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health briefs

Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer

Researchers followed more than 36,000 Japanese men older than 40 for an average of 13.2 years. They found that those that consumed culinary mushrooms three times a week had a 17 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight to Lower Cataract Risk

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition used adherence to dietary guidelines and total diet scores to assess the effects of diet on cataract risk.

The researchers followed 2,173 older Australians for five and 10 years in two phases. They found that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a healthy diet, reduced the risk of developing cataracts.

Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria

Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center tested stool samples of 858 men and 877 women in Los Angeles and Hawaii with a mean age of 69—regarded as an ethnically diverse study population with varied food intakes. The study found that those with higher quality diets also had significantly better gut bacteria diversity, a factor linked to reduced risk for a variety of diseases. Diet quality and a reduced risk of developing chronic disease is strongly associated with fecal microbial diversity.

8 Jacksonville / St. Augustine NAJax.com Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria

New research offers potential paths for treatment for the nearly 20 percent of patients with high blood pressure that don’t respond well to medications. University of Florida College of Medicine researchers, testing 105 volunteers, found that the populations of gut bacteria differed between hypertensive individuals with depression and those without depression. A second study by Italian researchers found that patients with heart attacks had different bacteria in their guts than patients with stable angina.

Hong Vo/Shutterstock.com

SK Design/Shutterstock.com

Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades

Sixth-graders that received mindfulness training each day for eight weeks experienced lower stress levels, less depression and improved academic performance compared to their peers in a control group that studied computer coding, report Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. In addition to that 100-student study, researchers surveyed 2,000 students in grades five through eight and found those that showed more mindfulness tended to have better grades and test scores. They also had fewer absences and suspensions.

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock.com

community spotlight

A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

Combining Traditional, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine for Well-Being and Balance

On the east coast of Florida, just a few blocks from the ocean, sits one of the South’s few anthroposophically oriented medical practices. The Persephone Healing Arts Center, in Jacksonville Beach, has a wonderful, natural atmosphere enhanced by the spirit and focus of A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD. Brought up in a Waldorf school environment, Dr. Pautz is double board certified in both integrative and internal medicine and combines the best of both worlds in her treatment of patients. Her goal is to help her patients achieve their highest level of well-being and balance, using natural approaches whenever possible.

This philosophy is evident from the first view of the center: a cozy waiting room looks out onto a lovely garden area where patients can relax in the sun or rest in a spot of shade beneath the trees. Care here is particularly unique—first visits can be two or more hours of one-on-one time with the physician. Dr. Pautz takes time to learn all she can about a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and then fuses her knowledge of traditional, integrative and anthroposophic medicine (a philosophy that embraces physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the human being) to provide individual recommendations designed to work on the root of the problem. Her treatments are focused on lifestyle changes, counseling and nutrition, and this focus helps her patients not only deal with their health issues, but also maintain their higher level of wellness once the immediate problem is dealt with.

Dr. Pautz’s technique has particularly helped those with chronic disorders and diseases such as depression, autism, cancer and any other internal medical disease. Her conviction that all facets of the person must be in balance for ultimate well-being leads to personalized treatments that examine and help each individual to achieve their level of optimum health. This insightful approach often offers relief to patients who have exhausted their traditional western medical options and are seeking help in alternate methods.

Patients may also undergo extensive counseling to facilitate profound lifestyle changes and new ways of looking at things. They receive individualized nutritional guidelines in the hopes of facilitating improved health and releasing what needs to be transitioned.

The philosophy “you are what you eat” has never been as true as in today’s quick meal society, and few know the effects of dietary choices better than Dr. Pautz. Providing your body with the fuel and tools necessary for its well-being is the first building block toward total health and healing. Combining her knowledge of medicine and nutrition, she targets habits that contribute to particular disorders and advises her patients in their diets to strengthen their immune systems and help their bodies stay strong.

In treating her patients, Dr. Pautz has noticed that their nutritional habits have stemmed from a lack of knowledge about how to prepare healthful dishes. After encountering this need for education, she developed classes in the past that were focused on nutritional cooking, emphasizing the use of whole grains, tons of herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables. With a healthy diet as a base to grow from, therapies then perform better as the body becomes more receptive, receiving the aid the therapies provide. Dr. Pautz can easily suggest recipes in-session with wholesome foods that might be a first step in implementation. A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

Another unique remedy at Dr. Pautz’s disposal is therapeutic eurythmy, an expressive form of movement therapy. Based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, eurythmy uses movements to express sounds and music. One of the few medical doctors to be certified in eurythmy, Dr. Pautz uses this approach to supplement the treatment of a variety of physical, medical and emotional ailments. Somewhat like its Asian counterparts, tai chi and yoga, eurythmy helps a person connect to and experience the nontangible realities of spirit and energy that are essential for all souls.

Dr. Pautz’s varied background and extensive training provide her with myriad treatment choices to draw from in her practice. Whether addressing cancer, diabetes, asthma, common cold, multiples sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS or any other illness, her treatments are personalized, insightful and far-reaching. By balancing Western and integrative medicine and avoiding chemical drugs whenever possible, Dr. Pautz provides each patient with the opportunity for a road map to longlasting, deep-seated health changes through nutritional and lifestyle advice, naturopathy, homeopathy, counseling, anthroposophic medicine, and art and movement therapy.

Persephone Healing Arts Center is located at 485 6th Ave. N., in Jacksonville Beach. To learn more, call 904-246-3583, visit DrPautz.com or join them for one of their monthly open houses. Join them on Facebook. See ad on the back cover.

December 2019 9

8

Jacksonville / St. Augustine NAJax.com strongly associated with fecal microbial diversity. reduced risk of developing chronic disease is risk for a variety of diseases. Diet quality and a diversity, a factor linked to reduced had significantly better gut bacteria those with higher quality diets also food intakes. The study found that diverse study population with varied age of 69—regarded as an ethnically in Los Angeles and Hawaii with a mean samples of 858 men and 877 women Hawaii Cancer Center tested stool Researchers at the University of Gut Bacteria Diet to Improve Eat a Better

developing cataracts. healthy diet, reduced the risk of (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a maintaining a healthy body mass index for five and 10 years in two phases. They found that The researchers followed 2,173 older Australians assess the effects of diet on cataract risk. adherence to dietary guidelines and total diet scores to A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition used Weight to Lower Cataract Risk Maintain a Healthy Diet and

the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits. lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those week had a 17 percent lower mushrooms three times a that consumed culinary They found that those average of 13.2 years. men older than 40 for an than 36,000 Japanese Researchers followed more Risk of Prostate Cancer Eat Mushrooms to Lower

health briefs

absences and suspensions. scores. They also had fewer have better grades and test mindfulness tended to those that showed more through eight and found dents in grades five surveyed 2,000 stu study, researchers 100-student addition to that researchers. In Technology Institute of Massachusetts coding, report that studied computer peers in a control group performance compared to their depression and improved academic experienced lower stress levels, less ness training each day for eight weeks Sixth-graders that received mindful Improve Grades

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock.com Reduce Stress and Mindfulness to Train Students in

with stable angina. attacks had different bacteria in their guts than patients study by Italian researchers found that patients with heart with depression and those without depression. A second hypertensive individuals bacteria differed between that the populations of gut ing 105 volunteers, found Medicine researchers, test - versity of Florida College of well to medications. Uni - pressure that don’t respond of patients with high blood for the nearly 20 percent tential paths for treatment New research offers po - Gut Bacteria Heart Attacks With Better Reduce Blood Pressure and

SK Design/Shutterstock.com Hong Vo/Shutterstock.com

December 2019

9 conviction that all facets of the person must and any other internal medical disease. Her diseases such as depression, autism, cancer helped those with chronic disorders and Dr. Pautz’s technique has particularly problem is dealt with. higher level of wellness once the immediate their health issues, but also maintain their focus helps her patients not only deal with changes, counseling and nutrition, and this lem. Her treatments are focused on lifestyle designed to work on the root of the prob to provide individual recommendations and spiritual aspects of the human being) phy that embraces physical, emotional and anthroposophic medicine (a philoso - her knowledge of traditional, integrative and emotional well-being and then fuses she can about a patient’s physical, mental physician. Dr. Pautz takes time to learn all or more hours of one-on-one time with the particularly unique—first visits can be two spot of shade beneath the trees. Care here is patients can relax in the sun or rest in a looks out onto a lovely garden area where first view of the center: a cozy waiting room This philosophy is evident from the natural approaches whenever possible. highest level of well-being and balance, using Her goal is to help her patients achieve their of both worlds in her treatment of patients. and internal medicine and combines the best double board certified in both integrative Waldorf school environment, Dr. Pautz is of A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD. Brought up in a atmosphere enhanced by the spirit and focus Jacksonville Beach, has a wonderful, natural The Persephone Healing Arts Center, in posophically oriented medical practices. O n the east coast of Florida, just a few blocks from the ocean, sits one of the South’s few anthro-

might be a first step in implementation. pes in-session with wholesome foods that provide. Dr. Pautz can easily suggest reci - receptive, receiving the aid the therapies perform better as the body becomes more diet as a base to grow from, therapies then fresh fruits and vegetables. With a healthy ing the use of whole grains, tons of herbs, focused on nutritional cooking, emphasiz developed classes in the past that were encountering this need for education, she how to prepare healthful dishes. After stemmed from a lack of knowledge about noticed that their nutritional habits have In treating her patients, Dr. Pautz has and help their bodies stay strong. diets to strengthen their immune systems disorders and advises her patients in their targets habits that contribute to particular her knowledge of medicine and nutrition, she toward total health and healing. Combining for its well-being is the first building block your body with the fuel and tools necessary etary choices better than Dr. Pautz. Providing meal society, and few know the effects of di has never been as true as in today’s quick The philosophy “you are what you eat” to be transitioned. improved health and releasing what needs guidelines in the hopes of facilitating They receive individualized nutritional changes and new ways of looking at things. counseling to facilitate profound lifestyle Patients may also undergo extensive alternate methods. medical options and are seeking help in have exhausted their traditional western approach often offers relief to patients who level of optimum health. This insightful and help each individual to achieve their to personalized treatments that examine be in balance for ultimate well-being leads Well-Being and Balance Anthroposophic Medicine for Combining Traditional, Integrative and A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

community spotlight

See ad on the back cover. monthly open houses. Join them on Facebook. DrPautz.com or join them for one of their To learn more, call 904-246-3583, visit at 485 6th Ave. N., in Jacksonville Beach. Persephone Healing Arts Center is located medicine, and art and movement therapy. homeopathy, counseling, anthroposophic nutritional and lifestyle advice, naturopathy, lasting, deep-seated health changes through the opportunity for a road map to long- sible, Dr. Pautz provides each patient with avoiding chemical drugs whenever pos - Western and integrative medicine and insightful and far-reaching. By balancing illness, her treatments are personalized, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS or any other asthma, common cold, multiples sclerosis, tice. Whether addressing cancer, diabetes, treatment choices to draw from in her prac - extensive training provide her with myriad Dr. Pautz’s varied background and are essential for all souls. tangible realities of spirit and energy that person connect to and experience the non- parts, tai chi and yoga, eurythmy helps a ailments. Somewhat like its Asian counter - variety of physical, medical and emotional approach to supplement the treatment of a be certified in eurythmy, Dr. Pautz uses this music. One of the few medical doctors to uses movements to express sounds and the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, eurythmy sive form of movement therapy. Based on disposal is therapeutic eurythmy, an expres - Another unique remedy at Dr. Pautz’s A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

To join, email Publisher@NAJax.com

by Marlaina Donato

Amidst the whirlwind of our daily busyness, Mother Nature goes about her own affairs, conjuring everyday miracles from the humble trinity of tangled roots, dark soil and sunlight. On our way to our next task, we might catch snippets of afternoon gold blur past in a window, but we may long for more time to accept October’s invitation of long shadows.

Having an indoor haven touched with nature’s balm takes the edge off the work-athome days, the can’t-catch-a-breath days and the won’t-stop-raining days. Bringing a bit of the outside in helps us to remember the big picture. The 12th-century mystic and healer Hildegard of Bingen called the energy of the Earth veriditas, or greenness, and it is easy to tap into this life force by aligning our senses with the rhythms of nature.

Beauty is an often forgotten necessity, but can gently lead us back on track when we place a vase of fresh flowers, pine branches or wild rose hips on a windowsill. Designating one wall in the house for a photographic tapestry of spring cherry trees, mountain snow, a turquoise beach or majestic oaks can lower blood pressure just as effectively as actually being there. Keeping a “scent jar” on the desk filled with dried garden basil, bee balm or sweet grass clippings from the lawn can give us a breath of summer all year long. Placing a piece of found driftwood, preserved birch or a bowl of handmade potpourri on a coffee table can make afternoon breaks more mindful. A simple table fountain can bless any space with the harmony of its waters. Creating a “changing season” shelf and celebrating the hour invites the whole family to contribute to inspired whimsy.

Even if we simply place found branches in a basket with amber holiday lights in a cozy corner, living more closely with nature can help us maintain core serenity. The dance of each season is brief, but tuning into their wealth can make our own dance a bit more magical.

Taking the Risk

What is a HELOC?

by Carol Ann Aldridge

Ahome equity line of credit (HELOC) is a line of credit that allows you to tap into your home’s equity.

How it Works

Like a credit card, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow up to a certain limit. The amount of money a bank or credit union will allow you to borrow on your HELOC will depend on what they set as their max acceptable LTV (loan to value). The LTV is the ratio of how much you owe on your home versus how much it’s worth. Before jumping headfirst into a HELOC, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with it. First and foremost, a HELOC requires you to put your home up as collateral in exchange for the credit line. This means that if your situation changes drastically and you’re suddenly unable to make your payments, you risk losing your home. You also reduce your equity in your home when you use a HELOC, as you are increasing the debt that you owe against it.

Plus, a HELOC isn’t free money. There are fees associated with opening and maintaining it. Similarly, HELOCs have variable credit rates. This means the interest rate will change with market factors. You may be able to start out with a low rate at the beginning, but your payment could become much less affordable. However, while it is not very common of other financial institutions, Alive Credit Union, which has seven locations in the greater Jacksonville area, does offer a fixed-rate HELOC.

There’s also the risk of overborrowing when it comes to a HELOC. With such a high limit, it can be easy to slip into using more than you can afford to pay back and getting yourself into unnecessary debt.

Is a HELOC Right for You?

HELOC vs. Credit Card

While it’s similar to a credit card, a HELOC works slightly differently. One difference is HELOCs have a time limit. First, there’s the draw period. This is generally a 10-year period where you can withdraw and use the funds available in a HELOC. You’ll often still need to make payments during this phase, and the payments will go toward interest owed with the remainder toward the principal balance, which will reduce the amount you owe.

Second, is the repayment period. Once you reach this period, you’ll no longer be able to borrow money and will start repaying the principal and the interest you’ve accumulated. The repayment period generally lasts five to 10 years. If you decide to move or you’ve paid everything back, the outstanding balance will be due before you close.

Qualifying for a HELOC

To qualify, you’ll need to prove to your potential lender that you will be able to pay back any money you borrow. Your lender will consider your debt-to-income ratio, your credit score and more. The lender you choose for your HELOC does not have to be the same as your mortgage provider. Deciding if a HELOC is right for your situation will mean considering all of your debt, your risk tolerance, and what you want to use the credit line for. One of the most common uses for a HELOC is to renovate or improve your home. Interest on HELOC payments used for these purposes can be tax deductible and may have a lower interest rate than a credit card or other loan options, though the lower rate is not guaranteed to stay.

If you need extra funds and are comfortable with the idea of borrowing against the equity of your home, another option could be a home equity loan. This loan works similarly to a HELOC but, rather than being a reusable credit line, is a lump sum that you borrow and pay back.

For more than 68 years, Alive Credit Union (ACU) has been committed to serving their community in health care and in select organizations, including Southeastern Grocers and anyone who works in real estate. ACU has set their focus on providing the highest level of member service and to also inspire financial wellness through financial education. That is why they have five certified credit union financial counselors on staff to assist members through hurdles. As a valued member, a person has access to a variety of resources, including credit report review, explanation and analysis; debt elimination counseling; budget assistance; and future financial goal planning. For more information, call 904-296-1292 or visit Alivecu.coop. See ad, page 17.