Bridges To Health

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Back to School Health Series:

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Body Organ System Series:

http://generalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/central_nervous_system_brain_and_spinal_cord

Nutrition Series

http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/nutrition_for_a_healthy_mind_and_body

 Health Reform and Alternative Health   - Mundorff Archives - Oklahoma Nursing Times

http://www.okcnursingtimes.com/specials/category_show.asp?catid=53&active=0

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Alternative Journal of Nursing March 07, Issue 13

Cancer:

Take Control of Your Health

Dr. Linda Mundorff, MPH, MSN, ND, RN, CNC, CTN

Have you lost a loved one to cancer? Have you had a cancer scare yourself? Are you struggling with cancer right now? At one time or another we have all dealt with someone who had cancer. Because of the potentially devastating results of cancer it is often the most talked and misunderstood condition. Some say cancer is a disease, some refer to cancer as misguided cells or a cellular disorder, and some think it is a result of a poorly functioning immune response.

     The human body has billions of cells which are used to form tissues; those tissues are used to form organs, and organs form body systems. Each organ is composed of highly specialized cells and tissues designed to do a specific function.  For example, cells in the stomach are responsible for assisting in the digestion of food. You would never find cardiac cells in the stomach or stomach cells in the kidney. The cells within your body work very hard; they are individual powerhouses generating their own energy and performing their own functions.

     Although modern science is just starting to truly understand how cancer is formed within the body, we also know that there is a high susceptibility to cancer from environmental triggers. Once the cancer cells mutate and thrive, they overwhelm the now-weakened immune response and spread. Researchers have identified a Type C personality, which refers to a personality type more susceptible to cancer. The Type C personality is a consumer of a diet high in sugar, high in saturated/trans-fats, and high in processed and refined foods. Type C people are overweight, overworked, and overstressed. They tend to suppress their emotions, put everyone else.s feelings before their own, and quietly stew about it.  Frankly, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that anyone who lives the lifestyle of a Type C personality is going to be prone to not only cancer but also a whole host of conditions and potentially life-threatening diseases.

     Researchers have also found a significant genetic predisposition to cancer, and you cant run or hide from genes. Some say it all boils down to immunity. Some individuals are blessed with an immune system that surpasses the abilities of all the military branches of the United States. Then there are those who are like third world countries, they are thankful to make it through a day without incident. Scientific advances in longevity studies have also led to discoveries of new forms of cancer. Unfortunately, the longer you live, the greater the opportunity for one of your billions of cells to mutate and become cancerous. In addition to the Type C personality, other cancer profiles have been developed. Here is one that sounds like it should be part of a commercial for a metabolic aid: If you are fat, fair (referring to your complexion), and forty, you are at risk for gallbladder cancer. If you are fair, a redhead, and freckled, you are at risk for skin cancer.

     Okay, so I am in trouble, because I am fair, redheaded, freckled, over forty, and I'm slightly overweight. Well, I am not a natural redhead, and I only gained a little weight after menopause. But should I be worried? How do you combat a profile? Perhaps that is why I don't like profiles. I would much prefer to think that I have some control of my environment. And if you give in to profiling, you might as well give in to hopelessness and despair.

     Individuals who tend to get sick are the ones who make themselves sick by obsessive worrying. Ruth was a friend of the family while I was growing up. From the moment I could understand what she was saying until today (she is eighty-five and still kicking), she was petrified of getting cancer. She has lived to see loved ones get cancer, but she herself has never had it. She has made herself sick worrying about it. You can't stop what is already in place; the simple fact of the matter is you are a human being with human frailities.

     We don't live forever; as we age our immune system becomes less responsive, producing fewer of the fighting powerhouses of specialized killing cells. I am not saying to just sit back and let whatever is going to happen, happen. What I am trying to say is that you should enjoy your life. No one really knows how long we have on this planet. You could be the model of perfect health and die tomorrow in a car accident. Wouldn't it be better to die knowing that you have done all that you wanted, seen all that you wanted, loved, and were loved?

     I recommend that everyone start a wish list. A wish list is comprised of short- and long-term goals and desires. The items on the list are things you want to achieve, do, or accomplish before you die. The list can be modified with additions and deletions. You set a goal of achieving as many wish list items as you can during your lifetime. Each time you accomplish something on your list, check it off. It is a fulfilling and, frankly, a fun endeavor, but more importantly it will help prevent you from experiencing regret when you are older. One of the worst scenes that I encountered as a nurse was a hospice patient who had regrets of things he never did, people he never saw, and things he never said.

When your dying time comes, don't be one of the ones whose focus is on regrets and missed opportunities. When it is time to go, die in peace and tranquility.

Excerpted from the book Take Control: A Guide to Holistic Living by Dr. Linda Mundorff, iUniverse pubishing www.iuniverse.com

  By  Dr. Linda Mundorff, MPH, MSN, ND, RN, CNC, CTN 

    What's in your medicine cabinet?  You probably have at least a couple prescription medications, and several over-the-counter (OTC) medications.  Now look into your grandparent's medicine cabinet and you will probably fine a combination of ten to fifteen different medications. 

     Are you aware that you never combine prescription medications unless prescribed by a doctor.  Do you know why you shouldn't combine medications?   All medications have the potential for side effects.  Some of the side effects are minor and not life threatening such as dry mouth or slight gastric upset.  But many side effects can be very life threatening, interfere with the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, counteract the important benefits of many medications, and reduce the effects of enzymes.

    But what about the effects of herbal, homeopathic, and other natural remedies?    Many of us combine prescription and over-the-counter medications with a variety of natural supplements.  What most consumers of alternative remedies fail to realize is that combining those remedies with medications or even each other can have tragic consequences. 

    Did you know that most medications are synthesized from their natural counterpart?  For example, before there was aspirin there was its natural plant counterpart found in willow bark.    Both can help reduce a fever, take care of pain, and thin the blood.   The problem arises when willow bark is taken with other products that have the same properties, such as warfarin, coumadin, and vitamin K.  Or suffer from conditions such as low-platelets, aspirin allergies, and peptic ulcers.  For this reason, I tend to categorize all remedies, whether natural or synthetic as drugs. 

    A drug is defined as a substance taken to: diagnose, medicate, prevent, and treat.  A drug can effect non-targeted organs in the body thus resulting in unwanted side-effects, can neutralize or counteract the effects of other drugs, and can worsen certain pre-existing health problems.

 To explore further, look at the comparisons made in the table below between aspirin and willow bark.  Note that they are identical.

                               Description                       Aspirin                                   Willow Bark

Indicated to reduce the effects of the following ailments:	Headache, reduce fever, aches and pains.	Headache, reduce fever, aches and pains.
Potential side effects	Easy bruising, black stools, Allergic reaction, stomach bleeding.	Easy bruising, black stools, allergic reaction, stomach bleeding.
Consult a doctor before use if you are:	Pregnant or breast-feeding, diabetic, have liver disease.	Pregnant or breast-feeding, diabetic, have liver disease.
Has been linked to:	Reyes Syndrome	Reyes Syndrome
Discontinue use if you experience:	Rash, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or itching.	Rash, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or itching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Most of us think of vitamin and mineral supplementation as healthy, safe, and better but look at the table below.  Vitamin B and the mineral Calcium are two very important supplements, but taken in correctly could have disastrous results. 

Description                              Vitamin B3 (Niacin)                     Calcium (mineral)

Indicated to reduce the effects of the following ailments:	Angina, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, skin hyperpigmentation, asthma.	Osteoporosis, soft teeth, is needed to regulate normal heart beat (need to be in proper ratio to magnesium)
Potential side effects:	Liver damage, turns urine deep shade of yellow, gastric ulcers.	Heart irregularities, constipation, and kidney stones.
Consult a doctor before use if you have:	Gout, peptic ulcers, asthma, heart problems, diabetes.	History of kidney stones, heart problems,
Counteracts the effects of:	Beta-adrenergic blockers, diabetic medications, nitroglycerin, bronchiodilators.	Calcium channel blockers, Tetracycline and laxatives.  Reduces the absorption of iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Discontinue use if you experience:	A drop in blood pressure, Flushing, burning, tingling sensation.	Urinary pain and discomfort, slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion.

 Surprised?  Don’t be.  Most of us have been trained to believe that natural is always better, healthier, and safer.  Most of the time I would agree, but as you can see by the tables above, that is not always the case.   Although remedies taken in their natural form are not as potent as their synthetic pharmacological counterpart, they are still capable of doing great harm in large doses or when combined with other medications or remedies.  Therefore, all supplements, whether vitamins, minerals, herbal, or homeopathic need to be reported and discussed with your doctor.   The doctor can review for: proper dosing, interactions with other remedies, reduced absorption potential, harmful effects, and the like.

As a naturopath it is my mission, among other things, to help others become self-advocates in their health.   Being a self-advocate in your own health is best achieved by remember these three words: think, ask, and research.  I recommend that you, think about possible consequences, ask many questions, and research potential problems associated with your treatment.  As health care consumers, it is your obligation and responsibility not only to advocate for yourself but for your family as well.  Do not let someone else, a commercial, or a guarantee make a decision for you.  There are no guarantees in life.  

Armed with knowledge you can improve your chances of better-informed decisions about your health and the health of those you love.  You’ll be glad you did!