Finding a New Primary Care Doctor

A Big Thanks To Leslie at Wellparents.com for this great advice Thanks to Leslie at Read more

The Rollercoaster of Life

Grandma: "I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like Read more

Sheltering at Home/Covid 19

Never in the last two decades of my career as a physician would I have imagined that we would be using the same mask to see patients all day and then sterilizing/recycling them at the end of the day. Read more

Turmeric Health Benefits

Have you ever wondered what the paste is applied to the bride and groom's faces and arms in Indian weddings?  It's actually the spice turmeric.  Turmeric is the ingredient in curry that gives it a vibrant yellow color.  Actually, Read more

COVID 19 Precautions

With the scare of COVID here in the USA now, I wanted to post a little info about boosting immunity to prevent contracting the virus. Here are some important facts about Covid-19 It is spread by contact with Read more

Natural Tips for Avoiding Colds

This cold and flu season is still upon us and unfortunately, many patients are still being plagued by these nasty viral symptoms.  Here are a few tips to try if you feel like you are coming down with something. Of Read more

Sherry's Story

Sherry has a great story.  She has been diabetic for years and she has made some massive changes!   "I have been on a lifestyle change. It has been a year following a ketogenic food plan.  When I started this journey Read more

Pharmacy to Farmacy

Many of you may know Erin-- the fabulous Pharm D that worked in our office a few years back.  Erin is a phenomenal gal and we embarked on the journey  into natural medicine around the same time.  As we both Read more

Diet

Magnesium Monologue

Another big thanks to our dear friend Dr. Chris!  Good stuff as usual!  Visit his site at http://www.yourpersonalwellness.com

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Sweet Deception–Exposing Artificial Sweeteners

 

A big shout out to Dr. Chris for sharing this great video with us —please visit his site http://www.yourpersonalwellness.com for more great information.

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Yummy Paleo Burgers

Happy 4th of July

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4th of July Triple Protein Burgers

Check out this great recipe for some paleo burgers for your 4th of July cookout!!!

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What is a GMO?

Here is Christa Orecchio from The Whole Journey giving some information about “What is a GMO?”

And here is the trailer to the fabulous documentary “Genetic Roulette”

Posted on by Angela in Nutrition, Uncategorized, Whole Food Leave a comment

Breaking Habits

I spent some time with Dee this weekend!  She looks great and is feeling confident and down 15lbs.  She is keeping it off and doing it the right way.  Here is one of her great posts on breaking habits.  Happy Saturday!

Dee writes:

Breaking a Habit

When you are in the middle of a challenge, it’s hard to imagine coming through the other side. If you are looking at getting healthy this year, you may remember all of the times you’ve failed. But take a moment and remember other major obstacles that you’ve encountered and conquered in life. When you are in the midst of the crisis it seems insurmountable. But you lived, the crisis is behind you and you probably learned that you are stronger than you thought you were.

Remembering those triumphant times will help you know that you have the strength to do this too. My downfall has always been at night. I can normally spend all day eating well, including a decent dinner. After dishes, some laundry and household chores, I tend to sit down for television with my family for an hour or so before bed. Sixty minutes can undo 14 hours of hard work.

To substitute this bad habit with a good one, I’ve come up with some ideas to keep from snacking on junk food at night.

  • Skip TV if it’s associated with food (plus commercials showing food make you want to eat)
  • Pamper yourself and get to sleep earlier than normal for a well-rested night (sleep aids in weight loss plus you won’t be around temptations)
  • Brew hot decaffeinated tea and read a good book
  • Light a candle and listen to favorite music

 

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Wall Yoga-This week’s epic fail!

So the last few months, I have felt completely stressed out with my kids on summer break, my menopausal hormone imbalance, and trying to sell our house.  I don’t know how many of you can relate but the showings seem to come at the most unfortunate times.  Last week, they called at noon for a showing at 4 when I was knee-deep at work.  The beds were unmade, the dishes were in the sink, and the children that I enlisted to power clean— were at the pool relaxing!  ” Really Mom, It’s summer break!”

I decided I needed to practice some mindfulness in order to settle my erratic brain.  Because I don’t know how to meditate, I thought of adding Yoga to my usual routine of running and Zumba.   The first few weeks went well.  I seemed to develop a groove after week #2;  realizing that I’m not nearly as limber as I thought.   Week #3 brought the reality that I was elderly and not that nimble 20 yo ballet dancer anymore. Week #4  –well, I can still cross my legs, but my splits look more like Gumby trying to morph into Stretch Armstrong than Natalie Portman in “The Black Swan”.

But here is the kicker!   I walked into class to find all my cronies facing flat against the wall in some awkward squat position.  I slowly and quietly turned to leave deciding I had entered the wrong class only to be called out by the Yoga instructor (damn, why did I try to befriend her?) saying—” Don’t worry-come in because we are trying something different tonight. NO JUDGEMENT in our practice.  NAMASTE”

Much to my dismay, she was teaching Wall Yoga.  I suffered through the difficult positions with my muscles quivering and sweat dripping onto my newly purchased chic pink Target brand Yoga mat.  I drove home thinking that I must be the only person going to Yoga that doesn’t toke up before class.   I then came home and googled (officially a verb now) Wall Yoga.  OOPS–I’m the jerk! I proceeded to find extraordinary information on Wall Yoga’s amazing health benefits.  Likewise,  I was apparently incredibly fortunate to have found an experienced teacher here in the Midwest.

My ignorance has prompted me to enlist some exercise and Yoga experts to write some guest blogs for you all.  After all–we are in this together and you certainly can’t trust my views on exercise.  Jeez  —I thank the Universe because usually I take my 19 yo daughter with me to class.  I’m sure she would have posted a You Tube viral sensation of me trying to do these moves.

 namaste

 I’d like to introduce KATHY—our Yoga expert!!!

Aloha!  I am a guest writer for Angela M.D.’s lovely blog.  Because of her new-found enjoyment in the practice, Angela has asked me to write a post about the benefits of yoga.

But, before I get started, let me share a little bit about me.  In 2012 I graduated from Carthage College with a degree in Exercise Physiology.  Although I love the human body and all the amazing physical things it can do, I decided to go right back to school to finish a licensing program at Dominican University to become a Registered Dietitian.  I am currently in my second (and final) year and will be looking for internships this spring.  Upon this road of health, I discovered yoga.  My passion for feeding the body and moving my muscles naturally moved towards yoga due to its holistic practices.  After 3 years of practicing (during college), I decided that I wanted to share this wonderful lifestyle with the world!  Ok, well maybe my friends and colleagues first…So, I became a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) through Essencia Yoga in Wheaton IL.  I love teaching and sharing my experiences with students of all capabilities and lifestyles, so I hope you enjoy this article and maybe visit me at the studio one day!

Ok, enough about me…let’s talk yoga!

Benefit #1:  Relaxing

In this modern world we live in, every day is a day to do more, learn more, and simply accomplish more.  We are taught from birth to be the best at whatever we put our minds to.  While this is great and all, it is really good for us to slow down every now and then to assess our progress and reevaluate the route we are taking.  Yoga helps your body to do that.  By focusing on your breath, connecting it with the body, and feeling the sensations in each posture, you become more aware of not only your surroundings, but who you are as a person.  After practicing for awhile, you might even begin to notice that the little things that used to bother you so much seem like just a cool breeze that you can handle much better.

Benefit #2:  Strength

If you have taken just one yoga class, you will more than likely know what I am talking about here.  In yoga, you use your body as the machine to move into postures and facilitate healing throughout.  You build muscles you never knew you even had.  As a matter of fact, I practiced for 3 years on my own before actually taking a yoga class and I was actually sore after the class!  Having been an athlete my whole life, I was shocked that yoga could make me sore.  It is important to note here that not all yoga is for building muscles, but the majority of the types do have some sort of asana (posture) attached, so a physical benefit will happen along the way.

Benefit #3:  Strong Heart

Along with strength, yoga can increase your heart rate during class through flowing motions.  Building a strong heart allows for the heart muscles to grow stronger.  A stronger heart means a lower overall heart rate and is therefore a more healthy heart.  Like any form of exercise, it is important to get that heart rate up just a bit so it can become stronger over time.

Benefit #4:  Spirituality

By focusing on the breath, body, and mind, you may naturally become a more spiritual person.  Being ”spiritual” can mean so many different things, depending on who you are and your current level of spirituality.

Benefit #5:  Healthy Eating

Becoming more in tune with your body will not only strengthen and stretch your muscles on a deeper level, it will also create a mind-body connection that might possibly lead to choosing healthier foods.  When we show care to our bodies, our mind wants to keep up that kindness; which is when we start reaching for more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

As you can see, yoga is so much more than just a physical practice, but the practice is usually where it all begins.  Everyone is a beginner in yoga, your mat is your sacred space and no one will judge you (not even you!).  

Thank you Angela, for the opportunity to write about a major passion of mine and I hope that all who read this may consider trying just one yoga class.  Whether you want to grow stronger, more flexible, or find a place of peace to yourself for an hour, give it a try; I’m sure you’ll love it.

Namaste. (“salutations to you”)

Kathy

www.luanaolaenjoylife.com

 

Thanks to Kathy for her contribution and check out her site above or on the link to the right!!!

Posted on by Angela in Body, Exercise, Guest Blog, Mind, Spirit 2 Comments

Getting Your Greens–by Dee

Getting Your Greens

I am so excited about spinach right now I can’t even stand it. It’s a beautiful sunny day in Florida and most normal people are excited about body surfing in the Gulf of Mexico. But I’m not normal, so I am happy that I just found two great ways to put spinach in my lunch.

Keep this in mind when you get out your blender — can I add a handful of spinach? If it’s a margarita, the answer is no. But if it’s homemade fruit vinaigrette or a smoothie, throw it in. I made pear vinaigrette (one peeled pear, one orange squeezed plus the zest, a pinch of thyme, 2 T of pear infused balsamic vinegar and 1 T of olive oil). It was really good but when I blended in a cup of spinach it was even better.

I bottled it up and went to get a bowl of bean soup for lunch out of my Crock Pot. Before ladling in the soup, I chopped up another handful of spinach. Pouring the hot soup on top caused the spinach to wilt, which is what I wanted. It added a pretty color to the beige soup and added a whole lot of health. Only 7 calories per cup adds half a day’s supply of Vitamin A, 14% of your Vitamin C, 5% Iron and a gram each of fiber and protein. Best of all, your mama would be so proud!

 

For more posts by Dee–visit http://www.gettingthebestoffood.com

 

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Wholistic!

My sentiments exactly!  Thanks for the share Dee–check out her blog at http://www.gettingthebestoffood.com

You may remember that I started this blog because I am an overweight diet authority. Oxymoronic, I know. But food and health have always fascinated me so I’ve been watching shows and reading books and learning about wellness for as long as I can remember. The sad thing is, that until I am able to successfully make my outside form match my inside genius, no one will (or should) believe that I know what I’m talking about.
Part of what I set out to prove to myself and everyone around me is that I am just an average person with a job and family and food cravings and an extra 40 pounds. People who have never been challenged with weight issues, really can’t coach from the same perspective as people who have overcome the challenge. They still have powerful advice to offer on the benefits of exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Wholistic medicine is particularly fascinating. I read this today and wanted to share with you what Plato had to say about overall health: “the greatest mistake that physicians make is that they attempt to cure the body without attempting to cure the mind; yet the mind and body are one and should not be treated separately.”

 

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Wellness Clinic Props!!!

A big shout out to Donna and Steve for sharing their testimonials!!!  A huge shout out to Kathy Taylor who makes a great cheerleader and advocate to changing lifestyles!

Here is this weeks article in the IU Health Matters

 

 

Wellness clinic leads patients to healthier habits

“I’ve learned a different way of eating, and I’m enjoying more fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Donna Tipton, a patient who participates in the free wellness clinic offered by IU Health Physicians Internal Medicine at Indiana University Health West Hospital. Tipton continues,
“I feel so much better; I’ve lost inches and I’m slowly losing weight.”

The brainchild of Angela Henriksen, MD, the clinic came about because Henriksen found herself advising “diet and exercise” to her patients
year after year during their annual exams—and not seeing any positive results. “I know
how hard it is to change yourself, and

the trouble that I have doing it,” Henriksen says. She wanted a way to help patients take responsibility for their own health. A year ago, she established a program whereby all of the practices’ patients who are interested can first see their respective physicians and then meet with medical assistant Kathy Taylor on a regular basis for wellness consultation.

Today, 70 patients participate in the popular program, talking with Taylor for 15 minutes to an hour once or twice a month during office hours. Many of the patients report that
they like the accountability and encouragement the wellness clinic offers, and have gained healthier habits—resulting in being able to eliminate their diabetes medicine or losing weight. “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change,” says Tipton. “It’s about learning what your body needs and feeding it what it needs.”

The wellness and lifestyle modification tips offered not only help prevent disease, according to Henriksen, but also provide cost savings in the long run by aiding with compliance issues. Taylor uses the visits to check patients’ medications, food logs and more. She also offers ideas about local resources, such as fresh fruit and vegetable delivery services.

As for the future? Henriksen shares that she would like to like to incorporate more exercise, such as yoga, into the evolving program. It’s all part of her personal wellness concept: “The best way to change the world is to change ourselves.”

For more information, contact the office of Angela Henriksen, MD, at 317.217.2600. IU Health also offers free personal health coaching to all team members. Health coaches can help you identify ways to improve your health and/or manage your health challenges. Call 317.963.WELL.

 wellness pic
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The Domino Effect

You all remember our dear real, honest, dedicated friend, Dee who has shared her weight loss/health struggles with us over the past few years.  She has done amazing and lost quite a bit of weight by making simple lifestyle changes.  Unfortunately, (like me and I am guessing everyone) life gets in the way of prioritizing our own bodies and health and we fall off the wagon.  Dee and I had an unusual circle of events this last week.  I sincerely believe they were signs from the Universe telling us not to lose site of the mission at hand.  Yesterday, Dee’s blog post read as follows——-
dominos
 
THE DOMINO EFFECT:
 
Today started with a call from my sister on my way to work. I should preface this story to say that I’ve felt isolated in my attempts to take care of my health and isolation equals failure to eat well and exercise. So at 8:20 am my little sister mentioned that her friend commented on this blog, something about someone being helped with the right message at the right time. Before looking into the message, I received another little jolt of encouragement from my friend who is also my dentist. She is a beautiful woman (inside and out) who is determined to get the best of her health through exercise. I know she has adapted a routine of walking regularly and has been successful at weight loss (congratulations Dr. M!) Before I left her office today, she instructed me to walk for 30 minutes when I get home. I like a challenge so I halfheartedly mumbled “OK”. Then when I was half out the door but still close enough to hear she said, “if you don’t you have to do double tomorrow.” And — because I had no other choice — I replied “deal!”Here’s the fun of that story. I did come home and walk two miles. Without her direction to do so, there was a zero percent chance that I would have exercised. I invited my husband to walk also, and he did. He commented that he has been wanting and needing to get back into the routine of exercising and this was just the push he had been hoping for. So some stranger in Indianapolis, who encouraged my friend Angela to remind me to keep going prompted a discussion with my dentist who challenged me to exercise which involved my husband who in turn prompted me to continue to walk the next day. What a great chain reaction. You never know who you might help or impact. Sometimes the right people are in the right place at the right time saying the right things.

Visit her site at http://www.gettingthebestoffood—she may be “still a small voice”–but, a powerful one indeed!

Thanks Dee for sharing

 
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