Natural Solutions

Insurance for Complementary and Alernative Medicine (CAM)

Complementary and alternative medicine—also known as CAM—has been gaining ground in the United States. In 2007, the National Health Interview Survey indicated approximately 38 percent of adult Americans used CAM. The definition of CAM is difficult, because it is a very broad field. Generally, CAM is any medical therapy that is not considered mainstream or conventional medicine. These boundaries are flexible; chiropractic care was once considered quackery by many conventionally trained doctors but has moved much closer to being considered mainstream. Alternative medicine includes therapies that most conventional practitioners regard as inappropriate or not supported by scientific research; herbal medications, dietary supplements, mind-body medicine, and energy medicine are...

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February 07, 2012

blog, CAM, insurance

The Science of Prevention

The key to living a healthy, balanced life is practicing prevention. Benjamin Franklin said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you are not already well versed in your family medical history, I can’t stress the importance of having those conversations enough. If someone in your immediate family has a chronic illness like heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of cancer, this is something both you and your doctor should be aware of. There are basically two types of inherited disease: single gene inheritance and multifactorial (or complex) inheritance. Examples of single gene inheritance are diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. In those instances, there are no changes that you can make to your...

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January 25, 2012

chronic illness, inherited disease, prevention

Rosacea: Understanding Inflammation and the pH Connection

Over the past decade, rosacea has become an increasingly common skin disorder seen in skincare clinics all across the country—almost daily. This has been a very difficult condition to treat aesthetically and medically, as well. Rosacea usually effects the nose, forehead and cheeks. It is associated with telangiectasia (dilation of the blood vessels under the skin). Acne pustules often accompany this condition, and skin around each pustule is rosy red. Frequent flushing that is often accompanied by a burning sensation may occur, particularly after using certain types of cosmetics. Sometimes the skin swells and feels warm. Persistent redness, papules, and pustules on the skin develop as a result of an inflammatory condition throughout the system. This inflammatory process is...

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January 04, 2012

redness, Rosacea, skincare

Don’t Let Your Genes Define You

I have a personal triumph story to share, and I hope it inspires you when you think that your genes define you. The first time I had my cholesterol levels tested, it was shockingly on the high side. At that point, I was twenty-one years old, relatively thin, and fairly active. I was actually working as a research associate in a nutrition and heart disease laboratory at the time, and I was learning quite a bit about genetic predisposition for a number of cardiovascular diseases—and if changes to diet could in fact help a person avoid these diseases. I kept an eye on my cholesterol for the next several years and even though I knew more on the topic than the average person my age, I stupidly did not make any modifications to my diet to keep the numbers in check. ...

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December 12, 2011

cholesterol, diet, lifestyle changes

Natural Beauty Treatments For Skin

In the age of "more," sometimes it's best to go with less. We spend a ridiculous amount of money on products designed to make our skin and hair cleaner, brighter, stronger, and softer. Our bathroom cupboards and closets are becoming clogged with tubs, bottles, and jars, as are our landfills. There is also growing concern over the number of chemicals and artificial ingredients we use, and what the long-term effects may be. Replacing just one store-bought product with something homemade will save you money, reduce packaging, and give your skin a respite from all the unnatural ingredients you put on it. Let's take a look at some easy options for an natural, healthy glow. Dry Skin Dull, dry skin can make you look tired, but often, store-bought exfoliating products can...

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Becky

Mackay

November 23, 2011

facials, hair, skin

Iodine Deficiency: An Old Epidemic is Back

One of the main roles for the mineral iodine is to help manufacture thyroid hormones. And once upon a time in America — especially in the Great Lakes region — there were many cases of goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. The iodine/goiter story had a happy ending, however, when manufacturers began adding iodine to salt ("iodized salt"). After that, goiters in the US mostly disappeared. But the iodine story turns out to have an epilogue. A new epidemic of iodine deficiency has occurred. And it's bringing a lot more than goiters with it. Fatigue? Pain? Weight gain? Breast cysts or tenderness? In this article I'll tell you why you might be at risk for an iodine deficiency, what it might be doing to your health — and an easy way to...

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Dr. Jacob

Teitelbaum

November 14, 2011

Five All-Natural Hair Treatments

Store shelves can overflow with countless beauty products, offering access to pearly white teeth; beautiful, luscious skin; and thick, glorious locks. But many of the unnatural ingredients within these products could be doing you and the planet more harm than good. When it comes to taking care of your hair, specifically, there are many natural treatments for adding shine, bounce, and even a deep clean, without the need for harmful ingredients and chemicals. 1. Avocado Hair Moisturizer Take one ripe avocado, add a tablespoon of natural honey, and mash the two together until they form a smooth paste. Run the mixture through your hair and leave for half an hour before washing out to reveal shiny, moisturized hair. 2. Natural Protein Treatment with Eggs Wash your hair with your normal shampoo...

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Becky

Mackay

October 27, 2011

beauty, mackay, natural hair treatments

Controlling Stress

Psychological stress and anxiety cannot be completely avoided—they are a part of life. Did you know that there is a 50-percent increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) for people who deal with chronic work stress? That’s a 50-percent greater chance than the average person has of developing CVD if you are stressed at work and don’t change your environment. Stress can further increase the diseases associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Before running to the doctor for a prescription to make the symptoms disappear, it is important to identify your stressors. It may be work-related, family-related, or a combination of things. Stress is a reaction. The brain is involved in a person's stress response (e.g., interprets what is threatening...

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October 20, 2011

aging, karen morse, stress management

The Sex Prescription

At some time in all our lives most of us will struggle with chronic pain, whether it has to do with degenerative diseases, cancer, or auto-immune issues like fibromyalgia or lupus. It may not be an experience that we can escape from. Yes, we are all living longer but that often entails more aches and pains as we all move towards old age. Pain management has in fact become its own medical specialty. Luckily, we are becoming more and more aware of natural ways to deal with chronic pain issues. We now have the option of acupuncture/pressure, yoga modalities, meditation, herbs and supplements, and sex. Did you read that right? Yes, you did: sex. A natural assumption might be, “But isn’t sex something most of us want avoid if we are in pain?” Sex is usually one of the...

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Dr. Kat

Van Kirk

September 21, 2011

orgasm, pain, sexual healing

Taking Care of The Caregiver in Chronic Disease

Although much attention has been given to the treatment of illnesses, the media has placed little attention on the needs of those who take care of very ill patients. If you are a caretaker, focus on these four basic rules: 1. Take care of yourself first. If you do not take care of yourself, you'll burnout, and there'll be nobody to take care of your sick loved one. We're brought up to think we should always give and sacrifice of ourselves, even when it feels bad to do so. In fact, we often feel guilty if we don't. It is time to let go of this way of thinking. Listen to your feelings. If something feels good, do it. If not, give yourself permission to not do it! 2. Get a babysitter, go out, and have fun. Go out and have fun, even if the person you're taking care of can...

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Dr. Jacob

Teitelbaum

August 09, 2011

aging, caregiver, chronic disease

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