A closer look at attitudes and information education about complementary/alternative medicine, also known as CAM, is needed. The first Americans arrived in the new world with their own traditions, medical practices, and treatments that were passed down from generation to generation. Since most families came to America without money, they used many natural remedies and ancient traditions to cure their ailments, which cost little or nothing. This form of medicine and treatment has been forgotten, and more traditional practices have been pushed to the forefront of the mainstream medical community, which involves government-regulated treatments and medicines. The high costs of healthcare today and the urgency of seeking new treatments and cures encourage consumers to return to using ancient treatments and medications that are not evasive and are cheaper than traditional medicine and treatments. Consumers should be encouraged to learn more about complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) information and how it can improve their healthcare decisions. Old traditional medicines and treatments practiced by grandmothers for generations are now being integrated into the mainstream medical community, thanks to costs and consumers seeking a more natural way to heal. Complementary/alternative medicine, known as CAM, is currently defined by: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), states that the CAM field is very broad and constantly evolving . NCCAM defines CAM as a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. (par.2) The great thing about CAM is that it has finally been recognized as a form of healthcare practice... half of the paper... Alternative Medicine: An Educational Tool for Improving Integration." Springer HHS Journal 3.2 (2007 ): 198-201. May 26, 2011. Nahin, Richard L., James M. Dahlhamer, and Barbara J. Stussman. “Health Needs and Use of Alternative Medicine Among Adults Who Do Not Use Conventional Medicine.” Health Research 10.(2010): 220-230. Academic Research Network. May 26, 2011. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. “The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States.” 2008. Web. May 27, 2011. Nichol, James, Elizabeth A. Thompson, and Alison Shaw. “Beliefs, Decision Making, and Dialogue About Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Within Families” Using CAM: A Qualitative Journal Study of alternative and complementary medicine 17.2 (2011): 117-125. Elite academic research. EBSCO. Network. May 26 2011.