Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

I’ve known for years that stress, while is a normal part of life, in larger amounts can be a killer. Or, it can weaken your immune system to the point of coming down with chronic illnesses. That’s why I have  Fredrich Nietzsche’s famous quote on the sidebar. I always laughed when I read it – stronger, yeah, right.

I go for acupuncture and there is a cancer patient who goes the same time I do. The acupunturist, Henry Zhen-Hong Lee, always tells this patient to meditate. He says it’s an important part of the healing process. He advises me to do so also, but it is even more important for cancer patients. Lee also give free meditation instruction for cancer patients.

Lee’s advice is to start with 10 minutes a day and increase it to at least 30 minutes per day. I keep telling myself I’ll start today, but still haven’t – although today I did mediate for 1 minute.  Hey, that’s better than nothing.

Lee explains that you need to focus on good health or a pleasant state of being. According to Learn to Meditate, “The mind rests lightly, but pleasantly and clearly, upon the point of focus. When it strays, it is gently brought back to this point of focus, without irritation or frustration.”

This is the tought part, keeping focused. They say though, that the longer you practice the easier it becomes to keep your thoughts focused.

I’m making it a goal to practice meditation each day, even if only for a minute or two. I’m hoping I automatically increase the length of time over the coming weeks. Why not join me?

If you’d like a copy of Learn to Meditate, check out the right sidebar, there’s a link to it’s Amazon page.

I’ve had this book for years sitting on a bookshelf. I finally decided to reintroduce it into my life.

Until next time…

Most often when a patient is diagnosed with MS, the neurologist recommends one of the immunomodulating drugs (such as FDA-approved interferons or glatiramer acetate).

From personal experience, rather witnessing those I know on these drugs, these drugs do seem to afford the patient a much better quality of life. But, with any drug, there are possible side effects.

According to news from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), an Italian study concludes that:

 ”‘This large-scale study adds significant support to considering MS treatment as soon as possible following a diagnosis of probable or definite MS,’ commented John R. Richert, MD, who heads research and clinical programs at the National MS Society.”

I haven’t started a immunomodulating drug yet. My doctor recommended Co-Paxone, but because I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I held off. I’ve been going to an acupuncturist for three years now and, thank God, have been holding my own. So, my doctor doesn’t insist I go on the medication.

If you’d like to read the entire story at NMSS, go to:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=2359

According to the December 2009 AARP Bulletin, there is a new doctor service gaining momentum:

“They say you can’t put a price on good health. But at PriceDoc, you can bid on the cost of hundreds of procedures, inoculations and tests, including many not covered by health insurance.

The free online service has expanded to cash and credit card-paying patients in 30 major cities and will include some 3,000 medical, dental, vision, and other practitioners.”

The article goes on to explain how it works by entering your zip code and finding local participants. Then you enter your bid for the health service you’re in need of.

Is it ethical to make patients bid for health procedures? Whether ethical or not, it’s here.

Talk about cash and carry…I think this is going too far. With this type of service it really is all about those with money vs those without.

In addition, I’m not sure what type of doctor would want to become a participant in this type of medical format.

And for the patient: what if all the bidders for the medical procedure are on the very low end – will the doctor give 100% for a very low fee?

What is this world coming too? What are your views?

According to an article at ProHealth.com, by Jerome Sarris, there is encouraging evidence that herbs and supplements along with prescription medication may provide relief for depression sufferers.

Sarris states, “While some evidence supports nutritional adjuvancy with various psychopharmacotherapies, adjuvant use of herbal therapies has not been sufficiently studied to warrant standard clinical application. This remains a promising area of research via robust, safety-conscious studies.”

What exactly does this mean?

Well, in initial studies, supplements such as St. Johns Wort, Omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, Folic Acid, and 1-tryptophan used in conjunction with antidepressants boost the patient’s response and improve effectiveness.

This sounds promising. I hope they actually do more studies focusing on herbal remedies for depression.

According to Henry Zhen-Hong Lee, NYS licensed acupuncturist and NCCA DPL. Herbalogist, depression comes from a kidney system disorder, low energy. The neurotransmitters are out of balance. With a treatment of acupuncture and his specially designed herbs (formulated specifically for each patient), he has found much success.

In addition to treatment, Lee recommends eating properly/healthy; exercise, including breathing properly; and mediation.

Tip: The key to breathing properly is to make sure your stomach rises/expands with each breath.

Check out the Depression page to learn where you can find out more about this topic.

As a special note: Lee provides FREE mediation instruction for cancer patients. You can contact him at: 1-516-822-6722.

Please be aware: This is for cancer patients only and may not be available indefinitely.

The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture stimulates the chi (qi) allowing the body to self-heal. This treatment can bring relief to sufferers of chronic illnesses. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee is an expert in this field.

According to Answers.com, “Qi is the energy that flows through the body and is the subject of treatment in acupuncture and acupressure. Blockage of the flow of qi is the source of disease and the free natural flow of qi is the underpinning basis of health.”

Read more at: Suite101.com