A Cautionary Tale about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It happened yet again today...

I had a patient return for care today after a few year hiatus. She reported that a few months ago, she had carpal tunnel surgery because she had unrelenting numbness in her pinky and ring finger. The surgery didn't help and she showed up at my office desperate for help.

Allow me to explain the carpal tunnel (apparently, the surgeon needs to read this, too):

In carpal tunnel surgery, the Transverse Carpal ligament is cut to make more room for the Median nerve to travel through. (You can see both the ligament and the nerve in the picture.) This ligament can get irritated and thickened from microtrauma (typing on a keyboard is one of the main mechanisms for injury), resulting in irritation and/or compression of the Median nerve. This results in the middle finger getting "pins and needles" or going numb.  The finger can also get weak. Cutting the ligament to relieve the pressure has been the medical solution for this for quite some time. If you trace the Median nerve from the wrist to the fingers in the picture, you will see that it travels mainly to the middle finger (with a small piece branching towards the inner ring finger and the outer index finger so, sometimes, those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will experience numbness here, too). The Ulnar nerve goes to the pinky and ring finger.

My patient was actually experiencing an ulnar nerve entrapment. This was confirmed during the exam that I did on the patient.

To say this makes me angry is an understatement. This happens all the time! And I cannot believe that these surgeons who are going in and operating have no idea where the nerves go to or what the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are. If that is the case, they don't deserve to have a license! This leads me to believe that all they are after is... MONEY!

Surgery is RISKY! And according to this article, 1 in 20 young, healthy adults die within a year of being anesthetized!

I generally refrain from speaking negatively about the medical profession, but this has got to stop. This patient has now gone through unnecessary surgery, is on disability, and is still seeking relief. I'm just glad she called and she is now back on the path of health and regaining her life. If you know someone who is having Carpal Tunnel symptoms, PLEASE share this post. And then have them call my office to schedule an appointment at 908.300.8800

How to Unclog Your Sinuses Without Drugs

How to Kill a Cold the Natural Way

1) Get Adjusted!

2) Hydrate!
    ~Drink lots of water
    ~Use a steam vaporizer while sleeping but keep it clean!

3) Do NOT overblow your nose!
    ~Gently squeeze the mucus out

4) Drink Thyme tea!

• A sprig of thyme
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash of cayenne pepper
• Top with hot water and enjoy up to every hour if necessary   

When life blows you down...

...roll with it, get back up, and get back on track... just like these adorable little ducklings.

Welcome to Wellness One Day Intensive:Restoring Balance

Back by popular demand, we are having our second annual NET retreat May 17th! Make sure to RSVP now.

I originally got the inspiration for this event while in Myrtle Beach for a seminar. I was running on the beach, thinking of how grateful I was to be able to come to a place free of judgement, be surrounded by like-minded, health-conscious individuals, and get my head cleared and centered through lots of NET. Over the years, the practitioners that I have attended these seminars with have become some of my dearest friends. We share our struggles, our triumphs, and, at seminars, our exercise and trips to health food stores.  I thought, "How great would it be if I could recreate this experience for my patients!?"  And then, it hit me: I had to make it happen!  So here we are.

TA DA!!!

Saturday, May 17th, from 8am-5:00pm, we have planned the "Welcome to Wellness One Day Intensive."

This day is designed to help you get centered, focused, and figure out not only WHAT you want from life, but how to GET it!  We're going to set goals and then release the unconscious blocks standing in the way, all in a non-judgemental, loving environment. You may even find a new friend!  I've hand-picked some of my favorite Holistic practitioners to make this day possible.  Every aspect of true health will be represented. You'll have the chance to express yourself, form relationships, exercise your body and mind, and eat nutritious, whole foods in a restful environment. If you're looking for a way to press the reset button, or even a way to take yourself to the next level, this is your opportunity. Attendance is limited to 10 participants, so this is sure to be an intimate group and a wonderful experience.

Welcome to Wellness One Day Intensive Schedule

8am Welcome Meditation

8:30-9:30 Yoga with Allison Rich of Full Circle Yoga

9:30-10 Breakfast Smoothie Demo (Breakfast included!)

10-10:30 Focus Meditation: "What do you WANT?"

10:30-12 Discussion/Goal Setting, Private NET with Dr. Redmond and Dr. Gregory

12-12:30 Invigorating Lunch

12:30-1 Mindfulness Walking Meditation/ Free time

1-4:30pm Vision Board Workshop: Making Yours Dreams Reality, Chair Massage with Tammie Starnes, Private NET with Dr. Redmond and Dr. Gregory

4:30-5 Closing Meditation 

Due to the intense nature of this retreat, all participants MUST be under consistent care of a Chiropractor or Acupuncturist for at least one month prior to the event.

To sign up, call 908.300.8800 for more information.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to experience the benefits of a focused NET session, we are now offering 15 minute, half hour, and 1 hour NET Intensives at the Somerville office .  I've been doing these for years at Hoboken Chiropractic and Wellness with great results.  Please call 908.300.8800 for scheduling and rates.

Real Food Recipe: Grain-free Raw Granola

I admit, this recipe was born out of a faux pas of mine.  At our One Day Intensive, I misunderstood the prep instructions and thought our guest, Csilla, who did our healthy breakfast and lunch demos, would be making Grain-free granola while we looked on. I failed to realize that her recipe called for an oven.  Thanks to my experience in the kitchen as well as with raw granolas, I quickly whipped up this recipe off the top of my head with the ingredients I had on hand. Fortunately, I'm pretty good under pressure and everyone loved it. Unfortunately, and to my amusement, everyone loved it so much, they wanted the recipe! So after spending some time in my own personal "test kitchen" today, I have recreated the recipe and can share it with you! 

Keep in mind a couple of important points with this recipe:

• Feel free to get creative! This recipe is easily altered based on your tastes and preferences.
• Make sure the nuts you use are fresh and not rancid. If they taste bad, they probably are and will be bitter.  Go for bulk bins or small bags and taste one before adding them to your batch!
• All of these ingredients were purchased at Wegman's.  Look for them. They're there. 
• Add ingredients in order listed and stir as you go.
• Buy organic when possible.

Grain-free Raw Granola

2 cups raw sliced almonds

1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup raw sesame seeds

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup walnut pieces (I broke walnut halves into smaller pieces with my fingers)

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1 cup chopped organic medjool dates (I chopped whole dates with pits for the best texture and flavor)

1/2 tsp ground cloves (or to taste)

1tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp Celtic sea salt (optional)

3 tbsp honey

3 tbsp melted extra virgin coconut oil

Serve over Greek yogurt, with fresh nut milk, or eat out of hand. When I made this at home, I added about 1/2 tsp cardamom which I highly recommend you try. It was delicious! Some other optional additions: goji berries or other dried fruit, cacao nibs, bee pollen (just a dash! This can be bitter!), fresh berries, other nuts and/or seeds.

Enjoy!

Are you down and out? Or launching into greatness?

As I wind down from a wonderful day of  seeing a select group of magnificent people leave layers of pain behind them, I have to share this brief  "Aha!" moment I had.

At the end of the day, Kitty Ghen, our guest NET practitioner, and I sat down to clear some NECs before she got on the road.  My NEC that surfaced was one relating to a very dark moment I had in chiropractic school.

As one who rarely cried in front of ANYONE, I found myself crying to my parents on the phone.  Sobbing, actually.

"That's it. I'm dropping out. I just can't do this anymore! I don't have what it takes! I just want to die!"  And though these may sound like the words of a bratty, melodramatic teenager, I meant them with every cell of my being.

I was in my second trimester of Chiro school and the stress was getting to me. Despite being an honor student with a science major in college, I was doubting my intelligence, horribly depressed, and overburdened by the stress of finals and the 28 credit course load. Between 8 straight hours of Neuroanatomy, Neurology, Cadaveric Anatomy, Microbiology, Histology, etc. every day, my commitments to student government, my work study position, and the long, dark, bitter cold winter of the Finger Lakes Region of New York, I just couldn't pull myself out of my funk.  As I released that NEC today, though, I was laughing through my tears.

I realized that it was that moment when I decided to seek help. It was that moment that brought me into Mark Fohs office. Mark was the only counselor to be certified in NET at the time.  The Walkers allowed him to learn the chiropractic technique only because he was working at a Chiropractic College. He was then the first counselor to get certified in NET.  That certification paved the way for thousands of counselors, acupuncturists, health coaches, ministers and more, but most significant for me is that it allowed me to not only deal with the stress of school in a revolutionary and amazingly efficient way, but changed the course of my career.

Because of that moment, I am who I am today.

The end of the quote above is, "So keep aiming, and focus."

Often our plan is not THE plan.  But we must keep aiming and stay focused. And listen to that still, small voice within.  The plan will always find you.

A beautiful story of manifestation

As we were taking turns sharing our final thoughts at my seminar last week, a woman told this story.  I was really struck by its profundity and beauty, and I thought I'd share.

She loves dolphins, and since we were in on an island where the dolphins love to play, she was really hoping for a chance to swim with them.  She decided to head out for a swim during one of our lunch breaks. During this swim, she let her imagination run wild, picturing the dolphins swimming with her.  She swam and swam, and just relished the experience... a beautiful day, perfect temperature, relaxing swim, with the dolphins in her head, wishing their presence to become reality.

When she got back to shore, some people that she didn't know commented.

"That was incredible!"

"What?" she asked.

"You didn't see them?  There was a pod of dolphins swimming circles around you as you swam!"

I get chills.

And I was reminded of this story again today as I worked with a patient about manifesting the relationship she desires.

For me, this story is a reminder that what we often wish to be true already is. We just need to open our eyes and see it.  This story was especially poignant as I am currently reading Dr. Joe Dispenza's book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself which specifically addresses the act of manifesting.

There is no time. Everything we wish to be already is. Everything you wish to have is already yours.

Take a look at your life. Is there something you've been wishing for that you didn't realize you already have?

Is Neuroemotional Technique a permanent fix?

I am often asked if the results of NET are permanent. The answer is yes, but it needs some explanation.

The Neuroemotional Complex(NEC) (that which is cleared in the Neuroemotional Technique (NET) process) is like a homing device.  It sends out a signal, attracting into your life situations and people that will push you towards re-experiencing previous traumas (repetition compulsion) paving the way for reconciliation of the unresolved traumas in your life. In this way, you unconsciously create scenarios that allow you to play out the same drama over and over in different settings. When we clear the NEC, we eliminate the signal that calls these things into our lives.  We can still consciously choose to engage, but we now have enabled our free will again, thus allowing the situation to resolve peacefully, often with epiphanies that previously eluded us. Sometimes we are aware of these patterns and confounded at their chronic repetition, but other times, it takes a seasoned NET practitioner (or psychoanalyst, therapist, etc) to bring them to our attention.  However, whether we are aware of them or not, it does not alter the power they have over our lives, nor the amazing miracles that occur when they are released.  I have seen patients miraculously manifest cures, resolve quandaries, and make their wildest dreams come true within minutes with the resolution of an NEC... but that doesn't change the fact that sometimes, action needs to be part of the equation. (And sometimes, the NET process was the only action left to take.)

One thing is certain, NET creates permanent, positive change.  What you choose to do with it is up to you.

TGIM! (why Mondays aren't ALL bad)

Even I have a rough week sometimes.

It all started last Sunday when I learned my brother's skiing buddy was in an accident on the mountain, turning a 40-something father and multiple Ironman finisher into a quadriplegic.  Follow that with multiple fatal diagnoses hung over the heads of people I know and care about, a patient's husband dying due to medical mishaps, and a number of patients under my care struggling with big health decisions. Then, someone else I knew was in a horrible car accident (they're ok with the exception of a totaled vehicle and some whiplash, thank goodness!).  And if that wasn't enough for the Universe to throw my way, I blew out a tire, it won't stop snowing, I just started my cleanse...  whine, whine, whine. When it rains it pours. I started to wonder if I was cursed!  What kind of bad mojo did I step in?? And even worse, it seemed to be spreading!

But after some meditation, I decided to determine what this week might have been trying to teach me and here's what I came up with:

First of all, honor your body.  There's no way to deny that the stunt my brother's friend tried to pull was just plain careless.  I don't mean to downplay the tragedy, but we must live in a way that shows how much we honor and love LIFE!  Otherwise, we're not going to be able to enjoy it for very long.

Second, I am not in control.  To say it politely, STUFF HAPPENS.  And I'm not the one who gets to decide what happens when.  People are going to have health challenges. They are going to get sick. They're even going to die.  All I can do is let the healing flow through me... but if there's another plan aside from that person healing, I don't get a say. "We make plans and God laughs."  Who says my way is better?? That's pretty ridiculous when you think about it.  I guess my plan and God's plan simply aligned for a little while, but I guess I needed a reminder that I'm not the one FORGING the trail... I'm simply following it.

Third, I cannot stop spreading the message of Chiropractic Wellness. So many of these diagnoses could have been prevented with the proper care.  So many of these folks are victims of the medical system. I can't force anyone to take care of themselves, but the more people I educate, the better chance they have to choose the route that will lead to a better, healthier future.  Knowledge is power.  If they choose to go the medical route even AFTER they're aware of the alternative, that's on them. But if they don't even know there's even an option, and I don't share the truth, I wear their pain, suffering, and potential death on my shoulders.

Fourth, even when you do your best, something will inevitably go wrong. Dust yourself off, do what needs to be done, and move forward without giving the past a second glance.

SO THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY!! I'm so glad for a chance to start fresh! 

Have a great week!

What should you do about the Measles outbreak?

A friend informed me of this today ...

Measles Outbreak in Somerset County!!

and since then, multiple patients have been coming in mentioning it.

There is a lot of misinformation about this and I want to give you some life-saving advice.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

I know you're concerned, but let me give you some facts and dispel some myths.

First of all, these outbreaks happen in vaccinated populations all the time.

Measles outbreak in Massachusetts

Measles outbreak in Illinois

This article even claims that current outbreaks in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are equal to pre-vaccination days!

So for those of you blaming the moms who are choosing not to vaccinate, this is obviously NOT the reason.  In addition, if the vaccines work so well, your vaccinated child should be fine.  If you're doubting that this is the case, there's probably more to the story.

As a (W)holistic Chiropractor, I see kids who are vaccine-injured more than I'd like to admit.  As a matter of fact, as one who was raised on the salary of a pharmaceutical employee, I thought it was complete poppycock when I first heard people blaming vaccines for autism.  "VACCINES SAVE LIVES!" Right? Those crazy conspiracy theorists need to find a better hobby! 

It wasn't until I was three months in practice, when I met my first vaccine-injured patient (MMR shot, in case you were wondering) who was actually getting a payout from the Vaccine Court, that I saw the light.  There was a special COURT for this????  And the government actually ADMITTED that she was hurt by the shot???  That really turned my world around.  

Since then, I have met many more.  Most of them had their reaction after the MMR vaccine while others couldn't tell since many vaccines were given on the same appointment.

So leave the moms alone. They're choosing what they know to be the safest option for their children.

BUT PEOPLE ARE GETTING MEASLES!!

Obviously, if vaccinated kids are getting measles, the vaccine isn't protecting them.  Herd immunity has been blamed for this effect but this is only a widely accepted theory; not fact.  And in the case of herd immunity, the vaccinated children would be safe. It doesn't work the other way around.  There are no studies that I could locate citing proof of herd immunity, anyway; just a compilation of data... but we must remember that correlation does not equal causation and this compilation would suggest that these measles outbreaks would be highly unlikely due to said immunity, so again, something doesn't add up.  

What is the medical world's response to these outbreaks?

MORE VACCINES, OF COURSE!

Because the 30 injections of formaldehyde, thimerosol (mercury), aluminum, and other toxic ingredients we've been injecting into these kids before they even started kindergarten weren't enough to keep them healthy.

Let's think about this.

30 or more doses of TOXINS injected into this tiny child's blood before they turn five years old.  30 or more doses of toxins into a 35 pound living creature. The EPA states that only 0.1 micrograms of mercury per kg of body weight per day is safe.  These kids are roughly 16kg.  And that doesn't even factor in the other ingredients.  There is also evidence that certain children may have a mitochondrial disorder making them specifically sensitive to these metals.

And this is supposed to make them healthier.

If something about that doesn't seem a little off to you, you MAY just be brainwashed by Big Pharma. I know I was.

What I think is remarkable about this particular study is that the conclusion is how necessary it is to vaccinate in highly populated households.  But what comes with a crowded dwelling?  

STRESS!

And this brings me back to my life-saving advice.

The worst thing you can do right now is work yourself into a tizzy.  

People get viruses all the time. And they don't get sick simply because they were exposed to something. Or because they went outside without a jacket. Or because they wore a wet bathing suit on a chilly evening.  Or because their hair was wet on a cold morning.  They get sick because they're STRESSED.  They aren't getting enough sleep.  They're overstimulated by tv's and other screen-based gadgets.  They're under-nourished, over-sugared, over-caffeinated, and their nervous system is fiercely trying to restore balance. Its last attempt is to knock them out for a while so their bodies get the rest they so desperately need!

So do yourself a favor, relax, eat a healthy meal, and get to bed early. This will all blow over shortly.  And if you've waited too long and end up with a sick day, your local (W)holistic chiropractor is here to help get you and your family's systems back in balance.

A love letter to my Vitamix

I have to admit, it wasn't love at first sight. 

Initially, I just thought you were a really expensive blender.  Why would anyone pay that much for a blender??? But I misjudged you.  You are so much more.

Our love affair started as an experiment.  Let's see what all the fuss is about.  I used your cookbook, I made a smoothie, and I was enthralled with the rich, creamy texture that you somehow concocted of nothing but fruit.  How did you DO that???  The love affair grew steadily as I plowed through recipes.  Soups, nut butters, pesto, hummus made with zucchini, ice cream, milk shakes, cake batter...  And then, it happened.

I graduated to my first green smoothie.

I had tried this before, and the results were nothing but disastrous.  Mind you, my last attempt was in my misguided youth, utilizing a plain old 12-speed blender.  My "smoothie" resembled a chunky, partially digested salad and left much to be desired. Despite holding my nose and chugging as fast as I could, I couldn't even finish half.  To be completely blunt, it was disgusting, left me slightly nauseous, and I couldn't believe anyone would voluntarily consume such a thing.

With you, all of this changed.  With some pineapple (peeled, but uncored!), an orange (peeled), a quarter of a banana, and some ice, you took my lettuce, kale, and spinach, and transformed them into a luscious, creamy, smooth taste of heaven!  I have used you almost every day since, and every day, I love you more and more.  Thank you for coming into my life!  You have given me a new and exciting way to get my daily nutrition and I couldn't imagine life without you.

<3 p="">Me.

Are drugs the leading cause of death in the US?

Recently, I made a post on Facebook about what I believe to be the wrongful use of psychiatric medication in children in this country which sparked a debate with a friend. This friend, being employed by a pharmaceutical company, is somewhat "pro-drug." And since I did all this digging (and learned a few things in the process) in order to back up my claims, I thought I'd share.

My initial claim was that "Prescription drugs are the leading cause of death in this country."

Based on websites like this one , I can see how this rumor started.  And I apologize for getting my facts mixed up... I'm usually much better about that... This was the ACTUAL info I was thinking of.

But then I started thinking... This claim CAN be argued to be true or false, since the evidence is sketchy and it's difficult to prove.  Many articles regarding drug-related deaths point out that "drugs of choice, perceptions, and patterns of behavior can differ. [Drug] abuse contributes to traffic accidents, crime, and overdoses, although data inconsistencies can make drug use and its consequences hard to quantify."  And this only refers to illegal drug use.

According to the CDC, the top causes are:

1. Diseases of heart
2. Malignant neoplasms
3. Chronic lower respiratory diseases
4. Cerebrovascular diseases
5. Accidents (unintentional injuries)
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Diabetes mellitus
8. Influenza and pneumonia
9. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis
10. Intentional self-harm (suicide)
11. Septicemia
12. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
13. Essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease
14. Parkinson’s disease
15. Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids

This was the same source my friend used to disprove my claim. 

But the truth of the matter is that aside from "accidental poisoning," which clocks in at .61%,  deaths from drugs (OTC/illegal/prescription or taken-as-prescribed/abused) will never be clearly reported because the cause of death is reported in the manner of "respiratory failure" or "heart failure."  Many of these causes RESULT from drug use. Whitney Houston's cause of death was listed as "drowning."  Amy Winehouse's death could be considered "dehydration" due to too much alcohol in her system. Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack's deaths were blamed on pneumonia, despite the questionable mix of medications they were taking (both prescription and non-prescription).  The list goes on and on: Heath Ledger, Ana Nicole Smith, Corey Haim, Mike Star, Bubba Smith, Jani Lane, Mikey Welsh, Leslie Carter...  All are celebrities who have passed due to drug-related causes in the past few years...  And that only accounts for those in the public eye and mostly illegal drug use which is only a small percentage of drug-related deaths in this country.  What about the people we have known who accidentally overdosed on Tylenol or Advil and ended up in the hospital with potential liver or kidney failure or gastric distress (I can think of three people off the top of my head who I know personally that have fallen into this trap)?  And the multitudes of people who flippantly admit to exceeding the daily limit of whatever OTC pain reliever they're on because they are under the mistaken impression that it can't hurt them. What about the people who are given antibiotics for fungal infections, allowing those infections to rapidly spread (I've had at least one friend who died from this at the age of 30!) and those who have strokes due to birth control methods?  What about the folks who ended up with strokes or seizures due to Accutane?  Or all those drugs that were temporarily on the market and then recalled when the dangers were discovered (Phen-fen, Darvocet, Vioxx, and Thalidomide, for example)?

And what about the deaths that result from violence?  This article is sobering... and lists the top ten drugs that induce violent behavior, the worst one being Chantix, a drug used to aid in smoking cessation.

Drugs are now the leading cause of accidental death in this country. And in many of those approximately 40,000 deaths, the patients were taking the medication as prescribed.

Can I say that drugs are the number one killer in this country?  Not with certainty.  But I CAN say with overwhelming assertion that the medical system kills more people than anything else.  After reading the articles sited here, I'd say the numbers speak for themselves.  Am I anti-drug? No.  Am I against M.D.s?  No. (I'm actually friends with them!)  But I caution you: Don't become a statistic.  Make medicine your last resort, AFTER seriously implementing the lifestyle changes recommended by a qualified holistic practitioner, and spare yourself unnecessary pain, misery, and a premature burial.

In loving service,

Dr. Redmond

Unwrapping the gifts of 2012

2012 has certainly had it's ups and downs.  We've seen some very tragic moments... the decimation of so many towns due to SuperStorm Sandy, the horrendous slaughter of innocent children, and even the attack on the US Embassy in Libya.

I know it can be difficult to see these events and not think the world is a horrible place.  Some might think I've gone mad to even say it, but within each tragedy, each disappointment, each wound, is a gift waiting to be unwrapped.  The wrapping paper may not be attractive...  perhaps even the equivalent of used toilet paper...  but the gifts contained within are priceless and filled with wisdom.  I encourage you to see the blessings that emerge from these horrors... the outpouring of love and hope and compassion that only tragedies like these can catalyze.  Remember to unwrap the challenges you've had in your own life (If you need help, feel free to bring it up in your next appointment). And let's not forget the plethora of beautiful moments as well.

This year, as we begin anew, I encourage you to courageously unwrap those gifts with the fervor of my 6 year old niece this past Christmas...  And perhaps after seeing what's inside, you will be filled with the contagious exuberance she exudes as she squeals, "It's just what I've always wanted!!" with a mile wide smile on her face.

Don't let fear, anger, and sadness prevent you from receiving your gifts... After all, you earned them!

Have a happy, healthy 2013 filled with precious gifts and lots of joyful moments!

A Holistic Doctor's thoughts on the Newtown Shooting

I am heartbroken.

As I write this, the shock of today's events have yet to settle, and I doubt they ever will.

I had heard about this event through word of mouth as patients trickled in throughout the afternoon, but it wasn't until the last patient left and I read the story for myself that the tears began to flow.

I think of the children specifically.

Those who died, and those who mourn them (don't we all mourn when little ones suffer?) but even more, I think of those children who lived through this ordeal, and the scars they will carry with them.  It's hard for me to even type through my tears... because those scars strike me as worse than leaving this world, and the odds are that those scars are going to be managed by the same system that caused this horrendous nightmare in the first place.

What does the medical system do to children under emotional stress???  

Classify them with a psychological disorder and start pumping them full of psychiatric drugs, none of which have been tested on children, and all of which have the side effects of homicidal and suicidal tendencies! These kids are taught from as young as THREE YEARS OLD that there is something wrong with their brain, something wrong with their thoughts, and instead of being allowed to grow up and learn to cope with life, they are programmed to think are broken, irreparable, unable to cope, and required to be on medication for the rest of their lives, numb to everything. (and we wonder why they have horrible self-esteem!!) These medications alter the brain chemistry at ANY age, so imagine what they do to a developing nervous system (which doesn't reach maturity until about 25yo)!

These drugs were never tested on children, never approved, and yet the children of this country are treated like guinea pigs.  I was just talking to someone today who dealt with this about 20 years ago when her 6 yo daughter was bounced from one medication to another, increasing dosages, adding new drugs to the picture... The mother finally refused after about ten years of this because she felt they didn't know what they were doing (SMART MOM!) and they accused her of screwing up her daughter and claimed medication was the only answer.  Eventually, when her daughter turned 18, the doctors she saw claimed she never needed any of those medications.  And America's children continue to be abused like this today, but on a larger scale.

WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON???

The bottom line is that the medical doctors are clueless.  They have no idea how to deal with this problem. There is absolutely NO RESEARCH proving the safety or efficacy of these drugs on children or young adults.

Instead of continuing to turn to a pill for a solution, how about we start teaching kids how to cope? How about we employ some time-tested techniques for stress management like yoga, meditation, and N.E.T.?

I had a patient comment a few weeks ago on how odd it is that there's so many suicidal people these days (she was dealing with a family member who was struggling).  She wanted to know why her generation didn't see this behavior so often.

IT'S THE DRUGS!  

When we combine mind-altering substances with the self-esteem-destroying message that children are unable to deal with life without those mind-altering substances and add in a lack of coping skills, it's the perfect storm. And those drugs are not only in prescription form... they're in our tap water! I'm still awaiting the news reports that Adam Lanza was on medication... It's been consistent with every shooting case so far, like the Batman Shooter, the Columbine Shooting,  and the Heritage High School Shooting.

Please, I implore you, if you know a friend or family member that is about to start these medications, or even a parent about to start their CHILD on these medications, let them know there are alternatives... WE CAN CHANGE THIS.

I send my prayers and love to all those affected.  This is truly a heart-breaking moment in history.  If I could reach through my computer into yours and give you a hug, I would, but in the meantime, hug your loved ones, hug yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out to me if you or someone you care about needs help.

Yours in loving service,
Dr. Redmond

Read the Full Story here.

Book Review: "There Is Nothing Wrong With You" by Cheri Huber

Regardless of what you were taught to believe, there is nothing wrong with you.  Or any of us.  And that is what this book attempts to communicate.

The subtitle is "Going Beyond Self-Hate: A compassionate process for learning to accept yourself exactly as you are."

This book was recommended to me by one of my mentors, Dr. Scott Walker, and I'm so glad I read it.  It was a quick, easy read that has become another experiment for me.

We all struggle with self-doubt, and as a practitioner who's blessed to be entrusted with my patients' deepest secrets, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all of us have asked the question at some point in our lives, "What's wrong with me?"  We judge ourselves, abuse ourselves, sell ourselves short...  EVEN ME... and this book is an excellent education in how to stop these sabotaging behaviors.   We are all taught as children to be "good."  But in our attempts to be "good," we abandon our own needs and emotions, perceiving them as "bad." We punish ourselves.  We hate ourselves.  And that hatred extends outwards from us to those around us.

In this book, you'll learn how helping others can even be a form of self-abuse, and when we are abusing ourselves, the last thing we should be doing is helping others... Instead of coming from a position of abundance and love, we come from a place of lack and fear which breeds anger and resentment.  What good is it to help others if it just leaves you feeling angry and resentful at the end of the day?  How can you positively influence the world in that state?  Is that really being a "good person?"

This book showed me how to love myself in a deeper way than had ever occurred to me before.  What's really incredible to me is what I have noticed as I have conducted this experiment...  I'm doing things better than ever!  My thoughts are clearer, my body more coordinated... and I can't help but think of a child who has been knocked down with insults day after day, who starts to embody those insults...  When we show that child love and acceptance, they begin to shine.  Based on my experience, I believe the inner child is the same way.

"Don't waste your time and energy beating yourself up for having wandered.

Just sit quietly in gratitude for having returned."

So I hope you read this book... Then give yourself a pat on the back for taking that step and let me know what YOUR experience is in the comments below... (don't forget to follow this blog so you never have to miss a post again!)

Product Review: NatureBox!

I heard about this marvelous variety box through EarnedIt, an application linked with my fitbit.

Nature Box sends you 4-6 snacks every month that are free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats.  If you've ever been to any of my Wellness classes, you know this is right up my alley!  Many of the snacks are even gluten-free!  I love that it ships automatically... with my busy lifestyle and seminar traveling, it's great to have a few healthy, grab-and-go snacks that simply arrive at my home... I don't even have to think about it!  These are perfect for the plane or when I'm on my way to the gym.

In addition, they donate a meal to feed hungry children for every box sold... I love a company with a conscience.

So far (I've been signed up for the service for about 6 months), I have gotten delicious snacks: blueberry bites, umami nut mix, tamari almonds, lemon pepper pistachios, chocolate spiked trail mix, and more!  Every box also comes with an info card which includes a list of what you've received, healthy eating tips, and a recipe or two. On top of that, their customer service is incredibly friendly and helpful!

My complaints (though minor) are that occasionally, the snacks are made with soy, a high allergen and controversial food, and I can't purchase the a la carte items I've tried and loved (those lemon pepper pistachios were delicious!!). There are rumors that they are enabling customization for the boxes through their website, but I have yet to figure out how to do this. (I will update this post once I hear back from customer service.)

Over all, though, I think this is an excellent product for the busy person who always wants to keep a few healthy snacks on hand or is looking to change things up a bit. They also have an office snack box for larger crowds.

Click here for a discount to try a box of your own!

My most recent Nature Box

How to boost your self-esteem! (aka Getting Out of a Funk:101)

Not too long ago, I had fallen into a funk and I decided I needed to take action to pull myself out of it. My self-esteem was suffering.

Don't we all have moments like that?  Sometimes, we feel like we're on top of the world, and the next year/week/day/minute, we feel like sitting in a corner, sucking our thumb, and singing this song:

So I thought I'd compile a list of the things I did to pull myself out of it.  Maybe it will be helpul for you, too!

STEP 1: BE A CRYBABY

I mean it!  You're hurt.  Let it out.  Give yourself permission to feel.  Give that inner child what it wants!  Grab your tissues, your blankie, find a quiet place to be alone, and embrace that pity party!  Then ask yourself why you feel this way.  Keep asking why until you get to what we NET practitioners call the "Lowest Common Denominator."  What is the core of the issue?  If circumstances are not what you would like them to be, ask yourself why it bothers you?  Does it make you feel like a failure?  Does it remind you of something you regret?  Something you want but don't have? Does it make you feel unloved?  What is the story you tell yourself that makes this a bad thing? What does it say about you that's so bad? Keep asking why it bothers you until you find the one thing underlying it all... the one thing that seems like the absolute worst thing about the whole situation... then save that for step 2. This is also a great time to journal about your hurts, whine to a trusted friend (who you've already warned that this is a venting session!!), and blubber like the baby you really want to be.

STEP 2: PUT YOUR BIG GIRL/BOY PANTS ON 

And that requires a big scoop of courage!  Let's face it: Facing inner demons can be scary.  But there's nothing scarier than getting to the end of your life never realizing how fabulous you were or never accomplishing your greatness because you were too scared to look at yourself honestly.  Go within.  Take a look at that piece of yourself that seems so detestable.  Make a list of all the things that make you imperfect.  Embrace it! Then don't stop until you hit step 3.

  

STEP 3: (REALITY) CHECK, PLEASE!

Now it's time to make a list of those things that you love about yourself too.  And start with how brave you were to make that first list... because that's pretty darn impressive. If you need some help, phone a friend or mentor and listen objectively.  You can also tell them what you think is so horrible and get a reality check.  If it's true, you know what you have to work on and start figuring out how to make a change.  But more likely, you're probably harder on yourself than anyone else.  Stop beating yourself up for being imperfect like 100% of your fellow human beings in this world. 

STEP 4: TREAT YOURSELF!

Think of something that brings joy to your heart... And DO IT!  I went dancing, I indulged in some retail therapy, I went for a spa treatment, I took myself out to dinner...  Do things that make you feel like it's a celebration and celebrate YOU!  Make yourself feel special because you are!  I even dressed up for my self-date!  You set the example for how others should treat you, so show the world what you deserve by doing it for yourself!  Listen to music that makes you happy or go for a nice  leisurely walk... if you're like me (and most of the world), slowing down and enjoying your surroundings in our busy, hectic schedules is luxury itself.  In all of these special moments you give yourself, take time, slow down, relish the experience, and celebrate being alive and having the opportunity to enjoy this time with yourself. Do these things with mindfulness. Note every sensation: the taste, feel, smell, and sounds that go with each moment. 

STEP 5: CONNECT WITH YOUR HIGHER POWER 

/VISIT WITH MOTHER NATURE

Take a walk in the woods, on the beach, or even a park nearby...  notice the stars, clouds, leaves, birds...  Pay attention to the scents in the air, the feel of the wind or sun on your face...  Breathe it all in with every cell of your being... and notice what a beautiful world you are an integral part of...  Go to church, pray, meditate... do what you need to do to feel connected to something greater than yourself.  Notice your heart beating, your blood flowing, your aliveness...  This is an exercise in mindfulness.  If you are looking for more information on this topic, try this course and tell Dr. Handlin I sent you.  (She's a fabulous teacher who's compassion and patience knows no bounds.) 

STEP 6: VOLUNTEER 

You can read about my most recent experience here , but the possibilities are endless.  Most importantly, find an opportunity that interests you where you can be hands on and get involved.  Go beyond yourself.  Stretch to the edges of your comfort zone.  See if you can interact with the people you're helping. Soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, and the recent efforts in Staten Island and the Jersey Shore are some suggestions to get you started.  This is such a unique experience for everyone, but it's rare that I find someone who doesn't benefit from this.  A quick online search can also help find a variety of opportunities. 

STEP 7: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Make a gratitude list.  I say this all the time.  Gratitude is a such a healing state to be in.  And don't tell me you have nothing to be grateful for: When a quadriplegic who can't even swallow and lost their entire family in the accident that took their mobility can find things to be grateful for, anyone can.  Even if it's just the face that you woke up today. Or are breathing. Or aren't that quadriplegic.

STEP 8: TAKE ACTION!
The Universe rewards the action step!  So do it!  You've looked at what you don't like about yourself and your life... what are you going to do to change it?  Commit today to make a difference, keep working at it a little every day, and eventually, you'll get there.  There is no true failure but a failure to try.

What are you going to do differently tomorrow?

Adrenal Boost: Completed!

I've been awfully quiet about my recent challenge.

A little over a month ago, I decided I needed to recharge my adrenal glands.

After one aborted attempt, I restarted a month ago, and with the exception of one dinner party, a couple french fries, and a half-inch sliver of banana cream pie on Labor Day, I've been pretty consistent with my efforts.

I have to say... I really FEEL a difference!  I tested my saliva pH before starting and periodically throughout the last month and it has also consistently been more basic.  But the biggest differences I've noticed has been my energy, my sleep quality, sinuses clearer than I ever thought possible, and the fact that despite the scale barely budging, my clothes are fitting better.  And every time I cheated, I FELT the difference as well... I'd feel tired, slow, and hit an afternoon lag that just wasn't there when I was avoiding sugar, wheat, caffeine, alcohol, and fried foods.  I'm curious to see how my body changes now that I have added dairy back in, but I can say without a doubt that I notice negative shifts in my energy level and mood when I consume wheat and sugar.  And it is immediate!  I've also noticed how heavy and congested my digestive tract feels when I eat too much red meat (an observation I've never made before...).  Oatmeal also seems to slow me down a bit...

Why do I tell you all this?

I can't promise that you will have the same experience I had, but I'd love for you to try this experiment for yourself and report back to me what you noticed.  Be an alien in your own body and see how your food affects your moods, body functions, and energy level.  Awareness leads to knowledge and knowledge is power!  Let me know what you discover... 

Timing is everything! Adrenal Follow-up

I've been procrastinating writing this post, as I see it as admitting defeat in a way...  Even though I refuse to choose defeat on this issue.

I should know better.

I should know better than to elect to eliminate dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, wheat, fried foods, processed foods, in addition to enforcing a 10pm bedtime and exercise restrictions when, within the selected time period:

A) I have various parties to attend,

B) I'm taking multiple long road trips,

C) and I'm running a half-marathon.

It certainly isn't impossible to do so, but it makes it far more difficult to accomplish and many of these things derail my efforts.

Therefore, I have decided to postpone my Adrenal Recharge until August 27th, the day after I complete the Wild Half.

This brings up a great lesson that I suggest you not learn the hard way (or be reminded as I was)...

When attempting to make a lifestyle modification, especially one this drastic, make sure to plan properly.

It didn't occur to me how difficult it would be to find acceptable food along the way, and how difficult it would be to get adequate rest.  By Saturday, I was sleep-deprived, sustaining myself on trail mix, and in no position to resist the call of free ice cream.  (Sleep deprivation, by the way, will always hijack your lifestyle changes, whether you're attempting to change your food, exercise, meditation, or social habits.)

So once again, feel free to join me, one week from today, as I purge the energy vampires from my lifestyle and add some building blocks to repair past damage.  We'll also be discussing this particular topic at the "Dinner with the Doc" August 27th.  Call Gianna at the office to RSVP and get lots of tips to start getting your energy reserves back on track!