The use of alternative therapies are wide and include needs and conditions such as neurological disorders, chronic illness or injury, stress, pain, or other challenges (Murray, Zentner, & Yakimo, 2008). The terms complementary therapy and alternative therapy are often used as if they are the same, but not so. Complementary therapies are integrated or used along with the conventional medical treatment. They include aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, visualization, and yoga (Murray, Zentner, & Yakimo, 2008). Alternative therapy is used instead of conventional treatment. Most have no scientific evidence that they work and may not be completely safe, causing harm instead of good. Examples of unsafe alternative therapies for cancer include shark cartilage supplements and Gerson therapy (Mayo Clinic, 2015). The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) recognize five categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; Calabro, S, 2015 p. 1; Mayo Clinic, 2015, p. 1): Mind-body medicine: focuses on how the mental and emotional status of the individual interacts and affects the bodys ability to function (examples would be meditation, art, and music). Whole medical systems: focus on complete systems of medical theory/practice with roots in non-Western cultures (such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and neuropathy). Manipulative and body-based practices: include physical manipulation (such as chiropractic and osteopathy). Energy medicine: uses energy fields to promote healing (such as Reiki and magnet therapy). Biologically based practices: focus on herbs, nutrition, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines. The healthcare provider must help the individual and family make informed decisions regarding the risks and benefits of CAM treatments; and advise them not to stop or change the conventional treatment without talking to their physician, and to update their doctor as to alternative therapies they are using, including herbal and dietary changes (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Resources: Calabro, S (2015) Defining complementary and alternative medicine. Everday Health Media, LLC. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/the-basics.aspx Mayo Clinic (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/alternative-medicine/art-20045267 Learning Activity #4: Complementary and Alternative Therapies PowerPoint Presentation Review Chapter 2, pp 64-67; chapters 14 and 15 in Murray, Zentner, & Yakimo Healthy People 2020, About Healthy People www.healthypeople.gov. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation highlighting alternative therapies appropriate for a specific health concern of the young adult or middle aged individual. Your presentation should be a minimum of 810 slides. The presentation must contain the following components: Cover slide (title page) Introduction: the chosen age group and health concern Apply complementary and alternative therapies to promote health or prevent/treat a chosen health concern Provide an example of a Healthy People 2020 goal that supports alternative therapy Discuss the role of the healthcare professional in educating the individual related to the chosen alternative therapy
