Berkson’s Blogs

Cancer in the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It’s happening in younger people. It used to occur more in seniors. So it was recommended to start colonoscopy screenings at age 50. But more people are getting more colorectal cancers at younger ages. And, sadly and shockingly, colonoscopies are not the complete detection imaging method that we might have thought (this does not mean you should not get them). Many people and doctors do not realize that this. Colonoscopies detect growths called polyps. Polyps are pedunculated. This means they “hang” down on a stem. [...]

Researchers proved that sitting quietly helps us keep our heads together even when life is messy. They then went to the Dalai Lama and shared their contemplative neuroscience findings. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012 Other research has shown that part of the benefits of meditation come from it releasing more oxytocin into your brains, both in your head and in your gut, via the Vagus nerve. That is why so many of my patients are being benefited by oxytocin nasal spray, which I refer to, while smiling, as meditation up your nose. Townsend Letter 2.16 If your mate won’t sit down, [...]

Higher blood  levels of a plasticizer, called phthalates, have been linked  with women going through menopause two to 15 years earlier, which puts them at risk of all kinds of health woes from heart disease and diabetes to plain not feeling good or enjoying sex. Phthalates are found in many cosmetics, especially perfumes and nail polish. I went into a major cosmetic store the other day and requested to see some phthalate free perfume and they didn’t have any. But they guided me to their online catalogue, which did. I also use essential oils but sometimes I want some other scents. [...]

Fifty-nine cases have been documented of cannabis-related strokes, in folks averaging 33 years of age, occurring while smoking or within a half-hour of smoking. Cannabis smoking has also been linked to increasing the risk of heart attack within a short period of time after smoking. Stroke 2012 Other studies have suggested that the nutrient N-acetylcystiene helps teenagers reduce their desire to smoke pot, even without intense counseling. Get smart; use nutraceuticals along with sensible guidance.

Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest says many fast food chains base their profits on increasing your waist size, not your health. Worst winners: Cheesecake Factory’s Bistro Shrimp Pasta (almost 90 grams of saturated fat and over 1000 calories), Johnny Rocket’s Bacon Cheddar Double Hamburger (1770 calories with over 2300 mg of sodium), Cheesecake Factory’s Crispy Chicken Costolett (entire 12-piece bucket of KFC has same calories but half the fat), Smoothie King’s Peanut Power Plus Grape Smoothie (22 tsps. of added sugar), and Chocolate Zuccotto Cake from Maggiano’s Little Italy (one-pound desert with 26 tsps. sugar). [...]

Consciousness, is easier said than done. The more conscious we are, life is deepened. But also, it then can get more complex, even more painful, as we are more aware. A study just the other day said one of the things LSD did for the brain was open up consciousness, in a way the brains of children are open and undefended but have more of a merge quality with all that surrounds them. Seeking, intending, embracing consciousness is not the same as being successful in marketing or convincing the world you are an expert, even in integrative health. Consciousness is a [...]

I am so grateful to BE because of: nutrition discipline dancing friends community purpose driven life hope based on hard knocks survived & thrived the gym the water the earth gratitude my failures faced my fears made friends with & invited in for tea fermented foods & friends to make them with sprouts especially gifted by my family of choice the Wiseman clinic clan my mentor meet ups my children which are my books my tears my successes the spaces between the doingness the sky my best friend Janet