Even Healing Arts Professionals Lack Adequate Health Insurance, NAMASTA Survey Shows, Amid Heated Presidential Race

Seventy-seven percent of Yoga and Massage Professionals in the United States lack proper health insurance, according to a nationwide survey released today by NAMASTA, the trade organization that serves mind-body professionals.

Belmont, CA October 13, 2004 -- The survey finds that while a quarter of mind-body professionals are satisfied with their coverage, half are not and the other quarter does not have http://www.namasta.com/services/otherservices.php?subpageID=43 [health insurance] coverage at all. According to NAMASTA President Bernard Slede, this is because many healing arts professionals are low-income independent contractors or small businesses that cannot afford the costs of traditional health insurance.

These figures are higher than the US average. However healing arts professionals not only tend to live healthier lives than average but their professions have demonstrated preventative benefits so their need for treatment may be less.

Adds Slede: Although these results point to a broader health coverage issue in America, they are also an opportunity to remind the general public that activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, massage and Pilates have a scientifically proven impact on preventing illness.

NAMASTA is a non-partisan, member-supported trade organization that supports mind-body professionals in the United States and Canada, offering health care benefits, access to http://www.namasta.com/services/otherservices.php?subpageID=30[ yoga insurance] and http://www.namasta.com/signup/massage_therapy_insurance.php [massage insurance], member rates on http://www.namasta.com/services/otherservices.php?subpageID=21 [yoga, massage and Pilates supplies] and other benefits. All American members of NAMASTA receive a http://www.namasta.com/services/otherservices.php?subpageID=39 [free complementary health care] benefit card as well as access to http://www.namasta.com/services/otherservices.php?subpageID=40 [medical savings programs].

NAMASTA conducted this national email survey of over 1182 yoga and Pilates teachers and studio owners, massage therapists and other mind-body professionals representing a broad cross section of healing arts professionals in the USA.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Members of the general public should consult a physician before engaging in any new physical activity.

For additional information, contact Bernard Slede at NAMASTA:
- 1 877 NAMASTA Toll-Free
- fax: 530-482-2311
- or visit www.namasta.com/pressresources.php for details about the survey

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