April 2008

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April 2008

Dear Colleague,

This month we look at food - particularly the argument for fresh, local produce over processed meals. In a debate at the Food Standards Agency four panellists discussed why it's so hard to extrapolate the truth about the effects of diet on health. We explore the science and politics of artificial additives and how manufacturers are responding to the debate.

We also interview Mike Duckett, catering manager at the Royal Brompton Hospital about how he rejected 'soup with no food in it' and brought a more nutritious menu to patients. He offers a practical guide for other catering managers who would like to do the same.

Our Integrated Health Awards took place at BAFTA on 21st March with Midlothian Sure Start winning the all-UK first prize. See pictures of the winners with HRH The Prince of Wales and TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

March also saw an event to celebrate the formation of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council in the presence of Ben Bradshaw MP, Minister of State for Health Services. We reproduce his speech welcoming the new body.

News

	Delicious hospital food We interview Mike Duckett, catering manager turned quiet revolutionary about how he has transformed food at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.



	Should we trust what scientists say about food? The Food Standards Agency boldly asked the question during National Science and Engineering week. Find out what their panellists had to say and add your own comments.



	Ben Bradshaw MP speaks about the formation of the CNHC We celebrated the formation of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council at a reception on 31 March. Read what the Minister of State for Health Services had to say in his speech.



	Artificial food additives: are their days e-numbered? A double-blind study by the University of Southampton last autumn was the strongest evidence yet of a link between some food additives and behavioural problems - but the European Food Standards Agency believes the study was not rigorous enough. Meanwhile a growing number of consumers are voting with their feet. We look at the state of play in the artificial food additives debate.



	Integrated Health Awards: the winners Discover who won the 2007 competition and see pictures of our glittering awards ceremony at BAFTA.



	Learning from the USA - our partnership with Bravewell In the US the idea of 'integrative health' is better known and more developed - in part due to the health philanthropists Bravewell. We're delighted to have signed a partnership agreement focussed on improving health in both countries.



	Opening the floodgate? This week our blogging doctor asks whether 'unnecessary' tests are sometimes psychologically helpful for patients.

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