For some time now the role of non-pharmacologic management, alone or in combination with drug treatment, has been controversial. However, since the 1990s many medical conferences have been held (all over the world) and research has been done by experts from many disciplines within the health sciences resulting in a new respect and appreciation of these …
Category: Health and Wellbeing
A New Year’s resolution we can all live with.
Years ago my life coach at the time told me there are three rules by which to live: “Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.” Although it may sound quite simplistic, it is, in practice, quite challenging. And—if practiced often—it can be exceptionally healing. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Everything is energy . . . …
Protect your health by undertaking medication changes with caution.
As an integrative medicine physician, I have many patients come to me with an intention for being completely free of all of their medications. Many times, the patient wishes to substitute natural remedies for pharmacological medications. For some patients, I can heartily agree. For other patients, however, it can be quite dangerous to discontinue traditional …
Learn to appreciate the marvel that is your immune system.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the remarkable actions of my immune system. Having been “gifted” by one of my patients with a rousing upper respiratory infection, I was reminded of the many mechanisms of the body that work to keep me healthy. I saw this patient again after we had both recovered, and …
Sleep plays a large role in your health.
One of the most common complaints that health providers hear is, “I can’t sleep.” About 40 million American adults will report having had an issue with sleep during the past year, about 30 million have sleep apnea (intermittent breathing cessation during sleep), and 25 million have sleep issues from shift work. Poor sleep can lead …
A few of my favorite … body products and aids.
The following are some of my favorite products. Remember that each person is unique and has his or her own sensitivities/allergies. If you question the appropriateness of any of the following products for your personal care, discuss it with your physician. LUSH’s Ultrabalm: A lightweight, non-petroleum balm for hands and face (www.lush.com). Emollients: Cerave, Cetaphil, …
Frequently used medical terms you may encounter
Have you ever wondered how health care providers learn the thousands of terms they use every day? Often it is a case of learning suffixes and prefixes. From there, you can join organ names with prefixes or suffixes to fully describe a condition. Here are some of those most commonly used: arthr– Of/Pertaining to joint …
Supplements for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Patients often ask me about non-pharmaceutical options for controlling hypertension. While these may not be enough in themselves, they may help to lessen dependence on anti-hypertensive pharmaceutical agents. AS ALWAYS, consult your physician before taking any of these supplements, and DO NOT stop your present anti-hypertensive medications without your physician’s recommendation. Lifestyle is very important. …
Coloring mandalas are an ancient form of meditation and relaxation.
What is a mandala? In Sanskrit, mandala means circle. In every culture and in nature, mandalas are innumerous. They are often intricate and typically quite beautiful. They can be seen in halos, prayer wheels, seashells, flowers. In Indian and Tibetan religions, mandalas have been used for centuries to facilitate meditation and relaxation. In common use …
STOP IT, ALREADY!
We are living in the information age. Data and information are abundant—perhaps too abundant. For some time, health care providers have been wrestling with how to blend clinical judgement and decision-making with patient self-interpretation and excessive concern regarding their test results. Certainly, each person is encouraged to take charge of their health, and researching and …