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

OCTOBER 7 -8, 2012 BRANCOVEANU MONASTERY

" My primary concern is to present the specific dimensions of our religious  , spiritual and profane experience of the world."  Patrick Fratellone

For the last ten days, Rick and I have traveled to somewhere neither of us have been--Romania. We had the best tour guide, our friend, Mircea. I do not want to dwell on the variations in religions we have seen or express to you what the world has undergone. We come home changed men. We have seen , witnessed and experienced what we thought life could never offer. We feel the sacrality of Mother Earth. I feel sort of living now in a sacralized cosmos which is manifested equally in the animal and plant kingdom. It is hard to express in words. It is beyond words. It is the gifts that some men and women have. Do I question how and why  ? Absolutely not. I now that sac of us has gifts. It is how we use those gifts to help others is what counts in this world.This is not the world which we will gain happiness. This is the trials and tribulations which are getting us prepared the next better life ahead.
For me I had to express my own Miracle of Mindfulness. This is what medicine for me is all about- Body, Mind and Spirit.


On our travels by car took us to many places. Situated on Dambata de Sus river's at the Fagaras Mountain's feet there is a well know monastery well know for a place of meditation. It is called Branconeanu monastery . It is of spiritual comfort which we all need at one point in our lives and is a place of strengthening for those that believe. I understood this very deeply.For you must believe. I have patients today who only believe in the medications, but not in the herbs. This is fine. In order to heal from every aspect you must believe.  Throughout history the monastery was ruined and destroyed - over more than 160 years the monastery was restored.

In addition to walking through the quietness, we had the opportunity to drink water from the "The Heling Source" fountain which is mentioned in many religious documents in 1500. It is from these waters that miraculous things have happened. Today there is a canopy of sculptured oak around the water. We tasted the waters, as Mircea haled up the bucket from meters below. We even filled empty water bottles and drank these waters throughout the week.


As we left this place of serenity , tranquility and peacefulness we read this

" May God protect us and the many prayers of Saint Martyr Constantin Brancovenu, the first founder of the monastery and the other martyrs, help us and the monastery, day and night in all the moments and places."

Another unique aspect of every church and monastery we visited was two areas for lighting candles-on the left--candles for the living, and on the right - candles for the dead.

Until tomorrow - today from en route fromMunich to NYC

OCTOBER 4, 2012 TWO HERBS IN GI TEA

" There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."
                         Aldous Huxley


This time away has all about oneself- " ourselves'  We all can improve ourselves. FOR ONE dietary lifestyle is essential. The second is exercise lifestyle.  Rick and I are committed to a regularly scheduled exericse regimen. It cannot just be fit in it must be scheduled otherwise life gets in the way. The third is a set of meditation exercises which we have learned and practiced in Romania. We have learned exercises to strengthen our ligaments and help our stretching. We are slowly learning to clean our 'house' This might mean elimination of family and friends. We will do anything to stay away from negative energy and drams. We learned , if you cannot touch your toes --this is a problem. We have gained much spirituality in Romania- visiting different cities and towns, visiting different monasteries and churches and discovering caves with grotto's with holy water. We have prayed in every church we have visiting throughout this country.
We are improving ourselves ! What are you improving ?



Another herb which has anti-inflammatory properties is Filipendula ulmaria. Commonly known as Meadowsweet, it is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae, which grows in damp meadows. It is native throughout most of Europe and western Asia though it has been introduced and naturalized in North America. Meadowsweet has also been referred to as Queen of the Meadow, Pride of the Meadow, Meadow-Wort, Meadow Queen, Lady of the Meadow, Dolloff, Meadosweet and Bridewort.  Since Meadowsweet has anti-inflammatory properties it can be used for both IBS and the two diseases, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. These two diseases are known as Inflammaotry Bowel Disorders (IBD).

The other herb in GI tea from Longevity Nutritionals (www.longevitynutritionals.com) is Catnip.


Until tomorrow from Romania...


Until tomorrow....

OCTOBER 3, 2012 CRP

" Do not go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first."
       Mark Twain

The  serum marker for inflammation is called the C-reactive protein (CRP). As a cardiologist, I am concerned about the cardiac or high sensitive CRP. Although I was discussing this with patients ten years ago, it was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 that HS-CRP can be a marker for cardiac disease.
Chronically elevated CRP ( Normal <1 10="10" 3="3" a="a" also="also" and="and" as="as" associated="associated" attacks="attacks" but="but" diabetes="diabetes" especially="especially" factor="factor" for="for" greater="greater" heart="heart" ii="ii" independent="independent" infarctions="infarctions" insulin="insulin" is="is" known="known" less="less" metabolic="metabolic" myocardial="myocardial" or="or" p="p" resistance="resistance" risk="risk" stroke.="stroke." strong="strong" syndrome="syndrome" than="than" this="this" type="type" with="with" x="x">
In my opinion, to lower the CRP, use herbs such as Turmeric, Ginger, Indian Gooseberry, and grape seed extract with enzymes such as Bromelain, Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase. You also must utilize the above with strong anti-oxidants as Vitamin C, fish oils and even Pine seed oil. The herb Rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to reduce CRP. We also need to measure your DHEA level because low levels are associated with a higher CRP. We know from an earlier blog the benefits of certain fish. To maintain a normal CRP, do the following:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

2. Eat healthy

3. Do not smoke

4. Take botanical herbs and anti-oxidants

5. Reduce stress

6. Physical activity


Until tomorrow.. from Romania

OCTOBER 2, 2012 THE 'K' VITAMINS

Do not take life too seriously--you will never get out of it alive-  Elbert Hubbard






Did you know there is a Vitamin K? There are three groups of Vitamin K: K1, K2, and K3. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables and higher plants. Vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria and not in higher plants and Vitamin K3 is a synthetic analogue and hardly used for supplementation.

Historically vitamin K is the clotting vitamin used for coagulation of blood. In the last ten years Vitamin K is being recognized for its role in bone health as well as cardiovascular health. Vitamin K is a
co-factor in the production of osteocalcin which is important as a bone building protein. Vitamin K is also a co-factor in some enzyme reactions essential for the body.
There are great studies on the effects of Vitamin K1 to natto MK7. These are important for the physician who utilizes Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2. There are more important studies on the effects of calcium concentrations int he largest artery in the body - the aorta. SA large study examined the dietary effects of K1 and K2 on aortic calcification. This was the large Rotterdam Study. Those with higher levels of Vitamin K had a reduced risk of mortality and morbidity for cardiovascular diseases.

Ask your doctor about takingVitamin K! If you are on an anticoagulant as warfarin (coumadin) you cannot take Vitamin K. Low intake of vitamin K2 is associated with higher risk of coronary calcium levels.

Until tomorrow....

OCTOBER 1, 2012 TIPS FOR MEMORY

" As a body everyone is single, as a soul never "-Hermann Hesset





When the doctor evaluates the overall health of a patient, the health of the brain is sometimes overlooked. Sure there is the quick mini mental memory test. With the new and old diseases of the brain, the baby boomers are now experiencing some memory problems  To influence the brain and help the memory I adhere to five easy tips.

The first tip is the Proper Diet.  This is not read in a diet book. This is adhering to the research about the foods good or beneficial to the brain. You need the right blend of proteins and complex carbohydrates.  Since the brain and nervous system is comprised of 60% fat, you better consume some omega 3 essential fatty acids. Decrease the inflammatory foods and avoid foods high in saturated fat.
Choose foods rich in antioxidants.

The second tip is Physical Exercise.  This is great for overall health and especially for the brain. How many of you keep to a routine schedule ? I know I do not as life gets in the way. There needs to be a schedule or commitment.

The third tip is my favorite. Mental Exercise. This involves stimulating your brain with mental exercises. It is not just the morning New York Times crossword puzzle, but much more. You must challenge your brain. There is research to show that you must always challenge your brain to decrease the aging process. This is where I discuss trying a new activity or learning a new hobby. It could be learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, travel and explore and even volunteer in a community project. It could be using your brain to calculate numbers and not the calculator on the phone. You might try cooking new meals from new and different cook books. It might even include prayer and meditation.

The fourth tip is Social Interaction.  This means you must interact and engage in conversation. This is more than doing a hobby. This might be a hobby within a group. It could be joining a book club. This is all about social interactions with other people.

The fifth tip is Ingesting Calcium. This is understanding the  relationship between calcium and the health of your brain. Books have been written on this subject. You need just the right amount, not in surges. This is sort of the electricity of the brain . There needs to be a balance of calcium in the body.

Until tomorrow...