Arlene Bushard, ND, MH, CNC, CNHP
Arlene has always had an interest in health care and proper nutrition. By the age of 13, Arlene was involved in the care of those around her. This interest did not fade as she married and raised three children. However, her life took a
detour during this time as she worked in real estate insurance, public accounting, and as a farm loan officer. While these fields were not her related to real passion, they did help her develop an entrepreneurial spirit and business experience.
Her interest in "natural" health began in 1980, when she began suffering from severe digestive problems. Conventional diagnostic testing revealed chemical and food sensitivites, as well as, hypoglycemia. As a result, she began educating herself by taking nutritional courses and getting involved in her local coop, Alexandria Health Food Coop. She eventually became a board member and treasurer of this coop.
Then, in 1983 an auto accident brought a halt to all of this. An LP Gas truck broadsided her pickup resulting in spinal injuries. For the next two years she battled pain forcing her to take medications and adjust her lifestyle, just to get through the day. Because of her experiences as a patient, when she regained her strength and function, she enrolled in training to become a Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Home Health Aide. After five months employment in a local nursing home, she decided to specialize in home health care. Working with the handicapped in home health care took Arlene on travels to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mexico, Canada and 47 of the 50 United States. During this time she observed the many health conditions of the elderly, including gastic and indigestion problems (eventually developing into esophageal and colon tumors) stirring Arlene to learn how to prevent these life threatening issues.
A second auto accident in 1993, resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with testing demonstrating the cognitive abilities of a third grader. She struggled with basic tasks, unable to balance a checkbook or recall locations of items in her home. Her husband helped her visit specialist after specialist, each diagnosing her with different conditions including fibromyalgia, Raynaud's disease, Bechet's or another autoimmune disorder. She required the use of oxygen, pain medications, a walker or wheelchair, and was often confined to her home. At this time she noted a consistent struggle with constipation, started noting "floaters" in her eyesight, and tested positive for needing kidney dialysis. She had had enough, she could no longer tolerate the stress and heartache she was putting her family through. She cried out to God to help her find answers, promising she would in turn help others.
The nightmare continued as she tried, in vain, to get off the pain medications that were slowly destroying her body. Eventually, with the help of her family, a pain patch, and a trip to the emergency room, she was able to taper off these medications. However, the pain was severe and surgery or lifetime use of morphine was recommended by more than one physician. At this point Arlene and her husband decided they wanted to go home to try to battle this on their own. After all she had been through, the "acidity" of her entire body had reached peak levels, so she resorted to one food at a time and began taking ENZYMES! She met an enzyme formulator who greatly encouraged her, consistenly telling her "Enzymes will help heal your brain – don’t let any one convince you otherwise”. Slowly she noted changes in her brain. Her family got her involved in creative projects, as instructed by her neurophysiologist and physical therapist - "Brain therapy". As her health improved, those around her noticed the change and began asking for her advice.
So through all of this terrible pain and heartache the idea for Healthy Alternatives ™ was born. However, Arlene knew she needed more education and wasn't certain that her brain would be able to process it all. But, she began attending courses again, spending countless hours in classrooms and seminars learning everything from Dietary and Herbal Supplements, to Enzymes, Probiotics and Body Cleansing Products. Her own personal experiences have given Arlene an understanding ear and heart for others that need answers to their unanswered health problems.
Finally, in 2001 Arlene was approached by a team of professionals who encouraged her to develop her own private label products, incorporating the formulas and knowledge she has gained through her own experiences and education. The result was "The Function of Enzymes in Nutrition" and "Healthy Reflections ®".
If you would like to speak with Arlene to discuss a gameplan for improving your health, please call 320-834-2188.
