In 2011, HANS ...
• Was recognized in the
Burnaby Now newspaper as Burnaby's Best Community Service Organization as voted by readers for the fourth year in a row
• Organized/co-organized 7 successful public education events:
- Fourth Annual Cancer Prevention and Healing Conference (April 26, 2011) with Frances Fuller, Dr Johan Ghazali, ND, and Dr Nelie Johnson, MD
- What You Should Know about Lyme Disease (June 27, 2011) with Dr Ernie Murakami, MD
- The Path to Wellness - BC Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Awareness Day (July 24, 2011)
- Genetic Modification and the Future of Food by Lucy Sharratt co-organized with the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, GE-Free BC and the Council of Canadians (September 26, 2011)
- Seasonal Survival Seminars: Healing Depression Holistically, TCM Strategies against the Flu; and Yoga for Stress and Anxiety (September 28, 2011) Lectures by Dr Divi Chandna, MD, Dr. Kathryn Tian, MSc, Dr.TCM, R.Ac and Certified Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach
- Theta Healing: Beyond The Secret and The Law of Attraction (October 12, 2011) Public Talk by Brad Noyes of Greenthumb Healing
- Managing Menopause Naturally Lecture (November 8, 2011) by Lorne Brown, Dr.TCM and Clinical Hypnotherapist
• Participated in 4 successful public education events:
- Had an informational booth at the 19th Annual Wellness Show in Vancouver (February 18-20, 2011) and sponsored a public lecture at the show by Dr Brian Davies, ND, on Healthy Aging.
- Had an informational booth at the Langara Spring Health Fair (March 23, 2011) for student education about Coping with Stress
- Had an informational booth at the Vancouver Health Show (October 29-30, 2011) and sponsored a public lecture at the show by Dr. Brian Gluvic, ND, on How to Beat Fatigue
- Had an informational booth at the Langara Fall Health Fair (November 16, 2011) for student education about Flu Prevention
• Attended the Dr. Roger Rogers Colloquim and Gala (September 23, 2011) where executive director Lorna Hancock was again nominated for the Dr. Rogers Prize of $250,000.
• Attended the grand opening of InspireHealth's Regional Centre in Victoria, BC (October 13, 2011)
• Assisted Shawn Buckley and the Natural Health Product Protection Association in his ongoing Canada-wide public education program to inform individuals of the need to participate in legislation and regulation that will support the interests of natural health alternatives.
• Hosted a meeting and lunch with the Director General of the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) and two colleagues from Health Canada (September). Dr Alan Martin MC'd the meeting and a HANS report was given to the NHPD at that time.
• Provided input to Dr James Lunney, MP, on a federal initiative to increase wellness programs across Canada
• Published four interesting and inspiring editions of
Health Action magazine
• E-published 24 issues of the HANS e-News, our informative biweekly e-letter that is distributed electronically to member and public subscribers
• Maintained the HANS website, uploading new and informative articles regularly
• Began exploration into social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to expand HANS's education and outreach in the digital arena
• Stayed abreast of current concerns to our membership, including:
- electromagnetic radiation (EMF) and smart meters
- genetic modification--with the goal to have BC GE-free
- fluoridation--with the goal to have BC fluoride-free
- vaccination controversies e.g., Gardasil and the HPV vaccines
- natural health product legislation and regulations that impact an individual's right to choose
• Assisted with the development of the Shatford Centre in Penticton, BC, with a view to having a HANS education-focused chapter in the Okanagan Valley region
• Maintained an office and resource centre and provided information, education, resources and referrals to members, the public and media
• Received many expressions of appreciation and thanks from members, organizations, professionals and individuals who value the work of HANS
Challenges ...
• Reduction in Natural Health Choices
Individual choices of natural health products (NHPs) continue to drop because of regulations that are more suitable to drugs than they are to NHPs. This bodes poorly for consumers who rely on NHPs for their health and wellbeing. What will one do when the vitamins and supplements they have relied on for years are no longer available?
• Outreach Services
This is a work-in-progress, and once funding becomes available to develop a successful outreach service for members outside of the Lower Mainland, which includes chapters that will serve as satellites and distribution centres, such as the Shatford Centre in Penticton
• Financial Stability
To create a business plan that ensures necessary funding for administration, advocacy, and member services.
• Volunteer Program
To develop an effective volunteer program to enable an expansion of HANS services including developing the concept of HANS Ambassadors in the community.
You Can Help HANS by ...
• Donating, perhaps becoming a monthly contributor,
http://www.hans.org/donate
• Buying a gift membership for a friend
• Writing letters of support
• Making a bequest
• Becoming a volunteer
• Sharing your expertise