Customized Medicines
Dr. Sonja O'Bryan, Pharm.D., ABAAHP Board Certified Health Practitioner Diplomate-American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: "Creative Medicines" for Hormones-Weight-Pain-Fatigue-Skin Diseases-Pediatrics-Autoimmune Disorders-Veterinary Needs. Using Complimentary, Integrative, Regenerative, Bio-Identical, and Lifestyle Medicine For Health and Healing.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Are you feeling HOT, HOT, HOT?
The number one symptom menopausal women complain of is HOT FLASHES. I doubt that's a big shocker to anyone reading this article. And just so you know, I've heard just about every statement imagineable from women who try to describe their FLARE-UPs to me in the office. I love hearing them and have collected some favorites throughout the years which I now look back on and smile about.
Flinging the covers off at night, fanning like a crazy person, running the A/C in 50 degree weather are all explanations talked about day-in and day-out around here. It's fun in the way that they describe the problem of hot flashes, but I promise you there is a sincere cry for help when they get to the point of seeing me to help uncover the problem. I remember a patient a few years ago that sat in the chair and dripped with sweat as I tried to interview her. It was sad to have to watch her suffer in that way but there was an even greater problem that the hot flashes had brought about. The affection of her spouse had dimished because of her constant and profuse sweating. She felt half-human at that point and really needed some answers.
So what happens when a "Hot Flash" strikes? (no pun intended.....I told you I've heard them all)
Vasomotor flushing is the technical term and happens when blood vessels in the skin of the head and neck open more widely than usual, allowing more blood to shift into that area. This creates the heat and redness that a woman feels during a "Hot Flash". The reasons for the onset of the hot flash can be many, but usually are the result of declining estrogens and rising levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The real problem is that one never knows when they are going to happen. NEWS BULLETIN!!!..... Usually 'hot flashes' will occur right during something very important or when you are in front of A LOT of people. (Murphys Law right?)
What should you do if you are feeling Hot, Hot, Hot?
Hormone testing (saliva is my preference) helps to identify the degree to which things are out-of-whack and should always be used as a guide for care and treatment. Everyday, I work with M.D.'s, Nurse Practitioners, and PA's from all over the area and in other states who are more than welcome to call and discuss your care plan with me. Why? Because a patient should use only the hormones that are identified as deficient and not something that is convenient and packed with unnecessary components for their body. I suggest a full hormone panel before doing ANYthing in the world of hormones. In my patients, I require Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and sometimes DHEA, and Cortisol levels to be tested. Hormone testing just gives a good picture of what's going on inside. The other important part of the process is a patient interview. This helps me to consider other health concerns and family history information.
Throughout the years I have been surprised a few times to see that the problem was not estrogen, but one of the other hormones (that I mentioned above) being out of balance. There have also been a few times that the problem was not hormonal, but a stress related condition for which I recommended herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Honestly, it would have been terrible to put estrogen therapy on board with these patients when estrogen wasn't the problem at all. That's why I enjoy serving in the field of customized medicine. It's about each person and each need and it's why this field of medicine is growing almost exponentially throughout the country. "Cookie cutter" medicine is simply not the best approach to hormone problems anymore.
So if you're "all fired up" and feeling Hot Hot Hot, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
Maybe I can help cool things down a bit for you.
To your good health,
Dr Sonja
Flinging the covers off at night, fanning like a crazy person, running the A/C in 50 degree weather are all explanations talked about day-in and day-out around here. It's fun in the way that they describe the problem of hot flashes, but I promise you there is a sincere cry for help when they get to the point of seeing me to help uncover the problem. I remember a patient a few years ago that sat in the chair and dripped with sweat as I tried to interview her. It was sad to have to watch her suffer in that way but there was an even greater problem that the hot flashes had brought about. The affection of her spouse had dimished because of her constant and profuse sweating. She felt half-human at that point and really needed some answers.
So what happens when a "Hot Flash" strikes? (no pun intended.....I told you I've heard them all)
Vasomotor flushing is the technical term and happens when blood vessels in the skin of the head and neck open more widely than usual, allowing more blood to shift into that area. This creates the heat and redness that a woman feels during a "Hot Flash". The reasons for the onset of the hot flash can be many, but usually are the result of declining estrogens and rising levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The real problem is that one never knows when they are going to happen. NEWS BULLETIN!!!..... Usually 'hot flashes' will occur right during something very important or when you are in front of A LOT of people. (Murphys Law right?)
What should you do if you are feeling Hot, Hot, Hot?
Hormone testing (saliva is my preference) helps to identify the degree to which things are out-of-whack and should always be used as a guide for care and treatment. Everyday, I work with M.D.'s, Nurse Practitioners, and PA's from all over the area and in other states who are more than welcome to call and discuss your care plan with me. Why? Because a patient should use only the hormones that are identified as deficient and not something that is convenient and packed with unnecessary components for their body. I suggest a full hormone panel before doing ANYthing in the world of hormones. In my patients, I require Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and sometimes DHEA, and Cortisol levels to be tested. Hormone testing just gives a good picture of what's going on inside. The other important part of the process is a patient interview. This helps me to consider other health concerns and family history information.
Throughout the years I have been surprised a few times to see that the problem was not estrogen, but one of the other hormones (that I mentioned above) being out of balance. There have also been a few times that the problem was not hormonal, but a stress related condition for which I recommended herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Honestly, it would have been terrible to put estrogen therapy on board with these patients when estrogen wasn't the problem at all. That's why I enjoy serving in the field of customized medicine. It's about each person and each need and it's why this field of medicine is growing almost exponentially throughout the country. "Cookie cutter" medicine is simply not the best approach to hormone problems anymore.
So if you're "all fired up" and feeling Hot Hot Hot, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
Maybe I can help cool things down a bit for you.
To your good health,
Dr Sonja
Monday, January 9, 2012
ZyEstraPrexaProzacolam
If I were to name a customized medicine after 25 years of being in this profession, I would probably call it this. Why the long word? Because that's just how they do the nomenclature in this business, but also, it reflects the lists of medications that usually appear in my office as I talk with patients.
This fancy name is what I refer to as the Cocktail of Aging. Many women and men that come to my office for a consultation on aging, reproductive issues, menopausal symptoms, and the like, will often share their medical history of insomnia, depression, anxiety, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, and so on. But they will also share a medication list for a pill to treat each and every symptom that they struggle with. I take the information, close their chart, and begin to simply describe the process of aging and the things that can occur as a result of improper hormone balance. Polypharmacy is not the answer but getting to the real cause of the problem is a much better way to approach things.
Here's what I simply share with my patients.
Take a quick look at these symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:
shortness of breath, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, headache, heart palpitations, incontinence (to name a few).... Now a Menopause Cocktail list for this patient might include: Proventil Inhaler, Lunesta, Vagifem, Xanax, Hydrocodone, Propranolol, and Detrol. (in order of symptom need).
And then I share, here's some of the symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency:
Headache, Anxiety, Moodiness and Irritability, Depression, Cravings, Trouble going to sleep, Weight gain, Water Retention. The Menopause Cocktail for this might include: Imitrex, Ativan, Prozac, Ambien, Phentermine, and Lasix.
Moving right along to Testosterone Deficiency:
Low libido, Fatigue, Aches and Pains, Incontinence, Depression, Bone Loss, Decreased Muscle Mass, Fibromyalgia, Thinning Skin, and Decreased Stamina. So the Cocktail for this patient might include EstraTest, Gabapentin, Ibuprofen, Detrol, Celexa, Fosamax, and Lidoderm patches.
This is not just about the women either. WHAT ABOUT MEN? (I'm glad you asked)
Here's a quick review of the symptoms men deal with as they go through Andropause: Bone loss, Back pain, Decreased Muscle Strength, Decreased Urine Flow, Depression, E.D., High cholesterol, Hot flashes, Low Libido, Irritability, Moodiness, Insomnia, and weight gain especially in the abdominal area. So 'his' cocktail might include: Calcium +D, Hydrocodone, Flomax, Paxil, Viagra, Lipitor, ....etc.... Maybe for the men I would call the medicine ZyTestraPrexaPaxil just to have a fun name for the guys.
Really it's not fun at all to sit down with a patient who has been existing in the world of polypharmacy. Often they find their way to me after years and years of taking multiple medicines just to exist in the real world. I am thankful that providers are really listening to the opinions of their patients these days as they come to a formalized answer as to the source of the problem. I tell patients that they are their best healthcare provider. They know how they feel. They know what works and what doesn't. And in this age, it's common for patients to come to my office having done their own research beforehand. I love that and encourage it.
Are you on a COCKTAIL of band-aid pharmaceuticals? Have you ever once considered that hormones are to blame?
My goal in this blog is to point your attention in a different direction as to some of the reasons why you might be feeling worn out, burnt out, crabby, sad, anxious, tired, and so on. I have tested hundreds of patients throughout the years and now work with patients and providers all over Missouri and in other states who want to assess these other reasons. Give me a call and I will be happy to share more information with you.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
This fancy name is what I refer to as the Cocktail of Aging. Many women and men that come to my office for a consultation on aging, reproductive issues, menopausal symptoms, and the like, will often share their medical history of insomnia, depression, anxiety, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, and so on. But they will also share a medication list for a pill to treat each and every symptom that they struggle with. I take the information, close their chart, and begin to simply describe the process of aging and the things that can occur as a result of improper hormone balance. Polypharmacy is not the answer but getting to the real cause of the problem is a much better way to approach things.
Here's what I simply share with my patients.
Take a quick look at these symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:
shortness of breath, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, headache, heart palpitations, incontinence (to name a few).... Now a Menopause Cocktail list for this patient might include: Proventil Inhaler, Lunesta, Vagifem, Xanax, Hydrocodone, Propranolol, and Detrol. (in order of symptom need).
And then I share, here's some of the symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency:
Headache, Anxiety, Moodiness and Irritability, Depression, Cravings, Trouble going to sleep, Weight gain, Water Retention. The Menopause Cocktail for this might include: Imitrex, Ativan, Prozac, Ambien, Phentermine, and Lasix.
Moving right along to Testosterone Deficiency:
Low libido, Fatigue, Aches and Pains, Incontinence, Depression, Bone Loss, Decreased Muscle Mass, Fibromyalgia, Thinning Skin, and Decreased Stamina. So the Cocktail for this patient might include EstraTest, Gabapentin, Ibuprofen, Detrol, Celexa, Fosamax, and Lidoderm patches.
This is not just about the women either. WHAT ABOUT MEN? (I'm glad you asked)
Here's a quick review of the symptoms men deal with as they go through Andropause: Bone loss, Back pain, Decreased Muscle Strength, Decreased Urine Flow, Depression, E.D., High cholesterol, Hot flashes, Low Libido, Irritability, Moodiness, Insomnia, and weight gain especially in the abdominal area. So 'his' cocktail might include: Calcium +D, Hydrocodone, Flomax, Paxil, Viagra, Lipitor, ....etc.... Maybe for the men I would call the medicine ZyTestraPrexaPaxil just to have a fun name for the guys.
Really it's not fun at all to sit down with a patient who has been existing in the world of polypharmacy. Often they find their way to me after years and years of taking multiple medicines just to exist in the real world. I am thankful that providers are really listening to the opinions of their patients these days as they come to a formalized answer as to the source of the problem. I tell patients that they are their best healthcare provider. They know how they feel. They know what works and what doesn't. And in this age, it's common for patients to come to my office having done their own research beforehand. I love that and encourage it.
Are you on a COCKTAIL of band-aid pharmaceuticals? Have you ever once considered that hormones are to blame?
My goal in this blog is to point your attention in a different direction as to some of the reasons why you might be feeling worn out, burnt out, crabby, sad, anxious, tired, and so on. I have tested hundreds of patients throughout the years and now work with patients and providers all over Missouri and in other states who want to assess these other reasons. Give me a call and I will be happy to share more information with you.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tea Time
I have never been much of a tea drinker, but after doing some research on this topic, I feel confident that my multivitamin regimen will always include various forms of tea. Mine personally includes green tea, black tea, and oolong tea to be very specific. I feel the tea gives me energy, helps maintain my weight, and gives me focus as I go about my day. If you are not using tea (either drinking or in capsule form), then please pay attention to the facts in this blog.
Tracing back to 700 A.D., tea houses became popular social centers amongs poets, royalty, educators, and physicians. And tea is still a staple in Chinese households today. I did not realize this, but the US is now China's seconds largest importer of tea. WOW! Americans like their tea. All teas come from an evergreen plant 'Camellia sinensis' which produces many types of teas (~300). The plants can grow crazy high (50 feet), but most are kept at about 5 feet tall. Of the 300 varieties of tea, there are really 5 types that are of importance to health and longevity. I want to keep the blog short so I feel doing just a simple breakdown list is probably the best approach.
So here goes....lets talk teas.
Types of Teas
1. Black Tea-(fully fermented) has a smoky flavor. has warming properties so it's best in colder months. is good for people with pain in the extremities due to cold weather. is good for poor circulation, arthritis, and coughs caused by a cold. Pu-er black tea is the most effective for weight, triglycerides, and cholesterol. It is used in Chinese medicinals to decrease risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and obesity.
2. Oolong Tea- (half fermented) can aid in digestion. can decrease absorption of fats from big meals. is beneficial for patients who have skin problems such as acne.
3. Green Tea- (not fermented) has a weaker ability to boost metabolism as compared to the other teas. popular during summers because of their cooling properties. has a high antioxidant content. Gunpowder tea is the green tea with the highest antioxidant content.
4. Flower, Fruit, and Scented Teas: (black, green, and oolong) a popular tea during summer because of it's cooling properties, decreased effect on sweating, dehydration, headaches, irritability, allergies, and eye problems. Fruit teas are great for those with intestinal and stomach problems such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and heartburn.
5. White tea is not readily available unfortunately because of its seasonal extraction process.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Research proves that tea has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It lowers blood glucose, prevents tooth decay, boosts the immune system, and increases blood flow and energy. Tea can also decrease plaque in blood vessels. There's more. The polyphenols in tea contain powerful antioxidants that aid in cancer prevention. And, both black and green tea inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to Alzheimers disease. WOW! Pour me a cup.
Cancer: heavy smokers who drank at least 4 cups of tea each day had a 31% reduction in a chemical that is released causing DNA damage. (American Assoc. for Cancer Research)
Blood Pressure: Habitual tea drinkers showed a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the course of a year.
Other Uses: Washing a cut to prevent infection. Treating athletes foot. Placing tea leaves in a pillow case to serve as an air freshener. Mouthwash for bad breath. Who knew???
What about the caffeine? a common misconception is that caffeine is bad. (I'm actually quite fond of it myself. LOL!) Teas are caffeinated but release differently than coffee products which give a quick jolt. Teas boost energy and focus by giving a slow steady release throughout the day. Caffeine in tea is significantly lower than that found in coffee. Patients sensitive to coffee can usually handle tea just fine.
So there you have it. Tea Time is good for you. Invite me over, we'll sip some tea. :)
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
417-777-7455
Tracing back to 700 A.D., tea houses became popular social centers amongs poets, royalty, educators, and physicians. And tea is still a staple in Chinese households today. I did not realize this, but the US is now China's seconds largest importer of tea. WOW! Americans like their tea. All teas come from an evergreen plant 'Camellia sinensis' which produces many types of teas (~300). The plants can grow crazy high (50 feet), but most are kept at about 5 feet tall. Of the 300 varieties of tea, there are really 5 types that are of importance to health and longevity. I want to keep the blog short so I feel doing just a simple breakdown list is probably the best approach.
So here goes....lets talk teas.
Types of Teas
1. Black Tea-(fully fermented) has a smoky flavor. has warming properties so it's best in colder months. is good for people with pain in the extremities due to cold weather. is good for poor circulation, arthritis, and coughs caused by a cold. Pu-er black tea is the most effective for weight, triglycerides, and cholesterol. It is used in Chinese medicinals to decrease risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and obesity.
2. Oolong Tea- (half fermented) can aid in digestion. can decrease absorption of fats from big meals. is beneficial for patients who have skin problems such as acne.
3. Green Tea- (not fermented) has a weaker ability to boost metabolism as compared to the other teas. popular during summers because of their cooling properties. has a high antioxidant content. Gunpowder tea is the green tea with the highest antioxidant content.
4. Flower, Fruit, and Scented Teas: (black, green, and oolong) a popular tea during summer because of it's cooling properties, decreased effect on sweating, dehydration, headaches, irritability, allergies, and eye problems. Fruit teas are great for those with intestinal and stomach problems such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and heartburn.
5. White tea is not readily available unfortunately because of its seasonal extraction process.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Research proves that tea has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It lowers blood glucose, prevents tooth decay, boosts the immune system, and increases blood flow and energy. Tea can also decrease plaque in blood vessels. There's more. The polyphenols in tea contain powerful antioxidants that aid in cancer prevention. And, both black and green tea inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to Alzheimers disease. WOW! Pour me a cup.
Cancer: heavy smokers who drank at least 4 cups of tea each day had a 31% reduction in a chemical that is released causing DNA damage. (American Assoc. for Cancer Research)
Blood Pressure: Habitual tea drinkers showed a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the course of a year.
Other Uses: Washing a cut to prevent infection. Treating athletes foot. Placing tea leaves in a pillow case to serve as an air freshener. Mouthwash for bad breath. Who knew???
What about the caffeine? a common misconception is that caffeine is bad. (I'm actually quite fond of it myself. LOL!) Teas are caffeinated but release differently than coffee products which give a quick jolt. Teas boost energy and focus by giving a slow steady release throughout the day. Caffeine in tea is significantly lower than that found in coffee. Patients sensitive to coffee can usually handle tea just fine.
So there you have it. Tea Time is good for you. Invite me over, we'll sip some tea. :)
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
417-777-7455
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Aging Gracefully Barbies
Because of the field of anti-aging medicine I practice in, I get a lot of humorous things that come my way regarding menopause and aging. If the walls of my office could talk this is a lot of what you would hear from women who are honest with 'the change' that's going on in their body. So, here goes, this post if for the ladies who like to laugh and who can probably relate to this line up of Aging Gracefully Barbies.
1. Bifocal Barbie: Comes with her own set of blended-lens fashion frames in six wild colors (half-frames too!) neck chain and large-print editions of Vogue and Martha Stewart Living.
2. Hot Flash Barbie: Press Barbie's belly and watch her face turn beet red while tiny drops of perspiration appear on her forehead. Comes with a hand-held fan and tiny tissues.
3. Flabby Arms Barbie: Hide Barbie's droopy triceps with these new, roomier-sleeved gowns. Comes with toning balls and a stretch band for her New Years workout
4. Bunion Barbie: Years of disco dancing in stiletto heels have definitely taken their toll on Barbie's dainty arched feet. Soothe her sores with the pumice stone and plasters, then slip on soft terry mules.
5. No-More-Wrinkles Barbie: Erase those pesky crows feet and lip lines with a tube of Skin Sparkle Spackle from Barbies own line of exclusive age-blasting cosmetics.
6. Soccer Mom Barbie: All the experience as a cheer-leader is really paying off as Barbie dusts off her old high school megaphone to root for Ashley and Ken Jr. Comes with minivan in robin-egg blue or white, and cooler filled with juice drinks and lunch meat.
7. Post-Menopausal Barbie: You get to fill in the blanks on this one. Imagine what this Special Edition Barbie might be described as. It includes... She is sick and tired of Ken sitting on the couch watching the tube, clicking through the channels. Comes with Depends and Kleenex. As a bonus this year, the book "Getting in Touch with Your Inner Self" is included.
I want one of each!!!
May your days be Merry and Bright!
~Dr. Sonja
1. Bifocal Barbie: Comes with her own set of blended-lens fashion frames in six wild colors (half-frames too!) neck chain and large-print editions of Vogue and Martha Stewart Living.
2. Hot Flash Barbie: Press Barbie's belly and watch her face turn beet red while tiny drops of perspiration appear on her forehead. Comes with a hand-held fan and tiny tissues.
3. Flabby Arms Barbie: Hide Barbie's droopy triceps with these new, roomier-sleeved gowns. Comes with toning balls and a stretch band for her New Years workout
4. Bunion Barbie: Years of disco dancing in stiletto heels have definitely taken their toll on Barbie's dainty arched feet. Soothe her sores with the pumice stone and plasters, then slip on soft terry mules.
5. No-More-Wrinkles Barbie: Erase those pesky crows feet and lip lines with a tube of Skin Sparkle Spackle from Barbies own line of exclusive age-blasting cosmetics.
6. Soccer Mom Barbie: All the experience as a cheer-leader is really paying off as Barbie dusts off her old high school megaphone to root for Ashley and Ken Jr. Comes with minivan in robin-egg blue or white, and cooler filled with juice drinks and lunch meat.
7. Post-Menopausal Barbie: You get to fill in the blanks on this one. Imagine what this Special Edition Barbie might be described as. It includes... She is sick and tired of Ken sitting on the couch watching the tube, clicking through the channels. Comes with Depends and Kleenex. As a bonus this year, the book "Getting in Touch with Your Inner Self" is included.
I want one of each!!!
May your days be Merry and Bright!
~Dr. Sonja
Monday, December 19, 2011
Just 5%.......little is BIG! My New Years Resolution
little changes with BIG effects....
What if people would just change 5% of their daily habits, routines, sleep, stress, etc.? I can tell you, it would have a significant impact on just about everything. I'm going to show you in this BLOG.
Goal setting is important and we all do it this time of the year. Everyone is expecting you to share your 'New Years Resolution', right? I'm just hoping it won't end in the middle of January for you as is common to most. Here's mine and I've been thinking about this. I figure we can all reasonably control 5% of flux from the main line of what is ideal in our life. Yep, just 5% is more than doable.
I'm a numbers person so I began to put this thought and principle to the test and it's HUGE. Here goes....If you do a dedicated exercise routine of 30 minutes a day, a 5% addition would result in 547.5 extra minutes a year. Plus, at a pace of 4mph on the treadmill resulting in 1 mile in 15 min, you could add an extra 36.5 miles a year. Wow! Here's another one. If you sleep about 6 hours a day, a 5% increase could add an extra 109 hours of sleep a year. Double WOW!! little IS.... BIG!! If you spent 5% more time with your family than watching the TV (based on a 2010 average of about 3.5 hours) then at the end of the year would would spend 60 hours more time with your family. Incredible!
Then I started pondering the clinical significance of our health and the impact that 5% could have in our society. What if we all moved the balance bubble just 5% toward the mark? These are some numbers from the National Institute of Health and the American Diabetes Association. Yikes!
~Approximately 24 million Americans have diabetes. (a reduction of 5% could mean 1.2 million less)
~12.6 million women have diabetes (a reduction of 5% could mean 630,000 less women)
~79 million Americans have pre-diabetes. (a blood glucose higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis). The damage to the body is already occurring, but it is silent at this point. You do the math.
~7.9 million ambulatory care visits are made to physicians offices and hospital outpatient and emergency departments for major depressive disorder each year. That could be reduced by 395,000 visits. Imagine the impact that could have on our health care system and expenditures.
Are you considering a 5% shift yet? I hope so.
What are some target areas to implement the +/- 5% rule?
~Exercise
~Diet (start reducing calories by 5%. If you normally eat 2500 calories a day, then at the end of the year you will save yourself 45,625 calories.)
~Sleep
~Stress and Stress Hormone (cortisol) reduction (change just 5% from the lifestyle your are leading)
~Habits and Routines (TV and computer time, workload and responsibilities, etc.)
~Social Networks (I wrote another BLOG on the impact of social networks. You might want to check that out and make changes accordingly. Your friends/spouse might be making you happy, but also fat.)
~Family
~Faith and Friendships
~Quiet time
My New Years Resolution is going to be to change my life by just 5%. If I make a 5% change in all of these areas, the numbers will really be compounded. Would you consider doing the same? Now just imagine if everyone would do their part!?!? ---->> We could ALL see significant change in 2012.
It's been an amazing year in business. We have prepared over 5,000 customized formulations for all types of needs. If we increase that by just 5%, that will be 250 more people that we help this year. How awesome is that?!?! Assess what you do and the impact that just 5% could have on your day to day life and the people that you touch. You will be in awe at what the numbers show. Go for just 5%!!!
I hope you have a Happy New Year!
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
What if people would just change 5% of their daily habits, routines, sleep, stress, etc.? I can tell you, it would have a significant impact on just about everything. I'm going to show you in this BLOG.
Goal setting is important and we all do it this time of the year. Everyone is expecting you to share your 'New Years Resolution', right? I'm just hoping it won't end in the middle of January for you as is common to most. Here's mine and I've been thinking about this. I figure we can all reasonably control 5% of flux from the main line of what is ideal in our life. Yep, just 5% is more than doable.
I'm a numbers person so I began to put this thought and principle to the test and it's HUGE. Here goes....If you do a dedicated exercise routine of 30 minutes a day, a 5% addition would result in 547.5 extra minutes a year. Plus, at a pace of 4mph on the treadmill resulting in 1 mile in 15 min, you could add an extra 36.5 miles a year. Wow! Here's another one. If you sleep about 6 hours a day, a 5% increase could add an extra 109 hours of sleep a year. Double WOW!! little IS.... BIG!! If you spent 5% more time with your family than watching the TV (based on a 2010 average of about 3.5 hours) then at the end of the year would would spend 60 hours more time with your family. Incredible!
Then I started pondering the clinical significance of our health and the impact that 5% could have in our society. What if we all moved the balance bubble just 5% toward the mark? These are some numbers from the National Institute of Health and the American Diabetes Association. Yikes!
~Approximately 24 million Americans have diabetes. (a reduction of 5% could mean 1.2 million less)
~12.6 million women have diabetes (a reduction of 5% could mean 630,000 less women)
~79 million Americans have pre-diabetes. (a blood glucose higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis). The damage to the body is already occurring, but it is silent at this point. You do the math.
~7.9 million ambulatory care visits are made to physicians offices and hospital outpatient and emergency departments for major depressive disorder each year. That could be reduced by 395,000 visits. Imagine the impact that could have on our health care system and expenditures.
Are you considering a 5% shift yet? I hope so.
What are some target areas to implement the +/- 5% rule?
~Exercise
~Diet (start reducing calories by 5%. If you normally eat 2500 calories a day, then at the end of the year you will save yourself 45,625 calories.)
~Sleep
~Stress and Stress Hormone (cortisol) reduction (change just 5% from the lifestyle your are leading)
~Habits and Routines (TV and computer time, workload and responsibilities, etc.)
~Social Networks (I wrote another BLOG on the impact of social networks. You might want to check that out and make changes accordingly. Your friends/spouse might be making you happy, but also fat.)
~Family
~Faith and Friendships
~Quiet time
My New Years Resolution is going to be to change my life by just 5%. If I make a 5% change in all of these areas, the numbers will really be compounded. Would you consider doing the same? Now just imagine if everyone would do their part!?!? ---->> We could ALL see significant change in 2012.
It's been an amazing year in business. We have prepared over 5,000 customized formulations for all types of needs. If we increase that by just 5%, that will be 250 more people that we help this year. How awesome is that?!?! Assess what you do and the impact that just 5% could have on your day to day life and the people that you touch. You will be in awe at what the numbers show. Go for just 5%!!!
I hope you have a Happy New Year!
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Monday, December 12, 2011
Feel Like Puking Your Guts Out?
That's kind of an intense title I understand, but for someone who is experiencing a bout of the stomach blues, there's just no other way to describe it. What if I told you that I could prepare a gel that you rub on to your wrist to stop the queasies and prevent episodes of nausea and vomiting? I can and do. :)
Read on.......... There's nothing worse than being sick at your stomach and this time of the year we typically see a surge in cases of nausea and vomiting as people's immune systems succumb to the pressure of the winter flu bug. Entire families begin to drop like dominoes as they pass the illness from one person to another. Moms begin to worry that their kids are going to become dehydrated as they struggle to keep enough fluids on board their sick little bodies. You rarely have warning that it's coming and unfortunately most people's medicine cabinets are not stocked appropriately to handle the invasion and insult. There are a few good things to have on hand that might just prevent a trip to the convenience store at 2am on a Sunday morning. Those would include:
Pepto Bismol for upset stomach
Imodium for diarrhea
Tums for gas and indigestion
Emetrol for nausea and vomiting
Pedialyte Popsicles and Liquid
Chicken noodle soup and Sprite (that's for my mom who thinks it's the cure all. Thanks Mom!)
I also want to mention a prescription remedy for nausea and vomiting that we make in the lab all the time. It's called Phenergan Gel and you simply rub it on your wrist every 4-6 hours. Phenergan gel makes it nice for those that are too sick to keep anything (food or medicine) down for any length of time. We always have phenergan gel on hand and prepare it in various strengths to allow treatment for those 2 years of age and older. (It comes in a dispensing syringe with 10 doses of medicine contained within.) I should also share that Phenergan Gel is also very helpful for women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting with pregnancy. Yep that's right, pregnancy! Many women have intense nausea with pregnancy and Phenergan Gel helps tremendously in controlling episodes of vomiting. Pregnant moms think its the BOMB!! For me, it's nice to be able to offer a treatment that is safe and effective for all ages and nausea conditions.
Remember to check your medicine cabinet for the winter season, and don't hesitate to call if I can answer any further questions on this topic.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
Read on.......... There's nothing worse than being sick at your stomach and this time of the year we typically see a surge in cases of nausea and vomiting as people's immune systems succumb to the pressure of the winter flu bug. Entire families begin to drop like dominoes as they pass the illness from one person to another. Moms begin to worry that their kids are going to become dehydrated as they struggle to keep enough fluids on board their sick little bodies. You rarely have warning that it's coming and unfortunately most people's medicine cabinets are not stocked appropriately to handle the invasion and insult. There are a few good things to have on hand that might just prevent a trip to the convenience store at 2am on a Sunday morning. Those would include:
Pepto Bismol for upset stomach
Imodium for diarrhea
Tums for gas and indigestion
Emetrol for nausea and vomiting
Pedialyte Popsicles and Liquid
Chicken noodle soup and Sprite (that's for my mom who thinks it's the cure all. Thanks Mom!)
I also want to mention a prescription remedy for nausea and vomiting that we make in the lab all the time. It's called Phenergan Gel and you simply rub it on your wrist every 4-6 hours. Phenergan gel makes it nice for those that are too sick to keep anything (food or medicine) down for any length of time. We always have phenergan gel on hand and prepare it in various strengths to allow treatment for those 2 years of age and older. (It comes in a dispensing syringe with 10 doses of medicine contained within.) I should also share that Phenergan Gel is also very helpful for women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting with pregnancy. Yep that's right, pregnancy! Many women have intense nausea with pregnancy and Phenergan Gel helps tremendously in controlling episodes of vomiting. Pregnant moms think its the BOMB!! For me, it's nice to be able to offer a treatment that is safe and effective for all ages and nausea conditions.
Remember to check your medicine cabinet for the winter season, and don't hesitate to call if I can answer any further questions on this topic.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
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