IN THIS ISSUE

Daily Dose
 How to...
Start theYear off Right


 
 
 

Superfood Recipes:

Kale Chips & More
 

Read: Six reasons not to scrimp on sleep.

Watch: Arianna Huffington shares the key to success: more sleep.

Take in some fresh air and sun.

Winter means reduced time outside and in the sun, and that puts us at risk for vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (a type of depression that can cause weight gain, lack of energy, and anxiety). Just 20 minutes of sunlight can help increase vitamin D levels and improve our "feel-good" hormones. Plus, spending an hour outdoors interacting with nature or taking in green spaces can help improve memory performance and attention span by 20 percent (according to University of Michigan researchers.) Take a mid-day power walk around the neighborhood, open your blinds to let daylight in, and eat lunch outside on a sunny winter day.

Read: Going outside-even in the cold-improves memory, attention

Listen: Sun an Important Source of Vitamin D

Spend time with friends and family.

Having close friends and family to count on has far-reaching benefits for your health. Time with those you care about helps reduce stress, improve well-being and increase incidents of laughter (which has been shown to help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity). Researchers at Brigham Young University have even discovered that high social interaction can increase length of life. Carve time out of each week to spend time socializing.  Cook with your family, exercise with friends, and share crossword puzzles with co-workers to combine health and community.

Read: Social support: Tap this tool to combat stress

Read: What are Friends For? A Longer Life

Bonus Read: Make healthy eating stick.
 
 

Janet M. - "Don't listen to those who say 'exercise at least three days a week for 30 minutes'--I say exercise EVERY DAY for 20 to 40 minutes (more if you can). Then the decision becomes, WHICH exercise will I engage in today--not, SHOULD I exercise today. Works for me! I feel better, start or finish the day energized, and have shed 14 easy pounds in one year without dieting."

Megan S. - "Think about how you eat while you're on a clean food cleanse - and how you know you're doing something 'good' for your body. Then, think: what if I was good to my body, and ate like this all of the time?"

UPCOMING EVENT: Testosterone Replacement For Men - Facts, Fantasy, & Misconceptions

 

Dr. Michael Bedecs, head of Portland's Age Management Center and a specialist in anti-aging and bioidentical hormone therapy, will be joining us on January 18th to lead a discussion on men's andropause and testosterone replacement.

 Dr. Bedecs will take a look at common symptoms of testosterone deficiency, how common it is among the population, what is true and what is misconception when it comes to men's Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), possible side effects, and how to get started. We talked with him about signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, ways to change the aging process, and what to expect at his talk next Tuesday.

What is andropause?

 

Much in the same way women experience a decrease in hormone levels as they age, men experience a decrease in testosterone levels as well. This is commonly referred to as andropause. It is a real condition and it is treatable.

How prevalent is the deficiency and does it affect men of any age in particular?

 Between 10-30 million men have clinical symptoms of testosterone deficiency. It's at epidemic levels and it can affect men of any age. Whether you are in your 30s or your 80s, understanding testosterone deficiency is important.

What are some of the common signs and symptoms of deficiency?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is known to be linked to healthier, longer lives. As testosterone levels decline with age there is an increase with health problems directly related to this decline. Some common signs of sub-optimal testosterone levels include increased risk of heart disease and body fat and decreased libido, strength and endurance, and cognitive skills. Inability to have a morning erection is one of the early symptoms.

And what is a treatment approach?
 

Hormone replacement therapy - based on each person's individual symptoms and needs - can help optimize testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement can help increase sense of well-being, improve memory and mood, increase energy and sexual desire and protect against cardiovascular disease. On Tuesday, we'll talk about testing, treatment, any potential side effects, and how to get started. I'll have some self-tests kits available. We'll also have some fun addressing some of the common testosterone replacement myths.

What is one common myth of testosterone therapy?

 
That it produces rage, aggression, and anger. It's not true!

GIVEAWAY: One lucky event participant will receive a free consultation with Dr. Bedecs (a $400 value) and a basked of health goodies from Apothecary by Design!  

Register for Testosterone Replacement for Men here.

STAFF PICKS: Nutraceuticals to Help You Stick with Your New Year's Resolutions
 

Make sure you are not lacking in vital nutrients. When losing weight, your body releases toxins and it's important to make sure you support the natural detoxification process (and avoid losing any of the good nutrients). Take a good multivitamin and get the recommended dose of vitamin D. Plus, keep your immune system strong as you cut out certain foods; get adequate support from probiotics and antioxidants.

UPCOMING EVENT: A Look into Biomedical Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Dr. Keelyn Wu, renowned Maine osteopathic practitioner, will be coming to our store for a special event on biomedical intervention for autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Wu will provide an introduction to biomedical intervention as well as an overview of successful dietary approaches and safe and effective treatments for digestion, immune support, detoxification and more. He'll lead a discussion on how to get started, various options for testing, and how to implement biomedical treatment on a budget. Time for questions and answers will follow the lecture.

Many children, teenagers, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have more than just a psychological disorder - they have a medical condition that includes immune dysfunction, nutritional deficiences, dietary sensitivities, detoxification imbalances, genetic susceptibilities, and more. Biomedical intervention is one form of autism treatment, and a science-based approach that addresses these key medical and environmental issues.

 
Biomedical treatments can be very helpful to children with autism. Dr. Wu says that biomedical intervention should be considered an essential part of a comprehensive autism treatment approach (one that also includes behavioral, physical, occupational, and speech therapy). While biomedical treatment does not help every child, the vast majority of children have shown improvements in various areas including speech, eye contact, autistic behaviors, immune function, digestion and sleep.

Dr. Keelyn Wu, D.O. has over 12 years of experience treating children and adults using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments (OMT) and nutritional/biomedical intervention. He is also a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) physician and has a special interest in treating children with digestive issues, autism and ADHD. He is in practice at Osteopathic Healthcare of Maine in Falmouth, ME.

Register for Dr. Wu's event here.

 
 For recent news on autism, read "Autism may be linked to close birth spacing" from this past Sunday's Press Herald.

 

SUPERFOOD RECIPES: Kale

 

Baked Kale Chips

Kale and White Bean Soup

Spaghetti with Braised Kale