Check out the letter I submitted to the Health Commission urging them to advise the SF Board of Supes to stop CPMC (Sutter) from this action. The address is there, if you feel compelled to weigh in on the issue. If you’re in the city today, the Health Commission hearing is today and there is another one coming June 16 at 2:00 pm. Speak up!

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May 19, 2009

Department of Public Health
Health Commission
101 Grove Street, room 308
San Francisco, CA 94102

RE: Sutter/CPMC Charity Service Cancellations

To the Health Commission:

I am shocked and saddened to hear that charity service programs such as Touro University’s osteopathic clinic and student training are being canceled. There has been a justifiably angry outcry against this move from the doctors offering these services as well as from the students who have an unparalleled opportunity to learn in the hospital setting, not to mention patients benefiting from these free services.

It is for services like these that Sutter/CPMC has been granted non-profit status. As such, they have a responsibility to answer the real needs of the community. How can they hope to expand and create big, new hospitals such as that proposed for Cathedral Hill without protecting charity programs for facilities already in existence? If Sutter/CPMC wishes to function like a for-profit company, then they should be stripped of their non-profit status.

My child has been a patient of the osteopathic training program with Drs. Cislo and McCombs, DO, through Touro University at St. Luke’s, one of the Sutter/CPMC hospitals. My son’s health has improved dramatically from his care there over the past two years. He was successfully treated through natural, hands-on osteopathic methods from symptoms that his pediatrician claimed couldn’t be helped. At each visit, a room full of students got to share the joy of my boy’s improved health and comfort. Real learning happened and real confidence in natural osteopathic care was instilled in each of us. It is a beautiful program–not only for us, but for many other families who may not be able to find the same quality services due to financial constraints.

Ours was a simple story of good health turning great, but I know that for other patients participating in that program, it has been a story life or death. That is, I am told that some patients are literally kept alive through Touro’s free program. What happens to these patients if the care is stripped?

This is yet another insult in a long line of charity service cancellations. Guided by Sutter/CPMC, the “new” St. Luke’s has already cut many badly needed services in favor of more profitable programs. Consider the impact our community has suffered already: the loss of the entire psychiatric care unit, the loss of neo-natal intensive care, the loss of much-needed SNF beds, the loss of the heart of the maternity ward which was once famous for its commitment to women-centered, safe, demedicalized birth. Now, charity osteopathic medicine has had its final day.

Please listen to the opinions of the hospital doctors and nurses. Let people who took the Hippocratic Oath guide the hospital’s direction. They know what is best for their patients, not the money guys.  Please advise the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to keep Touro’s and other charity programs alive, otherwise they must revoke Sutter/CPMC’s non-profit status.

Sincerely,
Sri Lalita

The recent swine flu outbreaks are a wonderful reminder of the fragility and precious nature of life. Every day brings opportunities to honor the gift of life and the everpresence of death.

How? The answer is in our conduct. When we nurture ourselves with the appropriate daily habits in food, rest, exercise and relationships, we boost our life force and are able to relax more deeply into our natural place in the larger web of life. This is the best thing we can do to enhance our ojas, our immunity. Working from this place, what can we do with all of the hysteria surrounding the swine flu? We can commit, yet again, to our dinacharya–our daily health practices.

What Can I Take?*

Yes. Of course. Boost your immunity. Take natural, preventative measures.

Vitamin D has been shown in studies to prevent or at least minimize influenza in particular. I have seen recommended dosages ranging from 2,000 IU up to 10,000 IU.

Banyan Botanicals makes a nice formula called Immune Support, which can be taken on and off for two week periods. (Don’t stay on your immune boosting herbs constantly, but stagger them instead.) The Echinacea and Osha contained in this formula are excellent immune enhancing herbs. According the legendary herbalist Michael Moore, Osha was famous as a remedy throughout Northern California in treating the Spanish Flu during in the 1920’s.

Alternatively, use Astragalus and Echinacea together. Astragalus is another herb with antiviral properties and is found in the classic Chinese formula Jade Wind Screen which is easy to find in many herbal shops. Put that with Echinacea and you’ll have a pretty great combination.

Another good one is Yin Chiao Echinacea Complex, a nice formula by Planet Herbs. It has both Echinacea and Boneset (also antiviral) as well as Elecampane (to benefit lungs). Take this if you think you’re coming down with flu-like symptoms. This one and the Jade Screen can be taken together. In fact, I think Planet Herbs makes a Jade Screen that is glycerine-based that kids like.

As a more general recommendation, I can’t stress the importance of Vitamin C and Cod Liver Oil and probiotics for maintaining general balance in the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which is necessary for basic maintenance. Omega-3’s in Cod Liver Oil are necessary for the proper balance of fats, functioning of the nervous system, and lubrication of tissues. Probiotics help your gut efficiently and effectively digest, absorb and assimilate nutrients. Remember, according to Ayurveda, *all* disease originates in the digestive system so healthy GI flora is foundational to good general health.

What Can I Do?

With this as with any influenza, do your part to minimize the spread of the pathogen. Wash your hands. Cover your mouth with you cough or sneeze. I have seen that it is recommended to wear a mask if you are traveling. But, don’t forget that a ‘bug’ needs an imbalanced host in order to do its mischief. That means that if your channels are gunked up with ama, your mind is bogged down by stress, your bloodstream riddled with free-radicals, then your entire system is already under duress. Avoid congesting foods like cheese, alcohol and fried or processed foods. Do not depress your immune system with sweets.

Equally bear in mind the importance of reducing stress. Having good, home cooked food as well as the appropriate, rest and exercise for your dosha goes a long way to unwind subconscious tension. Pursue natural health care such as massage, acupuncture, Ayurveda and chiropractic care.

Meditate. Or pray. Or both.

But do this: elliminate fear. Follow your bliss. Find your niche and live it proudly. This is the main thing you can do to tonify your ojas.

*Please remember that these are all just suggestions and it is prudent to check with your doctor before embarking on any herbal course or change in lifestyle or diet.