ACHS Alumni News

Meet Candice Covington, ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy Graduate and Owner of Divine Archetypes

2011-06-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

“I have always valued aromatherapy, since I was very young,” says ACHS graduate Candice Covington. “I will never forget when I was 16 I discovered The Aromatherapy Workbook by Marcel Lavabre and that book literally changed the way I interacted with my environment from that time forward. If I had a headache, bug bite, or I wanted to stimulate an emotional or energetic response, I turned to essential oils to support me. Aromatherapy is such an elegant way to address and support almost anything, and that in its own right is remarkable.”

Candice graduated from her ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy program in 2007 and has previously worked with several holistic health modalities.

“When I started researching aromatherapy courses, this was still a new concept in the U.S.,” Candice says. “Dorene Petersen truly was a pioneer in this arena. When I discovered ACHS, to my knowledge there were no other schools offering anything like it. I was waiting for Dorene! Without a solid educational base, I could not even imagine being able to build my business as essential oils are one of my primary vehicles for expression.”

Since completing her ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy, Candice has founded and continues to expand her aromatherapy business, Divine Archetypes, which is not targeted at the physical body, but “dynamically addresses the ‘hard to get at places’ that compose the energetic structure of humankind, […] such as elemental constituents,” Candice says.

Divine Archetypes also integrates Candice’s line of ethically harvested essential oils called the Tattvas Essential Oil Collection. Divine Archetypes is founded on “the use of resonant archetypal energies of essential oils and amulets to affect the microcosm/macrocosm relationship of self/environment, ultimately allowing one to Consciously Craft Self^TM,” Candice says.

“The archetypal patterns of these items are expressed through sacred geometry, color, sacred syllables, animal totems, deities, and the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth—the tattvas).” The tattvas, Candice says, are based on Eastern thought. The tattvas permeate the entire body and mind, she says, and all actions are under their influence; therefore, an intimate connection between the tattvas and the structure of our lives would indicate that it is possible to alter our destinies through knowledge and use of the elements.

“I formed Divine Archetypes as a means for researching and developing unique healing tools, methods, and philosophies based upon commonalities across a number of ancient healing practices and philosophies, particularly those focused on primordial, elemental concepts,” Candice says.

Candice will soon launch her first Divine Archetypes retail store in Sydney, Australia. The retail space will be structured as an interactive learning environment and will feature Candice’s oils, as well as amulets and sacred Tibetan artwork (thangka paintings). Store displays will be structured to support and teach concepts concerning Divine Archetypes’ methodology, including which sense gate accesses which element, how this element impacts subtle bodies, and how one can consciously work with and direct this energy for specific outcomes. The store will also offer ongoing workshops to “support, inform and enrich how to take these ‘tools’ from being ‘pleasant’ or ‘beautiful’ to a dynamic means of addressing your subtle-self.”

For more information about Divine Archetypes, visit http://www.divinearchetypes.com/ Candice can be reached at info@divinearchetypes.com You can also find Divine Archetypes on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DivineArchetypes

Read more about the ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy online at www.achs.edu or click here http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=10&id=1 The focus of the Certificate in Aromatherapy is holistic aromatology: the restoration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the application of essential oils. For more information, contact ACHS at (800) 487-8839, email admissions@achs.edu, or stop by the campus at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

ACHS Names Pat Reder DETC Outstanding Graduate Award Winner for 2010

2010-01-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) has named Pat Reder, RN, HHP, 2010 Distance Education Training Council (DETC) Outstanding Graduate award winner.

Reder has worked as a registered nurse for about 30 years, including critical care and emergency and trauma medicine. She has always had an interest in holistic health because she feels there is “a need for an integrative approach between allopathic and holistic healthcare practices.” That is why Reder chose to enroll in ACHS’s Holistic Health Practitioner Diploma program, which she completed in December 2009, in addition to a Certificate in Nutrition, Bodycare, and Herbalism.

Her distance education experience with ACHS gave her “confidence to seek out opportunity,” Reder says. After finishing her first course, Reder says she was able to use the knowledge base from that course to approach her employer about incorporating wellness coaching into their services. She also has used her training to develop a wellness coaching program, which she successfully trialed with her co-workers, and has since “opened the door to marketing the wellness coaching program to their clients.”

“My ACHS studies have enabled me to get involved with many different volunteer projects,” Reder says, “and to participate on Boards and Committees in an effort to improve the health and wellness in my community.”

In addition, Reder has been providing individual and group wellness classes for the past year, and was a featured speaker at the ACHS Holistic Health Career Fair in August 2009.

Each year the Distance Education Training Council asks their accredited institutions to select exceptional distance education graduates for recognition. Award winners must meet select criteria set for academic records and the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession in specific, and society in general. Outstanding Graduates are featured in the DETC Outstanding Graduate brochure and on the DETC website.

For more information about the DETC Outstanding Graduate awards visit www.detc.org.

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.

ACHS Names Michael Edwards DETC Famous Alumni Award Winner for 2010

2010-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

“A ‘mid-life accident’ opens the door to a whole different world of healthcare,” says Michael Edwards. “We often hear of individuals having a ‘midlife crisis,’ I had a midlife accident.

While shooting video in a train station, Edwards was hit by a speeding train. During his recovery process, Edwards discovered natural health and healthcare. Inspired by this “different world,” he searched for colleges that offered courses in natural health, enrolled with the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), and went on to graduate with a Certificate in Nutrition, Bodycare, and Herbalism.

The DETC Famous Alumni award honors distance education graduates who meet select criteria or academic records and the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession and society in general.

Before enrolling with ACHS, Edwards had been out of school for several years, “but was inspired by what [he] read in the materials and [was] encouraged by the positive comments from ACHS instructors,” he says. His experience with ACHS gave him the courage to re-apply for graduate school, he says, thirty years after his original application.

“The first acceptance I had at ACHS made a big difference to me, and it motivated me to read and teach as often as possible,” Edwards says. “I feel I’m doing my share to give people back control of their health.”

Since completing his Certificate, Edwards completed his master’s degree and launched Thee Wellness Institute (previously The NC Health and Wellness Institute), specializing in preventative health programs and natural products for the community. Edwards also worked as the Clinical Health Educator at Cherry Point Marine Base before accepting the position of Education Program Manager at Patrick Air Force Base. While in this position, Edwards has developed several health-promoting programs and has led motivational wellness classes for thousands of service members in the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard.

DETC Famous Alumni award winners are featured in the DETC Famous Alumni brochure and on the DETC website. For more information about the DETC award, visit www.detc.org.

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.

Dr. Lyn Hanshew to be on Healthy Life with ACHS graduate Pamela Heyen

2009-08-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lyn Hanshew, a leading expert in environmental toxicity, will be interviewed on Creating Your Healthy Life webcast with ACHS graduate Pamela Heyen on Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 8 am PST.

Dr. Hanshew specializes in toxic environmental issues and their effect on the human body. She will also be discussing treatment modalities that are safe and effective. "Why is everyone so sick?" will be the program's topic, also featuring a discussion of modalities for use with
autism, ADD, obesity, H1N1 influenza, MRSA, and Alzheimer's dementia.

Creating Your Healthy Life airs live on Thursdays at 8 am, Pacific Standard Time on the VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel. To access the show, log on at http://www.modavox.com/voiceamericahealth. All shows will be available in Pamela Heyen's Content Library on the VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel for on-demand and podcast download.

Each week Pamela Heyen (Heyen Wellness Therapies) interviews key figures in the medical and health field to help her listeners create a healthier and more fulfilling life. For more information, email Pamela at: Pam@HeyenWellnessTherapies.com

Toxic Body and Disease

2009-05-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Everyday more and more people are being diagnosed with chronic health problems. Approximately 68 million people suffer from some form of heart disease, 25 million have diabetes, 1.5 million will die of cancer within the next year, 5-8% of the population suffers from a chronic, debilitating autoimmune disease, 57.7 million suffer from some mental disorder, and over 6 million are diagnosed with a neurological disease.

Alzheimer's has more than doubled since 1980, every week 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, diabetes has increased over 54% and the rate our children are being diagnosed with Autism, ADD and ADHD is alarming. So, what the heck is going on?

Our problem is not singular, meaning there is no one thing that we can identify as the problem. It is a combination of many things that has resulted in the decay of our health in the United States. Let's start with our environment.

In the last century we have created over 80,000 chemicals and every year, four billion pounds of these toxins are released into our environment. Our air, soil, animals, plants, water, and our bodies are being contaminated. Our bodies are being poisoned by these carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting, and gene damaging chemicals and they are being stored within our cells. Do you realize that these toxins have the ability to be passed to fetuses in the womb? A fetus grows in a womb contaminated with as many as 287 foreign chemicals and the level of mercury in umbilical cord blood is 1.7 times higher than the level in the mother's blood. Thousands of babies born each year are at risk for brain damage and learning difficulties due to the toxin exposure while in the womb. Do you think there could be a correlation with these facts and the ever increasing numbers of Autism, ADD and ADHD diagnosis in our children?

It is a proven fact that cancer is caused by environmental toxicity and it affects our immune, neurological and endocrine systems. This toxicity can lead to numerous health problems including allergies, neurological illnesses, immune dysfunction, reproductive dysfunction, mood changes, asthma, autoimmunity, allergies, sexual dysfunction and dysregulation of glucose.

Mercury, the most destructive of these toxins can cause neurological, immunological, psychological and enzymatic issues. It can contribute or cause autism, Alzheimer's, cancers, heart disease, autoimmune disease, endocrine problems as well as neurological and behavioral issues.

Read the full article about toxins, disease, and how chemicals like aspartame affect the brain and overall health.

About the Author
Pamela Heyen graduated from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, Holistic Health Practitioner Program, in 2007. She currently owns and operates Heyen Wellness Therapies.

© 5/16/09 Pamela A. Heyen: http://www.holisticseek.com/articles/205/

New Badge for Graduates

2009-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

For the code to add this ACHS Graduate Badge to your website, send an email to alumni@achs.edu.

For the code to add this ACHS Graduate Badge to your website, send an email to alumni@achs.edu.

ACHS launches alumni group on LinkedIn

2009-05-18T09:34:00.001-07:00

Calling all alumni...ACHS has launched a new ACHS Alumni Group on LinkedIn....Where community lives and networks. This is your place to post information about your career and/or business, to network with other ACHS alumni, to build connections with other industry professionals, and, above all, to tell us about you! How are you using your ACHS education? What is it like to work in the holistic heath field? Where are you headed next? What have you written, published, presented, preformed, talked about lately? We want to know.

Click here to join the ACHS Alumni Group today.

LinkedIn is a professional network with more than 40 million members in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Is there a better place to see and be seen? If so, let us know about it. We want to be there, too.

Code to Embed Logo

2009-05-12T13:57:00.001-07:00

We can provide you with the html to embed the ACHS logo into your site or blog! Simply email communications@achs.edu:

and it will show up like this:

We are working on a range of new badges for ACHS students and graduates and will send you the embed code shortly. Show your pride in your school and in your success at an Accredited College and embed your badges into your blogs and websites.

Rain, Rain and More Rain Here in NY

2009-05-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

It's been raining in NY for the past three days and the weather report says three more days to come. We are all feeling rather soggy right about now. The sun seems a distant memory.

To brighten up dreary days we can use fresh herbs in our homes. The lemon balm is already fifteen inches high outside in the garden and makes a delicious bouquet tied up with raffia and placed in a vase in the kitchen. It scents the air reminding me of why I love spring each time I walk by.

The chives and garlic ramen are terrific now is soups... yes, soup is the favorite dinner along with some crusty whole grain bread when it's raining and chilly. We can dig up some chives and garlic ramen, because there's always plenty more from whence they came.

Spring flowers are in full bloom here in NY. The azaleas are stunning along with the rhododendrons and mountain laurel. Our ground cover of periwinkle looks so pretty against the green backdrop of leaves. It's chilly out and the ground is wet, but a walk in the rain rejuvenates the soul. It's quiet. We can hear the birds chirp in the morning air calling to their mates. The steady dripping sounds of the rain mixed with the splashes of children on their way to school. It's certainly a spring morning in NY!!

ACHS holistic health alumni Stephanie Austin hosts raw foods event

2009-04-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

An event like this doesn't take place every day. If you have an interest in raw and living foods, finding answers to health concerns, or you're just looking for a great group of positive, green conscious people, you won't want to miss this event.

Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes, world-renowned raw food authors, educators, and lecturers will speak at the Meadow Park Building in San Luis Obispo, California, April 24, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monarch and Stokes produce an online TV show called The Raw Food World. In addition, Stokes runs Raw Reform, blogs, and speaks worldwide about the benefits of raw and living food, and Monarch has written books and blogs about the raw food lifestyle, and runs Raw Spirit.

For more information, go to Love, Life, and Laughter, the blog of ACHS holistic health alumni Stephanie Austin.

Soroptomists' Regional Conference May 1 Needs Speaker ASAP

2009-04-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

The Soroptomists' Founder Region Conference May 1 in San Ramon, California, needs a replacement for their scheduled speaker. This is a terrific opportunity for a prepared holistic nutrition professional to speak to a highly interested and educated audience.

The conference topic is women’s heart health, and the speaking subject is diet and nutrition. The conference has scheduled a doctor to talk about the signs of an unhealthy heart, including diabetes, but they are in need of a nutritionist to talk about women’s diet and nutrition to improve their overall health and quality of life.

For more information about the conference and presenting, contact Tess Albin-Smith at (707) 961-1123.

AHG TeleSeminar: "What do the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices means for herbalists?"

2009-04-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Registration is open for the second installment in the 2009 AHG TeleSeminar Series. Roy Upton, AHG's Vice-President, will be speaking on "What Do the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices Mean for Herbalists" on May 4 at 7:00 p.m., EST.

When the new GMPs for herbal products were finalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2007, many breathed a sigh of relief: the FDA was not requiring practitioners who make their own products for their clients to adhere to the new regulations. The FDA did retain the authority, however, to do so in the future. This raises questions for herbalists, like “What would cause the FDA to come knocking" on an herbalist's door or to change their minds and require us to follow the guidelines?

There are few better people than Roy Upton to answer these questions or to discuss the ways to ensure that your clients are receiving high-quality herbal medicines.

Trained in both traditional Western and Chinese herbalism, Roy Upton is a founding and professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. His background includes extensive study with various Native American and non-Native herbalists, ethnobotany of the United States Virgin Islands, and seven years of clinical practice, followed by a three-year clinical internship with Michael Tierra and training at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China. He is the executive director and editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia® and is also a member of the Standards Committee of the American Herbal Products Association.

In his "day job," Upton is general manager of Planetary Formulas. He writes extensively and is the author of St. John's Wort and Echinacea, as well as co-author of the Botanical Safety Handbook—a landmark text of herbal safety—and is currently active in the preparation of a new edition.

To register for the AHG TeleSeminar, call the AHG Office at (203) 272-6731 or visit: http://americanherbalistsguild.com/node/132.

Spring Is In the Air

2009-04-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is arriving a little more each day. The trees here are covered with bulging buds ready to pop. Magnolias are almost in bloom. Today I spent time in the sun enjoying the work of readying my herb garden for this years growth. I trimmed the oregano and lemon balm -both of which love to spread and take over my garden. I cut back the marjoram - that one seems to try to escape the herb bed by growing over my edging stones. The chives are already over a foot tall and will be ready for my soup this week. Sage and lavender grace the back of the garden making a beautiful wall along the bricks.

The squirrels have graced my garden with flowering bulbs I never planted, and again this year I have purple and blue bells sprouting between the herbs. They are lovely, so I leave them. At the edges of my herb garden I have daffodills blossoming and enjoyed the snow drops last month. The New York weather is too harsh for the rosemary to survive winter so I will replant again this year along with two types of basil for salads.

Since New York is crowded, there are no open areas nearby for me to safely harvest dandelion greens which are delicious now when they are small. I buy them at the local green grocers to add to salads. They are great for cleansing the toxins left from winters gloomy days. Soon I will be able to pick blackberries from the trees nearby along the bay. I look forward to getting a few, usually the birds beat me to most of them. The days are longer now and with daylight savings time in effect it is light out until almost 7:30pm. The neighbors bar-b-ques are going in the evening and the sweet scent of the herbs mixes with the heady odors from the grilles. This is my favorite time of the year. Happy spring everyone!!!

Rose: King of Indian flowers

2009-04-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Amongst all the scents used in perfumery, rose is one of the oldest and best known. Ancient reference of rose distillation is found in books by Charak and Susruta (Ayurveda sanhita). Mogul emperor Jahangir filled canals of his Palace Garden with distilled rose water. The oil, which was found to float over it, was collected and named as ‘Itr-e-Jahangiri’. This oil was nothing but the rose oil.

Legends about rose
Some say that rose was created from a drop of sweat falling from the brow of Mohammad. Some say, it was due to Bacchus. He fell is love with a beautiful nymph and to appreciate her beauty, covered a thorny bush with red perfumed flowers, we now call rose. Cupid said to have given the God of silence a rose to bribe him, not to reveal the amours of Venus. The rose then became the emblem of silence.

Cleopatra was bathing in rose water and used absolute rose to seduce her lover Antony. Lord Krishna's favorite was rose. Hindus wash and clean their alter of Gods with rose water. Roman banquets were decorated with Roses. When Alexander the Great came to India, he fell in love with beautiful gardens of India, nicely decorated with various kind of fragrant roses.

Rose species: There are more than 5,000 varieties of roses known to botanists. Only a few of them are fragrant and the fragrance varies according to the plant variety. Most of the fragrant roses are hybrids and the fragrance, referred by perfumers as ROSE, is found exclusively in the roses belonging to the group ‘cetifolia’ of family Roseaceae. Out of these only three are commercially exploited for the production of oil.

1. Rosa damascena: Also known as ‘Pink Damask Rose’
Found in wild in Syria, Morocco, and Andalusia. This variety contains relatively high amount of volatile oil. The oil required for perfumery is obtained from rose cultivated in Bulgaria and Turkey. The volatile oil obtained is light yellow, slightly greenish and is semisolid at room temperature. Odour is powerful and is characteristic of fresh roses. Flavour is sweet, strong and honey like. Damascena rose absolute is orange yellow, orange reddish or slightly olive yellowish viscous fluid with extremely rich, warm, spicy floral deep rose odour, with honey undertone.

2. Rosa alba: Also known as ‘white cottage rose’
This contains much less volatile oil and is of inferior quality compared to damask rose. This variety is resistant to unfavourable climatic conditions and hence is preferred by farmers. It is also grown in Bulgaria.

3. Rosa centifolia (L): Also known as ‘Light Pink Cabbage Rose’
This variety is grown exclusively in the Grasse region of southern France. It is also grown in Morocco and there it is also referred to as ‘Rose de mai’. It is difficult to distill oil from this variety using steam distillation. Hence solvent extraction is used to prepare concrete and absolutes from this rose. This variety appears to be related to Rosa damascena. ‘Rose de mai’ is orange-yellow to orange-brown viscous liquid, with rich sweet honey like tenacious odour.

Rose plantation: Soil in which rose thrive best is clayey, rich in humus, slightly sandy containing traces of ferrous salts. The soil should be slightly moist, not too dry. Hill slope at the altitude of 2,500–3,250 feet are very much suitable for the growth of rose plant. The plant should be well protected against cold winds as well as hot winds. Climate should be humid. New fields are started in fall. The first harvest can be obtained in third year after planting. Normal harvest is obtained after five years.

Harvesting: Rose begins to bloom in the second week of May and lasts for 3 to 4 weeks. Harvesting begins as soon as flowers open. They are collected by hands; nipped off just below the calyx. Usually plucking starts at day break and continues until 8–9 am.

Perfumery and flavour application of rose oils: Rose oil adds beauty and depth to the odour blend. When solubility in dilute alcohol is important, rose oil is used. Rose absolute can be used only when high grade alcohol is used. It is very important in rose –jasmine complex found in fashion perfumes. Rose de mai is useful in rounding up sharp notes in synthetic compositions. It is useful to flavour a variety of tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco, soft drinks and alcoholic liqueurs. Also, to add interesting effect in fruit flavours such as apricol, raspberry, bitter almonds, etc.

Rose in India
The introduction of scented rose cultivation in India was started during Mughal time. Major rose oil producing region in India are Kashmir valley, mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, upper plains of Uttar Pradesh, Haldi ghati in Rajasthan and upper Shivalik hills in Punjab. More than 50% of production is confined to the state of U.P. & Rajasthan. We have been credited for introducing large-scale cultivation of Rosa damascena in Shivalik zone and upper plains of Punjab. The jawala variety of Damask rose developed by IHBT, CSIR has been standardized for the cultivation of this valuable crop in the plains of Punjab.

Therapeutic application of rose
The rose has many therapeutic values as long as it is of good grade, pure natural oil. Arab healers believed rose ‘jam’ could heal lung complaints. Dr. Leclerc, in Plantes Condimentaires published in 1950,valued it as a gentle laxative. It is astringent, antiseptic, soothing to eyes. A recipe by Galen suggests use of rose in cold cream. Galen was great Greek Physician. In cosmetic applications, rose is useful in eczema, to cure broken skin, against wrinkles and help remove skin puffiness. It is suitable for all skin types. It increase smoothness, reduce wrinkles on the face and helps the skin of the body glowing and charming rose oil helps patients suffering from depression, fear, nervous tension, insomnia and gives the feeling of well-being. It is helpful in women’s gynecological disorders, menopausal symptoms. It reduces excessive heat of the body. If used before menstrual cycle, it reduces P.M.S. problems.

About the author
Dr. Geetanjali Ranade is a graduate of the Australasian College Certificate in Aromatherapy program. She is a doctorate in biomedical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and was visiting scientist at the National Cardiovascular Center, Japan, for post-doctoral research in brain physiology. She also holds RMP(Registered Medical Practitioner) from Indian Board of Alternative Medicine.

© 2008 This article originally appeared in the NAHA Aromatherapy E-Journal, 2008.3

Holistic Practices - Fusing our Skills

2009-04-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

In the next few days the Congress will vote on President Obama's budget. In thinking about the concept of fiscal policy, I am struck by the vast difference between the way we as individuals and business persons are required to handle our finances vs the methodology of the federal government. If my business runs a deficit for an extended period of time, I am out of business. If I follow poor fiscal policy in planning my budget, I will eventually be met with failure. We as individuals are held to a higher standard of fiscal and monetary policy than that of our federal government.

As a holistic health care practitioner I am proud of the fact that I can share with clients not only my expertise in herbal medicine and healthy relationship practices, but also my ability to effectively manage my business and personal finances. My earlier Master's degree in finance and economics gives me the background to share specifics from my personal experience in responsible budgeting and fiscal policy as a part of my practice.

When we, as graduates, move into our chosen field of study, we bring to the table a vast array of skills we may have previously garnered. The more we can incorporate these varied areas of expertise into our practice, the more benefit we bring to our clients. Having a wider base of education and experience give us a more holistic approach to helping our fellow human beings. We can be proud of all our accomplishments and fuse them together to make our practice as beneficial as possible for our clients.

The root of my life: my family (plants' healing potential)

2009-04-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

One day, when my daughter was in kindergarten, her teacher called to tell me that Brecca had rebelled against doing the Hokey Pokey, and she had incited a mutiny by getting the other children to follow her lead. When I questioned Brecca, she replied, “It’s not like I would not do my math. What does the Hokey Pokey have to do with anything?!” Well, in addition to discussing classroom decorum, I soon started dosing her with the vibrational essence of Vine, as it helps to correct the imbalance of “being domineering and autocratic, and not seeing value in another’s point of view.” Happily, this worked like a charm, and my sweet child has developed the traits of “selfless service, and joyfully participating in and listening to the individuality of others,” the flip side of the pattern of Vine vibrational essence.

Several years later, Brecca decided that she wanted to get to know her father, so she left home with me to live with him for a few years. She had planned to live with him until she completed high school, but had grown so unhappy living with him that she asked if she could return home for her senior year of high school. In the middle of this already sticky process, her father was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. After moving back home with me, I noticed that she could hardly get enough dill to eat, and she ate it on everything—including pizza! I knew that her craving was driven by her innate intelligence, which was holding space for her. The vibrational essence of Dill is good for “helping one stay centered when experiencing an overwhelming number of impressions, feelings and sensations, and when feeling under pressure,” and “to change perception [from] being a victim to seeing one’s power.”

Her father has a strong personality that she felt was engulfing hers, which was complicated by her father being hurt, and the feelings of guilt that arose from having strong negative emotions towards an injured individual. Her craving for dill expressed to me what she was not able to find the words for, and allowed me to respond to her in the most beneficial way, including using Dill vibrational essence in her sublingual blends. When her dill craving diminished, I knew that she had regained her balance and personality, and no longer felt like a victim. She now speaks often of her love of Daffodils, which tells me that a deep place within her desires “to find her own voice and know her divine nature.” Naturally I now include the flower essence of Daffodil in her blends.

I cannot express how comforting it is to know that no matter what challenges my daughter may encounter, there is a corresponding plant to help ease the way. The core lesson I have tried to impart to her is that life is about understanding Self and how one responds to situations. She never needs to feel overwhelmed, stuck, sad, discouraged or caught in an uninvited pattern. Plants, whether in the form of essential oils or vibrational essences, are the keys to making the adjustments necessary.

Author Bio: Candace Covington is a graduate of the ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy program. She is an aromatherapy, Ayurveda, and spa modalities instructor, a presenter for Red Mountain International Resort and Spa, and author of Just Ask Miss Candice, a weekly online self-help column.

How to make your press release newsworthy

2009-04-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

There are four common PR misperceptions to watch for...

1. You are the focus of your PR.

Although we like to think it, we are not the news. (Sorry.) To convince strangers that they want to hear what you have to share—and that they then want to take action—your press release should focus on the service you are offering...a service that is The Solution.

Remember, your future customer does not know they are looking for you. They're looking for someone or something that can ease their stress, help with lifestyle improvement, relive a persistent cough, etc. Therefore, to show your future customer the truth, that your service is The Solution, focus on the concrete benefits to them.

2. More is Better

More is not better. Specifics are better.

For example, you are hosting a community wellness event about nutrition. The inclination might be to send out a press release about all of the services you offer, thinking “When will these people read about me again?" But, it would be more beneficial to ask yourself, "If my future customer only remembers one thing, what should it be?"

The answer: the day, time, and location of your event.

Be specific. Use a specific, targeted headline when you send out your press release, such as: Free nutrition consultation for students with ADD.

3. Flash is Better

Flash is hard to pull off. It’s better to be informative than insincere; although they are both memorable, one has clear benefits over the other.

What constitutes as flash? Overwriting. Overselling. Over anything...

Stick to words and descriptions your audience is familiar with, will respond to.

For example: "New eco-sheik botanic day spa consultancy opening in your neighborhood featuring free aromatherapy massages ranging from $60-100."

Huh? I'm not sure I even know what I mean. Is it a day spa or a consultant business? What's free? Eco what?

Or: "Stress-targeting massages with organic aromatherapy products boost your immune system and support green business."

You now know what the service is, how it benefits your future customers, and that there is a larger connection to the environment, which makes your press release news worthy.

4. The More Flashy Qualifiers the Better

Qualifiers take up space. Again, it is better to be sincere, informative, and service-minded than dazzling.

What is a qualifier? Good. Great. Greatest. Best. Better than. Amazing. Great. And so on.........

We think these words will catch the reader’s attention. And they do, but not in the way we want. They signal overstating or overwriting, which automatically makes the reader defensive and suspicious.

Why? Like writing with “flash,” self-promotion without substance is hard to pull off, and qualifiers mean different things to different readers. What one person may find good or great, another may not. This is the “one-size fits all” approach, and it doesn’t work.

Remember, it is better to offer a strong, service-oriented promotion than to oversell a so-so one.

3 tips for using Twitter to promote your blog

2009-04-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Twitter—aka the new social media which has everyone “tweeting” professionally—is being used in many different ways and by lots of people. At its most basic, Twitter allows you to post short sentences alerting friends and family (i.e., followers) to what you’re doing.

But there are several social networking applications too. For example, some businesses use Twitter to announce new promotions and others use it as a survey tool to gauge customer response and demand.

Yet, for holistic health professionals (that is, small to medium-sized business owners, Twitter is becoming the fastest way to build a word of mouth following.

3 tips for using Twitter to promote your blog:

1. Ask a Question

It’s easy to tell people what you’re doing. But it won’t hold their interest for very long. So, instead of saying “Posted article about caring for your pets with homeopathy,” ask, “How has homeopathy helped your pet to feel better?” Questions encourage conversation, which allows more followers to contribute their experience.

2. Remark

The competition over blog comments can be fierce. But, if you post something that attracts a lot of comments, first comment back. Then, post a short line to Twitter inviting people to join the conversation.

3. Ask for What You Want

Once you know which of the social media referral sites (or voting sites) drives the most traffic to your blog, ask your followers to dish out a review (for example, StumbleUpon, Digg, Newsvine, etc.). Think of it as cross promotion. Every blog needs a little push now and then.

Based on Chris Brogan’s article “How I Use Twitter to Promote My Blog” on Problogger: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/03/25/how-i-use-twitter-to-promote-my-blog/

Now That I'm Counseling - Holistic Counselor

2009-03-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Since my graduation from ACHS I have increased my client base at a steady pace over the past three years. I have opted for private practice, so my first clients were the toughest. I gave myself away in the beginning. I offered my services in mini seminar format to local groups, churches and businesses for little or no cost. I did work as a volunteer at local shelters for battered women. I had to do much leg work initially, but the results worked. Eventually I had a client who recommended me to another person, and so on and so on, and that is how my practice grew.

I have also used the Internet as a tool in growing my practice and getting my name "out there", so to speak. I have a blog on which I write daily, http://holistic-counselor.blogspot.com/. I also write posts for other blogs and forums. My blog automatically posts to my Facebook page, as well as on my LinkedIn Forum. I use My Space and Twitter to invite followers to read my posts. I invite people to view my blog, suggest topics they would like covered, and comment on my posts. The results have been excellent. Virtually all my clients read my blog daily, and I have received emails from other followers asking for postings on topics they would like covered.

For those of you reading these blogs, the leg work may be substantial in the beginning, but pays off in the end. Don't skip the Internet. It can work for you as well.

Good luck in your endeavors!!

The ACHS Experience - Holistic Counselor

2009-03-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

I've been an information junkie all my life. I'd been practicing with herbs, supplements, nutrition and a holistic lifestyle for years. Finally I decided to get the necessary credentials. I started my search for a school on line, as most of us do today. I checked out lots of local institutions... I live in NYC, so there's loads... and decided that with a child at home, PTA President, and a part time job I really had no more hours available to attend classes in person. That's when distance learning became a real solution. After much debate and research I settled on ACHS. Their reputation and accreditation were in order and the staff I encountered in my initial contacts were supportive and willing to help me complete my work. Throughout my studies I received excellent feedback and intelligent critiques on my work. My mentors were bright capable people who took their position as advisor quite seriously. As a result of their efforts, and my own, I completed the program with Honors.

I entered the program never before having worked through distance learning. I was surprised at how much I loved it. Doing the labs with my son was a blast. We made infusions, decoctions, salves and creams. We tasted, rubbed, sniffed and inspected. He even used some of our work as a class project! It was a great bonding experience for us, me being a single Mom at the time. My son is proud of my ACHS experience and calls me Dr. Mom. I knew my son was watching my efforts and so I made certain to ace all my classes. How could I ask more of him than myself. Thanks ACHS. This was a terrific life changing experience!!

Update from Nat 308 Grad Mike Debanewicz

2009-03-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Mike Debanewicz, Nat 308 graduate, has been featured in the first of a new series being tapes for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and the City of Miramar. View the clip here:

ACHS Alumni on Inside Cosmeceuticals

2009-02-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Dr. Geentanjali Ranade, an ACHS aromatherapy graduate, has a new article on the Inside Cosmeceuticals website, "Sandalwood--Ceremony, Serenity, and Comfort." Dr. Ranade's article provides useful information about the cultivate of sandalwood and its historic use in perfumery, among many other tips and insights. Show your support for ACHS grads...Leave Dr. Ranade a comment on the Inside Cosmeceuticals website, and while you're there, share a little of your own experience studying sandalwood and aromatherapy. You never know who's reading!

2009-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

ACHS Announces Wednesday Brown Bag Lecture Series

Starting on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, ACHS will be offering a weekly lecture series from 12-1 pm at our campus in Portland.

This will be a 50-minute brown bag lecture series on a variety of topics. These lectures are free to ACHS students and graduates and only $10 for the public. To reserve your place, please call 503-244-0726.

Our first lecture will be on Iridology with ACHS President and Holistic Health Expert Dorene Petersen:

Did you know that by looking at the texture of your iris you can evaluate your own or your client's health potential. When you study iridology you can analyze the overall constitution. This is a great tool to help you formulate wellness protocols. You can also see inherent weaknesses before they actually manifest as symptoms in the body.

This lecture is an introduction to the history, theory and philosophy of Iridology.

Schedule of upcoming lectures:

February 4: Introduction to Iridology with ACHS President Dorene Petersen

February 11: Introduction to Homeopathy with ACHS Instructor Dr. Matt Zorn, ND

February 18: Cheap & Effective Community Marketing for the Holistic Practitioner by ACHS Director of Marketing Kate Harmon

February 25: Writing Press Releases with ACHS Communications Manager Lauren Shapiro

All lectures will be videod. Highlights of the lecture will be available on the ACHS TV Channel on YouTube with full videos available in selected online classrooms for ACHS students. Be sure to subscribe to the ACHS YouTube Channel online here to receive notification when a new lecture is available.

Also, keep an eye on your email for an invite to join the ACHS Holistic Health Tip of the Week Google group to receive weekly announcements about upcoming lectures and additional tips for personal health and wellness! You can also view the ACHS Events calendar online here.

We look forward to seeing you on-campus!

Valentine's with Face, Body, Soul ACHS Alumni Kiva Lane

2009-01-29T08:51:00.001-08:00

Take advantage of the food, music, and fun planned by ACHS alumni Kiva Lane at her NE Portland natural health spa.

February 6, 2009, Face Body Soul will host a luscious pre-Valentine's Day event to help you plan for the big day, with a focus on health, wellness, and high-quality body care. Find the gift sure to bring a smile: gourmet, vegan truffles, spa treatments, savory candles and artisan soap. The list goes on and on! And as a gift to you--or a gift to share with a loved one--all certificates purchased between 7-9 p.m. include an additional, complementary 25-minute enhancement.

Face Body Soul
4727 NE Fremont Ave
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 719-5055

2009 Trends: Wellness Coaches

2009-01-12T09:07:00.001-08:00

The December 2008 edition of Entrepreneur magazine featured a 2009 Trends to Watch. The report, which featured some to-be-expected categories like Economy, Digital, and Green, also included Health (which frequently means the pharmaceutical, the cosmetic, or the unrealistic personal trainer routine). Not this time—at least, not entirely.

Yes, there was talk of the number of convenient care clinics expected by 2012 (health clinics in retail locations) and the growing popularity of everything gluten-free popularity. But there also was a significant head nod to the growing appreciate for, and expected increase in WELLNESS COACHES. According to Entrepreneur:

"For people seeking a lifestyle fix rather than a meal plan or workout regimen, wellness coaches focus on the whole shebang—stress and time management, diet and fitness—to encourage personalized, sustainable, healthy behaviors. Both individuals and corporations hire wellness coaches, who can charge anywhere from $60 to $150 an hour [...]."

Holistic health—or complementary alternative medicine—is growing in public awareness. That means a larger job market for trained professionals, more educational opportunities, and, above all, a healthier world. It's a good day!

© Entrepreneur 2009: http://www.entrepreneur.com/hottrends/index.html

Clinical Phytotherapy Summer Camp in BC

2009-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Led by Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, MNIMH, this five-day camp offers advanced training in botanical medicine for practitioners and senior students. Case review-based format will also include detailed discussions of pathologies, therapeutic strategies, and botanical Materia medica for specific conditions. Cases and conditions examined will include: healthy heart and circulation, preventing osteoporosis, repairing connective tissue, managing anxiety and insomnia, and managing auto-immune diseases.

There will be an addition two days dedicated to cancer care with the use of botanicals and nutrition. Learning sessions will include: example cases studies of different types of cancer; a review of the bio-mechanics of cancer (what it is and how it progresses); blood and tissue tests for diagnosis; treatment planning and monitoring; nutritional and botanical interventions; working with chemotherapy and radiation; and overall case management strategies.

Also enjoy yoga and breath work, herb walks, the horticulture therapy program, a camp fire, delicious home cooking featuring vegetables from the garden and lots of fun.

Chanchal Cabrera has been practicing herbal medicine for more than 22 years, and has been the Faculty Director in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC, since 2004.

August 9-13, 2009. Classes run 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 30 hours of instruction. $500 plus GST includes all tuition, course notes, camping, and three meals a day.

For information and a registration form, call (250) 336-8767 or visit www.chanchalcabrera.com.

Face Body Soul Winter Party December 4

2008-12-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Join ACHS alumni Kiva Lane at Face Body Soul for a fun and relaxing Winter Party December 4.

Face Body Soul--conscious living for you and the environment you live in--is located in NE Portland and features facials, massage, and body treatments for healing and renewal. This year's Winter Party includes face and body treatments, a tea and elixir bar, music by Rachel Robinson, food by Blue Olive, and lots of one-of-a-kind, earth friendly gift items.

For more information, go to kivafacebodysoul.com. December 4, from 7-9 p.m. at 4727 NE Fremont Avenue, Portland.

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Arlyn Hubbell featured on Wicked Local

2008-11-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

Standing behind a table full of scented soaps, healing salves and homeopathic remedies was the herbalist Arlyn J. Hubbell.

“I’ve been studying herbs now for 10 years,” said Hubbell. “The thing I like about herbal medicine is it’s not just a cure for what you already have. It’s a preventative measure.”

Hubbell, who is pursuing a master’s degree in natural healthcare, both grows her own herbs and harvests them from the wild in the woods of Nahant. One useful item she had was an herbal liniment, an antiseptic for cuts, scrapes and open wounds containing myrrh and golden seal.

“When you’re treating wounds, people don’t always treat them properly,” said Hubbell. “You should use astringents first to dry and sanitize it.”

Just covering the wound with cut and burn cream right away, Hubbell said, could cause a wound to close up around harmful agents that may have crept into it. This, she said, slows down the healing time [...]

CLICK HERE to read the full article. © Rob Barry, Wicked Local, July 16, 2008.

We’d love to hear from you! Click comments below.

Know someone who would be interested? Email this story below.

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Heyen Wellness Therapies on Angelic Inspirations Radio

2008-11-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

Pam Heyen, a graduate from the Australasian College's Holistic Health Practitioner Program, was interviewed on Angelic Inspirations Radio November 11.

Click here to listen to Heyen's interview. Co-host Rose Ann Schwab speaks with Heyen about her path to becoming a holistic health practitioner, how she has benefited from her ACHS education, and her business, Heyen Wellness Therapies.

For more information about the show and audio downloads, visit http://www.angelicinspirationsradio.com.

Heyen was recently named the ACHS 2009 DETC Outstanding Graduate. Each year the Distance Education Training Council asks their accredited institutions to select exceptional distance education graduates for recognition. Award winners must meet select criteria set for academic records and the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession in specific, and society in general. Outstanding Graduates are featured in the DETC Outstanding Graduate brochure and on the DETC website.

Specific questions for Pam? Click COMMENTS below.

Know someone who would be interested? EMAIL this story below.

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ACHS Faculty Deborah Halvorson Talks about 'Homemade remedies for sick kids'

2008-11-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

ACHS faculty member Deborah Halvorson was featured in a November 5 article in the Orange County Register called "Homemade remedies for sick kids." Halvorson is pictured with her daughter, Hazel, making chest balm in her kitchen. In the article, Halvorson credits her belief in natural remedies to personal experience, and shares some great tips for keeping your kids healthy this year, including a recipe for vapor balm.

To read the full-length article, click here. Show your support for ACHS faculty! Be sure to leave a comment on the OC Register site AND here. We're looking forward to reading your recipes for fall wellness!

ACHS 2009 Famous Alumni

2008-11-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Wendy Robbins, AromaWeb Creator, ACHS 2009 Famous Alumni

ACHS Famous Alumni Wendy Robbins, Cert. Aroma, launched her website AromaWeb in 1997. “Before and after the launch of the AromaWeb,” Robbins says, “I craved to learn as much as I could about aromatherapy so that in turn, I could share that knowledge with others.” Today, Robbins writes articles about aromatherapy and essential oils, which she features on her user-friendly site, the world’s largest and most popular informational aromatherapy site on the Web.

Robbins knew aromatherapy was her passion early on. Lacking formal education in the field, she researched schools and courses, and “determined that ACHS offered the most serious and beneficial courses of study” to meet her needs. Robbins began the Certificate in Aromatherapy program in 1999 and graduated in 2000.

Her work with AromaWeb.com arose from the desire to create an online resource with accurate introductory information for those seeking more in depth information about the field of aromatherapy. Today, Robbins feels both pride and empowerment when her online visitors contact her to “share how AromaWeb has been an integral part of their discovery of aromatherapy and how their journey has led them to a formal education and career in the field.”

“I feel immensely rewarded,” Robbins says, “that through AromaWeb, I am able to utilize the knowledge and foundation in aromatherapy that I gained from my ACHS coursework to introduce the concepts of holistic aromatherapy to thousands of individuals each year!”
To contact Robbins about her experience at ACHS or work with AromaWeb, visit achs.edu and click on Alumni in Action.

Each year the Distance Education Training Council asks their accredited institutions to select exceptional distance education graduates for recognition. Award winners must meet select criteria set for the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession in specific, and society in general. Famous Alumni are featured in the DETC Famous Alumni brochure and on the DETC website.

To contact Robbins about her experience at ACHS or work with AromaWeb, visit achs.edu and click on Alumni in Action, or go to AromaWeb.com.

To view Robbins' online video, click here.

We’d love to hear from you! Click COMMENTS below.

Pamela Heyen 2009 ACHS Outstanding Graduate

2008-10-30T15:59:00.001-07:00

Pamela Heyen Represents ACHS as 2009 DETC Outstanding Graduate

Portland, Oregon—Each year the Distance Education Training Council asks their accredited institutions to select exceptional distance education graduates for recognition. Award winners must meet select criteria set for academic records and the quality of their contribution to their chosen profession in specific, and society in general. Outstanding Graduates are featured in the DETC Outstanding Graduate brochure and on the DETC website.

ACHS has selected Pamela Heyen as the ACHS 2009 Outstanding Graduate winner. Heyen, who lives in Columbia, Missouri, graduated from the Diploma in Holistic Health Practice program in September 2007, and currently owns a holistic health practice, Heyen Wellness Therapies, which allows her to advise clients about personal health issues and lifestyle changes to maximize wellness.

DETC Outstanding Graduates represent the more than three million distance education students now studying with DETC member institutions (according to the DETC website).

For more information on the DETC Outstanding Graduate awards visit www.detc.org.

Squeaky Gourmet in Top 100

2008-10-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

"Squeaky Gourmet," co-authored by ACHS graduate Maureen Jeanson, is a colorful cookbook intended to educate and encourage the reader towards a healthy diet. Food knowledge and exciting recipes makes this book a must have for anyone at any fitness level.

There is no need for boredom in the kitchen or dead taste buds in order to eat healthy. "Squeaky Gourmet" offers delicious recipes for every meal or snack.

Maureen Jeanson teams with Jamie Wilson, who is well acquainted with the favor vs health face off, to offer more than 140 pages of wellness education, tasty food ideas, and the exact steps you can take to achieve your own fitness goals.

Maureen graduate from the Australasian College of Health Science in 2004 and was a nominee for the Graduate of the Year. After completing college she earned fitness certifications with International Sports Science Association, American College of Sports Medicine and with the United States Navy. For more information about Maureen, visit the ACHS Alumni in Action page at achs.edu.

Jamie Wilson is a passionate cook striving to feed her family in the best way possible. She loves to teach, so what better way to teach healthy recipes than in a fun new cookbook. Jamie also currently works full time as a Geologist.

ACHS Goes for the Gold

2008-10-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

ACHS is a Gold Leaf Sponsor of the 2008 AHG National Symposium to be held this weekend, October 24-26, at the Marriott Town Center in Redmond, WA. As a sponsor, ACHS extends its support to the herbal medicine community, as well as to the use of herbal medicine as a viable, proactive supplement for the shortfalls of traditional medicine.

Come visit ACHS President Dorene Petersen and Senior Vice President and Master Gardener Erika Yigzaw at our education-filled booth for more information about herbal medicine courses available to you through ACHS, such as:

o Nat 101 Nutrition ,Bodycare and Herbalism, starting this November;
o Herb 101 Basics of Herbalism Online, starting in January; and
o Master Herbalist professional credential program and degree programs, featuring an herbal medicine major.

ACHS staff will also be available to meet with you personally at our booth this Friday, October 24, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Deadline for January course registration is coming up November 15. If you’ll miss us at the conference, please call ACHS Admissions at 800-487-8839 for more information about our herbal medicine programs today! You can also visit us online at achs.edu – just click on Herbal Medicine, located in the left-hand toolbar.

The 2008 American Herbalists Guild symposium will address the theme of "Botanical Medicine in Oncology, Immunity, and Chronic Illness." Since 1989, the American Herbalist Guild, a nonprofit organization, has promoted the professionalism, quality, and integrity of herbal practitioners in the United States. To contact the American Herbalists Guild visit americanherbalistsguild.com.

Pam Heyen Interview November 11

2008-10-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pam Heyen, a graduate from ACHS's Holistic Health Practitioner Program, will be a featured guest on the Angelic Inspirations podcast radio show November 11 at 11 a.m. For more information about the show and audio downloads, visit http://www.angelicinspirationsradio.com.

Co-host Rose Ann Schwab will be speaking with Pam about her path to becoming a holistic health practitioner, how she has benefited from her ACHS education, and her business, Heyen Wellness Therapies. To view Pam's blog, go to Heyen Wellness Therapies on blogspot.com.

HerbDay Rooted Deep in the Community

2008-10-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Portland, OR — Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS) hosted more than thirty active members of the holistic health care community Friday, October 10, 2008, at their 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration dedicated to the use of herbs and herbalism. Participants included students, alumni, and health care professionals, all with a clear agenda: expand knowledge about, and increase the use of complementary alternative medicine in health care.

Herb day kicked off with a hands-on lavender distillation and in-depth PowerPoint discussion on the therapeutic uses of Mastic gum, where students learned from ACHS President Dorene Petersen about the healing properties of the gum, aromas, and essential oils. Following this, ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch spoke from 1-2 p.m. on the topic of “Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia,” which included several stratagem and helpful tips that participants could take away for personal and professional use. Then from 2-3 p.m., ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin delivered a detail-rich talk about the chemistry of antioxidants and their purpose called “Antioxidants: What Are They and Herbal Sources.”

After the formal presentations, participants engaged in a free-form Q & A with the guest speakers and ACHS President Dorene Petersen; shopped organic, wildcrafted herbs, books, and essential oils in the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe; and strolled through the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, where, throughout the day Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice-President Erika Yigzaw was on hand to lead tours and answer questions.

HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced, public education events. Conceived of by five nonprofit organizations with an interest in raising public awareness about the significance of herbs in our daily lives, HerbDay also addresses how herbs can be safely used for health care, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment. Officially, HerbDay is October 11, although many organizations celebrate it early.

For more information about HerbDay, and for a list of upcoming ACHS events, visit http://www.achs.edu/, and click on Community Wellness located in the left-hand tool bar. To download free transcripts of the 2008 HerbDay lectures, go to http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com, or visit the ACHS website and click on Online Store, located at the top right of the home page.

We're always happy to hear from you. If you happened to attend this year's HerbDay, drop us a line or two about your experience. Did you learn something new? If there something you would like to hear more about at a future event? It's up to you. Post a comment here, and we're sure to respond!

Integrative Medicine Webinar Events

2008-10-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Stay Informed, Stay Connected!

Free Webinar Events presented by Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Botanicals and Menopause
Presented by: Maida Taylor, MD, MPH, FACOG
October 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/995820200
Attendee call in number: (712) 432-1399, access code 450-615-749

October 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/288020239
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 169-402-823

Natural Standard Database Overview
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

October 28 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/548776860
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 386-478-732

November 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/909798124
Attendee call in number: (641) 715-3222, access code 632-207-107

December 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/270500121
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 644-424-903

Diabetes: Integrative Care Cases
Presented by: Chief Editor Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD

November 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/530744372
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 625-144-811

An Innovative Program in Applied Natural Products
Presented by: Lana Dvorkin-Camiel, PharmD

December 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time
To register, click www1.gotomeeting.com/register/910800626
Attendee call in number: (616) 883-8055, access code 458-016-977

ACHS Grad Michael Dubanewicz Featured on "Join Us At The Table"

2008-10-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Private chef and culinary nutrition educator Michael Dubanewicz gives an informative interview about rice. Did he manage to make rice interesting? Follow this link to judge for yourself: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/JoinUsAtTheTable.

"Join Us at the Table: A Culinary Lifestyle Show" is a free, Internet-based talk radio show hosted by self-described uber-foodies Robbie Bell and Nancy Ancrum. According to their website, the show "seeks to educate and entertain ...on the impact of culture on our eating and dining habits."

"Join Us at the Table" conducts informative interviews with restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, specialty market owners, food growers, and our own Michael Dubanewicz.

Where Are You With Your ACHS Materials?

2008-10-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Niazi, Nat 211 Anatomy & Physiology student, writes:

"Hi. This was a photo taken of me over the summer in the Maldives. No one could believe that I would go to such a place with homework. You can see my ACHS folder on the lounge."

Now, we want to hear about your adventures. Did you study on a bus tour through India? Did you set up camp in a lawn chair on your rooftop? And, do you have a photo? We have always known our courses were accessible, and now we want everyone to see it for themselves.

Here's what we're looking for: Students travel and take their study materials with them; send us a picture of yourself with your materials and include a little blurb about what you were doing.

Email your photos, blurb, and contact information to newsletter@achs.edu, and we'll post the best photo and story in the next ACHS Reporter and/or our newest newsletter, the ACHS Alumni eNews.

Start snapping.

ACHS 3rd Annual HerbDay Celebration

2008-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

HerbDay! Celebrate Herbs and Herbalism!

HerbDay is a series of educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was created by the HerbDay Coalition, a group of five herbal non-profit organizations and works to raise awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment.

The Day's schedule includes:

Noon to 1 p.m. - Introduction by ACHS President Dorene Petersen and discussion on Mastic Gum of Greece;

1 to 2 p.m. - Using Herbs for Fatigue and Insomnia, lecture by ACHS Professor Dr. Arianna Staruch;

2 to 3 p.m. - Antioxidants: What Are They & Herbal Sources by ACHS Graduate and Chemist Amanda Lattin; and

3 to 4 p.m. - Tour of ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden (weather permitting).

Take this opportunity to visit the ACHS campus, meet staff and faculty, and take advantage of extra savings in the College store, The Apothecary Shoppe, for all your holistic health shopping!

Free and open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, call (503) 244-0726 or RSVP online here (no credit card needed) to make sure we hold your place. Friday, October 10, 2008, from noon-4 p.m. Located at the ACHS campus, John's Landing, 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland, OR 97239.

For the most up-to-date news from ACHS, subscribe to the ACHS Alumni News today.

October Launch of ACHS Alumni News

2008-10-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Attention all ACHS Alumi,

We have great news. Something just for you. The ACHS Alumni News, our new quarterly newsletter, is set to launch this October. What's so special about it? Your needs and interests are at the forefront.

Read about Industry News. Link to our Practitioner Directory. Submit information about your new business, product, or article for the community to see. And above all, stay connected. Information about our Alumni in Action will appear in the both the print edition of the newsletter and on our website, www.achs.edu, on the Alumni In Action page.

If you have something to say or just want to share your accomplishments, we want to hear. Simply email your bio and a photo to alumni@achs.edu. All we ask in exchange is up-to-date contact information. If you have had a recent change of address, or would prefer to receive the ACHS Alumni eNews by EMAIL ONLY, call (800) 487-8839 or email alumni@achs.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
ACHS

On The Road With ACHS

2008-09-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Education

ACHS Registrar, Heather Baley, recently saw a great feature in a magazine she follows. We were excited about this idea and have decided to incorporate it in the ACHS Reporter.

Here is what we are looking for: students travel and take with them their binder and/or textbook and then take a picture of themselves with the materials and write a little blurb about what they were doing there and about their studies.

We want to hear about your adventures, as well as see just how accessible our courses really are, even when you're traveling!

Start snapping those pictures and send them, along with your write up, to newsletter@achs.edu and you might see your face and story in the next edition of the ACHS Reporter.

New ACHS Alumni Blog

2008-07-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

This blog is designed to help share ACHS Alumni news with other ACHS Alumni, students, and the world!

If you are an ACHS Alumni and have news to spread, please email blog@achs.edu!