New legislation has created new advisory groups to take charge of health care reform policies and programs. President Obama is making decisions now about who to appoint to these key positions.
Trained as primary care practitioners and experts in alternative and complementary therapies, naturopathic physicians have a lot to offer. They understand the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on health and disease, and they support lifestyle modification to reduce rates of chronic illness.
Principles that define naturopathic medicine - like educating and empowering patients to become active participants in their health care, identifying and treating the cause of illness starting with the least invasive methods, healing the whole person, and preventing disease - will also be key concepts in improving health care as reform moves forward.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) has nominated Dr. Tara Levy, a licensed naturopathic physician from California with experience in public policy and expertise in integrative medicine, to serve on the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council Advisory Board within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Use the AANP's easy online tool to advocate for the appointment of a naturopathic doctor to this important advisory group. Use the suggested text or write your own and choose the method of delivery. Your message will automatically be sent to President Obama via email or printed letter.
Don't delay - decisions are expected within two weeks.
Get started now by clicking here.
Must-See Movies for Pregnant Women, Expecting Parents, and Caregivers of Infants
This week I attended An Evening with Mothers In Film at the Tribeca Film Center for the national premiere of two great new independent documentaries, My Toxic Baby and Latching On: The Politics of Breastfeeding in America, presented by Women Make Movies and New York Women In Film and Television. (My Toxic Baby had its international premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival but here it was shown for the first time in the U.S.)
These are must-see films for pregnant women, expecting parents, and caregivers of infants alike.
Latching On: The Politics of Breastfeeding in America
This film by Katja Esson explores breastfeeding in the United States, from working moms who pump in the office bathroom and women who breastfeed in public to lactation consultants, pediatricians and the billion dollar formula industry. It incorporates a diverse spectrum of experiences of women from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds, providing an eye-opening account of the obstacles and rewards.
My Toxic Baby
In Min Sook Lee's film, she documents her journey as a new mom trying to provide a safe and non-toxic environment for her baby. She addresses infant formula contaminated with bisphenyl-A and melamine, industrial foods served in day care centers, parents concerned about the adverse effects of vaccines, and products like baby bottles, toys, soap and even infant mattresses found to contain lead and poisonous plastics. She also explores Elimination Communication (EC), a method of diaper-free infant toilet training.
Elimination Communication is practiced throughout the world and although uncommon in the United States, globally, more parents use it than don't. (In some countries, like China, parents who use diapers instead of EC are actually frowned upon.)
It is estimated that over 27 billion single-use diapers are consumed every year in the United States and nearly all of them end up in landfills. Not only does EC save money and reduce environmental pollution from disposable diaper waste and detergents used to clean cloth diapers, but it is better for babies.
EC also helps develop good communication between infants and caregivers, eliminates skin irritation and diaper rash, and reduces exposure to chemicals found in single-use diapers like Dioxin, Tributyl-tin (TBT), and sodium polyacrylate. It's easy to see that babies prefer EC to sitting in soiled diapers, and parents like not having to change them. So everyone is happy.
These are must-see films for pregnant women, expecting parents, and caregivers of infants alike.
Latching On: The Politics of Breastfeeding in America
This film by Katja Esson explores breastfeeding in the United States, from working moms who pump in the office bathroom and women who breastfeed in public to lactation consultants, pediatricians and the billion dollar formula industry. It incorporates a diverse spectrum of experiences of women from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds, providing an eye-opening account of the obstacles and rewards.
My Toxic Baby
In Min Sook Lee's film, she documents her journey as a new mom trying to provide a safe and non-toxic environment for her baby. She addresses infant formula contaminated with bisphenyl-A and melamine, industrial foods served in day care centers, parents concerned about the adverse effects of vaccines, and products like baby bottles, toys, soap and even infant mattresses found to contain lead and poisonous plastics. She also explores Elimination Communication (EC), a method of diaper-free infant toilet training.
Elimination Communication is practiced throughout the world and although uncommon in the United States, globally, more parents use it than don't. (In some countries, like China, parents who use diapers instead of EC are actually frowned upon.)
It is estimated that over 27 billion single-use diapers are consumed every year in the United States and nearly all of them end up in landfills. Not only does EC save money and reduce environmental pollution from disposable diaper waste and detergents used to clean cloth diapers, but it is better for babies.
EC also helps develop good communication between infants and caregivers, eliminates skin irritation and diaper rash, and reduces exposure to chemicals found in single-use diapers like Dioxin, Tributyl-tin (TBT), and sodium polyacrylate. It's easy to see that babies prefer EC to sitting in soiled diapers, and parents like not having to change them. So everyone is happy.
Get Fit for Free in NYC
New York City can be expensive, but there are also affordable activities if you know where to look. And nothing can be more affordable than free. Here are some summer activities that will get you moving and don't cost a cent.
Free Kayaking and Canoeing
The Downtown Boathouse is a non-profit organization run by volunteers committed to providing free access to the New York City harbor. On weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-October, visit one of their 3 locations in Manhattan to take a free 20-minute paddle on the Hudson River: Pier 40 near West Houston Street, Pier 96 near West 57th Street, and Riverside Park at West 72nd Street. They supply kayaks, paddles, life vests and friendly tips. Kayaking experience is not necessary but participants must know how to swim. They also offer three-hour trips (also free) on the Hudson River from mid-June to mid-September for experienced kayakers.
Every weather-permitting Saturday from spring through fall, the New York Outrigger Club offers 3 free novice sessions in outrigger canoeing from Pier 66 near West 26th Street and West Side Highway (just north of Chelsea Piers) on the Hudson River. Open to local residents 14 years and older, the sessions last approximately one hour and 15 minutes, starting at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
The Long Island Boathouse offers free kayaking in Hallets Cove near Socrates Sculpture Park every Sunday this summer, weather permitting. Reservations are not required and paddles are offered on a fist-come-first-served basis. They also offer longer weekday paddles with views of Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn that do require reservations. Visit their website for details and schedules.
Free Yoga
Teachers from the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center offer free classes at the 14th Street Park in Chelsea every Wednesday night from 7 to 8 pm though September 29.
Shape Up NYC
Shape Up NYC offers free classes throughout the 5 boroughs and all ages are eligible: children, adults and seniors. Taught by expert fitness instructors who make exercise fun, choices range from pilates and yoga to aerobics and zumba. Pre-registration is not required but first-time participants are asked to fill out this form and bring it to their first class.
Free Bike Fridays
Bike and Roll in New York City is offering free one-hour bike rentals at two locations on Governor's Island every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October 8th. Free ferries depart hourly from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. Check the current schedule for details and directions.
The New York City Water Taxi offers more frequent Friday service to Governor's Island from the South Street Seaport, DUMBO and Pier 6 in Brooklyn. Tickets cost $2 for a single ride or $3 round trip.
Be Fit NYC
On the first Monday of every month, recreation centers around New York City offer free classes and use of their facilites. Visit their website to find a center near you.
2010 Sunscreen Guide
The average adult in the United States is exposed to more than 100 different chemicals from personal care products every day. Many, including sunscreen, are applied to the body's largest organ: the skin. The FDA hasn't updated their sunscreen guidelines since 1978 but the Environmental Working Group recently released their fourth annual Sunscreen Guide.
EWG analyzed 500 sunscreens and found only 8 percent to be safe and effective. Most products exaggerated their SPF claims or contained potentially toxic ingredients, including hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Search EWG's database to find your sunscreen and see how it measures up, browse their list of top-rated products before you shop, or download their free iphone app so you can search and shop at the same time.
EWG analyzed 500 sunscreens and found only 8 percent to be safe and effective. Most products exaggerated their SPF claims or contained potentially toxic ingredients, including hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Search EWG's database to find your sunscreen and see how it measures up, browse their list of top-rated products before you shop, or download their free iphone app so you can search and shop at the same time.
Can Stress Cause Cancer?
A wide-scale meta-analysis – a study of studies – by psychobiologists at University College London looked at the link between stress and cancer. Researchers reviewed 168 studies and examined the effects of stressful events like death, divorce and work, as well as individual reactions to these events. They found that people with "stress-prone personalities, unfavorable coping styles and negative emotional responses" had an increased risk of developing cancer and, in individuals already diagnosed with cancer, lower rates of survival. Increased incidence was specifically associated with cancers of the breast, lung, head, neck, liver, lymph and blood.
Stress is unavoidable. In the short-term, some can be good for us, like preparing to run a race or give an important presentation. But chronic, unmanaged stress can be dangerous. Stress hormones that activate the body's sympathetic nervous system responsible for "fight or flight" reactions (like increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and muscle contractions) also inactivate non-necessary functions like digestion and immune surveillance. Natural killer cells responsible for detecting and destroying cancerous or precancerous cells become less active when blood levels of stress hormones cortisol and noradrenaline are high. This facilitates the growth and spread of tumors.
Studies at the National Cancer Institute have shown that in women diagnosed with breast cancer, the more positive their psychosocial outlook, the more active their natural killer cells. And the more active their natural killer cells, the higher their chance of long-term survival. Conversely, women who were distressed, depressed, and/or lacking social support had less active natural killer cells, not just in their blood but at the tumor level as well. Their tumors were also more likely to spread to nearby lymph nodes and rates of cancer recurrence were higher.
These studies highlight the importance of managing stress, finding joy, connecting with others and cultivating emotional and spiritual health, whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or seek to prevent it.
References:
Chida Y et al. Do stress-related psychosocial factors contribute to cancer incidence and survival? Nature Clinical Practice, Oncology, 5(8):466-75, August 2008.
Levy S et al. Correlation of stress factors with sustained depression of natural killer cell activity and predicted prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 5(3):348-53, March 1987.
Levy SM et al. Immunological and psychosocial predictors of disease recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Behavioral Medicine, 17(2):67-75, Summer 1991.
Levy SM et al. Prognostic risk assessment in primary breast cancer by behavioral and immunological parameters. Health Psychology, 4(2):99-113, 1985.
Lutgendorf SK et al. Social support, psychological distress, and natural killer cell activity in ovarian cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 23(28):7105-13, 1 October 2005.
Stress is unavoidable. In the short-term, some can be good for us, like preparing to run a race or give an important presentation. But chronic, unmanaged stress can be dangerous. Stress hormones that activate the body's sympathetic nervous system responsible for "fight or flight" reactions (like increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and muscle contractions) also inactivate non-necessary functions like digestion and immune surveillance. Natural killer cells responsible for detecting and destroying cancerous or precancerous cells become less active when blood levels of stress hormones cortisol and noradrenaline are high. This facilitates the growth and spread of tumors.
Studies at the National Cancer Institute have shown that in women diagnosed with breast cancer, the more positive their psychosocial outlook, the more active their natural killer cells. And the more active their natural killer cells, the higher their chance of long-term survival. Conversely, women who were distressed, depressed, and/or lacking social support had less active natural killer cells, not just in their blood but at the tumor level as well. Their tumors were also more likely to spread to nearby lymph nodes and rates of cancer recurrence were higher.
These studies highlight the importance of managing stress, finding joy, connecting with others and cultivating emotional and spiritual health, whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or seek to prevent it.
References:
Chida Y et al. Do stress-related psychosocial factors contribute to cancer incidence and survival? Nature Clinical Practice, Oncology, 5(8):466-75, August 2008.
Levy S et al. Correlation of stress factors with sustained depression of natural killer cell activity and predicted prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 5(3):348-53, March 1987.
Levy SM et al. Immunological and psychosocial predictors of disease recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Behavioral Medicine, 17(2):67-75, Summer 1991.
Levy SM et al. Prognostic risk assessment in primary breast cancer by behavioral and immunological parameters. Health Psychology, 4(2):99-113, 1985.
Lutgendorf SK et al. Social support, psychological distress, and natural killer cell activity in ovarian cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 23(28):7105-13, 1 October 2005.
Vote for Licensure of Naturopathic Doctors in New York
So far, naturopathic doctors are licensed in 15 states and the District of Columbia, but not yet in New York.
Let's change that.
The New York Assembly Bill 1370 to license naturopathic doctors is up for a vote.
Please contact your New York assembly members by Wednesday and tell them to support a vote on the bill.
Capwiz makes it quick and easy to send a letter to your legislators. Click the link below and enter your name and New York address at the bottom of the letter. The email will automatically be sent to the assembly members who represent you. You can send one letter for each New York address, so if you have more than one address, send more than one letter. Ask your family and friends to use Capwiz too.
http://www.capwiz.com/naturopathic/issues/alert/?alertid=15095501&type=ML
NY Assembly Bill 1370 intends to expand access to natural medicine by licensing naturopathic doctors to diagnose and treat under a defined scope of practice. The bill will clarify the use of the title "Naturopathic Doctor." It will NOT impact the practice of other providers.
What will the licensure bill do?
Let's change that.
The New York Assembly Bill 1370 to license naturopathic doctors is up for a vote.
Please contact your New York assembly members by Wednesday and tell them to support a vote on the bill.
Capwiz makes it quick and easy to send a letter to your legislators. Click the link below and enter your name and New York address at the bottom of the letter. The email will automatically be sent to the assembly members who represent you. You can send one letter for each New York address, so if you have more than one address, send more than one letter. Ask your family and friends to use Capwiz too.
http://www.capwiz.com/naturopathic/issues/alert/?alertid=15095501&type=ML
NY Assembly Bill 1370 intends to expand access to natural medicine by licensing naturopathic doctors to diagnose and treat under a defined scope of practice. The bill will clarify the use of the title "Naturopathic Doctor." It will NOT impact the practice of other providers.
What will the licensure bill do?
- Provide New Yorkers with safe and effective natural medicine by licensed naturopathic doctors with physician-level training
- Protect the public by defining educational standards, scope of practice and professional oversight for naturopathic doctors
- Allow naturopathic doctors to offer services they are trained to provide: perform exams, order lab tests, diagnose conditions, implement treatment
- Increase the likelihood that insurance companies will cover naturopathic care
- Increase access to primary care physicians
- Lower long-term health care costs through the prevention of disease and the utilization of less expensive treatments
- Use Capwiz to contact your legislators and express your support for naturopathic medicine. Capwiz makes it quick and easy to send a letter to your legislator. Go to the website of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physician and click "Take Action" on the menu at the left, then enter your address and select text or add your own. Ask your family and friends to use Capwiz too.
- Mail a letter, make a telephone call or visit your legislator's office in person. The NYANP will even help you plan your visit (email grassroots@nyanp.org).
- Join the NYANP's VIP Program. The Very Important Participant Program is a group of supporters who are ready to email/fax/call legislators when the time is right. Email grassroots@nyanp.org to join or request more information.
- Provide financial support. Donate what you can to support the NYANP's licensure efforts, whether you are able to give $5 or $500 or more. As a contributor you will receive the NYANP e-newsletter, which includes an update on the licensure effort. Corporate sponsorship is also available.
- Inform others. Tell your friends and family about Naturopathic Medicine and the licensure effort.
Weight-Bearing Exercise Without a Gym
You don't need a gym to strengthen bones and muscles. Here are some simple resistance exercises you can do at home or at the park because they don’t require weights or equipment. Together, they will target all major areas of your body: arms, legs, chest, abdomen and back.
For individuals who have regular access to resistance machines and weight training equipment, these exercises can substitute for your regular workout whenever you are away from the gym.
Note: Always get your doctor's permission before beginning a new exercise program or intensifying an existing one.
Push-Ups
Lay face down on the floor with your palms next to your shoulders. Keeping your back and legs straight (or your back straight and your knees resting on the ground) and your abdominal muscles tight to support your lower back, slowly push your shoulders up off the ground and straighten your arms until they are only slightly bent (do not lock joints). Pause, then slowly lower yourself back down to the floor. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, wear a backpack containing books while you perform this exercise, but make sure to keep your abdominal muscles tight and your back straight.
Abdominal Crunches
Lay on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head, fingers laced together, to support your neck. Contract your abdominal muscles, pulling your belly button in toward your spine, flattening your lower back against the floor, and raising your shoulder blades off the floor (not your whole back). Pause in the highest position, then slowly lower your shoulder blades to the floor. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, place a book on your chest and fold your arms over it to keep it in place, instead of placing your hands behind your neck.
Calf Raises
Steady yourself by hanging onto a solid object next to a raised surface. Stand up straight and position the balls of your feet at the edge of the raised surface, allowing your heels to hang off. Contract your calf muscles as slowly you raise your body up. Pause in the highest position, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat.
To increase intensity, resistance, and balance, hold hand weights of equal amounts (or cans of tomatoes) while you do this exercise, but only if you can maintain your balance without hanging onto a steady object.
Squats
Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Flex your arms in front of you or place your hands on your hips. Keep your back and neck straight as you bend at the hips and knees, like you were going to sit in a chair. Keep your knees in line with your ankles and do not allow them farther forward than your toes. Pause in the lowest position, then slowly stand up to return to the starting position. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, hold hand weights of equal amounts (or cans of tomatoes) while you perform this exercise.
Other Activities
Remember that other activities can help keep your skeleton strong too, as long as they place force on your bones: climbing stairs, brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, hiking, dancing, bowling, gardening, step aerobics, yoga, tennis, squash, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, volleyball, gymnastics, skiing, skating, karate, tai chi and qi gong.
For individuals who have regular access to resistance machines and weight training equipment, these exercises can substitute for your regular workout whenever you are away from the gym.
Note: Always get your doctor's permission before beginning a new exercise program or intensifying an existing one.
Push-Ups
Lay face down on the floor with your palms next to your shoulders. Keeping your back and legs straight (or your back straight and your knees resting on the ground) and your abdominal muscles tight to support your lower back, slowly push your shoulders up off the ground and straighten your arms until they are only slightly bent (do not lock joints). Pause, then slowly lower yourself back down to the floor. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, wear a backpack containing books while you perform this exercise, but make sure to keep your abdominal muscles tight and your back straight.
Abdominal Crunches
Lay on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head, fingers laced together, to support your neck. Contract your abdominal muscles, pulling your belly button in toward your spine, flattening your lower back against the floor, and raising your shoulder blades off the floor (not your whole back). Pause in the highest position, then slowly lower your shoulder blades to the floor. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, place a book on your chest and fold your arms over it to keep it in place, instead of placing your hands behind your neck.
Calf Raises
Steady yourself by hanging onto a solid object next to a raised surface. Stand up straight and position the balls of your feet at the edge of the raised surface, allowing your heels to hang off. Contract your calf muscles as slowly you raise your body up. Pause in the highest position, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat.
To increase intensity, resistance, and balance, hold hand weights of equal amounts (or cans of tomatoes) while you do this exercise, but only if you can maintain your balance without hanging onto a steady object.
Squats
Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Flex your arms in front of you or place your hands on your hips. Keep your back and neck straight as you bend at the hips and knees, like you were going to sit in a chair. Keep your knees in line with your ankles and do not allow them farther forward than your toes. Pause in the lowest position, then slowly stand up to return to the starting position. Repeat.
To increase intensity and resistance, hold hand weights of equal amounts (or cans of tomatoes) while you perform this exercise.
Other Activities
Remember that other activities can help keep your skeleton strong too, as long as they place force on your bones: climbing stairs, brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, hiking, dancing, bowling, gardening, step aerobics, yoga, tennis, squash, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, volleyball, gymnastics, skiing, skating, karate, tai chi and qi gong.
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