December 2009 CHEO Spotlight

423-314-9399, drgawthrop@allergicare.com
www.chattanoogaallergicare.com

Painless laser technology proven 90% effective in relieving the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, grasses pollens, dust, pets, caffeine, dairy, fruits, molds and more. No shots, no drugs.

Dr. Phillip Gawthrop, a chiropractor has been in family practice for the past 23 years. He has always been interested in offering not only pain relief care but also structural spinal corrective care. Recently, he has added Neurological Stress Relief Therapy (NSRT) thru the BAX 3000. Common symptoms helped by the BAX 3000 include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, skin irritations, digestive issues, IBS/Acid Reflux, Celiac Disease, congestion, sinusitis, ADHD, Autism, et al.

Suffering personally with allergies to certain foods, seasonal pollens, and poison ivy, Dr. Gawthrop took a special interest in the BAX 3000 when he heard of other chiropractors getting relief on themselves, their families and their patients. After being treated himself achieving good results, he has added this therapy to his practice.

Remarkable story and testimony:

A 48 year old lady that had suffered with menstrual cramps every single month for more than 35 years has now gone seven months without pain. Before chiropractic care, she would easily consume half a bottle of Advil during her cycle. With chiropractic adjustments, pressure point therapy, and diet changes there was relief to the point that she could make it thru a cycle without Advil, but, the next month the cramps would return. After being treated with the BAX 3000, she has been 7 consecutive months free of menstrual discomfort of any kind.

“We have already personally seen patients find relief from food allergies to: banana's, watermelon's, wheat, dairy, corn and wine. Pet allergies to cats and dogs. Contact dermatitis with grass clippings and poison ivy. Airborne allergies to ragweed and dust. We've also seen people accomplish more and better sleep.” “This technology has easily been the most exciting thing that I've added to my practice in 20 years!” “ I can't say that I've helped everybody with everything they've come in with yet, but we've helped almost everyone that has come in with at least part of their symptoms.”

“It's allowed me to reach a whole new level of service for patients.” is a quote that sums up Dr Phil's outlook on practice. He's most happy when he's helping others achieve better health. In his free time he enjoys time outdoors hiking, fishing, hunting and serving as an extreme terrain ATV guide.

November 2009:
 
Joseph Nowell, Pharm.D., FACVP, FACA

The Fresh Pharmacy  www.thefreshpharmacy.com
721 Hwy321 North, Lenoir City TN 37771
w.865-986-8633    joe@thefreshpharmacy.com   
 

YOUR PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH! The Fresh Pharmacy offers Custom Compounding, Herbal Supplements, Natural Products, Homeopathy, Nutraceuticals, Quality Vitamins & Veternary Medicine.

Listen to our exciting weekly Saturday broadcast "Your Prescription for Health"
on WNOX 100.3 FM News Talk 100 at 4pm

Q & A with Your Friendly Pharmacist:
              Joe Nowell, Pharm. D., FACVP, FACA
 

What brought you to Alternative Health and the field/product you’re involved with?

My original degree was in graphic design.  As I studied my way through pharmacy school I found that custom compounding medication (preparing remedies from scratch) maximized my training as a pharmacist as well as provided an outlet for artistic expression.  Let’s be honest here, counting out pills all day long can put a damper on creativity.  However, when a physician or patient calls up and asks for the impossible, I have to find a solution.  This demand for answers forces me to look in many different areas.  For example, in preparing certain eye medications, I found that adding certain homeopathic remedies stopped the stinging effect caused by the active ingredient. This type of open mindedness has allowed me to succeed where others fail.
 

Tell us about yourself:

Elementary School – Christian Academy of Knoxville
High School - Culver Military Academy
Graphic Design - Samford University
Doctor of Pharmacy - Mercer Southern School of Pharmacy
Owner of The Fresh Pharmacy (Formally known as Prescription Specialties)
Vice President of East Tennessee Discount Drug (TN 2nd Largest Independent Pharmacy)
Owner of Gifts Unique Collectables
Owner of BeFitting You Mastectomy Boutique
Owner of The Know Well Corporation (Nutraceutical Manufacturing)
Owner/Partner of Vitacore Technologies (Health Product Development Company)
Owner/Partner of Botanical Shield Life Products (Nutraceutical Manufacturing)
Director of Product Development for Gold Creek (Health Products Development MLM)
Co-Host of “Your Prescription for Health” a Talk Radio Show 100.3FM WNOX
 

If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be?

I think it would be interesting to eat at my favorite restaurant, The Taste of Thai, with Benjamin Schalahter, the inventor of Premarin (a synthetic estrogen extracted from pregnant horse urine) and ask him what the &^%$?!! he was thinking.  I wouldn’t give that medicine to my dog.
 

What do you like to do in your spare time?  What do you do for fun?

Drugs.  Isn’t that obvious?  I host a radio show every Saturday at 4pm on WNOX 100.3FM.  It is called “Your Prescription for Health.”  It allows me to discuss what is on my mind in regards to functional, alternative and allopathic medicine.  It is a call-in show…so call me.
 

Are you married, have you ever been married, etc?  Kids?  Pets?

My lovely wife, Angela, and I have four daughters; Jane Francis, Sarah, Lillian and Caroline.  Yes, I am surrounded by estrogen.  Even my two dogs (Itsy & Bay Bay) are female.  I like to think of us as a progressive couple.  By progressive I mean that we are in a trial marriage.  If we don’t like each other after 99 years, we will call it quits.
 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I told my staff that the traditional medicine model is broken as well as the traditional pharmacy model.  Over the next few years I hope to perfect the integrative pharmacy model.  A pharmacy that delivers the best of traditional medicine, specialty compounded medicine and natural medicine.  I believe that this is what a pharmacy should strive to deliver to its patients.  On a lighter note, I have been toying with the concept of “Dance for a Discount.” Under this marketing technique a patient, if brave enough, would jump up on a platform and dance a jig.  The discount would be based on how well we like your groove.  I also would like to write a book…20 to be exact.  I have a list of topics that I think need to be addressed.  But as you can tell, I don’t have a lot of free time at the moment.     
 

How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow or change?

I believe that it is imperative that traditional medicine recognize the implication of drug induced nutrient deficiency.  We can no longer assume that since a product is FDA approved, that it is the only choice for a patient.  Some of the most effective practitioners are the ones that are not afraid to use every modality available to them.  Whether the option is an herb, mineral, vitamin, nutrient, chemical, poison, potion, water, dilution, drug, massage, adjustment, touch or prayer, it should be our duty as health practitioners to determine the best pathway to health for our patients.  I have high hopes for the first graduates from Lincoln Memorial University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee.  They have at least two teachers that emphasize “Functional Medicine.”  This means that in just a few short years we could have close to one hundred physicians practicing in the East Tennessee area that think this way. 
 

So tell me how you got started in your work.

I have been dispensing medication since I was four.  It started behind a big chair in our living room.  I dosed my brother and myself with some medicine (I don’t remember what it was).  That same day we both experienced the taste of Ipecac.  It also was the same day we both experienced projectile vomiting.  Since then, it has been a natural progression as I follow into the family business of pharmacy.

How would you describe your pharmacy to someone?

It is actually two pharmacies in one.  The Fresh Pharmacy is located inside East Tennessee Discount Drugs.  The pharmacy is similar to a health food store on steroids.  A patient can choose which modality necessary to address a disease state.  Whether they need an allopathic medicine, homeopathic medicine, natural medicine or a custom built medication this is the pharmacy to come to. Remember, we do drugs so you don’t have to.

What services do you offer?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Pain Management, Diabetes Care, Nutraceuticals, Vitamins & Minerals, Herbals, Homeopathic Remedies, Veterinarian Medicines, Sterile Injectables, Opthalmics, Autism Solutions, Consultations, Durable Medical Equipment, Mastectomy Products, Standard Medicines, Vaccinations, Transdermals, Sublinguals, Rectal Rockets, Gifts & Collectibles, and a few more things…

What led you into this business and opening up your own place?

As a compounding pharmacist I have a unique perspective on healthcare.  I see which patients benefit from which treatments.  Whether alternative or allopathic, some protocols work better than others.  I see which practitioners seem to be successful with patients and which practitioners are not.  Over time, I noticed my patients getting worse under the care of traditional medicine but responding favorably when using natural products.  I continued to receive unusual requests for medicines that no one else would provide.  So, one day, I had an epiphany (some refer to it as an entreprenal seizure) and created Tennessee’s first compounding only pharmacy. 

Do you feel what you provide is holistic health care, alternative health care, complementary health care services or do you care what it’s labeled?

I refer to it as “Integrative Health Care,” though it has been labeled one time or another as all of the above.  It falls into a category that is more “Logic Medicine” or “Functional Medicine.”  If you felt great several years ago…what is different now?  Is it possible that a deficiency in a mineral or vitamin could be causing you complaint?  If so, replace what’s missing (functionality).  Whether it is standard medicine, compounded medicine or natural medicine we must use whatever is necessary to bring health and balance to the patient.
 

What is your most proud accomplishment thus far with your business?

Our existence allows us to provide hope and answers to patients who have otherwise failed to find them in the current medical establishment.  Being able to tell a patient what they are feeling or experiencing and why it is happening is not only refreshing for them but professionally satisfying for us.  One example I like to share is the patient that presented with Bell’s palsy (a paralysis of one side of the face).  She looked like she had just had a stroke.  Traditional medicine calls for a steroid pack and antibiotic which could take months to show results.  But, we suggested a transdermal application to the face of the active form of vitamin B-12 (Methylcobalamin).  Five days later, her face snapped back to normal.  The physician was shocked, the patient was relieved and we just sat back and smiled.  Business as usual for us. That’s what patients deserve and in my opinion, that’s what every pharmacy should deliver.

 


  Q & A with Ajeet:

Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less...
 
I have given up all my past cords, bonds and bandages of my childhood, of what I was or was not to my parents, my past lives, and my subconscious to my inner self. I have come to move into my truest feeling, acknowledge the past and move on. I am always grateful and I love my son beyond words. And I think I want to move out of this home and start a whole new life with my kids, traveling and living.
 
What is the one thing you would most like us to know about yourself?  I am single and happily living my life to the fullest!
  

If you’re not in alternative health full time, what kind of work do you do? The other work I do is onstage as actress, dancer and singer with a number of local theatre and dance companies. I also tutor children at home in yoga & meditation. Right I'm developing a one-woman performance-art piece entittled ‘Aprons’. It's an autobiographical humor piece about growing up in Catholic in New Jersey, in a dually-diagnosed kitchen.

Do you feel what you provide is holistic health care, alternative health care, complementary health care services or do you care what it’s labeled? I call my services complementary health care because it complements your already healthy life, your desire to live perfectly, live your life’s dream and inspire yourself to do it for your whole life—happy, healthy, holy--
 

What are 5 things you think the public needs to know about holistic health but doesn’t?
Number 1. It all begins with YOU. You in the beginning, in the middle, in the end.
Number 2. Let someone else love you.
Number 3. Don’t look back, look within.
Number 4. Holistic Health is the hole in you that you need to look into.
Number 5. The teacher is within you ‘Doctor’s diagnose, God cures’ (Yogi Bhajan).

 
If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted lunch with 2 people. This may seem broad, but it’s Robin Williams and the Dali Llama. The former because I am an actor and RW is one of the best and funniest and deepest, real people and the latter because his awesome humility and strength of character continually inspire me to do my best. And, they are both alive, so no excuses—Make a Date!!
  

What do you think the publics’ perception about holistic health is?  Perception of holistic
health is based on a television commercial of one who takes vitamins, who takes a walk, laughs
to keep sane, who takes a bubble bath, gets a serene massage. It’s what you DO to your body. Public perception is about appearances-on-the-outside, it’s certainly not the perception that every dis-ease is based in the spirit first, in the mind, in the deep recesses of the unconscious-- we could not get that deep, Generally, the public perception is artificial and does not touch the immense power of the human spirit’s capacity for totality and oneness in all affairs of life.
  

What is the most remarkable thing you’ve seen in your business? Inspirational story.
There are 2 inspirational and awe-inspiring stories. I will tell of one. A dear friend and former yoga mom who used to take class for years with me, was shot by an assailant’s bullets last year at her church. She and her son were attending church when a man took out a gun from a guitar case and started shooting. At that moment, Tammy became all of us. In our classes, we were dedicated moms teaching our kids yoga; we wanted to start a children’s museum; we shared dreams. When I saw her life, her stamina, her incredible YES that said, I will not die; I will fight for this life. I will go on, my life changed. She knew I was there and squeezed my hand. I stayed every day until she got better, along with family & friends. When I saw Tammy a year later, she was completely healed, her life full and happy and she took me aside and said, ‘Ajeet, whatever you did, helped, I don’t have words’. Neither do I, Tammy.
 
What is your most proud accomplishment thus far with your business?
I am someone who brings people together, who sees no one as a stranger. The most amazing accomplishment thus far with my business as been to see it grow from something I loved doing with my friends in my living room, to a full fledged business! Last week at my Sunday class at New Moon Yoga, people were sweating, singing and working those hard yoga postures together as one people. Watching it unfold right before me and me getting to be upfront as teacher, is amazing and and awe-inspiring.
 

What is the one thing you want the public to understand about your services that you feel they don’t? 
I want them to understand that yoga is a way of life that affirms them! It is a practice of one-ness within you, not just exercise! It is so private, so all encompassing, so fulfilling. But if it weren’t difficult, it would have lost its flavor long ago. And, like love, it never goes away; it continually expands the more it is practiced. Once you have yoga in you, it lasts forever.




  

  
Ajeetyoga
 
artist. healer. teacher.

Classes & Workshops worldwide

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation

adults. children. seniors
   

www.ajeetyoga.com

·   What brought you to Alternative Health and the field/product you’re involved with?  Well….. At the time I was working as a disability examiner, determining cases for social security.  I started looking into graduate programs and although I had had quite a bit of acupuncture personally - it was hardly the first “career” to come to mind.  Since I also had had a number of severe injuries as a young person, much of my life had been focused on healthy lifestyle anyway.  I will admit that after the first two years of school I was ready to quit.  I kept expecting to learn how acupuncture works, which science cannot fully explain, so we only learn how to use it.  Now I wouldn’t want to practice anything else.

·    Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less:  I’m a straight arrow.  I shoot straight, if from the hip.  I fly straight.  I aim to hit a target but I enjoy the air and hope for the sky all the same. 

·    Where are you from? How long in the Greater Chattanooga area?  I’m still a Newgan.  It took a year for me to stop being surprised when it rains.  I moved here from Albuquerque, which is where I lived longer than anywhere else.  My business has been running for 27 months.

·    If you had three wishes, what would they be in order of importance?  This is kind of a tough question just because “a wish” seems so fantasy like.   For example, I don’t enjoy movies much that require a lot of suspension of the believable.  Firstly I would hope that humans could learn to get along a lot better and treat each other far more humanely than we are, or have done historically.  Secondly, to restore the earth, the health of it’s wilderness and biodiversity.  Thirdly, well, what’s left??  How ‘bout great sex every time all the time? 

·    What is the one thing you would most like us to know about yourself? I am using my best knowledge to act in your best interest toward your stated goals.  That’s what you hire me for; it’s one of my strengths in managing your case and addressing you as a whole person.

·    If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why? My great grandmother, who is completely unknown to me.  It would be a mystery found, like some archeology site.

·    What do you like to do in your spare time? What do you do for fun?  I really like to stay active and get outdoors.  I’ve heard fresh air and exercise are good for you.  When I go for a walk however, I don’t like for it to be filled with lots of gabbery talk.

·    Are you married, have you ever been married, etc? Kids? Pets? I have a boyfriend, who hogs the kids and pets department.  I love cats & he’s got one of good disposition.   I love dogs too, just not that one.  But the kids are truly great; he’s a very lucky father. 

·    What are you most proud of in your life?  Life is not necessarily very sweet or easy.  To emerge a conscientious and moral and loving person seems the goal I am currently up holding.

·    Where do you see yourself in five years?  Who knows what the “maturing” of our economy holds?  It’s hard to speculate without speculating wildly.

·    How would you like to see this organization grow, change or expand? How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow, change or etc:  I have always been in awe of this organization and the work it takes on.  I think the legislation to protect ones ability to take responsibility and make your own choices is pretty critical.

·    What services do you offer?  Oriental Medicine covers much more than just acupuncture.  For example I  compound custom herbal formulas for just about any kind of issue, mental or physical concern.

·    What led you into this business and opening up your own place?  I have never actually opened my ‘own place’.  I combine my business with other peoples because it is so complimentary to just about anything. Why should I re-invent wheels?

     ·    Do you feel what you provide is holistic health care, alternative health care, complimentary health
    care services or do you care what it’s labeled?  What I provide is actually all three.  Oriental Medicine is
        always taking into account the whole, and I certainly look at the intersection of issues around any complaint in my
        approach.  It is also most often used as an “alternative” to allopathic approaches to pain syndromes, and everything
        from digestive to hormonal complaints, weight loss, allergies, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, etc, etc.  But
        moreover, it is “complementary” and CAN be used in addition to virtually every other approach but especially nutrition
        and physical therapy.

     ·    How do you get into this field?  You go to graduate school for 4 years.  Then you sit for national and state
         exams, pay a bunch of money for a license, and voila – live happily ever after.

     ·    What advice do you have for people looking to get into this field?  Look for another field without such an
         expensive education and overhead that doesn’t require so much public education.

     ·    What is the most remarkable thing you’ve seen in your business? There are many many remarkable stories when it comes to acupuncture.  One that was very instructive to me was a man in his late 70’s, brought by family members for his vision loss.  He had a 40-year history of diabetes, recent back surgery, and literally 12 different prescription medications and was quite unhappy with his current life stage as a widower.  The vision loss disrupted central and more refined detail such as that that allows you to recognize a persons facial features.  Because of his general health I prepared him for a full course of acupuncture before really expecting results.  However, when I was helping him up after his first session, he says, “I can see your face!!”

     ·    What is your most proud accomplishment thus far with your business?  It is terribly fascinating to me that my love of acupuncture would put me so squarely in the business world.  If I can’t keep my doors open and my license current, I can’t help anyone.  Before this I never understood the costs of business or how commerce affects us all.  I am proud of my business relationships and to be part of the Chattanooga community.

      ·    What is the one thing you want the public to understand about your services that you feel they don’t?  People seem to underestimate the cost of poor health.  They really do.  They ignore (or take some kind of weird pride in) their suffering & the life or productivity it costs them.  They discount how much money and time they spend on a day-to-day basis trying to accommodate their debilitated day or assuage their personal limitations.  The effect on their weight, mood, motivation or ability to have happiness and satisfying relationships – is in fact, extremely expensive.  One can usually get money back (especially if you have good health) but you can never get yesterday back.  I don’t think this is a dress rehearsal, with or without that headache or fatigue, or bad knee.  Most people will spend more money on the appearance of their hair than they will on resolving a health issue.  It is incomprehensible really – I guess a result of a society that emphasizes how you look over how you are.  The value that the average person gets from acupuncture – in terms of recovery, stress release, and pain relief, is almost immeasurable it is so impactful.  But somehow we have lost our ability to value this bodily experience and care more about having 80 channels on the TV.  It’s my customers call though, not mine.  I’m just here to serve those who want the service.

     ·    What are 5 things you think the public needs to know about holistic health but doesn’t?
     
    See “Top Myths…” accompanying this.
 

Top Acupuncture Myths, by Terry Jeanne, MSOM, L Ac     

Myth #1    NEEDLES
Unfortunately when many people think of “needles” we viscerally recall our experiences of needle-headed syringes either injecting drugs or withdrawing body fluid.  Fortunately, this has absolutely nothing to do with acupuncture. In fact, acupuncture needles have a completely different design, are super thin and insert without harming skin.  The only medicine they “contain” is the ability to stimulate your body’s inherent healing capacity.  Subsequently the placement of acupuncture needles is typically painless and actually relaxing.  Lastly, there are also non-needle or needle-free techniques that can be used.

Myth #2      PAINFUL CONDITIONS
Acupuncture is most well known for its ability to treat many types of pain.  The frequently dramatic results, with headaches, shingles, or joint injuries, seem to have contributed to misunderstanding that less than dramatic changes are somehow not effective. But acupuncture is an ideal way to compliment overall health.  Many people continue care even after their initial complaints resolve.  Moreover, conditions not associated with much pain, (and some not helped by usual approaches) can also be effected through Oriental Medicine. Digestive difficulty, infertility, macular degeneration, asthma, irritability, and even the common cold, are examples.

MYTH #3     RELIGION
Professionally trained acupuncturists are never required to subscribe to any particular religious views.  Early cultures,
whether Eastern or Western, made little effort to separate science from predominant religions.  Since Oriental Medicine
has been recorded for at least 25 centuries, early materials reflect views of the times in which they were written of course.  Acupuncturists utilize the incredibly sophisticated organizing principles of your body, not religion, to effect healing.       

MYTH #4     “BELIEF”
Belief in acupuncture or Oriental medicine is not necessary to experience improvements.  Likewise the effects are not a distraction or “placebo.”  Animal patients, by way of example, are treated effectively with acupuncture.  On the other hand, the effects can be so dramatic that it actually is hard to accept something so simple, as stimulating such profound spontaneous change in your body.      

MYTH #5   NO “SCIENTIFIC BASIS”
Just because it seems very strange that stimulating a point on the shin is correlated with immediate release of a frozen shoulder, for example, this does not mean it is impossible (or even improbable for that matter).  MRI’s and other modern studies demonstrate aspects of the clinical observations of centuries of use of acupuncture.

MYTH #6     UNREGULATED
Many states have taken steps to recognize the highly specialized training of acupuncturists and offer means to licensure so that the public may benefit.  A licensed acupuncturist typically has had hundreds of hours of supervised clinical training and thousands of classroom hours, as well as board exams, and other costly criteria.  You should feel free to ask your practitioner about their training or experience, including the use of traditional herbal medicine formulas.

Myth #7     FOR THE ELITE OR VEGETARIANS
While acupuncture is great to combat stress and is used for cosmetic enhancement, it is also very effective for a wide range of significant health challenges.  Acupuncture will work just as well on you as it does on celebrities and professional athletes.  Excellent Oriental medical care does not require extreme diets.  It is very complimentary to mainstream Western allopathic medicine and numerous other therapies. 

MYTH #8     A MAGIC WAND
Some people will have a health problem treated once and never have that problem again - but this is not very common with any type of medicine.  Oriental medicine works with a multi-faceted, complex, healing mechanism generally known as you!  While the precise biological mechanisms are not completely understood, acupuncture is not some Hollywood trick and may take time and dedication to be fully utilized.  There are, in essence, no rules about your capacity for healing.  Thus the success rate at which your individual health response may well occur is unique to you. 

Terry Jeanne, MSOM, is a licensed professional acupuncturist and herbalist, involved in the Chattanooga community.  She encourages you to consult with her even if you have “tried” acupuncture before. In-office initial
consult is no charge to you.     423 400-3884    www.SunSoulAcupuncture.com
  

 Copyright T. Jeanne, SunSoul Healing Arts; Chattanooga, TN, USA.  This information is open source provided copyright is retained.

March 2009 CHEO Member Spotlight

Mary Ann Collins
Cookbook Author
CHEO Knoxville VP & Directory Ad Sales
865-458-1076
cookbookmcollins@msn.com
admacollins@bellsouth.net

Read my HEART-HEALTHY Cookbook "DELICIOUSLY WICKED YET GUILT FREE"; Reduce Cholesterol with this Low-Fat Approach to Healthier Cooking. BUY DIRECT from me only $10.00 each + $3.00 S&H. Ask me about SUNRIDER "SIMPLY THE BEST" Herbal Foods, Beverages, Concentrates $$$Business Opportunity Available$$$ 

SUNRIDER "SIMPLY THE BEST" Herbal Foods, Beverages & Concentrates/ "GO GREEN" with Safe Household Products/ Revolutionary Ph-Balanced Personal & Skin Care Products/ Natural Cosmetics/ Safe Weight-Loss Products/ Bio-Available Vitamins & Minerals/ $$$Franchise-like Business Opportuniy Available$$$ 

   
July CHEO Spotlight
Jill L. Kelly, LAc, MAc, DiplAc, (owner)
Aveliza Mercado, LAc, DiplAc, MSOM
     Acupuncture Center           
6212 Dayton Boulevard, Suite B, Hixson, TN 37343
423.843.3700
 
517 Russell Street, Suite C, Dunlap, TN 37327
423.949.4700

April 2008 Monthly Spotlight:
 <--

Essential Health Kneads
Website:  www.essentialhealthkneads.com 
                               Blog: http://lnitschke.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1175660860 

CHEO 2008-9 President, Membership Chair, Newsletter
      www.4cheo.org

When my oldest son, now 27 years old, was born he was allergic to most foods and all prescriptions. I had to learn how to care for my son and keep him healthy through herbs.

In 1999, I adopted our youngest son, now 15 years old. He was, at the age of 7, failure to thrive, severely malnourished and was taking Prozac, Depakote, singular, Ritalin, and other prescriptions when I adopted him. He is now off of all prescriptions, is at normal weight and has grown tremendously.

In 2002, I was given one-year to live and through nutrition I reversed my health and now I am helping others. I am always searching and researching products and supplements that can help others and me, the more natural the product the more I am likely to promote the product.

● Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less:

My strengths are: I am reliable, a true listener, a true friend, very organized and truly love mankind. I want to be able to help everyone. My weakness is that I can be a perfectionist at times and that compels me to stumble.

● Where are you from?

I am from a town called Baldwinsville, NY, which is approximately 20 minutes from Syracuse, NY. I was born and raised there. In 1994, I moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and was surrounded by essential oils and holistic health. In 2000, I moved back to my home town.

● How long in the Greater Chattanooga area?

I have been in the Chattanooga area since July 2007.

●  If you had three wishes, what would they be in order of importance?

If I had three wishes, my first wish would be all my family members be saved and have a great relationship with God; second wish: that my whole family, including myself, would have great health and the third wish: that we, the people of United States, would have the right to what type of health care we want to pursue and not to have problems with our government, exammple: FDA attacks on alternative care, vaccine-free children, etc.

●  What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy reading and doing crafts, mostly plastic canvas. I love to cook and bake.

●  What do you do for fun?

For fun I enjoy camping and hiking with my family and with friends just having a good time together.

●  Are you married, have you ever been married, etc? Kids? Pets?

I am married to wonderful man name Bill. We got married four days after 9/11 on September 15, 2001. Between the two of us we have five children, Charles, 27 years old; Jennifer, 26 years old; Jason, 25 years old; Ashlee, 18 years old and Bradley, 15 years old. We also have two grandsons, Macon, 3 yr; and Charles, 15 mos.

I love animals and right now we have two dogs, a miniature black lab, named Ivy; a Chihuahua/terrier mix, named Patches, a Russian Blue cat, named Amy and a Bearded Dragon, named Nala.

●  What are you most proud of in your life?

There are a couple of things that I am really proud of: my children and being able to obtain my higher education and being able to start my own business and to love my career.

●  Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years I want to have obtained my Naturopathic Doctor degree and have a wellness center. I see in the center, chiropractors, acupuncture, massage, work-out room, nutritional counseling, raindrop therapy, lecture, retreats and more.

●  How would you describe your studio to someone?

My office is very relaxing, warm, homey feeling and welcoming. With the different essential oils being used, it always smells good. The office is originally a solarium with a lot of plants, natural light, hot tub, massage table and a couch. When we have group events we have a lot of fun and laughter.

●  What services do you offer?

I offer one-on-one counseling with my clients on wellness/health issues. As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I am your personal advocate for living an energized and passionate life. Whatever your concerns are, my job is to help you find which foods and lifestyle choices work best for the life you desire.

A true holistic approach to life incorporates things that nourish you other than food, including things like honest and open relationships, a spiritual practice you feel connected to, a career that inspires you, and physical activity that makes you want to move and feed your soul and your hunger for living.

I offer Raindrop Technique which combines the science of aroma Technique with the techniques of Vita flex, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. It is designed to bring balance to the body with its relaxing, mild application. It will also help to align and clear the energy centers of the body without using force or excessive pressure. When you combine the electrical frequency and the intelligence of the body and the oil, a greater healing process begins.

I also offer ionic detox foot baths, I teach skin care, I give lectures on various wellness/health issues and I write nutritional articles monthly for a local magazine company.

●  What is the one thing you want the public to understand about your services that you feel they don't?

My philosophy is that alternative health care should be afforded by everyone.
I have discounts for CHEO members, senior citizens and for those that are financially burdened I work with them on a payment plan or reduce fee basis. True "health care" will keep you away from having to spend money on "sick care". It is a lot cheaper to stay healthy and to mask your illness with prescriptions and sick time from work and activities.

Q & A with Susan:


What brought you to Alternative Health and the field/product you’re involved with?

Throughout my life I have been faced with various illnesses, or family illnesses that have not been successfully treated solely by the medical profession. In many instances the illnesses or conditions could have been treated through preventative means and in most cases alternative therapies would have been far more beneficial as a preventative measure.

I personally have developed many allergies after a chemical exposure some 18 years ago.  Medical science could only detect and confirm the exposure but could not treat the condition. Frankly, they didn't  know what to do at that time to heal the damage other than treat the symptoms and further additional unneeded side-effects.  Consequently,  foods have become one of the main allergens, therefore, seeking pure foods that are not contaminated is of vital concern and should be a concern to us all. Added sulfates for shelf-life including altered gmo foods, drinks, even make-ups that contain genetically modified ingredients and chemicals will slowly break down our immune systems leaving us open for additional illness we all would do well to avoid.
 

Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less:

Being a Human Service Specialist, I care for the interests of society and seek to advocate and promote what would be beneficial for all humanity and human interests.

My interests are in various areas concerning rebuilding what is currently lost in our diets, the air we breath, our water, products and strive to promote physical wellness as well as environmental awareness to all peoples through the purest resource options available. I am incorporating links in my website to provide easily researched products and services to those who feel the same. My goal is to develop a natural newsletter in the near future.

Grapevine Review - Natural LifeStyles: www.grapevinereview.com

Where are you from? How long in the Greater Chattanooga area?

I was born in Ohio, but raised part of my life in Florida.  I have lived in the Chattanooga area for about 18 years where I chose to raise my children. They say hindsite is sometimes better than foresite. I am very pleased with outcome of raising my children here. The area has added great insight and provided a well-rounded view for child-rearing.

 
If you had three wishes, what would they be in order of importance?

First, I would love to see "universal peace" for all mankind, including natural harmony between the earth, animals and environment.

Second, it would have to be "motivation" of all peoples to bring the earth back to it's natural preserve so the harmony of the peace could continue on a renewed earth free of contamination.

Third, would have to be for all to have genuine, "love and appreciation" for the existence of earthly treasures, peoples and all living matters promoting a continual bond between the co-existence and acceptance of what life can offer each living organism in giving back to where the need prevails.

 
What is the one thing you would most like us to know about you?

My intentions in working with the advertising for Cheo are geared toward getting to know each an every member, what their specialties are and how their services can better others lifestyles. I have an advertising background and hope to better serve the members through the knowledge I obtain and my travels throughout the community. I would hope to become a good referral source for each and every one within the alternative health organization.

If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Currently, it would have to be Gregg Braden.  I find his vast travels and ability to empathize with humanity astounding. He has an ability to spiritually relate to those around himself but is in total touch with his inner person and can relate his thoughts and relevance to the world through the art of communication. I appreciate his humility and grace for humanity and all humankind. I have posted his videos and links on my website for reference and inspirational/positive thought.

What do you like to do in your spare time? What do you do for fun?

My spare time is centered around my home and small herb garden.  I enjoy bread-making and creating new ideas.  When I go out of the home I like to combine my time, when the weather allows, with my appreciation of the Art World.  I enjoy art walks and appreciate the talents of those who invest their time in creativity and creation. This is where my love of wine and the finer pleasures in the purity of good foods can be measured and appreciated.  I hope to take a world cruise to further grasp the vast cultures and practices that stimulate our co-existence.  

Are you married, have you ever been married, etc? Kids? Pets?

I am single now. Having raised three children, I seem to have a new found contentment of where I am at in the stream of time.  I have been a foster parent, supervised foreign exchange students from Germany and had a small business assisting disabled Veterans as a human service contribution. One might say, I have been married to care-giving.

Animals are amazing and my life has been full of pets of every various degree. Life has toned down a little now and I am finding more time to appreciate the simple things around me and the God-given pleasures that are so profound. German Shepherds have always been my favorite breed of dogs, but I find animals that find their way to my home will always have a meal and eventually a good home.


If you’re not in alternative health full time, what kind of work do you do?

All my life as far back as I can remember, health awareness and issues regarding the environment seem to have been a preference and influenced my life. 

I became a medical assistance in my younger years and later graduated as a human service specialist. For about two years I spent working part-time with a newspaper as an advertising sales manager and sold/wrote ads for a newspaper in 1985 while living in Florida.  

I have found many health problems and allergies can be related to the area or environment where one was raised or lived for a period of years, so the world's conditions interest me greatly.  I hope to travel and widen my perspectives of the nature of things in relation to our environments. I hope to always seek solutions and assist in promoting new and alternative therapies or products for the publics knowledge to promote future wellness in our changing times.

CHEO offers some of the most natural, chemical free and healthy options and services available.  Currently I will be working with CHEO to promote advertising and awareness of these natural services, products and therapies .

This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know each and every member, their specialties share this vital information with other members seeking relief as well as the public seeking direction with an alternative approach in a contaminated world.

I am looking forward to the coming new year and talking with you soon!

 
What are you most proud of in your life?

I would have to say, my children.  Each one has blossomed to become their own individual self. They are level- headed, goal-oriented and successfully finding their own way and places in society. Although, I am not a grandmother yet, I am assured that the day will come and they too will know the time is right. I am thankful my children have put their priorities in order and seek to practice awareness in the world around them.

Aside from my own children, I enjoy making a difference when I see a need and have the ability to make things better.

 
Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is hard to determine with the worlds state of affairs.  I would hope and pray, healthy and happy.

 
How would you like to see this organization grow, change or expand? How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow, change or etc.

Personally I would like to see more of the public have the opportunity to experience and see the benefits of what natural health, healing and alternative approaches can do for them personally.  There are so many wonderful services and products that can benefit each and every person in a natural healthful way.  The options available for restoring ones health safely without damaging chemicals are available as a preventative measure contributes to the natural approach.

I strongly believe awareness is essential to the knowledge of what the natural world offers vs. the conventional approach that most have perceived as a learned practice. We need to work together to support our rights of "choice" as a natural approach. I am truly concerned with the attacks from pharmaceutical companies and movements to eliminate alternative medicine. Medical practices in Europe strive to promote the natural approach as a preventative.

We should all have the option to choose our health care and preventive practices are only the beginning. I would hope to see the medical professionals working together with alternative health professionals to prevent disease and prolong life as the ideal solution in bettering health measures for all. It would be wonderful if they both could work together with the best interest of the humanity. I would hope that one day this could happen.

CHEO FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT       Click To Enlarge Thumbnail

Diane Minch, B.S.
(Health and Physical Education) 

Graduate Studies in Nutrition
Natural Wellness and Lifestyle  Consultant/Educator
Certified Skin Care Advisor and Instructor
Independent Business Owner Sunrider Herbal Foods, Skin Care & Healthy Lifestyle Products
Low Level (Cold) Laser Therapy
 
 Co-Director Loudon/Monroe Community Group
of Greater Knoxville Chapter of CHEO.
  
Contact Diane at: DianeMinch@hotmail.com  423-884-6031

 ● Tell us about yourself:

From the time I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.  I have always loved the great outdoors, water, movement, dance, animals and people.  Helping people to improve their lives has always been important to me. In addition to teaching, Health and Physical Education for 30 years, I also coached a variety of sports and after school activities including interscholastic volleyball and basketball teams, cheerleading, intramural sports and dance clubs.  I am now in my second career as a Natural Wellness and Lifestyle Consultant.  I have owned my own home based business for the past 19 years exclusively using the Sunrider International product line.  I can’t think of anything that I would rather do.  Like teaching, I am still able to make a difference in peoples’ lives.  I also teach Water Aerobics 3 mornings a week during the summer at the community where I live.
 

 ● What brought you to Alternative Health and
   the field/product you’re involved with?

Looking back to my childhood, I think my Mom was the first person to make me aware of natural and healthy ways of doing things.  She was self taught and an avid reader. Mom would implement things into our household that she had learned from reading Adele Davis and Linus Pauling.

I really didn’t “get it” though until much later in my life.  After teaching for several years, I took graduate classes in Nutrition from Dr. Susan Marcus.  She is the one who truly opened my eyes to alternative and complementary health and making nutritional and lifestyle changes.  Dr. Marcus was the one who first introduced me to Sunrider, a world leader in herbal nutritional and regenerative whole food concentrates.  That was 19 years ago and it has been a wonderful journey and life changing experience ever since.
 

 ●  What led you to your business and opening your home office?

When I experienced the superior quality, powerful concentration and safety of the Sunrider foods, skin care, personal care and household products, and what it did for my health and wealth, I knew I couldn’t keep it a secret.  Since I decided to share these incredible products with others, I have achieved a level of financial freedom that I never thought possible and it keeps getting better. The income potential is unlimited and so are the wonderful health benefits.  I don’t think I would have decided to do this if I hadn’t attained the results I did.  I love the fact that one company has over 400 products that they manufacture with care and integrity that can meet almost all of my needs.  I am so passionate about these products that I would share them with everyone even if I didn’t make a cent.  The good news is that the marketing plan is as good as the products.  Distributors are able to enjoy a plan that pays out 58.5% of company Sales Volume with eleven different ways to make money.  Those who don’t want or need the financial freedom aspect of the marketing plan can still join and enjoy the health benefits and up to a 40% discount off the retail price of the products.
 

 ●  What services do you offer?

I offer a variety of services most of them free of charge.  I do Nutritional Analysis, Lifestyle Consulting, Skin Care and Cosmetic Classes, Personal Consultations, Group Presentations, Business Trainings, Financial Freedom Seminars and Health Education Seminars.  Popular topics for my Health Education seminars include “Understanding and Improving Digestion”, “Heart Health”, “Hormone Health”, “Regeneration and Acid/Alkaline Balance”, “Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle”, “How to Read a Label”, “Building Health with Whole Food Concentrates”, “Weight Management the Healthy Way”, etc.  I help people learn what they can do to achieve optimum health, increase their energy, support their body systems for improved digestion, immunity, heart health, hormonal balance, respiratory function, emotional balance, blood sugar balance, food sensitivity and allergy relief, joint support, acid alkaline balance, weight management, mental clarity, beautiful youthful skin and improved performance and the competitive edge in sports and fitness activities.   In addition, I offer Low Level Laser Therapy sessions.  This is a therapeutic cold laser that is particularly helpful with pain management, improving circulation and wound healing and assisting in improved function of the nervous system, plus much more.
 

 ●  If you could have lunch with any person, who would it be and why?

I would choose to have lunch with Dr. Tei Fu Chen, master herbalist, biochemist, pharmacist and agriculturalist, founder of Sunrider International and manufacturer of the best foods on the planet.  He is truly a visionary and a dreamer with a mission to bring health and wealth to the world.  I believe he is light years ahead of the rest of the industry.  He has given us a health care system based on the philosophy of regeneration.  The philosophy of regeneration is the exact opposite of the sick care system and the philosophy of substitution that we see prevalent in the world today. The philosophy of regeneration says that our body will always strive for harmony and balance and heal itself if it has the right tools.  The tools are the right combination of whole foods.  We must all take some responsibility for our own health.  This made total sense to me from the moment I heard it and that is what has led me to the path I am following.
 

●  What is it that you would like people to understand about your business or company that you feel they don’t know?

I would like people to know that the Sunrider regenerative herbal nutritionals are delicious concentrated food grade herbs, very easy to digest with live enzymes still in tact.  Sunrider never uses medicinal herbs that force the body and may have contraindications with medicines. Sunrider does ongoing research and development and manufactures all of their own products to pharmaceutical standards.  Sunrider has a pharmaceutical license, but they do not manufacture pharmaceuticals.  I have had the privilege of touring the Sunrider manufacturing plants in both the US and China to see this amazing process first hand.  Sunrider has developed a way to filter out heavy metals from raw materials.  Sunrider’s herbs are free of pesticides, herbicides and chemicals and are sterilized without fumigation or irradiation.  They go through an elaborate cleaning process and pass USDA inspection before they are ever shipped to the United States.  Nothing is ever sprayed. There are no additives, preservatives or chemicals in the foods. The basic Sunrider formulas have been tested on people for over 3,000 years.  Sunrider founder, Dr. Tei Fu Chen is in possession of ancient Chinese manuscripts where the formulas were meticulous recorded by Chinese physicians.  Dr. Chen has added modern technology and concentrated the herbs so that they are more powerful than ever.  These formulas are exclusive to Sunrider.  No one else has these special regenerative FOODS that Nourish, Balance and Cleanse the body for optimum health.  These foods are for EVERYONE –tiny babies, toddlers, youth, teenagers, adults, pregnant moms, athletes, couch potatoes, active people, the elderly, those with health challenges, those with optimum health and even pets of all kinds. 
 

  ●  Where are you from? How long in the Greater Knoxville area?

I was born and raised in Chicago.  I taught and coached in the elementary and junior high schools of two Chicago suburbs, namely Thornton and Park Ridge, for my entire public school teaching career.  We relocated to Eastern Tennessee seven years ago.  We are blessed to live on Tellico Lake in a wonderful community in Vonore where we built our dream home.
 

  ●  What do you like to do in your spare time? 
   What do you do for fun?

I have so many interests and of course, not enough time to do them all as often as I would like.   Since I love mountains and water, I thoroughly enjoy downhill skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling, swimming, water aerobics, and boating and hiking.  I also love to dance especially International and American Folk Dance and Ballroom Dance.  Yoga, Tai Chi, bicycle riding and gardening are also part of my activities.  I love to travel and have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to experience first hand many cultures of the world.  Last summer we had the privilege of experiencing a two week, all expenses paid, reward trip to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong to celebrate Sunrider’s 25th anniversary.  This month we will be off to Hawaii for a Sunrider leadership reward trip.  What a fun way to mix business with pleasure.
 

●  Are you married, have you ever been married?  Kids?  Pets?

I am married to my wonderful husband, Phil, with whom I share my life, dreams and many common interests.  We have been married for almost 14 years. This is my second marriage.  I lost my first husband to cancer.   We certainly never know what life has in store for us, but I have been blessed with two wonderful marriages.  That seems like a miracle in today’s world where so many people never really find happiness with the right person.

I don’t have any children of my own unless you can count the thousands of students that I taught and coached through the years.  I do, however, collect step children (total 5) and step grandchildren (total 9).

About four years ago, we added Amigo to our family.   He is a yellow lab mix that we rescued from the local animal shelter and he will most likely be the first one to greet you when you come to visit us at our home or office.  We named him Amigo because he is everybody’s friend.
 

●  How would you like to see this organization grow, change or expand? How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow?

I see CHEO as an organization that will make a definite difference in how we see Healthcare.  Educating the community and public is the way to invoke changes in a society.  CHEO is doing that and will increase their efforts to do even more in the most beneficial way possible to get the message across to the general public.  Bridging the gap between traditional and complementary medicine is critical. I am excited about Knoxville’s new affiliation with CHEO Chattanooga.  Our collaborative efforts will accomplish even more wonderful things for complementary health education.  I envision a health care system that utilizes the best of traditional and complementary medicine in the same facility.  I dream of doctors and practitioners getting paid for keeping people well instead of getting paid to practice on the sick.  This was the ancient tradition for Chinese physicians.  Let’s adopt it in our country.  I envision a healthy society that seldom needs to utilize the existing healthcare system, pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. This will happen when and if people accept responsibility for their own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health by tapping into their own internal pharmacy within the human body and regenerating their body on a daily basis with optimum foods and healthy lifestyles.
 

●  What do you think the public needs to know about holistic health, but doesn’t?

The public needs to know that holistic health is not snake oil or scams.  They need to know that optimum health and regeneration are possible without drugs and surgery.  They need to know that there are a variety of very safe, effective and non invasive therapies and modalities that can help without negative side effects.
 

January 2008
Greenlife Grocery CHEO MEMBERS

Click To Enlarge Thumbnail
Blaire R. Newhard, RD, LD
Greenlife Nutrition Specialist

Click To Enlarge Thumbnail
Heather Carnahan
Greenlife Herb / Supplements Manager

How did you get started in your work?

            It’s interesting because I actually got into this field because of Greenlife. I worked for the original Riverview store before when they opened in 1999.  I was a strict vegan at the time and wanted to work in a health food store that sold a lot of the specialty products that I consumed.  I worked with the company on and off over the years as I travelled and went to school, but when I started working in the Supplement and Body Care department I worked with a woman named Denise whose knowledge of nutrition really inspired me to learn more so I enrolled in the UTC Food and Nutrition program.  This started me on the path to an eventual internship with OHSU in Portland, OR and then national and state certification as a Registered Dietitian.  Although some see this as a much more conventional route, I was always integrating alternative medicines and nutritional therapies, as well as specialties diets like vegetarianism, veganism and raw foods into my research and projects.
 
            After school I began working on a project for an organic rice cake manufacturer in The Netherlands.  I worked in a test kitchen doing product development and research.  I was also moonlighting as a personal dinner chef several nights out of the week, highlighting organic, nutritious foods.  I have always been intrigued by the culinary aspect of nutrition because nutrition starts with a close, positive relationship with the food.  I spent several months in between jobs travelling and working on organic farms in France and Spain to learn the agricultural side of food and some different traditional European cuisine.  After returning to the states I was eager to work in a setting that was food-based but would also incorporate more nutrition counseling and community projects.  I am excited to be back with the company where I found my initial inspiration and offer my services free to the public.  
 

What do you like to do in your spare time?  What do you do for fun?

            I have recently become an avid swimmer, so I do that in the evenings after work several times a week.  Cooking  has become a pleasant routine for my days off.  I have a very strong love for many different forms of music, and get much enjoyment in finding new and interesting songs and artists. Right now I’m very interested in a lot of music that comes from India and Eastern Europe. 
 
    For fun?  I’m always up for new experiences and travel, and those close to me are often doing whatever we can to make one another laugh. 
 

Where are you from?  How long in the Greater Chattanooga area?

            I was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived in New Jersey the first years of my life.  My family likes to move around a lot so I lived up and down the east coast while growing up.  However, I have spent 14 total years here in Chattanooga, always leaving and coming back!
 

What service do you offer?

I offer complimentary consultations in the Greenlife store that run approximately 1 hour, and include: Health and Diet Analysis, Lifestyle Counseling, Recipes, Educational literature, and a 1 on 1 store walk-through tailored to the individual. I represent Greenlife at health fairs, and speaking events.
 
            I conduct health-themed tours that fall under the following categories:  General, Diabetes, Gluten-Free and other food allergies, Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw, Weight Loss, Label Reading, and Kids.
       
            I also work on a large variety of projects throughout the store that help to educate our customers on making more nutritious decisions.  Recently I have posted signs for some of my “Nutritionist’s Picks”, and labeled the tested Gluten-Free products in our store.
  
        Soon I will be conducting classes and talks out of the store on a regular basis once we get a little more settled in!   

                             My office hours are Mon & Wed-Sat 10-7.
 

What advice do you have for people looking to get into this field?

            In my experiences, those that create the greatest impact in this field (and thankfully this field is full of them!!) are those that our driven by a passion for healing and sharing knowledge.  With that conviction and dedication at the heart of your practice you should be able to overcome any obstacles.  
 
            I also stress paying attention to current research. There is a whole new wave of researchers looking at complementary and alternative medicine research, and it is important to stay on top of what the scientific community is looking at and coming up with. 
 

What is the one thing you want the public to understand about your services that you feel they don’t? 

            I am a free, educational resource for the community.  My counseling, touring, and speaking services are all complimentary on behalf of Greenlife Grocery.  I am also open to questions concerning nutrition and health from anybody and everybody via phone, email or in person.  
 

If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why? 

Alton Brown!  Host of the Food Network show Good Eats.  He is a culinary & food science know-it-all and I would love to pick his brain and have a few laughs over a good meal.  

What brought you to alternative health?

Fate. Destiny. The Universe. God. My soul's yearning for truth and beauty. My wonderful and loving partner, Pete Boubel. My dearest friends and mentors, Mary Ann, Aliess, Jerome, as well as many friends and teachers along the way.
 

Where are you from?

The Midwest. Born and raised in NW Indiana. Spent some years in Chicago, where Pete and I met and lived. Then on to southern California for a U turn, and now here for the past almost 9 years.


If you had three wishes, what would they be, in order of importance?

Fully manifest heaven on earth/world peace. That'd do it, I think. What else is there?


If you could have lunch with any person, living or deceased, who
would it be and why?

Christ. Talk about an avid interest in healing...


Are you married? 

Pete is my sweetheart of nearly 12 years, and who knows how many lifetimes. We have two cats, Selena 14, Jezebel 12, and our Daisy dog was a year in September.

How would you like to see medical and alternative health in this country grow and change?

I would like to see the people take back their/our personal power in every aspect. Herbs and food are the people's medicine, and these things are and through out much of 'civilized' history have been controlled by the ruling elite, effectively enslaving the 'masses'.  It's so controlled today by insurance, pharmaceuticals, the AMA, the FDA, which are in my view largely financially motivated--Big Business...

Health is not big business, it is not industry. It is our birth rite. So, yes, I am most definitely inspired to encourage people to take back their personal power instead of handing it over the the machinations of culture.

As our friend Terence McKenna said, "Culture is not your friend." I'm passionate about encouraging people to reclaim their personal authority and to enjoy the simple spiritual existence in daily living. This is revolutionary.


Tell us about yourself in 60 words or less/what is the one thing you'd most like us to know about you/what do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm a singer, a dreamer, an herb loving, spiritual growth seeking, laughing, loving, forward thinking, open minded, open hearted, rose colored glasses wearing, all natural, sustainable, fairly traded, biodynamically and locally grown, bicycle rider.

I'm a sincere, ever learning and sharing, herbal cordial and elixir drinking, salve and bath salt making, flower essence taking, aromatherapy and feng shui and astrology loving, procrastinating planner, dreamer, writer, actor in this human drama we've dreamed up called life...
 

Greenlife Grocery
301 Manufacturers Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37405
www.GreenlifeGrocery.com   423-702-7300
BlaireN@greenlifegrocery.com  and  heather@greenlifegrocery.com