Should We Be Giving Nutritional Supplementation to Children?
by Terry Grossman, M.D.

I have gone on record in suggesting that nutritional supplementation should be considered by virtually everyone over the age of 30 years of age. But, I haven't really given much consideration to the need for supplementation in children, teens or young adults. Up until now my feeling has been that enzyme and detoxification function in younger individuals usually works very well and additional supplementation is not needed. Perhaps it is time for me to rethink my position.

Results demonstrated that the children who received the active vitamin/mineral supplement demonstrated improvements that were not seen in the placebo group on tests measuring attention and reaction time. There was no demonstrable difference in mood. The authors concluded that “these results would seem to suggest that vitamin/mineral supplementation has the potential to improve brain function in healthy children.”

Haskell CF, Scholey AB et al. Cognitive and mood effects in healthy children during 12 weeks' supplementation with multi-vitamin/minerals. Br J Nutr 2008 Nov;100(5):1086-96.

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Herbal Study: Ashwagandha
by Lolita Hanks, Family Nurse Practitioner

Ashwagandha has an approximate 5000 year Ayurevedic history. It is also known as Withania Somnifera or “Indian Ginseng” and it has been used historically to treat tremors, memory/cognitive function, inflammation, libido and to improve longevity. The roots and flowers of this plant are made into herbal tinctures, powders or pastes.

Medical studies on Ashwagandha have demonstrated it’s ability to kill cancer cells (in rats) colon cancer and leukemia cells . Ashwagandha has been found to have natural antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes and antioxidant properties help reduce stress, inflammation, exert anti-aging effects and provide memory support .

Other health benefits of Ashwagandha include increased acetylcholine receptor activity (which is vital for those with Alzheimer’s) and some GABA (neurotransmitter) activity which results in anxiety reduction . This same function protects the brain cells from the degeneration that accompanies chronic stress. Among its many uses, it’s most unique feature is one of an adaptogen. An adaptogen addresses low or excess hormone levels.

Cancer patients can use this herb to mediate the immune suppressing effects of chemotherapy .

Ashwagandha cannot be used during pregnancy. It has some mild central nervous system depression so it should not be used with alcohol, barbiturates or sleeping medications.

The recommended safe dose for general health is 20-30 drops of tincture in some water three times a day or 3-6 grams a day. Exceeding this dose may cause some vomiting, diarrhea or stomach upset .

Dr Grossman Spreading the Word

Dr Terry Grossman spreading the word !!

Dr Grossman is an internationally acclaimed speaker on the topics of Anti-Aging/Longevity, Wellness and Early Intervention, Alternative Therapies, and the Future of Medicine.

Where will he be speaking this Spring?

March 19th Bogota, Columbia. Dr Grossman will be meeting with Government officials to explore ideas for medical tourism opportunities to stimulate economic development in Columbia.

April 17th A4M Conference, Orlando, Florida. Dr Grossman’s topic will be the Future of Medicine for the American Academy for Anti Aging Medicine conference. A4M is the leading internet portal for Anti-Aging Medicine and Advanced Preventative Health.

April 24th ACAM Conference, San Diego, California. Dr Grossman’s topic will be Anti-Aging Medicine. American College for Advancement in Medicine is the voice of integrative medicine™.

May 30th Bangkok, Thailand. Dr Grossman will be speaking at an IV Therapy seminar on the use of these progressive treatments for chronic disease and diseases associated with Aging. For more information on IV therapies, call our office today for a free brochure.

If you, or your organization is looking for a dynamic speaker on cutting edge health topics, give us a call !!

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
by Diane Henry, Fitness Director

A healthy colon requires certain nutrients to remain healthy. Some of the needed nutrients are: soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, micro flora supplements, water and oligosaccharides (FOS) which are found in many vegetables. One of the benefits of oligosaccharides is that they can pass through the human digestive system without being totally broken down. In fact, almost 90% escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon where it acts a prebiotic. A prebiotic helps to balance the bacteria in the colon.

There are things you can do to keep your colon healthy and resistant to infection and cancer. Here are a few easy steps to follow:

• It is a good idea to take multivitamins as a supplement, because we might not be getting the required amount of nutrients from the food we eat. Research shows taking vitamin D and fish oil daily can reduce the risk of having colon cancer.

• When you have to go, you HAVE to go! If you think “holding it” is ok, you’re wrong! Holding back bowel movements is what causes diverticulitis, which are due to bowel pockets that form in the lower segment of the colon. These bowel pockets “trap” feces.

• Be aware of your family health history. Colon cancer can be hereditary therefore it's imperative that every person have a thorough understanding of the colon health of their ancestors. Many families do not openly discuss health issues, particularly those involving the colon. Ask your family members about their colon health to ensure you are aware of any potential problems.

Most of all get screened. Early detection can make all the difference in the world.

We Know Exercise Maintains Telomere Length, But So Does Fish Oil
by Terry Grossman, M.D.

Telomeres are the end caps at the ends of our chromosomes, which keep the double-stranded DNA from unraveling each time our cells divide. Yet when cells do divide a small amount of telomere length is lost. When the telomeres are gone, there is nothing to keep the DNA from unraveling and the cell will die. Telomere length is, thus, a measurement of cellular and biological aging. Individuals with longer telomeres are biologically younger and those with shorter telomeres age more quickly and die sooner.

Maintaining telomere length is a primary goal of antiaging medicine. Previous studies have shown that regular vigorous physical exercise can not only maintain but can actually increase telomere length by 5%. As such regular physical exercise is a cornerstone of anyone's antiaging program.

We now have compelling evidence demonstrating how two fundamental interventions - regular vigorous exercise and fish oil supplementation - can maintain telomere length and, presumably, lead to greater health and increased longevity.

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The Cost of Alternative Health Care
by Ardis Hoffman

Does car insurance cover gas, oil changes, tune ups? Does home owners insurance cover heat, water, electricity, drapes, flooring? Then why should we limit what we do for our health, based on what health insurance companies (or the government) cover?

Perhaps I am preaching to the choir….. however, we all know someone who has not taken the advice to seek alternative medicine treatment because it’s not covered by their health insurance. Many people believe that it’s too expensive, or that it’s for the “elite”.

So, how can we change this thinking?

If you look deeply into the basic premise for most alternative medicine practices, you will find that the emphasis is on healthy food choices, quality exercise, appropriate rest/relaxation, balanced lifestyle, and nutritional supplements. It’s not putting band aids on health issues by using pharmaceuticals to hide the symptoms. Alternative medicine is cellular. It’s getting to the root of the issue, and building your body back to working the way it was designed to work. Simple, really.

I would argue that alternative healthcare is very affordable by shifting dollars already being spent on “non healthy choices”. How much money is spent on fast food, impulse snacks at the gas station, Starbucks coffee, candy bars while grocery shopping? Take a look at your budget. Where is money going out, that could be re-directed on healthier food choices? What time is being spent being sedentary, when you could be out exercising?

And, if you don’t already own the “TRANSCEND” and Fantastic Voyage “Live Long Enough to Live Forever”, books by Dr Terry Grossman, and Ray Kurzweil, go to Amazon.com and order your copies today. These books contains a wealth of information to get anyone started on their optimal health journey. A minimal investment, with the potential to have a huge return for your future health.