Holistic Holidays

‘healthcare’

Written by Chicagohealers.com practitioner Dr Steven Koos, D.D.S, M.D.–

Part I: “The Call For Action” — Eco-Friendly Healthcare

We live in a world where concern for the environment and sustainable development – minimizing the impact of our consumption of renewable resources – is a necessary and growing consideration for everyone. Business and industry alike are paying close attention to this trend because energy-efficiency and sustainability positively reflect their values as good corporate citizens, and has an impact on overhead and profitability. As such, “the ultimate purpose of business is not, or should not be, simply to make money. Nor is it merely a system of making and selling things. The promise of business is to increase the general well-being of humankind through service, a creative invention and ethical philosophy.” (Paul Hawken, 1993; The Ecology of Commerce)

The health care industry fits very well into Paul Hawken’s proclamation. It is a business, which indeed specifically exists to promote the wellbeing of humankind through service and ethical philosophies such as the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath, originating in the 4th century B.C., is an oath that has been traditionally taken by physicians pertaining to the ethical practice of health care. Derivations of the oath have modified over the years in various countries, schools, and societies as the social, religious, and political importance of health care has evolved. The primary tenant of the oath, “Above all, do no harm,” still continues to be the foundation for the practice of all types of health care today. However, with the realization that human health and environmental health are inextricably linked, it now becomes paramount that health care providers need to also foster global/planetary health in their regimen and thereby “Do no harm to the environment.” Therefore, an additional practice tenant needs to emerge: What is good for the planet is good for the patient and what is good for the patient is good for the environment. Given this, there is a call for action, whereby health care providers have the obligation to also serve as environmental educators and to become advocates and stewards for the environment.

There must be a paradigm shift that occurs within medicine and dentistry, which will lead the healthcare industry to take a proactive stance. We can continue to simply treat cancer, support learning-disabled children, develop extreme measures to improve fertility and offer palliative treatment for the outcomes of diseases, such as asthma, nervous system disorders, immune deficiency diseases, etc., or we can choose to direct resources toward reducing the hazardous chemicals that contribute to these health problems instead. We must focus on the precautionary principal, preventing toxic substances from getting into the environment and into our bodies, preventative care, as well as waste reduction, energy-efficiency and sustainability.

So what are some instances when health care can actually do harm?
Unfortunately, almost every healthcare setting world-wide: hospitals, ambulatory facilities, extended care facilities, urgent-care facilities, medical offices and dental offices utilize PBT (persistent bio-accumulative toxins), VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other harmful chemicals and elements, which with exposure can adversely affect the health of team members, patients and the environment. In addition, medical waste incinerators are a leading source of dangerous air pollutants. As early as 1994, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified medical waste incineration as the leading source of dioxin, a potent carcinogen (www.epa.gov). Dioxin is one of 12 chemicals targeted for elimination under a new United Nations treaty on persistent organic pollutants (www.chm.pops.int). Mercury is also a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and liver. In the U.S., up to one in 10 women already carries enough mercury in her body to pose a threat of neurological damage to her fetus (www.noharm.org). The U.S. ranks the health care sector as the fourth largest source of mercury air emissions due to their contribution via medical waste incinerators (www.noharm.org). PBDEs (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and HBCDs (hexabromocyclododecanes) are flame-retardant chemicals that are applied to a wide variety of everyday items such as upholstery, foam cushions, and electronics, which can all be found throughout health care facilities. PBDEs have been shown to have adverse effects (e.g., interfering with reproduction and development) in mammals, birds, and invertebrates at environmentally relevant exposures (McKernan, M.A., B.A. Rattner, B.K. Ackerson, M.E. Barton, K.S. Schoen, R.C. Hale, and M.A. Ottinger. 2006. Comparative toxicity of polybrominated flame retardants in avian embryos. 2006 Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Meeting). Additionally, PBDEs have been shown to produce carcinogenic, endocrine-modulating, developmental, reproductive, and neurotoxicological effects (Birnbaum, L. 2005. PBDEs: Toxicology update 2005. Baltimore, Maryland: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). PBDEs do not chemically bind to the substrates to which they are applied, and so they are easily liberated. These moderately long-lived molecules are primarily released into the atmosphere, where they can be transported globally and readily bio-accumulate in biological tissues. Recent research shows that PBDE tissue burdens are doubling in humans and animals every two to five years, with levels in human breast milk recently showing dramatic increases, especially in the United States and Canada (Birnbaum, L. 2006. Median levels of PBDE 47, 99, 153 in human milk from different countries. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Experimental Toxicology Division). Lastly, PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) plastic and DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) are used extensively within the health care industry. PVC is a plastic polymer that is used in a wide array of products. Unplasticized PVC is hard and brittle at room temperature. A plasticizer (softener) is typically added to increase the flexibility of the polymer. “PVC plastic, commonly referred to as vinyl, is one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle, at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. Our bodies are contaminated with poisonous chemicals released during the PVC lifecycle, such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats. When produced or burned, PVC plastic releases dioxins, a group of the most potent synthetic chemicals ever tested, which can cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems” (www.besafe.net).

Overall, with regard to waste, the numbers are staggering. Within the healthcare industry actual documented toxic bio-hazardous medical waste generation for our region of the world alone is approximately 6lbs/person/year, which amounts to an astounding 1,108,000 + tons per year and rapidly growing (World Health Organization www.who.int). Fortunately, the growing global concern for these problems and desperate need for action has led to the formation of several organizations and benchmarks in the industry, such as a new USGBC? (United States Green Building Council) rating system – LEED? For Healthcare (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the GGHC (Green Guide For Health Care), Practice GreenHealth, Teleosis Institute, HCWH (Health Care Without Harm), Mercury-free Health Care, and the EDA (Eco-Dentistry Association). The opportunities in the fields of medicine and dentistry are significant to improve environmental quality and human wellness through diligent green planning, design, construction and subsequent operations and maintenance practices. The practice of Eco-Friendly Dentistry?, once it is universally adopted, will prove to be an extremely important part of the solution.

Please stay posted for Part II: Eco-Friendly DentistryTM – A Newly Evolving Practice of Dentistry.

ChicagoHealers.com mission is the education and advocacy of natural medicine and a holistic lifestyle.

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Middle-class Nigerians are venturing beyond African borders for affordable and quality healthcare services in destinations such as India, where family members may benefit from excellent, quality, and affordable treatments in a multitude of medical fields, including eye care, dental care, wellness programs, alternative treatments, cancer therapies, orthopedic surgical procedures, cardiac care, and chronic illness treatments.

It has long been known that the overall healthcare system in Nigeria has suffered in recent years caused by social and economic difficulties. Millions of Nigerians are seeking more adequate medical care or health care systems to treat infants, children or adults for a multitude of illnesses and disease processes, and they’re looking outside their own borders to do so.

Medical Travel for Nigerians Points to India
Health care services are extremely limited in this poor African country, leaving millions of families burdened by staggering costs of medical or healthcare, costs that prevent many from seeking any healthcare services whatsoever. Finding adequate and quality healthcare is also extremely difficult, and substandard products in technology and healthcare services adds to the burden. Because of such, Nigerians are looking for quality and affordable healthcare elsewhere.

For many years, Nigeria has suffered from a lack of a comprehensive national health plan that meets the needs of all age groups and demographics in this central African country. Middle-class and upper income Nigerians are traveling to India to meet those needs, in everything from vaccinations to physical therapy to hip replacements and cardiac care.

Multiple global organizations visit Nigeria on a yearly basis, but it is still not enough to meet the needs of her citizens.

Whether it’s for heart surgery, eye surgeries, cosmetic procedures or orthopedics or wellness or preventive medical care, the people of Nigeria are flocking to India for treatment in state-of-the-art in high-tech facilities to receive care, treatments and procedures from highly trained experts in a variety of medical fields and specialties.

Medical tourism is growing in popularity in African countries as it is in other countries around the world, enhanced by affordable procedures, quality care and the best in high-tech equipment. Online Internet resources accessible by millions around the world offer up-to-date, reliable and well researched information regarding a multitude of medical destinations to suit most medical needs. Having such access can mean the difference between obtaining affordable and quality healthcare or living in substandard health conditions that cause many inhabitants to suffer and die from otherwise preventable disease and illness processes.

India Offers Hope
India offers quality and expert yet very affordable health care for travelers from African nations, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States. Facilities in India provide opportunities for Nigerians and other international travelers to obtain and benefit from procedures and techniques in vision care, dental and cosmetic surgeries, wellness programs as well as treatments, procedures and surgeries in orthopedics, cardiac, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Nigeria is facing a health care crisis, prompting Nigerians as well as government officials to travel to India for medical checkups, and treatments and procedures in a multitude of medical fields. Medical travel destinations such as India provide facilities located in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Gurgaon and Kottayam for Nigerians to seek treatment for chronic diseases, cancer treatments, alternative medicine, general medicine, vision or LASIK care, dental and a multitude of other medical specialties and fields.

Locations such as the Artemis Health Institute, ConfiSmile Dental Spa, Sahara Medical and Makewell Medical and more are found within Indian borders, offering traditional therapeutics as well as some of the best Indian hospitals as well as surgeons in India that provide world-class expertise, technology and facilities to meet their needs.

The number one imperative of Healthcare providers is finding ways to reduce costs. Using solid and stable technology to improve business operations is the number one priority of Healthcare Software Vendors. OmniVue (www.omnivue.net) plays a key role in helping healthcare providers achieve collaborative health.

Utilizing a fully integrated and highly extensible financial and business management solution, OmniVue provides the tools and infrastructure healthcare organizations need to transform the way information is recorded, tracked, and the method in which critical business information is accessed.

According to Jeff Pyden, Managing Partner with OmniVue, “We are committed to providing an ideal choice for integrated healthcare delivery systems that need to find a more cost-effective way to standardize and exchange financial information between their entities.  The key to lowering costs is to streamline processes, eliminate inefficiency, increase productivity, and improve decision-making.”

OmniVue has extensive experience in assisting organizations faced with the complexities of healthcare administration. OmniVue’s team of healthcare industry specialists, CPA’s, and technologists assist in getting the most from the information most needed to be highly effective.

Teamed with Microsoft, OmniVue takes a holistic approach to examining company goals from business logic, to strategy alignment, to associated regulations, and ultimately to execution.   Hospitals, clinics, labs, distributors and manufacturers in the healthcare field choose OmniVue and Microsoft Dynamics as their healthcare accounting solution.

OmniVue is the recognized leader in delivering the innovative Microsoft Dynamics products and services that enable small to mid-sized companies to efficiently run their organizations and make informed business decisions. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, OmniVue helps businesses select and implement accounting, financial and customer management software solutions to best for scalability and ease of use, with reduced risk and lower total cost of ownership.

OmniVue was built from the ground up as a services firm, focused on providing exceptional service over the lifetime of clients’ software investments.  At the core of exceptional service is the ability to understand the unique needs of clients and provide them with choices for business management solutions.

Founded in 2003, OmniVue is based in Metro Atlanta and has been the recipient of numerous awards including the 2009 Microsoft Dynamics Partner of the Year for the East Region as well as 2009 Inner Circle for Microsoft Dynamics which honors a small number of elite partners across the globe whose commitment to customers is reflected in their business performance and high level of sales achievement.

OmniVue has a uniquely proprietary and branded proposition, known as its Business Agility Audit or its Business Agiletics Assessment.   Done as a dynamic interactive conversation, OmniVue’s Agility Audit is a structured, analytical assessment that highlights its clients’ core ability to respond organically to shifting market and business dynamics.  Objective:  To reveal where constraints weaken proactive decision management; to enable synchronous decision-making nearest the points of required action – all augmented by operationally aligned, customized, and transformative software.

For operational leaders who recognize that changing core business processes can transform their company’s potential, OmniVue’s purpose is to accelerate clients’ growth comfortably and profitably by configuring software as capabilities.

OmniVue

www.omnivue.net

Milt Thomas, Director Of Marketing

mthomas@omnivue.net

770 587 0095 x 113

Healthcare Reform Debate

Thank you for the statement Senator Edward Kennedy. It is well thought out and makes some excellent points. I feel obligated to clear up some of the points made and hopefully add some real value.

There are many places that the comments show that the words medicine and healthcare are interchangeable. They are clearly not and it is not simply semantics. This is a common practice and shines a light on how conditioned we have become by the industrial complex known as medicine. A search online on the history of the monopolizing power of medicine will make anyone that cares to look, aware of how deep rooted the problems truly are.

As well meaning as Senator Kennedy may be, unfortunately the change that is vital will not come about with the same mindset that sub-conciously and perniciously pervades our brains.

Preventing disease is quite different from creating health. The term preventive medicine is an oxymoron that is accepted as normal. Medicine was never designed to create health and wellness, yet it also never allowed any other type of practitioners to focus in this area. Medical education is one spoke in the wheel of the healthcare system and has attempted to dominate the market place for over a century by assuming that the term medicine is all encompassing. There are many healthcare providers that are extremely well trained in the healing arts and science, that do not go through the traditional medical model of education. That lack of awareness of this in the statement shows that Senator Kennedy may not have a complete grasp of why the system is broken in the first place.

Early and possibly free tests are nothing new and usually are code words for someone else paying. It also usually means that the treatments options will be increases in dispensing medicine and surgeries. Using words like wellness but not understanding them become buzz terms for marketing firms yet do nothing to actually help right the ship.

Big pharma, which has destroyed any idea of Americans taking responsibility for their own outcomes, our corrupt agricultural businesses and stock price driven insurance companies are too powerful and insidious for any reform to add up to much. As we watch oil prices rise and fall, Americans are having their attention diverted as hundreds of thousands of people die because of medical mistakes every year in this country. The miracle of modern medicine brings back memories from The Wizard Of Oz with the man behind the curtain. At this point in our history it is imperative that we make it a Health Revolution.

We need to join together as health providers of all disciplines, consumers and leaders to go through the most difficult challenge we will face in our lifetimes. Empowering people to realize that they can create health largely by the decisions they make day to day. A large part of the Revolution should include a spoke of the wheel being in charge of the wellness arena that is separate and distinct from medicine yet working for the ultimate benefit of the patient.

There are several highly trained health providers that have been leading the charge to health and wellness. They consist of Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, Holistic Health Counselors, Licensed Massage Therapists, Holistic Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners  and many others. Much of this change has been driven by individuals taking responsibility and helping others by self training in many health related areas such as nutrition and energy healing to name just two.

Chiropractors that are positioning themselves as holistic healers have been leading the wellness charge for decades and have been experiencing astonishing results naturally, without drugs or surgery.

This article is not intended to have all the answers or a complete plan laid out, but it is necessary to be clear about the rhetoric that is being presented to the American people and let people know that there is a new paradigm growing every day.

I understand that this article will come up against much opposition and I look forward to continuing the conversation respectfully with any one that so chooses.

Sincerely,

Dr. Edward Beck

www.HealingPotential.com

People around the world are searching for alternatives to traditional medical care but not only for the financial reasons alone. Holistic Approach to healthcare offers a wealth of options to those who believe that true health must include a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Holistic health care encompasses a team of holistic practitioners, medical doctors, acupuncturists, nutritional coaches, aestheticians, colon therapists, massage therapists, and other practitioners of alternative treatments caring about the whole you—body, mind, and spirit.

Holistic Approach keeping the Mind, Body & Spirit in Sync

Until recent years, the holistic approach was largely misunderstood by mainstream society as nothing but a fad. Acknowledging the incompetence of traditional medicine to deal with modern stressors and other health related problems, holistic practitioners are sought out today in record numbers. Holism encompasses a variety of healing practices that cross many belief systems and centuries of wisdom from cultures around the globe.

The notable difference between the holistic approach and the more conventional methods is that conventional methods are aimed at treating symptoms with drugs and/or surgeries. While, holistic practicesfocus on finding the underlying cause of the symptoms and making life style changes that are conducive to health.

The second is that in holistic health care the patient is an active participant in his health care plan. The relationship between the patient and the health care attendant is cooperative and complimentary.  They work as a team and the patient becomes an expert in self-care. In other words, the holistic approach is the focus on overall well being of the patient.

There are thousands of holistic practitioners worldwide. If you do find one in your chosen specialty, what assurance do you have that they are experienced enough to merit your time and money? You could talk to them, ask for references from past clients or read reviews. You can find practitioners, reviews, and referrals all in one place on  HolisticGuidance.com.

While Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was out marching to protest against NHS plans to downgrade his local hospital in Chichester a few weekends ago – aptly named St. Richard’s – record numbers of Britons continue to fly abroad for medical treatment.

Last year Britons spent £60m on overseas treatments. Main reasons were lower prices, NHS waiting lists, a better choice of alternative medical treatments and cosmetic surgery clinics such as those in Marbella where many patients choose to combine procedures with a break in the sun to return home looking better on the outside and feeling better on the inside. With many increasingly concerned about the rise in hospital superbugs, more people are also choosing to recuperate overseas in a warmer climate following surgery.

Market researchers Mintel recently reported money spent by Britons going abroad for treatments will increase 150% by 2011. According to the survey a quarter of Britons would seriously consider recuperating abroad after an operation and one in eight would go overseas for surgery.

“This sector (medical tourism) is a thriving industry as a growing number of well-off baby boomers take their health needs into their own hands and pursue the elixir of eternal youth,” said Richard Cope, senior Mintel analyst.

But what happens when you fall ill abroad? One of the largest holiday resort companies on the Costa del Sol, Club La Costa, offers onsite medical care at its California Beach Resort near Mijas. Now, thanks to a new contract negotiated between the modern, high tech Xanit Hospital in Benalmadena which opened in 2006, and Club La Costa, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained medical staff are available to both CLC members and staff in Spain.

Richard Fletcher, Resort Director at Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels, said: “We’ve always made it a priority to have medical provision on site, but our new agreement with Xanit means that should any of our members need medical treatment while on holiday, not only do we have access to one of the top hospitals in southern Spain, it’s literally minutes away.”

As for alternative therapies and keep-fit, Britons seem to be increasingly looking overseas for a better deal. Last year, Britons spent about £25m on going abroad for yoga holidays, holistic healing, health farms beauty treatments and spa visits, according to the Mintel report.

Spain is one of the most visited destinations in Europe for surgery, especially for patients who want to combine medical treatment with a wellness holiday; also popular are Hungary, Turkey, Germany and Poland.

Thank you for the statement Senator Edward Kennedy. It is well thought out and makes some excellent points. I feel obligated to clear up some of the points made and hopefully add some real value.

There are many places that the comments show that the words medicine and healthcare are interchangeable. They are clearly not and it is not simply semantics. This is a common practice and shines a light on how conditioned we have become by the industrial complex known as medicine. A search online on the history of the monopolizing power of medicine will make anyone that cares to look, aware of how deep rooted the problems truly are.

As well meaning as Senator Kennedy may be, unfortunately the change that is vital will not come about with the same mindset that sub-consciously and perniciously pervades our brains.

Preventing disease is quite different from creating health. The term preventive medicine is an oxymoron that is accepted as normal. Medicine was never designed to create health and wellness, yet it also never allowed any other type of practitioners to focus in this area. Medical education is one spoke in the wheel of the healthcare system and has attempted to dominate the market place for over a century by assuming that the term medicine is all encompassing. There are many healthcare providers that are extremely well trained in the healing arts and science, that do not go through the traditional medical model of education. That lack of awareness of this in the statement shows that Senator Kennedy may not have a complete grasp of why the system is broken in the first place.

Early and possibly free tests are nothing new and usually are code words for someone else paying. It also usually means that the treatments options will be increases in dispensing medicine and surgeries. Using words like wellness but not understanding them become buzz terms for marketing firms yet do nothing to actually help right the ship.

Big pharma, which has destroyed any idea of Americans taking responsibility for their own outcomes, our corrupt agricultural businesses and stock price driven insurance companies are too powerful and insidious for any reform to add up to much. As we watch oil prices rise and fall, Americans are having their attention diverted as hundreds of thousands of people die because of medical mistakes every year in this country. The miracle of modern medicine brings back memories from The Wizard Of Oz with the man behind the curtain. At this point in our history it is imperative that we make it a Health Revolution.

We need to join together as health providers of all disciplines, consumers and leaders to go through the most difficult challenge we will face in our lifetimes. Empowering people to realize that they can create health largely by the decisions they make day to day. A large part of the Revolution should include a spoke of the wheel being in charge of the wellness arena that is separate and distinct from medicine yet working for the ultimate benefit of the patient.

There are several highly trained health providers that have been leading the charge to health and wellness. They consist of Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, Holistic Health Counselors, Licensed Massage Therapists, Holistic Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners  and many others. Much of this change has been driven by individuals taking responsibility and helping others by self training in many health related areas such as nutrition and energy healing to name just two.

Chiropractors that are positioning themselves as holistic healers have been leading the wellness charge for decades and have been experiencing astonishing results naturally, without drugs or surgery.

This article is not intended to have all the answers or a complete plan laid out, but it is necessary to be clear about the rhetoric that is being presented to the American people and let people know that there is a new paradigm growing every day.

I understand that this article will come up against much opposition and I look forward to continuing the conversation respectfully with any one that so chooses.

Sincerely,

Dr. Edward Beck

Advanced Chiropractic Center

www.HealingPotential.com

Michelle Lea began providing massage services in 1998 and has steadily grown to offer a variety of holistic wellness treatments becoming the first franchise business of its kind. Lea responded to a demand for alternative therapy among her clientele and incorporated this aspect of healing by developing what she calls a “grounded” form of non-traditional therapy.

The company has recognized the necessity of therapeutic massage as an alternate means of healthcare recommended by health professionals. “Originally I thought we were doing great with just the massage therapy but after time and allowing the customers to tell us what they were looking for, we grew into more of a health care form.  We’ve even started working with some insurance companies that recognize us as a healthcare facility,” said Lea.

Franchisees have a choice to offer acupuncture, holistic nutrition, yoga, meditation and hypnosis in addition to massage. “We work with doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists, and we see a variety of customers of all ages and backgrounds because we offer affordable alternative healthcare,” explained Lea who says the company is “making history” by working with insurance companies and health care professionals.  “Insurance companies are finally recognizing alternative therapy and we are on the front door of the insurance companies.”

Lea believes one thing that sets her company apart is the fact that she has a history herself of doing the job from folding sheets, answering phones and booking appointments.  “If I were looking to ‘buy’ into a franchise, I’d like to know that the CEO had a history of doing the job and wasn’t just someone with ideas telling franchisees what to do without having the knowledge of what’s behind it,” she said.

According to Lea, good candidates for her franchise system are those who are motivated, people-oriented and have integrity.  ”We are looking for prospects that have a strong drive to succeed and can stay focused,” said Lea. “Get the ‘instant gratification’ out of your head and know that in today’s economic times there is no room for quitters.”

The company offers “affordable and realistic” start-up costs keeping in line with its belief that in order to bring affordable healthcare to all, you must offer affordability to franchisees. Covered in the franchise fee are everything needed for start-up including initial training both at corporate headquarters and on-site, the operations manual, and legal contracts. Royalty fees cover items such as ongoing support and marketing materials.

Michelle Lea Massage Therapy is on the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Registry and benefits from SBA financial assistance programs that make the process of obtaining financing easier for franchisees. New franchisees can be up and running in as little as 45 to 90 days according to company management.

For more information visit http://www.franchisegator.com/Michelle-Lea-Massage-Therapy-franchise/

Herding the Fat Cats: A Holistic Approach to Stifling Corporate Greed—And Solving Our Tax Code and Healthcare Problems in the Process!

After a year of bailouts and a barely-breathing economy, many Americans want to know what 2010 will bring. Has corporate America really learned its lesson? Author Blaine Loomer isn’t waiting around to find out. He offers up a holistic solution to ending corruption in America’s big businesses that will also create some much-needed progress in other areas.

  Cincinnati, OH (December 2009)—When President Obama criticized the “fat cat” bankers early last week, he was echoing the sentiments citizens on both sides of the political fence feel toward Corporate America. No wonder. As we look back over the past 12 months, it’s hard not to be disgusted by The Year of the Bailout. The spectacle of be-suited executives begging for government handouts is truly sickening to the Average Joes and Janes who struggle to pay their bills with their own meager, recession-choked finances. What’s worse is that most of us suspect no lessons were learned—Corporate America’s lousy decision-making isn’t likely to end any time soon.

That’s why Blaine Loomer calls BS on the whole system.

“Just consider the worst of the worst of Corporate America for 2009: AIG,” says Loomer, author of the new book Corporate Bullsh*t: A Survival Guide (Mitchell Publishers Inc., 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9842016-0-0, $29.50). “Its executives spent almost half a million dollars on a fancy retreat after receiving $85 billion in bailout money. That’s so outrageous it’s almost comical.

“The government bailed AIG out to try and protect the economy, but it didn’t address the problems that put AIG in that position in the first place,” he adds. “Too often, the government or some other entity swoops in to clean up the messes corporate fat cats in various industries have made, but nothing is done to prevent these disasters from happening in the first place.”

Despite 2009’s rock-bottom low points, reforming Corporate America is possible, says Loomer. He suggests that our nation take a holistic approach to dealing with the corruption, greed, and poor decision-making that plague many of our companies and industries.

As his book title suggests, Loomer is accustomed to advising people on how to navigate corporate bullsh*t on a personal level. (The book offers solutions to problems ranging from lack of corporate accountability to toxic colleagues to securing promotions and raises.) However, he is also plenty comfortable taking a macroscopic view of the BS.

Below, he offers up a four-part example of how a holistic problem-solving approach can help keep Corporate America in check while also addressing some of the nation’s other pertinent issues—namely, our overly complicated tax system and healthcare reform. 

The Problem Part One: Publicly trading corporations are allowed to run amok.

The Solution: “The SEC needs to have more enforcement capability,” says Loomer. “The real problem here is not the current legislation, although it does need to be updated. The real problem is that the proper resources aren’t in place to enforce the existing laws.” 

In his book, Loomer proposes that the U.S. staff up the SEC with auditors to be embedded in all public companies. These auditors will attend board meetings and audit company activities as well as investment instruments to make sure these companies are being good corporate citizens. SEC agents will be there to protect the interests of the shareholders, other investors, and employees in an effort to “prevent” greed-driven executives from shooting their own companies in the foot.

 “I would also like to see an SEC review board that would analyze new investment instruments for the risk of catastrophic losses,” says Loomer. “Investing is a zero sum game, and if someone is making 500 percent returns, someone else is taking 500 percent losses.” 

The Problem Part Two: New SEC staff will require money that isn’t available.

The Solution: “You’re probably thinking, This guy’s crazy. Staffing up the SEC for this task will require thousands of people,” says Loomer. “And you’d be right. But remember, we are approaching all of this with a holistic view. That said, let’s talk for a minute about a flat tax—an option that frequently comes up for debate.” 

One concern opponents of a flat tax often bring up is that it will cause a loss of jobs in the IRS and in accounting firms. The last thing anyone wants to do these days is eliminate jobs, but Loomer points out that we have an opportunity here to not only staff up the SEC to enforce greater corporate accountability but to also minimize the cost of managing the tax system. 

“Basically, the funds saved through the simplified tax system would be moved over to the SEC where they could be better utilized,” he explains. “The IRS employees, who already have the skill set to monitor financial instruments, should be able to make the transition to the SEC with minimal training.” 

The Problem Part Three: Independent accounting firms will suffer.

The Solution: To talk about what fate would befall the accounting firms in Loomer’s plan, let’s bring in a seemingly unrelated topic: health care reform and the possibility of a public option. Everyone is worried about government health care costs spinning out of control, right? By taking a holistic approach to these problems, the tax accountants displaced by a simplified tax system could go to work in the health care arena. 

“After all, who better to monitor the health care system than a group of auditors and accountants?” asks Loomer. “These accounting firms could work on a contract basis to monitor some or all of the health care system.” 

The Problem Part Four: Health insurance employees will lose their jobs.

The Solution: Just put these people to work administering the new health care system. 

“My answer is: Why does the government want to take on another huge cost center to administer health care when skilled people are already in place?” asks Loomer. “We could contract with the insurance companies for the administrative services that will be necessary when health care is reformed.” 

The best part of Loomer’s vision? It could conceivably allow America to solve several of the nation’s most tricky challenges without incurring extra costs or raising taxes.

“This is certainly a bold plan, and I realize that putting it into action will take more than a simple snap of the fingers,” admits Loomer. “But it seems that this kind of holistic approach is much better than trying to solve these problems one at a time, as if they weren’t all interconnected. Remember, we are all paying for the system we have now—the one that has allowed corporate greed and government ineptness to drive our economy into a recession—and we will be paying for the system we have in the future. We might as well make it a better one.”

# # #

About the Author: 

Blaine Loomer’s expertise in the corporate world evolves from over 20 years of experience in corporate management and sales. He has consulted with thousands of companies over the years, from enterprising individuals of mom and pop shops to executive officers of some of the largest corporations in America. As a corporate sales expert, he has hired, educated, and managed sales teams across North America. Over the years Blaine has logged millions of miles and fostered business relationships with thousands of people from all walks of life, both domestic and international. Through his travels and experiences, he has gathered a wealth of knowledge. After 20 years he has decided to put down the suitcase and share what he has learned with you in an effort to help you succeed in the pursuit of your career.

 About the Book: 

Corporate Bullshit: A Survival Guide (Mitchell Publishers Inc., 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9842016-0-0, $29.50) is available at bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers. 

For more information, please visit www.corporatebsguide.com.

They baffled the average patient with Latin names for body parts and 8 syllable named medicines and lulled us into security with their warm smile and words reassuring us that “if you take these antibiotics for the next 7 days, it will clear right up”. In the last few decades, their absolute knowledge began to be questioned as their medicines stopped bringing the desired effect where alternative methods did. There is definitely a place for modern medicine in our society as there are life saving medications and procedures without which we would suffer.

You don’t have to be unhealthy to consider trying out natural healthcare options, use it to enhance your knowledge, help others (children present and future, friends and family) and heal your self in the future.

There have been many successes in using alternative, complementary and natural healthcare options to promote health and in some cases, a change in diet has brought people back from the edge. A couple who had been trying for children for 10 years with no success decided to both fast for 10 days. They successfully conceived a month later. People who have been told that they have months to live after a diagnosis of cancer have lived near normal lives for 20 years after the diagnosis simply by following a diet and lifestyle which specifically catered for their condition.

The practices of homeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy and the work of chiropractors are testament to this, as at one time in the not so distant past, these curative and preventative methods of health care were shunned by orthodox medicine and branded unsubstantiated methodologies which were no match for so called modern medicine. Some even bracketed them in to the niche of spooky witchcraft. The persistence of these complementary therapies and their practitioners, has now lead to all of the above being used by orthodox health practices, recognised as effect by national health services and accepted as effective treatment options by the world health organisation.

The beauty of complementary, alternative and natural healthcare options is that they are natural and mostly WHOLISTIC (holistic), working to balance the whole being, mind, body and spirit. There are also less side effects when used correctly. Try a herbal tea, a spiritually calming gemstone or even an aromatherapy massage and reap the benefits of a new natural world.