Posts Tagged ‘physician’
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The Truth About Red Wine and Heart Disease?
Red Wine, Heart Disease, Hungry Sharks and Knights in Shining Armor
What is so special about wine? What is it that makes it potentially more protective against coronary heart disease, and perhaps other diseases, that other forms of alcohol?
In recent years, scientists have concluded without doubt that many human diseases such as heart disease, cancer and the aging process is caused or stimulated by a ravenous group of chemicals called free radicals. These highly charged little villains prowl the body and attack healthy cell membranes through a process that is called oxidation. In this scenario, there is however a knight in shining armor that jumps to the rescue and purges these ever hungry little killers. The name of our crusader is antioxidants.
Without getting too technical, the oxidation process in our bodies is crucial for health, without it, for instance, we would not be able to extract energy from our food. But if there are too many free radicals in our bodies this can be harmful.
Our body has its own defenses against free radicals, in the form of enzymes that are able to turn the hungry little sharks into harmless water. However, sometimes our bodys natural defense mechanisms cant cope. Other times, external events can cause huge increases of free radicals within our bodies, such as x-rays, cigarette smoke and exposure to toxic substances. At times, this surge of free radicals can swamp our defenses and illnesses such as radiation sickness may take place.
So what does all this have to do with heart disease?
Low density lipoproteins, commonly know as bad LDL, can penetrate and gather against the inner walls of our arteries, under certain conditions, forming fatty streaks and plaque. Taken alone, LDL particles arent so dangerous it seems, however, when attacked by free radicals they turn into dangerous and somewhat aggressive cells, capable of actually penetrating and harming the smooth inner walls of our arteries. This process is called oxidation. Oxidized LDL is known to be the culprit in stimulating atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.
Antioxidants, as the name suggests (anti-oxidants) can help stop the oxidation process, which are the results of free radicals doing their stuff. Most antioxidant research has been carried out on vitamins (A, E, beta carotene) but quite a lot of work has also been done on the healthy benefits of red wine. While most research on red wine has been done in relation to coronary heart disease, it seems that the benefits of wine dont stop there.
Red wine and Coronary Heart Disease
Red wine contains a wide range of flavanoids; these are the chemicals that give the wine its particular taste and character, making one different from another. Many of these flavanoids act like antioxidants. Perhaps the forerunner of wine research was carried out by a certain Serge Renaud, who discovered the French Paradox, which suggested that wine was the decisive factor in protecting the people in southern France from their very high fat diets and ultimately coronary heart disease. Even if these people do eat large quantities of high fat cheese, pt, and salami they have some of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.
Another study, statistical rather than practical, by a Professor Grey of the University of Bern in Switzerland focused on the low, medium and high coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality figures of the World Health Organization.
What did he find? Well from among the high mortality areas were Finland and Scotland, the middle areas included Ireland, and the low CHD areas included Spain, Italy and France. He then compared heart attack rates with antioxidant levels in blood samples taken from men living in those areas.
What he found was very interesting, the results showed that high antioxidant levels, in particular vitamin E, coincided with low death rates of heart disease. Moreover, his results showed that vitamin E levels were 94% more accurate in predicting CHD rates than were cholesterol levels or blood pressure figures! Apart from diet, the high CHD regions drink very little, if any wine, whereas the low regions traditionally accompany their meals most days with wine.
It certainly seems strange that two much studied cities; Glasgow in Scotland and Toulouse in France show many similarities and yet many differences. The inhabitants of both cities eat tremendous amounts of high fat foods, traditionally take little exercise and drink alcohol. The surprising difference is that while the people of Glasgow have one of the highest rates of CHD in the world, the fortunate people of Toulouse have one of the lowest. Traditionally beer and spirits are the preferred drinks in Glasgow, while the folks in Toulouse drink red wine.
It has also been suggested that drinking in moderation together with meals is beneficial, while binge drinking at bars in the evening is harmful. It seems the southern Europeans dont drink for the alcohol buzz, but just as a pleasant accompaniment to their meals.
At first the large heart institutions such as the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association ignored both antioxidants and frowned upon wine. While it is clear that it could be potentially dangerous for a physician to recommend his patients start drinking alcohol, it is also strange that they pretended for so many years to ignore the evidence. Well, now even if they dont promote the taking of vitamin pills; antioxidants and free radicals are now recognized.
However, according to the AHA There is no scientific proof that drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage can replace conventional measures … No direct comparison trials have been done to determine the specific effect of wine or other alcohol on the risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Just ask yourself who would pay for such studies. Clinical Trials have the purpose of showing one thing to be better than another, or whether a certain substance is beneficial to health. The costs of clinical trials is so high that only the pharmaceutical industry have the financial clout to invest in them invest is the correct word. What a surprise.
About the Author
http://www.allabout-heart-disease.com the site that tells you how it is, about getting your life back and living it to the full! Articles, tips, advice and the latest news on how to take care of your heart. You can get articles like this in your mailbox each month by submitting to our eZine The Webs Heart at: http://www.allabout-heart-disease.com/webs-heart-subscribe.html
Written By: Nicholas Webb
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Women and heart disease
How do you start to transform the long ingrained opinions that heart disease affects primarily men? Most people are surprised when told that not only is heart disease the #1 killer of women, but that more women die from heart disease than breast cancer. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 500,000 women die each year from heart disease.1 And although today’s advances in cardiology are many, 38% of women will die within one year of a first heart attack. Clearly, we can and should do a better job at treating women with heart disease. These facts haven’t gone unrecognized by the healthcare community, who produces a wealth of educational literature, websites, and symposiums focusing on women’s heart care. Additionally, new and established heart centers are beginning to concentrate on cardiac issues specific to the care of women. These efforts do demonstrate favorable steps for progress, but more is needed to reduce the alarmingly high mortality rate. Recent research reveals a disparity between the cardiac treatments given to females vs. males. The dramatic improvements in pharmaceuticals, time to treatment, interventional cardiac catheterization, and cardiovascular surgery aren’t consistently applied to both genders. Resolving inequities The following organizational steps can be useful in resolving cardiac care inequities: ? Begin at the organizational level by providing educational programs to your nursing staff and physicians with topics such as: –the prevalence of heart disease among women –identification of cardiac symptoms in women –primary prevention methods This fundamental intervention that is a vital foundation to affect a change in medical practice that can save women’s lives. ? Formulate a community awareness program to address issues on the following: –risk factor identification specific to women –risk factor reduction methods specific to women –identification of cardiac signs and symptoms specific to women –discussion topics with your physician –cardiac screenings. Hospitals offering these programs report capacity attendances and waiting lists for sessions, supporting evidence that there’s need and interest. The programs serve two objectives: providing a needed educational opportunity for the women in your community and showcasing your cardiac services. Developing a program Since cardiac disease is a chronic condition, a disease management model proves suitable. Develop organizational strategic initiatives to provide continuous services that will significantly impact this condition. (See “Sample outline.”) Trendsetter programs are paving the path for others to follow by providing proof of the clinical and financial benefits to offering a cardiac program specific to women. Research on the profitability of women’s cardiac programs demonstrates a favorable bottom-line impact. Additional non-cardiac diagnostic testing is reported to increase as a result of these programs. This research provides the evidence of the value of directing organizational efforts toward provision of women’s cardiac services.3 For many years it has been known that women are the primary decision makers in healthcare. Hospitals have responded to this by developing women’s health centers that address OB/Gyn needs, screening for osteoporosis, and breast care. These programs were developed to meet what was considered to be the most pressing health issues for women, but by continuing to offer only these services they fail to address heart disease. Seize the opportunity to become a “full service” women’s health program by providing women’s cardiac services. REFERENCES 1. American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2003 Update. Dallas, Tex.: American Heart Association, 2002. 2. Heartwire: Women with heart disease are “substantially undertreated,” Theheart.org; Jan. 20, 2003. 3. The Advisory Board Company: Cardiovascular Roundtable. Enterprise in Transition, National Membership Meeting, Washington, D.C., 2002.
About the Author
Cynthia Havrilak has frontline experience in the initiation and management of medical cardiac programs. Her health care background includes clinical experience in medical intensive care, cardiovascular surgical care, and peripheral vascular angioplasty.
Cynthia Havrilak is a senior consultant for Health Care Visions, Ltd., Pittsburgh, PA. (412) 364-3770 orwww.hcvconsult.com
Written By: CYNTHIA J. HAVRILAK, RN, MSN
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Exercise for a Healthy Heart
Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should.
A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity even more so than being overweight. During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study concluded: These results suggest that fitness may be more
important than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women.In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days, above whatever activities they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.
A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight years than their inactive couch potato counter parts.
Convinced that its time to add exercise to your day?
The Basics — Make Exercise a Life Priority:
- If youre not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine.
- Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day.
- If you dont have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day.
- Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday then keep to your schedule!
- Take part in more intense activities that can improve your heart health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs.
- Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be more likely to continue and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a favorite activity.
- Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into your special running shoes, your mind says its time to get out the door and put my feet in motion!
- Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves.
- Always drink lots of water.
- If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.)
Exercise every daytake care of your heartlive long!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury
About the Author
About the Author: Louise Roach: health and fitness editor,
marketing specialist, product development consultant. Helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/Written By: Louise Roach
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Nuts To You… Just One Way to a Healthy Heart
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food. In addition to protein, carbohydrate, and fat, nuts contain many other important nutrients: fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Although on some food charts you may see nuts listed in the same food category as diary products, eggs, and red meat because of the fat content, new information calls into question this designation.
While nuts do contain a high proportion of fat, tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia are actually low in saturated fat. Most of the fat comes in the form of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered to be acceptable forms of fat that actually “reduce” the incidence of heart and vascular disease.
Several large studies have examined the relationship between the risk of heart disease and intake of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources. In the Seventh Day Adventist Health Study researchers found that those who reported eating nuts more than four times per week had a 50% lower risk of heart disease than those who rarely ate nuts. The Nurses’ Health Study found that heart disease risk was reduced by 35% in those who ate nuts compared with those who rarely ate nuts. An addition study found that the risk of type 2 diabetes went down by nearly 1/3 in women who consumed 1/4 cup of nuts five times per week compared to those that did not eat nuts at all.
One recent study looked at almonds in particular. They examined the effects on LDL ["bad"] cholesterol values. Each person served as his own control and they were each on three different “diets”: almonds representing about 1/4 their entire daily calorie intake, OR a “handful” of almonds per day, OR a muffin [containing about the same number of calories as a "full dose" of almonds]. The LDL cholesterol went down about 10% when the subjects took a “full dose” of almonds, went down about 5% with intake of a “handful” of almonds, and did not go down at all with eating a muffin. In those with the higher “dose” of almonds, the “ratio” of bad to good cholesterol [LDL/HDL ratio] went down by 12%.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes nuts [including almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia, and pistachios] may help to lower your blood cholesterol and may be a very healthy “snack”. However, they also warn that they are a source of calories and should not be used to great excess in those with calorie restricted diets and that you should avoid nuts with added oils or added salt. The AHA recommends eating an overall balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and includes low-fat [or non-fat] diary products, fish and lean meats. If you add nuts to your diet, just be sure that you don’t inadvertently add considerable total calories – despite the benefits of nuts, maintaining an ideal body weight is more important. Weight is often a simple lesson in physics – what comes in either stays [as increased pounds] or is used up for energy and metabolism [which is increased by a regular exercise program].Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
About the Author
Dr. John Rumberger’s experince in the field is extensive, and includes achieving his doctorate in 1976 (Bio-Engineering/ Fluid Dynamics/ Applied Mathematics) from Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio, with a dissertation on, A Non-Linear Model of Coronary Artery Blood Flow. He has just completed his book The WAY Diet available on amazon.com or direct through the publisher at http://www.emptycanoe.com
Written By: Dr. John Rumberger
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Facts about Heart Fluttering
07/07/07 – Almost a James Bond Day
Heart fluttering is a condition that most people have experienced at some time or another. It is the sensation of a heart beating too much swiftly or irregularly. Heart fluttering is usually called “palpitations,” which are rapid, forceful, regular or irregular heartbeats that are quite noticeable to the individual. A rapid, regular heart fluttering may be associated with sensation of pounding in the neck as well, due to simultaneous contraction of the upper, priming chambers of the heart which is the atria and the lower, main pumping chambers called the ventricles. If the heart fluttering feels very irregular, then it is likely that the underlying rhythm is atrial fibrillation. During this type of rhythm abnormality, the atria beat so rapidly and irregularly that they seem to be quivering, rather than contracting. The ventricles are activated more rapidly than normal and in a very irregular pattern.
Heart fluttering occurs normally during an exertion or an emotion, but some people can have an increase or irregularities of heart rate without warning and without an apparent reason. This generates the sensation of heart fluttering which is due in the majority of cases to an impairment of cardiac rhythm o arrhythmia. Heart fluttering may also be associated with feelings of anxiety or panic; it is normal to feel the heart thumping when you are terrified of something If heart fluttering is short-lasting there is no problem for the child, but if it last more than half an hour, it is advisable to call on a physician or a hospital to make an examination and an ECG.
While heart fluttering can be a cause of concern to people who experience them, it is usually not a sign of an impending heart attack. For most people who are physically healthy and emotionally well-adjusted, they do not signify an underlying heart disorder but are most commonly caused by physical exertion, anxiety, fear, excessive smoking, too much caffeine, and ingredients in certain medications, including some cough and cold medications. In rare cases, heart fluttering is a long-standing accompaniment to an underlying severe anxiety disorder.
Heart fluttering can also be caused by actual heart disease. This can be distinguished by its particular pattern, depending on how heavy and regular the beating is. A cardiologist may be able to make a diagnosis based on the pattern, or may order an electrocardiogram for more precise information. When symptoms such as sweating, faintness, and chest pain occur with the heart fluttering, it is best to consult a cardiologist. As soon as the heart fluttering cause is determined, most people are able to live and deal with it and would not even notice.
Generally heart fluttering is not dangerous, even if it can provoke anguish, because it is unpleasant to feel the proper heart beating swiftly without reason. If extra beats are enough of a problem to warrant treatment, then usually a beta-blocking drug will be used. These block the effect of adrenaline on the heart, and are also used for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure. However, they can cause increased tiredness, sleep disturbance, depression, impotence, and can aggravate asthma. Other anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used if beta-blockers are not appropriate, but they too have potential side effects.
Heart fluttering which can already cause blackouts or near blackouts should be taken seriously. Even if ultimately nothing untoward is found you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange the appropriate investigations if heart fluttering is associated with blackouts.
For more information you can read more on heart fluttering
Written By: Michael Sanford
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An Introduction to Heart Rate Monitors
A heart rate monitor is a contraption which lets users of fitness machines take note of their own pulse rate while training. The heart rate monitor typically comprises two constituents – a receiver and a strap. The strap applies electrodes to watch over the heartbeat and if the appliance is connected to a fitness machine, its screen will show up your heart rate to you. Receivers on the wrist commonly are in the form of timepieces that pace your heartbeat by calculating the period before blood heads on through the wrist veins. Heart rate monitors are turning out to be increasingly viewed in good regard and most pro quality exercise machines are accompanied by a cardio rate monitor as part of the deal.
If you have heart or blood pressure afflictions, having a pulse monitor while doing a workout is something you must do. You will not only be able to ascertain how your pump can handle stress, you will also be capable of controlling your heartbeat by playing around with the the speed on the training equipment. Some treadmills or ellipticals actually come with a built-in heart-rate controller system, which without human intervention slows the machine if your pulse rate is excessively up. This is quite of value, as it deflects a lot of heart-related problems that went on formerly with people getting fit harder than their heart could address.
Even without heart ailments, it is still helpful a heart rate monitor now and again. This way, you should be capable to monitor how your body takes care of very strong physical effort. To make sure you are fit and there will be no problems later, you should ready a daily pulse-rate table for one or two weeks, while getting fit at the same strength. You will notice if there are very high downslopes or ascendings in your heart beat, but the best thing to do would be to show this report to your physician, who will immediately notice any approaching difficulties.
If you are going to have to purchase a prime heart rate monitor, one of the more adopted manufacturers around is Polar. Polar technology has been around for two decades now and the company has achieved the status of being the industry leader in the heart rate monitors field. They have different series for heart rate monitors, ranging from novices and intermediates to pro athletes. You can also order your heart rate monitor from different categories, depending on what your needs are: Cardiac Rehab, Jogging, Cycling, Swimming (this includes a waterproof monitor-watch), Fitness, Weight Management and so forth.
Heart rate monitors are a step forward in home exercising, as working with them could aid to prevent and avoid many cardiac afflictions. Always pay attention to your heart rate monitor and try not to push your heart over the limits. Consult a doctor about what the normal pulse rate should be for your body type, in an effort regime. Combine this data with an exercise machine that supports heart rate measuring systems and displays them on their console, or even better, one that adjusts its speed to your pulse rate.
About the author:
Sophie Goldman is a freelance writer for The Exercise Equipment Blog, in which she mostly writes about her favorite exercise machines – elliptical trainers and exercise bikes.Written By: Sophie Goldman
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Know Your Heart Health
We all know that keeping up with our heart health is an important thing to do. We all know that there are a wide variety of factors that cause heart problems, and we should know by now that there are some basic ways to help protect the health of our hearts. What many people do not realize, however, is that keys to their heart health may be different than keys to the heart health of others.
There are almost as many strategies and tips for having good heart health as there are people with hearts in the world. It is important that each person takes the time to learn about his or her own heart health and to learn about the possible methods of ensuring heart health for years to come.
One of the best ways for anyone to become familiar with the needs of their heart is to see a physician. Schedule a visit to see your doctor and plan to discuss your heart health with him or her. If you can think of any questions or concerns you have regarding your heart health, write them down and bring them along. It will also be very helpful if you have a record of your extended family’s heart health history. It is likely that your physician will want to discuss more than just your own heart health. He or she will want to look for patterns or trends that have affected other people you’re related to.
A physician can help you determine not only the current health of your heart, but also give you a better understanding of specific things you can do to help prevent heart attack or heart disease. For some people, the most significant factor in achieving and maintaining heart health is to change their diet. The foods we choose to put into our bodies affect our heart health in more ways than we know. Eating large amounts of sugar, carbohydrates or processed foods will eventually take their toll on our heart health. Your physician can set you up with a dietician who specializes in creating unique diet plans that promote heart health.
For other people, it is their exercise and physical fitness habits that a physician will address. Heart health can be significantly altered based upon a person’s level of exercise. Your physician will be able to help you create a fitness plan that will be effective for you and your heart health needs.
It is never too late to take your heart health seriously. Make an appointment to see your physician today.
About the Author:
Denton Krypps has been consulting people to take their heart health seriously ever since battling back from a nearly fatal heart attack ten years ago. Check out www.hearthealthgroup.info for the sake of your heart.
Written By: Denton Krypps
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Niacin For Heart Health And Cholesterol
My friend Joe is one of those clever people. He works hard, has a lot of hobbies, a beautiful family, is resourceful and has a positive attitude. Joe had high cholesterol but brought his cholesterol down from 240 to 180.
His secret? Here is his “recipe” for bringing his cholesterol down:
Cholesterol Lowering Program (courtesy of Joe)
Add 375 mg. of Niacin to your diet through foods or supplements Take 4-6 tablespoons of psyllium each day Add lecithin (Pieternel..dosage?) A multivitamin to compensate for the minerals and vitamins that bond to the toxins that the psyllium sweeps out. Monitor your cholesterol regularly and ask your doctor for the ratio about good and bad cholesterol.
We need 15 mg. of niacin a day to keep our heart healthy (and gain other health benefits as well). The best way to do this is with the following niacin-rich foods: beef liver, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, corn flour, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, and whole wheat products.
Herbs containing niacin are: Alfa alfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm and yellow dock. Research shows that 15 mg. of niacin improves mental functioning as well.
Niacin is Vitamin B3, which is necessary for proper circulation, for the nervous system and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It helps the digestive system, improves circulation, and can be helpful in mental illnesses. It also enhances the memory and plays a role in the synthesis of sex hormones. Being Careful A “niacin flush” may occur after the intake of niacin supplements. A rash may appear on the skin, usually lasting a few minutes, which is in most cases harmless. Dosages over 500 mg./day may cause liver damage if taken for a prolonged period of time. People with high blood pressure and ulcers should be closely supervised by a physician when taking niacin.
A heart quote from J Krisnamurti: The moment you have in your heart this extra ordinairy thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstacy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.
Warmly, Pieternel van Giersbergen.
About the author:
Pieternel has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. Her site http://www.pieternel.com has over 120 articles about healing yourself and staying healthy.
Written By: Pieternel Van Giersbergen
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