People don't take their prescription drugs. Why don't they?
50% of prescription drugs are taken incorrectly or not at all. 75% of people admit to not taking their drugs at all. People who have very severe health conditions or who have even flirted with death, still don't take their drugs!!
The #1 reason that people don't take their prescription drugs is that there are side-effects that they don't like/make them feel worse. Mind you, acupuncture has NO side-effects & herbs little to none.
Other reasons given for drug non-compliance are:
- They make people feel miserable
- They don't work
- Drugs cause other diseases/problems
- Prescription directions are too complicated
- Insurance issues with coverage of drugs
- Their on too many prescriptions to keep straight
- Proper or thorough directions were not given
- Doctors don't explain the drugs
- Job Loss
- Divorce
- Depression
- They don't like/trust their doctor
- Forgetfulness
- Prescription drugs are too expensive
This is a huge list!!
So what helps people be compliant with not just prescription drugs but herbs & supplements too?
Remarkably, its the information/education people are given regarding what they are taking. The more people understand what their taking, why & how it works for them, the more apt they are to take it & take it correctly.
WHA promises to always walk you through your treatments & any prescriptions you are given or are already taking.Your going to hear all kinds of different things from your friends, family & the internet about medication & supplements. I'm here to help you sort through that mess & dispel myths. I'm always available for questions by phone or email too.
Certain prescriptions & other herbs & supplements can be very important to your overall health. Together we can be sure your getting what you need safely, to be healthy!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Good Gut Health, Again!!
Research is bringing to light more & more every day the connection between the state of your gut health & your physical & mental health.
Your gut contains 5 lbs of microbes called microbiota which produce hundreds of essential chemicals, they are critical in fighting disease, & they have a major affect on the way your metabolism, nervous system (including conditions like depression, anxiety & autism) & heart works. 90% of the genes in your body are not human genes but microbes in your gut!!
Your microbiota can predict such health conditions as obesity, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, if your prone to heart disease, autoimmune diseases & even more!! Your gut IS intrinsically involved with you brain function. This means, if your not healthy in the head or in the tummy, you will develop disease. One will be worsening the other.
Good gut health begins in the mouth & carries through the whole enteric system (stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum, etc.). You can further encourage good gut bacteria by taking a good probiotic (something we can discuss together) & eating a good diet.
Drink lots of water & eat plenty of veggies, fruits & lean meats. Fermented foods give you an extra boost!! Sauerkraut, kimchi & kombucha are common ones. Avoid such things as fast food, processed foods, sugary or starchy foods.
Mental health in another big component of total well-being. Exercise, a good diet, water, meditation/relaxation, sleep & reduced stress are key.
Don't forget, I have needles to help with your head & your tummy as well as an arsenal of herbal & whole food supplements that can keep you feeling great!!
Your gut contains 5 lbs of microbes called microbiota which produce hundreds of essential chemicals, they are critical in fighting disease, & they have a major affect on the way your metabolism, nervous system (including conditions like depression, anxiety & autism) & heart works. 90% of the genes in your body are not human genes but microbes in your gut!!
Your microbiota can predict such health conditions as obesity, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, if your prone to heart disease, autoimmune diseases & even more!! Your gut IS intrinsically involved with you brain function. This means, if your not healthy in the head or in the tummy, you will develop disease. One will be worsening the other.
Good gut health begins in the mouth & carries through the whole enteric system (stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum, etc.). You can further encourage good gut bacteria by taking a good probiotic (something we can discuss together) & eating a good diet.
Drink lots of water & eat plenty of veggies, fruits & lean meats. Fermented foods give you an extra boost!! Sauerkraut, kimchi & kombucha are common ones. Avoid such things as fast food, processed foods, sugary or starchy foods.
Mental health in another big component of total well-being. Exercise, a good diet, water, meditation/relaxation, sleep & reduced stress are key.
Don't forget, I have needles to help with your head & your tummy as well as an arsenal of herbal & whole food supplements that can keep you feeling great!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Don't Obsess Over Lower LDL?
The American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association & the Nation Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute have made a new cholesterol recommendation:
Quit trying to lower your LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) number to a target of 100 mg/dL or less.
Why, after years of hearing that you must? These experts agree there is no evidence to support that lowering your LDL to 100 mg/dL or lower will have any affect in keeping you from having a heart attack. In other words, this symptom alone will not cause you to have a heart attack.
The main cause of heart disease and heart attacks is the terrible, toxic American Diet!! It has so many nutritional deficiencies, its high in fat, cholesterol, salt & sugar, very imbalanced.
Treating just your cholesterol levels is treating a symptom. To effectively treat any disease/condition, you must treat the underlying cause(s). That my friends, is what Acupuncture does.
While no one is telling you not to pay any attention to your cholesterol levels, understand it is a piece of the healthy puzzle that is you. Pay attention to all factors of your health, especially when your heart is involved. But there's no need to obsess about reducing your LDL.
As I've said before, Acupuncture, Herbs, Reiki, Massage, Stress Reduction, Diet & Exercise are the BEST medicine!! Most of which you can do for free!!
Quit trying to lower your LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) number to a target of 100 mg/dL or less.
Why, after years of hearing that you must? These experts agree there is no evidence to support that lowering your LDL to 100 mg/dL or lower will have any affect in keeping you from having a heart attack. In other words, this symptom alone will not cause you to have a heart attack.
The main cause of heart disease and heart attacks is the terrible, toxic American Diet!! It has so many nutritional deficiencies, its high in fat, cholesterol, salt & sugar, very imbalanced.
Treating just your cholesterol levels is treating a symptom. To effectively treat any disease/condition, you must treat the underlying cause(s). That my friends, is what Acupuncture does.
While no one is telling you not to pay any attention to your cholesterol levels, understand it is a piece of the healthy puzzle that is you. Pay attention to all factors of your health, especially when your heart is involved. But there's no need to obsess about reducing your LDL.
As I've said before, Acupuncture, Herbs, Reiki, Massage, Stress Reduction, Diet & Exercise are the BEST medicine!! Most of which you can do for free!!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Integration Matters!!
Acupuncture & modern medicine, when used together, have the potential to support, strengthen & nurture the body towards health & well-being. Practitioners of this ancient medical practice have experienced clinical success with a variety of health issues. There's never one way to optimal health. Integration of medicines & home healthcare (taking care of yourself through good nutrition, exercise & rest) all combines to keep you your healthiest!! Don't leave anything out!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
BP Meds, Over Prescribed.
How many people do you know who are on medication for High Blood Pressure/Hypertension? I know too many!!
I believe BP meds are over prescribed. Out of 1,000 people who have high BP but don't take meds 2 will have a stroke at some point. If the same 1,000 people took BP meds, 1 of them would have a stroke.
This means that 998 of the people would get NO benefit from taking their meds since they weren't going to have a stroke anyway!! Their just living with the nasty side-effects. Some of which include; erectile dysfunction, leg cramps, leg weakness, asthma, depression, insomnia, dry hacking cough, skin rash, even possible loss of taste. & who knows what else that we don't even know about!!
130/40 is the low end of "high". You can easily reduce it!! "Normal" is 120/80. There's a lot of controversy over these #'s. Are they a product of drug companies to get you to take meds? I won't answer that here. Me, you & your physician can discuss whats right for you. I can tell you most true hypertension will come with symptoms such as feeling or being flushed, headaches, irritability or dizziness.
High BP is a generally Curable condition!! Good nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, massage, sleep & reducing stress are all affordable (in comparison to the cost of BP drugs) or free solutions!!
I believe BP meds are over prescribed. Out of 1,000 people who have high BP but don't take meds 2 will have a stroke at some point. If the same 1,000 people took BP meds, 1 of them would have a stroke.
This means that 998 of the people would get NO benefit from taking their meds since they weren't going to have a stroke anyway!! Their just living with the nasty side-effects. Some of which include; erectile dysfunction, leg cramps, leg weakness, asthma, depression, insomnia, dry hacking cough, skin rash, even possible loss of taste. & who knows what else that we don't even know about!!
130/40 is the low end of "high". You can easily reduce it!! "Normal" is 120/80. There's a lot of controversy over these #'s. Are they a product of drug companies to get you to take meds? I won't answer that here. Me, you & your physician can discuss whats right for you. I can tell you most true hypertension will come with symptoms such as feeling or being flushed, headaches, irritability or dizziness.
High BP is a generally Curable condition!! Good nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, massage, sleep & reducing stress are all affordable (in comparison to the cost of BP drugs) or free solutions!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Yay Gut Bacteria!!
So we've been hearing a lot now for a few years about probiotics & gut bacteria. & YES gut bacteria is good!!
It helps you digest your food, utilize minerals & nutrients which produces a variety of chemicals & chemical reactions in your body that are needed to keep it functioning optimally. They help maintain optimal hormone levels & brain & heart levels. & keep your gut healthy!! They flourish in an Acidic NOT an Alkaline environment!!
Too much of an alkalinity to your gut can lead to allergies, other health problems, gas, bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhea & it Will exacerbate acid reflux/gerd.
How do we get or stay acidic? Eat whole foods with lots of fiber, fermented foods & get your protein!! Protein is acid promoting more so than other foods.
Still having problems with the above symptoms? Lets Talk!!!!
It helps you digest your food, utilize minerals & nutrients which produces a variety of chemicals & chemical reactions in your body that are needed to keep it functioning optimally. They help maintain optimal hormone levels & brain & heart levels. & keep your gut healthy!! They flourish in an Acidic NOT an Alkaline environment!!
Too much of an alkalinity to your gut can lead to allergies, other health problems, gas, bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhea & it Will exacerbate acid reflux/gerd.
How do we get or stay acidic? Eat whole foods with lots of fiber, fermented foods & get your protein!! Protein is acid promoting more so than other foods.
Still having problems with the above symptoms? Lets Talk!!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Acetaminophen Can Be Deadly!!
Did you know this?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can literally poison your liver, especially if taken with 3 alcoholic drinks. If more than the recommended dosage is taken it can cause liver failure. That means your going to need a transplant or it can mean possible death!! Liver failure due to overdose of acetaminophen is actually common!!
The FDA knows all this & has warned docs & yet acetaminophen is still considered safe & prescribed often!!
It can be safe to take but you must stick within the recommended dosage on the bottle or recommended by your knowledgeable physician. & please DO NOT drink if your taking it!!
So what do you do if your in pain or have a fever? Call me!! Acupuncture & herbs are a wonderfully effective means of managing or eliminating pain & reducing fever. If the fever is high, again the recommended dosage is ok but after that has been taken, lets go the natural route to ensure your best health & most importantly your safety!!
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can literally poison your liver, especially if taken with 3 alcoholic drinks. If more than the recommended dosage is taken it can cause liver failure. That means your going to need a transplant or it can mean possible death!! Liver failure due to overdose of acetaminophen is actually common!!
The FDA knows all this & has warned docs & yet acetaminophen is still considered safe & prescribed often!!
It can be safe to take but you must stick within the recommended dosage on the bottle or recommended by your knowledgeable physician. & please DO NOT drink if your taking it!!
So what do you do if your in pain or have a fever? Call me!! Acupuncture & herbs are a wonderfully effective means of managing or eliminating pain & reducing fever. If the fever is high, again the recommended dosage is ok but after that has been taken, lets go the natural route to ensure your best health & most importantly your safety!!
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