IV Therapy

November 17, 2015

Intravenous Therapy at HealthBridge

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Are you ready to jump start your health, and let go of the toxicity that’s weighing you down? Here’s an amazing new way to get your vitamins, and discover the power in A NEW WAY TO AGE.

When you’re seriously ill, your digestive system may lack the energy to absorb and transport nutrients. Also, our ability to fully absorb and metabolize nutrients through digestion decreases as we age. Luckily, Intravenous (IV) therapy can help. IV therapy safely delivers high levels of vitamins and minerals directly into your blood stream through a vein in your arm or hand. One of the main advantages of IV therapy over oral vitamins is that the nutrients bypass the digestive tract, so they’re totally absorbed, providing higher concentrations and remarkable health benefits.

IV therapy can contain minerals, amino acids, glutathione, and popular vitamins like B and C. Combining various vitamins and detoxifying agents has been shown to boost blood flow, help maintain vital organ function, increase cellular energy production, and more. These positive effects can enhance your endurance, make you feel stronger, help your memory, reduce symptoms of stress and can even improve skin quality and help you look your best.

What Symptoms May Be Helped by IV Therapy?

IV therapy may help alleviate many symptoms of illness and diseases, including: the common cold, immune system issues, PMS, asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other prolonged illnesses.

At HealthBridge we customize IV formulas based on your initial intake and blood test results and have one of our IV nurses visit patients at home to administer the therapy in comfort.   Call or email our office anytime for more information on this amazing adjunct treatment that supports optimal health and helps to prevent disease.

In health,

Dr. Gina

 

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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Large-scale Veterans Affairs study reaffirms safety and benefits of testosterone replacement, in men.

October 15, 2015

A US Veterans Affairs database study of more than 83,000 male subjects found that men whose low testosterone was restored to normal through gels, patches, or injections had a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause, versus similar men who were not treated. Rajat Barua and colleagues analyzed data collected on 83,010 male veterans with documented low total testosterone levels, dividing them into three clinical groups: those who were treated to the point where their total testosterone levels returned to normal (Group 1); those who were treated but without reaching normal (Group 2); and those who were untreated and remained at low levels (Group 3). Importantly, all three groups were “propensity matched” so the comparisons would be between men with similar health profiles. The researchers took into account a wide array of factors that might affect cardiovascular and overall risk. The average follow-up across the groups ranged from 4.6 to 6.2 years. The sharpest contrast emerged between Group 1 (those who were treated and attained normal levels) and Group 3 (those whose low testosterone went untreated). The treated men were 56% less likely to die during the follow-up period, 24%less likely to suffer a heart attack, and 36%less likely to have a stroke. The differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (those who were treated but did not attain normal levels) were similar but less pronounced. The study authors conclude that: “normalization of [total testosterone] levels after [testosterone replacement therapy] was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, [myocardial infarction], and stroke.”
Sharma R, Oni OA, Gupta K, Chen G, Sharma M, Dawn B, Sharma R, Parashara D, Savin VJ, Ambrose JA, Barua RS. “Normalization of testosterone level is associated with reduced incidence of myocardial infarction and mortality in men.” Eur Heart J. 2015 Aug 6. pii: ehv346.

In health,

Dr. Gina

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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

How to Read Food Labels

October 6, 2015

Don’t Let Food Labels Give You Indigestion bigstock-Woman-Reading-Packet-In-Superm-3915536

When you are cruising the grocery store aisles, you probably flip over a few items to scrutinize their nutrition labels. But do you understand what you’re looking at? The government is working on updating the label to reflect today’s nutritional concerns and include more realistic serving sizes, but until that happens, use the diagram included with this post to help make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. Also, remember these helpful tips:

1. Nutrition information is provided for one serving of a food or beverage. Many products contain more than one serving. If a serving size is one cup, and you eat two cups, then you must double the calories, fat, sugar, and other ingredients to get an accurate estimate of how much you’ve eaten. If you’ve eaten a smaller portion than what is on the label, calculate accordingly.

2. Pay special attention to the amount of sugars (including carbohydrates) in one serving. This is especially important if you have diabetes (or other health concerns) that require you to monitor sugar intake or the glycemic index of foods.

3. Check out the amount of fat, especially saturated fat, in one serving. Unhealthy fats contribute to many chronic health problems. Trans fats are also labeled because they are known to contribute to bad cholesterol,which contributes to heart disease. They also harden arteries and block cell to cell communication. Choose foods that are free of these fats. Trans fats are also referred to as “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil” and are detrimental to your health. However, some foods, like nuts, have high fat content, but the source of fat is actually good for the body. It is not a saturated or a trans fat.

4. Be aware that “0” does not mean zero! It means less than 5% per serving!

5. In addition to understanding the nutrition label, take a look at the list of ingredients.
If you cannot pronounce the words that are listed on a food label, it’s likely coming from chemicals and processed (unnatural) elements that are not healthy for the body. Some of the items you want to avoid include:

  • Preservatives including BHA, BHT, brominated products
  • GMO – genetically modified organisms, common in corn and soy derivatives
  • Dextrose
  • Xanthan gum
  • Hydrocarbons (pesticides PCB, DDE, DDT)
  • Soy and cottonseed oil
  • Dyes (e.g., yellow dye no. 5, tartrazine)
  • MSG – monosodium glutamate (common in canned foods and Asian cooking)
  • Food allergens – if you or family members have a known allergy to peanuts, wheat, soy, or gluten

If you are in a hurry and can’t take the time to read labels, be sure to avoid packaged (bag, box, or bottle) foods. Instead, buy fresh foods and eat a rainbow everyday (e.g., fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt). Also, choose water, tea, or juices with no sugar added.

Finally, pay attention to what’s happening in the news – in July 2015 the government proposed a new nutrition information panel for food labeling. The public is invited to provide comment: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm387533.htm

In health,

Dr. Gina

Diagram_Nutrition_Label

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FDA Essentially Bans Trans Fats

June 18, 2015

small_food_packageNaturopathic Physicians have been educating the public and their patients on the dangers of trans fats (also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils) for 30 plus years based on studies from the 1970’s showing a link between these artificial fats and heart disease.

Finally, the FDA, in an effort to prevent heart attacks and deaths, finalized its determination that the main sources of artificial trans fat are not safe. FDA gave food manufacturers until June 2018 to remove partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from their products after concluding that the oils are not so-called GRAS, or generally recognized as safe.

It’s hopeful that our government is finally taking action and acknowledging the SIGNIFICANT impact that our food supply has on the state of health of our citizens, and the major economic burden the US shoulders to manage chronic illnesses that can easily be prevented by removing artificial chemicals, excess sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and the like from our food supply.

Research identified a relationship between folic acid deficiencies and birth defects as early as 1965. It was not until 1992 that the United States Public Health Service shared this critical knowledge with the country and recommended that all women of childbearing age, capable of becoming pregnant, consume 400mcg of folic acid per day. It took the scientific community almost 30 years to accept that a nutrient deficiency might cause a gross distortion in human neuronal development and to recommend supplementation. Tens of thousands of children were born during this time with preventable birth defects.

Let’s use common sense, and consider listening to the doctors who pay attention to the research as it comes available rather then waiting 30 years to act on it, and who are tirelessly working to educate the public on the importance of quality food and the power of nutritional medicine to prevent and treat disease.

In health,
Dr. Gina

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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

It’s not all in your head — it’s in your gut, too

June 10, 2015

a new way to heal stress and anxietyA new study finds decreased social anxiety among young adults who eat fermented foods. Further evidence of the connection between the gut and mood disorders, and hope for a better alternative to addictive benzodiazepenes.

In health,
Dr. Gina

2 Comments | anxiety treatment, brain gut connection, Diet and Disease, Sickness Syndrome | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Antibiotic Use in Infants Causes Disease Later in Life

May 21, 2015

Interesting new datahappy_baby is linking antibiotic use in infants (a common practice) to allergies, infectious disease and autoimmune disease later in life.  Limiting overprescribing of antibiotics, paired with appropriate probiotic use in infants will help to prevent unnecessary suffering as children mature.  Fortunately today there are simple and effective lab tests available to look at the gut ecology in children and adults, to determine if there is an unhealthy alteration of gut bacteria, and what probiotics (if any) to use.

In health,

Dr. Gina

1 Comment | allergies, antibiotics, infant health | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

The Brain Gut Connection

May 12, 2015
Sickness Syndrome is becoming more mainstream! I have been speaking, publishing and applying this knowledge with  patients at HealthBridge Medical Center for years with great success.
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Read below as a Johns Hopkins expert discusses one of the key underlying causes of anxiety and depression.  Excellent news for people challenged with these issues as it means real, long term treatment with less side effects and more focus on true healing of the body.
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Anxiety and depression have been thought to contribute to gastro conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A Johns Hopkins expert explains how what’s going on in your gut could be affecting your brain. Click here to read more…
In health,
Dr. Gina

Leave a Comment » | anxiety treatment, brain gut connection, dr. gina nick, healthbridge medical center, natural treatment for depression, www.drgina.com | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Please Watch This

September 9, 2014

This trailer is worth watching. Let’s pray for leadership in this country that gets this.  Changing the way America eats, methodically removing refined sugar,  hydrogenated oils, pesticide laden and GMO products, and over-processed high gluten flour from our food supply will make massive changes over the next century in our country in terms of healthcare (particularly chronic diseases and mental health disorders) and the economy.   It will take a courageous leader or leadership group to see past the billions of dollars at stake by doing this, with a simple, long term, do-able plan of action, to realize the the return of healthier,  happier people and a more robust self-sustaining economy in our country.

In health,

Dr. Gina

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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

Blood Pressure Medication and Breast Cancer

August 1, 2014

doctor and patient measuring blood pressureA new patient recently came in to our office with a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. She is postmenopausal and has been on a calcium channel blocker medication for high blood pressure for upwards of ten years.  Sadly, the doctor who prescribed the medication never informed her of the association between long term use of calcium channel blockers (like diltiazem…brand names Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac) and breast cancer in post menopausal women. Even after her diagnosis of breast cancer, neither her primary care doctor who prescribed the medication nor her oncologist mentioned the possibility or discussed an alternative medication for her.

I would say this medication might be at least one contributing factor to the underlying cause.

Step one..remove the barriers to cure.

Click here for more detail on this association between calcium channel blockers and breast cancer.

In naturopathic medicine we aim to investigate the underlying cause of diseases or symptoms, and  spend upwards of an hour with each patient to catch elements that cannot be found in a 5 minute visit.  I am seeing that patients are becoming increasingly frustrated with the traditional medical model where you have very little time with the doctor and consequently poor long term results.

In health,

Dr. Gina

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Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

An Introduction to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

July 18, 2014

PharmCon.jpg.w300h62Dr. Gina just gave another PharmCon continuing medical education presentation this morning at 7:30 AM on Progesterone: A Powerful Hormone for Women and Men.  The response was overwhelming. There were nearly 600 attendees (!) at her presentation. Here are a few comments from the doctors in attendance:

“Excellent”

“Great program. This is an area that most of us do not get much exposure to. Really Enjoyed it.”

“LOVED this presentation and topic!”

“Please have more! Very informative and interesting presentation.”

“Excellent, we need more of this type. excellent overview of advantages of various dosage forms of progesterone,deficiency symptoms, differences from estrogen and xenoestrogen, additional source material and most importantly differences between bioidentical and synthetic progesterone and estrogen.”

“Excellent presenter and great presentation.”

“Thank you very much. GOD bless you. Excellent and informative presentation.”

“Dr.Cushman is [an] excellent presenter.”

If you are a licensed healthcare professional or a patient who wants your doctor to learn more about this emerging field of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy…don’t miss her next lecture!

Topic: An Introduction to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

When: July 22nd at 7:30 AM PDT

Receive 1 hour of LIVE continuing medical education credit.

Where: FreeCe.com

Hope to see you there!

HealthBridge Medical Center and DrGina.com

1 Comment | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Latest Nutritional Research, News | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dr. Gina Nick

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