An Open Blog to Blog Authority: A Suggestion

This is a suggestion to those in charge of Blogs. Would it be possible to combine all the labels generated by all the blogs into a directory where people can access it for information? For example, a label such as "herbs" can generate thousands of blog entries for those who are interested in this subject. This directory is a better and a more concise way than say using the Internet search engines. It is just a thought. Thank you for reading.

Maggots and Leeches

In 2005, the US FDA gave the green light for the use of maggots and leeches for treating peripheral ulcers. Treatments with maggots and leeches was found to be equally effective in treating leg ulcers (a study conducted by the University of York) to treatment with hydrogel. Maggots and leeches have been used in the past for the treatment of wounds, and they are gaining popularity again, especially in Europe. Over 50,000 treatments with these invertebrates were applied worldwide in 2008.

Health Care Cost

One remedy for the health care cost is to reduce unnecessary doctor visits. If the health authority would create an entity to triage and to categorize patients into those with "true" diseases (20%) and those with an illness that can heal on its own (80%), then we could cut the health care significantly in this country. One possibility is that the government establishes Community Health Centers staffed with physician assistants and nurse practitioners and charges minimal fees for the visits ($5-$10). Only those with a "true" illness will be directed to further treatment. This system would insure only for "true" disease management, and the cost for health care would be cut by more than 75%. Health care is a right, and those with "true" illnesses deserve to be treated at an affordable cost.

The Placebo Factor

Most doctors would not admit it, but at one time in the US, physicians used to treat their patients with a magical pill---the all-powerful sugar pill. And these pills were given directly to the patient by the physician; there was no need to go to the pharmacy to get them. Nowadays, this practice has faded away, not because physicians do not believe anymore with the magical sugar pill, but rather for liability concerns. So much for practicing medicine the right way!

The Shaman Factor

We all hope to get better when we get sick. Health is so precious. We often seek help for our illnesses from health care practitioners. Majority of us get better; we give credits to the doctors and the medications for regaining our health. I often wonder what the success rate of healing did the shaman has---the "primitive" way for healing. He/She must have been somewhat successful, otherwise they would have lost their "authority to heal". Shaman used magic, herbs, and body work to restore health. They also used the power of being perceived as healers. Yes, herbs, medications, and body work may work some of the time in some of the cases, but for a good number of cases the mere act of "visiting the doctor office" and meeting the doctor for that short period of time is enough to restore health. Since 80% of diseases heal on their own, I think the best medicine we have is that the "shaman factor". It is a cure for all our ills.

Jobless Rate in NC

The State of North Carolina released today its jobless rate. It was 10.3%.

Gaia's Gifts: Nettle Clover Pesto: Invigorating the blood with Wild greens of spring

Gaia's Gifts: Nettle Clover Pesto: Invigorating the blood with Wild greens of spring

When in doubt...

I found this wrist bracelet on the ground of a soccer field one day while I was watching a soccer match. It read: "When in doubt...pray." I still do not know why I found it that same day...I really was looking for some answers to issues I faced during that period of my life. I guess I got my answer. God communicated in the past with people through different means---fire, dreams, face-to-face. Who said He stopped talking to us. I have a yellow bracelet to prove it.

Multimodal Anesthesia

The field of multimodal anesthesia has few stars, among them was Dr. Scott Reuben from Massachusetts. TheScientist.com reported that Dr. Reuben had falsified over 21 reports dealing with this same subject, including "making up entire studies". His collaboration with Pfizer on many research studies begged the question whether he also had falsified results in those studies as well. Experts in this field doubt that Pfizer's results were tainted citing "the level of auditing is just too intense" by the company to be able to fake results, according to TheScientist.com.

Breathing

Breathing clean air is definitely important for healthy life style. The skin plays an important role in breathing oxygen. It is estimated that about 17% of the oxygen we breath comes through the skin. Keeping our skin healthy and clean promotes healthy breathing.

Why Medicines Don't Always Work?

Most new drugs on the market are tooted as the best solution ever for a given disease. Once the "new drugs" become old, their "effectiveness" somewhat diminishes. This is because most, if not, all drugs carry with them a placebo effect. A quick look in the PDR (Physician Desk Reference) reveals that for some drugs the placebo effect may be as high as 50%! So, what is the secret behind this mysterious healing power that Traditional Western Medicine advocate for? Most doctors would not tell you that 80% of diseases heal on their own. That leaves us with 20% of disease states that may require some intervention. About 1/3 of the 20% disease states, the Traditional Western Medicine are clueless about. If you hear the word "Idiopathic", this means the Traditional Western Medicine have no clue what causes it, but yet they go and prescribe something to "treat" it. They even use the word Idiopathic to impress uneducated patients. Most of the diseases in the 20% category are related to cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, and other degenerative diseases. Traditional Western Medicine combats those with "burning, poisoning, or cutting" methods that often are unnecessary or at best limited in their effectiveness. Most illnesses the GP sees in a given day can be treated with a handful of drugs: the antibiotics, the anti-inflammatory, the anti-depressives, and the likes. Traditional Western Medicine cannot provide adequate disease management anymore. The cost is simply too high for such ineffective and limited treatments.

An Equation

Happiness =Reality/Expectations

Keep expectations low; accept reality ---------- greater happiness

A Holistic Way to Healthcare

The word "holistic" is often used to describe treating the whole body as a unit rather than individual parts. A patient who suffers from goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is not simply a case of "goiter"; treat him as a whole person. Naturopathic medicine treats the person in a holistic way. It encourages the promotion of the natural healing processes already present in our system. The reason we do not get infections from germs most of our life is because we have natural defense systems that kill any germs invading our body almost instantaneously, and not because we are loaded with antibiotics. Our muscles and organs are connected and wrapped together by a connective tissue known as fascia. The fascia in our big toe is distally connected to the fascia in our thumb. What happens down in the foot affects indirectly the hand; the entire body works holistically and requires a holistic approach to health care. It is time that western medical system recognized this fact and changed its attitude toward healing. Treat us holistically, and not as body parts.

Livistona chinensis Extract: The UCLA Story

Livistona chinensis, a Chinese herb, was studied on its effect on fibrosarcoma in mice by a former researcher at UCLA. The reason this researcher is a "former" researcher at UCLA is that she was accused by a Committee of her peers at the University of falsifying data in her publications on this herbal extract. The University has banned her from conducting research, and currently she is a surgical oncologists at UCLA School of Medicine. [From TheScientist.com]

It is unfortunate that in addition to the limited funding available to conduct botanical research experiments, the bad behavior of the few would make it harder to secure more funds for this type of research by other scientists.

Friday the 13th

People are naturally superstitious on Friday the 13th. This was the second time we had Friday the 13th this year. As for me Friday the 13th has been good for me. Happy Friday the 13th everybody.

Snow in Holly Springs, NC

Yes, it did snow again this year in Holly Springs, NC. But this time we had only a couple of inches. Schools were out, but most people worked that day. For the records, it began snowing on Monday morning (March 2, 2009) up until 9 AM (lasted about 6-7 hours). The entire East coast of the US was affected by this storm, all the way from down South to New England.

Have A Colorful Happy Sunday

Myrrh

Myrrh is a resin with antiseptic properties. In Naturopathic Medicine, Myrrh-containing preparations are used as a gargle for throat and mouth applications. Resins, in general, are exudates produced following an injury to plant. The fluid exudate hardens on the surface and form a protective film over the injured area. Resins are insoluble in water, however they are somewhat soluble in alcohol. Thus, preparations containing Myrrh should include some amount of alcohol in them to facilitate dissolution of the resin. Myrrh also possesses an astringent effect and can locally stimulate the natural defense system. Research in this area has shown that local applications of Myrrh can bring in to the affected area white blood cells, the body natural defense soldiers.

A New Test for Prostate Cancer

A new urine test for detecting prostate cancer was proposed. The test relies on the presence of "gene fusion" material in the urine of patients with prostate cancer. Compare to current PSA test, The gene fusions had a 'specificity' and 'sensitivity' for prostate cancer of 84% and 42%, respectively. The PSA test has a 'specificity' of 27%. Unfortunately, Only 50% of prostate cancer patients have this "gene fusion" element. The 'specificity' of a test is defined as the probability of the test being negative given the patient does not have the disease. So, 84% of those without prostate cancer test negative with this new urine method, and 16% of them test positive (a false positive result). The 'sensitivity' of a test means that the test is positive when the patient has the disease. Therefore, the new test is only positive 42% of the time when the patient has prostate cancer, 58% of the time the test is negative in patients with prostate cancer (a false negative result).

Medical News From Raleigh, NC

A Raleigh-based company,AM2PAT Inc, was cited in 2005 for failure to control and maintain its environment, according to the FDA. AM2PAT Inc. is a syringe manufacturer that according to legal and court reports have linked its products to five death and numerous bacterial infections. Subsequent visits to the company (2007) by the FDA revealed only a "labeling problems" according to court documents.

Warning: A Dangerous Epidemic in Our Backyard

The news agencies in Bolivia have reported an outbreak of Dengue Fever (an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes and causes lethal hemorrhage). It was estimated that about 31,000 were infected, and 18 people already died from it since the beginning of 2009. Mosquitoes can travel easily among the countries nowadays via air travel by planes.

Getting Fat

Scientists from Ohio State University has discovered a link between eating high fat diet and a gene (protein kinase C beta). This gene was "stimulated" by the high fat diet, and mice that had this gene gained a significant amount of weight over those that did not have it. Both groups of mice ate the same high fat diet for 12 weeks.

HIV in Swaziland

Swaziland is an African country whose ruler is King Mswati III. The estimated cases of HIV infection among pregnant women in Swaziland has risen by 3% since last year, to 42% of all pregnant women in that country. In the year of 2009, it is the worst case scenario for HIV infection on the planet. Because of the country's geographic and political isolation, aid for the victims may be far away. Human may have the technology to get to Mars, how about getting to Swaziland first?

Physician Assistant Programs in the USA

Please click on the link above to learn more.

Tarragon

Tarragon is an herb originated in Russia. The French use it in their fine cuisine to enhance the flavor of foods. Many Middleastern cooking depends on Tarragon as an appetizer and flavor enhancer, especially with rice served with vegetables and lamb. Some use it with backed lamb patties (Kibeh). Tarragon is an excellent source for iodine. Some people suggest the use of its roots to calm a toothache. Chewing Tarragon leaves can result in a slight numbness of taste buds. This characteristic can be used to "mask" the taste of unpleasant drugs. Tarragon also contains a significant amount of vitamins A and C. Although Tarragon is not as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, it is usually found among Middleasterners and Europeans communities in the US. For those who get frequent indigestion when eating, Tarragon can be an excellent herb to help digestion.

Creating A Likeness: First watercolour.... first bird

Creating A Likeness: First watercolour.... first bird

WorldWalk-Peacetour: Camping in the Wild: Africa#links

WorldWalk-Peacetour: Camping in the Wild: Africa#links

Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials

The gold rule for conducting clinical research on drugs is the randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. This type of trials is used to ascertain the effectiveness of drug products and to determine their safety. Without this type of trials, it would be a hit or miss citation. If a drug was claimed to decrease the systolic blood pressure by 10%, and the placebo could produce a similar action, then the drug is not effective in reducing blood pressure. Unfortunately, rarely dietary supplements are subject to this kind of scrutiny by medical investigators, and most reports rely on either small clinical studies or information obtained from scientifically questionable methodologies. A lot of the information available on dietary supplements is simply based on undocumented scientific arguments, or worse, is based on case-report type communications. Until the gold standard for conducting clinical research is applied to dietary supplements, their effectiveness cannot be fully ascertained nor faithfully accepted.

Dietary Supplements vs. Drugs

In the United States, the FDA is charged with "licensing" drugs. This process is extremely vigorous and normally takes many years to be fully completed. Millions of dollars are normally spent for an agent to become a drug . For that, the agent should be tested for its safety and effectiveness. To that end, numerous tests are performed in test tubes, in cell culture, and in vivo (both on animals and human) to "prove" that the drug is effective for the condition being marketed for, and it is safe to use. When it comes to dietary supplements the assumption for effectiveness is not required, and it is up to the FDA to prove that a dietary supplement already available on the market to be dangerous to the public. It is a line from "Alice in Wonderland" story. All dietary supplements, without exception, cannot and should not be deemed effective for any malady, unless the FDA says so. Also, the public should be very wary about these products safety. No standardized measures have been taken so far by the government to assure the consumer the "safety" of these products. However, it is reasonable to suggest that if the FDA has not yet taken an official action on a particular product, that product "may" be safe. Consumers should not think that these dietary supplements are drugs, and should not use them as such. The FDA was put in place to protect the public, and it is doing a wonderful job at it.

Resistance Footprint

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published recently a series of manuscripts suggesting that people should be aware of their "resistance footprint" as they consume unnecessarily antibiotics, such as in cases of viral infections. The papers also stress the need for more awareness by the medical community concerning this important issue. The moral of this post is do not use antibiotics unless there is a recognizable need for them. By "abusing" antibiotics, we are creating future germs that are resistant and cannot be killed or eradicated by them.

Infections

Every year in the United States 90,000 people get infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, and 18,000 cases result in death. The good news is that this infection is on the decline, and the reported cases have decreased by 50% since last decade.

Melanoma

The skin cancer, melanoma, was found to become more aggressive in the presence of stress. The stress hormone, nor-epinephrine, when added to melanoma cells grown in vitro resulted in an enhancement of cell proliferation. Researchers from Ohio State University also found that drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure were able to reverse or suppress the effect of stress on melanoma cells. Nor-epinephrine appears to induce certain protein markers (VEGF, IL6, and IL8), which in turn were instrumental in enhancing cell growth.

Heart attack risk lowered

A recent Canadian study found the vaccination against pneumonia has helped reducing risk from heart attack by 50%---a positive unexpected side effect. It seems that the vaccination helped with reducing the plaque build-up in blood vessels by an anti-inflammatory effect.

The 8-minute visit

Most visits to the doctor last about one hour---52 minutes in the waiting room and 8 minutes with the doctor. Many of the patients who seek alternative or complimentary therapies do so because of this lack of personalized health care by traditional Western doctors. However, increasingly people are checking the Internet to read other people's comments (negative or positive) about a given health care provider. Those who continue to provide personalized humane care will keep their business; the 8-minute visit ones will soon vanish from practice.

Bird Flu

China reported in January of 2009 five more cases of infection with H5N1 virus, the cause of bird flu. Other estimated that this number of 'declared" cases may be under-reported (unintentionally) due to the difficulty in distinguishing between a mild case of bird flu and "regular" colds and flu symptoms.

Gene Therapy for HIV

An experimental gene therapy for HIV was found to block the virus from duplicating inside the host cells. Not only the virus stop duplicating, but also the patient's immune system gained strength. Researchers claimed that one treatment with this gene therapy could replace years of anti-AIDS medications currently taken by patients with AIDS to control viral spread.

Sarcosine

Sarcosine is a substance found in urine of men with prostate cancer. The level of sarcosine in those patients was significantly elevated. Testing for sarcosine could become the new (PSA) test for the early detection of prostate cancer. It also appears that sarcosine plays a role in the development and growth of prostate cancer.

Licensing vs. Certification

In health care systems, licensing practitioners has become the norm. Physicians, dentists, chiropractors, nurses, etc. are all licensed professionals. Licensing is granted by the power of the state. It grants the bearer with the "power" of the state to practice a given trade. Certification, on the other hand, is a recognition from a group of individuals who practice certain area of health care that a person has the qualities and the knowledge for practicing. Certification is inclusive, whereas licensing is exclusive. With certification, the group of people cannot exclude anyone else from practicing that trade. Natural health professionals are for most certified and rarely licensed. They give the public a choice---an alternative choice for healing. Licensing natural health professionals would not be a step forward; let's keep certification be the rule rather than the exception.

Live the Moment

The power of living the presence cannot be overemphasized. Our mind always tries to wonder into the future or to rehash the past. Unfortunately, when it recalls the past, it goes into the darkest of it all. Which leads to unrealistic predictions of even darker future. It is a vicious cycle that feeds on itself. The solution is to live the moment. Forget about tomorrow and what it may bring, be present now. We could not change our past, except by not repeating it. Every moment is a new beginning for a brighter future. People judge us mostly on what they know of us from our past. Yet, what really matter is who we are now and how the current moment projects into our future. God is not limited to past, present, or future; God is not limited by time. Thus, everything for him is now. Living the moment is becoming you, your ambitions, and the life surrounding you. The old saying "take a moment and smell the roses" is just that, live it.

Sildenafil

Viagra contains the active agent Sildenafil. This agent was found in about one-third of "dietary supplements" sold on the Internet claiming effectiveness for erectile dysfunction. No wonder they work?! Sildenafil has serious side effects and has dangerous interactions with many drugs, in particular those containing nitrates.

Cancer

A frightening word, cancer remains a major killer despite all the scientific and medical efforts to eradicate it. When cancer strikes its victim, medicine offers chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. What can one do more? Like any other dividing cell, cancer cells need nutrients brought to them by blood supply. For that wherever cancer takes hold in the body, it begins developing new network of vessels to supply it with nutrients. There are certain foods/herbs that prevent new blood vessels from developing. Adding them to the diet deprives cancer cells from needed nutrients. Reducing stress in life by combating it with stress-reduction modalities, such as massage and energy work, can tremendously improve life of people with cancer. Other measures such as exercise and meditation are helpful for keeping cancer at bay and preventing it from taking over the body systems. Cancer may be a formidable enemy, approaching it from a holistic point of view may be the key for winning the war against it.

Hospitalist With A View: Fat Doctor Loses Her Job

Hospitalist With A View: Fat Doctor Loses Her Job

Gaia's Gifts: Tamarind Ginger Pork Ribs

Gaia's Gifts: Tamarind Ginger Pork Ribs

Vitamin B6

On Friday, February 13, 2009, the FDA announced its decision to list vitamin B6 as a "drug". This means that vitamin B6 can no longer be sold as a dietary supplement in the US. This decision was prompted by a company from North Carolina, Biostratum, declaring the availability of its product Pyrodorin, a medication containing vitamin B6 for the treatment of kidney injury associated with diabetes.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is an extremely common complaint among adults. Most visits to primary care providers are due to this pain. In many cases among men, the low back pain is due to wearing the wallet in their back trouser's pocket. If the person stop wearing it in their back pocket, after two months they start feeling better, and after four months a complete healing of the back will happen. Drinking plenty of water also could help tremendously. As we get older we tend not to get enough water in our system, and this contributes to the back pain. Changing bed, receiving massages regularly, and be mindful to our posture are other measures we can take to help healing low back pain. Chiropractic treatment may also work in some cases, and in severe cases drug treatments and/or surgery may be needed. In all cases, consult your doctor about low back pain, because kidney, prostate, and urinary tract infections may be the culprits in causing the back pain.

SHE in China: Photo special: Lost in a forest in Yunnan

SHE in China: Photo special: Lost in a forest in Yunnan

Love

To love someone or even a critter (cat) is a positive energy. Love was found to improve the immune system, and people who fall in love live longer. To feel being loved by someone is perhaps the greatest feeling in the world. People attempt to define Love. I think no one needs to read the definition if you know it; it is a basic human feeling at its deepest sense. God is Love, says the Good Book. Love actually is not opposite to hate. It is opposite to emptiness, rejection, and hopelessness. Happy Valentine Day.

Dental Care

A new survey from England revealed that 1 out of 4 people treat their dental problems themselves because they cannot get to the dentist on time (dentists are too busy in the nationalized English system). That includes tooth extraction, filling their cavities with gums, and treating mouth inflammation and mucus irruptions.

Lymphatic system

Unlike the circulatory system which has the heart acting as a pump for blood movement, the lymphatic system lacks such a pump. Lymph circulates with the help of muscle contraction. One of the good way to get lymph to move and not to stagnate, in particular from lower areas of the body, is to breath deeply several times during the day. This helps to ease lymph's movement, and it is easy to do.

Homeopathy, Nature's Cure: What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy, Nature's Cure: What is Homeopathy?

Black cohosh

The main use of Black cohosh in naturopathy is in women's health. Black cohosh may be used to ease pain during labor, help with menopause symptoms, and facilitate normal menstrual cycle. It also has actions on the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Several formulas for Black cohosh are available commercially.

cindy massage: Polarity Therapy - The General Session#links

cindy massage: Polarity Therapy - The General Session#links

Update: This blog has been removed and no longer available. (updated June, 21, 2024)

Refrigerants

In naturopathy, the word "refrigerant" refers to an agent with an antipyretic effect (fever reducer). Some herbs in this category are chamomile, ginger, and vervain.

Syzygium cumini

This herb from India, also known as Jambul, has been suggested in Ayurvedic medicine to be used for diabetic control. The dried fruits of Jambul contain tannin (an astringent) and a volatile oil (a carminative).

Water

Humans cannot survive long without water. Lately, there has been some reports on the quality of water we drink in our communities. Some claim the presence of residual pharmaceutical drugs in our water. Although these drugs, if present, decompose into other products over time, there is no guarantee that we are not ingesting a significant amount of drug cocktails. Perhaps some of the explosion of modern diseases may be traced back to the presence of these chemicals in our water resources. Although these studies have not reached yet an official claim, more is needed by the health authorities and the environmental agencies to either support or dispute such claims. Until then, the public is waiting anxiously.

Cupping

An old medical method for treating minor respiratory tract conditions is Cupping. It is practiced by Traditional Chinese Medical doctors and Ayurvedic physicians. Nowadays, cupping is considered one modalities that belong to naturopathic medicine among others.

A Natural Gargle for Halitosis

Here is a formula for Halitosis:

8-10 drops of peppermint oil
1 zinc lozenge
1 teaspoon of myrrh powder
1 teaspoon of goldenseal powder

Mix the myrrh and goldenseal powders in about 500 ml (or 1 pint) of cold water. Bring to boil, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Separate the hot liquid from the solid residue by decanting. Dissolve the zinc lozenge. Cool to room temperature. Add peppermint oil. Store in the refrigerator.

Uses: Only as a gargle. Do not swallow or use internally. For mouth wash and gargle only.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

It is rare that any human being has not experience bad breath in their life time. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be transient or chronic. Only about 1 out of 4 people experience it on a chronic basis. Several approaches to fight bad breath may be available such as chewing gum, mouthwashes, and frequently brushing teeth. All of these might help temporarily, but their effects hardly last more than 30 minutes. A new generation of rinses are more effective and can eliminate bad breath for hours (sometimes up to 12 hours). Several of these are now available commercially including SmartMouth and TheraBreath. These new rinses are extremely effective, even for the most persistent odors. Bad breath can be very stressing socially and mentally, and these new rinses can be really a life saver.

Cranberry

Cranberry fruit is often used for urinary tract infections.

Blueberry

The "blue" in blueberry is due to the presence of anthocyanidins pigments. Research on these pigments has shown a strengthening effect on the connective tissues of blood vessels. Blueberry fruit consumption is good for the circulatory system.

Hummus Dip

My recipe for hummus dip:

3 cans of chick peas
1 fresh squeezed lemon
4 large tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste)
1-2 cloves of fresh garlic
salt to taste

Heat the chick peas and let it boil for 3 minutes. In a food processor, mix the tahini with garlic and salt. Add the chick peas with its sauce hot and mix. Add lemon. Mix. Let it stand at room temperature for one hour. Unused portions must be refrigerated.

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus nigra)

Severe reactions can occur after consuming unripe fruits of elderberry. The ripe fruits or flowers may be used, according to naturopathic medicine, as remedies for common respiratory elements such as colds and flu. Some advocate the use of flowers in the treatment of bronchitis (a serious disease that must be treated and managed by a licensed physician.)

ARK

We all know about Noah's Ark. Noah was told by God to take with him on this ark one pair of every living creatures. God was about to flood the Earth with water by sending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.

Because of Noah's kindness toward all creatures the good and the bad, humanity and other creatures managed to survive from the wrath of God. I guess God was impressed with Noah's indiscriminate kindness, He promised Noah that He would not destroy the Earth anymore. As a sign of His promise, He gave us the rainbow. ARK stands for "Acts of Real Kindness".


by Wikipedia

Tax Time in the USA

Every April 15, the people of the USA pay their taxes to the goverment. For most people receiving a check from their employer, the employer withholds some money from their paycheck for tax purposes. Some people overpay their taxes by this method. So on April 15 when they file their taxes, they receive a check back from the government for the overpaid amount. The common comment these people make is that "I got money back from the government this year". They feel very happy about it.

MENSA organization asked its members this year to come up with new English words, by simply replacing a letter or adding/deleting a letter from currently use English words. One member suggested the following: INTAXICATED (from intOxicated, got it?). The MENSA member defined this "new" word describing someone who is extremely happy from the fact that he/she has received money back from the government.

Time for Action--Posted this morning

Time for Action!! Silent Crisis Looming In NC Healthcare.

Most consumers of natural health are unaware that their freedom to purchase, sell or access natural remedies or natural healthcare professionals could be eliminated with the single stroke of a pen!Powerful pharmaceutical companies and medical associations are vying for the right to control your access to natural supplements, herbs, vitamins and homeopathic healthcare. They're doing this through special legislation aimed at making Nature's remedies their sole domain while making other kinds of consumer access illegal.Citizens For Healthcare Freedom (CHF) has been working to protect your rights to natural and complementary healthcare in North Carolina since1995. This year, CHF will be working with North Carolina legislators to pass the Consumer Health Freedom Act.What is the Consumer Health Freedom Act?An amendment to the NC medical licensing law to protect the right to choose nutritional supplements and access alternative, holistic,complementary, or natural health providers or practitioners. The legislation would protect the right of health care providers to offer their services legally and safely, without fear of being prosecuted for"practicing medicine without a license" in NC.For more information on this proposed legislation and CHF, visit: http://www.ncchf.org/Support Us! It's imperative we raise funds immediately to cover the costs and expenses needed to pass The Consumer Health Freedom Act in the2009-2010 Legislative Session. CHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported solely by membership dues and donations. All donations are 100%tax deductible. Please support our vision of a health freedom state and a sustainable community by becoming a CHF member or by making a donation. To join or contribute with a credit card, visit our website: http://www.ncchf.org/ You can personally choose to be a part of this historic movement to protect our health care freedom in North Carolina. So, please give generously. Protect you, and your family's, health freedom!Contact Us! Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to volunteer your time or talents. With an all volunteer board, under the leadership of CHF President, Claiborne Holtzman, and Executive Director/Legislative Lobby is http://www.ncchf.org/newsletter.htmlt, Mike Causey, CHF is poised to accomplish something of great value to all North Carolinians this year. Now is the time to act. Our state and our country are undergoing change and now is the time to ensure our rights in natural health!

Sincerely,

The CHF Board of Directors Claiborne Holtzman, President – (252) 813-4950 Mike Causey, Executive Director/Legislative Lobbyist – (336) 210-1947Citizens for Healthcare Freedom P.O. Box 12893 • Raleigh, NC 27605www.ncchf.orgCitizens for Healthcare Freedom

Bodywork Benefits

Bodywork, such as massage, impart a relaxing effect on the body as a whole. Research in this area has revealed a very interesting benefit of massage; it enhances the immune system. The immune system provides protection from foreign invaders into the body (e.g., bacteria). It is thought as the army that defend the body from foreign attackers. Enhancing the immune system and relaxation effect both yield to better life. Massage counteracts stress, the major cause of about 80% of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Body work vs. Energy work

There was a time in the past where professionals who treated people with bodywork also used energy work (e.g., Reiki or polarity). Although some practitioners still practice both modalities, energy work is now a separate field and needs certification. The theory behind energy work is mainly spiritual, however, it utilizes holding patterns and energy field adjustment. Practitioners in this field claim success in restoring the person's well being by balancing the energy flow in the body. This vital energy, as it was known in ancient time, is the same as "qi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many of the energy work holding points coincide with the acupuncture points practiced by Chinese physicians.

Stamps Collecting Hobby

Stamps Collecting by Wikipedia

Stamps Collecting (Wikipedia)

Stamps Collecting by Wikipedia

Great Music

Prayer--Retrospectively

Approximately 9 out of 10 Americans believe in a deity. And, most people pray to their God. In particular, people pray for health concerns (8 out of 10 Americans). We pray for our immediate needs. Some people pray for others for health needs. They hope through their prayers the person's health will improve in the future. The question is "would it be possible that a prayer said today may help a person in his/her past? In other words, if someone prays for someone else today, would this prayer affect the person's life in the past?

Unbelievable

Unbelievable! Can you believe it that January of this year (2009) is already over? Where did it go?

Health Community Centers--The Future of Health Care in the US

I propose the development of "Health Community Centers" in the US. The health care system needs to be redirected to serve people and not insurance companies and physician-businessmen. To that end, these Health Community Centers (HCC) will serve as posts for our citizens. Health insurance system should be a thing of the past; citizens will pay for the service when rendered at a minimal cost ($5-$15/visit). The HCC will be staffed with Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. No physicians will be needed, except a regional physician to "supervise" the operation as a manager--not as a clinician. All hospitals and private clinics should be nationalized for the service of the public. Surgeons will be paid by the Republic a fix fee per operation ($100-$300/operation). Medical schools should emphasize community services and train their students for that role as managers for health care rather than providers. The whole health care system is broken because of the attitude of its providers--the physicians. More Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs should open, preferably the number of schools will exceed 1000 by 2012. Each program will graduate on average a 100 PAs and NPs. There will be enough quality providers for everyone. Imagine there is no physician, no health insurance, and a reasonable cost for health care.

Traditional Medical Schools

Western traditional medical schools are becoming obsolete in their approach to health. Physicians are focused more on how to handle filling for insurance, avoiding law suits for malpractice, and how to see as many patients in a 10-hour shift than really caring for their patients. A new breed of clinicians is being surfaced in USA where Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are as competent in disease management as any physician, but they are willing to spend more time with patients without worrying about managing a business. Perhaps the model for health care in the immediate future is clinics staffed with NPs and PAs and one physician who is just hired to manage the clinic, but not to see patients. This will save cost and gradually eliminate the health insurance system. Patients want more caring clinicians and less business like providers.

Hospitalist With A View: Let The Cards Fall Where They May

Hospitalist With A View: Let The Cards Fall Where They May

Learn Basic Human Anatomy (Frequent Updates)

I. Body Sections and Terms

Three body sections are recognized:

a. Transverse: Top/Bottom or Superior/Inferior or Above/Below
b. Sagital (Longitudinal): Right/Left
c. Coronal (Frontal): Front/Back

Midsagittal section: Equal halves
Parasagittal section: Unequal halves

Cephalad: Directed to top of the head
Caudal: Feet direction

Medial: Toward midline
Lateral: Away from midline

Anterior = Front of
Posterior = Back of
Ventral = Abdominal side
Dorsal = Back side

Proximal = Nearer
Distal = Farther

Superficial = On
Deep = Under
Central = Within
Peripheral = Near or at the Rim
Internal = Inside

Afferent = Carries toward
Efferent = Carries away

Prone = Facing down
Supine = Facing up

II. The Bones

There are 206 bones in the body.

Head bones: Frontal; Nasal; Zygomatic; Maxilla; Mandible; Parietal; Temporal; Occipital; and Hyoid

The Vertebral Column: Cervical (C1-C7); Thoratic (T1-T12); Lumbar (L1-L5); Sacrum; and Coccyx

The Ribcage: Ribs (costals: 1-12); and Sternum

Clavicle

Scapula

The Ilium

The Upper Limb (Arm; Forearm; Hand): Humerus; Ulna; Radius; Carpals (8); Metacarpals (5); and Phalanges (14)

The Lower Limb (Thigh; Knee; Leg; Foot): Femur; Patella; Fibula; Tibia; Tarsals (7); Metatarsals (5); and Phalanges (14)

III. The Muscles
The Upper Limb: Triceps; Biceps; Wrist Extensors/Flexors; and Deltoid
The Lower Limb: Hamstrings; Quadriceps; Adductors; Gracilis; Tensor Fascia Lata; Sartorius; Soleus; Gastrocnemius; Anterior and Posterior Tibial; Flexor Hallucis Longus; Extensor Hallucis Longus; and Peroneus Longus/Brevis
Anterior Torso:  Pectoralis Major; Serratus Anterior; Pectoralis Minor
Back:  Middle Trapezius; Lower Trapezius; Spinal Erectors; Rhomboids; Latissimus Dorsi; Quadratus Lumborum
Abdominals: Diaphragm; Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Internal Obliques; Transverse Abdominals; Iliopsoas
Glutes:  Gluteus Maximus; Gluteus Medius; Gluteus Minimus; Piriformis
Head:  Masseter; Temporalis; Orbicularis Oculi; Zygomaticus; Frontalis
Shoulder (Rotator Cuff):  Supraspinatus; Infraspinatus; Teres Minor; Subscapularis
Anterior Neck:  Sternocleidomastoid (SCM); Scalenes
Posterior Neck:  Neck Extensors (Splenius Capitus and Splenius Cervicis); Upper Trapezius; Levator Scapulae

Which muscle is essential for the positioning and activities of the thoratic cavity?

Quadratus Lumborum

Which cervical joint is in charge of allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion?

Atlanto-Occipital

All of the following muscles share the same attachment site:

Bicep Brachii, Coracobrachialis, and Pectoralis Minor

Which muscle is a scapula stabilizer?

Serratus Anterior

Bilateral flexion of the cervical spine is an action performed by which muscle?

Longus Capitis

The human body is approximately ____ water:

60%

Which muscle is the most superficial of the lateral muscle of the abdominals?

External Obliques

The anterior and middle scalene share the same insertion point, what is it?

1st rib

Which muscle does not originate at the humerus?

Biceps Brachii

Which muscle larerally rotate the humerus?

Infraspinatus

The muscles that are in the ____ and the ____ help lift the arms into aBduction and down into aDduction:

Posterior/Anterior Thorax

Have a Wonderful Day

Hope

Here is Hope:

http://www.amazon.com/SELECTIONS-Minutes-Heaven-Inspiring-beyond/dp/0800719093/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233366126&sr=8-1

Here is Hope

Total Number of Bones in Human

The total number of bones in human body is 206.

Calories in Foods

This is a list of some foods and their calories:

Brewed Coffee (1 cup) 5
Blue Cheese (1 oz) 100
Cottage Cheese (1 oz) 162
Whole Milk (1 cup) 150
Bacon Fats (1 tablespoon) 125
Olive Oil, Extra Virgin (1 tablespoon) 126
Vinegar & Oil (1 tablespoon) 72
Fresh Blueberries (1 cup) 81
Halibut (4 oz) 158

Random Error

If all things are exactly the same, life would be boring. If all things are so much different from each other, life would be too diverse. Neither scheme is acceptable. Thus, random error exists. No two stamps are exactly the same, no two chairs are exactly the same, no two humans are exactly the same. Life is diverse, but not too much so, that it looses its "connectivity". "Things" in life are usually described to follow a normal distribution. This distribution, as we learned it in school, has a perfect bell shape curve. A measurement that falls in the middle 95% of the distribution is said to belong to the whole; it is being one with the whole. Those measurements that are outside the middle 95% on either side are known to be too far from norm. The question is: if a measurement is located in this 5% zone, is it really different from the whole, or is it another manifestation of it? The answer to this question depends on the discipline you will use. A mathematician may answer the question in a totally different manner, than say a Rabbi. How would you answer it?

Why do my pills cost $3 each?

The cost of most pharmaceuticals is not in the actual "materials" being used in making the tablets or capsules. The cost is in the invention. It takes professionals to discover new drugs, test them for their effects, and prepare them into tablets and capsules. In addition, only a tiny fraction of new chemicals or agents ever make it to the market. (It is estimated that only one out of 20,000 new agents tested ever make it to the market.) Most manufacturers recycle a portion of their profit in Research & Development (R&D). R&D produces new drugs to cure diseases. Is this worth $3/pill?

Health Care: Is it a right?

Yes, it is a right. No one could afford living if it were a privilege. Many argue that the cost for health care will be too high if health care becomes "nationalized" by the government. This issue is definitely multi-facet. One of its components is who would deliver the health care. There is no reason not to see more Physician Assistant programs double or quadruple in number, and even perhaps ten times their current number now. There is a need to relax the rule for physicians needing to oversee physician assistants practicing in clinics. I could see "Neighborhood Clinics" staffed with physician assistants delivering quality health care for one-third of the cost. People could then afford to go and see a primary health provider--the physician assistant for perhaps a $15/visit, and there is no need for health insurance to dictate our life anymore. Reduce the number of physicians and increase the number of physician assistants. It is time that we took charge of our health care.

Communication between physicians and their patients concerning CAM

It is estimated that about 25% of patients communicate with their doctors concerning the use of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM). Although most primary care providers nowadays do collect information about the use of CAM therapies from their patients, most physicians do not discuss such modalities with their patients during routine visits. Patients should be encouraged to communicate their use of CAM with their doctors, since many of these modalities can interfere negatively (or positively) with pharmaceuticals.

Toll Free Number--McDonald's Nutritional Information

McDonald's Company provides this toll free number (May 2008) for their nutritional information of all their products:

1-800-244-6227

Vitamin C and Iron

Consumption of foods containing vitamin C yield to an enhanced intestinal absorption of iron. Foods such as oranges or parsley (rich in vitamin C) eaten with foods rich in iron (meat and rice) are good combinations for better iron absorption.

Herbs status in the United States

All herbal products in the United States are classified by the FDA as dietary supplements. Therefore, the FDA does not recognize any therapeutic value to them and it does accept any claim for them, except for those of "structure-function" relationship. According to the FDA, St. John's Wort cannot be marketed as a product for the treatment of depression, but rather it is for "mood enhancement". Thus, information concerning "effectiveness" about herbs (all herbs) is just that, information. And, no such information should be taken seriously or act upon it unless the FDA says so. Very few physicians are comfortable enough in discussing herbs use with their patients. And, until more evidence of safety and efficacy is available, according to the FDA herbs are just "dietary supplements" for now.

Salt intake and high blood pressure

Most people believe that salt (sodium chloride) plays a role in the development and maintenance of high blood pressure. This may be only a part of the story. Other minerals, in addition to sodium, are important with respect to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. These minerals are potassium, magnesium, and calcium. A low level of these three minerals may contribute to the development of high blood pressure despite normal levels for sodium. Consult your primary care provider regularly to check for an elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent disease and can lead to serious unwanted health conditions. High blood pressure should be closely monitored and treated by a physician.

Vitamin D

A 10-minute exposure to direct sun (hands and face) daily normally provides the needed daily requirement of vitamin D. Exposure to sun through glass does not produce vitamin D. Clinical studies have shown that the majority of people are deficient in this vital vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for intestinal absorption of calcium as well as assimilating calcium into bones. Some believe that this vitamin also plays a role in the immune system. Consult your physician for proper dosing with this vitamin, as high amounts of vitamin D can result in toxicity and other serious adverse events.

North Carolina Budget Growth

Holly Springs, North Carolina--Population Growth

The 100 Counties in North Carolina--Year Established

Testing Botanicals in vivo

The words "in vivo" mean testing compounds in living creatures (mainly animals). Rarely a botanical supplement is tested by its manufacturer in vivo. Although there are numerous in vivo studies done on "similar" preparations published in literature, manufacturers do not conduct such studies in-house. Clinical trials in human using dietary supplements may be conducted by major pharmaceutical companies, however, smaller manufacturers bypass them due to their cost.

Bug-Bites

Bee stings are acidic. Wash the sting with a dilute solution of baking soda. Wasp bites are alkaline, wash them with lemon juice or vinegar. Seek immediate medical help.

Bee and wasp stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. More people dies in the United States from bee and wasp bites than all other venomous species combined, including poisonous snakes.

Beloved North Carolina State University Women's Basketball Coach Passed Away

We will all miss her. Coach Yow was the "salt of the earth". God bless.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/basketball.coach/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Panax ginseng and lowering of blood sugar

The consumption of Panax ginseng may result in lowering blood glucose level in healthy and diabetic people. Patients with diabetes should consult their doctors concerning this serious adverse effect of this herb.

Mastalgia may be caused by Saw Palmetto or Panax Ginseng

The use of saw palmetto or Panax ginseng in women and men may result in an unusual side effect--an increase in the mammary glands density, also known as mastalgia.
For more information on ginseng and saw palmetto see:

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Botanical-Medicines-History-Contemporary/dp/0313350094

What percentage of our current western medicines is natural?

It is estimated that about 50% of all the drugs on the market have natural origin. About 25% of them are from plants and the other 25% are derivatives of components in plants.

Types of Smoke

First-hand smoke: directly from the cigarette.

Second-hand smoke: inhale from the air containing someone else's smoke.

Third-hand smoke: exposure to the solid residue left over on cloth and other items where smoking has taken place.