Goldenseal is a plant that grows wild in parts of the United States but has become endangered by overharvesting. With natural supplies dwindling, goldenseal is now grown commercially across the United States, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Common Names—goldenseal, yellow root
Latin Name—Hydrastis canadensis
The grape seeds used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.
Common Name—grape seed extract
Latin Name—Vitis vinifera
Many people dread winter because of the freezing weather, multiple layers of clothes, and icy driving conditions. But I grew up in Florida and was jealous of my friends who got snow days and were able to make snowmen outside and sit by a fire when they came home. Now that I have been living up north for about ten years, I still look forward to winter to enjoy staying indoors and snuggling with my family with a hot drink warming me from inside out. A hot drink is one of the best parts of winter and whether you choose coffee, tea, or even cocoa, they are not only delicious but they can also be nutritious.
The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used intraditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.
Common Names—ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)
Latin Name—Ginkgo biloba
The first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus dated to 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seed is commonly used in cooking.
Common Names—fenugreek, fenugreek seed
Latin Name—Trigonella foenum-graecum
Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.
Common Names—flaxseed, linseed
Latin Names—Linum usitatissimum
All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea.
Common Names—green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea
Latin Name—Camellia sinensis
Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world.
Common Names—hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne
Latin Names—Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha),Crataegus monogyna
Originally a plant native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe, feverfew—a short bush with daisy-like flowers—now grows throughout Europe, North America, and South America.
Common Names—feverfew, bachelor's buttons, featherfew
Latin Names—Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium
Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are required by the body for growth and development, and must be obtained from the diet.
Common Names—evening primrose oil, EPO
Latin Name—Oenothera biennis
Q:Can you give me some advice on the dangers of heat as it pertains to my pets. I have a dog and cat plus an 8 year old rabbit that we keep in a hutch outside. What can I do to keep them safe during the hot summer months?
“The story about first graders possibly getting condoms in Massachusetts showed, yet again, how the issue of sex education in our country has become politicized in such a ridiculous way that we lose sight of the importance of informing our children about their sexuality and reproductive health. This issue should not be placed in the Liberal vs. Conservative category. Rather, it squarely falls within “public health.” - Dr. Michelle Golland
The problem is that when we look at it with a religious or political view, too many people arm themselves with "family values" and claim that they don't want our public schools to address these "value" decisions. Unfortunately, birth control and teen pregnancy aren't "value" issues. They're very critical issues of child development.
You know sunscreen is a must whenever you’re outside, but sunburn has probably still caught you by surprise at some point. By slathering on sunscreen, you may have thought you were playing it safe, but there’s actually more to it than that.
“Sunscreen is a misconstrued skin care category,” says Ranella Hirsch, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine. Not applying often enough or misunderstanding labels can add up to lousy protection and sun damage.
Check out these commonly held sunscreen myths, then the facts that will keep your fun in the sun safe.
Who wants better health, greater wealth and more rewarding relationships? The real question is “who doesn’t?” Why do some seem to easily attain all they desire, while others are left with constant yearning? You can gain the answer to that question through better understanding of what is commonly known as the “Law of Attraction.”
Q: I have been limping in fairly severe pain 8/10 for three years. I have had therapy of every sort. It seems no one is really sure if the pain is coming from my back, hip or knee. My gut tells me there is something deep
Q: I have heard some varying information about what the government is doing with regards to cat dewclaws among other things. Can you elaborate on these topics, please?
Rubbing, scrubbing, scratching, brushing, petting, patting your dog, cat, hamster, horse, sheep, parakeet, cockatiel, chicken, iguana, snake or turtle is a feel good time for both of you. Beyond that, much has been researched and published about therapeutic benefits interacting with a "companion animal."
I've felt exhilarated swimming with a dolphin holding its dorsal fin at a Key Largo rescue center, observed the deLIGHTING of nursing home residents and staff when pets visited, and have seen physically challenged children transform astride a gentle horse.
Q: I just purchased a new kitty and want to know what foods are toxic to cats?
A: There are a number of human foods that can be toxic to cats and cause anything from intestinal obstruction to gastrointestinal upsets and neurologic sign such as seizures. Since cats are carnivores it is best to purchase a pet cat food that is balanced and nutritious. In my opinion you should look for one of the first two ingredients listed to be of meat origin, i.e. chicken, beef, venison, duck, rabbit. This will ensure that your cat gets the meat protein that it requires.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are a very common problem. More than 50 million Americans suffer from various types of allergies. One out of every eleven visits to a doctor's office is somehow connected to allergy symptoms. Out of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, 35 million of that population has allergic rhinitis, also known as Hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is the single most common chronic disease experienced by Americans today. One third of all people in the U.S. have at least one type of allergy.
Transition Phase:
The transitional phase will provide you with a gradual move away from the meal-replacement nutrition which makes up the most of your program in the active weight loss phase, and toward more “ordinary” foods. Your diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats, fowl, and fish. During this phase one should continue to use and enjoy the shakes, bars, smoothies, puddings, and soups that have represented the bulk of your intake during the active weight loss phase, but now they will constitute more as a small snack rather than a meal.
Do you want to lose weight? Have you tried to lose weight before, but nothing has worked?
Here is the inside scoop of weight loss programs and information that will help you on your journey to your goal weight.
Selecting the right weight loss program:
There are two general options that provide the framework for your weight loss program.
Q: I am a patient who has recovered from a chronic pain problem. My pain is greatly reduced but my world is upside down. I have lost my career and spouse. My eating habits are terrible and I cannot remember the last time I exercised. I cannot take medication anymore because I developed an ulcer. Where do I go from here?
The idea that it’s natural for dogs to chew on bones is a popular one. However, it’s a dangerous practice and can cause serious injury to your pet.
“Some people think it’s safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast,” says Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration. “Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death.”
“Make sure you throw out bones from your own meals in a way that your dog can’t get to them,” adds Stamper, who suggests taking the trash out right away or putting the bones up high and out of your dog’s reach until you have a chance to dispose of them. “And pay attention to where your dog’s nose is when you walk him around the neighborhood—steer him away from any objects lying in the grass.”
Here are 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone:
1. Broken teeth. This may call for expensive veterinary dentistry.
2. Mouth or tongue injuries. These can be very bloody and messy and may require a trip to see your veterinarian.
3. Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog and potentially costly to you, as it usually means a trip to see your veterinarian.
4. Bone gets stuck in esophagus, the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. Your dog may gag, trying to bring the bone back up, and will need to see your veterinarian.
5. Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This may happen if your dog accidentally inhales a small enough piece of bone. This is an emergency because your dog will have trouble breathing. Get your pet to your veterinarian immediately!
6. Bone gets stuck in stomach. It went down just fine, but the bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. Depending on the bone’s size, your dog may need surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a procedure in which your veterinarian uses a long tube with a built-in camera and grabbing tools to try to remove the stuck bone from the stomach.
7. Bone gets stuck in intestines and causes a blockage. It may be time for surgery.
8. Constipation due to bone fragments. Your dog may have a hard time passing the bone fragments because they’re very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
9. Severe bleeding from the rectum. This is very messy and can be dangerous. It’s time for a trip to see your veterinarian.
10. Peritonitis. This nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog.
“Talk with your veterinarian about alternatives to giving bones to your dog,” says Stamper. “There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on.”
“Always supervise your dog with any chew product, especially one your dog hasn’t had before,” adds Stamper. “And always, if your dog ‘just isn’t acting right,’ call your veterinarian right away!”
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page4, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Q: I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in my back and right leg. This presents as temperature changes, burning, pain and spasm as a result of a complication of an injury. Can you treat this problem and how do you treat it?
Rolfing is a therapy that methodically rebalances your body. It frees your body from restrictions as it releases stresses, strains and tensions held in your physical structure. Rolfing improves and restores flexibility and range of motion, releasing bound-up energy. After Rolfing, your body expends less of its vital energies against gravity. This restored freedom leads to a sense of increased physical vitality with less effort, noticeably higher levels of energy, improved health and physical appearance.
Your pets rely on you to protect them from harm. In general, you should only feed your pets food and treats specially formulated for the type of pet that you have. Some human food and drink can make animals sick, so keep them out of your pets’ reach. Here are some examples:
Alternative therapies are the new pioneers in changing the landscape of the health profession. The healing arts have been around for centuries but for most of us, we are just beginning to recognize its creditability.
In the alternative realm, we use energy forces, affirmation, breath and manual techniques totreatourclients. Holistic and energetic cures have been applied with positive healing results(homeostasis). The best results occur when the healer takes the time to listen to the body and then apply techniques to assist the body in its own healingprocess. Zero Balancing (also called ZB)is a perfect example of one of these whole body,holistic modalities.
Healthcare, Business Leaders and Professional Athletes Join Forces to Help Young Athletes Play Safe and Stay Healthy
Today, leaders in healthcare, wellness, safety and fitness came together to launch the STOP Sports Injuries campaign. The campaign will educate athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and healthcare providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy.
STOP Sports Injuries campaign highlights include teaching proper prevention techniques, discussing the need for open communication between everyone involved in young athletes' lives, and encouraging those affected to take The Pledge to become advocates for sports safety and take the preventative measures to keep kids in the game for life.
Tips for Diagnosing Common Summer Injuries from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
It’s not a coincidence that the season for extended daylight and outdoor activity is also the season for broken bones. Increased physical activity leads to increased likelihood of bone fractures.
Summer vacation means many children are heading outdoors to participate in their favorite sport. The football field, baseball diamond and soccer pitch all see extensive action during this time of year.
Q: When should I start researching for a summer camp for my child(ren) to attend? A: In the fall. Start by getting on camp mailing lists and research websites. Most camps start the application and enrollment process in the winter and spring. Make sure to complete applications and return them by their due dates.
Q: What resources are available to select a good, quality camp?
Some general guidelines to help protect your child from heat-related illnesses include the following:
-Drink plenty of fluids during vigorous or outdoor activities (including sunbathing), especially on hot days. Drinks of choice include water and sports drinks; avoid alcohol and fluids with caffeine such as tea, coffee and cola, as these can lead to dehydration.
Do it yourself, Great new products and how to's
