Wellness Bites

New Screening for BREAST CANCER: Bio-Impedence

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:06:00 +0000

For us at ALETRIS, the problem with mammograms has always been that the imaging form that screens for cancer, X-ray, actually causes cancer. In an attempt to find other screening techniques, a group of researchers at the Medical College of Georgia is investigating a new technology developed by Z-tech: bio-impedence.

The theory is that breast cancer tissue has a different density than normal breast tissue. The Z-Tech scan works by placing a grouping of electrodes over each breast and sending a small, painless amount of electricity through them – much like an EKG. Unlike traditional mammography, the scan does not involve painful breast compression, which has been theorized to “burst” and spread malignant areas.

Researchers don’t believe that this form of imaging will replace the traditional mammogram, yet they hope that other screening forms may reduce the dependence on the X-ray driven form of testing.

At ALETRIS, we’ve been using thermography concurrently with mammography, ultrasound, and MRI for the best detection of breast cancer. We’re excited to learn that newer, less damaging forms of technology are being investigated.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment

KIDNEY STONES from GLOBAL WARMING?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:28:00 +0000

A recent study conducted by Margaret Pearle, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and reported online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences predicts an increase in the incidence of kidney stones as global temperatures continue to rise.

Kidney stones result from minerals that precipitate out of urine. Passing a kidney stone through the ureter, bladder, and out the urethra has been noted as one of the most intense and acute pains experienced by an individual.

Dr. Pearle speculates that approximately 1.6 to 2.25 million new cases will present by the year 2050. That’s an increase of 7 to 10% compared to 2000 rates. Currently the Southeast United States is known as the “stone belt,” as rates there are as much as 50% higher than in other parts of the country. She predicts an expansion of the “stone belt” into other parts of the US.

At ALETRIS, we recommend lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones. We also recommend tests that accurately diagnose the problem. Awareness of health issues that may arise from climate changes is a must for health professionals. We are committed to understanding these effects, as well as helping our patients do their part in reducing greenhouse gases.

estrogen + dioxin = ENDOMETRIOSIS?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:15:00 +0000

Recent study by Chinese researchers at Shanghai Medical College investigated the link between estrogen and dioxin and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a painful pelvic condition in women characterized by the growth of endometrial (uterine) tissue outside of the uterus. Often, endometrial tissue can be found lodged on the ovaries and in the pelvic cavity. Symptoms include pain with sex and progressively painful periods.

Dioxins are absorbed in the fatty tissues of the body and can persist there indefinitely. Dioxins are mainly byproducts of industrial processes and are produced during manufacturing processes including smelting, chlorine bleaching of paper pulp, and the manufacturing of some herbicides and pesticides.

Environmental distribution of dioxins is global. The highest levels of these compounds are found in some soils, sediments, and foods, including dairy products, meat, fish and shellfish. Lower levels are found in plants, water, and air.

These researchers found that exposure to a combination of estrogen and dioxin may not only initiate endometriosis but also progress the disease.

At ALETRIS Center, we recommend reducing the consumption of meat and dairy products, as well as using natural tampons and pads (which contain no dioxin). And, of course, we value the connection between the health of the environment and the health of us as individuals dependent on the environment for life and health.

POLLUTION May Lead to STROKE

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Clean air is vital to our health, and researchers are beginning to chronicle the many ways that pollution directly affects our bodies. In a recent study, researchers found a link between levels of particulate matter in the air and increases in ischemic strokes in a southeast Texas community.

Led by University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, researchers identified strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) that occurred between 2001 and 2005. Daily historical air pollution levels were obtained and correlated during the same time frame. Increases in strokes occurred on days when there were higher levels of both particulate matter and ozone.

Researchers have long been telling us that asthma attacks and respiratory events increase during times of high pollution, but now we are seeing evidence that heart disease is also exacerbated.

The health of our bodies is linked to the health of the environment. When our environments are sick, so are we. Let us all do everything in our power to fight for clean air here in the Valley of the Sun.

Pomegranate JUICE for a Healthy HEART

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:10:00 +0000

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This remains true despite the fact that Americans consume increasing amounts of cardiovascular medications like statins and blood pressure-lowering drugs.

One way to measure atherosclerosis is to conduct an ultrasound on the carotid arteries. This measures the amount of narrowing that has occurred in these arteries due to excess amounts of plaque and cholesterol blocking the vessel. This test is also known as intima-media thickness test (IMT).

Recent research conducted on patients with severe carotid artery narrowing showed that pomegranate juice significantly reduced blockage in the carotid arteries. Two groups of people were studied, one consisted of individuals taking only conventional medications and the other consisted of medications plus daily pomegranate juice. Researchers postulate that the effect of pomegranate on arteries is three fold: reduces LDL, reduces oxidation of LDL, improves overall antioxidant status. According to the study, drinking four to six ounces of pomegranate juice each day may be a great way to maintain arterial health and prevent further vessel destruction.

Does THYROID Nodule = CANCER?

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:07:00 +0000

At ALETRIS, we see many men and women who have a thyroid nodule. The question we ask is always whether or not the nodule is cancerous, and a biopsy of the nodule is often necessary. If the biopsy comes back inconclusive, removal of the thyroid or part of the thyroid is often recommended as cancer cannot be ruled out. On final analysis, however, only between 10 and 15% of excised nodules turn out to be cancerous.

A recent report from Lancet Oncology outlines a new gene marker that may help identify nodules that are cancerous. The molecule galectin-3 was seen in the blood 93% of the time in cancerous nodules. The results of the research showed that 22% of the cancers were missed, however, based on the galectin-3 molecule analysis only.

This blood marker is far from a perfect tumor marker for thyroid cancer, but it does signify that researchers are searching for better ways to assess whether the thyroid gland needs to be removed unnecessarily. We look forward to improved diagnosis tools in order to answer this question definitively for patients.

Boost Your BRAIN

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:43:00 +0000

We often hear patients say "I feel scattered, I can't concentrate, my memory just isn't what it used to be." As naturopaths, we encourage optimal health and brain function through healthy eating, exercise, colon cleansing and finding fulfillment in one's life through healthy relationships and joyful living. Creating joy and fulfillment may include going beyond one's comfort zone and joining an interest group, taking an art class at a local community college, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Participating in new activities helps expand the mind and keeps our brains functioning well.

The website www.lumosity.com is worth checking out for their popular "brain training games." Lumosity's cognitive training exercises have been scientifically evaluated and shown to be effective. The website boasts that its users have clear and quicker thinking, improved memory, enhanced alertness and awareness, elevated mood and improved concentration at work. Professional neuroscientists have developed these brain games based on the notion of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to learn and adapt to appropriate stimuli.

ALETRIS physicians offer so much more than just lab testing, diagnosis and treatment. We evaluate patients based on their physical, mental/emotional and spiritual health. At ALETRIS, we believe creating joy and optimizing brain function are equally as important as physical health.

AGRITOPIA

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Longing for the tiny neighborhoods exuding charm like those in towns like Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., we stumbled upon the efforts of Coffee Plantation founder Joe Johnson: Agritopia.

Agritopia is not Your average planned community. It started with his desire to start a restaurant that served produce from his family farm. From there it grew into an entire community of houses centered around the farm, a restaurant (Joe’s Farm Grill), a coffee shop, and a produce stand that sells fresh, organic produce.

Johnson was also inspired by the charm of the Willo and Encanto Phoenix historic districts. Each house in Agritopia looks different from the others, there are no block walls to be found, and roads are designed to encourage walking and biking.

Here at ALETRIS we understand that the health of a city has a direct impact on the health of its inhabitants. We encourage all our patients to do what they can to create sustainability and joy in their own lives.

PCOS

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is characterized by absent or irregular periods, infertility, cystic ovaries and clinical or laboratory signs of hyperandrogenism such as excess facial hair and acne.

PCOS in most cases is linked to insulin resistance, a scenario caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Poor diet causes excess blood sugar levels and leads to higher amounts of pancreatic production of insulin. A surplus of insulin in the blood stimulates ovarian cells to increase production of testosterone, estrogen and DHEA, which lead to cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, facial hair and acne.

Conventional doctors treat PCOS with medications such as Metformin in an effort to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. While this does make sense, this approach is not treating the underlying cause of the disease. When Metformin is discontinued, PCOS symptoms will return.

Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying cause of PCOS by changing the body's biochemical messages, an approach that leads to a reduced risk of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Naturopathic treatment of PCOS includes a diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables, minimal carbohydrates and daily exercise. Nutritional supplementation and herbal formulas play an essential role in the treatment of PCOS.

Hot Flash Relief through Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:49:00 +0000

A researcher in Norway, a country where acupuncture is widely used, designed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture on post-menopausal women being treated with Tamoxifen following surgery for breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a drug that interferes with estrogen and causes menopausal-like symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain, vaginal dryness and leg cramps. Participants who received Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture had a 50% reduction in hot flashes, both during the day and the night, and this effect continued after the acupuncture treatments were discontinued.

A total of 59 breast cancer patients received either TCM acupuncture or sham (random) acupuncture for a total of 10 weeks. Acupuncture was administered twice a week for 5 weeks and once a week for the following 5 weeks. The subjects monitored and recorded the number of hot flashes they had for 4 weeks prior to treatment, during the treatment and 12 weeks after the treatments ended. Other symptoms measured included sweating, sleep disturbance, depression, palpitations and joint pain.

The head investigator reports “During the treatment, hot flashes were reduced by 50%, both day and night, in the acupuncture group. Three months after the last treatment a further reduction was seen. No significant changes were seen in the sham group during the day. At night there was a slight reduction during the treatment period but, once treatment had ceased, the number of hot flashes increased again.”

As acupuncture increasingly becomes more and more popular, researchers are continually designing studies testing its efficacy. To experience the many benefits of acupuncture, including pain relief, stress management, insomnia and hot-flash reduction, call Aletris Center of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ to set up an appointment.

Focusing on Blood Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:48:00 +0000

The incidence of high blood pressure among American women is on the rise. The following excerpt is borrowed from an article on Medline Plus.

The persistent incidence of hypertension is "principally a failure of our health-care delivery system," said Dr. Dan Jones, president of the American Heart Association. "Certainly physicians have some fault, patients have some fault, and biology plays a role. But in our current health-care system, high blood pressure is treated as part of a visit with a primary-care physician that may take only five to 15 minutes. It may be one of five or six problems that the patient has and may be the least symptomatic of those problems, so it doesn't get the attention it should."

Aletris naturopaths spend 1.5 hours with each patient during an initial visit, and 30 minutes to 1 hour for follow-up visits. Although we do not accept insurance as a means of payment, we generally see far fewer patients in order to serve their individual medical needs. This includes follow-up on chief and secondary complaints as well as educating patients on the importance of the prevention of future disturbances in health including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Seeing fewer patients allows us to spend sufficient time with each patient while staying current with medical research. We understand the underlying causes of physiological imbalances and hold our patients accountable for engaging in their own health care.

Hypertension and Cognitive Decline

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

A new study finds an association between high blood pressure and declining cognitive function in adults over the age of 60. Researchers found that adults between the ages of 60-69 with normal blood pressure (less than 120/80) had the best cognitive function, while people aged 75-79 with “pre-hypertension” (up to 140/90) and people 80 or older with moderate hypertension had the poorest cognitive function.

Those with stage 1 hypertension (top number between 140 and 149, bottom number between 90 and 99) were more likely to show cognitive decline, most notably found in individuals over 70. Investigators concluded that control of blood pressure was shown to reduce hypertension-associated cognitive decline.

The best way to treat high blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet consisting of an abundance of fresh vegetables and lean animal or vegetable proteins while abstaining from processed foods and simple carbohydrate-rich foods. Daily exercise (cardiovascular and weight bearing) also combats hypertension, as well as enhancing healthy moods and energy. Avoid sugary drinks and empty-calorie foods such as white rice and replace them with water, herbal teas and nutrient-rich foods. For more information on preventing or reducing high blood pressure and the negative effects from this condition, call the Aletris Center of Integrative Medicine to explore your path towards optimal health.

Chronic Sinusitis

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Chronic sinusitis, one of the most common recurring illnesses in the U.S., develops predominantly in those with allergies and asthma. The mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed, causing irritation, pain, swelling and redness in the area.

Conventional medicine treats chronic sinusitis with antibiotics and corticosteroids, along with decongestants and antihistamines. A recent study published in the Lancet concluded that out of 15 patients who received antibiotics for chronic sinusitis, only one benefited with this treatment.

The researchers concluded that antibiotic use is not justified even in patients with symptoms longer than 7-10 days. Decongestants and antihistamines do provide acute relief from symptoms, but have no long term preventative benefits. Corticosteroids sprays, such as Nasonex, inhibit the body’s immune response and are used for their anti-inflammatory effect to localized tissue. Corticosteroids can cause thinning of tissue and make people more susceptible to viral infections, upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and nasal irritation.

Naturopathic doctors treat chronic sinusitis with nasal irrigation techniques, immune boosting nutrients, homeopathy, herbal formulations and the elimination of underlying causes such as food allergies. The goal is a reduction in symptoms and elimination of future infections. ALETRIS naturopaths are well versed in treating chronic sinusitis by investigating the underlying cause of the illness.

ESSENTIAL H20

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Water is critical to our health, wellness and survival. Our blood is 83% water, which allows the blood to circulate throughout the body and guide essential vitamins and minerals into tissue cells. Adequate water intake is also necessary to eliminate waste from the body, nourish joints and ligaments and to brighten skin. Signs of dehydration can manifest as premenstrual cramping, morning sickness (in pregnant women), joint pain, fatigue, depression, acne, and allergies.

Green tea, black tea, and coffee all contain caffeine, a powerful diuretic. Alcohol is an even stronger diuretic. These substances leach water and minerals from the body, so that even when additional water is consumed during the day it is immediately eliminated to keep a proper electrolyte balance. Take note if you are running to the bathroom directly after drinking water. If so, diuretics are creating an electrolyte imbalance that is keeping you dehydrated, and you should eliminate these diuretics from your diet.

Our recommendation is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day.

Here are some ideas to make drinking water more fun and enjoyable:

Add a sprig of fresh spearmint or peppermint

Add a squeeze of orange, lemon or lime

Add a slice of ginger

Add a slice of strawberry or a few blueberries and raspberries for a fruity taste

DAIRY is for Baby Cows

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Many of our patients find it extremely difficult to live without dairy. When first asked if avoiding dairy will cause a problem, most patients shake their head no. It’s not until a few weeks later that they realize how difficult it is to avoid the many dairy-filled products in day to day life.

Dairy is a very common allergen for many individuals. We do not make the lactase enzyme along our gastrointestinal tracts after childhood, and so many people experience gas, bloating, increased mucous production, indigestion, weight gain, and seasonal allergies from continued consumption into adulthood.

Dairy includes milk, cheese, half and half, cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream, butter, and ice cream. Hidden sources include casein, whey, rennet, lactulose, lactalbumin, lactglobulin, and curd.

At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we encourage our patients to consume less dairy or no dairy and, if they must include dairy in their diets, to always choose organic, hormone-free products. Discussing dairy alternatives and encouraging ethnic cuisines are two ways we help our patients avoid this common allergen.

Milk Alternatives: Oat milk, Rice Milk, Hemp Milk and Almond Milk. Soy milk is not recommended.

Say Goodbye to Sugar

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Finding your self coming down with frequent and persistent colds? Try limiting your sugar intake.

This includes soda, cakes, cookies, fruits, breads and pastas. One teaspoon of sugar has been shown to inhibit the response of your immune system for up to 5 hours. Put simply, having fruit juice or a donut for breakfast, white pasta for lunch and a hamburger with a coke for dinner can have a prolonged negative effect on your immune system. Too much sugar throughout the day can cause more frequent and longer-lasting colds and flus.

Also remember that food items that are “fat free” tend to be high in sugar, which eventually turns to fat in the body. High sugar intake is also associated with nutrient deficiencies and correlated health problems. Magnesium deficiency, for example, is implicated in many health conditions such as PMS, chronic headaches, muscle tension, attention deficit disorder and hypertension.

Remember, you really are what you eat! As naturopathic physicians, it is our responsibility to educate patients on the basics of living a healthy life as well as treating and preventing diseases. Without the commitment to change diet and other lifestyle habits, it is difficult to guide patients toward optimal health.

Hemochromatosis

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:38:00 +0000

Hemochromatosis is the most common of the iron storage diseases, and the hereditary form of hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Symptoms of this disease may include joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, heart and liver disease. Women are often not diagnosed until around the age of 50. This makes sense because in menopause women are no longer losing iron through their menses and their hemoglobin and iron will show elevations on routine blood work.

High rates of iron storage diseases are found in the southwestern states because of the amount of iron in our ground water and soil. Additionally, iron is fortified in many foods including some brands of breads, cereals and pasta. Vitamin C supplementation can be very detrimental to someone with hemochromatosis because it increases iron absorption.

Treatments for hemochromatosis include phlebotomy, avoidance of Vitamin C, nutritional supplementation and diet modification. Early detection and treatment are very effective and are essential to the prevention of heart and liver disease.

GERD

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:50:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced pain in your chest, trouble swallowing and a sour taste in your mouth? If so, you may be suffering from GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux syndrome. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle connecting your esophagus to your stomach, weakens and allows stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. This can cause irritation to the esophageal lining and a burning sensation in your chest and esophagus.

Prolonged and untreated heartburn can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. GERD can also increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

The following is a list of just a few of the foods and medications that can weaken the LES: coffee, tea, cow’s milk, alcohol, onions, peppermint, birth control pills, blood pressure medication, pain killers and anti-anxiety medication.

ALETRIS naturopaths are adept at treating the underlying causes of GERD and preventing further damage to the gastro-intestinal system. Our treatment includes herbal medicines to heal the lining of the esophagus and digestive stimulants to promote the appropriate closure of the LES.

Blood Test for BREAST CANCER

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:57:00 +0000

The statistics are astounding: Every year 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. Early detection is crucial because in its early stages, treatable breast cancers can have over a 5 year 95% survival rate.

The Biomarker Translation Test, or “BT Test” is a new blood test that when used in conjunction with mammography may aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The BT test measures specific protein biomarkers in the blood that are associated with cancerous activity. The results are analyzed along with personal health history and women are given an individualized “BT score.” This exciting new test has been tested for accuracy and has indicated an accuracy of over 81%.

The BT Test is not a substitution for mammography, but is an additional tool to detect early breast cancers. Because breast cancers are easily missed with mammography, especially in women who have dense breast tissue, the BT Test is an excellent addition to conventional breast imaging.

MSG Under Cover

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:19:00 +0000

For those of you who avidly check food labels in grocery stores, you probably try to avoid monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG. When eaten in any amount, this flavor enhancer is implicated in headaches, sweating, sense of facial tightness, numbness and tingling around the mouth, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness or breath, nausea and weakness.

Analyzing food labels can be really tricky because MSG has numerous other aliases! For example, hydrolyzed soy protein and autolyzed yeast are other names for MSG. Most protein bars, including ones that claim to be healthy and low in carbs contain these products.

At ALETRIS, we advocate a whole foods diet that is high in organic proteins, fiber and vegetables. We counsel patients on the importance of eliminating processed foods to attain optimum health. A quick and easy tool when perusing the grocery store is to steer clear from any product containing a long list of ingredients. Remember, just because you are buying from a health food store doesn’t mean it’s healthy!

EXERCISE Intensity

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:07:00 +0000

At ALETRIS, we often see women who want to lose weight and stay slim as they age. One obstacle we face as naturopathic physicians is changing women’s perceptions of how vigorous their exercise regimes need to be to truly see results. The 20 minute walk with the dogs or the laid-back weight lifting program twice a week is a nice start, but is never the end goal.

In support, new research conducted by Berkeley Lab followed 6,119 men and 2,221 women who maintained their weekly running mileage (to within three miles per week) over a seven-year period. In summary, the men and women who ran over 30 miles per week gained half the weight of those who ran less than 15 miles per week as they aged. It seems that individuals that engage in more vigorous exercise regimes keep weight off better than those who engage in only moderate exercise programs.

For all of our patients, helping them work towards higher and higher levels of exercise intensity is the goal at ALETRIS. We help them understand the amount of hard work required to change their bodies.

Heavy Metals & Childhood OBESTIY

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Recent research by a University of Houston professor has discovered a link between lead exposure in the womb and increased obesity in male children later in adulthood. Donald Fox stumbled onto this conclusion after experimenting with lead’s effects on the retina. To confirm his observations, Fox undertook an 18 month study exposing pregnant mice to varying levels of lead in their drinking water. Mice that exposed their fetus to lead while pregnant had male offspring that grew up to be obese. This new findings may influence the CDC to lower acceptable lead levels in water even further.

Naturopathic physicians have long understood the effects of heavy metal exposure on children’s behavioral and developmental characteristics. We now understand that exposures in the fetus can change children’s health permanently as they develop into adulthood. We advise women who want to become pregnant to test for heavy metal levels and detoxify them out of their systems before trying to conceive.

Why CASH PAY is a GOOD Thing

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:13:00 +0000

“I wish my insurance company covered naturopathic medicine” is a statement we frequently hear. The truth is, there are many reasons why ALETRIS would not take insurance even if the option was available.

First, when a medical clinic decides to accept insurance, each physician signs a contract with that insurance agency. Elements of that contract dictate how often a physician can see a patient, how much time a physician can spend with a patient, what types of treatments are allowed and how much the insurance company will reimburse the physician.

In a facility accepting insurance, for example, a patient suffering from depression and fatigue would be immediately prescribed an anti-depressant medication. The insurance company will pay the physician for 15 minutes worth of work to diagnose the depression and then discuss the medication.

With naturopathic treatment, a patient with depression and fatigue may require a one and a half hour visit so that the underlying cause of the condition can be determined and treated. If a naturopathic physician were to ask an insurance compnay for reimbursement for that 90 minute visit, they would be paid by allopathic standards and would receive the same $60 that a MD would receive for a 15 minute (or less) visit. $60 per 90 minutes will never cover expenses.

So what would naturopaths have to do in order to have a successful practice while taking insurance? They would have to start practicing more and more like traditional doctors – spending less time with each patient and giving “pharmaceutical-industry” recommendations. They may have to go from seeing six patients a day to seeing twenty or thirty. Other naturopathic doctors may focus their practice on more expensive procedures like prolotherapy or IV therapy to try to make up for costs.

In addition to setting requirement for the physicians, the insurance agency has the right to look inside a patient’s chart at any time, for any reason. This may not seem like a problem until you suspect cancer or heart disease and wish to evaluate those issues before using insurance to cover treatments. One element our patients love about our practice is that can be truly is anonymous.

We prefer to have patients use insurance for labwork, imaging, or other procedures as necessary and pay cash for their visits. Some patients with insurance even choose to pay cash for certain tests so that their insurance company does not have record of their results.

In the end, naturopathic patients see the true value in the time, energy, and money it saves them to address the issue instead of chasing symptoms. Not taking insurance guarantees the personalized care that so many of our patients love.

In this day and age, insurance and drug companies are dictating the way medicine and treatment are carried out in the United States. Choosing to engage in a different system – one that empowers patients and puts doctors back at the top of the decision making tree – is the best vote you could make with your dollar.

CATS & Heart Health

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:41:00 +0000

Many of us have lovable cats and playful dogs who we look forward to coming home to every day. They shower us with happiness, unconditional love, a sense of security and friendship. Even though pets can be demanding, the stress relief that they bring to us may be beneficial for our heart health.

New research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference suggests that heart attack risk may be reduced by having a cat in the house.

Over 4,000 Americans between the ages of 30 and 75 were tracked for over 20 years. All were free of cardiovascular disease when they entered the study in the 1970s. More than half of the people surveyed own or have owned a cat. The remainder had never owned cats. Researchers tracked death rates from heart attack and other causes. The evidence showed that cat owners had 30% lower death rates by heart attack than those who had never owned a cat. No such correlation was made among dog owners.

If you are already a lover of kitties, think about making one of these furry friends a part of your family. Who knows…your heart may be healed in more ways than one!

Type II DIABETES

noreply@blogger.com (ALETRIS Center) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:51:00 +0000

In the United States, over 18 million people, representing 6% of the total population, have diabetes mellitus. Out of those with diabetes, 5 million remain undiagnosed and about 90% have type II diabetes.

It is estimated that 85% of people diagnosed with type II diabetes are overweight. In addition, it is considered inevitable that individuals who are 30+% overweight will become diabetic. Type II diabetes is caused by an impaired ability of the body to utilize insulin. Insulin resistance and deficiency causes a dangerous rise in blood sugar, which can lead to serious complications including heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, blindness, limb amputations and kidney failure.

Western and naturopathic doctors include diabetes in their differential diagnoses if any of the following symptoms are present: excess urination, excess thirst, excess hunger, weight loss, vision changes, peripheral numbness or tingling, fatigue, slow healing sores, and/or an increase in infections.

Risk factors for type II diabetes include obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and ethnicity. Western doctors treat type II diabetes with diet, exercise, oral hypoglycemic drugs, and insulin when necessary.

In contrast, naturopaths emphasize diet, nutrition and exercise and use oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin when necessary. Additionally, naturopaths prescribe vitamins, minerals and herbs to help the body utilize insulin and protect vital organs. Type II diabetes is preventable and treatable when patients are invested in their own health care and well being.