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

Hyla Cass

Our Chemical Shitstorms

233d9d6a1763eac5a5d2f3df8e074914How many of us struggle with addiction?  I will be bold and say the number must be 90% or above.  I refer to addiction as anything that we can’t live without or obsess over–including tobacco, caffeine, sugar, drugs, alcohol, sex, bad relationships, negative thinking, impulsive behavior etc—I personally have kicked my diet mountain dew habit (it only took about a year) and like everyone else, I struggle daily with overcoming more unhealthy habits.  It certainly isn’t easy!   I am honored that my cohort addiction specialist, the infamous Mr. Jim Ryser, has privileged us with his own story to help us understand how diet, nutrition, thoughts, and mindset can heal addictive behaviors.

First-Here is a little background on Jim Ryser:

Jim Ryser began his music career at the tender age of 5 years old, learning to play violin to ease long hours spent in the hospital. Born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and expected to live a poor quality and short life, Jim beat the odds due to a loving and caring family combined with an Irish tenacity that continues to this day.

Jim honed his musical skills during the recovery from over 50 surgeries he has had to correct problems associated with the original corrective procedure on his spinal cord when he was 9 days old.  

He played Madison Square Garden as a solo violinist when he was 9, but it was picking up the guitar at 14 that took him down the music path of rock and roll dreams.  “I played a lot of Rush and Pink Floyd, but I loved Fleetwood Mac and other more mellow rockers as well,” he says, “and I think that combined with my classical background made for some interesting stuff over the years!”

He signed his first record deal with Arista Records in 1990.  Music legend Clive Davis was heading up the label at the time and told Jim – then known as Jimmy – that he had hit songs and wanted Jim on the roster. “Same Old Look,” the first single released in 1990, reached #6 on the Billboard chart and sent he and his band on a wild summer tour with The Moody Blues, Henry Lee Summer, REO Speedwagon, and John Mellencamp.  He has played on some wonderful albums with John Mellencamp, Hall and Oates, and Tracy Chapman.  He has guested with James McMurtry, Henry Lee Summer, and Bob and Tom over the years.  

His health issues forced him to find another path; he had become addicted to his pain killers to combat the daily chronic pain associated with his spina bifida and related kidney, back, and orthopedic issues. Jim went through a pain program at the Cleveland Clinic and was able to learn new ways to deal with pain, such that he was inspired to acquire his college degree.  His addiction, however, lay hidden and by the time he graduated Indiana University Summa Cum Laude, he was on some of the same drugs that led to Michael Jackson’s demise, using up to 500 mg of IV Demerol and taking 10-20 percocet pills a day.  He hit bottom when he started drinking.  

He went back to Cleveland and got sober in the summer of 1999, which led him to his graduate degree and an internship with addiction and pain. His specialty is rare in that he knows both chronic pain and addiction personally and professionally, and this combination led him to his current position as the program manager for pain services at Indiana University Health Methodist Hosptial in Indianapolis, Indiana. He runs a pain rehabilitation program there and he also helps people with acute pain issues while further helping others who have become iatrogenically addicted.

He got back into music quite by accident, and he says, “I got into hunting with my son-in-law Troy, getting a turkey on my very first day in the woods – an hour after he got his.  I found that hunting did more for my pain management than anything else I ever did, so I spent time learning about deer hunting as well.”  This journey led him to Bill Winke, one of the best known hunter-writers in the business.  “I sent Bill a CD of my music in appreciation for the amazing work he does, and he asked if he could use some songs for his show, Midwest Whitetail.  I told him I would go one better and write some songs…Now I am the principal writer for most of Bill’s projects!

This match created a great relationship with the entire staff and lots of new songs, which then led to Jim updating his recording studio and investing in some more gear to custom design songs for Bill’s shows exclusively. These songs hatched more ideas, and a new CD was born. The new disc highlighted on this website is a culmination of Jim’s musical life, and he says, “Having many years of sobriety now, a deep love for both work and my hunting/music passion, gave me something that very few folks get – and I wasn’t even supposed to live.  I have remained on an incredible journey that makes me grateful for my pain and addiction, because they made me who I am today.”

Jim Ryser is a nationally recognized performer and speaker for both his musical and personal journey, and his expertise in managing pain for those who desire education about it.  He has spoken all over the country and has consulted with several health care systems on various ways to manage pain without the use of mood altering drugs.  

 

Here is Jim’s personal story that he chose to share with our followers that are empowering themselves to overcome disease–

 

“I wish I could say I “beat” addiction, but I can no more do that than stand on my toes unaided today.  I have myelomeningocele.  Long story short, I have damage to my spinal cord that resulted in neural connections being cut due to the original birth defect.  There ARE no connections so it is physiologically impossible for me to stand on my toes unaided!

As to my addiction, we have assumed in society that we can change unaided too; telling a drug addict not to use is the same thing as saying “Just don’t breathe!”  The addict has a compulsion to use and a craving once started that makes it impossible to stop on the basis of self-will.  There is no connection just like with the nerves!

I have been fortunate to have stopped using drugs aberrantly.  The thought process of the disease never goes away, but it can be managed.  I found that out after I got sober and gained 50 pounds.  My addiction switched seats on the titanic in many ways.  So – for me, addiction is less about substance and more about the thoughts and the spiritual malady that goes with it.  Moderation is not part of the addict’s vocabulary.  With help, however, I have been able to stay sober for the past 14 years.  I have also lost the weight and am continuing, a day at a time, to manage the unmanageable.  Having a proper diet helps keep me on task with my pain pill addiction and chronic pain because I learned in proper eating habits I might sacrifice a “feel good” with food (sugar) that results in a crash that makes me feel bad in the long run.  Today I have learned to slow down, do the RIGHT thing, and be rewarded over the long haul (and more consistent haul) with good health and overall good feeling.”

 

Please visit Jim’s website http://www.jimrysersongs.com

You may want to purchase a copy of his latest release “Lubricate my MoJo”

His next performance will be:

June 29, 2013
FREEDOM FESTIVAL!

http://greenwoodfreedomfestival.com

 

I can’t thank Jim enough for his honesty and committment to helping others in similar situations.  I have come across a few other different resources for anyone who would like to learn more on the topic.

This video by Paul Chek is helpful in learning why we become addicted to things—


It’s a bit long but helpful to anyone wanting to learn more about the etiology of addiction.

 

Also, a great resource is well-known psychiatrist’s Dr Hyla Cass’s book—

Dr Hyla Cass—Overcome Addiction, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression Naturally

hyla cass

Posted on by Angela in Body, Call to action, disease, Guest Blog, Nutrition, Whole Food 2 Comments

The Virgin Diet and 7 Amazing Doctors!

Hey wellness warriors!  You’ve seen these top doctors on TV and maybe have even read their books but here is a fabulous opportunity to listen to them speak first had for FREE!!!!!

 

Check this out here:  http://www.7days7docs.com

 

Starting tomorrow JJ Virgin is offering  a great opportunity to listen to 7 of the top doctors in nutrition including:

Dr. Sara Gottfried – author of  “The Hormone Cure”

Dr. William Davis-  author of  “Wheat Belly”

Free downloads by:

Dr.  Daniel Amen-  author of  “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body”

Dr.  Mark Hyman-  author of  “The Blood Sugar Solution”

and more—-you can register today to listen to the program that starts tomorrow –there should be some invaluable information shared and there are also free downloads and coupons available.

If you haven’t heard of JJ Virgin she is the author of  “The Virgin Diet”  A New York Times Best Seller

 

Check out this opportunity–

Dr Sara Gottfried Sara Gottfried, M.D. teaches women how to balance their hormones naturally so they can rock their mission. She is a Harvard-educated physician, speaker and author of The Hormone Cure (Simon & Schuster, 2013)She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is regularly featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, RedbookO Magazine, and Yoga Journal, and TV including The Ricki Lake Show and 20/20. Known for quoting Top 40 lyrics and effortlessly blending the seriousness of women’s health with playfulness and humor, Dr. Sara’s mission is to help women feel sexy and vital from their cells to their soul.
Dr. Alan Christianson Alan Christianson is a Phoenix, Arizona-based Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) who specializes in endocrinology and hormone replacement with a focus on thyroid disorders. He founded Integrative Health, a group of physicians that focus on optimal wellness rather than disease. Accolades include Top Doc recipient in Phoenix magazine. Dr. Christianson’s publications include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Thyroid Disease, Healing Hashimotos and the Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Chapter of the 9th Edition of the Textbook of Natural Medicine. His numerous media appearances include The Today Show, The Doctors, CNN and Shape Magazine.
Dr. Anna Cabeca Dr. Anna Cabeca frequently lectures nationally and internationally regarding women’s health issues. She is an Emory University trained and board certified Gynecologist and Obstetrician, as well as certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, an expert in Functional Medicine, and an expert in women’s sexual health. She specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives, successful menopause, age management medicine, and sexual and reproductive health.  She is the co creator of SexyYoungerYou.com, and creator of WomensRestorativeHealth.com and SexualCPR.com.  A mother of 5 and multi-lingual she brings an integrative world view to a reforming modern medical model.
Dr. Frank Lipman Founder of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City, Dr. Frank Lipman is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of Integrative and Functional medicine. For over 20 years his personal brand of healing has helped thousands of people reclaim their vitality and recover their zest for life. In 2010 he created Be Well by Dr. Frank Lipman, a line of cutting-edge, science-based nutritional supplements and health solutions. He is the author of two books, Total Renewal and Revive
Dr. Hyla Cass Nationally acclaimed innovator and expert in the fields of integrative medicine, psychiatry, and addiction recovery, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Cass helps individuals withdraw safely and comfortably from addictive substances (including  medication), and enhance mind, mood and energy with the aid of natural supplements. She appears often as a guest on national radio and television, including The Dr. Oz Show and is the author of numerous articles and several popular books including:  The Addicted Brain and How to Break Free, Natural Highs8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, and Supplement your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition. 
Dr. Michael Finkelstein After 20 years practicing western medicine, most notably as Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief of Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital, Dr. Finkelstein pursued a more holistic approach to his work by founding a renowned wellness center, SunRaven in Bedford, NY. A nationally recognized radio show host, sought after expert contributor and soon-to-be published author of 77 Questions for Skillful Living, Dr. Finkelstein tirelessly promotes his concept of “Skillful Living,” the practice of treating the business of living healthy as a skill that must be developed with mindful, dedicated attention.  
Dr. Bill Davis William Davis, MD, asked the question: Why are so many people, who seem to do everything right, still overweight and unhealthy? Asking that question led him down the path of questioning whether the “eat more healthy whole grain” message was true. When he asked patients to remove all foods made of wheat, he witnessed profound and unexpected turnarounds in health: unprecedented amounts of weight loss and reversal of a long list of health conditions from acid reflux, to joint pain, to binge eating. This was the motivation to write Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to Health and the Wheat Belly Cookbook: 150 Recipes to Help You Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to HealthWheat Belly is now an international phenomenon, published in 17 languages and featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Live! With Kelly, CBS News, and other national media. Dr. Davis practices preventive cardiology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

http://www.7days7docs.com     also like her page on facebook or follow her on twitter!

Posted on by Angela in Body, Diet, Exercise, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food Leave a comment