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Women’s Thermography Breast Screenings

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Thermography, Women's Health. No Comments on Women’s Thermography Breast Screenings

Breast cancer is most curable when it’s detected in the early stages, so women are eager to find tools to help them in their battle against cancer. 

Women often schedule Thermography, in addition to annual mammograms, to improve their chances of detecting changes in breast tissue.

Serenity is dedicated to breast cancer awareness

We hold breast cancer awareness events regularly. The foundation of our breast cancer awareness protocol is Thermography.

We advocate this harmless technology not only for breast cancer but for the detection of numerous other diseases including heart disease, digestive disorders, arthritis, and diabetes complications.

Breast thermography, when used as part of a woman’s breast cancer awareness program, has many benefits

The benefits are:

  • It helps identify patients who may be at high risk for developing breast cancer – male or female.
  • Breast thermography can increase the effective use of mammography by providing a clinical marker for physicians and radiologists. Thermography identifies a particular breast area that needs closer examination.
  • It benefits younger women who may have dense breast tissue or who may not be receiving mammograms due to current guidelines.
  • No radiation is involved.
  • No contact with your breasts.
  • No risk of torque compression.
  • It’s a low-cost screening procedure.

How accurate is breast screening thermography?

Serenity recommends Thermography or DITI (Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging) in conjunction with mammography. Thermal imaging is non-invasive and is 90% accurate for cancer detection (vs. 75% for traditional mammography). Thermography detects cancer up to 10 years sooner than conventional mammography.

Thermography gives the practitioner a color map of the body’s temperature. Abnormal physiology presents in different colors within the scan. 

Is Thermography as good as mammography?

Breast thermography is an excellent screening tool that women can add to their annual mammograms. Thermography digital imaging technology, has two distinct advantages over other breast cancer screening tools:

1. It is non-invasive

2. It does not emit any harmful radiation

The procedure lasts about fifteen minutes, and no equipment touches the breast. 

Digital infrared thermal imaging effectively detects potential problem areas in breast tissue that may indicate malignancy in the early stages because inflammation is visible prior to disease as the body begins gearing up to fight unwanted cells.

Breast thermography is an FDA-approved procedure that can help visualize and quantify changes in skin temperature. 

If breast thermography detects any suspicious findings, women can alert their physician so that they can pursue further testing and treatment. 

Breast thermography does not take the place of mammography when that test is deemed medically appropriate.

Don’t delay. Book your breast screening now here

How does breast thermography work?

Breast thermography employs digital infrared thermal imaging technology. 

An infrared scanning device, which does not touch the body, measures the skin surface temperature of the breasts. 

The device converts infrared heat that the skin naturally emits into electrical impulses projected on a monitor. As a result, breast thermography maps the body temperature. 

The spectrum of colors on the monitor indicates the amount of infrared heat emitted from the breasts’ surface.

Chest and breast screening of 4 different women and men showing colorful diseases in a thermogram.

Are you under 50? Younger women rely on Breast Thermography screening

Younger women, ages 30 to 50, often have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it difficult for a screening mammogram to detect breast cancer. 

In addition, many physicians do not recommend mammograms for women under 50. So, breast thermography can serve as an early detection and monitoring tool for young women with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

What is the cost of thermography for breasts?

Most of our patients receive a full body Thermography scan because it helps to uncover hidden potential health issues so we can prescribe preventative health measures. 

The technology is ideal for preventative medicine and to identify the underlying cause of your regionalized inflammation, pain or swelling.Breast scans are often coupled with Lymph Enhancement Therapy as an integrative protocol. Depending on the requirements, scans range from around $350 and up, but prices depend on the body surface areas needed. The best way to get an estimate is to call our front desk or drop us an email.

Serenity’s Thermography expertise is available to you in Waukesha, WI

Serenity Health Care Center has the equipment and knowledge available to give our patients cutting-edge Thermography scans. 

Although patients can expect results from their test in 2-3 days, we can sometimes expedite within 24 hours if we see something that needs an urgent diagnosis.

Book a Thermography Scan here

Did you know that it takes 8-10 years of training to read results accurately?

from top left a thermogram of normal breasts, followed by an inflammatory breast cancer, followed by estrogen dominance thermogram, followed by an Inmune dysfunction thermogram, followed by a photo of male breast cancer and n the bottom left a thermogram of shoulder pain.

Serenity Health Care Center works with certified experts to perform this excellent diagnostic, and prognostic testing with trustworthy result interpretations.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, breast thermography allows us to:

  • Detect and monitor abnormal physiology
  • Establish risk factors for developing breast disorders
  • Detect early indications that breast cancer may be present

If you want to know more about Thermography and its benefits visit our Medicine Thermography page

Call 262.522.8640 today to schedule your Thermogram scan with the professionals at Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha

Lyme Disease Treatment and Symptoms

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Lyme Disease Treatment and Symptoms

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.

Overcome Guilt and Reclaim Your Life

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in The Dark Side of Injury. No Comments on Overcome Guilt and Reclaim Your Life

Guilt is an emotion that can paralyze us if we allow it. Most of us feel guilty when we feel that we’ve made the wrong

"The Dark Side of Injury" Offers Resources for Worker's Comp
“The Dark Side of Injury” Offers Resources for Worker’s Com

decision or fail to meet our standards. Sometimes, it’s not rational to feel guilty because the outcome was out of our control. Yet, we still focus on our guilt. Here are some steps to help you overcome guilt—and use it as a springboard for action.

Complete Control Isn’t Possible. Multiple variables play into every decision we make. When my husband was injured, there was a lot of input that went into the decision for him to have surgery. Yet, the outcome wasn’t what we expected because control shifted to the surgeon during surgery. I had to learn to accept that I made the best decision possible with the input I had—and let go of my guilt. It was important for me to overcome guilt feelings. You can read more about how I refocused my guilt to take positive actions in my book, “The Dark Side of Injury.”

Perfection Doesn’t Exist. No matter how hard we strive, perfection is unattainable. If that’s your goal in your life or a game, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Given any situation, we all can make the wrong decision based on the information we have at hand. Think about it. I’ve done it, and you have too. The key is to recognize your mistake, take corrective actions and learn from it. Stop beating yourself up over something that is just part of life.

Repair the Damage. If you’re feeling guilty about making a tactless remark or an action that hurt someone, that can be productive guilt. Own up to your mistake and apologize. Then, take steps to overcome guilt feelings so you can move on. Productive guilt helps us grow and become better people because we learn from our mistakes. We learn to apologize, forgive others, and most importantly, to forgive ourselves. Learning to repair the damage and moving on is one of the key lessons of life.

When you’ve been through emotional turmoil, it’s difficult to let go of your guilt and start living again. But, you must overcome guilt to maintain your sanity.

Do you need help to let go of your guilt and jump start your life? Follow my journey or get helpful tools and checklists in my book, “The Dark Side of Injury.”

5 Diet Changes that Can Improve Your Life

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on 5 Diet Changes that Can Improve Your Life

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.

Checklist for Doctor’s Appointment

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, The Dark Side of Injury. No Comments on Checklist for Doctor’s Appointment

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
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.

    Dr. Muth interviewed for US News & World Report

    Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in In The News. No Comments on Dr. Muth interviewed for US News & World Report

    Dr. Muth interviewed for US News & World Report, “5 Ways to Mitigate the Financial Downside of a Disability”
    by Kimberly Palmer, May 13, 2015.

    Whether you were injured on the job or fell ill, you can reduce the money stress your family will face. Read Dr. Muth’s recommendations to protect your family from experiencing the financial stress that the Muths did in the wake of a disability.

    Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain

    Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Chiropractic Care. No Comments on Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain is a health issue for 100 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Two-thirds of these people suffer from moderate to severe pain that interferes with their daily lives. In addition leaving you feeling foggy and disconnected, pain medications often interfere or create additional health issues. This is why more and more people turn to chiropractic care for chronic pain.

    Chiropractic care for chronic pain is effective

    What is Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain?

    Acute pain is normal for injuries and soft tissue damage. This type of pain lessens and disappears as the underlying cause heals. Chronic pain is very different from acute pain. Chronic pain often last for months or throughout your lifetime. Moderate to debilitating chronic pain characterizes diseases such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, spinal stenosis, migraines and many other health conditions. Old injuries and aging can also result in chronic pain. Other times, the origin of the pain isn’t known. However, chronic pain prevents sufferers from participating in many day-to-day activities that most of us take for granted.

    Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain

    Many studies, including one funded by NIH, have shown that chiropractic treatment is effective for pain management. Due to extensive musculoskeletal training, a chiropractor can identify abnormal movement patterns and irregular functions. A treatment plan for chronic pain goes beyond manual adjustments to correct misalignment. Chiropractic care for chronic pain is a customized program that may include regular treatments, exercises, supplements and nutrition. Because the treatment plan is tailored for your condition, it also addresses nerve, muscle and organ dysfunction to reduce and manage chronic pain. For more information on how chiropractic care for chronic pain, read our article, “Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic Care”.

    Living with Chronic Pain

    Foods play a major role in chronic pain. Some foods exacerbate pain, and others have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain. Staying hydrated and following a diet free of processed and “trigger” foods can help manage chronic pain. At Serenity Health, we’ve found that leafy greens, asparagus, low-sugar fruits and soy products often help reduce inflammation that leads to pain. Foods that can instigate inflammation include dairy, chocolate, wheat, tomatoes, red wine, coffee and soda.

    If you face daily pain, it’s time to improve your quality of life. Contact Serenity Health for a customized plan for chronic pain. You can manage your pain and return to the life you once knew.

    Choosing a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

    Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, The Dark Side of Injury. No Comments on Choosing a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

    Do your homework if you’ve been injured at work and need a worker’s compensation lawyer. You need someone who has experience in your specific situation. An attorney with expertise in worker’s compensation in your state. Referrals are a great place to start your research. Just keep in mind that the attorney you need is usually not the lawyer who did your will or documents for your friend’s business.

    Research Before Choosing a Worker's Compensation Lawyer
    Research Before Choosing a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

    One chapter of my book, The Dark Side of Injury, is dedicated to the pros and cons of working with an attorney. Engaging a worker’s compensation lawyer changes your relationship with your employer. However, some circumstances require the help of an attorney to resolve.  Some of these are:

    • The insurance carrier denies your worker’s compensation claim
    • Your employer fires you after you file a worker’s comp claim
    • Your employer takes disciplinary action against you after you file a worker’s comp claim
    • You don’t receive the correct payment amount from the worker’s comp insurance

    I recommend starting your attorney research with your state’s Department of Licensing. Consultations with an attorney are usually free, so take the time to interview several experienced worker’s compensation lawyers. Ask about past cases, outcomes and fees. It’s also important to ask if his/her personal network includes experts who may be applicable to your situation.  There’s a checklist in my book to help you develop a list of questions when you interview an attorney.

    You’ll want to keep a detailed log of your attorney visits. I repeat this in every blog because it is so important. Working through the worker’s compensation system takes time, and there’s no way to remember all the dates and specifics without a detailed log.

    Check out my book, The Dark Side of Injury, for more checklists and tools to help you work with a worker’s compensation lawyer. I wish you the best possible outcome on your worker’s compensation journey.

    The Dark Side of Injury Offers Resources to Navigate Worker’s Compensation

    Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on The Dark Side of Injury Offers Resources to Navigate Worker’s Compensation

    I just launched my new book, The Dark Side of Injury. Navigating the worker’s compensation system requires more than a map. You need a step-by-step guide with resources for worker’s comp to see you through. The Dark Side of Injury offers resources to help you navigate through the system.

    "The Dark Side of Injury" Offers Resources for Worker's Comp
    “The Dark Side of Injury” Offers Resources for Worker’s Comp

    Too many times, news is about people who are trying to “beat the system”. Get rich schemes make news. What doesn’t make the news is the hardship that many people endure due to a work-related injury. For most, it’s a matter of finding effective treatment and staying financially afloat.

    When personal injury strikes at work, it can change your life forever. Medical treatment alone can financially wipe you out! I personally experienced the worker’s compensation system, and that’s where my story begins.

    I had to navigate this system when my husband injured his back at work. After his injury, our family learned many lessons about the American legal and worker’s compensation systems. As a medical provider myself, I thought I knew the nuances of these systems. Nothing could be further from the truth! You need resources for worker’s comp.

    Initially, I started writing my book, The Dark Side of Injury, because I was angry and hurt. Many fraudulent acts deserved to be exposed. Reliving my experiences through writing the book has been healing. Now, my objective is to provide resources for worker’s  comp and tools to help others (business owners, families and individuals) who must deal with these systems.

    The book includes my personal experiences, checklists, how-to guides and other resources for worker’s comp. Knowing what to do and where to go is a tremendous help as you navigate the systems of work-related injuries, malpractice and the associated legal world. 

    If you or someone you know is fighting an uphill worker’s compensation or legal battle, The Dark Side of Injury book will answer many of your questions. Information on how to find a competent doctor and attorney is vital to your health and financial stability. Plus, tips on navigating the legal and worker’s compensation system offer new insight into those murky areas.

    As someone who has walked miles in your shoes, I understand your frustration and despair. My wish is that you let my experience, told in The Dark Side of Injury, help you and your loved ones through this difficult time. ~Debra Muth, ND, WHNP, APNP, BAAHP

    A burden that is yours to Lose…Uncommon Factors That Hinder Weight Loss

    Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Articles, Weight Loss. No Comments on A burden that is yours to Lose…Uncommon Factors That Hinder Weight Loss

    The goal for the New Year is to create a new you. We all have goals and areas of our lives that need to be improved. Often the New Year is the time of the year a majority of Americans uses to examine their lives and set goals. Whether it is work related, home life or other areas many resolutions and goals are often set.

    With this evaluation, time comes a frequently asked question, “am I happy with my current health?” In this discussion, we often come back to the subject of weight. Why is it we take this evaluation, make a complex issue, and “scale” it back to a number that stares up at us when we get on a scale? It is not that simple, just put “weight loss” into any search engine in the Internet! When I did this, I had 350,000,000 results in 0.49 seconds! If losing weight were as simple as eating less and exercising more, I would have some people in my practice ecstatic, because they are faithfully doing this but can’t see a return. Why would that be? Let’s first explore the current beliefs about weight.

    Common factors that most people know which contribute to weight gain include:

    • Eating too many calories
    • Getting too little exercise
    • Genetics and family history
    • Some medication
    • Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as skipping breakfast and not getting enough sleep.

    Our beliefs around weight needs be expanded further and in doing that we begin to understand there are other factors, which contribute to weight gain. A successful weight loss program is formulated when the uncommonly thought off factors s to weight gain are addressed.

    What is Body Composition?

    At Serenity Healthcare Center’s clinical experience, we have seen the following uncommonly thought of factors that have contributed to our patient’s weight gain and lack of success when following all rules of diet and exercise:

    • Toxic exposure
    • Delayed food allergies
    • Consuming foods high in Glycemic value
    • Hormone imbalance
    • Poor adrenal function
    • Chronic infection
    • Thyroid imbalance and gastrointestinal dysbiosis

    Our clinical experience demonstrates that these factors can contribute to weight. By looking at some of these underlying issues and addressing them, weight loss is easier to obtain.

    Furthermore, the environment we live in exposes us too many chemicals that our body has to deal with. If our process of detoxification is not efficient in eliminating toxins, these harmful toxins can be stored in our fat tissue. If the fat tissue starts to break up with weight loss, the body does not want to deal with this load; weight loss can stall until this is addressed. We also see success with the supporting the genetics of detox. A gene called MTHFR plays a role in not only detox but also how we metabolize medications.

    Delayed food allergies play a big role in the ability to lose weight. If a food that causes inflammation, irritation is consumed on a “special diet” to lose weight and your body can’t properly break this down this will also imped your progress.

    Hormone imbalance is also a role.

    Poor adrenal function impacts our base metabolic rate and by using adaptogens and adrenal support products energy and focus improve along with adjusting your metabolic weight. When the adrenals are not functioning this can contribute to poor sleep at night as well. The thyroid gland also plays a big role in the metabolic set point of our body. If the thyroid is not properly supported or sluggish, this contributes to inability to lose weight.

    Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation as we can you help you achieve your health and weight loss goals.