Recording of Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions Now Available

Our December 14, 2010, teleconference with Dr. Mario Roxas--Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions--was action packed! Dr. Roxas shared an insightful, personal snapshot of the current state of our society's health followed by a stellar introduction to the complex world of drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions. We welcome you to download the recording for your personal reference library. You may also want to download a copy of the presentation's accompanying PDF to follow along!

Download Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions HERE.

For those who were able to attend, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the teleconference. Our teleconferences have limited space and are, therefore, only open to ACHS students and graduates. However, we know there are many of you who would like to attend and to learn more about integrating holistic health and wellness into your everyday life. So, we are very happy to be able to post a recording of Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions for your enjoyment.

If there is a specific teleconference topic you would like to hear in the future, please let us know. You can email it to communications@achs.edu or post it as a comment to ACHS Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/ACHSedu

For a schedule of upcoming ACHS teleconferences, click on Community Wellness classes or use this link: http://www.achs.edu/wellness/community-wellness.aspx?id=6

ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store Is Now Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

We're proud to announce our Apothecary Shoppe College Store is now Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO). OTCO is the certifying agent for the National Organic Program (NOP) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). An internationally recognized symbol of organic integrity, OTCO reflects the Apothecary Shoppe’s ongoing commitment to green business and sustainable practices.

As an arm of the ACHS community, our Apothecary Shoppe prioritizes environmental stewardship and offers a distinguished selection of natural health products, including certified organic herbs and essential oils, for ACHS students and the community at large. To promote sustainable harvesting, wildcrafting, and preservation of natural resources, ACHS President Dorene Petersen personally visits all Apothecary Shoppe distillers, wildcrafters, and suppliers to ensure ACHS’s dedication to sustainable practices.

“We’re very excited about our Oregon Tilth certification,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “OTCO protects our customers by ensuring their herbal supplies meet strict production standards for organic products. Being OTCO means we cannot use the term ‘organic’ with our products unless the material is on the list of our approved products. To be approved, the material has to be NOP certified by the vendor. If the material is not NOP certified, it will not be sold as organic.”

The Apothecary Shoppe has been certified for a diverse selection of herbs and essential oils. For specific product information, visit the Apothecary Shoppe website (www.apothecary-shoppe.com) and click on the herb and/or essential oil of interest.

To learn more about the rigorous process of Oregon Tilth certification, visit the Oregon Tilth website (http://tilth.org) and click on Certification to access their FAQs.

READ the full-length press release here: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=249

World AIDS Day 2010 Universal Access and Human Rights

BY Keoi Magill, ACHS Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy

World AIDS Day is December 1 and this year’s theme is Universal Access and Human Rights. More than 25 million people have died from AIDS since its first discovery in 1981 and by the end of 2006, women accounted for 48% of all living adults with HIV. There are currently 2.1 million children that are living their lives with HIV.

HIV is not just a disease of the past and should not be forgotten. Each and every day there are approximately 6,000 young people worldwide between the ages of 15-24 being diagnosed with HIV. Sadly, for these people, every day is AIDS Day.

First and foremost, a holistic approach to AIDS education is needed to remove the stigma of shame that surrounds those who have contracted HIV. The body’s immune system becomes compromised from the disease. Then other diseases step in and ravage the body. Stress and worry can escalate the entire process.

Taking a holistic approach may improve quality of life. Providing access to holistic medical care, that includes diet education, relaxation and training in meditation techniques may also help to slow the advances of AIDS and support reduced stress and anxiety.

Universal access to education and support by respecting all human rights is holistic in its inception and principal. For those of us, who are working and interested in the holistic approach to our lives now is the time to educate ourselves, our clients, friends and family to the truths regarding AIDS. There is no known cure for AIDS and the number of new cases continues to rise.

Take the opportunity to educate yourself about AIDS Day and help support the year-round fight to stop the spread of HIV. There are many resources available on the web. To get started, you may want to check out the World AIDS Day website (http://www.worldaidsday.org) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website (http://nccam.nih.gov) for more information about current research into using CAM protocols with AIDS.

Reference:
Ironson G, Hayward H. (2008). Do positive psychosocial factors predict disease progression in HIV-1? A review of the evidence. Psychosom Med, 70(5):546-54.

Benefit Of DIY Natural Homemade Gifts

BY Keoi Magill, ACHS Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy

We all have much to gain by making our own homemade natural gifts. Anyone can run into a store and buy something off the shelf. But, when you put the time, thought, and energy into making gifts for those you love, the receiver knows that they are special to you.

By using natural materials you are also promoting a green lifestyle. Giving gifts that are natural to friends who have not experienced the benefits of organic products can be quite the eye opener. You will be introducing an eco-friendly lifestyle to someone who may be inexperienced. Plus, typically it costs more to purchase something already made, so you will save money as well.

Making DIY natural gifts can reduce stress. With all the hustle and bustle that life throws at us, spending the time doing something creative can be a form of meditation, calming and exhilarating you all at the same time. It can remove the worry about duplicating something your loved ones already have: your gift is original and one of a kind.

Handmade gifts can be problem solvers and time savers, especially for those on our holiday list who we never know what to give. No more wandering around trying to find that just-right gift. As long as we follow good manufacturing practices, quality assurance is guaranteed when we make natural gifts. We know that our gifts are toxic free and will not harm the environment or our family and friends.

In the truest spirit of the holiday season, there is nothing that we can do that is more rewarding than to make do-it-yourself homemade natural gifts.

For a free holiday recipe book, download the Apothecary Shoppe Holiday Recipe Guide HERE.

It's a Great Day to Quit … American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout

Thursday is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, an "event" encouraging smokers to quit that day (or to at least make a plan for quitting that day).

It has been said that the easiest way to quit smoking is not to start. But if you, or someone you care about, have become addicted to smoking, read on (please feel free to forward this email, too).

Quitting is not easy. But making the decision to quit is the first step towards living a healthier life. The next step is to stay smoke-free and there are many support tools available. For a holistic option consider black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil.

Studies suggest inhaling black pepper essential oil may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The vapor released when black pepper essential oil is diffused is thought to help dispel anxious feelings associated with quitting smoking.*

If you or a loved one want to quit smoking, make this your day! The Cancer Society's website lists several health benefits accrued over time, including decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of coronary heart disease. Read the full list of benefits here.

For more information about natural stop-smoking supports, you may be interested in Conquer Tobacco Naturally. In his book, Dr. Edward Blomgren, an ACHS graduate, details alternative strategies to help smokers quit in 12 weeks or less.

To access the American Cancer Society Guide to Quitting Smoking (and their Cigarette Cost Calculator, which is an eyeopener!), click here.

From natural health supporters to another, congratulations on all the small, everyday choices you make to live healthy! Take care!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Re-Coloring Black Friday with Aromatherapy

BY Keoi Magill, ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy Graduate

On Black Friday, we have less than a month until the presents will be unwrapped. With all the gifts to be purchased, parties to plan, cards to write and holiday cooking, we just don’t seem to have time to spend taking care of ourselves. You can dial down your holiday stress and achieve balance with aromatherapy. Here are a few simple and easy ways to sail through the holiday season.

Before you go out shopping put a few drops of lavender oil Lavendula angustifolia, on a cotton ball. Just breathe in the calming aroma whenever you need it. Another way is to add the lavender to 4 oz of distilled water and spray yourself with a fine mist. It will help reduce your stress and alleviate irritability.

Add a drop or two of peppermint oil Mentha piperita, to your favorite body lotion and rub it into your feet. It will help invigorate and refresh your tired feet and help with exhaustion.

Make a blend of bergamot Citrus bergamia, peppermint Mentha piperita, and cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and diffuse on a lamp ring or ceramic diffuser throughout your home before a party. Not only will it help reduce your anxiety and nervousness, it smells festive and inviting.

When you are wrapping presents or writing out your holiday cards, diffuse or use a cotton ball with a few drops of rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis and neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara. These two oils are great together for mental clarity and to help ward off depression.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be black when you can open your crayon box of essential oils and in minutes color yourself balanced.

To learn more about aromatherapy and essential oils, download your free copy of "History of Aromatherapy" HERE.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or cure. See you primary care physician before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

A Tribute to Servicemembers, Veterans and Military Families

This Veterans Day, our servicemembers, veterans, and military families are in our thoughts. If you or a loved one are affiliated with the military, we want to say thank you for your service to our country. Your commitment to protecting the health and safety of our nation is sincerely appreciated.

Part of our mission at ACHS is to help active duty servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses get the training they need for a successful civilian career in holistic health. In fact, ACHS was recently named a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs magazine for the second year in a row. We’re very proud of this award and the services we’re able to offer servicemembers, and are dedicated to continuing to expand our services.

If you know someone who is passionate about holistic health and is a servicemember, veteran or spouse, tell them to email our Military Education Coordinator Tracey Miller for more information about benefits available through ACHS. Call (800) 487-8839 or email just send an email to admissions@achs.edu.

On behalf of the ACHS family, thank you for all you do!