Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil Bettye Muwwakkil Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation Mitchellville, Maryland The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

To highlight a complementary and alternative approach to health and wellness To provide details on the structure, process, and components of the twelve -week Touch of Life for Health and Wellness program To present participant outcomes in physical, mental and social health demonstrating significant changes To discuss overall program successes, challenges, and experiences To explore public health practice, research, and policy implications The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and arthritis are significant and growing public health problems among American adults and children, particularly African Americans. Research and practice strongly indicate that poor health, disease and compromised health care contribute to decreased quality of life and an ever increasing mortality rate. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Traditional and western models for health and well being have been lacking and often have been non- individualized, linear, symptom- oriented, problem-focused and constrained by time and cost issues imposed by managed care. Innovative and intuitive approaches that integrate wholistic, person and family-centered, community-oriented, and individualized care are needed to address these serious health disparities. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Energy Institute of Healing and Arts Foundation 501 (C) 3 tax, exempt, non-profit Primary focus on decreasing the amount of underserved families burdened with chronic disease and poor health outcomes related to unhealthy lifestyles. Complementary, alternative, and wholistic approach Services include outreach, education, information, and research Creative approaches and practices to advance the mental, physical and spiritual growth of the whole individual The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Touch of Life for Health and Wellness Program Provides information to educate consumers on innovative methods for changing their lifestyles to reduce or eliminate health disparities. Educates participants about the biochemical relationship between food and the body’s ability to prevent and eliminate unhealthy conditions. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Touch of Life for Healthy Lifestyles Program. Twelve week program; two hours weekly. Targets 300 African American adults and children who are residents of Prince George’s Country, Maryland. Program was four years in various community in Prince George’s County. Funding from Consumer Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Health and nutrition workshops and lectures Physical activity Food preparation Progressive relaxation Health surveys The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Health and nutrition workshops and lectures Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Information on relationships between food, being overweight, obesity, and other health disparities, proper food combining, methods of reading food labels, choosing and using food supplements and other nutrition- related information The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Thirty minute physical activity sessions weekly. Trains participants in a series of warm-ups, stretches, Qi gong, aerobics and cool down activities Strengthens the body, aids in weight loss, cardiovascular output and improves stamina that promotes longevity The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Opens participants to a new and innovative world of foods that lead to healthy lifestyle changes Teaches participants how to prepare healthy meals including preparing different types of foods and beverages that are tasty, nourishing and reduce food addictions and cravings Provides information on shopping for healthy foods that are cost effective The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Provides information to participants on a variety of relaxation methods to help reduce stress and anxiety Introduces participants to the art of visualization and deep breathing exercises that open new avenues for inner peace The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Participants were approximately 65% female and 35% male. Participants ranged from ages 3 to 94. Over a one year period approximately 75 families participated in program including 4 families who had three generations of participants. 80% of participants were African American; however some participants were from other racial and ethnic groups including Latinos, Ethiopians, Caucasians, and European. All residents resided in Prince George’s County. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Over three year period, participants loss a total of 5,205 pounds with sixty participant maintaining weight loss. 85% of diabetics fasting blood sugar levels decreased. 90% of hypertensive blood pressure levels declined 35% of the arthritis pain and deformity reduced significantly. 15% of the gastric reflux was eliminated. 85% reduction in colds, coughs, and flu's of participants in the program. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Program demonstrated importance of changes in health and lifestyle including nutrition, physical activities, relaxation and to improve quality of life and health. Changes in overall health and lifestyle can lead to improved health and reductions and/or elimination of chronic disease. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc

Practice Demonstrates importance of exploring complementary and alternative approaches to health and wellness in public health. Research Suggests importance of further research to understand outcomes and benefits of innovative practices and models for health and well being in public health. Policy Illustrates the value of developing public health policies and funding that opens avenues and provides support for nontraditional health practitioners, organizations and program. The Energy Institute of the Healing Arts Foundation, Inc