Headteacher Barbara Vann has seen growing problems in teenage health, even in her apparently idyllic Cornwall school.  Here she talks about plans for a health centre within Penair School to deal with issues as diverse as food and sexuality.

As part of our continuing series on Nature in healthcare we spoke to Jochen Encke, a psychotherapist working with the Medical Foundation for Care of Victims of Torture.  He describes how an approach that combines some psychological support with gardening allows the Foundation to reach people who would not respond to more traditional talking cures.

Following a report from a steering group to the Department of Health, it seems more likely that Traditional World medicines will become statutorily regulated.  Advised by both practitioners and laypeople, the steering group has tried to reach a solution where the public get the necessary protection without inadvertently outlawing competent practitioners. 

A further period of consultation will be taking place before it's decided whether the changes will be put before Parliament. 

Our GP should never disclose his patients' cases without their express permission - right?  Dr John Moore explores some tricky situations at the fringes of confidentiality.

What do city workers have to do with healthcare?  And will their choices affect ordinary people as well as a moneyed elite?  We speak to Seonaid Mackenzie, managing partner with Sturgeon Ventures who describes how difficulties getting her own complementary health product off the ground led her to invent a 'Wellness Fund' for businesses genuninely committed to health and corporate social responsibility.

Buteyko is a breathing technique to help people cope with asthma.  It has just been recognised as effective in the British Guidelines for the Management of Asthma published by the British Thoracic Society.  This means that GPs, asthma nurses and consultants can now recommend Buteyko to patients telling them that it can 'help patients to control the symptoms of asthma'.

A trial published in Australia in 1998 reported that sufferers were able to reduce their need for inhalers by an average of 90% within 3 months by practising the method.

The small Buteyko Breathing Association is now anticipating a renewed interest in the therapy.

Do you work in a school, office, healthcare or community service that is pushing the boundaries of integrated health?  Why not enter for our prestigious 2008 Integrated Health Awards?  Complete our easy online application form before 29th August 2008.