Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Turning the Winter Blues Around: A 10-Step Action PlanThe winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), usually begin when the days get shorter and the sky clouds over into perpetual gray. Many people with SAD dread… Read more: Turning the Winter Blues Around: A 10-Step Action Plan
- WELCOME TO WHOLEHEALTH CHICAGO! ANNGELA LEONE, LAc.Anngela Leone, LAc. Is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of Illinois. Anngela offers minimally invasive healing modalities that allow your body to heal itself.… Read more: WELCOME TO WHOLEHEALTH CHICAGO! ANNGELA LEONE, LAc.
- Welcoming Sandra Subotich to WholeHealth ChicagoNormally, when I write a welcome Health Tip announcing a new WholeHealth Chicago practitioner, I go right to the person’s biography to illuminate why you might consider making an appointment.… Read more: Welcoming Sandra Subotich to WholeHealth Chicago
Aging
- Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid ArthritisIt’s important that you keep these two forms of painful arthritis separate in your mind. Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered ‘non-inflammatory’ and basically a ‘wear-and-tear’ phenomenon that occurs with passage of… Read more: Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAINHigh on the wish list (probably highest, actually) of a new patient coming into WholeHealth Chicago for “wellness” is not just “longevity” but “longevity plus ‘brains/wit/wisdom’”, a la Betty White,… Read more: NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAIN
- NEWS FOR WOMEN ABOUT A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, AND ADDIf you’ve got some spare time, you might want to read two or three articles summarizing the work of Claudia Goldin, the first woman to be a solo winner for… Read more: NEWS FOR WOMEN ABOUT A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, AND ADD
Allergies & Food Sensitivities
- This Health Tip Might Make You Anxious: Keep ReadingI scan all sorts of medical information sources to write these Health Tips. The usual ones that every doctor should be reading (JAMA, Medscape, etc.), but I don’t miss the… Read more: This Health Tip Might Make You Anxious: Keep Reading
- Everything Begins In The GutI sometimes wonder if new patients to WholeHealth Chicago think we’re overly preoccupied with their digestion, gut health, nutrition, and even the consistency and quality of their stool when they… Read more: Everything Begins In The Gut
- Controversial Diagnosis #7: Mast Cell Activation SyndromeMast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS for short) is one of those annoying conditions in which a patient, after having read an article like this one and suffering similar symptoms, asks… Read more: Controversial Diagnosis #7: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Alternative Therapies
- I’m Taking So Many Meds! What Can I Stop? Part One: AntidepressantsAlthough many new patients arrive at WholeHealth Chicago with chronic symptoms and a history of no help elsewhere (“You’re my 12th doctor.”). Others pour out a bagful of medications with… Read more: I’m Taking So Many Meds! What Can I Stop? Part One: Antidepressants
- Reversing Cognitive Decline and Preventing Alzheimer’sYou saw a movie last week and in discussing it with friends simply can’t remember the important parts. Plus you just missed another appointment. Planning to drive to a north… Read more: Reversing Cognitive Decline and Preventing Alzheimer’s
- “Your Tests Are Negative. There’s Nothing Wrong. I Think You Need A Psychiatrist.”I hope you never have to hear these words from any doctor. Dismissive and ending anything useful you hoped from a consultation. You scheduled this appointment months earlier. You wanted… Read more: “Your Tests Are Negative. There’s Nothing Wrong. I Think You Need A Psychiatrist.”
Big Pharma Evils
- Issues with Endocrinologists: Thyroid Approaches and Big PharmaMy beefs with endocrinologists pretty much center on how they manage thyroid gland concerns, though they rarely win prizes for managing adrenal issues either. I don’t know any endocrinologists personally… Read more: Issues with Endocrinologists: Thyroid Approaches and Big Pharma
- Paying A Lot More At Walgreens (and Sometimes CVS Too)At WholeHealth Chicago, we really do try to avoid prescribing prescription drugs whenever we can, opting instead for lifestyle changes that can keep you away from a chemical pill you… Read more: Paying A Lot More At Walgreens (and Sometimes CVS Too)
- Ten Drugs Doctors Should Consider De-PrescribingPhysicians use the word polypharmacy when a patient is taking five or more prescription drugs daily. A recent survey showed that half of women Medicare recipients were taking five or… Read more: Ten Drugs Doctors Should Consider De-Prescribing
Bone Health
- Quell The Fire of Menopause Hell With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)When it’s time, you can expect to transition through menopause in one of three ways. If you’re unlucky enough to land in Menopause Hell, give some serious thought to bioidentical… Read more: Quell The Fire of Menopause Hell With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
- LONGEVITY MEDICINE: TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN, AND, YES, FOR WOMEN,TOOIn middle age, men will begin very slowly to notice a group of symptoms attributable to the decline of their male hormone testosterone. The medical term for this is “andropause”… Read more: LONGEVITY MEDICINE: TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN, AND, YES, FOR WOMEN,TOO
- Longevity Medicine: How We AgeGerontology is the scientific study of aging. It’s a relatively new field, pretty well dominated by research PhDs. Certainly it’s a science that was virtually nonexistent when I was in… Read more: Longevity Medicine: How We Age
Candida (yeast) & Parasites
- Finishing Up on Vaginal Infections and Something About STDsIn our recent Health Tip, we delved into the intricate world of Candida and yeast infections, but when it comes to sheer prevalence, the most common vaginal ailment is Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V., for brevity), typically ignited by a variety of culprits, with Gardnerella being the prime suspect. While B.V. isn’t classified as a traditional sexually transmitted disease (STD), it predominantly affects sexually active women. This condition arises due to shifts in vaginal conditions, triggered by factors such as antibiotics, changes in birth control methods, well-meaning douching practices, and even wardrobe choices like spandex or nylon underwear. Symptoms vary from absence (detected incidentally during routine PAP smears) to a thin, greyish-white, and itchy discharge. A savvy health care practitioner can diagnose B.V. based on symptoms, discharge appearance, and microscopic examination. The standard prescription often includes metronidazole, available as a vaginal cream or tablet, but boric acid suppositories have also been a trusted option for nearly a century. Additionally, maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome with probiotics can be beneficial.
- Common Vaginal Infections, Number 1: CANDIDAIn the realm of women’s health, few topics carry as much importance and intrigue as common vaginal infections, and Candida, often synonymous with “yeast infections,” holds a prominent place in this narrative. Candida, those resilient single-cell organisms, have coexisted with us since time immemorial, occasionally venturing into the spotlight when things down there fall out of balance. This blog post delves into the world of Candida, discussing its prevalence, symptoms, and factors that can tip the scales in its favor. From the relentless use of antibiotics to the sweet tooth of diabetics, we explore the intricate dynamics of Candida overgrowth and offer insights into managing these troublesome vaginal infections. So, join us on this journey into the realm of women’s health as we unravel the Candida conundrum and empower you with knowledge to foster a healthier vaginal microbiome.
- Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue, Part 12: Candida (Yeast) OvergrowthBack in 1993, several weeks before the opening of what would come to be called WholeHealth Chicago, I was summoned to the office of the chief of medicine at the… Read more: Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue, Part 12: Candida (Yeast) Overgrowth
Cardiovascular Health
- Hydration and LongevitySometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an Iranian physician with a totally unpronounceable name, Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D. She told me it had changed her life. Dr. B. attributed virtually all chronic illnesses, premature death, and susceptibility to infections to the state of chronic dehydration we had allowed ourselves to endure by our insufficient intake of water. Because Dr. B. also felt that water had curative properties, his work was literally shredded by conventional physicians here in the U.S., where he was regarded as a “crank” and a “quack”. The Wikipedia entry is especially brutal since it’s written by Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch, which (if you bother to read it) seems to have a special loathing for Dr. B. because of his claims that good hydration promotes longevity. And so the years pass. Dr. B. dies at 74, although his books (he wrote seven more) all remain in print, apparently being read by the well-hydrated, healthy, and generally ignored by the desiccated conventional physicians.
- How Menopause Can Destroy Mental Health“Pretty dramatic title,” I thought, “especially for usually staid, Guardian newspaper.” But the writer had been collecting data from UK doctors, interviewing patients, and clearly was shocked at what she… Read more: How Menopause Can Destroy Mental Health
- Water and Your LongevityYou’ll like this story. Sometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an… Read more: Water and Your Longevity
Case Studies
- Hydration and LongevitySometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an Iranian physician with a totally unpronounceable name, Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D. She told me it had changed her life. Dr. B. attributed virtually all chronic illnesses, premature death, and susceptibility to infections to the state of chronic dehydration we had allowed ourselves to endure by our insufficient intake of water. Because Dr. B. also felt that water had curative properties, his work was literally shredded by conventional physicians here in the U.S., where he was regarded as a “crank” and a “quack”. The Wikipedia entry is especially brutal since it’s written by Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch, which (if you bother to read it) seems to have a special loathing for Dr. B. because of his claims that good hydration promotes longevity. And so the years pass. Dr. B. dies at 74, although his books (he wrote seven more) all remain in print, apparently being read by the well-hydrated, healthy, and generally ignored by the desiccated conventional physicians.
- Water and Your LongevityYou’ll like this story. Sometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an… Read more: Water and Your Longevity
- “I Am So Bloated!”Susan wrote this on our WholeHealth Chicago form in the section marked “What’s the main problem?” She went on to tell me she’d been suffering for years, her stomach feeling… Read more: “I Am So Bloated!”
Chiropractic & Physical Medicine
- Wholehealth Chicago Partners With Chicago’s Finest Trigger Point Therapy TeamLet me tell you about Mary Biancalana and the value of myofascial trigger point therapy. A lifelong fitness expert and personal trainer, in her early thirties Mary found herself with… Read more: Wholehealth Chicago Partners With Chicago’s Finest Trigger Point Therapy Team
- Functional Telemedicine, Wherever You AreAll things considered, we’ve rather enjoyed our telemedicine interactions with patients. Doctoring this way also recently provided me with an Aha! moment. What I realized was that much of what… Read more: Functional Telemedicine, Wherever You Are
- Taking Care of Yourself while Staying HomeSeeing Your Chiropractic Physician via Telemedicine? Absolutely! I know what you’re thinking. ‘How can you possibly give me an adjustment during a video conference?’ The short answer is I can’t,… Read more: Taking Care of Yourself while Staying Home
Dermatology
- Dandruff, Fungi, and Cancer of the PancreasIt’s an eye-catching title, I’ll admit. But the links are quite real and further research may guide medicine in new directions of cancer prevention and treatment. It all starts in… Read more: Dandruff, Fungi, and Cancer of the Pancreas
- Case Study: Tracy’s Eczema From HellShe had wisely trimmed her fingernails to avoid injuring her own skin, but as she sat in my office she continuously rubbed one part of her body or another with… Read more: Case Study: Tracy’s Eczema From Hell
- Case Study: French Irritability ExplainedPatti came to our offices with her daughter and she’d written “Everything hurts” on our patient intake form. As she rose from the waiting room chair, her face grimaced in… Read more: Case Study: French Irritability Explained
Digestion
- “OH, I AM SO BLOATED!”Susan had written, “BLOATED!” in the section of her intake form headed, “What’s the main problem?”. She went on to relate to me how she’d been suffering for years, her… Read more: “OH, I AM SO BLOATED!”
- Leaky Gut Syndrome: At Long Last, An Accepted Diagnosis!Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal hyperpermeability, is a disorder that never appeared in any medical textbook I encountered in school. I first learned of its existence at an… Read more: Leaky Gut Syndrome: At Long Last, An Accepted Diagnosis!
- Why are we Getting Cancer When We’re Younger?Throughout my earlier years as a physician, cancer was considered a diagnosis of the elderly. A person survived infectious diseases of childhood, heart and lung issues of middle age, and… Read more: Why are we Getting Cancer When We’re Younger?
Diseases
- HERBS AND MEDICATIONS FOR PRE-DIABETES AND DIABETESLast week, when I mentioned discussing meds for pre-diabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4) or diabetes (6.5 and higher), I thought, “Wait a minute. Health Tip readers really don’t want meds. They do… Read more: HERBS AND MEDICATIONS FOR PRE-DIABETES AND DIABETES
- TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW ABOUT PRE-DIABETES AND DIABETESLast week, I talked about the importance of getting your act together if you learn you have pre-diabetes. This is when your body can’t handle excess sugar (glucose) and something… Read more: TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW ABOUT PRE-DIABETES AND DIABETES
- PREDIABETES, DIABETES, AND YOUWhen I was in medical school, I was repeatedly told, “If you learn ‘diabetes’, you’ll learn all you’ll need to be a good doctor.” I soon learned the basis of… Read more: PREDIABETES, DIABETES, AND YOU
Ear, Nose, & Throat
- The Ears Have ItI guess it’s because ears are basically such unattractive appendages, looking quite a lot like tree fungi attached to the sides of our heads, that we try not to think… Read more: The Ears Have It
- Covid Immunization: Facts, Not FictionIf you don’t feel like reading one more word about Covid-19, you’ve got my sympathy. However, if you’re inclined, scan this Health Tip and perhaps pick up a fact or… Read more: Covid Immunization: Facts, Not Fiction
- The Chemical Swill Accumulating In Your BodyI was pleased with the election of Joe Biden, not least because we might end (and start reversing) the more than 100 pollution rollbacks that the Trump administration has initiated… Read more: The Chemical Swill Accumulating In Your Body
Environmental Sensitivities
- LONGEVITY MEDICINE: Chronic Inflammation and CytokinesDid you ever wonder why some obese people, after decades of being badgered by their families and physicians to lose weight, out-live all of them and are healthy for decades?… Read more: LONGEVITY MEDICINE: Chronic Inflammation and Cytokines
- Longevity Medicine: How We AgeGerontology is the scientific study of aging. It’s a relatively new field, pretty well dominated by research PhDs. Certainly it’s a science that was virtually nonexistent when I was in… Read more: Longevity Medicine: How We Age
- Longevity Medicine: The Earlier You Start, The Longer You’ll LiveLeading an orchestra in Anton Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony is a real workout for any conductor. Tall and straight-backed, the very elegant Swedish Maestro Herbert Blomstedt stepped to the podium and… Read more: Longevity Medicine: The Earlier You Start, The Longer You’ll Live
Eye Care
- Macular DegenerationIt’s likely that many of the 6 million Americans with macular degeneration first hear about it during a visit to an eye doctor where they’ve come complaining about their declining vision. Most of them leave the office in a very discouraged state of mind, with the phrase “nothing can be done” ringing in their ears. The macula is a tiny spot in the center of the retina that enables you to distinguish the fine detail in the center of your visual field. In other words, all the truly important stuff of looking at things: reading, watching TV, threading a needle, driving a car.
- CataractsCataract surgery is truly a wonder of modern medicine. Today, ophthalmologists remove cataracts and insert lens implants as skillfully (and, it appears, as effortlessly) as you tie your shoes. As a bonus, Medicare picks up the tab because almost all surgery is performed on people over age 65. At WholeHealth Chicago, we believe you don’t necessarily have to develop cataracts. They may be a normal part of aging (rather than a disease), but they’re not inevitable. While no medicine is available to reverse cataracts, plenty of evidence exists on how lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can significantly lessen your chances of developing them in the first place. Even if you’ve developed the start of a cataract, you can keep it from worsening.
- Nutritional Health for Your EyesI was considerably cheered recently when I visited my ophthalmologist for a check-up and saw a shelf of vitamins in his lobby. Since I feel warm and fuzzy when I see a conventional physician recommending nutritional supplements, I had to ask.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
- What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?Fifteen years ago or so was the first time I wrote about the endlessly fascinating multi-purpose inexpensive Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Among the majority of conventional physicians, the “needle” has… Read more: What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?
- “Your Tests Are Negative. There’s Nothing Wrong. I Think You Need A Psychiatrist.”I hope you never have to hear these words from any doctor. Dismissive and ending anything useful you hoped from a consultation. You scheduled this appointment months earlier. You wanted… Read more: “Your Tests Are Negative. There’s Nothing Wrong. I Think You Need A Psychiatrist.”
- The Loneliest, Saddest Patients In AmericaImagine this: one night, you awaken from sleep feeling itchy all over. You scratch and scratch, eventually getting back to sleep. The next day, you feel like your skin is… Read more: The Loneliest, Saddest Patients In America
Fitness & Exercise
- Hydration and LongevitySometime in her eighties, my Aunt Hildy, who passed on at 94 or so, handed me a book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”, by an Iranian physician with a totally unpronounceable name, Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D. She told me it had changed her life. Dr. B. attributed virtually all chronic illnesses, premature death, and susceptibility to infections to the state of chronic dehydration we had allowed ourselves to endure by our insufficient intake of water. Because Dr. B. also felt that water had curative properties, his work was literally shredded by conventional physicians here in the U.S., where he was regarded as a “crank” and a “quack”. The Wikipedia entry is especially brutal since it’s written by Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch, which (if you bother to read it) seems to have a special loathing for Dr. B. because of his claims that good hydration promotes longevity. And so the years pass. Dr. B. dies at 74, although his books (he wrote seven more) all remain in print, apparently being read by the well-hydrated, healthy, and generally ignored by the desiccated conventional physicians.
- How To Take Care Of Your GutI must admit being intrigued by a New York Times article earlier this month entitled, “How a Gastroenterologist Cares for Her Gut”, because, let’s face it, we do a lot… Read more: How To Take Care Of Your Gut
- Alternative Approaches For Your Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, And Even A.D.D.Maybe the increases in these diagnoses began with the COVID pandemic but more likely we just weren’t paying attention. We’ll not really know until a few years from now when… Read more: Alternative Approaches For Your Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, And Even A.D.D.
Health Insurance Issues
- Weight Loss Surgery: A Health Tip For The Seriously ObeseI know most of you reading these Health Tips are health oriented, possibly a little overweight, some post-pregnancy and others due to Covid inactivity, nothing too serious. But if you… Read more: Weight Loss Surgery: A Health Tip For The Seriously Obese
- Introducing Our New WholeHealth Supplement PlansIf you’re a WholeHealth Chicago patient, you’ve likely noticed that we review your list of nutritional supplements during each appointment. Conventional doctors ask what prescription meds you’re taking (and of… Read more: Introducing Our New WholeHealth Supplement Plans
- A Genuinely Useful Blood TestMany a time, in person or via phone, someone will say a variation of “Look, I’m taking all these vitamins and minerals but I really don’t know what I’m doing.… Read more: A Genuinely Useful Blood Test
Healthy Lifestyle
- WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024Okay, so this Health Tip seems pretty important. After a certain age, every person fears getting cancer (and believe me, doctors are just as fearful as everyone else!). Being told… Read more: WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024
- I’m Taking So Many Meds! What Can I Stop? Part One: AntidepressantsAlthough many new patients arrive at WholeHealth Chicago with chronic symptoms and a history of no help elsewhere (“You’re my 12th doctor.”). Others pour out a bagful of medications with… Read more: I’m Taking So Many Meds! What Can I Stop? Part One: Antidepressants
- Reversing Cognitive Decline and Preventing Alzheimer’sYou saw a movie last week and in discussing it with friends simply can’t remember the important parts. Plus you just missed another appointment. Planning to drive to a north… Read more: Reversing Cognitive Decline and Preventing Alzheimer’s
Immune System
- If You Play Your Cards Right, You’ll Live Longer Than You Think.If you make healthy choices, you can live longer than you think. Exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excess salt are key. Consider anti-aging supplements, like curcumin and green tea extract. Don’t forget basics like vitamin D and vitamin C. Stay healthy and enjoy a longer, happier life.
- The Predicted Covid Uptick is Back: Here’s What To Do.In response to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and proactive. Recent events, including a busy Labor Day weekend with increased Paxlovid prescriptions and rising hospitalizations, signal the virus’s ongoing presence. Acting swiftly, even before a positive test result, is advised if you experience mild to moderate COVID symptoms within the first five days, especially if you’re at risk of severe complications. Regular self-testing and monitoring kit expiration dates are essential. Strengthening your immune system through supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc is crucial. For maximum potency, consider the Immune Boost IV, which delivers nutrients directly to your cells. Stay informed about COVID booster recommendations and mask precautions while remaining vigilant in these challenging times. Be well and prioritize the health of yourself and your loved ones.
- LYME TIME…AGAIN!In H.G. Wells’ novel (and Steven Spielberg’s movie), War of the Worlds, aliens from Mars invade earth, fully intending to destroy it. Earthlings are losing against the Martians until suddenly… Read more: LYME TIME…AGAIN!
Inflammation
- What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?Fifteen years ago or so was the first time I wrote about the endlessly fascinating multi-purpose inexpensive Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Among the majority of conventional physicians, the “needle” has… Read more: What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?
- Gluten Triggers Visible Brain Inflammation In MiceDon’t breathe a sigh of relief because you don’t have whiskers and a tail. Our digestive systems, and their immune response to gluten, happen to be very similar. If you’re… Read more: Gluten Triggers Visible Brain Inflammation In Mice
- I Just Don’t Feel Right, and My Tests Are Normal.Readers of these Health Tips know the usual suspects we look for at WholeHealth Chicago: chronic Lyme disease, toxic mold, multiple chemical sensitivities, but to me, as a physician, the… Read more: I Just Don’t Feel Right, and My Tests Are Normal.
Integrative Medicine
- What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?Fifteen years ago or so was the first time I wrote about the endlessly fascinating multi-purpose inexpensive Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Among the majority of conventional physicians, the “needle” has… Read more: What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?
- NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAINHigh on the wish list (probably highest, actually) of a new patient coming into WholeHealth Chicago for “wellness” is not just “longevity” but “longevity plus ‘brains/wit/wisdom’”, a la Betty White,… Read more: NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAIN
- Some Easy New Year’s Resolutions for LongevityNow that we’ve entered another New Year, here are a few REALLY EASY resolutions that will boost your health and likely to prolong your life. If I’m wrong, and you… Read more: Some Easy New Year’s Resolutions for Longevity
Lyme Disease & Morgellons
- The Loneliest, Saddest Patients In AmericaImagine this: one night, you awaken from sleep feeling itchy all over. You scratch and scratch, eventually getting back to sleep. The next day, you feel like your skin is… Read more: The Loneliest, Saddest Patients In America
- Commonly Missed Diagnosis: The Three Faces of Lyme Disease It’s midsummer and the tick population is exploding. They can latch onto your ankles and fall into your hair and when they bite (which you won’t even feel), they’ll attach themselves and empty their… Read more: Commonly Missed Diagnosis: The Three Faces of Lyme Disease
- May, June, July: Covid, Ticks, Long Haul, Chronic Lyme, What Next? Oh My!!COVID-19 is certainly still with us. Last week, the U.S. death toll crossed the one million mark. Suburban Evanston returned to the high-risk zone for COVID transmission, yet much of… Read more: May, June, July: Covid, Ticks, Long Haul, Chronic Lyme, What Next? Oh My!!
Men’s Health
- WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024Okay, so this Health Tip seems pretty important. After a certain age, every person fears getting cancer (and believe me, doctors are just as fearful as everyone else!). Being told… Read more: WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024
- Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid ArthritisIt’s important that you keep these two forms of painful arthritis separate in your mind. Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered ‘non-inflammatory’ and basically a ‘wear-and-tear’ phenomenon that occurs with passage of… Read more: Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Three Paths To Great Looking Skin: Diet, Hormones, Your GutLet’s clear away what everybody knows about speeding up skin aging: cigarettes(click to yucky picture), too much sun exposure, junk foods. As a nutritionally oriented physician, a healthful diet is… Read more: Three Paths To Great Looking Skin: Diet, Hormones, Your Gut
Mental Health
- Turning the Winter Blues Around: A 10-Step Action PlanThe winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), usually begin when the days get shorter and the sky clouds over into perpetual gray. Many people with SAD dread… Read more: Turning the Winter Blues Around: A 10-Step Action Plan
- How Menopause Can Destroy Mental Health“Pretty dramatic title,” I thought, “especially for usually staid, Guardian newspaper.” But the writer had been collecting data from UK doctors, interviewing patients, and clearly was shocked at what she… Read more: How Menopause Can Destroy Mental Health
- LONGEVITY MEDICINE: TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN, AND, YES, FOR WOMEN,TOOIn middle age, men will begin very slowly to notice a group of symptoms attributable to the decline of their male hormone testosterone. The medical term for this is “andropause”… Read more: LONGEVITY MEDICINE: TESTOSTERONE FOR MEN, AND, YES, FOR WOMEN,TOO
Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins, & Herbal Remedies
- YES! TELL ME HOW TO PREVENT CANCER!After a certain age, every person, doctors included, fears getting cancer. Hearing words like, “I see something worrisome on your pancreas” or “this could be leukemia” is a moment you… Read more: YES! TELL ME HOW TO PREVENT CANCER!
- NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAINHigh on the wish list (probably highest, actually) of a new patient coming into WholeHealth Chicago for “wellness” is not just “longevity” but “longevity plus ‘brains/wit/wisdom’”, a la Betty White,… Read more: NINE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR BRAIN
- Some Easy New Year’s Resolutions for LongevityNow that we’ve entered another New Year, here are a few REALLY EASY resolutions that will boost your health and likely to prolong your life. If I’m wrong, and you… Read more: Some Easy New Year’s Resolutions for Longevity
Pain Management
- What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?Fifteen years ago or so was the first time I wrote about the endlessly fascinating multi-purpose inexpensive Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Among the majority of conventional physicians, the “needle” has… Read more: What is Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Can It Help Me?
- Wholehealth Chicago Partners With Chicago’s Finest Trigger Point Therapy TeamLet me tell you about Mary Biancalana and the value of myofascial trigger point therapy. A lifelong fitness expert and personal trainer, in her early thirties Mary found herself with… Read more: Wholehealth Chicago Partners With Chicago’s Finest Trigger Point Therapy Team
- What are the benefits of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?Ten years ago last April marks the anniversary of the first time I wrote about low-dose naltrexone (LDN). I described it as an orphan drug, meaning that its patent had… Read more: What are the benefits of Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
Sexual Health
- Finishing Up on Vaginal Infections and Something About STDsIn our recent Health Tip, we delved into the intricate world of Candida and yeast infections, but when it comes to sheer prevalence, the most common vaginal ailment is Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V., for brevity), typically ignited by a variety of culprits, with Gardnerella being the prime suspect. While B.V. isn’t classified as a traditional sexually transmitted disease (STD), it predominantly affects sexually active women. This condition arises due to shifts in vaginal conditions, triggered by factors such as antibiotics, changes in birth control methods, well-meaning douching practices, and even wardrobe choices like spandex or nylon underwear. Symptoms vary from absence (detected incidentally during routine PAP smears) to a thin, greyish-white, and itchy discharge. A savvy health care practitioner can diagnose B.V. based on symptoms, discharge appearance, and microscopic examination. The standard prescription often includes metronidazole, available as a vaginal cream or tablet, but boric acid suppositories have also been a trusted option for nearly a century. Additionally, maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome with probiotics can be beneficial.
- Common Vaginal Infections, Number 1: CANDIDAIn the realm of women’s health, few topics carry as much importance and intrigue as common vaginal infections, and Candida, often synonymous with “yeast infections,” holds a prominent place in this narrative. Candida, those resilient single-cell organisms, have coexisted with us since time immemorial, occasionally venturing into the spotlight when things down there fall out of balance. This blog post delves into the world of Candida, discussing its prevalence, symptoms, and factors that can tip the scales in its favor. From the relentless use of antibiotics to the sweet tooth of diabetics, we explore the intricate dynamics of Candida overgrowth and offer insights into managing these troublesome vaginal infections. So, join us on this journey into the realm of women’s health as we unravel the Candida conundrum and empower you with knowledge to foster a healthier vaginal microbiome.
- The Care and Feeding of Your Vaginal MicrobiomeIn our quest for well-being, we often overlook an unsung hero within us—the vaginal microbiome. While we commonly associate the term “microbiome” with our gut, it extends its influence to various corners of our body, including our skin and, yes, our vagina. This remarkable microbial community, consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasites, plays a pivotal role in maintaining our health. A balanced vaginal microbiome contributes to seamless digestion, a robust immune system, neurotransmitter production, and even longevity. Yet, in our well-intentioned efforts to care for our bodies, we may inadvertently disrupt this delicate ecosystem. From douching and smoking to antibiotics and unwashed sex toys, several factors can upset the harmonious balance of the vaginal microbiome. In the pages ahead, we will explore the intricacies of this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health, shedding light on the care and feeding of your vaginal microbiome, and offering insights into maintaining its delicate equilibrium.
Thyroid, Adrenal, & Sex Hormone Issues
- MORE ABOUT YOUR THYROIDAs I explained last week, the thyroid hormone is virtually involved with everything your body does. All human cells have a “thyroid receptor site”, so when you have an insufficient… Read more: MORE ABOUT YOUR THYROID
- “Honey, It’s Your Thyroid!”Patients, especially women, often possess an intuitive sense about their thyroid glands, whether through shared experiences, online research, or encounters with energy intuitives. Yet, they frequently encounter resistance from their healthcare providers who rely solely on TSH levels and dismiss a broader assessment of thyroid function. Thyroid health is a complex interplay of hormones affecting every aspect of well-being, from fatigue and weight gain to hair loss, mental fog, and mood swings. The key to accurate diagnosis and treatment lies in comprehensive testing and a deep understanding of individual thyroid needs, offering patients the chance to regain vitality and wellness often lost in the maze of traditional healthcare.
- When Your Thyroid Medication Isn’t WorkingTwo thyroid facts worth knowing: You’ve shown up for your usual ten minute, quick glance billed to your insurer as an in-depth primary care office visit. You’re allowed to talk… Read more: When Your Thyroid Medication Isn’t Working
Weight Issues
- OZEMPIC, TRULICITY, MOUNJARO, ZEPBOUND: THE SEMAGLUTIDES. YES! THEY WORK!You’re tired of being overweight, and you’ve been a victim of the tyranny of the last ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds as long as you can remember. You’ve tried everything.… Read more: OZEMPIC, TRULICITY, MOUNJARO, ZEPBOUND: THE SEMAGLUTIDES. YES! THEY WORK!
- MORE ABOUT YOUR THYROIDAs I explained last week, the thyroid hormone is virtually involved with everything your body does. All human cells have a “thyroid receptor site”, so when you have an insufficient… Read more: MORE ABOUT YOUR THYROID
- “Honey, It’s Your Thyroid!”Patients, especially women, often possess an intuitive sense about their thyroid glands, whether through shared experiences, online research, or encounters with energy intuitives. Yet, they frequently encounter resistance from their healthcare providers who rely solely on TSH levels and dismiss a broader assessment of thyroid function. Thyroid health is a complex interplay of hormones affecting every aspect of well-being, from fatigue and weight gain to hair loss, mental fog, and mood swings. The key to accurate diagnosis and treatment lies in comprehensive testing and a deep understanding of individual thyroid needs, offering patients the chance to regain vitality and wellness often lost in the maze of traditional healthcare.
Women’s Health
- WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024Okay, so this Health Tip seems pretty important. After a certain age, every person fears getting cancer (and believe me, doctors are just as fearful as everyone else!). Being told… Read more: WELLNESS PATH TO CANCER PREVENTION 2024
- Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid ArthritisIt’s important that you keep these two forms of painful arthritis separate in your mind. Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered ‘non-inflammatory’ and basically a ‘wear-and-tear’ phenomenon that occurs with passage of… Read more: Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Menopause Hot Flashes: They’re Getting Worse but Some Good News, Too!A large study from Sweden was reported in The Washington Post that menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are coming earlier, lasting longer and more severe. 24% of… Read more: Menopause Hot Flashes: They’re Getting Worse but Some Good News, Too!
Hello I read one of your blogs and you mention how you get rid of athlete’s foot. When I use over the counter my foot cracks. You mention that you use a combination of anti fungal and something else to prevent cracking. I can’t find it in the knowledge base. Could you please send me the link to that blog or tell me the combination that you use. Thank you
Regina Gately