IN THIS ISSUE FEBUARY 2019 THERAPY 05
Death, Lies, and Opioid Addiction
08
What is Addiction
10
Addiction List
11
What’s Happening in my House
WELLNESS 13
Dance Without a Blueprint
14
The Fine Art of Fasting
16
PAC-MAN and ENZYMES??
COACHING 19
Love Languages
20
Spring Cleaning
MEDICINE 23
Boost your Brain Power
24
Nature’s Drugs
RECIPES 26
Cook’s Corner
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T.S. Wiley
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CONTRIBUTORS
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 03
THERAPY
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 04
Death, Lies, and Opioid Addiction BY TRACY WOOD, CPC In the Beginning Super Bowl XLI was going to be a great match up: the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Chicago Bears with Prince as the halftime show, Awesome! We had 70 plus people lined up for our annual game day extravaganza. Food prep was under way, setting up bar, the works. The night before one of our parties was always hectic and tense. The house phone rang at about 8:00. Most often, people called our cells, so when I heard my father on the line, I knew something was wrong. “Sit down,” he demanded. Now, honestly, my dad can be a bit dramatic at times, so I immediately got annoyed with him. “What do you need, Dad?” I replied sharing every ounce of my irritation in my voice. “Sit down!” He barked at me. “What do you want?” I sighed, rolling my eyes at him.
“Your sisters’ dead!” The punch in my breathing. WHAT???
my
throat
stopped
I began pacing in my kitchen. I was shocked, stunned, devastated. I called my other sibling and told her that Jackie was gone. The entire family had been estranged from Jackie for years. Jackie had, in my opinion, a serious mental illness, but none of us knew the truth about her medical or emotional health. That is, until after she died. As I drove down the 91 freeway, I was hyperaware of everything; the lights from the cars on the freeway, the speed I was driving, to the smell of the leather seats of my sports coupe. “Was she really sick? Do you think she really had cancer? Staci, it’s just not possible, right?” I could
hear myself asking a friend the questions that had plague my family for over five years. I was on the phone the entire way to Jackie’s apartment, for the last time. When I arrived at Jackie’s, I was horrified at what I didn’t see! Where in the hell is the Medical Examiner? The fire department? The police? All we had was one lone police car. As I stood over my sister’s lifeless body, I couldn’t breathe. I was raging inside, but no sound came out. It was like there was a storm brewing deep inside my soul. I could feel my heart beating nearly out of my chest and in the pit of my stomach was sick empty sensation. Am I dreaming? Please God, tell me this isn't her, it's some stranger under that bright white sheet. There we stood. This barely five-foot-tall, female officer, who looked about 12 years old, standing guard over my sister’s corpse. Jackie’s purple socks sticking out the bottom of the cover. The silence in the room could have suffocated me. Finally, our token guard spoke up. What she said would send me into years’ worth of questions and very few answers. “The Fire Chief spoke with your sister’s doctor. The doctor anticipated her death as she has been very ill for years. He will be signing her death certificate, so the local mortuary is in route to claim the body.” American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 05
Death, Lies, and Opioid Addiction (CONT.)
The Plot Thickens…
The Coroner Weighs In
What happened that night started me on a mission for truth. The truth about the last weeks of her life, and the truth behind what had killed my sister. The answers drove me to create for change for others who could avoid her fate.
Since I was her official “Next of kin,” I had to answer all the embarrassing questions about my sister’s life.
Within days of her death, I arrived at the mortuary. I wanted to take my sister an angel for her transition. I never knew that would set off such a shitstorm. The mortuary director asked me who was my sister’s next of kin. How should I know? I thought. As it turned out, it was me. Jackie’s eldest child was developmentally delayed and needed a conservator. Me. “Do you know what was wrong with Jackie?” Asked the Director, “Was she ill?”
“I have no clue, honestly none of us do. She told us she was dying and had Leukemia 10 years ago. We really don’t know anything. Why?” That question opened Pandora’s box! “Mrs. Wood, we have been trying to reach the doctor from the night of the incident, a, Dr. Trung M. Thai. He’s stopped returning our calls. We spoke to the Fire Chief. He knows nothing beyond what the doctor said the night your sister died. Her exhusband does not want an autopsy, but I am afraid it is not up to him. We were also told to return the remains to the daughter, but she is a minor. We are in a bad position here.” “What do you know, if anything about this doctor of hers?” I asked. “We know that Dr. Thai is a psychiatrist, he was her prescribing clinician, and he will not respond. We have called the police. The coroner will pick up the body Friday. Your family no longer makes the deci sions here.”
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 06
“Mrs. Wood was your sister suicidal?” “Was your sister sexually active? Did she have a prescription drug addiction?” It took six months finish the autopsy. The official cause of death: Drug Overdose America’s Opioid Epidemic So, there it was, the drugs in my sister’s system came crashing together to kill a young, mentally unstable and emotionally ill woman. She was a mother, a daughter, and my sister. She wasn’t famous, like those that died just before and right after her; Anna Niccole Smith, Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, or Prince. Her name is not as notable as those who died from their own addictions, the darkness in their lives. The opioid epidemic has raged out of control. This is not a new “State of Affairs.” Big Pharma have been manufacturing these drugs for decades. Doctors have been prescribing them in mass and we pop them like PEZ candy. Over 300 million opioid prescriptions are issued annually. That equals every American adult with their own bottle. Outrageous! One in seven persons who receive a refill become addicted to opioids within one year and chances of an addiction increase after the third day the opioids have been prescribed. Shockingly, 60% of overdoses deaths involve opioids, and 112 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, (Up from 87 the year Jackie died).
Death, Lies, and Opioid Addiction (CONT.)
How to Save A Life… The drugs that killed my sister were prescribed to her. The doctor called her minor child and requested the drugs be returned to the pharmacy, “Because they are chemotherapy drugs and must be disposed of properly.” He knew the minute those words came out of his mouth, in my opinion, he knew what he had done. If the same exact drugs were sold on a street corner to Jackie by a dealer, he would be charged with a felony, thrown in a jail cell, and he would lose his “job” in his chosen profession. However, since MDs have an office, a white lab coat, and an education, we suspend their license for a few months (maybe) and issue them a fine. They never see the inside of a jail cell, let alone a felony conviction. My sisters’ doctor was never prosecuted. There was no opportunity to do so. Six months had passed before the findings in the autopsy were clear and by then, the police could have cared less about investigating. Not until the death of Michael Jackson, did we even try and convict one of these drug dealers for murder or manslaughter. My sister was no Michael Jackson. An addict is an addict. If a doctor prescribes it, and you misuse it, you are still an addict. If your doctor is not being responsible, they are your DEALER. If you are obtaining them through other means that is criminal. Getting unnecessary pain medication through your healthcare system simply means, you won’t get arrested picking up your fix, and your insurance will pick up a percentage of the cost. In 2018, an opioid for minors was released. Big pharma is about to turn out the next huge generation of addicts and corpses. The FDA approved an extremely addicting narcotic, designed for 12-year-old children. They believe that OxyCotin, 10mg is indicated for use in children aged 12-16! Yet they believe
the oil from a cannabis plant, without the THC(the chemical that causes the high effect) is dangerous. What idiot runs that department? When will the drug companies stop manufacturing “coffins” for our friends, families and celebrities? When will the doctors stop moonlighting as “morticians?” Where is the personal accountability for the addict? I don’t have all the answers and I also am minus one sister. I am one of many. I helped develop Acute Care Triage. We are delivering ubiquitous access to online therapists, life coaching, medical interventions, and holistic options for real solutions to addition and recovery. If you, or a loved one, is struggling with addiction, please, if you do not get help here, get help somewhere. Every life is worth saving. Every life matters. Log in to register, or call our hotline for an nurse. Ask to be connected to an addiction counselor, coach or therapist, we can and want to help, call today 866-228-5111 (866) ACT-5111 – ACT Now!!! Be Well!
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 07
WHAT IS ADDICTION BY ANDREW LEVANDER, LMFT, M.A.C
To understand addiction, we need to understand what it is and how people become vulnerable to becoming addicted. Why are some people able to use without consequences while others get “hijacked” the first time? At Acutecaretriage.com, we focus on connectedness in behavior modification, education, providing cutting edge technologies, and current research into addiction and recovery. The first task for anyone looking for help and support, for themselves or a loved one, is to understand what addiction is. Addiction Drug addiction is a complex, biological, psychological, and social disorder characterized by the out of control use of substances or dangerous behaviors despite the consequences. Any addiction has two main features: 1. 2.
The use of substances or engaging in be haviors that, despite the consequences, a person continues the behavior or drug use. The biological and psychological need for increased amounts of substances and be haviors over time, to achieve the desired effects.
What makes it so difficult for people to say, “I am an addict”? In our society, addiction is often misunderstood to be a matter of one’s “flaws” or one’s inability to experience enough pleasure to get and stay happy. Addiction is a gradual process in which a person loses their sense of control over their drug use. Ultimately, the addict cannot tolerate the years of hopelessness, isolation, and shame that come with any addiction. This pain underlying the addiction leads many millions of people toward drugs and alcohol to end their suffering. Connected treatment and support allow a person to see addiction as a symptom, a symptom of underlying pain.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 08
Healing comes when people learn to identify the triggers, hopelessness, unresolved trauma, and unmet emotional needs that are being filled by addictive substances and behaviors. Experts in the field of addiction explain that other factors contribute to substance addiction and addictive behaviors. Biological influences like our genes make some people more vulnerable to addiction. The environment in which a person grows up is also a factor. Economics, parenting, loss, peer pressure, trauma, stress, and childhood abuse all contribute to one’s environmental vulnerability. Families with addiction and/or mental health issues play a critical role in us becoming drug or alcohol dependent. Coming from a family with addiction makes us more likely to become addicted. More than 60 percent of alcoholics have family histories of alcoholism. Another factor is mental illness in a family. Many addicts have a history of depression and anxiety leading to their drug and alcohol use. The pain of untreated mental health issues like anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and others increase our vulnerability to turning to addictive substances and behaviors.
WHAT IS ADDICTION (CONT.)
The Science of Addiction The American Society of Addiction Medicine recently adopted this definition of addiction: “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations.” Addiction is usually defined as a physical and/or psychological dependence on substances that change a person’s brain chemistry. Alcohol, opioids, and stimulants are drugs in this category. Other substances and behaviors also affect the brain in ways that make “just stopping” very difficult without treatment. At Acutecaretriage.com, we believe that the most important factor to focus on is the person in pain underneath the addictive behaviors. With this focus, our team of licensed clinicians and addiction professionals form therapeutic partnerships with three goals in mind: ending the cycle of addiction through behavior modification, increasing connections, and relieving the pain underneath addictions of any kind. Everyone’s story of how you got here will be different, but all addicts share the pain underneath. Thank you for caring enough about yourself or a loved one to be here. If you don’t get help here, please get help somewhere. Be well. This is an original work by Andrew Levander, LMFT, M.A.C. National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior-The Science of Addiction” January 2007. http:// www.nida.nih.gov/tib/soa.html 2 “Addiction,” Home Box Office, Inc., Untied States, 2011, http:// www.hbo.com/addiction/understanding_addiction/14_ some_people_become_addicted.html 3 American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Public Policy Statement on Addiction, Adopted April 12, 2011, http:// www.asam.org/DefinitionofAddiction-LongVersion.html 4 J Neurosci 21:9414-94, 2010. 1
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 09
ADDICTION LIST BY TRACY WOOD, CPC In Remembrance of Jacqueline K. Whittet 12-28-1962 to 2-3-2007 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. 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 Methadone Marijuana
Nicotine Opiates Pornography Prescription Drugs Self-Injurious Behavior Sex & Love Shopping Steroids Vicodin or other pain pills Work Video Games Smart Phones Social Media
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, more than your loved ones, more than your families. If this describes you – SEEK HELP.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 10
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MY HOUSE BY ANDREW LEVANDER LMFT, M.A.C.
Nine telephone calls and 16 email messages today. This isn’t a rare or unusual day. It’s Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be the same. In the past three years, the number of calls has been growing rapidly. Addiction in a family is not a new problem, as an estimated 23.5 million Americans struggle with addiction. What the licensed clinicians and Addiction Specialists at Acute Care Triage know firsthand are the effects of addiction and the emotional cost to families who have dealt with a family member’s addiction. I get a variety of calls from all of the people who are involved in the addict’s life. Addiction in any form is a miserable experience for those who sit at home waiting. Waiting for the phone to ring. Waiting for the door to open and for their husband to come stumbling in falling to the gound. We know you have at one time or another had one or more of these thoughts: Will he be home tonight? Will he be able to keep this job? Does they really have a problem? Did I do something to cause this? What am I supposed to do? How am I going to explain this to her father? And a hundred more questions that we ask when we care about someone who is addicted. No matter the drug of choice or the injurious behavior, the pain underneath is almost always the same. The feelings of helplessness, anger, confusion, and fear are almost always present, regardless of the family’s location, income, or race. Addiction crosses all barriers
and finds its way into homes across America and around the world. At Acutecaretriage.com, we understand addiction and the effects on family and friends. We understand that you have had countless sleepless nights wondering if tonight is the night the police come to your door. If your life has become centered on the addict in your family, you are most likely feeling scared, vulnerable, angry, ashamed, and powerless. You might be losing contact with friends and family; making excuses for why you can’t see people you care about. If you love someone struggling with addiction, you have become an emotional hostage buried underneath the shame and isolation that have become a family problem. No longer is it just the problem of your loved one. It is now a family problem and you cannot do this alone. No matter how much you love the person or how angry and frustrated you feel, you cannot make someone stop. However, you can reach out to professionals and peers alike who have shared your journey and found a way out of the painful experience of addiction within a family. However you choose to connect, know that connection over despair, relationships over isolation, and trust over shame are the antidotes to the pain your family is experiencing because of addiction. You are never alone but always connected through our App, website, and hot line at acutecaretriage.com. Our licensed clinicians and addiction specialists are available to end your isolation and help your family heal through addiction. This is an original work authored by Andrew Levander LMFT, M.A.C.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 11
WELLNESS
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 12
DANCE WITHOUT A BLUEPRINT BY LEORA COOPER.
In recent years there’s been a renaissance of the arts. Just look at the wide variety of art-inspired television shows. There are cooking shows, singing shows, designing shows, and a number of dancing shows. With so many television shows featuring dancing, you might start thinking that you need lessons to dance. Not so! Dancing has been performed for thousands of years, and was first documented in 600 B.C. Historically, dancing has been central to many cultures as a means of celebrating, showing honor, and expressing unity and spirituality. Dancing is inspiring and moving. It also can be emotional. Dance offers a way to uplift the spirits of both dancers and their audience. Universally, dance moves us, both figuratively, and literally. Maybe it’s the combination of music and movement in perfect harmony. So, what’s your dance? Let this question inspire you! Dance, simply put, is movement of the body, and everyone is born with this ability. Your heartbeat can be your rhythm. Use this rhythm like a drum, like your percussion; it can be quick or slow. Your breath can be your melody, and you can connect the two with soothing, flowing movements. This is the simplest of music. You can take it anywhere, and you won’t even need earphones. At home, set time aside for yourself, turning off the computer, television, and telephone. Then put on a favorite piece of music and, with no choreography in mind, let your body move naturally. No need to “create” any movement. Of course, you don’t want to put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way; give yourself plenty of room to move. Learn to trust your body and your movement with music. Soon, you will be in moving concert, with your spirit and whole body connected. Today, we have Zumba classes and other movement-based classes for exercise. We find, with great success, we sweat, jump, and wear ourselves out with other “Buddies” in our classes a few times a week. While we do not encourage one activity over another, the key here is to keep moving. The American Heart Association published some disturbing data this month:
• Nearly 48% of all adults in US have some form of Heart or Blood Vessel Disease • Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women in America • 1 out of every 3 women will die of cardiovas cular disease • Cardiovascular Disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined The American Heart Association tells us to know our risks of CV Disease. They tell us to know our Simple Seven: Manage Blood Pressure Control Cholesterol Reduce Blood Sugar Stop Smoking
Lose Weight Eat Better Get Active
Bamber Gascoigne, “History of Dance Timeline,” HistoryWorld (From 2001, ongoing), www. historyworld.net/timesearch/default.asp?coni d=2&topsort=21888618&direction=PREV&ke ywords=Dance&timelineid=. This is an original work authored by Leora Cooper. 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 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 American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 14
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 often referred to fasting as “the physician within” or “the great remedy.” 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 twoor three-day fasts consult a holistic health care practitioner or a naturopathic doctor. Pre-fast 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 FINE ART OF FASTING (CONT.)
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 ap ple and have a salad for dinner • Day two, eat soaked prunes for breakfast, sal ad 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. This is an original work by Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 15
PAC-MAN and ENZYMES?? BY TRACY WOOD, CPC & HEATHER FOERSTER Pac-man...REALLY?? Yes! You remember the little yellow guy with that crazy noise eating the goofy blue dots, right? Of course you do. The Pac-man analogy happened to be the only way I was truly able to grasp the importance of Enzymes. Enzymes facilitate countless daily reactions in our bodies and perform a plethora of functions to keep us alive, well, and thriving. I was fascinated to say the least when the developers explained their functionality and benefits behind the enzymes, LIFE and RESTORE. And YES, that is how the game of Pac-man became my metaphor to understanding how these enzymes worked Often times I am asked to speak about Tranont’s health products, RESTORE and LIFE, developed by Sean and Tylene Loomer. I start by asking one question. Inevitably, I get the same answer. My question is simple, “Do you know anything about Enzymes?” After the “Deer in the headlights” expression wains, the resounding “NO” echoes’ in the room. Mainstream media has brought Activia commercials mentioning gut health into our living rooms, but getting down to the clinical level of enzyme benefits and function is not something anyone does on national television. SO, LETS TALK ABOUT GUT HEALTH!! Enzymes are produced by both the Pancreas and the stomach. Approximately 70% of your immune system starts in the GUT! Try to think of your pancreas as a bank account of enzymes. When we are born, those enzymes kick into gear! Enzymes begin the digestion process in the mouth. Our plant and vegetable-based enzymes are important because they are capable of digesting food before the body’s own process begins. Plant and vegetable-based enzymes, such as RESTORE and LIFE aid in the digestion and breaking your food down into the smallest most usable form. With that, RESTORE and LIFE deliver more nutrients throughout your body, therefore strengthening your immune system. Our food supply over 100 years ago was more whole, nutrient rich food. These foods were not generally GMO damaged, canned, over cooked and severely processed like the foods that make up a sizable portion of our daily caloric intake today.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 16
Our soils, from the early 1900’s were nutrient rich, where produce such as an Apple from that time was NOT the same Apple as what we have today. Our soils have been nearly depleted of its rich nutrients. We would have to eat 10 or more Apples today to get the same amount beneficial nutrients as that single Apple from 100 years ago. Today, with the cooked and processed foods we eat, our pancreas, enzymes (bank accounts) are being depleted. Our bodies are finding it very difficult to replenish those enzymes needed to break down our foods in order to get the nutrients our bodies need and to strengthen our immune system. The more cooked and processed foods we eat only means we are making our body’s supply enzymes do all the work! PAC-MAN THEORY That’s the Cliff Note’s Version of how enzymes aid in the digestion of food. However, did you know enzymes do far more than just digest the foods we eat?? Think about an enzyme being the little Yellow Pac-man navigating its way around your blood steam!! When taking enzymes on an empty stomach, vegetables and plantbased enzymes move throughout the blood stream gobbling up and breaking down anything in their way. There is story after story on how these plants and vegetable based enzymes have helped people with the reduction of pain and inflammation from old injuries to arthritic pain, etc. Enzymes have the ability to break down the harmful proteins into amino acids and may relieve your day to day aches and pains. Great health begins at your core -- with a healthy digestive system. Incorporating enzymes into your diet, enzymes aid in • Releasing trapped vitamins and minerals from foods* • Support healthy digestion, every time you eat* • Extra support to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products* • Support healthy bowel regularity* Tranont’s Health [Life] Enzymes and our newest [Restore] Healing and Recovery, contains a broad array of vegetarian enzymes for every meal and snack.
PAC-MAN and ENZYMES?? (CONT.)
[Restore] Healing and Recovery is our most powerful vegetarian Proteolytic Enzyme blend formulated with natural antioxidants and patented chelated minerals to support healthy recovery, protein digestion and a healthy immune system. Taken with meals, RESTORE helps break down harmful proteins into Amino Acids, making them more available for absorption to assist injury recovery and promote a healthier lifestyle. Taken with meals, RESTORE helps break down harmful proteins into Amino Acids, making them more available for absorption to assist injury recovery and promote a healthier lifestyle. Healing occurs when the life-sustaining systems of • Amylase enzyme - breaks down carbohydrates (ie. pastas, breads, cookies, bagels, oats) into simple sugars for energy* • Protease I, II and Peptidase enzymes - breaks down the various bonds in protein (ie meats, nuts, beans, seeds) into amino acids used for building blocks* • Lipase enzyme - specific enzyme to break down fats (found in meats, dressings, oils, dairy) into fatty acids that the body uses for energy, hormone pro duction* • Invertase - breaks down table sugar that is found in almost all processed foods* • Cellulase enzyme - breaks down cell walls of plants to release phytonutrients and fiber* • Lactase enzyme - breaks down milk sugar, lactose, that is found in dairy products* • Maltase enzyme - breaks down malt sugar into two glucose molecules* • Hemicellulase enzyme complex - breaks down sugar molecules found in beans and legumes* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 17
COACHING
American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 18
Love Languages BY REV. BRIAN K. SHAFFER, GC-C, FT, LLPC, NCC Dr. Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor for over 40 years, believes that there are five primary love languages. Every person has their own way of giving or receiving love. To insure clear, effective communication in a strong relationship, knowing how each other gives and receives love is paramount. The five languages, as outline by Dr. Chapman, are: Receiving Gifts; Quality Time; Physical Touch; Words of Affirmation; and Acts of Service or Devotion. Within these, each person often identifies with two, a primary and a secondary. These languages can serve us by demonstrating how each of us cultivates love. But what are these languages? Let's explore them one by one. Words of affirmation – This language of love is expressed through words and compliments. Phrases like "How beautiful you are, you are an exceptional mother", or "You are very intelligent, you are very good at your job, that shelf you have assembled is perfect" relates love and affection to the listener. These positive comments enliven us and our meaning, because they give us confidence and raise our self-esteem. They express the other person’s love, adoration and/or appreciation of us. Quality time – This language of love is expressed with quality of time spent together. You can live 24 hours a day side by side with the love of your life, but if you’re so wrapped up in your day to day, it can feel like living alone. Quality time is something more than just being present. It means that all the attention is paid to the other, an attitude that is summarized in: closeness, paying exclusive attention, sincerely listening to the needs of the other. Receive gifts - This language of love is expressed through receiving gifts. Gifts can be small but are often necessary for this type of person. A gift is always pleasing to a loved one. A considerate gift has always been considered the symbol of love par excellence, because it indicates that someone is thinking of us. So too, the lack of gifts can represent a lack of love. Remember, the gift of yourself, making something that is special to you both, that too is a gift. It doesn’t have to be in a Tiffany box to stand out in her mind. Service acts - This language of love is expressed through acts of devotion or service. One important and useful gestures are through the sharing of a domestic task or through working together on something. Loading the
washing machine or washing the dishes are ways to say to your loved one, “Hey, you are not alone”. The key to successful communication is to observe and take action without waiting for your being asked to do it. Physical contact - This language of love is expressed through physical touch. Touch is one of the most profound languages of love. This is the language of choice for most people. We feel particularly loved through contact. Often, if this is missing, relationships can become distant, loose meaning and lack intimacy. Physical contact in a relationship is much more than sex. A sweet caress while you are passing close to the love of your life or a prolonged hug that promises more. Giving a quick kiss on the cheek to say a goodbye and holding hands while walking in a public place, gives you deep feelings of connectedness. Our bodies and minds react to touches. Communication takes place through affectionate gestures, sweet and consenting words, positive thoughts always directed in favor of the other. Why is it important to learn your partner’s love language? • You can better communicate your needs. You will understand what you need from each other. • You may feel more appreciated. Your partner may begin showing you love the way you need them to. • It helps in relieving depression and builds posi tive strategies to manage it. Understand your partner’s needs through the five love languages will improve the ways you both communicate and receive love. If you and your loved one are looking to find out more about each other’s love languages, consider contacting a member of the Therapy Team at Acute Care Triage, Inc. AcuteCareTriage.com is here to help provide the tools, resources, and support you need to deal with your Mental & Behavioral Health Needs. Consider seeking counsel from a member of our Therapy Team! Use your APP, call the nurse hot line 866-228-5111, or log on to https://acutecaretriage.com American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 19
Spring Cleaning BY DR. MARY JO RUGGIERI the body function at peak performance. Unfortunately, with our environment being toxic and with the pesticides in our food being so prevalent, we have no other choice but to detox. The healthcare system of the future will incorporate all levels of detoxing. Detoxing is for everyone and can change the quality of your life while slowing down the aging process. Everything needs cleaned or detoxed. How often do you spray down all your filters in your car, hot tub or furnace? We clean our house vents, flush our radiators and call Roto-Rooter when our pipes get clogged. So what’s wrong with taking this one step further--cleaning our body’s pipes, removing plaque from our arteries and cleansing our colons? Our environment, which has reached high levels of toxic waste, is the main culprit. We cannot get away from the fact that we live in a toxic waste nightmare. Dr. Christina Scott-Mancrieff, in her book Detox, states that these toxins can affect our ability to think properly; they can produce physical symptoms such as exhaustion or headaches. She also states toxins create emotional turmoil such as anger and frustration. Following a detox program, she continues, reduces the amount of toxins entering your body while it helps your body deal with them better by improving nutrition and enhancing the removal of unwanted waste. A checklist from Scott-Mancrieff’s book gives us some eye-opening information on toxic elements in our life. How many of these toxic elements are in your life? TOXIC FOOD AND DRINK
• Tea or coffee • Sodas or fizzy drinks • Processed meals • White bread American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 20
• Artificial sweeteners • Non-organic fruits and vegetables (not washed or peeled) • Processed meats
ENVIRONMENT
• Do you live in a city? • Do you live near sprayed areas? • Do you swim in or drink chlorinated water? • Do you have clothes dry-cleaned regularly? • Is your plumbing more than 20 years old? • Do you use pesticides? • Do you use large amounts of bleach, deter gent, household cleaners or disinfectant?
Is everything toxic? No, just what the majority of Americans eat, wear and use. What’s so difficult to understand is the correlation of cancer to environmental toxins. One in three of us will have cancer in our lifetimes, yet we still sit idle watching the environment deteriorate. It’s more of a shame when we see the rise of cancers in children knowing that it’s often environmentally induced. Beginning a simple detox plan • Increase your water intake. This helps keep your fluids moving, flushes your kidneys and keeps your minerals balanced. • Add one tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll to at least two glasses of water daily. Chlo rophyll is a natural antiseptic and removes mucous from the body.
Spring Cleaning (CONT.)
• Brush your skin, using a dry vegetable brush, before you shower. Brush every part of your body stroking toward the heart. This stimulates the skin to begin purging toxins. • One day per week drink organically juiced juices--carrot or green vegetables. Eat a large organic salad in the evening. This helps with digestion. • Drink “green” daily. Spirulina, barley, or wheat grass adds oxygen to the body and eliminates toxins. • Sweat it out in steam, infrared sauna, or hot Epsom salt baths • Polarity lymphatic balance and or lymphatic massage are effective. • Most healthcare systems, except Western medicine, use some form of fasting as a pre ventative practice. There are major hospitals in Europe that use controlled fasting for many debilitating diseases.
• A colon cleanse can be as simple as eating specific foods such as grains, organic fruits and vegetables, or could include a more elabo rate system of taking certain herbs and diges tive enzymes. • Colon cleansing is one of the most effective ways of healing the body. Most experienced holistic practitioners or naturopathic doctors can advise you on the process. • Vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathics Constant tiredness is the main symptom that indicates a person needs to detox. A final quote from Dr. Scott-Mancrieff: “Health is more than the absence of disease, you need to feel well.” It’s your choice. This is an original work by Dr. Mary Jo Ruggieri
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MEDICINE
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BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER BY VICKI GERBERICH, CMNT, CPT
Do you think that you are too busy to work out? While most people know that lack of exercise is associated with an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression, and many other diseases, they are still making excuses as to why they can’t exercise. The number one excuse that I hear is “no time, too busy.” Whether you’re too busy in the corporate world or too busy in the house with your children and daily “to-dos,” failure to exercise can actually decrease your productivity. Studies have shown that individuals who include at least thirty minutes daily of some form of physical activity increase their rate of productivity. They are also more able to stay focused and complete tasks. Its Women’s Heart Health Awareness on February 1st. The American Heart Association published some disturbing data:
• Nearly 48% of all adults in US have some form of Heart or Blood Vessel Disease • Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women in America • 1 out of every 3 women will die of cardiovas cular disease • Cardiovascular Disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined The AHA wants you to know your risks of CV Disease. Do you know your Simple Seven: Manage Blood Pressure Control Cholesterol Reduce Blood Sugar Stop Smoking
Lose Weight Eat Better Get Active
Get educated in our wellness plan with our biometric analysis and our Health Risk Assessment tool. Direct your body, don’t wait for it to direct you. Make time for exercise. You'll add years to your life and get more done. This is an original work authored by Vicki Gerberich, CMNT, CPT
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NATURE’S DRUGS BY DR. MARY JO RUGGIERI Brain-boosting ginkgo, stomach-soothing chamomile, cold-chasing Echinacea and goldenseal, liver-cleansing milk thistle, and anti-anxiety 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. 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 American Journal of Integrative Medicine, Page 24
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
RECIPES
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COOK’S CORNER BY PERLA GALAN Paleo, Ketogenic, Mediterranean, Atkins, which diets to follow, no one person’s DNA is identical to another. Each blood type processes foods differently. We encourage all our wellness clients to meet with a nutritional specialist to discuss what works for you. Good food habits are not always to lose weight. Living a healthful life contributes to your longevity. We hope you find something here to enjoy with your family and friends.
DIRECTIONS: • In a small bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Spoon into avocado halves. Serve immediately.
Avocado Toast with Sunny Side Egg TOTAL TIME:15 minutes INGREDIENTS: • 1 slice whole grain bread, toasted (1.5 oz) • 1 oz mashed (1/4 small haas) avocado • cooking spray • 1 large egg • kosher salt and black pepper to taste • hot sauce (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Mash the avocado in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. 2. Heat a small nonstick skillet over low heat, spray with oil and gently crack the egg into the skillet. Cover and cook to your liking. 3. Place mashed avocado over toast, top with egg, salt and pepper and hot sauce if desired! Tomato Stuffed- Avocado Ingredients • 2 small tomatoes, chopped • 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese • 1/3 cup chopped red onion • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper • 2 medium ripe avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
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Buffalo Zuchinni Boats Ingredients • 4 small-medium zucchini about 1¾ pounds • 1 lb. ground chicken • 1/2 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce not regular hot sauce • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-9 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. 3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the buffalo wing sauce. 4. As the chicken cooks, cut the zucchini in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop the seeds and center out of each zucchini half, leaving a ¼ inch thick zucchini boat. Place the zucchini in the bak ing dish cut-side up. 5. Spoon the chicken mixture into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle the zucchini evenly with the cheese. 6. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
COOK’S CORNER (CONT.)
Turkey Provolone Wrap with Avocado Mayo INGREDIENTS • 1 large sun-dried tomato tortilla shell • 3 slices deli turkey meat • 1 slice provolone cheese • 2 tomato slices • 2 lettuce leaves For the avocado mayonnaise:
INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a small bowl, mash avocado with fork. Add in mayonnaise until it reaches your desired consis tency. Set aside. 2. Assemble wrap: layer tortilla with mayo, turkey, cheese, tomato, and lettuce. 3. Wrap and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. 4. Enjoy!
• 1/2 avocado • 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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