Melissa Blatt Special Issue

SPECIAL ISSUE ISSUE 137

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHSHARES FOR PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS ALIKE PG 05

MANAGING STRESS WITH A LITTLE BIT OF SCIENCE PG 20

TELEHEALTH, IT’S COME A LONG WAY! PG 14

TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Brianna Connors

PODCAST C O O R D I N AT O R Justin Miller

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Lauren Rider

C R E AT I V E DIRECTOR Aviana Roth

MARKETING DIRECTOR Derek Archer

GRAPHIC DESIGNER A d a r a Wr i g h t

LEAD JOURNALIST Riley George

D I G I TA L M E D I A DIRECTOR H a n n a h To w n e s

PROJECT C O O R D I N AT O R Lillian Myers

CONTRIBUTORS Adreana Mendez, Emma Palmberg, Gaye Newton, Gentry Shannon, Ionuț Raicea, Louisa Emhof, Luke Argue, Merald Ayson, Nathan Pipkin, Yuko Tabasa

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Leading a healthy, well-balanced life is a challenging undertaking for many of us. New advancements in lifestyle or nutrition come to life daily, and the busy rhythm of our lives often prevents us from keeping up with what’s fun and fresh.

Here at Top Doctor Magazine, we are on a mission to bring these advancements to your attention and become a source of inspiration for those who want to live their lives to the fullest. Our contributors will constantly keep you up to speed with fresh, entertaining, and reliable content, from nutrition and travel to lifestyle choices!

We hope that our handpicked ideas will guide you towards selfrealization, self-improvement, and willingness to help those around you better themselves.

CONT 05 10 14 Exploring the Benefits of Healthshares for Physicians and Patients Alike

Primary Care in 2021

Telehealth, It’s Come a Long Way!

ENTS 20 27 31 Managing Stress with a Little Bit of Science

Several Conditions that Benefit from Acupuncture

3 Food Rules to Follow to Stop Feeling Super Stressed about Your Health

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHSHARES FOR PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS ALIKE WRITTEN BY SABRINA BALL

ABOUT MELISSA BLATT t one point, Melissa, a New York University film graduate, was on her way to become a prominent filmmaker. After spending several years in Hollywood working on various films and TV shows, she decided to step into the world of business development and marketing, changing the course of her future. For more than two decades, she has had professional and personal experience in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York in business development and marketing for diverse industries. She managed to execute innovative marketing campaigns throughout her career, helped companies increase their customer base, and drive unprecedented growth.

This is quite different from the world of filmmaking. What led Melissa to launch her first start-up in healthcare?

THE EMERGENCE OF AN AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE SOLUTION

wasn’t alone; there are 57 million just

The capitalist world doesn’t treat

or go without healthcare.

Millennials and Gen Z differently, and Melissa understands the tide is changing for self-employed professionals and independent contractors.

Melissa left the competitive corporate world to make a difference in people’s lives. And this is where Melissa’s Indipop journey begins. Indipop, which stands for Independent Population, was launched from her own struggle to find affordable healthcare when she went out on her own. She was quoted extremely high deductibles in traditional healthcare and

like her who are challenged with finding affordable care and either pay higher rates

She did find a solution; they are called healthshares, a different approach to managing medical needs with fair medical pricing, concierge care, and typically, an open network to see your favorite doctor or specialist.

“Our goal is to save you time, money, and frustration. Indipop provides high-value plans that are researched and vetted, carefully identifying plans we would buy ourselves and entrust with our own health and wellbeing,” said Melissa.

with mediocre coverage. She knew she

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 5

Healthshares come with a wide range of options for individuals to cater to fit their needs within a budget.

HEALTHSHARES: A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MANAGING MEDICAL NEEDS

COVID-19 AND RISE OF TELEMEDICINE

medical need. The team then navigates

Amidst the peak COVID-19 pandemic

the best care at the right cost.

crisis, nobody wanted to leave their

Healthshares differ from traditional

house or wait in urgent care to seek

insurance in that instead of a

medical help. “You had to find a more

premium and deductible, you become

convenient, safe, and efficient way

a member of a “community” or “pool”

to communicate and interact with

that shares the cost in a medical

patients,” said Melissa – CEO and

need. “At a low monthly rate, you can

Founder of Indipop. Over the past

avail the services of a professional

year, we have found many of the

concierge team,” added Melissa.

members of Indipop enjoy the ease of

Healthshares come with a wide range

meeting with a doctor via telehealth.

of options for individuals to cater

Healthshares typically work with

to fit their needs within a budget.

a concierge team that leverages

As a member, you may choose your

telehealth to help keep monthly

The concierge team is one of the perks with a healthshare and can help you save mountainous medical expenses throughout the year. For instance, if you want a medical opinion, you can reach out to the concierge team for 24/7 telehealth assistance. It is perfect for individuals who want a modern, diverse, and practical way to save medical costs.

Member Responsibility Amount

memberships affordable and provide

THE NEED FOR A MODERN HEALTHCARE APPROACH

(MRA) or (IUA) Initial Unshareable

quality care.

In a little over a year, there was a continuous spike in attraction towards

Amount. This MRA/IUA depending on the health plan is the amount you are responsible for if a medical need occurs; they range from $1,000$2,500 up to 3x’s per year. People can also opt for traditional copays in one of the indipops plans offered as well.

6

the healthshare app to discuss your

HEALTHSHARES: 24/7 CONCIERGE SUPPORT Healthshares provide a “care team” to help guide you to the best route for your medical need. Your first call or action will be to use the phone or

healthshares. Many self-employed professionals are searching for an affordable option with access to see their doctors and have additional benefits like discounted dental and vision programs.

Melissa is tirelessly dedicated to helping self-employed people meet their healthcare needs responsibly and affordably.

8

Healthshares are an alternative

your medical records. There are other

option to traditional insurance that

added benefits for mental health,

many individuals, families, and small

dental and vision discounts as well.

business owners are unaware of. But

Melissa is focused on featuring plans

Melissa cautions not all healthshares

that have stellar reviews and offer

are created equal, and there is not a

unique features in a healthshare.

one-size-fits-all. She advises to read the guidelines, explore the services, take time to understand how the healthshare works, what is included and what you are responsible for when the expected and unexpected medical need occurs.

HEALTHSHARES: CONSIDERATION OF YOUR KEY REQUIREMENTS What’s more, is that it provides consistent and open support to

Melissa notes that healthshares

people. You are more than an ID card,

are getting mainstream popularity

but a human needing medical care.

because they work. “People deserve

For a majority of families, they save

a straightforward and affordable

20-50% annually, making a significant

approach to take care of their

impact on their overall healthcare

monthly healthcare

expenses. Each plan offers various

needs. It also helps that it is always

services, which makes healthsharing

open enrollment, 24/7,

so practical for families and

365,” continued Melissa.

individuals who want to save on high medical costs.

HEALTHSHARES: DIFFERENT PLANS, DIFFERENT FEATURES When it comes to healthshares, it’s

Melissa is tirelessly dedicated to helping self-employed people meet their healthcare needs responsibly and affordably. Whether you are a

more than just about leveraging

freelancer, solopreneur, gig worker, or

telemedicine. Interestingly, in all

own a small business, indipop can help

four plans offered through Indipop,

you find a healthshare plan that will

there are numerous unique features.

work for you, your family, or your team.

For instance, a healthshare plan can serve as a health savings account and provide an electronic vault to store

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 9

PRIMARY CARE IN

2021 WRITTEN BY MELISSA BLATT

W

hen you are your own boss, you may hesitate before taking time away from your livelihood to focus on your well-being. It is common to put off that annual wellness exam or deal

with an ongoing symptom simply because time is money and healthcare has become more of a business transaction than a

relationship with your doctor. For many of us, we never had the opportunity to have a house call by our family physician, but there was a time when medicine was practiced differently.

With network ID cards and prior authorization requirements, it’s a hassle to book an appointment with your doctor. You have to clear your calendar for an unknown amount of time so you can discuss with a doctor who may or may not even know your name or the challenges you’re facing. As you weigh the pros and cons, it’s easy to push off a doctor’s visit hoping your symptoms will go away on their own. But, waiting can also lead to middle-of-the-night agony, leaving you stuck with an expensive emergency room visit.

Dr. Maria Shah, Chief Operating Officer at Akos, MD, understands all too well the plight of the modern day patient and the decisions a self-employed person is forced to make concerning the use of time and cost for health care.

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SHOULD YOU SPEND THE MONEY?

would you be more likely to talk to a

history and what you are predisposed

professional and get answers to your

to is key to staying healthy and alert

Your primary care physician can treat

nagging questions?

to future health challenges.

The very good news is that this is

For most of us, early detection can

where healthcare is heading. With

prevent chronic conditions like

Virtual Direct Primary Care, you can

diabetes, high blood pressure and

stay on track with your wellbeing and

high cholesterol. According to Aha.

take care of your health in a flexible,

org, managing hypertension and

time efficient way.

cholesterol levels significantly lowers

and monitor your overall health and when needed, and they can also refer you to specialists who “specialize” in treating a certain condition or disease. This provider can order labs, x-rays, prescribe medication and track your health. But with more and more people skipping their annual

In Dr. Shah’s experience, a visit with

physical and living with symptoms

your PCP (primary care physician) at

until they become unbearable, there

least once a year along with tracking

is also a rise in chronic conditions

your health is the best way to catch a

and ER visits.

medical condition early. This will not

One of the unexpected gifts of the pandemic has been the rise of virtual doctor’s visits. While this was a necessity during the worst of

only help with a positive prognosis, but often saves you money and time in the long run.

levels could be reduced by 10%, the incidence of coronary artery disease could drop by an estimated 30%. But if you don’t even know you have high cholesterol, how can you manage it?

The first step is a baseline of your health. This typically is done in person,

way of life for many busy people.

YOUR HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Imagine if you had the flexibility to

In your 20’s, it’s common to feel

meet with a provider from your own

invincible. Very few 20-year-olds

living room, where you could choose

have the number for their personal

an MD or nurse practitioner of your

physician in their phones. It’s

the lockdown, it’s actually a desired

the rate of heart attack and stroke.

If population-wide cholesterol

but you may be able to have labs ordered beforehand and shared with your provider to discuss at the time of your visit. Family history will be discussed, as well as social history and any barriers to receiving proper care.

choice AND they had your medical

tempting to think your health is

Essentially, after that appointment,

history at their fingertips? Would you

invincible at that time in your life. The

you could know the future of your

wait to alert your provider about the

tricky thing is that many underlying

health. And wouldn’t life seem safer

same medical condition you skipped

conditions can start in the early 20’s

and easier if you knew?

over, hoping it would “get better,” or

and 30’s so knowing your family

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 11

3 STEPS TO BETTER HEALTH TODAY & IN THE FUTURE When you are an employee of a company, there may be incentives that encourage you to get that wellness check. But as a solopreneur, you’re on your own to stay on top of things. Here are three areas that undermine health when not cared for and optimize health when you do it right.

1

SLEEP The main benefits of a good restful night include clear thinking, better mood, positive change in body composition, weight loss, better hormonal balance, improved alertness level, enhanced overall ability to function, reduced stress levels, strengthening of the immune system, maintenance of blood pressure and cardiovascular levels. If you are not getting the rest you need and struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, this can affect your overall health and trigger additional symptoms.

2

EXERCISE The Mayo Clinic states that if you want to feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life, all you have to do is exercise. Even exercising 3-4 times a week can combat health conditions and diseases, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. As with sleep, movement helps with mood by stirring up all the chemicals in the brain. As you might imagine, it’s wise to check with your provider before starting an exercise regimen.

3

BALANCED DIET Your body needs proper nutrients to function properly. Foods that provide mainly calories and very little nutrition are known as “empty calories.” By avoiding these foods and increasing your intake of nutrient dense foods, your body and mind will get a boost of wellness and healthy calories. And that goes a very long way towards keeping your health and weight in check.

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THERE IS ONLY ONE YOU...

is doing. Cars need oil changes,

100%? With so many advancements

replacement filters, tire rotations and

and technology in healthcare

If you have ever owned a car,

more. If something wrong is caught

including virtual care, it is easier to

you know there are scheduled maintenance appointments needed for servicing. For many people, they can’t live without their transportation.

It is a vital part of their life. Because they value the freedom offered by having a car, they make time to bring their car to a professional and await a diagnosis of how their vehicle

early on, this could save you major

monitor your health and find the

bucks to fix later down the road. Yet

continuity of care you deserve.

when it comes to our health, we may procrastinate to take our most valued possession in order to get a “tune up”.

By taking your health seriously and making it a priority to get a baseline on your health and wellbeing, you will

Put yourself first in this same way.

discover small changes you can make

There is only one you, and when you

to your daily routine that go a long way

feel good, you can function at 100%.

towards a healthier future. Your future

And wouldn’t life be easier living at

self thanks you for caring so much!

“There is only one you, and when you feel good, you can function at 100%. And wouldn’t life be easier living at 100%?”

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 13

telehealth IT’S COME A LONG WAY! WRITTEN BY MELISSA BLATT

T

elehealth has been around a lot longer than you may think.

The pandemic has made telehealth and telemedicine more of a household word as physicians limited in-person visits out of concern of spreading COVID-19. Since 2020, virtual visits have become the norm and adding a blood pressure kit, oximeter and improved electric thermometer to your Amazon cart has happened for almost all of us. But did you know that telehealth first appeared in the 1940’s through

telephone lines? And with the advancement of the motion picture industry came the technology that influenced today’s video medicine.

In addition to platforms like Skype and Zoom for health, there are many new HIPAA compliant technologies that enable you to speak with your provider via computer, phone or tablet almost anytime, day or night. This round the clock availability provides you with access to a healthcare provider at those times of day previously regulated to an “urgent care” or emergency room visit.

Dr. Janice Johnston, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Redirect Health, shares that telehealth allowed her to diagnose and treat conditions virtually that range from pink eye to managing someone’s glucose levels. “Telehealth has benefited the person with open access but also meaningful follow up,” said Dr. Johnston. A patient that met with her at 2p.m. could follow up that evening if the symptoms became worse.

This ease of connection offers great relief to both patient and caregiver, as no one has to be untethered from the care they need. If things get worse, a Redirect Health provider can schedule a virtual follow-up visit to determine the best next steps, coordinate care at the local hospital or urgent care clinic and then alert the facility when the patient is on their way.

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Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 15

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THE NEW APPROACH TO MANAGING MEDICAL NEEDS

equipped with your medical history,

Redirect Health makes healthcare

appointments, all to help you receive

Each case is so different; one minute

the best care possible.

you are breathing fine and the next

work with a people-first approach to care, offering access to streamlined, affordable health-care. Redirect Health combines physician expertise via the company’s own employed staff, easy-to-use technology and pro-active population health to bring transparency to care and cost.

It works like this: if you wake up with a sore throat, instead of calling your primary care doctor or heading over to the urgent care, a patient uses the Redirect Health app or care number.

A concierge team speaks with you as a person, not an ID or group number.

They ask what your symptoms are and

COVID-19 is a perfect example of

current and past medications and

how telehealth can be a lifeline when

has any on-hand notes from past

you are battling an unknown virus.

minute gasping for air. A

“ Telehealth makes

telehealth provider can assess your symptoms

it possible to have a virtual visit and start treatment almost immediately without needing to go to the ER or urgent care.”

virtually by watching how you speak, cough and appear to make quick decisions about the care you need.

They are also there throughout the night to contact if any new symptoms may arise and can prescribe the medications that may be necessary to help you feel better again.

help guide you to the best care. You may have a virtual visit with a provider or perhaps it will be to order your lab work. If that is the case, you’ll head directly to the lab and then have a follow up visit to go over results.

taken significantly longer and could

HEALTHCARE CAN HAVE MANY BARRIERS AND COST SHOULDN’T BE ONE OF THEM

have amounted to weeks of lost time.

Far too many people become

If you were seeing a traditional doctor or lab, the time spent traveling to different offices alone would have

Telehealth makes it possible to have

concerned when they see their

This is all included in the monthly fee.

a virtual visit and start treatment

provider and the visit calls for

You are not limited to the number of

almost immediately without needing

additional procedures and tests. If

times you can speak with a provider

to go to the ER or urgent care. This

you don’t have a comprehensive

and don’t have to worry about co-

basic difference saves time and

insurance plan and/or if you are self-

pays, deductibles or excessive time

money while offering faster relief and

pay, the unknown costs can cause you

spent with a provider. It’s all part of

more complete answers.

the standard plan.

stepping into a doctor’s office, you

BENEFITS OF MANAGING A CHRONIC CONDITION

are in the comfort of your own home.

What about chronic conditions like

Your providers are dressed just like

diabetes or thyroid conditions? A

you, reducing

telehealth provider can help monitor

white coat syndrome. They want you

your health with lab orders to stay on

to feel as comfortable as possible

top of your levels and have a direct

and not rush you out the door. If

contact to check in with you 24/7.

The big difference is that instead of

your telehealth plan is like one from

to hesitate. What will the tests cost?

How many will there be? What other unknown procedures are lurking around the corner? If you have ever been in this situation, you know it can feel scary staring at an open bill.

Unfortunately, some people stop their treatment at this stage for this very reason, resulting in prolonging your symptoms and extending the time to start the healing process.

Redirect Health, your provider is

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 17

It’s important to note not all

lifestyle if you think this may work

the healthcare experience for

physicians are aware of the cost of

for you. Services like Redirect Health

everyone, not just people who are on

medication or tests. On a telehealth

are a great option if you have children

specialized plans.

plan, your provider can often begin

because no one wants to get out of

with just one or two items on a

their comfy bed at 2a.m. to go to the

bigger list to see if the first tests/

ER for their five-years-old’s rash or

procedures bring relief. The ease of

upset tummy.

frequent check-ins allows for easier connection between patient and provider and alleviates the stress of waiting for appointments and additional associated costs.

TELEHEALTH: AN OPTION TO EXPLORE Inquire with your insurance if they

18

Melissa Blatt is the founder of Indipop, simple and affordable healthcare for the self-employed. To learn more about health plans that

Remember as you look at plans

offer 24/7 virtual care, visit

to include the following items:

www.indipop.co.

• Ability to see the same provider multiple times • Available 24/7/365 • Easy access to health history once you have provided it

offer a virtual service. If they do not,

The pandemic may have propelled

you can find plans out there that

virtual medicine into our lives,

offer telemedicine services and have

but the quality and access to care

regular open enrollment so you can

will launch this service into the

sign on as a member and have access

mainstream soon. The good news

to their providers. Consider your

is that this shift will improve

INTERESTED IN WHAT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT YOUR HEALTH? Subscribe to Top Doctor Magazine today!

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MANAGING

STRESS

WITH A LITTLE BIT OF SCIENCE WRITTEN BY MELISSA BLATT

F

or the past two years, Dan has been working 10-hour days, sometimes six to seven days a week. He barely sits down to eat a proper meal without checking his mobile or laptop, and although he might lift weights a couple times a week or play a few rounds of golf, he doesn’t move his body everyday. Between running his business and his life, he is constantly tired and noticing signs of agitation, sleepless nights and a racing heart. Dan is primed for a “burnout”, a

state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. If this sounds like you, keep

reading. Research shows that burnout prevention is supported with a few important, yet minor changes along with one major mind shift for your life.

GOLDILOCKS PRINCIPLE OF STRESS Having stress does not have to be a negative experience. In fact, when managed correctly, stress helps the brain stay healthy and active. There’s a sweet spot of stress commonly known as the Goldilocks Principle and it looks like this: too much stress overloads the system and makes life difficult, but too little stress causes similar problems.

You may notice with too little stress

notice physical or mental symptoms

The parasympathetic nervous

that can’t be ignored.

system predominates in quiet “rest

According to Dr. Komala Rohde, PCC, CPCC, CNTC, learning new things and putting yourself into uncomfortable situations can contribute to a healthier brain. For

a fog. Yet, too much stress can cause you to feel jittery, equally unfocused, and have difficulty holding deep thoughts. Additionally, you may

20

sympathetic nervous system drives the “fight or flight” response in stressful situations.

The amygdala is a collection of cells

example, raising your hand for a

near the base of the brain and is

promotion, even if you do not get

where emotions are given meaning,

the new title, helps your brain. The

remembered, and attached to

motion of preparing and interviewing

associations and responses to them

breeds resilience which is a good

(emotional memories). This is also

experience for the brain.

where your flight or fight emotions

THE SCIENCE OF THE BRAIN

or fear will cause your amygdala to

are processed. Too much pressure

you may become sluggish, tired, harder to focus, almost like you’re in

and digest” conditions while the

Your nervous system is composed of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

signal the release of stress hormones to prepare your body to react. When these hormones are released, your brain doesn’t recognize that you may

or may not be physically in harm’s

understanding of how stressed

your mouth is very dry you may want

way. The feeling of needing to escape

you really are. To get a true

to take a minute and reset your brain.

or flee the situation is palpable. When

understanding, it’s ideal to monitor

these reactions occur over and over

your stress level throughout the day.

again, it takes a toll on you mentally, resulting in the body becoming exhausted as it tries to run from imaginary fears and worries.

Why does this matter? Because stress that runs amok is harmful.

It’s important to have a true

for an extended period of time, this

Your body physically reacts to stress

may not just be butterflies or nervous

with signs like these:

excitement for your presentation.

Your posture. Check in with your posture — are your shoulders tense

CAN YOU DIAGNOSE YOUR STRESS LEVEL?

Racing heart. If you are feeling jittery

Your body is giving warning signals that you’re under too much stress.

and tight?

How does your mouth feel? Inside the mouth are salivary glands and when stressed, they produce less saliva. If

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 21

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOURSELF TO DEAL WITH CHALLENGES THAT ARE COMING TOWARD YOU IN A HEALTHY WAY? It’s important to recognize that the body cannot function at 100 miles an hour for years without physical and mental ramifications.

This is the first step to making a major mental shift. Komala offers the following 5 ways to build a healthy cerebral cortex:

1

SLEEP Give your body enough time to rest and restore. Everyone needs different amounts of sleep but you should feel rested upon rising.

2

MEDITATION Allow your mind to interrupt patterns in thinking and focus on your breath. Take a few minutes throughout the day to attend to your breath using the square breath technique described on page 23.

3

MOVEMENT This increases blood flow to the brain and releases hormones that reduce stress. Yoga and pilates are also great ways to connect the body and the breath.

4

HEALTHY DIET The nutrients you absorb in your digestive system have a direct impact on brain activity so choose good foods to feed your body.

5

BE SOCIAL Spending most of your time working and less time engaging in social interactions with friends could also be detrimental to your brain.

22

HOW BREATHING CAN REDUCE YOUR STRESS

it be on a plane, at your desk, or even

times a day to interrupt stressful

Breathing is so natural, and yet

driving in your car. Just be careful

patterns in your thinking and

when driving to avoid becoming

distribute oxygen to your brain.

for many people, our breathing is stressed when we are stressed.

practiced almost anywhere, whether

distracted and risking an accident.

People either breathe rapidly, signaling the body to be on high alert, or they hold their breath, resulting in less oxygen flow through the body.

For many people, the word meditation conjures up images of a room full of people sitting crossed legged on the floor in silence for hours. But this is really just one form of meditation. In reality, meditation does not have to be a time-consuming process. It can be

THE SQUARE BREATH Square breath is a strategy to attend

your brain and body. Try this several

As you face stressful times, relief doesn’t happen overnight. Small shifts have a positive impact on your overall health. As you explore your

to your breath in a truly mindful

stress, remember that your mental

way. You can do this in counts of

wellbeing is as important as your

four, six or eight. Start with a slow

physical health. Take time to check

breath into the count of four. Then,

in with yourself, apply smart stress-

hold for a count of four. Then, exhale

relieving strategies and remember to

for a count of four, hold for four and

take a moment and breathe.

repeat. This slow, steady inhale and exhale can reduce stress and regulate hormones and has a positive effect on

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 23

Take time to check in with yourself, apply smart stress-relieving strategies and remember to take a moment and breathe.

- M E L I S S A B L AT T

SEVERAL CONDITIONS

THAT BENEFIT FROM

BY MELISSA BLATT

T

raditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. But does it work and what can it treat?

Cait Donovan L.Ac. is an acupuncturist, author and podcast host. For over 14 years,

she has worked with patients for a vast number of diverse reasons

ranging from post-surgery and chronic pain to fertility. She

explains acupuncture as a treatment to move energy through the body. There are points or (gates) that are considered closed, fully open, slightly open or inverted, much like a door that flaps open and closed. If energy is stuck, you are likely to have pain or other symptoms. By focusing on certain points in the body, acupuncture can help with these gates to keep the flow of energy moving.

Acupuncture works in the minute level severe situations. The biomedical perspective shows that it: • Increases blood flow, making it easier to have proper nutrients to nourish the body and less inflammation. With less inflammation is less pain or a ripple effect of other symptoms.

• Enhances neural connections — Acupuncture can be used post stroke or post surgery to help these neuron receptors communicate better.

Your body needs ATP to heal. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions.

Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Acupuncture can increase local levels of ATP which can also be called “CHI”. Donovan said, “You need a lot of energy to use your body’s natural healing response. By including acupuncture in your post surgery treatment, it can assist the body in healing more quickly and boost the rest of the system to aid in the process.”

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 27

HEALING, FERTILITY AND STRESS TREATMENTS WITH ACUPUNCTURE Since acupuncture addresses the

Fertility is another area in which

not prepared for reproduction, there

entire body, it doesn’t matter which

acupuncture has had great success.

could be less eggs. Acupuncture

symptom shows up in a person. The

Donovan spent four years in a

brings the body into balance and the

acupuncturist will treat the person

western fertility center where

AMH number could rise, resulting in

as a whole and not just an individual

they could track and gain clear

a greater potential to conceive.

symptom. Take migraines for example — if two people are presented with this

28

measurements regarding reaction and response to treatments. She has

condition, there could be different

helped with balancing cycles and

reasons why migraines are occurring.

increasing AMH — or anti-mullerian

The course of treatment may not be

hormone, which is a laboratory test

identical as each person may react

that OBGYN and fertility doctors

differently. Most likely in western

may use to assess a woman’s ovarian

medicine, they could both be given a

reserve or egg count. This hormone

migraine medication, but there are

is produced by the small follicles in

different pieces that make up this

a woman’s ovaries. Donovan goes on

puzzle and some providers silo the

to explain that the number of active

symptom into one part so the person

eggs does not measure how many

is being treated in pieces, not as the

are dormant. When there are low

whole person.

levels of nutrients or if the body is

Lastly, stress. Stress can present itself in the body in various ways, including headaches, stomach issues, sleeplessness and more. Acupuncture can help with all mood disorders and stress management systems. It can be used at the same time as mental health therapy and medical treatment.

Donovan is an expert when it comes to burnout. After experiencing it herself, she has studied firsthand how to identify and to treat it. Burnout can show up in many different ways:

Balancing the energy or chi can have a significant effect on the person’s nervous system, impacting their mood and energy levels.

migraines, fatigue, even vision loss.

They want to relieve this feeling of

alongside other treatments, not

And not every therapist or provider

exhaustion and purposelessness

an either/or. If you are having an

can identify burnout. Many times it

and not live “this” life. They don’t

upcoming surgery and are suffering

is through a process of elimination

necessarily want to harm themselves

from a lingering symptom, and you’ve

of ruling out other disorders that

or go to drastic measures of suicide,

tried the traditional routes of care

the patient may receive an unofficial

but that are desperate for relief.

or are exploring another path for

diagnosis of burnout.

This is where acupuncture can be

Donovan explains the three

useful and in tandem with other

components that she says must

therapies. The idea of moving energy

be present, based on research by

in the body, especially gut/mind

Christina Maslach, PhD:

connection, can raise serotonin and

• Physical and emotional exhaustion • Cynical and detached, not connected to others • Feel that the work and life is not impactful or purposeful All three should need to be present for her to consider a burnout diagnosis. Most of her patients say they have a desire to escape.

fertility, consider acupuncture. It speeds healing for both post-injury and surgery, balancing the body and offering an increase in immunity and overall well-being.

other brain chemicals. Balancing the energy or Chi can have a significant effect on the person’s nervous system, impacting their mood and energy levels.

Just like in western medicine, there is no 100% full proof way of treating the person and the ailment. The good news, and something to consider, is that acupuncture can be used

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 29

3

FOOD RULES TO FOLLOW TO STOP FEELING SUPER STRESSED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH WRITTEN BY MELISSA BLATT

I

s it really true that you are what

fluids a day for men, and 11.5 cups (2.7

around and stretch. It’s great if you

you eat? According to Yaffi Lvova, a

liters) of fluids a day for women, but

walk around while you take that

Registered Dietitian, author, and

Lvova advises judging your hydration

conference call, but try some joyful

podcaster, your mood, immunity

status by urine color. You’re going for

movements: a walk around the block,

and energy level have a direct cor-

a pale yellow to clear - a darker color

an online yoga class, or an activity that

relation to the food you eat and how

urine suggests dehydration.

helps you refocus and move your body.

Rule #2: To achieve the most long-term changes you desire, focus on nutrition, energy & immunity

Lvova said,“You have an increased

you make use of that food. Dieting can be a quick fix for weight loss, but the real solution to vitality, gut health and even your longevity, comes down to developing a harmonious relationship with what you put into your body.

Rule #1: Don’t ignore your body’s signals

NUTRITION— start with creating a schedule of when to eat: snacks,

The first step when tackling nutrition

meals, breaks. Yes, snacks are okay

and eating habits is to understand

as long as you are mindful of what

a work-life balance. Most self-

type of snacks you are reaching for.

employed people push themselves

Combination foods are more likely to

past the eight-hour mark and do

provide more meaningful sustenance.

not plan out their meals. They fall

Suggestions of these kinds of snacks

into grazing patterns that usually

include apples and cheese, a banana

mean missing lunch. When you miss

with nuts, and other foods high in

lunch, you miss that opportunity to

protein and fiber.

take a break which also plays a part in unhealthy eating habits. Grazing can also lead to ignoring hunger and thirst signals. The more you ignore the signals, the quieter they get until you find yourself dehydrated or realizing, “Wow, I haven’t eaten yet and it’s already two in the afternoon”.

If you get dehydrated, this can

Explore what you are eating. What is on your plate? We are all told to eat more veggies and there’s a good reason for this. Plant-rich foods can support your gut. The more plants on that plate and the more fiber and micronutrients you are absorbing, the healthier the gut. Think about adding broccoli, kale and spinach

present as moodiness, depression

to your plate for your mid-day meal.

and stress. It’s possible you just need

Each meal is an opportunity to eat

more water! Perhaps that moodiness

more plants!

or fatigue in the mid- afternoon is not that you need a nap. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, reach for that water bottle. Recommended water intake according to the Mayo Clinic is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of

ENERGY— Mindful eating and movement. Many who sit for hours at home, alone with their phone and computer, would benefit from planning moments to get up, walk

risk for burnout if you are not taking a break to eat mindfully.”

The joy of eating is lost if you are not paying attention to the actual eating.

There can be a lot of joy that comes from the taste, smell and texture of food, but when you are eating on the go or multitasking, you are missing out on that experience and in fact may not feel as satiated when finished.

Do you remember the last time you reached for a pint of ice cream and plopped down to binge the latest Netflix series? Did you eat the entire pint, and if so, how did you feel afterwards?

Guilt can impact how you feel about yourself and your energy levels.

Don’t dwell on food to a degree that you are always letting yourself down. Variety is the best answer to solve this cycle. The next time you grab the chocolate caramel cookie dough, scoop the ice cream in a bowl and (don’t forget the water) you may notice a sense of appreciation and fulfillment with the last bite.

IMMUNITY— Plants again? You do not have to be vegan or vegetarian to be “Plant Forward”, as Lvova said. Half of your plate should be vegetables.

Top Doctor Magazine / Special Issue / 31

Plant-rich foods can support your gut. The more plants on that plate and the more fiber and micronutrients you are absorbing, the healthier the gut.

- YA F F I LV O VA

By doing this you are supporting that second brain which is your gut because 90% of serotonin production is from the intestines.

If you are covering up when you go out in the sun by dousing yourself with sunscreen, you may be deficient in vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 400 IU per day for kids. For adults, blood tests are the best way to know where you are and can range from supplementing with 600 IU-1000 IU. Something to be aware of is that taking more is not always a good thing. Megadosing vitamin D can affect your calcium in your bones, resulting in bone breakdown. It’s necessary to be under a doctor’s care while supplementing at higher doses.

Rule #3: A little preparation makes all the difference When you work for yourself, you have more freedom and perhaps more stress trying to manage the pressures of doing it all. The trick is to think about your food, exercise and immunity in the same ways that you think about your work and planning things out. If you’re a planner of meetings, become a planner of means. If you’re a brainstormer of ideas, brainstorm meals or routes to exercise. If you need time away to really turn your creativity on, take time to rest your body so you feel refreshed there as well.

Don’t neglect your mental and physical self for the sake of financial well-being. If you never put the same level of effort into your health as you do into your business, you will pay

34

for it in the end. Proper planning makes eating healthy and exercising a regular event, and a little bit every day is healthy for your heart, brain, body and mind.

If you take anything away from this article, remember there is wisdom in the old saying “you are what you eat.” By thinking mindfully about what you eat, how you move and where you spend your time, you can create a harmonious relationship with food and your body. Your body is healthier when you remember to drink water and stay hydrated, and don’t be afraid to make friends with the plants. They will not only help with the proper nutrients but gut health, which correlates to mood and energy levels. And lastly, don’t ignore what your body signals are. You’ll be a happier and more productive human when you do!

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