Writing Content for the Web Content Type: How-To

2 - Marketing [Business] Writers Resources FAQs Help and Tutorials Published By:  Vision Websystems Author:  Business Profile: Vision Websystems Created: 29 May 04 Updated: 3 Oct 04 Simplicity You need to apply Occum's razor to your Web page contents. If the page works without an item, leave it off. (Occum suggested that all things being equal, the simplest hypothesis wins.)  Leave out advertising. It takes up space. It isn't why your visitor showed up. It won't make you any money. Don't try to hold your visitor captive on your site. It's not polite and won't work anyway. When you include outgoing links (and you should, you're part of a larger community) make sure you make it clear where they go--and that it's off your site. Content design Be succinct. Write your page copy then reduce the number of words by 50%. Focus on what's really important to your visitors. People read via computer monitors at least 25% more slowly than paper. Create visual clarity. Use headlines, bolded words (but not underlined), bulleted lists, tables, and other visual structures to make it easy for the visitor to quickly understand the key points of a page. Expose agency personality. You don't need to write in a dry, academic, or gray business-speak manner. On the other hand, don't be too cute. Edit your copy. Spell check. Grammar check. Fact check. Have multiple people proof your copy before posting it. Have a professional writer clean and tighten your copy. Errors on your site reduce credibility. Use plain language that your audience can understand. Your Web site visitors are not insurance experts. They may not understand technical insurance language. Use metaphors sparingly. People may misinterpret them. Make it easy for your visitors to get to what they care about. Avoid trying to include too many subjects on one page. Provide a conceptual and linking structure so that visitors can get to the content they're seeking without wading through volumes of what is to them irrelevant text. Published By:  Vision Websystems

 

Marketing Checklist for Healthcare Content Type: How-To

2 - Marketing [Business] Marketing and Advertising Advertising Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com Author:  Mr Jeffrey David Sternberg, IIDA [ONE]  One@BetterBusinessInstitute.org Business Profile: IdeasInstitute.com Created: 22 Sep 04 Updated: 23 Mar 05 Practice Systems and Facilities ·         Signage o        Exterior o        In Office ·         Your Office o        Appearance Exterior and Interior o        Colors o        Furnishings o        Logistics o        Maintenance ·         Computer System o        Practice Management Software §         Appointment and Treatment Plan check-up notification §         Current database of Patients for labels and mail merge §         Consultation letters to other doctors §         Referral capture and thank you letters o        Office Computers and software §         Create Brochures, Informational Pamphlets, forms §         Mail merge letters §         Practice Accounting and Retail o        Network §         Server side programs §         File Sharing §         Periphery Sharing ie Printers, scanners §         Intranet Intra Practice Information and Communications §         Extranet ability to Network with outside offices Collateral Materials Brochures, Informational Pamphlets and Forms ·         Printed Material o        Practice cards o        Appointment Cards o        Appointment Reminder Postcards o        Stationary o        Practice Brochure o        Pre-Intake Explanation for Patient §         What to expect and Patient responsibilities §         Practice Responsibilities §         Insurance and Fee policies o        General Recommendations for Health o        Informational Pamphlets by Dysfunction and Therapy   Information Dissemination Systems - Communications ·         Telephone System o        Live Receptionist o        Voice mail o        Greeting & Direction Tree How effective? o        Mail Boxes o        Mail Boxes Recording of Directions and Collateral Materials o        Emergency Numbers o        Printed Directory of Staff Extensions and Recordings ·         Fax o        Available 24/7 o        Efax using computer email ·         Internet Service in Office o        Information gathering o        Practice management o        Assist in Ordering and Practice Function o        Internal Communications ·       Email o        Practice email with Staff to oversee o        Catch-all email (which accepts all misdirected emails) o        Email for each provider and department o        Spam Protection o        Virus Protection o        Email policy Information Dissemination System - Web Presence and Tools ·         Internet - Web Presence o        Website o        Easy to remember URL Domain Name (www.Practice Name.COM, NET or ORG) o        Information and Features your Web Presence should Include    §         ALL of the Basic Categories of Information             §         Additional Information and Features            §         Higher levels of Functionality o        Understandable Navigation o        Reasonable graphic and visual elements o        Scalable Start simply and build o        Tools Required to Build and Maintain o        Traffic Building devices §         Functions: Printer Friendly pages, Email to a Friend, Newsletters (Spam Free) §         Visitor Retention features Discussion Groups §         Gateway pages specific pages that funnel traffic to main site §         Links ·         Internet Marketing o        Internet Sites §         Professional Organizations §         Civic Organizations §         Topic oriented sites o        Web Site Promotion §         Collaborative Promotion §         Web Ring §         Purchased Promotional Service ·         Search Engines ·         Pay per Click ·         Banner ·         Ads ·         Purchase Traffic ·         Key Word Advertising and Promotions ·         Yellow Pages & Directories o        What information in your listing differentiates your Practice from any other? o        Is your email listed? o        Is your website listed? o        Other internet based Directories and Sites ·         Print Advertising o        Newspaper o        Other establishments such as health food stores §         Posters §         Brochures §         Cooperative advertising ·         Newsletters o        How often are they sent? o        Do you write it all or use a service that produces it for you? o        Is it Print or Email or a mixture? o        Is it sent to active Patients or inactive and active? o        Do you have methods to get new addresses of potential Patients? ·         Promotions o        Free Blood pressure checks, prescription review ·         Events & Networking o        Sponsor events or seminars o        Local Speakers Bureau o        Affiliation with groups such as Chamber of Commerce Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Content Type: Article

5 - Health [Lifestyle] Healthcare Environmental Health Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC Author:  Dr. Robban Sica, MD  support@centerhealingarts.com Business Profile: Center for the Healing Arts, PC Created: 2 Oct 04 Updated: 18 Sep 05   How Chemical Exposures May Be Affecting Your Health   What is MCS? The enormous increase in the use of new chemicals since World War II has led not only to the pollution of the outdoor environment, but also to a sharp decrease in the quality of indoor air in the home and workplace.  As a result, more and more people are developing a troubling condition known as MCS, or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These people experience symptoms upon exposure to even low levels of chemicals such as those found in these common substances:   pesticides                                  perfumes cleaning products                       paints tobacco smoke                          new carpet fabric finishes                             newsprint medications                               shampoos carpet shampoo                         cosmetics hair spray                                  caffeine scented deodorants                    solvents air fresheners                             moth balls particleboard                              chlorine building materials                       detergents formaldehyde                             gas stoves food additives                             soft plastics auto/diesel exhaust                    scented soaps marking pens                             gasoline fabric softeners                          inks fuel oil                                       glues   People who develop chemical sensitivity often begin to notice that they can no longer tolerate certain foods that they used to be able to eat without any problem, and sometimes they cannot tolerate alcoholic beverages.  Many people with MCS are also very sensitive to the chemicals called mycotoxins that are given off by molds.   Common MCS Symptoms People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can have a wide variety of symptoms as the result of chemical exposures, with different patients having different symptoms.  A given patient, however, will usually have the same symptom in response to a given exposure, perhaps getting a headache after exposure to paint or having arthritic pains after exposure to natural gas.   Most people with MCS experience symptoms in more than one organ system as the result of exposure to chemicals.  Although some people with MCS experience psychological symptoms, this does not mean that the condition is caused by psychological factors.  The following list includes some of the more common symptoms reported:   headaches                                migraines                      sensitivity to light irregular heartbeat                      asthma                         sensitivity to sound arthritis/joint pains                      insomnia                      sensitivity to temperature swollen glands                           dizziness sinus problems                          seizures muscle pains                             bloating constipation                               diarrhea abdominal cramps                      nausea hyperactivity                              vomiting mood swings                             depression irritability                                   anxiety extreme fatigue                          eczema memory problems                      rashes poor coordination                       seizures ringing in ears                            TMJ problems concentrating              ADHD   Treatment for MCS MCS is a difficult illness to treat, but many patients report that avoiding chemical exposures for an extended period of time has enabled them to regain some degree of tolerance to chemicals and improve their health. Oxygen therapy may be beneficial, if testing shows it is warranted. Patients are trying many different therapies in an effort to regain their health, often with mixed results.  It may be helpful to check what the experience of others has been.  It is important to choose carefully a physician who has some understanding of chemical sensitivity. Additional information about MCS or referrals can be obtained through the following organizations:   MCS Referral & Resources         508 Westgate Rd. Baltimore, MD 21229 www.mcsrr.org    donnaya@rtk.net          410-362-6400   American Academy of Environmental Medicine     7701 East Kellogg, Suite 625,     Wichita, KS 67207 www.aaem.com             316-684-5500   Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics     1010 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 513         Washington D.C. 20005     202-347-4976   ECHO, Inc. Ecological Health Organization, Inc.   P.O. Box 0119 Hebron, CT 06248-0119       860-228-2693   Chemical Injury Information Network        P.O. Box 301 White Sulphur Springs, MT  59645 406-547-2255                 www.ciin.org      Publishes Our Toxic Times newsletter.   Chemical Sensitivity Foundation Board                www.conceptmed.com/Johnson Alicia Johnson, Chair, Board of Directors Has excellent video, brochure that explains MCS to family/friends   Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC

DISCLAIMER The Center for the Healing Arts. PC offers the information on this Web site for general educational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. While The Center for the Healing Arts. PC has endeavored to make sure the information contained in this site is accurate, The Center for the Healing Arts. PC cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, and it is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. ·         NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEB SITE. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ·         Center for the Healing Arts, PC and Dr. Robban Sica are NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS SITE. ·         Call Your Doctor or 911 in Case of Emergency: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. DO NOT USE THIS WEB SITE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.     Please note: This is an alternative medicine practice.  Although Dr. Robban Sica is a medical doctor who can and does prescribe medication and/or refer for conventional therapies, as appropriate, the focus of our practice is integrating ALTERNATIVE approaches with conventional medicine.  We work towards reducing medication, wherever possible, and use and recommend many treatments that conventional medical doctors may not agree with or be knowledgeable in. If you are uncomfortable with the alternative approach to medicine, please be advised that this practice is not for you.

 

The Case for Six Sigma in Hospitals Content Type: Article

3 - Management [Business] Management Business Process Analysis Published By:  The Genesis Group Author:  Principal Bob Brooks  bob-brooks@msn.com Business Profile: The Genesis Group Created: 28 Sep 04 Updated: 4 Oct 04 The Need   Costs are increasing.   Modern technological miracles including increasingly sophisticated diagnostic equipment are rapidly devouring capital budgets.  Staffing shortages are driving wages and salaries up, and increasingly complex IT infrastructures are extremely expensive. Revenues are being squeezed.  Private insurance carriers as well as Medicaid and Medicare have very restrictive reimbursement schedules which frequently dont even cover the cost of services provided. Maintaining staffing levels is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in key areas such as nursing.  Staff turnover is extremely costly.  Not only is recruiting expensive, but high turnover rates disrupt organizational functioning. Competition for patients is growing more intense every year.  Baby boomers, the major market segment, are especially demanding and vocal.  Furthermore, groups such as Leapfrog and internet sources are making performance data more available to them.  How does your hospital stack up? Patient safety has become a major public policy issue.  The 1999 IOM study estimated that 98,000 people die every year as a result of medical errors and that the cost for this could be as high as $29 billion dollars a year.  Extrapolating the results of the Harvard study of New York suggests that 1.3 million people are injured each year in hospitals. Litigation mania is an issue throughout the medical world.  It not only drives up insurance costs but sucks up large amounts of management time as well.     Results With Six Sigma   Six sigma helps hospitals address all of these issues.  It produces significant cost savings by systematically streamlining and integrating processes.   The six sigma focus on meeting customer requirements means improved patient satisfaction.  When the customer is another internal process, it improves teamwork and efficiency, as well. Patient safety is enhanced by the six sigma robust approach to process design and the use of tools designed to identify and remove potential sources of errors.   In addition to producing significant cost savings, six sigma can increase capacity.  Just imagine the payoff from having an emergency or radiology department that was 25% larger without any additional capital or operating expenses. Suppose you could run a floor with 10% fewer people?  What would the financial impact be of getting an additional operating room at no cost?    Six sigma could be an invaluable tool for meeting the forthcoming JCAHO standards.   The standard due to take effect in January regarding emergency room overcrowding specifically requires hospitals to:   Plan how to efficiently move patients through an organization, regardless of patient volume. Incorporate emergency department overcrowding into performance improvement activities. Use performance indicators to predict and monitor the capacity of individual support services and areas that receive emergency department patients. Because so many problems that show up in the ER have complex causes with roots elsewhere in the organization, six sigma is the ideal tool for addressing the issue of cycle time there.   Six sigma has been successfully applied in all phases of hospital operations, both business and clinical.   -  Admissions                                        -  Diagnosis -  Receivables                                        -  Cardiology -  Compliance                                        -  Nursing care -  Patient records                                   -  Treatment delays -  Claims processing                              -  Pharmacy   Here are some examples of results other hospitals have achieved using six sigma.   Improving OR Throughput A  reduction of medication errors Improvement in patient satisfaction Reduction of patients discharged, not final billed Reducing errors in physical coding of medical procedures Reducing the cost of vaginal deliveries Reduced infections in bowel resections Reduction in the time patients are on IV antibiotics Improving nursing retention Reducing the CHF DRC length of stay (6.2 to 4.2 days) Reducing ED cycle times Reducing cycle time for lab tests Reducing blood utilization Reducing cycle time for the hiring process Reducing cycle time in various outpatient diagnostic areas Improving clinical documentation to insure it matches services rendered   One hospital CEO pointed out that, "A key benefit of six sigma is increased employee and physician satisfaction as we have begun to fix problems in operational processes that have been a source of frustration and aggravation for these important stakeholders.  Employee retention has improved, which we believe is largely due to our six sigma initiative."   Probably because they see six sigma as a competitive effort, most organizations don't seem anxious to give details about their results.  The Charleston Area Medical Center, however; reported a $3.2 million bottom line impact over the first couple years of their effort.  Another CEO reported savings of over $1 million in the second year of his hospitals six sigma effort.   The CEO of Commonwealth Care in Kentucky said, "Six sigma has become the capstone of the pyramid of quality we have built over the years.  It brings everything to a new level... Within 18 months, CHC not only reinvigorated and transformed its culture; it also increased productivity and improved the overall patient experience, while eliminating more than $800,000 in total costs.  Annual radiology costs decreased by $595,296, and improvements in billing generated annualized savings of $276,188... Errors in the MR ordering process were reduced by 90%...  In fact radiology throughput was increased by 25% with fewer resources, so cost per procedure decreased by 21.5%. And perhaps most notably--recognizing quality as a crucial factor in the health care equation--errors in the MR ordering process were reduced by 90%.     Published By:  The Genesis Group

 

ALLERGIES: Testing & Treatment Options Content Type: Article

5 - Health [Lifestyle] Healthcare Environmental Health Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC Author:  Dr. Robban Sica, MD  support@centerhealingarts.com Business Profile: Center for the Healing Arts, PC Created: 4 Oct 04 Updated: 18 Sep 05   Environmental Medicine and Allergy   Environmental Medicine is devoted to the careful examination of those environmental factors that can disturb our health and behavior, and that are often neglected or ignored by conventional physicians.  Allergy has been traditionally associated with the treatment of dermatitis, rhinitis, and hay fever.  However, today we recognize the fact that adverse reactions to foods, inhalant allergens, and chemicals may be directly related to many systemic problems.  Headache, chronic fatigue, asthma, heart palpitations, irritable bowel, and arthritis are among the many complaints that can be successfully managed through a more through understanding of allergy.    Using an integrative, holistic approach, we investigate the cause of illness by understanding how the individual interfaces with his or her environment.  A detailed investigation of history, diet, and lifestyle along with state-of-the-art diagnostic methods allows us to achieve a better understanding of the underlying causes of sensitivities.  We have carefully selected which methods of testing and treatment that we use, because they are more effective in achieving optimal results.  We determine which methods fit best for a given individual and their unique circumstances.    What is allergy? Recent statistics how that over 50 million people (about 25% of the U.S. population) suffer from some form of allergy.  Allergy symptoms are responsible for more visits to the doctors office than any other single disease in this country.  An allergy can be defined as an abnormal physical reaction to substances called allergens, or antigens, that are harmless to most people.  Pollen, house dust mites, mold spores, animal danders, foods, drugs, dyes, cosmetics, perfumes, and stinging insects are common sources of allergens.  These allergens can enter the body in different ways:  pollens, house dust, and mold spores are inhaled; food allergens are swallowed; poison ivy and cosmetics produce symptoms in allergic people by touch: certain drugs and insect venoms enter the body by injection.   The immune system produces antibodies as a defense against infection and other diseases.  In allergic people, excessive antibodies are produced and these antibodies react with the allergens, releasing inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, and cause allergic symptoms.  These reactions may be immediate, as in an acute hypersensitivity reaction, or delayed.  Foods and molds can typically cause delayed reactions, even 48 to 72 hours after the exposure.  Other types of reactions, such as cytotoxic reactions, lectin interactions, and intolerances, also cause similar symptoms but are not immune system mediated and therefore not classically an allergy.   What are the Symptoms of Allergy?   Allergic symptoms may take a variety of forms and affect many organs and tissues of the body: HEAD:              Headaches, excessive drowsiness after eating, hyperactivity, panic attacks, depression, learning disabilities.   NASAL:            Runny nose, stuffy nose, post nasal drip, sneezing, recurrent sinusitis.   SKIN:                Hives, rashes, eczema, psoriasis dermatitis, pallor, itching, scaling.   EYES:              Redness, itching, swelling, tearing, blurred vision.   RESPIRATORY:            Asthma, wheezing, tightness in the chest, cough, recurrent bronchial infections.   DIGESTIVE TRACT:       Stomachache, bloating after meals, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, gas, gastritis, acid reflux, indigestion, colitis, binge eating, addictive eating.   GENERAL:         Chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and pains, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic urinary tract symptoms, chronic vaginitis.   Is Allergy Inherited?  The tendency to develop allergies may run in families.  Studies have shown if one parent has allergies, the child has approximately a 50% chance of also having allergies.  If both parents are allergic, the chances may be as high as 80%.   Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing allergies include frequent antibiotic use, chronic candidiasis (yeast infections), certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and exposures to environmental toxins.  Since the environment is becoming increasingly polluted, more and more people are developing allergies.   Will Children Grow Out of Allergies? Sometimes the symptoms of allergy seem to disappear by themselves but research has shown that infants and children who suffer from allergies tend to develop more severe problems later in life, if left untreated.  Hay fever or asthma in a child may lead to other physical abnormalities or emotional problems (such as learning disabilities).  Therefore, early detection and control of allergies can reduce the possibility of complications in adulthood.     My allergy symptoms are mild; why should I get tested and treated? Even though symptoms are mild and self-limited, allergic reactions put a strain on the immune system, drain energy, and contribute to chronic illness.  Many allergy symptoms are subtle or hidden. In the pursuit of optimal wellness, it is beneficial to reduce these stressors and allow the body the freedom to heal.   How are Allergies Determined? Appropriate treatment and control of allergy problems requires careful identification of specific allergens.  The first step in diagnosis is taking a detailed history, which can provide essential evidence to confirm the presence of allergy, and, in some cases, identify the offending substances.  We utilize several different methods of allergy testing at the Center for the Healing Arts that have distinct advantages over scratch/patch testing or blood testing, neither of which is very sensitive or effective.   Intradermal Testing:    In this method, a small amount of allergen is place under the skin with a small needle.  After ten minutes, the site is examined to see if the size of the wheal has increased indicating a positive allergic reaction.  By testing each allergen individually, instead of simultaneously with many other allergens as in scratch testing, the sensitivity of the testing is increased.  Frequently, symptoms caused by the allergen can also be identified; this is called provocation of symptoms.  This is especially important in the case of hidden or delayed reactions, when the wheal can be seen 24-48 hours later. Provocation/Neutralization:     This method is also called serial endpoint titration.  It utilizes intradermal testing while using increasingly dilute solutions of the allergen until the first negative skin reaction is achieved.  This is called the neutralizing dose, as it will shut off or neutralize the reaction.  Electro-dermal screening:       The Listen System is a computer based electro-dermal screening instrument that painlessly measures changes in skin conductance, utilizing acupuncture points.  First developed in Europe about 50 years ago, this instrument now utilizes state-of-the-art technology. This non-invasive system does not present any serious risk of allergic reaction often associated with traditional scratch testing.   It is therefore the method of choice for children (especially small children), severely allergic individuals, or those with chemical sensitivity.  It is particularly effective for assessing and treating food reactions, since a large number of foods can be quickly and painlessly screened, and neutralizing doses identified.   The Listen System is a non-invasive class III Investigational Medical Device.  It has been approved by an institutional review board as a safe instrument to use on any patient.  It is not a diagnostic instrument but may be used, in addition to conventional medical procedures, to help establish a better understanding of the patients problems.     Allergy Test Panels Available: Foods:              Includes 150 common foods and 30 food phenolic compounds.  Specific additional foods can be tested upon request at no additional charge.             Inhalants:         Mold spores, household dust and dust mites, animal danders (cat, dog, etc.).             Pollens:           Trees, weeds, grasses, usually cause seasonal allergies or hay fever.             Chemicals:       Household chemicals (chlorine, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, perfume, etc.)                                      Industrial chemicals (plastics, petroleum, resins, etc.)             Biologics:         Hormones, neurotransmitters, and other substances.   How are Allergies Treated? An allergy treatment program may include several phases for control of symptoms.  Once the offending substances have been identified, it is necessary to implement a program of avoidance of these substances as much as possible, combined with a program of specific therapeutic management.  We utilize several methods of immuno-therapy:   Optimal Dose Neutralization:   This method of neutralization is self-administered, according to physician recommendations.  It is generally not accompanied by serious risk of allergic reactions associated with conventional allergy treatment, as the safety of this dose in the individual has already been established during testing.  Optimal dose neutralization may afford relatively rapid relief of symptoms and stabilization of the immune system.  Effective management, however, may require careful periodic assessment.  It may be administered at home by injection or sublingual.  Sublingual:      In this mode of administration, drops of the neutralizing dose are given under the tongue, usually daily, so injections are not required. Injection:         In some individuals, this mode of administration is more effective, particularly for inhalant allergies.  Injections are usually self-administered twice a week.   Low-dose Buildup Desensitization:      This method of treatment, pioneered by Marshall Mandel, MD, requires injections on a weekly basis. We begin in the office (to monitor adverse reactions) with extremely dilute solutions and gradually increasing the strength of the solution, until control of allergy symptoms is achieved.  Once the treatment dose is achieved, the shots may be administered at home, every 1 to 4 weeks, as recommended. Although this is the most time-intensive treatment method, often requiring 3 to 6 months to reach treatment dose, it is also extremely effective for inhalant allergy symptoms, particularly in patients who have failed other treatment modalities, as the allergen extracts are prepared for maximum effectiveness.   Integrated Treatment Plan:     A successful outcome can be enhanced for all allergy sufferers by minimizing exposure to environmental stressors at home and at the workplace: Ø       Individualizing testing and treatment. Ø       Identification of possible sources of exposure. Ø       Education about environmental controls, including mattress barrier covers, less toxic cleaners, paints, air and water purifiers, etc. Ø       Proper nutritional and herbal support. Ø       Instruction and counseling about elimination of offending foods and rotation diets. Ø       Support and encouragement throughout the entire treatment process.   GUIDELINES FOR ALLERGY TESTING APPOINTMENTS   Scheduling: If traveling a distance for your appointment with the doctor and will need testing, you may wish to arrange to schedule testing on the same day.  Acupuncture or intravenous treatments must be done after allergy testing, if done on the same day.  Please speak to our staff to coordinate these appointments to make the most of your time with us. The Center has no day care facilities for infants and children who are not patients. Please bring along another adult who will be able to monitor the child.   Electro-dermal Screening:  Requires 60 minutes for the first panel, an additional 30 minutes for an additional panel.  If you wish to have any supplements or medications tested, please bring these with you the day of your appointment. Intra-dermal Testing:  Testing for a single antigen at a time allows us the control and safety to identify the antigens reactions but is time consuming. Patients may schedule whole days or half‑days for testing.  Please allow adequate time to accomplish the desired testing.  The days you want to come for testing can be scheduled at your convenience and can be spaced out as needed.  Please wear a short sleeve shirt that allows testing on the upper arms. Do Not Wear Perfume or Any Scented Products to our office..   Preparations:  Many medications, especially antihistamines, can alter test results and should be avoided prior to testing.  Nutritional supplements do not interfere with testing.  A few of the common medications that interfere with testing include:              ‑Sudafed/Actifed           avoid for 48 hours              ‑Seldane avoid for 1 week              ‑Hismanal/Claritin avoid for 4 to 6 weeks              ‑Benadryl avoid for 48 hours              ‑Dimetapp avoid for 48 hours              ‑Astemizole     avoid for 4‑6 weeks The following medications should not be stopped abruptly without a doctors supervision:   ‑Tricyclic antidepressants:         avoid for 4 weeks before testing -Calcium channel blockers: avoid for l week before testing   -Corticosteroids:  high dose blocks the whealing response and ideally should be tapered before testing to physiologic levels.  (Hydrocortisone up to 30 mg./Prednisone up to 7.5 mg is okay.) Please ask if you have any questions about medications you are taking.   COST:   Intradermal Testing:    Each allergen tested costs $15.  In order to screen all inhalants in preparation for Buildup Desensitization, a minimum of 8 to 10 tests must be performed.   Provocation/Neutralization:     Each allergen costs $15.  Testing begins on the average dilution (#3) and requires 2 to 4 additional tests to ascertain the neutralizing dose.  It is most cost effective when a limited number of allergens are necessary.   Electro-dermal screening:       Each panel of tests contains over 100 items.  The cost of $420 per panel is comparable to conventional scratch or patch testing where large numbers of allergens are screened at one time.  Therefore, it is most cost effective where it is necessary to screen large numbers of allergens for their neutralizing doses.  For example, the food panel contains 180 items and would cost $2700 to screen by the intradermal method and 2 to 3 times that amount by provocation/neutralization.  By comparison, blood testing for food allergies can cost $400 to $1000, is not as accurate, and leaves only avoidance for a treatment modality.    Optimal Dose Neutralization:   Immunotherapy vials cost $40 to $95, depending on how many allergens are combined.  They last from one month to three months of treatment.   Low-dose Buildup Desensitization:      Each buildup level cost $35 (weekly cost).  Approximately 30 levels are required to achieve treatment dose.  After this initial stage, treatment is continued at home.  A 10-dose vial (lasting 10 to 40 weeks) costs $150.   Insurance:  Generally, insurance reimbursement is excellent for allergy testing and treatment.  However, some policies specifically exclude or limit allergy testing or treatment.  Check your policy or ask your benefits manager, if you are unsure. Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC

DISCLAIMER The Center for the Healing Arts. PC offers the information on this Web site for general educational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. While The Center for the Healing Arts. PC has endeavored to make sure the information contained in this site is accurate, The Center for the Healing Arts. PC cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, and it is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. ·         NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEB SITE. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ·         Center for the Healing Arts, PC and Dr. Robban Sica are NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS SITE. ·         Call Your Doctor or 911 in Case of Emergency: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. DO NOT USE THIS WEB SITE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.     Please note: This is an alternative medicine practice.  Although Dr. Robban Sica is a medical doctor who can and does prescribe medication and/or refer for conventional therapies, as appropriate, the focus of our practice is integrating ALTERNATIVE approaches with conventional medicine.  We work towards reducing medication, wherever possible, and use and recommend many treatments that conventional medical doctors may not agree with or be knowledgeable in. If you are uncomfortable with the alternative approach to medicine, please be advised that this practice is not for you.

 

Technical Support Issues on BBI Content Type: How-To

2 - Marketing [Business] Business Development & Marketing Integrative Marketing Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com Author:   Jeffrey David Sternberg, IIDA+  jds@ideasinstitute.com Business Profile: IdeasInstitute.com Professional Profile: Mr Jeffrey Sternberg IIDA Created: 30 Oct 04 Updated: 31 Jan 05 Technical Tips, Tricks and Hints   Cookie "Monster" - At times your computer is being safe or has hick-uped and presents you a "This Computer does not accept Cookies" error measage. Cookies are messages that contain information so that your computer remembers your email and passcodes, etc. There are several methods around this: Refresh (right click mouse and pick refresh) or Cntrol+F5 Refresh Icon on your Internet Browser (looks like 2 arrows chasing each other) Close down all copies of Internet Explorer If all of the above aren't helpful, close your computer completely and start again.   The Basic Computer Criteria Almost any computer can access the information on MyBBI.org and most of the features. Developing and Editing your website and adding or Editing content requires a Windows computer and Internet Explorer, which is over 98% of the hardware in service. If you don't own a windows computer, and you wish to develop or edit your site, then consider preparing your information in advance, and; use a friend's or the library's computer for the adding and editing get some time at an internet cafe or kinko's have a copywriter edit your work and enter it for you. Be Creative! With all of the upgrades and browsers and technology, sometimes there will be glitches: email us with specifics and we'll work with you to sort it out. web@IdeasInstitute.com   Spam Filters - Pop and Security levels may need to be turned to a lower setting while working on thr Add/Edit functions. Then returned when complete.   This are will be constantly updated as a result of our answeres to you. Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com

 

Intradermal Provocative Testing Content Type: Article

5 - Health [Lifestyle] Healthcare Environmental Health Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC Author:  Dr. Robban Sica, MD  support@centerhealingarts.com Business Profile: Center for the Healing Arts, PC Created: 4 Oct 04 Updated: 15 Nov 04 INTRADERMAL PROVOCATIVE TESTING               Intradermal provocative testing bears vague resemblance to the allergy "scratch" tests usually associated with classical allergies.  In the scratch test, the allergist makes a series of ten to twenty tiny scratches along a patient's back or arm and places a small amount of a different allergen - an extract of whatever he suspects the patient is allergic to in each scratch or injects the allergens directly into the skin.  After twenty minutes the allergist examines the scratches for signs of reddening and swelling, indications that the patient is reacting to the substance.                The scratch test is effective in determining which inhalants (such as grasses, pollens and molds) are causing common allergic diseases such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.  But it is not nearly as effective in uncovering food allergies.  Fortunately its close cousin, the intradermal provocative test is more reliable.               The intradermal provocative test, which is actually a modification of the scratch test, was introduced in the 1930's.  At that time allergists help desensitize their patients against the cause of their allergies.  Unfortunately, making those vaccines involved a degree of guesswork.  Dr. Herbert Rinkel (who had stumbled onto his own sensitivity to eggs a short time before) found a way to reduce the arbitrariness involved in making up these vaccines.               While other allergists would test for allergies by injecting a single concentration of approximately twenty allergens at different sites.  Rinkel worked with only one allergen at a time, injecting as many as nine different concentrations (dilutions) of that allergen, each succeeding one only one-fifth as strong as the one before.  He would then examine his patient for changes caused by the different dilutions.               During his experiments Rinkel paid particular attention to the wheals - the small, raised mounds of skin - left by the injections.  He noticed that the wheals left by some dilutions did not change, while others actually grew larger after the injections.  This indicated that the body was secreting a fluid into the area - a clear sign of an allergic reaction.  The swelling of the wheals increased in proportion to the concentration he was using.               By studying this wheal response, Rinkel was able to come up with a method for determining accurate desensitizing doses, doses that depended no longer on guesswork but on a reading of the exact point at which the wheals began to swell. The Rinkel Dilution Titration Technique (as it is called) is still used today by some physicians to uncover allergies and to determine desensitizing doses.               Rinkel tried his technique on foods as well as inhalants, but as late as 1959 he was still unsuccessful.  It remained up to a colleague of his, Dr. Carleton Lee, to discover how to detect and treat food allergies by modifying Rinkel's method.   INTRADERMAL PROVOCATIVE TESTING FOR FOODS               Dr. Lee found that by injecting certain dilutions of food allergens, he could provoke symptoms such as headaches, lethargy and runny noses in some of his patients.  Then he discovered that if he tried different dilutions of the allergen that had provoked the symptoms, one of them could almost invariably turn off - or neutralize - the symptoms immediately.               Lee began to experiment with his new technique, including symptoms with one concentration and neutralizing them with the next.  It soon became clear that this was something more than a parlor trick, because his patients began to report that when they received a "neutralizing" dose, they could eat the offending food for three or four days without developing any symptoms.               Lee soon found that if a patient entered his office while suffering from symptoms caused by a particular food, he could stop those symptoms within ten minutes simply by injecting a previously determined neutralizing dose.  And he also learned that if he injected the same dose before the symptoms occurred - he could actually prevent them from surfacing. These experiments enabled Lee to work out a number of guidelines for determining the neutralizing doses on objective observations of changes in the patient (increase pulse rate, change in color, increased sweating) and the subjective responses of the patient himself (headaches, tension, feeling of restlessness or irritability).  And, because his conclusions were based on responses to a single food, he recommended testing one dilution of one food at a time, with a ten-minute period of observation between the injections.               In 1965 Dr. Joseph Miller, a classically trained allergist from Mobile, Alabama, began to work with the methods devised by Rinkel and Lee.  By combining their concepts and modifying their techniques, he devised an intradermal provocative test the would uncover food sensitivities not only by provoking and neutralizing symptoms, as Lee had done, but by establishing a correlation between the wheal response (the size of wheals) and the concentration of the neutralizing dose, similar the Rinkel's work with inhalants.   THE NEUTRALIZING DOSE               For every food to which you are sensitive there exists a specific concentration of that food that will not trigger a reaction, but will instead temporarily block the usual symptoms caused by eating that food. There are some explanations of how the neutralizing dose works.  Some physicians believe that it may cause the body to release blocking antibodies which can prevent the reaction that normally takes place.  Others believe it follows a basic principle of homeopathic medicine - namely, that like heals like.  Homeopathic physicians believe that symptoms are actually attempts on the part of the body to heal itself of a disease process.   Consequently, when someone becomes ill, a homeopathic approach would be to prescribe a minute dose of a substance that could intensify the symptoms he already has and thus to stimulate the body to heal itself.             How does this work in practice?  Assume that you have been troubled by headaches.  As a result of testing, you find that the headaches are caused by milk sensitivity.  You know then that if you avoid milk and milk products, your headaches will probably disappear.  However, there is one specific concentration of milk that not only will not produce a headache, but also if taken just before you eat any dairy products, will protect you from the headaches they would usually cause.  This specific concentration is called the neutralization dose.  Two people with sensitivities to the same food, depending on the degree of their sensitivity, their own personal body chemistry, and other factors.)               In a recently reported double-blind study, Dr. Joseph Miller demonstrated the effectiveness of neutralizing doses of food allergens.  He first enlisted the aid of eight patients who had been suffering for years with symptoms such as migraine headaches, chronic diarrhea, mouth sores, abdominal cramps, nasal congestion, irritability and fatigue.  Using his intradermal technique, Miller prepared a solution for each patient containing neutralizing doses of the offending foods.  At the same time a solution, but lacked the neutralizing doses.  During the experiment, the doses had been made up for a total of 80 days, broken down into four 20-day periods. The patients injected themselves under the skin once a day.  For two of the four periods, they injected the solution containing the neutralizing doses; for the other two they used the placebo.  Neither the physician nor the patients had any idea which solution was being used during each period. At the end of the experiment, when the code was broken, the results were dramatic.  The symptoms of all eight patients greatly improved when they unknowingly injected the solution containing the neutralizing doses.  On the other hand, the symptoms worsened during the periods when the placebo solution was injected.  A statistical analysis of this experiment revealed that results such as these could only occur by chance at the odds of two to a thousand.  This indicates a high degree of statistical reliability.               Because the test involves injections of minute amounts of allergens, it must be performed in a physician's office.  Once you and your physician have determined which foods should be tested, a dilution of one food extract will be injected and, after ten minutes, the wheal measured.  The size of the wheal and the type of subjective or objective reaction you have (if any) determines the dilution injected next.               If there is any reaction, you have sensitivity to that food.  The physician will then continue to inject different dilutions of that same food to determine the correct neutralizing dose. When you have completed testing all the foods selected and have determined the necessary neutralizing doses, a vaccine of those doses can be made that will often stop or at least will reduce your sensitivity reactions.    CHARACTERISTICS OF INTRADERMAL PROVOCATIVE TESTING:    POSSIBLE DANGERS               When carried out properly, the intradermal provocative test is extremely safe.  Just about the only people who should not undergo the test are severe asthmatics (during an attack or shortly thereafter) and persons with severe cardiovascular conditions (involving heart failure).  Diabetics have been successfully tested, as have pregnant women.   ADVANTAGES   1.  The intradermal provocative test is an accurate method for determining the presence or absence of food sensitivities. 2.  The test embodies a way of determining one form of treatment - the neutralizing dose. 3.  Because of the wheal response, the test is effective even when the patient cannot or will not give accurate subjective responses to testing.           4.  A modification of the method can be used to test certain environmental chemicals and inhalants , in addition to foods. 5.  In addition to creating a wheal response, the test can sometimes reproduce symptoms, which helps to convince the patient of the relationship between the symptoms and the food.          6.  The wheal response is relatively unaffected by environmental conditions. 7.  For some patients the results of an objective test carry more weight and credibility than those of the more subjective tests.              Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC

DISCLAIMER The Center for the Healing Arts. PC offers the information on this Web site for general educational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. While The Center for the Healing Arts. PC has endeavored to make sure the information contained in this site is accurate, The Center for the Healing Arts. PC cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, and it is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. ·         NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEB SITE. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ·         Center for the Healing Arts, PC and Dr. Robban Sica are NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS SITE. ·         Call Your Doctor or 911 in Case of Emergency: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. DO NOT USE THIS WEB SITE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.     Please note: This is an alternative medicine practice.  Although Dr. Robban Sica is a medical doctor who can and does prescribe medication and/or refer for conventional therapies, as appropriate, the focus of our practice is integrating ALTERNATIVE approaches with conventional medicine.  We work towards reducing medication, wherever possible, and use and recommend many treatments that conventional medical doctors may not agree with or be knowledgeable in. If you are uncomfortable with the alternative approach to medicine, please be advised that this practice is not for you.

 

Environmental Medicine / Allergies Content Type: Article

5 - Health [Lifestyle] Healthcare Environmental Health Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC Author:  Dr. Robban Sica, MD  support@centerhealingarts.com Business Profile: Center for the Healing Arts, PC Created: 4 Oct 04 Updated: 18 Sep 05 The gastro-intestinal tract is designed to absorb nutrients that have been digested to simple molecules.  Certain factors can cause microscopic damage to the intestinal lining, called the gut mucosa, increasing permeability to larger, more allergenic molecules.  These contributing factors include:   ·         Gut dysbiosis, where there is overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans or others),    bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, or parasitic infections such as giardia. ·         Medications, especially non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including    aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, Vioxx, and many others ·         Overconsumption of alcohol ·         Allergic reactions due to the increase of histamine causing inflammation ·         Psychological stress ·         Environmental toxin exposure ·         A diet low in vitamins and minerals and high in sugar   This syndrome of increased intestinal permeability is known as leaky gut syndrome.  is partially to blame for symptoms associated with food allergies.  The lining of the gastrointestinal tract is the body's first line of defense and acts as a barrier to prevent foreign organisms and toxins from escaping into the bloodstream.  A breakdown of this mucosa allows bacxterial or fungal toxins as well as larger food particles to pass through the membrane.  These substances then enter the bodys second line of defense, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (or GALT), which is the extensive amount of lymph nodes representing the immune system around the gastro-intestinal tract.  Since these large molecules do not normally pass into the GALT, they are seen foreign invaders. The immune system starts making antibodies against food particles, causing food allergies. This up-regulates the immune system, causing increased imflammation and allergies throughout the body.  Mold allergies frequently worsen due to increased exposure to yeast cell wall toxins. Leaky gut syndrome puts continual stress on your bodys immune system.    Leaky gut syndrome is identified by performing an intestinal permeability test, in which two inert substances (lactulose and mannitol) are consumed.  These molecules are minimally absorbed by the body and are not metabolized (changed) in any way before being excreted in the urine.  Urine is collected for 6 hours, then sent to the lab to measure for these two substances.  Increased or imbalanced amounts in the urine signify leaky gut or malabsorption.   Healing the gut lining requires several strategies.  Identifying and eliminating the cause is crucial.  If gut dysbiosis exists, Candida overgrowth or other infection must be treated, then the intestinal flora restored.  Beneficial bacteria must also be taken such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium.  FOS, a sweet tasting, non digestible carbohydrate which feeds gut flora, is very beneficial for keeping the gut colonized with healthy bacteria.    Nutrients that heal the gut include zinc, glutamine, zinc, folic acid, apple pectin, calcium pantothenate, and Vitamin A.  Combinations of these nutrients that we have found to be helpful include Permeability Factors, Oxyperm, and Ultraclearsustain.  Take them as prescribed by your health care provider.               Food allergies must be identified and treated, as continued allergic reactions increase intestinal permeability.  Common symptoms associated with food allergies include:  severe fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, extreme difficulty losing weight, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, colitis and irritable bowel.    Food allergies can be determined through an elimination diet or through food allergy testing. Our office utilized two highly successful methods for identifying allergens.  Foods that are commonly allergenic include dairy products, wheat, yeast, eggs, corn, seafood, nuts and sugar.     To maximize energy, improve immune function, and to lose weight, ideal results will be achieved when all allergic foods are avoided initially.  Your nutritionist or doctor will instruct you how to do an elimination diet.  Allergic foods can later be worked into your diet quite successfully without symptoms if a rotation diet is used.  This involves having foods from the same food family on a certain day and avoiding this whole food family for several days before the foods are repeated again.  This prevents repetitive exposure to antigens leading to allergic symptoms.  Food allergy diets may be slightly difficult to understand and follow at first.  Please make an appointment with our qualified nutritionists who can help make a food allergy diet fun, enjoyable and easy. Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC

DISCLAIMER The Center for the Healing Arts. PC offers the information on this Web site for general educational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. While The Center for the Healing Arts. PC has endeavored to make sure the information contained in this site is accurate, The Center for the Healing Arts. PC cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, and it is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. ·         NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEB SITE. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ·         Center for the Healing Arts, PC and Dr. Robban Sica are NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS SITE. ·         Call Your Doctor or 911 in Case of Emergency: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. DO NOT USE THIS WEB SITE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.     Please note: This is an alternative medicine practice.  Although Dr. Robban Sica is a medical doctor who can and does prescribe medication and/or refer for conventional therapies, as appropriate, the focus of our practice is integrating ALTERNATIVE approaches with conventional medicine.  We work towards reducing medication, wherever possible, and use and recommend many treatments that conventional medical doctors may not agree with or be knowledgeable in. If you are uncomfortable with the alternative approach to medicine, please be advised that this practice is not for you.

 

What is Candida? Content Type: Article

5 - Health [Lifestyle] Healthcare Environmental Health Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC Author:  Dr. Robban Sica, MD  support@centerhealingarts.com Business Profile: Center for the Healing Arts, PC Professional Profile: Dr. Robban Sica MD Created: 4 Oct 04 Updated: 18 Sep 05 Yeast, including the organism Candida albicans, live in healthy bodies, on skin and mucus membranes, including the digestive tract.  In small amounts, their presence is normal and causes no harm.  However, when the immune system deteriorates, the hormonal balance is altered, or when the normal intestinal balance is affected, yeast can grow in number, a condition called "yeast overgrowth", "Candidiasis", or "Intestinal Dysbiosis".  Candida is called an opportunistic pathogen because it only causes disease when it has the opportunity due to these imbalances.   What causes the normal body balance to be altered?   Anything that causes changes in the intestinal flora (bacterial and other organisms who reside there or lowers immune resistance can increase susceptibility to yeast overgrowth.  These include:   ·                     -Use of antibiotics, which kill good intestinal bacteria as well as those bacteria which they are intended to kill. (Some researchers feel that the meat of animals that have been fed antibiotics also contribute to this problem.)  These good bacteria normally prevent Candida from growing. ·                     -Birth control pills ·                     -Pregnancy ·                     -High doses of steroid medications such as cortisone and prednisone or immunosuppressive drugs ·                     -Diabetes mellitus ·                     -Malnutrition ·                     -Severe stress and anxiety ·                     -Excessive intake of yeasted foods ·                     -Excessive eating of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates ·                     -Toxic exposure to xenobiotic agents, such as pesticides, heavy metals, mercury, etc. ·                     -Immunosuppressive viruses, such as HIV   What happens in the body then?   Overgrowth of yeast can occur on any mucus membrane in the digestive tract, in the mouth, skin, or in the vaginal area.  The organism can then release immunotoxins, which can suppress the immune system and allow further yeast growth.  Neurotoxic proteins from yeast can contribute to fatigue, irritability, headache, mood swings, and other neurological symptoms.  Ordinarily, Candida exists in the yeast form that looks like a bud or ball.   The growth form of yeast is called the mycelial form, which resembles the roots of a plant.  These mycelia can damage the normal barrier in the intestinal lining, causing increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome.  Larger particles, such as undigested proteins from food, can then be absorbed from the intestine into the blood stream, setting the stage for food, mold, and other allergies, and chemical sensitivity as the immune surveillance recognizes these foreign invaders and launches an immune response.  Yeast and bacterial cell membrane fragments upregulate the immune system, increasing the tendency to allergies and auto-immune diseases.    How will I feel when this happens?   There are many general symptoms of a yeast infection.  You may have many of them or just a few.  They include: headache, depression, low energy, recurrent bladder or vaginal infections, prostatitis, rectal itch, chronic diarrhea or constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramping, fungal skin or nail infections, heart burn, abdominal pain, bloating and gas, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, insomnia, impotence, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, joint swelling, chest pains, blurred vision, sore throats, persistent cough, rash and blisters in the mouth, sugar, bread, or alcohol cravings, chronic sinusitis, environmental and food allergies or worsening of symptoms in an atmosphere of smoke, perfume, mold, or on damp days.   Diagnosis               Based on your symptoms and history, further testing may be requested by your doctor.  Some tests, which I have found particularly useful in diagnosing and treating Candida, include the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis or CDSA, the Intestinal Permeability test, and blood testing for elevated antibody/antigen levels to Candida.  The CDSA is the most useful test because it assesses digestive function, which is frequently impaired in patients with Candida.  This test cultures not only for Candida and other yeast but assesses the state of all intestinal flora, favorable and potentially problematic.   It can also check for intestinal parasites.  The antibody testing can be useful in certain situations but has the drawback that it tests only for Candida and not other yeast and bacteria causing dysbiosis. Oral, vaginal, and rectal cultures can also be performed but are useful in a limited number of situations.  The Intestinal Permeability study is helpful in identifying damage to the intestinal tract, particularly important in those who have food allergies.  This test also assesses malabsorption.   Treatment               The treatment for candidiasis is focused on restoring the normal balance in the system.  In order to be successful, several important aspects must be addressed:   1. Reducing the total amount of yeast in your system by: Taking antifungal medication or herbs, as prescribed. Avoiding foods that "feed" the yeast: sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eating foods which suppress yeast: garlic, onion, broccoli, etc., and plain yogurt.   2.  Strengthening the immune system by: Taking vitamins (A, C, Zinc, Selenium, and others) as prescribed. Supporting and balancing the endocrine system, if indicated. Thyroid function is especially important to normal immune function, as those who are hypothyroid are more susceptible to infections and therefore getting antibiotic therapy. Avoiding immunosuppressive medications, high doses of steroids, and oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Eating a high quality whole foods diet. Increasing exercise to improve circulation, digestion and general conditioning. Stress reduction: biofeedback and relaxation techniques, counseling. Decrease heavy metal exposure, such as mercury, which has been shown to suppress immune function, increase allergy and chemical sensitivity, and promote the growth of yeast, especially in the more damaging mycelial form.  Mercury is present in all silver dental fillings.  Get tested for mercury and consider removal of these fillings by a dentist experienced in the removal of this toxic substance, particularly if you have had Candidiasis for a long time or it has been difficult to treat.   3.  Restoring normal digestion, restoring the normal balance of organisms in the digestive tract by: ·         Taking Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and other helpful bacteria.  These are available in oral supplements (powdered (dosage: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. a day or two to four capsules a day).  Since these are living organisms, they are susceptible to being killed by heat, strong sunlight, etc. so keeping refrigerated best preserves them.  Most effective acidophilus products are kept in the refrigerator before they are sold, in order to assure potency.  They may be a little more expensive but worth it to achieve the desired effect.  There are a few brands, such as BioPRO (Vitamin Research), Entrin, and Kyodophilus that retain potency for 30 to 60 days without refrigeration after they are opened.  These are good options for traveling.   ·         Eating high fiber foods to encourage food elimination.  Constipation works against restoring normal digestive flora as aerobic bacteria such as Lactobacillus does not survive in an anaerobic environment created by delayed intestinal emptying and prolonged intestinal transit time.    ·         To measure transit time: take 10 activated charcoal caps and measuring how long it takes for the stools to become black from the charcoal and then to return to a normal brown color.  Alternatively, those who do not digest corn or beets can use those foods to measure transit time and watch for undigested particles.  A transit time of greater than 24 to 36 hours can prevent restoration of normal aerobic bacteria and favors the growth of anaerobic bacteria and Candida.   ·         Avoid medicines (such as antacids, Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid) that lower stomach acid.  Adequate hydrochloric acid is necessary for normal digestive function and to kill yeast in food. Many people who suffer from Candidiasis and food allergies produce inadequate stomach acid, a condition called hypochlorhydria.  This also frequently happens with age.   ·         Avoid antibiotics that kill off helpful bacteria and destroy the normal intestinal balance.  If you do need to take antibiotics, be sure to take acidophilus for at least a month after finishing the course of antibiotics.  If you have had a severe yeast problem, you may need to take anti-fungal supplements or medications while on antibiotics to prevent recurrence.    4.  Decreasing exposure to allergens and other substances that may depress immune function or encourage the growth of yeast by: ·         Avoid foods that contain yeast or are fermented, including vitamins.  Check that the vitamins you are taking are yeast-free and are manufactured by a reputable company who specializes in producing vitamins from natural sources.  Brewers yeast is a common source for B-vitamins and chromium-GTF.   ·         Get allergy tested and avoid foods that you are allergic to, as these exposures can increase intestinal permeability, as well as causing allergic symptoms.    ·         Eliminating smoking, passive inhalation of smoke, and other air and water pollutants as much as possible.  Good quality air and water purifiers are available which help reduce these exposures.   ·         Cleaning molds and mildews from bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, etc. and by removing dead leaf litter from outside your house and from houseplants.   Immunotherapy:  Desensitization of allergic reactions to Candida and other molds, foods, and inhalants.  ·         Allergy testing and treatment can be very helpful in the treatment of Candida and the allergies that can stem from it.  Allergy testing can identify which substances are provoking symptomatic reactions and allow you to focus on removing them from your diet or environment.  In addition, immunotherapy based on that testing can desensitizes or neutralize allergic reactions to Candida, molds, yeast, foods, smoke, perfume, and other substances. This strengthens your immune system by removing the stresses produced by the reactions.  Immunotherapy can greatly improve symptoms and even allow for re-introduction of foods into your diet after 3 to 6 months, as your bodys reaction to those substances is reduced.  Many times, persistent Candida symptoms even after treatment are due to allergic reactions to Candida, rather than an overgrowth of the organism itself.   SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR YEAST FREE DIET   What is a yeast free diet?   A yeast free diet eliminates food that encourages yeast to grow, such as sugar and refined carbohydrates, and foods that are likely to be cross-allergic, such as yeasted, fermented, or moldy foods.   Foods to enjoy as much as you like: ·         Fresh vegetables, whole grains, whole grain pasta, popcorn, seafood and fish, poultry, yogurt (plain only - sweetened with low sugar fruit), yeast free crackers, sourdough, Essene, or soda breads, beans, eggs, organic or natural beef, pork, or lamb meat (without antibiotics or steroid hormones). ·         Bottled or filtered water or seltzer, can be flavored with a small amount of fresh juice, such as lemon, lime, orange, or apple, for taste.   Foods that are helpful and should be eaten: Garlic, onions, ginger, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, kale, cauliflower, Brazil nuts, shrimp, scallops, lobster, yogurt, olive oil, high fiber foods.   Foods to eat in moderation: Unprocessed nuts and seeds, and nut butters.  Fresh whole fruits, preferably those with low sugar content. Good quality fermented foods (miso, tempeh, tofu) may be reintroduced into the diet, if there is no reaction to them. Coffee and tea. Fresh cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese.   FOODS TO AVOID:   Sugar:        Sugar and refined carbohydrates in any form including sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, galactose, monosaccharides, honey, molasses, maple syrup and maple sugar, date sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, corn syrup, corn sweetener, white flour (also called enriched wheat flour), white rice, and any products made with these substances, fruit juice, fruit sweetener, high sugar fruits, cola or other soda.   Yeasted, moldy, and fermented foods: YEASTED FOODS:  bread, crackers, pastries FERMENTED FOODS: alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine), malt products, vinegar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Accent, MSG, steak sauce, barbecue sauce, and soy sauces. MOLDY FOODS:  aged cheese, dried and candied fruits, leftovers (can be frozen instead of refrigerating to prevent mold growth), teas and dried herbs, mushrooms, morels, and truffles, fruit juices, peanuts. OTHER FOODS containing yeast and/or chemicals, such as trans fatty acids: canned, processed, and "fast food", processed and smoked meats, including ham, bacon, luncheon meats, sausage, or hot dogs.    FRUIT SUGAR  CONTENT: LOW SUGAR: any melon, cantaloupe, rhubarb, *strawberries, watermelon   MODERATE SUGAR: apricots, *blackberries, *cranberries, *gooseberries, grapefruit, guava, limes, orange, papayas, peaches, plums *raspberries, tangerines, apples, *blueberries, *cherries, kumquats, *loganberries, mangoes, *mulberries, pomegranates.   HIGH SUGAR: *grapes, pears, pineapple, bananas, *figs, *prunes, *dates, *raisins, *currants, *any dried fruits. *All of these berries and fruits should be washed well to remove any white coating, which is mold, or avoided entirely.  All fruits and vegetables can have mold on the outside and should be washed well or peeled and eaten promptly.             If you have questions or problems with following this diet, please call our office or make an appointment to discuss it.  We also have recipes for soda bread, yeast free mayonnaise and salad dressings, etc.  Learn to read labels in order to identify which foods you can or cannot eat.   Can I ever eat these forbidden foods again?   The change in diet, while difficult and time consuming at first, will contribute to your recovery.  The length of time that the diet should be followed varies greatly from person to person.   Depending on the extent yeast overgrowth and the severity of allergic reactions, your diet may be broadened again after a few months to include more foods.  However, sugar, refined, and processed foods, and commercially made products are best avoided for continued good health.   Where can I learn more about candidiasis?   Some relevant books include:   #1         Crook, William G., M.D., The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough, (3rd edition, 1986, Jackson, Tennessee, Professional Books.) and other books by this author. (Also has a website by this name.)   #2         Connolly, Pat, The Candida Albicans Yeast Free Cookbook, (New Canaan, CT:  Keats Publishing)   #3         Annechild, Annette and Laura Johnson, Yeast Free Living (New York: Putnam Publishing, 1986)   #4         Truss, Orion, M.D. The Missing Diagnosis, (Birmingham, AL  1983)   #5        Trowbridge, Dr. John Parks and Walker, Dr.Morton.  The Yeast Syndrome.   #6         Schepper, Le Duc, M.D.  Candida.   #7         Appleton, Nancy.  Lick The Sugar Habit.   The following organizations can also provide additional information and support:   International Health Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 3494 Jackson, TN 38303 (901)427-8100                FAX (901) 423-5402   Candida Research and Information Foundation P.O. Drawer JF College Station, TX  77841 Published By:  Center for the Healing Arts, PC

DISCLAIMER The Center for the Healing Arts. PC offers the information on this Web site for general educational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. While The Center for the Healing Arts. PC has endeavored to make sure the information contained in this site is accurate, The Center for the Healing Arts. PC cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, and it is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. ·         NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEB SITE. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ·         Center for the Healing Arts, PC and Dr. Robban Sica are NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS SITE. ·         Call Your Doctor or 911 in Case of Emergency: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. DO NOT USE THIS WEB SITE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.     Please note: This is an alternative medicine practice.  Although Dr. Robban Sica is a medical doctor who can and does prescribe medication and/or refer for conventional therapies, as appropriate, the focus of our practice is integrating ALTERNATIVE approaches with conventional medicine.  We work towards reducing medication, wherever possible, and use and recommend many treatments that conventional medical doctors may not agree with or be knowledgeable in. If you are uncomfortable with the alternative approach to medicine, please be advised that this practice is not for you.

 

Subject: Oy Vay! Content Type: Chuckles & Funnies

7 - Wisdom [Lifestyle] Ethnicity Humor Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com Author:   Unknown Author  Unknown@IdeasInstitute.com Business Profile: IdeasInstitute.com Created: 8 Nov 04 Updated: 8 Nov 04 In Sign over the urinal in a bathroom at Hebrew University: " The future of the Jewish people is in your hands." ************************************************************ Shul committees should be made up of three members, two of whom should be absent at every meeting. ************************************************************ Any time a person goes into a delicatessen and orders a pastrami on white bread, somewhere a Jew dies. ************************************************************ I once wanted to become an atheist but I gave up.  They have noholidays. ************************************************************ Don't be humble; you are not that great.  . ************************************************************ It was mealtime during a flight on El-Al.  "Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked Moishe, seated in front.  "What are my choices?" Moishe asked.  "Yes, or no," she replied. ************************************************************ An elderly Jewish man is knocked down by a car and brought to the local hospital.  A pretty nurse tucks him into bed and says, "Mr.  Epstein, are you comfortable?" Epstein replies, "I make a nice living...." ************************************************************ Saul Epstein was taking an oral exam, applying for his citizenship papers.  He was asked to spell "cultivate" and he spelled it correctly.  He was then asked to use the word in a sentence, and with a big smile, responded: "Last vinter on a very cold day, I vas vaiting for a bus, but it vas too cultivate, so I took the subvay home." ************************************************************ A Rabbi was opening his mail one morning.  Taking a single sheet of paper from an envelope he found written on it only one word: "shmuck".  At the next Friday night service, the Rabbi announced, "I have known many people who have written letters and forgot to sign their names, but this week I received a letter from someone who signed his name ....  and forgot to write a letter. ************************************************************ Three Jewish women got together for lunch.  As they are being seated in the restaurant, one takes a deep breath and gives a long, slow "oy." The second takes a deep breath as well and lets out a long, slow "oy." The third takes a deep breath and says impatiently, "Girls, I thought we agreed that we weren't going to talk about our children." ************************************************************ Signs on Synagogue Bulletin Boards: - Under same management for over 5765 years. - Beat the Rosh Hashanah rush, come to shul this Shabbat. - Don't give up.  Moses was once a basket case! - Come early for a good seat. - What part of "Thou shalt not" don't you understand? ************************************************************ A well-meaning gentile from Connecticut, upon getting to Washington on his vacation, is about to enter Senator Lieberman's office when a Capitol Building guard stops him.  "I'm sorry, Sir," the guard explained.  "Senator Lieberman is doing Mincha and Mariv at this time." The gentile walks away shaking his head, saying: "Hmmm, Clinton only had Monica. ************************************************************ Published By:  IdeasInstitute.com