The Meaning of Doctor 6 Traits To Look For In Your Primary Care

The word doctor originates from the Latin word, docere, which means “to teach”. Did you know that your doctor, should not only be teaching you about your body and how to achieve health as well as how to prevent? Ultimately, your health, is in your hands, but your doctor, also should play detective with you, to help get to the source of your problem.

Naturopathic Doctors who are trained to primary care physicians, live by 6 principles that will be discussed shortly. First, know that “Training for Naturopathic Doctors consists of attending a four-year, graduate-level accredited Naturopathic Medical School. A Bachelors degree which includes standard pre-medical courses is required for admission. Naturopathic education starts with the same Basic Medical Sciences required of all doctors: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Embryology, Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology among others.The second phase of training consists of the Diagnostic Sciences: Cinical Diagnosis, Physical Diagnosis, Laboratory Diagnosis and Radiological Imaging. The Academic study concludes with an understanding of treatments according to Naturopathic Principles, using modalities such as Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicines, Homeopathy, Physical Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Mind-Body Medicine, as well as pharmaceutical training paralleling MD’s.

During the last two years of Naturopathic School, students also undergo hands-on clinical training, treating patients under the supervision of other licensed doctors. The final step for students prior to becoming eligible for licensure is to pass the full set of national board exams, the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). This is a set of 13 individual exams: 5 in the basic medical sciences, and 8 covering the clinical diagnostic sciences and Naturopathic Treatment.”

The 6 traits or as they are most referred to within the profession, tenets, include:

Primum no nocere: First, do no harm. This means that the most gentle and natural remedies will always be chosen first and that the suppression of symptoms will be avoided, since this can lead to the illness being pushed deeper into the body.
Vis medicatrix naturae: The healing power of nature. The body has an amazing inherent ability to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic doctors believe that their role is simply to facilitate the body’s own healing, using natural remedies and treatments.
Tolle Totale: Treat the whole person. This principle is based on the fact that every person is a unique individual. All aspects of a person must be taken into consideration and addressed in order for healing to occur.
Tolle causam: Identify and treat the cause. Rather than treating symptoms, which are signs from the body that illness is occurring, Naturopathic Medicine strives to find and treat the true underlying cause of disease.
Docere: Doctor as teacher. Your medical care should be a joint venture between your doctor and yourself. Naturopathic Doctors educate patients about their health and what they need to do to heal.
Principiis obsta sero medicina curatur: Prevention. The true goal of Naturopathic medicine is to help patients remove any causes of disease and maintain a healthy, happy body in order to prevent illness.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Functional Blood Analysis: What is it and what can it do for you?

Functional Medicine is now like a coined term that references a type of medicine that addresses optimal health versus disease states. Part of functional medicine includes a doctor viewing blood work with this same lens, so to speak. That the doctor doesn’t just see that a lab value is “within normal range”, but rather looks at the lab value and asks is this optimal, or is this heading in a pathological direction, i.e. on the brink of diabetes. This type of medicine really puts “health” back in “health care” vs “disease care.”

Part of the principles of functional medicine includes addressing what are referred to as the core clinical imbalances, which arise from malfunctions within this complex system and include[1]:

• Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances
• Oxidation-reduction imbalances and mitochondropathy
• Detoxification and biotransformational imbalances
• Immune imbalances
• Inflammatory imbalances
• Digestive, absorptive, and microbiological imbalances
• Structural imbalances from cellular membrane function to the musculoskeletal system

 Functional Medical doctors include all types, DC’sMDs, NDs, and FNP. These practitioners educate their patients on healthy lifestyles that focus on prevention and changing physiology to promote healing and wellness. Most people get annual check ups, and part of that includes basic blood work to evaluate how your body is working. A functional lab interpretation can let you know if you are dysglycemic, B12 deficient, dehydrated, and more. The body gives you these signs and symptoms and it just takes a person educated at reading these to pick up the cues to evaluate if it is heading in the right direction, or if changes need to be made. This type of work can catch future problems before they become an actual disease states, and thus out of the normal lab ranges.

Remember, your health is ultimately up to you. You have the power to make changes and choose a doctor who listens to your concerns, educates you, and takes a proactive approach. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

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[1] http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatis.asp

POSITIVITY IN YOUR BODY-5 WAYS TO BE AT YOUR PEAK

The fountain of youth has been found! It isn’t a magical elixir either. What is it then? The power of being positive or optimistic in your life can translates to a multitude of health benefits, from increased life span to decreased risk of cardiovascular death, which is the number one killer in the America.[1] [2]

“‘Mind-body medicine is now scientifically proven,’ says Herbert Benson, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at HarvardMedicalSchoolwho is considered a pioneer in the field.” [3] Take that analogy of seeing the glass half empty or full, which can act as a test of your level of optimism or pessimism. This can have an impact on how our body functions, either attributing to health enhancement or decline.

Many desire to be forever young; more than 4 million people in the USA will turn 50 in the year 2011.[4] At fifty or any age you have all that you had in youth and more! This is youth span, which “…Refers only to the number of years we live in good health, with high energy, strength and mobility, and with vigorous mental, sensory and sexual powers.”[5] This can only be achieved by looking at the process of change in our lives in a positive manner and by doing positive things for our bodies. Here are my top ways to stay positive!

1. Dance: Music can have a definite effect on our mood, there is nothing like tuning in to your favorite beat and shaking off the stress! You’ve heard the saying “dance like no one is watching!” If you don’t like to dance do something else to get you physical at your core, laughing can do this too!
2. Gratitude: Find something to be grateful for each day, focus on that for a moment. Consider a gratitude journal, either hand written or on your computer. I like to list 5 things I’m feeling grateful for in my life on a regular basis.
3. Educate: Explore yourself, your mind, body and spirit. Read a good book that makes you want to improve yourself, and/or seek the help of a professional. Find out why, when possible things are they way they are. Sometimes though, we can’t know everything, and we must accept this too.
4. Diet: What you put in your mouth does affect your mood. While sugar maybe “the other white powder” and you will get a high (blood sugar levels), you will also likely crash and get addicted. Eating fruits to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose to include protein and vegetables at every meal.
5. Support: Our society is more connected in some ways and disconnected in others. Take time to meet in person with friends regularly, and choose friends that look for the good in life and help you through your challenges. No one ever got success alone, just as there is no “I” in team.

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[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009

[2] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm

[3] http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-10-12-mind-body_x.htm

[4] http://www.bbhq.com/bomrstat.htm

[5] http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,18324,00.html

THE HOW TO OF CELLULITE DISMISSAL

Back by popular demand…the how to guide of banishing the bumps on your back side. These 5 steps are my highly recommended actions to get results…remember that the dipples didn’t appear nor will they disappear overnight. 8 weeks is a good projected amount of time for a treatment plan, although results may come sooner. To start take body measurements, and if possible get a body composition analysis at your local fitness center, also take “before” photos. It is good to gather this data to determine if your results are really making a difference, because as your body changes, your eyes may no longer recall with accuracy what your starting point was. Remember the name of the game of life is consistency, so stick with the program!

 

1. Daily duty: Dry skin brushing: take a bristled brush, comb, are even your fingers and starting near your feet in small 1-2 inch strokes that feel like a feather, continue this motion up your body, focusing on the areas with cellulite, include arms. What this does is help move your lymphatic system which is like our internal sewer system. Take out your fat and toxins by doing this simple 30 sec step each day prior to your shower. Also end your shower in cool, to help improve circulation. Cost: Free
2. Topical treatment: Body Contour and Xcellerator by Chae Organics applied 2x/day (a.m.& p.m.) to affected areas & massaged into skin to help break up fat. Consider using coffee grounds in shower to rub into areas as well. http://www.chaeorganics.com/specials.html Cost: $69
3.  At home treatment: Galvanic Spa with Body Shaping gel: this machine drives using positive current, so that the gel can penetrate deeper. A couple of the ingredients are theobromine (theobroma cacao extract) which as a molecule shown to target a certain enzyme in fat cells, in vitro. Targeting this enzyme may help activate fat breakdown.Golden chamomile (chrysanthellum indicum extract) may help inhibit the storage of fat. (This hand held machine has an added bonus of working on the face as well, and makes your other topical products 70% more absorbable through the skin) Results can be seen in 5 minutes, great for loose skin arms (nicely referred to as angel wings from the devil)! Order online www.vickieandlisa.nsedreams.com click the tab “Nu Skin” to view options, machine and gel sold separately. Cost: $325 for spa only or $375 with one month facial gels, $42 Body Shaping Gel
4. Professional treatment: Consider seeking help if your case is moderate to severe. http://www.lasercellulite.com/laser-cellulite-information.php Cost: $800-1200+
5. Exercise: Muscle burns fat and thus will be your best asset, just think you need to kick some butt, to kick the cellulite off your butt! Lounges, squats, and high kicks The best was saved for last, and this will help you in countless ways for your mind, body, and spirit! http://celluliteexercise.weebly.com/ Cost: Free outside/inside your home! Membership prices vary

 

 

STRESS EFFECTS ON THE BODY AND 5 TIPS TO SAIL THROUGH

Stress is a part of life that we all have to deal with. At its’ best it can provide a little pressure that can be a motivating factor to get something done. Stress at its worst can wreak havoc of the body, affecting multiple systems. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” that is secreted in response to help regulate the heart, lungs, metabolism, immune system, and more.[1] The adrenal glands that lie on top of the kidneys make not only cortisol, but sex hormones in addition to others.

The adrenal glands can get worn out under constant stress. Stress can come in different forms. You are probably already aware of the obvious ones: work, relationship, lack of time, finances, etc. However, did you know that caffeine and sugar stress your body out too! Ironically, these are often the go to things to try to power through the stress as they can act as temporary pick me ups, but they further put stress on the body and adrenal glands. What does stress do to you? Stress can cause or have an effect on worsening the following:[2]

• Pain
• Heart disease
• Digestive disturbances
• Sleep problems
• Depression/Anxiety
• Obesity
• Autoimmune conditions (Hashimotos, et al)
• Skin conditions (eczema, et al)

5 Ways to help your body sail through with less stress:

1. Eat regularly! Keeping your blood sugar stable with protein is one of the most important things you can do, this will help prevent dips you glucose levels, preventing some of the sugar cravings. Protein also provides precursors to our neurotransmitters helping us feel good. A great book is The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.

2. Avoid sugar! Also known by some as the other “white powder”, sugar can be addictive. Best is just to stay away, and choose stevia as a natural sweetener.

3. Supplement! When under stress there are greater demands on your body to use vitamins and other nutrients. Taking supplements that you find at your natural food store or from your naturopathic doctor can help do damage control and give you energy to deal with stress. B complex vitamins are often a good choice.

4. Seek support! Don’t be a recluse, the reality is someone is going through or has gone through what you are, ask for help. If you have undergone chronic stress or have health conditions you may want to see a naturopathic doctor to do salivary hormone testing of your cortisol levels.

5. Be the change! If you can, change the stressful situation by avoiding or altering it. Or change your reaction by adapting or accepting the stressor. These is known as the 4 A’s.[3]

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[1] http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_biological_effects_of_acute_stress_000031_2.htm

[2] http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm#effects

[3] http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm

Myers’ Cocktail

The Miracle Cocktail? Must Be the Myers’ Cocktail!  

Have you ever heard that “the way to good health is paved with good intestines” as many of my Naturopathic Doctors say? Well, often there can be barriers to good digestion, thus leading to people of having low absorption of vitamins and minerals, which are an absolute necessity and reason to eat fruits and vegetables. Given any compromisation to our “guts”, one can utilize modern medicine’s I.V. therapy.

A Myers’ Cocktail is an infusion of nutrition that boots the immune system to fight of allergies or viruses, as well as combats fatigue with its support of aiding the production of energy. Low levels of energy are found in adrenal imbalance, mood disorders, and fibromyalgia. Athletes can also benefit pre/post event. The miracle of modern life is that each of us in running some sort of marathon; physically or metaphorically for some other aspect of our mental or emotional life.

In our society we our desperately deprived of energy due to our lifestyle, and in the process of going back to the basics, one can supplement with a healthy cocktail to restore optimal levels of Vitamin C, B complex, B5, B6, B12, as well as Magnesium and Calcium.

Cheers to giving your body the boost it needs to get your energy to its optimal level…