used as food and medicine in Europe for centuries. But, why...

Hawthorn has been shown to increase coronary blood flow and reduce oxygen consumption.

Medicinally, research shows hawthorn is beneficial for use with congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary circulation problems, and arrhythmias. It is also used to increase cardiac output reduced by hypertension or pulmonary disease, to support hypotension and hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and Buerger’s disease.

In addition, hawthorn can also be used as a sedative, antispasmodic, astringent, and diuretic. It is also used for gastrointestinal conditions like indigestion, enteritis, epigastric distension, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

For more information about hawthorn, including clinical studies, download a free monograph from the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe.

To help fortify your heart, save 30% off featured heart healthy products from the Apothecary Shoppe.
CLICK HERE.

How to Make Herbal Teas from Your Garden

2009-02-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon the Seasonal Gardeners held their meeting in our Apothecary Shoppe. I met with the group for about an hour and talked how to use their garden in their kitchen—specifically, easy-to-use methods for making herbal teas and infusions. (A video of my talk will be on ACHS TV soon. To see it, go to: http://www.youtube.com/achstv)

Making herbal teas is one of the simplest ways to get the health benefits of your backyard plants. Herbal teas are relaxing to drink and smell good, but with regular use they also tone, soothe, and balance the body.

The basic recipe for herbal teas is:
1-t dried herbs or 2-t fresh herbs
1-cup boiling water

Infusions, however, are slightly more complicated. An infusion is stronger than regular herbal tea and is made for immediate use (you can store an infusion for up to 24 hours in the fridge). They have all of the benefits of regular herbal tea, but also extract glycosides, alkaloid salts, and water-soluble vitamins.

The basic recipes for infusions is:
1-oz dried herbs
1-pt purified water

Place your herbs into a ceramic or glass teapot. Bring the water to a boil. Do not use an aluminum pot. An electric kettle or kettle on the stove is fine. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb. Cover the pot and let steep for 10 to 20 minutes.

There are no definite rules for combining herbs in a tea mixture. Intention and taste are the two most important things. The Seasonal Gardeners asked me to blend a tea for them. When I discovered they were all women about my age, I created the menopause support tea – see below. It tastes great!

When you start to create a tea blend, think about the end result you would like to achieve and always think of taste. I am a great believer in making medicine taste good! After all isn’t that what Hippocrates meant by “Let food be your medicine.”

If you’re looking for relaxation, focus on the aromatic herbs. If you’re looking to soothe an ailment, then you will want to choose the herb best suited to the task (this could be a second herb combined with an aromatic).

Here are some popular and easy-to-make recipes for you to try at home.

1. For a cough, headache, or fever use:
Marshmallow Althaea officinalis (for the cough and irritation)
Yarrow Achillea millefolium (for the fever and cough)
Peppermint Mentha piperita (to improve the overall flavor)

2. Menopause Support Tea (see the photograph of the herbal blend above)
1-oz Hops Humulus lupulus (balances the nerves and nourishes nervous system)
1-oz Red clover Trifolium pratense (to assist with hot flashes and circulation)
1-oz Lemon balm Melissa officinalis (to assist with sleep and improve the flavor)
1-oz Skullcap Scutellaria laterifolia (it has been studied for use with addiction and assists with sleeplessness)
1-oz Chamomile Matricaria recutita (a mild nervine that also balances digestion)
1-oz Spearmint Mentha spicata (balances digestion and improves flavor)
1/2-oz Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra (adrenal support)

3. Bran Tea
This tea cleanses the kidneys and supports healthy blood pressure.
1-cup Bran
2-cups Boiling water
Lemon and honey to taste (optional)
Simmer the bran and water for 30 minutes. Drink throughout the day.

You can adjust any formula for your own tastes. Always listen to your body, and, most of all, relax and enjoy your cup of tea.

The Menopause Support Tea will be available through the Apothecary Shoppe soon. Check back with us at www.apothecary-shoppe.com.

Remember, you can subscribe to ACHS TV and see all of our how-to videos, expert lectures and talks, and information about our Summer School study-abroad programs in Greece.

Ahead of the Curve: Wellness Coach

2009-02-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Fitness trainers have long been popular, but ever more, people also want support in their efforts to eat less, stop smoking or drinking, and reduce stress. These people are starting to seek out wellness coaches. This trend should accelerate if—as is widely predicted—more of us are pressured by younger, tech-savvy workers, globalization, automation, and the massive influx of immigrants from Asia and Latin America who are willing to work long hours for low pay. Wellness coaches are being hired not only by individuals but by employers and health insurers as a likely cost-beneficial perk for their employees.

(Originally printed in “Best Careers.”) © usnews.com, December 11, 2008

Organic food growth slows amid downturn

2009-02-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

By Nigel Hunt and Brad Dorfman

LONDON/CHICAGO (Reuters) -- As recession drives consumers to cut costs, their commitment to organic food has been tested with sales growth slowing -- but so far, sales are not falling. How green are our wallets?

Grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, organic food has been booming, driven by claims it is healthier, tastes better and its production does less damage to the environment than conventional agriculture.

The global market for organic food and beverages was worth $22.75 billion (16 billion pounds) in 2007, after more than doubling in five years, according to market research firm Euromonitor International. The United States accounted for about 45 percent of that total.

With economies in crisis, the trend is slowing in the United States, Britain, France and Europe's most important market for organic food, Germany. So far, Britain is the market tipped for a fall as shrinking incomes force the newly green to save money.

Typical growth rates of 20 to 30 percent for organic food sales in the United States eased in the second half of 2008 as middle- and upper-income families felt the strain of layoffs and declining investment portfolios, said Tom Pirovano, director of industry insights at market research firm The Nielsen Co.

Sales in December were up 5.6 percent, year on year, against a 25.6 percent rise a year earlier.

Even though growth is slowing, Pirovano noted that most people who purchased organic foods were very committed.

"I'm not convinced that we are going to see big declines in organics any time soon," he said.

Nielsen data measures packaged foods with bar codes at many retail outlets. Discount retailer Wal-Mart does not participate in the market research.

Late on a Friday in London's South Kensington, shoppers at the Whole Foods store owned by the U.S.-based organic and natural foods supermarket were sparse.

"I always try to buy organic if I can. But I definitely have cut back," said Mary Boynton, 20, adding that she buys more organic produce from supermarkets which have a cheaper offer.

Shares in Whole Foods Market Inc. have been on a broadly weakening trend since 2006 and trades around $11, down from nearly $80 in late 2005.

But Michael Besancon of Whole Foods, which claims the world-leading slot in the sector with more than 270 stores in North America and Britain, says there is a hard core.

"It is not a fad," said Besancon, the company's senior global vice-president of purchasing, distribution and marketing. "I'm 62 and my mother is still waiting for me to shave my beard and stop eating organic food. That isn't going to happen."

Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organic Consumers Association, said occasional buyers of organic produce were cutting back, but regular buyers were lightening up on processed food in favour of organic whole fruits, vegetables and meats.

"They are trying to stretch their money but they are not willing to stop buying organic," he said. "We think in the long run the prognosis is good. The energy crisis and climate change can only really be addressed with organic production."

Wholefoods' Besancon argued consumers were treating organic purchases differently from those of other premium products.

"When you buy organic you believe it is inherently better for you and the planet," he said. "Who can afford to get sick? So people are becoming more introspective about what they eat. There is growth in the category. It is just less than it was."

GERMAN CARROT SHORTAGE

If the relative cost of healthcare is one significant factor keeping well-educated Americans with organic produce, in Germany producers argue organic foods are being helped out of a niche into the mainstream.

Growth in Germany's organic food sales in 2008 to 5.8 billion euros (5.4 billion pounds) did slow to about 10 percent, the German organic food industry association BOLW estimates.

This compared with 14 percent growth booked in 2007.

Alexander Gerber, the association's chief executive, argued that Germany's giant discount food supermarket chains were increasingly introducing organic food, which was underpinning the market.

Germany had a shortage of organic carrots in 2008 as major discounter Aldi suddenly introduced them into its product range, buying up most available supplies, Gerber said.

"Consumers want healthy food produced in an environmentally friendly and humane way," Gerber said. "They are not simply throwing this concept overboard because of the difficult economic times."

In France, the sector continued to grow last year and the head of "Agence Bio", the main organic food group gathering officials and producers, said she was confident it would continue to do so, albeit more slowly, in 2009.

"For the moment sales are keeping up, consumers are still interested and demand is rising," said Elisabeth Mercier.

Although official data will not be available until next month, she said her comments were based on wide and recent contacts with producers, specialist shops and supermarkets.

"In Europe, apart maybe from the U.K. where the market seems more fragile, I do not believe there will be a drop in consumption this year although growth rates may be less spectacular," Mercier said.

DEEP GREENS

In Britain, growth in sales of organic products has slowed dramatically, to an annual rate of about 2 percent from 16 percent, according to Nielsen data for the year to early November 2008.

"What I would expect is for this year to see a small single- digit decline for organics," said Jonathan Banks, U.K-based business insight director with Nielsen.

The challenge boils down to quality. "Organic producers must show their products taste better, are more nutritious and better for the environment. If they tick all those boxes they can sustain a (price) premium," he said.

In the London Whole Foods store, shopper Jonathan Daniels agreed. "Eventually, it has got to hit home. I think I'll cut back," he said, checking his mobile phone near the cheese display, a pack of green beans tucked under his arm.

"It all hinges on: 'Is organic all it's reputed to be? Is it really better for you?'"

Patrick Holden, director of Britain's leading organic certification body the Soil Association, said he was getting mixed reports, with some consumers switching from organic to cheaper free-range products.

Demand for many products is, however, holding up well: some are benefiting from growing demand for locally produced food.

"Organic food with a local story is bucking the recession," he said. "This recession has destabilised things a little, but not catastrophically."

Holden said about 20 percent of organic food sales were vulnerable, being bought by "light green" purchasers who had been influenced by the actions of other consumers.

These he contrasted with the "deep greens" -- who make up 80 percent of demand and are committed to the benefits for health and the environment.

"Storm and tempest won't affect their buying habits," he said. "I think that rump of committed consumers are with us to stay."

(Additional reporting by Carey Gillam in Kansas City, Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, Michael Hogan in Hamburg and Sybille de La Hamaide in Paris and Catherine Bosley in London; Editing by Sara Ledwith)

© Reuters January 28, 2009: http://uk.reuters.com/article/stocksAndSharesNews/idUKLNE50R02Q20090128?sp=true

Industry To Rally In Washington At Natural Products Day

2009-02-05T10:06:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the Natural Products Association (NPA) hosts its 12th annual lobbying effort on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Natural Products Day is designed to broaden the natural products industry's base of political support by educating members of Congress about the important role natural products play in keeping Americans healthy, and the overwhelming public benefits of preventative care.

Each year, participants visit their legislators' congressional offices and talk to staffers about key legislation affecting the natural products industry. Natural Products Day continues growing in popularity, with hundreds of retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and supporters of the natural products industry gathering at the Capitol or participating in a "virtual fly-in" via e-mail and videos to rally for natural products. Natural Products Day will focus on bills in the House and Senate regarding issues like child nutrition, food quality and safety, safe manufacturing practices, and assured access to dietary supplements.

Like last year, the association will offer an evening cruise along the Potomac on a private yacht the Monday before the lobbying event.

Natural Products Day features a morning session with association and government relations experts to teach participants effective ways to communicate with legislators, and provide briefings on key legislation. Following afternoon appointments, participants will attend a reception in the new Capitol Visitor's Center, honoring NPA Congressional Champions, legislators who have worked hard to support initiatives important to the industry.

"Natural Products Day is a fun and effective way for industry members to establish and strengthen personal relationships with members of Congress," said David Seckman, NPA executive director and CEO. "It helps legislators stay aware of issues important to our industry and to their districts, and is an essential tool in gaining support for our many important initiatives, particularly with more than 65 freshmen senators and representatives and their staffs beginning new terms on the Hill."

To register for Natural Products Day, visit http://www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org/npd09.

The Natural Products Association is the nation's largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Association members meet annually each July in Las Vegas at the association's official tradeshow, Natural Market Place.

© Medical News Today, January 27, 2009: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/136834.php

Health Freedom Updates, Monthly Column by Kim Sharples, HHP, 2008 Alumni

2009-02-05T10:00:00.001-08:00

Happy February!

Many states have started their legislative sessions and are going strong. Make sure you check your state update to see if there is anything new.

I have also set up a health freedom website so you can see what is new. To access it, email me at: kimberlysharples@msn.com.

I also have the yahoo group set up so that you will receive important alerts as they are released. To join, just send a blank email to: FYHF-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

We all have friends, relatives, customers, etc. in other states. This is a good way to pass along information to people.

Please remember that each state has different laws and regulations regarding what you can and cannot do when it comes to complementary and alternative health care.

There are currently six states that have health freedom laws. These are: Minnesota, California, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Idaho. If you live in one of these states, you need to know the laws regarding health freedom, what you can and cannot do, and what disclosures you may need to provide to your clients.

There are 15 states and the District of Columbia that license or regulate naturopathic physicians. If your state is one that regulates naturopathic physicians, you need to know what that law says in regards to what you can and cannot do. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Minnesota just passed a registration bill for naturopathic physicians that should take effect July 1, 2009.

NATIONAL HEALTH FREEDOM ORGANIZATIONS

Coalition for Natural Health: www.naturalhealth.org or Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org
Health Keepers Alliance: www.healthkeepers.net
Citizens for Health: www.citizens.org
Sunshine Health Freedom Foundation: Contact person: Troy Bledsoe at herbalsurvival@cox.net or www.sunshinehealthfreedomfoundation.com.
National Health Freedom Action/Coalition: www.nationalhealthfreedom.org

For questions or more information about health freedom in your state, please feel free to contact me: kimberlysharples@msn.com or (719) 390-1979.

HEALTH FREEDOM INFORMATION

CANADA
The Canadian Parliament adjourned for the summer without debating or passing bills C-51 and C-52, which could have overturned long-standing legal precedent protecting Canadians’ health freedom. For more information, click here.

CALIFORNIA
Prop 65 is proposed regulation that wants to classify all beneficial nutrients with above-RDA potencies as cancer-causing agents unless proven otherwise.
For more information, please go to this website.

COLORADO
A monopolistic naturopathic physician bill has been introduced that we are opposing. This is HB 09-1175 and you can view it by clicking HERE.

If you haven't joined the CO4HFG yahoo group, we need you to do that. If you know other health freedom supporters, we need them to join as well. There are thousands of people to contact, and it makes it much easier if we only have to send one email that goes to everyone. You can join by sending a blank email to:CO4HFG-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Or, send your email address to Kim at kimberlysharples@msn.com and she will add you to this yahoo group, which will allow you to automatically receive health freedom emails. This is a very important way to help support health freedom in Colorado. Please pass this information on to others. This is how we will notify you about HB 09-1175 and other bills, so please join.

We also have a website: www.co4hf.synthasite.com.

For those who do not have Internet access, an updated message number has been setup for your convenience. We will leave messages to keep you informed of important information and legislation. This is available 24/7. Just dial (641) 715-3900 and enter code 9357483#. You may also leave a message at this number and someone will return your call.

CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Health Freedom Coalition. Email Craig Respasz at: crepasz@hotmail.com.

IDAHO
Just when we thought Idaho was settled, Senate Bill 1425 was introduced by the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare on February 11, 2008. The bill, as introduced, would have transformed the law from what was an agreeable, accommodating law under which all natural health practitioners benefited, to a restrictive licensing law favoring “naturopathic physicians.” The bill progressed quickly through the Senate and The Coalition jumped into the fray with both feet to protect the language in the bill that allowed for multiple pathways to licensure. With the help of the Idaho Coalition for Natural Health and others, the bill was amended, thus minimizing the effect on the law in Idaho. We will continue to monitor the activities of the Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners as they work towards promulgation of rules.

For more information, contact Boyd at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org. You can also visit the website for Idaho CNH at: http://www.naturalhealthidaho.org.

IOWA
Iowa introduced Health Freedom language in 2008, but was not successful. To learn more about the Iowa Health Freedom Coalition, you can access their website: www.iowahealthfreedom.org.

LOUISIANA
Louisiana’s focus this year was to introduce a total Health Freedom Bill in the 2008 Louisiana Legislative Session. They held a statewide membership meeting in March with 3 excellent speakers: Senator Sharon Weston Broome (Sponsor of the bill), Dr. John Baker, head of LSU Law School (health freedom advocate), and Boyd Landry, Executive Director of CNH.

They also held several statewide meeting to attract new members as well as enlighten the member that reside outside the Baton Rouge area of their intentions to introduce a bill in this year’s 2008 session; as well as meeting with legislators at the Capitol Rotunda several times.

They hired a Lobbyist to work with us to amend Acts 655 and 334, which were bills we passed in the 2006, and 2005 sessions. With lobbyist Kathy Chittom and Senator Broome’s influence, they were able to pass a bill in this year’s 2008 Legislative Session. The Governor signed the bill into law at the end of June (Act No. 524). They now feel as though Louisiana finally has a Total Health Freedom Bill.

Their board meets the last Monday of each month, and they have a conference call number for those who cannot attend in person.

If you live in Louisiana and would like to help, please contact Cynthia Reed, ND, President of the Louisiana Health Freedom Coalition at (225) 756-8400 or herbs-etc@cox.net.

MARYLAND
Maryland introduced a health freedom bill in 2008, but it was not successful. Contact Dr. Mishra for more information regarding Health Freedom in Maryland: mishra13505@yahoo.com.

MINNESOTA
A Naturopathic Physician registration bill was passed in Minnesota that will not go into effect until July 1, 2009. You can read about this bill and work group here.

Another group has formed in Minnesota--Minnesota Advocates for Complementary and Alternative Practices, MNACAP. The President is Katie Murphy, and you can email her at: 4healinginsights@comcast.net.

MONTANA
The Montana Health Freedom Coalition is moving forward with legislation in the 2009 Legislative session. The chair of the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs committee, Senator Joe Balyeat, volunteered to sponsor the bill. He is a strong advocate for health freedom and a supporter of alternative and complementary health care.

Montana has introduced SB 287--the Consumer Health Freedom and Access Act. It can be tracked on the legislative website: www.leg.MT.gov.

We are excited as there are many positive things happening with the bill right now, including that six of the 11 Senate committee members are either sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill. Things are looking good and we'll keep you posted.

The hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 9 a.m. If you know people in Montana, encourage them to contact the committee and their legislator NOW. More information about that can be found on our website; click on the "Advocacy" page: http://www.montanahealthfreedom.org.

Contact Deb Kimmet at: deb@debkimmet.com.

NEW JERSEY
A Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure bill has just been introduced in New Jersey and been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. This bill could limit nutritional advice to only those dietitian/nutritionists licensed by the state of New Jersey. You can view the bill here. Please contact Kimberly Sharples: kimberlysharples@msn.com.

NEW YORK
There were three restrictive bills introduced in New York, which could have prohibited traditional naturopaths from practicing. Boyd Landry with CNH worked at killing these bills and they are monitoring legislation for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009. You can contact Boyd Landry for more information: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

NORTH CAROLINA
There was restrictive naturopathic medicine bills introduced this year in NC. Fortunately, these bills died in committee. The North Carolina Citizens for Healthcare Freedom has a health freedom bill introduced and they are hoping for it to be heard in the long session, starting in January. At this time they need assistance with signing petitions (on their website), volunteering and donations. For more information, you can go to their website: www.ncchf.org. Their contact person is Claiborne Holtzman: Claiborne@ncchf.org.

OHIO
The Ohio Sunshine Health Freedom Coalition has introduced a health freedom bill, H.B. 580. You can read the bill here. The OSHFC Steering Committee recorded a phone call updating the Ohio situation. If you would like to listen, please call (641) 715-3409 and enter PIN 288597#. They are also asking for help in calling, emailing, or faxing members of the committee that the health freedom bill is assigned to. To learn more, please contact Linda Murray: hertouch@juno.com or go to their website: www.ohiosunshinehealthfreedom.info.

TENNESSEE
Two identical restrictive licensing bills were entertained this session. Fortunately, both of these bills died in committee. They expect similar legislation to be introduced in 2009. For more information, please contact Boyd Landry at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

TEXAS
The Texas health freedom bill author, Rep. Frank Corte, has filed HB 40, their 2009 health freedom bill. The bill text can be viewed at the following link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.

They also have discovered that the Texas Dietetic Association has hired a lobbyist to attempt to push through their exclusionary licensing agenda for the 2009 legislative session. They will need your help to defeat this legislation that could take away practitioners rights to give out nutritional advice.

There are installments of “WAKE UP AMERICA” on their website, on the right side under “Recent Posts.” Their website has been updated so please visit www.texashealthfreedom.com to see the “WAKE UP AMERICA” video series and other health freedom information.

Texas needs volunteers and donations--If you can help, please visit their website or contact Peter McCarthy at texascam@earthlink.net.

VIRGINIA
Health Freedom bill (HB1744) was introduced and heard in committee, but tabled. Unfortunately this means that the bill is dead but can be reintroduced at a later session.

Naturopathic Physician bill (HB1820) was heard on Monday, February 2 at 5:00 p.m.

Please check www.cnhpva.org or www.fyhf.synthasite.com for current updates.

Keep checking the websites for regular updates and action steps. We all want to make this happen in 2009, so please do your part. We can't do it without you!

Remember, a deluge of e-mails, faxes, letters, or calls from constituents will get the attention of the representative. I know because I'm married to a local representative and he takes action when the masses contact him.

Contact Sharon E. Hrichak C/O Virginians for Health Freedom, a project of the Virginia Chapter of Certified Natural Health Professionals, P.O. Box 316, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0005.

WASHINGTON
Washington has a health freedom bill introduced, Senate Bill 6886, and was referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. To read this bill, go to: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/.

Preserve your Freedom of Choice in health care! For more information, go to the Washington Health Freedom website: http://healthfreedomwa.org, email healthfreedom.wa@gmail.com, or call (360) 357-6263.

WISCONSIN
WIHFC is a Wisconsin nonprofit 501(c) 4 lobbying organization for social justice supporting an exciting new Consumer Health Freedom and Access Act in Wisconsin in the 2009 to 2010 legislative session.

Consumer Health Freedom and Access Act will ensure consumer choice by providing a safe harbor exemption for those doing non-licensed healing therapies as long as they follow guidelines of the bill. It also gives the consumer freedom to choose alternative practitioners and services desired. This is an exemption bill for everyone doing no harm.

WIHFC opposes the WDA (Wisconsin Dietetic Association) licensing bill (SB 394 & AB 742) that was defeated last session and will be re-introduced in the 2009 to 2010 session. The WDA bill would allow only licensed Dietitians trained by the ADA (American Dietetic Association) and a few other licensed professions to discuss nutrition. We see this as a freedom of speech issue. Food must remain in the public domain.

They ask that everyone call their lawmakers now. WDA mailed letters to every office in Madison. Have every client in your office/store call form your phone, and make them take action now. For those not aware of the WDA Licensure bill go to: http://wihfc.com/about_us.htm. Find your legislator: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx.

Check out our website: http://wihfc.com. Contact Syncha Maniscalco, Director WIHFC, synchaa@gmail.com or call (715) 452-5544.

Kimberly Sharples, HHP
Health Freedom Activist
kimberlysharples@msn.com
(719) 390-1979

ACHS Announces Wednesday Brown Bag Lecture Series

2009-01-30T17:15:00.001-08:00

Starting on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, ACHS will be offering a weekly lecture series from 12-1 pm at our campus in Portland.

This will be a 50-minute brown bag lecture series on a variety of topics. These lectures are free to ACHS students and graduates and only $10 for the public. To reserve your place, please call 503-244-0726.

Our first lecture will be on Iridology with ACHS President and Holistic Health Expert Dorene Petersen:

Did you know that by looking at the texture of your iris you can evaluate your own or your client's health potential. When you study iridology you can analyze the overall constitution. This is a great tool to help you formulate wellness protocols. You can also see inherent weaknesses before they actually manifest as symptoms in the body.

This lecture is an introduction to the history, theory and philosophy of Iridology.

Schedule of upcoming lectures:

February 4: Introduction to Iridology with ACHS President Dorene Petersen

February 11: Introduction to Homeopathy with ACHS Instructor Dr. Matt Zorn, ND

February 18: Cheap & Effective Community Marketing for the Holistic Practitioner by ACHS Director of Marketing Kate Harmon

February 25: Writing Press Releases with ACHS Communications Manager Lauren Shapiro

All lectures will be videod. Highlights of the lecture will be available on the ACHS TV Channel on YouTube with full videos available in selected online classrooms for ACHS students. Be sure to subscribe to the ACHS YouTube Channel online here to receive notification when a new lecture is available.

Also, keep an eye on your email for an invite to join the ACHS Holistic Health Tip of the Week Google group to receive weekly announcements about upcoming lectures and additional tips for personal health and wellness! You can also view the ACHS Events calendar online here.

We look forward to seeing you on-campus!

How to prevent death 101

2009-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was watching The Biggest Loser last night-I love that show. They had one of the contestants check in with the doctor after 3 weeks of working out and eating right. They showed us (the viewers) the amount of meds this guy was taking SIMPLY BECAUSE HE WAS OBESE!!!

He spent $20,000 a YEAR on medications BECAUSE HE WAS OBESE!! Does ANYONE have $20k burning a hole in their pocket? Eager to spend it on diabetes medications and blood thinners? He had a life span estimate of another 10 years that way. $200,000 spent on the last 10 years of this mans life would have been on pills to "make him normal." I was astounded at how the medical community was so ready to offer medicine to this dying man and not ever address the real cause. Not the SYMPTOMS but the CAUSE of the disease.

If the medical community would join hands with the holistic wellness community, they could prescribe a fitness trainer, a healthier eating plan, and a real CURE for his disease versus medicate to make him more comfortable while he dies. He does not have cancer; he is over fat.
Each day you help yourself by eating the right balance of foods for your body, add in the right amount of activity to prevent fat gain, consider it money in the bank!

Hippocrates, the father of medicine is credited with saying, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." Yet, we often forget that. Seldom do we think to ourselves "I feel sluggish. Have I been eating correctly?"

We who feel that a healthier path is what we follow still reach for herbal remedies when we are still filling our body with too many calories, too little activity, and very little rest.

Again, the father of medicine stated hundreds of years before we had crisco, high fructose corn syrup, and became a fast food world: "If we give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not to much, we have found the SAFEST way to health."

Consider what is too little and what is too much for your own body. If you are gaining weight then you are taking in more calories than you are using during the day. Slow down your caloric intake and find foods in a more whole state to help you feel full as you transition to lower calories. Increase your activities, any activity where your body is exerting energy is fine. Gardening, walking, dancing with the kids--think of any movement you enjoy that you will not grow bored from and increase that activity in your daily life.

Doing these things will give you the safest way to health, to whole health and wellness. Less colds, less fatigue, less emotional stress because your body is being fueled in the best possible way. More enjoyment in the day, more restful sleep, a clearer thought process, less colds, less illness, disease prevention, a longer life span, and a better looking body are the rewards. Let me just reiterate:

"If we give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not to much, we have found the SAFEST way to health."

Find your right amount.

UK regulates complementary medicine

2009-01-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

Maggie Dunn, co-chairman of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council in the UK, wants to assure complementary health care consumers that the services they are receiving are "up to snuff." The industry, which is used by one in five people, as reported by the BBC, will now be asked to participate in a registry of practitioners, which the Council will oversee.

The registry will not judge clinics on therapeutic effectiveness. But, rather, they will evaluate business operations. Dunn told the BBC News website: "I think most of the profession is operating to good standards, but we know not everyone will be able to register.

"If that means that people who are not up to scratch are driven out of business, I will not cry for them."

Of the 150,000 estimated complementary medicine therapists working in the UK, Dunn said "she suspected between half and two thirds of them would make it on to the register, which would allow them to use the regulator logo on literature and display in shops."

CLICK HERE to read more about the register and regulator's standards.

© BBC News January 19, 2009: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7828593.stm

Now, let's turn to the FDA

2009-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

In our view, health care reform is a lot like the fable of the 6 blind men with the elephant. Nobody sees the whole picture.

There are different endings to that fable. In one version, the blind men turn their very-real individual experiences into something more complete and useful. In the other version . . . well, it hasn’t ended; they’re still arguing.

In the case of health care, both versions are familiar. The first, more hopeful version has felt for years like it’s just around the corner. But the second version more persistently holds our attention. Reconciling these versions of the story when it comes to health care is no small matter. Health is where many diverse realms meet:

• Where self-responsibility meets government regulation;
• Where personal choice meets the professional healing relationship; and
• Where the subjective experience of wellbeing meets objective, medical science.

We’ve worked together the past few weeks to put natural health front and center in the conversation about the elephant that is health care reform. And we thank you again for your contribution to this effort. Now, we dig a little deeper and in a more specific way. The FDA is obviously part of this elephant. And it’s to the FDA that we now turn our attention.

There are several formal FDA reform efforts going on right now. One that we’ve announced in the past, and continue to support, is the American Association for Health Freedom’s “Reform the FDA” petition. We’ll be addressing this petition more in the coming weeks. For now, learn more about this petition here.

Another interesting site to explore about FDA reform is at FDAreview.org. This is a detailed site that has some interesting and controversial ideas. Even if you don’t agree with everything you find there, at the very least, this site will make you think.

Indeed, while we may not agree with every detail of every approach to FDA reform, we do agree that there is a need right now for new, critical thinking about health care reform generally, and about FDA reform specifically. And lest you think that Non-Governmental Organizations are the only ones making this call, consider this letter to President-elect Obama from Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI).

Also, we acknowledge that with any major change comes both risk and opportunity. Forces that oppose natural health could actually take advantage of FDA reform and make things tougher for us if we are not committed, diligent and persistent. With that in mind, the campaign that we are about to announce has the following goals:

• Build sustainable awareness and activism about our grassroots power as citizens and consumers.
• Establish measurable outcomes for our efforts.
• Expand the collaborative efforts of natural health supporters and associations.

So, here it is. Natural health care isn’t just the promotion of natural products and practices. It’s also protection against harmful products and practices that are being allowed in the name of commerce. In both cases, it’s up to us to hold the FDA accountable.

Many of you are familiar with the situation with Splenda, the trade name of sucralose as used by the self-described “health care” company, Johnson & Johnson. Beginning immediately next week and continuing for a few weeks, we’ll build a series of Action Alerts on the Splenda matter that will be directed to the FDA. For now, please inform yourself by reading this press release from Citizens For Health Chairman James S. Turner about new and urgent findings on sucralose.

The FDA is about to undergo an overhaul, one way or another. Even though this Splenda Action is just an example, it’s a very important example to the “new” FDA and others. Let’s show them by this Action Alert what we can do together.

Keep an eye out for next week’s Splenda Alert. Share this news as much as possible. And as always, thanks for your support.

© January 2009: http://www.citizens.org/elephant-story

Ignore your fast food urges!

2009-01-09T10:00:00.001-08:00

Burger King says..who needs friends and family or real connections when you can have 670 calories with 41 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbs and 30 grams of protein slither down your throat and into your arteries? Real love is pressure on the arteries not that warm fuzzy feeling you get when someone comments on your facebook photo! Join burger king and ditch 10 people on your facebook friend list for fat saturated death! Maybe if we ditch 30 they will help us pay for the angioplasty!

Click to read the article.

This seems very aggressive and counter productive in the whole SAVE AMERICAN FROM OBESITY that we need to be on. Not sure how encouraging even sublte disconnection with people and replacing it with food is going to make mankind better but I guess when we have a need for the almighty dollar so high....something has to give. So, what we give up is humanity, right? "Sorry casual acquaintance, I appreciate your supportive comments on my pages. I loved the jokes you shared that made me laugh....but i am going to have to let you go. " While laughter and human companionship has been shown in studies to even increase our life expectancy nothing is more important than saving $1.99....right?

Perhaps if they offered to give a free whopper for adding 10 people of common interest there would be a bit more love for the King from me. However, to me this is an obvious ploy to target sales back to the fast food industry when everyone right now is lining up at the gym hoping to finally stick to their new year resolutions. Hhhmm..I wonder how many will drop entire diet groups in order to get that free 670 calorie burden into their belly.....

As for me, I will keep my facebook friends..maybe I will send them all a note today thanking them for being on my friends list in fact......

Mexican Burgers W/ Onions and Peppers
Servings 7

1 Pound lean ground beef
1 Pound lean ground turkey
5 shakes Worcestershire sauce
5 shakes hot sauce
1 T garlic powder
½ T onion powder
2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
pinch salt
pepper to taste
1 onion sliced thinly
1 red pepper sliced
1 T olive oil
½ t cumin

Mix all ingredients together well in a large bowl. Form 6 patties and season outsides with salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat in a large skillet approximately 15 minutes or until they reach the level of doneness you prefer. Or you can grill the burgers outside. While the burgers are cooking, heat the olive oil in another skillet over med heat and sauté the onion, pepper and the cumin until tender approximately 5 minutes.
Serve the burgers with the veggies piled on top.

Other Good Ideas:
-Smooth on some avocado butter for a really special burger
-Serve with some sweet potato oven fries for an excellent meal
Per Serving
Calories- 289
Fat –17 g
Protein – 30 g
Carbohydrates –3 g

January Health Freedom Update

2009-01-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

Monthly Column From Kim Sharples, HHP, 2007 Alumni

Happy New Year!

A lot of states will be starting their legislative sessions in January. If you haven’t already, check with the health freedom group in your state, and sign up to be notified of any important developments. Bills to watch for would include Dietitian/Nutrition, Naturopathic Physicians, and Massage Therapy.

If your state is trying to pass a health freedom bill, contact them and see what you can do to help. Groups are always looking for volunteers and need donations. Any amount of time or any donation would be appreciated. Please remember that each state has different laws and regulations regarding what you can and cannot do when it comes to complementary and alternative health care.

Remember that each state has different laws and regulations regarding complementary and alternative health care.

There are currently six states that have health freedom laws. These are: Minnesota, California, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Idaho. If you live in one of these states, you need to know what you legally can and cannot do, and what disclosures you may need to provide to your clients.

There are 15 states and the District of Columbia that license or regulate naturopathic physicians. If your state is one that regulates naturopathic physicians, you need to know what that law says in regard to what you can and cannot do. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Minnesota just passed a registration bill for naturopathic physicians that should take effect July 1, 2009.

There is a yahoogroup that was just set up for those interested in health freedom across the United States. Just send a blank email to: FYHF-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

NATIONAL HEALTH FREEDOM ORGANIZATIONS

Coalition for Natural Health: www.naturalhealth.org or Boyd Landry at boydlandry@naturalhealth.org
Health Keepers Alliance: www.healthkeepers.net
Citizens for Health: www.citizens.org
Sunshine Health Freedom Foundation: Contact person: Troy Bledsoe at herbalsurvival@cox.net or www.sunshinehealthfreedomfoundation.com.
National Health Freedom Action/Coalition: www.nationalhealthfreedom.org

For questions or more information about health freedom in your state, please feel free to contact me: kimberlysharples@msn.com or 719-390-1979.

HEALTH FREEDOM INFORMATION

CANADA
The Canadian Parliament adjourned for the summer without debating or passing bills C-51 and C-52, bills that could have overturned long standing legal precedent protecting Canadians’ health freedom. For more information, click here.

CALIFORNIA
Prop 65 is proposed regulation that wants to classify all beneficial nutrients with above-RDA potencies as cancer-causing agents under unless proven otherwise.
For more information, please go to this website.

COLORADO
Colorado was successful in stopping a monopolistic naturopathic physician bill. A Health Freedom bill was also introduced, but was not successful. A Massage bill was introduced and passed. This bill contained exemptions for those who do energy work such as Reiki.

Colorado For Health Freedom has a yahoo group you can join by sending a blank email to CO4HFG-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You can also contact Kimberly Sharples at kimberlysharples@msn.com or 719-390-1979.

CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Health Freedom Coalition: Craig Respasz at crepasz@hotmail.com.

IDAHO
Just when we thought Idaho was settled, Senate Bill 1425 was introduced by the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare on February 11, 2008. The bill, as introduced, would have transformed the law from what was an agreeable, accommodating law under which all natural health practitioners benefited, to a restrictive licensing law favoring “naturopathic physicians.” The bill progressed quickly through the Senate and The Coalition jumped into the fray with both feet to protect the language in the bill that allowed for multiple pathways to licensure. With the help of the Idaho Coalition for Natural Health and others, the bill was amended, thus minimizing the effect on the law in Idaho. We will continue to monitor the activities of the Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners as they work towards promulgation of rules.

For more information, contact Boyd at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org. You can also visit the website for Idaho CNH at: http://www.naturalhealthidaho.org/.

IOWA
Iowa introduced Health Freedom language in 2008, but was not successful. To learn more about the Iowa Health Freedom Coalition, you can access their website: www.iowahealthfreedom.org.

LOUISIANA
Louisiana’s focus this year was to introduce a total Health Freedom Bill in the 2008 Louisiana Legislative Session. They held a statewide membership meeting in March with 3 excellent speakers: Senator Sharon Weston Broome (Sponsor of the bill), Dr. John Baker, head of LSU Law School (health freedom advocate), and Boyd Landry, Executive Director of CNH.

They also held several statewide meeting to attract new members as well as enlighten the member that reside outside the Baton Rouge area of their intentions to introduce a bill in this year’s 2008 session; as well as meeting with legislators at the Capitol Rotunda several times.

They hired a Lobbyist to work with us to amend Acts 655 and 334, which were bills we passed in the 2006, and 2005 sessions. With lobbyist Kathy Chittom and Senator Broome’s influence, they were able to pass a bill in this year’s 2008 Legislative Session. The Governor signed the bill into law at the end of June (Act No. 524). They now feel as though Louisiana finally has a Total Health Freedom Bill.

Their board meets the last Monday of each month, and they have a conference call number for those who cannot attend in person.

If you live in Louisiana and would like to help, please contact Cynthia Reed, ND, President of the Louisiana Health Freedom Coalition at 225-756-8400 or herbs-etc@cox.net.

MARYLAND
Maryland introduced a health freedom bill in 2008, but it was not successful. Contact Dr. Mishra for more information regarding Health Freedom in Maryland: mishra13505@yahoo.com.

MINNESOTA
A Naturopathic Physician registration bill was passed in Minnesota that will not go into effect until July 1, 2009. During this time a Naturopathy Work Group has been assigned to study the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors. Their recommendations must be turned in no later than December 15, 2008, and the Commissioner of Health will report these findings to Legislators by January 15, 2009. You can read about this bill and work group here.

Another group has formed in Minnesota - Minnesota Advocates for Complementary and Alternative Practices, MNACAP. The President is Katie Murphy, and you can email her at: 4healinginsights@comcast.net.

MONTANA
Montana has a health freedom group that wants to introduce a Health Freedom Bill next legislative session. For more information, you can contact: Debra Kimmet deb@debkimmet.com or 406-251-9704 or visit their website.

NEW JERSEY
A Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure bill has just been introduced in New Jersey and been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. This bill could limit nutritional advice to only those dietitian/nutritionists licensed by the state of New Jersey. You can view the bill here. Please contact me for more information: kimberlysharples@msn.com.

NEW YORK
There were three restrictive bills introduced in New York, which could have prohibited traditional naturopaths from practicing. Boyd Landry with CNH worked at killing these bills and they are monitoring legislation for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009. You can contact Boyd for more information: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

NORTH CAROLINA
There was restrictive naturopathic medicine bills introduced this year in NC. Fortunately, these bills died in committee. The North Carolina Citizens for Healthcare Freedom has a health freedom bill introduced and they are hoping for it to be heard in the long session, starting in January. At this time they need assistance with signing petitions (on their website), volunteering and donations. For more information, you can go to their website: www.ncchf.org. Their contact person is Claiborne Holtzman: Claiborne@ncchf.org.

OHIO
The Ohio Sunshine Health Freedom Coalition has introduced a health freedom bill, H.B. 580. You can read the bill here. The OSHFC Steering Committee recorded a phone call updating the Ohio situation. If you would like to listen, please call 641-715-3409 and enter PIN 288597#. They are also asking for help in calling, Emailing or faxing members of the committee that the health freedom bill is assigned to. To learn more, please contact Linda Murray: hertouch@juno.com or go to their website: www.ohiosunshinehealthfreedom.info.

TENNESSEE
Two identical restrictive licensing bills were entertained this session. Fortunately, both of these bills died in committee. They expect similar legislation to be introduced in 2009. For more information, please contact Boyd Landry at: boydlandry@naturalhealth.org.

TEXAS
The Texas health freedom bill author, Rep. Frank Corte, has filed HB 40, their 2009 health freedom bill. The bill text can be viewed at the following link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/.

They also have discovered that the Texas Dietetic Association has hired a lobbyist to attempt to push through their exclusionary licensing agenda for the 2009 legislative session. They will need your help to defeat this legislation that could take away practitioners rights to give out nutritional advice.

There are installments of “WAKE UP AMERICA” on their website, on the right side under “Recent Posts.” Their website has been updated so please visit www.texashealthfreedom.com to see the “WAKE UP AMERICA” video series and other health freedom information.

Texas needs volunteers and donations--If you can help, please visit their website or contact Peter McCarthy at texascam@earthlink.net.

VIRGINIA
The Certified Natural Health Professionals of Virginia Health Freedom Group is collecting signatures to oppose HB 784, the monopolistic naturopathic physician bill. You may hold the original signed letters or send them to the Virginia Chapter of Certified Natural Health Professionals at P.O. Box 316, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0005.

They will use these letters to demonstrate opposition to any naturopath licensure bill that might be introduced in the 2009 session. If you have questions regarding the gathering of signatures on these letters or their strategy please contact Becky Hanks at the Herb Basket at 804-862-HERB (4372) during the daytime on Tuesdays through Saturday. To learn more, please visit their website: www.cnhpva.org.

WASHINGTON
Washington has a health freedom bill introduced, Senate Bill 6886, and was referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. To read this bill, go to: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/.

Preserve your Freedom of Choice in health care! 2009 Health Freedom Advocacy Day. Our freedom to choose the type of health care and health practitioners that we want is in jeopardy! Come and advocate with legislators. We’ll help you! Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, 10 am-4 pm - Cherberg Bldg, Rooms A/B/C. For more information, go to the Washington Health Freedom website: http://healthfreedomwa.org/, email healthfreedom.wa@gmail.com, or call 360-357-6263.

WISCONSIN
Act Now! The Wisconsin Health Freedom Coalition (WIHFC) is a grass roots lobbying organization dedicated to preserving health care access for natural therapies and access to nutritional information in Wisconsin. These freedoms are under threat by special interest groups lobbing in Madison.

Check out their website http://wihfc.com/about_us.htm to read about the upcoming introduction of our exciting Consumer Health Freedom and Access Act. This proposed legislation would protect the rights of Wisconsin Citizens to access natural, herbal and alternative health care.

Also, please check out the website http://wihfc.com/about_us.htm to read about the WDA (Wisconsin Dietetic Association) proposed legislation that would limit your access to nutritional information. WDA seeks licensure to monopolize nutritional information that is bought and paid for by large corporations, which are interested in profit and not your health. Unfortunately we have to solicit for donations http://wihfc.com/donate.htm.

If you are able to help, please contact Syncha Maniscalco at syncha@gmail.com or go to www.wihfc.com.

Kimberly Sharples, HHP
Health Freedom Activist
kimberlysharples@msn.com
(719) 390-1979

Well, Well, Well: Can’t we all just get along?

2009-01-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

We have, along with everything else that is ailing, an ailing health care system, and we have not-at-all-ailing CEOs serving on our health board, and a health minister scoffing at the criticism coming his way, and the former chair of the Capital Health Authority investigating the ethics of appointments to the health board that replaced his.

What we need on that board is, of course, a little more health savvy—people who know their way around medical journals, people who know their way around alternative health science journals, people who know something about nutritional and biological and preventative medicine—so we can save our emergency rooms for grave maladies instead of the kind we can predict with absolute certainty will only continue to increase in volume.

We have epidemics of chronic degenerative disease and drug dependencies and STDs and cancer and heart disease and anxiety and insomnia and despair in young people already too disillusioned to commit to much of anything, and we’re being told not to worry about health care or the banks or our jobs or our futures; we’re being told, literally, just to go for a walk and listen to some music.

We have endless lineups to see doctors and specialists whose help frustrates us endlessly because after waiting forever there’s not much of a cure for what ails us. Last [month] we had AIDS day, and we have more awareness days and weeks and months than we can handle, and we’re tired of hearing about epidemics and depressions because Christmas [has come] and we just want to be happy and feel good and optimistic about the world. We want to know that it’ll all be OK, and that 50 is the new 40 for all of us, not only for the rich and famous who can afford special private and alternative health care.

And I’m tired of the voices championing all things green out of one side of their mouths while remaining silent on the absolute contradiction between pharmaceutically based medicine and saving our Earth. Because drugs are anything but green—just ask those living near drug manufacturing factories like those in India who are shouldering an enormous burden of ecological devastation.

All it takes to know that natural medicines are beautiful for what ails most of us most of the time is a few conversations with ex-pharmacists old enough to remember their training in herbal medicine or pharmacists who, because they were tired of the chemical nightmares they were having, have quit the business and now dispense biological medicines.

I can already hear the usual arguments that surely we shouldn’t be promoting treatments that don’t work. Spare me. We all know it’s infinitely more complex than either working or not working. Chemo therapy and anti-cholesterol drugs and psychiatric meds don’t work well much of the time and too often cause untold harm.

We could—here’s a novel thought—integrate the best of both kinds of medicine, or has working together become a complete dinosaur?

Why should those undergoing the ravages of chemo or antivirals have to pay out-of-pocket for nutritional treatments that offset the side effects? Why should those who opt out of conventional treatments and who claim their cancer or arthritis or bipolar or death sentence has been in remission for a decade or two as a result of their holistic or natural approach be labeled as crazies promoting woo?

Thinking about this can make me want to cry, which new research has again confirmed to be good for us. And for those who have difficulty letting themselves cry, acupuncture—that voodoo needing no more than aptly placed needles to induce tears and relieve pain—offers a vast improvement over picking a fight or getting drunk to get those stress chemicals out of their systems. But though acupuncture and natural medicines do infinitely more than relieve stress, they are still not covered by health care insurance and are available mostly only to the wealthy and those willing to go into debt to access them.

© Vue Weekly, Connie Howard, December 4, 2008: http://www.vueweekly.com/article.php?id=10422

About 1 in 9 U.S. kids use alternative medicine

2009-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA—Just like their parents, kids are taking herbal supplements from fish oil to ginseng, a sign of just how mainstream alternative medicine has become.

More than one in nine children and teens try those remedies and other nontraditional options, the government said Wednesday in its first national study of young people's use of these mostly unproven treatments.

Given that children are generally pretty healthy, the finding that so many use alternative medicine is "pretty amazing," said one of the study's authors, Richard Nahin of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The sweeping study suggests about 2.8 million young people use supplements.

Their parents' practices played a big role. Kids were five times more likely to use alternative therapies if a parent or other relative did. The same study showed that more than a third of adults use alternative treatments, roughly the same as in a 2002 survey.

The researchers used a big umbrella in defining alternative medicine: Acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, traditional healing, yoga, Pilates, deep breathing, massage and even dieting were included.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are not considered alternative medicine, nor are prayer or folk medicine practices.

Herbal remedies were the leading type of alternative therapy for both adults and those under 18. Among kids, such therapies were most often given for head or neck pain, colds and anxiety. Body aches and insomnia were other top reasons children got alternative therapies, the study found.

Fish oil for hyperactivity and echinacea for colds were the most popular supplements, although there's no proof such treatments work for those conditions, nor have they been tested in kids.

Nahin cited the lack of rigorous scientific testing in declining to call such widespread use harmful or beneficial. Unlike federally regulated medicines, herbal remedies don't have to be proven safe or effective to be sold. And studies that have been done on them have focused on adults, not children.

But some doctors are troubled that parents may be giving children alternative therapies in place of proven clinical treatments, said Dr. Wallace Sampson, an emeritus clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University.

"The reality is none of these things work, including some of the more popular ones. They're placebos," said Sampson, who was a founding editor of the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine.

The study was done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is based on a 2007 survey of more than 23,000 adults who were speaking about themselves and more than 9,000 who were speaking on behalf of a child in their household.

Women are the most likely to use alternative medicine, as are those with advanced college degrees and people who live in the West. Among non-elderly adults, it is used about equally by those with private insurance and those with no health insurance at all.

For adults, pain was by far the main reason adults tried massage, chiropractic care and other alternative therapies. Many adults say they had trouble getting back pain relief from mainstream medicine. "Some facet of conventional care is not satisfying and they're looking at other options," Nahin said.

It's a bit surprising adult use didn't increase more, given other trends, said Michael Cohen, a lawyer who teaches health policy and management at the Harvard School of Public Health. Adult use was 36 percent in 2002, compared to 38 percent last year.

In this decade, many academic medical centers and other mainstream health care providers have integrated alternative medicine into their research and patient services. Acupuncturists now work with anesthesiologists, and chiropractors can be found in general hospitals. Insurance coverage and licensing of these therapies also is rising, experts said.

U.S. supplement sales grew about 6 percent from 2006 to 2007, totaling $23.7 billion last year, according to Nutrition Business Journal, a monthly publication that tracks the industry. The new government study showed the most popular among adults were glucosamine, used for joint pain, and fish oil, taken to reduce the risk of heart disease.

The last two years have seen a big increase in supplements targeting children, said Carlotta Mast, editor of the nutrition business publication. She had no sales numbers for that portion of the market.

Medical doctors need to be careful about attacking alternative medicine, because some long-endorsed pharmaceutical products have turned out to be treatment failures, noted Dr. Kathi Kemper, a pediatrician at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

For example, drug makers in October announced they no longer would recommend cough and cold medicines for youngsters under 4, acknowledging there is scant evidence they work in children and that they may even be dangerous in some cases.

"We have a pretty spotty history of being evidence-based ourselves," said Kemper, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee on complementary and integrative medicine.

The cough medicine debacle is no rationale for embracing alternative medicine, said Dr. Seth Asser, who consults with a nonprofit organization opposed to faith healing and other religious practices used in lieu of conventional medicine.

"Two wrongs don't make a right," he said, adding that he believes there's a "can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality toward alternative medicine among some doctors and hospital administrators.

There were some differences in how the 2002 and 2007 surveys were done. On the topic of herbal remedies, the 2007 study asked people whether they'd used such a product in the previous 30 days, while the 2002 study asked if they'd taken it in the past year.

That change may partly explain why adult use of some herbal remedies shifted significantly from 2002 to 2007. For example, echinacea use declined, but most people don't suffer colds year-round.

But news of the scientific failures of some remedies may also have an effect. A rigorous study in 2005 found that echinacea failed to prevent or treat colds.

Use of St. John's wort, used as an antidepressant, also dropped, perhaps because of research showing it didn't work against major depression, experts said.

Fish oil use was up. Some recent studies have suggested it can reduce heart disease risks, protect the eyes and provide other benefits.

"We think the public is listening to this data," Nahin said.

Associated Press Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report.

© 2008 Mike Stobbe, AP Medical Writer, December 10, 2008: http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/12/10/2198562

A Mentor's Rhythm Follows Mother Nature's Example

2009-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

By: R.T. Eady, M.Ed, NCC, Director, QEF

In late November, I got to meet a favorite mentor example. Reinhard Flatischler was conducting a weekend workshop with his wife Cornelia in Bonn, Germany, and I was fortunate enough to connect with them over dinner for a few hours after the program. Reinhard is the developer of Ta Ke Ti Na: a form of "meditation on movement" that is best encapsulated as music, dance, communication, neurological research, and chaos theory fused together to create a non-linear process for learning and transformation.

Basically TaKeTiNa is:
• A profound rhythmic body knowledge, which impacts on the body’s natural rhythms;
• A natural rhythmic orientation that develops rhythmic competence and creativity;
• A mirror for personal processes that enables participants to transform behavior patterns inhibiting ones life and relationships;
• A deep relaxation and vitalization of the nervous system and body rhythms;
• An encounter with primal rhythmic knowledge; and
• A completely new way of learning and understanding rhythm.

Yet from a mentoring standpoint the Flatischlers follow a very functional path: First Break All the Rules.

"TaKeTiNa is a way of using rhythm quite differently than one would typically use rhythm," says Flatischler.

Studying a nascent form in the early 70's in a class sponsored by the German Cultural Institute allowed Flatischler, himself, to put an end to a lifetime of asthma attacks. Since childhood, the young musician, studying the piano early on, had been plagued with acute asthma. Describing himself during our dinner repast as "near death" due to violent and sudden asthma attacks.

He went on to say that one evening, after having heard the world-famous sitar player Ravi Shankar in concert with tabla player, Allah Rakha Kahn, he had decided to go to India to study the lyrical drum. In India, he discovered TaKeTiNa, and as he learned to work with the primal image archetypes, his asthma entirely disappeared.

This example puts a finger on the pulse of holistic wellness and the reality of life-way practices today. It explains why so few people feel energized or flourish in many life and work situations. The homeostasis that literally starts in the womb is corrupted.

Flatischler postulates that it is in the mother's womb, where we begin a very intense relationship with rhythm. "Rhythm is the first information we receive. It is the bridge that guides us from the world before birth into this world when we are born. When you are in the mother's womb, you hear the heart beat and the flow of blood; you feel the mother's movement and you hear her speech filtered in this rhythm. All of that is rhythm," Flatischler points out.

And since a fetus isn't comprehending what is happening, it first begins to impulseconvert this sensation into vibration that catalyses the neural-functional pathways to follow this rhythm entrainment. Flatischler adds, "as you grow, there are millions of brain cells that have to fire in a rhythmic synchronization in order for you to understand what occurs around you. Without the senso-motoric system, you could not move or think or make any sense of the world. That you can see or hear something is all based on rhythm."

If we were to logically extend this rhythm philosophy to what is practiced in the world we might say that mentors work with "rhythm archetypes" much like those revealed in TaKeTiNa. Mentors seek to uniquely underpin developmental movement inherent in the senso-motoric system of every human being and manifest this development in social relationships.

Both Reinhard and Cornelia are remarkable communicators whose message is revolutionary in its redress of simplicity: Let go and allow.

If I were to translate this simple mantra into mentor practice, it suggests to me that many people have lost a feel for these "life rhythm archetypes" laid down by "mother nature" and have supplanted them with patterns laid out for them by others. By simply following the direction and the strengths of someone else, they never thrive nor realize what they’re really supposed to achieve or become. More precisely, in the functional path understanding of mentor technology: They rarely go where they’re really supposed to go.

*This article first appeared in Quest Educational Foundation Winter 2008. Reprinted with permission from R.T. Eady.

Killing the flu with soup-ok why?

2008-11-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well, you know it is that time of year again when the lines at the local market are filled with patrons with watery eyes and hacking coughs. They fill their baskets with various cold and flu medicines and tonics in hopes to shorten the life span of their newest infection. As well the bulletin boards of nearly every place I have visited lately has posters asking me to attend their "FLU CLINIC" which free flu shots for all! They decorate the signs with excited phrases implying we will die without the vaccine and the clinic setting will be a party of sorts. Wooohoo let's go prevent the flu!

Now I know a lot of people do find the flu vaccine important and make sure each and every season they obtain the newly released demon fighter to the even newer strain of the virus which is sifting through the country, city by city claiming victims behind every shadowed doorway. As for me, I do not get the flu vaccine and actually do buy into the fact is it a lot of propaganda and hysteria fueled by the large drug corporations which get government funding to hand out this magic vile of chemicals. I could go on about the conspiracy theory but I am saving the delicious details for my insane memoir when I am the ripened age of 75 and have nothing better to do with my time than explain the evils of large companies and the government set to protect us work hand and hand to .....oops ok I said i would not get into it, sorry.

So, if you are like me and do NOT receive the flu vaccine OR you have received the golden elixir yet somehow come down with the flu anyway, what do you do? Well, we all know the right steps to prevent it but in case you need a refresher of the top 3. Go over these again before you are in demand of lotion coated tissues and decongestant sleep.
1) WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! Yes, it is simple. WASH YOUR HANDS. Always. Not in an OCD way but come on, do you really know what you have touched today when you pet the cat or picked up the local newspaper at the corner store? Germs, that is what you picked up. So wash them off. Good rule of thumb is softly hum the royalty free tune of "Happy Birthday" while you scrub away the evil mongers which cling to the crevices of your fingers and hands.
2) SLEEP! Sleep 6-8 hours at night, Reset that immune system and give your body the tools it needs to fight germs. You are ill equipped for flu battle if your body is trying to repair the normal daily break down of the body. Sleep it off!
3)Vitamin C. Seriously, the orange juice industry has been selling this delight to us for decades. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and prevent colds. I touched on this previously from the vitamin article. So, if the flu season is upon you stock up your body with vitamin C.

So, let's say you did all of those things but that crafty virus STILL managed to infect your body. What now? What do you do to speed the flu along and regain your composure before all the skin on your nose wears off and your lungs ache from the coughing.

Zinc supplements are a good first choice. Zinc deficiency has been shown to lower ordinary immune system function in healthy individuals. Conversely zinc supplementation has been shown to increase natural killer cells in our body. (did you know we have killer cells? The come out when we are sleeping...ninja cells!) According to the American Journal of Nutrition zinc works as an antioxidant, increasing antibody production. Heck zinc even helps increase the skin barrier so germs have a harder time getting in. Good choice for when you are already down for the count and other germs are sent out invites to come to your immune system is down party. Protein rich foods contain high levels of zinc. So make sure your chicken soup is more chicken than soup!

Garlic contains allicin which has been shown in studies to shorten the duration of a cold as well as prevent colds in healthy individuals vs a placebo. However, keep in mind cooking kills a lot of this power so look for a supplement with garlic or you can use raw garlic in your diet. I love to chop raw garlic up finely and toss it in my cottage cheese along with other raw veggies like peppers and onions. It is a wonderful dip and prevents the unwanted affection of strangers if you happen to exhale near them. You can also dice the raw garlic and use it as a topper for that chicken soup!

Capsicum peppers have been shown time after time to increase immune function as well as warm the body. Adding a dash of hot pepper to that soup will really add a nice warming affect to the body and each bite will clear those nasal passages and for a brief moment make you forget that you are sick.

Catnip is also reported to treat the common cold as well as influenza and anxiety. If you are like me anxiety sets in when you become ill because you know all the details of your job will not be done while you are down for the count and all that work will be there...waiting. So sipping catnip tea while watching those old movies on AMC will relax you and work to fight all the internal demons. It also helps induce sleep which can only help you at a time like this.

So , if you can't prevent it then you can help the body to fight it. Arm yourself with some spicy chicken soup (click for recipe) and some relaxing catnip tea. When it has run it's course and you are finally back on your feet...remember to wash your hands!

Peppermint: Herb of the Month

2008-10-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

Now Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs used in today’s society.

A summer-growing, perennial aromatic herb, peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint). The plant grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin.

The leaves and stems of peppermint contain volatile oils that give the plant its pungent fragrance and taste. The oil contains menthol, which is responsible for the sensation of coolness that is characteristic of peppermint.

Today, the peppermint plant is commonly added to cough and cold remedies because of its high menthol content, which provides a sensation of coolness and easier breathing. © HerbalGram. 2006; 72:1,4-5 American Botanical Council.

Peppermint is November’s featured herb for ACHS’s Herb of the Month Club. As member, each month you will receive a new herb of the month package, including 8 oz of the herb of the month and an informational pamphlet. We would also love for you to discover the power and purity of our therapeutic, organic peppermint essential oil. Click here for your sample with your Herb of the Month purchase.

Jack-o-Latern Greens Soil

2008-10-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

According to an article in the October 28, 2004, edition of Outside Online, Kenneth Reimer and two of his colleagues at the Royal Military College of Canada conducted a study which shows the pumpkin plant can remove significant amounts of DDT from contaminated soil.

Catharine Livingston writes:

Reimer’s experiment lends credence to the emerging technology of phytoremediation—a biological process by which certain plants extract chemicals from soil, sediment, or water. Of the five plant varieties Reimer’s group tested, pumpkin plants extracted the most DDT, and their close relative—the zucchini—came in second.

DDT and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are especially difficult to remove from contaminated soil because they do not dissolve in water, a condition that makes them become more deeply attached to the soil’s organic matter as time passes.

DDT was introduced around the time of World War II as a popular insecticide, as well as an effective combatant against carriers of typhus and malaria. However, after its ability to endure for long periods of time in the environment—and the subsequent negative health consequences for humans and animals alike—became known, the chemical was banned in the United States and other countries. Some developing nations, however, still rely on DDT for disease protection.

For their study, Reimer and his colleagues took soil from a site in the western Canadian Arctic that had been exposed to DDT between 1947 and 1950, and then grew selected plants in the sample soil in a greenhouse during the summer of 2002 and the winter of 2003.

According to an early draft of Reimer’s report—which will be published in the November 15 edition of Environmental Science & Technology—size was an important factor in the success of the pumpkin and zucchini plants as cleanup agents. Both plants have a large above-ground biomass, as well as leaves with greater surface areas—a physiology that enables them to accumulate larger amounts of DDT and perhaps also translocate it more easily.

But while the plants can take pollutants out of the soil, they can’t get rid of them. Reimer said the next step would be to segregate the contaminated plants and compost them into a residue that could be sent to a more conventional location for disposal, such as a landfill or incinerator.

“So, you’re using the plant as an extraction mechanism,” Reimer told Outside.

When asked about the practicality of applying his findings to the world’s large-scale problem of soil contamination, Reimer said, “I think [the study] shows some promise. We’re still a ways from the marketplace.”

In order for pumpkins, zucchinis, and other special plants to do their work, Reimer said they need more time compared to the alternative solution, which is to dig up all the soil in the contaminated area and put it in an incinerator. For sites that need quick cleaning, he said, the latter is still a better option.

Still, Reimer’s findings mark an important step in the emergence of phytoremediation as a solution to contamination problems.

“For us, dealing with organochlorines—which are some of the most persistent pollutants in the environment—is really exciting,” he told Outside.

Obaid Faroon, from the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, told Outside that while the details behind Reimer’s study are still forthcoming, “According to this report, it’s very promising.”

Original article is available at: http://outside.away.com/outside/news/20041028_1.html.

Integrative Medicine Webinar Events

2008-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Free Webinar Events presented by Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Botanicals and Menopause
Presented by: Maida Taylor, MD, MPH, FACOG
October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/995820200
Attendee call in number: (712) 432-1399, access code 450-615-749

October 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/288020239
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 169-402-823

Natural Standard Database Overview
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

October 28 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/548776860
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 386-478-732

November 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/909798124
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 632-207-107

December 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/270500121
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 644-424-903

Diabetes: Integrative Care Cases
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

November 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/530744372
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 625-144-811

An Innovative Program in Applied Natural Products
Presented by: Lana Dvorkin-Camiel, PharmD

December 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/910800626
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 458-016-977

ACHS 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration

2008-10-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

HerbDay! Celebrate Herbs and Herbalism!

HerbDay is a series of educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was created by the HerbDay Coalition, a group of five herbal non-profit organizations and works to raise awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment.

The Day's schedule includes:

Noon to 1 p.m. - Introduction by ACHS President Dorene Petersen and discussion on Mastic Gum of Greece;

1 to 2 p.m. - Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia, lecture by ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch;

2 to 3 p.m. - Antioxidants: What Are They & Herbal Sources by ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin; and

3 to 4 p.m. - Tour of ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden (weather permitting).

Take this opportunity to visit the ACHS campus, meet staff and faculty, and take advantage of extra savings in the College store, The Apothecary Shoppe, for all your holistic health shopping!

Free and open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, call (503) 244-0726 or RSVP online here (no credit card needed) to make sure we hold your place. Friday, October 10, 2008, from noon-4 p.m. Located at the ACHS campus, John's Landing, 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland, OR 97239.

For the most up-to-date news from ACHS, subscribe to the ACHS Reporter today.

ARGH! STRESS!!

2008-09-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

According to the study done in 2005 by the American Psychological Association almost two-thirds of all visits to the family physician were stress related. That results matches the global statistic which states 3 out of 5 doctor visits are from stress related illness. Stress is also linked to six leading causes of death- heart disease, cancers, lung illness, liver ailments and suicide.

Stress is also linked to over eating, alcohol and drug abuse and sleep disturbances. Increased levels of cortisol and adrenalin from stress can result in a slower thyroid function and decreased immune system function. Simultaneously increasing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In short, stress is as unhealthy as a triple layer cheeseburger and super size fries. We can avoid the fast food but how do we , in this fast paced high demand society avoid stress?

It is easy for me as a health professional to tell a client to eat correctly, whole foods as close to their natural state is possible and to avoid alcohol and junk foods. It is also easy, where I sit, to advise regular vigorous physical activity at least 3x a week. However, some people cannot set enough time aside to exercise at the gym and have little energy after a long stressful day at work to come home and run on a treadmill. You yourself may not have time to cook healthy whole foods and find it mush easier to stop at the fast food place on the way to and from your high paced daily routine. So lets map out some short and realistic tips for releasing daily stress in our life.

Clear Your Mind

At night when you lay your head on your pillow refuse to go over the day events which you have ended. Do not allow your mind to go onto the next days worth of work, bills and stresses. Instead, focus on your breath and your body. Concentrate on inhaling and exhaling and allowing your body to slow down. With each inhale picture the much needed oxygen filling the cells of your body. With each exhale picture the negative emotions in the day leaving you as you exhale. Take care not to picture the negative events themselves but just the negative feelings of anxiety, stress, fear and anger. Picture yourself comfortable and happy as you breath in and out. You have time to do this simple activity because you DO go to bed and night and you DO breath.

Count to Ten

How often have we heard this advise? Count to ten before you react, or over react. Think clearly about what you have to do and how you will do it or say it. Allow clear logical thought to enter your mind versus the immediate emotional response you want to release upon the world. Consider if you may be over reacting and if there is a calmer way to handle things. Traffic jams and other seemingly irritating events do not need to cause stress in our life. A 5 minute traffic hold up or a 5 minute wait in a market line will not cause the stock market to crash or a loved one to run away because they just could not wait any longer. Often times we allow our emotional response dictate how we should feel in an event that if we stopped and took 10 tiny seconds to think about we would see it was not as alarming as we originally EMOTIONALLY reacted to.

Eat something healthy

Something IS better than nothing. Grab a handful of almonds, some "orange smiles" or even just an apple. Give your body some of the nutrients back that you took away from it when you could not find your car keys and ran around in a panic looking for them. Picture your engine on full speed when you were panicking and acknowledge the greater force of fuel needed in that moment of the day and the fact you did use vitamins and nutrients just to alleviate the physical response to the emotional stress. Give something back.

Walk for 5 minutes

Physical activity, move your body, even a little. Park 10 spaces further down from where you would normally park. Take the stairs if you normally take the elevator. Take 2 steps at a time if you normally take the stairs. Get up from your office chair and walk down a hall and back. Move, somehow find 5 minutes to move.

Do something nice for someone else

Get coffee for a co-worker, hug your friend, make a call to a relative to cheer them up. Smile at a stranger. Offer a moment of kindness to someone else and you will also reap the benefits of that act of kindness.

These are simple steps that you can do to help release some stress and allow your body a moment of reprieve. Your body is not meant to run at full emotional speed and it does not like it. Keep these things in mind, begin to practice them and create healthy habits to let stress go.

What defines healthy to you?

2008-09-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a different perspective of personal health. You may see someone eating fast food and think "Wow, I make healthier choices" while again other people may view your own food choices as unhealthy. So, what defines health to you? Do you watch your saturated fat intake? Are you vigilant in making sure you don't eat too many carbohydrates? Does the word "antioxidant" get your mind ready for salad greens and a health shake?
I remember when I was studying at ACHS and I had to define the symptoms of vitamin deficiencies and I was reminded just how complex but unified our body really is. Our body really is the ultimate in machine design! I mean sure, what they are doing over there at Google is impressive but your body is even more impressive in it's complexity.
In today's world we often run to the pharmacy or the doctor to treat common ailments such as dry skin, or trouble sleeping, headaches and digestive troubles to name some common ones. Did you know that all of these can be symptoms of a B deficiency? How often does someone think "Oh I have a cold starting and my hands seem dry, I need to up my vitamin intake!" Or suggest the family eat a better assortment of veggies now as winter is getting closer and immune systems need the extra boost.
I am suggest that you take time to make sure you are offering the key nuts and bolts to your machine now before you need the doctors repair bill. Don't wait for more symptoms of the problem to develop, be more proactive in your own diet. You may just find out those symptoms of PMS or IBS or other ailments you are worried are developing may just be deficiencies in the exact nutrients we need to run a well "oiled" machine!

For a list of food sources of vitamins and the symptoms of deficiencies you may have please check out this link: Vitamin Deficiency Solutions

ACHS Welcomes Herbalists Susan Belsinger & Tina Marie Wilcox's Creative Herbal Home Workshop to the ACHS Campus

2008-09-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Creative Herbal Home Workshop featuring Susan Belsinger & Tina Marie Wilcox

Wednesday, September 10, 11 am to 3 pm.

So, you know about using essential oils for aromatherapy. Wouldn’t you like to learn many other ways to use herbs and essential oils in your everyday life? Then this fun and inspiring class is just what you need!

Join authors Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox, authors of The Creative Herbal Home, while they discuss using herbs and essential oils to create “green” household cleaning products, insect repellents, care for the gardener, first aid preparations and how to make herbal spa products.

This workshop is divided into two parts:

The use of herbs in everyday life, where Susan and Tina will show you some of their favorite herbs and demo how to make a variety of products. Includes hands-on experience of making an herbal sugar scrub, preparing an herb-infused oil (featuring Herb of the Year Calendula) , and blending your own herbal bath bag.

Demo and lecture about using essential oils to create herbal spa products as well as how to use essential oils for household uses. You'll create your own blends for an aromatic spritzer, an apple cider vinegar for cleaning house or toning skin and also therapeutic bath salts.

This enthusiastic, entertaining and exciting workshop will give you confidence and know-how to lead a healthier, happier, and greener lifestyle! Recipes and handouts are included with the workshop. A book signing will follow the workshop and the Apothecary Shoppe will be open offering herbs, essential oils, equipment and supplies that we used in class.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn in-person with Susan Belsinger & Tina Marie Wilcox.

Class cost: $50, includes supplies. Space is limited. Be sure to register by calling 503-244-0726 or register securely online here to reserve your place today!

Note: This is a non-credit workshop.

Carbon Footprint

2008-08-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

The ACHS Green Challenge is coming soon...
To get ready, calculate your carbon footprint at the Environmental Protection Agency here

Knowing your footprint is the first step to minimizing your impact on the planet!

AHHA Article of the Week: The Ten Tenets of Wellness

2008-08-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wellness is the key to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. This article is a short and sweet reminder of things we can do to enhance our wellness. Well worth reading!

FEATURED ARTICLE OF THIS WEEK
"The Ten Tenets of Wellness"
by Michael Arloski, Ph.D., PCC
Click on article title OR copy and paste http://ahha.org/articles.asp?Id=14

Recycle your TV

2008-08-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, what does recycling your tv have to do with a holistic tip blog? Everything! Our environment supports our health, and looking after the planet ultimately is self serving as well as giving you a feel good buzz that rivals caffeine.

So before you send your old TV to a landfill, check out http://takebackmytv.com where you can urge manufacturers to take back old sets and find out about recycling options in your area. Since many people are thinking about replacing tvs to receive the new digital signals in Feb 2009, its a good idea to find out now what you could do with your old set if you do replace it. (Of course, remember you dont need a new set if you currently have a cable box, sattelite box, or get a converter box for your old set).

And yes, its better to get outside or talk to each other than watch TV, but TV does have some good shows on - if you get it, check out the new Planet Green channel (my five year olds favorite show is Wasted, where they go through a family's trash!) and Veria, which has lots of great holistic health shows.

Is your thyroid slowing you down?

2008-08-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland, a small peanut sized gland found at the base of the brain. When the levels of T3 and T4 drop to low in our blood stream the pituitary gland releases thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), turn when the thyroid receives this single the levels of T3 and T4 are increased in the blood, then the pituitary receives that the levels have increased and stops sending out TSH. You can think of the pituitary glad as a furnace stoker, seeing that the fire (T3 and T4) is getting lower he adds more coal to the fire, in turn the fire increases. The pituitary glad itself is controlled by a glad in the brain called the hypothalamus. This glad produces TSH releasing hormones to let the pituitary know at what level to keep that fire burning. The hypothalamus can be thought of at the train conductor telling the fire stoker how much fire is needed to keep the train, our body, at the speed it needs to be at in order to run smoothly (metabolism).

The thyroid can be subject to several problems, some being extremely common. Some problems are concerning production of hormones, whether it be too much or too little. Another problem can increased growth of the thyroid causing swelling in the neck compressing the trachea and other part of the neck, also appearing as a large growth on the neck, called a goiter. And lastly nodules or bumps that develop on the thyroid and can become cancerous.

For the purpose of time as well as keeping with the topic of the article I want to only explore the problems of too little hormonal production from the thyroid. Hypothyroidism is the condition where not enough T3 and T4 hormones are being produced so the metabolism slows down in the body. This condition can go years before it is properly diagnosed. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry hair and skin, depression, weight gain, constipation, and poor memory as well as lack of energy. Women who suffer from this condition will also notice extreme PMS symptoms; tender breasts, irregular cycles, and pelvic pain during ovulation as well as excessive body hair growth including facial hair.

Studies indicate that approximately one in fifty women and one in one thousand men will develop an under-active thyroid at some point in their lives. [1] The simplest cause of this affliction is too little iodine in the body. We now have iodine added to table salt in helps to prevent this condition; however, it has not halted even here in the USA. It is important to remember too much iodine can also cause poor thyroid function. Also during pregnancy a mother’s immune system decreases to allow the growth of the fetus, occasionally the thyroid does not pick up where it left off after delivery. Other causes can be an autoimmune disease.

Antibodies are proteins designed to defend the body from foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, antibodies attack the body itself. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, antibodies destroy thyroid gland cells preventing the gland from being able to release normal amounts of thyroid hormones. Diabetes type one is considered an autoimmune disease as well as Hashimoto or Grave’s disease. These diseases named here are also contributing factors in weight gain. See, the circle goes on for the fight against obesity. If you look closely enough you can find all the strands to the web of this affliction and one by one define treatment.

If you suspect you suffer from an under active thyroid you can perform simple tests to back up your suspicions. Checking body reflexes is a good way to start. Slower thyroids tend to give a person a slower reaction time. Recording body basal body temperatures is a great indication as well. For women testing basal body temp should begin 5 days after the cessation of menstruation. Recording the temperature for a week, with a result lower than 97.8 degrees could indicate a slower than normal thyroid. Consult your doctor or a full thyroid panel to be completed; be sure it includes free T3 and free T4 levels in the screening.

Treatment for thyroid should be monitored by your doctor; herbal remedies as well as dietary solutions should improve the clients over all feeling of well being as well as result in a healthier metabolism. Diets should be high in natural sources of iodine. Egg yolks, garlic, pears, seafood and turnip greens are easily found in a local market place and can be added easily to a client’s daily diet. Calcium and Zinc as well as a good source of vitamin B are important to add, greens such as dandelion are very good for these needs.

Herbal support can be found in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) which is also an excellent diuretic[2] which helps with weight factors. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is high in organically bound iodine, also present as diiothyrosine. Parsley is high in vitamin C and is useful in returning the immune system to proper function while treating a client with a slow thyroid and should be added to the use of Alfalfa and Bladderwrack. Contact a certified herbalist for a full thyroid supplement.

Weekends and eating right seem to be as evasive as Big Foot sightings!

2008-07-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

How many people do fantastic during the week with workouts and eating perfect meals only to have it all come crashing down on the weekend? I think the routine of the work week has a lot to do with it. Each day that the alarm goes off we are set on a predictable path to spend the day. Sure we hit glitches and snags like co workers asking us to join them in the break room for the impromptu birthday cake for Stan or the retirement lunch for Doris but we have our meals packed and planned JUST FOR THIS!

Then along comes Saturday morning. We roll out of bed with no alarm screaming that we are late. We can smell the kitchen...or worse the breakfast buffet even before we get out of bed. This is where the internal dialogue and battle begin. I can have real scrambled eggs this morning, or I can have cream in my coffee...I have been so good this week I can have one little treat...Which turns to another helping then another treat meal then another and soon it is Saturday evening out with friends or family and the inner demon beckons again...Well you blew the whole day what are a few buffalo wings now?

Sunday morning you wake up feeling bloated and tired and guilty. It is ok you say to yourself, I will work it off today on the treadmill! Those 1,500 extra calories won't get me, damn it! Sunday morning begins with a slow start and the demon inside starts whispering, well you said you would work harder today anyway why not have this little.....or that little....and the battle ensues again today...for another 1,500 or so calories. So over the weekend despite your honest intentions, despite your commitment you ate 3,000 calories more than you wanted, more than you should have and more than was needed. There are 3,500 calories in one pound, did you know that?

For the start of the new work week, all that commitment and workouts are spent just working off the weekend. So realistically you have Thursday and Friday to make new dents after training and dieting off the splurge of the weekend. MAN! Just seeing it typed out here in front of me is like a slap of ice water. WHAT? Is that what is happening? Now look back at the weeks, were they all perfect? If they were not perfect add those added “treats” to the weekend surplus. Imagine all week long the sweating at the workouts, the "no thanks" at the luncheons all for what? The binge we do on the weekend? We work out to eat Buffalo wings on the weekend? I bench press till my arms are ready to turn to useless appendages hanging at my sides because I want to eat pizza and ice cream Saturday night? Yikes...no....um..I do it to be fit and lean...leaner than I am now but if I look at it this way I am slowly walking in circles waiting to be thin..I do not want to walk in a slow circle I have a direction and a goal for this!

How do we get out of this trap? Wait, we know this answer! How will this food I am about to consume get me towards my goal? How will this "treat" affect all my hard work I put in this entire week? Imagine working so hard, your dedication is dead on, your heart and soul are poured into this project....you hand it to your very best friend, soul mate, partner in life only to have them say OH perfect then cut it up in tiny pieces and throw it in the trash. I made that for you!! I did that ALL FOR YOU AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT IT!! This is what we do to ourselves when we over “spend” on our calories thinking we deserve it for all our hard work during the week.

Fail to plan the weekend and you are planning to fail. So, what do you do? Education on calories is a fantastic way to avoid junk. Let's look at some calorie busters here:
1 slice of pizza is about 300 calories. Ok 300 calories is not too bad, but do we eat one piece? You can help yourself here by ordering a salad and eating it before the pizza. The fiber from the salad will help fill you up as well as help you absorb less fat from the pizza. Another good tip is order the pizza with half the cheese; this will cut the fat and calories somewhat, probably close to 100 calories less. Another tip is to drink that water! Before it arrives drink a full glass and after it arrives drink a full glass, fill yourself up before the food has a chance to over power you!

4 pieces of Buffalo wings are 210 calories. Ok 210 calories sounds ok, right? Really, though, only 4 pieces? How many eat 4 pieces? How many skip the blue cheese dressing that comes along with it? One serving of dressing to go with your measly 4 wings is also about 200 calories. So in a 4 wing with dressing treat you have eaten the caloric value of a full meal, and predominately fat. Don't forget that beer to drive those wings right to the heart, literally. Beer can be anywhere from 100 to 200 calories a mug, bottle, glass, stein or however it is you picture it being served in. All those calories are a complete waste.....drink water. The alternative for the wings, order a salad with grilled chicken. You can request some hot sauce on the side to sprinkle over the salad and a small side of lite dressing to drizzle over the salad. Here again there is that magic fiber to help prevent the digestion of the fats and to fill you up. If your buddies want to mock you for choosing a salad over the 6 alarm wings, tell them after their beer and junk food you will arm wrestle them....or better yet tell them to meet you in the gym!

Anyway, that is just a glimpse of the caloric waste we can do to ourselves over 48 hours time. We can spend the next 72 to 96 hours of eating right and working out making up for those poor choices or we can look at things realistically. Sit back for a moment before you make your weekend food choices and really give it thought.....will these wings, pizza, ice cream, beer or whatever battle food you may face...are they really worth walking in a slow circle for? What is it you want for yourself? Do you want the 15 minute meal or the life time of satisfaction?

Nothing tastes as good as keeping your word to yourself. Nothing feels as satisfying as putting on those "thin pants" and having them feel loose on you. Nothing matches the "head turning" you will create when YOU are the fit one in the crowd. When people look at YOU and think “wow I wish I looked like that!"

Before you order that food, or make that choice....what is it you really REALLY want?
Make a plan for the weekend.

The Alligator Pear!

2008-07-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, YUM, right? Ok, ok I mean the Avocado..or for those knee deep in their studies the Lauraceae (however still YUM!) I am not sure when the buzz happened about these ugly little fruits being too high in fat to eat but I am here to squash that rumor. Sure an average one has around 20-30 grams of fat but this is good fat, healthy fat! Several studies have shown eating avocado helps prevent heart disease thanks to the monounsaturated fatty acids but it also helps prevent various forms of cancer such as prostate, oral and breast cancers. How many of you take fish oils to get these benefits? Yet you walk by this fruit in the produce section with your nose up? Well, did you also know that one avocado a day can give you 35% of your RDA for vitamin K, 30% of your RDA in fiber, 25% of your needed potassium as well as 20% of vitamins C and B6 and copper? They have all that nutrition in a measly 236 calories in one cup?!? Well, set the table, I am ready to eat! I personally eat one avocado daily.
Try an avocado sliced on your salad or, my personal favorite, to your cottage cheese with some salsa and see for yourself how delish this fruit is!

Hi! I am Maureen Jeanson

2008-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

but I usually go by Moe..or Mom depending on who is talking to me *wink*
I will skip the basic info as you can simply click my name to read my profile.
I am a 2004 graduate of Herb 401 from ACHS. My graduating thesis was on the Obesity epidemic still plaguing the world. Ironically, at the time of my thesis I WAS obese! I am not now...and you can really dig into why and how if you visit my website .

So, when Erika sent out requests looking for graduates to help out with the blog I causally sent her a calm email asking if perhaps I may join in. (really I was super excited and could barely type fast enough in my reply begging to be permitted this outlet to share my enthusiasm for total health!)

Along with my Master Herbalist, I hold certifications for fitness specialties from ISSA, ACSM as well as with the United States Navy. I hope to bring all of this education to your computer screen each week with the tips I use for maintaining and improving health and wellness in our own lives!

Thanks again for allowing me into your MIND!!!! *wink*

New Blog Author: Maureen Jeanson

2008-07-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to welcome ACHS Alumni Maureen Jeanson, author of Squeaky Gourmet and owner of http://www.yourfitnessjourney.com to the blog authors! Maureen contributes on several health and wellness forums as an author and moderator. ACHS's College store, the Apothecary Shoppe, stocks Maureen's book Squeaky Gourmet and President Dorene Petersen is a featured review on the back of the book. Welcome Maureen!

Quick Zit Fix

2008-07-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself with a zit that popped up out of nowhere, at the first sign, apply a drop of lobelia tincture to the area. The zit will usually reduce in size or completely disappear within 24 hours without any residual hyperpigmentation to the skin. You can reapply the tincture to the area as often as needed.

New YouTube Video: Top Five Tips for Wellness from Three Instructors

2008-06-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Three ACHS Instructors (a naturopath, an aromatherapist, and an acupuncturist and chinese herb specialist) share their top five tips for wellness and good health. Filmed at the ACHS Campus in Portland Oregon during a faculty retreat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTeJvMAeRqQ

Sustainable Living Tip: Swap Books

2008-06-19T16:17:00.001-07:00

Holistic includes Sustainable Living so this is a sustainable living tip: Instead of buying new books, try a book swap! This service is one I use and really enjoy because it has such a huge number of members there are tons of books available on every topic. Apart from the cost of mailing (and you can use media mail), it is currently free to swap!
Yes, the library works too, but if you are like me and always returning library books late, that can get expensive!

Multitasking can be healthy!

2008-06-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

We all work so hard, that sometimes the only time we get fresh air is when we are going to and from our cars! I find that I can kill multiple birds with one stone by walking or biking to do my errands. Not only do I get fresh air and exercise but I'm saving gas, helping to protect the environment, and crossing off one of my to-do list items! Today I walked to the bank with a friend to do my banking. This weekend, I will be biking to the farmer's market to get my veggies and support the local farming community. What have you done this week to get exercise and do something else positive?

Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day

2008-06-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

This week, write down how much water you consume and try to get eight 8-oz glasses. You can use a water jug at your desk if that helps. Many of us think we drink enough water until we start writing it down, and its vitally important for all body functions. If your water level is sub par - your body functions may be sub par too!

My tip of the week

2008-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

ACHS is located near the river walk that runs along the Willamette River. The College Registrar Heather Baley and I usually try go for a 30 minute walk along the river when the weather's nice. We get a chance to catch up socially and get out for fresh air and exercise! It's a great way to rejuvenate myself and avoid the afternoon slump! Try to get outside for some sun (and Vitamin D) and to stretch your legs for at least 30 minutes every day!

Tracey Miller
ACHS Dean of Admissions

New Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine Accredited

2008-06-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Holistic Tip of the Week: Earn a Graduate Degree in CAM.
We are delighted to announce that our new Master of Science degree program has received accreditation through the DETC. ACHS was approved to offer and confer this degree by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization in December 2007, but has waited until accreditation was received to admit students. Applicants must hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution and receive recommendation for admission to the Program.

Classes for this Graduate degree program begin this fall and we are accepting applications now, so don't delay and be one of the first in the United States to earn this exciting degree. Call admissions at 800 487 8839 to schedule your admissions interview and see if you qualify for admission. www.achs.edu

Holistic Tip of the Week

2008-06-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

This new blog, sponsored by Australasian College of Health Sciences USA, is a place to share holistic tips for a healthy sustainable lifestyle. Each week, the author of the most popular tip will receive a $25 gift card!