After Marianne Sarcich underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2016, she called an acupuncturist in hopes of easing her cancer-related anxietybut made sure to be upfront.

I told her right away that I didnt think this would work, I didnt believe in it, but I was desperate, she says. Absolutely nothing else was helping. I only considered acupuncture to knock it off the list of possibilities.

To her shock, it helped. Over a few months of sessions, she felt the tightness of anxiety began to loosen, and Sarcich began considering other complementary options shed dismissed previously. She was curious about breathwork; reiki, which is a form of energy healing; mindfulness; sound baths; and yoga. All of them ended up helping her side effects in some way, she says.

As these efforts layered on top of each other, it was a huge relief, she says. These complementary therapies werent treating her cancernor did she expect them tobut they helped relieve her anxiety and improve her mood during her arduous treatments. Sarcich joined the patient advocate committee for the Society for Integrative Oncology, which recommends evidence-based holistic therapies to complement FDA-approved treatments for cancer. She also started a 1,000-member peer support group for people with cancer who are interested in complementary therapies.

If something works to address common issues in cancer care like pain, anxiety, mobility problems, depression, and fatigue, she says, you grab onto it, and you help others do the same.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in the U.S., and among cancer patients specifically, over the past few decades. People with cancer might use complementary therapies alongside standard medical careor, in the case of alternative medicine, instead of it. Little evidence exists to support the efficacy of either complementary medicine or alternative medicine to treat cancer (and replacing standard care with alternative treatments can be life-threatening.)

But some practices, when used alongside conventional medicine, may help ease some of the unpleasant side effects of cancer treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in a practice known as integrative medicine. A growing number of comprehensive cancer centers are offering integrative medicine, and in 2018, for the first time, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncologys evidence-based guidelines recommending certain integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.

Each complementary therapywhether meditation, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, cannabis, supplements, chiropractic, reflexology, nutritional therapy, aromatherapy, energy healing, massage, music therapy, dance, or one of the many othershas a different level of evidence behind it, according to NCI, and people with cancer should discuss them with their health care provider before starting any.

One study published in JAMA Oncology in 2019, using data from 2012, suggests that about 33% of cancer patients in the U.S. use CAM. The real number is likely much higherprobably around 80%, says Dr. Steve Vasilev, medical director of integrative gynecologic oncology at Providence Saint Johns Health Center and professor at Saint Johns Cancer Institute in California.

When I started practicing 30 years ago, patients were asking about fad therapies like snake venom, he says. But now, theres much more interest in evidence-based therapy like acupuncture or nutritional changes. Fortunately, we now have more data that these really can be helpful.

One of the most significant upsides to complementary therapy is that it helps the patient feel empowered, says Dr. Lakshmi Rajdev, chief of hematology and oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer can be overwhelming and stressful, and many people feel swept along in the health care system, she says. Choosing complementary options can help people feel in control, which is psychologically important.

Data supports the use of these complementary therapies in reducing stress and improving coping skills, which both benefit treatment overall, says Rajdev. They may not change the way the disease progresses, but they do help patients deal with their illness, and thats hugely important.

Another major benefit is that they can reduce treatment side effects, especially those that affect quality of life, like depression, nausea, headaches, and pain. With ASCOs endorsement and based on existing evidence, the Society for Integrative Oncology recommends meditation, music therapy, and yoga for anxiety, depression, and stress reduction among people undergoing breast cancer treatment, along with massage for improving mood and acupuncture and acupressure for reducing nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.

Cancer treatment has also improved recently, which can make complementary therapies appear to be more effective than they used to, adds Dr. Jack Jacoub, an oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in California.

Cancer therapy is dramatically different than it was even five or 10 years ago, he says. There are still side effects, but were moving away from chemo and into targeted therapies that come with less nausea and pain. That means complementary therapies dont have to be as intense to work. With minor muscle tightness, for example, maybe just a few sessions of massage can be helpful.

One challenge is that some therapies, such as acupuncture, may take weeks or months to result in meaningful mental and physical shifts, Vasilev says. A few months can be significant for someone with cancer, especially when theyre struggling through intense symptoms like nausea and anxiety.

The bigger potential downside is interference with conventional treatments, which is why patients should always tell their health care providers if they are using any therapies outside of what theyre prescribed. The JAMA Oncology study found that among the people with cancer who used CAM therapies, 29% did not tell their doctors, which is potentially dangerous. Interference with cancer treatments mainly occurs with supplements, herbs, and vitamins, Rajdev says. Even though these may be naturally derived, some have been found to reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Nearly every patient asks me about supplements because they want to boost their immune system, and they tend to get deluged with advice from friends and family members about what to take, Rajdev says. The best advice here is to wait until after treatment for those, and focus instead on complementary therapies that dont have potential interactions with chemo or pain medications.

Usually, exercise is the most effective non-medical therapy to add to cancer treatment, she says. Ample evidence suggests that regular activity can significantly mitigate cancer treatment effects, so doing yoga, or even just walking more, can provide a safe immune boost.

Rather than integrating complementary therapies into a conventional cancer treatment plan, which might include typical treatments like radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy, a patient pursuing alternative medicine would do CAM therapies instead of standard medical treatment.

Alternative medicine has little, if any, evidence of efficacy and may cause harm. In some cases, using these therapies in place of medical strategies could worsen your condition, says Jacoub.

Its a natural reaction to search for other answers, especially if youre suspicious of the health care system or youve had negative experiences, he says. Cost may be another issue, where youre concerned about how much cancer care will entail, so you want to try an alternative therapy first. Unfortunately, there is simply no compelling evidence that any of these therapies work for standalone cancer care, and they may cause you to delay treatment.

A notable example is Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003 when he was 48. He initially decided to reject conventional treatments and instead used dietary changes, botanical formulations, juicing, and acupuncture, but he shifted his opinion nine months later and opted for surgery, followed by targeted immunotherapy treatment. He died seven years later, and experts say its impossible to know if that delay shortened his life or whether those alternative therapies had any benefits. However, Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson later noted that the tech icon came to regret his decision to delay surgery and subsequent treatment.

Despite the risk and lack of evidence, the lure of alternative medicine persists. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, about 40% of Americans believe cancer can be cured through alternative therapies alonea statistic the American Cancer Society calls alarming, since research suggests people who use alternative therapies in place of standard cancer treatments have much higher mortality rates.

Standing at the precipice of cancer treatment can be terrifying. Complementary therapies may help you navigate forward, especially since they provide a much-needed sense of control, Sarcich says.

There is a sense that you need to do something, because if you feel powerless in the midst of all this, it can be terrible, she says. As long as its safe, Why not try everything? Its likely youll find a few options that will stick, and that youll actually love, even when you didnt think that would be the case.

If your chosen therapies arent potentially interfering with cancer treatment, there are usually only upsides to choices like art therapy, yoga, reiki, or massage, adds Rajdev.

The data on interventions like these is compelling, and Im a believer in some of these since Ive seen them help my patients, she says. The first step is to talk with your oncologist and make a plan together.

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-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Andrea Oswald, right, and Melanie Plain opened Prime Rejuvenation as a sister business to PrimeLife. Prime Rejuvenation, located at 1728 Central Ave. in Fort Dodge, is a premier wellness clinic that offers a number of health options including Botox and dermal fillers.

Andrea Oswald felt a strong desire to assist others just as she had been helped through PrimeLife Integrative Medicine.

So Oswald, who lives in Manson, opened Prime Rejuvenation as a sister business to PrimeLife alongside Melanie Plain.

Prime Rejuvenation, located at 1728 Central Ave. in Fort Dodge, is a premier wellness clinic that offers a number of health options including Botox and dermal fillers. That fits right under the umbrella of PrimeLife, which provides a more holistic approach to hormone health and all the factors that impact hormonal balance by helping patients regain their energy, balance and self-healing.

I first started seeing Melanie for my own health issues, Oswald said. I saw her first as a patient to get better before going back to further my own education and to learn more about functional medicine.

Basically, I knocked on Melanies door and wanted to be a part of this because there was nothing like it in the area and I just saw a purpose and value in getting people back to feeling better and healthier.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Melanie Plain, left, and Andrea Oswald opened Prime Rejuvenation as a sister business to PrimeLife.

PrimeLife also currently has offices in Webster City and Ames, with plans to open another in Clear Lake. They have six total employees and provide virtual visits for those who require it.

Its been super fun, said Plain, who now lives in Webster City. Its a ton of work running a business, but the worst day stress-wise is equal to the best day from my previous position. Its just a whole different life.

We get to work with people who want to get better, so that motivates me. Watching their transformation feeds my soul.

Oswald and Plain have been working on bringing these services to Fort Dodge since last year.

We want to provide all kinds of services, not just for women, either, but for men, too. With the aesthetic side through Prime Rejuvenation, that takes us a step in a different direction than what we believe we have going now, Oswald said. It allows us to add another layer of service to what we want to provide.

People are eager for this health.

Oswald worked on acquiring office space and putting the pieces together, all leading up to an open house recently.

I worked in family medicine for 15 years and noticed that people just were not getting the kind of treatment they really needed to get better, Plain said. Especially for women, they would go to a regular care doctor looking for help and were not having those needs met, so thats why we exist. Through my own learning, it has been phenomenal to change the lives of women for the better.

We joked for a while that we were the best-kept secret because we had very organic growth through referrals from other patients. But we have really seen a tremendous growth overall.

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When the opioid addiction crisis began to surge in the U.S. about a decade ago, Dr. Medhat Mikhael spent a lot of time talking to his patients about other ways to heal pain besides opioids, from other types of medications to alternative treatments.

As a pain management specialist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., he didnt anticipate leaving behind the short-term use of opioids altogether, since they work so well for post-surgical pain. But he wanted to recommend a remedy that was safer and still effective.

That turned out to be acupuncture.

Like any treatment, acupuncture doesnt work for everyone, but the majority of my patients who have tried it have found relief, he says. When I started looking into studies, I discovered how much evidence there was behind this treatment, and that made me feel comfortable suggesting it as an alternative or a complement to pain medication and other treatments.

That blend of anecdotal success, research-backed results, and growing level of openness from the medical community are all driving the popularity of acupuncture as a therapy. According to a 2021 World Health Organization report, acupuncture is the most widely used traditional medicine practice globally, and its gaining traction in the U.S. In 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services began covering acupuncture for the first time for chronic low back pain.

Although scientists dont yet understand all the nuances of how it works, research indicates it can have a significant effect on certain conditions, and it shows promise for others.

The goal of acupuncture is the same now as it was thousands of years ago when it was first developed in China: restoring balance to the body, says Kevin Menard, a sports medicine acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner in Sag Harbor, New York.

The practice is based on how energy, or qi, flows through the body along a series of channels called meridianssimilar to the way nerves and vessels carry messages and blood throughout every system.

According to Chinese medicine theory, each meridian is related to a specific organ, and placing thin needles at certain points along these meridians can effect certain changes in the body to restore homeostasis, says Menard. The needles arent the type youd use to draw blood; theyre very thin and flexible, almost like bits of wire.

Placement along the meridians is believed to cause reactions like sending more blood or lymphatic fluid to specific organs or allowing muscles to release in a way that reduces tension on joints and bones. The needles may also stimulate nerves and tweak nervous system regulation to result in a relaxation response, which relieves pain, Mikhael says.

Acupuncture is also thought to stimulate the immune system and control inflammation, Menard says, two effects that can bring benefits throughout the body. Depending on the condition or injury, relief might happen with just one treatment, but it usually takes a series of sessions, Menard says, especially if an issue is complex or chronic.

Research on acupuncture has been extensive, and so far, robust evidence supports its effectiveness for some, but not all, conditions. According to one analysis published in February 2022 in the BMJ that analyzed more than 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, the science is strongest behind acupunctures efficacy for post-stroke aphasia; neck, shoulder, and muscle pain; fibromyalgia pain; lactation issues after delivery; lower back pain; vascular dementia symptoms; and allergy symptoms.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) finds that acupuncture for pain relief tends to have the most evidence, especially for conditions that have become chronic like osteoarthritis and lower back pain, as well as tension headaches. A review of 11 clinical trials also suggests that acupuncture may help with symptoms associated with cancer treatment, the NIH notes.

Thats been a booming area of interest for the field, says Sarah Weaver, an acupuncturist and massage therapist at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, which focuses on integrative health professions, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. For cancer patients, sessions there can focus on reducing nausea, numbness, and tingling (called neuropathy), brain fog, low appetite, acute and chronic pain, and mood challenges that come with cancer care.

Often, people with cancer want to add complementary treatment that doesnt affect their chemotherapy or radiation, and thats where an option like acupuncture can be helpful, she says. Its the reason more healthcare systems are bringing this treatment into their integrative care options.

Acupuncture is far from a proven and accepted therapy for most conditionseven for the ones that show promise. Thats in part because the studies that support it are sometimes not high quality, and the field lacks standardized protocols that would better allow it to be scientifically evaluated, the recent WHO report finds.

For instance, one 2016 research review analyzed studies looking at acupuncture for substance abuse and addiction. Among the 83 research articles included in the review, the researchers found substantial variations in study quality, acupuncture frequency, how long needles were left in the body during treatment, which points along the meridians were used, and other potentially important factors. That made it difficult to evaluate how effective the acupuncture really was. The field also lacks clear terminology and universally accepted agreement about the location of acupuncture points, researchers argue.

Issues like these will have to be resolved to get more clarity, and to earn recommendations from reputable organizations in the future. International experts in the field are pushing to make clinical trials more rigorous in order to prove acupunctures utility for patient care and to help providers adopt the best practices as more benefits become clear.

Some potential directions for future studies include studying how acupuncture may affect hormonal regulation, such as alleviating hot flashes in menopause or addressing menstrual irregularity. Research indicates that the practice can boost estrogen and other hormones, and acupuncture for gynecological issues is becoming more popular, says Menard. Some researchers are also focused on studying acupunctures impact on fertility; some small, preliminary studies indicate its use may be linked to getting pregnant sooner and having better outcomes from IVF treatments.

Acupuncture for mental health issues like depression and anxiety is another major research direction, especially in terms of how these issues affect overall health. For example, chronic pain has often been linked to depressive symptoms, so researchers are looking at whether acupuncture can address both: a persons pain and their depression. Researchers are hopeful. A study published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found that people with migraines who did acupuncture treatments had a lower risk of depression and anxiety, and tended to use medical services less often, compared to migraine patients who didnt do acupuncture.

As the evidence base expands, acupuncture will likely continue to grow in popularity. Although acupuncture has been used for centuries, only in the past decade has there been a seismic shift in acceptance by both Western medical doctors and patients, Menard says. Ongoing research efforts and increased interest from health systems means that the treatment may be part of more conversations like Mikhael had with his patients.

At the end of the day, doctors want their patients to feel better, and many people are looking for non-pharmaceutical paths for wellness, Menard says. Depending on the condition, those little needles can make a huge impact.

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When you think about hypnosis, what do you visualize? For many, its a clock-swinging magician or a comedy act that forces an unwitting volunteer to make embarrassing public admissions on stage.

But hypnosis has a surprisingly robust scientific framework. Clinical research has shown that it can help relieve pain and anxiety and aid smoking cessation, weight loss, and sleep. It can help children and adolescents better regulate their feelings and behaviors. Some people can even use self-hypnosis to manage stress, cope with lifes challenges, and improve their physical and emotional health.

Hypnosis creates a non-judgmental immersive experience, says Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford University psychiatrist and leading researcher of hypnosis. Its been used in various forms for centuries, but it wasnt until 1843 that the Scottish surgeon Dr. James Braid popularized the term hypnosis. Braids central discoverythat concentration can guide the brain toward a more suggestible statewas and remains controversial. But physicians have continued to test and teach the technique over the centuries with great success, Spiegel says.

Today, a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professional certified in hypnotherapy will first screen a potential client for their ability to be hypnotized using a validated suggestibility scale. (Not everyone is equally susceptible to hypnosis, but research has found that about two-thirds of adults are.) The hypnotherapist will talk with them about what sort of sensory experiences make them feel safe, like a lakeshore retreat or a beach vacation. Then, the hypnotherapist will conjure that imageryfocusing, for example, on the salt spray of the ocean, seagulls calling overhead, and sun-kissed skinto help the person go deeper into the calming visualization. If done right, the patients physical surroundings will melt away.

The result is a powerful combination of dissociation, immersion, and openness to new experiences, which culminates in what was once called a trance, but which modern hypnotherapists simply refer to as a hypnotic state. It can be achieved in just a few minutes, Spiegel says.

Such scene-setting techniques can create the ideal stage for positive transformation, says Binghamton University psychology professor Steven Jay Lynn. During hypnosis, people are more open to the suggestions of the hypnotherapist, whether those ask the patient to detach themselves from a past painful experience or visualize a solution to their problem. For some people, these changes may be catalyzed in a one- or two-hour session. For others, hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis may be a regular part of their mental health care. Hypnosis can modify consciousness in many ways, Lynn says.

This state of deep relaxation isnt particularly difficult for most people to dive into or emerge from. Its similar to a flow state, Spiegel says, or an altered state of consciousness in which a person is so immersed in a given activity, their focus narrows and their sense of time shifts. Its also reminiscent of what happens during meditation, except instead of training people to tune into the present moment, hypnosis makes them more receptive to suggestion. Like meditation practice, many people are capable of doing hypnosis on their own, Spiegel says. In 2020, he co-founded Reveri, a subscription-based self-hypnosis app thats structured a lot like Calm or Headspace. A user can access recordings that guide them into a hypnotized state, after which theyre given suggestions or statements that lead them toward a goal the person selects before the session. We do it all the time, Spiegel says of entering and exiting these mental states, but in hypnosis you do it more.

Brain-imaging studies have helped to illuminate what happens inside the hypnotized brain, though much still remains a mystery. During hypnosis, activity in a brain region that helps people switch between tasks quiets down, Spiegel says. This same region seems to disconnect from another area responsible for self-reflection and daydreamingwhich may be why hypnotized people arent worried about who they are or what theyre doing. Researchers have also found that hypnosis can calm brain regions that help control autonomic functions like heart rate, blood flow, and breathing. This is likely what leads to the physical relaxation thats a hallmark of hypnosis, Spiegel says.

One of the most interesting modern applications of hypnosis is in the operating room, says Lorenzo Cohen, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. For some localized breast cancer surgeries, namely lumpectomies, the center lets patients choose between general anesthesia or a localized anesthetic and hypnotherapy. Those who choose the second option remain fully awake during their surgery, but a hypnotherapist first helps them enter a state of deep relaxation, or hypnosedation, Cohen says. The local [anesthesia] should be doing its thing, Cohen says. The rest is in your head.

More than 30 clinical trials have affirmed the use of hypnosedation, says Cohen (who is also researching the practice). Studies have shown that people who received hypnosedation experienced less preoperative anxiety, required less pain medication during surgery, and reported less post-operative pain intensity, nausea, fatigue, and discomfort than people who chose general anesthesia, Cohen says. The hypothesis is that the patients who are under general anesthesia, even though theyre not conscious, are having an intense stress response, he says. This can suppress an immune system that, in cancer patients, is already compromised by the disease and its treatments. When patients choose hypnosis, Cohen believes the bodys fight-or-flight response may be reduced.

Despite the mounting evidence, hypnosis is not without skeptics. Randomized controlled trials have found that hypnosis can help with pain and anxiety associated with a range of medical conditions, but even the best studies cant meet the gold-standard of a double-blind design, Spiegel says. While patients and practitioners can be kept in the dark about what pill theyre administering or receiving, its almost impossible to design a study where neither side knows hypnosis is being delivered, he adds.

And historically, the power of hypnosis hasnt always been wielded responsibly. The imaginative potential of hypnosis has been shown to create false memoriessometimes with devastating effects. At least 27 states ban hypnotically-elicited testimony from appearing in court. Hypnotherapists should avoid using the technique to recover memories, Lynn says.

But when conducted by a trained professional and properly applied, modern hypnotherapy can provide powerful results. Susceptibility to suggestion is often viewed as a liability or a weakness, Spiegel says, but its really a strength.

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A teal-blue tiki bar will float along the Potomac this spring and summer with the debut of the Potomac Tiki Club. The party-on-the-water craft is set to sail out of Georgetown Harbor, with room for 18 passengers, a semi-circular bar with seating, and a bathroom on board.

The floating tiki bar is from the founders of Sea Suite Cruises, who previously launched the first set of Potomac pedal boat bars dubbed Paddle Club. Now, this new, engine-powered 90-minute cruise will pass by landmarks like Georgetown University, The Kennedy Center, Watergate Hotel, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Find canned cocktails, Anheuser-Busch beers, wine, and seltzer on board on Potomac Tiki Club, and passenger can bring food along. Book a cruise for $45 to $55 per person here.

A secluded back patio in the West End will soon turn into D.C.s newest wine garden. In early May, Bottles Wine Garden will open at 2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Georgetown and Foggy Bottom. Sommelier Erika Parjus is responsible for the 43-bottle wine list, with a focus on female winemakers and low-intervention winemaking from the vineyard to the cellar. The design firm //3877 is creating an 70-seat patio with foliage-covered walls, wine barrels as tables, and porch swings, along with a 50-seat indoor space. Bottles Wine Garden is spearheaded by Angie Duran, formerly of Centrolina and Piccolina.

The healthful restaurant chain co-founded by integrative medicine expert, Dr. Andrew Weil, is now open in Gaithersburg. True Food Kitchen opened Monday, April 25, for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at 221 Rio Boulevard in the Rio Lakefront development. Theres an outdoor garden patio filled with herbs with seats for 124 diners, while the dining room for 171 is outfitted with chairs made out of recycled plastic soda bottles. Gluten-free quinoa strawberry pancakes and wild-caught tuna tostadas are on the spring menu.

U Streets gallery and retail space Legacy is partnering with downtowns artsy Eaton Hotel for a monthly go-go showcase. Happening the last Wednesday of every month, the party kicks off at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, with a concert by six-piece band T.O.B. and food and art for sale. Future concerts will include musicians curated from favorite D.C. go-go act like Backyard Band. Tickets to each monthly go-go installment of Return of the Mac are $25 in advance and $40 at the door.

The North Carolina-based company Bitty & Beaus Coffee will celebrate a grand opening on Saturday, April 30 for its new shop in Washington. Located at 3207 M Street NW, the franchise is the 12th store for the brand. The Wright family founded Bitty & Beau (named after their two children with Down syndrome) in 2016, paving a path for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find meaningful employment.

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There's so many supplements on the market promising a way to better health, but it's hard to know which ones really work. While there's no magic pill to pop that cures all, there are certain supplements that can help improve specific aspects of health. Eat This, That Not! Health spoke with experts who share which supplements are the healthiest to take and why. (Be sure to ask your doctor about what's right for you before starting any supplement regime.) Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, the chief medical officer and pain specialist with Clearing explains, "Most people can get the vitamins and minerals they need directly from their food (which increases the importance of eating a balanced, comprehensive diet). That being said, certain groups of people may want to consider certain supplements. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, for example, it's important to make sure you're getting enough folic acid (vitamin B9). Vitamin B12 can help vegetarians who may not be ingesting enough of it naturally. And along with aging comes higher risks of osteoporosis and nutritional imbalances, so if you are past 50, you might consider vitamin D and calcium. Each person has their own unique nutritional needs, which is why supplements are not really a one-size-fits-all kind of thing."

Dr. Hascalovici says, "Vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the same FDA protocols as medication is, and thus may not be as uniform or as comprehensively tested. In addition, some supplements, such as St. John's wort can interact with other medications and supplements, sometimes with negative consequences. It's also possible to ingest too much of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin A and even vitamin D. Finally, drinking too much and having certain health conditions, among other things, can impact how well your body is able to use supplements. For many reasons, it's best to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before starting on vitamins and supplements."

Dr. Michael Hirt, a Board Certified Nutrition from Harvard University and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is with The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana California reveals, "Boron is a trace mineral that is naturally found in very small amounts in fruits and vegetables. The foods richest in boron include avocados, apricots, currants, raisins, prunes and most nuts. The largest natural deposits of boron (called borates) are found only in California and Turkey. Over the last 20 years, researchers have documented a consistent decline in our average dietary boron consumption for reasons that remain unclear. Since nearly all life forms on Earth require access to nutritional boron, this decline in boron consumption is concerning. Scientists now believe that the very evolution of planetary life depended heavily on boron metabolism for the genesis of DNA. Modern nutritional medicine has discovered many benefits of boron supplementation including the promotion of bone health. Boron can trigger bone-building activity and direct calcium, magnesium and vitamin D from our blood and into our bones. While boron does not create sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, it does improve the effectiveness of our hormones by improving the availability of these hormones and by reducing their clearance from the blood.. Boron does this while simultaneously reducing the risks of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Unchecked inflammation is one of the key drivers of human disease, including heart disease, strokes, arthritis, and cancer. Boron has been shown to significantly reduce the levels of one of the major inflammatory markers, C-Reactive Protein. Lower inflammation levels today are likely to help protect you from many diseases tomorrow. A typical dose for boron supplementation is 3mg, but clinical doses of boron up to 20mg have been used therapeutically. As always, check with your healthcare professional before adding any supplement, at any dose. A dose of boron today won't help you feel better tomorrow, but if you stick with boron, you may be amazed by what this little-known, miracle mineral can do."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Hascalovici says, "B vitamins influence a lot in the body, from liver function to stress and mood stabilization. A lack of it may lead to fatigue, weakness, cramping, anemia, skin cracking, and more. Vegetarians and vegans should ensure they're ingesting enough B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Nutritional yeast is a great source of vitamin B12; salmon contains it, too. The NIH lists specific recommended doses of the B vitamins, which is a helpful place to start. While the B vitamins are water soluble, it is possible to overdo them over time, which can result in nerve problems."

Dr. Hascalovici shares, "Magnesium supports your thyroid and can help stabilize serotonin, which can impact your moods. It can also support your blood pressure and help control inflammation. If you're seeking more magnesium, oat bran, wheat germ, fluffy greens, and nuts are your friends. Supplements are recommended for some people, but not everyone."

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Daniel Powers, MS with The Botanical Institute shares, "Ashwagandha is a supplement that has been growing more and more popular over the past few years. And for good reason, studies show that this adaptogenic herb helps to build your body's resilience to stress. Ashwagandha has also been shown to help to improve sleep quality. In today's fast-paced culture, ashwagandha provides relaxing benefits that we can all use a bit more of.. Ashwagandha can be taken daily. The recommended dose is ~300mg of Ashwagandha extract.. It's best taken before bed as it can help to wind your brain down and help you get a full night of sleep."

RELATED: Doing This After Age 60 is "Unhealthy," Say Physicians

Dr. Suzanna Wong. a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and health expert with Twin Waves Wellness says, "Zinc affects everything from your immune system, to hair and nail health and skin/wound healing. If you are deficient you could experience hair loss, lots of colds and illnesses, diarrhea, loss of taste, smell and appetite and poor wound healing. Taking zinc helps your body to have a strong immune system, as well as having a role in your overall metabolism."

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Who knew that one of the most interesting luxury resorts in the U.S. is in rural Pennsylvania? In 1987, 84 Lumber Company founder Joseph A. Hardy, III bought some land southeast of Pittsburgh in an area that had been established by William F. Rockwell in 1960 as Nemacolin Trails Hunting Reserve and Lodge. The town was named after Chief Nemacolin, hereditary chief of the Delaware Nation, and Hardys Nemacolin resort in nearby Farmington is now a destination hotel and retreat run by his daughter Maggie Hardy Knox and her son, PJ Magerko. The creative, whimsical, and welcoming property offers the widest range of diverse activities and experiences I have ever seen in one location, including a world-class art collection, a huge spa, several destination restaurants, and all manner of outdoor activities for all ages and in all seasons.

The Chateau, designed after The Ritz Paris, is one of five accommodation types at Nemacolin,

Its possible to design an itinerary around one of several themes family luxury, romantic getaway, meditative retreat but its also ok to just arrive and follow your nose, mixing and matching, deciding as you go. On my recent too-short visit there, I was able to cover a lot of territory, from dining at the exquisite Forbes Five-Star restaurant Lautrec, helmed by Kristin Butterworth, to to taking a deep-dive docent-led tour of the art collection, which includes not only the likes of Botero and Stella but also a chunk of the Berlin Wall, to visiting the Holistic Healing Center, where Dr. Jerry Lin, DACM, Dipl.OM, L.Ac. practices holistic medicine across a range of therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

A detail from a slab of the Berlin Wall housed in the front of Nemacolin's Chateau.

The first important decision to make is which of the five accommodation types to situate yourself in. In addition to townhomes and larger estate properties, there are three hotel choices, each distinct in nature. The Lodge is the most casual, while The Chateau is the most formal, and Falling Rock is the most secluded and exclusive. I stayed at The Chateau, which is the first building you come upon when entering the property, and its designed after the Ritz Paris. The lobby is grand ornate and floral, with a bar amidst the seating areas with an indoor route through a sea of art to The Lodge next door. (For parts of the property further afield, a fleet of shuttles is at the ready to transport guests wherever theyd like to go.)

The Chateau's lobby bar is a wonderful gathering place before dinner for a glass of wine or a ... [+] cocktail.

Rooms in The Chateau are vast, high-ceilinged affairs with thick walls that seem practically soundproof. The top floor of the building has a private club, as well as a private art collection for guests of the club to enjoy. Marble bathrooms, which feel more spacious than some New York City studio apartments, have deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers.

The Spa at Nemacolin is a deeply relaxing place for restoration and quiet.

The propertys spa is a serious highlight. I whiled away the entire morning there with a deep tissue massage followed by matcha tea service by the fire in the lounge. Its becoming clear, at this point in my visit, that space and time are abundant here at Nemacolin, and both generously offered to guests at every turn.

Dr. Jerry Lin oversees the Holistic Healing Center at Nemacolin, offering a wide range of customized ... [+] wellness programs.

I was also able to spend some time at another healing venue on property, the Holistic Integrative Therapy Center, where Dr. Lin not only customizes wellness programs for all patients, but he is also able to offer free and reduced-fee services and education to staff. (The employees of Nemacolin that I spoke with all said, to a person, that the company treats them as valued team members much like family, and this mindset was most evident during the pandemic, when the management did everything in their power to keep staff employed.)

Afternoon tea is served by appointment at Nemacolin.

Dining at Nemacolin is an equally wide-ranging experience. A multi-course meal at Lautrec, served in the shadow of several original Toulouse-Lautrec paintings, is not to be missed. Chef Butterworths style is equal parts refined and inviting, and her prix-fixe menus offer both vegetable-forward and more classic French-style dishes. The world-class wine list has hard-to-find French wines dating back to the middle of the last century.

The tableside Champagne cart is the perfect way to begin a dinner at Lautrec.

In between all the dining and relaxing, theres a ropes course, mini-golf, axe-throwing, and both indoor and outdoor swimming.

Its impossible to encompass in one story, not to mention experience in just one brief visit, all that Nemacolin offers. And now that pandemic restrictions are beginning to lift, live events are back on, and Nemacolin will once again host Dive & Drag: Pride 2022! On June 11th, Susanne Bartsch returns to Nemacolin for a celebration of transformation and inclusion at the propertys outdoor sports and entertainment venue, The Peak, with a drag show performance. You can find full details here.

To book a room or house or to make a dinner reservation, visit the Nemacolin website.

Link:
Nemacolin Is An Under-The-Radar Luxury Resort That You Should Put On Your Bucket List - Forbes

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time ever, adults can opt for a clean alternative with the same efficacy as its counterparts in the medicine aisles. Launched today, Genexas Acetaminophen Extra Strength and Acetaminophen PM caplets have the same active ingredients and dosages of current category leaders but without artificial dyes, synthetic fillers and other artificial preservatives. Genexa Acetaminophen Extra Strength has 500mg of the pain reliever acetaminophen, the same dosage found in Extra Strength Tylenol, and Genexa Acetaminophen PM has 500mg of the pain reliever acetaminophen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine HCl, the same dosage found in Tylenol PM.

Prior to Genexas pain reliever launch, consumers had no choice but to opt for the other acetaminophen products on the market that contain artificial inactive ingredients such as propylene glycol, FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake and titanium dioxide. Made with clean inactive ingredients, Genexa Acetaminophen Extra Strength is used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold, headache, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, muscular aches, premenstrual and menstrual cramps and temporarily reduce fever. Genexa Acetaminophen PM provides temporary relief of occasional headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness.

Now consumers do not have to choose between efficacy and clean ingredients. Our mission of putting people over everything means providing options to those who care about knowing the ingredients in what they are taking, said CEO and Co-Founder David Johnson. Were bringing options to peoples medicine cabinets they have never had before because we believe that it's time to evolve the decades-old formulas in our everyday medicines without compromising on efficacy.

Artificial dyes, talc, sorbitol, high fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and common allergens like gluten and lactose, are just some of the inactive ingredients and fillers commonly found in OTC medicine. Genexa has created and published an Ex List which includes all of these ingredients and countless other fillers that it vows to never use in their products.

In my experience, more and more frequently I am seeing that my patients are doing their best to avoid eating foods that contain artificial additives like dyes, preservatives, and assorted other fillers. They have shared with me that they long for medicines that are effective but not full of artificial fillers. I am so happy to finally have a medicine I can recommend to them, noted Genexa Medical Advisor Taz Bhatia M.D., a board-certified integrative medicine physician and wellness expert, and Founder of CentreSpring MD. This groundbreaking product launch from Genexa is an exciting moment for both the industry and for patients across the country, finally delivering a real choice for people pursuing clean living who are in need of a pain reliver.

Genexas product launches offer new innovation and a forward-thinking approach that will help serve as a catalyst to the entire consumer pharmaceutical industry, noted Brian Perkins, Chairman of Genexa and former Worldwide Chairman of Consumer Pharmaceuticals and Nutritionals at Johnson & Johnson. Consumers deserve options and transparency in their medicine and Genexa is delivering on this need."

With a shared belief in making clean medicine accessible to all, Walmart is the exclusive mass retailer for Genexas acetaminophen products. These SKUs also retail at CVS, Amazon and Genexa.com, among others. You can find other Genexa products in over 45,000 retailers nationwide.

Recently recognized by Fast Company for its disruptive work in the consumer pharmaceutical space, Genexa was named the No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Wellness for 2022 by the publication. Genexa is also backed by celebrity investors including Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Donald Glover, Lily Aldridge, Jennifer Meyer, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Don Cheadle, Bridgid Coulter, Lana Parrilla, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tony Kanal, Zoey Deutch, and Nikki Reed all of whom share in Genexas brand mission to put people over everything.

Genexas medicines span most traditional categories of OTC treatment including cold and flu, analgesics, digestion and allergy for infants, children and adults. Genexas products are manufactured in accord with the relevant FDA guidelines and are Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten-free. Many are certified organic and vegan as well. As a Certified B-Corporation, Genexa is committed to using business as a force for good, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

For more information, visit Genexa.com.

ABOUT GENEXA

Founded by two dads on a mission to revolutionize the medicine aisle, Genexa makes medicine with the same active ingredients people need, but without the artificial ones they dont. Genexa believes people deserve choices. Thats why their business is built on the commitment to put people over everything. All of Genexas products are made to the highest standards of medicine with no artificial dyes, common allergens, or unnecessary inactive ingredients. Its real medicine, made clean. With a commitment to innovation at every turn, Genexa was recently named to Fast Companys prestigious list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies in 2022. Learn how Genexa is putting people over everything, in everything they do, at Genexa.com.

More:
Genexa Launches the First Ever Clean Acetaminophen Pain Relief Products for Adults - Business Wire

Acupuncture and chiropractic care

Just like in humans, arthritis affects many aging pets and can be debilitating. Fortunately, many pets respond well to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Dr. Shantel Julius of Julius Rehabilitation & Integrative Veterinary Services (Hastings, 612-636-9575) made monthly house calls to adjust Chester, one of our writers dogs, for years. His owner says you could see his ridiculously long basset hound spine straighten immediately. Chiropractic for Everybody (952-484-5460) also treats dogs and cats at its clinics in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and St. Cloud.

If dogs could purr, theyd be doing it on Niky Bonds massage table. The Knotty Dogs Canine Massage (651-301-5556) owner and certified canine massage practitioner drops by your home for up to an hour of ultimutt relaxation that can also increase flexibility. Want a DIY option? Dive down a YouTube rabbit hole to learn a little tui na (pronounced twee-nah). The traditional Chinese massage technique used on people and pets means push and grasp and relies on finger pressure at acupuncture points to address patterns of disharmony in the body and promote mobility.

Pets cant tell us what hurts, but digital thermography can. A Digatherm camera lets vets pinpoint where pets radiate the most energy, which can signal pain. Theres no radiationjust information. Ask your vet about this tech the next time Scooter doesnt seem right.

Underwater treadmills are great for rehabilitating and strengthening muscles, and honestly, theyre dang adorable, too. Get jogging at Twin Cities Animal Rehab and Sports Medicine (Burnsville, 952-224-9354) and University of Minnesotas Veterinary Medical Center (Como Park, St. Paul, 612-626-8387).

It sends an electromagnetic pulse to damaged tissue to trigger the bodys anti-inflammatory response and promote cellular repair. Best of all, you can do it at home. Push the button on a necklace-like device called the Assisi Loop and your pupll get a 15-minute treatment while also looking a little like Flavor Flav (assisianimalhealth.com).

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Read more:
Where to Care for Your Dog's Weary Bones - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine