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Dr. James D. Sterling Recalls Time Spent with Renowned Family Therapist Olga Silverstein

December 22, 2012 By 20 Comments
Dr. James D. Sterling

Dr. James D. Sterling

Dr. James D. Sterling has had many accomplishments in his 45-year career, but among the most formative is the training he’s been fortunate to receive from some of the world’s most respected therapists. The ability to learn from these experts has helped Dr. James D. Sterling develop his own, well-rounded take on couples and family therapy.

Among these experts was Olga Silverstein, says Dr. James D. Sterling. Olga Silverstein was a respected author and therapist who pioneered the theory that parents tend to push male children out of the home too soon. Her goal, Dr. James D. Sterling tells us, was to show parents that just because a young male doesn’t want to leave home immediately following graduation didn’t mean they’d failed as parents.

Dr. James D. Sterling regularly works with parents and families as part of his practice, the New York Center for Psychotherapy. Located on Park Avenue in New York, the practice of Dr. James D. Sterling focuses on individualized sessions that encourage open communication. Dr. Silverstone taught at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, a New York training institute that focuses on therapy for couples and families.

Silverstein’s most enduring book is The Courage to Raise Young Men, a book that tackled the parent-son relationship in a way no other book had at that time. Dr. James D. Sterling reports that Silverstein used her own familial experience, combined with her years of providing therapy, to describe the issues she’d seen in families with male children.

According to Dr. James D. Sterling, Silverstein also co-wrote The Therapeutic Voice of Olga Silverstein and The Invisible Web: Gender Patterns in Family Relationships. Following her death in 2009, Dr. James D. Sterling says the Ackerman Institute developed an award in her name. Each year, the Olga Silverstein Training Award will acknowledge one student who has successfully finished Ackerman’s clinical program and is heading into the first year of externship training, Dr. James D. Sterling explains.

Dr. James D. Sterling is an educator himself, serving as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Having worked in clinical instruction for the hospital’s department of psychiatry since 1982, Dr. James D. Sterling is always seeking to improve his knowledge of the field in order to pass that knowledge on to others. Dr. James D. Sterling holds a Doctorate from the University of Chicago.

A family man, Dr. James D. Sterling lives in New York with his wife and daughter. Dr. James D. Sterling has served on the board of directors of the Alcoholism Council of Greater New York and held memberships with the American Psychological Association and the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

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Phil Melugin Discusses Phoenix Home Care

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Phil Melugin


Phil Melugin

Through the years, Phil Melugin has received countless letter and emails with questions about Phoenix Home Care’s lineup of services. Here, he speaks to some of the most common inquiries about the group’s mission, leadership, and beginnings.

What is Phoenix Home Care’s mission?

Phil Melugin says that Phoenix Home Care was developed as a means to help aging or disabled Americans improve their quality of life. Simply put, Phil Melugin believes that these challenges should be met with grace, dignity, and assistance. He has acquired a caring staff of passionate and capable individuals who take pride in caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

Why is the company called Phoenix Home Care when it is not located in Arizona?

According to Phil Melugin, Phoenix Home Care is the namesake of the mythical bird known as the Phoenix. Historically, this bird represents rebirth and celebrates endings as new beginnings.

Aside from Private Duty Nursing, what other services does Phoenix Home Care offer?

There are many, explains Phil Melugin. PHC offers a vast array of services for most any situation. Phil Melugin says that PHC provides occupational therapy, IV infusion treatments, and wound care. In addition to these medical care options, Phoenix Home Care is also available to perform in-home safety evaluations and has a dedicated Medical Social Work team.

Does PHC offer services to children?

Absolutely, says Phil Melugin.  He believes that children deserve extra special care. Melugin and the leadership team at PHC take great care to extensively select and train only the most qualified and compassionate PDNs for their pediatric division. Phil Melugin explains that PHC has the capability to care for children with special needs from infancy into adulthood.

What is the New Beginnings Package?

Phil Melugin has seen first-hand the physical and mental challenges that bringing a new life into the world can have on both new and experienced mothers. With the help of the moms in his life, he has crafted five different plans specifically for mother and child. These plans are the perfect gift for any woman and child, says Phil Melugin.

Does PHC offer emergency care services?

According to Phil Melugin, PHC does offer respite care to families in their service area. Emergency relief services may be utilized when regular care is absent for any reason. Phil Melugin also explains that regular visits may be scheduled to offer time off for a regular caregiver.

Is Phoenix Home Care available to help with self-directed services?

Currently, PHC is able to assist Missouri residents find suitable personal care attendants. PHC acts in an administrative only capacity and the caregiver is the employee of the recipient, says Phil Melugin.

About Phil Melugin

Phil Melugin is the President of Phoenix Home Care. He founded the company after personal experiences led him to believe that more effective PDN care was needed in his home state. Melugin believes that exceeding expectations is the only way to serve his clients and is proud to provide services to patients in both Kansas and Missouri. Phil Melugin holds a Masters of Education and operates his firm with strict core values and Christian principals.

 

 

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Brenda Lee Reed Explains Vitamin D Deficiency in America

October 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Brenda Lee Reed

Brenda Lee Reed

Health and wellness expert Brenda Lee Reed explains the health benefits of this essential vitamin.

A Gathering of Experts: Good morning, Brenda Lee Reed. We appreciate you being with us today. Can you tell our readers, just how serious is the lack of Vitamin D among children in the United States?

Brenda Lee Reed: An estimated 70% of American children have low levels of Vitamin D.

A Gathering of Experts: Wow! What happens of the body is low on Vitamin D?

Brenda Lee Reed: It has long been known that Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to the disease rickets, which is the softening of the bones.

A Gathering of Experts: Why is Vitamin D so important to our health?

Brenda Lee Reed: It is not just a vitamin.  Calcitriol, which is its metabolic product, is a secosteroid hormone that impacts more than 2,000 genes in the body.

A Gathering of Experts: What are some other diseases and illnesses that may be caused by Vitamin D deficiency?

Brenda Lee Reed: According to recent research, a deficiency in Vitamin D plays a major role in the pathology of roughly 17 varieties of cancer.  It is also implicated as a factor in heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, depression, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, periodontal, and birth defects, to name a few.

A Gathering of Experts: Are there any other health issues associated with Vitamin D deficiency?

Brenda Lee Reed: There is evidence that people who are deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to become infected with the flu, colds, and other respiratory tract infections.

A Gathering of Experts: Very interesting…

Brenda Lee Reed: It is…in fact, the Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating the role Vitamin D plays in protection against certain illnesses.  The influence of Vitamin D on health and overall well-being can no longer be ignored.

A Gathering of Experts: Why are so many children in the United States Vitamin D deficient?

Brenda Lee Reed: Our skin makes Vitamin D from sun exposure.  Children and adults today do not spend much time outdoors and when they do they are usually wearing sunscreen which blocks Vitamin D production.

A Gathering of Experts: How much sun exposure do we need?

Brenda Lee Reed: Everyone needs at least 15 minutes of sun exposure at least 3 times a week, and dark pigmented skin requires more to produce enough Vitamin D.  Twenty minutes of sun exposure allows the skin to produce 10,000 IU Vitamin D, which is 50 times more than is recommended by the U.S. government.

Vitamin D can be found in milk, orange juice, salmon, mushrooms, egg yolks, and organ meats.  However, it is difficult to acquire enough Vitamin D from foods alone.  So if you do not get adequate sun exposure, it is recommended that you take at least 5,000 IU supplement for adults and adolescents, and 400 IU per day for infants and children.

A Gathering of Experts: Are all supplements the same?

Brenda Lee Reed: No, it is important to use a vitamin labeled “D3” as that is the same as natural Vitamin D. D2 is synthetic and less effective.

A Gathering of Experts: How do I know if I am Vitamin D deficient?

Brenda Lee Reed: A blood test can determine if your Vitamin D levels are sufficient.  According to the Vitamin D Council, your blood levels should be between 50-80 ng/mL.

A Gathering of Experts: Do you have any final thoughts or advice on this topic?

Brenda Lee Reed: I want to point out that breastfeeding mothers should make certain their levels are adequate; otherwise they may need to supplement their baby’s diet with Vitamin D.

A Gathering of Experts: Well, thank you for this information. This is not something that should be ignored.

Brenda Lee Reed: The pleasure is mine; thank you for the opportunity.

 

Brenda Lee Reed is the founder and managing director of Middle Tennessee’s Genesis Healing Center. She is certified in a number of holistic treatment therapies and has dedicated the past 30 years of her life to teaching others how to get healthy and stay that way. Through Genesis Healing Center, Brenda Lee Reed offers 7 to 30 day detox programs – for more information, visit www.GenesisHealingCenter.com

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Philip Melugin: Safety Tips for Quail Hunting

October 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Philip Melugin

Philip Melugin

Phoenix Home Care founder Philip Melugin owns Pheasant Run Ranch in Kansas. As owner of the 5,000-acre hunting facility, Philip Melugin consistently stresses to other hunters the importance of safe hunting practices. For those who are new to the field, Melugin identifies several must-follow rules. Even for longtime hunters, Philip Melugin suggests that reviewing these suggestions could prove a valuable refresher.

  • Wear blaze orange. This is also known as safety orange and it is easy to spot. As Philip Melugin points out, the more orange you can wear, the better. Hunting clothing available in safety orange includes baseball caps, vests, jackets, pants, and shirts.
  • Follow gun safety rules. While in transit, Philip Melugin emphasizes that a shotgun should remain unloaded with barrels open until arrival at your destination. The safety should be engaged when you are not actively hunting.
  • Safety comes first at all times. As Philip Melugin warns, you should only shoot when you are 100% certain no other hunters are within shooting range. This rule extends to other hunters’ guides and any hunting dogs that may be out on the hunt. You should be aware of your surroundings and the location of every person or dog in the vicinity at all times.
  • Shots toward the ground are strictly forbidden, since these shots could harm the dogs. Philip Melugin quotes a general rule that disallows hunters from shooting at prey at any point that requires the gun to go below a point where it is horizontal with the ground.
  • Wear proper clothing. Thick pants are advisable, especially in cooler temperatures, because they will protect your legs from brush. Philip Melugin also advises wearing comfortable shoes with sturdy soles to prevent slips. Be sure your shoes are broken in prior to going out on your hunt to avoid being slowed down by foot discomfort.
  • Study regulations. According to Philip Melugin, regulations for hunting are available on the Kansas Wildlife website. You should also know basic hunting etiquette and follow it at all times.

Quail hunting can be fun and productive, but Philip Melugin reminds hunters regarding the importance of putting safety first at all times. Most importantly, if you’re a beginner, be sure to let the staff at Pheasant Run Ranch know that when you’re making your reservation so they can ensure you have the best guide to help you as you begin your hunt.

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Hottest Exercise Trends of 2012

September 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Every year or so, a new exercise fad comes along that has everyone rushing to the gym. It’s a very healthy occurrence—since working out can become tedious after a while, it is important for people find a reason to be reenergized about staying in shape. As we’ve progressed through aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Tae-Bo, hot yoga, and the numerous other exercise trends, only a few have stayed around through the decades.

If you feel out of the loop as you review the current list of classes at your local gym, here’s a description of what’s hot in working out for 2012:

  • Body Flow—A workout that combines yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates for a workout that builds muscle and increases flexibility and balance.
  • Zumba—This Columbian dance fitness routine has been all the rage in gyms for the past couple of years. Classes combine dances like salsa and merengue to help participants lose weight while having fun.
  • BodyCombat—Incorporating various forms of martial arts, including karate, boxing, taekwondo, and Tai Chi, this class uses music and moves to create an intense workout that is as challenging as it is fun.
  • Boot Camp—This type of training has been popular in gyms for several years. An instructor runs participants through a series of exercises, encouraging participants to work in teams and be competitive. These classes can be held in gyms or at parks and were initially inspired by the military style of training but have in some ways evolved to focus more on teamwork and competition.
  • Body Pump—A workout class that remains popular year after year, many devotees change gyms to continue to participate. The class puts weightlifting to music, with participants lifting barbells and doing step aerobics.

Most gyms will allow members to try each one to find the right fit for them. Each year offers new possibilities when it comes to fitness, it’s just a matter of finding the one that motivates you to get fit and stay fit.

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Tips from Dr. William Knudson: How to Have Healthy Feet

September 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dr. William Knudson

Dr. William Knudson

Virginia podiatrist Dr. William Knudson ’s goal is to help his patients have long-lasting foot health. While he often sees patients after foot problems have begun, whenever possible Dr. William Knudson counsels patients on preventing future foot problems by exercising proper foot care. Here are a few recommendations from Dr. William Knudson for the long-term foot health of his patients:

  • Thoroughly dry the feet after showering. Dr. William Knudson notes that many people jump right from the shower into socks and shoes. This is to be avoided for the fact that it can promote the growth of fungus. When drying the feet, Dr. William Knudson advises ensuring the space between each toe is dry. Once the foot is completely dry, you can put on fresh, clean socks and shoes. If you tend to have feet that sweat a lot, Dr. William Knudson recommends sprinkling talcum powder to help keep them dry.
  • Make sure your shoes fit. Ill-fitting shoes cause many foot problems, Dr. William Knudson reports. Trying to squeeze the feet into shoes that are too tight or have narrow design is a recipe for foot disaster. Problems like bunions, hammertoe, and Morton’s Neuroma can result from improper shoes. Don’t skimp by buying bargain shoes, Dr. William Knudson says. Instead, Dr. William Knudson recommends that shoppers on a budget visit the sales aisles at nicer shoe stores for better quality shoes at a discount price.
  • Do not sit for long periods of time. If you must, Dr. William Knudson advises walking around periodically in order to get the blood circulating. Even worse is sitting with your legs crossed. If someone must sit with crossed legs, Dr. William Knudson emphasizes the importance of changing position often to avoid inhibiting circulation.
  • Never wear used shoes. Borrowing shoes or buying used shoes can be dangerous, since some foot problems can be passed through shoes.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed. Dr. William Knudson emphasizes that untrimmed toenails can lead to ingrown toenails and other painful foot problems. Dr. William Knudson tells his patients to set a specific schedule for toenail trims and stick to it.
  • Consider a pedicure. Not only can this help keep your toenails trimmed and feet clean and healthy, the massaging action of the water is good for circulation, Dr. William Knudson tells patients. Pedicures can be especially useful for older patients who can no longer reach their feet comfortably.

Dr. William Knudson reports that if he has the opportunity to give these instructions to patients early, they prevent painful foot problems later on. He says that wearing good shoes and taking care of the feet today will ensure the wearer doesn’t regret his or her choices later.

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A Gathering of Experts Explains Why Laughter Really Is Good For You

July 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the adage: “Laughter is the best medicine.” But, now scientists have discovered that it’s true. Laughing is one of the most fun ways to protect a person’s heart, to lower blood pressure and to boost the immune system. And although children laugh on average about 400 times a day, adults on average tend to only laugh about 17 times a day. Today, A Gathering of Experts is going to explain why it might not be a bad idea to put Ace Ventura: Pet Detective into the DVD player.

I’ve heard that laughing burns calories. Is that true?

Yes, it is true. If a person laughs for 15 minutes a day he or she can burn 40 calories. It may not sound like a lot, but laughing can help a person burn off some of the calories that they take in throughout the day. And look at it this way, the more a person laughs the more calories they burn. It’s a win/win.

What are some of the other health benefits of laughter?

Research has found that 15 minutes of laughter a day is as important for your heart as 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week. And it’s more fun, too. Laughter helps boost the immune system because it produces T-cells – which makes a person less susceptible to colds. It also helps relieve depression, because it releases endorphins.

It sounds like laughter mimics exercise.

Laughter does mimic exercise because of the health benefits, endorphins and calorie burning potential. In fact, laughing 100 times gives a person the same work out as 10 minutes on a rowing machine or an exercise bike.  Also, laughing helps lower blood pressure and it has the effect of deep breathing – much like yoga. The body is  expelling more air from the lungs than it’s taking in, which makes it a cleansing process.

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Tricks to Maintain Your Waist Line When Eating Out

June 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s been a long day at work, and dinner out at a restaurant sounds much more tempting than cooking. However, eating out and healthy eating rarely go hand-in-hand. What to do? A Gathering of Experts will help you navigate some of the hidden pitfalls of eating out – even in high-end restaurants.

Whether you are on a diet or just don’t want to gain weight while on vacation, eating healthy and well at a restaurant is simply common sense. This can be addressed by managing portion control. One way to do that is to snack first on something like an apple with peanut butter or hummus and vegetables. In other words, don’t go into a restaurant with a growling stomach. And portion control doesn’t just mean self-moderation before appetizers – it also applies to “on the side.” Many chefs report that customers use more dressing than they would have received on the salad initially. Be smart and dip your lettuce into the dressing and don’t pour it on the salad.

Also, what you might think of traditionally as “healthy food” isn’t necessarily that at all. For instance, sushi will often be served in a jumbo portion and come deep-fried. Also, sushi sometimes contains mayonnaise  – which is something that’s decidedly not healthy.

Avoiding side dishes altogether is also a great way to keep the calories off. Many sides are cheese based or fried, so when ordering food plan the meal around a good protein and simple vegetables. Stay away from anything with too many add-on ingredients.

It’s also a good idea to utilize the professionals. Servers memorize the specials and can help restaurant goers find an entree, either on the menu or on the special list that will fit their individual needs. Many people don’t ask too many questions out of fear of being labeled a “problem customer.” But, when in doubt ask an expert – and servers are the most knowledgeable people to ask.

Finally, check out restaurant menus online. That will help determine if it’s nutritionally the right fit. If your restaurant of choice doesn’t have a full-fledged website with a menu, utilize sites like Yelp.com for additional information. It’s possible to eat well and not consume an entire day’s worth of calories in one sitting.

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A Gathering of Experts Discusses Positive Changes in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

June 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Recently, Disney made the startling announcement that advertisers on all of their media outlets would have to adhere to a new set of stringent health guidelines. The new guidelines will force advertisers to limit the overall calories, fat, salt and sugar in what they advertise in programs geared toward children. A Gathering of Experts believes that what made that announcement so shocking is that sugary sweets have been intrinsically linked to children’s programming – especially Saturday morning cartoons – for years. But Disney went even further during an event with First Lady Michelle Obama. They also announced that they are revamping the food that will be served at their theme parks.

While Disney’s announcement was bold, it turns out that Ted Turner’s Cartoon Network started blazing the trail for them back in 2007. No Cartoon Network character is allowed to be in advertisements that endorse high fat or high sugar foods, including beverages. While the Cartoon Network started their program against childhood obesity quietly a few years ago, they haven’t gone as far as Disney in clamping down on advertisements. However, they have been proactive with their programming by developing shows like “Rescuing Recess” and “Move It Movement,” which encourage children to exercise.

A Gathering of Experts believes that these initiatives will go a long way in helping fight the epidemic of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity rates have grown nearly thirty percent since 1980, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With more and more physical education classes being downsized – or canceled outright – due to school budget problems, children are much less active than they used to be.

But, the problem isn’t just lack of exercise. Schools across the country have adopted extremely fattening and high sugar meals that have contributed to the crisis. Pizza is considered a vegetable in  school food programs across the country, according to USDA standards – along with french fries. And it’s not just the food that schools serve, it’s the foods that they advertise that is part of the problem as well. Because of budget shortfalls, many schools across the country have started making money by having paid advertisements around the halls for sugary drinks and snacks.

However, because of initiatives by the Cartoon Network and Disney, along with First Lady Michelle Obama, childhood obesity is sparking conversations about the causes and potential solutions to the crisis. Hopefully in a few years there will be changes in place to make sure that childhood obesity is a thing of the past.

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Markus Lattner Extols the Virtues of Buying Local Food

May 23, 2012 By 4 Comments
Markus Lattner

Markus Lattner

Markus Lattner has long supported local agriculture. As the improvement manager for a community supported agricultural (CSA) farm in Pennsylvania, Markus Lattner knows the impact of buying local on the local economy. Money isn’t the only thing restaurants and grocers save when they buy local, however, according to Markus Lattner. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  • Save money—As fuel costs have increased, Markus Lattner reports that the cost of shipping food from overseas has become unmanageable to some businesses. That increase is built into food costs and passed on to restaurant owners and grocers. Fuel prices are dropping, however, taking away this incentive. Markus Lattner proposes taxes on oil that will encourage businesses to buy domestically, which will serve to boost the local economy.
  • Freshness—Markus Lattner says there is no way to deny the freshness of a locally grown tomato compared with one that has been imported from far away. Markus Lattner points to several reasons from this. First, locally grown produce is often lacking the chemicals found in the shipped versions. Local farmers may also pay more attention to details like soil condition, exposure to sunlight, or ripeness of fruit at the time it is harvested.
  • No risk of interruption in service—Imports of goods can be influenced by wars, natural disasters, and more, according to Markus Lattner. By relying on other economies to provide food, we run the risk of someday being without. Markus Lattner feels that keeping things local adds to a sense of self-reliance.
  • Improve local economy—When a shopper support nearby farmers, he or she puts money back into the economy. Those farmers spend monies earned at local establishments, Markus Lattner points out. Increased demand means local farmers will need to add more employees, Markus Lattner says, which can only be good for your local unemployment rate. This puts more tax dollars into a local economy, which leads to improved roads, education, and more, concludes Markus Lattner.
  • Save lives—It may sound extreme, but there are several studies that have pinpointed cancer risks associated with the pollution emitted by ships carrying food from overseas. According to Markus Lattner, the U.S. study attributed 60,000 deaths per year in our country to the world’s 90,000 cargo ships. A British study found one ship emits the same cancer-causing chemicals as 50 million cars.

Markus Lattner knows the many benefits of buying local foods and he hopes that by spreading the word, he’ll encourage others to take part. Markus Lattner’s support of the slow food initiative is a commitment to educating others on its value.

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