Starlight

Super Lysine+ (cold sores)

2011-01-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

Cold sores can be annoying albeit not a serious medical problem. I read of good relief for cold sores from topical use of Super Lysine+. It is available at many health food stores in ointment and lip balm forms (a locally popular product). Super Lysine+ seems less expensive and more effective than prescription and OTC products. For more detail, click here.

Prescription drugs, check Beers List

2010-12-25T17:10:00.003-05:00

The Beers list shows which prescription drugs are often problematic for an older person. Especially problematic are Valium and Xanax.

Two of my clients had adverse reactions to other medicines on the Beers list.

If you or your elder are using a drug on the Beers list, it is worthwhile to review that choice with the physician.

Prescription drugs are often not well tested on elders as they are developed. Side effects vary, one client became confused, another client was so comatose they were unable to eat or converse with friends or family.

Background information on the Beers list is here.

Detail about the drugs on the Beers list, and alternatives, is here.

Kashi "Go Lean Crunch" and food allergy

2010-12-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

Food allergies are not uncommon and may be hidden (undiagnosed). A four day rotational diet can help ensure less inflammatory response (as shown by Dr William Philpott and others) ..... that means when you do eat an offending food, you avoid it for the next few days.

That is why some of the Kashi products seem poorly designed. For example Go Lean Crunch has

red wheat, rice, barley, triticale, oats, rye, buckwheat, and soy protein.

Its tempting to think that it must be great stuff, it has a large variety of seemingly good grains. Have some often, you can't go wrong!!

Among these ingredients, wheat and soy are common sources of allergic symptoms. For simplicity lets ignore the soy for now.

About 1% of all adults have gluten allergy and 3% of people with gastrointestinal complaints are found to have gluten allergy. If you are in that allergic population and eat Crunch often, you never get to recover from the subsequent inflammation.

The good news is you don't have to eat that way .... you can rotate among the grains and have different ones on different days .... its not hard to find cereal products that have few or one ingredient.

The bad news is we should not ignore the soy .... a topic for another time (hormonal inhibition).

acid erosion of teeth

2010-11-30T15:14:00.004-05:00

This is a risk for children and young people because of their diet, and a risk for elders because the dietary habits that cause acid erosion have had a much longer time to gradually degrade tooth enamel.

These foods are quite problematic: apples strawberries grapes grapefruit and their juices.

These foods are problematic but less so than those above: pineapple pickles, maple syrup, wine sherbert, cottage cheese, raisins tomatoes honey.

For juices and colas, use a straw.

It helps (if you have eaten the above) to wait an hour before brushing. Additional information is here.

Enjoying the Holiday with a Senior

2010-11-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you can help a Senior, enjoy the holiday.

New CPR guidelines, American Heart Association

2010-11-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago the American heart Association issued new guidelines for CPR, consistent with the June 15 2008 post here.

USA Today has a nice website with animated graphics that lead you through the new process, anyone can review that here.

This hands-only CPR method is not always appropriate, rescue breathing is still encouraged for children.

What, an herbal berry snack?

2010-11-03T07:43:00.000-04:00

hawthorn berry aka crataegus

In the American or eclectic herbal tradition Hawthorn berry was used for heart benefit.

In China, the same berry was favored for digestive support. Hawthorn berry is the major medicinal herb in the popular (white) Bojenmi tea.

Hawthorn inspired snacks are likely available in your local Asia markets (e.g. Haw Flakes).

Dr De-Xin Yan and Aging Gracefully

2010-10-25T15:54:00.003-04:00

This is about Dr Yan's work on aging. He developed an unusually helpful herbal formula.

********
Maintaining good health and promoting longevity have been goals of mankind since ancient times. From the beginning of civilization people have been searching for the secret recipes of living a long and healthy life.

Although aging itself is unavoidable, modern medical experiments have proved that none of us live as long as we may actually be capable of living. Traditional Chinese physicians believe that longevity is rooted in a balance of the blood's vital energy and circulation. They believe that good health is maintained by the equilibrium of healthy blood and Qi - the vital energy that drives blood circulation.

Now, after devoting centuries to studying health and longevity, traditional Chinese herbalists are integrating modern science with their vast knowledge of herbs to achieve new breakthroughs in our understanding of how herbs can restore health to the aged and potentially increase lifespan.

Many factors including stress, the environment, mental states, and a poor diet can impair our well-being and disturb the body's harmony and equilibrium. As we age, further changes naturally occur in our body that can reduce Qi energy and blood circulation.

When this occurs, the body's internal organs fail to receive vital amounts nutrients and begin to work less efficiently.

The Key to Vital Energy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a person enters old age, there is a tendency to suffer from a deficiency of Qi, the vital energy which drives blood circulation. This deficiency can be the result of such factors as social stress, environmental influence, adverse mental states and illness or trauma. Eventually this deficiency can lead to poor blood circulation.

In comparing blood samples taken from both young and elderly people, researchers at the Blood Stasis and Aging Research Group of the Shanghai Railway Medical Hospital discovered that blood samples from young adults is thinner and has a brighter hue than that of the elderly, revealing an apparent association between blood stagnation and aging.

When blood stagnation occurs, the body's internal organs don't receive their normal nutrients and waste products aren't carried away at a sufficient rate. The organs are unable to perform their functions, resulting in weakness, disease and aging. A cycle begins which aggravates the imbalance of vital energy and blood. Therefore, the essence of aging is blood stasis caused by the imbalance between Qi and blood.

After studying clinical data, microcirculation, and hemodynamics, Dexin Yan, a professor at the Shanghai Medical University formulated his thesis on aging, asserting that "The human aging process results from an imbalance between the vital life energy and internal conditions of the body. This imbalance causes a thickening and stagnation of the blood in the circulatory system."

Blood Stagnation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi and blood stagnation are the root causes of illness, and the key to the proper functioning of bodily organs is achieved by optimizing the performance of the microcirculatory or capillary system. This blood system acts as an internal exchange organ, functioning to distribute nutrients throughout the body, carry away metabolic wastes and regulate interstitial and endovascular fluids. Conversely, any breakdown of the microcirculatory system leads to a series of pathological changes involving the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, while contributing to senility and speeding the aging process.

Chinese Herbal Breakthrough

After 8 years of clinical and laboratory testing, the Blood Stasis & Aging Research Group at the Shanghai Railway Central Hospital, headed by Dr. Yan, introduced its new herb formula, Herbal Yuth. A product of clinical development and scientific evaluation, Herbal Yuth was designed to serve as the foundation remedy for many of the conditions associated with aging in TCM. After studying clinical data and scientific finding on aging and senility, Dr. Yan arrived at a formula that combines ten of the most valuable herbs known to herbalists around the world for their excellent Qi producing quality. In addition, the formula promotes balance of yin and yang and helps to maintain Qi energy at its highest level.

Clinical Study of 150 Elderly Patients

To evaluate Herbal Yuth and estimate its effect on microcirculation, Chinese researchers conducted a clinical study of 150 patients ranging in age from 55 to 89 years. Test subjects took the product for a one-month period. The trial found statistically significant improvements of such common symptoms as chest tightness, chest pains, hearts palpitations, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lower limb edema, lack of appetite, poor mood and poor complexion.

Researchers also found significant improvements in clinical measurements, showing a reduction and regulation of blood pressure, reduced ECG abnormalities, lower viscosity of whole blood plasma, improved capillary microcirculation, increased immunity, increased synthesis of plasma albumin, and improvements in the plasma albumin/plasma globulin ratio.

Interpretation of the clinical results indicate that Herbal Yuth possesses the ability to expand coronary arteries and the arterioles of the brain and lungs, to raise T-cell immunity, and to promote the synthesis and metabolism of proteins. The formula should have excellent supportive actions on such elderly disorders as insufficient blood supply to the brain, coronary heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and hypoproteinemia.

Herbal Yuth is a Chinese anti-aging formula designed to improve microcirculation and restore internal organ function. Chinese medicine considers blood stagnation to be the underlying cause of many conditions characterized by pain or lack of nourishment from poor blood flow. Damage to capillaries, thickening of the blood, and lack of new blood formation are the components of microcirculation problems Herbal Yuth is designed to support.

Herbal Yuth's ability to support microcirculation make it useful in support of strokes, angina, arteriosclerosis, thromboarthritis, migraines, and other circulatory disorders. Because blood flow to internal organ is improved, function of the liver, brain, heart, and other organs is also enhanced. As a sports formula, Herbal Yuth is valuable following injury or after workouts to reduce congestion cardiovascular functioning, enhance sports performance should follow ingestion.

Since 1998, Chinese experts have agreed that Herbal Yuth is a major breakthrough in herbal products. Today, it is a popular herbal beverage used throughout China and the Orient.

Herbal Yuth contains an assortment of pure, natural substances. These include elements of iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese as well as an array of herbs traditionally used by the Chinese to balance the yin and yang and harmonize the body.

Herbal Yuth drink is a mild, non-medical and non-toxic herbal beverage and may be enjoyed periodically or on a regular basis.

Administration: Take 3 tablets, 1 time a day. Wait 2 weeks after stroke to begin administration. Do not use if you are or may be pregnant.

NOTE: These experiments and clinical studies were conducted in China. The information in this article is to be used as a reference only, and no medical claim is either expressed or implied.

*********

Its hard to choose herbs properly because of the pervasive presence of prescription drugs. Herbal Yuth is clearly not helpful for one with a bleeding tendency (hemophilia) or a person taking a blood thinning medication.

If you are not using other medications, you might consider Yan's Herbal Yuth formula. Its available from Vita Springs.
The beauty of this formula is in prophylactic use, a low dose (lower than the manufacturer recommends) over a long time can serve as a preventive for the conditions it was designed to treat.

Electroshock Therapy for Mom (or you in later years)?

2010-10-19T14:36:00.005-04:00

ECT is often used for treating depression and lately even for improving manageability of nursing home residents. Apparently physical or chemical restraints are not sufficient so they turn to abuse/trauma.

ECT may happen to you when you are older, perhaps with mild dementia, or unable to give informed consent.

Like Watergate, the key to understanding ECT use is to follow the $, its a big bucks phenomenon.

Some say "ECT is OK for a very small subset of people with depression, but when used appropriately it can save lives".

Those who say this are not able to discern the difference between placebo and harmful treatment.

The only benefit from ECT derives from the placebo effect. The medical world can easily prove this by arranging a series of treatments where the only change is to unplug the device that administers shock.

ECT is always inappropriate treatment: the mind is not in the brain/body, its much larger than the body.

Its impossible to benefit the mind by abusing the body.

ECT is a scam, a massive but sanctioned charade.

Every ECT treatment induces undiagnosed PTSD (see also link at sidebar), usually also untreated.

I continue to explore this topic (checking for correspondence of side effects with Frontotemporal Dementias).

A broad recent view of ECT is in the Rutgers University Press book Doctors of Deception by Linda Andre, 2009.

Osteoporosis ?

2010-10-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

The FDA has second thoughts about drugs typically used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Apparently some people who use these drugs have inexplicable leg fractures (the thigh bone). Given FDA's dismal track record of protecting the public, I would not be surprised that the truth about bisphosphonates is worse than what FDA reports.

Somebody in the government has lost track of that ancient admonition for physicians,

"first do no harm"

If these fractures are merely side effects of proper medicines, you may begin to wonder how such a rich and powerful nation can produce such crap and call it medicine.

avoiding bedbugs

2010-10-12T15:34:00.001-04:00

We have friends here in our community and one of their sons is an entomologist (insect expert), and has been telling them that there is an epidemic of bed bugs now occurring in America. Recently I have heard on the news that several stores in NYC have had to close due to bed bug problems, as well as a complete mall in New Jersey .

He says that since much of our clothing, sheets, towels, etc. now comes from companies outside of America, (sad but true), even the most expensive stores sell foreign clothing from China, Indonesia, etc. The bed bugs are coming in on the clothing as these countries do not consider them a problem. He recommends that if you buy any new clothing, even underwear and socks, sheets, towels, etc. that you bring them into the house and put them in your clothes dryer for at least 20 minutes. The heat will kill them and their eggs.

DO NOT PURCHASE CLOTHES AND HANG THEM IN THE CLOSET FIRST.

It does not matter what the price range is of the clothing, or if the outfit comes from the most expensive store known in the U.S. They still get shipments from these countries and the bugs can come in a box of scarves or anything else for that matter. That is the reason why so many stores, many of them clothing stores have had to shut down in NYC and other places.

Anxiety Cure

2010-10-12T14:54:00.001-04:00

Anxiety is a part of the experience of every body, with few exceptions. Most have some degree of chronic or generalized anxiety, undiagnosed in many (often including excessive worry and apprehension concerning health or daily problems).

Its a kind of filter that colors our perceptions and inhibits our ability to be ourSelves. Think about the last year, do you see yourself in parts of this generalized anxiety symptom set?

difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
being easily fatigued
restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
irritability
muscle tension
sleep disturbance

Because the body exhibits patterns expressed by mind, the cure for anxiety lies in how you use your Mind. Medicines and herbs may provide short term relief, never a cure. Nothing ingested touches mind.

The cure is to eventually always live as though you are the wholly holy joyous child of your beloved Creator.

You cannot undo what is true. Choose any other way to live and gradually your life becomes a living hell.

Earth is a perfect example. Although many here are inclined to think that they can leave earth, perhaps to go to heaven, most do not realize that the so-called leaving often results in a return to the domain of time and space. So life on earth is like being on a merry-go-round (but the ride isn't a lot of fun) that seems hard to get off of. A kind of recurring nightmare, a hellish experience.

Anxiety is the fruit of separation thought.

The curing process involves letting go of separation and moving toward joining. Being a joyous child means that you spend some time in quiet communion with your Creator. There is nothing to fear for you are created guilt free and remain now and will always be a beloved child of your Creator. Always, all ways, no exceptions. Preparation for communion includes forgiveness and surrender of false idols.

As to forgiveness, recall the bumps in your day, what buttons were pushed, places where your peace was lost for awhile, and forgive what you can. False idols vary, we each have our own list, perhaps

any body, earth, any planet, a book, any illness
concern about $, sexuality, employment, crime, the environment

Be joyous and imagine yourself for a time, at an altar .... the altar of your Creator.

If that is too great a leap, ask an angel or trusted guide to escort you to this altar.

Perhaps you can express your gratitude for sustenance and for being Created as an extension of endless infinite Love.

Place on the altar each false idol, whatever you don't need, plans, goals, and surrender all to your Creator.

Rest quietly and joyfully there at the altar for awhile and just listen .... as much as possible be at peace and trust in your Creator's benevolence .... cherish the Love that surrounds you and radiates from you.

Be patient with yourself in your curing process, there may be some resistance from a part of your mind (if so that resistance would appear as subsequent body focus).

Gradually this periodic quiet communion will cure anxiety. Although blessings are immediate, they may not be noticed for awhile.

Cell Phone for Boomers and their Elders

2010-10-12T14:50:00.000-04:00

Consider the Doro products.

even a small estate can be well planned

2010-10-01T04:26:00.001-04:00

It seemed right to update old wills. An attorney in Raleigh recommended David T. Watters, Esq. to help us with estate planning matters (will, living will, power of attorney etc). It was interesting (for me as a paralegal) to see how skillfully and thoughtfully his work was done. Always respectful of client preferences, patient, and always alert to possible pitfalls or problems. We have had will revisions over the years, but this result is remarkable .... we are very pleased. His law offices are just uphill from Crabtree Valley Mall (see map at link above).

C. diff & hope

2010-08-18T15:18:00.004-04:00

When a client has C. diff (aka Clostridium difficile) its a very challenging (a lot of suffering and constitutional weakening) illness. The majority of my clients who died in the hospital died with, or soon after having, a C. diff infection.

Although common in our culture, C. diff may sometimes be dismissed as "just a tendency to diarrhea". There are preventive measures for C. diff and these are not always well followed in Triangle area facilities.

The NY Times reported a promising C. diff treatment, bacteriotherapy, by Dr Khoruts. His therapy used a spousal donor. The sine qua non is patient receptivity, their deep belief that the process and donor are beneficial.

enhancing vision after macular degeneration

2010-03-03T12:39:00.005-05:00

Vision Enhancing Systems (VES) are available to help compensate for Macular Degeneration. A variety of VES devices are available from Ocutech.

My eye doctor recommends consultation with Dr. Henry A Greene, to discover which device can best help. Dr Greene is in the Durham office Mon to Thurs, call (919) 493-7456.

slowing age-related macular degeneration

2010-02-06T16:14:00.004-05:00

Ocuvite PreserVision seems helpful in reducing the progression of vision loss for people with moderate or advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

It is an antioxidant supplement described here.

If it works as described, a lower dose earlier in life may delay the onset of AMD.

Tools for the Saavy Senior

2009-12-29T13:38:00.002-05:00

Trisha Torrey provides some helpful guidance about good ways to navigate our health care system .... such as it is.

Aging in Place

2009-12-12T17:56:00.000-05:00

These web sites are germane to aging in place and may help an elder or a boomer, as the years go by:

Aging in Place and related technology insights

bankruptcy ?

2009-11-29T19:19:00.003-05:00

Many years ago bankruptcy seemed to me a dirty word. With the strange happenings in home finance and rising medical costs, it is a reality for many now and more in the future. Nolo Press has a helpful web log, see especially the work of the attorney Steve Elias.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night

2009-10-18T10:57:00.001-04:00

What to take to bed with you - not a joke. Pretty neat idea.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The car alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Audio Books: adults or children

2009-08-10T12:33:00.003-04:00

NC provides a free service so that blind and handicapped residents can obtain audio books (along with a player and headphones). See the link named audio books in the links list for this blog.

The recent catalog has

30 pages of books for adults
11 pages of books for children
5 pages of foreign language books
3 pages of magazines on cassette

You can also call toll free to

888-388-2460

Building a Kitchen Cabinet

2009-07-31T07:19:00.006-04:00

Not about remodeling, I am not Norm Abrahms from This Old House. OK, true confession, I wish his workshop were closer by so I could stop in and see what's happening .... he and Tommy are the best!

This is about how to ensure that you or your elder friends have a kind of personal cadre of helpful advisors. The attorney Donna R Chmura has written about this recently.

See the related link on this page, Kitchen Cabinet for Elders and Family. She writes very well and was recently mentioned to me by a colleague as a helpful person.

Cane Fu ... fine for many, but not every Senior

2009-07-25T04:55:00.016-04:00

Nursing home residents are better off to avoid aggressive use of a cane because they risk getting hurt when their own cane is wrenched away from their grip and used against them. The same is true for many in Rehab and some in Assisted Living.

For many Srs, those active at home or in Sr Centers, or Independent Living facilities, Cane Fu seems fine. Ditto for teens and other adults. The use of the cane for exercise and rehab seems quite good. I plan to use mine in stretching exercises.

A cane can help you protect yourself. See the self-defense link on this page for an interesting article.

I bought a MiniCane but was disappointed with the training video. It is not well done (music swamps out the instructors voice) and more importantly the training does not help lay people. The MiniCane instructions presume the user is trained in law enforcement and seeking to apply handcuffs. As a lay person, my preference is to inhibit or disable an attacker.

Identity Theft and Obituary, Executor Burden

2009-07-24T06:10:00.005-04:00

Below is part of an obituary from a newspaper. It is written so as to avoid pitfalls which expose many to identity theft (the deceased are prime targets for such activity). I removed some text now shown as ....

"Early in the morning hours of July 20, 2009, (I took out his name) died peacefully at Duke Medical Center, near where he graduated from .......... over a half century earlier.

Born on a farm on the plains of Texas in 1920, ............ grew up during the Great Depression. He attended West Texas A&M University ......." (truncated for brevity).

Notice that the birth is not detailed (year only mentioned not month and day) and the location is broadly specified, the plains of Texas. Enough info for the reader to recognize that a friend has passed away but not so much as to provide fodder for indentity thieves. In these times such measures are prudent and may ease the burden on an Executor.

Self-insuring for home care and LTC expenses

2009-07-22T02:27:00.006-04:00

In the last few years, two clients were unable to benefit from LTC insurance they purchased (at considerable cost of many years of monthly premiums) many years ago.

One man was about to enter LTC and passed away at age 81 while still in Hospice care at a Raleigh hospital. Because of a long waiting period, his prior four months of home care expenses were not reimbursed and are an out-of-pocket expense.

Over the last four months another man around age 90 had brief periods (rehab & LTC) that were truncated by his need to return to the hospital. Here too, because of a long waiting period, the expense of his in-hospital private duty aides were largely out-of-pocket.

Apparently for these men, LTC was a boon to the insurance company. They both paid big bucks for coverage for a long time and drew almost no benefit. So for some of us it makes more sense to self-insure, to put aside the $ into personal savings, earmarking it for later home care or nurse aide expense, instead of buying LTC insurance.

This is no accident, the underwriters look at vast amounts of data and structure LTC policies (with long waiting periods) that give the consumer a psychological benefit ("I'm ready for what may come") but very little monetary benefit.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

2009-07-12T13:51:00.002-04:00

Cognitive and emotional symptoms
Damage to the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes affect complex thinking and reasoning abilities which can result in other symptoms commonly associated with FTD. Increasing impairment in “executive functions” affects a person’s ability to plan, organize and execute activities, while emotional changes impact relationships. Symptoms may include:

Distractibility and impersistence, increasing difficulty staying on task mentally.
Mental rigidity and inflexibility, insistence on having his or her own way, increasing difficulty adapting to new or changing circumstances.
Planning and problem solving impairments, abstract reasoning decreases. Examples of this would include difficulty coordinating the cooking of a meal, or making a shopping list and performing necessary errands.
Poor financial judgment, impulsive spending or financial risk taking
Reduced initiative, lack of motivation, and an apparent loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies and social activities.
Lack of insight into one’s behavior develops early; the patient does not recognize changes in his or her own behaviors and shows no concern for the effect of these behaviors on others, including loved ones.
Mood changes that can be abrupt and frequent.

For added detail see the link on the right.

food allergy ... gluten

2009-07-09T16:43:00.001-04:00

This is an amazingly comprehensive perspective on problems many have (and many of those don't know) with gluten, a component of wheat.

Who has Power of Attorney for Health Care?

2009-07-06T04:30:00.003-04:00

A "health care power of attorney" -also known as a "durable power of attorney for health care" - can be helpful when you're unable to make medical decisions for yourself. You might also hear it referred to as a "health care proxy" or a "medical power of attorney." It names someone who "stands in your shoes" and tells the doctors what to do - or not do - for you.

Unlike the living will - which usually is limited to terminally ill patients - this document applies whenever you're unable to make medical decisions, such as when you're temporarily incapacitated or seriously ill.

When choosing someone to be your health care power of attorney, you'll want someone who:

Basically agrees with your views and whose judgment you trust
Can stand up for your preferences
Can talk comfortably with doctors

It's also a good idea to name an alternate, in case your first choice isn't available.

Being able to readily communicate with medical staff is crucial. I saw a poor example of this recently. A woman was quite ill and the physicians had no good options for her. Her husband has POA and also has considerable short term memory loss. They sought her opinion about how to proceed and this is risky because she has dementia, and is unable to think clearly. During a pivotal conference he and the medical staff had communication difficulties, misunderstandings followed and anger gave way to reason. Second and third opinions were sought (no wonder health care costs rise) and a course of action was chosen .... with little if any net benefit for the woman, her condition worsened.

Click here for additional information on choosing the POA for health.

Graceful Passages

2009-06-27T06:16:00.003-04:00

An extended list of people and organizations who might be interested in or benefited by GRACEFUL PASSAGES includes;

those who are beginning to inquire about the deeper issues of life
therapists and their patients
hospices, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions
the chronically or terminally ill, their families, friends and other caregivers
people suffering loss relationally, professionally or financially
pastors, rabbis, priests, chaplains, social workers, counselors
the "cultural creative" audience, and those interested in self-discovery
medical, nursing, psychology, theology and sociology students

Skin Cancer & Elders (basal cell carcinoma)

2009-06-10T10:27:00.003-04:00

As years pass and sun damage accumulates, some adults experience a skin cancer. Last year I was fortunate to meet the gifted Paul S Riske, M.D. He was kind enough to repair an eyelid, just after Dr Flynn (also a wonderful physician) treated a skin cancer, via MOHS surgical removal. Dr Riske was a great help in my recovery - thoughtful conversant compassionate, remarkably skillful and very observant. If I make another skin cancer I will gladly seek their help.

Elder Abuse and Neglect in Home Care

2009-06-09T14:22:00.006-04:00

NC law protects disabled adults of any age from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The law states that "any person having reasonable cause to believe that a disabled adult is in need of protective services shall report such information." Definitions are:

Abuse – willful infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services necessary to maintain mental and physical health.

Neglect – a disabled adult who is either living alone and not able to provide for himself the services necessary to maintain his mental or physical health or is not receiving services from his caretaker.

Exploitation – illegal or improper use of a disabled adult or his resources for another's profit or advantage.

Where To Report Abuse

You should report abuse to your local Department of Social Services in the county where the disabled adult lives.

For additional help, call the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services CARE-LINE toll free within North Carolina at 1-800-662-7030.

In Wake County, you can report abuse neglect or exploitation by calling 919-212-7264

In my home care work I have seen two instances of abuse and neglect in the last few years.

I was caring for an invalid who was recovering from a stroke. His wife came into the room to observe how he was doing with some exercises (he was somewhat inattentive or not so interested), she walked over and gave him a very very hard slap in the face. I was shocked and chalked that up to a isolated incident of bad temper on her part. A few weeks later she hit him again. I resolved to report abuse if it happened once more but there were no further incidents.

I was caring for an elderly woman with progressively worsening dementia. On the weekend her family set out her prescription medications in a large partitioned box that held all the pills for the whole next week. By law, I cannot administer medicines but I do observe. Over a period of several weeks I noticed that the pills were not being used up in the planned way ... some days the previous days pills were still there (she forgot to take any medicine) some days the pills for the next day were missing (she took too many). For several weeks I repeatedly urged various family members to find a better way to help their mom with medication but nothing ever changed. I called DHHS and filed a neglect report with NC. DHHS noted my report (and took no other action) in case of a future complaint (apparently there is some threshold, they only do something when they have more than 1 complaint). A few weeks later I told the family they needed to make other care arrangements for their mom, a way that she would have more appropriate care .... home care was insufficient.

"Worried Sick" by Dr Hadler at UNC

2009-06-09T06:18:00.004-04:00

A Prescription for Health in an Overtreated America

For me its not an easy read, but Dr Hadler seems to be on target. Here is introductory material, an interview of the author, about the published book.

Benadryl? Be careful!!

2009-06-07T16:33:00.005-04:00

A family member asked me to check on an elder's long term use of Benadryl (in rehab, this elder could not do his occupational therapy, seemed depressed).

Our Federal government has published guidance about this medicine. Some of that follows (I marked in italics any reported circumstance that seem to me to be related to this elder's capability) in quotes:

note, the chemical name for the trademark name Benadryl is Diphenhydramine

"Performance Effects: All first generation antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, have been demonstrated to diminish cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. Impairment might even be of greater clinical significance in patients when the allergic disorder per se adversely affects CNS function, as suggested in studies in which a reduction in cognitive functioning in patients was exacerbated by diphenhydramine . Laboratory studies have shown diphenhydramine to decrease alertness, decrease reaction time, induce somnolence, impair concentration, impair time estimation, impair tracking, decrease learning ability, and impair attention and memory within the first 2-3 hours post dose. Significant adverse effects on vigilance, divided attention, working memory, and psychomotor performance have been demonstrated. It is important to note that impairment has been shown to occur even in the absence of self-reported sleepiness or sedation. Concurrent use of diazepam and diphenhydramine caused significant performance decrements at 2 hours, and to some degree up to 4 hours.

Side Effect Profile: Includes agitation, anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, disturbed coordination, irritability, paresthesia, blurred vision, and depression. In overdose, symptoms may include excitement, ataxia, tremor, sinus tachycardia, fever, hallucination, athetosis, convulsions or seizures, hypotension, deep coma, cardiorespiratory collapse, and death. Fixed and dilated pupils are also observed. Gastrointestinal symptoms are less with diphenhydramine than with other H 1 antagonists.

Effects: First generation H 1 antagonists can both stimulate and depress the CNS. Stimulation results in restlessness, nervousness and inability to sleep, while depressive effects include diminished alertness, slowed reaction time and somnolence. Diphenhydramine is particularly prone to cause marked sedation. Drowsiness, reduced wakefulness, altered mood, impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance may also be observed."

This medicine may have helped him a lot over the years, but is it serving well today? It may be that this elder has an adverse reaction to Benadryl, its myriad effects overlap his several difficulties.

Neglect Abuse and Incompetence in Eldercare at Triangle Institutions

2009-05-25T17:13:00.007-04:00

Institutional care in the Triangle can be less helpful than you may suspect. In my work with elders I saw

a man in hospice care at a Raleigh hospital who was given an inappropriate medication and dose, too sedating, so powerful he could not eat or visit with family ... essentially comatose

a man in a Durham nursing home whose prescription medication was ignored (not refilled) when the tube of ointment became empty (the staff attitude seemed to be that he would die soon so what's the point in using the ointment to ease his rash)

a nurse aide in a Cary hospital who tossed soiled linens into the guest chair rather than placing them in the appropriate container ... would you want to sit there?

staff at an Apex rehab facility who over a 4 day period, repeatedly left a patient's room without placing the call button in reach (a blind/deaf patient) and the staff blamed each other (the nurse said the CNA did it, the CNA said the therapist did it) ... inappropriate care
a LTC facility in Apex with a toilet paper dispenser so far in front of the toilet that nobody on the toilet seat can reach the toilet paper. This ensures that as a patient tries to reach .... leans forward, they may fall.

If you want to ensure your elder relatives receive proper care you or a friend will want to be there as much as possible. That seems the only way to ensure compassionate eldercare these days.

For legal definitions of neglect and abuse see above, the more recent post (6/9/09) entitled "Elder Abuse and Neglect in Home Care".

Hands Only CPR

2008-06-15T15:30:00.003-04:00

In the last few months, research has revealed a better method of CPR, effective and yet simpler than what has been taught by the Red Cross and other first aid related trainings. Its called

hands only CPR

is encouraged by the American Heart Association, and can be seen at this web site

http://handsonlycpr.eisenberginc.com/

in a free demonstration video.

Coffee by Michael Traub

2008-03-22T16:12:00.003-04:00

America's favorite drug is grown right here on the Kona coast. In fact, this is the only place in the U.S. where it is grown. So it's not pakalolo, alcohol or tobacco. You may have guessed it by now. That's right. Kona coffee. Over half the population of the U.S. drinks at least two cups of coffee a day. 25% of coffee drinkers consume about five cups daily, and another 25% drink ten or more cups a day.

Coffee is not just a beverage, it's a drug. Hundreds of thousands of law abiding citizens are physically addicted to coffee. But relax. This article is not out to persuade you to give up coffee. It is intended to help you become aware of how coffee affects you, how it can damage your health. After reading this, some of you may continue your coffee drinking habits. Others, however, may decide to make changes and move from addiction to conscious choice in determining your coffee consumption.

If you're a coffee addict, I understand how you feel. It smells so good, it tastes so good and it gives you such a boost, at least for a while. I know that it is hard to give up, and that you may not want to. But maybe you will. Or maybe you'll prefer to moderate your use and at least not drink it habitually.

It is the caffeine in coffee which makes it addictive, and which accounts for most of the known adverse effects of coffee. However, there are hundreds of other chemicals in coffee. Caffeine is a carcinogen, but coffee contains numerous other ones, created by the high heat of roasting, such as creosote, pymdine, tars and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The darker the roast, the greater the potential hazard. Studies linking coffee consumption with cancer are conflicting and inconclusive at this point, but there is a suggestion of a higher incidence of cancers of the pancreas, ovaries, bladder, and kidneys in coffee drinkers.

Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing enough adrenaline. Adrenal insufficiency can then lead to a host of other problems, including a weakened immune response, anxiety and panic attacks. Caffeine also interferes with adenosine, a brain chemical that normally has a calming effect, and raises the level of lactate, an biochemical known to produce panic attacks.

Click here for more.

Drugs to Beware of

2008-02-23T14:41:00.003-05:00

Dr Mercola (see Holistic Physician link) reports that many common illnesses can be caused by pharmaceutical drugs

Depression: Accutane, Advil, Cipro, Inderal, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac,
Psychosis/Hallucinations: Benadryl, Celebrex, Dexatrim, Vioxx
Dementia: Aldomet, Inderal, Tagamet, Xanax
Parkinsonism: Cardizem, Haldol, Elavil, Risperdal, Thorazine

additional detail is at the worst pills site.

Facing Eldercare

2008-02-07T14:26:00.001-05:00

We face eldercare as a provider for a family member or as a recipient. The best guidance in any case is from Rachelle Zuckerman.

Her book on Eldercare is a classic, a recommended reference or read.

This handy book is an introduction to practical geriatrics; the standard ‘dummy’ format allows the reader to jump to the topic of concern without reading the book in order as written. Topics include:

“How to Care for a Never Thirsty Elder” and

“10 Tests to Help you Assess a Nursing Home” and

“10 Ways that Elders Hide their Feelings”.

The functional assessment section guides lay readers in the basics of functional assessment
and makes practical suggestions on how to address these deficits. There is also a section on tips for communicating with care receivers. The section on ‘Everyday Challenges’ includes tips on ‘How to spoon feed with dignity’.

Food (for those 50 and older)

2008-02-04T19:35:00.001-05:00

Tufts University has published a food pyramid for elders and an explanatory guide. This seems superior to much of the guidance otherwise available to care givers or elders. It is intended for anyone over 50 and especially helpful for those over 70.

Elder Massage

2008-02-02T06:12:00.000-05:00

A former client experienced a few sessions of therapeutic massage from Barbara Atchison (LMBT # 7132). In the last few months of his life, this was a definite highlight for him. The memory of it always brought a wide smile with enthusiastic appreciation, and the feel good after-effect lingered for days.
You can reach Barbara at 919.219.7475 and her office is at

718 W. Lane Street
Suite A
Raleigh, NC 27603

Alternative Healing News: Townsend Letter, Vitamin D

2008-01-31T05:16:00.003-05:00

The Townsend Letter has provided helpful information for the many years I subscribed to the printed journal (carried by a few local stores). Below is a an on-line update, there is a lot of good material on-line, these are some recent additions.

New Articles Online at TownsendLetter.com

This list may also be found in an HTML format at http://www.townsendletter.com/newarticles.htm

The Townsend Letter also published the curious and informative Vitamin D Quiz.

Subscriptions to the print magazine can be ordered at
http://www.townsendletter.com/subscriptions.htm

Evidence Based Guidelines for Home Care

2008-01-10T11:14:00.001-05:00

This set of 37 home care guidelines can be used by lay people. They were written by and for nurses but the writing style avoids jargon and they are quite readable by others. They seem pricey but the quality is superb and some of the guidelines I studied seem better than North Carolina approved procedures (used in regulating NC long term care workers in nursing homes).

Clients have been interested guidelines on bedsores, bathing, and oral hygiene.

Click here to order any home care guideline from Iowa State.

Natural Form, a better bed

2008-01-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

We all from time to time may be bedridden, a broken leg, a surgical recovery, etc. The Natural Form type of bed has had great results for those in hospital or LTC during the last few years.

I tried out this bed, it felt quite good.

The Natural Form product can be configured in a smaller size, to fit a wheelchair seat.

This bed came out of the medical market and is now available to anyone. Natural Form is designed to be the Optimum Sleeping Environment which must include pressure relief, proper spinal alignment, and reduced body temperature.

The Natural Form bed is the Optimum Sleeping Environment because it does all three by eliminating pressure points (the technology is used to cure bed sores…so imagine what it will do after 8 hours of sleep…no pressure), properly supporting the spine using 9 independent air cylinders that can conform to your body shape and weight, and reducing body temperature by using a 100% all natural Marino/Downs Wool cover that is washable right at home and can wick away moisture during the night. People like sleeping on an all-natural surface versus synthetic pillow tops or covers.

The wool also provides a clean environment and no more dust mites. The bed is replaceable by component so you don’t have to throw your bed away…you can simply replace the topper.

No other consumer bed can eliminate pressure points which is the real enemy of sleep. A 90 night trial is provided and all people pay is shipping back to the factory if they are not 100% satisfied.

You can email Neal Anderson at

neal@naturalform.com

for more information or call

Toll Free is 877.977.5337.

I do not own a Natural Form bed (I was very impressed in reading the clinical trials), but its on my list to be purchased. I have no business interest in the bed, its just nice to know what works.

Book Review "Good Calories Bad Calories"

2008-01-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

This is a book review, some insights about the cause of certain chronic diseases. How the body works is not like what you have probably been told. Most of the insights below are in the Epilogue of "Good Calories Bad Calories", a recent tome by Gary Taubes. They seem congruent with the views of the few able physicians I met, or whose work I studied.

Inflammation is a hidden cause of many body problems.

Fat in the diet does not cause obesity, heart disease, or chronic disease.

Obesity is a disorder of excess fat accumulation, not overeating, not being sedentary.

Expending more energy than you consume leads to hunger.

The fewer carbohydrates you consume, the leaner you will be. Carbohydrates increase hunger and decrease the amount of energy expended in metabolism and physical activity. Refined carbohydrates are a problem (sucrose aka sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are especially problematic). They cause coronary heart disease and diabetes, and are a likely cause of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic diseases.

Seems like a radical view, and the beauty of it is you can self-observe or experiment, to see what is true for your body.

Eventually, we will see that the cause of all bodily difficulties is hidden guilt in the mind. In any illness, the body merely exhibits an idiosyncratic way we self-punish to assuage a guilt we harbor through misunderstanding.

Nasaline and sinuses

2006-07-25T08:41:00.000-04:00

My physician provides this nasal rinse product for her patients. Its functions like the Neti-pot used in south asia and helps rinse the sinus of irritants allergans and excess mucous. One of my clients has the Nasaline product, he is sure it will help his recovery from sinusitis, something he sometimes struggles with in winter.

Nasaline looks to me like it would be more effective than the Neti-pot and helpful for people with chronic congestion. If you see a physician about respiratory issues, you can discuss Nasaline with them. It is not foolproof, if the saline rinse fluid is not properly prepared, problems can follow.

Wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma

2006-07-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

A man came for acupressure with a concern about asthma. He said it was allergy induced so we included points to strengthen immunity. For anyone with asthma, it can be important to avoid allergens, until you gain strength and are less troubled by what you eat or environmental influences.

For an acute attack, cocoa chocolate or coffee can help alleviate wheezing and shortness of breath.

In between attacks, strengthen the immune system (vitamins A C E and zinc are essential). Because of likely allergy influence on asthma,

test (e.g. ALCAT test) for specific dietary irritants (preferable)

eliminate suspect foods (milk eggs shellfish fish nuts)

Minimize cold foods and cold beverages as they constrict bronchial tubes, causing spasms. Avoid if possible:

sudden extremes of heat, cold, humidity, or dryness

both mental and physical over exertion

mucous producing foods (sugar, fried or greasy food, cheese or other dairy, white flour products)

contact with animal dander

Additional guidance is below in the May 5 and May 6 posts.
A person with asthma can be helped in their recovery by eating foods that reduce or minimize dampness and avoiding foods that increase it.

The Savvy Patient

2006-05-26T12:19:00.000-04:00

In spite of the best intentions and preventive measures, anyone can find themselves in need of medical care. Mark C. Pettus, M.D. has written a helpful guide to those navigating our fragile fragmented and sometimes dysfunctional health care system, see The Savvy Patient, a paperback book from Capital Books.

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS

2006-05-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Through proper use of foods and herbs and acupressure you can prevent or treat the mental and cognitive dysfunctions related to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS (e.g. forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration, reduced comprehension).

Instead of three typical meals a day have smaller more frequent meals.
Avoid overeating and stop each meal when ~80% full.
Eat a diverse diet including raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Choose foods (especially vegetables) rich in vitamins B1 B2 A C and E.

Oriental Medicine Perspective
We want to nourish the blood and support specific organ meridians:
Blood
lots of dark leafy greens, dandelion, egg, modest amounts of animal protein.

You can tell this is important if you have night blindness.

Kidney
means we do not want to have much cold food or stimulants like coffee or alcoholic
beverages or other recreational drugs. Yams lamb and a few walnuts can help.
Liver
means we do not want to have too much greasy fatty (e.g. fried) food or food that is too
spicy or too much red meat. Patience and tolerance helps.

You can tell this is important if you feel frustrated, sigh a lot or have a distended abdomen, are irritable, have rib-side pain, or a bitter taste in your mouth

Spleen
means we do not want too much sweet food or too much wheat. No cold food or drink with a meal (so as to not quench the digestive fire). Favor salads and squash and rice and sweet potato, soups and stews (some chicken). If you have a beverage with the meal, choose warm water or a hot tea. Be as carefree as possible.

You can tell that this is important if you have a fat enlarged tongue, feel tired, or feel drowsy after eating, or feel dizzy on standing up, or bruise easily

Finally
We want to control cholesterol (and reduce it if excessive) by avoiding simple sugars (e.g. cane sugar, candies, ice cream), yeasty foods, or alcohols. If obese we lose weight. If a smoker, we stop. Rest when tired. When you rest keep the abdomen flat for at 20+ minutes.
Some of the above may sound strange or far out, perhaps different from what you are used to.

You can experiment with these ideas and see what works for you (experiment for at least a month, three months is good).

If what you have been doing has not been working, it may help to try a new approach.

Reference: Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine, Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine, 2002

avoiding adverse drug reactions (ADR)

2006-05-14T06:39:00.000-04:00

An ADR is an adverse drug reaction. Complications of fragmented medical care and the way medications are developed and approved in the US bring more ADR risk to many and especially to older adults.

Iatrogen provides a helpful service named RxWise. The service includes

a portable USB flash drive ($40) or
use of a web based program ($24)

These tools provide information that can help you or your parent or child avoid an ADR.

The RxWise web site has a presentation you can watch on-line (click on animation or consumer presentation).

We are fortunate in the Wake County area that Resources for Seniors provides a similar and more personal service through their MEDS program.
An example of a profound ADR is described at the link to the right, see "ECT and PTSD".

sinuses: dry the damp via food choices

2006-05-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

Sinusitis (see the post from yesterday) is related to the condition of dampness, a term used in Chinese Medicine. Some foods dry the dampness e.g.

lettuce celery turnip kohlrabi rye amaranth aduki bean wild blue-green micro-algae asparagus white pepper alfalfa pumpkin vinegar papaya and
herbs such as chaparral pau d'arco valerian chamomile

My teacher Paul Pitchford writes that it helps in minimizing dampness to avoid or limit

dairy products (from cows) meat eggs tofu and other soy products pineapple salt and concentrated sweeteners

The TCM guidance shows that dairy from sheep and goats is less dampening. Problem foods, those that increase dampness, are

pork and rich meat roasted peanuts orange tomato and other concentrated juices wheat yeast beer bananas sugar sweetners saturated fats

A person with fatigue or sinusitis will be helped in their recovery by using foods that reduce or minimize dampness.
Reference: "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford, revised edition

fatigue and sinusitis

2006-05-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

He complained about fatigue, prolonged and sometimes profound. This always implies spleen meridian involvement. That meridian is deficient in chi. We did some acupressure to strengthen his spleen chi, benefit the sinuses and make for a better chi distribution.
Because of his sinusitis, it is important to (while clearing that out) choose foods that do not engender mucous and phlegm (avoiding these mucous/phlegm foods while he has sinusitis, as they also weaken the spleen). His diet often has dairy and that probably inhibits recovery from the fatigue and the sinusitis.
Overeating any of these foods can easily harm the spleen:

sugars and sweets
cheese
yogurt
nut butter
bread

His sinusitis is resistant to antibiotic therapy (which in itself weakens the spleen), so for recovery, the sinus terrain can be made less hospitable to the pathogens now thriving there.
Grains like wheat work best when eaten in rotation, having some only every 4th day (if there is wheat allergy avoidance for a few months is necessary).

Reference: Bob Flaws in "Secrets from the Orchid Chamber" Spring 2006 Vol II Blue Poppy Enterprises, Inc.

Adrenal Rebuilder and adrenal fatigue

2006-04-11T07:14:00.000-04:00

Adrenal Rebuilder seems to help client recovery from adrenal fatigue. It is a glandular supplement that provides substances for rebuilding the adrenals. The range of use extends from mild to moderate to severe levels of adrenal fatigue. It is not the only supplement that a recovering person might benefit from, but it seems to quicken recovery.

This supplement was designed by and is available from Dr James Wilson, the author of Adrenal Fatigue: the 21st Century Stress Syndrome.

Note, adrenal fatigue recovery very often requires lifestyle changes.

Silver: first aid, immune, flu, children, OD

2006-03-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

Colloidal silver has long been a valued presence in the family first aid kit (e.g. silver gel ). It works well topically like on a paper cut or other minor skin injuries. As my teacher Paul Pitchford noticed, silver is a yin tonic. That means it supports activity and activity consumes it. It boosts immunity.

Recent research with silver allows use of smaller particles, as small as 0.8 nanometers small enough so that the silver can dissolve in the water. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial (e.g. e. coli, streptococcus aureus) . It helps prevent influenza and seems promising as a mouth rinse, nasal spray.

Silver hydrosol can be used internally a few times each week to support immune health, see the info from Drunvalo.

A silver spoon is a thoughtful gift for any infant or parent to be, and silverware can be prophylactic for older children and adults. In the plagues of Europe centuries ago, the noblemen were less affected, perhaps in part, because they (ate well and) used silver utensils and plates or cups. The mere regular use of silver utensils may bring benefit to the body, even for adults.

You can tell you have too much silver if the following symptom profile appears, gradually:

Disposition to talk the whole time
Suddenly giddy, increased cheerfulness
A whirling in the head, as if drunken
Pain at the temporal bones, increased by touch
Tenderness and pain in bones
Joints feel weak or sore, especially in descending
Sensation of soreness in joints: especially of hands and feet, fingers and toes
Numbness in limbs, as if asleep Loss of power after walking, unusual fatigue
Feet oedematous, swollen.
Weary, forced to lie down and sleep
Pains increase gradually, disappear suddenly.
Corrosive itching of the lobules of both ears
Excessive fluent coryza, with sneezing, mornings
Frequent spasmodic, though painless twitching of the cardiac muscle, especially when lying on the back

Amalgam Fillings and Mercury

2006-02-10T18:32:00.001-05:00

One client was recently told by her family doctor that a silver amalgam filling was causing mercury toxicity problems for her, and added tests and treatment were planned. You can see on overview of this problem at Amalgam Fillings.

Music of Joshua Leeds

2006-01-14T08:14:00.001-05:00

The music of Joshua Leeds has been a good help for me. Joshua has a wide array of useful creations. I enjoy the relaxing benefit of his Calm product. Customer service queries for Sound-Remedies are answered by Joshua.

Joshua wrote a comprehensive book for the lay reader ("The Power of Sound") about how to manage your personal soundscape for a vital productive & healthy life. The book includes guidance for musicians and healthcare professionals.

Benefits of bone broth

2005-12-18T04:42:00.001-05:00

When I was a child, I recall mom sometimes making bone broth but not saying why, or if she did say, I forgot. She likely learned to do this from her mom, who immigrated here from Europe in the late 19th century. A physician sees many health benefits from bone broth consumption. Many of the old ways are worthwhile today.

Rosemary Leaf (first aid for a cold)

2005-11-18T08:22:00.001-05:00

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf is a pungent warm arterial and cardiac stimulant that:

stimulates circulation…. dispels cold….. relieves exhaustion

Rosemary came to my attention while thinking about a friend who had severe prolonged sinusitis that was unresponsive to antibiotics. He made a tea of some Rosemary from his kitchen and recovered nicely. For some, this can be a beneficial herb as a cooking spice or as a tea (gives a lasting kick to oatmeal).
Students and anyone with an occupation that requires prolonged thinking or who feels stressed and in need of restoration (cat nap) after work.
Women The woman who benefits from Rosemary may have excess mucous/phlegm or feel quite tired after menstruation, or feel cold in her hands or feet.
Chilly It can benefit some who struggle to feel warm in a place that feels comfy to others.
Men It may benefit men over 35. Among the prostate related chi meridians, Rosemary benefits the spleen and the kidney (yang). It invigorates and warms the blood, and dries up excess damp. Energetically it has the exact opposite effects as ice cream in the body. Ice cream is incredibly anti-prostate.
First Aid Rosemary seems ideal for the very early stage of a common cold (think of it as a mild sauna for your insides).
Endocrines Rosemary is warm, stimulating, and compensates for hypothyroid

The tea is especially good for a damp cool climate or anywhere when you awaken to what promises to be a chilly rainy day.

Note: Rosemary is inappropriate with hyperthyroid, mania, or yin deficient excess heat (e.g. a woman with hot flashes, a man with night sweats). I don't recommend it for anyone with a damp heat condition e.g. prostatitis, cystitis.

Tea
The recipe calls for from 1/5 to 2/5 oz of Rosemary leaves in a pint of water for a daily batch. A sun tea is preferable. For a sun tea, place the rosemary leaves in a jar of cold water and set it in the sun for 2 to 8 hours, you can warm it up later (but not in a microwave). Strain and serve.
If you can't make a sun tea, for a hot tea, pour boiled water over the leaves, cover and steep for 15 or 20 min (a French press works). Strain and serve.
The tea can be consumed 3 times each day, 1/3 batch each time.

A good way to begin with Rosemary tea is to try just one serving a day, and see how you feel.

constraint, wrist pain, and perspective

2005-11-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

She missed working with people and was doing desk (computer) work instead, and her wrists hurt. I wrote her about a small shift.

"Years ago, with my scout friends, I would often march in a parade. In the flow, we would sometimes need to slow or pause in our forward movement (march in place) while those ahead turned a corner or merged with other marching groups joining in the parade.

Perhaps you can see that the present focus on desk work is like a pause in your parade. In your Greater Work it helps to be true to your desire to work with people. Being true to your desire, the pause is not worthy of a lot of attention or worry or concern or frustration. It remains a brief pause in a lovely parade, that will lead you on.

It is also not necessary to think a lot about that desire, just

remain clear about it ... consistent (so when opportunity for choice arises, you can be clear enough to choose in congruence with it).

As part of Creation, you are not about What you do .... the magnificance of yourSelf is beyond that. This

magnificance shows in the way you do the What.

Perhaps you can bring a small shift to your feeling about the computer work you are part of now, knowing that it is but a small digression in your path (parade). When you feel accepting or tolerant of what is going on, it is possible your wrists may feel better."

I saw her several weeks later and she did make a shift. Her wrists were feeling somewhat better. There was talk among her managers of giving her more latitude in choosing her own work.

toothpaste, fluoride, & tap water

2005-11-15T11:50:00.001-05:00

Recently a friend consulted her physician about a mild facial rash and was asked about any use of a fluoride toothpaste (she had been using one). She was advised to stop using fluoride toothpaste and after she did, the rash went away.

The original tooth decay-prevention tests used calcium fluoride but it is sodium flouride (a toxic by-product of aluminum manufacture) that is used in water treatment. My teacher Paul Pitchford mentions this in his book on dietary therapy (along with the problems sodium flouridation causes for the thyroid and the immune system).

On his web log, Dr Mercola has often written about problems with fluoride.

Christopher Bryson wrote "The Fluoride Deception" (Hardcover ISBN: 1583225269) published by Seven Stories Press (February 15, 2004), a paper back edition is scheduled of Spring 06.

Hoku, an acupoint whose time has come

2005-11-01T05:33:00.001-05:00

Location
"Hoku" is near the wrist end of the crease formed when the index finger and thumb are brought together (on the back of the hand, in the middle of the 2ond metacarpal bone on the radial aspect). If you have trouble finding it, I can help you with that (it is on both hands).

Constraint

Use of Hoku (a name in Japanese) is forbidden for pregnant women.

Functions
This point relates to letting go. In general it moves energy down. Hoku (he gu in Chinese) has several other functions:

Generates endorphins, anesthetic effect

Indications: common cold, mumps, amenorrhea, voice loss, earache, hives, fever and chills, toothache, sneezing, eye redness, frontal headache

Regulates the large intestine
Softens hard masses
Relaxes the sinews
Moistens the throat
Opens and brightens the eyes
Expedites labor
Clears the nose
Local: arm pain or swelling, paralysis of fingers

Acupressure here is helpful now for most people, even on a daily basis. For additional detail about this point (Li 4) see the fine book on "Images and Functions" by my teacher Arnie Lade.

Stopped Smoking

2005-04-28T14:31:00.001-04:00

A woman came for acupressure. I had just finished adjusting the flow of chi in the liver and gallbladder meridians. She sat up and said in a strong cheery voice ... "I just realized that I don't have to do that anymore". Do what, I asked? "I don't have to smoke anymore" she said (she had been a smoker for several years).

This is how healing happens, its a self-governed process, a realization.

As far as I know, she never smoked again.

accidents don't just happpen

2005-04-21T16:53:00.002-04:00

Last summer I stubbed my toe while running up the stairs of the deck out back. It was an attention getter (nail came off its bed, pain, blood). I did my first aid and was pain free within a few hours.

My lesson that week, from the Power of Now cards (I draw a card at "random" periodically) written by Eckhart Tolle, was about being mindful of each step as I walked on a stairway. It was somewhat amusing, except for the recovery from the injury. It seemed that added focus on that card was appropriate, so I used the same card for two weeks more.

Several months later I realized that my stubbed toe experience may have been about something else.

We have sometimes an awareness of guilt but it is most often hidden. Guilt is constantly (albeit unconsciously) calling for a degree of punishment, hence the injured toe nail. So the final treatment for my stubbed toe was a reclaiming of innocence, i.e. the release of some hidden guilt and forgiveness for whatever that was about, and forgiveness for the self-injury.

That last part, --- forgiveness --- is important because otherwise hidden guilt remains to outpicture in an endless variety of dramatic ways.

Motherhood

2005-04-17T15:25:00.001-04:00

The baby grows through drawing on the jing energy of the mom. She can nurture her jing and be less depleted after the birth. If there is not sufficient jing, growth for the unborn baby is impaired.

Jing is also depleted from:

· Stress fear insecurity or overwork
· Bearing children before rebuilding herself from a prior birth
· Toxins in food or water, drugs, coffee, heavy metals
· Excess of sweet-flavored food
· Too much dietary protein

Personal jing nourishment for mom can be from foods like:

· Micro-algae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue green)

· Vitamin B12

· Cereal grass (barley or wheat grass)

· Solomon’s seal (polygonatum officinale), almonds, milk, ghee

· Nettle leaves (nettles), or as an herbal supplement

· Royal jelly and bee pollen

· Chicken and mussel

Also helpful are foods that nurture the kidney sphere in general: black beans, millet, wheat, black sesame seeds, black soybeans, chestnuts, mulberries, raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts.

Additional detail is in the wonderful book “Healing with Whole Foods” by Paul Pitchford North Atlantic Books.