Re-form the Healthcare Paradigm
Posted by: drthyr on: September 1, 2009
I recently read the article in the Washington Post by Kathleen Sebelias, our new Secretary of Health and Human Services. It brought this issue that has been nagging in the back of my head to the fore. She really believes that Obama’s plan will improve the health of Americans. But that is impossible. That is not at all what it is designed to do. It appears to me more likely to increase the number of people who have health insurance, which has not been correlated with Americans being free of symptoms and disease.
The problem with that is that in my experience, the insurance companies have no interest in health. Their focus is by and large money.
If you want to improve the health of Americans, you must begin to look more deeply at what is causing them to be ill. Look at what they are eating, what their stress is, what their daily habits are, and assess their exposure to toxins. If we spent even a fraction of the money that currently goes to insurance companies (who’s kneejerk habit is to reject claims, not promote health) on taking the time to actually figure out the underlying causes of symptoms, we would be at least heading in the right direction.
At some point, Americans must realize that they will pay for their own health. Whether or not they want to filter that money through the pockets of insurance executives and the yachts of the owners of big pharma is up to them. But pay they will. I figure they might as well actually get healthy in the process. Something others seem less interested in.
What makes me think Americans are ready to pay for your own healthcare? They already are.
On the board of directors for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, we have been having the conversation about DSHEA and the supplement industry in general. Even in the currently unregulated state, it is a multi-billion dollar/year industry. I want my patients to have high quality supplements. But I also want them to have access. The real point is that people are ready to implement changes that are not advocated by their insurer. Not only ready, but happy to pay for it themselves. This is because they want to be well. Not just insured. But actually feel good, live longer, sleep soundly.
If you want to improve the health of people in America, you must work with the people who care most about their health. The two most important groups are the people themselves and the physicians who are caring for them.
When insurers control the amount of time physicians spend, as well as the practice of medicine, the care given is not better. And with all of the overhead and CEO bonuses, it is not cheaper. Mostly, the people are not more well. Most physicians do care about their patients, but have such contraint on their time, they move towards the habitual “here’s your prescription.” The drug may have serious side effects, and rarely does it get to the root of the problem.
Without getting to the root of the problem and supporting the human body, true health is outside our grasp.
If your car’s tired are going flat, is it really ideal to just keep adding air? Sure, that might work to get you to the grocery store and back. But what you really need to do is find the hole. Don’t call your car insurance company. Take it down to the shop and get it fixed. Or buy new tires. Don’t expect someone else to pay for it. They’re your tires.
We spend more than any other nation on health care. If access and money would make us well, we would not rank 25th in the world for infant morbidity and mortality. We would not be lagging behind other nations in overall wellness. Nations who spend a mere fraction of what we do on health care.
As my friend Bill Benda, MD says, this current plan will be short lived. Until we look at increasing health, not increasing insurance coverage, we will be drinking the same old wine out of a new bottle. The public will not tolerate this for very long. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Are you well or are you not well? Believe me, you care more than anyone about your health issues, not matter how simple or serious.
Like Water Off a Duck’s Back, or “Just Chill”
Posted by: drthyr on: August 1, 2009
I have always wished that I were a more mellow person. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let it go like water off a duck’s back. I love those snappy little sayings. Love them until I try to embody them, that is. They make it sound so easy. Like that is just the way it happens. Water rolls right off.
Today I was vindicated. At least for the idea that it isn’t that easy. It takes practice and work.
On Thursday I was in my office when I received an alarming and disappointing email. There I was, all alone, nashing my teeth and crying in frustration. I knew it would blow over. But in that moment I thought to myself, “Why can’t this be easier? Why can’t I let it go like water off a duck’s back?”
Today I went on my usual Saturday sojourn to Cotati to pick up my fabulous organic eggs (at StonyBrookSustainables) and check on the new baby chickens and ducks. As we stood and watched the 6 week old “babies” (who mostly look like adults now), Suzi pointed out that they preen all the time. They have these oil glands on their backs by their wings, and they preen to get the oil to cover their backs.
Ah ha! That is how they do it. It is NOT so easy. It takes them the entire friggin’ day! That is all they do. They eat, swim and smooth oil onto their backs so that the water will just run right off.
I think if I worked at it all day, I might be cooler of the head. So red heads, fire signs and general over-reactors unite. Don’t let people tell you it’s simple.
Consider preening all day. I do think that will help.
Natural First Aid
Posted by: drthyr on: July 20, 2009
My talk last week at Sky Hill Institute was a huge success. To keep the love going, I will blog this week on the contents of my home first aid kit.
The two things I use the most are undoubtedly homeopathic Arnica and All-Purpose Salve.
Arnica I carry with me everywhere. There is one in the tennis bag, my bike pack, my purse, and both of our cars. I don’t know if I am just a clutz, or if I’m just a huge believer. Giving Arnica immediately after any injury (or surgery) will dramatically spead healing.
There are other homeopathics for after particular injuries. But taking Arnica “no matter what” as quickly as possible is never a bad idea.
Keynotes for Arnica are:
- any trauma
- bruised feeling
- the bed feels too hard
- person injured says “I’m okay.”
One of my patients who recently feel directly on their tailbone was resistant to taking any homeopathic just after the fall. When she had been suffering for a while, she came in and I gave her one that is more specific to the falling directly on the coccyx. I truly believe that she would not have suffered as long if she’d taken Arnica immediately.
All Purpose Salve is a blend of herbs that is perfect for healing skin rashes and wounds. It seems as though we are forever dealing with some little cut, scrape or rash. The All Purpose Salve (made by Wise Woman herbals) combines herbs that not only reduce the itching and inflammation, but help to heal the skin. No antibiotic/petrochemical OTC ointment can claim that. (And I personally feel that putting antibiotic ointments, as well as using antibiotic soaps, just contributes to antibiotic resistance. You have an immune system! Don’t put that crap on little cuts and wounds!)
Some people have the idea that when you are hurt you need something more powerful than what nature has to offer. Quite the contrary – what nature has to offer is the most effective, as well as naturally safe.
Natural Allergy Relief
Posted by: drthyr on: May 14, 2009
It’s still windy here in Petaluma. I keep thinking it is going to ease up. I know that many people are still really suffering from allergies. I want to give you a couple more ideas of how to help.
Vitamin C – good ol’ vitamin C helps allergies because it is a mast cell stabilizer. Mast cells are the ones that release the histamines that are causing all of the symptoms…watery eyes, stuffed up sinuses, difficulty breathing, etc. Vitamin C is safe for most people. Get 500 mg 3-6 times/day. Just watch out for loose stools – that’s how you’ll know you’ve gotten too much.
Quercetin is another great mast cell stabilizer. It is a bioflavonoid, found in fruits and vegetables. In higher concentrations, like you will find in supplement form, can help decrease symtpoms. 250 mg three to four times/day should be good. Obviously, eating more fruits and vegetables will help as well.
The neti pot – nasal saline rinse – is also fantastic for decreasing congestion. I have seen the little sprays too – and if that helps you then great. I like the neti pot because it will get the saline deeper into your sinuses.
If you have chronic allergies, you may want to come in for a constitutional homeopathic remedy, or figure out if there is anything else underlying that is kicking up your immune system.
Vitamin C – My Allergy Saver
Posted by: drthyr on: April 23, 2009
It seems so simple, but it’s true. Good ol’ vitamin C, which most of us have in our medicine cabinets, helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Vitamin C is an excellent mast cell stabilizer. The mast cells are the ones who release the histamines when in the presence of allergens. So when those cells are a little less reactive, as they are with vitamin C, one experiences fewer allergy symptoms.
I like the little effervescent packages called “EmergenC” (available at most health food stores) because they have some b vitamins in them as well, and since you mix it in water, it helps increase your fluid consumption at the same time – never a bad thing.
I also keep a bottle of esterified C on my desk at work – this is a little less acidic and less likely to cause bowel problems.
Which brings me to dosage. Taking 2-4 grams of C daily is no problem for most people. Ideally, you want to spread that out in divided doses, like 500-1000 mg at a time. The most common side effect of excess vitamin C is lose stools. So find the balance between symptomatic relief and digestive disturbance. And keep in mind that the low acid or esterified C’s are less likely to cause a problem, if you happen to be sensitive. Too much vitamin C also causes mouth sores (canker sores) in some individuals.
Using local, unpasturized honey along with the vitamin C may give you even better relief. They would not have negative interactions.
My Dream Column
Posted by: drthyr on: April 10, 2009
I have often had this vision of myself as a columnist for some fabulous journal or newspaper. Readers would write in their questions and I’d give my perspective and experience as a naturopathic doctor to help answer their questions.
Now, nothing beats and one-to-one appointment with a practitioner to help take care of your health concerns. But this might be an avenue to at least help people care for themselves in simple ways.
I decided this morning, that since I have this blog, I will begin here. I will answer both questions from you, my readers, as well as add some questions that I am frequently asked both in practice and in other settings.
Some things are too complicated. Or too individual. I will tell you when that is the case.
For now my agenda is allergies. I will give as much advice as I can for those suffering this time of year.
Springtime Self Care
Posted by: drthyr on: April 3, 2009
I met with my trainer, Michael Finn, on Monday. I love the workouts he designs for me. He makes me feel good about the little progress I have made. He creates adjustments to make the program more difficult (arghhh!). But when all is said and done, nothing will change if I don’t work on my own. Therein lies the rub.
I always encourage my patients to just do the best that they can. I understand that they need support. When women want to start an exercise program, I encourage them to enlist a friend or spouse to make it more fun. For me, I had to ask Michael to babysit me a little bit. At least hold me more accountable on a more regular basis. Now I have weekly check-ins, by telephone – that old fashioned device that actually makes you speak in person to someone. Talk about accountability. I made it particularly difficult on myself because, like most children, I need firm boundaries. Michael is willing to be holder of the boundary.
We all need that from time to time. I firmly believe that we all need to take better care of ourselves. Sometimes that means enlisting some help along the way. Consider asking someone to be your life-line this spring to keep your self care in place. Once you have made it a good habit, then you probably don’t need that as much. But if you are beginning a new program, having support will help to make it stick.
Happy Spring!
Posted by: drthyr on: March 24, 2009
Ahhhh! The first days of spring. Feel the warmth, the movement of new plants, the freshness. We all feel a bit more motivated when the sun shines hotter and the days are longer.
Take advantage of the longer light to tend to yourself this spring. Sit outside and listen to the birds for 15 minutes at the end of the day. Breathe deeply. Drop your shoulders away from your ears. Tune out the news and demands of the day.
Find your local CSA or farmer’s market and get some good fresh greens and make a salad or some other fresh food for dinner.
Consider doing a detox or cleanse. Clean behind the sink. Smile when you are drying your hair.
Enjoy the spring!!!
Liver Detox last day! Hooray!!
Posted by: drthyr on: March 20, 2009
I have to say, I have been much better on the detox than I have been about the blog. I mostly just didn’t want to whine. It is difficult to continue this so diligently as well as being the cheerleader.
I feel great. Am soooo happy that I participated with the group. I’m ever so grateful that I have the support of my husband in the food prep. He doesn’t always follow the detox perfectly himself. But does support me and bring and make lots of cleanse-friendly food.
I am excited to be done, and not have to be so so perfect. I will continue to avoid sugar. That has not been difficult. Perhaps some dark chocolate during that one special week of the month.
I also don’t miss caffeine. I may have occasional green tea. But never back to the Peet’s habit that we’d fallen into. We also have an espresso machine at home, which can get dangerous. But honestly it is pain in the butt, and I don’t feel that good when I drink coffee.
As for the alcohol, I feel that most of us can get away with having a social cocktail or wine here and there. But more than that is just a waste of liver function, brain cells and calories.
We will start reintroducing the foods we’ve avoided tomorrow. I am a big fan of introducing certain things back in one at a time. I feel that we get the most information that way.
I am really glad I did the detox with the group. Happy as I am to be done, it always feels good to have successful completion.
If you have comments about doing a liver cleanse, I’d love to hear them. If you are interested in doing a detox, I’d be happy to work with you.
Liver Detox Week 2
Posted by: drthyr on: March 14, 2009
This is the main week. It’s the week that we are really perfect in our food choices, elimination of caffeine, etc, and taking more of the detox supplement.
I came out of my fog of last week in good form. We’ll see if things get tough as I increase the powder to twice/day. But for now I am quite happy that we are doing this.
It is one of the things that usually changes for people when doing the detox. Better food choices seem a little more simple. Not so daunting. And that is what I hope will continue after we stop. Giving up all caffeine and alcohol is great too. There are some little habits in our lives that don’t really serve us. And when you decide to give them up for just a short time, it makes living without them more seem not only possible, but really quite a good idea!
I have been doing more research about the health effects of the toxins in our environment. Everything from BPS and phthalates in plastics, to non-stick cookware and upholstery fabrics, to the pesticides that our food is laden with, contribute to our ill health. Diabetes, heart disease, and infertility all have well-documented links. I imagine there are more that we have not uncovered yet.
Even if you don’t have time or inclination to do a cleanse, begin looking at some of the changes that you can make to eliminate the dangerous toxicity exposure in your life.
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- Re-form the Healthcare Paradigm September 1, 2009I recently read the article in the Washington Post by Kathleen Sebelias, our new Secretary of Health and Human Services. It brought this issue that has been nagging in the back of my head to the fore. She really believes that Obama’s plan will improve the health of Americans. But that is impossible. That is [...]drthyr
- Like Water Off a Duck’s Back, or “Just Chill” August 1, 2009I have always wished that I were a more mellow person. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let it go like water off a duck’s back. I love those snappy little sayings. Love them until I try to embody them, that is. They make it sound so easy. Like that is just the way it happens. [...]drthyr
- Natural First Aid July 20, 2009Some people have the idea that when you are hurt you need something more powerful than what nature has to offer. Quite the contrary - what nature has to offer is the most effective, as well as naturally safe.drthyr
- Natural Allergy Relief May 14, 2009It’s still windy here in Petaluma. I keep thinking it is going to ease up. I know that many people are still really suffering from allergies. I want to give you a couple more ideas of how to help. Vitamin C – good ol’ vitamin C helps allergies because it is a mast cell stabilizer. Mast [...]drthyr
- Vitamin C – My Allergy Saver April 23, 2009It seems so simple, but it’s true. Good ol’ vitamin C, which most of us have in our medicine cabinets, helps relieve allergy symptoms. Vitamin C is an excellent mast cell stabilizer. The mast cells are the ones who release the histamines when in the presence of allergens. So when those cells are a little less [...]drthyr
- My Dream Column April 10, 2009I have often had this vision of myself as a columnist for some fabulous journal or newspaper. Readers would write in their questions and I’d give my perspective and experience as a naturopathic doctor to help answer their questions. Now, nothing beats and one-to-one appointment with a practitioner to help take care of your health concerns. [...]drthyr
- Springtime Self Care April 3, 2009I met with my trainer, Michael Finn, on Monday. I love the workouts he designs for me. He makes me feel good about the little progress I have made. He creates adjustments to make the program more difficult (arghhh!). But when all is said and done, nothing will change if I don’t work on my [...]drthyr
- Happy Spring! March 24, 2009Ahhhh! The first days of spring. Feel the warmth, the movement of new plants, the freshness. We all feel a bit more motivated when the sun shines hotter and the days are longer. Take advantage of the longer light to tend to yourself this spring. Sit outside and listen to the birds for 15 minutes at [...]drthyr
- Liver Detox last day! Hooray!! March 20, 2009I have to say, I have been much better on the detox than I have been about the blog. I mostly just didn’t want to whine. It is difficult to continue this so diligently as well as being the cheerleader. I feel great. Am soooo happy that I participated with the group. I’m ever so grateful [...]drthyr
- Liver Detox Week 2 March 14, 2009This is the main week. It’s the week that we are really perfect in our food choices, elimination of caffeine, etc, and taking more of the detox supplement. I came out of my fog of last week in good form. We’ll see if things get tough as I increase the powder to twice/day. But for now [...]drthyr
