Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM): An idea whose time has come

by Mary Zennett of National Alliance for Health Reform ( 19-Feb-2009 )

Complementary/Alternative Medicine consists of many preventive health measures. In other words, a proactive person who thinks about their health seeks to engage in habits that will minimize the risk of illness. Great examples include a healthy diet, fitness, drinking plenty of clean water, and attention to the reduction of exposure to environmental toxins. Philosophically there is little to argue about for the maintenance of good preventative health habits. These problems are largely related to living in a fast-paced world that doesn't promote these habits. Our lifestyles, in fact, seem to promote lack of health, as evidenced by fast food, stress, insufficient time to relax or engage in enrichment activities, not to mention lack of time for fitness or lack of time for healthy relationships. Many people get introduced to healthy habits and lifestyles only after they have taken ill. The need to eat well is vital for an individual with heart disease or diabetes. And these are but 2 examples. The incidence of chronic illness is skyrocketing at an exponential rate. Ten years ago there were virtually no autoimmune disorders. Yet today we all know friends and family members, if not ourselves, who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and the like. The incidence of cancer, even in children, continues to escalate out of control. Psychotropic medications are being prescribed to both adults and children at increased rates. Ask anyone with a chronic health challenge: a proactive commitment to health is a must. Many with chronic health challenges experience tremendous rejuvenation with any ongoing commitment to healthy life choices. Quality food choices, fitness, and nutritional supplements combined work towards a healthy lifestyle in body, mind and spirit. Many engage a life coach to help develop these new habits. There are some growing pains involved in the transformational efforts required to build a healthy life. Healthy living also involves a combination of these life strategies with the treatments recommended by our conventional doctors. Literally millions of us take or have taken some sort of medication, and many of us have had surgeries. Part of any Complementary Health approach involves knowledge about what natural products can be taken with conventional medications. This also means having a thorough discussion with one's primary care doctor or cardiologist about designing a complementary fitness routine. Complementary health approaches like natural supplements are not designed to cure, treat, or mitigate disease; treatment takes place between an individual and their physician. We hope, however, by being open to complementary/alternative medicine, you and your doctor may facilitate the creation of optimal health decisions for you. I wish you the best of health! Mary Zennett, MD, MBA Founder National Alliance for Health Reform 1-800-637-4065