(HealthDay News) -- Needle-sharing among drug abusers may play as big a role as risky sexual behavior in the transmission of syphilis, a new study suggests.

American and Mexican researchers interviewed more than 900 female sex workers in the Mexican border towns of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, which are adjacent to San Diego and El Paso, Texas, respectively. The sex workers, who were also tested for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), operate legally in the two Mexican towns, which are located on major drug trafficking routes.

The researchers found that female sex workers who didn't have HIV, but tested positive for active syphilis infection, were more likely than those without active syphilis infection to inject drugs, to use illegal drugs before or during sex in the past month, and to have U.S. clients who had higher rates of drug use, including the use of injection drugs. Read more…

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30-06-2012 13:21 Sherwood Family Medicine, an Integrative Health Center. Why we integrate allopathic medicine with naturopathic medicine. Features Maggie Yu MD, Carrie Jones ND, and Elizabeth Lewis PA. For more information visit http://www.SherwoodFamilyMedicine.com, Like Us on Facebook/SherwoodFamilyMedicine, and subscribe to this channel for more videos.

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SFM Homepage Video -Why We Practice Integrative Medicine - Video

29-06-2012 17:43 Dr. Steven Ross, president and co-founder of The Institute For Integrative Medicine, LLC presentation at The Bangladesh Medical Association Conference, June 16, 2012.

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Dr. Ross, The Institute for Integrative Medicine - Video

(HealthDay News) -- If you have gout, drinking enriched skim milk may help reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups, new research suggests.

The new study included 120 patients who had experienced at least two flare-ups in the previous four months. They were divided into three treatment groups that consumed either lactose powder, skim milk powder or skim milk powder enriched with glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600).

Gout, a common form of arthritis, is caused by uric acid buildup in blood. Often, the big toe is the first place where gout strikes. Previous research has shown a higher risk for gout among people who consume fewer dairy products, and earlier work suggested that GMP and G600 tone down the inflammatory response to gout crystals.

The powders were mixed in roughly 8 ounces of water as a vanilla-flavored shake and consumed once a day. The patients recorded their flare-ups and went to a rheumatology clinic once a month. Read more…

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Nine-year-old Dewey rested her head in Sharon Cerkan's lap as the doctor poked a series of needles into her damaged hip.

Cerkan kept Dewey calm as electrical currents charged through the pins and shot into muscle. Some 25 minutes later, after the acupuncture session had ended, Dewey rose without hesitation and ran off to the family van.

Dewey, a Chesapeake Bay retriever/black Labrador mix who lives with Cerkan and her husband, Dan, in Carlsbad, is among the growing number of pets in America being treated with everything from acupuncture to herbal therapy for ailments and diseases that traditional medicine has failed to cure.

"It's becoming more mainstream, and the reason it's becoming more mainstream is it's effective," said Dr. Kathy Boehme, a veterinarian and partner at The Drake Center for Veterinary Care on El Camino Real in Encinitas, where Dewey goes for acupuncture treatments every three weeks.

Boehme calls the strategies used at her clinic integrative medicine. "We're integrating Eastern medicine with Western medicine," she said earlier this month.

Figures are unavailable, but veterinarians who practice alternative medicine say business is booming. A growing number of veterinary schools, including those at Colorado State, Louisiana State and the University of Florida, incorporate integrative medicine into their programs.

"Our membership has grown substantially over the years," said Simon Flynn, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture's executive director. The group now has 825 licensed veterinarians.

"People want every advantage brought to their animal that they can find," he said.

Susan Wynn, president of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the former president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, said more people are accepting alternative care for their pets because more people are open to alternative care for themselves.

She added that people often seek alternatives "because scientifically proven medicine has failed them."

Originally posted here:
REGION: Alternative medicine going to the dogs

by guest blogger Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc, integrative medicine pioneer, researcher, clinical practitioner, author, and lecturer

Spring and summer bring us wonderful warm weather, offering an ideal opportunity to engage in a gentle seasonal cleanse. Since many people are unfamiliar with this health-promoting process, I thought that now would be a good time to introduce the practice of gentle detoxification/cleansing and its numerous benefits. Warmer weather usually prompts us to eat lighter, healthier, more hydrating foods, which is perfect since nourishing foods of this nature are at the foundation of a successful cleanse program.

Why should you do a cleanse? The main purpose is to clear the body of toxins, contaminants, and heavy metals that can accumulate in joints, organs, tissues, cells, and in the bloodstream. These health-robbing pollutants can come from a number of sources, including pesticides, environmental contaminants, everyday household products, overprocessed foods and packaging agents, alcohol, OTC and prescription drugs, and more. By giving your body a break from its toxic burden and deeply nourishing yourself with the right foods, supplements, and exercise, you can reach a new level of health and vitality. A gentle cleanse can also help improve mental clarity and emotional stability; balance blood sugar, reducing cravings and crashes; and increase strength, flexibility and stamina, and more.

The Signs of Toxin Overload. Toxin overload in the body can potentially express itself through a dizzying array of symptoms. The most common are chronic digestive complaints, joint problems, skin conditions, persistent allergies, frequent colds or flu, head and body aches, lethargy, weight gain, irritability, and mental fog. (If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, however, it's important to see your doctor to rule out other possible conditions.)

The Health Benefits of Gentle Detoxification. Normally, our detoxification organs and systems--liver, kidneys, digestive, lymphatic, lungs, and skin--would successfully eliminate most contaminants. In today's world however, many of us can benefit significantly and noticeably from a gentle cleanse. The health effects are numerous and can often be experienced in just a matter of days, particularly the greater energy and vitality that can result. Other important benefits include improved digestion and immunity, reduced inflammation, stabilized blood sugar, increased circulation, healthier weight, balanced hormones, clearer skin, and improved well-being on all levels. Long-term exposure to toxins has been linked to numerous types of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic, life-threatening conditions.

How to Get Started. How long your cleanse program lasts is up to you: It can be three days, three weeks, or three months, depending on your lifestyle, health goals, and so forth. Any detox program can easily be tailored to suit your individual needs, but regardless of how long or what type of program you do, there are a several key components, listed below, which are essential to a successful cleanse. They serve as the basic foundation for a cleanse program, and they can also be combined with other therapies to enhance your experience.

The Four Essentials of a Healthy Cleanse

1. A cleansing and hydrating detox diet. A cleansing diet is at the heart of any detoxification program. The goal is to focus on organic, nutrient-dense, and minimally processed foods. Here are the basics:

2. Include herbal, botanical, and nutritional supplements. These powerful natural remedies can help remove toxins and heavy metals, support the organs of elimination, help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, enhance digestion, and promote stronger immunity. Here are my recommendations, in two phases:

4. Practice mindfulness. You can maximize the benefits of a cleanse by taking extra time to meditate and reflect, practice yoga, spend time in nature, and rest. Healthy stress management is an important and uplifting way to support your well-being on every level. In fact, mind-body practices such as mindfulness meditation can encourage a much deeper process of detoxification. Mindfulness meditation helps us begin to acknowledge and release excess mental, emotional, and physical "baggage" that may be obstructing our path to optimal wellness. The role of the mind-body connection in detoxification is an important topic that deserves its own article, but it's definitely worth mentioning when discussing how to optimize your cleanse.

Excerpt from:
Maria Rodale: Four Essentials of a Healthy Cleanse

Durham, NC - Andrea Munson speared a blueberry with a toothpick, popped the berry in her mouth, then selected another blueberry from a different bowl.

"Oh," said Munson as she savored the second berry, "these must be the local ones."

She was right.

"Local berries pack a lot of flavor because they are picked at their peak," said Cate Smith, executive chef for Duke Integrative Medicine and Duke Diet and Fitness Center.

The blueberry taste test was part of a "Buy Local, Buy Green" seminar sponsored by DukeWell, Duke's health improvement program. The free, 90-minute seminar at Duke Integrative Medicine in June offered tips on how to eat locally and covered the environmental and health advantages of a local diet.

Smith said the Triangle area is rich in options for buying local food with farmers markets, community sponsored agriculture, roadside farm stands and grocery stores that stock produce from local farms. She said she considers food "local" if it makes it to market in less than six hours. That's faster than most grocery store produce, which ripens for a week or more in transit while travelling an average of 2,000 miles from field to shelf, she said.

"Buying local is great for the local economy and for reducing your carbon footprint, but for me, the most compelling reason to buy local is flavor and freshness," Smith said. "You just can't get that from food that has been trucked across the country."

Smith also likes the educational aspect of getting food from local farmers. She encouraged buyers to ask farmers about use of pesticides, genetically modified seeds and water supply sources.

"Fruits and vegetables are living, breathing things that soak up whatever is around them in their environment," Smith said. "If you meet the person you are buying food from, you can ask questions about how and where it was grown."

Shoppers can expect to pay slightly more for local food, since most of it is not produced in bulk, she said. But, she added, smart shoppers can find a bargain by following these tips:

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Eating Local 101

Newswise MUNICHCancer is an insidious disease that often finds ways to defeat the most advanced treatments. As a result, the scientific and medical communities have become increasingly aware that a multi-pronged approach is the best way to beat cancer. On June 16-17, at the Second International Congress on Complementary Oncology in Munich, Germany, integrative medicine pioneer Isaac Eliaz, M.D. joined leading experts in the field of complementary oncology. During his visit, he shared research advancements demonstrating how integrative therapies can boost our abilities against cancer.

It was a privilege to speak to such a receptive audience at the Germany International Congress on Complementary Oncology. This conference provides a wonderful opportunity to share important information on integrative treatments and learn about new strategies to defeat cancer, says Dr. Eliaz. Having the opportunity to give two separate presentations on each day of the congress allowed me to cover a wider array of important topics.

First Presentation In his first presentation, delivered on June 16, Dr. Eliaz outlined the case against Galectin-3, a protein that has been widely implicated in cancer, heart disease and other conditions. The presentation, Galectin-3 and the Role of Modified Citrus Pectin in Cancer and Beyond, unraveled the biology of Galectin-3 and why its overabundance can so dramatically contribute to disease. Galectin-3 is a culprit biomarker that promotes metastasis and has additional value in predicting the outcome of diseasethe more Galectin-3 in the body, the lower the overall survival rates. A new FDA approved blood test can easily measure Galectin-3 levels in the blood, serving as an important tool in determining risk and prognosis of numerous diseases related to elevated Galectin-3. In cancer, Galectin-3 plays a role in cell to cell adhesion, cancer cell aggregation, tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis and the inhibition of programmed cell death (apoptosis) -- a veritable perfect storm of conditions for the advancement of cancer.

Derived from citrus peels, Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is a powerful Galectin-3 antagonist. Dr. Eliaz presented research on how MCP binds to Galectin-3 and blocks cancer cell aggregation, as well as interactions that cause angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels to the tumor) and metastasis. In addition, MCP complements chemotherapy, protects against radiation damage, and enhances the immune system.

Study after study has demonstrated that elevated Galectin-3 levels in the body fuel the formation and progression of cancer and other chronic diseases, says Dr. Eliaz. Modified Citrus Pectin is thus earning an important reputation among doctors and researchers as a powerful natural Galectin-3 inhibitor.

Second Presentation The next day, Dr. Eliaz presented Integrative Approaches to Prostate Cancer, during which he outlined a wide array of diagnostic tests to detect prostate cancer early, before it can spread. He went on to discuss how MCP, medicinal mushrooms, honokiol (derived from magnolia bark), specific botanicals and other natural agents can bolster the immune system against prostate cancer, support hormone balance and, in some cases, act directly against the disease. Dr. Eliaz presented studies which showed how MCP and other natural compounds suppressed invasive prostate cancers. In this lecture, Dr. Eliaz also presented a comprehensive model of the ongoing dialogue between health and disease. He demonstrated how mind-body medicine can be integrated into such a model, resulting in profound health benefits for the patient on all levels.

Complementary cancer therapies, like all cancer treatments, must be part of a comprehensive, multi-layered approach against cancer, says Dr. Eliaz. As new data demonstrates the ability of botanical formulas and natural compounds to target specific features of aggressive cancer, we must do more to integrate these agents into highly strategic treatment protocols.

As a pioneer in integrative medicine, Dr. Eliaz has been treating cancer and chronically ill patients for more than 25 years, drawing on his extensive training in a diverse range of medical systems. By integrating Western and complementary protocols, botanical and nutritional therapies, mind-body medicine and multiple healing modalities, Dr. Eliaz specializes in individualized care that is unique to each patients preferences and needs.

About Better Health Publishing: Better Health Publishing (BHP) focuses on the publication of key works promoting health and wellness. BHP believes that education and accessible information are the core components of a healthy and sustainable society.

For Media Questions/Interviews with Dr. Isaac Eliaz, Contact: Better Health Publishing info@betterhealthpublishing.com (707) 583-8619

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The Expanding Role of Integrative Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Newswise LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2012) Brain tumor patients, families and caregivers are invited to an educational conference that will focus on patient empowerment June 23 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The free, Saturday program, Outsmarting Brain Tumors, will feature presentations by Keith L. Black, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, and other treatment and research experts.

Our emphasis for this years conference is on helping patients and their families understand all aspects of the disease so they can make the best, most informed health care decisions, said Black, director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, director of the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., Brain Tumor Center, and the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience.

The morning session will include:

Terms and definitions How to select a health care team Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Surgical decision-making: re-operation Clinical trials New and promising treatments Long-term survivors with brain cancer How you can get involved News delivery survey

Breakout Session A will cover:

Patient presentations on surviving brain tumors Navigating social services Alternative therapies Nutrition and exercise Rehabilitation Support groups End of life care and considerations Basics of statistics How the Tumor Board works The Internet and valid information Q-and-A sessions

Participants may instead choose to attend Breakout Session B, where doctors will meet individually with patients. First come, first served reservations will be available at check-in; anyone interested should bring scans and medical documentation for review.

Speakers will include:

Arash Asher, MD, director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at Cedars-Sinais Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute Keith L. Black, MD, chair and professor in Cedars-Sinais Department of Neurosurgery, director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, director of the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., Brain Tumor Center, and the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience Parag Bharadwaj, MD, medical director of Palliative Care Services at Cedars-Sinai Ray M. Chu, MD, neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai Doniel Drazin, MD, neurosurgical resident at Cedars-Sinai David Esquith, licensed clinical social worker at Cedars-Sinai Jethro L. Hu, MD, neuro-oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Amin J. Mirhadi, MD, radiation oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Miriam Nuno, PhD, senior biostatistician and assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Chirag G. Patil, MD, director of the Center for Neurosurgical Outcomes Research at Cedars-Sinai Surasak Phuphanich, MD, director of the Neuro-Oncology Program at Cedars-Sinai Veronica Porsche, PsyD, clinical psychologist at Cedars-Sinai Lucy Postolov, licensed acupuncturist at Cedars-Sinai Alyssa Tennenbaum, registered dietitian at Cedars-Sinai John S. Yu, MD, director of Surgical Neuro-oncology at Cedars-Sinai, medical director of the Brain Tumor Center, neurosurgical director of the Gamma Knife Program, and professor and vice chair in the Department of Neurosurgery

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Patient Educational Program on Diagnosis, Treatment, Integrative Medicine for Brain Tumors

Who are you?

Dr. Michael Wayne of Saratoga Healing Arts. We practice acupuncture, Chinese medicine and integrative medicine.

How did you get into this field?

Well, I became interested when I started taking Asian philosophy classes at SUNY New Paltz. Then I went to an acupuncture school in San Diego.

Why did you decide to move from San Diego to Saratoga?

Thats a good question. I grew up in Brooklyn, so I guess I needed the cold weather ... well, Im being sarcastic when I say that, of course. But its so nice here. Business is great. Ill definitely stay around.

How long have you been in business?

Its been almost six years now wow. People seem to always be coming in for treatments. Over the past few years theres been an increased interest in acupuncture and other medicine. Theres been a recent awareness of all of the health benefits associated with what we do.

Do you yourself believe in the health benefits of acupuncture?

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Five Questions for Dr. Michael Wayne

17-06-2012 19:01 Diane Zimberoff, founder of The Wellness Institute discuss the role of Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy in the area of integrative medicine. -This video was recorded a few days after leading a Six Day Hypnotherapy Course at the Cleveland Clinic of Integrative Medicine near Cleveland Ohio. The Cleveland Clinic's Department of Integrative medicine has embraced Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, and has found it to be a powerful modality for change.

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Hypnotherapy and Integrative Medicine - Video

LINDON, UT--(Marketwire -06/19/12)- ZYTO Corp (ZYTC) (www.ZYTO.com).

ZYTO Corp, a Utah-based biotech company specializing in biocommunication applications, today announced that Dr. Bruce H. Shelton, MD, MD(H), DiHOM, FBIH, has joined its Scientific Advisory Board.

Vaughn R Cook, OMD, ZYTO's CEO, said, "Dr. Shelton's expertise in integrative medicine is acknowledged in the biotechnology industry and we are very pleased to have him as a contributing member of our advisory board. His background and experience is very valuable to ZYTO as we continue to enhance our products and develop more research programs."

"Dr. Shelton's unique experience in the allopathic and homeopathic fields will be an asset to ZYTO as we move our company forward," said Kami J. Howard, ZYTO's President.

As a licensed Medical Doctor, Dr. Shelton has lectured and published extensively in the fields of alternative medicine and homeopathy and is recognized as one of the industry's foremost authorities.

The members of ZYTO's Scientific Advisory Board include: Lee Cowden, MD; Dennis Cozzocrea, DC; Jane Oelke, ND, PhD; and Bruce H. Shelton, MD, MD(H), DiHOM, FBIH.

For a complete biography on each member, please visit http://www.ZYTO.com/advisoryboard.html.

The Scientific Advisory Board meets periodically throughout the year. The next meeting will be held on July 21, 2012.

About ZYTO Corp

ZYTO Corp was founded by its CEO Dr. Vaughn R Cook, OMD. The company designs and builds computer technology to facilitate decision making about healthcare and wellness options.

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ZYTO Corp Announces New Member to Scientific Advisory Board

Calling all sun worshippers! Before you head out to the beach or tanning salon this summer, here are five myths about sun exposure, busted for your edification:

Your skin gets a healthy flush from mild sun exposure. Actually, that flush is not so healthy! When UV rays reach your skin, they damage cells in the epidermis. In response, your immune system increases blood flow to the affected areas. The increased blood flow is what gives sunburn its characteristic redness and warmth to touch.

You should limit yourself to safe tans. There is no such thing as a "safe tan." The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin, is a sign of skin damage.

Tanning makes you look better. Frequent sunburns or hours spent tanning can result in a permanent darkening of the skin, dark spots and a leathery texture. Tanning may give you short-term benefits in appearance, but it leads to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.

Your personal risk of getting skin cancer is relatively low. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States; most of these are considered caused by the sun.

Staying in the sun gives your body a health boost. Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body's immune system and the skin's natural defenses. This can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight, decreased effects of immunizations and increased reactions to certain medications. This weakening of the immune system can also cause reactivation of the herpes virus and recurrent cold sores.

Having said that, all sun is not bad, and many people are finding that they are deficient in vitamin D due to an underexposure to the sun, as well as lack of adequate dietary intake of Vitamin D. We suggest taking 1,200 to 2,000 international units of Vitamin D daily, and limiting sun exposure to early morning or late afternoon, when sun rays are not at their peak. So wear your sunscreen and protective clothing, avoid peak sun hours, seek shade where possible and take your Vitamin D. You can still have a great summer!

Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program. Have a question related to alternative medicine? Email adrenaline@sacbee.com.

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Integrative Medicine: Myths about sun exposure

A holistic, whole foods diet combined with integrative therapies yields better health and balanced weight control.

By Bryan Abramowitz, MD

American obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Over one-third of the population (35.7%) is obese, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and as this number continues to rise among both children and adults, so too will serious health risks and astronomical healthcare costs. Amidst a consumer-driven culture inundated with fast food, sugary drinks and fatty, salty snacks, fighting obesity in children and adults is certainly a challenge. But if patients and families approach the subject of balanced nutrition and safe weight loss from a holistic perspective, they will find that achieving better health is not only an accessible and affordable goal, but one that is also fascinating, delicious and empowering.

Recent obesity statistics have prompted a ripple effect across the country, prompting everything from a new HBO documentary entitled Weight of the Nation to a proposal by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg to ban super sized sugared beverage. Faced with the harsh reality of crippling health risks like heart disease, diabetes and cancer, not to mention the high cost of care for such conditions, many Americans are eager to try a healthier lifestyle. The trouble is, our current culture makes it very difficult for anyone and especially for children to find accessible, inexpensive and nutritionally balanced food on a daily basis. Fad diets and plastic surgery advertisements abound; but the only way to truly take control of your weight is to take responsibility for your own health and learn how to think about food and fitness in a holistic way that feeds not just the body, but the psyche and even the soul.

Holistic health yields total wellness

These days, all doctors are striving to educate patients on the importance of eating right and exercising regularly. But when it comes to losing weight and maintaining optimal health, theres more to it than that. At my San Diego integrative medical practice, we treat the whole individual not just the obvious symptoms. By providing a blend of conventional medical care and alternative wellness practices, we help patients take control of their own health and tailor a regimen that works for them.

A healthy and balanced diet is the centerpiece of wellness. But when it comes to overcoming obesity, the most successful patients integrate both dietary and lifestyle changes into their daily routine. When I see a patient who is overweight or seeking to improve their diet, I run the necessary tests to rule out disease and assess important risk factors. But I also work with the patient to recommend therapies to complement their goals. My colleagues include a host of skilled massage, chiropractic, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, nutrition and herbal remedy practitioners, all of whom consult with patients one-on-one to nurture a more holistic path to health. By sharing what we have learned over the years and combining a whole-foods based diet and regular exercise with the right therapies, we at San Diego Wellness MD are excited to empower change in each and every one of our patients. To learn more, contact us today: http://www.sdwellnessmd.com.

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Integrative medicine holds the key to fighting obesity in children and adults

12-06-2012 12:47 Exhale during times of stress to find immediate relief. Steven Shaferman teaches Flexaware movement/breathing at National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA), an integrative medicine and dental clinic serving the Washington DC metro area.

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Integrative Medicine Health Tip: Exhale! - Video

Stress is with us all the time. Issues at work or at home, getting a traffic ticket, the grocery store out of your favorite yogurt. Life has stresses. We can go to the doctor and ask for a pill or we can learn to deal with our stresses effectively without much medication.

Acute stress is normal and can even be lifesaving seeing a truck barreling down the road at us. But when stress is chronic it becomes a major cause of ill health.

Chronic stress builds up when the demands upon us become greater than our resources to respond in an effective manner. Stress tends to become cumulative. You can handle the first stressor and even the second, but when the third one occurs, even if it was rather minor, it tips over your balance point. Since we cannot completely escape stress, our agenda must be to boost our resources to fill up our cup as Delia Chiaramonte, MD of the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine liked to term it during her Busting Stress workshop at the Centers recent Health and Wellness Conference held in Baltimore, MD.

Integrative medicine does not avoid traditional western medical approaches such as medications. But it does look at the whole person to determine if there are other parts to the prescription that might be equally or even more valuable. The agenda is to maintain health and further develop wellness.

There are external and internal sources of stress. Our boss ignored our hard work or disparaged our report these are obvious external stresses. If they become too much it may be best to just look elsewhere for a new job and escape the situation.

But other stresses are internally mediated. We might convert an event into a thought that in turn leads to a negative feeling that in turn causes stress. Imagine that a loved one is late to get home and has not called. That is the event. The thoughts can be quite different. One thought might be that he was in an accident resulting in a stressful feeling of anxiety. Or perhaps this event leads to the thought that he is having an affair leading to a feeling of hurt. Or perhaps the thought is that he just didnt care that he was late and didnt bother to call leading to a feeling of anger. Perhaps more likely he is just stuck in bad traffic and doesnt have his cell phone with him in that case you might have a feeling compassion. The three stressful feelings came from your thought interpretation of the event. The question you need to ask yourself is what is the likelihood of any of these thoughts being correct?

You need to restore rationale thinking. Do this by labeling the irrational thought and then refute it with a new thought like I have no evidence of an accident; he is probably just stuck in traffic. Then detach yourself from the thought with the recognition that this is an anxious thought, not a rational thought. Finally, do something to distract yourself like playing with the kids.

To fill up your cup Dr Chiaramonte suggests considering these approaches. Begin a gratitude ritual. This means to take a time each day for gratitude perhaps while falling asleep or perhaps at dinner time. Think about what is good in life today maybe a spring flower, a smile from your loved one, the bright eyes of your child. It cant be a rote thought however. Make it different every day. Amazingly enough, it works. It will increase your happiness and correlates well with general health and well being.

Here is a line from the song Counting My Blessings sung by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in the movie White Christmas. When my bank roll is gettin small, I think of when I had none at all, and I fall asleep counting my blessings This is the concept of gratitude.

A second approach is to aggressively try to be a benefit finder rather than a fault finder. Its an approach in which you rethink and with doing so decrease your emotional reactions. Instead of the thought, I have a vision problem that limits me you might instead think of, I still have one good eye and the world looks good to me.

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Integrative Medicine – Part V Busting Stress

by: Steve G. Jones, Ed.S

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or greater. BMI is a ratio determined by weight and height. With a large percentage of Americans classified as being obese, research is showing the effects extra weight and obesity have on a person's overall health. Recent studies show that obese people have an increased risk of developing common kidney cancer, kidney stones, and an increased risk of having a stroke.

A study involving 1,640 participants studied the effects of weight on kidney cancer. The average age of patients was 62 and all participants had kidney tumors. The study showed that patients with a BMI of 30 or higher were 48% more likely to develop clear-cell renal cell cancer (RCC). With every 1 point increase in BMI, obese patients increased their odds of getting kidney cancer by 4%.

Out of all the participants, 67% of the obese patients had kidney cancer compared to 57% of non-obese patients. Researchers do not know why there is a link between obesity and kidney cancer. Researchers are looking into a secondary link involving diabetes, hypertension, hormonal changes, and decreased immune function. Read more…

Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement

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FULLERTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Pharma Marine today announced that Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD, a leading integrative physician based in Irvine, California, has joined other medical professionals by choosing sustainably sourced Calamarine omega-3 for her highly regarded Newport Natural Health nutraceutical products newportnaturalhealth.com. Calamarine omega-3 ingredients are made exclusively by Pharma Marine.

According to Dr. Connealy, We chose Calamarine for a variety of reasons, including the efficacious omega-3 ratio, the fact that Calamarine is produced in a uniquely ecologically friendly manner, and of course, purity and taste. Emphasizing the importance of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), Dr. Connealy continued, The Calamarine ingredient we have chosen delivers omega-3 in a ratio consistent with what people get when they eat a diet rich in seafood, which is at least twice as much DHA as EPA. My philosophy is to stick as close to nature as possible. We know that research shows DHA is the omega-3 fatty acid that our bodies really need and store at high levels.

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy graduated from the University of Texas School of Public Health, and then the University of Health Sciences Chicago Medical School. She completed her post-graduate training at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. In 1992, Dr. Connealy founded the Center for New Medicine in Irvine, California, where she serves as Medical Director. Her practice is based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medication does not find the root cause of illness.

About Pharma Marine Group

Pharma Marine is located on the west coast of Norway, near Aalesund, a region where refining fish oils dates back more than 150 years. In addition to advanced purification technologies that create exceptional taste and smell dynamics, the facility is a model for green manufacturing procedures that dramatically reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint. Pharma Marine Group is the only supplier of Calamari derived omega-3 concentrates. For more information, please visit our websitepharmamarine.com. For information specific to the Calamarine line of ingredients, please visit calamarine.com.

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Calamarine® Omega-3 from Pharma Marine Chosen by Prominent Integrative Medical Doctor for Nutraceutical Line

DANVERS, Mass.and BEVERLY, Mass., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Pain affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives, and, in the worst cases, diminishes quality of life and livelihood. In fact, pain is a significant health problem affecting more than 100 million people and costing society at least $560-$635 billion annually in both health care and lost productivity costs.* Now research shows that pain patients do better with a comprehensive approach to care that addresses the needs of the whole person, body and mind -- combining clinical and integrative therapies. That is why Beverly Hospital at Danvers Pain Management Center is launching a new integrated model of care offering not only traditional state-of-the-art pain medication and injection services, but a range of behavioral health, physical and integrative medicine treatments to help patients with acute and chronic pain.

The new care model offers a full complement of pain medicine services, including the latest pain injection therapies, medications and medication management, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and addiction counseling as well as integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, Reiki and massage therapy in a custom-designed care plan for patients.

"We have created this multi-specialty center so that our patients have the very best treatment options, since we now know that pain patients do best when treated in this kind of comprehensive treatment environment," says Dr. Kenneth Branton, medical director of the Pain Management Center. "I'm very excited about our ability to offer this level of care and services," he says.

The Pain Center's multi-disciplinary team includes physician specialists in pain medicine, neurosurgery, and physiatry; a nurse practitioner; behavioral health and addiction/psychiatry specialists; and physical therapists, as well as Reiki therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy services.

An estimated 116 million people in the US experience acute or chronic pain each year, and more people suffer from pain than from leading diseases combined, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, according to the American Academy of Pain Management. Pain can be the result of injury or disease, but it can also be the disease itself, as in the case of neuropathic pains or headaches. And, pain exacts a heavy toll on the individual."Pain adversely affects a person's quality of life, causing him or her to have difficulty with activities of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, and dressing. And, it can cause depression and anxiety and interfere with job performance and interpersonal relationships," says. Branton.

Dr. Anthony LoMonaco, who is double board certified in anesthesia and pain management, feels that patients suffering from pain need to have an active role in the management of their pain."Developing coping skills can help change the way a person responds to and manages pain. Coping is a very important step in feeling physically and emotionally better sooner," says LoMonaco, who adds that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is extremely important for pain just as it is for heart disease and diabetes.Pain patients need to be mindful of proper diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Amber Dewey, RN, NPC, the center's nurse practitioner agrees. The goal of the program is to offer patients the best chance for getting back to their lives with as little pain as possible, using multiple strategies for pain prevention and management, she says. She says, "A large part of my job is coordinating the various aspects of the treatment plan, and working with the patient every step of the way."In addition to specializing in pain management, Dewey is an expert in medications management, and is well versed in the use and misuse of narcotics.

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New Comprehensive Pain Management Program Offered at Beverly Hospital at Danvers Addresses Significant Health Problem

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