Which state uses the most prescription drugs? The answer is West Virginia according to a recent article on Forbes.com. What is the top selling drug? Lipitor (a cholesterol lowering drug) is the top selling drug. What are the third most used drugs in America? Antidepressants are widely used and the third leading money maker for pharmaceutical companies. What does all of this say about America?

Looking at the leading state, West Virginia; the statistics show that 70% of people in West Virginia are obese. 25% of people in this state smoke. Well, those statistics say a lot about the reason why this state uses the most prescription drugs. Heart disease, obesity, diabetes; all of these problems are strongly linked to lifestyle habits, particularly nutrition. Did you notice that all the leading states tend to be in the South and Midwest? That trend cannot be a coincidence. Regional differences must be a very large factor in the prescription drug use trends. These regional differences could include environmental exposures, lifestyle habits, and possibly medical care trends.

So what does all of this say about America? One researcher put it very well that if anything there is a “greater emphasis on drugs” than there used to be here in America. That emphasis is growing with no end in sight unless we as Americans start embracing health.

“In the future, doctors will not prescribe medicines but will promote health”—Thomas Edison

The biggest hurdles to adequate pain control with medications are the side effects. Wouldn’t be nice to have a chronic pain treatment that did not have you “backed up and barfing“? Hypnosis treatment is an alternative treatment (not a cure) for chronic pain without all those nasty side effects. Recently, I interviewed a local expert in the field of hypnosis to treat pain. Please read my article about hypnosis for pain management and learn what he had to say about this mind-changing pain reliever. Since pain is an output signal from the brain, it makes sense to treat pain at the source–the brain.

Hypnosis for the management of pain is an effective, yet underutilized, alternative treatment. By learning the techniques of self-hypnosis, a patient can experience these benefits.

1. Reduction of overall pain intensity: Hypnosis has not proven to be a cure for chronic pain, but has consistently given patients some control over pain intensity.
2. Ability to manage breakthrough pain: Chronic pain has an underlying roar that is frequently intensified by breakthrough pain depending on things like activity level, weather, and stress. With self-hypnosis, patients are able to minimize environmental and psychological effects on the pain experience.
3. No side effects: Hypnosis has no side effects; unlike managing pain with medications that cause drowsiness, constipation, nausea, itchiness, hormone imbalances, memory problems, swelling, and more.
4. Reduction in medication use: Studies have shown that pain medication use significantly reduces when someone is regularly practicing self-hypnosis. Less is better.
5. Improved mental habits: Physical habits like how one puts on a pair of pants or how one walks are easy to see and, in turn, accept. A person’s life is shaped by habits; not only physical habits, but also by mental habits like how one reacts to criticism or how one responds to a deadline. Through the use of hypnosis, these mental habits are changeable. Hypnosis can change unhealthy thought patterns into healthy mental habits. Hypnosis can stop the mental landslide.

With all of these potential benefits, hypnosis might be worth a try. This chronic pain treatment is not some circus act. This treatment is real psychotherapy that can unleash the power of the brain.

Dr. Martin Seligman put forth some interesting theories about the origins of depression in his book Learned Optimism. Here is a summary of five major points in this wonderful book. In making these points and increasing the understanding about depression, he hopes that more people can then find a pathway to optimism and happiness.

1. Generation Depressed might be a reflection of a changing theme in children’s books. He points out that the 30 years ago the symbolic children’s book of was The Little Engine That Could which encourages hard work and optimism. But, now many children’s books are “about feeling good, having high-self esteem, and exuding confidence”. Please read on.
2. Generation Depressed might be a reflection of the “self-esteem movement”. Placing more emphasis on self-esteem and less emphasis on competition and hard work may be creating problems than good. Dr. Seligman wrote, “When these children confront the real world, and it tells them they are not as great as they have been taught, they will lash out…”. Those words are disturbing if you think about the possibility that this epidemic of depression could be our own doing. This leading psychologist believes that self-esteem should merely serve as a marker of mental health, not an end point. Teaching and supporting “unwarrantedly high self-esteem” may be setting people up for a major fall.
3. Generation Depressed is dominated by women. That is right; women are more likely to be depressed than men by a ratio of 2:1. Surely, some major clues to the origins of depression lie in this statistic. Many of have postulated about role conflicts and role differences. However, I resonated with Dr. Seligman’s explanation of the gender factor in depression. One word sums it up: rumination. Women tend to chew the cud, mull things over, brood, over analyze, reflect, contemplate, and think way too much. Men quite simply act when trouble strikes. Action protects men from amplifying depression. Rumination catapults women down a wave of depression.
4. Generation Depressed is self absorbed. Years ago, consumer choice did not exist. All refrigerators were white. All shoes were black or brown. And dinner was what mother put in front of you. Accepting was expected. Now, we have an over abundance of choice. Who chooses? The individual. Dr. Seligman calls this inflated sense of individuality the “maximal self”. The “maximal self” revolves around choice and self gratification. Our grandparents had the “Yankee self” that was “less preoccupied with how it felt” and more concerned with duty. The escalation of self (the egocentric) sets the tide of depression into motion especially when life throws a little disappointment into the mix.
5. Generation Depressed has no sense of duty. Being tethered to something bigger than self can help someone ride out the storm of adversity and hold back the tide of depression. What is bigger than self: family, country, God, and a sense of purpose. Dr. Seligman calls these larger-than-self entities the “commons”. He writes, “The maximal self, stripped of the buffering of any commitment to what is larger in life, is a setup for depression”. Once again, we seem to be setting ourselves up for a fall.

These five origins of depression should serve as a wakeup call. The biomedical world would have us believe that we have experienced an extreme evolution in the brain causing an entire generation to have “chemical” imbalances that create depression. That sounds very unlikely. A majority of depression is our own doing as a society; from what we teach children, to what we value, to what we expect, and from what we have disconnected from. By understanding these origins, we now know that this epidemic of depression is a societal created phenomenon. As such, we should have the power to turn back the tide of depression. The mind is changeable. Epidemics can be stopped with knowledge. For those of you wondering what Dr. Seligman writes about antidepressant medications, here is a sample: “The antidepressant drugs are as good an example of our overmedicated society as the use of tranquilizers to bring peace of mind or hallucinogens to see beauty.” We do not want an entire generation using antidepressant medications. Something must be done to undo the origins of depression. To start this transformation process, I recommend reading Dr. Martin Seligman’s book Learned Optimism for anyone who finds themselves in a funk.

For more information about strategies for breaking a pessimistic cycle of thought please read my article called “Throw Eeyore From The Train”.

Some of you may have missed my recent class called “Cooking to Control Pain”. Here are the main teaching points covered and a sample recipe. Please stay tuned by signing up for my monthly newsletter or blog feed for the next event or class.
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Cooking to Control Pain

You would not put bad fuel in a car. If you did, the performance of your vehicle would falter. The human body is also designed for a certain type of fuel—Good Nutrition. Without the right types of foods, the human body experiences problems with cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and pain. For that reason, good food is good medicine for you.

Sugar and Carbohydrates

Highly processed carbohydrates place a high sugar load on the body—the Glycemic Load (Glycemic index (%) x Carbs (grams)).
Low Glycemic Load nutrition reduces inflammation by reducing blood sugar spikes
Smart substitutions can easily reduce Glycemic Load without compromising flavor

The Omega Fats
Foods high in Omega 3 fat include walnuts, cold water fish, and flax
Foods high in Omega 6 fat include corn oil, red meat and snack food
A high Omega 3 diet reduces heart disease risk by 25%
A balanced ratio between Omega 3 and Omega 6 reduces painful inflammation

Full Flavored and Balanced Dishes

Balance the sweet, the sour, the bitter, and the salt
Bring out flavor by roasting, toasting, searing, and bruising
Too control proportions use high quality ingredients that have more flavors. With more flavor, you will use less.

Make it beautiful and everything will fall into place

…. Molly Katzen

From the Kitchen of Christina Lasich, MD….

Saffron Vegetable Quinoa

1 red bell pepper, diced;
1 yellow squash, diced;
1 zucchini, diced;
½ pound green beans in 1in pieces;
½ pound shitake mushrooms, diced;
3 TBSP Olive Oil
2 cups chicken stock
pinch of saffron threads
1 cup Quinoa
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 2 quart sauce pan on the stove, bring the chicken stock to a boil with the saffron. Add quinoa and cook over medium heat until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff, and let stand for 15 minutes. While quinoa is cooking, toss vegetables with olive oil and place in a medium baking dish. Place vegetables in the oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Cover to keep warm. Toss vegetables and quinoa together in a serving dish. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm. Yields 4 servings.

Whole grain quinoa (pronounced: Keen-Wa) is high in protein and low in carbohydrates (low glycemic load and gluten-free). Quinoa is a perfect substitute for pasta, potato, or rice dishes; nutritious and delicious.

Warning this book may change your life and change your mind. Readers of this book may experience an uplifted, optimistic mood. Readers of this book may be prone to smile and laugh more often. Common side effects from optimism include: happiness, euphoria, cheerfulness, giddiness, confidence, boldness, and gleefulness. If you experience any of these side effects from reading Learned Optimism…congratulations, you are on your way to being an optimist.

Not to worry, Dr. Seligman is not suggesting a complete disconnection from reality because rose-colored glasses can be counter-productive. This leading psychologist is recommending “Flexible Optimism”. He teaches readers how to recognize the pessimistic explanatory style that controls the belief system and produces depression. He writes, “You are living under a tyranny of should’s. Stop should-ing on yourself!” Blaming yourself or not giving yourself enough credit is just one example of this pessimistic conversation within you. Additionally, Dr. Seligman clearly states that gender differences do exist. Women are more likely to ruminate; therefore, women are twice as likely to become depressed as men who “tend to act rather than reflect (chew the cud)”. Depression is an epidemic and Learned Optimism is a cure.

With practical, “ABC” first aid, Dr. Seligman guides readers through a process that flips the pessimistic mental habits into optimistic thoughts. Because the world is full of adversity at home and at work, anyone can benefit from his advice. Based on years of research, the techniques in Learned Optimism are practiced by individuals, parents, politicians and corporations across the world. Those who believe that mental habits can be changed can learn to be optimistic.

Optimism is a valuable tool that can help to curtail the spread of depression. Please use caution when learning to be optimistic because happiness is infectious.

Who’s ever heard of a girl that does not like to shop for clothes? Well, that’s me. The weird girl who holds onto shoes and clothes until every ounce of usefulness is gone. Even my husband has to beg me to throw something away. Alright, alright…

Lately, my back had been begging me for a new pair of summer shoes. My favorite sandals were falling apart at the seams and were actually causing back pain. Dutifully, I loaded up and headed to my favorite, local store—Empire Shoes in Grass Valley.

Thankfully, I had done some homework at FootSmart about the latest comfortable sandals made just for women by Merrell. My mom has had great luck with Merrell shoes. So, with a target in mind, I was not overwhelmed by all the choices. Sure enough, the store had just the sandal I was looking for. When I tried it on, my feet and back said, “Ahhhh!” I also tried on a pair of Clarks, just to be sure. No comparison; the Merrell sandals were the ones for me. Thankfully, I was out of the store within 20 minutes. Quick and painless; that is how I like to shop.

The moral of this story is that no matter how painful buying a new pair of shoes is, your body is worth it. The cushioning in shoes wears out quickly, so frequent trips to the shoe store is encouraged. As a rule, frequently worn shoes should be replaced every six months. And that’s coming from a woman who hates to shop. Wish me luck finding a pair of shoes that will go with that new cocktail dress I just bought.

What happens when you take Tylenol Arthritis for joint pain, Excedrin for a headache, and NyQuil for a cold? Disaster happens; all of these products contain Tylenol (Acetaminophen, a.k.a. APAP) which is toxic in high quantities. The milligrams can add up over a 24 hour period of time. Those who do not read the labels and calculate their daily quantities may be taking a one-way trip to the hospital.
How can a ubiquitous substance like Acetaminophen cause death? Well, the answer requires a brief overview about the liver. As chemicals enter the body, they need to be broken down into different compounds which ultimately get eliminated from the body as waste. Two main players act as the street-sweepers for the body: the liver and the kidneys. Tylenol is one of the chemicals that go to the liver for this metabolic process. Unfortunately, the liver is only able to handle so much Tylenol. If the toxic, intermediate substances from Acetaminophen accumulate too rapidly, these nasty chemicals unleash their fury on the cells of the liver causing liver death (necrosis). You cannot survive long without a liver.

Who is most susceptible to the dangers of Tylenol? Young people who are unaware of the dangers from this over-the-counter medication will literally “pound” pills prior to an athletic event. Chronic pain patients who have daily hard-to-control pain will chronically overuse products containing Tylenol. Alcoholics who already have a weak liver are at great risk of a Tylenol overdose. Patients who take other medications that tax the liver (like the anticonvulsants) should also be careful about the amounts of Tylenol consumed. All of these scenarios can result in an accidental overdose and death.

Who should be responsible for protecting the public from these accidents? Lately, the Food and Drug Administration has been addressing this potential for disaster from Tylenol. One of the largest problems is the non-standard labeling practices of the over-the-counter products containing Tylenol. But, now the labels are becoming clearer and are actually highlighting the Acetaminophen amount. Recently, the FDA threatened to ban certain prescription drugs like Percocet and Vicodin. This recommendation by an FDA panel has caused an out roar amongst chronic pain patients. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the consumer; just like drivers are responsible for their potential to cause a vehicle accident. However, we cannot hold people responsible if there has not been proper health education. We can start this process of protecting the public by bringing health education back into the curriculum at schools.

What products contain Tylenol? Here is just a short list of products that contain Acetaminophen. Do the math before you self medicate. An absolute maximum amount of Tylenol in a 24 hour period of time is 4000mg (2000mg for those with a weak liver). Chronic, daily users should not exceed 3000mg per day.

Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg
Excedrin PM 500mg
Vicodin 5/500 500mg
Tylenol PM 500mg
Excedrin Extra Strgth 250mg
Percocet 5/325 325mg
Tylenol Arthritis 650mg
Excedrin Back and Body 250mg
Lortab 500mg 7.5/500 Excedrin Tension Headache 500mg
Darvocet N100 650mg
Tylenol 8 hour 650mg
NyQuil (one dose) 1000mg
Tylenol #3 300mg

And remember, just because a medication is available without a prescription does not mean it is perfectly harmless. Talk to your doctor about all the chemical substances you consume or you could be heading towards a disaster. Don’t press your luck.

Do you remember learning to walk as a tumbling toddler? Probably not; however, walking is one of the most critical aspects of our lives for maintaining independence without an assistive device. So, even now, walking deserves some attention because over the years your abilities may be faltering. That walk may be turning into a waddle. And only ducks are meant to waddle. Even for taking simple steps, everyone has room for improvement. Everyone has untapped potential to increase functional skills.

Now that you have learned What the ASIS Is and how it can be a landmark to measure alignment. Learn about other ways that can help you relearn to walk. (Please click on the link and tap into your potential)

Wait a minute! Before you start walking, you’d better have the right shoes on your feet. No bare feet allowed because that offers no shock absorption. No flip-flops allowed because that offers no support. Only well cushioned, supportive, flat shoes will due. For an outstanding selection, go to www.footsmart.com. Don’t worry ladies, looking good does not have to cause pain. Being pain free is beautiful.

Have you ever been able to request music at your doctor’s office? The concept of “music therapy” in the healthcare setting is actually not unusual. Operating rooms and pediatric wards have been using music for years in an effort to comfort patients and reduce anxiety. I am happy to take requests in my office. In fact, I encourage it because I like to hear music that is unfamiliar to me or I like to get reacquainted with old songs of the past.

Speaking of an old song from the past, I recently stumbled across a great tune by REO Speedwagon. The lyrics are inspirational and the melody uplifting. Let’s keep on rolling with the changes because the only thing constant is the fact that change happens. Roll with the Changes! Please use the above link to listen to “Roll with the Changes”, don’t be afraid to sing along.

Treat yourself to more music therapy using the ultimate jukebox, www.rhapsody.com.