The Phoenix valley's three-digit temperatures have arrived, increasing the risks for heat-related illness in children. Heat-related illnesses occur when a child’s temperature gets too high either by ambient temperatures and/or physical activity. Children are at an increased risk for heat illness because their sweat rate is lower than adults, and...
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease that affects women from adolescence to their postmenopausal years. Women with endometriosis experience cyclical or chronic pain that can be debilitating and can experience pain in the pelvis, bladder, abdomen, or chest. Not only does endometriosis contribute to significant pain, but for some women,...
You just got diagnosed with PCOS, or maybe you just found out what it is and think that it aligns with your symptoms. Regardless of where you are in the process, you might be wondering what happens next. So let's break down what PCOS is, how to diagnose it, and...
The new year has come, and so has the tradition to improve one's health. Many individuals will be searching for a jumpstart to a healthier choice like a detox or cleanse. From the three-day juice cleanse to the Master Cleanse, many wellness seekers may be dismayed to learn that this...
At this point in 2022, we've all heard how important the intestinal microbiome is. The health of our microbiome has an impact on our health, ranging from our cardiovascular function, immune function, mental health, metabolic function, and more. But it's not just about having the right "types" of bacteria, but...
We often desire to make positive changes or set goals at the start of a new year; it’s tradition! According to a 2019 article published by PLOS ONE, 44% of people make New Year’s resolutions. The top resolutions were smoking cessation, weight loss, better overall health, and relationship improvements. But...
This week, Instagram has launched a new feature aimed at adolescents called “Take a Break,” encouraging them to decrease time spent on the social media platform. This change was prompted by reports that increased time spent on social media applications correlates to adolescents' increased depression, suicidality, and anxiety rates. Studies on...
If you are considering conceiving, either within three months or three years, making a preconception plan can help maximize your fertility and achieve a healthy pregnancy. Of women aged 25-44, 12%-13% have impaired fertility. Discussing your fertility goals and plans for conception with your naturopathic primary care physician can help...
Maintaining focus in the classroom Summer for any school-aged child can be fun and exciting. But like all good things, summer breaks do come to an end. Going back to school, managing homework and due dates can be quite an adjustment. As parents, how can we make sure our kids...
NMD, DO, MD, NP, what is the difference? When I began pursuing a career in medicine, I knew I was looking for a medical profession that focused on treating patients as people. I envisioned myself taking the time to listen to my patients and confidently present them with treatment options...
Staying Active This Summer A sedentary or low physically active lifestyle can increase risks for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and some cancers. The risks for these chronic diseases increase significantly if poor physical activity behaviors begin in childhood. More sedentary children are at an increased risk of...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Thinking about an upcoming deadline or preparing for a talk in public may elicit sensations such as muscle tension and increased sweating. It may even increase your pulse rate. Everyone experiences these symptoms of anxiety at some point in their lives. When anxiety symptoms become more...
Salt glows, or salt scrubs, are often used for cosmetic purposes. A salt scrub involves vigorously rubbing salt on the skin to help remove dead rough skin cells. But it is also a type of hydrotherapy treatment that is beneficial for patients. This treatment uses salt as a source of...
Alternative Treatments to Aid in Reducing Cholesterol Cholesterol, or lipids, is a necessary fatty substance needed for the body to function. Cholesterol is needed for essential functions such as hormone production and bile acid creation to help digest the fats and oils in our foods. Every single cell utilizes fat...
Is your period normal? The average menstrual cycle length from the first day of bleeding to the next start of bleeding is 26 to 34 days. About 20% of menstruating women have an irregular cycle shorter or longer than that range. Your period may last 3-6 days in duration for...
Is your naturopathic physician covered by insurance? Licensed naturopathic medical doctors (NMD) are not yet federally licensed and may not be considered a provider on most health care plans. Many insurance companies consider naturopathic physicians as out-of-network providers in the states which they have licensure. There is a current trend for...
COVID-19 vaccines In Arizona, the eligibility to receive a COVID-19 vaccine has expanded to allow all individuals 16 years of age and older to receive a vaccine. The vaccination rates and vaccine availability are incredibly supportive of reducing COVID-19 cases and curbing the pandemic. How were the vaccines tested? What are the...
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) For some individuals, COVID symptoms continue even after there is no evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Persistent post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) involves continued psychiatric, cardiovascular, physical, and respiratory symptoms following a COVID-19 infection. People with these symptoms are often called "long-haulers." The most common symptoms...
Challenges with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also referred to as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, affects up to 13% of women, according to an article in BMC Women’s Health. PCOS is not classified as a disease, as it is not a specific or constant set of symptoms and physical characteristics....
Sleep and Your Health Almost five years ago, I gave birth to a wonderful baby girl. Since then, my sleep has changed. I am always surprised by the adaptability of our physiology. I have noticed that if my sleep quality is poor, I become more forgetful. I'll forget my cellphone,...
Nature and Mental Health Friluftsliv means "free air life" in Norwegian, which signifies understanding the healing effects of nature. This Norwegian concept is showing positive contributions to improvements in your health. Within the last year, non-communicable forms of activity became increasingly more prevalent. Green prescribing is a now popular medical...
The intricate process involved in breastmilk production can become affected by many factors, such as hydration status, stress, diet, smoking, medication, caffeine, and alcohol intake. What to do when we are moms on the go or at work? Herbal galactagogues may provide some assistance. A galactagogue refers to a substance...
Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is a common skin condition that almost all individuals experience some time in their lives. Believed to be a disease of adolescents, acne has actually been found most prevalent in adults at the mean age of 24 years. Acne is also more common in women...
Aging gracefully is the aspiration of everyone. Seeing a physician at least once a year for your annual exams is the first step. As we age, our health status may change. Early signs of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can be screened for and treated early. Early treatment...
