Happy Holidays from NFC!!!!!

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!!!

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

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?

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PLEASE CALL US AT (602) 493-2273

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SEPTEMBER - Prostate Cancer Awareness & Cholesterol Education Month

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

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!!!

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!

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!

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.