In this Issue

	Neurotransmitter Testing: Another Piece of the Puzzle
	Male Osteoporosis: a serious concern
	BHRT vs. FDA update
	Help For the Common Cold and Flu

Upcoming Events

Dr. Hinze NMD discusses ADD and Autism

Join us Thursday September 7th at 7PM when Dr. Hinze will be discussing his thoughts on why there is such and explosion in the number of cases of ADD and Autism. 

There is NO CHARGE for this lecture and seats are limited. Stop in or call Gary at 781-642-0594 to reserve your seat! Dr. Hinze NMD has limited number of fee based consultations available September 6th – 10th. Call Gary 781-642-0594 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

What is Wrong With Your Health?

Join us Thursday October 12th at 7:00 PM when Gary Kracoff NMD will discuss how long term toxicity and lymph congestion is a precursor to some chronic health conditions.

This lecture will cover the Lymph system, digestive system and Liver/Gallbladder systems which are all involved in the normal detoxification of the body.

There is NO CHARGE and seats are limited. Please stop in or call Gary at 781-642-0594 to reserve your seat!

Neurotransmitter Testing: Another Piece of the Puzzle

    One of the most promising areas of research and innovative treatments in medicine is the process of neurotransmission and the metabolic processes that influence it.

    Medicine has advanced significantly over the last 50 years, and lifestyles and health risks have also changed dramatically. Increased workloads, fast food, and time restraints changed the way people eat and the amount of stress people handle on a day to day basis. Poor diet and chronic stress are the most important factors that lead to neurotransmitter imbalance. Providing the body with an increased supply of the precursors to neurotransmitters increases the body’s ability to synthesize its own supply of transmitters, leading to balanced neurotransmitter levels. This process is termed Targeted Amino Acid Therapy (TAAT).

    Neurotransmitter imbalances and the resulting symptoms are extremely common. Years of research and review of thousands of laboratory tests confirm that as many as eight out of ten people have some level of neurotransmitter imbalance. Once imbalances are identified, the TAAT program re-establishes neurotransmitter levels and effectively resolves many of the symptoms.

    Normal function in the brain is a matter of the appropriate relay of electrical signals and subsequent chemical (neurotransmitter) release. Through these electrical signals and the subsequent release of neurotransmitters, neurons communicate with each other and organs in the body. The process of neurotransmission can be easily described using an analogy of a car. Just like a car, neurons use and accelerator and a brake to regulate speed, or in this case, whether or not a neurochemical signal is produced.

    The accelerator is equivalent to the excitatory neurotransmitter system. This includes the neurotransmitters glutamate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and PEA to name a few. When theses chemicals are released, the hypothetical accelerator is pushed, and the nervous system revs up. The excitatory neurotransmitter system is responsible for sending a signal.

    The brake is equivalent to the inhibitory neurotransmitter system. This includes the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin. When these chemicals are released, the hypothetical brake is pushed, and the system slows down. The inhibitory neurotransmitter system is responsible for preventing a signal from continuing.

    Just like a car, the brakes must be maintained or the car will hot be able to stop. If the inhibitory system isn’t maintained or replenished, then the excitatory system will be allowed to go out of control, and eventually, it too will be come exhausted. In order to tell how far along the wear on the systems is, whichparts are wearing, and how the parameters that make them more effective are factoring in, it is important to perform Neurotransmitter testing.

    We now offer Neurotransmitter testing by NeuroScience. A simple urine collection is all that needs to be done to determine if you may benefit from Targeted Amino Acid Therapy. Stop in or call Gary at 781-642-0594 for more information orquestions about Neurotransmitter testing.

Male Osteoporosis: a serious concern

    Osteoporosis in men is a rapidly growing health problem. In the United States, approximately 2 million men are affected by this disease. Although we generally think of osteoporosis as a women’s health issue, middle-aged men are also at risk.

    Bone is much more than just structural support for our bodies. It is a living tissue and a reservoir for the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Bone cells monitor blood levels of these important minerals and will build or breakdown bone to maintain proper balance.
   
    Bone building cells (osteoblasts) are strongly impacted by sex hormones. At puberty, bone production increases dramatically, fueled by estrogens. At the end of puberty, an androgen surge slows bone growth and a steady-state balance is maintained through middle age.

    After middle age, bone loss accelerates. In women, the loss of estrogen at menopause is a factor. For men, the decline of androgens is a more gradual and variable process. Men begin to suffer osteoporotic fractures about 10 years later than their female counterparts, but are more likely to suffer serious complications as a result.

    In addition to the aging process, osteoporosis can be caused by other factors. Drugs, diet, prostate cancer and treatment, Vitamin D deficiency, liver or kidney disease and smoking also contribute to bone loss. Because diagnosis often is made after a fracture occurs, prevention is the best medicine.

    Osteoporsis is most often treated with prescription drugs called bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel etc.) Theses drugs inhibit osteoclasts, the bone cells responsible for breakdown. They do not build bone and are associated with significant side effects such as gastric ulcers or gastritis. Some recent studies have linked bisphosphonates with jaw necrosis in cancer patients. Bisphosphonates are not recommended as preventive treatment.

    Dietary and supplemental calcium and Vitamin D are important in maintaining bone density. Other supplemental approaches include minerals (silicon and magnesium), proteins, phyto-estrogens (soy iso-flavones) or hormone-like substances (DHEA).

    People with known hormone-dependent cancers such as breast or prostate cancer should not use DHEA, as it is metabolized to estrogen and testosterone.

    Regular weight bearing exercise is a mainstay in ensuring bone health. Walking, running, and dancing are great ways to keep our bones strong and our hearts healthy.

    Proper nutrition is essential as well. Strive to avoid soda and minimize caffeine and alcohol. Bone density screenings are an important tool to assess bone health.

    Johnson Drug offers these quick and easy screenings as well as high quality nutritional supplements to help keep your bones strong and healthy. Stop in to visit or give us a call.

BHRT vs. FDA update

Thank you to all who responded to our plea for help in battling Wyeth’s petition against compounding and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. On April 4, 2006, Wyeth filed a supplement to it’s petition. This is their latest comment on the subject:

Hormone therapy isn’t right for all women. It doesn’t prevent heart disease and may increase your chance of heart attack, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, or dementia. If you have a uterus, estrogen increases the risk of uterine cancer. Adding progestin greatly reduces this risk. The use of estrogens and progestins should be reevaluated regularly with your healthcare provider and should be taken for the shortest time based on your individual goals and risks. If you’re not having menopausal symptoms, non-estrogen treatments should be considered before starting estrogen therapy to prevent bone loss.

    The battle is far from over but it appears as though we are making some progress. Again, if you want your voice to be heard on this matter, it is not too late!! Washington has not made any decision as of yet.

    To voice your opinion, you can go to the website “savemymedicine.org” which has a form for you to fill in and a place for personal comments (only if you wish!). The website will AUTOMATICALLY send the information to your representative in Washington (based on your address).

Help For the Common Cold and Flu

Host Defense (capsules or drops) has been shown to increase human Natural Killer (NK) Cell activity by up to 300%. The immune-enhancing power of Host Defense comes from two sources: the unsurpassed quality of the MycoMedicinal mushrooms, and the proprietary combination of species.

    Each of the mushroom species has, on its own, an ability to support human immune functioning, but the combination of these 15 mushroom sources creates synergies, waves of reinforcement that bathe us in immunesupport.

    Life Shield Throat Spray offers immune enhancement for the upper respiratory system, help when exposed to crowds, traveling, at home or in the office. Use it when ever you are exposed to viruses.

    Testing of the efficacy of these products was done by USAMRIID, NIH, USAID BioShild BioDefense program and rated these mixes of mushrooms as effective against Influenza, Smallpox, West Nile and the many other common viruses.

    Many customers have used these products and have had great results!

    Host Defense caps and drops and LifeShield Throat Spray are all 25% off.