American Journal Of Integrative Medicine

Meet the team

In this issue WINTER 2018 04 Take Hold of Your Health in 2018 06 Bringing Segregation Back 08 The New Healthcare 2018 12 Happy New Year, Mommy!

14 The Fine Art of Fasting 16 Nature Drugs 18 The Heart of It All 20 e-cigs 22 10 Ways to Avoid Getting the Flu 24 Addiction...is this me?

26 New Year’s Death Rattle 28 Headline Stress 30 Pharmacy 32 I Resolve to

EDITOR Ellen Diamond, M.A.

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Tracy Wood, CPC, ELI MP, HHA Dan Rye

DESIGNER Vicki Rye

CONTRIBUTORS

Mara Raden

Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri, PH.D.

Dr. Korn

Pren'tis Knight President, ZTEK Corporation

Dr. Stephanie B. Nielsen, PHARM.D., CCN

T.S. Wiley

Powered by Acute Care Triage, Inc. 27134-A Paseo Espada, Suite 324, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 www.acutecaretriage.com American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 03

Take Hold of Your Health in 2018

BY ELLEN DIAMOND, M.A.

mHealth is the ability to access practitioners or providers via Smart devices, or telephone lines. It allows for shorter wait times, lower costs, and broader accesses. It is more affordable and can save valuable time.

What’s the answer? I am not a big “Give me the problem, without a solution,” kind of person. To Small business must provide affordable access to non-emergent healthcare services to an underserved population. How do we take people out of the newly overburdened ER’s, Urgent Cares, and stop the hemorrhage of bad debt that will raise costs in hospitals, driving insurance rates back to the ridiculous numbers of old?

Welcome to the “Lack of Affordable Care,” post 2016 election. The weeks following the election of “45,” as he is more affectionately known, the average American began joining one resistance movement or another.

Pro-Trump people began calling their fellow citizens “Snowflakes.” Anti-Trump movement members began to organize resistance rallies. These men and women of all ages, races, and religions, organized marches on Washington, boycotts of brands (not the least of which was owned by our new President), factions were developed, and the merchandising machines went into overdrive.

The battle for equality of the races continued to heat up, as Steve Bannon took a shower, and got a day job in the White House. The American public outrage increased (among the Snowflakes), as it did within the global community. The only people who seemed to be unaffected were the minority voters who continued to chant “Build That Wall!”

Healthcare and the Wall were the topics at the top of 45’s hit list. The Mexican President told Trump to get stuffed, and congressional leaders began maneuvering to fill their own agendas, regardless of party. The American voter watched as Mc Connell and Ryan, in order to posture for the ACA voting game against the uninsured American, and with the President, held one back door meeting after another.

The result: A partial repeal of ACA, and attack on “Entitlements” like Social Security and Medicare, and helpful programs like CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).

After the November 2016 election, a record enrollment for

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 04

the final year of the coverage took place. In fact, 26 million people signed up during open enrollment for the insurance period of 2017-2018. The enrollment period for 2017 was reduced to 45 days, compared with twice that long in the years previous. The Federal Government reduced the education and advertising budget by 95% for this year’s enrollment. The ideology behind that is simple: Keep your average American ignorant, and they cannot use what they are legally and constitutionally entitled to, even if they legitimately need it.

Going into 2018 some things will stay the same, for now.

You can still use the federal exchange websites, healthcare.gov, or your state marketplaces. Some consumers will still qualify for lower premiums or subsides.

However, under Trump, there is a whole lot of changes that have been made. Trump vowed to dismantle this law, as has Paul Ryan and the rest of the characters that do not use any of the same insurances as the rest of America.

Two weeks into the new year, several amendments were passed, without public oversight, and input. The pre-existing conditions refusal exemption was removed from the act. What will this mean to many? Denials and increases that will make it nearly impossible for people with diagnoses from bipolar disorder to cancer survivors to gain coverages, affordable medications and hospitalization. And our Congressional leaders have only begun to chop up this plan.

Mobile Health Solutions, or mHealth; mHealth is the ability to access practitioners or providers via Smart devices, or telephone lines. It allows for shorter wait times, lower costs, and broader accesses.

Acute Care Triage, or ACT, has built a universal mHealth Solution, designed for the Smart phone generation’s way of life. At ACT, our millennial’s delivery model is one that they understand, embrace, and will easily adapt to, increasing their reliance on a single point of use for all of their healthcare services. This is not just for millennials, it is a simple solution for anyone who can use a Smart device, or a telephone.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine has said if a plan does not get put in place, some 32 million Americans will be left without healthcare, and this administration will, “Have failed the American people.” The Federal Government has cut all mental health benefits from the first proposed plan.

This will remove all Veteran’s Administration benefits for soldiers with PTSD, combat readjustment disorder, suicidal ideation and worse.

ACT has these tools for our readership. The core of these programs start with a 24/7 nurse triage line. This gives you the ability to have someone there around the clock to help guide, triage, and support you through moments of illness, or questions for homecare.

There is an advocacy service in this program. Navigating the pitfalls of today’s healthcare system can be challenging. Sometimes you need a concierge to help you find resources, get second opinions, or just check out a place to have a surgery. Our advocates will do all of this, and more.

This is backed up with an online doctor’s portal, allowing for scheduled visits in general practice, mental health, and other areas of practice. Rounding out the offering with alternative and holistic medicine reviews with a professional. We have newly deployed a national clinic presence through our partner Healthsource Wellness. This even comes with a prescription coverage plan.

Doing what we can to lessen the blow for patients and their families is our mission.

Users get membership cards for deep discounts on superior supplements, prescription discount card accepted at over 70, 000 pharmacies, discounts with Humana’s dental network, discounts with Coast to Coast vision, and ancillary products and services, makes ACT, and their partners a revolutionary idea, whose time has come.

Today’s new healthcare are uncharted waters. Doing what we can to lessen the blow for patients and their families is our mission. Currently, satisfaction rates with telehealth are topping 90%. The research on emergency room utilization shows, 84% of visits could have been resolved in an online encounter.

The times have changed. Embracing these changes, moving to mobile health solutions like www.acutecaretriage. com will save your family time, money, and the exposure to germs in a hospital waiting room.

According to the Washington Post, premiums will increase 15-20% in the first year. The number of those without coverage is predicted to be 24 million rising to 56 million by 2026, causing the burden to be shouldered by the ERs and hospitals.

Big insurance has drained all the money it should from the American public. These groups and their lobbies own politician regardless of party. WE THE PEOPLE must demand change. Its starts by owning our own healthcare and the costs associated.

For years, small business owners have had to deliver solutions to bail out the American government’s failures. If consumers purchase MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plans for nominal fees ($168.00 for the average adult regardless of location, conditions, or age) and couple it with a wellness plan ($20-30 a month on average) that includes an online nurse triage system, on line doctors, mental health (10 visits a year*), and you can create a reasonable and viable solution for this impending debacle the GOP (I am a republican) is cramming down the throats of the American people.

Ready? Set, Be Well!!

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 05

Bringing Segregation Back

BY MARA RADEN Let’s face it, segregation has never left public schools. Poor neighborhood schools stay poor and rich public schools stay rich, and human beings segregate themselves in their neighborhoods by class, race, even religion.

What about private schools? Or better yet charter schools? Softer, kinder, less adherent to unnecessary testing, common core standards, and the unfortunate bureaucracy that plagues our schools into stagnant institutions of mediocracy. Education Secretary, Betsey DeVos, would have you believe that choice is a wonderful thing and everyone has the opportunity to find their place.

The federal enforcement of integration has been an unending endeavor of federal and state incentive and regulation. It’s called cooperative federalism. The result is that the government often intercedes with funding and special programs to achieve equality and equity in public schools.

Unfortunately, without the protections and strongholds of civil liberty law, in the form of special education requirements, which private schools and charter schools are not held accountable for, “everyone”, isn’t all inclusive.

Special Needs Education is, without question, one of the last frontiers of public and private school segregation. Legally, the right to be in school, as a disabled person, is protected by laws referred to as FAPE (fair and appropriate education), IDEA (individuals with disabilities education act), and LRE (least restrictive environment).

These laws say that all students, regardless of individual disability, deserve the right to a fair and appropriate education, free of charge from the state like all other children. Additionally, they get to sit in a classroom with the other kids, to blend and feel “a part of” even if it requires some accommodation by the school.

Accommodation can include anything from a wheelchair ramp to a full-time assistant, but often covers things like speech therapy, wiggle pillows, and assistive technology. And yet, it takes three specific laws to protect the rights of children with disabilities to share physical learning space with children without them.

So resistant is the public consciousness to include disabled children in general education settings, despite decades of research showing the great benefit of attending a neighborhood school with local children, that advocates often find themselves armed only with FAPE, IDEA and LRE when trying to register disabled children for public education.

Placement for special needs students is very much a civil rights landmine. Under-educated administrators often fast track children with disabilities to more restrictive environments, like autism rooms, behavior rooms and special-education only classrooms despite federal guidelines, out of sheer ignorance. It takes enormous effort on the parts of parents, guardians and advocates to hold schools accountable and protect the legal rights of disabled students to be integrated into general-education public schools.

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Many private and charter schools don’t provide free school lunch to impoverished children. They don’t provide on sight special education services for issues ranging from dyslexia, which only require part time tutors, to larger issues such as handicapped bathrooms, ramp accessible playgrounds, or even full-time school counselors for children with behavioral disorders and mental illnesses.

“Everyone” in the Betsey DeVos plan, is everyone who is able bodied, able minded, and has lunch money in their pocket. This “everyone” specifically excludes the poor and the disabled. Oftentimes, private and charter schools don’t offer sliding scale after-school care or free breakfast. According to a report published in nokidhungry. org in 2016, 22 million children in America rely on reduced price, or free meals in their schools daily. Another 12 million rely on a reduced priced or free breakfast. And a staggering 4 million rely on the same support during the summer when school is no longer in session.

E-Wellness Solutions Your Path To Health

HOLISTIC HELATH PRODUCTS

The intersection between disability and poverty is a huge swath of American children often disproportionally represented by ethnic minority as well.

Shunting public school money to charter schools and private voucher systems, as seems to be the new Educations Secretary, Betsey DeVos’ vision, necessarily defunds public general education schools, while concentrating the student populations in those schools with impoverished, diverse and disabled populations as they aren’t practically welcome anywhere else. Less money, more need creates less possibility for success for general education public schools.

It’s this author’s belief that Ms. DeVos’ vision is essentially a class warfare attack on integrated public schools that will disenfranchise special education students for years to come. To what end? This can only lead to impede their legal rights to engage in a free and equal education like any other child, and further, on their path to free and equal citizenship as fully educated members of society able to vote and participate in civic life and government as competent, literate adults.

EXPERT AUTHORS FREE HEALTH EDUCATION ONLINE CERTIFICATION CLASSES HUNDREDS OF PRODUCST SUPPLEMENTS & MORE! E-WELLNESSSOLUTIONS.COM

THE NEW HEALTHCARE 2018 GOP BATTLES THE MEMORY OF OBAMACARE

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA Welcome to the “Lack of Affordable Care,” post 2016 election. The weeks following the election of “45,” as he is more affectionately known, the average American began joining one resistance movement or another.

Pro-Trump people began calling their fellow citizens “Snowflakes.” Anti-Trump movement members began to organize resistance rallies. These men and women of all ages, races, and religions, organized marches on Washington, boycotts of brands (not the least of which was owned by our new President), factions were developed, and the merchandising machines went into overdrive.

The battle for equality of the races continued to heat up, as Steve Bannon took a shower, and got a day job in the White House. The American public outrage increased (among the Snowflakes), as it did within the global community. The only people who seemed to be unaffected were the minority voters who continued to chant “Build That Wall!”

Healthcare and the Wall were the topics at the top of 45’s hit list. The Mexican President told Trump to get stuffed, and congressional leaders began maneuvering to fill their own agendas, regardless of party. The American voter watched as Mc Connell and Ryan, in order to posture for the ACA voting game against the uninsured American, and with the President, held one back door meeting after another.

The result: A partial repeal of ACA, and attack on “Entitlements” like Social Security and Medicare, and helpful programs like CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).

After the November 2016 election, a record enrollment for the final year of the coverage took place. In fact, 26 million people signed up during open enrollment for the insurance period of 2017-2018. The enrollment period for 2017 was reduced to 45 days, compared with twice that long in the years previous. The Federal Government reduced the education and advertising budget by 95% for this year’s enrollment. The ideology behind that is simple: Keep your average American ignorant, and they cannot use what they are legally and constitutionally entitled to, even if they legitimately need it.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 08

mHealth is the ability to access practitioners or providers via Smart devices, or telephone lines. It allows for shorter wait times, lower costs, and broader accesses. It is more affordable and can save valuable time.

Going into 2018 some things will stay the same, for now.

You can still use the federal exchange websites, healthcare.gov, or your state marketplaces. Some consumers will still qualify for lower premiums or subsides.

However, under Trump, there is a whole lot of changes that have been made. Trump vowed to dismantle this law, as has Paul Ryan and the rest of the characters that do not use any of the same insurances as the rest of America.

Two weeks into the new year, several amendments were passed, without public oversight, and input. The pre-existing conditions refusal exemption was removed from the act. What will this mean to many? Denials and increases that will make it nearly impossible for people with diagnoses from bipolar disorder to cancer survivors to gain coverages, affordable medications and hospitalization. And our Congressional leaders have only begun to chop up this plan.

What’s the answer? I am not a big “Give me the problem, without a solution,” kind of person. To Small business must provide affordable access to non-emergent healthcare services to an underserved population. How do we take people out of the newly overburdened ER’s, Urgent Cares, and stop the hemorrhage of bad debt that will raise costs in hospitals, driving insurance rates back to the ridiculous numbers of old?

Mobile Health Solutions, or mHealth; mHealth is the ability to access practitioners or providers via Smart devices, or telephone lines. It allows for shorter wait times, lower costs, and broader accesses.

of life. At ACT, our millennial’s delivery model is one that they understand, embrace, and will easily adapt to, increasing their reliance on a single point of use for all of their healthcare services. This is not just for millennials, it is a simple solution for anyone who can use a Smart device, or a telephone.

ACT has these tools for our readership. The core of these programs start with a 24/7 nurse triage line. This gives you the ability to have someone there around the clock to help guide, triage, and support you through moments of illness, or questions for homecare.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine has said if a plan does not get put in place, some 32 million Americans will be left without healthcare, and this administration will, “Have failed the American people.” The Federal Government has cut all mental health benefits from the first proposed plan. This will remove all Veteran’s Administration benefits for soldiers with PTSD, combat readjustment disorder, suicidal ideation and worse.

There is an advocacy service in this program. Navigating the pitfalls of today’s healthcare system can be challenging. Sometimes you need a concierge to help you find resources, get second opinions, or just check out a place to have a surgery. Our advocates will do all of this, and more.

This is backed up with an online doctor’s portal, allowing for scheduled visits in general practice, mental health, and other areas of practice. Rounding out the offering with alternative and holistic medicine reviews with a professional. We have newly deployed a national clinic presence through our partner Healthsource Wellness. This even comes with a prescription coverage plan.

According to the Washington Post, premiums will increase 1520% in the first year. The number of those without coverage is predicted to be 24 million rising to 56 million by 2026, causing the burden to be shouldered by the ERs and hospitals.

For years, small business owners have had to deliver solutions to bail out the American government’s failures. If consumers purchase MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plans for nominal fees ($168.00 for the average adult regardless of location, conditions, or age) and couple it with a wellness plan ($20-30 a month on average) that includes an online nurse triage system, on line doctors, mental health (10 visits a year*), and you can create a reasonable and viable solution for this impending debacle the GOP (I am a republican) is cramming down the throats of thAmerican people.

Doing what we can to lessen the blow for patients and their families is our mission.

Acute Care Triage, or ACT, has built a universal mHealth Solution, designed for the Smart phone generation’s way

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 09

Happy New Year, Mommy!

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA

Every year, we start seeing the Weight Watcher’s commercials on 12/26. LA Fitness, Jenny Craig, and NutraSystems, with Marie Osmond, it’s relentless.

Marie’s big smile comes on the screen, telling us she lost 50 pounds, and she feels great! Give me a break, sister.

So, with great enthusiasm, we sit down, and draft out our lists. We vow to lose weight, stop smoking, maybe we even take up a bigger task, like giving up alcohol or drug dependency. There is great value in a New Year’s resolution, but it is often a cycle of failure if you don’t set realistic goals and stick to them. But that is an article for another issue…

As parents, beginning the year is an ideal time to take stock in the job we are doing with our kids. We can look at our skills as parents using a virtual “parental mirror,” and decide if we like that reflection.

Think about it; if we work on ourselves, we are changing one person. If we mold and shape our child, we can impact the lives of so many others. Those results are exponential. So what are some things we can consider when parenting our children better?

Think about it; if we work on ourselves, we are changing one person. If we mold and shape our child, we can impact the lives of so many others.

Well, I asked my children what I do well, what I can do better, and where I fall short for them. Here is a list of some things that kids need, want, and what we all should consider, when parenting.

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TRUST

PRAISE

HANDS OFF

Be trustworthy as a parent. Your kids must be able to trust, that no matter what they say or do, you will respond predictably. Be true to your word. Single parents and divorced households, this is paramount. Kids have to trust in their parents and their responses.

My kids told me they trust me explicitly. That was great to hear. Learning why it was important was interesting.

It mattered because they trust that they can come to me with anything, without fear, and always trust my response would be the same.

Be positive with your kids. When they behave well, say something. What was one of the first words they learned?

“NO!” So, when they do things well, say, “YES!” “Great job, nicely done!”

“Way to go!” These kids thrive on being told how amazing they are.

I do not believe in physical abuse. I think spanking is just that, abusive. I do not have to put my hands on my kids, except to hug. I can get my kids to behave with setting boundaries, reaffirming those boundaries, and effectively using time outs or taking away privileges. If you set positive, rather than punitive guidelines, you can navigate the intricacies of being a parent. I have always told my children; I will not negotiate with a terrorist. My kids laugh then they usually toe the line. I use humor,, a lot, to get my kids to see the ridiculousness in their behaviors. I use logic, discussion, and yes, I do raise my voice. I am far from perfect, but I do not hit my kids, never have.

They needed to be able to have an emoji system with me. The kids send a specific emoji and they trust I will come and get them, no questions asked. This allows for me to be the “heavy” n front of their friends, saving them the embarrassment if their friends are doing things they don’t want to be a part of, and they want out.

• Be reliable • Provide a stable home

LISTEN

BE AFFECTIONATE

TIME

Take the time to have a conversation with your kids. In the car, turn down the radio, and engage them. They have stuff to say. Listening to your children will provide you with insight into your own relationship with them.

The more open they are with you, the less likely they are to go down the wrong path in life. If your children can trust in you, come to you and know you will listen, without judgements, your children will have a bond with you that is unbreakable. They will be less likely to struggle in school, less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, its possible, but less likely.

Love, love, love. My kids hug me, kiss me, and are demonstratively affectionate all the time. In fact, we have a unique signal in our home for any of us who need love, or attention, but don’t always know how to ask. We can stand in the middle of the house, make a loud, silly, unique noise, and the whole house comes running to hug the person making the funny noise. Why? It can be hard to admit, “I need you to hug/hold me.” Children, boys and girls alike, of all ages, need physical affection. Having a secret code gives us all that freedom to express our needs without being too vulnerable. So be the loving parent every child needs.

Time is the only thing ever lost in the universe. We are a blessed family.

My kids have never really wanted for anything. For Christmas, I ask them for a list of what they want.

The list is usually short: nail polish, socks, books, a Barbie. So, I make gift certificates for "mommy and me" days. I make others for nail salon days with mommy, mommy movie night, and family horseback riding day. They use them by getting on my schedule, and blocking out their own special day. They love this, and are always so sad when they run out of their gift certificates. Now when I ask what they want for their birthdays, they say mommy certificates!

• No judgments • Practice patience • Get involved – homework, • sports, activities

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 12

I have been a softball coach, and I can tell you, in the beginning of the season, I announced to my team that we were going to win the entire season.

The other coaches were rather concerned. I knew nothing about softball.

I had no skills, I had never played, nor did I know the rules. So the only thing I could offer them was attitude. Every day on the field I taught them positive affirmations. I would never let them get down, even when we struggled.

We did win the entire season, took the championship, and the kids learned a valuable lesson—attitude IS everything!!

One thing I am not afraid to do when I should, is to apologize to my kids when I make a bad decision. So own it, when you make a bad parenting decision, apologize to them! They are people, say you are sorry.

• Unconditional love Look, being a parent is not easy. If you do the best you can, remember to apologize when you make a mistake, and keep your hands to yourself, you should produce loving, polite and intelligent adults.

If you find yourself needing help with parenting, seek the guidance from a Certified Professional Coach, therapist, or clinician who can provide what you need. Log in and let us know how we can help you: www.acutecaretriage.com I hope these resolutions for positive behaviors as a mom and dad are useful. I pray we helped you break some ground with your kids. Be well!

• Sit down to eat together— phones put away • Family game night • Family movie nights • Walk the dog American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 13

The Fine Art of Fasting

By Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri The quest for health requires detective work: Finding and assessing the clues is paramount.

The body has wisdom and truly knows the invaders that rob its vital energy.

We often wish for health and have a long list of requests. Some of these might be getting rid of chronic fatigue, chronic yeast infection and/or insomnia. All of these requests usually have one major influence—pollutants!

Dr. Hulda Clark, in her book The Cure for All Diseases, believes the biggest tragedy is in not recognizing when a pollutant is harming you.

Illness, she contends, comes from pollutants.

Here’s a quick overview of Clark’s pollutant dilemma:

Solvent pollution: Check your shampoos and cleaning products for benzene, which affects the thymus and ruins the immune system, and propyl alcohol, which has a negative effect on the liver and causes cancer in some organs

Metal pollution: Copper from plumbing, mercury amalgam fillings, lead and cadmium from soldered and galvanized plumbing, aluminum from drink cans and cooking pots are all harmful.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 14

Dr. Paavo Airola, a former researcher, believed fasting to be one of the safest healing methods known to medical science. Intentional fasting is not starvation but allows your system to cleanse and even rejuvenate. Short and regular fasts can be the answer to helping some of our chronic health conditions. For longer than two- or three-day fasts consult a holistic health care practitioner or a naturopathic doctor.

Pre-fast:

Physical toxins: Fiberglass insulation left imperfectly sealed and asbestos found in clothes dryer belts contribute to exposure to these toxins; cancer tumors have a correlation to asbestos and fiberglass

Chemical toxins: Many cancer patients test positive for chlorofluorocarbons like Freon; polychlorinated biphenyls are used in soaps and detergents; formaldehyde is used to cure foam and can be given off by furniture and mattresses two years after manufacturing. Any of these pollutants would send you to a hospital if even a small amount is ingested Fasting is one of the oldest known therapeutic methods for healthcare. Medical history shows fasting to be a definite form of rejuvenation and healing. Old medical science oftenreferred to fasting as “the physician within” or “the great remedy.”

Prepare with a short cleansing diet. For several days eat more organic raw fruits and vegetables.

Eat steamed basmati rice with vegetables. Avoid meats and dairy prior to a fast. Drink six glasses of water daily. Drinking one tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll at least two times per day is helpful.

The fast (two to three days) • Upon rising, brush your skin, soak in a hot tub or sauna followed by a cold shower, then sip a good herbal tea. Peppermint or chamomile is great • Two hours later, drink one or two cups of freshly juiced fruit juice (dilute 50-50 with water). A combination of mostly apple juice with a little fresh beets and ginger is good • Mid-morning take three to four Spirulina tablets (helps keep blood sugar balanced) • At noon, have one to two cups of freshly juiced organic vegetable juice—mostly green, such as celery, cucumber and a little carrot.

• Take a walk after lunch • Mid-afternoon, drink more herb tea and get a polarity lymphatic treatment and/or a massage.

• Midday, take three to four more Spirulina tablets.

• Evening, sip several cups of warm vegetable broth. Make a big pot of organic veggie soup (add a lot of potatoes) then drink just the broth.

• Retire early and enjoy • It may be best to have no other obligations during the actual two to three days of fasting. Go ahead and pamper yourself! Breaking the fast • Breaking the fast is almost more important than the fast. Do not overeat • Day one, in addition to your juices eat one apple and have a salad for dinner • Day two, eat soaked prunes for breakfast, salad for lunch and vegetable soup for dinner.

Continue to drink your juices • Day three, add yogurt and nuts for breakfast, salad for lunch, baked potato for dinner • Day four, eat normally • Continue to skin brush, drink water and do mild exercises.

Fasting can help you take a few days out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself. Doing the fast with a friend can be fun but only if you don’t sit around talking about food all day long!

Even doing one day a month of organic juices would be a good start. Staying healthy with regular short fasting is the ultimate way to a healthier you.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 15

Nature’s Drugs USING HERBS FOR A HEALTHY OUTLOOK Brain-boosting ginkgo, stomach-soothing chamomile, cold-chasing Echinacea and goldenseal, liver-cleansing milk thistle, and antianxiety control St. John’s wort. All can be grown in your own back yard or used as a beautiful spring flower. And all have been and, no doubt, always will be part of our self-healthcare system.

A record 158 million consumers now use dietary and herbal supplements in the U.S., spending more than $10 billion every year for vitamins, minerals and herbs. A survey published in Prevention magazine indicated that this increased use of supplements and herbs is a direct result of interest from aging baby boomers and a sense of alienation from Western allopathic medicine, including our current healthcare system.

Before there were drugs, there were herbs.

According to Alternative Therapies magazine, the word “drug” comes from the Old Dutch “drogge,” meaning to dry, as in drying and preserving plants for medicinal use.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 16

Herbal medicines have helped humans heal themselves since the dawn of time. Dried seeds, leaves and roots have been uncovered in caves, ancient graves and in buried layers of human habitation. The universal practice of herbal healing continued well into the early part of the 20th century, until pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing medicines first by extracting specific chemicals from plants, then by synthesizing those chemicals in the laboratory.

Today pharmaceutical companies may spend up to $230 million to research a new drug, rather than proving the safety of an herbal medicine. Herbs, unlike drugs, cannot be patented and owned by any company and, in essence, are not as profitable.

There are 300,000 known plants, most of them in endangered environments, which could alleviate problematic human conditions. Research is being conducted on only 5,000 of those.

Twenty-five percent of all prescription drugs are derived from plants. Consider ephedra, or ma huang: its key ingredient, ephedrine, is used in many decongestants. Digitalis, or foxglove, contains digoxin, which is used for heart conditions. Belladonna, though poisonous, is the source of atropine, the basis of many anti-spasmodics. White willow, a very traditional tree herb, is the source of salicin, the main ingredient in common aspirin.

According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of the world population continue to use herbs to heal themselves. In Europe, and particularly in Germany, herbs are accepted as medicine and prescribed by physicians. In the U.S., despite scares about herb safety, botanical remedies enjoy an impressive popularity. Most herbs have consistently proven to be very effective with proper use.

Safe use of herbs is based on proper assessment and prescription: correct identification, precise gathering at the right time of the day and season, use of the right soil (preferably organic), and safe and effective drying and storage. It is important to know what parts of the plant, and in what quantity or form they are used. Herbs can be leaves, fruits, flowers, barks, roots and seeds. Their use may be internal, as in tinctures (liquid extracts of the whole plant) and teas, or external, as in essential oils, medicinal oils and salves. Consulting a trained herbalist is always wise.

The best way to use herbs is as a tea. Teas are mild and safe, but effectively deliver plant vitamins and minerals. For best results, instead of prepackaged teabags, buy bulk herbs from a reputable herbal source. For something stronger, use a tincture instead of pills. A tincture is highly absorbable and has a very long shelf life.

For millennia, plants have been our allies. However, they must be respected for their powers and never used lightly. If we recognize this, we will continue to derive significant benefits from herbs.

Sarah Breathmach, in her book on Simple Abundance, suggests that there is more mystery and lore to herbs than any other plants. Herbs, she suggests, were considered essential for a long happy and healthy life. Keeping an herb garden growing may well be the secret to longevity.

By Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 17

When bacteria, viruses, foreign chemicals and environmental pollutants will enter the body, the lymphocytes— the body’s little soldiers—begin preparing for war. But this type of war doesn’t depend upon large defense spending.

It is a natural part of our everyday internal healthcare—the physician within. When these soldiers are activated they secrete large quantities of antibodies. These antibodies move into the sites of the virus or bacteria or even cancer cells and begin to engulf and destroy the disease or abnormal cells.

It doesn’t take much to understand who runs the show in our human biological house. The lymphatic system is a sure bet. It is the only thing that really lets us function and live a normal life in a germ-infested world.

The body houses hundreds and hundreds of lymph nodes, which are located everywhere imaginable. If we are to keep our lymphatic system functioning, we must be aware of their locations:

The Heart of It All YOUR BEST DEFENSE IS A PROGRESSIVE OFFENSE:

• Lymphatic massage manually drains the lymphs and helps promote positive movement.

• Lymphodema, especially after surgery, should be attended to immediately through bodywork.

• Polarity lymphatic balance uses key acupressure points to help the body move fluids and create a good energy flow.

• Foot reflexology will stimulate certain lymphatic reflexes.

PERSONAL CLEANSING: • Fast regularly—drink green juices or fresh carrot juice which flush the lymphs.

• Do a colon cleanse. Work with a holistic health practitioner to set up a system to help cleanse your digestive system.

• Sweat. Soaking in hot tubs helps release fluids in lymphs.

• Eat good fats--avocados, olive oil, almond oil.

• Drink water every hour on the hour.

SPECIFIC HERBS FOR IMMUNITY:

• Echinacea, golden seal, garlic for surface immunity • Ginseng, liquorices, astragaluses for deep immunity

The healthcare of the lymphatic system is truly the heart of it all. I remember a yoga teacher once saying, “You have everything you need to do what you want, you have everything you want to do what you need.”

The lymphatic system functions only as well as it is kept in good working order. Surprisingly, the lymphs are easy to care for, especially if you become aware of how they function.

EXERCISE IS A KEY FACTOR:

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

BY DR. MARY JO RUGGIERI, PH.D. The foundation of all good health lies within the function and operation of an individual’s lymphatic system. Those pesky nodes, when stressed out, will swell in your neck, especially behind the ear, and will make it impossible to swallow.

These nodes provide a filtration system for the body. They contain the all-important T-cells that eventually will fight for your life. It’s a well-known fact that a highly functioning lymphatic system can handle even the toughest invaders in your body—cancer!

The lymphatic system, according to the Lymphatic System Anatomy Workbook, is a series of vessels, structures and organs that collect fluid throughout the body and return it to the main circulation for distribution. The lymphocytes function in the immune process; the fluid draining through the lymphatic system is lymph. The clusters of lymph nodes, almost like a bunch of grapes, are located throughout the lymphatic vessels.

It is important to remember that the immune system is your main defense for healing and long-term immunity to diseases. The immune process and your entire body’s defense mechanism is located in the lymphatic system, a system we hardly pay attention to until it’s in a state of trauma or stops functioning properly.

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• Head and neck: Under jaw, behind the ears, back of neck, base of skull, around the eyes, side of the cheek and the floor of the mouth.

• Chest: Shoulder area, under armpits, breast or the mammary glands, clavicle or collar bone area, along the upper arm extending into the elbow and all along the sternum.

• Stomach: Nodes sit on the stomach, the colon and all major organs like liver and kidneys.

• Lower body: Groin area, pelvic girdle and all through the inner thighs. They even go along the spine in many areas.

BODYWORK:

• Walking, biking or any cardiovascular work. Both the cardiovascular and the respiratory system are tied into the lymphatic system.

• Get a mini trampoline and jump on it for five to 10 minutes daily. Great for pumping leg lymphs.

• Sit-ups and push-ups.

SELF-HELP TECHNIQUES: • Constantly do self massage—your jawbone, under your eyes, behind your ears, squeeze the muscles under your armpit and along side of your neck.

• If a node is swollen or hard to touch, work around the area not on it.

• Skin brush. It is good to use a dry vegetable brush daily on your entire body, stroking toward the heart.

• Meditate. Stress suppresses immune function.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 19

E-CIGS STRATEGY OR TRAGEDY

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA E-Cigarettes, Vaping, and Smoking Cessation: Strategy or Tragedy?

Sales of electronic cigarette, vape pipes even flavored Hookah, are growing fast and the debate about them is all over the map.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set a variety of regulations on the sale, use, and advertising of these products.

E-cigarettes are expected to see sales of $27 billion the year 2022 and will far surpass sales of tobacco cigarettes according to a study published by CSPDaily. So, the question remains, are e-cigarettes friend or foe?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices. When someone inhales into one, the battery is turned on and a liquid comprised of nicotine, glycerol, and propylene glycol is heated and turns into a vapor. That vapor is inhaled by the users, who are called “vapers.”

E-cigarettes have been around in the United States only since 2006. Because they are not a tobacco product, the list of cancercausing ingredients in them is a lot shorter than with regular cigarettes. But, because they have been around for a relatively short time, no one really knows definitively what effect they have on health.

Some studies recently indicate the same levels of heart and cardiovascular diseases are present with e-cigarettes, as with tobacco products, but more data is being published daily.

More than 2 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes in 2016. 11% of high school and 4.3% of middle school students were current users of e-cigarettes in 2016.1 Nicotine is a highly addictive drug and inhaling it as a vapor does not take that away. The number of high school and junior high school users is on the rise. With flavors like bubble gum and gummies, conventional wisdom is makers are trying to entice young smokers. Most smokers start as teenagers. So these products could be creating a new generation of smokers that may not stay just vapers, but become actual tobacco cigarette smokers.²

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 20

We know that smoking affects the body and the mind. A half pack a day smoker develops rituals around his or her habit. It becomes a companion of sorts. Current products, like nicotine patches and gums, only work on the physical addiction. Because their use mimics smoking, E-cigarettes offer a potential replacement.

Finding a suitable replacement is important. Most coaches who help people quit smoking know that a quitting smoker needs a substitute.

But we also know that the replacement should not lead to another addiction. The physical craving for nicotine lasts 8 seconds at a time.

Think of it, can you tough out 8 seconds? Maybe…

Breath is a critical control point in quitting smoking. Controlling your inhalation and exhalation can help you manage each craving period during the hardest days of quitting smoking. Because of this, great caution needs to be used when looking at e-cigarettes as a replacement.

Do they have a role in cessation? At this point, they should not be ruled out if they can help someone quit smoking the more toxic tobacco cigarettes. However, safer methods should always be considered first. Studies have found that coaching increases the likelihood of cessation success.3 If you are considering quitting, an Acute Care Triage Wellness Coaches can be a valuable partner. Consult with one of them to determine your best path to a future as a non-smoker.

Call the RN hotline to get help logging in today. 866-228-5111.

References: USDAhttps://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/ProductsIngredientsComponents/ucm456610.htm#references 1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “E-cigarette Use More Than Doubles among U.S. Middle and High School Students from 2011-2012,” 5 September 2013, www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/ p0905-ecigarette-use.html.

2

Zane R. Macleod, Veronica C. Arnaldi, Ian M. Adams, and Margaret A. Charles, “Telephone counseling as an adjunct to nicotine patches in smoking cessation: a randomised controlled trial,” The Medical Journal of Australia 179 (July 2003), 349-352, 3

www.mja.com.au/journal/2003/179/7/telephone-counselling-adjunct-nicotine-patches-smoking-cessation-randomised.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 21

10 Ways to Avoid Getting the Flu ARM YOURSELF TO SURVIVE THE SEASON

BY DR. STEPHANIE B. NIELSEN, PHARM.D., CCN

Now that the holidays are over and the wind chill is minus, we are in full-blown flu season. The interesting thing is that Flu is not a season. The Flu is the inability to adapt to decreased sun exposure, decreased water intake, increased sugar intake, and stress. Now that it is colder and wetter in most parts of the country, people naturally spend more time inside and with other people who may have lower resistance to cold and flu viruses. We are in temperaturecontrolled homes and offices, often they are too warm for us, and we forget to increase our water intake.

We have just finished a big flurry of social and family events and given ourselves permission to have all sorts of wonderful treats (i.e., we ate too much sugar). And with all the parties, friends, and end of year deadlines, we have stressed ourselves out financially and socially. No wonder so many people, who are thrilled that the holiday season is finally over, let their guards down and end up sick. Ugh! So how do you prevent this vicious cycle and how can you shorten it if you are already feeling the aftereffects of the holidays? Here are my top ten tips for avoiding and shortening the flu for you and for your family: 1. Wash your hands. As simple as this sounds, it is so true. In fact, each member of your family should have a personal fingernail brush. Wash your hands with warm water and real soap twice a day for 30 seconds, using your finger nail brush. (Singing Happy Birthday 3 times in a row should about get you there.) Your hands can contain over 10 million microbes; therefore it is vital that twice a day you remove them (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/ england/west_midlands/6926078.stm). When you eat, touch your face, and touch other objects, you are transferring and receiving millions of little gifts from your environment. So decrease your likelihood of ingesting the ones you don’t want and scrub twice daily.

2. While you are at the sink, grab yourself a glass of water. How much water you drink a day is critical. You must stay hydrated to keep your body and your protective mu-

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 22

cus membranes in top shape. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds would drink at least 75 ounces of water daily. Thirty-two ounces are in a quart, so a 150 lb. person should drink to 2-3 quarts of water daily. Remember that alcohol, coffee, and some teas will dehydrate you, so it is important to add additional water if you drink them throughout your day.

3. Live food, live body. Real food is the only fuel the body really knows how to use. I begin each day with a glass of dehydrated green food. You can find many brands in the stores that range from cereal grasses (wheat grass, barley grass) to algae like Chlorella. Mixed with water, dilute juice, or in a morning smoothie, they provide vital nutrients to aid your immune system.

4. Decrease sugar. I know you already know this, but it is one of the most important tips for your overall wellness.

Every 4 grams of sugar is equal to a teaspoonful. And every teaspoonful of sugar paralyzes your white blood cells, the ones that fight disease, for up to 4 hours (http:// www.fortcollinsnutrition.com/sideeffectsofsugar.html).

5. Rest. If you feel worn out, then you probably are and you need to get into bed early. You will be doing yourself a favor to get some extra rest and allow your body the downtime to repair itself! Most adults need 6-8 hours of sleep to perform at their best.

6. Vitamin D levels. In the past few years we have learned how critical it is to measure your Vitamin D blood levels.

We used to believe that levels of 10 or higher were acceptable, but now the standard of care is levels above 30. To truly be healthy and to maximize your chances of avoiding the flu, you will need to get your Vitamin D blood levels between 30 and 50 ng/ml. Higher levels are recommended to combat chronic disease. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best dosing for you. Most adults are finding they need 5,000 IU daily to achieve these levels (http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2010/1/Startling-Findings-About-Vitamin-D-Levels-in-Life-Extension-Members/Page-01).

7. Momma does often know best, and homemade chicken soup can make a difference in how you fight off the flu and how quickly you recover. There are lots of great recipes that do not have to be complicated. The key is making your own bone broth using a real whole chicken (not store-bought broth) and then throwing in whatever veggies you like.

8. Hydrogen peroxide is the world’s only germicidal agent composed of water and oxygen. It is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial which makes it perfect in thinking about prevention. During the flu season it is wise to place a few drops in each ear for 2-5 minutes once a week. Place the drops in your ear, let the hydrogen peroxide bubble, and then drain it out just as you would after getting out of a shower. Repeat in the opposite ear. You can also add a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your mouthwash to gargle and spit daily.

It is critical to go low glycemic. Eat eggs or leftover dinner for breakfast. Eat soups or stews, and limit alcohol, starches, and sweets. You need your immune system alive and awake, not drugged and sluggish on sugar.

9. Should you get the flu or feel like you are coming down with the flu, my last two ideas may help shorten your symptoms. First is a hydrogen peroxide bath. Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2; so when you add it to a bath, it becomes pure water and free oxygen. Free oxygen is oxygen radical which will be absorbed through your skin and work to support your immune system by oxidizing, or destroying, the flu virus. Adults can use 2 quarts in a full-size tub.

Children should use 1 quart. Sit in the tub for 45 minutes to an hour and then towel dry. The free oxygen will also make you feel more fresh and invigorated, but don’t overdo it.

Remember number #5. Go rest!

10. Homeopathic Oscillococcinum. Now, that is a mouthful but it is amazing and really works (http://www.scielosp.org/ scielo.php?pid=S0021-25712012000100017&script=sci_ arttext). Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medicine that can be found at most standard pharmacies. It is safe for all ages to use and has been shown to lessen the severity or the duration of the standard flu symptoms. Follow the directions on the package or try taking one vial a week during flu season as a preventative measure.

Flu is not a season but the lack of the ability of your body to adapt to so many sudden changes. I hope you are now armed with all you need to not only survive flu season but to avoid the flu this year and in the future.

Think about this--the average 20 oz. Gatorade has 35 gms of sugar. That is almost 9 teaspoons of sugar which will suppress your body’s natural repair and immune defenses for up to 36 hours. It is critical to go low glycemic. Eat eggs or leftover dinner for breakfast. Eat soups or stews, and limit alcohol, starches, and sweets. You need your immune system alive and awake, not drugged and sluggish on sugar.

Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds would drink at least 75 ounces of water daily.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 23

Addiction...is this me?

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA What is addiction? Addiction is a gradual process where we lose our sense of control over a certain THING. Ultimately, we can’t manage without our THING. Whatever IT is. We will make deals with ourselves over IT. We will bargain about IT. We will promise to give IT up SOMEDAY. But soon we begin to tolerate the years of hopelessness, isolation, and shame that comes with our addiction. The pain underlying our addiction leads millions of people toward drugs, alcohol, food and other vices to end our suffering.

Addiction is the uncontrollable, compulsive craving, seeking, and use of drugs, other substances, or behaviors. This craving, seeking, and using are what matter most to the addict, more than your loved ones, more than your families. If this describes you—SEEK HELP. Acute Care Triage has qualified clinicians who can help you. Log on today, www.acutecaretriage.com, or call any of the numbers below.

UNITED STATES 911 EMERGENCY +1 (800) 273-8255 +1 (800) 799-7233 +1 (800) 996-6228 +1 (800) 784-2433 +1 (800) 366-8288 +1 (800) 230-7526 +1 (800) 222-1222 +1 (800) 622-2255 +1 (800) 233-4357 +1 (888) 843-4564 +1 (866) 488-7386 +1 (800) 221-7044

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline National Domestic Violence Hotline Family Violence Helpline National Hopeline Network Self-Harm Hotline Planned Parenthood Hotline American Association of Poison Control Centers Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line National Crisis Line, Anorexia and Bulimia GLBT Hotline TREVOR Crisis Hotline AIDS Crisis Line

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net http://www.crisischat.org http://suicideprevention.wiki.com/wiki/ International_Suicide_Prevention_Directory

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 24

CANADA 911 EMERGENCY +1 (888) 353-2273

Hotline

Below is a list of the most commonly abused substances and behaviors that people can become addicted to: Adrenaline-producing activities Alcohol Caffeine Cocaine Dangerous behaviors Exercise Food Gambling Heroin Marijuana Methadone Nicotine Opiates Pornography Prescription drugs Self-Injurious behavior Sex and love Shopping Steroids Vicodin or other pain pills Work Does anything on this list resonate with you?

Addiction is the uncontrollable, compulsive craving, seeking, and use of drugs, other substances, or behaviors. This craving, seeking, and using are what matter most to the addict...

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 25

New Year's Death Rattle

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA

As reported in Forbes.com, 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. However, even with the best of intentions, only a miniscule portion of us will develop a new habit or way of living. In fact, University of Scranton research has suggested that a mere 8% of people will achieve their goals.

Why do so many of us fall short? Is it because we are lazy?

Unmotivated? Or are we just too…

NO! Let’s stop right there. Most of us fail to achieve our goals for a variety of good, understandable reasons.

Americans are an extreme culture. We live in a “Go big or go home” mentality. That bleeds over at New Year. We set a list the size of our national debt. Then we feel destroyed when we can’t seem to make any progress. That is the first area to correct, according to conventional therapeutic wisdom. Chunk it down! You CAN eat the elephant, just one bite at a time.

Another area we get mired down in is generalities. When we buy a car in America, we generally have a solid idea of what we want, right? We know make and model. We have decided on all of our amenities: navigation, heated seats, leather, and rims. We even know the colors that are in the running.

Then why don’t we do that with our goals? If we want to lose some weight, why do we not make a manageable list?

Things like walk 30 minutes a day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. OH NO!! This is America. We commit to going to the gym 5 days a week, not eating sweets except on Saturdays, no chips or fried food, and limiting alcohol.

Sound familiar? familiar?

Does it come down to will power A study led by a Stanford University psychologist really tests the durability of willpower. The researchers found that the subjects performed better or worse on the test, based on their belief in the durability of willpower.

So how do we use all of this? What do we do on 1/1?

Do we say “I am going to change only one thing this year, and I believe I can do it?” Well, yes, while that can work, let me give you some bullet points to help: 1.

Chunk it DOWN!!! If you need to lose 50 pounds, DO NOT start with that number!!! Look at your history.

Did you gain your weight overnight? My belief is no. It was a series of bad decisions that you made in hopes that it would resolve itself later. Take your goal down to 20 pounds. Set a time in which you must lose this weight, not when you can, but MUST. It has to be a MUST to you.

Make it physically responsible. No one goes on a diet American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 26

and says, “I am going to starve myself, work out like a fool, and have the body I want!” So average 2-3 pounds a week. In the case of losing 20 pounds, set a 10-week plan. Give it a date. Now you know where you are going.

Let me ask you a question. When you are going to go on a vacation, and you need directions, do you hop on the freeway and head north, hoping you will arrive? Of course you don’t. So set your course, be realistic, and adjust to arrive at your ten weeks on a dime!

2.

Plan your work and work your plan: Let’s say you need to stop drinking, and you drink 3-4 times a week.

You even have a blackout or two. The LAST thing you should do is run out and stop all your booze. You have patterns. You have things you do habitually. You come home from a long day, grab a beer, put your feet up, and wait to eat. By the time dinner is on the table, you are three beers in and feeling a little hum in your brain. So taper off. Set a timeline, like we talked about, and make it manageable. Wean yourself off safely and sensibly.

3.

Always measure. Checking your progress is key. Reward yourself with a day on the golf course or a quiet day being present. Envision your outcome. Make a clear picture in your head; make it big, bright, and beautiful, your optimal self! Spend time in that visual and enjoy your success. Do this often.

4.

Commit to your outcome. Statistically, we know that, if you believe you can, you can. So get yourself to buy in. Stay on task. As you float off into a REM state, affirm this over and over: “I am whole, perfect, and complete. I can do anything I am 1000% committed to, and I am the best of the best at what I do.” Affirmations work.

They work well if you give yourself care and praise.

5.

And most importantly, hire a coach. Find someone who has done what you are looking to accomplish.

Find someone who has had success in that area, and commit to 8 weeks of instruction. This coach, if the person is any good, will keep you on track, help you measure your progress, and achieve your goals for good!

I hope you have decided to live your dream and design your life. Pease share your feedback with me and let’s get you to living your best self!

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 27

Suffering from Headline Stress?

BY SUE AYERS, MS, LPC For Americans 2017 has been annus horribilis, a horrible year. 2017 has been headlined with horrific natural disasters, health care discord, North Korean threats, deportation escalation, political conflict, social upheaval and violence, making it the most challenging year in recent decades. It has been a never-ending bombardment of attacks on our national psyche.

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports, in addition to economic and unemployment stressors, the future of our nation has become a new common source of significant stress. They report more than half of Americans in all age categories believe this is the lowest point in our nation’s history.

Whether we are actually in more danger or we just believe we are doesn’t matter. It is the perception of danger that threatens our mental health.

First, understand not all stress is a bad thing in that it can act as a motivator to do the things you need to get done. Some who are more susceptible to stress than others can find even ordinary daily tasks become monumental, while others thrive and become highly productive. We need to recognize the healthy stress in our lives and defuse the harmful or negative stress.

When our balanced life becomes disrupted hormones become increasingly active and after an extended period of time, lead to behavioral changes. Some signs that you are experiencing stress overload are an inability to focus, difficulty making decisions that in the past weren’t a problem, losing our temper more frequently and increasing forgetfulness. Others you can add to that list are finding yourself over reacting to petty annoyances, your conversations are centered on negative comments or normal sleep patterns become disrupted. Be on alert for negative changes in job performance, relationships, becoming a more aggressive driver and experiencing violent thoughts. By no means is this a complete list of behavior indicators, be alert and question changes you are experiencing that don’t feel good.

There are many proven ways to combat stress, but be aware of unhealthy management traps like increased alcohol or tobacco consumption, drug use and stress eating. These reactions will only acerbate the problem.

Some recommended stress management techniques include: 1. Maintain a strong social network of friends, family, and peers that are supportive and loving.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 28

2. Avoid individuals that excite negative reactions and feelings.

3. Stay optimistic about life. You are in control of your responses to stressors even though you can’t control the stress.

4. Limit the amount of time spent listening to the news.

The news industry is driven by viewership ratings and alarming news brings higher ratings. It pays them to pump up the drama and make mountains out of mole hills.

5. Become proactive in causes that you value. It can be as simple as contacting your representative, letter writing or becoming involved in volunteer work that supports your position. By becoming an active volunteer you will be surrounding yourself with like minded individuals creating a feeling of empowerment.

6. Make sure you monitor your use of social media.

Don’t follow the negative Nelly whose posts incite you to anger. Misleading information on these sites is a reality so become selective, back check postings and prevent falling victim to false reports.

7. Indulge in an enjoyable hobby or activity like listening to music, working in the garden or sharing a meal with a friend. Time spent doing fun things provides an escape from the realities of difficult times.

8. Get moving! Exercise stimulates positive hormones that produce feelings of well being.

9. Embrace spirituality whether it is through your place of worship, prayer, meditation or yoga. Try a random act of kindness to lift your spirit.

If you can’t shake the stress don’t be afraid to seek professional help. There are trained capable individuals that have dedicated their lives to helping others find their answers. Log on to www.acutecaretriage.com. Acute Care Triage, Inc. offers a wide variety of support and solution services to help. Despite what challenges tomorrow brings remember you have the power to control your response.

Sue Ayers, MS, LPC Inc. offers a wide variety of support and solution services to help. Despite what challenges tomorrow brings remember you have the power to control your response.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 29

Pharmacy Compounding, Commercially available Prescriptions or Mail Order What do I need?

Many of us use maintenance medications. Some members, like me, use compounded medications. It takes serious quality control to ensure that the compounds you are being given are consistent in their chemical composition.

It is imperative that the pharmacy you use is following the formula for compounding, or it can impact the quality of the medical outcome for the patient.

Acute Care Triage, or ACT, has done a great deal of research on our Rx partner, Regional Pharmacy, and we have discovered the quality compound output from Regional Pharmacy is second to none.

We have many patients ordering their formulary medications, maintenance medications, and their compounded medications through the good folks at Regional Pharmacy, and the satisfaction surveys are coming back with astounding results!

Terry Patel, RPh has a top-quality organization, with a highly trained staff. Patient focus and customer service is priority one for Mr. Patel and his team. Mr. Patel has been a pharmacist for 18 years. Established in 1993, Terry took over the successful Pharmacy in the year 2009, and has since opened up 5 more independent pharmacies.

Regional Rx employs 12 team members and fills over 5500 prescriptions a month.

Regional Pharmacy is a Compounding Pharmacy – both Sterile & Non-Sterile. They create unique medications for individual patient’s specific medical needs. All of their drugs can be compounded with varying degrees of strength.

What is Compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients. Compounded medications are made based on a practitioner’s prescription in which individual ingredients are mixed together in the exact strength and dosage form required by the patient. This method allows the compounding pharmacist to work with the patient and the prescriber to customize a medication to meet the patient’s specific needs.

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 30

Examples of NON-sterile compounds include, but are not limited to:

*Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy for men and women (oral and topical). This includes: The Wiley Protocol and many other formulations using the Topi-Click dispenser, a metered dose dispenser that's easy to use and helps achieve maximum medication compliance.

*Topical pain formulations.

*Veterinary products.

Examples of STERILE compounds include, but are not limited to:

*Intracavernosal injections of papaverine and phentolamine, sometimes with prostaglandin. These can be prepared individually (PGE) or together in a Bi-Mix or Tri-Mix, all customizable.

*Riboflavin.

*Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin).

*Glutathione.

*Opthalmics.

Regional Rx compounding professionals can formulate and prepare:

*Unique dosage forms for each individual patient.

*Medications such as sublingual drops or troches, nasal sprays, suppositories (rectal and vaginal).

*Medications free of dyes, sugar, lactose, alcohol, etc.

Regional Pharmacy has been a preferred partner with ACT since 2015. Acute Care Triage members uses Regional RX for mail order, compounds, in states where licensing is approved.

There is a multitude of prescription forms available for your immediate use, with customization for patients, so call for questions, and discuss your unique needs with a licensed professional.

Compounding is preferred by doctors for a variety of reasons. The absorption is often more effective. It can produce a better result, clinically. It can also be easier on your body for processing. So ask your medical professional, and consult one of the amazing staff members at Regional Rx today!

Pharmacist - Owner - Terry Patel, RPh 622 West Main ** Crosbyton Texas, 79322 ** (806)675-2001 ** (806)675-7284 fax

Affiliated Pharmacies: Twin Oaks Pharmacy 3436 34th St. Lubbock TX, 79410 (806)799-3636 * (806)795-4622 fax

Slaton Pharmacy 165 S. 9th St., Ste. A Slaton, TX, 79364 (806)828-4444 * (806)828-1118 fax Parkway Pharmacy 1824 Parkway Pl, Ste. 100 Lubbock TX, 79403 (806)767-9999 * (806)744-6666 fax Highland Pharmacy 2424 50th St. Lubbock, TX, 79413 (806)701-5111 * (806)701-5181 fax

Denver City Pharmacy 105 E. Broadway Denver City, TX, 79323 (806)592-3333 * (806)592-3636 fax

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 31

I Resolve…

BY TRACY WOOD, CPC, ELI MP, HHA Are you someone who starts the new year with a list of resolutions? Maybe you are someone who posts on your Facebook page about how horrible the past year was for you? Or like Oprah, maybe on New Year's Eve, you gather with some of your closest friends, sit and share all that you have accomplished in the past year and your hopes and dreams for the new year and a whole new you.

New Year's syndrome is something that we see in our friends and family and maybe even ourselves as a practice that is never perfected.

Its not just here in America, it’s a global phenomenon. It’s the human condition’s desire for change. People start going to the gym, they start a completely new way of eating, they give up sweets, or other things they believe are impacting their ability to look like Adonis. Others of us may give up alcohol, cigarettes, or other harmful substances that we let fill our bodies and minds.

While it is a common belief that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, studies have shown that it takes an average of 66 days to maintain any real change.1 What changes did you want to see in yourself? How about in your relationships? What about in your job?

We all strive to be better in our lives. For most of us, our internal wiring drives us toward a positive outcome. When I say positive outcome, I don’t mean that every change we make is for the best. I mean it feels like it's for the best.

We are designed at our core (most of us) to avoid pain and seek pleasure. For example, when you start a diet, is it painful? You bet it is, because often you will feel like you are dying! That is why “die” is in the word! If you design a diet that stems from pain, how often would you imagine that diet would be successful? Seldom, if ever. What about giving up smoking? That starts from pain, doesn’t it? You are giving something up and that means loss to many of us. Loss equals pain.

So what is the secret to New Year’s resolution success?

STOP MAKING THEM! Now, you may think, then how do I make any lasting changes? So, you say you want to lose some weight, or you want to quit smoking, right?

The first step to any lasting changes is deciding. Decide literally means “to cut off from.”3 Decide what it is you really want. You MUST be clear on what you want. Random or global goals rarely work. So hone it down, what exactly do you want to change? So, if you want to lose 15 pounds, set that as your commitment. You just completed Step One.

Secondly, you MUST create a mental picture of what will happen if you DO NOT lose the weight. It has to be a MUST for you. If it’s just a “should” or a “want to,” I can assure you, you will not keep the commitment to yourself.

So, make it a MUST!

Step one – Get clear on what you want.

Step two – Make it a MUST. Step three – Visualize your outcome..

You must see what you want to become. In your minds eye, you have got to visualize what it will cost you if you don’t make the changes, and all the things you will gain by taking action right away.

Try something with me, I want you to take a moment and visualize in your mind what you will look like 1, 3, 5, and 10 years from now if you DON’T lose the 15 pounds you really need to lose. Imagine in your mind’s eye, see yourself, look at your body. Are you energized or exhausted? Are you healthy or running to the doctor’s office once a week? Are you bright, sharp, and cheerful? Or are you down in the dumps and feeling sluggish? What do you see? How does it FEEL to be dragging that extra 15 plus pounds around for 10 LONG YEARS? It’s important to try to get a clear mental image. Look at your clothes, the expression on your face, the faces of those around you, and really “wear” this feeling for a few minutes. Now, I want you to set that horrible image aside for just a moment.

Now, shake that off. Clear your mind. I want you to imagine that you have successfully dropped that 15 pounds and you feel like a million bucks!

Again, use the visualizing technique. Get a strong mental snapshot of what you will look like. Are you fit, vibrant, and full of energy? Do you love the way you look in your new jeans? Do you feel sexy, attractive, and even beautiful? Are you smiling? Now take that awesome image and see into your future 1, 3, 5, even 10 years. See yourself 10 years into your commitment to yourself for total control over your weight. Do you like who you have become?

How does this reality feel? How much excitement do you have right now, knowing you have achieved your desired outcome and you are living the life you are committed to?

Step four – Interrupt old limiting patterns.

What does that mean? “I just had the body of my reams, I felt like a million bucks, and now your throwing more stuff at me!” I can hear you!

Perhaps in your weight loss journey you have found you are specifically challenged with certain types of food. For example, maybe you eat ice cream several times a week as a treat to yourself. Using food as a reward is something many of us were raised with. We were trained like Pavlov’s dogs to come running to the sound of the ice cream truck, right? So now you are 15 plus pounds overweight. You have discovered you feel awful, slow, and sluggish. But when you go through the frozen section at your local grocery store, Häagen-Dazs calls to you. You have earned this; you worked out for 15 minutes this week, right? Well, NO! So, what is step four? You must interrupt your patterns. So how do we interrupt limiting patterns? Take the old horrible image of you 10 years from now and imagine you are sitting with your old habits. You are eating a pint of ice cream. Now you may say, “Hey, I don’t eat a pint!” I hear you. I didn’t, either, but in a week it was gone all the same and more!

So now take your ideal image, the sexy, confident, and healthy new you, and put them side by side in your brain.

Now, I have to share with you that I did not develop this concept. I learned it from Tony Robbins and others.

I use this as one of the most effective and fastest ways to create change in my life. I do have some personal spin on this, as I have lost 130 pounds over the last 7 years and I did most of my work holistically, meaning I worked on my weight loss by using food, exercise, and mental mind management to get me through.

Okay, back to it. Did you ever play with a slingshot as a kid? I know I did. What I want you to do now is sit with the two images in your mind. Make the one of you eating excessive amounts of food bigger and brighter. Take the small one with your ideal image and pull (actually make the movements) it behind the other. Pull it way to the back.

Now count to 3 in your head and let the smaller image of you go. Watch it get bigger as it approaches the old image.

Now, have it shatter through that image and blow it apart, WHAM! So 1-2-3 Wham! Blow that old image over and over.

I did this exercise about 20 times on each pattern I wanted to destroy. I did this 2-3 times a week until the new beliefs were in place and my old limiting patterns were gone.

Am I telling you that, every time you want to change something, all you have to do is decide what it is, wear it for a few years strongly in your mind (i.e., feel pain), find the new way you want to be (find pleasure), shatter the old patterns, and move on? YES, that is exactly what I am saying. I know it works, because I use this often for myself, my children, and my peers.

So the next time I see, “Goodbye 2017 you piece of S&*!, I hated every minute of you...” on your Facebook page, I will send you this article. I’ll suggest that maybe the year wasn’t the catalyst of your challenges.

Maybe some personal work needs to be done.

Be Well!!!

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 32

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 33

American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 34