On April 30, 2012, Dr. Strauchman gave birth to a 7 lb- 2 oz baby girl named Ireland Alise. We felt it important to let everyone know what transpired so that they understand why Dr. Strauchman has been and will continue to be focused on her family for the next few weeks.

Ireland had what is known as a cord prolapse. This occurs in only .1% of all births, and is always very bad. It’s when the umbilical cord comes out before the baby and causes the cord to become pinched, thus depriving the baby of oxygen and blood. This resulted in an emergency c-section at Sparrow hospital in Lansing. Ireland’s heart tones were reduced by half for several minutes, and likely would have been totally stopped if not for the quick decisions and actions by our nurse midwife Shellie. Shellie literally saved Ireland’s life, and for that we will forever be grateful to her.

When the c-section was performed, baby Ireland came out with no heart tones, which returned after chest compressions and epinephrine were given to her. At that point, the OB/GYN came in and told me that she was essentially going to die, and that we would have some difficult decisions to make.

However, baby Ireland turned out to be as feisty as her mother. She received a treatment where they literally put her into hypothermia and cool her body in efforts to protect the brain while oxygen is reduced. She stayed that way for the first several days. Sparrow has one of the state’s best neonatal intensive care unit’s and they only perform this treatment 2-3 times per year, to give you an idea of how uncommon this is. Not only did she had lack of oxygen, but it also resulted in underdeveloped heart muscle, and she also ended up with a pneumothorax on top of it, which collapsed her right lung.  My baby girl did not have the greatest start in this world, but it doesn’t seem to matter.

At this point in time, we have gone from being told that our baby girl was not going to live, to just today she opened her eyes for the first time, pooped for the first time, and will be weaned off of the ventilator and chest tube tomorrow, and will begin getting her mom’s breast milk. This would not have been possible without the skill of the entire hospital staff and amazing neonatalogists, nor without the constant prayers coming from literally all over the world, from US, Canada, and Haiti, to Singapore and Ghana. We appreciate the outpouring of support very much.

As we speak Dr. Strauchman is staying at the Ronald McDonald House next to Sparrow hospital so that she can visit Ireland in the NICU. Although still in critical condition, Ireland is improving every day, and our fingers are crossed that maybe Ireland gets to come home before Mother’s Day.

We plan to begin supporting fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House in Lansing. This is our only experience with it and they have been truly wonderful to us. We want to return their support by supporting them. Please check you email next month for our email newsletter which will contain some type of clinic fundraiser by using the money you spend in our offices already and giving to the Ronald McDonald House.

I guess also I am writing this to say that Dr. Strauchman has not forgotten about her patients. I will be taking patient charts to her tomorrow for her to review. As these are completed Dr. Strauchman will be getting in contact with those patients who need it. Please understand that baby Ireland needs her mom right now, and that is our priority.

Thank you again  very much for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Morningstar

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

When was the last time that your health care provider recommended a complete digestive analysis?  Many people do not realize how crucial a properly functioning digestive system is to maintaining proper health and alleviating chronic illnesses.  Poor digestive function can play a role in a variety of seemingly unrelated health conditions such as heart disease, eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even cancer.

Often, the symptoms of a digestive imbalance are relatively easy to identify such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or changes in bowel habits.  The symptoms can also be more subtle such as chronic skin rashes, widespread joint pain, or persistent fatigue.  Sometimes a person may not exhibit any classic symptoms at all, but is still at an increased risk for diminished digestive function due to history of antibiotic use, acid-blocking medications, bone density drugs, chemotherapy, as well as chronic inflammation related to food allergies and sensitivities.

A digestive analysis can provide information about inflammatory markers associated with food sensitivities.  The incidence of food sensitivities is definitely on the rise.  It is estimated that roughly 20 percent of the population has adverse reactions to foods, and many do not even realize it.  It is important to know that there is a difference between a true food allergy and a food sensitivity.  A specific blood test is available to differentiate between the two.  In some cases, knowing whether or not a person has food sensitivities can be just as important as screening for high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes.

A digestive analysis will also provide information about how well food is being broken down and absorbed.  The test examines stomach acid production and how well the pancreas is functioning.  A disruption in either one of these can lead to nutritional deficiencies because the body is unable to break down and absorb food and nutrients properly.  This can also interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs and vitamins.

One of the most crucial components includes a direct measurement of the “good” gut bacteria.  Many people think that they get enough good bacteria from things such as yogurt or drinks with live active cultures.  Truth be told, there is not way to measure the amount of good bacteria from these food sources, and likely the amounts are much lower than what the body needs.  Other useful information includes the identification of opportunistic bacteria, intestinal parasites, and whether or not there is any yeast overgrowth.  Metabolic markers are also examined which may provide additional information for long-term risk of breast and colon cancer.

If you would like to discuss any of this information, please call Gretchen N. Fleischmann, who is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan.  The phone number is 586-727-7500.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Mammograms may not be the best way to screen for breast cancer.  The National Cancer Institute recommends a mammogram for women age 40 to 74 every one to two years. There is no benefit for women under age 40.  Mammograms are criticized for having high false-negative results and missing up to 20% of breast cancers.  By the time a mammogram finds a tumor, it may have been growing for 5 years.  Mammograms often have false-positive results, especially in younger women, those with previous breast biopsies, and women with a family history of breast cancer.  Fortunately, there are other screening tools that may provide the first signal that a problem is developing.

Have you heard of breast thermography?  It was first used as a screening tool for breast cancer in 1956.  It creates a map of temperature patterns in the breast called a Thermogram which is analyzed by a Board Certified Thermologist.  This imaging can identify breast cancer up to 8 years before mammography and may increase breast cancer survival rates by 61%.  Breast Thermography is ideal for any woman regardless of age.  There is no radiation or compression of the breast tissue, both which have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Have you heard of the AMAS (anti-malignin antibody in serum) Test?  The AMAS test measures blood levels of an antibody that is elevated during active cancer regardless of the type of malignancy.  It can be used to detect most solid tumors and hematologic cancers.  Clinical studies indicate that the accuracy of this test is between 95-99%.  The test detects an antibody that can be present months to years before other evidence of cancer is found.  It should be considered for anyone with a family history of cancer, anyone concerned about recurrence, or anyone with uncertain clinical symptoms or imaging studies.

Have you heard of a test to monitor estrogen metabolism?  Most women do not realize that they have “good” and “bad” estrogen in their bodies.  Many women are unable to process estrogen effectively which puts them at an increased risk for breast cancer.  A simple blood test can provide information about this.  It is important that women find a health care practitioner who can screen for and correct this problem.

        Have you heard of Parabens or Phthalates?  Parabens are mold inhibitors that are added to personal care products.  Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics and products with fragrance.  Exposure to these chemicals, which are disguised under many different names, can contribute to breast cancer.  Some countries have banned these chemicals from use in personal care products.  There is a blood test to see whether or not the body has been burdened by these toxicants.

Seven years ago, despite being a Nurse Practitioner, I had not heard of any of this information either.  At that time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which may have been prevented or detected earlier if I had known more about these topics. This is why I have dedicated my current practice to educating people about these matters.  If you would like to discuss this information, please call, Gretchen Fleischmann, FNP-BC, at the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan. Our number is 586-727-7500.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study critically evaluates a new method of collecting frequent data using mobile phones and text messages. Fluctuating conditions such as low back pain (LBP) need frequent monitoring to describe the clinical course in detail and to account for individual and subgroup variations.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

In this multicentre prospective observational study, 262 subjects with nonspecific LBP were followed with weekly text messages for 6 months, with the question “How many days this previous week has your low back pain been bothersome?” The text replies were instantly recorded in a data file to be merged with baseline and follow up data (age, gender, pain intensity, duration, and self- rated health) collected through ordinary questionnaires. The response rate, user-friendliness, and compliance of this method were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The mean response rate for the text messages throughout the study was 82.5% and was unaffected by season. The method was found to be user friendly. Dropout was not affected by age and gender, but compliance was possibly somewhat affected by outcome.

CONCLUSION:

Weekly text messages are a useful method of data collection to examine the clinical course of LBP in the primary care sector.

Source: J Clin Epidemiol. 2012 Apr;65(4):454-61. Epub 2011 Dec 9.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Dr. Strauchman and Dr. Morningstar want to thank everyone who completed our email survey by November 15th. We are excited to announce that Danielle Enos won our $100 Prepaid VISA gift card. Congratulations Danielle!

Although we only have one grand prize, we also want to reward everyone who took the time to complete the survey by the November 15th deadline. Therefore, everyone who did, in fact, complete the survey will receive $5 off their next in-clinic purchase of any supplement or nutrient they purchase. We are truly grateful that you all took the time to help us help you better.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Exciting news!  Dr. Mark Morningstar, chiropractic physician at the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Grand Blanc and Richmond, has successfully completed NeuroScience’s  NEI Certification Program.  This means he has successfully mastered the tools and approaches to comprehensively and effectively treat many of the most common, yet complex health concerns. This benefits the patient by providing quicker and more effective health management – saving time and money.  He is among the first 100 providers nationwide to achieve this distinction.

“It is very exciting to receive this certification . The human body tends to function as a single entity. Therefore, it is important to evaluate people with a whole-body approach. NEI certification serves as an assurance to patients that the NEI-certified physician will evaluate and treat them with this perspective. The NEI certification training program has challenged me to better understand the tools available to address health through the evaluation of nervous system function. It allows me to comprehensively and effectively treat many of the most common, yet complex health concerns through innovative nervous system assessment and unique treatments. This has benefited many of my patients, by providing new and very efficient approaches to health concerns – saving my patients both time and money,” says Dr. Morningstar
For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss your health concerns and the options available to you, please call one of Dr. Morningstar’s offices below.

810.694.3576  Grand Blanc

586.727.7500  Richmond

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Dr. Strauchman and Dr. Morningstar received official word this past Wednesday that their latest research paper was accepted for publication. Their study, titled “Manipulation under anesthesia for patients with failed back surgery: retrospective case series with one-year follow-up” will be published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine later this year. In their study, they evaluated the ability of a specialized procedure, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), to reduce pain and improve daily function in patients who had a previous back surgery but either still had pain months after the surgery, or the pain never subsided with the surgery. One year after they received the MUA procedure, their clinical improvements were maintained.

They encourage everyone with chronic pain from disc bulges or herniations, previous spine surgery, or fibromyalgia to contact their office for a free consult to see if manipulation under anesthesia is right for you. It can literally change your life……what have you got lose?

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

Breastfeeding is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT GIFT any woman can give to her baby. It reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, increases IQ, bolsters the immune system, and a host of other vital functions. It is so important, in fact, that most baby animals cannot survive without their mothers’ breast milk.

Please encourage any expectant mothers to breastfeed. It is dramatically cheaper (can save thousands of dollars per child), and is much more convenient (don’t have to lug formula everywhere you go). Frankly, I think woman who voluntarily choose not to breastfeed (not including woman who try but can’t) are committing child abuse. For every mother out there who chooses to formula feed, listen up. Every time your baby gets a cold, an earache, an ear infection, acid reflux, bloody stool, and delayed developmental markers, IT’S YOUR FAULT. Feeding your baby the equivalent of marginally better fast food is the reason your baby is getting sick, period.

Breast milk is composed of many immune system components that help provide immunity to the baby.

Over course, there are those who tell us “My pediatrician said that my baby is allergic to my breast milk.” Guess what? Your pediatrician is an idiot. There may definitely be a chance that the baby is sensitive to something YOU are eating, which is then passed through the breast milk. Solving this “breast milk allergy” is as easy as identifying that food to which the baby is sensitive and avoid it. For example, our older son became collicky when his mom ate broccoli. Mom avoids broccoli……problem solved. Please do not ever think that switching to formula is a good solution.

Again, BREASTFEEDING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN EVER DO FOR YOUR BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (Extra exclamation points for added emphasis)

Dr. Morningstar

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

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.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

On August 10th, 2011, Dr. Morningstar will be conducting a free in-house workshop on the ARC3D Outpatient Therapy program. The goal of this workshop is to introduce the concepts of scoliosis genetic testing, identifying children at high-risk for progression, genetic vs. environmental influences, preventing overtreatment, and the advantages of conservative, non-surgical treatment. Other topics will include: patient selection, scoliosis symptoms, psychological impact, TornadoSuit bracing, and the various ARC3D treatment procedures. Come for an evening full of interesting information that will give you hope for a better scoliosis solution.

This workshop is limited to the first 12 participants due to space limitation. To reserve your spot, please call 810-694-3576.

ARC3D Outpatient Scoliosis Therapy

August 10, 2011

Cost: free

Reservation required

Location: 10683 S. Saginaw St. Suite B, Grand Blanc, MI 48439

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic