May - June 2008 IN THIS ISSUE Cancer Support Using Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine A Word About Cancer Prevention Dr. Hangee-Bauer Visits Capitol Hill News from the Front Desk Schedule Change Discount Policy
	Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc Amy Day, ND Erika Horowitz, ND
Cancer Support Using Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc and Erika Horowitz, ND Naturopathic therapies can be effective adjuncts to the conventional cancer treatment options of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Naturopathic medicine’s main goals are to support the body’s ability to heal itself, thus improving the success of chemotherapy and radiation therapies, and at the same time helping to prevent and reduce their side effects. More specifically this involves  improving immune function and promoting overall health. Naturopathic cancer support is customized to the individual, the type of cancer, the patient’s conventional treatment plan, and the specific health of the individual. With integrative care we believe the patient has a higher success of fighting their cancer and maintaining good health. Following a cancer diagnosis, many people are overwhelmed and confused. Some patients think they have to choose between conventional and alternative treatments. By helping you understand your diagnosis and the pro’s and con’s of your different treatment options, we can help you choose the therapies that are right for you. We recommend that people utilize an integrative approach from the very start, beginning with prevention, continuing through treatment and then health restoration. This can help reduce or alleviate harmful side effects, enhance quality of life, and perhaps even extend it. Pre- and Post-Surgery Support Naturopathic medicine offers many supportive treatments for pre- and post- surgery. Preparing the body for surgery involves enhancing the immune system while providing specific nutritional therapies for wound healing, fighting infection, controlling inflammation, and reducing adhesions and scars. These therapies may also decrease bruising and improve recovery time. Acupuncture is a very effective pain management tool and can also help improve circulation and immune function. Homeopathy is often used before and after surgery to help with bleeding and bruising as well as pain and healing time. Arnica montana is one of the most common homeopathic remedies we use for this purpose. There are some nutritional supplements that should be avoided prior to surgery to decrease bleeding and others that should be added pre- and post-surgery to aid in healing. Our doctors can help you decide which are right for you. Support During Chemotherapy and Radiation Both chemotherapy and radiation have side effects that can be as damaging and debilitating as the cancer. Naturopathic therapies can be used to help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy as well as help reduce its side effects thus aiding in preventing long-term complications and reducing the risk of secondary cancers. The use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been proven to aid in decreasing nausea and fatigue associated with conventional therapies. Fish oil has been shown to help prevent malnourishment and weight loss. IV nutrient/vitamin therapy can help reduce the issues of poor absorption and assimilation of vitamins and nutrients caused by chemotherapy as well as help prevent weight loss. Naturopathic therapies can also be helpful during radiation and help prevent the damage to healthy cells while supporting the body through treatment. Support After Conventional Treatment After the completion of conventional cancer therapies, naturopathic medicine offers many ways to help your body detoxify and repair.  Depending on the type of treatment used, we can customize detoxification programs to gently help your body eliminate residual toxic effects as well as help rebuild the immune system. By continuing with an  immune-enhancing diet, proper supplements and stress management, we can help you in your recovery and return to good health. A Word About Cancer Prevention by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc and Erika Horowitz, ND In both naturopathic and Chinese medicine, prevention is the best medicine. Nutrition and lifestyle habits are some of the most important factors in cancer prevention and treatment. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of cancer. American Institute for Cancer Research’s Cancer Prevention Tips Be as lean as possible within your normal range of body mass. Be physically active as a part of everyday life. Limit consumption of calorie-dense foods and sugary drinks. Eat mostly foods of plant origin. Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat. Limit alcoholic drinks. Limit salt consumption. Avoid moldy grains, nuts and beans (these may contain aflatoxins). Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet. Do not smoke and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. Additional Naturopathic Tips on Prevention  In addition to these common sense tips, naturopathic doctors believe there are extra steps we can take to lead healthy lives and reduce our risk of cancer. It means eating well, getting exercise and sunshine, and living balanced lives. Here are a few more cancer prevention tips from a naturopathic perspective: Emphasize organic, unrefined, unprocessed and hormone-free whole foods that are high in fiber and essential fatty acids as well as healthy fats. Eat fresh and local as possible.  Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that are colorful or dark green.  Drink green tea instead of coffee. Avoid food additives and preservatives, food colorings, and saturated fats (especially trans fats). Limit or avoid caffeine, fried foods, junk foods and fast foods. Manage your stress with regular exercise including yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Have a good laugh daily. Keep strong family and personal ties.  Eliminate food sensitivities and improve digestion. Get adequate restful sleep. Be outdoors and get some sun exposure, but avoid burning.
	Dr. Hangee-Bauer Visits Capitol Hill Some of you may remember that Carl was one of the leaders in the successful legislative campaign licensing naturopathic doctors in California a few years ago. Now he’s active on the national scene as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).  Carl flew to Washington, DC recently to participate in leadership and legislative training which included appointments in the offices of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Barbara Boxer, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as well as a reception for Congresspeople and their staff. Rep. Pelosi’s office gave Carl’s team passes to wander the Capitol building, including a visit to the Congressional Gallery observing Congress in action. “It was a lot more fun and exciting than I would have guessed. All the people we spoke with were very receptive to our message concerning the state of the current health care system and the solutions naturopathic physicians offer. As a profession, we are committed to changing our nation’s health care system to one that emphasizes wellness and prevention.” News from the Front Desk Shannon Fitzsimons, our receptionist for the last 2 1/2 years, will be leaving our employ at the end of May. Shannon will be moving to Chicago this summer to go to grad school at Northwestern University. We are all very proud of her acceptance in this program where she will be earning a doctorate in theater. Good luck Shannon. Laurel Hayne-Miller is our new receptionist, and you may have already met her as she has been in training for almost a month already. Laurel just moved back to the Bay Area from New York and heard about our job opening, and it was one of those things that just worked out perfectly. Laurel is very knowledgeable about natural medicine and is eager to meet you at your next visit. We are also happy to be hosting a student intern, Rebecca Pell. Rebecca is taking her undergrad prerequisite courses so she can apply to naturopathic school next year. There's lots going on at SFNM and we look forward to a busy summer. See you soon. Schedule Change Dr. Hangee-Bauer and Michele Hangee-Bauer will be going on vacation. They will be out of the office from 5/21 through 6/2. Of course, the clinic will be open during that time, and appointments with Dr. Day and Dr. Horowitz are available. Discount Policy In case you forgot or did not know, we offer the following quantity discounts on supplements, both purchased in the office, or shipped to you: Total retail cost $50-$100 =5% discount Between $100-$200 =10% discount Between $200-$300 =15% discount Over $300 =20% discount If you are special-ordering a supplement, please do give us enough advance notice. Don't wait till the last minute!
© 2008