October 5, 2009
Butter..... Parkay !!!
Remember that commercial.
I do!
Here is a link to its youtube video !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvM-5LYMohM
I am often asked whether to eat butter or margarine.
Growing up it was cool to eat margarine instead of butter. Better eating through better science, or so we thought!!
Here is how butter is made.
Milk a cow.
Skim off the cream.
Add salt.
Churn the cream until it’s thick and chunky and tastes awesome.
Here is one of the processes for making margarine:
Farmers grow seeds.
The seeds are harvested.
The seeds are crushed to extract some of the oil.
The rest of the oil is extracted by mixing the seeds with hexane, a chemical solvent.
The hexane is (supposedly) all removed.
The oil is pumped full of hydrogen gas and nickel powder.
The remaining oil is subjected to heat and high-pressure CO2 gas.
The oil is mixed with sodium hydroxide and passed through a centrifuge.
The oil is mixed with water and passed through another centrifuge.
At this point, the margarine is a gray, speckled, oily mass that doesn’t smell so good.
The oil is mixed with hydrated aluminum silicate that binds to and filters out the unwanted pigments.
The mix is heated again and the oil is extracted.
The oil is passed through a steam distillation chamber to remove unwanted odors.
Yellow food coloring and artificial flavors are added.
Margarine.
Mmm Mmm good!!!
Not !!!
So what would you rather eat?
Most margarines are chemically altered vegetable oils and contain dangerous and unhealthy trans-fats otherwise known as trans-fatty-acids. While vegetable oils have received good press coverage, most contain an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids, which may counter the healthy effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
So what are we supposed to eat?
Cardiologists say butter is bad, because it contains saturated fat which they argue is responsible for an increased rate of heart disease.
But is this fact or fiction?
Let us look back at history for a moment.
In America, the rate of heart disease soared during a period when saturated fats consumption fell sharply while cholesterol intake remained roughly unchanged.Before 1900, heart disease was rare in America, affecting about 8 percent of the population.
By 1950, heart disease caused 30 percent of all deaths in America. Today, it causes about 45 percent of all deaths.During this period, consumption of butter, which is high in saturated fats, fell from over 18 lbs per person per year at the turn of the century, to about 10 lbs per person per year by 1950.
Today it is even lower, yet the rate of heart disease continues to escalate.In the same period, Margarine consumption rose from about 2 lbs per person at the turn of the century to about 8 lbs per person.
Ok now.
Do we follow the advice of clever advertisers and marketers?
Or do we follow the logic of our ancestors who relied on a very low processed foods diet?
Listen to your ancestors !!!
They ate saturated fats.
They did not eat processed food.
Pass on the Parkay and vegetable oils.
Eat butter!!
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
Monday, October 05, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hey Ma, No more Foie Gras !!
What is Foie Gras and how will reading about it help me to understand improved nutrition?
Should we ask The Donald?
So let's recap:
If our bodies are overburdened by carbohydrates and sugar, excess carbohydrates get converted into sugar which gets converted to triglycerides which gets stored in our liver and other internal organs, eventually "gumming up" their efficiency. Consider it like rust occuring on metal. Just as the rust will destroy the metal, the excess fat will prematurely age and destroy our organs.
So that ends this lesson in, Hey Ma, please no more Foie Gras !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So hopefully Foie Gras gives you some added motivation to start a low processed carbohydrate diet. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, we have wellness programs set up to help you with the transition and also to provide extra guidance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Institute For Medical Wellness Events
Our massage therapist, Julie, is limbering up for the fall season.
If you are enrolled in a Wellness plan, and have not yet experienced the benefits of massage, you can receive one one-hour massage for $35, or one 1.5 hour massage for $50. That is 50% off regular prices.
Should we ask The Donald?
Or maybe this Donald would be more apropo!!
Well, my guess is that "The Donald" partakes in foie gras, while "Donald Duck" hopes not to be on the menu.
From wikipedia: Foie gras (pronounced / fwa:gra:/ in English; French for "fat liver") is a food product made of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. This fattening is typically achieved through gavage (force-feeding) corn.
Interesting.
When ducks, are force fed a starchy carbohydrate such as corn, their livers fill up with fat.
Does a similar mechanism occur in humans?
I am so glad you asked!!
There is a medical disorder called, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Otherwise known as NASH, this is a chronic condition that affects 2 to 5 percent of people in the United States. NASH involves inflammation or damage to the liver that can be severe and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. What I find especially concerning is that NASH may affect about 70 percent of people with Non-insulin dependent Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes).
The liver has many functions in our body. One of the most important is as a major detox center or sewage treatment plant, helping to remove and make less harmful, many substances in our body. Our liver also plays a part in sugar metabolism. If our bodies sense we do not have enough sugar or glucose to burn, our liver can manufacture glucose for use.
Sounds like a good thing!
It is unless it starts over-manufacturing sugar that we do not need and is one of the mechanisms involved in Type 2 Diabetics and why they have a high incidence of fatty liver. In Type 2 Diabetics, even though they have plenty of excess energy stored in their bodies fat cells, they have trouble converting this fat to energy for use inside their cells. So their liver starts producing more sugar- glucose, which gets into their bloodstream, raising their glucose levels even further, in the hope that their cells can make use of this energy. A big problem with this mechanism is that the now higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream then gets converted into triglycerides (fat) and once again get stored in the liver, furthering the fat accumulation problem. Talk about spinning in circles!!
Sometimes a picture helps to get a point across.
Caution- some pictures below may not be suitable to view prior to a meal.
Below are three different livers which show the progression of fatty liver disease.
When ducks, are force fed a starchy carbohydrate such as corn, their livers fill up with fat.
Does a similar mechanism occur in humans?
I am so glad you asked!!
There is a medical disorder called, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Otherwise known as NASH, this is a chronic condition that affects 2 to 5 percent of people in the United States. NASH involves inflammation or damage to the liver that can be severe and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. What I find especially concerning is that NASH may affect about 70 percent of people with Non-insulin dependent Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes).
The liver has many functions in our body. One of the most important is as a major detox center or sewage treatment plant, helping to remove and make less harmful, many substances in our body. Our liver also plays a part in sugar metabolism. If our bodies sense we do not have enough sugar or glucose to burn, our liver can manufacture glucose for use.
Sounds like a good thing!
It is unless it starts over-manufacturing sugar that we do not need and is one of the mechanisms involved in Type 2 Diabetics and why they have a high incidence of fatty liver. In Type 2 Diabetics, even though they have plenty of excess energy stored in their bodies fat cells, they have trouble converting this fat to energy for use inside their cells. So their liver starts producing more sugar- glucose, which gets into their bloodstream, raising their glucose levels even further, in the hope that their cells can make use of this energy. A big problem with this mechanism is that the now higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream then gets converted into triglycerides (fat) and once again get stored in the liver, furthering the fat accumulation problem. Talk about spinning in circles!!
Sometimes a picture helps to get a point across.
Caution- some pictures below may not be suitable to view prior to a meal.
Below are three different livers which show the progression of fatty liver disease.
normal->--fatty-> Cirrhotic liver
The liver furthest to the left is a normal liver. It is smaller in size and has a deeper-rich and healthy color.
The center-middle liver is a fatty liver. It is somewhat bloated and misshapen, with a dull yellowish color.
The liver furthest to the right is a cirrhotic liver. It is huge and misshapen, with a pebbled appearance and coarser in texture.
OK, ugly pictures to look at, especially before eating!
So what can we do to prevent NASH or reverse it?
1) We must lower the amount of processed carbohydrates we eat to an amount that our bodies can handle. We accomplish this by closely monitoring diet, weight, waist size, and metabolic parameters. Each and every individual has a different "carb-tolerance", so to be succesful you need to find your own.
As we read earlier, to make Foie Gras, ducks are force fed large amounts of corn, a very starchy carbohydrate. In real life, we are feeding ourselves large amounts of processed carbohydrates such as cereals, breads and soft drinks, which act in our bodies just like corn!
2) Increase the burning of excess fat cells by change to a lower carbohydrate diet and if possible an increase in exercise. In other words, change your metabolism from a storer of excess energy (storing fat) to one that burns more energy than it stores ( a burner of fat).
The key to burning fat for fuel, is to limit the amount of glucose available. We accomplish this by a low processed carbohydrate diet.
If you are succesful in this dietary approach, the excess fat stored in your organs may diminish and hopefully allow your organs to once again work efficiently.
The liver furthest to the left is a normal liver. It is smaller in size and has a deeper-rich and healthy color.
The center-middle liver is a fatty liver. It is somewhat bloated and misshapen, with a dull yellowish color.
The liver furthest to the right is a cirrhotic liver. It is huge and misshapen, with a pebbled appearance and coarser in texture.
OK, ugly pictures to look at, especially before eating!
So what can we do to prevent NASH or reverse it?
1) We must lower the amount of processed carbohydrates we eat to an amount that our bodies can handle. We accomplish this by closely monitoring diet, weight, waist size, and metabolic parameters. Each and every individual has a different "carb-tolerance", so to be succesful you need to find your own.
As we read earlier, to make Foie Gras, ducks are force fed large amounts of corn, a very starchy carbohydrate. In real life, we are feeding ourselves large amounts of processed carbohydrates such as cereals, breads and soft drinks, which act in our bodies just like corn!
2) Increase the burning of excess fat cells by change to a lower carbohydrate diet and if possible an increase in exercise. In other words, change your metabolism from a storer of excess energy (storing fat) to one that burns more energy than it stores ( a burner of fat).
The key to burning fat for fuel, is to limit the amount of glucose available. We accomplish this by a low processed carbohydrate diet.
If you are succesful in this dietary approach, the excess fat stored in your organs may diminish and hopefully allow your organs to once again work efficiently.
So let's recap:
If our bodies are overburdened by carbohydrates and sugar, excess carbohydrates get converted into sugar which gets converted to triglycerides which gets stored in our liver and other internal organs, eventually "gumming up" their efficiency. Consider it like rust occuring on metal. Just as the rust will destroy the metal, the excess fat will prematurely age and destroy our organs.
So that ends this lesson in, Hey Ma, please no more Foie Gras !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So hopefully Foie Gras gives you some added motivation to start a low processed carbohydrate diet. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, we have wellness programs set up to help you with the transition and also to provide extra guidance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Institute For Medical Wellness Events
Our massage therapist, Julie, is limbering up for the fall season.If you are enrolled in a Wellness plan, and have not yet experienced the benefits of massage, you can receive one one-hour massage for $35, or one 1.5 hour massage for $50. That is 50% off regular prices.
Package discounts are also available:
A 3 hour massage package, regularly $210, is now available at a 10% discounted price of $189.
A 5 hour massage package, regularly $350, is now available at a 15% discounted price of $299.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of our newer network affiliates is Master Ting, from Silver Tiger Tai Chi in Hainesport. Master Ting is now offering one complimentary Tai Chi session for individuals enrolled in any Institute For Medical Wellness plan. More information on Master Ting can be found here.
One of Master Ting's long time students, David, is also offering a Tai Chi class. The Tai Chi classes begin October 1, running from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Classes will be held at the Boudinot Elementary School, corner of Pearl and Ellis Streets in Burlington, NJ.
Call 609-387-5895 to register.
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-031
www.drhorvitz.com
A 3 hour massage package, regularly $210, is now available at a 10% discounted price of $189.
A 5 hour massage package, regularly $350, is now available at a 15% discounted price of $299.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of our newer network affiliates is Master Ting, from Silver Tiger Tai Chi in Hainesport. Master Ting is now offering one complimentary Tai Chi session for individuals enrolled in any Institute For Medical Wellness plan. More information on Master Ting can be found here.
One of Master Ting's long time students, David, is also offering a Tai Chi class. The Tai Chi classes begin October 1, running from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Classes will be held at the Boudinot Elementary School, corner of Pearl and Ellis Streets in Burlington, NJ.
Call 609-387-5895 to register.
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-031
www.drhorvitz.com
Fall is here and the time is right for....
Hear ye, Hear ye !!
I have hereby proclaimed October 2009 as Healthy Weight and Lifestyle month at the Institute For Medical Wellness.
Achieving a healthy weight is more than diet and exercise. It takes skill and good sound advice.
Many an individual presents to my office wanting to lose weight.
The most common phrases I hear include, "But my metabolism is slow", or "I am metabolically challenged".
For these "metabolically challenged" individuals or anyone looking to get to a healthier weight, our wellness plans are a "perfect fit" to convert you to a more metabolically energized life!
The following wellness plans are available:
1) Our Traditional Wellness Plan- $525 yearly fee.
2) Traditional Weight Loss Plan- $750 yearly fee includes our traditional wellness plan along with 5 hours of personal exercise training.
3) Holistic Weight Loss Program- for $999 yearly fee, includes our traditional wellness plan along with our Naturopathic physician Dr. Jennifer Phillips to help you achieve your healthy weight and lifestyle needs.
4) Healthy Weight, Body and Life Program- $1500 yearly fee, being reduced to $1400 thru October 31, 2009. This program includes the Traditional Wellness Plan along with 5 hours of personal exercise training, holistic nutritional guidance from our Naturopathic physician Dr. Jennifer Phillips, a one hour introductory acupuncture session with Paula Andersen, and 3 hours of therapeutic massage with Julie Fischer.
All of the above yearly plans are also available with affordable monthly payment options.
So if you have some excess pounds to lose, and need help or guidance without gimmicks,
look no further than The Institute For Medical Wellness.
--------------------------------------------------
As part of proper diet and nutrition, the Institute For Medical Wellness is proud to offer the following nutritional supplements, available individually or in grouped packages. You can view these supplements here.
Supplements available at The Institute For Medical Wellness include:
Multivitamin: RX Vitamins ReVitalize Iron-free 90 caps - $30
Vitamin-minerals: Carlsons Labs B-12-SubLingual 1000 mcg 90 tabs - $15
Douglas Labs Amino-mag magnesium chelate 100 tabs - $12
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz - $18
Fish Oils: Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 200 ml - $18
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 500 ml - $36
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 250 capsules - $42
Probiotics: Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls Pro Flora Immune 30caps - $15
Urinary Tract: Bio-Tech d-Mannose 50 caps - $15
Misc: Coenzyme Q10- 200mg - 60 tabs-capsules or lozenges - $50
We also have supplement packages available at a discount:
General Health Package:
RX Vitamins ReVitalize Iron-free 90 caps
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
Buy these together for $43, a $5 savings
Healthy Immune System Package- may help you get ready for the cold and flu season.
Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls Pro Flora Immune 30caps
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
Buy these together for $28, a $5 savings
Healthy Heart Package:
Coenzyme Q10- 200mg - 60 tabs-capsules or lozenges
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
+
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 500 ml or Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 250 capsules.
Buy these together for $97, a $10 savings
------------------------------------------------------------
Our massage therapist, Julie, is limbering up for the fall season.
If you are enrolled in a Wellness plan, and have not yet experienced the benefits of massage, you can receive one one-hour massage for $35, or one 1.5 hour massage for $50. That is 50% off regular prices.
Package discounts are also available:
A 3 hour massage package, regularly $210, is now available at a 10% discounted price of $189.
A 5 hour massage package, regularly $350, is now available at a 15% discounted price of $299.
--------------------------------------------------------------
One of our newer network affiliates is Master Ting, from Silver Tiger Tai Chi in Hainesport. Master Ting is now offering one complimentary Tai Chi session for individuals enrolled in any Institute For Medical Wellness plan. More information on Master Ting can be found here.
One of Master Ting's long time students, David, is also offering a Tai Chi class. The Tai Chi classes begin October 1, running from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Classes will be held at the Boudinot Elementary School, corner of Pearl and Ellis Streets in Burlington, NJ.
Call 609-387-5895 to register.
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
---------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank everyone for sending me topics for future newsletters. While I am not able to accommodate all the requests, I will continue to try. So keep em coming!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please feel free to forward these newsletters to friends and family.
I have hereby proclaimed October 2009 as Healthy Weight and Lifestyle month at the Institute For Medical Wellness.
Achieving a healthy weight is more than diet and exercise. It takes skill and good sound advice.
Many an individual presents to my office wanting to lose weight.
The most common phrases I hear include, "But my metabolism is slow", or "I am metabolically challenged".
For these "metabolically challenged" individuals or anyone looking to get to a healthier weight, our wellness plans are a "perfect fit" to convert you to a more metabolically energized life!
The following wellness plans are available:
1) Our Traditional Wellness Plan- $525 yearly fee.
2) Traditional Weight Loss Plan- $750 yearly fee includes our traditional wellness plan along with 5 hours of personal exercise training.
3) Holistic Weight Loss Program- for $999 yearly fee, includes our traditional wellness plan along with our Naturopathic physician Dr. Jennifer Phillips to help you achieve your healthy weight and lifestyle needs.
4) Healthy Weight, Body and Life Program- $1500 yearly fee, being reduced to $1400 thru October 31, 2009. This program includes the Traditional Wellness Plan along with 5 hours of personal exercise training, holistic nutritional guidance from our Naturopathic physician Dr. Jennifer Phillips, a one hour introductory acupuncture session with Paula Andersen, and 3 hours of therapeutic massage with Julie Fischer.
All of the above yearly plans are also available with affordable monthly payment options.
So if you have some excess pounds to lose, and need help or guidance without gimmicks,
look no further than The Institute For Medical Wellness.
--------------------------------------------------
As part of proper diet and nutrition, the Institute For Medical Wellness is proud to offer the following nutritional supplements, available individually or in grouped packages. You can view these supplements here.
Supplements available at The Institute For Medical Wellness include:
Multivitamin: RX Vitamins ReVitalize Iron-free 90 caps - $30
Vitamin-minerals: Carlsons Labs B-12-SubLingual 1000 mcg 90 tabs - $15
Douglas Labs Amino-mag magnesium chelate 100 tabs - $12
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz - $18
Fish Oils: Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 200 ml - $18
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 500 ml - $36
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 250 capsules - $42
Probiotics: Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls Pro Flora Immune 30caps - $15
Urinary Tract: Bio-Tech d-Mannose 50 caps - $15
Misc: Coenzyme Q10- 200mg - 60 tabs-capsules or lozenges - $50
We also have supplement packages available at a discount:
General Health Package:
RX Vitamins ReVitalize Iron-free 90 caps
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
Buy these together for $43, a $5 savings
Healthy Immune System Package- may help you get ready for the cold and flu season.
Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls Pro Flora Immune 30caps
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
Buy these together for $28, a $5 savings
Healthy Heart Package:
Coenzyme Q10- 200mg - 60 tabs-capsules or lozenges
+
RX Vitamins Liquid-D3 2000 IU 1 oz
+
Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 3 500 ml or Carlson's Labs Finest Fish Oil Omega 250 capsules.
Buy these together for $97, a $10 savings
------------------------------------------------------------
Our massage therapist, Julie, is limbering up for the fall season.
If you are enrolled in a Wellness plan, and have not yet experienced the benefits of massage, you can receive one one-hour massage for $35, or one 1.5 hour massage for $50. That is 50% off regular prices.
Package discounts are also available:
A 3 hour massage package, regularly $210, is now available at a 10% discounted price of $189.
A 5 hour massage package, regularly $350, is now available at a 15% discounted price of $299.
--------------------------------------------------------------
One of our newer network affiliates is Master Ting, from Silver Tiger Tai Chi in Hainesport. Master Ting is now offering one complimentary Tai Chi session for individuals enrolled in any Institute For Medical Wellness plan. More information on Master Ting can be found here.
One of Master Ting's long time students, David, is also offering a Tai Chi class. The Tai Chi classes begin October 1, running from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Classes will be held at the Boudinot Elementary School, corner of Pearl and Ellis Streets in Burlington, NJ.
Call 609-387-5895 to register.
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
---------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank everyone for sending me topics for future newsletters. While I am not able to accommodate all the requests, I will continue to try. So keep em coming!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please feel free to forward these newsletters to friends and family.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Lies and Thighs.....
September 4, 2009
Lies and Thighs .........
First the Lies !!!!!
Pfizer pharmaceuticals pleads guilty to a felony for fraudulent marketing of some prescription medications and will pay record fines amounting to over two billion dollars.
You can read the Department of Justice (DOJ) documents describing the settlement here .
Here are some quotes from our federal government gloating over this news:
First, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services was quoted as saying:
"This historic settlement will return nearly $1 billion to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government insurance programs, securing their future for the Americans who depend on these programs. The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to seek opportunities to work with its government partners to prosecute fraud wherever we can find it. But we will also look for new ways to prevent fraud before it happens. Health care is too important to let a single dollar go to waste."
Next we have Michael L. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is quoted as saying:
"This resolution protects the FDA in its vital mission of ensuring that drugs are safe and effective. When manufacturers undermine the FDA’s rules, they interfere with a doctor’s judgment and can put patient health at risk. The public trusts companies to market their drugs for uses that FDA has approved, and trusts that doctors are using independent judgment. Federal health dollars should only be spent on treatment decisions untainted by misinformation from manufacturers concerned with the bottom line."
Now I have also complained about some of the practices of Big Pharma.
Some of my past newsletters on this subject can be found below:
Lies and Thighs .........
First the Lies !!!!!
Pfizer pharmaceuticals pleads guilty to a felony for fraudulent marketing of some prescription medications and will pay record fines amounting to over two billion dollars.You can read the Department of Justice (DOJ) documents describing the settlement here .
Here are some quotes from our federal government gloating over this news:
First, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services was quoted as saying:
"This historic settlement will return nearly $1 billion to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government insurance programs, securing their future for the Americans who depend on these programs. The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to seek opportunities to work with its government partners to prosecute fraud wherever we can find it. But we will also look for new ways to prevent fraud before it happens. Health care is too important to let a single dollar go to waste."
Next we have Michael L. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is quoted as saying:
"This resolution protects the FDA in its vital mission of ensuring that drugs are safe and effective. When manufacturers undermine the FDA’s rules, they interfere with a doctor’s judgment and can put patient health at risk. The public trusts companies to market their drugs for uses that FDA has approved, and trusts that doctors are using independent judgment. Federal health dollars should only be spent on treatment decisions untainted by misinformation from manufacturers concerned with the bottom line."
Now I have also complained about some of the practices of Big Pharma.
Some of my past newsletters on this subject can be found below:
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/10/state-sues-merck-for-deceptive.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/10/experts-conclude-pfizer-manipulated.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/top-selling-prescription-drug.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/pharmaceutical-advertising-good-or-bad.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/04/ghostwriters-for-medical-research.html
So I correctly predicted last year that the government would be going after Big money from Big Pharma.
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/10/experts-conclude-pfizer-manipulated.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/top-selling-prescription-drug.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/pharmaceutical-advertising-good-or-bad.html
http://drhorvitz.blogspot.com/2008/04/ghostwriters-for-medical-research.html
So I correctly predicted last year that the government would be going after Big money from Big Pharma.
If you think I am skeptical that this will help individuals, then it proves that great minds think alike.
But Why????
Here are questions I would like answered.
Will other pharmaceutical companies change their ways as a result of this judgement?
What will happen to the 2 billion dollars the government receives?
Will the money go where it is intended, back to Medicare and Medicaid???
Are other pharmaceutical companies being investigated as part of a shakedown, and being forced to strike a deal with the federal government to help pass healthcare reform legislation?
Are the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) guidelines too difficult and bureaucratic to allow new medications to be brought to market?
Is the FDA itself corrupt?
The timing of this announcement, as the White House likes to say, seems "a little fishy" to me. While Pfizer did break the law, and deserves to be dealt with, I am not so sure there are not other motives.
My solution would be to end third party payment systems that use "other people's money". These systems invite fraud and abuse. Just look at our ever growing federal debt as an example. It is time to bring power away from Big Govt, away from Big Business and Big Corporations, away from Wall Street, and give it back to the individual. Individuals are better at sniffing out fraud, as it is their own money on the line, not "other people's money"! The real problem is how prescriptions are paid. As long as there are third party middlemen with all their rules and regulations, then fraud will occur. The government can better help individuals in need by setting up a "medical food stamps" program, that puts money to be used specifically for healthcare into a bank account for the individual. This would streamline healthcare transactions, and get rid of the third party bureaucracy that invites fraud. If it works well for food, why not healthcare?
But enough about Big Pharma, Big Government and conspiracy theories..........
Bring on the Thighs !!!!!
If you receive this email on your "blackberry", for the best visual effects, please also view on your computer email.
Take a look at the two pictures below. Who has the better chance of living longer?
But Why????
Here are questions I would like answered.
Will other pharmaceutical companies change their ways as a result of this judgement?
What will happen to the 2 billion dollars the government receives?
Will the money go where it is intended, back to Medicare and Medicaid???
Are other pharmaceutical companies being investigated as part of a shakedown, and being forced to strike a deal with the federal government to help pass healthcare reform legislation?
Are the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) guidelines too difficult and bureaucratic to allow new medications to be brought to market?
Is the FDA itself corrupt?
The timing of this announcement, as the White House likes to say, seems "a little fishy" to me. While Pfizer did break the law, and deserves to be dealt with, I am not so sure there are not other motives.
My solution would be to end third party payment systems that use "other people's money". These systems invite fraud and abuse. Just look at our ever growing federal debt as an example. It is time to bring power away from Big Govt, away from Big Business and Big Corporations, away from Wall Street, and give it back to the individual. Individuals are better at sniffing out fraud, as it is their own money on the line, not "other people's money"! The real problem is how prescriptions are paid. As long as there are third party middlemen with all their rules and regulations, then fraud will occur. The government can better help individuals in need by setting up a "medical food stamps" program, that puts money to be used specifically for healthcare into a bank account for the individual. This would streamline healthcare transactions, and get rid of the third party bureaucracy that invites fraud. If it works well for food, why not healthcare?
But enough about Big Pharma, Big Government and conspiracy theories..........
Bring on the Thighs !!!!!
If you receive this email on your "blackberry", for the best visual effects, please also view on your computer email.
Take a look at the two pictures below. Who has the better chance of living longer?
Or 
To help determine the answer, I will refer you to the following article, Thin thighs - maybe not your heart's desire
This article comments on a study which showed that individuals with bigger thighs lived longer than those with smaller thighs. Now the pictures above may be a bit of a stretch when comparing thin thighs to, shall I say, thick thighs, but my take on this study goes back to not how much weight you carry, but where you carry it.
Many of you have heard the distinction between having an apple or pear shaped body. The difference can be seen in the pictures below.
This article comments on a study which showed that individuals with bigger thighs lived longer than those with smaller thighs. Now the pictures above may be a bit of a stretch when comparing thin thighs to, shall I say, thick thighs, but my take on this study goes back to not how much weight you carry, but where you carry it.
Many of you have heard the distinction between having an apple or pear shaped body. The difference can be seen in the pictures below.
This first side angle picture shows the apple shaped man on the left, with all of his excess weight stored in his abdomen and trunk. Note that his thighs are very thin compared to the rest of his body. The person to the right in the first picture has a pear shaped body, with excess weight more evenly distributed throughout their body.
This middle picture I included just because I liked the picture !!
The third picture shows a frontal view of an apple and pear shaped body.
While many would argue that the thin thighed women is more attractive and healthier, that may not be the case. If you want to read further about this study, it can be found here. Pear shaped bodies tend to live longer as they distribute their fat away from the major vital internal organs, such as the liver and heart.
Pearl from this article: Having a supermodels figure is not always healthy. A healthy weight can not be determined just by getting on a scale. There are many factors that come into play. Here is a previous newsletter about a healthy weight.
So before you say you are unhealthy and put yourself on a diet to "improve your health", look to The Institute For Medical Wellness to make sure you are on the right track. Our goal has always been to give you individualized, non-biased health guidance, regardless of what the so-called experts or majority say.
When we are working with you, only two votes count, ours and yours!!
Best Wishes to All for a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day weekend!!
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
http://www.drhorvitz.com/
Also please check out our new Wellness Plans offering more holistic and heart healthy options.
I would like to thank everyone for sending me topics for future newsletters. While I am not able to accommodate all the requests, I will continue to try. So keep em coming!!
Pearl from this article: Having a supermodels figure is not always healthy. A healthy weight can not be determined just by getting on a scale. There are many factors that come into play. Here is a previous newsletter about a healthy weight.
So before you say you are unhealthy and put yourself on a diet to "improve your health", look to The Institute For Medical Wellness to make sure you are on the right track. Our goal has always been to give you individualized, non-biased health guidance, regardless of what the so-called experts or majority say.
When we are working with you, only two votes count, ours and yours!!
Best Wishes to All for a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day weekend!!
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
http://www.drhorvitz.com/
Also please check out our new Wellness Plans offering more holistic and heart healthy options.
I would like to thank everyone for sending me topics for future newsletters. While I am not able to accommodate all the requests, I will continue to try. So keep em coming!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Bladder Infections and other things that make me want to ....
August 29, 2009
One of the more common reasons patient's visit my office is due to bladder infections, otherwise known as cystitis or UTI (urinary tract infection). These infections are much more common in women than in men until later in life and account for over 8 million doctor visits each year.
Symptoms of bladder infections can include:
-Pain or a burning feeling during urination
-A feeling of urgency, or feeling the need to urinate frequently
-An altered appearance of the urine, either bloody (red) or cloudy (containing pus)
-Pain or pressure in the rectum (men) or in the area of the pubic bone (women)
-Passing only a tiny amount of urine even when the urge to urinate is strong
The most common traditional evaluation for these infections include a history and physical exam, along with a urine sample that is tested for signs of an infection.
The most common traditional treatment includes antibiotics to sterilize the bladder contents. While antibiotic treatments usually work, they are not without potential side effects, which can include but are not limited to allergy to the medication, drug interactions, diarrhea and yeast infection.
But what can be done to prevent these infections from occurring in the first place?
-Everyone should drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria.
-Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.
-Empty your bladder frequently. "Holding in" your urine allows bacteria more time to cause trouble in your bladder before you empty.
For women the following is especially important:
-Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
-Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
-Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
-Avoid wearing tight clothing such as swimsuits and leotards for long periods.
But if all the above has not worked to prevent an infection, is there something else that can be done without needing antibiotics?
To answer this question, first I must let you know that about 90% of bladder infections are caused by a bacteria called E. Coli.
E Coli causes urinary tract infections by attaching itself to the wall of the bladder. Once stuck, it can reproduce and cause an infection.
So other than antibiotics, is there a way to remove the E. Coli form the bladder wall?
There just happens to be a way to trick the E. Coli into detaching itself from the bladder wall, thereby allowing you to empty your bladder of urine and this pesky bacteria.
This solution is to use a simple sugar called D-Mannose.
This sugar, when ingested, is processed through the body and stored in the bladder. Once in the bladder, D-Mannose makes the bladder wall more difficult for E. Coli to attach to. It is also thought that bacteria enjoy feeding on D-Mannose and detach from the bladder wall to better feed in the urine. The next time you urinate, the E.Coli along with the D-Mannose is flushed out of your bladder.
I have used this treatment in about half a dozen patient's so far with excellent results. Further research has indicated that D-Mannose can be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention of bladder infections.
If you are interested in trying this natural treatment, we now have this nutritional supplement at our office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now what would a newsletter be without another opinion on healthcare reform. I would ask that you read the following opinion article linked here. It describes how the present healthcare reform bill WILL ration care, and will attempt to change the healthcare system to a population or community based system, instead of one that focuses on the individual.
In 2008 I terminated my participation with health insurers, and founded the Institute For Medical Wellness to provide patient-centered healthcare. Any system that puts more power to any third party, whether it be government or an insurer, and away from the individual is a system doomed to fail, as this type of government dominated system will put doctors and patient's on opposing sides. We need a more just system that will extend coverage to the uninsured without degrading quality for everyone, while keeping doctor's and patient's united for better health.
My opinion.
Throw the present proposals and bills in the trash.
The two political parties are diametrically opposed on too many aspects contained in the present bills under review.
Why not instead, have both political parties sit down and write a proposal in no more than 2-3 sentences that they both can agree upon.
Yes I said 2-3 sentences, not over 1000 pages!!
Read the 2-3 sentences, then vote!!
How about these four for starters:
1) End pre-existing conditions- Have the government start a high-risk pool for everyone with pre-existing conditions. Once individuals have health insurance, if they have a pre-existing condition, the government high risk insurance pool will cover those pre-existing conditions for one year, and after one year the private health insurer will again be responsible. This would bring some of the uninsured back to being insured.
2) Allow employers to give tax free money to employees to buy their own coverage. Employers can offer a company plan, but employees may group together with whoever they want to form their own group. This puts the individual in control of their own healthcare, without destroying employer participation. And this makes insurance portable, as it is owned by the individual.
3) Increase competition by allowing individuals and groups to purchase insurance coverage across state lines. If a policy in Nebraska costs $200/month and a policy in New Jersey costs $500/month, let people purchase the Nebraska policy. I do not know the actual rates for either state, but I have seen insurance rates differ dramatically between states.
4) Allow individuals the same tax benefits for healthcare that corporations have.
If we can start with areas we agree, it will be easier to find solutions to those we do not!!
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
To view previous newsletters
One of the more common reasons patient's visit my office is due to bladder infections, otherwise known as cystitis or UTI (urinary tract infection). These infections are much more common in women than in men until later in life and account for over 8 million doctor visits each year.
Symptoms of bladder infections can include:
-Pain or a burning feeling during urination
-A feeling of urgency, or feeling the need to urinate frequently
-An altered appearance of the urine, either bloody (red) or cloudy (containing pus)
-Pain or pressure in the rectum (men) or in the area of the pubic bone (women)
-Passing only a tiny amount of urine even when the urge to urinate is strong
The most common traditional evaluation for these infections include a history and physical exam, along with a urine sample that is tested for signs of an infection.
The most common traditional treatment includes antibiotics to sterilize the bladder contents. While antibiotic treatments usually work, they are not without potential side effects, which can include but are not limited to allergy to the medication, drug interactions, diarrhea and yeast infection.
But what can be done to prevent these infections from occurring in the first place?
-Everyone should drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria.
-Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.
-Empty your bladder frequently. "Holding in" your urine allows bacteria more time to cause trouble in your bladder before you empty.
For women the following is especially important:
-Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
-Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
-Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
-Avoid wearing tight clothing such as swimsuits and leotards for long periods.
But if all the above has not worked to prevent an infection, is there something else that can be done without needing antibiotics?
To answer this question, first I must let you know that about 90% of bladder infections are caused by a bacteria called E. Coli.
E Coli causes urinary tract infections by attaching itself to the wall of the bladder. Once stuck, it can reproduce and cause an infection.
So other than antibiotics, is there a way to remove the E. Coli form the bladder wall?
There just happens to be a way to trick the E. Coli into detaching itself from the bladder wall, thereby allowing you to empty your bladder of urine and this pesky bacteria.
This solution is to use a simple sugar called D-Mannose.
This sugar, when ingested, is processed through the body and stored in the bladder. Once in the bladder, D-Mannose makes the bladder wall more difficult for E. Coli to attach to. It is also thought that bacteria enjoy feeding on D-Mannose and detach from the bladder wall to better feed in the urine. The next time you urinate, the E.Coli along with the D-Mannose is flushed out of your bladder.
I have used this treatment in about half a dozen patient's so far with excellent results. Further research has indicated that D-Mannose can be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention of bladder infections.
If you are interested in trying this natural treatment, we now have this nutritional supplement at our office.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now what would a newsletter be without another opinion on healthcare reform. I would ask that you read the following opinion article linked here. It describes how the present healthcare reform bill WILL ration care, and will attempt to change the healthcare system to a population or community based system, instead of one that focuses on the individual.
In 2008 I terminated my participation with health insurers, and founded the Institute For Medical Wellness to provide patient-centered healthcare. Any system that puts more power to any third party, whether it be government or an insurer, and away from the individual is a system doomed to fail, as this type of government dominated system will put doctors and patient's on opposing sides. We need a more just system that will extend coverage to the uninsured without degrading quality for everyone, while keeping doctor's and patient's united for better health.
My opinion.
Throw the present proposals and bills in the trash.
The two political parties are diametrically opposed on too many aspects contained in the present bills under review.
Why not instead, have both political parties sit down and write a proposal in no more than 2-3 sentences that they both can agree upon.
Yes I said 2-3 sentences, not over 1000 pages!!
Read the 2-3 sentences, then vote!!
How about these four for starters:
1) End pre-existing conditions- Have the government start a high-risk pool for everyone with pre-existing conditions. Once individuals have health insurance, if they have a pre-existing condition, the government high risk insurance pool will cover those pre-existing conditions for one year, and after one year the private health insurer will again be responsible. This would bring some of the uninsured back to being insured.
2) Allow employers to give tax free money to employees to buy their own coverage. Employers can offer a company plan, but employees may group together with whoever they want to form their own group. This puts the individual in control of their own healthcare, without destroying employer participation. And this makes insurance portable, as it is owned by the individual.
3) Increase competition by allowing individuals and groups to purchase insurance coverage across state lines. If a policy in Nebraska costs $200/month and a policy in New Jersey costs $500/month, let people purchase the Nebraska policy. I do not know the actual rates for either state, but I have seen insurance rates differ dramatically between states.
4) Allow individuals the same tax benefits for healthcare that corporations have.
If we can start with areas we agree, it will be easier to find solutions to those we do not!!
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
To view previous newsletters
Friday, August 21, 2009
Swine Flu - Should we be worried?
August 21, 2009
Swine Flu- Should we be worried?
The Swine Flu, now known as the H1N1 flu has already hit our area, and so far has been no worse than the normal seasonal flu. This may be due to the outbreak beginning in the spring, as the weather was warming up. The flu is always at its peak in the winter months, so a springtime start to a flu helps to slow its spread. There are different theories on why the winter months are worse for the flu. One theory I believe has to do with Vitamin D and our immune system. Vitamin D, which our bodies manufacture in response to strong sunlight, is at it highest level during the summer months and at its lowest level during the winter months. Higher Vitamin D levels have been shown to enhance our immune systems abilities to fight off infections, including influenza. So flu's generally hit when our Vitamin D levels are at our lowest level, in the winter months.
There are many questions yet to be answered about this potential outbreak.
1) Is this flu similar or different to the 1918 version?
Some scientists believe the H1N1 flu is similar to a 1918 flu outbreak that killed 50-100 million people worldwide. But, if you ask 5 experts on this subject, you will probably get 7 different answers. What we do know, is that the virulence of the H1N1 flu may be higher than seasonal flu as it is much more capable of reproducing in lung tissue, and thus responsible for the increased hospitalization rates due to pneumonia.
I am waiting on data from the southern hemisphere, where the winter season should be more conducive for the H1N1 virus. If the flu is causing widespread hospitalizations and deaths, moreso than the normal "flu", then I will take it a bit more seriously. Until then, I am cautiously waiting for more true data that I can analyze.
2) Is the government hysteria over this flu warranted and are they giving any recommendations to decrease its spread?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control), has issued guidelines for businesses and employers to respond to the anticipated 2009-2010 flu season and can be found here. These guidelines deal with workplace recommenddations to reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu. Again, I am waiting on data from the southern hemisphere, where the winter season should be more conducive for the H1N1 virus. If the flu is causing widespread hospitalizations and deaths, moreso than the normal "flu", then I will take it a bit more seriously. Until then, I am cautiously waiting for more true data that I can analyze.
Never letting a potential crisis go to waste, our government has contracted with pharmaceutical companies to ramp up production of an H1N1 vaccine.
I recently came across a quote from the late Robert Novac, which sums up my views on government involvement in healthcare issues.
"Always love your country — but never trust your government!"
There are many more questions I must answer before advising on the need for the H1N1 vaccine, including:
3) Is the vaccine safe?
This question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested. The swine flu vaccine of 1976, caused more problems than the flu did. The British government, aware of those issues, recently wrote a letter to neurologists to be on alert for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder which could be triggered by the vaccine. The 1976 swine flu vaccine caused an eight-fold increase in Guillain-Barre cases in the United States, which at its worst can cause respiratory failure and even death. More information about this government letter can be found here.
4) Is the vaccine effective?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested.
5) Are there side effects, and if so what are they?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested.
The World Health Organization, has posted some information on their website as it relates to side effects. One part in particular concerns me, and the quote is as shown:
"Since new technologies are involved in the production of some pandemic vaccines, which have not yet been extensively evaluated for their safety in certain population groups, it is very important to implement post-marketing surveillance of the highest possible quality. In addition, rapid sharing of the results of immunogenicity and post-marketing safety and effectiveness studies among the international community will be essential for allowing countries to make necessary adjustments to their vaccination policies."
Does the word guinea pig strike a chord?
6) Does the vaccine benefit my patients?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested. I am not anti-vaccines, nor am I anti-pharmaceutical companies. I do my best to research each vaccine and company and make my own independent opinion. However there are some physicians who do not like flu vaccines. To present an anti-vaccine physicians opinion, please visit the following website.
7) Are we to ASSUME that this flu season will be better or worse than in previous years?
Have you ever heard the saying, never assume anything, or you could make an -ass- out of -u- and -me-.
8) Do we trust the pharmaceutical companies to produce a safe and effectice vaccine on short notice?
I'll leave you to decide if you have faith in the pharmaceutical companies. I have received the seasonal flu vaccine each of the past fifteen years, and other than some male pattern baldness, have not had any adverse effects. But this is not the seasonal flu vaccine. This is a new vaccine that is being rushed to market. And to increase production in a quick fashion, the vaccine manufacturers are using experimental additives. More on the additives can be found here. This sounds an awful lot like Congress and the Senate trying to rush through health reform without thinking about the consequences. My solution is to first give this new vaccine to all of our elected officials and politicians. Why not use them as the guinea pigs for once?
I prefer to practice medicine on facts, not on fear or emotion. A little extra time spent talking, researching and thinking, can prevent and even cure many problems. So are there other
ways to protect yourself from the flu or from its complications, until we find out more about the swine flu vaccination?
Steps to enhance your immune system such as stress reduction and an increase in exercise may be beneficial.
Many flu related deaths are caused by a secondary pneumonia infection. Recent evidence has shown that decreased stomach acid, resulting from the use of prescription acid reducers, may increase your risk of pneumonia. Please talk to your physician if you are on one of these medications.
Earlier in this newsletter, I wrote about a benefit of Vitamin D. I have been testing vitamin D levels for many years now, and have found the optimal range for good health and hopefully flu prevention is a Vitamin D3 level of greater than 50 ng/ml. If you have not yet had your Vitamin D level tested, please call our office to schedule. If your Vitamin D level is sub-optimal, summertime sun exposure is a cheap and effective way to increase your levels. It only takes about one hour of daily summertime sun exposure to produce Vitamin D.
If you are unable to get adequate summertime sun exposure, my office sells a Vitamin D3 supplement that is cheap and effective. Call for more details.
In conclusion, it is a personal decision about whether to get a swine flu vaccine. At this point I am not recommending them, although I do recommend the seasonal flu vaccine. Hopefully my shipment of seasonal flu vaccine will arrive and be ready in October. I'll be sure to send out an email alerting everyone when they arrive.
I would also like to thank everyone who has forwarded my newsletters to friends and family. We are adding more readers with every edition.
Let me also wish everyone an enjoyable end to the summer, and to getting as much natural Vitamin D production as you can.
To Good Health!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
Swine Flu- Should we be worried?
The Swine Flu, now known as the H1N1 flu has already hit our area, and so far has been no worse than the normal seasonal flu. This may be due to the outbreak beginning in the spring, as the weather was warming up. The flu is always at its peak in the winter months, so a springtime start to a flu helps to slow its spread. There are different theories on why the winter months are worse for the flu. One theory I believe has to do with Vitamin D and our immune system. Vitamin D, which our bodies manufacture in response to strong sunlight, is at it highest level during the summer months and at its lowest level during the winter months. Higher Vitamin D levels have been shown to enhance our immune systems abilities to fight off infections, including influenza. So flu's generally hit when our Vitamin D levels are at our lowest level, in the winter months.
There are many questions yet to be answered about this potential outbreak.
1) Is this flu similar or different to the 1918 version?
Some scientists believe the H1N1 flu is similar to a 1918 flu outbreak that killed 50-100 million people worldwide. But, if you ask 5 experts on this subject, you will probably get 7 different answers. What we do know, is that the virulence of the H1N1 flu may be higher than seasonal flu as it is much more capable of reproducing in lung tissue, and thus responsible for the increased hospitalization rates due to pneumonia.
I am waiting on data from the southern hemisphere, where the winter season should be more conducive for the H1N1 virus. If the flu is causing widespread hospitalizations and deaths, moreso than the normal "flu", then I will take it a bit more seriously. Until then, I am cautiously waiting for more true data that I can analyze.
2) Is the government hysteria over this flu warranted and are they giving any recommendations to decrease its spread?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control), has issued guidelines for businesses and employers to respond to the anticipated 2009-2010 flu season and can be found here. These guidelines deal with workplace recommenddations to reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu. Again, I am waiting on data from the southern hemisphere, where the winter season should be more conducive for the H1N1 virus. If the flu is causing widespread hospitalizations and deaths, moreso than the normal "flu", then I will take it a bit more seriously. Until then, I am cautiously waiting for more true data that I can analyze.
Never letting a potential crisis go to waste, our government has contracted with pharmaceutical companies to ramp up production of an H1N1 vaccine.
I recently came across a quote from the late Robert Novac, which sums up my views on government involvement in healthcare issues.
"Always love your country — but never trust your government!"
There are many more questions I must answer before advising on the need for the H1N1 vaccine, including:
3) Is the vaccine safe?
This question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested. The swine flu vaccine of 1976, caused more problems than the flu did. The British government, aware of those issues, recently wrote a letter to neurologists to be on alert for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder which could be triggered by the vaccine. The 1976 swine flu vaccine caused an eight-fold increase in Guillain-Barre cases in the United States, which at its worst can cause respiratory failure and even death. More information about this government letter can be found here.
4) Is the vaccine effective?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested.
5) Are there side effects, and if so what are they?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested.
The World Health Organization, has posted some information on their website as it relates to side effects. One part in particular concerns me, and the quote is as shown:
"Since new technologies are involved in the production of some pandemic vaccines, which have not yet been extensively evaluated for their safety in certain population groups, it is very important to implement post-marketing surveillance of the highest possible quality. In addition, rapid sharing of the results of immunogenicity and post-marketing safety and effectiveness studies among the international community will be essential for allowing countries to make necessary adjustments to their vaccination policies."
Does the word guinea pig strike a chord?
6) Does the vaccine benefit my patients?
Again, this question has not been answered because it has not been thoroughly tested. I am not anti-vaccines, nor am I anti-pharmaceutical companies. I do my best to research each vaccine and company and make my own independent opinion. However there are some physicians who do not like flu vaccines. To present an anti-vaccine physicians opinion, please visit the following website.
7) Are we to ASSUME that this flu season will be better or worse than in previous years?
Have you ever heard the saying, never assume anything, or you could make an -ass- out of -u- and -me-.
8) Do we trust the pharmaceutical companies to produce a safe and effectice vaccine on short notice?
I'll leave you to decide if you have faith in the pharmaceutical companies. I have received the seasonal flu vaccine each of the past fifteen years, and other than some male pattern baldness, have not had any adverse effects. But this is not the seasonal flu vaccine. This is a new vaccine that is being rushed to market. And to increase production in a quick fashion, the vaccine manufacturers are using experimental additives. More on the additives can be found here. This sounds an awful lot like Congress and the Senate trying to rush through health reform without thinking about the consequences. My solution is to first give this new vaccine to all of our elected officials and politicians. Why not use them as the guinea pigs for once?
I prefer to practice medicine on facts, not on fear or emotion. A little extra time spent talking, researching and thinking, can prevent and even cure many problems. So are there other
ways to protect yourself from the flu or from its complications, until we find out more about the swine flu vaccination?
Steps to enhance your immune system such as stress reduction and an increase in exercise may be beneficial.
Many flu related deaths are caused by a secondary pneumonia infection. Recent evidence has shown that decreased stomach acid, resulting from the use of prescription acid reducers, may increase your risk of pneumonia. Please talk to your physician if you are on one of these medications.
Earlier in this newsletter, I wrote about a benefit of Vitamin D. I have been testing vitamin D levels for many years now, and have found the optimal range for good health and hopefully flu prevention is a Vitamin D3 level of greater than 50 ng/ml. If you have not yet had your Vitamin D level tested, please call our office to schedule. If your Vitamin D level is sub-optimal, summertime sun exposure is a cheap and effective way to increase your levels. It only takes about one hour of daily summertime sun exposure to produce Vitamin D.
If you are unable to get adequate summertime sun exposure, my office sells a Vitamin D3 supplement that is cheap and effective. Call for more details.
In conclusion, it is a personal decision about whether to get a swine flu vaccine. At this point I am not recommending them, although I do recommend the seasonal flu vaccine. Hopefully my shipment of seasonal flu vaccine will arrive and be ready in October. I'll be sure to send out an email alerting everyone when they arrive.
I would also like to thank everyone who has forwarded my newsletters to friends and family. We are adding more readers with every edition.
Let me also wish everyone an enjoyable end to the summer, and to getting as much natural Vitamin D production as you can.
To Good Health!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Fish Oil supplements as a potential cure for global warming ???
August 1, 2009
Fish Oil supplements as a potential cure for global warming ???
Fish Oil supplements as a potential cure for global warming ???I know it sounds far fetched, and I also know there is a lot of debate on whether global warming exists.
And hey, why does it look like Al Gore wearing a clip on his nose?
Please keep reading and humor me for a second....
Let's for a moment or two assume that global warming does exist.
While our politicians debate about global warming, and different options to reduce emissions that contribute to it, can fish oils be helpful?
First a little bit of info on fish oils. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to have many positive effects such as:
--improving good cholesterol (HDL)
--lowering triglycerides
--cancer prevention
--helpful for Bipolar illness
--helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis
--helpful for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
--less pain and inflammation
And hey, why does it look like Al Gore wearing a clip on his nose?
Please keep reading and humor me for a second....
Let's for a moment or two assume that global warming does exist.
While our politicians debate about global warming, and different options to reduce emissions that contribute to it, can fish oils be helpful?
First a little bit of info on fish oils. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to have many positive effects such as:
--improving good cholesterol (HDL)
--lowering triglycerides
--cancer prevention
--helpful for Bipolar illness
--helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis
--helpful for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
--less pain and inflammation
I am sure there are other benefits that we have not yet discovered, but will in the future.
I have been taking fish oils for the past 5 years as a supplement to my diet. The brand I use, from Carlson's Labs, has been tested by an independent lab and found free of impurities and toxic chemicals. This is important when you look to a supplement to use. There are other qualities to look for, and please ask at your next visit. If you have trouble finding a fish oil supplement, we do have Carlson's Fish Oils available at our office in both capsule and liquid form.
But let me get back to fish oils as it relates to global warming.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to improve your health and help prevent global warming at the same time?
Well, some researchers may have found a way, at least with cows !!
Huh????
Here is an excerpt form an online article in Natural News:
(NaturalNews) Adding fish oil to the diets of cows and other ruminants may significantly reduce the amount of methane that the animals emit via belching or flatulence, according to a study conducted by researchers from University College Dublin and presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology.
Their theory is that adding fish oils to cow feed reduces the amount of bacteria that produce methane gas. This methane, when released in the form of belching or flatulence, is one of the leading global warming gases on our planet. More fish oils, less methane in cow flatulence, less global warming. So if we believe this theory, the above list of uses for fish oils now looks like this:
--improving good cholesterol (HDL)
--lowering triglycerides
--cancer prevention
--Bipolar illness
--Rheumatoid Arthritis
--Inflammatory Bowel Disease
--less pain and inflammation
--REDUCES GLOBAL WARMING
Personally, I feel a better cure for global warming would be to stop all the gases coming out of our Washington, D.C. politicians. They are a truer cause of global warming!!
--improving good cholesterol (HDL)
--lowering triglycerides
--cancer prevention
--Bipolar illness
--Rheumatoid Arthritis
--Inflammatory Bowel Disease
--less pain and inflammation
--REDUCES GLOBAL WARMING
Personally, I feel a better cure for global warming would be to stop all the gases coming out of our Washington, D.C. politicians. They are a truer cause of global warming!!
Send then home to get real jobs, not government jobs that allow them to follow their own special rules, instead of what everyone else follows!
By the way, be sure to ask your senators and representatives if they will accept the same healthcare options that they want you, the American public to take?
When they say no, doesn't that tell you something????
It tells me that something smells in Washington, D.C. !!!!
Please visit www.freeourhealthcarenow.com and sign the petition to keep the government out of your healthcare. So far, the petition has almost 1 million signatures. If you have already signed, please forward to all your friends and family.
To Good Health!!!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
www.drhorvitz.com
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Healthcare Reform - Is it Gloom and Doom for Seniors?
July 26, 2009
Healthcare Reform - Is it Gloom and Doom for Seniors?
I apologize in advance if the purpose of this newsletter is once again reform, but with the daily debates in Washington about overhauling the healthcare system, I feel I have no choice.
Let me be clear.
Our healthcare system needs reform, but the reform must start at home and not in Washington. I founded the Institute For Medical Wellness because the present third party insurance, government and corporate dominance of our healthcare system is unsustainable and detrimental to high quality patient-centered care. I removed myself from the system to be able to provide the patient-centered care that you deserve, not the care that a insurance or government bureaucrat feels you are worth. The present reform bills in Washington, both House and Senate, are focused not on improving care, but on controlling costs by putting more roadblocks into obtaining medical care. These reform proposals aim to incrementally and permanently move individuals and businesses into a government controlled system. This has already been tried in Massachusetts and Tennessee and has not worked, with the costs of the programs and waiting time for medical care both rising exponentially. When government medical costs rise, taxes rise and rationing of care soon follows. In a freer market based system, where individuals have more control of their healthcare decisions and dollars, medical costs and waiting times decrease as medical innovation increases. As costs decrease, care becomes more affordable and accessible to all. Look to the car industry. The cost of a new car today is about the cost of a new car a decade ago. This is not due to government intervention, but due to free market economics. On the other hand, Medicare and Medicaid , both government programs that fix costs, thereby not a free market, have had tremendous costs increases.
At the present time, I participate in Traditional Medicare. But the reform proposals aim to change the Medicare system, and not in a way that is good for patient care. When I stopped participating in insurance plans, some of the plans paid me better than Medicare, some worse. I did not risk my practice due to payments from insurers being too low. I dropped the insurers because they were meddling in the care that I needed to provide. Presently Medicare does not have these roadblocks. Under the present reform proposals, that will all change, and I truly fear for the medical care of seniors. Senior citizens will bear the biggest brunt of the reform due to cuts to Medicare of half a trillion dollars over the next ten years. These cuts will happen even though Medicare enrollment is expected to increase by 30% as the "Baby Boomers" become eligible. So how do we improve care, cut the budget to pay for this care, all while having people enrolled in this care increase by 30%? We can not! The math just does not add up!!
No, you have it wrong doc.
That is not what the reform bill is all about.
We will all get access to better healthcare.
Sorry, but that is just political rhetoric. One of the OBama administrations healthcare advisors, Zeke Emmanuel, has written extensively that the elderly should get less care, especially for incurable illnesses such as dementia, because, they "no longer contribute to society." The following is a quote from Dr Emmanuel:
"An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia. A less obvious example Is is guaranteeing neuropsychological services to ensure children with learning disabilities can read and learn to reason."
Sorry Mom and Dad.
Sorry Grandma and Grandpa.
It was nice knowing you !!
Sorry children. You do not deserve the chance to learn to read and reason!!
I am sorry, but this is not reform, and is not the type of healthcare I expect from our country! This is a planned political medical power grab and medical rationing by the government. Any other conclusions or statements to the contrary is rhetoric, outright lies and deceptions.
There are better ways that benefit individuals and business of all size to better afford medical care, while keeping medical freedoms. Some proposals I agree with are listed below:
1) Allow individuals and small businesses to band together to negotiate better rates with insurance companies.
2) Allow insurance companies to sell policies across state lines. This will increase cost competition and hopefully end state mandates that lead to higher insurance rates.
3) Allow individuals the same tax deductibility for health insurance and healthcare that businesses now enjoy.
4) Decrease defensive medical costs by passing tort reform. Many doctors order tests that may be unnecessary for fear of getting sued. Patient's truly injured by medical malpractice will still be able to sue for damages, but the frivolous lawsuits must be ended.
5) We need more HSA's, (Health Savings Accounts), tied to higher deductible or catastrophic insurance policies. These policies are much, much cheaper than present policies, allow tax free savings for medical care, and protect from medical bankruptcies. It also puts the power of the healthcare decision making and the power of the healthcare dollar back in the hands of the patient, and away from insurers and government bureaucrats.
6) End pre-existing condition clauses in health insurance.
7) Make health insurance portable and not tied to employment. If individuals are allowed to band together as a group to negotiate better insurance rates, why do we need employers to do it for us? Allow employers to give employees, as part of their compensation package, tax free money to purchase their own coverage, if they do not like the coverage offered by their employer. If the government wants to help, they can cover part of the costs of coverage if an individual is between jobs.
There are many other suggestions for reform, the key point in reform is to allow the power of healthcare to remain with the individual, and not a government or third party. If the present reform package becomes law, I truly fear for the health of our country! We need reform that will restore the doctor-patient relationship as the predominant factor in healthcare!! Ask yourself, "Who do you trust to help you make healthcare decisions? Your doctor or Washington politicians??
If you care about healthcare choice and healthcare freedom, I strongly urge that you visit the following website, http://www.defendyourhealthcare.us/ , which contains more in-depth information on the present reform proposals. Please do not be left on the sideline, or say it is too late to stop these reforms. You may agree or disagree with the views on the above website, but you need to be informed, and make certain that your political representatives hear from you!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
http://www.drhorvitz.com/
Healthcare Reform - Is it Gloom and Doom for Seniors?
I apologize in advance if the purpose of this newsletter is once again reform, but with the daily debates in Washington about overhauling the healthcare system, I feel I have no choice.
Let me be clear.
Our healthcare system needs reform, but the reform must start at home and not in Washington. I founded the Institute For Medical Wellness because the present third party insurance, government and corporate dominance of our healthcare system is unsustainable and detrimental to high quality patient-centered care. I removed myself from the system to be able to provide the patient-centered care that you deserve, not the care that a insurance or government bureaucrat feels you are worth. The present reform bills in Washington, both House and Senate, are focused not on improving care, but on controlling costs by putting more roadblocks into obtaining medical care. These reform proposals aim to incrementally and permanently move individuals and businesses into a government controlled system. This has already been tried in Massachusetts and Tennessee and has not worked, with the costs of the programs and waiting time for medical care both rising exponentially. When government medical costs rise, taxes rise and rationing of care soon follows. In a freer market based system, where individuals have more control of their healthcare decisions and dollars, medical costs and waiting times decrease as medical innovation increases. As costs decrease, care becomes more affordable and accessible to all. Look to the car industry. The cost of a new car today is about the cost of a new car a decade ago. This is not due to government intervention, but due to free market economics. On the other hand, Medicare and Medicaid , both government programs that fix costs, thereby not a free market, have had tremendous costs increases.
At the present time, I participate in Traditional Medicare. But the reform proposals aim to change the Medicare system, and not in a way that is good for patient care. When I stopped participating in insurance plans, some of the plans paid me better than Medicare, some worse. I did not risk my practice due to payments from insurers being too low. I dropped the insurers because they were meddling in the care that I needed to provide. Presently Medicare does not have these roadblocks. Under the present reform proposals, that will all change, and I truly fear for the medical care of seniors. Senior citizens will bear the biggest brunt of the reform due to cuts to Medicare of half a trillion dollars over the next ten years. These cuts will happen even though Medicare enrollment is expected to increase by 30% as the "Baby Boomers" become eligible. So how do we improve care, cut the budget to pay for this care, all while having people enrolled in this care increase by 30%? We can not! The math just does not add up!!
No, you have it wrong doc.
That is not what the reform bill is all about.
We will all get access to better healthcare.
Sorry, but that is just political rhetoric. One of the OBama administrations healthcare advisors, Zeke Emmanuel, has written extensively that the elderly should get less care, especially for incurable illnesses such as dementia, because, they "no longer contribute to society." The following is a quote from Dr Emmanuel:
"An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia. A less obvious example Is is guaranteeing neuropsychological services to ensure children with learning disabilities can read and learn to reason."
Sorry Mom and Dad.
Sorry Grandma and Grandpa.
It was nice knowing you !!
Sorry children. You do not deserve the chance to learn to read and reason!!
I am sorry, but this is not reform, and is not the type of healthcare I expect from our country! This is a planned political medical power grab and medical rationing by the government. Any other conclusions or statements to the contrary is rhetoric, outright lies and deceptions.
There are better ways that benefit individuals and business of all size to better afford medical care, while keeping medical freedoms. Some proposals I agree with are listed below:
1) Allow individuals and small businesses to band together to negotiate better rates with insurance companies.
2) Allow insurance companies to sell policies across state lines. This will increase cost competition and hopefully end state mandates that lead to higher insurance rates.
3) Allow individuals the same tax deductibility for health insurance and healthcare that businesses now enjoy.
4) Decrease defensive medical costs by passing tort reform. Many doctors order tests that may be unnecessary for fear of getting sued. Patient's truly injured by medical malpractice will still be able to sue for damages, but the frivolous lawsuits must be ended.
5) We need more HSA's, (Health Savings Accounts), tied to higher deductible or catastrophic insurance policies. These policies are much, much cheaper than present policies, allow tax free savings for medical care, and protect from medical bankruptcies. It also puts the power of the healthcare decision making and the power of the healthcare dollar back in the hands of the patient, and away from insurers and government bureaucrats.
6) End pre-existing condition clauses in health insurance.
7) Make health insurance portable and not tied to employment. If individuals are allowed to band together as a group to negotiate better insurance rates, why do we need employers to do it for us? Allow employers to give employees, as part of their compensation package, tax free money to purchase their own coverage, if they do not like the coverage offered by their employer. If the government wants to help, they can cover part of the costs of coverage if an individual is between jobs.
There are many other suggestions for reform, the key point in reform is to allow the power of healthcare to remain with the individual, and not a government or third party. If the present reform package becomes law, I truly fear for the health of our country! We need reform that will restore the doctor-patient relationship as the predominant factor in healthcare!! Ask yourself, "Who do you trust to help you make healthcare decisions? Your doctor or Washington politicians??
If you care about healthcare choice and healthcare freedom, I strongly urge that you visit the following website, http://www.defendyourhealthcare.us/ , which contains more in-depth information on the present reform proposals. Please do not be left on the sideline, or say it is too late to stop these reforms. You may agree or disagree with the views on the above website, but you need to be informed, and make certain that your political representatives hear from you!
Steven Horvitz, D.O.
Board Certified Family Practice
Founder of The Institute For Medical Wellness
128 Borton Landing Road, Suite Two
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone 856-231-0590
Fax 856-294-0311
http://www.drhorvitz.com/
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