What Can I Legally Do As An Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Or Other Holistic Health Practitioner?

Most holistic health modalities are currently unlicensed. However, legislation is currently in place in multiple states, including Minnesota and California, and it is important to be aware of and compliant with relevant legislation.

The National Health Freedom Coalition offers a state listing that is useful. We recommend that you become aware of the organizations in your state and consider joining their efforts to support Health Freedom. Just a reminder, though: completing any training program, including courses at American College of Healthcare Sciences, does not constitute any type of licensure to practice.

It's always important to keep in mind what the unlicensed complementary and alternative healthcare provider is ethically and legally able to do[1]. First, it is important to remember that a holistic health practitioner is not a primary care physician. Without other licensing, a holistic health practitioner cannot diagnose, treat, or prescribe drugs[2].

The Holistic Health Practitioner:

• Recognizes that achieving good health requires a proper diet, fresh clean water, fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and rest.
• Teaches his or her clients how to achieve and sustain good health on a daily basis with herbs, essential oils, homeopathics, and other natural modalities to supplement their healthy lifestyle.
• Understands that each client has a physical, mental, and spiritual self, and that good health requires balance in all areas.
• Recognizes when allopathic healthcare may be necessary, and is always ready to refer a client to his or her primary care physician for diagnosis and/or treatment.
• Empowers the client to achieve improved health, both today and for the future, through addressing any imbalances caused by improper nutrition, poor quality sleep, insufficient water, lack of exercise, fresh air, and relaxation.
• Educates clients to evaluate their lifestyle choices, to isolate and change any potential causes of ill health.

The Holistic Health Practitioner Does Not:

• Diagnose disease. A holistic health practitioner performs evaluations to determine causes of potential health problems, but they do not diagnose disease. Always refer a client back to his or her licensed physician for a diagnosis.
• Treat disease. A holistic health practitioner focuses on health and education, not on disease, and empowers clients to take charge of their own good health.    
• Prescribe drugs or pharmaceuticals. Holistic health practitioners teach clients about herbs, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, homeobotanical remedies, flower essences, dietary supplements, and nutrition.
• Perform Invasive Procedures. Depending on his or her training and licensing, a practitioner may use hands on techniques as part of his or her practice. For example, a practitioner may also be trained as a massage therapist, chiropractor, or osteopath, and use natural health modalities along with that discipline; For example, a massage therapist may use an essential oil blend to complement a massage treatment. Existing healthcare professionals should check with their licensing bodies regarding incorporating their studies into their existing practice. Holistic health practitioners do not perform any invasive procedures, give injections, or draw blood.

>> For additional information, click here to read more complementary alternative medicine articles from the American College FAQ Knowledgebase.

References:
[1] Note that this is general information and is not intended to be legal advice, and you should seek legal advice in your state for detailed information.
[2] If you do hold licensing in a health care field, you may have a different scope of practice than practitioners without other licensure.

CAM Use In Hospitals Tripled Since 2000 - Ask for the services you want!

Great news ... the October 4 article "Demand drives more hospitals to offer alternative therapies" from American Medical News reports that CAM (complementary alternative medicine) use in hospitals has tripled since 2000. As a result of patient demand, 42% of the 714 hospitals surveyed now offer some form of CAM therapy- including massage, meditation, and Reiki.

What about aromatherapy, (say, some lavender essential oil), shown to be effective with anxiety?[1] Hospital execs say they are making the change because the CAM therapies are "clinically effective" and to ensure patient satisfaction - so, be sure to ask your hospital for some aromatherapy while you wait for your procedure!

> Click here to read the full-text article on the American Medical News website

Have you asked your local hospital or primary care physician to offer more CAM alternatives? This is a fantastic opportunity to effect change in your community! Which CAM therapy would you most like to see your local hospital offer?

[1] Natural Standard. (2011 May). Aromatherapy for Anxiety. [Online exclusive]. Retrieved from http://naturalstandard.com/news/news201105016.asp

Cinnamon for Diabetes: New Survey Shows CAM Used with Diabetes Mellitus

Incidence of diabetes is on the rise. Though at this time there is no known cure, the World Health Organization recommends several lifestyle modifications that may help prevent onset of Type II Diabetes, including healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use.

For those managing Type I and Type II Diabetes, a 2011 survey by the Diabetes Center of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism shows patients with Diabetes Mellitus are using Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) as a support with conventional health care.

Of the almost 200 diabetes patients surveyed, 34% of Type I Diabetics and 31% of Type II Diabetics reported using CAM supplements. In addition, 56% of Type I Diabetics and 76% of Type II Diabetics who reported using biologically based supplements said they used them daily with conventional health care and prescribed therapies. Nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and cinnamon were the most frequently reported CAM supplements used.

If you love cinnamon as many of us do, you'd be interested to know the common culinary spice is currently being researched as a useful supplement with Type II Diabetes. It is thought that cinnamon may lower blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance; in those with Type II Diabetes, insulin, the hormone which lowers blood sugar, does not work efficiently which causes higher blood sugar levels. Further studies are needed, however, to determine the long-term effects of cinnamon on diabetes.

>>Read the full-text review of "Use of complementary and alternative medicine supplements in patients with diabetes mellitus" by the American Botanical Council online here

>> If you'd like to learn more about holistic nutrition to support optimal health and wellness, visit ACHSedu and click on Holistic Medicine, community wellness events, and News and Events for more information

*This information has not been reviewed by the FDA and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine, consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor.

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.

ACHS Graduates Its First Masters in CAM Student: Congratulations Roma!

Congratulations Roma-Dakini Alexander, our first Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) graduate!

“I always had a passion for herbal medicine,” Roma says. “I come from Europe and my grandmother was a Shamanic medicine woman. I was very happy to find a college that offers an MS in CAM and is also accredited by [a body approved by] the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.”

Roma is a licensed radiation therapist and is Radiation Therapy Program Director for the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond, California. She plans to use her ACHS CAM education to organize seminars and meetings, such as the interaction of drugs with herbs and supplements, and to share her knowledge with other medical professionals.

Post a comment for Roma! Share this news with your friends and family via Twitter. Post the link to your Facebook. Help us get the word out about Roma's accomplishment. And ... thanks!

Read more about Roma and the ACHS Masters of Science in CAM HERE!

Have you registered? New classes starting Monday, September 20

Have you registered for fall classes yet? New classes are starting Monday, September 20! It's not too late to begin your journey toward personal wellness and an exciting new career.

What Can You Achieve with Your Training?

ACHS classes provide the practical skills and training you need for a career in holistic medicine and healthcare through programs like Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Herbalist, aromatherapist, and natural health sales associate. You can also earn your Associates or Masters degree in Complementary Alternative Medicine fully online!

Call us--or visit our website ACHS.edu-- to learn how you can increase your future career opportunities, your lifetime earning potential and your own well-being while working in a field that makes a difference. Find out which classes are still available at (800) 487-8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

>> For a complete list of aromatherapy, herbalism, holistic nutrition, and holistic health and wellness classes starting Monday, September 20, visit our online College Calendar here: http://www.achs.edu/services/calendar.aspx?id=9

ACHS hires Fayne Griffiths as ACHS Director of Student Financial Services and Registrar

We're proud to announce that we have recently hired Fayne Griffiths, MBA, to join the ACHS team. Fayne will work as Director of Student Financial Services and Registrar for the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS).

Fayne, who has resided in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years, has served students in several Portland-area colleges, including as Director of Student Services, Director of Financial Aid, and Director of Student Financial Services and Registrar.

"I am excited about serving ACHS," Fayne says. "Helping students who are dedicated to helping others is the highest privilege I could imagine. My goal is to energetically and usefully apply my previous experience to continuous improvement efforts of the College."

Griffiths will work with new and returning ACHS students, “providing stewardship of students' academic information,” Fayne says. “Enrollment information, grading, and student account information are all areas I will assure the controls are in place to provide complete accuracy.”

“I was first introduced to the various modalities of CAM through my work with another Portland-area complementary alternative medicine college,” Fayne adds. “Repeatedly, I have both witnessed and benefited from the profound healing provided by highly educated and caring alternative health providers. I am grateful to once again have the opportunity to serve this amazingly talented and dedicated group of students.”

**We also want to congratulate Heather Baley, who, until recently, had been ACHS's longtime Registrar. Heather has been promoted to Dean of Students! Way to go Heather!

About ACHS
American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is one of the first 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.

ACHS Partners with Wonderlic, Inc.

ACHS Partners with Wonderlic, Inc. to Ensure Hiring of Most Qualified Faculty and Staff

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has teamed with Wonderlic, Inc. to streamline their hiring process for Admissions and Adjunct Faculty positions, thus ensuring all new hires will meet the needs of ACHS and their students.

ACHS is the one of the first accredited online colleges to offer degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). They are committed to providing current and prospective students with the best online CAM education and experience available, including highly trained admissions advisors and faculty who are both industry experts and engaging online instructors.

ACHS chose to work with Wonderlic because of their ability to customize testing metrics for specific positions. Applicants interested in available jobs in ACHS Admissions or as Adjunct Faculty will now complete Wonderlic’s pre-employment testing, which consists of several assessments that provide an objective measurement of applicants’ knowledge, skills, and ability to meet specific job requirements. The results will allow ACHS President Dorene Petersen, Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw, Dean of Admissions Tracey Miller, and Academic Dean Dr. Arianna Staruch to compare applicant experience and skills, leading to the selection of only the most qualified candidates.

“By hiring staff and faculty who possess the ability to perform well and have the personality to be successful in an online institution, we ensure that we are maximizing our students’ valuable tuition dollars,” says ACHS Dean of Admissions Tracey Miller.

Click here to read the full-length press release on the ACHS website.

Wednesday's article in The Oregonian, "Oregon's suicide headache tree," reported that the camphor scent from the Oregon myrtle (also called California laurel) can cause severe headaches in some people and may contain important clues to "understanding mysterious cluster headaches."

Italian researches began to investigate the connection between Oregon myrtle and these headaches after learning of the case of a 69-year-old gardener who "was struck by a severe headache centered in his left eye" while pruning Oregon myrtle.

According to The Oregonian, Oregon myrtle was used by Native Americans to treat headaches: "Sufferers inhaled crushed leaves or applied a poultice to the forehead," a practice that bears comparison to homeopathy, which is based on "the principle of similars," according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. The principle of similars, or "like cures like," states that "a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people."

Researcher Dr. Silvia Benemei of the University of Florence told The Oregonian, "'We are close to the identification of the mechanism.' [...] Finding the responsible chemicals could help explain what causes the disorder, and perhaps point the way to better treatments."

Image by Walter Siegmund (200&0 from commons.wikimedia.org

98% of ACHS Students Said They Would Recommend ACHS to a Friend

After several key developments in 2009, the American College of Healthcare Sciences sees the positive results in student satisfaction

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), one of the first accredited, online colleges to offer degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine (CAM), also known as integrative medicine, celebrated its 20th year of operations in the U.S. in 2009. Building on its foundation of core CAM courses and programs, in 2009 ACHS also launched seven new certificate programs and six graduate certificates for specialized training in CAM in response to growing demand for CAM-trained healthcare professionals.

The January 2010 survey showed exceptional results from ACHS’s 2009 developments and a completion rate of 93% for the top 10 ACHS courses by enrollment. Of the more than 500 survey respondents, 95% said yes when asked, “Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completing your studies, the goals you had when you started the course or program?” When asked, “Would you recommend these studies to a friend?”, 98% said yes, and 98% also said yes when asked, “All things considered, are you satisfied with your studies with us?”

“Our surveys and results are a vital part of our outcome Assessment Program at ACHS,” said ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw, who serves as the Institutional Improvement Officer. “We appreciate and value students’ feedback and comments, which we ‘feed back’ into our cycle of improvement. This cycle keeps us at the forefront of our industry.”

“We had our largest enrollment and number of courses starting January 2010,” said ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “That’s exciting! It feels wonderful to know our students are satisfied and happy with their studies, to know we’re meeting their needs, which is something we plan to do well into the future.”

Read the full press here, including more information about ACHS's plans for future development: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=220

OR on eSchool News here: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/03/10/after-several-key-developments-in-2009-the-american-college-of-healthcare-sciences-sees-the-positive-results-in-student-satisfaction/

Researchers Indentify 6 Essential Oils for Inflammation

A new study in the January edition of the Journal of Lipid Research reported that researches have found six essential oils, including thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot, that may help suppress the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme like resveratrol, the "chemical linked with the health benefits of red wine."

According to the website The Medical News, these findings "provide more understanding of the health benefits of many botanical oils and provide a new avenue for anti-inflammatory drugs."

Of the commercial essential oils tested, the researchers were able to identify six (thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot) that "reduced COX-2 expression in cells by at least 25%." Of these, thyme oil proved the most effective and reduced expression levels by about 75%.

>> For therapeutic grade essential oils, visit the Apothecary Shoppe here. To learn more about aromatherapy and the use of essential oils, visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences here.

>> Read the full-length Medical News article here, with a link to the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Featured in Article Series "The Business of Aromatherapy"

Check out this new Q & A with American College of Healthcare Sciences President Dorene Petersen published on the Essential U blog. Learn more about how Dorene became interested in aromatherapy, what she is passionate about, the business of aromatherapy, and what makes the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store products so unique!

Kayla Fioravanti says on her blog Essential U: "Dorene Petersen is the President of The College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) which keeps her busy enough, but Dorene is passionate and manages to fit a lot onto her plate. I had the privilege of coming to ACHS to work with her and a panel of registered aromatherapists to review exam questions for the ARC registration test. Dorene is not only surrounded by books, but she is exceptionally familiar with their content. She was able to quickly double check facts from her vast library of books on any topic. I drooled over her library of books and added a few books to my library from the Apothecary Shoppe at the College before I left. "

Read more of the article, "The Business of Aromatherapy: American College of Healthcare Sciences," here: http://essentialu.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/the-business-of-aromatherapy-american-college-of-healthcare-sciences.html#more

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is Changing Directions

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is "expected to focus less on the large human clinical trials common in the past and more on fundamental research," according to an article released by the American Botanical Council (ABC).

The Center, which is entering its second decade of operations, will continue to dedicate more than 50% of its research to human studies, but will move towards a more "patient-centered approach," focusing on "effectiveness-based studies emphasizing interventions in real-world settings."

Dr. Josephine P. Briggs, NCCAM Director, told ABC that "All of us recognize that assessing how modalities work in real world settings is critical,” and she noted a study that "uses existing data, including 5 years of insurance claims, to compare outcomes, quality of care, and costs of patients who use CAM providers for back pain treatment with those who do not."

You can read more about potential areas of focus for NCCAM research, as well as how these changes may influence CAM modalities and the general healthcare system, from Herbal Gram: http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/Volume7/02%20February/NCCAM_Future.html?t=1265060114

ACHS hires Amy Swinehart and Roberta Gamache as Assistants to the Registrar

Amy Swinehart (pictured far right) and Roberta Gamache have been hired as Assistants to the Registrar for the American College of Healthcare Sciences. ACHS is based in the John’s Landing area of Portland, Oregon, and is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine.

Swinehart, who had previously worked for the ACHS Student Services and Admissions Deparments for about ten years, and Gamache, who has several years’ experience working in the service industries, will job-share the Assistant to the Registrar position. Assistant to the Registrar works with current ACHS students to help them meet their financial and educational goals.

“I became familiar with holistic health while assisting prospective and current students during their studies with ACHS,” Swinehart said. “Our students are working hard to enhance or further their holistic health knowledge in order to assist others in leading natural, healthy lives. I am proud to, again, be a part of this college and look forward to reconnecting with the students, assisting them in any way with their current and/or future goals with holistic health.”

Swinehart graduated with a BA in Sociology from Washington State University in 1995, when she relocated to the Portland area. Gamache relocated to Portland more recently in 2008 to be closer to her family.

“Holistic health has been a way of life for me personally,” Gamache said. “Having grown up with illness, I learned early on to take care of myself through diet and exercise, to get to the root of the real problem. This being the case, I am very excited to work in the holistic health field, to help ACHS students gain knowledge and a career for their future.”

For more information about holistic health courses and community wellness events from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, visit: www.achs.edu

Med Students Say Conventional Medicine Would Benefit by Integrating Alternative Therapies

The findings of a new study published January 20, 2010, in the online issue of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that three-quarters of medical students asked felt that conventional, Western medicine would benefit from integrating more CAM therapies and ideas.

This study is reportedly the largest national survey of its kind. Researchers from UCLA and UC San Diego, including experts in the fields of CAM, integrative medicine, Western medicine, medical education, and survey development, assessed their results based on 1,770 surveys.

Though researchers found that medical students supported the importance of CAM and alternative medicine, some obstacles that could prevent future doctors from recommending these treatments were also identified. According to the findings (as reported on esciencenews):

• 77 percent of participants agreed to some extent that patients whose doctors know about complementary and alternative medicine in addition to conventional medicine, benefit more than those whose doctors are only familiar with Western medicine.
• 74 percent of participants agreed to some extent that a system of medicine that integrates therapies of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine would be more effective than either type of medicine provided independently.
• 84 percent of participants agreed to some extent that the field contains beliefs, ideas, and therapies from which conventional medicine could benefit.
• 49 percent of participating medical students indicated that they have used complementary and alternative treatments however few would recommend or use these treatments in their practice until more scientific assessment has occurred.

To read the full-length article with commentary from the researchers involved, visit: http://ow.ly/Z1ue

Census Bureau Releases 2010 Statistical Abstract Depicting the State of Our Nation: Healthy Living Highlights

Census Bureau Releases 2010 Statistical Abstract Depicting the State of Our Nation: Healthy Living Highlights

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010:

• There were more than 20,000 farms in 2007 engaged in organic production on more than 2.5 million acres. Sales of organically produced commodities totaled $1.7 billion, of which more than $1.1 billion were organic crops and $600 million organic livestock and poultry and poultry products. (Table 807).
• In 2007, the complementary and alternative medicine therapies most commonly used by U.S. adults in the past 12 months were nonvitamin, nonmineral and natural products (17.7 percent), deep breathing exercises (12.7 percent), meditation (9.4 percent), chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation (8.6 percent), massage (8.3 percent) and yoga (6.1 percent). (Table 161)



Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab2006_2010.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texting-more-than-doubles-in-the-last-year-79298517.html

New courses from ACHS: Personal and Community Health & Introduction to Nutrition

ACHS will launch two new courses for 2010 starting January 18, Personal and Community Health (HLTH 101) and Introduction to Nutrition (NUT 101), in response to the growing demand for accredited health and nutrition training.

“Prevention is the future of health care,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “It’s not just about curing a particular problem, but about using a series of health-related tools to identify the root cause of health challenges so that we can make valuable lifestyle changes to help promote optimum health. Health and nutrition education are key for making healthy lifestyle choices. Most people aren’t taught how to read food labels, for example. If we don’t know how to evaluate our food, we can’t make the best choices. There’s a gap in our education. These new courses will teach students how to make good choices for their own health and life, and how to help others do the same for sustainable, long-term wellness.”

ACHS’s new courses—Personal and Community Health and Introduction to Nutrition—are designed for personal interest and as an introduction to holistic health and wellness for healthcare professionals who want to integrate CAM.

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) announces two new courses for 2010 starting January 18, Personal and Community Health (HLTH 101) and Introduction to Nutrition (NUT 101), in response to the growing demand for accredited health and nutrition training.

As interest in complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and “emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits,” increases, so is the demand for health care and wellness professionals with accredited training to provide food and nutrition counseling in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies, as reported by “Top 10 Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers” featured on HealthDegrees.com.

“Prevention is the future of health care,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen. “It’s not just about curing a particular problem, but about using a series of health-related tools to identify the root cause of health challenges so that we can make valuable lifestyle changes to help promote optimum health. Health and nutrition education are key for making healthy lifestyle choices. Most people aren’t taught how to read food labels, for example. If we don’t know how to evaluate our food, we can’t make the best choices. There’s a gap in our education. These new courses will teach students how to make good choices for their own health and life, and how to help others do the same for sustainable, long-term wellness.”

ACHS’s new courses—Personal and Community Health and Introduction to Nutrition—are designed for personal interest and as an introduction to holistic health and wellness for healthcare professionals who want to integrate CAM.

Personal and Community Health (HLTH 101) introduces concepts and skills to identify and help students develop a healthy lifestyle for themselves, their family, and their community. The focus of the course is on day-to-day choices and challenges, and includes stress management, basic nutrition, physical fitness, substance abuse, reproductive health, body weight, environmental health, and death and dying.

Introduction to Nutrition (NUT 101) focuses on introductory nutrition concepts and tools for healthy eating. The components of food (including protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals) are examined, and curriculum includes discussion of hunger in the U.S. and abroad.

Both courses earn credit towards the Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine (AAS), and can be applied to some certificate programs, including the Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting.

>>Read the full-length press release here: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=207

Dr. Weil tells Portland "Why Our Health Matters"

Last Thursday, October 15, we went to hear Dr. Andrew Weil give a talk in downtown Portland. (Here's a picture of ACHS President Dorene Petersen with Dr. Weil outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.) Dr. Weil, author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, has a new book, Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, which addresses many of our current healthcare myths and challenges, as well a “Call to Action” for change.

Did you know, for example, that the World Health Organization has ranked the U.S. 37th in the world for healthcare outcomes, which puts us on par with Serbia? We hear about healthcare and disease everyday, but do we really know what all the information circulating about means for our health? "We don't have healthcare," Dr. Weil said. "We have disease management."

Dr. Weil attributes the root problems causing "disease management," to the unimaginable and rising cost of healthcare. We literally cannot afford to get sick. Why the high costs? Dr. Weil talked about two main reasons: 1. We don't talk about prevention (or, not enough); and 2. Medicine is dependent on high-cost technology.

Why, then, aren't we serious about prevention? What's holding us back? What can we do?

"The real meat of prevention is lifestyle medicine," Dr. Weil said. And, "if we are going to see meaningful healthcare reform, it will have to come from you."

So, how can you get started?

Here are some changes we can demand immediately, Dr. Weil's Call to Action. This list has been adapted from information included in "Why Our Health Matters" program materials.

1. Ban direct-to-consumer marketing and advertising by big pharma.

The pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable in the country, with sales totaling about $643 billion a year. Most pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of their budget on advertising, which has created a skewed view of how health care works, that there is a “pill for every health problem.”

2. Create a National Institute of Health and Healing at the NIH and fund it generously.

Medicine needs to “return to its roots,” to focus on the natural healing power of humans. Research into the body’s ability to defend itself and regenerate will help achieve this. As a result, we will create and improve treatment and therapies that are less invasive and expensive.

3. Create an Office of health and Promotion within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and fund it appropriately.

Obesity kills about 400,000 people a year; yet, we spend 40 times more on the health risks of terrorism than obesity. The emphasis should be on prevention, not on treating disease. Education about nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to “defeat the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and conditions that lead to life-threatening diseases.”

4. Teach health promotion and integrative medicine at medical schools and residency programs.

We need “hands-on primary care physicians” who can education their patients about prevention of disease in addition to strategies for disease management and crisis intervention.

5. Require insurers to cover health promotion and integrative care.

Today, millions of Americans are taking supplements, practicing yoga, and using other natural modalities, which are all preventative measures that will “keep them out of the doctor’s office and drive down the costs of treating serious problems like heart disease and diabetes.” Yet, insurance companies do not cover these activities.

6. Establish an Office of Health Education within the U.S. Department of Education.

Healthy habits needs to start young. An Office of Health Education would make nutrition, diet, an integral part of every child’s education and would promote new and more meaningful ways to teach health.

7. Learn how to take care of yourself.

“You can’t afford to get sick, and you can’t depend on the present health care system to keep you well.” You have to make the right lifestyle choices to protect and maintain your body’s health.

Physicians Can Benefit from Adding CAM to Their Practices

The American Academy of Family Physicians released a new article on their website earlier this month, "New Report Details Billions Americans Spend on Complementary Alternative Medicine," which explores growing use of CAM in the U.S. and by family physicians.

According to the article, "U.S. adults spent a total of $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on CAM products, classes and materials and on visits to CAM professionals in 2007. Ten years earlier, that out-of-pocket figure was estimated at $27 billion."

Therefore, family physicians can benefit from incorporating CAM into their practices in many ways. For example, the AAFP article explains how "family physicians can build in discussions of CAM during face-to-face office visits for specific complaints [...] by suggesting, for example, nasal irrigation for allergies and respiratory problems; yoga relaxation breathing for insomnia and anxiety; yin yoga for back, hip and flexibility problems; journaling for grief, depression, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma; and meditation and prayer for hypertension, stress and depression.

In addition, "New Report Details Billions Americans Spend on Complementary Alternative Medicine," includes information about CAM remedies that the AAFP feels have been proven effective in studies. Examples listed in the article include:

• glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis;
• saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• topical tea tree oil for acne;
• turmeric for prevention of Alzheimer's disease and as an anti-inflammatory;
• melatonin for insomnia;
• fish oil for heart disease; and
• ginkgo biloba for vascular dementias and claudication.

>> If you're interested in learning more about CAM for personal or professional use, visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences website at www.achs.edu

>> To read the full-length article, visit the American Academy of Family Physician website at http://www.aafp.org or CLICK HERE

Americans Spent $34 Billion Out-of-Pocket on CAM in 2007

Adults in the United States spent nearly $34 billion out-of-pocket on visits to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners and on purchases of CAM products, classes, and materials in 2007, according to findings released in July from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).1

“With so many Americans using and spending money on CAM therapies, it is extremely important to know whether the products and practices they use are safe and effective,” said Josephine Briggs, MD, director of NCCAM in a press release.2 “This underscores the importance of conducting rigorous research and providing evidence-based information on CAM so that healthcare providers and the public can make well-informed decisions.”

The survey found that nearly two-thirds of the total out-of-pocket costs that adults spent on CAM were for self-care purchases ($22 billion), and the majority of out-of-pocket dollars spent on CAM self-care purchases went towards nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products (which includes herbal preparations).1 Purchases of these products equaled $14.8 billion and accounted for 44% of all out-of-pocket costs for CAM in 2007. Visits to CAM practitioners resulted in an estimated out-of-pocket cost of nearly $12 billion.

The approximately $34 billion spent on CAM visits and purchases equates to 1.5% of total healthcare expenditures in the United States and 11.2% of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for 2007. The $14.8 billion amount spent on nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products is approximately 31% of the amount that the public spent out-of-pocket for pharmaceutical drugs in 2007 ($47.6 billion).

Prior to the release of the NHIS survey data from 2007, the latest estimate of CAM out-of-pocket expenditures was from a telephone survey conducted 10 years earlier. The greatest difference between the2 surveys’ results is that the 1997 survey found that most CAM costs were based on visits to CAM practitioners, while the 2007 survey found that most expenditures stem from self-care CAM purchases. These discrepancies may result in part from differences in the surveys’ methodologies. However, the 2007 results are consistent with industry sales data, which also demonstrate a large increase in expenditures for nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products over the past decade.

The NHIS is an annual survey of health and illness-related experiences of Americans conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Information on out-of-pocket costs for CAM from the 2007 NHIS is based on data from interviews of 23,393 American adults.

A previous analysis of results from the 2007 NHIS found that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children in the United States use CAM, with the most commonly used CAM therapy of both adults and children being nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products, including herbals. Those findings were released in December of 2008, and an article regarding that data was published in the February issue of HerbalEGram.3

© Courtney Cavaliere, American Botanical Council

References

1.Nahin RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ, Bloom B. Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007. National Health Statistics Reports, Number 18; July 30, 2009.
2. Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine [press release]. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; July 10, 2009.
3. Cavaliere C. Government survey finds over one-third of American adults use CAM. HerbalEGram, February 2009;6(2). Available at: http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume6/02%20February%20/CAM_Survey.html. Accessed August 10, 2009.