We’ve completed another year of the Helfgott Blog and, to be perfectly honest with our readership, man, 2009 was a doozy.
Economically speaking? We all know the answer to that one. The ‘crash and burn effect’ rippled to far-reaching nooks on our fair globe, and I’m not talking just dollars and sense, rather I think the aftermath left us all a little rattled in one way or another, a small misplaced remainder stuck in the central cog of normalcy… in ways that could never really fit into a well described box. Worldly politics are at an all time high, and domestic affairs resemble a tattered old quilt; its patchwork fuzzy and worn thin. And not to beat to loudly upon the two dirty words of the airwaves too much, but ‘health care’ is worth discussing at least in passing because this is a blog dedicated to exploring health and medicine.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve watched ‘health care”s evolution. I’m prone to say that its current dilemma is more akin to the skin behind the Emperor’s New Clothes. The glaring and obvious is now known more widely than to just those intimately involved with sustainable and compassionate health care. And, in that same vein, as far as NCNM and Helfgott are concerned, the tides have turned in favor of their more common-sense approaches to creating health, namely through diet and nutrition, rest and exercise, as well as helping others to unearth hidden passions… all the while keeping everything in a state of balance.
Helfgott’s research projects keep the CAM and NCCAM worlds on their toes as it’s researchers and staff push past the boundaries of status quo, laying foundations for scientific fellows to follow. NCNM students participate in the research process, so they not only know what’s outside the academic and clinic setting, but they develop multi-disciplinary skill sets, capable of integrating medicine before they graduate out into the real world. And, I continue to be humbled by NCNM’s faculty who instill time-honored lessons into the brains and hearts of the eager students; both camps are rather humble beings who wish to walk the walk of medicine and to create a healing path for others to follow. It’s downright beautiful, and I am honored to sit at the electronic helm tooting a horn for NCNM and Helfgott, and for its perseverance and on a job well done.
Who would have thought that a mere 3 years ago, our electronic cry into Internet-landia would help to produce such fruitful abundance? This simple yet useful tool called the internet deserves a round of applause, too, for IT enables our collective community of healers and teachers to resound to new heights through thoughtful dialogue and to connect collaborators with other community-minded organizations. In essence, despite the whirlwind of 2009’s dissonance, the Helfgott Blog has weathered the storm and continues to exponentially touch the hearts of Portland and beyond.
… Which brings us to our final point: we couldn’t do this without you all, our beloved readership. 2009 felt somewhat soupy at times, and some people still seem hell-bent on stewing it in it. Yet, rest assured that the best has yet to come for the Helfgott Blog; the dream lives on and will continue to wiggle a little wobble into the dogged and dumbly conventional.
Thanks for believing, thanks for examining the evidence behind all forms of medicine, and most of all, thanks for putting the positive vibe back into the minds of those around you. Here’s to building a better, brighter (fabulously magnificent) new future!
A few fun facts for you to help digest your holiday feasting:
Well, not to be a Captain Obvious about it, but, ahem!, ‘Change’ is what the collective voice from the United States voted for in 2008, and (as I stand atop my little wooden soap box), I think it’s about time that we embraced our mantra of change and use it to advantage for the good of our globe and all its inhabitants. Be a little leader in your neck of the woods! A quick and re-directive way to begin solving the root of our health care situation: think and act local, or, if you’re brazen enough, try to solve the mysteries of what makes you tick in time with your heart’s desire.
Our readership extends across the globe including such rich areas of Israel, Atlanta, Georgia, and would you believe it—Iceland. Yep. Perhaps some elves are up to some magic on our behalf.
The number of webposts sits ripely at the budding stage of 134.
The Community Connections has increased from one dedicated page to a whopping seven community-orienting pages! Thanks for all the feedback and hand holding.
Our authors have continued to test the waters of the health care arena and have helped to spawn great awareness projects like the Spider Plant Campaign, Operation Oprah: Project 61, and the HeART of Healing!
Let us know what’s important to you, send a shout-out to your grandmother, or write your own article that contains a health-related story and we’ll amplify your message. We’re just a click away!