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What's All the Fuss About Vitamin D?
Scientists have known for some time about the role of Vitamin D in curing rickets and helping absorb calcium to maintain normal bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Extensive new research has shown Vitamin D may be involved in much more than that!
Conclusive research over the past thirty or more years has evaluated our levels of Vitamin D in the blood and incidences of cancers, diseases, mental decline, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular risk among others. The findings are in and we now know that Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic in our population and is linked with an increased incidence of developing many of these conditions.
It turns out that discussion regarding Vitamin D deficiency is very timely in Breast Cancer Awareness Month after reviewing the ample research available today. Vitamin D actually helps attack cancer cells and has been definitely shown to reduce breast cancer risk up to 30% as compared to deficient individuals! Additionally, if one were to develop breast cancer, research indicates those deficient in this powerhouse vitamin are more likely to develop more aggressive forms of the disease.
The length and breadth of body systems affected is hard to comprehend as stemming back to one hormone, Vitamin D. Deficiencies have also been tied to a 50% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer as well as increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Studies done on aging populations also have shown a decrease in cognitive declines when sufficient amounts of Vitamin D are present. Vitamin D also works to stimulate proper function of the immune system and deficiencies have been tied to development of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia, among others.
How do you alleviate a Vitamin D deficiency? Sun exposure is a preferred method, although the sun is not a reliable source for everyone. Your skin's ability to produce vitamin D is affected by factors such as the season, time of day, geography, latitude, level of air pollution, color of your skin and your age.
Adequate exposure to the sunshine vitamin is more likely to occur between March and October, if one were to expose up to 85% of their body, without sunscreen, three to five times per week for 15 minutes at high noon. For many, the fear of skin cancers have caused widespread use of sunscreens and avoidance of sun exposure. As we head into the winter months, it is even more important to be aware of your individual level.
Foods which contain vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and fish liver oil. It is also often added to milk, cereals and orange juice. Even with all of this effort, and sunlight as the main source, many Americans don't have enough vitamin D in their bodies. An additional problem is that the form of Vitamin D found in most multivitamins is vitamin D2, which does not deliver the same amount of the vitamin to the body as the more desirable D3 form.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we feel it is imperative we do what we can to get the word out about proper testing for this vital nutrient which can literally save lives. With this goal in mind, we have put together a comprehensive screen which includes a Fitness Screen as research has determined exercisers have higher levels of Vitamin D, Bone/Muscle screen as this vitamin has numerous ramifications in this area, and a home kit for Blood Spot testing for Vitamin D. Forty-five minutes of your time and priced at $75 is all you need to invest to make a difference in your health and future.
Reflexology Help for Cancer Patients
In the past several years, 13 studies in 7 different countries (US, Italy, Japan, China, Switzerland, Korea, UK) have documented the benefits of reflexology for cancer patients. Some of these studies were conducted while the patients were receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In general findings reported from these studies showed that reflexology helped:
In a pilot study published in 2005 conducted by the Michigan State University College of Nursing three different complementary therapies (reminiscence therapy, guided imagery and foot reflexology) were given to women in late stages of breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. Foot reflexology proved to be the most effective of the three therapies with reported decreases in depression and anxiety and improvements in spirituality and emotional quality of life. Based on this pilot study a further study is now in progress, funded by the National Institutes of Health, on the benefits of reflexology in breast cancer patients.
In addition, studies conducted at several other nursing schools in the eastern US also confirmed reflexology resulted in an immediate decrease in pain intensity and anxiety. It has proven so effective that MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas acknowledges reflexology may help relieve symptoms of nausea, insomnia and stress related to cancer treatment and offers reflexology courses to its patients and caregivers.
If someone you know is dealing with the effects of cancer therapy or is in palliative care, consider telling them about reflexology to help manage their symptoms. We offer reflexology outcall visits to hospitals, care centers and homes for those unable to come into the office and our staff reflexologist, Susan, is always willing to instruct our clients in self-help techniques to use interim to sessions with her.
Men Get Breast Cancer, Too!
It's not a well-known fact, but men also get breast cancer. Although found far less frequently in men than in women, breast cancer strikes both sexes. It's just as important for men to be personally aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Why? Because just as with female breast cancer, the earlier the disease is discovered, the more treatment options and the better the chances of recovery.
According to the Mayo Clinic's website, the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women is a lump or thickening in the breast. The lump may often be painless. Other male breast cancer symptoms may include:
- Skin dimpling or puckering,
- Development of a new retraction or indentation of the nipple,
- Changes in a nipple or breast skin, such as scaling or redness,
- Nipple discharge.
Because most men are not aware they can get breast cancer, it may be found at a more advanced stage and with a poor prognosis. We urge you to share this information about men and breast cancer to help aid in early detection.
New at RHWC! Women's Health Program
Quality of life and physical independence are important to be aware of as we age, and we can make a difference with the choices that we make. Through Dr. Campbell's new program you can minimize the potential and reduce the onset of health concerns that most women face, such as:
- Breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Bowel cancer
- Hormone imbalances
- PMS
- Menopause
- Thyroid and adrenal imbalances
Dr. Campbell will carefully guide you through proper hormone balancing, nutrition, and exercise with a program that will successfully lead you to a healthier lifestyle. To find out more, please schedule a consult today.
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Give Healthy Gifts!
It's that time of year again! Whether you're struggling for the perfect gift for someone who has everything, or just starting your holiday shopping,
let us make life easy for you with a Restoring Health & Wellness Center Gift Certificate!
Certificates are available in various denominations
or for specific service(s).
But, the best part is that you can treat yourself too! Purchase any gift certificate for $50 or more and take $10 off your next visit!*
2009 Flexible Spending Reminder
Those of you with healthcare flexible spending accounts should remember the end of the calendar year will be here in less than three short months!
Don't forget that you can use our pre-pay programs to help spend any excess amount in your flex account rather than lose those funds. Plus our pre-pay programs provide discounts on services, so
you'll get more for your money, too!
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Good to Know
Laughter may indeed still be the best medicine. Recent research continues to reveal that laughing lowers blood pressure, increases muscle flexion, reduces stress hormones. All those benefits, plus research now shows laughter also boosts immune function by raising levels of T-cells, Gamma-interferon and B-cells.
When you laugh, the body triggers release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that help produce a general sense of well-being. So tell someone you love a good joke and enjoy a good laugh for your health!
September Riddle Answers
In our September issue, we challenged you to solve this riddle:
Name 10 parts of the human body which
are spelled with just 3 letters.
If you were stumped, here are the answers:
Eye, ear, jaw, gum, lip, arm, leg, toe, rib and hip.
Congratulations to the clients who brought in the correct answers for a discount!
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We hope you enjoyed this information. If so, please share it with a friend.
Until next month, remember our mission is your family's health!
Check appointment availability and schedule your next visit on-line at: www.restoringhealthandwellness.com |
