PLANTATION, Fla., Sept. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- On September 10, 2005, natural health freedom advocates at health food stores and public areas across the country will actively defend health freedom in the United States as part of the nation's first "Natural Health Awareness Day."
This national day of action is being held in response to aggressive lobbying by the pharmaceutical industry for anti-natural health legislation currently pending in Congress which include H.R. 3156, S. 729 / H.R. 1507, H.R. 2485, and H.R. 2510. These bills would undermine the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). DSHEA is the bedrock of natural health freedom in America, and protects the rights of Americans to access to vitamins and natural supplements. The current threats to DSHEA compelled the sponsor of the event, Dr. Rath Health Foundation, to host Natural Health Awareness Day (http://www4.dr-rath-foundation.org/us/dshea_nhad.htm).
Dr. Matthias Rath, the scientist and humanitarian, along with the Dr. Rath Health Foundation, has been leading a worldwide effort to protect the right to free access to natural supplements. Since 1994, interest in natural healthcare therapies has grown dramatically in the United States, to the point where it is now estimated that 70 percent of the U.S. population uses dietary supplements at least occasionally, and 40 percent use them on a regular basis. Nevertheless, there are now numerous threats to DSHEA from a wide variety of sources. International threats such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), Codex Alimentarius Commission and the FAO/WHO Nutrient Risk Assessment Project would force the U.S. to adopt restrictive international policies on the sale of dietary supplements.
Natural product consumers and retailers across America are eager to support Natural Health Awareness Day led by the Dr. Rath Health Foundation. One strong supporter is Joe Bassett, past president of several national Health Food Organizations including the NNFA. In his recommendation for people nationwide to get involved with this event, Mr. Bassett said, "Dr. Rath has always been a fighter for health freedoms; even more, he has conducted scientific studies to prove that point. He has taken our battle to governments with his own money and effort and has won. He has done this in spite of fierce opposition. As natural health advocates, we have fought this same battle. Dr Rath is one of our heroes and fellow warriors."
Concerned individuals will be provided with letters to send to their Congressional Representatives, petitions for signatures, and materials to learn more about protecting their health. There is also one bill that the Dr. Rath Health Foundation supports: the passage of H.R. 2352 (Consumers Access to Health Information Act), which "permits the accurate label and labeling claims of the curative, mitigation, treatment and prevention effects of foods and dietary supplements on disease and health-related conditions." Information on all threats to DSHEA will be available at event tables nationwide. The Dr. Rath Health Foundation urges people to inform their Congressional Representatives about these threats to health freedom.
About the Dr. Rath Health Foundation:
The Dr. Rath Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to natural health education and promoting good health, peace, and social justice.
To learn more: http://www4.dr-rath-foundation.org/us/dshea_nhad.htm