NOVEMBER 5, 2012 OBESITY: GET THE FACTS

The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children. --Tom Vilsack


Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating. --Bob Filner

Sundays growing up was a feast in my  home. The extended family came over as our Nanny and Poppy wanted all their children together. It always included bread, pasta, meatballs ( in gravy - red tomato sauce), a main dish, nut platters, fruit platters and then expresso/desert. Entirely too much food for one meal. And this was not the Holidays. I have learned that those refined carbohydrates have lead to family obesity and even death. Juts because you were raised to eat this way...YOU DO NOT HAVE TO. Get smart .Be well informed about what you are eating.



1. Obesity affects 30 - 40 % of the American population

2. Fat should account for 20-25% in a healthy woman and 17- 19 % in a healthy man

3. At least one-third of Americans are 30% or more overweight

4. More than 40-50% of Americans are currenbtly on a diet.

5. More than 30 billion dollars is spent on diet aids alone

6. One in every 3 US teenagers are overweight putting them at risk as they get older

7. Obesity increases the risk of premature death, heart attacks, strokes ( and all other cardiovascular diseases) , gallbladder disease, osteoporosis and certain typoes of cancer

8. Apple shape in the mid section can indiucate a medical issue versus a pear shaped in the mid section


THE FACT IS THAT AMERICA IS FAT.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

MONEY SHOULD BE SPENT ON DISEASE PREVENTION WHICH PRIMARILY SHOULD INCLUDE DIETARY AND EXERCISE LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 31, 2012 ADAPTOGENIC TONIC

The idea of using restoring tonics is not new. It is centuries old. If you start to look at old medicine bottles from old pharmacies of the 1900's you will read the word ' tonic' on the bottle. Today, a tonic for an herbalist is an adaptogen. There is no one better than herbalist, David Winston who knows about adaptogens. He even wrote a book about Adaptogens.

The Chinese and Tibetans have used adaptogens for centuries. So have the North American Native Indians, The more common ones are Panax ginseng, Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng and Rhodiola.
I have many of these herbs when constituting a formula for a patient. I also use adaptogenic herbs in tablet and capsule form. I also use adaptogens as herbal tea infusions.

I have been intrigued by the Alma fruit as a possible adaptogen and Morinda root. I only came across Morinda root when I started to have low back pain, and I went to Chinatown. I was given the formula,
 Ba Ji Tian. Knowing more about Chinese Medicine now than in the past, this root is used for deficient kidney Yang patients.

This root is used for lack of libido, low back pain, male and female infertility problems and urinary frequency. I have much use for this herb in my daily patient population of men and women. I have now used it for asthma patients.

As a tea ( which I love making teas) 1-2 tsp of dried root in 10 oz of water, steep 45 min and take 4oz of the tea three times a day. When you are ingesting any  home-made herbal teas, you do not worry about the taste. You can always add a little wild flower honey ( 1/8 to 1/4 tsp) to the cup

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 30, 2012 GERMANIUM

" If you attempt to obtain by force something for which the time is not yet ripe, you'll injure yourself by expending your strength prematurely."   the I Ching

There is so much I want to accomplish in life, and yet some things take so much longer than I want it to. I used to frustrated with my oath of spirituality. Now I am content and happy with that process and my progress. I still want Rick and I to spend time on a farm near a lake and flowing streams. But for right now, I am right here and int he now.

Yes, a germanium is a plant but it also is Element 32 on the periodic  table. I often have to reminded of that fact. It is naturally found in allium species ( garlic species, onion species) and in Siberian Ginseng ( Eleuthrococcus)

It has been shown in studies that this element activates the immune system, produces natural interferon and if this is a word, oxygenerates all cells.  It chelates and removes toxic substances from the blood. It is very useful element. It can be used orally, sublingually and intravenously. The oral germanium in the United States is very weak., I have not found a good germanium US product, with the exception of a possible two products. Most of the oral germanium products are from Europe where this element has been widely studied and researched.

In Europe, this element has been given to treat cancer, the aging process and arthritis. I do know that the US product called " Ge-132' has been widely studied. It usually comes in doses of 200mg. Ge- 132 is called Germanium Sesquixide. THIS IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH GERMANIUM DIOXIDE which has been implicated in kidney failure.

I have seen sublingual Germanium which I prefer as it is easily absorbed in this form. Any oral product given to a patient should be carefully chosen as most individuals are malabsorbing. This malabsorbtion in the United States is due to the poor diet, processed foods, gluten products and other bad dietary/exercise habits.

The late Dr Atkins used to use germanium starting at 200mg and increasing to about 800-1000mg/day. It was discussed in one of least famous books called the 'Vita-nutrient Solution."

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 29, 2012 HERBAL ANTIBIOTICS

" Because you are alive, everything is possible."  - Thich Nhat Hanh


It is the second edition of Buhner's Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug Resistant Bacteria.  For most, you never consider a herb as an alternative for an antibiotic. Well, if you have not thought of this, you better start. The conventional antibiotics are dwindling in number, and the number of resistant bacteria are getting overwhelming.

We need to make friends with bacteria because as Buhner states, "bacteria play an integral role in supporting, maintaining and rebuilding health." I feel and know it is unhealthy thinking to make enemies of bacteria as well as the plants, the honeybees, the ants, and all forms of life. You must realize that these life forms were here well before man. This is wonderfully demonstrated in his book. It also has been well demonstrated when listening or reading Paul Stamen's " Mycelium Running" This is a book about the intricate life of mushrooms and their use in the world. There is so much we do not know about life at this time.

We are in a world of antibioticc overuse  which generates new pathogenic and resistant strains. You read about MRSA, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is not the only bacterium that has developed resistance. There are more than we know.


Herbal Antibiotics 2nd edition explores different herbs than the first edition  and utilizes the terms systemic, non systemic and synergistic herbs.

I am a lover of books, and this book is no exception. He is also the author of another favorite, " Healing Lyme"

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 26, 2012 WHAT HAPPENED TO FAMILY BOARD GAMES

“Whatever the struggle, continue the climb. It may be only one step to the summit.” - Diane Westlake

Then I received from our son, " Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets. "

I needed to hear this. Thank you, Gregory Patrick



Gaming had always been a form of family entertainment long before the invention of home computers and video game consoles. One type of game played for thousands of years is board games-especially throughout the 20th century. Unfortunately with technology, not many families still play board games. We tried to introduce Board Games to the children when they were growing up. One was Trivial Pursuit and the other was Scrabble. We did play Monopoly but not too often. As technology got fancier, and children got phones- the board games were less and less. This saddens me. Whatever happened to 'stick ball' , Hide and Seek, or Football Tackle. There are Board Games that have stood the test of time . Numerous board games have been created for the entire family to play. Children as young as six years old are have been able to play some of these timeless board games.

Monopoly is one of the most classic of board games created in the early 1900s. Several updated versions of it have been created since Parker Brothers first produced it in 1935. The most recent version of it created is the 70th Anniversary Monopoly Here and Now Electronic Banking Edition. The object of Monopoly is for one player to use both luck (roll of the dice) and strategy (careful financial investment) to become the most economically superior power. This action is achieved when the winning player is able to gain control over the most personal properties, utility companies, and financial opportunities. The game ends when one or more players go bankrupt. The history of Monopoly can be traced back to 1903, when an American woman named Elizabeth (Lizzie) J. Magie Phillips created a game through which she hoped to be able to explain the single tax theory of Henry George (it was intended to illustrate the negative aspects of concentrating land in private monopolies). Her game, The Landlord's Game,was commercially published in 1923. A series of variant board games based on her concept were developed from 1906 through the 1930s that involved the buying and selling of land and the development of that land. By 1934, the board  game  was called Monopoly.

This game  RISK, was created by Albert Lamorisse, and originally marketed in France under the name La Conquête du Monde (The Conquest of the World) in 1957. Risk was also published by Parker Brothers in 1959. The original game board of Risk is a map divided into 42 territories grouped on six continents, similar to the way the world was divided during the time Napoleon was alive. The object of this game is to conquer the world by way of opponent player elimination. I was a fan of RISK. I rather play Battleship.

Scrabble is one of the most well-known letter crossword games. Earlier versions of it were created in the early 1930s, and then the name Scrabble was trademarked in 1948. This is by far, the game I enjoy the most next to Trivial Pursuit. I love words. This game finally became a success after Alfred Mosher Butts and James Brunot joined forces. By 1952 Scrabble had been licensed to Selchow & Righter Company.
The main goal in Scrabble is to be the last person to be able to form words with remaining letter tiles. Points are given for every word formed, and the player with the most points wins the game.

This game, Trivial Pursuit  was first co-invented in 1979 by Scott Abbot and Chris Hanley in Canada. It showed up at a U.S. toy fair in 1982, and the game rights were sold to Parker Brothers in 1984. The main object of the game is to answer the most trivia points correctly, and to advance to the end of the game board There are many versions now. I enjoyed getting those colored Pies.   The games I remember vividly as a child in addition to monopoly were the following:   The board game Chutes and Ladders were invented in 1943. The Game of Life, also known simply as LIFE, is a board game originally created in 1860 by Milton Bradley, as The Checkered Game of Life (and later produced by the Milton Bradley Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. Trouble" was invented by Kohner brothers in 1963. It was launched across the United States 14 months later in 1965
I want to do something this weekend that  requires no thought. It will require entering my 'craft closet' and fumbling on the top shelf for a jigsaw puzzle. I then have to make the decision for which one- honeybees, herbal or Dali . John Spilsbury invented the jigsaw puzzle in 1767. Spilsbury was an engraver and mapmaker. The first jigsaw puzzle was a map of the world. Paint by numbers was invented in 1950 by Dan Robbins who was employed by the Palmer Paint Company

What will you do this weekend ?

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 25, 2012 METABOLIC SYNDROME

"I pity them greatly, but I must be mum, how could we do without sugar and rum "
    - William Cowper

We all need to do without sugar ( and rum) . I personally am not worried about the rum. The sugar is the real death. It is the white death of society. Sugar is cunning, baffling, insidious and fastidious. It kills more human lives than any other diease. It is the sisterhood to cardiovascular disease.  If are blessed and do not have Type I , Insulin Dependent Diabetes, then prepare yourself early for not developing Type II Adult Onset Diabetes. If you a carbohydrate addictr, then brace yourself more as it is likely that YOU WILL without a doubt have trouble with sugar when you get older. It runs in families so look at your parents and grandparents medical history very carefully. If one of those related to you were obese, then be extra careful with the bread, cakes, pasta and cereals. Oh, all alcohol has sugar.


Metabolic syndrome, Sydrome X or Insulin Resistance is most prevelant than the reports have indicated.  There are many pre- diabetics on the verge of being an adult onset diabetic These are those the Metabolic syndrome It is characterized by a high triglyceride level, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance or glucose (sugar) imbalance and a decerased good cholesterol (HDL) Do you many of these people ?
I do. This type of individual will likely develop cardiovascular disease. It is scary that nearly one third of American meet the criteria to have Metabolic Syndrome.

It is treatable. You do not have to always go on medications It involves a dietary LIFESTYLE change, not a diet ..Tou  also will need an exercise LIFESTYLE change on a schedule. Not many of us like schedules, but it is a form of structure that is needed. Many of these patients are started on a conventional drug as glucophage ( or metformin). These are good choices but have side effects and sometimes cannot be tolerated. Also it is very difficult to lose weight when on these conventional drugs, It is better to start with a new lease on life. This is a NEW LIFESTYLE.

I approach a metanbolic syndrome patient with the possibility of injecting insulin in the future. No one wants to inject insulin if the disease can be treated controlled by dietary, exercise and psychosocial lfestyle changes.

This is one of the most preventable diseases. Are you ready to take on the challenge and 'give up' carbohydrates ?
Challenge yourself today !!

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 24, 2012 START A REVOLUTION

•Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.  -- Our 32nd President,  Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1933)
The joy of achievement, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It mentions nothing of money. Happiness should not lie in possessions and the acquisitions. Happiness comes from within yourself. In order for you to have happiness --you must have self-love.

Have you checked your self-love meter today?
Oppression of the masses leads to revolution.  It is all about the money and regulations today. Everything revolves around money. Money makes the world go round. Sad, but true.

I have known that raw milk production and consumption has been oppressed by regulars and the huge dairy processors. I learned this years ago, when I read " The Untold Story of Milk." The processors do not like raw milk because no money is made from raw milk. Again it comes down to the money. Money is the root of all evil

There  comes as at time in life where we must make a stand and a commitment.  The world needs to se4e the raw milk safety record. More New York residents die from oysters every year. No one has died of raw milk consumption

I lost my respect of the Whole Food Market when they discontinued raw milk in all of its stores nationally where it was legal to sell raw milk. The reason they abandoned or stopped raw milk in 55 California stores, Connecticut stores, and in Pennsylvania was the total lack of uniform national standards for raw milk. There is no validity for doing this .  I find it quite disturbing that Whole Foods would do this- when millions of people support Whole Foods. In New York City alone we are now on our fourth store. This last one is on 57th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.

Since Whole Foods around the United States makes so much MONEY, instead of without valid reasons cancelling the raw milk --why doesn't whole foods be the first market to start putting money together in a fund to investigate Raw Milk.

Out of the Whole Foods dilemma there has been established the Raw Milk Institute ( RAW MI) in the summer of 2011.  This institute will assist farmers  ti establish " Common Standards"  for raw milk production. Whole Foods and other companies should do some financial funding for this project.  This institute would assist the farmers and the consumers.  Consumers would find the best raw milk producer It would assist in this Old Grass Roots Movements.
As there has been a old grass roots movement for the herbalist, the same needs to happen.
To find out more about Raw Mil Campaigns , check out www.westonaprice.org . You can Real Milk brochures for your doctors office or hand out to your friends at (202) 363 - 4394. Also check out www.RealMilk.com
Each state has Raw Milk Association. Get involved in your state... Be proactive
Join the Revolution
Write to Whole Foods ...,

OCTOBER 23, 2012 PROBIOTICS

" The groundwork of all happiness is health"  - James Leigh Hunt


What is happiness without health ! I often see sadness, misery and  unhappiness without health. This is why some individuals come to the doctors.--to get healthy. No matter what is happening I have some very upbeat, happy and cheerful patients. These same individuals are facing chemotherapy, radiation and even operations.  For these individulas I see gratitude not attitude written on their faces despite what life has dealt to them. I find this encouraging. We are all facing uncertain times- whether financial, emotional, psychological and even medical. I am just grateful that I can experience my own feelkings these days.


Most of the patients I see are already taking a probiotics. I believe we all should take some probiotics. It is the name for the friendly bacteria associated with beneficial benefits for humans for a number of disorders.
Most of us are familiar with lactobacillus that is present in yogurt.  There are many more good bacteria species that should be used other than the usual lactobacillus and bifidobacteria  genus. Most if not all of the companies I use within the practice offer multiple strains versus one or two strains.

Some individuals prefer to get the friendly bacteria from foods as yogurt, sour cream, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and fermented soy as ( miso, tempeh)  There is nothing wrong with getting strains of friendly bacteria form these foods. However you must remember that these foods have one or two strains. If you multiple strains of friendly bacteria you will not get them from the above foods.  Also you must remember that the amount of strains might not have a relevant dose needed for certain disease prevention or treatment . Also most patients are allergic or sensitive to dairy and cannot consume yogurt.

I use companies that have products with multiple species and strains and in relevant amounts.
There are different forms of probiotics that all should be familiar with- liquid, freeze dried powder, capsule and even beads. The liquid usually contain live bacteria. This results in storage and shelf life. I like the probiotics in powdered forms from companies as Metagenics, Orthomoelcular, Longevity Nutritionals and Biotics.  There are the pearl probiotic in gelatin beads. this is supposed to protect the probiotic bacteria from the stomach acids. the most common one used is Dr Ohira's  Essential Formulas.

Due the consumption and use/over use of many antibiotics, a poor American diet, processed foods, and the environment there is a probiotic deficiency in most of us. It must be resolved by either taking a pro biotic supplement or consuming foods like yogurt ( if there is no contraindication)

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 22, 2012 THOSE AGAINST SUPPLEMENTS

" We are learning that being genuine is far more fulfilling than being great."

How true !  I am a genuine doctor. I do not like saying a ' great doctor' I am the doctor for people- humanity. It truly is my G.O.D. given profession.My friend, Ruppert Everett said to Rick, " Patrick is like the ol' country doctors." How true that statement is. I would trade vegetables, fruit and probably chickens ( if we had a farm)
.I enjoy talking to people. This past weekend Rick and I had an invitation  as Roosevelt Island residents to see the new  Franklin Delano Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. We went to the opening ceremony and speeches. It was moving. To read his " Four Freedoms Speech" from January 6 1941 etched in stone was breath-taking.          1. FREEDOM OF SPEECH
                               2. FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
                               3. FREEDOM OF WANT
                               4. FREEDOM OF FEAR

Do not miss what I feel a momumental park to one of the most fearless leaders of the United States - F.D.R. ,during the most trying times of the United States. !!

The rest of the weekend was devoted to the office except for a 4 hour period of friendship with Barbara. True friends are there for life as is Barbara.


In life there is always bias. This always creates controversy. Recently the September issue of Consumer Reports again had something to say against supplements . The article is biased but I had to read what they had to say. There are supposedly 10 hazard claims against vitamins and supplements,  First it states that supplements are not risk free. Well in my humble opinion, nothing in life is risk free. A simple office surgical procedure is not risk free. Taking aspirin is not risk free. Walking across 57th street is not risk free. Lets take the common over the counter Tylenol- there are an estimated 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and about 450 deaths from Tylenol overdose every year. I didn't read int he article the number of adverse effects from supplements. I know there are some, but very few and very few if any deaths from supplements/vitamins

There is a low number of adverse events from supplements when compared to greater than 3 million adverse reports in conventional drugs from the years 2000 to 2010.

Supplements and vitamins have to state on their labels that they have not been evaluated by the FDA. of course, supplements could go through the FDA rug approval process, but on an average this cost about 1 billion dollars and the supplement companies cannot afford what the pharmaceutical companies can afford. Supplements/vitamin companies provide natural products.

For those of you that do not know this- there are other regulations for vitamins/supplements in different categories. There has to be compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. These regulations are getting more difficult and should they so. Of yes, fish oils did go through he FDA approval process. It was done by a pharmaceutical company. The product is Lovaza. It is a great product . It contains 1000mg EPA per gel capsule. It passed the process. It cost the consumer 10 times more than a fish oil by great companies as Nordic Naturals. ( with the same dose ) I researched Lovaza and I do use it if patients can get it cheaper than Nordic or on their prescription plan My only difficulty is that the carrier for the fish oils is 4% of polyunsaturated fat versus Vitamin E as a carrier inmost OTC fish oils.

The article in the September Consumer Reports is biased against supplements, It is not fair to the consumer. It states nothing against Pharmaceutical Companies who do have some great products that are needed in medicine, there are some that have been taken off the market due to death rates. If we are to compare--let's compare fairly.

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 19, 2012 CLEVER BEES

" The most precious gift we can give those closest to us is HONESTY."
At this point in my life-- here it is. Honesty and trust are important. I am honest. If I cannot be honest, what is the point to life. I must be honest with myself at all times, in order to be honest with those around me that I love.


How do we treat infections ? Most physicians use antibiotics to treat infections. There are many herbal antibiotics. I feel achy so I am drinking a cup of Viral Tea from Longevity Nutritionals. (www.longevitynutritionals.com )  The tea contains Yarrow, Horehound, Goldenseal and Elderberry.
I add a little of our own wild flower honey from the Fire Island beehives.

Honeybees also get infections. Most of the infections are from the varroa mites. Sometimes a hive must be treated chemically to kill the mites. There are many factors than can be toxic to honeybee hives.
There was a recent study of honeybee hives near highways in Central Croatia. Scientists found that lead levels increased from 2009 to 2011. Since there are many honey bee hives near highways there is a possible lead contamination of these hives.

While traveling in Romania we did explore honeybee hives. Most of the hives are far away from any highway . Actually most of the hives we visited were far within the rural villages of the mountains.

Other factors that have been studied to affect honeybees are the agricultural sprays. It has been found that it is likely that these sprays impair honey bee learning . Rick and I have read and studied honeybees and find their learning skills to be fascinating.


One of the most interesting studies involve propolis. Since this is a very sticky substance and difficult to work with it has been opted that most beekeepers not use this substance. It sounded like good advice. However it has been studied that when honeybees are infected with fungi, the honeybees respond in a very clever way. The honeybees respond by collecting and lining their hives with propolis. This is a natural defense It was studied that when bee larvae were purposely infected with bacteria or fungi, there was an increase by 45% percent ore resin ( propolis) to line their hives.

Last weekend we moved our honeybees to a friends home in Fire Island. Yes bees are clever even with their flight patterns from their hive. So, we moved one hive on  Saturday at 2pm. We noticed that some of the bees as we knew would be already foraging late in the season. Those honeybees outside the hive came back to the exact old home and not the new one. So, on Sunday feeling sad for our 'girls' we sealed the hive the night before. We got up earlier and moved the hive with help from Islanders. Both hives were doing well as our friend , Bud , has numerous Montauk Daisies in his yard. However by the time we got from back to the their old 'hive' spot, there were bees there. How ? Those that started to forage from the new hive location did not change their flight patterns and  came back to the old spot of the hive and not the new one.
This could be determental ...but we will see. Some Islanders have checked and do not see honeybees in the old neighborhood. That is good- ' our girls' might have changed their flight patterns. Also, we both got stunbg last weekend. Rick got more stings than I. Thanks to a photograph from his brother , Michael- you get to see a sting close -up

Now this is clever !  Sometimes I do not think we as humans are as clever as the honeybees

We would have never moved our 'girls' but unfortunately there are some indivdiuals who do not understand bees and would not let us keep our bees in their old area until next year. I can only say this --- Bless their hearts

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 18, 2012 TOO MUCH SEAWEED

" Every day brings a new opportunity to be of some use."

Every day is a new day. I cannot dwell on the past, nor the future for today. I must live in the day. A day at a time--no, no a hour at a time, no , no a minute at a time -- no, no a second at a time.
It only takes a moment to be of some use. Today might be your day for opening the door for a co-worker, or saying good morning. As a boy scout I remember being of good use meant helping the older woman cross the street with her grocery bags. I even had to earn a badge for that service. I recently found my merit badges from scouts. It touched some old memories.

Today my grandparents, Nanny and Poppy would have been married 87 years. If my grandfather knew that I be discussing seaweed rather than torrone, panttelone or pasta, he would certainly not be happy.
Remember,  that Panettone --that six inch high bread like cake, filled with raisins and other candied and dried fruit, most closely resembling raisin bread. Dessert ws accompanied by spumante (a sparking wine), fruit and nuts. Oh, yes the expresso in the old fashioned on the stove pot. Yet, happiness is knowing both are still  my angels and part of my life, and both have been in what I call,  ' my recipe ' of a good life.





You must adhere to moderation. There are risks to anything done in excess in life. . This can include even exercise. Too much fruits can result in higher sugar levels depending on the type of fruit consumed. Too many gluten free processed foods will result in higher sugar levels, as gluten free products do many more carbohydrates and sugar levels.

Does too much seaweed increase the risk of thyroid cancer ? In the last 6 months I have found more individual cases of thyroid cancer, especially the papillary type. i decided to spend some time researching this cancer. None of the patients that I diagnosed had consumed high quantities of seaweed nor were Japanese.  I did find a prospective court study involved more than 52,000 women ( age 49-69 that participated in these Japanese Public Health Study. The mean follow-up was 14.5 years with 134 new thyroid caners and 113 papillary cancer type.

After reviewing this study, the increase consumption of seaweed WAS ASSOCIATED with an increased incidence of thyroid cancer especially the papillary carcinoma type i postmenopausal Japanese women, There was no cause and effect, but other observational studies reviewed in the Townsend Letter by Dr Alan Gaby have reported a similar association between seaweed consumption and thyroid cancer.

You must know that seaweed is one of the most potent sources of iodine in the human diet. Excessive iodine can result in thyroid cancers, but there is other data that states that iodine deficiency ( low levels of iodine)  can promote the developments of other types of cancer.

I would be very careful about your seaweed consumption. Again use iodine consumption in moderation. Not too little and not too much. The best range is to consume  150- 300 mcg per day for adults


Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 17, 2012 FLU SHOTS

" We can trust that when things do not work out as planned or the way we want them to, G.O.D. ( good orderly direction) has something better planned."

I have learned to go with the flow of life. It seems to always work out as planned. I feel today, that nothing will ever be put in my path that I could not handle. Over the years, there has been plenty in my way, but all has worked out. I feel blessed to even say this and even more grateful."







DID YOU GET YOUR FLU SHOT THIS YEAR ?  I did, but not the regular flu shot you might consider. I have been getting a homeopathic flu shot every year for more than 10 years.

You an still get sick and the flu, with the regular shot if the strains were not matched well with this years strains that result in the flu. I prefer the homeopathic flu shot as it covers more than the strains in the regular flu shot

The CDC ( Center of Disease Control) does ADMIT that the antibody response is lower in populations over 60, thus reducing the shot's effectiveness.  This is what the CDC stated yet we push the older population over 60 years old to get the regular flu shot. Why ?

Recent studies show that obese individuals can't count of the flu shot as there is a significant higher decline in influenza antibodies compared to healthy weight individuals.

In absolute terms, it is estimated that the regular flu shot actually only prevents the flu in 1.5 adults out of a 100.

Since the shot does admit to have neurotoxins and carcinogens ( as mercury and formaldehyde) there is potential for long term accumulation and health consequence.

There is great research that shows that vitamin D supplementation can potentially cut the flu risk by 40%.  Are you taking your Vitamin D ? You should be taking higher doses on Vitamin D from the Fall to March. I usually recommend 4,000 - 6,000 mg per day. Sometimes I even use much higher doses.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 16, 2012 BALANCING ESTROGEN

" Whoever saves a single life is as if one saves the entire world." -Talmud

I wish I could save the entire world. I feel helpless at times. I feel there is more I could do. I know I change at least one person's life every single day. This is my reward. I often wonder how individuals contribute to change in another's life ? Is it by being a friend to another? Is it serving or caring for the needs of your community? Is it contributing in donations?

What are you doing today to save another life ?




ESTROGEN is a steroid hormone synthesized from a cholesterol precursor. Cholesterol is the parent molecule for many hormones. This is critical for those taking cholesterol reducing drugs called statins. These statins block HMG co reductase so cholesterol is not made. Cholesterol is needed to make progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA , testosterone and many other hormones.

If you are a man you should continue to read this as estrogen is important for men and women. Estrogen is critical for women for growth and development, reproduction, sex characteristics, fat distribution and libido.

In men testosterone is converted to estrogen via an aromatase enzyme. Thus the more fat a male has may indicate high estrogen levels. Men can use natural aromatase enzyme blockers as chyrsin, pomegranate and quercitin to block this enzyme. This will result in higher natural testosterone levels and less estrogen levels, thus less male fat ( the side fat - all men have no matter how much exercise)

In both sexes, estrogen is important to maintain normal bone mineralization. This will be important so post menopausal women and even men do not develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.

We all should support healthy estrogen balance by optimal gastrointestinal health and balance, taking indole 3 carbinol and exercise. These three can minimize the risks associated with too much estrogen as cancers.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 15, 2012 NEUROTRANSMITTERS

" As we change, circumstances and relationships improve"


Change is difficult for most of us. It was for me and sometimes still is at different times. I have learned some valuable tools to help me deal with change. Change always creates fear. This weekend moving our 'girls' (honeybees ) to a dear friend's home was a change. It is a change for us as we know we will not be full-time residents of Cherry Grove next season . We realized we are done. It is time to move on. A lot of change occurred this summer. With its change some circumstances and relationships improved, and some did not. I am alright with that. The girls seemed happy after the move. It amazed me what two individuals in love are capable of doing in two days
What allows an individual to change. It is the neurotransmitters of the brain that allow this function to occur. This is the electric current to our whole body. There are many neurotransmitters. Not all neurotransmitters are located in the brain. This is an important concept.

Neurotransmitter imbalance can result in such diseases as alcohol and drug addictions, depression, panic attacks, excessive or low libido ( sex drive) ADHD, and ADD . A lot of neurotransmitter imbalance has to do with many addictions- sugar, food, nicotine and even caffeine.

As I have appointments with patients I teach and explain about neurotransmitters especially serotonin. Serotonin is often called the ' happy hormone' This NT is important to maintain mood , calmness and sleep, This is a NT that WE all need. Most people think serotonin is made in the brain . THIS IS NOT CORRECT.
Approximately 80% of the human body's total serotonin level is located in enterchromaffin cell sin the small intestines ( I refer to this area are the gut) This area is located where the stomach ends and the large intestines begin. This are is the small intestines. Serotonin is used to regulate intestinal function. It is transported to the brain. The 20% remaining is in the central nervous system of the brain.

Therefore if your small intestines is imbalanced or has been insulted by such factors as dairy allergies, gluten sensitivity or gluten allergy ( celiac disease) , heavy metals or infections, your serotonin levels will be affected.

This is why serotonin levels are affected by diet.An increase in the ratio of an amino acid, tryptophan to phenylalanine and leucine will increase serotonin levels. Fruits with a good ratio include dates, papayas and bananas. Yet, remember these fruits  are also high in sugar. Foods with a lower ratio will disturb serotonin leveels. These include the gluten grains ( barley, rye , oats and wheat)

You can supplement pre cursors to serotonin as5 HTP or L-tryptophan. In order for this conversion to take place you will need other vitamin co factors as B6, folic acid, Vitamin C and magnesium.

It is not just any Vitamin B6. It is a special form of B6 called P5P. This is crucial to the conversion of
5 HTP to serotonin.
I rather use 5 HTP rather than L tryptophan.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 12, 2012 NEEDLE CRAFT

" Success is an accumulation of successful days."

If this is a true statement, then I have had success. As the Twelve Promises state, " Beyond my wildest dreams all has happened." Yet all has also gone away even when clean and sober. This was a hard concept to accept, but I had to. There even have been low times and 'the down and outs' in sobriety.
I have been searching for an answer for  my whole life. The question has been ' How to have peace and serenity?" The answer I know now comes from within. I also know now that to have peace and serenity will increase my longevity. Many things bring me peace and serenity today ! Having many hobbies is just one of them. A loving husband is another. Children are another. Family/ friends are another, yet my understanding of G.O.D., meditation and prayer has certainly been the highlight.

A Sad Boy

A PEACEFUL OLD MAN

Needlework is one of mankind’s oldest art forms. It dates back to Exodus in the Bible and stitch work has been found in the tombs of Egypt dating back to the 15th century. It came as its own art form in the 12th century in China. Due to technological advances and machinery, it became a dying art form. It was not until the early 19th century , that needle work had its revival. There are very few true 'needlepoint stores' left in most cities. In New York City, we have Annie and Company on the upper east ( east 90s) and Rita's Needlepoint in the East 70's. Stitches East closed about 4 years ago.

About eleven years ago, I realized I needed to find a hobby to idle my tension. I was in Fort Lauderdale walking on Los Olas Boulevard when I passed a store that had needlepoint designs in the window. I decided right then to start needle pointing. I went in the store and asked the owner,  Joan, who paints her own designs to quickly show me a stitch. I easily remembered from watching countless hours of my mother and grandmother stitching while sitting in the living room. I bought my first needlepoint, an Orchid Floral. Check out www.needlepointoriginals.com  At my graduation in 2005 I gave that needlepoint to the Fellowship of Integrative Medicine . In addition to reading medical journals I began to read books on stitching. 

I find needlepoint to be one of the most rewarding hobbies, you will ever undertake. Not only does it fill the hours, relaxes you but also provides you with a finished product which you can feel a sense of pride of accomplishment. It also serves as birthday and holiday gifts for loved ones.

Needlepoint as most hobbies, can be either simple or difficult.. This depends of the individual. I have met some people who always use the basic and easiest stitches. For these people I feel they use needlepoint as a restful pastime to create gifts for people. There are others that use needlework as a way to express their creative outlet. These crafters delight in working with complicated patterns using a variety of threads. Some compose their own designs. I am a needle worker whom is all of the above. Therapeutic though it may be, needle point for me is above all an artistic activity.

Another fallacy is the fact that needle work is not an exclusively a female hobby. I am sure we all remember when Hall of Fame Football player, Rosie Greer started knitting as a hobby. On a cruise, 6 years ago  , I pulled my canvas from my bag and started to stitch while sitting on a deck chair. When I looked up I saw two women also stitching, one doing needlepoint and the other, cross stitching. As we worked our needles, we talked about stitching and enjoyed the warm sun and cool breeze. We later met during the week to share our collection we each brought with us. One woman told me that stitching is a popular hobby among men whom spend a great deal of time at sea.
Needlepoint was another addiction that I had to realize and accept. This led me to timing my hobbies and doing a different hobby every day for at least 15 minutes. Some of my other hobbies include knitting, card making, quilling and NY 1939 Worlds Fair collecting.

I am currently working on 5 different needlepoint designs. I find this to be a problem which I am currently dealing with. I do like to buy a needlepoint from every city Rick and I visit.--Cluj, Romania was no exception. I found four great canvases . To find reasonable canvases: check out www.canvasesbegone.com  

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 11, 2012 THE HAUNTED FOREST

Right in the heart of the Ardeal region, in a place with an epoch appearance, we can, probably, find one of the most mysterious locations of Romania. A lot of ink has flown on the subject of the Hoia-Baciu Forest, just as many steps of curious people have passed this gate “between worlds” with the hope of catching a bit of paranormal. 

Some of them have really had some inexplicable experiences that make even the most courageous people shiver. The scientific explorers can not help it and seem to be tied and bound, leaving the speculations, that inflame the imagination of the paranormal phenomena fans, free.

The Hoia-Baciu Forest is, for sure, one of the most famous locations in Romania, where a series of inexplicable phenomena have been investigated and analyzed. I didn't get a chance to go the forest but Rick and Mircea did. On Sunday, my back was still in pain from crawling through caves and up and down mountains, so Rick and Mircea decided to ride into the forest with another friend, Mireca  on " a quad" ( a large four wheeler bike ) It is stated that paranormal or psycho normal phenomena exist there.  According to Rick, riding on the quad, it does exist. One of his photos does reveal orbs and figures even though the picture was of the trees and the forest

It has become famous since 1968. However, the locals have known of its existence since time out of mind. They have kept avoiding it as it is considered an evil place where strange things happen. They all have known that once they have got among the trees, they are able to hear the rustle that seems to come from another world where all the fears of the human subconscious come to life and appear in the way of the ones that are foolish enough to venture into such a place. 

Even from the first steps into the wood, they were hit by inexplicable states of nausea, anxiety, headaches and, sometimes, even burns on their skin. The Hoia-Baciu Forest was a taboo subject for a long time, because people were afraid to even talk about it since the place was considered to be cursed and even dwelled by the Devil.

Alexandru Sift, a biologist started to study those paranormal phenomena that were supposed to happen in the oak wood. He was seduced by the fame of this forest and intrigued by all the incredible stories he was hearing from the locals. So, he started going on many trips in the Hoia-Baciu Forest, noticing that, every time, among the trees, some strange shadows were accompanying him. Being brave, he continued his research and he even managed to take some pictures of the “shadows”. Much to his surprise, even from the development of the images, he could notice, besides the shadows, some other forms, lights and figures that could not be noticed by the human eyes. Since then, many research workers were lured to explore that place.

You have to be open minded. We were... at least Rick was on that day..

Until tomorrow...

Photograph 1: Rick and Mierca'a friend, Mierca
Photograph 2: Rick Byrd, of the open forest- yet printed as orbs
Photograph 3: by Rick Byrd: Bones in the forest

OCTOBER 10, 2012 DALHIAS: THE CLUJ BOTANICAL GARDENS

LIKE ANY GREAT CITY, the history and culture are complimented by nature. The city of Cluj-Napoica is of no exception.  There are many parks are gardens that offer serenity and peace. Rick and I were looking for a store that sells needle work ( Of course, if you didn't think so !) In a department store  I found what I was looking for. A Romanian who spoke English fluently helped us. When we asked him about the Cluj Botanical Gardens, he and his wife offered to drive us the entrance. We generously accepted the offer and we arrived at the front gate.

The Alexander Borza Botanical gardens was founded by Alexandr Borza in 1920. It is the city's most important landmark where there is the Roman Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, The Desert and the greenhouses. The statue of the goddess Ceres is in the heart of the Roman Gardens You will find plants here that were the home of the ancient Romans.In the Japanese gardens we found a traditional Japanese House and a red Japanese Bridge. Rick and I even did some You Tube videos in the garden. The Pam Tree Greenhouse which houses 80 species of palm tress was closed that day. We walked, sat, had cafe, and just took in the views.

I was especially amazed by the variety of Dahlias. The Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous herbaceous oerennial plants. These plants are native to Central America. Rick and I never saw so many species of this flower. Dahlia are members of the Asteraceae or Compositae. There are related species which were also present in the garden which included the sunflowers and the zinnias. There are 36 species of the dahlia with mainly hybrids. Many of the photos are hybrids.  As I photographed every dahlia I thought of the Black Dahlia.  Does the black dahlia exist ? The Black Dahlia was  a nickname given to Elizabeth Short who was the victim of a gruesome much publicized crime. She was nicknamed this by the newspapers at the time who wanted a colorful title for murders. Her body was sliced inhale at the waist and found in Los Angeles California.
Why would a plant exist in the color black?  These flowers are rare in nature but I am sure some exist. t wouldn't look good in a vase or in a pretty flower combinations. The survival of any species depends on the goodness of pollinators. I doubt a honeybee or the many hummingbirds we saw ( on the zinnias) would ever be attracted to a black flower. I cannot see a honeybee being 'turned on' by a flower.


Photo credit: Patrick Fratellone MD RH



Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 9, 2012 MONASTERY OF PESTERA IALOMITEI

" PEACE TO THOSE WHO COME

 JOY TO THOSE WHO STAY

BLESSED TO THOSE WHO LEAVE"


There is a Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh who has always offered anecdotes and practical exercise as a means of learning the skills and peace of mindfulness. This is always being awake and aware. This could be as simple as me writing this blog, you peeling an apple and spreading almond butter on it or sitting quiet with your dog. He reminds me every day in spirit and now within myself, that each moment holds within it the opportunity to work toward a greater SELF understanding and peacefulness. It is the beauty of the world. It is not where you live, what you do, and how much money you make. It is about each opportunity. There was one afternoon a long time ago, June 5, 1982 when my heart was filled with anguish, rage and sadness. It what was I thought then the last time i would squeeze my mother's hand.  Today when I write these words, I am at peace and in silence. It is NOT the last time. I can close my eyes and be blessed that I had that opportunity in life. Some never get that opportunity. For those that do not get that opportunity, it is also alright.The sadness, anxiety and even hatred or whatever can be lifted, if you turn to meditation --using your own state of mind as the meditation subject. It works


We needed to reach another monastery called Pestera Ialomitei. We went through Sinaia to another city Busteni. From here by cable car to the Chalet of Babele.At the top there were many natural rock figures- the most well known- the Sphinx. Mircea, Rick and I then started to walk down the 2000 meters mountain towards Pestera. At 30 minutes into the walk down we met two older gentlemen who were climbing up. The monastery cave would not allow of two in, and there was no cable car so they have to venture back to the cable car to Babele. Rick and I panicked. Mircea did not he climbed up with these two older gentleman and said he would meet us at the bottom with the car.  This is FAITH. Rick and I ventured down the mountain among the trees, the bear foot prints and the antelope dong. We did slip now and then. Rock then realized no one except Mircea knows where we are- we laughed, hugged and did something exhilarating. I am not embarrassed to say that I suggested we strip our clothes and experience the nature of the mountain. It was a beautiful memorable moment in our lives.
As we approached the bottom our clothes back on Mrcea met us The monastery was founded int he first half of the 16th century as a wooden skeet at a cave entrance, and in then the grotto called " Voivode Mihnea's grotto.

Again another experience involves water. The history of the monastery and the caves is interesting. The monastery and entrance has burned several times, and always rebuilt. The skete was ruined by fire again in 1961 and not rebuilt until 1993. We traveled into Pestera which is 500 meters deep. It is unspeakable of the beauty within the cave.There are more than seven grotto's within the cave at various points.  At 40 meters was Saint Mary's grotto, and at 76 meters where bear skeletons can be seen is the Water Gallery where there is an altar and a holy cross. Many who have visited place prayers within the clefts and creveces. We were  no exception.Work did start in 2001 by His eminence Dr Nifron and a new abbacy and the diocesan house exists at the entrance of the cave.  There reads the sign
The abbacy house was designed to crown the spiritual enthusiasm of the present abbot of the Monastery of Pestera Ialomitei  put in the service of God and of the faithful who come to pray at the Holy Monastery.

Rick, Mircea  and I prayed at this Holy Monastery, drank its grotto's waters and climbed, knelt and crawled to its depths. ( nore than 700 meters into the earth- It was our Jounrey to the Center of the Earth ) The energy felt within this Holy Cave is beyond reproach. Words cannot describe what I felt. As I leaned over to Rick I said this, " This is the beginning of our journey in life together."

Until tomorrow
Photo credit: Rick Byrd, Mircea