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American College of Healthcare Sciences, USA

Dorene Petersen, President

5940 SW Hood Avenue Portland, OR 97239 phone: (800) 487-8839
Friday, November 06, 2009

BY Dr. Arianna Staruch, ACHS Academic Dean

 

Wintertime blues are common for those of us living in the northern latitudes of the U.S., and they usually begin when the days get shorter, darker, and greyer. The clinical name is Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It seems to be more common in women but more severe when it occurs in men. There may also be a genetic component, as with other forms of depression, that runs in families. Generally speaking, with SAD the changing levels of light impact the pineal gland and the production of both serotonin and melatonin, which may be connected to the development of depression in some people[1].


Symptoms of SAD may include any or all of the following[2,3]:

  • Carbohydrate cravings, appetite changes, weight gain
  • Loss of energy, fatigue
  • Depression, hopelessness, anxiety
  • Increased sleepiness and sleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities and social withdrawal
  • Difficulty concentrating


SAD may increase the risk for a major depressive episode, which can lead to social withdrawal, work problems, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.


Since the cause of SAD seems to be a lack of light, it makes sense that adding light may address the underlying cause and provide support. A number of clinical studies have now shown the effectiveness of light therapy in the treatment of SAD. A light box delivering 2,000-10,000 lux for 30-120 minutes daily during the winter is typical[4].


In addition, different color temperatures of “full spectrum” light have been studied and the use of the light box both morning and evening seems to work best[5].  Bright light seems to increase serotonin levels, so it is no surprise that light therapy has been shown to be as effective as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications, which raise serotonin levels, in a number of studies[6,7].


Natural support for serotonin may include L-tryptophan and St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum; however, there have not been any controlled trials with these supplements and SAD. There may be a disturbance of circadian rhythm in SAD, and so there is some thought that melatonin taken at night might help re-establish a proper rhythm. The only studies with melatonin, however, have been with jet lag and shift work and not SAD.

 

Natural support options for other forms of depression include omega-3 fatty acids and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a synthetic form of a compound naturally formed in the body from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy-producing compound found in all cells of the body[8]. Remember that these herbs and supplements may interact with medications, such as antidepressants and blood thinning medications. Always check with your primary care provider and your pharmacist before starting any natural support supplement[9].


Lifestyle support includes making interiors lighter with bright colors, opening blinds, and using more full spectrum lighting.  You may also be able to help balance your brain chemistry by getting outside for a walk within two hours of waking up and by reducing stress with regular exercise[10].


So, as the days get shorter, think about supporting balanced moods with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and increased exposure to light in the mornings and evenings.

 


1. http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview

2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001532.htm

4. Chronobiol Int. 2003 Mar;20(2):189-207.

5. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Mar;10(1):5-13.

6. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Oct-Dec;19(4):239-46.

7. Psychol Med. 2007 May;37(5):727-36.

8. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/treatmentsfromatod/a/SAMe.htm

 

Thursday, October 15, 2009
In 1978, Dorene Petersen founded a college in New Zealand, designed to bring distance-learning and study of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) a.k.a. holistic health, to interested students, living outside the college geographic locale. In 1989, Ms. Petersen brought ACHS to the United States, establishing the college in Oregon, where it has grown and expanded during these 20 years.

The value and necessity of holistic health practice and treatment, which considers the person--mind, spirit and body--as a whole, has increased tremendously since 1989, as Western medicine has consistently been shown to be incomplete in its approach to treatments of many conditions (especially preventative practices). Often Western medicine will damage a system of the body, in treating another system, such as is the case with chemotherapy. Holistic health knowledge and practice has never been more pertinent and ACHS is the leader in the holistic, alternative healthcare world, providing serious instruction and guidance to hundreds of students, most of whom have eyes on a career as alternative healthcare practitoners--but also "hobbyists" who wish to apply these ancient, time-tested principles of healing and health maintenance to themselves and their families.

>>Download the complete article about ACHS in PDF format here

© 2009 Emerson Sandow, Real Authentic Woman Magazine: http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=21687
Friday, October 09, 2009
As we hear more and more about swine flu, many of us are considering whether or not to get the flu vaccine. In some countries, though, vaccines are not as available and people are using traditional herbs to help protect against H1N1.

The October issue of HerbalEGram features an article about how herbs like holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are being used in countries worldwide to help protect against swine flu. The "International Report on Herbs and Swine Flu" cites statistics from a recent World Health Organization report: "More than 300,000 people around the world are estimated to have contracted Influenza A(H1N1) virus, and at least 3,917 people have died from it." Though a shortage of vaccination is not expected in the U.S., many developing countries will not be able to supply the demand of the their population and as a result "some in these nations are turning to medicinal herbs with immune-boosting properties in attempts to help protect against the virus."

In Bangalore, for example, "people are purchasing Indian tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia), a deciduous climbing shrub with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, and immune-boosting properties." In addition, in the "Indian tribal district of Dangs, where medicinal plants grow throughout the forests, the health department is giving tourists an herbal drink also containing Indian tinospora. Prepared by local Ayurvedic doctors, the drink also contains holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which exhibits adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and ginger (Zingiber officinale) root, which has anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects and also aids digestion."

>> To find out more about how herbs are being used to help protect against H1N1, click here for the full-length article: http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume6/10%20October/Herbs_SwineFlu.html?t=1254147913

>> If you're interested in learning more about how to use herbs and herbal medicine, click here for more information from the American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Image © http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/3813775506/sizes/m/#cc_license
Friday, October 09, 2009

A few months ago, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Founder and Director of the United Aromatherapy Effort, Inc., started a new campaign to provide military personnel and their families with emotional and physical support, including the use of aromatherapy and massage.

Sylla partnered the UAE with the United Service Organizations (USO) to provide troops with comforts away from home and has since sent a test box to Camp Phoenix. The soldiers at Camp Phoenix will forward the natural bug sprays sent to Forward Operating Bases for testing.

Now the United Aromatherapy Effort needs your help! According to a September press release, the UAE is "now soliciting small sprays for the next box to go to our "Soldier on the Ground" in Kabul, Afghanistan, Camp Phoenix." They are looking for individual sprays (2-4 oz), and suggested blends include:
  • Respiratory (conifers/pines), because the air quality there is very bad (dusty, dry, and smelly), and quite polluted as well.
  • Relaxing and sleepy time blends because the stress level is quite extreme.
  • Wake up sprays for alert time, night duty, and morning call.
The UAE says to send anything anytime! If you want to ship directly, contact Sylla; otherwise, send to Florida or Louisiana, whichever is the closest location to you, and the UAE will ship to AFG from these two locations:

SHIP TO: UAE/ c/o Sylla Sheppard Hanger, 16018 Saddlestring Dr, Tampa, FL 33618

or UAE c/o Geraldine Zelinsky, 6051 Roma Dr. #103 Shreveport, LA 71105

To read more about the UAE and military disaster relief, visit http://achsnews.blogspot.com/2009/08/united-aromatherapy-effort-to-expand.html
Thursday, August 06, 2009
According to a July 30 article on WebMD, Americans "spend almost a third as much money out-of pocket on herbal supplements and other alternative medicines as they do on prescription drugs."

In a new government report, out-of-pocket spending on alternative medicines like herbal supplements, chiropractic visits, and meditation was estimated at about $34 billion in one year.

“The bottom line is that Americans spend a lot of money on CAM products, classes, materials and practitioner visits,” National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Director Josephine P. Briggs, MD, said. “We estimate that this (represents) approximately 11% of the total out-of-pocket spending on health care.”

Highlights from the report released by NCHS and NCAAM include:
  • In 2007, 38 million adults spent $12 billion on about 354 million visits to CAM practitioners.
  • Two-thirds of the out--of-pocket spending did not involve a practitioner, but alternatives like over-the-counter herbal therapies, classes, and materials.
  • The largest single expenditure was for "non-vitamin, non-mineral herbal supplements and other products (almost $15 billion) followed by practitioner visits ($12 billion), stretching and meditation-related classes such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong ($4 billion), homeopathic medicines ($2.9 billion) and relaxation techniques ($0.2 billion)."
Briggs further commented that chronic pain, back pain in specific, is the most common reason people use alternative medicine. “Americans," Briggs said, "turn to treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy to deal with these painful conditions,” adding that groups like the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society are on record as endorsing these therapies as useful options for the treatment of chronic back pain.

>> Click here for more information about CAM training


>> Click here to read the complete WebMD article on CAM
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
The FDA has allowed the following claim to be made concerning soy products: “Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

To qualify food must: Contain 6.25 G of soy protein, have less than 3 g fat and 1 g saturated fat, and less than 20 mg of cholesterol and less than 480 mg of sodium. This claim is based on whole soy protein food, not isolated soy constituents. Asian diets contain typically 6-11 g of soy protein/day, which includes 25-50 mg of isoflavones.

Soy is a complete protein. Not really, but that might not be a bad thing.

The FDA claims that soy protein can be a good substitute for animal protein because it contains all the necessary essential amino acids. Soy is high in the non-essential amino acids, but is low in cysteine, methionine, and lysine. However, soy protein, as well as many other vegan proteins, are higher in non-essential amino acids than most animal-derived food proteins, and as a result should preferentially favor glucagon production. (This could help with insulin resistance.)

An unnecessarily high intake of essential amino acids—as in high-meat diets—may prove to be as grave a risk factor for “Western” degenerative diseases as is excessive fat intake.

Soy prevents cancer. Maybe.

Soy contains isoflavones that are phytoestrogens, which may have both benefits and risks. Phytoestrogens interact with many receptors, including estrogen hormone receptors, but the type of interaction and the type of receptor dictates the biologic response. For instance genistein, one of the main soy isoflavones, interacts differently with estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta. Genistein was shown to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Epidemiological studies show that women with traditional diets high in soy have a lower incidence of breast cancer those women with Western diets. There are no studies that show eating high amounts of soy later in life can decrease a women’s risk of breast cancer however.

Soy is safe for breast cancer survivors. Probably NOT.

Currently neither the animal data nor human data is conclusive as to whether soy is safe for breast cancer survivors. Women who are estrogen positive breast cancer survivors are frequently told to restrict their intake of soy products because of the phytoestrogen content.

GMO soy is healthy. If you don’t mind herbicides on your food!

Genetically modified soy is “Roundup Ready”, MEANING Roundup can be sprayed on the crop for weed control. Roundup Ready (RR) varieties of soybean has increased the use of glyphosate for weed control and glyphosate residues were found in soybean leaves and stems, and metabolites of the herbicide were found in the grain. Applications of glyphosate have no effects on phytoestrogen levels in glyphosate-resistant soybeans.

Fermented soy is better for you. Not really.

There is a difference in the isoflavones in non-fermented vs. fermented soy food, but the effect of enzymes and flora activity in the digestive tract makes the difference unimportant.

Soy is a common food allergen. True!

Soy is one of the top food allergens, along with cow’s milk, citrus, nuts, wheat, seafood and egg. Allergenicity of GMO soy may be altered. Hydrolyzed soy protein may not be as antigenic and there may be cross-reactivity with birch pollen and soy.

Soy inhibits the thyroid. Not True!

In 14 human studies, most found little change in thyroid function tests of normal subjects ingesting isolated soy protein. There are a few case studies of soy impacting hypothyroid patients, by reducing thyroid medication absorption. Always also consider iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency lead to goiter and soy may make an iodine deficiency worse. An interesting not is that Asian soy consumption is often coupled with seaweed, which is naturally high in iodine.

Soy inhibits protein digestion. Possibly.


Raw soy contains Bowman-Birk (BBI) inhibitor of chymotrypsin and trypsin and the Kunitz inhibitor of trypsin (KTI). Heating and processing of the soybean removes most but not all of these inhibitors. On the other hand, several studies suggest that BBI can also function as an anticarcinogen, possibly through interaction with a cellular serine protease.

Soy is safe for infant formulas. Caution is needed.

Infants consuming soy formulas had 10 times higher isoflavone levels in their blood than women receiving soy supplements who show menstrual disturbances. Small, physiologically relevant phytoestrogen exposure levels can alter estrogen-dependent gene expression in the brain and affect complex behavior in a wide range of species. The implications for these findings in humans, and particularly in infants, largely remain uninvestigated but are a subject of increasing public interest.

Soy infant formulas contain BBQ and KTI, protein enzyme inhibitors; infants on soy formula consume about 10 mg of KTI plus BBI per day. The impact of reduced protein digestion due to these enzyme inhibitors in infants is not known.

Soy is a good food. Most likely.

Whole soy foods are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, calcium and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Replacing some high fat animal protein with soy foods is beneficial. Soy can be part of a healthy diet, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, fish and lean meats Introduce soy slowly to the daily diet. Avoid if you have soy allergies.

Soy is a nutraceutical. Most likely.

Soy isoflavones may be helpful for modest cholesterol lowering effects. Soy isoflavones effect on breast cancer is unclear. Soy isoflavones may be helpful for menopausal symptoms. Soy isoflavones may be supportive for postmenopausal bone health.

>> By Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, ACHS Dean of Admissions
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Yoga is one of the newest ‘secret weapons’ in the US Armed Forces. Major Nisha Money, who currently serves as the Chief of Air Force Fitness for the Surgeon General at USAF Headquarters in Washington DC, gave me the scoop. Soldiers suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. within a specialized care program that incorporates the iRest protocol. Major Money stated that she hopes that it will not be long before there is a movement to integrate body-mind-spirit healing modalities that not only serve as treatment interventions for emotional and physical trauma but also play a role in prevention by attenuating the impact of emotional trauma experienced in the battlefield.

As she put it, “Our soldiers are sent into combatant zones physically prepared to fight. It would also be helpful to add components within deployment readiness training programs that build mental strength as well.” Major Money MD, MPH, ABHM, trained in Preventive Medicine with an emphasis in clinical epidemiology and international health has an integrative medicine practice on the side. She’s also boarded by the American Board of Holistic Medicine, certified by UCLA’s Physician’s Medical Acupuncture Program, accomplished in “neurorobics”, and trained in mind-body medicine modalities and yoga nidra (Integrative Restoration - iRest) to help alleviate emotional distress secondary to trauma.

Nisha Money is a different kind of healer, working out of cement government offices, not in hushed, softly lit, treatment rooms more often associated with the movement of subtle energies. On Sunday, June 28th, Major Money will be presenting at the annual conference for International Society for the Studies of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine (ISSSEEM) to be held from June 26 - July 1, 2009 at the Westin hotel in Westminster, Colorado.

Additionally, side by side with Deepak Chopra and Rustum Roy, Nisha will co-host a dinner and town hall meeting examining the divergence and confluence of consciousness in the community.

For more information on the conference, please go to http://www.issseem.org


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

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

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

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

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

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

American College of Healthcare Sciences is the only accredited, fully online college offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (800) 487-8839, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Lavender lovers came from near and far for the 7th annual ACHS Lavender Open House held at the College campus in SW Portland on July 17. Participants were treated to a series of lavender-themed workshops that ranged from the practical to the scientific, including making natural lavender products to differentiating lavender varieties.

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

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

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

Materials Needed
  • 13 stems of fresh lavender (or any odd number larger than 13)--each at least 12-inches tall.
  • 3 yards of satin or other ribbon, ¼-inches wide.
  • Patience... allow yourself about 40 minutes to do your first wand. Be very forgiving of yourself... like all skills, this one improves with practice.
Directions
1. Strip all the leaves from the stem. The suppleness of the stem is important to the success of wand making. Harvest the lavender early in the day, and make sure that the flowers are not damp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

>> To learn more about lavender, or herbal medicine or aromatherapy classes, visit the American College of Healthcare Sciences website.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
  Portland, OR—July 15, 2009—American College of Healthcare Sciences has hired Dr. Arianna Staruch, ND, to serve as Academic Dean effective July 1, 2009. Dr. Staruch will oversee all aspects of the College's educational programs and new course and program development to better meet the growing demand for accredited, online holistic health education.

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

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

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

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