Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

When Esther Sternberg's father was in a concentration camp in Transnistria, now Moldova, during World War II, his only source of comfort was his favorite psalm, Psalm 23. The biblical verses describe resting in green pastures, being led to still waters and restoring the soul.

People always reference nature when asked what their favorite visual scene is, according to Sternberg, research director at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, Arizona.

Glimmers of hope that help people through hardship don't have to be big or even tangible. This also applies to the stress many people are feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus lockdowns, which have kept people at home for most of the year, have highlighted why it is important to have spaces that promote mental health.

In Europe, 46% of people live in apartments, according to the European Union's statistical office. These spaces feel more crowded when schools close and workplaces tell their employees to work from home. In cities where most people in the world live many people do not even have access to a garden.

Spending time in nature boosts the immune system

Stressful situations send our bodies into "fight or flight" mode. This allows us to deal with a threat immediately. But when someone is stressed for a long time like during a pandemic it can harm the immune system.

"When we think about stress in general, it's important to acknowledge that there's a lot of individual differences," said Jean-Philippe Gouin, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Concordia University in Canada. "So one situation might be stressful for someone, but not very stressful for someone else."

Scientists have long known that spending time in nature can lower people's stress levels. Studies have also shown that looking at greenery or even pictures of it relieves stress. In a Danish study published in 2015, students who were shown photos of green urban spaces after solving hard math equations experienced less stress than those who looked at photos of built urban spaces.

People can create spaces that promote mental health by changing environmental factors like the levels of noise, light, temperature, humidity and adding a bit of nature.

Sternberg recommends that employees working from home place their desk by a window with a view. If that's not possible, they can add plants and pictures of nature scenes.

"Everybody has a different kind of feeling [about] what their sanctuary would be," said Sternberg. "But I do think it's possible to create your little sanctuary for yourself intentionally."

The 19th-century British textile designer and social activist William Morris said: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or beautiful."

For some, it can be hard to identify good design, but easier to notice when design is bad, said Phoebe Oldrey, founder of UK-based interior design firm Smartstyle Interiors. This is an example of "negativity bias," the idea that negative things affect us more than positive things, even when they are of equal intensity.

"You probably don't realize you feel better, or that you're healthier, or that your sleep's better because of the way your environment's put together, but it's there," Oldrey told DW. "You would notice if you were having a terrible night's sleep, if you were tripping over your coffee table every single day we always take note of the bad."

However, reaching a balance between practicality and beauty is important for our mental health,as studies have shown that clutter creates stress. A UCLA study published in 2010 found that for some women, clutter produced cortisol patterns similar to those seen in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"What our home looks like is really important to us," said Oldrey. "It's a representation of who we are, and looking at beautiful things brings us joy, and we sometimes get shy to say that because it sounds so frivolous."

When the pandemic started, Sternberg's daughter started an online design course. One of the students who was designing a chair began to cry and question the worth of what she was studying in the face of the pandemic.

"My daughter said: 'If you're working from home, your chair could be the most important thing in your life,'" said Sternberg.

For those in the darker months of their year, taking on a winter mindset might be another healthy approach. Scandinavian designs that reflect this idea have grown popular in recent years. The functional approach utilizes natural materials, simple lines and muted colors, and features cozy sofas topped with chunky throw rugs. Maximizing sunlight is crucial in countries like Denmark, Sweden and Norway, which have long dark winters.

Scandinavian designs: natural materials, simple lines and muted colors

"One of the main features that Scandinavian architects are interested in, in terms of improving the quality of living, is the daylight and how you articulate daylight through architecture," Danish architecture historian Martin Soberg told DW.

Our circadian rhythm is finely tuned to natural light. We rise with the sun and sleep as it travels across the other side of the world. Certain types of artificial light hurt our body clock, which is why scientists say we should avoid the blue light that comes from our laptops and smartphones at night.

To maximize sleep, we should aim to get sunlight from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sternberg said. As tempting as it is to stay in bed when working from home, she recommends trying to keep a regular sleep pattern.

Tromso, Norway - where the sun doesn't rise for two months in winter

Some people find the change in season so disruptive that they experience a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, which often hits people at the end of autumn and lasts through winter.

As a Fulbright scholar in Tromso, Norway where the sun doesn't rise for two months in winter psychologist Kari Leibowitz observed how a small shift in mindset can help people make the most of winter.

While many people see winter as a dreary season full of barriers to fun, Leibowitz found that the people in Tromsosaw winter as a special time of year full of opportunity. Her observations suggested that it's easier to have a positive winter mindset when those around you also do.

Leibowitz's research showed that having a positive attitude towards winter was associated with better well-being during winter, but noted that further research needs to be done before claiming there is a causal link between the two.

To make winter feel special, it can help to embrace the Danish concept of "hygge," which promotes coziness and connectedness with others. Writing in TheNew York Times, Leibowitz also suggested making a list of everything you appreciate about winter and then trying to consciously focus on these things throughout the cold months.

These are the coronavirus rules as we know them: Keep a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6 feet) from others, observe good hygiene and wear a mask. But this does not do justice to the complex reality of how aerosols spread, researchers from Oxford and London (UK) and Cambridge MA (US) have written in an analysis published in the British Medical Journal in late August.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tried to show schoolchildren how it should be done. But what does his gesture mean exactly? Do his fingertips have to be 1.5 meters away from the fingertips of another person? That would be a reasonable interpretation of the regulations. But two arm lengths alone measure 1.5 meters, so distances of 4.5 meters or more could easily result.

The Icelandic Association of Sheep Breeders has established its own rules: Two sheep lengths are appropriate to avoid infection. One may wonder if face masks are also supposed to be knitted from real sheep's wool. This young shepherd in Senegal may be trying to find out how long a sheep is by pulling its hind leg. The Icelanders already know exactly 1 meter.

Of course, this could also work. The standard length of a dog leash corresponds pretty exactly to the current coronavirus rules. Could it be a coincidence that a six-foot leash is usually prescribed for places where leashes are compulsory?

The authors led by Lydia Bourouiba, an expert in fluid dynamics and disease transmission at MIT, writes that the rule is outdated. Two meters was the distance recommended by the German physician C. Flgge in 1897. Visible droplets that he had caught within this distance were still contagious. A 1948 study showed that 90% of streptococci coughed out in droplets flew no further than 1.7 meters.

The 1948 study was published in the American Medical Journal. It also showed that 10% of streptococci flew much further: up to 2.9 meters. If that were the case, perhaps the people on this lawn on the banks of the Rhine in Dusseldorf would be safe if every other circle remained free. But wait a minute we are not dealing with streptococci (bacteria) here, but with viruses.

Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, so they can float around for hours and spread better in the air. This is why the researchers recommend that the distance between people should not be the only safety criterion but that other factors should be considered, too: How well a room is ventilated, whether people are wearing masks, and whether they are silent, speaking softly or singing and shouting.

Numerous studies have also shown that coughing can propel veritable parcels of viruses up to 8 meters through the air. Speaking or singing loudly also spread a lot of aerosols and droplets about the room. If, however, people only speak quietly, as in a library, and sit in the fresh air, safe distances can be smaller again.

The duration of a stay in a contaminated room and how many people are in that room are also decisive factors when assessing the risk of infection. The researchers have used those factors to develop a traffic light model. The clear result: In rooms with a high occupancy, you should generally stay only for a short time, make sure they are well aired, wear a mask and speak quietly.

Even very brief contact can be enough to transmit SARS-CoV-2. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) had to tighten its rules on October 21, after a prison guard caught SARS-CoV-2 from prisoners with whom he had only had contact with for a few minutes at a time. Now, "close contact" is defined as being within 2 metres of an infected person for at least 15 minutes cumulatively within 24 hours.

Here, however, the traffic light of the UK-US research team would show green. Outside, people can be safe for long periods of time even without a mask, provided there are few people around, everything is well ventilated and no one talks much. But even so, will the distance between deck chairs being measured here be enough?

Author: Fabian Schmidt

View post:
Promoting health and well-being during the coronavirus pandemic - Deutsche Welle

A man walks past the never-occupied building in Kaliningrad, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. The hulking building sardonically likened to a robots head that has loomed over the city of Kaliningrad for decades is to be demolished next year, the regions governor says.

MOSCOW A hulking, never-occupied building sardonically likened to a robots head that has loomed over the Russian city of Kaliningrad for decades is to be demolished next year, the regions governor says.

The 21-story House of Soviets was left unfinished when funding ran out in 1985 amid the Soviet Unions economic struggles. The building, which later was assessed to be structurally unsound, became one of the citys most widely known emblems, particularly when the fan zone for the 2018 World Cup matches in Kaliningrad was set up in a vast square next to it.

The Brutalist buildings protruding covered balconies resembling two eyes and a mouth led to its nickname The Buried Robot.

Regional governor Anton Alikhanov said demolition is expected to begin early next year and officials are discussing the possibility of making fragments of it available as souvenirs, the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper reported.

Associated Press

BEND A Bend man was experiencing depression as a result of his failing marriage so he went to his family physician, who counseled him on ways to improve his marriage and prescribed him marijuana and CBD.

The patient now states in a lawsuit that all along, the doctor, Ronald Rosen, was having an affair with his wife.

In a complaint filed Monday, Nov. 16, in Deschutes County Circuit Court, local musician and financial adviser Pierson Tone seeks $2.9 million from Rosen for professional negligence.

As a result of (Rosens) conduct, plaintiff sustained emotional distress including the loss of his marriage and emotional and social destruction of his family, the lawsuit states.

Rosen did not return messages left at his office.

From 2015 to 2018, Tone, his wife and two children received medical care at Rosens clinic, Open Paths Integrative Medicine, on N.E. Fifth St., Bend, according to the suit. At some point, Rosen began a relationship with Tones wife.

In November 2018, Tone went to Rosen to treat his depression, which was caused by stress in his relationship, the lawsuit states.

Rosen counseled Tone and offered him solutions to enhance and heal his marriage, and prescribed him herbs and breathing techniques for his depression, in addition to marijuana and CBD.

After the visit, Tone learned Rosen had been involved with his wife for an extended period of time, the complaint states. The couple later divorced.

Rosen has been licensed to practice medicine in Oregon since 1991, according to the Oregon Medical Board. He has no prior cases of medical malpractice.

Rosen offers patients a range of holistic alternatives, according to his website. Hes trained to perform acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation and biodynamic cranial osteopathy.

He also is a certified laughter yoga leader.

Tone, 47, has experienced success in the fields of music and finance.

Tones attorney, James D. Huegli, declined to comment.

The Bulletin

More here:
News of the Weird | News | lagrandeobserver.com - La Grande Observer

Good lifestyle choices exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and drinking in moderation obviously makes a big difference in staying healthy. Research in the last few decades has shown, however, that environmental exposures may also contribute to major diseases and health problems that disproportionately affect men, including heart disease, prostate cancer, infertility, and skin cancer.

These exposures involve a number of toxic substances that turn up in food, food packaging, drinking water, and personal care products. Fortunately, there are simple steps men can take to significantly lower their risks.

For example, risk factors for heart disease have been linked to mercury from certain seafoods, Teflon chemicals in non-stick cookware, bisphenol-A (BPA) in hard plastic containers, and canned foods, as well as the arsenic and lead in much of the nations drinking water.

Similarly, prostate cell damage has been traced to the plastics chemical BPA and the heavy metal cadmium. Increased prostate cancer risk has been associated with certain agricultural pesticides common on some fruits and vegetables and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that build up in meat and dairy products.

And while many people mistakenly think of infertility as primarily a womans problem, the fact is that in about 40% of infertile couples, its the male who is either the sole or a contributing source of the problem. Several studies have tied sperm deficiency to a variety of environmental factors, including exposures to lead, chemicals in personal care products, and pesticides.

Skin cancer is also an especially important issue for men, who are at a higher risk than women of developing and dying from melanoma, the deadliest form.

While many believe that theres not much a man can do about his genetics, this is a common misconception. In fact, many interventions exist that will fix a mans genetic makeup. That is because its not always about what genes you have, but its about what genes are turned on and which ones are turned off.

A huge reason why you will feel better is that you will be turning on good genes and turning off bad genes. This is called epigenetics, which is why you will start feeling so much better. By reversing your current health problems and preventing new ones from starting, you will be empowered to thrive with a healthier lifestyle.

Aside from genetics, there are lots of ways to reduce potentially harmful environmental exposures. Here are five steps you can take immediately:

Invest in the right in-home water filter system to reduce your exposure to lead, arsenic, and other drinking water contaminants.

2. Spot and Avoid Products with BPA

Avoid canned foods and plastic containers with the recycling code No. 7 to lower your exposure to BPA dramatically.

At the supermarket, choose the conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that have the fewest pesticide residues and buy organic versions of those.

4. Know the Grooming Ingredients

When buying deodorant, soap, lotions, and shampoos, consult http://www.EWG.org/skindeep which is an extensive database of nearly 80,000 personal care products to highlight those products that are free of toxic chemicals.

Learn more about skin cancer and melanoma, use proper sun protection, and get regular skin checks with a dermatologist.

Liberally apply sunscreen about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. And dont forget your ears, scalp, back of neck, and the tops of your feet. Some of the worse burns occur there. Because the sun emits two types of harmful rays UVA and UVB your sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection against both.

The specialists at Bingham Healthcare Dermatology highly recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater with the physical UV blockers zinc oxide. (Avoid sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide as studies have shown this could lead to decreased testosterone levels.)

About David J. Bilstrom, MD

Dr. Bilstrom is director of the International Autoimmune Institute & Bingham Memorial Center for Functional Medicine, which is the first medical center in the country to treat all types of autoimmune diseases. It is also the first to use nature, and its ability to improve human health and well-being, as an integral part of a wellness program.

He is quadruple board certified in Functional and Regenerative Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Medical Acupuncture. He has extensive experience in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine, and Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

Dr. Bilstrom works closely with experts in a number of medical specialties to evaluate, diagnose and treat chronic and autoimmune diseases. He is always welcoming new patients at his office within the Bingham Specialty Plaza in Blackfoot. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (208) 782-2444.

Bingham Memorial Specialty Clinic

Link:
Toxins, the environment, and your health - Post Register

After months and months of staying in, most of us have gotten a little tired of our own cooking no matter how much fun we had with sourdough starters earlier this spring.

But as some states go back to the beginning, where indoor dining was closed or at limited capacity, you might be wondering: Has it ever been safe to eat out?

The answer is: it depends on your definition of out.

Heres the good news: Theres no evidence that food can spread the virus and that includes takeout. The risk of infection by the virus from food packaging, and bags is also thought to be very low, so you can move forward with some confidence (with appropriate caution!).

But just because picking up takeout is safe for you doesnt mean its as safe for those who are working so remember to tip those hardworking restaurant employees and delivery drivers! Wear your mask when you greet them and offer hand sanitizer, if necessary.

If you have a black and white definition of safe, its unfortunately not that easy. Safety has a psychological side too, meaning the safety of your mental health and need for socialization. As an integrative physician and mother of two, I really empathize with finding that strike for balance.

So lets dive into the definition of eating out: If youre thinking in the full-service restaurant sense, there are some additional facts to consider.

As Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician, said for Stat News, If you went to a restaurant in early March, its a very different experience than going to a restaurant in early November.

Research based on mobile tracking shows that full-service restaurants, gyms, and gatherings contained the highest risk for infection rates. The risk for these rates are measured by the following:

Choosing options that run on the side of lower risk may feel safer, but its not 100 percent COVID-proof.

Based on these factors, if youre still in that in-between space of needing to eat and wanting to enjoy some cooking thats not your own, its time to brush up on your takeout food safety know-how.

Getting takeout is still eating out! If youre feeling alone, consider making takeout dinner dates with your roommates and getting your food spread on at home.

With the low risk of transmission via takeout, redefining eating out as grabbing food to-go may be the safer choice here. Plus, theres way more flexibility of eating when you want, where you want. Skip those reservation lines!

I know, youve heard it before, but the truth is, it really bears repeating. Handwashing is critical, and doing so using all seven steps is just as important now as it was in March and April.

Previously, there had been a rumor that COVID would not be able to survive in cold weather, but I want to go ahead and debunk that right now. All evidence points to the viruss ability to spread just as easily in the winter months as it does in warm weather.

While handwashing is even better than using hand sanitizer, its a good idea to keep a container of hand sanitizer in your bag or car when you run errands like picking up takeout.

While your friends and family members who are making their own DIY hand sanitizers have the best intentions.

You should avoid using homemade hand sanitizers and instead opt exclusively for the store-bought kind with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol content (these are proven to be safe and effective, whereas the homemade kind is just a roll of the dice).

Nows a great time to support local restaurants that are struggling and taking the COVID crisis seriously. If the restaurant has a website, they may be updating information there about what measures theyre taking to stay COVID-safe.

If they dont, they may be posting this information on their door, or you can call in advance and ask how theyre choosing to handle COVID-19. If they dont seem to have a thorough plan in place, skip em.

If you have to go inside to pick up your food, be mindful of all the spots other people have touched recently doorknobs and counters being top of the list. Especially if youre not wearing gloves, its a good idea to sanitize or wash your hands after encountering high-touch surfaces such as these.

If theres the option to pay in advance, go for it paying online or over the phone is your best bet, since it limits your time picking up the takeout. It also means you can avoid touching other surfaces while inside, such as a credit card reader, or worst of all, cash, which is generally pretty dirty.

If you must pay in person, this is the ranking of payment system safety: a contactless method like Apple Pay tops the list, followed by credit card tap-and-go options, then credit card use, and then, down at the very bottom, cash.

Indoor air is a concern right now we want to avoid indoor spaces with people outside our quarantine pods as much as possible.

This is because most ventilation systems just arent up to par, and air circulation is a great way to keep the virus at bay. When possible, order from places that offer curbside pickup.

Although picking up takeout is pretty safe, its important to wash your hands after unpacking your meal. Its also a good idea to disinfect your counters afterward, too.

Being a little extra careful doesnt cost much, and for your own safety and that of your community, its definitely worth the effort right now.

Shadi Vahdat, MD, specializes in integrative and hospital medicine and serves as the medical director at the LiveWell Center For Integrative Medicine. She focuses on individuals who have conditions that traditional medicine hasnt seemed to help, and through the magic of telemedicine, works with folks from all across California.

See the original post here:
7 Ways to Safely Eat Out During the Pandemic - Greatist

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Nov 23;20(1):353. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-03151-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and responsible for a global pandemic. Despite there being no known vaccines or medicines that prevent or cure COVID-19, many traditional, integrative, complementary and alternative medicines (TICAMs) have been touted as the solution, as well as researched as a potential remedy globally. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research trends at the intersection of TICAM and COVID-19.

METHODS: SCOPUS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and PSYCINFO databases were searched on July 5, 2020, with results being exported on the same day. All publication types were included, however, articles were only deemed eligible if they made mention of one or more TICAMs for the potential prevention, treatment, and/or management of COVID-19 or a health issue indirectly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The following eligible article characteristics were extracted: title; author names, affiliations, and countries; DOI; publication language; publication type; publication year; journal (and whether it is TICAM-focused); 2019 impact factor, and TICAMs mentioned.

RESULTS: A total of 296 eligible articles were published by 1373 unique authors at 977 affiliations across 56 countries. The most common countries associated with author affiliation included China, the United States, India and Italy. The vast majority of articles were published in English, followed by Chinese. Eligible articles were published across 157 journals, of which 33 were TICAM-focused; a total of 120 journals had a 2019 impact factor, which ranged from 0.17 to 60.392. A total of 327 TICAMs were mentioned across eligible articles, with the most common ones including: traditional Chinese medicine (n = 94), vitamin D (n = 67), melatonin (n = 16), phytochemicals (n = 12), and general herbal medicine (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides researchers and clinicians with a greater knowledge of the characteristics of articles that been published globally at the intersection of COVID-19 and TICAM to date. At a time where safe and effective vaccines and medicines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 have yet to be discovered, this study provides a current snapshot of the quantity and characteristics of articles written at the intersection of TICAM therapies and COVID-19.

PMID:33225948 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-020-03151-8

Originally posted here:
Global research trends at the intersection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and traditional, integrative, and complementary and alternative...

Two books on the 2020 list of cannabis books for the holidays are Jamie Hall's Alternative Alchemy ... [+] and Ashley Manta and Merry Jane's The CBD Solution: Sex: How Cannabis, CBD, and Other Plant Allies Can Improve Your Everyday Life.

Cannabis may still be federally illegal in the United States, but reading about it certainly is not. Each year, the literature available on this revered plant becomes more and more informed, and with a number of additional states legalizing adult-use and medical cannabis in 2020, education around it is more important than ever.

Weed books published in 2020 cover such a broad range of subjects that this list has been broken down by consumers you might be shopping for this holiday season. Because just like strains of pot and the books being written about it, no two cannabis consumers are the same.

Merry Jane's The CBD Solution: Sex: How Cannabis, CBD, and Other Plant Allies Can Improve Your ... [+] Everyday Life by Ashley Manta explores cannabis and sexual wellness.

This beautifully designed book, one of three in a series by cannabis magazine Merry Jane, dives into the multitude of ways in which cannabis and specifically CBD can be used to rev up your experience in the bedroom. Author of the book Ashley Manta says CBD can help address the things that get in the way of enjoying sex, like pain and anxiety.

This book is for people who are curious about how to incorporate CBD and other cannabinoids into their solo and partnered pleasure explorations. It meets readers who are approaching with a beginner's mind, but quickly moves into advanced insights, techniques, and reframes for maximizing your erotic potential, says Manta. Two of the authors favourite ways to incorporate CBD and sex are by using CBD topicals and tinctures, the former to be applied for intimate stimulation and the latter ingested to easy anxiety. If you can quiet down whatever is swirling in your head, it makes it much easier to feel present in your body, she says.

Murph Wolfson's latest book offers a simple approach to growing cannabis at home.

There are many books on the market that explain the process of growing cannabis, but with so many different approaches to growing, this one stood out for being the most up-to-date. Written by Murph Wolfson, a master grower who has grown cannabis since he was 13, its a great choice for beginners that may already be familiar with gardening but are interested in learning the finer points of growing cannabis, such as picking seeds and seedlings, germinating, the differences between hydroponics, outdoor growing and indoor growing, as well as options around pest control.

The blunt, practical handbook features straightforward instructions, detailed definitions and diagrams that help break down what can be a challenging and complicated process into a fun hobby that can save you money.

Jamie Hall's Alternative Alchemy: Recipes & Mindful Baking with CBD, Herbs & Adaptogens is a great ... [+] addition to the library (or kitchen) this holiday season.

Jamie Halls elegant and modern cookbook will leave any memory you might have of overpowered special brownies in the dust. Hall is the founder of Alternative Alchemy, an L.A.-based baked goods company, and began using CBD to help treat her postpartum depression. She releases some of her best-kept secrets to the world in a collection of wholesome recipes that integrate CBD oil, herbs and adaptogens. Just a few flips through this thoughtfully photographed compendium of CBD baked goods (complete with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options) are sure to leave your mouth watering.

The book begins with a handy section on essentials, including easy-to-follow recipes for different nut-based milks, butters, and creams, followed by a chapter on drinks that includes recipes for lattes, kombucha, and smoothies. But the real gems in this collection are the baked goods, an incredible range of delicately spiced cookies, bars, cakes, pies, tarts, and puddings that are only made better by the addition of CBD and adaptogenic ingredients like cocoa, maca, turmeric, and others.

High on Design: The New Cannabis Culture, gestalten & Santiago Tarditi, 2019

This book isnt exactly heavy on words, so I wont be either. Add High on Design to the list of perfect coffee table books for the artist or designer in your life who has an affinity for cannabis. Berlin-based publishing company gestalten has found a visually orgasmic story in the way modern aesthetics have redefined what society now puts under the cannabis culture umbrella, trading in Cheech and Chong bongs for crystal pipes and issues of High Times for the smooth, matte pages of Broccoli.

To appeal to the marijuana-inclined millennial, according to High on Design, companies promote pot as a medium for higher education and intercultural understanding. That sentiment is reflected throughout the colorful pages of this book, which showcases new brands, designers, and creators behind the ongoing (and growing) cannabis movement.

Choose The CBD Bible: Cannabis and the Wellness Revolution that Will Change Your Life for those in ... [+] your life who might still be afraid of the effects of THC.

This CBD-specific look at how cannabis can be used to improve health is written by Dr. Dani Gordon, an American board-certified doctor and integrative medicine physician based in the U.K, where she works as a consultant to cannabis clinics. Gordon takes a deep dive into what has arguably become the worlds most in-demand cannabinoid, first explaining the history of cannabis use, the plant, and the path its compounds take in the body. Although the book does focus on CBD, it offers a look into the other valuable compounds found in the cannabis plant, not to mention an entire chapter dedicated to addressing the safety of the compound.

The second part of the book discusses the multitude of potential uses for CBD from a clinical perspective, and includes 12 chapters on brain health and neurological disorders, stress and fatigue, improving sleep, managing pain, better gut health, epilepsy and seizures and more. (Each chapter offers references to clinical research and papers for eager readers who want to verify information for themselves.) These chapters also offer guidance around different methods of consumption including appropriate dosages and application methods.

The Cannabis Apothecary: A Pharm to Table Guide for Using CBD and THC to Promote Health, Wellness, ... [+] Beauty, Restoration, and Relaxation offers a wealth of information on hands-on applications of cannabis.

In The Cannabis Apothecary, author Laurie Wolf and daughter-in-law Mary Wolf of the award-winning edibles company Laurie + MaryJane give readers an easy-to-digest introduction into how cannabis can be used, in short, to feel better. Complete with everything from information about its medicinal uses to sections on strains, growing and even bath soak recipes, its an all-encompassing look at the multiple at-home uses of the cannabis plant with a feminine touch.

The 129-page book also includes a generous selection of recipes and several ways to enhance existing practices such as yoga and massage. Laurie Wolfs history as a food stylist shines in this book, as husband Bruce Wolfs expertly styled photographs beautifully complement Laurie and Marys clear language and the books simple design.

Dr. Bonni Goldstein is renowned for her work with cannabis in California. Her book makes a great ... [+] gift for someone in your life who might doubt the efficacy of cannabis as medicine.

If Dr. Dani Gordons look at CBD is a little too focused, this brand new publication by renowned cannabis specialist Dr. Bonni Goldstein is the book for you. Goldstein has been working with cannabis since 2008, helping thousands of patients in the state of California access the medicine they need to overcome conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, or one of the 23 other conditions or symptoms she covers in the book. The comprehensive look at cannabis as medicine first offers a deep dive into the science behind the plant, explaining the bodys endocannabinoid system, the medicinal effects of cannabis and its compounds, and the potential risks associated with its use.

Part II gives readers an in-depth look at the many ways in which cannabis has been shown to improve specific symptoms and ailments, and offers educational and practical insights into the best ways cannabis can be used to improve them. Goldsteins honest and informed look at the subject is a refreshing perspective from a physician and one recommended for anyone who might still have doubts about how effective a medicine cannabis can be.

Highly Inventive offers a funny and satirical look into the ways cannabis has been used throughout ... [+] history.

Because every list of booksand particularly one about cannabisrequires something comical. Highly Inventive is an offering that packs up all the potentially true historical references of cannabis use youve ever heard into a well-illustrated, humorous book that you might find in a stoners bathroom reading collection. A highlight includes an early entry in the chronological book that describes King Tuts use of cannabis, suggesting the Ancient Egyptian king was particularly thankful for cannabis suppositories, which allowed him to conduct his business on the throne more easily.

Later entries describe everything from the first-ever Zig-Zag paper, a version of the Spanish folk song La Cucaracha popularized during the Mexican Revolution, and even the origin story of Cheetos Chester Cheetah, weaving weed in at every turn. Consider it a choice stocking stuffer for that friend of yours who is chock full of sometimes-funny and generally useless trivia.

See the original post:
Holiday Gift Guide 2020: This Year's Best Cannabis Books For Every Consumer On Your List - Forbes

An Oregon man is suing his doctor after he sought treatment for depression fueled by his failing marriage and says he later learned that the doctor was having an affair with his wife.

Peirson Tone, 47, filed his lawsuit seeking $2.9million from Dr Ronald Rosen for professional negligence last week in Deschutes County Circuit Court, according to The Bend Bulletin.

Tone claims that he, his wife and their two children were patients of Rosens at his practice in Bend,Open Paths Integrative Medicine, from 2015 to 2018.

At some point during that period Rosen allegedly became involved with Tones wife, according to the suit.

Tone, who goes by his middle name Franchot, went to Rosen in November 2018 to treat depression he was experiencing because of issues with his marriage.

Rosen then prescribed marijuana and CBD and offered Tone counseling on how he could improve his relationship, the suit claims.

After the appointment, Tones wife allegedly informed him that she had been having an affair with the physician who is married and has two daughters of his own for an extended period of time. Tone and his wife divorced in 2019, according to court records.

Peirson Tone filed a lawsuit seeking $2.9million from Dr Ronald Rosen for professional negligence last week in Deschutes County Circuit Court. Tone claims he sought treatment from Rosen for depression fueled by his failing marriage in 2018 and he later learned that the doctor was having an affair with his wife. Pictured: Tone, his now ex-wife and their two children

Dr Ronald Rosen is pictured with his wife Melanie, who works as a registered nurse at his practice. Rosen has not publicly responded to Tones negligence lawsuit

As a result of [Rosens] conduct, [Tone] sustained emotional distress including the loss of his marriage and emotional and social destruction of his family, the suit states.

The suit was first reported by The Bend Bulletin, which described Tone as a musician and financial adviser for Merrill Lynch.

Tones attorney, James D Huegli, declined to comment when approached by the outlet and did not immediately return messages from DailyMail.com.

Rosen also has not returned messages left at his office in Bend. His wife Melanie also works at the practice as a registered nurse.

Tone and his wife (pictured together) divorced after her alleged affair with Rosen

Records show Rosen has been licensed to practice medicine in Oregon since 1991 and has no prior cases of medical malpractice.

According to his website Rosen specializes in integrative medicine, which mixes traditional medicine with a range of holistic alternatives including acupuncture, nutrition and herbology.

My philosophy is to promote wellness and personal responsibility and avoid the use of pharmaceuticals or other invasive approaches if other, gentler, less invasive ones are available, Rosen states on the site.

Rosen is also a certified laughter yoga teacher, per his website.

Records show Rosen has been licensed to practice medicine in Oregon since 1991 and has no prior cases of medical malpractice. His practice,Open Paths Integrative Medicine, is pictured

Continue reading here:
Breaking News | Oregon man sues after seeking depression treatment from doctor who was 'having affair with his wife' - The Streetjournal

Eu Yan Sang, a Singapore-headquartered private Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and wellness company, has partnered with MyDoc, a B2B digital healthcare company also based in Singapore, to bring consultations online.

WHATS IT ABOUT

Under the partnership, Eu Yan Sang physicians will be able to use MyDocs platform to easily communicate with their patients without being restricted to their location or needing an in-person visit. Patients currently registered with Eu Yan Sang would also be able to get convenient access to their preferred TCM physician no matter where they are. With MyDoc, patients seeking TCM care may now choose to minimize exposure to unnecessary risks of person-to-person transmission when traveling to or from the clinic.

Prior to performing video consultations, Eu Yan Sang physicians are required to go through MyDocs in-house skills training, to ensure a safe and effective delivery of online diagnosis for patients. The training program covers content specific to the workflows of providing care online, as well as clinical skills relevant for online video consultations.

Patients currently registered with Eu Yan Sang will be able to access the services today from the MyDoc app.

THE LARGER TREND

TCM practices and shops are quite common place in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries with predominantly Chinese population such as Singapore. TCM is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy.

Eu Yan Sangs move to provide online TCM consultations not only brings convenience and peace of mind to its patients it could also provide opportunities for them to provide TCM related services to a wider, younger and more digitally connected audience.

In July this year, Singapore medical start-up Oncoshot partnered with MyDoc to give cancer patients access to second opinion advice from leading oncologists, MobiHealthNews reported.

ON THE RECORD

Eu Yan Sangs enduring innovation track record has allowed the company to pass on the philosophy of Care from generation to generation, something we will continue to do. Off-premise care is a huge trend now and we see care experiences moving from a doctor-centric, to a more patient-centric delivery model. At Eu Yan Sang, we have responded with new offerings like AskSinseh for e-TCM advice.

The partnership with MyDoc represents another milestone in our transformation journey to build frictionless, yet highly personalized care experiences that let customers have their follow-ups without the need to leave home, said Lim Swee Cheng, General Manager of Clinic Services & Operational Excellence at Eu Yan Sang Integrative Health, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eu Yan Sang.

Dr Matthew Lee, Director of Clinical Operations at MyDoc said, We are excited to be partnering with Eu Yan Sang, to expand our ecosystem of care to provide more convenience and treatment options to patients. By working together, we can ensure a seamless transition of care for Eu Yan Sangs patients from offline to online. This continuous care journey means patients are cared for every step of the way, allowing us to provide safe and effective care for the patients.

Go here to see the original:
Traditional Chinese Medicine company Eu Yan Sang to provide online consultations through partnership with MyDoc - Mobihealth News

Luke Coutinho with Simran Mahatme and Somin Mahatme, Founders of Saukhyam Store, Goa

Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems, a company that focuses on integrative and preventive medicine, disease and coaching has recently joined forces with conscious lifestyle store Saukhyam by adopting the shop-in-shop concept into their business model. With its retail presence in Goa, Saukhyam has established a holistic and wellness product line that connects farmers and vendors across the country. The collaboration aims to showcase a part of Lukes Wellness Market within the store. With Saukhyams vision of creating a sustainable food chain being in line with Luke Wellness Markets approach, the tie-up aims to strengthen the brands coveted retail presence in the micro-markets of Goa as well as across the country.

This launch comes close on the heels of success achieved by Lukes Wellness Market that is committed to sourcing products and connects farmers and vendors across the country doing ethical work in the food and lifestyle space. This is the first timeever that the brand is working with a lifestyle and wellness retailer in this capacity to have a concurrent retail presence in multiple markets.The brand has put up Lukes Wellness Market section within the store that will be revised on a monthly basis. The section displays a variety of hand-selected and handpicked products by the holistic mastermind himself. The brand has also infused products ranging from lifestyle categories like food, nutrition, utensils, skincare, cosmetics, books, clothing and fitness accessories, to lend a more holistic appeal.

The shop-in-shop model will enable buyers to touch and feel the product before buying. This initiative is aimed at translating Lukes Wellness Markets holistic approach into a tangible experience. With this strategic move, the brand aims to strengthen its multi-country presence through such models and is looking at scaling the business across various food, wellness and lifestyle stores in the country.

Speaking about the association, Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach-Integrative Medicine says, Through this launch, we are very passionate about bringing an unparalleled level of trust, integrity and expertise to our clients, patients and followers. With this tie-up, we aim to expand and create an ethical food chain with complete transparency to support the farmers and local vendors sourcing quality and authentic health products. This collaboration allows us to provide wellness in an engaging way, enabling to touch new markets and shoppers in the process.

See original here:
Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems adopts the shop-in-shop model to revolutionize its retail presence - Indulgexpress

Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) who were treated with certain integrative medicine (IM) therapies had lower levels of negative symptoms and reported a higher quality of life (QOL). These findings, from an online survey, were published in Cancer Medicine.

For this study, 858 patients with MPNs were recruited by researchers at the Mayo Clinic Arizona through social media and email during 2016. Patients were assessed by the MPN-Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) Usual, and for quality of life.

More than 2 dozen IM therapies were reported, including multiple forms of exercise, massage, nutrition, meditation, and several types of physical, group, and psychological therapies.

Lower average MPN-SAF TSS scores were reported by patients who participated in aerobic exercise (33.2 vs 39.7; P <.001) and strength training (34.0 vs 37.7; P =.013).

Mean QOL was reported as higher among patients who received massage (5.0 vs 4.6; P =.04) and went to support groups (5.4 vs 4.6; P =.002).

The likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression was lower among patients who participated in aerobic exercise (odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42-0.86; P =.006), yoga (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39-0.94; P =.025), and strength training (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.91; P =.019).

This study may have been limited by its overwhelming gender bias, in which the ratio of women to men was 3:1.

The study authors concluded that in addition to pharmacologic therapies, IM therapies may aid in alleviating negative symptoms of MPN and increase quality of life.

Disclosure: Multiple authors declared affiliations with industry. Please refer to the original article for a full list of disclosures.

Reference

Gowin K, Langlais BT, Kosiorek HE, et al. The SIMM study: survey of integrative medicine in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Cancer Med. Published online November 3, 2020. doi:10.1002/cam4.3566

Read more:
Integrative Medicine Therapies Effectively Increase Quality of Life for Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Oncology Nurse Advisor