StemCell Therapy

British Dictionary definitions for biotechnology Expand

/batknld/

(in industry) the technique of using microorganisms, such as bacteria, to perform chemical processing, such as waste recycling, or to produce other materials, such as beer and wine, cheese, antibiotics, and (using genetic engineering) hormones, vaccines, etc

Derived Forms

biotechnological (batknldkl) adjectivebiotechnologically, adverbbiotechnologist, noun

Word Origin and History for biotechnology Expand

also bio-technology, 1947, "use of machinery in relation to human needs;" 1972 in sense of "use of biological processes in industrial production," from bio- + technology.

biotechnology in Medicine Expand

biotechnology biotechnology (b'-tk-nl'-j) n.

The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes. Applications include production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk foodstuffs.

The application of the principles of engineering and technology to the life sciences.

biotechnology in Science Expand

The use of a living organism to solve an engineering problem or perform an industrial task. Using bacteria that feed on hydrocarbons to clean up an oil spill is one example of biotechnology.

The use of biological substances or techniques to engineer or manufacture a product or substance, as when cells that produce antibodies are cloned in order to study their effects on cancer cells. See more at genetic engineering.

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Biotechnology | Define Biotechnology at Dictionary.com

Dr. Elizabeth Board is thesecond Medical Doctor in Georgia to become board certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFMCP)!There are only three IFMCPs in the state of Georgia!! She is also the founder of Atlanta Functional Medicine located in Alpharetta, Georgia. Dr. Board is a highly trained physician, not only in Functional Medicine, but also in Pain Management, Medical Acupuncture, Anesthesiology, andNeuro-Endo-Immune Certified.

After practicing as a Pain Management Physician, Dr. Board developed an interest in alternative methods of bringing about pain relief without placing patients on large doses of drugs that lead to dependence or cause sedation. It was this common interest that led Dr. Board to join Dr. Christine Gustafson at Alpharetta Integrative Medicine.

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

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What Patients Love About Dr. Board

Besides being a highly qualified Physician with extensive training in both mainstream and alternative medical disciplines, Dr. Board has a remarkable bedside manner. With empathy, Dr. Board takes the time to really hear each patient. She truly cares and tirelessly works to find solutions to the patients healthcare challenges.

By the time a patient walks through the doorway of an Integrative practice, he or she often has a long history of going from doctor to doctor in search of elusive solutions to chronic issues. Dr. Boards patients are instantly put at ease with her kind and gentle manner. Dr. Board engenders a confidence within her patients that the healing process will continue, and they look forward to coming back.

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Dr. Board Founded Atlanta Functional Medicine Of Alpharetta GA

Non-Surgical Orthopedics: Diseases and Injuries of the muscles and joints and spine is what we specialize in. Most of these problems can be treated without surgery. With a comprehensive team approach to evaluating and managing your orthopedic problems, surgery is rarely required. And in the event that we decide with you that a surgical consultation is needed, we will get you to the very best specialist for your problem . . .one who we know and trust and is committed to working with us and our conservative natural approach to health care.

Joint Injections:

Arthritis of the Knee

Medications

Our doctors will do all the procedures to resolve your issues without surgery. If necessary, they will help you regain your health after surgery.

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Restoring and Maintaining Optimum Health

Chiropractors are healthcare providers who specialize in restoring joint function and freeing nerve pathways. Conditions treated by chiropractors are extremely varied. Care begins with a thorough examination and review of your history. X-ray, laboratory, or other diagnostic aids may be necessary depending on your needs.

An unhealthy spine causes a multitude of problems pain, arthritis, disc herniations, scoliosis, etc. All of these can occur because of joint and/or nerve impingement. A pinched nerve can cause pain as well as disturb and alter the nerve signal from the brain to the body, not unlike a bad radio signal. This can result in a malfunction, decreasing the bodys ability to perform.

Regular Chiropractic Care helps you maintain a healthy spine. And a healthy spine encourages the body toward optimum health. Chiropractic Care addresses these and many other issues:

Spinal Care Back Pain Acute Back Pain Spinal Arthritis Pinched Nerves Sciatica

Auto Accidents/Work Related Injuries

Have you or anyone you know been injured in an auto accident, motorcycle accident, slip or fall or hurt on the job? NOW WHAT?? We here at AIM fully understand the plight of those that have been injured especially if it wasnt your fault! The main question is; what to do about the injury, who is responsible for all of my medical bills, what if I cant work and who do I go see that can help coordinate all of these medical/legal issues? The Doctors and staff at AIM have had extensive training in this very arena and deal with these types of injuries on a daily basis. We have a Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner and Chiropractor on-site for your immediate care. We also have years of experience quarterbacking your case. Which means after assessing your situation, we make all of the appropriate referrals necessary to ensure that you get the absolute best treatment for your injuries and give you access to the best and most experienced attorneys in the field of personal injury.

This allows you to heal without worry.

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Treatment of Disc Herniations & Degenerative Disc Disease

AIM offers a revolutionary new breakthrough in the treatment of back and neck pain!

AIM offers traditional medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy as well as the most advanced spinal decompression. Spinal decompression is much more effective than traditional traction. If you are living with back pain or unable to be as active as you would like this may be your answer.

Spinal decompression therapy relieves pain associated with:

Herniated discs Protruding discs Degenerative Disc Disease

Posterior Facet Syndrome Sciatica

Decompression therapy separates the vertebrae resulting in negative pressure pulling the hernia back inside the disc. After multiple treatments, the bulge can be pulled back into the disc.

Our doctors also offer traditional care including medication, trigger point injections, and spinal injections (epidurals).

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Cholesterol It may surprise you to know that cholesterol itself isn't bad. In fact, cholesterol is just one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. There are two types of cholesterol: good and bad. Its important to understand the difference, and to know the levels of good and bad cholesterol in your blood. Too much of one type or not enough of another can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Most people can make lifestyle changes to lower their cholesterol to prevent these risks. Some people may need medication but these may come at a price. The risks and side effects of these medications can cause permanent muscle damage and pain that can be debilitating. Healthy lifestyle changes can not only prevent you from having to be on these medications but can improve your overall health and quality of life. See how we can help you make healthy lifestyle changes.

Blood Pressure High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition. Some people think that those with hypertension are tense, nervous or hyperactive, but hypertension has nothing to do with personality traits. The truth is, you can be a calm, relaxed person and still have high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because high blood pressure has no symptoms, so you may not be aware that it's damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. Making healthy lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure without having to depend on medication. Stop by for a free blood pressure check today.

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People who suffer from fibromyalgia are plagued by persistent pain and chronic fatigue. These symptoms can make it difficult to shop for, prepare, and eat wholesome and nutritious meals. Nevertheless, a healthy diet is very important in helping people with fibromyalgia counteract stress, detoxify the body, and restore nutrients to the areas that need them the most. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also beneficial for treatment. Specific exercises can help restore muscle balance and may reduce pain. Stretching techniques and the application of hot or cold also may help. There is no one treatment for Fibromyalgia. An all encompassing treatment protocol must be used in order to effectively reduce the pain associated with Fibromyalgia.

The ideal treatment would involve the following:

In conclusion...Fibromyalgia is a real condition, and it is treatable!

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Our Doctors offer multiple weight loss programs matched to your specific needs; medically supervised HCG program, appetite suppressants, B-12 and MIC injections and our all natural Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program.

Advanced Integrative Medicine is the only clinic in the Alpharetta area to offer Ideal Protein. Ideal Protein is a medically designed protocol that results in fat loss while sparing muscle mass. It is an easy 4-phase program which helps stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels while burning fat and maintain muscle and other lean tissue. This protocol is also an excellent support for cellulite reduction. On average, women lose weight at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per week and 4 to 7 pounds per week for men.

Based on over 25 years of experience and 5 million people in Europe, Canada and the United States, the program enables the following:

Ideal Proteins primary concerns are health, quick weight loss without loss of muscle mass. Additionally the protocol concentrates on metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is the current tsunami that has and continues to take over our nation. Many of you are unfamiliar with this disease, but are very aware of its individual parts. Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X has 4 different parts: High Cholesterol (LDLs, Triglycerides), High Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar Issues (Type II Diabetes Primarily) and Central Obesity (where most of us carry our fat). As you know, these most often are treated with medications lots of them! Its not unheard of to have 2-3 medications for each aspect of the syndrome! The big white elephant in the corner is that most if not all of these issues are diet related. Unfortunately, there are so many diets and diet related products out there that confusion sets in and we tend to do nothing. Ideal Protein is the answer that you are looking for. This diet was created to battle metabolic syndrome. We have dieters everyday in our office (with the help of their primary care physicians) greatly reducing or eliminating their medications.

Interested in learning more about Ideal Protein? Attend one of our free workshops held in our waiting room. Here you can learn all about the protocol and also taste the food. You can also visit our Ideal Protein micro site.

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Food & Chemcial Sensitivity Testing Wellness through Customized Nutrition

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, or lactose/gluten sensitivity? cravings for sweets, bread, or alcohol? dieting without success? chronic sinus problems, drainage/post nasal drip, allergy symptoms, dry cough, throat clearing, or a frequent need for antibiotics? fatigue, lethargy or low energy? frequent headaches or migraines, inability to concentrate? unresolved health issues? unpleasant reactions to some foods but unable to identify?

Food Sensitivity May Be the Culprit! Our customized testing measures harmful immune reaction induced by common foods, additives and environmental chemicals. Using just a small amount of blood we can accurately detect a cellular reaction to over 250 different items. Now more than ever, diet plays a critical role in preventing a wide range of degenerative diseases and premature aging. This test will provide the information necessary to make changes in your diet that may well be life changing.

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You have joint pain. Maybe its in your elbow or your knee. Youve seen the specialists, had the x-rays and the MRIs. The prescription pain medications, physical therapy, taping, splinting, and cortisone injections havent brought you the relief you are looking for. The possible need for surgery has been discussed with you, but of course there are no guarantees that it will solve the problem and take away the pain.

Ever wish there was something better?

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is a totally different concept in the treatment of muscle, tendon, and joint pain. There are no pills or pain medications in Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. There is no cortisone or steroids. There are only the powerful natural regenerative properties of your own body concentrated, and focused on the area of injury and pain to bring about healing and relief.

The human body is an amazing thing. All of us contain within our bodies, circulating in our blood streams, an amazing array of completely natural and powerful healing substances that react in complex ways to bring about repair and to regenerate injured tissues. Everything from the scraped knee of a child on a play ground, to the most complicated brain or heart surgery in a critically ill patient is ultimately dependent on these natural and complex regenerative processes that are created only within the living tissues of the body.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapyharnesses these unique and powerful healing properties by going to the source of them in the patients own blood, concentrating them to increase their effectiveness, and delivering them back to the site of the patients specific injury.

The patient comes to our office and is brought back to the examination room. A small butterfly needle is inserted into a vein in the arm and one or two tubes of blood are drawn. Then using specialize equipment in our office, the portion of the blood that contains the natural healing substances is concentrated and separated from the other blood components. This portion of the blood, which contains concentrated healing and regenerative properties is known asPlatelet Rich Plasma. The Platelet Rich Plasma is placed in a special syringe and state of the art ultrasound imaging is then used to accurately guide the tip of the needle to the site of injury where the Platelet Rich Plasma is injected. The whole process takes less than thirty minutes in our office.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is particularly suited to the repair and regeneration of injured tendons, muscles and joints, where other therapies have failed to achieve adequate or long lasting healing. Chronic Tennis Elbow or Golfers Elbow, Back, Knee, Shoulder and Ankle injuries and tendonitis have all been successfully treated with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.

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The termUltrasoundis one most of us have heard before. Ultrasound has many uses in medicine both for treatment and for taking pictures of or imaging structures inside the body. Perhaps the use of ultrasound many of us are most familiar with is to take pictures of the unborn fetus inside its mothers womb. In a similar way Ultrasound Guided Injections use the picture taking or imaging properties of ultrasound to allow the structures that are being injected to be seen or imaged in real time. This allows accurate placement of the needle tip during the injection, while staying away from other structures that need to be avoided during the injection procedure.

Safety.X-Ray, CT, and Fluoroscopy all involve the use of X-Ray radiation. X-Rays cause cancer and the cancer causing effect of x-rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that a single chest x-ray exposes a person to about the same amount of radiation as they would receive in ten days naturally from the background radiation present around all of us every day. A single CT scan of the chest exposes a person to the same amount of radiation as100 to 800 chest x-rays.And, a singleFluoroscopyprocedure exposes a person to the same amount of radiation as250 to 3,500 chest x-rays!!!It would take 95 years for the average person to be exposed to that much background radiation naturally!!!

The amount of cancer causing radiation in an ultrasound: NONE

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095505.htm

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20100331/faq-radiation-risk-from-medical-imaging

In addition to the cancer causing effects of radiation X-Rays, CT Scans, Fluoroscopy and MRI all carry the risk from the dye or contrast material that is sometimes used to allow a better image of the part of the body being studied. In addition to actual allergic reaction, these contrast materials can be toxic to many organs in the body. MRIs use strong magnets rather than x-rays to create pictures of structures inside the body. In addition to the use of contrast materials, the following are risk factors associated with the use of MRI:

Though rare, the overall rate of accidents associated with MRIs actually increased by almost 400% between 2004 and 2009. In fact the FDA was so concerned about this that they called a special conference to address MRI safety in October, 2011.

http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup_n&sub=bai&pag=dis&itemId=96699

Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Injections carry none of these risks.

Comfort.CT scans, Fluoroscopy, and MRIs usually require patients to lie down. Most of our Ultrasound Guided Injection Procedures are done with the patient sitting up. And while we prefer our patients to lie down for some of our procedures, almost all of them can be done with the patient seated comfortably when needed.

Convenience.Because we maintain our own state of the art Ultrasound Imaging equipment, all of our imaging procedures can be done in our office often on the same day that it is determined that it is needed.

No Sedation.All of our Ultrasound Guided Injection procedures are relatively pain free and do not require sedation. Patients can usually drive themselves to our office and back home again when receiving an injection in our office.

No Contrast Material.When doing Ultrasound Guided Injections it is the sound itself that clarifies the contour of the joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves. No risk of allergic reaction or chemical side effects from Ultrasound . . . Ever.

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AIM Advanced Integrative Medicine Alpharetta, GA ...

What are Stem Cells?

Types of Stem Cells

Why are Stem Cells Important?

Can doctors use stem cells to treat patients?

Pros and Cons of Using Stem Cells

What are Stem Cells?

There are several different types of stem cells produced and maintained in our system throughout life. Depending on the circumstances and life cycle stages, these cells have different properties and functions. There are even stem cells that have been created in the laboratory that can help us learn more about how stem cells differentiate and function. A few key things to remember about stem cells before we venture into more detail:

Stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ and tissue in our bodies. The highly specialized cells that make up these tissues originally came from an initial pool of stem cells formed shortly after fertilization. Throughout our lives, we continue to rely on stem cells to replace injured tissues and cells that are lost every day, such as those in our skin, hair, blood and the lining of our gut.

Source ISSCR

Stem Cell History

Until recently, scientists primarily worked with two kinds of stem cells from animals and humans: embryonic stem cells and non-embryonic "somatic" or "adult" stem cells. Scientists discovered ways to derive embryonic stem cells from early mouse embryos nearly 30 years ago, in 1981. The detailed study of the biology of mouse stem cells led to the discovery, in 1998, of a method to derive stem cells from human embryos and grow the cells in the laboratory. These cells are called human embryonic stem cells. The embryos used in these studies were created for reproductive purposes through in vitro fertilization procedures. When they were no longer needed for that purpose, they were donated for research with the informed consent of the donor. In 2006, researchers made another breakthrough by identifying conditions that would allow some specialized adult cells to be "reprogrammed" genetically to assume a stem cell-like state. This new type of stem cell is now known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Source NIH

Types of Stem Cells

Adult Stem Cells (ASCs):

ASCs are undifferentiated cells found living within specific differentiated tissues in our bodies that can renew themselves or generate new cells that can replenish dead or damaged tissue. You may also see the term somatic stem cell used to refer to adult stem cells. The term somatic refers to non-reproductive cells in the body (eggs or sperm). ASCs are typically scarce in native tissues which have rendered them difficult to study and extract for research purposes.

Resident in most tissues of the human body, discrete populations of ASCs generate cells to replace those that are lost through normal repair, disease, or injury. ASCs are found throughout ones lifetime in tissues such as the umbilical cord, placenta, bone marrow, muscle, brain, fat tissue, skin, gut, etc. The first ASCs were extracted and used for blood production in 1948. This procedure was expanded in 1968 when the first adult bone marrow cells were used in clinical therapies for blood disease.

Studies proving the specificity of developing ASCs are controversial; some showing that ASCs can only generate the cell types of their resident tissue whereas others have shown that ASCs may be able to generate other tissue types than those they reside in. More studies are necessary to confirm the dispute.

Types of Adult Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs):

During days 3-5 following fertilization and prior to implantation, the embryo (at this stage, called a blastocyst), contains an inner cell mass that is capable of generating all the specialized tissues that make up the human body. ESCs are derived from the inner cell mass of an embryo that has been fertilized in vitro and donated for research purposes following informed consent. ESCs are not derived from eggs fertilized in a womans body.

These pluripotent stem cells have the potential to become almost any cell type and are only found during the first stages of development. Scientists hope to understand how these cells differentiate during development. As we begin to understand these developmental processes we may be able to apply them to stem cells grown in vitro and potentially regrow cells such as nerve, skin, intestine, liver, etc for transplantation.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Induced pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that are created in the laboratory, a happy medium between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. iPSCs are created through the introduction of embryonic genes into a somatic cell (a skin cell for example) that cause it to revert back to a stem cell like state. These cells, like ESCs are considered pluripotent Discovered in 2007, this method of genetic reprogramming to create embryonic like cells, is novel and needs many more years of research before use in clinical therapies.

NIH

Why are Stem Cells Important?

Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. In the 3- to 5-day-old embryo, called a blastocyst, the inner cells give rise to the entire body of the organism, including all of the many specialized cell types and organs such as the heart, lung, skin, sperm, eggs and other tissues. In some adult tissues, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, discrete populations of adult stem cells generate replacements for cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease.

Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. However, much work remains to be done in the laboratory and the clinic to understand how to use these cells for cell-based therapies to treat disease, which is also referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine.

Laboratory studies of stem cells enable scientists to learn about the cells essential properties and what makes them different from specialized cell types. Scientists are already using stem cells in the laboratory to screen new drugs and to develop model systems to study normal growth and identify the causes of birth defects.

Research on stem cells continues to advance knowledge about how an organism develops from a single cell and how healthy cells replace damaged cells in adult organisms. Stem cell research is one of the most fascinating areas of contemporary biology, but, as with many expanding fields of scientific inquiry, research on stem cells raises scientific questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries.

Source NIH

Can doctors use stem cells to treat patients?

Some stem cells, such as the adult bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, have been used in clinical therapies for over 40 years. Other therapies utilizing stem cells include skin replacement from adult stem cells harvested from hair follicles that have been grown in culture to produce skin grafts. Other clinical trials for neuronal damage/disease have also been conducted using neural stem cells. There were side effects accompanying these studies and further investigation is warranted. Although there is much research to be conducted in the future, these studies give us hope for the future of therapeutics with stem cell research.

Potential Therapies using Stem Cells

Adult Stem Cell Therapies

Bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplants have been utilized for over 40 years as therapy for blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma, amongst many others. Scientists have also shown that stem cells reside in most tissues of the body and research continues to learn how to identify, extract, and proliferate these cells for further use in therapy. Scientists hope to yield therapies for diseases such as type I diabetes and repair of heart muscle following heart attack.

Scientists have also shown that there is potential in reprogramming ASCs to cause them to transdifferentiate (turn back into a different cell type than the resident tissue it was replenishing).

Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) Therapies

There is potential with ESCs to treat certain diseases in the future. Scientists continue to learn how ESCs differentiate and once this method is better understood, the hope is to apply the knowledge to get ESCs to differentiate into the cell of choice that is needed for patient therapy. Diseases that are being targeted with ESC therapy include diabetes, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, and vision/hearing loss.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies

Therapies using iPSCs are exciting because somatic cells of the recipient can be reprogrammed to en ESC like state. Then mechanisms to differentiate these cells may be applied to generate the cells in need. This is appealing to clinicians because this avoids the issue of histocompatibility and lifelong immunosuppression, which is needed if transplants use donor stem cells.

iPS cells mimic most ESC properties in that they are pluripotent cells, but do not currently carry the ethical baggage of ESC research and use because iPS cells have not been able to be manipulated to grow the outer layer of an embryonic cell required for the development of the cell into a human being.

Pros and Cons of Using Various Stem Cells

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What are Stem Cells? - University of Nebraska Medical Center

Dr. Ilana Zablozki-Amir is a physician that uses Functional Medicine principles to help people identify the best, most natural ways of optimizing their health.

If you are someone who:

... has been struggling to make sense of the plethora of health information (often contradictory) that youve been told or read about ... is frustrated that your symptoms are being dismissed as in your head or due to aging... doesn't want to be dependent on medications and want to explore other more natural, effective and safer options that address the root of the problem ... wants to do more to protect your health rather than just watch and wait until things get worse ...

Then youve come to the right place.

Dr. Zablozki will spend a lot of time, gather lots of information, and help make sense of things. Her out of the box and 'big picture thinking, along with utilizing state of the art laboratory testing and diagnostic tools, help her to often find answers that havent come before, and to create very personalized, proactive health protection and rehabilitation plans.

Because Dr. Zablozki is committed to helping people accomplish things that help them thrive, her patients end up feeling healthier, more informed, and empowered! Contact her today to see how she can help you or someone you care about.

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Welcome to Brooklyn Integrative Medicine Brooklyn, NY

The role of the immune system a collection of structures and processes within the body is to protect against disease or other potentially damaging foreign bodies. When functioning properly, the immune system identifies a variety of threats, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, and distinguishes them from the body's own healthy tissue, according toMerck Manuals.

Lymph nodes:Small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease and are part of the lymphatic system which consists of bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes, according to "A Practical Guide To Clinical Medicine" from theUniversity of California San Diego(UCSD). Lymph nodes also contain lymph, the clear fluid that carries those cells to different parts of the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes can become enlarged and feel sore.

Spleen:The largest lymphatic organ in the body, which is on your left side, under your ribs and above your stomach, contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. According to theNational Institutes of Health(NIH), the spleen also helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.

Bone marrow:The yellow tissue in the center of the bones produces white blood cells. This spongy tissue inside some bones, such as the hip and thigh bones, contains immature cells, called stem cells, according to the NIH. Stem cells, especially embryonic stem cells, which are derived from eggs fertilized in vitro (outside of the body), are prized for their flexibility in being able to morph into any human cell.

Lymphocytes: These small white blood cells play a large role in defending the body against disease, according to theMayo Clinic. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells, which make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, and T-cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells. Killer T-cells are a subgroup of T-cells that kill cells that are infected with viruses and other pathogens or are otherwise damaged. Helper T-cells help determine which immune responses the body makes to a particular pathogen.

Thymus:This small organ is where T-cells mature. This often-overlooked part of the immune system, which is situated beneath the breastbone (and is shaped like a thyme leaf, hence the name), can trigger or maintain the production of antibodies that can result in muscle weakness, the Mayo Clinic said. Interestingly, the thymus is somewhat large in infants, grows until puberty, then starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat with age, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Leukocytes: These disease-fighting white blood cells identify and eliminate pathogens and are the second arm of the innate immune system. A high white blood cell count is referred to as leukocytosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The innate leukocytes include phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells), mast cells, eosinophils and basophils.

If immune system-related diseases are defined very broadly, then allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema are very common. However, these actually represent a hyper-response to external allergens, according to Dr. Matthew Lau, chief, department of allergy and immunology atKaiser Permanente Hawaii. Asthma and allergies also involve the immune system. A normally harmless material, such as grass pollen, food particles, mold or pet dander, is mistaken for a severe threat and attacked.

Other dysregulation of the immune system includes autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. "Finally, some less common disease related to deficient immune system conditions are antibody deficiencies and cell mediated conditions that may show up congenitally," Lau told Live Science.

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer, according to the NIH.

Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is not as strong as normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections, according to theUniversity of Rochester Medical Center. In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or through the use of immunosuppressive medication.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign bodies, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1 and systemic lupus erythematosus. Another disease considered to be an autoimmune disorder is myasthenia gravis (pronounced my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis).

Even though symptoms of immune diseases vary, fever and fatigue are common signs that the immune system is not functioning properly, the Mayo Clinic noted.

Most of the time, immune deficiencies are diagnosed with blood tests that either measure the level of immune elements or their functional activity, Lau said.

Allergic conditions may be evaluated using either blood tests or allergy skin testing to identify what allergens trigger symptoms.

In overactive or autoimmune conditions, medications that reduce the immune response, such as corticosteroids or other immune suppressive agents, can be very helpful. "In some immune deficiency conditions, the treatment may be replacement of missing or deficiency elements," Lau said. "This may be infusions of antibodies to fight infections."

Treatment may also include monoclonal antibodies, Lau said. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein made in a lab that can bind to substances in the body. They can be used to regulate parts of the immune response that are causing inflammation, Lau said. According to the National Cancer Institute, monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat cancer. They can carry drugs, toxins or radioactive substances directly to cancer cells.

An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders, including primary immunodeficiency disorders, according to theAmerican College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology(ACAAI). These conditions range from common to extremely rare, spanning all ages and encompassing various organ systems.

To become an allergist/immunologist, physicians must undergo three years of training in internal medicine or pediatrics after completing medical school and graduating with a medical degree, according to the ACAAI. They must also pass the exam of either the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).

Internists and pediatricians must undergo a two-year fellowship in an allergy/immunology training program to become an allergist/immunologist, the ACAAI said.

1718: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, observed the positive effects of variolation the deliberate infection with the smallpox disease on the native population and had the technique performed on her own children.

1796: Edward Jenner was the first to demonstrate the smallpox vaccine.

1840: Jakob Henle put forth the first modern proposal of the germ theory of disease.

1857-1870: The role of microbes in fermentation was confirmed by Louis Pasteur.

1880-1881: The theory that bacterial virulence could be used as vaccines was developed. Pasteur put this theory into practice by experimenting with chicken cholera and anthrax vaccines. On May 5, 1881, Pasteur vaccinated 24 sheep, one goat, and six cows with five drops of live attenuated anthrax bacillus.

1885: Joseph Meister, 9 years old, was injected with the attenuated rabies vaccine by Pasteur after being bitten by a rabid dog. He is the first known human to survive rabies.

1886: American microbiologist Theobold Smith demonstrated that heat-killed cultures of chicken cholera bacillus were effective in protecting against cholera.

1903: Maurice Arthus described the localizing allergic reaction that is now known as the Arthus response.

1949: John Enders, Thomas Weller and Frederick Robbins experimented with the growth of polio virus in tissue culture, neutralization with immune sera, and demonstration of attenuation of neurovirulence with repetitive passage.

1951: Vaccine against yellow fever was developed.

1983: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) was discovered by French virologist Luc Montagnier.

1986: Hepatitis B vaccine was produced by genetic engineering.

2005: Ian Frazer developed the human papillomavirus vaccine.

Editors Note: If youd like more information on this topic, we recommend the following book:

Systems of the human body

Parts of the human body

Continued here:
Immune System: Diseases, Disorders & Function

Is Stem Cell Therapy the Right Treatment for me?

There are many studies showing how stem cells help speed up recovery time for those who have been treated by them, however, results vary from patient to patient. Although the science behind stem cells and how they work is becoming increasingly well known and trusted throughout the medical community, there is still no way to quantitatively represent how they will impact each individual since every patient is unique.

To get started just click on the link below and take 5 minutes to accurately fill out the questions. Once submitted one of the professionals at OLSS will review your submission and get back in touch with you to provide you with the answers you need to get on the path to living pain free.

If you are certain that stem cell therapy is the right treatment for you based on a referral from a doctor or recommendation from another surgeon, the highly skilled surgeons at OLSS are a great choice for getting this procedure done.

With some of the most skilled and highly qualified surgeons in the industry, OLSS has one of the highest success rates. This in part is due to making sure patients we accept as candidates go through a candidacy checking process.

To get started just click the link below and take 5 minutes to answer the questions as accurately as possible. Once we receive your answers one of our professional staff will review them and get back in touch with you to provide feedback and let you know if you are a candidate and what the next steps are to getting you back to living pain free.

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Stem Cell Therapy | Orthopedic and Laser Spine Surgery

This novel treatment is a promising option for some pet conditions.

By Sonya Collins WebMD Magazine - Feature

For decades, researchers have touted stem cells as a potential treatment for a number of diseases. Doctors already use stem cells to treat people with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders as well as for some solid cancer tumors.

Pets can also take advantage of stem cell treatments. "Used for appropriate conditions, I think this therapy will significantly help a large number of animals. In the right instances, the results have already been astounding," says Sean Owens, DVM, DACVP. He's an associate professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and medical director for the school's Regenerative Medicine Laboratory.

Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip

It wouldn't be a family car trip without Fido, but if you want everyone who's along for the ride -- two-legged and four-legged -- to have fun, you need to do some prep work. "People just jump in the car and think they are prepared," says animal behaviorist Kristen Collins, MS, CPDT, with the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. "But preparation needs to start as far in advance as you know you are going on a trip."

Read the Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip article > >

The most common and successful veterinary use of stem cells treats osteoarthritis in dogs, as well as injuries to bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and the spinal cord. Early research also shows that stem cells might successfully treat dry eye in dogs and stomatitis -- a severe, painful oral disease -- in cats. In the future, pets and people could benefit from stem cell therapy for chronic diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Owens says.

A stem cell is a blank slate that can become any type of cell, with the potential to regenerate tissue in a part of the body where disease has damaged it and caused it to lose function.

Pet stem cell therapy uses stem cells from the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, or fat of either your pet or another animal of the same species. A veterinarian injects the stem cells into the diseased area, such as a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis. The cells move to the inflamed or damaged tissue, suppress the inflammation, relieve pain, and cause new tissue to grow. This new tissue is more like the original tissue than the scar tissue that would typically grow in an untreated inflamed area, Owens explains.

Stem cell therapy is not for every pet or every condition. Beware of veterinarians who claim it's a cure-all. It's not for every budget, either. A course of two to three injections can run $2,000 or more. If you have the resources and your pet still has several good years ahead of him, stem cell therapy might be a good option. Find a veterinarian who has experience with the therapy and ask lots of questions, including not only if your dog or cat would be a good candidate but why.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Cats and Dogs? - WebMD

Stem cell therapy is an exciting part of a rapidly growing area within medicine termed Regenerative Medicine. Stem cells are cells that have the opportunity to become several different tissue types and also have the ability to self-replicate. Stem cells are found throughout the body in certain tissues and in varying concentrations. Bone marrow and adipose tissue have the highest concentrations of stem cells.

At Spine & Joint Solutions, a procedure called bone marrow aspiration is performed to collect stem cells for use in areas of injury. The aspiration typically takes between 5-10 minutes and begins with having a patient lie on a bed on his/her stomach. The iliac crest bone, or top ridge of the hip bone, is the location chosen from which to draw bone marrow out. The region is sterilized and then anesthetized to reduce any discomfort. A needle is then advanced into the iliac crest, and between 60mL and 120mL of bone marrow is aspirated from the region. The needle is then removed. The bone marrow aspirate is then placed in a special centrifuge and spins for about 14 minutes. This spinning technique separates the stem cells and platelets from the rest of the marrow. The bone marrow aspiration concentration (BMAC) is then placed into a syringe in order to be injected into the desired area. If the target is the joints or tendons, then an ultrasound is used to help guide the needle directly into the region of damage. If the target is the spine, a fluoroscope (x-ray machine) is used to help guide the needle into the region of damage. When stem cells are placed in an area of degeneration or injury within the body, these cells have the ability to decrease local inflammation and heal damaged tissue.

There are certain situations in which using bone marrow-derived stem cells is not the best option. In these situations, further discussions about amniotic stem cells are reasonable. Following a scheduled cesarean section and informed consent of the mother, the placenta may be collected and the amniotic membrane separated. Stem cells are then collected from this membrane and concentrated. The concentrated stem cell product is then placed in a vial and frozen. At the time of the joint or spine injection, the product is thawed within the vial, drawn into a syringe and placed into the target area under either ultrasound or fluoroscope guidance.

Stem cell therapy is a safe and conservative treatment option for multiple musculoskeletal conditions, including joint degeneration, cartilage injury, tendon injury, ligament injury, facet joint injury and disc injury.

All regenerative medicine patients at Spine & Joint Solutions will receive a comprehensive approach to their treatment process. This will include a full consultation, during which all questions will be answered. A packet will be provided that includes information on what to expect before, during and after the procedure. This will include post-injection protocols and activity modifications, as well as what to expect from the rehabilitation process, which begins six weeks after the injection. An outline describing an anti-inflammatory diet, suggested supplements, and recipes will also be included. Patients may be asked to wear a brace or use crutches to offload the joint or spine region that was treated.

Additionally, each patient who undergoes treatment with either PRP or stem cells will be asked to take part in the research that is being conducted at Spine & Joint Solutions. This will consist of filling out simple questionnaires before treatment and again at specific points following treatment. Repeat imaging may be pursued to ensure tissue healing.

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Stem Cell Therapy | Spine & Joint Solutions Colorado Springs

Welcome to Regenestem

If you or a loved one suffers from severe heart, lung, or circulatory problems, then the latest therapies using adult stem cells may restore your quality of life to an unexpected level. Because adult stem cell therapies are safe, simple, and non-invasive, they can particularly help those who have exhausted the possibilities of other treatments. Treatments using your own adult stem cells have been shown to restore some normal functions that had been written off as gone forever. -You show renewed vigor with a stronger heartbeat.-You show increased mobility with improved blood flow.-You may recover your independence from breathing devices and other medical apparatus.You may be freed from your dependence on others.

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered the stem cell in mice that gives rise to bone, cartilage and a key part of bone marrow called the stroma. Continue reading

WHY REGENESTEM ? Our Patients come from the USA, Canada, and around the world to receive high quality and affordable stem cell medical care at our state of the art facilities here in in Cancun Mexico. Our patients choose our Continue reading

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Regenestem Stem Cell Research & Stem Cell Therapy

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem Cell Therapy is the process of obtaining stem cells from an adult patient; concentrating them and administering them back into the patients own body. To be clear, these are non-embryonic stem cells, they are adult adipose stem cells. This process of actively obtaining and concentrating stem cells has shown to have beneficial effects in degenerative joint diseases and sport injuries, such as with knees, shoulders and elbows.

Clinical trials have shown that adult adipose stem cells have the potential to:

Stem Cell Therapy is being used worldwide in a very successful manner to treat multiple diseases that were considered to be chronic. The stem cells (whether derived from fat or bone marrow) have the ability to repair and regenerate tissues like tendons, cartilage, muscle and bone. When stem cells are injected into the site of injury, they initiate and promote cellular healing, a regenerative process cant be recreated with traditional medications or surgical procedures.

Here at AALMA we offer you Stem Cell Therapy for aesthetic and orthopedic conditions. After a thorough medical history, physical and imaging evaluation, our specialized physicians will determine if you are a good candidate for our procedure. Cell therapy is an alternative approach and is usually combined with other treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), IV Vitamin Therapy and Body Sculpting.

After a medical evaluation, the patient is prepared for the procedure. The procedure consists of 3 steps: harvesting, isolation and injection. The stem cells are harvested under local anesthesia making it a very comfortable and well-tolerated procedure. Then, the isolation process takes place. During this time, the fat or bone marrow undergo minimal manipulation to isolate the stem cells. This process usually takes about 90 minutes, during which the patient is comfortably relaxing. When the stem cells are ready, they are injected back to the patient all within the same procedure. There is very little downtime and because the cells are autologous (meaning from the patients own body), there are minimal risks of allergic or adverse reactions. Stem Cell Therapy restores the bodys natural balance and at the same time maximizes the cells healing potential by regenerating new tissues.

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What is Stem Cell Therapy?

The Division of Endocrinology has a 50-year tradition of excellence in basic and clinical research, education and patient care.

Interdisciplinary research programs have been emphasized and links forged to the Pediatrics research program and the diabetes and osteoporosis programs at the Graduate School of Public Health. The fellowship program is supported by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) training grant.

Excellent clinical care is provided on inpatient consult services at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System (VAPHCS), Presbyterian/Shadyside locations of the UPMC Health System, Magee Womens Hospital, and the outpatient Falk Endocrinology Clinic on the UPMC Presbyterian campus. Many endocrine faculty are listed among the "Best Physicians in the U.S." in the care and management of diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, pituitary disease, osteoporosis, and other Endocrine-related illnesses.

Researchers at the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pitt School of Medicine, have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy and, when blocked, leads to the development of gestational diabetes. Their findings are available online today in Diabetes, one of the journals of the American Diabetes Association. complete story

Pitt Study Inches Closer to Finding Cure for Diabetes. complete story

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Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University ...

According to this criterion, the longest human lifespan is that of Jeanne Calment of France (18751997), who lived to the age of 122 years, 164 days. She met Vincent van Gogh when she was 12 or 13.[1] She received news media attention in 1985, after turning 110. Subsequent investigation found documentation for Calment's age, beyond any reasonable question, in the records of her native city, Arles, France.[2] More evidence of Calment's lifespan has been produced than for any other supercentenarian; her case serves as an archetype in the methodology for verifying the ages of the world's oldest people.[3]

As women live longer than men on average, combined records for both sexes are dominated by women. The longest undisputed lifespan for a man is that of Jiroemon Kimura of Japan (18972013), who died at age 116 years, 54 days.

Since the death of 116-year-old Jeralean Talley of the United States on 17 June 2015, Susannah Mushatt Jones, also of the United States, born 6 July 1899, is the oldest living person in the world whose age has been documented. Since the death of 112-year-old Yasutaro Koide of Japan on 19 January 2016, Yisrael Kristal of Israel, born 15 September 1903, is the world's oldest living man.

Systematic verification of longevity has only been practiced in recent decades and only in certain parts of the world.

Deceased Living ^ denotes age at death, or, if living, age as of 27 March 2016

Currently, all ten of the verified oldest people ever are women, thus a listing of the ten verified oldest women ever would be identical to the list above.

a^ Brown was born in Jamaica, then a British colony. b^ Gaudette was born in the United States.

The following is a list of men known to be over 110. However, only one of these people, Yisrael Kristal, is verified by the GRG.

a^ Kristal was born in Poland, then a part of the Russian Empire. b^ Castro was born in Peru.

This list is copied from the Gerontology Research Group's list of the World's Oldest Person Titleholders.[26] As the oldest living person is usually a female, a sequence of oldest females would be nearly redundant to this list. A sequence of oldest living men follows this sequence.

This list is copied from the Gerontology Research Group's list of the World's Oldest Man Titleholders.[13]

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Oldest people - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shift recognizes that pain and injury are often hidden opportunities for personal transformation. So we offer you an integrative approach, one that acknowledges not only the physical but also the spiritual, emotional and energetic components of your health. Together we treat the whole you.

published in The Epoch Times Feldenkrais is a method of movement that uses very subtle, sometimes imperceptible or even imaginary gestures to rewire the brain in profound ways. It is a healing modality and is used by performance artists and athletes to enhance performance. Feldenkrais is widely recognized among todays neuroscientists as being ahead of

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Most people think about going to a chiropractor for an adjustment when they are experiencing neck or back pain. While chiropractors are considered experts in dealing with musculoskeletal conditions, the truth is that it is not what has defined chiropractic as an essential and distinct healthcare profession for over a 100 years. 1. Chiropractic Is

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There is power in our words. The energy within words we say to ourselves and others has an effect, and affects us more than we may be aware of. What if we use that power to our benefit? How many times have you said to yourself or heard someone say What if. followed by some

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When faced with a diagnosis such as endometriosis or chronic prostatitis, a majority of men and women are unaware that treatment options exist outside of medication and surgery. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers are also unaware that conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, can reverse the pain associated with these health conditions. As physical therapists who

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Shift | Integrative Medicine

Welcome

The University of Arizona Integrative Health Center will treat you to a level of patient options and services unparalleled in the industry.

You will receive a full spectrum of primary care services, where your physician will take interest in you as a whole person (taking into account any existing health conditions, lifestyle, diet and exercise) and provide you with a broad range of conventional and complementary health services to best suit your needs. A team of practitioners will work together to guide you in finding your own path to health and wellness.

Our primary care providers are all graduates of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (AzCIM) Fellowship in Integrative Medicine the top program in integrative medical education worldwide. Dr. Weil is involved in the direction of both the Fellowship and the Integrative Health Center, but he does not see patients.

The Integrative Health Center is operated by District Medical Group in affiliation with the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

In the latest IHC newsletter, we offer a few strategies for maintaining your good health throughout this time of joyful celebration. Remember, being the healthiest person you can be is the best gift to give yourself and the ones you love.

Read the latest newsletter: Fall Newsletter: Celebrate the Season! Home Remedies, Healthy Munchies and Preparing for a Healthy and Mindful New Year

Newsletter archive >>

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Home: Integrative Health Center

Meet Our Fellows

In July 2001, the MMC Family Medicine Residency program received a training grant awarded by the

Our curriculum in Complementary and Integrative Medicine describes the principles, safe use, and appropriate referral for selected CAM therapies as well as effective communication with patients about their personal choices in complementary and alternative health care. It is designed to weave these ideas and experiences throughout residents' three-year program. Our goal is to develop physicians who will model a healthy lifestyle and be more collaborative and relationship-centered in their approach to medical care.

In 2008 along with our colleagues at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (AZCIM) at the University of Arizona, MMC was one of eight family medicine residencies nationwide to pilot the Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR) program. Our IMR track offers selected residents in-depth competency-based curriculum in integrative medicine, designed to be incorporated into the typical three-year residency program. Central to IMR is a common web-based curriculum, program-specific experiential exercises, and group process-oriented activities.

Having evaluated the evidence, experienced the therapies, and built collaborative relationships with community practitioners of CAM, residents will understand and be in a better position to evaluate and incorporate approaches to healing that are often considered to be outside the conventional medical paradigm.

The Integrative Family Medicine (IFM) Program is a four-year combined family medicine residency program and integrative medicine fellowship. The program was designed jointly in 2003 by the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (AZCIM) at the University of Arizona and family medicine residency programs at Maine Medical Center, Beth Israel/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Middlesex Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, and the Universities of Arizona and Wisconsin.

Graduates of this program will manifest the philosophy and practice of integrative medicine which is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing. (Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine) Graduates receive a certificate in integrative family medicine from the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and Maine Medical Center.

MMC participants complete their family medicine residency at MMCFMRP in three years, enroll in the distributed learning fellowship at AZCIM during post-graduate years two through four (1000 hours and three residential weeks with PIM in Tucson) and are mentored by MMC faculty fellowship-trained in integrative medicine throughout their four years.

The distance learning program requires about 6 hours each week and three, 1 week sessions in Tucson during PGY-2, PGY-3 and PGY-4. The PGY-4 year provides supervised, structured opportunities for the fellow to provide integrative medicine consultation, discuss cases in a multi-disciplinary conference, develop skills in Osteopathic manual medicine, medical acupuncture and other areas of complementary and alternative medicine, and continue to provide family medicine care to a panel of patients.

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Integrative Family Medicine Fellowship - MMC

The objective of the Integrative Medicinefellowship is not to train conventional practitioners to fully practice a CAM discipline. It is, rather, to create a practitioner who is knowledgeable enough about integrative care to function as a skilled guide/adviser to the patient and a collaborative member of multidisciplinary and integrative patient care teams - one who can work effectively with both CAM and conventional practitioners.

The fellowship provides a year's intensive exploration of clinical, educational and research activities related to integrative medicine for MDs or DOs who have satisfactorily completed their residency training.Although fellowship candidates need not be experienced in integrative medicine, they must have shown a recent documentable interest in the field (courses taken, conferences attended, self-paced learning, clinical experiences, etc.).

Fellows will average two days a week in clinical care at integrative clinics, two days in educational pursuits related to integrative medicine, and one day on research in integrative medicine. With the approval of the program director, this schedule can be revised to meet a fellow's individual educational goals.

Fellows will contribute to the continuous quality improvement of the program by helping to build a library of case studies and teaching materials, by performing research, and by giving feedback on the program itself at the end of their fellowship year.

Application Due Date: October 1, 2016

Applications should include:

Send applications to:

Anna Esparham, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Integrative Medicine 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Mailstop 1017 Kansas City, KS 66160 integrativemedicine@kumc.edu

Upon completion of the fellowship, participants should be able to:

Last modified: Oct 12, 2015

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Integrative Medicine Fellowship - University of Kansas

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Integrative medicine combines the use of conventional medicine with naturopathic (alternative) medicine. It is an overall approach to health and healing that is sometimes referred to as a whole medical system or alternative medical system. It enables healing through the restoration of natural balance and holds a strong belief that mind and body are strongly connected. Integrative medicine believes in the healing power of nature and its methods are natural, non-invasive, and minimally toxic. There is a strong focus on treating the whole person with an individualized treatment plan.

Integrative medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

Both doctors and patients alike are bonding with the philosophy of integrative medicine and its whole-person approach -- designed to treat the person, not just the disease. IM, as it's often called, depends on a partnership between the patient and the doctor, where the goal is to treat the mind, body, and spirit, all at the same time. While some of the therapies used may be nonconventional, a guiding principle within integrative medicine is to use therapies that have some high-quality evidence to support them.

The Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine is a classic model of integrative care. It combines conventional Western medicine with alternative or complementary treatments, such as bio-identical hormone replacement, oral and I.V. nutrition, Chelation, herbal medicine, oxidative and hyperbaric treatments, detoxification, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, -- all in the effort to treat the whole person. Proponents prefer the term "complementary" to emphasize that such treatments are used with mainstream medicine, not as replacements or alternatives. Integrative medicine got a boost of greater public awareness -- and funding -- after a landmark 1993 study. That study showed that one in three Americans had used an alternative therapy, often under the medical radar.

What makes integrative medicine appealing? Advocates point to deep dissatisfaction with a health care system that often leaves doctors feeling rushed and overwhelmed and patients feeling as if they are nothing more than diseased livers or damaged joints. Integrative medicine promises more time, more attention, and a broader approach to healing -- one that is not based solely on the Western biomedical model, but also draws from other cultures. "Patients want to be considered whole human beings in the context of their world," saysEsther Sternberg, MD, a National Institutes of Health senior scientist and author ofThe Balance Within: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions.

Sternberg, a researcher who has done groundbreaking work on interactions between the brain and the immune system, says technological breakthroughs in science during the past decade have convinced even skeptics that the mind-body connection is real. "Physicians and academic researchers finally have the science to understand the connection between the brain and the immune system, emotions and disease," she says. "All of that we can now finally understand in terms of sophisticated biology." That newfound knowledge may help doctors to see why an integrative approach is important, she says. "It's no longer considered fringe," Sternberg says. "Medical students are being taught to think in an integrated way about the patient, and ultimately, that will improve the management of illness at all levels." Integrative medicine seeks to incorporate treatment options from conventional and alternative approaches, taking into account not only physical symptoms, but also psychological, social and spiritual aspects of health and illness.

Even medical schools have added courses on nontraditional therapies, although doing so can sometimes be a point of contention among faculty. At the University of California, San Francisco, medical students can augment their coursework in infectious disease and immunology with electives, such as "Herbs and Dietary Supplements" or "Massage and Meditation." They can even opt to study as exchange students at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the world of integrative medicine, it's not unusual to see a Western-trained MD who also has credentials in acupuncture or hypnosis, or a registered nurse who is also a yoga teacher and massage therapist.

To assure the highest standards of practice, the Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine employs highly-trained practitioners who are licensed, certified and credentialed in their specialty according to law.

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The Center For Natural & Integrative Medicine, Orlando ...

The Progressive Health Center is a unique resource dedicated to helping individuals improve their quality of life through complementary and alternative medicine that are integrates well with conventional medical treatments. Our experienced practitioners specialize in a wide range of therapies that include nutrition, stress management, acupuncture, massage therapy and more. These high-quality services are integrated into personalized treatment plans that are designed to heal and strengthen the mind, body, spirit and emotions of each individual, while enhancing the continuum of care available to achieve specific health and wellness goals.

Allison Archard, MD

What is CAM?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines CAM as:a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website.http://nccam.hih.gov)

What is Complementary Medicine?

consists of therapies that are used to complement/enhance conventional medicine

What is Alternative Medicine?

consists of therapies that are used in place of conventional medicine

What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative Medicine = CAM + conventional medicineHealing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

(Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia: Suanders Elsevier, 2007)

Importance of weighing risks and benefits

What Integrative Medicine is NOT:

Alternative Medicine

NEVER encourages patients to abandon their conventional therapy

may use alternative therapies, but not without conventional medicine

A cure

Integrative medicine emphasizes difference between healing and cure

Healing can take place in absence of cure

Why is Integrative Medicine important?

approximately 38% of U.S. adults aged 18 years and over and approximately 12% of children use some for of CAM. (2007 Statistics on CAM use in the United States.http://nccam.nih.gov/news/camstats/2007)

Isnt Integrating CAM going to cost more money?

The Bravewell Collaborative report:The Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Integrative MedicineInteresting facts in the report: comprehensive lifestyle change program: 80% of participants able to safely avoid heart surgery or angioplasty, saving almost $30,000 per patient in the first year. in 2005, corporations involved in a health and wellness program for employees experienced an average 26% reduction in health care costs.(The Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Integrative Medicine: A Review of the Medical and Corporate Literature. Bravewell Collaborative website.)http://bravewell.org/content/IM_E_CE_Final.pdf)

If you are new to the Center, we invite you to schedule an appointment for an initial 30-minute consultation with one of our practitioners at the Center. The consultation is $30. The purpose of this meeting is to acquire your medical history information as well as to conduct an initial assessment of your specific mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. The practitioner will also provide you with information about the Center, our range of customized services and programs and available payment options, which include cash, check, Visa, Master Card, and Health Savings Account (HSA). Follow-up sessions can be scheduled to discuss specific treatment recommendations. Our practitioners are also available to confer with patient physicians on your behalf.

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Integrative Medicine Denver, CO - Progressive Health Center

Welcome! Please take a minute to sign Up for an iCELL membership. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy all the many features of our fine community! Welcome to InvestorStemCell Be a part of the Future of Medicine and join the InvestorStemCell Community! InvestorStemCell is the world's only community dedicated to Regenerative Medicine. Get started by signing up!

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Select a stem cell company below to browse company-related topics, then join in on a conversation, or start one yourself.

Here you'll find a wide variety of interesting subjects. This is a great place to hang out and make new friends. To start your own group, email us at icell@investorstemcell.com. Note that all groups are subject to the Terms of Service agreement. Please be civil and stay on topic, whatever it may be!

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iCell provides Professionals in the Stem Cell Sector a place to discuss their areas of expertise.

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