Your Life-Your Choice February, 1998 ========================= issue 5 Well, 1998 is starting out to be an exciting and very busy year for Your Life-Your Choice! We are in the process of finalizing a number of arrangements to provide YOU with more valuable services. Your Life-Your Choice is quickly becoming the ONLY online resource you'll need for alternative medicine. Many thanks to all of you who have submitted your questions to Dr. Abrams. You have certainly kept him busy with the volume of requests. So much so, that we have had to answer some of them privately in the interest of preserving space. You can expect to see the first Q&A supplement arrive in your email box on February 15. ***NEWSFLASH*** HOT OFF THE PRESS! Your Life-Your Choice has just launched our WELLNESS LOCATOR. This is a directory of certified practitioners in all fields related to health and fitness as well as suppliers in those fields. The purpose of this Wellness Locator is to assist you in finding someone in your local area who can accommodate YOUR specific requests. Ultimately this will be a comprehensive directory of offline as well as online businesses offering wellness products and services to YOU in YOUR local area. As this program has only JUST been introduced it will need some time to be developed. Mainly what is needed is to create an awareness about its' existence. With this in mind I encourage each of you to share the news of this program with people you know in the Wellness Industry. They can email me for details at mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca with "Directory for Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. Remember that a business DOES NOT have to be online to be listed. This directory has been established to benefit the many thousands of people who have come to depend on Your Life-Your Choice to assist them with alternative wellness solutions. Visit http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife/directory.html to see the Industry Leaders who have already come on board. This newsletter is meant to educate and inform. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. As the editor of Your Life-Your Choice, I encourage you to consult with a reliable professional in your area in regards to any specific health issue. Brigitte Synesael Editor of Your Life-Your Choice Traditional Medicine Isn't Enough Any More! Your life is your choice-don't make it the doctor's choice! http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife ******************************************************************* @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @ @ @ IN THIS ISSUE: @ @ @ @ 1. PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS @ @ Our sponsors make this @ @ newsletter FREE to @ @ subscribers. Please take a @ @ moment to visit them. @ @ @ @ 2. TESTIMONIES FOR SUCCESS @ @ Discover how others @ @ successfully solved your @ @ problem. @ @ @ @ 3. Allergies @ @ Still suffering from allergies? @ @ Find out what you've not been told!! @ @ @ @ 4. PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER SPONSORS @ @ They also make this newsletter @ @ FREE to subscribers. Please take @ @ a moment to visit them. @ @ @ @ 5. What Herb Were They Testing? @ @ Results of Double Blind Study show @ @ signifigant positive effects in @ @ Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct @ @ dementia patients. @ @ @ @ 6. Patchouli Essential Oil @ @ Is it possible that a fragrance can @ @ enhance sensual awareness? Can an aroma @ @ really cause your partner to be more @ @ exotic and amorous? Yes, it can! The @ @ first whiff of its rich, exotic scent @ @ never fails to become fixed forever in @ @ your memory. @ @ @ @ 7. CHOICE TIDBITS @ @ Asthma, The Seventh Ranking Chronic @ @ Disease in the United States @ @ @ @ Colds @ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Unsuscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can unsubscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Copyright 1997 by Brigitte Synesael All rights reserved ************************************************************* Section 1. PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS If only you had a little more self confidence. If you could just remember people's names. Don't let "if only's" determine your future. Take control of your mind and body with these powerful methods. http://www.icemall.com/picto_super_deal.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO WEB GOLD NEWSLETTER. If you're looking for Electronic Marketing Techniques to build your business FAST, both on and off the Web, you can't do better than get a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to WEB GOLD, the weekly newsletter produced by Terry Dean at http://www.bizpromo.com - To start your subscription mailto:webmaster@bizpromo.com Be Sure to check out each and every one of our Home Business Building Services at http://www.bizpromo.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************************************* Section 2. TESTIMONIES FOR SUCCESS Dear Your Life-Your Choice, This is my story: I had dramatic results years ago following the cellular nutrition program of one specific health company. I was taking a long term medication for a deterioration of the stomach lining, and wasn't happy with the results, or the fact that I was taking a drug. Therefore I sought herbal remedies and found the answer for me. I was able to stop taking my medication within days, and never looked back. You can imagine how pleased I was to suddenly be living pain free, and in the meantime, I lost a few pounds! At the same time, my husband was also on the general nutrition program because of various aches and pains, and he had very dramatic results as well. Most of his back pain is gone, as well as the pains in his knees, and the most remarkable part was that his face (and body) almost completely became acne free. We didn't expect his acne to be affected! To this day we take the products, as well as our children and family and friends, and those old problems have never come back. As well, we almost never get colds or flu. Lastly, the weight-loss program is great! After both my pregnancies I had stubborn fat to lose, and followed the program correctly, and lost all the weight I was interested in losing, in a health amount of time. Jane Canada ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Your Life-Your Choice, I thought I felt good and didn't need dietary supplements. After all didn't Americans have the most expensive urine in the world, from to many vitamins, etc. just passing through? I was skepticle. But my wife got ahold of some nutraceuticals and convinced me to try them. I told her I would if she put them by my plate at meal time. About 2 weeks later I couldn't believe how good I felt. I felt 20 years younger, had so much more energy and the chronic back stiffness I had, (it would take 5-10 min. of exercises to stretch my back muscles before I could bend over enough to get my socks on), was gone. This is a specially formulated carbohydrate complex which, among other things, contains the functional and stabilized component of the Aloe Vera plant. I've been of the stuff for 5 months now and have all my kids on it and would be afraid to stop taking it. Every one I talk to about this stuff has similar results. I sure reccomend it. Mike Alaska ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you, or someone you know, have a testimony you'd like to share, it can be submitted to b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca with "Testimonies Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. All testimonies should be kept to a maximum of about 200 words and should include the method of treatment used without naming industry specific brands. For example: "through the use of herbs" is permitted. However "by using XYZ herbs" is not. All submissions are subject to responsible editing and any reference made to an industry specific product will be edited out as this section is not intended to be an advertising platform. Share your story and help other readers who share your health concerns. ************************************************************* Section 3. Allergies Dr. Heil is a Doctor of Chiropractic in private practice for over 13 years. The emphasis of his practice is preventative care. During the 9 years that it took him to obtain his Doctor of Chiropractic degree he also successfully completed the requirements of the Department of Chemistry and Nutrition at the National College of Chiropractic, located in Lombard, Illinois. You can view Dr. Heil's resume and professional background information at http://home.onestop.net/heilresume ; contact Dr.Heil via e-mail at mailto:drheil@clark.net, or http://www.healthmc.com/. -------------------- Allergies come in many forms and all are miserable to suffer from. An allergy is an inappropriate and exaggerated response by the body's immune system. Otherwise harmless substances cause an overreaction of the white blood cells in an attempt to fight the invading substance. The substances that cause the overreaction are called allergens. Allergens can be any substance. Common allergens include dust, pollen, drugs, chemical, metals, and food additives. Others include mold, certain foods, animal dander, and grasses. The initial response is to identify and avoid the offending allergen. Since this may not always be possible let's investigate what else can be done to eliminate or make allergies more livable. An unbalanced body is a major factor in the allergic response that is elicited to an allergen. Therefore, holistic healing practices such as chiropractic and acupuncture can be very beneficial in this regard. These healing arts should not be looked upon as a "cure" for allergies but rather as modalities to be used in normalizing overreactive aspects of the body. Information is available on these healing arts at: http://www.activator.com/ for chiropractic and at: http://www.acupuncture.com/ for acupuncture. Rotation and elimination diets are helpful in the area of food allergy. Occasionally a ketogenic diet such as that found in the book, "Dr. Atkin's New Diet Revolution" by Dr. Robert C. Atkins can be helpful. If the carbohydrate reduction on such a diet offers some relief then investigate the possibility of a Candida Albicans (yeast) infection. For a discussion of Candida go to http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/3477. A major factor in any allergic situation is liver congestion. This situation is also known as "sluggish liver". This is not a liver disease but rather a situation whereby the liver is not performing its blood cleansing function at maximum capacity. The liver acts as the "oil filter" of the body. It cleanses the blood of waste products, poisons, and toxins so that they may be removed from the body. When the liver becomes overloaded it cannot perform this function at 100% capacity. This reduction in cleansing allows poisons and toxins to remain in circulation in the blood stream. These circulating poisons make tissues, such as mucous membranes, very sensitive to allergens or irritants. Substances that may not have been an allergen before now become one due to these hypersensitive tissues. The liver can become sluggish because of poor dietary habits, alcohol or drug use (both illegal and prescription drugs are toxins), or disease. Environmental pollutants can be toxic to the body. A large spectrum of nutritional support has been investigated for use in helping to alleviate allergic reactions. Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6 and B12, Vitamins C and E, Calcium, magnesium, oleic acid, linoleic acid (GLA), and fish oils (EPA) have all shown promise in certain aspects of allergy symptom relief. Education and experimentation are the key to reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms.   ************************************************************* Section 4. PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER SPONSORS It's been a long, tense day. Take some time for YOU. Mellow out with a hot cup of tea and a wonderful romance novel. Choosing from this vast selection can be as much fun as the reading itself. http://www.spree.com/default.asp?x=alwaysyours ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Achieve the health you promised yourself! Let herbs help your body achieve its optimum condition. Don't settle for anything synthetic. Give your body what it deserves; 100% natural food grade herbs. Visit NOW and make good health a part of YOUR reality. http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/herbal/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************************************* Section 5. Ginkgo Biloba Reprint permission granted by Kelly Smith from Frontier Herbs George Nemecz, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Wendell L. Combest, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Campbell University School of Pharmacy Buies Creek, NC Throughout most of its medicinal history, the leaves and fruit of the Ginkgo tree have been used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Today, concentrated and standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts have largely replaced the more crude dried leaf preparations. The primary therapeutic use is now enhancement of various CNS functions such as short-term memory, concentration and alertness, particularly in the elderly. Indeed, most of the recent research concentrates on brain function and cerebral circulation. A summary of more than 40 recent clinical trials investigating the effect of GBE on cerebral insufficiency has been published.(5) Standardized GBE administered for 4-6 weeks at a dose of 120 mg/day showed impressive positive results in almost all trials conducted. One interesting double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involving 48 patients between the ages of 51 and 79 tested the effect of GBE (120 mg/day) on general cognitive function.(6) The results showed that the Ginkgo treatment group had a significantly shorter stimulus-recognition time compared to controls. Other studies in healthy subjects have documented improvements in short-term memory and other mental abilities, such as improved concentration after taking GBE.(7) One long-term aging study utilizing 166 subjects showed a significant improvement in behavioral and clinical tests following three months of GBE treatment.(8) The cognitive and behavioral effects of GBE may benefit certain forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The efficacy of GBE in Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia was assessed in a recent randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter study involving 216 patients.(9) Randomized groups received either 240 mg/day of GBE or a placebo and were assessed after a 24-week treatment period. Results based on a multidimensional evaluation tool indicated significant positive effects of GBE in both forms of dementia. Few, if any, significant side effects have been documented. Rarely, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches and allergic skin reactions have been reported. However, these side effects usually arise following prolonged administration. A small number of cases of bilateral subdural hematomas have been reported and putatively linked to prolonged use of GBE (up to two years).(24,25) Ginkgo biloba's ability to inhibit PAF-induced platelet aggregation could prolong bleeding time and should be considered, especially when other anticoagulant drugs, including aspirin, are given. Although Ginko biloba has been shown to inhibit platelet-activating factor, there seems to be little evidence in the literature that indicates problems with prolonged bleeding when it is taken in the usual therapeutic doses for short periods of time. Because there has been at least one report demonstrating a prolonged bleeding time associated with chronic Ginkgo biloba treatment (daily intake for a two-year period), it seems prudent to exercise caution, especially when taking Ginkgo biloba along with other herbs or drugs known to have anticoagulant effects. When used judiciously in appropriate patients, however, Ginkgo biloba appears to offer a number of promising benefits. REFRENCES: 5.Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Ginkgo biloba for cerebral insufficiency. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;34:352-358. 6.Semlitsch HV, Anderer P, et al. Cognitive psychophysiology in drug research: effects of Ginkgo biloba on event-related potentials (P300) in age-associated memory impairment. Pharmacopsychiatry 1995;28(4):134-142. 7.Pidoux B. Effets sur l’activite functionnelle cerebrale de l’extrait de Ginkgo biloba. Bilan d’etudes cliniques et experimentales. Press Med. 1986;15(31):1588-1591. 8.Taillandier J, Ammar A,et al. Traitement des troubles du vieillissement cerebral par l’extrait de Ginkgo biloba. Etude longitudinale multicentrique a double insu face au placebo. Press Med. 1986;15(31):1583-1587. 9.Kanowski S, Herrmann WM, et al. Proof of efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba special extract Egb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia. Pharmacopsychiatry 1996;29(2):47-56. 24.Rowin J, Lewis SL. Spontaneous subdural hematomas associated with chronic Ginkgo biloba ingestion. Neurology. 1996;46:1775-1776. 25.Gilbert GJ. Ginkgo biloba. Neurology. 1997;48:1187. ************************************************************* Section 6. Patchouli Essential Oil Reprint permission granted by Kelly Smith from Frontier Herbs http://www.frontierherb.com/aromatherapy/ Some would say that patchouli is the most distinctively fragranced herb in the botanical kingdom. The first whiff of its rich, exotic scent never fails to become fixed forever in the olfactory memory. The plant that produces this remarkable aroma is a tropical member of the lamiaceae family. Distant relatives include lavender, rosemary and many other herb plants associated with more temperate regions. Patchouli seems to have moved south and suffused itself in the mysterious aromas of a dark and steamy jungle while retaining a hint of the sunny, herbal fragrances of its northern Mediterranean cousins. Patchouli was first described by botanists in the Philippines in 1845. Today growing interest in its fragrance has led to patchouli¹s widespread cultivation throughout tropical Asia. It wasn¹t long before patchouli oil¹s remarkable staying power made it an important fixative ingredient in the manufacture of fine perfumes and cosmetics. A fixative is a substance that combines well with the other ingredients in a blend, slowing down the evaporation of the fragrance and making it last longer when applied as a personal essence. The increased demand helped create an industry of patchouli farming and distillation in tropical Asia that persists to the present. Newly distilled patchouli oil has a fresh, green, slightly harsh aroma. As the oil ages it mellows considerably, becoming sweeter and more balsamic. Patchouli is one of very few oils that, like fine wine, improve with age. High quality patchouli oils emit a suave, fruity, wine-like top note when uncapped. Other oils that age well are sandalwood and vetiver, both of which blend quite nicely with patchouli. Patchouli is most often used in aromatherapy. The dried leaves and stems are employed in traditional Chinese medicine to normalize the flow and balance of the life force known as qi (or chi.) An aromatherapy blend inspired by the traditional Chinese use can evoke a feeling of gentle clarity and inspire the harmonious flow of emotional energy. It uses oils with balancing and mildly energizing aromas. Harmonious Energy Flow Blend: 28 drops patchouli 28 drops lavender 29 drops bergamot 10 drops clary sage 5 drops rosemary Add three drops of this blend to 1 ounce vegetable oil and use as a massage oil. In aromatherapy patchouli is often used as a relaxant. The warmth and depth of its aroma make it comforting and relaxing. Patchouli's relaxing attributes, coupled with its rich and exotic nature, have led to its inclusion in sensual and amorous blends, particularly appropriate for products like massage oil. For these applications patchouli combines well with ylang ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, vetiver and rose. Let your senses and personal tastes guide you in creating a concentrated blend of these sensual oils. Or use patchouli alone as a sensually evocative and deeply relaxing fragrance. Patchouli's distinctive scent can always be relied upon to evoke a marked aroma-therapeutic response. ************************************************************* Section 7. CHOICE TIDBITS Asthma, The Seventh Ranking Chronic Disease in the United States By Sonja Call The disease affects 13 million Americans, and is triggered by substances or events which cause the airways leading to the lungs to become more inflamed or swollen than usual. In recent years, asthma seems to have become more common, especially among children. Symptoms of asthma are found in approximately 10% of the children in the western world. It is the leading cause of chronic illness in children, and the leading cause of school absenteeism attributed to chronic conditions. In most cases, symptoms of asthma become much less serious and much less frequent as a child grows older. Asthma is usually an inherited disease and is not contagious. There are some very effective treatments for asthma. The first line of treatment should always consist of controlling your environment by reducing your exposure to the "triggers". For example, carpets should be vacuumed regularly, bed linens changed as often as possible and pets, such as dogs and cats, should be at least banned from the bedroom. Smoking should be permanently banned in an asthmatic child's house. Secondly, alternative therapies can make asthma milder and easier to handle. Traditionally, Chinese ephedra has been used to help with asthma. Ephedra has been known to help clear the lungs. Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C are also helpful. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colds November/December Health Magazine An article in the November/December issue of Health magazine listed some suggestions on how to defend yourself against a cold. One suggestion was to take vitamin C and other supplements. Elliot Dick, chief of the Respiratory Virus Research Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, has studies that show that taking one 500 milligram tablet, four times a day, is all you'll need. The article also states that echinacea is also a good bet and that there are a number of German studies that backed up the herb's claim to be a mild immune system stimulant capable of fending off colds. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Disclaimer All material appearing in this newsletter is provided for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that authors and contributors are not offering medical advice or services. We strongly encourage you to consult with your own physician regarding any recommendations with respect to your own medical condition. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// *************************************************************** * * * I know you have friends who are be interested * * in this information. Put them in your debt and * * forward a copy of Your Life-Your Choice to them. * * * *************************************************************** ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Unsubscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can unsubscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife ****************** N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! Find a practitioner near you. Visit Your Life-Your Choice's new Wellness Locator! http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife/directory Visit often, there will be new additions regularly. Help us make this the most comprehensive directory available. mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca for listing details. ****************** Ask Dr. Abrams your personal health questions. Let him share his 31 years of wellness expertise with you. mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca Type "Questions Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. For sponsorship & advertising information, mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca SUBJECT: Send Your Choice Advertising Rates Send in your testimonies, mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca with "Testimonies Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. This is YOUR newsletter! Share your thoughts, what you'd like to see by emailing, mailto:b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca with "Feedback Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////