Natural Supplements for Allergy Relief As the spring season comes around, allergies start to rear their ugly head. Allergies can be a big inconvenience, ranging from a runny nose and itchy eyes to more severe symptoms like hives and anaphylaxis. If you're one of the many people suffering from allergies,...
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It can be difficult to cope with the symptoms, manage the treatments, and maintain a positive outlook. However, coping strategies and support networks are available to help people with chronic illnesses manage their condition and improve their quality...
Regular checkups are essential to ensuring children's optimal health and well-being, from newborns to age 17. These appointments offer health professionals the opportunity to monitor your child's growth and development, address any concerns or questions you may have, and ensure that your child is up-to-date on necessary vaccinations. In this...
Abdominal pain is a common complaint among children, but it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments of abdominal pain in children is essential to determine the best course of action. Let’s look at what parents should know about abdominal pain in children. Possible...
Choosing the best fertility tracker can be a daunting task. With so many apps and devices available on the market, knowing what features are most important when selecting a fertility tracker is essential. This blog post will discuss some of the best fertility trackers on the market and how they...
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause several types of cancer and genital warts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 11-12 get the HPV vaccine, but now they’ve also expanded their recommendation to include adults ages 21-46. This blog...
Everyone has trouble sleeping at some point or another. Whether due to stress, a change in environment, or simply not having the proper habits, struggling to get enough restful sleep can be incredibly frustrating. Women especially can have difficulty getting a good night's rest thanks to hormonal changes and life...
Over-the-counter laxatives are a commonly used medication for constipation relief. While these medications may provide short-term relief, it's essential to understand that laxative abuse can have serious health consequences for your body. This blog post will explore the risks of taking over-the-counter laxatives and provide tips on using them safely....
Maintaining a robust immune system is crucial for staying healthy and preventing illnesses. Fortunately, several nutrient-rich foods can help support your immune system. This article will look at the top 7 foods known for their immune-boosting properties. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are excellent sources of...
Keeping track of your heart health can seem like a daunting task. But with the advent of at-home EKG devices, it has become easier for patients to keep tabs on their heart health from the comfort of their homes. Let's examine how these devices work and why they are invaluable...
Have you considered acupuncture to help with chronic pain, stress, headaches, and other conditions? If so, you may wonder what to expect when embarking on an acupuncture treatment journey. Acupuncture is a holistic approach that offers many potential benefits. This blog post will explore the various aspects of an acupuncture...
Who doesn't love the sweet, rich taste of chocolate? Most people know that dark chocolate has a wonderful flavor and can satisfy even the strongest cravings. But did you know this delicious treat can also have great health benefits? In this article, we'll dive into what makes dark chocolate unique...
Taking care of yourself is essential for your overall well-being. As a woman, there are certain health considerations that you should be aware of. You can take proactive steps to maintain your health by following the tips below. Exercise Regularly - Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even help...
If you're looking to get in shape, one of the best ways to do it is by incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your weekly routine. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Here are some...
All children experience occasional constipation, but when should you be concerned? Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, and it is usually accompanied by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Let's look at the possible causes and treatments for constipation in children. Causes...
Women's health is an essential factor that should be considered every year. As part of your yearly health routine, it is important to get a physical examination from your primary care physician. These annual exams are essential for keeping track of changes in your body and diagnosing and managing potential...
Taking your blood pressure at home is essential to taking care of your health. It’s easy to keep track of your heart health and ensure you are in the safe range. Unfortunately, many people are intimidated by the process or uncertain about correctly using a blood pressure monitoring device. Here,...
Migraines are a common health issue that can significantly impact the quality of life. Fortunately, there is no shortage of treatments available for migraines, ranging from conventional medications to alternative therapies. This blog post will explore the differences between these two treatments and advise on which might be best for...
In 2002 2.1 million heterosexual women aged 15-49 were infertile, and this is about 1 in 5 women, according to the CDC. Infertility is the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of frequent intercourse without contraception in women under 35. For women 35 years and older, providers will...
Colorectal cancer is a serious health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Cancerous cells grow in the colon or rectum, characterizing the disease, and it can result in severe consequences if untreated. It is estimated that over 140,000 people in the United States alone are diagnosed with colorectal cancer...
Smart watches, smart glasses, health rings, and now continuous glucose monitors? Initially intended to monitor blood sugar for those using insulin, wearable or implanted continuous glucose monitors such as the Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, and Eversense are becoming more widely used for those wanting to gain more insight into their blood sugar...
Vitamin D is a nutrient essential for calcium balance and bone health, among other uses. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so it is stored in the liver and fatty tissues to be used as needed. Vitamin D2 is a vitamin found in plants, specifically mushrooms. It has been used to replete...
Another school year is quickly approaching, especially for our Arizona students. Dr. Nichole Shiffler discusses recommendations below for school readiness in school-aged children and adolescents. Stay Up to Date with Vaccines Including COVID-19 One way to maintain good health this school year is to prevent illnesses or reduce illness severity...
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...
