Monday, April 26, 2010
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Kristina is going on vacation from May 12-16!
I know it is hard to believe that this work-a-holic is leaving the clinic for more than a day, but it is true! And I am leaving the kids home too… just me, hubby and Maui for our 10th anniversary.
So before some of you freak out wondering what you will do when I am gone, here is the plan:
• APPOINTMENTS -- If you need care when I am gone, go to an Urgent Care Center (Overlake, Multicare, MedCare, etc.). This is what most of you do on the weekends, so just think of this as a long weekend. Urgent care will charge you a regular co-pay, whereas an Emergency Room usually charges a lot more.
• CLINIC HOURS – The only services provided when I am out of the clinic are supplement sales and appointment scheduling, so hours will be limited on Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and the clinic will be closed on Wednesday and Saturday. Please email or call if you need to come in to see Michele or Jessie for something, so you can make sure they are in the clinic.
• EMAILS – I will not be answering emails on my vacation – my husband will push me in the volcano if I get near a computer while on the trip. If you email during that time, you will get an auto-response with this same information as this homepage and maybe a response from Michele or Jessie, if it is something they can help you with.
• REFILLS – Shake your medicine bottles people! I will refill the week before and the week after my vacation. If you run out and are on maintenance medications, pharmacies will give you a few days of medications so that you don’t go off your meds. Controlled substances are the exception however, and if you run out, you will need to go to Urgent Care to get a refill.
• PHONE CALLS – When you call the clinic, the phone message will tell you that I am not in the continental U.S. and therefore will not be responding to your phone call until the following week. Most insurance companies have a nurse helpline that you can access for questions or when deciding if you need further care. And if you absolutely, positively have to talk to me, my cell phone number will be in the email response and on the voice mail; I actually have to provide 24/7 coverage by contract with most insurance companies (or I would not even take my cell phone with me). I cannot guarantee that I will answer your call right away, but I will call you back. And it better be good…
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, and thanks for understanding that I need a break. -- Kristina
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 2010
I promise to give a detailed account of the cleanse that I did -- it was great! Very hard though, and I think there are some things to make it easier -- more info in the next few weeks... you all have kept me very busy in the last month!
I want to blog today about how disgusted I am with pharmaceuticals. In the last few days, the FDA and Merck have admitted that they knew Fosamax, the drug used for patients with osteoporosis, did not build quality bone in people who took it for more than 5 years, and the fracture risk has actually increased because the bone is more brittle than real bone created with good calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. And let me just mention here that calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Tums, etc) and magnesium oxide are basically rocks and not effectively absorbed into the body. After hearing about the Fosamax, I immediately called my mom and told her to stop taking it, and get herself some calcium citrate, magnesium malate, and vitamin D3 in the proper amounts. Bone is a living part of the body that needs to break down and build back the right way.
The more I study functional medicine the more I want to treat patients as dynamic systems that change, repair and function in natural ways. Irritable bowel syndrome, reflux disease, migraines and hormonal imbalances can all be treated with natural substances that assist your body with the healing process and do not change the way your body works.
The problem is daily life -- a patient sent me this link that I found very interesting:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35315651/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition
Basically, it really does not matter what I give you as far as vitamins, medications, and herbs, if you do not "walk the walk" and clean up your habits, your quality of life will eventually diminish and disease will be present. The cleanse or detoxification starts the process, and then you can change your habits and health.
Now don't get me wrong -- medications have their place, but with every other patient taking Prilosec or something similar, and changing the way their digestive system works (sometimes irreversibly), I start to take notice. So I hope to have the time in all your appointments to present all the options for treatment.
Off the soapbox now -- and back to work!
KG
I want to blog today about how disgusted I am with pharmaceuticals. In the last few days, the FDA and Merck have admitted that they knew Fosamax, the drug used for patients with osteoporosis, did not build quality bone in people who took it for more than 5 years, and the fracture risk has actually increased because the bone is more brittle than real bone created with good calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. And let me just mention here that calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Tums, etc) and magnesium oxide are basically rocks and not effectively absorbed into the body. After hearing about the Fosamax, I immediately called my mom and told her to stop taking it, and get herself some calcium citrate, magnesium malate, and vitamin D3 in the proper amounts. Bone is a living part of the body that needs to break down and build back the right way.
The more I study functional medicine the more I want to treat patients as dynamic systems that change, repair and function in natural ways. Irritable bowel syndrome, reflux disease, migraines and hormonal imbalances can all be treated with natural substances that assist your body with the healing process and do not change the way your body works.
The problem is daily life -- a patient sent me this link that I found very interesting:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35315651/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition
Basically, it really does not matter what I give you as far as vitamins, medications, and herbs, if you do not "walk the walk" and clean up your habits, your quality of life will eventually diminish and disease will be present. The cleanse or detoxification starts the process, and then you can change your habits and health.
Now don't get me wrong -- medications have their place, but with every other patient taking Prilosec or something similar, and changing the way their digestive system works (sometimes irreversibly), I start to take notice. So I hope to have the time in all your appointments to present all the options for treatment.
Off the soapbox now -- and back to work!
KG
Thursday, December 31, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR -- January 2010
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season – I know I did. This was the first time since my kids were born that I made it home early enough to enjoy Christmas Eve. I was able to wrap presents, have dinner and spend time with my family. It was pretty great…
My husband and I are doing a New Year’s Detox with Thorne MediClear. Basically, we are trying it out to see how difficult it is to maintain while taking care of a busy family, and if it improves our overall health. If anyone is interested or would like more information on MediClear, please email me and I can send you a PDF of information. As a thank you for your patronage in the last year, there will be a 20% discount on the MediClear program and any additional products that complement your particular health issues. I will keep you posted on how we are doing with the detox…
One year in business and still very happy with my choice to go it on my own. I hope you are too, but I want to know what you think. This is your “medical home” and so I will be checking with you periodically to see how I can improve things to the best of my ability.
For that reason, I have created a short survey that I would love for you all to take. Thank you in advance for your feedback and here’s to another great year!
-- Kristina
To take the survey, follow this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FRLSY7L
My husband and I are doing a New Year’s Detox with Thorne MediClear. Basically, we are trying it out to see how difficult it is to maintain while taking care of a busy family, and if it improves our overall health. If anyone is interested or would like more information on MediClear, please email me and I can send you a PDF of information. As a thank you for your patronage in the last year, there will be a 20% discount on the MediClear program and any additional products that complement your particular health issues. I will keep you posted on how we are doing with the detox…
One year in business and still very happy with my choice to go it on my own. I hope you are too, but I want to know what you think. This is your “medical home” and so I will be checking with you periodically to see how I can improve things to the best of my ability.
For that reason, I have created a short survey that I would love for you all to take. Thank you in advance for your feedback and here’s to another great year!
-- Kristina
To take the survey, follow this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FRLSY7L
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Morning
I am the first one awake because I am so excited about this Christmas. Yesterday, I realized that it was the first time in 10 years that I was home in time on Christmas Eve to wrap all the presents, enjoy dinner, and be with my family...usually I had to choose - now I could do it all!
It was an amazing year of change, and I am reflecting upon it while gazing at the tree, making cinnamon rolls, and blogging. I could not help myself -- you all are a part of my family too...
Must go now -- I think I hear some little footsteps on the stairs...
Merry Christmas!
Kristina
It was an amazing year of change, and I am reflecting upon it while gazing at the tree, making cinnamon rolls, and blogging. I could not help myself -- you all are a part of my family too...
Must go now -- I think I hear some little footsteps on the stairs...
Merry Christmas!
Kristina
Thursday, November 12, 2009
October 25 Homepage -- H1N1 info
October 25, 2009
Well, my daughter has influenza A, and there is really only one strain of influenza A in the public right now, H1N1. I want to document for everyone what I have done for Ila because it seems that many of us will get this flu before immunizations are available to the general public.
Friday night, 7pm – started with her lying on the couch, which she never does, and she said her body was hurting and cold. Took her temperature and it was 101.5. She looked flushed and sweaty. I also noted a dry, tight cough but no problems breathing. Gave her children’s ibuprofen and put her to bed. When I took her temperature 1 hour later, it had increased to 102, so I gave her Tylenol, and let her sleep with me. She slept 10 hours straight.
Saturday – She woke up shivering and sweaty. Fever was 102, and the dry cough is difficult for her to control. She did not complain about sore throat. Her nose was congested with occasional clear drainage. I gave her ibuprofen every 6 hours which kept the fever decreased to 100.5. She stayed on the couch all day, and I told her we would go to the clinic tomorrow if she woke up with a fever. She had a nice hot bath, which she said helped her feel better. I gave her some Triaminic night time medicine before bed for the cough.
Sunday – She woke up with 102.5 degree fever. I gave her some ibuprofen and within an hour the fever was down to 99.5. She told me that the dry cough kept her up all night. Took her to the clinic and the rapid flu test was positive for influenza A. The rest of her exam is normal. It is interesting that her cough increases with the fever and goes away when the fever is under control. I started her on Tamiflu, mostly because that is what I would do for everybody else (it is hard to be objective with your own kids and she was doing so well that I almost did not give it to her). She is on the couch now watching an old Looney Tunes Halloween special. She is eating, drinking and acting quite normal; just her energy level is decreased.
So we have quarantined her to the house and are hoping no one in the family gets this from her (I had the vaccine for health care workers 10 days ago, so I should be OK). The moral of the story: this is the flu, and like any other flu virus, you need to take care of yourself and protect others from getting it.
1. Push fluids – this can be ice chips, popsicles, jello – anything clear that turns into liquid. Dehydration is one of the reasons patients are admitted to the hospital with the flu.
2. Control the fever – use baths, cold drinks, ibuprofen and/or Tylenol.
3. Watch for respiratory symptoms – if you or your family member has a cough that develops into chest pressure/congestion, wheezing or difficulty taking a deep breath, they need medical evaluation immediately to check for pneumonia.
4. Stay home! If you want to get a flu test and Tamiflu, please email me.
Stay tuned for up-to-date information about the H1N1 vaccine – there will likely be widespread availability of the vaccine in November.
Well, my daughter has influenza A, and there is really only one strain of influenza A in the public right now, H1N1. I want to document for everyone what I have done for Ila because it seems that many of us will get this flu before immunizations are available to the general public.
Friday night, 7pm – started with her lying on the couch, which she never does, and she said her body was hurting and cold. Took her temperature and it was 101.5. She looked flushed and sweaty. I also noted a dry, tight cough but no problems breathing. Gave her children’s ibuprofen and put her to bed. When I took her temperature 1 hour later, it had increased to 102, so I gave her Tylenol, and let her sleep with me. She slept 10 hours straight.
Saturday – She woke up shivering and sweaty. Fever was 102, and the dry cough is difficult for her to control. She did not complain about sore throat. Her nose was congested with occasional clear drainage. I gave her ibuprofen every 6 hours which kept the fever decreased to 100.5. She stayed on the couch all day, and I told her we would go to the clinic tomorrow if she woke up with a fever. She had a nice hot bath, which she said helped her feel better. I gave her some Triaminic night time medicine before bed for the cough.
Sunday – She woke up with 102.5 degree fever. I gave her some ibuprofen and within an hour the fever was down to 99.5. She told me that the dry cough kept her up all night. Took her to the clinic and the rapid flu test was positive for influenza A. The rest of her exam is normal. It is interesting that her cough increases with the fever and goes away when the fever is under control. I started her on Tamiflu, mostly because that is what I would do for everybody else (it is hard to be objective with your own kids and she was doing so well that I almost did not give it to her). She is on the couch now watching an old Looney Tunes Halloween special. She is eating, drinking and acting quite normal; just her energy level is decreased.
So we have quarantined her to the house and are hoping no one in the family gets this from her (I had the vaccine for health care workers 10 days ago, so I should be OK). The moral of the story: this is the flu, and like any other flu virus, you need to take care of yourself and protect others from getting it.
1. Push fluids – this can be ice chips, popsicles, jello – anything clear that turns into liquid. Dehydration is one of the reasons patients are admitted to the hospital with the flu.
2. Control the fever – use baths, cold drinks, ibuprofen and/or Tylenol.
3. Watch for respiratory symptoms – if you or your family member has a cough that develops into chest pressure/congestion, wheezing or difficulty taking a deep breath, they need medical evaluation immediately to check for pneumonia.
4. Stay home! If you want to get a flu test and Tamiflu, please email me.
Stay tuned for up-to-date information about the H1N1 vaccine – there will likely be widespread availability of the vaccine in November.
September 2009 Email/Homepage
September 2009 Updates
First of all, thank you, thank you, and thank you! It was a wonderful summer with some 3 day mini vacations and more time with my family and friends. My children remember who I am and I am enjoying the practice of medicine again. The winter will be interesting because there will be some days where I have very few open appointments. Just email Michele or me for availabilities, and we will find a place for you and your family.
Due to the winter getting busier, I will be seasonally opening up some Wednesday afternoons. This means that from September to May, I will open up the online schedule for appointments on the Wednesdays I am in the clinic. If there are no appointments available and you need to be seen on Wednesday, email or call and we can make some arrangements to get you in. Also, please verify the date of the visit whenever you make an online appointment, as AppointmentQuest will find the first available 15 minute slot and it may not be on the day you want to see me.
Flu Shots
If you had to pick one year to get a flu shot, this is the one. It would help me out a lot if everybody received a shot or FluMist nasal spray, then if you get sick I know it is not that type of flu. Adults and kids over 12 years can get the vaccine through most grocery stores. I will only have vaccine for children less than 12 years old.
The first shipment of H1N1 flu vaccine will be delivered to the Health Departments for high-risk patients in October, and it will be available through some pharmacies for in November, as the mass vaccinations start. I will not be a H1N1 vaccine clinic, but I will keep the website updated on where you can get the vaccine, if you wish. The closest Health Department Immunization Clinic is Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th St.
Health Care Reform
No matter what you think about health care reform, change is coming and it is important for us all to use our collective voices and votes. There is a great short film produced by an Emergency Room physician in Portland, OR that presents all sides of this complicated issue. It can be accessed through www.ourailinghealthcare.com. I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with this issue as it will not only dramatically affect us in our lifetime but will have a profound effect on generations to come. Send your opinions to our leaders – links are below.
President Obama -- http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Office of the Surgeon General -- Phone: 301-443-4000/Fax: 301-443-3574
Senator Maria Cantwell -- http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/ -- phone: 202-224-3441
Senator Patty Murray -- http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm -- phone: 202-224-2621
Washington State Congressmen List -- http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#wa
Health Notes
I am frequently asked about what I do to maximize my immune system and prevent illness, since I am exposed to sick people every day. Below is what I do for myself and my kids. We still get sick, but frequency and intensity of our illnesses have been decreased with this regimen. Keep in mind that I do not care if you buy these supplements from me or online; I just want you to have the right stuff. As I have told many of you, I am lucky enough NOT to only sell supplements for a living.
Daily Immune Supplements for Kristina
• Pharmax Liquid Multivitamin, 2 capfuls per day in 2 liters of water.
• Vitamin D 2000-4000iu per day.
• Pharmax HLC probiotics, 1-2 capsules per day.
• Thorne Green tea capsules, 1-2 per day.
• Thorne IM-Encap or Phytogen, 1-2 capsules twice a day
• Xymogen IgG Pure, 1-2 scoops per day.
• Xymogen IgG, 2 capsules twice a day (only if I start to feel sick)
Daily supplements for Ila and Kian (sometimes Kian won’t eat anything I give him)
• Multivitamins (gummy vits from Costco).
• Pharmax Probiotic straws, 1 straw every 2-3 days.
• Xymogen IgG Powder, 1 tsp per day OR 1 tsp twice a day when ill.
• Wise Women Herbals, Herbal CE 1, ½ tsp at night when exposed to illness or ill.
(of note, kids absorb Vitamin D better than adults, so no supplement is recommended)
Daily activity, even a 10 minute walk outside, helps the body to maintain balance and function appropriately. Vigorous activity, such as a hike in the middle of the winter, stimulates “leukocytosis” and increases the white blood cells in the body. And, for the last time, you really are what you eat, and although a twinkie can survive on the shelf, fresh and new, for many years, you cannot. As we age, our body’s response to the fuel we give it is amplified, so eat 5 servings of fruits and veges per day, cut down on simple carbs like sugar and white flour products, and eat lean proteins like chicken, turkey and fish. When possible, choose organic, locally grown food, as it really does make a difference in taste and residual free radicals from chemicals in the body. And it makes you feel good to buy food from your neighbors.
So it is not easy to stay healthy on a daily basis, but it pays off when you don’t have to check out for a week because of illness. I am here for you if you need me!
Kristina
First of all, thank you, thank you, and thank you! It was a wonderful summer with some 3 day mini vacations and more time with my family and friends. My children remember who I am and I am enjoying the practice of medicine again. The winter will be interesting because there will be some days where I have very few open appointments. Just email Michele or me for availabilities, and we will find a place for you and your family.
Due to the winter getting busier, I will be seasonally opening up some Wednesday afternoons. This means that from September to May, I will open up the online schedule for appointments on the Wednesdays I am in the clinic. If there are no appointments available and you need to be seen on Wednesday, email or call and we can make some arrangements to get you in. Also, please verify the date of the visit whenever you make an online appointment, as AppointmentQuest will find the first available 15 minute slot and it may not be on the day you want to see me.
Flu Shots
If you had to pick one year to get a flu shot, this is the one. It would help me out a lot if everybody received a shot or FluMist nasal spray, then if you get sick I know it is not that type of flu. Adults and kids over 12 years can get the vaccine through most grocery stores. I will only have vaccine for children less than 12 years old.
The first shipment of H1N1 flu vaccine will be delivered to the Health Departments for high-risk patients in October, and it will be available through some pharmacies for in November, as the mass vaccinations start. I will not be a H1N1 vaccine clinic, but I will keep the website updated on where you can get the vaccine, if you wish. The closest Health Department Immunization Clinic is Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th St.
Health Care Reform
No matter what you think about health care reform, change is coming and it is important for us all to use our collective voices and votes. There is a great short film produced by an Emergency Room physician in Portland, OR that presents all sides of this complicated issue. It can be accessed through www.ourailinghealthcare.com. I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with this issue as it will not only dramatically affect us in our lifetime but will have a profound effect on generations to come. Send your opinions to our leaders – links are below.
President Obama -- http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Office of the Surgeon General -- Phone: 301-443-4000/Fax: 301-443-3574
Senator Maria Cantwell -- http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/ -- phone: 202-224-3441
Senator Patty Murray -- http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm -- phone: 202-224-2621
Washington State Congressmen List -- http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#wa
Health Notes
I am frequently asked about what I do to maximize my immune system and prevent illness, since I am exposed to sick people every day. Below is what I do for myself and my kids. We still get sick, but frequency and intensity of our illnesses have been decreased with this regimen. Keep in mind that I do not care if you buy these supplements from me or online; I just want you to have the right stuff. As I have told many of you, I am lucky enough NOT to only sell supplements for a living.
Daily Immune Supplements for Kristina
• Pharmax Liquid Multivitamin, 2 capfuls per day in 2 liters of water.
• Vitamin D 2000-4000iu per day.
• Pharmax HLC probiotics, 1-2 capsules per day.
• Thorne Green tea capsules, 1-2 per day.
• Thorne IM-Encap or Phytogen, 1-2 capsules twice a day
• Xymogen IgG Pure, 1-2 scoops per day.
• Xymogen IgG, 2 capsules twice a day (only if I start to feel sick)
Daily supplements for Ila and Kian (sometimes Kian won’t eat anything I give him)
• Multivitamins (gummy vits from Costco).
• Pharmax Probiotic straws, 1 straw every 2-3 days.
• Xymogen IgG Powder, 1 tsp per day OR 1 tsp twice a day when ill.
• Wise Women Herbals, Herbal CE 1, ½ tsp at night when exposed to illness or ill.
(of note, kids absorb Vitamin D better than adults, so no supplement is recommended)
Daily activity, even a 10 minute walk outside, helps the body to maintain balance and function appropriately. Vigorous activity, such as a hike in the middle of the winter, stimulates “leukocytosis” and increases the white blood cells in the body. And, for the last time, you really are what you eat, and although a twinkie can survive on the shelf, fresh and new, for many years, you cannot. As we age, our body’s response to the fuel we give it is amplified, so eat 5 servings of fruits and veges per day, cut down on simple carbs like sugar and white flour products, and eat lean proteins like chicken, turkey and fish. When possible, choose organic, locally grown food, as it really does make a difference in taste and residual free radicals from chemicals in the body. And it makes you feel good to buy food from your neighbors.
So it is not easy to stay healthy on a daily basis, but it pays off when you don’t have to check out for a week because of illness. I am here for you if you need me!
Kristina
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