It is a really good idea to see your PCP doc at least once a year. In addition to establishing the individual baselines as far as labs go and doing the basic preventative screening, it puts you in front of your doctor who sees probably thousands of patients a year and helps build that point of contact for you individually. It is a really good thing to have if anything ever comes up that truly needs emergency medical attention. Even though the conventional crew doesn't necessarily have the same ideals as we might regarding our own health and a more holistic approach to dis-ease prevention, they are still a very valuable part of our health care system. And to truly be proactive for our own health, we need to have a solid relationship with those people we may need to depend on outside of ourselves.
If you haven't had your annual PCP visit this year, please call and make an appointment ASAP.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thank you Dr. Allen Walker
I would like to thank Dr. F. Allen Walker (http://www.louisvilleadhd.com/) and his patients for allowing me to sit in with them yesterday during their regular follow ups. Dr. Walker is a board certified psychiatrist in Louisville, Kentucky that specializes in working with patients that struggle with ADHD.
I feel very fortunate to have met Dr. Walker and to have him as a resource for myself and my patients here in Louisville that struggle with behavior, concentration, and focus disorders. It was obvious to me after watching him with his first patient yesterday that he is meticulous and compassionate when it comes to "diagnosing" his patients; and that he is also not a practitioner that simply throws out a prescription for a drug to bandaid a complex set of symptoms. Dr. Walker knows that the lifestyle components for patients are a crucial piece of the puzzle for a truly holistic and lasting improvement in the overall quality of life.
Here is what Dr. Allen Walker wrote about his treatment philosophy on his website:
What is clear is that stimulant ADHD medications can be helpful, at least in the short term . While the ADHD medications can allow changes to take place, the effect wears off when the ADHD medication wears off. The ADHD medications do not improve academic skills or increase knowledge, however ADHD medications can help people pay better attention and see their work to completion. The ADHD medications only control the symptoms however they do not address the root cause of Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms and quite honestly scientists do not know precisely how the medications work . ADHD medications are like glasses or allergy medications. The ADHD medications don’t cure the disorder they only temporarily control the symptoms.
I specialize in the treatment of ADHD and combine the use of medications along with identification and modification of underlying issues associated with ADHD. I deal with these issues first or simultaneously before rushing into a course of ADHD medications. For lasting improvements, I recommend and utilize consistent behavioral and organizational therapy along with medications. The use of emotional counseling, practical support, healthy diet, daily exercise and good sleep hygiene further assist to diminish the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. As in most psychiatric diagnoses there is no magic bullet and typically long-lasting change involves consistent investment into practicing lifestyle and behavioral changes. (http://www.louisvilleadhd.com/my-philosophy.php)
It is refreshing for me to know Dr. Walker is here in Louisville. There are conventionally trained medical doctors in Kentucky that are open and embracing a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Bit by bit, we are on the right track.
I feel very fortunate to have met Dr. Walker and to have him as a resource for myself and my patients here in Louisville that struggle with behavior, concentration, and focus disorders. It was obvious to me after watching him with his first patient yesterday that he is meticulous and compassionate when it comes to "diagnosing" his patients; and that he is also not a practitioner that simply throws out a prescription for a drug to bandaid a complex set of symptoms. Dr. Walker knows that the lifestyle components for patients are a crucial piece of the puzzle for a truly holistic and lasting improvement in the overall quality of life.
Here is what Dr. Allen Walker wrote about his treatment philosophy on his website:
What is clear is that stimulant ADHD medications can be helpful, at least in the short term . While the ADHD medications can allow changes to take place, the effect wears off when the ADHD medication wears off. The ADHD medications do not improve academic skills or increase knowledge, however ADHD medications can help people pay better attention and see their work to completion. The ADHD medications only control the symptoms however they do not address the root cause of Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms and quite honestly scientists do not know precisely how the medications work . ADHD medications are like glasses or allergy medications. The ADHD medications don’t cure the disorder they only temporarily control the symptoms.
I specialize in the treatment of ADHD and combine the use of medications along with identification and modification of underlying issues associated with ADHD. I deal with these issues first or simultaneously before rushing into a course of ADHD medications. For lasting improvements, I recommend and utilize consistent behavioral and organizational therapy along with medications. The use of emotional counseling, practical support, healthy diet, daily exercise and good sleep hygiene further assist to diminish the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. As in most psychiatric diagnoses there is no magic bullet and typically long-lasting change involves consistent investment into practicing lifestyle and behavioral changes. (http://www.louisvilleadhd.com/my-philosophy.php)
It is refreshing for me to know Dr. Walker is here in Louisville. There are conventionally trained medical doctors in Kentucky that are open and embracing a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Bit by bit, we are on the right track.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Healthy Optimism
I read on Monday that President Obama has "allocated 155 million to 126 community health centers" as part of the economic stimulus package. http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUSN0243160920090302?sp=true
This is a meager percentage of the nearly 800 billion dollars that the President is promoting overall. So I am not sure if my concern is warranted. My fear is that these new health centers will simply offer more of the same regarding primary health care and dis-ease prevention.
The new centers are planned to provide services to those most in need, those individuals with low incomes and little to no health insurance. These services will include state-of-the-art testing - laboratory and diagnostic imaging. The treatments will allow access to prescription medicines that these patients typically would not be able to afford. Is this a good thing?
I am not fully sure. I want to be optimistic about our economy and the overall health or pursuit of health of the American citizens. But I am afraid that the state-of-the-art testing and high cost prescriptions will be vastly missing the target on what is really going on with these individuals that are most in need.
In our Western society, the diseases of the poor are typically lifestyle ailments: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease. My experience and medical training has demonstrated over and over again that these conditions are most effectively (both for overall improvement of health and for cost/expense ratio) treated by lifestyle interventions. It is about education, providing the tools needed to empower the individual to be responsible for their own health goals. I am worried that the labs and testing won't reach the same diagnosis; and that the treatments that would have the greatest overall benefit won't fit in a little pill.
This is a meager percentage of the nearly 800 billion dollars that the President is promoting overall. So I am not sure if my concern is warranted. My fear is that these new health centers will simply offer more of the same regarding primary health care and dis-ease prevention.
The new centers are planned to provide services to those most in need, those individuals with low incomes and little to no health insurance. These services will include state-of-the-art testing - laboratory and diagnostic imaging. The treatments will allow access to prescription medicines that these patients typically would not be able to afford. Is this a good thing?
I am not fully sure. I want to be optimistic about our economy and the overall health or pursuit of health of the American citizens. But I am afraid that the state-of-the-art testing and high cost prescriptions will be vastly missing the target on what is really going on with these individuals that are most in need.
In our Western society, the diseases of the poor are typically lifestyle ailments: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease. My experience and medical training has demonstrated over and over again that these conditions are most effectively (both for overall improvement of health and for cost/expense ratio) treated by lifestyle interventions. It is about education, providing the tools needed to empower the individual to be responsible for their own health goals. I am worried that the labs and testing won't reach the same diagnosis; and that the treatments that would have the greatest overall benefit won't fit in a little pill.
Friday, February 13, 2009
why we need education, education...
Our pursuit of health is our own and we need to be educated and walk in a manner that is safe and comfortable for ourselves. But it never ceases to amaze me how the conventional paradigm has brain washed the masses into a quiet obedience to whatever is suggested. Take this quote for example.
"And there's nothing wrong with meds, they're just as natural as anything else in the world, especially all this "probiotic" stuff." by John
Now I would never assert there is anything wrong with meds or ever even make such a statement. Being a licensed and board certified primary care physician with full prescriptive privileges I recognize their importance and place in health care when needed. I also wouldn't say that the "natural" stuff is always better. There is a time and place for everything.
I certainly wouldn't say that the pharm meds are as natural as the probiotics or herbal meds that I might recommend. I also would not claim that a synthetic dye is as natural as a sepia dye made from squid ink. It would only be foolishness or simple arrogance that would allow someone to make such a absurd comparison.
I have said this over and over again. It doesn't matter what we give or what we take in our pursuit of health... it only matters why we take it. It is the philosophy of healing that is at the heart of pure medicine. It is the patients and the physician's job to find their individual balance in that relationship. Good luck finding yours.
"And there's nothing wrong with meds, they're just as natural as anything else in the world, especially all this "probiotic" stuff." by John
Now I would never assert there is anything wrong with meds or ever even make such a statement. Being a licensed and board certified primary care physician with full prescriptive privileges I recognize their importance and place in health care when needed. I also wouldn't say that the "natural" stuff is always better. There is a time and place for everything.
I certainly wouldn't say that the pharm meds are as natural as the probiotics or herbal meds that I might recommend. I also would not claim that a synthetic dye is as natural as a sepia dye made from squid ink. It would only be foolishness or simple arrogance that would allow someone to make such a absurd comparison.
I have said this over and over again. It doesn't matter what we give or what we take in our pursuit of health... it only matters why we take it. It is the philosophy of healing that is at the heart of pure medicine. It is the patients and the physician's job to find their individual balance in that relationship. Good luck finding yours.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Fast Food Sales are Increasing... but at what cost
I keep reading at multiple online news sources that McDonalds, Burger King, etc. are experiencing a sales boost while most other areas of our economy are strugling to get by. It seems obvious that people are looking for cheap food during this time of financial hardship. I speculate that it also provides a sense of nostalgia and comfort as we return to these establishments that were such a frequent stopping place during our youth. I remeber going to McDonalds with friends from school after every football and basketball game. Up till this week, I would have needed two hands to count the number of years it has been since I ate food (using that term loosely) in a fast food resturant. But this past Saturday, I found myself in the drive through at Chic Filet. Now I knew it wasn't the best choice for me that evening, and I can't really explain what the impetus was for choicing fast food that night. It may have been as simple as eating for as little money as possible.
Regardless, I did it; others are doing it too. And it is happening much more frequently than it was prior to the financially challenging times we are now experiencing. I am worried. The media outlets seem to report this occurence with an admirable awe... a feeling of "isn't it great that the fast food industry has figured out how to make money during this hardship?". I am personally not impressed. I am worried. Fast food may be a quick, inexpensive fix to the question "what's for dinner tonight?". But it is also a hidden and rather rapid decline down a road that is much more difficult and expensive to climb. Fast food isn't bad all by itself. It needs a second, and a third meal, and a fourth, and a fifth, etc. consumed back to back to back. Life and health is about moderation. But as financial stress complicates our lives, it easy to forego health for the sake of convience and affordability. My advice: try not to do it.
Regardless, I did it; others are doing it too. And it is happening much more frequently than it was prior to the financially challenging times we are now experiencing. I am worried. The media outlets seem to report this occurence with an admirable awe... a feeling of "isn't it great that the fast food industry has figured out how to make money during this hardship?". I am personally not impressed. I am worried. Fast food may be a quick, inexpensive fix to the question "what's for dinner tonight?". But it is also a hidden and rather rapid decline down a road that is much more difficult and expensive to climb. Fast food isn't bad all by itself. It needs a second, and a third meal, and a fourth, and a fifth, etc. consumed back to back to back. Life and health is about moderation. But as financial stress complicates our lives, it easy to forego health for the sake of convience and affordability. My advice: try not to do it.
Monday, November 3, 2008
what is homeopathy
What is Homeopathy?
I am asked this question on an almost daily basis. It makes perfect sense that patients have some confusion about its meaning because it is a commonly misunderstood concept, even by other holistic practitioners. The term “homeopathy” is often used interchangeably with “Naturopathy”. Even though both practices share some common principles, there are some very distinct differences between the modalities.
Homeopathy is a philosophy of medicine, not a specific type of medicine. A medicine is prescribed homeopathically for an individual patients with very specific symptoms that indicate a specific medicine. The medicine is not homeopathic until that patient is considered. For example, Arnica Montana is commonly indicated and used homeopathically for bruises and muscle soreness. The Arnica sitting on the shelf waiting to be prescribed is not homeopathic. Arnica taken before work outs to try and minimize muscles soreness is not being used homeopathically. Only when an individual already has muscle soreness or a bruise and is given Arnica, is the Arnica now a homeopathic medicine.
Naturopathy can utilize any accepted modality to support healing for an individual. This may include giving medicine homeopathically, but also can include utilizing herbal medicine, nutrition, supplementation, hydrotherapy, TCM and acupuncture, minor surgery, and even pharmaceutical drugs.
It may seem that this is simply a matter of semantics, which in many ways it is. But I think the semantics of medicine are extremely important. It is not what we are doing, but why we are doing it that makes a difference. Here are a few of the proper terms used to describe what often is called homeopathy these days:
Potentized Medicines – procedure in which liquids (the mother tincture) are progressively diluted and succused (a striking of the liquid in its container against a specific surface) to enhance its healing properties while minimizes its potential side-effects. It is possible to make a potentized medicine from any substance or combination of substances.
Isopathy – is the prescription of a specific potentized medicine based specifically on the causative agent while ignoring the patient’s specific symptom picture. An example would be using Rhus Toxidendrum (poison ivy) to treat a poison ivy rash. This mentality ignores the symptoms of the patient as well as the symptoms of the remedy discovered by proving.
Organotherapy – uses the extracts from animal glands or organs to treat disease or dysfunction of those organs. Often this organotherapeutic agents are prepared as potentized medicines.
Combination Remedies – uses a combination of potentized medicines to treat a specific condition, regardless of the specific symptoms. Combination remedies may combine potentized medicines from any source. Combination remedies are often used to treat conditions with children: teething, colic, ear aches, etc.
Classical Homeopathy (single remedy prescribing) – It is important to distinguish the use of potentized medicines and the use of potentized medicines homeopathically. A medicine, by its own qualities is not homeopathic. But, a specific medicine can be used homeopathically… meaning that it is prescribed based on the presenting totality of symptoms of the patient, encompassing the mental, emotional, and physical realm. It must be a remedy that has been “proven” to invoke a similar symptom picture in a healthy individual.
Hahnemann distinguished homeopathy from other treatment philosophy and coined the following terms.
Allopathy from the Greek: allos = other and pathos = suffering
Treating disease with medicines that produce symptoms different than those of the disease. A term that has come to signify conventional or orthodox medicine in general.
Antipathic from the Greek: enanti = opposite and pathos = suffering
Treating disease with medicines that produce effects opposite to those of the disease. This is most of the palliative treatments used today.
I am asked this question on an almost daily basis. It makes perfect sense that patients have some confusion about its meaning because it is a commonly misunderstood concept, even by other holistic practitioners. The term “homeopathy” is often used interchangeably with “Naturopathy”. Even though both practices share some common principles, there are some very distinct differences between the modalities.
Homeopathy is a philosophy of medicine, not a specific type of medicine. A medicine is prescribed homeopathically for an individual patients with very specific symptoms that indicate a specific medicine. The medicine is not homeopathic until that patient is considered. For example, Arnica Montana is commonly indicated and used homeopathically for bruises and muscle soreness. The Arnica sitting on the shelf waiting to be prescribed is not homeopathic. Arnica taken before work outs to try and minimize muscles soreness is not being used homeopathically. Only when an individual already has muscle soreness or a bruise and is given Arnica, is the Arnica now a homeopathic medicine.
Naturopathy can utilize any accepted modality to support healing for an individual. This may include giving medicine homeopathically, but also can include utilizing herbal medicine, nutrition, supplementation, hydrotherapy, TCM and acupuncture, minor surgery, and even pharmaceutical drugs.
It may seem that this is simply a matter of semantics, which in many ways it is. But I think the semantics of medicine are extremely important. It is not what we are doing, but why we are doing it that makes a difference. Here are a few of the proper terms used to describe what often is called homeopathy these days:
Potentized Medicines – procedure in which liquids (the mother tincture) are progressively diluted and succused (a striking of the liquid in its container against a specific surface) to enhance its healing properties while minimizes its potential side-effects. It is possible to make a potentized medicine from any substance or combination of substances.
Isopathy – is the prescription of a specific potentized medicine based specifically on the causative agent while ignoring the patient’s specific symptom picture. An example would be using Rhus Toxidendrum (poison ivy) to treat a poison ivy rash. This mentality ignores the symptoms of the patient as well as the symptoms of the remedy discovered by proving.
Organotherapy – uses the extracts from animal glands or organs to treat disease or dysfunction of those organs. Often this organotherapeutic agents are prepared as potentized medicines.
Combination Remedies – uses a combination of potentized medicines to treat a specific condition, regardless of the specific symptoms. Combination remedies may combine potentized medicines from any source. Combination remedies are often used to treat conditions with children: teething, colic, ear aches, etc.
Classical Homeopathy (single remedy prescribing) – It is important to distinguish the use of potentized medicines and the use of potentized medicines homeopathically. A medicine, by its own qualities is not homeopathic. But, a specific medicine can be used homeopathically… meaning that it is prescribed based on the presenting totality of symptoms of the patient, encompassing the mental, emotional, and physical realm. It must be a remedy that has been “proven” to invoke a similar symptom picture in a healthy individual.
Hahnemann distinguished homeopathy from other treatment philosophy and coined the following terms.
Allopathy from the Greek: allos = other and pathos = suffering
Treating disease with medicines that produce symptoms different than those of the disease. A term that has come to signify conventional or orthodox medicine in general.
Antipathic from the Greek: enanti = opposite and pathos = suffering
Treating disease with medicines that produce effects opposite to those of the disease. This is most of the palliative treatments used today.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Health and Beauty ~ the art of you
The number one thing you can do to support healthy skin is to stay hydrated every single day. At a minimum, we should drink half of our body weight in ounces of water each day (a 130 lb. individual should drink at least 65 oz. of water per day), and for each serving of coffee or alcohol per day increase the water intake by another 8 oz.
Skin protection is crucial to avoid the damage that can be caused from excessive exposure to sun radiation. Always apply a “natural” sunscreen to the head, face, ears, and neck for any exposure lasting longer than 15 minutes.
Following extended exposure, counter the oxidative damage caused from the sun by supplementing with anti-oxidants. Green tea, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, mixed carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, are a few examples of supplements with excellent anti-oxidant properties. (my 2 personal favorite products following sun exposure are: SC Antioxidants and Zyflamend, both made by New Chapter)
We need adequate essential fatty acid intake to have healthy cell walls. The typical standard American diet (SAD) is vastly void of the necessary Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to skin and cell wall health, omega 3 fatty acids are vital to creating healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. We should strive for 1000 mg daily of EPA to help create a more healthy balance of essential fatty acids.
It is also important to have the trace minerals that are crucial for skin health. These include: biotin, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, silica, copper, and pantothenic acid. A high quality multi-vitamin/mineral formula should contain most of the required trace elements. At times it may be beneficial to utilize other nutritional supports.
Hormonal balance is the often over looked piece to the healthy skin puzzle.
Thyroid deficiency – dry skin and hair, facial puffiness
Estrogen dominance – dry thin wrinkly skin, thinning of scalp hair, increased facial hair
Adrenal fatigue – think wispy hair, dry skin, sunken eye appearance with dark circles around the eyes, may have skin pigmentation issues, craves sweet and salty snacks.
**The information above was compiled for informative purposes only. If you believe you are suffering from a nutrient or hormone deficiency seek the care of health care professional.**
Skin protection is crucial to avoid the damage that can be caused from excessive exposure to sun radiation. Always apply a “natural” sunscreen to the head, face, ears, and neck for any exposure lasting longer than 15 minutes.
Following extended exposure, counter the oxidative damage caused from the sun by supplementing with anti-oxidants. Green tea, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, mixed carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, are a few examples of supplements with excellent anti-oxidant properties. (my 2 personal favorite products following sun exposure are: SC Antioxidants and Zyflamend, both made by New Chapter)
We need adequate essential fatty acid intake to have healthy cell walls. The typical standard American diet (SAD) is vastly void of the necessary Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to skin and cell wall health, omega 3 fatty acids are vital to creating healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. We should strive for 1000 mg daily of EPA to help create a more healthy balance of essential fatty acids.
It is also important to have the trace minerals that are crucial for skin health. These include: biotin, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, silica, copper, and pantothenic acid. A high quality multi-vitamin/mineral formula should contain most of the required trace elements. At times it may be beneficial to utilize other nutritional supports.
Hormonal balance is the often over looked piece to the healthy skin puzzle.
Thyroid deficiency – dry skin and hair, facial puffiness
Estrogen dominance – dry thin wrinkly skin, thinning of scalp hair, increased facial hair
Adrenal fatigue – think wispy hair, dry skin, sunken eye appearance with dark circles around the eyes, may have skin pigmentation issues, craves sweet and salty snacks.
**The information above was compiled for informative purposes only. If you believe you are suffering from a nutrient or hormone deficiency seek the care of health care professional.**
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