AANP 2009 Call for Abstracts Submission

Contact Information:
Presenter: Stephanie Pina, ND, MSOM
Address: 711 North Evergreen Rd #3011 Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480-557-6346 (No Fax Number)
Email: spinanmd@yahoo.com

This Abstract is being submitted for a 60 minute Oral Presentation

Presentation Title: The Coffeeshop Dilemma: A Medical and Cultural Addiction that
has created a Worldwide Phenomena

Short Description of Presentation

Entire subcultures have emerged around the coffeeshops, extending its tonic effects beyond
elixirs and relaxed environments. This presentation explores whether it is the stimulants and/or
the stimulus of the actual establishment that draws people back. Coffee’s benefits have spanned
centuries, but can we last through the presentation without another drop.

Abstract

Where can you go to relax with family and friends on a Sunday afternoon, take in the sight and
sounds of local artists, hear the latest philosophical debates, and partake in a strong, addictive, yet
legal substance- your local coffeeshop. The coffee bean has sustained people for centuries
through its medicinal, magical, and stimulating properties. The coffeshop experience is meant to
be enjoying and relaxing, yet more students, self-employed businesspeople, and artists converge
on these dwellings like a home-away-from home as an extension of their work. Comfort,
dependence, and creative productivity, similar effects seen with other addictive substances, have
begun to flourish in the world of espresso and chai.

This lighthearted, but educational presentation will examine the affect that the coffee bean and the
creation of an entire environment surrounding it have changed the way people live and work. It
will not only explore the scientific effect coffee has on the physical body, but also the importance
that such gathering places where medicinal and pleasurable substances are served have on the
human psyche. The coffeeshop serves a unique purpose for students of life much like the old
town Commons did in New England or the Forum did in ancient Greece. Similar places, which
often served other thought-provoking stimulants, can be seen throughout history and helped
define civilizations and their social structure.

The presentation will also scrutinize whether the increasing popularity of coffee is creating a
negative impact on society. Are younger consumers becoming attracted to coffee and its lifestyle
similar to the threat cigarettes were once marketed towards the same generation? Does the coffee
bean’s health benefits out way its risks and/or possible involvement in future health conditions?
Covered are the negative sides of this pricy addiction, comparing its use to that of the affects
physicians commonly see in their practice when treating addictive and social behavior problems.
Finally, a discussion about the coffee versus tea argument, putting their benefits cup-to-cup and
clearing up mysteries with both hidden below the surface. As physician, coffee has become its
own food group in most patients’ diets, perhaps half of the liquid they consume per day. It is also
one of the least favorite things to give up when it comes time to making lifestyle changes, making
it a formable contender to any treatment plan. Luckily, new alternative have come into the
market to help wean patients from their coffeepots. Around the world, the little brown bean will
continue to be served and refresh the mind. Will the future medical leaders of the next generation
have the coffeeshop and the coffee bean to thank as a staple in their education? Sit back, relax,
and bottoms up.

Biographical Sketch

Stephanie Pina, ND, MSOM

Dr. Pina obtained her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of
Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. She completed her Masters in Oriental Medicine at the
Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture and is taking national acupuncture
licensing boards. She is in private practice in Tempe, AZ. Dr. Pina has lectured to the public and
healthcare practitioners on the use of Chinese medicine in traditional medical practices.
Dr. Pina has also written for The East Valley Women’s Magazine, To Your Health Magazine and
The Townsend Letter. She is a frequently guest of local coffeeshops in whatever city she visits,
especially if they are eclectic and filled with music. Favorite Drink: Iced Mochas