Interactions between medications and nutritional supplements is a frequently cited concern by many health authorities and rightfully so. Part of the earnest trepidation has to do with the unknown effects that may occur when combining various foods, herbs, over-the-counter drugs and the like. The bottom line is that there are so many variables that it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly what will happen in such circumstances. Furthermore, the same holds true for patients who are taking multiple medications at the same time. There simply isn’t a viable way to conduct clinical trials to study every conceivable combination given to patients. But something that’s often lost in the mix is that interactions can also produce positive effects as well. Read more »

I happened to hear a segment on the radio program “Marketplace” while driving in my car the other day. The piece that caught my attention was entitled, “The Cure: Remaking Health Care”. The focus of this National Public Radio report was the San Diego-based Sharp Memorial Hospital, a $200 million facility that was built using the principles of “evidence-based design”. But can design alone be responsible for improving health outcomes in patients and saving millions, maybe even billions in healthcare costs down the line? Read more »

No one looks forward to the prospect of an extended hospital stay. The best case scenario is a brief visit with few or no complications. Unfortunately, one of those complications is frequently a hospital borne bacterial infection, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which greatly minimizes the chances of a speedy recovery. As indicated by its name, this menacing form of Staph infection is immune to many commonly used antibiotics. In addition, it generally strikes those who are the most vulnerable – the elderly and immune compromised patients. Read more »

For many years my father has used a gentle, unassuming herbal tea to help him sleep more peacefully. The flower, from which the tea is derived, has a most delicate appearance. And for as long as I can remember, it has always been considered a nice, but unserious herbal medicine. This flower just doesn’t have the robust reputation of some of the more popular herbs and tonics like cat’s claw, echinacea, ginseng or valerian root. My mission today is to help boost the reputation of the under appreciated herbal-giant, widely known as chamomile. Read more »