My husband Steve asked what I'd like for Christmas last year, and I replied I'd like to attend the McDougall ASW in Santa Rosa, CA, in September. Well we just returned - and what a great weekend it was! In addition to three great presentations by Dr. McDougall (including explanations of colonoscopy guidelines/risks, and the dishonesty of the heart surgery business), we also heard from two cardiologists (one of whom was John Mandrola, a specialist in Atrial Fibrillation).
We heard from Jeff Nelson, the founder of Veg Source, and learned that his great grandfather and relatives were the founders of Armour meats! We heard from Dr. Michael Ozner, an author and proponent of the Mediterranean Diet (he and Dr. McDougall had a "lively debate" following the presentation).
Dean Ornish gave a fast-paced, fact-filled presentation on the reversal of heart disease, and the four components needed for healthy living. Nelson Campbell, who has launched the grass-roots movement called PlantPure Nation, told us his story and his plans for the future.
Dr. Tom Campbell shared what he's doing in his clinical work, and we heard from other up and coming "doctors of the future" who focus on lifestyle as medicine: Craig McDougall (son of Dr. M), Anthony Lim (medical director for Dr. McDougall's clinic), Matt Lederman and Alona Pulde (featured in Forks over Knives ). All of these doctors are expanding the realm of diet as medicine - they gave us hope for the future!
Psychologist Doug Lisle explained why changing our diets can be so difficult, and offered some great insight on how to motivate others. We also heard informative presentations from scientist Susan Roberts, and registered dietitian Brenda Davis.
The food for the weekend was fabulous! It was an unlimited potluck of delicious food at every meal, with a room full of snacks available at all times. Any tea drinker would have been in glory, since there were dozens of teas also available at all times. I discovered Teechino herbal coffees (tea bag style) which I will definitely be purchasing.
Dr. McDougall and the entire staff are readily available to speak with anyone. We were fortunate to have a nice conversation with Dr. T. Colin Campbell, who surprisingly approached us because he remembered me from a conference in Ohio several years ago! I was amazed by that. Dr. Campbell was there to support his two sons (Dr. Tom Campbell, and Nelson Campbell).
The next ASW will be held in February, 2017. For more information, visit www.drmcdougall.com. The line-up includes Dr. Michael Greger (nutritionfacts.org and author of 'How Not to Die', Dr. David Katz, and other notable speakers. Perhaps you should ask for a trip to the ASW for Christmas this year! We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly. It's a well-organized, top-notch event.
