The term ‘Functional Medicine’ grew out of the vision and energy of a group of scientists, medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths, nutritionists and other health professionals that began meeting in the late 1990s. Under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Bland, these practitioners began holding regular conferences which eventually led to the formation of The Institute for… Read more »
Functional Medicine
Doctors have the ability to heal. Unfortunately, the current health care system has turned many away from their natural ability to do so. But things are changing. A core aspect of integrative medicine is whole person care by doctors who take the time to listen and understand their patients, and a treatment protocol that incorporates… Read more »
Thanks to new science called gene sequencing, researchers have discovered 1,800 disease genes. This information is part of what was learned with the conclusion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. Additionally, hundreds of genes have been discovered that influence the way we metabolize nutrients, perceive taste, regulate hunger and respond to exercise. Your diet… Read more »
Integrative medicine has taken a tremendous step forward with the opening of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine (CCCFM). Functional medicine is based on the evidence that lifestyle factors – such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress levels, relationships and genetics – are major contributors to disease. Cleveland Clinic is the first academic medical center… Read more »
Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Phil Jackson said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” As individuals on a quest for wellness, assembling your health team is vital. In creating this team, you may want to consider combining practices of both Western and Eastern medicine.… Read more »
Terry Wahls, MD, is an Assistant Chief of Staff at Iowa City VA Health Care and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa. She has practiced medicine for over 30 years and is board-certified in internal medicine. Like most physicians, Dr. Wahls treated her patients’ ailments with drugs and surgical procedures, until she… Read more »
In this modern “hi tech” world, chiropractic is decidedly “low-tech” in nature. Based on manual manipulations and founded over 100 years ago, studies to support its effectiveness have been slow to surface. Fortunately, numerous scientific studies over the past 25 years have established chiropractic to be an evidence-based modality. These studies have found the practice… Read more »
I’d like to share a story about a woman with whom I recently worked who was struggling with severe back pain. We will call her Susan. Susan was diagnosed with herniated discs (disc bulges) as well as spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slipping on each other). She had excellent medical care with anti-inflammatories, pain management and injections. Yet… Read more »
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is defined as a condition with a criteria of symptoms that includes lethargy, poor concentration and/or memory, sore throat, headaches, tender lymph nodes, and muscle pain that persists for 6 months or longer. CFS symptoms may vary among patients — solely as fatigue and lethargy, or as a myriad of seemingly… Read more »
Heart disease is the general term used to describe any medical condition of the heart, blood vessels, and arteries. The type of heart disease that affects most Americans is coronary artery disease, or a blockage of plaques in the cardiovascular system which often leads to heart attacks. The most common health advice given to reduce… Read more »
There is a trend in health care of “conventional” medical practitioners and “alternative” care professionals working together. This practice provides the best of both health care worlds in a fully integrated model of medicine that not only addresses the acute disease process and symptom management, but also treats the causes of underlying chronic disease. Integrating… Read more »
The National Institutes of Health reports 23 million Americans suffer from auto-immune disease. It lands on the list of top 10 causes of death in women under 64 years of age and children. Our immune system is like our protective army, diligently patrolling the body, looking for any molecular marker that does not belong. When… Read more »
Nutritional deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more prevalent in people who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. Optimal nutrition–including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, coupled with weight loss, increased exercise, smoking cessation and moderate restriction of alcohol and caffeine–can help prevent and control nutritional deficiencies in… Read more »
Thomas Reynolds, MD is a primary care physician, internist and oncologist who specializes in geriatric and cancer care. Shannon Sinsheimer, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor focusing on primary and integrative patient care. Over the past several years, Drs. Reynolds and Sinsheimer have been working together on patient care. I sat down with them to… Read more »
Lyme disease is grabbing headlines nationwide. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) new Lyme disease cases are 4 times more common annually than new cases of HIV/AIDS. It is also thought to be the leading cause of ‘vector-borne’ infections in the U.S. Lyme disease is defined as an infectious illness that results from… Read more »
In December, the doctors from the Eisenhower Wellness Institute reviewed some old fashioned advice and the latest research on healthy practices to consider for 2012. Presenters included Medical Director, Patricia Avila, MD, MPH; Integrative Medicine Specialist, Hessam Mahdavi, MD, DC; and Sports Medicine Specialist, Steven Steele, MD. Desert Health® was there taking notes for you…… Read more »
Profession: Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Chiropractic Studied: Saba University School of Medicine; Southern California College of Chiropractic Practicing: Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine at Eisenhower Wellness Institute Originally From: Newport Beach. Has lived in the Desert for 2 years Professional Accreditations: Member American College of Physicians Board Certification, Internal Medicine Certification, Holistic and Integrative Medicine Doctor of… Read more »
The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine defines this practice as “medicine that confirms the importance of the practitioner/patient relationship; focuses on the whole person; is evidence-based; and uses all appropriate modalities, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve health and healing.” Following this logic, patients win. We receive medical attention that considers… Read more »
Excerpt from a Presentation by Peter Kadile, D.O. Recently Dr. Peter Kadile (“Ka-DILL-ee”) spoke as part of Eisenhower’s Healthy Living Series. His presentation entitled M.D., D.O., D.C., N.D.: Similarities and Differences was very informative. In reference to our title, Dr. Kadile said, “Believe it or not, I get asked this question all the time.” So,… Read more »
As a newcomer to Coachella Valley I was delighted to find Desert Health®. I see it as an informative health guide and applaud its role in bridging the gap between diverse medical professions. Since my arrival, I have discovered that most desert dwellers know little about Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s). To remedy this, I have prepared… Read more »
