American Journal of
Integrative Medicine
Summer Wellness Thrive and Feelin' Fine Book Club
T.S. Wiley Comes to ACT
A Quarterly Publication Powered by Acute Care Triage, Inc.
Summer 2019
IN THIS ISSUE Summer 2019 WELLNESS 05
Buddhism - My Search for Me
06
Dance Without a Blueprint
08
Smokers WANTED
09
Financial Wellness
10
When Lady Justice Is Not Blind
11
BioMetrics-What Your Blood Says About You
What Is Addiction?? 17
Set Free
MEDICINE
ACT Widens Access To BBHRT Globally To BHRT, or Not To BHRT
21 COACHING
Thriving And Feelin' Fine Confidence Mastery
28
Book Club Powered by Acute Care Triage, Inc. 27134-A Paseo Espada, Suite 324, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 www.acutecaretriage.com
Meet The Team
President & Founder
Director of Customer Care
CIO
EDITOR
Tracy Wood, CPC, ELI MP, HHA
Perla Galan
Zee Shah
Virginia Gannaway
Rev Brian Shaffer
Pren'tis Knight President, ZTEK Corporation
Dr. Stephanie B. Nielsen, PHARM.D., CCN
Sue Ayers, MS, LPC Dir. of Psychology services
Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri, PH.D.
T.S. Wiley
Rosie Schulman, RN
Dr. Deborah Werenko
Dr. Boyce Berkel
Frank Magana
Jerry Dyer CEO Emeritus
Danish Designer
Chief Medical Officer
Director of Nursing
CONTRIBUTORS
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 03
WELLNESS
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 04
BUDDHISM-MY SEARCH FOR ME BY Tracy Wood, CPC, ELI-MP, HHA
If you are like me, and are feeling the pressures of our times, this is a MUST READ for you. And, just in case you thought you were alone in our current climate, I am here to assure you that your sense of anxiety, stress, and even cultural traumas, are not figments of your imagination. So that you don’t think that I am arrogant enough to think I have it all figured out, allow me to share some of my own challenges with you. In February 2007, my family experienced a catastrophic personal loss. My eldest sister died under a cloud of mystery. She was a young woman, only 44. She left behind two children, one a 16-year-old girl, and a developmentally disabled older son. The entire family was in turmoil. Her death was completely unexpected. It would take six months for an autopsy to tell us what happened. At the time of her death, I felt shocked, cheated by her loss, angry at God, and I hated the world.
I opened my heart to peace and awareness. I opened my soul to Buddhism. It seemed but a few days earlier I was gathered around the kitchen table to welcome in a New Year with friends and family! And here I was, suddenly feeling hit by a Mack truck, run over, not quite sure what to do. In a quasi-state of panic, I reached out to my minister, a therapist, and some of my friends. Every moment seemed surreal. My fog lasted for months. My depression worsened, and I felt a spiritual emptiness and loss that nothing could fill. At the darkest night of my soul, in the depth of that brutal sadness, I experienced an awakening. A soul awakening to the fleeting nature of life, love, and reality had rooted itself within my spirit. From that moment of realization, I have taken the road less traveled.
What I me an by that, the slowe r one , the calmer one, the often silent one. Meditation and mindfulness became my pursuit. Longing for peace and oneness has been at the center of Buddhism ever since 450 BC. I continued my pursuit and study, and I found awareness. I opened my heart to peace and awareness. I opened my soul to Buddhism. Experiencing selfawakening through “walking” the Buddhist path was my destiny. I began to study the works of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha (Sanskrit for ‘The Awakened One’). In amongst all my family turmoil, I discovered MY nirvana – MY ultimate release from the cycle of pain, suffering, and death. I found what supporte d me spiritually during my “dark night of the soul.” Eve ryone ’s path and choice s will be diffe re nt, but the de stination is the same: Peace. When I designed the model of Acute Car Triage , I wante d to offe r to othe rs pe ace of mind. Pe ace of mind couple d with the rape utic skill and training. At Acute care triage .com, you will find many te ache rs, the rapists, chaplains, and instructors. In he re , you will be warmly we lcome d by an embracing community ready to walk with you, listen to you, and offer comfort and guidance as you need it. Your own nirvana awaits.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 05
DANCE WITHOUT A BLUEPRINT By Leora Cooper
In recent years there’s been a renaissance of the arts. Just look at the wide variety of art-inspired television shows. There are cooking shows, singing shows, designing shows, and a number of dancing shows. With so many television shows featuring dancing, you might start thinking that you need lessons to dance. Not so! Dancing has been performed for thousands of years, and was first documented in 600 B.C. Historically, dancing has been central to many cultures as a means of celebrating, showing honor, and expressing unity and spirituality. Dancing is inspiring and moving. It also can be emotional. Dance offers a way to uplift the spirits of both dancers and their audience. Universally, dance moves us, both figuratively, and literally. Maybe it’s the combination of music and movement in perfect harmony. So, what’s your dance? Let this question inspire you! Dance, simply put, is movement of the body, and everyone is born with this ability. Your heartbeat can be your rhythm. Use this rhythm like a drum, like your percussion; it can be quick or slow. Your breath can be your melody, and you can connect the two with soothing, flowing movements. This is the simplest of music. You can take it anywhere, and you won’t even need earphones. At home, set time aside for yourself, turning off the computer, television, and telephone. Then put on a favorite piece of music and, with no choreography in mind, let your body move naturally. No need to “create” any movement. Of course, you don’t want to put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way; give yourself plenty of room to move. Learn to trust your body and your movement with music. Soon, you will be in moving concert, with your spirit and whole body connected. Bamber Gascoigne, “History of Dance Timeline,” HistoryWorld (From 2001, ongoing), www.historyworld.net/ timesearch/default.asp? conid=2&topsort=21888618&direction=PREV&keywords=Da nce&timelineid=.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 06
Dance like no one is watching
Anonymous Programs
Al-Anon/Al-Ateen for friends and family members of alcoholics click HERE AA – Alcoholics Anonymous click HERE ACA – Adult Children of Alcoholics click HERE CA – Cocaine Anonymous click HERE CLA – Clutters Anonymous click HERE CMA - Crystal Meth Anonymous click HERE CoDA – Co-Dependents Anonymous for people working to end patterns of dysfunctional relationships and develop functional and healthy relationships click HERE FAA - Food Addicts Anonymous click HERE GA Gamblers Anonymous click HERE Gam-Anon/Gam-Ateen for friends and family members of problem gamblers click HERE NA - Narcotics Anonymous click HERE Nar-Anon- for friends and family members of addicts click HERE NicA – Nicotine Anonymous click HERE OA - Overeaters Anonymous click HERE OLGA Online Gamers Anonymous click HERE SA - Sexaholics Anonymous click HERE SIA - Survivors of Incest Anonymous click HERE
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 07
SMOKERS WANTED BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI-MP, HHA Have you tired to quit smoking? REALLY tried? At Acute Care Triage, or ACT, we have developed smoking cessation to guide those looking toward a smoke free life! Every patient we have counseled over the years to help stop smoking, first had to make a committed decision to quit. Have you made that very personal decision yet? If you haven’t, don’t run off just yet. In our site, you will find many interactive tools to help prepare you, including a questionnaire to gauge your readiness to quit. Having a strong, self-determined will to quit is possibly the most important and most challenging step on the way to achieving a smoke free life! If you have not made that decision to finally quit, maybe we can help you along a little bit. Let’s look at the disturbing facts of how smoking affects your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FAST FACTS Sheet: Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars each year on marketing cigarettes. Smoking costs the United States billions of dollars each year. States do not spend much of the money they get from tobacco taxes and lawsuits to prevent smoking and help smokers quit. CDC recommends that states spend 12% of those funds on tobacco control. 14.0% of all adults (34.3 million people): 15.8% of men, 12.2% of women were current cigarette smokers in 2017. Thousands of young people start smoking cigarettes every day. Many adult cigarette smokers want to quit smoking. The CDC also reports that smoking causes death in nearly one out of every five people, each year in the United States. Additionally, “compared to nonsmokers, smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times [and] stroke 2 to 4 times.” Smoking also increases the chances of “men developing lung cancer by 23 times, women developing lung cancer by 13 times, and [anyone] dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.” These statistics are alarming. But candidly, this information is not going to help people stop smoking. Those who smoke have a good idea that chronic tobacco use is deadly. So, what’s the problem? Nicotine addiction. American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 08
As with most serious addictions, this is something you can’t just change out of, like the smelly shirt you’re wearing. When you smoke, nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds. It immediately stimulates the release of a chemical called Dopamine. Dopamine is part of the reward center of the brain. When you smoke, these levels are increased, and immediately you feel more alert and calmer. When those feelings dissipate, you are left feeling the need for more dopamine and a desire to make those feelings return. For some people, smoking may be a means of self-medicating for chronic stress or even for a chemical imbalance. For others, it may have simply started socially. And then it became a deadly habit that turned into physical addiction. It’s a vicious cycle. Whatever category you fit into, there are many methods available here to help you effectively kick the habit once and for all. We offer personalized solutions. These may include medications, behavior modification techniques, coping strategies, interactive motivational support, and coaching, to name a few. If you have just started thinking about trying to quit or have tried several times before, you have come to the right place. Log into your Wellness Plan or sign up for one. The life you save, could be your own.
For some people, smoking may be a means of self-medicating for chronic stress or even for a chemical imbalance.
FINANCIAL WELLNESS BY FRANCIS X. PISANO, CPA, ESQ, CWS Do you have a will? What about a Living Trust? Do you have final expenses covered so your loved ones are not left with the burden of your burial? “Estate planning law” governs the procedures and practices associated with the distribution of an individual’s possessions after the person’s death. A person’s estate includes everything they own. Things like checking and savings accounts, life insurance, cars, real estate, and other personal possessions. Many people use estate planning to proactively organize their assets. This is done in a way that will protect the heirs and decrease the taxes owed when the property is distributed. Estate planning may also be used to arrange for the handling of an individual’s affairs should the person become incapacitated. “Probate law” covers the legal process of transferring property upon a person’s death. This process is initiated by a person formalizing intentions regarding what happens to his or her property after death. Usually this is accomplished in the form of a will. A will is a legal document in which an individual names one or more people to manage the person’s estate and transfer property upon his or her death. When the individual dies, the property of the deceased is gathered, debts are paid from the estate, and property is distributed to those named on the will. Some items that are not covered through a will include assets that are in trusts, charitable contributions, and real property that is directly passed to the listed beneficiaries in specific accounts. For this reason, some people prefer to set up a living trust instead of a will, as the trust covers items not governed by wills. Another benefit of a trust is that assets can remain in a trust after an individual’s death. These assets are then governed by a trustee appointed by the person who established the trust.
However, most probated estates remain uncontested. In the Wellness portal you have access to lawyers, financial services professionals, and a licensed professional who can help you through the entire Will and Trust process. Wellness comes in all forms, financially, physically, and emotionally. When one dies, the emotions and feelings of loss can cloud our judgment. Having your house in order will support those you leave behind. Log in and sign up for your wellness plan today. You have a RIGHT to Be Well!
The probate process is vulnerable to disgruntled heirs contesting a relative or deceased person’s will. Most issues arise from heirs who seek larger portions of the deceased’s property than they actually received. This process is known as contesting the will. To challenge the contents of the will, an individual might argue that the deceased did one of the following: Improperly drafted the will and did not follow the proper legal formalities Did not have the mental capacity to execute a legal will Was influenced in a deceitful manner into making gifts.
You can learn more about Financial Wellness Programs on Http://www.acutecaretriage.com American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 09
WHEN LADY JUSTICE IS NOT BLIND BY KATHLEEN MORENO, Esq.
It has long been said that Justice is blind. Many of us have seen a legal matter go afoul of the law. Some of us feel that the playing field is unfair. The more money you have, the more “Justice” you can buy. As a litigator, I have seen my fair share of notable cases. I have seen those with means, who get lighter fines, restitution, and sentences, compared to those who have less money and get more jail time. But what is the toll on you, your household, your physical body when you get entangled in an unforeseen legal situation? Stress, fear, uncertainty. These emotions take over and take a real toll. So, how does sound legal advice contribute to your wellness? Have you ever gone through an arrest of a loved one, or your own arrest? The cost of a defense attorney can sometimes be ridiculously high, yet at the end of the case, you end up with the same result you may have gotten without a lawyer. Yes, it happens all the time. How do you know when to get outside help or when to use a public defender? It helps when you obtain answers to your legal questions through an affordable medium. A legal hot line, just like the one in your wellness plan, can bring home peace of mind. At Acute Care Triage, or ACT, we offer legal support covering many areas of the law. These include civil litigation, which encompasses contracts and business issues; family law, which often includes marital dissolution, custody arrangements, or adoptions; labor law, which assists employers and employees in dealing with employment issues; worker’s compensation law, which covers work-related injuries. And finally, there are times when consultation with a criminal lawyer is essential. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime and needs an experienced practitioner, we can help you find an attorney qualified to answer questions in your hour of need. Whatever you may be dealing with, we have a network of attorneys who are here to help you.
Silve r has be e n use d for thousands of ye ars for its American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 10
At ACT, we understand when you reach out and look for answers to legal questions; you need someone to reach back quickly. You may be going through a very challenging time in your life. With our vast legal resources through the legal hot line, you no longer have to struggle to find the right attorney. Being of sound mind during your hour of need will help keep your stress managed, your peace of mind intact, and provide comfort for your entire family. You can reach out to us at your convenience, from the privacy of your home. Use the portal to get started right away, and you will be directed to an attorney who specializes in the applicable field of law that is licensed to practice in your state of residence. In your time of trouble, ACT will provide you the support you desperately need. Let our legal resources provide you with the answers you seek and afford you the right to BE WELL.
"It has long been said that Justice is blind"
BIOMETRICS-WHAT YOUR BLOOD SAYS ABOUT YOU By Perla Galan
COMPREHENSIVE ANALYTICS Acute Care Triage offers two unique levels of health analysis. One is an advanced blood screening of 45 points. The other, is our proprietary HRA tool (Health Risk Assessment). Our premise is that blood work cannot be manipulated. It is a proven and reliable tool for predictors of disease and behavior. We screen for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, liver and gallbladder abnormalities, nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, infections, certain cancers, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid.
Blood work cannot be manipulated. It is a proven and reliable tool for predictors of disease and behavior.
The second system of screening we offer is our proprietary Health Risk Assessment (HRA), which encompasses an algorithm to detect specific areas of risk from behavior, lifestyle, and genetic propensities. Each user is assigned a wellness score based on the science between these two models. This delivers a better predictor for each patient.
COMPREHENSIVE SCREENING TESTS
Anemia Infections Certain cancers - CA 125 Nutritional disorders Gastrointestinal disorders Liver & gallbladder abnormalities Hemoglobin A1C Heart disease Stroke risk Diabetes Kidney disease PSA - Prostate Cancer
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE 1.
The average American is living 6.7 years longer than they once did. This is due in part to healthier lifestyles, better diets, and—yes—better medicine. 2. Conversely, more Americans, especially the younger generation, are morbidly obese. Fast food, GMOs, and processed foods are destroying our bodies from the inside out. 3. The insurance companies are raising rates 20-30%per person per year. These companies pay millions in salaries to their CEOs, and pay huge dividends to the shareholders, all from the premiums members pay. 4. The cost for prescription drugs is out of control, yet the same drugs from the same manufacturers are shipped out of the United States and sold for a fraction of the price to people in other countries. Online health and wellness information is all over the Internet, but there are concerns: lack of consistency, questionable reliability, unknown certifications, and a lack of continuity of care. Acute Care Triage, Inc.,™ recognizes this as damaging to public health. We have established a wellness community with highly skilled and credentialed professionals who are committed to public health and safety. Our core programs focus on the key pillars of healthcare—triage, early detection, advocacy, and chronic condition management.
OUR WELL-BEING PLATFORM OFFERS: Targeted Wellness Coaching* Optimal Weight Loss & Certified Nutritional Counseling Personal Fitness Stress Management Smoking Cessation Behavioral Health* & Hypnotherapy Discount Rx plans 45-point blood panel biometric screening** (at additional cost) Health risk assessment & Episodic care 24/7 Nurse hot line - Medical concierge Certified Professional Life Coaching
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American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 12
THERAPY
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 13
WHAT IS ADDICTION?? BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA & Rev. Brian Shaffer, MA, MS, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC To understand addiction, we need to understand what it is and how people become vulnerable to becoming addicted. Why are some people able to use alcohol, recreational drugs, even prescription pain pills without consequences while others get “hijacked” the first time? At Acute Care Triage, we focus on connected treatment, education, affordable DIY intervention, and providing the most up to date information and research into addiction and recovery. The first task for anyone looking for help and support, whether it is for you or a loved one, it is to understand the root of addiction.
Addiction Drug addiction is complicated. It is a biological, psychological, and even a social disorder characterized by the out of control use of substances or dangerous behaviors. This lack of control is so overwhelming, despite the consequences, the addict will risk their own lives to keep feeding that addiction. Any addiction has two main components: 1. The out-of-control use of substances or engaging in behaviors that, regardless of the personal peril, the addict continues the behavior or drug use. 2. The uncontrollable desire, both biological and psychological, for increased amounts of substances and behaviors over time increases to a potentially lethal level, to achieve the desired effects. Why is it so difficult to say, “I am an addict”? Addiction is often misunderstood. The addict is labeled as “flawed” or unable to experience enough pleasure to get happy without the object of their addiction. Addiction is a gradual process. Addicts lose their sense of control over their drug use. Ultimately, they cannot tolerate the feeling of hopelessness, isolation, and shame that come with any addiction. This underlying pain of the addiction leads millions toward drugs and alcohol to end their suffering. American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 14
Healing comes when we learn to identify triggers, feelings of hopelessness, unresolved trauma, and unmet emotional needs that are filled by addictive substances and behaviors. Connecting to treatment and support allows addicts to see their addiction as a symptom, a symptom of underlying pain.
What is the answer? Where do we get help? What about our families? Is there help for the loved ones? Well, Yes! Addiction experts explain that other factors contribute to substance abuse and addictive behaviors. Biological influences, such as genetics, make some people more vulnerable to addiction. Environmental exposure, in which the addict is raised, can also be a factor. Economics, sexual assault, parenting, loss, peer pressure, trauma, stress, and childhood abuse all contribute to the addict’s environmental vulnerability. Families with a history of addiction and/or mental health issues play a critical role in the “birth” of the addict. Coming from a family with addiction makes people more likely to become addicted themselves. More than 60 percent of alcoholics have family histories of alcoholism. Another factor is a family history of mental illness.
WHAT IS ADDICTION?? Cont.
Many addicts have a history of depression and/or anxiety leading to their drug and alcohol use. Struggling through the pain of untreated mental health issues like, depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and others increase a person’s susceptibility of turning to addictive substances and behaviors.
Science of Addiction The American Society of Addiction Medicine has adopted this definition of addiction: “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations.” DIY (Do It Yourself) intervention can provide support for the addict, their peers, co-workers, family, and spouse. Addiction is a physical and/or psychological dependence on substances. This dependence can change a person’s brain chemistry. Alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, and stimulants are drugs that can alter the addict at their core. Interventions can be expensive and not always available as a course of treatment to those who have financial issues.
At AcuteCareTriage.com, we believe that the most important factor to focus on is the pain underneath the addictive behaviors. With this focus, our team of licensed clinicians and addiction professionals form a therapeutic partnership within the DIY Intervention group for the addict. We target three goals: 1. Ending the cycle of addiction. 2. Increasing connections. 3. Relieving the pain driving addictions of any kind. Everyone’s story of will be different, but all addicts share the pain underneath. Thank you for caring enough about yourself or a loved one to be here. National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior-The Science of Addiction” January 2007. http://www.nida.nih.gov/tib/ soa.html “Addiction,” Home Box Office, Inc., Untied States, 2011, http:// www.hbo.com/addiction/ understanding_addiction/14_some_people_become_addicted.html American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Public Policy Statement on Addiction, Adopted April 12, 2011, http:// www.asam.org/DefinitionofAddiction-LongVersion.html J Neurosci 21:9414-94, 2010.
This is an original work by Tracy Wood, HHA, CPC, ELI-MP, & Rev. Brian Shaffer, MA, MS, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC
Personal Development Book List - Help From Those Who Have Come Before US... Awaken The Giant Within....Anthony Robbins YOU are a BADASS....Jen Sincero Who Moved My Cheese.....Spencer Johnson, M.D. Mind Over Mood.....Dennis Greenberger Just As Your Are - A Teens Guide to Self-Acceptance, & Lasting Self-Esteem.....Michelle Skeen, Ph.D., & Kelly Skeen
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 15
SET FREE BY REV. BRIAN K. SHAFFER, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC It has happe ne d to all of us. Your he art starts pumping. Your palms swe at. Your bre athing quicke ns, your hands be gin to shake , your lungs tighte n. Your mind race s, skipping from one nightmare sce nario to the ne xt. The more you focus on your symptoms, the more it se e ms that your panic is taking ove r. Did simply reading the last paragraph cause you to feel distressed? If so, you could be experiencing the uncomfortable feelings, sensations, and physical reactions associated with fear, or, as it is commonly called, anxiety or stress.
Cle arly, anxie ty attacks are not some thing to toy with, but the good ne ws is that you are not alone . The NIMH, or the National Institute of Me ntal He alth re ports that me ntal he alth disorde rs are the most common illne ss in the US today. Me ntal he alth affe cts ove r 40 million Ame ricans. That translate s tom18% of the US population. Pe rhaps what is more surprising is that of those affe cte d, only 36.9% are re ce iving tre atme nt for the se ofte nde bilitating conditions.
The symptoms of anxiety and stress are sometimes mild and can become quite severe. At its most severe, you can experience a full-blown panic attack.
Mental health affects over 40 million Americans. That translates tom18% of the US population. Perhaps what is more surprising is that of those affected, only 36.9% are receiving treatment for these often-debilitating conditions. Re ce ntly, I had a close frie nd who droppe d to the stre e t, grabbing his che st, thinking he was having a massive he art attack. The first re sponde rs rushe d him to the close st hospital. He was imme diate ly triage d by an RN, and a cardiologist was se nt to the ER STAT. Many me dications and te sts late r, it was confirme d – Panic Attack.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 16
In 2019, we live in a te nsion-fille d world whe re we are e xpe cte d to be the be st at e ve rything we do. Childre n find the ir sche dule s packe d with e xtracurricular activitie s and schoolwork, and many have a gre at de al of pre ssure put on the m to pe rform e xce ptionally at both. Adults have e ndle ss family re sponsibilitie s, the drain of be ing constantly conne cte d to te chnology, financial worrie s, re lationship issue s, se curity conce rns, and incre asing workloads. If you didn’t fe e l ove rwhe lme d, you probably do now! cont.. pg. 17
SET FREE
(cont.) BY REV. BRIAN K. SHAFFER, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC It’s time to take a de e p bre ath. Through the Acute Care Triage we llne ss plans, you will find many re source s to he lp you work through anxie ty, why it happe ns, and how to gain control ove r your mind, body, and life . Mastering the tools for talking you down, isn’t all that difficult to learn. The skill to go from panicked to in-control, once you know what is triggering you, is an invaluable skill to possess. By learning how to help yourself, you can also help others in your life to be able to reduce their stress responses and triggers. So, whether anxiety is a new experience for you, or you are on the brink of burnout, you can relax a bit. Sign up for your wellness plan today to regain a sense of peace and joy in your life. If at any time you feel ready to take the next step, find a Life Coach through the ACT portal. We will be happy to connect with you!
So what can YOU do if you, or someone with you, is having a panic attack?
TIP - Remember the Focused Five 1. Tell me 5 things you can see. (Re-direct the focus of the person in a panic attack) 2. Tell me the 4 things you can hear right now. (Get the person to slow down and listen to what is really happening around them, not what they are imagining.) 3. Tell me 3 things you can smell around you right now. 4. Tell me 2 things your can touch right now. (Have them physically reach out for the two things.) 5. Tell me 1 thing you can taste right now. By now, the breathing should have returned to normal, the mind will have slowed, and the physical symptoms should be well in control. This is an original article written by Rev. Brian K. Shaffer, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 17
MEDICINE
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 19
ACT WIDENS ACCESS TO BBHRT-Globally BY T.S. WILEY & TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI_MP, HHA As president of Acute Care Triage, TS Wiley President of the Wiley Protocol, and I are building awareness in Women’s Health issues. Acutecaretriage.com’s mission, in conjunction with The Wiley Protocol, and Pure Pharmacy Canada, is to provide people with top-quality health care services ad products that are accessible, confidential, and affordable. To accomplish this goal, we integrated Telemedicine services with Wiley Certified practitioners with advances in technology. Through our new modalities, ACT delivers Telemedicine, BBHRT Consultations, nurse triage, behavioral health, preventive medicine, and wellness. Telemedicine or Virtual Medicine has been actively practiced around the world in one form or another for well over twenty years. While we marvel at modern technology for things like remote testing and portable EKG machines plugging into our iPhones, some doctors and patients still shy away from the concept of an online appointment. The law in some countries require an annual terrestrial visit with a primary care practitioner. But doesn’t it make sense to stay in the comfort and safety of your home for health issues that are not medical emergencies? Things like
Colds, Ear infections • Prescription refills Flu Sinusitis Headaches
Consider how much time is lost in waiting rooms, the exposure to others’ infectious germs, or a doctor who maybe an hour behind schedule. Telemedicine is the answer to these challenges. Think about the ease of just turning on your Smart device, plugging in your headset for privacy, waiting less than 2 to 3 minutes for your turn, American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 20
and having your clinician arrive on time! Form many women, BHRT is under supported. We see hundreds of stories from women in our support group who have been denied their hormones from an undereducated practitioner. It is our right to direct our own health and wellness. Television commercials are now pressing patients to force their medical doctors to write prescriptions at will. The majority of the time, they acquiesce. So why are bio-identical, bio-mimetic hormones any different? They shouldn’t be. Its your body. You have the power to collaborate with your practitioner. Claim your right to be educated in the non-invasive treatments that you wish to use. At ACT, we triage every person as they call or come in, analyze their specific need, and advance the patient to the next steps. When applicable, your electronic prescription is sent to your local pharmacy or a Wiley Certified Compounding pharmacy. Many private insurance plans now reimbursing patients for online visits. In fact, they may reimburse up to 85%. In most cases, people with Flex spending accounts and Health savings accounts can now use them to pay for their virtual office visits. All major credit cards will also work in this new online environment. Logging into the portal is easy. Your data is kept in a HIPAA compliant environment, so it is secure and available to you for review. Today in America 87% of people surveyed stated that they would rather change their clinician to a provider that makes available an online presence rather than stay with a physician that does not embrace the new technologies.
ACT WIDENS ACCESS TO BBHRT-Globally (cont.) At Acute Care Triage OUR vision is that of a more e fficie nt he alth care syste m that fits YOUR life style . Full doctor/patie nt collaboration is he re and NOW in our portal. Le t us he lp you provide continuity of care for pe ople the world ove r. It’s a brand-ne w day in virtual me dicine !
Its your body. You have the power to collaborate with your practitioner. This is an original work by T.S. Wiley & Tracy Wood, CPC, ELI-MP, HHA
GET IMMEDIATE TREATMENT FOR NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS THESE: Allergies Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Bronchitis Colds, coughs, and sinus problems Ear infections Flu symptoms Headaches Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, strains) Pink Eye Stomach aches Urinary tract infections Visits required for regular medicine refills $14.95, er family, per month. $45.00 per eConsultation. CALL NOW!!! 866-228-5111
BENEFITS OF ONLINE TELEMEDICINE INCLUDE: Support 24 hours a day, seven days a week Appointments held in the privacy of your own home or office, via video or phone Access to Licensed Professionals in many areas of specialty All personal health information is private and stored in a HIPAA Compliant Portal Prompt treatment with prescriptions, using SureScript, to your local pharmacy Encoded Super bill for potential claims reimbursement We accept Flex Spending and Health Savings Debit Cards Available to temporary and part-time staff, dependents, and employees once they have exited the company. To join our innovative, convenient, and cost-effective form of health care, go to AcuteCareTriage.com™ to sign up and get more information. ACT Now! American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 21
To BHRT, or Not To BHRT BY T.S. WILEY If you are debating hormone replacement therapy, you’re not alone. Women everywhere are looking for answers and when they can’t find them, they look to their healthcare providers and pharmacists for help. According to the US Census Bureau, there were an estimated 78.2 million baby boomers, as of July 1, 2005, and over 47 million of them are women experiencing discomfort from menstruation to menopause, to loss of libido and beyond.
For those who still do not use any Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the idea of anti-aging and bio-identical hormones has become intriguing. A myriad of products on the market make the right choice difficult.
People have become accustomed to talking about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in menopause and anti-aging medicines versus synthetic big pharmaceutical products like Prempro from Wyeth. Bio-identical hormone products are usually created from natural sources of plant hormones which match the chemical structure of hormones produced by the human body. The premise is that the body can’t distinguish created bio-identical hormones from the ones the female ovaries produce naturally. The term bio-identical has basically become a catch all phrase for anything that is not a synthetic hormone. However “bio-identical” hormones can only be truly accurately bio-identical if the hormones for replacement mimic, not only those found in the body, but mimic the natural biological process as well. In other words, natural plant derived hormones can accurately be termed bio-identical only when they are dosed in a Biomimetic fashion; that would be in a rhythm. Biomimetic hormones, the scientifically accurate term, are derived from plant sources and mimic the natural undulating or wavelike rhythms of the hormone blood levels in a normal menstrual cycle in a healthy young woman. It is this natural rhythm that is missing from all other bio-identical and synthetic hormone replacement therapies. It is the absence of this natural rhythm, according to T.S. Wiley, the developer of the Wiley Protocol, American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 22
that is responsible for the vast side-effects in both camps. So what exactly is meant by “the rhythm”? The body has rhythms that are governed by a master clock that works much like a conductor. It strikes up one section of the body's orchestra as another quiets down, taking its main cue from light signals in the environment to stay in sync with the 24-hour day. Our body's hormones surge and ebb to this maestro's baton, controlling all endocrine function, predominantly a woman’s health for reproduction. It is the circadian clock in our cells that measures one 24 hour spin of the planet. For 28 days the moon adds its light to create the menstrual rhythm for the body. The Wiley Protocol uses these natural rhythms in nature to establish the proper doses of estradiol and natural progesterone that mimic the natural hormones which would be produced by your body if you were young. The topical creams and their amounts vary throughout the 28 day cycle to restore the hormone levels of youth because young women, for the most part, don’t have heart attacks, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, or type 2 diabetes. Uncertainty about any HRT began when The National Institute of Health (NIH), sponsored the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). This study of more than 161,000 women was designed to identify the benefits and risks of using hormone res-
To BHRT, or Not To BHRT (cont.)
toration therapy to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Many people, including doctors, did not realize that the results of WHI Study dealt with only women over 65 who were taking only synthetic hormone replacement therapy which consisted of the drugs PremPro and Premarin only. The study was ended mid-stream in 2002 when, WHI investigators found that the risks of this approach using synthetic therapy exceeded the safety limits established at the beginning of the study. They never looked at compounded bio-identical hormones in static doses because they are prescribed and dosed too many different ways. Women deserve something proven to be safe and reliable. A new study, Bio-identical Hormones On Trial, or B.H.O.T., will soon begin at
the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Texas, Tyler. The principal objective of the study will be to examine clinical outcomes and quality of life indicators of patients receiving BHRT at 10 to 12 primary care provider's practices. This study will be the first of its kind to track and quantify outcomes based on dosing and patterns of administration of BHRT. In 2030 there will be 57.8 million baby boomers living with many of the health issues that we may suffer between the ages of 66 and 84. There’s a chance that those who choose rhythmic replacement, the Wiley Protocol, could age to a healthier more graceful tune. Think about it. This is an original work by T.S. Wiley – Inventory and Founder The Wiley Protocol
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COACHING
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THRIVING AND FELLIN' FINE BY PAMELA EDWARDS, HHA Do you think that you are too busy to work out? While most people know that lack of exercise is associated with an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression, and many other diseases, they are still making excuses as to why they can’t exercise. The number one excuse that I hear is “no time, too busy.” Whether you’re too busy in the corporate world or too busy in the house with your children and daily “to-dos,” failure to exercise can actually decrease your productivity. Studies have shown that individuals who include at least thirty minutes daily of some form of physical activity increase their rate of productivity. They are also more able to stay focused and complete tasks. Some people will join a gym, while others want the privacy in their own home to exercise. What if you could do both? What if you could get the workout from a gym or personal trainer, and remain anonymous? But that’s ridiculously expensive! NOPE! Not anymore. With the ACT Wellness plans, you can gain access to a personal fitness, even a martial arts instructor. You can use things in your own home to start right away. Look, being fit is necessary for longevity. If you want a longer, healthier life, a wellplanned workout is a key component to success. Make time for exercise. You could add years to your life and have the energy to get more done.
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CONFIDENCE MASTERY BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI-MP, HHA “I will never figure this out!” Susan blurted out then sank down in her seat. I was shocked at what I was hearing. We had been working on our newsletter for the editing department all morning. We had been working with Adobe Creative Cloud for hours. Susan was a relatively new staff member and was very enthusiastic, normally. At the end of the screen sharing session, she asked if she could meet privately as she wanted to gain some clarity on the areas, she felt she did not know. I expected she wanted to be confident and prepared for the next session. “Susan, did you hear what you just said?” I asked as we sat in the chairs in my office. “What?” Susan looked quite puzzled for a moment “Oh, yes, I said I will never figure this out.” She said with an uncomfortable smile. Even after all the prep time, and spitting out of ideas one after another, she still had not changed the way she thought about her ability, rather than her capabilities. I smiled. “You did just sit through this entire session, right? Where we all recognized we KNOW the editing tools, picture tools, and Acrobat.” We both laughed and then spent the rest of the time working on the mindset, rather than the actual newsletter. However, that day stuck with me. If an employee like Susan, who was totally engaged in learning something could just moments later, fall right back into a negative pattern of learned behavior, then anyone could. American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 26
Negative thinking is an invasive bad habit that can, if it stays undetected, cause seemly insurmountable problems. After all, do you think Susan would have continued to try to work with the newsletter that afternoon if she was convinced, she was going to fail miserably? It isn’t likely.
CONFIDENCE MASTERY (cont.) The same holds true for our lives. Do you think you will be as confident and successful as you can be if negative thinking is a habit for you? Not likely here, either. To help you break the negative pattern and develop self-esteem and success, here are three of the most common negative beliefs and ways to help shift them: #1: “I Don’t Deserve It” Have you ever been in a room with the air conditioning on? You say, “Well, of course I have!” What happens when the air is on in the room and we set the thermostat to 78 degrees? When the temperature of the room goes to 80 degrees or higher, the air conditioning kicks on, and cools the room back down to where WE set the thermostat. Well, life works that way as well. We have an ideal about the way we are “valued” or in other words our “self-worth.” So as we go through life and we observe ourselves, when things start to go really well, we start to get uncomfortable “unconsciously”. Now, some of you will say that’s not true, I want more stuff, and better stuff and I deserve it. Well, consciously, that’s true, but in the back of your mind, you have a preconceived idea of what you think you “should” have. What happens next is what we need to change, self-sabotage. We begin to purposefully take ourselves back down to where we think our life should be. You start to sabotage our successes. So now that we know how it happens. Let’s get clear on what to do to get out of it! Visualization is a powerful tool. Now before you say “I can’t visualize! I am not good at it!” Let me ask you a question, Have you ever been to a movie? You say, “Of course I have been to a movie!” Do you remember any part of it? The sets? The characters? The scenery? Of course you do. Pick your favorite movie right now. Picture it in your head. Take a moment to do it now. Imagine your favorite part of the movie. Can you see it? Of course you do!
Ok, I have made my point, congratulations, you can successfully visualize. Using your “new-found” visual ability, in your mind’seye design an ultimate image of yourself. Picture the successful self that you want to be. SEE that image of a strong, deserving, intelligent, emotionally balanced, outstanding you. See yourself standing tall, breathing fully, holding your head high and smiling. As you hold this image in your head, say to yourself, “I am whole, perfect and complete”. Spend a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day. As you get ready in the morning, and when you get ready for bed in the evening, SEE this image. Say this affirmation over and over for 3-5 minutes. Know you are truly Whole Prefect and Complete. #2: “I am a failure” Some of us carry this label of a failure. Many times it is not our label. We have picked it up from someone else. A thoughtless teacher, coach, family member. One thing to remember in your life, if you don’t remember anything else you read here, “Words are like a bullet, once they are out of the gun, you cannot take them back.” Let me ask you a question; When someone gives you a gift and you refuse to accept it, who does the gift belong to? Think that one through. American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 27
CONFIDENCE MASTERY (cont. from 26) It belongs to the person trying to give it to you. So isn’t that the same for name calling, negative labels and criticism? YES. So do not wear someone else’s label. How do we anchor a “New and improved YOU label?” What do you want that label to be? How do you want to be known? Think about that now. Close our eyes for a second. Think about that ultimate self again. What do you look like? How do you stand? How do you hold your head? What do you do with your free time? Are you musical? Are you an athlete? Visualize yourself with your new label. See yourself strong, with your new ultimate self. You are outstanding, amazing, and know your old negative names and images, that do not serve your new sense of your successful self, are no longer attached to you. You can choose your life, you can be the creator of your own “show”, just pick your role and begin acting the way you want to. You’ve heard the adage, “Fake it ‘til you make it!” Here is how we anchor these feelings of empowerment without having to consciously think about it every day. Now standing tall, if you are not standing, get up right now. Yes, I am serious, stand up. Okay, standing tall, I want you to see yourself in your head and I want you to clap your hands together in a rapid and animated pace and I want you to say “YES!” Again, no one can see you, and if they can, they will think you have lost your mind. Now, again, see yourself as a winner, an amazing athlete, your ultimate self, do you see it? Begin clapping rapidly again saying “YES!” Again “YES” Again “Yes” keep your ultimate image “yes”. Ok, you can sit back down. Now how do you feel? Do you have more energy or less energy? Do you feel stronger or weaker? More excited about your ultimate self or less excited? My job here is nearly done… #3: “I don’t matter” This negative belief very often starts early in life. It is a serious problem when kids feel like they are “invisible” or they don’t have a voice.
It often leads to feeling powerless, victimized and feelings of worthlessness. This sets off a chain reaction of negative self-talk. This is where children will put themselves down. They will develop negative self-images and when others put them down, they will accept those criticisms allowing for the bullying to escalate. It can take you down a road that you don’t want to go! So, how do we break these patterns early for our kids, and even now for ourselves? How do we recognize them when they start and empower us and our children without the lectures that so many of our kids will tune out? When we put good messages in, we push negative messages out. It can be that simple. What we say, what we hear habitually, can help shape and define us. What are you saying to your child habitually? How do you talk to you? What does the rest of the family say? Friends? If you don’t know, it’s time that you find out! In the meantime, it’s your job to get good messages inside your head, and in the mind of your child’. Create some affirmations for you and your children and do them with them. If you have toddlers, start now. From the time before my children could speak, I had affirmations I designed for them. Three a day, every day. My children heard that they were smart, they were the most important part of my life, and they knew they could accomplish any goal they set their mind to. Positive affirmations consistently can and will keep you on the road to a strong sense of self-worth. It will support a self-image that is grounded and balanced. Anyone who is confident will feel more competent, self-assured, and independent of the good opinion of others. Making these decisions to live as YOU want will alter the current outcome for your future. Walking in the world to your own tune will bring joy to your soul. If you don’t feel like you can make lasting changes in your life alone, reach out to a CPC (Certified Professional Life Coach). Remember these two things: You are not the sum of your mistakes in life, and as you think, so you shall become. American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 27
BOOK CLUB
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RECOMMENDED READS ACT BOOK CLUB Spiritual Book List The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have – Mark Nepo
Personal Development Books The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
The Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy and Religion - Diane Morgan
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
You Are Enough – Mandy Hale
The 4-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss
Living Tao Meditations - Stephen F. Kaufmann
Unlimited Power – Tony Robbins
A Woman’s Book of Life: The Biology, Psychology, and Spirituality of the Feminine Life Cycle - Joan Borysenko
Health & Wellness Books
I Am That – Nisargadatta Maharaj
Lights Out – T.S. Wiley
Awaken – Priscilla Shirer
Sex, Lies, and Menopause – T.S. Wiley
Woman: An Intimate Geography - by Natalie Angier
Wheat Belly – William Davis
The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
In Defense of Food – Michael Pollan
Being Bodies: Buddhist Women on the Paradox of Embodiment edited by Lenore Friedman and Susan Moon The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed - Carl Honore Offerings: Buddhist Wisdom for Every Day Danielle and Olivier Follmi The Enchantress of Florence - Salman Rushdie Changing for Good - James Prochaska, John Norcross, and Carlo DiClemente
For any information contained herein, contact Acute Care Triage, 866-228-5111
The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge Except as noted, this is an original work authored by Tracy Wood, CPC, ELI-MP.
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