Welcome to the Spring 2008 issue of Pathways'
quarterly e-newsletter, WellNEWS! |
Letter from the Executive Director
Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc
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Care For Our Returning Vets:
Celebrate Memorial Day with Your Gift
In May, at month's end we celebrate a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Pathways is honoring the fallen by reaching out to all veterans-those who have recently returned from Iraq as well as veterans of the Vietnam War-and offering acupuncture treatments for free.
We all know that our veterans deserve to receive the care they need to overcome the stress, anxiety and other problems related to their military service. But, sadly, that care is not always available to them.
At Pathways our mission is to provide high quality holistic care to all those in need. For nearly 20 years our AIDS Care Project has provided acupuncture treatments to people with HIV/AIDS. And now, our Veterans Community Acupuncture Project (VCAP) will ensure that vets also have access to care.
We need to raise $20,000 to fully implement this program over the next few months. Can you give $50 or more to help us bring the healing power of acupuncture to our veterans? Click here to donate now
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Research News
by Beth Sommers, MPH, LAc
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Pathways is in its 2nd year of a three-year federally-funded research study on using acupuncture and relaxation to manage digestive side-effects and improve adherence related to HIV-medications. Working with Dr. Bei Chang of Boston University School of Public Health, we are continuing a process of examining how acupuncture and relaxation complement each other to result in boosted favorable effects.
In this randomized clinical trial, participants spend eight weeks receiving specific combinations of acupuncture- related and relaxation interventions. In previous studies, we've seen that effective treatment can result in decreased levels of conditions such as nausea, vomiting, bowel upsets, bloating, and indigestion.
For more information about the study, please call Research Associates Lauren Hansen or Helen Lim at (617) 859-3036 ext. 25.
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Ask the Acupuncturists
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Q. Ever since I was a child, I looked ahead to spring with a mix of joy-anticipating the burst of colorful flowers and their fabulous aromas-and dread-the sneezing, the red itchy eyes, and the runny nose. I have tried numerous medications, over-the-counter and prescription, but even when they provide temporary relief, I then have to deal with their side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia. Can acupuncture address the symptoms of my allergies without causing such unpleasant side effects?
A. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies affect more than 50 million Americans. Each year, the AAFA compares U.S. cities based on key environmental and medical factors in each metro area, and Boston is usually ranked high on the list. For many, the symptoms can be so uncomfortable that they interfere with job performance and one's ability to enjoy leisure time, sports activities, and vacations. Click to continue . . .
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Saluting the Spirit: 108 Sun Salutations Returns in November!
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 Save the Date!
Saluting the Spirit 2008
108 Sun Salutations
Sunday, November 16
The Sports Club/LA in downtown Boston
Don't miss this amazing yoga fundraising event that
benefits both Pathways and yogaHOPE!
Register online now at www.firstgiving.com/salutingthespirit
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| Pathways Recognized as National Leader in Integrative Care |
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a branch of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, has included Pathways' AIDS Care Project on their Innovations Exchange web site. This new web resource, available at www.innovations.ahrq.gov, was created to allow users to learn, share, and adopt innovations in the delivery of health services.
Launched with 100 examples of innovations in the delivery of health care services from around the country, the web site serves as a tool for health care leaders, physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who seek to reduce health care disparities and improve health care overall.
AHRQ is involved in all aspects of quality assessment and ensuring ongoing improvement in health care quality. Branching out into evaluating integrative care is a welcome sign of federal openness to change. It is an honor for Pathways to receive such a tribute from a federal agency, and we look forward to continuing to setting the pace for innovation in all our work.
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| Staff News |
 Pathways' 2008 Boston Marathon fundraiser -
a fund-running success!
Pathways' Director of Operations, Angela Caggianelli, and Dr. Jack Maypole, Director of Pediatrics at the South End Community Health Center, teamed up in January to begin training for their first marathon run. Four months, countless miles of lunchtime training and gallons of sweat later, they stood together in Hopkinton at the starting line of the Boston Marathon.
Jack and Angela ran the 26.2 miles together as a true team, averaging an 11-minute mile and crossing the finish line in 4 hours, 50 minutes and 54/55 seconds respectively--and, they raised more than $8,000 for Pathways! Congratulations Angela and Jack!
Click here for Angela's memories of Marathon Monday
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Kudos to Beth Sommers and Richard Mandell!
At the recent Veterans Benefits Clearinghouse Appreciation Brunch, Beth Sommers, Research Director, and Richard Mandell, Clinical Director, were awarded certificates of recognition by the Mayor’s office. Beth and Richard were acknowledged for their contributions to veterans and dedication to education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Nancy Norman, Boston Public Health Commission Medical Director, presented the awards.
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Lauren recently passed the California Acupuncture Board examination, which is recognized to be one of the most difficult in the country. She also became engaged! We hope that her fiancé will continue to be rooted in the Boston area so we can have the benefit of her skill and compassion in our study efforts.
Best wishes Lauren!
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| Pathways Now Accepts the Boston Community Change Card |
The Boston Community Change Card is a new customer rewards card (not a credit card) sponsored by the City of Boston's Main Streets program. When you shop at participating businesses with your Boston Community Change Card, a portion of each transaction is returned to you as a cash rebate and a portion is directed to a local non-profit of your choice.
Order your Boston Community Change Card and select Pathways to Wellness as your beneficiary. You'll earn cash rebates and support Pathways with each transaction!
And, when you present your card at Pathways to Wellness you'll earn a 25% rebate on fees of $70 or more.
Click to order your FREE card today!
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Acupressure Point
of the Season\
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Stomach 36
By Edie Snow, ABT
This season's acupressure point is Stomach 36, also called Leg Three Mile, and is used as a point to help people recover energy and maintain stamina after lots of walking or running.
It's a major point with many uses.
It can help dispel cold and strengthen the body, expel wind and damp, and improve digestion and immunity.
Click to continue . . .
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Your gift helps
us to provide
free and
low-cost treatments
for people with
HIV/AIDS
and for
others in need
Please Donate Today
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15% Discount for .Referrals!
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We greatly appreciate our satisfied clients' making referrals to friends and family and, as a nonprofit, we depend upon it.
As thanks,
we offer
a 15% discount voucher
for each referral you make to Pathways.
This voucher is valid with all other discounts.
For more information, call us at 617-859-3036, ext 0
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Community Acupuncture |
Experience the healing energy of a group acupuncture session!
Sliding scale
$20-$35 per treatment
All are welcome
Find out more!
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The Season's
Recipe for Wellness -
Greens with
Potatoes & Tempeh
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By Julia Herskowitz, LAc
Here's a super easy recipe for early spring - I made it with collards and some delicious French fingerling potatoes, but you can substitute spinach or other greens for the collards and any new potato or firm vegetable that can diced for the fingerlings. The amounts are totally adjustable.
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Now, you can support Pathways when you shop online
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