Recent statistics indicate that over sixty percent of the general public has managed their healthcare with some form of natural therapy, for example: acupuncture, yoga, meditation, vitamin and mineral supplements, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, etc. Over six billion dollars have been spent out-of-pocket for these services, as most are not covered by medical insurance.

This is wonderful news indicating the awareness and acceptance of natural therapies as safe, effective and complimentary to allopathic medical care. Much has been done to educate the public about various forms of natural techniques, which support the whole person (not just the disease) to improve the natural working systems of our bodies, minds, and souls. Information abounds in written media, tele-vision, radio and the World Wide Web regarding following a healthy lifestyle in order to improve one's overall health and even heal from disease that was once thought of as "incurable". Large statistics indicate the dangers of pharmaceutical drugs - causing side effects, inviting other illnesses, and even causing deaths in some cases. Most folks are aware of the dangers of too much fat, salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol in their diets. Local gyms are packed with people committed to losing weight, toning, stretching and increasing strength and stamina with proper exercise. There seems to be quite a shift towards spiritual growth and renewal, as individuals and families have become too busy, experience increased stress, and feel a sense of broken-ness in both our local and global environment.

However, it is very clear that illness is big business. Physicians, diagnosticians, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and even the federal, state and local governments all have huge economic interests in our nation's healthcare policies. It still surprises some to note that our healthcare systems are really sick-care systems, set up originally, to diagnose and manage the symptoms of ill health. An individual is given a diagnosis and usually one or more prescriptions to alleviate the symptoms, but not the cause. These prescriptions may work, but he/she will need to return to the physician for a refill. The drugs may not work, he/she may need to return to change the dosage or type of prescription. The prescription may cause side effects or interact with our other medications, and one will need to return to the physician for more prescriptions. Surgical procedures are at an all time high for everything from cosmetic corrections to weight loss to cesarean deliveries.

However, given the enormous under-swelling of active interest by the American public in natural health, it is even more important for each of us to get personally involved in monitoring, challenging and changing the current state of our health care system. There is true, safe and very effective healing power in natural methods. Our health care freedom is challenged daily by the fear and ignorance of those not familiar with the benefits of non-drug and non-invasive healing techniques. Activity in advocating for fairer, more complete and easier access to all forms of natural healthcare can be as easy as sharing your successful personal experiences in using natural therapies with your friends and family. It takes almost no time at all to write a letter of support to your natural health provider or your government representatives. Become as informed as possible by perusing your local health food store a great source for free directories, magazines and newspapers. Offer your economic support to those environmental organizations that share your ethics and concern for the world in which we live.

Getting involved in any small way is fun, empowering, and educational and does make such a difference! As an advocate for the disabled in the eighties this writer learned that many people do not bother to make the phone call or write the note to their local representatives because they think it does not matter. However, research indicated that it takes only four registered special delivery letters to get the attention of government officials. Just four letters on an important and current issue gets noticed and helps our representatives to take notice of their constituents' needs and desires, and indicates what direction they should be taking!

Remember - once you become aware of an important issue and do not take any action, you become part of the problem, not part of the solution.