Integrative Flu Pandemic Preparedness Project
Integrative and holistic caregivers can and should play an important
role in flu pandemics and in pandemic preparedness, particularly in
situations where the vaccine is unavailable to everyone or when
individuals choose not to get vaccinated.
From 2006 through 2009, I offered a series of workshops for holistic caregivers on
how best to prepare for pandemic flu from an integrative healthcare perspective. The trainings provided up-to-date information and expert clinical advice from
both a conventional medical perspective and from the perspectives of traditional
Chinese medicine, homeopathy, herbalism, and other modalities.
Venues included: the New England School of Acupuncture, the Rhode Island Society for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Charles River School of Shiatsu, the Farmacy, and the Grassroots Community Herbal Convergence.
Following the emergence and spread of H1N1 Swine flu in Rhode Island, in October 2009 I helped organize a public panel discussion, Holistic and Conventional Caregivers Speak Out on the H1N1 Swine Flu and What You Can Do, which brought together caregivers from diverse traditions with an official from the RI Dept of Health to weave a rich tapestry of information on the many ways to avoid the flu and to provide flu care and self-care. I also produced and distributed an information sheet on online and statewide integrative flu care resources.
"I want to thank you again for a great workshop. You did a tremendous amount
of research and prepared an amazing packet for us all. I also appreciated the
warm and heartfelt way you presented the material. I am certainly glad I
attended the workshop!"
-- Nancy Phillips, Herbalist and Author of The Herbalist's Way: The Art and
Practice of Healing with Plant Medicines
"Thanks again for your interest and dedication to the topic of Avian Flu. I
really feel lucky to have heard your lecture, and I feel your info will benefit
a vast number of people."
--Mary Claire Dilks, DAc, President, Rhode Island Society of Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine
2009 Karlo Berger. Some rights reserved. Website Design by Solid Uncoated.
Thanks to Hannah Burr, Kristin Granli, and Jim Kelly.