Dr. Scott Denny Weblog

Almost Half of Americans Use Alternative Medicine

sdacudoc — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:46:32 +0000

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health say that nearly 40 percent of adults have used some type therapy that isn’t taught in medical schools. But more than 40 U.S. universities, including Stanford, UCLA, Duke and The George Washington University have integrative medicine centers.

With more Americans turning to alternatives, the U.S. government founded The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as part of the National Institutes of Health.

“Our job here at the National Institutes of Health is to bring really good science to these really interesting practices,” says Dr. Josephine Briggs, the center’s director.

Practices that are considered outside mainstream medicine, like the use of dietary supplements, meditation and yoga, as well as chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, reiki – or therapeutic touch – and massage. A survey by the NIH in 2007 indicated four in 10 Americans use one of these practices, most often to treat pain.

If nearly half the population uses so called alternative medicine, when will it be referred to as “conventional? “

Dr. D.

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Almost Half of Americans Use Alternative Medicine | American Life | English

Homeopathy for Holistic Wellness

sdacudoc — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:28:46 +0000

Millions of people suffer from chronic or acute health concerns. While some are silent sufferers, others may book an appointment with their general practitioner, but more and more people are seeking relief by following some form of complementary and alternative medicine, such as homeopathy.

“Homeopathy is based on the understanding that body, mind and spirit work together in harmony when the vital force is in a state of homeostasis,” explained Dr. Vatsala Sperling, founder of Rochester Homeopathy. “When the vital force is out of tune, a whole range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms appear; collectively, these are called diseases. Homeopathy works to restore homeostasis of the vital force. The result is a deeply felt, truly holistic sense of wellness at the level of mind, body and spirit.”

Sperling grew up in India using homeopathy. She earned a doctorate degree in clinical microbiology and was awarded a Gold Medal by the president of India for her scholastic accomplishments. She was invited to join the staff of The Childs Trust Hospital in Chennai, India, as the chief of Clinical Microbiology Services, a position she held until her marriage and subsequent move to the United States in 1996.

With deep personal interest in holistic health, Sperling decided to circle back to her roots in homeopathy. She graduated from The School of Homeopathy in Devon, U.K., and founded Rochester Homeopathy last year. People from different age groups and diverse backgrounds come to her seeking help.

“In classical homeopathy, no detail is unimportant,” said Sperling, “and so, during consultation, clients are asked about every aspect of their life: health, habits, profession, hobbies, dreams and sleep, food preferences, body functions, familial and social relationships and such. These details figure into the selection of a remedy that would help restore homeostasis to the vital force. The result is a deeply felt sense of wellness.”

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children suffering from health concerns spend $33.9 billion annually and use some form of CAM. Homeopathy, according to the National Institute of Health, attracts people with a wide range of health concerns from wellness and prevention, to the treatment of diseases such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, digestive disorders, ear infections, headaches and skin rashes.

Homeopathy was introduced in late 1700s by Samuel Hahnemann, a German medical doctor. Although acute and chronic health issues can be addressed, the practice does not restrict itself to treating specific body parts or diseases labels. Instead, the whole self is the focus, with creating a healthy being—inside and out—as the emphasis.

Only after obtaining a thorough understanding of individuals’ symptoms, Sperling can recommend a remedy. “Homeopathic healing is brought about by administering a small dose of a remedy that matches the symptoms,” she said. “This remedy gently encourages the vital force to regain its normal, healthy state so that it can support good health. Following a protocol laid out by Dr. Hahnemann, remedies are made from natural substances, dissolved in water or alcohol, and taken by mouth. This system of healing is noninvasive and does not rely on expensive tests and diagnostics.

“Homeopathy is about finding the image of us in nature and matching it with a remedy,” Sperling concluded. “So anyone can benefit from this natural and complementary system of healing.”

Besides homeopathy, Sperling is a prolific writer who has published numerous research papers in clinical microbiology, several articles on homeopathy, seven children’s books based on mythology from India and co-authored the forthcoming book, “For Seven Lifetimes: An East–West Journey to a Spiritually Fulfilling and Sustainable Marriage”, with her husband, Ehud Sperling. The book, due in bookstores in February 2011, tells the story of their yearlong courtship across continents and cultures, and the success of their 15-yearlong marriage based on shared values and spiritual growth.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Call for more information: 954-473-8925

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM
Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
2020 NE 48th Ct.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Websites:
http://www.drscottdenny.com/
http://www.multicareclinic.org/
http://www.naturalclinics.net/
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http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100728/FEATURES14/707289997?form_372.replyids=2&form_363.replyids=2&form_346.userid=215&form_346.replyids=7739.

Fish oil reduces risk of breast cancer by a third

sdacudoc — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:18:48 +0000

In a new study, just published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, was conducted by a research team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. They investigated 35,016 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 76 with no history of breast cancer who were participating in the Vitamins and Lifestyle cohort study (dubbed VITAL, short). The woman was asked to complete a 24 page questionnaire about their use of supplements other than vitamins and/or minerals.

After six years of follow-up, 880 of these women had been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, those women who reported regularly taking fish oil supplements, which contain high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, were found to have a 32 percent reduced risk of invasive ductal breast cancer — the most common type of breast cancer. The use of other specialty supplements, such as the herbs black cohosh and dong quai which are often taken by women to relieve symptoms of menopause, was not associated with raising or lowering breast cancer risk.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Call for more information: 954-473-8925

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM
Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
2020 NE 48th Ct.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Websites:
http://www.drscottdenny.com/
http://www.multicareclinic.org/
http://www.naturalclinics.net/
http://www.ammamed.com

Cure Your Digestive Woes with Probiotics and Fiber by Sylvia Anderson – Digestive – InsidersHealth.com

sdacudoc — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:44:29 +0000

Cure Your Digestive Woes with Probiotics and Fiber by Sylvia Anderson – Digestive – InsidersHealth.com.

Suffering from digestive problems can be one of the most confusing and exhausting physical ailments you may ever experience. Cramping, constipation and untimely trips to the bathroom can literally take away your ability to live a fully satisfied life. Luckily, scientists are continuing to find ways to use natural ingredients such as probiotics and fiber to address those problems.

Why are Digestive Problems Such a Problem?
Digestive problems might not be so bad if you could undergo a few tests to determine the exact problem, and then figure out the best way to address it. However, it is often very difficult to tell what specifically is causing your digestive woes. Could it be the Chinese take-out you had two nights ago, or that sandwich you ate at midnight? Could it be that you are just under a great deal of stress? Do you have a viral infection that is turning your stomach upside down?

Your doctor can run some helpful tests, but the truth is that no one truly knows everything about what causes digestive problems and even a disorder like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Unfortunately, doctors often prescribe prescription or over-the-counter medications as a “blanket” approach to treatment, which may or may not address your problem. Unfortunately such medications run the risk of side effects, putting you in more misery than where you started.

To understand the digestive system, you need to know that many things can influence how well your digestive system functions. Your digestive system is made up of many chemical reactions that essentially break down your food and provide you with nourishment. There are “good” bacteria in your stomach that help you break down this food, as well as chemicals produced by your liver that help break down fat. If these processes are hindered then it can throw your system off track and cause you any number of problems.

Probiotics
Probiotics have been a popular option lately for addressing digestive woes. Probiotics are essentially more of the good bacteria that already reside in your digestive tract. Adding probiotics to your diet—via a food source such as yogurt, or dietary supplements—will help your digestive tract stay balanced.

Fiber
Fiber helps in a different way. Fiber is basically the indigestible strands of “threads” that are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. As the food you eat travels through your digestive system, it essentially turns into liquid form. By the time that it reaches the end of its journey, the fiber in your system will help the food reform into a solid but soft stool that can be passed easily. A lack of fiber can cause both constipation and diarrhea. By getting an adequate amount of fiber in your diet each day (not too little, not too much), you can help regulate the process and hopefully avoid any added stress on your digestive system.

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider which one of these would be the best for you (or maybe both!). Start out with a cup of yogurt per day (with added probiotics) and see how it works for you. Likewise, fiber can be added simply by eating more fruits and vegetables, and even by consuming things like oatmeal or whole-grain toast.

Adding more fiber and probiotics are both very cost effective and simple ways to help soothe your digestive woes. Adding one of both of these to your diet in the proper amounts—along with plenty of water—should help to get your digestive system back in balance.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Call for more information: 954-473-8925

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM
Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
2020 NE 48th Ct.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Websites:
http://www.drscottdenny.com/

http://www.multicareclinic.org/

http://www.naturalclinics.net/

http://www.ammamed.com

Acupuncture treats depression during pregnancy (without chemical drugs)

sdacudoc — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:30:52 +0000

Acupuncture relives the symptoms of depression during pregnancy better than a placebo and potentially as well as pharmaceutical antidepressants, according to a study conducted by researchers from Stanford University and published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

“Acupuncture that we have tested works for pregnant, depressed women,” researcher Rachel Manber said.

The researchers randomly assigned 150 pregnant women who were suffering from clinical depression to receive either massage, acupuncture designed to treat depression, or acupuncture not designed for depression. After eight weeks of treatment, 63 percent of participants in the acupuncture-for-depression group had experienced an improvement in their symptoms, compared with 44 percent of women in the other two groups.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into certain key parts of the body to treat various health conditions.

The study did not compare acupuncture to antidepressants or psychotherapy, but the success rate of acupuncture in the current study was similar to that of other therapies in studies of men and non-pregnant women, the researchers noted.

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM

Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
4711-A N. Dixie Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Websites:

http://www.drscottdenny.com

http://www.multicareclinic.org

http://www.naturalclinics.net

For more info on this story please see: online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575081753471294546.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop

US scores dead last in global health survey

sdacudoc — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:26:34 +0000

US scores dead last in global health survey.

(NaturalNews) The Commonwealth Fund recently released a report that places the U.S. last among six other developed countries in terms of quality of health care. According to the report, U.S. health care costs are roughly twice as much as they are in other countries, but the care is not as good or as efficient.

The report includes comparisons between the U.S. health care system and those of Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the U.K. However the criteria used by the foundation to assess and score the countries is based more on differing health care philosophies among nations rather than actual quality of care.

In fact, all the other nations included in the survey have “universal health insurance”, which is noted in the report as being one of the biggest differences. It does mention, however, that the “health reform legislation” recently passed in the U.S. will help to bump it up some in the foundation’s view.

The report does highlight the fact that health spending in the U.S. is typically much higher per person than it is in other developed nations. According to the report, health spending per person in the U.S. averaged more than $7,000 in 2007, while spending ranged from between about $2,500 and $4,000 in the other countries assessed.

For more info on this story please see:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65M0SU20100623?type=domesticNews&feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM

Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
2020 NE 48th Ct.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Websites:

http://www.drscottdenny.com

http://www.multicareclinic.org

http://www.ammamed.com

http://www.naturalclinics.net

Alternative Methods for Quitting Smoking: Hypnosis, Acupuncture, Meditation – How to Quit Smoking

sdacudoc — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:10:20 +0000

Many a successful quitter has gotten through the pangs of cigarette withdrawal using techniques such as hypnosis, acupuncture, or meditation. These alternative, or complementary, therapies address lifestyle issues not generally covered by conventional medicine—in this case, coping mentally with the little smoking triggers that lure smokers back, developing a healthy balance between the mind and the body, and relieving stress. Click on the following link for more….

Alternative Methods for Quitting Smoking: Hypnosis, Acupuncture, Meditation – How to Quit Smoking – Health.com.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM

Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
4711-A N. Dixie Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Websites:

http://www.drscottdenny.com

http://www.multicareclinic.org

http://www.naturalclinics.net

Acupuncture Could Help Period Pain, Researchers Say

sdacudoc — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:01:36 +0000

Researchers said there was “promising evidence” for acupuncture in treating cramps, but that more work was needed.

In the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, they noted two studies found little difference between real and sham acupuncture in treating pain.

Acupuncture is a less contentious form of complementary medicine than some, but its value is still disputed.

Period pain can be severe in some women and may be accompanied by nausea, diarrhoea, migraine and backache. Common treatments include pain killers, applying heat and exercise – although a recent study questioned the efficacy of the latter.

This latest review involved 27 studies – which included nearly 3,000 women. They addressed a variety of forms of acupuncture – from classical to acupoint injection.

Traditional acupuncturists insert needles in acupuncture points located along what they describe as “energy meridians” – a concept for which many scientists say there is no evidence. Sham acupuncture places needles away from these points.

It is not clear whether either form alleviates pain as a result of the placebo effect – the very ritual of undergoing acupuncture – or cause subtle changes in the nervous system and brain activity which can be beneficial.

Nice backs needles

The analysis by the team from Kyung Hee Medical Centre found that patients with severe period pain reported a greater reduction in their symptoms when using acupuncture compared with pharmacological treatments.

But they stressed there were methodological flaws in some studies, and that the findings did need to be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, there was “promising evidence”, they wrote.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has backed the use of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain – a move welcomed by some but criticised by those who say there is little evidence for its efficacy.

The editor-in-chief of the BJOG, Professor Philip Steer, noted that some women had period pain, also known as primary dysmenorrhoea, so badly they were “unable to function normally”.

“Women with primary dysmenorrhoea should consult their GPs or gynaecologists on the best treatment available to them. Complementary therapies should not be used exclusively, at the expense of conventional treatment, unless significant improvements have been made and your doctor tells you otherwise.”

Commentary: Despite the growing evidence the press and medical researchers will never give credit where credit is due. Statements such as, “Complementary therapies should not be used exclusively, at the expense of conventional treatment, unless significant improvements have been made and your doctor tells you otherwise,” show the continued arrogance of the medical community against of safe, effective natural therapies and the intention to have patients not be a participant in their own care. “At the expense of conventional therapies?” What exactly are those conventional therapies? Muscle relaxants, hormones, NSAIDS. The choice is yours to make…..Dr. D.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Call for more information: 954-473-8925

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM
Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
4711-A N. Dixie Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Websites:
http://www.drscottdenny.com/
http://www.multicareclinic.org/
http://www.naturalclinics.net/

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8518745.stm

Study Maps Effects of Acupuncture on The Brain

sdacudoc — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 10:17:25 +0000

ScienceDaily (2010-02-05) — New research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101736.htm.

Contact our award winning practice today for more information on our nutritional and natural medicine approach to health!

Call for more information: 954-473-8925

Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM

Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
4711-A N. Dixie Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Websites:

http://www.drscottdenny.com

http://www.multicareclinic.org

http://www.naturalclinics.net

Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering

sdacudoc — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:30:18 +0000

Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering.

Here we go folks. You better tighten your seat belts because things are about to get a little weird. The passage of this bill still does not address the fact that the United States is ranked very, very low on many healthcare fronts. This bill addresses none of it from where I sit.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the United States was number 1 in terms of health care spending per capita but ranked 39th for infant mortality, 43rd for adult female mortality, 42nd for adult male mortality, and 36th for life expectancy.

Need I say more?

Call for more information: 954-473-8925
Scott Denny, PhD, AP, DOM, FAAIM

Integrative Hospital Associates
2215 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33324

Integrative Hospital Associates
4711-A N. Dixie Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Websites:
http://www.drscottdenny.com
http://www.multicareclinic.org
http://www.naturalclinics.org

1. http://healthcarereform.nejm.org/?p=2610
2. Doe J. WHO Statistical Information System (WHOSIS). Geneva: World Health Organization, September 2009