The Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices Section invites oral and poster presentations for the upcoming APHA 2017 annual meeting to be held in Atlanta, GA from November 4 - November 8, 2017.

Topics related to this year's theme: “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Climate Changes Health" will receive high priority. We are particularly interested in topics related to evidence-based research findings, efficacy, education and training, program development, safety, utilization, best practices, policy, and integrative, complementary, and traditional health practices, (e.g., acupuncture, ayurveda, holistic nursing, massage therapy, integrative care, physical activity, energy healing, herbs, holistic nutrition, spiritual healing, yoga, tai-chi, etc.). An example of a session title is:

• Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani, and other traditional health systems & practice
  
• Cancer and HIV
  
• Chronic Disease Management using ICTHP
  
• Creating the Healthiest Nation: Climate Changes Health
  
• Diet, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Practices
  
• Education and Training in ICTHP
  
• Epidemiology in ICTHP
  
• Herbalism and Phytotherapy
  
• Homeopathy
  
• Integrative Medicine
  
• Interdisciplinary Approaches to Integration of ICTHP
  
• International Perspectives in ICTHP
  
• Massage Therapy and Other Manipulative and Body-Based Methods
  
• Naturopathy
  
• Prevention and Wellness using ICTHP
  
• Reiki and Other Energy-Based Therapies
  
• Research and Evaluation Methods for Measuring Impact and Outcomes of ICTHP
  
• Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Other Mind Body Practices
  
• Other ICTHP Systems
  

Abstracts are judged on clarity of subject matter, importance and originality, quality of methodology and supporting data/philosophy, relationship to this section, and contribution to the field. Highest rated abstracts, based on blinded peer review, are generally selected and placed in sessions according to the overall program plan for that year. Abstracts may be submitted as a group. However, they will be reviewed individually and will be placed in sessions, if accepted, according to the discretion of the Program Chairs. Abstracts that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will be rejected upfront and may not be reviewed.

Deadline for Abstract Submission: March 3rd, 2017. Please comply with the following APHA guidelines for abstract submissions: Abstracts should be no more than 500 words. All presenters must be individual members of APHA in order to present. All presenters must register for the meeting. Abstracts cannot be presented or published in any journal prior to the APHA Annual Meeting. Include learning objectives along with the complete abstract.

APHA-ICTHP Student Research Awards are awarded to the top three best student abstracts. The criteria for awards include the submission of complete work in a structured format. Additional detailed criteria will be emailed to all members. The awardees must be primary members of ICTHP.

Continuing Education Credit:
APHA values the ability to provide continuing education credit to physicians, nurses, health educators, and those certified in public health at its annual meeting. Please complete all required information when submitting an abstract so members can claim credit for attending your session. These credits are necessary for members to keep their licenses and credentials.

For a session to be eligible for Continuing Education Credit, each presenter, panelist, discussant, and/or faculty must provide:

1) an abstract free of trade and/or commercial product names;

2) at least one MEASURABLE SINGLE outcome (“to understand” or “to learn” are not measurable outcomes and compound outcomes are not acceptable). Use ONLY the following Measurable Action Verbs:

Explain, Demonstrate, Analyze, Formulate, Discuss, Compare, Differentiate, Describe, Name, Assess, Evaluate, Identify, Design, Define or List.

3) A signed Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form with a relevant qualification statement; Example of Acceptable Biographical Qualification Statement: (I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the epidemiology of drug abuse, HIV prevention and co-occurring mental and drug use disorders. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for preventing HIV and STDs in out-of-treatment drug users.) Please note that I am the Principle Investigator of this study is NOT an acceptable qualification statement.

4) All continuing education learning content must be of sound science or professional practice and serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills and professional competence of the health professional. Learning content should be evidence-based if available. A list of over 30 areas will be provided online for you to choose from. You will be asked to choose at least one or up to 6 areas that your presentation will address.

Thank you for your assistance in making your session credit worthy. Contact Mighty Fine at mighty.fine@apha.org if you have any questions concerning continuing education. For program questions, contact the program planner listed below.

For program questions, contact the program planner listed below. Please address any questions regarding the Integrative Complementary and Traditional Health Practices to:

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Ready?

Program Planner Contact Information:

Deborah Ndao, MPH
Office of Work/Life
Columbia University
Low Library
New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-854-8873
dh493@columbia.edu

and
Daniel Gallego-Perez, MD, DrPH(c)
Boston University School of Public Health
26 Princeton St
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: 7815408396
danielfg@bu.edu