Building a Network of Support for New Parents by Laurie Craft, MA, LMHCA Regardless of a person’s culture or background, the birth of a new baby is a universally celebrated event. With birth comes feelings of hope, love, new life, and endless snuggles with the tiny, sweet, new babe. Birth also brings challenges that people [...]
A Naturopathic Approach Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for twelve consecutive months. If it is not brought about by surgery, medications, or radiation, it is considered a normal event of aging. While a normal part of aging, symptoms can be very uncomfortable for many women. Naturopathic medicine offers solutions. The average [...]
In October 2011 the Archives of Internal Medicine published the results of the Iowa Women’s Health Study. The study tracked the supplementation habits of more than 38,000 women for almost 20 years. The researchers concluded that dietary vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with increased total mortality risk. Since its publication there has been [...]
High cholesterol is a common problem among Americans. It is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet it has no symptoms. Understanding cholesterol, its function in the body, and how to effectively manage it is key to maintaining cardiovascular health, whether you’re a teen or an older adult. What is Cholesterol? [...]
“Upward Salute” photo by Mike Baird Celebrate the Changing Seasons with a Fresh Start The fall equinox is a great time to celebrate the change of seasons, let go of habits and emotions that are holding you back, and make a fresh start. As you become more in tune with your health, harness that [...]
The Importance of Vitamin D in the Pacific Northwest by Corinne Harpster, ND, LMP Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin, but a prohormone (a substance that can be turned into a hormone) found in practically every life form that is exposed to sunlight. While Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone [...]
Building a Natural First Aid Kit by Scott Moser, ND, LMP I remember putting together a first aid kit when I was in Cub Scouts. I kept it in a small silver tin and carried it everywhere with me in my backpack. I liked the idea that if somebody got hurt, I would be right [...]
Blackberries are high in flavonoids known as anthocyanidins. These compounds give dark berries their purple-blue color and have powerful antioxidant activity. Anthocyanidins appear to protect collagen in joints and blood vessels, so are helpful to those with cardiovascular or arthritis issues. Similarly, strawberries are extremely high in another antioxidant: vitamin C. Studies have also shown [...]
Sambucus spp., elderberry or elder, can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is recognizable by its large leaves that are divided into 5-7 leaflets and its white foul-smelling flowers that grow in a cluster. In the summer bright red to dark berries, depending on species, form. Medicinally both the berry and the flower are [...]
The right amount of sleep varies from person to person, but most adults require about 7-8 hours a night. Unfortunately over 40 million Americans fall short. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. It is a common cause of doctor visits and sleeping pills are one [...]
