NATURALHealing
Volume 2 , Issue 4
NATURAL Wellness
FROM THE MAKERS OF TOPRICIN® FAMILY OF HEALING PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS
Late Winter/ Early Spring 2012
Inside this issue:
A Word from the Publisher: Aurora Paradise Topricin feature article: Enjoy Winter More with Less Pain Patricia Martin 2 Physical Advantage: The Times They are a’Changing 2 Nutritional Bites: Chicken Soup and Other Foodie Cures 7 Daily OM: Finding Time for You 5 Topricin in the News 6 President and Chief of Research: Lou Paradise Publisher: Aurora Paradise VP: Steve Duricko Managing Editor: Patricia Martin Art Director: Elizabeth Chen Contributors: Annie B.Bond Roufia Payman Laurie Towers DailyOm
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A Word from the Publisher I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Doesn’t it seem like the winter is just flying by? Here in upstate New York it has so far been much milder than last year with hints of spring in the air as I write.
are grateful to our columnists who contribute their expertise, and share their knowledge with you. If you have any questions you’d like us to answer in upcoming issues, or a topic or columnist you’d like to suggest, please contact Patricia Martin, our managing editor, at pmartin@topicalbiomedics.com, telephone 845-8714900 ext. 1113.
As you may know (and much to our delight) Natural Healing, Natural Wellness continues to grow in size and content, reflecting our efforts to provide you with important, useful, and interesting information on various Enjoy the promises of budding spring! aspects of health and wellness. In light of this, we have adjusted our publicaWishing you a wonderful season and tion schedule. Our main newsletter will come out twice a year, spring/sum- good health, mer and fall/winter. In between, we’ll Aurora Paradise, offer smaller supplements and special Chief Operations Officer and Publisher editions, this being our first.
Aurora
We are pleased to bring you our late winter/early spring supplement, and
Enjoy Winter More with Less Pain Much of the country is enjoying the winter wonderland right now. But when you have any kind of body aches and pains—from severe arthritis to that annoying stiffness when you get out of bed in the morning—chances are good things feel worse when the weather turns cold and damp. Here are some easy, chemical-free
Aurora Paradise is Chief Operations Officer of Topical BioMedics. Besides publishing the monthly newsletter, Aurora oversees the day-to-day operations of the company.
by Patricia Martin methods for alleviating pain and fighting it the natural way so you can enjoy winter more. --Dress warmly, in layers to trap heat near your body, and wear gloves and a hat when outside. The muscle tension that happens when we’re just a little too cold can restrict circulation and add to pain and stiffness. Continued on next page
Topical BioMedics ©2011
PO Box 494 Rhinebeck, NY 12572 845.871.4900
**May be excerpted or reprinted by permission.
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TOPRICIN FEATURE ARTICLE
Enjoy Winter More with Less Pain! --Exercise regularly. Don’t let winter slow you down! If you don’t like being outside in the cold, start an indoor regimine. . According to the American College of Rheumatology, people with arthritis who exercise have less pain, more energy, improved sleep, and better day-to-day function…All great reasons for everyone to keep moving. --Eat warming, in season foods seasoned and use stimulating spices. Plan meals using traditional winter foods such as root vegetables, which make hearty soups and stews to keep our bodies warm. Warming spices like garlic, ginger, chilies and mustard help thin mucus and relieve congestion. Cinnamon, turmeric, and any kind of pepper are also good winter warmers.
...continued Oftentimes winter pain is the result of poor or blocked circulation. The trick in handling any pain is to restore circulation, thereby allowing oxygen and nutrients to heal the damaged cells. Topricin helps to combat winter pain by working with the body to stimulate and support the healing process, making it a great winter companion for dealing with pain issues.
--Get in some hot water! Soak in a tub to sooth achy joints, or swim in a heated pool which is great exercise --Take the sunshine vitamin. Many people feel aches and pains in their backs more during the winter months because they are not getting enough vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so this essential vitamin that helps keep bones healthy is in short supply during the winter. Among other things, inadequate vitamin D intake can result in a softening of bone surfaces, called osteomalacia, which causes pain. The lower back seems to be particularly vulnerable to this condition. --Drink lots of H2O. We need stay hydrated by drinking water in the winter as well during the heat of summer. Moreover, not drinking enough water can make you feel achier because it keeps your body from effectively processing waste products.
The harsh winter dehydrates skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy, irritated and dull looking. Topricin will soothe the skin you’re in by revitalizing, restoring, moisturizing and providing vibrancy and energy to the skin, while giving your winter skin care regimen a boost. One last tip: don’t worry, be happy! Don’t let lack of sunshine and inclement weather can get you down. Focus on what gives you joy and fulfillment. Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, watch uplifting movies, connect with family and friends. Taking care of your “heart” helps take care of your body, too.
PHYSICAL ADVANTAGE
The Times They Are a’ Changing
It starts when you are a breath away from being a teenager, and will go on to become part of the story line of your life.
A topic of stress, annoyance, pain and at other times relief, but always, an ever-present force in your life. As women, it rides shotgun with us though all of our events, circumstances and life’s highs and lows...until it stops. A myriad of emotions, including an odd sense of loss and finality hit you like a splash of cold water at 3 in the
by Laurie Towers morning as you wonder…”What next?” The truth is, menopause needn’t be an end to anything but merely demarcation of a new beginning to the second chapter in our lives – where the rules have changed a bit, but offer more physical liberation than before. The truth is, during our early to mid-30s, hormone production in our ovaries starts to reduce and goes into a further decline by our 40s. By the time our 50s come around, menopause is either at our doorstep or at least walking up our driveway. continue on next page Page 2
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The Times They Are a’ Changing ...continued
The process is as natural a presence in our lives as when we first “became women,” but its paper trail of negative connotation attached to it brings along much angst and dread. Societal import over the years (although not as much recently) has purported and accentuated a litany of bad press, but all of these issues can be easily controlled and far less threatening than we think. Let’s line up the usual suspects we are taught to fear, shall we? - weight gain -hot flashes -depression -osteoporosis Certainly all of these are features in what we might expect to occur in this natural stage in our lives, but let’s take each of these individually and explore how exercise can modify and alter them.
Depression- as this is a bit more involved, a general overview of history plays a factor in how each individual will react to stress and depression itself. During any influence of ongoing stress and/or depression, your body will actively release an excess of cortisol, which interferes with your metabolic process by slowing it down. So even if you are still consuming the same amount of calories, you won’t be burning of as much as you used to. All this becomes a vicious cycle as one will feed the other in every negative way and self-image suffers. Oftentimes a change of focus or mindset will be crucial in staring this down. Exercise will play a dual intervention here as not only will daily exercise burn calories but it also boosts your level of endorphins (your body’s very own antidepressants), which will elevate your mood, and establish a better pattern toward health all around. Osteoporosis- a decrease in bone density is something that is a bit more of a gender- specific factor for women, although there are documented occurrences for men as well. Again, here is where exercise comes to the rescue, specifically strength training. Resisted movements encouraged by weight bearing will directly stimulate osteoblast activity, which is the genesis and proliferation of bone cells. Simply put, this means it will encourage more established bone mass—and for women, long term, it means a decreased rate of incidence in fragile and brittle bones.
Weight gain- more often than not, the weight gain that we experience has more to do with caloric intake and decreased activity than actual hormonal changes. Metabolism does however slow down somewhat, but not to the extent that we think. Jump starting it a bit with some cardio-saturated activity proves to be a generally easy way to offset this. Hot flashes- many studies have been documented to support the fact that since it encourages change in estrogen levels, exercise is a chief factor in reducing the severity of hot flashes. Dietary contribution is also key, as reduction in sugars, caffeine and alcohol will allow symptoms to present less profoundly.
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PHYSICAL ADVANTAGE
The Times They Are a’ Changing ...continued Embarking on some sort of strength training regimen is another avenue to explore when looking at reducing body fat. As metabolism has to be increased to support any existence of muscle, any “gain” of muscle mass will support a spike in metabolism that will stay long term.
--Strength training with dumbbell and compound movements such as squats or pushups will encourage speed in rate of metabolism in addition to adding to bone density and mental focus. --Stretching and lengthening with other disciplines such as yoga and Pilates to continue to promote and improve flexibility and establish a better “center”.
Simple and livable options in exercise.... Here are some new and improving options to bring to your life. Implemented on a permanent basis will pay off beyond comprehension down the road.
So as we continue our journey as women, there is power in knowing how to make this natural process as seamless and far less of an obstacle than it has to be. It allows us to fortify the universe with our presence unencumbered by unnecessary myths and fears…So let us finish one book, and begin another.
--Substitution of active endeavor instead of more passive ones. Example: taking the stairs instead of elevator, walking instead of riding the train or bus. --Aerobic activity will always burn more calories and establish a heart healthy framework to your life.
Here’s to us!
DETOX DIVA
Green Quest: About Disinfectants
A
by Annie B. Bond
re disinfectants bad for your health? The environment? When I speak of disinfectants in this regard I am speaking about mainstream products found in supermarkets, dentists offices, and hospitals
Many essential oils, like lavender and thyme, are more antiseptic than phenol, the industry standard germ-killing ingredient. (See my recipe that follows for a lovely lavender cutting board spray.)
Just like the overuse of antibiotics, common disinfectants found in household disinfectant sprays, sponges, and soaps may contribute to the creation of drug-resistant bacteria, according to researchers at Tufts New England Medical Center. Stuart Levy, MD, of the Tufts research group, notes that disinfectants aren’t much different than over-thecounter antibiotics. The problem is that when a chemical kills off bacteria, the bacteria grows a resistant strain that is harder to kill.
Although it doesn’t have a 99.9 percent kill rate like hospital grade disinfectants,vinegar kills germs, bacteria, and molds. Another way to enhance vinegar is to combine it with antiseptic herbs, such as is found in the famous “Vinegar of the Four Thieves.”
Research at the Government Account Office shows that many commercial disinfectants are ineffective. Soap and water are all you need to kill germs.
Seventh Generation has a “wet wipe” disinfecting product that kills 99.9 percent of germs botanically. The active ingredient is thymol. It even kills influenza A virus. It is suitable for use on all hard, nonporous surfaces where bacteria or unpleasant odors are a concern., including appliances, highchairs, etc. continue on next page Page 4
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DETOX DIVA
Green Quest: About Disinfectants
ANNIE’S LAVENDER CUTTING BOARD SPRAY
As an essential oil lavender has anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anti-infectious qualities. It is also non-toxic. As aromatherapy lavender helps a person have calm composure and it sooths trauma. One of my favorite aromatherapy books, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, notes that lavender gives “self-possessed equanimity.” Who couldn’t use some of that? I make this spray in a pretty, small spray bottle that I leave near my big cutting board. When I think of it I spray the cutting board in the morning, hours before I would actually use it on the board, and the scent drifts through the kitchen for a few hours, adding some aromatherapy bonus. Note that I never put meat on my
...continued
cutting boards, using a plate that can be washed in the dishwasher instead for that purpose. 1 teaspoon pure essential oil of lavender 1 cup water clean spray bottle 1. Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. 2. Shake to blend. 3. Spray on area and don’t rinse. Reality Check: Lavender is expensive ($10or more for .5 ounce), but a little goes a long way. It takes me a few years to go through a lavender bottle when I use it for this purpose, so for $2.50 or so a year you have a great antibacterial spray with many benefits.
DAILY OM
Your Most Vital Commitment: Finding Time for You We can excel easier in our lives when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.
W
ithin each of us there is a well of energy that must be regularly replenished. When we act as if this well is bottomless, scheduling a long list of activities that fit like puzzle pieces into every minute of every day, it becomes depleted and we feel exhausted, disconnected, and weak. Refilling this well is a matter of finding time to focus on, nurture, and care for ourselves, or “you time.” Most of us are, at different times throughout the day: a spouse, a friend, a relative, an employee, a parent, or a volunteer, which means that down time, however relaxing in nature, is not necessarily “you time.” Though some people will inevitably look upon “you time” as being selfish, it is actually the polar opposite of selfishness. We can only excel where our outer world affairs are concerned when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled. Recognizing the importance of “you time” is far easier than finding a place for it in an active, multifaceted lifestyle, however. Even if you find a spot for it in your agenda, you may be dismayed to discover that your thoughts continuously stray into worldly territory. To make the most of “you time,” give yourself enough time on either side of the block of time you plan to spend on yourself to ensure that you do not feel rushed. Consider
how you would like to pass the time, forgetting for the moment your obligations and embracing the notion of renewal. You may discover that you are energized by creative pursuits, guided meditation, relaxing activities during which time your mind can wander, or modes of expression such as writing. Even if you have achieved a functioning work-life balance, you may still be neglecting the most important part of that equation: you. “You time” prepares you for the next round of daily life, whether you are poised to immerse yourself in a professional project or chores around the home. It also affords you a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your needs, and your tolerances in a concrete way. As unimportant as “you time” can sometimes seem, it truly is crucial to your well-being because it ensures that you are never left without the energy to give of yourself. Reprinted from Daily OM—inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling day. Register for free at www.dailyom.com
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Volume 2, Issue 4
SPRING 2012
TOPRICIN IN THE NEWS
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e are off to a great 2012 and hope you are as well! Here are some highlights and news updates since the last issue of Natural Healing, Natural Wellness. We recently learned that Topricin earned the DC Product Review’s Reader’s Choice Top 100 Product Award! We are honored to have received this distinction from the magazine that serves chiropractors with product and service information, and appreciate the fact that these professionals rely on Topricin in their practice.
Many friends and fans sent in photos for our “Where in the World is Topricin” photo contest, and we got entries from all over the world where people traveled with Topricin tucked inside their suitcase. There is a fun video of the entries you can watch on our homepage, so check it out….And start taking photos to enter next year’s contest! We are pleased to announce that Topricin was featured by Diane Sawyer on ABC World News as a “Made in American Holiday Pick,” and has met the accreditation standards for earning the “Made in the USA” Brand Certification mark. This is the only certification mark registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for identifying goods either made or grown in the United States. Not only is Topricin made in the United States, our packaging, inserts, and other materials are produced and printed in America, too.
CELEBRITY CORNER
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opricin was selected to be featured during the fundraising silent auction at the 22nd annual MusiCares tribute gala on February 10th honoring Paul McCartney. He was selected as the 2012 MusiCare Person of the Year in recognition of his artistic and philanthropic efforts. We provided a “Remedies for your Extremities” gift basket containing tubes, jars, and bottle of original Topricin as well as Topricin Foot Therapy Cream. The star-studded tribute—which was sold out—took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall. It featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and concert of McCartney’s music, played by a variety of guest musicians as well as the former Beatle himself. The annual event is held to raise funds and awareness of the Recording Academy’s philanthropic wing, with proceeds benefitting MusicCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. We admire Paul, and were so proud to be a part of the festivities to help MusiCares’ good work. Our West Coast team made the scene
during the 84th Academy Awards at the Red Carpet Style Lounge on February 22nd at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. This exclusive event is the place where nominees, celebrities, press, and other luminaries can relax in style and get “red carpet ready,” with Topricin on hand to ease any aches and pains of walking the red carpet!
Last but not least, we were so very thrilled watching our own Michelle on the Dr. Oz show in January! She said she was very inspired learning helpful diet and nutrition information, and that Dr. Oz is warm, wonderful, and caring. A star is born! Page 6
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NUTRITIONAL BITES
CHICKEN SOUP AND OTHER FOODIE CURES
I
n the Northern hemisphere, it’s peak time for flus and colds, which grip millions of Americans each year. The best way to combat viruses and bacteria is not in your medicine cabinet—it’s in your kitchen.
by Roufia Payman
also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on hand, because studies have found that even commercial soup is as effective as homemade. FLAVORFUL HEALERS
You’ve probably heard the saying “Starve a fever and feed a cold”…Or is it, “Feed a fever and starve a cold?” The actual phrase, which dates back to the middle 1500s, claims we should starve a fever and feed a cold. But there’s no reason to be confused because the good news is that starving is never the correct answer, making it easy to remember you should feed both!
If you want to punch up the healing power of your chicken soup—or any other dish—add plenty of garlic and onions. When combined, these flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immunity boosting compounds. As an added plus, garlic helps to open clogged sinuses.
Foods that are rich in nutrients may help keep you well, or if you do succumb will help your body fight off the infection. For starters, it’s always a good idea to include more raw fruits and vegetables in your diet as they provide an abundance of all important antioxidants and phytochemicals. Zinc is an important mineral, as well, as it has antioxidant effects plus is vital to the body’s resistance to infection and to stimulate the immune system. Foods rich in zinc include eggs, meats, nuts, seafood, seeds, wheat germ, and whole grains.
No herbal medicine cabinet should be without mushrooms. They increase the production of cytokines, which are cells that help fight off infection. They also contain polysaccharides, which are compounds that support the immune system. The most potent coldand flu-fighting ‘shrooms are shitake, maitake, and reishi.
The mineral selenium helps to boost immunity and increase your body’s production of cytokines, which help remove the flu virus. Selenium-rich foods include Brazil nuts and seafood, particularly lobster, oysters, crab, clams, tuna, and cod. Think protein, too. It’s vital to help build and repair tissue and fight viral and bacterial infections. Choose lean sources like skinless chicken, turkey, sardines, and beans, as well as a good-quality whey protein powder.
‘SRHOOM IT AWAY
“C” IS FOR CITRUS Citrus fruits contain hefty doses of powerhouse vitamin C. Studies have found that this antioxidant can reduce cold symptoms by 23 percent, and all that’s needed is just one to eight grams (1,000 to 8,000 milligrams) to do the trick. Besides citrus fruits, other foods that have high amounts of vitamin C include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and red bell peppers.
Here’s a list of top immunity-boosting foods for optimum healing and wellness. NOTHING BEATS CHICKEN SOUP Grandma was right--nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it’s a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus. It’s
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NUTRITIONAL BITES
CHICKEN SOUP AND OTHER FOODIE CURES ...continued GO YOGURT
HONEY OF A CURE
Studies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25%. The beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus reuteri which has been found to block the replication of viruses that invade the body when we get sick. Not all brands have that particular bacteria, so check labels, and be sure to go organic.
Honey has numerous medicinal properties. Because it coats your throat it is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Skip the common clover honey that you’ll find in the supermarket as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest. (A note of caution: never give honey to children under one years of age because their immune systems are not developed enough to ward off infantile botulism, which is carried in honey spores.)
IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS While yogurt is a great source of pro-biotics, some have more than others and we can really benefit by brands taking an additional supplement. Other immune-booster “musts” are vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acid.
GET PEPPY It’s ironic that black pepper—the spice best known for making you sneeze—can ward off the sniffles! Black peppercorns are high in piperine, a compound known for its anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities. SPICE IT UP
SIP WHEN YOU’RE SICK Hot tea is soothing and a great home remedy, helping to thin mucus and ensure proper hydration. For added health benefit, sip green or black tea—both are filled with flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.
Make recipes more flavorful with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano—while spicing things up, you’ll also get an added kick of immune-busters, too! Nourish yourself, and have a healthy season!
GINGER AID Ginger comes to the aid when we’re sick in some powerful ways. Besides soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target rhinoviruses--which are the most common family of cold viruses—as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Plus ginger is a natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent brew). Page 8
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Natural Healing, Natural Wellness Contributors Lou Paradise. Lou is the President and CEO of Topical BioMedics and the inventor of Topricin. He frequently serves as an expert speaker on the use of natural medicines, and has participated in addressing compliance issues related to the regulation of natural medicines as a member of the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP). He is especially interested and active in issues regarding the care and treatment of the elderly, women and children, and his fellow veterans in VA medical centers around the country. Lou is a Marine Corps helicopter combat and rescue veteran who served two rotations in Vietnam. He is very modest about his combat service but his many decorations are for bravery in combat and the rescue of wounded soldiers, sailors, and fellow Marines and the humanitarian rescue of Vietnamese civilians. *contributers in alphabetical order
Annie B. Bond. Best-selling author and founder and CEO of Green Chi Café, Annie B. Bond has been called “The foremost expert on green living” by Body & Soul magazine. Honed by her own experience with chemical poisoning, Annie now offers others information on pursing a healthy way of life that is in harmony with the earth. Her books include Clean and Green, Better Basics for the Home, Home Enlightenment, and the most recent release True Food, published by National Geographic. For more information, visit www.greenchicafe.com and www.anniebbond.com Patricia Martin Patricia Martin is the managing editor of Natural Healing, Natural Wellness and the director of marketing for Topical BioMedics, Inc. She is an author, poet, copywriter, journalist, and lifestyle columnist who frequently co-hosts Doug Grunther’s Woodstock RoundTable radio talk show on WDST 100.1 fm, Woodstock, NY.
Roufia Payman. Roufia is the Director of Outpatient Nutritional Services at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY, where she directs the Bariatric Support Group, “New Leaf,” and “Get Real Weight Results” programs. For more information call 845-871-3600 or visit www.health-quest.org/ndh.
Laurie Towers. Founder and CEO of Physical Advantage, NY, NY, Laurie is a fitness expert, former professional bodybuilder, and now Manhattan’s main massage maven. Perennially listed in New York Magazine’s “Best Of ” issue and featured on numerous television news shows and radio programs, Physical Advantage has established itself as the premier “serious” rehabilitative massage center in New York City, with a clientele that includes professional athletes, marathoners, dancers, actors, and singers. She is also the creator of the “Bridal Body Shop,” which helps brides-to-be get in shape with personal training sessions in their own home, and was recently named one of the top businesses primed for success in 2011 by Business News Daily. For more information visit www.physical-knead.com.
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