Obama Calls for Health Care Reform in 2009

WASHINGTON (CNN)--President Obama pledged Tuesday night to cure Americans from what he called "the crushing cost of health care," saying the country could not afford to put health-care reform on hold.

President Obama tells Congress Tuesday night: "I have no illusions this will be an easy process."

"This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes," Obama said in his speech to a joint session of Congress.

Obama pointed to the increasing number of uninsured and rapidly rising health-care premiums, which he said was one reason small business closed their doors and corporations moved overseas.

Obama's prescription for health-care reform included making "the largest investment ever" in preventive care, rooting out Medicare fraud and investing in electronic health records and new technology in an effort to reduce errors, bring down costs, ensure privacy and save lives.

"I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process," the president said, adding that he was scheduling a gathering next week of "businesses and workers, doctors and health-care providers, Democrats and Republicans."

"The cost of health care has weighed down our economy and our conscience long enough. So let there be no doubt, health-care reform cannot wait, it must not wait and it will not wait another year," Obama said to a standing ovation.

The president also said Americans would see a cure for cancer "in our time." Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, died of ovarian and uterine cancer at 52.

Obama made health-care reform a central theme of his presidential campaign and promised not only to achieve universal health care in his first term, but also to cut the average family's health care health-care costs by $2,500.

In his speech Tuesday, he placed health-care reform alongside education and energy reforms as central pillars of his recovery plan.

An estimated 45.7 million Americans are uninsured, and for those with coverage, and health-care costs have been rising four times faster than wages, Obama said.

The average cost of family health-care coverage more than doubled from 1999 to 2008, from $1,543 to $3,354, according to a report by the Institute on Medicine released Tuesday.

During his speech, Obama touted changes in the health-care system already passed in his month-old administration as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Already, we have done more to advance the cause of health-care reform in the last 30 days than we have in the last decade," he said. "When it was days old, this Congress passed a law to provide and protect health insurance for 11 million American children whose parents work full-time."

Signed into law on February 17, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also includes $87 billion to bolster state Medicaid programs and offers a 65 percent subsidy for nine months to help the unemployed pay for their COBRA coverage.

COBRA allows the unemployed to pick up the payments and continue the health insurance coverage they had with their former employer. The subsidy would help an estimated seven million Americans, according to a congressional estimate.

The president's health-care message was applauded by Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers.

"President Obama is absolutely correct that the nation's economy and the federal budget deficit cannot be fixed without meaningful health-care reform," Pollack said in a statement.

© 2009 CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/24/obama.health.care/

Gwyneth Paltrow shares seven-day detox on her site goop.com

The February 22 New York Times featured an article in the Style section about a relatively new website called Goop, nourish the inner aspect.

The originator of the site is Gwyneth Paltrow. Although most known for her work as a movie actress—and more recently for her marriage to musician Chris Martin from Coldplay—Paltrow launched Goop.com last September to provide readers with short, blog-style entries about positive thoughts, parenting anecdotes, and healthy living tips, to name a few categories.

But perhaps most interesting and useful for the holistic health practitioner is an entry posted under the “Make” category called “Detox.” Here Paltrow tells her readers that: “You can detox easily and effectively while you continue to eat as long as you are cutting out the foods and other substances that interfere with the detoxification process. Make sure you check with your doctor before you start any detox. Drink A LOT of water.” All sound advice.

Paltrow also includes a user-friendly seven-day meal plan for detox, including recipes for dishes like Salad with Carrot and Ginger Dressing, Detox Teriyaki Chicken, and Steamed Salmon and Greens. All of the recipes include nutrient-rich foods easily prepared in 30 minutes or less, including downloadable PDFs to store in your dietary toolbox or holistic health library.

For the full recipes, and more information from Paltrow’s personal doctor, go to: www.goop.com.

Tested a recipe? Would you recommend it? Tell us what you think.

Have a response to the site in general, share with the community. We look forward to hearing from you.

Photo © LA Times: latimesblogs.latimes.com

Aromatherapy Can Help PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Typically, this event threatens serious physical danger or involves physical violence. Following this experience, it would not be out of the ordinary for someone to feel scared, confused or angry. However, if these feelings continue long-term and become disruptive to your daily activities, you may be suffering from PTSD.

In a given year, about 7.7 million American adults suffer from PTSD. Although it was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, PTSD can result from common events, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or personal assault.

It is estimated that among veterans, the rate of PTSD is somewhere between 14 percent and 33 percent. Not every person who experiences a traumatic event will experience PTSD, and not every Soldier will either, but being aware of possible symptoms and stressors could help with treatment and prevention.

In the past, PTSD has commonly been treated with pharmaceuticals or some type of mood management therapy. Today, information about alternative treatments is becoming more widespread and research has substantiated the historical use of aromatherapy for depression. Why not for PTSD?

Aromatherapy means: the use of aromas for their healing properties. The documented use of essential oils goes back to Egyptian times, where herbs were burnt in public squares to purify the air. Today we know that lemon essential oil, for example, can be used to lift mild depression. We also know that aromatherapy is a natural, less invasive treatment for chronic afflictions. And compared to most pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy is typically less expensive and more accessible.

Many people with PTSD get better over time, but about 1 out of 3 experience PTSD as a recurring challenge. Use of aromatherapy has many advantages in these cases. If used correctly, they have minimal to no adverse effects when used over time. Aromatherapy is also a healthy alternative for those opposed to long-term use of prescription drugs, and essential oils, when diluted and applied to the skin (or inhaled), can be absorbed into the bloodstream for almost immediate results.

Essential oils are distilled directly from plants. The term “essential” is applied to these oils because they contain the fragrant part of the plant. Essential oils are powerful and concentrated. Many should not be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. Rather, essential oils should be diluted with almond or apricot oil, which lend additional nutrient and antioxidant health benefits.

Aromatherapy expert, Dorene Petersen, President of the Australasian College of Health Sciences, said her college store carries organic certified oils because “it’s important to have the highest quality oils available. Essential oils are extracted from plants, which absorb toxins in their environment. Certified organic essential oils are free of contaminants and pesticides; a purer oil means greater health benefits.”

When treating chronic challenges like PTSD, a consistent routine is important. The recommended solution is a combination of wellness protocols such as holistic nutrition and aromatherapy. A balanced, natural foods diet is the greatest tool we have to maintain healthy physical and psychological functions. When regularly added into the diet, aromatic herb plants that contain essential oils will boost immunity, circulation, and metabolism, among other things. For example, chamomile, which has been found to soothe low levels of stress and depression, can be made into a tea, and geranium, which is commonly used to stabilize emotions, can replace vanilla in baking recipes.

To complement a healthy diet, here are some suggestions for simple, yet effective uses of aromatherapy at home. First, undiluted essential oils can quickly be diffused into the air on a room-by-room basis. Second, you can drop essential oils directly into a relaxing bath or foot soak. (Some oils are more potent than others; until you know how the oil will react with your system, less is more.) Or, try replacing commercial cleaners and air fresheners with essential oils and sprinkling a few drops in and around drains, trashcans, and pillowcases.

Before using aromatherapy as a PTSD protocol, consult with a Registered Aromatherapist, which can be located through the Aromatherapy Registration Council Web site: www. aromatherapycouncil.org.

The Australasian College of Health Sciences is the only DETC-accredited, fully online college offering continuing education, certificate, diploma, and degree programs in complementary alternative medicine with aromatherapy and holistic health majors. For more information about aromatherapy and the college, visit www.achs.edu.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the complete article.

© 2009 Article originally appeared in the February edition of Military Spouse Magazine

ACHS Announces Wednesday Brown Bag Lecture Series

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!

Green Gift Guide

December 2008 could mark just another holiday season—relatively indistinguishable from the last… Except for the fact that you might be entering the season with a little more motivation to be green and little less cash in the gift-giving reserves.

Which gives you all the more reason to alter—then heed—an old adage: it's the quality of the thought that counts.

This year, spend a little extra time thinking about what you give, how you decorate, and what you serve. Your thoughtfulness will pay dividends, not just to you and your family, but to the planet.When brainstorming gift ideas, think quality over quantity. Money’s tight, so don’t buy just to buy. Sure, fall-back soaps and candles for her and a T-shirt for him are fine, but why not give quality gifts—ones you feel good about buying and giving?

Buy Local. Look in locally-owned stores for gifts. Shopping at mom and pop stores sends your money right back into your city’s or town’s economy. By doing so, you’re encouraging a vibrant and diverse marketplace right where you live rather than supporting a big box store. Bonus points if the gift you buy is also made locally.

Buy Green. Commit to knowing where the gifts you buy come from, what they’re made of and how they’re made. Plastic products, for example, release harmful toxins into the air in production, leach chemicals into our body when we use them, and stick around for several thousand years once discarded. Try to buy gifts made from sustainable materials that are safe for the gift’s recipient and the planet. Trust us: You’ll feel good about it.

If you’re looking for green toys, check out these Green Toy Company Recommendations.

Still out of ideas? If you can’t think of a good gift to give, could it be because the intended already has too much stuff? If so, why not skip buying him more things he doesn’t need. Give the gift of wellness.

© Sustainlane.com

Donate two cans to end hunger in your community

ACHS will accept local canned-food donations on behalf of the Oregon Food Bank from December 8-15.

Bring two cans to the Apothecary Shoppe between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. If you cannot make it into the Apothecary Shoppe before December 15—or you live outside the Portland metro area—donate to your local food bank.

Food banks always have a short supply during the holidays. This year has proved no exception. As a country, we are experiencing some of the most difficult financial struggles in decades. And as a result, food shortages are at an all time high.

We may not be able to end national hunger single-handed. But, we can end hunger at home. It’s amazingly easy. In fact, for many of us, all it would take is a one-minute trip to the kitchen cabinet—or a few cans of food.

You do great work. We know this about you, the same as we know promoting community wellness is an important part of our work as holistic health educators. Support community wellness this holiday season.

Donate two cans to stop hunger in your community. Then, tell us all about it. Don't worry. It's not self-promotion. It's education. So come on...brag a little!

What are you and your community doing to end hunger locally?

We’d love to hear from you! Click the COMMENT icon below.

Know someone with something to share. Click the FORWARD icon below.

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Aromatherapy Gets Personal Boost from Donna Karan

DKNY founder Donna Karan cares about aromatherapy. At least, she cares enough about the possible healing properties of alternative medicine to donate $850,000 to the Beth Israel Medical Center to conduct a year-long experiment combining Eastern and Western healing methods.

According to the October 30 New York Times article, “In One Section of Beth Israel Hospital, Some Patients Are Saying ‘Om,’ Not ‘Ah’”, the experiment, which will be overseen by ultimate yogi Rodney Yee, will test the notion that “yoga, meditation and aromatherapy can enhance regimens of chemotherapy and radiation.”

Karan, who reportedly maintains a daily yoga practice herself, sites her commitment to integrative medicine as the result of the “narrowly limited treatment of her husband, a sculptor, and of Lynn Kohlman, a photographer, model and DKNY fashion director who […] died of brain and breast cancer in September.”

“Over 80% of cancer patients use … some form of complementary or alternative therapies,” said Barrie Cassileth, PhD, chief of the Integrative Medicine Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, in a 2004 article posted on the American Cancer Society website.

Although they do not take the place of Western medicine, Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is being used as a supplement more and more frequently by oncology patients. A cumulative term for several holistic health modalities, CAM includes herbal medicine, homeopathy and aromatherapy, which all prioritize the unique experience of the individual in the treatment of symptoms.

Colleges like the Australasian College of Health Sciences in Portland, Oregon, have experienced a consistent increase in enrollment over the past few years, specifically among heath care workers who want continuing education classes in CAM to integrate into their current work or practice. College President Dorene Petersen says of the trend:

“Health and wellness continue to be the fastest growing industry. ACHS trains holistic health practitioners, but we also work with a lot of health care workers who want more natural solutions to offer their patients. And it works. They’re coming back.”

Among CAM modalities, aromatherapy is likely the most familiar. And if the Beth Israel Medical Center experiment is a success, one can reasonably assume the tested, healing properties of aromatherapy will become common knowledge.

But many don’t know that aromatherapy has a documented use dating to Egyptian times, where herbs were regularly burnt in public squares to purify the air. René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950), a French chemist and perfumer, is officially credited with coining the term “aromatherapy,” and is known for his research of the dermatological effects of essential oils, which subsequently inspired a number of researchers and writers in the 1950’s and 60s.

Today, industry experts commonly define aromatherapy as “the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind and spirit.” The largest online information source for the use of aromatherapy and essential oils, AromaWeb, adds that: “Essential oils inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit.”

Like Karan, AromaWeb founder Wendy Robbins attributes her commitment to alternative medicine to personal experience. AromaWeb arose from the desire to create an online resource with accurate introductory information for those seeking more in depth information about the field of aromatherapy.

“Before and after the launch of the AromaWeb,” Robbins says, “I craved to learn as much as I could about aromatherapy so that in turn, I could share that knowledge with others.” Today, Robbins writes articles about aromatherapy and essential oils, which she features on her user-friendly site, the world’s largest and most popular informational aromatherapy site on the Web.

“I feel immensely rewarded,” Robbins says, “that through AromaWeb, I am able to utilize the knowledge and foundation in aromatherapy that I gained from my ACHS coursework to introduce the concepts of holistic aromatherapy to thousands of individuals each year!”

Robbins founded AromaWeb in 1997, and began the Certificate in Aromatherapy program at the Australasian College of Health Sciences in 1999. She graduated in 2000. Robbins is the recent recipient of the ACHS 2009 Famous Alumni of the Year award, which is sponsored by the Distance Education Training Council.

In 1997, the Australasian College was named the first Aromatherapy Education Provider eligible to obtain liability insurance through ABMP. Founded in 1978, ACHS has more than thirty years of experience in holistic health care and is the only accredited, fully only college offering certificates and degrees in complementary alternative medicine in the United States.

When asked about Karan’s commitment to integrative medicine and her donation to the Beth Israel Medical Center, ACHS Founder and President Dorene Petersen said: “ACHS teaches students the value of holistic health care, to work with the whole person, …lack of sleep, diet, personal trauma, etc. Evidence shows us the appropriate use of essential oils [aromatherapy] is a great way to enhance preventative wellness and support daily treatment of chronic conditions like cancer. I think it’s important, what Donna Karan is doing. Supporting the use of CAM in allopathic care as an integrative tool is what wellness and ACHS are all about.”

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ACHS adjunct instructor Deborah Halvorson schools The OC on homemade remedies

Garlic mixed with olive oil may sound like a robust marinade to the uninitiated. But to an holistic health practitioner or aromatherapist, it’s the all-natural way to kill bacteria, kid maladies included. Which goes to show, playing with your food should be a welcome contact sport.

Just ask Australasian College adjunct faculty member Deborah Halvorson, who was recently featured in the November 5 Orange County Register article, “Homemade remedies for sick kids.” Halvorson, a graduate of the ACHS.edu Aromatherapy Practitioner program, teaches online introductory and advanced aromatherapy courses for the Portland-based college, and leads herbal and natural health workshops in Southern California.

According to the article, Halvorson, “a mother of three, first saw the power of alternative approaches when her oldest son was 2.” Suffering from chronic ear infections, she feared her son would need medical intervention. “Halvorson mentioned this to her chiropractor. He said he could manipulate [her son’s] ears to release fluids so bacteria would not grow.” When the ear infections stopped, Halverson became a believer.

Although natural remedies are not a replacement for traditional Western medicine, ACHS President Dorene Petersen wants people to know that there are viable, evidence-based alternatives for people who prefer a more natural approach to wellness. Prevention is best, according to Petersen, but there are also significant benefits to using herbal medicine in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms, including “a direct source of fresh vitamins and minerals, affordability, and easy access.”

With more than thirty years’ experience in the holistic health industry, Petersen, whose credentials include diplomas from the South Pacific College of Naturopathy and the Holistic Institute of Acupuncture in Hong Kong, says, “Health is a slow, cumulative process, built up each day from our daily habits. Rather than just the absence of illness and injury, it is the condition of physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing.” She believes strongly in the use of herbs and natural medicine to attain optimal health, which is a message firmly ingrained in all courses offered by Australasian College. (ACHS is a DETC-accredited and Oregon State approved Institute of Higher Learning. For information on the college, visit their website at www.achs.edu.)

“But,” Petersen says, “that doesn’t mean the sniffles can’t be helped along a bit.”

Here are 3 simple homemade remedies Petersen recommends to keep your friends and family healthy.

1. Horehound
A weed, which commonly grows throughout the U.S., horehound is partial to wasteland and pasture where sheep have grazed. The leaves are oval and ash-green in color, and best collected as the plant begins to flower. Well-known for its effective treatment of all lung troubles and bronchial coughs, horehound is somewhat bitter, and best mixed into a cough drop or syrup form. The many benefits include: a considerable quantity of vitamin C, antibacterial substances, and powerful decongestants. (It is essential to identify weeds correctly before you harvest. For accurate information, take a wild plant identification walk with an expert, or most herbal stores, including the College’s Apothecary Shoppe, will have dried, whole herbs ready for use.)

Recipe: Horehound Cough Syrup
1-cup raw sugar
2-T honey
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon (about 1-T)
1-T sunflower or corn oil
1⁄2-pt horehound infusion
2-3 drops peppermint essential oil to taste

DIRECTIONS: Combine the sugar, honey, lemon juice, and oil over a low heat and simmer until it forms a syrup and thickens. When the syrup has thickened, stir in the horehound infusion. Add peppermint oil and remove from the heat. Bottle and store in the refrigerator.

2. Garlic
Although an Asian native, garlic is easy to cultivate and found most places, and wild garlic is especially found in poorly drained soil in the Pacific Northwest. Organically grown garlic is said to be more effective medicinally because of the presence of enzymes that are not found in garlic grown on chemically fertilized soils. Daily use of garlic has been found to keep the nose and lungs clear of mucus. Small, daily amounts are best taken as a fresh food ingredient.

Recipe: Cold and Flu Support
1⁄4-oz rosehips
1⁄4-oz parsley
1⁄4-oz rosemary
1⁄4-oz thyme
1⁄4-oz garlic
1-pt water

DIRECTIONS: Mix the rosehips, parsley, rosemary, and thyme together. Crush the garlic and add. Bring the water to a boil and add to the herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes and then drink one cup three to four times during the day. Store in the refrigerator for up to eight hours. Children can take one tablespoon every hour. Adults can take two to four tablespoons every hour.

3. Blackberry
A common plant found in cooler climates worldwide, Blackberry has prickly foliage, a white rose-like flower, and dark juicy berries. The roots, leaves, and berries can all be used; although, kids find the berries most tolerable, and they can be purchased frozen year-round in your local natural foods grocery store. The main benefit is a high level of vitamin C.

Recipe: Blackberry Support

DIRECTIONS: Add whole berries to grain cereals, like oatmeal, eat as a stand-alone snack, or use as a special treat on top of homemade vanilla ice cream.

* DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified licensed health care provider. Any recommendations are for educational purposes only and are believed to be effective. However, since use of any material by others is beyond the control of Australasian College of Health Sciences, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effectiveness of this information can be given nor liability taken.

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Oil of the Month

Anise, Pimpinella anisum, commonly called sweet cumin, is from the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae). All plants in the Apiaceae family carry their oil in their seed and have an affinity with the digestive system.

Therapeutic actions of anise include: analgesic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antiestrogen, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aperitive, bactericidal, bronchodilator, carminative, digestant, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic.
(Anise is not the same as star anise oil. These two plants are very different botanically.)

Anise is December’s featured essential oil for ACHS’s Oil of the Month Club. As member, each month you will receive 5 ml of the oil of the month and an insert describing your oil in detail, as well as recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural health lifestyle. Oil of the Month is available through the Apothecary Shoppe at www.apothecary-shoppe.com.

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Winter Foods

It is [almost] winter on the west coast and typically rainy and blustery today. I am glad to be at my desk and not outside in the elements. Our harvest days are nearly done for the year, and we are grateful for a bountiful yield from the garden. There is something incredibly gratifying about eating a meal grown largely on-site.

Bruschetta made with baguette of red fife wheat, topped with local goat cheese, a slice of our wicked pickled garlic, and our own tomatoes chopped fine.

Phyllo squash pie, using two kinds of squash, eggs from our neighbor, and parmesan cheese from Italy because sometimes you just have to.

Oven roasted potatoes, Yukon gold and Russian blue varieties. Kale and collards sauteed with minced ginger and tamari. Green salad with three kinds of lettuce, chrysanthemum leaves, and parsley.

And why am I telling you this, apart from to make your mouth water?

Because, if you are interested in health, if you are interested in healing, then you are interested in food. Good food, locally sourced, sustainably grown, and prepared and eaten with pleasure is a foundation stone of good health.

Although my husband Thierry and I grow medicinal herbs on our 7-acre farm as well, we feel that we derive most of our own healing from eating healthy food. But fear not! You don’t have to cook a fancy 3-course meal to eat a healthier diet. Try these simple, time saving diet tips to increase your nutrition quotient:

• Cook a big pan of beans once a week and freeze in plastic tubs.
• Keep a selection of interesting sauces, dips, mustards, and marinades. Any simple piece of fish or chicken can be quickly marinaded, then either oven baked or seared on the barbecue.
• Buy a stacking dehydrator, then when fruits and tomatoes are cheap you can but a lot and dry them.
• Always aim for having five colors on your plate.
• Try a new food every time you go shopping—something you have never had before. Or commit to cooking one new dish per week.

Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, MNIMH, AHG, is the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster. For information about internships with Chanchal, visit achs.edu, click on Alumni, and scroll down to Mentoring and Apprenticeships for Herbalists.

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Health Freedom Update by Kimberly Sharples, HHP

The election is over. I would encourage you to meet your state Senator and Representative and start to build a relationship with them. Talk to them about how they feel about health freedom and maybe they will help you to pass a health freedom law in your state!

If you don’t know who your legislators are, you can look at this website: www.votesmart.org. You will need to enter your nine-digit zip code. If you don’t know your nine-digit zip code, you can find this at http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

Some states have updated information from last month, so be sure to check the updates out below.

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.

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

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Sprouts Farmers Market teams with ACHS for training

Portland, OR — November 12, 2008 — In this economy, more Americans than ever are taking action to avoid costly medical expenses.

Employers are seeing the value in having trained employees to help consumers make informed and safe choices. One such company is Sprouts Farmers Markets. With 31 stores in Arizona, California, Texas, and Colorado, Sprouts corporate has demonstrated their commitment to consumers by partnering with Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS) to ensure Sprouts employees have up-to-date credible knowledge.

“Our customers have let us know that health and nutrition information is important to them and Sprouts answers the call,” said Patti Milligan M.S., R.D., C.N.S., Corporate Nutritionist for Sprouts Farmers Market. “Sprouts is committed to providing credible nutrition information to its customers and, as part of that continuing commitment, we have well-trained educators in each region,” continues Milligan.

Sprouts partnered with ACHS, to educate their vitamin department staff, with at least one representative in each region completing accredited training through ACHS.

“Sprouts has developed a knowledgeable team dedicated to educating customers on the best products for their personal health and wellness, creating incredible value for their customers,” said Tracy Miller, ACHS Dean of Admissions. “ACHS graduates have completed rigorous, dynamic and up-to-date training in holistic nutrition.”

Founded in 1978, ACHS has more than thirty years of experience in holistic health care. In addition to DETC-accredited, distance learning programs, ACHS has developed a 21st-century Corporate Training program, which emphasizes education, engagement, and high-quality customer service. Corporate Training partnership with ACHS ensures customized and consistent continuing education, assists with secondary sales, and builds employee and customer confidence.

Visit www.achs.edu and click on College Calendar for event times and to sign up.

About Us

Founded in 1978, the Australasian College of Health Sciences has more than 30 years of experience in holistic health care. At present, the College works with more than 10,000 students in 60 countries to educate and train skilled professionals in complementary alternative medicine.

ACHS is the only accredited, fully online college offering diplomas in complementary alternative medicine in the United States. As such, the College specializes in providing their students with comprehensive, professional and engaging distance education and the most up-to-date CAM research available. ACHS graduates have gone on work as teachers and writers, consultants and holistic health care practitioners, researchers, etc.

For specific information about courses, accreditation, faculty and events, go to www.achs.edu.

College Admissions and the Apothecary Shoppe are open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., PST, and can be reached at 800-487-8839.

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Natural Health Holiday Open House Draws PDX Crowd November 15

Portland, OR—More than 40 people filled the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store Saturday, November 15 for a free community wellness event. The College hosts several events a year with themes like lavender distillation and HerbDay, which emphasize seasonal tips for holistic wellness.

The November 15 event marked the College’s 5th Annual Holiday Open House. The three-hour demonstration featured several easy-to-make, all-natural holiday gift ideas and an extensive question and answer period. The College also set up several tables where, after the demonstration, participants were invited to make hand butters and sugar scrubs on the spot.

The Open House lingered into the late afternoon to accommodate the larger than expected turnout. In addition to several College students and alumni, about half the participants were from the greater Portland community with some attendees coming all the way from Ohio and Vancouver, BC.

“It’s great,” Heather Baley, ACHS Registrar, said about those in attendance. “We love to visit with our students and grads. But we’re also really happy when the community comes to our events. […] We want …to get information about wellness out there in a fun and practical way.”

Over the course of the afternoon, Tracey Miller, ACHS Dean of Admissions, demonstrated how to make an herb sugar scrub, aromatic body sprays, and aromatherapy room sprays. (All of the recipes are in the ACHS Holiday Recipe Book, available to download for free on the Apothecary Shoppe website. CLICK HERE.)

The main lesson here: Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. “Common household items make wonderful gifts when mixed with essential oils and herbs,” said Baley. “Purchase essential oils that speak to you, and you can combine them in several ways to make custom blends. I like to share my creations with family and friends and always keep a room spray at my desk, when I need a little Aromatherapy.”

For those who were not able to attend in person—or simply want a refresher—all of the Open House demonstrations will be available on ACHStv soon. To watch the videos, go to: http://www.youtube.com/achstv.

For more wellness tips and natural, easy-to-make holiday gift ideas get a free download of the College’s Holiday Recipe Book on the Apothecary Shoppe website. CLICK HERE.

Packaging for your favorite gifts: Click here to view the Apothecary Shoppe's comprehensive stock of unique packaging for your holiday gifts.

To see more Open House photos, visit us on Facebook.

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American Botanical Council Turns 20

Austin, TX -- On November 1, the American Botanical Council (ABC) observed its 20th anniversary. The independent nonprofit research and education organization was established in 1988 by Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal, along with noted ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, and renowned pharmacognosist Norman R. Farnsworth, PhD.

Dr. Duke is retired from a 30-year career at the United States Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Farnsworth is still Research Professor of Pharmacognosy and Senior University Scholar at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

According to Dr. Duke, "Respect for herbal medicine has grown geometrically, thanks in large part to ABC and its peer-reviewed journal HerbalGram. Twenty years of ABC have markedly improved public perception of some of the world's best medicines-herbal medicines."

Prof. Farnsworth said, "ABC may be the primary force promoting a reasonable and responsible perspective on the emerging science on herbs and medicinal plants. There is no way to adequately measure the significant contribution ABC has made to the health of American consumers."

"ABC was initially created as a vehicle to take HerbalGram, then a newsletter, to another level of publication -- a full-color, magazine-journal format," noted ABC's Blumenthal.

To read the full article, click here.

We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

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ACHS Faculty Deborah Halvorson in OC Register

ACHS faculty member Deborah Halvorson was featured in a November 5 article in the Orange County Register called "Homemade remedies for sick kids." Halvorson is pictured with her daughter, Hazel, making chest balm in her kitchen. In the article, Halvorson credits her belief in natural remedies to personal experience, and shares some great tips for keeping your kids healthy this year, including a recipe for vapor balm.

To read the full-length article, click here. Show your support for ACHS faculty! Be sure to leave a comment on the OC Register site AND here. We're looking forward to reading your recipes for fall wellness!

We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

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Four Holistic Nutrition Educators Now Certified

Phoenix, AZ – In this economy, more Americans are doing self-care as health care to avoid costly medical expenses. In making sure Sprouts employees have up-to-date credible knowledge, they have sent a representative from each region to become certified.

“Our customers have let us know that health and nutrition information is important to them and Sprouts answers the call” said Patti Milligan M.S., R.D., C.N.S., Corporate Nutritionist for Sprouts Farmers Market. “Sprouts is committed to providing credible nutrition information to its customers and, as part of that continuing commitment, we have well trained educators in each region,” continues Milligan.

Sprouts partnered with Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS), to educate their vitamin department staff. “Sprouts has developed a knowledgeable team dedicated to educating customers on the best products for their personal health and wellness, creating incredible value for their customers,” said Tracy Miller, ACHS Dean of Admissions. “ACHS graduates have completed rigorous, dynamic and up-to-date training in holistic nutrition."

Founded in 1978, ACHS is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. Flexible, online programs, highly qualified faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to exceptional online education are the foundation for ACHS's reputation. For more information about nutrition and homeopathy courses offered at ACHS, click here.

We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

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ACHS Featured in AHHA's Good News Column

ACHS's announcement of achieving the first and only accredited and state approved online Associates and Masters degrees in Complementary Alternative Medicine was featured in the May 2008 issue of the American Holistic Health Association's (AHHA) newsletter.

Read about ACHS's achievement in the Good News column of AHHA's newsletter online here.

ACHS Announces new English Composition Courses

New English Composition Courses at ACHS

ACHS is delighted to announce the launch of its new English Composition courses, with the first class starting November 17, 2008.

“Required for the ACHS Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine degree program, English composition is also vital for anyone in the holistic health industry,” says Co-Education Director Erika Yigzaw. “Many graduates have enjoyed success authoring books, magazine articles, blogs, e-magazines, and newsletters. The English Composition classes will strengthen students’ skills for their career and provide vital life skills in English composition.”

The English Composition classes use ACHS’s dynamic online classroom format, with extensive interactive multimedia activities and peer to peer and instructor interaction. ACHS has worked with international publisher Pearson Education to develop the online content for these user-friendly yet content rich courses, and we are sure they will delight both new and existing ACHS students.

View more information about these accredited, fully online English Composition courses online:

ENG 101 English Composition I
ENG 201 English Composition II

ACHS is also delighted to welcome new faculty to ACHS to teach the English Composition classes, the first of which is Sarah Louise.

Sarah Louise holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, an LL.B., and 24 graduate hours toward a Ph.D. in English/Creative Writing. She also teaches online writing courses at DeVry University and Baker College and comments that “these online classes have been among the most enjoyable experiences of my career.” She has developed and taught courses in English Composition, Literature, Technical Writing, Writing the Research Paper, Developmental English courses, Business Writing, and Creative Writing at Northern New Mexico College as well as the University of New Mexico. She has also directed the writing lab at Northern New Mexico College, which provides computer-assisted learning, individualized tutorial aid, mentoring, and study groups.

Additional faculty appointments to meet the expected demand for these courses are pending and will be announced shortly.

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

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.

Featured herb of July

The open house may have passed (and was great fun) but we don't stop there! :) Be sure to take a look at the featured herb of the month!

July Herb of the month:
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi is a common plant in the Northern hemisphere, being found in barren, mountainous locations in Europe, Asia and America. You have to go above 3000 feet to find this indigenous herb growing wild in the US. The Native Americans used this herb for a smoking mixture, called kinnikinnik. It is of the same family as the Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, and Trailing Arbutus, Epigaea repens.

When you order the Featured Herb of the Month you will receive a new herb of the month package. This package includes 8 oz bag of the herb of the month and an insert, describing your oil in detail with recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

You also may wish to become a prepaid member of the Herb and/or Oil of the Month Club lasting 20 months:
Herb of the Month Club
Oil of the Month Club
You will receive a beautifully designed 3 ring binder. Each month you will receive a new herb or oil of the month package including 8 oz of the herb of the month or 5 ml of the oil as well as an insert for your personal binder, describing your herb or oil in detail, including recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

Be sure to continue to visit our Apothecary Shoppe as well for all our specials and products:
ACHS Apothecary Shoppe

For information about Herbalism, or any of our programs at ACHS, please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!