National health educator, nutritionist and Virginia resident, Tami Hulcher has been chosen as one of two state delegates to attend the Action for Healthy Kids National Conference in Chicago in September.  Action for Healthy Kids works to create healthier schools, families and communities nationwide.  (Press release forthcoming; please check back here for more details.)

Ms. Hulcher will be participating in the inaugural “Get in the Action” initiative that will be piloted with two schools from Chicago Public Schools.  93-96% of the students are from lower income families; 85% of the students are Hispanic; 96% of the students are African-American.

“I’m so excited to have been chosen to represent our state and attend this conference.  I’ve been working in schools for years providing nutrition assemblies to all age groups.  Obesity is at an all-time high and has reached epidemic proportions in many states.  Our children deserve better, they trust us with their health!” , says Ms. Hulcher, mother of three children.  “I’m working with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine on their national healthy school lunch program and I’m on our First Lady’s (VA) FLITE team dealing with similar issues.”

Delegates will be working directly in the schools to help build a salad bar and stock it with fresh fruits and vegetables; lay the groundwork for a school garden ensuring that students have access to fresh, local, healthy produce; providing yummy taste tests from local fresh foods; integrating fitness; and more.

Blog will update and press release will be published soon.

Press/Media inquiries directly to Ms. Hulcher at 804 323-3222; or tamihulcher@verizon.net

Tami Hulcher, CNC, CHE, nationally recognized health educator and nutritionist, guest of TV and radio is now partnering with Wellness Forum as a certified health educator and national speaker. She is available for lectures for schools, service organizations, medical facilities, religious organizations, MOPS, women’s and parenting groups, support groups, men’s groups, health expos and all media! Her classes include “Take Charge of Your Health” and “Intro to Health & Wellness”. She will be offering cooking classes and weight loss classes soon.

“It would be hard to top the enthusiasm, sincerity and energy of Tami Hulcher for promoting health and nutrition, especially in promoting health through proper diet.” Dr. T. Colin Campbell, PhD, Best Selling Author “The China Study”; Professor Emeritus Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University; researcher and author of over 300 research papers

Wellness Forum is the largest Health Education Company in the world with affiliations with Cornell University. We offer educational programs designed to assist individuals in changing their health outcomes through improved diet and lifestyle habits; to assist employers in reducing the costs of health insurance and medical care for employees; and to educate health care professionals about how to use diet and lifestyle for preventing, reversing, and stopping the progression of degenerative disease.

Decisions about health are some of the most important decisions you will make during your lifetime, so finding an accurate source of information is crucial.

The Wellness Forum has been helping people to achieve and maintain optimal health all over the world for over 12 years, using reliable scientific evidence as a basis for all of our programs. One of the reasons we are able to tell you the truth about these very important issues is that we are not funded by food manufacturers, agricultural organizations, drug companies or other institutions, and our recommendations about health are not influenced by advertising and other forms of remuneration.

“The Wellness Forum is a wonderful resource for health professionals and laypersons alike. Dr. Pam Popper’s vision, scientific knowledge, and humanity have set the standard for the Wellness Forum’s accomplishments and have guided its holistic approach to health. Having worked with the Wellness Forum on many occasions, I continue to be impressed with the difference it has made in the world of health care, preventive medicine, and nutrition.” Dr. Neal Barnard, President, The Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington DC

“Dr. Popper (Wellness Forum) is an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable medical professional when it comes to the science of nutrition and health. When coupled with her clinical experience, her information is profound and detailed, both at the same time. An exceptionally good combination.” Dr. T. Colin Campbell, PhD Researcher, Best Selling Author “The China Study”

“Innovative and provocative, The Wellness Forum offers a unique opportunity to explore the things that really matter in an intimate and comprehensive way. When it comes to opening the door to new ways of thinking, the wellness forum offers a master key.” Dr. Alan Goldhamer, True North Health, Santa Rosa, CA

Please visit www.WellnessForum.com or www.TheQueenofHealth.com for more information. Phone: Wellness Forum 614 841-7700 or The Queen of Health 804 323-3222

When I received the invitation from our First Lady, I was so excited and honored to be considered for her FLITE (First Lady’s Initiatives Team Effort) ‘crew’! The invitation read …” your experience, dedication, and commitment to Virginia are some of the many things I admire about you and led to my decision to invite you to join this council. It is a small group of great Virginia women that I trust to help me get results and help the Governor.”… How could I refuse? This is a nonpartisan group of women from all over Virginia with varied backgrounds brought together by our First Lady to make Virginia a “Commonwealth of Opportunity”. I applaud and support Maureen’s efforts and graciously accepted the invitation.

The Four Pillars of her agenda that she is focusing on include:

• Preventative Healthcare (Health, Wellness, Prevention of Obesity, Awareness)
• Military Families (Focus, Awareness, Support, Call to Action)
• Women in VA (Support women in business, Recognition)
• Telling VA Story (Support VA Film Office, Tourism, Wine Industry)

Obviously the first two pillars are near and dear to my heart and align with my own life. (1) Being a nutritionist and health educator, I’ve been working for years to promote healthier eating, disease prevention and awareness for better diet and lifestyle choices through my work in media including TV, radio and my published articles. I’m actively involved in PCRM’s National Healthy School Lunch program. For years, I have been providing nutrition lectures for businesses, groups and organizations as well as nutrition assemblies in schools.

(2) Regarding the second pillar: my 23 year old son is serving our U.S. Navy and has been on his tour of duty oversees. Yep, I’m a very proud Navy Mom!

The kick-off luncheon was yesterday at the Executive Mansion. Upon arrival, I was in awe of the grandeur and beauty of our nation’s oldest governor’s mansion. It has served as home for Virginia’s Governors since 1813 and has a long list of histories’ ‘celebrities’ that have lived in and/or visited the mansion.

Digress to December 2009: I first met our soon-to-be First Lady last year (her husband Bob took office Jan. 16, 2010) at the home of a friend (I love you April ~ thank you!) who hosted a Christmas party/fundraiser. She actually ‘stole’ my pineapple ornament (part of fundraiser) and we joked about me coming to see it at the mansion. I found Maureen to be a warm, funny, caring, and compassionate. She is an amazing mother of five children. We both shared an interest in health and nutrition, especially in the areas of cancer, obesity and children’s health.

Back to the Mansion, yesterday: I arrived early as did many other women who drove in from all corners of Virginia…in the rain! As we gathered in the ballroom area for our luncheon, I was impressed by many of the amazing, diverse women in the room and enjoyed networking with the rest of the FLITE ‘crew’.

A surprise visit from our Governor kicked off our luncheon. He spoke briefly about his wife’s passions and visions as First Lady. After our lunch, we broke into groups (regions by state) to discuss our First Lady’s program, to become familiar with the recognition program and to offer suggestions.

We will be serving as a resource for our First Lady in implementing her “Opportunity Recognition Program”. We will identify programs, activities, organizations, and individuals that meet criteria for recognition. We will be learning about and monitoring community activities and identify successful programs (organizations and/or individuals) that merit recognition based on her Four Pillars. We will serve on panels to select programs for recognition for the First Lady’s Opportunity Hall of Fame.

Our First Lady’s program seeks to:

• Recognize and celebrate Virginians who are creating a Commonwealth of Opportunity.
• Establish a publicly accessible bulletin board of community leaders, activists, groups and individuals involved in successful programs in four key areas/pillars.
• Showcase recognized programs on a website designed to provide information to communities that wish to replicate activities.
• Increase awareness and implementation of successful programs across Virginia.

To the other women on our FLITE team, I’m looking forward to working with all of you and getting to know you better.

To our First Lady, Maureen McDonnell, thank you for inviting me to be part of your amazing program. I look forward to working with you, the FLITE team, and members of your staff. Thank you for sharing your vision with us and I know that together we can make a difference in the lives of thousands and we can create a Commonwealth of Opportunities for our great state of Virginia!

Yours in good health ~ Tami

Greeting friends!  What a wonderful start to the New Year!  I spent the holidays in CA with my adult children and friends.  Back home for the new year, more friends and family.  My youngest daughter, age 21 was here last week and we celebrated my birthday.  I’m really glad that 2009 is over!  It seems it was a tough year (professionally and personally) for many of my friends, colleagues and clients.  I was not immune to the year’s ups and downs.

Well, it’s a new year ~ rebirth!  I’m working diligently to get my book finished.  I’ve been trying to write a “War and Peace” version and realized that it can’t be done.  So, I’m starting back on my ’series’ of books based on my nationally recognized “Got Health?” series.  (Shorter easier-to-read versions with individual topics ranging from women’s health, children’s health/school lunches, men’s health, cancer, heart disease and more.)  I’ve realized that humor and humility, lots of love and passion, inspiration and encouragement serve the issues better that finger-pointing and judgment.  I’m now lovin my time with my laptop!

I just completed my first lecture for 2010, my hosts were the Richmond Vegetarian Society!  What a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the new year!  In receiving some wonderful feedback, kudos and gratitude from our guests, I realized how many people can be touched, inspired, embraced, educated, encouraged to WANT to become healthier!

You have several opportunities to LISTEN LIVE to some of my nutrition/wellness chats; PLUS a RADIO SHOW on January 19th.  You can LISTEN LIVE anywhere in the U.S. and should be on your computer, however it’s not necessary for the phone chats, but would be optimal and beneficial.

The radio show will be broadcast LIVE in So CAL at noon (PST) and you can listen at www.hometownstation.com; just log on a few minutes prior.  Topics include healthy weight loss tips; building a healthy immune system; negative ingredients to avoid…and more.

I’ve been asked to do some wellness/nutrition chats on January 13, 20, 27 EVES (6:30 PST/9:30 EST) and on January 14, 21, 28 DAYS (9 AM PST/ Noon EST).  Please call our office for the invitation flyer and log in info.  804 323-3222.  These chats will include a short video featuring some top healthcare professionals in the fields of internal medicine/family practice; biochemisty; cancer/radiation oncology; and pediatrics.  Some of these physicians are best-selling authors too.  I hope you will consider joining us!

February is right around the corner with HEART health on our minds.  I will be back in SO CAL for a series of health lectures in Malibu and Thousand Oaks (dates and other venues still pending).

March and April hold much promise for expanding my company’s work ~ I will be participating in the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s celebrity gala event The Art of Compassion in Malibu.  I’ve been working on their national healthy school lunch program and am looking forward to working with members of Congress to get our Children’s Nutrition Reauthorization Act through this year.  Our celebrity spokesperson for the program is actor/activist Tobey Maguire.  He and his lovely wife Jennifer Meyer are on the honorary committee for the gala. For more info and list of other celebrities, please visit www.pcrm.org.

I wish you all many healthy, happy and prosperous blessings in 2010!

Thank you for allowing me to be your friend, colleague, and partner in great health!

Please see prior press release 10/5; Warner Bros TV/EXTRA TV check local listings/time in your area.

The Queen of Health, Tami Hulcher, CNC will be featured on CBS TV Virginia This Morning ~ WTVR Richmond, on Monday Oct. 26th 9am.  She will be doing her popular, trademarked “How Spooky is Your Halloween Candy?” piece.  See prior press release 10/5 for EXTRA TV.

(video clip will be available after air date; www.extratv.com ‘lifechangers’)

Nationally recognized health educator Tami Hulcher, CNC, “The Queen of Health®” will be featured on an upcoming segment for EXTRA TV’s “Lifechangers”. Ms. Hulcher will be doing her nationally-recognized trademark sugar demo for a segment “How Spooky is Your Halloween Candy?” She will show how much sugar is in our Halloween candy and she will discuss the immune suppressing effects of sugar. She will also discuss the effects of food dyes and additives on behavior and brain function.

A guest of TV and radio, Ms. Hulcher is also working with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington DC on their National Healthy School Lunch Program. A mother of three grown children, she has worked in the schools for years, providing nutrition assemblies and other classes.  Ms. Hulcher will be working with local government officials and is putting together a grassroots committee of parents, school personnel, PTA reps, teachers and community activists to bring awareness to our federal nutrition policy (CNR 2009).

“We know that sugar suppresses the immune system and we know that certain additives including food dyes and colors may wreak havoc on our children’s brains. Some research indicates that these additives have a negative effect on mental and cognitive function as well as lower test scores in school,” says Ms. Hulcher, who is also the nutrition consultant for a physician-partner and head of UCLA’s Early Autism program. “With the cold and flu season upon us, sugar is the last thing we should be allowing our children to over consume! We should all stand united over the nutritional concerns of our children.  As parents we are concerned about their academics, sports, and other activities, but it is their health that should be paramount!” adds Ms. Hulcher.

“The Queen” does provide non-food solutions for trick or treating as well as incentives for children to hand over candy to mom or dad. We don’t want to take the fun out of trick or treating, we just want to provide solutions and options for concerned parents for a Healthier Halloween!

(*Show is due to air October 27th. Ms. Hulcher is available for teasers and promos for all media.)

Ms. Hulcher will be providing her nationally recognized health lecture “Got Health? Your Family’s Health Matters” on Thurs. Sept 10th at the GFG Resource Center 7pm Richmond, VA.  Seating is limited; please call for invitation flyer or to RSVP.

In addition, Ms. Hulcher has partnered with Ellwood Thompson’s in Richmond, VA to provide nutriton resources including health lectures.  She will be presenting her CHILDREN’S Health & Nutrition chat on SAT.  Sept 12th at 11am. Seating is VERY limited; ages 9-18 welcome.  Please call for invitation flyer and to RSVP.

The Queen of Health  804 323-3222

Press & Media inquiries direct to Ms. Hulcher.  Great community PHOTO opps!

Nationally recognized health educator Tami Hulcher, “The Queen of Health” has joined forces again with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington DC.  She has been a member and speaker for their Heart Health program and will now be working on their National Healthy School Lunch Program www.healthyschoollunches.org.

Actor and activist Tobey Maguire has joined forces as their celebrity spokesperson.  Tobey and his wife Jennifer Meyer, (jewelry designer and daughter of Ron Meyer, Pres/CEO NBC Universal Studios), have two small children.  On July 30, Mr. Maguire sent letters to congressional leaders asking that the Child Nutrition Act provide more healthy vegetarian options in school lunches.

A guest of TV and radio, Ms. Hulcher has been a long-time advocate for healthy lunches in schools.  A mother of three grown children, she has worked in the schools for years, providing nutrition assemblies and other classes.  Ms. Hulcher will be working with local government officials and is putting together a grassroots committee of parents, school personnel, PTA reps, teachers and community activists to bring awareness to our federal nutrition policy.

“We should all stand united over the nutritional concerns of our children.  As parents we are concerned about their academics, sports, and other activities, but it is their health that should be paramount,” says Ms. Hulcher.  Federal nutrition plays a critical role in the health of children.  The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CNR) presents an opportunity to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity and related diseases.

“School is tough enough already - students shouldn’t have to put up with lunches swimming in fat and cholesterol,” says Tobey Maguire (in a letter to members of congress).

We are calling on Congress to require schools to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and to reduce calories and saturated fat in school meals and to provide non-dairy, vegetarian meal options and a healthful non-dairy milk alternative daily.

To learn more about the program, please contact Ms. Hulcher at 804 323-3222 or contact PCRM at 202 686-2210.