The Avante TimesVolume 7, Issue 1 Winter 2011

Avante’s Values

* Integrity* Innovation* Team Approach* Community* Honesty* Compassion* Respect* Progressive* Personalized Care* Value

Inside this Issue

Cooking your way to Winter Warmth 2

Calendar ofEvents 3

Eustachian Tube 4

Myofascial versesMassage 6

Body Mechanics 7

Who’s Who at Avante 8

Avante Medical Center, LLC

Jason J Harmon, ND, FABNO

Please join us for our upcoming open house at our new Avante location, with food, drink, door prizes and music! January 20th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! Come view our new location while meeting our great staff and medical providers!

Avante has increased our level of service provid-ed to our clients by offering pre-authorization with insurance companies and in additional to billing primary insurance, we are NOW able to bill most secondary insurance companies. Avante Medical Center, LLC is a Blue Cross Preferred Provider ap-proved clinic.

Avante welcomes life long Alaskans Dr. Abby La-ing ND, originally from Homer, and Kim Kubick, ANP from Anchorage. They join our terrific team of providers offering a wide array of medical services. Please view their bios on our website.

New Clinic Open House, New Services Offered and New Providers Are Welcomed to Avante!

www.avantemedical.com

‘Organic’, ‘Free Range’, ‘Natural’...what does it mean?

Abby Laing, N.D.

‘Organic,’ ‘free range,’ ‘all-natural?’ We hear these terms all the time and see them proudly displayed on grocery store shelves, but what do they really mean? What’s the difference? And what exactly is all the hype about? Let’s begin with a few definitions. The terms below are defined, and their use regulated, by the United States Division of Agriculture (USDA).

Natural: A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product). Free-range: The chicken/poultry has been allowed access to the outside. Hormone-free: The animal has been raised without the use of hormones. This term only pertains to beef as the use of hormones is prohibited in raising poultry and pork.Antibiotic-free: The animal has been raised entirely free of antibiotics. This pertains to both red meat and poultry. Grass-fed: Although the USDA has not adopted an official definition, the term ‘grass-fed’ beef generally indi-cates that the cattle have eaten only grass or forage throughout their lives; however, some producers do call their beef grass-fed if they only finish the animals on grain for the last 90 to 160 days before slaughter. ‘Grass-fed’ is not the same as ‘grass-finished.’

continued on page 5

The avante timesPage 2

Cooking your way to winter warmth

Tina Harmon, L.Ac.

‘Tis the season to stay warm and keep the immune system strong. There are many common herbs and spices that can help us to achieve this internal warming effect, as well as enhance our immune systems, with each herb/spice having a thermal and medicinal property. Herbs and spices can add so much value to a meal or beverage. Each of these herbs can support our health and enhance the flavor of our food with just a sprinkle here and dash there. Below you will find a list of some common warming/immune-boosting spices and herbs, along with cooking suggestions.

SWEET:

* Cardamom is great as a digestive tonic, as it can be used for most intestinal illnesses. In addition, it helps with headaches and mental fatigue, and has anti-bacterial affects. Can be added to Chai tea, pumpkins and squashes, oatmeal, and curry soups. * Cinnamon helps with microcirculation, blood-sugar regulation, and warmth to the female reproductive system. Add one teaspoon daily to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or muffins. * Clove has long been used as an anti-infection, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant. It helps improve digestion and can be used in many pumpkin and squash dishes with honey. * Ginger helps against common colds, nausea, seafood poisoning, and morning and motion sickness. Fresh-sliced ginger root is excellent simmered as a tea with lime and honey. Also pairs nicely with fish and other seafood dishes. * Nutmeg has been used for centuries for digestive and kidney problems. It helps to digest starchy and fatty foods, stimulates circulation to the brain, and supports the nervous system. Goes great in Chai tea or coffee, oatmeal, pumpkins or squashes.

SAVORY:

* Basil is a terrific adrenal tonic that stimulates nerves and affects the cardiovascular system. It is also helpful for chronic colds, bronchitis, mental fatigue and nausea/vomiting. Can be added to any tomato base, meats, or eaten fresh with mozzarella cheese and olive oil.* Garlic is good for cold and flu prevention and has antibiotic and diaphoretic (sweating) properties. Is great when added to any sautéed vegetables, soups and meats.* Onion/Scallions help to expel cold in the body and tonify the lungs. It is one of the richest foods in sulfur, a warming element that helps purify the body. Onions help facilitate protein metabolism and are great with any meat, vegetable, or soup dishes. * Oregano helps to stimulate the immune and respiratory systems and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Oregano has been used to help balance metabolism and strengthen vital centers as well. Great with tomato base, chicken dishes, and vegetable soups.* Rosemary has liver-protecting properties, is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and helps to enhance mental clarity. Goes great with any tomato or meat dishes. * Thyme is highly anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. Thyme can be used as a general tonic by supporting the body’s immune system, muscles, and bones. Use with tomato base, chicken or red meats, or any vegetable soups.* Turmeric/Cumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that protect the liver from toxins. It also is used to help lower cholesterol and is used to improve protein digestion. Can be used as curry in stews and is great with lentils. Getting organic spices is best! Once you have these as part of your spice rack, it will be easy to make each meal part of your preventative health plan. The body can best absorb nutrients through a wholesome diet -- a great way to strengthen the body and give it what it needs.

www.avantemedical.com

Bring your whole family to Avante!

Calendar of Events

Bones for Lifeall classes are held from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm

Introduction to Bones for Life:Jan 12, 6:30 pm -8:30 pm

Cost $30Bones for Life 2

Jan. 19-March 30th (every Wednesday)10 classes for $270 or $30 for drop ins

(intro to Bones for Life or Previous experience required)

Register with Grant Gibbs at 907-278-8811Learn more at www.BonesForLife.com

Bones for Life is a program for stimulating bone strength through natural movement and weight-bearing posture. Please wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.

Natural Pantry Walk-ThroughDates: January 13th, February 10th, March 10th

Time: 6 p.mLocation: Natural Pantry (36th & Old Seward)

Please join Naturopathic Doctor Abby Laing, as she guides you through the Natural Pantry, helping you learn how to read labels and what those long, confusing words really mean for your health.

Avante Book ClubJanuary 25th: “Forgive for Good” by Dr. Fred Luskin

Time: 7 p.m.Location: Avante Medical Center (NL Location)

Upcoming Books:

February 22nd: “Super Stress Solution” by Dr. Roberta LeeMarch 29th: “Emotional Intelligence, 10th Anniversary Edition” by Daniel GolemanApril 26th: “Healthy Gut Workbook” by Dr. Victor SierpinaMay 31st: “Undoing Depression” by Richard O’Conner

This book club, moderated by Christine Sagan, ANP, is a great way to investigate new ideas about your health in a low-key, peer-oriented setting.

Provider Lecture Seriesall classes are held at 6 p.m. at Avante-Northern Lights

January 6th: “Wellness and lifestyle management focused on healthy weight loss” with Abby Laing, ND

February 3rd: “Keeping Kids Healthy” with Abby Laing, ND

March 3rd: “The Healthy Gut” with Abby Laing, ND

Page 3Volume 7, Issue 1

For more information, class updates, additions or reschedules, please visit our website.

“Healing begins when you enter Avante!”

Avante Medical Center, LLC

Open House

Providence Health Park3851 Piper Street, Suite U-464

Anchorage, AK 99508(map at www.avantemedical.com)

Location

Food *Drinks * Music *Prizes

Come see our new clinic in Providence Health Park!

Meet our providers and

discover what we have to offer.

Thursday, January 20, 20115:30 to 7:30 p.m.

When

Open to the public

Page 4 The Avante Times

www.avantemedical.com

You will find health at Avante!

The Wonderful Essential Eustachian TubeDeborah Kiley, DNP, ANP

As we enter the cold, dry season, it is a good time to discuss a body part that gets little attention until it does not function perfectly. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear and the back of the nose. It equalizes pressure in the middle ear with the atmosphere and allows fluid to drain from the middle ear. Typical problems with the Eustachian tube include: barotrauma, airplane ear, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

How the Eustachian tube works:A short tube connecting the middle ear and back of the nose /upper throat, the Eustachian Tube is lined with tissue like the lining of the nose. This tissue works best when it is moist, like the inside of your cheek. When this tissue is inflamed, the tube does not work efficiently, fluid does not drain from the middle ear, and the eardrum does not move freely. This can cause ear pain, muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear.

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction You may have become aware of your Eustachian tube when flying, riding in a skyscraper elevator, scuba diving, or when you’ve had a cold. Symptoms include: Fullness in the ear Muffled hearing Ear pain Ringing in the ear

When does it happen?Some people have ongoing problems with their Eustachian tube, and others only notice a problem when they have a cold or the weather is very dry. Symptoms occur when the Eustachian tube is unable to respond to a rapid change in altitude such as when flying or hiking, or with viral upper respiratory infections, colds or allergies. Some people note an increase in problems during dry Alaska winters when the lining of the nose can become very dry, leading to decreased efficiency of the Eustachian tube.

PreventionResolving stuffiness or discomfort with elevation can be as simple as using nasal saline to provide moisture and a healthy environment in the nose, which improves the moisture in the Eustachian tube. During cold, dry Alaska win-ters, using nasal saline spray or gel several times per day will keep the lining of the nose moist and healthy. This will provide the healthiest connection with the atmosphere for the Eustachian tube. Increase use of nasal saline to every hour or two when you feel dry or congested.

TreatmentAcuteIf symptoms occur suddenly, try yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum, and increase use of nasal saline. DO NOT use topical decongestants unless specifically advised by your provider – these can provide short-term relief, but quickly cause rebound congestion, which actually makes the symptoms worse.

ChronicIf you have ongoing pressure or fullness in your ears, or pain when flying, talk with your provider about the best ap-proaches for you. Options may include prescription nasal steroid, other nasal sprays or drops, or allergy evaluation.

Volume 7, Issue 1 Page 5

The Wonderful Essential Eustachian TubeOrganic: Organic agricultural products are prohibited from using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, genetic engineering, and ionizing radiation. Animals raised on an organic operation must be fed organic feed and given access to the outdoors. They are not given any antibiotics or growth hormones. “Integrating cultural, biological, and mechani-cal practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.”

So why is all this important? An excess of hormones (particularly growth hormone) in our food may likely be contributing to the in-crease in hormone-related cancers, early onset of puberty, men-strual irregularities, and other endocrine abnormalities. The surplus of antibiotics in our meat contributes to antibiotic-resistant “super bugs” in both humans and animals. This creates bacterial infections that can more easily evade the immune system and are increas-ingly difficult to treat with even prescription medication. Genetic modification and ionizing radiation alter the chemical structure of foods, rendering them less nutritious and, in some cases, harmful to susceptible people.

While some of these terms are fairly self-explanatory, others are worth understanding in greater detail. Organic, for instance, can have a different meaning depending on how it is used on a package label. For example, processed foods that have multiple ingredients in them may be labeled as ‘organic’ if 95 percent or more of the con-tents are organic. If the package or label says “made with organic ingredients,” it must have greater than 70 percent organic content, while the remainder may be non-organic. It is also important to keep in mind that not all farms that practice organic farming are certified as such. This is common of smaller farms, local produce stands and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), for which the cost of cer-tification is too high. If you’re not sure, just ask the farmer. Most will happily tell you how they raise their crops and animals, and simply asking sends a message about what we consumers want!

So do I have to buy everything organic? As it turns out, there are some foods that are more important than others to eat organic. The Environmental Working Group puts out lists (and even an iPhone app) called “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean 15” that helps shop-

Defining “organic” (continued from page 1)pers prioritize which foods are either more or less important to buy organic (see full list at www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php). As a general rule, the ‘cleaner foods’ have a thicker rind or skin, whereas the ‘dirty dozen’ foods tend to have a thinner skin, if they have one at all.

Another term we’re seeing used more frequently in the beef mar-ket is ‘grass-fed.’ And while the FDA does not regulate its use, it is another term worth paying attention to. The main reason for this is that the beef coming from grass-fed cattle will contain significant levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which are a natural anti-inflammatory. This is not the case, however, for cattle raised on most standard feedlots or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, where feed is dominantly comprised of grains engineered to maximize growth and muscle development.

Your own nutrition aside, grain-fed cattle often experience severe, even life-threatening bloating, caused by the internal fermentation of grains which their digestive systems are not equipped to pro-cess. As grass-fed beef consumers, we can take some extra com-fort knowing our cow likely had a better life before finally landing in our freezers.

When is hormone-free important? This is most important in grow-ing bodies, particularly pubescent girls, where hormonal excess makes the biggest impact. The added growth hormone in meat and dairy milk is likely contributing to the decreasing age of menarche (the start of menstruation) in young women. The earlier a girl goes through puberty, the more exposure to estrogen she will have over her lifetime. This increase in estrogen exposure puts her at an in-creased risk of breast cancer later in life.

Be it hormone-free, organic, or otherwise, some labels are more important than others. It’s worth educating yourself about the dif-ferences so you can distinguish between marketing and substance. We’ve only brushed the surface here, but there are many resources available. Next time you’re in the produce isle or at the meat coun-ter, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about what to feed yourself and your family.

So shop smart, eat well, and stay healthy!

Page 6 The Avante Times

www.avantemedical.com

Take some healing home!

Brendan Van Valkenburgh, CMTPT, NCLMT

What is the difference between Therapeutic Massage and Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy? There are many ways to answer this question, but let me attempt to weave an accurate, if condensed, picture of how I personally view these two protocols. Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is an investigation into the world of specific pain involving muscles, fascia and other soft tissue with the intention of both alleviating the pain and discovering the source of the dysfunction that caused it so that it may be corrected. This process is best broken down into three main components.

1) We work with our patients on rooting out factors in their daily lives that may be preventing their recovery. We help to adjust these activities of daily living, in subtle ways, so that patients are able to participate in activities without resulting in pain or further injury.

2) Treatment. Many times the source of dysfunction in tissue resides at a distant location from the actual pain. Based on that information, the treatment portion of this protocol seeks to find dysfunction and adhesions that have formed in the fascial layer, permeating the muscle tissue, and restore the muscles to their full-functioning potential. This is done with hands-on tissue manipulation techniques, heat, stretching, and several other approaches.

3) We demonstrate and instruct our patients on techniques that can be performed at home or work to address their pain on the spot. It is important to note that we treat both chronic and acute pain. If you are coming to us with acute pain, it should be addressed as soon after the injury as possible. This will ensure a speedier and more successful recovery. Many common and serious conditions can be successfully treated using Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy. We’ve had great success treating conditions such as low-back pain, frozen shoulder, migraines or tension headaches, sprains and strains, radiculopathy (pain originating near the spine), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (pain in arm, shoulder or neck), TMJ pain or lockjaw, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, whiplash, chronic tension and many others. Myofascial pain and dysfunction can mimic or compound many pain-related con-cerns we have in our day-to-day lives, so if you are experiencing some form of pain, ask your Avante provider if the Myofascial Trigger Point program is right for you! Therapeutic massage, as I describe it, is more of a dance that addresses tension, relaxes muscles and increases the circulation of blood and lymph to promote a greater homeostasis, or balance, in the body. This therapy is a wonderful approach to wellness because it promotes cell growth and tissue regeneration, can lower blood pressure, assist in the expulsion of toxins from the body, boost immune function, and more. Massage can be an incredible asset to all of us, especially those facing life-changing situations such as cancer. As the winter months press on, many of us will be out enjoying our favorite wintertime activities. For Alaskans who love to play hard, this unfortunately can lead to injury. Sometimes just walking to our car in the morning, a fall on the ice can start a snowball effect of pain and difficulty. Even for those of us who spend most of the winter months indoors, a few months of additional time on the couch or computer can really take its toll on our bodies, and it may not be long before we, too, are stiff and aching. Our Myofascial and Therapeutic Massage programs are a fantastic answer to these issues as well.

Myofascial Trigger point vs. Therapeutic Massage

Volume 7, Issue 1 Page 7

Mission StatementHealing begins when you enter Avante!

Avante Medical Center, LLC offers a beautiful and healing environment, which contains world-class medical provid-ers, excellent staff, and extensive integrative and conventional medical services for the whole family. We provide care to our clients living with acute and chronic health challenges, combining the best of science and nature, tailored and personalized to your individual medical needs. We focus on the value of our clients’ experience, providing adequate time with our providers, resulting in thorough and comprehensive medical care. Our goal is to educate, empower, and

enrich your health through a caring, professional and unique medical experience.

Grant Gibbs, CMnTPT

I recently attended the first International Bones for Life Convention, “The Osteo Blast,” sponsored by the Foundation for Movement Intel-ligence. Five continents were represented and this diverse group consisted of Feldenkrais practitioners, Physical Therapists, Martial Artists, Yoga Teachers, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Massage Therapists and other somatic art practitioners. The common threads were the principles and learning strategies found in Ruthy Alon’s Bones For Life. The most surprising and powerful principle inspired by the learning methods of Moshe Feldenkrais is that doing less is more; way less and way more. Another surprise is that to improve on an impaired or painful body area, rather than move it independently or try to somehow impact that area forcefully to fix it, do movements that neutralize the area and invite the rest of the body to move in a harmonious, easy way. By gently moving the body, the area that is a problem is invited to ride along without differentiating or over-articulating. Coordinated movement involving the entire body is easiest to accomplish when done in a gentle, quiet way. Then we can move more safely and clearly perform dynamic movements.

Try this as an example:

1) Sit forward in a comfortable chair, not too deep, so your back is free. Gently, doing what is easy without pain, look to the left then right a couple of times. Pick a landmark in each direction so you have a focal point. Decide which side you would like to improve.

2) Place the pinkie edge of your hands together, palms towards your face. Rest your chin and jaw into your pinkies and fingers with head upright. The heel of the head is on the sternum, the thumbs along the clavicles, and the wrists and forearms are riding on the sternum and ribs. You can rest the weight of your head into this support.

3) Turn your body an easy amount to the OPPOSITE direction from the side you wish to improve (the nose travels one to two inches) and come gently back to center. Repeat this body rotation 10 to 15 times, feeling a rhythm of ease. The body is rotating, the head, face, nose nd neck are resting on the hands, going for a ride. Pause in the middle for a breath or two.

4) Continue giving the head a ride by gently rotating the body in the OPPOSITE direction you would like to improve. Is there some shifting of the weight in the pelvis? Which leg can you push to help the rotating? Which leg pushes to help it come to center? Is it easier with the feet under the chair or forward of the knees? Find an easy rhythm. Do even less. Now do half of that, and less until you are still, in the center, but feeling the rhythm of the movement. Slowly release the hands down. Rest.

Now, recheck looking left and right. Did you improve? How do you feel sitting?

Doing less leads to more, and quiet gentleness can lead to safer and more dynamic, harmonious movement. This type of movement builds bone and develops an intelligent organization that falls less.

Body Mechanics: Doing less is more

915 W. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99503Phone: 907.770.6700 Fax: 907.770.6707

www.avantemedical.com

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Who’s Who at Avante Medical Center

Clinic photos © Ken Graham Photography.com | Headshots © D&M Photography

Markian Babij, ND, FABNONaturopathic Oncology, Internal Medicine

Grant Gibbs, CMnTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Tina Harmon, L.Ac.Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine

Judy Hartford, CMTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Christine Kallander, ANPAdult and adolescent care

Lee Anne Hellesto, ANPFamily Practice

Christine Sagan, ANPFamily Practice

Sandra Schaeffer, CMTPTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Torrey Smith, NDFamily practice

Natalie Wiggins, NDFamily Practice & Pediatrics

Bethany Buchanan, DNP, FNPFamily Practice

Ina Cloud, MA, ATAllergy Treatment

Gary Ferguson, NDMen’s Health

Abby Laing, NDFamily Practice

Stephanie Friess, ANPFamily Practice & Internal Medicine

Jana Nalbandian, NDFamily Practice & Women’s Health

Brendan Van Valkenburgh, CMTPT, NCLMTMyofascial Trigger Point Therapy & Massage

Deborah Kiley, DNP, ANPFamily Practice