• Teens and the Summer Blues...
  By Dianne Bailey, M.Ed., LPC-I
• Genetic Testing at Excelon Health.
  
• Food Allergies – the Forgotten Danger
  By Dr. N.D. Victor Carsrud, DC, MS
• Healthy Skin 101.
  By Dr. Amy Neuzil, ND.
• Heart Healthy Wellness Plan.
  By Dr. Amy Neuzil, N.D.
• Facts about MRSA bacteria.
  By Dr. Amy Neuzil, N.D.
• The Many Reasons for Headache.
  By Dr. Victor Carsrud, D.C., M.S.
• Cholesterol from an Alternative Medicine Perspective.
  By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil.
• Princeton Review Lists all Six Naturopathic Medical Schools in their Prestigious “Best 168 Medical Schools” Directory.
  By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil.
• At Home Biofeedback Unit is Personalized Complementary Medicine.
  By Naturopath Amy Neuzil.
• Is Your Vitamin Good for You?
  By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil.
• Natural Skin Care - Oxygen Therapy Facial.
• New Radio Show for People’s Pharmacy!

The Many Reasons for Headache.
By Dr. Victor Carsrud, D.C., M.S.

As a Chiropractor, headaches are among the top three reasons most people come to visit me. While chiropractic manipulation remains highly effective at reducing headaches, it is rare that headaches come from a single source.

Subluxations, the tiny malpositions of vertebrae in your neck, cause interference in the flow of both nervous impulses and blood flow between brain and body, causing headaches. Muscle spasms in the small muscles of the neck can also be a major contributor to headaches, particularly when these tight muscles begin to interfere with the tiny arteries in the neck and upper shoulders. Both of these contributors need to be carefully assessed and specifically treated if headache treatment is going to be effective and last.

There are many other contributors to headaches that are much less direct, and often more difficult to detect. Reactions to toxins or chemicals in food and medicine, or undiagnosed food and seasonal allergies can provoke headaches as well.

Dehydration is another commonly overlooked factor, a cause increasingly common as we move into summer here in Texas, and people often drink sports drinks or sodas instead of water. Keeping a food diary, listing all your food and drinks along with when you have symptoms, is a simple way of finding out what dietary or medicinal triggers might be involved. Stress and other mental factors can also play a part, and cause changes in blood pressure, body chemistry, and neurology that can often be the final trigger between a good day and a pounding headache.

There are also rare and serious possibilities that can cause headaches, ranging from cancer to strokes and chronic illnesses. Thyroid and adrenal problems, for example can often present with chronic headaches. It is important that you see a practitioner that will carefully assess your history and do a proper examination to make sure that you are being treated in the most effective way for your needs.

For more questions about headaches, call us here at Excelon to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Princeton Review Lists all Six Naturopathic Medical Schools in their Prestigious “Best 168 Medical Schools” Directory.
By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil.

The Princeton Review, long known for it’s invaluable education and career guidance has recently included all six Naturopathic Medical schools in it’s highly competitive “Best 168 Medical Schools, 2007 edition” directory. The book offers medical school application information as well as profiles of each of the six naturopathic medical schools to help prospective medical students. One excerpt from the Review compares Naturopathic medicine to other forms of medicine.

Excerpted from:
“Best 168 Medical Schools, 2007 Edition”
Chapter 3 So You Still Want to Be a Doctor, p.24
By Malaika Stoll, The Princeton Review

New Radio Show for People’s Pharmacy!

People’s Pharmacy, Austin’s most beloved family owned pharmacy recently piloted their own health talk-radio show.  “Let’s Get Healthy” which airs on AM 1370 Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. is a call-in show designed to give alternative and traditional medical information and answer all of your health questions.  Hosted by Bill Swail – pharmacist and owner of People’s Pharmacy, this show will feature different guests each week – local Austin doctors, authors, and practitioners from all areas of healthcare.  In addition, Bill will be joined by your favorite pharmacists from People’s such as Jim Meyer, Ray Solano and Kiersten Alton.  Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil, of Excelon Health, will also be joining the group some weeks to provide answers to your questions.  Dr. Neuzil works with People’s Pharmacy to offer low-cost community wellness consults at People’s South Lamar location on Wednesday evenings.  “Let’s Get Healthy” will be a great way for all of Austin to have their medical questions answered by both conventional and alternative practitioners.

Cholesterol from an Alternative Medicine Perspective.
By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil.

Medical establishments have long named cholesterol as one of the single most important risk factors in heart disease, but new research is indicating that high cholesterol is not associated with higher risk of heart disease as we had previously believed. People with high cholesterol do have heart attacks more often, but they also have more risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and higher stress levels. We now know that if researchers control for obesity, exercise levels, smoking and stress, then cholesterol levels do not affect the risk of heart disease. Also, lowering cholesterol does not have a statistically significant effect on cardiac death rates. This is a major break from previous beliefs!

Cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins, are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in America, but this type of treatment may not be necessary. New research suggests that statins may not decrease the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease – in fact, because of the interactions with critical nutrients needed by the heart muscle itself, statins may actually be a health risk. Statins deplete both CoQ10, which is necessary for heart function, and magnesium, which helps blood vessels to relax and open properly.

If you or someone you know is taking a medication such as Lipitor, Zocor or Crestor make sure they also take at least 200mg CoQ10 and 400 – 500mg Magnesium daily to keep their heart healthy. These preventative steps in addition to increasing dietary fiber , increasing exercise, good sleep habits and healthy weight control can help to prevent heart disease and keep you healthy and vital. If you have questions or would like a personalized health consultation please contact Dr. Amy Neuzil at Excelon Health.

Natural Skin Care - Oxygen Therapy Facial.

Oxygen Therapy is a process designed to infuse the skin with oxygenating substances, which stimulates tissue detoxification.  It is extremely beneficial in the case of acne as it kills bacteria; or any congested or sluggish skin condition, such as those caused by air pollution, cigarette smoke, medications, heavy metals, high levels of stress or maturing skin.  In Addition, the promotion of cellular detoxification is a preventative, anti-aging measure that benefits the health of all skin-types and will impart better color and texture to the skin. Immediately after the Oxygen Therapy Facial the skin looks and feels smoother, softer and more radiant. Excelon Health is proud to unveil this latest in natural skin care through our licensed Esthetician, BB Keville, owner of New Alternative Skin Care. Please call 512.451.8662 for an appointment to experience the “Oxygen Facial” for yourself.

At Home Biofeedback Unit is Personalized Complementary Medicine.
By Naturopath Amy Neuzil.

Bio-feedback is a process of training your mind to consciously control your body. By monitoring body responses such as muscle tension, temperature and heart-rate we can learn to control body functions that are typically thought of as involuntary, such as brain activity, heart rate and even blood pressure. Bio-feedback has helped countless people increase their overall wellness and manage conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure and headaches. Previously, bio-feedback has only been available in medical centers or ineffective home devices that can only measure one response (such as temperature).

Deepak Chopra, well known speaker and author has worked to make this technology more widely available and has helped to develop a new software program called “The Journey to Wild Divine.” This software is easy to use, similar to playing a computer game and can be used in the home or office. It guides the user through a series of exercises and uses finger sensors to monitor your body’s responses. Whether you want to work on a specific medical condition or are just interested in boosting your overall wellness, this software can be an invaluable tool.

Is Your Vitamin Good for You?
By Naturopathic Doctor Amy Neuzil

Vitamins are an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and 60% of all Americans take them in some form, but what are we really getting out of them? The vitamin industry is largely unregulated, and although the FDA makes sure that products are “safe” they do not ensure that they are helpful. This means that you could be paying a lot of money for very little benefit.

The best way to get good quality supplements is by asking a trusted source. This could include your general practitioner, naturopathic physician, nutritionist or other qualified health care provider. Your practitioner will have already verified that the products they recommend are well researched, independently tested and quality controlled.

If your healthcare practitioner doesn’t know, then try a high-end store such as People’s Pharmacy, Whole Foods or Central Market. The worst place to find high quality products is in large chain grocery stores, discount stores, and retail pharmacies, as these places usually look more for bargains than quality.

Here are some simple things to look for in a good Multi-Vitamin:

• 1-800 number or website on the label - good quality companies should be available to answer questions.
• An expiration date; quality ingredients have a shelf life, garbage doesn't.
• Absorbability. You can test how well the product dissolves by dropping one tablet or capsule into a glass of water with a teaspoon of vinegar in it. It should dissolve completely within 10 minutes.
• Few "other ingredients". There is no need for artificial colors, and preservatives.
• Look for bright yellow urine because of all the extra B-vitamins. If this doesn’t happen, you may not be absorbing it.
• All vitamins should be taken with food, and most of the good quality ones will produce some nausea if taken on an empty stomach. Be suspicious if this doesn't happen.
• Check your vitamin on www.consumerlabs.org - they are an independent testing company that tests different vitamins.
• Be suspicious of any formula that makes claims about longevity, youthfulness, or energy. While it is true that a good quality vitamin does boost energy and overall wellness, it is a gimmicky marketing technique.

Austin is Underwater: 15 Tips to Banish your Mold Now!
By Dr. Amy Neuzil, N.D.

Austin is experiencing the wettest summer in recent memory and paying the price for it. Mold allergy symptoms are plaguing even the most non-allergic Texans, not to mention those of us who sniffle and sneeze regularly. Here are some simple things you can do to mold-proof your home, reduce your reactions, and generally get back on your feet without having to carry the Kleenex everywhere.

Create a mold-free home:

· Dehumidify: mold loves damp places so keep the relative humidity of your home between 35 and 50%. Remember to change your air filters regularly and to clean your dehumidifier with a mold-killing solution.

· Catch and Kill: HEPA filters can help you to trap mold spores to keep them from spreading. Ozone machines can actually kill mold and spores, but make sure to run them only when the house is empty because they can also give you a headache if you hang around in high ozone for too long.

· Ventilate: humid areas like bathrooms should have ventilation that leads outside if at all possible. No sense spreading mold from those areas around the rest of the house.

· Shut Tight at Night: mold spore concentrations reach their highest levels at night, so keep those bedroom windows shut - no matter how nice the breeze.

· Clean, Clean, Clean: mold grows anywhere with moisture exposure so spray surfaces with natural mold-killing solution. Best is 3% hydrogen peroxide or Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) 20 drops per 8oz water in a spray bottle. Bleach will kill mold, but can be dangerous to use in the home.

Create a mold-free body:

· Strengthen: the stronger your immune system is, the less likely you are to react to non-threats like mold. Support your system with adrenal and immune boosters like Drenamin, Vitamin C, Zinc and NAC.

· Unburden: think of your body's resistance to allergies like a bucket. The more allergens we put in that bucket, the more likely you are to overflow and trigger a reaction. Eliminating food allergies is one of the best ways to reduce seasonal allergies. See Dr. Amy for testing and diet options.

· Rinse: your nasal passages get dirty too. Using a nasal wash like Xlear or a netipot with a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract in saline or xylitol solution can flush out those sinuses and prevent mold and other allergens from causing problems.

· Avoid: mold-friendly foods like cheese, dried fruits, yeasty foods, wheat and sugars.

· Open: if your sinuses can't drain, then mold, bacteria and everything else will be more likely to colonize. Open your nasal passages with NST - a chiropractic technique that helps unblock your nose permanently.

Don't forget the basics:

· Sleep: this is your body's repair time. If you are prone to allergies in a particular season then make sure you are giving your body the rest it needs to repair allergy-related damage.

· Water: plenty of it. Filtered or purified water is best and a good guideline is 1.oz water for every 2 pounds of body weight per day (so 75 oz for a 150 lb person daily).

· Exercise: regular exercise improves circulation, immune response and mood. It's always a great tool to boost your overall health.

· De-stress: high stress environments reduce your body's threshold for a response so higher stress means more allergies. Take time to relax.

· Fruits and Veggies: if you don't have the nutrition you need then how can your body do what it is meant to? Nourish yourself well and if you're not good at eating your reds and greens then try Greens First or Red Alert - convenient, drinkable fruit and veggie concentrates.

Nothing will make all of Texas' mold disappear, but at least you can cope by clearing your house, cleaning your body and following some common-sense steps towards allergy-free health.

MRSA Shmersa
Dr. Amy Neuzil, ND

MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Stapholoccocus Aureus is a strain of the common Staph bacteria that has become resistant to almost every known pharmaceutical antibiotic. Many of my patients have been concerned about MRSA for themselves, their children and especially for loved-ones who are immune compromised.

While I do think it's a great idea to be as mindful as possible about our bodies and our health, I also think the general media terror surrounding MRSA is overblown and is causing a number of people (my patients included) more panic than is necessary.

Here are some basic facts about MRSA:

• 1/3 of the population is colonized with staph bacteria, including MRSA on their skin and in their nasal passages.
• In people with normal immune systems MRSA colonization has absolutely no health effects. In other words, unless it gets under your skin it is harmless.
• Even if MRSA enters your system through a cut or wound, if you are generally healthy this will only result in a minor skin problem (usually a boil).

Risk factors for MRSA include:

• Recent hospitalization
• Invasive medical devices (catheters, dialysis, feeding tubes, etc…)
• Recent antibiotic use – esepcially fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins
• Residence in a long-term care facility
• Sharing towels or athletic equipment
• Contact sports (bacteria is easily passed between team members)
• Close association with healthcare workers
• Young age –the immune system is not as well developed in children and so they are more susceptible to infection and tend to be more seriously effected.
• Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions

Preventing MRSA:

There are many simple steps that you can take to prevent MRSA as well as other community acquired bacteria. These are great health-protective measures and it is always a good idea to make sure that doctors and nurses do their part, sometimes with a gentle reminder from you.

• Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer that is at least 65% alcohol for times when soap and water aren't handy.
• Keep personal items personal – avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing and athletic equipment.
• If you have to go to the hospital ask all hospital staff to wash their hands before they touch you. Every time.
• Keep wounds covered and watch them closely.
• If you have had a wound, sanitize your clothing, sheets and towels by washing on the "hot" setting and using bleach if possible.
• If you have to have a medical device inserted (like a catheter or IV tube) make sure it is inserted under sterile conditions – your skin must be sterilized and the person inserting them should wear gloves and a mask.
• Shower immediately after athletic games and practices using soap and do not share towels.
• Take a good high-quality multi-vitamin to make sure your body has everything it needs to fight infections.
• Sit out athletic games or practices if you have a skin infection of any kind.
• If you have a skin infection, be sure your doctor tests it for MRSA to make sure you are getting appropriate treatment.
• Use antibiotics appropriately. Take them as directed, every time. It is critical to follow the instructions exactly.
• Keep your immune system healthy by drinking lots of water, eating your fruits and veggies and getting regular exercise.
• Immune boosting supplements can be helpful but are not necessary for the general population. Making sure you have enough of the nutrients your immune system needs, like zinc and vitamin C, is always a good idea.

Recognizing MRSA:

MRSA looks much the same as any other skin infection, at least at first. Usually it will occur in a cut, scrape, scratch or pimple – especially in children. Like any other infection, the skin around the wound will become red, warm to the touch and swell slightly. If it is MRSA the area will develop into a boil or even an abscess and will last longer than normal. The only way to tell if it is MRSA initially is to have your doctor test the infected area before beginning treatment. Testing generally takes about 48 hours to complete, although rapid genetic testing is becoming more widely available in hospital settings.

What to do if you start to develop a skin infection:

The great thing about this is that MRSA responds very well to natural treatments, which is excellent news for all of us. It is important to start treating any skin infection right away so that it doesn't develop into a boil or abscess, but even if it does MRSA is still treatable.

If the skin infection doesn't respond within the first 24 – 48 hours to natural treatment, or if you are immune compromised, the infection is on a child or someone who is elderly, then it is best to consult with your physician. Generally, infections respond very well to treatment.

1. Wash the area thoroughly with 3% hydrogen peroxide (this is sold in any drug or grocery store, use a large amount straight out of the bottle).
2. Soak a facecloth in hot water and place over the infected area for 20 seconds to soften any scabbing and allow the peroxide to penetrate. Make sure this facecloth is then bleached or disposed of as it could pass on infections.
3. Re-wash the wound with the 3% hydrogen peroxide.
4. Mix a thick paste of about a teaspoon of clay (either bentonite or French green clay – this is available in bulk at Whole Foods and many other bulk food stores) with water and 5-10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract, which is a potent antibacterial. This clay should be about cookie-dough texture when mixed.
5. Apply a thick layer of the clay mixture over the wound, cover with gauze or a large band-aid and leave for at least an hour (can also be left on overnight).
6. This mixture pulls toxins, bacteria and fluids out of the area, which draws infection out of the tissues. The clay may dry the skin around the infection, this is normal and not harmful.
7. Remove the clay pack with hot water and rinse again with hydrogen peroxide.
8. Cover with a clean band-aid or bandage.
9. Repeat the rinsing and clay pack every 12 hours until the infection disappears (this should only take 24-36 hours).
10. If the infection doesn't respond, then see your doctor.

These steps are not necessary for a normal wound, only if the wound becomes infected. If you do cut yourself, it is a good idea to rinse with peroxide anyway, just to make sure the wound is clean before you bandage it.

Homeopathy can help to bring MRSA boils to a head, help them drain and help your body fight the infection faster. As always with homeopathy there is no one-size-fits-all and you will respond best to a remedy that is individually prescribed.

MRSA does not have to be a crisis, especially when it is a skin infection. Be prepared, have treatment items like peroxide, grapefruit seed extract and clay available in the house and relax.

If you suspect an internal infection with MRSA, if you develop a high fever with a skin infection or if red streaks start to appear around a skin infection, then please consult your family physician, an urgent care center or the hospital.

Dr. Amy’s Heart Healthy Wellness Plan