This week, the MRI showed that I have post-surgical epidural fibrosis over my L4 left thecal sac and left L4 nerve root! That is the likely cause of my continuing femoral nerve pain. I will see the neurosurgeon this week to find out next steps. Meanwhile, I've gotten going on a number of natural remedies to help.

I went to the CNPA Conference and got smarter! There were all sorts of things to learn. We talked about the circadian cycle, hormones, sleep, and weight management. Yoga Nidra increases alpha and theta brain waves and helps with sleep. Cell salts can be used to help anything, so simple and powerful! We had a great talk about MCAS, mast cell activation, too.

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This week, I talked about monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and what they can do for you. All good stuff, mostly related to cardiovascular health! Then I talked about two of the best nuts to get MUFAs, macadamia and pistachios. They're good for you in so many ways! Then I talked about sleep: why you don't sleep as well when you age, and then started on many ways to sleep better. Good sleep is key to health!

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This week, I talked about how an electrostim device may be helpful for back pain, nerve pain, and spinal stenosis pain. Just attach electrodes and get an auto-massage! Then, CREATINE, it's all the rage, and probably can be helpful for you too! The Mediterranean diet is studied to be protective against stroke risk in women. And, what's up with that Dubai chocolate craze, and where did all the pistachios go??? We started a series on SLEEP, as in why you should go to bed earlier.

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This week, I talked about what it's like to get a tooth extraction! No straws, no hot/spicy, no crunchy! Then I talked about LOWER respiratory illnesses, since I talked about UPPER ones last week. Coughs and mucus, supplements and herbs to take, teas to drink, and lots of hydrotherapy! We finished with how to prevent and treat GI bugs naturally. Hint: wash EVERYTHING, a lot!

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This week, I did a review of natural care for colds and flus, since people are gang-housed indoors and spreading the viruses! Neti-pots, nasal sprays, teas, herbs, vitamins, rest, diet, all the things! Your natural primer for your winter immune system.

This week, I talked about what it was like to get laser iridotomy surgery! As with most things, it wasn't that bad. Still using drops for a few more days and will have the next one later in the month. I then talked about lots of ways to celebrate Valentine's Day when you're single, with the NEXT topic, great ideas for self care! Then I went on to why chocolate is good for you, which bears repeating this time of year.

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This week, I gave the update on my femoral nerve (may be over-exercising) and my narrow angles (going to have the iridotomies!) We talked about narrow angles and how they are treated. Looks like they're more conservative in the UK and China; in the US, you get those iridotomies! We talked about natural ways to keep that intraocular pressure low, including herbs, and things to avoid if you have narrow angles. Then we finished up with the last of those easy New Year's resolutions!

This week, I talked about getting a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection in my right knee to treat osteoarthritis. It was a fairly easy experience! I have minor swelling, and Dr. Zach said expect it to improve slowly over a couple of weeks. I also got diagnosed with NARROW ANGLES in my eyes WITHOUT increased eye pressure, but I need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. I am at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma, which is vision-threatening. However, I think because I have normal pressure I'm at less risk. I'd be happier if I were seeing the ophthalmologist TOMORROW. Then I discussed the new upside food pyramid from the USDA. I am mostly in favor of it! It encourages people to cut way back on processed food, starches and sugars, and to consume more protein and produce, things I have been encouraging my patients to do for years. Nutritionists complain that it encourages more red meat, but that advice is more nuanced and I discuss that.

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