Finding the True Harmony within you

Sherry is Married!

Office Manager of True Harmony, formaly known as Sherry VanGoethem, has recently tied the knot and is now Mrs. Sherry Fragosa!  The wedding took place Saturday November 21st 2009 and was filled with friends, family, laughter, and good times. Picutres are coming soon!!

Congrats and Well Wishes Sherry!

True Harmony on the Evening News

We were on the ABC 15 evening news on October 9th!  I have posted the link below.  Sherry did a wonderful job!  Check it out.

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/southeastvalley/mesa/story/20-arrested-in-Mesa-massage-parlor-crackdown/Fr101iljOkq0zJ2HVwRwEw.cspx

What we Know about H1N1 vaccinations and the Flu

The vaccination for the new H1N1 flu has been approved by FDA. This H1N1 flu was identified in April 2009, 5 months ago, a vaccination has already been developed and the FDA has approved. What we know about this virus changes everyday. No long term studies have been possible. How can the FDA put the new vaccine through the appropriate rigorous trials to determine whether or not it is safe after only 5 months? Let us not forget Vioxx (a NSAID approved by the FDA and then taken off the market due to increased risks of heart attack and stroke).

After the outbreak and identification of the new H1N1 flu, doctor’s visits and emergency room visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) did significantly increase. Wouldn’t that be expected after so much reporting on the television, internet and newspapers regarding the seriousness of the "swine-flu"?

Despite all the hype and fear surrounding the new H1N1 flu (swine flu) let us simplify the matter by breaking it down to what we KNOW.

According to the CDC’s FluView, this was the flu situation for the week of August 30 – September 5, 2009.

• Doctor’s visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are increasing nationally. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are higher than what is expected during this time of year and have increased over the last four weeks.
• Total influenza
hospitalization rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but are higher than expected in the summer months.
• The proportion of
deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was low and within the bounds of what is expected in the summer.
• Eleven
states (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee) and Guam are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. Any reports of widespread influenza activity in August and September are very unusual.
• Almost all of the influenza
viruses identified were 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) with rare exception.

The CDC keeps tabs on all communicable diseases (diseases that passed from person to person) in the US, including ALL types of flu. The CDC also makes vaccination recommendations based on these facts.

Recommendations for the novel H1N1 vaccination by the CDC are as follows:

• pregnant women,
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

According to media and news reports (not sure what the difference is between media and news these days) the 2 most important populations to get vaccinated are pregnant women and small children.

However, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccination for children and pregnant women is uncertain and still being studied.

Cases of the H1N1 flu are mainly occurring among children and young adults.

The vaccination has shown to illicit a strong immune response in the population tested (adults older that 18) with no short term side effects. But the H1N1 flu was first identified 5 months ago and no long term studies can be done. Is this a concern to anyone? And do we know that it will actually prevent people from contracting this flu?

The studies of the H1N1 vaccination have not been done with a comparison or control group and environmental factors like previous exposure to the virus have not been considered.

Adults over the age of 60 are showing pre-existing immunity to H1N1 flu virus. However, all other populations are not showing significant pre-existing immunity to this flu virus. Although the new H1N1virus caused many serious illnesses and was identified in April 2009, do we know how long it has been circulating amongst the people population?

The symptoms associated with the new H1N1 flu are the same as those for the seasonal flu and include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• diarrhea and vomiting

As with the seasonal flu, severity of the New H1N1 flu ranges from mild to severe with the most sever cases occurring in high-risk populations; children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more of the following medical conditions: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

According to the CDC, every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than

200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and

about

36,000 people die from flu-related causes.

Most of the statistics being reported are referring to the seasonal flu. The truth is that we do not know what kind of impact this flu is going to have on the population. So far symptoms and mortality have not surpassed the season flu, however it is causing illness out side of the normal flu season.

So, whether or not you decide to have your season flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot, take steps to keep your self healthy.

Here are examples of easy to follow tips to enhance your immune system to prevent the flu or decrease the symptoms associated with the flu.

In addition to a good multivitamin and Probiotic:

Increase levels of vitamin C - 3gram daily

Increase levels of vitamin D3 – 5000IU daily

Increase dietary fiber – ground flax seed, apple pectin, whole grains

Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, caffeine, and alcohol

Herbs that stimulate immune function - Echinacea, Goldenseal, Osha

Homeopathy - A number of combination remedies are available Over The Counter and are effective
Ex. Boiron Oscillococinum

Once you start to feel the onset of flu or flu-like symptoms

• Increased intake of Vitamin C - 6 grams a day to bowel tolerance
• Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, and alcohol
• Eat foods that are easy to digest – broth based soups, lightly steamed vegetables, avoid red meat and limit consumption of all meat
• Herbal remedies are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what herbs are right for you
• Homeopathy are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what homeopathic remedy is right for you
• Essential oils – to be used in an inhalant steam bath
  Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – antispasmodic, antiseptic
  Mentha piperita (Peppermint) – antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial
  Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) – antiseptic, stimulating
  Eucalyptus globules (Eucalytpus) – decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial,expectorant
• Increase water intake - at least ½ of body weight in oz of water - dehydration can causes many complications associated with the flu.

Some of the above mentioned natural remedies should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions so discuss all natural treatments with your health care provider before using. It is important that you seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve or subside in 7-10 days.

We recommend you discuss your healthcare picture with your PCP or Naturopath to construct your optimal protocol for prevention or treatment of the flu this season, especially if you have a higher risk of contracting the flu.

To discuss preventative healthcare, schedule your appointment with Dr Denise Grobe, Naturopathic Physician at The Center for True Harmony, call 480-539-6646. If you think you have the flu, call your family practice physician, OB physician, or Local Urgent Care.

Staying Healthy and the H1N1 Flu

The vaccination for the new H1N1 flu has been approved by FDA. This H1N1 flu was identified in April 2009, 5 months ago, a vaccination has already been developed and the FDA has approved. What we know about this virus changes everyday. No long term studies have been possible. How can the FDA put the new vaccine through the appropriate rigorous trials to determine whether or not it is safe after only 5 months? Let us not forget Vioxx (a NSAID approved by the FDA and then taken off the market due to increased risks of heart attack and stroke).

After the outbreak and identification of the new H1N1 flu, doctor’s visits and emergency room visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) did significantly increase. Wouldn’t that be expected after so much reporting on the television, internet and newspapers regarding the seriousness of the "swine-flu"?

Despite all the hype and fear surrounding the new H1 N1 flu (swine flu) let us simplify the matter by breaking it down to what we KNOW.

According to the CDC’s FluView, this was the flu situation for the week of August 30 – September 5, 2009.

• Doctor’s visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are increasing nationally. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are higher than what is expected during this time of year and have increased over the last four weeks.
• Total influenza
hospitalization
• rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but are higher than expected in the summer months.
• The proportion of
deaths
• attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was low and within the bounds of what is expected in the summer.
• Eleven
states
• (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee) and Guam are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. Any reports of widespread influenza activity in August and September are very unusual.
• Almost all of the influenza
viruses
• identified were 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) with rare exception.

The CDC keeps tabs on all communicable diseases (diseases that passed from person to person) in the US, including ALL types of flu. The CDC also makes vaccination recommendations based on these facts.

Recommendations for the novel H1N1 vaccination by the CDC are as follows:

• pregnant women,
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

According to media and news reports (not sure what the difference is between media and news these days) the 2 most important populations to get vaccinated are pregnant women and small children.

However, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccination for children and pregnant women is uncertain and still being studied.

Cases of the H1N1 flu are mainly occurring among children and young adults.

The vaccination has shown to illicit a strong immune response in the population tested (adults older that 18) with no short term side effects. But the H1N1 flu was first identified 5 months ago and no long term studies can be done. Is this a concern to anyone? And do we know that it will actually prevent people from contracting this flu?

The studies of the H1N1 vaccination have not been done with a comparison or control group and environmental factors like previous exposure to the virus have not been considered.

Adults over the age of 60 are showing pre-existing immunity to H1N1 flu virus. However, all other populations are not showing significant pre-existing immunity to this flu virus. Although the new H1N1virus caused many serious illnesses and was identified in April 2009, do we know how long it has been circulating amongst the people population?

The symptoms associated with the new H1N1 flu are the same as those for the seasonal flu and include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• diarrhea and vomiting

As with the seasonal flu, severity of the New H1N1 flu ranges from mild to severe with the most severe cases occurring in high-risk populations; children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more of the following medical conditions: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

According to the CDC, every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than

200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and

about

36,000 people die from flu-related causes.

Most of the statistics being reported are referring to the seasonal flu. The truth is that we do not know what kind of impact this flu is going to have on the population. So far symptoms and mortality have not surpassed the season flu, however it is causing illness out side of the normal flu season.

So, whether or not you decide to have your season flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot, take steps to keep your self healthy.

Here are examples of easy to follow tips to enhance your immune system to prevent the flu or decrease the symptoms associated with the flu.

In addition to a good multivitamin and Probiotic:

Increase levels of vitamin C - 3gram daily

Increase levels of vitamin D3 – 5000IU daily

Increase dietary fiber – ground flax seed, apple pectin, whole grains

Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, caffeine, and alcohol

Herbs that stimulate immune function - Echinacea, Goldenseal, Osha

Homeopathy - A number of combination remedies are available Over The Counter and are effective
Ex. Boiron Oscillococinum

Once you start to feel the onset of flu or flu-like symptoms

• Increased intake of Vitamin C - 6 grams a day to bowel tolerance
• Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, and alcohol
• Eat foods that are easy to digest – broth based soups, lightly steamed vegetables, avoid red meat and limit consumption of all meat
• Herbal remedies are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what herbs are right for you
• Homeopathy are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what homeopathic remedy is right for you
• Essential oils – to be used in an inhalant steam bath
  Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – antispasmodic, antiseptic
  Mentha piperita (Peppermint) – antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial
  Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) – antiseptic, stimulating
  Eucalyptus globules (Eucalytpus) – decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial,expectorant
• Increase water intake - at least ½ of body weight in oz of water - dehydration can causes many complications associated with the flu.

Some of the above mentioned natural remedies should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions so discuss all natural treatments with your health care provider before using. It is important that you seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve or subside in 7-10 days.

We recommend you discuss your healthcare picture with your PCP or Naturopath to construct your optimal protocol for prevention or treatment of the flu this season, especially if you have a higher risk of contracting the flu.

Americans Are Switching from MD to ND~ Should You?

According to a government report, Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in 2007. CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products such as herbal supplements, massage, yoga, chiropractic, and acupuncture that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine.

 

Although this is a small percentage of the total dollars spent on health care, people are paying out of pocket for these expenses. This shows how much people value these alternative therapies. A quarter of the out of pocket cost spent on physician visits went to alternative physicians such as chiropractors and acupuncturists. The main reason individuals seek alternative care is for chronic pain.

 

One of the main reasons that people turn to alternative therapies for chronic pain is that many times conventional medicine just doesn't work. Isn't it ironic that one tries the most invasive form of medicine before trying alternative, less invasive forms of medicine? Cost is a huge factor in this. If one has insurance that will cover conventional therapies, that is the first place people turn. Most alternative therapies require out of pocket payments, which can deter potential patients. Yet, these are the therapies many people turn to when "nothing else is working".

 

One client at The Center for True Harmony came in after being in chronic neck and back pain for years. Last summer, when the pain became unbearable she turned to conventional medicine, basically taking all kinds of drugs to try to find some relief. To her dismay, she developed other symptoms; gut issues, and fatigue from the medications and her pain persisted. This summer, as she again came to the point of unbearable pain, she decided to try an alternative route. After speaking with her Naturopathic Physician, she started a weekly regimen of an acupuncture session followed by a 60 minute massage session. After one month she reported taking significantly less OTC pain medication and feeling much better. After about 6 weeks of weekly treatment, she was able to start coming every other week. This has increased her quality of life significantly. She has come in just a couple of times for acute pain and her body has responded to the treatments very quickly. Her body has learned to relax much faster. And obviously, no side effects.

 

She probably paid more out of pocket for all of her acupuncture and massage treatments than she did at the conventional doctor, but they worked! If she had decided to keep trying conventional medicine, keep taking pain medication, what would have been her cost? Doctor visit co-pays add up. Days off work because she is still in pain and exhausted from the side effects of the medication she is on. And lower quality of life is the ultimate cost!

 

So, people are switching. Perhaps changes are coming that will allow the average Jane to receive a therapy that will benefit her in the long run, not just "a method of treating disease with remedies that produce effects different from those caused by the disease itself". The effects that are produced are often not desired. Rather it seems that it would be desirable "to allow the body's vital ability to heal and maintain itself." Consider seeing a ND. You may just wish you had made the switch sooner.

 

Anna Filipski, LMT is the author of this article.  She works alongside Dr Denise Grobe, ND at The Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine in Mesa.  Call (480) 539-6646 today to schedule your massage or initial Naturopathic visit.  Receive 50% off your initial Naturopathic appointment through the month of October at True Harmony. 

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Dr. Denise Grobe, ND

 

When trying to lower your cholesterol consider your diet and increasing exercise first. Making changes to your diet can significantly improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as improve the health of your heart and overall health.

 

Focus on reducing saturated fats and trans fats first. Saturated fats are found in meats and vegetable oils, these fats raise total cholesterol levels. Trans fats are found in store-bought desserts, smacks and processed foods and will increase levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Include the following foods in your diet for improved cholesterol.

 

Soluble fiber

lowers LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) - oatmeal, oatbran, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes

 

Nuts and seeds

- almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pepitas, sunflower seeds contain oils that help reduce cholesterol

 

Fish and fish oil supplements

- research indicates that the oils in fish, also known as, Omega-3 fatty acids reduces cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk of developing blood clots. Fish oil will help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (cholesterol).

 

Olive oil - 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily will help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol)

 

Plant Sterols and Stanols

- the phytosterols are components of plant cells. Sterols and stanols are similar to animal cholesterol and will block absorption of cholesterol from the digestive system. Foods like yogurt, low fat milk, cereals, fruit juices, and margarine are being fortified with plant sterols. Phytosterols occur naturally in vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and nuts. The amounts available through food only are not sufficient to effect cholesterol levels. 2grams per day is the minimum recommendation for sterols and stanols.

Supplements can also be beneficial and effective at lowering cholesterol levels.

• Plant sterol supplements - block absorption of cholesterol
• Red Rice Yeast - contains compounds called monacolins that inhibit cholesterol synthesis and inhibitors HMG-CoA reductase.
• Guggul - herb used in ayruvedic medicine , improves binding of LDL in the liver and excreting it from the body.

Always discuss treatment options with your Physician.  To make an appointment with Naturopathic Phyician, Dr. Denise Grobe, ND, please call 480-539-6646. 

 

What is All the Hype About hCG??

By now most of us have heard about the hCG diet, know someone who has done the diet, or have at least read about the diet.  People are having tremendous results with this diet program!

The Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine will be hosting an educational session to answer all your questions about the hCG diet, help you determine if this diet is apporpriate for you and fill you in on the wonderful benefits you will receive by embarking on True Harmony's Transformational hCG Diet Program.

We will be discussing:

• The theory behind the diet

• Pros and Cons

• Alternatives

• Risks

• Q&A

Classes will be held:

Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-6:45pm

Or Wednesday, September 9 from 11:00-11:45am

To RSVP for this FREE class with Dr Grobe, ND, please call 480-539-6646 or email info@trueharmonywellness.com.

Do the hCG diet the TRUE HARMONY way!

True Harmony strives to provide their patients and community with everything they may need to reach their health and wellness goals. Therefore, after many queries and requests, True Harmony will be offering the well known physician guided hCG diet program. But we are doing it the True Harmony way, the best way. 

 

Presenting the TRANSFORMATIONAL hCG DIET PROGRAM

By now most of us have heard about the hCG diet, know someone who did the hCG diet, or have at least read about the hCG diet. People are having tremendous results with this diet program and many Dr.'s offices are offering the hCG diet program to their patients.

At True Harmony we are not just offering the "same old" physician guided hCG diet program everybody else is doing, but we are offering the support and services necessary to maintain your weight loss once your goals are met.

 

The TRANSFORMATIONAL hCG DIET PROGRAM includes:

• Initial Dr visit with Dr. Denise Grobe, ND to assess goals and nutritional concerns
• The 6 week hCG diet program -Reset your Metabolism and Lose Weight with this "Diet" that Works for Everyone!
• An "EXIT" visit with Dr. Denise Grobe to re-evaluate goals and nutritional concerns and discuss additional support
• 1 free spa service a month for 3 months
• PLUS 10% off all other spa treatments and classes for those 3 months

What sets us apart from the other hCG programs:

• Support necessary to maintain the results from this clinically proven medical diet program
• Time spent with the Doctor
• hCG Injections, which are proven more effective than the sublingual or topical
• Additional Support, including Massage, Yoga classes and more...

 

Call today to make your Initial appointment with Dr.Grobe. We can answer all questions you have.

Green Tea to Treat Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Medical Research is finally catching up to what practitioners of Naturopathic and Botanical Medicine has known for decades - Green Tea has extraordinary healing benefits.

 

The most recent research being done is on a product made of extracts of Green Tea, referred to as Polyphenol-E^TM regarding its application to treat Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections.

 

There is an FDA approved product (Veregen), sourced from green tea, already on the market that is a topical treatment for genital warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus.

 

The recent study is looking at how taking Polyphenol-E orally can eliminate HPV infections of the cervix. HPV infections are significant in that HPV has been identified as a virus that causes cervical cancer. HPV can cause normal cells on your cervix to turn abnormal. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own. Discuss ways to prevent or help the HPV to clear with your Naturopathic Physician. When HPV goes away, your cervical cells go back to normal. But if HPV lingers for many years; these abnormal cells can turn into cancer. Therefore it is important to get yearly Pap exams.

 

Polyphenol- E's active ingredients are a defined mixture of Green Tea catechins, including Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), extracted from green tea leaves that acts as an immune system modulator and also inhibits major functions of the virus.

Most research done on Green Tea has used EGCG extract. These studies have shown that Green Tea:

· inhibits the growth of cancer cells

· lowers cholesterol

· increases fat metabolism

· reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

· protects against cardiovascular disease

· prevents abnormal blood clot formation

· stimulates immune function

· has antibacterial action

The properties of green tea that motivated the researchers to study its effect on HPV are green tea's ability to stimulate the immune system and its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth.

 

Currently there are no conventional treatments focusing on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) directly, treatment occurs once an HPV infection has lead to an abnormal PAP and then the treatments focus on removing the abnormal cells and not on eliminating the Human Papilloma Virus.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Denise Grobe, author of this article, as well as Naturopathic Physician at The Center for True Harmony, call 480-539-6646 or email her at info@trueharmonywellness.com.

 

What Can I Do About Low Back Pain During Pregnancy?

What can I do about low back pain during pregnancy?

Deliver. Women experience back pain during pregnancy due to a developing baby in their pelvis causing extra pressure and stress on bones and muscles. Another reason why low back pain is common in pregnancy is due to a hormone called Relaxin which causes the loosening of ligaments and tendons allowing the pelvis to adjust to the growing baby and allowing the pubic bone and cervix to widen for labor and delivery. There are many things you can do to manage low back pain during pregnancy, for instance: yoga, stretch, swimming, as well as see your chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist.

To reach or book an appointment with Dr.Christine Brass-Jones, OB/GYN, at the Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine in Mesa, AZ call (480) 539-6646 or visit our website at: www.trueharmonywellness.com