Editors Note

One of the most important things to happen in my local community recently has been the elections, and the re-election of our female Greens mayor Jan Barham, along with her team. Her reinstatement is a clear indication of what values people respect and require in these times, and is another example (as with the Federal election) of the power of the people. And the immediate result is that everyone has a renewed motivation to be actively involved in creating our community and moving forward positively. It is just so gratifying to be part of a community that is prepared to take responsibility for themselves and each other.
Over the past 3 months I have also really seen the evidence of an increase in the number of events that are being conducted to continue to inform and educate people about all the various aspects of natural therapies. Some of these have included the Iridology Conference, the Homeopathic Conference, the Yoga Expo, the Natural Therapies Expo, the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association Conference. And it is so good to see these events so well attended – a reflection of the interest and increase in natural therapies in Australia – please read our article from a recent ABS report Australian Social Trends 2008 on p. 58 and check out what is on offer at some of the best natural therapy colleges in Australia. In my opinion, we lead the world in the diversity of courses available in such a relatively small country.
Two of the lead articles at the front of this issue, are important reading as well. The first, ‘from Doctor to patient’ is an excerpt from a book (see p. 8) and story of how a medical student’s life radically changes when he finds out he has a brain tumour. I am getting more of the sorts of book across my desk these days, and they really are terrific reading – not least because they are true stories. ‘Promotion Overdose’ (p. 10) is a summary of a survey of GPs conducted by CHOICE to find out how often they are being marketed too by pharmaceutical sales representatives, and how this might influence their decisions on what they prescribe. Also very good food for thought…
I have a story to share with you – a true story, about my own health – as it happens. I have had a skin condition for a few years now, that has appeared under my left breast only. It appears as a rash, and gets very itchy on occasion. And having to wear underwire bras doesn’t help the condition, as well as it being an area where sweat collects. So I have tried the usual fungal creams, natural remedies – and even used a cortisone ointment – for a very short time. And whilst some of these treatments have helped to alleviate the condition, they have not been able to get rid of it. With respect to what is causing it, one doctor said he thought I might have an allergy to nickel in the underwire. Perhaps, but then why does it appear only under one breast (interestingly on the heart-side)…I couldn’t quite buy into that one. Then recently, I got to thinking – really thinking, about what I thought might get rid of it, and I came up with Calamine lotion – you know, that we used to use on measles. And guess what, it has cleared it up. The moral of the story – try to tune in to what you think will work for you.

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