Category Archives: health beliefs

Think Again About that Burger, Ground Beef Isn’t What it Used to Be.

Posted on March 25, 2012 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

Ground beef can be derisively referred to as “pink slime,” or what the meat industry calls “lean, finely textured beef.  Perhaps the marketing industry is proud on the “spin”.  The FDA is a government agency which appears beholding to the bottom line of business interests instead of public safety.  It seems they will rail against herbs and vitamins…but ammonia laced beef, arsenic in apple juice or questionable food additives on the gras (generally recognized as safe) list are ok.  What’s going on?  I’m glad to be vegan…yea.  But for those who eat meat, it should be safe and humanely produced.  And I pray this very important organization has the resources and mind set to do its job well.

 

Here’s more:  Pink slime

EDITORIAL

Pink slime perspective

As consumers fight and win the beef-trimmings battle, they might be ignorant of more troubling aspects of industrial food production.

A century ago, cautious housewives demanded that the butcher grind their beef in front of them so they could be sure he didn’t toss in offal or scraps of lower-quality meat.

Not a bad idea for the modern grocery shopper who thinks that the way to get hamburger is to put a fine steak through a grinder. A modern package of ground beef is more likely to come from not one animal but several and, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, will probably include head meat, the esophagus and other internal organs.

And, of course, pink slime. That’s the less-than-thoroughly-accurate epithet bestowed on what the industry prefers to call lean, finely textured beef, which is made by salvaging the fatty scraps left after the animal has been butchered, putting it through a centrifuge to separate out the fat and treating it (read the rest here)

Do you think this is ok?  Chime in.

Posted in FDA, food, health beliefs, thoughts, wellness

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Instead of Fighting Germs…

Posted on March 25, 2012 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

Does this seem paradoxical?  It is not really.  Germs have myriad functions and are not the cause of disease.  Germs are opportunistic like any other living thing.  When we are healthy they simply are not able to establish a  toehold. It is when the conditions for them are ripe: too much stress, ill thoughts, poor eating, poor sleep, then we may experience what is often called “getting sick.”  The germ itself may have been co- existing in your environment all along.

Current medical “science” has advocated killing microorganisms with the use of antibiotics.  This hasn’t worked.  The organisms have adapted to the threat of having their species wiped out and have developed their own immunity to the antibiotics that were made by man.  Now superbugs exist.  When our natural immunity  functions well it too has the ability to adapt to the environment to keep us healthy.  This is not to say there are not times we need medicine.  But what kind of medicine?  That which focuses on killing germs, suppressing our natural immunity and often comes with side effects.  Or medicine which stimulates our immune system towards self-healing such as homeopathic medicine.

When we look around the earth, we can observe that nothing lives in a sterile environment, and, nature abhors a vacuum.  Cleanliness is important.  Obsessiveness isn’t.  In the quest for better health instead of fighting germs. Cultivate good, simple healthy living and everything will be in its proper place.

Posted in Health, health beliefs, healthy body, Homeopathy, immune system, wellness

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Cancer patients find relief in integrative medicine services

Posted on June 17, 2010 by continuum wellness| 1 Comment

Following is an interesting article (press release) on how integrative medicine is used alongside standard drug therapy. Note that the therapies mentioned in this are said to offset the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and boost the immune system. Later, it is stated that integrative medicine offers no cure for cancer. Cancer has been *cured* by the use of numerous modalities. Anyone interested should do their own research. The living proof is available. This Integrative Oncology program at Northwestern Memorial is to be commended. It is alleviating suffering, reducing cost and saving lives. Healing should do just this, heal, not cling to rigid viewpoints. Read on…please note, the emphasis in the text has been added.

25 February 2010

Northwestern Memorial’s Integrative Oncology Program aims to ease pain and help patients manage cancer

CHICAGO- The very instant Penny Kukovec was diagnosed with breast cancer her world permanently changed. Suddenly, it felt as if her life was out of her control. She felt powerless and overwhelmed. There were so many unanswered questions. Why me? What’s next? What about my family? The feelings Kukovec experienced are felt by many cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and as they pursue treatment. In an effort to effectively and compassionately respond to these worries, as well as address common side effects associated with cancer treatment, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University now offer integrative oncology services.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer many of them want to fully participate in their recovery, but don’t know where to begin. This program gives them control over their treatment,” said Julian Schink, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern Memorial and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

The integrative oncology services are part of a larger 360 Care Program that recently launched aimed to address cancer patients’ needs from every angle through treatment that extends beyond medical therapies, to include counseling, stress management and integrative medicine. Integrative oncology services include acupuncture, massage, energy healing and naturopathic medicine offered by Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.

“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their illness,” said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. “Research suggests that a holistic approach can alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as the physical pain and discomfort patients often experience while undergoing cancer treatments by activating the body’s innate healing process.”

While there is little research to explain exactly how integrative approaches like acupuncture work, researchers at the National Institute of Health state complementary therapy such as acupuncture do improve the body’s immune system. In an oncology setting, integrative approaches provide an effective way to manage symptoms, alleviate side effects, and help patients restore their sense of control and vitality.

“My body was hit hard with trauma. I was so tired, my joints hurt and my muscles were tense. I knew I needed more help. When I began massage therapy my muscles relaxed, and it helped me release my emotions. It reminded my body that it can relax in spite of what I am going through,” said Penny Kukovec, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer include muscle tension, aches, pains nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The main role of complementary medicine is to provide supportive care and reduce adverse effects while helping the patient cope.

“Unfortunately, the side effects associated with conventional therapies often cause patients to end their treatments prematurely, or require that we take a less aggressive approach,” said Schink. “We’ve seen this occurrence decrease with the addition of integrative oncology services.”

“The medicine I was taking for my cancer caused nerve damage in my hands and feet. It was very uncomfortable. Acupuncture helped relieve the pain,” said Nancy Amicangelo, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

There is evidence that integrative approaches may also play a role in reducing the rate of depression among cancer patients. Services such as massage therapy are believed to have a short-term effect on reducing anxiety related to depression among patients.

“You’re sick, your hair falls out, and your family is stressed. When you are diagnosed it’s sometimes all that you can think about. The massages offer me a chance to escape,” said Kukovec.

While integrative medicine does not offer a cure for cancer, there is strong evidence that it positively affects the patient. Studies show 77 percent of cancer patients who incorporate complementary approaches believe it improves their quality of life, and 73 percent state it makes them feel hopeful. In addition, 71 percent say it helps to boost their immune system.

All patients under the care of a Northwestern Memorial oncologist are eligible to receive free integrative medicine services as part of their cancer treatment. The 360 Care Program was made possible by a generous gift from Abra Prentice Wilkin, board member of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and longtime supporter of the hospital.

Source:
Angela Salerno
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Photo credit: Emory University

Posted in adverse events, alternative medicine, cancer, complementary medicine, health beliefs, integrative medicine, thoughts

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Why No Cure for Heart Disease?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

Former President of the United States Bill Clinton received quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2004. Four blocked arteries were propped open by inserting tubing, know as stents, into blocked arteries. According to cardiologists this is par for the course. This procedure is not a cure, it is a fix; a patch. Seen as a progressive disease it is treated by surveillance. There is no attempt to heal the body from what may be the underlying causative factors.

Is this the best in health care can offer?
Hereditary factors? Lifestyle factors? Heart disease? medication? Heart Bypass surgery? angioplasty, this is a rather typical progression. The costs for the procedures escalate.
Prices for these varied procedures can range from $7,000 to in some cases over $100,000. The care is invasive. There is no such thing as minimally invasive surgery. It is still major and intense. The public is involved in a game of wait and see, as people in need of healing, deteriorate and then told surgery is their only option.

A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a plaque ruptures, allowing a blood clot to form. This completely obstructs the artery, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle, and that portion of muscle dies.

The cost of stents
Balloon Angioplasty with Stent Placement for Coronary Artery Disease

Actually there are “cures” for heart disease. There always have been. That does not mean that an individual may not eventually die because of heart failure. But it is possible to live in health without balloons, or mesh or the advanced options using mesh with stainless steel – inserted into your arteries to prop them open. Start now, avoid waiting until the prognosis is poor.

The physical heart resides in the chest cavity, but it is not in a vacuum. When you are comfortable with your heart, that joy translates throughout your life.

The public can let the medical profession that we want healing, not management. The public can let the medical profession that we want healing, not lifetime prescriptions drugs.

Posted in Health, health beliefs, health care, heart, heart attack, medicine

In Defense of Homeopathy

Posted on December 22, 2009 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

If the goal is improved health one would wonder why homeopathic medicine is relegated into a “fringe” category, especially in America. Homeopathy has its ardent fans who will never let it go, worldwide. The reason is simple, it works. If you have ever benefited from this therapy you would understand. Those that attack homeopathy, know nothing of it. There is gross misunderstanding on their part. Generally what ignorant people do when they do not understand a thing is to attack it. Perhaps there is fear of some sort. What is not present is a love for knowledge, understanding or the ability to allow space for something you do not understand.

Amy Lansky has written an insightful article to address some of these concerns, here is a link.

Also why do we need (allow) these individuals to decide if we want access to medical freedom, choices and options in our health care? Medical freedom is a necessity, not an option.

Posted in alternative medicine, baby boomers, behavior, belief, complementary medicine, healing, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, health care, holistic medicine, Homeopathy, integrative medicine, self-care

Swiss Homeopaths criticize swine flu vaccinations

Posted on November 12, 2009 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

What do you think? Is there only one road to staying healthy in the winter time? And that consisting of flu vaccinations. We are taught for the most part in life to consider options, research for ourselves…learn to think. Why not when it comes to this issue? There are many powerful natural (vs. synthetic) substances which can enhance one’s immunity ranging from essential oils, to foods, to homeopathic remedies, herbs from the world’s rich storehouse of herbal legacies and probably even how one thinks! Why not health freedom? Why not apply these other areas of wisdom? Why not? I support the Swiss Homeopaths to have the freedom to speak their truth. Cheers.

Read the article below.

On National Vaccination Day and as Switzerland braces itself for a swine flu outbreak, the Swiss Association of Homeopathic Physicians has advised against the H1N1 jab.

In a statement of Friday, the homeopaths not only said the flu was by and large harmless but they also raised concerns over the two government-approved vaccines, Pandemrix and Focetria.

Above all the association criticized the use of so-called adjuvants, chemical compounds that increase the human body’s immune response, in the vaccines, saying they could lead to dramatic side-effects. The Swiss health authorities have however already said any side-effects, if any, are minor.

The Federal Health Office has recommended inoculating certain risk groups in a first wave – beginning in mid-November – including the chronically-ill, pregnant women and health staff, but stops short of mandatory jabs. After this, the wider public will be invited to be inoculated.

On Thursday health authorities warned the swine flu pandemic was expected to hit Switzerland with full force in the coming days, with confirmed cases of swine flu tripling last week to about 2,000.

In total tens of thousands of people with flu symptoms had consulted a doctor and were believed to have come down with a mild form of the illness. So far 38 people have been admitted to hospital, including six who are still in intensive care.

swissinfo.ch and agencies
a link to the news article –>here

Posted in flu, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, Homeopathy, influenza vaccine, vaccination, vaccines, weekly reflection

Leukemia and Complimentary Therapies

Posted on September 23, 2009 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

As a reflexologist I note with interest its inclusion in this list of useful therapies. Acupuncture is listed, not Homeopathy which has been useful in healing many conditions. However the researcher seems to have some bias towards what are called ‘alternative’ therapies. How can one research anything if a bias is present? How will you find the truth? Research is too often focused on maintaining the status quo, with a goal of producing drugs that require continued use. Truth is, there are many true stories of people who have lived to tell, that they have healed (vs. ‘managed) from any number of conditions – where the ‘experts’ said it couldn’t be done, note Norman Cousins, one very well known case. Optimum care will come when people are free to choose therapies of their choosing and we respect what is good in various approaches.
The abstract is listed below, read on…


Is there a role for complementary therapy in the management of leukemia?
Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2009 Sep;9(9):1241-9
Patients with leukemia often seek additional treatments not prescribed by their oncologist in an effort to improve their cancer treatment outcome or to manage symptoms.

Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments to decrease symptoms and side effects associated with cancer or cancer treatment, and to improve patients’ overall quality of life. Complementary therapies are distinct from so-called ‘alternative’ therapies, which are unproven, ineffective and may postpone or interfere with mainstream cancer treatment. Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, nonpharmacologic and effective. For patients with leukemia, the complementary therapies that are always appropriate include mind-body interventions, such as self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery and breath awareness. Massage and reflexology (foot massage) decrease symptoms with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment. Acupuncture is very beneficial for symptom management without adverse consequences. Physical fitness with regular exercise and healthy dietary habits can significantly decrease side effects of cancer treatments and may prolong survival. Botanical extracts and vitamin supplements may interfere with active cancer treatments, and should be discussed with the oncologist or pharmacist before use.

Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1429 First Avenue, NY 10021, USA.

Posted in alternative medicine, cancer, complementary medicine, healing, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, health care, holistic, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, mind and body, reflexology

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Approaches to Healing Jealousy

Posted on August 19, 2009 by continuum wellness| 2 Comments

by Catherine Carter

“Everybody likes you.” “I wanted that.” These thoughts led a teen to write what could be called hateful and spiteful notes in her diary of fellow classmates. She thought it was private. No one would ever know. And no one did until the fateful day that someone found the secret book and made it very public. Her secrets were now out in the open.

So what is jealousy?
Jealousy
foolish and irresistible
Meaning: (Webster)
Suspicious fear or apprehension; painful apprehension of rivalship in cases nearly affecting one’s happiness. Uneasy through fear that good will, interest, affection or the like, regarded as belonging to one’s self is transferred to another; pained by suspicions of preference given to another.
Synonyms: suspicious; anxious; envious

In the Complete Repertory, the rubric: Ailments from jealousy, lists 65 remedies. Among some of the remedies listed are Apis (honeybee), Lachesis (Bushmaster Snake) and Platina (Platinum metallicum). As you can see just from the three listed remedies, homeopathic remedies come from the natural world around us. What is important to understand is that the young lady’s jealousy was a reflection of some lack of inner peace. The cause we do not know and we are offering any type of diagnosis.

Homeopathy focuses on healing the person,their unique way of being in the world. By identifying similar substances in nature that can produce a similar pattern one is able to heal internally. Homeopathy is quite helpful in balancing emotions.

Emotions are powerful forces. Ignored the energy often remains blocked and can lead to physical ailments or further emotional problems.

Flower Essences such as the Bach Flower remedies are also very helpful for emotional balancing. The Bach Flower essences recognize 38 conditions which are aligned to the following seven headings:
For Fear
For Uncertainty
For Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances
For Loneliness
For Those Over-Sensitive to Influences and Ideas
For Despondency and Despair
For Overcare for the Welfare of Others.
Dr. Edward Bach discovered the remedies through an intuitive process, while in the English countryside. The Bach flower essences focus on Type Remedies which relate to a personality pattern and the Helping Remedies which help to resolve transient mood of the psyche. For more information on the Bach Flower Essences click, here. And here is a questionnaire, you can explore.

One does not have to be undone by the thought pattern labeled as ‘jealousy.’ See it as a sign that you simply need some healing. Ultimately you are not your thoughts.

There are many ways that one can heal emotional states that will lead one to ultimately balance and fulfillment.

“Resentment of someone’s good will serve as a barrier to one’s own growth.”

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www.continuumwellness.org

Posted in alternative medicine, healing, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, health care, healthy mind, Homeopathy, integrative medicine, self-care, self-healing, teens, thoughts, wellness, women, women's health

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Enter the “Polypill” to reduce heart problems, hbp and stroke

Posted on March 30, 2009 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

The “miracle” of modern medicine has led to bizarre side effects such as a treatment for restless legs, that has caused compulsive gambling. A medicine for Parkinson’s has a similar problem for some. Sleep drugs that cause people to stumble out of their home and drive. Fertility drugs that lead to multiple births. Hallucinations are a “rare” side effect of some ADHD medications. These are the considered a-typical, but the typical side effects are no fun either.

Help for High Blood Pressure

Enter the Polypill.  Researchers want to create a pill a 3 in one that can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure in one.  article here
Truth is it has been created or should I say they have been. When we eat whole foods, contained therein is a synergistic blend of vitamins, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, solar and lunar energy and maybe even (hopefully) love from the gardener. We cannot get this from a pill.

Run This Way

Instead of running from nature, run to nature. Nurture yourself with learning how to live in balance. It’s free. It’s the healthiest choice for yourself and the planet. Give it a try. Polypill? Try basking in the sun, or hugging a dear friend, cook yourself a meal with a big dose of love in it…you’ll be glad you did, for benefits no Polypill could ever provide.

At Continuum Wellness we offer homeopathic care and wellness coaching to promote wholeness, health and well-being.

Posted in adverse events, alternative medicine, baby boomers, behavior, cholesterol, complementary medicine, healing, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, health benefits of food, health care, healthy body, healthy eating, healthy mind, heart, heart attack, holistic, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, kindness, medications, medicine, men, prescription drugs, self-care, self-healing, thoughts, tips, wellness, Western diet, women, women's health

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Reversing Diabetes – Raw for 30 Days

Posted on March 11, 2009 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

Diabetes is considered irreversible by conventional medical authorities, yet if you review the literature of various holistic therapies such as homeopathic and various diet therapies it has been done. The first key is the desire to want to heal the diabetic condition and its causes. If you only want to “manage” it, over time its disastrous consequences will most likely manifest.

Reversing diabetes requires professional guidance and a compassionate doctor who will work you. Here is a clip of some folks who found help by using a raw food approach.

Posted in African American, alternative medicine, diabetes, diet, food, healing philosophy, Health, health beliefs, health benefits of food, health care, healthy body, healthy eating, integrative medicine, men, self-healing, Western diet, women, women's health

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