tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73706135929934517432024-02-20T11:51:48.279-08:00Welcome to the Naturopathic Family Care BlogDedicated to providing quality science-based information about alternative and complementary medicine. Our team consists of licensed naturopathic physicians, chiropractic doctors, and acupuncturists, all of whom are practicing physicians at Naturopathic Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">www.4wecare.com</a> Our goal is to publish useful health related tips which readers can use to improve both their health and the health of their families.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-47312139645550088122009-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:002009-11-25T20:35:15.566-08:00Happy Thanksgiving from Naturopathic Family CareHere it is! tThe much anticipated November edition of the Naturopathic Family Care Blog!!!<br /><br />First, we would like to say thank you to all of the people who participated in our first annual Fall Festival. Everyone at the office thought that the day went really well, and all of the feedback that we have received was resoundingly positive. Stay tuned for the details about our upcoming spring open house!<br /><br /><br />We have a few healthy thoughts to send your way this month:<br /><br />Dr. Marie ponders whether the winter blues are due to holiday overload or Seasonal Affective Disorder.<br /><br />Dr. Marchese lets us know why she thinks PAP smears are important.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuDaHyQ8pcRTr_TsUeJqcuptDSWLqzSVwZYaZ_Y-TDKjVuvTSZneCaQA6bSD0zTONtfOrjqoLruFO6Td_cmg4bMspmcdqYa-haoAClqSOyFVpCSSOvrmXoPBZOQbwqRp5j4BTMu2fIPo/s1600/tofurkey1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuDaHyQ8pcRTr_TsUeJqcuptDSWLqzSVwZYaZ_Y-TDKjVuvTSZneCaQA6bSD0zTONtfOrjqoLruFO6Td_cmg4bMspmcdqYa-haoAClqSOyFVpCSSOvrmXoPBZOQbwqRp5j4BTMu2fIPo/s200/tofurkey1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408253063746385362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dr. Psenka shares some fun facts about one his favorite anti-cancer supplements and breaks down the numbers on the dreaded bisphenol A(BPA)<br /><br /><br />We hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your free-range Tofurkey and organic, low-fat, stevia and chicory sweetened pumpkin pie! Yeah, right....<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday Bl</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL-LMbKh8IkRlkG0hNp5QO9NqfeDD8_dMNoLkmry-iJo_w4Ltataiim0dKjE3dhL6AiVq1LfPHe8c2YE65oGWn7ohc4LhL9LNiK7kNKKWt3DODNSb9esQHhkYixH8ByDBTOuXwCJGoxk/s1600/2439306_296b3d5fa5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL-LMbKh8IkRlkG0hNp5QO9NqfeDD8_dMNoLkmry-iJo_w4Ltataiim0dKjE3dhL6AiVq1LfPHe8c2YE65oGWn7ohc4LhL9LNiK7kNKKWt3DODNSb9esQHhkYixH8ByDBTOuXwCJGoxk/s200/2439306_296b3d5fa5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408254425142096818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">ues or is it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?</span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> By Dr. Marie</span></span><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Living in the Valley of the Sun does not give us immunity to SAD.<span> </span>As the days get shorter, moods can drop, carbohydrate cravings increase, and general lethargy sets in.<span> </span>We tend to blame the stress of family and holidays for feeling blah when there may be an underlying cause.<span> </span>It is estimated that 15% of North Americans have SAD.<span> </span>Phototherapy (light therapy) is the most effective treatment for SAD but not all lights have the same therapeutic results.<span> </span>Type of light, placement, and time of use can maximize the effectiveness.<span> </span>Lights that simulate sunrise are showing to be most effective.<span> </span>Light therapy can be supported with neurotransmitter balancing.<span> </span>And don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet and regular exercise – especially if it is outside in the sunlight. <span> </span>And always check with your physician if your mood interferes with your activities of daily living.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Importance of the Annual PAP by Dr. Marchese</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLSDsqgS4Aew-8bsulZapibdytIg04WHj3GxsPBA7F1InEeqeISaj6YOB2aR-EurjqQPfKyblVD_wNWxnzxtfqV6YMysNC1cJvSQWsW5gLmqveMo_iohLSVYwJW5Yml1UFkJz5-LTXfQ/s1600/pap-smear-results.s600x600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLSDsqgS4Aew-8bsulZapibdytIg04WHj3GxsPBA7F1InEeqeISaj6YOB2aR-EurjqQPfKyblVD_wNWxnzxtfqV6YMysNC1cJvSQWsW5gLmqveMo_iohLSVYwJW5Yml1UFkJz5-LTXfQ/s200/pap-smear-results.s600x600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408255582650704466" border="0" /></a><p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">What do you do if you go to see your medical doctor for your annual gynecology exa</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">m and you get a call saying your pap came back abnormal? Unless you take the time to educate yourself abo</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">ut what an abnormal </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> smear means and learn what your options are, you may end up doing somethin</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">g that doesn’t need to be done.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is recommended that women get their first </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> smear test at age 21. The </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> test, a</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">lso called a pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix.</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> The </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> test can tell if you have the Human </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Papilloma</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Virus (HPV), abnormal cervical cells, or cervical cancer. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you are younger than 30 years old, you should get a Pap test every year. If you are age 30 or old</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">er and have had three normal Pap tests for three years in a row, talk to your doctor about spacing out Pap tests to every two or three years. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">During your annual gynecological exam and </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> smear it is now possible to test for the HPV virus at the same time. This is important because it is possible to have a normal pap smear and still test positive for HPV which is why the new </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">standard of care is to test all women over 30 for HPV during their </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">pap</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> smear test. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">What if my PAP is abnormal?</span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you have an abnormal PAP your MD will recommend either freezing off the abnormal cervical cells or burning off </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">the abnormal cervical cells. These are called </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">cyrotherapy</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and a LEEP respectively. The MDs goal is to remove the abnormal cells and shed the top layer that holds the virus. But, the virus is in the body and an MD doe</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">sn’t have any treatments to treat the whole body and support the immune system. Also, there are complications from </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">cryotherapy</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and a LEEP that will make pregnancy and child birth more difficult.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">You have options!!!!!!!</span></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuvhxsYVnT5ergM6EpeyZSV57BbdsUDMYv1_BQgbK6W_Q33Y1usLJPqNNZP4vaA5ZSqdheBr7nPvwboZaNeLscIl7boiyTGQMYg3z2wxzcKOgndFuHSI81npxspDb1mnO_5faDq0X91w/s1600/Examiner-Happy_woman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuvhxsYVnT5ergM6EpeyZSV57BbdsUDMYv1_BQgbK6W_Q33Y1usLJPqNNZP4vaA5ZSqdheBr7nPvwboZaNeLscIl7boiyTGQMYg3z2wxzcKOgndFuHSI81npxspDb1mnO_5faDq0X91w/s200/Examiner-Happy_woman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408255973345050418" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you pap comes back ab</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">normal see Dr. Marchese. She can shed the abnormal cervical cells with anti-viral herbal suppositories. These are </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">herbs that are inserted into the vaginal canal and shed the virus and abnormal cells. Dr. M</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">archese can also treat the body and boost the immune system and help your body fight off the virus. In</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> cases of severe cervical abnormalities Dr. Marchese can perform the </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">escharotic</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> treatment which sheds the abnormal cervical cells on a deeper level. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you haven’</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;">t had a pap smear</span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in over a year or have not had HPV testing in combination with the PAP it is time to see Dr. Marchese for an appointment. </span></span></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fun Facts About Curcumin and Not-So-Fun Facts About BPA, by Dr. Psenka</span><br /><br />Curcumin has to be one of my all time favorite supplements. It's non-toxic, decreases inflammation, prevents cancer cells from becoming resistant to chemo drugs, helps sensitize some cancer types to radiation therapy, and inhibits tumor growth. Now it seems that this extract of turmeric, the yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, may actually potentiate chemotherapy drugs. A newer <a href="http://http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19528445?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=2">study</a> which was published in the journal Anticancer Research this past June described the effects of curcumin against pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer tends to be a more difficult cancer to treat as it quickly becomes resistant to chemotherapy and can spread rapidl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYJX9eaYayo32QNfCObze4Bh-p8PtMc33krLICTWfYB2vHwb1OPKYKrvPrRPoVFHcRnXnjOMA4JeqsqaXJ7XuHj3-8e7ThkiUQGvVEgesMkOxQCSuMqz1VRyFaGJTejipRHntvTYCj7c/s1600/happy_mouse_sticker-p217307295273051982qjcl_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYJX9eaYayo32QNfCObze4Bh-p8PtMc33krLICTWfYB2vHwb1OPKYKrvPrRPoVFHcRnXnjOMA4JeqsqaXJ7XuHj3-8e7ThkiUQGvVEgesMkOxQCSuMqz1VRyFaGJTejipRHntvTYCj7c/s200/happy_mouse_sticker-p217307295273051982qjcl_400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408260114260954002" border="0" /></a>y as well. The authors of this study used a newer type of curcumin in the study called liposomal curcumin. In the past curcumin's big drawback was it's low absorbability. This new liposomal form, in which the curcumin molecule is basically wrapped in fat, is absorbed much better. The study found that 20mg of liposomal curcumin per kilogram of body weight provided a 52% decrease in tumor growth. This study was carried out in a mouse study in which human pancreatic cancer cells were implanted in the mice. Poor mice.<br />While it would be preferable to have a human study which demonstrated the same f<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGwA2i8iStkS7ztinFErWrhyphenhyphenaviHGu2Ic86qTv-5Na-r3pK5FRYyXw6ge5dFZcavpMM2Y1pdNMcfAG6Rg0AbDRHi6MKV2ubtt4KvxphGM6SpXYDiPcX5Q-RBiQYtuTORTQ_-3MmSDtI4/s1600/hdc_0001_0003_0_img0191.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGwA2i8iStkS7ztinFErWrhyphenhyphenaviHGu2Ic86qTv-5Na-r3pK5FRYyXw6ge5dFZcavpMM2Y1pdNMcfAG6Rg0AbDRHi6MKV2ubtt4KvxphGM6SpXYDiPcX5Q-RBiQYtuTORTQ_-3MmSDtI4/s200/hdc_0001_0003_0_img0191.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408257792093685970" border="0" /></a>indings the mouse research is a step in the right direction. This is particularly true with pancreatic cancer, as at the current time the available treatment options are few. Considering the low toxicity profile of curcumin, and the number of established benefits, along with the fact that curcumin has been shown to make the one chemo drug (Gemzar/gemcitabine) that works against pancreatic cancer <a href="http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/67/8/3853">work better</a>, the question really isn't if we should add it to the current treatments, but rather if it is ethical not to....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not so fun facts about BPA</span><br />Nearly everyone has heard that this plastic additive, which can be identified by the numbers 7 and 3 stamped on plastic containers is bad for you. The number of health problems that have been associated with this chemical make it nearly as harmful as other favorite nasty chemicals, like dioxin, and cigarette smoke. If you look at BPA on Wiki you will read that it is estimated that there are six pounds of this chemical produced for every person in the Unite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj55NLuBXsMzG_EWUlkO6VErNhIfmq6ogkxZsZzQDfwzexJemth9nHVkMaE3xlhd2hcXUX1hWKCMZdphJGjyDxoUgtI9mR-FdPThKe7e8QFP4ugao_6FQMPcP1I0KhaovDMTyU9T3DX-A/s1600/100px-Plastic-recyc-03.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj55NLuBXsMzG_EWUlkO6VErNhIfmq6ogkxZsZzQDfwzexJemth9nHVkMaE3xlhd2hcXUX1hWKCMZdphJGjyDxoUgtI9mR-FdPThKe7e8QFP4ugao_6FQMPcP1I0KhaovDMTyU9T3DX-A/s200/100px-Plastic-recyc-03.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408230786022918210" border="0" /></a>d States. There's 304 milion of us these days in case you lost coun<img src="file:///Users/Jake/Desktop/100px-Plastic-recyc-07.svg.png" alt="" />t. That e<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf2hyphenhyphen7Myie9MKfHKFYHssWYRRpLQShLquXq03YtFqfCiUomAcvyUtWLnbmyUsMqwEcrn0ZnwLoTCyVaJRh1nAdy4mH18xwljKPiqq_pLXWEhvskOBBE4Ul9hWy5js6SB3sOPHIZGBu30/s1600/100px-Plastic-recyc-07.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf2hyphenhyphen7Myie9MKfHKFYHssWYRRpLQShLquXq03YtFqfCiUomAcvyUtWLnbmyUsMqwEcrn0ZnwLoTCyVaJRh1nAdy4mH18xwljKPiqq_pLXWEhvskOBBE4Ul9hWy5js6SB3sOPHIZGBu30/s200/100px-Plastic-recyc-07.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408231843663143282" border="0" /></a>quates to roughly 1,824,000,000 pounds of BPA produced annually. Another study that recently came out (yes, I am a nerd, my Pubmed.com is your Facebook!) found that nanomolar dosages of BPA could produce chemoresistance in breast cancer. That is kind of disturbing as a nanomol can roughly be thought of as about a billionth of a gram (which there are 454 of in a pound). My recommendation: detox daily.<br />Look for more on this subject in an upcoming <a href="http://www.cancernd.com/">CancerND.com</a> post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-90949093301199047732009-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:002009-10-07T16:24:52.451-07:00October Newsletter and Our Fall Health Festival!<div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Fall Health Festival is Here!!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU5a4hzYbx8rTfL7j2cDBZP6Iu83aKtTzPHlKQYVQlBel_OqJh9LEQkgCOsxnwINFpNN0mmy-ibEdHtaBGzPK6-frteJJsr-yMHEnKxK58258wmLjvAt4Gz0rQdxrBXaJCaoqL75cG4w/s1600-h/Laurentians_fall_colour.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU5a4hzYbx8rTfL7j2cDBZP6Iu83aKtTzPHlKQYVQlBel_OqJh9LEQkgCOsxnwINFpNN0mmy-ibEdHtaBGzPK6-frteJJsr-yMHEnKxK58258wmLjvAt4Gz0rQdxrBXaJCaoqL75cG4w/s320/Laurentians_fall_colour.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390002642812940834" border="0" /></a><br />Join us on Saturday, October 24th between 10am and 2pm as Longevity Medical Health Center and Naturopathic Family Care host their Fall Health Festival in celebration of serving Arizona for nearly 25 years. Since 1985, we've been promoting healthy living and preventative medicine. Over the years our clinic has grown considerably, and we now offer more ways to stay healthy than ever before.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>Our clinic provides a great variety of services including preventative medicine, women's health, pediatrics, men's health, chiropractic care, massage therapy, sports medicine, acupuncture, weight management, environmental medicine/detox, allergy medicine, homeopathy, IV therapy, alternative/integrative cancer care, and much more!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>This will be an excellent chance to meet and talk with all eight of our physicians and staff. We will be providing fun activities for the whole family, including kid activities, raffle prizes and gifts, free chair massage, group acupuncture <em>(You know you want to try!),</em> great food, recipes and demos with "Chef Rachel", and the opportunity to meet your community! There will be many other health-conscious businesses that we have gotten to know over the years who will be happy to talk with you about their services and will demonstrating as well. Additionally, there will be an informal health-related lecture every 30 minutes on a specific health topic given by one of our doctors. These topics include: Allergies, Pediatrics, Thyroid & Hormones, Testosterone/Men’s Health, Back Pain, Homeopathy/Biopuncture, Breast Cancer, Sports and Nutrition.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>We invite you to share this opportunity with others and hope to see there!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This month we have 5 fantastic health articles to share:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The Return of the Swine Flu- Dr. Najeeullah</span><br />Are Corticosteriods the Answer- Dr. Niechwiadowicz<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Mercury Fillings and Pregnancy- Should you be Concerned?- Dr. DiCampli</span><br />Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Gains Respect<br />from Conventional Medicine- Dr. Tamburri<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Do I have Fibromyalgia- Dr. Kerievsky</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Return of the Swine Flu!</span></span><br />As we’re all aware the H1N1 (swine) flu is scheduled to make a comeback this upcoming flu season. For the most part, this issue is being overblown by the media. With the right education and proper steps you and your family can stay happy and healthy.<br /><br /><div>So what is the flu? It is a viral infection of the influenza virus. There are 3 types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. The type A influenza viruses, such as the H1N1 virus and avian flu virus, can be transmitted from animal to human. Epidemics (regional) of this virus type occur most often during winter months and circulate every year for 6-10 wks. Flu pandemics (worldwide) cycle every 25-35 years.<br /><br /></div> <div>The most common symptoms of the flu are sudden fever, headache, dry cough and body aches. Other symptoms are chills, sneezing, sore throat and a runny nose. The flu is not an easy bug to deal with but it is a self limiting condition whose severity and duration can be decreased by taking the right steps.<br /><br /></div> <div>How do you stay healthy?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCuJeIut69fAtSv8s0Iy3v8u4mEuf_nqCK_8A7D5534wV4pbqubuwLj4j9jbTzsdCze16vgCBQTGImbHnS3h6Aeynfw-b3RcUlkP_1PsPWtWvhF-a1ujv5m5HSyLFR3M34kh7HmFKabE/s1600-h/-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 52px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCuJeIut69fAtSv8s0Iy3v8u4mEuf_nqCK_8A7D5534wV4pbqubuwLj4j9jbTzsdCze16vgCBQTGImbHnS3h6Aeynfw-b3RcUlkP_1PsPWtWvhF-a1ujv5m5HSyLFR3M34kh7HmFKabE/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389947431818876226" border="0" /></a><div>First and foremost: WASH YOUR HANDS! Soap and water is one of your best defenses against the flu. By washing your hands you remove anything you may have picked up from a sick person or, if you are sick, prevent disease from spreading. Hand sanitizers are okay in a pinch but they are not the same as actually washing away any dirt or pathogens you may be carrying. My personal favorite is Citricidal by Bio/Chem.<br /><br />It is a non-toxic compound derived from the seed and pulp of organically grown grapefruit that works and smells great. To support your immune system, Bio Vegetarian or Acute Immune is a great product that contains immune boosting herbals like garlic cayenne, ginger and grapefruit seed extract as well as Vit. A and C, zinc and bioflavonoids.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>What do you do if you do get sick?</div> <div>If you suspect that you or a family member may have the flu, it is important to see your doctor to rule out other conditions. This is especially important when it comes to the very young and the elderly in order to rule our more serious conditions such as RSV and pneumonia. Diagnosis is a relatively simple procedure where a sample from a nasal swab is taken and sent to a lab to determine if you do indeed have the flu. You can expect a diagnosis confirmation in 1-3 days. In the meantime, do not send sick kids to school and adults should not go to work if the flu is suspected. If you must go in public wear a mask or be sure to sneeze/cough into your elbow and wash your hands frequently.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>Staying well hydrated is important at this time. Water helps wash out the toxic metabolites we collect in everyday life and is the medium in which most of body processes take place. You should drink ½ of body weight in ounces of water per day. If you do not like drinking water or find the taste less than exciting, you can add Mountain Peak's Energy Formula to your water. It provides flavor as well as 500mg of vitamin C and a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement per scoop/packet. Another option is chicken soup with vegetables to replace minerals and electrolytes or immune-boosting herbal teas with lemon and honey. If a fever is present, there are herbal preparations such as yarrow and peppermint tea which can offer relief. Aspirin should not be given to children to reduce fever if a viral infection such as the flu is suspected as it can cause Reyes syndrome. It is also important to get plenty of rest to ensure a quick recovery. </div> <div> </div> <div>Naturopathic treatment options are available whether you are trying to prevent the flu or seek relief from symptoms after you’ve already gotten it. Constitutional hydrotherapy treatments stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight viral and bacterial infections. Wet sheet packs are another hydrotherapy treatment offered by your naturopath that is helpful in stimulating the immune system and reducing fever. Nutritional and hydrochloric acid IVs deliver vitamins, nutrients, and immune boosters that provide the building blocks necessary for the prevention and treatment of flu.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://4wecare.com/homeopathy.htm">Homeopathy</a> can work miracles when it comes to the flu. There are several options to choose when considering homeopathic treatment. Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic formula specially formulated for treatment of the first signs of flu and is available in most health food stores. The homeopathic flu vaccine, Influenzinum, offers the same protection as the flu shot without the potential side effects and can be used on anyone, from infants to elderly. Influenzinum is available at our in-office pharmacy. There is also the option of constitutional homeopathy for treatment if you become ill. After taking a detailed history of your flu symptoms, a homeopathic remedy that most matches your symptom picture is given. Relief is achieved anywhere from a few hours to a day or so.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>For more detailed information on how to protect you and your family this flu season, check out the return of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">lu Prevention lecture at NFC on October 29th at 6pm.</span></div><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are Corticosteroids the Answer?</span></span><br /><div>Well that depends on the question… If you’ve had an organ transplant -- yes. If you have life threatening cerebral edema – YES. If you have elbow pain – NO. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatories. Traditional logic says if you have tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), let’s inject you with an anti-inflammatory. But at what cost? Corticosteroids destroy collagen and connective tissue. Many people state they feel immediate relief from their steroid shot but this can be attributed to the pain killer (usually lidocaine or procaine) in the injection. Usually a tendon becomes inflamed from over use or trauma. A steroid shot will weaken that tendon and predispose it to more inflammation. A better solution is to make that tendon stronger and modify functional movement to avoid over use. The best way to make a tendon or ligament stronger is through <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/prolotherapy.htm">prolotherapy</a>. While prolotherapy can be achy for the first few hours of treatment it actually strengthens tendons and ligament and prevents future injuries. Consider your options – a short-term fix that will cause more damage in the long run or a long term solution to the underlying cause. A thorough orthopedic exam, imaging if necessary, will determine if you are a candidate for prolotherapy.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">To learn more on this topic and for a complimentary injury/pain review, come see Dr. Marie on Thursday, October 15th at 6:00pm.</div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mercury Fillings and Pregnancy- Should you be Concerned?<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYA4V-E5_ggPzDCuAqroXPrjZOvI1DwcWU2zSMmxnbE487HW3SbwH-43z2QYYre5dC-Rul0pSE2xDNluQgVISzlyZepTJHRqBZofXH3QGOjh1YEj17PFet0KJ86YYnv7J2Er7j03ZU3U/s1600-h/-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYA4V-E5_ggPzDCuAqroXPrjZOvI1DwcWU2zSMmxnbE487HW3SbwH-43z2QYYre5dC-Rul0pSE2xDNluQgVISzlyZepTJHRqBZofXH3QGOjh1YEj17PFet0KJ86YYnv7J2Er7j03ZU3U/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389948032370426594" border="0" /></a><div>While most women know that they are not supposed to eat fish such as tuna while pregnant, little emphasis is put on the mercury amalgam fillings that many people have in their mouths. Can this exposure of mercury cause a potential detriment regarding fetal development?<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>An article written in 2008 for the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology analyzed the relationship between maternal dental amalgam fillings and potential exposure to fetal development. The study was completed at the Department of Environmental Medicine at Slovak Medical University. Chemical analyses of mercury concentrations were performed on approximately 100 maternal and cord blood samples. This study found that the mercury concentrations of cord blood were less than the EPA reference range of 5.8 microg/l and the level of exposure is not considered to be hazardous for brain development in utero. The conclusion however, did determine that there was a significant association between the amount of maternal mercury amalgams and the increased level of mercury in cord blood samples. Therefore, the less mercury amalgams, the better!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>This is just one example of why it is important to do preconception ‘house keeping’ prior to starting a family. It is a great opportunity to assess your health and make some improvements necessary for providing the most advantageous environment for fetal growth and development. Preconception counseling is the first step to designing an individualized plan and starting on the road to optimal well-being.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Join Dr. Jesika DiCampli at our Fall Festival to meet with her and discuss many similar topics like these!<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer<br />Gains Respect from Conventional Medicine</span></span><br /><div>An astonishing peer reviewed journal regarding prostate cancer management was just published this week in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). </div> <div>Titled Outcomes of Localized Prostate Cancer Following Conservative Management (Grace L. Lu-Yao; Peter C. Albertsen; Dirk F. Moore; et al. JAMA. 2009;302(11):1202-1209) its primary finding is that patients who follow 'conservative management' (AKA Active Surveillance or Watchful Waiting) of clinically localized prostate cancer diagnosed from 1992 to 2002 have had better outcomes among patients diagnosed in the 1970's to 1980's. This is important because more patients, such as the majority who now frequent Longevity Health Center, are opting out of surgery for the modern Active Surveillance approach. Some of the researchers' explanation is that this improvement is due to better screening (PSA blood test) yielding an additional yield time in early diagnosis, cancer grade migration detection, and also advances in medical care.</div> <div> </div> <div>Paraphrasing, their conclusion speaks for itself; "The results of our study demonstrated that 10-year cancer specific survival with conservative management (Active Surveillance) has now increased from about 83% to 87% in the pre-PSA to about 94% in the PSA era, which is now beyond the approximate 90% 10-year cancer-specific survival rate for a similar population of men treated with prostatectomy in the pre-PSA or early PSA era such as those aged 66-74 years with moderately differentiated cancer."<br /><br /></div> <div>The reader may be unclear between the terms Watchful Waiting (WW) and Active Surveillance (AS), both of which are under the umbrella of 'conservative management'. Both are strategies for a man to parlay surgery or radiation for a non metastatic prostate cancer. What differentiates them however is that AS (chosen by most current naturopathic patients), is much more proactive in its monitoring by utilizing PSA velocity, PSA density, %fPSA, genetic molecular urine tests, personal genetic history, and even Color Doppler imaging of the gland itself to monitor the slightest change in cancer status. WW is typically the non surgical default termed by urologists when they simply test the PSA every 6 months. Unfortunately promising studies as this recent example do not yet differentiate the difference between WW and AS. Longevity Medical will keep you the Reader abreast of any new studies to this effect.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Join Dr. Tamburri at our Fall Health Festival on Saturday, October 24th from 10am - 2pm. He will be presenting a brief lecture on Men's Health, as well available for Q & A throughout the event.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Do I have Fibromyalgia?</span><br /><div>I have had many patients come to me over the years for treatment either with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia or with a history of chronic pain. Many patients either assume they are correctly diagnosed as having fibromyalgia or wonder if they have the syndrome.<br /><br /></div> <div>What exactly is fibromyalgia and why is there still such a mystery surrounding the syndrome?</div> <div>According to the journal American Family Physician, fibromyalgia is “an idiopathic, chronic, nonarticular pain syndrome with generalized tender points. It is a multisystem disease characterized by sleep disturbance, fatigue, headache, morning stiffness, paresthesias, and anxiety.” To get a clearer picture on whether you have fibromyalgia, there should be a set of criteria that is screened before you make the diagnosis:<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>Have you had chronic pain that is widespread for at least 3 months?</div> <div>Do you have pain on both sides of your body above and below the waist?</div> <div>Do you have pain along your spine, neck and trunk?</div> <div>Do you have pain in at least 11 of the designated 18 tender points that have been established for diagnosing fibromyalgia?</div> <div>Have you been tested with a pain measuring device on these points to establish that these areas are tender? Was the correct amount of pressure applied?</div> <div>Have you been properly screened for other metabolic tests such as blood work, hormone levels, sleep studies and other tests to rule out other conditions?<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>The good news is that if you have fibromyalgia, there are many treatments that can help. New medications such as Lyrica and Savella are now on the market and can be discussed at our office as a treatment option. There are also many natural options to consider when treating fibromyalgia such as massage therapy, trigger point injections, acupuncture, etc.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Join Dr. Ross Kerievsky for his upcoming talk on Wednesday, November 4th at 6pm for more detailed information on fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-10262998996142616442009-08-06T11:44:00.000-07:002009-08-06T16:43:20.739-07:00August in Arizona...it's a dry heat...<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hello Health Seekers,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It's finally here, the highly anticipated August edition of the Naturopathic Family Care Blog! Hold onto your hats, as we have some great articles and news to share with you this month. First, the news:</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you have been to the clinic lately, you may have noticed that we have begun using our new name and logo. We're excited to be updating our image, as we feel that our new name, Longevity Medical Health Center, more accurately describes the clinic. We promote longevity, administer medical services, and want you to be healthy! Rest assured that nothing is changing except the name, we'll continue to offer the same great doctors, staff, and treatments.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In other news we're pleased to announce that we now offer ozone therapy at the clinic! This cutting-edge treatment is used the world-over for a variety of different conditions. You can learn more about the benefits of ozone treatment by reading Dr. Psenka's article a little further down the blog. We also have an couple of articles from Dr. Orona, who is discussing Vitamin D, and Dr. Marchese sharing her extensive knowledge of microcurrent therapy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Be on the lookout for upcoming talks being held at the clinic. We update our schedule frequently and new additions can be seen on the right side of this page and also at our </span><a href="http://alternative.meetup.com/414/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Meetup.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> page. </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We are continuing to add more and more products to our <a href="http://www.nfcpharm.com/">online store</a>. Within the next couple of weeks we'll be adding Vital Nutrients and Orthomolecular products to our store as well. Use the link on the right to see what we've added.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sunshine and Your Health- by Dr. Orona</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If healthy adults and adolescents regularly avoid sunlight exposure, research indicates a necessity to supplement with at least 5,000 units (IU) of vitamin D daily. To obtain this amount from milk one would need to consume 50 glasses. With a multivitamin more than 10 tablets would be necessary. Neither is advisable.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The skin produces approximately 10,000 IU vitamin D in response 20–30 minutes summer sun exposure—50 times more than the US government's recommendation of 200 IU per day!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How To Get Enough Vitamin D</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are 3 ways for adults to insure adequate levels of vitamin D:</span></p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">regularly receive midday sun exposure in the late spring, summer, and early fall, exposing as much of the skin as possible without the use of sunblock.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">regularly use a sun bed (avoiding sunburn) during the colder months.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">take 5,000 IU per day for three months, then obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Adjust your dosage so that blood levels are between 50–80 ng/mL (or 125–200 nM/L) year-round.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Frequency Specific Microcurrent- By Marchese, ND </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dr. Marianne Marchese has been using electrical modalities since 1990 to heal the body and restore function.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Frequency specific microcurrent is a physical therapy modality that has been in use for years. Microcurrent is measured in millionths of an amp so you don’t feel the current. By comparison, a TENS unit and most other electrotherapies produce milliamps, 1000 times greater. Your body seems to use the microcurrent energy to increase its own energy production. Microcurrent increases the production of ATP, your own chemical energy, by up to 500%. It also increases protein synthesis and waste product removal.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dr. Marchese uses frequency specific microcurrent at Naturopathic Family Care for a variety of health conditions. Contact her to see if this modality is right for you.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What conditions is microcurrent used for? Fibromyalgia, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Endometriosis, Menstrual cramps, Constipation, Fibroids, Ovarian cysts, Interstitial cystitis, Detoxification, Neurological symptoms,Multiple sclerosis, And more……………….</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ozone Therapy- by Dr. Psenka</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The use of medical ozone therapy is rapidly growing in popularity around entire world. Ozone therapy is a commonly administered therapy throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The use of medical ozone therapy has been proven to be beneficial for most chronic illnesses, as well as acute infections. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ozone is a gas that is comprised of three oxygen atoms. Two combined oxygen atoms are known as O2- and that makes up the air that we breathe. Single oxygen atoms are rare in nature and are very unstable as well. (think free radical...) When O2 is exposed to an energetic force, such as electricity, the two oxygen atoms are split apart and almost instantaneously the atoms pair back together. A small percentage of the oxygen molecules will unite to form a triplet molecule known as O3 or ozone.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What is Ozone therapy used for? </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ozone has been safely used since the 1950’s for a variety of medical conditions. Medical ozone therapy has a very broad range of effects, and is therefore used in treating many different conditions. Some of the effects of ozone are:</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Relaxes and loosens muscles by reducing the build-up of lactic acid</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Oxidizes toxins so that they may be eliminated by the major organs</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Increases blood circulation</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Inactivates viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus, and protozoa</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Speeds up the metabolic process of the organs and endocrine glands</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Promotes cleaner, softer, more rejuvenated skin</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Normalizes cellular respiration</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Helps with chronic fatigue and environmental illnesses</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stimulates the immune system</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reduces carbon monoxide poisoning</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Increased oxygen content of the blood promotes detoxification</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ozone is most commonly known for its strong ability to control bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Ozone is used worldwide to disinfect municipal drinking water. Ozone is also used to keep swimming pools and spas clean instead of strong chemicals such as chlorine or bromine. Using ozone therapy, viral and bacterial infections of the intestines can be effectively controlled in both children and adults. Chronic viral and bacterial diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and shingles can also be treated by using ozone therapies. Infected and poorly healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers may also be treated with ozone therapy. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Circulatory disorders can also be helped by ozone therapy. Vascular diseases such as stroke, obstructive arteriopathy, venous insufficiency, and complications from diabetes are all candidates for ozone therapy. Ozone is also commonly used in geriatrics to improve oxygenation to the brain.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ozone therapy has also been recognized as a treatment for cancer. In 1928 Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg demonstrated that the primary cause of cancer is the replacement of oxygen in the respiratory chemistry of normal cells by the fermentation of sugar. This discovery led to the finding that the growth of cancer cells is a fermentation process which can be initiated only in the relative absence of oxygen. By using ozone therapy the body can become more fully oxygenated and thus slow or hopefully eliminate the growth of cancerous cells. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Additionally, ozone can be used as an adjunct for conventional cancer treatments, particularly radiation therapy. It is an established fact that radiation therapy works better in well- oxygenated tissue, and also that tumors are a relatively hypoxic (poorly oxygenated) tissue. The use of ozone therapy has been shown to increase the oxygen content of tumor cells and therefore, when used prior to radiation therapy, may result in better results than would have been obtained if only the radiation had been used.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is Ozone therapy safe? </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Medical ozone therapy has an excellent safety record. In one study, the records of 384,775 patients treated with different ozone therapies were analyzed. A total of 5,579,238 treatments were administered using Major Auto-Hemotherapy, a common type of medical ozone administration. The incidence of accidents was 0.0007%. This makes the safety record of ozone better than that of aspirin.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 1.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Curious? Want to learn more? Watch our <a href="http://alternative.meetup.com/414/">upcoming talk schedule</a> for a soon-to-be-announced talk by Dr. Psenka!</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-19012756297358492012009-05-29T10:57:00.000-07:002009-06-01T12:10:57.519-07:00Hello Everyone,<br /><br />There's been a lot happening at <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/">Naturopathic Family Care </a>this month and we don’t expect that to change much in the near future! One of the biggest changes that will be happening soon is a name change. Soon, we’ll be transitioning from Naturopathic Family Care to Longevity Medical Health Center. We’ve decided to make this switch because in the past 5 years our office has expanded to include doctors who focus on more than just family medicine. Of course we still have great docs who offer family medicine, but our office is also home to doctors who focus in particular areas. Some of the areas in which our doctors are considered experts include oncology, women's health, pain and mucsuloskeletal medicine, environmental medicine and detoxification, as well as men's health. We wanted our new name to more accurately describe what we have to offer at the clinic. Other than a name change nothing else will change, we'll continue to have the same great doctors and provide the same great services!<br /><br />We've teamed up with <a href="http://ourorganics.weebly.com/">Our Organics </a>to now offer fresh, certified organic produce right at our office! Beginning on July 17th we will be offering organic produce on every other Friday afternoon from 5-7PM. Our Organics will be delivering two different box sizes of produce, with the items changing with the season. The larger box, which will easily provide for a family of four is reasonably priced at $60. A smaller box costs $40 and will supply a couple or small family with all the fruits and veggies they can eat for two weeks! Just try to get those kind of prices at an organic grocery store! In order to reserve your fruits and veggies call Our Organics at (602)-550-0330, or visit their website at<a href="http://ourorganics.weebly.com/"> here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>During the month of June we’ll be offering two “Free BIA Days.” During these two days it will be possible to come into the office and receive a BIA for free!!!</strong><br /><br />The BIA is a great way to get a large overview of your body. Measurements such as %lean body weight, %fat mass, resting metaboilic rate, body mass index, and total body water are all determined with this fast and easy test. We frequentlay use this test to monitor people who are taking advantage of our First Line Therapy programs. These programs provide guidance on therapeutic lifestyle medicine and are used for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, weight control, and hypertension.<br /><br />The Free BIA Days are going to be the 19th and 26th of June. If you want to take advantage of this offer please call the office and tell them which day you would prefer. The BIA is non-invasive, totally pain free, and the whole procedure only takes about 15 minutes. Call today to reserve your spot!!<br /><br />We've got a great selection of articles to share with you this month:<br /><br />Hypothyroidism by Shahrzad Orona, NMD<br />Adrenal Fatigue by Phranq Tamburri, NMD<br />Alcohol and Longevity? by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD<br />Weight Loss and Aging Metabolism by Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD<br />New Hope for Autoimmune Disease by Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD<br />Pollution Reflections by Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD<br /><br /><br /><strong>Hypothyroidism<br />Shahrzad Orona, NMD</strong><br /><br />Do you hear of low thyroid symptoms and think that the majority apply to you? You may have heard of this recently on the Dr. Phil Show. Low energy, easy weight gain, cold hands and feet and hair loss are just a few of the symptoms that are often associated with sub-optimal thyroid functioning. You have experienced these symptoms, and even asked your doctor test your blood for thyroid function knowing for sure that you are hypothyroid (low thyroid). Then, you are told that your thyroid is normal, but you just don’t know how this could be possible as you still feel the symptoms.<br /><br />Many people experience this scenerio, usually because the only blood test the doctor ordered is simply checking the level of your thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. The TSH level indicates how the brain perceives the body’s thyroid hormone levels. When your brain perceives that your body has low thyroid hormone levels it produces more TSH to tell your body to make more thyroid hormones. When your brain perceives that your body has adequate or high levels of thyroid hormones it produces less thyroid stimulating hormone. Measuring only TSH levels also has other problems, as there is debate over the optimal range of TSH. Although labs generally set the range between 0.45 and 4.5, many doctors are now finding this range too broad and are using other more narrow ranges.<br /><br />So what is a person to do? My recommendation for obtaining a complete thyroid assessment would be:<br /><br />A questionnaire to rank your symptoms, and a complete health history.<br /><br />Blood testing: TSH, total and free T4, total and free T3, reverse T3, T3Uptake. T3 and T4 are both hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland, and both can have a major impact on how a person feels.<br /><br />Possibly testing your thyroid antibodies depending on your risk of autoimmune disease<br /><br />Thyroflex test- this non-invasive test calculates thyroid function based on the speed and duration of your reflexes. This test is what Dr. Phil presented on his recent show. To see a short clip of this episode click <a href="http://www.thyroflex.com/drphil.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Urinary iodine test- insufficient levels of iodine in the body have been associated with abnormal thyroid functioning. Low iodine levels have also been associated with condition such as breast cancer. For more on this see NFC cancer blog at <a href="http://www.cancernd.com/">http://www.cancernd.com/</a><br /><br />Treating thyroid problems is a large part of my practice, and if you feel that you may have a problem with thyroid function I would be happy to help you investigate this.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Adrenal Fatigue<br />Dr.Phranq Tamburri, NMD</strong><br /><br />Adrenal fatigue is a common health condition that affects millions of people. The adrenal glands are important because they give us energy, allow our bodies to adapt to stress, maintain a healthy weight, help regulate blood pressure and contribute to hormone balance in the body. The adrenals can develop dysfunction when we are under prolonged periods of stress or experience an isolated episode of major stress. Stress comes in many forms, both physical and psychological. The main sources of physical stress are pain, inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation or an illness like a severe respiratory infection. Psychological stresses are often associated with living in a fast paced society with very little leisure time to rest and rejuvenate. When the level of stress exceeds our body's ability to cope then adrenal fatigue develops.The symptoms of adrenal fatigue can vary but the most common ones are: fatigue, difficulty losing weight, lack of concentration, muscle or joint pain, frequent colds and flu, mood changes and insomnia. Adrenal dysfunction may also worsen hormone related conditions like symptoms of PMS, menopause, or for many of my specific male patients, andropause.<br /><br />Your adrenal function can be assessed with a simple salivary test called the Adrenal Stress Index test, in which the daily cortisol rhythm is mapped out and compared to a normal curve. Based on the test results and your specific symptoms, an individualized treatment plan can be developed to help restore optimal adrenal function. Treatment may include nutritional IVs, oral supplementation with vitamins C, E and B vitamins, adrenal glandular extracts, and herbs that help tonify and restore the adrenal glands. It is also important to utilize stress management techniques to help mitigate the effects of stress.<br /><br />Although healthy adrenals are the key to improved energy and vitality, many books or alternative practitioners too frequently and prematurely make this diagnosis so make sure that you are properly assessed by your physician to rule out other more serious disease that may have similar symptoms.<br />If you suspect that you might have adrenal dysfunction make sure you ask us about testing.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Alcohol and Longevity?<br />Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD</strong><br /><br />There has been a lot of conflicting data over the past few years regarding whether alcohol consumption is a health benefit or a health risk. Unfortunately, there is still a debate on the subject. Recent data suggests that depending on if you are a male or female can indicate whether alcohol consumption is a health benefit or a risk.<br /><br />A recent study from of the April 30th The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reported that drinking a half a glass of wine daily for men increased longevity by 5 years. More studies are needed however. For best results avoid boxed wine!<br /><br />Benefits were attributed to the actual alcohol consumption as well as the benefit specifically from wine. Unfortunately, the benefits seen in males do not seem to be the same in females. Other reports show a potential increase in incidence of breast cancer with the addition of alcohol. Hopefully more studies will shed light on this topic in the future. To see the study click <a href="http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/702524?src=cmemp">here</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Weight Loss: The aging metabolism<br />Marianne Marchese, NMD</strong><br /><br />Ever feel like you’re fighting a losing battle to shed pounds not matter how much you exercise or how well you eat? You may be losing the battle at a cellular level. Your body is built to store fat and later use the stored fat for energy. As you age and your metabolism slows down not only do you burn less fat but the food you eat is more likely to be stored as fat instead of being used to fuel your body.<br /><br />Food is fuel<br /><br />The primary nutrients in foodstuff can be classified as fats, proteins or carbohydrates that are used to fuel the body. Metabolism is the way the cells, organs and tissues in our bodies handle those kinds of fuels. As metabolism slows, the primary thing that seems to occur is that mitochondria in the cells slow down with age. As we age, we are subject to muscle wasting. Since muscle burns more energy than fat if you do nothing about your loss of muscle with age, it will take you longer to burn off a candy bar at age 60 than at 20.<br /><br />How to slow the slowing<br /><br />Dr. Marchese has developed a treatment plan to address the slowing metabolism at a cellular level. Along with a comprehensive nutrition and exercise plan she assists the cells to ramp up the mitochondria. This is done with a simple sugar that increase the energy molecule ATP in the body, an extract of the skin of the red grape that increases enzymatic activity and mitochondria, and the reduced form of a naturally occurring antioxidant that is present in every cell of the body that increases cellular activity.<br /><br />Other causes of weight gain<br /><br />In addition to aging and slowing metabolism, hypothyroidism and insulin resistance can cause weight gain and make losing weight difficult. This is why it is important to have a complete medical work-up to determine the cause of weight gain. Treatment for hypothyroidism and insulin resistance are mainstays of Dr. Marchese’s practice.<br /><br /><br />If you are having trouble losing weight, making changes in your diet or getting started on an exercise program, Dr. Marchese can help.<br /><br /><br /><strong>New Hope for Autoimmune Disease<br />Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD</strong><br /><br />When patients are first diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, a common initial response is confusion. “I like my thyroid (or insert appropriate organ) – why doesn’t my immune system?” The cause of this internal power struggle remains unknown. Current theories point to viral infections as the etiology. What is even more worrisome is that once you have one autoimmune disease your likelihood of developing another one increases exponentially. Celiac and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis go hand in hand. More than eighty different diseases are classified as autoimmune conditions. In conventional medicine, treatment has been limited to immunosuppressant drugs. Alternative medicine offers more options with supportive treatments such as acupuncture, nutritional support, IV therapies, and herbal medicine. A new use for an old drug offers another powerful option that may reverse the autoimmune process. This is low dose naltrexone therapy.<br /><br />Since 1980, therapies developed by a neurologist may cure or at least slow the process of autoimmune conditions. Neurologist Dr. Bernard Bihari started using low dose naltrexone on his Multiple Sclerosis patients in New York City. His research showed that low dose naltrexone stopped cell death of oligodendrocytes which produce myelin, prevented the inhibition of glutamate transporters, prevented excitatory neurotoxicity on neurons, and reduced inflammation in neurons. In short, MS, which is a progressive disease process that is characterized by demyelination of neurons, was being reversed. Low dose naltrexone has also been given for some cancers and HIV with promising results. At high doses, naltrexone is conventionally used for opiate drug addiction. It is classified as an opiate agonist. The dosage for addiction is 50-300mg a day.<br /><br />The cells of the immune system have several types of opiod receptors and naltrexone in low doses blocks mu opiod receptor decreasing the immune systems responsiveness to antigens. The balance between delta/mu receptors lead to competent immune system that recognizes self from non-self. Naltrexone increases Th1 and decrease Th2 cytokine production, decreases IL-4 production and increase IL-2 and interferon gamma levels. Low Th1 levels increase the production of auto reactive T lymphocytes and of auto antibodies. What this means is naltrexone gets your immune system to stop seeing you as the enemy.<br /><br />Low dose naltrexone therapy has been successfully used to reverse the autoimmune disease process in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Patients typically notice symptomatic improvement within a month. After 3-6 months of treatment, autoimmune antibodies are considerably lower and sometimes undetectable. Treatment is 1.5mg to 3mg of naltrexone taken before bed. At this low dose naltrexone has no known side effects. In conjunction with supportive therapies, low dose naltrexone is a powerful weapon to combat autoimmune diseases.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Pollution Reflections</strong><br /><strong>Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD</strong><br />My precious little angel, also known as my son Phoenix, has had a bothersome cough for the last 2 weeks or so. Being a good mother/doctor, I took his temperature, listened to his lungs and watched him like a hawk. Other than this annoying little cough he was perfectly fine. A very pretty basic and gentle kid-sized cough treatment involving botanicals and <a href="http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/about-homeopathy/what-is-homeopathy/simply-explained.aspx" target="_blank">homeopathy</a> definitely gave him some relief but this cough just wouldn’t quite go away.<br /><br />Remembering the Naturopathic Principle of ‘Discover and Treat the Cause’, I decided to try a little experiment. It was mother’s day weekend so I took a trip to <a href="http://www.visitsedona.com/" target="_blank">Sedona</a>; a beautiful canyon only 120 miles away from but roughly 3,000 feet above the heavily polluted metro Phoenix area where we live. Low and behold, the coughing ceased for almost the entire time we were in Sedona and started again upon our return to Phoenix (the city, not my son).<br /><br />The high pollution days and constant ‘Brown Cloud’ seen over Maricopa county can take a terrible toll on respiratory health especially in the very young and elderly. Of the 25 most ozone-polluted cities in the country, Phoenix ranks 9th. According to the American Lung Association’s "State of the Air 2005" report, over 2.6 million, or 79%, of Maricopa county's residents are at high risk for respiratory complications due to air quality. Increased air pollution can cause cough, eye and throat irritation, shortness of breath and brain fog in otherwise healthy individuals.<br />Asthma sufferers in particular may see an aggravation of symptoms during this time.<br /><br />Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial and bronchiolar airways found in the lower respiratory system. It causes narrowing of the airways, swelling to the lining of the airways, and increased mucus production. Symptoms commonly seen are wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough, a feeling of discomfort in the chest, and shortness of breath with activity.<br /><br />There are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms of air pollution. HEPA air filters and <a href="http://www.blankees.com/house/plants/air_cleaners.htm" target="_blank">plants that clean the air</a> are very effective at cleaning the air in your home. It is also important to remove your shoes as you enter a home. You can track pesticides, herbicides, and other substances through a living area if you did so much as walk across a treated lawn. There are also therapeutic options to address preexisting conditions such as asthma. Homeopathy, NEAT (Natural Elimination of Allergy Therapy) and constitutional hydrotherapy are just a few options you can discuss with your doctor. <a name="0.1__PictureBullets"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-61811989337645471232009-04-28T17:59:00.000-07:002009-04-29T12:41:37.083-07:00Swine Flu Update!Hello Everybody,<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />There have been no cases reported in Arizona.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />You <span style="font-weight:bold;">cannot</span> 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.<br /><br />What you should do:<br />1. Be diligent about hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. I'm a big fan of the Citricidal Soap we carry at the office.<br />2. Use a Kleenex when you cough or sneeze. Then wash your hands again.<br />3. Try to avoid sick people. If your around sick people- wash your hands.<br />4. If you feel ill, stay home. This goes for your kids too. Wash their hands.<br /><br />Prevent it!<br />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.<br /><br />For more information about the swine flu check out the CDC’s website at:<br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ ">http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-6265059141782723082009-04-23T15:02:00.000-07:002009-04-29T12:42:33.156-07:00NFC April NewsletterHello Everyone!<br /><br />This month we have a great group of articles to share with our readers.<br /><br />What you need to know about red meat by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/rosskerievsky.htm">Dr. Ross Kerievsky, ND, DC</a><br />Custom Sublingual Immunotherapy by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Dr. Jake Psenka, ND <br /></a>Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/drmarieniechwiadowicz.htm">Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD</a><br />Light Exposure and Prostate Cancer Risk by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/phranqtamburri.htm">Dr. Pharanq Tamburri, ND</a><br />Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(Preceptor) <br />Hay Faver- by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/marianne-marchese.htm">Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND</a><br />The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Link by <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/shahrzadorona.htm">Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 (<a href="http://www.nfcpharm.com">nfcpharm.com</a>) frequently for discounts and specials.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">office</a>.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Red meat and processed meat intake linked to higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease death.</strong> Ross Kerievsky, DC ND<br /><br /> 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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBa1RTwN4tA_gkbAoNrXmfh9LmX1EZaw8u9sGXLdlpagNToRbs81jWD6eUXBZMDqmPZkzmUDekEjfKP1Vcsz4JedS1pcSH0CPzD3U5mw8Q11zi-JP8E6ybXHAumiW4KskgkHe1KCO4eU/s1600-h/highland-cattle%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBa1RTwN4tA_gkbAoNrXmfh9LmX1EZaw8u9sGXLdlpagNToRbs81jWD6eUXBZMDqmPZkzmUDekEjfKP1Vcsz4JedS1pcSH0CPzD3U5mw8Q11zi-JP8E6ybXHAumiW4KskgkHe1KCO4eU/s200/highland-cattle%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328026760996096466" /></a>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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Customized Sublingual Immunotherapy</strong> by Jake Psenka, ND<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RuXf-7kcd95pUPnHXNVJ-xxgROoN0MHpu9uvt09H18qC2Q73unrhGuLQ230wgwNkegOcyGFKEjA03liOeGZ5sPBwxLq19Queo1fKx8zqWXX3HWD1LCI9sy21_UTkAu5TLYCJvgl7JE/s1600-h/allergy%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7RuXf-7kcd95pUPnHXNVJ-xxgROoN0MHpu9uvt09H18qC2Q73unrhGuLQ230wgwNkegOcyGFKEjA03liOeGZ5sPBwxLq19Queo1fKx8zqWXX3HWD1LCI9sy21_UTkAu5TLYCJvgl7JE/s200/allergy%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328027534124839858" /></a>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. <br /><br />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. <br /> <br />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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation</strong> by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD<br /><br />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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncVod5QiYfcYHadj1Q3s6Do81_7H-_JfWhSGWqI1eYuL6xsiM0NAbdL9Q5Quy0WHmtTgARyE-NOyNUZCMI9Sgb6O3Rm5JiMU_uEGwAm2hejGxulx8TVRB0jf9rrvcvX7PYYBZqoO_C6c/s1600-h/facial-acupuncture%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncVod5QiYfcYHadj1Q3s6Do81_7H-_JfWhSGWqI1eYuL6xsiM0NAbdL9Q5Quy0WHmtTgARyE-NOyNUZCMI9Sgb6O3Rm5JiMU_uEGwAm2hejGxulx8TVRB0jf9rrvcvX7PYYBZqoO_C6c/s200/facial-acupuncture%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328028069614601490" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Turn Off the Lights</strong> by Dr. Pharnq Tamburri, ND<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-7oPQdUz3fAUFu7x0ST5Cquk9s65zKuVzfkbbc7JFSPSMGDTmnb-lm9lxg2OvPaIRWjYrSoSxDw3pGXZHyibFUk-GAD411rXtK9SBXzkhGGxr8390ZnWrNLvV-D5_VbLrje2x90qkZc/s1600-h/155194077UcJXay_fs%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-7oPQdUz3fAUFu7x0ST5Cquk9s65zKuVzfkbbc7JFSPSMGDTmnb-lm9lxg2OvPaIRWjYrSoSxDw3pGXZHyibFUk-GAD411rXtK9SBXzkhGGxr8390ZnWrNLvV-D5_VbLrje2x90qkZc/s200/155194077UcJXay_fs%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328047362845075234" /></a> New research provides more supporting evidence that exposure to light at night in-creases rates of prostate cancer.<br /><br />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. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Vitamin D Fast Facts</strong> by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(preceptor)<br /><br />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. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlyToWFzLrKihnImQNPGcf0ys1qdOESnytjZlwVw7fPxM4VmFq3AP6CdiEJKCpr-sC9KekO1PwVKvFgy_BpY89l1BwNQsgdvrWj4iM5NFUWkugvhkV8JpyjHXDOL7kcszfx1gvim0Y-M/s1600-h/vitamin-D-metabolism%5B1%5D.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlyToWFzLrKihnImQNPGcf0ys1qdOESnytjZlwVw7fPxM4VmFq3AP6CdiEJKCpr-sC9KekO1PwVKvFgy_BpY89l1BwNQsgdvrWj4iM5NFUWkugvhkV8JpyjHXDOL7kcszfx1gvim0Y-M/s200/vitamin-D-metabolism%5B1%5D.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328047765500341458" /></a> 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. <br /><br />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 <br />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. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Hay Fever</strong> by Marianne Marchese, ND <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ-CHWVwOjvoJLFEWipOI3oqANw8V96P3lmp6At_HZe6SZgZQwzWfaAFU5Dk4iQ5Kb86IjoVxSQUm6Os8CLC6VOQfrvPpM5PkVfBoeCeJvyk9to7GSVz5jyIK6kn-kqVdbX0eZ6cfS3k/s1600-h/sneeze.article%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ-CHWVwOjvoJLFEWipOI3oqANw8V96P3lmp6At_HZe6SZgZQwzWfaAFU5Dk4iQ5Kb86IjoVxSQUm6Os8CLC6VOQfrvPpM5PkVfBoeCeJvyk9to7GSVz5jyIK6kn-kqVdbX0eZ6cfS3k/s200/sneeze.article%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328048341665023698" /></a><br /><br />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. <br /><br />Prevention<br />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.<br />2. Avoid or limit activity between 5:00am and 10:00am, when pollen is usually released.<br />3. While indoors and driving, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent pollen from drifting into your house or car.<br />4. Avoid moist, shady areas, compost piles, and greenhouses.<br />5. Don’t linger around freshly mowed lawns.<br />6. Avoid gardening on warm or windy days<br />7. Don’t hang your clothes or sheets out to dry. Pollens and spores may rest on them.<br /> <br />Conventional treatment options include anti-histamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.<br /><br />Claritin is a popular anti-histamine that is now available over the counter. However, many of these come with side effects. <br /><br />Naturopathic treatment options include;<br />Vitamins<br />Herbs<br />Homeopathy<br />Nutritional supplements<br />Bioflavonoids. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Connection</strong> by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND<br /><br />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. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ct30t76X1dZWHf0A53a9ixOESoqe_atW7zQ1VPKoLtvq0G7Aa7JWfZp1-aVH4OQB2YbsCVCCgA_KBhzuYnQKobQGY4J_op_XVfGZlpZhW5WlWlCHG_ZYOvmoEWv9kByeqrX2LnJAcQI/s1600-h/getImage%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ct30t76X1dZWHf0A53a9ixOESoqe_atW7zQ1VPKoLtvq0G7Aa7JWfZp1-aVH4OQB2YbsCVCCgA_KBhzuYnQKobQGY4J_op_XVfGZlpZhW5WlWlCHG_ZYOvmoEWv9kByeqrX2LnJAcQI/s200/getImage%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328048635491174754" /></a>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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-45228232497640634502009-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:002009-04-29T09:12:43.518-07:00NFC March NewsletterHello Everyone!<br /><br />Our doctors have written some great articles for this month's newsletter.<br /><br />Buy the Organic Strawberries - Dr. Psenka<br />The Wet Socks Treatment- Dr. DiCampli<br />New Test Available for Prostate Cancer- Dr. Tamburri<br />The Vitamin D and Pain Connection- Dr. Kerievsky<br /><br />Also, our online pharmacy is up and running! We've added dozens of our most popular pharmacy items, and are adding more daily. Visit <a href="http://www.nfcpharm.com">nfcpharm.com</a> to have all your supplements shipped right to your door!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strawberry Bummer- Dr. Psenka</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ciYM5-Im-soO2-LC8iGZoDchyphenhyphenxTvqkVxFvg-VcJ1KBh8fWiROeda_SQD6EEncZus59LCqMgQPNlrL_mWDpCRrknfRWqad2xj4z8uo4FtOEfsOmtOf_WuIVIE41UzWOoiYGUODbZiEeg/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ciYM5-Im-soO2-LC8iGZoDchyphenhyphenxTvqkVxFvg-VcJ1KBh8fWiROeda_SQD6EEncZus59LCqMgQPNlrL_mWDpCRrknfRWqad2xj4z8uo4FtOEfsOmtOf_WuIVIE41UzWOoiYGUODbZiEeg/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306495935636203746" /></a><br />Who doesn’t love strawberries? I could probably eat my weight in strawberries on any given day. Strawberry rhubarb pie, strawberry shortcake, strawberry preserves they’re fantastically delicious no matter how you eat them. Unfortunately, not everything about strawberries is good. It has long been recognized that strawberries are one of the most heavily contaminated foods we eat. Strawberries, along with apples, cherries, and peaches have been on the “10 Most Contaminated List” for a long time. <br /><br />I decided to look into what was contaminating the strawberries after paying five bucks for a pint at Whole Foods. My daughter can plow through a pint in about 3 minutes and they happen to be one of her favorite foods. Paying five bucks was a hard pill to swallow considering that I grew up down the road from a strawberry farm. I wanted to find out exactly what it was that made the organically grown berries so much better, were they really worth twice the price?<br /><br />Here’s what I found: There are currently 371 pesticides approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use on strawberries (Kind of makes the name Environmental Protection Agency sound like an oxymoron, eh?) Growers of conventional strawberries may use methyl bromide, chloropicrin, Captan, malathion, Diprom, Kelthane, and Avermectin to bring a crop of strawberries to market. The highlights of these pesticides include:<br /><br />1. Methyl bromide (aka. bromomethane) a soil sterilizer. Was supposed to be phased out of use according to the Montreal Protocol. In the US it has been granted a “critical use” exemption for use on certain crops including strawberries. Respiratory, kidney, and neurologic effects are of the greatest concern to people. No cases of severe effects on the nervous system from long-term exposure to low levels have been noted in people, but studies in rabbits and monkeys have shown moderate to severe injury.<br /><br />2. Chloropicrin (aka PS) is currently used as a fumigant, but made it’s first appearance as a chemical warfare agent. It is sometimes used to kill vertebrates such as rabbits. Chloropicrin is a highly dangerous and toxic chemical. At concentrations above 1.1 ppm (that’s parts per million), chloropicrin irritates the eyes; between 1 to 3ppm can also cause excessive crying. Above 4ppm will limit a person's ability to participate in work or activity. A one minute exposure to chloropicrin above 15ppm can cause respiratory damage.<br /><br />3. Captan, a fungicide. The EPA has this chemical classified as a “probable human carcinogen.” Enough said.<br /><br />4. Malathion- This one is particularly interesting for Phoenicians, as it is used in mosquito control programs. You know, it’s sprayed from those helicopters that fly over the city at night....Currently labeled as “insufficient data to classify as a carcinogen” by the EPA. Animal studies suggest otherwise. Interesting study in April, 2008 issue Environmental Health Perspectives showed that dietary intake of organopesticides was the major source of exposure in young children. See the whole article <a href="http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=18414640">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0hC7xS0-BNmc9kJd-rfdpnK8WSK6Cb0k-w3rg09sY482MSScST5yYSTAUPRIA_vu55W_OQxo8cAYp355IYuONbaxV_dt8wPS_-sMotcHKgzNRUQySVbCG5UEUA967FGGwk1CAuS8XPE/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0hC7xS0-BNmc9kJd-rfdpnK8WSK6Cb0k-w3rg09sY482MSScST5yYSTAUPRIA_vu55W_OQxo8cAYp355IYuONbaxV_dt8wPS_-sMotcHKgzNRUQySVbCG5UEUA967FGGwk1CAuS8XPE/s200/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306496849193946578" /></a>5. Dibrom (aka Naled)- this is another little beauty developed by the wonderful people who brought you chemical warfare. Originally used as a nerve agent, it can effect reproductive health and development, is toxic to aquatic organisms, and is a ground water contaminant. Spelled backwards is “morbid.”<br /><br />After reading about the chemicals that are used for growing conventional strawberries, I decided to do my best to only eat organic strawberries. Additionally, there is no way that I can ever feed either of my kids something that is tainted with chemicals born from chemical warfare and known carcinogens.<br /><br />I sometimes make jokes with patient about how pretty soon there won’t be anything left to eat. It’s turning out that this really isn’t a joke. The good news is that the locally produced organic food movement is gaining speed. Phoenix has several great farmer’s markets during the week. For a listing of all the markets look at the link on the right side of your screen.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wet Socks Treatment- Dr. DiCampli</span><br />Cold/flu prevention at home.....WET SOCKS!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ4SwNFh6wzZLgBiApJlSsKKilP4sIwpkuXiG3d-O9A1I4BkcYGXt0-6fFLXekOrzdu2IXm_RaEwV1mu_6Vhjnq_qT-3zvOulSMLWYZVO1jfHzI9Hs2JrK1di7qO5NCw27LRjKSPlubQ/s1600-h/images-2.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ4SwNFh6wzZLgBiApJlSsKKilP4sIwpkuXiG3d-O9A1I4BkcYGXt0-6fFLXekOrzdu2IXm_RaEwV1mu_6Vhjnq_qT-3zvOulSMLWYZVO1jfHzI9Hs2JrK1di7qO5NCw27LRjKSPlubQ/s200/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306497606910884130" /></a><br />It sounds strange, but it works. What is it? Well, take a pair of thin cotton socks, saturate them with COLD water, and wring out. Next, get ready for bed and slip them on. Finally put DRY wool socks over the wet socks and crawl into bed for a good nights sleep and wake rejuvenated. Why do you want to do this to yourself? Because it is one of the easiest ways to stimulate your body's immune system while you are sleeping and it is fabulous for removing stagnation (stuffy nose, runny nose, head pain, cough, and just about any other symptom that goes with a cold/flu) Use it to prevent sickness during cold and flu season or use it nightly if you have a cold/flu. Children surprisingly love this hydrotherapy technique because it makes them feel so great! So TRY it and see for yourself what wet socks can do for you and your entire family. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Important and Promising Recent Finding For Prostate Cancer Assessment- Dr. Tamburri</span><br />The 2/11/09 issue of Nature announced that a potentially new urine test may help determine the severity of prostate cancer. Read the article <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v457/n7231/full/nature07762.html">here</a> This test would be a crucial addition to the current testing of the faulty PSA and help contribute to decreasing unnecessary biopsy. Although numerous molecules were tested for their correlation to more severe prostate cancer variants (high chance for metastasis), the one which was highlighted is called sarcosine. Sarcosine is a derivative of the amino acid glycine. Some NFC patients may be familiar with this common amino acid given as a powder as a natural treatment for anxiety. The only new conventional laboratory test for prostate cancer released in the last few years (available at Naturopathic Family Care) is the Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) molecular test. A sarcosine adjunct test would be fantastic for the integrative patient to better determine the best treatment options, whether natural or conventional. This study will take years to better analyze its correlation to metastatic disease however once it is available it will be incorporated into our Advanced Prostate Cancer Assessment Program.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Vitamin D deficiency and pain? Is there a link? Dr. Kerievsky</span><br /> New research is showing a wide range of problems associated with low levels of Vitamin D. I currently have been recommending all my patients over 40 be screened for Vitamin D deficiency due to the increased risk for developing cancer, heart disease as well as other conditions. Research is also indicating that people with unexplained muscle or bone pain should be screened for Vitamin D deficiency. A study of 150 children and adults with unexplained muscle or bone pain showed that almost all of them had Vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test of 25 (OH) hydroxyvitamin D can be done to determine if you have low levels of Vitamin D. Please contact our office if you are concerned about your Vitamin D levels and are suffering with chronic pain.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-90794100447015678932009-01-17T16:54:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:18:02.060-08:00January 2009 NFC BlogHello Everyone,<br /><br />We hope that 2009 is treating you all well so far! In this issue of the NFC blog we've got a ton of great things to share. Here's a taste of what's going on in January:<br /><br />1. NFC Health Stimulus Check- make sure you get yours!<br /><br />2. Natural and Bio-Identical Hormones as seen on Oprah- NFC style<br /><br />3. Prolotherapy: The treatment for sprains and strains.<br /><br />4. Cholesterol Truth in Advertising<br /><br />5. Pharmacy News- Yes! We have your supplements, our pharmacy is ONLINE!<br /><br /><br />Scroll down to read more about all these great topics<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Naturopathic Family Care Health Stimulus Check</span><br /><br />We've decided to try something new at NFC this year. We're issuing a $20 Health Stimulus Check to everyone who reads our blog. This $20 is our way of saying an enthusiastic thank you to all the great people we see at the clinic. Readers can use this $20 bucks towards office visits or items from our pharmacy. Remember the wise words of Benjamin Franklin "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Keep your family healthy by visiting your friendly neighborhood Naturopath. Just print out the Health Stimulus Check on the right side of the page and bring it with you to the clinic.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Should Women Replace Their Hormones?</span><br /><br />It was big news this week when Oprah Winfrey offered a expose on the benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy for women. Many women are familiar with the idea of hormone replacement to treat menopausal symptoms, and some women have heard of bio-identical hormone replacement. Oprah's experts offered a great review of the topic including research suggesting that the use of bio-identical hormone replacement could promote significant advantages for women. Oprah's expose also highlighted the importance of hormone education for women considering hormone replacement. At NFC we have two doctors who have been treating women with bio-identical hormone replacement for years. Dr. Marianne Marchese is a nationally recognized expert in women's health and hormone therapy. Dr. Sharhzad Orona has been treating with bio-identical hormones for years at NFC.<br />If you have ever wondered if hormone replacement was right for you come in and talk with one of our docs. To see what Oprah had to say about hormone replacement follow this <a href="http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20090114_bioidentical">link</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">New Treatments for Old Injuries <br /></span><br />Whether we make a definitive New Years’ resolution or not, most of us have the goal of improving our fitness level -- be it taking a daily walk, improving our race split time, or playing with our grandkids. At some point a variation of the phrase “if it weren’t for my bum knee/shoulder/back, I could do a lot more” comes out of our mouths. Most of us have old injuries that may limit or downright prohibit activity. We have worn out tendons, ligaments, cartilage, etc. and we don’t like the invasive option of surgery. Prolotherapy often is the solution. (click <a href="http://4wecare.com/prolotherapy.htm">here</a> for a thorough history and explanation of prolotherapy <br /><br />Do you roll your ankle every time you take a hike? Does your knee click when you are playing basketball? Does playing with the grandkids leave you with a backache? These are all signs of an unstable joint. Barring frank ruptures or tears, prolotherapy can improve the integrity of the joint, increase stability and strength, and reduce pain. Prolotherapy has given many professional athletes a competitive edge, limited injuries, and increased the length of their active career. As a physician I have had the privilege of treating many of these athletes. I was trained at the Hackett Hemwall Foundation started in the 1960’s by Dr. Gus Hemwall who was mentored by Dr. George Hackett the pioneer of prolotherapy. A young C. Everett Koop, former US Surgeon General, was one of his patient success stories. <br /><br />At NFC, prolotherapy is not a stand-alone solution. After a thorough history and orthopedic exam, we will determine what structures are involved. The injection solution is customized to your specific injury. Most patients need a series of injections to rebuild the joint. Supportive treatments of acupuncture, electrical-stimulation, massage, exercise rehabilitation, and chiropractic care are all part of a comprehensive plan to optimize your fitness. <br /><br /><br />When it Comes to Cholesterol, Don't Believe the Hype<br /><br />It seems that if you ever watch prime time television you'll have the pleasure of viewing several health related commercials. One of my least favorites these days has to do with a well-know breakfast staple offering a cholesterol lowering challenge to people who consume this food for breakfast. The commercial states that when people eat this cereal for an entire month they can see an 8 to 10 point drop in their cholesterol levels. <br /><br />Well, as great as an 8 to 10 point decrease in cholesterol is, it's probably not the cereal. Last week a patient came in to see me who had his cholesterol drawn on two consecutive days. Both times that his blood was drawn it was early in the morning, and both times he was fasting for the test. When the results came back there was a difference in total cholesterol of 15 points. Fifteen points in a single day beats the pants off of 10 points per month don't you think? The moral of the story is that laboratory values can change significantly in 24 hours, and it might have absolutely nothing to do with your breakfast cereal.<br /><br />However, if you are attempting to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, then eating a high fiber diet with foods like oatmeal is a smart idea. Many different research studies have proven the benefits of eating a high fiber, low fat diet. One diet that seems especially good for many health concerns such as high cholesterol (aka hypercholesterolemia) is the modified Mediterranean diet. This diet has also been found to be good for other conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and insulin resistance. At NFC we have been incorporating this diet into our First Line Therapy programs with great success. First Line Therapy is both a research-based treatment and preventative health program. The program consists of combining the Mediterranean diet and exercise with supplementation designed to help with specific conditions. Naturopathic Family Care has recently been recognized as a National Center of Excellence due to our success in helping people with chronic conditions get their health back with therapeutic lifestyle change.<br /><br />If you have an interest in learning more about our First Line Therapy programs please call our office. Our NFC Health Challenges are another way that people can become familiar with our programs. For information about our next Health Challenge see the link to the right.<br /><br /><br />Your Supplements Are On The Way<br /><br />Beginning this week the Naturopathic Family Care pharmacy will be available as on online store. Some of the products in our pharmacy are so popular that we often have a difficult time keeping our shelves stocked. Using this online store will ensure that you have the supplements you want when you need them. So far we have both Metagenics and Neuroscience products on the site, and we will be adding more all the time. Your orders will be shipped directly from the manufacturer and should never take more than a week to arrive on your doorstep.<br /><br />In order to use the site a short registration process is required. Registering only takes about a minute, and rest assured that your information is safe, and that we will NEVER give out any of your information to anyone. To visit our new online store visit <br /><a href="http://www.nfcpharm.com">www.nfcpharm.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-62602316420378449712008-12-30T12:05:00.000-08:002008-12-30T14:16:45.262-08:00Happy New Year!Hello Everyone,<br /><br />Can you believe that we're closing in on the end of 2008? <br /><br />With the New Year just around the corner many people will begin thinking about their New Year's resolutions. Despite our best intentions many of us have a difficult time following through with our resolutions. <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/adamkerievsky.htm">Dr. Adam Kerievsky, NMD, L.Ac.</a>, will be hosting a free lecture on how bring success to your health resolutions in 2009. "Dr. Adam," as he is known around the office is a wealth of information, and as both a Naturopathic Physician and a licensed Acupuncturist he has great information to share. This free lecture is being held at Naturopathic Family Care on Thursday, January 8th at 6:30 pm. More details about this and our other upcoming lectures can be found <a href="http://alternative.meetup.com/414/?a=mu_ae59wsgqlg">HERE </a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Special Event coming to Phoenix!</span><br /><br />On January 10th, 2009 Dr. Peter D'Adamo, ND author of the Blood Type will be in Phoenix lecturing on How the Blood Type Diet and Naturopathic medicine can help people be healthier and live longer. <br /><br />This lecture is open to both health professionals and the public and will certainly be full of great information. This event is sponsored by the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association, and the complete details of the event, as well as reservation instructions, can be found by following this <a href="http://aznma.org/viewbulletin.php?id=134">LINK</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Be sure to watch your mail for the Naturopathic Family Care Health Stimulus Check!<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-89133112023240416512008-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:002008-12-03T21:25:03.605-08:00NFC December Newsletter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNswkBB3qIUQlqFzfZ1PsuZBdqpXsQTGctVurqWPt6tEZXQ7V6XQszyK_8t9RkrYl2R5KIvj8RXXCjri6NxHQdjpuVurE9cmkSwmE1c3wb-0hZfjEUk8nJsdOEvzUzg4sXyBWcO_23u68/s1600-h/PhxBrownCloud.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNswkBB3qIUQlqFzfZ1PsuZBdqpXsQTGctVurqWPt6tEZXQ7V6XQszyK_8t9RkrYl2R5KIvj8RXXCjri6NxHQdjpuVurE9cmkSwmE1c3wb-0hZfjEUk8nJsdOEvzUzg4sXyBWcO_23u68/s400/PhxBrownCloud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275630725178111010" /></a><br /><br />Don’t Take a Deep Breath.....<br /><br />In 2005 the American Lung Association gave Maricopa County the lowest possible grade for air quality. Our air received this poor grade because it was determined that 79% of Maricopa County residents are at high risk for respiratory complications due to air quality.<br /><br />We’ve all seen the “Brown Cloud” that enshrouds our city. On weekday mornings the smell of exhaust in central Phoenix can be nauseating. There are even times when it’s impossible to see the buildings of downtown from atop South Mountain. <br /> <br />Our air has turned it’s current shade of brown due to the presence of tiny particles of carbon and from nitrogen dioxide gas. This stuff comes from burning fossil fuels- cars, generators, lawn mowers. There has even been speculation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that large-scale animal farms, like those in the SW part of the valley, may be significant contributors to air pollution.<br /><br />So what can we do about it? Well, at this point we all still need to drive our cars. However, we should consider buying cars cleaner burning engines the next time we’re in the market, and walking or biking instead of driving when we need to make a trip to the corner store.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUWGM-aAIkn_Sz5IZJ7W2joj2PL9Eomox2WsUm-HyZz-2zy4zt9bRP1NIFPkmr_DXNM5otpXp54kF18jfClXs8wohRltciccThKE3VWfwZY7IlcEVPimYkPx2mmhDlNqKQZ1F9obwnMw/s1600-h/biodiesel_pump_with_flowers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUWGM-aAIkn_Sz5IZJ7W2joj2PL9Eomox2WsUm-HyZz-2zy4zt9bRP1NIFPkmr_DXNM5otpXp54kF18jfClXs8wohRltciccThKE3VWfwZY7IlcEVPimYkPx2mmhDlNqKQZ1F9obwnMw/s200/biodiesel_pump_with_flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275641196674698754" /></a>There are also simple solutions to improving the quality of the air inside of your home. First, and air filter is a great idea. At NFC we have several Austin Air Health Mate Plus filters, and we have been really pleased with their performance. These machines filter both gasses and particulate matter from the air, which is an important thing to look for in any good air filter. <br /><br />Also, growing indoor plants can help to clean the air of gasses and chemicals. According to NFC doctor<a href="http://www.4wecare.com/marianne-marchese.htm"> Marianne Marchese</a>, ND- our environmental medicine specialist- there are some types of plants which are particularly effective for this purpose. Through researching studies completed by NASA, Dr. Marchese recommends the following plants to clean your air:<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mass cane</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">Dracaena massangeana</span>)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pot mum</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">Chrysanthemum morifolium</span>)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gerbera daily</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">Gerbera jamesonii</span>)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Warnecki </span>(<span style="font-style:italic;">Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”</span>)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ficus</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">Ficus benjamina</span>)<br /><br />Adding just one or two small plants probably won’t make a huge difference in your indoor air quality, but a few larger plants may. It’s a known fact that the bedrooms are often the most polluted rooms in a home, and they are also where we spend the most time. So, adding an air filter and putting some greenery in your bedroom is a great idea. <br /><br />Interestingly, what you eat may effect how your body deals with toxic effects of the Brown Cloud. At a recent presentation at the AACR cancer prevention research conference it was suggested that smokers could drastically reduce their risk of developing cancer by eating more broccoli. By eating 4.5 servings of cruciferous vegetables <span style="font-weight:bold;">PER MONTH</span> the chances of developing lung cancer were reduced by 22-50%. Wow.<br /><br />So, because we’re all inhaling noxious gasses everyday as a result of being Maricopa County residents, eating more broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and kale is a wise idea. These vegetables have some pretty powerful effects, from helping the liver to metabolize and excrete toxins, to converting potentially harmful hormones into their least active forms- think estrogen and breast cancer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWDKGwu0om_RXvcv8dFNxOaRzvp6xyGYt4iwJ-7hcDBKB2uJDFyIVY5fvGAe0R8uspCqXNYb0FagTWbBINswVx6k3Vu7p_3MMUj7pg6q4CoFLqhyRd76NcebFjzXTMx-69hRQ9-FEJok/s1600-h/broccoli.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWDKGwu0om_RXvcv8dFNxOaRzvp6xyGYt4iwJ-7hcDBKB2uJDFyIVY5fvGAe0R8uspCqXNYb0FagTWbBINswVx6k3Vu7p_3MMUj7pg6q4CoFLqhyRd76NcebFjzXTMx-69hRQ9-FEJok/s320/broccoli.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275633502180195362" /></a><br />Of course maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a sure fire way to decrease the chance of getting any of the most prevalent chronic diseases plaguing society today. In fact, of that 79% of us (over 2.6 million) that are in danger of experiencing respiratory problems due to our air pollution, those with the highest risk are people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and bronchitis. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are both preventable diseases. Exercising, eating right, and reducing stress are all scientifically proven to both prevent and treat these conditions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The NFC Health Challenge</span><br /><br />If you’re new to healthy living, looking for a way to assess your health, or curious about how to prepare tasty and healthy foods then this month’s NFC Health Challenge is for you. On Saturday, December 6th we will be hosting our monthly meeting where participants will receive cholesterol, blood sugar, bio-impedance analysis (BIA), and blood pressure screenings, a full explanation of the meaning of their results, and a customized diet and exercise plan. Additionally this month we will be joined by chef <a href="http://www.thegardenofeatingdiet.com/TheAuthors.asp">Rachel Albert-Matesz</a>. Chef Rachel has taught more than 800 whole foods cooking classes and had more than 200 articles published in national magazines. She’s the author of The Ice Dream Cookbook: Dairy-Free Ice Cream Alternatives with Gluten-Free Cookies, Compotes & Sauces and co-author of The Garden of Eating A Produce-Dominated Diet & Cookbook. She developed 130 recipes for two cookbooks by best-selling author Barry Sears, including Zone Meals in Seconds. As we're discussing everyone's lab values Chef Rachel will be making and passing around healthy foods for us to enjoy.<br /><br />This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about healthy living and healthy cooking. Call the office now for more information about this special event as space is limited. Here's the number 602-493-2273<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Prince of the Prostates</span><br /><br />Our very own Prince of the Prostate, Dr. Phranq Tamburri, ND has recently published his second article article for Naturopathic Doctor News and Review. Dr. Tamburri's article, titled "The Revolution in Prostate Cancer Management," has been extremely well received, and has further solidified his position as one of the top ND urologists in the country. <br /><br />Dr. Tamburri uses a doppler ultrasound to evaluate prostate. This technique allows Dr. Tamburri to get accurate data about the size of the gland, the size and location of any suspicious tissue, and the blood flow in and around the prostate. This information is of great importance to men with prostate issues. This is especially true as the reliability of standard PSA testing has recently come into question. For more info on Dr. Tamburri please see his <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/phranqtamburri.htm">biography</a> on the main NFC webpage.<br /><br />Have a great day,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Jake Psenka, ND</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-7918737659023808102008-10-14T13:36:00.000-07:002008-10-17T19:08:46.269-07:00October NFC Newsletter<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fall is Upon Us</span><br /><br />Ahhh, finally it seems that we have a reprieve from the Arizona summer sun. Unfortunately, along with the opportunity to actually go outside, autumn is also the time for coughs, colds, and everyone’s favorite- the flu.<br /><br />Already this year we’ve seen a couple of pretty tenacious colds come through the office.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSSVmG3lFO5sTSwYJccWptQz6Z4cmgXi3Gm-_cgMbvM9rNmp_BygQl1pAO2rbvmGLmf4fuXJ1Er0c3qLeeSZrdUt6MB5-eGoVBTD4ZQaZL5RYo1jjPvZzlFOVFWTe9Cv5hWihHeDnzDI/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSSVmG3lFO5sTSwYJccWptQz6Z4cmgXi3Gm-_cgMbvM9rNmp_BygQl1pAO2rbvmGLmf4fuXJ1Er0c3qLeeSZrdUt6MB5-eGoVBTD4ZQaZL5RYo1jjPvZzlFOVFWTe9Cv5hWihHeDnzDI/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257114723179271394" /></a> <br /><br />Allergies also make an appearance in the fall. All those lovely winter lawns planted with annual and perennial rye grass cause<br />thousands of runny noses and red, itchy eyes each year. Not to mention the fact that many other allergy-causing plants bloom again this time of year too. <br /><br />These health challenges of fall present great opportunities for naturopathic medicine. Many botanical medicines can be used to help prevent and treat coughs and colds. It’s important to remember that most URI’s (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections) are viral in nature. This means that antibiotics may not offer much help, as antibiotics are for bacteria, not viruses. The botanical medicines that offer good protection are those such as goldenseal, Oregon grape root, garlic, and oregano which all have anti-microbial properties. That means that they can kill viruses, bacteria, and even some molds. There are several good formulas on the market that we routinely recommend. Acute Immune by Mountain Peak, BioVeg by Priority One, and ViraCon from Vital Nutrients are all clinic favorites.<br /><br />Don’t forget about good old vitamin C. Not only does vitamin C help ward off coughs and colds, but it’s great at stimulating the immune system as well. Taking Vitamin C is a great way to prevent getting sick in the first place. Usual dosages are from 1000-8000-mg per day, depending on the person. People who take too much vitamin C will find themselves with the runs.....<br />Vitamin C is also good for allergies. Many of the symptoms of allergies are mediated via the action of histamine (think anti-histamine medications). Histamine is released from a type of cell known as a mast cell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f4GvU2_usXNYB9af981oTHTwOTYvHW49EqCzbRWVZD4Nu5VWO6e1VOxKxIL96KSCtnbTZOFmtrRslISlXksMfmP17eP9cYTRHwf_nDRw_c_Nc8WoC4ZvBjk8xZg4omde19Fpu4lqSCY/s1600-h/19333.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f4GvU2_usXNYB9af981oTHTwOTYvHW49EqCzbRWVZD4Nu5VWO6e1VOxKxIL96KSCtnbTZOFmtrRslISlXksMfmP17eP9cYTRHwf_nDRw_c_Nc8WoC4ZvBjk8xZg4omde19Fpu4lqSCY/s200/19333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257115732185955330" /></a><br />This release occurs when the mast cells become aggravated by an allergic substance. Vitamin C, along with bioflavinoids like quercetin can act as mast-cell stabilizers. They basically keep the mast cells from getting aggravated and releasing histamine, which prevents the symptoms. Cool, eh? <br /><br />At the clinic, we have found that D-Hist by Orthomolecular is great at reducing allergic symptoms.<br /><br />Also, don’t forget the simple little things that can make a big difference. Wash your hands frequently, make sure you work to reduce your stress levels, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and don’t over do it on the Halloween candy....<br /><br />Have a great October!<br />Jake Psenka, NMD<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NFC Free Lecture Series</span><br /><br />We’re recently scheduled several new free natural health-related talks. We hold these talks at the office on a roughly bi-weekly schedule. Some of the topics on the schedule include:<br /><br />Women’s Health- <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/Jesika-DiCampli.htm">Dr. Jesica DiCampli</a><br />Men’s Health- <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/phranqtamburri.htm">Dr. Phranq Tamburri</a><br />Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia- <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/adamkerievsky.htm">Dr. Adam Kerievsky</a><br />Naturopathic Pediatrics- <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/shahrzadorona.htm">Dr. Shahrzad Orona</a><br />The NFC Health Challenge- <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Dr. Jake Psenka</a><br /><br />Click <a href="http://alternative.meetup.com/414/calendar/">here</a> to see the whole schedule of talks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chiropractic Insurance Coverage<br /></span>Good news!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/rosskerievsky.htm">Dr Ross Kerievsky, NMD, DC </a>is now a provider for both Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and Lifewise of Arizona Plans. Many people with insurance through these companies have benefits available for chiropractic, physical therapy, AND massage! Dr. Ross is one of our dual-degreed docs- with degrees in both naturopathic and chiropractic medicine; it’s like seeing two docs for the price of one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuVUUmbe_huv5az5omarpGx0U-srtvrvtSSRhbZ9F7rqyy9Tk8pVADW-2wmxmnAZqqbzmBK1F5vUeC8EiFGpGDxaBgFs-PGZG-HShgIAGckfZCMiOaddvS1j-QIFvWqcimWhk5U9xuIo/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuVUUmbe_huv5az5omarpGx0U-srtvrvtSSRhbZ9F7rqyy9Tk8pVADW-2wmxmnAZqqbzmBK1F5vUeC8EiFGpGDxaBgFs-PGZG-HShgIAGckfZCMiOaddvS1j-QIFvWqcimWhk5U9xuIo/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257113719744100658" /></a><br />Dr. Ross is a graduate of both the Palmer College of Chiropractic and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and has been in practice for over 12 years. He treats a variety of conditions including low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, mid back pain, fibromyalgia, personal injury and car accident complaints as well as many other pain syndromes.<br /><br />If you have insurance through either BC/BS or Lifewise call our office to find out what your plan has to offer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-39474092350151437312008-09-12T08:42:00.000-07:002008-09-12T10:58:13.820-07:00Fishy Risks, The NFC Health Challenge, and Our Fall Open HouseHello Everyone,<br /><br />There's a lot going on at <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">Naturopathic Family Care</a> lately. Those of you who have been into the clinic lately may have noticed our new faces. <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/marianne-marchese.htm">Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND</a> is now in full swing and seeing patients on Wednesdays and Fridays. Cortney has also joined our fantastic front desk staff. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fall Open House</span><br /><br />We've also been busy preparing for our fall open house, which is September 25th at 5:30. Our open houses are great time for people to come into the clinic, meet all our docs, participate in free health screenings, try new supplement samples, and find out all the health-improving options we have. If you haven't been to one of our open houses don't miss this great opportunity!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take the NFC Health Challenge!</span><br /><br />Based on the success of our Stopping Chronic Disease class that was held at the clinic last week, we've decided to launch the <span style="font-weight:bold;">NFC Health Challenge</span>. The goal of this health challenge is to stop, reverse, and prevent chronic disease. Anyone who has ever had a problem with high blood pressure, weight issues, diabetes, high cholesterol, or other long-standing health issues will benefit from this opportunity. The first Saturday of every month we will host a morning class at the clinic where participants will learn about chronic health problems and receive a detailed plan on how to eliminate them using therapeutic lifestyle changes. The cost for first-time participants is $75, and $50 for those who have been in the class before. This price includes all laboratory work ($125+ value) and materials. Those returning to the class can elect to get their lab results and leave, or stay and enjoy the learning part of the class again. Every session we'll have a different in-depth discussion of one aspect of lifestyle change, in addition to covering the basics. By taking advantage of this class it will be possible to track your progress on a monthly basis as well as gain valuable knowledge on maintaining health. Are<span style="font-weight:bold;"> you</span> ready to get healthy? Call or email us for more information on how to take the challenge.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Something's Fishy......</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIZ1uozYcaWvlF9z3sXbh5CFczV9rjR7DAvKs1Rq2Mzpxle3m0rkniV0hoCcdQK8abxewyGIXIHYe6j-yNIsAxe-oM4WrXegBNfLDOlz9v5zIKe-1kJrOqn7E0RF8dkOt_HsxARSdkFM/s1600-h/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIZ1uozYcaWvlF9z3sXbh5CFczV9rjR7DAvKs1Rq2Mzpxle3m0rkniV0hoCcdQK8abxewyGIXIHYe6j-yNIsAxe-oM4WrXegBNfLDOlz9v5zIKe-1kJrOqn7E0RF8dkOt_HsxARSdkFM/s200/IMG_0248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245181230019706210" /></a><br /><br />Just about everyone has heard that something is wrong with eating fish. The FDA has issued warnings and consumer advisories about eating certain types of seafood, but many feel that these don't adequately protect the public. The problem with eating seafood arises because of mercury. Mercury, which comes from coal-fired power plants and other polluting industry builds up in some times of seafood. Government studies show that one of every six pregnant women in the U.S. will give birth to a baby whose blood is contaminated with mercury levels above the federal safety standard. High mercury levels can not only cause lasting brain damage (there is a hypothesized link with Autism), high levels are also associated with heart and immune system problems. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ewg.org">Environmental Working Group</a> has issued a Fish List to help get the word out about the risks of eating certain types of fish. This list was compiled from data obtained from several government programs. For more information on mercury and seafood visit the EWG's <a href="http://www.ewg.org/mercury/">website</a>.<br /><br />If we're not careful, the only thing that will be left to eat will be freeze-dried food nuggets. Please do your part to reduce pollution.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Seafood To Avoid if Pregnant:</span><br />Shark<br />Swordfish<br />King Mackerel<br />Tilefish<br />Tuna Steaks<br />Canned Tuna<br />Sea Bass<br />Gulf Coast Oysters<br />Marlin<br />Halibut<br />Pike <br />Walleye<br />White Croaker<br />Largemouth Bass<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Don't Eat These More Than Once Per Month:</span><br />Mahi Mahi<br />Blue Mussels<br />Eastern Oyster<br />Cod<br />Pollock<br />Great Lakes Salmon<br />Gulf Coast Blue Crab<br />Channel Catfish<br />Lake Whitefish<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Seafood With The Lowest Mercury:</span><br />Blue Crab<br />Croaker<br />Fish Sticks<br />Flounder<br />Haddock<br />Trout (farmed)<br />Salmon (wild Pacific)<br />Shrimp<br /><br /><br />Interested in Learning More? Check out our <a href="http://www.alternative.meetup.com/414/calendar/">schedule</a> of upcoming free lectures.<br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Jake Psenka, ND</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-49817668499145458702008-08-16T15:10:00.000-07:002008-08-20T11:47:03.816-07:00Artichokes, Doctors, and Special Opportunities!<span style="font-weight:bold;">Artichoke Extract Found to Lower Cholesterol Levels<br /></span><br />Researchers at England’s University of Reading have published a study in which they found that an artichoke leaf extract can help reduce cholesterol levels. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) has been used in Europe as a remedy for indigestion and gastrointestinal problems for many years. In this study 75 healthy volunteers were given either 1280 mg of an artichoke leaf extract (ALE) or a placebo.<br /><br />The use of a placebo elevates the study to the highest benchmark for scientific studies- the double-blind placebo controlled trial.<br /><br />After 10 weeks the study participant’s blood was evaluated for cholesterol levels. The researchers found that there was a modest, but statistically significant, reduction in blood cholesterol levels in those patients who had been taking the ALE. <br />This study is great because it demonstrates that yet another natural product has the ability to help reduce cholesterol levels in as little as two and half months. Bringing cholesterol levels down to healthy levels is extremely important. Several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome have been associated with elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are over 24 million Americans with cardiovascular disease. That number is pretty depressing, especially because heart disease is something that we do to ourselves.<br />For the most part heart disease is preventible. Adopting a lifestyle which incorporates healthy foods, stress reduction (which could also be termed “happiness elevation...”), and a reasonable amount of daily movement is really all it takes. Plus, one of the changes really is to start being happier and who isn’t for that?<br /><br />Chances are, that if you are reading this naturopathic newsletter, then you’re no stranger to promoting health with lifestyle changes. Naturopathic doctors are the undisputed heavy weight champions of salubrious living. In addition to lifestyle changes such as exercising (30-45 min fives times a week), practicing happiness enhancement (yoga, gardening, meditation, reading, taking a walk), and dietary changes like eating more fiber (30-35 grams per day), limiting “bad fat” and grease intake (think trans fatty acids), and drinking enough water (1/2 body weight in ounces), there are a number of natural products which ND’s use to fight heart disease. Supplements such essential fatty acids, red rice yeast extract, gugul, niacin, essential fatty acids, and policosanol are all routinely used. Choosing the right supplement to take should be a decision based on each person’s individual needs. <br /><br />So now, with the results of this study, we can add artichoke leaf extract to the list of those natural producs that can be used to fight heart disease. By making healthy everyday choices and taking the right supplements good health can be yours!<br /><br />In Health, <br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Jake Psenka, ND</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Two New Doctors Joining NFC!</span><br /></span><br /><br />This month we are proud to announce the addition of two fantastic doctors to the Naturopathic Family Care team. Dr. Shelley Crombach, DC, and Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD will both begin seeing patients this month.<br /><br />We’re all very excited to have these docs joining our practice. They both have many great skills and talents and are very nice people. You can read about each of the new docs on their NFC webpages by clicking the links below:<br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/doctors.htm"><br />Dr. Shelley Crombach, DC<br />Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-77251956253377329502008-06-09T15:45:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:47:42.275-07:00Hypothyroidism Linked to Fatal Heart Disease & Tomato Warning<span style="font-weight:bold;">Increased Risk of Coronary Heart disease in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism<br /></span><br />A study was released this May which found an association between hypothyroidism and the number of women with fatal heart disease. This study, which was performed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, based its conclusions on findings from over 25,000 men and women. The researchers measured levels of the hormone thyrotropin (aka TSH) and correlated this with the number of participants who suffered from a fatal heart attack. They found that women who had intermediate or high levels of TSH had a 1.4 and 1.69 greater chance of having coronary heart disease over women with normal levels. The problem is that the TSH measured as being intermediate or high, was actually within the “normal” range. So, many women may be being told that their thyroid is fine, when in fact it may not be. <br /><br />This association with fatal heart disease was not found in men. However, there was roughly twice the number of women in the study when compared to men. <br /><br />The authors of the study make it clear that they are not suggesting that every woman with subclinical hypothyroidism receive drug therapy as a preventative measure, but simply that there is an association between the two conditions. <br />At Naturopathic Family Care we have been pioneers in the area of subclinical hypothyroidism analysis. We were one of the first clinics in the US to use the results of reflex testing as a marker for subclinical hypothyroid conditions. By measuring and analyzing both the speed and the duration of the brachioradial reflex, this testing can provide very useful information for assessing thyroid health.<br /><br />It is important to know that TSH levels can fluctuate for many different reasons. Other hormonal imbalances, stress, poor nutrition, dietary changes, and other medications or supplements can all influence TSH levels. For example, many women who are being treated for hypothyroid also use calcium supplements. Calcium supplements have been shown to interfere with hormone medications- causing lower absorption rates. For this reason it is a good idea to take thyroid medication in the morning, and away from calcium supplements. It’s a good idea to make sure that you tell your naturopathic doctor about all of your medications or supplements when having your thyroid assessed.<br /><br />Reflex testing for thyroid analysis is a simple, painless procedure that takes about 10 minutes. This test is commonly referred to as Thyroflex testing, and is used by all the physicians at NFC. Thyroflex testing is covered by some insurance companies.<br />If you take thyroid medication, or suffer from a thyroid-related problem, Thyroflex testing can be used as a way to determine the effectiveness of your treatments. This testing may also help to reduce your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease. Call our office today to learn more about Thyroflex testing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tomato Warning<br /></span><br />On June 3rd the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about tomatoes in New Mexico and Texas. The tomatoes were contaminated with a rare strain of the salmonella bacteria. By last Sunday up to 150 people in 16 different states had been hospitalized after eating tomatoes. In adults salmonella causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Adults rarely need antibiotics to control the infection, which “runs its course” in a couple of days. In kids and the elderly the infection can be more serious, with dehydration being the biggest concern.<br />Arizona has been added to the list of States where the warning is in effect. The other states include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. <br /><br />The FDA believes that raw red plum, red Roma, or round red tomatoes are the contaminated types. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and those sold on-the-vine are thought to be free of the bacteria.<br />So, after reading this story I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts about the best way to wash your veggies (tomatoes included). It’s a good idea to always wash all your vegetables. You never know who has picked ‘em, packed ‘em, sprayed, or in some way handled your produce. <br /><br />The Best Vegetable Wash<br />1. Fill the sink with cool or tepid water<br />2. Add one cup hydrogen peroxide<br />3. Add your produce (fruits and veggies)<br />4. Let soak for 15 minutes<br />5. Rinse with clean water then eat or put in the fridge.<br /><br />By using this method you’ll remove any contaminants such as waxes, polishes, pesticides, hericides, bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The hydrogen peroxide is totally harmless and will leave no funky tastes or odors.<br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Jake Psenka, NDUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-6353470483395105402008-05-02T09:46:00.000-07:002008-05-02T10:20:20.304-07:00The Top 5 Foods For Preventing CancerIt is well known by many doctors that the majority of cancers are preventable. Most cancers occur as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Smoking, poor diet, a lack of exercise, toxin exposure, and high stress are all known to contribute to the development of cancer. Published estimates suggest that around 85% of cancers are caused by these poor lifestyle choices. The good news is that it is possible to drastically cut the risk of developing cancer by becoming familiar with the best ways to promote health. <br /><br />Incorporating lifestyle changes into disease prevention program used to be considered “alternative” medicine, but now even conventional medicine is supporting the use of healthy diets, exercise, and lowering stress levels. In fact, the American Cancer Society publishes specific lifestyle recommendations every five years in an attempt to educate both consumers and physicians. This information is available for free through the ACS website, or by clicking <a href="http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/56/5/310">here</a>.<br /><br />The American Cancer Society recommendations suggest that people try to consume a mostly plant-based diet with minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. What the ACS doesn’t say is how large a serving is, nor what types of fruits and vegetables are the best to focus on. First off, it’s important to point out that a serving is typically only a half cup, so five servings really only add up to about two and a half cups. Also, it is important to know which foods offer the highest degree of disease protection, so that these foods can be incorporated into the diet. Some of the best plant foods for preventing cancer include dark skinned berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, tomatoes, pomegranates, turmeric, and green tea.<br /><br />The dark skinned berries have high levels of the substance known as ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is found is in many types of fruits including strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, and pomegranates, and especially in red raspberries. Ellagic acid has been found to have substantial anti-cancer properties, as well as strong anti-oxidant capabilities. This natural substance promotes it’s anti-cancer effects through a couple of different mechanisms. Ellagic acid has been found to stop the growth of many types of cancer cells, including cervical, prostate, breast, colon, pancreatic, esophageal, and skin cancer lines. Ellagic acid stops cancer growth by interfering with a particular part of the cancer cell’s reproductive cycle. When these cells can no longer reproduce, they eventually die without making any new cells. In some studies this effect was seen within 48 hours of taking ellagic acid. Other studies have shown that ellagic acid has the ability to prevent the effects of toxins known to cause cancer. The ellagic acid prevents toxins from binding to DNA, so that cancerous growth cannot be genetically promoted. Lastly, eating foods which contain ellagic acid may be more beneficial than taking supplements containing ellagic acid.<br /> <br />Lycopene is another substance that is found in plants which has shown substantial anti-cancer action. Lycopenes are a class of substances known as bioflavinoids, which are closely related to carotenes. In fact, as a class of substances lycopenes are the major type of carotene found in human blood and serum. Lycopene is found mainly in red vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes, especially sun dried ones, provide the greatest amount of lycopene, although foods like watermelons, red grapefruits, apricots, and guava also contain high levels of lycopene. Several studies have shown that diets high in lycopene containing foods are inversely related to prostate cancer risk. So, the more lycopene rich foods a man eats, the lower his chances of developing prostate cancer. The protective effects of lycopenes extend beyond prostate cancer to other types of types of cancer as well. Most of lycopene’s anti-cancer effect is thought to due to its exceptional anti-oxidant capacity.<br /><br />Third on the list of foods that prevent cancer is the Indian herb turmeric. Turmeric is mostly known as the spice that adds a yellow color to many Indian foods. Over the past five years turmeric, and especially the turmeric derivative curcumin, has shown outstanding cancer preventing properties. Curcumin has shown great potential in preventing many types of cancers, including breast, cervical, colon, gastric, hepatic, leukemia, oral epithelial, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate. In addition to being a fantastic food for cancer prevention, curcumin has also been shown to be very beneficial for people who are actively fighting cancer as well. Although this turmeric extract has more than one known mechanism of action, most of it’s impressive activity is due to it being an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. As an potent anti-inflammatory, it has been suggested that curcumin may also be beneficial in treating diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, psoriasis, and arthritis. The best part is that it tastes good too!<br /><br />Next on the list is pomegranates. Pomegranates, or <span style="font-style:italic;">Punica granatum</span>, are an excellent source of dietary antioxidants which have shown great promise as chemoprevention agents. The term chemoprevention is a relatively new one that is used to describe substances which have cancer preventative actions. Due to being full of potent anti-oxidant substances, pomegranates have been recognized as having preventative properties against several cancers such as head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Pomegranates have also been shown to have properties which inhibit cancer cells from reproducing quickly (anti-proliferative action). Newer research indicates that pomegranates also can help prevent cancer by acting to enhance the removal cancer causing toxins from the body. <br /><br />The last food on the list really isn’t a food at all, but a beverage. The drink is green tea, and the plant from which it comes is known as <span style="font-style:italic;">Cameilla sinensis</span>. Green tea, like curcumin, has a multitude of research supporting it’s use in both cancer prevention and cancer therapy. Green tea’s amazing anti-cancer properties are mainly due to it’s high content of polyphenols such as EGCG. EGCG, otherwise known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is a remarkable substance which has anti-oxidant properties, helps the body to remove toxins, assists in regulating cancer cell growth, inhibits tumors from growing new blood vessels via a process known as angiogenesis, inhibits cancer promoting inflammation, AND has demonstrated the ability to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone. Green tea is truly a great cancer fighter. To get the most benefit out of drinking green tea a person should try to drink 4-5 cups per day. Some people feel that many store bought green teas have a “grassy” flavor that is hard to overcome. Buying a higher quality bulk tea or “gun powder” green tea from your local Chinese or Japanese grocer usually results in a better tasting tea. Green tea also makes wonderful iced tea too. Just mix in a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice with a little stevia and enjoy.<br /><br />By choosing a diet that is rich in foods with proven cancer fighting abilities it’s possible to decrease the chance of developing cancer. By combining a healthy diet with other positive lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, toxin avoidance, and using stress reduction techniques, a person can decrease their chance of not only developing cancer, but many other serious disease as well. These foods- berries, tomatoes, turmeric, pomegranates, and green tea- should also be considered by people who are actively fighting cancer as well. Additionally, many of the substances mentioned, such as curcumin and EGCG, can also be taken in supplement form when there is a need for increased dosages. Remember to discuss taking new supplements with your doctor before you actually begin taking them. <br /><br />Live well,<br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm"><br />Jonathan (Jake) Psenka, ND</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-40989439788534492842008-04-15T14:32:00.000-07:002008-04-15T14:35:08.808-07:00Stress HappensIt seems like everyone has too much stress these days. Nearly everyone I meet feels like they spend most of their just trying to catch up. Thanks to cell phones, IM’s, and email we’re always available to add one more task or deadline to our list of “to-do’s.” We’re a nation of stressed out people, and because stress can adversely affect our health, this needs to change.<br /><br />It has been suggested that the cost of stress is more than $150 billion dollars each year. This includes workplace accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, diminished productivity, increased insurance costs, and worker’s compensation awards<br /><br />A recent Gallup poll found that about 40% of adults in the U.S. had frequent stress. Most of those with chronic stress do not have an effective coping mechanism in place to reduce this stress. The most common method of coping with stress is eating, which is contributing to America being the fattest nation on the planet. <br /><br /> <br />Drug companies are aware of the stress epidemic, and are cashing in on it. There are at least 20 different prescription medications on the market for stress. The top 50 drugs in the U.S. bring in over $900 billion for the drug companies annually.<br /><br />These numbers illustrate just how rampant stress is in our society. Now, instead of getting stressed out about all the stress you may have, let’s consider what we can do to avoid it. The smartest thing a person can do is give themselves some time to relax each day. It doesn’t need to be long, even 30 minutes or so will help. Taking this time to do something enjoyable can do wonders for decreasing your overall stress levels. I often ask patients about their stress levels, and ask them to rate their stress on a scale of 0 to 10. The majority of answers are between 6 and 10. My follow-up question, which I think is much more important, is “what do you have in place to reduce your stress?” Most people don’t have anything. They often state that out of the 8640 minutes in a day, they don’t have enough time give themselves just 30.<br /><br />Physiologically, humans aren’t meant to meant to be under stress for extended periods of time. We’re made to endure short bursts of stress, followed by a period of relaxation. Being under stress for the majority of the day very similar to having a prolonged “fight or flight” response. The “fight or flight” response is an chemically-mediated adaptive mechanism our body uses to help us deal with acute stress.<br /><br />Consider this example: One day you’re hiking along when all of the sudden you come face to face with a mother grizzly bear and her cubs. The instant you see those bears your body reacts to the stress. One response is that all of your peripheral blood vessels constrict to force blood to the heart, muscles, and lungs so that you can either run real fast or put up your dukes. If you’re lucky you can turn around and run like the wind for 5 minutes leaving the bears (and the stress) far behind. After you’ve removed yourself from the situation your body would shift back to normal functioning, such as resuming normal blood flow to the non-vital organs.<br />As a result of our modern lifestyle we are constantly running from the bears. When we’re running all the time it’s inevitable that we’ll eventually run out of gas. Luckily, it can be fairly easy to minimize the negative effects of stress. <br /><br />Follow these four basic steps to help rid yourself of stress.<br /><br />1. Learn techniques, such as deep breathing, to help calm yourself and promote a positive attitude.<br />2. Exercise regularly. It can be difficult to get into the gym the first week, but once you’ve acclimated your body will crave it.<br />3. Eat a healthy diet- minimize stimulants, restrict alcohol use, control food allergies, maximize those foods containing potassium.<br />4. Use supplements like vitamin B5, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium to help support proper functioning of the body. Botanical medicines like hops (no, not the hops in beer), chamomile, and green tea can be excellent stress- busters.<br /><br />On Thursday, April 17th at 6:30 pm Naturopathic Family Care is hosting a free lecture on natural ways to effectively deal with stress. This lecture is free and open to anyone who is interested. For directions to the clinic click <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/contact.htm">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-91033640001370141662008-03-24T12:24:00.000-07:002008-03-24T13:31:38.634-07:00Big News From Naturopathic Family Care AND simple steps for allergy relief<span style="font-weight:bold;">Our Spring Open House was a huge success!</span> Everyone at NFC would like to say "Thank You" to everyone who participated in making the evening great. If you weren't able to attend this open house don't worry, we'll be having another sometime in September.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />We have a new member to the NFC team!</span> <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/kimkino.htm">Kim Kino</a>, a Licensed Professional Counselor, has joined us. At NFC we've always been a holistic clinic focusing on the Mind, Body, and Spirit of our patients. Now with the addition of Kim we have a professional counselor to complete the "Mind" part of our Mind, Body, and Spirit philosophy. To read more about Kim and read her blog follow this link: <a href="http://kimkino.blogspot.com/">Kim's Blog </a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Good News for people with CIGNA insurance!</span> As many of our CIGNA patients know, radiology benefits were recently omitted from many plans. Well, now that's changing, Scottsdale Medical Imaging is once again affiliated with CIGNA. This means that patients can once again have in-network access to excellent radiology services.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Looking for Allergy Relief? </span> This spring has brought on a rush of people looking for relief from their allergy symptoms. Follow the steps below to help get your allergies under control.<br /><br />1. Change the air intake filters in your house. Also, if you have a air cleaner, make sure the filter is clean and turn it on "high."<br /><br />2. Don't forget the vitamin C! Vitamin C has a multitude of great uses including the ability to stabilize mast cells. It is the mast cells which release histamine, the chemical that makes us sneeze, our noses run, and our eyes to water. Vitamin C should be taken 3 times per day for optimal results. Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so don't take too much too fast. For the average adult doses of 2000mg three times a day is a good starting dose.<br /><br />3. Quercetin, a flavinoid found in many different plants such as apples and onions, is a strong mast cell stabilizer. However, not all quercetin is the same- some are poorly absorbed. A newer water soluble form, quercetin chalcone, is a better absorbed form than regular quercetin. About 250mg three times per day of this new form is suggested for acute allergy relief.<br /><br />4. We are carrying a new supplement in our pharmacy from the company <a href="https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/index.php">Orthomolecular</a> called "D-Hist" which is producing great results. This is a combination product- which contains quercetin- requires a loading dose and then a daily dose for continued protection. If you're dealing with allergies, you may want to give this great new product a try. The best part of the deal is that Orthomolecular has a money back guarantee on all of their products.<br /><br />5. Another allergy therapy which has been producing great results is <a href="http://www.allergyeasy.com/">AllergyEasy</a>. <a href="http://www.4wecare.com/adamkerievsky.htm">Dr. Adam Kerievesky</a> has been using this program for over a year with his patients. Many patients, even those with stubborn allergies which haven't responded to other allergy therapy, have received tremendous benefit. <br /><br />For more information about the supplements or therapies above please see our website at <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">www.4wecare.com</a>, or call us at 602-493-2273. Also, please remember to speak with your health care provider before starting any new supplement or medication.<br /><br />Have a great day,<br /><br />Jake Psenka, NDUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-36660781677005334882008-02-17T10:03:00.000-08:002008-02-17T10:16:31.701-08:00Insurance Company Goes Too FarRecently, a colleague sent me an article from the LA Times that I found worthy of passing on. It seems that California Blue Cross Blue Shield is trying to use doctors to obtain medical information about their policy holders from physicians. Apparently, the insurance company is trying to use the information that could be provided by physicians to cancel policies. <br /><br />Blue Cross is sending physicians copies of health insurance applications filled out by patients, along with a letter advising them that the company has a right to drop members who fail to disclose "material medical history," including "pre-existing pregnancies." "Any condition not listed on the application that is discovered to be pre-existing should be reported to Blue Cross immediately," the letters say. <br /><br />Fortunately, it seems that most of the physicians who have received this letter realize that this request violates doctor-patient confidentiality. The California Medical Association has sent a letter to Blue Cross condemning the letter.<br /><br />Here is a link to the original article:<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/orange/la-fi-bluecross12feb12,17750785.story"><br />http://www.latimes.com/news/local/orange/la-fi-bluecross12feb12,1,7750785.story</a><br /><br />I think that this is an important issue that everyone with heath insurance needs to be aware of. If this is allowed to happen in one State, it is just a matter of time until such letters are circulated to physicians in Arizona. Confidentiality is essential part of the doctor-patient relationship, and it should never be allowed to be violated. If patients feel that they cannot trust their physicians due to fear of their doctor sharing information with insurance companies, who my use then use the info to drop coverage, then our health care system will be severely jeopardized. <br /><br />At Naturopathic Family Care, your trust is of utmost importance, and you can rest assured that your medical information is safe and secure with us. <br /><br />Jake Psenka, NMDUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-40131768827447349772008-02-01T12:42:00.000-08:002008-02-01T13:25:39.178-08:00News about Pregnancy and Caffeine and Hot Flashes and Black CohoshHello Everyone,<br /><br />There were a number of interesting articles and health facts that crossed my desk this week. Instead of focusing on just one topic this week, I thought I would share two of the more interesting subjects.<br /><br />I’m curious in what you, the readers of this blog, are interested in learning about. If you would like to share your opinions about the topics being covered, ask questions about the subjects, or suggest topics for the future, please do so. There is a link for comments at the bottom of each posting. I look forward to hearing from you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Jake Psenka, ND</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Caffeine and Pregnancy</span><br /><br />This study looked at data collected from over 1000 pregnant women from 1996-1998. The researchers found that women who consumed the equivalent of two or more cups of regular coffee or five 12-ounce cans of caffeinated soda were twice as likely to miscarry as women who avoided caffeine. The researchers feel that caffeine's ill-effects may be due to the stress it places on the fetus' immature metabolism or because it may decrease blood flow to the placenta. <br /><br />This finding is important because for a long while the effect of caffeine on pregnancy has been unclear. No conventional medical societies have put forth any strict opinions about the connection between the two. Now with the results of this study, those un-opinionated societies and, more importantly, the millions of women that they serve, will hear what naturopathically-treated women have been hearing for a long time. ANYTHING that acts as a stimulant should only be used in moderation by ANYONE. This advice is especially true for pregnant women or those who have chronic conditions. <br /><br />The take home message is that if you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, make an effort to avoid caffeine. It's also important to take a high-quality pre-natal vitamin, as well as a DHA-enriched fish oil product. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Black Cohosh, Estrogen, and Cancer<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></span><br /><br />The botanical medicine black cohosh (<span style="font-style:italic;">Cimicifuga racemosa</span>) was originally used by Native Americans, who used the herb to treat the symptoms of menopause. This herb, which is native to the midwestern US, is used by millions of menopausal and post-menopausal women for control of their symptoms. While scientists continue to argue about the effectiveness of the herb, many women are able to adequately control their symptoms. One of the most effective actions of black cohosh is it’s ability to control hot flashes. It is thought that the herb exerts this action by having some type of estrogenic activity. <br /><br />Many women who are being treated for breast cancer often suffer from nearly unbearable hot flashes. Many traditional doctors have recommended that women with breast cancer and women who have been successfully treated for breast cancer in the past, should avoid using black cohosh. It was hypothesized that the estrogenic potential of the plant may produce a detrimental effect of women, especially those with estrogen-receptor positive disease.<br /><br />A recent study investigated the molecular mode of action of black cohosh to discern if it truly acted via an estrogen-like manner. This study exposed human breast cancer cells to different types of black cohosh. The study found that black cohosh had no estrogenic effect and, in fact, the herb had significant anti-cancer activity. Black cohosh was shown to be both antiproliferative and proapoptotic (inducing cancer cell death). This study was published in <a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpharmacol/">BMC Pharmacology</a>. <br /><br />This is great news for women suffering from hot flashes, and especially for women with hot flashes from breast cancer therapy. It now appears that black cohosh can be recommended without having to worry about any potential cancer-promoting effects. If you’re interested about learning more about the benefits of black cohosh or other natural therapies, make sure to check out our calendar of events for upcoming free lectures at the clinic.<br /><br />Also, I will be speaking at the February 12th meeting of the West Valley Breast Cancer Support Group. This group meets at the New Life Baptist Church at 8701 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about this group call 623-877-7773 and ask for JoeAnna.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-82200770224909035082008-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:002008-01-24T10:16:14.542-08:00Don't Drink the Water!For the second time in recent history, a nasty chemical was released into the water supply in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. After the spill residents of both Scottsdale and Paradise Valley were advised not to drink the water until further notice. The ban was lifted on January 19th, under the advice of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Health Department.<br /><br />The chemical that was released is known as trichloroethylene, or TCE. Fortunately, short term exposure does not often cause problems, however chronic exposure may result in a variety of symptoms including dizziness, shakiness, insomnia, fatigue, and headache. TCE also sensitizes the heart to the action of the adrenal hormone epinephrine, which can lead to arrhythmias. For more info about TCE follow this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichloroethylene">link</a><br /><br />TCE is readily absorbed via inhalation or ingestion, and to a lesser extent, through the skin. This implies that both drinking the water or showering in it and then inhaling the steam are possible routes of absorption. Repeated ingestion via any route can be sufficient to cause symptoms. TCE can cross the placenta and has been detected in breast milk.<br /><br />Young children may be at a higher risk than adults exposed to the same amount of TCE. This is because children have greater lung surface area to body weight ratios than adults do.<br /><br />Treatment for acute exposure includes using activated charcoal. Taking 2-3 capsules immediately upon exposure, and then 2-3 capsules again before each meal for 2-3 days is the treatment of choice. If you believe that you have been exposed to TCE, blood and/or urine testing can help determine the extent of the exposure. <br /><br />Trichloroethylene is not the only chemical to have tainted the water in our city. Phoenix also has the distinction of being one of the cities with higher-than-normal levels of another chemical known as perchlorate. Perchlorate is a derivative of rocket fuel. Apparently, Phoenix's increased levels of perchlorate in the water is the result of several weapons/rocket manufacturers being located in the city as well as along the Colorado River. for more about Arizona's problem with perchlorate <a href="http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2005/02/21/daily42.html">click here</a><br /><br />I feel strongly that people should avoid drinking city water. The city has said over and over that the water here is within the acceptable limits for contaminants. Well, I really don't want ANY contaminants in my drinking water. Therefore, I drink and cook with bottled water even though I don't live in either Paradise Valley or Scottsdale. If you're going to drink bottled water, try to use a big manufacturer instead of some little unknown company. This is because even bottled water isn't perfect, check out this link for more <a href="http://nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/exesum.asp">detail</a> If possible, use class containers instead of plastic. Glass is easy to clean and/or sterilize, and is much less likely to leach chemicals into your water. <br /><br />Using a reverse osmosis system on your house seems to be the best way to help make sure that there is nothing funky in your drinking water. The only drawback to these systems is that you have to remember to change the filters regularly. I've heard that good systems can be purchased fairly inexpensively at places like Sam's Club or Costco.<br /><br />If you feel that you may have been exposed, or if you live in the affected areas and have been experiencing abnormal symptoms, it may be worth your time to have your TCE levels checked. <br /><br />On a happier note, <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">Naturopathic Family Care</a> will be having our spring open house on Thursday, March 13th. Our last open house was a huge success, and we're hoping that this time will be even better. All of our doctors will be present to meet people and explain their therapies. We'll also have healthy snacks and several door prizes. Open house details will be posted to our <a href="http://www.4wecare.com">website</a> shortly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-14174217422668765982008-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:002008-01-16T20:07:13.687-08:00One More Reason to Eat Your Veggies!In 2007 a study called the <a href="http://www.iarc.fr/epic/Sup-default.html">European Prospective Investigation in Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Population Study</a> reported some very interesting results. The study, which was based on information gathered from more than 22,000 men and women, was used to make conclusions about the impact that diet had on health. Many different research papers have been published since the data began to be analyzed, but one of my favorites was published in the British Journal of Nutrition. This analysis was performed to measure the effect of fruits and vegetables on health. It was found that men and women who increased their dietary fruit and vegetable intake by two portions per day had an 11% increase in functional health. An 11% increase in overall health might not sound much like much, but in reality it’s huge. If you felt sick 10% of the time that would equate to 36 days a year! A whole month! If you could get that month back simply by eating more vegetables wouldn’t you be willing to give it a a try? <br />If you want to find out how many daily fruit and vegetable servings are optimal for your age and level of activity check out this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/">Fruits and Veggies Matter</a> <br /><br />I personally think that the more fresh veggies and fruit you can get in the better, and having something at every meal should be a standard of the American diet. It’s pretty easy to incorporate these foods into your diet. Try blueberries, raspberries, bananas, or flax seed on your cereal in the morning- preferably not Fruity Pebbles or Captain Crunch.....<br /><br />For lunch try a salad or slice up an avocado for your turkey sandwich. Carrot sticks, celery, dried fruits, or mixed nuts make a great finger-food to snack on throughout the day.<br /><br />It’s easy to add a veggie to dinner just pick something you like and go with it. It is a good idea to try steaming or lightly sautéing your veggies instead of drowning them in butter or, worse yet, nuking them in the microwave. Try seasoning with something like Herbamare, a natural seasoning with no bad additives like MSG.<br />Another good tip it to try and eat lots of different colored fruits and vegetables, as the colors are often the made by different components such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioflavinoids.<br /><br />If you find that you have a difficult time adding enough fruits and vegetables to your diet you might consider a “green drink.” Some people are unnecessarily put off just by the mention of a green drink. Yes, they may look a little funky, but I assure you that they taste much better than they look. My personal fav is <a href="http://www.greensfirst.com">Greens First</a>. I like this product because it tastes great and it is sweetened with <a href="http://www.stevia.net/">stevia</a>. The next time you're in the office, ask your doctor for a free sample.<br /><br />Should you buy organic? Good question. There are certainly some products which you should try to only eat if they are organic. A good up-to-date list of what to buy organic can be found at the <a href="http://www.foodnews.org/index.php">Environmental Working Group’s website</a>, make sure you scroll down the page to see the list. Another good site is <a href="http://www.consumersunion.org/food.html">Consumers Union Org</a>. On their website there is great information regarding the safety of our foods, including antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and genetically modified foods (GMO’s). <br /><br />Also, don’t forget to support your local farmer’s market. There are several in the <a href="http://phoenix.about.com/cs/shop/a/farmers01_2.htm">Phoenix</a> area and they are generally a great place to buy fresh organic produce inexpensively. Not to mention that it’s kind of fun to go to the market and actually meet the people who are growing your food.<br /><br />Lastly, here’s a tip on washing your produce: there’s no need to buy expensive vegetable wash. When you get home from the store simply fill up your sink with water, add one cup of hydrogen peroxide, then add your produce. Let it sit for 15 minutes then rinse and they’re ready to use. The hydrogen peroxide helps to remove any polishes, bugs, and pesticides. Best of all hydrogen peroxide costs about a buck at the dollar store. I wish I could take credit for this trick but I can’t. Jethro Kloss came up with this in his Back to Eden cookbook. <br /><br />bon appetit,<br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">Jake Psenka</a>, NDUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-41555869648694159782007-12-18T10:03:00.000-08:002007-12-18T20:10:26.132-08:00'Tis the Season for Coughs and Colds...With the arrival of the cold weather we've experienced an influx of people suffering from the common cold. This year, the popular cold to have in Arizona is one that starts with a feeling of stuffiness in the sinus cavities and ears. This quickly progresses into post nasal drip followed by a sore throat and an uncomfortable, hacking cough.<br /><br />As we have been seeing more and more of this cold at the clinic it seemed appropriate to have a blog posting on the best ways to deal with the common cold. The first thing to remember about the common cold, aka Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), is they are usually caused by a virus. Viruses are different than bacteria, which is why antibiotic therapy often doesn't help to get rid of the symptoms of a cold. Antibiotics work on bacteria- not viruses. It is also important to realize that allergies can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a cold.<br /><br />Just a few days ago I had a patient who was absolutely sure that she had a cold. She was coughing, her head hurt, and her nose wouldn't stop running. I suggested that it would be a good idea to run a test before starting any treatments. When the results came back at the end of the day, they indicated that she was having a bad allergic reaction, and not suffering from a cold. Once we knew her symptoms were due to allergies, and not a virus, the proper treatment could be given.<br /><br />Speaking of symptoms, it's important to note that many of the symptoms which make people feel poorly are actually the result of the body's defense mechanisms. For example, inhibiting a fever is thought to counteract the major defense mechanism of the body and prolong the infection. Of course, if a fever reaches a dangerous level, such as 104 degrees or higher, it should be suppressed and a visit to the doctor is recommended. <br /><br />If you do develop a cold there are several ways that can help speed up recovery:<br /><br />1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking lots of water is important because it inhibits viral infection and it can improve the function of infection fighting cells in the body. Make sure to dilute fruit juices with water, as the sugar in fruit juices can often make the infection worse.<br /><br />2. Get some rest. Many times the reason that people get sick near the Holidays is because they are stressed out and their immune system suffers. The body heals itself when asleep, so don't forget to take a nap.<br /><br />3. Avoid those Holiday sweets! Sugar competes with vitamin C for entrance into infection-fighting cells. Decreased vitamin C levels may result in a significant reduction in immune cell function. <br /><br />4. Vitamin C at a dose of 500-1000mg every two hours has been found to be able to shorten the duration of a cold by as much as a full day. Large doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, and if this is experienced simply decrease the dosage by half.<br /><br />5. Zinc lozenges are on of the most popular natural approaches to fighting a cold, and for good reason. Zinc has been shown as a critical nutrient for optimum immune system function, and it also possesses antiviral activity. Lozenges that provide 15-25mg of elemental zinc with glycine as a sweetener can be taken every two waking hours. However, it is inadvisable to continue with this dosage for over a week, as increased zinc levels for an extended period of time can inhibit the immune system.<br /><br />6. Echinacea is prescribed world wide for treatment of the common cold. It was estimated that German physicians and pharmacists prescribed echinacea for the common cold 2.5 million times in 1994. Echinacea has been shown to cause a significant reduction of cold symptoms. It can be taken as a tea, a tincture, or as a capsule. The best echinacea preparations are made up of both the roots and aerial parts of the plant.<br /><br />Possibly the best way to fight a cold is not to get one in the first place. This Holiday season make sure to slow down and enjoy the season, your family, and your friends. <br /><br />Happy Holidays<br /><a href="http://www.4wecare.com/jonathanpsenka.htm">J. Psenka, NMD</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-61095193197438431902007-12-09T09:25:00.001-08:002007-12-09T09:25:44.855-08:00Childhood Food Allergies and Adult AsthmaA new review article to be published in January 2008 edition of <span style="font-style: italic;">Current Opinions in Pulmonary Medicine</span><span> describes the relationship between food allergies and the development of asthma. In particular, this article looked at the available data on the incidence of food allergies in children and the development of asthma later in life. The article states that this relationship between food allergies and asthma is strongest in infants. It seems that those infants who have the highest number of food allergies also have the greatest chance of having asthma later in life.<br /><br />The article goes on to describes the need for early diagnosis and treatment, and also states that standard methods of diagnosing allergies are inadequate. Specifically, the measurement of serum immunoglobulins and the use of the "skin prick" method are mentioned as tests that are in need of improvement. From a treatment perspective, oral immunotherapy is suggested as a promising therapy. The article concludes by stating that in order to promote a higher quality of life and to obtain better control over asthma, steps should be taken to avoid foods in the cases of food allergies. Seems to make sense.<br /><br />This article does a very good job of stating the importance of recognizing allergy, and specifically food allergies, as a serious health concern. This topic is in need of more discussion as the incidence of allergies of all types has substantially increased over the past decade. We are in effect becoming a hypersensitive society. Allergy control is also an area where conventional medical treatments are lacking, and although the article doesn't come right out and say it, alternative methods of allergy diagnosis and treatment are becoming more and more useful.<br /><br />All allergies are the result of immune dysfunction. Allergic symptoms, from the excessive mucus production experienced after eating dairy like ice cream, to the complete inability to breath experienced by some after eating nuts or shellfish, are all mediated by the immune system. Therefore, in order to successfully treat allergies attention must be paid to the immune system. One of the best ways to promote a healthy immune system in young children and especially infants is breastfeeding. In addition to providing essential nutrients, breast milk is also rich in substances, such as immunoglobulins, which help children to develop competent immune systems. In fact, in the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement on breast feeding states that they have found "strong evidence" that breast milk reduces the incidence and/or severity of diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infection, ear infections, bacterial infections, bacterial meningitis, and urinary tract infections. Other studies have shown a decrease in non-infectious diseases such as eczema and asthma. This means that in addition to providing protection from infectious disease, breast milk also confers protection from other immune-related diseases.<br /><br />Another way to decrease the likelihood of food allergies is to use a food introduction schedule. These schedules promote the introduction of foods with the lowest allergic potential first when starting young children on solid foods. Certain food such as corn, wheat, cow's milk, nuts, and soy are all recognized as foods that have a high propensity to cause food allergies. By introducing foods with little allergic potential first, and then gradually adding other foods, the incidence of food allergies can be reduced. This method prevents a child's body from becoming overwhelmed by many new types of foods at once. It also allows time for the body to learn how to handle new substances appropriately, and hopefully, diminished the allergic response.<br /><br />For those children who may have already developed food allergies it is important to both identify the allergen and to desensitize the child. Identification of food allergies can be accomplished several ways. First, paying attention to how a child responds to certain foods can often help identify a problem. Symptoms such as excessive mucus production, runny noses, chronic ear infections, diarrhea, eczema, and hyperactivity have all been associated with food allergies. If food allergies are suspected then discontinuing the suspected food and then slowly reintroducing in a few weeks can help identify a problem. For example, if after eating dairy products a child chronically develops excessive mucus production or ear infections then it can be a wise idea to avoid dairy for a couple of weeks and then to observe whether or not the condition changes. If the child's mucus production subsides, and then begins again when dairy is re-introduced, it can be a strong indication of a food allergy.<br /><br />Food allergies can also be identified by the "skin prick" method mentioned in the aforementioned article. This technique involves injecting a small amount of a suspected allergic substance under the skin and then observing the ensuing reaction. If the area turns red and angry-looking then an allergy is suspected. This method is at best cumbersome and painful. Also, considering the large number of potentially allergic foods the number of shots needed to successfully diagnose of all a child's allergy can be overwhelming.<br /><br />A better method of identifying food allergies is the Natural Allergy Elimination Technique. Using this technique allergies can be quickly identified and treated, without the use of shots or medications. The NAET treatment is based on the measurement of frequencies. Allergies and illnesses can cause a disharmony of the body's natural frequencies which can be detected by NAET. This technology is based on the idea of bioimpedance, which </span>is a term used to describe the response of a living organism to an externally applied electric current. It is a measure of the opposition to the flow of that electric current through the tissues. The stronger the opposition caused by a particular substance, the greater the chance of a allergy to that substance. The technique can also be used to painlessly desensitize someone to their allergies, which makes it perfect for young children.<br /><br />If you have allergies, or have young children, make sure that you learn all that you can about what allergies are, how you can prevent them, and all of your options for treating them. At Naturopathic Family Care, we have been known as a clinic that specializes in alternative allergy treatments for two decades. We have several different allergy programs which can be used with both children and adults, and which are specific for certain types of allergies. If you would like to learn more about allergies please see our website at http://www.4wecare.com If you're interested in learning more about natural and alternative medicine and treatments, you can subscribe to this blog for weekly postings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-17992303469907234172007-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:002007-11-27T16:21:12.145-08:00Important news for those fighting cancerResearch published in the October, 2007 edition of Clinical Oncology supports the use of healthy lifestyle choices both in people trying to prevent cancer, AND those people currently fighting cancer. This article goes on to say:<br /><br />"The evaluated evidence was utilized to show potential lifestyle interventions to facilitate well-being and quality-of-life initiatives. There is now persuasive evidence that dietary choice and exercise can improve teh physical and psychological function of patients with cancer. There is also persuasive evidence that lifestyle choice can prevent cancer or the reoccurrence in susceptible individuals, and possibly improve survival."<br /><br />It is unfortunate how many people with cancer are told by their oncologists that they should eat whatever they want. This sort of poor advice can only set the patient up for malnutrition, and at best provide excess calories and sugars that cancer cells need to survive and grow.<br /><br />If you know someone fighting cancer please make sure that they seek out the help of a physician well-versed in dietary and lifestyle strategies for fighting cancer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370613592993451743.post-69055430502067769652007-11-26T11:24:00.000-08:002007-11-26T15:24:27.231-08:00Know Your Naturopath! There is a Difference!An interesting article was distributed by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians this month that everyone who's interested in alternative medicine should read. The article which was originally printed in the Seattle Times explains the differences between true Naturopathic Physicians, and what are commonly referred to as "UN-D's." UN-D's are those people who practice alternative medicine without any formal training. As the article describes, there have been a number of instances where an UN-D has caused serious harm, or even death because of their lack of training and experience.<br /><br />Right now only 14 States license Naturopathic Physicians, which means that in 38 States anyone can call themselves a Naturopath- even if they have no training at all. Licensing ensures that only those with the proper training can call themselves Naturopaths or Naturopathic Physicians. It is also important for people to realize that even traditional medical doctors who use alternative medicines may be inadequately trained in those modalities.<br /><br />If you are considering visiting with a Naturopathic doctor for the first time make sure that you ask the right questions:<br /><br />Did you graduate from an accredited Naturopathic medical school?<br />Do you have a medical license?<br /><br />These are totally valid questions which may prevent you from seeing an unqualified person.<br /><br />At NFC, all of our physicians are licensed graduates from naturopathic schools accredited by the Department of Education.<br /><br />To read the article in its entirety follow this link:<br /><p> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004024299_miracle20m0.html" target="_blank">Teen's death hastened by practitioner who had bogus diplomas</a></span> </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1