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The following letter is originally intended for, Bill Maher, a political comedian who doesn’t flinch when it comes to the mudslinging in our US legislative practices.
Kosher or not, Bill tells it like it is, unafraid to speak out about our inconsistencies in our government, literally cleaning “House” attempting to keep the management of our great nation… well, more manageable.
A satirical newspaper, entitled Naturally the News, was also created by in-house Helfgott Blog writers, taking the obvious and adding a bit of sass and humor to the current state of health care.
And to get our message into the mind of a gutsy go-getter, Lou’s letter and Naturally the News will be presented to Mr. Maher himself on July 12, 2008 at the Arlene Schnitzer Hall in Portland, Oregon, where Bill plans to take to the stage for his comedy tour.
We’d like you to peruse Naturally the News as well (just click the blue rabbit above to open). This red-top is worth a read, best remedy for a depressed system any day! And most of all: enjoy, we certainly did. Prepare to laugh, cry, and beg for more… the Helfgott Blog crew is at it again, making health happen, employing every strategy to get the word out, the work done, and a revolutionized health care system underway.
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Mr. Bill Maher,
You may be wondering, “What do these people want from me?” Don’t worry. We are not looking to be writers on your show. You talk about America’s lack of exercise and nutritious diet, excess use of pharmaceutical drugs, and effects of living in a polluted environment on your show. We wanted to let you know, in case you are not aware, there is a medical profession, Naturopathy, who agrees with you. When the subject comes up on your show we would like to be added to the discussion. Why Bill Maher? Because you have the balls to say it.
Naturopathic medicine is based upon the healing power of nature. Rather than suppress symptoms with drugs, naturopathic physicians find the cause and support the body by giving it what it needs to heal itself. We use sustainable affordable modalities such as nutrition (diet), exercise, drinking water, botanical medicine (Sorry Bill, we can’t write you a script for marijuana), hydrotherapy, vertebral manipulations, homeopathy, and the list goes on. Naturopathic physicians work with the sick, but also work with the healthy to keep them healthy, in other words, PREVENTION of illness. Naturopathy is a much more cost effective approach to health care.
The current approach to health care is failing and the current attempts at a universal health care plan will not come close to saving it. If the government directly funds “for profit” insurance companies, and creating health is not in their best interest, then this funding format is not going to change our faltering health. Drugs, don’t worry, I’m not talking about pot, are not helping the problem but propelling it. Prevention of disease through healthy diet and exercise will, which is why people need to know Naturopathic medicine is an option.
Naturopathy is nothing new. It has been around for hundreds of years. The advent of antibiotics and the pharmaceutical industry overshadowed natural medicine. Drugs took over the scene in the mid 20th century because they took away all responsibility. People could do whatever they wanted and the magic pill would make it all better.
People are slowly realizing the magic pill is not the cure all it was originally thought to be. Health problems are not getting better with drugs. Slowly, people are shifting back to the philosophy of natural medicine. 
Diet, exercise, and the quality of the environment impact health. Taking poison pills for eating poison, drinking poison, and breathing poison will not make poison related diseases go away.
This is not to say naturopathic medicine should be used in all instances and allopathic medicine should be banned. Allopathic medicine is definitely the approach of choice in certain situations, but it is not the first approach for all health issues, especially those chronic and slowly evolving forms. Also, naturopathy is not for everyone. Not everyone wants to change their diet for the better and exercise.
Additionally, not all naturopaths are created equal. Taking a correspondence course online and calling yourself a naturopath is not the same as going to an accredited institution. This is like buying hooked on phonics and calling yourself president. Knowing where your naturopathic doctor received their training should be part of the selection criteria. For the record, I am a naturopathic student in a four year accredited institution.
Like you, I love this country. I think it was great and can be great again, but it will take work. Please include naturopathic medicine in your discussions. Let the people who agree with you know they have an option in their approach to their health.
Lou Walters
