Hello Everybody,
We have been receiving many calls from people looking for more information about the swine flu. On April 26th, our recently departed Governor, and newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared swine flu a public health emergency. She likened this declaration similar to those given when a hurricane is approaching. “It might not actually hit,” she stated “but (declaring an emergency) allows you to take a number of preparatory steps.” President Obama has called this action an “abundance of caution.”
As of today, there are 65 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S., with the vast majority of these cases being mild. So far, there has been only a single death which has confirmed to be the result of swine flu. This was a 23-month old child from Texas.
By comparison, seasonal influenza causes 35,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. The World Health Organization has stated that there have been several deaths attributed to the swine flu in Mexico.
There have been no cases reported in Arizona.
The symptoms of swine flu are indistinguishable from seasonal flu. These symptoms include fevers of greater than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), and a cough and or sore throat, muscle aches, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. Due to the fact that the symptoms of swine flu are so similar to seasonal flu, it is impossible to differentiate the two by symptoms alone. People who have recently traveled abroad, especially to Mexico, are encouraged to see their doctor. Tests for swine flu are available and are easily collected using a nasal swab. If you have a fever over 101 degrees F, and any of the symptoms listed above it would be a good idea to have a visit with your doctor.
You cannot contract swine flu from eating pork. The virus can be transmitted from pigs to people, and people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of the virus is also possible, and this is thought to occur the same way that seasonal influenza spreads. Transmission of the virus may occur through the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Transmission may also occur by touching objects with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What you should do:
1. Be diligent about hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. I'm a big fan of the Citricidal Soap we carry at the office.
2. Use a Kleenex when you cough or sneeze. Then wash your hands again.
3. Try to avoid sick people. If your around sick people- wash your hands.
4. If you feel ill, stay home. This goes for your kids too. Wash their hands.
Prevent it!
There are many things that you can do from a Naturopathic standpoint that will help keep your immune system ready should it be needed. Many of you are undoubtedly familiar with Acute Immune, one of our favorite immune stimulators. We also have recently seen great results using Ultimate Defense Plus, a new anti-viral supplement that has been shown to inhibit viral cell attachment. Don’t forget about good old vitamin C! Taking 500mg every 3-4 hours is a great way to stimulate your immune system.
For more information about the swine flu check out the CDC’s website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NFC April Newsletter
Hello Everyone!
This month we have a great group of articles to share with our readers.
What you need to know about red meat by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, ND, DC
Custom Sublingual Immunotherapy by Dr. Jake Psenka, ND
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Light Exposure and Prostate Cancer Risk by Dr. Pharanq Tamburri, ND
Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(Preceptor)
Hay Faver- by Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND
The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Link by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND
We've scheduled some great free lectures in the next couple of weeks. Please see the headings on the right side of this page for topics and dates. Also, if there is a specific topic that you would like to suggest for future lectures, please let us know.
Our online pharmacy is continuing to expand, with more and more items being added everyday. It is now possible to have your supplements delivered to your door with just a few clicks of your mouse! Check the online store (nfcpharm.com) frequently for discounts and specials.
As always, thank you for being a valued friend of Naturopathic Family Care. If you are interested in learning more about any of the topics/treatments in this newsletter please contact our office.
Red meat and processed meat intake linked to higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease death. Ross Kerievsky, DC ND
A new study from the Archives of Internal Medicine was just released comparing health of approximately 550,000 participants. They looked at the dietary choices of participants aged 50-71 and their red, processed and white meat consumption
levels. “Red meat included all types of beef and pork such as bacon, beef, cold cuts, hamburgers, hotdogs, steak, and meats in pizza, lasagna, and stew. Processed meats could include either red or white meats in the form of sandwich meats or cold cuts as well as bacon, red meat and poultry sausages, and regular hotdogs and low-fat hotdogs made from poultry.”
All participants that ate high amounts of red and processed meats were noted to have the highest rates of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also showed that 11-16% of deaths could be avoided by participants changing their intake behavior of these types of foods.
In my opinion, this study highlights the ongoing issue I discuss with my patients on a daily basis. Your food consumption greatly affects your risk and genetic expression for developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low in red and processed meats is what I recommend to all my patients.
Customized Sublingual Immunotherapy by Jake Psenka, ND
It’s about this time of year when Phoenix starts to cook. As the temperature starts to soar, the pollens and grasses which cause so many Phoenicians to get allergies begin drying out and blowing away. Arizona used to be the place where allergy sufferers were sent to get relief from their itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezes. Those days are long gone. As many of us know, the allergy season in Arizona seems to get everybody.
There are a ton of allergy remedies available for those in need. At NFC we offer several therapies such as Natural Elimination of Allergy Treatment and AllergyEasy. These techniques are both safe and effective, but unfortunately there are some people who’s allergies continue to be a problem despite using these therapies.
Now, a new allergy treatment is available which uses the latest in allergy science to provide allergy sufferers with an effective and customized treatment. This new treatment uses a blood test to determine what each patient is allergic to. This test analyzes immunoglobulins which are substances that are made by the body in response to aller-gens. By measuring and analyzing these immunoglobulins it is possible to determine what allergens are causing the most problems. Trees, grasses, pets, molds, pollens- it’s possible to test for them all.
Once the allergens are identified a special and individualized oral medication can be made to treat each person’s specific allergies. This oral medication is called Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT. SLIT has been found to be just as effective as allergy desen-sitization shots, without the pain. Additionally, SLIT has been found to be extremely safe and effective.
Sublingual immunotherapy works like this: a glycerin-based solution is made which contains a dilute concentration of the allergens which cause allergy symptoms. When this solution is administered sub-lingually (under the tongue) the solution will be absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth. When used correctly this solution will cause the body to build up an immunity against the offending allergens, and voila no allergy symptoms. This is the same concept used by allergy shots, but this works without the shot! For more information on this great new therapy contact Dr. Jake.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Are you looking for an alternative to botox and restylane? Do you want to improve the overall muscle tone to your face? Are you looking to soften lines? Facial acupuncture has been safely practiced for decades as an alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures.
A facial acupuncture treatment starts with an initial evaluation of not just yourskin but your overall well-being. Factors such as diet, hydration, sleep, and hormone balance are evaluated. During the treatment, 50-60 ultra-fine sterile needles are inserted in the areas being treated. The needles are retained for 20 minutes. Often micro-current electrical stimulation is applied. The needles may be dipped in specific homeopathic solu-tions prior to insertion.
Facial acupuncture works by causing micro-trauma to the area. The skin responds by depositing collagen to the area. The overall effect is a "plumping" that reduces lines and increased skin tone. Many people feel an overall sense of well-being and relaxa-tion after treatments.
A course of 10 treatments -- usually 2 treatments a week for 5 weeks is standard. Many patients see results after the first treatment. After the series of 10 treatments is complete, a once a month maintenance treatment is necessary for upkeep. Mature skin that has been well maintained responds best to cosmetic acupuncture. To find out more about acupuncture facial rejuvination please call our office.
Turn Off the Lights by Dr. Pharnq Tamburri, ND
New research provides more supporting evidence that exposure to light at night in-creases rates of prostate cancer.
Data was collected from a database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer on male cancer incidence in 164 countries. Higher rates of prostate cancer occurred in countries with higher levels of exposure to nightly artificial light. Researchers alluded to several theories that could explain the increased incidence of prostate cancer due to nighttime light exposure, including suppression of melatonin production, suppression of the immune system, and an effect on the body's biological clock due to confusion be-tween night and day. Adding to this research are previous studies linking Vitamin D de-ficiency with cancer, particularly prostate cancer. The link to the current study is that Vitamin D is created in the skin during proper light exposure hence adding to ones im-portance for not only sun exposure but perhaps suggesting certain amounts or rhythms of daylight we need. Regardless of the cause, there appears to be a link between can-cer and nighttime light exposure. Consider more normal sleep schedules, light dimmers at home including the TV, candle light if appropriate, and sheer blinds to allow your house to 'breath in' sunlight in natural sun rhythms rather than whenever you open thick blinds.
Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(preceptor)
NPR recently broadcast a report on Vitamin D. It informs us that the FDA Recom-mended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin D is 200-600 IUs (international units) per day but new research indicates a dose of at least 1000 IUs per day is needed to be beneficial. The RDI can be achieved by exposing 30% of skin to sunlight for 30 minutes for fair skin, 45 minutes for darker skin.
In actuality, the therapeutic dose of Vitamin D is between 1,000-10,000 IUs per day. The appropriate dosage depends on the condition being addressed as well as the level of two forms of vitamin D that can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is used most often to assess and monitor vitamin D status.
Vitamin D can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Deficiency has been linked to autism, autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and chronic skin conditions
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Supplementation is usually in the form of liquid drops or capsules.
Hay Fever by Marianne Marchese, ND
Spring brings welcome relief from the cool winter months. But for some, it marks the beginning of allergy season and the miserable array of symptoms that accompany it. 35million people in the U.S. suffer from a condition called allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies.
Typical symptoms include itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, pharynx and eyes. Sneezing, and clear watery discharge from the nose soon follows. Headaches and irri-tability may also be present. Coughing and asthmatic wheezing can develop as the season progresses. Dark circles under the eyes, known as ‘allergic shiners,’ are a hall-mark of the condition.
Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergies. It is an allergic condition triggered by windborne pollens and mold spores. Plants blooming in the spring look and smell nice but can be triggers for some folks. Air pollution, high winds and dust can make symptoms worse.
If you are not certain what triggers your allergies Dr. Marchese offers an affordable blood test looking at IgE and IgG antibodies to different outdoor allergens.
Prevention
1. Keep an eye on the weather. Pollen counts are lowest on rainy, cloudy, and windless days. Hot, dry, and windy weather signals greater pollen and mold distri-bution and thus increased allergy symptoms.
2. Avoid or limit activity between 5:00am and 10:00am, when pollen is usually released.
3. While indoors and driving, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent pollen from drifting into your house or car.
4. Avoid moist, shady areas, compost piles, and greenhouses.
5. Don’t linger around freshly mowed lawns.
6. Avoid gardening on warm or windy days
7. Don’t hang your clothes or sheets out to dry. Pollens and spores may rest on them.
Conventional treatment options include anti-histamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Claritin is a popular anti-histamine that is now available over the counter. However, many of these come with side effects.
Naturopathic treatment options include;
Vitamins
Herbs
Homeopathy
Nutritional supplements
Bioflavonoids.
Although these supplements can be effective for many individuals, other will need to work more closely with their naturopath to identify triggers, enhance immune response and decrease allergic reactions. Make an appointment with Dr. Marchese now to curb your allergy suffering.
The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Connection by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND
A high blood cholesterol level may be an indication that the thyroid gland is underactive rather than the result of poor dietary habits. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) claims that after diet, thyroid disease is the most common secondary cause of high cholesterol.
About one-quarter to one-half of patients with underactive thyroids will have high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels can be lowered just by diagnosing and treating the thyroid disease. A survey released by the AACE shows that fewer than half of the adults who had been diagnosed with high cholesterol knew if they had ever been tested for thyroid disease. Everyone with a high cholesterol level should be screened for thyroid disease.
This month we have a great group of articles to share with our readers.
What you need to know about red meat by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, ND, DC
Custom Sublingual Immunotherapy by Dr. Jake Psenka, ND
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Light Exposure and Prostate Cancer Risk by Dr. Pharanq Tamburri, ND
Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(Preceptor)
Hay Faver- by Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND
The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Link by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND
We've scheduled some great free lectures in the next couple of weeks. Please see the headings on the right side of this page for topics and dates. Also, if there is a specific topic that you would like to suggest for future lectures, please let us know.
Our online pharmacy is continuing to expand, with more and more items being added everyday. It is now possible to have your supplements delivered to your door with just a few clicks of your mouse! Check the online store (nfcpharm.com) frequently for discounts and specials.
As always, thank you for being a valued friend of Naturopathic Family Care. If you are interested in learning more about any of the topics/treatments in this newsletter please contact our office.
Red meat and processed meat intake linked to higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease death. Ross Kerievsky, DC ND
A new study from the Archives of Internal Medicine was just released comparing health of approximately 550,000 participants. They looked at the dietary choices of participants aged 50-71 and their red, processed and white meat consumption
levels. “Red meat included all types of beef and pork such as bacon, beef, cold cuts, hamburgers, hotdogs, steak, and meats in pizza, lasagna, and stew. Processed meats could include either red or white meats in the form of sandwich meats or cold cuts as well as bacon, red meat and poultry sausages, and regular hotdogs and low-fat hotdogs made from poultry.” All participants that ate high amounts of red and processed meats were noted to have the highest rates of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also showed that 11-16% of deaths could be avoided by participants changing their intake behavior of these types of foods.
In my opinion, this study highlights the ongoing issue I discuss with my patients on a daily basis. Your food consumption greatly affects your risk and genetic expression for developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low in red and processed meats is what I recommend to all my patients.
Customized Sublingual Immunotherapy by Jake Psenka, ND
It’s about this time of year when Phoenix starts to cook. As the temperature starts to soar, the pollens and grasses which cause so many Phoenicians to get allergies begin drying out and blowing away. Arizona used to be the place where allergy sufferers were sent to get relief from their itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezes. Those days are long gone. As many of us know, the allergy season in Arizona seems to get everybody.
There are a ton of allergy remedies available for those in need. At NFC we offer several therapies such as Natural Elimination of Allergy Treatment and AllergyEasy. These techniques are both safe and effective, but unfortunately there are some people who’s allergies continue to be a problem despite using these therapies.
Now, a new allergy treatment is available which uses the latest in allergy science to provide allergy sufferers with an effective and customized treatment. This new treatment uses a blood test to determine what each patient is allergic to. This test analyzes immunoglobulins which are substances that are made by the body in response to aller-gens. By measuring and analyzing these immunoglobulins it is possible to determine what allergens are causing the most problems. Trees, grasses, pets, molds, pollens- it’s possible to test for them all. Once the allergens are identified a special and individualized oral medication can be made to treat each person’s specific allergies. This oral medication is called Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT. SLIT has been found to be just as effective as allergy desen-sitization shots, without the pain. Additionally, SLIT has been found to be extremely safe and effective.
Sublingual immunotherapy works like this: a glycerin-based solution is made which contains a dilute concentration of the allergens which cause allergy symptoms. When this solution is administered sub-lingually (under the tongue) the solution will be absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth. When used correctly this solution will cause the body to build up an immunity against the offending allergens, and voila no allergy symptoms. This is the same concept used by allergy shots, but this works without the shot! For more information on this great new therapy contact Dr. Jake.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Are you looking for an alternative to botox and restylane? Do you want to improve the overall muscle tone to your face? Are you looking to soften lines? Facial acupuncture has been safely practiced for decades as an alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures.
A facial acupuncture treatment starts with an initial evaluation of not just yourskin but your overall well-being. Factors such as diet, hydration, sleep, and hormone balance are evaluated. During the treatment, 50-60 ultra-fine sterile needles are inserted in the areas being treated. The needles are retained for 20 minutes. Often micro-current electrical stimulation is applied. The needles may be dipped in specific homeopathic solu-tions prior to insertion.
Facial acupuncture works by causing micro-trauma to the area. The skin responds by depositing collagen to the area. The overall effect is a "plumping" that reduces lines and increased skin tone. Many people feel an overall sense of well-being and relaxa-tion after treatments.
A course of 10 treatments -- usually 2 treatments a week for 5 weeks is standard. Many patients see results after the first treatment. After the series of 10 treatments is complete, a once a month maintenance treatment is necessary for upkeep. Mature skin that has been well maintained responds best to cosmetic acupuncture. To find out more about acupuncture facial rejuvination please call our office.
Turn Off the Lights by Dr. Pharnq Tamburri, ND
New research provides more supporting evidence that exposure to light at night in-creases rates of prostate cancer.Data was collected from a database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer on male cancer incidence in 164 countries. Higher rates of prostate cancer occurred in countries with higher levels of exposure to nightly artificial light. Researchers alluded to several theories that could explain the increased incidence of prostate cancer due to nighttime light exposure, including suppression of melatonin production, suppression of the immune system, and an effect on the body's biological clock due to confusion be-tween night and day. Adding to this research are previous studies linking Vitamin D de-ficiency with cancer, particularly prostate cancer. The link to the current study is that Vitamin D is created in the skin during proper light exposure hence adding to ones im-portance for not only sun exposure but perhaps suggesting certain amounts or rhythms of daylight we need. Regardless of the cause, there appears to be a link between can-cer and nighttime light exposure. Consider more normal sleep schedules, light dimmers at home including the TV, candle light if appropriate, and sheer blinds to allow your house to 'breath in' sunlight in natural sun rhythms rather than whenever you open thick blinds.
Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(preceptor)
NPR recently broadcast a report on Vitamin D. It informs us that the FDA Recom-mended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin D is 200-600 IUs (international units) per day but new research indicates a dose of at least 1000 IUs per day is needed to be beneficial. The RDI can be achieved by exposing 30% of skin to sunlight for 30 minutes for fair skin, 45 minutes for darker skin.
In actuality, the therapeutic dose of Vitamin D is between 1,000-10,000 IUs per day. The appropriate dosage depends on the condition being addressed as well as the level of two forms of vitamin D that can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is used most often to assess and monitor vitamin D status. Vitamin D can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Deficiency has been linked to autism, autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and chronic skin conditions
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Supplementation is usually in the form of liquid drops or capsules.
Hay Fever by Marianne Marchese, ND
Spring brings welcome relief from the cool winter months. But for some, it marks the beginning of allergy season and the miserable array of symptoms that accompany it. 35million people in the U.S. suffer from a condition called allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies.
Typical symptoms include itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, pharynx and eyes. Sneezing, and clear watery discharge from the nose soon follows. Headaches and irri-tability may also be present. Coughing and asthmatic wheezing can develop as the season progresses. Dark circles under the eyes, known as ‘allergic shiners,’ are a hall-mark of the condition.
Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergies. It is an allergic condition triggered by windborne pollens and mold spores. Plants blooming in the spring look and smell nice but can be triggers for some folks. Air pollution, high winds and dust can make symptoms worse.
If you are not certain what triggers your allergies Dr. Marchese offers an affordable blood test looking at IgE and IgG antibodies to different outdoor allergens.
Prevention
1. Keep an eye on the weather. Pollen counts are lowest on rainy, cloudy, and windless days. Hot, dry, and windy weather signals greater pollen and mold distri-bution and thus increased allergy symptoms.
2. Avoid or limit activity between 5:00am and 10:00am, when pollen is usually released.
3. While indoors and driving, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent pollen from drifting into your house or car.
4. Avoid moist, shady areas, compost piles, and greenhouses.
5. Don’t linger around freshly mowed lawns.
6. Avoid gardening on warm or windy days
7. Don’t hang your clothes or sheets out to dry. Pollens and spores may rest on them.
Conventional treatment options include anti-histamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Claritin is a popular anti-histamine that is now available over the counter. However, many of these come with side effects.
Naturopathic treatment options include;
Vitamins
Herbs
Homeopathy
Nutritional supplements
Bioflavonoids.
Although these supplements can be effective for many individuals, other will need to work more closely with their naturopath to identify triggers, enhance immune response and decrease allergic reactions. Make an appointment with Dr. Marchese now to curb your allergy suffering.
The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Connection by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND
A high blood cholesterol level may be an indication that the thyroid gland is underactive rather than the result of poor dietary habits. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) claims that after diet, thyroid disease is the most common secondary cause of high cholesterol.
About one-quarter to one-half of patients with underactive thyroids will have high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels can be lowered just by diagnosing and treating the thyroid disease. A survey released by the AACE shows that fewer than half of the adults who had been diagnosed with high cholesterol knew if they had ever been tested for thyroid disease. Everyone with a high cholesterol level should be screened for thyroid disease.
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