Robert H. Lustig, MD, Professor of Pediatrics Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of California San Francisco, presents “A Mini Medical School for the Public – Current Controversies in Nutrition – Sugar: The Bitter Truth.”

This is a compelling presentation offering scientific research and explanation as to why diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity rates have risen dramatically over the last 30 years while human genes have not changed. The cause is not from a high fat diet but from diets high in sugar.

During Dr. Lustig’s presentation, you will learn how the body processes various types of sugar, why different sugars are not equal and why sugar is a dangerous poison. The primary focus is on explaining the body’s biochemical process of fructose, such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a hepatotoxin which is a toxic chemical substance that damages the liver. Dr. Lustig also explains why fructose is a leading cause of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, obesity, lipid problems, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease.

Even though fructose is a simple carbohydrate, it is metabolized by the body like a fat. Many American’s who are eating low fat diets are also consuming high amounts of fructose which doubles as a fat. But it is not a healthy fat which has the necessary components

In March 2009, Michelle experienced an alarming incident that helped her decide to take control of her health – a heart attack. Michelle’s health had steadily deteriorated since 2005. At the age of 50, she was unable to work or go and do things on her own. Michelle relied heavily on the care of family members to help her. According to Michelle, “I became a true invalid locked in my own home. Many days I was barely able to get out of my bed.” After living with illness, pain and severe chronic fatigue for many years, Michelle decided it was time to change her situation. Within 6 months of implementing food and healing methods, Michelle regained her health, became able to do what she wants on her own and is now living life again!

In June 2009, at the recommendation of a friend, Michelle sought the help of Danielle Heard of Artemis in the City. At the time Michelle was just recovering from a heart attack, had many other health issues which included Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia as well as Low Thyroid, Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure. Michelle was also taking 14 medications at the same time to treat her various symptoms. Because Michelle was too weak to attend appointments on her own, her husband attended sessions with her so that he could learn to provide her with the care that she would need in order to get well.

Michelle’s primary health goal that she wanted to achieve from the 6 month wellness program was to just be able to have enough energy and strength to go to the store on her own to buy her grandson toys. “I want to enjoy it and be able to take my time,” said Michelle. “I have not had the energy to do this since 2005.” Michelle also wanted to be able to go and visit friends, go to her shop that she owns, have enough energy to wake up before 10:00 AM without an alarm clock and to still have enough energy to go out in the evening and look good doing it.

Beginning with her first health counseling session in June, Michelle

Addictions are a subject that Margaret knows all too well. Throughout her entire life, she has battled and overcome many forms of addiction including addictions to cigarettes and alcohol. Now at the age of 56, Margaret is conquering her last major addiction, an addiction to food, has lost 60 pounds and is obtaining the life she has always wanted!

In May 2009, Margaret stood just 5’2” tall and weighed over 320 pounds. She was experiencing a number of health issues which included arthritic pain, inflammation, cellulitis, high blood pressure and considered herself to have a food disorder. The weight was a lot for her small frame to carry, and Margaret was not feeling well. She was also having trouble walking due to the pain and inflammation in her back, knees and hip. Since both of Margaret’s parents had been overweight and had died of strokes, this too weighed heavily on her mind.

Margaret had tried many times to lose weight. She had even stopped eating fast food 6 years ago. Margaret’s last resort to try to control her weight included skipping meals and eating lots of raw celery and carrots. But her efforts were unsuccessful and she battled many food cravings which she eventually would give in to, especially cravings for sweets.

At the recommendation of a friend, Margaret began visiting the Artemis in the City website and attending the events to learn more. After attending the lecture “Take Control of Your Health with Whole Food,” Margaret decided she needed professional help and scheduled a health history session. Within one month of a 6 month wellness program, Margaret had lost 20 pounds, her knee