In a mother-infant cohort study involving mothers and 787 infants, results indicate a beneficial effect of maternal vegetable consumption during pregnancy on fetal growth. Fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Women who ate the fewest vegetables were significantly more likely to have infants who are small for gestational age (SGA). Women who ate the most vegetables had significantly more babies who were at least normal weight. Read the rest of this entry

Whenever anyone calls me for acupuncture because they have numbness or muscle fatigue, the first question I always ask is “Are you on a statin drug?”. If the answer is yes then the next question is “How long have you been on the statin” and “When did your symptoms appear”. Often the symptoms start appearing several years to a decade after beginning the statins. One case comes to mind of a patient that has had leg pain for over 10 years. Read the rest of this entry

A study that used a private label supplements examined whether it can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
“We examined the efficacy of a vitamin/nutriceutical formulation (folate, vitamin B6, alpha-tocopherol, S-adenosyl methionine, N-acetyl cysteine, and acetyl-L-carnitine) in a 12-month, open-label trial with 14 community-dwelling individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Participants improved in the Dementia Rating Scale and Clock-drawing tests (Clox 1 and 2). Read the rest of this entry

It is the feeling of many midwives, doulas and some OBs that conventional procedures performed in hospitals during labor are unnecessary and potentially harmful for a successful vaginal delivery. We don’t feel it is the fault of misguided physicians as they are following procedures to avoid litigation. But the system and what is considered standard care is at fault.

The Milbank’ report led to a press released that is cut and pasted below.  We feel looking for a midwifery program, birthing center or a home birth are the best options for childbirth.  Until a broken system is fixed if you would like to deliver in a hospital using the services of a Doula is prudent as they can help you stick with your birth plan. Read the rest of this entry

OK so it is the holidays and hard to avoid some of the delectable desserts made by friends and family. I’ve eaten way too many desserts – (luckily Valerie, my sister in-law, uses really good organic ingredients and not much sugar – and even without refined sugar everyone thinks her desserts are fabulous.) I also notice that the more I sit around on these cold and windy days the more dessert I want to eat! Read the rest of this entry