In a new study published in the European Spine Journal, researchers wanted to see if hormone deficiencies were a triggering event for adult degenerative scoliosis, a condition that commonly occurs in postmenopausal women. It is thought that menopausal hormone changes affect bone density, which sets off a cascade of events that leads to degenerative scoliosis.

In this latest study, women given hormone replacement therapy were less likely to develop one of the initiating factors in adult degenerative scoliosis, called lateral listhesis, a rotational displacement of a vertebra.

The occurrence of adult degenerative scoliosis is more common that scoliosis in juveniles or adolescents. Therefore, this research is very important in helping to possibly prevent adult-onset scoliosis in the first place.

One note we would like to add to this however. Bio-identical hormone replacement has far fewer risks involved than conventional hormone replacement therapy, which is made from pregnant horse urine. Synthetic hormone replacement carries with increased risk of certain female reproductive cancers. So please do your homework if you are interested in hormone replacement.

Women who are already developing degenerative scoliosis will likely want a combined treatment approach, one that includes bio-identical hormone replacement and a conservative exercise-based scoliosis therapy like ARC3D to help reverse the scoliosis.

Source: Eur Spine J. 2011 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Modern medicine has become nothing more than a convoluted maze of deductibles, copays, HMOs, and preauthorizations. What has been lost in our system of health care is the basic act of a doctor and patient sitting across from one another, with the patient explaining his or her problems in complete detail. However, in order for the doctor-patient relationship to develop in this manner, it can only be done outside of the current health insurance model. Why? Because insurance companies aren’t interested in getting people healthy. Rather, they are only looking to get people asymptomatic. They believe, despite the level of published evidence to show otherwise, that restricting patients’ access to medical care will lower costs.
Here is a perfect example of why our offices and doctors do not participate with insurances. Yesterday a goon from Blue Cross/Blue Shield walked into our Richmond office and proceeded to strong-arm our medical assistant, Callie. The goon basically attempted to railroad Callie by chastising her because the doctors send “too much” bloodwork to out-of-state specialty laboratories (you know, the ones that actually identify the origins of various diseases). She told Callie that BCBSM would sanction us if we kept referring to these specialty labs instead of those that BCBSM likes.

This is exactly what the public never sees. Even with an insurance company like BCBSM, where you can choose your doctor, you are not truly free to select the type of medical care you want.

Anyhow, Callie ultimately directed her to me, and I promptly spoke to this goon and told her that we don’t participate with BCBSM at all (for exactly this reason). Hence, sanctions cannot be administered, and BCBSM cannot tell us how to treat our patients.

WE CARE ABOUT OUR PATIENTS ONLY. WE DON’T CARE WHAT INSURANCE THEY HAVE, WHAT IT COVERS OR DOESN’T, OR WHAT THEIR DEDUCTIBLE IS. WE WANT TO HELP OUR PATIENTS RECOVER FROM THEIR ILLNESSES, AND NOT JUST “MANAGE” THEM. WHATEVER LABORATORY STUDIES WE NEED TO IDENTIFY THE ORIGIN OF A PATIENT’S ILLNESS, WE WILL USE.

If you want to get better, come see us. If your insurance deductible and copay is your primary concern, then call BCBSM and get a referral to an office where they don’t really care about getting you better.

On September 24th, 2011, the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers in Richmond will be hosting a Grand Opening!

The day’s events include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featured health workshops, and tons of free information and prizes.

As part of our community health awareness program, in partnership with the Michigan Health & Wellness Initiative, during the Grand Opening we will be offering FREE blood pressure checks, breathing tests, and FREE laboratory tests including intestinal flora, antioxidant status, 10-parameter urinalysis, and H. Pylori testing (a common cause of ulcers and autoimmune disorders).

We will be taking $15 donations, all of which will be given to a local charity.

Laboratory testing is on a first come, first served basis until test kits are gone.

Come and find out why the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Center in Richmond is the most comprehensive integrative medicine clinic in Macomb County.

For more information, please call 586-727-7500.

Media contacts: Please call 810-694-3576 for interviews with Dr. Megan Strauchman, Medical Director.

We have a great blend of seminars coming up in May for our beloved patients, their families, friends and local communities. Of course, Dr. Strauchman will be speaking on her two most popular topics: Thyroid Care and Bio-Identical Hormones. However, we also have a couple of new seminars where we will be presenting some of the latest research and treatment strategies for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and idiopathic scoliosis.

Here is an outline of our upcoming seminars by clinic location:

Grand Blanc - All seminars begin promptly at 6:30pm.

Wed, May 11th -  Thyroid Care

Could you be suffering from hypothyroidism even though your labs are ‘normal?’ Find out which labs need to be ordered to get the most comprehensive approach toward total thyroid care. Are you aware that hypothyroidism may be caused by something completely separate from your thyroid?

Wed, May 18th – Bio-Identical Hormones

With all the mixed information in the media, how are we to know what’s correct? Dr. Strauchman provides very compelling information on the history, types, and effectiveness of bio-identical hormones (when correctly prescribed), and shares who may be behind the aggressive media campaign against them.

Wed, May 25th – Hypertension and High Cholesterol: An Insulin Problem?

The is the first time that Dr. Strauchman has given this presentation to the general public. Filled with new insights on the most successful strategies for naturally treating high cholesterol and high blood pressure, Dr. Strauchman will share her thoughts on one of the most ground-breaking theories behind these common disorders – insulin resistance. Learn how insulin resistance may be the reason your blood pressure medication is not controlling your blood pressure well, and why your LDL “bad” cholesterol just won’t come down with statin medications. You DON’T have to be diabetic to be suffering the effects of insulin resistance.

Richmond - Seminars start promptly at 6:00pm

Tues, May 3rd – Diabetes: Natural Alternatives for Rapid, Healthy Healing

Pre-Diabetes, Type II Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome are becoming epidemic problems in our fast-food, fast-paced society today. Rather than being relegated to giving yourself insulin forever, come and learn some of the most effective natural means of managing and reversing your diabetic symptoms. This seminar will discuss the benefits of banaba leaf, chromium, vanadium, and other natural nutrients that help your body properly manage your blood sugar levels.

Tues, May 10th – Sleep Away Your Chronic Pain With MUA

We know it sounds absurd, but it really is true. There is a revolutionary pain management procedure called MUA that can dramatically reduce your pain in only 3 days – and all while you’re asleep!

Come and learn how the MUA procedure can significantly decrease the pain associated with migraine headaches, bulging or herniated discs, degenerated discs, fibromyalgia, and recurrent pain following back surgery. The MUA procedure has helped thousands of patients across the country. Come and learn how MUA can give you the relief you’ve been waiting for. Just think…..in only 3 days, you could be golfing, running, playing with your kids, working, walking, and feeling great again! Click on the “Bulging or Herniated Discs” tab on our main website page to check out some introductory videos on the MUA procedure. You won’t be disappointed.

Tues, May 17th – Scoliosis and the TornadoSuit: The new era of scoliosis bracing

Developed by our own Dr. Mark Morningstar, the TornadoSuit is an activity suit designed to enhance the corrective benefits of exercise-based scoliosis therapies. This seminar will discuss the long-term importance of avoiding scoliosis surgery, and why parents from all over the country are bringing their children to us for the TornadoSuit. This truly is the next generation of American scoliosis bracing technology.

http://www.activistpost.com/2011/03/fda-comes-to-rescue-of-big-pharma.html

Researchers in New Zealand studied the effects of taking selenium and iodine on thyroid function. They subdivided a total of 100 seniors into 4 groups: a placebo group, a group taking 100 mcg of selenium, a group taking 80 mcg of iodine, and a group taking both the iodine and selenium.

Supplements were taken for 3 months. At the end of the three months, the researchers measured whole blood glutathione peroxidase activity, serum selenium, thyroid markers, as well as urinary iodine excretion.

They found that taking 80 mcg of iodine reduced iodine deficiency and reduced elevated levels of serum thyroglobulins. Selenium intake improved the function of glutathione peroxidase activity, but taking the supplements together did not produce an additional combined effect.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Researchers and scientists have long known that fat cells are not simply inert but actually manufacture and release hormones that may contribute to increased risks of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions.

Researchers have now discovered and cataloged an additional 20 different hormones and proteins that act as signaling agents which communicate with and affect different parts of the body, possibly influencing our metabolism and endocrine processes.

Source: New Evidence That Fat Cells Are Not Just Dormant Storage Depots for Calories

Dr. Strauchman and Dr. Morningstar will be among the main speakers at the upcoming 4th Annual Michigan Healthy Living’s “Spring Into Health” Natural Health Fair & Expo. The Expo is  Saturday, March 26th at the Genesys Conference Center, next to the Genesys Athletic Club.

Dr. Strauchman’s presentation at the March expo will be titled, “The Importance of Nutrition for the Cancer Patient”. In it she will be discussing the pitfalls of conventional therapy when performed by itself, and the advantages of using revolutionary IV nutritionals and injectables, as well as dietary modification.

Dr. Morningstar’s presentation will be titled, “Resolve Your Fibromyalgia With the Factor Integration Model(TM) of Treatment: How Comprehensive Management can Restore Your Quality of Life.”  Topics will include heavy metal toxicity and chelation, positional cervical cord compression, whiplash injuries, manipulation under anesthesia, and compounded pain topicals for immediate pain relief.

Admission to the Expo is FREE, and runs from 10am-5pm. For more information on the Expo and the speakers, visit www.mhlexpo.com.

We have some great workshops coming up this month, presented by our medical director, Megan Strauchman, DO.

Here is a breakdown of the upcoming workshops:

January 5th  6:30-7:15pm

HcG Weight Loss: How to Lose and Keep Those Holiday Pounds Off!

Seating for each of these workshops is limited. Please call our office at 810.694.3576 to reserve your seat.

Sick and Tired of Your Menopause Symptoms?

Thyroid Disease…..Need We Say More?