Fall 2008 For More Information about Our Practitioners click here Oriental Medicine and the Fall Season by Mary Ann Petersen, LAc As fall began, I noticed a spike in skin disorders with my patients. Also, more people came in with sore throats and stuffed noses. For these symptoms, I treated the acupuncture meridians that corresponded with the lung and large intestine. The lung is especially related to the immune system. The lung and large intestine are considered paired organs in Chinese medicine; they have a working relationship. All major organs in the body are paired with one other- a yin and yang pairing. The lung is yin, the large intestine, yang. (For the complete article click here) Seasonal Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soupby Marianna Beres. A curried onion and apple mixture gives this pureed soup extra texture. Seasonal Book Pick: Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Elson M. Haas, MD Stay Tuned for a New Class with Dr. Kalli Phillips: Home Remedies for Dr. Mom--How to Get Well and Stay Well, Time and Date to be announced.

Do I have the flu? by Kalli Phillips - Naturopathic Physician Knowing the difference between a bad cold and the flu can be helpful in deciding whether to make an appointment to see the doctor. Influenza, commonly called "the flu," often begins with the abrupt onset of fever, headache, nausea and/or diarrhea, muscle aches and a general feeling of extreme discomfort and exhaustion. The incubation period is one to two days. These symptoms are accompanied by respiratory tract illness such as cough and sore throat. In some cases, the onset is so abrupt that the precise time at which illness began can be recalled. If you have any of these symptoms, give us a call. There are a number of effective Naturopathic treatments to help alleviate the pain and discomfort as well as shorten the duration of the flu. We are available most evenings for acute visits. If you've had the flu for a few days and start to get worse, call us immediately. These symptoms may indicate a secondary or bacterial infection with flu. Serious illness is more likely in the very young, the elderly, and people who have certain underlying health conditions such as malnutrition, asthma or other forms of lung disease. Call us if: Your fever returns Your fever lasts for longer than three days or is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit You have difficulty breathing You cannot stop vomiting and can't keep liquids down You wheeze when you breathe Your flu symptoms are worsening each day In contrast to the flu, the common cold seldom has a fever, and symptoms are usually all above the neck: runny nose, post nasal drip and sore throat. Call if you are unsure if you have the flu or a cold, or if any of your symptoms are severe. (For the complete article including: Steps You Can Take to Prevent or Shorten a Cold click here)

Yard Work Tips by Jennifer Hess - DC, MPH, PhD The state-of-the-art equipment available today for lawn and leaf management can help turn the average homeowner into a lawn specialist overnight. But the use of weed trimmers, leaf blowers and hedge clippers has also been sending many aspiring landscapers to their chiropractic doctor. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) warns that using such equipment can result in back and neck pain, as well as more serious muscular strains and tears if not used properly. "The repetitive motion that your body undergoes when using such equipment can bring on a whole host of mechanical problems within the body," says ACA President Dr. Richard Brassard. "It is essential to operate your equipment properly. If you do not, the pounding your body endures may be multiplied." Chiropractic Care Can Help If you experience pain or discomfort resulting from outdoor equipment misuse, call your chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system, and can help people lead healthier lives by focusing on wellness and prevention. (For the complete article including: Tips for Safely Using Outdoor Equipment click here)