3 of the Top Chiropractic Services We Offer at AIM for Wellbeing
Here at AIM for Wellbeing, we have an integrative philosophy toward medical care that involves incorporating many different techniques and therapies in order to optimize your personal health. If you are interested in learning more about the different types of chiropractic services we offer here at AIM for Wellbeing, you have come to the right place! Read on to learn more about our chiropractic services and how they can be beneficial for your health.
3 of the Top Chiropractic Services We Offer at AIM for Wellbeing5 of the Best Ways to Support Your Immune System This Cold and Flu Season
Well, it’s that time of year once again! Cold and flu season has come around again, and with it, a wave of sneezing, coughing, and lots of tissues. But you don’t have to fall victim to cold and flu season when you take steps to support your immune system and give yourself the best possible chance to stay healthy! Here are some of the best ways to support your immune system this cold and flu season:
5 of the Best Ways to Support Your Immune System This Cold and Flu Season5 Strategies for Dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious condition that can leave you with extremely low energy levels, making it difficult to function on a daily basis. Here at AIM for Wellbeing, we are committed to helping all of our patients live their healthiest lives, which is why we’ve put together this list of helpful strategies for dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome:
5 Strategies for Dealing with Chronic Fatigue SyndromeEverything You Need to Know About Non-Opioid Pain Management
If you are one of the many people who experience chronic pain, at AIM for Wellbeing we have options to help you. Our non-opioid pain management program can help to alleviate a variety of pain types while avoiding potential drawbacks of using opioids. Read on to learn more about our non-opioid pain management program and to find out if it might be a good option for you:
Everything You Need to Know About Non-Opioid Pain Management5 of the Best Supplements to Support Joint Health
Do you struggle with discomfort in your joints? Many people deal with challenges when it comes to joint health, which is where our supplements can be helpful. At AIM for Wellbeing, we offer a variety of supplements to support joint health, from vitamins to fatty acids and more. If you are looking to better support your joint health, here are some of the top supplements to consider:
5 of the Best Supplements to Support Joint HealthWhat is Regenerative Medicine and How Does it Work?
If you’ve heard of regenerative medicine but you aren’t sure what it is and whether it could help you, then you’re in the right place! Here at AIM for Wellbeing, we offer a variety of regenerative medicine services, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide of everything you need to know about regenerative medicine. So read on to learn more about this incredible treatment option and whether it could be the right choice for you!
What is Regenerative Medicine and How Does it Work?3 of the Top Benefits of PRP
If you are dealing with an orthopedic injury, such as damaged joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, our team here at AIM for Wellbeing is here to assist you. We offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (or PRP) injections that can significantly improve your body’s ability to recover from these types of injuries. Let’s explore what PRP is and the benefits it can provide:
3 of the Top Benefits of PRP5 Ways Health Coaching Can Benefit You
If you’re looking to improve your overall wellbeing, health coaching may be a perfect option for you. At AIM for Wellbeing, we are committed to helping you set realistic goals and achieve them, so that you can live your healthiest life! Here are just some of the great benefits you can enjoy when you sign up for our health coaching services:
5 Ways Health Coaching Can Benefit YouHow Our Nutritional Counseling Can Benefit You
If you are unfamiliar with nutritional counseling, you likely have many questions! What is nutritional counseling? How does it work? Who can benefit from it? But fear not! Here at AIM for Wellbeing, nutritional counseling has been a longstanding part of our integrative approach to medicine. As a result, we’ve put together this helpful guide to answer your questions about nutritional counseling and determine whether it might be a good option for you.
How Our Nutritional Counseling Can Benefit YouTop 4 Immune Boosting Supplements as Your Child Heads Back to School
As summer vacation comes to a close, parents and children alike are preparing for the upcoming school year! However, as they return to classrooms for the fall, children are exposed to a wide variety of germs, making it essential for parents to help support their children’s immune health at this vital time of year. In order to help you and your young student start the school year off right, we at AIM for Wellbeing have put together this list of some of the best immune boosting supplements to support your child’s health as they head back to school. By incorporating these supplements into your child’s daily routine, you can give them the extra support they need to stay healthy as they return to the classroom!
Top 4 Immune Boosting Supplements as Your Child Heads Back to School6 Amazing Health Benefits of Omega 3's
We all want to provide our bodies with the nutrients they need so that we can live our healthiest lives. Omega 3’s are important for a number of bodily processes, including brain function and cardiovascular health. By incorporating Omega 3’s into your health routine, you can enjoy all the amazing benefits these nutrients have to offer. Read on to learn more about the great benefits of Omega 3’s:
6 Amazing Health Benefits of Omega 3's6 Tips to Help You Deal With Chronic Fatigue
If you’re one of the many people dealing with chronic fatigue, you’re all too familiar with feeling tired and lacking energy. At AIM for Wellbeing, we understand the challenges that this condition presents and we are here to support you and help you live your healthiest life. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best tips and strategies for dealing with chronic fatigue, so that you can minimize your symptoms and feel more energized. Read on to learn more about dealing with chronic fatigue.
6 Tips to Help You Deal With Chronic FatigueTop 5 Supplements for Healthy Skin
If you’re looking for help achieving your best possible skin, look no further than AIM for Wellbeing! We offer a selection of supplements for healthy skin that can help you look and feel your best. When combined with a good skincare routine, these supplements can be extremely helpful in maintaining healthy skin. Here are some of the top supplements for healthy skin:
Top 5 Supplements for Healthy Skin5 Things to Help With Bloating
If you deal with bloating, you’re all too familiar with the uncomfortable and sluggish sensation. At AIM for Wellbeing, we are here for you to help you find relief with this list of things to help with bloating! From determining the cause to alleviating symptoms, take control of your health with these effective things to help with bloating:
5 Things to Help With Bloating5 Healthy Travel Hacks for Your Next Vacation
Are you preparing to embark on your next exciting vacation? At AIM for Wellbeing, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you look to travel while staying healthy. There’s nothing that can ruin a vacation quite like getting sick or run-down, which is why we’ve put together some simple healthy travel hacks to make the most of your next trip! Read on to find out about some of the best tips for staying healthy when you travel:
5 Healthy Travel Hacks for Your Next VacationTop 5 Considerations When Choosing a Prenatal
As a parent, your main goal is to make the right decisions for yourself and your baby. From what type of formula or feeding method to use all the way down to the daily decisions, you just want to do what’s best for everyone. One thing that you might not think as much about is that there are decisions to make even before the baby is born. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you start taking a prenatal in order to make sure that your little one is getting all the nutrients they need while inside your womb. The question is, which prenatal is the best choice? Here are 5 considerations when choosing a prenatal:
Top 5 Considerations When Choosing a PrenatalTop 5 Tips for Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is something that is very common both in the United States and the world as a whole. In fact, it is estimated that 264 million people around the globe suffer from anxiety. Since this is such a widespread problem, the question is no longer how to avoid anxiety. With the fast-paced world that we live in, there are going to be times of stress and anxiety. Therefore, instead of trying to figure out how to avoid it, let’s shift the focus. Here are 5 of the best tips for managing anxiety in your life:
Top 5 Tips for Managing AnxietyThings to Know About Our Non-Opioid Treatments for Chronic Pain
For those dealing with chronic pain, it can be hard to carry out your daily tasks without having to stop and take a break. It’s normal to experience pain after an injury or an operation, but most people are able to recover with no lingering pain. Chronic pain is described as pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks despite treatment or medication. There are many solutions to treat pain without having to use highly addictive prescriptions and opioids. Here are some things to know about our non-opioid treatments:
Things to Know About Our Non-Opioid Treatments for Chronic PainHow to Cope With and Fight Depression Naturally
Studies have shown that depression affects approximately 17.3 million American adults each year. Therefore, this is a common occurrence that needs to be open for discussion. While everyone goes through times of anxiety, stress, and depression, it’s important to learn about the best ways to handle these negative emotions. Here are the best ways to cope with and fight depression naturally:
How to Cope With and Fight Depression Naturally4 Simple Ways to Improve Heart Health
Whether you have been diagnosed with some type of heart disorder or you are trying to prevent it from happening in the future, it all begins with change. If you are looking to improve your heart, chances are that you need to start by making lifestyle changes. The good news is that these adjustments don’t require a full makeover of your daily life, just some small adjustments. Here are 4 simple ways to improve heart health:
4 Simple Ways to Improve Heart Health4 Therapies for Help Dealing With Anxiety in Your Life
It is a normal human reaction to feel stressed and anxious about things that happen in your life. Whether it’s family relationships or work situations, there are going to be times when you feel stressed to the max. The important thing is knowing how to deal with those feelings in a positive way to get back on a positive track and mindset. With that in mind, here are 4 services AIM provides for dealing with anxiety in your life:
4 Therapies for Help Dealing With Anxiety in Your LifeTop 5 Ways to Relieve Allergy Symptoms
Spring is a beautiful time of year! It comes with warming temperatures and beautiful flowers that you can get out and enjoy. The only problem is that the new plant growth and pollen can make your allergies worsen to the point where you wake up with watery eyes and a stuffy nose. Instead of having to suffer, there are some measures that you can take to help relieve the spring struggles. Check out the 5 best ways to relieve allergy symptoms:
Top 5 Ways to Relieve Allergy SymptomsTop 4 Ways to Protect Your Skin
Unlike conventional medicine which tends to focus on diagnosis and prescription, our team at AIM takes a comprehensive approach to care. This means that we focus more on why your symptoms are what they are, and we strive to identify the root cause of your problems. While it’s important to take care of your inner body such as your heart and lungs, your outer appearance and personal care are just as important. Here are 4 of the best ways to protect your skin:
Top 4 Ways to Protect Your SkinBenefits of Working with an AIM Health Coach
Taking responsibility for our health and wellness can be a daunting task. This is where AIM Health Coaches come in. Our Health Coaches are trained in functional medicine and understand how to help you reach your goals. They are part of our <a href="/team">robust clinical team</a>, so they can provide the knowledge and skills to take charge of your diet and lifestyle, as well as recommend any <a href="/lab-testing">functional medicine testing</a> that might be necessary! Let’s explore why having an AIM Health Coach is so important.
Benefits of Working with an AIM Health CoachWhy A Healthy Gut Is Important
The gut should be considered as an extension of the brain, which can create and maintain inflammation in our body. While conventional medicine tends to focus on symptom relief with drugs or surgery, integrative medicine focuses on healing your entire system by addressing underlying causes of symptoms or illness.
Why A Healthy Gut Is ImportantImmune Boosting Pantry Staples
Cooking at home is one of the best ways to be sure that you are using ingredients you trust and building a nutritious meal, not to mention it is also easier on the budget. Having key items in your pantry makes it much easier to throw together a satisfying meal. In this blog, we will review a handful of pantry staples that have immune supporting properties as well as a few ideas for how to work these items into your meal plans.
Immune Boosting Pantry Staples6 Ways to Reduce Inflammation & Fight Chronic Health Problems
Inflammation is a hot topic in the health and wellness world, but inflammation can manifest differently in different people – and it’s not always a bad thing.
6 Ways to Reduce Inflammation & Fight Chronic Health ProblemsMagnesium – Are You Getting Enough?
Here at AIM, we believe in making individualized supplement recommendations. Every individual has different needs! But, if there’s one supplement that we feel almost everyone can benefit from, it’s magnesium. <a href="https://aimforwellbeing.myshopify.com/products/ortho-molecular-reacted-magnesium-180ct?_pos=1&_psq=magne&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Magnesium</a> has countless benefits; it’s crucial for the brain and the body. While it’s found in foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, most Americans don’t get enough magnesium through diet alone.
Magnesium – Are You Getting Enough?5 Tips for the Back to School Transition
A morning routine can help you and your child ease into the day and set yourselves up for success. Start with a balanced breakfast of protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates to provide energy for the day. Smoothies are a great option if you need something quick and on the go – you can check out our favorite smoothie recipes [here](/blog-imports/aim-for-wellbeing/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Recipes-1.pdf).
5 Tips for the Back to School TransitionChiropractor
Our chiropractors utilize a variety of techniques and equipment including ultrasound, stem, frequency specific microcurrent, spinal decompression, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and ultrasound to evaluate and treat patients.
ChiropractorCareers
Alliance Integrative Medicine was named a finalist in Cincy Magazine’s Best Places to Work based on employee surveys in 2021 & 2022. We continually look for dynamic, positive, hard-working individuals to join our growing team. All candidates should possess excellent communication skills, be reliable and flexible, attentive to detail, and continually strive to learn and improve.
CareersFasting: Not Just A New Fad
There’s been a lot of talk about fasting lately, and it seems like a new fad. Yet fasting is anything but new. Humans have been doing it for thousands of years, as part of religious ceremony, and even as part of basic existence. Our caveman ancestors were not likely to have had abundant food sources, particularly in winter months, which meant they probably went for days without eating on a regular basis. And think about this—the word “breakfast” literally means “to break a fast.” We are fasting every night while we sleep.
Fasting: Not Just A New FadEarly Cancer Detection Test Now Available at AIM
It’s no surprise that cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the United States. Most of us know someone who has been affected by it; research tells us that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 people will die from cancer.
Early Cancer Detection Test Now Available at AIMHealing Food Sensitivities
At-home food sensitivity tests are more popular than ever, and for good reason!
Healing Food SensitivitiesA Look at Lyme Disease
In the United States, ticks can carry pathogens that cause diseases in humans, such as <a href="/blog/more-than-an-uptick-in-lyme-disease">Lyme disease</a>, Babesia, Bartonella, Colorado tick fever, Heartland virus, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. While it used to be more prominent in the Northeast, Lyme disease is now present in all 50 states and is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. If left untreated, Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses can wreak havoc on human health.
A Look at Lyme DiseaseDrs. Steve and Sandi’s Supersmoothie
Drs. Steve and Sandi Amoils share their favorite supersmoothie recipe!
Drs. Steve and Sandi’s SupersmoothieThe Thyroid Epidemic
Almost daily a patient comes into our office and asks if their thyroid could be causing them to feel sick. With symptoms ranging from depression, fatigue, dry skin, brain fog, muscle aches, stomach pains, constipation, weight gain, and cold intolerances – it can be difficult to pin down the root of these common complaints.
The Thyroid EpidemicHerbs As Medicine
Herbs are an easy addition to your current diet while increasing it’s nutrient profile tenfold.
Herbs As MedicineExhausted to Energized
Often the holiday season is filled with additional stressors that many of us struggle with to find a healthy balance. It has been ingrained in our society as this inevitable condition with severe consequences if left unchecked. An unavoidable reality and necessary evil that is apart of everyday life.
Exhausted to EnergizedA Place at the Table
“Food deserts” are geographic areas where access to affordable, healthy food options (i.e. fresh fruits and veggies) is limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are located too far away. Food deserts may be under-reported because the North American Industry Classification System places small corner grocery stores (which often primarily sell packaged food) in the same category as grocery stores like Kroger and Whole Foods.
A Place at the TableBack To School: Re-Think Your Lunch
This time of year those of us with children have been busy getting them ready to go back to school. Even if you don’t have children, the Labor Day weekend marks the official end of summer. Many jobs are a little more laid back in the summer but now things start to ramp back up.
Back To School: Re-Think Your LunchMeditation Made Easy
“Meditation is not my thing.” How many times have you said this or heard someone say this? Other excuses we often tell ourselves – “I don’t have time.” “It doesn’t work.” ‘I can’t do it right.”
Meditation Made EasyReduce Your Stress Well
“I’m so stressed.” Have you found yourself saying these words recently? With the conversations around this current election season, the winter holidays apparently starting before Halloween now, and the day-to-day expectations put on us or placed on ourselves, we’ve been hearing these words a lot from our patients.
Reduce Your Stress WellDetoxing from the Outside In
We frequently see patients looking for support for improving their health through dietary changes. However, it is important to realize how cleaning up one’s diet can only do so much when you are absorbing an abundance of toxins and endocrine disruptors through your largest organ system, your skin.
Detoxing from the Outside InHypertension in the United States
According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, “About <b>1 of 3 U.S. adults</b>—or about <b>75 million</b> people—have <a href="/treatments">high blood pressure</a>. <b>Only about half (54%)</b> of these people have their high blood pressure under control.” Although this statistic sounds bad, when you delve a little deeper and break the data down by race and country of residence, an equally sobering statistic is revealed.
Hypertension in the United StatesAllergies or Adrenal Fatigue?
For those with seasonal allergies… chances are you already know the typical treatment plans: anti-histamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mast_cell" target="_blank">mast cell</a> stabilizers, eye drops, allergy shots… and the list goes on. How about this year we try something different?
Allergies or Adrenal Fatigue?Muscle as Medicine
During initial intakes when we review our patients’ exercise regimens, we often hear this: “I walk/run \[some number\] of days per week” or “I love yoga,” or “I go to the gym and enjoy \[Zumba, or swimming, or spinning, etc.\].” One thing we don’t often hear about is our patient’s anaerobic, or muscle-building activities. When pressed, most don’t report having a routine at all to support this important tissue that makes up almost 40% of our body mass. We want to help you change this, and here’s why:
Muscle as MedicineUtilizing Diet to Manage Your PMS
- It is estimated that nearly 85% of menstruating women between the ages of 20-40 years old experience one or more premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms that can last for almost two weeks – beginning around ovulation (mid-cycle) and lasting until the first or second day of menses1. Symptoms may include both mental/emotional and physical responses to rapidly fluctuating hormones:
Utilizing Diet to Manage Your PMSSupporting Our Kids this School Year: Quick Tips to Help those with ADHD Symptoms
According to a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890856713005947" target="_blank">2014 study</a> found in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 11% of children between the ages of 4-17 years old have been diagnosed at some point with <a href="https://adhd-institute.com/assessment-diagnosis" target="_blank">Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)</a> and 6.1% of them were being treated with medication. Of those children between the ages of 2-5 years old, approximately 237,000 have received this diagnosis with 44% of them receiving a medication. The study found that the number of children being diagnosed with this disorder has been steadily increasing since 2003. (To see the CDC’s summary of these statistics, please click here.)
Supporting Our Kids this School Year: Quick Tips to Help those with ADHD SymptomsKnow Your Vascular Disease Variables
Every day, many people will head to their physician’s office for check ups and have a basic lipid panel run, a test that checks total cholesterol, low-density lipid (LDL), high-density lipid (HDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Here at AIM, we want to take a moment to share a simple analogy to help you better understand some of the other factors that can increase or decrease your risk of cardiovascular concerns.
Know Your Vascular Disease Variables7 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
At AIM, our practitioners are very passionate about preventing food waste and taking care of the environment. By supporting amazing organization like <a href="https://www.lasoupecincinnati.com/" target="_blank">La Soupe</a> and frequently talking with patients in our <a href="https://aim6400.wpengine.com/get-well-program/" target="_blank">Get Well Program</a>, we are very aware of the <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/reducing-food-waste-eight-tips-home-cooks" target="_blank">fact</a> that “Up to 40% of the food in the United States is never eaten. But at the same time, one in eight Americans struggles to put enough food on the table.”
7 Ways to Reduce Food WasteSpring Cleaning Your Refrigerator and Pantry
While it’s that time of year when most of us go through our closets and store away heavy coats, warm wool sweaters and thicker pants to make room for lighter and more colorful clothing, have you ever considered editing your refrigerator or pantry in preparation for the warmer months ahead? Preparing yourself for the upcoming season of fresh produce and healthier eating will help ease your transition.
Spring Cleaning Your Refrigerator and PantrySpring Clean Your Supplements
Last month we discussed <a href="/blog/spring-cleaning-refrigerator-pantry">spring cleaning your refrigerator and pantry</a>. This month, let’s talk about doing the same to your supplement regimen. To begin, pull out all of your supplements and begin to ask yourself some questions: Do you remember why you started taking taking those herbs? <i>Will that vitamin interact with any of your medications? At what dosing are you supposed to be taking that nutrient? When was the expiration date on that tincture?</i>
Spring Clean Your SupplementsMore Than Just an UpTICK in Lyme Disease
Many of us in our Tri-State Area are not as aware of Lyme Disease as we should be; for years it has only been a concern if we travelled to the northeast coast. Unfortunately, Lyme Disease has become a big problem for us as well. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, in 2006 there were 43 cases of Lyme Disease reported in Ohio (OH), seven in Kentucky (KY) and 26 in Indiana (IN). By 2016, there were 122 confirmed cases and another 38 probable cases in OH, 16 confirmed with 17 probable in KY, and 127 confirmed with 25 probable in IN¹. Yikes!
More Than Just an UpTICK in Lyme DiseaseVitamin D3, the Sun, and Maintaining Healthy Skin
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a very important to our health. Although called a vitamin, it is actually a hormone, and it has many <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897598/" target="_blank">health benefits</a>, such as improving bone strength and reducing chronic diseases (e.g. depression, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, some cancers, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and type 2 diabetes). **This is the time of year when we often hear our patients say, “I don’t need to take my vitamin D3 supplement because I’m outside more.” This idea is based on our body’s natural ability to produce vitamin D3 through Sun exposure, and ultimately leads to a conversation investigating this idea further.**
Vitamin D3, the Sun, and Maintaining Healthy SkinAlliance Integrative Medicine Physicians Earn Integrative Medicine Board Certification
**Cincinnati – August 23, 2019** – Alliance Integrative Medicine (AIM) announced that Dr. Teresa Esterle and Dr. Kathryn Peeden have successfully completed all of the requirements for certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM®). Esterle and Peeden join a select few physicians who have achieved board certification in this area of medicine.
Alliance Integrative Medicine Physicians Earn Integrative Medicine Board CertificationThe Art of Healthy Travel
I love talking with patients about their lives and travels, and travel is a frequent topic that comes up in our sessions. Typically our conversations address the patient’s concern about how to <a href="/treatments/nutritional-counseling">sustain a healthy diet</a> during different or uncertain circumstances. Unless a patient needs to uphold a structured diet to target a serious medical condition, I try to reassure them that travel can be a great time to try new foods and be more relaxed with their diet dogmas. That said, a patient needs to choose foods that help them feel well (so they can enjoy their vacation) but also to indulge in special meals, tempering strong sugar or carbohydrate cravings once they return home. To achieve those goals, I suggest that they enjoy themselves while traveling, choose energizing meals, and avoid bringing unhealthy habits home. Here are some tips on how to accomplish that:
The Art of Healthy TravelA Medical Milestone: Study Confirms That Functional Medicine Improves Quality of Life
**An Update From AIM’s Medical Directors**
A Medical Milestone: Study Confirms That Functional Medicine Improves Quality of LifeA Wholistic Take on Pain Management
Magazine February/March 2020
A Wholistic Take on Pain ManagementRestoring Good Posture Can Energize Your Life
You know what’s amazing about the human body? It wants you to be the absolute best version of yourself, regardless of how much you neglect it. Some of us use tricks to keep ourselves in good posture (devices, apps, etc.) even before back or neck pain starts. But most people are motivated only once their body is grumbling in pain. Often, improving your posture is the fix your back needs to <a href="/">get well, move well, and stay well</a>.
Restoring Good Posture Can Energize Your LifeBroccoli: Try, Try and Try it Again
I remember being a very little girl and looking up at my dad as he explained to my sisters and me about how we were all giants and it was our job to eat the small forest on our plate in order to help save to woodland creatures. I definitely preferred his story about me being a monstrous space creature eating planets in order to get me to eat my Brussels sprouts. Sometimes getting children to eat their broccoli and Brussels sprouts is about as difficult as… well… getting adults to eat their broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Luckily with adults, we can talk about something even better than imaginary reasons to eat our cruciferous vegetables – we can talk about the reality of breast and prostate cancer.
Broccoli: Try, Try and Try it AgainReset your taste buds by adding bitter foods to your next meal!
We all love sweet foods – corn on the cob, peaches, figs, and brownies (or maybe it’s just me!). Too often we overindulge and load up on “healthy” sweet foods while dampening our taste buds’ ability to interpret what we are really feeding our bodies. There are five (not four) types of taste buds – salt, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami. Everything we put into our mouths give us some combination of these sensations. In America, we tend to have little to no bitter foods on our plate and an excess of sweet and salty foods. In addition, the foods we eat today are far less nutrient dense than what our ancestors consumed due to years of damaging farm practices and genetically modified engineering. It is only in response to our demand for sweeter food that these practices continue to flourish while the most nutritious foods get stepped over on our way to the cookie aisle.
Reset your taste buds by adding bitter foods to your next meal!Vitamin D: The Happy Hormone
Vitamin D is often referred to as “the happy hormone.” Despite being referred to as a vitamin, it actually functions as a prohormone – it is converted into an active hormone that acts on multiple tissues in the body including the brain, bone, and the liver.
Vitamin D: The Happy HormoneIs Sleep the New Sweat?
Recently a new book was released by Arianna Huffington called The Sleep Revolution. It quickly went to the top of the bestseller list to no one’s surprise. Why? Insomnia is one of the top problems patients come to see us and an issue most of have experienced at some point in our lives. We often find ourselves prescribing medications or supplements for better sleep rather than discussing exercise goals or healthy foods.
Is Sleep the New Sweat?Choosing the Right Probiotic
There are many considerations when choosing a probiotic. Generally speaking, most people can benefit from taking one. We always recommend working with your provider to get a specific recommendation that is best for you. However, there are three things you should be particularly concerned with:
Choosing the Right ProbioticTransforming Your Health – and Your Life
Have you noticed how the onset of an illness can herald a cascading downward spiral of even more illnesses? You may have seen someone develop one medical problem, then quickly pick up a whole lot more. Or, worst case, you know of someone who got sick and then pretty much gave up on life? In our practice as integrative medicine physicians, we have seen how certain patients can learn to bounce back from serious illness. They learn to take their health problem, one that might be devastating to most people, and use it to make themselves-and even the world-a better place. They learn how to heal physically and grow spiritually. They not only get well, they get better. To use a well-known phrase, they turn lemons into lemonade. We know from treating these kinds of patients that it is possible to move toward well-being by learning to transform symptoms of disease and discomfort into a new state of better health. We call this approach Transformational Medicine.
Transforming Your Health – and Your Life3 Steps to Take to Banish Your Dry Skin
If you are like me, this time of year means a significant change in your skin, hair and nails. Along with plummeting temperatures, we are turning on the furnace which creates drier air. Even with a humidifier on your furnace you can find yourself uncomfortably dry and itchy each winter. What’s a body to do?
3 Steps to Take to Banish Your Dry SkinCan Prolotherapy Cure Your Painful Joints?
**Nine hours in airports and airplanes followed by three hours in a well-worn van driving along after dark trying to avoid potholes, donkeys, and pedestrians—yes, this is how my journey began!**
Can Prolotherapy Cure Your Painful Joints?The Best Massage in Town
_A massage is a wonderful gift to give loved ones, friends, family and even yourself. With so many places offering massages, how do you decide where to go? We talked with the head of our massage-therapy team, <a href="/team/jeff-burk">Jeff Burk, LMT, NMT,</a> who taught massage at the Cincinnati School of Medical Massage for 10 years, to find out why he believes AIM offers the best massages around._
The Best Massage in TownThe Balancing Act of Fitness
Yin is the white side of the symbol and means the hidden/feminine/receptive/potential side of being.
The Balancing Act of FitnessWhy Fit Does Not Equal Healthy
Ever hear about the long distance runner who died of a heart attack? The risk of this happening is extremely small. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in January 2012, out of 11 million long-distance runners, 59 people suffered cardiac arrest, 51 of them men. Being fit did not make them healthy!
Why Fit Does Not Equal HealthyA Diabetes Discussion
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf" target="_blank">According to the CDC’s website</a>: It is estimated that 34 million people have diabetes in the United states, which amounts to nearly one in ten people. Since only 5% of those with diabetes have <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-1?referrer=https%3A//www.google.com/" target="_blank">type 1 diabetes</a>, we wanted to spend a moment with you discussing the more wide-spread <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-2" target="_blank">type 2 diabetes</a>. With over a million new cases being diagnosed annually, it is important you understand your risk factors, and how your lifestyle choices can influence the likelihood of becoming diabetic.
A Diabetes DiscussionAcupuncture: More than Physical Health
The fundamental belief of integrative and functional medicine is treating the whole body to achieve optimal wellness, including the mind. Unfortunately, the majority of those with mental health conditions do not actually receive proper treatment. Inadequate treatment may affect the way someone thinks, acts, and functions in their daily activities, so it’s essential to seek proper therapies. We encourage a variety of care options for those suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, ADHD, schizophrenia, OCD, autism and PTSD.
Acupuncture: More than Physical HealthThe Evolution of AIM: Our 20th Anniversary
June 2019 marks the 20th Anniversary of Alliance Integrative Medicine. What an amazing 20 years it’s been! We’ve been through a few lows, including a building fire, followed by many more highs such as winning best workplace this year. We feel so much gratitude towards our amazing patients and partners who continue to trust and support us as we grow.
The Evolution of AIM: Our 20th AnniversaryThe Five Element Theory
If you are a current patient, you’ve likely filled out our “Symptom Index” form. As you were checking off boxes that apply to you—you might have thought “What does this have to do with my visit!?” This form is related to the Five Element Theory, which is derived from Chinese Medicine. The theory outlines the relationship between the different elements in nature and the life force, or “qi,” that flows through them. The Five Element theory describes wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world. In Chinese medicine, elements help us understand the patient and their personality. It also helps us determine the best and most <a href="/">effective treatment plan</a>.
The Five Element Theory(How) Do you know what’s REALLY in your supplement?
Unfortunately, many studies have shown that some dietary supplements do not actually contain what is on the label. In the U.S., supplements are not regulated by the FDA. While the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring safety, new supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA unless they contain a new ingredient that has not been sold before. Many don’t have the amount of ingredients that they claim, and a number contain non-listed ingredients, including pharmaceuticals. Others are tainted with heavy metals and pesticides.
(How) Do you know what’s REALLY in your supplement?An Integrative Medicine Approach to Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Results of Breast Cancer
<a href="/team/elizabeth-woolford">Liz Woolford, MD</a>
An Integrative Medicine Approach to Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Results of Breast CancerReduce Infections as Your Kids Go Back to School
It’s back to school time and you’ll want to support your child’s immune system as best you can as they start to interact with peers. Below, you will find our top supplement recommendations for keeping your kids healthy this school year. We like to focus on three things:
Reduce Infections as Your Kids Go Back to SchoolImprove Your Structural Alignment
After your annual Thanksgiving football game, did your knees ache? While walking around shopping for gifts, does your lower back hurt? Are your feet throbbing at the end of your day? Do your hips hurt after you exercise? If you answered yes to any of these questions, maybe it’s time to give yourself the gift of a healthy structural alignment this year.
Improve Your Structural AlignmentReset & Restore With an ACE
<a href="/team/elizabeth-woolford">Liz Woolford, MD</a>
Reset & Restore With an ACEEasing Anxiety & Managing Stress
<a href="/team/teresa-esterle">Teresa Esterle, MD</a>
Easing Anxiety & Managing StressSpring Clean Your Health Habits
<a href="/team/teresa-esterle">Teresa Esterle, MD</a>
Spring Clean Your Health HabitsSupporting Your Immune System to Prevent Illness
This year, the flu, RSV, and COVID are all around. You may be thinking about how you can stay healthy in times when illness is all around. Good news: **There are things you can do now to strengthen your immune system**. By boosting the body’s defenses, and minimizing inflammation, you can prime your body to mount a strong attack, and improve your odds of having a good outcome in the event of an illness.
Supporting Your Immune System to Prevent IllnessDiet Improved Nutrition Program: Leafy Green Challenge
<a href="/team/elizabeth-woolford">Katherine Mattox, RDN</a>
Diet Improved Nutrition Program: Leafy Green ChallengeProlotherapy – Could It Be Your Solution for Joint Pain?
<a href="/team/elizabeth-woolford">Dr. Liz Woolford</a>
Prolotherapy – Could It Be Your Solution for Joint Pain?Front Desk Coordinator
We are looking for an energetic and positive person to join our talented, hardworking team. We will train the right person! Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, be attentive to detail, have superb customer service skills and above all else continually strive to learn and improve.
Front Desk CoordinatorDo You Need to Re-Evaluate Your Exercise Routine?
<a href="/team/caylin-holmes">Caylin Holmes, D.C., DACRB</a>
Do You Need to Re-Evaluate Your Exercise Routine?Intermittent Fasting Benefits: Changes the Brain and Body Within Just a Few Days
- Before we can discuss intermittent fasting benefits, we must first know what intermittent fasting is. Intermittent Fasting (IF) is the self-imposed abstaining from food for a specified period, usually about 16 hours with a window of 8 hours to consume meals. Most commonly, this is achieved by skipping breakfast and having the first meal of the day at around noon, but some people take intermittent to mean abstinence of anywhere from 12 to 18 hours.
Intermittent Fasting Benefits: Changes the Brain and Body Within Just a Few DaysWhat Stress Does To Your Immune System
Stress is a normal part of modern daily life, but most people are not aware of the negative consequences of stress on their health—until it is too late.
What Stress Does To Your Immune SystemHow House Plants Can Reduce Your Stress
Want a quick hack that can improve your stress and help your health in a number of other ways? Then just get some plants and put them around your home!
How House Plants Can Reduce Your Stress10 Common Signs Of Hormone Imbalance
As many as 80% of women experience hormone imbalance during their lifetimes. But women aren’t the only ones who experience hormone imbalances – men do too! Both men and women can be affected by imbalances in insulin, steroids, growth hormones, and adrenaline. Women may also experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels, while men are more likely to experience imbalances in testosterone levels.
10 Common Signs Of Hormone ImbalanceWhat You Should Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a kind of depression, with symptoms beginning as the days become shorter and darker and worsen as the season progresses. Often people feel the effects from late fall into the end of winter, and symptoms can worsen through the season.
What You Should Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)The Effect Of Alcohol On Your Immune System
Alcohol is a prevalent drug of choice in Western society, one that many people turn to in order to relieve stress, relax, and ‘enjoy themselves’. However, recent studies are starting to give us a clearer picture of just how harmful alcoholic beverages can be to our overall health. In particular, ‘binge drinking’ is on the rise in the US and around the world. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcoholic beverages rapidly that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL. This typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men—in about 2 hours. A small but significant study published in early 2015 regarding binge drinkers demonstrated both a highly pro-inflammatory response 20 minutes after the alcohol was consumed, followed by an anti-inflammatory response that reduced the activity of several important disease-fighting cells in the immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six U.S. adults binge drinks about four times a month, consuming about eight drinks per binge. Many might assume that binge drinking is more common among young adults aged 18–34 years. However, one alarming statistic that has emerged is binge drinkers aged 65 years and older binge drink more often, at an average of five to six times a month. Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the 30 days prior to taking the survey. Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults age 26 years and older. Binge drinking is more common among those with household incomes of $75,000 or more than among those with lower incomes. The prevalence of binge drinking among men is twice that of women. These statistics give us a clear image of a stressed businessman or older person commonly binge drinking attempting to escape from it all or ‘drown their sorrows’. Alcohol generally has negative effects on the body when indulged in over time, but binge drinking is particularly associated with a range of health issues such as alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease and neurological damage. The NIAAA has linked alcohol-related liver issues to auto-immune disorders, with the body attacking itself due to what the immune system perceives as a threat. They have also linked even moderate alcohol consumption to pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, other serious infections, and kidney disease. They also suggest that alcohol can affect your white blood cells, brain cells, and DNA. One glass of red wine occasionally as part of the Mediterranean diet is considered to have heart healthy benefits, but the effects of large amounts of strong alcohol on your body and immune system is not one you should ignore if you wish to maintain optimal health no matter what your age.
The Effect Of Alcohol On Your Immune SystemHow Stress Affects Your Body And Immune System
Stress is a normal part of modern daily life, but most people are not aware of the negative consequences stress can have on their health—until it is too late. Some people are able to cope with stress better than others, while others take practical steps to reduce their stress each day to diminish the wear and tear on their bodies and minds. However, most of us are not aware of just how much stress is harming our health until we are diagnosed with a serious illness such as Rheumatoid arthritis or another medical issue and then told we need to make drastic changes to our lifestyle if we wish to live longer. So what exactly is stress? Stress is the body and mind’s response to any unusual event or situation which challenges us and makes us feel under pressure in some way. Stress provides the body with a burst of energy in the form of adrenaline, the “fight or flight” response that is part of human nature. People either run away from the thing that stresses them, or they turn and try to deal with it in a variety of ways, some of which will be more successful strategies than others. Our life is stressful from the moment we are born. There is the stress of birth, of feeling hunger or needing our diaper changed. At school, there is the stress of performing well on exams, in presentations in front of the class, the school play, or on the school sports team. In our university years, there are the stresses of needing to maintain a good enough GPA to stay in school, or perhaps even get a scholarship or acceptance to grad school. Then there are social stresses, dating, relationships, friendships, peer pressure, and more. As adults outside of school, there is the stress of whether or not we will find a job. If we don’t, there is the stress of trying to make ends meet. Even if we do manage to get a job, there is the stress of trying to keep it, let alone try to get a raise, promotion, and so on. Even happy occasions such as a new job, wedding, baby or home can trigger stress in the body. Most of us work very hard and “burn the candle at both ends” in order to try to keep up with all the demands on our time every day. This can lead to a lack of sleep and of “downtime” or relaxation to help recharge the body and mind. The lack of rest and downtime can, in turn, lead to a weakened immune system. A lack of sleep has been shown to have the same effects on the immune system and your body as stress. Stress, in turn, can interfere with one’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can then create a vicious cycle of even more stress through sleep deprivation, which can leave your immune system vulnerable and open to attack. If you’ve been acting like a workaholic, not getting enough sleep, and not taking time out for relaxation, it’s time to get your stress under control. Above all, you need to avoid burning out and damaging your immune system so much that it triggers excessive inflammation since inflammation has been implicated in many medical conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes and certain forms of cancer. There are many ways to reduce stress effectively, from yoga to meditation, tai chi to a warm, relaxing bath, a good night’s sleep to spending quality time with friends and family. If you have been overworking, it’s time to make some new appointments on your calendar with yourself in order to reduce stress, add exercise and sleep to your daily routine, and care better for yourself even as you boost your body and immune system.
How Stress Affects Your Body And Immune SystemDetox Your Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is one of the most important undercover systems in our body. This system works in coordination with our cardiovascular and immune system to aid in circulation of our interstitial fluid. It is also considered an essential part of our circulatory system. Lymph nodes are the primary “organs” that comprise the lymphatic system, with up to 700 throughout the body. There is no pumping mechanism, like in our heart, to keep things flowing smoothly. The pressure created from the movement of our muscles keeps fluid flowing smoothly.
Detox Your Lymphatic SystemAlleviate Allergies Naturally
Seasonal allergies are rampant this time of year. They affect up to 50 million people a year. As we welcome in spring flowers we also invite in pollen and grasses. Below are some tips to help reduce your allergen load.
Alleviate Allergies NaturallyThe Heart “Mammogram”
This year almost 800,000 people will have a heart attack for the first time and in 20% of the cases, death will result. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and is almost entirely preventable. We are now offering at our practice a chance to reduce your risk through early detection with **EndoPAT testing** – an **innovative**, **safe**, and **non-invasive** diagnostic test for endothelial function of our large and small arteries. It’s primary goal to evaluate individuals who are at intermediate risk for non-obstructive heart disease, those with Metabolic Syndrome, or who don’t respond to typical therapy. **EndoPAT testing** is like a heart “mammogram” to assess heart disease risk and aid in early prevention therapies to stop progression. Endothelial function that is normal is protective against atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis begins early in life and develops slowly over a lifetime. Eating the Standard American Diet and not being physically active causes fatty, yellow streaks to appear on the endothelium of blood vessels. This then triggers an inflammatory response. Over time, a plaque develops and it will eventually grow until it blocks the vessel or ruptures causing a heart attack. Studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction can be detected 3-7 years before a heart attack. By detecting at this early stage, one can employ lifestyle changes to prevent or slow progression of heart disease.
The Heart “Mammogram”SIBO Explained
SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the lining of the small intestine resulting in a “leaky gut”. When our gut is working normally, as we digest food the bacteria gets transported along to our large intestine to be eliminated. If this system is disrupted and bacteria is leftover in the small intestine, we may begin to see these signs.
SIBO ExplainedBattle Your Winter Blues
Are you one of the 10 million people who suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? Symptoms include oversleeping, weight gain, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The cause is mostly unknown but could have to do with the increased amounts of melatonin are pineal gland releases in accordance to the day/night cycles.
Battle Your Winter BluesWhy Research Is Vital for Integrative Medicine
Over the past decade, we have seen Integrative Medicine become more and more common in mainstream medical centers. Integrative Medicine (IM) is now taught at most mainstream medical schools, and interestingly it is also becoming much more commonly utilized in the military. In 2009, the Army Pain Management Task Force (PMTF) report called for building best practices for the continuum of acute and chronic care based on a “holistic, multidisciplinary, integrative approach to care.
Why Research Is Vital for Integrative MedicineRegulate Your Sleep and Decrease Your Stress
As the days grow darker and colder, many of us have a more difficult time waking up in the morning or staying awake at night. What should we do about it? Drink more coffee, soda or energy drinks to help us wake up? Push ourselves at night until we get our second wind? No, not really.
Regulate Your Sleep and Decrease Your StressShed Your Invisible Weight
During this time of year many of us stress out about money and traveling to see loved ones. According to The American Psychological Association, money is the number one cause of stress in today’s society. As barren as winter trees appear, sometimes it seems our bank accounts are right in line with this. As the stressors of the holiday season creep upon us, it is easy to over-spend, over-eat, and over-think in an effort to disguise what is actually going on. **As we try to stuff thick winter sweaters and gifts into our carry-on luggage to avoid baggage fees, what else are we unconsciously stuffing into our bodies, hearts, and minds?** Although airport scales may not be able to weigh it, many of us carry around TONS of emotional baggage that can cost us both financially, emotionally, and physically. It may be our thoughts about money that are stressing us out and not just the actual number in our bank account.
Shed Your Invisible Weight
