Performance Objectives:  To research current information concerning alternative medicines and treatments utilizing the electronic Media Center resources.

Students will select an alternative medicine or treatment from the topic list below and prepare a 1-2 page double-spaced, typed paper.  The report must include at least one current reference (dated within the last year) and a complete bibliography (See Works Cited Format).  Included in the report will be a short analysis of the validity of the reference.  Do not merely download information directly from the Internet but answer the following questions in your own words.  Students must also be prepared to give an oral summary on their topic.

Include the following information in your report:

1.  State the background or definition of the alternative medicine or treatment.
Where did it originate?  What is it from - i.e. plant ?
2.  State the health claim.
3.  What is the recommended dosage or cycle of treatment?  Include any side effects.
4.  Because a substance or treatment is labeled as an alternative medicine or treatment does not assume it is safe and can replace medical care. Western medicines undergo extensive government  testing.  What testing, safety standards or clinical studies did the alternative medicine or treatment undergo? Were the studies on people or animals, how many studies have been conducted?
5. If in response to Questions 4 is negligent (you could not find answers to the question), would you chose to use this product or treatment? Why or why not?
6. Evaluate the validity and expertise of the author or resource. Does the resource or author stand to gain financially from the popularity of this treatment or medicine? 

Topics  

Students may suggest other alternative medicines or treatments to research, 
but check with teacher before beginning the project.

Searching the Shelves 

  For this assignment, the following call numbers will be helpful: 615  616.99  635

Internet Sites

Use the following Internet Sites for information on this project.  If you discover other useful
Internet sites complete the Internet Checklist (copies available in Media Center) to authenticate the site.

The Alternative Medicine Homepage

Alternative & Complementary Medicine Center - HealthWorld Online

WellnessWeb

Alternative Medicine:  Massage

Herbal Information Center

Botanical.com

HealthAtoZ.com

MedExplorer

National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine

HealthyPlace.com

Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter

UC Berkely Wellness Letter.com

Harvard Health Publications