Wellness Briefs

Insured, but Bankrupted by Health Crises

2009-07-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/business/01meddebt.html?ref=business

Above is a link about the U.S. healthcare problems faced by millions of Americans.
As health care fix is being investigated by the Obama administration, I hope that it will consider the suffering of its people and come up with a viable solution.

How Safeway Is Cutting Health-Care Costs

2009-06-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124476804026308603.html

Above is an article published by the Wall Street Journal written by the CEO of Safeway.

By all accounts, our health care is in deep trouble. The US spends the most of money in health care only to claim 37th in the world right after Costa Rica. There are growing population of the US, more than 48 million people, who does not have insurance. More and more businesses are not able to afford providing insurance to the employees.

The article points out how we can learn from the auto industry. Provide financial incentives for health associated behaviors and provide financial disincentives for illness associated behaviors. It's pretty simple really. When people realize preventive measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight result in increased premiums, they have a tendency to want to self correct the behavior.

Safeway implemented this policy and found that they can save 40%. Perhaps, the rest of the U.S. can learn from this experience.

Cost-Effective Ways to Fight Insomnia

2009-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/health/06patient.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=insomnia&st=cse

Dalai Lama said "Sleep is best meditation." I agree.
Lack of sleep can easily account for many of the chronic illnesses in the U.S. While, I cannot say that lack of sleep or chronic sleep deprivation causes illnesses, it can contribute to the ill effects of chronic illnesses.

I find that sleeping problems are often the most sensitive indicator of overall health and wellness. Often times, sleep disturbances will precede an episode of illness or a bout of depression or anxiety.

A good sleep resets our body and mind and renews our spirit. I find good sleep to be most cost effective ways for wellness. Integrative Medicine is a wonderful asset to help people to restore a good sleep.

Dr. Rubin Naiman, a faculty at Dr. Weil's faculty, suggest below suggestions for improving sleep:

Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Insomnia Treatment:

from Dr. Weil's website: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02004/insomnia

The following are some of the best possible insomnia remedies:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine. This is one of the most important factors in insomnia treatment and maintaining good sleeping habits. Routines may include taking a warm bath or a relaxing walk in the evening, or practicing meditation/relaxation exercises as part of your regular nighttime routine.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time each morning. This includes weekends.
Get plenty of exercise during the day. Studies have shown that people who are physically active sleep better than those who are sedentary. The more energy you expend during the day, the sleepier you will feel at bedtime. Just be sure not to engage in vigorous exercise too close to bedtime as that can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Reduce your intake of caffeine, particularly in the evening.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and limit alcohol. Both, even when consumed early in the day, can affect sleep and inhibit insomnia treatment.
Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Don’t use it to do work or watch TV.
Avoid large meals late in the evening.
If you can’t fall asleep within half an hour of going to bed, get up and read or do something calming until you feel sleepy.
Learn and use a relaxation technique regularly.Breathing exercises, meditation and yoga are not insomnia cures, but do lead to a state conducive to sleep.
Use “white noise” devices to block out surrounding environmental noise.
Take a hot bath before bedtime. Try a few drops of relaxing oil of lavender in the water.
Short naps are good. Try to get into the habit of napping for insomnia treatment: ten to twenty minutes in the afternoon, preferably lying down in a darkened room.
Spend some time outdoors as often as you can to get exposure to bright, natural light. If you are concerned about harmful effects of solar radiation, do it before ten in the morning or after three in the afternoon or use sunscreen.
Try to give yourself some time - up to an hour - in dim light before you go to sleep at night. Lower the lighting in your house and bedroom and if other members of the household object, wear sunglasses.
The two best natural sleep aids are valerian and melatonin. Valerian is a sedative herb, used for centuries. You can find standardized extracts in health food stores and pharmacies. Take one to two capsules a half hour before bedtime. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the wake/sleep cycle and other daily biorhythms. Try sublingual tablets (to be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve); take 2.5 mg at bedtime as an occasional dose, making sure that your bedroom is completely dark. A much lower dose, 0.25 to 0.3 mg, is more effective for regular use.
Don’t obsess about not sleeping. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that individuals who worry about falling asleep have greater trouble dropping off. It may help to remind yourself that while sleeplessness is troublesome, it isn’t life-threatening and there are insomnia remedies.

If All Doctors Had More Time to Listen

2009-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/health/07health.html?_r=1&em

Above is an article in NY Times on If All Doctors Had More Time to Listen.

I feel priviledged to be part of the team at Georgia Integrative Medicine. We make the time to listen to our patients. Patients have ready access to Dr. Kim. Patients spend about one hour being treated for each visit. For complex patients, we spend up to four hours performing a comprehensive evaluation known as the team visit.

We have patients who are choosing us over their regular physicians and over other integrative medicine physicians because we choose to listen to our patients. Even our growth is managed to ensure that our existing patients have a ready access to Dr. Kim.

At Georgia Integrative Medicine, we understand that our patients are the experts on their bodies and in order to help, we have to listen and understand to their healing journey. Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist who understood the importance of "client-centered" therapy. He understood the importance of listening mindfully to what his clients had to say. At Georgia Integrative Medicine, we honor the Rogerian tradition and perform that mindful listening to the best of our ability.

Jeanne Bowers
Clinic Manager

Helath Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

2009-06-09T06:49:00.001-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_3_fatty_acids

Above is a link for Omega 3 fatty acids from Wikipedia.
Omega 3 fatty acids is all the rage these days. So, what is omega 3 fatty acids?

First of all, omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. That means our body is not capable of making them ourselves. We have to obtain it from our nutrition or supplements.

Below are from the Wikipedia article:

The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids were discovered in the 1970s by researchers studying the Greenland Eskimos. The Greenland Eskimos consumed large amounts of fat from seafood, but displayed virtually no cardiovascular disease. The high level of omega-3 fatty acids consumed by the Eskimos reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
On September 8, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) n−3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA [n−3] fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease." This updated and modified their health risk advice letter of 2001 (see below). Currently regulatory agencies do not accept that there is sufficient evidence for any of the other suggested benefits of DHA and EPA other than for cardiovascular health, and further claims should be treated with caution.

The Canadian Government has recognized the important of DHA omega-3 and permits the following biological role claim for DHA: "DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, supports the normal development of the brain, eyes and nerves."
The 18 carbon α-linolenic acid has not been shown to have the same cardiovascular benefits as DHA or EPA. Currently there are many products on the market which claim to contain health promoting 'omega 3', but contain only α-linolenic acid (ALA), not EPA or DHA. These products contain mainly higher plant oils and must be converted by the body to create DHA and therefore considered less efficient. DHA and EPA are made by microalgae that live in seawater. These are then consumed by fish and accumulate to high levels in their internal organs. If a person is concerned about mercury and oceanborne contaminants in fish, DHA can be produced directly from microalgae as a vegetarian source.
Some benefits have been reported in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias.
Some research suggests that fish oil intake may reduce the risk of ischemic and thrombotic stroke.However, very large amounts may actually increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (see below). Lower amounts are not related to this risk, 3 grams of total EPA/DHA daily are considered safe with no increased risk of bleeding involved^[and many studies used substantially higher doses without major side effects (for example: 4.4 grams EPA/2.2 grams DHA in 2003 study).

At Georgia Integrative Medicine, the correct use of omega 3 fatty acids form an important part of the treatment protocol. Most plant sources yield ALA not EPA or DHA. Therefore, the preferred sources are from marine animals including Krill, Anchovies, Sardines, and Salmon. One potential problem taking marine based EPA/DHA is the exposure to heavy metal contaminants which can cause health problems. This can be avoided by buying from a reputable producer of omega 3 fatty acids with molecular distillation and asking to see the certificate of analysis.

Letting the Patient Call the Shots

2009-06-07T04:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/health/04chen.html?em

Above is an article on the NY Times about the idea about collaborative approach to health care. As a physician in training, I was taught that physicians were the authority figure in health care. I also remember when I was providing primary care that I was taught to deny the patient "unnecessary" prescription of antibiotics.

Today, given the information revolution, I am not sure that a physician, even a specialist, can know better than a motivated patient who is well-read on the subject. I often share with patients that I can provide the perspective, knowledge, and experience. Patients provide the context and subjective experience of how their condition is affecting their life.

I view integrative medicine as not just a combination of Eastern and Western medicine. Rather, it is a transformative way of practicing medicine in a collaborative approach with patients being of assistance to them. Also it is about honoring patients' experience of their suffering of their ill-ness and guiding them back to well-ness. I recall Dr. Bernie Siegel, who helped me through the development of my career, stating that [as physicians], we are a privileged listener.

Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies

2009-06-06T03:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/05/bankruptcy.medical.bills/index.html

Story Highlights
Study: More than 60 percent of bankruptcies are linked to medical bills
Three-quarters of people with a medically-related bankruptcy had health insurance
Researcher: "You're one illness away from financial ruin in this country"
Situation likely to worsen: study was done a year before recession

Above link is an article featured on CNN focusing on the the importance of medical health insurance issues in the U.S. We currently have the dubious honor of being the first in medical expenditures with health care results being rated 37 in the world after Costa Rica.

Above article states that we are all one illness away from financial ruin in the U.S. As we are discussing universal health care for the U.S., I invite everyone to be active in participating the development. The first step of participating is knowing what is being proposed and understanding how it affects you.

Study: Alzheimer’s Drugs May Raise Death Risk in Elderly

2009-01-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

NY Times has published that Anti-psychotic drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease may double a patient's chance of dying within a few years, suggests a new study that adds to concerns already known about such medications.

I am not surprise at the finding. Western medicine has outstanding tools for acute problems such as trauma, heart attack, and stroke. However, my sense is that integrative medicine has much better handle on chronic degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. The basis of all degenerative disorders involve abnormal inflammation. There are highly effective nutritional protocols that can be of help to reduce inflammation. In addition, there are mycomedicinal products that have been shown to have stimulation of nerve growth in-vitro.

At Georgia Integrative Medicine, we have used natural approaches to Alzheimer's disease successfully using all of above approaches. We also treated successful dementia resulting from other causes including Parkinson's disease.

Major Flu Strain Found Resistant to Leading Drug, Puzzling Scientists

2009-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

NY Times has reported that virtually all the dominant strain of flu in the United States this season is resistant to the leading antiviral drug Tamiflu, and scientists and health officials are trying to figure out why.

Western scientific breakthroughs in microbiology has led the scientific methods to become the core of medicine. Drs. Pasteur and Koch demonstrated how illness was caused by microorganisms. Then, the discovery of anti-biotics have changed the treatment options.

About one hundred years ago, people died of diseases related to infectious diseases. The whole society had to mount a comprehensive approaches including public health advances.

We have found with antibiotics we can benefit many people dying of infectious illness. Last century ended with HIV virus and Avian Flu virus reminding us of our vulnerabilities to infectious diseases.

Integrative approach to infection still have anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral as central role. Many patients who develop Shingles receive anti-viral medication at Georgia Integrative Medicine. However, in addition, we also use Chinese herbs that support immune functions with scientific evidence. In addition, we also use anti-inflammatory nutrition to decrease possibility of post-herpetic neuralgia. Also, medicinal mushrooms can be helpful to shorten the duration of illness.

I believe that flu pandemic is just a matter of time and that most of our measures will not likely to be successful for treating a viral illness. Integrative medicine, I believe, can provide important tools for developing next generation of fighting microorganisms causing death & pestilence.

Wall Street Journal: Alternative Medicine is Mainstream

2009-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 9, 2009

Wall Street Journal has published an opinion written by Drs. Chopra, Ornish and Weil.

Below is my submission to the letters to the editor:

Dear Editor: The article by Chopra et. al summarizes my journey as a physician. I chose family medicine as my first specialty. The reactive nature of primary care where the system was overwhelmed with treating symptoms of patients precluded the possibility of providing a systematic proactive approach focusing on prevention.

I pursued further training through preventive medicine residency which included a master's degree in public health. The additonal training provided me with a valuable systems perspective. Our current health care model is largely based on social conditions prevailing in the early part of last century where infectious causes of diseases were most frequent. Today, the disease frequency has shifted to chronic illnesses where therapeutic lifestyle change has been shown to work.

As part of my residency, I also worked at Kaiser Permanente's Preventive Medicine Department and Positive Choice Wellness Center where health appraisal program identified individuals with high risk of developing chronic illnesses and therapeutic life style change was prescribed by physicians and implemented by nurses and counsellors. Another benefit of the preventive medicine training was academic training of evaluating evidence. The difficult part of evaluation of evidence is not evaluation but education of professionals and public of complexity of conditional truths rather a simple generalizable truth. I have written several review papers evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture and other modalities for treating medical condition. The result is complex. While acupuncture does not appear to be effective as a sole therapy for addiction, there is a solid evidence for acupuncture for treating knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
Complexity is compounded by professional researchers who are not experts in the modality and experts in the modality who are not researchers collaborating.

After the preventive medicine residency, I was fortunate to be accepted to the residential integrative medicine fellowship program at University of Arizona founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. The program provided hands-on clinical training and academic training from evidence based medicine and complexity theory to total quality control. Since graduation, my attempts to help a healthcare system implement integrative medicine has been challenging. Most systems want a cosmetic integrative medicine program benefiting marketing position of the system. I have not yet found a system willing to use integrative medicine to revolutionize health care outcome.

Today I practice integrative medicine where I provide mindful choices to medicine. Patients needing medications are prescribed, patients needing specialists are referred, and the majority of patients needing healing are assisted with making the therapeutic life style change. To put it simply, it is common sense that we treat patients with cheaper and safer treatment modalities before exploring more expensive and risky procedures.

The quality of health care in the US has been deteriorating despite growing costs of health care. The burden on people are increasing and the access of healthcare is decreasing. We are in a desperate need for an overhaul of the system. The new system needs to take account of the fact that we need a new model based on current prevalence of chronic illnesses. I view the current economic crisis and the new administration a dangerous opportunity (characters combined meaning crisis in Chinese) for creating a model health care for the world in this century. Is there enough courage and political will to do so? For all of our sake, I hope so.

Yoon Hang "John" Kim, MD MPH FAAMA
Director
Georgia Integrative Medicine

click to read the article

Inflammation and Heart Health

2008-10-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

The cholesterol-inflammation connection

Above link is an article from CNN article on cholesterol & inflammation and their relationship to heart health.

One of the potential pit falls of conventional medical approach is that the thought processes are linear and do not take account of the complexity of biology. For example, many medications are used to improve the lipid profile including LDL (considered the bad cholesterol) and HDL (considered the good cholesterol). However, the reality is not so simple.

One of the benefits of studying with Dr. Andrew Weil was learning about systems approach to understanding illness. Dr. Weil taught that inflammation is a commonality in many illnesses and that a nutrition regimen that takes account of lowering inflammation can result in many benefits. It seems that more of physicians are discovering that is true. Below is a quote from the original CNN article.

"Inflammation is the common denominator in nearly all of the diseases we deal with," says James O'Keefe, MD, director of preventive cardiology at the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. "Heart disease, diabetes, dementia -- they're all tied to inappropriate, low-grade, chronic inflammation." CNN

To keep inflammation to a minimum, Dr. O'Keefe recommends a restricted-calorie diet (similar to the Mediterranean diet), consisting of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, vinegar, tea, and fish oil, as well as low to moderate alcohol intake.

"The key to restoring good health to America is getting people to tune in to the connection between the dynamic, hour-to-hour nature of inflammation and their general health and well-being -- of their heart, their brain, their blood," says Dr. O'Keefe. "From a health standpoint, nothing is more important than keeping those inflammation levels down." CNN

It's wonderful to see that even the medical profession is catching on to the one of the essential tools of integrative medicine.

Community CAM Clinic now Open @ GIM

2008-10-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that medical care at Community CAM Clinic is now available at an affordable price!

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM is very popular but in many instances is not covered by insurance.

WellJourney (www.welljourney.com) has addressed this problem for its current and future patients by making arrangements through Georgia Integrative Medicine to provide access to affordable CAM treatments at prices comparable to co-pay deductibles!

When: Saturdays at 1 PM - 3 PM (Registration)
What: Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Energy Healing, Medical Intuition, and Primary Care
Cost: $25 per service

Boomers won't bust us - Health care will

2008-08-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Boomers won't bust us - Health care will
Please click above link to read the CNN article.
Our economy appears to be suffering. The overall health of the future of american economy is described in CNBC article (http://www.cnbc.com/id/26001658) and the upcoming documentary, IOUSA.

Along with the trade deficits and the federal deficits are two culprits. A major portion of federal deficits, especially in the coming future, will be from Health Care. The U.S. government is the biggest payor of health care expenses including Medicaid and Medicare. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/nationalhealthexpenddata/ provides useful statitistics. In 2017, it is estimated that nearly 20% GDP will be dedicated to healthcare. That means nearly quarter of every dollar will be spent in health care.

What do we get from this very expensive health care system? The best in the world? No, not even close. http://healthcare-economist.com/2008/07/18/us-health-care-scores-poorly/ is an article that describes the health care system as sick. And this sick health care system is making our finances ill.

I believe that integrative medicine and preventive medicine can make a difference in the quality of care and quality of life. It is this firm belief that I chose to train beyond family medicine. I spent two years completing a preventive medicine residency and a master's in public health and another two years training with Dr. Andrew Weil at U of Arizona.

Integrative Medicine makes use of the Western diagnostic tools and also uses less invasive tools of healing for a problem before rushing to more invasive and more expensive modalities such as surgery. Preventive Medicine makes use of existing tools to prevent problems to become worse.

I hope that our politicians pay attention to the coming trends and attempt to correct the course before our financial future of the country will be threatened.

John Kim, MD MPH
Director
Georgia Integrative Medicine

UNM sets opening event for integrative medicine clinic

2008-08-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/08/04/daily15.html

Above is the link for the news announcing yet another University Medical Center (U of New Mexico) creating an integrative medicine center. U of Arizona, UCSF, and Duke University have started integrative medicine centers recognizing the value of integrative medicine.

In my training with Dr. Andrew Weil at University of Arizona, probably the most important lesson was that Integrative Medicine's mission is to focus on patients' healing rather than to focus on tools and modalities.

Physicians and healers have a tendency to develop attachment to techniques that they have learned and invested their resources. For example, physicians tend to prescribe medications and chiropractors tend to perform adjustments and acupuncturists to acupuncture.

Rather than focusing on tools of healing, integrative medicine focuses on the needs of the patients and weaves a comprehensive healing plan setting priorities on methods that are less invasive to patients that have higher probability of success. The techniques where patient can enhance their own healing ability is also encouraged through nutrition, meditation, mind-body techniques, and physical activity such as Tai Chi.

This way, patients can be empowered for their own healing of the mind, body, and spirit.

John Kim, MD MPH
www.georgiaintegrative.com

Drugs to Build Bones May Weaken Them

2008-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Drugs to Build Bones May Weaken Them

Above link (click on it to read the original article) is NY Times News article on drugs that are used to treat osteoporosis may actually weaken them.

Osteoporosis is a serious health concern for American women. It is defined in women as bone mineral desnsity lower than 2.5 times the normal bone density. It is measured by DEXA. The main concern about osteoporosis is that it leads to increase risk of fracture. Hip fracture, especially, is traumatic to the patients, often requiring several months of rehab.

Osteoporosis is most common in post-menopausal women. It also is caused by the use of steroid medication. Osteoporosis can be prevented with lifestyle advice and sometimes medication, and in people with osteoporosis treatment may involve lifestyle advice, preventing falls and medication (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates and several others).

There are a number of medications that are used to treat osteoporosis including fosamax. During my training at Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine, I was educated by my patients who researched about fosamax and was concerned about the possibility that fosamax actually may weaken the bone. The concern was a theoretical one at that time; it was thought that bone density increase was due to abnormal bone density growth that may not be as strong as normal bone. It seems that my patients may have been on to something.

Physicians at Weill Medical College of Cornell University are reporting that prolonged Fosamax—generically known as bisphosphonate alendronate—use may increase the risk of femur fractures, the large thigh bone that connects the leg to the hip. Continued evidence indicates that long-term alendronate use may overly suppress bone metabolism, which limits the repair of microdamage and increases fracture risk, Dr. Joseph M. Lane and colleagues report in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. This report can be read by clicking following hyperlink http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3443.

Meanwhile, earlier this year Canadian researchers issued a warning that bisphosphonates, sold under the names of Didrocal, Actonel, and Fosamax can lead to bone necrosis, a painful and disfiguring condition that results in bone death. The study found that such drugs almost tripled the risk of developing bone necrosis. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and McGill University and is the largest study of its kind into the connection between bone necrosis and specific brands of bisphosphonates: Didrocal, Actonel, and Fosamax. Prior to that warning, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about bisphosphonates and its link to a higher possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and muscle pain. “I think the study’s important just basically to let the public know if they do experience any severe, unusual pain they could tell their health professional,” said Dr. Mahyar Etminan, the principle investigator from the University of British Columbia. This report can be read by clicking following hyperlink http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3443.

This puts many patients who are on Fosamax and related medicine at a catch 22. There are integrative approaches to slowing the bone loss using nutrition - calcium, magnesium, boron, and strontium. In addition, green tea extract, and ipraflavone can be useful. However, there is no documented study of strengthening the bone. From preventive point of view, the maximal protection comes from having had maximal bone density achieved in the teen years - which is affected by genetics, nutrition, and physical activity.

John Kim MD MPH
www.georgiaintegrative.com

Popular Fish, Tilapia, Contains Potentially Dangerous Fatty Acid Combination

2008-07-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Popular Fish, Tilapia, Contains Potentially Dangerous Fatty Acid Combination

Last week, I posted an article about Tilapia containing potentially dangerous omega 6 fatty acids resulting in increased inflammation. Above article from Science Daily detail the account of the risk.

"The researchers say the combination could be a potentially dangerous food source for some patients with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases that are particularly vulnerable to an "exaggerated inflammatory response." Inflammation is known to cause damage to blood vessels, the heart, lung and joint tissues, skin, and the digestive tract." (from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708092228.htm)

During my study with Dr. Andrew Weil, I found above statement to be absolutely a true statement. Inflammation has become a rampant epidemic resulting in causing so much health problems in the developed countries. This has been made worse by the use of the industrial farming practices combined with our business modeling focused on the lowest price doctrine.

As a result, we pay heavily on the treatment side as a society and as members of the society. The solution is not simple; it involves consumer consciousness which must educate the industry. Organic is a good start, but not good enough; we need to be mindful of nutritional contents of the food. Salmon not enough - you need to know that it is either Organic fed with high omega 3 fatty acids feed or from the nature without heavy metal toxins.

John Kim, MD MPH
Director
www.georgiaintegrative.com

Why integrative medicine is the way of the future

2008-07-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Why integrative medicine is the way of the future
Above is an article from an Austrian news discussing the application of integrative medicine for the treatment of cancer.

The 2008 Summer Wellness Brief is dedicated (click here to open Summer 2008 Cancer & Healing) on integrative oncology. When I worked with Dr. Andrew Weil at University Medical Center in Tucson, I was fortunate to witness a number of remissions that could not be attributed to medications alone.

There is a tendency in the medical field to give credit to the illness or to the disease and not to give enough credit to the individual's healing ability.

Integrative medicine explores the boundary of the healing ability of the person by providing a therapeutic healing partnership and by creating a synergy of healing techniques leveraged at helping the whole person, Mind, Body, and Spirit.

The therapeutic regimens that one can use using the mind, body, and spirit is almost limitless in its application. The goal is to empower our patients to feel comfortable about being an active participant in their healing.

This combination of empowerment, nutritional support, emotional support (we require our cancer patients to go to a support group and/or see a counsellor once a week), and conventional medicine and surgery can make a powerful impact. We saw two people achieve remission from Stage 4 cancer last year who followed above advise. We do not understand the exact mechanism of their healing at this point, but we are happy to see our patients enjoy a higher quality of life.

John Kim
Director
www.georgiaintegrative.com

Low-carb diet beats other diets in study

2008-07-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Low-carb diet beats other diets in study

Above link describes the outcome of a study demonstrating that Low-carb diets show superior results compared to other diets. The article states, perhaps tongue-in cheek, that Atkins diet may have a point. Atkins diet's weakness is that it underestimates the danger of cholesterol and the types of fat coming from meat sources in the form of omega 6 fatty acids which result in increasing overall inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is a common pathway where multiple illnesses come together. As a result of increasing inflammation, you put yourself at risk for increasing degenerative illnesses including Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, as well as coronary artery diseases.

I prefer a nutrition plan based largely on vegetable, 1 - 2 servings of whole grain per day, and a high quality protein either from grass fed meat or safe fish (list is available from Monterey Bay Aquarium). My favorite is wild Alaskan salmon providing omega 3 fatty acids as well as excellent source of protein.

Extinguishing the Fear at the Roots of Anxiety

2008-07-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Extinguishing the Fear at the Roots of Anxiety

Above is the hyperlink to the New York Times article on anxiety. We live is a face paced world full of stress. The effect of stress can play havoc with both physical and mental health.

Perhaps the most well understood of effect of acute stress include production of cortisol, a stress hormone produced in our body, resulting in a number of problems including immune suppression, anxiety, blood sugar dysregulation, and weight gain. This understanding has helped to create a field of science referred as neuro-psycho-immunology.

Anxiety in Chinese medicine represents a Yang aspect of Shen (psych-emotional-spiritual) disturbance often leading to depletion of Shen energy resulting in symptoms of depression based on anxiety which is different from Yin aspec of Shen disturbance which results in depression based on fear, hopelessness, and helplessness.

There are many mind-body medicine combined with therapy that can result in significant transformative changes for mental health. An integrative approach focuses on understanding of the present mindfulness of the anxiety at a functional level. As to extinguishing the fear at the roots of anxiety, I am not sure any modality without transformative therapy work can be successful. Perhaps that is the reason, despite the explosion of mental illness medications, we still have an epidemic of mental illness negatively impacting quality of life...

Popular Tilapia Might Not Help Heart

2008-07-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Popular Tilapia Might Not Help Heart
Study finds farm-raised fish has high levels of unhealthy omega-6 fatty acids
Above is a new article link to US News and World Report stating that the fish Tilapia may be harmful to people. The farm-raised Tilapia has high levels of unhealth omega-6 fatty acids. This is not unique to farm-raised Tilapia. The potential health risks of farm-raised salmon is also discussed in below hyperlink:
http://research.cals.cornell.edu/entity?home=6&id=20834

In both cases, underlies the complexity issue of the food web. We are what we eat. So, we do our best to eat well. However, due to our current industrial production model of our food, we focus on costs rather than nutrition of the food.

In order, for us to eat well, we need to feed the farm-raised animals a balanced nutrious meal so that they can provide that nutrition for us. These examples also extend to chickens who can provide eggs and meat.

I recommend that people look for organic meat. In Atlanta, we are fortunate to have Dekalb Farmer's Market providing us with cost-effective organic food.

The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

2008-07-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

Above is a news article from the New York Times on 11 Best Foods to eat.
I am impressed with the emphasis on nutrition these days. In Georgia Integrative Medicine, we view problems at many levels. The first level is the understanding of the physical dimension or structure. The second level is the understanding of biochemical dimension. The next levels involve energetics and psycho-emotional-spiritual axis referred in Chinese medicine known as Shen.

The nutrition aspect impacts first on biochemistry but also effects structural, energetical, and psyco-emotional-spiritual axis. The old adage we are what we eat has a lot of truth in it.

What we eat provides for the ingredients for biochemistry. Sardine for example provides omega-3 fatty acids and bioavailable calcium (provides skins and bones were not removed). Omega 3 fatty acids results in lowering of inflammatory molecules in the body.

In Georgia Integrative Medicine, Chef Nola Daniel CNC provides both nutritional consultations and healthy cooking 101 classes to help our patients to eat for wellness.

Costly Cancer Drug Offers Hope, but Also a Dilemma

2008-07-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Costly Cancer Drug Offers Hope, but Also a Dilemma

Above is a link from the New York Times on Avastin, a costly cancer drug.

The critics of integrative medicine have long been raising the lack of evidence as a reason for their skeptism. However, it comes to light that the lack of evidence of effectiveness is not limited to complementary and alternative medicine modalities.

Avastin which can cost up to $ 9000 per month. About 100,000 people take Avastin in the U.S. currently. The total amount spent for Avastin last year is estimated to top 2.3 Billion dollars.

According to the NY Times, "But there is another side to Avastin. Studies show the drug prolongs life by only a few months, if that. And some newer studies suggest the drug might be less effective against cancer than the Food and Drug Administration had understood when the agency approved its uses." This is to say that there may not be a clear benefit of Avastin for effectiveness. In treatment of an illness, there are other considerations other than effectiveness. These are also referred as "Quality of Life."

Given the on going financial crisis in health care due to unaffordability, this is an example where the critics of integrative medicines need to focus on evidence and conventional medicine. Dr. Andrew Weil advocates that there needs to be a logical way for us to evaluate the evidence. The more potential harm an agent can cause, the more rigorous evidence should be. In contrast to medications, many integrative therapeutics are less invasive and focus on improving quality of life.

I spent two years at San Diego State University for Masters in Public Health where I was educated in how to evaluate the evidence presented in a study. A result of my degree was the development of ability to discern if a treatment was effective reviewing all evidence in the scientific literature. This helped me to author more than 20 articles reviewing effectiveness of integrative medicine modalities using the scientific method.

In Georgia Integrative Medicine, we do our best to practice an evidence based medicine and we are mindful of the cost-effectivenss as well as cost-quality of life issues. Our evidence is our patients who get well and make the world a better place to be.

The University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine Earns 'Center of Excellence' Designation

2008-07-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

The University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine Earns 'Center of Excellence' Designation

Above article shares the news that Integrative Medicine status has been elevated to Center of Excellence at University of Arizona where the movement began.

Dr. Andrew Weil created Program in Integrative Medicine and began to train physicians in the art of integrative medicine where you are integrating the best of modern science and ancient wisdom.

I had the priviledge being able to benefit from two fellowships. Currently, there are many types of fellowships including research fellowship, residency combined with fellowship, medical student elective, and undergraduate elective.

As a result of the training, I was able to contribute to the field as a consultant, author, and as a clinician. We are fortunate to have an academic venue where physicians can obtain bonafide training in an area currently lacks ready supply of well trained physicians.

Doctor moves beyond ‘fixing the broken piece’

2008-07-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

Doctor moves beyond ‘fixing the broken piece’

Above is a story of a physician who completed the Associate Fellowship with Dr. Andrew Weil.

For me, I had a unique experience of being able to complete two fellowships with Dr. Andrew Weil at University of Arizona's Program in Integrative Medicine. The first fellowship, the residential fellowship, is no longer available. The residential fellowship consisted of two years of hands-on training with Dr. Andrew Weil and other master teachers in his group. These teachers included nationally renown figures providing education for the next generation of physicians committed to empowering patients through a healing partnership exploring all options conventional and alternative in a mindful manner.

The unique advantage of the residential fellowship was that it provided me with an opportunity to work closely with Dr. Weil in person. These times included time spent in his clinic at University Medical Center learning medicine as well as times we hiked, gathered herbs, and cooked together as a group. It gave me a valuable insights.

During the fellowship, I was awarded with Osher Fellowship. Osher is a philantropist who created the University of California San Francisco's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. One of the other opportunities which presented to myself was the Associate Fellowship described in the article. Compared to the residential fellowship, it was not as much hands on. However, it provided a valuable asset in the form of community. Also it expanded the number of graduates of the University of Arizona allowing them to provide the training to more people (about 50 per year rather than 4 per year of the residential fellowship). It also provides a self-sustaining way for the program to offer the valuable program to physicians.

I feel very fortunate to have had the training and I also feel extremely grateful that I am now in a community supporting this type of medicine.

4 Ways a Food Diary Can Help You Lose Weight

2008-07-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

4 Ways a Food Diary Can Help You Lose Weight

Above is a news article posted by U.S. News & World Report

Obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic in the U.S. There are no shortfall of the number and the variety of diets that are available in the U.S. From Atkins Diet, Zone Diet, to South Beach Diet, there is no evidence that a single system of diet can result in the lasting weight loss.

The above news article advocates for the use of pen and paper to record your diet. It is simple, low tech, and it works. In Georgia Integrative Medicine, we use 7 day food log (click here to download the form for your use) to help patients to develop self-awareness about their own nutrition and physical activity.

As a part of my medical training, I completed University of California San Diego Preventive Medicine Residency (2 years of specialty training) and Master's of Public Health with Health Promotion. This period of my training allowed me to learn about how to prevent illnesses and how to promote wellness through helping people make the change. Much emphasis was made on Health Psychology and how to empower people.

Nutrition diary promotes mindfulness and introduces people to observe their habit of eating. Understanding the unconscious habits of eating can be the first steps to develop healthful habits of eating.

In designing Georgia Integrative Medicine, we put a great deal of effort around being able to eat healthy manner. After all, if we could not lead by example, it would be even more difficult for our patients to eat healthy. We decided to build 2 less exam rooms and instead, we build a full Kitchen and dining room. We also have Chef Nola Daniel, CNC providing team members with nutritious wheat-free, dairy-free, organic meal freshly prepared every day. We are proud to share that we are the ONLY integrative medicine facility to provide team members with nutritious meal.

By having a kitchen, we can offer regular spelt bread making workshops and healthy cooking 101 workshops. I invite you to consider joining us for the workshops.

Doctors in for a dose of alternative medicine

2008-07-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Doctors in for a dose of alternative medicine

Above is the link of an Australian news article summarizing recent trends in Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Andrew Weil has provided leadership in the academic medical settings resulting in more than 20% of the U.S. Medical Schools belonging to a consortium in integrative medicine. In addition, he has trained hundreds of physicians through the Program in Integrative Medicine.

I feel fortunate to have completed two programs with Dr. Andrew Weil as an Osher Fellow. The first program was a residential fellowship program where I saw patients with Dr. Weil at the University of Arizona's Medical Center. This option is no longer available due to the expense of running a residential program. In addition, to the residential fellowship program, I also completed Associate Fellowship (now referred as Fellowship) using internet distance learning model.

The article also updates evidence based approach to integrative medicine. Not surprisingly, acupuncture has strong base of evidence. I have written several review articles evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating numerous conditions including weight loss, back pain, asthma, knee osteoarthritis, and depression.

In Georgia Integrative Medicine, we provide integrated assessments including:

Western Medicine
Chinese Medicine
Classic Homeopathy
Energy Medicine
Medical Intuition
Nutrition

Since there is no studies looking at an integrated approach, it is not possible to comment on the effectiveness. However, if the separate components work, then it is likely that a well-orchestrated variety of healing modalities will likely to help.

There is a growing consensus that the tools of science is too limited to study complex phenomenon. I think this is true.

John Kim, MD MPH FAAMA

Healthy Cooking 101

2008-06-21T06:23:00.001-07:00

Please Join Dr. Kim & Nola Daniel CNC for Workshop on Health Cooking 101 July 26, 2008 2 PM to 5 PM. Cost is $ 50 per person.

Contact dcarey@welljourney.com or call 678.814.1333 x 1. Space limited to 6 people.

Red Wine May Slow Aging

2008-06-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/04/health/research/04aging.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogi ) article cites a drug company sponsored start up firm performing research on creating a medication that mimics resveratrol, a compound found in wine.

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grapes, mulberries, peanuts, and other plants or food products, especially red wine, that may protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease by acting as an antioxidant, antimutagen, and anti-inflammatory. (American Heritage Dictionary)

The article points out that the original research dose on mice was equivalent to 35 bottles a day of red wine. Resveratrol can also be obtained in the form of capsules marketed by several companies. It is postulated by the researchers resveratrol can mimic many of the effects of a caloric-restricted diet “at doses that can readily be achieved in humans.”

My teacher Dr. Andrew Weil states that we can obtain resveratrol simply by eating more fruits with deep red and purple color, such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries.

Cancer and Healing

2008-05-21T14:02:00.001-07:00

Summer 2008 issue on Cancer and Healing is available on line
Click below to access

Summer_2008.pdf

2008-05-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

The Principles of Integrative Medicine Include Following:
1. Patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process.
2. All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind, spirit, and community, as well as the body.
3. Appropriate use of both conventional and alternative methods facilitates the body's innate healing response.
4. Effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be used whenever possible.
5. Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically.
6. Good medicine is based in good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.
Alongside the concept of treatment, the broader concepts of health promotion and the prevention of illness are paramount.
7. Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.

Integrative Medicine has become popular; ask the provider about their training. It is taught only in a few medical schools including University of Arizona where Dr. Andrew Weil has established Program in Integrative Medicine where Dr. John Kim trained for two years.

Spelt Bread Advantage

2008-05-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Nutrition is an important aspect of integrative approach to healing. At our clinic, Chef Nola prepares organic, gluten-free, fish-vegetarian cuisine. As part of the nutrition, Chef Nola uses spelt flour to bake delicious breads. Spelt, unlike conventional wheat, has not been genetically altered. Spelt is a complex carbohydrate, providing vitamins and minerals while slowly releasing glucose to prevent blood-sugar spikes.

Spelt is also higher in watersoluble vitamins, especially B-complex, and fat-soluble vitamin-A; it has a higher mineral uptake from the soil and is naturally higher in trace elements than common wheat flour.

Spelt has a high fiber content, both soluble and insoluble, rendering the gluten
in spelt more digestible. Spelt also contains all the essential and non-essential
amino acids needed to make protein; it also contains plant sterols known to lower cholesterol, and is high in potassium content and low in sodium-important in managing hypertension. Spelt flour, though not completely
gluten-free, contains gluten molecules which are significantly different than
those in conventional wheat flours, and is well tolerated by most individuals who are wheat and/or glutensensitive.

Holistic Nursing

2008-05-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Nursing profession has embraced Holism and Wellness ahead of the medical profession. American Holistic Nurses Association (www.ahna.org) has been providing nurses with community and leadership.

I am very pleased to share that holistic nursing is now a part of services at Georgia Integrative Medicine. Holistic nurses provide a vital link between patients and providers at Georgia Integrative Medicine and currently, I am completing one year Energy Medicine internship.

I look forward to contributing to this column.

Dorothy Carey RNC

Integrative Oncology

2008-03-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Q. I have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. What can I do to increase my chances of overcoming cancer?

There is an increasing trend in the U.S. towards integrative approaches to cancer. MD Anderson and Sloan Kettering Memorial are two of most respected centers specializing in cancer treatments. Both programs have integrative medicine available to their patients at the center. There are professional societies of oncologists that focus on the integrative approach to cancer care. National Cancer Institute is actively promoting collaboration of alternative medicine practitioners and researchers in hopes of discovering new treatment regimen.

I think that first thing to do is to connect with an oncologist who can help you to develop a comprehensive strategy. I have observed several patients receiving outstanding care at Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Finding an open-minded oncologist can empower you to integrate the conventional cancer treatments with innovative integrative approaches.

There are several approaches to supporting patients with cancer. All of the approaches emphasize working with your oncologist. If the oncologist is open to using nutrition as an adjunct modality to strengthen you, then an anti-inflammatory diet advocated by Dr. Andrew Weil can be helpful. In addition, there are immune enhancing regimens that have been successfully utilized including Chinese medicinal herbal solutions and Asian medicinal mushrooms. There are clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health exploring individual herb’s effect on cancer including Tumeric and Ginseng. There is no evidence to suggest that these herbs can be used alone for the treatment of cancer.

Even if the oncologist objects to the use of supplements, there are many things you can do. The role of acupuncture has been extensively documented for treating chemotherapy induced nausea and fatigue. There are many mind-body medicine approaches including meditation, self hypnosis, and guided imagery that can help the patients to experience healing. As matter of fact, a study conducted by Dr. Spiegel as Stanford University documented the benefit of weekly psychotherapy for cancer patients. There are a number of support groups available in this area. You should consider attending support group – if you do not enjoy one group, you should experience other groups.

I recommend all patients with cancer to READ and STUDY Dr. Bernie Siegel’s books including Love, Medicine, and Miracles. Dr. Siegel is a retired surgeon from Yale University who discovered that empowering patients with choices can help patients experience extra-ordinary healing.

Cancer can be a life-threatening disease. You need to take account of all options; as one of my mentor says “when you are fighting for your life, you should not have to fight with one hand tied behind your back.”

Energy Medicine

2008-03-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

What is Energy Medicine?

Energy medicine recognizes ENERGY as an essential, living, moving force that determines the state of being of our mind, body, and spirit. In Energy medicine, ENERGY is the medicine and it is the patient. The body is healed by activating its natural healing energies, restoring energies that are weak, disturbed, or out of balance. Energy medicine is used to compliment other forms of medicine or as a self-help and self-care system.

There are two types of energy medicine. The first is using measurable energy to influence the flow, balance and harmony of energies. Measurable energies are things like the mechanical vibration of sound and electromagnetic forces, which include visible light, magnetism, monochromatic radiation (laser beams) and rays from other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. In measurable energy medicine, specific, measurable frequencies and wavelengths are used to influence flow, balance, and harmony of the patient’s energy systems. The second type of energy medicine is called biofield energy or subtle energy fields medicine that lack measurement by reproducible methods to date. Therapies involving biofields are based on the concept that human beings are infused with a subtle form of energy. The health of the subtle energy fields is reflected in the health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Application of measurable energy fields are used as diagnostic tools or therapies. The MRI (electromagnetic resonance imaging), cardiac pacemakers, radiation therapy, ultraviolet light, laser surgeries and others use electromagnetic fields that can be measured and dosed based on established evidenced based studies for desired clinical effects for the patient. Magnet therapy involves the use of static magnets used to influence physiologic processes affecting the tiny blood vessels of muscles which reportedly improves muscle health lessening pain. Pulsating electromagnetism has been used to promote healing of nonunion fractures in bones and is claimed to be effective in treating osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and sleep disorders. Sound therapy uses measurable vibrations or frequencies to resonate with specific organs of the body for healing and support; examples include music therapy, wind chimes, and tuning forks. Light therapy capitalizes on the influence of varying frequencies and colors of light influence moods and hormones of the body. Natural, artificial, lasers, colors, monochromic, and high-intensity light therapies are examples of this type of energy therapy. Homeopathy uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body to heal itself based on the principle of “like cures like”. Homeopathic remedies are believed to mobilize the body’s vital force to achieve a coordinated healing response throughout the body. The body translates the information on the vital force into local physical changes to heal form acute and chronic illnesses.
Subtle energy field medicine seeks to influence the life force of human beings. This life force is known under different names in different cultures; qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, prana in Ayurvedic medicine, and pneuma in Greek medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the opposing forces of yin and yang regulate a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Acupuncture is the most well known form of subtle energy medicine. It is the stimulation of specific points on the body by insertion of thin metal needles through the skin intended to remove blockages in the flow of qi and restore and maintain health. Acupressure and reflexology operate on a similar belief. Some forms of subtle energy medicine are believed to emit or transmit the vital energy (external qi) to a recipient from a universal energy to restore health. Examples of this form include Reiki, Johrei, vortex healing, and polarity therapy, Therapeutic Touch Healing Touch, and Qi Gong. These therapies using external energy fields lack convincing evidence of their therapeutic effects by any biophysical means to date. Intercessory prayer, praying for another human being with or without their knowledge is a type of energy medicine based on the intentions of the praying person and belief in a divine being to intercede or influence the health of the one being prayed for. Each of these subtle energy field approaches lack effective scientific studies to validate their therapeutic effects. However, anecdotal cases of their effectiveness are increasing as is the popularity of such therapies.

By Dorothy Carey RNC
www.georgiaintegrative.com

Health Benefits of Tai Chi Part I

2008-03-02T15:48:00.001-08:00

Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Part I
Yoon Hang Kim, MD MPH

Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle, and graceful movements. Tai Chi is designed to develop Qi or biofield energy. In Chinese medicine, activities cultivating Qi (biofield energy) is collectively known as Qi Gong. Qi Gong is the fourth branch of Chinese medicine along with acupuncture, herbs, and Tuina (Chinese medical massage). Therefore, with in the Chinese medical paradigm the health benefit are implicit and have wide social validity. In China, it is a common sight to witness a vast number of people practicing Tai Chi and other forms of Qi Gong in the parks.

Prevention of Falls
Tai Chi movements are unique in that a slow weight-shifting and turning of the hips allowing the practitioners to develop kinesthetic awareness. The movements are slow and continuous allowing the individuals to learn to move most effectively in between the form. By performing slow, continuous, and fluid patterns, the individual becomes aware of the optimal safe postures. It is postulated that such awareness could decrease the incidence of falls.

There are many studies showing Tai Chi to reduce the fall risks. One of the studies was conducted by Dr. Fuzhong Li at Oregon State University on 256 physically inactive, community-dwelling adults aged 70 to 92. Participants were randomized to participate in a three-times-per-week Tai Chi group or to a stretching control group for 6 months.

At the end of the 6-month intervention, significantly fewer falls, lower proportions of fallers , and fewer injurious falls were observed in the Tai Chi group compared with the stretching control group. Authors concluded that a three-times-per-week, 6-month Tai Chi program is effective in decreasing the number of falls, the risk for falling, and the fear of falling, and it improves functional balance and physical performance in physically inactive persons aged 70 years or older.

Fall injury is significant more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year. Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it hard to get around or live alone and increase the chance of early death. Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. 16 The total direct cost of all fall injuries for people 65 and older in 2000 was slightly more than $19 billion: $0.2 billion ($179 million) for fatal falls, and $19 billion for nonfatal falls. Women suffers more complicated course for falls. 18 In 2000, the costs of both fatal and nonfatal falls were higher for women than for men. Medical costs for women, who made up 58% of older adults in 2000, were two to three times higher than for men.

In conclusion, there is a mounting evidence for the use of Tai Chi to prevent falls.

For Tai Chi lessons visit www.welljourney.com

Dr. John Kim has been studying Tai Chi since 1990's and still continues to learn Tai Chi; he teach Tai Chi through WellJourney.

Workshop on Tea Ceremony

2008-02-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

Workshop on Tea Ceremony
Introduction to Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Learn about the history of tea, health benefits, and tea culture. We will sample premium Chinese teas. You will also receive an article on the Health Benefits of Tea published in Alternative Therapies in Women's Health.

March 1st at 2 PM at Georgia Integrative Medicine 120 Millbrook Village Dr. Suite E. Tyrone, GA 30290.

Space is limited to 5 people. Cost is 20 dollars per person. For more information please e-mail jeanne@georgiaintegrative.com or call 678 814 1333 x 1. We still have three spots open as of Feb. 18, 2008.

Briefs on Health Benefits of Tea

2008-02-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Health Benefits of Tea

John Kim, MD MPH & Jeanne Bowers published on the health benefits of tea in Alternative Therapy in Women's Health. Below is a brief containing important points.

Tea is a popular form of beverage made from the dried leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Popularity of tea consumption worldwide is second only to water. About three billion kilograms of tea are produced each year. Tea is cultivated in some 30 countries worldwide and is consumed globally. Black tea is consumed predominantly in Western and some Asian countries and green tea is consumed predominantly in China, Japan, India, and a number of countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

Tea originated in China 5000 years ago and was used as a medicine for various illnesses.
The tea was stored in the form of powder, leaves, and cakes. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommended drinking tea to healthy people as early as 200 BC. While people have been enjoying tea consumption more than 5000 years, the possible beneficial health effects of tea are being investigated only recently.

There are many types of tea, but they can be divided into two major groups: green tea and black tea. It is estimated that about 78% of tea produced worldwide is black tea while 20% is green tea, and 2% are oolong tea.

The health-beneficial chemical constituents are often collectively referred as flavonoids.
Initial epidemiological surveys have associated tea drinking with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer.

Cardiovascular Diseases
Many epidemiological studies have investigated the effects of tea consumption on cardiovascular disease. The results of several, but not all, of these studies are suggestive of a protective effect of black tea. These result showed that increase in tea consumption of three cups per day protected people from developing heart attacks by 11%.
One of the proposed mechanisms for the possible protective effect of tea against cardiovascular diseases is that tea polyphenols inhibit the oxidation of LDL, which is known to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

Another mechanism is hypocholesterolemic effect of tea providing another layer of protection from CVD. In animals fed diets high in fat and cholesterol, green tea, black tea and tea polyhenols prevented elevations in serum and liver lipids, decreased serum total cholesterol or atherogenic index, and increased fecal excretion of total lipids and cholesterol. When hamsters were fed a high fat diet, those drinking green tea or green tea polyphenols ha lower serum total cholesterol and higher fecal fat excretions than the control group.

Cancer
Health benefits of tea in cancer have been observed in epidemiologic studies. Studies show that a protective effect was associated between tea consumption and cancer of the colon, urinary bladder, stomach, esophagus, lung and pancreas. Most of the literature regarding tea consumption for prevention of cancer utilized green tea.

Polyphenols found in green tea have been shown to have potent antioxidant and antitumor effects. The most widely recognized properties of tea polyphenols are their antioxidant activities. Polyphenols bind to metal ions, preventing them from participating in peroxidase reactions. Green and black tea and isolated tea polyphenols have been shown to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, reducing their damage to lipid membranes, proteins and nucleic acids in cell-free systems.

It should be noted that despite strong evidence suggesting a link between antioxidant activity an anticancer effects, regulatory organization have been cautious to allow any health claims linking intake of antioxidants to anticancer benefit. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed a qualified health claim for antioxidant vitamins and cancer. The FDA concluded that despite the scientific evidence for anti-oxidant vitamins C and E may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer, this evidence is limited and not conclusive.

Bone Density
A study of 1256 women in the U.K. reported that tea drinkers had significantly greater mean bone mineral density measurements independent of smoking status, the use of hormone therapy, coffee drinking, and whether milk was added to the tea. Authors concluded that drinking tea may help protect against osteoporosis in older women.

Wellness Briefs

2008-02-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Healing and Wellness Blog