Erik Estrada poses with ACHS at the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium

ACHS Director of Military Relations Kate Harmon and ACHS Dean of Admissions and Military Education Coordinator Tracey Miller pose with Erik Estrada at the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium.

Kate and Tracey are representing the American College of Healthcare Sciences at the Symposium and Mr. Estrada is supporting anti-child pornography online.

ACHS at DoD Worldwide Educational Symposium July 27-31

ACHS Dean of Admissions and Military Education Coordinator Tracey Miller setting up the American College booth at the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium on Sunday, July 26.

The DoD Worldwide Education Symposium brings together all of the major players in voluntary education: Army, Marine Corp, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

The 2009 theme, "Educating America's Patriots," focuses on the mission of providing voluntary education opportunities that measure up to the high quality and value that Service members expect and deserve.

ACHS is a military friendly institution and supports voluntary education opportunities. Meet ACHS Director of Military Relations, Kate Harmon, and ACHS Dean of Admissions and Military Education Coordinator, Tracey Miller, at DoD 2009, booth #811.

Check back for more information about the DoD, ACHS military benefits, or ACHS Meet and Greet event opportunities, call (800) 487-8839 or visit: http://www.achs.edu/militaryfunding.aspx?id=1

For more information about ACHS at DoD, visit: http://www.ww09atlanta.com/who-should.html

July 27-31, 2009. Mariott Atlanta Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta, Georgia

Photobucket slideshow of ACHS lavender distillation

Photos taken by Jen Keller at the ACHS lavender distillation held at Sherwood Lavender Farm on July 18, 2009.

ACHS now offers six graduate certificates for specialized CAM training

July 23, 2009--The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has launched six new graduate certificate programs in the field of complementary alternative medicine (CAM). These new certificates impart graduate-level specialized training with less time and financial commitment found in the more traditional master’s program. ACHS graduate certificates provide healthcare professionals with more in-depth knowledge of holistic health and wellness protocols and the ability to better serve the health needs of their communities.

ACHS graduate certificates require 12 credits of study, or four 16-week courses for completion, and are available in the fastest growing integrative healthcare modalities. ACHS graduate certificates include: Graduate Certificate in Nutrition, Graduate Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology, Graduate Certificate in Complementary Alternative Medicine, Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy, Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicine, and Graduate Certificate in Botanical Safety.

Today, more and more people are turning to preventative care as a solution to rising healthcare costs. The healthcare industry needs professionals trained in holistic health and wellness protocols, as well as botanical safety and drug and supplement interactions. With an ACHS graduate certificate, healthcare professionals can:

• Enhance their employability and job growth with each specialized certificate.
• Train to meet the growing demand for educated and trusted CAM professionals.
• Learn botanical safety.
• Increase ancillary services offered, thereby increasing clients and income.
• Educate others about wellness and complementary alternative medicine.

Students who enroll in a graduate certificate program will benefit from the same amenities as ACHS Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine students, including access to the extensive Natural Standards and Natural Medicines databases, full text, online journal resources; instructors who are industry experts; highly interactive online classes and instructor-led discussions; and training from the industry-leader in accredited, online holistic health education.

The ACHS graduate certificate programs are open to new students, as well as current ACHS students, and can be completed while pursuing a Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine. For more information and detailed course descriptions, visit www.achs.edu or call ACHS Admissions at (800) 487-8839.

American College of Healthcare Sciences is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (800) 487-8839, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

ACHS now offers six graduate certificates for specialized CAM training

July 23, 2009--The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has launched six new graduate certificate programs in the field of complementary alternative medicine (CAM). These new certificates impart graduate-level specialized training with less time and financial commitment found in the more traditional master’s program. ACHS graduate certificates provide healthcare professionals with more in-depth knowledge of holistic health and wellness protocols and the ability to better serve the health needs of their communities.

ACHS graduate certificates require 12 credits of study, or four 16-week courses for completion, and are available in the fastest growing integrative healthcare modalities. ACHS graduate certificates include: Graduate Certificate in Nutrition, Graduate Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology, Graduate Certificate in Complementary Alternative Medicine, Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy, Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicine, and Graduate Certificate in Botanical Safety.

Today, more and more people are turning to preventative care as a solution to rising healthcare costs. The healthcare industry needs professionals trained in holistic health and wellness protocols, as well as botanical safety and drug and supplement interactions. With an ACHS graduate certificate, healthcare professionals can:

• Enhance their employability and job growth with each specialized certificate.
• Train to meet the growing demand for educated and trusted CAM professionals.
• Increase ancillary services offered, thereby increasing clients and income.
• Educate others about wellness and complementary alternative medicine.

Students who enroll in a graduate certificate program will benefit from the same amenities as ACHS Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine students, including access to the extensive Natural Standards and Natural Medicines databases, full text, online journal resources; instructors who are industry experts; highly interactive online classes and instructor-led discussions; and training from the industry-leader in accredited, online holistic health education.

The ACHS graduate certificate programs are open to new students, as well as current ACHS students, and can be completed while pursuing a Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine. For more information and detailed course descriptions, visit www.achs.edu or call ACHS Admissions at (800) 487-8839.

American College of Healthcare Sciences is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (800) 487-8839, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

Essential oils for pain relief

By Shellie Enteen, BA, LMT

Working with essential oils requires an understanding of the physiological properties, methods of delivery, safety issues such as skin sensitization and contraindication, as well as the "subtle" aspect which includes the effect on the mind, emotions and spirit. Once again, I invite and encourage those readers who have not seen my earlier columns to search the archives for basic information on methods and safe use of essential oils and a discussion of subtle aromatherapy.

When it comes to pain relief, aromatherapy recognizes that there are different ways to approach. For example, there are specific essential oils recommended for headache pain if the headache is caused by stress, by overindulging, by withheld anger, and so on. In the same way, muscle or joint pain could require nerve sedation, warming through increased circulation, removing inflammation and/or toxins, or a combination of these and other aspects.

Massage therapists should be well-equipped to determine the physical cause and description of the client's pain, which makes selecting the right essence easy if you know its physiological properties.

Understanding the mental and emotional state of the client in regard to the pain or in their current life experience will add the ability to select essences based on the subtle properties. For example, a pain blend for someone who has had a sports injury would be different than one for someone going through a difficult divorce. The most effective blend addresses both physical and subtle influences. Topical application in massage or bath is suggested, but relief through inhaling diffused blends has also been reported. Essential oils have been seen to have an almost immediate effect on muscle tissue augmented by manipulation through massage.

Musculoskeletal pain can be effectively reduced through using analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, detoxifying, and rubefacient essential oils.

Analgesic Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus ), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) are common analgesic essential oils. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an essence more frequently used in the East. Earlier articles have explored the properties of the commonly used essences. Of these, Chamomile, Lavender and Marjoram are also a sedative, while Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Thyme are considered stimulants.

A lesser known stimulant is Turmeric. A native of South Asia, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as an herb in cooking and as medicine. The yellow powder is an ingredient in many curries. Current research indicates that Turmeric has a strong antioxidant property that makes it an herb that may prevent and assist disease and aging issues. It belongs to the ginger family and the powder and essential oil is obtained from the thick rhizome (root). In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, Turmeric is used to treat flatulence, colic, abdominal pain, liver disorder, menstrual issues, hemorrhage, bruises, sores, and toothache as well as chest and shoulder pain. Because of its analgesic, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, choleric, digestive, and rubefacient properties, aromatherapists use Turmeric for arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, and liver congestion.

Research has shown that Turmeric can stop the proliferation of laboratory strains of melanoma. (Read Farida Irani 2008 article "Turmeric" in Aromatherapy Journal, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) e-Journal.) Turmeric is said to be non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

Anti-inflammatory Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also known as Everlasting, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) bring down swelling and are appropriate choices for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, strains and sprains where inflammation is present. Both German Chamomile and Yarrow are deep blue.

Treatment Blends for Pain

Diluted into 1 oz carrier oil, based only on analgesic and anti-inflammatory physiological properties a treatment blend for inflamed, painful joints or strained muscles and back pain might include the following:

Inflamed, Painful Joints
Chamomile 1 drop
Marjoram 5 drops
Rosemary 3 drops
Turmeric 1 drop

Strained Muscles and Back Pain
Lavender 6 drops
Eucalyptus 1 drop
Peppermint 2 drops
Helichrysum 1 drop

These blends contain both sedative and stimulant essences, but a greater number of drops of sedative oils create an overall relaxing effect.

This information is not intended to diagnose or take the place of professional healthcare. Please consult your health care practitioner if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with any serious healthcare problems. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children. Do not get near eyes. If essential oils get in the eyes, flush with water and seek proper healthcare advice. Before using essential oils and aromatherapy products please consult with a professional aromatherapist.

This article first appeared in MassageToday: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/home.php

Essential oils for pain relief

By Shellie Enteen, BA, LMT

Working with essential oils requires an understanding of the physiological properties, methods of delivery, safety issues such as skin sensitization and contraindication, as well as the "subtle" aspect which includes the effect on the mind, emotions and spirit. Once again, I invite and encourage those readers who have not seen my earlier columns to search the archives for basic information on methods and safe use of essential oils and a discussion of subtle aromatherapy.

When it comes to pain relief, aromatherapy recognizes that there are different ways to approach. For example, there are specific essential oils recommended for headache pain if the headache is caused by stress, by overindulging, by withheld anger, and so on. In the same way, muscle or joint pain could require nerve sedation, warming through increased circulation, removing inflammation and/or toxins, or a combination of these and other aspects.

Massage therapists should be well-equipped to determine the physical cause and description of the client's pain, which makes selecting the right essence easy if you know its physiological properties.

Understanding the mental and emotional state of the client in regard to the pain or in their current life experience will add the ability to select essences based on the subtle properties. For example, a pain blend for someone who has had a sports injury would be different than one for someone going through a difficult divorce. The most effective blend addresses both physical and subtle influences. Topical application in massage or bath is suggested, but relief through inhaling diffused blends has also been reported. Essential oils have been seen to have an almost immediate effect on muscle tissue augmented by manipulation through massage.

Musculoskeletal pain can be effectively reduced through using analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, detoxifying, and rubefacient essential oils.

Analgesic Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus ), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) are common analgesic essential oils. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an essence more frequently used in the East. Earlier articles have explored the properties of the commonly used essences. Of these, Chamomile, Lavender and Marjoram are also a sedative, while Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Thyme are considered stimulants.

A lesser known stimulant is Turmeric. A native of South Asia, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as an herb in cooking and as medicine. The yellow powder is an ingredient in many curries. Current research indicates that Turmeric has a strong antioxidant property that makes it an herb that may prevent and assist disease and aging issues. It belongs to the ginger family and the powder and essential oil is obtained from the thick rhizome (root). In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, Turmeric is used to treat flatulence, colic, abdominal pain, liver disorder, menstrual issues, hemorrhage, bruises, sores, and toothache as well as chest and shoulder pain. Because of its analgesic, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, choleric, digestive, and rubefacient properties, aromatherapists use Turmeric for arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, and liver congestion.

Research has shown that Turmeric can stop the proliferation of laboratory strains of melanoma. (Read Farida Irani 2008 article "Turmeric" in Aromatherapy Journal, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) e-Journal.) Turmeric is said to be non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

Anti-inflammatory Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also known as Everlasting, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) bring down swelling and are appropriate choices for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, strains and sprains where inflammation is present. Both German Chamomile and Yarrow are deep blue.

Treatment Blends for Pain

Diluted into 1 oz carrier oil, based only on analgesic and anti-inflammatory physiological properties a treatment blend for inflamed, painful joints or strained muscles and back pain might include the following:

Inflamed, Painful Joints
Chamomile 1 drop
Marjoram 5 drops
Rosemary 3 drops
Turmeric 1 drop

Strained Muscles and Back Pain
Lavender 6 drops
Eucalyptus 1 drop
Peppermint 2 drops
Helichrysum 1 drop

These blends contain both sedative and stimulant essences, but a greater number of drops of sedative oils create an overall relaxing effect.

This information is not intended to diagnose or take the place of professional healthcare. Please consult your health care practitioner if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with any serious healthcare problems. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children. Do not get near eyes. If essential oils get in the eyes, flush with water and seek proper healthcare advice. Before using essential oils and aromatherapy products please consult with a professional aromatherapist.

This article first appeared in MassageToday: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/home.php

How to make lavender wands from fresh lavender

Lavender lovers came from near and far for the 7th annual ACHS Lavender Open House held at the College campus in SW Portland on July 17. Participants were treated to a series of lavender-themed workshops that ranged from the practical to the scientific, including making natural lavender products to differentiating lavender varieties.

As the culmination of the workshop activities, participants headed into the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden to harvest their own lavender Lavandula angustifolia for drying and making into lavender wands.

Look for a video of the day's events on ACHStv, the ACHS YouTube channel, soon.

In the meantime, here is some information about making your own lavender wands. If you live in the Portland area, harvest your own fresh lavender at the ACHS campus Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm. If you're not in Portland, Oregon, find a U-Pick in your area at pickyourown.org.

Materials Needed

• 13 stems of fresh lavender (or any odd number larger than 13)--each at least 12-inches tall.
• 3 yards of satin or other ribbon, ¼-inches wide.
• Patience... allow yourself about 40 minutes to do your first wand. Be very forgiving of yourself... like all skills, this one improves with practice.

Directions
1. Strip all the leaves from the stem. The suppleness of the stem is important to the success of wand making. Harvest the lavender early in the day, and make sure that the flowers are not damp.

2. Line up the bottom of the flower heads and tie them gently together with the end of the 3 yards of ribbon.

3. Turn the bundle upside down and gently bend each stem down around the blossom heads. You can facilitate this step by scoring the underside of the stem section that is being bent with your fingernail. When all of the blossoms are “in the cage of stems”, the long end of the ribbon should be pulled out of the cage, the short end tucked inside.

4. Line up all of the stems evenly around the blossoms, making sure that they do not overlap.

5. Start to weave the ribbon under and over the stems. Gently pull on the ribbon to make sure the weave is tight. The most difficult part of this process is in the first two rows of the weaving. On the second row you should be going under the stems that you had gone over on the first row.

6. Continue weaving until you have covered all the flowers. You can use a stem of lavender to push any buds that stick out back into the weave or rub them off. Wrap the ribbon around the “neck” of the wand and tie a slip knot.

7. Trim the stems to the same length and continue to wrap the stems until you reach the end. Use a rubber band to secure the ribbon to the end of the stem. After the stem has dried and shrunk, you can rewrap the ribbon and glue the ends.

>> To learn more about lavender, or herbal medicine or aromatherapy classes, visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences website.

How to make lavender wands from fresh lavender

Lavender lovers came from near and far for the 7th annual ACHS Lavender Open House held at the College campus in SW Portland on July 17. Participants were treated to a series of lavender-themed workshops that ranged from the practical to the scientific, including making natural lavender products to differentiating lavender varieties.

As the culmination of the workshop activities, participants headed into the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden to harvest their own lavender Lavandula angustifolia for drying and making into lavender wands.

Look for a video of the day's events on ACHStv, the ACHS YouTube channel, soon.

In the meantime, here is some information about making your own lavender wands. If you live in the Portland area, harvest your own fresh lavender at the ACHS campus Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm. If you're not in Portland, Oregon, find a U-Pick in your area at pickyourown.org.

Materials Needed

• 13 stems of fresh lavender (or any odd number larger than 13)--each at least 12-inches tall.
• 3 yards of satin or other ribbon, ¼-inches wide.
• Patience... allow yourself about 40 minutes to do your first wand. Be very forgiving of yourself... like all skills, this one improves with practice.

Directions
1. Strip all the leaves from the stem. The suppleness of the stem is important to the success of wand making. Harvest the lavender early in the day, and make sure that the flowers are not damp.

2. Line up the bottom of the flower heads and tie them gently together with the end of the 3 yards of ribbon.

3. Turn the bundle upside down and gently bend each stem down around the blossom heads. You can facilitate this step by scoring the underside of the stem section that is being bent with your fingernail. When all of the blossoms are “in the cage of stems”, the long end of the ribbon should be pulled out of the cage, the short end tucked inside.

4. Line up all of the stems evenly around the blossoms, making sure that they do not overlap.

5. Start to weave the ribbon under and over the stems. Gently pull on the ribbon to make sure the weave is tight. The most difficult part of this process is in the first two rows of the weaving. On the second row you should be going under the stems that you had gone over on the first row.

6. Continue weaving until you have covered all the flowers. You can use a stem of lavender to push any buds that stick out back into the weave or rub them off. Wrap the ribbon around the “neck” of the wand and tie a slip knot.

7. Trim the stems to the same length and continue to wrap the stems until you reach the end. Use a rubber band to secure the ribbon to the end of the stem. After the stem has dried and shrunk, you can rewrap the ribbon and glue the ends.

>> To learn more about lavender, or herbal medicine or aromatherapy classes, visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences website.

Photos from the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden

These photos were taken in the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden this morning, July 17, by ACHS Dean of Student Services Joel Strimling.



Ginko, Ginkgo biloba








Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea, with bees.






Chaste tree blooms, Vitex agnus-castus








Italian parsley, Petroselinum crispum

American College announces hire of Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, as Academic Dean

Portland, OR—July 15, 2009—American College of Healthcare Sciences has hired Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, to serve as Academic Dean effective July 1, 2009. Dr. Staruch will oversee all aspects of the College’s educational programs and new course and program development to better meet the growing demand for accredited, online holistic health education.

The development of this new position marks a period of expansion for ACHS, and follows the College’s official name change from the Australasian College of Health Sciences to the American College of Healthcare Sciences on May 1, 2009. This transition from Australasian to American College celebrates the College’s 20th anniversary of operations in the United States and better represents the College’s long-term goals as an Institute of Higher Learning in the U.S.

Dr. Staruch, who started her work in medical research in 1978, will work with College President Dorene Petersen and Vice President Erika Yigzaw to expanded course offerings, including a Bachelors of Science with a major in Complementary Alternative Medicine expected to launch fall 2009 and several career-training and graduate certificate programs. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Staruch to this new position,” says Dorene Petersen. “Dr. Staruch is a terrific addition to help ACHS move forward with expanding holistic health course offerings that will provide our students with the opportunity to have meaningful, healthy careers and lifestyles.”

Dr. Staruch has more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare field. Before graduating from the National College of Natural Medicine in 1997, Dr. Staruch worked in medical research for both the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Cornell University Medical College. As a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Staruch has maintained a naturopathic practice in Oregon focused on women’s health and allergies, and has been a member of ACHS faculty for more than six years.

American College of Healthcare Sciences is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (503) 244-0726, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

Natural diet and lifestyle tips to improve health and wellness

Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, Academic Dean of the American College, led a talk called "Diet and Lifestyle Choices for Health" at the ACHS campus on Monday, July 13. From 6-7 p.m., Dr. Staruch talked about important holistic nutrition concepts, including food as fuel, and answered questions from the audience about how to incorporate holistic nutrition into our everyday lifestyle.

The complete lecture will be available on the ACHS YouTube channel soon, ACHStv. In the meantime, here are some highlights from Dr. Staruch's lecture:

Live your life as if your health depends on it…because it does! Making healthy lifestyle choices is a conscious act. That means, everyone is responsible for the choices they make: health does not happen automatically or because someone else wants you to make changes. We make healthy choices when good health is something we want and value.

How, then, do we promote good health once we recognize it as a priority?

1. Food provides energy for performing the activities of life.

Eating is not just something you do when you're hungry. Food fuels out bodies, because within the food itself (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) are the components our bodies use to generate energy, to grow and repair, and to fight invaders like toxins.

2. Balance your plate.

Finding a healthy balance of food (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) may be easier than you think. Split your plate into three sections. Then, fill half your plate with vegetables and salad; fill one-quarter of your plate with your protein (poultry, fish, beans, etc.); and fill the rest of your plate with whole grains (barley, pasta, etc.). Limit how much oil or salad dressing you use, which will help keep calories within limit.

3. Eat frequently.

Skipping meals can lead to increased production of hormones that cause muscle loss. Eat frequently. Three small meals and 2-3 snacks daily are recommended. To maintain stable blood sugar, which helps your body to regularly burn fuel throughout the day, you add a quality protein powder to your diet to achieve your "eat frequently" goal and to increase quality nutrient intake while decreasing calorie intake.

4. Know your calories.

Less activity means less calories burned. Excess calories are stored as fat. So remember, weight loss is the result of consuming less calories than you use.

5. Healthy tips for snacks.

• Tofu pate available pre-made
• Hummus
• Home-made salsa or pesto
• Healthy dippers: rye crackers, pita bread cut into four slices, and raw vegetables
• Rye crackers with nut butter
• Whole fruit
• Protein shake or bar
• 1 1/2c berries with 4 oz plain yogurt
• One slice of baked tofu
• Two string cheeses
  

6. Healthy tips for breakfast.

• The most important meal of the day
• Eat protein within one hour of waking
  
• Breakfast sets up your blood sugar control or lack of control for the day!
• Eat half your protein for breakfast, and eat one-quarter with lunch and one-quarter with dinner (daily requirements of protein are 50-70 g)

7. Healthy tips for lunch (beyond the sandwich).

• Vegetables at every meal in order to get your daily serving
  
• Don’t forget the protein
• Small amount of grains as crackers or cooked grains
• One-bowl meals like soups and stews

8. Healthy tips for dinner.

• Eating a large meal late at night is not good
• It is better to have a larger lunch and then a light dinner
• Reverse your typical lunch and dinner recipes
• Consider a tofu or egg scramble for dinner with a salad

9. Exercise prolongs life. How?

• Exercise improves mood
• Achieves calorie balance
• Promotes sustainable weight loss
• Strengthens heart and blood vessels
• Increases bone density
• Decreases risk for chronic conditions

>> For more information about the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and holistic health and nutrition classes, visit www.achs.edu

>> Click here to request more information from the American College

Fresh lavender distilled from ACHS can be used with stress relief

On June 30 ACHS held a public distillation of lavender from the botanical teaching garden. About a dozen community members helped College President Dorene Petersen with the distillation, including harvesting the lavender from the garden.

Historically, lavender Lavandula angustifolia has been used to relieve stress and its effects, including insomnia and anxiety, and to generally aid relaxation. It can also be used around the home as an effective deodorizer and air freshener, in closets and drawers as a natural insecticide, and as a perfume.

Lavender oil is colorless, pale-yellow or yellowish-green oil. It must be stored at cool temperatures in well-filled, airtight containers, and protected from light.

>>To sample the lavender essential oil from the ACHS distillation, check out the Apothecary Shoppe College Store for your free sample.

>>To see more pictures from the ACHS lavender distillation, friend us on Facebook.

>>To watch the ACHS lavender harvest and distillation, visit our Youtube channel, ACHStv.

ACHS lavender distillation yields 30 mls of essential oil

On June 30 ACHS held a public distillation of lavender from the botanical teaching garden. About a dozen community members helped College President Dorene Petersen with the distillation, including harvesting the lavender from the garden.

Historically, lavender Lavandula angustifolia has been used to relieve stress and its effects, including insomnia and anxiety, and to generally aid relaxation. It can also be used around the home as an effective deodorizer and air freshener, in closets and drawers as a natural insecticide, and as a perfume.

Lavender oil is colorless, pale-yellow or yellowish-green oil. It must be stored at cool temperatures in well-filled, airtight containers, and protected from light.

>>To sample the lavender essential oil from the ACHS distillation, check out the Apothecary Shoppe College Store for your free sample.

>>To see more pictures from the ACHS lavender distillation, friend us on Facebook.

>>To watch the ACHS lavender harvest and distillation, visit our Youtube channel, ACHStv.

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

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.

Celebrate the future of ACHS with a little piece of history

As you may know, the Australasian College of Health Sciences officially changed its name to the American College of Healthcare Sciences on May 1, 2009. Our name change celebrates the College’s 20th anniversary of operations in the United States and better represents our long-term goals as an Institute of Higher Learning in the U.S.

Needless to say, our future is bright! As the needs of our students and the growing holistic health community continue to evolve and change, so will we. But that doesn’t mean we’ll ever forget you. Rather, you, our current students and alumni, are why we love ACHS. It’s your commitment to holistic health education and wellness that make us a success.

That's why we love ACHS. Now we want to hear from you ... Send in a short blurb called “Why we love ACHS” and we’ll send you a piece of Australasian College memorabilia from the Apothecary Shoppe College Store*. Like our name change, you are an important part of ACHS history.

Email your “Why we love ACHS” submission to communications@achs.edu, and you never know, you might see your words in print! (Some submissions will appear on the ACHS blogs, Facebook page, catalog…who knows. So make it good!)

*Offer good while supplies last.

"Alternative medicine mainstream?" CNN news report

The CNN video "Alternative medicine mainstream?" explores the growing number of American adults turning to alternative medicine.

According to the report, about 40% of American adults are using alternative medicine alone or in conjunction with traditional therapies. One reason... people are looking for something they can do for themselves. "Alternative medicine," CNN reports, "is becoming mainstream" through the common use of modalities like yoga, acupuncture, and massage as part of the healing protocol for health challenges like breast cancer.

Watch the video here:

Lavender lovers, pick your own at ACHS from July 6-17

The ACHS botanical garden is brimming with fresh lavender. Starting July 6, stop by the campus to pick your own fresh lavender, tour the garden, and learn a bit about the health properties and applications of lavender.

Lavender U-Pick runs July 6-17, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm. But if you can't participate during business hours, ACHS also offers the Honor Code U-Pick. Participants are welcome to harvest their lavender after hours or on the weekend, but are asked to pay for their bunches via PayPal. Send payment to apothecary@achs.edu.

ACHS is located at 5940 SW Hood Ave. in John's Landing. For questions, call (503) 244-0726, visit www.achs.edu, or email achs@achs.edu.

To read more about the history of the ACHS Lavender U-Pick, check out this article by The Oregonian.

Do you make natural products? Send us your samples for the DoD Symposium!

Natural product manufacturers, send us your samples!

The American College is attending a major education event, the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium, from July 27-31. Our mission is two-fold: talk with as many attendees as possible, and spread the word about the many opportunities holistic health training from ACHS can provide to activeduty servicemembers and veterans.

That's where you come in...

Our students and graduates are successful professionals and who can blame us, we like to brag a little. If you manufacture natural products, send us your samples! We want to display YOUR samples at our booth. This is a great opportunity for your product(s) to be seen and tested by the more than 2,500 military personnel and potential customers in attendance.

To participate...

• You must be a current ACHS student or an ACHS graduate
• Products must be received by July 15. Send samples to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, Attn: Kate Harmon, 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239
• You must include a short blurb (or video!) about how your ACHS education has helped you to establish a natural products career, which we will display with your product.

The benefit...

The military is proactive about integrating holistic health modalities into traditional healthcare practices. Check out this June 15 article in SustainLane, "U.S. Military Uses Alternative Medicine." Now more than ever, there is increasing opportunity to grow your career, connect with other holistic health professionals, and to educate the global community about holistic health.

Questions? Call us at (503) 244-0726 or email communications@achs.edu. We look forward to sharing your natural products with as many people as possible!