Washington, D.C. - In an October 1, 2004, letter to the integrative and alternative health community, Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry pledged to “protect the right of all Americans to informed access to a broad array of health and wellness choices” and acknowledged the “important role of nutrition, enhanced by some nutritional supplements, in preventing and reducing the risk of disease.”
“Health consumers are concerned” wrote Kerry, “because access to innovative health-advancing services and products have been diminished and continue to be challenged.”
At a time when dietary supplements and alternative medicine approaches are under attack from some in Congress and the media, Senator Kerry assured leaders of the integrative health and wellness community that he understands the importance of “innovative health” approaches, including dietary supplements, “mind-body practices and vigorous physical exercise.”
“Disease prevention efforts and enhancement of personal wellness are not only important to reducing health care costs, but they’re also critical to promoting health,” Kerry wrote.
“To ensure wide availability of these approaches, we must protect the right of all Americans to have informed access to a broad array of health and wellness choices,” Kerry added.
This letter from the Kerry campaign is the result of conversations initiated by individual leaders of the integrative health and wellness community, including the Campaign for Better Health.
Over 158 million Americans, more than 50 percent of the total US population, use some type of complementary and alternative health practice or product and spend over $40 billion each year on treatment and prevention that is often not covered by traditional insurance. Repeated polls show that health-related issues are primary concerns to voters.
The Bush campaign has been contacted for a letter stating their position.
Please circulate this document widely so voters can better understand and hold their elected leaders accountable.
The Campaign for Better Health gives a powerful, national voice to the millions of Americans who utilize and support integrative health and wellness practices. Together, we will create a healthier America and reduce healthcare costs by advancing innovative solutions to improve health policy, practice and research and by empowering individuals to recognize their ability and responsibility to heal themselves.
