The Association of Integrative Medicine of PEI will host a panel discussion on Saturday, February 17th, 2001, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Holland college Lecture Theatre on Kent Street. This panel discussion is the first in AIM's Integrated Health series to coincide with monthly promotions by health organizations, the first one being heart month. AIM will provide a forum for Islanders to receive information and ask questions about the many choices available in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Sponsors for this event include the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Eastern Cooperative Health Organization, Novarits, Ciba, and the Root Cellar. This series is modeled from a program that was initiated out of Oxford University in Britain and has been successfully running for fifteen years. Panelists represent both mainstream and nontraditional medicine in a sharing, learning environment. Feature panelists in the first session, "You Health Heart," are Kali Simmonds, ND; Douglas Carmody, MD; Peter Ford, Pharmacist; Alvin Curley, Counselor; Susan McConnel, Health Promotion; and heart patient and former Premier of Prince Edward Island, Keith Milligan. Kali Simmonds, local naturopathic doctor, says that many people don't know that magnesium is considered a natural calcium channel blocker and is useful in lowering blood pressure. Peter Ford will explain how some drugs deplete you of certain nutrients such as B vitamins, Coenzyme, and Q-10. Dr. Carmody will share his experience in mainstream medicine as well as behavioral medicine treatments. Stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease – Alvin Curley will share his insights into reducing stress toward a healthy heart. Keith Milligan, former Premier of PEI and a heart patient of Dr. Carmody, will share his experience of his heart condition and how his lifestyle change (quitting smoking, exercising, getting rid of the stress in his life) has him living with a healthy heart today. Susan McConnell will share information on making healthy lifestyle changes. There will be a brief presentation by each panelist with time for a lengthy question and answer period.
AIM's vision is to celebrate healing wisdom with compassion and humility and to respect the integration of knowledge and encourage choice. The Association sees these forums as a means to enhance the aptitude of the public in regards to self responsibility, a recommendation that studies have revealed will reduce health care costs.
AIM invites anyone interested to participate in the panel discussions to be held on February 17th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Holland College Lecture Theatre on Kent Street in Charlottetown. For further information, please call the Heath Information Resource Centre 1-800-241-6970.