Columbia University Health & Nutrition Public Forum Explores Food From A Personal To Global Perspective

NEW YORK, April 27, 2006— A recent survey reveals that the majority of Americans are confused about proper nutrition, with two-thirds (63%) agreeing that there is so much conflicting information about healthy diets, they don’t know what to believe. Additionally, only 40% say they understand the latest government dietary guidelines, and fewer than half understand key nutrition topics like omega-3s and the potential benefits of soy, according to the same study.

To help ease this confusion and work to educate consumers, Columbia University Medical Center’s Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona will host the third annual Nutrition and Health Public Forum that will answer the question, “what is good food?” at New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel, Sunday, April 30. Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Marion Nestle, organic chef Dan Barber of New York’s Blue Hill restaurant and Dr. Joan Gussow of Columbia University Teacher’s College will discuss and debate the issues surrounding health and nutrition from one’s own food choices to a more global perspective, and offer attendees answers to their questions.

“The public forum will help distill the existing research and other factors that affect the food that reaches our plates” said Dr. Kronenberg, Director of the Rosenthal Center, who conducts clinical research examining how diets including more plant-based foods impact health of women at midlife.

“With so many conflicting messages about nutrition and health in the media and elsewhere, of course Americans are confused about how they can live a healthier life,” said Dr. Andrew Weil, physician, author and leader in the field of integrative medicine. “Consumers need straight answers on what they can and should be doing to live a healthier life so they can make informed decisions about their overall health and diet.”

Discussion topics for the public forum, which will be moderated by WNYC-AM/FM radio host Leonard Lopate, include: What are good and bad fats? What are the benefits of buying organic for yourself and the planet? How can certain foods help to improve health conditions? What does “good food” really mean? And questions from the audience The third annual Nutrition and Health Public Forum will take place on Sunday, April 30 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Midtown Manhattan from Noon – 4:30 and will precede the third annual “Nutrition and Health: State of the Science and Clinical Applications” conference. Tickets for the Public Forum are $25 for students and seniors, $35 for young professionals, and $85 general admission and are available by visiting http://www.integrativemedicine.arizona.edu or calling the Rosenthal Center at 212-342-0116.

‘Nutrition and Health: State of the Science and Clinical Applications’ is a two and half day continuing medical education accredited conference held at the Grand Hyatt New York May 1 – 3, 2006. This conference provides essential information for health care professionals who address issues of food and nutrition in their clinical practices, including the latest research findings, practical recommendations for clinical care, and challenging discussions of public policy. For additional information and registration contact: http://www.ColumbiaCME.org.

About the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine builds bridges between diverse therapeutic traditions and modern medicine. Based at Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons, the Rosenthal Center is one of the first comprehensive programs at a major medical center to examine alternative therapies with academic focus and scientific rigor. The Rosenthal Center’s mission is to contribute to the informed research and practice of complementary and alternative medicine and to foster the development of a more comprehensive and inclusive medical system. The center’s goals include: conducting and facilitating scientific research, and providing medical professionals with education that promotes the understanding of complementary and integrative medicine. http://www.rosenthal.hs.columbia.edu

About the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona The mission of the Program in Integrative Medicine is to lead the transformation of healthcare by creating, educating, and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of Integrative Medicine. The Program in Integrative Medicine defines Integrative Medicine as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. For more information on the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine, please visit: http://www.integrativemedicine.arizona.edu.

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Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in pre-clinical and clinical research, in medical and health sciences education, and in patient care. The medical center trains future leaders in health care and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, nurses, dentists, and public health professionals at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. www.cumc.columbia.edu

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Andrew Weil, Integrative Medicine, Marriott Marquis Hotel, Rosenthal Center