A revolution has occurred. It's taken place in the Central Alternative High School. The kids now behave. The hallways aren't frantic. Even the teachers are happy. The school used to be out of control. Kids packed weapons. Discipline problems swamped the principal's office. But not since 1997.
What happened? Did they line every inch of space with cops? Did they spray valium gas in the classrooms? Did they install metal detectors in the bathrooms? Did they build holding cells in the gym? Afraid not. In 1997, a private group called Natural Ovens began installing a healthy lunch program. Huh? Fast-food burgers, fries, burritos gave way to fresh salads, meats "prepared with old-fashioned recipes," and whole grain breads. Fresh fruits were added to the menu. Good drinking water arrived. Vending machines were removed.
As reported in a newsletter called Pure Facts, "Grades are up, truancy is no longer a problem, arguments are rare, and teachers are able to spend their time teaching." Principal LuAnn Coenen, who files annual reports with the state of Wisconsin, has turned in some staggering figures since 1997. Dropouts? Student expelled? Students discovered to be using drugs? Carrying weapons? Committing suicide? Every category has come up ZERO. Every year.
Mary Bruyette, a teacher, states, "I don't have to deal with daily discipline issues. I don't have disruptions in the class or difficulties with student behavior I experienced before we started the food program." One student asserted," Now that I can concentrate I think it is easier to get along with people" What a concept - eating healthier food increases concentration.
Principal Coenen sums it up: "I can't buy the argument that it's too costly for schools to provide good nutrition for their students. I found that one cost will reduce another. I don't have the vandalism. I don't have the litter. I don't have the need for high security.
At a nearby middle school, the new food program is catching on. A teacher there, Dennis Abram, reports,"I've taught here almost 30 years. I see the kids this year as calmer, easier to talk to. They just seem more rational. I had thought about retiring this year and basically I've decided to teach another year - I'm having too much fun.
Pure Facts, the newsletter that ran this story, is published by a nonprofit organization called the Feingold Association which has existed since 1976. Part of its mission is to "generate public awareness of the potential role of foods and synthetic additives in behavior, learning and health problems. The Feingold program is based on a diet eliminating synthetic colorings, synthetic flavorings, and the preservatives BHA, BHT and TBHQ." Thirty years ago there was Dr. Feingold. His breakthrough work proved the connection between these negative factors in food and the lives of children. Hailed as a revolutionary advance. Feingold's findings were soon trashed by the medical cartel, since those findings threatened the drugs-for-everything disease-model concept of modern healthcare. But Feingold's followers have kept his work alive.
If what happened in Appleton, Wisconsin, takes hold in many other communities across America, perhaps the ravenous corporations who invade school space with their vending machines and junk food will be tossed out in their behinds. It could happen. And perhaps ADHD will become the dinosaur. A non-disease that was once attributed to errant brain chemistry. And perhaps Ritalin will be seen as just another toxic chemical that was added to the bodies of kids in crazed attempts to put a lid on behavior that, in part, was the result of a subversion of the food supply.
The above was taken from Natural Healing Today, a magazine dedicated to providing timely information on health matters.
The number one purchase in grocery stores across the US is Coke. In fact, the top five purchases in grocery stores across the US is either Coke or some other brand of soda. Most people eat fast food every day and we have an entire generation that does not know how to cook or uses microwaves to cook (more on the hazards of that in another newsletter). Many alternative health practitioners believe that there is a connection between the food industry, drug companies and the AMA. It certainly appears that they thrive off each other.
We need to support the groups that are speaking out. For more information please visit the links section.
I am a metaphysical teacher and a holistic health practitioner. My mission is to assist mankind in taking responsibility for their health and well-being. If someone you know could benefit from the information in this newsletter pass this along to them.
I may be contacted at 408-374-8157 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
~ Heather Shock
Information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only
and is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.
© 2004 - Heather Shock
