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

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

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

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness of Pilates with regard to the degree of scoliosis, flexibility and pain.

METHOD:

The study included 31 female students divided into two groups: a control group (CG = 11), which had no therapeutic intervention, and an experimental group (EG = 20), which underwent Pilates-based therapy. We used radiological goniometry measurements to assess the degree of scoliosis, standard goniometry measurements to determine the degree of flexibility and the scale of perceived pain using the Borg CR 10 to quantify the level of pain.

RESULTS:

The independent t test of the Cobb angle (t = - 2.317, p = 0.028), range of motion of trunk flexion (t = 3.088, p = 0.004) and pain (t = -2.478, p = 0.019) showed significant differences between the groups, with best values in the Pilates group. The dependent t test detected a significant decrease in the Cobb angle (Δ% = 38%, t = 6.115, p = 0.0001), a significant increase in trunk flexion (Δ% = 80%, t = -7.977, p = 0.0001) and a significant reduction in pain (Δ% = 60%, t = 7.102, p = 0.0001) in the EG. No significant difference in Cobb angle (t = 0.430, p = 0.676), trunk flexion, (t = 0.938p = 0.371) or pain (t = 0.896, p = 0.391) was found for the CG.

CONCLUSION:

The Pilates group was better than control group. The Pilates method showed a reduction in the degree of non-structural scoliosis, increased flexibility and decreased pain.

Source: PubMed

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

Breast cancer is the most aggressive form of all cancers, with high incidence and mortality rates. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) inhibits breast cancer growth in mice xenografts. MSM is an organic sulfur-containing natural compound without any toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that MSM substantially decreased the viability of human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. MSM also suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT5b, expression of IGF-1R, HIF-1α, VEGF, BrK, and p-IGF-1R and inhibited triple-negative receptor expression in receptor-positive cell lines. Moreover, MSM decreased the DNA-binding activities of STAT5b and STAT3, to the target gene promoters in MDA-MB 231 or co-transfected COS-7 cells. We confirmed that MSM significantly decreased the relative luciferase activities indicating crosstalk between STAT5b/IGF-1R, STAT5b/HSP90α, and STAT3/VEGF. To confirm these findings in vivo, xenografts were established in Balb/c athymic nude mice with MDA-MB 231 cells and MSM was administered for 30 days. Concurring to our in vitro analysis, these xenografts showed decreased expression of STAT3, STAT5b, IGF-1R and VEGF. Through in vitro and in vivo analysis, we confirmed that MSM can effectively regulate multiple targets including STAT3/VEGF and STAT5b/IGF-1R. These are the major molecules involved in tumor development, progression, and metastasis. Thus, we strongly recommend the use of MSM as a trial drug for treating all types of breast cancers including triple-negative cancers.

Source: PLoS One

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

April 13, 2012

Grand Blanc, MI - When most people think of non-surgical scoliosis treatment, they usually talk about bracing around the torso, or performing activities like massage, yoga, stretching, or craniosacral therapy. Now, a local chiropractor has published a book highlighting the a new scoliosis treatment called ARC3D Therapy.

The book, titled “Scoliosis and ARC3D Therapy: Restoring Hope Through Non-Surgical Treatment” is the collective work of Dr. Mark Morningstar, a Grand Blanc chiropractor with a unique perspective on scoliosis treatment. His treatment works with the body, not against it. According to Morningstar, “Conventional scoliosis treatment mainly involves the orthopedic treatment of the spinal curvature, whether by bracing or surgery. In recent years many studies looking at the underlying causes of scoliosis suggest that scoliosis does not start as a spine problem, but likely as a neurological and hormonal disorder that results in the initiation of a spine curvature that perpetuates itself as the patient grows.”

In addition to unique exercises and treatments, Dr. Morningstar uses specific lab testing to predict the potential of a scoliosis progress through genetic testing, called ScoliScore. He also looks at the nutritional status of each scoliosis patient, and works to improve the spine curvature as well as their overall quality of life, pain, and emotional health.

This is Morningstar’s first published book on scoliosis. He has also published several medical studies on scoliosis and his comprehensive approach to scoliosis. “My goal in writing this book is to get parents vital information they may not be getting other places. I want patients and parents alike to understand that there should be a lot more to treating a patient with scoliosis than just straightening the spine. We have to begin to address these other neurological and hormonal deficits if we ever want hope of preventing this disease in the first place.”

Scoliosis and ARC3D Therapy: Restoring Hope Through Non-Surgical Treatment, is available for purchase online through Infinity Publishing, and through online book retailers. Dr. Morningstar has two practices in Grand Blanc and Richmond, MI, where he focuses his practice on neurological disorders and the treatment of scoliosis. He is the developer of the TornadoSuit, an activity suit specifically designed for scoliosis, and currently serves as the President of the International Chiropractic Scoliosis Board. His website is arc3dtherapy.com, or drmorningstar.com.

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Source: FixScoliosis.com

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

There may be a link between low levels of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—that is, not enough of it—and increased cancer risk, according to new research. Scientists at Tufts University looked at 201 cancer patients and 402 cancer-free patients. They found that cancer patients who never took cholesterol-lowering drugs on average had lower LDL cholesterol levels for an average of about 19 years prior to their cancer diagnosis. In other words, they were “healthier” according to the LDL demonizers in today’s medicine.

Previous studies, which looked at patients who did take cholesterol-lowering drugs, also suggested a strong link between low LDL cholesterol levels and higher cancer risk.

This finding underscores what we have said before. The “HDL cholesterol is good and LDL is bad” message being perpetrated by mainstream medicine is at the very least an oversimplification. LDL is needed by the body to build new muscle, which is important as we age. LDL can protect the brain as we age, and low levels of it can escalate problems such as dementia and memory loss. As Dr. Joseph A. Mercola points out, cholesterol is neither “good” nor “bad,” and attempts to artificially lower your cholesterol can be quite dangerous, in part because of serious side effects such as muscle damage.

So why does mainstream medicine demonize LDL cholesterol? Could it be because it benefits the billion-dollar cholesterol drug industry? Statin drugs are taken by one in four Americans over age of 45, and if patients stopped buying cholesterol drugs, Big Pharma would be in a serious financial crisis. In fact, as soon as the study’s cancer findings were published, a heart “expert” immediately warned that “statins used for LDL reduction shouldn’t be stopped if there is an appropriate use to lower heart disease risk.”

So mainstream medicine’s advice is to hang onto these “miracle drugs” even though they have been linked to nerve damage, muscle damage, liver enzyme derangement, tendon problems, anemia, acidosis, cataracts, sexual dysfunction, an increase in type 2 diabetes, and now cancer.

In the long run, statins are going to be a bonanza, but for the trial lawyers, not the drug companies. But by then it will be too late for those taking them now.

Source: Alliance for Natural Health

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