Avante Medical
Center, LLC
Avante’s Values
The Avante Times
Volume 5, Issue 2
Fall 2009 & Winter 2010
* Integrity
Avante Voted “Best Doctors”---Thank you Alaska!
* Innovation
Jason J Harmon, ND, FABNO
* Team Approach
Avante has just been voted “Best Doctors” by the
Anchorage Press readers. We deeply appreciate
your acknowledgment of the care we provide for the
people of Alaska. We thank you for your patronage
and support, as we would not exist without you and
your referrals. Thank you!
* Community
* Honesty
* Compassion
* Respect
* Progressive
* Personalized Care
* Value
In other exciting news, Avante has successfully
launched our new Providence Hospital satellite office! It has taken many years and much hard work to
open doors and minds and the result is a first-of-itskind venture in Alaska- an integrative medical office
at Providence! We are working with Alaska’s medical
community to provide a “team” approach to caring for
our community. We look forward to showing you this
exciting new addition to Avante.
This fall brings community to the forefront of Avante,
with our continued commitment to educating Alaskans. A new weekly lecture series with Avante providers, as well as our third educational symposium
are all scheduled for this fall. Look at our calendar of
events for more information. All educational talks are
free to the public.
Thank you again and have a wonderful fall and
winter and we look forward to seeing you soon at one
of our many educational events!
Inside this Issue
Acupuncture &
Oriental Medicine
2
Calendar of
Events
3
Integrative Medicine
at Providence
Child Digestive
Health
4
Mission Statement
5
Vitamin
Deficiencies
6 & 7
Evaluating
Hormones
7
Who’s Who at
Avante
8
Healing begins when you enter Avante!
“Avante Medical Center, LLC offers a beautiful and healing environment, which contains worldclass medical providers, excellent staff, and extensive integrative and conventional medical
services for the whole family. We provide care to our clients living with acute and chronic
health challenges, combining the best of science and nature, tailored and personalized to
your individual medical needs. We focus on the value of our clients’ experience, providing
adequate time with our providers, resulting in thorough and comprehensive medical care. Our
goal is to educate, empower, and enrich your health through a caring, professional and unique
medical experience.”
www.avantemedical.com
The avante times
Page 2
The Ancient Art of Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine for Pain Relief
Christina Harmon, L.Ac.
Pain is a natural process that protects the body and signals its restorative systems. However, living with pain
can have an enormous negative impact on our body’s systems. It can cause elevated stress signals, interfere
with our sleep, affect our immune systems, and deplete the body of vital nutrients. This can affect our daily lives
by leaving one feeling fatigued, stressed, depressed, or frustrated.
Acupuncture has continuously proven to be effective in decreasing and, in some cases, alleviating numerous
types of pain. The various conditions that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can address include: pain in the
back, neck, shoulder, knee, ankle, wrist, elbow, abdomen and joints; headaches, muscle tension, dysmenorrhea (period pain), fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis and sciatic pain.
Acupuncture is also extremely helpful in treating various types of neurological conditions such as recovering
from stroke, phantom limb pain, side effects from chemotherapy, and postoperative pain or lack of sensation.
As an acupuncturist, I am frequently asked, “How does acupuncture work?” Acupuncture and Oriental medicine
are systems of medicine that work with the body’s electrical network by affecting the somatic nervous system,
the central nervous system, and the mind/body connection. Acupuncture works through stimulating the circulatory system, which helps to bring immune cells to the troubled and inflamed areas and aids in removing toxins
from the local area. Within Chinese medicine, pain is classified under “Qi and Blood stagnation.” This means
that the area of pain or discomfort is often being cut off from proper circulation. Whether this is due to the types
of tissues involved, the muscles around the area, and/or lack of “Qi” (energy) and blood nourishing the body,
acupuncture and Oriental medicine can revitalize and restore this imbalance.
Bring your
whole family
to Avante!
Another way acupuncture contributes to the decrease in pain is by stimulating Beta-endorphins. The anterior
pituitary gland produces Beta-endorphins and binds to the analgesic receptors (anti-pain receptors) of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, causing inhibition of pain. Beta-endorphins are produced and released in times of
extreme pain and are the body’s natural painkillers, proven to be stronger than morphine. Through the insertion
of fine, sterile acupuncture needles, Beta-endorphins are stimulated, creating a state of relaxation and wellbeing in which pain relief can be achieved.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine look at the body as a whole – each system and each part working together
to create who we are in mind, body and spirit. This holistic approach not only focuses on the local area of pain,
but also the root cause of pain issues. Acute pain can be addressed by treating the local tissues and interrelated areas. Chronic pain can be addressed by restoring new pathways through the nervous system to cut
the pain cycle, and by restoring various nutrient deficiencies in order to bring the body back to homeostasis.
Reestablishing the body’s natural balance increases the quality of a person’s life and the vitality of his or her
energy. Acupuncture at Avante is supportive with the use of individualized plans designed to treat the underlying cause of pain.
FREE Avante Times for the Office or Friends
If you would like to receive additional copies of Avante Times for your business or have copies sent to friends, please
email [email protected] with the quantity and address they can be sent to for FREE.
www.avantemedical.com
Volume 5, Issue 2
Page 3
Calendar of Events
Natural Pantry Walk-Throughs
Dates: Oct. 19th, Nov. 16th, Dec. 21st
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Natural Pantry (36th & Old Seward)
Please join licensed acupuncturist and oriental medicine specialist,
Tina Harmon, as she guides you through the Natural Pantry, helping you learn how to read labels and what those long, confusing
words really mean for your health.
Avante Provider Lecture Series
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Avante Medical Center
Free to the public
Oct. 13th:
Oct. 26th:
Nov. 2nd:
Nov. 9th:
Nov. 17th:
Nov. 23rd:
Dec. 2nd:
Dec. 8th:
Dec. 14th:
Dec. 17th:
“The Naturopathic Fridge” with Markian Babij, ND
“Chinese 5 Element Theory” with Tina Harmon, L.Ac.
“Pediatric Nutrition” with Natalie Wiggins, ND
“Prolotherapy” with Markian Babij, ND
“Food Sensitivities” with Melanie Landers, ND
“Nutritional Counseling” with Tina Harmon, L.Ac.
“Acupressure” with Tina Harmon, L.Ac.
“Digestion Ecology” with Markian Babij, ND
“Pregnancy Nutrition” with Natalie Wiggins, ND
“A simple cleanse” by Melanie Landers, ND
Please join the providers at Avante Medical Center for a new,
weekly lecture series that covers an array of health topics.
Food Allergy & Food Rotation Class
(sign up required)
Dates: Oct. 27th and Nov. 18th
Location: Avante Medical Center
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person/per class, $40 per couple/per class
Please join the allergy department of Avante Medical Center for an
instructional hour focusing on managing your food allergies and
elimination/rotation diets. This class is intended to aid our patients
and others who have been diagnosed with food allergies in making
proper food choices. We will have examples of alternatives to
dairy, wheat and eggs.
Fall Educational Symposium
Date: October 20, 2009
Time: 6 p.m.
Wilda Marston Theater at the Z.J. Loussac Library
Free to the public
Please join the providers at Avante for a roundtable discussion on
current health research, common issues effecting Alaskan’s wellbeing and integrative medicine approaches to common medical
conditions. There will be a Q&A period for you to interact with our
providers.
Avante Book Club
Nov. 10th: Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Avante Medical Center
This book club, moderated by Christine Sagan, ANP, is a great
way to investigate new ideas about your health in a low-key, peeroriented setting.
Introduction to Raw Foods Cuisine
(sign up required)
Dates: Oct. 14th, Oct. 29th, Nov. 12th, Nov. 24th,
Dec. 9th, Dec. 22nd
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Avante Medical Center
Cost: $25 per person/per class
Please join Brendan VanValkenburgh, LMT as he guides you
through the basics of raw food living. Delicious raw foods provided. *Allergy Warning: Nuts and oils will be used in the food preparation.
Bones for Life
Bones for Life in Chairs with Grant Gibbs
Date: Oct. 21st, Oct. 28th, Nov. 4th, Nov. 11th
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Location: Avante Medical Center
Cost: $15 per class
For more information, class updates, additions or reschedules, please visit our website.
www.avantemedical.com
The Avante Times
Page 4
Integrative Medicine at Providence Hospital
Markian Babij, ND, FABNO
Integrate- to combine and coordinate diverse elements into a whole.
Our mission at the new Providence location is to expand the boundaries of conventional oncology care by integrating traditional tools for fighting cancer with evidence-based, complementary medicine to treat each patient
as a whole person. This complementary, naturopathic medicine can augment conventional treatment with the
use of natural approaches, working safely within the treatment plan outlined by your oncologist. Patients are
empowered with education and encouraged to actively participate in their care. The intent of naturopathic oncology is to treat all aspects of a patient, not just the disease itself. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance in
each body system, while bridging the mind-body connection and unifying the diverse elements of each patient
into the whole person that he or she is.
Oncologists often ask patients to discontinue all supplements during treatment due to many potential interactions that diminish the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Understanding these interactions with conventional treatment will provide a patient with an integrative plan that is safe and effective for a particular chemotherapeutic
agent. Some natural medicines are best used away from conventional treatment, while others are beneficial
during treatment. Naturopathic supportive care incorporates the prevention of side effects associated with chemotherapy, thereby improving the quality of life and reserving energy for immune functioning.
Naturopathic oncology utilizes a pre- and post-operative care plan to prepare a patient for surgery and improve
recovery time. After surgery, specific medicines are used to reduce inflammation and the potential spread of
metastatic disease.
Radiation therapy is an important tool in fighting cancer. Along with naturopathic care, side effects can be prevented without compromising outcomes in disease treatment. Specific antioxidants to avoid are reviewed with a
patient prior to treatment, and rebuilding strategies are implemented when necessary.
Immunotherapy is used to reduce the burden on the healthy cells in the body while undergoing chemotherapy or
radiation. Reduced cell counts during treatment will often cause a gap in any given treatment plan. Naturopathic
medicine is supportive in this regard; however, incorporating an individualized plan designed to maintain cell
counts and uphold optimal immune functioning while undergoing treatment.
You will find
health at
Avante!
Naturopathic doctors communicate with other members or your healthcare team to ensure that your plan is synchronized with every other facet of treatment. Each patient receives a nutritional assessment and meal planning
to prevent malnutrition and help select foods that compliment your cancer treatment.
Survivorship and prevention are also key aspects in an integrative cancer-care model. Each patient has specific
needs, and these can be addressed with appropriate referrals. A common misconception in cancer care is the
role of detoxification. Detoxification uses energy mechanisms that are often best preserved for immune functioning during treatment. Although important for liver support, this modality is best utilized at the appropriate time.
Naturopathic support while undergoing conventional care can prevent side effects, augment care, and build
the immune system while supporting an unwavering conventional treatment plan. Our mission is to coordinate care that encompasses every modality that could benefit a patient. With our new office in a hospital
setting, we plan to be at the forefront of integrative medicine that combines these important diversities into
a whole treatment plan in which the patient is at the center.
www.avantemedical.com
Volume 5, Issue 2
Page 5
Child Digestive Health
Natalie Wiggins, ND
Food is one of the basic requirements for life. What we consume in the diet can affect overall health, and the way in which the
body processes food is dependent on the integrity of the digestive tract. In that way, our digestive health is the foundation to overall
health in the body.
Identifying and repairing digestive complaints in children can prevent serious health concerns later in life. Since young children are
not able to verbalize well, look for clues that may suggest a weakened digestive system. In babies, this may be indicated by colic,
spitting up, a hard belly, constipation, gas, failure to thrive, skin rashes, or a runny nose. In children, signs may become more obvious, including upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Less apparent conditions that may be related to digestion are headaches or
migraines, fatigue, asthma, eczema, growing pains, learning difficulties, ear infections, or frequent illnesses.
Food allergies and sensitivities are a frequent culprit of digestive complaints and related issues. Other causes of poor digestion can
stem from insufficient enzyme production, deficient levels of immunoglobulins (part of the immune system), an imbalance in digestive flora (the ratio of “good” versus “bad” microorganisms), environmental toxicity and/or stress.
Treatments to strengthen the digestive tract focus on identifying food sensitivities or allergies, decreasing inflammation, balancing cell-mediated and humoral-immune responses, optimizing nutrition, and ultimately repairing the digestive system on a cellular
level. EPA and DHA found in fish oils have an anti-inflammatory effect; certain probiotic strains (“good” bacteria) are used to support
proper immune function and digestion; and numerous herbs, vitamins and minerals aid in the healing process.
Dietary recommendations to improve digestive health include: minimizing common allergens in the diet, rotating foods to avoid becoming sensitive to any one food, eating a variety of different foods (especially plenty of fruits and vegetables), incorporating healthy
fats (fish, avocadoes, coconut and olive oils), increasing fiber (ground flax seeds, beans, whole grains, and nuts), and staying
hydrated. Starting children on a healthy diet from infancy provides a lifetime of good eating habits.
Additionally, it is advisable to be aware of a hereditary predisposition to developing atopic conditions (allergies, eczema, and
asthma) that may be related to food sensitivities. If a parent has a history of the aforementioned conditions, it is likely that a child
may also develop those symptoms. Childhood atopic conditions may be successfully avoided from the prenatal period by avoiding
food sensitivities in pregnancy, and supplementing with proper probiotics and nutrients. Studies have illustrated that supplementation
with particular probiotics in breastfeeding mothers and infants decreased the risk of developing atopic eczema by 50 percent.
Digestive concerns and associated conditions are best addressed early in life in order to prevent future problems. Take a closer look
at your child’s diet and look for clues that may indicate a weakened digestive system, so the healing can begin now!
www.avantemedical.com
The Avante Times
Page 6
Vitamin Deficiencies: Common Problem, Simple Solution
Christine Sagan, ANP
It is hard to believe that in our comfortable nation – with endless choices on the grocery aisle and a world of
options on the Internet – that our bodies could be deficient in anything; however, the vast majority of us truly
are. Without addressing these deficiencies, it is difficult to be optimally well. Here is a brief run-down of three
common supplements that can go a long way toward improving your health:
IRON
This is essential for processing nutrients required for brain function. It helps the brain process chemicals called
neurotransmitters, facilitates information in the brain and produces DNA for brain cells to reproduce and grow.
Iron deficiency is the most common global nutritional problem. The earliest functions affected are associated with cognition and behavior. The effect of iron deficiency in early infancy appears to be irreversible. Iron
deficiency in older age is disadvantageous for advancement in intellect and education. This is independent of
ethnicity, environment and social environment. Studies show that individuals with low iron have lower SAT,
math and IQ scores.
Signs of deficiency are behavior/conduct disorders, impulsivity, poor reasoning, logic and concentration, inattentiveness, over activity, fatigue, crankiness in children, poor school performance, depression, restless legs,
and increased susceptibility to infection. Physical signs include flattened or spoon-shaped nails, vertical ridges
on the nails, abnormal hair loss, pale complexion, cold hands and feet, rapid heart rate, palpitations, poor taste
buds, and sores in the corners of the mouth. People most at risk are menstruating females, pregnant females,
and children who over consume cow milk. Iron deficiency impairs athletic performance due to less oxygen
delivery to the tissues.
Surprisingly, individuals who engage in regular intense exercise are at risk. They have been found to have
daily iron losses that may be due to the increased microscopic bleeding or increased fragility of the red blood
cells. It has been estimated that the average requirement for iron may be 30 percent higher for those who
engage in intense exercise!
Take some
healing
home!
Iron also depends on co-factors to enhance absorption – things like Vitamin C, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin A, and
Vitamin B12. It’s important to take a good multivitamin and extra Vitamin C while replacing. Calcium inhibits
the absorption of iron when taken together. Do not take extra iron unless instructed by your provider. Regular
monitoring is important. Food sources include: plants, dairy, meat, fish, poultry, lentils, cashews, shrimp, tuna,
prunes, raisins, oysters, tofu, and bran cereal. Good, healthy digestion is also important for absorption.
ZINC
This trace element is essential for neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells), and deficiency could interfere with neurotransmission (brain function). Zinc is vital for over 300 enzyme reactions, which involve digestion, metabolism, brain and nerve functioning, reproduction and wound healing. Stress can increase the loss
of zinc, and adolescent females tend to be lower. Chronic zinc deficiency is associated with lethargy, depression, moodiness, impaired concentration, impaired logic, poor decision-making, and poor emotional response.
Zinc picolinate works as a great antiviral for colds. An easy way to tell if you are zinc deficient is to look at
your fingernails – white spots are signs of low zinc.
Caution: Large quantities of zinc over time can interfere with copper availability and lead to copper deficiency.
Typical intake of zinc and dietary sources do not affect absorption. Supplemental iron can decrease zinc
absorption and high levels of dietary calcium impair zinc absorption in some people. Populations at risk for (cont.)
www.avantemedical.com
Volume 5, Issue 2
Page 7
zinc deficiency: infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, teenagers, and those suffering from malnutrition, anorexia, persistent diarrhea, malabsorption, bowel disease such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and sickle cell anemia. Strict vegetarians need 50
percent more zinc because food staples such as grains and legumes have high levels of phytic acid, thus reducing the absorption of
zinc and iron. Food sources of zinc are oysters, beef, crab, dark turkey meat, dark chicken meat, pork, baked beans, eggs, yogurt,
cashews, chickpeas, almonds, peanuts, and cheese.
VITAMIN B12
The largest and most complex of all the vitamins, deficiency is estimated to affect 10-15 percent of people over age 60. B12 contains a metal ion, cobalt, thus cobalamin in the name denotes Vitamin B12 activity. Absorption of Vitamin B12 from food requires
normal function of the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. Decreased stomach acid with aging interferes with absorption. There
are multiple factors involved with absorption and often this is impaired in individuals (the environment needs to be alkaline to free
B12 to bind). The most common cause of deficiency is pernicious anemia (two percent of the population) and food-bound Vitamin
B12 malabsorption. Some symptoms of deficiency include: numbness and tingling in arms and legs, difficulty walking, memory loss,
disorientation, dementia, appetite loss, and constipation. Many opt to bypass intestinal absorption and administer Vitamin B12 injections. Oral supplementation of 1000mcg should result in passive absorption of one percent of the dose. People at risk for Vitamin
B12 deficiency are those with gastritis, H.pylori infections, celiac disease, pancreatic deficiency, and alcoholics. Vitamin B12 is only
found in foods of animal origin (meat, poultry, fish, clams) and strict vegetarians/vegans should supplement. Vitamin B12 synthesizes serotonin and is involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, thus studies have found that B12-deficient people are twice as likely
to be severely depressed!
The recommendation is to supplement over the age 50. However I see many people of all ages benefiting from this vitamin. Vitamin
B12 is water soluble and will appear in the urine as bright yellow. There is no toxicity known due to the low percentage absorbed
orally. There are no tolerable upper limits set by governing boards.
Evaluating hormone Levels
Chris Kallander, ANP
One of the newest and most comprehensive tests for steroid hormone evaluation is the 24-hour urine hormone test. It tests most of
the male and female hormones, including progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, three major estrogens, the adrenal hormone cortisol,
as well as a plethora of breakdown products known as metabolites. This testing looks at men and woman individually and is often
covered by insurance. Previous tests, such as serum blood testing, measure hormone levels in a 24-hour period, whereas the urine
test averages the hormone levels over a longer period of time.
As many of you already know, Avante is dedicated to the prescribing of physiological doses of bioidentical hormones for hormone
decline, known as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Hormonal decline and/or imbalances are occurring in younger
and younger individuals. At Avante, we treat the deficiencies and imbalances with BHRT. Since the body has a complement of
hormones, we attempt to balance a complement of hormones, bringing relief to a variety of symptoms such as low energy, sexual
dysfunction, hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain and sleep problems.
I recently reviewed Suzanne Somers’ newest book Breakthrough. It is a marvelous synopsis of BHRT from a lay point of view. She
also includes her eight steps to wellness, which incorporate balancing all the hormones. She interviews integrative medical providers
from around the country who give their perspective of health and BHRT. If the hormones are in balance, other health concerns may
also right themselves. It is a very informative read, and I recommend it for those who are interested in a full complement of health
and hormones for the rest of their lives.
The 24-hour urine hormone evaluation is now available at Avante. If you are interested, please ask your provider.
www.avantemedical.com
a center for progressive medicine
915 W. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907.770.6700 Fax: 907.770.6707
www.avantemedical.com
Who’s Who at Avante Medical Center
Markian Babij, ND, FABNO
Grant Gibbs, CMnTPT
Christine Sagan, ANP
Bethany Buchanan, ANP
Jason J Harmon, ND, FABNO
Sandra Schaeffer, CMTPT
Naturopathic Oncology,
Internal Medicine
Family practice
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Naturopathic oncology
Family practice
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Ina Cloud, MA, AT
Torrey Smith, ND
Gary Ferguson, ND
Natalie Wiggins, ND
Allergy Treatment
Family practice
Men’s Health
Family practice, pediatrics
Cathy Floyd, MA, AT
Christine Kallander, ANP
Tina Harmon, L.Ac.
Stephanie Friess, ANP
Melanie Landers, ND
Judy Hartford, CMTPT
Allergy Treatment
Family Practice, Internal Medicine
All photos © Ken Graham Photography.com
Adult and adolescent care
Family practice, pediatrics
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal
Medicine
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy