Health: successes of integrative health treatments/Story: Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist 5

Health Corner: Polis, Coffman launch bipartisan Integrative Health and Wellness Caucus, citing successes of integrative health treatments   “Today, Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Mike Coffman, R-Colo., launched the Integrative Health and Wellness Congressional Caucus in the House of Representatives. The Caucus will serve as a non-partisan educational forum for legislators to receive up-to-date information from experts related to best practices and new research, and to discuss legislative and administrative opportunities for integrative health.   “Integrative and complementary therapies and treatments are an effective choice for many people on their journey to health and wellness,” Polis said. “As we debate how we can further the health care system in the U.S., we must ensure that it is affordable and accessible to all - but also, we must ensure that it provides the best possible care available.  That means investing in evidence-based integrative care.  I am proud to launch this Caucus alongside my fellow Coloradan Rep. Mike Coffman, and hope that our collaboration serves as a reminder that bipartisanship can help us reach our goals in health care.”   “I think it’s important for patients to have all the facts and latest research when it comes to therapies and treatments available to them when making medical decisions. I am happy to co-chair the ‘Health and Wellness Caucus’ with my fellow Colorado colleague, Jared Polis, as we can contribute immensely given our experience dealing with healthcare in a state as diverse as Colorado.” said Coffman.   Integrative health emphasizes prevention, health creation, health promotion and general well-being, and includes therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and mindfulness. At a time when the most expensive drains on our nation’s health dollars are chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, integrative approaches can offer improved outcomes with lower costs. While at least a third of Americans use complementary or alternative medicines, access is often inconsistent. This caucus will provide a platform for legislators to participate together and focus on the important opportunity that integrative health and wellness approaches offers across federally funded health programs, and find ways to make these solutions more available to the American people.”   https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398464   Story: Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist - Lunch Walks Among Us, Chapter 5-7