JANUARY 19, 2011 DRIVING MISS DAISY

" Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that; Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr

The dialogue is very savory and spirited. Neither the bombing of the synagogue to which Hoke has been regularly driving Miss Daisy Werthan nor the testimonial dinner for Martin Luther King, Jr can dissuade Miss Daisy from attending. This crotchety stubborn Southern woman's dementia was beautifully portrayed by the late Jessica Tandy on the screen earning her an Academy Award.Driving Miss Daisy also won Best Picture Academy 1989. It is so tearful to see Hoke visit Miss Daisy in the nursing home with her starry far away eyes and hair wisps looking at Hoke to see if she knows him or not as he feeds her a piece of pie. Last night Rick and I witnessed two characters transform as Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones, portrayed Miss Daisy and Hoke on the Broadway stage. The only character missing was Miss Daisy's maid, Idella portrayed by Esther Rolle ( known for her TV role on Good Times) When Miss Daisy states to Hoke, " Hoke, you are my best friend" I feel a nudge in my knee and hand grasp from the gentleman in seat number 112. As mannerisms, gait, speech and posture change in this 90 minute, no intermission play, we are moved no tears as the curtain closes. Do not miss this production. We had perseverance as we exchanged our tickets four times in order to see Academy/Tony winner, Miss Redgrave.
Personally, I miss the premier theatre couple.Mr and Mrs. Hume Cronyn. I was blessed to have known each and enjoyed their company during the early 1990's

I wonder what beautiful words and speeches might Martin Luther King , Jr would have spoken today if he were alive. It is hard to imagine more than forty years have passed since his untimely death. I had a chance to read and listen to his speeches again while in college. His words echo through loud and clear.

The modern Western world discovered the remarkable potential of Chinese medicine in the late 1970's.Not only was the medical community amazed at the success of traditional Chinese medicine, but marveled at the use of acupuncture, reflexology, acupressure and Chinese herbs. One of these herbs is Ginkgo biloba. All civilizations have traditions of using plants to promote healing. I had the pleasure and honor of hearing Rosita Arvigo speak about the Rainforest Remedies and Healing Herbs of Belize last year. Just as I was amazed at the use of Santa Maria (Croton sp ), western doctors were in awe of the health benefits of the ginkgo plant. The key to ginkgo's benefits is in its ability to improve circulation to every area of the body. Of course, this includes the brain. Ginkgo helps the blood vessels remain supple and elastic. Research does indicate that it is beneficial in early stages of Alzheimer's disease. There are many studies documenting the benefits of ginkgo. As many studies there are on the benefits, there are some stating no benefit. In 2009, a study of previously published data reported that a leading ginkgo extract did not reduce the decline in cognitive impairment in older adults. This was published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) . When I read a study documenting no benefits, I always want to review the data. Most of the time there is some flaw in the study. According to the American Botanical Council, there are at least 16 controlled clinical trials have evaluated various ginkgo extracts for healthy, non-cognitively impaired adults. A systematic review has shown that in 11 of these trials, ginkgo increased short-term memory, concentration, and time to process mental tasks. The other uses of ginkgo have been supported in other studies.
Clinical trials also support the use of ginkgo extract in assisting elderly patients in walking longer distances without leg pain (peripheral arterial occlusive disease, also known as intermittent claudication or peripheral artery disease - PAD). Standardized ginkgo extracts are approved for use as medicines in Germany and numerous other countries.
Can you believe that 15 years ago, in Germany, Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) was approved by the German government for use in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency (also referred to as age-related dementia). The Europeans have accepted ginkgo as medicine. Why can't we? It is used routinely in France, Italy and Germany.
Since Ginkgo has been used for more than a thousand years, its history ( if you like history) is very interesting to read. I haven't found a good history book on Ginkgo. However one of the best history documenting herb books that I have read is Ginseng, the Divine Root. David Taylor's account and retracing the path of this plant from the forests east of the Mississippi to the busting city of Hong Kong to remote places in China is fascinating.

Mens sana in corpore sano means a sound mind in a sound body. What does this mean ? It means that there is a relationship or a hypothesis that a relationship exists between the body and the mind. It took many years for conventional doctors to acknowledge the relationship exists. Documentation of medication vs placebo proved the mind-body connection. I believe that ginkgo is the herb that can improve mental function. Is it the only herb or supplement to help with cognition and mental impairment ? No

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 18, 2011 PROTECT YOUR MEMORY

" Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
Kevin Arnold

There is a difference between your memory and your memories. If you lose your memory , you will lose your memories. I do not want to lose my memory. I hold onto my memories with much love, happiness and affection. If I didn't have my memories I would never be able to recall the happy moments in my life. When a special person in your life is no longer here, you only have those memories. The memories can be seen in pictures, movies, cards, letters and tape recordings. What would happen if a loved one is still alive, but he/she has no memory ? This is a rather difficult situation. It is more difficult for the family and friends of the patient, rather the patient him/herself.
Yesterday I saw a woman whom I have known for ten years. She did not appear her usual self. For one she could not recall my name, nor her family members with her. She does dress herself, but lives in a senior home with all her meals prepared. Her dress is always impeccable and color coordinated. She asked the same question about five to ten times. I assured her about her health, her pacemaker and her arthritis. She still asked the same questions. She has been on conventional as well as integrative therapies for her memory loss. Yet, the aging process since her last visit has accelerated. After the visit ended, I sat at my desk pondering my own demise and if it happens to be Alzheimer's or Dementia. I would not want to put my loved ones through the agony of seeing me helpless, not able to read, interact socially, and not being able to needle point or knit. I would want them to remember me the way I used to be.
Although I would not want them to abandon me if I still had judgement, I can certainly understand if my family did. The family I am speaking of is my children. I can certainly understand if family members stop visiting their own mother or father if he/she has Alzheimer's. What kind of life is this ! Who suffers--the patient with Alzheimer's or the surviving children? There is not a good answer because we as humans have a conscience. What would you think if your friend stopped visiting his dad because his dad has severe memory loss?
If my own dad had lived and began to have memory loss, I do not know honestly how I would have handled the situation.

We have memories...

From The Way we Were

Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? Could we?
Mem'ries, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
the way we were...


Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 70 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early-onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. Here are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's
Disease
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life For example: forgetting a planned event
2. Challenges in solving problems for example; following a simply family food recipe
3. Difficulty in completing daily tasks for example : at work or at home managing a budget
4. Confusion with time and place for example : not knowing what month it is based on the outside temperature
5. Trouble understanding visual images for example; judging distance while driving the car or worse, passing a mirror thinking that someone else is in the room
6. Trouble following a conversation with a family member for example; struggling with a vocabulary word
7. Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps for example losing things as keys, blaming others for stealing or moving them ( I do this all the time with my reading glasses)
8. Poor judgement for example: poor in dealing with money or financial situations
9. Withdrawal from social activities for example: do not want to see best friends, remove themselves from their fun loving hobbies
10. Changes in mood or personality for example: becoming confused, depressed , anxious , fearful and suspicious



MEMORIES from Cats

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can dream of the old days
Life was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every street lamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me,
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me,
You'll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun...

Until tomorrow...more on Alzheimer's

JANUARY 17, 2011 PERSEVERANCE

" A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down." Arnold Glasow

What is a true friend ? For me, a true friend is my partner. I hope that your true friend is your partner, your wife, or your husband. Putting the partner(s) aside not everyone has a true friend. If are fortunate to have a true friend, the quote by Glasow is so true. For me, my true friend of 16 years is there in good and bad times. He has taught me perseverance. Perseverance is persistence in the face of adversity, and the determination never to give in. We have taught each other that perseverance is belief. To persevere, you must believe in yourself. We all need that extra boost, and a true friend can tell you like it is. First, we tell each other that each of us MUST have the unshakable conviction that you deserve to succeed. Second, perseverance is self love. To persevere, you must have self love necessary to withstand any number of defeats and turndowns. We tell each other that each of us are worthy people, despite any temporary lack of success. I happen to be the most blessed as I have a live in true friend, my partner, Rick when my best best true friend is not around. I am also blessed to have the 12 step program as my friend.
Third, perseverance is forgiveness. To persevere we each tell the other, that you must be able to forgive yourself. Finally above all perseverance is enthusiasm. This is essential. Everyone needs a bountiful supply of enthusiasm. Who better to provide that enthusiasm than your best friend. So put it all together, - belief, self love, forgiveness and enthusiasm--the four key ingredients of perseverance. A best friend is there to help you with courage, determination and patience to never give in.
I thought I had true friends in grammar school, middle school, high school and even college. Where are they now ? On Facebook.com or classmates.com ! How vulnerable I was to think some were true friends-- yet mere acquaintances. This can even happen in adulthood, but to a less degree. You will learn to "weed out' the takers. I have not only 'weeded out' the acquaintances, but two other true friends taught me about the freezer. Have gratitude if you have a true friend. True friends do not grow on trees.
My definition of a "true friend" is imaging both singing the tune Bosom Buddies from Mame with one portraying Vera Charles ( Bea Arthur) and the other as Mame Dennis ( Angela Lansbury).


No only a true friend can tell you frankly my dear, " You are getting fat" Will you be explosive or calm. My father had a habit of always telling someone if they gained weight. He didn't care if you got angry. He then would say, "Look at me" He never mentioned if you lost weight or you look good. Only about your weight. Lets start where you buy your food. The Market. Where is the market do you shop first ? Is is the perimeter of store or the center. For those that shop in the perimeter, you are getting your fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy. For those that shop in the center, you are getting the processed foods. Who will gain more weight ? The latter. Lets go deeper. What led you to the perimeter or the aisle ? Was it was the color display pr the sign that said 'Sale'?

Advertising does help with you eating less. There are strategies that make you eat more. Marion Nestle discussed them in 'What You Eat' You will eat More even if you do not need it because of the following.
1. Convenience - if easier to take with you , you will eat more
2. Proximity - if food is easier to get, you will eat more than if harder to get
3. Variety- if different types of food are available, you will eat more. Ms. Nestle labeled this as the 'buffet syndrome'
4. Larger Portions- the more food in front of you, the more you will eat
5. Lower prices- if the cost is cheaper , you will eat more

All of this makes sense when you read it. I do believe that the food industry wants to make more money, but at what expense. Ads, aisle displays and prices in any supermarket do not encourage you to eat less. Why would they ! You might not even notice these subtle changes in your market. Take a look next time you are shopping. I will guarantee once you start looking around your market, your food choice will become clearer. Your choices will be better. Another example of perseverance !


BOSOM BUDDIES BY Jerry Herman
We'll always be bosom buddies,
Friends, sisters and pals;
We'll always be bosom buddies,
If life should reject you,
There's me to protect you.

If I say that your tongue is vicious,

If I call you uncouth;

It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will sit down and tell you the truth.

Tho' now and again I'm aware that my candid opinion may sting,
Mame:
Tho' often my frank observation might scald;
I've been meanin' to tell you for years
You should keep your hair natural like mine.

If I kept my hair natural like yours, I'd be bald.

But darling,

We'll always be dear companions,

My crony,

My mate;

We'll always be harmonizing,

Orphan Annie and Sandy,

Like Amos and Andy.

If I say that your sense of style's as far as off as your youth;
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will tell you the whole stinkin' truth.

Each time that a critic has written, "Your voice is the voice of a frog!"
Straight to your side to defend you I rush;
You know that I'm there ev'ry time that the world makes and unkind
remark.
When they say "Vera Charles is the world's greatest lush!"

It hurts me!

And if I say your fangs are showing,
Mame, pull in your claws,
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will notice the obvious flaws!


I feel it's my duty to tell you it's time to adjust to your age;
You try to be "Peg O' My Heart", when you're "Lady Macbeth."
Exactly how old are you, Vera? The truth!

Well, how old do you think?

I'd say somewhere in between forty and the death!


But sweetie,

I'll always be Alice Toklas,
If you'll be Gertrude Stein.
And tho' I'll admit I've dished you,
I've gossiped and gloated,
But I'm so devoted.

And if I say that sex and guts made you into a star,
It's simply that who else but a bosom buddy
Will tell you how rotten you are.

Just turn your bosom buddy
For aid and affection,
For help and direction,
For loyalty, love and for sooth!
Remember that who else but a bosom buddy
Will sit down and level
And give you the devil,
Will sit down and tell you the truth!



Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 16, 2011 A HAPPY LIFE AND GUT

" We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learned to bear its ills without being overcome by them " - Juvenal

" A vigorous five milk walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world." - Paul Dudley White


How much help have you received in your life ? Not in the way of financial help, but genuine help in the way of advice and your life filling with purpose and new meaning. This should render you grateful. Gratitude not Attitude. Gratitude should always go forwards, not backwards as stated in a 12 step program. There are many little quick rhymes that are like this. At first, I thought how ridiculous, but today I use them rather frequently. If unhappiness lies in you being a loner, or you chose to be a loner as you have or had dysfunction in your family--you are not alone. What family does not have dysfunction ? Certainly not mine and certainly not yours. I heard many dysfunctional family stories in my step program. I certainly for the first time didn't feel alone. I felt part of...in partnership or friendship with other men and women I finally devoted myself to a number of ideas, people and groups. I started to become 'whole'. Years ago when I started a 12 step program, I felt as if I was on a Pink Cloud or on a Honeymoon. It didn't last long, because I then had to deal with 'life on life's terms' taking all the lumps and bumps that life had to offer. As Juvenal stated ..." have learned to bear its ills without being overcome by them." Self searching had to be a regular part of life. I had to be able to admit and accept what I found. I had to persistently look at the damage and try to correct what was wrong. I did just that. It wasn't pleasant, nor did I expect it would be. I did a lot of five mile walks. Today I still do daily inventory as I did years ago. I do not take five mile walks, but I accept the challenge of a 8 x 12 mesh canvas. Life is not easy, but no one said it would be. I am sure my Higher Power would want me to be happy, joyous and free. Are you happy,joyous and free?

Are you unhappy with your appearance. Have you ever though that your food allergies or intolerance are making you Fat ? Do you feel bloated, crampy and have lots of gas after eating a bowl of pasta ? Have you ever thought that you could have a food intolerance to dairy and wheat ?
If any of these questions entered your thoughts, then you need to have a food allergy test. Not the usual skin testing for allergies, but a blood test to see the delayed reaction of those food sensitivities. This is called an IgG RAST test. It can be done by companies as Neuroscience, Metametrix and ALCAT.
These food sensitivities could be the cause of your anxiety, depression, insomnia, lack of concentration, and fatigue. Do you have any of those symptoms ? If you do, seek a health care professional who understands food sensitivities. Try for just one week, eliminating all cow's dairy and breads from your diet. See how you feel. I know you will feel better. I do not think all of your symptoms will disappear, but will lessen. I will guarantee one blood test that will reveal a low level. This is your Vitamin D 3 level. Do you know your Vitamin D 3 level?

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 15, 2011 YOUR HIDDEN PAIN-

"You can forgive someone almost anything. But you cannot tolerate everything...We don't have to tolerate what people do just because we forgive them for doing it. Forgiving heals us personally. To tolerate everything only hurts us all in the long run."


I believe that one of the most essential requirements for true spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with pain. Is coming to peace with pain the same thing as forgiveness? I could not have evolved without change. I know that the periods of change are not always comfortable.

Change is daring to question our needs for comfort and control. Change causes fear. I do know today that becoming familiar with this pain was part of my growing process. Some of us need the assistance of a health care professional, as a psychiatrist or psychologist to face these disturbances. These meetings often allow us to realize there is a layer of deep seated pain. It is within the core of your heart. You might spend your entire life avoiding this pain. I can relate to this type of pain.

My pain was possibly my failure to adequately deliver CPR to my mother. My entire personality was built upon ways to avoid the pain or even talking about the pain. I didn't allow myself to explore beyond the pain. I did 'many things' to avoid the pain. Another aspect of my life was avoiding the pain of a different sexual lifestyle--being gay. I avoided the pain of admitting 'I Am What I Am' by keeping my weight a certain way, dressing a certain way, choosing a certain hairstyle and even talking a certain way. To this day I hear stories similar to mine when it comes to being gay.I even see these types of defense mechanisms in young gay teenagers when first coming out. What we did to hide the true facts is unbelievable. This not being able to forgive or coming to peace with pain led me finally to an addiction. Has your deep seated pain led to an addiction ? Sometimes exercise can be an escape or a healthy addiction ! There are many addictions that are not so healthy as eating, drinking, drugging, shopping and even sex. What pain are you trying to avoid when you think about your addiction.It was not until I started to practice forgiveness and come to peace with my pain that I was able to live an honest life. I can say today I am at peace with my pain. The peace within of pain of years gone by and sometimes the pain that comes with ending a volunteer job, a relationship, a friendship and even of death. Personally to live at this level of freedom which I now have, I have learned through time not to be afraid of my inner pain and disturbance. I am blessed and grateful.

How insidious food allergies can be at destroying health. How insidious addictions can be a destroying a life. Are they really different ? I think not !
I am often told by patients, " that after eating a bit of bread, my chronic stomach pains with bloating, gas and cramps escalated to the point of panic" During the visit, I often tell the patient, " Have you ever been not bloated? Do you know what it is like to have no cramps ?" I assure them that after avoiding the foods that they are sensitive to, and rotating all the others food they are not sensitive to--life will get better. Of course, it takes time, patience and diligence. It also is usually at that time that you say " I am sick and tired of being sick and tired"
I have seen food intolerance related to frequent infections, heart disease and infertility. It is gratifying to me to have a couple finally be able to have a child following simple dietary changes, balance their thyroid, rid the body of toxins and start Vitamin D.
How do you start on discovering your food allergies. Start by having a physician test your food allergies by taking a blood sample. Do no use skin testing for your type of food allergy. If your allergy results in a rash or redness, then you can use the skin testing as this is an immediate response. You need a IgG RAST test by Metametrix, Neuroscience or ALCAT.
Have you ever connected your level of fatigue or tiredness ? If not, you better start keeping a journal of your body symptoms with what you eat. Remember what Marian Nestle stated, " You are What you Eat " Before her there was Carlton Fredricks , Adelle Davis and of course, Robert Atkins. Now, there is me...spreading the word.

More...tomorrow...

JANUARY 14, 2011 SELF ESTEEM

"Success doesn't come to you...you go to it."
- Marva Collins -

"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things." --Winston Churchill

"Success comes not from the avoidance of failure. Most of the time, success is achieved only when there has been enough failure."- Unknown Author -

What is the definition of self esteem? Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs for example, "I am competent;" and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride, anger, happiness and shame. The key to happiness and success is building your self esteem and self confidence . According to Dr. Nathaniel Branden, self esteem is the experience of being competent to cope with the basic challenges and of being worthy of happiness. Are you worthy of happiness? In the past I thought I was not worthy of happiness.


I do know that self-esteem is crucial during your childhood and teenage years. In my clinical experience, I do believe that childhood can make or break your self esteem. It has nothing to do with wether your parents showered you with gifts or not. I actually see some adults who had "sliver spoon" childhoods have very low self esteem despite the fact that he/she may be a successful adult. Even those with high self esteem during their teen years can have problems in adult years, except to a less extent. The process of building self esteem can be difficult, but I want to make it simple. As you increase self esteem through a hobby, the question is can you sustain and maintain a healthy self esteem. To keep the self esteem you acquire through a hobby you must:

1. Forgive yourself for your mistakes
2. Let Go
3. Celebrate the strengths and achievements in your life
4. Do not dwell on failure; learn from your failures
5. Realize that berating yourself about your weaknesses is self defeating
6. Talk to yourself in a positive way; Use a mantra in the morning to boost yourself
7. Stop putting yourself down
8. Do not judge yourself by comparing yourself to others


All diseases can be modified or changed if we have a better dietary lifestyle and exercise change. I do believe in 7 lifestyle changes. 1. Dietary 2. Exercise 3. Addictions 4. Meditation 5. Self Esteem 6. Anger/Resentment and 7. Self Love. Throughout the blog I have discussed 1 - 7. I now want to discuss Self Esteem and Hobbies every Friday. Over the last fifteen plus years in practice, I have found that many individuals use exercise as their hobby. Exercise is part of a Lifestyle change. Self esteem can be improved through doing a Hobby. Those who either know me personally or have discussed your health with me, know I am the King of Hobbies. Some may say that doing my knitting and needle craft work -I am the Queen of Hobbies. I want you to realize and understand that knitting or needle craft work is not limited to females. Certain personalities are drawn to certain hobbies. For example if you are dexterous, meticulous and artistic you might like building model ships and airplanes or even silk screening. If you are nature-loving, outdoorsy and independent you might like bird watching, bee keeping, wild crafting herbs and gardening.


Do some of your character traits match any of these hobby ideas? Think about your character traits. We can call these your personality traits! Some of mine are adventurous, meditative, nature loving and nurturing. Oh yes, and crafty!
Some of my hobbies are gardening, herbs, bee keeping (haven't started yet), needle crafting, card making and knitting.
Do you have a hobby?


Which of these character traits describe you?
1. musical
2. independent
3. social
4. outdoorsy
5. nature loving
6. technical
7. sporty
8. extroverted

Here are some hobbies we will discuss on future Fridays
1. Candle making
2. African violet growing
3. Bee keeping
4. Airplane Models
5. Ant Farms
6. Pottery/ Ceramics
7. Glassblowing
8. Painting
9 Rubber stamping
10. Card making
11. Flower arranging
12. Cooking
13. Horticulture
14. Growing Orchids


For you men, if Cary can knit why can't you...

JANUARY 13, 2011 STICKS AND STONES MAY NOT BREAK MY BONES, BUT LOW VITAMIN D CAN

" I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught" Winston Churchill

I am always ready to learn. I love learning new things. I never used to like being criticized or judged, but it doesn't bother me anymore. I am who I am. That should say it all. Have I changed? YES. Have you changed? Everyone does not know everything? We all could use a lesson or two. These could either be life lessons or educated lessons on various topics.

I was the oldest student in my Botany training. At first it bothered me in this way. I had thoughts running through my mind --why am I here? Am I too old for sitting in a classroom? Am I too old to camp outside? I do not have the right gear to be wild crafting herbs in the woods... What happens if I get bit by a tick?

I learned invaluable information. I felt young again. I was among individuals who are my own children's age. It felt thrilling. I felt invigorated to be sitting in a classroom.

I often wonder why individuals stop learning after formal education. There is so much to learn. There is not enough time to learn everything. This is why I read, read and read. Last night I was reading my Natural Beekeeping book. I also blocked a new needlepoint canvas. Tonight I must just read my antique Sauer's 'Herbal Cures'.

I started hospital rounds yesterday. I love teaching as well as learning. I always get reacquainted with diseases not usually seen in the office setting. It stimulates me to read medicine either from textbooks or on-line journals. I always want to see if I can write up a case report with a resident, intern or medical student. It is refreshing to sit and teach. It is always a memorable experience for me. Why do I do it? I teach to not only review conventional medicine with the hospital team, but to open their minds to other medical modalities such as herbs, acupuncture, prolotherapy, and nutrition. I am still amazed that 'true' Nutrition is not taught in medical school.


While on hospital rounds I was amazed at how many of the patients want to see the attending. It is not as if the residents/interns are not doing their job. They are doing an excellent job. The older patients need to talk to the attending. After talking to 'Marilyn' she genuinely felt better. She even smiled, despite her upcoming surgery. I am grateful and blessed to be able to make rounds for patients.


You know I consider Nutrient of the Decadeto be Vitamin D. There is never too little to talk about when it comes to Vitamin D. I even mentioned it in hospital rounds today. As stated previously the new data suggests that the health benefits extend beyond healthy bones.

There are two forms of vitamin D: Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3, ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol respectively. Vitamin D3 is produced from the skin response to sunlight. Few few foods have a high content of Vitamin D3. If you think your source of dairy is giving you the amount of Vitamin D you need--think again. I would definitely recommend everyone take Vitamin D. You can use both vitamin D2 and Vitamin D supplementation. Also, you can have both of these vitamin D levels tested in a blood (serum) sample.

What is more amazing is that a single 20 minute dose of summer sun bathing can provide you with 15,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D3. When is your next warm vacation?
My medical knowledge of Vitamin D taught in medical school was limited to the clinical manifestations of vitamin D deficiency which included nutritional rickets, poor skeletal health, and osteomalacia.

There was no mention of Vitamin D benefits as we know today. There is an overall lower mortality rate in those patients taking Vitamin D3, as well as a lower cardiovascular mortality. There is a reduced risk of diabetes, a reduced risk of cancer, a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis, reduced risk of allergies, reduced risk of infection, reduced risk of mental illness and less musculoskeletal pain. Evaluating the evidence regarding Vitamin D overall health benefits is difficult. More studies need to be conducted. There is the National Institute of Health study over a 5 year period evaluating 2,000 IU VitD3 compared to placebo. This will be a good study to refer to however I would have liked to see a higher dose used. On the current recommendations it is wise for those individuals greater than 65 years of age to take 1,000-2,000 IV/day. I have not seen untoward effects in those patients taking more. Serum (blood) levels should be monitored when a patient is taking Vitamin D3.


I do NOT feel skepticism should be maintained on Vitamin D intake and its benefits.

Such is life...