Quality of Care - Quality of Products: I have always taught the principle of quality in equates with quality out. There have been numerous times patients have come to my office for my recommendations then leave without buying any of the supplements, herbs, etc. that I have recommended. Later, upon follow up evaluations I have seen and heard patients say that they bought all the nutrients I recommended at some vitamin shop or website and have not seen the desired changes in their symptoms. So what is the problem? I'm well aware of companies that sell buy one - get 2 or 3 free, or 50-70% off "specials" as normal promotional marketing plans to attract you to continue your supplement protocol at a lower cost. Please beware! If I recommend a particular regimen that I formulated to examine for a particular response, I expect to see that response or have to ask myself the question "What I am missing from your health picture." When different quality supplements are purchased, I'm back at square one asking if the symptom continuation is due to poor product quality or if I need to look for a new reason to explain the symptom cause. Product quality has also been a long standing issue in the supplement industry. The problem with supplement and herbal quality has been recognized by everyone from the FDA and pharmaceutical industry to practitioners like myself. With a history of articles as found in magazines like Newsweek that discuss and expose quality concerns with companies like GNC and Douglas Labs, along with the fears found in a global "answer" to the problem as with Codex Alimentarius, you must become informed. So here is a simple first step - www.consumerlabs.com. I have told you that your body is composed of water, protein, fat, carbohydrates and nutrients. Unfortunately, every molecule you consume or absorb through some body orifice must be broken down and either become supportive or a burden to your body. We are bio-accumulators! Your body has and continues to store multiple chemicals and environmental toxins as proven within the article found in October 2006 National Geographic magazine. So why would you want to take supplements that possibly add to your toxin load or don't actually have enough nutrients in them to accomplish what you are taking them for? Consumer Labs, as found at the above website, is a subscription service that evaluates the quality of nutritional and herbal products from both quality and propaganda nutritional retailers. I encourage you to invest in a subscription and evaluate what you are taking to protect yourself. We all want a good deal, but is a product with 20% of what it should contain at 60% off a deal? I know what I sell and have done my homework. I know it isn't always seemingly affordable to add a particular product to a budget, but at times the costs of a product is justified by the expected results and long term savings and health benefits. You are worth it!!! So please consider your health with the understanding that you are a product of your personal environment. Support your cellular environment with nutrients specific to your needs at the guaranteed levels that you need them. I understand the potentially devastating effects of the economy to your health through both food quality and supplement choices being made. I continually look for quality products at the best price available and promise to continue to do so. Additionally if you find any brand product that I sell either advertised on the Internet or in newsprint, bring me a copy of the advertised price and I will match it! Don't let the economy affect your personal health - the long term consequences of your choices today may not be worth the short term financial savings. We will get through this together, and I will continue to offer specials as I can. Lordy Lordy Look Who's Forty! I want to personally thank those of you who know me well enough to recognize my recent birthday, make me a cake, send cards, and even replace my fanny pack after hearing mine flew off during a roller coaster ride at Hershey Park. Yes, on June 27th I turned the big 40. However, let's look at what that means on my end. Personally, I feel great. In spite of working 50 hours per week, helping run and raise a household of 5 children along with being involved with all the associated events, volunteering in Royal Rangers (www.RoyalRangers.ag.org), and trying to play softball on the weekends, I can't say there is much more I could ask for outside of being materialistic or selfishly wishing for more personal time. In addition, I have a seemingly sound mind and partially fit but healthy body. Most importantly, I have the love of God, my wife, children, and those of you that have shared your life's joy and heart aches with me. I am blessed! Thank you again to those of you who remembered me as I reached this age milestone. Change in Business Hours: Recently our office has made some more structural changes as we work towards a long term growth goal. The change that most affects you as a patron is our office business hours on Tuesday's and Friday's. We have reduced Tuesday hours to 2pm - 7pm and Friday hours to 12pm - 4pm. Additionally, we have eliminated my availability during Tuesday and Friday business hours to allow me to focus on business matters and the future of Pittsburgh Alternative Health, Inc. This change has already allowed us to identify a potential building for purchase, which would allow for increased services (ex. Colon Hydrotherapy) and product store expansion and availability. This time change has not affected your ability to order or pick up products, or schedule for in office services such as Far Infrared Sauna, Ionic Foot Baths, etc... Thank you for your understanding and support through our changing times. Click here for complete hours and appointment information. House Bill 1998. What's Up??? A quick note to inform you that HB 1998 is still in the Professional Licensure Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill has found favor with the state Chiropractic Association and even with the Osteopathic community, however the state Medical Association and Family Practice Association has vowed to reject its proposal at all lengths. This expressed rejection does not mean it will not be passed. Currently both the majority and minority leader of the Professional Licensure Committee has shown favor with the Bill, which could be passed before the end of summer. If the Bill passes through the Professional Licensure Committee it should be approved within the House of Representatives and then need to be entered into the state Senate, which already has senators promising to enter the Bill if passed in the House. Keep praying and calling your House Representative to let them know where you stand. Let's pass House Bill 1998!!! Additionally, any financial gifts of support to the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians (www.PANP.org) is still much appreciated and needed to support this licensure effort. Thank you! Free Far-Infrared Sauna Therapy: Because I personally have experienced and believe in the benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy, I want you to know what you are missing. I have written in the past about why we work in association Saunas.com to offer you the highest quality Far Infrared Saunas in the U.S. at 15% below the suggested retail price with no shipping fees. I have told many about my personal routine and meditation time in our sauna to support detoxification, positive body composition changes, along with physical and mental health benefits. I now want you to experience how this can have the same positive impact on your life … FOR FREE! From the time you receive this newsletter until August 30th, I will give you a one time FREE 30 minute Far-Infrared Sauna Treatment with any $10 product purchase and the mention of this newsletter special. So, pack up your towels and prepare yourself for a rejuvenating FREE spa experience. Click here to learn more about Far Infrared Sauna Therapy. © 2008 Pittsburgh Alternative Health, Inc.