Hospital CEOs

In many cases, hospitals are run like businesses. Therefore, it is no surprise that they should have CEOs. Here are some great hospital CEO blogs to provide you with insight into the working of hospital administration.

1. Let’s Talk Health Care: Bruce Bullen, the interim CEO at Harvard Pligrim, looks at the nuts and bolts of health care, from a health industry standpoint.
2. Todd’s Perspective: Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa, offers up a blog by the CEO Todd Linden. He shares his thoughts on running a non-profit hospital.
3. Healing Hospitals: This blog was originally called Ask a Hospital President. It is run by Nick Jacobs, who answers questions about health care using his knowledge as a former hospital president.
4. Leading the Way to Medical Excellence: The president of McLeod Health offers insight into the changing world of medicine and the business of health care.
5. St. Joseph Medical Center: Scott, the CEO of St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, shares insight into what is happening at the hospital, and what it’s like to be in charge of a medical facility.
6. Hospital Life: Marty Bonick is the president and CEO of Jewish Hospital, and shares his insights on running a health care facility.
7. Running a Hospital: Just what it sounds like, this blog by the CEO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston offers insight into hospital administration.
8. More Than Medicine: Tom Quinn, CEO of Community General Hospital in Syracuse, NY offers his insights on medicine and life.
9. Hospital Impact: This blog claims to be the first blog written by a hospital CEO. And it’s still going strong, exploring trends in hospital administration and health care.

Health Care Industry and Business

Health care is an industry, and it represents a number of business interests. Here are some health business blogs that can provide you with some insight into how the whole system works:

10. Health Business Blog: Get an idea of trends in the business of health care.
11. The Health Care Blog: This blog focuses on how the health care system works, how it is run, and looks at the business of health and hospital administration.
12. Health Blog: This offering from the Wall Street Journal looks at business practices and realities related to health care.
13. Medical Practice Business Blog: Get into the nuts and bolts of business in medicine with this blog from AllBusiness.
14. Healthcare Economist: Look at the way things work in health care, and the economics behind the business of medicine.
15. Integrated Healthcare Business Solutions: The Blog Watch feature looks at business and administration issues related to the health care industry. Additionally, there are a number of articles offering helpful hints for administrators and aspiring administrators.
16. Piper Report: Follows trends in the health care industry and offers insight into how the system works.
17. BNET Health Care: Keep track of the latest developments in the health care industry.

Pharma

One of the essential ingredients in hospital administration and business is the pharmaceutical industry. These blogs address pharma, and look at the latest trends.

18. Pharmaceutical Business Review: Get the top news from the pharma industry.
19. Pharma Gossip: A fresh and fun take on the pharmaceutical industry.
20. Eye on FDA: Stay up to date with the latest information on Pharma related news from the FDA.
21. PharmExec Blog: Get some helpful hints on being a successful pharma executive, along with news and analysis.
22. Pharma Marketing Blog: John Mack shares insight into marketing pharmaceuticals.
23. Pharmalot: A look at drug companies, and how they are run.
24. Hooked: Ethics, Medicine, and Pharma: An insider’s look at what is going on in the pharma industry.
25. PharmTech Talk: A look at what is going on in the pharmaceutical industry, and insights into how it is administered.
26. Internet Drug News.com: The latest in what is happening in pharma and health care administration.

Health IT

Information technology is increasingly important to the health care industry and the effective running of hospitals. Would-be hospital administrators and business people are advised to learn a little bit about health IT.

27. HealthBlog: Microsoft’s health director blogs about health care IT and more.
28. Medical Connectivity: Insight on how to integrate technology and medicine.
29. eHealth: A look at the ins and outs of health IT.
30. Crossover Healthcare: Get a look at what happens when medicine, business and technology intersect.
31. HealthNex: Addresses how technology can be used to improve health care from a patient perspective.
32. Candid CIO: Get health IT and information straight-up from this health industry insider and CIO of Ministry Health Care.
33. HIStalk: A look at what’s going on in health care IT, along with a healthy dose of opinion and commentary.
34. Be Spacific: Public law and technology, including what goes on in the world of medicine.

Health Care Policy

Learn about HIPAA, as well as other health care policy issues when you read the following blogs.

35. HIPAA Blog: A blog devoted to helping hospital administrators and others understand how to come into compliance with HIPAA.
36. Health Care Organizational Ethics: Learn about ethics in health care. Very useful for business and administration in hospitals and other health facilities.
37. Global Bioethics Blog: A great look at the ethics of health care on a global scale.
38. Health Policy and Communications Blog: A look at policy and communication in health business.
39. Watcher’s World: Get a look at the issues that affect doctors, nurses, administrators and other medical professionals in the real world.
40. Managed Care Matters: Learn about the issues related to managed care, worker’s compensation and other issues that hospital administrators have to address.
41. Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review: A look at what is happening in the business of health care.
42. HIPAA Blog: Another blog devoted to helping those in the the health care industry and running health care businesses understand patient privacy policy.

Health Law

There is a whole subset of law devoted to health care. Hospital administrators need to have a basic idea of how the law works in relation to health care and medical business.

43. HealthLawProg Blog: Get insight into health law and issues.
44. HealthBlawg: David Harlow looks at what is going on in health care law.
45. Drug and Device Law: Get an inside view of what happens when devices and drugs go wrong.
46. Health Care Law Blog: Keep up to date on what is happening in the world of health care law.
47. Juvan’s Health Law & Private Equity Report: A look at M&A and other business issues and points of law related to health care business.
48. FDA Law Blog: Keep up to date on the latest law related issues regarding the FDA.
49. Health Law and Policy Blog: This is the blog of the Journal of Health Law & Policy. It is an outstanding resource for hospital administrators and others.
50. Drug Injury Law: Hospital administration professionals can get an idea of what they are up against in terms of drug injury.

The following sites are categorized by medical sites for basic information, government sites with initiatives for women, health organizations that provide help for specific topics or women, fitness sites to help stay in shape, sites geared toward teens and educational sites. The latter category shows what is possible when universities health into local communities, and all sites show what can be done through preventative measures.

This list represents just a handful of sites available to women today, but they contain all the resources you may need to attain optimum health and wellness. Each link within the categories is listed in alphabetical order to show readers that we do not favor one resource over another.

Medical Sites

1. Coalition for Research in Women’s Health: The Coalition was initiated by the Women’s College Research Institute (WCRI) as a catalyst for women’s health research.
2. FamilyDoctor Women: While this link provides information solely for women, the entire site is a help in dealing with family health issues.
3. Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health: JIWH is a nonprofit organization working to improve health care for women through research, dialogue, and information dissemination.
4. Healthy Women: HealthyWomen has provided unbiased and accurate health information and has earned the trust of consumers and health care providers as well as nonprofit and corporate partners and the media for thirty years. Founded by a female physician, this site is powered by medical advice from a variety of sources.
5. Mayo Clinic Women’s Health: Learn more about the top health risks for women from this top-notch medical center.
6. MedlinePlus Women’s Health: Learn more about the diseases and conditions that affect women differently or that affect women only.
7. Merck Manuals Women’s Health Issues: This site is a virtual medical library, filled with issues that affect women’s health.
8. Section on Women’s Health: This site is sponsored and maintained by the American Physical Therapy Association, initally founded to serve as a resource for physical therapists interested in women’s healthcare before, during and after pregnancy.
9. WebMD Women’s Health: Learn more about women’s health through news, videos, discussions and well-defined glossaries.
10. Women’s Therapy Center: This site is dedicated to female sexual health and related conditions.

Government Sites

11. CDC Women’s Health: This site is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also offers WiseWoman, a program focused on heart disease and stroke prevention.
12. FDA For Women: Learn about women’s health topics as well as news about product recalls, safety warnings and other Food and Drug Administration activities.
13. National Women’s Health Information Center: The government Office on Women’s Health (OWH) provides this site for free women’s health information on more than 800 topics.
14. Office of Research on Women’s Health: ORWH coordinates and serves as a focal point for women’s health research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH – Dept. of Health and Human Services).
15. Quick Health Data Online: The Department of Health and Human Services and the Office on Women’s Health provides online access to county-level health status data to help you learn more about health issues in your specific location.
16. Rural Women’s Health: Sponsored by the Rural Assistance Center within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Rural Initiative, this site focuses on America’s rural women and their particular needs.
17. Women’s Health Initiative: The Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offers some transparency in their clinical trials, research and more through this site.

Health Organizations

18. American Medical Women’s Association: This organization functions at the local, national, and international level to advance women in medicine and improve women’s health.
19. American Society for Reproductive Medicine: This link leads to the patient section in a site that focuses on infertility, menopause, contraception and other reproductive health issues.
20. Black Women’s Health Imperative: Since inception, this organization has been in the forefront of women’s health issues, with a focus on those issues that affect Black women.
21. Feminist Women’s Health Center: This organization supports the belief that women should have the right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, reproduction and sexuality.
22. Global Alliance for Women’s Health: GAWH promotes and implements women’s health care research and service improvements at local, national, and international levels.
23. International Women’s Health Coalition: This organization focuses on achieving rights for women worldwide in the areas of physical, mental and emotional health.
24. National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health: UCSF was founded to correct historical imbalances in health care while acting as a catalyst for change in women’s health.
25. National Women’s Health Foundation: NWHF strives to provide accurate and comprehensive education and outreach; funding for women to receive high-quality, safe, and legal reproductive health care services; and legislative and political advocacy to improve policies that impact the lives of women.
26. National Women’s Health Network: The National Women’s Health Network improves the health of all women by developing and promoting a critical analysis of health issues in order to affect policy and support consumer decision-making.
27. Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center: This organization focuses on reproductive rights, violence against women and other topics and projects related to women’s health and safety. This organization is located on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Lake Andes, South Dakota.
28. NAWHO: This is a national non-profit health organization with a focus on achieving health equity for Asian women and families.
29. Pacific Institute for Women’s Health: The mission of the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health is to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls around the globe via advocacy, public education, program development, training and research.
30. Society for Women’s Health Research: SWHR is the nation’s only non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through advocacy, education and research.
31. The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health: Established in Australia, this organization has become a powerful global force for improving women’s health.
32. World Health Organization: This link leads to this organization’s focus on women.

Women’s Fitness

33. Fitness Magazine: This is the online version of the popular fitness magazine for women.
34. Look Great Naked: This site focuses on women with resources, products, links, articles and more all geared toward making you look and feel at the top of your game.
35. MSN Diet and Fitness: This link leads to the site that focuses entirely on women.
36. Shape: Learn more about healthy eating, weight loss, health and beauty through this fitness magazine geared toward women.
37. Women Fitness: This site focuses on fitness, but as part of a total health-based picture.
38. Women’s Health Workouts: Don’t stop here – the entire site is filled within information about fitness, health and lifestyle information.

For Teens

39. Go Ask Alice! This is Columbia University’s Q&A Web site that focuses on drugs, emotional health, fitness and nutrition, general health and much more for teens and young adults (although elders might learn a thing or two as well…).
40. GirlsHealth: This government site is focused on all the topics that a teen girl wants to know about – from body image to emotions and relationships along with fitness and nutrition.
41. Scarleteen: This is one of the highest-ranking sex-ed sites online for girls. Scarleteen and its content has been lauded by such organizations as SIECUS, UNICEF, Planned Parenthood, The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Family Health International, the International Association for Adolescent Health, The Boston Women’s Health Collective and more.
42. Teen Growth: This project was established by KidsGrowth and the Pediatric Health Alliance, LLC in 1999 as an interactive project specifically tailored toward the health interests and general well-being of the teenage population.
43. Teen Talk: Planned Parenthood answers questions about sexual health, dating, birth control and much more.
44. TeensHealth: This is a body-mind-fitness connection for teens provided by Nemours, a national healthcare system.

Educational

45. OHSU Center for Women’s Health: For women in Oregon and throughout the Northwest, the center offers a new style and quality of care, centered on women and their families, and backed by the medical excellence of Oregon Health & Science University.
46. Stanford School of Medicine Women’s Health: Even if you do not live near Stanford, California, this site can provide current news about research projects and more.
47. The iris Cantor Women’s Health Center: Cornell University provides a plethora of information online to learn more about women’s health issues.
48. VCU Women’s Health: Virginia Commonwealth University’s Institute for Women’s Health National Center of Excellence provides a site filled with information, research, news and more all focused on women’s health issues.
49. Women’s Health Program: Sponsored and maintained by the University of Michigan, this site connects women to the very best resources in health care, research and education.
50. Your Health Women’s Health: Sponsored and maintained by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), this site is a resource for health topics that concern women.

The list below contains a wide variety of carbohydrate and protein food combinations that are low in fat and that will fuel your body before and after workouts. Follow the links to learn more about portion sizes, recipes and theories behind the choices. The list is divided into pre- and post-exercise foods and snacks. Each offering is listed alphabetically under those categories to show our readers we do not prefer one food combo over another.

Pre-Exercise

These meals will provide fuel for working out. Try to eat at least an hour before you exercise, with light meals about two hours before the gym and heavier meals about four hours before you work out.

1. Apples with almonds: Apples contain pectin fiber to slow entrance of sugar into the bloodstream. Add a dozen almonds for protein.
2. Apple and oatmeal: If you don’t like or cannot eat nuts, this is a low-glycemic serving that will keep you going.
3. Baked potato with chicken breast: Although this link focuses on men, this combo works for women, too. This is a ‘perfect’ carb and protein blend for pre-workout.
4. Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes: This is a hearty meal that will stay with you – no wheat, no dairy and filled with carbs.
5. Blueberry Smoothie: It takes less time to digest liquids, so a smoothie is perfect for that before-workout nutritional boost if you lack time.
6. Broccoli: Combine this powerhouse protein food with a carbohydrate (like shell noodles and a dash of olive oil) to get boost.
7. Chicken and brown rice: A suggestion from a Gold’s Gym representative, one that would make a light lunch before an afternoon workout.
8. Chili powder or ginger: Add these to your pre-workout meal to put a little “kick” into your workout. These spices aid in the thermogenic process, which helps with fat loss (along with other good foods).
9. Energy Drink: If you work out early in the morning, try this recipe about 30 minutes before you start your exercise. Your body will absorb the carrot juice, garlic and ginseng quickly, and you’ll have energy for that before-the-sun-rises routine.
10. Kiwi Orange Parfait: Enjoy kiwifruit, a small orange, low-fat granola and low-fat vanilla yogurt for this breakfast.
11. Lentils: This is a great source of carbs, protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper, while low in fat and calories.
12. Muesli and skimmed milk: This is a light breakfast rich in low-glycemic carbs, which may help you burn more fat during your morning workout.
13. Oatmeal: Simple, fast and a fantastic carbohydrate source. Add some vitamin-rich blueberries or strawberries for variety.
14. Pasta: 50 grams of carbs per cup provides muscle-building proteins and a food that digests in the small intestine, which helps to avoid cramps and heartburn. Combine with protein from veggies or lean meat to complete the meal.
15. Pre-Workout Punch: Make your own sports drink without a blender with this recipe. The water-sodium combination may enhance hydration.
16. Quinoa Salad: Try this protein-rich salad that includes tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, onion and lime juice to fuel your body.
17. Sweet potatoes: This single food packs in carbs, fiber and protein with very few calories. Don’t pack it with butter and/or sugar, though…a dash of cinnamon or a few raisins can add sweetness without guilt.
18. Tuna and pasta salad: Pasta for the carbs and tuna for the protein – this makes for a great light lunch before an afternoon workout.
19. Wheat bread and peanut butter: Great intake before a strenuous workout, as the complex carbohydrates provide energy and help build muscle.
20. Yogurt: This is a good source for carbs and protein, with very few calories if you choose a low-calorie option.

Post-Exercise

The most critical nutritional period for muscle growth is the post-workout meal. Following a hard workout, your body is severely depleted of glycogen and glucose that you can replace with the following food combinations:

21. Bagel and string cheese: The (low-fat preferred) cheese replaces milk, bagel for fiber and protein. Choose a grain bagel.
22. Baked potato with low-fat cheese and side of fruit: This combo provides enough protein and carbs for a light lunch after working out.
23. Banana and peanut butter: This link calls for one gram of protein for every three-four grams of carbs. A large banana contains 30 grams of carbohydrates and two tablespoons of peanut butter contains nine grams of protein.
24. Bean burrito: Try a whole-wheat tortilla packed with black beans, salsa and low-fat cheese.
25. Caffeine: A study shows that athletes who consumed caffeine and carbs after strenuous exercise had 66 percent more glycogen in the muscles four hours later than athletes who ingested carbs alone. Try this Morning Mocha Smoothie for post early-morning workouts.
26. Carbs: Eating 100-200 grams of carbohydrates within two hours of endurance exercise is essential to building adequate glycogen stores for training.
27. Chicken, pasta and veggies : Lean chicken and any vegetable mixed with pasta makes for a great light lunch or dinner after a workout. Eat separately or mix together.
28. Eggs and juice: Try hard-boiled eggs to avoid extra fat in frying. Any juice will do, but watch the sugar content.
29. Egg and veggie omelet: Try an avocado for fiber and monounsaturated fat, or a mix of veggies for a great protein lunch after working out.
30. Garbanzo salad: Try this recipe for a light lunch after workout. Adding feta cheese and Bulgar provides calcium and fiber.
31. Gatorade and whey protein: This is a liquid protein drink that is effective and provides a quick resource for post-workout relief.
32. Peanut butter and honey sandwich: Try whole grain bread for a filling post-workout snack.
33. Protein bars: Avoid bars that contain high levels of fat and refined sugars.
34. Rice cakes with nut butter and banana: This article suggests peanut butter, but other nut butters are on the market and worth a try (such as almond butter).
35. Seed or nut milk: While this suggestion was touted for raw food dieters, the amino acids in these drinks can help replenish anyone’s energy.
36. Sports drink: A liquid such as a sports drink will act quickly to replace energy stores. This link takes you to a homemade drink made from a banana, milk and yogurt.
37. Sushi: Jeremy Wariner would love a sushi bar next to the track or weight room for post-workout treats that contain all the essentials any athlete would need.
38. Turkey on whole grain bread: Make that turkey lean for a balanced carb-protein balance.
39. Vegetable bean soup and bread: While the link to this article has this suggestion listed as a ’snack,’ it can work as a light meal. The liquidity of the soup will hit your system faster than the whole food, but the combination is great, especially if the bread is whole grain.
40. Whole grain cereal: While liquids may work faster to regenerate your system, whole grain cereal is just as effective at refueling muscles.

Snacks

The best snack for working out is plain water to remain hydrated. But, if the workout is strenuous, it’s good to replenish your system with a light protein-carb combo. Otherwise, save these snacks for pre- or post-workout.

41. Banana (frozen) with peanut butter, walnuts and raisins: Try this recipe after a sweaty workout to life your spirits and lower the temperature.
42. Chocolate milk: In one study, chocolate milk outperformed some sports drinks in helping athletes bounce back from a workout. Try one-percent fat, one cup for a mid-workout snack, two cups for after workout.
43. Cottage cheese and fruit: Few men we know have acquired a taste for cottage cheese, but this is a great option for a snack that’s filled with protein (but low in carbs and fat).
44. Egg and fruit juice: One hard boiled egg is jam-packed with protein. Choose natural juices.
45. Fresh fruits: Fruits provide a touch of carbs to keep you going and fructose to provide fast-burning energy.
46. Minibagel with nut butter, honey and toasted wheat germ: You can skip the toasted wheat germ if the bagel is whole grain.
47. Pita bread and hummus: Try the little pita snack breads with a dab of hummus, made from chickpeas. This will provide carbs as well as proteins.
48. Raisins and nuts. A handful of raisins give you a simple carb for immediate energy, and nuts give you a little fat and a feeling of fullness. Try trail mix, too, but not the ones with candies.
49. “Recovery Pudding“: Scroll down for this yummy snack that includes bananas, dates, flax seed, carob powder, coconut oil, lemon juice and sea salt.
50. Whole wheat crackers and tuna: Try this light snack for a boost and to help regenerate muscle tissue.

Views of Alternative Medicine

Get a foundation in alternative and completmentary medicine by learning different views of alternative medicine.

1. Issues in complementary and alternative medicine from The Open University explores why people turn to alternative medicine, and looks at different health traditions.
2. Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) from the National Institutes of Health defines complementary and alternative medicine and looks at cases studies that illustrate its role in modern medicine.
3. Introducing Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a PDF from Liebert Online, which provides a look at a possible method of teaching alternative medicine. Includes basic terminology and applications of different complementary techniques.
4. Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine from UTMB provides a PowerPoint presentation about alternative medicine, its uses and terminology.
5. Curriculum in Integrative Medicine presents helpful information on alternative therapies and how they can be integrated with current Western medical techniques.
6. The Duty of Oriental and Western Medicine provides an interesting look at the underlying philosophies of many alternative therapies, and how it differs from traditional Western medical thought.

Western Medicine Basics

While not alternative medicine per se, these open courseware classes can help you learn about the body and get a feel for how physiology works. From there, you can use this knowledge to improve your alternative medicine practice.

7. Human Growth and Development from Tufts University offers an excellent introduction to the way we grow and develop as humans — from birth to death.
8. General Human Anatomy from the University of California Berkeley provides useful information about how the body is organized. Complements what you learn about alternative medicine practices.
9. Behavioral Endocrinology is a podcast series from Johns Hopkins University. It is a fascinating look at how the brain and hormones affect behavior. Underlying principles of alternative medicine can be identified.
10. Introduction to Biology from MIT will give you a foundation for how the body works, as well as how it might be influenced by a number of factors.
11. General Biology from Johns Hopkins University is a great complement to the MIT course, and can further help your understanding of biological systems in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes a number of health practices based on ancient Chinese medical beliefs and traditions. This includes acupuncture, some herbalism and philosophies about the flow of energy through the body. You can learn more about TCM and practice by studying open courseware.

12. An Introduction to Acupuncture from the National Institutes of Health offers a great overview of how acupuncture works, and how it can be used in medicine practices.
13. Chinese Medicine Basics from Acupuncture.com looks at the entire field of Chinese medicine and its uses, as well as looking at how acupuncture fits into that picture.
14. Acupuncture Point Location is a helpful study of specific points on the body that are used acupuncture.
15. The Zang-Fu Theory from TCM Basics offers a helpful overview of the function of organs in the body from a traditional Chinese standpoint.

Holistic Medicine

In holistic medicine, the idea is to treat the “entire person”. This includes the mind and the spirit, as well as taking into account external and internal factors that may be causing a lack of balance in the body. Homeopathy and Ayurveda are examples of holistic medicine.

16. Developing a Personal Plan for Health and Well-Being from the University of Minisota helps you create a plan, using holistic principles, to improve your health.
17. Homeopathy Elementary Course from hpathy.org looks at how homeopathy works, and provides resources and materials that can help you begin applying these principles.
18. Holistic Pediatrics from UTMB goes through the ways you can use holistic medicine to complement health practices with children.
19. First Aid with Homeopathic Medicine from Homeopathic.com takes you through first aid procedures, and how you can use a holistic homeopathic approach.
20. An Introduction to Ayurveda from Healty.net describes Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical practice, and its basic principles. A helpful introduction to this form of treating one’s entire health.

Herbalism

Herbalism focuses on the use of herbs to keep the body healthy and ease ailments. Learn about herbs and how they can be used with open courseware. Includes courses that address dietary supplements and nutrition as well.

21. Herbs and Other Dietary Supplements from the National Institutes of Health provides an overview of how herbal dietary supplements interact with body and can enhance health.
22. Studying the Effects of Natural Products is anoher
23. Critical Analysis of Popular Diets and Dietary Supplements from Johns Hopkins University offers a balanced view of herbs and what they can accomplish.
24. Botanical Medicines from the University of Minnesota focuses on the way naturally occuring plants and minerals can provide treatment help.
25. Pharmacology Part I from Tufts University provides a look at medicines and pharmacy. Includes a section on herbal medications. Provides a helpful look at how certain substances react in the body.

Physical Manipulation

Some complementary medicine, like chiropractic, makes use of physical manipulation. Manual therapies include massage therapy and energy therapies like Reiki.

26. Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies: Chiropractic and Spinal Manipulation from the National Institutes of Health focuses on the basics chiropractic medicine and spinal manipulation. This is one of the main manipulative alternative therapies.
27. Massage from the University of Minnesota looks at how massage can help with a number of ailments. Massage is considered one of the main complementary manual therapies.
28. Osteopathy from the University of Minnesota provides information on osteopathy, which deals with the musculoskeletal system and its manipulation.
29. Free Reiki Attunements from xehupatl.com offers an email course in using different Reiki energies to help heal your body. Also includes study notes and links to additional resources. Reiki is an alternative medicine practice that focuses on energy manipulation.
30. Healing Touch from the University of Minnesota explores how you can use touch to manipulate energy centers in the body and help others heal.

Mind-Body Connection

The connection between the mind and the body is a vital one in alternative medicine. This means that understanding these connections is important. Complementary medicine open courseware can help you learn about using the connections between mind, body and spirit to enhance treatment.

31. Overview of Meditation from the University of Minnesota takes you through proper meditative practice, and explores how it can help your health.
32. Challenging ideas in mental health from The Open University looks at ways that alternative medicine views of the mind’s connection with the body might help from a mental health perspective.
33. Buddhist Psychology from the University of California Berkeley focuses on how the Buddhist way of thinking — involving the mind-body connection — can help enhance your health and well-being.
34. Health and Sprituality from the National Institutes of Health provides insight into how spirituality connects with our ability to heal and enjoy better health.
35. Medicine, Religion and Politics in Africa and the African Diaspora from MIT addresses how health practices have changed in Africa since the introduction of Western medicine. This course also looks at the African beliefs relating to the body and the mind and the concept of holistic health.

Alternative Treatments

Learn about using alternative and complementary means to treat different diseases and ailments.

36. Breast Cancer from Suite 101 deals with keeping breasts healthy and includes some alternative treatments for breast cancer.
37. Natural Health Strategies for Depression from Homeopathic.com provides insight into how it is possible to use natural remedies to deal with depression.
38. Alternate Approaches to Healing from the University of Washington covers the way different complementary practices can help ease a number of diseases and ailments.
39. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems from Tufts University addresses chronic pain and different strategies — including alternative healing — to ease suffering.
40. Clinical Aromatherapy from the University of Minnesota looks at how the alternative practice of using properly chosen smells can help aid in the treatment process.

Fitness and Weight Loss

Losing weight and getting in shape can be a daunting task. You need encouragement, a way to track your progress, and helpful workout hints. Here are some iPhone apps that can help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals:

1. LoseIt! helps you keep track of your daily activities so that you can see how many calories you are burning. A searchable database has a number of regular activities, as well as calorie counts for common foods. That way, you can also keep track of how many calories you are concerning. Perfect for someone who wants to be reminded of what it coming in — and being burned off.
2. StepTrackLite provides a simple pedometer that keeps track of how many steps you are taking. It works even when you have it in a bag. This application breaks your steps down into “walking” and “running”, as well as determining whether you have been doing vigorous or moderate exercise.
3. RunKeeper allows you to keep track of your mileage during any outing. It is perfect for hikers and walkers, as well as for runners. This app makes use of GPS to help you keep track of your altitude, duration and pace as well as the distance you go. This app is only free if you allow ads, however. Otherwise, it costs $9.99.
4. iMapMyRun, like RunKeeper, makes use of GPS to help you keep track of distances. However, you can enhance your experience by setting up an account that will save your training logs, save routes you have run (or biked or walked) and even receive voice feedback as part of your coaching.
5. iSPINNING can sync up with a heart rate monitor, allowing you to program workouts with a target hear rate. Allows you to track your power, distance and speed while on a mountain bike or a Spinner.
6. iPump Free Workout offers you two workouts that target major muscle groups. The full workouts are designed to help you get the most out of your work out, in turns of cardio and strength. You can see demos of the exercises, as well as use a workout log to keep track of your progress. There is a an iPump application that costs money, and offers a greater variety of full workouts.
7. Pret-a-Yoga Lite is designed especially for beginning practitioners of yoga. (There are more advanced exercises, though, for those who are ready for a bigger challenge.) This iPhone app takes you through different poses and demonstrates breathing and proper poses. Includes audio instructions as well.
8. FitView Lite keeps track of your fitness goals, stats and activities. Carry your entire fitness routine and progress around with you. There is a full version, with expanded charts and profile options, available for $3.99.

Food and Nutrition

You are what you eat. Live healthier by understanding what is in your food, and keeping track of the kinds of food that you eat. One of the first steps to living healthy is eating better.

9. Calorie Tracker features access to a database of more than 450,000 items found in restaurants and kitchens. Look up the calorie count of your meal, as well get information on fat, carbs and protein. Keep track of all the nutritional information available for different foods.
10. Restaurant Nutrition allows you to see exactly how unhealthy that food is when you go out to eat. Search by restaurant and then by menu item to find out how mancy calories, and how many grams of fat, you will find in common menu items when you eat out.
11. 40-30-30 is all about achieving nutritional balance. You can calculate the percentage of carbs, protein and fat in your meals and try to get the proper balance of 40 (carbs) – 30 (protein) – 30 (fat).
12. MyNetDiary encourages you to eat healthier by helping you keep track of the food you eat. Keep track of your meals, make notes and find out (using the database) how many calories you are consuming.
13. 2Fat helps you keep track of your BMI and body fat percentage. While not exactly “fun”, it can be a good reminder to eat better and improve your nutrition so that you have less body fat.
14. Eight Glasses a Day serves as a gentle reminder that you need to get plenty of water in order to live a healthy lifestyle. A great way to keep track of your water intake — and a reminder to replace soda and other empty calorie drinks with nice, cold water.
15. GoodFoodNearYou from Fitplanet provides you with access to restaurants and stores that offer healthy choices.

General Health and Medical

Looking for health information? Get access to medical and health information that you can use to enhance your lifestyle and make better decisions.

16. WebMD Mobile grants you access to the wealth of information on WebMD, allowing you to check symptoms and get health tips and reliable information.
17. EyeChart can help you test your visual acuity. Figure out whether or not you have a potential problem as soon as possible.
18. Epocrates Rx is a drug reference application that provides you with access to the uses for different drugs, as well as their interactions. A premium version includes a disease reference as well.
19. iQuit Smoking Counter provides you a way to track your attempts as you quit smoking. Measures the extra years you have gained and the money you have saved since you quit smoking.
20. Perfect OB Wheel helps you keep track of how things are going in your pregnancy, estimating due date, conception date, and helping you figure out what should be happening to the fetus at different trimesters.

Healthy Mind and Relaxation

There are iPhone apps that can help you improve your mental acuity and health. Additionally, you can use the iPhone to improve your relaxation technique — which is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

21. aSleep focuses on helping you get the right amount of sleep. A sound generator helps you fall asleep or meditate. This is important, since proper rest is part of having a healthy mind and body.
22. iBrainWave SE provides binaural beats and white noise to help your mind move into a healthy, rejuvenating sleep.
23. BrainFit is designed to help you exercise your mental capabilities with a special mind game.
24. Zen Proverbs provides you with a number of proverbs meant for meditation.
25. Happiness uses a variety of methods to help you change your mood and drift toward contentment.