The shift in American business to “do more with less” is taking a significant toll on our health. It is stressful, and job stress causes injuries, health problems and psychological issues. According to statistics reported by the CDC, more than 40 percent of Americans report that their job is “very or extremely” stressful. Is your job putting you at risk?
Heavy workloads in physically demanding jobs can put you at risk. Muscles need breaks. Muscle strains, tears, aches and pains are often ignored in the interest of productivity. Disregarding small injuries can result in further damage, eventually leading to lifelong chronic pain.
Office jobs can tie you to a computer or phone. Many people don’t realize that prolonged sitting, typing or phone use also results in muscle strains. Meeting quotas and hectic work schedules are as stressful as a physically demanding job. You still need to monitor your stress level.
Are you a stay-at-home parent or caregiver? Or, perhaps you combine caregiving responsibilities with a demanding job. Either way, you likely face “do more with less”. It’s stressful to handle multiple responsibilities, so it’s important to find an outlet for your stress.
People are unique, so each person reacts differently in situations. Our innate coping style is part of our personality. So, don’t feel that you should be able to cope better simply because the same situation doesn’t stress your friend. It’s all about finding what stresses you, and then identifying ways to relieve your stress.
If job stress has stretched you to the max, check out my previous blog for ways to manage stress. I’ve walked more than a mile in your stress-filled shoes when my husband was injured on the job. I know what a difficult road it is. That’s why I pulled together a number of resources and checklists to help others deal with stress, doctor’s appointments, worker’s compensation claims and more in my book, The Dark Side of Injury.
It’s a must to manage stress before it starts managing you. Job stress causes injuries, and you need to avoid that. Schedule an appointment at Serenity Health Care to find out more about overcoming the stress in your life. Your health depends on it.
Serenity Health Care is celebrating its 6th anniversary by hosting an open house on Saturday, February 27, 2016. Our doctors are sharing information about vital wellness topics at different times during the open house. Join us and learn more about how you can find your path to wellness.
Serenity Health Care Open House
Saturday, February 27, 2016
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Space is Limited! Call 262.522.8640 to Register.
Adrenal Function
The adrenal glands, stress and fatigue are linked. Adrenal fatigue, left untreated, can also lead to other health problems. Today’s busy lifestyles are filled with stress and poor nutrition. You owe it to yourself to learn about keeping your adrenals healthy on your path to wellness.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm “You and Your Adrenals” – Amy Hoffman, NP
Personalized Genetics
A new era brings more options for healing. The knowledge of an individuals’ unique genetics when developing a treatment plan boosts successful results. Personalized genetics can help predict your susceptibility to certain diseases so that you can take preventative actions. Learn and ask questions about how personalized genetics work.
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm “Personalized Genetics and Your Path to Healing” – Sonja Hintz RN
Bio-Terrain
Bio-Terrain is a whole body program to help individuals with chronic issues such as Lyme or PANDAS. Treatment consists of 6 visits over a 14 day period. It includes several components on the path to wellness. The goal of the program is to open pathways in the body by balancing the body’s energy, metabolism and polarity. This allows the body a chance to heal itself.
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm “Bio-Terrain, Opening the Pathways to Wellness” – Heather King, DC and Wendy Dunbar, LMT
Bio-Medicine and Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that creates social and communication problems. Common symptoms include disruptive behavior, aggression and hyperactivity. Bio-medicine can treat your child by assessing and treating underlying causes. This treatment method for autism has shown many benefits in language development, improved social awareness and stabilizing behavior. Learn more about the role of bio-medicine and how it’s possible for your child to thrive.
There are pros and cons of joining clinical trials. It’s important for pharmaceutical companies to test new products and medications. It is equally important that potential participants make an informed decision to take part in the study. It’s the law! Unfortunately, many doctors, hospitals and pharma companies fall short in following the letter of the law.
The United States government says that every clinical trial participant has the right to an informed consent. Studies should minimize the risks to participants by ensuring that potential benefits outweigh risks.
When my husband injured his back at work, he had surgery to insert a “synthetic bone graft material” into his lower back. We later discovered that the bone graft material used on him had been harvested from cadaver bone. Not only was this not disclosed to us, but he wasn’t participating in a clinical trial. It also put him at risk for a host of diseases that occur with human transplants. We took on a large hospital and pharma company in court. Find out more about the full story in my book: The Dark Side of Injury.
Easy-to-understand information is supposed to be provided to potential participants before they join a trial. But, there can be loopholes. If you are considering joining clinical trials, you need to ask questions. Every situation is different. However, there are some standard questions to ask:
Why are the companies/doctors conducting the research?
What do the researchers hope to accomplish?
What is the origin and makeup of the product? (Note: Product could be a device, therapy, medication, or other medical element)
Has your exact condition been treated in the trial?
How is the product expected to work?
What are suspected and known risks to the participant associated with the product?
Are there potential long-term side effects?
What are the potential benefits for the participant?
Are there safer treatments available? If so, what are the effectiveness and side effects of each?)
What is the timeframe of the trial?
Is there medical support after the trial?
It’s a shame that some trials don’t follow the law, so you must protect yourself. Don’t sign away your rights to file a lawsuit in the event of malpractice. Get more resources to help you navigate worker’s comp, health insurance and the medical/pharma industry in my book, The Dark Side of Injury.
Are you a people pleaser? Do you put yourself out for the preference of others? If so, you may find standing up for yourself challenging. Going against our government systems adds another layer of complexity. But, most of us are willing to step out of our comfort zone if our family is threatened. I’ve been there, and here are four steps that can help you be more assertive when you need it. It all begins with the first step.
Becoming More Assertive
Gain confidence: When my husband suffered a work injury, I found that there are numerous loopholes in Worker’s Compensation. I did my homework. I researched. I read. I talked to attorneys. I talked to doctors. In short, I asked questions to help me gain confidence so I could develop a plan. There are a lot of curves and valleys in uncharted territory, but you do get there if you don’t give up. Get some helpful tools and read more about my journey in my book, The Dark Side of Injury.
Be more assertive. You can question authority while standing up for yourself and your family in ways that are positive and proactive. Convey your ideas and thoughts directly and honestly. Avoid being passive (hiding your feelings), being aggressive (personal verbal attack) or being passive aggressive (giving the silent treatment or doing something behind the scenes). Assertiveness takes practice. It’s worth practicing because you can’t avoid all situations.
Avoid victim mentality. There will probably be times when you are the victim. However, it’s important to work through and resolve the issue. When you accept less than desirable results or take negative experiences personally, you’re letting someone else control your life. Stand up for yourself, even if you need help to do it.
Take action. When life throws you a curve, find a way to transform it into something good. I know that others will be saved some pain and agony through my malpractice actions. I wrote my book to share my family’s journey and tips/tools when working with worker’s comp, malpractice and the court system. You’ll often discover some “gems” by taking action instead of accepting defeat.
Unlearning old habits and standing up for yourself won’t happen overnight. You’ll become more effective and comfortable each time. There’s no time like the present….every journey begins with the first step.
The New Year is a time when many of us reflect and resolve to better ourselves in some way. Health and wellness usually take the top spots for New Year’s resolutions. While at least one-third of Americans make resolutions, only a few stick to their healthy resolutions for three months. Here are some ideas for healthy resolutions that you can actually make stick.
Add Sticking Power to Your Healthy Resolutions
“Short” your exercise. Most resolutions involve 30 to 60 minutes at the gym several times a week. This resolution often fails for busy people. Strive for 10-minute exercise routines. Add exercise to your day by taking the stairs, parking further away, walking during lunch or taking exercise breaks at work. Short calorie bursts add up.
Swap a food. Whether you’re dieting or just eating healthy, it’s challenging to gives up your favorites and stick to a completely new menu. If this year’s resolution is about eating healthier, make a swap. Replace red meat with salmon one night each week. Or, choose berries with yogurt instead of a fast food biscuit. After your first swap becomes a habit, try a second swap. You’ll be surprised at how much healthier you’ll be eating in a few months. Best of all, it’s much easier to stick to one food swap at a time.
Find social activities. Social connections are important in a healthy lifestyle. But, meeting for dinner or drinks isn’t the only way to socialize. Identify common activities that you and your friends enjoy. Tennis, walking, swimming, Yoga, board games, biking, volunteering and more. Mix it up to learn new things from each other.
Kick a habit. Most people have one or two vices that they want to kick. But, it isn’t easy to kick a bad habit, as most of us know from experience. For example, let’s say you want to stop biting your nails. The first step is to identify when you do it. Maybe it’s when you are stressed or bored. Use the “bait and switch” method…replace biting your nails with something else such as celery.
Reduce stress. This is important for your overall health. Check out some of our tips in this video.
Make your healthy resolutions stick this year. If you need a little help in accomplishing your health goals, call Serenity Health Care Center. We are experienced in helping our patients accomplish their health and wellness goals. Here’s to your health in an awesome new year!
Almost everyone has heard of Lyme disease, an illness caused by being bitten by an infected tick. Lyme disease treatments exist if the disease is caught in time. But, many people aren’t aware that symptoms often mimic other illnesses and don’t appear at the same time. To complicate symptom recognition further, many people don’t even know a tick has bitten them.
At Serenity Health Care, we can diagnose Lyme disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the upper Midwest region is a prime location for Lyme disease. Lyme disease treatment is possible, but early diagnosis is vital to helping prevent serious health problems.
Take precautions in wooded areas where ticks are common. Light colored clothing can help you spot ticks. Inspect your skin when you come indoors. If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after being in a suspect area, schedule an appointment for a diagnosis. Keep a watch for these symptoms so you’ll know when to ask about Lyme disease treatment:
A skin rash that looks like a bull’s eye is one of the most common symptoms, but this rash is not present on everyone.
Muscle aches, fever and headaches (flu-like symptoms) can appear in the first 30 days after being bitten by a tick.
Some people develop more advanced symptoms such as joint pain, dizziness and heart rate changes.
Lyme disease has the potential to progress to serious health problems. That’s why we’ve recently introduced Personalized Bio Terrain therapy for chronically ill Lyme disease patients. This natural and safe treatment is appropriate for all ages, and improvements appear gradually over a three-month timeframe. It’s one of the most effective Lyme disease treatments.
Although advanced Lyme disease can take longer to treat, most people recover. Research has shown Bio Terrain therapy to be effective in improving the rate of recovery from Lyme disease.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease isn’t something you want to postpone. It’s important to act now for Lyme disease treatment. When something does feel right about your health, schedule an appointment with Serenity Health Care.
We’ll find the right path of healing, so you can get back to enjoying your life. Get in touch.
Hyperinsulinemia is a medical condition where the pancreas produces excess insulin, which results in high insulin levels in your blood stream. This disorder can result from a variety of medical conditions. Hyperinsulinemia (also called insulin resistance) is linked to obesity as well as many other health problems.
Although people who have hyperinsulinemia may exhibit few or no symptoms, there can be some indicators that suggest testing is needed. However, many signs also mimic symptoms of other health issues. If you experience any of the symptoms below, you need to schedule a consultation and diagnostic testing with your medical practitioner.
Intense sugar cravings
Weight gain (or resistant to weight loss techniques)
Extreme hunger or thirst
Anxiety or feelings of panic
Fatigue or lack of motivation
Visual problems such as blurred vision or double vision
Headaches
Trembling or shakiness
Concentration difficulty
Like other health conditions, you can reduce the risks of hyperinsulinemia by making good lifestyle choices. Following a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits is an excellent start. It’s also important to avoid starchy foods (breads, pasta, etc.) that cause high insulin. Daily exercise is also important. Contact us for nutritional support, guidance and or group classes in creating a healthier lifestyle.
People with hyperinsulinemia are at risk for high triglycerides, low HDL and type II diabetes. In addition, you have an increased risk for kidney and heart disease. It’s often associated with other metabolic disorders such as glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia. This close association between metabolic disorders and hyperinsulinemia suggest that they are linked. The sooner your symptoms are diagnosed with a treatment plan, the sooner you can reduce your health risks and damage.
Check out our hyperinsulin article to learn more. Then, take control of your health. Contact us to discuss your symptoms or request your Advanced Diagnostic Lipid Panel.
Over the years Americans have been getting higher fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c blood levels. A study from Life Extension Magazine showed that Americans A1c is 66% higher than desired fasting insulin. Twenty-Two percent had hemoglobin A1c levels that placed them in a pre-diabetic state.
What is A1c level and why is it important?
Hemoglobin A1c measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in one’s blood. Hemoglobin A1c levels should be below 5.6% yet more than one in five people test over 6%.
Gaining access to this kind of information can prevent severe diabetic related illness. Insulin is a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Insulin enables liver and muscle cells to take up blood sugar (glucose) for energy production or storage. Insulin also helps to pack glucose into the fat cells as triglycerides.
Once a burst of insulin is released in response to food ingestion, insulin levels should drop below 5 uIU/ml and only a small amount of insulin should be needed to maintain balance.
When the fasting insulin levels are above 5 uIU/ml, this indicates a pre-diabetic state that increases the risk of degenerative disease. In people with metabolic disorders or obesity, insulin levels remain elevated. While this creates cellular damage it also prevents weight loss by forcing glucose into the fat cells as storage.
In a condition called hyperinsulinemia the pancreas stimulates the uptake of glucose from blood into the body’s cells. The inability of the body’s cells to utilize the insulin is called insulin resistance.
What is Hyperinsulinemia?
In hyperinsulinemia the pancreas produces more insulin than normal so there are higher levels of insulin circulating in the blood stream. Normally to process 10mg of sugar a person would have to produce one unit of insulin, but in a person with hyperinsulinemia, ten units of insulin may be needed to balance that same 10 mg of glucose. Hyperinsulinemia also called insulin resistance create many health problems including high triglycerides, low HDL and type II diabetes along with obesity.
High insulin levels and Hypertension
High insulin levels promote hypertension by impairing the proper release of sodium. High insulin harms the kidneys and prolongs exposure to high insulin damages the vascular system. It can also increase the risk of certain cancers. High insulin can also promote formation of beta-amyloid brain cells, which may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Over production of insulin also contributes to prostate enlargement by promoting the overgrowth of prostate cells. High insulin is also associated with abdominal obesity, which contributes to atherosclerosis and impotence.
The excess elevation of blood sugar after eating meals can create as many complications as having a high fasting insulin level. High postprandial (after meals) blood sugar, accompanies an insulin surge, are significant to the development of age-related disease, along with microvasculature (small blood vessel within eye, kidneys, and nerve supply).
Studies show that men with the highest levels of post-load glucose, insulin and measurements of glycemic imbalance had the greatest number of blocked coronary arteries. Studies like this prove that blocking that surge in after meal blood sugar and insulin is an important goal for optimal longevity.
Take charge of your health!
We highly recommend having an Advanced Diagnostic Lipid Panel. This test gives you more than just a basic lipid panel, it also tells you the particle size of cholesterol. This provides a great deal of information about early stage heart health and if reactive insulin is causing your lipids to be abnormal.
Unfortunately, despite the numerous peer-reviewed studies mainstream medicine has not made a priority in measuring these levels and doing what is needed to prevent chronic illness with early intervention.
But don’t despair; you can now request your own metabolic profile, fasting insulin, blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c on your own. You may want to add it to a Female and Male weight loss profile.
These test results can assist in measuring what type of risk factors you may be dealing with and more importantly will let you know what type of lifestyle changes are necessary.
Non- alcoholic fatty liver
There is a form of liver disease caused by hyperinsulinemia also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is noted by an infiltration of fat into the liver, which impairs the livers function. A 2013 study reviewed patients affected with primary liver cancer and found a high prevalence of liver cancer in type II diabetics. It is important to keep GGT levels below 24 ng/dl otherwise hyperinsulenemia is starting due to fatty liver disease.
A 2012 study looking at college students found 8 out of 22 subjects had hyperinsulin with fasting insulin levels greater than 19 uIU/ml. Studies of older people with this conditions reveals damaging processes occurring early in life.
A 2013 study showed over a ten-year period of time that type II diabetics treated with insulin augmenting drugs had an 80% increased risk of experiencing cancer, an adverse cardiac event or death from patients who only received the drug metformin, which lowers insulin levels.
A drug class known as sulfonylureas stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion and temporarily reduces glucose. By giving type II diabetics insulin-augmenting therapies instead of lifestyle changes, nutrients, and metformin the medical community has created higher risks of weight gain, neuropathy, renal failure and atherosclerosis and cancer.
Once a person is diagnosed with cancer, it is essential to suppress excess insulin secretion. This is because insulin not only initiates cancer it stimulates the proliferation of malignant cells.
Alzheimer’s disease and high insulin levels
Alzheimer’s disease is the fastest growing threat to the United States, according to a 2013 team of researchers from University of Washington in Seattle.
Known causes of Alzheimer’s include mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. A 2012 study described how insulin is involved in the metabolism of beta-amyloid and concluded that insulin resistance is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s.
This information could be devastating if we did not have lifestyle changes and ways to adjust these high insulin levels.
Most people do not realize that starches are broken down in the intestines and produce rapid elevation of after-meal glucose and insulin blood levels. Even if your fasting blood levels are normal but you have spikes in blood sugar/insulin after meals too high or too fast there will be increased risks of cardiovascular disease.
A natural enzyme has been discovered to reduce after meal blood sugar and insulin spikes in a unique meal. This enzyme converts rapidly digestible starch in the intestines into a fiber that is not readily absorbed as glucose. Wide spread use of this enzyme before starch containing meals could help reduce the epidemic of glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia that plagues the modern world.
Starch consumption and insulin levels
The first step to creating an environment that prevents the rise in blood glucose and insulin (high insulin) is to restrict starch consumption that is all starches (breads, pastry, pasta, and flour based products).
Breads, pastry, pasta, potatoes and flour based products
What steps can you take to utilize healthy grains?
Around 35 years ago, the federal government revised the dietary guidelines and advised Americans to consume 60% of their dietary intake from carbohydrates. The latest guidelines from the Institute of Medicine recommended a daily carbohydrate intake of 65% of the daily food intake.
This recommendation has created catastrophic results in an epidemic of obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. The reason is simple starch is one of the largest dietary sources of blood sugar and dangerous after-meal blood glucose spikes.
Even with so called “Healthy grains” such as whole wheat, brown rice and ancient grains.
Recently, researchers have uncovered a dual-action enzyme known as transglucosidase that blocks the conversion of starch into sugar and transforms it into beneficial fiber.
While it is impossible to eliminate all starch from your diet, you can neutralize its negative impact. Laboratory studies have shown when transglucosidase combines with starchy foods and natural enzymes in the digestive tract, there can be a 31% reduction in rapidly digested starch and an 11% increase in slowly digested starch.
This means approximately 40% of the starch you ingest is less likely to be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Begin doing daily activity, move your body!
Begin doing activities like Yoga, walking, biking or your favorite physical activity.
Begin using nutritional support that helps to break down starch, enzymes that promote good digestion, carnitine that helps promote weight loss these are just a few items that can help weight management. Another product that can be helpful to process sugars is Glycemic Pro and Irvingia to reduce leptin levels.
Call Serenity Health Care Center 262-522-8640 for more information on testing or if you are a candidate for transglucosidase.
With the help of transglucosidase, you can achieve multiple life-saving goals with a single supplement:
Convert less starch to sugar, ensuring smaller glucose load in the after mealtime.
Release insulin, thus reducing risk of excess insulin’s deadly health effects.
Provide with additional prebiotic fiber, reducing the risk of diabetes and enhancing intestinal health.
Dosing transglucosidase is an enzyme; the dosages are measured in units of enzyme activity not milligrams or International units (IU).
A 450,000 unit dose is typically the amount found in one capsule. High doses are around 900,000 units both doses in studies showed a reduction in hemoglobin A1c, lowering it by an average 0.18 and 0.21%. Insulin levels were lowered by 2.70 and 3.59 uIU/ml. While transglucosidase does not replace medical management, it can support and assist in beneficial cytokine activity to reduce triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure.
If your fasting glucose is over 85 mg/dl or other indicators of glucose impairment such as hemoglobin A1c or elevated fasting insulin, take transglucosidase before your two heaviest starch-containing meals.
Call Serenity Health Care Center 262-522-8640 for more information on testing or if you are a candidate for transglucosidase.
For most of us, food is a focal point in our lives. Not only do we eat to live, but we celebrate and socialize with food. Research shows that eating the right foods can help us live longer and healthier lives. Foods can prevent and/or control many chronic illnesses. Here are five diet changes that can improve your life. Isn’t it time that you start eating for your health.
Diet Changes: Limit processed and red meats
You consume less saturated fat and eat more vegetables when you limit the amount of processed and red meat in your diet. Replacing red meat with fish makes it less noticeable. Or, enjoy a meatless dinner by choosing some vegetables that you really enjoy. This is especially easy when you eat what is in season.
Diet Changes: Add Nuts and Oils
Generous quantities of olive oil, nuts and avocados can help reduce your risk of plaque build-up in your arteries. Foods high in monounsaturated fats are good for you.
Diet Changes: Eat some berries
Berries are lauded as superfoods for a reason. These nutrient-rich morsels are packed full of antioxidants. Studies show that berries may help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and slow mental decline and aging. Add an assortment of blue and red berries to your diet—from cranberries to strawberries to blueberries and more.
Diet Changes: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables
Studies show that people who consume a range of fruits and vegetables daily have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Choose a variety of colors for maximum benefits—dark leafy greens, reds, yellows and orange vegetables and fruits can add up to boost your health.
Diet Changes: Consider a Mediterranean diet
Strong research is showing that the Mediterranean diet is an excellent way to eat healthier. This tasty food is easy to prepare. Check out our recipe to see for yourself. Join one of Coach Pam’s affordable classes to learn more about Mediterranean food and healthy eating.
Watch for our health eating events. Classes are small and informal, so they are a fun way to learn about foods. If you have questions on nutrition and its impact on your life, call Serenity Health Care Center for a consultation.
Regardless of what you are doing, a checklist is your friend. A checklist for doctor’s appointment is especially important. No one remembers everything. If you’re like most people, you remember things you want to ask at the oddest moments. A good checklist helps you cover the topics that you want while keeping the doctor informed.
Checklist for Doctor’s Appointment: Before
Are you visiting a new doctor? Check online to learn what patients say about their experience. Lawsuits are public
Have a checklist for doctor’s appointments
information, so do your homework at your local county clerk’s office.
Ask someone to go to the doctor with you. People hear things differently, which triggers excellent questions. It’s always good to have backup “ears” if it’s more than a routine medical visit.
Create a checklist of discussion topics before you go
List of medications (include dosage and frequency)
New or update on existing symptoms
Any health changes since last visit
How health issues affect your life
New treatments or medications that you want to discuss
Checklist for Doctor’s Appointment: During
Your doctor may suggest a new procedure or medication for an existing health condition. Ask questions. Research it before you respond so that you can make an educated decision.
What are the benefits?
How long before you see results and how long do the results last?
What is the downside of not having the procedure or taking the medication?
How long has it been treatment or medication been available?
How experienced is your doctor with the treatment or medication?
Checklist for Doctor’s Appointment: After
If you’re facing a major procedure or questionable medication, get a second opinion before taking action.
Research drugs and side effects on the FDA website. Google treatments to learn more about short and long-term results and side effects. Research before signing a consent form.
Your doctor may have switched a medication or treatment for your general health. Jot down how it makes you feel throughout the day. This information can help your doctor refine and optimize your treatment.
Checklists became my allies after my husband was injured. They helped me navigate through the legal system, medical appointments, insurance and worker’s compensation. They helped keep me sane at a time when my life was hectic. Get my book, The Dark Side of Injury, for more complete checklists and tools to help your family plot a route.
