USDA, Has Released Updated Dietary Guidelines For Americans
The Federal Government recently released the fifth edition of "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," touted as easily understood, science-based information on how Americans can choose diets that promote good health. These guidelines are aimed to be more consumer-friendly and address the need for safe food handling to prevent illness.

Surgeon General Finds 'Silent Epidemic' In Dental Care
Despite significant leaps in dental care over the last century, the teeth, gums and throats of poor and minority Americans are in worse shape on average than the rest of the country, according to the US Surgeon General, who called it a "silent epidemic" that severely drains national resources.

Folic Acid: A Boon To Boomer Women
Folate - folic acid - reduces the risk of birth defects, so moms have been advised to include folate in their diet. Now, women past their childbearing years are urged to include folic acid to reduce the risk of heart disease. Orange juice is an easy, convenient way to get folate.

For Aerobic Exercise Without Aches And Pains, Just Add Water
Many joggers who have had their knees and feet give out are now opting for a less jarring type of exercise - water aerobics. It offers a good workout and the impact on the joints is much less. Fitness classes in the water have become more challenging with more of an emphasis on resistance and weights, using specially designed dumbbells and flotation devices.

Dr. Galland's Integrated Medicine
A large body of research over the past ninety years has demonstrated the preventive value of eating foods fermented with Lactobacilli or their cousins, Bifidobacteria. In the column "Friendly Bacteria" Leo Galland, M.D. explains how eating these friendly bacteria prevents intestinal infection due to viruses or pathogenic bacteria, preserves intestinal permeability in the face of infection or other types of injury, can prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea and travelers diarrhea, and can lower serum cholesterol levels. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria also show anti-cancer activity, by two mechanisms: they inhibit the growth or activity of cancer-promoting bacteria and some strains actually produce chemicals which inhibit tumor growth.

Dr. Weil Self-Healing
A record number of people are using so-called unconventional therapies these days, and their ranks continue to rise. In the column "How to Talk with Your Doctor About Alternative Medicine" Andrew Weil, M.D. talks about learning to make decisions not only about when (and when not) to use conventional medicine, but also about choosing the right alternative method if such an approach is warranted.

The Healer Within
When an individual purposefully seeks a state of deep relaxation a number of very important physiological mechanisms are triggered. Many disease states are aggravated by the over activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Inducing the relaxation response can resolve or balance the effects of over activity or stress in the body. In "Relaxation Practices" Dr. Roger Jahnke explains how the preliminary level of the self applied health enhancement methods include very simplified but highly effective techniques of progressive relaxation

Keeping Fit with Dr. Wayne Westcott
Whether you train at a fitness facility or at home, you may periodically find your endurance exercise program a little monotonous. You may also notice a lack of improvement, or even a loss of fitness as the same exercise routine seems more difficult to complete. Although there are occasions where a relatively steady pace is essential, such as running a 5K or 10K race, there are more interesting and effective means for conducting your exercise sessions, says Dr. Wayne Westcott in his column "Interval Training: More Motivation and Better Results." Interval training provides almost unlimited variations in workout designs, and involves interspersing more demanding and less demanding exercise segments within the workout.

Mind Body Health Newsletter
For most of us, the modern-day world seems to be spinning faster and faster. Computers, faxes, pagers, car phones and automated tellers, far from saving time, seem to add pressure. Even our children feel the pressure of a chock-full day: school, music lessons, soccer practice, and homework. In the column "Rx: Halting Time Pressure" Dr. David Sobel has us look at how we can use our Leisure Time successfully, rather than cramming it full of activities, commitments, and responsibilities.

Ask Annie: Solutions for Less Toxic Living
In this "Ask Annie" column Annie Berthold-Bond addresses a parent's heartfelt plea for help after learning that everyday household chemicals may harm unborn children's brain development, and may be a major contributing factor to the epidemic of developmental, learning, and behavioral disabilities. While there may not be much we can do about exposure to a number of the neurotoxins because they are in the air, water, and food everywhere on the earth, there are many things you can do to significantly reduce your exposure level.

""Health Risks From Processed Foods And Trans Fats" With Dr. Mary Enig
Interviewed By Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., nutritionist and researcher, Dr. Mary Enig discusses the harm caused by partially-hydrogenated fats that are present in processed foods. The research behind what she reports in "Health Risks from Processed Foods and Trans Fats" may make you re-evaluate your dietary selections.

Healthy Recipes
Danish chef Oscar Umahro Cadogan brings us succulent and savory "Fabulous Apple-Rhubarb-Pie with Oats" - and it doesn't have any added fat. The pie contains plenty of fiber and tastes absolutely heavenly. But be warned: It is addictive and very filling.

Healthy Travel
Travel to the fabled, mystic land called Ireland - recognized for its healing traditions and energies. This unique travel seminar "A Healing Pilgrimage To Ireland" September 20-27, 2000 will allow you to experience the teaching of tour leader Caroline Myss, plus enjoy the magical modern day charm of the Emerald Isle and its people.

Healthy Child Update
Acne is a common, yet potentially disfiguring skin disease that often affects those in an emotionally vulnerable stage of life--adolescence. In the column "Acne" David L. Hoffman, M.N.I.M.H. offers treatment recommendations that include herbs, personal hygiene and nutrition.

Healthy Man Update
A growing number of professional athletes and weekend warriors are spelling relief H-O-M-E-O-P-A-T-H-Y. Although homeopathic medicines have a reputation of helping people who are suffering from chronic diseases, these natural medicines are wonderfully effective in treating common sports injuries. In the column "Homeopathic Medicines For Sports Injuries" Dana Ullman, M.P.H. offers helpful information about single remedies vs. formulas, internal and external remedies, and frequency of doses.

Professional Referral Network
The Professional Referral Network contains searchable directories from 20 leading professional associations in complementary and integrative health care, with over 10,000 professionals. Looking for a healthcare professional offering naturopathy? The Naturopathic Medicine Section of this Referral Network includes the member database for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).

Medical Cybrarian Research Service
Facing a major health-related research project? The HealthWorld Online Medical Cybrarian has the experience and expertise to tackle any size challenge.

The Cybrarian offers you personalized research service, searching the Internet, books, MEDLINE and other databases, to find EXACTLY the information you require. The Cybrarian can custom design research for individual patients or healthcare professionals, as well as healthcare industry business people, including information on diseases, treatments, products, market research or statistics for alternative, complementary and conventional medicine. For reasonable fees, the Cybrarian carefully gathers and selects the information or points you to useful web sites and other sources, with the speed and searching techniques acquired from many years of professional research.

Participate in our Online Community--Join our Discussion Forums
Fear is a common factor for parents facing choices related to vaccinating their children. Join the "Vaccination Question" Forum by adding your question or sharing what you have researched.

Join in the ongoing discussion in our "Health Freedom," "The Vaccination Question," "Genetically Modified Foods," "Issues in Integrated Health Care," "Mind-Body-Spirit Health," and "Qigong and Taiji" forums.

Association Network -- Hot Pick
The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) was established to heighten the awareness of the colon hydrotherapy profession, ensure continuing and progressive education in the field of colon hydrotherapy and implement professionalism beyond reproach. I-ACT advocates the highest standards of education and professional conduct to assure properly administered colon hydrotherapy.

Visit International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy

Global Health Calendar -- Hot Picks

Aromatherapy Tour and Retreat
Heartland of France - St. Remy, Avignon, Fontveille, Orange
Drome Valley, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur FRANCE
June 18-26, 2000
Contact: HealthyTravel.net - 888-888-0717

Journey to Machu Picchu, Apukuna, Andes & Amazon Incan Odyssey
Machu Picchu, Cusco PERU
July 12-26, 2000
Contact: HealthyTravel.net - 888-888-0717

25th Anniversary National Wellness Conference
Pathways To Wellness: Experience the Journey!
Stevens Point, WI USA
July 15-21, 2000
Contact: National Wellness institute, Inc. - 715-342-2969

Nutracon 2000
The Event for Nuraceuticals
Las Vegas, NV USA
July 17-19, 2000
Nutracon - 800-868-7188

Healing Waters Conference and Exhibition
Spa and Health Tourism in the New Millennium
Rotorua, Waikato NEW ZEALAND
July 18-21, 2000
Contact: Waiariki Institute of Technology - 647-346-8656

Marketplace 2000
imagine...
Las Vegas, NV USA
July 26-29, 2000
Contact: National Nutritional Foods Association - 949-622-6272

Treating Depression with Interactive Guided Imagery
Bellevue, WA USA
July 30, 2000
Contact: Academy for Guided Imagery - 415-389-9325