The following information provided by: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

NCCAM's Advisory Council Welcomes Five New Members

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM). The council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCAM, the lead Federal agency for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, and a component of the National Institutes of Health.

The council is composed of physicians, scientists, licensed CAM practitioners, and members of the public who contribute their time and expertise over a four-year term. Members meet three times per year, offering advice and recommendations on prioritization, conduct, and support of CAM research, including research training and communication of evidence-based health information.

Updated Advisory Council Meeting Agenda for February 5th 2010

Update: Due to the impending major snowstorm predicted for the mid-Atlantic region on Friday, the agenda for the February 5, 2010, meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine will be shortened.

Those who wish to provide public comments must be present at the meeting. For updates, please visit http://nccam.nih.gov/ or call 301.594.9632.

Funding Strategy: Fiscal Year 2010

NCCAM distributes its resources among many programs and mechanisms. The Center is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing the flexibility needed to support selected program priorities and to respond to emerging scientific opportunities.

The Center establishes general guidelines for funding based on the overall NCCAM appropriation, allowing for necessary adjustments throughout the year to reflect directives from Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as emerging program priorities.

NCCAM's Congressional Justification for FY 2011

President Obama released his budget for Fiscal Year 2011 on February 1. NCCAMs Congressional Justification for Fiscal Year 2011 was also released that day. The document outlines our plans and priorities, provides details of our budget, and notes our legislative history.

February Is National Wise Health Consumer Month

February is National Wise Health Consumer Month. Please take time this month to view our resources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and being an informed consumer. By being aware of issues to consider and questions to ask, you're well on your way to being a wise consumer!

New NCCAM Recovery Act Funding Opportunities and Notices

Within the last month, NCCAM has published 4 new Funding Opportunity Announcements related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Also, there are several new NIH Notices announcing availability of funds for competitive revision applications and administrative supplements.

Dr. Emmeline Edwards Named Director of NCCAM's Division of Extramural Research

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D., a specialist in neural mechanisms of complex behaviors, has been appointed director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health.

The Division of Extramural Research develops and oversees NCCAM-funded research and research training programs. Division staff provide guidance regarding NCCAM research interests and priorities, and funding mechanisms and opportunities. The Division also coordinates research efforts with other NIH Institutes and Centers.

"We are pleased to have Dr. Edwards join in our mission to research complementary and alternative medicine using the highest possible standards," said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., NCCAM Director. "Her background and her proven expertise in the oversight of basic and applied research will prove invaluable to NCCAM."

Tai Chi May Benefit Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is an increasing problem among older adults, causing pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. The traditional Chinese practice of tai chi, with its combination of physical and mental components, seems promising for OA patients; however, scientific evidence to support its use for this purpose has been limited. To strengthen the evidence base on this topic, NCCAM-funded researchers at Tufts Medical Center recently conducted a long-term, randomized, controlled trial comparing tai chi and conventional exercise in a group of 40 adults (mean age 65) with symptomatic knee OA.

New Director's Message: Happy, Healthy New Year

As we welcome the New Year and a new decade, I'm mindful that we have just ended NCCAM's 10th anniversary. For us, it has been a decade of growth, progress, and promise.

As we begin this new decade, we are developing our third strategic plan, which will provide guidance for our future scientific direction, priority setting, and advancement of the organization. We have gained invaluable knowledge from our first decade, which is providing the strong base from which we will continue to build. I look forward to the future as we continue our 2010 strategic planning process and beyond as we work to fulfill the scientific mission of NCCAM.

Advisory Council Meeting, February 5th 2010

The National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM) is charged with the responsibility of advising, consulting with, and making recommendations to the Director, NCCAM, on matters relating to the research activities and functions of the Center. The role and responsibilities of the council members include secondary review of grant applications in light of NCCAM scientific program priorities and program balance.

The agenda for the upcoming February meeting is posted for your review.