Issue No. 6 - March
Table of Contents:
Treating Acne with Phototherapy
with Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Adrenal Fatigue - One Reason for Weight Gain?
Spring Cleaning? Start From the Inside!
with Dr. Kelly Jennings
Acupuncture for Treatment of Auto Injuries
with Dr. Jason Zabell
Treating Acne with Phototherapy by Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Acne, pimples, zits, no matter what you call it, acne is a serious, often heartbreaking condition - and nearly 80% of people will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. For some, it is simply annoying. For others, acne is a problem with an often negative impact. Now, light-based phototherapy treatments for acne offer hope to millions of sufferers unwilling or unable to take systemic medications.
A disease of the pilosebaceous glands, acne can be hard to treat. Each year, approximately $5 billion are spent on acne treatment, most of it on medication. Many of these acne medications, ranging from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription, are expensive and may cause unwanted side effects. They generally require several months of continuous treatment and many patients have limited or no response.
When treating acne, time is of the essence. LHE (Light Heat Energy) works fast, offering a complete treatment in 30 days compared with the 6–18 months usually required for systemic treatment. LHE’s addition of heat intensifies the chemical process and speeds overall treatment time.The patient often looks and feels better within 2 weeks of starting treatment.
A unique combination of red light, green light and heat deliver unmatched clinical results for acne clearance. Patients have experienced up to 90% clearance of acne lesions after a 4 week/8 session treatment course and most patients remained acne-free 3-6 months after treatment.
Schedule an appointment today with Dr Wiggins to learn more about the Radiancy Skin Station and how LHE technology can help you!
Adrenal Fatigue - One Reason for Weight Gain?
by Dr. Kelly Jennings
RB is a 32-year-old female who recently came into the office to discuss her chronic fatigue. As we talked, she described an inability to focus, lack of mental clarity and fatigue throughout the day that was worse after meals. Though she had tried multiple diets over the last three years, she had been unable to lose weight, though she ate little and exercised two times a day. She had been experiencing high job and domestic stress for the last four years, exacerbated by the death of her father and a recent move.
Her main goal was to improve energy, though she really wanted to lose 30 pounds.
While taking her history, it became apparent that we needed to check her adrenal function. The adrenal glands sit just on top of the kidneys and they release the stress hormone cortisol when we are stressed out. Cortisol affects various others functions as well, such as blood glucose, energy, metabolism, thyroid function, mental clarity, muscle tone, etc.
Over long periods of chronic stress, the adrenal glands (like any other organ) can experience burnout. When this happens, total stress hormone levels drop. Metabolism slows down, energy drags; a person loses their zest for life. Someone can feel like he or she is doing all the right things to lose weight but nothing happens.
A simple test, called the Adrenal Stress Index, can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by an imbalance in stress hormone levels. The test costs about $130. Based on the results, a comprehensive treatment plan includes dietary and lifestyles changes, as well as a focused mineral and supplement program to give the adrenals a boost. Occasionally, a person’s stress hormones will be so low that for a short time they will require small doses of cortisol to get the system back in action.
It is important to get tested if you experience any of the symptoms listed below. Low cortisol levels have been associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Epstein Barr Virus, as well as an increased frequency in colds and flus. Get help developing an individualized program with your naturopath or come see me at Urban Wellness Group.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue can include;
• Cravings for sugar
• Cravings for salt on food when you eat
• Feel dehydrated and thirsty and require plenty of water
• Difficulty falling asleep at night, sleep lightly or wake early or often
• Difficulty relaxing, nervous, anxious or hyperactive
• Often spacey, or foggy thinking, even memory loss
• Lack of motivation
• General exhaustion
• Hormone imbalances
• Low libido
• Weight gain, especially in abdomen and waist area
• Losing muscle tone
• Sagging skin, dry, yellow or pale in color
• Hair starting to gray, thin out and become dry
• Lips losing their color
• Loss of appetite
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Difficulty relaxing, nervous, anxious or hyperactive
• High blood sugar
Spring Cleaning? Start from the Inside!
Feeling toxic, depleted or just bummed out? Addicted to sugar and carbs? Want to lose 5-10 pounds?
The Urban Wellness Spring Cleanse is just around the corner. Join Dr Jennings and others on April 30th for seven days of deep internal cleansing. Call the clinic to find out if a cleanse is right for you. Program includes an initial and final consultation, cleanse support services and three group meetings.
Hurry to sign up – space is limited and spots go fast!
Some testimonials:
Dr. Jenning's spring cleanse was life altering. I felt so safe – being led one step at a time from the bulking phase (the time to prepare for the fast), thru the cleansing phase and then back to reintroducing foods. I was surprised throughout the whole process how nutritionally satisfied I felt. My transition back to normal eating was profound for me as I realized that I had a food allergy to soy - my main source of protein for the past 5 years! This cleanse has inspired self-healing and awareness about food. Dr. Jennings' focus on 'wellness' instead of 'lets fix what’s broken’ is what is most attractive about working with her. If you are asking yourself "should i do a cleanse'.... I would give you a resounding YES!
- I.K.
I have been addicted to sugar all my life and couldn’t seem to break the habit no matter what I did. I tried Dr Jennings’ cleanse one year ago and since then I have completely lost my cravings for sugar and simple carbs. Dr Jennings gives an incredible amount of education in her group meetings about how food affects your mood and body – and then you get the opportunity to meet with her one-on-one to develop your own optimal wellness plan after the cleanse. I fully endorse participating in her cleanse and trying it for yourself.
- J.S.
Dr Jennings’ is my doctor for life! Thanks for getting my family happy and healthy and helping my mom feel so much better!
- R.V., 8 years
Acupuncture for Treatment of Auto Injuries
by Dr. Jason Zabell
Have you ever been in a motor vehicle accident? Do you know anyone who is currently recovering from a MVA? If so, then you are probably familiar with the term “whiplash” and the lasting effects of one of these injuries.
Acupuncture can be essential for the healthy recovery from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. The most common complaint from an auto injury is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue of the neck and is sometimes referred to as a strain or sprain. Whiplash occurs as a result of a forceful movement of the neck and may include injury to the spinal ligaments, discs, and cervical muscles. If the injury is particularly bad or the injury is caused by a very forceful movement then one or more of the spinal nerve roots may be compromised.
Whiplash type injuries involve hyperextension of the neck which results in injury to the soft tissue. Often times these painfully uncomfortable injuries show no abnormalities upon x-ray due to the fact the injury is to the soft and not bony tissue. If the soft tissue is left without treatment, scar tissue and chronic inflammation may develop.
Symptoms of whiplash may have a delayed onset or persist without proper treatment for months or even years. The following symptoms have been noted with whiplash related injuries:
• Neck and/or shoulder pain
• Stiffness of the neck and shoulder area
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Nerve like sensations of pins and needles
• Difficulty with concentration or memory
• Blurry Vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Pain or numbness radiating down the arm
If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto or work related injury, please contact our clinic for a free evaluation.
Issue No. 5 - February
Table of Contents:
Weight Loss - An Issue We Love to Ignore
with Dr. Kelly Jennings
Welcome Tito to Urban Wellness Group!
Radiancy Skin Station
with Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Weight Loss - An Issue We Love to Ignore
by Dr. Kelly Jennings
No one likes to talk about it, but almost everyone is thinking about it. Lots of New Year’s resolutions center on that last 5 or 10 pounds gained over the holidays. Maybe you’ve got more you want to lose and now you’re onto Oprah’s latest – the Acai Diet. The cycle repeats itself over and over again.
And it’s no wonder! America is fat! In my mother’s country, Chile , being fat or for that matter, being thin, is not an shameful designation. People affectionately call their friends ‘gordo’, essentially ‘fatty’ or flaca ‘thin one’. Its used all the time, in such contexts as, “Hey you thin one, come over here and help me.” Or, “Hey fat girl, where have you been all my life?”
So what’s the deal with our body image in the States? Somewhere along the line, our culture got the great idea to place blame on people who are carrying around a little something extra. Spare tire? You must be lazy - lacking motivation to control your eating habits, unmotivated to get outside and move. Big backend? Hey - you’re taking up more room than you’re allowed.
Let’s just agree to talk about this out in the open. There is no shame in carrying around a little extra. Yes – it does lead to an increase in other chronic diseases and we have to be concerned – but let’s drop the guilt and tackle this like any other health issue. There are effective ways to go about losing weight, ways that work, ways that educate you on what to eat, when to eat it, what supplements can help boost your metabolism and what exercise is going to be the most fun and the most efficient for your body type.
In my practice, I first make sure there is no underlying cause for extra weight. Sometimes people come with complete adrenal fatigue or hypothyroidism. No amount of exercise is going to help these patients – they need appropriate nutritional and supplemental support, and often benefit from weekly acupuncture visits. Occasionally they will need hormonal supplementation.
Many have done their bodies harm by trying diet after diet, making weight loss near impossible. Fat cells like to hang on, they’ve got serious survival skills – just like the stuff hanging out in your attic or your basement.
What you need to understand is how food affects your physiology, what foods to choose throughout the day and what times, and ensure that there is no underlying cause for a slower metabolism (anemia is just one cause of a ravenous appetite). You’ve got to realize that there is no one type of diet for everyone, so the grapefruit diet which worked so well for Aunt Marge just may not be the best one for you.
Most people I see lose an average of about 5-12 pounds within their first month – if that is their goal and they are following my recommendations. Many have to learn how to de-stress their lives, as stress over time will eventually contribute to a system that is out of balance. Sometimes, an initial cleansing or detoxification program is all that is needed to jumpstart a weight loss plan. Yes – you do have to exercise, but it can be fun like the tango class my friend goes to.
In the end – there are great methods to help you lose weight and you don’t have to feel bad about wanting to do so. Let’s just get talking!
Welcome Tito to Urban Wellness Group!
Dynamic Balancing
Utilizing Sports Massage, Muscle Energy Technique, and peppering it all with a little bit of Thai Massage, Tito has developed over his 10 year tenure as a massage therapist, a technique that is effective, dynamic, and feels great! One of the particulars is that Tito’s clients wear comfortable clothes to their sessions with him, because there is a lot of movement, stretching and mobilization of joints.
A session with Tito is an experience of healing, freedom, loosening and laughter. Keeping the atmosphere light, comfy, and effective with a listening hand, His work can be simple and transformative at the same time. Clients often comment that he listens to what they need to have worked on and can often find and resolve underlying and deeper aspects of injury and soft tissue dysfunction.
‘Pain is a very personal thing. I work very closely with my clients listening with my ears, eyes, and hands to facilitate their healing process with as little pain as possible’ -Tito
Tito’s Toolbox:
Muscle Energy Technique
Facilitated Stretching
Thai massage
Myofascial Release (MFR)
Structural integration
Tensegrity body model
Orthopedic testing skills
Reiki III
PreNatal and PostNatal
Pregnancy therapy
‘I have discovered that the body and its musculature is always under stress from at least two planes of tension simultaneously. Besides that, the body is constantly keeping itself from falling over. It is my prerogative to balance the muscles that work across those planes and bring balance back into the body and keep you upright and dancing.’ –Tito
Tito sets appointments for 30, 60 and 90 minutes on Mondays and Thursdays from 10AM till 5PM. Call the Clinic to set an appointment 503-445-9771.
Radiancy Skin Station by Dr. Marcea Wiggins
UWG is now offering dermatological treatments with Radiancy Skin Station Including Hair Removal, Acne Clearance, Skin Rejuvenation!!!
In our commitment to excellence in holistic primary care and to offering a wide range of the best that nature and cutting edge science has to offer, we are happy to introduce the Radiancy Skin Station to UWG.
Keeping with our philosophy of utilizing the tools of nature in healing, the Radiancy Skin Station uses the power of LHE, light and heat energy to achieve excellent results without the more damaging potential of most other laser treatments.
Light and Heat Energy (LHE) What is it?
The light and heat is emitted from the lamp and targets certain skin structures by these to basic principles: selective photothermolysis and direct heat conduction.
Most other light based and laser devices are using only the light energy (blocking the heat). With LHE the light component is the starting element and the heat is the key that does the rest of the work. Optimizing the combination of light and the heat allows Radiancy to use lower light fluences than devices that rely on only the light.
The lamps basic characteristic is its capability to provide the 2 types of energies: light and heat , making it highly efficient. LHE’s large treatment area results in quicker relief and shorter treatment time for the patient.
We are able to treat acute and chronic acne, skin pigmentation issues like sun spots, vascular lesions like spider veins, and have the ability to give you younger and healthier looking skin for years to come with the skin rejuvenation process.
Watch out for more information in upcoming eNewsletters!
Come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Wiggins to see if Radiancy Skin Station with multi-use capacity is right for you!
Issue No. 4 - December
Table of Contents:
Sustainability in Medicine
January Cleanse
with Dr. Kelly Jennings
What are Food Sensitivites and How do they Affect You?
with Dr. Marcea Wiggins
The Director's Corner
with Dr. Jason Zabell
Sustainability in Medicine
by Dr. Kelly Jennings
At Urban Wellness, we are doing our best to be sustainable and promote this value in our practice and with our patients. You’ve already heard about our low VoC (non-toxic) paints, our use of renovated hardware, and our commitment to local businesses. You’ve heard that most of our docs and staff bike or walk to work.
What you may not know is that naturopathic and Chinese medicine has sustainability as its primary focus. These holistic medicines will save you money; they help prevent the larger long-term costs of chronic illness and epidemic disease down the line. Goodbye to expensive pharmaceuticals! You can learn how to improve your overall health through nutrition, get help choosing which essential vitamins and minerals you need and which you don’t, and receive baseline blood-work to rule out any more serious cause for your symptoms. By following a cancer prevention program, especially if there is a family history of cancer, you’re saving money on therapies that are expensive and often not covered by your insurance. As your health improves, your productivity also improves, inspiring many companies to support wellness plans for their employees (please call Dr Jennings if you are interested in corporate wellness programs through your work).
My goal is to make holistic primary care medicine more affordable for you and more accessible to the general public. I am working with insurance companies to get you optimal coverage for your health care. Sustainability means creating a long-term treatment program that is affordable, effective and is based upon your financial situation. I offer sliding scale plans to those of you who qualify for financial support. Please call the clinic for more information.
I am open to suggestions for how to improve my programs. Your best compliment is your referral. Please help me to help me help others.
January Cleanse
Sign up for the winter cleanse program with Dr Jennings. You will follow a modified diet over 10 days, with three group meetings. Return participants are encouraged to join at a reduced rate. This winter’s cleanse begins January 22nd with a group meeting at Urban Wellness. Email drjennings@urbanwellnesspdx.com or call Urban Wellness to reserve your spot. Cleanse programs are individualized based on your constitution and level of health, and include an initial and follow-up consultation with Dr Jennings. Consultations are also available by phone.
What are Food Sensitivities and How do they Affect You?
by Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Allergic reactions mediated by mast cells occur everywhere in the body. Mast cells line the entire digestive tract, all the mucus membranes of the mouth, throat, nose and lungs, along blood vessels and in the skin. When an allergen is encountered, antibodies get produced which then bind to the outside of the mast cells. Mast cells, which have antibodies attached to them, then become “sensitized.” Mast cells that have become sensitized to foods, pollens or other chemicals, can react by degranulating and releasing histamine, leukotrienes, SRSA, serotonin and various other inflammatory mediators. In addition the arachidonic acid that makes up the cell membrane of the mast cell gets used as substrate for further production of inflammatory leukotrienes. These reactions can manifest in many ways, impacting health in a variety of negative ways. For example, in the case of a blood vessel it reacts by dilating possibly forming a hive or rash. In the head it can trigger migraine headaches. In the gastrointestinal tract it can cause an increased permeability as shown by the leaky gut phenomenon, which has negative impact on many digestive disorders. There are many approaches to identifying what foods you may be sensitized to. UWG offers laboratory test that can be done in office and can identify both IgE (anaphylaxis or immediate) type reactions as well as IgG (delayed) reactions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wiggins today to learn more about food sensitivities and how they might be impacting your health.
The Director's Corner
by Dr. Jason Zabell
Greetings and happy holidays to our patients and extended community. I would like to sincerely thank the members of our community for your support, encouragement, and continued business since we opened our doors on January 1st of 2008. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you all during our first year of business. Now, more than three hundred new patients later, we are about to embark on our second year with continued dedication to the highest standards of natural medicine and patient care.
I am pleased to report that beginning this January, Urban Wellness Group and our practitioners are working to become preferred providers within more Portland insurance networks. Some of these networks include: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, ODS, CHP, ASH, Lifewise, Signa, Aetna, Health Net and Pacific Source. If you have questions about whether or not your specific provider is within any of these networks, please contact your insurance representative. It is our hope that this development will better serve your healthcare needs and make your experience at UWG as efficient and comfortable as possible.
I and the entire UWG staff wish you a happy and healthy new year and look forward to seeing you in 2009!
Jason Zabell, ND, MSOM, L.Ac.
Issue No. 4 - December
Table of Contents:
Sustainability in Medicine
January Cleanse
with Dr. Kelly Jennings
What are Food Sensitivites and How do they Affect You?
with Dr. Marcea Wiggins
The Director's Corner
with Dr. Jason Zabell
Sustainability in Medicine
by Dr. Kelly Jennings
At Urban Wellness, we are doing our best to be sustainable and promote this value in our practice and with our patients. You’ve already heard about our low VoC (non-toxic) paints, our use of renovated hardware, and our commitment to local businesses. You’ve heard that most of our docs and staff bike or walk to work.
What you may not know is that naturopathic and Chinese medicine has sustainability as its primary focus. These holistic medicines will save you money; they help prevent the larger long-term costs of chronic illness and epidemic disease down the line. Goodbye to expensive pharmaceuticals! You can learn how to improve your overall health through nutrition, get help choosing which essential vitamins and minerals you need and which you don’t, and receive baseline blood-work to rule out any more serious cause for your symptoms. By following a cancer prevention program, especially if there is a family history of cancer, you’re saving money on therapies that are expensive and often not covered by your insurance. As your health improves, your productivity also improves, inspiring many companies to support wellness plans for their employees (please call Dr Jennings if you are interested in corporate wellness programs through your work).
My goal is to make holistic primary care medicine more affordable for you and more accessible to the general public. I am working with insurance companies to get you optimal coverage for your health care. Sustainability means creating a long-term treatment program that is affordable, effective and is based upon your financial situation. I offer sliding scale plans to those of you who qualify for financial support. Please call the clinic for more information.
I am open to suggestions for how to improve my programs. Your best compliment is your referral. Please help me to help me help others.
January Cleanse
Sign up for the winter cleanse program with Dr Jennings. You will follow a modified diet over 10 days, with three group meetings. Return participants are encouraged to join at a reduced rate. This winter’s cleanse begins January 22nd with a group meeting at Urban Wellness. Email drjennings@urbanwellnesspdx.com or call Urban Wellness to reserve your spot. Cleanse programs are individualized based on your constitution and level of health, and include an initial and follow-up consultation with Dr Jennings. Consultations are also available by phone.
What are Food Sensitivities and How do they Affect You?
by Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Allergic reactions mediated by mast cells occur everywhere in the body. Mast cells line the entire digestive tract, all the mucus membranes of the mouth, throat, nose and lungs, along blood vessels and in the skin. When an allergen is encountered, antibodies get produced which then bind to the outside of the mast cells. Mast cells, which have antibodies attached to them, then become “sensitized.” Mast cells that have become sensitized to foods, pollens or other chemicals, can react by degranulating and releasing histamine, leukotrienes, SRSA, serotonin and various other inflammatory mediators. In addition the arachidonic acid that makes up the cell membrane of the mast cell gets used as substrate for further production of inflammatory leukotrienes. These reactions can manifest in many ways, impacting health in a variety of negative ways. For example, in the case of a blood vessel it reacts by dilating possibly forming a hive or rash. In the head it can trigger migraine headaches. In the gastrointestinal tract it can cause an increased permeability as shown by the leaky gut phenomenon, which has negative impact on many digestive disorders. There are many approaches to identifying what foods you may be sensitized to. UWG offers laboratory test that can be done in office and can identify both IgE (anaphylaxis or immediate) type reactions as well as IgG (delayed) reactions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wiggins today to learn more about food sensitivities and how they might be impacting your health.
The Director's Corner
by Dr. Jason Zabell
Greetings and happy holidays to our patients and extended community. I would like to sincerely thank the members of our community for your support, encouragement, and continued business since we opened our doors on January 1st of 2008. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you all during our first year of business. Now, more than three hundred new patients later, we are about to embark on our second year with continued dedication to the highest standards of natural medicine and patient care.
I am pleased to report that beginning this January, Urban Wellness Group and our practitioners are working to become preferred providers within more Portland insurance networks. Some of these networks include: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, ODS, CHP, ASH, Lifewise, Signa, Aetna, Health Net and Pacific Source. If you have questions about whether or not your specific provider is within any of these networks, please contact your insurance representative. It is our hope that this development will better serve your healthcare needs and make your experience at UWG as efficient and comfortable as possible.
I and the entire UWG staff wish you a happy and healthy new year and look forward to seeing you in 2009!
Jason Zabell, ND, MSOM, L.Ac.
Issue No. 3 - November
Table of Contents:
Considering Getting the Flu Vaccine? Know the Facts Before You Act
with Dr. Kelly Jennings
Vitamin D Levels: Something to Consider
by Dr. Marcea Wiggins
Considering Getting the Flu Vaccine? Know the Facts Before You Act
by Dr. Kelly Jennings
November marks the onset of flu season, when people begin to wonder whether to get flu shots. In general, I don't think healthy adults & children need them. There are many safe alternatives to prevent the need for the flu shot; you should certainly be well-informed and know your options. Come into the clinic for a free consultation to learn more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone over age 65 get a yearly flu shot and a one-time dose of pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine as part of their adult vaccination schedule. The CDC is also recommending flu shots for infants over 5 months of age.
What you should know:
1) Use of the influenza vaccine was not associated with preventing hospitalizations or reducing physician visits for the flu in children age 5 and younger during two recent seasons, perhaps because the strains of virus in the vaccine did not match circulating strains, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/flu-vaccine-not-associated-with-reduced-hospitalizations-or-outpatient-visits-among-young-children-17517.html)
2) Prevention is key. Researchers have shown that exercise alone protects mice against the flu, even when these mice were specifically infected the influenza virus. (http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2004/1/2004716.shtml)
When you exercise you increase your circulation and the blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it has a chance to spread. In a sense, exercising helps your immune system to be more efficient in weeding out and acting upon viruses and diseases.
3) Know what’s in your vaccine!
Some common additives to the flu vaccine include thimerosal, formaldehyde, chicken egg protein, hydrocortisone and phenol. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf).
4) Be aware of conflicting interests.
According to the Detroit News, most flu vaccines are purchased and distributed by the government. And the folks at the National Immunization Program (NIP) have millions of vaccine units to move. Every year we get an official flu vaccine media blitz from Department of Health and Human services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC oversees
the NIP. In a February 2005 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases compared flu-related mortality among older people to rates of immunization. Their finding: During the past quarter century, immunization rates for the elderly have climbed substantially while the elderly flu-related mortality rate has stayed the same. The authors of the research wrote: “We conclude that observational studies substantially overestimate vaccination benefit.”
5) It May Work, It May Not
Each year the flu vaccine is newly redesigned, using several strains from different types of flu that were common the season before. So the 2008-09 vaccine is, in theory, ideal for protecting you from last year’s primary flu types. Vaccine developers assume that whatever new flu mutations come our way this season will not be much different than last year’s strains. The CDC admits that “In some years when vaccine and circulating strains were not well-matched, no vaccine effectiveness may be able to be demonstrated (Bridges,JAMA 2000). It is not possible in advance of the influenza season to predict how well the vaccine and circulating strains will be matched, and how that may affect vaccine effectiveness.”
6) The Best Defense
If you pick up a flu virus, you won’t necessarily come down with the flu. Whether or not you become ill––or how sick you actually get––depends on how well your immune system deals with the virus. The key is immunity.
The flu shot is designed to prepare the immune system to fight specific virus strains. But you can prepare and strengthen your immune system by taking these steps:
* Exercise regularly
* Eat a balanced diet of nutritious, fresh, whole foods
* Manage stress levels
* Get the right amount of sleep
* Supplement! Use proven immune system enhancers, such as Vitamin D, C, A and antioxidants; all of which have been shown to help fight colds and flu. Selenium is also an effective flu fighter, as is zinc and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an amino acid that stimulates your body to produce the powerful antioxidant enzyme glutathione.
Preliminary research suggests that green tea could help shield your eyes from the harmful effects of glaucoma. In a study on rats, researchers determined that green tea consumption helped defend the animals' eyes from free-radical-induced damage.
A leading cause of blindness in the U.S., glaucoma develops when fluid pressure builds up in the eyes and impairs the optic nerve. Past research shows that oxidative stress (a process that occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to neutralize them) may contribute to the onset of glaucoma. Known to knock out free radials, antioxidants are abundant in green tea.
In their new study, scientists demonstrated that drinking green tea can help deliver antioxidants to eye tissues and possibly protect against oxidative stress. However, it's too soon to tell whether green tea consumption could have the same effect on human eye health.
In previously published studies, investigators have found that the herb ginkgo biloba may also benefit people with glaucoma.
Green Tea for Glaucoma? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 06:00:00.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Bilberry May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Bilberry extract may help keep blood sugar in check, according to a recently published study. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that the antioxidant-rich extract helped lower the animals' blood sugar levels and increase their insulin sensitivity.
The study involved mice predisposed to develop diabetes. Among those fed a bilberry-enriched diet for five weeks, researchers observed significantly greater activation of an enzyme known to regulate insulin secretion. Called AMP-activated protein kinase (or AMPK), this enzyme has also been found to promote the breakdown of fat. In the study, AMPK appeared to help control the mice's abnormally high blood sugar levels.
A fruit closely related to blueberries, bilberry is often used in natural treatment of eye conditions (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts). The antioxidants in bilberry are also thought to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as curb inflammation.
Bilberry May Lower Blood Sugar Levels originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 06:00:33.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Cranberry Juice for a Healthy Heart?
New research suggests that cranberry juice may boost heart health.
In test-tube experiments, scientists compared the cardioprotective effects of cranberry juice to those of apple, cocoa, red wine, and green tea. Their findings revealed that cranberry juice contains compounds known to prevent the constriction of blood vessels and, in turn, protect against high blood pressure.
While it's too soon to tell whether cranberry juice can promote cardiovascular health in humans, previous studies have shown that the antioxidant-rich drink may help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce risk of gum disease.
A number of other natural substances are known to shield heart health. Flaxseed may help keep cholesterol in check, for instance, while vitamin D could help curb inflammation (a key risk factor for heart disease).
Cranberry Juice for a Healthy Heart? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 06:00:40.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Massage Therapy May Benefit Children with Autism
Thai massage may be helpful for children with autism, according to a recently published report. The study involved 60 children between the ages three and 10, all of whom were autistic.
For the study, all children received either Thai massage or sensory integration therapy for eight weeks. (An approach sometimes used in treatment of autism, sensory integration therapy aims to help regulate the patient's sensory responses. Many people with autism experience dysfunction in their sensory processing.) By the study's end, both treatment groups showed improvements in conduct problems and anxiety. In past studies, researchers have found that massage may also improve sleep, classroom concentration, and social interactions in people with autism.
In Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move the client into yoga-like stretches. Typically regarded as a more rigorous and energizing than other types of massage, Thai massage is often used to reduce stress, boost circulation, and improve flexibility.
Massage Therapy May Benefit Children with Autism originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 06:00:15.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Taking supplements of soy isoflavones may not help shield postmenopausal women from bone loss, according to a recent study. Soy isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds thought to offer a number of health benefits, such as the treatment of hot flashes.
For the study, researchers had 224 postmenopausal women take either soy isoflavone supplements (at a dose of 80 mg or 120 mg) or a placebo capsule each day for three years. Results showed that the supplements had no significant effect on lumbar spine, total hip, or whole-body bone mineral density. Participants taking the higher dose of soy isoflavones, however, did experience a small protective effect on their femoral neck bone mineral density.
Decreased bone mineral density is the hallmark of osteoporosis, a condition most common among postmenopausal women. Known to progress slowly and silently, osteoporosis can lead to serious complications like spine and hip fractures. Past studies show that exercising regularly and boosting your levels of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K may help prevent osteoporosis.
Soy May Not Stop Bone Loss originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 06:00:28.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Fish Oil May Help Stave Off Psychosis
For people at extremely high risk of psychosis, taking fish oil supplements may help cut the odds of developing psychotic disorders. That's the finding of a new study that focused on 81 individuals at "ultra-high risk" for psychosis (defined as a loss of contact with reality). All participants had mild psychotic symptoms, transient psychosis, or a family history of psychotic disorders, in addition to a decrease in functioning.
For 12 weeks, 41 of the study members took daily fish oil supplements containing 1.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, while the other 41 participants took a placebo. By the end of the study, two percent of those taking fish oil supplements had transitioned to a psychotic disorder, compared to 27.5 percent in the placebo group. The supplements also appeared to significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
It's possible that omega-3 fatty acids could have a positive effect on chemical signaling in the brain, according to the study's authors. Although it's too soon to recommend the use of fish oil supplements to reduce psychosis risk, the authors note that intervention with at-risk individuals has "the potential to prevent full-blown psychotic disorders."
Fish Oil May Help Stave Off Psychosis originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 06:00:32.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Herb Users May Face Worse Asthma Symptoms
Asthma sufferers who take herbal remedies appear to use their inhalers less and experience worse symptoms than their non-herb-using counterparts, a new study shows.
For the study, researchers surveyed 326 adults with persistent asthma who received care at inner-city outpatient clients. The researchers asked survey respondents about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (such as teas and herbs) in treatment of their asthma over the past six months, finding that 25.4 percent of patient reported herbal remedy use.
In analyzing data on the study participants, the scientists found that use of herbal remedies was linked to decreased use of inhalers--as well as more severe asthma symptoms. Herbal remedy users were also more likely to worry about the side effects of standard asthma medication.
In order to ensure optimal management of asthma symptoms, the study's authors encourage physicians to routinely ask asthma patients about their use of complementary and alternative medicine.
Past studies have shown that remedies such as omega-3 fatty acids and bromelain --as well as alternative therapies like acupuncture--may be of some benefit to people with asthma.
Herb Users May Face Worse Asthma Symptoms originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 20:20:04.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Ginkgo May Raise Seizure Risk for Epilepsy Patients
A new study warns that taking the herbal remedy ginkgo biloba may raise the risk of seizures among people with epilepsy. The report also suggests that ginkgo may reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs.
For the study, scientists reviewed past research on ginkgo and uncovered 10 reports indicating an increased seizure risk for epilepsy patients taking the herb. According to laboratory research, ginkgotoxin (a compound found in ginkgo) may alter chemical signaling pathways in ways that could trigger seizures.
One of the most popular herbal supplements in North America, ginkgo is thought to contain compounds that help stimulate circulation by improving muscle tone in the walls of the blood vessels. Proponents claims that ginkgo can help protect against a number of health conditions (including Alzheimer's disease, depression, macular degeneration, and headache), as well as boost mental function and improve sexual dysfunction.
Ginkgo May Raise Seizure Risk for Epilepsy Patients originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 06:00:57.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Mixing Medication and Herbs May Threaten Heart Health
A number of popular herbal remedies may pose a threat to people taking heart disease medications, warns a new report. The report focuses on several commonly used herbal supplements (including St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and garlic), highlighting their potentially harmful interactions with cardiovascular drugs.
The report's authors caution that certain herbs can reduce the effectiveness or augment the potency of drugs used to treat heart disease, which may in turn lead to serious health problems. Ginkgo biloba and garlic, for instance, have been found to raise the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin, while St. John's wort may contribute to the recurrence of high blood pressure or increases in cholesterol in people taking cardiac drugs.
In order to protect against dangerous herb-drug interactions, the report's authors urge supplement consumers to fully disclose their use of herbal remedies to their healthcare providers.
Mixing Medication and Herbs May Threaten Heart Health originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 06:00:10.
Permalink | Comment | Email this
Vitamin D May Defend Against Crohn's Disease
Preliminary research shows that boosting your vitamin D levels may help protect against Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by pain and digestive problems.
In a new lab study, scientists discovered that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on genes involved in fighting off intestinal bacteria. When the immune system can't properly handle those bacteria, the study's authors explain, it sets off an inflammatory response that may lead to the onset of Crohn's disease.
Past studies show that vitamin D may also help protect against rheumatoid arthritis, keep blood pressure in check, and aid in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.
Vitamin D May Defend Against Crohn's Disease originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 06:00:48.