Naturopathic Medicine in Florida 

In This Issue
FNPA Board Updates
Healthy Gift Ideas
Nuts and Seeds
Selenium
Ginger
Gratitude Journaling
Quick Links
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

 

Healthy Trail Mix   

meditation  

 

 

 

 


The trail mixes you find at the store are often full of sugar, candy, and dried fruit that is chemically processed or coated in hydrogenated oil. To avoid the sugar and chemicals and still take advantage of the many health benefits of nuts, try making your own trail mix.

Ingredients:

  1 lb of raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
1 lb of raw, unsalted almonds
1 lb of white raisins
1 lb of unsweetened, unsulfured, dried pineapple rings

Mix all ingredients in a large storage container. Make sure to tear the pineapple rings into bite sized pieces. You can add other fruit or nuts to taste such as dried cranberries, walnuts, etc. Just make sure to check the ingredients for added salt, sugar, and hydrogenated oil.
FNPA Board

 

Dr adam Tice

Dr. Adam Tice

President

 

thompson

Dr. Judith Thompson

Vice-President

Legislative Chair

 

Dr. Todd Robinson

Secretary

 

camp

Dr. Eli Camp

Treasurer

 

Dr. Jennifer Southard

Board Member

 

Dalili

Dr. Dawn Dalili

Board Member

The Six Principles of Naturopathic
 Medicine
 

 

 Take Action!

First Do No Harm

 

Take Action!

The Healing

Power of Nature 

 

Take Action!  

Doctor as Teacher

 

Take Action!

Identify and

Treat the Cause

 

Take Action! 

Treat the

Whole Person

 

Take Action! 

Prevention

Upcoming Events 
   
***********************  

  Dr. Southard &  

Dr. Tice

  

For more information and upcoming events, visit: 

 New Earth Natural Wellness

 

*****************

camp
Free Teleseminars with Dr. Eli Camp

more info at:
Medicine Talk

*******************

gannon
Dr. Paul Gannon

for more information

Dr. Gannon online

*******************


For all events,

visit the FNPA
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Legislative Updates

As 2012 comes to a close for most of us, it's an active time for Florida legislators in preparation for the new year. The FNPA and Florida residents that have worked with Naturopathic Doctors traveled to Tallahassee to introduce themselves to their local representatives and legislators involved in the health arena. It was an exciting day for the new representatives moving into their new offices to meet ND's that live in their districts. They were moved that we took the time to travel so far and tell them about what Floridians are looking for....more choices in health care! We were well received and they asked for information to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine. The one thing that stood out for them was the voice of their constituents. They want to hear from you- the people that have benefited from Naturopathic Medicine.

 It's an exciting time in healthcare with many changes taking place. If you want your preference for natural therapies, remedies and doctors to be part of the new plan please let us know. We can arrange a meeting for you to speak with your local legislator or you can join your local Naturopathic Doctor at your representative's office. There are many ways that your voice can be heard. Please contact Judith Thompson, ND, if you would like more information.

thompson
We
appreciate your support in making Naturopathic Medicine available to all of FL.

In health, 
FNPA VP &
Legislative Chair

 December 2012
       

family2

Greetings!     

 

This month's newsletter offers you some ideas for healthy versions of popular holiday gifts. We take a look at nuts, discuss the benefits of selenium and talk about some of the healthy advantages of adding  ginger to your diet. A wonderful way to end this year and start your new year is to express gratitude! 

 

We would like to express our thanks to Dr. Katie Swedrock for having served as secretary of the FNPA for the last 3 years. We are happy to welcome our new Secretary, Dr. Todd Robinson. We are also welcoming Lauren Wright as our new Fundraising Chair and bidding farewell to Kate O'Connell, the outgoing Fundraiser. Thanks again to everyone for all their hard work and dedication!  

 

The most important thing you can do to ensure that you have the option to choose a Naturopathic Doctor as your health care provider is to tell your legislator that you would like him or her to help bring a licensing law for NDs to FL. The next most important step to see this happen is for you to join our Association. For more information, please visit www.FNPA.org.

 

There is a very quick and convenient way to share the newsletter with your loved ones. Please scroll down and use the "Forward" button we have provided. Help spread the word about Naturopathic Medicine!

New FNPA Board Members
Welcome Dr. Todd Robinson
FNPA Secretary 

 

As of December 2012, Todd Robinson, ND has joined us as Secretary of the Board for the FNPA. Dr. Robinson graduated from Bastyr University in June and he, along with his wife Mackenzie, made the long trek from Seattle back to sunny Florida in order to found his business. Located in the greater Jacksonville area, The Wellness Working Group will provide clients with personalized, holistic healthcare information for the prevention and management of chronic disease. Dr. Robinson believes that the principles and practice of Naturopathic Medicine are unique in their far-reaching potential to help people live vibrant, healthy lives, and he will work tirelessly with the FNPA to re-establish licensure for Naturopathic Physicians in Florida.

 

Dr. Robinson comes from a family tradition of medicine, with his father having worked as an emergency room physician in Pennsylvania. That early exposure to science and medicine influenced him greatly, though at first he believed he wanted to work in research. Prior to becoming a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Robinson worked in neuroscience research at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. He moved away from publishing scientific articles, however, in favor of direct interaction with the people he was trying to help. Dr. Robinson has carried the dedication, detail, and thoroughness learned in research into his career as a Naturopath, and uses those strengths to bring effective, holistic wellness information to his clients.

 

Outside of the office, Dr. Robinson enjoys traveling with his wife, running, painting, and martial arts practice. He looks forward to 2013 and the opportunity to work with both the FNPA and with his clients in private practice. 

Welcome Lauren Wright
FNPA Fundraising Chair 

Like many, growing up I have cultivated numerous interests that made choosing my major no quick or easy task. I have always been fascinated by the innate balance of the body and passionate about learning more on maintaining these natural processes. Hence, my interest in nutrition. During high school I worked as a food and nutrition representative at the local hospital. I loved the opportunity of connecting with each patient and  new people, so starting college my interest in communication landed me a job on Ray Team with the Tampa Bay Rays.

I was going in so many directions! Finally, on  a missions trip to the Dominican Republic two summers ago, it became clear to me that I could practice my passion for natural medicine and caring for people by becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Currently, I am pursuing my degree at the University of South Florida and discovered the FNPA. I am overjoyed to become fundraising chair of this remarkable organization- I feel as if all my interests merge into this one position and cannot wait to achieve our goal of licensure in the state of Florida!

Lauren Wright
SFB team/ fall 2012 / UD

 

Healthy Alternatives for Top 3 Holiday Gifts

kids

Every holiday season brings with it traditional gift ideas, whether for an office party, gift exchange with the in-laws, or your someone-special. Unfortunately, not all holiday gifts are healthy for the loved ones receiving them.


Here are 3 common gifts and healthy alternatives that won't break the budget.

1. Scented Candles - Nothing says warm and cozy for the holiday season like a scented candle. Unfortunately, most commercial candles contain petroleum-based paraffin wax, synthetic dyes, chemical fragrance, and lead-based wicks. These substances are dangerous because the chemicals are breathed in through the lungs and go directly into the bloodstream via the bronchial pathways. To avoid exposing your friends and family to these hazards, try some healthy alternatives:
  • Soy Candles: http://www.ecocandleco.com/index.html -  
  • Beeswax Candles: http://www.beeswaxcandleworks.com -  
  • Make Your Own Soy Candle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfgr0CFcJYU  

2. Bath and Body Gifts - Bath salts and other body products such as lotions, sprays, and bubble bath are favorites for many. Like candles, many bath products are made with dyes, phthalates, petroleum based ingredients, and other chemicals. Because these products are applied directly to the skin and enter the bloodstream within seconds, they are especially unhealthy. Try shopping for organic products at your local natural grocers or try these healthy alternatives:

3. Sweet Treats - No holiday season would be complete without a holiday treat. Unfortunately, sugars, dyes, and saturated fat make gifts like cookies, cakes, brownies, and candies very unhealthy. While natural grocery stores sell organic treats you can buy in a pinch, here are some healthy alternatives you can make at home that are low on sugar and high on nutrition:

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Nuts and Seeds

Traditionally, nuts hold a prominent place in most households during the holiday season. In fact, the 1892 ballet, The Nutcracker, features a nutcracker in the form of a toy soldier as an acknowledgement of its importance in most holiday traditions. Nuts, and many seeds, are an excellent addition to the holidays because of their concentration of minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Some of the healthiest include: almonds, cashews, flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. They have incredible antioxidant properties that can help heart health. Their high fiber and protein content support weight loss. In addition, they are a rich source of minerals such as selenium that are key in minimizing oxidative stress on the body. These health benefits make nuts a wonderful addition to many holiday gift baskets and baked treats. Keep in mind that it is important to purchase organic nuts to avoid the exposure to pesticides used in modern agricultural practices. In addition, consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before changing your diet. Adding in additional nuts can, for example, can affect the lysine/arginine balance in your body. This is an important consideration for people who get cold sores or who have the herpes virus. Consult your ND for individualized recommendations concerning your diet.  

 

References  

  • Blomhoff R, Carlsen MH, Andersen LF, Jacobs DR Jr. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. Br J Nutr. 2006 Nov;96 Suppl 2:S52-60. 2006. PMID:17125534.
  • Kelly JH Jr, Sabate J. Nuts and coronary heart disease: an epidemiological perspective. Br J Nutr. 2006 Nov;96 Suppl 2:S61-7. 2006. PMID:17125535.
  • Lamarche B, Desroches S, Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Marchie A, Faulkner D, Vidgen E, Lapsley KG, Trautwein EA, Parker TL, Josse RG, Leiter LA, Connelly PW. Combined effects of a dietary portfolio of plant sterols, vegetable protein, viscous fibre and almonds on LDL particle size. Br J Nutr. 2004 Oct;92(4):657-63. 2004. PMID:15522135.

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Selenium

thiamine Selenium is a trace mineral that the body needs and must be supplied by eating certain foods. Selenium is essential for the protection of the cells from free-radical damage, for heart health, for the production of thyroid hormone, and for joint health. Unfortunately, due to modern agricultural practices, our foods are not as mineral rich as they used to be. Some signs of selenium deficiency are weakness and pain in the muscles, discoloration of the hair and skin, and whitening of the fingernail beds. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical to talk to your Naturopathic Doctor. To increase your selenium levels naturally, try eating more button mushrooms, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, Brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds. Consuming too much selenium through food is not likely, with the exception of large consumption of Brazil nuts. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor before increasing selenium through a supplement as selenium toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin lesions, abnormalities in the beds of the fingernails, and fingernail loss.

 

References:

  • WHFoods.com. "Selenium". http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=95&tname=nutrient (accessed Nov 18, 2012).
  • Badmaev V, Muhammed M, Passwater RA. Selenium: a quest for better understanding. Alt Ther 1996;2(4):59-67. 1996.
  • Diplock AT. Selenium, antioxidant nutritions, and human diseases. Biol Trac Elem Res. 1992;33:155-156. 1992.  
  • National Research Council. Selenium in nutrition. Revised edition. Board on Agriculture, Committee on Animal Nutrition, National Academy of Sciences Press, Washington, DC, 1983.  
  • Vogt, T. M. Ziegler, R. G. Graubard, B. I et al. Serum selenium and risk of prostate cancer in U.S. blacks and whites. Int J Cancer. 2003 Feb 20; 103(5):664-70. 2003.

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Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

herbs

Ginger is a sweet yet astringent herb that is often used for cooking and baking. Because it is a hearty plant, ginger is usually available year round in the produce section of most grocery stores. In traditional herbal lore, ginger is used for digestive ailments. It is used to relieve gas and bloating, and to soothe the intestinal tract. Modern research is showing that it does indeed have healing properties due to its direct and indirect anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that it is more effective than many common prescription medicines for relieving the symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. It's so effective that it can be used for pregnancy-related nausea, even the most severe form, Hyperemesis gravidarum, which often requires hospitalization. In addition, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain. Researchers are now studying ginger's effects on colorectal and ovarian cancer. With its many varied health benefits and soothing effects on the GI Tract, ginger is great to add to your diet during the holidays. Not only does the spicy flavor pair well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, it can help friends and family who might have upset stomachs due to rich holiday foods.


References: 

  • Akoachere JF, Ndip RN, Chenwi EB et al. Antibacterial effect of Zingiber officinale and Garcinia kola on respiratory tract pathogens. East Afr Med J. 2002 Nov;79(11):588-92. 2002.
  • Borrelli F, Capasso R, Aviello G, Pittler MH, Izzo AA. Effectiveness and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Apr;105(4):849-56. 2005. PMID:15802416.
  • Ensminger AH, Ensminger, ME, Kondale JE, Robson JRK. Foods & Nutriton Encyclopedia. Pegus Press, Clovis, California. 1983.
  • Rhode JM, Huang J, Fogoros S, Tan L, Zick S, Liu JR. Ginger induces apoptosis and autophagocytosis in ovarian cancer cells. Abstract #4510, presented April 4, 2006 at the 97th AACR Annual Meeting, April 1-5, 2006, Washington, DC. 2006.
  • Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and rheumatic disorders. Med Hypothesis 29 (1989):25-28. 1989.

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Gratitude Journaling

meditation There is no better time to express gratitude than the holiday season. Researchers are revealing the amazing emotional and physical effects of expressing gratitude. In one study, participants were more optimistic, felt better about their lives, and visited the doctor less after writing about what they were grateful for everyday for 10 weeks. In another study, participants had a huge surge in happiness scores after being asked to write a thank you letter to someone who had positively impacted their life. Researchers have found that gratitude can even help couples. Partners who frequently express gratitude to each other feel more positive about the relationship and more comfortable when expressing relationship concerns. Even employers can benefit from expressing gratitude to their employees. Employees who are thanked by their managers work harder and have greater job satisfaction.  

 

Here are some suggestions for increasing gratitude in your journaling practice:

  • Keep a daily list of things you are grateful for.
  • Write a thank you letter to someone who changed your life for the better.
  • Make a list of 50 things you are grateful for about yourself.

References

  • Emmons RA, et al. "Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Feb. 2003): Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 377-89.
  • Grant AM, et al. "A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way: Explaining Why Gratitude Expressions Motivate Prosocial Behavior," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (June 2010): Vol. 98, No. 6, pp. 946-55.
  • Lambert NM, et al. "Expressing Gratitude to a Partner Leads to More Relationship Maintenance Behavior,"Emotion (Feb. 2011): Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 52-60.
  • Sansone RA, et al. "Gratitude and Well Being: The Benefits of Appreciation," Psychiatry (Nov. 2010): Vol. 7, No. 11, pp. 18-22.
  • Seligman MEP, et al. "Empirical Validation of Interventions," American Psychologist (July-Aug. 2005): Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 410-21.

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Sincerely,

The Doctors and Members


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