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KING FEATURES

IT'S A WOMAN'S WORLD

By Tamara Jones

May 17-23, 2004

With a rising population of aging baby boomers beginning to assume many of the health problems that may be found in older folks, and with what some population experts call an expected new post-Iraq War baby boom, the health care industry will be expanding, and health care workers will be needed to fill the growing job availabilities. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, this column will cover a number of different health care career opportunities that you may find of interest. We'll kick off with a look at the New York College of Health Professionals, one of many training facilities for people who want to be part of a growing trend in health care that marries the familiar Western medical methodologies with the older holistic practices typically used in Eastern cultures.

Lisa J. Pamintoan, president of the New York College of Health Professions, notes that the institution prepares people as practitioners in complimentary/alternative and integrative medicine. The college uses a holistic approach to education and clinical practice, blending Eastern and Western styles in prevention and healing.

As she says, "There's truth in both (practices), and that's what we teach"

Some eastern methods may never be accepted by Western medicine (and vice versa). However, some have long since been adopted, including meditation (which helps lower blood pressure) and yoga exercises, which are being increasingly incorporated into Western therapy programs. Nurses are also using holistic methods with elderly or bed-ridden patients. As a matter of fact, the College teaches Holistic Nursing courses at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and partners with New York's North Shore Hospital System in the submission of governmental research grants.

The career opportunities for well-trained people who can work in both the traditional and holistic disciplines are growing. To contact the college, go online at www.nycollege.edu. For information on Integrative medical education facilities in your area, contact your state's department of higher education.

Write to Tamara Jones in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Or send an email to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com. © 2004 King Features Synd., Inc.