Running for Health Care Choice
by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc

We at San Francisco Natural Medicine are excited to announce that on Sunday morning, July 17, 2011, right here on Potrero Hill, Dr. Dennis Godby will begin his run across the United States to spark a movement to transform the nation's health through natural medicine. We are planning a fun event at the Jackson Recreation Center from 9 am to 10 am to celebrate the beginning of this journey and send him off on the first leg of his trek across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley.

Who is Dr. Dennis Godby?

Dennis Godby is a Sacramento-based Naturopathic Doctor whose practice focuses on prevention and treatment for chronic health conditions. He has special expertise in diabetes prevention and management.

Like all naturopathic doctors who work with people to improve their health and manage their health challenges, Dr. Godby has seen many people struggle with diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, arthritis and other chronic conditions. He has witnessed the improvements his patients experienced when they included natural medicine and complementary approaches to meet their health care needs.

Due to these experiences, Dr. Godby became inspired to get the word out that "the cure for most of our nation's health epidemics lies within us, not finding the 'cure' in a pill, but in prevention and lifestyle changes. If America is to reverse this trend, a paradigm shift in thinking is required—starting with individuals taking responsibility for their health and leading to system-wide changes!"

Being an avid runner, Dr. Godby decided to undertake this cross country run to dramatize and publicize the urgent need for all Americans to take action to transform our nation's health and raise awareness how lifestyle choices and natural medicine are the keys to optimizing our health.

What is The Run and Why Potrero Hill?

The Run will begin in San Francisco on July 17, 2011, and will end in Bridgeport, Conecticut on November 16, 2011. Dr. Godby chose our clinic's location as the start of the run for several reasons. San Francisco is a great city to begin a coast-to-coast run; our clinic is one of the state's first naturopathic medical clinics; and our founder, Dr. Carl Hangee-Bauer is the president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. San Francisco Natural Medicine and its community of other local health care providers including acupuncturists, chiropractors, medical doctors, pilates, yoga and bodywork therapists, sets an example of the choices health care consumers have when it comes to taking charge of their health. In many ways, our local community is a model of the direction of integrative health care Dr. Godby foresees and wants to manifest.

There is another Potrero Hill connection. In 1984, Dr. Godby did a similar run across the US to promote peace in Central America. It started in San Francisco and ended in Washington, DC. When Dr. Godby told me about that run, he mentioned that it started in front of St. Teresa's Church. At that point we realized that history was repeating itself with both runs beginning only a few blocks from each other.

More about The Run

Dr. Godby and his team plan to run a total of 3,258 miles over 123 days, averaging 30.5 miles/day for the 107 days they will run. Their paths will go through 30 cities of over 100,000 people each and will cross the paths of about 85 million people. Events and press conferences are scheduled in over 260 locations along the route. The Run will end at the campus of University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in Connecticut.

What Can I Do?

Join us on July 17th at Jackson Rec Center, 17th & Arkansas, as we honor Dr. Godby and wish him well on his journey. There will be speakers, entertainment and food. Bring your family, your kids and tell your friends.

Donate a penny per mile: If you can contribute just one little penny per mile, 1 cent x 3250 miles = $32.50, or a penny per mile for each of the four runners, which would be $130, your contribution will go a long way to make this event successful. Please donate at the local event or at www.therun.org/donate. Thank you for your support of this historic event.

Connect

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRUN.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/TheRun2011
Blog: www.therun.org/blog

Naturopathic Facts and Statistics

States that License Naturopathic Doctors—16 plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands
First Licensed US State—California, 1909 (until 1949; new legislation passed 2003)
Longest Licensed US State—Washington, 1919
Newest Licensed State—North Dakota, 2011
Number of NDs in USA—5000 estimated
Number of Licensed NDs in California—461
Dr. Hangee-Bauer is the 2nd ND licensed in California, and Dr. Day is the 4th
Number of Federally Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in US and Canada—7
Length of Naturopathic Medical Schooling—4 years doctoral-level classes and clinic
Dr. Hangee-Bauer is currently the President of the American Assoc. of Naturopathic Physicians
San Francisco Natural Medicine's years in Business—22 (formerly SOMA Acupuncture)
SFNM's years on Potrero Hill—13

For More Information about Naturopathic Medicine:

California Naturopathic Doctors Association: www.calnd.org
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: www.naturopathic.org
California Naturopathic Board: www.naturopathic.ca.gov
The Run: www.TheRun.org