B1 Oct. 30–Nov. 5, 2015
With the right treatment it is possible to heal thyroid problems and, unless the gland has been severely damaged, you won’t need medication for the rest of your life.
Beat
the Sugar Rush With Healthy Halloween Treats
on B4
Each person really has to be evaluated in a really personalized way. Raphael Kellman, integrative medicine doctor and thyroid specialist
ADAMGREGOR/ISTOCK
Why Common Thyroid Tests and Treatments Don’t Work for Some Patients By Conan Milner | Epoch Times Staff
T
he thyroid gland regulates many bodily functions, playing a key role in metabolism, growth, hormones, immunity, detoxification, and so much more. Located in front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple, the thyroid is so critical to our health that when it’s compromised many different symptoms can result, such as obesity, low energy, hypertension, hair loss, difficulty concentrating, frequent infections, and constipation just to name a few. PRAPASSONG/ISTOCK
The symptoms of a low thyroid, like fatigue and difficulty losing weight, are sometimes dismissed as stress or normal aging.
There are unbelievable alternatives to the synthetic hormones. Annette Schippel, chiropractic physician and functional endocrinology specialist
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggests that about 1 in 300 Americans suffers from a low functioning thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. But some doctors believe the actual number is much higher. One such physician is Dr. Raphael Kellman, an integrative medicine practitioner in New York City who specializes in thyroid disorders. Kellman said we’re in the middle of a “thyroid epidemic,” but that routine blood tests fail to see it. “One of the reasons why the extent of the epidemic is not being appreciated is because the routine tests do pick up a lot of people, but it’s also missing a significant number,” he said. A Misleading Test To diagnose a thyroid disorder, doctors primarily look to a pea-sized gland in the brain—the pituitary—for answers. The gold standard to determine thyroid problems is a blood test to measure how much thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) the pituitary gland excretes into the bloodstream. Think of TSH as a message of encouragement. When the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, the pituitary sends TSH in hopes of kicking the thyroid into gear. A TSH level that is higher than normal indicates that the thyroid is failing to respond to the pituitary’s message because it is too weak to meet the body’s needs. A TSH test veri-
fies the problem, thyroid hormones are prescribed to compensate for the underproductive gland, and TSH drops to a normal range because the pituitary is satisfied with hormone levels. That’s how it’s supposed to work anyway. But Kellman said there are many patients who exhibit several classic symptoms of a low thyroid, but may still show a normal TSH level. He said the TSH test is “terribly misleading” because it frequently misrepresents what is happening in the thyroid and the pituitary. “That’s why there are an untold number of people walking around with unexplained fatigue, unexplained brain fog, and difficulty losing weight even though they’re following a good diet. These people sense intuitively that there is something wrong with their thyroid, but it’s not being picked up. That’s why they go from doctor to doctor sometimes for years.” Chemical Toxicity Most diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism in the United States are due to an autoimmune disorder called Hashiomoto’s thyroiditis—a condition in which the immune system actually attacks the thyroid gland. But Kellman suggests that there are other causes of hypothyroidism that do not exhibit the elevated TSH levels doctors are looking for.
See Thyroid on B7
B2
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit COURTESY OF NEW YORK CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE
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Lyme Disease:
“The Great Mimicker” A
re you suffering with symptoms of an illness that doesn’t seem to respond to any normal treatment? Have the doctors changed the diagnosis several times or can’t agree on a diagnosis? Does nothing seem to help get rid of it that should? Maybe, just maybe, you are suffering from the “great mimicker”, Lyme disease. THE CAUSE Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. The infection is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. The ticks are extremely small and often fall off the body after feeding, thus masking the fact that you’ve been bitten. THE SYMPTOMS AND THE DIFFICULTY IN DIAGNOSIS Early symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a characteristic circular skin rash, which has a “bulls-eye” (target-like) appearance. The “bulls-eye rash” is thought to occur in only about 80% of infected patients adding to misdiagnosis. Patients often experience flulike symptoms, such as headache, muscle soreness, fever, and malaise, which can also confuse early diagnosis. Unfortunately, left untreated, symptoms may involve the joints, heart, and central nervous system. The disease can affect multiple body systems at the same time and produce a wide range of symptoms. Not all patients with Lyme disease will have all symptoms, and many of the symptoms are not specific to Lyme disease, but can occur with other diseases as well, also making it difficult to diagnose. Also, blood testing frequently shows false negative testing or indeterminate results, causing doctors to delay diagnosis and treatment until it’s too late to easily kill the infections. Every part of the body can be affected. Various acute neurological problems including facial palsy, which is the loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face, as well as meningitis, which involves severe headaches, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light are common in untreated cases. Nerve inflammation causes shooting pains that may interfere with sleep, as well as abnormal skin sensations. The late stage is where the infection has fully spread throughout the body. A polyneuropathy that involves shooting pains, numbness, and tingling in the
hands or feet may develop. A neurologic syndrome called Lyme encephalopathy is associated with subtle cognitive problems, such as difficulties with concentration and short-term memory often accompanied by profound fatigue. In some cases Lyme disease kills. THE ANSWER In many but not all cases, antibiotics may eliminate the infection and its symptoms, especially if the illness is treated early. Unfortunately, even when caught early, antibiotics don’t always work. Over the past 22 years intravenous medical ozone has been safely and effectively used to destroy and eliminate Lyme disease, even in late stage infections. Often when all hope is gone, even after years of suffering medical ozone has proven successful. Usually in just a few weeks symptoms begin to diminish offering hope and finally giving relief. Intravenous medical ozone when it enters the body attacks and kills all Lyme disease causing bacteria. It does it safely, virtually with no adverse reactions. In addition it destroys all unwanted viruses, fungus, yeast, mold, harmful free radicles and toxins, thus cleansing your body and boosting your own natural immune system. You can learn more about intravenous medical ozone at www.ozonedoctor.net as well as buying a copy of the award winning DVD “Ozone Therapy: The Miracle Medicine” by Dr. Gary Null at www. garynull.com which contains testimonials from Lyme patients as to medical ozone’s effectiveness. You can also call Dr. Howard Robins in his Manhattan office at 212-581-0101 with questions. He is considered by many to be the foremost clinical expert on intravenous medical ozone in North America with 22 years experience and over 210,000 treatments performed in his Manhattan office. Don’t wait any longer. You’ve suffered long enough, haven’t you? It’s time to stop suffering. Author: DR. HOWARD ROBINS The Healing Center 200 W 57th Street, on corner of 7th Ave by Carnegie Hall New York City 212-581-0101.
The field of chiropractic is now one of the most established forms of complementary medicine in the United States. The basis of treatments is non-invasive physical adjustments to the spine and joints to optimize nerve function. If you’re looking for a first, second, or even third career in healing, becoming a chiropractor can be a stable and rewarding path. 1. Youll Be in Demand The “gray tsunami” washing over America means more elderly will be needing the kinds of preventative and maintenance treatments chiropractors provide. According to research company IBISWorld, close to 40 percent of chiropractic patients in the United States are aged 50 or above—and this age group will continue to grow. Chiropractors see patients of all ages, and in recent years, more parents have sought out chiropractic care for their children, according to the report. Several years ago, the American College of Physicians began recommending that doctors steer patients with back pain to chiropractors before opting for surgery, and some insurance plans require it. In addition, a non-discrimination clause in the Affordable Care Act gives more patients access to insurance coverage for chiropractic care. 2. You’ll Be Highly Satisfied It’s gratifying to have a patient come to you in pain and be able to get them out of it, especially when they’ve already tried many other approaches that haven’t worked. One of the main reasons to choose chiropractic is to make a difference in the health of your community by offering gentle, drug-free treatments that alleviate a variety of conditions. And while medical doctors tend to report feeling stressed, being a chiropractor is one of the least stressful jobs, according to job hunting site Career Cast. This means you’ll have the mental and emotional space to truly support yourself, your family, and your patients.
3. Your Job Will Be Secure and Independent You might be surprised to learn that chiropractic is the No. 1 most secure job based on unemployment rates and projected growth, according to MarketWatch. It also pays comfortably, with a median annual salary at around $66,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And you get to be your own boss. Chiropractors are self-employed and either own their practices, join with a partner, or integrate into other holistic-care clinics. 4. Your Education Will Be Complete, but Not Overwhelming You can become a fully licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) in less than 3.5 years, which is a lot less time than it takes to become a dentist or physician. The training will give you a foundation in subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and microbiology, and of course chiropracticspecific theory and treatments, plus over 1,000 hours of experience with patients. Being a chiropractor is also typically a 9-to-5 job. 5. Your Future Looks Bright The chiropractic industry is growing faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of chiropractors will grow by 15 percent between 2012 and 2022. New York Chiropractic College combines nationally recognized academic and scientific excellence with real-world clinical experience unmatched by other chiropractic schools. To learn more about the school’s diverse, yet integrated multidisciplinary degrees in chiropractic, acupuncture, and applied clinical nutrition visit visit NYCC.edu New York Chiropractic College 2360 State Route 89 Seneca Falls, NY 13148 800-234-6922 NYCC.edu
Easy Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars By Deanna Harris
BHOFACK2/ISTOCK
No-bake granola bars are the perfect makeahead, easy, snack recipe that can be kept in the fridge for snack any time of the week. They take 15 minutes to make and are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to keep energy levels high and prevent afternoon sugar cravings. Deanna Harris is a holistic nutritionist. This article was originally published on NaturallySavvy.com
RECIPE EASY PUMPKIN SPICE GRANOLA BARS INGREDIENTS Dr. Howard Robins
212-581-0101 The Healing Center
200 W 57th Street, (on corner of 7th Ave by Carnegie Hall)
New York City www.ozonedoctor.net
• • • • • • • • •
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup quinoa flakes 1/4 cup pecans 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 cup medjool dates (about 12) 1/3 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons molasses
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 F. Spread your pumpkin seeds and oats on a large baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes (or use pre-roasted pumpkin seeds for a truly no-bake recipe). Be careful: they can burn quickly.
In a large mixing bowl combine quinoa flakes, pecans, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Add toasted pumpkin seeds and oats to the bowl. In a food processor pulse the dates until they form a stiff paste and come together in a dough ball. Add the dates to the mixing bowl along with the maple syrup and molasses. Mix everything together with your hand—trust me, it’s the only way. Once everything is combined press the granola bar dough into a parchment lined 8 inch x9 inch pan. Give it a really good press with the back of your hand or the bottom of a cup. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set, then cut and store in an air tight container in the fridge. Can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
B3
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit SAMIRA BOUAOU/EPOCH TIMES
The effects of Heart Disease are staggering. 600,000 die every year. That’s 1 in 4 Americans. Tragically, most of those deaths could have been prevented. You’re invited to learn how.
Adventures & Events SAMIRA BOUAOU/EPOCH TIMES
GREAT PUPKIN FESTIVAL Get your fresh air, exercise, and dose of cuteness at the largest dog costume event in Brooklyn. The 17th annual Great PUPkin Festival will be held on Halloween this year. Last year, there were a record 124 costumed canines in the contest. The judges were exhausted, but it was great fun. Saturday, Oct. 31 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Free bit.ly/GreatPUPkin
Join Dr. Howard Schwartz, Cardiologist and Wellness Expert
Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square in October 2013.
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARADE Show off your costumes at this festive parade on the main grounds of the Queen’s Botanical Garden and don’t forget your trick-or-treat bags. Participants will get to make a botanical craft. This event is recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 10.
FOR A FREE SEMINAR SWEATY SATURDAY
Understand the root causes of heart disease Learn how you can make changes that last Learn about our Heart Wellness Program Take charge of your health starting NOW
Every Saturday morning in the Lululemon in the Meatpacking District store. Complimentary. Enjoy a sweatier indoor workout lead by an exciting studio in the neighborhood.
Saturday, Oct. 31 Noon–4 p.m. Queens Botanical Garden bit.ly/ChildHalloween
Saturdays 9 a.m.–10 a.m. 408 W. 14th St., Manhattan Free (RSVP to meatpacking-store@ lululemon.com) bit.ly/SwtySat2015
Wednesday, November 4th at 7 PM 635 Madison Ave. - 3rd Floor New York, NY 10022
SEATING IS LIMITED: RESERVE YOURS NOW 646-489-8869 -or- dr.schwartz@integrativecardiolgy.com
DANIELLE GAGLIARDI/CROSSFIT SOLACE
FREE CROSSFIT TRIAL CLASS If you have heard about CrossFit, but want to test the waters first in a group setting, then this Free Trial Class is for you.
Live Longer, Stronger and Healthier. The Strategy for Lifelong Wellness.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8 p.m. & Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. Solace 38 E. 32nd St., Manhattan Free CrossFitSolace.com
COURTESY OF COLIN MILLER
COURTESY OF COLIN MILLER
ICE SKATING IN BRYANT PARK’S WINTER VILLAGE It’s ice skating time again. Bring your out-oftown guests, friends, and family to the ice rink at Bryant Park. A visit here will lift your holiday and winter spirit. Daily, starting Friday, Oct. 30 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Bryant Park, 40th Street & Sixth Avenue, Manhattan Free admission, $15–$19 skate rental bit.ly/BryantWinter
FREE SCREENING FOR ALZHEIMERS Learn About New Treatments and Solutions
O
n the Upper East Side of Manhattan a facility dedicated to research, the Eastside Comprehensive Medical Center, LLC, has board certified Psychiatrists that have over 45 years of clinical and research experience focusing primarily on Central Nervous System trials such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, ADHD, OCD and Alzheimer’s, as well as extensive experience in
• Sadness
• Appetite or weight changes
• Lack of interest in things
• Lack of concentration
that normally interest you • Sleep Problems
NOVEMBER PROJECT Looking for a way to stay in shape during the cold New England winter? The November Project is a free fitness movement that was born (in Boston) to help you do just that. November Project members range from professional athletes and Olympians to recent couch potatoes. If you think that you’re not fit enough to join the group, stop thinking and come see what the fuss is all about.
Wednesdays 5:28 a.m.–6:28 a.m. Gracie Mansion Groto 86th Street, Manhattan Free November-Project.com/ new-york-ny
Compiled by Tatiana Tobar-Darzi Ramandi/Epoch Times Staff
medical studies such as Pain, Hypertension and Gastrointestinal studies. Eastside Comprehensive Medical Center is currently recruiting for Alzheimer’s studies. If you or someone you know is suffering from memory loss, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or experiencing any of the following symptoms please contact Eastside Medical.
• Lack of energy • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
SPACE IS LIMITED Insurance is not required and you may be eligible to receive treatment at NO COST TO YOU. Compensation is also available for study participants.
Call us: 212-288-0138 Email us: EastSideMed@aol.com www.EastSideMedCenter.com 737 Park Avenue Suite 1A, New York, 10021 Open Monday thru Friday (9am-7pm)
Eastside Comprehensive Medical Center
B4
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit
Healthy Halloween Treats
Erectile Dysfunction (E.D.)
YOU DON’T NEED TO totally surrender to the sugar
When the “Magic Pill” isn’t so magic Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) affects more than 30 million men in the U.S. It is especially common in men with prostate surgery, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. However, it is now possible to treat almost all men with E.D! E.D. undermines a man’s sexual confidence—but successful treatment can restore it!
rush this year. Bringing attractive, low-sugar treats to parties will give children (and their parents) something fun and healthier to munch on. SAMIRA BOUAOU/EPOCH TIMES
Many E.D. treatments are covered by most insurance and prescription plans. Attend a FREE seminar to educate men and their partners about approved E.D. treatment options. Partners are encouraged to attend.
Featuring: Dr. J. Francois Eid A board certified urologist who specializes in the treatment of E.D.
The New York Marriott East Side Morgan B Room 525 Lexington Ave. at 49th St. New York, NY 10017
Also featuring: A patient who found a long-term solution to his E.D.
Children love drawing faces on these mandarin jack-o-lanterns. SAMIRA BOUAOU/EPOCH TIMES
To reserve your space or for more information about this FREE seminar, please call: (866) 233-9368.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Refreshments available at 6 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
A pumpkin-themed veggie platter will give everyone at the party a welcome reprieve from sweet treats.
An educational series, sponsored by Coloplast Corp., designed to inform and empower. www.ColoplastMensHealth.com
JENIFOTO/ISTOCK
WHEN YOUR GOAL IS 3 UNDER PAR,
DON’T LET SHOULDER PAIN HOLD YOU BACK
Banana ghosts and tangerine pumpkins make great fresh Halloween party dishes. AZURITA/ISTOCK
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING:
Apple slices, peanut or almond butter, and yogurtcovered raisins make protein and vitamin-rich monster mouths, with a lot less sugar than most treats.
• Pain when lifting or lowering your arm • Muscle weakness • Loss of mobility
Dr. Francis Mendoza is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, recognized as one of the top shoulder surgeons in New York. With over 30 years of experience Dr. Mendoza remains on the cutting edge of minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical procedures, ensuring that patients experience minimal discomfort and downtime during their recovery.
Dr. Francis Mendoza Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeon • Columbia University • New York Presbyterian Hospital • Lenox Hill Hospital • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgey
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• American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons
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212-628-9600
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If you've got some time on your hands, or some children who need a project, orange jack-olantern fruit salad cups are fun and oh-so-healthy.
B5
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK
Power Up and Burn Fat With This Dumbbell Shoulder Matrix By Douglas Taurel This is a complex shoulder movement. It will burn a tremendous number of calories, strengthen the shoulders, and improve your aerobic capacity. This a great routine if you’re an advanced athlete or an experienced exerciser and don’t have much time to work out. These movements are meant to follow one right after the other without any rest. After you have completed all the moves, rest for two minutes and repeat the circuit. For a serious challenge, keep your rests strictly to two minutes and do a total of three circuits. For these moves, choose weights that are at least 10 pounds less than what you’d normally use for shoulder presses. If after the first round, you feel this is too light, add 5 or 10 pounds. If you feel you are not finishing your 20 reps, drop 5 or 10 pounds. For example, I normally do dumbbell shoulder presses with 40-pound weights for 15 reps, but for this routine, I use 20-pound dumbbells.
Move 1
• Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Lift your two dumbbells up to head height, your elbows should be almost even with your shoulders and your palms should be facing forward. Press for 20 reps.
Douglas Taurel is the owner of Taurel Fitness. He's been a fitness expert and nutrition consultant for over 15 years. He trains triathletes, executives, and performers. Sign up for his healthy recipes and workout tips at TaurelFitness.com and follow him @TaurelFitness ALL PHOTOS BY BENJAMIN CHASTEEN/EPOCH TIMES EQUIPMENT LOAN COURTESY OF FITNESS SHOWROOMS NYC
For these moves, choose weights that are at least 10 pounds less than what you’d normally use for shoulder presses.
Move 2
• Immediately turn the palms so that they are facing each other (neutral grip) and press for another 20 reps.
Move 3
• Immediately bring the palms back to the shoulders and punch each dumbbell upward at a 45-degree angle across your forehead 10 time each arm.
We can trace the history of
dumbbells to ancient Greece, where athletes used hand-held weights for certain exercises, probably timed with music.
Move 4
• Get into a boxing stance and immediately punch each dumbbell as if you were doing a boxing routine. Do 10 reps on each arm for a total of 20 punches.
Move 5
• Immediately bring the dumbbells down so that your palms are facing your thighs and curl the dumbbells up for 20 reps.
B6
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit LIEWY/ISTOCK
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PAIN IN LESS THAN AN HOUR When a nerve is compressed by its surrounding tissue, whether through overuse, injury or age, it can cause chronic pain that may include numbness and tingling. Using ultrasound technology, Dr. Kulick is able to target the exact point of compression and relieve the pinched nerve without surgery or medications. This procedure can allow you to have a pain free lifestyle!
Did you know Hydrodissection can treat: • • • •
Neck problems Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Pain radiating down the arm or leg
• Back pain • Migraine headaches • All pinched nerve syndromes
Nerve hydrodissection is an outpatient procedure, usually taking less than an hour. A simple injection compressed nerve from its surrounding tissue.
Patients receive an independent medical evaluation from the doctor, an analysis of their pain syndromes and a treatment solution tailored to individual needs.
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Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery: No Broken Bones, Quick Recovery By Tatiana Tobar-Darzi Ramandi Epoch Times Staff
N
EW YORK—Crystal Stewart suffered from bunions on both feet, walking and standing were painful and she was considering surgery. However, as a diabetic and self-described “big baby” when it comes to pain, she had concerns about how she would cope. Then one day on the subway, an advertisement for minimally invasive bunion surgery caught her eye. Curious to know more she made an appointment. Like any patient considering surgery, Stewart was a bit wary of the outcome, but she was immediately comforted when podiatrist, Dr. Andrew Glass explained how much less trauma the foot endures with minimally invasive procedures. A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. Regular surgery for bunions requires an opening of two to three inches. Minimally invasive bunion surgery is done with only a 5-millimeter incision. The whole procedure is performed with long, thin instruments inserted through this opening. The surgeon carefully shaves off the protruding bone causing the bunion while looking at real-time X-ray images to see what’s happening underneath the skin. Although it’s becoming more widespread, minimally invasive bunion surgery is still much less common in the United States than in Europe and Asia. Minimally invasive surgeries in general are a lot more difficult to perform than regular open surgeries, and they fell out of favor with doctors after some surgeons in the ‘70s and ‘80s got pretty bad results, according to an article in Podiatry Today. Glass said these doctors were doing ASS DR. GL ESY OF these surgeries blindly COURT without realtime X-rays. Glass acknowledged that the learning curve for minimally invasive techniques is steep, but said he prefers it because he thinks it’s better for patients. He understands what it is like to live with pain and permanent scarring having had several accidents, a metal plate surgically placed in his knee, and an infected jaw that caused an open wound in his mouth. His pain drove his passion to practice minimally invasive surgery. “It is the benefit of my problems,” he explained. He was among the first surgical podiatrists in the United States to practice this technique, and unless circumstances call for it, he does not saw off and realign metatarsals (the mid-foot bones, located above the toes), which is common in bunion surgery. When the metatarsals are cut off, the surgeon needs to insert pins or screws to realign and keep them in place. When seen on an X-ray after surgery, the foot often looks well aligned and the surgery seems like a success, but that is not always the case, Glass said.
Over one-third of women in the United States have bunions. If your family has a history of them, make sure to take extra care of your feet.
In his experience, this kind of surgery, besides taking 2-3 months to heal, can reshape a patient’s foot and change the way they walk or stand. This can be inconvenient—especially if the patient’s career depends on their standing or actively moving for prolonged hours. And for patients who are sensitive to the look of their feet, the scar is smaller than the size of the tip of a pen. Minimally invasive bunion surgery also only takes two weeks to heal at most, and usually just a few days. Stewart had her first bunion surgery done in September. The procedure lasted about 30 minutes and was a success. She had one stitch to close the wound and went home the same day. Glass gave her a 30-day prescription for pain
Regular surgery for bunions requires an opening of two to three inches. Minimally invasive surgery is done with only a 5-millimeter incision. and anti-inflammatory medication, but despite her lack of pain tolerance, she only took the medication on the first day after surgery and once when she accidentally bumped her foot. Other than that, she didn’t feel enough pain to take it, even when she was walking. Needless to say, she’s very satisfied with the results, and is planning to have her other bunion removed in November. “It was not what I expected … it turned out to be a better experience than I thought it would be,” she said. After minimally invasive bunion surgery. No scar.
High heels and narrow shoes can increase your risk of bunions.
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B7
@EpochFit
October 30–November 5, 2015 TheEpochTimes.com/EpochFit
Why Common Thyroid Tests and Treatments Don’t Work for Some Patients Thyroid continued from B1 “It’s not just Hashiomoto’s that’s causing hypothyroidism,â€? Kellman said. “Many of our diseases, including thyroid disease, are due to environmental toxicity—a subject that very few are fully aware of, and they’re even less aware of how it may be aecting the thyroid system.â€? Kellman points to environmental chemicals known as “endocrine disruptorsâ€? for the cause of untold numbers of thyroid problems. Endocrine disruptors mimic hormones including thyroid hormones, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. They also harm the immune and reproductive systems, and adversely aect development in children. Sources of these chemicals include household items such as plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergent, flame retardants, children’s toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. Kellman said it only takes a tiny amount of these common chemicals to upset the system. The notion of a chemical that interferes directly with the endocrine system is a fairly new concept. In conventional toxicology, toxicity is a clear line: a chemical is poison when exposure is over the dose threshold, but minimal exposure is considered safe. The endocrine disruptor concept blurs the toxicity line, as doctors and scientists said that what we once thought were safe levels of exposure may in fact be inflicting significant damage. Most accept the endocrine disruptor premise—it’s the scope of the problem that’s the point of debate. Environmentalists said there are many more endocrine disrupting chemicals in our world than industry will acknowledge. A system of regulatory oversight for limiting exposure of such chemicals to prevent illness is still in the works. Bringing Back a Better Test In order to detect a thyroid problem, a TSH test must assume that hormonal signaling in the rest of the system is functioning normally. According to Kellman, because endocrine disrupting chemicals may disrupt many points along the signaling system and not just the thyroid, it can be diďŹƒcult to identify an imbalance with a TSH test alone. Kellman said this is a big reason why the conventional blood tests and reference ranges used to detect a thyroid abnormality can overlook real problems. “We have to realize that when it comes to endocrine disruptors the blood test can be elusive. It doesn’t show up as definitively as when you see the eects of the autoimmune process,â€? he said. “It may not be as evident on blood testing. And blood tests can even look contradictory.â€? For patients who experience symptoms associated with hypothyroidism but who have normal TSH results, Kellman calls for a thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test. TRH tests were once widely used to detect thyroid disorders until the TSH test came on the scene. But Kellman points to research, which suggests that a return to TRH testing may provide doctors with a better picture for some patients. “In 2007, there were two studies that came to the same conclusion I came to, which is that this test is very important for a lot of people,â€? Kellman said. “It should be brought back into practice when routine tests don’t have an explanation for the patient’s symptoms.â€? The test involves an injection of thyrotropin, a compound produced by the hypothalamus gland. When met with a flood of thyrotropin, the pituitary gland releases its entire store of TSH. The TRH test shows what is actually inside the pituitary and not just what the gland releases into the blood stream at a particular moment in time. Patients who show normal levels in conventional tests, may actually have a ton TSH stored in the pituitary indicating a real problem. “I find that by using this test, we’re in a much better position to see the full extent of the full epidemic,â€? Kellman said. Another Perspective Dr. Annette Schippel, a chiropractic physician specializing in functional endocrinology, agrees that the conventional blood test is limited. But she said that the prevailing symptoms of obesity and fatigue are actually rooted deeper in the endocrine system—the adrenal glands. “What I think is going on is that people exhibit the symptoms while thyroid values are still normal because it’s not primarily their thyroid. I think its starts with the adrenal. It’s the adrenal issue that makes people tired, aects their metabolism, their weight management, it even aects the hair loss. With these symptoms, thyroid and adrenals go hand in hand,â€? she said. According to Schippel, the thyroid gets weak because it’s compensating for weaker adrenals. She illustrates her idea with an analogy of two horses pulling a cart. One is the thyroid and the other is the adrenal. “So if the adrenal is getting weaker, the thy-
There are an untold number of people walking around with unexplained fatigue, unexplained brain fog. ... These people sense intuitively that there is something wrong with their thyroid, but it’s not being picked up. Raphael Kellman, integrative medicine doctor and thyroid specialist
How do you know what dose of thyroid hormones is right for you?
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If you have symptoms of low thyroid, but your tests are normal, you may need a different kind of test.
roid isn’t going to try to drag them along. It will actually slow down to compensate for its weaker partner,� she said. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They produce sex hormones and cortisol. Somewhat like the battery of the body, our adrenals give us our get up and go—think of adrenaline, a hormone, which bears the gland’s name. Adrenal burnout is characterized by exhaustion, inflammation, sweet cravings, irritability, and depression. Schippel said that even if someone is on thyroid medication, or even if they’ve had their thyroid removed, providing adrenal support is essential to improving health and feeling better. “I firmly believe that it’s adrenal first and thyroid second. I really do,� she said. Treatment The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is a synthetic equivalent of thyroxine (T4)— the most abundant hormone that the thyroid produces. The drug is known as levothyroxine or the brand name Synthroid—the most prescribed drug in America. But even with Synthroid treatment, some patients may still have hypothyroid symptoms. However, some do find relief with the addition of another thyroid hormone known as T3, which is available through the drug Cytomel, or from medicine made from desiccated pork thyroid gland, which naturally contains both T4 and T3. This is another bone of contention in thyroid diagnosis and treatment. The prevailing wisdom is that our bodies are able to convert some T4 into T3, so there is no reason to supplement with T3. However, many doctors find that the addition of T3 benefits some patients, including presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton who takes a pig derived thyroid medicine. Getting the Right Dose In addition to identifying thyroid problems, the TSH test is also used to determine the proper dose of thyroid medication. But Kellman takes issue with the traditional reference ranges for normalcy. “I do believe that one of the biggest problems is that a lot of people are being under medicated,� he said. “For some on Synthroid, the answer is just raising the dose and that will make them feel better. For others, they need the T3. It’s pretty individualistic. And each person really has to be evaluated in a really personalized way.� Getting the dose of thyroid medication right is a tricky balance. Too high of a dose can lead to an overactive thyroid with symptoms such as anxiety, diarrhea, and heart palpitations. But restricting treatment within the conventional reference range may present heart problems too. “Studies show that even a TSH above 2.5, for example, which most doctors would call normal, can lead to cardiovascular disease,� Kellman said. “So what we thought was subclinical and not so important to some people could be very problematic.� From Schippel’s point of view, relying on synthetic hormones is not a sustainable plan. “People go on the Synthroid, they feel a little better at first, and then they plateau so then they want more,� she said. “If you take away the job of the thyroid gland—you give it what it’s supposed to be producing—what are you going to have now? You’re going to have a lazy gland. If you quit working one arm for two weeks, watch and see how the muscles atrophy.� Herbs and Nutrition Patients on any T4 prescription are expected to stay on the drug for the rest of their lives, but according to Schippel’s clinical experience, it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. “There are unbelievable alternatives to the synthetic hormones, and if they haven’t destroyed the thyroid gland through medication, or suppressed it and caused atrophy because of taking a really high dose for years and years and years, of course the thyroid imbalance can be healed,� she said. Instead of medicating with hormones, Schippel uses herbs and nutrition, which she said heals the root cause of the imbalance. “You have to ask the question: if the body isn’t producing enough of a hormone, then why? Is it getting the proper signal from the pituitary? If TSH is up, Free t4 and t3 are down, the pituitary is fine but the thyroid is not responding, then we have to consider what help it needs,� she said. “Instead of just giving it T4, why not just look at the nutrients that are necessary? Why don’t we look at iodine, the broad base of B vitamins, trace minerals? Why not do that instead and let the thyroid improve because now it’s getting the nutrition that it needs?� Two key herbs Schippel uses in her protocol are ashwaganda and bladderwrack. These herbs are restorative to the thyroid (ashwaganda also helps support the adrenals and helps regulate cortisol production). Both herbs have been shown to improve T4 and T3, and the conversion of T4 to T3.
Like Schippel, Kellman also includes minerals (selenium, iron, and iodine), and some herbs in his protocol, as well as getting patients to eliminate soy products from the diet. When environmental toxicity looks like the cause, detoxification programs may be necessary. For autoimmune disorders, Kellman works to restore gut microbiome health. “There’s a lot to do with treating thyroid disease and it’s not just about dispensing medication, because you still want to get to the underlying causes. You still want to reduce inflammation. You still want to reduce the toxin burden,� he said.
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Secrets of Korean Medicine
Curing the Incurable With Korean Medicine Part 1: The doctor’s story and misconceptions about side effects By Dr. Seo Hyo-seok This series is an invitation for you to think about healing and disease in a radically different way—and to understand how it is possible to completely and naturally cure conditions like eczema (atopic), asthma, allergies (rhinitis), and many more. I hope that what you read here will change what you conceive of as possible for your health and give you the chance to truly thrive as I have seen happen with so many patients. To begin, I’d like to explain why I believe so deeply in what I do and why there is a need to change the way we view disease. It started with my own chronic tonsillitis. When I was young, I often had swollen tonsils and once swollen, I would be struck down by high fevers, headaches, and earaches. When my condition got really bad, I was not able to swallow. I received treatment at a number of
Over the past 42 years, I have seen more than 155,000 patients cured with this formula. hospitals and tried several well-known drugs, but never saw significant improvement. In Western medicine, the tonsils are not considered vital to the body and removal is common as a way to prevent future infections. But something inside me hesitated to take this step and when I entered the College of Oriental Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul in 1966, I began searching through book after book for treatments. For years I chased around an endless circle of ideas about cures without any clear answers. After graduation, I opened my own Korean medicine practice but felt ashamed. Here I was a legitimate doctor of Korean medicine, but I had to visit a Western doctor for my own health problems. This shame fueled my desire to find a cure, and out of pure desperation I spent late nights researching, telling myself that I would have no regrets when I died if I could only find a treatment. After nearly 10 years of trial and error, I came up with the herbal formula that I now call Pyunkang-Hwan. This formula reduced the inflammation in my tonsils, greatly improved my immunity, and at one moment in 1972, I realized that I had been cured. I began offering the formula to my patients and as the number of successful cases piled up, I made Pyungkang-Hwan public. In 2006, the formula passed a toxicology analysis by an FDAcertified institution and was confirmed as safe. Over the past 42 years, I have seen more than 155,000 patients cured with this formula and certain systematic healing protocols.
Medicine That Makes You Healthy In Oriental medicine, the human body is considered to have all the elements of the universe. So the starting point of Oriental doctors is that while the body is mysterious, it is also regulated by profoundly logical principles. Oriental doctors make different causal connections than Western doctors, so complex chronic conditions often have traceable causes
and can be healed. Although modern medicine has undeniably made extensive contributions toward the treatment of disease, it is only just developing the field of functional medicine, and by and large is not well equipped to help patients overcome chronic conditions. For example, let’s look at patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and atopic allergies. Blood pressure, diabetes, and atopic medications act definitively, accurately, and promptly to lower the blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and stop asthma attacks. However, while these synthetic drugs are good at alleviating specific symptoms, they never fully cure the disease. Once you start them, in the majority of cases, you have to take these drugs for the rest of your life. After about 10 years, you will be taking multiple drugs at a time because their results have become less effective and your illness has been aggravated because it’s root cause has not been addressed. As this cycle continues, your body will become extremely fatigued. The continuation of such a state will markedly degrade your enjoyment of life and your will to live. That patients are gradually and incrementally led toward death from the toxicity of chemical drugs is an undeniable aspect of modern medicine that we cannot afford to ignore.
Side Effects This destructive cycle is perpetuated by a serious misconception about how harmful synthetic drugs are. Modern medicine refers to damage in the body arising from synthetic drugs as “side effects.” Patients accept side effects as necessary evils because of their perception these are incidental phenomenon that unavoidably occur when you take prescription drugs and the damage they do is outweighed by the benefits they bring. However, “side effects” is a rather diminutive and simplistic term for health conditions that range from mildly uncomfortable to life threatening. I believe the damage done by synthetic drugs would more accurately be referred to as “adverse reactions” because this term makes clear that the human body is in fact being harmed by the drug itself. One can think of Western medicine’s “side effects” as the reactions of people whose heads have been forced under water; we’ll refer to them as victims. As soon as their air is cut off, the victims will resist the person forcing their heads under water by lashing out with their arms and legs. Why? The victims are reacting against the force that’s drowning them. With all their might they’re trying to breath in order to live. I liken the damage done to the body by synthetic drugs to the attempt to drown the victim. The reactions our bodies have to them are the frantic struggles to survive. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, our bodies are continuously responding to the external environment, trying to maintain the conditions it needs to survive. When an inappropriate synthetic drug, which is artificial material unfamiliar to our bodies, is put into our systems, our bodies become highly tense. The next time the same drug is taken, it will elicit an even more severe rejection response. The FDA reports that there are over 2 million serious adverse reactions to medicinal drugs in the United States, and that 100,000 people die every year due to these reactions. I don’t think we should accept these adverse reactions without objecting, our bodies deserve and can have much better. As I see it, many patients have become enslaved to synthetic drugs. As a counterpoint to this cycle of dysfunction and enslavement, I’d like to propose the
(Above) Pyunkang-Hwan is made with top quality medicinal herbs and distilled water. Unlike many Oriental herbal medicines that taste bitter, Pyunkang-Hwan tastes very mild, like barley water or oolong tea. (Top left) Dr. Seo Hyo-seok.
concept of a complete cure of body. This is a concept I’ve been studying for the past 42 years and using systematic treatment principles I’ve seen around 155,000 patients become completely cured of skin, lung, and inflammation conditions, some of which are considered incurable. There are two key components to completely curing the body: One is understanding the cause of disease, and the other is strengthening the immune system. When the body is treated with natural medicines that are optimized for overall wellbeing, the body greets them with open arms as though meeting a long-cherished friend. And though these medicines lack the immediate magic of their synthetic counterparts, they can ultimately restore vibrant health. In this series I will share my “secrets” of Korean medicine, which I learned and experienced over the 42 years of watching the curing process unfold for more than a hundred thousand patients. In the next article, I will discuss how the lungs are key to immunity and restoration of the body. Dr. Seo Hyo-seok is the director of the Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital, which has seven branches in South Korea, one at Stanton University in California, and one in Atlanta. Dr. Seo entered at the top of his class from Kyung Hee University in Korea and after years of research developed the PyunkangHwan herbal formula, which improves immunity by strengthening lung function. It has helped cure over 155,000 patients of various conditions. Find out more at Pyunkang.com Email: wwdoctor@hotmail.com