Don't miss out our free lectures this summer! You are cordially invited to attend these presentations which are hosted by the doctors of NFC, and always provide great information. This summer we have several lectures scheduled that are free for everyone to attend.
IN JULY. . .
Hot Flashes, and Sweats, and Dryness, Oh My!
with Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD
Should You Care About Your Air?
with Dr. Jonathan Psenka, NMD
IN AUGUST. . .
Easy Anxiety Reduction & Calming Techniques
with Laurel Cozzuli
Are you putting your child at risk for ADHD?
by Dr. Jesika DiCampli
You may be, if your child is being exposed to pesticides. My neighbor always says “Whats the difference? Pesticides don’t matter.” A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics may have FINALLY solidified that YES, it does make a difference; and it absolutely matters for your children’s neural development.
In the USA, 40 pesticides for food, drinking water and residential use are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. However, food is the major source of pesticide exposure in children...and our children are more sensitive to exposure than we are!
Why are children at a greater risk than adults? A child’s brain is more susceptible to toxicity and their still developing organ systems are less able to process chemicals. Also, the concentration of pesticide levels in comparison to body weight is greater for children. AAP’s study looked at over 1,100 children aged 8-15 and tested urine pesticide levels.
THE RESULTS: More than 93% of children had at least 1 detectable level of pesticides...the majority of the tested children!! There was a 55%-72% increase in odds of developing ADHD for a 10-fold increase in DMAP (dimethyl alkylphosphate) concentration.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??: Exposure to pesticides has shown adverse effects in the brain development of children...and this is with average exposure!!!
Eating organic, supplementing appropriately, and protecting against toxicity are the foundation of a happy, healthy child. See Dr. DiCampli to learn how to help decrease your child’s risk of ADHD.
Exercise as Medicine
by Dr. Jake Psenka
Did anyone happen to see Surgeon General Regina Benjamin’s recent announcement concerning her plans to improve and promote health in the US? Her idea was to improve health in the US by promoting healthy dietary choices and encouraging regular physical activity. I think we should applaud Dr. Benjamin’s efforts in promoting healthy lifestyle choices as a way to combat our dismal health as a nation. It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this newsletter that the most common diseases in the US are directly related to poor lifestyle choices. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all diseases in which unhealthy lifestyle choices are established risk factors. One point I found especially concerning in Dr. Benjamin’s speech was the mention of a study investigating the relationship between obese 3-year olds and their risk of future heart disease. THREE YEAR OLDS! It turns out that being obese, even at this young age, puts the body into an inflammatory state. It is this inflammation that disrupts the normal functioning of the body, and promotes the development of conditions such as heart disease.
As a rule, I try to stay off my soapbox when writing pieces for the NFC newsletter. However, I’m going to climb up onto it for a second. Why is it that we award good behavior in kids with sweet treats? How many times have we heard someone say “if you’re a good boy then you can have some candy, little Johnny?” Candy, soda, Pringles, Cheetos, French fries; yeah, they taste good, but do we really want to send the message that being good means you get to eat like crap? Granted, trying to get a kid to behave with the promise of raisins can be a tough sell, but there are other options out there. If you’re looking for idea you might consider some of the newer children’s multivitamins. They look like candy and they taste like candy. If you don’t believe me ask for a sample the next time you are in the office. There is some sugar in these products, but nowhere near the amount found in a Bit ‘O Honey. Also, there is no saturated fat, but omega-3 fatty acids, you know, fish oil. Think about it. Taking one foot off the soapbox now.
Dr. Benjamin is asking for the involvement of physicians and the public alike in promoting the idea that exercise is medicine. In fact, that is the name of her new program, Exercise Is Medicine. I joined as a physician member because I completely believe that regular exercise is an integral part of health- both physical and mental. Take a few minutes to look at the Exercise Is Medicine website, it contains a lot of good information exerciseismedicine.org. Another reason that I liked the Surgeon General’s announcement is because in promoting responsible dietary and exercise participation, she is promoting alternative medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a department of the National Institutes of Health, classifies both diet and exercise as Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM). Another interesting fact is that Harvard University’s Department of Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies defines CAM as “those practices explicitly used for medical intervention, health promotion, or disease prevention which are not routinely taught at United States medical schools, nor routinely underwritten by third party payers within the existing United States health care system."
This begs the question, if diet and exercise are classified as CAM therapies by the Government, and CAM therapies are not routinely taught at conventional medical schools in the US, do you think that the average conventional physician can give you quality advice about these things? On the other hand, Naturopathic doctors are well trained in both diet and exercise therapies. Additionally, Naturopathic doctors are the undisputed experts in promoting preventative medicine. It’s like the bottle of herbal medicine that states “Talk to your doctor before taking this product.” It might better be stated “talk to a qualified doctor before taking this product.” Ok, now both feet are on the ground.
Like the Surgeon General I would like to encourage you to become an active participant in your own health. If you are unsure about the best ways to begin a healthy lifestyle program please consider the doctors of Naturopathic Family Care and Longevity Medical Health Center a resource. All of our physicians have been trained in the use of programs that make adopting healthy lifestyles achievable for everyone. I invite you to make 2010 the year you incorporate health into your life and the lives of your loved ones. Together we can help fight chronic disease and set healthy examples for our children.
Can Managing Chronic Hypertension be helped by Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine?
by Ross Kerievsky DC ND
Approximately 60 million US adults are estimated to have hypertension. It is an extremely common condition that can lead to deadly outcomes if left untreated including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, etc. A recent study in 2007 shed some interesting light on the possibility of how chiropractic care could possibly help someone with hypertension. A pilot study in the May 2007 Journal of Human Hypertension showed that chiropractic manipulation could lower elevated blood pressure readings without the use of medication. The chiropractic manipulation was performed on the upper cervical area and had lasting effects. This study sheds some light that it is possible some people have hypertension due to neurovascular compression of the brainstem and that manipulation of the upper cervical area may help to relieve this pressure.
The other key factors, besides the use of medication, that can help control chronic hypertension are nutritional and lifestyle interventions. I am a strong proponent of utilizing supplemented diet guidelines with my patients to include treatments for targeted weight loss. The use of certain supplements can also help patients such as the use of coenzyme Q10, Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine.
A tailored program that combines proper testing, medication, lifestyle, nutrition and chiropractic can help when dealing with this very common condition. These programs can also be very helpful for patients that have pre-hypertension. This is where your blood pressure readings are slightly high and can be a warning sign for developing higher numbers if it is not addressed.
Please feel free to schedule an appointment with me to help develop an individualized plan for you or your family member.
Don’t Bug Me (Guide to Avoiding and Treating Bug Bites)
by Dr. Orona
Some Natural, Non-toxic Ideas to Help Keep Your Family from Getting Bug Bites This Summer:
1 .
Wear white or light colors during the daytime, as dark clothing during daylight hours actually attracts bugs. According to one report, mosquitoes are more attracted to blue and green so try to wear more yellows, reds and oranges.
2.
Mosquitoes identify their targets by sight, heat and smell. Avoid physically active movement (exercise, ball games, yard work, etc.) during peak mosquito hours to keep them from noticing you from a distance. Peak mosquito times tend to be right around dusk and dawn. Reduce outside lights in the evening hours (use yellow bulbs, if possible).
3.
Mosquitoes are attracted to perspiration, heat, and carbon dioxide. All of these are produced after exercising, so avoid outdoor exercise during peak mosquito hours (at dawn and dusk). You can also attract the insects to another carbon dioxide source such as a candle or camp fire so they are less attracted to you.
4.
Our bodies also release lactic acid after eating certain foods. Foods commonly believed to attract mosquitoes include bananas (or other potassium-rich food items) and salty foods.
5.
Avoid perfumes when outside. Using hand creams and lotions with a sweet scent can also increase your risk of attracting mosquitoes, so go for the unscented varieties during mosquito season. Try using unscented soaps when showering, too. Even though they’re rinsed off, the scent remains on your skin and attracts bugs.
6.
Be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors at dusk, or in areas with an especially high concentration of mosquitoes (woods, swamps, hiking trails). Keeping a barrier between yourself and mosquitoes is a simple and natural way to avoid bites. And use screens in all your home’s doors and windows during summer months.
7.
Planting marigolds, scented geraniums (rub the leaves on your skin, too), rosemary, catnip, peppermint, spearmint, daisies, verbena, spike lavender (not the sweet French variety), basil, thyme, garlic, allspice, cedar, and lemon grass around the yard naturally repels insects. Decorating with eucalyptus is also thought to be helpful. You can make your own insect-repelling sachets by drying the flowers and leaves from the above plants and placing them into small, hand-sewn cotton bags.
8.
The first step in avoiding the bite is to eliminate the local mosquito population at its source. Eliminate their breeding grounds. Mosquitoes use stagnant water for breeding, so drain any collections of stagnant water found in your yard, neighborhood or workplace.
9.
Apply bug-fighting oils topically to the skin. These oils include rosemary, lemongrass, citronella, lavender, etc. Researchers at Iowa State University found nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Natural repellents should be applied about every 2 hours to be most effective. You can make your own herbal repellents, but there are several different brands currently on the market. Additionally, keep in mind that repellents containing multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient because of the differences between insects. I have used Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent and have been very pleased with its effectiveness. Use lavender sachet bags to help repel bugs.
1 0 .
When preparing for a trip into an insect-dense environment, start taking homeopathic Ledum palustre 6C one day before your trip. Continue the dosage throughout the trip to help lessen your body’s reaction when a bite occurs. Ledum will not prevent bites, therefore repellents should still be applied. However, it will help start the healing process immediately and reduce swelling and itching.
Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies to Treat Insect Bites:
Apis mellifica 6C or 30C (use 200C if prescribed by your doctor): bee stings, wasps, mosquitos, bed bugs, fleas
Tarentula cubensis 6C: spider bites
Urtica urens 6C and Histaminum 30C: chiggers and jelly fish stings
Remove the stinger if this applies.
Apply an ice pack to the bite.
Mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste and apply to the bite.
Boiron’s Bitecare: A soothing, non-sticky gel that is absorbed quickly by the skin. It contains homeopathic remedies to help heal and relieve inflammation, pain, and itching.
Burt’s Bees Bug Bite Relief: Made with an all-natural blend of essential oils, this balm which comes in a lip balm-like applicator, is very easy to use and quickly soothes pesky bug bites. Camphor and menthol relieve pain and itching, while lemongrass, thyme, lavender and orange oils reduce discomfort. Apply directly to your bite or sting, rubbing gently, and reapply as needed.
When to Seek Medical Care
● Redness with or without pus, warmth, fever, or a red streak that spreads toward the body
● Open wound, which may suggest a poisonous spider bite
● Wheezing
● Shortness of breath
● Chest tightness or pain
● Sensation of the throat closing, difficulty speaking, or difficulty swallowing
● Faintness or weakness
● Infection
Great articles! Thanks for taking the time to write and publish them. :)
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Congratulations Naturopathic Family Care! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this exciting information.
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