Tag Archives: whole person health

Cold and Flu Season – Medicine Recalls

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Over the past year, millions of cold and flu medicines have been recalled owing to safety problems. These concerns included bottles that were contaminated with bacteria and processing debris, such as small amounts of metal.

Some of the medications involved include varieties of Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and Zyrtec. They are not expected to back in the stores again until 2012. The initial recalls were announced by McNeil Consumer Health Care, which is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson Company.

This recall may be a perfect time for concerned parents to turn to non-drug alternatives for their children’s as well as their own cold and flu care this season. Popular examples of natural treatments for cold and flu include the use of  Vick’s Vapo-rub on congested lungs and stuffy noses, as well as saline drops in the nose, garlic and mulleinoil for ear infections and hot steamy showers to break up congestion and improve breathing.

According to traditional peditaricians, a child needs to have a 101 degree temperature before the medicine is going to work. A while many doctors agree that these medications do not necessarily help you get better, they also agree that it helps parents to feel as if they are “doing” something to help their child or themselves. Unfortunately, sometimes these drugs can slow down healing rather than help.

The body creates a temperature to destroy the bacteria that is in the body. By allowing a temperature to run its course, you allow your body to naturally heal and also create greater immunity to bacteria and viruses.

The best way to deal with avoiding colds and flu is staying well. The best way to stay well is to practice good health habits.Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, drinking lots of fluids, reducing stress and, of course, washing your hands regularly before eating are all recommended ways to stay well and avoid the need for over the counter drugs.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Alcohol May Reduce Dementia

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Once again alcohol is in the news as a health benefit. A study at the University of Bari, Italy which involved 1,445 people between the ages of 65 and 85 suggests that one drink per day may reduce the onset of dementia in elderly people and slow down the progress of cognitive impairment for seniors. 

Study participants, who routinely drank one alcoholic beverage per day,developed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at a slower rate than those who did not. Of the study participants that were in the “drinking group” only 121 developed mild memory issues, cognitive impairment or mental problems.

The study group in this Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging were followed for three and a half years. While the specific mode of action regarding how the small alcohol consumption protects against dementia is not clear, researchers believe it is possible that alcohol improves circulation and thus may slow hardening of arteries that supply the brain.

In spite of this study many experts still believe that alcohol use alone won’t stop the onset of dementia, but that adopting a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and social stimulation is the best way of protecting yourself against the loss of cognitive brain function.

Other alcohol studies have already shown that wine contains natural compounds that have an antioxidant effect, such as resveratrol, which is good for healthy circulation.

Alzheimer’s organizations and scientists continue to investigate the possible benefits of fruit juice, red wine, and oily fish in efforts to determine ways to help offset the expected numbers of people who may develop dementia in the coming years.

 In studies over the past twenty years, moderate alcohol consumption (one or two glasses of wine, or other alchoholic drinks, per day) has shown a long and consistent association with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from a number of common chronic diseases. In addition to antioxidants in wine, stress reduction by alcohol, may be the common denominator behind these benefits.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

An Ironic Upside to Cell Phones

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For many years, there has been much discussion on the dangers of cell phone radiation on brain cancer, tumors and overall brain health. A recent study now suggests that there could be beneficial effects of cell phone radiation.

In the January, 2009, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, a study was published that was conducted by scientists from medical centers and universities around the world. The scientists identified the possibility that cell phone radiation appeared to possibly prevent Alzheimers’ disease, but in addition cell phone radiation might also reverse memory damage.

This international collaboration appears to re-assure the average cell phone user that the radiation from their cell phone could be helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. But, as we know with studies, what one study might prove one year can be challanged very quickly with another study showing the opposite outcomes.

The international study conducted experiments that exposed genetically pre-disposed mice to doses of electromagnetic radiation that is similarly emitted by cell phones. The mice were exposed to one hour of radiation per day for up to nine months.

The results surprised the scientists. The adult mice did not show signs of memory loss. This finding could imply that the radiation provided a form of protection from the disease. Additionally the older mice in the study who were already demonstrating signs of the disease were able to perform similarly with older mice who were not demonstrating signs of Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, mice that were “normal” – without symptoms – that were exposed to the radiation demonstrated above average performance on memory skills.

A Professor from the University of South Florida claimed, “It surprised us to find that cell phone exposure, begun in early adulthood, protects the memory of mice otherwise destined to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms.”

The researchers could only theorize about  how or why the radiation exposure effected the Alzheiner’s outcome, but they were specific about their findings. “The cognitive benefits of long-term electromagnetic exposure are real, because we saw them in both protection- and treatment-based experiments involving Alzheimer’s mice, as well as in normal mice.”

Conclusion: Until more conclusive research on cell phone use and brain function is completed, phone chat at your own risk.

All the best,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G.Donadio

Dealing With Controlling Personalities

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In each of our lives we run across or have relationships with individuals who want, and often demand, they get their way. They have strong personalities, strong wills and often strong egos that make them controlling, often narcissistic and manipulative.

They might be a friend, spouse, relative or even a boss, but people of this description often try to suppress us from voicing our opinions. When we are dealing with family members who have a history of being demanding and go all out to get their way, it is easy to become manipulated by them, sometimes to keep the peace or because other family members go along with their demands.

Unlike with family, we can choose to have relationships with friends or not. But, even elective friendships become toxic when one individual disregards the needs and feeling of the other person and is all about getting their way.

These situations are not only frustrating but can also have an affect on our health and our morale. When others manipulate us we can feel unheard, unseen and not valued. This can lead to anger and a feeling of powerlessness when this becomes a pattern of relationships with particular individuals.

These types of relationships take their toll on us physically, emotionally and even spiritually. They can become the source of continued anxiety and frustration, creating stress that can become physically debilitating if it goes on long enough. These types of relationship stressors have been shown to cause chronic conditions, such as skin problems, asthma and stomach or bowel issues.

With emotional relationships like these in our lives we can lose our sense of self and self worth. The only way we can avoid these types of relationships and the negative feelings they engender is to empower ourselves and take control over the quality and tone of our relationships.

To appreciate an actual situation, let’s discuss dealing with a friend who is never on time for scheduled meetings and appointments. This makes you feel disrespected and not valued. In addition, his being late also has ramifications for you, causing you to be late for appointments as well.

With this scenario in mind, let’s review some steps you can take to take back control of your time, your feelings and your relationship.

Part II – Steps to TakeWith all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Dealing with Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in the tissues, which are highly sensitive to pressure. Other symptoms can also accompany the tissue pain such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint pain and more.

Although it is often referred to as a “medically unexplained syndrome”, the American College of Rheumatology defines the condition as one which has a history of widespread pain in the connective tissues that persist for more over 12 weeks, and which affects both sides of the body and includes above and below the waist.

The medical approach to treating fibromyalgia is centered on anti-depressant, anti-seizure and muscle relaxant drugs. These medications target the nervous system function to reduce pain but can also cause great lethargy and fatigue. When an Integrated treatment approach is utilized which incorporate medication, patient education, aerobic exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy it has been shown to be effective in alleviating the pain and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms.

To take better control over this syndrome, understanding how connective tissue and muscle fibers function in both normal conditions as well as in  fibromyalgia states is helpful.

For muscles to move, energy must be produced in each muscle cell to allow the collective bundle of muscle fibers to move. When energy is produced through the Krebs Cycle which takes place inside each cell, crystal like acids are produced as a by-product of energy production.

Lactic and pyruvic acids can build up in the spaces between the muscle fibers if there is a lack of proper blood flow or if the muscles are so tensed that these by-products cannot be removed with normal circulatory function.

The more tense the muscle, the more diminished the circulation, the greater the tissue build up of these highly irritating acids. If this tension persists over time, the surrounding tissues can become highly inflamed and a chronic, painful syndrome is established.

The most effect approaches to treating fibromyalgia include:

  • movement or aerobic exercise to assist in flushing out the tissue
  • behavior focused therapy to assist in reducing tension in the body
  • mild relaxants that do not cause secondary symptoms
  • information and education that can offer options for individual to choose from

Fibromyalgia is viewed as a stress-fueled condition. Therefore any approach or techniques directed at reducing stress and muscle tension are highly effective.

A Holistic Approach to Type II Diabetes – Part III

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MATURE ONSET or ADULT DIABETES also named Type II Diabetes

Mature onset diabetes affects approximately 18.2 million Americans and is the leading health concern in our culture today. As all chronic conditions are, mature onset diabetes is a multi-dimensional disease state.

Restoration of health for those with chronic diseases such as diabetes is far more successful when a patient is educated about the many facets of their illness and treatment.

Physical/StructuralWhat happens on a physical and structural level with mature onset diabetes? Our nervous system, brain and the lungs must function with a certain metabolism of sugars within the body. In order to maintain this balance, insulin, a secretion of the pancreas, hooks onto sugar molecules and acts like a lock and key mechanism to bring sugars into the cell to be used as energy in the cycle of cell metabolism.

Over time, when a person indulges in eating large amounts of insulin-provoking foods such as sugars and starches in the form of complex carbohydrates, the specialized beta cells of the pancreas which produce insulin can become incapable of producing adequate amounts of this critically necessary secretion. Serious disturbances occur when we do not have enough insulin to carry the sugar over the cell membranes.

Emotional/SocialJust as diabetes is a lack of appropriate and balanced nourishment on a chemical/nutritional level, so is it a disease of a lack of emotional nourishment on the psychological level. Current scientific research indicates a dynamic relationship between carbohydrates, overeating and a chemical called serotonin, a neuro-transmitter produced in our bodies that provides a feeling of well being.

Serotonin production is increased in the body when we overeat or consume complex, starchy carbohydrates, demonstrating a correlation between our body’s chemistry and emotional state. The pancreas is one of the hardest working organs in our body. It is the “end organ”
of digestion, providing numerous enzymes and hormones that allow us to assimilate or “take in” the outside world on a very cellular level. The pancreas is also a metaphor for our relationship with others and the world around us, as it literally allows us to take in, integrate and nourish ourselves from the macro to the micro level.

In this regard, problems related to the pancreas, or the third chakra, relate to our relationships with self and others and our sense of belonging — the real sweetness of life. The pancreas also correlates with psychologist Abraham Maslow’s third hierarchy, which is the need to belong that connects us with each other, our family and our community or tribal bonds.

Part IV – Social, Nutritional, Environmental and Spiritual

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Foods to Enhance Your Longevity

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By now, many are starting to realize that eating foods rich in anti-aging nutrients  are the best foods to eat to keep us living well and long. It has been somewhat of a mystery as to why folks have not generally equated living plant foods with disease prevention and longevity.

The good news is that the Internet has enriched our access to and understanding of important health information. It is now well understood by our mainstream culture that eating living plant foods high nutrients are best to slow the aging process and promote longevity.

Here are some of the best foods which have demonstrated their nutrient value in keeping us well and youthful:

Greens – All forms, include folate and calcium as well as many minerals and vitamins. Greens are also a great source of fiber, an important component for a healthy digestive system.

Fish – Rich in anti-inflammatory Omega 3’s and highly digestible protein

Berries, all forms – Contain anthocyanins, which aid in the prevention and growth of cancer

Whole Grains – Contain high amounts of fiber and minerals and help to slow the development of diabetes type II

Herb and Spices– like turmeric and ginger, contain anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Olive Oil – contain monounsaturated fat, which aids in the decrease of heart disease and cancers through its anti-inflammatory properties

Tomatoes – contains lycopene which has been shown to aid in the prevention of cancers and heart disease

Tea, black – contains EGCG, a powerful anti-oxidant which aids in the decrease of cancers and heart conditions

Nuts, many varieties – nuts are high in fibers and contain high levels of anti-inflammatory fatty acids

Grapes, red – contains resveratrol a very potent anti-inflammatory which is shown to reduce the incident of heart disease

By including these health giving foods in your daily diet you will not only feel better and look better, but you will also live longer. The best part is that these are all tasty foods as well and can be enjoyed at the same time hey help heal and prevent illness.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Whole Person Health Care – Part III

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Part III – Comparison of Whole Person Health Care and Conventional Analysis and Treatment

By looking at different client care situations we can see how traditional and whole person health care differs in their approach. Patient A is a 35-year old male who is married with two children and works in a high stress job. He considers himself healthy however, despite working out fairly regularly and eating healthy, he is constantly tired and has trouble sleeping at night.

On the opposite end of the spectrum Patient B is a 50-year old single stay-at-home mom who is raising a young son. She has high cholesterol, is borderline diabetic and is generally not in good health.

Patient A: Conventional Analysis & Treatment Recommendation: This patient would most likely be given a blood test to check for anemia or pathology and then prescribed a sleeping pill to deal with the insomnia. If nothing showed up on the blood test, the practitioner would probably recommend addressing the stress with a pill to calm down to seeing a therapist to deal with his stress.

Patient A: Whole Person Health Care Analysis & Treatment Recommendation: This practitioner would also probably order a blood test to check for anemia or pathology. After assessing that possibility, if the blood test came back “negative” (ironically, that’s positive!), the practitioner would then explore and discuss with the individual what they felt is contributing to their problem. Based on the patients’ self-awareness and the practitioners mindful listening and assessment of the patient, the practitioner might recommend a homeopathic remedy, a change in sleep venue or a new bed, meditation before retiring, an decrease in stimulating food such as caffeine and alcohol, and an increase in fruits and vegetables in t he diet. The multiple aspects of the individual’s life and their own innate awareness of their health would be considered.

Patient B: Conventional Analysis & Treatment Recommendation:This patient would be given a blood work-up to determine her levels of cholesterol and glucose or blood sugar. Depending upon the values found on the tests, the doctor would prescribe medications appropriate for lowering the levels of cholesterol and/or blood sugar. The doctor may also suggest the patient make an appointment with a dietician to go over dietary changes.

Patient B: Whole Person Health Care Analysis & Treatment Recommendation: This practitioner would also do a blood work-up to assess the patient’s various blood values. However, rather than prescribing a drug to lower or later levels, this practitioner may invite the individual into a discussion about what she felt she could do to bring these levels down to avoid the need for a medication.

The discussion would outline and recommend options for lowering cholesterol which would include natural supplements, dietary changes or adding more vegetables and whole sprouted grains instead of high fat foods, an exercise program that she would be able to follow, drinking more water, using homeopathic remedies to improve her overall health, discuss her social life and recreation. This practitioner would focus on changing the causes of her chronic condition rather than just medicate it.

The options we are offered today through Whole Person Health Care invites us to become more pro-active and better informed as well as become better health care consumers. This empowers us to take greater control over our health outcomes and longevity. That’s a prescription for good health we can all live with.

With all good wishes ~
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Creating a Natural Immunity to HPV

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Last month another eight deaths were announced in connection to Gardasil, a vaccine that targets the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, HPV.  Also reported is another 1,824 adverse reactions to the drug, bringing the known total of such reactions to 3,461.

These adverse reactions suggest the vaccine, currently directed primarily for use by young women aged 12 – 19,  not only may cause serious side effects, but has been fatal. In addition, some states are working to make these immunizations mandatory for all school aged females 12 and older.

As the mother of a teenage girl, I know the concern that this vaccine has caused for many of us and wish to share information with you about natural immunity to HPV, that may be helpful for you and your daughter. For those considering the vaccine, this may be important information for you to be aware of.

Here is a quote from from the National Cancer Institute regarding HPV – “Infection with certain types of HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer. Almost all women will have an HPV infection at some point, but very few will develop cervical cancer. The immune system  of most women will usually suppress or eliminate HPVs. Only HPV infections that are persistent (do not go away over many years) can lead to cervical cancer.” 

HPV infections have increased over the past 20 years in much younger females as a result of earlier and multiple-partnered intercourse, coupled with the lack of competent birth control, as well as inadequate nutritional status of the female. As a result of the increase in such infections, the HPV immunization was developed and, as the TV commercials attest, marketed to the mothers of very young females. 

Here are excerpts from Judicial Watch regarding the vaccine reactions:

> “Information has been received … concerning a 17 year old female who in June 2007 … was vaccinated with a first dose of Gardasil … During the evening of the same day, the patient was found unconscious (lifeless) by the mother. Resuscitation was performed by the emergency physician but was unsuccessful. The patient subsequently died.”

> “Information has been received … concerning a 12 year old female with a history of aortic and mitral valve insufficiency … who on 01-MAR-2007 was vaccinated IM into the left arm with a first does of Gardasil … On 01-MAR-2007 the patient presented to the ED with ventricular tachycardia and died.”

> “Initial and follow-up information has been received from a physician concerning an ‘otherwise healthy’ 13 year old female who was vaccinated with her first and second doses of Gardasil. Subsequently, the patient experienced … paralysis from the chest down, lesions of the optic nerve…At the time of the report, the patient had not recovered.”

The natural way to immunize against HPV, in both teenagers and the general female population, is to postpone engagement with multiple sexual partners, consistent use of condoms as a 70% protection against the virus, and maintaining a healthy nutritional diet through whole foods and nutrition supplementation. Hopefully, this information can help you discern more about the use of HPV vaccination.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Study on Women’s Weight When With a Mate

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I ran across a great article, written by Nicholas Bakalar, about a study that was published on the relationship between the weight gain of women who live with a mate in comparison to women who do not. Rather than excerpt material from the article, I would like to share it with you in is entirety. Hope this information is useful for you or someone you know.

Study Says Women With Mate Get Heavier
by Nicholas Bakalar

It is widely known that women tend to gain weight after giving birth, but now a large study has found evidence that even among childless women, those who live with a mate put on more pounds than those who live without one.

The differences, the scientists found, were stark.

After adjusting for other variables, the 10-year weight gain for an average 140-pound woman was 20 pounds if she had a baby and a partner, 15 if she had a partner but no baby, and only 11 pounds if she was childless with no partner. The number of women with a baby but no partner was too small to draw statistically significant conclusions.

There is no reason to believe that having a partner causes metabolic changes, so the weight gain among childless women with partners was almost surely caused by altered behavior. Moreover, there was a steady weight gain among all women over the 10 years of the study.

This does not explain the still larger weight gain in women who became pregnant. The lead author, Annette J. Dobson, a professor of bio-statistics at the University of Queensland in Australia, suggested that physiological changes might be at work.

“Women’s bodies may adjust to the increased weight associated with having a baby,” Dr. Dobson said. “There may be a metabolic adjustment that goes on when women are pregnant that is hard to reverse. This would be more consistent with our findings than any other explanation.”

The study covered more than 6,000 Australian women over a 10-year period ending in 2006.

At the start, the women ranged in age from 18 to 23. Each woman periodically completed a survey with more than 300 questions about weight and height, age, level of education, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, medications used and a wide range of other health and health care issues.

By the end of the study, published in the January issue of The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, more than half the women had college degrees, about three-quarters had partners and half had had at least one baby. Almost all of the weight gain happened with the first baby; subsequent births had little effect.

Also by the end of the study period, there were fewer smokers and risky drinkers than at the beginning, more women who exercised less and a larger proportion without paid employment.

But even after adjusting for all of these factors and more, the differences in weight gain among women with and without babies, and among women with and without partners, remained.

Despite the study’s limitations — weight was self-reported, for example, and the sample size diminished over time because people dropped out — other experts found the results valuable.

“It’s interesting and brings out some important points,” said Maureen A. Murtaugh, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Utah who has published widely on weight gain in women. Perhaps, she suggested, a more active social life may help explain why women with partners gain more weight.

“Think of going to a restaurant,” Dr. Murtaugh said. “They serve a 6-foot man the same amount as they serve me, even though I’m 5 feet 5 inches and 60 pounds lighter.”

The study included only women, but the researchers cited one earlier study that showed an increase in obesity among men who had children, adding further evidence that social and behavioral factors are part of the explanation.

Dr. Dobson said the finding of weight gain among all the women, with families or without, was troubling.

“This is a general health concern,” she said. “Getting married or moving in with a partner and having a baby are events that trigger even further weight gain.

“From a prevention point of view, one can look at these as particular times when women need to be especially careful.” 
 © 2000-2009 BlueCross BlueShield Association – All Rights Reserved. 

With all good wishes,
Georgianna