Valentine's Day Gifts For Couples Who've Been Together So Long That They've Run Out Of Gifts To Get Each Other

The origin of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery but one thing all historians agree on, whichever saint Valentine’s Day was named after, it was named after a good hearted soul who supported freedom of choice!

When you have been married as long as I have, Valentine’s Day can become just another day. Marriage is hard and while mine is full of joy and security, it’s just as much a daily struggle to compromise and to stay present. So I practice the following daily meditation. I tell myself, “Every day you wake up, you have a choice. You get to choose the person you get to be with. I choose Dan.”

We wake up and take life for granted, but if we wake up and make a conscious choice to choose the person we are already with, it puts us in the driver’s seat for a deliberate kind of love. 

Heart Healthy Smoothie Naked Version:

  • ½ frozen banana

  • 1 cup dark greens 

  • 1 cup of dark berries

  • Orgain or pea protein

  • Water to blend

Heart Healthy Smoothie Nutra Version:

  • ½ frozen banana

  • 1 tbsp chia 

  • 2 tbsp rolled oats

  • 1 tbsp cacao powder

  • 1 scoop of amazing grass chocolate flavor 

  • Chocolate Orgain 

  • 2 tbsp of almond butter

  • Water to blend

These are not sexy recipes, but they are full of antioxidants, balanced carbohydrates, have 3 servings of fruits and vegetables, and are heart-healthy.

I don’t love nutraceuticals, but when looking for a gift for my husband, who is a bit of a fitness fanatic, has a sweet tooth, and relies on easy, swift, and out-the-door, I think these are the best of the best and make healthy and nutritious gifts for the holiday.

You can find them all on BewellwithAIM.com

JOINT FORMULA:

Amazing Grass Amazing Protein Glow, Chocolate Rose Flavor

Your plant-based solution to collagen. This nutritional powder is crafted with organic plant-based proteins, antioxidant-rich superfoods and alkalizing greens grown on a family farm in Kansas. With 15g protein, plant-derived B Complex and C vitamins plus 100% DV biotin, it’s a deliciously convenient way to support healthy, nourished skin and joint health so you can look and feel amazing every day.

ANTIOXIDANT, VEGGIE, and FRUIT CONCENTRATES:

Amazing Grass Green Super Food Chocolate Powder

This delicious, thoughtfully crafted blend combines alkalizing farm fresh greens and wholesome fruits and veggies with nutrient-rich superfoods plus cacao for a delicious way to support heart health and fight cancer, daily.

Natierra Cacao Powder

Ancient noble Aztecs considered cocoa beans so divine, it could re connect mankind to one consciousness. This brand’s cacao powder is derived from the criollo bean, the rarest and most treasured variety of cacao native to Peru. It is an excellent source of fiber and a decent source of protein. A Superfood with a Soul.

DESSERT:

Himalania Dark Chocolate Covered Goji Berries

By combining the antioxidant powers of both dark chocolate and Goji berries, Himalania makes it possible to indulge your sweet tooth while getting health benefits. Discovered in the Himalayas 5,000 years ago, the Goji berry is considered to be one of the world's most nutritious fruit. For centuries, the Goji berry has been honored among Asian cultures for its strength-building properties associated with longevity.

To love, to choice, to union, and to healthy hearts, joints, hair, skin and nails!

Dr. March

25 Thoughtful and Unusual Valentine's Day Gifts

Looking for unique and beautiful Valentine’s Day gifts?

BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

What could be a more sustainable and intimate choice than REAL ROSES in Dr. Hauschka products on BewellwithAIM

Dr. Rudolph Hauschka founded Hauschka Skin Care as a means to support the healing of humankind and the planet. In 1929, he achieved success in creating a water-based extract of rose petals that remained stable without the use of alcohol or preservatives. That very extract (or "mother substance") remained stable for more than 30 years.

Hauschka nourished a small collection of beautiful botanicals built around water extracts of damask and Bulgarian roses. Because the rose essence sustained within has such a high level of purity and quality, it confers a healing benefit making these beauty products as much therapeutic as cosmetic.

Rose petals contain polyphenols, organic compounds that contain a high amount of pigment or color. These act as antioxidants that work to protect your body from cell damage. They act as a natural sunscreen, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. As an antiseptic and antimicrobial, rose topically can help fight acne, soothe dermatitis, and is helpful with eczema and psoriasis. The smell of roses helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the senses.

If you go to BewellwithAIM.com, put in the password AIM, it will unlock the site.

You can do a search for “Hauschka Rose” and all 16 products will come up.

We love the Rose Nurturing Body Oil. There are times when your skin and mind long for harmonizing, strengthening care. Help your loved one promote a sense of balance and well-being with this delicate, nourishing body oil. Extracts of damask roses soothe, calm, and protect sensitive skin. Jojoba oil as a carrier comes from the beans of a desert shrub. It is bright and golden in color with a mild odor, it conserves moisture for silky, supple skin. 

Another favorite is the Rose Nurturing Cream. Featuring the enveloping fragrance of roses, this iconic body cream helps offer warmth and protection to skin and senses. Quickly absorbed, this rich, luxurious body moisturizer supports the skin’s natural barrier function for intensive care and protection. The base is organic shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond and jojoba oils, the suspension is a water extract of damask roses. 

We happen to have a limited supply of rose products in the office. 

Rose Day Cream Dr. Hauschka $45.99 (*limited sale, $39.99)

Rose Nurturing Body Oil Dr. Hauschka $29.99 (*limited sale, $19.99)

Nurturing Body Cream Dr. Hauschka $36.99 (*limited sale, $29.99)

*Call us at (248) 798-2942 or send us an email at Dr.Roy@aimnatural.com to order discounted products from our in-office collection. These are available for shipping or curbside pick up. These are first come and first serve but no worries, you can still access these under retail value, for the month of February only on BewellwithAIM.com

CRYSTALS:

We have a limited supply of real rose quartz hearts in the office.

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Rose Quartz, with its gentle pink essence, is a stone with an affinity for the heart and for the breast. It carries a soft energy of compassion and peace, tenderness and healing, nourishment and comfort. Many ancient cultures use rose quartz to activate the heart energy.

In India, rose quartz speaks directly to the Heart Chakra, dissolving emotional wounds, fears, and resentments, and circulates a Divine loving energy throughout the entire aura. Reawakening the heart to its own innate love, it provides a deep sense of personal fulfillment and contentment, allowing one the capacity to truly give and receive love from others.

In ancient Western cultures, Celtic, Norse, and others, Rose Quartz was used as a love token even as early as 600 B.C. It was effective in attracting new love, romance, and intimacy, or in developing a closer bond with family or friends. In ritual, it was used to support connection within groups and communities and carries a high spiritual attunement to the Earth, Universe, and the Divine.

Prized in the ancient African world for its powers of physical beautification, facial masks of Rose Quartz have been recovered from Egyptian tombs, thought by the Egyptians to clear the complexion and prevent wrinkles. Rose Quartz was considered a personal totem in Africa. It inspired the love of beauty, in oneself and others, in nature, and especially that which stimulates the imagination…art, music, and the written word.

In ancient Eastern cultures, particularly in Tibet and China, it was one of the major carving stones. The Chinese used quartz in various types of pastes, powders, and solutions for topical application for soothing and cleaning the skin.

We obtained these small rose quartz hearts from a highly reputable small craftsman. They fit nicely into an undergarment or bra where they warm against the skin and help to integrate healing energy into your life post-radiation, pre or post-surgery, or in survivorship. They are a wonderful gift for you to purchase for yourself or for your loved ones.

Dr. Roy wears one close to her heart daily in practice and often recommends them to patients to use in their undergarments after their daily radiation.

These are $8 each and can be purchased here.

TEAS:

We also have a limited supply of PUKKA teas in the office. Taken orally, the same rose polyphenols that support the skin topically, have been shown to reduce the risk of:

  • Heart disease

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Cognitive diseases

PUKKA is now available over the counter so we no longer have access to it wholesale. We LOVED PUKKA because of the company’s focus on organic farming, fair trade, and conservation through commerce. Every Pukka plastic-free tea bag comes in its own recyclable envelope to retain the essential oils in their ethically sourced 100% organically grown herbs. Each bag has two cloth chambers, allowing these incredible herbs to flow and release the full potency in your cup. 

We have limited availability at the reduced cost of $9/box of:

After Dinner:

Roasted chicory root (24%), aniseed, fennel seed (20%), licorice root, cardamom seed (8%), orange peel, ginger root. After your valentine’s dinner is a non-caffeinated “coffee-like” drink that is made with organic aniseed, cardamom, chicory, fennel, ginger, and licorice. It’s a wonderfully sumptuous tea for soothing digestion after your meal.

Beyond the chatter, steam rises, and mugs are stirred. First, the luxurious taste of roasted chicory. Next, the calm of cardamom mingling with aniseed, followed by sweet fennel and licorice. One slow sip follows another. These herbs are all heart and immune supportive. 

Relax:

Sweet fennel seed (24%), chamomile flower (18%), licorice root, oat flowering tops, cardamom pod, ginger root, marshmallow root (10%). Made with organic chamomile flower to help you to unwind and fennel seed and ginger to ease digestion. This tea is meant for relaxation, it’s lovely right before bed or an intimate moment, especially for patients who struggle with anticipatory anxiety before sex, or anxious rumination before bed. It’s excellent before difficult conversations and the fennel and ginger are heart and immune supportive. 

Love:

Chamomile flower (25%), limeflower, elderflower, marigold petal, licorice root, rose flower (5%) lavender flower (5%). Made with rose hips, organic chamomile, elderflower, lavender, licorice, limeflower, and marigold. This tea is excellent for patients with a risk of cardiotoxicity but also a delicious gift for Valentine’s Day. Herbs may feel like gentle warriors, but brewed correctly and taken consistently, they can be life-changing. Rose is excellent for vessel damage and heart health and lavender and chamomile are wonderful for hypertension.

Three Mint:

Peppermint leaf (34%), spearmint leaf (34%) fieldmint leaf (32%). This tea is a blend of three types of mint for a vibrant cool and supreme sweetness. Like a natural bubblegum, this tea is a cooling digestive that also supports the respiratory system and immune health. 

Three Fennel:

Sweet fennel seed (50%), wild fennel (bitter fennel) seed (45%), fennel leaf (5%). Fennel was highly valued in the ancient world by Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians for its value as a carminative, expectorant, and as a talisman used in various rituals. Due to fennel's gentle nature, it is used to support digestion in infants and children and can be given to nursing mothers. It prevents heartburn and is an underrated immune supportive. Like the Three Mint and After Dinner, it’s lovely digestive after a rich meal. 

Cinnamon:

Vietnamese cinnamon bark (60%), Indonesian cinnamon bark (16%), licorice, Indian cinnamon bark (10%). This is Dr. Roy’s favorite. The taste is sweet and spicy. Cinnamon is heart supportive. To extract the organic compounds that are medicinal, a tea needs to be steeped for quite some time. At least 5-10 minutes for flavor and overnight for therapeutic healing. This tea just gets better with steeping time.

Revitalize:

Cinnamon bark (25%), orange peel, elderflower, cardamom seed (10%), licorice root, ginger root (7%), green tea, spearmint leaf, clove bud, black peppercorn. This is Dr. March’s favorite. It is a “mother tea” that blends many of the herbs in the teas above. An alternative to coffee, this tea wakes you up, supports your immune system, acts as a heart and vessel supportive. 

These special teas are first come, first serve. We only have a few boxes of each. Call us at (248) 798-2942 or send us an email at Dr.Roy@aimnatural.com to order these discounted teas from our in-office collection. These are available for shipping or curbside pick up.

Given the gentle, yet powerful nature of herbs and our particular skills in medicinal herbs, Associates of Integrative Medicine has brought in a full dispensary of herbs and will be designing individual blends for each of our patients using 100% organically grown, ethically sourced, high-quality plants. 

Our goal is to design and hand-deliver to you, your own custom compounded tea, tailored to your specific health goals for costs ranging from $10-$15/three cups a day for one month! 

What is Reiki and How Does it Help Us in the Fight Against Cancer

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Dear Patients, Friends, & Family, 

We rigorously and consistently scour the data looking for modalities and techniques that can offer true healing for our patients with the goal of optimal wellness. We love our oncologists, but our field is unfortunately not comprehensive enough when considering safe, non-toxic, and gentle therapies that can have profound long-lasting effects, during treatment AND in survivorship.

Here at AIM, we aren’t interested in survivorship, but thrivorship. We want to see our patients become optimally well. We believe that looks different for each individual and can be achieved, at every stage of life. 

Given the growing clinical evidence and the moving experience many have with body work, we have decided to include Reiki this year, and to add to it: essential oil therapy, flower remedies, infrared heat with crystals, pressure therapy, sound therapy, and guided visualization.

What is Reiki?

The word ‘Reiki’ comes from the Japanese word ‘Rei’ meaning “Universal Life” and ‘Ki’ meaning “Energy”. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work to balance physical and emotional energies and facilitate an environment for healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.

How does Reiki work?

Once referred by one of our AIM doctors, your medical team, or your mental health therapist, we will schedule you for a one-hour session. I will tell you a bit about Reiki and answer any questions that you may have, then we will spend 10-15 minutes on a consultation where we talk about your concerns and goals.

We plan to use multiple healing modalities that have growing evidence that they fight cancer on a deep level along with our reiki sessions. Our intention is to introduce a parasympathetic response and calm the nervous system while achieving the following health goals:

  1. Restore Clarity of Thought

  2. Reduce Stress

  3. Reduce Anxiety 

  4. Cope with Grief and Loss

  5. Help release Resentment and Grievances

  6. Help with trauma and PTSD

  7. Help with systemic inflammation

  8. Restore sleep

  9. Reconnect and restore trust in the body and our internal ability to heal.

How will we accomplish this?

We will prepare the space using aromatherapy individualized to your specific needs. Aromatherapy is a healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts medicinally to promote health and well-being. Data shows that aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety levels, and has the potential for improving cognitive function.

We will integrate a sound wave therapy called binaural beats, which are tones of specific frequencies to encourage healing. Listening to binaural beats can significantly decrease sympathetic response and increase parasympathetic response, meaning they improve physical and psychological indications of stress. Certain frequencies may improve cognitive function, sleep, and anxiety.

Depending on your needs and with consult from our mental health therapist, we may instead choose a weighted blanket that has evidence that it helps with introducing a parasympathetic response for some and guided visualization formulated to fight cancer, optimize immune function, treat anxiety, or address PTSD. Guided visualizations have been shown to be highly effective in improving sleep, reducing stress, and helping to process resentment, grief, and trauma.

Our therapeutic bed will be equipped with infrared heat to increase circulation, lower inflammation, and soothe muscles. Our infrared mat delivers a therapeutic level of deeply penetrative heat that can induce a healing response. If you are unable to lay flat on a table, we can modify using a seated method. Our infrared mats deliver heat with crystals: jade and tourmaline. To enhance the meditative and energetic experience, you may choose a crystal that you feel drawn to, to hold, or to place on your body to direct your attention and focus. 

During the treatment, and with your permission, I will place my hands in specific placements over the endocrine glands and nerve plexuses, hovering about 1-3 inches above your body. As you know, the body is made of energy; from the atoms that make up our being to the chemical and electrical impulses that keep us alive, there is a constant flow of energy at work throughout the body. I am trained to focus positive, healing energy through this exercise to support your body’s natural ability to heal. Reiki helps to restore homeostasis within the human energy field to cultivate a healing environment for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Reiki can help lower pain, anxiety, fatigue, and has data in improving these specific to oncology patients.

During our session, you may feel a subtle vibration, heat, pressure, tingling, something like magnets, or nothing at all. You may have an emotional release. You may suddenly cry, laugh, or want to talk. These are all OK and quite common. The most common experience is a feeling of deep relaxation and release of stress and tension. 

It is important to drink a lot of water after your Reiki treatment to aid in the cleansing process. You will be offered a clean glass of water enhanced with a flower essence remedy before and after treatment. These remedies can help process deeper emotions that may surface through the sessions.

In a study published in 2016, researchers divided 122 people into three groups: Massage + Rest (G1), Massage + Reiki (G2), and a Control group without intervention (G3). The groups were evaluated using scales to manage stress and anxiety after 2 sessions a week for 4 weeks. The researchers found a 33% reduction in stress and 21% reduction in anxiety, with the greatest gains being in the group that did both Reiki and massage. 

Stay posted because we plan to bring on massage next.

Want to know more?

Call Associates of Integrative Medicine at (248) 798-2942 or send us a message through the Contact Us page on our website, aimnatural.com to book your appointment.

Be Well,

Sydney, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Level II



PMID: 26211735

PMID: 20377818

PMID: 22171868

PMID: 28544507

PMID: 26163604

PMID: 24582620

PMID: 27901219


The Virus and Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Hello folks, 

So the news sounds somewhat promising. We do see two vaccines that are ready to roll for adults. 

The CoVID vaccines are likely as safe as any other vaccine, including the flu vaccine. They have gone through a quality testing process independent of Pfizer and Moderna. Further, there is a global effort to find a solution to a problem that threatens us economically and not just health wise. This doesn’t make them failsafe but it may give some some degree of confidence.

There are some, particularly in the brown and black communities that are terming the vaccine, experimental. And in some ways that is correct. It has not been tested over a long period of time in humans. There was certainly a rush to market. We do not yet know long term effects. But we do know the effects of CoVID which are hitting our black and brown communities the hardest. 

Here’s what you need to know. The first round is dedicated to front line health workers. 

The second will likely be dedicated to the elderly. The third for other at risk health workers including home workers. And the fourth line for people who had to work during the pandemic like bus drivers and grocery store clerks.

The plan is to start introducing the vaccine to children following a bridging study in January. This means a study that looks at how to translate the dose and predict how well it will work.

There is some degree of immunity after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, but it's not perfect and we don't know how long it will last. We do know that immunity increases after the second dose and lasts longer.

However, it’s important to note that even if you are vaccinated, you can still get the virus and you can still be a carrier and infect others.

So vaccination, at this time, does not mean we can stop social distancing, wearing masks, not touching our faces and washing our hands.

The rules are simple:

  1. Distance from others

  2. Wear a mask

  3. Don’t touch your face

  4. Wash your hands

  5. Talk to Drs. Roy and March about your immune support protocol.


The prediction for a general roll out for the vaccine is in the Spring and the prediction for immunity to be passed to most is by early fall of 2021.

Yes, there are new strains of CoVID-19 that can be more aggressive. But the vaccine is thought to address these strains. 

So there are a lot of unknowns still, and people may feel uncertain. It’s an individual decision, but our individual decisions do impact the whole. 

How can you protect yourself?

  1. We are managing our CoVID positive patients at home. Please let us know if you have any respiratory or other symptoms new to you.

  2. Please make an appointment with us, even if it is for 15 min to review your immune protocol. There is a lot you can do support your immune system which at this time is your only defense when and if you do get the virus.

  3. If you are planning on getting the vaccine, make a 15 minute appointment to talk about your health and how you can minimize side effects.

To your health, and our future, 

Drs. Roy and March

Botanical Stocking Stuffers For Under $10!

Family, I am super excited about this!

Go to BewellwithAIM.com, and click on Supplements, in the pull down menu, click on:

“Skin & Personal Care”

Yessssss. Hello! We decided to expand what to offer our beautiful patients and their families by making these special products available in time for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza.

Browse hundreds of unique products by small herbal companies that offer non toxic skin, hair, nail and beauty products in environmentally sensitive packaging.

MASK BREATH

These breath fresheners could not be more needed when you are stuck under a mask all day:

Spearmint

Cinnamon

The beauty of these is you cannot find them over the counter, they make for unique stocking stuffers. They contain essential oils, sustainably harvested by one of the leaders in botanical medicine: Herb Pharm. 

Herb Pharm assures herb identity via macroscopic and organoleptic analysis, then confirms it through methods such as HPTLC fingerprinting specific to each herb.

They are handcrafted in small batches.

MOUTHWASH

Mouth care is really challenging during this season. But healthy gums protect us from heart disease and give a chance at well aging.
Alcohol containing mouthwashes that dominate the market, like Scope and Listerine increase the risk of oral cancer.

Take a look at this beautiful gift:
Daily Swish Oil Pulling

Holding oil in the mouth and gently “swishing” or “pulling” it back and forth through the teeth is an excellent way to support overall oral health and hygiene. 

Based on ancient Ayurvedic healing techniques, this simple practice has been receiving quite a bit of attention in the media lately as a way to remove plaque, whiten teeth, and support healthy gum and mouth tissue. 

Daily Swish is a combination of sesame and coconut oils infused with Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used to support healthy teeth and gums. 

The herbal oil is flavored with a blend of peppermint and spearmint essential oils that leave your mouth feeling sparkling clean. 

TOOTHPASTE

Patients often ask us about “safe” toothpastes. We carefully curaated a collection of 10 options from Emerson to talk to you about.

If you go to BewellwithAIM.com and put in toothpaste, they will all come up.

From the exotic: Neem and Pomegranate

To one made of Manuka honey

All of these contain organic, wild crafted herbs that have historical uses, are non toxic, without dyes or colorants, and safely and beautifully clean and whiten your teeth.

And the best part of all, not only will your family and friends be amazed at your unique choices, but we are able to offer these choices at prices of UNDER $10 a pop.

Happy Holidays!
Stay Safe and Be Well,

Dr. Roy

Digestive Enzymes

In honor of November being pancreatic cancer awareness month, we are featuring two products:

Digestive Enzymes Ultra with HCl from Pure Encapsulations

And

Bromelain 2400 from Pure Encapsulations.

One of the jobs of the pancreas is to make enzymes to help us to digest our food and absorb the nutrients from it. So as the food comes from the stomach to the small intestine, the pancreas dumps trypsin and chymotrypsin - digest proteins; amylase - digest carbohydrates; and lipase - break down fat. The bile duct dumps bile into the same space to assist in the breakdown of fat.

Only when food has been broken down into its macronutrients: fat, protein, carbohydrates, can the wall of the small intestine absorb it and send it to nourish the body.

When we lose parts of the pancreas or the organ is compromised, it’s very hard to digest food and absorb it properly. We may have issues with “dumping” where food just runs right through; weight loss and muscle wasting, and stomach cramping.

Digestive Enzymes Ultra, as a supplement, is a nice addition to pharmaceutical enzymes like Creon. It’s something that can be paired with snacks, taken in between meals, or used to modify dosages of Creon so we rely on less of the drug, less frequently.

For those of us without cancer who struggle with finicky stomachs: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or poorly formed stool, skin issues, irritability, weight issues, sluggishness after meals; or for when we indulge in a meal that may be heavier in meat or more difficult to digest, Bromelain is a better choice.

Bromelain is formulated from the hard pithy core of pineapple fruit. It’s a single agent enzyme that acts as a digestive aid. We use it away from food to digest scar tissue and as an anti-inflammatory; but with food, Bromelain tenderizes proteins and making them more vulnerable to powerful pancreatic enzymes and thereby easier to digest.

Talk to Drs. March or Roy to see if either of these are right for you.

You can access either of these supplements at BewellwithAIM.com and for the month of November, we have requested a 10% discount on both.

Cancer-Fighting Sweet Potato Soup

Hi All! It is officially fall-time in the midwest which means it’s SOUP SEASON! This past weekend I cooked up a healthful Sweet Potato Soup inspired by one of our favorite books at AIM, The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz.

This cancer-fighting soup consists of a healthful homemade broth blended with baked sweet potatoes to create a creamy, nutrient-dense, and spice-filled soup.

Grocery list: 6 carrots, 2 yellow onions, 1 leek, 1 bunch celery, 4 red potatoes, parsley, black peppercorns, bay leaves, 3 large sweet potatoes, coconut oil, sea salt, spices: ground cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, & nutmeg
*Try to buy all organic vegetables

Step One: The Broth

Start by washing your vegetables in a veggie wash or with vinegar and rinse. Then prepare them: 6 carrots cut into fourths, 2 unpeeled yellow onions cut into chunks, 1 leek cut into thirds, 1 bunch celery cut into thirds, 4 unpeeled red potatoes cut into chunks, 1 bunch parsley, 12 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 8 quarts filtered water, 1 t salt.

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Combine in a large pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and simmer for approximately 3 hours. This is a good time to start working on step two, the soup.

After about 3 hours of simmering, the vegetables should be flavorless mush and you will have a flavorful broth. Strain out the vegetables and let cool.

Step Two: The Soup

Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel and dice 3 large sweet potatoes and toss with 2 T coconut oil. Stir together ¼ t sea salt, ½ t ground cinnamon, ½ t ground allspice, ¼ t ground cardamom, ⅛ t nutmeg and mix with sweet potatoes. Bake 40 minutes.

Pour ⅓ C of your homemade broth into a blender, add ⅓ of the roasted potatoes and blend until smooth. Transfer to a soup pot over low heat and repeat the process two more times. Stir in any remaining broth and add salt to taste.

Pour into your favorite soup bowl, curl up with a soft blanket, and enjoy!

Store leftovers in the refrigerator 5-7 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Hello November

November is one of my favorite months. There are many reasons, but one of the big ones is probably because it’s my birthday month. I enjoy my birthday, it’s always a reminder to me that a year has passed and I have survived 365 days of what life had to throw at me. I can’t wait for my birthday this year because 2020 has been a doozy.

November has another holiday as well, one that many people celebrate, Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we are reminded to appreciate and be grateful for what we have. I am grateful for many things in my life, all of the opportunities I have had, a wonderful job that helps pay my bills, a dog that is always happy to see me, food to eat, a warm bed to sleep in, as well as countless other things.

I am grateful for all of these things, and while that is important, it’s also important to be grateful for the people you have. Being able to share experiences and connect emotions with another human being is a beautiful part of life. I think it’s easy for us to take the relationships in our life for granted. Thanksgiving, spending time with loved ones, is always a reminder to me to be thankful for those that are around.

There are many people in my life I am grateful for — my family, friends, and I am grateful to meet, serve, and learn from each one of you. One person who I am exceptionally grateful for this year is my dad. When the pandemic began back in March, I was living at home with my father. I remember how uncertain the world felt. My dad and I spent a lot of time talking and sharing our fears. The uncertainty of the world presented an insurmountable amount of stress to both of us. Looking back I realize the key to how we survived was confiding in one another.

In this way, 2020 has reminded me to be grateful for your loved ones. Be grateful for the people who show up, the people who listen, the people who push you to be better, those who are honest with you, and any others. In life, it’s easy to get distracted or caught up, but when you take away all of life’s little distractions, personal connection, in my opinion, is what life is all about.

I am grateful for the time I spent living with my dad, that time made our relationship stronger. I think time is imperative to building strong lasting relationships. Time is also one of the greatest gifts, and one I think we all often take for granted. We live with the idea that the people will always be there. This simply isn’t true. Each moment with a loved one is a blessing. It may seem like we don’t have much to be grateful for in 2020 but I find that this year has given me a deeper level of gratitude for the time I have with people.

Spending time with people, especially people we enjoy, is an important part of a healthy life. Overall 2020 has taught me to have gratitude for time and people. For me, this means being more present, and more open during interactions with loved ones. Being present can increase the quality of the time you spend with people. I find that taking a breath and centering myself to become present gives me a deeper respect and awareness of time. Appreciating time, taking a breath, and being present, can be important as time only seems to speed up.

With each year time seems to pass by faster and faster. We often forget to take time to breathe. Remember to take time to be grateful for the time you have and the people you spend it with. That’s why every year when November comes up, when I get another birthday, I have gratitude. Gratitude for the year that has passed, and the opportunity for another one. Gratitude for the year of time and the year of opportunities to spend it with good people. Every November, I am reminded of the wonderful year I had, and how lucky I am to have made it through the last year, and how grateful I am that I can begin another.

Breathe, be present, and have gratitude.

—Emily, Admin AIM

What’s So Great About Being Grateful?

Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” For some, this quality is an inherent part of life. For others, practicing gratitude can feel like just another task on a never-ending to-do list.

As Thanksgiving approaches we will undoubtedly be reminded to be grateful, regardless of if we celebrate the holiday or not. Whether you struggle to be grateful amidst the current state of affairs, or you embrace gratitude regularly, I wanted to share some evidence-based reasoning as to why gratitude is so tremendously beneficial.

Gratitude increases overall satisfaction with life.
Gratitude has historically and consistently been perceived as inherent to our wellbeing and satisfaction with life. When we approach the world with a grateful disposition, we inevitably savor positive experiences and situations more readily. As a result, more positive experiences are not taken for granted. We are encouraged to build and maintain relationships, to give and receive help, and to be more flexible in our thinking.

Gratitude also serves as a buffer against negative emotion. It promotes changes in our thought processes that lead to reframing negative experiences and memories into more positive interpretations. These changes in our thought processes also lead to increased resilience, ability to cope, and decrease our perception of stress. Overall, gratitude leads to more positive feelings and more openness to experience, both which promote satisfaction with life.

Gratitude improves relationships.
Gratitude, by nature, is “prosocial”. It encourages us to forgive, to sympathize, to accept help, and give to others. When we approach relationships with a grateful disposition, we are more likely to feel appreciated, to perceive others positively, and strive to maintain relationships. As our sense of being appreciated increases, so does our desire to provide appreciation and be responsive to the needs of others. This leads to a higher level of commitment overall.

We also are more likely to create new relationships when we have a grateful disposition. We act more warmly and inviting to new people and can more easily experience a sense of relatedness despite differences. Through gratitude, we feel like we belong, and therefore we work harder at the relationships we have and are more encouraged to make new ones.

Gratitude mitigates loneliness.

Knowing gratitude enhances our satisfaction with life and our relationships, it isn’t hard to imagine that gratitude must have an effect on loneliness. Loneliness is essentially a conflict between the relationships we wish to have and our perception of the relationships we do have. It is a lack of intimacy and meaning, rather than solitude or isolation alone.

Gratitude can minimize loneliness through some of the same mechanisms that improve our relationships. It enhances our ability to give and receive help, encourages us to reach out to others, and assists us in building trust. However, loneliness specifically can be reduced through the changes in our cognitions (or thought processes) that cause us to see our relationships as lacking.

A common thread in the experience of loneliness is self-blaming. The lens of loneliness causes us to see our personalities as unchangeable, to see social situations as out of our control, and to see ourselves as unappealing to others. Gratitude allows us to see a different reality; that we are in fact likable, that we contribute to our own success, and that social competence can be developed over time. As we shift into a grateful mindset, loneliness naturally diminishes and is prevented from continuing.

Gratitude reduces feelings of anxiety.

Negative emotional experiences, such as anxiety, often stem from the way we relate to ourselves. We often feel anxious when we react harshly toward ourselves after sensing that we have failed. These patterns of self-criticism, self-attacking and an inability to express empathy toward ourselves when confronted with our short comings are common internal dialogues with major adverse impacts.

Gratitude, however, allows us to perceive ourselves in a different light. It allows us to reassure ourselves more readily, show ourselves compassion, and reduce feelings of inadequacy. When we are grateful, we can see ourselves as the recipience of altruistic actions, leading us to feel valued, deserving, and worthy. In practicing gratitude, we can foster a gentle relationship with ourselves that undoubtedly lowers our levels of anxiety.

Gratitude is a key element of post-traumatic growth.

We often hear the word “trauma” and think of combat veterans, survivors of natural disasters, or individuals who have tragically been subjected to acts of violence or abuse. However, trauma can manifest as a result of many different experiences; illness, the death of a loved one, extreme change, or divorce, to name a few. It is not uncommon to have experienced the impact of trauma at least at some level.

Research has shown us that gratitude plays an important role in healing from trauma. It fosters our ability to see the benefits from even the most adverse experiences without condoning those experiences. If a grateful outlook is present before the trauma, or is built with support after, we are likely to appreciate our relationships more, to see the value in each day, and ultimately to “live life to the fullest” as we reconcile the impermanence of life.

Gratitude helps improve sleep.

As we close our eyes for the night, we often ruminate on missed opportunities, rough interactions with others, lost objects, or whatever else has worried us throughout our day. Unfortunately, while this is a common experience, these negative thoughts can majorly impair the quality and duration of our sleep. Practicing gratitude allows us to shift our pre-sleep thought processes into a more positive headspace. Alleviating worry and stress in this way leads us to sleep more soundly and for longer, which inevitably improves our mood and our ability to manage stress in our daily lives.

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I know how hard it can be to be grateful each and every day. Like so many other skills, it takes practice to develop a thankful outlook in life. I hope this list has inspired you to look a little closer at all the splendid things there are to be grateful for in your own life, be them big or small.

For more information about gratitude, support in identifying all you are thankful for, or simply a safe space to talk through what’s on your mind, give me a call at (269) 808-6422 or email me at jessica@aimnatural.com to schedule an appointment.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this message, and for letting me walk alongside you through the ups and downs of life. It’s an honor to serve you; one that I am truly, deeply grateful for.

Until we speak, be well.

Jessica Blodgett, MA, LLPC

Holiday Blog

Ahhh the holidays…

We are inundated at this time with visions of pumpkin pies and apple cider, hayrides and family dinners, forgiveness and community…but for many of us, who may not have much in the way of family and friends, or who have lost loved ones, loneliness is the only visitor over the season.

And with Co-VID impacting travel plans and gatherings, loneliness may visit many more of us this year. Like an unwanted guest, she comes to stay, unpacking years of hurt, re wounding, re living pain.

I feel like though many of us experience this, it’s almost a taboo thing to admit, as though in naming this pain, we have failed to create and preserve family and friends. I think unconsciously we believe that that failure speaks to something essentially wrong with us as individuals. As if Loneliness isn’t bad enough, we let her invite over her friend, Shame.

I want to offer a way to reframe for myself and for you and give you some tips for coping with holiday hopes:

— Plan. Plan. Plan.

Don’t wait for things to be on top of you and think when Thanksgiving day comes around, you will just deal with it. Come up with a plan. Even if that plan is that to spend the day alone in your pajamas with takeout, a pint of ice cream, and all your favorite movies lined up, plan that.

This helps avoid disappointment.

—Round robin

If you don’t have anywhere go for Thanksgiving, for example, talk to people you know care about you and ask them, “Would you mind if I stop by to say hi, I wanted to bring a pie.” Don’t commit to one dinner, and plan on cooking what you bring. It can be as easy as boxed brownies. Plan on wearing a mask, socially distancing, wearing warm enough clothes that you can chat outside. Pack a thermos for yourself of cider or hot chocolate and plan on carrying plates from each home, back to your house.

—Minimize

We can’t do everything we plan on anyways this season, and this means keeping it simple. Maybe this year you spend Thanksgiving writing letters to all the people most important to you in your life; maybe you listen to a podcast and do a puzzle; maybe you volunteer for the day.

But remember not to over commit or overdo it when you are struggling with grief or loneliness. Put no pressure at all on yourself. Plan, but don’t worry if you decide to do nothing at all.

—New Rituals

When we have a major loss or are struggling with a new family structure, it’s important to create new rituals. Maybe you decide weekends in November are for doing your holiday cards. Maybe you volunteer every Friday through November with a group you care about doing some sort of CoVID safe activity. Maybe you do a vision board for the following year. Maybe you restructure your bedroom, rearrange, paint walls with no VOC paint, pick up a hobby for the year: learning a new language, painting, doing puzzles. Maybe you start running or walking.

What’s important is you find a way to mark the season that is not connected to the person you lost or the way your family looked prior.

—Support Groups

Support Groups are a great way to connect to others who may be where you are or may have been where you are and are further on the path. We hold a Bereavement group for people who have lost a spouse to cancer and Gilda’s Club, One-to-One, and MIOCA all run programs as well.

Bereavement Support
Gilda's Club
MIOCA
Imerman Angels

—Exercise

Data shows us that movement is critical in managing depression and mood changes and may be as effective as medication in many cases. Consider finding a new trail to safely hike on weekly, aim for 30 minutes of intense exercise, daily.

—Sleep

Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep helps us cope with what’s coming up, helps us to have the energy and mental strength to face tomorrow. Sleep today to lay the foundation for tomorrow. If you are struggling with sleep. Order CBD sleep gummies, Sleep REM or Theanine from BeWellwithAIM.com. Talk to Drs. Roy and March about how to work on sleep.

—Nourishing

Eat what you feel like eating, and pay attention to how you feel inside. Do you feel full? Do you feel grateful? Do you like the taste, texture, flavor, of what you are eating? This is even more challenging when we are struggling with disordered eating or getting treatment. Talk to Dr. March about your plan for eating over the holidays, this is not a good time to start a “diet”, to “restrict” or “fast”. If these are necessary with your treatment, talk with her about ways to do it without feeling deprived. A good nourishing smoothie daily is an excellent way to stay nourished.

Try the following Pumpkin Smoothie. Blend to your taste:

-Spinach
-Coconut or Almond Milk
-Frozen Banana or whole unsalted cashews
-Frozen Mango
-Pumpkin Puree and seeds
-1/4 teaspoon five spice powder

—Spiritual Work

This time of year is an excellent time to enhance your morning and nighttime routine with things that bring you closer to your Creator and living your authentic life. This is entirely personal and can borrow from all faiths if that is what works for you. When I was little I asked my guru why God has so many faces and she said, “God shows up in billions of ways to touch every individual’s heart, individually.” It’s important to anchor yourself at the end of year with knowledge that you are connected to something greater than yourself. And when things are challenging, to know that a Great Spirit, however you know it, walks with you.

Ask the Doctor: Pumpkin Seed Oil and Preventing Prostate Cancer

Ask the Doctor:

Q: Is Pumpkin Seed Oil or Extract good for men trying to prevent prostate cancer?

A: Okay so the real question here is, given the confusing, contradictory claims about supplements, and the money we need to spend on essential supplements, “Is pumpkin seed the best “bang for our buck”?

It’s worth starting with how we evaluate data in what we call an “evidence-based approach” at Associates of Integrative Medicine.

We do not use anecdotal or preclinical data when we are treating you.

Anecdotal data is:

● “First Nations people used pumpkin seeds to treat urinary problems and intestinal issues which led the United States Pharmacopoeia to list pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for parasite elimination from 1863 to 1936.”

● “In traditional Chinese medicine, pumpkin seeds are used as an anti-parasitic and to treat high blood pressure.”

● “Mexican herbalists have used pumpkin for metabolic control.”

These things are historically true. Anecdotal data is powerful, moving, and suggestive. Meaning, it gives us a ton of clues as to how a plant can be used.

Preclinical data is:

“Researchers at the University of Nottingham, England, applied pumpkin seed oil to prostate and breast cancer cells in a controlled setting and found a 20-70% decrease in the rate of cell growth.

Authors conclude that the cell growth inhibition for fast growing cells together with the cell growth inhibition of prostate-, breast- and colon cancer cells corroborates the ethnomedical use of pumpkin seeds as a treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and potential adjunct for treatment of prostate cancer.”

Preclinical data is exciting and gives well-funded groups an incentive to try the plant on people.

But neither anecdotal or preclinical data are strong enough for us to use it in treating you or making supplement recommendations.

When WE look at data at AIM, we look at clinical trials in humans. And we look to see what factors contributed to the conclusions, were nutrition, stress, lifestyle, sleep and other issues taken into account. And further, we look to see if that data is reproduced consistently over time.

On the other hand, it’s also not true when your oncologist tells you that there are no natural therapies with human data! What IS true is you have to know HOW to look….but enough on data.

Let’s get to some nitty gritty on prostate cancer.

The prostate is a gland that sits like a cushion between the bladder and the penis. The urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out, travels through the prostate and is also the tube by which we transport semen out of the penis.

The prostate’s job is to produce prostatic fluid, which is a nourishing and protecting liquid that suspends sperm (which are produced in the testicles) and supports them in movement. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and the prostatic fluid joins the sperm to make what we call semen (sperm + prostatic fluid).

As we age, the prostate can become enlarged because of several conditions. The three most common prostate problems are

1. benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH);

2. prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate sometimes caused by an infection;

3. cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide with 1.2 million new cases. It’s analogous to breast cancer in women, as the prostate, like the breast, is a glandular tissue that relies on hormonal regulation, is partnered to reproductive development and is vulnerable to environmental and dietary stress.

As such, both breast and prostate cancer are typically diseases of aging. If we autopsy 100 men over age 90, we will find prostate cancer in almost all of these men.

Heads up, guys! There is a ton of money devoted to preventing and treating breast cancer because women are well organized and vocal behind their collective health. Men need to model themselves here and really work towards opening themselves up to talking about their intimate health. Get vocal! Like early stage breast, if caught early, prostate cancer is a curable disease.

Your life and that of your brothers is worth fighting for.

I know, I know, what about pumpkin?! I promise I will get there.

Sigh. It’s expensive to see us, and there is so much that goes into how we formulate an individualized approach to treatment, that we need to use every minute to design the highest performance strategy unique to YOUR circumstances, so we rarely get a chance to teach to all these pearls that we think are necessary to live your best life.

Back to the Great Pumpkin Debate. For those of you impatient for the answer, pumpkin seed has NO clinical data that it is effective in the treatment of prostate cancer.

But there is MORE to the story which means there are more sophisticated ways to look at the data.

To know where to look, a good doctor needs to understand what pumpkin seed is. Pumpkin seed is a phytosterol. Phytosterols are plant-based compounds found in:

Pumpkin seeds > soy beans > green peas > sesame > kidney beans > pistachio nuts > lentils > cashews > oranges > almonds > olive oil > banana > brussels sprouts.

Phytosterols are like kryptonite to cholesterol. When we consume them, they interfere with the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in our diet and they also cause the body to increase the amount of cholesterol we dump in our poop.

Clinical data DOES conclusively show us that daily consumption of phytosterols from food can significantly lower our serum LDL (low density lipoprotein). An average phytosterol intake of 2 g/day lowers LDL by up to 10%.

Why does this matter? Right now, older drugs are being repurposed and used in an experimental way to prevent prostate cancer. One of these is a class of drugs called statins. Epidemiologic findings suggest that statins use may have a beneficial effect on the risk of prostate cancer progression and death. This gives us some indication that the root cause of prostate disease may have something to do with inflammation in the microenvironment due to how we use fat and sugar.

So can we conclude a supplement high in at least phytosterols in our clinic is at least protective by virtue of lowering LDL and perhaps getting at the root cause of prostate disease? Perhaps. But we would want that same supplement to be high as well in phytoestrogens.

What are these?

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are hormone modulators. Genistein and daidzein, the predominant phytoestrogens in human nutrition, are derived mainly from soybeans, lentils and other legumes.

Phytoestrogens may reduce prostate cancer risk by favorably altering the hormonal milieu or by inhibition of 5-alpha reductase (5-AR), which decreases concentrations of the more prostate-active androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s this potent DHT that causes accelerated growth of prostate cells and may result in more cell errors (cancer).

The higher intake of soy products among Asian men has been hypothesized to be one reason for the lower incidence of prostate cancer among these men. In humans, most of the case-control studies have shown a modest protective benefit of soy on prostate cancer risk.

Okay so we are making some progress here!

We have narrowed our recommendation to supplements high in phytosterols and phytoestrogens AND at the same time we have expanded our investigation to look at nutritional strategies that may modify cholesterol and hormonal health.

How does THIS data look? Are nutritional strategies protective? Conclusively YES!

A diet high in animal fat may be an important factor in the development of prostate cancer. In particular, intake of large amounts of alpha-linolenic acid and low amounts of linoleic acid appear to be associated with increased risk; this combination is common in red meat and some dairy products. High intake of cruciferous vegetables (particularly broccoli and cauliflower) was associated with a significantly lower risk of extra-prostatic tumors. More recently, an analysis of a prospective cohort of 51,529 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study has suggested that dietary intake of lycopene (found in cooked tomatoes) is associated with a lower incidence of prostate cancer and a decreased risk of lethal prostate cancer.

Okay, so now we know we need to look at a combination supplement that contains plant sterols and phytoestrogens and partner it with strategies that help our guys shift towards a plant based diet high in beans and legumes.

But can we pin pumpkin seed specifically here?

Knowing that breast and prostate are analogous and there is poorly funded and not readily available data on prostate and phytosterols, at AIM, we would expand our search to include breast.

A series case control studies in Uruguay found that dietary phytosterol intakes were lower in people diagnosed with stomach, lung, or breast cancer than in cancer-free control groups. Case-control studies in the US found that women diagnosed with breast or uterine cancer had lower dietary phytosterol intakes than women who did not have cancer.

Although higher intakes of plant foods containing phytosterols may be associated with lower cancer risk, it is not clear whether potential anticancer health benefits can be attributed to phytosterols or to other factors in eating plant foods (for example, we cannot account for vitamins, minerals, fiber, spiritual associations with avoiding animal fat).

So let’s back it up a bit, if the conclusions are so difficult to draw, what led researchers to look at phytosterols in the first place?

Well, we found that the investigation was based on robust animal data that looked at a type of phytosterol that inhibits prostate cancer. That phytosterol is sitosterol. So now we have only one more question: Does pumpkin seed contain high amounts of sitosterol?

Moderate amounts. Avocados contain much more. All nuts and seeds, oranges, beets and brussels sprouts are excellent choices. But avocados exceed every other choice in this category. If you eat one-half of an avocado, or about 2/3 cup of cubed avocado, you’ll consume 76 milligrams of beta-sitosterol, compared to 13 mg in a similar portion of pumpkin seeds.

A lot of men’s health blogs like Dr. Michael Murray, Livestrong, Life Extension, and urology blogs, discuss the content of zinc in pumpkin seed as being protective but in fact, the clinical data on zinc (supplementation) is mixed. Some studies show zinc as protective. Some show supplemental zinc as contributing to higher grade more aggressive lesions at diagnosis.

Okay, I know you may be confused. Don’t be. I am going to give you the takeaway.

Supplementation is tricky, and to us, it cannot replace good nutrition.

Supplements can only do two things:

1. Augment nutrition

OR

2. In high doses, from a high quality source, with human data, be used as a therapeutic.

Pumpkin seeds are an EXCELLENT food choice. They play a minor role in prevention, but as a targeted supplement are not necessarily your best choice for fighting prostate cancer alone.

The most effective strategies involve understanding what causes prostate cells to:

1. Grow too fast, and

2. To make mistakes when they do grow

The following would be a good evidenced based and general primer for one of our guys who is on the younger side and is looking at prevention or risk reduction in survivorship.

Screen+Shot+2020-11-11+at+11.15.27+AM.jpg

So is Pumpkin Seed Oil or Extract good for men trying to prevent prostate cancer?

Yes, it has some benefit but a truly effective approach needs to be comprehensive and personalized.

If you cannot get 2 handfuls of organic high quality raw and unsalted pumpkin seeds into your diet daily, please consider the following:

✔ Men’s Pure Pack from Pure Encapsulations

✔ Prostate Support from Gaia

✔ Saw Palmetto Plus from Pure Encapsulations

✔ Prostate 5LX from New Chapter

From BewellwithAIM.com

You can put pumpkin seed in the search, and they should come up, or look them up individually. We hope this settles the Great Pumpkin Debate for good and gives you a lot more confidence in how we make decisions for our guys.

Each one of you are dear to us.

Dr. Roy

PMID: 31091784
PMID: 18660852
PMID: 15767233
PMID: 19091798
PMID: 12022711
PMID: 25281467
PMID: 16566972
PMID: 26976217
PMID: 10070940
PMID: 16678047
PMID: 11142085

Running for a Cure: How I started Running to Kick Cancer’s A#%

During the month of September, I participated in the American Cancer Society’s 35 Mile Breast Cancer Challenge. I created a fundraiser on social media and asked my friends and family to donate to the cause or help spread awareness. 

According to research published by the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 8. Yet cancer is still a taboo subject and it is not uncommon for people living with it to find it difficult to seek help for symptoms or side effects from treatment.

Since beginning my career at Associates of Integrative Medicine I have had the opportunity to learn about the cancer world from a holistic perspective and gain an understanding of some of the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. I can see that there is a significant gap in cancer care. When people don’t know to see a board-certified integrative oncologist like Dr. Roy, they are living with, sometimes life-altering, side effects caused by the treatment necessary to fight this disease.

Here at AIM, our team of clinicians work closely together and partner with medical oncology to prevent and treat the side effects of cancer treatment using natural therapies. We see patients at all stages of diagnosis, so there is also a focus on lowering the risk of cancer recurrence during survivorship.

At each appointment, Dr. Roy or Dr. March educate patients by presenting all of the facts. They draw pictures on a whiteboard and explain exactly what is going on with your whole being in a way that is easy to understand. Once you look at all of the pieces together, they work with you to make the most informed decisions on care that will be right for you. Dr. Roy often says, “YOU are the CEO of your life. YOU are the captain of your ship. We are here to shepherd you on your journey,”.

This model of care is SO important in optimizing health and wellness outcomes.

On the last day of September, I had exceeded my monetary fundraising goal for the American Cancer Society, but I had 5 miles left to finish the challenge.

I had worked all day and just wanted to call it a night, but I had to finish with integrity and strength in honor of our warrior patients who are fighting this disease. I put on my sneakers and ran through the darkness in the cold, pouring rain and finished the last 5 miles of this challenge (which is the farthest I have ever run before).

If you or someone you know are fighting through the darkness of cancer, please know that we are here for you.

Give us a call at (248) 798-2942 to learn more about what we do and find out how we can best serve you.

Until we speak, be well.

Sydney -Admin Lead, Associates of Integrative Medicine


References

American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2019-2020. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. 2019.

My jogging buddy and I after completing our first 2 miles of The 35 mile breast cancer challenge

My jogging buddy and I after completing our first 2 miles of The 35 mile breast cancer challenge

Meet Our Partners & Friends in the Fight Against Cancer ft. Biju Poulose, MD

Featuring:
Biju Poulose, MD
Michigan Behavioral Medicine
2525 Crooks Road, Suite 100
Troy, MI 48084
https://www.michigantms.com
248-731-7305

Dr. Biju Poulose began his medical training in India and completed his residency in psychiatry at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Michigan. He is boarded with the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and practices with Michigan Behavioral Medicine. He fell in love with psychiatry in medical school. Drawn to its holistic approach and the opportunity to practice empathy, he sees a diverse group of patients including cancer patients and their caregivers.

Cancer can hold so much meaning for patients depending on their unique circumstances. Not only can challenges like anxiety, depression, or panic arise, but cancer can also have physiological impacts on brain chemistry, mood, and sleep. Both patients and their families can benefit from mental health support,” states Dr. Poulose.

Here at Associates of Integrative Medicine, we have masters level counselors who are specialists in anxiety, grief, and depression associated with cancer. But patients may wonder, when should I seek out psychiatric help.

Usually, it’s when we need pharmacological support, but Dr. Poulose cautions that there is a difference between a normal reaction to an abnormal situation, and something more complex and unmanageable. He adds, “Panic, anxiety, and fearfulness are all normal emotions. Providers should be comfortable accepting those normal emotions rather than labeling them as depression. However, chronic changes in sleep, appetite, or sense of pleasure may be indicative of something deeper.

Sometimes when we are in the middle of the fight, or even after, recovering and concerned about the risk of recurrence, we forget about the role stress can play in creating an environment in which disease flourishes. Dr. Poulose agrees, “Any and every means of de-stressing is a good one—whether it’s friends, exercise, good food, indulging in hobbies, sleep, music, or arts. Even stealing 15 minutes of quiet time, where your brain and body are not in constant chatter, can be very beneficial. Oftentimes, our minds can be compared to a car that is braked, but whose engine is constantly engaged. Mindfulness techniques are a great way to put the “car” of our mind in neutral. One of my favorite mindfulness experts is Dr. Ajahn Brahm, an Australian Buddhist monk, whose guided meditation you can check out here at the Buddhist Society of Western Australia:
https://bswa.org/”

Dr. Poulose shares our concerns about how problematic unmanaged stress can be. “Chronic stress is the real villain - whether it’s psychological, physical, or financial problems. These changes in the brain can lead to changes within the nervous system.” This underlies our emphasis on a holistic approach to survivorship. Staying open to the many ways we approach stress management can be a powerful tool in not just surviving, but thriving.


Interview taken by Raveena Mata, Medical Intern.

Whole Plants as Powerful Healers

By Sheba S. Roy, ND FABNO

WARNING: May contain triggers for those who have been a victim of personal violence

We are in the process of building an herbal dispensary. Our plan is to offer whole, organic, locally sourced, carefully curated herbs, in clinic. Dr. March and I are skilled in putting these herbs together into personalized blends tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

When I was a young adult, I experienced a traumatic incident at my first doctor’s visit without my parents. This resulted in high levels of stress which changed the way my immune system responded to the world around me. Unknown to me and to my doctors, my body stopped making a type of immune compound that was necessary to protect my gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) tract.

Like our patients who may be immunocompromised, I fell victim to all kinds of illnesses. Managed by well-meaning, excellent medical doctors with a 10-year cycle of antimicrobials, I experienced crippling side effects and that caused more damage to my fragile system for which I required more and more medication.

Private pain became my constant companion and my ability to form intimate relationships was impaired. I had always been on a conventional medical tract and worked hard to succeed despite my disability.

As God would have it, I met a naturopathic doctor who figured out what the medical doctors had missed. She listened differently to my history of trauma; her training as an ND mandated that she consider how our state of mind impacts our physical body and she tested my immunoglobulins. 

Sure enough, I wasn’t making an immunoglobulin integral to mucosal health. In addition to support for PTSD, she designed an herbal tea for me and had me drink 3 cups a day for 365 days. My body responded to these herbs. The integrity of my GI and GU tract were restored and my immune system came to life. I never experienced this illness again. The freedom from pain and the experience of true cure was transformative for me.

It is this level of liberation that I aim toward for all of our patients.

The interplay between plants and human health has been documented for at least 5000 years. Herbs delivered as a tea can be a powerful, healing force because they have an entourage effect. They gently shift a person’s health over months and years with little to no side effects.

Both pharmaceutical drugs and supplements are most commonly sourced from natural substances. 25% of all drugs in use today are derived from rainforest plants. Consider that some of the most common drugs we use in cancer care: aspirin, opioids, chemotherapeutics: Taxanes, Vincristines, Vinblastines, and the Irino-and Topo-tecans come from Willow Bark, Poppies, Pacific Yew tree, the Madagascar Periwinkle and the Chinese Happy Tree, respectively.

Many people feel that the most important difference between drugs and supplements is the way that they are regulated. That is an important difference but not a relevant issue for our patients as we are careful to direct you to supplements that are safe, well sourced and not contaminated.

The most important difference for us is that drugs are derived from a single constituent or portion of a plant. That compound is then usually synthesized or mimicked in a lab setting.

For example, the plant, Cannabis Sativa, has gotten a lot of recognition lately.

Cannabis has two main strains or daughters. One is THC (Tetra-hydro-cannabinol) and the other is CBD (cannabidiol).

The THC strain is what we refer to as the marijuana drug.

CBD, on the other hand has no psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects and has become popular as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and analgesic (pain reliever).

CBD, because it is a whole plant, has an entourage effect. There are at least 100 chemical parts (cannabinoids) that act together to balance each other out, enhance each other’s effects, and help each other’s effects to shine. The plant itself is a tiny ecosystem in and of itself. Like a fine wine, the whole plant has textures, tastes, flavors, personality. So when we ingest whole plants we experience slow, gradual impacts that are long lasting and gentle.

Marinol is a pharmaceutical drug where scientists mimic a cannabinoid found in THC in a lab, suspend it in sesame oil and deliver it by capsule. Marinol, looks like THC and acts like THC. It helps with appetite, sleep and weight gain and is commonly prescribed in cancer care. The problem is because it’s a single agent, divorced from all of it’s other parts, it has a sledgehammer-like high, people feel heavy headed on it and wake groggy. Without it’s sister parts, it’s impact, like most drugs, is immediate, effective, short acting and does have side effects.

CBD is excellent as a therapeutic for anxiety but there are many other herbs in our arsenal. One to highlight is Chamomile. In the daisy family, it’s one of oldest herbs known to mankind. Interestingly, it was revered by ancient black and white peoples alike. There are papyri demonstrating that ancient African peoples believed the herb to be sacred. Among Saxon peoples it was used for religious ceremonies as the “Mother of all Herbs”. We know that spiritual healers, regardless of origin believed it powerful in purification and protection.

Medicinally, Chamomile, as a whole plant, has the best data in:
—Initiating Sleep
—Aiding in Digestion
—Helping with Anxiety
—Treating inflammation

In general, using chamomile as a tea, at bedtime, after dinner, and for at least 3 months, we can see powerful shifts: a sense of peace; an inner stillness, and an ability to stay present that may not have existed before.

You can experiment with Chamomile by purchasing the tincture through BewellwithAIM.com from Herb Pharm or Wise Woman Herbals.

Things came full circle and I recently testified in a large trial about that assault. I was one of 18,000 women in a class action suit brought against the institution that protected that predator for 20 years. Afterwards, I went for the longest walk, talked to Dr. March, took an Epsom salt bath with Lavender flowers, covered myself from head to toe in an oil mixture of castor, almond oil and lavender essential oil, and had a cup of very strong Chamomile tea.

I slept a dreamless, restful night.

Recipe for chamomile tea:

Equal parts:
—Chamomile
¼ part:
—Fennel
—Lavender
—Licorice Root (exclude if you have hypertension)

2 tsp of manuka honey
¼ tsp of vanilla extract

Can be made in a large mason jar and refrigerated for a week.
Do not steep herbs for longer than an hour or it can cause nausea.

References:
PMID: 21132119
PMID: 27790360
http://abc.herbalgram.org

A Letter from Our Therapist

Dearest Mothers and Fathers,

“Now is not the time to simply tighten our bootstraps and power through...

avoiding anxiety actually fuels it to grow and keeps us from moving forward in our lives.”

As the new school year continues to unfold, I can’t help but think of all the parents out there working tirelessly to keep the peace amidst chaotic changes. We knew parenthood would be challenging, to say the least, but we never anticipated the extent of that challenge as we face it today. 

School is now at home, there’s a global health crisis, many societal changes, a financial crisis, and tons of uncertainty… Through all of this, our children need us more than ever, and yet our schedules and our emotions have us spread so thin it can be difficult to help ourselves, let alone anyone else.  

I know what you may be thinking; “I’m actually going to lose my mind. What is wrong with me?” Trust me, you are not alone in thinking this way. 

For some of us, anxiety is an altogether new and scary experience; for others, anxiety is like an old acquaintance you wish would stop showing up at your doorstep. Whether anxiety is new to you or simply different today than ever before, you may be wondering how to manage it. 

First, I want to stress that it’s actually entirely normal to be feeling anxious right now. Anxiety is the result of a complex alert system in our bodies that is actually designed to help us. It says “Hey, you! There’s a threat!” to which our bodies can respond by fighting or flying. 

Sometimes the threat is real, like an angry bear charging down the path on your hike, and sometimes it’s imagined, like the criticism we fear facing from other parents if we post that picture of our child eating cookies for breakfast (even though he looks so adorable). 

Right now, our alarm system is alerting us left and right, but there is nowhere we can fly and nothing tangible to fight. So, what does anxiety do? It courses through our bodies again, and again, and again, unless we step in to change it. It can show up as frustration, as tension in our muscles, as a racing heart or tormented thinking. It can leave us feeling helpless.

“What can I do about it?” you may ask, “If I ignore it, won’t it just go away?”

Well, you can’t ignore anxiety. Feelings don’t respond well to people trying to fix them. Now is not the time to simply tighten our bootstraps and power through, no matter how much we may want to. In reality, avoiding anxiety actually fuels it to grow and keeps us from moving forward in our lives. 

Despite what our anxious thoughts may tell us, there is actually a lot we can do to embrace our emotions and make them manageable. Knowing this, I want to share some tips to help us feel more in control of our lives and prepared to face whatever new challenges may arise.

Make time for yourself. 

I don’t mean just bubble baths and pedicures (although Lord knows we all would love that right about now) rather time dedicated purely to your needs. I know how challenging this can be with the whole family cooped up under one roof, but intentionally carving out time for yourself is still possible. 

For example, my fiancé and I made a pact that, once the kids are asleep in the evening, we each take 30 minutes to do something entirely for ourselves before we dive into Netflix or collapse into bed. Let me tell you, a measly 30 minutes a day has made an immense amount of difference. By dedicating even a small chunk of time, you can keep yourself and your health a priority in your life. 

Encourage independence in your kids.

Right now, our school-aged (and younger) children are lacking opportunities to interact with anyone outside of their immediate families. At first glance, it may seem wonderful to spend so much more time with our kids than ever, but there are downsides to this new reality as well. 

Children need space to learn, grow, and become self-sufficient. When Mom and Dad are suddenly also Teacher, Friend, and Disciplinarian, the boundaries between us and our children start to blur and kids can easily begin to regress. It’s important to foster independent actions in our children whenever it is safely and responsibly possible. Yes, they’ll likely need your help navigating this virtual education system in place today, but that doesn’t mean we can (or should) spend every waking moment together. 

Let them run around the back yard, even if they’ll be filthy when they come inside. 

Let them pick out their clothes for the day, even if that Superman cape and that pajama shirt don’t seem “school appropriate”. 

Let them choose their own lunch, even if that means they don’t eat as healthy as you’d like (because let’s be real here, they throw the healthy stuff away at school half the time anyway.) 

Most importantly, let them be kids, even if that means they’ll have to work a bit harder when school does become face-to-face again. 

See a counselor.

Sometimes managing your emotions on top of every other responsibility on your plate is simply too much. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you discover new ways to cope with whatever it is that you, as a unique human being, are facing. Even just to release some of the mental energy you are inevitably carrying around, talking with a professional can only help.

If we aren’t the right git, we will help you to find the right fit.

Minimize social media time. 

This one is HUGE. While there are obviously many incredible things about social media, over-use can also have a devastating impact on our emotional state. Yes, we can connect to our friends and families, as we absolutely should right now. However, I encourage you to think about social media as the business that it is. 

Social media platforms are designed so that their funding comes from external sources, such as advertisers or news stations. They make money off of tailoring content on your newsfeeds to whatever it is that keeps you engaged, even “fake news” that generates fear and distrust in others. By limiting your social media time, you can gain some control over the information you consume and, ultimately, the way you feel. 

Grounding techniques. 

Anxiety is often fueled by thinking about future events and anticipating negative outcomes. 

“What if my car breaks down on the way to the store?”

“My boss is going to be so mad if I can’t get this done today.”

“My son is going to fail his class because I can’t figure out this online-learning thing.”

Sound familiar? Human beings, by nature, often jump to worst-case-scenario as a part of that complex alert system I mentioned earlier. If we can predict a threat, we have a better chance of changing it, right?

In reality, this type of thinking doesn’t give us the control we hope for, it simply gives us anxiety.

Another way to really combat this anxiety is through grounding, which is a fancy way to describe bringing your attention back to the present moment. What we really have control of is the here-and-now in front of us and focusing on that can alleviate a lot of anxiety. 

A grounding technique that seems simple but can be powerful is distraction. You can distract yourself from your thoughts and begin focus on the here-and-now in many ways, but one discreet technique that can be used anywhere is: naming or numbering:

Pick a color. Now name all of the items or objects you can see that are that color. 

Pick an object. How many of them can you see from where you are?
Whatever you choose, using your senses to ground yourself in your current surroundings is a powerful way to shift your focus away from anxious thoughts. 

Patience. Patience. Patience. 

Whether it’s with your kids needing what feels like constant attention, with yourself for dropping the ball more than you usually would, or with the world at large for feeling so foreign right now, practicing that tried-and-true virtue of patience is absolutely critical. 

We are all learning to cope with this new and constantly changing world we live in. Remembering we are all in this together, we all deserve that extra bit of patience, and kindness can go a long way. Take a deep breath, and know that despite the uncertainty we feel, this is temporary, and normalcy will find us again in time. 

My heart is with every single one of you. Together we can support one another and make the absolute best of an immensely challenging time. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or want some extra support right now, know that I am here for you. Give me a call at (269) 808-6422, call our front desk at (248) 798-2942 or send me an email at jessica@aimnatural.com so we can make a plan to help you through. 

Until we speak, be well.

Jessica
MA, LPPC