Journal of Modern Healing

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Changemaker Spotlght: Who is Charles Vorwaller?

Innovators of today's therapeutic technology are a rare and respected breed. Their life's work is dedicated to offering improved change to the current trends by exploring and introducing safer and more effective ways to resolve health issues both large and small. The success of their work adds to the definition of the future of functional and regenerative medicine. In search of these pathfinders, IPHA celebrates some of the top role models of our day! These solutionists are the next modelers of the non-invasive movement in integrative healthcare. One such visionary is Mr. CHARLES VORWALLER, American Health Innovator and the brainsmith behind Aspen Laser and the Theralight series.

An Interview with CHARLES VORWALLER

Written by: Lennard M. Gettz, Ed.D

Since 2021, I collaborated on a publishing project with Dr. Robert L. Bard (diagnostic imaging specialist) to conduct a tech performance review about AxioBionics wearable therapeutic device. This was the impetus to our advocacy group and educational initiative aptly called HEALTH TECH REPORTER whose goals are to seek out and test drive the latest in non-invasive therapeutic solutions and publish reports on the validity of their claims and health advantages.

In early 2023, we launched an event series called HEALTH TECH DEMO DAY in Dr. Bard's diagnostic imaging practice in NYC. This became the central ground for hosting manufacturers showcase of their latest devices where they provide actual case demonstrations directly to our reporters and Dr. Bard's patients.

Our 2023 search brought us together with a remarkable advancement in red light therapy by a company called Aspen Laser (See event report on March 7, 2023) where a Demo Day with their rep was a great success. Shortly after the event, a heartfelt thanks and congratulatory letter was sent to CEO and founder Mr. Charles Vorwaller for a fantastic product. A stunning surprise was granted us directly by Mr. Vorwaller who immediately booked a flight to NYC to see us. With a growing set of clues about the strength behind this company (and their truly fearless leader), his energy and enthusiasm to connect aligned with the INC5000 list of fastest growing privately owned companies in 2020. Headlines reported Aspen Laser was the only medical laser company on the list. In 202I, it received a five-year GSA contract to sell to VA hospitals. [1]

Setting the industry standard, the TheraLight 360 uses patent pending technologies that ensure tissue saturation regardless of skin color or body type. He brought major spotlight to the scientific term (and treatment modality) "Photobiomodulation Therapy" - the application of Red and Near Infrared light to tissue that is injured, sick or degenerating to increase circulation, increase cellular energy production, reduce inflammation and reduce Oxidative Stress. His original vision that began in 1988 over 35 years ago was to redefine Pain Management and Recovery that resulted in the startup in 2014 for a new company called ASPEN LASER. It grew to become a leading edge nonpharmacologic technology and research based products that make a difference in the lives of individuals (including animals) suffering from pain and injury. Mr. Vorwaller's initial focus to accomplish this was through innovative development and breakthrough advancement with lasers providing High Intensity Laser Therapy, incorporating technologies with multiple power levels, multiple wavelengths and multiple operating modes.

We had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Mr. Vorwaller at Dr. Bard's "MedTech Research Lab". We also enjoyed sharing Dr. Bard's arsenal of diagnostic imaging devices used for clinically validating biometric response as part of our Medtech device testing.

We found the exchange with Mr. Vorwaller to be both highly educational and inspiring for our continued research work. He mentioned feeling right at home in deep discussions about exploring the future of therapeutics - aligning with his first passion as a "Technology Tinkerer'. Dr. Bard and I gained so much from his generosity by the way of endless notes on laser and light technology as well as a front row seat to the entire medical device industry. With decades of relentless R&D on expanding therapeutic light penetration and engineering, Charles was not shy to describe his process.

In addition, he also shared impressive insight about other non-invasive cell-regenerative modalities including PEMF, SHOCKWAVE, RT THERAPY, NEUROSTIMULATION, TRANSILLUMINATION and BIOFEEDBACK (to name but a few). He claimed this is all part of his "required reading" as part of identifying the entire pain-healing science. As an inventor, he also looks at the many potential integration opportunities or "stacking" of existing technologies to form the next generation of products.

"Since our company began, our focus has been on developing leading-edge technology in laser therapy," said Mr. Vorwaller. "Our medical lasers represent a number of technological developments that are significantly different than other lasers and light therapy products in the market... which we found to not be very effective". The result of his passion and never-ending pursuit for optimal outcomes has resulted in products delivering new treatment options providing higher dosages, more treatment areas and overall faster treatment times and accelerated healing and recovery.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS INSPIRED BY HIS GREATEST HERO
In an exclusive interview with Mr. Vorwaller, he shared a candid look at where it all began for him. The roots to all of his work was heavily inspired by his Dad (Charles J. Vorwaller, LCSW), a 60+ year veteran and recognized visionary leader in the non profit mental health industry.

As a young boy, Charles witnessed firsthand the individuals that were undergoing treatment. They were sufferers of mental diseases and all the challenges that come from that. He witnessed his father develop and pursue forward thinking strategies and programs including therapeutic treatments and modalities beyond the traditional and limited drug-focused programs and protocols, with the incorporation of newer standards, including non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive based treatments and interventions. This humbled him greatly to see that his dad explored all options to help the sufferers when no one could help them. Charles grew up wanting to help the underserved and built this road in health technology. Looking back, Charles Vorwaller is convinced that his laser and red light therapy innovations contributed to mobilizing the science of patient care and impacted others by offering improved quality of life and in some cases, giving people a new chance at life."

References:

1) https://theceoviews.com/aspen-laser-revolutionizing-pain-management-with-drug-free-photobiomodulation-2/

In our continued search for the next voice in support of Integrative and Functional wellness, our editors opted to follow the trail of innovative (or "alternative") healing technologies to the doorsteps of those who truly believe in their benefits. In this case, an early report featuring Dr. Jennifer Stagg and her use of the THERALIGHT 360 prompted us to meet other therapists to get more insight in its clinical uses.

VISIONARY SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Scott Schaeffer (Mt. Kisco, NY)

His treatment approach, in addition to spinal manipulation includes a wide array of modalities and physiotherapy. In our discussion about the Theralight 360 device (and other near-infrared technologies), we covered his holistic and integrative approach to bringing full-body wellness to his patients. Dr. Schaeffer identified his commitment to researching for the latest proven innovations to address soft-tissue injuries, musculoskeletal dysfunction and other inflammatory conditions that his patients commonly present with. "There's so much out there", he started. Learning about these new healing concepts, "whatever I can use within my scope of practice to help people safely and

non-invasively... I'm going to find it!" (Visit Dr. Schaeffer's full feature)

FROM THE BRAIN HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

11/18/2022- RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR TBI (By: Jennifer Stagg, ND) Within the past decade, ads for Red Light Therapy (RLT) devices have exponentially appeared in the health, wellness and commercial markets- drawing significant attention to their claims and challenging their efficacy. As with all technologies, many variables are to be considered as far as concluding on their proposed health benefits. Published reports from clinical (valid) studies detailing the utility of RLT in human health. Encouraging reviews indicate that there is a growing body of evidence for the use of RLT in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative processes, including Stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND RED LASER THERAPY

Photobiomodulation is what we're actually doing when we look at red and near infrared light. (it’s different from far infrared-that's a sauna creating deep heating in the tissue and sweating out toxins). Photobiomodulation is the application of red and near infrared light to tissue where there is disease or dysfunction. The mechanism of action of light is very simple. It doesn't treat any specific disease or diagnosis, but it treats the underlying cause of all dysfunction in the body (all disease) and that is cellular health and wellness.

Within the cell, oxygen is supposed to flow into the mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell, and that's supposed to produce adenosine triphosphate or ATP. This is what every cell in the body uses for energy. Due to exposure to via environmental toxins, lack of sleep, stress, injury and disease, lack of exercise, too much exercise, not enough sunlight, poor nutrition etc. oxygen flows in the cell and then it's bound by nitric oxide. That binding of nitric oxide with oxygen forms a deadly particle called a free radical. This causes two problems: #1- that oxygen is now not free to go into the mitochondria- so our ATP production in the body drops. #2- there's the abundance of free radicals is the root of every disease. It's the gene expression for things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So what light does very simply is when we shine light in and we can get light into the cell at the right wavelength, dosage and power density, it simply unbinds the oxygen particle and the nitric oxide particle and the free radical is dissipated into the blood vessel walls. So now we have removed free radicals and inflammation inside the cell. Also, the oxygen respiratory chain starts up again and that oxygen particle is allowed to flow into the mitochondria, and the ATP now goes through the roof and rises again the body.

# # #

RELATED ARTICLES

RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR TBI: by Dr. Jennifer Stagg
’Infrared’ refers to a type of light that is below the spectrum of visible light. The naked eye cannot see this type of light. Light is measured in wavelengths, and to further define infrared, there are near infrared (NIR) and far infrared (FIR) wavelengths. FIR is what is typically found in many of the devices sold to the general public like infrared blankets and saunas. (Although, saunas, combine heat with light so the effects of FIR are not comparable.) FIR offers some mild effects, but it doesn’t penetrate the body as much as NIR. As a result, most clinical research published to date is on visible red/NIR because these have been shown to be more effective. (See full review)

DEMO DAY WITH ASPEN LASER - PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY: IPHA NEWS and HEALTH TECH REPORTER covers DEMO DAY at the Bard Diagnostic Imaging Center in NYC @ March 7, 2023. National clinical trainer Mark Murdoch speaks in an interview about the Aspen Laser technology while he treats registered patients suffering from various chronic disorders (including a rotator cuff tear & other MSK joint injuries, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis on the skin. (See full review)

Check out our sponsor

3D DOPPLER ULTRASOUND: A MAJOR ASSET TO RESEARCH

From simple case studies to double blind clinical trials, the many benefits of non-invasive imaging offers visual proof of treatment efficacy. Ultrasound in particular is more widely used to collect a patient's biometric data safely and efficiently, thanks to its vastly improved quantitative reporting capacity.

Under exploratory device tech reviews, this video shows the effects of electromagnetic pulse waves neurostimulat stimulation and the induction of cold laser on the body are just some of the noninvasive modalities that are easily monitored with an ultrasound scan. In the case of electromagnetic devices, the involuntary muscle contraction is evidence of the electrical changes in the targeted muscle developers of this technology continue to find new evidence, supporting its ability to recover the body's process through cellular regeneration on a preliminary study, quantitative measurement that the regenerative timeline through the use of a neurostimulator through a simple before and after comparison can easily show the body's reaction to the therapeutic device.

RELATED STORIES:

THE SCIENCE OF ENERGY HEALING & THE BIOFIELD -

By: Roberta Kline, MD

Everything is energy. Quantum physics has demonstrated that everything exists as a vibrational energy. Some forms of energy have a frequency low enough to make the object solid and therefore visible and physically tangible, such as concrete, trees, mountains, and the human body. Others, such as sound, light, heat and gravity are invisible – but they are no less real. The Biofield is a relatively new term developed in 1992 to describe the concept of energy in a more unified way, integrating knowledge gained from traditional practices with that of modern science. Three of the main scientific principles underlying our current understanding of the Biofield energy are thermodynamics, physics and quantum physics. (See complete feature article)

"GETTING MY LIFE BACK FROM CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME" 2/15/2022- Mrs. Suzanne Wheeler of Minneapolis, Minnesota is celebrated as IPHA NEWS' Researcher of the Month. After years of suffering a life-altering disorder that currently continues to challenge the scientific community of its root causes, Mrs. Wheeler explored “outside the conventional box” of opioid prescriptions, uncovering alternative solutions that got her back on her feet and joining life again. Invoking CHANGE against all odds by diligently searching for what’s beyond the convenient takes courage and conviction. It is this level of academic strength and strategic leadership that comprises the Alternative Health and Wellness community. (see full feature on Mrs. Wheeler's PEMF review)

BRAIN HEALTH REVIEW [Part 3]:
POST-COVID BRAIN FOG & WORK PERFORMANCE

Written by: Marilyn Abrahamson, MA,CCC-SLP - CBHC

For some, Post-Covid brain fog can cause everyday cognitive tasks to be more difficult, causing the thought of returning to work to become daunting. Among the many symptoms of Long Covid, one study suggests that up to 80% of Covid-19 survivors suffer from neuropsychological symptoms such as memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, difficulty with word finding, multitasking, and impaired visual/spatial skills. These are skills people need to properly perform their jobs, and without these skills, people can become overwhelmed by the smallest tasks.

CONTRIBUTORS

MARILYN ABRAHAMSON, MA, CCC-SLP : As a Brain Health Education Specialist at Ceresti Health, Marilyn offers initiatives that supports education and empowerment of family caregivers. She also writes for and edits the Ceresti’s monthly newsletter and produces all brain health education and brain-health coaching programs for caregivers. Marilyn's prior work is as a NJ Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 1987 and is an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach.

SORAYA BEHZADI is an aspiring medical student and researcher in neurological studies focusing on holistic practice to help alleviate mental health, like generalized anxiety disorder. She received a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology with a minor in biological sciences from Hunter College. Aside from being a medical assistant at local urgent cares, her current field placement under affiliations with the Integrative Pain Healers Alliance/Brain Health Collective fuels her interests in brain health initiatives from imaging to holistic perspectives.

ROBERTA KLINE, MD (Educational Dir. /Women's Diagnostic Group) is a board-certified ObGyn physician, Integrative Personalized Medicine expert, consultant, author, and educator whose mission is to change how we approach health and deliver healthcare. She helped to create the Integrative & Functional Medicine program for a family practice residency, has consulted with Sodexo to implement the first personalized nutrition menu for healthcare facilities, and serves as Education Director for several organizations including the Women’s Diagnostic Health Network, Mommies on a Mission. Learn more at https://robertaklinemd.com/

Copyright Notice: The materials provided on this website/web-based article are copyrighted and the intellectual property of the publishers/producers (The NY Cancer Resource Alliance/IntermediaWorx inc. and The AngioFoundation). It is provided publicly strictly for informational purposes within non-commercial use and not for purposes of resale, distribution, public display or performance. Unless otherwise indicated on this web based page, sharing, re-posting, re-publishing of this work is strictly prohibited without due permission from the publishers. Also, certain content may be licensed from third-parties. The licenses for some of this Content may contain additional terms. When such Content licenses contain additional terms, we will make these terms available to you on those pages (which his incorporated herein by reference).The publishers/producers of this site and its contents such as videos, graphics, text, and other materials published are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, please always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider. Do not postpone or disregard any professional medical advice over something you may have seen or read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. This website does not support, endorse or recommend any specific products, tests, physicians, procedures, treatment opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Referencing any content or information seen or published in this website or shared by other visitors of this website is solely at your own risk. The publishers/producers of this Internet web site reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, disable access to, or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, all or any part of this Internet web site or any information contained thereon without liability or notice to you.

Monday, January 2, 2023

The Major Occupational Hazard of Post Traumatic Recall (PTSD) - part 1

Updated 1/2/2023 (original feature published 8/15/2019)

INTRODUCTION:

High risk professions like law enforcement, military service, healthcare and emergency response are known to have exposure to some of the most extreme levels of trauma - both physically and psychologically. They range in effects from manageable symptoms to crippling disorders. Over time, most people overcome disturbing or traumatic experiences and continue to work and live their lives. But others who get affected by traumatic experiences may trigger a reaction that can last for months or even years. This is called Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Proportionately, studies have shown a lower percentage of retirees from such challenging careers acquire PTSD (from 15-20%) while an estimated 30-40% who suffer from PTSD associated symptoms go undetected or do not register as full cases. A larger percentage ‘on the job’ might be able to maintain the expected work standards throughout their career and even make it to retirement without visible signs. But “POST traumatic recall” leading to fully blown PTSD occurs when repeated exposure to trauma compounds on the tolerance capacity that eventually, one’s coping ability collapses. The individual may feel stages of grief, depression, anxiety, guilt or anger from uncontrollable issues like recurring flashbacks and nightmares. [1]

REVIEW OF POST TRAUMATIC RECALL (A field report by: Jessica Glynn, CSW)
PTSD can occur in all different extremes with at-risk professionals (like cops, responders and veterans). The trauma that they experience are above the ordinary that they could cause extreme flashbacks, anxiety and depression—heavily affecting their quality of life. The average civilian is also prone to this disorder starting with MICRO-TRAUMAS that can happen to everybody throughout any point in their lifetime. Usually stemmed from childhood issues, micro-traumas actually shape the way an individual reacts to other people. As an example, child bullying may lead to developing a protective or defensive personality disorder. Anytime they feel disrespected or embarrassed by others, feelings of extreme uncontrollable anger may arise without knowing the source of the hurt or why they're acting in that way. This dilemma often causes problems in relationships.

Similarly, a first responder who experiences extreme traumas like horrendous disasters may stick with them in a much harsher way that could lead to flashbacks that are hallucinatory. If gone unchecked or untreated, these symptoms (including auditory hallucinations) can get increasingly more intense and expand to other symptoms that can affect their daily functions. A common way that anxiety can debilitate a sufferer is from recurrent lack of sleep disrupted by bad dreams triggered by the traumatic event.

Enduring trauma is different and unique for everyone. Some cases are event-specific (having intense auditory impact or visual intensity of a terrifying event) while other cases are contingent upon the tolerance of an individual. There are people who are more emotionally expressive than others- and that might help with if they talk about the trauma that they've been through. A latent emotional disorder like PTSD symptoms can come out over time just like anything that is suppressed or repressed. It could take some time for somebody who came back from combat or a first responder who has been in a traumatic event to show signs of disturbance. They could be holding it in and repeatedly thinking about it privately (or ruminating over it) allowing the disturbing memories to get more intense by the day. This can often be a coping mechanism- protecting themselves from dark or negative feelings for a while, but eventually it builds up and can become symptomatic like flashbacks and anxiety, then leading to an eventual explosion. Meanwhile, some people just have flashbacks right after the experience because of the way that everybody's brain processes differently. Others obsess over thoughts that keep popping up over and over again. It really just depends on the person.

...............................................................................................................................................................

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

From The National Institute of Mental Health [3]

Not every traumatized person develops ongoing (chronic) or even short-term (acute) PTSD. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some experiences, like the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, can also cause PTSD. Symptoms usually begin early, within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years afterward. Symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work to be considered PTSD. The course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic. A doctor who has experience helping people with mental illnesses, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose PTSD.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

• At least one re-experiencing symptom

• At least one avoidance symptom

• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms

• At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms include:

• Flashbacks/Bad dreams - reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating

• Frightening thoughts

Re-experiencing symptoms may cause problems in a person’s everyday routine. The symptoms can start from the person’s own thoughts and feelings. Words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event can also trigger re-experiencing symptoms.

Avoidance symptoms include:

• Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience

• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

• Things that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger avoidance symptoms. These symptoms may cause a person to change his or her personal routine. For example, after a bad car accident, a person who usually drives may avoid driving or riding in a car.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:

• Being easily startled

• Feeling tense or “on edge”

• Having difficulty sleeping

• Having angry outbursts

Arousal symptoms are usually constant, instead of being triggered by things that remind one of the traumatic events. These symptoms can make the person feel stressed and angry. They may make it hard to do daily tasks, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

...............................................................................................................................................................

HOW STRESS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

By: Dr. Jesse A. Stoff

For our well-being, stress is so powerful that it can affect just about every function in our bodies right down to our cells. Stress can cause major weight gain, headaches, hair loss, dental problems, major fatigue, respiratory issues, digestive problems, psychological & focal disorders. It is also known to affect the performance of our immune system - allowing for skin issues, colds, allergies and a host of chronic diseases. Stress management is important for more than psychological health; stress can greatly affect immune functioning, inflammation and even hormonal balance. Studies have shown that stress can reduce natural killer cell function. These are normally the cells that attack foreign invaders including viruses, bacteria and fungi. They are also the cells that patrol the body as the first line of defense against the development of cancer.

Stress links to Cancer

When stressed, the body responds to physical, mental, or emotional pressure by releasing stress hormones (such as CORTISOL, EPINEPHRINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE) that increase blood pressure, speed heart rate, and raise blood sugar levels. When chronically elevated, these stress hormones can corrupt the performance (and even paralyze) our immune system which can lead to osteoporosis, weight gain (especially the dangerous visceral fat), high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and cancer. These stress hormones are known to bind with cancer cells and stimulate angiogenesis, cell migration and invasion, leading to increased tumor growth and progression. Long term stress also increases blood supply that adds to the growth of cancerous tumors.

See complete article at IMMUNOLOGY TODAY
Also see video on "THE PITTS- 5 Elements that Affect the Immune System"

...............................................................................................................................................................

TRANSCRANIAL NEURO-IMAGING FOR STRESS RELATED DISORDERS
By Dr. Robert L. Bard

Emotional traumas and stress influencers are scientifically aligned with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, drug/alcohol abuse and a wide list of physiological health issues. These symptoms are typically diagnosed by mental health professionals through observational science and behavioral analysis. But within the past 15 years, global advancements in transcranial imaging pioneered the ability to detect trauma-related issues in the brain through neurological imaging. Now, neurological stress can be identified clinically by monitoring chronic imbalance and changes in the neurochemical structure (or circuitry). The shift in memory performance - specifically the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex is one indicator of this imbalance whereby a stressful event can show images with signs of neuronal dysfunction.

Neuro-imaging measures brain thought activity which has known chemical tissue changes by observing the alterations in capillary blood vessels in the retina located in close proximity to the main emotional center of the anterior brain. Functional MRI (fMRI) is currently used to show brain chemical changes with cognitive commands such as “death vs freedom.” Most recognizable patterns with suicide occur in the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain which lies directly behind the globe and is vascularized by orbital branches of the anterior cerebral artery. Functional near infrared imaging (fNIR) devices show changes in brain oxygenation linked to suicide.

Another imaging innovation is the TRANSCRANIAL DOPPLER (TCD) - a type of sonogram that is a non‐invasive, non‐ionizing, inexpensive, portable and safe technique that uses a pulsed Doppler transducer for assessment of the blood flow in the anterior cerebral arterial circulation. This technology has been used to evaluate intracranial steno‐occlusive disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and extracranial diseases (including carotid artery disease and subclavian steal syndrome), detection of microembolic signals and acute strokes. [5] The Transcranial Doppler has been used to examine the mean speed of blood circulation of patients to validate and monitor treatment efficacy by tracking cranial blood vessels and vertebrobasilar flow vasospasm. (See complete report from Military Medicine)

Another device used by imaging specialists to detect mental distress is through an EYE SONOGRAM or Real Time Sonofluoroscopy of the orbital soft tissues of the eyes. This process is performed in multiple scan planes with varying transducer configurations and frequencies. Power and color Doppler use angle 0 degrees and PRF at 0.9 at the optic nerve head. 3D imaging of optic nerve and carotid, central retinal arteries and superficial posterior ciliary arteries performed in erect position before & after verbal communication and orbital muscle tissue contractions may be observed as a precursor to visual changes in facial expression. Retinal arterial directional flow is also measured with peak systolic and diastolic values. Bulging of the optic nerve head is checked as increased intracranial pressure may be demonstrable in this condition. Other innovations such as the TRANSORBITAL DOPPLER, 3D/4D VESSEL DENSITY HISTOGRAM and the RETINAL OCT (optical coherence tomography) are also being explored in the pursuit of studying brain performance through the eyes. An expanded review on these solutions will be available in part 2 of this report.

...............................................................................................................................................................

CONTRIBUTORS / EDITORIAL TEAM

ROBERT L. BARD, MD, PC, DABR, FASLMS - Advanced Imaging & Diagnostic Specialist
Having paved the way for the study of various cancers both clinically and academically, Dr. Robert Bard co-founded the 9/11 CancerScan program to bring additional diagnostic support to all first responders from Ground Zero. His main practice in midtown, NYC (Bard Diagnostic Imaging- www.CancerScan.com) uses the latest in digital Imaging technology has been also used to help guide biopsies and in many cases, even replicate much of the same reports of a clinical invasive biopsy. Imaging solutions such as high-powered Sonograms, Spectral Doppler, sonofluoroscopy, 3D/4D Image Reconstruction and the Spectral Doppler are safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. It is used as a complement to find anomalies and help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs while allowing the diagnostician the ability to zoom and ‘travel’ deep into the body for maximum exploration.

JESSE STOFF, MD, HMD, FAAFP - Cancer Immunologist / Publisher of Wellness Programs
Dr. Stoff is a highly-credentialed medical expert studying all medical remedies in pursuit of resolving the most challenging health issues of our time. In many circles, he is recognized for his 35+ years of dedicated work in immunology and advanced clinical research in modern CANCER treatments. He has spoken worldwide in some of the most sought-after medical conferences about his experiences and analyses on the study of human disease. His integrative practice (INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE OF NY, Westbury, NY) has been continually providing all patients with the many comprehensive clinical options and modalities available- including "ONCO-IMMUNOLOGY", the science of battling cancer cells and reversing pre-cancerous conditions through a complete prevention program that has earned him great success in this field. For more information, visit: www.Dr.JesseStoff.com

JESSICA A. GLYNN, LMSW, CPC, CEC - Responders' Mental Health Program

As a therapist and coach, a lot of my work with clients is helping to manage symptoms of anxiety and panic- that which manifests in physical, often frightening and alarming ways. We can experience things like racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness in arms and legs which can all make us feel like we are out control of our bodies and our surrounding world. When we have experienced a traumatic event in our lives, these feelings can be even more severe and heightened. The trauma and residually related fear is one that is very close to my heart and a reason I can provide empathy and understanding to clients that have been affected by the horrific day. When we work to process physical emotions that arise from trauma, the hope is that one day we can be less affected by it and live more presently to enjoy life’s fulfilling moments. I work with clients to slowly pull apart the physical emotions we experience from the thoughts that we are having and process them in a more self-aware and grounded way., visit her website- www.jagtheracoach.com

** SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS segment is sourced from The National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov

References

1) https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
2) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cop-doc/201811/cops-and-ptsd
3) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2729089/
5) Transcranial Doppler: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659960/
6) Transcranial Doppler 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11725323
7) Design and Validation of an FPGA-Based Configurable Transcranial Doppler Neurofeedback System for Chronic Pain Patients https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc6069097
8) https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/166/11/955/4819466
9) PTSD Diagnosis Aided By New Imaging Techniques https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/anxiety/ptsd-trauma-and-stressor-related/ptsd-diagnosis-aided-by-new-imaging-techniques/
10) https://psychcentral.com/news/2014/12/02/imaging-studies-differentiate-ptsd-mild-brain-injury/78060.html
11) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-many-faces-anxiety-and-trauma/201904/how-do-we-diagnose-ptsd

Disclaimer & Copyright Notice: The materials provided on this website are copyrighted and the intellectual property of the publishers/producers (The NY Cancer Resource Alliance/IntermediaWorx inc. and Bard Diagnostic Research & Educational Programs). It is provided publicly strictly for informational purposes within non-commercial use and not for purposes of resale, distribution, public display or performance. Unless otherwise indicated on this web based page, sharing, re-posting, re-publishing of this work is strictly prohibited without due permission from the publishers. Also, certain content may be licensed from third-parties. The licenses for some of this Content may contain additional terms. When such Content licenses contain additional terms, we will make these terms available to you on those pages (which his incorporated herein by reference).The publishers/producers of this site and its contents such as videos, graphics, text, and other materials published are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, please always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider. Do not postpone or disregard any professional medical advice over something you may have seen or read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. This website does not support, endorse or recommend any specific products, tests, physicians, procedures, treatment opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Referencing any content or information seen or published in this website or shared by other visitors of this website is solely at your own risk. The publishers/producers of this Internet web site reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, disable access to, or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, all or any part of this Internet web site or any information contained thereon without liability or notice to you.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

NEUROPLASTICITY: Eight Reasons We All Need to Learn About Brain Health

Written by: Marilyn Abrahamson, MA,CCC-SLP - CBHC (Certified Brain Health Coach)

NEUROPLASTICITY is defined as the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) - NIH.GOV

The word Neuroplasticity ignites a feeling of hope. For clinicians and therapists working with patients with all types of brain injuries, understanding neuroplasticity is crucial. Because neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new learning and new experiences, it can change both a clinician's choice of therapeutic techniques as well as the duration of the patient’s therapeutic program.

We now know that, even in the absence of brain injury or illness, teaching people how to help their brain to more easily adapt, change and grow as we age is the key to maintaining cognitive health. That’s how we remain sharp and resilient into our advanced years, but there’s more to it than that. The answers to the following seven questions will help us to better understand why brain health education is so very important to all of us.

● Why is it so important for people to teach others about brain health? The brain is what makes us who we are, producing our every thought, and every action. It stores all of our memories, feelings, and experiences.

The brain resides quietly in our heads, is relatively low maintenance, and is grossly taken for granted. Teaching people about brain health raises their awareness of the need to take a more active role in preserving the health and wellness of this amazing resource.

Knowing that there are actionable tasks, such as adjusting lifestyle choices and habits to support a healthier brain, can offer the clarity and the direction people need to begin to make those adjustments.

● Decline is a natural aspect of normal aging, but how do we know what’s normal and what should spark concern? Age-related decline is normal for any part of the body, but when talking about normal brain-aging, many believe that the word “decline” implies the presence of impairment. With that in mind, a more appropriate word to use could be “change” to describe the process of brain aging. People with brain injuries, memory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases may ultimately enter a state of “decline”, where functionality gradually wanes over time. If a person in decline is going to improve, it takes exceptionally hard work for rehabilitation of skills to take place.

With general age-related “change”, many of us can simply compensate and adjust how we use our brain by implementing strategies and targeted techniques for better memory, organization and completion of more complicated tasks. Compensatory strategies and techniques allow us to work around change by doing tasks differently, more mindfully and more efficiently. By adjusting our habits and learning to roll with the changes, we can help our memory and thinking skills to work well again - in many cases, as well as they worked before.

With that being said, there are aspects of cognition that do naturally change with age, and one of the first is processing speed. For example, if you’re watching a game show, such as Jeopardy and you know the answer, but the buzzer rings before you can say it, your processing speed may be starting to slow down. This is considered normal. Attention also becomes more elusive as the brain ages and it may become more difficult to focus and pay attention. Reduced attention may cause us to miss parts of conversation, particularly if we’re in a distracting environment. This can also be contributed to by other sensory changes that occur as we get older such as problems with vision and hearing, both of which allow us to acquire information from the environment around us.

● When do “lapses in memory” become more of a concern? People generally worry about things that should be less of a concern. Word finding and name recall are the most bothersome aspects of brain-aging, and what people complain about the most. This problem tends to start at a young age, with many beginning in their 40’s. It is considered normal, especially if we’re able to retrieve the correct name shortly after. Problems with word finding and name recall become more of a concerning issue if we find ourselves persistently calling people and objects by generic names such as “honey” or “whatchamacallit”. But if this is not a pattern, it’s generally nothing serious.

People also tell me that they are concerned because they frequently misplace personal items.

Misplacing items, even if this happens frequently, is not necessarily a cause for concern. This habit is not exclusive to the aging population. We’ve been misplacing things since childhood. If you have children, you know they misplace things every day. After putting in minimal effort to find their lost belongings, they called you (their parents) to find the items for them. Interestingly, as parents, we generally always knew where they were!

However, if misplacing items occurs persistently, AND the objects are ultimately found in locations that show a mindful placement of the item in a grossly inappropriate place, it may be a sign of something more serious. Taking the time to place a basket of freshly folded laundry in the kitchen pantry would likely not occur unless there was cause for concern. This would warrant a visit to the doctor.

Misplacing items, and later finding them placed mistakenly on a table or in a jacket pocket, would likely just call for mindfulness exercises, a memory strategy and better habits to help keep track of them.

(To be continued)

"5 Negative Antigen Tests Do Not Match How OFF I Feel..."

An IPHA Editorial Submission

In August of 2021, David (last name withheld) arrived home from his job at the local hardware store and within minutes of entering the front door, collapsed with a most unusual set of symptoms including acute exhaustion. Following the national guidelines, taking a PCR test showed that he was hit with the Coronavirus Delta Variant! The flu-like symptoms all hit simultaneously in full force. David saw stars for most of his recuperation period while taste and smell were completely shut down. For 1 week, David quarantined in his office - armed with every super-food, every kind of soup and immune booster his support team could find. Being fully vaccinated only meant he had a better chance of NOT DYING, but as the world was only a year into the data collection, there was still so much left to understand about the recuperation period as well as its long standing effects.

FAST FORWARD to the fall of 2022. Life goes on and regular rapid (home) testing says David was negative every time. Tracking the latest in covid news reports, the idea of lingering symptoms is in the back of everyone's- especially those who got hit at least once with the virus. But HOW or WHERE in the body is it? To over-think this does not make one a hypochondriac- only someone surrendered to the realities of our times, meaning 'if it doesn't kill you, the viral load may have the tendency to linger, causing potential organ damage, failure or dysfunction.

MEMORY LOSS: They say that you shouldn't worry about getting dementia or Alzheimer's- once you have it, you won't know it. Well this is not completely true. We can attribute forgetting a name here and there as a natural, normal age-related wear down. But forgetting EVERY name is not the same. It's as if someone stole or deleted specific data from your brain, and when it's time to withdraw those names to compose a sentence, all there is is an empty shelf where that name was expected to be. The simplest proper nouns that David once quickly referenced and freely spoken about all his life- including names of product brands, movie and song titles, artists- even celebrities are now GONE- or perhaps buried in the back yard somewhere!

If "it is (in fact) what it is", David expressed his disbelief that the CDC or the WHO are pressing to come up with Long Haul therapies. "There's still so much to go with perfecting the vaccination to control the global surge. We can choose to fight the erosion in our brain with mind optimizers, exercises, better sleep and every protocol to improve brain performance. But this very insidious aftermath of the virus that buried itself into my brain is now aging me, starting with my memory, my processing speed and if the data out there is right, my waning cognitive functions. "

(An excerpt from Prevention101.org "LONG HAUL SYNDROME: THE POST-COVID DISORDERS"

(Continued from top feature)

● Can we control or change our risk for getting Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia? Yes, and this is what brain health education is all about. Engaging in brain-healthy lifestyle habits can help to reduce the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Age-related cognitive changes are directly influenced by brain size. Keeping neural pathways active, and engaging in habits such as lifelong learning, can help sustain healthy brain volume and contribute to the development of cognitive reserve.

● What is cognitive reserve and how can we get it by modifying lifestyle choices? Cognitive reserve is the brain’s ability to be resilient against damage or disease. A prestigious longitudinal research study showed that people who lived a healthy lifestyle and had no apparent symptoms of dementia were found to have brain changes consistent with dementia and advanced Alzheimer's disease on autopsy. This is likely to have been a result of high levels of cognitive reserve, which served to offset the damage, allowing them to function well in life.

Would these people have eventually developed symptoms of dementia had they lived long enough?

There is a high probability that they would have. Cognitive reserve offers the gift of additional years before the onset of symptoms.

● What lifestyle habits facilitate the development of cognitive reserve and how do they reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia?

○ Exercise: The brain is the greediest organ in the body in terms of the need for blood flow and oxygen. Exercise helps to provide the brain with those nutrients, and also facilitates the release of a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). BDNF is instrumental in supporting the birth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain region primarily responsible for new learning and memory storage.

○ A Brain-Healthy Diet: The Mediterranean Diet and the MIND diet ( a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the Dash Diet) have been proven to support healthy brain function. This is most likely because of their generous inclusion of antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids.

○ Sleep: Sleep is important for optimal brain function and for consolidation (movement into storage) of information acquired during the previous day into long term memory. Additionally, sleep is the time that the brain is cleared of plaques that build up throughout the day.

○ Stress Management: Effectively managing stress is essential to maintain healthy levels of cortisol which, in large quantities, is destructive to the brain and organs throughout the body.

○ Lifelong Learning: Learning something new and interesting every day is essential to activate existing neural pathways and connections throughout the brain and for development of new ones. The more activated neural connections and pathways you have, the bigger and more voluminous your brain will remain!

○ Enjoyable Activities: As a bonus, finding something that you love to do and getting excited about it will give your brain an instant boost of motivation to keep learning and growing, in addition to adding a spark of joy each time you do it.

● Changing life-long habits is undeniably hard, especially when there are several changes that need to be made. What’s the best way to tackle them and how do we decide what to do first? Change is difficult for people, even when they are keenly aware of the benefits of following through.

To begin, you need to have clarity for why you want to make these changes. Knowing your reasons for doing something is essential before starting. Otherwise, you’re likely to give up if things get tough. Once you’re ready to begin, it is important not to attempt too many changes at once. Make a list of the lifestyle habits you want to change and then choose the most do-able first. Giving yourself the boost of dopamine associated with accomplishment will be helpful to get the ball rolling. As you begin to engage in these new habits, gradually add one, then another and another.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-

10/25/2022- HEALING, STRESS AND THE PARASYMPATHETIC SYSTEM: Analyzing STRESS & ANXIETY from a holistic point of view means identifying the body’s interconnected systems (ie. circulatory, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine etc.) and its many touch points for stimulation. This analysis should also offer a comprehensive breakdown of the body's HEALING capacity- which includes our hormones, digestive system, immune system, brain, heart-- all the way down to our cells and mitochondria. Stress is part of life, and comes in many forms including physical, emotional, mental and environmental. Foods we eat, unhealthy relationships, difficulties at work, toxins in our environment, even poor posture or lack of sunshine can all create stress on our bodies. (See complete report by: Dr. Roberta Kline)

9/14/2022 - ADDRESSING BURNOUT: RECHARGING FOR CAREGIVERS: During the Covid-19 surge, interviews with emergency medical professionals showed dramatic cases of ICU and ER responders exposed to major signs of advanced fatigue and risk of burnout. This significantly raised major risks to their work performance where lives are to be affected, including theirs. Over time, double and triple shifts resulted in "a different type of pandemic" on a national scale- where this level of exhaustion and overwhelm. (See full report by Dr. Leslie Valle & Dave Dachinger)