We live in such a stressful world today! If only desserts were the anti-stress…

Stress not only affects us mentally but definitely influences our bodies in a physical way. What is it about stress that can wreck such havoc in our bodies? Psychology Today Magazine says, "the stress hormone, cortisol, is public health enemy number one. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease…The list goes on and on."

Our bodies are set up to respond to stress in a certain way. When we encounter a perceived threat (stress is included since the body can't distinguish if it is an actual threat), the fight-or-flight response kicks in and causes the body to release adrenaline and cortisol. The increased level of these hormones enables the body to "escape" the encountered threat and once out of danger, the hormone levels return to normal.

But what if the so called "threat" never goes away? What happens when our bodies remain in a constant state of stress? The body remains in fight-or-flight mode continuously and the increased exposure of these hormones disrupt the body’s normal function.

So what can we do to de-stress?

• Eat live foods that provide our bodies with nutrients and energy
• Use this increased energy for exercise – an article in Time Magazine says "short bursts of exercise are just as good for you, perhaps better"
• Practice EFT (emotional freedom technique) - also known as "tapping"
• Meditation
• Visualization - Jon Gabriel has a very unique mind-body approach (geared toward weight loss but can be used in any application)
  

How can thermography help reduce stress? Thermography is a test of physiology - the study of how our cells, organs, and muscles interact. Thermography serves as an early health risk assessment tool. Knowing how well your body is functioning can guide you to make necessary lifestyle changes that ultimately lead to optimal health and reduced stress.

                Call us at (901) 249-8642 to schedule your full body health assessment. 
                                       Receive $20 off when you mention this blog.

P.S. Since desserts do make everyone happy and therefore a little less stressed, I thought I would post a healthy dessert recipe from Dr. Veronique Desaulniers. With all of the delicious summer fruit ripe for picking, this berry crumble seemed the perfect choice.  

Summer Berry Crumble

Place 2 cups of organic strawberries and 2 cups of organic blueberries at the bottom of a glass dish.

Topping:
1 cup almond flour
1 cup almonds
1 cup shredded coconut
1 tsp vanilla
Sweeten to taste with Stevia or Xylitol

Mix thoroughly and sprinkle over the berries.

Bake at 375 until the topping begins to brown, about 15 – 20 minutes.

Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Did you know that thermal imaging of the head/neck area can be used to assess your thyroid health? Many doctors that evaluate these images report that "the thermal patterns indicate thyroid gland dysfunction." Usually the doctors recommend a full thyroid panel workup as further investigation into the efficiency of this butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. 

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, "at least 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder and half-15 million-are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed." The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine and convert it into T3 and T4; the thyroid hormones. The metabolism of every cell in the body is regulated by these thyroid hormones.

So why are there so many people with thyroid disorders? Some sources say it could be genetics or an autoimmune attack. Other sources propose the influence of stress, nutritional deficiencies, or toxins in the environment.

While symptoms associated with hypothyroidism vary, you might experience many or only a few of the following: feeling very tired; neck discomfort or hoarseness; feeling unusually depressed; changes in sense of taste and smell; feeling jittery or anxious; decrease interest in sex; fuzzy brain; changes in bowel function; dry skin; tingling or numbness in muscles or extremities; sleep changes; weight gain; thinning hair; trouble getting pregnant; and elevated cholesterol levels.

What can we do to keep our thyroid glands functioning properly? Besides taking thyroid supplements, changes in diet and lifestyle can have a huge effect. Reduce stress in your life by practicing relaxation. Make sure you are eating enough healthy protein and fats in your diet. Try eliminating sugar from your life (xylitol is great!). Make sure your levels of Vitamin D are normal and increase your intake of Omega 3's.

For more information, follow the link below to Dr.Kharrazian’s website. He is the author of the book "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal."  http://www.thyroidbook.com

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, has recently emerged as one of the most important preventative factors in our health. While it can be provided in foods and supplements, sunlight is the best and only natural source of vitamin D. Ninety percent of our vitamin D is made naturally when our skin is exposed to sunlight. This exposure naturally initiates the conversion of cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D3. It's the way our bodies are intended to make it and therefore the body takes what it needs and removes the extra.

There are hundreds of studies that now link many forms of cancer, heart disease, depression, dementia, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and many other conditions and diseases to a vitamin D deficiency. A decrease in obtaining vitamin D through its only natural source has led to decreased vitamin D levels. Although the public has been led to believe that any UV exposure is harmful, research has shown that regular exposure to the sun for short periods of time, without burning, does not pose a significant risk of damage to the skin.

According to the Vitamin D Council, "research does show that there is a link between vitamin D and breast cancer. Studies have shown that women with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop breast cancer" and that "in women who already have breast cancer, those with low levels of vitamin D are linked to worse outcomes, like bigger tumors, cancer spreading to other body parts, and death."

It's important to get your vitamin D levels checked before adding supplements to your diet. If you can't get your vitamin D from the sun, then try supplements or foods high in vitamin D. It's one of the things we can do to prevent breast cancer and many other debilitating diseases.

A recent obituary that included a picture in the local newspaper spoke of a beautiful 30 year old woman who had lost her life to inflammatory breast cancer. Among those she left behind were her husband and two young children. What is inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and why is it considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer?

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is characterized by cancer cells that infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. It is an advanced form of breast cancer that accelerates quickly and is usually not detected by mammogram or ultrasound. No distinct lump or tumor is found.

IBC accounts for up to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States and it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms. According to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Institute (http://www.ibcresearch.org), one or more of the following symptoms might indicate IBC. Changes can occur quickly! It's time to see your healthcare professional if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

What can be done to help prevent IBC?  According to the Feel Good Factor Lymphology Clinic in the UK (http://www.fgf.uk.com/content/breastwise), "Just because you can't see it happening doesn't mean you can't stop it from starting in the first place." They suggest the following tips for healthy breasts:

There is a safe breast screening available that can detect early changes in breast tissue. Since thermography (digital thermal imaging) is a test of physiology and measures heat changes in the body, a breast thermogram is an ideal early assessment tool for use in prevention of IBC.

Believe it or not, there is a designated day to encourage apple eating! Yes, December 1st is "Eat a Red Apple Day." The apple, it seems, has a lot of history beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We're all familiar with the common quote that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." What is it about the "apple" that gives it such notoriety and what health benefits are derived from it?

The apple tree, which originally came from Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia, belongs to the Rose family. Being high in fiber and Vitamin C, apples are considered one of the healthiest foods a person can eat. The fruit and skin are high in polyphenols, which acts as an antioxidant. It is often referred to as a "miracle food" and a "nutritional powerhouse."

Check out some of the health benefits of apples:

• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH - Contain phytonutrients which can lower total and LDL cholesterol and prevent oxidation of fats
  
• DIABETES MANAGEMENT – Contain pectin that decreases the body's need for insulin and polyphenols help in regulating blood sugar
  
• DIGESTIVE HEALTH – Contain fiber that helps regulate the digestive system
  
• ANEMIA TREATMENT – Packed with iron that increases hemoglobin levels
  
• ENERGY BOOSTER – Natural sugars provide a natural energy boost
  
• IMPROVED EYESIGHT – Vitamins A & C keep eyesight from getting worse and decreases the occurrence of Macular Degeneration
  
• PREVENTS ALZHEIMER'S – Contain quercetin that helps to protect brain cells from radical damage that has been shown to cause Alzheimer's disease 
  

It looks as if the "humble" apple is more that it seems. Benjamin Franklin definitely knew what he was talking about when he said "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

You can take care of your health by eating apples and other types of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. An evaluation with Thermography can serve as an early risk assessment tool, helping you to "visualize" if your diet and lifestyle are working to your advantage.

Call TODAY, (901) 249-8642 to schedule your full body thermogram
Receive a $25 discount when you mention this blog (expires Dec. 31)

www.memphisthermography.com

Every year, millions of dollars are spent on items that are "pink," representing the pink ribbon that is associated with breast cancer. In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everyone wants to get on board with having their products pink. It's as if buying pink products will actually help find a cure for breast cancer. When it first began, I'm sure that was the intention. But now, looking at statistics, we see that this "awareness" has not led to a decrease in breast cancer or finding a cure. While everyone is personally aware of breast cancer, it seems that awareness is just not enough.

Many women with breast cancer feel that "pinkwashing" is taking advantage of their illness. A variety of products that carry the pink ribbon actually contain ingredients that are known carcinogens. While these companies consider themselves as leaders in the fight against breast cancer, they continue to use ingredients in their products that contribute to cancer.

Breast Cancer Action is a national education and activist organization whose mission is to achieve health justice for all women at risk of and living with breast cancer. Karuna Jaggar, executive director of Breast Cancer Action, says:

"Pinkwashing has become a central component of the breast cancer industry: a web of relationships and financial arrangements between corporations that cause cancer, companies making billions off diagnosis and treatment, nonprofits seeking to support patients or even to cure cancer, and public relations agencies that divert attention from the root causes of disease."

The quote above definitely makes us pause and take a real look at the "pinkwashing" façade. As women, we must open our eyes and move awareness into action. We must be vigilant--continually searching for answers and guidelines to use in living a healthy life. If we fight on the front end and concentrate on prevention, our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, and friends will eventually be able to live a life free from the stress, pain, and loss due to breast cancer.

Jamie Kiffel-Alchec, managing editor of Clean Plates, suggests adding 8 naturally pink foods to the diet to help fight breast cancer (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/8-pink-foods-fight-breast-cancer-1).

Breast Thermography: A big step toward early detection and prevention of breast cancer

Visit our website at www.memphisthermography.com or call (901) 249-8642

Don’t miss out on our Breast Package Special!
(extended through the end of November)

Angiogenesis is defined as "the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels." Angiogenesis occurs normally in embryo development and wound healing. In addition, women in their reproductive years go through normal angiogenesis each month. These new blood vessels are the key to forming the uterine lining that is shed during menstruation. The healthy body maintains its blood vessels in a continued state of balance.

However, in certain diseases, angiogenesis can occur too often or not enough. In most forms of heart disease there is a decrease in the chemicals that would stimulate new blood vessels to grow. On the other hand, an abnormal and rapid growth of blood vessels has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer.

These new blood vessels grow to feed cancers. If we could stop the formation of these vessels, could we actually cut off a tumor’s blood supply? Could we actually starve a tumor by cutting off its oxygen and nutrients? William Li, head of the nonprofit Angiogenesis Foundation thinks so. He suggests that the first step in anti-angiogenesis is "eating foods that cut off the supply lines and beat cancer at its own game" (video can be seen below).

Eat to Beat Cancer (http://www.eattobeat.org) is studying the potency of certain foods to determine their anti-angiogenesis capabilities in hopes of establishing a new cancer preventative diet. Dr. Li says that "once a food has been established as antiangiogenic, the next step is determining which strain or varietal of that food is the most potent."

If we can concentrate on eating a diet that is full of foods that have antiangiogenic properties, we will be more likely to "starve" tiny microscopic cancer cells--preventing them from developing into full grown tumors. These foods can actually boost our body's ability to produce angiogenesis inhibitors naturally.
 
I'm sure you're wondering what foods are included in this list! In discussing beneficial foods, Dr. Li points out that "We need red grapes. If you’re not crazy about red grapes, red wine will do the trick. Not a big drinker? Green tea works. If you like curry, you'll be glad to hear that turmeric can help; if you're a baker, ready that cinnamon shaker. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries; oranges, grapefruit and lemons; apples and pineapples; soy beans, kale and bok choy; garlic, tomatoes and olive oil—all these common foods are also weapons against the development of cancer. (Oh, and don't forget dark chocolate. I know I won't.)"

Thermography is a test of physiology that has the ability to detect angiogenesis. By "eating to starve cancer" and incorporating thermography into your yearly wellness evaluation, inhibiting cancer can truly become a reality.

It's October… time to take care of your breast health.

Call today at (901) 249-8642
or visit our website at www.memphisthermography.com
to learn about our Breast Package Special!

September is self-awareness and self-improvement month. Throughout many posted blogs, I have tried to offer information with the goal of educating and improving quality of life. We can spend a lifetime working on self-improvement but will fall short without self-awareness.  We take a look at what's happening on the inside that needs to be brought to the forefront and worked on. Accepting these challenges is the beginning of the healing process!

The same thing is true about our health. We all know there are times when we just don't feel up to par; something just isn't right. Sometimes it is accompanied by pain and sometimes it's a feeling like decreased energy or the inability to cope. We need to take a look into the body and figure out what changes can improve our general health and the way we feel.

I’m sure you've heard the quote "a picture is worth a thousand words." That's what Thermography can do. It's a digital infrared image that can "visualize" pain and inflammation in the body, identifying areas of concern that need further attention.

Thermography provides us with a glance into the body's physiology so that we become aware of changes within the body before they become a problem. We have the opportunity to take control of our health by making lifestyle changes, and tackle the problem before it gets out of hand. When problems are identified at an early stage, prevention becomes a possibility.

We care about your health! Come in for a full body preventative assessment this month and receive $25 off!

Just about any area of the body can be affected by a sports injury. It takes a lot of patience to wait for an injury to heal enough to be able to get "back into the game." Even then, what assurance is there that the injury is totally healed? Repeated x-rays and MRIs can be detrimental, especially to young bodies that are still growing. Resuming sports without complete healing can lead to long term complications.

Radiation free thermography (digital infrared thermal imaging) has proven to be very valuable in assessing healing throughout the body. It can detect and locate thermal abnormalities by measuring the heat being emitted from the body surface. These increases and decreases in skin temperature directly correlate with the temperature in designated areas of the body.

An injury causes variations in the blood flow to the affected areas. Inflammation leads to hyperthermia (increased heat) while degeneration, which is characterized by reduced muscular activity and decreased blood flow, may cause decreased heat (hypothermia).

In addition to evaluating for inflammation and/or degeneration, thermal imaging can also monitor for changes and effectiveness of treatments, such as physical therapy and acupuncture.

Thermography is useful in the evaluation of ankle injuries, shin splints, stress fractures, myofascial pain syndromes, shoulder injuries, foot pain, vascular disorders, spinal pain syndromes, and many others.

With a thermography scan, you can be assured that you or your child/teen is ready to tackle the stress of being "back in the game."

Call Thermography Center of Memphis TODAY at 901-249-8642
to schedule your "region of interest"* or full body scan

Please visit our website at memphisthermography.com for more information.

*Regions of interest: head/neck, breast/chest, abdomen, back, arms, legs