Radio Naturopath Episode 409: Disc Bulge Update, COVID-19 Reminder, Anti-Inflammatory Foods

This week we updated about my injuries, the bulging disc, femoral nerve impingement, and sprain/strained knee. It's TIRING. But, onward with rest, PT, walking, swimming, craniosacral therapy, and supplements. I'm going to start Green Lipped Mussel! Anti-inflammatory and helps to rebuild joints! We also updated about COVID-19; at the moment, cases are pretty low in Connecticut but I have some patients who have been exposed or are catching it. I'm seeing some folks wearing masks in public places, I reminded us all about cleaning our noses and throats, good nutrition, rest, exercise, and a few supplements. Then we talked all about anti-inflammatory foods, like berries, cherries, oily fish, and broccoli!

Radio Naturopath Episode 407: Natural Care for Herniated Discs

This week, I'm still talking about backs and back pain, and focusing on the herniated disc. There's still lots you can do short of getting conventional medicine care. Massage, chiropractic, stretches, physical therapy, acupuncture, all kinds of supplements. Float tanks, swimming and other water exercises. And lots of core exercises to prevent it from happening again! Lots of nerve-healing supplements, like B vitamins, acetyl-l-carnitine, and phosphatidylserine. The thing that is the hardest: PATIENCE and time, to do it right, child! (a little Wilburys there)

Radio Naturopath Episode 406: Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Discs and How to Help Heal Them

This week, of course, we talked more about spinal stenosis, which I hope I don't have. I'm guessing I don't because I did not have nerve symptoms until about 2 weeks ago, so mine is from an acute injury. There's a lot that you can do shy of getting surgery, which often has a 4-6 week recovery time and risks. You can stretch, ice, heat, take anti-inflammatory meds, eat an anti-inflammatory diet, do yoga, meditate, do yoga nidra, go to the chiropractor, get massage, acupuncture, and much more! When a nerve is involved IT JUST TAKES TIME. And I am impatient! Who wants to be in pain and laid up? Anyway, I'll do all the things, and report back.

Radio Naturopath Episode 405: Supplements for Atherosclerosis; Spinal Stenosis and Disc Disease

Today we talked about a few supplements for atherosclerosis, then went on to discuss back issues. We're "back" to spinal stenosis, which is what my mom has, and herniated/bulging discs, which is what I have.  There's lots you can do shy of surgery. My mom is having minimally invasive injections to her spine; I'm trying to avoid that, and taking supplements like magnesium, curcumin, SPMs, and phosphatidylserine. I'm also having chiropractic and did a float tank, where you lie in a bath with 1100 lb. of Epsom salt and float for an hour! NO PAIN the whole time you're in there! It doesn't fix it immediately but it helps a lot. I also have been doing Yoga Nidra which reduces the pain through stress reduction. I'll keep us posted on all the things I try.

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 330: Home Physical Medicine, Women's Probiotics, My Current Take On The Pandemic

This week, we talked about just a few things: Ron had a slip and fall injury about two years ago, hit his head, his right shoulder blade, and maybe more. He got checked out at the ER to see if he had a concussion and they sent him home. He hasn't been getting regular care for his resultant, ongoing shoulder pain due to cost. We talked about some things he could do at home to help with pain and healing. We also mentioned some probiotics that can be helpful in protecting against vaginitis in women. We finished with the current status of the pandemic. Ron went on a bit of a rant in that too many people aren't wearing masks in indoor public spaces, and if they would it would go a long way to calming down the pandemic. We were in a very good place in Connecticut with low case numbers in the summer and then they shot up again since the cold weather has come. Some schools have even gone to remote learning because of case numbers. it's exhausting and frustrating! We go through some of the reasons and things that can help.

Radio Naturopath Episode 319: Migraines: Ocular, Common, Classic, and Help for Prevention and Treatment

This week, I talked about migraines, how they happen, what meds get used, how to help to prevent them and how natural medicine and lifestyle fits in. I'm so lucky, I had an ocular migraine that sent me to the ER thinking I had a stroke! But I didn't, I got diagnosed with ocular migraine. So, more rest, more hydration, more beach and nature, less sugar.

Radio Naturopath Episode 207: Alternative Medicine and Thinking Beyond Opioids

On March 6, 2019, I had the privilege of speaking on a panel at Eastern Connecticut State University called A Wellness Approach to Pain: Thinking Beyond Opioids. I talked about some statistics on opioid use and abuse in the US. I mentioned how naturopathic principles can help with chronic pain. Then I talked about how NSAIDS and acetaminophen are actually more effective than opioids, although problematic. I talked about the effectiveness of physical medicine, like acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic, and how those things are not readily accessible due to doctor and patient attitude, poor insurance coverage, and high cost. I talked about how certain supplements, stress reduction, and diet change can all help with chronic pain. And I presented that if people in general had easy, regular, affordable access to physical medicine, it would go a long way to reversing the opioid crisis.

Radio Naturopath Episode 160: Ow My Aching Back: Natural Help for Back Pain!

Today I discussed back pain. Ow! Why it happens, and how, and the different conditions that cause it. I talked about core exercises that I do to prevent it. Also ergonomics in the office. And great supplements! Magnesium, esterified fatty acids, fish oil, collagen, curcumin, ginger, bromelain. Also, making sure to stay hydrated! That can help ANY muscle pain. And don't forget the hands-on practitioners: chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, physical therapist! NOTHING like good physical medicine.