Archive for May, 2010
BRINGING WELLNESS TO CAPITOL HILL
Every year the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) sponsors an amazing event that brings the field of Naturopathic Medicine to the attention of our nation’s congressional leaders. The Federal Legislative Initiative, or “DC FLI,” takes place in early May involving several days of training and preparation before sending forth over 150 naturopathic physicians and naturopathic medical students ready to lobby for changes in healthcare that will increase access to naturopathic sevices for more Americans. During this year’s Lobby Day on May 3rd, I had the privilege of visiting the offices of Senator Cardin and Congressman Sarbanes from Maryland as well as Senators McCaskill and Bond and Congressman Clay from my home state of Missouri.
Our specific requests included:
- Adding naturopathic physicians to federal loan reimbursement programs that support primary care physicians working in rural and under-served communities.
- Incorporating a more specific definition of “integrative healthcare practitioner” into future Healthcare Reform Bill revisions.
- Protecting the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) as it is written to ensure safe access to quality nutritional supplements.
Thankfully, our profession’s core philosophy of encouraging individuals to take a more active role in their own health was well-received by the legislative aids we met with on the Hill. One day we hope that naturopathic medicine can help meet the growing need for more primary care physicians in our country’s challenged healthcare system. Until then, we will keep bringing ideas and recommendations for shifting the “healthcare conversation” back to health and healing to the offices and ears of those who can implement change.
How can you participate in this change? Visit the AANP website and sign up for the Action E-List to receive alerts when you can e-mail your congressmen and congresswomen.
Let your voice be heard!
Honor Your Mother
In my family, we hold a mystical and supernatural belief that my maternal grandmother reincarnated as a monarch butterfly. Before she passed away nearly 15 years ago, my mom asked my grandma (between her drifts in and out of consciousness) to appear to her as a butterfly in her garden as a sign that she had experienced a peaceful passing yet was still nearby. A year or two after Grandma’s death, I woke one morning and wandered into the kitchen to find my mom joyously tearful. She explained that this was Grandma’s birthday and the night before she had prayed for a sign. “And there is this butterfly in my garden that just won’t fly away!” Sure enough, I went outside and saw a monarch butterfly fluttering about in her garden – remaining so still at times that you could touch it. We found the appearance of a monarch butterfly to be all the more convincing as my grandma had beautiful red hair! There have been many other Grandma sightings over the years during significant times in our family’s history. This photo was taken during a trip my Mom, sister and I took to Costa Rica where Grandma joined us for a visit.
Gaia, or Mother Earth, is always reaching out to create connection…through subtle breezes to calm the mind or with inviting fragrances that remind us to stop and smell the roses. While we all have different experiences of Mothering or being Mothered, stories of love, sacrifice, grief and healing are universal. At this time of honoring those people in our lives who nurture us, inspire us, feed us good food and empowering words – let us also remember and honor our dear Mother Earth who waters the same seeds she plants and support us all in growing in harmony with Nature.
