Archive for Health

Water – Its Blessings and Healing

Water – Its Blessings and Healing

This article was first published on May 28, 2015. I am re-publishing with the intention of reviewing fundamentals of staying healthy during these stressful times.

Why is water so important?

Many of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily dose of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies thirst for daily. Drinking plenty of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.

To start your day right, set a large glass of water by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. Drinking water first thing in the morning pulls out toxins from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. Having a bottle of water close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed and then waking to use the bathroom disturbs your peaceful night’s sleep.

Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables, in addition to your daily water intake, contributes to the hydration process. When you are heading out for the day, automatically reach for your bottle of water. (To protect our environment, please consider using refillable water bottles).

How do you know if you are drinking enough water?

The color of our urine has been used as a tool for diagnosis since ancient times. Experienced health professionals can tell a lot about what’s happening in the human body by the color, density, and smell of the urine. I believe that physical observation is the first step towards understanding the health of our body systems. Education is empowerment. By understanding what’s happening in our body we can better partner with our health care practitioner to properly diagnose any illness.

Urine Color can be affected by what you eat, medicines you take, laxatives, what you drink, and any other injected or ingested substance. This information* is presented only as a guideline and is not intended to replace medical advice.

No Color (Transparent) – You may be drinking too much water and may wish to cut back.
Pale Straw Color – Normal, healthy, well-hydrated
Transparent Yellow – Normal
Dark Yellow – Normal, but drink some water soon
Amber or Honey – Your body needs water. Drink some water now. It’s not getting enough.
Syrup or Brown Ale – This color may indicate liver disease or severe dehydration. Drink water and consult with your doctor.
Pink to Reddish – Have you eaten beets or blueberries lately? If not, you may have blood in your urine. It could be NOTHING or it could be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as: kidney disease, tumors, urinary tract infection,prostate problem, or something else. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.
Orange – You may not be drinking enough water, have eaten something with a food dye, or you could have a liver or bile duct condition. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.
Blue or Green – It’s probably something you ate that had a certain food dye. It could also be caused by certain rare genetic diseases or bacteria. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF IT PERSISTS.
Foaming or Fizzing – If this occurs occasionally, it’s probably harmless. But it COULD indicate excess protein in your urine. If you are seeing this often, please consult with your doctor.

Remember that you can see a lot from your urine but it does not replace the information you can get from a urinalysis. Get regular checkups. Blood in the urine is often invisible to the naked eye and elevated glucose levels in your urine may indicate diabetes.

But wait, there’s more….

As a Civil Engineer, I am cognizant of the expected population growth that will precipitate an increased demand for drinking water in the next 20 years. I am also very appreciative of the work that has been done to bring water to the population centers by the workers who actually built the water treatment and distribution systems that allow us to have potable water at our fingertips.

In one of his technical papers, Dr. Daniel A. Okun, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Emeritus at the Univ. of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, provided a brief history of how water was first brought to our cities.

“The introduction of piped water to cities in the mid-19th century led to the spread of cholera and typhoid in the United States and the other industrialized countries. Filtration and then chlorination around the turn of the century virtually eliminated waterborne enteric disease in the industrialized world. The development of synthetic organic chemicals following World War II and the recognition that chlorine, which is so important for disinfection, reacts with natural and other organic precursors in the water, producing carcinogenic byproducts, shifted the major emphasis in water quality in the industrial world away from infectious disease to a concern for control of trace chemical contaminants. The recent emergence of waterborne giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis is shifting emphasis back to a concern for the control of enteric infectious disease. Particularly troublesome is that water meeting current microbiological standards has been demonstrated to be responsible for diarrheal disease. The principal conclusion to be drawn from these changes is the affirmation of the original principles for the protection of drinking water quality, that water intended for potable purposes should be drawn from the highest quality sources available, that the sources should be protected, and that the treatment must be appropriate and reliable.”

Having said that, we have to bless the people who have built, operate and maintain our water treatment systems. We must also be aware of the damage that is done to the water crystals by the harsh chemicals and the actual transportation of the water through the pipes. That is why I’m so excited when I see the research of Dr. Masaru Emoto. He has proven, through research and technology, that music can actually correct distorted frequencies within water molecules.

For centuries, we have turned to classical music for relaxation and healing. In his book, Water Crystal Healing – Music and Images To Restore Your Well-Being, internationally acclaimed water researcher Dr. Masaru Emoto, presents an incredible collection of music and water-crystal photographs that have been found (through his research) to benefit those who suffer from common physical and emotional imbalances.

During his research, he discovered why certain music and thought patterns have healing benefits. What he found was that the rhythm, tempo, tone and melody of the music can actually correct distorted frequencies within the cells of our body. What is presented in his beautiful book is that the combination of images, words and music concentrates consciousness and provides a unique experience for healing.

As an Engineer, I am fascinated with the research methodology Dr. Emoto utilized. He used micro-cluster water and magnetic resonance analysis technology.

In his various books, the first of which was published in 1999, Dr. Emoto, a doctor of Alternative Medicine, introduced the novel idea that water not only reflects the physical word around it (as when we use a placid lake or pond as a mirror), but it also reflects the consciousness of the being surrounding it.

The experiment he used to discover this included bottles filled with water, that were set under either a positive or a negative influence. For example, some bottles of water were wrapped with written notes, with the writing facing inside the bottle that said, “thank you.” This was done in various languages. No matter what language was used, the water in these bottles, when frozen, created complete crystals that were lovely to behold.   Water over which a priest prayed, with love and gratitude, created the same type of crystals. Conversely, unpleasant, incomplete, and malformed crystals were created in water exposed to people saying or writing, “You fool,” or other negative expressions.

By exposing water to a particular word or piece of music, freezing it, and photographing the ice crystals formed, Dr. Emoto has shown that from beautiful words and music, come beautiful crystals, and from mean-spirited, negative words, come malformed and misshapen crystals. What is the significance? It becomes clear when we remember that the adult human body is approximately 70% water and infant bodies are about 90% water. We can be hurt emotionally and, as the water can be changed, for the worse physically by negativity. However, we are always closer to beauty when surrounded by positive thoughts, words, intentions and ultimately those vibrations.

Let’s remember to take a moment before we drink to bless the water that gives us life.

References
Further Reading on Dr. Emoto’s work: http://hado.com/ihm/

*Urine Color for diagnosis: http://health.clevelandclinic.org

Previous posts about water:
Food Focus: Water
Water

Energize Your Body

September 21, 2012

Energize Your Body

Have you heard of Earthing (also called grounding)? I recently read some articles about the use of earthing where it is described as “direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. ” In other words, walking outside barefoot, lying on a beach, or sitting on the grass. Modern research indicates that our lifestyle, which does not encourage direct contact between our bodies and the earth, may be the disconnect that contributes to “physiological dysfunction and unwellness”.

When I read the articles, I got charged up. Literally! I am a firm believer in energy healing. I have always believed that pain is the result of stagnation of energy along our body’s energy meridians and to release the pain one must release the energy blockage. I have previously utilized healing modalities such as reflexology, acupuncture, and Reiki and believe strongly in the healing nature of plant essences (essential oils). According to my teacher, Dr. Bruce Berkowsky, “Essential oils are both biochemical and bioenergetic entities. Hence, their chemical properties can be used to act upon the biophysical plane and/or their bioenergetic properties can be used to directly interact on the non-material energy plane with human bioenergy.” (For more information on the use of essential oils as an energetic healing modality, please visit my other website, E-Scentially Yours.com).

Many cultures throughout the world have included references to the subtle energy fields that animate our bodies: Chi (Chinese), Prana (India & Tibet), Nefesh (Hebrew), Ki (Japan), Baraka (Sufis), the Holy Spirit (Christians), pneuma (ancient Greeks), with energy pathways also being described as meridians, chakras, or sefirot.

As reported by Dr. Mercola, an article from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health website entitled Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons, lists the following conditions that can be positively affected by the practice of Earthing:

Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea
Chronic muscle and joint pain, and other types of pain
Asthmatic and respiratory conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis
PMS
Hypertension
Energy levels
Stress
Immune system activity and response
Heart rate variability
Primary indicators of osteoporosis
Fasting glucose levels among people with diabetes

I was intrigued. Did you know that over 60 Million Americans live with chronic pain? I’ve personally witnessed how chronic pain has affected people that I love. Many pain sufferers have tried everything medically possible to find relief, to no avail. Can you imagine having a headache that lasts for years? I know two people that do.

According to the American Medical Association, approximately 100 million people suffer from one or more chronic diseases and over 180,000 are killed every year by medical care. Nearly 100,000 Americans each year die from errors caused by medical errors. It’s time for safer healing therapies. Every day, more and more people are utilizing alternative therapies for healing.

There are many causes of pain, including arthritis, back pain, bone pain, joint pain and muscle pain as well as pain that is associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia or cancer. Recently, I was told about a technology that is being used by healthcare practitioners to manage pain that has resulted from a variety of conditions. The technology isn’t new, yet it has only recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of pain. It is electrotherapy. A colleague told me about the incredible results she has witnessed firsthand with people using the machine on ankle sprains, knee injuries, and even Parkinsons. It was time for an experiential field trip and further investigation. Here’s what I found:

Electromedicine is one of the oldest sciences known. There is a plethora of documentation that dates back to ancient Greece.
In the 1700s, Benjamin Franklin documented pain relief from “frozen shoulder” by using electrical currents
In 1891, Nikola Tesla presented a paper about the medical application of high frequency electrical currents.
In 1908, there was a published paper in Germany on the treatment of joint disease using high frequency electrical currents.
In 1981, there was a book published in the U.S. called The Body Electric which challenged the understanding of the body and puts forth a theory that electricity is vital to life.
In 2000, Electrical Muscle Stimulation and hydrotherapy are used to exercise the muscles of a paraplegic of eight years. The patient regained limited movement and sensation in the body.
In 2007, an electrotherapy machine was approved by the FDA that was designed to provide electrical stimulation to treat chronic pain.

I used the machine to run the liver cleanse program. The experience was quite relaxing and pleasant. I had two electrodes strategically placed on my body and held two stainless steel cylinders in my hands. There was a slight tingling in my hands as the electrical frequencies shifted per the programmed code on the machine. The program lasted for 33 minutes. If you want to know more specific details about how I felt after the treatment, let me know. I’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

The technology has been available for over 60 years. It has been used extensively throughout the world and is commonly used in hospitals and clinics in Europe. It is finally available in the US. According to Nenah Sylver, PhD, in the article entitled Healing with Electromedicine and Sound Therapies:

“Every molecule, cell, living body, and object is comprised of energy that manifests as physical matter….With electromedicine therapies, healing is achieved by working with the electromagnetic radiation (emissions) and related energy fields that form, and are emitted by, physical matter.”

As stated in the NIH report,

“Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

When was the last time you felt the grass under your feet? Maybe it’s time to kick off your shoes (and socks), walk barefoot on the earth, enjoy the sunshine (Vitamin D) and listen to some healing music (more on the benefits of sound therapy later). It’s time to let the healing begin…

References:

Healing with Electromedicine and Sound Therapies, by Nenah Sylver, PhD

Why Walking Barefoot Might Be an Essential Element of Good Health, By. Dr. Mercola

Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons, J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 291541. Published online 2012 January 12. doi: 10.1155/2012/291541

The Heart of Energy and Wellness, A Renaissance of Health and Self-Healing, an article included in the pamphlet I obtained from the manufacturer of the electrotherapy machine I used this in preparation for this article.

New Year Resolutions & Realistic Goals

January 29, 2012

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New Year Resolutions & Realistic Goals

This article was published in the January, 2012 issue of the Richardson Times. I would like to share it with you.

It’s 2012. Can you believe it? Have you already made your New Year resolutions? I must confess that I have not made my New Years resolutions yet. This year, I have decided to be more realistic than in years past. Yes, that’s right. I give myself permission to be realistic and to use common sense in my approach. That doesn’t mean that I am throwing away all of my goals and aspirations for 2012. What it means is that I will not succumb to the pressure of setting unrealistic goals.

Lets’ take a look at the most popular New Year Resolutions for 2012. According to USA.gov the most popular New Year Resolutions are as follows:

Drink Less Alcohol
Eat Healthy Food
Get a Better Education
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Manage Stress
Quit Smoking
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Save Money
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others

But what is the underlying reason that we need to make these resolutions in the first place? Maybe we can understand it a bit better if we break it down into categories: There are two categories that clearly stand out: health and wealth. Ten out of thirteen listed resolutions fall into these two categories. Only three out of the thirteen listed resolutions revolve around quality-of-life related issues (vacation, the environment, and helping others).

What are your priorities? I believe that we can understand our priorities in life by analyzing how we spend our time. Therefore, I submit to you that it is possible for us to better understand our life by analyzing the roots of our goals and aspirations.

The above list clearly illustrates that our lives need healing. It is important to take this seriously. In fact, it is imperative that we begin the process of healing our lives completely. Health and wellness is not solely about food and exercise. In order to live healthy and meaningful lives, we must surround ourselves with people and things that bring us joy while we spend our time doing what we enjoy and contributing to others in our society.

At this start of 2012, you might consider asking yourself some powerful questions: Are you doing what you love to do? Do you spend your time and energy doing what is meaningful to you with people that you enjoy and love? Are you living your life in such a way that you bring happiness to those around you?

Having the courage to ask yourself those questions and to answer them honestly and objectively can be the catalysts that will help you transform your life into a life filled with excitement and purpose.

So, what is my next goal? My goal is to continue to take baby steps towards achieving a healthy lifestyle, so that I can better serve my community. Here is the plan:

Feed my soul. I surround myself with friends and family, spirituality, music, art, and a satisfying career.
Feed my body nourishing foods. I choose a plant-based diet, which is typically lower in fat and calories and higher in filling fiber than meat, dairy and processed foods, while providing needed essential nutrients.
Drink water. Did you know that most people are chronically dehydrated? In fact, we often mistake thirst for hunger. A good trick is to drink a glass of water when you feel hungry between meals. You might be surprised that the craving for food goes away.
Chew my food well. Did you know that the digestion process begins in the mouth? When you thoroughly chew your food, you slow down your eating and your body assimilates the nutrients better. You will feel satisfied on less food, because it takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that it is full.
Eat real food. Avoid products that your grandmother would not recognize. Stay away from foods with high-fructose corn syrup or a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. If the food is highly processed, it will lack the nutrients your body needs. These “foods” are really empty calories.
Eat breakfast. Every cell in your body needs energy. Breakfast is like fuel for your body. When you skip a meal, your blood sugar is affected, which affects your energy and mood.
Eat mindfully. I will say a blessing over my food and be grateful. I will sit down for my meals and not eat in a rush. I will savor my food without distractions, and feel relaxed as I enjoy the flavors, aromas and textures of the food. I will slow down.
Move my body. I will dance, walk, jump and stretch and not feel obligated to join a gym or walk on a treadmill. I will find pleasurable ways of moving my body and will do some type of physical activity every day. Because I enjoy it. And because it makes me feel good.
Sleep, rest and relax without guilt. I was brought up in a family with an amazing work ethic. Of that, I am proud. However, I never learned to relax. It was always about studying hard or working hard. Being productive was how we measured our self-worth. I have since learned that when you are sleep-deprived or stressed, your body cannot function properly. Often, when a person is sleep deprived, they will crave energy, causing cravings for sugary snacks and caffeine as an energy boost.
Schedule time for fun. I fill my time with laughter and play and will participate in activities that bring me joy.

There you have it. It’s common sense, simple, easy, doesn’t allow room for guilt, is empowering, and focuses on the positive in order to allow the positive to push out the negative. The process of healing your body empowers you to pursue other changes (like a new job, more money, education) because you are in a healthier frame of mind.

I invite you to make your own list of common sense steps towards a healthy and meaningful 2012. Consider following the 90% rule: do your very best for 90% of the time and allow yourself to indulge the other 10% of the time. This common sense guideline helps assuage any potential feeling of guilt, thereby reducing your stress level. It is a useful rule to follow when it comes to diet as well as for overall living. I also invite you to turn your focus outward by choosing resolutions that will help brighten the lives of others: volunteer, help someone in need, take care of our environment, and be kind to others. Perform a random act of kindness. As Winston Churchill once said: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Happy 2012.

First Line Therapy

August 9, 2011

First Line Therapy

I recently returned from the First Line Therapy certification workshop in Denver, Co. What an intense and wonderful experience! The training provided by the Metagenics team was impressive. We received training from Lyra Heller, Chris Katke, Dr. Kenneth Browning,DO, Dr. Kristi Hughes,ND, and Michael Alosso.

Here are some of the things I learned:

The National Institute of Health Guidelines recommend that prior to the start of a cholesterol reducing drug therapy program, patients be provided with 12 weeks of Therapeutic Lifestyle Change education by the physician, a health coach, a nutritionist, or other lifestyle educator. Unfortunately, this does NOT appear to be the way most physicians follow the guidelines. As I wrote in Why it’s Important to Question Your Doctor, this was certainly NOT how my husband’s endocrinologist handled his case.
I worked side by side with doctors on specific case studies. This gave me, as a Health Coach and a Lifestyle Educator, experience with how a doctor approaches a patient in regards to their nutritional needs. I found out that most doctors only have one course on nutrition while in medical school. ONLY ONE COURSE! How are they expected to guide us in our goal of achieving great health? It’s no wonder that most will prescribe medication as opposed to prescribing a therapeutic lifestyle change.
I learned the importance of body composition as opposed to weight-loss. Many times I cringe when I see weight loss challenges in corporations, on TV, etc… I have always been concerned with quick weight loss schemes. I, too, have had a life filled with weight challenges. When the person gets off the scale, do they know how much fat they lost? Or how much muscle they lost? Or how much of the weight loss was water?
I receive training on an amazing process that focuses on common sense, balance, nutrition, & body composition which is backed up by clinical research and scientific data.

Most of all, I received an incredible confirmation that the work I do is IMPORTANT and NECESSARY, if we, as a Nation, are to get back on track with our health.

My next step is to pass the First Line Therapy Certification exam with flying colors. Once I have done so, I plan to work in partnership with my client’s physicians, to provide health coaching as a Certified Lifestyle Educator. I focus on NOURISHMENT of body, mind & spirit.

I am so EXCITED about my work!!!! I am a Health Coach and a Lifestyle Educator. I am helping to change the world one client at a time!!!

Diabetes rates are soaring – How can we stop it?

June 30, 2011

Diabetes rates are soaring – How can we stop it?

This topic is near and dear to my heart. I am re-posting this blogpost, which was posted on June 29, 2011 by the Instituted for Integrative Nutrition (my nutrition school), in hopes that this information will be distributed to many of our loved ones who have diabetes. Please forward this blogpost to your friends and followers. Thank you.

More than 350 million people worldwide now have diabetes. That’s greater than the entire population of the United States (307 million), and more than double the number of diabetes cases in 1980. These frightening statistics fromThe Guardian will only get worse if we do not make dramatic changes to the our accustomed lifestyles.

By 2020, the UnitedHealth Group anticipates that 50% of Americans could have diabetes or prediabetes.

As much as 95% of these cases are predicted to be Type 2 adult-onset diabetes, a condition highly correlated to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. In some cases, the condition can lead to kidney failure, heart attack, or stroke.

To reverse this trend, we’ve got to start at the source: the Standard American Diet and lifestyle that is now proliferating through all the nations of the world

people on bikes

Non-smoking adults at a normal weight who eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise have been proven to be 89% less likely to develop diabetes. That’s a very encouraging prevention statistic!

What about those already diagnosed with diabetes? Just earlier this month, researchers had a breakthrough in diabetes care. As reported by the BBC, eleven people who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes underwent a drastic eight-week diet regimen of 600 calories a day. At the end of the study, 7 of the 11 participants no longer had diabetes.

The researchers anticipate that by combining a healthy diet with regular exercise, these former diabetics may be able to live diabetes-free the rest of their lives. This is great news for those 350 million already coping with diabetes.

In a 2009 documentary, Simply Raw, six diabetics switched to a raw food diet for 30 days and found their “incurable” disease wasn’t so permanent after all.

The prevention and the cure are based on the same principle – live healthfully. We can start reducing the number of people affected by diabetes as soon as we can embrace the lifestyle we all know we should: eat right and exercise.

What advice do you have for someone battling diabetes?

Color Your Plate Healthy

March 18, 2011

Color Your Plate Healthy

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolution?

Every year millions of Americans make resolutions on January 1st. Many of them have something to do with improving health and wellness. But by February 1st a majority of those resolutions have gone right out the window.

Since 1980 the American Dietetic Associate has been providing a gentle springtime reminder by celebrating National Nutrition Month in March. Each year there is a theme to help us eat better and be healthier. This year’s theme is “Eat Right with Color.”

So how does it work?

Think back to your last meal. How many colors were on your plate? If you answered 4 or 5, then congrats! You are eating right with color.

If you answered 1 or 2, then let’s talk:

Mother Nature has a habit of putting lots of healthy vitamins and minerals into foods that grow in the dirt, but did you know she took the trouble to color-code them for our convenience?

green foods contain antioxidants and nutrients that promote healthy vision
orange and deep yellow foods also help promote healthy vision, plus they contain vitamins that boost your immune system
purple and blue foods contain antioxidants that provide anti-aging benefits, plus they help with memory, and urinary tract health
red foods are good for heart health, vision, and your immune system
some white, tan, and brown foods have nutrients that promote heart health
bonus: each of these colors also help reduce your risk of cancer!

Of course, these aren’t the only benefits to eating a more colorful, plant-based diet. These kinds of foods also provide a good source of fiber, a boost in mental function, and tons of other feel-good perks.

So load up those plates with color and let’s celebrate good nutrition all year long!

How are you going to eat more colors this month?

-Contributed by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Is the CDC looking out for us?

March 15, 2011

Is the CDC looking out for us?

Our country is in the midst of a huge health crisis.

According to the CDC’s recently released Annual Report on the Nation’s Health, the U.S. spends over $2 trillion a year on healthcare. In fact, according to the report, “The United States spends a larger share of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health than does any other major industrialized country.”

Even though our country spends more than $2 trillion a year on healthcare, chronic diseases are the epidemic of our generation and food-related diseases are the No. 1 cause of preventable death. The following health risk factors are analyzed in the study:

Cigarette Smoking
Participation in Leisure-time Aerobic and Muscle-strengthening Activities
Obesity Among Children
Overweight and Obesity Among Adults
Hypertension Prevalence
High Serum Total Cholesterol (240 mg/dL or Higher)

All of the above are lifestyle related and there is NO DISCUSSION in the report regarding prevention by lifestyle modification!

Our healthcare system relies on medications and surgeries as opposed instead of focusing on prevention and education. In fact, if you take the time to review the report, you will see that under the section entitled “Prevention”, there are only two sections: “Statin Drug Use” and “Influenza Vaccination”.

Our good health begins with us. We are responsible. Good health begins with daily diet and lifestyle choices. Look at your own life and ask, is there one thing you could change now that would make a difference for your health?

Why it’s important to question your doctor

January 25, 2011

Why it’s important to question your doctor

Over the past several years, my husband has been under the care of an endocrinologist for the treatment of diabetes. My husband’s overall cholesterol level is good, but his LDL/HDL ratio is not, so at almost every visit, the Dr. has tried to sway him to utilize a statin medication.

What is a statin?
Statins are usually used to lower cholesterol.They work by blocking the body’s ability to produce cholesterol and by helping your body reabsorb plaque that has built up on the artery walls, hopefully preventing additional blockage in the artery and thus preventing heart attacks. However, the use of statins does not come without side effects, which may include depression, muscle pain and weakness, neuropathy, heart failure, dizziness, cognitive impairment, cancer, pancreatitis and liver damage). According to the National Health Alliance, “a recent study shows that the statin drug simvastatin, which the government is advocating we take to lower cholesterol levels, actually weakens our immune system and makes it difficult to fight off bacterial infections.” and that high cholesterol actually protects us against infection!

Now, getting back to my story:

At our first visit, we questioned the Dr. at length about the source of the clinical studies on which he based his recommendation, we felt that the potential risks involved by far outweighed the KNOWN benefits of the drug for a man his age. At almost every visit, my husband listened to the recommendation for a statin drug, but walked away without taking the Rx. A few months ago, my husband was seen by a Nurse Practitioner (NP) instead of by the Doctor. The NP was very patient in answering all of our questions. We asked her about the use of Red Yeast Rice or Niacin in lieu of a statin. She said that she has seen positive results from both and suggested that he try the Red Yeast Rice first and if that did not help, that he try the Niacin.

Last month, the Dr. was still recommending the use of a statin medication. We asked him if it would not be wise for my husband to try Niacin instead, as we had previously discussed with the NP, and he looked at the latest lab results before answering. I must say that I was quite surprised at his response:

He said that he usually prescribes statins to his diabetic patients because it is believed that the statins reduce the risk of coronary disease. However, in my husband’s case, the statins wouldn’t work. In fact, Niacin would be a better option.

He further explained that the reason he recommends niacin instead of a statin is because, in his case the bad cholesterol is fine but the good cholesterol is low. So why did he not recommend niacin earlier?

What if we had never asked?

By the way, when someone begins to take a statin, he/she will probably take the medication for LIFE. Imagine the economic implications associated with this – for both the patient and the pharmaceutical companies. More about this later…

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statins/CL00010
http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/cardiovascular-disease/581-dangers-of-statin-drugs.html
http://www.anh-usa.org/statin-drugs-open-us-up-to-foodborne-illnesses/

*Note – My husband has graciously given me permission to write about him on this very important topic.

Health Care System Transformation

December 18, 2010

Health Care System Transformation

This morning, I participated in an online forum sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on how to transform the Health Care system. I suggested the following:

1. Place a cap on malpractice awards
2. Eliminate conflict of interest at FDA (no funding should ever be accepted from pharmaceuticals)
3. Make it illegal for physicians and members of congress to accept anything (trips, training, money, etc…) from pharmaceuticals.
4. No more direct marketing to the consumer by pharmaceuticals (TV, magazines, etc…)
5. Have a public advisory board review the powers of the FDA and the drug approval process.
6. All medical providers should have their fee schedule posted prior to service being provided (the cost should not depend on whether patient is insured or not).

I also stated that the current system does not provide treatment to patients in a manner that is respectful to the patient. The human body is not just a group of organs. The human body is a complex system of organs that work together in an amazing way.

Many of us have lost trust in physicians because we have been prescribed treatments which do not consider the root cause of dis-ease, just provide treatment for manifested symptoms. In my humble opinion, treating the symptom without understanding the root cause could add more layers of complexity to the illness- side effects, masking of symptoms, etc…

If we are serious about improving WELLNESS in our society, our Health Care System should provide an INTEGRATIVE approach towards WELLNESS, which MUST include nutrition and nourishment education to our clients.