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New Book “the Dark Side of Injury” Exposes the Corruption Behind Worker’s Compensation

New Book “the Dark Side of Injury” Exposes the Corruption Behind Worker’s Compensation, Health Insurance, and the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry

PALMYRA, WI–(Marketwired – February 18, 2015) – Dr. Debra Muth has worked in the medical industry for over twenty years and yet her husband became the victim of medical abuse. Dr. Muth feels “it is important to have tools to protect you and your family.”

There are roughly 3 million injured workers who reported injuries in 2013 and about 40% of those injured workers never claim benefits at all. OSHA states that worker injuries have direct costs of 1 Billon dollars a week, this does not include indirect costs for these workers.

Many people these days have stories to tell about the insults and injuries they have incurred from the medical and legal community. How many people have you heard talk about others getting rich from suing their doctors? Well it really isn’t that easy! Innocent people have had their lives changed forever because of work related injuries, medical malpractice and legal malpractice. It is important to learn how to navigate these systems to protect you and your family.

Americans are in an unusual situation these days; they are caught between being injured and trying to financially stay a float. Many are accusing them of being free loaders! They should support themselves accept their injuries by returning to work; their own doctors and our legal system have left them broke, injured and alone. How do you support yourself? How do you pay for medical expenses? How to stay functional in the world?

‘The Dark Side of Injury’, tells the tale of an injured worker in America, how the deception starts and ends. How their doctor, the legal system and their own family can cause injury and heartache. Dr. Muth feels it is important for you to know how to navigate these systems but more important is that “something good comes of a bad situation.” She shares how to stay financially and emotionally viable during these trying times.

You can purchase “The Dark Side of Injury” at Amazon.com, Serenity Health Care Center, and Henschel Publishing.com for $16.95.

About the Author
Dr. Debra Muth, ND, WHNP, APNP, BAAHP, MSNH, is a doctor who has literally healed herself. During her twenties, serious health problems began to interfere with her career she sought a new way of practicing medicine. In this book, she reveals what its like to be a medical practitioner unable to protect her husband from medical/legal injury when he was seriously injured on the job.

For more information about The Dark Side of Injury, please visit this page.

3 Ways to Guard Against Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. While genetics and age can raise your risk for heart disease, the choices you make in your daily life can make a big difference in your heart health. Here are some tips to help you learn more about this disease so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Protecting Yourself Against Heart Disease
Protecting Yourself Against Heart Disease

Know your numbers associated with heart disease

People who are aware of their numbers typically make better lifestyle choices. Plus, keeping an eye on these numbers lets you take action when one inches toward the danger zone.

  • Blood pressure: Normal pressure is below 120/80.
  • Cholesterol: Your lipid profile consists of HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Your total cholesterol should be 200 mg/dL or lower.
  • Dr. Muth’s recent article, “Heart Disease: An Aging Problem,” points out tests needed for an accurate picture of total heart health.
  • Fasting blood sugar level: You’re in the healthy range when your fasting blood sugar level is below 100.

Choose a healthy living lifestyle

  • Making a few changes in your daily life can help protect your heart. Strive to make good habits part of your daily routine. A healthy lifestyle should include:
  •  Exercise: Play sports, go walking, join a gym—get moving enough to get your heart rate up.
  • Nutrition: Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain fiber and lean proteins. Eliminate or limit foods that are high in fats, sodium and added sugars.
  • The Simple 7: Developed by the American Heart Association, Simple 7 leads you toward developing a heart healthy lifestyle.

Assess your habits for American Heart Month

  • Many people are aware that excessive alcohol and smoking can lead to a heart disease or heart attack. But, other habits can wreak havoc on your heart too.
  •  Stop smoking
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Reduce stress
  • Give the weekend warrior a break

Heart Disease: An Aging Problem

Heart Disease: An Aging Problem

Cardiac disease is a growing concern in our aging population 17.3 million people die a year from cardiac disease. By 2030 >23.6 million people will die from heart disease. People are developing heart disease at a younger age partially due to our poor quality food and lack of exercise. Decline in mitochondrial activity is also largely responsible for cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as obesity and type II diabetes.

Heart Disease Health Facts

  • 50% of heart attack patients HAVE NORMAL LDL-C
  • SUDDEN DEATH is the first sign of cardiovascular disease in up to 50%
  • 10-24% of the world’s population has nonalcoholic fatty LIVER DISEASE
  • Metabolic Syndrome confers a twofold
increase in cardiovascular events and a 1.5X RISK OF DEATH

Loss of mitochondrial function in muscle tissue also leads to the familiar “flabby” body composition that causes muscle atrophy and increased body fat. Studies show that supplementation with carnitine can restore mitochondrial function to near-youthful levels. Total carnitine levels decline with aging and are roughly 20 % lower than in youth, leaving the mitochondria vulnerable to damage.

Heart muscles use fat as its primary form of energy source. This is why a no-fat diet is not recommended in Serenity’s heart health program. Carnitine is a fat-transporting compound that is absolutely essential for normal heart function. Carnitine increases nitric oxide that helps endothelial cells relax and increase blood flow, which can help lower blood pressure.

People with heart muscle damage from heart attacks or heart failure have especially low carnitine levels. Fortunately, carnitine supplementation has proven to be remarkable effective in fighting and even reversing the heart-weakening effects from that drop in carnitine levels. L-Carnitine supplementation prevents the progression of heart muscle damage in people with CHF and improves exercise with exertion.

Heart Disease Financial Facts

  • Yearly heart disease healthcare expenditure per individual $5693
  • Yearly fatty liver disease healthcare expenditure per individual $2600
  • Yearly metabolic syndrome healthcare expenditure per individual $2000

Do you want to save on your healthcare costs and better yet save your health? You must see the practitioners at Serenity Health Care Center to help you with your Cardiac Health. We can help you decipher your genetic information and create a plan for you that is as unique as you are.

If you have completed a lipid panel this is a great place to start but it is a basic group of tests to determine the risk for cardiovascular and related diseases. This test should always be combined with advanced testing to unveil a more accurate picture of total health. This will give specific information about your lipid profile so you will know if you should be worried about the abnormal lipid panel.

Lipoprotein particle size/number and Apolipoprotein concentrations reveal levels of good and bad cholesterol particles. Inflammatory processes are independent predictors of risk. Testing reveals the level of inflammation of blood vessels that may lead to plaque rupture, ultimately resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Advanced tests detect strain or other damage to the heart muscle. Metabolic markers can lead to early detection of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which may reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for insulin. A Fatty Acid Profile is a potent indicator of the nutrients in a patient’s diet that can improve cardiovascular health.

Call today for an appointment to discuss Serenity Health Care Centers Cardiac Program 262-522-8640.

REFERENCES:

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Terman A, Kurz T, Navratil M, Arriaga Ea, Brunk UT, Mitochondrial turnover and aging of long-lived postmitotic cells; the mitochondrial-lysosomal axis theory of aging. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2010 Apr;12(4):503-35

Chakrabarti S, Munshi S, Banerjee K, Thakurta IG, Sinha M, Bagh MB. Mitochondrial dysfunction during brain aging: role of oxidative stress and modulation by antioxidant supplementation. Aging Dis. 2011 Jun:2(3):242-56

Wang CH, Wang CC, Wei YH. Mitochondrial dysfunction in insulin insensitivity: implication of mitochondrial role in thyep 2 diabetes. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2010 Jul;1201:157-65

Pesce V. Fracasso F, Cassano P, Lezza AM, CAntatore P, Gadaleta MN. Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation to old rats partially reverts the age-related mitochondrial decay of soleus muscle by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-I-alpha-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis. Rejuvenation Res. 2010 Apr-Jun 13(2-3):148-51

Chao HH, Chen CH, Liu JC, Lin JW, Wong KL, Cheng TH. L-Carnitine attenuates angiotensin II-induced proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts: role of NADPH oxidase inhibition and decreased sphingosine-1-phosphate generation. J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Jul:21(7):580-8

Gomez LA, Heath SH, Hagen TM. Acetyl-L-Carntine supplementation reverses the age-related decline in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) activity in interfibrillar mitochondria without changing the L-carnitine content in the rat heart. Mech Ageing Dev. 2012 Feb-Marl 133 (2-3):99-106

Kobayashi A, Masumura Y, Yamazaki N. L-carnitine treatment for congestive heart failure-experimental and clinical study. Jpn Circ J. 1992 Jan;56(1) 86-94.

Bartels GL, Remme WJ, den Hartog FR, Wielenga RP, Kruijssen DA. Additional antischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in angina patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 1995 Dec;9(6):749-53

Molyneux R, Seymour AM, Bhandari S. Value of carnitine therapy in kidney dialysis patients and effects on cardiac function from human and animal studies. Curr Drug Targets. 2012 Feb; 13(2):285-93

Davinia P, Biagalli A, Lamanna F, Boem A. controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction. Drugs Exp Clin Res.1992; 18(8):355-65

Stasi MA, Sciloi MG, Arcuri G, et al. Propionyl-L-Carnitine improves postishemic blood flow recovery and arteriogenetic revascularization and reduces endothelial NADPH-oxidase 4-mediated superoxide production. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Mar;30(3);426-35

Lapi D, Sabatino L, Altobelli GG, Mondola P, Cimini V, Colantuonl A. Effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. Front Physiol 2010;1:132.

Gomez-Amores L, Mate A, Miguel-Carrasco JL., et al. L-carnitine attenuates oxidative stress in hypertension rats. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Aug;18(8):553-40

Alvarez de Sotomayor M, Bueno R, Perez-Guerrero C, Herrera MD. Effect of L-carnitine and propionyl-L-Carnitine on endothelial function of small mesenteric arteries rom SHR. J Vasc Res. 2007;44(5):354-64

De Sotomayor MA, Mingorance C, Rodriguez-Rodriguez R, Marheunda E, Herrera MD. L-carnitine and its propionate; improvement of endothelia function in SHR through superoxide dismutase dependent mechanisms. Free Radical Res. 2007 Aug;41(8);884-91

Volek SR, Judelson DA, Silvestre R, et al. Effects of carnitine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat meal in healthy young adults. Am J Cardiol. 2008 Nov 15;102(10):1413-7

Loffredo L. Pignatelli P, Cangemi R, et al. Imbalance between nitric oxide generation and oxidative stress in patients with peripheral arterial disease effect of an antioxidant treatment. J Vasc Surg, 2006 Sep;44(3):525-30

Mingorance C, Duluc L, Chalopin M, et al. Propionyl-L-Carnitine corrects metabolic and cardiovascular alterations in diet-induced obese mice and improves liver respiratory chain activity. PloS One. 2012;7(3);e34268

Amin KA, Nagy MA. Effect of Carnitine and herbal mixture extract on obesity induced by high fat diet in rats. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2009;1(1):17.

Mangou A. Grammatikopoulou MG, Mirkopoulou D, Sailer N, Kotzamanidis C, Tsigga M. Associations between diet quality, health status and diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid obesity. Endocrinol Nutr. 2012 Feb;59(2):109-16

Ringseis R, Keller J, Eder K. Role of carnitine in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity: evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies with carnitine supplementation and carnitine deficiency. Eur J Nutr 2012 Feb;51(1):1-18

Kang JS, Lee WK, yoon WK, et al. a combination of grape extract , green tea extract and L-carnitine improves high fat diet induced obesity, hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Phytother Res. 2011 Dec;25 (12):1789-95

Malaguarnera M, Cammalleri L, Gargante MP, Vacante M, Colonna V Motta M. L-carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive function in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. AM J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;86(6):1738-44.

Xia Y, Li Q, Zhong W, Donj J, Wang Z, Wang C. L-Carnitine ameliorated fatty liver in high calorie diet/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mice by improving mitochondrial function. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2011;3:31.

GMO Health Risks

GMO Health Risks: Genetically Engineered Organisms are found in our current food source and affect everyone of us who do not eat organic. There have been several serious health risks associated with genetically modified (GM) food, including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. In 2009 The AAEM American Academy of Environmental Medicine has asked physicians to advise all patients to avoid GM foods.

“Starting in 1996, Americans have been eating genetically modified (GM) ingredients in most processed foods. Why isn’t the FDA protecting us?” (Jeffery Smith)

In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration claimed they had no information showing that GM foods were substantially different from conventionally grown foods. Therefore they are safe to eat, and absolutely no safety studies were required to detect GMO health risks. There is proof that FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.

Today, the same biotech companies who have been found guilty of hiding toxic effects of their chemical products are in charge of determining whether their GM foods are safe.

GM plants, such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and canola, have had foreign genes forced into their DNA. The inserted genes come from species, such as bacteria and viruses, which have never been in the human food supply. There are GMO health risks.

These foods are especially important to make sure these foods are consumed from organic sources. The other thing I would recommend is take environmental action against GMO Health Risks. Fight to remove GMO foods from our food source. Protect our children and grandchildren from the toxic exposures and medical conditions that occur because of this process.

Information adapted from http://www.responsibletechnology.org/health-risks, explore their website to learn more.

Do Hormones Really Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease?

Most of us are aware of what Alzheimer’s disease is and we are afraid of getting it. This is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of the dementia-affecting people. This is not just a disease of the elderly about 5% of 40-50 year olds are affected as well. There is not a current cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Many menopausal women present with concerns of memory loss and are fearful that they are developing Alzheimer’s disease. There are things that people can do to beef up their memory and prevent dementia along the way. First and foremost start early with your prevention including following an organic diet, stimulate your mind with mental exercise, and stay physically active your entire life.

When it comes to using hormone therapy it is important to establish teenage levels of estrogen. Some researches suggest that only estriol should be used and not estradiol, I think it is important to use a ratio of both estriol and estradiol but this research is strong which makes me believe we should be changing our formulations to a higher strength of estriol compared to estradiol. It is important to make sure the body is not converting estrogen to estrone and that the hormone receptors are not stimulated into the wrong pathway. To prevent that in the past we would use DIM or IC3 but new evidence shows that a Chinese herb called Myomin is more effective in preventing this conversion to alpha estrogen receptor.

Testosterone is also known to be helpful in reducing the secretion of beta amyloid this same research indicates when progesterone is given daily it can interfere with estrogens ability to reduce the beta amyloid levels. When it is given in a cyclic fashion for 10 days of the month estrogen can do its work. The only concern with this is that we may not be able to protect the lining of the uterus from thickening, which can cause endometrial cancer. Each case should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some women feel better with progesterone given daily if that is the case I think using small doses for 10 days and larger doses for 10 day to mimic a natural cycle.

Neprilysin is an enzyme that is reduced in Alzheimer’s that actually degrades beta amyloid and is increased with the use of estradiol and testosterone.

Hormones are not the only beneficial means for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Diet is key not only organic but choosing the proper foods based on genetics. Measure APOe genes to see if you carry the gene for Alzheimer’s disease. If you do the testing it is important to follow a specific diet to assist in reducing the inflammation in your body to prevent disease. This test can be ordered by anyone but having a knowledgeable provider assist you with your diet plan is key.

Talk to your provider today about how you can adjust your hormone program to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Dealing with high PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels

The PSA blood test is commonly used to check for signs of prostate cancer or other prostate problems. When a PSA level comes back high, the next step is usually recommended is a biopsy. But recent information suggests another possible option could be to repeat the PSA test a month or so later to monitor. This recommendation comes because PSA levels can fluctuate up and down — so a man with a high PSA level may not actually have any prostate problems at all. In fact, studies researching nearly 1,000 men, found that about half of those whose PSA levels were initially high had a normal result in a subsequent test according to James Eastham, MD, FACS, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There are three possible reasons for a high PSA; cancer, inflammation or infection of the prostate or lab error.

According to Eastham a man should not undergo a biopsy of the prostate based on one high PSA level. I would agree with this and recommend trying to evaluate other possibilities for a high level and monitor. I would go further to recommend various supplements to assist in lowering the PSA level. Here is a list of supplements and their doses that have been researched and can assist in lowering the PSA level. A word of caution that if you use these supplements and the PSA doesn’t go down you should seek medical care.

For Psa levels higher than 1.0 add boron at 6-15mg a day, consider adding prescription Avodart to reduce levels quickly. ECGc (green tea) can be dosed at 1300 mg a day. Lycopene 10 mg a day has been shown to reduce cancer by 30%. Adding DIM or IC3 has been helpful to lower estrogen levels but a newer Chinese herb called Myomin can be more beneficial because it lowers estrogen futher up the pathway. Curcumin can be helpful for inflammation using 300-600 mg a day has been studied. Vitamin D levels should be measured and dosed appropriately.

If you suffer from a high PSA level get assistance and evaluation for this condition and be monitored closely.

Could high insulin be causing you to be fat?

Could high insulin be causing you to be fat, the answer is yes!

Diabetic toolsAbout 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. High insulin can cause you to be fat! 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.

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.

Is high insulin causing your problems? Call Serenity Health Care Center 262-522-8640 for more information on testing or to find out if you are a candidate for transglucosidase.

Eating Gluten Free

Serenity Health Care Center – It’s back to school time and parents often struggle to find a healthy alternative to school lunch as if this isn’t hard enough, finding gluten-free options are even more challenging. Eating gluten free is often a goal. Many parents do this by choice, for others it is a must because their child has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the lining of the intestinal tract when exposed to wheat gluten.

Eating Gluten Free

There are many gluten-free options in stores today. Some of these options are healthier than others. Many of the grocery stores even have gluten-free sections to make it easier. You still must read the label because ingredients change frequently.

Dr. Muth says the best choices for all kids, including those with Celiac Disease, are fruits and vegetables. Those are all gluten-free. Dried whole fruit slices are good alternatives to fruit roll ups.  Granola and cereal bars that are labeled “gluten-free” are also great choices for kids. There is also gluten-free bread if you want to make a sandwich for your child. Our favorite is Udi’s brand breads and buns.

If you child has Celiac Disease, you need to be extra careful about eating gluten free. Notify the school so that they can assist in keeping the eating environment clean and clear of gluten. The staff will need to be educated because many people do not realize what gluten is and all the hidden sources it is found in. Place your child’s food in a separate plastic container. Advise your child to keep their food away from other food, even crumbs that contain gluten. The slightest amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction in some children.

Plastic containers should never be frozen or heated in so teach your children to warm in paper or use glass containers for warming. Use the food containers as a plate to protect their food. This will prevent their food from coming into contact with contaminated tables.

Exposure to gluten in a child that is intolerant can lead to cramping and abdominal pain, fatigue and even behavioral problems. These symptoms can be so debilitating that they cannot return to class. Education is key when it comes to eating gluten free.

For more information read our other articles on Celiac disease  and browse Serenity’s Kitchen for our favorite gluten free recipes.

Should You Use Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)?

Who Should Use Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)?

The BHRT question is asked of our experts on a regular basis. It is one of the most important decisions people make in their life. There is a great deal of information on-line and it can be very confusing. We recommend you discuss your individual case with your health care practitioner.

The following information and video seminar will prepare you for the discussion.

Dr. Muth Discusses the Impact of Hormones and Cancer

What is the difference between bio-identical hormones and non-bio-identical hormones?

  • Bio-identical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones a woman/man naturally produces in her body. They are synthesized by chemically extracting diosgenin (a precursor) from yams and other similar plant products.
  • Non-bio-identical hormones (also called synthetic hormones) are derived from other sources, for example the urine of a pregnant mare. They do not have the identical chemical structure as hormones that are naturally produced in the female body.
  • There are bioidentical and non-bioidentical versions of estrogen and progesterone, which are the two hormones we use most often to treat menopausal symptoms.

Are natural hormones better than synthetic hormones?

  • We at Serenity Health Care Center believe that bio-identical hormones are superior and a better supplement than synthetic hormones. Some women will have an allergic response to hormones, so then special treatment is needed in order to tolerate hormone therapy.

Is one more “natural”? I often hear bioidentical (BHRT) referred to as “natural.”

  • “Natural” is a commonly used marketing term – NOT a scientific term. Natural is often substituted for the term bioidentical but it is not an accurate description of bio-identical hormones.

Why is there so much confusion around hormone therapy?

  • I think the big confusion is between bioidentical hormone therapy and synthetic hormone therapy. There are plant derived bioidentical hormones made by the pharmaceutical industry but the dose is limited. The biggest difference is between compounded hormone therapy and pharmaceutical hormone therapy.

What exactly is compounding hormone therapy?

  • Compounding pharmacies mix together different formulations of hormones in different quantities, as directed by a practitioner. A good compounding pharmacy will have accreditation, which will regulate its quality, grade and consistency of the medications that are produced. Patients may have to pay out of pocket because insurance may not cover it. But the cost is significantly lower than the out of pocket costs for a prescription.

Why do people choose compounding pharmacies?

Are there any serious risks to using the compounding hormone therapy?

  • No. Compounding pharmacists prepare hormone therapy and if it is prescribed at the proper dose there should not be any increase risks compared to using synthetic hormone therapy.

The Women’s Health Initiative study famously found a link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. It scared a lot of women away from using hormones. Did that study use bio-identical or non-bio-identical hormones?

  • The hormones used in this study were non-bio-identical-also known as a combined conjugated equine estrogen (in part made from horse urine) plus progestin. In women without a uterus, treated with estrogen only was prescribed, despite years of knowing this causes uterine cancer. The group that saw the highest risk of breast cancer was seen in women who were given combined estrogen and progestin therapy.

Is it fair to say, then, that the risks found in the Women’s Health Initiative study may not be the same for bio-identical hormones?

  • The risks are still there. Any hormone therapy–which stimulates cell growth, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies from France actually show a reduced risk of breast cancer in women who use hormone therapy for over 10 years. Proper balance between the hormones helps to reduce this risk factor. Any estrogen used orally can increase the risk for stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Have there been any similar long-term studies done with bio-identical hormones (BHRT)?

  • Yes. There have been long-term studies comparing the bio-identical patch to the oral hormone therapy. Long-term studies in France have shown decreased risks of stroke, breast cancer, and heart disease.

So despite the risks, you still recommend hormone therapy?

  • Yes! We say hormones are helpful at reducing the age related dis-ease that is caused by the fall of hormones. However, we recommend against using oral estrogen therapy and promote topical forms. Not every woman is a candidate for hormone therapy and a knowledgeable health care provider should screen one. There’s no reason to suffer hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, etc. A good health care provider should monitor a woman, so her quality of life can be improved with bioidentical hormone therapy.

With so many people calling themselves “women’s health experts,” how do you know if you have a “good provider”? How do you know whom to trust?

  • Well, if your provider understands bioidentical hormone therapy and has been trained by a credible group such as A4MLabrix, or European Menopause Society is just a few of the qualified agencies.
If you have questions regarding BHRT or your specific hormone therapy please fee free to call Serenity Health Care Center at 262-522-8640, the hormone experts of Wisconsin.

Decrease Blood Pressure With Olive Leaf Extract

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a very accurate predictor of cardiovascular disease the number one killer in America.  Recently the medical community has reduced its recommendation for where blood pressure ratings should be maintained at but the average acceptable range is 140/90 mmHG.

Yet, antiaging groups realize that for every 20/10 mmHG increase above 115/75 mmHG, the cardiovascular disease doubles.

Studies show that of 26 million people revealed a 200-400% higher mortality rate in hypertensive individuals between the ages of 20-49, compared to the general population without hypertension.

If the definition of “high blood pressure” were revised downward to reflect the threat of even moderate hypertension, millions of these lives could have been saved. If one suffers from high blood pressure maturing individuals need to take all necessary steps to bring blood pressure under control, regardless of their doctor’s evaluations.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract has been tested in a double blind placebo controlled trial, reduced systolic blood pressure 11.5 points (mmHG), diastolic blood pressure by 4.8 points and other vascular benefits were seen as well.

The olive fruit (olea europaea) is a core constituent of the Mediterranean diet. This has been documented in the clinical literature. Olive fruit’s are beneficial compounds that include hydroxytyrosol, oleacein, ursolic and oleanic acids. It is actually the oleuropein; found in high concentrations in the leaf of the olive tree, this is what is considered the beneficial effect to decrease blood pressure.

High blood pressure can cause arterial stiffness or decrease elasticity and eventually spreads to larger arteries. Oleuropein has been shown to specifically target arterial resistance and stiffness, improving endothelial function and bringing blood pressure under control.

Traditional medicine protocols include multiple drugs simultaneously to control or decrease blood pressure. While these drug combinations reduce the blood pressure there can be greater numbers of drug-to-drug interactions. Despite a good safety profile, there can be an issue with commercial extracts of oleuropein: they degrade unless processed using precise handling techniques.

Olive leaf extract can help decrease blood pressure and support healthy blood pressure.

If you are currently taking blood pressure medication to control your blood pressure, you should carefully monitor your blood pressure at home with an accurate monitor.

You should have an advanced lipid panel drawn to measure your cholesterol along with an APOe gene type for individualized nutrition.

Olive leaf extract can be taken with traditional medications as long as there you are monitoring your blood pressure daily.

Discuss this with your qualified health care practitioner to get the testing done and if Olive leaf extract is right for you.

Call Serenity Health Care Center today if you have questions about using Olive leaf extract to decrease your blood pressure. 262-522-8640.