Monthly Archives: March 2022

Dr. Charles Gant MD shares his optimistic outlook on the planet's prospects in "An Earthly Chance."

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized as a leading medical authority in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Charles Gant has extended his expertise to climate change in his eighth book, "An Earthly Chance."

"As a doctor, I care about the health and well-being of my patients and our planet. The time has come to assert our political resolve to saving the earth's ecosystems through the intelligent application of sound agricultural and geoengineering principles," Gant says. "Without solving our carbon problem, our planet and humankind's health is not sustainable."

After completingresidency training in Family Practice and Psychiatry, Gant integrated his psychology, addiction medicine, meditation other healing methods into his practice. He pioneered the concept of "causal medicine."

For the last five decades, Gant has expanded eclectic healing approaches for the mind, body and spirit. He defines causal medicine as "an innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment that takes into account individual differences in biochemistry, immunology, endocrinology, toxicology and environmental stressors in order to optimize genetic expression and wellness."

Exploring the root causes and possible solutions for climate change was Gant's next logical subject to tackle head-on in "An Earthly Chance,"since the quality of our environment, our air, food and water, greatly impact such genetic expression and wellness.

"Sequestrating carbon into the topsoil through regenerative agriculture, and thus removing a trillion tons of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, is a critical way to begin to markedly enhance the quality of food and reverse our epidemics of chronic disease, thus increasing our health, enhancing longevity, and averting ecological disaster," Gant says.

"Only by empowering consumers, can we take responsibility to reverse and solve climate change and bring all these positive benefits to humanity. This book explains precisely how we can do this!"

Available now in Kindle format through Amazon, "An Earthly Chance," will be published soon in both hard and soft copies https://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Chance-Charles-Gant-PhD-ebook/dp/B09TS6KXVS/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1647278565&refinements=p_27%3ACharles+Gant&s=books&sr=1-4

Getting to the root of a problem is inherent in Gant's DNA: "Climate change is primarily caused by excess carbon in the air. This occurs by burning fossil fuels and modern agricultural methods. Climate change can be solved, lifespans markedly improved and all life on our precious planet can be saved," he explained.

"We are expected to sacrifice the burning of carbon, which is the only inexpensive, plentiful, and indispensable fuel that provides for the feeding of our planet and brings us abundance and prosperity.

"Without solving our carbon problem our planet and humankind's health is not sustainable, but most countries will not jeopardize their militaries and their ability to grow, harvest and provide food because agriculture and military security totally depends on the energy derived from fossil fuels."

Gant remains optimistic that climate change is possible, "but we must recognize that restrictions in the burning of fossil fuels is a hoax. Instead we can solve Climate Change by taking excess carbon out of the atmosphere and sequestering it into our soils and plants to markedly improve health and longevity."

"It's not too late," the doctor, teacher and author says in the introduction to "An Earthly Chance." "The only sane climate change solution possible is science-based, economically responsible and depends on healing human beings and our environment."

About Dr. Charles GantDr. Charles Gant is the author of eight books, a teacher and a medical practitioner. He holds both a doctor of medicine (M.D.) and a doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees.

As a physician, Gant has practiced functional and integrative medicine and mindfulness-based cognitive psychotherapy for nearly five decades. He has incorporated Causal Medicine into his practice in the last decade. Precision medicine is an innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment that considers each individual's differences in genomics, environmental stressors, biochemistry, and lifestyles. https://www.nihadc.com/practitioners/dr-chas-gant-md-ph-d.html

He holds a B.S. in chemistry from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, an M.D. from the University of Virginia Medical School and postgraduate training in Family Practice, Psychiatry and Psychology(Ph.D.)

Media Contact: Dr. Charles GantPhone: (240) 800-4955

SOURCE Dr. Charles Gant, MD

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Noted Alternative Medical Guru Takes on Climate Change in his 8th Book - PR Newswire

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women in the United States, second only to skin cancer [1]. Each year, about 255,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Additionally, about 100,000 women go on to have some form of mastectomy each year either prophylactically or as a definitive treatment [2]. Unfortunately, these procedures can be very burdensome in terms of post-operative pain and emotional burden for patients. Breast biopsies alone have been shown to contribute to anxiety and depression in women both before and after the procedure due to fear of the procedure itself as well as fear of a potential cancer diagnosis [3]. Therefore, pain management and mental health support are crucial in achieving an optimal recovery [4].

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) has compiled a workgroup to encourage breast surgeons to consider the use of non-opioid alternatives to combat post-operative pain control and mitigate the current opioid crisis. This workgroup has recommended the use of a multidisciplinary approach in combination with standardized quantities of narcotics. It also strongly supports the use of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol [5]. ERAS protocols have successfully implemented evidence-based practices to reduce post-operative pain, nausea, vomiting, opioid use, and length of hospital stay [6]. They aim to optimize patient outcomes during the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical intervals. This can be accomplished through patient education and pre-surgical counseling, early transitions to oral pain medications post-operatively, and expedited post-procedure mobilization, for example [7]. Although ERAS protocols have been proven to lower both recovery time and post-operative complications in a cost-effective manner, compliance to all protocol items can be difficult to accomplish [8-10].

Gillis et al. conducted a patient-led narrative style study assessing the ERAS protocol patient experience, which brought to light several unaddressed patient needs. The success of ERAS protocols lies in the physical components of surgical recovery; however, these protocols lack to address patients emotional needs. In Gillis et al.s study, patients felt ill-equipped to resolve stressors on their own during the pre-surgical phase and they were not informed of available community resources by their healthcare providers [11].Importantly, patients with a higher psychological burden prior to undergoing a mastectomy faced poorer post-surgical outcomes, including a higher risk of complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased costs of care [12].

Some women with breast cancer occasionally desire to utilize alternative remedies as a complement to traditional medications [13]. Many women who chose to use complementary therapies cited experiencing greater motivation to heal and an improved sense of control over their health [14].The therapies utilized included massage, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and electro-puncture. The goal of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the adjunctive therapies that have been implemented to augment post-operative recovery in breast surgery patients.

A systematic literature review was conducted in order to determine what non-pharmacologic treatments could be used to optimize breast cancer patient care pre-, peri-, or post-operatively.The search terms were as follows: (alternative medicine or complementary medicine or integrative medicine or holistic medicine or natural medicine or mediation or aromatherapy or music or art or reiki or massage) and (surgery) and (pain). All articles were uploaded from PubMed into COVIDENCE, an online software program used for the production of systematic reviews. Once imported into COVIDENCE, all abstracts underwent initial screening by members of the review team. Studies included in this review required at least one alternative medicine intervention and a description of a pre-, post-, or peri-operative surgical outcome (pain, opioid requirements, infection rate, wound healing, length of stay, hospital readmission, etc.). All systematic reviews, literature reviews, meta-analyses, opinion pieces, non-English, non-human, chronic pain studies, and studies on non-surgical screening techniques (ex: ultrasound, mammography, etc.) were excluded. Articles with a focus on medicationsincluding vitamins, herbs, and supplements were also excluded from this study. Following abstract screenings, the full text of each article was screened using the predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and qualitative data was extracted from all articles which met this criterion. Additionally, the references of select articles were screened in order to identify and include any additional relevant studies.

The original search identified 1,645 total papers related to surgery and holistic medical interventions. Of that, 1,625 studies were excluded because they lacked a surgical intervention on the breast.Of the 20 remaining papers, two were excluded from being non-English studies.Thus, 18 met the criteria for review (Figure 1). The alternative medicine interventions identified in this review include massage therapy, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, acupuncture, and electro-puncture.

Massage/Reflexology

Under the overarching term massage, several studies in this review covered subtypes of massage including reflexology, Swedish massage, and acupressure. Reflexology has been used since 2330 BCE to alleviate pain and stress [15,16]. The three main theories behind its efficacy are energy channeling, the breaking down of lactic acid build up and the utilization of the neuromatrix to prevent the transmission of pain [16]. Varying pressures are applied to different areas of the foot. The area that corresponds to the breast spans the distal, dorsal aspect of the foot, proximal to the phalanges. Acupressure is a similar form of therapy that utilizes manual pressure, commonly performed with the fingertips to specific points in the body with the goal of releasing muscle tension.

Three papers utilized foot reflexology as a form of massage. Ucuzal et al. specifically used reflexology in the experimental group in addition to analgesic therapy, while the control group was provided with analgesic therapy alone. This trial demonstrated a significant improvement in pain compared to the control group following reflexology as determined by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire [17].

The two other studies compared the effectiveness of massage therapy alone to a massage therapy in combination with other interventions. Dilaveri et al. studied breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery who were evaluated post operatively using visual analog scores (VAS) to determine pain, mood, energy, relaxation, insomnia, stress, anxiety, alertness, fatigue, and tension after massage alone or with the addition of acupuncture. The massage techniques utilized included foot reflexology and Swedish massage. Using the VAS scores, Dilaveri et al. determined that stress and anxiety decreased significantly, while relaxation increased in both treatment groups. Although both groups showed improvement, the massage-only group experienced a greater effect in all metrics [18]. Similarly, Dion et al. concluded that while massage and massage with the addition of meditation individually demonstrated a benefit, the addition of meditation to massage resulted in no additional change to VAS scores when compared to the massage-only group [19].

Thus, the use of massage alone as an adjunctive therapy to patients following breast procedures has shown to be beneficial and can reduce numerous post-operative symptoms including pain and anxiety.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is the connective tissue that encases various structures in the human body. It has tremendous tensile strength and any disruption in the fascial planes can cause dysfunction, pain, and discomfort. Myofascial release is the practice of placing direct pressure on the restricted fascia until a moment of release is felt. Serra-Ano et al. studied the effectiveness of myofascial release compared to placebo manual lymphatic drainage in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery. Fascial manipulation improved the range of motion in the shoulder determined by measuring the active angular reach via a goniometer. Pain severity, measured with VAS scores, was also decreased in patients undergoing myofascial manipulation with greater significance than those undergoing placebo manual lymphatic drainage [20].

Music

Music was first reported to aid in surgical procedures in 1914 [21]. Music can be incorporated into the pre-, peri-, and post-operative time periods with the goals of reducing pain, anxiety, and improving overall patient comfort. The pathophysiology behind its benefit is thought to be due to its ability to attenuate the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery [22]. The genre, dynamics, and duration of the music played is patient dependent, as long as it is used in an appropriate clinical setting.

Six studies evaluated the effect of music on breast-related surgical procedures. Tellez et al. aimed to determine the effect of music on breast biopsies. By analyzing VAS scores, the study concluded that when compared to a standard breast biopsy, the pre- or post-operative addition of music reduced stress, pain, and anxiety [3].

Deng et al. compared the effects of music and the combination of music and aromatherapy in the peri-operative treatment of breast cancer. Patients treated with music therapy demonstrated a reduction in pain intensity and anxiety when compared to standard therapy alone and the combination of music and aromatherapy demonstrated an even greater decrease in pain intensity and anxiety [23].

Soo et al. investigated the impact of relaxing music played during an image-guided core-needle breast biopsy. Using multiple questionnaires, there was a demonstrated reduction in anxiety, fatigue, and pain when compared to the standard care control [24]. Wren et al. studied the effects of music in patients undergoing breast biopsy or breast cancer surgery. There was a significant reduction in pain in those listening to pre-, peri-, and post-operative music compared to the control group [25]. Li et al. similarly demonstrated a reduction in pain for women undergoing radical mastectomy with music therapy [26]. Thus, the addition of music therapy in breast-related surgical procedures has been shown in numerous studies to improve anxiety, fatigue, pain, and stress in the post-operative period.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils that come from seeds, stems, leaves, needles, petals, flowers, rinds and fruits, woods and resins, roots and rhizomes, and grasses for medical purposes [27]. Four papers explored the use of aromatherapy in breast-related procedures. Chao et al. demonstrated that aromatherapy resulted in a decrease in pain, anxiety and levels of IL-6 and HMGB-1 compared to standard therapy. While the combination of aromatherapy and music therapy was superior to either intervention alone in reducing pain and anxiety, there was no significant difference between music-only and aromatherapy-only interventions [23].

Three papers explored the effect of lavender aromatherapy. Kim et al. investigated the addition of lavender to post-operative oxygen therapy. There was no difference in narcotic requirements or objective pain scores between control and intervention; however, patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than control patients [28].Franco et al. explored the addition of either lavender fleur oil (LFO) or unscented oil (UO) aromatherapy in the care of breast surgery patients. The study demonstrated that the addition of LFO significantly decreased post-operative anxiety relative to the control group [29]. Shammas et al. examined the effects of lavender oil on post-operative breast cancer outcomes but found no significant differences in peri-operative depression and anxiety scores, pain scores, or sleep scores between the control and intervention groups [30].

Overall, while there were no adverse effects of aromatherapy documented, the evidence supporting the benefits of aromatherapy was mixed in the studies analyzed.

Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, and Meditation

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique, also known as visualization, that involves creating specific conscious experiences, such as imagining oneself on a beach, without the use of external stimuli [31]. When fully immersed in this technique, one can truly perceive the event created by their thoughts [32,33]. According to the United States National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million adults report using guided imagery to reduce stress and address health-specific complaints [32]. Guided imagery is often used in combination with mediation, hypnosis, and other relaxation exercises as all of these focus on profound thought formation [34,35].

Kwekkeboom et al. tested the efficacy of guided imagery in reducing post-operative pain in women with breast and gynecologic cancers. Participants who underwent breast surgery completed guided imagery tasks and returned pain diaries 48 hours after discharge. Though this study reported a high percentage of patients opting to implement nonpharmacological pain management strategies, pain-related intensity and distress remained similar among patients who used analgesics alone and those who used an analgesic in combination with a nonpharmacologic intervention, such as guided imagery, re-positioning, heat, music, or meditation [36].

Three papers examined the impact of meditation as an intervention, one in patients undergoing autologous tissue reconstruction and two in patients undergoing breast biopsies. Using various scales, both Soo et al. and Wren et al. found that guided meditation reduced pain and anxiety about both breast surgery and the potential cancer diagnosis. Additionally, Wren et al. demonstrated a significant improvement in self-compassion and heart rate over time compared to the control group. The papers differed in that Soo et al. saw a significant reduction in fatigue scores following biopsy, while Wren et al. demonstrated no difference in fatigue compared to controls [24].

Dion et al. analyzed patients who underwent autologous tissue reconstruction and were treated with either massage or massage in combination with mediation. There was no difference in stress, anxiety, relaxation, insomnia, alertness, fatigue, tension, pain, mood, and energy between the two cohorts [19].

In two studies comparing hypnosis to a control group, both demonstrated significant psychological benefits. Schnur et al. investigated the effects of presurgical hypnosis on psychological stress in patients undergoing excisional breast biopsy. Prior to surgery, the hypnosis group had significantly improved relaxation and anxiety and decreased emotional upset and depression compared to the control group [37].

Montgomery et al. investigated the effects of adding a 15-minute hypnotic session prior to a breast-related surgical intervention. Patients receiving required less propofol and lidocaine during the intervention and had decreased post-operative pain, discomfort, fatigue, and nausea [38].

Overall, in terms of pain management, patients who took analgesics experienced similar outcomes to those using guided imagery in combination with analgesics. However, hypnosis and meditation both independently demonstrated significant pain reduction and psychological benefits for patients.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga is a practice that combines a sequence of postures with purposeful breathing and heightened self-awareness in order to achieve a state of relaxation andincreased awareness of the mind, body, and spirit [39]. In recent years, yoga and meditation practices have become an increasingly popular and accepted practice in the United States. The health benefits of yoga practice are widespread. Notably, yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as well contribute to weight loss [40,41]. In western medicine, Hatha yoga, a commonly practiced form of yogaplaces emphasis on the physical component of the yoga practice [40].

Sudarshan et al. investigated the effects of 12 one-hour weekly Hatha yoga sessions on anxiety, depression, range of motion, and flexibility following breast surgery. The study showed that the Hatha yoga intervention significantly improved flexibility during right and left shoulder abduction, as well as range of motion during left shoulder flexion following breast surgery-related procedure [42].

Electro-Puncture and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the stimulation of predefined acupoints on the body in order to stimulate the central nervous system. In the most commonly used form of acupuncture, needles are inserted into the acupoints and subsequently manually manipulated by lifting or twisting the needle. Electroacupunctureis a more recently established technique involving the insertion of two needles within acupoint sites. The two needles serve as electrodes to pass an electric current. One of the major benefits of electroacupuncture is the ability to objectively and quantifiably measure the intensity of the electrical stimulation, which is not possible with the traditional form of acupuncture [43].

Bosco et al. investigated the efficacy of combined electroacupuncture and homeopathic medicine (Arnica montana and Apis mellifica) in place of opioid use in two breast surgery candidates who could not tolerate the standard medications due to liver disease. This combination provided sufficient pain relief, maintained liver function, reduced time spent in the post-surgical recovery area, and total time spent in the hospital [44].

Dilaveri et al. demonstrated that acupuncture in combination with massage resulted in decreased levels of anxiety, relaxation, nausea, fatigue, pain, and mood following breast reconstructive surgery compared to baseline. Although the benefits of this intervention were similar to the benefits of massage-only intervention in regards to fatigue, anxiety, relaxation, nausea, pain, and mood scores, the massage plus acupuncture intervention increased stress levels compared to massage alone [18].

Overall, acupuncture and electro-puncture were able to improve post-surgery outcomes and demonstrated to be helpful alternatives or adjuncts to standard treatment options.

All articles incorporated into this review are summarized inTable 1.

ERAS protocols focus on reducing post-operative pain and improving the patients overall experience. In addition to the standard care addressed in ERAS protocols, a multitude of low-risk adjunctive options exist for increasing patient satisfaction, with the potential for creating superior outcomes. The alternative practices discussed in this review outline such benefits. However, patients are often unaware that complementary measures such as these exist and most physicians do not receive education regarding implementation of these therapies in the clinical setting. Complementary therapies can be tailed to the needs and interests of patients. For instance, patients with an interest in music may benefit more from music therapy compared with patients who lack this interest. Thus, physician and patient education are critical to ensure that patients have the empowering experience of choosing the adjunctive therapies that best fits their needs.

Alternative therapies can play a role in optimizing the surgical experience for patients undergoing breast procedures, but the intervention should be tailored to each patient. If a patient has the autonomy to select which interventions they choose to utilize based on their lifestyle and personal preferences, adherence may be improved. Most interventions are fairly easy to implement and do not add a lengthy teaching component to patient-provider encounters. Additionally, many can be self-administered and/or taught through self-help books, video recordings, and classes. Once introduced in the hospital setting, many interventions can be continued at home with little or no cost to the patient. Furthermore, alternative therapies are extremely low-risk and can be utilized in patients with contraindications to standard medications or those wishing to minimize their medication exposure.

The studies reviewed should be considered in light of limitations. One limitation in several of the papers was the small sample size which could affect the power of the studies. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to furtherstrengthen the established relationship between alternative therapies and the reduction of post-operative complications.An additional limitation inherent to alternative therapy interventions is lack of concealment or blinding. Given the impossibility of blinding individuals to interventions including massage, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and electro-puncture, patients are aware of the interventions they are receiving. This can lead to a placebo bias that may sway is review [45]. Studies have demonstrated that several neurotransmitter systems, such as opiate and dopamine systems, are involved in the placebo effect, which may explain its impact on pain control [46]. However, these interventions pose essentially no risk relative to their potential benefits. Therefore, the potential benefits of placebo effects may add to the rationale for implementing these interventions.

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Improving Breast Surgery Outcomes Through Alternative Therapy: A Systematic Review - Cureus

If youve never heard of Frog pose, TikTokers think you should learn the classic yoga pose. Videos claiming its a cure all for everything from pain to digestion to mental health to better sex are going viral.

TikToker Olga Urbanovich (426.3K followers) posted a video in September 22, 2021, claiming that practicing a daily, one-minute Frog pose position could improve your sex life, strengthen the pelvic muscles, stimulate digestion, and promote better circulation. The video has since garnered 14 million views.

Other TikTokers have been raving about Frog pose and posting their own videos ever since: #frogpose now has 23.1 million views and #frogposechallenge has 289.9 thousand views. They claim the benefits go beyond Urbanovichs list.

TikToker Vanessa Hammond (36.9K followers) posted a video on March 15 with 1.5 thousand likes claiming the pose helps with opening up hips and overall flexibility.

Mariah McLean (5K followers) posted a videoon February 22 with 14.7 thousand views claiming the pose reduces stress and anxiety.

Victoria Sisco (223.9K followers) posted a video on February 10 with 2.9 thousand likes saying Frog pose aids in relieving lower back pain and knee pain and strengthens the back.

Does the pose actually deliver on any of these purported benefits? And should you try it?

Frog pose is primarily a stretching pose for the hips and inner thighs, explains Monisha Bhanote, MD, an integrative medicine physician in private practice in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and a yoga teacher certified by Yoga Medicine. Frog pose is a yoga pose that targets the hips and inner thighs (adductor muscles). Mandukasana is the traditional Sanskrit name for the pose.

You get into the pose by:

Frog pose can provide certain health benefits, Dr. Bhanote says. But, the improvements youll experience depend largely on how much time you spend in Frog pose and your body state.

Frog pose can help with stretching the inner thighs and hips, as well as improving overall flexibility and range of motion particularly around the hips, as those are major areas at play in the posture, Bhanote explains. It also stretches the muscles of the back, so it can help relieve lower back tension, too.

While there arent many studies performed on Frog pose specifically, research says that in comparison to physical therapy, yoga provides equal pain improvement on patients with chronic lower back pain.

Bhanote adds that Frog pose can help strengthen the core and pelvic muscles. Astudy published in May 2017 in the International Journal of Yoga indeed concludes that the core muscles engage for yoga poses that require trunk and pelvic movements; Bhanote says Frog pose is one such movement.

And while studies havent (yet) specifically looked at whether Frog pose can help relieve stress better than other yoga poses, Bhanote says there is evidence that consistent yoga practice can help people manage stress; research shows that just 12 minutes of yogic meditation can reverse neural responses linked to stress.

And if youre doing yoga correctly, youre breathing slowly and deeply, which can also help with stress and anxiety, Bhanote adds. (Other research indeed concludes that breathwork in yoga improves mood and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a study published inThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicinein March 2017.)

What about the claim that Frog pose can help with circulation? Again, theres little evidence that Bhanote says shes aware of thats specifically looked at Frog pose and circulation, but research does suggest that meditative practices, such as yoga, can help reduce blood pressure. One small study also indicated that practicing simple yoga poses at home may have an antihypertensive effect.

Bhanote cautions that Frog pose, however, will probably not help with knee pain and could actually make it worse. I have seen knee pain aggravated with this pose, she says.

And whether one minute a day is enough to make a difference, Bhanotes says generally the more time you devote to a yoga practice, the more its going to help with any of these things, she says. The more you practice, the more you will benefit.

Frog pose is generally a safe one for most people, Bhanote says. But know that it will yield a pretty intense stretch for the groin, inner thigh muscles, and hips. Start slowly and dont go deeper in the pose if you start to feel pain. Practicing it with consistency will improve flexibility and your ability to sit back farther in the posture, she says.

Additionally, if you feel pain or discomfort, stop and rest in childs pose, Bhanote says with hands and knees on floor in tabletop position, sit back onto your heels and lower forehead toward the ground.

And if you feel too much pressure in the knees, try folding a yoga mat or blanket under your knees and ankles for support or try using a yoga bolster (or pillow) to rest your chest or head on. If you have a previous knee injury or have knee pain, Bhanote suggests skipping the pose.

Pregnant women should be careful doing the pose, Bhanote adds. It may be safe if someone has previous yoga experience, but to know if its okay for you, check with your doctor, she says.

People with knee, ankle, hip, or lower back injuries should also avoid the pose or check with their doctor before trying it.

Frog pose can definitely offer a number of health benefits, namely flexibility and range of motion to the muscles and joints of the hips. But its an advanced position, and can be intense for beginners. If youre going to try it, do so slowly and gently. Avoid (or check with your doctor first) if you are pregnant or have lower body or lower back injuries.

While its possible that Frog pose can offer some of the benefits TikTokers mentioned, Bhanote adds a quick caveat to this generalization: Limited studies are done on individual yoga poses. So its tough to say with certainty if any one position can provide the same health benefits for everyone.

Link:
Frog Pose Can It Really Help With Pain, Digestion, and Better Sex? - Everyday Health

Newswise Baltimore, Md. March 23, 2022 Healthworx, the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), and LifeBridge Health selected seven promising healthcare innovators to participate in the second cohort of 1501 Health, an incubator for healthcare startups. 1501 Health provides investment and resources to help early-stage companies develop and scale their healthcare solutions.

1501 Health will officially welcome the second cohort at an event on April 27, debuting its physical incubator space within CareFirsts Baltimore headquarters (1501 S. Clinton Street).

The seven companies, chosen from 112 international applicants, are:

Candoo of New York, NY, helps older adults stay safe, independent and connected by educating them on utilizing digital tools designed for daily use, such as Instacart and Uber. In addition, Candoo offers tech concierge services for troubleshooting, installation help and other digital needs.

Flowly of Los Angeles, CA, helps users manage pain and anxiety through virtual reality experiences as an alternative to medication. Backed by NIH clinical trial data, Flowly uses an integrative medicine approach to care using VR technology at home.

Frame Fertility of San Francisco, CA, serves as a prospective parents personalized fertility guide, offering an assessment to identify barriers to fertility, followed by personalized coaching and care navigation to reduce costly and unnecessary fertility treatments.

Health in Her Hue of New York, NY, empowers Black women and women of color along their healthcare journey by reducing racial disparities in the way care is delivered. Leveraging the power of technology, they connect women of color with culturally competent providers and supportive communities.

Lantern of New York, NY, guides users through death and loss at all stages. The platform can guide users in end-of-life pre-planning. Several supports they offer include establishing a legacy, providing clarity for family before the event, or assisting grieving family members in managing someones affairs with helpful checklists.

Ryse Health of Arlington, VA and Baltimore, MD, is an endocrinology practice using tech-enabled solutions and community-based supports to help patients manage type 2 diabetes. The care team utilizes digital applications to check in with patients frequently as a follow up on each patients custom care plan.

Xploro of Manchester, UK, delivers a platform thats designed for children with preexisting conditions and illnesses, and tested by an Advisory Board of 12 children aged 9-17. The digital engagement platform uses 3D models and gamification to increase health literacy for children.

Six of the seven cohort companies were founded by women.

There is such diversity in this cohort in terms of backgrounds, solutions and stages of development, Jordan Evans, 1501 Health Co-Manager and Innovation Project Manager at LifeBridge Health, said. All of them tackle some of the most pressing issues in healthcare today but from such varied backgrounds and solutions-oriented mindsets. We are excited to see what heights they can reach in this cohort.

Cohort members receive up to $100,000 in investment capital and have access to unique mentorship opportunities and support from payer and provider experts, along with networking and educational events with other startups, investors and stakeholders.

David Black, Co-Founder and CEO of Even Health said of his experience in the first cohort, 1501 Health has helped us and our cohort of companies navigate how our innovations can be successfully adopted into the larger network of solutions and opportunities in healthcare. Without 1501 Healths support, I suspect we would have spent a good deal of time pursuing an incorrect path for growth and adoption in our solution, and every startup knows that we have limited windows of opportunity to make the right decisions to reach new stages of growth.

"Our first cohort made meaningful and impactful progress in just 12 months, Emily Durfee, 1501 Health Co-Manager and Director of Healthworx Strategy and Portfolio Acceleration, said. They scaled digital solutions that have the potential to completely redefine how healthcare is delivered. They are creating access points for people in ways left untouched by traditional healthcare. We are excited to see how the new ideas this second cohort brings change healthcare.

1501 Health is a unique partnership between Healthworx and LifeBridge Health, representing expertise in both health insurance and financing (payers) and healthcare delivery and services (providers). The investment and incubation program empowers entrepreneurs to get their innovative solutions to market and expand their impact in healthcare quality, access and affordability. To learn more about 1501Health, visit http://www.1501Health.com.

About Healthworx

Healthworx operates at the intersection of healthcare and innovation by creating, co-creating and investing in companies that are improving healthcare quality, accessibility, affordabilityand equity. As the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst, Healthworx envisions a healthier future for all people by changing the way health works. To connect with Healthworx about partnering, media interviews or speaking opportunities, email[emailprotected].

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related affiliates. For more information, visit http://www.lifebridgehealth.org

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Seven Healthcare Startups Selected for 1501 Health Incubator Second Cohort - Newswise

Evolved for Thirty Years, The Health Coach Training Program Supports Wellness Seekers on Their Journey to Live a Life They Love

NEW YORK, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --The Institute for Integrative Nutrition(IIN), the world's leading health coaching and nutrition school, continues to innovate and set the standard for health coaching education with the relaunch of their evolved and reimagined online Health Coach Training Program.

With new expert faculty, expanded curriculum content, and a brand-new, state-of-the-art learning platform and mobile app that is accessible to more students than ever before, IIN is reinforcing its commitment to training the next generation of wellness seekers, entrepreneurs, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches. The success of our graduates, the largest community of Health Coaches in the world (155,000 graduates in 175 countries), is paramount to our mission.

An Integrated Approach Like No OtherIIN empowers individuals to tap into the innate wisdom of their bodies to nourish, heal, and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Students of IIN's Health Coach Training Program gain access to a wide range of perspectives and teachings from over 95 visiting faculty, leaders in functional medicine and nutrition, personal development, spirituality, coaching, and business such as Deepak Chopra, MD, Daniel Amen, MD, Gabby Bernstein, Will Cole, DC, IFMCP to name a few.

The program is hosted online in the IIN Learning Center, built by leading educators and instructional design experts to provide an innovative and intuitive health coaching education that is accessible on any device, from anywhere in the world. The Health Coach Training Program is dual licensed by the New York State Education Department and the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. It is available in six- or twelve-month terms and is the only fully translated Health Coach curriculum in two languages: English and Spanish.

"The past years have emphasized the value of health and well-being. IIN is on a mission to create a ripple effect that transforms the world, starting by unleashing people's innate wisdom and potential to nourish, heal and thrive," said Lynda Cloud, IIN's CEO. "We're honored to play a crucial role in improving the health and happiness of others."

At The Forefront of the Coaching IndustryHoned for over thirty years, the IINtegrative Coaching Method is a life-changing foundation for personal and professional growth. Students learn best-practice coaching skills and cutting-edge techniques.

For more information about the evolved program, visit http://www.integrativenutrition.com.

About Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)Institute for Integrative Nutrition(IIN) is the world's largest and longest-standing health coaching and nutrition school providing a holistic health education. For the past 30 years, IIN has pioneered the field of health coaching. With 155,000 students and graduates spanning 175 countries, IIN is actively changing the wellness of the world. The IINtegrative Coaching MethodTM is IIN's unique approach to coaching and sets a life-changing foundation for personal and professional growth.

SOURCE Institute for Integrative Nutrition

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Institute for Integrative Nutrition Launches the Next Generation of Health Coach Training to Transform the Wellness Industry - PR Newswire

I started losing my breast milk supply three months postpartum. Along with the breast milk, I had lost about half of my hair and nearly all of my weight. It didn't matter what or how much I ate, I couldn't keep on a pound. It felt like my body was deteriorating.

As I was dealing with my undiagnosed health problems, my newborn was dealing with his own. He was throwing up multiple times a day, unable to keep any food down. So, I focused all of my attention on getting him the help he needed. I was making formula from scratch after losing my milk supply (he wouldn't tolerate anything on the market), I was taking him back and forth between doctors' appointments, and meanwhile, I wasn't getting a minute of sleep.

Eventually I reached a breaking point and sought out a doctor for myself. I knew I needed someone who would truly listen to menot just draw a lab and dismiss my symptoms. I ended up finding a doctor with an interest in functional and integrative medicine who drew several labs to identify the root cause.

Because of these labs, I learned I had Hashimoto'sand it was severe. As I learned, Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own thyroid and related tissue, often leaving it unable to produce enough hormonesalso known as underactive or hypothyroidism.

The immune response against my thyroid was so strong, it caused the thyroid cells to explode and release tons of hormones into my bloodstreampresenting as hyperthyroidism, and leading to my rapid weight loss. By the time the attack on my body stopped, I was left with about half the amount of functioning thyroid tissue. That was very obvious in my lab results, too.

Suffice it to say, I was not allowed to drive myself home after that visit. After calling someone to pick me up, the doctor prescribed a low-dose hormone replacement medication (similar to the one given in my second trimester) and sent me on my way.

The dosage of the prescription was not nearly enough to cut the thyroid problem, so I made an appointment with an endocrinologistwell, actually, several appointmentsuntil I finally found someone to help with my recovery.

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My Symptoms Were Pinned To Postpartum Then I Was Diagnosed With This Condition - mindbodygreen.com