Self-Care In Community
As we turn towards a new season, shedding the cold winter air from our skin, our mind and body adjusts to the inevitable and relieving change in the weather, which can also open more opportunity to change up our behaviors and perspectives. Self-care has always been important. Especially now, as we embark on political and social uncertainty, caring for ourselves and each other is imperative to our survival. To those living with chronic illness, self-care is a large pillar in the foundation of living life with meaning. Learning to separate from the systems that are meant to oppress and harm, and no longer keeping up with expectations that are not suitable nor possible for all people.
Read MoreUnderstanding GLP-1 Medications
Do you have questions about GLP-1 Medications? Glucagon- like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1) medications have attracted increased attention in the past several years for treatment of type 2 Diabetes and weight loss management. Although, using these medications alone can lead to improvements in health and weight, using a guided integrative approach with support and oversight will lead to more successful lasting outcomes. Read more to understand these medications and how they could benefit you.
Read MoreNaturopathic Support for Common Period Problems: PMS, Cramps, Heavy Bleeding & More
For many individuals, the menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly occurrence—it can come with a host of uncomfortable symptoms like PMS, cramping, heavy bleeding, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Naturopathic medicine can provide gentle, holistic support to alleviate discomfort and promote overall hormonal balance. Here’s how natural remedies, smart diet and lifestyle tweaks can help.
Read MoreLimbic and Vagal Dysfunction
The Limbic and Vagal systems are both involved in controlling processes of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) - our body’s system that regulates involuntary processes. The ANS consists of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), which controls our “fight or flight” response, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), traditionally known for its function in “rest and digest. The Polyvagal theory, coined by Dr. Stephen Porges, breaks the PNS down further, setting a foundation for understanding of the PNS through the lens of two main pathways of the Vagus Nerve, Cranial Nerve X: the Dorsal Vagal branch and the Ventral Vagal branch. Both branches originate from adjacent locations of the Medulla Oblongata in the brainstem. These branches are functionally and structurally different, and therefore play different roles in regulating the PNS.
Read MorePlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) a Treatment for Vitiligo
PRP treatment is a process of using one’s own blood components back into the body in areas that are injured, damaged or diseased causing regeneration. PRP has been used at the Stram Center for over 2 years and has continued to expand in its demand and uses. In addition to joint injections, we also use PRP to regenerate hair growth and to reduce lines, wrinkles and scarring. Upon our continued practice using PRP, we continue to discover benefits that PRP can provide our patients. In the medical community, PRP continues to gain momentum on disorders that are positively affected by its use. There is ongoing research to identify additional uses for this natural remedy. In addition to the above listed procedures, we also use PRP to reduce pigmentation to the skin. The main pigmentation disorders we encounter are melasma and vitiligo. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin by causing depigmentation. These areas can be located on the face, scalp and/or extremities. The depigmentation in vitiligo is caused by a destruction in melanocytes. Multiple dermatology and PRP case studies were reviewed, all with positive results on vitiligo improvement for both microneedling and PRP injections under the skin.
Read MoreAdvanced New Cancer Testing: Determining Best Treatment Options
The Stram Center is excited to introduce advanced laboratory testing that offers a personalized approach to cancer therapy by testing and analyzing blood samples for the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC’s), cancer stem cells (CSC’s), and cancer-related genetic information. CTC’s are defined as tumor cells that have been sloughed from the primary tumor and are now circulating in the blood cell or lymph. A percentage of CTC’s are recognized as CSC’s. Both CTC’s and CSC’s are responsible for cancer spread or metastasis and resistance to treatment. Therefore, knowing both the amount and characteristics of CTC’s can be very important during and post treatment.
Read MoreIntroducing Softwave Therapy
From musculoskeletal pain to wound care and sexual health, softwave is taking the medical industry by storm. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) or softwave is your partner in healing and regeneration. This technology offers an effective, noninvasive treatment with no side effects at a fraction of the cost of traditional treatment methods.
Read MoreChanging Seasons, Changing You
As the air begins to crisp, and the leaves start changing colors, we are brought back to what’s familiar. Maybe this time feels sad, or it feels exciting. The beauty of seasons is the change we must endure; reminding us of our internal strength and resilience. September 10th was National Suicide Prevention Day, and while a day can never be enough to grieve the lives lost and families and friends affected, it’s an important time for us to listen, unlearn, relearn, and heal. With over 700,000 lives lost a year globally due to suicide it important for us to reflect on our own struggles, how common and yet unique they are, and the systems within us and around us, that make it challenging to find hope. Most of us, if not everyone, has thought about dying, has questioned why we are here, and wondered what it would be like to not exist. For us to make changes in that harrowing yearly number, we need to take the shame out of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Shame hides us from the world, it protects us but with limits. It is also not solely on us, but on the systems and powers put in place that keeps us apart: limiting our time available to support one another. Most of us are too tired to have challenging conversations and too exhausted to support one another as most of us are barely able to support ourselves.
Read MoreBack to School Tips for Your Health
Back to school season has arrived. It is the time of year when the days are getting shorter, the weather cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and the children are back in school. As you and your family adjust to the schedule of early mornings, busy days, sports and after- school activities here are a few ways to help you navigate the return to school while keeping your family healthy from the inside out.
Read MoreLyme Testing: What to Know.
Did you know that the traditional Western Blot test for Lyme disease is not adequate testing to detect all Borrelia groups and species? Most of us are aware of “co-infections”, such as Babesia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, etc., however, other Borrelia groups and species are often overlooked when it comes to testing. Igenex, a laboratory that has a focus on developing high quality testing for Tick Borne Illnesses, recently discontinued their Western Blot to be replaced with the Lyme Immunoblot. The Lyme Immunoblot is more sensitive and specific than the traditional Western Blot, which only tests for one species of Borrelia, B. burgdorferi. In one test, the Lyme Immunoblot will assess for nearly ten species of Borrelia; including B. burgdorferi B31, B. burgdorferi 297, B. californiensis, B. mayonii, B.afzelii, B. garinii, B. spielmanii, B. bissettii, and B. valaisianaa.
Read More
