AUGUST 31, 2012 IDENTIFY YOUR SPIDERS

"You cannot control the results, onlu your actions " - Allan Lokos
Thge outcome is not yours, the action only belongs to you. It would be great if every action yielded the right outcome for yourself. But it doesn't work that way. I feel if to the best of your ability to take the action, the best result will be yielded. It is a virtue of patience and acceptance. Acceptance is the key



Spiders evoke a combination of curiosity and horror in people of all ages. Spiders’ seeming ability to appear suddenly out of nowhere on their fine silk lines can startle anyone. But their frightening reputation is largely undeserved. Spiders are amazing creatures! Like the honeybee I find spiders to be fascinating. It is true their home is not as unique as the honeybee's, but you have to love them for being 'loners'. I now understand why my mentor/colleague, 7 song loves insects. How could you not --- if you love plants (botany) you will have to eventually learn to love insects. These are the Natural Pollinators and always serve a symbiotic relationship within your garden.

 While walking through the forest a patient of mine walked through a large spider web he did not initially see.  He was stung by something on his right cheek, just below his eye.  He at first thought, it was a hornet sting, but then as he pulled the torn web off his face, an orb spider escaped.   He headed home and put baking soda on the wound. Since he is allergic to Yellow Jacket stings he had  Epinephrine for injection, but since there was no difficulty breathing, he had Diphenhydramine 25 mg. (Benadryl in the US and Canada). Until it became clear that it was swelling, he took the Benadryl. He had to take a second dose.

When you think of spiders you always think of the Black Widow or the Brown Recluse spider. As a previous volunteer physician on Fire Island, I witnessed first hand the effects of spider bites. For many it was a painful bite that required hydration and intravenous antibiotics. I was very careful to treat these infections as a spider bite can result in severe cellulitis. I know that two spider bite victims died from the toxins one to two weeks later.  I do not think the North Eastern United States worries about spider bites, nor do the residents of Fire Island. For years, the Island, as well as other areas in the North East, such as Connecticut, Upstate New York and Pennsylvania have been preoccupied with the Lyme Tick. And yes, it is true that we have epidemic numbers of Chronic Persistent Lyme Disorder.

There are one to two spiders that have been present on Fire Island, which can have harmful bites. These are the Wolf Spider and  the Recluse Spider. (not photographed). The Wolf Spiders are members of the family Lycosidae (the word lyco means wolf). These are robust spiders and have excellent eyesight. You can often see a Wolf Spider carrying eggs by attaching them to their body. These spiders are capable of defensive bites and can cause necrotic areas which I have seen in  Fire Island.. Some others of this family of spiders in other countries can be deadly. They are definitely present in the wet coastal area of Fire Island. It is said that the only other spider that has any chance at causing medical complications in North America is the Black Widow (female, male is harmless), certain Funnel-Webs, and the Recluse. I disagree with this as I have seen Wolf Spiders in NY. I have never seen a Mouse Spider however, although some state these spiders are present in NYS. All of them have a less than 1% fatality rate and less than 10% of bites need any medical attention.


Perhaps we have more Brown Recluse Spiders than what we are lead to believe. For those living in rural wooded area, or vacationing in Fire Island:

The "typical" Orb-Weaver Spiders (family Araneidae) are the most common group of builders of spiral wheel-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests. Their common name is taken from the round shape of this typical web, and the taxon was formerly also referred to as the Orbiculariae. These are very common, make beautiful webs but cause no harm if you are bitten.
I would check out , the Spiders of New York to try to identify spiders in your area. The web site is
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/commonspiders.pdf

Until tomorrow...

Photo credit: 7 song
Top to Bottom: 1. Wolf spider; 2. Golden rod crab spider; 3. Banded spider; 4. Orb spider

AUGUST 30, 2012 ACHES AND PAINS

Copying something is a form of flattery.  I couldn't resist. It describes where we all will be at one time in our lives. It is refreshing. I can understand and accept what is written. I am tired of drama, character assassination (gossip), white lies, anger, and unhappiness. "Why Was I Born" is an old song. I listened to it this morning,. I was born into this G.O.D. chosen profession to heal. And that's what I am going to do. But first, I must always use one hand to heal myself. Healing myself is re- reading this letter. Life is too short. Unfortunately I have seen it firsthand and on a daily basis discuss at least one disease which is life threatening to a patient. Garbo may have it right: "I want to be alone", but I'd rather be saying
"Dust yourself off, pick yourself up and start all over again."


Who doesn't suffer from aches and pains ? We all do at one time in our life. Whether it is a neck sprain, a back ache or some muscle inflammation. For most of America it is so easy to buy over-the-counter (OTC) remedies as Motrin, Naprosyn or Alleve. For others it is easier to call their doctor and get a prescription for another non steroidal, as Meloxicam (also known as Mobic).  There is an easier approach. First is to change to an anti-inflammatory diet. This includes few, if any processed carbohydrates, as breads and pastas. It has less high glycemic (high sugar) fruits and vegetables. It also means less red meat. This is not a diet but rather a dietary lifestyle.
The second step is to start to exercise a little more. Move those muscles. Walk to work or walk to the nearest train station. If you drive to work, then walk outside during your lunch break if weather is permitting. It means stop being a couch potato at your work desk. It means you need to be motivated. This is a lifestyle change.

The third step is to investigate supplements and herbs that are used against inflammation . These might include Omega 3 fish oils, Primrose oils, MSM, Proteolytic enzymes , and Cetylmyistolate. The herbs that might be helpful for your aches and pains include Ginger, Turmeric and Boswellia. You might be saying Boswellia what? It is a common herb that many do not use because few know anything about it. There is lots of information on Boswellia. Boswellia serata is derived from a tree that grows in a dry climate such as in India. An exudate in the plant is called Oleogum resin . This resin is used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is called Salai Guggal.

Boswellia does reduce joint pain and swelling. It is a non-steroidal. I feel it especially works on joint flexibility. The acids within the compound are great for protecting the joint connective tissue. There are no side effects from Boswellia. It is catching on as the studies now indicate that this herb is great for arthritis.  Studies did compare Boswellia to a well known anti inflammatory called Ketoprofen. Boswellia was found to improve blood supply to the affected areas which is vital. It has been used in rheumatoid arthritis. This past Monday I saw a woman with new onset mild rheumatoid arthritis.  She already has been prescribed steroids and now Plaquenil. There was no discussion from the rheumatologist as to decrease the patients gluten products. Since she did feel better off gluten ( 80% of all autoimmune diseases do better without gluten), Boswellia would be an excellent choice for such a patient with no side effects or interactions with her conventional methods.  The action of Boswellia is similar to non steroidal anti inflammatory conventional drugs.

So wouldn't you rather take an herb rather than a drug? I know I would and I DO! Oh yes, I forget the most important aspect of Boswellia versus a non steroidal. The non steroidals as Motrin and Alleve are prone to cause gastric ulcer bleeding.

NOT WITH BOSWELLIA !

Until tomorrow....

AUGUST 28, 2012 WALKING SPEED

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself. - Confucius

There are many quotes about walking and even more about friends.  I like this one the best because I can learn from it. So can you...

Walking is the simplest form of exercise. In New York City there are many options - yellow cabs, buses and subways. The easiest way and most beneficial for you is to walk from one destination to the next.
We do have studies that reflect that thirty ( 30 minutes of walking), three times a week can decrease cardiovascular mortality by 38 %.

In a recent study published in Neurology (2012; 78; 1946-1952) , slower walking speed int he elderly was associated with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI)
 I found this study to be very interesting and informative. Non amnestic mild cognitive impairment was characterized by the following: 1. language impairment; 2. visuopartial impairment; 3. attention; 4. other impairments other than memory. It was a small study population, but results were consistent.
Over a period of three year follow-up, the subjects with non amnestic mild cognitive impairment naMCI) were nine times more likely to have  a SLOW average weekly walking speed

I thoguht about this . Older individuals do walk slower sometimes due to joint pain, spinal disease and most importantly, diabetes. Diabetes does accelerate the aging process. It has been studied that rapid decline in cognitive function is seen in the severe diabetic patients.

For those age 70 years and older, start to walk at a faster 'clip' or 'pace' It can save your mind....

AUGUST 27, 2012 PAIN IN THE A**

You fear you are not alone. But it is the center of divine love that is manifesting in your heart as the craving for resilience., The emotional pain you feel contains the see of all your answers you are seeking.: wisdom beyond that which logic and rational thought could produce, resources you did not know you had. As the initial impact of what has happened to you recedes, you begin to find opportunities to nurture your spirit at the deepest level. Cultivate within yourself qualities of character such as strength, faith and perseverance, and you will fortify yourself for the greater role you are being prepared to play in the world.

Thank you God for the answer to my morning prayers - PMF


ANORECTAL COMPLAINTS are frequently encountered in many doctor's office. Mine is no exception. Most of these complaints can be managed in the office. Some do need further testing, and some do require other health care providers. The most common diagnosis is hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These can occur in both men and women. Other complaints are anorectal abscesses, rectal prolapse, anal masses/rectal carcinoma and even fistulas. These must be seen by a surgeon.

A detailed history needs to be taken. There might be some questions you might not be comfortable answering, but you should answer. First of all you should feel comfortable to ask your doctor anything. If you are a gay male, you might be more comfortable with a gay male physician. You should be able to discuss your sexual practices. The physician should be comfortable in asking a heterosexual individual or couple about if anal sexual activity takes place. It is very common among heterosexuals but no one discusses this entity. I always ask these questions. I always ask about dietary habits ( ex: i ask what the patient eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner) I ask about alcohol use. I ask about intake of fiber, salads, use of enemas, and intake of nuts/seeds.

I ask about travel history as anal problems, especially itching can be the first sign of a parasite. This is especially common in pin worms and whip worms. In order to fully exam the anal area the patient should be placed in prone jackknife or left lateral knee to chest position. This is called the Simm position. This is best way for any physician to examine the anal area.

Yes inspection, palpation and examination of the anal area is neither pleasant for you or the doctor but it should be done

For the simple hemorrhoid, there are anesthetic preparations, lidocaine derivatives and even calcium channel blockers as .2% ointment or diltizem 2% gel) I often utilize sitz baths, witch hazel and a homeopathic haemorrhoid cream

For any anal rectal problems please consult your physician .

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 25, 2012 IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR - 1956

June 10 – 1956 Summer Olympics: Equestrian events open in Stockholm, Sweden (all other events are held in November in Melbourne, Australia).

June 28 -The film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, is released only a few months after the film version of R&H's Carousel


August 25, 1956 - Frederick Ellis Byrd was born to Frederick Byrd Sr and Nancy Walker Byrd in Suffolk VA

September 9 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.


October 8 – Baseball pitcher Don Larsen of the New York Yankees throws the only perfect game in World Series history in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers

November 3 – MGM's film The Wizard of Oz makes its TV debut on the CBS network. This marks the first time a major Hollywood film running more than ninety minutes is televised uncut in one evening.


1956. What a year ! It is followed by Disneyland opening in Anaheim, California in 1955. June 1956 was exciting , but the real news story was today - August 25, 1956. He was a born natural teacher from an early age.  From a great Suffolk Education to a Christian College to a PhD in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to the Big Apple. His dream of working in a corner office of a large well-known corpotationon , McGraw Hill a high floor in New York City comes true.

These words were sung by famous singer, Cory Daye in 2006 and always are reiterated in my mind,
For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long

For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of

Long before I knew

Oooh Someone warm like you

Would make my dream come true .....

Happiness-Yes. Perfection - No, over rated;  In love - Yes.. A life beyond my wildest dreams- An outstanding Yes.
To this day, " I love Lucy' is part of our life. The beginning of Rick's 56th year will be celebrated in Lucy's hometown of Jamestown, NY. We are having a ROAD TRIP--- I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day and an evening with the man I love.
Happy Birthday, Husband

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 24, 2012 WHAT DOES 'SENSITIVE' MEAN ?

As we were walking in Cherry Grove this past weekend we came upon a house that has turned the ' Gay Rainbow' flag into something noteworthy of art. This must have been this persons hobby for the week. We thought it clever and creative. As we continued to walk , my mind began to think about the word, " GAY' and its many definitions. It also made me think of how cruel other individuals can be in this world.

Gay traditionally means "happy" but in Modern English it also means homosexual. This meaning is more common now. The term was originally used to refer to feelings of being 'carefree', 'happy' or bright and showy' As early as 1637 he had connotations of being immoral. The word "gay" describes a person who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex instead of the opposite sex. They may also be romantically interested in people of the same sex. This means males who like other males or females who like other females. The word homosexual comes from the Ancient Greek word homos, meaning "same", and sexus, the Latin word for "gender". People usually use the word "gay" instead of "homosexual". The word heterosexual comes from the Greek word heteros, meaning "different", and sexus, the Latin word for "gender". The word "straight" is used more often than "heterosexual" when talking about people who are attracted to the opposite sex. Sometimes an individual might refer to an inanimate object and state " That's so gay" In this usage it does not refer to a homosexual, but instead meaning rubbish or stupid.

Most gay individuals whether male or female can certainly remember days when he/she was called 'other names. Some of these names were not pleasant, nor kind to say the least. To this day, gay harassment still exists. The word ' gay' can also refer to weakness or unmanliness.

On our ride home from Cherry Grove last weekend, two lesbians and two homosexuals were discussing the word SENSITIVE. I grew up with family members/ friends stating  " I was sensitive"  For example, " He is a sensitive child."  What does that mean? My father used to say, " Everything bothers you, you are sensitive just like your mother !"
As we discussed in traffic on the large parking lot, - the Long Island Expressway, we each had our own opinion of  ' sensitive'  Two Italians in the car, one female and one male thought it could be ' an Italian thing' . I think not. The other two passengers , one German and one Ango Saxon ( from the South) were also called 'sensitive'
So what if I am sensitive . It might mean I care. In all these years I have turned a negative connotation into a positive connotation. Sensitive could mean Happy, Joyous and Free. It could mean for me caring about life.
Unfortunately, some of us have scars, although distant,  from the ' name calling'
Here are some examples:

•ARSE BANDIT

•BATTY MAN
•BATTYBOY
•BENDER
•BULLER
•FAGGOT
  GENDER BENDER
•HOMO
•MOX
•POOF
 POOF TA
•QUEEN
•QUEER
•YAOI
•YURI


There are many teenagers suicide due to the above name calling and bullying. Our son, Gregory wrote the following and posted it on facebook in dedication to young gay youths He stated  " I dedicate the above lyrics to LGBTQ youth that have been bullied and/or have committed or have contemplated suicide. Life is too precious to let others choose your fate "

  .Beautiful Kids by Gregory Patrick
   copyright August 2012


How could you even dare
Think no one would care
If you weren't here
If you disappeared

How could you even try
To dream of the day you die
When you drift away
And loved ones pray

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through
How could they even dare
Push you without a care
As if you weren't real
As if you didn't feel

To laugh as you start to cry
When you fall down
A broken crown

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through

Take a breathe and let it out
Punch the walls, scream and shout
It's okay to cry (It's okay to cry)

Sit back down and shred the note
Kill the pain that you wrote
It's okay to cry (It's okay to cry)

Beautiful boy
Don't pull the trigger
Don't let that thought linger
You have a world in front of you

Beautiful girl
Please don't kick the chair
Please know life isn't fair
But you'll soon see this through
It's okay to cry
It's okay to cry

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 23, 2012 THE FORGOTTEN VITAMIN

" Our spiritual task is to become less rigid in our attachments and more accepting of the flow of life."

Life will go on whether you want it to or not. This is the flow of life. It is but a tangled ball of yarn or thread with many twists and turns as many of us sometimes learn. My spiritual task growing up was rigid. It was a tightly wound ball of yarn. It was stand up, sit down, on your knees. It was reciting verses and prayers, and of course confessions. At that time in my life it was possibly what I needed. I do not need a rigid schedule at this time in my life. I certainly appreciate the pomp and circumstance and the ceremonial masses. I especially thrive in the history of the Catholic Church. But do I need to be spiritual in a church. I can be spiritual in a synagogue, a church, a park and on the beach. I could be spiritual in the woods among the trees, which in itself are spiritual.
HUG  A TREE TODAY !




In the last few years, Vitamin E has been bashed, rehashed and spit out of many mouths. This is not fair. I do highly regard the studies that have been done. As many studies there are on the benefits of Vitamin E, I can cite those studies that have negative effects of Vitamin E.

Vitamin E is not just a single compound., It is composed of a family of eight similar compounds, There is much known about Vitamin E as compared to when I was in medical school , a mere 25 years ago.
The alpha tocopherol Vitamin E has fallen from the sky as a crashing comet, but you must give credit to the other compounds, especially tocotrienol. This is the lesser known Vitamin E. There are great studies on this type for cardiovascular disease, and now I look forward to the new studies for cancer therapies.

For one the tocotrienols have a different chemical structure and there is a wider range of cell membrane coverage versus the alpha tocopherol group. The other fact which I find the most important is the superiority of the antioxidant effect for the tocotrienols as compared to the alpha tocopherols.

There are many more pathways that are activated by the tocotrienols. Due to this fact alone, there will be in the future more cancer prevention and cancer therapies studied for the tocotrienols. This group has repeatedly in studies been shown to inhibit cancer cells. This is not true of the alpha tocopherols. Astonishing a third of all the research on Vitamin E has been published in the last 3 years, even though there are studies dating back to the 1970's on Vitamin E

For those who take Vitamin E ...take a mixed tocotrienols. Do not take one specific Vitamin E as alpha tocopherols.  You must move with the times. You must be well informed.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 22, 2012 DO VITAMINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE ?

" If you show up for yourself in your life, the universe will show up for you. "

I show up today. I sometimes, not always showed up in the past. I am a responsible human being today. I am the man I always wanted to be be. I still have character defects or personality traits that I continually work on for change, but I like...no, I love myself.  I know if I show up, the universe will show up. I have that belief. I know if I " put out" good energy to the universe, it wil be returned. This is karmic energy...

Show up for YOU today....

It is hard for me to read and listen to individuals stating vitamins do not make a difference. I have been studying, researching and using vitamins in my medical practice for my entire career. I was fortunate to work with a diet/vitamin guru, the late Robert Atkins, MD Through those years and our countless radio shows together, I had the pleasure to meet the most well respected and knowledgeable men and women in the integrative world. All had a favorite vitamin or supplement. As a registered herbalist, I can now extend my knowledge base to herbs. Vitamin supplementation and herbs do make a difference.

As physicians we focus on our particular specialty ( my specialty is Cardiology). I do that also, but I extend my specialities to Internal Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Integrative Medicine and Herbal ( Botanical ) Medicine. My goal is to help the individual using all modalities of medicine. If I do not know how to practice a specific modality, I refer the patient to that particular modality whether acupuncture, Chinese herbology and energy medicine. It is the same as if an internist doe snot practice a specific modality, he .she refers out to gastroenterology, cardiology and neurology.

Recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a double blind study was performed on 900 men and women with psychological stress. Some were assigned to receive folic acid and B12 or placebo. Cognitive function improved in both groups, but improvement was significantly greater in the vitamin group after 24 months. This is not new to me. It has been shown in many studies that B supplementation is needed in the elderly. This study group used only 400 micrograms of folic acid and only 100 micrograms of B12. I use doses much higher than that.

In the last three weeks I saw one of my nonagenarian patients start to decline. His will to life was gone and he was what I call, " Failure to Thrive" In addition to giving him some salt in an intravenous bag, I decided to try to give him a boost of intravenous vitamins containing all the B vitamins, zinc,m selenium , copper and much more. This past Friday, he came to the office.This was a dramatic change. He was smiling and sitting upright.He was not slumping in his chair, nor was he speechless. he was waving and talking. This is not a miracle. This is addressing the patients needs. This is asking about his home diet and his supplements. This is caring .....

This is why I love the medicine I practice !

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 21, 2012 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private”  - Dalai Lama

Awareness. It is our diamond concealed within ourselves. We each have our own awareness. For some of us it is heightened, and for our it is dull. Some individuals are not aware of the harm they inflict. It is only found out years later in therapy. Some have no awareness of the role he/she plays in the scheme of life.
Then there are also some individuals who are clueless for they know no other way to conduct life. These few are stagnant. Their lake is still, there are no mosquitoes and no noise. These individuals have never traveled outside their small world of comfort. They know no better. For these individuals we pray and meditate for a better world for them. 


It is all about location. New parents all want to find the best location for a house depending on the school district. I picked a location for our medical office to be nearby subways and buses for most of our patients.
I used to think the location of a Cherry Grove home on Fire Island would not matter. Is it at the west end? or  the east end ? I now think it it isn't the house location that matters but rather the individuals on the specific boardwalk

 I do the same for planting indoors for house plants. There are some that grow better in north windows rather than the south windows. The North windows receive no direct sun--but if unobstructed, they do receive good, bright light. Plants grown in a shaded north window during the winter months would appreciate extra light. If you pick a plant for the north light be sure to notice that the variegated leaves require more light than the strictly green leaves. Some good Northern light plants include the Prayer Plant ( Maranta leuconeura), Philodendron ( Philodendron hederaceum) and the fig ( Ficus pumilla)

I prefer the east and west windows for growing most houseplants. Did you ever notice that the east tends to be colder than thew west ?  Rick especially loves growing Bromeliad ( Bromeliacea). Do I even consider them plants ? I guess so. I thought he would grow the Norfolk Island Pine since he was born in Suffolk, Virgina. I used to love growing African violets ( Saintpaulia) and Rubber Plants ( Ficus elastica)

And then there is the South Window. This window receives the most light. I prefer the light for many things. The sun, the praying and the meditating. Sometimes this light is too bright for even the hardiest of houseplants. There are South window plants that do grow well. These are the Germanium ( Pelargonium) , Ivy ( Hedera helix) , Passion Flower ( Passiflora incarnata) and the Jade Plant ( Crassula argentea)

Have fun growing indoors this year.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 20, 2012 RUNNING PERFORMANCE

" Friends are people who help you be more yourself, more the person you are intended to be." -Merle Shain

I would be first to admit that it sounds so 'pollyanna' but so true. The problem I find is finding those friends. I know the person I want to be. I want to help, care and change individuals lives. I find it difficult when I get disappointed in doing that. I do not mean that every patient has to be 'perfect' I realize there is no perfection. In my lifetime I can only count on one hand those friends that have fit the quote. One of the those friends is my closest friend/husband Rick. The other is a dear friend for more than 18 years.
How many friends do you have that want you to be the ' person you are intended to be ' ?

 I have to say and admit  that on a continual basis, to the best of my ability, I am trying to 'let go' of resentments and anger. I am grateful that I can admit such a defect.
We all have these defects. Life is but a ball of yarn ( or also in my case-threads)

What can improve your running performance ? When I first thought about this , I would say more discipline and training can improve your running. In the last week I have met three new individuals who will be running in the New York City Marathon. Our own nurse practitioner, Casey, ran the recent Boston Marathon. . Another new patient ran the last San Francisco Marathon.

A recent study published revealed that Beetroot ( Beta vulgaris).  It is also known as the table beet, garden beet or red beet. I know it simply at the beet. Although there are many varieties of beets, the version, Beta vulgaris is the most common known.This study showed that beets  improved running performance in fit men and women.

 Why is this ? Beetroot contains nitrates which has shown to increase running performance. It was a small double blind trial of 11 fit men and women. Runners ingested 200 grams of beetroot with 500mg of nitrates.

It was concluded that ingestion of whole beetroot which is nitrate rich improved running performance. There has always been a conflict whether nitrate containing foods are not good for running or exercise, this is the exact opposite outcome.

So what should you runners do ?

For those seeking performance benefits - obtain nitrates from whole vegetables such as beetroot.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 17, 2012 BLOGGING: A HOBBY?

" Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought."

" Happiness is the delicate balance  of what one is and what one has." - FH Denison

" The surest way to happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself."

What is your definition of happiness ? Happiness is smelling the first morning dew of the first spring rain. Happiness for me is doing a hobby. I have many hobbies which many I have written about. One of my hobbies is writing this blog. It is now part of my life. I try to write every day. This is happiness to me.  Hobbies can be addictive if not properly timed or scheduled. I had difficulty with needle point, as I love it so much that this art has been an addiction., When Rick realized it, I quickly found different hobbies. As I discuss rotating your foods in your diet --you should rotate your hobbies. I am sure some consider reading, or learning a language as a hobby. I feel a hobby should be creative. It should be a hobby that uses your hands. If you cannot think of one- start by visiting a museum per week, or re learning to play a musical instrument. I feel it should be the reawakening of the boy/girl within yourself.

I hope this blog has been inspirational to some. I hope you have developed a hobby or interest as part of your daily life which can boost your self esteem. I love all the above quotes. To lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself is a way to boost your esteem and can lead to happiness. It can also be the beginning of saving Earth Mother. One of my greatest hobbies has been Bee Keeping. It has now become a passion.

If I would blog about The Savage Garden , what would you think it would be about.? It could be about the Fire Island gay community- Cherry Grove and The Pines, or the wild plants on our terrace , or about carnivorous plants as Pitcher Plants and Venus Fly Traps. This is why I love writing.

Some of the Hobbies I have written about and done include:

1. Needlepoint work- cross stitch/bargello
2. Knitting
3. Card Making
4. Origami
5. Ceramics
6. Bee Keeping
7. Antique Hunting
8. Graveyard findings in your neighborhoods
9. Stained glass art
10. Legos
11. Jigsaw Puzzles
12. Making Plant Medicine
13. Candle Making
14. Plants

and many more...
Tell me your hobby
Photo credit: Rick Byrd : Patrick's hobbies

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 16, 2012 MEN'S HEALTH

" Be grateful for the gift of another day and live it creatively and respectfully."

Every single moment is a gift. I do not think most of us realize this. There are two sides to my G.O.D. chosen proifession- fortunately I am able to help people, and unfortunately sometimes I help but he/she will leave the earth. I get saddened. I get close to my patients. Some I have known for my entire medical career. I have been fortunate to know patients that have reached a century mark. I find this most amazing. I am grateful to have been a small part in their 100 years. Be grateful and blessed for what you have. Some do not have 1/10 of what you have. I am a blessed and grateful man.




There are many male health  issues. Some men worry about some more than others. In the younger male, there is acne; in the teenage/young adult years there is possible a hydrocele, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. In ages 30-40 there is possibly testicular carcinoma, hair loss, and erection difficulties. As men age there is prostate issues, impotence, ejaculatory problems, incontinence and vitality issues.

I do not think these change whether you are gay or straight, but I will say that in general gay men take care of themselves a lot better when it comes to the general appearance.
There are many medications to be used therapeutically . There are also many herbs that can be used. Some of these categories include adaptogens, antimicrobial, aphrodisiacs, diuretics, detoxifying, nervines and stimulants.

What intrigued me over the years is the many more applications there are in herbals versus conventional medicines. . In herbal medicine there are compresses, hair rinses, salves, teas, and tinctures. In conventional medicine, there only seems to be the 'pill' or tablet. How many times have you gone to your doctor and you received a Rx or prescription ? I bet, countless times. How many times have you gone to your doctor and received a poultice, syrup of essential oil remedy ? Probably not too often.

Here are some general tips which I find important for the male patient:

1. Know the male anatomy and how it works
2. Find a health care provider you are comfortable with
3. Practice dietary and exercise lifestyle changes
4. Know how to release daily pressures/
5. Avoid anger and resentment which only will lead to disease
6. Get better sleep
7. Improve communication skills with your partner
8. Always keep the sexual practices new and inventive
9. Relax when urinating or defecating
10 Get a hobby

One tea blend I often recommend for the male from ages 40 - 60 with anxiety issues is a combination of oat straw, lemon balm, skullcap and blue vervain. I sometimes use chamomile but since it is used in a lot of anxiety/nervine teas i want to be new , creative and different.

When I get over 60, I will start to make a tea for my prostate which contains raspberry, oat straw, nettles, and dandelion.

Until tomorrow....

AUGUST 15, 2012 THE ROLE OF BITTERS

" Love is  accepting, not expecting."

Thanks Karen. I haven't heard this quote in a long time. Sometimes you need to hear it, when you really need to hear it. I have learned that expecting anything is not the way for my life. I accept whatver I have. I do not expect anything from anyone. Oh yes, I do expect honestly, but I know even this is not always possible.
Life is but a ball of twisted yarn !





Putting the skin aside, the liver is the largest organ in the body. It approximately can weigh about 3 lbs. The size of the liver reflects how much work it performs. The liver unlike other organs has the ability to regenerate , and can re grow its cell population after injury or even surgery. The liver is the major detoxification organ. The livers clears all the toxins out of the body.

In my medical training years I have never heard of the role of bitters. I know my European colleagues heard about bitters from their family upbringing in either England ( where I trained ) or Scotland. Bitters have been historically used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, especially when they pertain to the digestive system. Bitter plants are still part of the treatment modality for liver ailments. The bitters stimulates secretions, notably bile and increases the breakdown and absorption of fats.  Bitters have the ability to increase liver cell stimulation . Bitters are not for everyone.

Herbs used for the liver and digestive tracts can be divided into categories. This categorization was unheard of when I studied medicines. I feel it is a better way to breakdown the role of the liver and the medicines or plants that can be used. This classification was used when I learned Botanical Medicine. The six categories are:
1. Aromatic bitters
2. Cholagogues
3. General liver tonic
4. Constitutional tonics
5. Liver 'purgatives'
6. Simple bitters

Credit for my learning goes  to 7Song. I have  his teaching of hepatic herbs very useful in my medical practice. There are many symptoms of liver ailments. I can apply my knowledge of different herbs in these categories to the individuals particular ailment.  For example for the alcoholic or drug addict who has abused their liver for so many years, I would consider milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric and chicory. These are the herbs I think of for detoxifying.

When the liver really needs to purge toxins and needs a good 'kickstart'  I would use Mayapple or Poke, but would use caution as I have seen some of these remedies ' back fire'

The more knowledge you have about your patient, both medically, socially ,psychologically and financially - the better the choice can be made. It always helps me in choosing the specific herb. I am intuitive about this.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 14, 2012 LETS GET WELL

" You can become a force for good wherever you are."

I would add to this quote--..a force of good wherever  or whoever you are. Although I consider these two women to be pioneers and famous, you do not have to be famous to a force of good in this world. Sometimes you must fight against the system. Others like Susan B Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie and Sharon Matola fought against the system. These individuals made changes.
Be a force of good in whatever you do in this world. This world needs help and you might be the person who the world is waiting for. I consider herbalists to be a force of good in this world by using what our higher power created- the plants.
As I get older I am drawn to 'the grass roots movment' of our world. I admire those that work to save our planet. I am doing my little part in this large world. Are YOU doing your part  ?

Have   you ever eaten too much for dinner and  then had trouble falling asleep? You felt bloated  You couldn't fall asleep until 3 AM. This is sometimes the story I hear over and over again
You feel bloated . Then the acid reflux starts
Why did this happen in the first place ? Well you ate too late. As famous nutritionist, Adele Davis ( Lets Get Well) stated- You must eat breakfast like a king/queen, lunch like a price/princess and dinner like a pauper.
You might remember hearing about Mylanta - but that is a band aid to your problem. You need to change your dietary lifestyle . This starts the vicious cycle of cannot sleep, cannot concentrate and have headaches. You will start to see many specialists to treat these individual problems, which in reality is from the way you are eating. Do you want to get well ? Do you want to remain miserable every time you eat?


You need to make a change !

I would try the following recommendations for at least one week
1. Drink only water with your dinner
2. Eat slowly and chew carefully
3. Eat the foods you want, except carbohydrates and stop when you are full
4. Finish your meal at least a couple hours before bedtime . This seems like common sense but every one needs a little reminder now and then

Here are five rulers which I find important
1. Do not combine fruit with any other food eat fruit alone
2. Do not combine protein with a simple starch
3. Do not combine a breads, which is a simple carbohydrate with a protein
4. Drink only water with your dinner
5. After dinner do not eat anything until the next morning

 I feel the hardest part of this is the combination of protein and simple starch and protein with bread. Lets break it down into simpler terms This means no eat, fish, chicken or beans with white potatoes, pasta. Instead have these meats with freshly stemmed vegetables

So the next time you have this 3 am wake up feeling remember how you combined your foods. Food combining is very important. As Marion Nestle  " You Are What You Eat ."
I suggest you rotate your foods. This means what you eat on Monday you can also eat on Thursday, Tuesday choices will the same on Friday, and Wednesday meals will be the same on Saturday. This is a safe rotation dietary change

Daisie Adelle Davis (25 February 1904 - 31 May 1974), popularly known as Adelle Davis, was an American author and nutritionist who became well known as an advocate for specific nutritional stances such as unprocessed food and vitamin supplementation. She gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with widespread media attention and became the most recognized nutritionist in the country. Despite her popularity, she was heavily criticized by her peers for many recommendations she made that were not supported by the scientific literature, some of which were considered dangerous. I believe her books are noteworthy. Much of the information she stated in the 1950's and 1960's have been validated with scientific literature today. She was beaten down by colleagues, other nutritionists and  the media.

 Even during my years I have seen the same happen to other colleagues.One of those individual was my dear friend , Serafina Corsello, MD. She wrote a great book in 1999. I still recommend it today. It is called The Ageless Woman. My dear friend died in February 2009. I miss her greatly

Adele Davis' books include:

Optimum Health (1935)


You Can Stay Well (1939)

Vitality Through Planned Nutrition (1942)

Let's Cook it Right (1947)

Let's Have Healthy Children (1951)
Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit (1954)

Let's Get Well (1965),


Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 13, 2012 BEE WELL TEA

."....."The United States was founded by the brightest people in the country---and we haven't seen them since."

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

Gore Vidal

Eugene Luther Gore Vidal (  October 3, 1925 – July 31, 2012) was an American writer known for his essays, novels, screenplays, and Broadway plays. Vidal was a lifelong Democrat; he ran for political office twice and was a longtime political commentator. As well known for his essays as his novels, Vidal wrote for The Nation, the New Yorker, the New York Review of Books and Esquire. Through his essays and media appearances, Vidal was a longtime critic of American foreign policy. Vidal's best-known novels fell into two distinct camps: social and historical. His most widely regarded social novel was Myra Breckinridge;( movie sytared Raquel Welch and Mae West)  his best known historical novels included Julian, Burr, and Lincoln. His third novel, The City and the Pillar (1948), outraged conservative critics as one of the first major American novels to feature unambiguous homosexuality.  This is the Gore Vidal I loved so much. Vidal always rejected the terms of "homosexual" and "heterosexual" as inherently false, claiming that the vast majority of individuals had the potential to be pansexual. His screenwriting credits included the epic historical drama Ben-Hur (1959), into which he claimed he had written a "gay subplot." Ben-Hur won the Academy Award for Best Picture.  He has been described as the 20th century answer to Oscar Wilde. He will be missed



This was a beeesy weekend. It is always refreshing for Rick and I to observe our bees and open the hive. This weekend was different. Rick decided to videotape. We have decided to do a Bee Series as well as a future Herbal series. Although the summer is ending , we both enjoy the Fall weather.

Quantity is for two treatments ‐ you need two 1-­‐quart jars

In a ceramic or stainless steel pot , bring 3 cups of good water to a boil. As a herbalist I wanted to make an immune boosting tea for the girls. I added 1/2 tsp of chamomile, yarrow, stinging nettles and peppermint. This is almost the same tea formula I used for Longevity's Cold and Flu Herbal Organic Tea-  ( see www.longevitynutritionals.com) I could have added some dandelion for a detoxification. Rick wanted to add more spice herbs to the mixture - so he added sage, thyme, and lemon balm. Together we threw in some echinacea ( we did 1/4 tsp of each) We let steep for 10 minutes to really get the aroma. We strain through a cloth ( different than when we are making a cup of tea ) We then add 3 cups of cold water to balance the temperature of the Bee Tea Brew.
We then 1/2 lb of good honey. So you may ask what is good honey ? It is usually from one of friend's farms upstate. The last time we used this type of method we added good French honey . We acquired this honey from our friend Nicole when she returned to the United States. We enjoy honey from all over the world.

There was enough to feed both hives- front and back of the house. We even have some left over before the end of the Fall ( when flowers are sparse)

It was a frenzy of feeding for the girls. We love them.

Until tomorrow...
Photograph Credit: Rick Byrd