“Whatever an expert panel decides today about the diabetes drug Avandia, the way that drug trials were carried out represent a fundamental violation of the social compact between patients and drug companies.”

Another day, another drug company covering up deadly side effects caused by its precription drug.

An FDA panel (comprised of doctors and researchers, many of whom have financial ties to drug companies) is deciding today on whether to pull the diabetes drug, Avandia off the market due to concerns that it causes heart attacks.  Avandia is not a new drug – it has been on the market for decades (its patent will expire in a few years).  In fact this isn’t a case of drug manufacturers rushing the drug untested to market, or promoting off-label, untested uses for it.  Avandia has undergone numerous human clinical trials.  In this case, its maker, GlaxoSmithKline, knew that it increased the risk of heart disease but they covered up the data.  Documents released by a Senate Financial Committee include several emails that record GlaxoSmithKline officials suggesting that certain unfavorable studies concerning the drug “never see the light of day to anyone outside of GSK.”

Avandia’s safety was first publically called into question in 2007 when an analysis by Nissen found that those on the drug had a 43 percent higher risk of heart attacks and a 64 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease.  Though the drug has lost more than half of its sales since the 2007 study (as doctors try to switch to other “safer” medications), it still generated more than $1 billion in revenue and was prescribed to 2.6 million Americans in 2009.

While this story isn’t new, it’s just another example of why better health through better chemistry doesn’t work!  Type II diabetes is a completely preventable disease.  No one has to get it and no one needs to subject themselves or their loved ones to the risk of taking these medications.  If you are currently taking this or any other medication that is for a lifestyle disease please talk to us about how to make a change so you can get off these medications.  You have the power to be health, you are born with it, you just have to do something about it.  Remember, if we don’t change our behaviors we can’t expect our lives to change.  Start today!!!

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

We’re excited to announce that Wellness Bootcamp is back and better than ever!

This year’s theme is “Challenge Yourself to Accomplish Something BIG this Summer!”

We’ve designed this bootcamp to help you do just that.  It will start August 9th and run through Sept 3rd.  Each week we will challenge you with three workouts (2 strength, 1 cardio) designed by McKinley Chiropractic and Windy City Crossfit to kick your butt!  In addition you’ll be able to choose up to 4 Yoga sessions provided by Om on the Range Yoga Studio to help you stretch out and recover.  We also add a little healthy fun with a kayaking excursion on the Chicago River.  Finally, for those of you who want to take it up even another level, we’re doing a second round of “Detox with Dr. Arthur” and giving all bootcamp participants $75 off a detox program.

This will be an unbelievable experience, but we do have to limit it to 30 participants. So please ask yourself if you want to accomplish something BIG this summer, and if the answer is yes – sign-up today!

The cost is only $40 (detox is seperate) and all proceeds  benefit the Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization who raises money to build wellness clinics in impoverished countries.

Reserve your spot today by clicking here!

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

We absolutely love it when patients bring in or send us emails of articles they have read or info they have received from their doctor or other health care professionals. While we try to stay current on health events and topics, it always beneficial for us to see what other professionals are saying, good or bad, right or wrong.

One of our favorite patients, Meliza (whose testimonial video you can see under Success Stories), brought us in an article today from the Mayo Clinic talking about Integrative Medicine.  For those who don’t know the idea behind Integrative Medicine is to combine traditional medicine with “alternative” treatments to give patients better care.  We find this thought amusing because while Integrative Medicine may be a new buzzword in Allopathic medicine, chiropractic has been practicing it for over 100 years. We combine the best of all “treatments” including adjustments, exercise, nutritional change and supplementation, etc. in order to build up the whole person in health and wellness, not just treat the symptom. In fact, that is where allopathic “Integrative Medicine” fails.  Even though they are using different tools such as acupuncture, deep breathing/yoga, exercise, nutrition, even spinal manipulation  to treat symptoms, they are doing just that, treating symptoms.  The philosophy behind treatment (even though the treatment may have less side effects than medication) is still the same, and for that reason it will ultimately fail in promoting health and wellness.

What really struck me in reading the article was its closing paragraph.  The article basically tried to describe and sum-up a number of so-called “alternative” therapies including homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, nutritional supplemention, Reiki, Chiropractic, and others.  In talking about Integrative Medicine the article states, ” It’s not a question of using either conventional or complementary medicine.  It’s about using both the best of conventional medicine and the best of evidence-based complementary medicine.”  Two things about this sentence stand out to me.  One, the qualifier “evidence-based” in front of complementary medicine, and, two, the implication that conventional medicine is evidence based and therefore better (hence the use of the word complementary).

I want to speak a moment about evidence based medicine.  The definition of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) as defined by Sackett in the British Medical Journal is “”Evidence based medicine is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients…,” “integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research…,” and “the more thoughtful identification and compassionate use of individual patients’ predicaments, rights, and preferences in making clinical decisions about their care”.  EBM speaks to the clinician’s (doctor’s) decision making in regards to making care recommendations, by these definitions chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other “alternative” practitioners can be and are evidence based.

The implication in the article is that all medicine is evidence based and that all medical practitioners used EBM methodology in making their recommendations.   This is simply not the case.  One-fifth of all medications prescribed and one-half to three fourths of all children’s medications are prescribed off-label, meaning they have not been tested for the condition for which they are being prescribed.  Unfortunately, in most cases parents are not informed that this is happening.

It ultimately comes down to your doctor.  Is he or she approaching your health holistically, taking a look at your whole person, looking to find the ultimate cause of your disease or symptom, and is working with you to promote the in-born ability of your body to heal?  Or are they taking a “medicine by numbers” approach, treating just your symptoms or the number on your blood or lab work, and sending you on your way?  From our perspective one of these two choices is the true, integrative, evidence based approach and one is not.  Which one would you prefer?

We’d love to hear your comments on this article, please click below!

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

Today, conventional farms use numerous pesticides on our crops. These pesticides are absorbed by the soil, pulled through the roots of plants and even soaked up by the final crop. Additionally, pesticides seep into our waterways, which contaminate them. Pesticides found in conventional foods are linked to cancer, liver, kidney and blood disease, weakened immune systems, birth defects and most recently ADHD.

Conversely, organic farms prohibit the use of harmful pesticides. Organic foods are produced from natural and sustainable farming methods. As a result, they are safer and healthier for the earth and public consumption.

In general, you should try to avoid foods with pesticide exposure whenever possible, but there are certain foods that have higher and lower pesticide levels. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these are the top dirtiest and cleanest foods:

The Dirty Dozen
These foods have the highest levels of pesticide residue, even after washing them. The EWG recently conducted a study that found as many as 67 different chemicals treated on foods, such as celery and peaches. Shockingly, some of the most popular fruits and vegetables landed on this list.

Strive to buy these foods organic or local
1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell Peppers
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (Imported)

The Clean 15
These foods have the lowest pesticide levels, which mean they are safer options among conventional foods. However, organic or local foods are typically the best option. The EWG, found no more than four chemicals on these foods. Some of these foods even had “no detectable pesticides.”

1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mangos
6. Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potato
15. Honeydew Melon

According to EWG, “You can lower your pesticide consumption by nearly four-fifths by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and instead eating the least contaminated produce.” Rather than avoiding the dirty dozen all together, you can simply enjoy these foods by buying them organic. It’s extremely important to eat fruits and vegetables, just make sure they are high quality.

Do you want to learn more about healthy and safe foods? Contact me today for a free health consultation. We can discuss your unique situation and develop a plan that works best for you.

Natalie Drugan, Founder of Brumberry and Certified Health Coach
Brumberry is my nutrition and lifestyle coaching practice. As a certified health coach, I educate individuals and groups on how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that significantly improve their health and happiness.

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

Now that it is winter in Australia, they are beginning to go through the FEAR mentality of the FLU like we did last year.
Remember how they told us we were all going to get really sick and die with the so called H1N1 outbreak? What a joke….it wasn’t any different than any other year, and “the outbreak” because people got vaccinated.

We have such a surplus of the H1N1 vaccine, that government ads are popping up on bus billboards and bus stops, and on tv commercials, in order to get rid of it. Myself or my family didn’t get that untested, unproven vaccine, and now after new news coming out of Australia, I’m really glad we didn’t! Australia is calling for a ban on the flu vaccine as it has caused many convulsions in children under five. What’s really scary is that children and pregnant women are who they market it towards the most! It makes me sick!  At least Australia is willing to admit when danger exists, and is working to take steps to see if there is a better way.  We had the same vaccine here in the US.  Does any think that they same things weren’t happening to our children?  My wife, Monica, works in the ER at Mt. Sinai here in Chicago, and I KNOW she saw convulsions in children who took the vaccine hours before!  Yet, our own government is conducting a huge market campaign to get rid of the unused vaccine (for which we, the American people, paid pharmaceutical companies millions of dollars for) before it expires.  Why are we in a situation where the US government is acting like a drug dealer on the street corner?

Educate before you vaccinate….there is a better way!

Our annual vaccine seminar is coming in August, so keep a look out. Lots of people want to know more about the truth, and it’s my absolute pleasure to reduce fear by teaching TRUTH!

Be Well,

Dr. Heath McKinley

Add Your Comment! 1 Comment Already...

It’s the beginning of May, which means it’s time to kick off the farmers’ market season. Farmers’ markets provide fresh,
seasonal food directly from your local farms. These foods travel a short distance from farm to table. Thus, they have a lower carbon footprint. The average distance food travels is 1,500 miles1.

Farmers’ markets provide an educational, outdoor experience that is fun to share with friends and/or family members. I encourage you to get to know your farmers; they will provide you with a wealth of information about locally grown food.

Here is a list of Chicago’s finest farmers’ markets:

Tuesdays
• Federal Plaza – Adams St. and Dearborn St. (7AM-3PM)
• Lincoln Square – Lincoln and Leland (7AM-1PM)
• Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville – MCA Plaza at Chicago Ave. and Mies van der Rohe Way (7AM-3PM)
• Prudential Plaza – Lake St. and Beaubien Court (7AM-3PM)

Wednesdays
• Green City Market – 1799 N. Clark St. (7AM-1PM)
• Lawndale – Green City Youth Farm at 3555 W. Ogden Ave. (3PM-7PM)
• Pullman – Arcade Park at 11100 S. Cottage Grove (7AM-12PM)
• South Shore – ShoreBank parking lot at 70th and Jeffery Blvd. (7AM-1PM)

Thursdays
• Daley Plaza – 50 W. Washington (7AM-3PM)
• Hyde Park – On the Cul-de-sac of Harper Court at 5200 S. Harper Ave. (7AM-1PM)
• Lincoln Square – Lincoln and Leland (4-8PM; includes concerts)
• Uptown – Weiss Memorial Hospital at 4646 N. Marine Dr (8AM-1PM)
• Willis Tower Plaza – 233 S. Wacker Dr. (7AM-3PM)

Saturdays
• Austin – Madison St. and Central Ave. (7AM-12PM)
• Bridgeport – 35th and Wallace (7AM-1PM)
• Division St. – 50 W. Division St. between State and Clark (7AM-1PM)
• Green City Market – 1799 N. Clark St. (7AM-1PM)
• Lincoln Park – Lincoln Park High School at Armitage Ave. and Orchard St. (7AM-1PM)
• Northcenter – Northcenter Town Square 4100 N. Damen (7AM-1PM)
• Printer’s Row Park – Parking lot at Dearborn and Polk (7AM-1PM)
• Southport Green Market – Blaine School at 1420 W. Grace St. (7AM-1PM)

Sundays
• Beverly – City parking lot; southeast corner of 9500 S. Longwood Dr. (7AM-1PM)
• Erie St. – 500 W. Erie St. (8AM-1PM)
• Logan Square – 3107 W. Logan Blvd. (10AM-3PM)
• Pilsen Community Market – Chicago Community Bank at 1800 S. Halsted (9AM-3PM)
• Wicker Park and Bucktown – 1500 N. Damen Ave. (8AM-2PM)

Monday – Saturday (Closed Sunday)
• Chicago French Market, a year-round, European-inspired indoor market in the West Loop at 131 N. Clinton St. (Ogilvie Transportation Center’s street-level MetraMarket)

Source: www.explorechicago.org

Natalie Drugan, Founder of Brumberry and Certified Health Coach
Brumberry is my nutrition and lifestyle coaching practice. As a certified health coach, I educate individuals and groups on how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that significantly improve their health and happiness.

Contact me today for a free consultation. We can discuss your unique situation and develop a plan that works best for you. This month only, I am offering a Mother’s Day special which includes one free session to celebrate and honor moms. Give the gift of health!

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

Ravenswood Run 5K!

We are so PROUD of everyone who ran with us!

The rain held up, the sun came out, and we had 18 brave souls join us for the 2010 Ravenswood Run.  We are very proud of everyone who participated.  It wasn’t easy, it was a definite challenge for some, but that is how we grow in body and in spirit, by pushing our limits and challenging ourselves!  Great, great job, we are very proud of you all!  Check out this video we put together of all our participants!

We’d love to hear your about experience, please leave a comment!

Add Your Comment! 1 Comment Already...

We’re a little early but we couldn’t hold on tho this great story from our May Patients of the Month – Margarita, Ishmael, and Cecilia.  Hear it in there own words!

Add Your Comment! 0 Comments Already...

With the hustle and bustle of every day life, it seems like eating is even adifficult task. Whether you are faced with a demanding job, family responsibilities or social engagements, it’s incredibly important to set aside time to eat a meal.

Here are ten ways to create a healthy and happy dining experience:

1. Eat “real” food: The best foods in life provide you with a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Thus, it’s important to eat nourishing foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains vs. highly processed foods.
2. Keep it simple: The term “cook” is frequently associated with a day’s worth of hard work. You can easily make a healthy, homemade meal in a matter of minutes. For example, you can cut up a few vegetables, sauté them in a skillet and serve them over brown rice.
3. Turn the TV off: The TV is often filled with chaotic shows, which can build upon your already hectic day. Additionally, it can become a great obstacle between you and your dinner companion(s). When its mealtime, hit the “off” button on your remote control.
4. Set a relaxing mood: To create a relaxing mood, light some candles and/or play light tunes for soothing background noise. This is a wonderful way to let the mind and body relax prior to sitting down for dinner.
5. Sit at the table: The table is the ideal place to enjoy a meal. It allows you to solely focus on your food without distractions. Other places, such as your desk, the couch, and even your car, direct your attention away from your food, which results in unhealthy eating habits.
6. Decorate your table: I encourage you to adorn your table with something nice, such as a vase with fresh, seasonal flowers. This will create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.
7. Turn your cell phone off: To avoid interruptions, turn your cell phone off for a minimum of one hour. This allows you to unwind from your day and enjoy the food that is before you. You can always call the person back after your meal.
8. Chew your food: Chewing seems like a simple and obvious task; however, it can be quite challenging in our busy lives. By thoroughly chewing your food, you will have a satisfying, calming experience accompanied with better digestion.
9. Focus on the positive: Often, we find ourselves dwelling on the negative aspects of life, rather than focusing on the positive. When dining with someone else, strive to discuss an uplifting, stress-free topic. A great way to start a positive conversation is by asking someone to tell you something “good.”

10.  Embrace the moment: By focusing on the present moment, you will have the ability to concentrate on your dining experience without stressful thoughts about the past or future. The present moment will pass in an instant, so take the opportunity to enjoy it!

With these simple tips, you can enjoy a wonderful, relaxing meal that nourishes your mind, body and soul.

Natalie Drugan, Founder of Brumberry and Certified Health Coach

Brumberry is my nutrition and lifestyle coaching practice. As a certified health coach, I educate individuals and groups on how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that significantly improve their health and happiness. Contact me today for a free consultation. We can discuss your unique situation and develop a plan that works best for you.

Add Your Comment! 1 Comment Already...

Check out this great article from one of our mentors, Dr. Dennis Perman.  He says it better than I could!

Dear Doctor:

From the “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not really out to get you” mailbag – I received a youtube video from constant source of information and inspiration Dr. Barry Warren, featuring a terrifying expose´ about the presence of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) in our milk and dairy products, from injecting cows with the substance to increase their milk production.

The conspiratorial cover-up ranges from tampering with a Fox News investigative report that was squashed over a decade ago to reports that both Canada and Europe had already moved to ban the use of this dangerous chemical. With a little more homework, I found that the effect of this practice is to increase the concentration of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in our bodies, especially in infants, and excessive IGF-1 is linked to colon, breast and prostate cancer.

In fact, while Monsanto, the producers of rBGH (brand name Posilac, also known as bovine somatotrophin) allegedly threatened Fox and drove them to prevent the piece from airing unless they were allowed to eviscerate it and remove words like “cancer” from it, this video also says that Fox tried to contain the reporters, Steve Wilson and Jane Akre, with bribery, threats of termination and other questionable tactics, apparently due to financial pressure from Monsanto.

To me, this is just a symptom of our departure from ”things natural,” and it is obvious that there is a price to pay – for example, our runaway health care costs are fed by such self-serving decision-making, and until we return to a culture that respects nature, evaluates the impact of our actions and errs on the side of health and wellness instead of avarice, we can expect more of this rampant disregard for our safety.

Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle

Add Your Comment! 1 Comment Already...