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Taking Charge Blog

Reflections from the director of the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota.

 

Charlie and the Chakra Factory Meets the Wizard of Ohm: Yoga for All Ages

11.17.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

It used to be that yoga, as well as other mind-body practices, were believed to be esoteric "flower power" exercises practiced in relative obscurity by people on the fringe of society and American culture. Cut to the 21st century where hospitals, community centers and wellness facilities around the country are teaching both yoga and meditation.

Leaders in the Healthcare Trenches: Let's Start Recognizing Nurses for Their Expertise

10.14.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

Why aren't we hearing more about nurse practitioners and nurse mid-wives as part of the solution in the health reform debate? In studies, it has been found that nurse practitioners can effectively manage 80% of primary care.

The Healing Power of Nature

08.13.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD
A recent article in Time magazine describes a new form of therapy - ecotherapy! A growing number of psychologists believe that many of the current problems facing people today - depression, anxiety, and stress - are due, in part, to our alienation from nature.

Self Care: Key to Health Reform Worldwide

06.05.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

I had the opportunity this week to spend time with National Health Service colleagues in Manchester, England where I gave a keynote address at a conference called Self Care Aware and found their commitment to self care to be nothing short of stunning.

Integrative Medicine Looks to the Future: Research Matters!

05.18.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

Research presented at a recent conference clearly demonstrates advancements in the science underlying integrative approaches to healing.

Healthy Foods in Hospitals

04.29.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

Has it ever struck you as incongruous that food in hospitals is often bland, highly processed, and not usually appealing, tasty, or nutritious?

Getting Less for More

04.22.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

In a recent interview on NPR, Peter Orszag, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, noted that that as much as $700 billion a year in healthcare costs do not improve health outcomes.

Connecting the Dots: Health Reform and More

04.02.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD
Last month, Van Jones, the author of The Green Collar Economy and new "green" advisor to the White House, gave a powerful lecture for the launch of our new Whole Systems Healing initiative.

My first blog post

03.30.09 by Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD
My first blog post. I am new to the blogosphere, but I am eager to see what this blog turns into.