A trip to the pool saddens...

Today I went for what I thought to be a rejuvenating swim at the neighborhood watering hole. I got there paid my admission, changed, and walked out onto the pool deck to stretch. What was great was there were tons of kids enjoying the outside, playing and swimming. Unfortunately, I witnessed something very sad...70-80% of the kids their were obese and several were pushing morbidly obese.

After watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and working on my marketing plan...I realized there is a huge epidemic here. Yes, I knew there was something wrong and I've observed this problem for awhile but it really hit me today seeing all these kids growing up unhealthy and on their way to double by-pass before they are even in their 20's or insulin dependent. All this could be changed if people were made aware of the situation. How easy and affordable it is to cook healthy tasty food.



This is the very reason why we started our urban farm Wish We Had Acres. There is something liberating and fulfilling about growing your own food/raising livestock. The best thing about it is that anyone can do it even if it is just a couple veggies grown in pots in the window or patio.

Education is the key, mentor your neighbor, friend, kids etc. Reach out and together we can change this epidemic, save some lives, save our country, put money back into people's pockets.

I was just reading that southern Appalachian states are the heaviest hit with diabetes and obesity. This is where I'd like to practice and it looks like I've got my work cut out for me...

Support Naturopathic Licensure in NY!!

FYI once 25 states recognize naturopathic medicine we become nationally recognized.  What does this mean for naturopathic doctors?  It means that we are eligible for Medicare reimbursement, Federal Debt repayment programs and most importantly it gives people a choice in medical care.  So support naturopathic medicine regardless of your beliefs, support the freedom of having a choice!

Take look at this video about naturopathic licensure in NY.




Thanks for your support,

Dave

Drum Roll Please...

New to blogging as a student naturopath but I thought I'd start.  There are a ton of people out there who have no clue what a naturopathic doctor is and what we can offer.   Just a taste of what we add to medical care is prevention prevention prevention! How do we accomplish this goal?  We start by listening to the patient and asking questions to get to the root cause of an issue.  We educate the patient on all aspects of his/her illness/disorder/disease/well-being.  We meet the patient where he/she is at, we don't aggressively force new ideas or treatments, but encourage and empower them to take charge of his or her health.  All of these things create a bond, a trusting relationship between a naturopathic doctor and patient.

Why don't all medical practitioners take the time to do these things?  Well part of this is due to a broken healthcare system.  (we'll talk more about this in the future)


My question to you is what would you like to see change in the healthcare system?