Are you using a natural crystal deodorant?

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:39 +0000

If you are using a natural crystal deodorant, read this article NOW! This type of deodorant is unsafe for your health according to Dr. Joseph Mercola. As you know, Dr. Mercola is an advocate of using only the safest interventions for your body’s health. This article is well worth reading, as it just might give you information you need to make better health choices for yourself.

Stop Using ‘Natural’ Deodorants Until You Read This

Posted by: Dr. Mercola
February 16 2010 | 253,191 views

Some of the most popular natural deodorants are the “crystal” deodorant stones and sprays. But most people don’t know that these crystal deodorant products contain aluminum.

The crystal deodorant stones are made from alum. The most widely used form of alum used in the personal care industry is potassium alum. The full chemical name of potassium alum is potassium aluminum sulfate.

The reason that most people try to avoid aluminum in deodorant is because of its possible link to Alzheimer’s disease. There is some strong evidence of a link — for instance, in 1988 a truck driver accidentally dumped 20 tons of aluminum sulfate in to a town’s drinking water.

Now, over 20 years later, they are finding a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s in the people of this town.

Incidentally, the article linked below notes that, “many doctors such as popular web guru and natural health expert Dr. Mercola suggest avoiding aluminum as much as possible.”

Sources:

Bubble and Bee January 21, 2010

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

Let’s get this straight. Even though aluminum is widely distributed in the earth’s crust, it is NOT needed in ANY amounts in your body. All evidence to date points to aluminum as a poison that serves no beneficial role in your body and should be avoided.

Aluminum is widely recognized as a neurotoxin, which has been found in increased concentrations in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Unfortunately, if you use antiperspirants or some deodorants, you are most likely exposing yourself to aluminum.

Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants.

A review of the common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to the review, after a single underarm application of antiperspirant, about .012 percent of the aluminum may be absorbed.

Multiply this by one or more times a day for a lifetime and you can have a massive exposure to aluminum — a poison that is not meant to be in your body.

Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms — with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your body’s routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on.

In some cases, it is clear that they may be wreaking havoc directly on your brain. In 1988, for instance, a truck driver accidentally poured 20 tons of aluminum sulphate into a tank containing drinking water.

Some 20,000 people in the village of Camelford were exposed to the chemical for several weeks, and then went on to develop a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, along with showing the presence of high levels of aluminum in their tissues.

Deodorants and Antiperspirants Linked to Cancer

Alzheimer’s disease is not the only reason to ditch your aluminum-containing antiperspirant and deodorant, as this metal has also been linked to cancer.

A 2006 study found that aluminum salts can mimic the hormone estrogen, and chemicals that imitate that hormone are known to increase breast cancer risk. Animal studies have also found that aluminum can cause cancer.

Given that antiperspirants are used on your armpits, the aluminum salt concentration is highest near your breast tissue. Further, when women shave under their arms it can result in a higher aluminum-salt absorption rate due to the damaged skin.

In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, researchers tested breast samples from 17 breast-cancer patients who had undergone mastectomies. The women who used antiperspirants had deposits of aluminum in their outer breast tissue. Concentrations of aluminum were higher in the tissue closest to the underarm than in the central breast.

Aluminum is not normally found in the human body, so this study was a pretty clear sign that the metal was being absorbed from antiperspirant sprays and roll-ons.

It’s worth mentioning that deodorants are not the same thing as antiperspirants. Deodorants may actually be less problematic than antiperspirants, as they work by neutralizing the smell of your sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria, but do not prevent sweating.

However, many deodorants also contain aluminum, along with chemicals called parabens, which have also been linked to breast cancer. So, you’re clearly better off avoiding both antiperspirants and deodorants.

Supposedly “Safe” Crystal Alum Antiperspirants

“Crystal” deodorant stones are a popular natural deodorant alternative, often used by health-conscious shoppers looking to avoid the aluminum and other chemicals common in most antiperspirants and deodorants.

However, if you’re looking to avoid aluminum, crystal deodorants may not be your best choice.

While many claim to be aluminum-free, they are referring to aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxybromide or aluminum zirconium.

These types of aluminum are widely used in antiperspirants and deodorants. The aluminum is taken into sweat ducts in the top layer of your skin where they act as a plug, stopping the flow of sweat to your skin’s surface.

There is evidence, however, that this aluminum is absorbed into your body where it may cause serious damage.

The aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of compound known as an alum, the most common form being potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.

Potassium Alum or Ammonium Alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers.

But while this may be a better alternative to most antiperspirants and deodorants on the market, it is not completely aluminum-free.

I’ll share with you my top tips for staying odor-free naturally shortly, but first I want to explain why I stopped using any antiperspirants or deodorants over 25 years ago … and suggest you also do the same.

Final Recommendation:

Please note that this recommendation is for antiperspirants only, not deodorants. Many confuse the two. Nearly all antiperspirants use aluminum or alum-based salts to achieve their sweat reduction effect.

It is an absolute no brainer for you and your family to avoid all conventional aluminum-based antiperspirants. The evidence is very clear that these are absorbed and will contribute to aluminum in your body.

Regarding purportedly safe “alum” based antiperspirants found in most health food stores, the companies that produce these claim that the mineral salts are too large to be absorbed and thus provide no danger. However, we have been unable to uncover any solid evidence that supports this claim so it would seem prudent to avoid using them.

While these crystals are probably better than using a conventional antiperspirant, they are clearly not aluminum-free and it still poses a possible Alzheimer’s risk and contributes to background toxicity in your body.

It would seem best to exercise the precautionary principle at this time and avoid these crystal-based alum antiperspirants.

Personally, I have not used antiperspirants for over 30 years, once I realized that they were actually causing the stains in the underarm area of my shirts and that wasn’t due to my own sweat. That was a major clue to me to avoid them.

All I do is use simple soap and water and that seems to work well enough that my friends and relatives do not tell me I have any offensive body odor. I typically will wash under my arms in the morning and after I workout.

This approach has served me well for over three decades, however if you find you need a more aggressive approach, then try a pinch of baking soda mixed into water as an effective all-day deodorant.

Additionally, there are many non-aluminum or alum-based alternatives in your local health food store that would likely serve your needs, but I would encourage you to at least TRY going without before making your mind up.

Remember you will need to check the label not only for “aluminum” but also for potassium alum or potash alum, as the full chemical name of potassium alum is potassium aluminum sulfate.

Awaken, Embrace and Celebrate Your Love

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:29:31 +0000

“Awaken, Embrace and Celebrate Your Love”

A 90 minute vibrational experience of crystal bowls, voice, harp and gentle body movement to celebrate the love within each of us that we desire to ’seed’ in the Spring Equinox energy. The clear tones of the crystal bowls and voice ‘awaken’ the body to love; then the soothing melodies of the harp evoke the emotions to ‘embrace’ this love within. As the body gently moves with this awakening, the soft words and rhythms of songs ‘celebrate’ this love as we begin to experience it for ourselves and then share it with others. Friday, March 19th – Eliot Unitarian Chapel @ 8:00pm 100 S. Taylor, Kirkwood, MO 63122 Saturday, March 20th – St. Martin’s Episcopal Church @ 7:00pm 15764 Clayton Road, Ellisville, MO 63011 Tickets: $10.00 Advanced tickets available on-line by visiting: www.amycamie.com (click on Public Events) Tickets available at the door Artists’ CDs will be available at the event For more information: 314-603-4430 THE ARTISTS: Crystal Bowls and Voice: Janiece Jaffe, a professional jazz performer, holds a BA in Vocal Jazz Performance from Indiana University and has been a practicing Reiki Master since 2000. She has studied with Jonathan Goldman, Tom Kenyon in sound healing intensives; taken Rhiannon’s Vocal Improvisation Intensives, as well as participated in Circle Singing training with Bobby McFerrin. Janiece is a member of NESHRI, The World Sound Healing Organization and The Sound Healers Association. She has recorded 9 CDs; 2 for stress relief and meditation called, The Lotus and the Rose and Heartones. www.janiecejaffe.com/ Harp: Amy Camie, an award winning professional harpist, recording artist and public speaker on “Vibrational Awareness and The Healing Power of Music,” is the Founder of the Scientific Arts Foundation. Her solo harp CDs have been used in several research studies indicating how they increase neurological functioning, support the immune system and reduce pain, distress and anxiety levels. As one woman said, “You touch others in such a deep place with your music…because it comes from such a deep place inside of you.” Amy’s CDs are used throughout the country in hospitals, cancer centers and hospices as well as for general relaxation and stress reduction. www.amycamie.com Voice and Guitar: Bridgette Kossor is a committed advocate, teacher and inspirational speaker on whole food education, healthy eating and balanced self-love in people of all ages. She is a professional singer, songwriter, recording artist, interfaith minister, Reiki Master, Waker Upper and attended the Strengthening Health Institute in Philadelphia for Macrobiotic education. After many years of weight, body image and health challenges, she has lost 100 lbs., normalized health imbalances and shifted those challenges into positive action through her lifestyle choices, most passionately through music and food. Bridgette envisions a world where people are well nourished, healthy, aware, connected, loved, and co-creators in their own health and lives. www.bridgettekossor.com/ Gentle Body Movement: Sherry Summers is one of St. Louis’ most experienced and respected Yoga teachers. Her teaching draws upon the richness of her own 18 year’s commitment to Yoga. She has trained extensively in Iyengar and Tibetan yoga and is accomplished in multiple forms of movement and dance. Sherry’s own joy in teaching comes from supporting a student’s new understanding, a release from old patterns, or a fresh way or relating wit others and one’s self. She reveres Yoga as a means for healing. www.cherylsherbs.com/why_private_sessions.htm To purchase advanced tickets and download a PDF flyer for this event: http://www.amycamie.com/springequinoxevent.html

QIGONG THIS WEEK — regular schedule . . . Thursday, Qigong & Meditation, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Glendale Presbyterian Ckhurch, 500 N. Sappington Road. Adult Lounge, lower level. Friday, Qigong class @ The Wellness Community, 11 – 11:45 teaching 11:45 – 12:30 practice Sunday, Qigong Practice, 3 -4 pm @ Eliot Chapel of Kirkwood, 216 E Argonne Monday, Qigong & Meditation, 7 – 9 pm @ Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, 10790 Old Rt. 21

Rare and Wonderful Opportunity for study Zhineng Qigong

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:16:53 +0000

Rare and Wonderful Opportunity for study with two teachers who

have helped thousands heal & progress to a higher gong fu!!

Master Liu and Master Meng presenting

Zhineng Qigong Retreats in June-July 2010 in the U.S. !

Two-Week Healing Retreat

Instructors: Master Liu and Master Meng

June 6 – June 19, 2010 at Oakwood Retreat Center near Muncie, Indiana

This retreat will teach you to get at the energetic root of illness, learning the meditative practices of Zhineng Qigong so all illnesses can be overcome. This workshop is for beginners or for anyone who has been practicing Zhineng Qigong, as your practice will become deeper and stronger no matter what level you are on.

Learn the power happiness can have on our lives and how to develop that practice
Learn Fa Qi (method to emit Qi for healing)
Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down (this method is taught with theory and a deeper use of Qi)
Learn how to release Heart Stones that keep us from healing
Mind Qi Practice
Learn the real practice of Intention
Organization of the Qi Field theories for yourself and others
Profound Healing techniques used at the Hua Xia Center in China
Learning to balance the emotions to affect our physical well-being
Learn Hun Yuan Qi and Yi Yuan Ti theories
Daily group healing sessions with Masters Liu and Meng

The Healing Retreat will be taught by Masters Liu and Meng. Master Liu was a teacher at Hua Xia Zhineng Qigong Center for 8 years and has taught in the U.S., Malaysia, Sweden, Holland, Indonesia, Belgium, introducing students all over the world to the deeper practices of Zhineng Qigong that show us the power of Grandmaster Pang’s theories and methods. Even teachers who are working on their healing will find this course an amazing path for complete healing.

The cost of the Retreat is far less than going to China to study with these teachers! $1995 for 2 weeks

Advanced Level 1 Retreat

Instructors: Master Liu and Master Meng

June 20 – 26, 2010 at Oakwood Retreat Center near Muncie, Indiana

(Teachers please note this class. It will be invaluable in improving your Gong Fu and progressing deeply!)

The Advanced Level 1 Retreat can be taken with the Healing Retreat (there is a one day period of time between the 2 retreats for relaxation – meals and lodging covered). This retreat will focus on higher and deeper levels of the Level 1 practices taught at the Healing Retreat, but can be taken by itself without the healing retreat as well. In addition, many other meditations will be taught and individual progress will be a focus. This course is for students and teachers alike. Either the healing retreat or previous classes in Level 1 and Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down are required to attend this retreat.

Level 2 Meditation practices of Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down
Deeper mind consciousness to do Qi Healing
Living from a New Point in Life
Learning to live from a Zhineng Qigong Consciousness (as opposed to our western habits of thought and action)
Learn meditations to be in harmony with nature and all of the universe
Learn to pull the Qi Information (in all life-Qi is information)
Learn to Open the Waist Practice
Learn deeper Yi Yuan Ti theories and meditations

The cost of the 6 day Advanced Retreat is $995

Body and Mind Method

As taught at the Hua Xia Zhineng Qigong Center in China

Instructor: Master Liu

June 27 – July 5, 2010 at Oakwood Retreat Center near Muncie, Indiana

The Level 2 Body Mind Method will be an in-depth learning and deepening of this practice. At least one year of Level 1 practice is a pre-requisite for this retreat. Body and Mind Method is a physically challenging practice and is not recommended for those weakened by life-threatening illnesses and conditions.

Learn detailed Body and Mind Method movements, benefits, and theory
Learn to activate internal qi (the energetic practices will be taught with the physical movements)
Learn how to Organize the Qi Field for Internal practice
Learn Body and Mind Method for Yi Yuan Ti meditation

The cost of the 8 day Body Mind Method retreat is $1325

ZHINENG QIGONG TEACHERS NOTE:

Discounts are available to certified teachers of Zhineng Qigong. Please contact Glenna Zogg (see registration form) for more information. Teachers may be asked to provide a copy of their teaching certificates to receive the discount.

Retreat Registration

Space for each retreat is limited, so register early! Plan to arrive between 2 and 5 pm for registration on the first day of the retreat. Each retreat ends at 1 pm after lunch on the last day of the retreat.

For information about Oakwood Retreat Center accommodations, location, and directions, go to www.oakwoodretreatcenter.org. Closest airports are Dayton and Indianapolis each about 1 1/2 hours away.

To register for one or more of the Zhineng Qigong Retreats, please fill out the following and mail with your deposit to the address below. Credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), but it is preferred if you can pay by check. Please make checks payable to ZQ Educational Corporation.

$100 Deposit PER RETREAT due at time of registration. Balance due May 1.

Name___________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City,State,Zip____________________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________________

Please register me for (check those you wish to attend):

_______Healing Retreat (June 6 – 19) $1995

_______Advanced Level 1 Retreat (June 20 – 26) $995

_______Body and Mind Retreat (June 27 – July 5) $1325

_______Camping request (Tents only. $24 LESS per day – spaces limited)

Retreat fees include all meals and lodging. Camping includes meals and use of showers and indoor facilities. Bring your own camping equipment. (Limited camping space –these will be given in order of registrations received.)

Payment: Check, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, (circle one) Amount enclosed:_____($100 minimum per retreat for deposit)

Credit card #____________________________________________________________

Expiration_____________________Security code__________________

Signature________________________________________________________________

Please send this form and your payment to (checks payable to ZQ Educational Corporation):

Glenna Zogg. 7596 Winona Ln, Sebastopol , CA , 95472

GLZogg@hotmail.com, 707-829-5970

If you have questions, please contact Glenna.

How Stress Affects Health

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:38:12 +0000

Stress affects health by inhibiting your immune system’s natural healing powers. Let’s face it, being alive means being stressed. But there are levels our body can deal with successfully and levels which send us into a spiral toward illness.

You are probably aware that my husband has been fighting a battle with bladder cancer since last May. So far, he is winning. I, as a caregiver, have been STRESSED. Why, because I have to face the possibility that I may be living without him. That means I must re-evaluate the way I have been living. We have been a team. Now we are both figuring out how to live differently. Sounds like any other change. Right? It brings to the surface, my fears…any major change means I have to deal with everything in ways that are unfamiliar. When I was younger, change was a challenge that meant I could become excited about learning a new and different way of doing things. Now, it means I might have to do things that are inconvenient. Things that I am used to handing off to Glenn for resolution. Like handling taxes and other irritating jobs.

In truth, the way I choose to think about these changes can add to my stress or contribute to my health. If I put a negative spin on them, they become irritants that trigger chemical reactions in my body, which lead to illness. When I think in a more positive way, the chemical releases contribute to my wellness. Thinking about this experience as a way to learn more about the things I am grateful for might just be the way to go. It will set up a more upbeat scenario and help me deal with my life and future with positive feelings and thanksgiving. What do you think?

World Diabetes Day November 14

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:29:52 +0000

Today, Saturday November 14th is World Diabetes
Day. The theme "Diabetes Education and Prevention"
will run through the years 2009 to 2013.

What does "Education and Prevention" mean to you?
I bet you could ask a dozen people and get a
different answer from each.

The International Diabetes Organization and
the over 12 drug companies are sponsoring, World
Diabetes Day. They define education as ways to
manage diabetes with insulin.

It seems to me that educating people ahould be
about ways to prevent and especially, how to
reverse diabetes with appropriate life style
changes.  A raw and living food diet is one
excellent way to do this.

Insulin is a very necessary hormone for people
whose pancreas is no longer producing insulin.
It is NOT a good idea to take it if your body
is still actively producing it. Your goal should
always be to get off medication as soon as or
whenever possible.

Isn't it interesting that there is no mention of
one of the most effective diets for controlling
blood sugar levels and making your pancreas healthy
again.  That is a raw and living foods diet.  Go
to the World Diabetes Day website and see for your-
self. 

To help give you additional information about
"Education and Prevention" for World Diabetes
Day, you are offered a 50% OFF discount on the
film "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days"
and the companion "Raw for Life" 2 disc DVD set.

This offer was made several months ago and there was
so much good response to the discount that it is being
offered one last time.

If you haven't yet bought a copy of the film you can
see the trailer for the film and pick up your copy
here:

==>http://budurl.com/s7e5

Also, when you pick up a copy of Simply Raw or Raw
for Life today you'll also get ALL of the bonuses
listed below. One of the really cool things about
the raw food community is how we all come together
to support a cause like reversing diabetes.

A lot of people have stepped up to contribute amazing
bonuses for this event.

Don't miss out on getting all of these bonuses...

* Bonus 1: "Kitchen Gadgets" 40 Minute Instructional
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her Book "Raw Food Made Easy"($4.99 Value)

* Bonus 3: A One Month Raw Menu Planner by Tera Warner of
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* Bonus 4: Audio Interview with Ani Phyo on How to Stay
Raw While Traveling ($4.99 Value)

* Bonus 5: The entire "The Raw Life: Becoming Natural in
an Unnatural World" E-Book by Paul Nison ($14.99 Value)

* Bonus 6: The entire "Revealing the Physical Changes"
E-Book by Angela Stokes - 63 Pages! ($19.95 Value)

* Bonus 7: The entire "Revvellutionize Your Life In 30 Days"
E-Book by Revvell Revati of Rawkin Radio ($19.95 Value)

* Bonus 8: The entire "Raw Success " book, written by Matt
Monarch - ($15.95 Value) plus a 12% Discount Coupon for his
Raw Food World Online Store

* Bonus 9: Chapter 1 of Susan Schenk's book "The Live Food
Factor" ($4.95 Value)

* Bonus 10: CD #1 and #5 of Nomi Shannon's 5 CD "21 Days to
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That's a lot of great extra health insight and education...
and you get it all FR@E when you purchase the Simply Raw or
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Go here right now to see all the details and get your copies:
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When you buy this product, I receive a commission.

Happy World Diabetes Day!
To your vibrant health and well-being,
Bee

Foods for flu

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:25:00 +0000

This article was posted by newsday.co.tt Wednesday, April 29, 2009. It contains great information for everyone seeking ways to fight the flu naturally.

Healing foods to fight the flu

Wednesday, April 29 2009

click on pic to zoom in

Chicken soup…

« prev photo next photo »

WITH ALL the concern in recent days about a possible swine flu pandemic, people are looking at ways to protect themselves from being infected.

How well you protected against the flu depends on many things. For example, you need to wash your hands religiously and take vitamin C for extra insurance. You may even want to try the herb echinacea when you first start feeling the onset of flu-like symptoms. In addition, what you eat may help prevent or treat this illness.

Here is a look at some of the foods you need to add to your flu-fighting arsenal:

1. Chicken soup

It’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.

2. Hot and spicy food

Some people swear by garlic, hot peppers, or spicy curries and sauces to help ease congestion. Here in TT, we look to East Indian foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.

3. Garlic

This fragrant bulb contains a flavouring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.

4. Fluids

Stay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people, so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea, or sip on hot water with a slice of lemon.

5. Citrus fruits

Reach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body’s need for this protective vitamin.

6. Vitamin C sources

Citrus fruits aren’t the only foods high in vitamin C Potatoes, green peppers and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.

7. Ginger

Many people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let it steep for five to ten minutes.

It’s Time to Put “Health” Back into Healthcare!

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:03:39 +0000

It’s Time to Put “Health” Back into Healthcare! Tell Your Senator to Support True Healthcare Reform

How can we, as a country, reduce exploding healthcare costs? By changing the way we do medicine. Too often we rely on treating symptoms and addressing health problems after they have reached the crisis state. Under the old way of thinking, this usually means hospital stays, vastly expensive surgery, expensive drugs with undesirable side effects, and other procedures common to conventional chronic care.

Preventive medicine should be, by definition, the prevention of disease before it takes hold. Diagnostic tests may be useful for early detection, but they often involve little understood risks such as radiation. Moreover, the screen may be used to redefine normal conditions as pre-diseases requiring expensive and often dangerous lifelong drug treatment. And whether the screen is used to diagnose a pre-disease condition or a disease, the opportunity for true prevention has already passed.

Although both the Senate HELP and Finance Committee healthcare bills incorporate prevention, they do not define what it means in key provisions. Without a clear definition of which preventive measures will be covered by insurance, for example, we could end up with nothing more than a long list of approved screening measures and drugs to be used on all ages, including the very young.

We are concerned that the current healthcare discussion doesn’t go far enough and would actually further constrain your access to a truly integrative and preventive medical model.

Equally alarming are the following provisions in the Senate healthcare bills:

A one-size-fits-all health insurance mandate would impede your right to choose and receive the healthcare that works best for you. It’s not exactly clear which services would be provided by a mandate, but it is apparent that we would have only one option! Those who currently pay out of pocket for healthcare services and opt to work outside of the insurance system or choose to purchase minimal coverage for catastrophic events will have the burden of additional insurance expenses without receiving additional benefits. We may ultimately be unable to afford our healthcare options of choice. Even if we can afford them, the natural healthcare option may be simply regulated away in a one-size-fits-all medical world.

Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts will be capped at $2,500. They may also be subject to taxes applied to high-end plans. These types of accounts are frequently used to pay for integrative medicine options, including preventive services. The net impact could be less access to healthy options! Since the house bill is more restrictive of deductibles and thus more destructive of HSA’s, a combined bill could yet eliminate HSA’s entirely. There is no conceivable justification for doing this.

The Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) program is structured to reinforce and strengthen the current medical paradigm, which is stacked against integrative medicine. A newly created commission will be charged with identifying and recommending the most effective and appropriate healthcare services and procedures. That commission is required (required!) to include representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, but no one is included from the integrative health community. It’s crucial that less invasive, less expensive and more natural integrative medical treatments be examined and compared in head-to-head studies.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are an invasion of privacy and, in the worst case, may be used to target practitioners who are using alternative therapies. The government and potentially many others will have access to all of your EMRs. Do you trust them to keep your records secure? It is also likely that state medical boards, attorneys general and the FDA will access and use these data to target practitioners who offer integrative approaches. Any EMR system should have an option for individuals to opt out!

The Senate Finance Committee voted to pass America’s Healthy Future Act out of committee on Tuesday October 13 and the Senate will now merge the HELP and Finance bills together. Without further amendments, the resulting bill will commit us to one-size-fits-all options, stifling creative innovation, and giving special interests free rein to reinforce the status quo — pushing integrative medicine and true prevention further outside of the medical system.

We need your help! Let’s put “health” back in the healthcare bill! Please write your senators to let them know that you want to see true healthcare reform. If you are a practitioner, please identify your area of practice and highlight the need to ensure equal footing for natural and integrative medicine. Click here to take action now!

October 13, 2009
Reprinted from American Association for Health Freedom

http://www.healthfreedom.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=913&Itemid=1

I Can Do It! Tampa 2009

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:24:35 +0000

I Can Do It! Tampa 2009
The Mind, Body, Soul Retreat
November 19 – 22, 2009
Hurry! Preferred seating has sold out and general seating is going fast!

Online registration is still available for I Can Do It! Tampa.

Promotional Copy:

The I Can Do It! Conference gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a forum where each speaker offers the opportunity for spiritual and body enlightenment. There are a variety of conference packages available for every budget including Full Conference and Special One-Day Only packages. Experience I Can Do It! for a day or the weekend and attend lectures from over 35 of your favorite authors. From health, nutrition, and wellness to psychics and dream interpretation, this event will energize your mind, body and spirit. Plus, save 50% on a Pre-Conference Workshop with the purchase of a Full Conference Pass! Register Now >>

Why we need public option health insurance

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:40:21 +0000

What do you think?
Here’s what Canadians think of opposition to a system similar to theirs.

Michele Obama promotes organic gardening

Elizabeth (Bee) Brewer — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:07:05 +0000

Isn’t it wonderful to have an educated, knowledgeable first lady, who understands that the food we eat lays the foundation for vibrant health and wellness. She knows that health and well being are first priorities in life? It’s comforting to realize that someone at the top of the political sphere in the USA, is concerned about teaching the public primary ways to create health and well-being. I think she deserves accolades. How about you?
Please leave your comments. We want to hear from you.