One of the largest gaps in health care between two professionals trying to help the same sick person heal is the one that exists between the physician/clinician and the chaplain/member of the clergy. The gap does not usually result from animosity, but simply neglect of serious communication and integration with one another. This faith–health care […]

There are many instances of successful merges between faith-based care and health care which reveal a substantial pool of best practices for confronting the challenging work of bridging the gap. The following are some of the challenges in creating faith-health collaborations, and how best to address those challenges. Definitions and Terminology One of the major […]

Each person has inherent healing capacity. Through small changes in your daily life, you can increase your body’s ability to heal. You also may foster that same healing capacity in your own community, school and workplace. With the changes you make today, you can create an environment in your life, at home, at work and […]

Cancer is a complex illness that sets off multiple reactions and changes in the mind, body, and spirit. While the initial diagnosis requires conventional methods of treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, many patients seek out complementary and self-care methods to supplement their treatment. Here are a few complementary and lifestyle approaches which can […]

Jenny Leyh is a mother, freelance writer, cancer survivor and integrative health advocate living in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Hearing the words “you have cancer” was devastating. It was a life-altering diagnosis that caused time to stand still. But once a plan was established and the treatment began, the fear and unknowns morphed into empowerment. […]

I’ve come to recognize the look of skepticism from new patients. Should they trust me? Will I listen? Will I be a partner to them? I don’t take it personally. I’ve been a patient, too, and unfortunately, understand the situation all too well. You wait for what feels like an eternity for an appointment. Then […]

It is no secret that medicine needs to be reimagined. For one, only about 15 to 20 percent of health-related outcomes are because of medical interventions. The rest are related to health behaviors such as diet, physical activity, smoking status, as well as the physical, social, and economic environment affecting a person’s ability to make […]

Our healthcare system is in flux. As we live longer and embrace changes in lifestyle and environment, we are also being overwhelmed by an increase in chronic disease diagnoses, and the expensive treatments that come with them. To keep up with these changes the fundamental approach of our healthcare system is beginning to move toward […]

This article concludes the Five P series—protect, promote, permit, partner and payment—which serves as a guideline for patients seeking to find an integrative physician or health team. To this point, we’ve explored the characteristics of a good integrative doctor, one who protects their patients, promotes proven therapies, permits the inclusion of alternative treatments, and is […]

You know your body better than anyone. Whether managing a medical diagnosis or seeking to improve (or maintain) your current health, your role as the patient should carry at least equal weight to that of your doctor’s. Especially considering the large gaps that can exist between doctor’s visits, it is ultimately your responsibility to monitor […]