nervewinterview

An interviewwith AlanGoldhamer,D.C.

You have been operating the TrueNorth Health Center since 1984.In 2007 you moved to a much larger facility.How is the newlocation working out?

In September 2007, we took over a 24,000 square foot facility in the most beautiful area of Santa Rosa, CA. After a comprehensive top to bottomrenovation we opened our fabulous new facility. We now have over threedozen private rooms with private bathrooms. We have incorporated modernamenities including private phones with voice mail, broadband Internetaccess via WI-FI, large screen flat panel TVs with DVD players and cableaccess. Our goal was to make the experience of fasting somewhat lessmiserable.

But doesn’t the inclusion of TVs,Internet Access,and DVDs into thefasting experience risk interference with the total physiologicalrest and lifestyle discipline that is supposed to be the foundationof the process? I mean,what might Dr.Shelton say!

We live in a different world today and the availability of big screen TVs,DVD players, etc., make viewing our outstanding collection of healtheducation videos enjoyable and effective. I think Dr. Shelton would beamazed at the quality of educational materials we have collected. For thosewho prefer to have intense rest during fasting, they can choose to leave theTV and computer unplugged.

I know that your facility has a rich history of attracting somefamous patients including movie stars,politicians and some majorbusiness executives.Has your new facility increased that interest?

Our new facility makes people from any walk of life feel secure andcomfortable. We have seen a substantial increase in the number of inﬂuentialpeople participating in our program.

Has your new facility allowed you to offer programs in additionto supervised fasting.

Yes, we offer supervised water and juice fasting programs and a healthyeating and exercise option. We have an affiliated ﬁtness center with excellenttrainers and a variety of equipment available. We are also adjacent to a lovelywalking path.

But is “juice fasting”really fasting?

No, fasting is water-only. However, fasting is not for everyone and a dietof juices only can be a useful tool in helping people move in the directionof health.

Has your larger facility required you to expand the staff?

Absolutely. We now have two medical doctors, a clinical psychologist, ﬁvechiropractors, four massage therapists, a wonderful chef, nutrition educatorsand a support staff of over 20. We offer an education program that includestwice daily live and recorded presentations, cooking classes and questionand answer sessions.

HEALTH SCIENCE

SPRING 2009 NATIONAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Dr. Goldhamer is a Lifemember of the National Health Association and a member of the NHABoard of Directors.During a recent interview with Mark Huberman, he discussedthe expansion of TrueNorth Health Center which iscelebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.