The Great Outdoors for Your Health
It will not surprise you to hear that we’re seeing more patients lately struggling with mood, sleep, attention, and clarity of thought. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to symptoms in these areas including diet, sleep, toxicity, lack of exercise, and hormonal imbalances to name a few. What I am most interested in right now is how much time we spend outside in nature.We hear a lot in the media about the effect of video games on children. We hear parents talk about limiting screen time (time in front of computers, televisions, etc) for their children who struggle with ADHD. There’s plenty of evidence suggesting that more time in front of electronic screens is not helping our health, our brains, or our mood. What we don’t hear as much about is time in nature. There is, however, a growing body of research suggesting that the more time we spend out in the natural world, the more focused we are and the more balanced our mood tends to be. One study in particular had people take either a walk through the city or a walk through a forest. On a before and after attention test, the forest group scored higher after their walk, but the city group scored worse.We live in a world of over-stimulation. There is constant input into our brains from electronics, busy streets, and closely packed buildings. Our brains need a break. While we often think that turning on the TV gives a break, because it allows us to check out, what research suggests is that it is really just more information for your brain to process. Taking a walk outside where there are trees and other plants can have a profound effect on mood, attention, motivation, and clarity of thought. This seems to be true even if it’s a city park. So consider, next time you go to turn on the television, or sit down in front of the computer, what might happen instead if you just went outside and found a little green. Luckily for us, there’s plenty of it in Seattle. I’m not saying you need to actually hug a tree, but it probably wouldn't hurt.- Dr. Erin Westaway, N.D.
What's your urine say about you??
Paying attention to our bodily functions can increase awareness about what is going on inside our bodies. Interesting article to check out!http://www.bottomlinepublications.com/content/article/health-a-healing/dark-urine-smelly-urine-frequent-urination-what-your-pee-says-about-you
Flu Vaccines: Yay or Nay?
Flu Vaccine: As usual I am NOT recommending the flu vaccine as a preventative measure. Vaccinations are fraught with problems and are not as preventative as good health habits. We have made our Flu Season handout and you can find it on the website here. It is full of preventative measures and treatment. We know which homeopathics are working and what supplements are working for this flu season. Respectfully submitted by Molly Niedermeyer
Supplement Blow Out Sale!
Looking for great deals on supplements for your daily life? Need some extra immune support to keep those pesky flu bugs away? Did you know that every quarter, the Emerald City Doctors and I look through our pharmacy to find expired or expiring products that are still holding their potency to put on our sale shelf? Our sale shelf provides quality vitamins to our patients at an extremely reduced price of 50% off!Dr. Molly and I went through our pharmacy at the beginning of this month to clean out and start fresh for the New Year. This means there are a whole bunch of supplements on our sale shelf that have been approved to still have efficacy and they are being sold at practitioner pricing. Come check out what we have to offer and stock up for the upcoming year!Of course, if you have any questions or concerns please make your doctor aware via email or a quick note with our lovely Front Desk staff.In health,Chelsea Kern, Pharmacy Coordinator and Medical AdministratorCurrently on Sale!
| PRODUCTS | DESCRIPTIONS | PHYSICIAN APPROVAL NEEDED? | COST |
| Medibulk | Fiber | $8.15 | |
| Priority Skin Clear | Topical Acne Medication | $13.65 | |
| Lumina | DHA EPA | $34.81 | |
| Spectrum 2C | Multiple w/ iron | $21.75 | |
| Cranberry concentrate | For UTI | $17.20 | |
| Tri-Spartate | Minerals | $5.35 | |
| B Complex #1 | B Complex for headache prone client | $7.00 | |
| Kinder Well | Immune response | $7.90 | |
| Diosmin-HMC | Bioflavonoids (similar to quercitin) | $9.10 | |
| PolyResveratrol-SR | X | $22.70 | |
| I Comp | Eye health | $12.25 | |
| Laktoferrin | Immune support | X | $14.50 |
| Perfusia SR | Argenine/for energy | $17.55 | |
| D-Hist JR | Herbal antihistamine | $8.55 | |
| Cardio Response | Whole food hypertension medication | X | $28.48 |
| Kinder Clear | Immune support for children | $7.50 | |
| Ligusticum porteri | Antiviral/Lungs/Osha | $5.30 | |
| Peppermint Gels | Reflux treatment | $9.50 | |
| Euphrasia Complex | Conjunctivitis antiviral treatment | $13.50 | |
| Boron Picolinate | Osteoporosis | X | $4.25 |
| Elder Eyebright Formula | Anti Viral for children | $5.38 | |
| Cat's Claw | STRONG anti microbial | X | $13.20 |
| Bio-Multi Plus | Whole food multivitamin | $11.75 |
Free Herbal Training Webinar
The American Herbalist Guild is offering free herbal training webinars, which are taught by a variety of well known herbalists. The majority of the talks are open to the public and would be a great opportunity for patients to expand their herbal knowledge and prospective on health and wellness. Many of the talks are also available for viewing after the scheduled webinar time online.Check out the AHG website at: http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ahg-professional-herbalists-training-webinars- Dr. Chad Borys
Probiotics on the Daily
Taking your probiotics daily is a great preventative immune support during the cold and flu season. There is evidence to suggest that in healthy individuals regular consumption of probiotics may help lower the incidence of respiratory tract infections. Probiotics help to alter the gut flora in our digestive tracts and may play a role in enhancing our immune function when we are exposed to viruses and bacteria. Talk with your Emerald City Naturopathic physician if you have any questions or concerns about the use of probiotics for yourself or your family.-- Dr. Chad Borys
Swedish Cerebrovascular Support Group
We look forward to seeing you at the
Swedish Cerebrovascular Support Group Mission Statement
The Swedish Cerebrovascular Support Group provides a place of support, education and motivation to those diagnosed and/or treated with a cerebrovascular condition), and to serve as a resource for family members and caregivers. It is our common goal and purpose to lend support to each other, bolster our education, learn from one another and raise awareness of cerebrovascular conditions in our community.
Healthy Breast Month: A More Positive Spin
It has been exactly a year since I returned to work and it seems appropriate that I comment on "Breast Cancer Awareness Month." My first line of business: Lets rename it "Healthy Breast Month!" The breasts are organs that really react to hormones as much as, if not more so, than the organs in our bodies. They have so many estrogen and progesterone receptors that unhealthy breasts are really the first sign of hormonal imbalance. That being said, anything that will optimize our hormones will help our breasts. Secondly, because so many toxins in our world are made up of endocrine disruptors, I believe that they are a main factor in why breast cancer and imbalanced breast health are so rampant. There are ways we can protect ourselves! Besides Dr. Molly's 5 Point Health Plan, which is designed to support our adrenal glands and therefore balance hormones, the most important things for good breast health are:a. Vitamin D blood levels in the 50-70b. Good balance of iodine (eat your CLEAN seaweed)c. Good sleepd. 20 minutes of exercise/dayWe are offering thermographies monthly at Emerald City Clinic as one tool to help understand your breast health, along with an overall assessment of inflammation in your whole body. If you mention you read this blog, we will offer 10% off your fee when scheduling either an appointment to discuss your results OR the thermography itself. (See more about these thermographies in my latest newsletter article: Summer Newsletter 2013.The best screening test still remains the breast self exam. Please KNOW your breast tissue and any changes that occur.In celebration of "Healthy Breast Month" submitted my Molly Niedermeyer, ND
Dr. Molly Niedermeyer Earns Seattle Met "Top Doc" Honor
Our own Dr. Molly Niedermeyer has once again earned her place among Seattle's Top Doctors in the Seattle Met! Congratulations, Dr. Molly! You can read more about Dr. Molly here: http://emeraldcityclinic.com/about-us/practitioner-profiles/, and also check out her spot on Seattle Met's website: http://www.seattlemet.com/health-and-fitness/top-docs-2013/articles/top-doctors-and-nurses-2013. Thanks!
Food of the Week: Quinoa!
This is a great recipe for anyone willing to try out Quinoa, the magic food of the month! Did you know Quinoa is a whole grain AND a complete protein? A good source of fiber and gluten-free, this grain cooks just like rice and has a rich nutty flavor. The recipe below is one of my favorite ways to cook Quinoa. Use with any stir-fry dish or vegetable marinara or ragu for a tasty and healthy alternative to pasta or rice.Quinoa Cakes(This is part of a greater recipe including Eggplant-Tomato Ragu.)To see the full article go to:http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Quinoa-Cakes-with-Eggplant-Tomato-Ragu-and-Smoked-Mozzarella-241481Ingredients:* 1 1/2 cups water* 1 cup quinoa* 1 large egg, lightly beaten* 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil, dividedPrepare Quinoa Cakes:Wash quinoa in 3 changes of water in a bowl, then drain well in a fine-mesh sieve. Stir quinoa into boiling water and return to a boil, then simmer, covered, until quinoa is dry and water is absorbed, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes, then stir in egg.Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap and lightly brush with oil. Lightly oil a 1-cup dry-ingredient measure. Pack enough quinoa into measure with a rubber spatula to fill it two-thirds full. (If spatula becomes sticky, dip in water.) Unmold onto baking sheet and gently pat quinoa into a 4-inch-wide patty with spatula. Make 3 more quinoa cakes, brushing measure with oil each time. Chill cakes, uncovered, at least 15 minutes.Cook Quinoa Cakes:Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add quinoa cakes and cook, turning once carefully and adding remaining 2 to 3 tablespoons oil, until crisp and golden, 8 to 10 minutes total (pat cakes to reshape with cleaned rubber spatula while cooking if necessary). Transfer to plates.*Cooks' notes: Quinoa cakes can be formed 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Omega 3 Myths: Are you increasing your prostate cancer risk?
Many of you may have read about the new research associating high omega three blood levels with an increase in prostate cancer. Let me tell you there is by no means a direct link to an increased risk of prostatic cancer if you take fish oil supplements. The most plausible explanation is that many of the individuals tested do not properly digest, use, or metabolize their omega 3 oils. OR it could be that the quality of fish or oils they are consuming have high mercury or heavy metal contents-- a clean product is essential. Also, without proper whole nutrition and a good balance of anti oxidants and minerals to properly utilize the fish oils consumed, further damage can occur if there are heavy metals present in the oils-- we all need balance to digest properly. This study does make me pause as a physician to make sure that we maintain BEST practices as Naturopaths; always looking at the whole picture and not individual components. If you have any concerns please bring it up with your Emerald City Clinic physician as we encourage each of you to be stewards of your own health. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Molly Niedermeyer
Molly Niedermeyer discusses her 5 Point Health Plan for the Crown Hill Business Association
Next Wednesday, July 17th from 5-7pm the Crown Hill Business Association will be meeting at Holy Grounds Coffee House in Crown Hill. Our own Dr. Molly Niedermeyer will be the guest speaker; providing a general overview of naturopathic principals and touching on her 5 point health plan. She'll also have a short question and answer session. For those of you interested in business networking with other professionals in the area and supporting Emerald City Clinic, we'd love to have you join us!Here a sneak peak at Dr. Molly's 5 Point Health Plan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdXKAkCNIW4 And More about the Crown Hill Business Association: http://crownhillbusiness.org/ Look forward to seeing you!Amanda ZuluagaClinic Manager, Emerald City ClinicSecretary, Crown Hill Business Assocation
Create Possibility - Queen Anne Community Blood Drive - Sat, 7/20
- Lives saved, suffering eased, & families remaining intact in the wake of emergency.
- Generosity, connection & care showing up in the lives of those around you.
- Healthy opportunities for others to discover enlivening connection through bold giving.
The first step of any powerful outcome requires you to show up and evoke its possibility. In other words, “You must be present to win!” Plan your possibility right here.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 70 presentsSaturday, July 20
QUEEN ANNE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVEQueen Anne United Methodist Church1606 5th Ave W – in the Basement
9:00am to 3:00pm(closed 11:30 to 12:15)
Reserve a time at http://www.psbc.org/programs/drive.asp?URL=0578
Please share your own invitation to people you know to be – or want to see – bold and generous in the world.
- Find answers to questions about blood donation.
- See difference a gift of blood makes for local patients.
- Look up basic eligibility info.
- Contact the Puget Sound Blood Center's Scheduling Specialists at schedule@psbc.org or call 1-800-DONATE-1 for specific medical questions.
Thank you for contributing powerfully to our community!Scott ConcinnityDonor Resources Representative, metro-Seattle Puget Sound Blood Center blood services | medicine | research 5400 2nd Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98108P (206) 292-1883 • C (206) 384-6098ScottC@psbc.org • psbc.org
Skin Health
From Dr. Kelley Barnes-ValdesSkin issues are common among people of all ages. We all tend to reach for lotions, creams, or salves when this sort of thing arises, but the truth of the matter is that our body is telling us that there is something going on at a deeper level. The most common cause of skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and candida rashes is poor digestive health. If these rashes appear in young children, we first look at the most recently added food in the child’s (or nursing mother’s) diet. Often times a food elimination is all that is needed to cure the rash and keep the child from having more worrisome complaints in the future. In adults, we look at quality of digestion, probiotics, and antibiotic use among other things- your doctor can help you assess what needs to happen to bring your skin back to health.
Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Lung Health
We are seeing a lot of clients with lung issues recently, which seem to be long standing from 2-3 weeks to 2 months. First, many of these lung issues seem to be reactive airway disease which is an allergic reaction to something (eg pollens, virus, etc). This is just a heads up but more importantly I wanted to address the 3 day rule. If you have been experiencing any health issue that is NOT resolving within 3 days; this warrents contacting your Emerald City Clinic physician as most health issues that are new begin resolution within three days. If your discomfort lasts than this, it often can become chronic if we do not intervene in some fashion. Help us help you become better! Thanks Molly
Alternative Treatments in Cervical Dysplasia and HPV by Dr. Rachel Erickson
IF YOU'RE ON SYNTHROID, READ THIS!
Hello Clients of ECN,
We are discovering that throughout the country the thyroid medication, Synthroid, is in high demand and short supply. It may take up to two weeks for the pharmacy to have this medication available for you, so please don't wait until the last minute to fill your prescription. Please let us know if you have any questions about this!
Thank you,
The ECN Team
You are what you eat! by Dr. Vanda Huang
I found this photo gallery on what the world eats in a week so interesting:Hungry Planet: What the World Eats. I had no idea people ate narwhals, or polar bear for that matter! It was interesting to see the proportion of processed food to fresh produce from country to country as well.And somewhat related to that is an article in the Atlantic about how "Serving Convenience Foods for Dinner Doesn't Save Time." It makes the excellent point that home cooked meals from scratch organically bring the family together for meals since with convenience foods you can easily eat whatever, whenever, which means you most likely won't be sitting down with the family when you eat. Eating in front of the television, in the car, or on the go, tends to encourage mindless eating. Eating in a slower, relaxed setting while socializing and interacting with your family or friends actually helps your body absorb more nutrients from your meal- we tend to chew more and take our time which leads to better digestion. And of course, beyond the nutritional benefits, bonding with your family during mealtime makes home-cooked (vs convenience) meals even more worthwhile.
The "Bear" of Overcoming Stress to Increase GI Health, by Dr. Erin Westaway
Healthy digestion is one of the foundations of our wellbeing and one of the areas of our health that is most directly affected by stress. There’s a reason we talk about not being able to “stomach” bad news – in times of stress, we literally shut down the signals to the stomach to digest.