June 16, 2016 
Ways to Keep Kids Off Electronics
In this day and age, kids seem to always be glued to some sort of electronic device. Whether it is a phone, computer or tablet, there is always some form of technology kids can get their hands on, As a parent, it can be frustrating and difficult to limit screen time. Below are some alternatives to keep your kids occupied and having fun without the need for a screen!
Get them outside
One of the best ways to keeps kids not only occupied but healthy is to get them playing outside. Whether it is hiking or playing catch, the outdoors have been proven to improve physical health as well as mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that kids who get more outdoor time can have reduced symptoms of ADHD. It is a great opportunity for children to let out energy in a constructive way while having fun.
Head to the library
Reading is a great pastime for a number of reasons. Making books and reading a regular activity in your household will not only help your child improve their reading skills, but will keep them focused and their imagination active. Take them to the library to explore and find what types of books they really like.
Consider a family pet
Family pets have benefits not only for kids but parents as well. They can be great companions for kids and their emotional development. Studies have shown that children who grow up with animals are better adjusted later on in life. Pets encourage nurturing, comfort and responsibility.
Make chores fun
Chores can be a drag, but also are important for children to learn responsibility and keep them busy and off their electronics. Make chores a game or a competition. Set goals and tell them when they complete a certain task they are on to the next “level”. Make chores a task that kids will look forward to doing!
It is especially important to limit screen time in summer when kids are out of school. Signing them up for a day camp or sport activity during summer can help keep them active and social. There are many different types of camps for kids from theatre and dance to outdoor and sport camps. This is also a great way to get them off your plate for a bit!
Yummy Sugar Free Dessert
It can be hard to get kids off sugar and maybe you’re even trying to kick the habit yourself. There are plenty of sweet alternatives that not only taste good but are healthy as well. So, throw out all the refined sugar you have at home and try easy recipes like the one below to fulfill your sweet cravings.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pops
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
6 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
2 btsp cocoa powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp stevia extract
Dash of salt
2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate
2 tbsp coconut oil
Popsicle molds
Directions:
Either using a food processor or a blender, puree avocado until smooth. Next, add milk, sweetener, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, stevia extract and salt. Blend on low until the ingredients are mixed well.
Melt chocolate with coconut oil for 30 seconds in the microwave or until melted.
Pour melted chocolate with other ingredients in the blender or processor and run on low until the ingredients are well mixed.
Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least three hours. Enjoy!
Sources: http://bit.ly/1S2GqdG
April 21, 2016 The Heart According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart can be considered the most important organ in the body. All other organs connect to the heart and help the heart function as best it can. According to TCM, regulated blood circulation depends on the heart’s energy flow, or Qi. When the heart does not have enough Qi and is deficient in Yang, it can result in poor blood circulation, weak pulse, palpitations and chest pain.
A Heart Yang deficiency is associated with coldness. When Yang is not in balance, circulation slows resulting in extreme coldness and a pale face. A Yin deficiency happens when one is overworked and does not give the body and mind a chance to slow down. Fatigue and anxiety are symptoms of a Yin imbalance.
Imbalances in the heart can result in many other issues as well. When one is stressed, a domino effect happens in the body. The liver’s function decreases when the body is in high stress, therefore it cannot support the heart.
According to TCM, the heart is also the source of consciousness and thinking. When one’s blood circulation is in balance, their thought processes and mental activities function well. If the heart’s energy is deficient, one can experience anxiety, insomnia and restlessness.
TCM believes that acupuncture treatment can reduce stress and return the heart to health. When one is consistently stressed, there is an increased level in adrenaline and cortisol due to a raised blood pressure. When these stress hormones increase in the body, one is more susceptible to blood clots and a risk of heart attack.
Acupuncture works by lowering the body’s blood pressure and heart rate, which then can lower cortisol and adrenaline levels. Specific acupuncture points are used on the body to relax the mind and address problems like hypertension and symptoms of heart disease.
Acupuncture works by addressing the body as a whole. When there is an imbalance in the heart, acupuncture points work to return the body back to its normal energy flow, which improves the function of the organs.
Sources: http://bit.ly/1RnEtMK
http://bit.ly/1n1eJdO
http://bit.ly/1mC5ssk
6 Healthy Foods for the Heart
Changing the way you eat is one of the best ways to improve heart health. By making an active choice to improve your lifestyle, you can see your heart health improve greatly as well. Below are superfoods to incorporate into your diet.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help decrease the risk of an irregular heartbeat, lower plaque build-up in the arteries and decrease triglycerides, the main type of fat in our bodies. It is recommended by the American Heart Association to eat salmon or other fatty fish at least twice a week.
Potatoes
Believe it or not, potatoes can be very beneficial for heart health. Potatoes are packed with potassium and fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and risk for heart disease. As long as they are not fried, potatoes can be a great food option unless you have arthritis.
Nuts
You can’t go wrong with nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts and macadamia nuts are rich with fiber and vitamin E, which helps lower cholesterol. Don’t be skeptical by the high fat content of nuts, those who eat nuts regularly have been shown to be leaner than those who don’t. Walnuts among other nuts also contain high amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Green Vegetables
There are many benefits to vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale. These vegetables can especially help your heart because of the high amounts of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids, which act as an antioxidant. Including green vegetables into your diet every day not only can improve overall health but give the heart a boost.
Avocado
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats that can help lower the risk of heart disease and help control cholesterol levels. This fruit is also rich in antioxidants and potassium, making it a superfood that can be easily incorporated into meals.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not only practical and affordable, but high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. Choose oatmeal or plain oats with no added sugar. Make sure to be especially careful with instant oatmeal, which a lot of times contains added ingredients.
Sources: http://bit.ly/1MQ6plW
March 8, 2016 
In this fast-paced world we find it’s pretty hard to slow down. Everyday stressors are the norm and although some stress is good, too much can hurt the body not only mentally but physically as well. Work, family, finances and everything in between can start to take a toll on your health. Below are tips that not only help to reduce stress but are good for heart health as well.
Exercise
Not only is exercise a good way to relieve stress, but is great for strengthening the heart as well. Try getting some sort of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Focus on activities that get your heart pumping. Exercise will reduce your stress and improve your overall health short term and long term.
Give yourself a break
It is easy to forget to give yourself time to relax when you’re busy taking care of others. Schedule time devoted to yourself and what relaxes and makes you happy. Go for a walk, read a book or take a bath. These activities can calm you and clear your head.
Meditation & Prayer
Meditation and prayer has the power to slow your body and mind down. Try it for even just five minutes a day when you’re feeling overwhelmed and handling too much. Practice deep breathing to help lower your heart rate (deep breath in through your nose for 5 seconds and out through your mouth for 5 seconds).
Break your habits
Consistent stress can lead to unhealthy habits such as drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Although you may feel these substances help you cope in the moment, the long term damage far outweighs the short term benefits. Both smoking and alcohol can cause heart damage. Turn to alternatives if you’re reaching for a cigarette or a drink and reach out to family and friends to help you break the habit.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective alternative medicine that can help improve heart health as well as lower stress. By the specific placement of needles on acupuncture points, the treatment works to treat the entire body back to optimal health. Acupuncture can help reduce blood pressure, decrease stress and improve sleep.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is another alternative treatment that is beneficial in lowering stress. The treatment has been shown to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation. Through manual manipulation, massage can relax not only the body but the mind as well.
Let go
It can be hard to accept that things in life don’t go exactly as planned. Practice letting go of what you can’t control and accepting that the future is unknown. It is easy to stress about the future. Remind yourself to live in the moment.
January 22, 2016 
Steps to Stay Smoke-Free
So you’ve quit smoking, or maybe you’re trying and not sure how long you will last. Either way, quitting is not easy, and staying smoke-free in the long term is even harder. You may have periods of time when you’re feeling confident and a cigarette is the last thing on your mind, or you may all of a sudden have intense cravings. Below are some ways to help keep you smoke-free for a better, healthier life.
Stay positive
Having good and bad days are a part of life, and same goes for quitting smoking. Some days are going to be easier than others, but it is important on the bad days to remind yourself why quitting is worth it. Health should be number one in your life and according to the CDC, quitting smoking will lower your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory complications and more. If you have been a smoker, you know the side effects well. Staying positive and motivated to keep the bad habit away will pay off tremendously in the long run. Talk to others who have quit or join a support group. It is always great to hear from others who are going through the same experience as you and to see success stories.
Know your triggers
Smokers usually have triggers that give them the urge to light up. Be aware of what these are and find ways to avoid them. Common triggers include stress, drinking coffee, after a meal, drinking alcohol, if someone else is smoking or feeling restless. Once you know your triggers, you can know how to handle them in a healthy manner that doesn’t include smoking. When you start to feel an urge, try deep breathing or go on a short walk. Keep your mind and body occupied.
Take up a new hobby/activity
Kicking a bad habit is the perfect time to take up a healthy one. Spend more time exercising or doing something you enjoy. Activities like biking, swimming or yoga are not only fun but also beneficial for your mental and physical health. If feeling stressed or down is a trigger for you, becoming more active can help lower these symptoms.
Don’t give up
The decision to quit smoking was probably one of the best lifestyle choices you could make. You already took that first step, and although it may seem like an uphill battle, staying smoke-free will add years on to your life and improve your quality of life tremendously. Don’t give up, and don’t get down on yourself if you cave. It is never too late to quit smoking and begin the journey to better health.
January 2, 2016 
5 Tips to Help Your Diabetes
There are about 29 million people in the United States who suffer from type 2 diabetes, an illness that is becoming increasingly common and is also highly preventable. With lifestyle changes, diabetes can be managed and prevented.
Aim for a healthy weight
When you have extra weight, this can cause an increase in blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight can keep your blood sugar at more normal levels and better overall health.
Exercise
Exercise is very important when it comes to managing or preventing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise can help lower weight, lower stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride. Even just by adding in walks into your day can make a difference. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times a week.
Diet
Having a healthy diet is a lifestyle change, and that can be hard for people.
Keep carbs in check, they tend to affect your blood sugar the most. Know how many carbohydrates are in the food you’re eating to keep them at the level you need to be for managing your blood sugar.
Avoid processed sugar. Sugar in the form of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup can spike blood sugar rapidly. For people with diabetes, it is especially dangerous.
Be on top of your schedule
Diabetes requires an everyday awareness as well as a schedule when it comes to medication and insulin. If you have trouble remembering to take your medication or test yourself regularly, try setting reminders on your phone or keep a calendar near by. Consistency can make all the difference.
Try acupuncture
Neuropathy is one result of diabetes, acupuncture can help reduce this nerve pain by boosting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever. Acupuncture has almost no side effects and is a great complementary option to reducing chronic pain.
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/natural-remedies-type-2-diabetes
http://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/?item=/common/healthAndWellness/conditions/diabetes/topTips.html
October 25, 2015 
Acupuncture and Prostate Health
Whether you are looking to reduce your risk of prostate disease or treat an existing condition, acupuncture may be able to help. Because of its holistic approach, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms associated with prostate problems like frequent and painful urination.
A report titled Traditional Chinese Medicine and Prostate Health published by Pacific College found Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to be effective in the treatment of prostatitis, urinary tract infections, and symptoms associated with prostate cancer supportive care.
There have been multiple studies that have proven acupuncture helpful. A Chinese study published in 2008 found that electroacupuncture, a form of acupuncture, had a 96.4 percent rate of effectiveness for treatment.
In modern practice of acupuncture, each patient is assessed and given a treatment plan to reduce their symptoms. Acupuncture accomplishes this by addressing the body as a whole and using acupuncture points to stimulate meridians that then return the body to balance and natural flow.
The principle behind this practice is that our bodies have a natural energy flowing through them at all times. When our body’s energies become stuck or stagnant, our bodies are susceptible to disease and illness, including prostate cancer and prostatitis.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the United States with around 290,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are at risk or currently dealing with prostate cancer or prostatitis, you are not alone.
Consider acupuncture as an alternative, safe treatment to reduce symptoms associated with prostate problems and restore your body to better health.
Give me a call today to give your body the treatment it deserves.
Sources:
http://bit.ly/1IWnKOJ
http://bit.ly/1E6CF1n
July 20, 2015 
Today was a very hot and humid day. All day long I thought about ice cream. I don't buy ice cream from the store because even the dairy free versions have additives and excessive amounts of sugar. So even after my very healthy and satisfying dinner I was still craving ice cream. I guess I'll have to try and make some myself, I thought.
I got out my single serve cup that came with my Ninja blender and started throwing random things into it. I added:
1 ounce or so of unsweetened plain rice/quinoa milk substitute
Half a teaspoon of chia seed flour
5 small cubes of frozen pineapple
Half of a small frozen banana (about 2.5 inches)
3 teaspoons of cashew butter
I pulsed the mixture several times and then blended a few times, stopping between to shake the mixture in the cup.
I have to say....this was a very delicious experiment. Oh my goodness was it yummy. I had to share it for all my patients and followers who can't have a lot of sugar, dairy, thickeners like guar gum and carageenan, and other weird commercial ice cream ingredients. It was so easy and cheap to make. Try it, you'll be happy you did. I think this Acupuncturist should open a restaurant!
