Blossoming Health, Naturopathic Clinic

The Founding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine - Roseville California News including Rocklin & Placer County

2010-06-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Founding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine - Roseville California News including Rocklin & Placer County

Fibromyalgia: Seven Steps Out of Pain

2009-09-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Pacific Compounds Pharmacy is hosting an informative and uplifting seminar on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 pm. The guest speaker is Dr. Arcoma Gonzalez. She will be lecturing on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue:

Fibromyalgia: Seven Steps Out of Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain in many places all over your body?
If you have pain, fatigue, fibrofog, restlessness, poor sleep, hypersensitivities to smells, allergies, and weight concerns, then this one hour presentation will answer a lot of questions about how and why these symptoms occur. There are many theories as to the causes of fibromyalgia, but anyone who suffers with these symptoms has an entirely different view of the disease than the researchers. Dr. Gonzalez Lambert will shed some light on the body systems affected, the ways to treat this ever changing condition, and useful tips on how to keep your insurance coverage. This one hour presentation is practical, entertaining, and informative so that you can get back to living your life.

If you, or anyone you know, has Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you'll definitely want to attend this seminar!

Date: Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: Pacific Compounds Pharmacy

327 SE 3rd Avenue

Hillsboro, Or 97123

Speaker: Dr. Arcoma Gonzalez

Price: $10.00 per seat or $15.00 for two seats - bring a friend!
(seats must be reserved and pre-paid, either in
person or by calling 503-640-3080 to get this price.)

$15.00 per seat at the door

Two Dietary Oils, Two Sets Of Benefits For Older Women With Diabetes

2009-07-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (July 7, 2009) — A study comparing how two common dietary oil supplements affect body composition suggests that both oils, by themselves, can lower body fat in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes.

The two oils compared were safflower oil, a common cooking oil, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a compound naturally found in some meat and dairy products that has been associated with weight loss in previous studies. Both are composed primarily of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered “good fats” that, when consumed in proper quantities, are associated with a variety of health benefits.

In the study, 16 weeks of supplementation with safflower oil reduced fat in the trunk area, lowered blood sugar and increased muscle tissue in the women participants.

Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation for the same length of time, on the other hand, reduced total body fat and lowered the women’s body mass index (BMI), a common health measure of weight relative to height.

All of the women in the study took one oil for 16 weeks, followed by the other oil for an equal amount of time. The participants were instructed not to change their diets or exercise patterns over the course of the study so the research would measure the effects of only the supplementation.

“Making this subtle change in the intake of high-quality dietary fats in an effort to alter body composition is both achievable and affordable to postmenopausal women in the United States who are managing the difficult combination of obesity and diabetes,” said Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University and senior author of the study.

Among the most surprising findings: that in 16 weeks, these women could lose between about two pounds and four pounds of trunk fat simply by taking safflower oil supplements.

“I never would have imagined such a finding. This study is the first to show that such a modest amount of a linoleic acid-rich oil may have a profound effect on body composition in women,” Belury said. The dose of either oil taken each day was approximately 1 2/3 teaspoons.

Postmenopausal women tend to lose muscle at the same time that body fat accumulates toward their middle, so this research shows how dietary oils can complement lifestyle and medication in helping older diabetic women manage their health, she said.

The research appears online and is scheduled for later print publication in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Thirty-five women participated in the study. All were considered obese based on their BMI measures of 30 or higher, were postmenopausal but younger than age 70, and had Type 2 diabetes but did not need to take insulin to treat the disease. Many did take other medications, such as those used to manage blood sugar levels, cholesterol or blood pressure.

The women were randomized into two groups to determine which supplement they took first. Each initial 16-week supplementation was followed by a four-week washout period to remove the first supplement from their systems before the next 16-week supplementation period began. The supplements were contained in eight pills; the women took two pills four times per day, at meals and bedtime.

“The power of the crossover is that it tells you the different effects of the dietary oils in the same woman,” Belury said.

The daily supplementation contained 6.4 grams of each oil’s active fatty acid: linoleic acid in safflower oil and, in CLA, specific fatty acid isomers – compounds that share the same chemical formula but differ in chemical structure.

The researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, commonly known as DXA and usually used to measure bone density, to determine the women’s baseline and follow-up lean mass and fat throughout their bodies and specifically in their trunk region.

Researchers asked the participants to keep diet and activity records for three consecutive days at four points over the course of the study to account for the potential for calorie intake or exercise to affect the results, Belury said. Physical activity remained unchanged throughout the study, and no significant differences were seen between the two groups’ reported calorie intake.

The study showed that CLA supplementation significantly decreased body mass index and total body fat over both diet periods, typically showing effects in the last half of each 16-week period. The BMI levels of the women taking CLA dropped on average by about half a point, and their total body fat decreased by an average of 3.2 percent, reducing the weight of the fat tissue by an average of between 2.3 pounds and 3.5 pounds.

Safflower oil supplementation showed no effect on total body fat readings, but reduced the weight of trunk fat tissue by between 2.6 pounds and 4.2 pounds, or an average of 6.3 percent. It also increased lean tissue, or muscle, by between an average of about 1.4 pounds and 3 pounds.

Safflower oil also lowered fasting blood sugar levels by between 11 and 19 points on average. Blood sugar is considered normal if it falls below 110 milligrams per deciliter; the women’s average blood sugar levels ranged from 129 to 148 after 16 weeks of safflower oil supplementation.

“Lowering fasting glucose is important for these women. The overall effect in just 16 weeks wasn’t bringing them back to normal, but safflower oil still improved it significantly,” Belury said.

The dietary oils did not have significant effects on other health measurements, such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and skinfold thickness measures of body fat, Belury noted.

The CLA also did not appear to affect the variety of hormones involved in fat burning. However, safflower oil increased a hormone called adiponectin. Increasing this hormone may have instilled an improved ability to burn dietary fats, said Belury, who hopes to investigate this mechanism in a follow-up study.

Belury said that other work she is conducting in animals suggests that at least in the case of CLA, the fatty acid appears to allow the body to burn calories in a heat-producing way. Questions remain about the long-term safety of any kind of supplementation that lowers body fat, because some research has suggested that the fat that leaves fat tissue ends up in the liver or muscles – a condition that could lead to insulin resistance and diabetes if that fat can’t be used.

Neither CLA nor the linoleic acid in safflower oil is naturally produced in the human body, so both must be obtained from food or dietary supplements. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that is important in growth and maintenance of tissues and lipid metabolism. The American Heart Association recently issued recommendations suggesting that omega-6 fatty acids are among the polyunsaturated fats that should be consumed for heart health.

CLA is found naturally in trace amounts primarily in beef, lamb and milk, but obtaining levels comparable to those used in Belury’s study likely requires concentrated doses similar to those found in dietary supplements.

“Essentially what we’re trying to understand with nutrition is how dietary approaches can complement Westernized medicine,” Belury said. “In an ideal world, we’d love it if women like those in our study could use diet, activity and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle to manage their health. But most will probably be on oral medications for the rest of their lives for managing their diabetes and metabolism, which is fine as long as the medications work. We think there’s a chance that nutrition can complement medication and help drugs work even better.”

Co-authors on the study were Leigh Norris, Angela Collene, Michelle Asp, Li-Fen Liu and Julia Richardson of Ohio State’s Department of Human Nutrition; Jason Hsu and Dongmei Li of the Department of Statistics; Kwame Osei and Rebecca Jackson of the Department of Internal Medicine’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; and Doris Bell of Cognis, provider of an unrestricted monetary gift and a dietary oil donation for the research.

This work was supported by the National Center for Research Resources, Ohio State’s Clinical Research Center, the National Institutes of Health and the Caroline S. Kennedy endowment, which funds Belury’s professorship.

Vitamin B6 May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

2009-07-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D.

Christian Post Contributor

Thu, Jul. 02 2009 04:20 PM EDT

Increased intake of vitamin B6 from dietary and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 50%, suggests a new Harvard study.

Each year, almost 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer, and nearly 55,000 die from the disease. A new report from the Physicians' Health Study, which involves 22,000 male doctors, suggests that vitamin B6 helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Blood levels of the vitamin were measured and those with the highest levels had a 53% reduced risk. The protection appeared to be independent of levels of other B vitamins and may work through reducing oxidative stress. Vitamin B6 is known to be vital for DNA production, so lack of it might lead to the kind of DNA damage that is associated with cancer.

The study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. Last year, the same journal published similar findings from Scotland-based researchers. They reported that increased intakes of vitamin B6 from dietary and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by over 20%.

A previous Swedish study involving 60,000 women also found that women who consumed lower levels of vitamin B6 had a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer than those who consumed large quantities.

Good food sources of vitamin B6 include fortified cereals, fish, nuts, legumes, meat, bell peppers, bananas, avocados, potatoes and greens such as spinach, turnip, collard, mustard, kale and chard.

But many of us are not getting nearly enough B6 from our diets. In 2008, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study of nearly 8,000 people showing that B6 inadequacy is common throughout the United States. "Across the study population," the authors said, "we noticed participants with inadequate vitamin B6 status even though they reported consuming more than the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin B6, which is less than 2 milligrams per day."

To ensure that you are getting enough vitamin B6, take a complete nutritional supplement such as Basic Nutrient Support that includes the full spectrum of vitamins. Because of its many varied essential functions, B6 is also included in Cardiovascular Support, Memory & Mental Support, and Stress Support.

"Rice" designed to fight allergies

2009-07-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

The Times of India
5 Jul 2009

Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough in advancing towards the next generation of genetically modified rice, which will fight Rice bowl Now rice will fight allergies instead of causing them.

According to report in Live Science, the new transgenic rice has been designed to fight a common pollen allergy appears safe in animal studies.

Fumio Takaiwa and colleagues note that the first generation of genetically-modified crops was designed to help keep crops free of weeds and bugs.

The next generation of transgenic crops is being developed to directly benefit human health.

This includes vegetables and grains that produce higher levels of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, or even medicines and vaccines.

Like the first generation of transgenic foods, however, researchers are anxiously trying to determine whether foods produced from these "biopharmaceutical" crops will be safe for humans and the environment.

The rice plant has been genetically engineered to fight allergies to Japanese cedar pollen, a growing public health problem in Japan that affects about 20 percent of the population.

In laboratory studies, the researchers fed a steamed version of the transgenic rice and a non-transgenic version to a group of monkeys everyday for 26 weeks.

At the end of the study period, the test animals did not show any health problems, in an initial demonstration that the allergy-fighting rice may be safe for consumption, according to the researchers.

More research will be needed to bring the rice to market.

Herbs and Natural Remedies for Insomnia

2009-07-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sleep is one of the most deeply healing and revitalizing experiences known. When we can get enough restful sleep each night, the entire world looks brighter. Insomnia is a lack of healthful, restful sleep and is a common problem experienced by as many as 20% to 30% of American adults at various times in their lives. Statistics report a fifth of American adults and half of American seniors have difficulty falling asleep on any given night (Reiter and Robinson, 1995). The most prevalent sleeping disorder is chronic insomnia, which is experienced by 15% of adults.

Until recently (1993), when the US Congress mandated a National Center on Sleep Disorders, insomnia was not considered a significant or disabling medical condition. Today, it is recognized as a disease which is produced by a wide variety of causative factors, including emotional disorders and upset, physical imbalances, age, environmental factors, and a genetic component.

During my years of clinical experience as a practicing herbalist, I have worked with many patients suffering from sleep disorders most of whom have a lifestyle and/or emotional component accompanying their illness. These might include the loss of a loved one or a divorce, loud unaccustomed noises during the night such as barking dogs or sirens, biological rhythm upsets such as changing one's working schedule to the night shift, or stimulating drugs like coffee or amphetamines, all of which contribute to and intensify insomnia.

Insomnia can be based on or aggravated by a neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and include serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Sleep disorders and such symptoms as depression are especially linked with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Herbs and foods high in tryptophan that help restore proper serotonin levels in the brain are St. John's wort, quinoa, spirulina, and soy products.

Holistic treatment for insomnia is multifaceted and incorporates many techniques including herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, lifestyle changes, improved sleep hygiene, massage therapy, behavioral therapy, meditation, diet, exercise, hypnosis, acupuncture, relaxation, guided imagery, and homeopathy. A treatment approach is aimed at precluding all the potential causes of insomnia rather than simply providing symptomatic relief. Table 1 reviews some important practical ways to improve sleep.

Sleep Hygiene

Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Arise at a specific hour each morning, regardless of the previous night's sleep to help set your biological clock. To consolidate and deepen sleep, restrict the amount of sleep to only as much as needed to feel refreshed during the following day. Exercising regularly helps deepen sleep; however, strenuous exercise should be completed three-four hours before going to bed. Arrange the bedroom so that it is a comfortable setting. Insulate it against sound and light by using carpets and curtains; ear plugs and eye masks may be helpful.

Keep the room at a cool to moderate temperature. Excessive heat disturbs sleep.

Avoid liquids before going to sleep to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom. If liquids are not a problem, try drinking a small hot beverage (dairy, rice, or soy milk) at bedtime.

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated beverages (especially in the evening). Note: Although alcohol may help a person fall asleep, it causes subsequent sleep to be fragmented.

As far as possible, work out family or job related problems before going to sleep.

Use the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activity only. If you can't fall asleep, don't get angry at yourself; get up, leave the room, and engage in another activity like reading or stretching. Hide the clock if you find yourself waking up to see the time. Avoid napping longer than one-hour or after four pm. Turn off the telephone. Try a relaxation technique, such as, biofeedback, meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or massage to prepare the mind and body for sleep.
(Adapted from Rakel, 1996)

Some of the major herbs for insomnia are discussed below.

Herbs for Insomnia

The following herbs can be used during the day, or try using 20-30 minutes before bedtime.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children. Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe overwrought nerves, diluted to 2% to make an excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.

Hops (Humulus lupulus): In the early 1900s, Eclectic physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness (Bell, 1925; Ellingwood, 1983). Hops, a major flavoring component of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Essential oil--oil may be inhaled, massaged into the skin (use 10 drops essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil), or added to baths (3-10 drops).

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): Herbalists consider passion flower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly-sold sedative preparations. Passion flower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults (Bruneton, 1995). It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses (Spaick, 1978).

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 3 x daily; Tincture, 30-60 drops 3-4 x daily.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): In the United States, herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those type of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs, such as California poppy, skullcap, hops, and passion flower.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup as needed; Tincture, 2-5 droppersful 2-3 x daily.

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa): Wild lettuce is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia (Boericke, 1927). Because of its safety of use and calming effects, wild lettuce is a good children's remedy.

Dose: Tincture, 2-3 drpfls 3-4 x daily.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): California poppy is my favorite sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety of herbal remedies sold in the United States for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety. Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical and laboratory work on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant's sedative and anti-anxiety properties; it has been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality (Bruneton, 1995).

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.
Note: Since the tea is mild, a tincture is recommended when a stronger dose is desired.

Kava kava (Piper methysticum): Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue.

Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 3-4 droppersful 2-3 x daily.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal therapeutics. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek times. Modern scientific studies show that it can help relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression when related to certain brain chemistry imbalances. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight.

Dose: Tincture, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 2-3 x daily; powdered extract, 1-2 tablets or capsules 2-3 x daily. Allow 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to develop. If you experience light sensitivity or other unpleasant symptoms, reduce or discontinue the St. John's wort and consult a qualified herbalist for a total program.

Melatonin: Melatonin is a human hormone that is increasingly popular as a supplement to promote sound sleep, especially in people who travel between time zones or who work odd hours. People report mixed success with this product; some people find real benefit and others feel nothing from its use, while a smaller percentage of users experience side effects such as nervousness and increased insomnia. Whether you have benefited from the use of melatonin or not, one or more of the sleep hygiene tips, as well as safe and natural herbs and formulas covered in this article are likely to help you get a deep refreshing sleep, without side effects.

Herbal Formulas for Insomnia

A Calming Tea Blend: Linden flowers (1 part), Hawthorn flowers & leaves (1 part), Chamomile (2 parts), Catnip (1 part), Lemon balm (1 part), Wintergreen (1 part), Stevia herb (1/8 part).

Bedtime Tea: Valerian (30%), Linden (20%), Kava kava (20%), Chamomile (20%), Catnip (10%).

For either formula, blend the loose herbs, place in a quart jar for future use, and store out of the direct sunlight in a cool place. Use 1 tsp/cup to make a tea. Make 1 quart at a time, adding 1 extra tsp 'for the pot.' Add the herbs to boiled water and cover. Let steep for 20 minutes, strain and store in the quart jar in the refrigerator. This blend will keep for 3 days. Pour out 1 cup, warm it, and drink several times daily or before bedtime as needed.

A few drops of essential oil of lavender added to a foot bath or regular bath can have a nice, calming effect. Finally, sleep pillows made of equal parts of hops, lavender, and chamomile and bath salts containing relaxing essential oils both help promote sleep and are available in some health food stores

Bibliography

Bell, V.L. 1925. A Glossary of Indicated Remedies and Disease Names and Definitions. Cincinnati: Lloyd Brothers Pharmacists.
Boericke, W. 1927. Materia Medica with Repertory. 9th. Philadelphia: Boericke & Runyon.
Bruneton, J. 1995. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing.
Ellingwood, F. 1983. (1898). American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Rakel, R.E., ed. 1996. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co.
Reiter, F. & J. Robinson. 1995. Your Body's Natural Wonder Drug, Melatonin. New York: Bantam Books.
Spaich, W. 1978. Moderne Phytotherapie. Heidelberg: Karl F. Haug Verlag.

Like aspirin, garlic and fish oil are blood thinners

2009-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

By LISA TSAKOS
Naturally Savvy

I wish to take garlic supplements as an immune booster. I read that you shouldn’t take garlic with aspirin or Omega3’s. Is this true?

Garlic, fish oil (omega 3) and aspirin are all blood thinners. Blood clots are far more dangerous than blood that is too thin. Warnings about blood thinners are mainly specific to Warfarin, a prescribed blood thinner. Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the dosage must be precise. It does not combine well with any other blood thinner (including herbal or natural ones).

The primary danger in taking too many blood thinners is that, in the case of an accident, you may experience excessive bleeding. Garlic supplements taken with fish oil are safe and, as blood thinners, are equally as effective as aspirin.

LISA TSAKOS IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO WWW.NATURALLYSAVVY.COM

Red clover helps with weight loss, high blood pressure

2009-07-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Deborah Mitchell, Examiner.com

Red clover has been used for centuries as a diuretic to lose weight, reduce swelling and inflammation, and ease joint pain. It can be an alternative to conventional medications, including statins and diuretics, for these and other purposes, such as the bloating and discomfort that often accompany menstruation and premenstrual syndrome.

What is red clover?
Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is a hardy perennial that grows throughout Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, as well as Australia and North America. The plant sports pink-purple flowers that make their appearance in late spring, and these colorful displays are the parts that are used for healing.

Benefits of red clover
This traditional herbal remedy stimulates the production of urine and helps remove water and waste materials from the kidneys and bladder. This increased flow of urine helps with weight loss, contributes to lowering elevated blood pressure, and relieves the swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and menstruation.

Several studies have also pointed to the ability of red clover to protect against heart disease. A 2008 study also found that postmenopausal women experienced a significant improvement in total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol after taking red clover supplements.

Red clover is also mentioned as a possible anticancer remedy, although evidence is still being collected. A 2008 British study of 401 women found that treatment with red clover isoflavones was safe and may possibly be considered to help prevent breast cancer.

How to take red clover
The recommended daily dose for adults is usually 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowering herb infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, taken three times daily. You can also use standardized powdered clover extract (standardized to isoflavone content) at 40 to 160 mg daily in capsules; 60 to 100 drops of tincture (1:5; 30% alcohol) three times daily; of 1 mL of the fluid extract (1:1) three times daily. Both the tincture and the fluid extract may be added to hot water to make a tea.

Because red clover has phytoestrogenic properties (estrogen-like abilities), it is not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although there is no clear evidence that red clover is not safe for women who have current or a history of breast cancer, these women should avoid using it because of the phytoestrogenic traits.

As with any supplement, you should talk to your doctor before you begin taking it.

Poor Sleep Is Independently Associated With Depression In Postpartum Women

2009-07-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (July 3, 2009) — A study in the journal Sleep suggests that postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression. Twenty-one percent of depressed postpartum women included in the study reported having also been depressed during pregnancy and 46 percent reported at least one previous depressive episode prior to conception, suggesting that new mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression are not merely reporting symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation.

Results indicate that two months after delivery, poor sleep was associated with depression when adjusted for other significant risk factors, such as poor partner relationship, previous depression, depression during pregnancy and stressful life events. Sleep disturbances and subjective sleep quality were the aspects of sleep most strongly associated with depression. Overall, nearly 60 percent of the postpartum women experienced poor global sleep quality, and 16.5 percent had depressive symptoms.

According to lead author Karen Dørheim, MD, PhD, psychiatrist at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway, depression after delivery is often not identified by new mothers, whereas tiredness and lack of sleep are common complaints. These symptoms may be attributed to poor sleep, but the tiredness could also be caused by depression.

"It is important to ask a new mother suffering from tiredness about how poor sleep affects her daytime functioning and whether there are other factors in her life that may contribute to her lack of energy," said Dørhei. "There are also helpful depression screening questionnaires that can be completed during a consultation. Doctors and other health workers should provide an opportunity for postpartum women to discuss difficult feelings."

Data were collected between October 2005 and September 2006 from 2,830 women who gave birth to a live child at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway. Sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The mean self-reported nightly sleep duration was 6.5 hours, and sleep efficiency was 73 percent. The mean age of the mothers at the time of reply was 30 years, and the mean age of the infants was 8.4 weeks.

Depression, previous sleep problems, being a first time mother, not exclusively breastfeeding or having a younger or male infant were factors associated with poor postpartum sleep quality. Better maternal sleep was associated with the baby sleeping in a different room.

According to authors, the first three months after delivery are characterized by continually changing sleep parameters. Women who are tired during this period may attribute this to poor sleep, but the tiredness could alternatively be caused by depression; thus talking about sleep problems may provide an entry point for also discussing the woman's overall well-being. Individual women may react differently to shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency during the postpartum period, and that the sleep of women with a history of depression may be more sensitive to the psychobiological (hormonal, immunological, psychological and social) changes associated with childbirth.

Journal reference:

. Sleep and Depression in Postpartum Women: A Population-Based Study. Sleep, July 1, 2009

Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Vitamin D deficiency a growing global problem

2009-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Nyon, Switzerland

June 30, 2009

Report shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D, with highest rates in South Asia and the Middle East

A new report issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and published in the scientific journal Osteoporosis International¹, shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D. The problem is widespread and on the increase, with potentially severe repercussions for overall health and fracture rates.
Compiled by IOF’s expert working group on nutrition, the report reviews the scope and causes of low vitamin D levels in six regions: Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania. Regional reports are available on the IOF website

Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and, to a lesser extent, is derived from nutritional sources. It plays an important role, through its influence on calcium levels, in the maintenance of organ systems, and is needed for normal bone mineralization and growth. Suboptimal levels of vitamin D may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture and, in severe cases, to the development of rickets, a softening of bones in children that can lead to skeletal fractures and deformity.

Although there is ongoing debate as to what constitutes the optimal level of vitamin D, the report shows that regardless of whether it is defined at 50nmol/L or 75nmol/L, vitamin D status is seriously inadequate in large proportions of the population across the globe.

The main risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, female sex, lower latitudes, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less sunlight exposure, dietary habits, and the absence of vitamin D fortification in common foods. Further factors include the increase in urbanization, where people tend to live and work indoors, as well as cultural practices that tend towards sun avoidance and the wearing of traditional clothing that covers the skin. The severity of the problem in Middle East and South Asia arises from the combination of several of these risk factors.

These findings suggest that prevention strategies must be initiated at the national level - especially given the increasing ageing of populations in many regions of the world. National plans of action should encourage safe, limited exposure to sunlight and improved dietary intake of vitamin D, whilst considering fortification of foods as well.

1. A. Mithal, D.A. Wahl, J-P. Bonjour et al. on behalf of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Nutrition Working Group. Global vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D (2009) Osteoporosis International, in press.

2. Regional reports for Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania may be downloaded free of charge from the IOF website.

Oklahoma naturopaths offer natural therapies to aid in healing

2009-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

BY JENNIFER PALMER

NEWSOK

Even though her business card reads "Naturopathic Doctor,” Cathy Hopkins doesn’t like to be called a doctor.

"I don’t diagnose, treat or cure,” she said. "I can only suggest ways to give their body what it needs.”
Sandy Taylor, owner of Sandy’s Herbs in Oklahoma City, also shuns the term doctor. "I have clients, not patients. I ask them to call me Sandy, not ‘Doctor,’” she said.
Naturopaths teach their clients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting-edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ abilities to ward off disease or ailments, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Many naturopaths choose to specialize in a particular type of natural therapy.
At Healthy Solutions in Moore, Hopkins and two other practitioners use reflexology, bio-energetic screening and other methods, whereas Taylor specializes in iridology, the study of the iris of the eye.
That may sound what Hopkins calls "Star Trek-y.” But a lot of what naturopaths do is just nutritional counseling.
"It’s nothing new. It’s new to us because we are not used to balancing our bodies naturally,” Hopkins said. "We’re used to that magic pill.”
What to expectWhen a new client visits a naturopath, they will typically spend 30 minutes to two hours discussing their ailments, lifestyle and eating habits.
The naturopath might then recommend a particular therapy, herbal supplement or lifestyle adjustment.
Initial consultations can cost $50 to $100 and follow-up appointments vary. Rarely is the expense covered by health insurance. Hopkins said naturopathic remedies can be used in conjunction with a physician’s treatment, and she wouldn’t ask a client to discontinue medication prescribed by a doctor.
There are just more than 3,000 naturopathic doctors practicing today, according to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges. That number has tripled over the past 10 years.
Taylor, who has been studying naturopathy for nearly 20 years, said the body’s ability to heal itself is amazing.
"It’s never too late to start being better to yourself,” she said.

Fat-free vegan banana bread recipe

2009-06-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

By Sara Jelley
Denver Vegan Examiner

Borrowing the no-substitute idea from another banana bread recipe found online, I tweaked one of my all-time favorite treats to be a bit more healthy and quirky. Mashed bananas are often used in place of eggs in vegan baking, so in making vegan banana bread you just have to use more bananas! This recipe requires no fancy vegan “alternatives” to dairy or eggs, as it is just the basics. With the quite reasonable price of both organic and non-organic bananas lately, it is so easy to buy an extra bunch and combine with regular household ingredients to make this amazing addition to any tea party or potluck.

Fat-free Vegan Banana Bread:

5-6 ripe (spotted brown) bananas
½ cup (vegan) sugar or less than ½ cup agave nectar *
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½- 2 cups (whole wheat) flour**
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2-3 tsp cinnamon***
¼ cup dried cranberries, raisins, papaya and/or pineapple
¼ cup dark, semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (past 70% is often alright, but check the ingredients for dairy) *These may add fat to the recipe.
¼ cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts (optional) *These may also add a slight amount of fat to the recipe.

Heat oven to 350º.
Mash the bananas in a large sized bowl, one that will hold all ingredients. Stir in sugar or agave nectar and vanilla extract.
Make sure the bananas are not still chunky; rather they should turn into a smooth liquid mixture. Add water.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well, and slowly add to the wet mixture, just enough to be thoroughly wet. Do not over-mix.
Mix in desired amount of dried fruit, chocolate chips and nuts.
Pour into slightly oiled loaf pan and bake for about one hour.
Test middle with fork or toothpick to ensure solid texture on the inside.

Let cool for at least 10 minutes, and enjoy with coffee, tea, or anytime!

Notes:

*Any sugar can be used if you are not picky about how the sugar is refined, as some is refined with animal bone char. This is reduced from the original 1 cup because I found that it was too sweet for my tastes. Also, for high-altitude cooking, the decrease in sugar may help.
**All-purpose flour may be used, but whole wheat will give you more natural-tasting bread with healthier results. For stickier, more cake-like banana bread and in high-altitudes, use slightly less flour.
***This is my personal preference: if you don’t love cinnamon like I do, you can reduce this amount to 1 tsp.

Doctor uses naturopathic medicine to complement traditional cancer treatments

2009-06-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

By Erin Turner Daily News-Sun

Dr. Hanna Ian believes in the power of naturopathic medicine.
She also advocates traditional medical treatment, especially for cancer and other diseases.
"When naturopathic medicine is used with chemotherapy it can do several things - enhance the effectiveness of the drugs, prevent the harmful side effects of low white blood cells or red blood cells or digestive problems (and) protect body systems from damage," the Surprise physician said. "But naturopathic medicine will not cure the cancer."
Ian said naturopathic medicine is more of a lifestyle change and complement to traditional drug regimens and other treatment methods.
"I think the best cure is a combination of conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatment, in addition to naturopathic medicine," she said. "In this framework I wouldn't say that naturopathic medicine cures cancer. So when I'm treating patients, I'm treating them with therapies that will enhance chemotherapeutic drugs they're taking."
Her course of action when consulting a new patient diagnosed with cancer is to work with the treatment plan prescribed by an oncologist, she said.
"I tell a patient to see an oncologist first because I need the patient to explore what the oncologist will do so I can complement that. If I already know what chemotherapeutic drug they're going to use, we go over what the treatment plan is with the oncologist so I can enhance the effectiveness of the drug. When I'm preparing a plan, the plan is very specific because there are natural substances that can diminish the effectiveness of a chemotherapeutic drug."
And if a patient isn't interested in traditional treatment, Ian said naturopathic medicine can still have its benefits, though it won't eradicate cancer cells.
"I would advocate that people make an informed choice," she said. "Visit with naturopathic physician, visit with an oncologist. (Naturopathic medicine) can help put on weight, strengthen the body and improve the quality of life."
"On a different note, a major illness such as cancer affords the opportunity to look at one's life and evaluate what isn't working. There are many times that people come just to get the naturopathic benefits ... and they start looking at the emotional issues that have not served them and predispose the body to an unhealthy environment. I think cancer is a really good opportunity to look at one's life and look at what isn't working and do the necessary internal work to make changes that will support your happiness," she added.
Ian touted naturopathic medicine as worthwhile and effective when used properly.
"Naturopathic medicine is evidence based. Were not just using folktales," she said. "It's research-evidenced based."

Gluten free quinoa salad

2009-06-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

By Kimberly Nies

A trend you’ll come across a lot in food circles revolves around culinary superhero foods. They’re more nutritious than your mild-mannered counterparts and many of them are gluten free. A growing favorite of these super foods is quinoa. Pronounced like a combined “king” and “wa,” this grain is a powerhouse of nourishment and flavor. It's inexpensive, easy to prepare and great tasting.

It might not cook faster than a speeding bullet, but it sure gives rice a nice blow to the ego. Brown rice has some of the good-for-you fiber, but takes about 45 minutes to cook. Instant white rice may take 5 minutes, but loses almost all of its natural nutritional value. Quinoa takes only 15 minutes to cook and has up to 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. Compare that to brown rice’s 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. The most common varieties are white and red and both can be prepare on the stove top, in the microwave or in the rice cooker.

Here’s my favorite recipe for Quinoa. It’s great hot or cold and you can mix and match your preferred vegetables to suit your taste and the season.

Quinoa Salad
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup green onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 zucchini, sliced
2 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 cups quinoa, cooked according to the packages direction
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1) Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot add the bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms and corn kernels. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to brown on the edges.
2) Add the cumin, garlic powder and cayenne. Stir until the spices become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3) Add the cooked quinoa and avocado. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot immediately or refrigerate and serve cold.

High triglycerides? These dietary changes can help

2009-06-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

By Jane Harrison, R.D., Staff Nutritionist, myOptumHealth

John was already on a low-cholesterol diet. But his doctor told him he had high triglyceride levels, too, which also raised his risk for heart disease. So, is there such a thing as a "low triglyceride" diet he should be following as well?

Most fat in food, as well as in your body, is present in the form of triglycerides. Usually the body can control the amount of triglycerides it makes. But, excess calories you eat are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. This can lead to the unhealthy buildup of triglyceride levels in the blood. This can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, among other health risks.

Typically, a high triglyceride level is a signal that your diet needs extra attention. Or, it may be due to an inherited disorder. Triglycerides also are often elevated in people with poorly controlled diabetes or kidney problems, or with an underactive thyroid.

The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for fasting triglycerides are:

Normal	Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline	150 to 199 mg/dL
High	200 to 499 mg/dL
Very high	500 mg/dL or higher

How to lower your triglyceride level

If your triglycerides are high, it's likely you have other major heart disease risk factors, too, such as obesity or high blood pressure. Diet and lifestyle changes can help you lower your triglycerides. They can also help you keep your body mass, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure in check, too. Here's how to start:

Lose excess weight. If you're overweight, a weight loss of even a few pounds can be helpful. Taking in fewer calories and having smaller portion sizes are good ways to start.

Avoid sugary foods. Like blood glucose levels, triglycerides are affected by the amount of sugar in the diet. Work to avoid sweets, soda, cakes, pastries and cookies. Also, limit other types of processed grains, such as white pasta, white potatoes, crackers, bagels and white bread.

Eat plenty of wholesome foods.

Fresh fruits (versus canned or juice)
Fresh or frozen vegetables
Beans, such as lentil, split pea, kidney, pinto and black
Small portions of whole grains, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, barley or oatmeal
Lean proteins, such as fish, skinless chicken, turkey, tofu or very lean beef

Increase omega-3 fats in your diet. Eat fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines or light tuna at least twice a week. Also include walnuts, flaxseed oil, flax meal and dark leafy greens for vegetarian sources of omega-3. Other healthy fats include avocados, olive and canola oil, olives, nuts, seeds and natural peanut butter. Use these fats to replace saturated and trans sources of fat, such as butter, cheese, red meat, fried foods, many snack crackers, margarines and processed foods.

Ask your doctor about an omega-3 supplement. If your triglycerides are very high and you are not getting enough omega-3 in your diet, ask your doctor if a supplement is right for you. The American Heart Association recommends 2 to 4 grams daily of DHA plus EPA (fish oil source of omega-3 fats) under a doctor's supervision.

Avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and can have a powerful effect on triglycerides. Small amounts of alcohol may increase your level, especially if you fall into the "high" or "very high" category.

Exercise regularly. With your doctor's approval, start slowly and work up to at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. This can also raise HDL ("good") cholesterol. Whether it's walking, swimming or bike riding, choose something you enjoy so you'll stick to it.

SOURCES:

American Heart Association. Triglycerides.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Triglycerides: The cholesterol-heart disease connection.

American Heart Association. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.

Kimberly Garrison: Forget pills & gimmicks: Exercise, diet work best

2009-06-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

By Kimberly Garrison

Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News Personal FItness Columnist

JANICE POLEON might be best described as a weight-loss drama queen. When it comes to weight-loss quick-fix schemes, you name it, and the New Jersey native's probably tried it.

Janice, 30, has been worrying about her weight as long as she can remember, and the chronicles of her weight-loss drama go back to high school, when she compared herself to her sisters.

"I always worried about my weight growing up, since my sisters were always thinner than I," Poleon recalled recently. "In 11th grade I had a bad breakup [well, as serious as you can get in high school] and got very depressed - so depressed that I ate for comfort and gained a lot of weight, I went from a size 11/12 to a size 18. During the same school year, I started taking a dietary supplement called Accu-trim and slimmed back down to a size 11-12 in time for the junior prom."

Once off to college, instead of the "freshman 15," Poleon gained the freshman 50. She went looking for that dietary supplement, "but, unfortunately, it was off the market, so I started taking everything under the sun to do the trick."

She lost weight on Metabolife, "but as soon as I went off of it, I gained it all back, plus some."

Then came a product called Xenadrine that quickly became her absolute favorite weight-loss supplement. Janice faithfully took the product every day for several years, and said that it gave her a boost of energy and helped to keep the pounds at bay.

But once the product was reformulated without ephedra after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the supplement, Poleon found that it no longer worked for her. The unwanted pounds came back with a vengeance.

So did her search for the perfect weight-loss supplement. In short order, here's what she tried next:

Hydroxycut: "The worst. I took this one day and my heart would not stop beating a mile per minute. I thought I was about to have a heart attack and couldn't sleep for 24 hours straight." (The FDA last month banned Hydroxycut supplements after it was linked to liver problems.)

Stacker 2 & Stacker 3: "I took it [the Stacker Web site describes them as 'fat burners' and 'energizers'] a few times to lose some weight, but it ended up giving me way too much energy and kept me from sleeping."

Ripped Fuel: "I started taking it [another 'fat burner'] when I tried the Body-for-Life Challenge, by Bill Phillips. My oldest sister did the challenge and went down from a size 16 to a size 9/10 in 12 weeks by taking this pill, following the program and diet to the T and working out twice a day. So I tried it while working out. After a while it just stopped working for me, as if my body got immune to the pill."

DetoxaTrim: "Did absolutely nothing. No side effects, no weight loss, no energy, no detox effects."

Alli: "After seeing the commercials I had to try this one. It was guaranteed to help you lose weight and backed by the FDA, so I said what the heck. Reading the directions, it said that you must not eat fatty foods at all, just healthy [foods]. If you ate something high in fat or sugar, the side effect would be 'anal leakage of an oily residue.' They weren't joking! I ate a muffin after being on Alli for a few days, and thank goodness I was close to a rest-room, that's all I gotta say about that!"

NutriSystem: "After researching different weight-loss centers and methods, I wanted to try to cut out taking diet pills all together, since I continued to hear how bad they were for me. So I tried Weight Watchers. Felt it was a waste of time - I can weigh myself on my scale at home. I looked at Jenny Craig and LA Weight Loss and didn't want to talk to a 'skinny' counselor.

"So I chose to go with NutriSystem. I thought that it was affordable and could be shipped to my house. The one thing NutriSystem doesn't tell you is that with every meal you must add your own food, a protein and a vegetable. I might as well have just eaten the protein and a vegetable and called it a day. But I did the program for about 6 to 8 months; I lost weight and learned portion control. Side effect was the food made me sick from time to time, and I always had to go to the bathroom. I guess that's how I was shedding the pounds."

Seeing the light

Finally Janice came to her senses when a quick run up the subway steps left her winded and she suddenly realized just how out of shape she was.

That was a pivotal moment: She decided to ditch her unhealthy ways and get to the gym. She's worked with several personal trainers, including myself. I counseled her to get off all the supplements. The only two things that work are exercise and eating smart.

These days, she said, "I have never felt so great. I've learned how to eat healthier, what the right portion sizes are, and [I'm] exercising regularly. I have already lost 20 pounds, a couple dress sizes, gained some muscle and am now toned and confident. I have some more to go, but every day and every way I get better and better." *

Kimberly Garrison is a certified personal trainer and owner of One on One Ultimate Fitness in Philadelphia (www.1on1 ultimatefitness.com). E-mail her at

kimberly@1on1ultimatefitness.com. Her column appears each Thursday in Yo!

Richard Rogachevsky Doctor Chiropractor joins Blossoming Health!

2009-06-01T09:06:00.001-07:00

Blossoming Health Naturopathic Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Richard Rogachevsky to our team! Dr. Richard Rogachevsky is a highly skilled chiropractor who is excited about promote wellness through non-invasive techniques. He graduated from Western States Chiropractic College and has been practicing since 1984. Dr. Richard Rogachevsky excels in a gentle approach to wellness, treating a wide range of conditions. We believe his focus on wellness care for the entire family will benefit you and your family. Call today to schedule your appointment Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from noon to 8:00 pm

Seminar: The End Of Mend And Tend

2009-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Menopause doesn’t have to be the miserable experience we so often hear of, and it’s never too early to lay the groundwork for a smooth transition. Dr. Gonzalez-Lambert will focus on natural ways to rebalance the body and support women through these changes. The symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, meno-fog, weight gain, and other complaints need not be a problem for you any longer. Explore with Dr. Gonzalez-Lambert the various treatment methods for peri-menopause and menopause symptoms and how they fit your personality and style. CH, OS

Seminar: The End Of Mend And Tend
Presenter: Dr. Arcoma Gonzalez-Lambert, ND

March 19 – Thursday, 7-8:30pm
New Seasons Cedar Hills

March 24 – Tuesday, 7-8:30pm
New Seasons Orenco Station

Men's Health Seminar in Hillsboro

2009-02-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Pacific Compounds Pharmacy is hosting a Men's Health Seminar on March 11th at 7:00 pm. One lucky attendee of this seminar will win 2 FREE tickets to the March 13th Blazer Game.

In this 1 hour presentation Dr. Jennifer Mlnarik, N.D. of Blossoming Health Naturopathic Clinic will focus on the prevention and treatment of many of the most common health issues affecting men. Foot fungus/jock itch, hemorrhoids, hair loss, prostate health, heart burn, and other issues will be addressed. Also, learn how low testosterone levels could be impacting your energy level, mental acuity, and sex drive. Low testosterone has also been associated with cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Mlnarik is looking forward to giving you concrete information on how to prevent and treat these health issues.

This presentation is open to both men and women. The price is 15.00 per seat or 25.00 per couple. Reservations are required - please call 503-640-3080 to reserve your seat.

‘Operation School Supplies’ Offers Help To Needy Students

2008-07-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Forest Grove School District and Sodexho Custodial Services have kicked off Operation School Supplies to help collect school supplies for needy students. The goal is to supply backpacks filled with the necessary school supplies to needy students in the district. Donations can be dropped off at the district office, 1728 Main Street, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The following supplies are needed at each grade level:

Kindergarten/First Grade
Fiskar round tip child’s scissors

#2 pencils

White school glue

16-24 count crayons

Box of tissues

Washable markers

Large pink eraser

Watercolor paints

Grades 2-4
Fiskar pointed scissors

Pee-Chee style Pocket Folders (pockets on the bottom)

Thin and thick Crayola markers (water soluble)

Crayola watercolor paints (8 colors or more)

Crayola crayons (64 count)

Box of 24 colored pencils

Ballpoint pens (Bic type)

#2 pencils

Pencil top erasers

Large pink eraser

White school glue

Glue sticks

Wooden ruler with inches and metric

Spiral notebooks (different colors)

Mead composition Books

Wide-ruled notebook paper

College-ruled notebook paper

Handheld pencil sharpener

Grades 5-6

# 2 pencils

Blue or black pens

Yellow highlighter pen

Personal pencil sharpener that holds the shavings

Ruled paper

One 2” three ring binder (no trapper keepers)

3 hole index dividers

Colored pencils

Crayons

Box of tissue

Calculator (basic functions)

Glue sticks

White glue

Pencil pouch for 3 ring binder

Ruler

Scissors (3”-6” straight cut)

Grades 7-8

3 inch ring binder

Dividers

Pencil pouch

Colored pencils

Hand held pencil sharpeners

College ruled paper

Spiral notebooks (70 sheets College Ruled)

Scientific Calculator (Texas Instruments TI 30 XA)

Protractor

Big glue stick

#2 pencils or mechanical pencils with lead refills

Package of pencil eraser tops

Pens (Black or Blue only)

Ruler - standard and metric measurements

3.5” computer disks

FGHS:

3-ring binder

College-ruled notebook paper

Spiral notebooks (one subject)

#2 pencils

Pens (black or blue)

Red pens

Notebook dividers

Folders

Scientific Calculator for PreAlgebra, Algebra, Applied Geometry or Geometry (any model that has SIN, COS, and TAN functions is scientific)

Graphing Calculator for Algebra 2, Statistics, PreCalculus, or Calculus -- popular models are TI83, TI84, TI89, HP39G+

PLease bring your supplies or a stamped receipt for your supplies to our clinic to redeem for a $1 per $1 match for services in our clinic.

We provide sports physicals for only $30

Seminar: Fibromyalgia: Seven Steps Out of Pain

2008-07-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from chronic pain in many places all over your body? If you have pain, fatigue, fibrofog, restlessness, poor sleep, hypersensitivities to smells, allergies, and weight concerns, then this one hour presentation will answer a lot of questions about how and why these symptoms occur. There are many theories as to the causes of fibromyalgia, but anyone who suffers with these symptoms has an entirely different view of the disease than the researchers. Dr. Gonzalez Lambert will shed some light on the body systems affected, the ways to treat this ever changing condition, and useful tips on how to keep your insurance coverage. This one hour presentation is practical, entertaining, and informative so that you can get back to living your life.

Mark your calendar!

Date: Wednesday July 23

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Pacific Compounds Pharmacy, 327 SE 3rd Ave Hillsboro, OR 97123

(503) 640-3080

Boost Your Immune System

2008-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you suffer with an autoimmune condition like Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Psoriasis or certain types of cancer, just to name a few, then you’ll want to discuss Low Dose Naltrexone [LDN] with your health care provider or local compounding pharmacist. LDN has had remarkable results in clinical trial for Crohn’s Disease. It has been used for most autoimmune conditions – from Autism to ulcerative colitis and uterine cancer.

People with autoimmune conditions have lower endorphin levels than the rest of the population. LDN works by encouraging your body to make more endorphins. Endorphins boost your immune system, increase production of natural killer cells, lessen pain, slow the growth of cancer cells, promote feelings of well-being and increase relaxation. The result is that immune function is improved, thus arming the body with the ability to put up a better fight. Disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis is halted and many symptoms disappear. Crohn’s Disease has a 67% cure rate with LDN and 89% of Crohn’s sufferers have a significant lessening of symptoms.

LDN is taken every night between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the body produces most of its endorphins between 2 AM and 5 AM. There are usually no side effects to the treatment. Some people experience problems with sleeping during the first week. Nausea, feeling "high", gas and bloating, hunger pangs and increased spasticity may occur in the beginning and usually go away in a few days. LDN can safely be taken with most other medications, foods or supplements, but because it is an opiate antagonist it cannot be taken with any narcotic painkillers (opiates), including tramadol and taking it with immunosupressive drugs (like corticosteroids) may cause the drugs to "cancel out" each other's effects, as LDN is an immunostimulant. The only contraindication is a past organ transplant, because that requires immunosuppressive medication for life, and thus taking an immunostimulant might cause rejection of the transplanted organ.

REFERENCES:Buckley RH. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Due to Defects in Lymphocytes. N Engl J Med. 2000; 343:1313-1324.
Kukreja A, Cost G, Marker J, et al. Multiple immuno-regulatory defects in type-1 diabetes. J Clin Invest. 2002;109(1):131-40.
Thewissen M, Linsen L, Somers V, Geusens P, Raus J, Stinissen P. Premature immunosenescence in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Jun 2005;1051: 255-62.
Marks DJ, Harbord MW, MacAllister R, Rahman FZ, Young J, Al-Lazikani B, Lees W, Novelli M, Bloom S, Segal AW. Defective acute inflammation in Crohn's disease: a clinical investigation. Lancet. Feb 2006;367 (9511): 668-78.
Vernon SD, Reeves WC. The challenge of integrating disparate high-content data: epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data collected during an in-hospital study of chronic fatigue syndrome. Pharmacogenomics. Apr 2006;7 (3): 345-54.
Sacerdote P, Lechner O, Sidman C, et al. Hypothalamic beta-endorphin concentrations are decreased in animals models of autoimmune disease. J Neuroimmunol. 1999;97(1-2):129-33.
Bihari B, Drury FM, Ragone VP, et al. Low Dose Naltrexone in the Treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Oral Presentation at the IV International AIDS Conference, Stockholm, Jun 1988.

For more research papers, studies, clinical trials and anecdotal evidence:
www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
www.ldners.org/
www.ldninfo.org/
www.ahsta.com/

LDN must be made in a compounding pharmacy. Special attention needs to be given to any fillers used in this medication and it should be made in immediate release form. Pacific Compounds Pharmacy compounds LDN and can be reached by phone: 503-640-3080 or email: info@pacificcompounds.com for more information.

Pacific Compounds Pharmacy, LLC
327 SE 3rd Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97123
www.pacificcompounds.com/

Wellness Wednesday At Whole Foods Market in Tanasbourne

2008-06-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Step into a healthy summer! Join Heather McManus, our Demo Specialist and ACSM Health and Fitness Instructor as she kicks off a program to promote healthy living. The theme throughout June will be 'Walking your way to Wellness'. Come on down and find out how! We'll meet in the Whole Body® Department.

Wednesday, June 11th
Label Reading, Demystified!
Wednesday, June 18th
Lactose and Dairy Alternatives
Wednesday, June 25th
Eating for your Thyroid

6:00–7:00 p.m. Free
Whole Foods Market
19440 NW Cornell Rd
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503.645.9200
503.645.9277 fax

More info, please visit: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/TAN.html

A Patient's Confession

2008-06-03T22:55:00.001-07:00

This is my confession and repentance for my many, many years of skepticism of non-Western medicine.

I used to have constant acid reflux. Constant.

As in, my nightly routine included brushing my teeth and taking antacid and an acid-blocker. And the same thing the next morning.

As in, it seemed my body had a Nexium deficiency.

As in, fifteen years of heartburn, as well as the discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and even the increased asthma that all that acid was causing.

My change came with a visit to a friend who is also a doctor trained in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. What was it going to do, make it worse? How could it be worse?

After a serious look at my diet - this was the first doctor in fifteen years to actually look seriously at my diet, if you can believe it - and a course of acupuncture, as well as a set of diet supplements and a trial of the Blood Type Diet, we settled on a course of action that included a massive reduction in my intake of simple carbs, a huge increase in complex carbs, and more regular exercise.

No pills. No drugs. No Nexium.

I'm now in my second year of no acid reflux at all. None. I cannot recall ever feeling better, or being healthier.

Greetings!

2008-05-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

It is my humble pleasure to introduce you to the fabulous practitioners and clinical services at Blossoming Health Naturopathic Clinic. We have out-grown one clinic and moved into a much larger space, only to fill it so full of love and sincerity that we are bursting at the seams AGAIN. We hope that you visit our beautiful space, which has been arranged down to the smallest detail for your comfort.

Join a team that makes your health: OUR PRIORITY!

Respectfully,
Arcoma