Welcome!!!

You've decided to explore a holistic and preventive approach to improving and maintaining your
health. By coming to the Center for the Healing Arts, you are embarking on an adventure in
optimizing wellness and self-discovery.

Conventional (also called allopathic) medicine only focuses on treating only one problem at a
time or simply treating the symptoms.  It works well for acute problems, as a form of crisis
intervention; an emergency room's response to trauma is a good example of allopathic medicine
at its best.  However, most chronic illnesses are multi-factorial, meaning that our body's ability
to cope with multiple demands has been compromised.  Something may begin to break down
or our bodies may respond in a mal-adaptive way.  This is called "disease".  While the
allopathic approach often focuses on eliminating the symptoms of the disease, this approach
seldom identifies the underlying causes, corrects imbalances, or prevents recurrences.

Illness develops when the amount of stressors on your system exceeds the threshold of your
ability to cope with them.  Your reserve may be lowered by deficiencies of hormones, vitamins,
minerals or other nutrients.  Stressors include any mental, emotional, physical, and social event
requiring energy output for your system to cope with it.   Examples such as environmental
stressors, infection, chemical toxicity, allergy, weather, pollution, addiction, poor diet, financial,
or work-related stress are possible factors in the development of disease.  Our aim is to look at
you as a whole person and develop an integrated, individualized treatment plan to lower the
stress load while raising and optimizing the threshold. This results in relief of symptoms,
restoration of health and well-being, and prevention of potential illness by building a greater
reserve. This is the essence of the holistic approach.

We hope it is obvious to you that we are not the "usual" doctor's office.  Unlike any
doctor's office you have been to in the past, this experience requires your participation. 
You are in charge of your plan for health, with the assistance and guidance of the health
care professionals at our Center.  Our goal is to educate you about your choices, offer
natural and less invasive alternatives, and help you decide what avenues are best suited
to you and your needs.  We urge you to sit down and take some quiet time to think
about and answer the question, "What are my health goals?"  While this may take some
time and effort, a true healing process requires an investment on your part.  This time and
energy is well invested in your health and will yield many benefits. 

At the Center for the Healing Arts, we believe that being well or being ill depends on the
interplay of who we are and what we eat, drink, breathe, think and feel.  We are both
physical and spiritual beings. Our health improves as we recognize and integrate all
aspects of ourselves.  Increasing our awareness and choices about our health allows us
to find a path to healing and growth.  Active listening and support fosters a healing
environment for this process to take place.  We want you to feel that you are in the
right place at our center: that you belong to our healing circle.

General Recommendations To Improve Your Health

We are happy to welcome you to our integrative medical practice at the Center for the Healing
Arts.  We are dedicated to helping you to achieve greater well-being and balance in all areas
of your life: body, mind and spirit, and to providing a healing environment to support your
process.  We believe health is a spectrum and our goal is to help you to move towards
high-level wellness.

Illness develops when the amount of stressors on the system exceeds the threshold of ability
to cope with them.  The threshold is often lowered by deficiencies of hormones, vitamins,
minerals, or other nutrients.   Stressors may be due to mental, emotional, physical, social
or environmental factors such as infection, chemical toxicity, allergy, weather, pollution,
addiction, poor diet, financial or work related stress.  Our aim is to look at the whole
picture and develop an individualized treatment plan to lower the stress load while raising
and optimizing the threshold, resulting in relief of symptoms, restoration of health and
well-being, and prevention of future illness by building a greater reserve.

Our goal is not only to correct illness but also to support and promote overall health and
well-being.  By doing so, we prevent illness.  As a service to you, we have compiled some
information and ideas for changes you might like to make in your life to increase your health. 
What you decide to do and how in depth you might explore each of these areas depends on 
many factors:  the state of your health, your resources, your interest, and how much you desire 
to be as healthy and fully alive as you can be.  We are here to support you in this worthy goal
and hope that you might pass it on to others so that maybe our world will become a little
healthier too!

WHAT NOURISHES US?  WHAT NOURISHES OUR HEALTH? 

There are many factors affecting our health, each one impacting positively or negatively.
We can help you in any of the following areas you would like to work on - please ask us!

Physical factors             Need to have                    Need to minimize or eliminate

Diet & Nutrition                Vitamins                                 The Standard American Diet
                                      Minerals                                   = Nutrient depleted diet
                                      Amino Acids                                               
                                      Complex Carbohydrates                                      
                                      Essential Fatty Acids                                     

Light                               Full spectrum Lighting              Fluorescent lighting                                  
                                      Sun light                                 Computer screens 
                                                                                    Too much time in indoor lighting

Exercise                         Aerobic, cardiovascular             Sedentary lifestyle
                                      Weight bearing exercise 
                                      (For strength/bone density)                      
                                                                             
Earth's Electromagnetic   Adequate exposure                  Electromagnetic pollution
Field                              Supplementary magnetic           Deficiency from screening effect of   
                                           field                                       many structures:                               
                                                                                            Buildings,cars,trains,etc.

Environmental                Clean air                                   Allergens
                                    Clean water                               Toxic heavy metals, pesticides
                                    Clean, organic food                            and other chemicals
                                    Environmentally safe                  Silver Amalgam dental fillings
                                         home & workplace                Carcinogens/hormone scramblers in
                                                                                         plastics and skin care products

Emotional/Mental          Positive mental attitude              Negative thought patterns Factors                        Ability to cope with                     Over-reaction to stress
                                        stress effectively      
                                   Communication skills                 Helplessness (victim mentality)
                                   Ability to relax                            Hopelessness
                                   Clear idea of goals                      Isolation
                                   Sense of community

Spiritual Factors           A sense of meaning                   Meaninglessness
                                       and purpose                          Lack of connection
                                   Prayer or meditation
                                   Sense of connectedness to
                                       a higher power which
                                       is meaningful to you.
                                  "Centeredness"                  

DIET & NUTRITION

The basic diet must supply nourishment to maintain the structure and well being of the body
tissues.  The adult's diet must supply energy foods, proteins for replacement needs, essential
fatty acids for cell structures, and vitamins and minerals for regulation of body processes. 
Optimally, your diet should consist of whole (unprocessed or minimally processed) foods,
organically grown or fed (without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, or other drugs),
and cooked in a non-toxic, healthful way.

Although modern technology and the giant food industry would imply differently, the lifestyle
of American adults in food selection and food habits has degenerated considerably in the last
fifty years.  A national study of the food consumed by the average family released by the
Department of Agriculture a few years ago indicated that out of 7,500 households surveyed,
only half had diets that met the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calories, protein,
iron, calcium, Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and Vitamin C.  The other half had diets that
failed to meet the allowances for one or more of these essential nutrients.  However, it should
be noted that vital trace elements such as zinc, chromium and manganese, were not even
among the nutrients listed on the questionnaire; these are commonly deficient as well.  The
Food and Drug Administration would like to lower the RDA's that will result in even more
widespread malnutrition and deficiencies.

Americans are consuming more soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, refined, processed, canned,
frozen, pre-cooked, ready-to-serve items in place of fresh whole foods prepared at home from
scratch. They are trying to nourish themselves with coffee and donut breakfasts, eat-on-the-run
fast food lunches, and heavy, rich dinners generally consisting of foods filled with sugar,
salt, white flour, fats and unnecessary, potentially harmful chemical additives.  This is the
Standard American Diet (SAD)!

At the same time, chronic diseases are on the increase.  This is a high price to pay for faulty
food habits.  Though considerable controversy continues on the precise role which diet plays in
certain diseases, authorities generally agree that it is a major factor in numerous serious
illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and hypoglycemia to name
just a few.  Diet related problems which commence in the twenties and steadily increase as
persons reach their forties, fifties and older ages, are often related to over eating, improper
selection of foods and lack of exercise.  Poor food choices may lead to lack of energy, poor
performance, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and general ill health.

As a person ages, the basal metabolism requirement is increasingly lower and total activity
is usually less.  Therefore, the calories should be decreased accordingly; otherwise,
progressive weight gain results.  Eating just ten extra calories a day means adding one pound
a year and forty extra pounds will thus accumulate between the ages of 25 and 65.  Being
overweight increases risk for several diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, joint
problems, etc.  With so many of these diseases striking during some of the most productive
years of an adult's life, it is sensible to think in terms of prevention which would include
weight control and carefully chosen, well balanced diet.  We recommend a diet low in refined
carbohydrates, sugar, heat-treated (rancid) oils, fried foods, and other processed and
concentrated foods.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS: 

Vitamins and Minerals:    

These act to modulate many essential functions in the body, including such things as
energy production, detoxification of toxins, healthy structure, formation of cells.   Unless
we eat high quality organically grown foods, chances are we are not getting enough
vitamins and minerals from our diet.  Modern farming methods replenish Nitrogen,
Phosphorus, and Potassium in the soil by using fertilizers because that is all that is
needed for healthy plants.  We who eat the plants also need Magnesium, Calcium,
and trace minerals such as Zinc,  Chromium, Selenium, Copper, etc.  The continual
depletion of these minerals in the soil has resulted in an estimated 40-60% of the
American population being deficient in multiple trace minerals.  For instance,
Magnesium deficiency can cause mitral valve prolapse, arrhythmias,  muscle spasms,
high blood pressure, asthma, migraine headaches, PMS, allergies, and other conditions. 
Other mineral deficiencies are just as common.  Chromium deficiency, for instance,  
can cause blood sugar problems and sweet cravings, leading to overeating sugar and
nutrient–poor carbohydrates and even diabetes.

Many vitamins are destroyed by processing (milling, bleaching, cooking and packaging)
and cooking with high heat or overcooking.  Vitamin C is especially susceptible.   Basic
supplementation with a good quality multivitamin with chelated minerals, Vitamin C
1000-3000mg, and Vitamin E 200 units is essential to optimal health and cellular function. 
Antioxidants,  such as Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium,  Co Q 10 and others, are
important to prevent damage to the  cells and tissues.  Vitamin E has been shown to be
very important in preventing heart disease.  Intake of  extra Vitamin C has been proven to
extend life expectancy.  Vitamins and minerals are delicately balanced in the body so
excessive intake of isolated nutrients should be avoided, unless recommended by a
knowledgeable doctor or nutritionist.  Quality and Bioavailablity of supplements is critical,
otherwise, your body cannot absorb the nutrients. 
Capsules are generally better absorbed than tablets.

Amino Acids:

With essential fatty acids, amino acids are the building blocks of our cells,
especially muscle tissue.  They also are converted into molecules which
function as neurotransmitters and other chemical messengers, antibodies and
other essential components of the immune system, and act in the detoxification
of chemicals.  Amino acids are derived from dietary protein, so adequate (but
not excessive) intake of protein and good digestion are important. Meat, poultry,
dairy, fish, eggs, grains with beans or nuts are examples of complete proteins
(proteins containing all 8 essential amino acids which must be obtained from diet). 
3 to 4 ounces of high quality protein should be consumed at every meal.  Organic
or natural beef is preferable, grown without use of antibiotics, steroids, etc.  Grass
fed animals have healthier fats in their meat.

Essential Fatty Acids:

Not only the amount but also the type of dietary fat plays a major role in maintaining health. 
Balanced intake of essential fatty acids is critical because they are the source of energy,
structural building blocks, and essential hormones.  In order to build and maintain the tissues
of the body, new cells must constantly be formed.  The membrane that surrounds all types of
cells is made up largely of the long carbon chains of fatty acids, and the control of what
enters and leaves the cell is determined by the kinds of fatty acids present.  The fluid nature
of the membrane increases when unsaturated fatty acids are more abundant.  Since fatty acids
absorbed in the gut are taken directly into cells without alteration, it is true that "you are
what you eat" in terms of dietary fat.  

The high caloric content of fats makes them an obvious target for weight loss routines. 
Since your body can produce the non-essential fats from other food sources, energy intake can
theoretically be adequate with complete absence of dietary fats.  However, such a diet is a
very real hazard to long-term good health.  On the other hand, modern diets of fast foods and
packaged dinners tend to be rich in saturated fats and hydrogenated oils and are frequently
lacking in the balance of essential fatty acids.  To correct this problem changes must be made
in food selection with supplementation with essential fatty acids for a period of time.  There
are many reasons to expect that improved health and greater extension of active years can
result from proper attention to dietary fats. Consuming the wrong kinds and amounts of dietary
fats have been found to play a role in the development and complications of obesity, vascular
disease, cancer, and various other degenerative disorders. 

Saturated Fatty Acids:

These are fatty acids that contain no double bonds.  They are present as major components of
most foods and are very high in food such as candy bars.  These are important for energy but
excess is stored as body fat.  Oils with high concentrations of Medium Chain Triglycerides
such virgin coconut  or palm kernel oil can be very healthy and promote normal weight, energy
and immune function, however, can raise cholesterol if hydrogenated.  If only saturated fatty
acids are available to the tissues, the energy supply would be in good shape but the other
categories of function would suffer.  Cell membranes would lose their fluidity, disturbing the
metabolism and function of the cell.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:

Plants are the primary source of unsaturated fatty acids in the human diet.  Unsaturated fats
have one or more double bonds. Fatty acids with several double bonds, especially AA, DGLA,
and EPA are used to make eicosanoid hormones called prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and
thromboxane.  These compounds amplify and balance signals to the organs, the blood clotting
system, and the immune system.  These can exert extremely potent biological activities and
their homeostatic functions in regulating blood vessel leakage, atherosclerosis, and immune
cell behavior are relevant to the initiation and progress of heart and blood vessel disease. 
Arachadonic acid is converted to inflammatory prostaglandins, while the others become anti-
inflammatory ones.  It is important in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or allergies
to shift the balance to decrease inflammation.

Dietary Sources Of Essential Fatty Acids:

Fatty Acid                                    Food Source                   Enriched Source                         

Linoleic acid (LA)                            Vegetable oils,                 Corn oil

Alpha Lenoleic Acid (ALA)               Seeds, nuts                     Flaxseed, Black Currant oil

Gamma linolenic Acid (GLA)            Seeds, nuts                     Evening Primrose, Borage oil

Arachidonic Acid (AA)                     Red meat

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)          Seafood                           Fish oil

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)          Seafood                           Fish oil

Trans Fatty Acids:

The double bonds of unsaturated fats are always in the "cis" configuration.  Food labels that
say "Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" tell you that the natural oil has been chemically
modified (usually by heat) leading to the conversion of the natural "cis" unsaturated fatty
acids to their "trans" isomers.   The "trans" unsaturated fat interferes with a normal
eicosanoid production and normal cell wall structure, making it rigid or leaky increasing the
risk of heart disease, allergies, etc.   Butter is preferable to margarine, which is very high
in "trans" fatty acids.  "Trans" fatty acids should be avoided totally. Most oils from grocery
stores are heat-refined with the exception of extra virgin olive oil, which is cold-pressed. 
Other cold pressed oils may also be used. Cold-pressed corn, safflower, and other oils may be
obtained from the health food store.   

Complex Carbohydrates:

Whole grains, vegetables, some fruit, beans, nuts, etc. contain complex carbohydrates that are
slowly digested and utilized to produce energy which is the major function of carbohydrates in
the body.  They also contain fiber, which is important for healthy digestion and elimination
and lowers risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. 
Examples of complex carbohydrates include:

Whole Grains: whole brown wheat, brown rice, millet, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, cornmeal,
bulgur, spelt, amaranth, quinoa.

Legumes: lentils, dry peas, dry beans -- soy, mung, black, kidney, chick peas (garbanzo),
pinto, lima, adzuki, great northern, black-eyed peas, peanuts, navy, white, etc. tofu,
(a soybean cheese that is high in protein and calcium), tempeh (soybean patty).
 
Nuts and Seeds:  almonds, cashews, brazil, walnut, pecan, filbert, pine nuts, nut butters,
sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, squash seeds, seed butters such as tahini.

Refined carbohydrates: white sugar, white flour, many processed foods such as candy,
cookies, etc.)   They are poor in nutrients and fiber, are quickly absorbed, resulting in a quick
energy boost followed by a  roller coaster of fatigue and mood swings.
Refined carbohydrates are best avoided.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:

Each person's body type is unique.  Some do best on a vegetarian diet, others on a high
protein, low carbohydrate diet.  Nutritional evaluation and counseling can help you arrive
at the diet that is best for you as an individual.  Try to eat only when you are relaxed and
not stressed.  Eat with joy, eat slowly and chew thoroughly.  This will help you digest the
food properly and at the same time bring out the full flavor of whole, unrefined natural
foods.  Deep breathing, plenty of exercise, sunshine, and avoiding mental stress contribute
to smooth metabolism of the food you eat to keep your body strong and healthy.

Cooking Recommendations:

Use organic whole foods whenever possible.  Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking.  Steaming,
quick stir-frying (with a high quality, heavier oil such as cold pressed olive, canola, or
sesame oil), and baking are preferred methods.  Pressure-cooking, especially grains and beans,
is excellent.  The more unprocessed, unrefined, fresh, or unchanged a food is, the healthier it
is for you.

Foods To Avoid:  Learn To Read Labels: 

- Processed, refined, prepared, canned foods with artificial flavor, artificial colors or
sweeteners, preservatives (BHA, BHT, etc.), all chemicals.
 
- White flour and products made with this refined carbohydrate.
 
- All pork products, especially bacon and ham.
  
- All smoked meats, processed or "deli" meats that contain nitrates and other preservatives.
 
- Deep-fried foods, fatty greasy foods, rich gravies, heavy cream, processed cheese, 
ice cream, fast foods in general. 

- Frozen and canned foods.
 
- Alcohol and carbonated beverages including diet soda, Nutrasweet (aspartame).
 
- Candy, commercial cookies and cakes, gum, cocoa and chocolate.
 
- Coffee and black tea including decaffeinated variety.
 
- Hydrogenated oils (margarine, shortening and packaged foods containing "partially 
hydrogenated oils").  Supermarket grade oils, rancid oils, rancid nuts and seeds,
palm oil, coconut oil.
 
- Sugar (sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose,
monosaccarhides, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, corn sweetener, Nutrasweet
(aspartame), saccharin).  Refined white sugar adds calories but no nutrients to your diet. 
Excess sugar in the diet may lead to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia, B-Vitamin
deficiencies, high cholesterol, and heart disease.  Reduce the use of sugar by avoiding refined,
processed, fabricated foods, and by eliminating white sugar and products made with white sugar
or glucose. You can substitute stevia, glycerin, xylitol, or erythritol.
 
- Salt is a restricted item for some, according to your health.  High salt content is found in
almost all processed foods.  Excessive intake may be related to high blood pressure. 
Reduce the use of salt by eating fresh, whole, unsalted foods and substituting with Tamari
(soy sauce), sea salt, miso, kelp, or dulse (rich in iodine, iron and other trace minerals). 
Herbs, spices, and lemon juice add natural flavors.

A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE TRACT:

Prevention of heart disease, colon and other cancers, candidiasis, etc. is aided by a healthy
digestive tract.  Overall, one feels well when the digestion is working properly and the bowel
movements are regular (1-3 times daily, soft, easily passed).  Enough fiber (from sources
such as whole grains and vegetables) is important to keep the digestion moving smoothly. 
Hydrochloric Acid and digestive enzymes are produced by the body to break food down into
absorbable molecules.  Antibiotics kill off the healthy flora (bacteria) in the intestines
and lead to intestinal dysbiosis (altered gut flora).  Besides uncomfortable symptoms such as
gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, this can lead to suppression of the immune
system, frequent infections, food allergies, and malabsorption of nutrients.  Transit time
(the time it takes from eating to elimination) should be 18-24 hours.  A simple way to measure
this is to take 10 charcoal tablets, note the time, and note the time of the first black bowel
movement.  One simple way to maintain intestinal health is to occasionally do a Vitamin C flush
(ask for directions) or colon hydrotherapy, followed by taking acidophilus to repopulate the
"good" bacteria.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY:

Water:  Since the water we drink and use to clean ourselves can contain substances such as
chlorine, fluoride, petro-chemicals, mercury, pesticides and other contaminants, we recommend
use of bottled water and a good water filtration system.  Many filters on the market are not
adequate so ask for our recommendations before spending your money!  Since these toxins are
readily absorbed through the skin, it makes sense to filter all water you come in contact with,
including your shower.  Fluoride and chlorine alter thyroid function among other negative
effects, despite the fact they are deliberately placed in the water.  Fluoride is also in
toothpaste.  Despite minimal evidence that it prevents tooth decay (in children only!),
fluoride is highly toxic substance.  Use natural toothpaste without fluoride. We would be happy
to suggest several brands.     

Mercury fillings: Although the American Dental Association says that silver dental fillings
(50% mercury) are safe, there is little evidence to prove it.  In fact, mercury is one of the
most toxic naturally occurring elements known to man!  Mercury vapor escaping from the tooth
is easily measured, proving that it leaks from fillings and is absorbed by the body.  Symptoms
of acute or chronic Mercury Toxicity (from fillings) are diverse because mercury adversely can
affect any tissue.  Recent studies have shown neurologic impairment, allergies and immune
dysfunction, autism, decreased kidney function, and higher concentrations of mercury in the
brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.  Mercury is passed from the mother to the fetus,
in utero.  Please discuss this with us before having any dental work done, so we can make
recommendations appropriate for your health.

Indoor and outdoor air pollution:  The number and type of chemicals we are exposed to daily
has been dramatically increasing over the last 50 years or so. Symptoms of chronic chemical
toxicity may be easily missed: irritability, anxiety, loss of memory, fatigue, weakness, etc.
Our liver must detoxify and eliminate these toxins from our bodies and may be increasingly
stressed as the amount of exposure increases.  The detoxification process also requires a
number of nutrients (cysteine, glutathione, taurine, Vitamin C, E, selenium, zinc, molybdenum,
to name a few) and these become depleted the more we are exposed. 

Formaldehyde is ubiquitous in new building materials, plastics, furniture, glues, etc. 
We are commonly exposed to organic solvents (paints, varnishes, etc.) and petrochemicals
(gasoline, oil, kerosene, natural gas).  Pesticides may cause severe problems and may be
stored in the body fat for years. Non-organically grown foods contain pesticides that washing
will not remove.  We DO NOT know what the "safe" level of exposure is since many of these
chemicals have never been studied and nothing is known about the cumulative effect of many
chemicals at the same time. 

Avoid exposure whenever possible. Here are some suggestions:

- Plenty of fresh air - open windows or ventilate well; install an air exchanger to prevent
        buildup of pollutants.
- Use personal care products that do not contain carcinogens and hormone scramblers. 
- Eat organic food whenever possible.
- Use more naturally derived products - paints and cleaners are available which are less
        toxic (We have catalogs of companies who specialize in these environmentally safe
        products.)
- DO NOT USE PESTICIDES, especially on your lawn.  Many lawn services now use organic
        lawn care products that are just as effective at producing a beautiful lawn. 
        Integrated pest management strategies can be used for eradicating pests.
- If you must paint or use chemicals, make sure the space is well ventilated and use a
        filtration mask (a carbon filled mask may be adequate).
        Less toxic paints are available.
- Use a good quality air purifier, especially in your bedroom.
- Use electric heat/stove (where possible); avoid natural gas.

Ask us if you have specific questions.

EXERCISE:

Exercise increases oxygenation to tissues and also removes toxins that in turn improve health. 
It also increases release of the body's endorphins, which give a sense of well-being.  The
endorphins produce the well known  "runner's high".  Exercise can also improve one's mood and
help alleviate anxiety and depression. Yoga is also excellent for maintaining flexibility and
toning the body, as well as stress management.  Each exercise program should be tailored to
an individual's state of health. If you have any questions about your exercise program, or have
complex health problems, please discuss exercise with us.  For good cardiovascular
conditioning and health, aerobic exercise is recommended 3 to 5 times per week for a minimum
of 20 minutes and at your target heart rate. Even walking for 20-30 minutes 3 times a week can
help tune the cardiovascular system, tighten abdominal muscles and strengthen the musculo-
skeletal system.  Use the following equation to calculate optimal heart rate during aerobic exercise:

                        (220 - your age) X 70% = target heart rate

                        For example, a 30 year old (220 - 30) = 190 X 70% = 133 target heart rate

Weight-bearing exercise is important in order to avoid or slow the process of osteoporosis
as well as maintaining good muscle tone.  Weight lifting programs can be tailored for each
individual.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS:

Our thoughts affect our health, physically and mentally.  Stress can be reduced if we examine
the beliefs, thoughts, and reactions that we have to events in our lives and choose differently. 
We can become more aware of our feelings thoughts and then release them.  Reacting to
situations and persons we encounter makes us feel helpless and dis-empowered.  This has
been shown to adversely affect health. We can choose to think differently.  We have the power
to choose our attitude.   Releasing old hurts and anger and forgiving those whom we perceive to
have harmed us are powerful ways     of reducing our stress load.  When we empower ourselves
in these ways, we are free to be in the present, cope better with today, and behave in more
pro-active ways.

Biofeedback, psychotherapy, relaxation exercises, HeartMath, or meditation can help
us slow down and become more aware of our choices.  Setting clear goals and priorities
can also reduce stress.  Where there is more awareness and more freedom of choice
about our behavior, there is more health.  Our endocrine and immune systems as well
as our muscles respond negatively to tension and helplessness.  When we feel in
control and relaxed, these systems respond positively as well.

Spirituality:   Developing a clearer, stronger connection to God (the higher order or power in
life) is important to balancing our lives and moving towards optimal health.  As God's light
shines in our lives, we become more whole.  Prayer and positive beliefs have been shown in
studies to be more powerful and effective than many medications.  We encourage you to explore
and deepen your spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be.

It is our hope that this information is interesting, stimulating, and thought provoking. 
Please let us know how we can be of service in maintaining and improving your health.

TREATMENT AT THE CENTER FOR THE HEALING ARTS:

LISTEN SYSTEM:  This non-invasive, non-provocative method of allergy evaluation is designed
to help identify patterns of environmental sensitivities, which has been extensively
developed by Lawrence Caprio, ND.  It is used in conjunction with a complete evaluation of
the patient's past history and present symptoms as well as conventional diagnostic methods to
provide effective allergy treatment.

THE MARSHALL MANDEL, M.D. ALLERGY CENTER at the Center for the Healing Arts
continues the allergy work of Dr. Mandell, famous for his several books on allergies,
arthritis, and elimination diets and his ground-breaking work in the area of environmental
medicine. Molly Spau, our allergy technician, worked under the direction of Dr. Mandell for
20 years and joined the Center's staff when Dr. Mandell retired.  The environmental approach
to allergy, including Dr. Mandell's allergy testing and treatment techniques, are often more
effective than conventional allergy treatments, and are performed under the supervision of
our physicians. We recommend nutritional/dietary counseling for all patients undergoing
food allergy testing and treatment in order to understand the principles of
elimination/rotation diets. 

INTRAVENOUS NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES:  We offer nutritional therapies intravenously
for many conditions, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, hypertension, asthma, acute
or chronic infections, and a variety of other disorders. In addition, we assess the net
retention in the body of toxic metals. Mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium as well as
other heavy metals have been recognized as significant toxins to human health by the
CDC and in the medical literature. They can cause oxidative damage in the body, inhibit
enzymatic function, and damage organs such as the brain, kidneys, etc. They have been
implicated in hypertension, cardiomyopathy, neurological problems, autism, and chronic
fatigue syndrome. Treatments that can lower the body burden of these toxic metals
reduce risk for developing degenerative diseases and can be beneficial in certain
illnesses. One study showed a dramatically reduced incidence of cancer in patients who
had undergone chelation therapy. Dr. Sica is a Diplomate of the American Board of
Clinical Metal Toxicology.