Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

New Delhi, Feb 22: In a bid to address the concerns of the local populace after the revoking of Jammu and Kashmirs special status last year, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday assured the people of the Union Territory that the domicile law is coming very soon which would be followed by the Land Act.He also announced that more than the promised jobs will be provided to the youth after the notification of the rules is worked out.The domicile act is coming very soon, which will be immediately followed by the Land Act, the minister of state in the Prime Ministers Office said.Many parties have been demanding enactment of a domicile law for Jammu and Kashmir to protect the interests of landowners and the unemployed youth after the erstwhile state lost its special status following nullification of Article 370 by the Centre.Singh was addressing a function after signing of a major scientific collaboration agreement between CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, and IndusScan, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, here.Describing the signing of the MoU as a historic moment, the minister said Jammu and Kashmirs journey to become a part of Indias five trillion global economy has started from the four walls of IIIM.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is saying again and again that we would have the same kind of focus on Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as we did for North-East which saw major transformation over the last five years. Those who have doubts about it would see all this happening in a short while of time, he said.The minister said this is possible because the earlier embargoes have been removed and the Union Territory is directly reporting to the Centre.Many of the politicians have become unemployedheard yesterday one of them raising the issue of jobs to the local youth. I want to tell that more than the promised jobs will be advertised but as per the rules and in an impartial manner. We are waiting for a notification of the rules to come out, he said.Alleging brazen disregard for the concerns of the educated unemployed and underemployed youth by the incumbent government, National Panthers Party Chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh had said not a single post, out of the promised 50,000 jobs, had been advertised for filling up in the new UT after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions.Everything will be done. It will not be like when your government was in power and ruined the future of the youths by backdoor appointments and corrupt practices. The youth who were provided jobs have turned 35 years but are still waiting for their regularisation, the Union minister said.He said the jobs will be provided under rules which will be in the best interest of the youth and those who have been deprived of it.Asserting that India is going through one of the best phases under the leadership of Modi, he said a lot of development had taken place over the last five years and the country is looking forward to become a part of the global economy.On the one hand India is eyeing five trillion economy, dont you want that Jammu and Kashmir should also be part of that. It is possible only when our youth reaches such a stage to live up to the parameters which are followed globally and therefore, even if some of us have any doubts, confusion and skepticism or still unconvinced, ask themselves that dont you want your children to be part of five trillion economy.If you understand it, I think all the murmuring and whispering which is generated from thoughtless minds will vanish away, Singh said.The minister said Jammu and Kashmir is also under the process of a new industrial policy and a new scientific policy.The greatest disadvantage that has happened from Jammu and kashmir remaining in isolation because of Article 370 is that we become lazy and lethargic. We learnt to live on easy freebies, he said.

Read more from the original source:
POTUS India visit: Trump expected to talk Kashmir,says US Officials - The Kashmir Monitor

By Amy Smith, FNP, NBC-HWC

Besides being known for bringing candy hearts and lots of snow, February is National Heart Health Month. Heart disease is identified as the leading cause of death in both men and women by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to screenings that can be done to monitor your hearts health, there are fundamentals of following a preventative heart health lifestyle that can help prevent heart disease and maintain heart health. In addition to not smoking, regular exercise, stress management, it is possible to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease by incorporating heart healthy foods in your everyday diet.

Eating foods known as phytosterols can lower LDL, or, "bad cholesterol. These include Brussels sprouts, peanuts, almonds and wheat germ. Foods that produce nitric oxide as a metabolite by-product can lower blood pressure and keep the lining of the blood vessels healthy; beets and kale are great sources of this beneficial metabolite. Also good for your blood vessels (and gut health) are fermented foods, like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut. Magnesium-rich foods like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds can help maintain a healthy heart rhythm and reduce blood pressure. Anti-inflamatory foods like mushrooms, red grapes, apples, blueberries, salmon and sardines are beneficial as well.

Besides eating a variety of whole foods packed with phytosterols, supplementing with Co-enzyme Q-10 is beneficial to heart and blood vessel function. This also reduces the risk of heart attack and improve cholesterol levels. It is always recommended to talk with your care provider, cardiologist or an integrative medicine practitioner prior to starting any specific supplementation plan.

Healthy fats from an omega-rich diet provides anti-inflammatory benefits and may reduce cholesterol levels. The skinny on fats is to eat sources of monounsaturated fats such as olives, avocados, and extra-virgin olive oil; and polyunsaturated fats from sockeye salmon, sardines and tuna.

Again, it is always recommended to talk with your care provider, cardiologist or an integrative practitioner prior to starting any supplementation. For more information about cardiology services available through Barton Health, visit bartonHealth.org/cardiology. And to schedule an appointment with an integrative medicine practitioner to learn more nutrition and other heart-healthy lifestyle choices, call 530.539.6620. Heres to your heart this February, and throughout the year.

Amy Smith, FNP, NBC-HWC is an integrative medicine practitioner and primary care provider at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness.

Original post:
Column: Nutrition for a Healthy Heart | South Lake Tahoe - South Tahoe Now

February 21, 2020

Two globally recognized physicians, a renowned integrative medicine expert, and one of the worlds leading restaurateurs will join the more than 50 leading designers, architects, business leaders, academicians and public health professionals speaking at the WELL Conference, March 29th April 1st, 2020, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Jerome M. Adams, the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, is an American anesthesiologist and a vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which represents the whole gamut of public healthfrom engineers to doctors to nurses to pharmacists to environmental health officers. Prior to becoming Surgeon General, he served as the Indiana State Health Commissioner from 20142017.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN, multiple award-winning journalist, author and neurosurgeon, is frequently referred to as everyones doctor. He recently anchored a six-part CNN docuseries called Chasing Life, exploring unusual traditions and modern practices around the world that constitute a healthy and meaningful life.

Chef David Bouley, one of New Yorks most famous chefs, earned several four-star reviews in The New York Times, multiple James Beard Foundation awards including Best Chef in America, and countless others. He hosts The Chef & the Doctor, a collaborative lecture and dinner event with world-renowned doctors and nutritionists at his New York restaurant, Bouley at Home, demonstrating a practice of well-being that is accessible to home cooks anywhere.

Dr. Mark Hyman is leading a health revolutionone that revolves around using food as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity, happiness and so much more. A practicing family physician and an internationally recognized author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine, Dr. Hyman is a regular participant in The Chef & the Doctor series and will join Chef Bouley onstage for a lively discussion on how what we eat is at the top of the list for creating the vibrant health we deserve.

In different ways, each of these globally renowned leaders is instrumental in shaping this movement towards a healthier future, said Rick Fedrizzi, chairman and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, the presenter of the conference. They are tremendous ambassadors for health and well-being and their expertise will further the innovative and inspiring experience The WELL Conference is set to be.

The WELL Conference features an expanding roster of thought leaders who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people through better buildings and communities and stronger organizations. The education sessions are structured around six distinct tracksLead WELL, Learn WELL, Work WELL, Live WELL, Design WELL and Connect WELL. Attendees will hear perspectives that range from working dads (and their kids) discussing how wellness is advanced when they have more time with each other, to storytellers like Robin Raj, an expert in building citizen brands for organizations interested in living their purpose. Top editors of design publications Contract, Hospitality Design, Healthcare Design and Environments for Aging will report on changes, shifts and the creative thinking they expect to see in the new decade.

Read the original here:
The WELL Conference Welcomes Three More Speakers to its Lineup - Hospitality Design

The leading federal spokesperson on matters of public health, CNNs chief medical correspondent, functional medicine advocate and New Yorks favorite chef to speak at the inaugural wellness event March 29 April 1, 2020.

Two globally recognized physicians, a renowned integrative medicine expert, and one of the worlds leading restaurateurs will join the more than 50 leading designers, architects, business leaders, academicians and public health professionals speaking at The WELL Conference, March 29-April 1, 2020, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Jerome M. Adams, the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, is an American anesthesiologist and a vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which represents the whole gamut of public healthfrom engineers to doctors to nurses to pharmacists to environmental health officers. Prior to becoming Surgeon General, he served as the Indiana State Health Commissioner from 20142017.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN, multiple award-winning journalist, author and neurosurgeon, is frequently referred to as "everyones doctor." He recently anchored a six-part CNN docuseries called "Chasing Life," exploring unusual traditions and modern practices around the world that constitute a healthy and meaningful life.

Chef David Bouley, one of New Yorks most famous chefs, earned several four-star reviews in The New York Times, multiple James Beard Foundation awards including Best Chef in America, and countless others. He hosts The Chef & the Doctor, a collaborative lecture and dinner event with world-renowned doctors and nutritionists at his New York restaurant, Bouley at Home, demonstrating a practice of well-being that is accessible to home cooks anywhere.

Dr. Mark Hyman is leading a health revolutionone that revolves around using food as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity, happiness and so much more. A practicing family physician and an internationally recognized author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine, Dr. Hyman is a regular participant in The Chef & the Doctor series and will join Chef Bouley onstage for a lively discussion on how what we eat is at the top of the list for creating the vibrant health we deserve.

"In different ways, each of these globally renowned leaders is instrumental in shaping this movement towards a healthier future," said Rick Fedrizzi, chairman and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, the presenter of the conference. "They are tremendous ambassadors for health and well-being and their expertise will further the innovative and inspiring experience The WELL Conference is set to be."

The WELL Conference features an expanding roster of thought leaders who are committed to improving the health and well-being of people through better buildings and communities and stronger organizations. The education sessions are structured around six distinct tracksLead WELL, Learn WELL, Work WELL, Live WELL, Design WELL and Connect WELL. Attendees will hear perspectives that range from working dads (and their kids) discussing how wellness is advanced when they have more time with each other, to storytellers like Robin Raj, an expert in building "citizen brands" for organizations interested in living their purpose. Top editors of design publications Contract, Hospitality Design, Healthcare Design and Environments for Aging will report on changes, shifts and the creative thinking they expect to see in the new decade.

Visit thewellconference.com to register and review the schedule of events and speakers and follow along on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About The WELL Conference

A first-of-its-kind wellness gathering, The WELL Conference is a curation of information and inspiration from thought leaders, experts and innovators representing multiple sectors of the wellness movement. Presented through thought-provoking and immersive content focused on how our buildings and everything in them can enhance, not compromise our health, this gathering will provide a deeper understanding how to live well at every turn. The event will take place March 29-April 1, 2020, at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. The WELL Conference is presented by the International WELL Building Institute in collaboration with the American Society of Interior Designers and powered by Emerald.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL, WELL Portfolio, The WELL Conference, the WELL Community Standard and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200220005961/en/

Contacts

Press Wanita Niehaus Media@thewellconference.com

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U. S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome M. Adams and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta Join Chef David Bouley and Dr. Mark Hyman at The WELL...

If youre needle-phobic, the thought of getting acupuncturewhere thin needles are inserted into the skinmay seem unnerving. But, the traditional Chinese medicine practice has been around for centuries, and now its often used along with western medicine to treat a variety of conditions.

Plenty of celebrities have even shared their love for acupuncture. Meghan Markle and Ashley Graham used acupuncture during their pregnancies to keep their bodies healthy. And, Gwyneth Paltrow posted a video of her own acupuncture session on her Goop YouTube channel.

Even though acupuncture has become mainstream, and research backs its benefits, there are still a few misconceptions about the treatment, says George Stretch, interim assistant dean of acupuncture and oriental medicine at National University of Health Sciences.

How can a needle being inserted help me? How can that be medicine? he says hes often asked. The answer is, this is very intricate. Its a very long history, and the studies are out there now.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin-gauge needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain or other symptoms.

When you look at the acupuncture practice, three things are most important: needling, specific points and stimulation, explains Jinhua Xie, an acupuncturist and professor of oriental medicine at Midwest College of Oriental Medicine.

Inserting needles at specific acupuncture points, not random locations, stimulates the body, regulating its physiological activities and helping it deal with symptoms of a health issue, he says.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture focuses on the meridian system, an invisible energy channel in the body. The purpose is to regulate and balance the bodys energy by focusing on yin and yang, qi and blood, cold and hot, and excess and deficiency. Xie says needle insertion and the stimulation it creates is essential for good therapeutic effect.

Dont walk barefoot around the house. This can stress the tissue in the bottom of the foot, exacerbating painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. Sneakers are your best bet.

Over the past few decades, researchers have been working to understand how acupuncture works from a biomedical standpoint, Xie says.

The local effect of acupuncture stimulation may produce an effect of improved blood circulation and anti-inflammatory effect, which may improve arthritis and muscle pain, he says. And, acupuncture stimulation may improve the neurotransmitter balance in our brain which may be related to the effect of acupuncture on pain and mood disorders. However, there is so much we do not know.

Related: What Is Cupping and Should You Try It?

Even though the procedure involves needles inserted into your skin, acupuncture is essentially painless.

This is the most common misunderstanding about acupuncture, Xie says.

He tells patients to think of a 10-point scale. If the pain linked to having blood drawn is a 10, acupuncture needling is 0.5 to 1.

Acupuncture is an energetic medicine, Stretch says. We move energy, and we treat different types of disorders and pathology through acupuncture and in using the bodys own innate way of healing itself with it.

The placement of needles is based on the conditions in the body being treated. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue and pulse are used to determine which organs of the body are involved, he says.

There are meridians throughout the body that are lined up with those organs, and we make a determination as far as what points were going to needle in and what kind of protocol were going to use in regards to that, he explains. So, if I want an effect, Im going to hit this point, and I know exactly what that points going to do.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Red Light Therapy and Its Benefits

Acupuncture treatment can help maintain health, improve the symptoms of health problems, promote recovery from a disease, and reduce the side effects of some conventional medical treatments, Xie says.

Pain is the most common reason people seek acupuncture. Research published in the Journal of Pain found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches and osteoarthritis pain, and the treatment effects last over time.

Acupuncture treatment may also activate certain regions of the brain and control certain neurotransmitters, and could help with nerve-related disorders, like cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, anxiety, circadian rhythm disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome and others.

Mood disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, womens health, fertility and post-traumatic stress disorder can also be treated with acupuncture. It can also help you quit smoking and sleep better.

Acupuncture is also often used as a complement to prescription medication and other medical treatments and in integrative and functional medicine, Stretch says. Many insurance companies, and even Medicare, cover acupuncture treatment.

How acupuncture treatments you need and often you seek treatment depends on your condition. For most conditions, Xie recommends trying three to six treatments.

Sometimes, you can stop treatment once symptoms are gone, but for chronic conditions, he suggests maintaining treatment about once a month for several years.

Dry needling is becoming more popular with athletes to aid in performance and recovery. But, it isnt necessarily the same as acupuncture.

Xie considers dry needling a newer style of acupuncture since it uses needles and stimulates points on the body, but not in the traditional Chinese medicine sense.

Dry needling doesnt follow the 14-meridian system when determining where to place the needles. Instead, he says needles may be placed in a more localized spot on the body, such as where the injury or pain is occurring.

The needles used in acupuncture are sterile and single-use, and licensed acupuncturists are also certified in Clean Needle Technique, so theres no risk of cross-contamination, Stretch says.

There are few side effects with acupuncture, Xie says. Some patients could see some bruising or bleeding, but instances are rare.

Patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis before undergoing acupuncture. People with bleeding disorders, surgical conditions and malignant tumors, or who take blood-thinning medication, generally shouldnt try acupuncture. But, Xie says acupuncture could be used for cancer patients to complement other treatments, to relive pain or side effects of chemotherapy.

Find out if a sound bath can banish your inner demons.

Read the original here:
Acupuncture: Benefits, Side Effects and Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture? - Parade

When most people clean up their diets to lose weight or boost their overall health, one of the first things they're told to cut out is alcohol. After all, no amount of alcohol is particularly "good" for you, per an August 2018 analysis in The Lancet and it's certainly not low in calories, no matter which type you're sipping.

Meditation is one way to relax without alcohol.

Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages

But for many, a glass of wine or a cold beer at the end of a long workday is a go-to way to de-stress and unwind. And that's nothing to sneeze at, because lowering your stress levels can be key for weight loss, too.

While a casual drink may seem harmless, there's often a biological component at play that keeps alcohol at the top of the list of favorite de-stressors, Roger Adams, PhD, personal trainer, doctor of nutrition and owner of eatrightfitness, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

"At its basic level, alcohol of any kind is a depressant, meaning it slows down the activity and processes of the brain and central nervous system," Adams says. "If used only occasionally for stress relief, alcohol is likely to be quite effective in the short-term. However, we tend to need to consume more over time to get the same de-stressed feeling, so consumption is likely to increase."

This increased alcohol consumption over time can cause myriad health problems, including mood and behavior disruptions, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease and even cancer, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Many of us may find it difficult to relax without alcohol, but there are compelling health benefits to limiting your intake.

Credit: BrianAJackson/iStock/GettyImages

On the other hand, stress is also a major health issue. One March 2018 study in the journal Psychological Science found that even stress that is seen as small and insignificant can lead to health problems including heart disease, anxiety and depression, chronic pain and more.

Another November 2018 study in Neurology discovered that a high-stress lifestyle could lead to memory loss and brain shrinkage before the age of 50.

And, like alcohol, stress doesn't help your waistline either. Those who suffer from long-term stress are more likely to be obese, according to a study published February 2017 in the journal Obesity. The main culprit is cortisol, a stress-induced hormone that can encourage your body to hold onto fat.

In short: If both stress and drinking are bad for you, the healthiest lifestyle is one that includes less of both.

Luckily, there are plenty of stress-relieving solutions that can help you whittle your waistline and boost your health. Here, experts share their science-backed alternatives to drinking that can still help relieve stress.

Exposure to nature has a lot o benefits, including a better mental state of wellbeing as you leave all the noise of life behind, Adams says.

This was shown in an April 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, which examined two biomarkers of stress when exposed to nature: salivary cortisol, a measure of the amount of stress hormone in the saliva, and alpha-amylase, digestive enzymes. They found that both stress biomarkers dropped in people when they were exposed to nature.

So instead of happy hour after work, suggest taking a walk or throwing a frisbee in the park with your pals, or simply take a walk through the trees after dinner instead of parking yourself on the sofa with a cold one.

Did you know that keeping a food diary is one of the most effective ways to manage your weight? Download the MyPlate app to easily track calories, stay focused and achieve your goals!

Meditation can be a powerful stress-reliever, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published March 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine. After reviewing 47 trials, the researchers concluded that mindfulness meditation can improve levels of anxiety, depression and pain as well.

Another study, published July 2019 in Scientific Reports, found that it takes as little as 40 days of meditating to change your brain waves enough to improve stress.

"Progressive relaxation meditation involves a guided experience where you relax each part of your body, as well as calm the inner chatter that often feeds stress and worry and keeps us too stimulated for sleep," Roseann Capanna-Hodge, PsyD, psychologist and certified integrative medicine mental health provider, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

One of the best parts about meditating is that it's easy to do anywhere all you need is a safe and quiet place to sit, reflect and calm your mind. If you're looking for a little guidance, consider downloading one of the many meditation apps out there, such as InsightTimer or Calm.

Practice yoga as a healthy alternative to alcohol for stress relief.

Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages

Like meditation, yoga is a good alternative to drinking that can provide boundless benefits for the body and mind, particularly when it comes to reducing levels of stress, anxiety and depression, per a February 2018 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine.

"By performing yoga moves and breathing properly, you can promote your mental health through the relief of stress," Jamie Bacharach, medical acupuncturist and yoga practitioner, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "Due to its use of meditation-like posing and deliberate breathing, yoga has the ability to increase your own body awareness, relax the mind and give you a sharper focus, all of which contribute to optimized mental health."

Being mindful of one's surroundings and using visualization to reduce stress has become an increasingly popular technique. Though it sounds quite similar, visualization is different than mindfulness or meditation.

"Visualization involves actually visualizing what you want and honing in on one's authentic purpose to create goals around it," explains Dr. Capanna-Hodge. "It's a powerful way to not only get clarity on your goals but to help manifest them."

To incorporate visualization into your day-to-day, Dr. Capanna-Hodge suggests taking a few minutes to sit in a quiet place and visualize what you want to accomplish and pair it with action around those goals that move them to positive outcomes.

"Whether you have a goal to better manage stress or address a specific issue, intent-oriented visualization is a great way to create positive momentum by getting to the core of the issue and its resolution," she says.

"The lasting effects throughout the day of a short workout can provide the calming effect that you may be looking for in that after-work cocktail."

It might sound simple and it is but getting your heart rate up is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of stress.

When you exercise, your body amps up its production of the "feel-good" hormone known as endorphins, while stress does the complete opposite, explains Joseph De Santo, MD, board-certified physician and addiction specialist for the BioCorRx Recovery Program.

Indeed, in responses gathered for the American Psychological Association's Stress in America 2019 survey, a whopping 53 percent of adults reported that they feel good about themselves after exercising, and 30 percent reported feeling less stressed.

"No matter what you are doing, if you are moving, oxygen is getting to the brain more efficiently and endorphins are being released," Dr. De Santo says. "The lasting effects throughout the day of a short workout can provide the calming effect that you may be looking for in that after-work cocktail."

Using essential oils is one way to relax without alcohol.

Credit: JGI/Tom Grill/Tetra images/GettyImages

Essential oils not only smell nice, but they can have a beneficial effect on both your brain and body.

Lavender oil in particular, has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, according to one July 2017 study published in The Mental Health Clinician.

"When essential oil molecules enter the nose or mouth, they pass to the lungs and eventually the brain and other parts of the body, stimulating the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain connected to smell," Dr Capanna-Hodge explains. "As the molecules reach the brain, they affect several regions, including the limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, our memory and attentional systems, as well as our hormone and immune systems, and can lower cortisol and stress levels."

She recommends using an infuser to disperse essential oils around your home or workplace to keep your stress levels low and your body relaxed.

This nutrient has numerous health benefits, including enhancing bone health and reducing one's risk for diabetes, heart disease and anxiety. It also has impressive stress-relieving perks, as shown in a May 2017 study published in Nutrients, which found magnesium supplementation to be beneficial in relieving anxiety as well as stress.

"By supplementing with magnesium, you not only calm the nervous system, you help your body combat stress and give it what it needs to work at an optimal level," says Dr. Capanna-Hodge.

You can take a magnesium supplement, but you can also score the nutrient in certain foods, particularly spinach, almonds, avocado, tofu and dark chocolate.

Keep in mind the recommended daily intakes for magnesium, according to the National Institutes of Health:

Most Americans (1 in 3) are not getting their fair share of shut-eye and it's having a negative affect on their health and overall wellbeing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What's more: Oftentimes stress is the cause of inability to sleep well. A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 43 percent of young and middle-aged adults report difficulty sleeping at night as a result of stress at least once a month.

"Getting to bed and getting enough sleep for four to five REM cycles (typically six hours minimum) can provide your brain the healing time that allows it the chance to re-organize and refresh, so you don't carry stress over from the previous day," Dr. De Santo says.

See original here:
Alternatives to Drinking: How to Relax Without Alcohol - LIVESTRONG.COM

A response to the CT Viewpoints op-ed Treating chronic Lyme disease: Is it medical fraud? By Lawrence Zemel MD and Paul G. Auwaerter MD, Dec 13, 2019.

The authors reference to so-called chronic Lyme disease ignores the substantial body of evidence that suggests Lyme disease can be chronic and infection can persist following treatment with antibiotics.

The first investigation into the effectiveness of antibiotics for the treatment of Lyme disease was published by Steere in 1983. The study was conducted at a time when prevailing thought held that antibiotics would cure all infectious disease caused by bacteria. Because the findings of the 1983 study were not consistent with that belief, the data were re-categorized to generate the expected result. Critical analysis of the data reveals, however, that nearly 50% of the patients in the study who were treated with antibiotics for 10-20 days continued to experience significant symptoms.

Other studies have produced similar results, yet the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) ignores independent research and continues to claim that Lyme disease at any stage of infection is cured by a short course of antibiotics.

A 2019 subcommittee report to the Tick Borne Disease Working Group (established by Congress in 2016), stated that the results of more recent studies in animal models by different investigators, lend support to the probability that the effects of persisting organisms are a source, if not the likely source, of ongoing symptoms in patients who have unresolved Lyme disease.

In 2019, The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Working Group published a paper in which they systematically reviewed over 250 peer reviewed papers in the international literature and concluded that Lyme disease is the result of ongoing and active infection by any of several forms of B. burgdorferi capable of causing disease in humans.

Zemel and Auwaerter refer to an unsubstantiated notion that 50% of patients with Lyme disease test negative by standard laboratories but there is abundant evidence demonstrating that the two-tiered testing method recommended by the Centers for Disease Control is problematic.

There are many reasons why infected individuals may generate a negative result. Chief among them is the fact that the test relies on the ability of the infected individual to produce antibodies when Lyme bacteria have the ability to suppress the immune system preventing antibody production. Further, there are over 100 species of Borrelia in the U.S. (not all cause disease in humans) and the current two-tiered testing method misses the majority of them. Independent studies have shown these tests to correctly identify only about 56% of those with Lyme disease.

In a 2018 publication in its own journal, the IDSA admitted that reliable direct detection methods for active B. burgdorferi have been lacking in the past but are needed and appear achievable. Despite this, the IDSA guidelines fail to offer treatment options to patients who test negative but have the disease.

The authors suggestion that vulnerable patients need to be protected from Lyme-literate practitioners is both intentionally misleading and unsubstantiated.

Lyme-literate practitioners have a wide variety of medical backgrounds. Many are board-certified medical doctors with expertise in a variety of specialties and have additional training in tick-borne disease, while others are board-certified osteopathic physicians, naturopathic doctors, or nurse practitioners. Many are members of ILADS. Some practitioners have a background in integrative medicine, a holistic approach to health and wellness that combines conventional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine therapies grounded in science. Others are trained in functional medicine whose aim is to determine how and why illness occurs and to restore health by addressing the root cause of illness for each individual.

Some practitioners use a multimodal approach to address factors that might be keeping a patient sick including poor digestive health, food allergies, inflammation, toxicity, and hormone imbalance. They may use prescription and herbal medicines as well as other supplements. Because treating Lyme disease is a time consuming process, it fits poorly into the current model for medical reimbursement. As a result, many practitioners do not accept insurance but will provide documentation that can be submitted to an insurance carrier.

Just as they would with any other medical professional, patients are capable of exercising due diligence when selecting a Lyme practitioner to ensure that the approach to care is consistent with their preferences and beliefs.

The authors reference to the careful scientific rigor associated with the IDSA guidelines revision process does not hold up to scrutiny.

In 2006, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal conducted a landmark anti-trust investigation into the IDSAs process for writing its 2006 Lyme disease guidelines. Blumenthals office uncovered undisclosed financial interests held by several of the most powerful IDSA panelists and found that the guidelines panel improperly ignored or minimized alternative medical opinion and evidence regarding Lyme disease, potentially raising serious questions about whether the recommendations reflected all relevant science.

One of the most egregious and dangerous recommendations by the IDSA is the use of a single dose of doxycycline to prevent the development of Lyme disease when given within 72 hours of a tick bite. This advice is based upon a single study with illogical and flawed methodology published nearly two decades ago. It has never been replicated. Data from this study show only that the dose was sufficient to prevent formation of the rash that sometimes develops at the site of a tick bite but not that it halted development of the disease itself. This treatment may promote antibiotic resistance and lead to negative antibody testing making diagnosis even more difficult.

Why this issue is important.

The problem that can arise when evidence is scarce is the misperception that guidelines are based on evidence rather than opinion. The evidence on which both sets of guidelines are based is weak. The authors of the ILADS guidelines acknowledge this directly and the fact that there two sets of conflicting guidelines. The authors of the IDSA guidelines fail to do so.

The 2011 report by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust, the 2006 IDSA Lyme Disease Guidelines were cited as an example of lack of transparency in guidelines development to illustrate the problems associated with it.

When evidence is weak, clinician discretion is especially important. The ILADS guidelines allow for this and for shared decision-making between patient and practitioner. In contrast, the IDSA guidelines severely restrict the use of clinical judgment.

Why is this important even to those that dont have Lyme disease? Clinical practice guidelines greatly influence the practice of medicine. When lack of transparency, scientific bias, and financial conflicts of interest are allowed to affect them, it places the health of all of us at risk.

Jennifer Shea lives in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

CTViewpoints welcomes rebuttal or opposing views to this and all its commentaries. Read our guidelines andsubmit your commentary here.

Read more:
Why the controversy over chronic Lyme disease is important to everyone - The CT Mirror

Founder and President of The Suga Project Foundation Natalie Pauls

The Suga Project Foundation, a new diabetes education platform and digital community, introduces its Diabetes Mastery Program, a combination of online courses and health coaching to help women over 40 lower their A1C. The 12-week program includes interactive exercises, meal planning, peer and professional support, access to specialized resources, and guidance for patients to enhance communication with their healthcare providers. To bring the program to a broader audience, the foundation has launched acrowdfundingcampaign to run through April 5 to raise $250,000 so it can offer scholarships to 1,000 women to gain access to the program.

According totheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), in 2017more than 10.8 million American women were diagnosed with diabetes. A more pressing concern is that there is an estimated 4.1 million women who are undiagnosed and unaware of their condition. Nearly 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in the United States every year. The risk for developing diabetes increases for women over age 45 and for all non-white Americans.

We realize there are many barriers to women, particularly in underserved communities, to gain access to reliable, health-related information, saidNatalie Pauls, founder and president of the Suga Project Foundation, and a certified integrative medicine health coach. Through the Diabetes Mastery Program,we walk alongside our sisters to help them understand diabetes and the associated risks of poorly controlled diabetes, mentally process a diagnosis and better manage their lifetime care of this chronic disease.

The foundations goals are to provide a supportive network to decrease the stress and uncertainty of a diabetes diagnosis and to help women better navigate their Type 2 Diabetes care to improve long-term health outcomes. Pauls, a healthcare researcher, established the Suga Project Foundation after recognizing there is a gap between what physicians tell patients they must do to control their A1C and what patients understand and implement. When she learned of the disparities in amputation rates as a result of undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes, she said, it brought me to tears.

An amputation is the fastest way to take a person with diabetes out, Pauls said. I saw a need to bridge this gap and help both physician and patient be successful.

Type 2 Diabetes is a prevalent but largely preventable disease. For more information about the Suga Project Foundation, visitThe Suga Projectonline.

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The Suga Project Foundation Launches its Evidence-based, Comprehensive Approach to Managing Type 2 Diabetes for Women - charlestonchronicle.net

In honor of Black History Month, Friends of Yates Inc. is inviting the community to celebrate the accomplishments of 33 African American community leaders.

The 40th Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

It is because of the groundbreaking accomplishments of African-American leaders and pioneers of the past, determined to see positive change; that African-American leaders and pioneers of today continue to break barriers and reach new heights and achievements that were once considered impossible, according to a spokesman for Friends of Yates. These activists, doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs, and countless others make the difference in the community, society, and world.

Their commitment, hard work, determination and relentless drive for change and equality has contributed to history and propels individuals into the future, eager to follow in the footsteps of those who have already paved the way, the spokesman stated.

The several men and women to be inducted into the Black Men and Women of Distinction include Edwin Birch, Dana Bostic, Darrell Calhoun, Ashley Campbell, the Rev. Charles E. Cofield Jr., Joy Cofield, Ludelia Cowan, Dr. Khiara Drew, Susie Gordon, Kenya Hicks, Jeffrey Hollinshed, Dianna Howard Kolen, Dionne King, Bridget Locke, Khadejah McIntosh-Taylor, Dr. James McIntosh, Dr. Mallory McIntosh, Rebecca McKeel, Adrianne Perry, Barton Richardson, Linda Robins, Geoffrey Sanders, Patricia Sevier, Gia Smith, Kendra Tyler, Reginald Watkins, Marqueia Watson, the Rev. Dexter White and LaMonica Upton.

Lagracella Roland has been named Portrait of a Black Woman this year. The award will be presented by her sister-in-law, Carlen Davis.

The Portrait of a Black Man will be awarded to Carl Roland Jr., presented by his sister, Carlen Davis.

Lagracella Omran-Roland is a native of Las Vegas. Her introduction to the world of entertainment began when she was a small tot, singing and dancing for stadium-filled arenas; growing up studying classical piano and clarinet while continuing studies in opera, jazz and ballet, ultimately becoming a professional dancer, international model and actress. Her most notable award is becoming the first African American Miss Nevada USA. With this honor, she was selected to join Bob Hope and the USO Tour traveling the country singing and dancing for military troops around the world.

With her many talents, Omran-Roland landed her dream job as a professional chorus line dancer in Donn Ardens Jubilee Show created for Ballys Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Omran-Roland was one of four African American female dancers selected to have an exclusive position, a featured role in a 150-cast musical styled extravaganza. They were known as the Ebony Line. Currently, KLEO has partnered with producer and husband, Carl Roland, in forming MuSonique Records and developing a new-age transforming band known as Dustyy Lane. KLEO is lead singer, writer and arranger for Dustyy Lane. In 2018 KLEOs hit single entitled Now Its Christmas, featured on her double Christmas album, Dustyy Lanes Magical Christmas and Acoustic Christmas with Dustyy Lane, topped Europes Indi Music Charts at No. 5. KLEO is currently recording an adult contemporary album project scheduled to be released in the summer of 2020.

Carl Roland is a successful entrepreneur with focuses on music and real estate. Roland is a real estate investor, music producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist with music releases ranging in the genres of R&B, pop, dance and instrumental recordings including smooth jazz and downtempo chill styled compositions. His vision exceeds music recordings, as he also is a composer for film and television scores. Roland migrated from Kansas City to Los Angeles by the age of 20. He created his first production company, MoKutz, with his good friend who is also from Kansas City. Shortly thereafter, MoKutz engaged in several joint ventures earning him multiple gold and platinum Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifications.

During his 30-year music career, hes worked with some of the great musical artists including Patti Label, The Jacksons, Adina Howard, Seal, Melvin Riley and Jamie Foxx. His credits include songs released on Epic-Sony Records, MCA-Universal Records, Warner Brothers Records, Mecca Don-Eastwest Records, RCA Records and Perspective-A&M Records. One of his most notable works is the hit single entitled, You which he co-wrote and produced for Grammy nominated artist Jesse Powell earning Roland his third RIAA certified gold record. You topped out on the Billboard R&B chart at No. 2 and reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Also to be honored will be Angela Hobson-Hamilton and Dr. Marvin McIntosh with the 2020 Donald D. Sewing Service Award for their outstanding service and contribution to the community.

Angela Hobson-Hamilton is the president-founder of Compassionate Partners KC (CPKC), a nonprofit organization that partners with community agencies to offer self-esteem building services to children and youth experiencing family trauma and homelessness. She believes in order to help decrease the adverse effects of witnessing domestic violence, children must experience alternative forms of human interactions based on kindness, trust, dignity and respect. So together with her husband Howard, her sons Mark Jr., Nigel and family and friends, CPKC was formed in 2016. Hobson-Hamilton graduated from St. Lukes College of Nursing in 1987 and has worked in various roles in hospitals in the metro. In her current position as clinical case manager for Truman Medical Center, Hobson-Hamilton became keenly aware of the limited community resources devoted to serving children and youth effected by violence and homelessness. This awareness encouraged her to transition her gifts to serve individuals in need from the bedside to community. Hobson-Hamilton is an active member of Christ Temple Church. Her organization serves approximately 750 children and provides approximately 1,100 cupcakes to help put smiles on childrens faces.

Dr. Marvin McIntosh is the medical director of the Community House of Wellness, Inc., instructor at The University of Linguistics and Future Learning and Instructor at The University of Phoenix. Dr. McIntosh returned to Kansas City in 2002 to fulfill the commitment he made to himself to give back to my community.

The Community House of Wellness Inc. combines western medicine with herbal medicine creating an integrative form of medical options for community members to consider. The Community House of Wellness Inc. sponsors a food program and an open forum for the public to provide up to date medical information. Although Dr. McIntosh is retired, his passion and love for giving drives him to continue with some form of medical consulting.

This celebration of accomplishments of African-Americans will spotlight some of Kansas Citys leaders and talent. Dia Wall, news anchor and reporter for KSHB-TV 41 Action News, will act as celebrity mistress of ceremony to help set the atmosphere.

Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City, Kansas, in 1913, and later reorganized as Friends of Yates; with a combined total of 106 years of serving the community. Friends of Yates Inc. has prevailed in providing comprehensive programming and services, meeting the ever-increasing demand for those who are underserved or underprivileged and in need, a spokesman stated.

Special events of Friends of Yates include Black Men and Women of Distinction event in recognition of Black History Month; Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (CACE) event, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicking off with the Evening of Praise, and culminating with the Community Luncheon and the Holiday at the Apollo Benefit Gala.

Some of the many programs offered through Della Gill Joyce H. Williams Center include Pathway to Advocacy and Violence free living and Economic empowerment (PAVE) program, which is a collaborative program between Friends of Yates and the Department of Child and Families (DCF), to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services to families receiving TANF Food and Childcare assistance. Healthcare Advocacy Program (BridgeSpan); Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Court Advocacy; Crime Victim Advocacy; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Counseling; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; 24-hour Crisis Hotline, Job Coaching and Economic Empowerment. Friends of Yates Inc. has maintained excellence, proven by the countless testimonies of those who have been impacted by the rich legacy and heritage of this agency.

The Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony is a free event open to the public. For more information about the event, or ways to volunteer or become a partner with Friends of Yates, contact Carlen Davis, community outreach educator at 913-321-1566.

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Friends of Yates to hold annual Black Men and Women of Distinction ceremony Feb. 23 Welcome to - Wyandotte Daily

STAFF PHOTO/BROOKE WILLIAMS Donna LaBar, an integrative health coach, spoke last week at a luncheon through the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.

Donna LaBar believes theres always something you can do from a natural place to better support your health and well being.

The Tunkhannock resident has been interested in holistic health for decades, reading any piece of research she could find. This led to her eventual certification as an integrative health coach, a dual role she plays alongside her real estate career as owner of Sherlock Homes & Properties.

Last week, LaBar shared her advice for transforming health naturally with an audience in Twigs Cafe for the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerces February Business Series Luncheon.

When she ventured into the world of holistic nutrition, the integrative aspect was important to her because she does not oppose conventional medicine. She noted that everybody differs in their needs and response, therefore they should remain open to both sides.

At the end of the day, we all just want to be well, LaBar said.

LaBar explained three environments that affect the bodys ability to heal and self-regulate.

First, what you put into your body matters. The saying garbage in, garbage out for computers also applies to the body, she said.

Who and what you surround yourself with and how you respond to them are also crucial, and to illustrate the point, she asked everyone to think of a stinker, or a stressor in their life.

When stress hits the nervous system, it causes the body to use minerals faster and secrete hormones that make it difficult to maintain a normal pH balance, she said.

The third environment consists of what you love doing, such as hobbies you do in your spare time. Oftentimes, you might think of your stinker while enjoying this environment.

Rather than feeling the poor effects, she said to leave it in the second environment.

The second environment is usually the toughest to navigate, she said.

LaBar also touched on epigenetics, saying that only a small percentage of people cannot control what happens to them as a result of their genes.

For the rest of the population, she encouraged not accepting that you will end up with a certain condition just because it runs in your family, and living a healthy lifestyle to prevent it.

You genes only get expressed if your environment allows them to get expressed, LaBar said.

LaBar also touched on hydration, stressing the importance of minerals to keep the bodys fluid systems in check.

She recommends putting a pinch of Himilayan pink salt in your drinking water rather than drinking it pure.

An anti-inflammatory diet also holds benefits, LaBar said. On the omega spectrum, she said to stick with omega-3s and omega-9s, but limit inflammatory omega-6s.

LaBar published her book Simple. Natural. Healing. in 2016, and also has a free downloadable e-book on her website, donnalabar.com, titled Do It!

The website also offers information on LaBars programs geared toward transformational health.

There are multiple ways in which people could relieve symptoms and increase their quality of life, LaBar concluded before taking questions from the audience.

You can be as healthy as you can possibly be, she said.

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LaBar advises transforming health naturally - News - The Wyoming County Examiner