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February 28, 2010

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Nutrition, Services offered , comments closed

WHOLE FOODS TOUR

March 29, 2010

6:00 PM 

Location

Whole Foods Market

2918 East Walton Boulevard
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-1418

Tour guided by:  

Mary Ellen Iafrate

Certified Holistic Health Counselor 

and 

Michael Hack

Marketing & Community Relations Specialist

 Whole Foods Market 

Learn what differentiates Whole Foods Market

from conventional grocery stores 

Coupons, recipes and samples will be available throughout the store

SPACE IS LIMITED

RSVP required

DME Health Connection

586-405-8242

WE ARE WHAT WE “CHOOSE” TO EAT! January 19, 2010

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Nutrition , comments closed

 What we eat can be influenced by lifestyle, personal, religious and cultural preferences. 

A good example may be a person who frequently orders pizza.  The advertising media has proven that it’s easy to have pizza delivered while it’s still hot and tasty.  Having pizza delivered can make a person’s life simpler so the decision to eat this way is a “lifestyle” preference. 

Studies have shown the benefits of Omega-3 in our diets.  Eating fish two-to-three times a week is an easy way to absorb Omega-3.  However, some people abhor the taste and smell of fish.  If our body does not consume enough Omega-3, an individual can become susceptible to depression, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, fatigue, dry and itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, have an inability to concentrate, and can experience joint pain.  Even knowing all the benefits, not consuming fish is that individual’s “personal” preference. 

 Some religious faiths are fundamentally-based on the absence of certain foods in a diet.  For example, the Jewish faith requests that its followers do not consume pork and shellfish.  This is an example of eating according to “religious” preference. 

In many cultures, certain foods are mainstays and can identify that specific society.  Pasta with tomato-based sauce can identify the Italian culture just as homemade perogies can be a staple in Polish homes.  Eating according to ethnicity is a “cultural” preference.

 It is a known fact that we are what we eat.  All “preferences” aside, there are fundamental dietary guidelines to reaching and maintaining good health:

 Eat smaller meals 3-5 times per day.

Want to learn more?  Contact DME now!  586-405-8242

DME Health Connection – Services Offered January 8, 2010

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Services offered , comments closed

LYMPHATIC DE-CONGESTIVE THERAPY

Lymphatic De-congestive therapy is performed utilizing the non-invasive tool called the Lymphstar Pro.   The Lymphstar Pro allows the certified technician to safely stimulate lymph system blockages so lymph is able to flow unobstructed and thereby effectively remove toxins or debris from the lymphatic channel.   

NUTRITION COUNSELING  

DME has several nutrition counseling plans available ranging from a one-time, one hour session to 12 one-hour sessions over a period of six months.  

 FOOT BATH  

The Cygnus Aqua Cleanse foot bath machine operates effectively using two transmission heads placed in warm water.  The user places their feet upon the transmission heads for a 30 minute tranquil and relaxing session.  Light frequencies emitted by the Cygnus Aqua Cleanse stimulate and balance the body’s energy allowing toxins to be released. 

ELECTRODERMAL SCREENING (EDS)  

Computerized EDS is a process for measuring the energy pathways (meridians) of the body.  During an EDS session, the operator holds a probe at acupuncture pressure points on a client’s finger or toe.  Slight  pressure is applied and computerized information is transmitted to the EDS machine.  The EDS machine is then able to determine if the client’s energy pathways are in or out of balance.   

TOUCH FOR HEALTH KINESIOLOGY (TFH)  

TFH Kinesiology works toward balancing the non-physical energy of the body.  TFH addresses the imbalance in the “weak” muscles in the body.  Through tactile stimulation of the reflex points, people are able to be “balanced” with a variety of simple and effective hands-on methods.

THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT EVER! December 6, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Alternative Health , comments closed

The perfect gift for the person who has “EVERYTHING”!

A CYGNUS AQUA CLEANSE FOOT BATH SESSION

The Cygnus Aqua Cleanse 30 minute session is a relaxing, warm-water, non-invasive foot bath which aids in detoxing and balancing of the body’s energy.

 This could be the best holiday gift you have ever given!

 CALL NOW AND ORDER YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE!

DME Health Connection

586-405-8242

for additional info.

Service available in Michigan only

 

 

 

 

 

HEAL FROM THE INSIDE OUT December 6, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Nutrition , comments closed

As the “About Us” profile in the DME Health Connection blog states, I am a Lymes disease survivor.  Before being diagnosed, each day brought new pain and health issues. 

The antibiotics my medical doctor prescribed to me were effective.  However, after taking the medication for several years, I knew I had to find an alternative way to heal my body.  I discovered good nutrition, in conjunction with occasional meds, was my path to wellness.

When I read the following article in To Your Health, I knew I had to share it with DME’s readers.

I hope you find the content of the article as important as I did because I can attest to its validity and significance.

To your good health,

Mary Ellen Iafrate, HHC

HEALTHY FROM THE INSIDE OUT 

What does it take to make a life-changing decision to improve one’s health?  For some people, it’s illness, a near-death experience or even the loss of a loved one.  For others, it might simply be the unpleasant realization that an unhealthy lifestyle will one day catch up with them. 

A commitment to exercise and improved nutrition is often the best therapy.  Unfortunately, the multibillion-dollar beauty business is a great cover-up for an unhealthy lifestyle. 

One of the simplest and most important things we can do to revive our appearance, physical health and mental acuity as we age doesn’t involve cosmetic changes or a trip to the spa; it’s as easy as supplying our body with the nutrient-rich food and physical activity it so desperately needs.  Beauty literally comes from the inside, and it takes responsible day-to-day choices to ensure this translates outwardly.  Here are some suggestions on what you can do starting today to cultivate beauty from the inside out. 

Control the Inflammation 

One of the best ways to reclaim and maintain health, and even take years off your appearance, is to control something called inflammation. Simply put, inflammation is heat, swelling or pain.  When it is chronic, inflammation can make us age prematurely, and has been associated with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, cognitive decline and other conditions.  Sources of inflammation in American’s lives include stress, obesity, smoking, drugs and sedentary lifestyles. 

One of the leading inflammatory triggers is unhealthful food, including sugars, red meat, artificial ingredients, gluten, trans fats, and alcohol.  Packaged and process foods, especially those laden with hormones, antibiotics and preservatives, also contribute to inflammation.  An inactive lifestyle, combined with a diet favoring inflammatory foods, can lead to free-radical damage, which might spur disease and appear on the skin as lines and wrinkles. 

The first step toward looking and feeling better is an improved diet that includes plenty of vegetables, lean protein sources, green drinks, beans and raw foods.  It’s also important that inflammatory grains, such as pasta and bread, be replaced with foods such as quinoa, buckwheat and wild rice, which are more easily digested by most people. 

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

In addition to eating nutritious foods and getting the proper enzymes and probiotics, we suggest the following: 

Remember!  You’re worth it!!

 The above is an excerpt from “Healthy from the Inside Out”;  published in To Your Health, November, 2009; authored by:  Peggy Raikes, MTOM, Lac, Encinitas, CA, www.acupunctureforms.com.

Prevent Swine Flu – Good Advice October 21, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
        
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, can be practiced:
        
 1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
        
 2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
        
 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
        
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.        

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
                 
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Excerpt information from Dr. Vinay Goyal, MBBS,DRM,DNB

News I Just Had To Share! September 15, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

Recently, I began a new exercise regimen.  I am no different than the average active American — always looking for an exercise routine that will be effective, mildly intense and of short duration.

I enjoy exercise – almost any kind – but since I am an athlete wanna-be (my term for someone who loves sports but does not have natural ability), I find myself constantly looking for a way to stay healthy through exercise.  I have not been blessed with rapid speed, quick response nor excellent balance.  And, I can be clumsy at times.

Then, in one easy read, I found the answer to my lifelong pursuit of wellness through exercise in “PACE: Rediscover Your Native Fitness” by Dr. Al Sears.  Dr. Sears addresses both a rational and effective way to exercise that keeps me interested, is quick, and has been highly effective and personally motivating. 

After only three weeks, I am excited to say I am walking, running, biking and hiking.  Each activity is punctuated by short bursts of speed and intensity.  Since I am fortunate to have access to a treadmill, a stationary bike as well as a Metro Park, I spend some time each day exercising according to the recommendations in Dr. Sears publication.

I believe the right diet and the right type of physical activity are equally important.  If you would like to find out what motivates you to take better care of your body, my suggestion is to google Dr. Sears at www.AlSearsMD.com.

You will enjoy the results and the value of exercise.

NOTE:  DME believes before beginning any diet or exercise regimen, visit your doctor first for a complete physical exam.

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED IN THE MITT June 28, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

Michiganders wait with bated breath for our summer to arrive.  The warm, beautiful weather lasts for such a short time here in Michigan, every citizen should long to hit the streets, parks, playgrounds and swimming holes as soon as the temperature reaches 70 degrees (which we MI’ers know means it’s balmy outside).

How are you spending your sunshiny days and warm evenings?  Have you taken your bike out of storage yet or tried out the new walking path at one of the local parks?

NOW is the time to get your body busy doing something your body AND your mind enjoys. 

When is the last time you played golf?  Badminton?  Tennis?  Flash Light Tag?  Horse Shoes?  Frisbee? 

How long has it been since you went swimming?  Water skiing?  Played baseball?  Volleyball?  Or walked your best buddy, your dog? 

Each of us has only been given just so many summers to enjoy.  How you spend this summer is up to you but our suggestion is not to waste it.  Not one precious Michigan moment. 

Why?  Because we all know what will happen in approximately five short months.  We Michiganders will be dusting off the snow blower, buying ice melt and putting away the porch glider until next year.

DME’s philosophy is that we only get one chance to enjoy Summer 2009.  This is it.

GENETIC LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER’S June 1, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Health Issues , comments closed

In a few older posts, DME has mentioned diabetes becoming a great concern for our society due to dietary habits.

In the following article copied from Dr. Andrew Weil’s June 2009 Self Healing newsletter, he tells us that a link has been found between diabetes and Alzheimers.

The following is the article:

Prior evidence has shown that type-2 diabetics are twice as likely as others to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and now researchers have discovered a clear link between the two conditions.  The connection is a single gene known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coativator l  (PGC-1).  This gene regulates glucose content in the body and its activity is reduced in type-2 diabetics.  The study found that PGC-1 is also less active in patients with Alzheimer’s-related dementia.

Dr. Weil’s take on this information:

“I find this study very intriguing.  Diabetes causes accelerated aging and diabetics tend to develop age-related diseases decades before those with normal metabolism.  These findings are in line with another study in the April 15 issued of JAMA, which found that diabetics with episodic low blood sugar are more prone to dementia.  Clinical applications, such as restoring PGC-1’s activity, are still in the future, but these findings are promising.”

DME’s take on this information… type-2 diabetes is almost always diet related.  Watch what you eat NOW!  Don’t let yourself become a victim of diabetes due to bad eating habits.

LIVER DISEASE ON THE RISE March 29, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Health Issues , comments closed

Replace saturated and trans fats, sugars, and processed foods (all of which burden the liver) with fruits and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3s.  Because extra protein adds to the liver’s workload, only about 15 percent of your calories should come from protein.

Some studies suggest that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of liver cancer and alcoholic cirrhosis, but the reasons are unknown.  Drink green tea instead.  Green tea consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of liver damage, and animal studies suggest the tea’s anti-inflammatory polyphenols may halt fatty deposits in the liver.

“The liver is the body’s gatekeeper–processing everything that you eat, breathe, or absorb through your skin.”

DME suggests…

WATCH YOUR DIET! 

Need help with your diet?  Contact DME!  It’s as easy as clicking on the “About Us” button above.

The above was published in Dr. Andrew Weil’s SELF HEALING newsletter dated April, 2009, pg. 5.