Bastyr University – Community Outreach

Bastyr is on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:03:00 +0000

For recent updates about Bastyr University, please check out our Facebook page.

Discover "Food for a Better Mood" at Bastyr Center, Nov. 13

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:34:00 +0000

For many, the holiday season is a time of good food, festive decorations – and mood-zapping stress. Shorter and colder days, holiday crowds, family gatherings, and a tendency to overindulge can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and irritation, low-energy levels, and cravings. If you’re approaching the holidays with as much trepidation as anticipation, join us Nov. 13 at Bastyr Center for Natural Health for a "Food and Mood" lecture and workshop exploring how eating patterns and mindfulness can positively affect emotional health.

Go to event details

The hour-long talk, facilitated by Bastyr University faculty experts Dan Rosen, PhD, Christy Hofsess, PhD, and Eliza Carlson, MS, CN, will be divided into three parts:

A Holistic Model of Health
What is the best strategy for eating right and staying happy during the holidays? There's no magic bullet, says Dr. Rosen, clinical supervisor of counseling at Bastyr Center and a licensed psychologist and researcher who focuses on mind-body medicine. But he advises starting by listening to what your body needs. "Knowing when we are hungry, when we are full, and when it’s time to go for a walk can go a long way toward supporting both our physical and mental health," he says. In his talk, Dr. Rosen will discuss the link between the mind and the body (i.e., how the way we think can impact our physiology) and lead a few visualization exercises.

Food for a Better Mood
The types and amounts of food we eat can either contribute to, or help alleviate, stress during the holidays, says Carlson, a nutrition and lifestyle counselor and Bastyr adjunct faculty member. In her talk, Carlson will explore how food can affect brain chemistry, which foods are best for improving mood, and how a healthy liver is crucial to absorbing mood-boosting nutrients. She will also help simplify the food-to-feelings process and offer tips on meal patterns for a chemically balanced brain.

Mindful Eating
It's not uncommon for holiday stress to trigger unhealthy eating patterns. When this happens, it is good to ask ourselves, "what is it that we are stressed about, exactly?" says Dr. Hofsess, a licensed psychologist and clinical training director of Bastyr's Master of Science in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology. "Is it about spending too much money? Organizing family meals? When we identify the stressors instead of just saying 'I'm stressed,' we can unpack this general holiday stress and do some specific things to minimize the impact." By setting small goals, we don't feel pressured to accept every holiday invitation, buy every present or see every recital — and we can reduce our stress and unhealthy eating responses.

"Rushing actually increases our stress hormones, which lead us to not digesting our food as well," Dr. Hofsess says. "When we don't digest well, we don't feel full and we can overeat. Or, when we're stressed and not paying attention to our body, we can overeat. This can all feed into a vicious cycle." In her talk, Dr. Hofsess will discuss tips for being "mindful eaters" and strategies for decreasing stress during the holidays.

"Food and Mood: An Exploration of the Mind-Body Connection" will be held Saturday, November 13 at Bastyr Center. Go to event details.

Bastyr University Announces Plans to Open a California Campus

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:43:00 +0000

Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, today announced the University will establish a campus in the state of California. The campus will be home to Bastyr University's internationally renowned Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree program, offering students access to Bastyr's esteemed faculty, rigorous curriculum and clinical training. In addition to making one of the nation's only accredited naturopathic medicine degree programs more accessible, the campus expansion will also help address the shortage of primary care doctors in the 'Golden State.'

"We are thrilled to expand the University's presence and provide prospective students greater access to Bastyr's widely acclaimed naturopathic medicine program," Dr. Church said. "We are grateful to the California Naturopathic Doctors Association (CNDA), which has worked closely with us to determine the best approach to our expansion. We believe that a Bastyr University campus will benefit both the naturopathic medicine community and the health and well-being of the citizens of California."

Bastyr officials have monitored the potential need for a naturopathic medical school in California for many years, and recently garnered the support of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. The University and the CNDA have agreed that Bastyr is the academic institution best positioned to fill the demand for a naturopathic medical school in the region. Naturopathic doctors are licensed to practice as primary care doctors in California, and the University's presence will help meet a need for primary care doctors in the state, Dr. Church said.
Bastyr has taken the first official step to opening a California campus by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the CNDA. According to the agreement, with the support of the CNDA, the University will provide the curriculum, identify and engage appropriately trained faculty, secure Department of Education-recognized accreditation approvals, and identify facility options for didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction.

"The California Naturopathic Doctors Association is excited to welcome Bastyr University to California, and we look forward to supporting the University in this endeavor," said Simon Barker, ND, President of the CNDA. "There is a big demand for both a naturopathic medical school and practicing naturopathic doctors in the state, and Bastyr's presence will go a long way to meeting these very important needs."

According to CNDA, the state of California has experienced a 250-percent increase in the number of practicing naturopathic doctors over the last four years. Today there are more than 400 licensed naturopathic doctors in California, of which approximately 350 are actively practicing.

City of Kenmore and Bastyr University Share Model of Community Partnership at National Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:10:00 +0000

City of Kenmore Mayor David Baker and Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, recently led a session highlighting the positive relationship between Bastyr and City of Kenmore at the International Town and Gown Association's 5th Annual Conference held at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, (near Des Moines) on June 3, 2010. The title of the presentation was "Charting a New Path of Environmental and Community Partnership: Bastyr University and the City of Kenmore, Washington." Being at the Ames campus was a homecoming for Mayor Baker, who received his PhD from Iowa State University.
More than 150 people attended the conference, including presenters and participants from cities and universities/colleges from across the country. Other universities participating included George Washington University, Kentucky University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Representatives from the National League of Cities were also in attendance.
Several key events led to the development of a stronger relationship between the City and Bastyr. Over the past few years, the Kenmore City Council moved forward with plans such as the downtown redevelopment project and an economic development strategy. During the same time, Bastyr launched a marketing campaign and approved its strategic plan. The City and Bastyr have built sustainable capital projects: Kenmore City Hall and Bastyr Student Village — on track for LEED Gold and Platinum ratings, respectively.
Working together, the City and Bastyr overcame obstacles to create a partnership that resulted in the City Council's unanimous approval of the University's Master Plan in 2009. The Master Plan is a 10-year guide for campus development. It addresses traffic management, environmental protection, facilities and land use.
The partnership between Bastyr and the City was enhanced by the University's offer to allow public use and community scheduling of the private athletic fields on campus. The City and Bastyr agreed on an 11-year lease for the recreational fields (two ball fields and one soccer field), with the fields available for scheduled use by sports organizations. Public access is also available to the garden, trails and other amenities.
The University moved to its current 51-acre site adjacent to Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore in 1995. Bastyr University is Kenmore's largest employer.
The International Town and Gown Association (ITGA) is a non-government organization that brings together leaders from college and university campuses and communities. The ITGA acts as a communication, education, consulting and training resource for decision makers of college communities in areas of shared resources, program and project opportunities and addressing existing and potential conflicts.

Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz to Speak at Bastyr University, June 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:52:00 +0000

In recognition of their dedication to improving the health and well-being of the human community, Bastyr University will confer honorary Doctor of Natural Health Arts and Sciences degrees upon Dr. Mehmet Oz (of "The Dr. Oz Show" fame) and his wife, Lisa Oz, at its Kenmore campus on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. The evening will include a conversation with the honorees moderated by Warren Etheredge of The Warren Report.

"The Oz's are two of the nation's most active and public advocates for natural health care, working tirelessly to further complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and promote healthy lifestyle choices among the American public," said Daniel K. Church, PhD, president of Bastyr University. "A pioneer in natural medicine education, Bastyr is hosting this event as a way to honor the Oz's parallel mission of improving the health of the human family."
Through their numerous books, publications, television programs and public appearances, the couple not only encourages people to take charge of their own health and well-being, but helps make natural health accessible to more Americans. Dr. Oz and Lisa Oz will each be awarded an honorary doctorate during a convocation-style ceremony in the Bastyr University Chapel.

EVENT DETAILS

The event is designed as "An Evening with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz." It will begin with a VIP experience at 6 p.m., which will include a tented reception with the Oz's in the University's now-blooming Medicinal Herb Garden, refreshments and culinary delights provided by O Wines and Bastyr University, and valet parking. Professional photographers will be on site, and all VIP guests will receive a signed copy of Lisa Oz's newest book, US: Transforming Ourselves and the Relationships that Matter Most.

The degree ceremony will take place in the chapel. Immediately following, the Oz's will sit down with Warren Etheredge for an intimate, moderated conversation. Warren’s interview will cover a wide variety of topics, including natural health, education and spirituality, along with questions about the couple's personal and professional lives.
Tickets to the fundraising event are $500 for the VIP reception and $125 for general attendance.

ABOUT DR. MEHMET AND LISA OZ
Mehmet Oz, MD, Daytime Emmy-nominated host of the nationally syndicated "The Dr. Oz Show," is vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He also directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital. His research interests include heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and health care policy. Dr. Oz has authored six New York Times best-sellers, including You: The Owner’s Manual and the award winning Healing from the Heart. Dr. Oz received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University (1982) and obtained a joint MD and MBA (1986) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Wharton Business School.

Lisa Oz is a writer, actress, producer and entrepreneur. With her husband, Dr. Mehmet Oz, she has raised four children, co-authored five New York Times bestselling books, including You: The Owner’s Manual series, and co-hosted a daily radio show on Sirius/XM. She is co-founder of HealthCorps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of America's youth through school-based peer-mentoring. Lisa received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and attended Columbia University's Union Theological Seminary. As a Reiki master, Lisa has spoken widely on her insights into energy and health and maintains a passion for spiritual studies.

For additional information about attending or sponsoring this event, contact Julie Herbison at (425) 602-3053 or jherbison@bastyr.edu.

Bastyr Introduces First-Of-Its-Kind Midwifery Degree

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:13:00 +0000

Bastyr University is pleased to announce the nation's first regionally accredited, articulated direct-entry Master of Science in Midwifery degree, for which it is now enrolling students for fall 2010. The degree was approved last week by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The master's program (with an option for undergraduate entry) will be offered through the University's newly formed Department of Midwifery, which was created in March through the merger of Bastyr University and the Seattle Midwifery School. The three-year (11 quarters) master's degree program expands upon the training students receive in standard certificate programs, preparing them to greatly improve the quality and breadth of maternity care offered to women and their families. Making use of state-of-the-art technologies and a network of clinical training sites around the globe, the program also qualifies graduates to become state (or provincially) licensed and nationally certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).

"This is an exciting time for us and a historic time in childbirth education," said Mary Yglesia, former executive director of Seattle Midwifery School and new program supervisor in the Bastyr University Department of Midwifery. "A regionally accredited master's program in midwifery gives students the added value of a degree, as well as greater career opportunities after graduation."

What is a direct-entry, articulated degree? Students without midwifery or nursing experience may earn either a Master of Science in Midwifery or a combined Bachelor/Master of Science degree, depending on their previous education. The master's degree is available to students who already hold bachelor's degrees, and the combined degree option is available to those who have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework. This new degree offering reflects Bastyr University's diligence in crafting a high-quality graduate education while honoring a direct-entry pathway for midwifery students.

Modern North American midwives are health professionals who focus on the natural processes of pregnancy, labor and birth. They combine traditional skills and modern medical techniques to safeguard normal childbirth, while ensuring access to appropriate interventions when needed. Direct-entry midwives are generally self-employed and most often practice in homes and freestanding birth centers, but may also work as part of an integrated maternity care team or as consultants to conventional medical practices.

Bastyr's Jenna Umbriac Named Washington State Dietetic Association Outstanding Student of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:13:00 +0000

Recognizing both her heart for community service and her accomplishments in the classroom, the Washington State Dietetic Association (WSDA) recently named Bastyr University nutrition student Jenna Umbriac as its Outstanding Student of the Year for 2010.
Umbriac, 26, who is in the sixth and final quarter of Bastyr's Master of Science in Nutrition/Didactic Program in Dietetics (MSN/DPD) program, was nominated for the award by Bastyr's nutrition faculty and competed against nutrition students from Seattle Pacific University, Central Washington University, Washington State University and the University of Washington. She will be presented with her award at WSDA's annual conference on Tuesday, April 27, in Seattle, and her name will be published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association as the Washington state recipient.
Debra Boutin, MS, RD, CD, chair of Bastyr's Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science, says it was a combination of Umbriac's commitment to supporting change in the nation's food system, her academic excellence (a 3.9 GPA), and her "ever-evolving and fresh approaches to tackling the issues" that impressed the judges.
Umbriac has served as a volunteer nutrition research assistant at Evergreen Health Care, as a medical staff volunteer for Camp Leo Diabetes Camp, and as a nutritionist and chef for Operation Frontline. She also holds positions as the agriculture policy co-chair for the Washington State Food and Nutrition Council and the organic talking points task force chair for the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (Seattle chapter). Last September she volunteered on a medical mission to Nicaragua where she provided nutrition counseling to the native population, working alongside naturopathic physicians. And the list goes on.
"Jenna hopes to help create a more just and sustainable food system so that all may realize their potential for wellness," Boutin says. "If anyone can do this, she can."
Originally from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Umbriac will take another step toward that goal this summer when she begins a dietetic internship with a concentration in public policy/advocacy at Virginia Tech University. She plans to eventually apply for a governmental fellowship, earn another degree in sustainable food systems "and, then, in the words of a fellow change-maker, work on saving my piece of the world (and savoring the rest)."
"For me, a career in nutrition is my chance to play a role in the movement toward a more just and sustainable food system," Umbriac says. "By increasing awareness of the politics behind the food industry and helping renew our connection with what we consume from the farm to the table, there exists great potential to improve the quality of life of so many, reduce the cost of health care and even slow the risks of climate change."
This is the second year running a Bastyr nutrition student has received WSDA's award, an unsurprising development says Boutin given the "unique passion" students tend to bring to the program. "Their passion contributes to the formation of a strong and dynamic nutrition student body here at Bastyr University, and results in our students serving as effective nutrition professionals and leaders in the field," she says.

ND Student Explores a Model of Medicine that Fits her Green-Thumb Lifestyle on Venture Grant Trip to New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:28:00 +0000

If it's edible and can be produced on a farm, Molly Jarchow has probably collected, gathered or harvested it. Jarchow, a native Iowan who will graduate from Bastyr University in June 2010 with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate in Naturopathic Midwifery, is something of a modern-day Johnny Appleseed. She has spent much of her 20s traveling the country, apprenticing on organic farms and learning, among other skills, the ins-and-outs of dairy farming, beekeeping, maple syrup production and farm-to-market produce cultivation.
As a natural extension of her love of the land, Jarchow also has a passion for healing through nature. It's not surprising, therefore, that her recent venture-grant trip to New Zealand combined her interests in traveling, natural medicine and organic farming. In the fall of 2009, Jarchow spent nearly two months on two family farms in New Zealand living and working with people who both subsist on the land and work as naturopathic medicine providers.
Bastyr University venture grants, awarded up to three times a year, are designed to help students pursue innovative projects that will expand their knowledge of medicine, benefit the communities they visit and, later, enrich the entire Bastyr community when they return and share their newly acquired knowledge.
For Jarchow, the trip was of particular benefit for the opportunity to experience the farm-plus-private-practice business model she hopes to employ as a provider. She says it was encouraging to see one couple, both naturopaths, successfully integrating their organic farm outside of Christchurch (the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand) with their medical practice. "I was inspired by this particular family for their ability to create a successful balance of work, play with family and community, and to truly live naturopathic medicine from the ground up," says Jarchow, who helped the family with everything from meeting patients to milking goats and making cheese. "As I make plans for running my own business as a naturopathic midwife, I strive to incorporate and maintain this same healthy balance."
Jarchow connected with the two families through Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF), an international organization that pairs volunteer workers with host farmers who offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles in return for labor.
"It was a rich experience that I will carry into my future patient interactions — one that will allow me to connect with a much broader population," says Jarchow of the trip. "Completing this venture grant at the beginning of my fifth year provided the perfect opportunity to synthesize and integrate the experiences of the past five years at Bastyr within a new context. I now have a greater sense of who I am as a human, a woman and a naturopathic midwife as I step out into the world and start my own practice."

New Degree Program in Integrated Human Biology

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:26:00 +0000

March 22, 2010 (Kenmore, Wash.) — Responding to a growing demand for a progressive, "whole-systems" approach to learning biological science, Bastyr University is pleased to announce a new bachelor's degree program in integrated human biology, which it will offer beginning fall 2010. With integrative curricula being promoted nationally as a way to improve science literacy, the new degree becomes the first fully integrated human biology program in Washington state.

The bachelor's completion program (incoming students must have completed 90 credits of prerequisite coursework before enrolling) is designed to promote science literacy and foundational skills in students who have interests in both biological science and human health. Graduates will be excellent candidates for a variety of medical school programs — including allopathic medical, naturopathic and pharmaceutical — and graduate studies in the biological sciences.

The program is considered "integrative" for its innovative approach to teaching biology. Through courses such as Integrated Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Integrated Human Biology, the curriculum connects concepts from physiology, anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics — rather than teaching each subject individually. This distinct approach helps students unravel the complexities of human biology and achieve a unified understanding of the structure and function of the body.

The program is also considered progressive for its emphasis, at the undergraduate level, on the development of research skills. Students will participate in inquiry-based labs, complete research proposals and have the opportunity to work with faculty mentors to complete original research projects.

"This program offers community college graduates and transfer students from four-year institutions an excellent opportunity to complete their degrees and develop critical thinking skills applicable to careers in research and medicine," said Timothy Callahan, PhD, Senior Vice President and Provost at Bastyr University. "We also anticipate this curriculum will function as an ideal bridge to our naturopathic medicine school, as well as other medical degree programs, and support the University's mission to educate students to become leaders in the natural health arts and sciences."

The degree program will satisfy premedical competencies recommended this year by a group convened by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Receives Reaccreditation for Master's Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Bastyr University is proud to announce that the School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's master's degree programs were recently reaccredited for a seven-year cycle by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The ACAOM is the sole accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit professional master's degrees in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM). The commission recently moved from a five-year to a seven-year maximum renewal cycle, and we are pleased to have our accreditation recognized for the new seven-year cycle.
Accreditation plays a critical role in education, ensuring that universities are providing students with the highest standard of education possible and that federal funds are available for financial aid. It also assures the public that clinical services are being provided in a professional and safe manner. Bastyr's master's programs in AOM, established in 1989, have been in good standing with ACAOM since their inception.

Bastyr University and Seattle Midwifery School Complete Merger

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Bastyr University and Seattle Midwifery School (SMS), which includes the Simkin School for Allied Birth Vocations, are pleased to announce the merger of our two organizations. The merger brings together two 30-year-old Seattle institutions that share complementary missions and a reputation for excellence in education.

"Bastyr University is excited to be joining resources with Seattle Midwifery School," said Daniel K. Church, PhD, president of Bastyr University. "This merger is a wonderful opportunity to advance our respective missions to continue educating future leaders in natural health sciences, midwifery and the childbirth professions."

As a result of the merger, which has been approved by regional accrediting body the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Seattle Midwifery School will fully integrate into the University, creating the Department of Midwifery in Bastyr's School of Natural Health Arts and Sciences.

Bastyr University has submitted a proposal to NWCCU to offer one of the first direct-entry Master of Science in Midwifery programs in the United States through the new Department of Midwifery. The proposed program, which will also be submitted for approval to the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council, will prepare graduates for national certification as Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs).

The Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University will also be established as a result of the merger. The center will offer certificate training courses for birth and postpartum doulas, lactation educators and consultants, and childbirth educators, as well as continuing education in maternity care topics. Seattle Midwifery School began offering these programs in 1988 and has educated and inspired more than 5,400 students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the movement for humane birth care. The Simkin School for Allied Birth Vocations was in 2008 named in honor of childbirth educator Penny Simkin. It celebrates her 40 years in the field of childbirth.

"Seattle Midwifery School is excited about the opportunity to merge with Bastyr University," said Mary Yglesia, executive director of Seattle Midwifery School. "Offering a regionally accredited degree program for midwifery students has long been a part of our strategic plan. It has not been achievable as a small, independent school, and by joining resources with a much larger regionally accredited institution we can reach this goal. We believe the added value of a degree, coupled with additional access to financial assistance, will create greater opportunities for our students."

Discussions surrounding the proposed affiliation began in December 2007, with the goals of expanding Bastyr University's midwifery education offerings and enabling Seattle Midwifery School to transition its certificate program to a regionally accredited degree program. Bastyr University currently offers a Certificate in Naturopathic Midwifery, which trains midwives who are also naturopathic physicians. The certificate program, which was exclusively available to the University's naturopathic medicine students, will be replaced by the Master of Science in Midwifery.

ABOUT SEATTLE MIDWIFERY SCHOOL AND SIMKIN SCHOOL FOR ALLIED BIRTH VOCATIONS
At the Fremont Women's Clinic in Seattle, a ground-breaking group of women created a midwifery training program originally drawn from well-established European models of direct-entry midwifery education and, in 1978, Seattle Midwifery School (SMS) was born. Its well-known, rigorous midwifery program holds the distinction of being the oldest direct-entry midwifery training program in the United States.

In the late 1980s, with the help of experts in the field of childbirth, SMS began developing a series of premier birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and lactation education training courses that draw participants from across North America. In 2008, in honor of childbirth pioneer and long-time faculty member Penny Simkin, SMS renamed the extension education program the Simkin School for Allied Birth Vocations.

Throughout the years, SMS staff, faculty, students and alumnae have played pivotal roles in the development of professional organizations and public policies that support midwives and doulas. For additional information about Seattle Midwifery School and Simkin School for Allied Birth Vocations, visit www.seattlemidwifery.org.

State Legislators Honor Bastyr at First Annual "Bastyr University Day" at the Washington State Capitol

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle Nielsen) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Recognizing Bastyr University's accomplishments in the areas of education, research and clinical service, Washington state legislators presented resolutions on February 24, 2010 honoring Bastyr in the chambers of the state Senate and House of Representatives in Olympia.

Sponsored by state Sen. Paull Shin (D), and Rep. Roger Goodman (D), the resolutions acknowledged Bastyr's commitment to a sustainable health care model, the University's role in minimizing its environmental impact through green building practices, and its instrumental role in increasing research activity in the natural health sciences. The resolutions were presented as part of the first annual "Bastyr University Day" at the state capitol.

Joining Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, at the event were University founders, members of the board of trustees, faculty, staff and student representatives. City of Kenmore Mayor David Baker also attended in support and recognition of the University and its achievements. The following legislators spoke on behalf of Bastyr University: Rep. Ruth Kagi (D), Rep. Bill Hinkle (D), Rep. Jan Angel (R), Sen. Karen Keiser (D), Sen. Cheryl Pflug (R), and Sen. Dan Sweker (R).

Located in Kenmore, Wash., Bastyr University is a nonprofit, accredited institution internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural health arts and sciences education. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, the University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of ancient healing methods from around the world. Today, Bastyr University is the largest university of its kind in the United States, combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training. The University offers 14 accredited degree and certificate programs in the fields of naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, herbal sciences, health psychology, exercise science, and whole food nutrition.

"We are honored that the Washington State Legislature recognizes Bastyr University’s dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of the human community, and we are grateful to Sen. Shin and Rep. Goodman for their leadership in sponsoring the important resolutions that were read at ‘Bastyr University Day.’ We are especially grateful to Mayor David Baker and other representatives from the City of Kenmore who attended in support and recognition of the University’s achievements," said Daniel K. Church, PhD. "The day’s events further inspire our mission as we continue to educate future health care leaders. We look forward to making 'Bastyr University Day,' an annual tradition celebrating the University's contributions locally and globally."

Bastyr Research Study Indicates Qigong May Help People with Type 2 Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:01:00 +0000

A team of scientists from the Research Institute at Bastyr University has completed the first three-armed randomized, controlled clinical-trial research study examining the impact of qigong therapy on type 2 diabetes. The findings — which show qigong may help lower some of the markers associated with type 2 diabetes — are published in the January 2010 issue of Diabetes Care, the official journal of the American Diabetes Association.

Qigong, a subtle, energy-based system of stationary and moving meditation, has been practiced in China for almost 5,000 years. It was introduced to the United States as energy medicine by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institute of Health (NIH) more than two decades ago. It is quickly gaining popularity in the West as its potential for improving health becomes more widely recognized.

To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of using qigong as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, Bastyr scientists first identified (in adults) biological and psychological markers associated with the disease. The study compared three groups of adults with type 2 diabetes: (1) a control group that experienced no change in care; (2) a group practicing qigong; (3) and a group undergoing progressive resistance training (resistance exercise).

Participants assigned to the qigong group practiced for 30 minutes, two times a week for 12 weeks. Qigong participants also met with a certified instructor for one hour once a week to ensure the exercises were being done correctly. Those in the progressive resistance training group used resistance exercises for the same amount of time as those in the qigong group. The control group followed their usual regimen of care as recommended by their primary care physicians. The researchers measured fasting blood glucose levels before, during and at the end of the study. They also measured various hormone levels and perceived levels of stress and depression pre- and post-intervention.

The results showed the qigong therapy group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose and stress at the end of the study, as well as an improved ability to use insulin (less insulin resistance). They also lost weight. Participants in the progressive resistance training group reduced body weight slightly, but were found to have higher fasting blood glucose levels. These findings indicate qigong therapy affects glucose levels and insulin resistance independent of changes in body weight and works on different mechanisms than exercise.

"It is thought that the meditation, slowed-movement and breathing exercises associated with qigong promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may improve how the body functions," said Guan-Cheng Sun, PhD, assistant research scientist at Bastyr University and the study's principal investigator. "Qigong may also play a role in restoring the mind-body connection and the harmony between the pancreas and the liver. The conclusions of this study promote qigong therapy as a significant treatment method for type 2 diabetes. These findings have the potential to change and improve the lives of millions who live with this disease everyday."

Bastyr University Alumna Leads Haitian Relief Effort

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:50:00 +0000

Sabine Thomas, ND, a Haitian-American naturopathic physician, Bastyr University alumna and post doctoral fellow at the Bastyr University Research Institute, is coordinating an effort among the naturopathic medicine community to respond to the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. These efforts include the collection of funds, medical supplies and a future trip to Haiti to provide medical care to those affected by the disaster. Dr. Thomas is working in collaboration with Natural Doctors International (NDI), Bastyr University and other organizations.
Her desire to reach out comes from a personal and professional commitment to her family’s roots and her belief in the power of natural medicine:

1) Describe your personal connection to Haiti.
My parents are both from Haiti. My father passed away in Haiti in 1998 and my mother lives with me in Washington state. We have been devastated by watching the media coverage. My mom frequently recognizes a beloved destroyed location or sees the name of a missing friend. She had just returned from visiting family there in November 2009. During my last visit to Haiti, my grandmother had a chance to teach me about various medicinal plants in our family’s garden. It is a trip that I will never forget. Since the earthquake, and through choppy phone communications with our family, we learned we have lost two family members. We have been mourning our losses, but also rejoicing for the lives that have been spared.
2) How can holistic medicine help out the disaster relief efforts?
Holistic medicine has its place in disaster relief efforts. Our training provides us with amazing tools to alleviate shock and trauma, while at the same time providing adjunctive naturopathic care. Furthermore, several practitioners who expressed interest in helping have additional training in disaster management and emergency medicine. Haitian people are very familiar with natural medicine, and I cannot think of a better team of practitioners to sustain and carry on the current medical disaster relief effort. Several teams of holistic practitioners helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and were able to meet diverse medical needs through herbalism, homeopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
3) How will you organize this future trip?
The best way to organize our trips is to have a well-prepared cadre of volunteers who have medical skills, understand French and/or Creole and are prepared to face the social, economic, medical and environmental disaster that exists in Haiti right now. Health care practitioners with a holistic perspective can offer services with long-term benefits for the Haitian people. Hence, the most important aspect of organizing our trip is planning and strategizing for long-term collaboration. The first trip will lay the foundation for many more ahead. The logistical situation in Haiti at the moment makes it nearly impossible to successfully carry out an independent relief effort. But, my hope is to head to Haiti as soon as possible and set up some basic logistics.
4) Will you be affiliating with any organization while you are there?
It has been a blessing to have found potential partners here in the United States, including NDI and several naturopathic medical schools such as Bastyr University and the National College of Natural Medicine. I am also establishing relationships with organizations already on the ground in Haiti. We want to provide long-term support and sustainable care to the people who have been displaced and directly affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Several organizations have contacted me to inquire about the best way to donate and collaborate. They are encouraged by the fact that this effort would directly impact Haitians in need. This need will increase exponentially when the initial response to the disaster secedes and the foreign disaster relief teams depart. Through this amazing experience, I have been able to meet and collaborate with several other Haitians and Haitian-Americans in Seattle, as well as with Haitian-American naturopathic physicians who are affiliated with medical clinics, orphanages and educational organizations in Haiti.
5) What supplies will you need and what care do you hope to provide while you are there?
We will need all of the standard medical supplies including gloves, first-aid kits, surgical supplies, gauze and stethoscopes. We are also contacting nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies for donations. All donations must be unused and unexpired. We will be in the second and third wave of medical teams coming in to provide relief efforts. Naturopathic medicine excels in preventive measures. Our goal will be to prevent further infections from occurring and provide proper wound care, physical medicine, nutritional advice, care for those with existing chronic diseases and support to those victims who may suffer from post-traumatic stress. We will also provide some basic public health education.
6) How are you raising funds for this trip?
Natural Doctors International has provided us with a platform to receive online, tax-deductible donations at http://www.ndimed.org/. Bastyr University is also accepting in-kind and financial donations, which are not tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to Bastyr University, with a notation for "Bastyr University Haitian Relief Effort," and mailed to Bastyr University, Haitian Relief Effort, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. A list of in-kind donations that can be sent to Bastyr University will be posted on NDI’s Web site.
7) What impact will these relief efforts have on the future of natural medicine in Haiti?
Given the climate and economic conditions of the country, natural medicine has the potential to be a long term, sustainable health care resource for Haiti. The impact of our relief efforts, including the replanting of many medicinal herbs, will provide Haitians the ability to use and sustain their own natural medical resources.
8) In addition to this trip, are you planning to organize any long-term relief projects there?
Yes, I personally hope to do so and will welcome help from any organizations. For many years, relief efforts to Haiti have been short-changed, short-termed or funds have fallen into the wrong hands. I am hoping to organize for the long run, building relationships with established organizations in Haiti that will enable us to provide holistic medical care.

Bastyr awarded green-building grant for new student housing

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:47:00 +0000

(Picture shows construction progress as of Dec. 18) Bastyr University is pleased to announce it is one of five recipients of green-building grants recently awarded by the King County Solid Waste Division GreenTools Program. The $25,000 grant will help the university further minimize the environmental impacts of its new student housing project, which is currently under construction and will be ready for occupancy in summer 2010.
Planned as a "student village" and designed to fit into the Bastyr campus' natural setting, the new housing has already achieved a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The university is using the King County grant to enhance energy efficiency and possibly attain the highest (Platinum) LEED certification. If the project does attain a Platinum rating, King County will award Bastyr another $10,000 in grant money.
The grants were awarded competitively to projects within King County for commercial, institutional and multi-family building projects seeking LEED certification of Gold or Platinum, the two highest certifications in the popular standard. Bastyr was one of five local organizations to receive grant funding ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per project. According to King County, the grant projects serve as demonstrations of high performance, replicable green buildings for the region.
"Part of Bastyr University’s role as a leader in natural health arts and sciences education is to encourage and enable our students to live sustainably," said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. "This grant not only will help us provide students with eco-friendly on-campus housing, but it highlights the University as an institution that is making significant contributions to the community and the environment."
Bastyr's student village is located on the northern edge of campus along the tree line and have the capacity to house a total of 132 students — 12 individual rooms in each of 11 cottage-style buildings. The three-story cottages will be connected by a series of garden paths, courtyards and outdoor living spaces carefully designed to be energy efficient and mitigate impact to the local environment. Planned enhancements include the planting of native species to provide greater wildlife habitat.
The on-campus housing is intended to help reduce pollution and traffic on local roads, create a greater sense of community at Bastyr, and further enable students to become active members of the Kenmore community.

Bastyr hosting discussion series on spirituality and health

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:37:00 +0000

The Bastyr University Center for Spirituality, Science and Medicine is pleased to present "Body, Mind, Spirit, Nature and Medicine: A Series of Conversations." This innovative series brings together Bastyr experts and leading local authorities on physical, mental and spiritual health to discuss how each focus area is vital to whole-person health and health care. Presented in early 2010, the three talks will focus on "body," "mind" and "spirit" respectively. They will be moderated by Warren Etheredge, founder of The Warren Report.
The Jan. 11 talk will focus on "Body" and include the perspectives of Seattle physicians Christine Adams, MD; Cathy Rogers, ND; and internationally recognized mind/body expert Joel Levey, PhD. The Feb. 1 event will cover "Mind" and feature Bastyr University faculty member Brad Lichtenstein, ND; Seattle naturopathic physician Sheila Dunn-Merritt; and Robert V. Taylor, author of I’m Spiritual Not Religious: Making Sense of Finding Meaning. The discussion on Feb. 8 will revolve around "Spirit" and include Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD, co-founder of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue in Seattle; Terrill L. Gibson, PhD, pastoral psychotherapist; and Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, FABNO, medical director of the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC).
"Our community has expressed a strong interest in exploring these intersections of science, spirituality and medicine," said Timothy Callahan, PhD, senior vice president and provost at Bastyr University. "The Center represents our intention to not only prompt open dialogue and conversations in these areas, but to also shed new light on important contemporary issues in health care."
All three events in the series will be moderated by Warren Etheredge, a well-known cultural conversationalist, interviewer, film analyst and writer who counts among his previous interviews author Sir Salman Rushdie, film director Oliver Stone and author Calvin Trillin.
Each event in the series will include a "musical conversation" segment that focuses on the power of music through discussion and demonstration. Guests for this segment include Gina Salá, Stephen Merritt and Thomas Arthur.
For reservations and information on this event, visit cssm.bastyr.edu or call (425) 602-3452. Tickets for the events are $15 ($40 for series) if bought in advance, $20 at the door and $10 ($25 for the series) with a valid student ID.

Bastyr University Hosts 12th Annual "Splash and Dash"

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:42:00 +0000

In a quirky tradition that dates back more than a decade, Bastyr University will mark the start of winter quarter with its annual "Splash and Dash", a frigid tradition in the spirit of polar bear swims. At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 5, adventurous students, staff and faculty will gather at the entrance to campus for a run down the hills of Saint Edward State Park and a plunge into the ice-cold waters of Lake Washington.

This annual event began as a bold dare between three avid Bastyr runners more than 12 years ago. Growing every year, it now draws students, faculty, staff and cheering onlookers. The stunt occurs regardless of snow, sleet or ice. One year, participants survived a near miss with the major snowstorm that hit the next day, closing campus along with schools and businesses in the region. As an incentive to participate in the chilling experience, rubber ducks are tossed into the water for retrieval and prizes. This year promises another fun event -- so join us!

The adventuresome and their cheerleaders in will meet at the pillars in front of campus at 12 p.m. for this chilly start to the new academic term.

Kenmore City Council Unanimously Approves Bastyr University Master Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:14:00 +0000

The Kenmore City Council approved Bastyr University’s Master Plan 7-0 on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, following months of review by the city's Planning Commission and City Council.

A nonprofit, private university, Bastyr offers graduate and undergraduate degrees with a multidisciplinary curriculum in the natural health arts and sciences. The Master Plan is a 10-year guide for campus development. It addresses traffic management, environmental protection, facilities and land use. The University moved to its current 51-acre site adjacent to Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore in 1995. Although the plan was adopted Monday, the effort to prepare a Master Plan began with a tri-party agreement in April 2001 between the University, the city and the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, the former owner of the campus property.

“This accomplishment was the result of cooperation and commitment between the city and the University, and President Church’s leadership and vision at the university,” Mayor David Baker said.

The plan projects the University’s campus population (students, faculty, staff) will increase from the 2008 level of 1,130 to between 1,453 and 1,753 in 2020. Bastyr University is Kenmore’s largest employer. The University also operates a clinic facility in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

The partnership between Bastyr and the city was enhanced by the University’s offer to allow public use and community scheduling of the private athletic fields on campus. The City of Kenmore and Bastyr agreed on an 11-year lease for the recreational fields (two ball fields and one soccer field), with the fields available for scheduled use by sports organizations. Kenmore-based groups will have priority scheduling opportunities.

Bastyr is currently constructing on-campus dormitories that will house approximately 132 students, with completion scheduled for summer 2010.

“The opportunity to work closely with citizens, the Planning Commission, the city staff and Council members has been rewarding, in itself,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. “The outcome — both the agreement and the relationship — augurs a wonderful future for the University and our community. I am very gratified with the results of these many months of good faith effort, and I look forward to our shared future.”

Graduates reminded of the joys and responsibilities of careers in healing at Winter 2009 Commencement

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:35:00 +0000

"You chose well." With those words Andrew McIntyre, MS, LAc, a core faculty member in the Bastyr University School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, congratulated students awarded academic degrees at Bastyr's 10th annual winter commencement exercises on December 14, 2009. His sentiment was a reminder of the fulfillment and contentment that accompanies a career devoted to helping others heal.
"Professions involving caring for, teaching and protecting people have the highest rates of satisfaction and happiness," said McIntyre, the keynote speaker, recounting the reasons behind his own journey from a Harvard economics and psychology undergraduate student to an acupuncture and Oriental medicine provider and educator. "Whether you now know it or not, your longterm satisfaction will loom in importance over time as other, less lasting considerations fade … And you'll find your patients and clients will teach you more about life, suffering and yourself than you know."
The winter commencement ceremony — a smaller version of Bastyr's annual spring graduation in June — recognized students earning Bachelor of Science with a Major in Health Psychology, Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Master of Science in Nutrition, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degrees.
Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, used his time at the podium to both encourage the new graduates and charge them to put the "blessing" of their opportunity for higher education to good use. "All of you are among the world’s most fortunate people," he said. "And with the good fortune of our circumstance comes great responsibility. My first charge to you is to embrace that responsibility. Never be reluctant to share the gift you have been given nor to exploit in every way the rich education you have received."
Lindsay Staker, a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine graduate who delivered the student address, also spoke of the responsibility intrinsic to her degree. "So many of the world's people have vastly less to sustain their lives," Staker said. "I have been transformed by an extraordinary education. As students at Bastyr, we also leave with an expectation that we will transform the health and well-being of the human community."
Speaking under light filtering through stained glass windows in Bastyr's elegant chapel, McIntyre repeated that theme of transformation, instructing graduates that "You have just completed the introductory chapter to the rest of your career. You have done all of this — spent all of your time, your effort, your sweat, your resources — really in the service of someone who doesn’t yet exist. And that of course is the person you are yet to become."

2009 Seattle Marathon proved a fertile training environment for ND, AOM students

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Another record turnout at the Seattle Marathon meant another successful event for both the Bastyr University Sports Medicine Club and the Department of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM). The event, which drew an estimated 16,200 participants to four race events Nov. 28 and 29, provided a rich training environment for naturopathic medicine (ND) and AOM students, who supplied post-race care and support for race finishers.
Comprised of ND students, the Sports Medicine Club offered participants a variety of free services, including stretching, soft-tissue work, therapeutic taping and naturopathic manipulation. "This was our fourth year participating in the event and our biggest turn out thus far, both for students and the number of people who took advantage of our services," said Chris Merlino, the club's organizer. "The people we worked with said they were very satisfied with our efforts, and we're excited to continue our participation at this event in 2010."
Students in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) program also volunteered at the race, helping athletes recover from fatigue and injuries. "For many of the race participants, this was their first experience with acupuncture," said Kyo Mitchell, DAOM, LAc, assistant professor of AOM, who noted the numerous compliments students received for their organizational skills and acupuncture treatments. "We do this event to help students get experience in using acupuncture for sports medicine."
The event also gave Bastyr an opportunity to raise awareness of the health care services offered at the University's state-of-the-art teaching clinic in Seattle, Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH). Those who received treatments were not only educated about the benefits of incorporating acupuncture into their health care, but were offered coupons for discounts on services at BCNH.

Bastyr grad Maureen Williams discusses how, "Once Again, Fish Fats Shown to Fight Heart Disease"

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:10:00 +0000

A Healthnote newstip written by Bastyr grad Maureen Williams, ND: "More and more, inflammation has been implicated as the culprit in heart and blood vessel diseases, making anti-inflammatory agents such as the omega-3 fats found in fish of interest to researchers. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in supporting cardiovascular health, and a new study published in Vascular Pharmacology now reports that lower-than-normal levels of omega-3s were found in people who have suffered vision loss and brain damage as a result of disease in the artery that carries blood from the body to the head and neck (the carotid artery)." See rest of article.

ND students explore naturopathic medicine practice in the U.K. through venture grant program

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Can naturopathic doctors (NDs) practice in the United Kingdom? This was the question of the hour during a presentation by three Bastyr naturopathic medicine students who recently travelled to Europe to study the model of naturopathic medicine practiced in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Their answer (in simplest terms): Yes, with some caveats.
Under the U.K. system of common law, naturopathic doctors are free to set up private practices, said presenters Todd Born, Joshua Lloyd and Mohammad Shegeft. Those who earn a diplomat of naturopathy (also designated as an "ND"), however, must also be credentialed as doctors of osteopathy (DO) to be covered under the U.K.'s free national health care service. And NDs do face limits to their scope of practice (such as writing prescriptions, giving breast exams and ordering lab tests).
The trio, who visited various naturopathic medicine clinics in Ireland, Scotland and England and studied traditional osteopathy and physical medicine at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) in London, made the trip with the help of the Bastyr venture grant program. Venture grants are intended to help students pursue innovative projects that will expand their knowledge of medicine, benefit the communities they visit and, later, enrich the entire Bastyr community when they return and share their newly acquired knowledge.
One key insight Born, Lloyd and Shegeft returned with: A sense of the positive shift in attitudes toward naturopathic medicine in the U.K. While political, legal and social hurdles do exist to practicing naturopathic medicine, the "tide is beginning to turn," Lloyd says. "Many people there are eager to see naturopathic medicine become more widely available." The group also set up a preceptorship at BCOM, meaning Bastyr naturopathic medicine students can now hone their physical medicine skills (for university credit) at one of only two schools in the U.K. accredited to teach naturopathic medicine.
During their travels, the group also made a welcome discovery. "Almost every doctor we talked to in every country we visited knew of Bastyr University," Born says. "They told us we were paving the way for naturopathic medicine. Bastyr's reputation preceded us, and they just wanted to support us and learn more about the University and what we were doing."

A Bastyrian Winter Madrigal Feast and Fundraiser for the Bastyr University Arts Fund, November 21

noreply@blogger.com (Richelle Nielsen) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Share music, food and goodwill to celebrate the winter holiday season with Bastyr's Choir!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Doors open 6 p.m.

Bastyr University Chapel

14500 Juanita Dr.

NE, Kenmore, WA

Ticket Information:

$27 General admission

$22 Student admission with current ID

Deadline for ticket purchases: Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Purchase tickets in one of two ways:
Weekdays on campus outside the cafeteria, November 4-17 during the noon hour.
Purchase online through BrownPaperTickets.com.

This will be a dinner and concert set in the Medieval-Renaissance period when madrigal singing was popular in England. Performers will wear period costumes and perform mostly period music. The evening will have a uniquely Bastyrian flair to include fairies, multi-cultural music and dance. During dinner, musicians and other performers will provide informal entertainment. Food will be served with a flourish of brass fanfare. After the meal, the Bastyr Choir will perform a concert of madrigals and holiday music from the balcony of Bastyr's acoustically marvelous chapel, and the audience will be invited to join in a sing-along of holiday carols. This Madrigal Feast will be the first concert given by the choir.

For further information please contact music@bastyr.edu. The doors of the chapel will open at 6 p.m. Guests are requested to be seated before the opening processional begins at 6:30 p.m.

Bastyr Partners with Aegis Living to Make Senior Living Better

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Bastyr University is pleased to announce it is partnering with Aegis Living, a national leader in senior living and assisted living communities, to make life better for seniors through Aegis Living's innovative new "Living 4 Life" program.
With this collaboration, new programs and activities will enhance the mind, spirit and physical health of residents at Aegis Living. The new Living 4 Life wellness program will first be implemented at the new Aegis of Bellevue, Washington, to open in early 2010.
As part of Aegis's Living 4 Life, residents will partake in exceptional nutrition, mind, and body programs that cater to each resident's needs. The two key areas of the program Bastyr University will be involved with are nutrition and health.
"We are pleased to be working in tandem with Aegis Living to support their residents. Through this new partnership, we come one step closer to achieving our mission to transform the health and well-being of the human community," said Daniel K. Church, PhD, president of Bastyr University.
Living 4 Life - Nutrition features culinary support from Bastyr University experts to create a healthy diet full of organic, whole foods and offer nutritional consultations. In Living 4 Life – Health, Bastyr experts will help put wellness into focus with consultations with naturopathic physicians and licensed acupuncturists, wellness lectures, research studies investigating the benefits of Qigong, Tai Chi, and yoga in a senior population.
"For years, we have been working on the development of our Living 4 Life program, a program I have envisioned for sometime as a way to truly make a difference in seniors' lives. Part of my vision was to partner with others who share our same goals. I can think of no better partner than Bastyr when it comes to addressing a truly holistic view of each individual," said Dwayne J. Clark, chairman and CEO of Aegis Living.
By partnering with Bastyr University, Aegis Living is combining the world-class skills and knowledge the company has in senior living with the expertise in natural health arts and sciences of Bastyr experts to bring the best ideas and practices for making life better.
Aegis Living is a national leader in retirement and assisted living, offering a progressive selection of senior residences to meet the growing needs of today's aging population. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington privately held Aegis Living operates 35 communities in Washington, California and Nevada.

Bastyr marks formal start of 2009-10 academic year with annual "convocation" ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Jordan) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:18:00 +0000

In a ceremony steeped in both tradition and words of inspiration, Bastyr University welcomed new and returning students for the 2009-10 academic year at its annual convocation event Tuesday, September 29, in the University’s beautiful European-style chapel.
"Convocation" has many meanings in the world of academia, but it most often refers to a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose. At Bastyr, that special purpose is an occasion for the University president, faculty and staff to welcome new and returning students to the formal start of the academic year with words of wisdom, guidance and encouragement.
This year's event was marked by a rousing musical performance by Pastor Pat Wright of the Total Experience Gospel Choir and a candle-lighting ceremony to symbolize the passing of the "flame" of knowledge. The event also included a lesson- and laugh-laden story from Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, about his first camping trip in 24 years.
An inexperienced camper, President Church offered new students advice both practical and philosophical based on a trip he called the "highlight of his summer" — despite its many hiccups. "Pitch your tent where you can get the morning sun," President Church counseled. "Orient your life toward where the rising light will warm you and energize you — stake out your space near bright minds and positive spirits who will support and encourage you."
And on a more practical note: "If you have a blow-up mattress, lock the valve." Dr. Church mused, recalling a night spent on the hard ground. "When you have invested yourself in something, save your work."