Author: abigailseaver

Ridgway Health Fair and Lab Specials

Posted on by abigailseaver
It is almost that time of year again!  The Ridgway Health Fair will be held on January 30th from 7am to 11am at the 4H Center.  This is a great time to have screening lab tests done at a reasonable cost in addition to free blood pressure, eye, skin and bone density screenings.  I will have a booth set up so stop by and say hello!
As in previous years I will be offering the same blood tests as the Health Fair at the same prices for the months of February and March for those who can’t make it to the Health Fair.

Acid Reflux Solutions

Posted on by abigailseaver
Acid Reflux is an incredibly common condition, affecting more than 3 million Americans.  It is due to stomach acid rising up into the esophagus and causing irritation.
Over the counter and prescription acid-suppressive medications are the most common treatment for this condition.  While safe and helpful on a short-term basis, these medications, particularly the proton pump inhibitormedications used chronically are associated with increased risk of fracture, certain types of infections and nutrient deficiencies. 
Most cases of acid reflux can be treated naturally without medication.  My aim is always to try to find the cause of the problem.  Common causes of this condition include hiatal hernia (a structural problem), insufficient stomach acid production, eating too close to bedtime, overeating, consumption of sodas, high fat meats and fried foods, alcohol and caffeine and smoking.   
Lifestyle modification and specific dietary supplements to address the causes of reflux lead to rapid relief of this condition.

Holiday Schedule

Posted on by abigailseaver
Appointments are available during the holiday period this year!
I will be scheduling patients on December 21st and 22nd from 9am to noon and also December 28th, 29th and 30th from 9am to 3pm.  Regular office hours will start again Tuesday January 5th.
Have a wonderful holiday!

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

Posted on by abigailseaver
I will be out of the office for the Thanksgiving Holiday from November 23rd to November 30th.  Tara will be in on Tuesday November 24th to assist you with supplement purchases or scheduling if needed.  We will re-open on Tuesday December 1st.
Have a wonderful holiday week!

Vitamin B12 Injections Are Back!

Posted on by abigailseaver
Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal function of the nervous system.  I find the injections helpful for those with fatigue, depression, neurologic conditions, intestinal conditions causing
malabsorption of nutrients, those on a vegandiet, chronic asthma and certain types of
anemia.
Additionally, those taking the following medications are at high risk for development of Vitamin B12 deficiency due to the depletion of B12 by the medication:
Diabetes drugs such as Metformin, Steroidssuch as Prednisone, Antibiotics, Oral Contraceptives and Acid Blocking medications such as Prilosec.
Schedule a visit for an injection!  It some situations it is also possible for me to teach you how to administer the injections at home.

Legislative Update

Posted on by abigailseaver
As most of you know, Naturopathic Doctors are now licensed by the state of Colorado thanks to your efforts!
Our next step is to pass our first Sunset Reviewwhich is where the legislature will review our initial licensing law and determine if if should continue or if it is unnecessary and dissolve it.
Ultimately our goal is to have full scope of practice for Colorado NDs.  One way to support this goal is to become a supporting member of our state association (COAND).
Supporting members have full access to our COAND website, receive the newsletter and get discounts on COAND events.
Do you love the care your Naturopathic Doctor provides?
 
Do you want to ensure Naturopathic Doctors can continue to practice in Colorado?
 
Do you wish your Naturopathic Doctor had a broader scope of practice? 
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consider becoming a supporting member by visiting www.coand.org. 

Care for Winter Skin

Posted on by abigailseaver
Super Salve skin lotions and salves are now available in the office to care for your dry, chapped winter skin!  This New Mexico company makes lovely products that nourish your skin with completely natural ingredients.  The products are also free of chemicals and are reasonably priced. Take a look at their website for more information:  www.supersalve.com
If you see other products on their site that you would like us to add to our regular order, let us know!

Cold and Flu Prevention

Posted on by abigailseaver
The weather has been so mild lately that I have almost forgotten that cold and flu season is on its way!
Influenzinum homeopathic flu prevention has just arrived in addition to my other favorite immune support products such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, A-Biotic, Acute Immune, Respiguard Glycerite, Berberine and Bromelain.  Individual herbal tinctures including Echinacea, Goldenseal, Astragalus and many others are always available as well.

Summer Office Schedule

Posted on by abigailseaver
I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer so far!
I will be out of the office from June 26th to July 6thand from July 20th to July 30th.  Lisa and Tara will be in the office on Monday and Thursday mornings during those weeks to assist you with supplement purchases, appointment scheduling, etc.
All other weeks during the summer, the office is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Posted on by abigailseaver
The root of the herb Shatavari is one of the most potent plants used in the Ayurvedic tradition to reinvigorate the female reproductive system.  It has a reputation for improving fertility and addressing low estrogen levels in peri-menopause and menopause.
It appears to enhance LH and FSH production from the pituitary gland, stimulating ovulation and estrogen production in the ovaries.  I have noticed clinically that it can also be effective at normalizing an irregular menstrual cycle and increasing vaginal moisture.  It comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “Woman with a thousand husbands” which refers to its effect on fertility and libido.
Talk to me to see if this herb is right for you.  It is not appropriate for women who have had breast cancer and because it enhances moisture production can prove too moistening for those with conditions such as chronic sinusitis.

Spring/Summer Cleanse

Posted on by abigailseaver
It’s time to do a cleanse!
Late spring and early summer are great times to do a cleanse with plenty of fresh produce coming out of local gardens and farms.
I am offering the same program as last year which encompasses a 30 minute office visit with me where I review the cleanse program in detail and tailor it to your needs.  In addition you will receive one dietary supplement to support liver cleansing.
The total cost is $75.  Call to schedule your visit!

Community Supported Agriculture

Posted on by abigailseaver
Community Supported Agriculture or CSA refers to a farming program in which an individual purchases a “share” of the farm’s products for a growing season and then receives a weekly distribution of the products that are in season.  This is a fabulous way to get the freshest variety of local organic produce at a reasonable cost while helping local farms to stay in business.  Most CSAs offer several sizes of shares to suit the size of your family and your budget.
There are several CSAs in operation in the local area. Contact them to find out what they have to offer!
Circle A Garden (Montrose):  circleagarden.com
Buckhorn Gardens (Montrose):  buckhorngardens.blogspot.com
Indian Ridge Farm (Norwood):  indianridgefarm.org

Kale Apple Walnut Salad

Posted on by abigailseaver
My current favorite kale salad from the fantastic cookbook “Nourishing Meals” by Alissa Segersten. Kale happens to be a source of calcium:  1 cup of raw kale contains 10% of your daily calcium!
Salad:
1 bunch kale, rinsed
1/2 green apple, diced
1 cup walnuts, roasted if desired
Dressing:
1/2 green apple
6 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
4 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Remove the thick stem from the middle of each kale leaf.  Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Toss kale in a medium sized bowl with diced apple.
Place all ingredients for dressing into a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour dressing over kale and apples.  Sprinkle walnuts on salad.  Toss together. Serve.

PMS and Calcium

Posted on by abigailseaver
Premenstrual syndrome, which causes mood swings, irritability, bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance is familiar to most women at some point in their reproductive years.
I reviewed the literature on PMS recently and was surprised to see that no nutrient has been as well studied for the treatment of PMS as calcium.
Blood calcium levels are lowest in the second half of the menstrual cycle due to natural fluctuations in estrogen and parathyroid hormone.
Many good studies show that 1,000-1,200mg of calcium daily from dietary sources or dietary supplements dramatically improved PMS symptoms.
Calcium should always be paired with magnesium in a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 for this purpose, as magnesium deficiency is a common contributor to PMS as well.