Susan's Page

I had a rude reminder this past week that all the people on planet Earth don?€™t yet know to AVOID using aluminum cookware. Here is a heads-up, as you perhaps have Thanksgiving dinner planned at a restaurant or a relative?€™s or friend?€™s home. Even many people who don?€™t usually use aluminum cookware sometimes compromise with turkey roasting pans or purchased pies.

Taking some extra vitamin C can help to counteract the incoming aluminum to minimize its detrimental effects on your body.

Core Level C-TR or Pedia C (for kids) from Nutri-West are both excellent supplemental sources of vitamin C. They are available at our office if you don?€™t already have them. The dosage would vary depending on how much aluminum intake occurs. Usually 1 ?€“ 3 near the time of the meal is good, although you may need to up to 6 or so if all or most of the foods are prepared in aluminum cookware.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:18 PM | Permalink

I had an eye-opening experience when I did my recent grocery shopping. I compared prices on a small sample of organic foods between a big grocer and our local independent health food store. Except for the yogurt, all the other items were less expensive at the health food store, sometimes by a large amount. A three pound bag of organic Gala apples was $2 cheaper at the health food store! I truly was shocked. Having a ?€?reputation?€? for being more expensive isn?€™t always based on fact.

Do your own comparison shopping and let me know what you find out.

Also be sure to have the list of high-pesticide foods handy when you are shopping so you spend your ?€?organic pennies?€? wisely. The list may be found at:

http://www.drplayer.com/blog/2006/03/when_you_cant_buy_all_organic_1.html

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:38 PM | Permalink

A study published in the June 2007 issue of the scientific journal Chest shows that the risk of asthma is one and a half times greater in babies who received more than four courses of antibiotics before age 1. Researchers reviewed healthcare and prescription databases in Manitoba, Canada of over 13 thousand children. The results showed that children who had been given antibiotics in the first year of life were more likely to develop asthma by age seven. Children in this group who were given four courses of antibiotics were most at risk.

Many conditions that children are given antibiotics for, such as ear and throat infections, can be easily addressed with natural remedies. Let?€™s help their future health and keep antibiotic use ONLY for those rare instances were they are truly needed.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:46 PM | Permalink

One of my very good friends is a big tea drinker. I am always amazed by how quickly her water heats up. She is barely gone from the table, and ?€?poof?€? she is back again with her hot tea. She uses an electric tea pot (AKA electric tea kettle) to heat up her water. There are many styles available online, priced from about $20-50. I would recommend getting a stainless steel one.

For my die-hards who refuse to get rid of their microwave ovens in order to heat up their tea or coffee quickly, this may be the item needed to get you onto a totally microwave-free life! The quickly boiled water can also make noodle cooking much faster.
~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:03 PM | Permalink

In the last two weeks I have had three instances of out-of-town patients being told by their medical doctors that their blood tests were normal. When we got the copies of the actual blood test results, they all had values that were elevated beyond the clinical normal range. It reminded me again that it is VITAL to get copies of all tests that you have done, either in a doctor?€™s office or hospital.

In all of these patients?€™ situations, having the correct information makes a difference regarding how we will manage some immediate symptoms, as well as making the needed changes to avoid having potentially serious health problems in the future.

If you ever need help getting your test results, let me know. We have a form that you can fill out that is effective.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:16 PM | Permalink

Some of my patients have noticed that I recently switched to Mountain Valley spring water at my office. This brand of water is delivered in glass bottles which is what I have always recommended as best.

In the last few months there has been research released regarding the #7 recycled bottles (the large 5 gallon plastic bottles are made from this). A chemical in that type of plastic called bisphenol-A (BPA) has been possibly linked to some health problems.

I am still researching this, but in the meantime decided to make the switch at the office. The downsides are that this water is more than double in cost and the bottles are HEAVY. At home, I am still using the spring water in the #7 bottles. Sometime soon I will do a full article on my findings in the NewsPlayer newsletter.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:13 PM | Permalink

If for any reason someone you know decides to receive a vaccination, I strongly suggest they follow it up with a course of homeopathic drops that are formulated to help lessen any negative effects from the vaccination. The one I use is called VAX by BioActive Homeopathic. We have it available to pick up at the office or we can ship it to you. It costs $27.80 per bottle.
~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:12 PM | Permalink

Recent conversations with two of my patients reminded me of a basic action I recommend one do to improve one?€™s sleep. It?€™s as simple as this: don?€™t watch TV, especially before bedtime. I have always recommended little or no TV, especially for children. I also recommend not watching TV news programs. In addition to the actual news frequently being upsetting, the methods used to deliver news items on TV (and also radio) add to the upsetting quality of the information.

One of the women was having trouble sleeping for months. The last 6 days when she stopped watching TV before going to bed, she has gotten to sleep easily and slept soundly for 7-8 hours. It makes a world of difference to get a good night?€™s sleep! Try this and let me know how much it helps you.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:13 PM | Permalink

I just finished treating a patient whose blood sugar has tested elevated recently. Upon investigating more thoroughly for the underlying cause(s), there are several specific situations in this person?€™s body that are contributing to the malfunction of the pancreas (controls the blood sugar). Both the patient and I are so happy to know that the contributing causes can be addressed. We are both certain that with the treatments, supplements, and lifestyle changes that this ?€?Type II diabetes?€? can be resolved---without medications and in a way that will positively benefit many long-term health potentialities.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:48 PM | Permalink

A few weeks ago I was at my husband?€™s family reunion and one of the youngsters there got a bloody nose. His mom said something that gave me the idea that they occur semi-regularly with no known cause.

I realized later that a simple supplement that I use in my practice commonly resolves this problem. Although bloody noses can be caused by infection, anemia, high blood pressure, and other systemic problems, they are usually due to a deficiency of Vitamin C and its related components, such as bioflavonoids. I use a product called Rutin-Plus by Nutri-West and it has been exceedingly successful in all cases that I can recall.

Especially as children can be notoriously picky eaters at times, this product makes it simple to resolve the deficiencies. It is available to pick up or can be shipped to you. It costs $14 for 120 tablets. Most people need 1-3 per day.
~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:10 PM | Permalink

Most of us don?€™t eat as many vegetables as are recommended, and needed by our bodies. For some of my patients and family members it has helped to add 1-2 per day of a supplement called Total Veggie. It seems a little like some old science fiction movies where the people didn?€™t eat at all and only took a pill for their nutrients. However, if you know your willingness to prepare and eat enough vegetables isn?€™t where it should be this can be a help. It contains organic wheat grass sprouts, cauliflower sprouts, broccoli sprouts, cabbage sprouts, kale sprouts, red clover sprouts, parsley, carrot, oat sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, and okra. In addition, it has 2 types of mushrooms that promote health and vitality, as well as green tea extract and other helpful nutrients.

It is available at our office and costs $37.00 for 90 tablets. Come on in and pick one up or we can ship it to you.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:12 PM | Permalink

A lot of people are aware that their tap water is toxic. Unfortunately, for most people their refrigerator filters are useless in removing the tap water?€™s toxins. If your municipality uses only chlorine to treat the tap water, your refrigerator filter may be giving you some benefit. However, if your tap water is like most and has fluoride and/or chloramines added, the fridge filters aren?€™t removing any of these toxins.

Drinking toxic water is one of the most common underlying reasons for many maladies that new patients have when they come to see me. Do yourself, your family, and friends a huge favor and spread this news.

Of course, using the fridge water for soup, tea, and cooking are just other ways of poisoning yourself.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:01 PM | Permalink

I have been asked a few times in the last week or two if it is OK to use the lemon juice in the plastic ?€?lemon?€? shaped bottles instead of using fresh. The answer is ?€?no?€?. Over Memorial Day weekend I had an opportunity to test a fresh lemon, the ?€?regular?€? lemon juice (RealLemon) in a lemon-shaped plastic bottle, and organic lemon juice in a fruit-shaped plastic container. Both of the plastic-containered juices tested toxic. I didn?€™t have any of my testers available with me, but I highly suspect the plastic containers are toxic. Especially because lemon juice is so acidic I would expect it to leech the toxins a lot. So use fresh and enjoy!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:41 PM | Permalink

If any of you have gone into a deep funk when I recommended that you not use Tom?€™s of Maine toothpastes due to the foaming agent (SLS) that it had, take heart. One of my patients alerted me to the fact that Tom?€™s does make an SLS-free formula as well. You have to look for it & it is noted LARGE on the font of the package. See, life is getting better!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:21 PM | Permalink

To follow up from last week?€™s health tip, I normally recommend that people sleep on their back. Usually they test best with their lower legs elevated 8-10 inches. The second best position is on the side with a pillow between the knees.

One of the issues that many stomach sleepers have communicated is that they feel vulnerable on their back. This is easily resolved for most by holding onto a pillow that is placed on their chest/abdomen.

If someone insists on sleeping on their stomach it can be helpful to have some pillows under the abdomen and chest so that the head can drop straight forward and still have breathing space. This eliminates the neck torque that I discussed in the previous tip. And if you feel like splurging, you could buy a massage table or beach lounger that has a face hole built into it and sleep on that.

If you decide you truly want to stop stomach sleeping, but find yourself waking on your stomach despite your best intentions, the ?€?tennis ball trick?€? can help. Tie a tennis ball into the crotch of a pair of panty hose and knot it so it won?€™t move around. Before bed, place the tennis ball at your mid-abdomen and snugly tie the panty hose legs around your back. Most people will move back onto their side or back if they accidentally roll onto their stomach and feel the pressure from the tennis ball.

Happy sleeping! Healthy Living!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:18 PM | Permalink

We have had many people take advantage of our ?€?Spring into Health?€? new patient special. In case you missed the announcement in our last ?€?NewsPlayer,?€? we are offering $100 off for any new patient who begins care by April 30th. Tell your friends and family that now is the time to call 727-449-0121 and get scheduled!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:51 PM | Permalink

From an article in today?€™s Tampa Tribune: ?€?In a major change, the American Heart Association said Monday that hands-only CPR?€”rapid, deep presses on the victim?€™s chest until help arrives?€”works just as well as standard CPR for sudden cardiac arrest in adults.

Experts hope bystanders will now be more willing to jump in and help if they see someone suddenly collapse. Hands-only CPR is simpler and easier to remember and removes a big barrier for people skittish about the mouth-to-mouth breathing.

?€?You only have to do two things. Call 911 and push hard and fast on the middle of the person?€™s chest,?€? said Michael Sayre, an emergency medicine professor at Ohio State University who headed the committee that made the recommendation.

Hands-only CPR calls for uninterrupted chest presses?€”100 a minute?€”until paramedics take over or an automated external defibrillator is available to restore a normal heart rhythm.

This action should be taken only for adults who unexpectedly collapse, stop breathing and are unresponsive. The odds are that the person is having cardiac arrest ?€“ the heart suddenly stops?€”which can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems. In such a case, the victim still has ample air in the lungs and blood and compressions keep blood flowing to the brain, heart and other organs.

A child who collapses is more likely to primarily have breathing problems?€”and in that case, mouth-to-mouth breathing should be used. That also applies to adults who suffer lack of oxygen from a near-drowning, drug overdose, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In these cases, people need mouth-to-mouth to get air into their lungs and bloodstream.

The CPR guidelines had been inching toward compression-only. The last update, in 2005, put more emphasis on chest pushes by alternating 30 presses with two breaths.

Those who have been trained in traditional CPR can still opt to use it."

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:49 PM | Permalink

For a long time I have been using a toothpaste that I get from my dentist?€™s office. It is called ?€?Tooth & Gum Paste?€? from the Dental Herb Company. It is one of the few high quality toothpastes available that has no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a foaming agent (equals toxic bubble maker). The apparent high price is offset by the small amount needed for each brushing due to its concentration. NOTE: The cinnamon bark and peppermint oil that is used is possibly a bit intense for children.

I recently used another ?€?natural?€? toothpaste from the health food store. It was one of ?€?Tom?€™s of Maine?€? products. I was shocked by all the bubbles spewing out of my mouth and was so disappointed to realize that this apparent ?€?healthy?€? product had toxic SLS in it.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:36 PM | Permalink

The last 3 babies that I examined all had constipation & apparent tummy pain (crying and fussing a lot). All 3 of them were fed a powdered infant formula that was being mixed with ?€?nursery?€? water. All three of them tested as being poisoned by the chemicals from the plastic bottle the water was sold in, as well as the fluoride added to the distilled nursery water.

PLEASE spread the word to anyone you know who has a baby or young child that the nursery water is harmful and can cause immediate short-term negative effects & long term problems as well.

One of the moms was ?€?reassured?€? by their pediatrician that her baby was fine and that she was just a tired & over protective first mom. PHOOEY! Her baby was being poisoned, couldn?€™t poop, and was in pain.

I recommend that a good quality spring water from glass or clear plastic bottles be used to mix baby formula. See more water details at http://www.drplayer.com/drinking-water.htm.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:00 PM | Permalink

If you take multiple supplements at different times of the day you may find it helpful to have a ?€?vitamin reminder?€? box. They serve several purposes: 1. If you sometimes forget if you took your supplements you can just look and see if that day?€™s dose is gone 2. You only need to deal with the bottles once per week when distributing them into the compartments 3. They are in one handy spot if you are going to head out for a meal.

The one I use for my own supplements is called the ?€?One Day at a Time.?€? Each day?€™s dose pops out of the holder to take with me to the office or to a restaurant if needed. Mine has 4 compartments for each day: morning, noon, evening, and bedtime. I saw some the other day at the Dollar Tree that have less features but may be perfect for your needs. If you only take your supplements 2 times per day, you don?€™t need the 4 compartments of the more expensive case. Several different sizes are also available online or at your local drug store.

Using the boxes has made it much easier for different family members to be consistent with their nutrients and therefore get the benefits. Check them out!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:23 PM | Permalink

I have sent out previous health tips regarding the beneficial effects of Tachyon discs in counteracting many of the harmful effects of cell phones. I know many of you still haven?€™t gotten them. Here?€™s the tip: IF YOU EVER USE A CELL PHONE IT SHOULD HAVE A TACHYON DISC ON IT?€”THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. See my blog, particularly the Feb. 14, 2006 entry, at www.drplayer.com for the details of the negative effects and purchasing options.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:27 PM | Permalink

If you use a tomato sauce for pasta or any other recipes, there is one I can recommend at this time. It is organic, so there is less concern regarding the normally high pesticides in regular tomatoes and their products. It also tested as okay regarding not being an aluminum source, which can be a problem even with other organic sauces. The product is Muir Glen Organic Tomato and Herb sauce. It seems fairly widely available, including the organic section of many larger ?€?normal?€? grocery stores.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:09 PM | Permalink

If one more piece of information on how smoking contributes to disease will get a smoker that you know to finally quit, here it is. A recent study conducted in the Netherlands found that smoking increases the risk of Alzheimer?€™s disease (AD) by as much as 50% in people 55 or older who don?€™t have a genetic predisposition to the disease. Doctors used to think that the nicotine in tobacco reduced the risk of AD by inhibiting the formation of plaques in the brain. The new study shows that, in fact, nicotine worsens the effects of a brain protein that causes Alzheimer?€™s Disease.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:05 PM | Permalink

As new energy-saving fluorescent lightbulbs become more standard, one danger to be aware of is that these bulbs contain mercury. If one breaks, don?€™t vacuum the debris?€”that can release toxic dust into the air. Leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Then, wearing gloves, place fragments into a plastic bag, seal it and take it to a recycling center.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:07 PM | Permalink

A commonly known fact about fluorescent lightbulbs is that the flickering from the bulbs has been reported to trigger migraines or even seizures. A lesser known fact is that the fluorescent light also can aggravate skin rashes in people with lupus, eczema, or dermatitis.

As many people are switching out their regular incandescent bulbs to the ?€?greener?€? fluorescent bulbs, this needs to be kept in mind if any of the above mentioned symptoms occur or worsen.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:49 PM | Permalink

When someone has braces put on their teeth, every time they are tightened the forces on the teeth and bones can create pain, as well as causing a mini-trauma to the bones. There are two supplements and a homeopathic remedy that consistently show as needed and helping in the first 3-7 days after each change to the mouth:
1.) Total Inflam (to alleviate pain) -- usually 8-10 a day. Can be taken up to 4 an hour, as needed.
2.) Core Level Bone Matrix (to help bones accept changes with less negative repercussions) -- usually 2-6 per day.
3.) Homeopathic Symphytum (also helps bones accept changes) -- usually 4 tablets every 1 to 2 hours the first one to three days, and then 4 times a day for the rest of the week.
All of these are available at our office.
Following this protocol keeps the person more comfortable without the negative affects on the liver, stomach and kidneys caused by traditional pain medications such as aspirin, Advil and Motrin. In addition, it helps to ward off any future tooth problems caused by too fast and excessive changes to the bones.
I personally wish I had known of this when I had my braces. What a difference it would have made!

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:37 PM | Permalink

If your body has dry, chapped lips and/or is constipated there is a good chance you need to drink more water. As a very general rule you should try to drink half your weight in ounces. Example: if your body weighs 140 pounds, you should target drinking 70 ounces of good quality, plain water water each day. That would be almost 9 glasses per day. Please see my ful article on water for more details.
If drinking the water does not resolve either problem, get scheduled to see me so I can find a more specific solution for you.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:27 PM | Permalink

If you or someone you know is having nightmares, taking extra vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be very helpful in eliminating them. Core Level Thiamine has consistently tested far superior to all other brands. Taking any B1 vitamin by itself can create an imbalance with other B vitamins. And taking too much vitamin B1 can also create mineral imbalances, such as calcium. Core Level Thiamine was formulated to include the other nutrients needed so as not to create any of these imbalances. (All of the Core Level products were formulated in this manner.) Also, because of the high quality ingredients and the special formulation many people find they need way less to get far superior results. For example, if someone normally takes 500mg of vitamin B, they may only need 90mg of Core Level Thiamine.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:48 PM | Permalink

One of my patients called recently with great news for all celebration enthusiasts. A favorite ?€?special?€? restaurant for many people is The Melting Pot- a fondue restaurant. Until recently they used aluminum fondue pots and cast aluminum plates. Due to a change in their heating systems, they had to switch to stainless steel.

I am thrilled! I loved going there for special events but the last time, several years ago, I had such an intense aluminum reaction that I have never returned and also advised patients to not go there.

With the change in cookware, if you use the boullion instead of the oil for cooking, and order the dark chocolate for your dessert dipping, we could almost consider this health food! (I know, that?€™s stretching it a bit.)

Be sure to check your local restaurant before making reservations. My understanding is that the new ones are all non-aluminum and the old ones are converting as they are able.

Just in time for Valentine?€™s Day. Enjoy!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:44 PM | Permalink

If you are having trouble getting homeopathic tablets or drops into someone?€™s mouth without touching them with your fingers (or having lips and tongues touching the dropper) it is a big help to place the remedy dose onto a spoon first. This has been very helpful in the office especially with my little squirming patients.

NOTE: Touching the tablets with fingers or touching lips/tongues to the dropper can contaminate the remedy and negate its effectiveness.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:44 PM | Permalink

If you know of a female who?€™s been told to take aspirin for heart attack prevention, there is new information to consider.

A study published in the Oct. 17, 2007 issue of BioMed Central Medicine analyzed data from 23 studies, involving 113,494 people, most in their 50?€™s or older, who had been randomly assigned to take aspirin or a placebo daily for one to ten years. In studies of mainly women, there was virtually no difference between those who took and did not take aspirin. Regardless of sex, aspirin did not appear to affect the likelihood of a fatal heart attack. Aspirin can cause excessive bleeding in some people and all drugs create stress on the liver and possibly kidneys, brain, and other organs. There are natural alternatives to decrease one?€™s risk of heart attacks that are effective and not toxic.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:16 PM | Permalink

The widespread use of standard antibiotics to treat sinus infections does not help cure patients and may harm them by increasing their resistance to the drugs, according to a new study published on Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 (and per my observations as well). The researchers found that the percentage of patients who got well in 10 days was about the same whether they took an antibiotic or a placebo.

?€?With a little bit of patience, the body will usually heal itself,?€? said Ian Williamson, a family medicine researcher at the University of Southampton in England and lead author of the paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Daniel Merenstein, a family physician at Georgetown University in Washington, who was not involved in the study, said the study was more evidence of the overuse of antibiotics, which has caused problems with drug resistance. Recent studies also have shown that antibiotics are unnecessary for treating ear infections and bronchitis.

In addition to the antibiotics not helping the infection they will also contribute to a yeast overabundance. I have found this yeast situation is almost always one of the underlying causes of repeated sinus problems in the first place. It creates a vicious cycle.

There are so many natural & effective ways to help a body when it has any type of infection ?€“ my treatments, herbal remedies, homeopathics, etc. that provide real help.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:26 PM | Permalink

A teaspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children?€™s coughs and help them sleep better, according to a new study that appears in December?€™s Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The folk remedy did better than cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison.

Note: Honey should not be given to children under age one because of a rare but serious risk of botulism.

There are also many other natural and effective ways to help someone with a cough- my treatments, herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies, to name a few. Decreasing the coughing and increasing the sleep helps everyone in the family!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 01:40 PM | Permalink

For the holidays our office will be closed from December 24th through December 26th. WE WILL BE OPEN ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27th. We will then be closed through January 1st. We will reopen at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2nd. Be sure to schedule your appointments and stock up on your supplements. Happy holidays!

A good thing to have on hand during this treat-filled holiday is Homeopathic Sugar. When you or a family member has had an excessive intake of sugar, Homeopathic Sugar can help alleviate many of the negative symptoms that may result. We carry a 2 FL oz. dropper for $19.50.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:02 PM | Permalink

I just had a conversation with one of my patients regarding her husband (not a patient of mine). He apparently only has a bowel movement every few days and sometimes only once per week. Since his medical doctor has told him, ?€?that?€™s what?€™s normal for you,?€? he is unwilling to look into possible solutions for what I consider to be a major malfunction in his body. Apparently the line, ?€?that?€™s what?€™s normal for you,?€? is a rampant viewpoint as I have many patients who have been told this, including infants. In every situation, one for one, when I discovered the underlying source of the constipation and it was corrected, the new ?€?normal?€? was then 1-3 times per day. Please spread the truth about this. Having body waste collecting internally for 3-7 days contributes to so many health problems.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:01 PM | Permalink

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, please be sure to let them know that in all the cases I have seen there were underlying causes that were very fixable. This is contrary to most of the (false) information being promoted about this body condition. Also, drugs are not needed to address fibromyalgia either.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:56 PM | Permalink

Momma always told you breakfast was the most important meal of the day. She has a point! According to Economic and Social Research Council, ?€?skipping breakfast can make you more susceptible to colds and flu.?€?

A research study at Cardiff University addressed the factors that are connected to the common cold. The study involved 100 students who kept a diary every day of what they ate. Students who had more than one illness during the time the study was conducted were found to be less likely to eat breakfast.

Just another reason to eat in the morning!

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:38 PM | Permalink

A lot of your family members and friends are probably still using non-stick cookware. Christmas is a great time to get them onto a healthier path by getting them new pots and pans. If you need details on my recommendations click http://www.drplayer.com/aluminum-more-about.htm for the info.

From what I hear from a lot of patients, cookware is a pretty common gift from family members and seems to be appreciated. Just think how much more they?€™ll appreciate it when they realize they?€™ve been poisoning themselves with the old stuff. And you?€™ll get to be the hero in their lives!

~ Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:18 PM | Permalink

Some people take a form of ?€?red yeast extract?€? to lower their cholesterol. If you know of someone who is taking the red yeast supplements marketed as Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice Complex and Cholestrix, you should be aware that these nonprescription supplements have been found to have lovastatin in them, which is a prescription drug. The products are manufactured by Nature?€™s Value Inc, Kabco Inc, and Sunburst Biorganics, respectively, and sold over the Internet by the manufacturers, or in the case of Red Yeast Rice, by Swanson Healthcare Products. The lovastatin is not named in the list of the product ingredients on the bottle. You will have to get tested to know whether it has affected you or not. Lovastatin can cause severe muscle problems leading to kidney impairment, so please make sure to get checked out if you have been taking these supplements.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:03 PM | Permalink

If you or someone you know gets a plantar wart there is an easy solution that comes from your toolbox, rather than your medicine chest. A Plantar wart is a black pin hole (or larger) on the bottom of the foot, which is dfferent from a traditional wart which is a skin toned bump on any part of the body. They can be both be caused/contributed to by an immune system weakness. In addition to addressing this weakness and any allergies, viruses, etc. that may be involved, we have duct tape to the rescue! Duct tape is the thick, silver tape with the heavy adhesive that is meant to be used on AC and heating ducts. It has come to be commonly or jokingly used for MANY other things, including prom dresses!
The way to use it to treat a plantar wart is to first thoroughly clean and dry the affected area. Then cut a piece of duct tape that is just larger than the wart and apply it firmly over the wart. Repeat this process daily until the wart is gone. I have seen deep, quarter-sized "crater" plantar warts eliminated by doing this vigilantly, even when nothing else has helped.
~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:14 PM | Permalink

No, this isn?€™t a Halloween tip, but some of my patients may be shocked to hear me make a drug suggestion.

There are some times when a situation occurs that is VERY painful (flared arthritis, extreme menstrual cramps, headaches, etc.) Since people frequently take some meds to help in these situations I wanted to let you know which over-the-counter pain medicine has tested least harmful. In comparing Tylenol, Motrin, aspirin, and Aleve, the Aleve has tested the least harmful as a general rule. Any medication needs to be processed by the liver in order to become active, but some of these medications put more of a stress on the liver as well as the kidneys, stomach, and brain.

I would of course always recommend that the supplement, Total Inflam be tried first for pain and inflammation. I?€™ve taken as many as 4 every half hour in intense situations and it has been very successful for myself and many people. But if the situation is more intense and it is before you are able to get in to see me (or the ER if it is really bad) the Aleve may assist you with the least harm.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:56 PM | Permalink

As cell phones have become more and more commonplace, using wireless headsets have also become so. I am still not used to seeing people with attachments on their ears that have a blinking red or blue light. To me it looks a little alien-like, as if they are going to be beamed up to their spaceship at a moment?€™s notice.

Aside from my personal opinion about these devices there are also health considerations regarding them.

The most recent patient I tested for the body?€™s effects to her wireless device showed stress to her thyroid, eyes, pineal gland (related to sleep), and the brain. That was with the phone turned on but not even transmitting a call!

Obviously, different people?€™s bodies react differently, but if you use one of these types of phone accessories it would be smart to bring it to your next appointment so we can test it.

I use a thin-wired earpiece/microphone when I want to be hands free (with a tachyon disc on my cell phone [NOTE: see previous blog entry at www.drplayer.com/blog and click ?€?Feb 2006?€™]) and it works very well.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Taking Those First Steps: When a child begins to walk it is very exciting ?€“ for them and their family! When they are inside the house it is best to allow them to be barefoot and really let their toes do their job and grip the floor to help them balance in the upright position. Whether you live up north where it?€™s getting colder or down here in Florida where the sidewalks are still toasty, it is important to protect their tootsies from harsh temperatures as well as rough pavement and/or stones, etc.

When I was growing up the idea was to have a very firm-soled shoe with a stiff leather upper that went up above the ankles. As with many things, more research has found that just the opposite is true. A totally soft, flexible-soled shoe allows the little guys to walk more naturally and develop their own balance, while still protecting the feet.

There are several brands that are widely available. Here are a couple links: www.shooshoosusa.com and www.jackandlily.com.

So, even though those Nike tennis shoes may look as cute as can be, they are best used when the children are still young enough to be carried or crawling, or old enough to be playing sports.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:44 PM | Permalink

Unexpected Responses to Eye Examination Recommendation: My health tip at the end of August (can be viewed now on my blog at www.drplayer.com) in which I recommended that people get eye examinations created some totally unexpected responses.

One of my favorite patients seemed totally outraged that I would make such a recommendation. Others felt that since they could still see, why bother?

But I also got this response: ?€?As a testament to this, an ophthalmologist [editor?€™s note: an MD who specializes in eyes] is the one who discovered the bleed on my brain through an eye examination, and therefore saved my life and most of my vision.?€?

I have also had several patients realize that ignoring this body function until it is an obvious problem isn?€™t a great idea and they have gotten their exams done. Thank you.

Other medical practitioners can be very valuable to us in our work together to have your body functioning totally optimally. A straightforward example is if you have a bone sticking out of your skin it is best to go to the ER and have those specialists put it back together and stitch you up. Then, come in to see me ASAP so we can treat your body and get you on the right nutrients and homeopathics to heal as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

At certain times, other specialists and the ?€?fancy tests?€? can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a situation. Good examples of those other types of doctors are cardiologists, dentists, and ob-gyn?€™s. Then, we can apply the natural methods of treatment to successfully address the problem without using the drugs and surgery that could normally be recommended.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 09:35 PM | Permalink

Some of my patients have never done re-heating of food in any manner other than the microwave. To follow up on my last email tip that included using a toaster over, I?€™m going to go over some BASIC info about stove top reheating.

When I mention using the stove there are frequently many questions. If this lack of kitchen knowledge applies to you, please continue reading.

Stove top reheating is best for things that are liquid (such as soup), or can tolerate a little liquid (such as pasta or meat leftovers). Get an appropriate sized pot/pan ?€“ enamel, glass, or stainless steel work best and aren?€™t toxic. Cast iron can also work, depending on the type of food. Place the food in the pot/pan and turn the stove on low (a little higher than the simmer setting). Most foods reheat best with a well fitting lid on the pot. If the food is solid or a little congealed, mixing it with a little water helps it to reheat more evenly. Be sure to stir as needed for even heating/decreased burning. I usually put the food on the stove, jump in the shower, and the food is ready when I get out. VOILA! Hot and yummy food and no microwave was used.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:12 PM | Permalink

I am always interested in my patients getting more information about how bodies work. Here is one of those opportunities. On the National Geographic Channel on Sunday, Sept.16th at 8 p.m. they are featuring a two hour documentary about the inner workings of the human body. The show is called ?€?Inside the Living Body?€?.

The Bay Life section of the Tampa Tribune says, ?€?A new National Geographic Channel documentary ?€?Inside the Living Body?€? takes viewers on a tour of our organs, cells and biological systems, captured with high-definition?€¦cameras. The two-hour special ?€“ airing at 8 p.m. Sunday doesn?€™t just give us a glimpse of glistening membranes and flowing blood, but also tells the story of transformation by following a human being from the moment of conception to death. The producers of the show consulted with 220 experts in 45 fields of medicine.?€? Tampa Tribune also warns, ?€?Parts of the documentary may?€¦make some viewers queasy.?€? I say, what a great opportunity to become more knowledgeable about something we are trying to be more successful at being in charge of ?€“ our bodies and our health!
~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:58 PM | Permalink

Giving up one?€™s microwave oven is one of the hardest lifestyle changes for many of my patients to make. Since I?€™ve never been a microwave user, the missed convenience isn?€™t something I?€™ve experienced. When not using one it definitely takes some thinking and planning ahead to have food thawed and/or cooked when needed.

Having a high quality toaster oven can go a long way toward helping. I recommend that you get one with a convection oven feature as well ?€“ it decreases cooking time. Be sure to get one that has an enamel or steel baking pan rather than an aluminum one. Many of my family members are very happy with our DeLonghi toaster ovens. My mom has had hers for about 10-12 years and it?€™s still working great.

To thaw frozen meat, we just put it in a Ziploc baggie and then into a large stainless bowl in the sink with hot water in it. You can keep a light flow of hot water from the tap going into it or change out the water frequently to speed up the process. It takes only about 5 minutes to defrost a couple of turkey cutlets and maybe 25-30 minuets for a pound of ground turkey.

Many people have the idea that ?€?just reheating?€™ in the microwave is OK but it still creates the same harmful effects. (See my previous tips and article on microwaves for more info.) It helps to have enough small pots and pans for stove top re-heating and cooking.

When you are trying to heal and rebuild body parts and/or grow a healthy body, NOT using the microwave goes a HUGE way toward helping those goals.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:12 PM | Permalink

A lot of my patients have a backyard pool and just accept the heavy toxicity of their chlorination system as a given. It doesn?€™t have to be so. As the skin is such an absorptive organ, swimming in a toxic pool can have many long-term negative effects on one?€™s health. It would be worth looking into the options.

There are 2 companies that I know personally who have chlorine-free pool systems available.

Contact:

Winston Kao at 727-447-2344 or info@gobeyondorganic.com

-or

Michael Walet at 727-480-6979 or mjwalet@aol.com

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:33 PM | Permalink

In years of working with patients there is an area of health maintenance that seems to be ignored by many people ?€“ eye examinations. I have had adults in their 50?€™s and 60?€™s tell me that they haven?€™t had an eye exam since they were in school.

To me that is unbelievable! I may have a very different viewpoint from many people as my godmother and her husband were both optometrists. Everyone in my family got our eyes examined every year.

According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, infants should be examined by an ophthalmologist or pediatrician by six months of age. Children ages 1-18 should have their eyes examined every two to four years. Adult examinations of the eyes should be performed on a regular basis:

?· Young adults (age 20-49) should have their eyes examined every three to five years.

?· Adults (age 40-64) should have their eyes examined every two to four years.

?· Seniors (over 65 years of age) should have their eyes examined every one to two years.

High risk children and adults may require more frequent examinations and eye care treatment to help prevent progression of an eye disease. The American Optometric Association?€™s recommendations are on the more frequent side of those ranges.

Frequently people say that if they felt there was a problem they would get their eyes checked. The tricky thing about eye conditions is that they can sneak up on you without any symptoms at all, or symptoms that are easily attributable to other things, i.e. ?€?I?€™m tired?€?, ?€?I did a lot of reading?€?, etc.

Do me and yourself a favor and get your eyes checked if it?€™s been longer than the recommended time for your age group. If at all possible, go to a practitioner that has an Optomap machine (see health tip from June 20, 06 also available on our blog page). You?€™ll have a very thorough picture of your eye health without needing to have ?€?the drops?€? used in your eyes (another excuse people use for not wanting to go).

There are many competent eye doctors. If you live locally, I have used Dr. Joseph Hatala since we moved to Florida in the late 80?€™s and I?€™ve been very happy with his exams and willingness to answer my questions. His office number in the Countryside Mall is 727-669-6369.

Our ability to see is such an important asset to keep going well. The small price to pay for a complete eye exam is totally worth it even if you don?€™t have insurance to cover it. (Another excuse I?€™ve heard a lot.)

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 07:06 PM | Permalink

If you haven?€™t already heard, the popular snack Veggie Booty is being recalled nationwide due to possible contamination with salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported.

Consumers are urged to throw any packages of the product away. This recall needs immediate attention as Veggie Booty is often eaten by children. Parents are urged to watch for signs of gastrointestinal illness in any youngster who has already eaten the product. The FDA has had 52 reports of illness in 17 states, beginning in March. Almost all of the victims have been children under age 10, mostly toddlers. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms usually begin within four days of exposure. People with weaker immune systems, including the young and elderly, are especially prone to salmonella poisoning.

~Susan

Sources: Chicago Tribune, FitSugar.com

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:50 PM | Permalink

I have been strongly urging people for years to not use NutraSweet at all. Here is additional info regarding its harm. If you or anyone you know is using this product in any form, please stop.

A new long-term animal test from an Italian cancer institute raises new safety questions about the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is marketed generically as well as under the NutraSweet and Equal brand names. A dozen toxicology and epidemiology experts and the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the study, which found increases in lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer in rats. If the FDA concludes that aspartame does cause cancer in animals, the agency is required by law to revoke its approval for the controversial sweetener, which is used in Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke, tabletop packets, and countless other foods. Aspartame also enters the diet through sugar-free or reduced-sugar gums, candies, yogurts, and hundreds of other products. Many aspartame-containing products are likely to be consumed by kids, including sugar-free Kool-Aid, Jell-O gelatin dessert, pudding mixes, and some Popsicles.

The new study, conducted by the Ramazzini Foundation and published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found statistically significant increases in lymphoma and leukemia in rats that were fed as little as 20 milligrams of the sweetener per kilogram of body weight -- an amount that?€™s in the ballpark of what some people consume. The new study is superior to a similar one released in 2005 in that it began exposing the rats to aspartame before their birth.

As a result of the new study, for the first time CSPI downgraded aspartame on its online Chemical Cuisine directory from a ?€?use caution?€? rating to ?€?everyone should avoid.?€? CSPI also urges everyone to avoid the artificial sweeteners acesulfame potassium and saccharin.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 10:26 PM | Permalink

As the sun has kicked into high gear again, I have had some patients bringing in different sunscreen products to be tested. I am happy to say that there is a company producing a product that seems pretty ideal. The company is called Mexitan and the SPF 30 formula tested really well. I have started using this for my family and it worked great on July 4th.

Here?€™s some info on it: The active ingredients are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which are not harsh chemicals, they are natural minerals derived from clay which reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays away from the body ?€“ forming a physical barrier to shield skin, without irritating or clogging the pores. It has no fragrance, parabens, mineral oil or synthetically-produced compounds.

Mexitan sunscreen protection stays on the surface of the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin. On certain skin types, and when applied heavily, the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide has a noticeable white appearance. This mineral sun block is on your skin to reflect UV rays, rather than absorbing into your body and to your vital organs. SPF 30 is their most concentrated lotion and it leaves a more visible white shield on your skin than the SPF 8 or SPF 15 formula. Mexitan is water resistant. There are 2 Mexitan SPF 30 products, one marketed for family and one for surfer/swimmers. The products are actually identical.

A major ingredient in their formula is Green Tea which is effective in reducing sunburn according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University. Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV radiation, and helps protect skin cells.

Mexitan has a minimum of 2-3 years shelf life. Occasionally you need to shake the bottles well to help it stay fresh, and for best results store it for prolonged periods at 50-80 degrees.

Throughout the USA there are numerous beach and surf shops, natural food stores, and salons that carry Mexitan products, as well as several Walgreens. Most of these retail outlets do not stock a complete line of Mexitan or only carry it during seasonal periods, so it is often more convenient to order this online: www.mexitanproducts.com.

~Susan

Reference: Mexitanproducts.com

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:33 PM | Permalink

Blueberries are one of the most healthful foods you can eat. They beat out 39 other fruits and vegetables in the antioxidant power ratings, making them a great hedge against cellular damage that contributes to heart disease and cancer.

One study also found that rats that gobbled blueberries were more coordinated and smarter than rats that didn?€™t. Men?€™s Health Magazine says, ?€?make it your goal to eat a pint of blueberries every week.?€?

Blueberries are also on the ?€?low in pesticides?€™ list, which is helpful for the body (and wallet) as well.

~Susan

Reference: Men?€™s Health

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:57 PM | Permalink

My mom recently brought the following information to my attention after reading an article in her local newspaper, The Detroit Free Press.

An Ann Arbor, MI environmental group released a study last week indicating that chemicals such as chlorine, bromine and lead ?€“ which have been linked to cancer, as well as liver, thyroid and developmental problems in children and lab animals ?€“ could be leaching from the seats, endangering the health of young children.

A coauthor of the report and auto project coordinator for the Ecology Center said researchers selected the chemicals for the study because of their toxicity, persistence and tendency to build up in people and the environment.

Children can breathe and ingest the chemicals through gases, the air and dust from the breakdown of the chemicals.

Some of the 62 infant, convertible and booster seats tested had no chemical problems. But 30% of the seats had high levels of the chemicals.

Those with the highest levels: Combi Center EX (Mango) and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio (Toffee) infant seats; Britax Marathon (Platinum) convertible seat and Graco?€™s TurboBooster (Emily) and TurboBooster SafeSeat booster seats.

Those without any of the chemicals: Graco SnugRide (Emerson) and EvenFlo Discovery (Churchill) infant seats.

Many years ago, one of my patients brought in her son for evaluation. He was listless and appeared to be drugged. I determined that his brain was being poisoned by toxic ?€?emissions?€? from his car seat. After my treatment, including the necessary supplements, and replacing his car seat, he responded very quickly. He is now a totally awesome teen and doing great.

If you live locally and have any questions about whether your child?€™s car seat is ok or not, bring it into the office for your child?€™s next appointment and I can check it for you. It would be best to do this test after the seat has been in an enclosed car in the sun, as that will intensify any effect that may occur. You can also do this with a brand new car seat if you want to test it before your child uses it.

~Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:33 PM | Permalink

If you aren?€™t aware of it, ovarian cancer can have many early symptoms that are frequently brushed off or ignored by many women as well as their more traditional doctors.

I have been aware of this information for more than a decade, but it was recently released in a news item which I will include in its entirety. If you are a patient of mine please let me know if you are having these symptoms so that in addition to seeing a gynecologist (as recommended in the article) I can do my type of diagnosis and recommend possible appropriate tests such as ultrasound and blood tests. In addition to ovarian cancer, these symptoms can also be caused by digestive imbalances, allergies, and toxicities to name a few. As always, finding the right cause allows for the appropriate treatment. And the sooner, the better.

~Susan

The Tampa Tribune ~ Wednesday June 13, 2007
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Listed

?€?Cancer experts have identified a set of health problems that may be symptoms of ovarian cancer, and they are urging women who have the symptoms for more than a few weeks to see their doctors.

The new advice is the first official recognition that the disease, long thought to give no warning until it was far advanced, does cause symptoms at earlier stages in many women.

The symptoms to watch out for are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and feeling a frequent or urgent need to urinate. A woman who has any of those problems nearly every day for more than two or three weeks is advised to see a gynecologist, especially if the symptoms are new and different from her usual state of health.?€?

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:45 PM | Permalink

When I was growing up there was one type of salt ?€“ Morton?€™s, with the girl and her umbrella on the front of the container. If you haven?€™t noticed lately, there are a lot of salt options and for some it has become a gourmet-type quest for the best. There is sea salt, Celtic sea salt, Himalayan salt, grey salt, brown salt, and the list goes on.

I have found on some patients that using a salt that is harmful for them has contributed to some huge imbalances in their body. It has contributed to thyroid problems, an increase in cellulite, general overweight, sinus problems, kidney problems, constipation, etc.

At this time there is not one type that I can recommend for everyone, so it is best for each person to be tested. It will take just a few minutes, depending on how many types you bring to test.

There have been many times when a patient is VERY surprised because a type of salt that they were told by someone of authority tested very harmful for them. And when they changed from the supposed ?€?best salt in the world?€™ many previously stubborn body issues resolved.

So bring it on in and let?€™s check out your salt!

Love,
Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:37 PM | Permalink

If you have a young daughter, granddaughter, etc. it is important to not dress them in those cute girlie dresses when they are crawling and learning to crawl. I recently asked one of my patients if her granddaughter was crawling yet and she said yes, but it?€™s sort of a funny type of crawl. She thought it might be due to the dresses her granddaughter wears as her knees get caught on the material and she then does sort of a ?€?drag the leg?€™ type of crawl. Upon discussing it, I agreed that the dress is definitely inhibiting the normal crawling pattern.

What a lot of people don?€™t know is that the standard cross-crawl pattern (opposite hand/leg forward) is a VITAL neurological development step. Impairing the child?€™s ability to do a lot of correct crawling can manifest later in learning difficulties, delayed speech, etc. This is also the reason that I don?€™t recommend the use of rolling walker seats as it bypasses this so-necessary cross-crawl pattern.

Do what you can to help your baby crawl normally for the most long-term benefit and hold off on those totally cute dresses for when they are walking.

Love,
Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:42 PM | Permalink

If you didn?€™t know, most pickle makers use a form of aluminum called alum in their processing. The alum is responsible for giving pickles a crisp, crunchy texture.

Although I am not a pickle maker, there are apparently at least two different methods used ?€“ fermented or quick-process. Per the USDA the alum is unnecessary even in the fermented process pickles, which is the type that usually uses it.

If you make your own pickles (does anybody still do this?) the Kansas State University Extension info line recommends a safer method of soaking the cucumbers in ice water for four to five hours prior to pickling them.

For the rest of you pickle eaters a brand that has tested as aluminum-free are Bubbies Pickles. They are not prepared in any sort of aluminum and there is no alum of any form used in the production or processing of any of the ingredients contained within the product. They are naturally fermented in salt water brine using no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Their dill pickles are in the refrigerator section and are sold mostly through health food stores such as Nature?€™s Food Patch, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc.

I?€™m not a pickle connoisseur but I do like the taste of their dill pickles and my seven year old daughter likes them in her school lunches. They are the only ones that I recommend at this time. Enjoy!

Love,
Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:46 PM | Permalink

If you?€™ve ever had the experience of using Burt?€™s Bee?€™s Beeswax Lip Balm on irritated/ slightly broken skin you know that it can be screamingly painful (especially to young children). The peppermint oil in it can be very irritating.

The good news is that I saw recently at our local health food store that the same company makes Burt?€™s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm. It doesn?€™t contain the peppermint oil and goes on real S-M-O-O-T-H. Even lips and noses that are seeing a lot of Kleenex action ?€“ whether from detox, allergies, or a cold - are happy with this one.

The stick is a pink color, but don?€™t freak out if you?€™re a guy. It basically goes on as lip-colored with no excess lipstick look. There is also a slight fruity smell which goes away fairly quickly.

It contains no toxic metals and has tested as non-toxic on patients in my office. Enjoy!

Love,

Susan

P.S. If you are NEEDING lip balm due to chapped lips, remember to drink more water. See a recent health tip about this on my blog.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:25 PM | Permalink

During extremes in the weather is when it is most important to know the basics your body needs and to then provide them.

For some people, taking salt and potassium helps them deal with our summer weather. One situation that I?€™ve seen a lot is that someone?€™s body needs sodium but of a different source than salt tablets. Goat whey is an excellent source of sodium and potassium and is frequently easier to tolerate than salt tablets. We have it available at my office.

For other people the main thing is to drink plenty of good spring water and then everything is hunky-dory. For others, the successful action is to take something called cell salts, which we frequently have in stock. They are also available at several vitamin stores.

Love,
Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 06:08 PM | Permalink

I would estimate that over 90% of my new patients have aluminum toxicity contributing to their long-term health problem. Even with my patients that are normally extraordinarily compliant with my recommendations, if their armpits smell, out comes the old standby aluminum containing deodorant.

I have found that many deodorant products, including the magic crystals, even when labeled ?€?no aluminum?€™ still test positive as having aluminum in them! This is because the manufacturers put a aluminum byproduct in the deodorant.

One suggestion is to apply silver water (colloidal silver) to the armpits after showering. As one of silver water?€™s properties is antibacterial and armpit odor is caused by bacteria, this makes sense.

Another suggestion is a very good deodorant product we have in stock called Alvera. Alvera tests aluminum-free and quite a few of my patients use this product with great success (meaning: no stinky pits)!

Love,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:56 PM | Permalink

For those of you who eat canned tuna the only one that I have found that tests ?€?no mercury?€™ is Starkist brand ?€?Gourmet Choice?€? Chunk Light tuna. This is the one that used to be called Starkist ?€?Select?€?. I recommend the tuna that comes in water and not olive oil as, in my opinion, it tastes far better.

Also, a tip for dog owners! According to information I received from a local naturopath, feeding your dog ANY fish, especially canned tuna is NOT recommended. Eating fish could contribute to kidney & bladder stones!

Love,
Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:23 PM | Permalink

Since my last email about bras I have found that even Victoria?€™s Secret has two no-underwire bra options if you want a sexier bra for special occasions. Also, a patient sent me a website link www.herroom.com that is a source for gazillions of high cotton content, no-underwire bras. Her favorite brand is Grenier as they even have a bra made of unbleached and undyed cotton (with lace).

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:20 PM | Permalink

I would like to share this incredible response from M.W. to my email about dryer sheets:

?€?Hi Dr. P, loved this e-mail. I have an even better one to tell you. Years ago (when I was young and foolish) I used these sheets. One day my right nipple started itching, drove me crazy. I finally went into an MD, and he diagnosed me with a type of cancer (can't even remember what type). I had to go in for a biopsy, and it wasn't cancer. We then started looking around for a cause. I finally quit the dryer sheets and it went away within a week. I wonder how many women have been diagnosed with this type of cancer and have gone through numerous invasive techniques because of these sheets. I for one wouldn't have these pieces of poison in my house even to kill a mouse!! Anytime I speak with anyone about skin allergies the first question I ask is, "are you using fabric softeners?" Almost always the answer is yes! Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention.?€?

M.W.

Thank you M.W. for sharing your story! ~ Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:18 PM | Permalink

A Tip from Susan regarding Environmental Allergies:

It?€™s oak tree pollen season! If you or a friend/family member suffers from environmental allergies this can be a particularly uncomfortable time. D-Hist is a natural antihistamine supplement that my office carries. It has proven to be very helpful. Call the office to get some for you or your loved ones! One bottle of 120 caps is $34.20.

Love,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:36 PM | Permalink

A Tip from Susan regarding Dryer Sheets:

If you use scented laundry products like dryer sheets and/or laundry detergents I strongly suggest that you switch to unscented. The fragranced products have been a contributing cause to patients?€™ symptoms such as hot flashes, hives, asthma, and sinusitis. And to be totally opinionated (as I have been known to be J), I suggest not using the dryer sheets at all. I tested several types of dryer sheets at the grocery store with my daughter and they all tested as toxic, even the unscented ones. But if you insist on using dryer sheets, at least if you use the unscented ones you won?€™t be exposed to fragrance as well as the other toxins. And you won?€™t smell like half the population. I personally think that Bounce Dryer sheet fragrance is the most used fragrance, even if unwittingly.

If you decide to stop using the scented dryer sheets in your laundry but you just don?€™t want to throw them out, it is promoted on the internet that they are very effective as pest repellant. To get rid of ants, or even mice around house foundations, place a dryer sheet nearby; to repel mosquitoes, tie a dryer sheet through a belt loop. See, even the varmints know that the stuff in the dryer sheets isn?€™t good!!

Love,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:34 PM | Permalink

Babies can absorb particles and gases emitted by cigarettes from walls, clothes, hair and skin -- including up to 90 percent of the nicotine found in tobacco smoke -- experts warn.

USA Today reported Aug. 6, 2006 that even smokers who refrain from lighting up with their infants in the room may not be fully protecting their children. George Matt of San Diego State University and colleagues found that babies, who explore the world by crawling and touching, can swallow, inhale, or absorb dangerous chemicals from cigarette-smoke residue, which can stay in the environment for months.

The preliminary study found that even babies whose parents only smoked outside had detectable levels of the nicotine byproduct cotinine in their bodies, perhaps from hugging their parent. The cotinine levels of such children were 50 times lower than those of children whose parents smoked around them, but seven times higher than the cotinine levels in children of nonsmokers.

Cotinine [COAT-e-neen] is a chemical that is made by the body from nicotine, which is found in cigarette smoke. Since cotinine can be made only from nicotine, and since nicotine enters the body with cigarette smoke, cotinine measurements can show how much cigarette smoke enters your body.

Unfortunately, the fact that nicotine alone is an extremely toxic poison often goes unmentioned. Not many people realize that nicotine is also sold commercially in the form of a pesticide! And every year, many children go to the emergency room after eating cigarettes or cigarette butts. Sixty milligrams of nicotine (about the amount in three or four cigarettes if all of the nicotine were absorbed) will kill an adult, but consuming only one cigarette's worth of nicotine is enough to make a toddler severely ill! Nicotine poisoning causes vomiting and nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, stomach pains and seizures.

My mother (who is a smoker) visited us when my daughter was an infant. I asked her to put on an over-shirt over her normal clothing when she went outside to smoke. This over-shirt was kept outside of the home and then she washed her hands upon coming back into the house. This method won?€™t stop all possibility of nicotine exposure but should surely decrease the amount.

Love,

Susan

References: USA Today, Jointogether.org, Foundation for Blood Research FBR.org, Health.howstuffworks.com

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:28 PM | Permalink

There is a huge campaign regarding breast cancer awareness and pink ribbons are seemingly on half the products for sale nowadays. A major lifestyle factor that I have never seen in mainstream references on breast cancer prevention is how important it is to not wear underwire bras. Although many such bras now use plastic rather than wire, the effect of decreasing the lymph flow in the breasts and underarm area is the same. The purpose of lymph is to remove toxins from tissues and underwire bras interfere with this. I believe that the increased toxicity increases the likelihood of breast cancer development.

I recommend that women wear cotton bras and do gentle but thorough massage of the breasts and armpit areas each evening after removing it. Several are made that can give the support needed. One catalog company that has such bras is GAIAM.com. They have a lighter support organic cotton bra and also full support bras with either front or back closures.

I understand if you want to have a totally sexy, create-cleavage type of bra for date nights or special occasions. However, I strongly discourage using such a bra for daily wear.

By making the bra change, adding in the daily massage, and avoiding antiperspirants with aluminum or even deodorants with chemicals such as propylene glycol, women are doing a lot toward increased breast health.

Love♥,

Susan

http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/94-0508_MSTR

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For years I?€™ve been recommending that if someone wants to decrease fats in their diet and especially if they are working on decreasing fats to get a yeast overabundance (Candida) under control, to sprinkle fresh lemon juice on a salad instead of using salad dressing. I personally hadn?€™t tried it and have been a big fan of lots of goopy dressing on any salad I ate. Imagine my surprise to find out how yummy it actually is! Even better (I think) is fresh lime juice with a dash of salt. I?€™ve been doing that on a totally simple mix of chopped romaine hearts and sliced avocado and my body is thrilled every time I have it. Tell me what you think when you try it.

Love♥,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 02:39 PM | Permalink

A reminder for you and anyone you know that travels by air with homeopathic remedies and/or supplements. Many high quality supplements and all homeopathic remedies can be harmed by the airport security radiation machines. These items MUST be hand checked. We have a letter (doctor?€™s note) that you can carry with you but I was told by a TSA employee that their operating policy is to hand check homeopathics. Also a heads-up is that I was told many medications and hand creams can test positive for some possible explosive chemical. If these items are mixed with your supplements and homeopathics (same bag) and it tests positive, then ALL the items have to be put through the scanner at some airports, including Tampa.

Also be sure to not put your homeopathics and supplements in your checked baggage as they are subjected to even stronger radiation. The drugs don?€™t get affected by this to my knowledge.

IF your supplements do get radiated do NOT take any of the Core Level products. They have tested harmful, not just neutral, after being radiated. The homeopathics can be tapped into the palm of your hand 100 times to reactivate them in most cases.

Love,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:01 PM | Permalink

I was speaking with a good friend of mine a couple of days ago and she said she is very aware that her hearing has decreased over the last 8 or so years that she has been using cell phones. I was dismayed to find out that she hasn?€™t been reading my email tips and wasn?€™t aware of the Tachyon discs I have recommended in the past. When I told her of the difference they make in decreasing damage to the body by cell phone use, she immediately agreed to get one for her phone. PLEASE, be sure that your cell phone has a disc on it and encourage all that you know to do the same. They can be purchased at our office or at Tachyon discs .

Santa Hint: They make great little stocking stuffers and Kris Kringle gift exchange presents!

Love♥,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:37 PM | Permalink

This morning my uterus and low back were hurting, and I remembered my period was about to start. (I rarely have these symptoms, even when pre-menstrual.) I took 2 Core Level Uterus and 2 Core Level Magnesium and felt better within 10 minutes. The symptoms TOTALLY stopped. I realized this was not only very COOL, but that most people would have taken drugs like Pamprin or Midol. Instead of hiding the pain, and having the negative effects of medicating themselves, they can address the underlying situation, and make it feel better just as fast!

Love♥,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:02 PM | Permalink

It is VITAL that Nutri-West Core Level and other supplements NOT go into your checked baggage as they will get heavy radiation. The radiation makes them not only no longer helpful, but actually harmful to you! You also must NOT put them in your carry-on bags which go onto the conveyer belt as they will also receive radiation that way. One of my patients recently experienced bringing me supplements after they had been radiated. They all tested out as harmful. She had to replace about $120.00 in supplements because she had not followed the instructions I gave her re: flying with supplements.

I suggest that you take the supplements you will be taking for a short trip and divide them up into daily doses, putting each day?€™s supplements in a small baggie. Then pack all the baggies into a larger one. These should all be see-through. If it is a longer trip, pour each supplement from the bottle into a baggie and write which supplement it is on the bag. Then put all those baggies into a larger zip-lock one. When you approach the security walk-thru inform an attendant that ?€?these need to be hand checked?€? as your doctor advises you not to have them x-rayed. Hand them to the person AROUND the walk-thru. (Do not take them through or pass them through the walk-thru). As the supplements are all visible, they don?€™t have to open each bottle.

With the new rulings about liquids and gels, you may not be able to bring through homeopathic drops or any gel capsules. It may be wise to ship them to your destination by UPS if they are something you use regularly. We could also ship you a new order of them directly to your destination. If you want to ship them yourself via UPS, ask us for labels for the box which states ?€?Medicinal ?€“ do not irradiate.?€?

Love♥,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:31 PM | Permalink

I have recently had two patients mention that they were using mineral oil/baby oil products on their skin. I realized that I?€™ve never officially written about the negative effects of these products.

When I was in chiropractic school, the chemistry professor told me that these products dry the skin. He had a whole official reason (that I never fully understood), but I do know that when I stopped using my mineral oil product and switched to almond oil after my shower, my skin felt awesomely soft and healthy. Since I?€™ve been in practice the mineral oil products I have tested have all been bad.

I recommend that you use one of many other options. To name a few: olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and products made with these.

If you have any questions about any products that you use, let us know how many you?€™d like tested so that we can allow time during your appointment to do so.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 07:07 PM | Permalink

At a recent visit, my six year old daughter?€™s dentist recommended that she use a toothpaste containing Xylitol and if she chews gum, one with Xylitol would be best. He pointed out that Xylitol use reduces tooth decay and I also noticed on-line that sugar free chewing gums and candies made with Xylitol as the principal sweetener have received official endorsements from six national dental associations.

I am bringing this up as a further recommendation for ?€?Total Green?€?, a protein powder many of my patients use, which I noticed has Xylitol as its sweetener. I have used ?€?Total Green?€? myself and it?€™s the only protein powder I?€™ve liked. Many kids actually like it and ask for it at breakfast. My protein shake aficionados like it better than any of the MANY they have tried. It also tests great on people. Now another benefit is to help decrease cavities! It is available from my office for $37.00 for a 16 ounce container.

Love,

Susan

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 10:36 AM | Permalink

While seeing my optometrist I was made aware of an exciting new test that allows eye doctors to see the majority of your retina, not the normal 30% they see after having your eyes dilated. Seeing the retina allows doctors to not only see the health of your eye but can reveal other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and macular degeneration.

During the Opotomap test nothing touches your eye, nor do you have to have your eyes dilated which is a big plus.

Best of all this test is only $29.00! Ask about it at your next eye exam.

If your eye doctor does not have this technology available the eye doctor I?€™ve been seeing for years does. His name is Dr. Hatala and he is located in the Countryside Mall. His number is 727-669-6369.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 01:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A recent article I read had some interesting news I wanted to share with you.

?€?Four new studies, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, provided a grocery list of foods which may help in preventing stomach, skin and breast cancer. In fact, these preliminary studies show that the chemicals in some foods directly interact with some carcinogens and the body?€™s own cells to provide a strong defense against would-be cancer causers.
Researchers from John Hopkins University have found that sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli sprouts, is effective in fighting a dangerous bacteria and the stomach inflammation it causes. Patients with infections caused by the bacteria H.pylori were directed to eat 100 grams of broccoli sprouts for two months. Afterwards, patients had a significantly lowered amount of the bacteria in their stomach compared to a group eating a similar amount of alfalfa sprouts, a relative of the broccoli sprout which is much lower in sulforaphane."

Continue reading "Broccoli Fights Dangerous Stomach Bacteria!" »

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 10:01 AM | Permalink

Foods High in Pesticides:
Apple
Bell pepper
Celery
Cherries
Chile pepper
Imported Grapes
Nectarine
Peach
Peanuts
Pear
Potato
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomato

Foods Low in Pesticides:
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Corn, Sweet
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mango
Okra
Onion
Papaya
Pineapple
Plum
Radish
Sweet Peas
Tangerine
Watermelon

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I?€™ve noticed that some of my patients stopped taking certain supplements without me checking their body to see if that is the appropriate thing to do. Don?€™t do that! Some supplements are needed very long term, while others are recommended to address a particular situation. If you think you no longer need a certain supplement, it is best to ask me about that at the beginning of one of your regular appointments, or to schedule a short supplement check if you aren?€™t coming in regularly.

Discontinuing supplements too early can interfere with the success of your treatments and I wouldn?€™t want that to happen to you.

If you?€™re not close-by or have trouble stopping by, you can order supplements by mail, telephone, e-mail or on the website. We are happy to ship them to you.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 12:55 AM | Permalink

I have recommended not using non-stick pans for years and here is another reason why.

PFOA (perfluroocatanoic acid) was labeled earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a likely carcinogen.
PFOA which is used in the manufacturing of fast-food paper containers, stain resistant fabric coating, and other products can boost liver toxicity and raise risks for liver, pancreatic and thymus cancer.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 03:56 PM | Permalink

USA Today had great information on Pomegranate Juice and why you should be drinking it

Heart specialist Dean Ornish says blood flow to the heart improved 17% in men and women with coronary heart disease who drank 8.5 ounces of pomegranate juice a day for three months. Blood flow decreased 18% in patients who took placebos; this was a normal progression of their heart disease.
It can lower blood pressure and help shrink plaque buildup in the neck arteries, say Israeli studies.
Tests on mice indicate it may inhibit prostate cancer and Alzheimer's-like brain plaque.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 10:29 AM | Permalink

This is vital information I want you to have, and hopefully you will never need. If a person has had a stroke, the sooner he or she receives treatment, the better the chance of recovery.

Three Ways to Recognize if Someone has had a Stroke:

1) Ask the individual to SMILE;

2) Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS;

3) Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE.

If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 12:03 PM | Permalink

According to scientists at Monell Chemical Senses Center and others, it turns out there?€™s an ingredient called oleocanthal in olive oil that reduces inflammation. It inhibits enzymes that lead to inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, stroke, dementia and cancer. Fresh extra-virgin olive oil has the highest concentration.

Also, in a preliminary study, researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that pomegranate extract slowed the overproduction of enzymes thought to be responsible for the destruction of cartilage, the coating that protects bones and helps them glide past each other. Try drinking a half cup of pomegranate juice a day to reap the potential benefits.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 05:23 PM | Permalink

For years I have found through testing that cell phones created harm to the brain (as well as the thyroid and thymus glands frequently), and recommended using them as little as possible. I had looked into some anti-radiation devices, but they were either ineffective, very large and/or very expensive.

After one of my patients recently introduced me to Tachyon discs I tested them on patients and they work!! And they are very small and relatively inexpensive.

If you?€™d like, I can test your cell phone and see how it is negatively affecting your body, and confirm that the Tachyon disc is negating the harm. If your children use cell phones, be sure that their phones have discs on them, too!

You can schedule a time for the testing or, you can just buy a disc and start using it. They are available at our office for $22.00.

Thanks, Tommy! Your research on this was great!

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 09:59 PM | Permalink

I had dental work done today and I wanted to let you know about an idea that I hit upon that worked out great. I took a sleep mask with me to block out the bright light they usually have in your face.

Today I took my nice silk and cashmere one which thankfully did not get messed up but in the future I would using suggest a thicker one and one that is more impervious to messy stuff. Cheap ones can be bought at local drug stores but they should be aired out first to get rid of the stinky plastic smell.

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 09:59 PM | Permalink

I plan on it becoming a place of information, articles, links, and tidbits that I wish everyone knew. I also plan to share some of my favorite spots and things to do in the area.

I will be updating it regularly so please check back often!

Posted by Dr. Susan Player at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)