Last fall, President Obama visited the National Institutes of Health to discuss the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. During his speech, the President made a comment that strongly resonated with me:

"Breakthroughs in medical research take far more than the occasional flash of brilliance, as important as that can be. Progress takes time; it takes hard work; it can be unpredictable; it can require a willingness to take risks and going down some blind alleys occasionally—figuring out what doesn't work is sometimes as important as figuring out what does—all of this needs the support of government." [emphasis mine]

I think this concept is often lost in our eagerness to find answers that will bring help to people suffering from disease.

Chronic, long-term sleep disorders affect millions of Americans each year. These disorders and the sleep deprivation they cause can interfere with work, driving, social activities, and overall quality of life, and can have serious health implications.

In 2002 and 2007, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) asked Americans about use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Among respondents with insomnia, 4.5 percent (which translates to a total of 1.6 million U.S. adults) used some form of CAM to treat their condition—primarily biological/herbal therapies or mind-body/relaxation therapies. Most found these therapies helpful.

NCCAM supports studies on sleep disorders. Some people with sleep problems may try CAM therapies, including dietary supplements. If you are considering using CAM therapies, talk to your health care providers to ensure safe and coordinated care.

No one looks forward to the cold and flu season. Americans catch an estimated 1 billion colds each year. In fact, the common cold is among the leading reasons for visiting a doctor and for missing school or work. The flu, with its potential complications, can be an even greater concern. Each year, an estimated 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu. Although most recover without incident, flu-related complications result in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually.

In an effort to prevent or treat these all-too-common illnesses, some people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. This fact sheet provides basic information on colds and flu, as well as "what the science says" about some of these CAM approaches. If you are considering using a CAM therapy for colds or flu, this information can help you talk to your health care provider about it.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM). The council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCAM, the lead Federal agency for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, and a component of the National Institutes of Health.

The council is composed of physicians, scientists, licensed CAM practitioners, and members of the public who contribute their time and expertise over a four-year term. Members meet three times per year, offering advice and recommendations on prioritization, conduct, and support of CAM research, including research training and communication of evidence-based health information.

Update: Due to the impending major snowstorm predicted for the mid-Atlantic region on Friday, the agenda for the February 5, 2010, meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine will be shortened.

Those who wish to provide public comments must be present at the meeting. For updates, please visit http://nccam.nih.gov/ or call 301.594.9632.

NCCAM distributes its resources among many programs and mechanisms. The Center is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing the flexibility needed to support selected program priorities and to respond to emerging scientific opportunities.

The Center establishes general guidelines for funding based on the overall NCCAM appropriation, allowing for necessary adjustments throughout the year to reflect directives from Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as emerging program priorities.

President Obama released his budget for Fiscal Year 2011 on February 1. NCCAMs Congressional Justification for Fiscal Year 2011 was also released that day. The document outlines our plans and priorities, provides details of our budget, and notes our legislative history.

February is National Wise Health Consumer Month. Please take time this month to view our resources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and being an informed consumer. By being aware of issues to consider and questions to ask, you're well on your way to being a wise consumer!