PIONEERING NUTRITIONAL COUNSELOR
April 25,
2012
Barbara Kravets, who began working
as a nutrition counselor more than 40 years ago, was instrumental in writing
the Illinois law that enabled nutritionists to become licensed practitioners.
Ms. Kravets also worked closely with
physicians and health food retailers to elevate the level of science,
documentation and professionalism in the field.
As a counselor, she was exceptional
in her presentation of information and her ability to help others make better
dietary choices, colleagues said. Patients credited Ms. Kravets with helping
them.
"Combining the information and
the presence to be able to actually make the change, that's the key in nutrition
counseling," said Michael Stroka, president of the American Nutrition
Association. "And she had it."
Ms. Kravets, 76, died of
complications from leukemia and lymphoma Wednesday, April 11, in Villa Marie
Claire Hospice and Palliative Care in Saddle River, N.J., said her daughter,
Laura Kravets.
She started studying nutrition in
1968, when her husband, Leonard, was diagnosed with diabetes. To help her
husband manage his condition, Ms. Kravets developed a high-nutrition, low-sugar
plan for her entire family, using sugar substitutes in the meals she prepared
and adapting recipes found in cookbooks.
The couple was featured in an
"Action Plan" column in the March 31, 1974, edition of the Chicago
Tribune.
"The diabetic exchange diet is
nothing more than a well-balanced, high nutrition diet that includes the proper
balance of the major and necessary food groups," Ms. Kravets told the
paper. "What is great about it is that the nutritionists have done all the
work for you. Everyone can adapt it to his own needs."
Dr. Denny Zeitlin, Ms. Kravets'
brother and a psychiatrist, said his sister "became a self-taught expert,
and this was the spur that would launch her career in clinical nutrition and
dietetics."
Ms. Kravets was born Barbara Zeitlin
and grew up on the North Shore, where she attended Highland Park High School.
She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern University where she graduated summa cum laude.
She became a board-certified
clinical nutritionist in 1986. In 1991, she co-drafted the Dietetic and
Nutrition Services Practice Act. The law required anyone practicing dietetics
and nutrition in Illinois to be licensed through the state's Department of
Financial and Professional Regulation.
"Illinois-licensed
nutritionists owe Barbara a huge debt of gratitude for her tough negotiations
on several occasions to craft a fair licensing law," said Jim Golick,
president of Better Health Nutrition Services.
"There are pioneers in the
field, but she was one of the handful in Illinois who made a difference,"
said Neil Levin, Nutrition Education Manager of the NOW Health Group.
Ms. Kravets' ideas were often
questioned by the medical community and her family. She read obscure medical journals from all over the globe to stay on top of developing health trends, said her son, Jim. She horrified her children by using
wheat-germ bread for their school lunches, said her daughter Linda Kravets.
"She was, literally, so
avant-garde for her time," Linda said.
She was fiercely protective of the
interests of her patients. She "earned their trust and kept it," her
son said.
Ms. Kravets first counseled Kristin
Cortina, of New York, a year ago. Cortina considers her "one of the most
life-changing people I've ever met."
"She helped me far better than
any medical doctor ever had," she said. "I wish I had met her earlier
in my life."
Ms. Kravets also is survived by two
grandchildren.
No services are planned.
Copyright © 2012, Chicago
Tribune
I can hear her now, "Put that sugar down Mara". Barbara worked with my dad, Dr. Finlayson, for many years and I am so grateful to have known her. She was an amazingly smart woman with tremendous advice. I respected her words and took them to heart, especially as she guided me nutritionally through 2 healthy pregnancies. What a lovely lovely person and we are so sad she is gone. Heartfelt condolences to your whole family. Thanks Barbara for being a wonderful woman who touched so many lives!!
ReplyDeleteBarbara Kravets left a very important legacy.
ReplyDeleteI have always referred to her as the Godmother of Illinois nutrition, because she was here from the very start of the field in many ways, mentored and counseled many people, and worked doggedly on legislative matters to make sure nutrition practitioners could legally practice in Illinois.
So not only did she directly touch and help heal thousands, she literally almost single-handedly preserved a pathway for true nutrition practitioners to continue to legally practice their craft in Illinois, which allowed hundreds to do so. They in turn helped heal many thousands more. So you see the vast impact she had on the nutrition field here, and thus how she improved the lives of so many thousands of people.
Her impact has been immense, and her legacy will continue. And what more can one ask from a human during their time on this earth?
I’ve been in touch with Jim Golick and Neil Levin, and we are going to memorialize her at American Nutrition Association (formerly Nutrition for Optimal Health Assn.), where she was a longtime member, and contributed her Nutrition News.
Most importantly, to Barbara's family I send the love and prayers of myself and the entire Illinois nutrition community.
My sincere condolences,
Michael Stroka, JD, MS, CNS, CCN
President, American Nutrition Association
Barbara was like a big sister to me. I only wish I would have known sooner so that I might have made a visit to her. We had talked months earlier about me coming out to NJ to see her. But........... time is such a blink.
ReplyDeleteShe would drive out to help me when I wasnt feeling good. She would go with me to my drs appts. She was always there for me. I could always call her. She always had such good advice!
When Max's paws were freezing on winter, she went over to Target and bought several baby footed sleepers and socks. She was always so solution driven.
At our store Nature's Cornucopia, we had this saying about Barbara's famous one liners we called them "Kravetsisms" I can still hear her laugh out loud about that!
We all loved her and miss her so much ! We are all still in shock.
We were given a gift to have Barbara as a friend and coworker!
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Sincerely
Anne Worth Nature's Cornucopia
Our loss......heaven's gain!
I only knew Barbara for a short period of time, but within that span she helped to completely change my life. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have worked with someone so special and gifted. It seems she has left a lifetime of positive change behind her. She is someone I will never forget and always carry with me in the back of my mind.
ReplyDelete-Chad
Certified Clinical Nutritionists and Illinois Licensed Nutritionists owe Barbara a huge debt of gratitude for her tough negotiations on several occasions to craft a fair licensing law.
ReplyDeleteBecause of Barbara's dedication, I have the freedom to practice my profession and help others as she did so well.
Barbara was a consumate professional. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed
I knew Barbara for 6 years working with her at Nature's Cornucopia. She was always kind and caring and always asked about one's wellbeing.
ReplyDeleteI remember her smile and her gentle firmness. I will miss her very much and regret not having more time with her. I always appreciated her presence on customer appreciation day and her thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
Many many condolences to her family as they grieve.
I had the honor of knowing Barbara & receiving her very knowledgeable care for many years thru Nature's Cornucopia and Anne. If I hadn't found Barbara when I did I would not be here to give my condolences for her. I prayed very hard for our Lord to help her the best way for her in her time of need. I beleive he has called her home to be a full guardian angel from above as she was here on earth. She was my guardian angel & I will be forever grateful to her for saving my life & giving me knowledge to help those around me. Thank you Barbara, may you be safely home in the arms of our Lord where you will be fully healed.
ReplyDeleteMany condolences to your family for your loss. May they always feel your loving presence. You will be forever missed my dear friend.
Lori Walsh & Family
To all of you whom have written so far:
ReplyDeleteMy family and I thank you very much for your kind rememberances regarding our mom. We love and miss her very much.
Gratefully,
Laura Kravets
Barbara Kravets was one of the kindest, most gentle, and caring care givers that my mother was fortunate to have in her fight against cancer. My mother died last year, and your mother was just an inspiration, and reminded our family why certain people should be care givers. She was one of those.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone through this, I can understand that no one can adequately express proper condolences for such a loss, and certainly not of your mother.
Very truly sorry to have lost your mother’s brightly shinning light.
Kindest regards,
John
It was a pleasure and joy to work with Barbara in the early days of the IAACN and through NOHA. She brightened many lives.
ReplyDeleteDR. RUSS JAFFE, MD, Ph.D.
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Fellow, Health Studies Collegium
PERQUE INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
ELISA/ACT BIOTECHNOLOGIES
RMJ HOLDINGS
Dear family of Barbara Kravets
ReplyDeleteI would like to extend to you my most heartfelt sympathies on the death of your mother, Ms. Kravets.
I only knew her in her capacity as one of the most outstanding teachers in medical nutritional education, but that was enough to give me an appreciation for her talents, warmth, and generosity of spirit.
I will always remember her and feel very fortunate to have known her.
I hope that you can find some small comfort in your good memories and in the thought of the happy years shared with her.
Sincerely yours,
Moon K. Song, PhD, FACN
Dear Family of Barbara Kravets,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to learn of Barbara's passing. She was a brilliant woman and I so enjoyed speaking with her. Barbara's work in nutrition is truly a legacy.
It seems that the entire time I know her she was dealing with her own cancer yet she never mentioned it.
May her death bring life by drawing others to the Lord by their realizing that this life is but a gateway to eternity.
Monica and I pray, in the name of Jesus, that the Peace of God will guard your families' hearts and minds!
God Bless You All!
KC & Monica Craichy
Founders
Living Fuel
Dear Family of Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear about you mom's passing. She was quite the woman and I loved and benefited from her very wise and expert knowledge of her work.
She literally changed my world and I will always be grateful to her for that. You must take great comfort in that she had such a positive impact on so many lives.
My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you. Many blessings.
Beverly McKeen
To Barbara's Family,
ReplyDeleteI am terribly sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
Although I only spoke with her on a few occasions, I regarded her as a friend. Your mother was able to help me put an end to a condition from which I was suffering, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.
With deepest sympathies,
Simon Harrison
I am an occasional customer at the Health food store. I think on a occasion I would see your mother, I did not know she was "The Nutritionist". I remember her, and I am sad to hear of her illness & passing. I recollect she was very attentive, interested in helping, & in great demand. I am sorry for your loss. One picked up right away, she was a gentle & caring soul. I too spent time in Deerfield, next door to Highland Park. My deepest condolences. She was a very Pleasant person.
ReplyDeleteWill keep you all & her in my prayers!
I met Barbara through Nature's Cornucopia. She was so pleasant to work with. She alway's told me the way it was, which made me laugh. My health is much better now because of the help that she gave me. I will miss her, she was a wonderful lady.
ReplyDeleteDear Jim and Kristan; Laura and Linda; Dennis and Josephine; Samuel and Taylor,
ReplyDeleteWriting this note is so very bittersweet! The bitter part, of course, is learning that Barbara is no longer here on earth; the sweet part is the myriad of fond "Barbara" memories we all hold in our hearts.
I was a client for many years, as was my son,Jim. Barbara offered a wealth of nutritional information and guidance, and always seemed to have a solution to any pressing health concern. At times, though the advice seemed a bit non-traditional, I never questioned its efficacy, nor her wisdom. She was a rare gem.
And funny? Occasionally, if I missed our phone appointment, or was late in calling, Barbara would leave a message on my answering machine. In her unique sing-song voice she would call out my name several times, almost like a worried mom tracking down an errant teenager!
When her beloved brother, Denny, was performing at a venue in Chicago, my family was greeted by a beaming Barbara. (My son, also a musician, was delighted to learn that the famous and amazing pianist, Denny Zeitlin, was Barbara's brother!!) We wouldn't miss the opportinity to hear him perform. As we listened, I glanced toward Barbara, and the look on her face was one of profound love and sisterly pride beyond words. What an incredible family!
Sadly, there will never be another Barbara, but weren't we blessed to have known this good and gracious woman. May Barbara Zeitlin Kravets rest in eternal peace, and may Perpetual Light shine upon her.
Fondly,
Catherine Liggett
Barbara was my nutritionist since 1999. I met her after going through intensive treatment for an eating disorder. After leaving treatment, I was struggling with the information I had received and intuitively knew that something was wrong. God produced a miracle when my mother ran into Barbara at a health food store and told me to call her. That was the beginning of my recovery. I was in the grips of a horrible, life-consuming, dead-end, day in and day out hold with bulimia. Barbara was the only person who made sense to me. She backed all of her information with sound science. She worked with me at length and with great patience as she walked me through all the "kinks" in my recovery. I have been blessed with life and freedom from my food addiction because of her expertise as well as her ability to gain trust in me as her patient. I know with every fiber in my being that there is no other person that could have conveyed this information to me in a way that I could grasp hold of. I do not have words like this for many individuals that I have met in life, but there are a few (that I can count on one hand). Barbara was the my lifeline to recovery for many, many years before anyone else could gain my trust. I cannot express how different her depth of knowledge was in comparision to any other helping professional that I have experienced. I am so grateful that I was able to know her. If one other person can feel this sincerely about me at my own passing, I will have considered myself successful. I am so grateful for her commitment to sharing herself and her time. Please accept my deepest condolescences of your loss. I pray that your family has peace.
ReplyDeleteDear Family of Barbara Kravets
ReplyDeleteI am terribly sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Although I only spoke with her on a few occasions, I regarded her as a friend.
Your mother was able to help me put an end to a condition from which I was suffering, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.
With deepest sympathies,
Simon Harrison
I talked with Barbara via phone and exchanged emails.
ReplyDeleteShe knew the art of listening and was very supportive.
I am grateful she had such a loving family to support and have communicated so eloquently with Barbara's community.
Rest in peace.
Virginia Rodriguez
Dear Family-
ReplyDeleteI knew Barbara just a short while.
We met as she was reaching for "all the cans of salmon" that Walmart had to offer. It was the highest shelf and I accommodated her as she offered up her free advice about the healthy benefits.
There had to be "only" eight cans" left. I thought she was so cute as we walked down the aisle and realized that she lived right behind my house in the townhouses.
Long story short, we began an all too short relationship as I included her in my work in progress. This is going back almost 4 years now. Seniors 4 Life will be, one day, a show-gram all about Seniors, and BZ was to be our "in-house licensed nutritionist," and I promised to make her famous.
My partner and I are still looking for a cable company or sponsor to pick up our pilot. When BZ told me she was moving in with Laura, I truly felt sad. She was a sweet, talented and adorable lady. When I would ask for a quote or an idea, she was always there to help out.
I will miss knowing that she is no longer with us. You were fortunate to have had her with you for 77 years.
Barbara's legacy are her offspring – no doubt, a memorable and productive "bunch." You have represented her well, I am certain, and I am proud of you for following through with a well deserving remembrance.
Barbara has left her "mark" on many, I am sure. Her spirit lives on as we have all benefited from such a kind, interesting, sweet, devoted, generous and brilliant woman.
Paul "B" Brook
Barbara was quite a character in a good way. She reminded me of Carol Burnett with her witty humor. She was also very spiritual. Her best advice to me was "Don't trust anyone but God." She helped me tremendously with my sugar addiction.
ReplyDeleteLisa Schultz
I have been thinking about Barbara today as it would have been her 77th birthday.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with her family and others who grieve her passing.
She was special beyond words!
THank you to her children who put this blog together. It helps me to get thru my saddness. I love seeing the pictures of her life!
Anne Nature's Cornucopia
Dear Friends,
ReplyDeleteMy family and I truly appreciate your valuable time taken in writing spirited (and sometimes funny!) memories about our gracious Mom. She appears to have adopted all of you into our warm family.
Today is Mom's 77th birthday. I hope she is eating cheesecake with butterscotch syrup in heaven!
Our beloved Mom, we eternally love you.
Blessings of good health,
Linda Kravets
Dear Family of Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the notice of Barbara's passing, and for the earlier email announcing her illness and suspension of her services. Your mother was a remarkable woman, which I'm sure you know. I worked with her after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2004, and she provided nutritional advice that was enormously effective and helpful to me at that time, and some of it I continue to use today. Your mother had rock solid integrity, incisive intelligence, a curious and open mind and deep, deep compassion. She seems to have maintained her passion for her work until her final days.
I was helped and touched by your mother. She led a very worthwhile life and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. You are all in my prayers as you mourn the passing of this remarkable woman, who would have died too soon no matter when she passed.
Sincerely,
Melanie Halvorson
Dear Barbara's Family,
ReplyDeletePlease accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your Mother.
I had the pleasure of knowing Barbara for only a short period, having met her through our joint affiliation with the local group, “Leading Women in Business”.
I’m grateful for the times we spent over a meal together, discussing life as well as health and nutrition.
How lucky I am to have experienced, albeit briefly, her spirit and enthusiasm.
May your memories of her bring you peace. My condolences to you.
Janet Shovan
Dipl. A.B.T. – NCCAOM
C.P. Shiatsu – AOBTA
I remember excellent moments of wisdom blended with humor that Barbara shared with friends. I smile just thinking of her. She was truly one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteI will miss her.
A friend and colleague,
Nick Rana, Certified Nutritionist
Dear Barbara's Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are truly sorry for your loss. Barbara was a wonderful, cheerful, and uplifting influence here at The Health Shoppe. We will miss her tremendously.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Robyn Santos,
and The staff at
The Health Shoppe
Chester.
Dear Jim and Family,
ReplyDeleteWe were so-o-o sorry to read your message about your mom's passing ~ how sad ~ we will all miss your beautiful mother terribly. Although my mom and I only knew her for a couple of years, she left footprints in our hearts!!!
It was so sweet, generous and thoughtful of your mom (and just like her to help as many people as possible even when circumstances prevent her) to make some recommendations for her clients. My mom & I are going to take some time to select another nutritionist. It is going to be extremely difficult to find ANYONE who can come close to your mom’s caring and the depth of her knowledge. For now, my mom & I have made an appointment with an endocrinologist and we will see where that takes us…
In the meantime, please know that your mom was VERY BLESSED to have had such loving and caring children to help her during this challenging time in her life. It’s obvious that the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree!
God bless you and may His peace be with you as you remember your mom and cherish the memories you have in your heart, mind and soul.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Lucy Perrella-Franceus and Mama Rosa Perrella
(Clients who have been truly blessed to have known her even though our time together was extrememly short ~ "for such a time as this")!
Dear Jim, Laura and Linda,
ReplyDeleteAlthough it has been years since we met, it seems time has passed so quickly. I have many fond memories of when I lived in Highland Park with your mother. She gave me lots of great advice that I still ponder today. I'm sure I gave her more adventure than she bargained for while I lived there, but nonetheless, it was a memorable experience. I went off to chiropractic school and communication was infrequent, but fortunately we were able to reconnect. She came years later to be my Director of Clinical Nutrition in the early part of my private practice. I have always held her in the highest esteem as she was brilliant and a foundational influence in clinical nutrition as we know it today. She will always be remembered as a woman who helped me make some tough decisions early on that ultimately shaped my future and I thank her for that. May you all find comfort and peace in these days ahead knowing the mark she made in this world.
Sincerely,
Shawn Marie Breton, DC, CCSP, DABCI
A "Kravetsism"
ReplyDeleteBarbara once told a friend of mine that when she was trying to quit smoking
"If you must have a cigarette, I prefer you eat one than to smoke one!"
LOL
Anne
To Barbara's family:
ReplyDeleteMy husband Mark and I will truly miss your Mother's help.... We've been working with her for the last year, and every telephone call was always so enlightening and uplifting. We were shocked to learn of her passing - she certainly never let on that she was ill. She has been, and will always remain to us, one of the wonderful spirits send by God to help us in life. While she may have passed on, we will always hold her in our hearts and memories, and are truly grateful to have had the chance to know her - even from a distance.
Mark and Julie Noble
Lakewood, CA
Dear Barbara's Family,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this, tears were streaming down my face. To say that I was devastated is a understatement.
I send to all of you love and healing prayers. I suppose it is of some comfort to know the Heavens have another Angel. Her name is Barbara. I will always remember your Mother.
Sharyl Noday
I first met Barbara on a date in the early 1950s at the University of Illinois. She was a close friend of Iris Dlugasch and also Ruth Fruchtlander. Ruth was a schoolmate of mine at Northwestern and was my high school friend in São Paulo, Brazil. Iris later married my close friend and roommate, Larry Shpiner, the son of a MD in Kankakee, Illinois.
ReplyDeleteWith Barbara it all started with a blind date when she was still in high school before she entered Northwestern and I was a freshman at the U.of I. and member of the ZBT fraternity, the same as her future husband, Leonard Kravets. I don’t know if he remembers me; this of course was 62 years ago.
I will look to see if I have a picture of her visit to me at the ZBT fraternity. I must have one since there was a party and football weekend.
I also remember visiting her in Highland Park and meeting her folks.
Decades later Ruth, who became a caterer in Chicago, located me through the internet and shared the information with Barbara.
Barbara saw some of my architectural projects, contacted me, and since then we kept exchanging our professional experiences. Her reports came in weekly, she sent me her NutritionNews newsletters, and I learned much about proper food and vitamins.
Probably because of her I have reached old age in good health. I am an architect in São Paulo, now 80 years old, but still in practice.
Needless to say, I will keep fond memories of over 60 years in which we had contact. To you and family, my sincere condolences.
Good that you honor your wonderful mother, she deserves it.
Gregorio Zolko
Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Dear Family of Barbara,
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you but I am very sad to hear of her passing. I know she's in a wonderful place without pain, without having to worry about sugar or gluten but I'm still so sad.
Your mother has helped me enormously, and for that I will always be indebted to her.
Your mother was an exceptional woman who will forever have a special place in my heart.
Because of her my Graves Disease has been in remission for 6 years. I've also gotten off of 3 anti-depressant medications. I do not like taking prescription drugs, and I am so grateful Barbara helped me ween off of them.
She was referred to me by my sister. Barbara forever changed the course of my sister's life as well. Because of her nutritional advice my sister was able to conceive 2 children naturally just by changing her eating habits. She had tried everything else and thought she would never have children.
I pray my writing to you shows the Power of 1.
Your Mother touched so many. Many of whom she never met; just talked to over the phone, like me.
I pray you will know in your heart that even though Barbara could be exasperating (around the holidays when she did not like us making/eating Christmas cookies, or birthday cake, etc.) she was and is an inspiration.
I am healthier mentally, physically and spiritually much in part because of your Mother.
I know we will see her again but I will truly miss her.
I want to send Barbara's family my heartfelt condolences to you on your mother's passing on.
ReplyDeleteShe was such a bright and determined person, going for her dream and making such a success of her career. She was amazing as she pursued her studies and her business, and raising such wonderful children.
As a high school and confirmation classmate, we kept in touch over the years and at reunions. Since she moved East, we haven't seen her as much and was so sorry that she had been struggling with her health over the past years.
We are thinking of you and want you to know that we are thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Helen Levy
First and fourmost I want to send my condolences to Barbara's family on her passing.
ReplyDeleteAs with some above, I only knew Barbara for a short time (around 2 years). I never had the privilege of actually meeting because we only spoke on the phone. A good friend referred her to me.
I will, FOREVER, miss our monthly conversations but NEVER forget what she taught me.
I am healthier in my last two years than I was in the first 47. She will affect my life for the years that remain. She is a major loss to us all.
Sincerely
Chris Beaulieu
I was so very sorry to read of the loss of your mom. I worked with Barbara for a short time, and she shed so much light on the subject I needed. She was so patient with me, as I always asked her a million questions. My sincere sympathies to the whole family.
ReplyDeleteLinda Keilman
Crown Point, IN
Jim, Laura, and Linda - Having only dsicussed foods informally and enjoyed some very nice food together, I regard your mother as having been focused on those that she helped, those she raised (very well), and your father for whom she continued to care in many ways.
ReplyDeleteJohn
Nashville, TN
Dear Laura, Linda and Jim,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Barbara.
I only began her services in January, but she has truly transformed the eating habits, and consequently the health of both my husband and myself through her professional recommendations. I have read a number of her excellent articles online and only wish I could have had the opportunity to have worked with her sooner.
A very great lady.
My deepest sympathy,
Beryl Cook
My heartfelt condolences to all of Barbara's family.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to hear of all that Barbara had been going through, with such grace and good nature. Her commitment to her patients never faltered, and she never stopped giving patients creative, knowledgeable advice.
I'm inspired by her decision to place quality of life over quantity--but not surprised.
Thank you so much for this sensitive and thoughtful website. Barbara will be missed by so many!
Cathie Dunal
My condolences to Denny, Laura, Jim, Linda, Sam, and Taylor.
ReplyDeleteI have deleted "BZK" from my email list - it was so difficult. I first met Barbara at a nutrition seminar in early 1980. Over the next few years, I realized just how brilliant she was. She was always willing to help, teach, inform, motivate, and inspire. I read her early published articles and learned that she was involved in developing several new nutritional products. By mid 1980's Barbara was consulting at my office for my patients and when I relocated she continued as my nutritionist. Seeing the positive health results in my patients under her guidance was something I was not used to; food sensitivities, Schizophrenia, depression, menopause, diabetes/hypoglycemia/obesity were no challenge for her. I developed an interest in osteoporosis and bone scanning and she would forward me many articles pertaining to reversing osteoporosis. We began teaming up - I would do the osteoporosis scans and she would discuss what to do to reverse the findings. She authored a cutting edge nutritional newsletter that was so beneficial in counseling patients. I would often send her an email with a rhetorical thought or question about a nutritional quandary which we discussed and laughed over as at times we would not reach an answer. Then she began her first episode with her illness in 2006. How could SHE be afflicted with THIS? As she went through various treatments to cure her ailment, she asked that I call each morning to verify that she made it through the night. She gave me a key to her home in case I needed to physically check on her status and all necessary paperwork with detailed instructions for EVERY possible outcome. After a difficult regime, she improved and her health returned. She decided to move in with her daughter and grandchildren to prepare for any return of her illness. I noticed recently that her newsletters were delayed and she brushed off any reason alerting me to her problem. She was my "hybrid" - mentor, consultant, nutritionist, friend, patient, confessor, "mom"; I miss her, I miss her brilliance, and I miss her friendship.
My sincere condolences to all of the Kravets family. In reading these tributes,I am awed by what an incredible lady Mrs. Kravets was. . .to me, she was the Mom who put a dixie cup full of vitamins next to our breakfast plates the morning after our high school Prom.
ReplyDeleteMary Kaye Ramelow Green
Barbara is truly missed. I think of Barbara often. Dr. Randolph referred me to her. What a brilliant women. I have so enjoyed viewing photos of Barbara with her family and friends. Sincere condolences to the Kravets family.
ReplyDeleteBarbara's inquisitive spirit continues on.
Karen H.
I'm sorry to hear of Barbara's passing and was not aware that she had two forms of cancer. I worked with her at what was Walsh Homeopathics and what is now Walsh Natural Health were she was extremely generous with her time and her knowledge. I always enjoyed working when she was at the store and consistently heard great things about her from customers that used her counseling services. I had tremendous respect for her wealth of knowledge and her willingness to be a pioneer at a time when the use of nutritional supplements and herbs where much less in vogue.
ReplyDeleteHannah W.