Alternative Health in

It seems that alternative health awareness and interest by popular culture comes and goes like most other fads in our culture. Our society is so influenced by media/celebrity attention to the focus of the day that the majority of popular awareness changes constantly. Since most people rely on mass media as their source of information, and often inspiration, they run the risk of being spoon-fed bits and pieces of information that follow the purpose of the presenter. Mass media has it's own interests to promote so accepting it's message without further research or validation can deny the receiver of fully benefiting from it. For example, commercials for the major brands of yogurt promote the fact that their brand is "good for you" because it has pro-biotics with low fat and calories. The fact is however virtually anything beneficial the yogurt has is either destroyed through industrial processing and pasteurizing or is combined with high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, preservatives and gelatin to create a "marketable" product...after-all, Americans want something that tastes good. When demand is shaped by the interests of industrialized food producers, the FDA, AMA and pharmaceutical companies, we are left with dead food devoid of energy and nutrients that our bodies need, a few vitamins that do not threaten a dependence on pharmaceuticals, and buzz words like "natural", "wholesome" and even "healthy". Food producers use these words on product packaging to attract unsuspecting health-conscious consumers when the reality couldn't be farther from the perception they create. Fortunately the Internet is gradually increasing as the source of information for American culture. Consequently consumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips allowing them to search for the truth when it comes to alternative health options available to them. Now the challenge becomes sorting through the sometimes overwhelming amount of information out there to find what can begin making a difference in their lives. This is where those who have long since made alternative health a part of their lifestyle can help. There are plenty of people out there who have already done the research; they have networks of friends and associates who share their knowledge and interest and have realized the benefits many times over. I started this meetup group with that purpose in mind. I hope that the group will evolve to be an exchange of knowledge that benefits everyone involved. No matter what your experience level, there is always more to learn, so let us begin.

At the beginning of the article I said that popular culture's awareness of alternative health topics come and go like fads. I should expound on this by saying that there is a difference between, focusing on a healthy lifestyle today but then dropping it like a new years resolution tomorrow, and changing your focus among different aspects of a healthy lifestyle. I often focus more or less on a given aspect of my healthy lifestyle at any given time. I will focus on physical fitness for awhile, then change to yoga for another time. I will find something new that captures my interest and explore that. All the while however I maintain the basics of balanced diet, physical activity, vitamins/supplements and a Neti pot.

What is the routine of your healthy lifestyle and what are you currently exploring?