Radio Naturopath Episode 483: Prebiotic for Teeth, More Osteoarthritis, Exercises and Health

This week, we gave a little advice on the use of toothpaste with prebiotic to support healthy probiotic in the mouth. Then, we went on to discuss more about osteoarthritis. We gave more information about supplements. We also discussed the important topic of balance and how as the age, people have difficulty rising from seated and lying down. Ron is going to teach clinics on how to get up from the ground if you've fallen! And one of the reasons people fall is because they're lightheaded from being dehydrated, so we talked about making sure to drink and adding electrolytes. I talked about how a regular practice of yoga can be really helpful; something as simple as the regular practice of sun salutations keeps you able to get up and down from lying on the ground to standing. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 412: Supplements for Autoimmune Conditions, Autoimmune Protocol Diet

This week, I gave more update on my orthopedic and autonomic conditions. Slow going and I am impatient! I want to be back on my bike! This is a long-haul situation, so I just need to be patient.

I talked about various supplements that can be helpful for folks with autoimmune conditions. Curcumin, boswellia, and rosemary, among others, can all be helpful for calming the fire of an overactive immune system. I also talked about the Autoimmune Protocol diet, a healthy, cleansing diet for autoimmune conditions that would really help with any condition at all! Focus, of course, is on whole, unprocessed foods, and avoiding grains, beans, seeds, and anything processed for a period of time. After symptoms have abated, you can try to add back in foods that you miss. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 397: Spinal Stenosis; CNPA Part 4: MK-4 and Osteoporosis, Mushrooms, HPV

This week we talked about back pain and spinal stenosis, and especially how helpful getting in the water for this kind of pain and lots of other musculoskeletal pain. I will take a deeper dive into spinal stenosis at a later date. 

We also reviewed the last few talks of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association. MK-4 for osteoporosis, MushWOMB medicine (that's mushrooms for women's health), help for human papillomavirus, and a little about homeopathy! What a great conference! I think we wrapped it up.

Radio Naturopath Episode 391: Back Pain: The Ol' Reach 'n' Seize; ApoB100 and Cardiovascular Health

Last week, I did the ol' Reach 'n' Seize with my low back. You know how you were just fine a minute ago, then you reached for the mayo in the fridge and your back just SEIZED UP and now it hurts to tie your shoes? Well, I did that a week ago, only I was on my bike trainer and reached for the iPad. I was very fortunate to be able to see the chiropractor that day. I talked about what can lead up to that, how to prevent it, and nutrition, exercise, and topicals to use to help it. 

We then finally got started on cardiovascular issues, and focused on Apolipoprotein B100. This is an important measure that most doctors don't do. Specifically, if your doctor is about to order you statins or you've already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it's important to know your ApoB100/ApoAOA1 ratio. The ApoB carries LDL, while A carries HDL, which is cardioprotective. If you have high cholesterol but also a low ApoB/A ratio, you have much lower cardiovascular risk! More on cardiovascular issues next week.

Radio Naturopath Episode 370: Prevention and More Natural Back Pain Help, RIP Chris DiPaola

This week it's Back to the Back. Back pain is so prevalent and it's such a big topic that I talked about prevention, and also went in depth regarding my ER visit. Yoga, tai chi, planks, core exercises, herbs, diet, REST, all of these are helpful for back pain!

I also did a tribute to my dear friend and colleague Chris DiPaola, who died suddenly on Friday morning, October 14. He was 49 years old. He founded the radio station WBLQ in Westerly, RI, where I broadcasted Radio Naturopath from 1999 to 2001. He was very kind to me and took me on the day that he met me, and it was a lot of fun being part of the WBLQ family. He started WBLQ as a community station, and over the years was able to get a better spot on the dial and realized his dream of becoming a commercial station. He was a pillar of the Westerly community, involved in local business and charitable causes. I and the rest of teh WBLQ community are shocked and heartbroken at his loss.

https://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/westerly/chris-dipaola-the-voice-of-westerly-remembered-for-his-reliability-love-of-radio/article_b542a5f0-4bc3-11ed-b85f-d7cd5530b9cd.html

Radio Naturopath Episode 355: Why You Sleep Too Much, All About Bursitis

We had a question about hypersomnia, that is, when you consistently sleep in excess of 9 hours, and you're still tired. Many conditions cause this, from sleep apnea to hypothyroid to nutrient deficiencies. We tackle them all! Then, we talked in depth about bursitis, a condition that affects nearly 9 million people in the USA. It's the inflammation of the tissues of the sacs surrounding joints. It's treatable but it takes some care!

Radio Naturopath Episode 324: Supplements, Exercise, and Salt Water for Joint Pain

This week I started with a caveat about COVID-19, as I had two virtual visits with patients with acute cases of COVID-19. They were both vaccinated. I mentioned that if you're eligible, it's a good idea to get the booster, since it appears that immunity is waning from earlier this year and people are tending to spend more time together. It's probably still a good idea to wear masks when indoors, especially when it's hard to distance from people.

I went on to talk more about arthritis, supplements that are helpful such as curcumin, fish oil, and glucosamine, exercise, and salt water. Being in any kind of water is helpful, but salt water has particular benefits!

Radio Naturopath Episode 323: Natural Foods and Your Immunity

This week I talked about nutrition and immunity. There are so many great natural foods that we can eat that have constituents that support our immunity in so many ways. Some of them compete for receptor sites and protect cells against invasion from viruses. Others have antioxidants that protect from damage from cells. Others have anti-inflammatory components that work with various systems in our bodies. Others have compounds that increase the activity of immune cells and proteins. We can get all this from food!

Radio Naturopath Episode 275: The President Has COVID-19; Overweight/Obesity and COVID-19 and Risk Reduction

President Trump has contracted COVID-19. As is often the case when a president falls ill, there seems to be some confusion and protection about the president's actual health status. I wish him well and a full, speedy recovery, and same to the at last count 22 White House staff who have also contracted the virus. I expect there will be more. But I believe that the President and all of his staff and advisors behaved irresponsibly. In the time of a pandemic, or in any crisis or situation where there are leaders, it is incumbent upon the leaders to set a good example. By not wearing or requiring masks, by holding outdoor and indoor events without masking or social distancing, the president and his staff put countless people at risk. This virus is mild to most and deadly to some, and when anyone contracts it they don't know which they'll be. I believe that the Trump administration set a poor example for the American people in not taking COVID-19 seriously, and now that the president and many of those around him have shown that their actions definitely result in contracting the virus, they need to change their approach. From a public health, leadership, and human standpoint, the Trump administration has failed to set a good example for the American people. This is NOT how to lead. They should have been masking, encouraging and modeling physical distancing, and following the science. Let's hope that going forward they change their ways. 

Also, it is unfortunate to report that overweight and obesity contribute to the outcome of COVID-19. People with obesity are more than 2x as likely to be hospitalized, have 75% greater risk of going to the ICU, and 48% greater risk of dying. This does not mean that ALL overweight/obese people will have severe disease, but a greater percentage. I talk about ways to mitigate the risk using basic health practices, eating whole foods, hygiene, and supplementation. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 259: Wear Your Mask, Screen Time and Health, Insect Repellant, Repairing Your Joints

This week, once again I cautioned people about running out too soon and continuing to take coronavirus seriously. I cautioned about wearing masks and wearing them correctly, respecting others' comfort level, and using caution about gathering in large groups.

We also discussed ways that screen time can be bad for you! Did you know that many adults spend as much as 11 hours/day looking at screens? This would be especially true if your job requires it. It can affect the emotional development in kids, and the ability to pay attention in anyone. So limit screen time and find ways to enjoy the IRL world!

We reminded folks once again that when you're outside you need to be mindful of ticks, and the good things that can act as natural insect repellants. Also, a nice review of current supplements that can help to repair joints.