Naturopathic Family Care News

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

Where oh where did 2011 go? It seems like it arrived one day and then was nearly over the next. Despite being so seemingly quick, 2011 was a pretty good year. We were very fortunate to have two excellent physicians, Dr. Retz and Dr. Purcell, join our office and both are now accepting new patients. We also continued to receive great feedback from our patients regarding the level of care they received at the clinic. Everyone at the clinic appreciates this feedback because we all aim to offer our patients with the highest quality medical care available. We will continue to do our best to help keep you healthy and happy in 2012.

The beginning of a new year is always a time of resolutions, and undoubtedly many people have vowed that this will be their year to get active and healthy. We feel the same way, and because we not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, several of us have committed to an 8-mile obstacle course race, named the Spartan Race. Dr. DiCampli, Dr. Marchese, Dr. Retz, Dr. Psenka, and our medic Mark Powell have all signed up. If you see one of these brave people make sure to cheer them on!

We have some events happening at the clinic in the next two months which may be helpful in reaching those resolution goals. On January 19th at 6:00pm Dr. Marchese will be hosting a talk on her famous 21 day detox. This is an excellent chance to come and learn the best way to go on a detox from an expert in the field.

Dr. Purcell author of the cookbook Feed Your Cells, is hosting a talk on February 15th. Dr. Purcell will be discussing how to prepare meals that will nourish your body and prevent disease. Below is a short article by Dr. Purcell explaining her thoughts on cellular nutrition.

If losing some weight and toning up your muscles in on your agenda for 2012, then our newest program at LMHC is for you. We have come up with a personalized diet and exercise program which teaches people how to eat for health and how to exercise safely and efficiently. Our program provides dietary guidance based on each person's individual metabolic needs. Learning how much to eat and when to eat is just as important as learning what to eat. It is just as important to know how to exercise correctly. Knowing how to exercise to achieve specific results without causing harm or excessive strain can make or break a new exercise routine. Weekly check-ins and in office exercise sessions help to keep participants on track. If dropping some weight, gaining strength, improving self esteem, and learning how to maintain these things far into the future, then this is the program you want to choose. Need one more reason to sign up? This six week program is 30% off until February 1. Call the office today to get started.

Feeding Your Cells

By Dr. Andrea Purcell

Have you ever thought about eating as feeding your cells?

Well that’s exactly what we are doing every single time we eat. When we eat we provide our body with healthy fats, clean proteins, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and minimal sugars. This allows for our bodies to run efficiently, cleanly, converting the food to energy, and eliminating the waste products.

Medical nutrition is the foundation of natural integrative medicine.

What we eat can either bring us closer to health or closer to disease based on what we choose.

Prevention through nutrition is incredibly powerful for decreasing inflammation in the body, hormone balancing and proper body weight control.

Being an advocate of natural medicine is so satisfying because when people regain their health, they have better, more fulfilling lives.

For years I have been assisting my patients with food plans, shopping lists, nutrition and dietary advice, and for years my patients have been asking me to recommend cookbooks for them.

The problem I encountered with most cookbooks is that they are slanted in a particular direction, for example, many of the recipes in vegetarian cookbooks rely heavily on dairy and refined carbohydrates. Today many gluten free cookbooks are gluten free but contain unhealthy sugar, oils, and more refined carbohydrates. As you can see this led to frustration for both my patients and myself.

After 10 years of private practice I decided to write my own cookbook. It is a gluten free guide to healthy eating.

It contains simple whole food recipes, and it gives easy kitchen tips for food preparation.

It is geared towards everyday people who want to use food to prevent disease. The focus is foods that are nourishing and anti-inflammatory. The goal is to help feed your body at a cellular level. Eating this way decreases body inflammation and promotes health.

So go ahead and start Feeding Your Cells, your body will thank you!

November's Healthy News You Can Use

2011-11-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings Health Seekers!

November is always a welcome time of year in Arizona. The summer heat has faded and it's once again possible to venture outside into the desert. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the time to start thinking about those New Year's resolutions is coming up fast. No doubt many people will decide that 2012 will be their year for health. Whether the goal is to eat healthier, lose weight, decrease stress, or get in shape we want you to know that our office is here to help.

We always seem to have a lot of things happening at Longevity Medical, and this month is no different. In the coming weeks we will begin offering a new physician supervised weight loss and exercise program. Our new program will teach people not only how to eat correctly but also provide a personalized exercise prescription complete with one-on-one physical training. Join Dr. Psenka on December 14th for a free introductory lecture. If losing weight and adopting a more healthy lifestyle is one of your goals for 2012, then you don't want to miss this talk.

We are also pleased to announce that Dr. Andrea Purcell, ND will be joining our practice in January 2012. Dr. Purcell is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and will be coming to us from a successful private practice in Orange County, California. Dr. Purcell has many interests in medicine including the use of ozone therapy, botanical medicine, prolozone, homeopathy, and women's medicine. Dr. Purcell has also recently published a cookbook titled "Feed Your Cells," which has many delicious recipes for healthy eating. Learn more about Dr. Purcell by reading her biography.

We're also very excited that Dr. Purcell, like Dr. Retz who is already practicing at our office, ambos hablan español con fluidez.

However, not everything about November is turkey and gravy....November also has the distinction of being Diabetes Awareness Month. In the US today there are roughly 26 million Americans who have diabetes, and there are another 79 million others who are at high risk for developing type II diabetes. Alarmingly, every 17 seconds another person is diagnosed. The most astonishing thing about diabetes is that this disease is largely PREVENTABLE. So, with the season of eating right around the corner, here is a quick calculation to determine how many calories your body really needs.

Step One: Convert your weight to kilograms by dividing by 2.2
Step Two: Men and women between 31 and 60 years old should then multiply their weight in kilograms by 0.0484 then add 3.6535.
Step Three: Multiple the total from step two by 240. This gives your basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Step Four: Adjust for daily activity level. Multiple the BMR by 1.1 for mild daily activity, 1.3 for moderate daily activity, and by 1.5 for strenuous daily activity.

The number generated in step four is an activity adjusted BMR. For most people this represents the number of calories needed daily to maintain their weight. Eat less than this to promote weight loss, or more to gain weight. Just don't forget to exercise too! to learn more about starting a personalized diet and exercise program be sure to attend our free lecture on December 14th.

Our resident detox doc, Dr. Marianne Marchese, has written an article this month on detoxification for Women's Health. Dr. Marchese will also be hosting a free lecture on detoxification and the best ways to implement a 21-day cleanse on January 19th at 6:00pm.

Detoxification for Women's Health by Marianne Marchese, ND

Chemicals in the environment can disrupt the normal activity of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones in women. These chemicals are known as “hormone” or “endocrine disrupting compounds”. Women are exposed to hormone disrupting compounds every day, often without knowing it. The exposure to chemicals is coming from numerous sources including;

1. Pesticides on found on fruits and vegetables

2. Non-organic meat and dairy products tainted with dioxins

3. Fish that have high levels of mercury and pesticides

4. Bisphenol-A and phthalates in plastic beverage bottles, tablecloths, shower curtains, and plastic food wrappings, and plastic food storage containers

5. Unfiltered well water and city water

6. Household cleaning products, cosmetics, perfumes, dry cleaning, carpet, and vinyl floors

7. Furniture air fresheners, mattresses, and shampoos

Studies have shown that low-dose daily exposure to these chemicals can affect women’s health. These chemicals affect the hormonal system leading to such conditions as infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, thyroid disease and more.

Chemicals that build up in the body will start to affect a woman’s health if they are not removed. The basic principle behind detoxification is to remove the toxins stored in your body. This is done by releasing chemicals from fat tissue, organs and extracellular spaces that have been stored for years. Once they are released, they will re-enter the blood stream and will be metabolized through the liver. This is where it is critical to support liver phase-one and phase-two detoxification pathways. Next, the organs of elimination need to be supported to get the toxic byproducts produced from the liver out of the body.

The four steps in detoxification include mobilizing stored toxins, supporting liver metabolism, elimination from the body, and avoid re-exposure to chemicals in the environment. The first part of detoxification involves getting the stored toxins to be released back into the blood stream. Dr. Marchese explains detoxification in depth in her best-selling book “8 Weeks to women’s Wellness” The book is available at Naturopathic Family Care or online at Amazon.

Dr. Marchese will be giving a free lecture on this topic and talking people through a 21 day cleanse Thursday Jan 19th2012 at 6pm at Naturopathic Family Care.

Naturopathic News October 2011

2011-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the October 2011 edition of our Naturopathic News. There are many things happening at the clinic this month, and lots of opportunities for healthy learning and living.

We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Michelle Retz, ND will be joining our practice this month. Dr. Retz has many medical interests, including metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Retz you can read her biography by clicking her e. She has also written a great article on colds and flus which is below.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Psenka has written an article covering some new research regarding a non-toxic treatment for hot flashes that can be safely used by women with breast cancer. Additionally, we have posted a lecture on preventing breast cancer that was presented at the Wellness Community last year by Dr. Psenka. He will also be presenting this lecture at our office at 6:30 on October 27th. This presentation is full of useful information about the best method for beating breast cancer- preventing it. If you can't make the presentation it can also be viewed here.

Every now and then we like to let our readers know about another Arizona business that we like. There has been quite a bit of research done lately suggesting that it is not just the exposure to environmental toxins that causes disease, but the timing of exposure as well. It appears that exposures during childhood may "set the stage" for future health problems. The potential to prevent children from experiencing future health problems was the driving force behind a new preschool that has moved into our neighborhood. Natural Choice Academy is Phoenix's first all-natural preschool. The school provides only filtered water, and serves organic foods planted by the kids and grown on site. The preschool was also built using only the least toxic materials available, from VOC-free paints, to organic bedding for all the cots and cribs. This is a great concept and kudos to the owners for making it happen!

Have you "liked us" on Facebook? You should. Last week we offered one hour massages for $40. Who knows what sort of special we'll post next week.....

Colds and Flus

by Michelle Retz, ND

We are quickly approaching cold and flu season. One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “Starve a cold and feed a fever, or feed a cold and starve a fever?” The answer is…, “Starve both!” Ironic as it may seem, a cold is NOT an illness, it’s a cleansing, detoxification process. A cold or flu is simply an acute presentation of an internal disease state, or a short-term state of toxins building up in the body.

Why do so many colds and flus occur in the fall and winter, in comparison to the warmer times of the year? There are several factors that contribute to this process. Simply getting a chill from the change in weather can cause a cold. Chills cause the blood vessels to constrict, making toxins less likely to be released through the skin. As the skin is the largest detox organ in our bodies, when it shuts off, toxins (from bacteria and viruses, as well as the environment) naturally build up. If the other detox organs, such as the liver and digestive system, can’t pick up the slack, they continue to circulate and be reabsorbed. If your vitality, or ability to heal, is low, say from overwork, poor diet, lack of sleep, stress or anxiety, nutrient deficiencies, lack of hygiene, lack of fresh air or sunlight, or lack of exercise, toxins are more likely to build up.

So is a fever a good or bad thing? A fever is a sign that the body’s vital force, its ability to heal itself, is working very hard to kill whatever bug or toxin is in the system. Bacteria and viruses love to live at 98.6 degrees, but they can’t survive at 100-103 degrees. So the body increases its temperature to kill the invader. The entire process of creating a fever to kill a bug may be a very unenjoyable situation, but perfect in its application. The trouble is, we are taught that fevers are a sign of increasing illness and an indication that we are losing the battle against the bug. NOT SO! Think about it…why would our bodies make us feel achy, lose our appetite, and want to do nothing more than lay around and sleep? So they can expend every ounce of energy getting rid of the illness. Your body is trying to stop you in your tracks so that it can solely focus on one thing, getting well.

Studies show that fevers are a good thing, and actually INCREASE survival. And suppressing fevers with Tylenol or Ibuprofen increases the time we are sick, and our chances of becoming severely ill, or even dying. There are some common fears surrounding fevers, like,”My child’s brain will boil,” or a fever seems dangerous, like the body doesn’t know what it’s doing. In truth, brains do not “boil” unless a fever gets above 106°F. There are safe ranges of fevers, and temperatures at which we should naturally begin to worry. A good, safe fever that will kill an infection is usually 102-103°F. However, I will caution you that a fever is no indication of how bad an illness is when it comes to little ones and the elderly. Toddlers will get an ear infection, have a fever of 105°F, and be up and running around. Adults usually make fevers around 100-103°F. Seniors may not make a fever, even if they are seriously ill. But in general, for good long-term health, it’s a good thing to get sick, cleanse, and spike a fever once a year. At the very least, it lets us know that we are healthy enough to get sick, and that our immune systems are healthy enough to fight infection.

How do we set ourselves up to be sick? Diet is a big one. During the summer we eat cold, sugary foods like ice cream, but in general we snack, eat hot dogs, and drink soda. Sugar is a #1 contributor to decreasing your immune system. Even 1 tablespoon of sugar can decrease your immune system for 8 hours! In the summer it’s hot, so it’s much easier for the body to stay at 98.6 degrees. But when fall comes, the body has to work harder to stay at that temperature. Anything that stands in its way of doing so must be eliminated, like toxins from bugs. So we usually get sick around the time that fall begins, it’s the body’s housecleanin g party. This simple, quick cleansing process helps the body to be better prepared to face the winter.

So we recognize this cleansing process as short-term illness, the common cold or flu. Toxins that build up start to interfere with the body’s normal function, which weakens the immune system. The body is clogged up! A bacteria or virus takes advantage of this situation, and comfortably settles into our system, creating an immune reaction, stimulating our bodies to get rid of it. This “cleansing” to us looks like a cough, runny nose, vomiting, or even diarrhea. We feel achy, fatigued, and lose our appetite. How could that possibly be beneficial? Your body doesn’t want you to spend energy on anything else other than fighting the bug. Your muscles become sore, you feel tired, and you don’t want to eat, because being active and eating foo d takes energy away from fighting an infection. And your body is doing everything it can to tell you to rest and fast, so that it can focus on ridding itself of this bug.

Even with our good intentions to be healthy, what are we doing wrong? Typically the things we’ve been taught to treat ourselves during illness actually go against the body’s ability to heal itself. Any over-the-counter medicines that suppress symptoms you have are suppressing your body’s ability to heal itself. Yes, you will feel better in the short-term, but your illness will last much longer than if you had just allowed your body the chance to fight the bug and heal itself, in the best way it knows how. Decongestants, antitussives , anti-diarrheals, drugs that reduce fevers, all prevent the body from getting rid of toxins from bacteria and vir uses. So you feel better sooner, and the bugs get to hang around longer, driving the illness deeper inside the body. Instead of your cold or flu lasting one week, it could last 3-6 weeks. And instead of having a simple head cold, you may wind up bronchitis or pneumonia.Suppression of the natural healing process leads to decreased immune factors, and a lack of excretion of infectious toxins, causing them to build up and damage more organ systems.

What will help your immune syste m fight harder? How can you get better faster? The best things to do when you’re not feeling w ell are common sense things we already know. And they are actually the most benefical, and effective. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat! Fluids, like water and teas, are important to keep us hydrated. If you begin to have an appetite, eat clean, and light: vegetable broths and soups, lightly cooked or steamed vegetables, white meats like turkey and chicken, brown rice, and avoid sugar, soda, alcohol, and caffeine. If you are achy, tired, or sleepy, REST! Your immune system is actually increased by 10 times if you simply lay down, even if you don’t sleep! So ignore our society’s standard that we must always go, go, go, no matter what is happening in our lives, and allow your self 2-3 days to pause, heal, and recoop. You will be healthy much faster if you do. Additi onally, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, nutrient supplementation and IV’s can be very beneficial, so please consult your naturopath to assist you in any way possible. Honor the process, and the wisdom your body was given to do the incredible things it does. As complex as we are, it’s amazing that we don’t break down at every second! So thank your body for ONLY having a cold or flu, in order to keep you as healthy as you can be, so you can continue to be your best.

Magnesium & Hot Flashes

By Jake Psenka, ND

Hot flashes are one of the most common and irritating conditions experienced by women. They are often experienced by women going through menopause and also frequently encountered as an unpleasant side effect of breast cancer therapy. Anti-estrogen drugs such as Arimidex and Tamoxifen are notable promoters of hot flashes.

The ideal treatment for hot flashes would be one that:

a) Was effective at decreasing both the frequency and intensity of the hot flash

b) Didn’t interfere with other drugs

c) Was safe and didn’t cause more problems that it was fixing.

Unfortunately, very few effective treatments are available which decrease both the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Occasionally SSRI drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used to control hot flashes. However, concerns exist about these medications interfering with the metabolism and effectiveness of anti-estrogen drugs including Tamoxifen. The SSRI drugs, which are mostly used to treat depression, also come with some less than exciting side effects of their own. Botanical medicines such as black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) are frequently used however there are some doctors have voiced concerns about the use of this plant in cancer patients. While botanical medicines are much less likely to have unpleasant side effect than drug therapy, they do not seem to provide reliable relief from hot flashes in all patients.

A study published recently in Supportive Cancer Care described magnesium oxide as a potentially effective treatment for hot flashes. Magnesium seems to be an ideal candidate, it’s very safe, doesn’t interfere with anti-estrogen therapies, and according to the study is relatively effective. This study used magnesium oxide at either 400mg or 800mg doses per day for 4-weeks in breast cancer patients. Both the frequency and severity of hot flashes were measured. Severity was assessed using a “hot flash score,” which was defined as frequency x severity.

The frequency of hot flashes decreased by 41%. There was also a 50% reduction in the hot flash score compared to baseline. Study participants reported improvements in sweating, distress, and fatigue. Two women reported experiencing headaches, and another two reported grade-1 diarrhea (diarrhea is graded 1-4 with 4 being the worst). Considering the effectiveness and excellent safety profile of magnesium, the authors concluded that this treatment was worthy of additional study.

A magnesium dosage of 800mg is considered to be an optimal intake by many healthcare professionals. It is also interesting to note that magnesium levels have been found to be decreasing rapidly over the past 100 years. Inadequate intake of foods containing magnesium is likely to be responsible for this. It is also important to point out that many drugs can induce a magnesium deficiency including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, and laxatives. Alcohol is another potent promoter of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is a very safe mineral, with diarrhea being the most frequently encountered side effect. Dosages of 800mg may produce loose stool in some people, with others being able to tolerate much higher dosages. This potential side effect can also make magnesium effective in some cases of constipation.

Remember, it is important to remember that when taking magnesium is it important to supplement with calcium as well. This is especially true for those who are post-menopausal, and those who have previously been treated with chemotherapy or radiation and are thus at increased risk for osteoporosis.

Reference: Support Cancer Care, 2011, 19:859-863.

August - National Immunization Awareness Month

2011-08-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our patients often come to us with questions about our stance on immunizations. The answer is that immunization choices are best made by the parents and what they believe are the best for their children. Our job are health care providers is to educate our patients so that they can make an informed decisions on what is best for their children.

To learn more about immunizations we invite you all to attend a free informational discussion hosted by Dr. Jesika DiCampli on Wednesday, August 24th 6pm at NFC.

In this edition of the NFC Newsletter:

Dr. DiCampli discusses possible adverse reactions to vaccines

Dr. Phranq Tamburri writes on the latest and cutting edge testing for prostate cancer risk assessment

And. . .

A Good Bye and Tribute to Dr. Konrad Kail by Dr. Shahrzad Orona
A pioneer and giant in the world of natural medicine, Dr. Konrad Kail died July 18, 2011, after a two and a half year battle with brain cancer.

To his patients, Dr. Kail was an invaluable asset. His combination of research and care combined with his background in conventional medicine and his innovation in natural remedies. Among his chief contributions were the NEAT allergy protocol and thyroflex device, which simplified and advanced treatment of often overlooked imbalances.

To his colleagues, Dr. Kail was a leader. Beginning his practice in the 1980s, when natural medicine was on the fringe of treatment in Arizona, Dr. Kail boldly established a clinic where eventually dozens of doctors would heal patients and hundreds of students would learn
his practices and discoveries.

Unlike many, Dr. Kail was unafraid to share medical knowledge and generously volunteered his findings and methods. On the myriad natural health boards he served, Dr. Kail patiently earned respect to accompany the fondness he engendered in fellow doctors.

And to his faith in natural medicine, Dr. Kail remained steadfast. He treated himself with conventional and natural methods, prolonging and enriching his last years to spend them with his beloved wife, Petie, with whom he built his medical legacy and beautiful life.

Could your child have an Allergic reaction to the aluminum in vaccines? by Dr. Jesika DiCampli

According to the European Journal of Pediatrics, there were cases of persistent pruritic nodules (intensely itchy lumps) at injection site reported after the use of several Aluminum adsorbed vaccines (DT/aP/polio+Hib) during vaccine trials in the 1990s (645 cases/76,000 recipients). Of these reactions, 77% were associated with aluminum allergy. Some children were skin tested for aluminum and all had positive reactions indicating delayed hypersensitivity to Aluminum. The median time between vaccination and onset of symptoms was 1 month, and symptoms can persist for up to 7 years.

The condition is important to recognize, as the child may suffer considerably. Future vaccinations with Aluminum containing vaccines may cause aggravation of the symptoms/allergy. Even though the incidence of itching nodules and aluminum allergy after administration of certain vaccines is probably low, research to replace aluminum containing vaccines seems appropriate.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16044278

Do you know the Arizona state vaccine requirements?
http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-vaccine-requirements/arizona.aspx

Come to Dr. DiCampli’s Talk on Vaccines to become more informed….

Latest News in Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment by Dr. Phranq Tamburri

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/cancer/story/2011/08/Urine-test-may-help-predict-prostate-cancer-risk/49790014/1

A new non-invasive test has been reported for the early detection and current staging of prostate cancer. It is a urine test called testing for genetic molecular by-products TMPRSS2: ERG and PCA3. Now, despite the cumbersome title, this test is really an enhancement of a fairly modern but obscure prostate cancer test that Longevity Medical Health Center has pioneered since 2007. The test referred to is the PCA3 test; this is the second part of the new test mentioned above. You see, the PCA3 urine test has been used in Europe for years as an advanced screening tool that had been found much superior to a simple PSA screen. Recent research has found the PCA3 molecular urine test to be between 65-75% accurate in predicting cancer of the prostate. In the challenge of determining true prostate cancer risk, these are welcome odds. However, they could still be improved. This is the exciting news reported last week in the journal “Science Translational Medicine”. As stated earlier the discovery is not only a new ‘brother’ to the PCA3 called the ERG urine test but a new use for integrating both tests. Since each test is related to subtle differences in prostate cancer risk, the real excitement in this discovery was that linking these 2 tests together could greatly potentate the cancer risk assessment. Unfortunately the ERG test is not yet available although the rare PCA3 test is. Longevity Medical Health Center and Prostate Second Opinions can perform the PCA3 test while giving our patients the first opportunity for the dual urine test once it is released. Please contact our staff or Dr. Tamburri for more information on receiving the PCA3 test.

July News!!!

2011-07-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Naturopathic Family Care and Longevity Medical Health Center is now offering sauna therapy. We are running speacials on sauna and massage packages through the end of July. Call the office for pricing and to schedule your sauna and massage appointment today!
(602) 493-2273

Coming up this July, Dr. Marianne Marchese, leader in Naturopathic Women's Health and Phoenix Magazine's Top Doctor for 2010, will be hosting one of her most popular and highly attended talks,

Flashes! and Sweats! and Dryness! Oh my!
She will be discussing everything you need to know about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause and Herbs.

Join us for this free health lecture at Naturoapthic Family Care.

Please RSVP for this event

Menopause and Bio-identical Hormones
By Marianne Marchese, ND
Author of 8 Weeks to Women’s Wellness: The Detoxification Plan for Breast Cancer, Endometriosis, Infertility and Other Women’s Health Conditions.
Menopause is a time of transition in a woman’s life. No two women enter into menopause the same and thus can not address the issues that arise with a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. Menopause is a normal part of the aging process that affects women in their 40’s and 50’s. The definition of menopause is the cessation of the menstrual cycle. It is not a disease condition, although is often thought of and treated as a disease. A woman becomes postmenopausal after going an entire year without a menstrual cycle. However, a woman may experience signs and symptoms of menopause years before the menstrual cycle actually stops.

Typical symptoms of menopause:
*Hot flashes
*Night sweats
*Insomnia
*Low libido
*Mood swings
*Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
*Hair falling out
*Joint pain
*Decreased memory and concentration

There are several treatment options available to women and as women become more educated about these options they often ask their physician which treatment is best for them. Most often it depends on a woman’s individual risk factors for breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and osteoporosis. Treatment options include bio-identical hormone therapy, botanical/herbal medicine, homeopathy, diet and nutrition, and nutritional supplements. Sometimes the best approach for managing symptoms is a combination or one or more treatments. Some physicians are not trained in all the possible treatment options and may not understand that some herbs interact with medications. A naturopathic physician is probably the best trained in all options available to women. www.naturopathic.org

What are bio-identical hormones?
For decades, women in the U.S. have been prescribed hormones for menopause. In 2001 all that changed with the release of the first large double-blind placebo controlled study on the use of hormones in post-menopausal women. This study was called The Women’s Health Initiative and showed that hormones use had a slight increase in breast cancer risk, stroke and heart attack. [1] However, this study was done using synthetic hormones. A very specific yet commonly prescribed formula of estrogens from horse urine, and synthetic progestins. This study was not done using bio-identical hormones which are very different.

Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as human hormones. In contrast, non-bioidentical, or synthetic, hormones are structurally different from the hormones a woman’s ovary makes. [2] Bio-identical hormones are made both by conventional pharmaceutical companies and compounding pharmacies. The bio-identical hormones made by conventional pharmaceutical companies come with limitations in dosages, and control of additives and fillers. Compounding pharmacies can formulate estrogen plus progesterone pills and creams, estrogen only pills and creams, and can add other bio-identical hormones such as testosterone and DHEA as determined by the physician. The compounded hormones come with unlimited dosing options and the ability to titrate the dose up and down depending on how a woman responds. [2] It allows for more individualization of hormone therapy.

Are bio-identical hormones safer and more effective?
In theory yes they are. But in reality we are just beginning to see research that includes the use of bio-identical hormones. Remember, synthetic hormones were the main choice for hormone therapy in menopause for decades. After the publication of the Women’s health Initiative study, more and more women turned to bio-identical hormones and thus the research has followed. A recent study showed that a combination of bio-identical estradiol, estriol and progesterone has positive effects on symptoms and less risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. [3] However, a study from 2009 showed an increase risk of ovarian cancer from the use of hormones in menopause regardless of the type of hormone used, (synthetic verses bio-identical), duration of use, or route of administration. [4]

Bio-identical formulas
A woman’s ovary in her younger years mostly produces estradiol (E2), progesterone and testosterone. Estriol (E3) is converted in the body from estriol. Estrone (E1) is the dominant hormone in menopause being converted from another hormone in a woman’s adipose tissue or fat. Most physicians no longer add Estrone to bio-identical hormones due to the slight increase risk of breast cancer from Estrone metabolites. So a formula typically consists of the two estrogens; estradiol and estriol. If a woman has a uterus she MUST have progesterone added to the formula to protect the uterus. Often times a doctor will add testosterone and DHEA as well. Keep in mind that bio-identical testosterone converts to estradiol thus increases the amount of estradiol and possible breast cancer risk. Bio-identical hormones formulation and prescribing can be confusing a woman should seek out a practitioner that has experience and training in order to formulate a product that is right for you.

Who is not a candidate for hormones?
*Personal or family history of breast cancer
*Personal history of ovarian or uterine cancer
*Known clotting disorder or history of blood clots
*Personal history of stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)
*Personal history of heart attack or high risk for heart disease

If you are not a good candidate for bio-identical hormones there are still plenty of options for treating the symptoms of menopause. These include herbal medicines, nutrients, amino acids, bio-flaviniods, homeopathic remedies, and of course diet and nutrition. The goal is to decrease the symptoms of menopause without causing any harmful side effects. At the same time protecting a woman from disease conditions common after menopause, such as osteoporosis, should be included in a comprehensive individualized treatment approach. Learn more at www.drmarchese.com

References
1. Rossouw JE, et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;288(3):321-33.
2. Sood R, et al. Counseling Postmenopausal Women about Bioidentical Hormones: Ten Discussion Points for Practicing Physicians. JABFM. 2011;24:202-210.
3. Holtorf K. The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy? Postgrad Med. 2009 Jan;121(1):73-85.
4. Mørch LS, et al. Hormone therapy and ovarian cancer. JAMA. 2009 Jul 15;302(3):298-305.

Take a Hike for Prostate Cancer
by Dr Psenka

A great study was published this June in the journal Cancer Research. This study looked at the relationship between exercise and the progression of prostate cancer. Previous research has already reported that vigorous activity reduces the risk of prostate cancer related mortality by 61%. There were 1455 men included in this new investigation, all of whom had biopsy-proven, non-metastatic prostate cancer. These men were given questionnaires covering the participants’ physical activity patterns. After a two-year time period the researchers found that the rate of prostate cancer progression was 57% lower among men who walked briskly 3 or more hours per week.

That’s worth repeating: A 57% reduction in prostate cancer progression from walking three hours per week!

This is just one more study showing that there are positive effects that can be had by incorporating exercise into a cancer treatment plan. Imagine a cancer therapy that could boost your immune system, inhibit cancer progression, and significantly reduce stress levels. Now imagine that this therapy didn’t cost anything. That’s exercise. No matter what a person’s exercise ability may be, there is always a way to begin receiving the many benefits of exercise.

2011-06-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

New Massage Therapist Joins the Team!

We are pleased to announce that licensed massage therapist and certified medical assistant Jacinta Tsosie has joined the office. Jacinta uses a variety of massage therapies including deep tissue,

Shiatsu, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and sports massage. Read more about Jacinta here.

Don't miss our great introductory massage special throughout the months of June and July. Call the office today for details and scheduling.

Bad Bugs Begone!

Recently on the news there were reports of an E. Coli outbreak in Germany that caused illness in an estimated 30,000 people. German officials fingered inadequately washed produce such as sprouts, cucumbers, and lettuce as the source of the bacteria. I also recently diagnosed a gastrointestinal parasite infection in a otherwise healthy patient. One of the possible ways this infection may have occurred was from not washing produce well. In light of both of these events I thought I would pass on an old vegetable and fruit washing tip that's easy, works great, and takes a minimal amount of effort.

Step 1: Fill up your sink with room temperature water.

Step 2: Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide.

Step 3: Add your produce.

Step 4: Let it soak for 10-20 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse and eat (a minimum of 4-5 servings per day)

Sauna Therapy Now Available at the Clinic!

We are excited to tell you that we are now offering sauna therapy to our patients. Saunas are an excellent way to address a variety of health problems. Saunas offer a relaxing and safe approach for promoting detoxification of a number of environmental toxins. Our new state of the art sauna uses infra-red carbon heaters to deliver a powerful and precise heat. The heaters in our sauna are the only heaters to have been researched and found beneficial for human health. In addition to providing heat, our sauna also has optional chromotherapy built in

Chromotherapy, aka. color therapy, uses specialized color-emitting lights to positively effect health.

While sauna therapy has been mainly used to treat toxicity issues, there are several common health problems that can be successfully helped with sauna use. Medical research supports the use of sauna therapy for congestive heart failure, hypertension, and chronic pain. Sauna therapy has been shown to increase quality of life in patients with type-II diabetes and to provide benefits people with asthma or chronic bronchitis. Several studies have found sauna therapy to be effective in alleviating rheumatic pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Sauna therapy has also been studied as an adjunct to chemotherapy as a way to improve the functioning of the immune system.

Sauna therapy is very safe and even enjoyable to receive. We are offering sauna and massage packages, as well as special detoxification IV's with can be paired with sauna use.

For more information about sauna therapy see our sauna page on the 4wecare.com website.

Are Your Allergies Making You Crazy?!?

2011-05-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is here, at last we can step outside and take some time to enjoy the sunshine and the warmer longer days.

However for many people this is not the case. For asthma and allergy sufferers spring can be a difficult time, as they struggle to control their symptoms.

In this edition of the NFC Newsletter Dr. Jesika DiCampli discusses the link between allergies and nervous system function in children and we also have some great information on how to beat asthma and allergies with Austin Air filters.

Helping to Fight Asthma

Today a staggering 24 million Americans suffer from asthma and nearly half of those are children.

It is generally thought the main factors that contribute to asthma are a combination of genetics and our environment.

Environmental factors include dust mites, pollution, pet dander, molds, tobacco smoke and chemicals.

Medications such as inhalers and steroids are used in part, to treat the condition. However sufferers must also avoid these environmental triggers, which is not always easy to do. By using effective air filtration and eliminating indoor pollutants, people can enjoy cleaner air and greatly reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

The filters used in Austin Air cleaners contain True Medical Grade HEPA and activated carbon, which is by far the most effective method of air filtration available. It is this filter technology, together with a unique 360 degree air intake design, that guarantees clean air is delivered faster and more efficiently than any other air cleaner on the market.

To learn more about Austin Air filters, the different types and cost, please contact our office 602-493-2273

FOOD ALLERGY, ADDITIVES, AND ADHD
Dr. Jesika DiCampli

This month the FDA has started investigating food dyes and children’s behavior. The age old question is can these additive dyes cause hyperactivity and behavioral issues? Some say yes and some say no. The Center for Science in the Public Interest wants the FDA to ban eight artificial food dyes particularly Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which make up 90 percent of the food dyes on the market. http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
Their stance is based on a 2004 meta-analysis. Many of the studies concluded that there, indeed, was a cause-and-effect relationship between food dyes and hyperactivity. The authors stated that dyes “promote hyperactivity in hyperactive children, as measured on behavioral rating scales” and that “society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified”.

Two recent studies sponsored by the British government on cross-sections of British children found that mixtures of four dyes (and a food preservative, sodium benzoate) impaired the behavior of even non-hyperactive children (Bateman, Warner et al. 2004; McCann, Barrett et al. 2007). As a result, the British government told the food and restaurant industries to eliminate the dyes tested by the end of 2009, and the Europe- an Parliament passed a law that will require a warning notice on all foods that contain one or more of the dyes tested after July 20, 2010. The notice states that the dyed food “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” (Parliament accessed February 20, 2010).

So why are we having such a difficult time warning/banning these substances in the U.S.? Maybe because it is more cost effective to use the artificial dyes than natural forms. Many companies that distribute to both England and U.S. have been recommended to use natural forms of dyes in England but will not do the same for U.S. unless required.

To learn more about how Additives, dyes, and other food sensitivities could be affecting your child come to Dr. DiCampli’s discussion
Are Your Allergies Making You Crazy?!? on Wed May 18th

Oh My Aching Head!

2011-03-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Most of us have experienced a headache at some point in our lives. Some of us more frequently than others. Figuring what is causing a patient’s head to hurt is enough to give a physician a headache.

The differential diagnosis for head pain ranges from trauma to tumor to tooth to tension to tryptamines. There are many more causes of a headache but they do not conveniently begin with the letter “T.” A sudden onset severe headache with no previous history of headache is usually cause to visit an emergency department. The root of chronic headaches is more complicated.

One of the best ways to help your physician find the cause of your pain is to keep a headache diary. A good example is available at http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/headache-diary

For women it is important to note where you are in your menstrual cycle. Migraines in particular have been related to low progesterone and other hormonal imbalances. Also note water consumption, environmental exposure (cleaning chemicals, dry cleaning, insecticides) and foods.

One of the most common causes of headache is dehydration. If your headaches come about the same time every afternoon, check to make sure you are drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Withdrawal headaches are common with caffeine and sugar users. When the brain is deprived of the level of these that it is accustomed to, the result is a headache. If the headache resolves with coffee or sugar, it is time to wean off.

True headaches fall into three broad categories: tension, cluster, migraine. Tension headaches are common to both men and women, occur daily, and are a dull steady ache over the whole head. Cluster headaches usually occur in men, happen once a week, last less than four hours, are one sided and are severe in pain (think being stabbed in the head with an ice pick.) Migraines are more common in women, occur less frequently, can be one or both sided, can last 72 hours and are moderate in pain level. Migraines are further divided into classic, common and complicated. Classic have an aura or prodrome that let’s the victim know it is about to attack. Common lacks this feature. Complicated has sensory and motor impairments with the headache. And all three types of headaches can trigger each other.

The mouth can be a headache in and of itself. TMJ, grinding the teeth, root canal issues, and poor gum health can all lead to headaches. Sinus congestion can also manifest as a headache. Malposition of the spine can lead to headaches as well as somatic dysfunction. A common description of a headache is starting at the base of the skull and radiating behind the eye. This is usually caused by an over-used splenius capitis muscle and injection therapy or physical medicine is often the best solution.

The treatment of headaches is as varied as the causes of headaches. Avoiding triggers, balancing hormones and maintaining proper hydration are good starting points. And while you and your physician are looking for the source of your headaches, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for symptomatic relief of headaches.

The Heart of the Matter

2011-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

This year at NFC we are putting more emphasis on patient education and providing events and other gatherings where patients and the community as a whole can not only receive education from health professionals but have a chance to connect with other individuals who might share in their health concerns.

This month we have Dr. Marie hosting a FREE BREAKFAST and FREE Cardiovascular lab testing Saturday, March 5th starting at 8am. Blood draws 8-9, breakfast starting at 8:15 and health lecture starting at 9am. Dr. Marie will also be hosting a free health lecture titled, Oh, My Aching Head! Thursday, March 24th 6pm at NFC. Space is limited so please call 602.493.2273 to RSVP.

To keep up to date on all the events at NFC visit our facebook page.

Cholesterol – It is more than just a number
Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD

Patient 1 has his blood work run and his total cholesterol is 182. Patient 2 has hers run and it is 232. We are told that total cholesterol should be less than 200. Who has healthier cholesterol levels and less risk for heart disease?

Trick question – without breaking down the total number into LDL, VLDL and HDL the number is useless.

Quick definitions:
HDL – high density lipoprotein. Considered to be protective against heart disease – often called the “good cholesterol.” The higher the number the better. Should be at least 45.
LDL – low density lipoprotein. Causes the formation of arterial plaque – the “bad cholesterol.” Should be less than 130, less than 100 is optimal.
VLDL - very low density lipoprotein. Considered even worse than LDL as a cardiac risk factor. Should be less than 29.

Back to the patients numbers:
Patient 1 HDL 12, LDL 135, VLDL 35 = Total Cholesterol 182
Patient 2 HDL 142 LDL 85, VLDL 5 = Total Cholesterol 232

Obviously Patient 2 has a much lower risk for heart disease even though her total cholesterol would be considered high. Interestingly, half of the people who have heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol levels.

There is more…
Trigylcerides, apolipoprotien, the size and the density of the LDL, remnant lipoprotein, homocysteine levels, c-reactive proteins, and insulin resistance all contribute to your risk of heart disease -- even more so than VLDL and LDL. These factors indicate when the conditions are most conducive to creating arterial plaque.

So why do we need cholesterol? Cholesterol is the building block for our hormones – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, aldosterone, and cortisol are all made from cholesterol. It is possible to have too little cholesterol especially through over supplementation/medication.

Bloodwork is available to test all these risk factors in addition to the HDL, LDL and Total cholesterol. These labs are a valuable tool since the strategy to reduce one risk factor is different for another. Diet and exercise should be the first line of therapy to reduce cardiac risk factors. As always, good medicine is not one supplement/drug fits all. Attend our talk March 5th to learn about your cardiac risk factors and create a plan to optimize your heart health.

Thyroid Awareness

2011-01-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

Most of you may or may not know what your thyroid gland does and how it can affect your daily life. Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation can all be associate with poor thyroid function. This month Dr. Marie will be hosting a free health lecture on Thyroid. Join her Thursday, January 27th 6pm at NFC.

Trends in Thyroid Disease by Dr. Marie

The incidence of hypothyroidism is steadily rising in the United States with women more commonly affected than men. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in adults is Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism – an autoimmune condition in which the person’s immune system makes anti-bodies to the thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s is often difficult to detect as many patients have a period of hyperthyroidism (high energy, weight loss) before their thyroid crashes and symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, constipation, weight gain, low body temperature and high blood pressure can set in. Many physicians just screen for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which is often normal in Hashimoto’s patients. Hashimoto’s often sets in after pregnancy even if the pregnancy is not carried to term or after a viral syndrome. Taking a thorough patient history and running the appropriate labs is crucial for early detection. Treatments like low dose naltrexone therapy can actually reverse the autoimmune process. Increasing plant sterols, avoiding goitragenic foods and eating an anti-inflammatory diet are good starts for treatments.

Sometimes hypothyroidism is simpler in that the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone (T4) The brain keeps sending the signal to produce T4 through TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) so lab results will show an elevated TSH. Many debates surround what is the ideal level of TSH for optimal thyroid health and this can differ from patient to patient.

The thyroid gland can be functioning normally but the thyroid hormone T4 is not being converted into T3, which is the usable form for the body. This can be due to selenium deficiency or impaired organ function.

To complicate matters further, sub clinical hypothyroidism often called Wilson’s Syndrome has normal lab values and is diagnosed clinically.

Patients require different treatments – some respond better to synthetic thyroid over animal derived thyroid. Some choose synthetic based on ethical, religious and personal preferences. Acupuncture, herbs, nutritional changes and supplementation can also alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

HYPOTHYROIDISM AND THYROFLEX by Dr. Shahrzad Z. Orona

Do you have any of the following symptoms?
More tired and sluggish than normal
Hair and skin drier than normal
Sleep more than normal
Colder than other people
Muscles cramp more easily
More depressed
Slower thinking
Eyes more puffy
Math is more difficult
Hoarse or deeper voice
Constipation
Heavy menstrual cycles
Sexual dysfunction or lack of drive
Puffy hands and feet
Easy weight gain

If you answered yes to more than 3 of these questions, you may be suffering from subclinical hypothyroidism. Left untreated, subclinical hypothyroidism can lead to increased risk of:
Sudden death
High or low blood pressure
High Cholesterol and other blood fats
Vascular disease
Diabetes
Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Arthritis and inflammatory diseases
Pregnancy Complications and Infertility

Just like any good detective uses numerous clues to find the facts and solve a crime, as your doctor I use a variety of tests to evaluate your thyroid function. These tests may include but are not limited to:

Blood tests: TSH, total T4, total T3, free T4, free T3, reverse T3
Antibody tests: microsomal TPO-Ab, thyroglobulin Ab
Basal body temperature
Thyroid Symptom Questionnaire
Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies
Thyroflex

Naturopathic Family Care was the first clinic to use the Thyroflex machine and continues to use it today. The Thyroflex machine is based on research that shows our reflexes are slower if our thyroid function is low. Thyroid treatment helps to normalize the thyroid and therefore the reflexes.

Thyroflex is a simple, non-invasive 4 minute reflex test that is done in our office to show if your thyroid function is normal or if you are on an appropriate dose of thyroid medication. A reflex hammer-like device is used on your brachio-radialis reflex, which is on your arm. A computer then calculates how quickly your reflex occurred.

Optimizing thyroid function greatly reduces your health risks and helps regulate hormones, neurotransmitters and immune factors. If you would like to have your thyroid fully evaluated, please call our office today and make an appointment with Dr.Orona.

Happy Holidays from NFC!!!!!

2010-12-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

The year is almost to a end and at NFC we are thankful for our patients who have become a part of the NFC Family and make our jobs so easy and rewarding. Naturopathic Family Care would like to wish all of you Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Here are a couple articles from NFC's own Physicians for the last edition of Naturopathic Family Care News.

See everyone in 2011!!!!

Detoxification for better health and wellness
By Dr. Marianne Marchese

Those of us living in Maricopa County might be surprised to learn that we-and our neighbors in Gila country-are exposed to more cancer causing chemicals than 90% of all other counties in the US. Very few of us recognize the year-round threat to our health and well-being that these chemicals pose. These chemicals are found in the water that we drink and the water we use to shower and bathe. They are in our air, food and products we use at home.

Normally our bodies are equipped to metabolize and eliminate chemicals. This is called detoxification. However, since we are bombarded with so many chemicals each day our body becomes overburdened with these toxins. There is hope. There are simple ways to assist the body in the removal of these chemicals and improve health and prevent illness and disease. Let me take you through a simple 3 week detoxification plan to improve your health and prevent disease. Learn more at http://www.drmarchese.com/

Holiday Wish List

By Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz

At this time of the year many become frantic searching for the perfect gift. Give the gifts that will inspire health (I have no financial interest in any of my suggestions.)

1. Shower filter. If you live in an apartment, condo, or don’t have complete filtration for your house, consider an Aquasana inline shower filter head. Reduce your exposure to chlorine, VOC’s and heavy metals. Your skin and hair will love it.

2. While you are installing the shower filter, add in a ShowerBreeze Oral Irrigator. It is basically a water pik system for your showerhead. Irrigate and keep your gums healthy. Get the extra long hose and your grout will never look better.

3. Staying in the bathroom – a bidet seat. We attribute the high incidence of hemorrhoids in the United States to our poor diet but culturally we have poor bathroom hygiene. If you got fecal matter on your hands, would you wipe it of with a tissue? The Euros have bidets; the Japanese have bidet seats. These seats attach directly to any standard toilet. Press a button and the nozzle comes out to wash the designated area. Fancy versions are heated, have dryers, and pulsing actions. Extremely helpful for urinary tract infections, candida, and hemorrhoids. Toyo and Church are common brands. Home Depot carries bidet seats.

4. Kitchen scale – portion distortion is the main reason for being over weight. For one month weigh your food and track how much you are actually eating.

5. Balance ball -- use it as your desk chair, sit on it while you eat or watch TV. Aside from building core strength, increased proprioception leads to an increase in mental function.

Celebrate your own health and enjoy your holidays.

Naturopathic Care: Don't Wait Any Longer to Feel Your Best!!!

2010-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

As always this edition of Naturopathic Family Care's Newsletter is filled with extremely useful and informative articles by NFC's own physicians.

Dr. Ross tells us about how poor sleep can be linked to many other serious health issues, Dr. Orona informs us of the how hidden allergic reactions could be affecting us and Dr. DiCampli explains how vital fish oils are for health and well being.

Dont miss out on the great info bellow!

If you have questions about any of the following articles or would like to speak to someone about Naturopathic Care in general, please call us at 602.493.2273

Weight gain, snoring and health risks:

Do I have sleep apnea?
Ross Kerievsky DC ND

Many people snore at night or wake feeling that they didn’t get a good night sleep. Is it possible that a poor amount or quality of sleep can affect your health and risk of developing high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes? The answer may be surprising. Recent research has been demonstrating that a poor sleep pattern or having undiagnosed sleep apnea can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

What is sleep apnea? To simplify things, sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked while sleeping. There are a number of factors that can be associated with having this occur including your weight, your sleep position, some anatomical soft tissue problems, etc. Also as you age, your risk for developing the problem can greatly increase.

A recent study found that your risk for having sleep apnea is approximately 57% if you are obese. That number jumps to between 75-98% if you are obese and diabetic.

While these numbers are sobering, there is good news. Firstly, if you are suffering from poor sleep, fatigue, snoring or waking unrefreshed, you need to have a health screen to see whether sleep study testing is warranted. If you also are overweight, obese or are suffering from hypertension, pre-diabetes or diabetes, this screen is even more vital.

Allergy Alert!
Shahrzad Orona NMD

Do fresh-picked peaches make you sneeze?

Does eating celery tickle your tongue?

Studies show that if you’re allergic to seasonal pollens, your immune system may mistake the proteins of certain raw fruits and vegetables for those in pollen, causing you to wheeze, itch or swell. These proteins are in fruit and vegetable skins, so cooking and peeling produce may help reduce reactions.

If you have experienced a rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling or difficulty breathing after eating certain foods, you should remove them from your diet.

People have experienced severe symptoms after exposure to even minute amounts of a food to which they are allergic.. A person allergic to wheat can have a serious reaction after eating french fries cooked in oil that was used to cook breaded foods.
Sometimes, certain foods cause symptoms that may be misdiagnosed. Heartburn often is misdiagnosed as too much stomach acid or the regurgitation of food into the esophagus when it really may be a food allergy. Other commonly misdiagnosed symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, constipation or canker sores.

If your symptoms indicate food allergies, we can do several different types of testing to determine which foods cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Allergies: what they may be associated with. . .

BirchApple: carrot, cherry, pear, peach, plum, fennel, walnut, potato, spinach, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, honey, celery, kiwi fruit, hazelnut, anise, coriander, cumin

Mugwort Sage: Celery, carrot, spices, melon, watermelon, apple, chamomile, hazelnut, anise, fennel, coriander, cumin

GrassPotato: Melon, tomato, watermelon, orange, cherry, peanut, celery

Ragweed: Chamomile, honey, banana, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, cantaloupe or other melon, zucchini

Latex: Avocado, potato, banana, tomato, chestnut, kiwi fruit, herbs, carrot

Peanuts: Legumes, grass, wheat, corn

Plantains: Melon

Cats: Camels (hair may be woven into rugs)

How Important is Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy, Infancy, and Childhood?

Jesika DiCampli, NMD

Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) most important benefit is to properly regulate immune function, metabolism, cellular fluidity, signaling, mediation, and gene expression. DHA has a positive effect on cell membranes and neurotransmitter signaling in the brain making it of significant importance to neural protection and development. Omega-3s also have a role in reducing many forms of cancer by increasing the rate of tumor cell death and reducing oxidative stress that contributes to the formation of cancer.

Omega-3s are converted to DHA & EPA as Omega-6s are converted into arachadonic acid. This means that EPA & DHA act to be ANTI-INFLAMMATORY throughout the entire body. In contrast, Arachadonic acid from O-6s is INFLAMMATORY.

Dietary sources of α-linolenic acid (Omega-3), the precursor of DHA and EPA, include walnuts, rapeseed and flax seed oils, and green leafy vegetables. However, the conversion from these foods to EPA & DHA can be challenging for most individuals who are deficient in an enzyme (delta 6 desaturase). This is why most Omega-3s must be obtained from fish which does not rely on delta 6 desaturase

The American diet is focused on grain products, dairy, and meats. This type of diet is heavy with omega-6 oils (saturated fats, vegetable oil, linoleic acid) and not the omega-3s (fish, a-linoleic acid). This western diet leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids causing elevated levels of O-6 versus O-3.

Most pregnant women avoid ingestion of fish due to the concern of chemical contaminants and high mercury levels. This imbalance of oils can cause an inflammatory effect through out the body and possibly contribute to infertility, preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, lower birth weight, post partum depression, and other complications.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids are selectively transferred to the fetus to meet the demands of rapid brain growth, and DHA accumulates in the fetal brain at a rate of approximately 15 mg/week. DHA is the predominant fatty acid found in the brain, requiring maternal mobilization of essential fatty acids at an estimated 70 mg/day. If there is a deficiency in maternal intake, a depletion can occur during pregnancy and lactation leading to an increased risk for depression.

Decreased Omega-3 oils in infants can contribute to allergic responses and suboptimal neurological development. Children who received DHA via cod liver oil from birth until age 4 had higher test scores reflecting mental development than children who received corn oil or no supplementation. Also, there is evidence that children with low O-3 fatty acid consumption was more at risk for developing attention and mood disorders.

How much Omega-3s should you and your children be ingesting? Find out! Dr. DiCampli offers EFA testing and she can determine the proper amount of Omegas that you and your family need, and which supplements are of the highest quality.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As this disease effects so many, it presents us with a good time to stop and think about what breast cancer awareness means? It can mean many things such as a pink ribbon, a 3-day walk, or giving a donation at the grocery store. It can also be an opportunity. At Longevity Medical Health Center we want to use this month not only to increase breast cancer awareness, but to promote breast cancer prevention as well.

We have some great articles this month:

Dr. Jake Psenka discusses breast cancer risk factors and outlines the premier breast cancer risk assessment- the MOM Panel.

Dr. Sean Rankin writes about getting back to the essentials of health.

Dr. Marie describes the Traditional Chinese Medicine view on breast cancer

The MOM Panel by Jake Psenka, ND

As this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I started thinking about what this means to me as a naturopathic doctor. The first thing that came to mind was the fact that breast cancer rates have been decreasing by approximately 2% every year since 1996. This is no doubt the result of the many great public education campaigns promoting early detection through regular check-ups and self-breast exams. Discovering and diagnosing breast cancer in it’s earliest stages dramatically improves treatment outcomes. These public awareness campaigns save lives, there’s no doubt about it.

However, even with increased public awareness about breast cancer, this disease continues to be a major health problem. The latest issue of the journal Cancer, as published by the American Cancer Society, just reported the 2010 cancer statistics for the US. This article reported that over 207,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and another 39,000 will succumb to their disease.

Currently, most efforts aimed at decreasing the incidence of breast cancer are centered on early detection and treatment of disease. As a naturopathic physician, I believe that one of the best ways to fight a disease is to prevent it from ever occurring. It has been estimated that roughly 85% of cancers are due to some sort of risk factor other than genetics. It is an established fact that the many breast cancers could be avoided if a woman’s risk factors were identified and corrected.

This is true even for women who have the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These two breast cancer genes confer an overall lifetime risk of developing the disease of 40-85%. This means that out of 10 women who all carry the genes between 4 and 8 of them will develop breast cancer. Ever wonder why there is such a difference between 4 and 8, or why 100% of the gene-carrying women don’t develop the disease? The answer certainly has something to do with risk factors.

There are also those women who have increased risk due to having a first-degree relative with breast cancer. Having a mother or sister with the disease does indeed place a woman at higher risk, even if the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are not present. At least part of this increased risk is likely the result of shared risk factors. Dietary and physical activity habits, as well as exposure to different environmental substances are often shared among family members, and especially among people living together.

The big question at this point is which risk factors should be the focus of a breast cancer prevention strategy? Diet and exercise should be given high priority, as the potential benefits of these two are well established in the medical literature. Hormone levels are another factor that should be assessed. Ideally this would include an assessment of both the “good” and the “bad” estrogens present in a woman’s body.

Another risk factor that has been well studied is anxiety. Chronic anxiety can promote a host of problems, which ultimately lead to a reduction in overall health. Many people consider anxiety to be a mind-body issue, and it is, but even anxiety can be measured by looking at things like cortisol rhythms.

Exposure to environmental risk factors also contributes to the development of breast cancer. Associations have been made between breast cancer and exposure to things such as solvents, pesticides, and aromatic amines. One of the reasons that these chemicals are dangerous is because they can act as “endocrine disruptors,” meaning that they can upset the hormone balance in a woman’s body. Studies have also shown that in some cases exposure to pesticides can double the risk for developing breast cancer.

While knowing personal risk factors can be scary, it also can be lifesaving. By identifying any risk factors present it allows a person to begin taking steps to minimize these risks. Below is a laboratory risk panel, called the MOM (because it's what I'd give my mom), that I have put together based on a review of the medical literature concerning breast cancer risk.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Panel:

1. Body mass index to determine lean body mass and fat mass.

2. Omega-3-Fatty Acid analysis for essential fatty acid concentrations/ratios in the body.

3. Salivary cortisol as a way to determine the effects of anxiety on the body.

4. Comprehensive hormone panel including estrogen & estrogen metabolite assessment.

5. Environmental exposure panel including chlorinated pesticides, solvents, and aromatic amines.

6. Detoxigenomic panel for assessing genetic detoxification potential.

7. BRCA1 and BRCA2 – the breast cancer genes.

This panel represents a very detailed analysis of a woman’s breast cancer risk factors- consider it a “nothing held back” approach to risk assessment. The entire panel might not be right for every woman, and each test could be individually used depending on a woman’s history and lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more about this panel, a particular test, or about cancer prevention in general please consider me a resource.

So what does Breast Cancer Awareness month mean to me as a naturopathic physician? It’s an opportunity to educate moms, sisters, daughters and wives about they ways that they can prevent breast cancer.

Getting Back to the Essentials of Health
by Sean Rankin, DC

The American Cancer Society estimates 209,060 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer between men and women in 2010. This figure is up from the 194,280 cases diagnosed in 2009. The number of people diagnosed with breast cancer has risen in the last year as has the number of people in the general population. More people = more diagnosed cases. An increase in the population is not the only increase we are seeing. The factors that impair the body's ability to function, destroy health, and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer are escalating as well. More and more people are being diagnosed as overweight and obese, the number of people taking medication and the amount of medication people are taking is increasing, and the daily stress load along with environmental toxins and the number of vaccinations is also rising. Unfortunately, the number of people performing regular exercise is decreasing, as is the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.

What does this all mean? Simply, as the health of our environment declines so does the health of our body. If we look around it is not just the incidence of cancer that is on the rise it is the incidence of ill health overall that is on the rise. We desperately need to get back to the basic fundamentals of health and we need to do it soon. In a country where more than half the people rank chronic illness as their top fear isn't it time to take back control of our health?

Join me on October 23 at 11:00am to learn what you can do to take back your health and regain your life.

Chinese Medicine and Breast Cancer
by Marie Niechwiadowicz, ND

In Western medicine, breast cancer is attributed to lifestyle, diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, environmental factors, and genetics. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. According to the CDC in 2006, 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer with 40,820 women dying of breast cancer.

In traditional Chinese medicine, breast cancer is called "Ru Yan," or "breast stone." Chinese medicine believes that the fundamental cause of breast cancer is emotional disturbances such as excessive thinking or anger, which lead to functional disorders of the Liver and Spleen. A common causative pattern is that excessive Heat from a deficient Liver, combined with Phlegm Dampness due to Spleen dysfunction, results in the blockage of Chi and Blood, which then "condenses" into breast cancer. Another common causative pattern is when Liver Deficiency and Kidney Deficiency lead to Chi and Blood Deficiency. Chronic Chi and Blood deficiency then leads to Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis, which causes the formation of lumps in the breast. A third pattern is when Qi Stagnation and Phlegm accumulation lead to excessive Heat toxins, which then turn to hard breast lump masses.

Traditionally, four patterns of breast cancer are differentiated and treated: Liver Qi Stagnation (hard masses without pain and redness); Phlegm Heat Obstruction (hard masses with sharp pain and redness and swelling); Liver Kidney Deficiency (hard lumps with swelling and a dimpled appearance of the breast skin, discharges and indentation of the nipple); Qi Blood Deficiency (hard lumps with swelling, ruptured abscesses, spreading to the surrounding areas).

The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) through out the body. The liver stores the blood and provides the mind with intuition and inspiration. The emotion associated with the liver is anger. If this anger is not expressed, the flow of qi and blood stagnates causing the fore mentioned patterns of breast cancer. The liver channel also terminates underneath the breast and can become blocked through under wire bras and shallow breathing.

While it is overly simplistic to say emotion causes cancer, western medicine has identified a Type C personality. This personality may be characterized as someone who responds to stress with depression and a sense of hopelessness. Type C personalities have a tendency to be introverted, respectful, eager to please, conforming and compliant. While correlation is not causation there is significant correlation between the Type C personality just as there is correlation between Type A personality and heart disease.

Since Chinese medicine represents a holistic model of health where as Western medicine is reductionistic, it is valuable to look at emotional factors in breast health rather than deconstructing the individual to just risk factors and symptoms.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER?

LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DOCTORS?

PLEASE CALL US AT (602) 493-2273

www.4wecare.com

SEPTEMBER - Prostate Cancer Awareness & Cholesterol Education Month

2010-08-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

This month we've put together another health-promoting, super informative newsletter. We also have some exciting news about things happening at the clinic.

First and foremost we are very happy to introduce a new member to our health care team, Dr. Sean Rankin, DC! You can learn more about Dr. Rankin and his treatment style by reading his biography below.

We also have several great articles for your reading pleasure this month:

Dr. Jesika DiCampli discusses cholesterol issues in children
Dr. Ross Kerievsky weighs in on fats vs. carbs for weight loss
Dr Tamburri highlights the recent Arizona Prostate Cancer Seminar

We will also be participating in this years Ultimate Women's Expo in Phoenix Sept 18th and 19th. This promises to be a great event. Stop by our booth for your chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Our
New Physician- Dr. Sean Rankin, DC

Dr. Sean is an expert in a type of Chiropractic care that takes into account each patient's unique individuality and bio-energy. He uses techniques such as Applied Kinesiology and Touch for Health which employ muscle testing to isolated muscles and in a particular sequence to impart information about the function of that muscle and its relation to a specific organ system. This approach provides a great low-force manipulation of the body and helps to realign the body's energy fields. To learn more about Dr. Sean and the services he offers please contact our office and we will be happy to provide information about his type of Chiropractic care.

Should you be concerned that your child could have high cholesterol?
by Dr. Jesika DiCampli, NMD

In 2007, the AHA released a scientific statement regarding lipid abnormalities in children. Fatty streaks are the first lesions in the progression to coronary atherosclerosis. According to the American Heart Association, research has found that up to 50% of children have at least some degree of aortic fatty streaks by 3 years of age, and these fatty streaks increase after 8 years of age. Fatty streaks can progress to fibrous plaques in the coronary arteries, and these plaques have been demonstrated on autopsy in 8% of children and adolescence.

The prevalence of lipid abnormalities in children is increasing, primarily in association with the concomitant epidemic of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. While the AHA does not recommend screening ALL children, those that are overweight or whom have a positive family history, recommend cholesterol screening in children and adolescents. Overweight children should also be screened for other aspects of the metabolic syndrome (blood pressure levels, elevated triglycerides, and high fasting glucose levels).

The AHA statement discusses the use of lipid lowering drug therapy for children and adolescence. Lifestyle modification including diet and exercise should be implemented for children as initial therapy, but statin drugs, for children who meet the criteria, are the first-line lipid-lowering therapy.

Drug Therapy of High-Risk Lipid Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents

A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, and Obesity in Youth Committee, Council of Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, With the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing

Brian W. McCrindle, MD, MPH, Chair; Elaine M. Urbina, MD; Barbara A. Dennison, MD, FAHA; Marc S. Jacobson, MD, FAHA; Julia Steinberger, MD, MS; Albert P. Rocchini, MD, FAHA; Laura L. Hayman, PhD, RN, FAHA; Stephen R. Daniels, MD, PhD, FAHA (Circulation. 2007;115:1948-1967.)

Since 2007, the AHA has begun to investigated possible noninvasive tools for assessing atherosclerosis in children. Mainly, they are focused on implementing more clinical research on the subject.

The question is how can you prevent heart disease in your children? The answer is with lifestyle modification, NOT DRUG THERAPY. Come to gain more insight from Dr. DiCampli’s talk on Keeping Our Kids Healthy and Happy.

Which is better? Low fat or low carb for weight loss?
by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, DC ND

A recent study in the August issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at approximately 300 obese patients over two years on whether a low fat or low carbohydrate diet is more beneficial. The results were somewhat surprising.

Both groups had an average weight loss of 24 pounds in the first year and 15 pounds in the second year. What was interesting was that the low carb patient group had some increased benefit vs. the low fat in their cholesterol numbers. They saw an early decrease in their VLDL and triglyceride levels. They also saw an increase in their HDL numbers. There were also some mild unpleasant side effects for being on the low carb diet including bad breath, constipation, hair loss and dry mouth.

The amount of carbohydrates that were used in the study was 20 grams per day for 12 weeks with slowly increasing amounts in later weeks. The low fat group was restricted to 1200-1500 calories for women and 1500-1800 calories for men.

In my opinion, this study sheds light on the fact that both low carb and low fat diets can be helpful in obese patients for losing weight. In my opinion, a combination of these two diets may be the best option for achieving the reduction in cardiovascular numbers such as blood pressure and lipid levels while maintaining the ability to have complex carbohydrates in the diet. Hopefully future studies can shed light on this topic.

I treat patients medically with nutrition programs that are a combination of a Mediterranean lifestyle and a restriction in simple carbohydrates. This dietary plan seems to work well with many patients to help achieve their weight loss goals and reduce their cardiovascular risk markers. For more information on a specific plan for you, please feel free to contact the office for an appointment with me.

Longevity Medical Health Center Leads Further Into Integrative Medicine
by Dr. Phranq Tamburri, NMD

Last weekend our men's health and prostate expert Dr. Tamburri was a featured speaker at the prestigious Arizona Prostate Cancer Seminar held at the Wellness Community in downtown Phoenix. He shared the stage with three other top physicians in the area of urology. This included Dr. Murty, MD, MPA a certified radiation oncologist, Top Doc Dr. Larry Bans, MD a urologist known for early promotion of active surveillance, and lastly a true celebrity doctor, Richard Ablin, PhD who is famous for discovering the PSA blood test for prostate cancer. Dr. Ablin had become infamous recently due to his industry shattering research that his own test, the PSA, harms more men than it saves. Dr. Tamburri spoke primarily about the highly regarded Advanced Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment protocol for assessing a higher degree of cancer mortality and overall risk for both biopsied and non-biopsied ‘prostate cancer’.

Although not planned, all four lectures began revolving and complementing each other. This was mainly with regard to the evolving and forthcoming new standards and interpretation of the PSA. Dr.Ablin’s recent explosive Opinion Editorial to the New York Times this year was the highlight for the event. The renowned medical researcher reviewed his detailed data backing his editorial. Most interestingly the audience, made up mostly of prostate cancer survivors, did not strongly argue with his premise but appeared to follow along in agreement. Dr. Tamburri followed next explaining real world clinical examples of the faulty PSA discussed earlier. Dr. Tamburri's assessment of these clinical concerns of whether or not a cancer requires surgery, radiation, or natural treatments led into the third lecture by Dr.Bans. He discussed the conservative uses for radical prostate surgery. Similar integrative points were brought up by Dr. Murty as he reviewed various forms of radiation treatments.

What stood out from this medical gathering was the uneventful notice of the integration and respect between various fields in prostate cancer (PhD, medical surgeon, radiation oncologist, and naturopathic medical doctor). Most significantly was the recognition and acknowledgment that each of these disciplines, represented by current professionals, were coming to similar conclusions with regard to the future assessing of prostate cancer. This is not only benefits the future of integrative medicine but moreover is a victory for patient care.

To learn more about how Dr. Tamburri can help to differentiate between aggressive and more common low aggressive prostate disorders (surgery vs. drugs vs. natural) please visit our home page and click on Dr. Tamburri name on the doctors menu. Feel free also to contact our staff to inquire about the advanced Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment @ 602-493-2273.

AUGUST - Pain Awareness Month at NFC

2010-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Pain is something we are all very familiar with, some obviously much more than others, but pain is a daily reality for far too many of you and your loved ones. Pain is also major symptom in many medical conditions, and can significantly interfere with a person's quality of life and general daily functioning.

Naturopathic Family Care and our physicians provide several options for pain relief and management ranging from nutritional support, massage, acupuncture and prolotherapy. This is not to say that traditional pain relievers are not utilized however, just as with any other Naturopathic approach to health care, the goal is to help the body heal itself so that surgical options and medications are not necessary.

If you would like to learn more about natural options to pain management please join us for a FREE informational discussion on The Natural Approach to Freedom from Pain hosted by Dr. Marie August 19th at NFC.

Problems in Pain Management
Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz

My biggest problem in my experience in treating injuries, chronic pain, acute pain, headaches, fibromyalgia through a variety of modalities, is that I rarely see my patients more than 3 times. Maybe 6 visits on the outside. Sigh. I like my patients. I miss them. . .

The 30 yo boxer with a medial meniscus tear that recovered after three prolotherapy injections.

The 70 yo laborer who can now get his arms above his head after three prolotherapy treatments.

The 42 yo martial artist with heel pain that improved after platlet rich prolotherapy.

The 75yo woman who got to cancel her hip replacement surgery after a progenitor cell injection.

The 24 yo fibromyalgia patient who no longer needs her handicap plates after acupuncture treatments.

The 45 yo classical guitarist that no longer has rheumatoid Arthritis after IV therapy and low dose naltrexone.

The list goes on. The list is long. I fear the front desk staff no longer likes me because there is constant new patient paper work and more and more charts to file. Follow up phone calls are something like this: “Is this (insert patient name)? No? She doing a triathalon? Well if she has any new concerns please have her call the office.” Maybe I could have a prolotherapy reunion. But who goes to the doctor when they are well? Maybe I should go back to treating professional athletes as they are prone to injure themselves multiple times.

And it is not placebo effect – I’ve seen pre and post treatment MRI’s that show regrowth of articular cartilage of the knee, healed rotator cuff tendons and repaired ACL tears.

The “prolo” in prolotherapy means proliferation. This injection therapy helps structures regrow becoming stronger and pain free. Even after the last treatment the healing effects of prolotherapy continue.

In some cases platelet rich prolotherapy is a better choice. New technology has made this more affordable and accessible to patients. Your blood is drawn and spun down to the platelets to concentrate your growth factors. This is particularly helpful for structures with very little blood supply (like a meniscus) or more severe injuries. This is similar to surgeries where a blood clot is sewn into a meniscus or labrum to create the regrowth.

I am very excited to be able to offer progenitor cells injections for more severe degenerative conditions. Progenitor cells are cells grown in a lab and differentiated to regrow bone, nerve, connective tissue etc. Orthopedic surgeons frequently paint the tibial plateau and patella after knee surgery with progenitor cells differentiated to regrow bone.

Maybe I should call my treatments “Non-surgical orthopedics?”

What you can expect in your treatment plan is an initial evaluation of your pain including any imaging. It is always helpful to bring any imaging you have. If you are a candidate, you will receive 3 treatments in two weeks. Usually the first treatment is on the first visit. The treatment is an injection of a customized prolotherapy solution into the affected area. After the third we will take two weeks off and you will be re-evaluated. You may need a second round of injections if the injury is more severe.

Then your pain is gone and you never call, you never write. At least wave as you are blowing past me up Camelback Mountain.

Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz

Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Marianne Marchese, ND

Microcurrent is a physical therapy modality that has been in use for over 16 years. Microcurrent is measured in millionths of an amp so you do not 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.

Microcurrent applied to tissues supports the natural current flow in the tissue, allowing cells in the area to regain their capacitance. Trauma, injury, and illness affects the electrical potential of the damaged tissue.

Microcurrent is used for?

Myofacial pain (fibromyalgia)
Inflammation and Spasms
Muscle and joint pain
Neuropathy, numbness, tingling
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Constipation
Multiple sclerosis
Many others……….

Tourette Syndrome:
A Holistic Approach from a Naturopath with the Disorder
Dr. Phranq Tamburri, NMD

Introduction:
Although my focus is primarily prostate cancer assessments, on occasion I receive a patient with Tourette Syndrome due to my lifelong experience with it. Tourette's is a syndrome. A syndrome, by definition, means that the defined condition (Tourette's, carpal tunnel, adrenal fatigue, ADHD, etc.) is defined by having a specified number of qualifying symptoms. There may be numerous signs or symptoms associated with a particular syndrome however a patient need only to present with a set number to receive the diagnosis. Tourette's has many but most notably include vocal and / or motor tics, ADHD, hyperactivity, obsessive compulsive disorder, and in more acute forms, coprolalia (uncontrollable swearing). It presents in childhood, worsens during puberty, then often calms down in later life. For adult patients with mild to moderate forms, they tend to accommodate to it fine. The problem however is first diagnosed when a child. Without prior experience to the syndrome, it is typically a very unsuspecting shock by parents to suddenly see their child act in such abnormal ways. In addition, the child is unaware of these suddenly developing impulses and inexperienced with methods of handling the situation, especially in public.

Approaching the Condition:
I have yet to find a cure for this condition. The TSA (Tourette Syndrome Association) has spent decades with research however the medical 'smoking gun' is still elusive. There seems overall to be a hardwired dysfunction in brain chemistry (likely linked to dopamine) that cannot be changed. However it may be modified and affected in various ways. Some have suggested that a virus or a bad streptococcus infection as a baby may have caused permanent damage to this specific region of the brain. There are numerous neurological medications that can be tried, from Haldol (an anti-psychotic), SSRI's like Prozac, to even nicotine patches, yet they each carry significant side effect profiles and seriously question their use when the Tourrete Syndrome eventually becomes part of ones 'normal' life.

The most difficult time is at early diagnosis disorder. Concerned parents are often startled and wish the best for their child to rid them of this condition that they almost always wade into the realm of neurological drugs. It has been my personal and clinical experience that every case of such drug usage concluded with the parents eventually succumbing and removing these drugs, often with regret due to the significant negative behavior changes or low immunity in their child. Despite the presentation of the disorder with children (physical tics, grunting, etc.,), my best overall advice is that, unless the child is deeply affected, you really only need to treat the parents! Tics can look quite serious and alarming... and embarrassing. This however is mostly from the point of view of the average person, again especially the parents. Believe it or not, aside from the Syndrome being occasionally annoying, many to most Tourrette individuals are just fine as I stated before.

Tourrete Advantages?:
Years ago I had the pleasure to have met Dr. Bill Mitchel, a highly respected national naturopath. We discussed Tourrette Syndrome over dinner once where he personally noted from his own practice how Tourettes patients tended to be overly quick thinking, deeply knowledgeable (great mental retention) and creative. He thought it was from the brain constantly racing for their entire lifetime, where it is hard to 'shut off'.

Although I cannot objectively comment on the former observation, I can personally attest to the latter. My mind seemed to constantly race compared to my peers growing up. If I did not consistently have some form of intelligent mental stimulation to concentrate and divert my attention then my tics would worsen. There is a feeling of 'tripping over ones mind' that seems to lead to tics. As a result growing up, starting even at age 7, I would constantly read newspapers, listen to talk radio, ask (too) many questions of teachers, listen to adults talk over dinner, and stay up late to watch evening news programs. Video games, 'studying' complex music on headphones, art, acting, and numerous other creative endeavors were common not only incessantly pursued by myself but observed in other children wrestling with coping mechanisms for the disorder. So I believe what physicians like Dr. Mitchell eventually observed in older Tourette patients was the cumulative result of a lifelong pattern of tic diversion through ongoing mental stimulation.

Some negative side effects of this mental activity can be irregular speech patterns, quick talking, and switching topics quickly. It also can manifests in insomnia if one does not calm the mind nightly. However it is advised to focus upon the positive side effects not only for their self esteem but to keep the child (and parents) attitude of the Syndrome from being 'learning disabled' but instead to be empowered by it.

Treatment Strategies:
Join an intense sport like track, biking, rock climbing, or swimming that saps the tic energy and allows amelioration during such exercise. Martial arts or boxing are personal favorites since it further boosts ones self confidence that they will need through life, especially going through puberty. Other good focused activities that are non-athletic include playing musical instruments, painting, Internet surfing and especially video games.

Some doctors have had some success with the amino acid L-Glycine that cuts down anxiety pressured tics. Some have experimented with the powerful herb Rauwolfia since along with dropping blood pressure it reduces dopamine levels (one hypothesized culprit for these tics). Neurotransmitter testing (available at this office) is a great place to start when either newly diagnosed or after long term treatment from conventional neuropathic drugs. Overall diet is important. Ensure the patient is off stimulants and caffeine. As incredible as it sounds, one teenager saw me for worsening tics when his neurologist couldn't help. After a long intake I found he drank 3-4 Red Bulls/ day! His MD never asked him nor told him the effects of caffeine. Some patients have found allergy testing helpful. If the tics are very physical and hard on the muscles then consider massage, especially for headaches after long days of tic outbursts or even from 'holding them in'. If there are strong vocal outbursts then consider meditation and/ or hypnosis techniques to help control them. Vocal tics are the hardest to control but tend to lessen after the hormonal storm of puberty. Remember however that the MORE pressure society, and especially parents, put onto the individual to be 'normal', the greater the anxiety and hence the tics. Don't allow that pattern.

Phranq D. Tamburri, NMD

(Dr. Tamburri is available by special appointment to consult or present on Tourette Syndrome. Please contact the office manager for details.)

July News!!!

2010-07-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

In this edition of the NFC newsletter Dr. Orona, Dr. Psenka and Dr. DiCampli all give us wonderful information to help us protect our children's health and safety this summer. Also, Dr. Kerivesky outlines some of the lesser known applications of chiropractic care.

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

June News!

2010-05-24T11:29:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost here and all of us Phoenicians know that with the summer months come the infamous high temperatures. So, the questions is, how dangerous is the sun exposure for those of us that reside in the valley? Dr. Marie addresses this issue in the article below. Dr. Tamburri and Dr. Najeeullah will also be giving us useful information on prostate screening and possible causes and treatment for pain and fatigue.

This month don't miss out on the free health events that will be held at NFC!

Thursday, June 17th Dr. Najeeullah will be speaking on:
Treatment Options After a Lumpectomy

Wednesday, June 30th Dr. Tamburri will be discussing:
Recent Changes in the Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

The Sunscreen Dilemma
by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD

The sun has long been considered the source of life and a provider of energy. We need sunlight to make Vitamin D which benefits the immune system, bone health, and cardiovascular health. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce depression and possibly prevent cancer while Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to multiple sclerosis, osteomalacia, and delayed calcification of bones in children.

Many of you reading this are taking a Vitamin D supplement and since Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is possible that this supplementation can cause toxic levels of Vitamin D. However, Vitamin D produced through sun exposure does not carry the risk of toxicity because after 20 minutes in the sun your body has already produced all the Vitamin D you need and any further exposure will degrade extra Vitamin D. 20 minutes of sun exposure provides the equivalent of 10,000 to 25,000 IU of oral vitamin D depending on the amount of pigment in your skin. If you want to get your Vitamin D from food, you would need to eat 35oz of wild salmon a day to equal 20 minutes of sun exposure.

The caveat – what about skin cancer? It is important to remember sun exposure does not equal skin cancer but sun damage increases the risk of skin cancer. It is possible to get healthy sun exposure without damaging your skin. First, assess your skin on the Fitzpatrick scale – type 1 is very fair, always burns and is likely to get skin cancer. Type 6 is very dark, never burns and is unlikely to get skin cancer. If you are a type 1 and have no pigment, minimize your exposure, avoid peak times, use shade and clothing as protection.

Why no mention of sunscreen? Most sunscreens contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and or benzophenone-3. Both have been linked to endocrine cancers and hormonal issues. Fragrances in sunscreen and other beauty products has also been linked to reproductive health problems. If your sunscreen has insect repellant, the sunscreen can cause too much insecticide to be absorbed in your body. With powder and spray sunscreen, you have increased your absorption of these harmful ingredients by inhaling the sunscreen.

Many common sunscreens were shown to be ineffective at blocking the sun as well as being toxic – Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat were found to be unsafe and ineffective. According to the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic database (ewg.org and cosmeticdatabase.com), the top three safest and most effective sunscreens were Blue Lizard, California Baby, and CVS with zinc oxide. I recommend visiting the website for the entire list to see where your sunscreen falls in the safe and effective range.

Having a diet high in anti-oxidants reduces any oxidative stress from exposure and damage. As with most things in life, moderation is the key. Avoid sun damage but don’t avoid the sun. If you have a past history of sun damage check your skin for suspicious growths, and if you are over 40, have annual skin exams. Remember ABCDE: Asymmetry, irregular Border, change in Color, Diameter greater than 1/4inch, Evolving over time. Always report any suspicious lesions to your physician. Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancers.

Recent Prostate Cancer (CaP) Screening and PSA Guideline Changes
by Phranq D. Tamburri, NMD

This blog entry is important for men. It regards prostate cancer screening, and new insights into the management of prostate cancer that has occurred in only the last 3 months.

The PSA (prostate specific antigen) and digital rectal exam (DRE) recommendations for CaP (prostate cancer) screening have been recently challenged by the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Congress, and even the discoverer of the PSA himself! Recently they each are coming to a similar conclusion that the current screening method (simply a PSA and/or DRE) is not sufficient enough to give medically reliable information to warrant its overall cost in both dollars and side effects to the patient. As mentioned, the discoverer of this test, Dr. Richard J. Ablin in an astounding Op-Ed piece to the New York Times on March 9, 2010, called the PSA today, “a hugely expensive public health disaster”. Therefore, remarkably, recommendations are now proposed to stop these common CaP screenings. These new recommendations are drawing intense reactions from both sides. For instance, I have been recently at odds with some laymen prostate screening members since they interpret these new recommendations as “rich doctors and insurance companies that simply are allowing men to die.” But could there be rational reasons for this radical change? At the same time many ‘alternative’ patients read into this as a complete vindication for the “throwing out of the PSA”, a test that they have been lead to believe by some radical perspectives as being fatuous and useless.

At the end of the day and after all of the passion, the guidelines do not call for eliminating PSA testing en mass nor mass screening events at all. What they do underscore is that if CaP screening is offered, then an in-depth CaP risk assessment MUST be conducted if the PSA is tested; the simple PSA test should NOT be used alone. If patients cannot receive this in-depth consult then it is advised to simply avoid the test altogether.

So therefore on the one hand, advocacy groups that screen men for prostate cancer are not physicians nor do they have the training to educate PSA screened men to the level urologists are now recommending / requiring. Yet those that do, the physicians, do not have the time under the current reimbursement models to do so. Therefore for these reasons the basic PSA and DRE primary screening is being reevaluated.

In Reference to Prostate Second Opinions at Longevity Medical Health Center:

I do strongly agree with these screening conclusions. These problems with CaP screening were foreseen by this office many years ago and were the catalyst for our Advanced Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment (APCRA). The APCRA conducted here at Prostate Second Opinions accomplishes this very in-depth CaP / PSA analysis but in even greater detail utilizing various PSA kinetics that are supported by these guidelines. We further incorporate advanced ultrasound imaging to ‘see’ the potential lesion and color Doppler blood flow monitoring to measure the ‘sickness’ of the prostate in ‘real-time’. The APCRA had been created specifically for our nationwide educated patient base that has also recognized these screening concerns.

The Great Prostate Mistake

Pain and Fatigue: Why do I have it and What can I do about?
by Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD

Chiari Malformation is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum descends outside the cranial space through the foramen magnum. There are 4 types of which type I is the adult form. Chiari Malformation type I is caused by the section of the skull containing the cerebellum is being too small or is deformed. This causes crowding and pressure on brain. Some people with Chiari malformation do not have symptoms and are diagnosed by chance finding. It is commonly misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome due to otherwise unexplainable fatigue. Other common symptoms are moderate to severe headaches, imbalance, clumsiness, memory loss, numbness or paralysis, ringing in the ears and dizziness. The crowding can disrupt flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CFS) leading to hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain). Chiari can sometimes be accompanied by syringomyelia, a condition in which cavities develop in the spinal cord space. Syringomyelia can be asymptomatic and / or cause pain or paralysis.

Treatment depends on severity. If no symptoms are present, a watchful waiting approach is implemented. In more severe cases, surgery is used. The most common operations for Chiari malformation are posterior fossa craniectomy or posterior fossa decompression. Your surgeon removes a small section of bone in the back of the skull, relieving pressure by giving the brain more room. The covering of the brain, called the dura, is then opened, and a patch is sewn in place to enlarge the covering and provide more room for the brain. This patch may be an artificial material, or it could be tissue harvested from your own leg or neck. The exact technique may vary, depending on whether a fluid-filled cavity is present, or if you have hydrocephalus (excess fluids in the brain). The operation takes about two to three hours, and recovery in the hospital usually requires two to four days. Surgery is followed by physical and occupational therapy.

In conventional medicine, opioids, anti-depressants and muscle relaxers are used commonly used for pain control. Alternative non-toxic therapies are available and should always be discussed with your physician before using. Below are brief descriptions of helpful measures:

Nutrition

Most Americans eat a diet composed largely of processed foods low in nutrients but high in calories. Foods common to the Standard American Diet (SAD) are full of sugar, saturated fat from red meats, and artificial additives all of which cause inflammation and contribute to the breakdown of our bodies. A vegetarian diet high in fruit and vegetables, restricted red meat consumption, lots of water and fiber are the foundation to a healthy diet. Proper nutrition is helpful in speeding recovery from surgery and for correction of other conditions you may have. Individual factors such as weight, age, other conditions (hypertension, diabetes) must be considered and discussed with your doctor when adjusting your diet.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a therapy where minute doses of medication are used to treat a multitude of conditions and is particularly useful in pain management. A detailed evaluation is attained where physical and emotional symptoms are assessed. A homeopathic remedy is chosen based on your individual symptom picture. Common pain remedies are Bryonia, used is for pain which is relieved with pressure and Belladonna, and used for pain that comes suddenly and goes away suddenly.

Homotoxicology

This is defined as the use of non-toxic homeopathic combinations to detoxify, increase immunity and improve function of the organ system being treated. It is useful in controlling muscle spasms, neuropathic pain, headache and vertigo. Homotoxicology is commonly used in conjunction with nutrient IV therapy. Nutrient IVs are utilized when moderate to severe nutritional deficiencies and fatigue are present.

Neurocranial Reconstruction

A technique in which a specialized balloon is inserted into the nostril, inflated and quickly removed. It is done in a series of treatments to readjust the facial bones and create structural changes in the other bones of the skull. This specialized manipulation can help alleviate pressure in the skull.

Craniosacral therapy

Similar to massage and chiropractic therapy, this is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

Sources: Mayoclinic.com, The Merck Manual, FirstConsult.com, Upledger Institute.

Freedom from Allergies!

2010-04-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

This 2010 Spring Allergy Season has had record pollen count in the air due to the unusually cold and wet winter followed by a dramatic increase in temperature. The severity of the allergy season has also increased the number of visits of allergy sufferers to the doctor up to two and even three fold from the typical amount.

So what do we do?

How do we escape the suffering caused by allergens and reach freedom from allergies?

Our doctors have written articles below to help inform you of the cutting edge allergy treatments available at NFC as well as the ones that have successfully been in practice in our clinic for over two decades.

A is for ALLERGY
by Dr. Jesika DiCampli

Is there relief and effective treatment for allergies?

An Allergy is your immune system's abnormal overreaction to contact with a specific substance. It's your body's reaction and the histamine it releases, that cause the symptoms of rhinitis (sneezing, coughing, fatigue, headache, skin rash, wheezing, stuffy or runny nose, and itchy watery eyes)

The conventional relief of allergies relies on treating the symptoms by taking decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants open clogged nasal passages and have a drying action. Antihistamines suppress the body's release of histamine. These medications may have side effects such as drowsiness.

Diet and quality nutrition is the most important factor
If your diet is lacking basic and vital nutrients you are more susceptible to allergies. Persons suffering from allergies have been found to be deficient in every nutrient requirement. So if you can supply the body with what it is missing the allergies often disappear. The necessary nutrients can be obtained by eating a well balanced diet of raw and unprocessed, whole foods that grow in the ground such as fresh fruit and vegetables especially those high in vitamin C.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important in regards to allergy because when there are deficient levels of vitamin C one becomes particularly susceptible to allergens. It is a powerful histamine stabilizer so it has a natural anti-histamine action and detoxifies foreign substances entering the body. What is an appropriate dose of Vitamin C? It depends on the person and how deficient the cells are in the body. A simple urine test can determine levels of Vitamin C. If you get too much Vitamin C the body will tell you by causing some loose stool or diarrhea. Reduce the amount to the correct level for you so that this does not happen.
Histamine and Ascorbic Acid in Human Blood

C. Alan B. Clemetson

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Methodist Hospital, 506 Sixth St., Brooklyn, NY 11215

Analysis of 437 human blood samples has shown that when the plasma-reduced ascorbic acid level falls below 1 mg/100 ml, the whole blood histamine level increases exponentially as the ascorbic acid level decreases. When the ascorbic acid level falls below 0.7 mg/100 ml, there is a highly significant increase in the blood histamine level. Oral administration of ascorbic acid (1 g daily for 3 days) to 11 selected volunteers resulted in a reduction of the blood histamine level in every instance.

Other Foods, Plants, & Bioflavanoids
Garlic, onion, papaya, oranges, bell pepper, cayenne pepper, guava and watercress are all high in vitamin C. Supplements of Nettles (Urtica dioica) are an excellent addition to anti allergy treatment.

Eating foods or supplementing with plants that have high concentrations of compounds such as quercitin also assists in restoring the immune systems normal function. Quercitin, a bioflavonoid, retards inflammation reactions which is a large portion of the allergic process. A great allergy supplement will have VIT C, BIOFLAVANOIDS, & NETTLES as its base…

Immune System Boosting & Balancing
The long term goal of allergy therapy is to restore the body to its normal function. This is a gradual process that can be achieved through the use of adrenal adaptogenic herbs, nutrient support, stress reduction, detoxification, and immune strengthening. It is possible to be allergy free!!

Kiss Your Allergies Bye Bye!
by Dr. Jonathan Psenka

Are you looking for a way to permanently get rid or of your seasonal allergies? In the past the only medical solution for allergy desensitization included visits to an allergist’s office and receiving a series of painful shots every two weeks. After a year or two of these shots it was possible to “train” your body to stop reacting to the allergic substances in your environment. Aside from being both painful and costly, this approach did help a great many people.

Those allergy shots of the past may soon be no more. A new treatment called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is rapidly becoming the preferred way to eliminate allergies. This new treatment utilizes the blood vessels underneath the tongue as a way to introduce minute dosages of allergy-causing substances into the body, instead of using allergy shots These small dosages gradually “re-train” the body’s immune system to stop viewing the allergic substances as a problem, and to begin seeing them as a normal part of the environment. This s basically the same mechanism of action as the old allergy shots- except for the shot part!

There are several companies preparing sublingual immunotherapy vaccines, but not all make similar products. Some companies use a “master mix,” which takes all of the potential allergens and puts them together in a single solution. However, researchers from several sources, including the American Association of Otolaryngic Allergists, have published concerns with this approach. First, certain types of allergens can cross-react in solution, severely decreasing the potency of the medication. Second, because master mix solutions contain a large variety of allergic substances, it is likely that there will be some things present in the solution that the person is not allergic to. These substances may have the ability to work as “sensitizers,” potentially initiating an allergy.

One company, seroSLIT, takes a more personal approach to sublingual immunotherapy. This company makes customized SLIT vaccines for patients that are based on each patient’s unique allergies. This is accomplished by using a specific blood test called an ImmunoCap analysis. This test measures a person’s antibodies to specific allergens, which can be used to determine not only what someone is allergic too, but also how severe their allergy may be. Using these results your physician can work with seroSLIT to make a custom sublingual allergy vaccine containing only the relevant allergens.

Taking the SLIT vaccine couldn’t be easier. Simply spray the solution under your tongue, that’s it. Used correctly these vaccines can help control allergic symptoms in a matter of months, but for best results should be used for a year or two. After that time your allergies should disappear! The best part of SLIT- in addition to being painless and working well- is that it is extremely safe, even for children. For more information about this new therapy visit www.seroslit.com or ask any of the doctors in our office.

Chocolate and Depressive Symptoms
by Ross Kerievsky

An interesting study in the news was just released looking at the affects of chocolate consumption and depressed mood. Many of us have either known “chocoholics” or consider themselves one. This study looked at whether the consumption of chocolate actually helps with mood or is potentially a contributor of why someone is depressed.

At first, I thought the answer to this study was obvious. Most of us think of reaching of a comfort food, (very often chocolate), if they are in a poor mood or depressed. There are many chemicals in chocolate that can help people be more alert and have a sense of well being.

The study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine where they tested this hypothesis on approximately 1000 patients with either diabetes or coronary heart disease. All patients were not taking antidepressant medication. The interesting results showed that the patients that ate more chocolate had a higher score on their depression questionnaires than the other participants.

While this study was interesting, I feel that it should be taken with a grain of salt. More studies would be needed for there to be a conclusive result that eating high amounts of chocolate actually cause depression. Chocolate actually has many beneficial properties and a good amount of anti-oxidants. Till the time where a study conclusively states there is a problem eating chocolate, I say consume with moderation.

Naturopathic Care in Phoenix Magazine!

2010-04-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

In Phoenix Magazine's latest edition this April, not only was a Naturopathic doctor featured on the cover but 3 of Naturopathic Family Care's physicians were named to their Top Doc's:

Dr. Jonathan Psenka

Dr. Phranq Tamburri

Dr. Marianne Marchese

Call NFC to schedule today!
(602) 493-2273

March is Nutrition Month at NFC!

2010-02-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

For the month of March, Naturopathic Family Care is focusing on various areas of health education; Nutrition, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

This month we will be hosting several free health lectures:

Wednesday, March 10th Dr. Ross Kerievsky will be educating us on
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Tuesday, March 30th Dr. Marianne Marchese will be speaking on
Detox for Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

We are also still providing FREE Yoga every Monday evening at 6pm at NFC taught by our our Dr. Marie.

For details on these or any other events at Naturopathic Family Care use the links above or visit NFC's Facebook Page.

March Articles. . .

FREE Drugs - Dr. Jake Psenka, NMD
Fighting Fatigue - Dr. Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD
Mediterranean Diet and Diabetes - Dr. Shahrzad Orona, NMD
Osteoarthritis Pain - Dr. Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD

Free Drugs
Dr. Jake Psenka, NMD

People who knew me in my younger days often comment on the fact that I seem to be a more mellow and easy-going person these days. Considering that fact that I moved from a rural area to a major metropolitan area, it’s tempting to believe that the opposite might be true. You know, country boy moves to the big city and pretty soon I ends up in a Joe Francis production. Not me, instead I ended up spending more and more time in the library. On occasion I wondered what could be the driving force behind this transformation. I thought that perhaps maturity could be settling in, however, the people I see on a daily basis assured me that this wasn’t the case.

Then, last week while teaching to a class of aspiring young health professionals it dawned on me. One of my students brought up the fact that drugs are being discovered in the drinking water of many US cities. Could my switch from drinking well water in a rural location to drinking municipally treated water be the culprit?

As it turns out this just well might be the case. Several studies have tested the water in different US cities, and international ones as well, and found high levels of pharmaceutical drugs in drinking water. In fact, the Associated Press completed a study in which they found drug contamination in 24 different major US cities. This contamination is thought to be present in the drinking water of roughly 41 million Americans.

In Philadelphia 56 different drugs or drug by-products were found in the drinking water, including medications for infections, pain, high cholesterol, asthma, and mental illness.

Three medications were found in Tucson’s water, including an antibiotic.

Sex hormones were found in the drinking water in San Francisco (no joke).

Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety drugs were found in the drinking water in Southern California.

In reality this contamination really shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. We very rarely, if ever, absorb 100% of anything we put in our bodies. Some gets absorbed, and some gets flushed. Once flushed the water is treated and then released back to the watershed, or recycled back as drinking water.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of drugs are being identified in extremely small amounts, from parts per billion to parts per trillion. These amounts are generally way below the minimal therapeutic dose. However, it is important to remember that many drugs are approved only for certain subsets of the population. It shouldn’t be news to anyone that not all drugs are good for all people. I most certainly don’t think that I need, or want, any type of anti-bacterial medication in my cup. Sadly, you and I are most likely the unwilling recipients of this misplaced medical waste. At this point we really don’t have any idea what the long-term consequences of daily low-dose exposure to these drugs actually is.

In my opinion the presence of certain molecules together can be thought of as the foundation of an environment. Remember the theory of abiogenesis? Take a mix or primordial elements, add electricity via lightning bolt and you have the start of life on earth. While this may or may not be how life originated on this planet, it does serve as a good example of how a few micro-molecules can be combined to produce drastic results. In fact, the presence of minute traces of pharmaceutical drugs in pristine environments has been found to have severe effects on the natural inhabitants of that area. Fish are one species whose exposure has been evaluated by the scientific community. It seems that when some male fish are exposed to tiny amounts of drugs they undergo feminization. Male fish begin to produce proteins normally only produced by females, their activity levels decrease, and they reproduce less often. The studies warning of this problem don’t stop with fish, birds, invertebrates, and plants are being adversely affected as well.

At this point there are no regulations that determine what the “acceptable” levels of pharmaceutical contaminants in water are. There is beginning to be some discussion of this problem in the medical literature. In the January 2010 issue of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, an article titled “Therapeutic dose as the point of departure in assessing potential health hazards from drugs in drinking water and recycled municipal wastewater,” the authors state that more information needs to be considered when proposing legislation. Considerations such as whether or not drugs are carcinogenic carry pregnancy or lactation warnings, or whether there is potential for drugs to react synergistically with other compounds to produce heightened toxicity are all areas that need to be evaluated.

As might be expected the pharmaceutical companies are denying any risk. A representative for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Thomas White, has stated that “based on what we know, there is little to no risk from drugs in the environment to human health.” Yeah, right.

Water producers are also being deceiving. With these groups it’s not only about what they are saying, but what their not saying. Full disclosure is apparently not part of their plan. Their feeling is that the general public doesn’t need to be educated about drugs in the water because “…they don’t know how to interpret the data.”

EPA research biologist Vickie Wilson told the AP. "It could be that the fish are just exquisitely sensitive because of their physiology or something. We just aren’t that far along.” Come on Vickie, you’re being naive.

I’d like to be able to report that drinking bottled water was a safe bet, but it’s not. Some bottled water manufacturers simply bottle city water and sell it. Many don’t test for drugs, as they currently are not required to do so. Reverse osmosis will remove the contaminants, but the process produces more polluted water than it does purified water. It might be a good time to start thinking about that home purification system….

At this point you might be asking what you can do to protect you and your family from exposure. Me too. While there really isn’t a clear-cut answer for this predicament at the present moment, I do have some ideas. As usual, my recommendations include leading a lifestyle that promotes a healthy body. While eating right and exercising regularly won’t protect you from exposure, they may help in preventing accumulation, and thus unwanted toxicity. Staying well-hydrated helps to flush things through the system (I do realize the hypocrisy here), and when combined with exercise promotes detoxification through sweating. Everyone should be eating healthy foods that provide your body what it needs to perform correctly. It can be very difficult to switch your diet and begin exercising. Write down your goals, make a schedule, start slow, and you’ll do it. Consider taking a class, or visiting your friendly neighborhood ND for advice, or better yet, attending a free lecture at the office of said ND.

I often ask people what kind of gas they would use if they had a Lamborghini. Would you continue to use the cheapest gas, or would you kick down the extra 25 cents for the high octane? Your body is a precision-tuned hot rod, take your foot off the brake and see what it can do.

Fighting Fatigue
Dr. Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD

Your adrenals are glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They are responsible for providing hormones that give us energy. The adrenals can be depleted by stress and other factors such as poor diet, inadequate sleep and excessive caffeine intake. Adrenal fatigue usually first manifests as tiredness during the day, but depletion can lead to other conditions like depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
The adrenal gland consists of two parts; an inner section known as the medulla, and an outer shell called the cortex. The medulla produces epinephrine which is also known as adrenaline. Adrenaline gives us energy and is responsible for metabolic regulation. It causes the breakdown of glycogen (energy storehouse) in the muscle into glucose (blood sugar) for use as energy during physical activity.

The cortex of the adrenal gland controls cortisol release. Cortisol is a ‘stress hormone’. Like adrenaline, cortisol raises blood glucose by breaking down glycogen in the muscles. When we have a high amount of stress over an extended amount of time our adrenal glands release more cortisol. When we release more cortisol, this stimulates the release of more glucose to the blood which raises insulin levels. Insulin causes more fat production which manifests as fat around the trunk notoriously known as love handles or muffin top. Increased cortisol release also stimulates the appetite especially for simple carbohydrates like sugar.

Most people handle their daytime fatigue with coffee or energy drinks. The caffeine in these drinks provide a short term burst of energy that puts even more stress on the adrenal glands. The special ingredients touted by some energy drinks like taurine, guanine and ginseng are effective for increasing energy, but only when taken long term or in a higher amount than what’s in the bottle.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, there are many options for addressing this concern. Following appropriate evaluation and laboratory testing by your physician to confirm adrenal fatigue, lifestyle modification and supplementation is the next course of action.

Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation help relieve stress. Contrast showers are a quick pick me up with stimulate the endocrine system helping to tonify the adrenal glands. Simple dietary changes to combat adrenal fatigue are to increase fruit and vegetable intake. Eating 1 fruit and 1 vegetable from the 5 colors (purple/blue, green, orange, yellow, red) each day is a fun way to get plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and acquire nutrients needed to feed and restore the adrenals.

Vitamin C and tyrosine are supplements responsible for adrenaline repletion. Vitamin C is also the adrenal’s preferred source of energy. B complex is useful in dealing with stress by enhancing the activity of the adrenals. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in particular helps reduce fatigue and the pain of headaches caused by excessive stress and consequent reduction in adrenal output.

Herbal medicines are also effective in combating adrenal fatigue. Adaptogens are herbs that help you deal with and recover from stress. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb which regulates thyroid function, prevents adrenal burnout and improves concentration and endurance. This herb in combination with individualized treatment is great for breaking away from energy drinks. Ginseng, Ashwaghanda, and Holy Basil are other herbs to consider but it is best to work with your doctor to figure out which is most appropriate for you.

Mediterranean Diet and Diabetes
Dr. Shahrzad Z. Orona, NMD

A new study has identified that the Mediterranean diet, rich in nuts, olive oil, whole grains, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables, reduces the likelihood that patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need diabetes drugs. In this study, 215 overweight people with diabetes followed either a classic, low-fat regimen based on the American Heart Association guidelines or a higher-fat regimen, Mediterranean-style diet. After 4 years, both groups had lost similar amounts of weight but only 44% of the Mediterranean-style eaters needed diabetes drugs, compared to 70% of the low-fat dieters.

The benefits are partly because the Mediterranean diet is full of healthy, whole foods, not highly refined carbohydrates. These dietary recommendations have been used for years at Naturopathic Family Care to successfully treat high glucose levels, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, as well as other medical conditions being caused by a change in body composition.

New Study Shows Beneficial Effect of Glucosamine Sulfate for Osteoarthritis Pain
Ross Kerievsky, DC ND

A new study published February 12th in Arthritis Research and Therapy has shown some promising results for using glucosamine sulfate for management of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. The study looked at the effects of combining a walking program of 30 minute walks three times per week plus taking glucosamine sulfate supplementation 1500mg per day. The findings showed decreased pain levels related to hip and knee pain for the participants. This is another study that shows some positive effects of doing moderate exercises for pain. It also showed that pain related to osteoarthritis can be helped with supplementation. This study looked specifically at glucosamine sulfate vs. glucosamine HCL. I advise my patients to take the sulfated form if possible. Adjunctive therapy such as chiropractic manipulation, therapeutic exercises, massage therapy and acupuncture can also be very helpful for osteoarthritis (OA). This study is very important because many patients rely on NSAIDs for pain management of their osteoarthritis (OA). Although these pain medications can be very helpful for patients, there are risk factors related to taking these drugs. They include increased risk for gastric ulcers and GI upset as well as possible cardiovascular risk increases such as raising blood pressure.

Feel free to contact our clinic if you are interested in more information regarding this topic. A personalized treatment plan can be set up for you and your family to help treat and prevent the pain and complications that can be associated with this common condition.

February, Heart Health Month at NFC!

2010-01-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

With February and upcoming Valentines Day the majority of us are focused on matters of the heart, and this February at NFC we are taking a slightly different approach to this by educating our patients on Cardiovascular Health.

We have a plethora of exciting events this year, and this month don't miss out on all we have to offer our patients and the community.

Starting February 1st our our own Dr. Marie will be instructing yoga classes Monday evenings at 6pm. There is no cost for these classes (just donation) and they are open to anyone in the community. Just bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothes and an open mind.

On Thursday, February 11th Dr. Jesika Dicampli with be giving a free informative talk on Cardiovasc ular Health and Dr. Phranq Tamburri with be helping you in Evaluating Your Supplements on Wednesday, February 24th.

Please RSVP for these events via the Meetup links above or on NFC's Facebook.

Now some articles from our NFC doctors. . .

In this edition:
Dr. Jesika DiCampl i - Cardiovascular Health
Dr. Marianne Marchese - Environmental Links to Heart Disease
Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz - Cholesterol - Its More Than Just a Number
Dr. Phranq Tamburri - Prostate Cancer: Shocking New Study on Your Diet

Top 3 Ways to Increase Your Cardiovascular Health
Dr. Jesika DiCampli, NMD

1) Blood work: get your C-Reactive Protein checked with your cholesterol screen.

Did you know that not only cholesterol plays a role in possible risk of cardiovascular events? INFLAMMATION can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. An article from NEJM concluded that the addition of CRP screening to lipid levels may provide an improved method of identifying those at risk for cardiovascular events. What is CRP? Well, it is an inflammatory marker when tested with high sensitivity can determine an important aspect of cardiovascular risk. Do you know if your C-Reactive Protein is being checked with routine blood work?

2) Supplement: take at 1,000mg of Fish oil daily.

An article by the American heart association suggested that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation significantly reduces cardiac mortality. Fish oil will help decrease inflammation and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Make sure your omega-3 fish oil is from a reputable company so that it is molecularly distilled to maintain purity and free from heavy metals like mercury! Also, the dosage of Omega-3 should be 1,000mg of EPA and DHA not a total amount of ‘oil’. How much good quality fish oil are you getting a day?

3) Diet/Nutrition: 1 tablespoon GROUND flax daily.

What can you add daily to your diet to help improve your cardiovascular health? FLAX! The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that ground flax seed helps lower LDL, Lp(a), and can improve insulin sensitivity in adults with high lipid profiles. So put some flax seeds in your smoothie, over salad, or in your morning oatmeal for extra cholesterol fighting fiber. Its easy and tastes yummy!

February is Heart Health Month!!!
For more information on heart health or if you have specific questions make sure to attend
Dr. DiCampli's talk this month on the subject…

Environmental Links to Heart Disease
Dr. Marchese, NMD

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the number one leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease and the term heart disease are often used interchangeably and could mean a patient suffers from atherosclerosis, hypertension, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more. When assessing a patient for cardiovascular disease it is important to address environmental toxins. Chemicals such as heavy metals, solvents, bisphenol-A, and others have been linked to heart disease. We are exposed to these through air pollution, drinking water, cigarette smoke, plastics, and food. These toxins play a role in the initiation or progression of heart disease. They affect the heart by causing inflammation, atherosclerosis, affecting aortic smooth muscle cells, oxidative metabolism, phospholipid turnover, and protein and enzyme function in the heart and vessels.

Heavy metals linked to heart disease include;

Mercury
Lead
Cadmium
Arsenic

Testing for the presence of heavy metals in the body is inexpensive and easy to do. Dr. Marianne Marchese is a specialist in environmental medicine with years of experience in treating heart disease, testing for heavy metals and providing treatment. There are numerous risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Low dose exposure to environmental toxins through the air, water, food, and products has not received much attention in the past. They are directly linked to heart disease. Attention to these environmental risk factors, educating patients and the public, creating health-protective public policies, modifying our behavior at home and work is likely to decrease cardiovascular disease in the US. Make your appointment with Dr. Marchese today.

Cholesterol – It is More Than Just a Number
Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD

Patient 1 has his blood work run and his total cholesterol is 182. Patient 2 has hers run and it is 232. We are told that total cholesterol should be less than 200. Who has healthier cholesterol levels and less risk for heart disease?

Trick question – without breaking down the total number into LDL, VLDL and HDL the number is useless.

Quick definitions:

HDL – high density lipoprotein. Considered to be protective against heart disease – often called the “good cholesterol.” The higher the number the better. Should be at least 45.

LDL – low density lipoprotein. Causes the formation of arterial plaque – the “bad cholesterol.” Should be less than 130, less than 100 is optimal.

VLDL - very low density lipoprotein. Considered even worse than LDL as a cardiac risk factor. Should be less than 29.

Back to the patients numbers:

Patient 1 HDL 12, LDL 135, VLDL 35 = Total Cholesterol 182

Patient 2 HDL 142 LDL 85, VLDL 5 = Total Cholesterol 232

Obviously Patient 2 has a much lower risk for heart disease even though her total cholesterol would be considered high. Interestingly, half of the people who have heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol levels.

But wait! There is more…

Trigylcerides, apolipoprotien, the size and the density of the LDL, remnant lipoprotein, homocysteine levels, and c-reactive proteins all contribute to your risk of heart disease.

So let’s all chase that shot of fish oil with red wine after exercising and eating oat fiber with red rice yeast extract. Throw in some niacin and maybe a statin drug. Let’s get all those numbers down!

Not a good idea. Cholesterol is the building block for our hormones – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, aldosterone, and cortisol are all made from cholesterol. It is possible to have too little cholesterol especially through over supplementation/medication.

Bloodwork is available to test all these risk factors in addition to the HDL, LDL and Total cholesterol. These labs are a valuable tool since the strategy to reduce one risk factor is different for another. As always medicine is not one supplement/drug fits all. Make your appointment now to learn about your cardiac risk factors and create a plan to optimize your heart health this month.

Prostate Cancer: Shocking New Study on Your Diet
Dr. Phranq Tamburri, NMD

An eye opening new study published online December 30 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition questions some long standing assumptions on diet for cancer patients, in this case specifically prostate cancer. The finding demonstrated that consumption of eggs and chicken with skin might increase the risk for disease progression by 2 times in men with localized prostate cancer (post diagnosis). However even more perplexing is that the red meat group did not see this same increase, a conclusion that seems counter-intuitive to most cancer diet models. 5 food groups were looked at along with the frequency eaten with 1294 men of processed red meat, unprocessed red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. As the researchers stated themselves, "postdiagnostic consumption of eggs and poultry with skin were each associated with 2-fold increases in risk for prostate cancer progression. Red meat had no effect on progression." "Our results are entirely novel and it will be important to examine these dietary factors in future studies" said lead author Erin Richman, MS, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.

It appears that the only plausible scientific rationale (at this point) is that well-done chicken (typically the cooked manner for men who prefer the skin intact) contains high levels of heterocyclic amines which are a known mutagens. They bind and damage DNA in cultured human prostate tissue. How do they explain the chicken eggs? Well they don't exactly except to note that eggs help determine the level of an individual's plasma choline, which is a marker associated with a greater risk of prostate cancer developing in men. As for the red meat not contributing to an increased risk, a closer investigation may be needed.

Although physicians should not simply discard data they don't agree with, this finding is peculiar given the specific reasons red meat is almost universally avoided for cancer an chronic diseases in general. First, it is very hard to digest thereby utilizing high amounts of stomach acid that acidifies the body. Low body pH (acidity) is known to temper your innate immune system (hence the reason for whole food alkaline diets). Second, red meat traditionally is high in hormones (like estrogen) which effect sex hormone linked cancers like prostate cancer (and breast cancer). Third, red meat is strongly inflammatory. Inflammation is thought to retard the immune system further by 'distracting it' from its regular policing action. This can allow cancer (and other disease) to become opportunistic.

Despite these findings, I still recommend a high pH diet therefore avoiding red meat. Chicken should always be cooked without the skin. As for eggs, I will be closely following the new follow up studies. In the meantime, eggs I still support as a fantastic dietary protein source however the amount per day should be curtailed depending upon you cancer staging, its aggression, and your daily egg intake levels.

Phranq D. Tamburri, NMD
Prostate Second Opinions

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first NFC blog edition of the New Year! We have a lot of exciting events coming up in 2010. For all of you that are starting the New Year with health focused resolutions, Dr. Psenka is heading up the NFC Health Challenge. The NFC Health Change is ideal for those of you that find it difficult to squeeze a doctor visit into your busy work week, it will be offered every 4th Saturday of the month through March. For more details about this or any other meet up hosted by Naturopathic Family Care visit The Phoenix Alternative Health Group.

January is thyroid awareness month and at NFC our physicians work to educate our patients and the community on this and many other health related topics. This month we have two free informative health talks. Dr. Psenka will be educating us on Natural Ways to Boost the Im mune System on Wednesday, January 13th and Dr. Orona will be helping you in Understanding Your Thyroid on Tuesday, January 26th.

This month we have 3 articles from our NFC docs :

Dr Jonathan Psenka, NMD - Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors
Dr. Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD - Incentives for Losing Weight
Dr. Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD - A New Year's Cleansing

Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors
Dr. Jonathan Psenka, NMD

The incidence of thyroid cancer has been rapidly growing in the US over the past few decades. There are now roughly 25,690 new cases diagnosed every year, with a female to male ratio of close to 3:1. For a long time there has been an established association between radiation exposure and thyroid cancer risk. The thyroid gland of children is especially vulnerable to the carcinogenic action of ionizing radiation. Thus, the incidence of thyroid cancer in children in the Belarus area (think Chernobyl) was less than 1 case per million per year before the Chernobyl accident, increasing to a peak exceeding 100 per million per year in certain areas after the accident.
Recently, a new study was published which identified several new potential risk factors for thyroid cancer. This study, which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, assessed thyroid cancer risk among 90,713 radiologic technicians in the US between 1983 and 2006. This study found that benign thyroid conditions, benign breast disease, asthma, and elevated body mass index were all associated with increased risk for thyroid cancer. Considering the results of this study, it’s possible that the benign conditions listed really aren’t that benign at all.
Conditions such as Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s, and thyroiditis are all examples of benign thyroid disorders. Fibrocystic breast disease is a good example of something considered to be a benign breast condition. Both these types of conditions are routinely seen, and treated, by Naturopathic physicians. From a thyroid cancer-prevention standpoint it would seem that treating the potential causes of these diseases would be more important than treating only the symptoms. By addressing the cause of disease it may be possible to decrease both the severity of disease itself, and any additional risks that occur as a result of carrying the diagnosis. This hypothesis would also carry over to the increased risk observed with asthma; eliminate the allergy altogether and maybe risk levels fall as well.
Increased body mass index, aka. being overweight, is well established as a risk factor for many diseases. It is not just the fact that carrying extra pounds increases risk for disease, but also that those who are overweight tend to be less physically engaged. Over the past 8 years I have been practicing integrative oncology at NFC I have rarely seen any treatments with as much potential to positively effect a person’s outcomes at regular physical activity. Unfortunately, increasing physical activity levels and maintaining a regular exercise regime is not an easy thing to do. Fortunately, it seems like the more articles like the aforementioned one that are published, the more our society begins to realize the importance of living healthy and happy lives as a way to prevent disease.
PS- and for those of you I see with thyroid cancer, I’ll see you at the gym!

New Year, New Goals:

Incentives for losing weight and guidelines for exercise

Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD

Welcome to 2010! This time of year is the time I see many new and established patients return to the clinic with the goal of losing weight. There are many questions I hear from patients regarding what they should eat, supplements to take and how much exercise they should be doing. All of these questions are very reasonable and require individual assessments to make a medical weight loss program effective and long lasting. A common question I hear from patients is how much exercise is recommended for weight loss?

The American College of Sports Medicine released guidelines for appropriate physical activity for adults in 2009. These new guidelines were release because up to 66% of Americans are either overweight or obese. The new guidelines recommend that adults participate in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity to prevent gaining weight. Greater weight loss is seen when adults perform 250-300 minutes of exercise per week or more. I typically recommend patients perform physical activity one hour a day for 5 days during the week combined with a specific diet and nutrition guidelines. This can be modified for an individual and I recommend that you have a physical examination and appropriate workup before starting any exercise program.

Also, interesting incentives that seem to be gaining ground are websites such as www.hea lthywage.com. This site will pay you to lose weight! Other possible incentives include deductions on premiums and incentives depending on your insurance and employer group benefits.

This is a great time of year to have a wellness screening physical and to discuss your personal health goals with me. For more information, please schedule an appointment with Dr Ross Kerievsky at 602-493-2273.

A New Year's Cleansing
Dr. Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD

It’s the start of a new year and the perfect opportunity to make some healthy changes. I personally like to start the new year off with a cleanse or detoxification protocol. It works like a ‘spring cleaning’ of sorts to get your healthy new year off to a great start.
It is important to know there is a difference between a cleanse and detoxification. Which one you need depends on your own individual circumstances.
A cleanse is defined by Webster as to rid of impurities by or as if by washing while detoxification is defined as to remove a poison or toxin or the effect if such. So, you can do a cleanse without detoxing, but you cannot (should not) do a detox without cleansing.A ready example of this is a laxative can be used to cleanse, but a proper detoxification protocol would involve more treatments such as hydrotherapy, dietary modification with rid your GI system of impurities and toxins we all accumulate over time.
There are other modes of detoxification that should only be performed under medical supervision. These methods are usually applied to more serious cases of toxicity:

Depuration This technique is used to cleanse or purify or become cleansed or purified. It is similar to detoxification but cleanses at the deeper organ level. It involves freeing of toxins from fat stores with the use of sauna therapy as well as colon hydrotherapy to assist in flushing out toxins.

Chelation This treatment is used for patients with toxic heavy metal burdens on their body. It works by pulling metals or physiological substance (solvents, plaque buildup) from visceral structures like arteries and vital organs. Some metals removed with chelation are mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead.

Again, the appropriate cleanse for your individual situation should be discussed with a health care provider skilled in applying these therapies.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT NFC!

2009-12-16T13:59:00.001-08:00

We all have new year resolutions in mind this time of year and that means weight loss and health goals for 2010. It never hurts to get a head start so here are some healthy recipes for your holiday meals and for any occasion in the new year.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month and we will have free informative talks from Dr. Orona and Dr. DiCampli and much more for our patients and blog followers. Also in January we will have our highly anticipated NFC Health Challenge so don't miss out on the opportunity to start off the year focusing on your health and longevity. See our January blog for all the details on these events and all the other exciting items we have planned for next year!

Honey Roasted Chicken with Dijon and Rosemary
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, about 5 pounds
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/4 cup honey
1 lemon, zested, halved and juiced
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 yellow onion, quartered

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.

2. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.

3. Roughly chop two sprigs of the rosemary. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, chopped rosemary, lemon juice and lemon zest.

4. Place the remaining sprig of rosemary, a lemon half, the onion quarters and garlic in the cavity of the bird. Using a pastry brush, coat the outside of the bird with the lemon honey glaze.

5. Place the roasting pan in the oven and baste the chicken every 15 minutes with any remaining glaze. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 180° and juices run clear, about one hour. Remove and discard the skin. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories 341
Sodium 333 mg
Protein 47 g
Fiber 2 g
Carbohydrate 24 g
Total fat 7 g
Saturated fat 1 g

Spinach Lasagna with Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose (plain) flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup plain soy milk
1 cup vegetable stock
2 green (spring) onions, including tender green tops, sliced
1/2 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in water to rehydrate, drained and chopped
10 ounces fresh cremini or shiitakeShiite mushrooms, sliced
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg white
12 no-boil spinach lasagna sheets, about 7 by 3 1/2 inches
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

In a saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the garlic and continue to whisk until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the soy milk and stock all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the green onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Set the sauce aside.

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and shallot and saute until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and salt. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.

In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and stir quickly until the spinach is wilted but still bright green. Remove from the heat. Let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and the egg white. Stir in the spinach and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the dish and cover with 3 sheets of the pasta. Spoon half of the spinach mixture onto the pasta and spread gently. Cover with 3 more pasta sheets. Top with another 1/2 cup of sauce. Spread the mushroom mixture on top and cover with another 1/2 cup of sauce, then another layer of pasta. Spoon in the remaining spinach filling and top with the last 3 pasta sheets. Add the remaining sauce and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden, about 10 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the basil.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories 288
Monounsaturated fat 4 g
Protein 17 g
Cholesterol 6 mg
Carbohydrate 39 g
Sodium 526 mg
Total fat 8 g
Fiber 4 g
Saturated fat 2 g

Cajun-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 2" pieces
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/3 cup milk
Cajun seasoning to taste
salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer about 20 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are done. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; there should be no resistance. Drain well.

2. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork, or use a food mill.

3. Add the lime juice and stir well. Add the milk and stir. Add Cajun seasoning, to taste.

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories 171
Protein 3 g
Cholesterol 6 mg
Carbohydrate 38 g
Sodium 91 mg
Total fat 1 g
Saturated fat 1 g

Fall Salad with Asian Pears, Walnuts, and Sherry Vinaigrette
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

12 cups red or green leaf lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
3 Asian pears, cored and sliced (peeling is optional)
2 cups red grapes
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
6 slices thick, crusty bread

Cooking Instructions

For the vinaigrette:

1. Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
(This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.)

For the salad:

1. Toss the lettuce, pears and grapes with the vinaigrette in a large bowl.

2. Divide the salad among 6 serving plates and sprinkle with the walnuts and blue cheese. Serve with bread on the side.

Serving Size: 2 cups of salad with 1 tablespoon of vinaigrette

Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories 320
Protein 7 g
Fiber 6 g
Carbohydrate 46 g
Sodium 477 mg
Total fat 11 g
Saturated fat 3 g

Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding

Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups low-fat milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups cubed, day-old country-style bread, crusts trimmed (4-6 slices), preferably whole-wheat
2 tablespoons raisins, or currants
1 teaspoon butter, softened, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
2 ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation

1. Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, until steaming, 4 to 6 minutes. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until blended; gradually whisk in 1/4 cup sugar. Slowly whisk in the hot milk until blended. Whisk in vanilla, lemon zest and nutmeg.

2. Add bread and raisins (or currants) to the milk mixture; gently fold together. Press down lightly with the back of a large spoon. Cover and set aside at room temperature.

3. Butter the bottom and sides of a round 2-quart baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter. Preheat oven to 350°F. Put a kettle of water on to boil.

4. Cut each pear half lengthwise into 4 slices. Place in a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice.

5. Heat a medium skillet over low heat until hot. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and swirl until just melted and the foam subsides. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup sugar over the melted butter. Arrange the pear slices on their sides in the pan in an even layer. Increase the heat to medium-low and, without stirring, let the pears begin to brown and the sauce slowly caramelize, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully turn each pear slice with a fork. Return to the heat and cook until the sauce is uniformly golden, 2 to 4 minutes more.

6. Carefully transfer the pears one at a time to the prepared baking dish, arranging them decoratively in a circle and slightly overlapping them if necessary. Use a heatproof silicone spatula to scrape any remaining syrup over the pears.

7. Set the baking dish in a shallow baking pan. Spoon the bread and custard mixture into the baking dish. Press down on the bread until it is submerged in the custard. Place the pan in the oven and carefully add the hot water to the shallow baking pan until it is halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

8. Bake until the pudding is browned on top and set in the center, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let cool for at least 45 minutes. To serve, run a knife around the edge of the pudding. Place a serving platter over it and invert the pudding onto the platter.

Tips & Notes

* Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Nutritional Information
(Per serving)

Calories 217
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 119 mg
Carbohydrates 31 g
Protein 8 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 142 mg
Potassium 89 mg

Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving from Naturopathic Family Care

2009-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here it is! tThe much anticipated November edition of the Naturopathic Family Care Blog!!!

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!

We have a few healthy thoughts to send your way this month:

Dr. Marie ponders whether the winter blues are due to holiday overload or Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Dr. Marchese lets us know why she thinks PAP smears are important.

Dr. Psenka shares some fun facts about one his favorite anti-cancer supplements and breaks down the numbers on the dreaded bisphenol A(BPA)

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....

Holiday Blues or is it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? By Dr. Marie

Living in the Valley of the Sun does not give us immunity to SAD. As the days get shorter, moods can drop, carbohydrate cravings increase, and general lethargy sets in. We tend to blame the stress of family and holidays for feeling blah when there may be an underlying cause. It is estimated that 15% of North Americans have SAD. Phototherapy (light therapy) is the most effective treatment for SAD but not all lights have the same therapeutic results. Type of light, placement, and time of use can maximize the effectiveness. Lights that simulate sunrise are showing to be most effective. Light therapy can be supported with neurotransmitter balancing. And don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet and regular exercise – especially if it is outside in the sunlight. And always check with your physician if your mood interferes with your activities of daily living.

The Importance of the Annual PAP by Dr. Marchese

What do you do if you go to see your medical doctor for your annual gynecology exam and you get a call saying your pap came back abnormal? Unless you take the time to educate yourself about what an abnormal pap smear means and learn what your options are, you may end up doing something that doesn’t need to be done.

It is recommended that women get their first pap smear test at age 21. The pap test, also called a pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The pap test can tell if you have the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), abnormal cervical cells, or cervical cancer.

If you are younger than 30 years old, you should get a Pap test every year. If you are age 30 or older 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.

During your annual gynecological exam and pap 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 standard of care is to test all women over 30 for HPV during their pap smear test.

What if my PAP is abnormal?

If you have an abnormal PAP your MD will recommend either freezing off the abnormal cervical cells or burning off the abnormal cervical cells. These are called cyrotherapy 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 doesn’t have any treatments to treat the whole body and support the immune system. Also, there are complications from cryotherapy and a LEEP that will make pregnancy and child birth more difficult.

You have options!!!!!!!

If you pap comes back abnormal see Dr. Marchese. She can shed the abnormal cervical cells with anti-viral herbal suppositories. These are herbs that are inserted into the vaginal canal and shed the virus and abnormal cells. Dr. Marchese can also treat the body and boost the immune system and help your body fight off the virus. In cases of severe cervical abnormalities Dr. Marchese can perform the escharotic treatment which sheds the abnormal cervical cells on a deeper level.

If you haven’t had a pap smear 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.

Fun Facts About Curcumin and Not-So-Fun Facts About BPA, by Dr. Psenka

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 study 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 rapidly 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.
While it would be preferable to have a human study which demonstrated the same findings 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 work better, the question really isn't if we should add it to the current treatments, but rather if it is ethical not to....

Not so fun facts about BPA
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 United States. There's 304 milion of us these days in case you lost count. That equates 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.
Look for more on this subject in an upcoming CancerND.com post.

October Newsletter and Our Fall Health Festival!

2009-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Fall Health Festival is Here!!

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.

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!

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 (You know you want to try!), 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.

We invite you to share this opportunity with others and hope to see there!

This month we have 5 fantastic health articles to share:

The Return of the Swine Flu- Dr. Najeeullah
Are Corticosteriods the Answer- Dr. Niechwiadowicz
Mercury Fillings and Pregnancy- Should you be Concerned?- Dr. DiCampli
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Gains Respect
from Conventional Medicine- Dr. Tamburri
Do I have Fibromyalgia- Dr. Kerievsky

The Return of the Swine Flu!
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.

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.

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.

How do you stay healthy?

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.

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.

What do you do if you do get sick?

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.

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.

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.

Homeopathy 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.

For more detailed information on how to protect you and your family this flu season, check out the return of the Flu Prevention lecture at NFC on October 29th at 6pm.

Are Corticosteroids the Answer?

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 prolotherapy. 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.

To learn more on this topic and for a complimentary injury/pain review, come see Dr. Marie on Thursday, October 15th at 6:00pm.

Mercury Fillings and Pregnancy- Should you be Concerned?

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?

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!

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.

Join Dr. Jesika DiCampli at our Fall Festival to meet with her and discuss many similar topics like these!

Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Gains Respect from Conventional Medicine

An astonishing peer reviewed journal regarding prostate cancer management was just published this week in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

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.

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."

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.

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.

Do I have Fibromyalgia?

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.

What exactly is fibromyalgia and why is there still such a mystery surrounding the syndrome?

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:

Have you had chronic pain that is widespread for at least 3 months?

Do you have pain on both sides of your body above and below the waist?

Do you have pain along your spine, neck and trunk?

Do you have pain in at least 11 of the designated 18 tender points that have been established for diagnosing fibromyalgia?

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?

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?

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.

Join Dr. Ross Kerievsky for his upcoming talk on Wednesday, November 4th at 6pm for more detailed information on fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment.

August in Arizona...it's a dry heat...

2009-08-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Health Seekers,

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:

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.

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.

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 Meetup.com page.

We are continuing to add more and more products to our online store. 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.

Sunshine and Your Health- by Dr. Orona

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.

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!

How To Get Enough Vitamin D

There are 3 ways for adults to insure adequate levels of vitamin D:

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.
regularly use a sun bed (avoiding sunburn) during the colder months.
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.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent- By Marchese, ND

Dr. Marianne Marchese has been using electrical modalities since 1990 to heal the body and restore function.

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.

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.

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……………….

Ozone Therapy- by Dr. Psenka

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.

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.

What is Ozone therapy used for?

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:

Relaxes and loosens muscles by reducing the build-up of lactic acid

Oxidizes toxins so that they may be eliminated by the major organs

Increases blood circulation

Inactivates viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus, and protozoa

Speeds up the metabolic process of the organs and endocrine glands

Promotes cleaner, softer, more rejuvenated skin

Normalizes cellular respiration

Helps with chronic fatigue and environmental illnesses

Stimulates the immune system

Reduces carbon monoxide poisoning

Increased oxygen content of the blood promotes detoxification

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Ozone therapy safe?

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.

Curious? Want to learn more? Watch our upcoming talk schedule for a soon-to-be-announced talk by Dr. Psenka!

2009-05-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

There's been a lot happening at Naturopathic Family Care 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!

We've teamed up with Our Organics 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 here.

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!!!

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.

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!!

We've got a great selection of articles to share with you this month:

Hypothyroidism by Shahrzad Orona, NMD
Adrenal Fatigue by Phranq Tamburri, NMD
Alcohol and Longevity? by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD
Weight Loss and Aging Metabolism by Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD
New Hope for Autoimmune Disease by Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Pollution Reflections by Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD

Hypothyroidism
Shahrzad Orona, NMD

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.

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.

So what is a person to do? My recommendation for obtaining a complete thyroid assessment would be:

A questionnaire to rank your symptoms, and a complete health history.

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.

Possibly testing your thyroid antibodies depending on your risk of autoimmune disease

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 here.

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 http://www.cancernd.com/

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.

Adrenal Fatigue
Dr.Phranq Tamburri, NMD

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.

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.

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.
If you suspect that you might have adrenal dysfunction make sure you ask us about testing.

Alcohol and Longevity?
Ross Kerievsky, DC, NMD

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.

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!

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 here

Weight Loss: The aging metabolism
Marianne Marchese, NMD

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.

Food is fuel

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.

How to slow the slowing

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.

Other causes of weight gain

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.

If you are having trouble losing weight, making changes in your diet or getting started on an exercise program, Dr. Marchese can help.

New Hope for Autoimmune Disease
Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pollution Reflections
Raushanah Najeeullah, NMD
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 homeopathy definitely gave him some relief but this cough just wouldn’t quite go away.

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 Sedona; 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).

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.
Asthma sufferers in particular may see an aggravation of symptoms during this time.

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.

There are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms of air pollution. HEPA air filters and plants that clean the air 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.

Swine Flu Update!

2009-04-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody,

We have been receiving many calls from people looking for more information about the swine flu. On April 26th, our recently departed Governor, and newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared swine flu a public health emergency. She likened this declaration similar to those given when a hurricane is approaching. “It might not actually hit,” she stated “but (declaring an emergency) allows you to take a number of preparatory steps.” President Obama has called this action an “abundance of caution.”

As of today, there are 65 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S., with the vast majority of these cases being mild. So far, there has been only a single death which has confirmed to be the result of swine flu. This was a 23-month old child from Texas.

By comparison, seasonal influenza causes 35,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. The World Health Organization has stated that there have been several deaths attributed to the swine flu in Mexico.

There have been no cases reported in Arizona.

The symptoms of swine flu are indistinguishable from seasonal flu. These symptoms include fevers of greater than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), and a cough and or sore throat, muscle aches, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. Due to the fact that the symptoms of swine flu are so similar to seasonal flu, it is impossible to differentiate the two by symptoms alone. People who have recently traveled abroad, especially to Mexico, are encouraged to see their doctor. Tests for swine flu are available and are easily collected using a nasal swab. If you have a fever over 101 degrees F, and any of the symptoms listed above it would be a good idea to have a visit with your doctor.

You cannot contract swine flu from eating pork. The virus can be transmitted from pigs to people, and people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of the virus is also possible, and this is thought to occur the same way that seasonal influenza spreads. Transmission of the virus may occur through the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Transmission may also occur by touching objects with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What you should do:
1. Be diligent about hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. I'm a big fan of the Citricidal Soap we carry at the office.
2. Use a Kleenex when you cough or sneeze. Then wash your hands again.
3. Try to avoid sick people. If your around sick people- wash your hands.
4. If you feel ill, stay home. This goes for your kids too. Wash their hands.

Prevent it!
There are many things that you can do from a Naturopathic standpoint that will help keep your immune system ready should it be needed. Many of you are undoubtedly familiar with Acute Immune, one of our favorite immune stimulators. We also have recently seen great results using Ultimate Defense Plus, a new anti-viral supplement that has been shown to inhibit viral cell attachment. Don’t forget about good old vitamin C! Taking 500mg every 3-4 hours is a great way to stimulate your immune system.

For more information about the swine flu check out the CDC’s website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

NFC April Newsletter

2009-04-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

This month we have a great group of articles to share with our readers.

What you need to know about red meat by Dr. Ross Kerievsky, ND, DC
Custom Sublingual Immunotherapy by Dr. Jake Psenka, ND
Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD
Light Exposure and Prostate Cancer Risk by Dr. Pharanq Tamburri, ND
Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(Preceptor)
Hay Faver- by Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND
The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Link by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND

We've scheduled some great free lectures in the next couple of weeks. Please see the headings on the right side of this page for topics and dates. Also, if there is a specific topic that you would like to suggest for future lectures, please let us know.

Our online pharmacy is continuing to expand, with more and more items being added everyday. It is now possible to have your supplements delivered to your door with just a few clicks of your mouse! Check the online store (nfcpharm.com) frequently for discounts and specials.

As always, thank you for being a valued friend of Naturopathic Family Care. If you are interested in learning more about any of the topics/treatments in this newsletter please contact our office.

Red meat and processed meat intake linked to higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease death. Ross Kerievsky, DC ND

A new study from the Archives of Internal Medicine was just released comparing health of approximately 550,000 participants. They looked at the dietary choices of participants aged 50-71 and their red, processed and white meat consumption levels. “Red meat included all types of beef and pork such as bacon, beef, cold cuts, hamburgers, hotdogs, steak, and meats in pizza, lasagna, and stew. Processed meats could include either red or white meats in the form of sandwich meats or cold cuts as well as bacon, red meat and poultry sausages, and regular hotdogs and low-fat hotdogs made from poultry.”

All participants that ate high amounts of red and processed meats were noted to have the highest rates of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also showed that 11-16% of deaths could be avoided by participants changing their intake behavior of these types of foods.

In my opinion, this study highlights the ongoing issue I discuss with my patients on a daily basis. Your food consumption greatly affects your risk and genetic expression for developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low in red and processed meats is what I recommend to all my patients.

Customized Sublingual Immunotherapy by Jake Psenka, ND

It’s about this time of year when Phoenix starts to cook. As the temperature starts to soar, the pollens and grasses which cause so many Phoenicians to get allergies begin drying out and blowing away. Arizona used to be the place where allergy sufferers were sent to get relief from their itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezes. Those days are long gone. As many of us know, the allergy season in Arizona seems to get everybody.

There are a ton of allergy remedies available for those in need. At NFC we offer several therapies such as Natural Elimination of Allergy Treatment and AllergyEasy. These techniques are both safe and effective, but unfortunately there are some people who’s allergies continue to be a problem despite using these therapies.

Now, a new allergy treatment is available which uses the latest in allergy science to provide allergy sufferers with an effective and customized treatment. This new treatment uses a blood test to determine what each patient is allergic to. This test analyzes immunoglobulins which are substances that are made by the body in response to aller-gens. By measuring and analyzing these immunoglobulins it is possible to determine what allergens are causing the most problems. Trees, grasses, pets, molds, pollens- it’s possible to test for them all.

Once the allergens are identified a special and individualized oral medication can be made to treat each person’s specific allergies. This oral medication is called Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT. SLIT has been found to be just as effective as allergy desen-sitization shots, without the pain. Additionally, SLIT has been found to be extremely safe and effective.

Sublingual immunotherapy works like this: a glycerin-based solution is made which contains a dilute concentration of the allergens which cause allergy symptoms. When this solution is administered sub-lingually (under the tongue) the solution will be absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth. When used correctly this solution will cause the body to build up an immunity against the offending allergens, and voila no allergy symptoms. This is the same concept used by allergy shots, but this works without the shot! For more information on this great new therapy contact Dr. Jake.

Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Marie Niechwiadowicz, NMD

Are you looking for an alternative to botox and restylane? Do you want to improve the overall muscle tone to your face? Are you looking to soften lines? Facial acupuncture has been safely practiced for decades as an alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures.

A facial acupuncture treatment starts with an initial evaluation of not just yourskin but your overall well-being. Factors such as diet, hydration, sleep, and hormone balance are evaluated. During the treatment, 50-60 ultra-fine sterile needles are inserted in the areas being treated. The needles are retained for 20 minutes. Often micro-current electrical stimulation is applied. The needles may be dipped in specific homeopathic solu-tions prior to insertion.

Facial acupuncture works by causing micro-trauma to the area. The skin responds by depositing collagen to the area. The overall effect is a "plumping" that reduces lines and increased skin tone. Many people feel an overall sense of well-being and relaxa-tion after treatments.

A course of 10 treatments -- usually 2 treatments a week for 5 weeks is standard. Many patients see results after the first treatment. After the series of 10 treatments is complete, a once a month maintenance treatment is necessary for upkeep. Mature skin that has been well maintained responds best to cosmetic acupuncture. To find out more about acupuncture facial rejuvination please call our office.

Turn Off the Lights by Dr. Pharnq Tamburri, ND
New research provides more supporting evidence that exposure to light at night in-creases rates of prostate cancer.

Data was collected from a database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer on male cancer incidence in 164 countries. Higher rates of prostate cancer occurred in countries with higher levels of exposure to nightly artificial light. Researchers alluded to several theories that could explain the increased incidence of prostate cancer due to nighttime light exposure, including suppression of melatonin production, suppression of the immune system, and an effect on the body's biological clock due to confusion be-tween night and day. Adding to this research are previous studies linking Vitamin D de-ficiency with cancer, particularly prostate cancer. The link to the current study is that Vitamin D is created in the skin during proper light exposure hence adding to ones im-portance for not only sun exposure but perhaps suggesting certain amounts or rhythms of daylight we need. Regardless of the cause, there appears to be a link between can-cer and nighttime light exposure. Consider more normal sleep schedules, light dimmers at home including the TV, candle light if appropriate, and sheer blinds to allow your house to 'breath in' sunlight in natural sun rhythms rather than whenever you open thick blinds.

Vitamin D Fast Facts by Dr. Raushanah Najeellah, ND(preceptor)

NPR recently broadcast a report on Vitamin D. It informs us that the FDA Recom-mended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin D is 200-600 IUs (international units) per day but new research indicates a dose of at least 1000 IUs per day is needed to be beneficial. The RDI can be achieved by exposing 30% of skin to sunlight for 30 minutes for fair skin, 45 minutes for darker skin.
In actuality, the therapeutic dose of Vitamin D is between 1,000-10,000 IUs per day. The appropriate dosage depends on the condition being addressed as well as the level of two forms of vitamin D that can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is used most often to assess and monitor vitamin D status.

Vitamin D can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Deficiency has been linked to autism, autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and chronic skin conditions
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Supplementation is usually in the form of liquid drops or capsules.

Hay Fever by Marianne Marchese, ND

Spring brings welcome relief from the cool winter months. But for some, it marks the beginning of allergy season and the miserable array of symptoms that accompany it. 35million people in the U.S. suffer from a condition called allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies.

Typical symptoms include itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, pharynx and eyes. Sneezing, and clear watery discharge from the nose soon follows. Headaches and irri-tability may also be present. Coughing and asthmatic wheezing can develop as the season progresses. Dark circles under the eyes, known as ‘allergic shiners,’ are a hall-mark of the condition.

Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergies. It is an allergic condition triggered by windborne pollens and mold spores. Plants blooming in the spring look and smell nice but can be triggers for some folks. Air pollution, high winds and dust can make symptoms worse.

If you are not certain what triggers your allergies Dr. Marchese offers an affordable blood test looking at IgE and IgG antibodies to different outdoor allergens.

Prevention
1. Keep an eye on the weather. Pollen counts are lowest on rainy, cloudy, and windless days. Hot, dry, and windy weather signals greater pollen and mold distri-bution and thus increased allergy symptoms.
2. Avoid or limit activity between 5:00am and 10:00am, when pollen is usually released.
3. While indoors and driving, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent pollen from drifting into your house or car.
4. Avoid moist, shady areas, compost piles, and greenhouses.
5. Don’t linger around freshly mowed lawns.
6. Avoid gardening on warm or windy days
7. Don’t hang your clothes or sheets out to dry. Pollens and spores may rest on them.

Conventional treatment options include anti-histamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Claritin is a popular anti-histamine that is now available over the counter. However, many of these come with side effects.

Naturopathic treatment options include;
Vitamins
Herbs
Homeopathy
Nutritional supplements
Bioflavonoids.

Although these supplements can be effective for many individuals, other will need to work more closely with their naturopath to identify triggers, enhance immune response and decrease allergic reactions. Make an appointment with Dr. Marchese now to curb your allergy suffering.

The Thyroid-High Cholesterol Connection by Dr. Shahrzad Orona, ND

A high blood cholesterol level may be an indication that the thyroid gland is underactive rather than the result of poor dietary habits. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) claims that after diet, thyroid disease is the most common secondary cause of high cholesterol. About one-quarter to one-half of patients with underactive thyroids will have high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels can be lowered just by diagnosing and treating the thyroid disease. A survey released by the AACE shows that fewer than half of the adults who had been diagnosed with high cholesterol knew if they had ever been tested for thyroid disease. Everyone with a high cholesterol level should be screened for thyroid disease.

NFC March Newsletter

2009-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Our doctors have written some great articles for this month's newsletter.

Buy the Organic Strawberries - Dr. Psenka
The Wet Socks Treatment- Dr. DiCampli
New Test Available for Prostate Cancer- Dr. Tamburri
The Vitamin D and Pain Connection- Dr. Kerievsky

Also, our online pharmacy is up and running! We've added dozens of our most popular pharmacy items, and are adding more daily. Visit nfcpharm.com to have all your supplements shipped right to your door!

Strawberry Bummer- Dr. Psenka
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.

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?

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:

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.

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.

3. Captan, a fungicide. The EPA has this chemical classified as a “probable human carcinogen.” Enough said.

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 here.

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.”

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.

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.

Wet Socks Treatment- Dr. DiCampli
Cold/flu prevention at home.....WET SOCKS!

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.

Important and Promising Recent Finding For Prostate Cancer Assessment- Dr. Tamburri
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 here 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.

Vitamin D deficiency and pain? Is there a link? Dr. Kerievsky
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.

January 2009 NFC Blog

2009-01-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

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:

1. NFC Health Stimulus Check- make sure you get yours!

2. Natural and Bio-Identical Hormones as seen on Oprah- NFC style

3. Prolotherapy: The treatment for sprains and strains.

4. Cholesterol Truth in Advertising

5. Pharmacy News- Yes! We have your supplements, our pharmacy is ONLINE!

Scroll down to read more about all these great topics

The Naturopathic Family Care Health Stimulus Check

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.

Should Women Replace Their Hormones?

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.
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 link.

New Treatments for Old Injuries

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 here for a thorough history and explanation of prolotherapy

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.

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.

When it Comes to Cholesterol, Don't Believe the Hype

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Supplements Are On The Way

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.

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
www.nfcpharm.com

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Can you believe that we're closing in on the end of 2008?

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. Dr. Adam Kerievsky, NMD, L.Ac., 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 HERE

Special Event coming to Phoenix!

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.

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 LINK.

Be sure to watch your mail for the Naturopathic Family Care Health Stimulus Check!

NFC December Newsletter

2008-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Don’t Take a Deep Breath.....

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.

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.

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.

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.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.

Also, growing indoor plants can help to clean the air of gasses and chemicals. According to NFC doctor Marianne Marchese, 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:

Mass cane (Dracaena massangeana)
Pot mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Gerbera daily (Gerbera jamesonii)
Warnecki (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”)
Ficus (Ficus benjamina)

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.

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 PER MONTH the chances of developing lung cancer were reduced by 22-50%. Wow.

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.

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.

The NFC Health Challenge

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 Rachel Albert-Matesz. 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.

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

Prince of the Prostates

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.

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 biography on the main NFC webpage.

Have a great day,

Jake Psenka, ND

October NFC Newsletter

2008-10-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fall is Upon Us

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.

Already this year we’ve seen a couple of pretty tenacious colds come through the office.

Allergies also make an appearance in the fall. All those lovely winter lawns planted with annual and perennial rye grass cause
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.

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.

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.....
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.

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?

At the clinic, we have found that D-Hist by Orthomolecular is great at reducing allergic symptoms.

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....

Have a great October!
Jake Psenka, NMD

NFC Free Lecture Series

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:

Women’s Health- Dr. Jesica DiCampli
Men’s Health- Dr. Phranq Tamburri
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia- Dr. Adam Kerievsky
Naturopathic Pediatrics- Dr. Shahrzad Orona
The NFC Health Challenge- Dr. Jake Psenka

Click here to see the whole schedule of talks.

Chiropractic Insurance Coverage
Good news!!!

Dr Ross Kerievsky, NMD, DC 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!

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.

If you have insurance through either BC/BS or Lifewise call our office to find out what your plan has to offer.

Fishy Risks, The NFC Health Challenge, and Our Fall Open House

2008-09-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

There's a lot going on at Naturopathic Family Care lately. Those of you who have been into the clinic lately may have noticed our new faces. Dr. Marianne Marchese, ND is now in full swing and seeing patients on Wednesdays and Fridays. Cortney has also joined our fantastic front desk staff.

Fall Open House

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!

Take the NFC Health Challenge!

Based on the success of our Stopping Chronic Disease class that was held at the clinic last week, we've decided to launch the NFC Health Challenge. 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 you ready to get healthy? Call or email us for more information on how to take the challenge.

Something's Fishy......

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.

The Environmental Working Group 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 website.

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.

Seafood To Avoid if Pregnant:
Shark
Swordfish
King Mackerel
Tilefish
Tuna Steaks
Canned Tuna
Sea Bass
Gulf Coast Oysters
Marlin
Halibut
Pike
Walleye
White Croaker
Largemouth Bass

Don't Eat These More Than Once Per Month:
Mahi Mahi
Blue Mussels
Eastern Oyster
Cod
Pollock
Great Lakes Salmon
Gulf Coast Blue Crab
Channel Catfish
Lake Whitefish

The Seafood With The Lowest Mercury:
Blue Crab
Croaker
Fish Sticks
Flounder
Haddock
Trout (farmed)
Salmon (wild Pacific)
Shrimp

Interested in Learning More? Check out our schedule of upcoming free lectures.

Have a great day!

Jake Psenka, ND

Artichokes, Doctors, and Special Opportunities!

2008-08-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

Artichoke Extract Found to Lower Cholesterol Levels

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.

The use of a placebo elevates the study to the highest benchmark for scientific studies- the double-blind placebo controlled trial.

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.
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.
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?

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.

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!

In Health,
Jake Psenka, ND

Two New Doctors Joining NFC!

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.

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:

Dr. Shelley Crombach, DC
Dr. Marianne Marchese, NMD

Hypothyroidism Linked to Fatal Heart Disease & Tomato Warning

2008-06-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Increased Risk of Coronary Heart disease in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.

Tomato Warning

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.
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.

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.
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.

The Best Vegetable Wash
1. Fill the sink with cool or tepid water
2. Add one cup hydrogen peroxide
3. Add your produce (fruits and veggies)
4. Let soak for 15 minutes
5. Rinse with clean water then eat or put in the fridge.

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.
Enjoy!

Jake Psenka, ND

The Top 5 Foods For Preventing Cancer

2008-05-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

It 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.

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 here.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Next on the list is pomegranates. Pomegranates, or Punica granatum, 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.

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 Cameilla sinensis. 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.

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.

Live well,

Jonathan (Jake) Psenka, ND

Stress Happens

2008-04-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

It 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Follow these four basic steps to help rid yourself of stress.

1. Learn techniques, such as deep breathing, to help calm yourself and promote a positive attitude.
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.
3. Eat a healthy diet- minimize stimulants, restrict alcohol use, control food allergies, maximize those foods containing potassium.
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.

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 here.