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HOLISTIC NUTRITION & IRIDOLOGICAL SERVICES GROW IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Phone calls from people interested in learning about Naturopathy, Iridology and Replenishment Nutrition are on the rise. "The media is reporting more and more on the poor state of health in the United States", MacNamara said. "One really cannot ignore the nutrition factor in improving one's health and the factor is more than simply taking a multiple vitamin each day!"

There are drawbacks from the public's growing interest in Nutritional Assessment Services, Ltd., MacNamara offered. "I am being contacted by 'vitamin distributors' at an increasing rate- it's annoying!".

Many so-called distributors do not have degrees in Alternative Medicine and there are no requirements for becoming a distributor. They more often than not "prescribe" their products for conditions using other practitioner's work. "A popular text is Dr. Balch's 'Prescription for Nutritional Healing'" MacNamara added. "Many times they don't even know their products contain sugars, dyes and preservatives- while claiming they're organic!"

"Many times I have found clients taking nutritional supplements under advisement of these retailers which, in my opinion, are contraindicated for their concerns or history. I stress over and over the importance of verifying nutritional recommendations with your medical doctor or pharmacist." 

"Dr. Balch is a Medical Doctor and more than qualified to make recommendations in his publications. He does not make his living, however, selling nutritional products." he continued, "I use Nutriceutical-grade products only available through practitioners- not distributors or the internet."

Clients benefit from the high quality of these products, but not every client obtains them. "Supplements are but a tool to better health and not the end-all. Individual assessment and education are much more valuable in the long-run." MacNamara shared.

Dr. MacNamara has been listed in the New York Academy of Sciences Directory of Members. Under Biomedical Sciences: Nutrition. He is honored to have his credentials reviewed by the oldest scientific community in the United States.

"It's ironic since it was a study by Dr. Bogden which appeared in the Academy's annals regarding deficient nutrients and HIV/AIDs patients which launched my interest in holistic nutrition.", he said recently. "I am really very honored to be a member of the academy and supportive of their great contributions to science."

Out of more than 30K members about 180 are listed under Biomedical Sciences: Nutrition. MacNamara is the sole member listed from Bradford, Pennsylvania.

STINKFEST

Early May brings a celebration to Bradford known as "Stinkfest", in celebration of the wild leek (Allium porrum) harvest. Leeks have a host of medicinal properties and were a main ingredient in "Spring Tonics". The crushed leaves can treat insect stings and it also is used traditionally as a weak diuretic. It activates the digestive organs and, particularly, the gall bladder and bile.

In herbal folklore it is said that two people who eat leeks together will fall in love. It is said to protect against evil and the biting of leeks breaks hexes.

Fine restaurants in metropolitan areas seek out the gourmet flavor of wild leeks and pay generously! Maryland has passed legislation to protect wild leeks from over-harvest


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My Father and I  continue our Historic District Restoration Project efforts involving two properties (c.1857, 1879). Getting directly involved in the preservation of Bradford's Historic buildings has been a goal since arriving in town. People of all walks have been very supportive and I appreciate their comments. The project has run into numerous difficulties- as with any restoration project.  Goals are being reached, however, and the buildings are taking shape!

Phase I Electrical work has  been completed in the second building and all structural anomalies have been completed. Some period windows from the recently demolished Stihl Mortuary have a new home in the project. Plans for Phase II of the hostoric restoration project have begun and will involve outside painting and focus on particular architectural features in need of restoration. Part of the work in this phase will involve re-structure of the back porches to their original specifications, re-laying of original brickwork pathways. Follow-up work from phase I continues, as well.

I have had some exciting news of the purchase of another fine mansion on Congress Street, with the prospect of additional acquisitions! There is no doubt in my mind that the renaissance of Bradford is underway!

I have believed since my arrival in 2004, that the only thing going for the City of Bradford is it's Historic significance, not only to our nation, but the world. This direct worldwide influence during the industrial revolution is reflected in the city's Mansions and buildings. The awesome wealth generated by this region's lumber, natural gas and oil boom produced wonderful homes and businesses.

Modern Bradford should be no less significant! With the University of Pittsburgh campus, the lovely Allegheny National Forest, and an outdoorsman's paradise-and now, restoration on the increase,  Bradford should be the "Princeton" of Northwestern Pennsylvania! I hope it will be so!

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Apartments are now available as the restoration continues.  Large bright living space with beautiful window-treatments, attractive light fixtures, secure lobby entry, all-new appliances  and other fine appointments. Buildings are pet & smoke free.

1BR full bath,w/washer & dryer-$550+UT (city included) 1BR, 1/2 bath, in Victorian-$525+UT; 2BR, claw-foot tub- $700 +UT (city included)

Please call for details- they won't last! 814.362.4349

ASSOCIATION of UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AUW)

Thank you so much for a lovely dinner and lecture invitation. Here is the Reading List I mentioned in my talk:

Blaylock, M.D.,R., EXCITOTOXINS: THE TASTE THAT KILLS,Health Press: Santa Fe, 1997

Baroody,PhD.,T., ALKALIZE OR DIE, Holographic Health Press: NC, 1991;2002

Batmanghelidj, M.D., F., YOU'RE NOT SICK, YOU'RE THIRSTY, Warner Books: New York, 2003

Hartmann, T., ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER; A DIFFERENT PERCEPTION, Grass Valley: CA, 1997

 

Goat Milk Magic!

 I have used a Goat Whey product with my clients for many years now with excellent results. The superior dairy nutritional value of Goat's milk over cow's milk is undeniable. Any credentialed and experienced practitioner will tell you so!

Dr Jensen was a renowned advocate of goat's milk- raising his own herds. Countless stories of the benefits he experienced using goat's milk in his practice were included often in his lectures. Most of the world's population use goat's milk. It provides, in general, 13% more calcium, 134% more potassium and 350% more niacin than cow's milk and doesn't contain the controversial bovine growth hormone (BGH) according to the Little Mill Creek dairy's brochure.

I have come across a local goat dairy in Ridgeway, PA. and recommend that you contact Cliff & Jeanette Stump at 814.772.5461 for more information about their products. www.littlemillcreek.net

note: provided for information only- not an endorsement or health claim. Not affiliated with this business. 

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International Society of Naturopathic Physicians (ISNP)

I was recently invited to represent the field of Iridology and serve on the U.S. Advisory Board for the ISNP by Dr. C.P. Negri, OMD, NMD., It was a great honor and I hold such respect for the other members of the Board.

After initially accepting the position, however, I decided to decline based on specific principles I hold and have stated before several Official Bodies. In a letter dated 21 July, 2008, I wrote, "At last, however, I cannot reconcile my opinion that the use of the title "physician" in conjunction with the practice of Naturopathy is appropriate..."

I have held that anyone using the title "physician" must obtain a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and appropriate licensure to practice medicine- Naturopathic or otherwise.

"Doctors of Naturopathy", "Naturopathic Doctors" and/ or "Naturopaths" have long been recognized by Act of Congress (1929) and Registry in Washington, D.C., Part of the requirement is to distinctly distance ourselves from the medical field in deed and title.

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 The "DE-TOX" BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

So many people over the years have asked me if I have "De-Tox" products. You know- something I can do in a weekend!

Don't be a fool!

"10-Day", "Weekend", "Hollywood" C'mon! Do I really have to tell you folks?

Holistic and replenishment nutrition combined with Iridology as Jensen pioneered it puts this non-sense to the side. It is just another scheme by peddlers who are playing on your laziness and conceit.

After professional assessment, it can take 90 days to a year to "de-tox" safely and efficiently. We as practitioners help identify probable nutritional deficiencies which can affect bio activity in the body. Once addressed by the implementation of dietary and lifestyle changes based on data from careful assessment, analysis and case taking the body activity begins to pick up and eliminations increase.

The body naturally holds and releases toxins through normal "life". Many factors, most importantly- hydration, can affect these cycles. Naturopaths, and specifically Iridologists, are well versed in assessing these genetic pre-dispositions and life style factors. Educating people about their particular "clocks" and helping the owners learn the manual.

Long standing toxic settlement whether organic or spiritual isn't going to flush out of you over a weekend by popping expensive "natural treatments".

Get a grip.

 

An article in Scientific American is critical of the Government's misleading nutrition advice in its "Food Pyramid". Holistic Nutritionists know well the flawed advice of avoiding fats/oils and increased carbs. "The dietary guide introduced a decade ago has lead people astray. Some fats are healthy for the heart, and many carbohydrates clearly are not". In my opinion. even the proposed changes expected in 2004 are, at least, minimal good advice.

"Rebuilding the Food Pyramid", Willet, W.C., Stampfer,M.J., Scientific American, Jan. 03, p64-71 (www.sciam.com)

High Protein from animal sources raises uric acid levels in men, whereas vegetable sources of protein do not. Fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy can lower uric acid levels which may have a role in the creation of high blood pressure.
N Eng J Med 350; 11 1071-73 & 1093-1103
  • In a decision today against the FDA a judge ruled that the agency failed to prove "significant risk" regarding its ban on ephedra products. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) places the burden of proof of restrictive claims on the FDA. This is a great victory for the Nutriceutical industry which often suffers a double-standard when it comes to safety issues between supplements and drugs put forth by the FDA. The Rand Report on Ephedra recommended a hypothesis-testing study in order to, "Assess a causal relationship between ephedra consumption and serious side effects." Still, with no evidence that ephedra causes a "significant risk" it was banned by the FDA while countless prescription drugs with confirmed side effects are pushed onto the public. One can only ponder, "why", and ask just whom the FDA is protecting? (4/15/05)

    STOP FOOD IRRADIATION GO TO http://www.citizen.org/action/petition/index.cfm?ID=3&source=14

    Featured Practitioner: http://ancb.net/profiles.html

  • Blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering drugs don't seem to be all their cracked up to be: "A decade ago, the treatment of hypercholesterolemia [high cholesterol] and hypertension [high blood pressure] was expected to eliminate cardio-vascular disease by the end of the 20th century. Lately, however, that optimistic prediction has needed revision." N.Eng,Jrnl. Med., Inflammation, Artherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease, 2005;352:1685-95.

    The paper continues to discuss the role that normal inflammation has in the building of CAD. Iridologists have long used iris analysis to locate inflammation in the body-what stage of activity it exists and what location. The tenets of Holistic Nutrition, specifically enzymatic nutrition, address the problems of fat metabolism and the lack of dietary enzymes which can have a real effect on cholesterol. Check with your medical doctor about the side effects of blood pressure and cholesterol medicine and the detrimental effects they can have on your health!

    Your best defense against heart disease is to get informed about diet and nutrition, nutritional supplement intervention, as well as, medical advice. Then you, and you alone, can make an informed decision.

  • Study of 8,000 children from 1986 to 1998 confirm that kids are getting fatter. The rate of overweight kids grew 120% in African-American and Hispanic children and 50% in white children. Dr. Strauss noted that 20-30 years ago kids didn't have many indoor activities which put them outside to exercise and play. Today kids sit in front of computers and television. (JAMA 2001; 286:2845)


  • The CDC released information finding that 60% in Pennsylvania are obese and they are sending $700,000 to promote education regarding the dangers of being over-weight.


  • Recently published information regarding the prevention of diabetes found that lifestyle changes including reduction of weight and exercise of over 150 minutes each week worked better than the drug studied. (N Eng J Med.346, No.6:393-403)


  • Only 12 states require the licensing of Doctors of Naturopathy. Many states are looking at such legislation. Most believe that requirements for licensing would severely limit the growth and development of the naturopathic profession. A "Naturopathic Physician" has received a four-year degree at one of five designated colleges and often mixes medical practice with natural approaches. There is much political controversy over these "pseudo-medical" practitioners who aim to abolish traditional naturopathy from practice.

    In 2003/04 I joined the efforts of the Coalition for Natural Health, traveled to Washington, D.C., and testified to block restrictive legislation which would have a harmful effect to the practice of Naturopathy nationwide. Opposition continues as the Committee reviews the draft (3/04).


  • WHAT IS A DOCTOR of NATUROPATHY? "Naturopath", "Traditional Naturopath" is one who employs the tenets of good nutrition, fresh air, pure water, exercise, counseling and other natural non-medical modalities (like Iridology) to help folks meet their health goals. It is a non-medical branch of the healing arts recognized by the United States Congress since 1929. Like other traditional Naturopaths, I have been board Certified in Traditional Naturopathy by The American Naturopathic Certification Board, Inc. Requirements include annual continuing education requirements and passing the national examination. The designation for Certified Traditional Naturopath is CTN.


  • A Naturopath has earned a Doctor of Naturopathy (ND)degree and employs non-medical, non-diagnostic, natural therapies in practice. Education may include traditional and non-traditional methods, such as: distant learning, conferences, seminars and apprenticeships. Experience and therapies vary in this field. Generally the approach uses non-toxic therapies to support better health. many Naturopaths also have advanced degrees, such as: DC, DO, DDS, MD. Initial study is often accomplished through distant learning programs.
  • Don't be mislead by the terms, "Alternative" or "Complementary" medicine. There are distinct and separate differences in how Holistics approach health and how medicine approaches disease.
  • Allopathic Medicine,  and indeed medical doctors, often discount that Naturopaths exist. However, while shopping for health insurance coverage for my elderly Father I came across an interesting and funny fact. Listed in the "exclusion" section was the item: "Naturopath services are excluded".  Showing the sales representative and my Father I exclaimed, "Look Dad! We do exist!                                                                       
  • I often receive what I call "test calls" from what I believe to be governmental bodies who "try" to get me to say I treat disease or prescribe herbs, or iridology is a diagnostic tool. The simple truth is that alternative practitioners focus on health- not disease, period.
  • I look forward to answering any questions or concerns you may have about my background, qualifications, ethics and philosophy regarding the practice of the Holistic Arts- especially if you are a skeptic!  I am politically active and have testified before the White House Commission on CAM Policy & other Governmental bodies and will share my insight with interested parties.


American Naturopathic Certification Board Coalition for Natural Health American Naturopathic Medical Association