Tag: immune system

blood oxygenation, blood viscosity, cardiovascular disease, cortisol, earthing, exercise recovery, grounding, immune system, Miami holistic health coach, Miami psychologist, negative ions, pain, sleep, stress,

Why reconnecting with the earth is good for you . . .

In Psychology and Wellness

If you’re like most people, you spent part of
your Labor Day relaxing and spending time with your family and friends.  You’ll probably also spent a good amount of this time outdoors either at a beach, park, or backyard cooking and celebrating your day off from work.  Spending time with your family and friends is undoubtedly good for your mind, body and soul.  Beyond these social aspects though, the time outdoors with nature has the added benefits of reconnecting your body with the Earth.

Laying on the beach, walking barefoot on the grass, dirt or sand allows your body to make contact with the electrons and negative ions that are produced by our planet.  Modern research has found that making contact with the Earth (sand, grass, dirt, concrete) has several health promoting qualities.

“Earthing” (the term used to describe walking barefoot or making contact with the Earth) allows the electrons and negative ions that are naturally emitted by our planet to transfer into your body.   The transference of these electrons and negative ions into your body has numerous healing effects.

Research has found that the electrons and negative ions that are transferred to your body neutralize and scavenge free radicals (i.e., they act as antioxidants) thereby enhancing your immune system.1    Studies have also found that “Earthing” can improve and normalize your sleep, circadian rhythms, blood oxygenation and heart rate variability as well as reduce levels of stress, cortisol, pain, blood viscosity and inflammation.2,3,4,5  So not only will you feel calmer but you will also recover more quickly from exercise and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.6,7

The simplest way to make sure you are receiving the electrons and negative ions from the Earth is to walk barefoot outside.   Aim to do so whenever you have the opportunity.   Doing so every day for 30 to 45 minutes will help you take advantage of the most abundant and free source of healing energy available.  And if you cannot make it a part of your daily practice, you can also use modern technologies and foot wear that can confer many of the same health benefits.

To your health and success,

Dr. Sandoval

To learn more about how working with a psychologist and holistic health coach can help you to enhance your health and well-being, call or email Dr. Sandoval to schedule an initial consultation.

  1. Chevalier, G, Sinatra, ST, Oschman, JL, Sokal, K and and Sokal, P. “Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons” Journal of Environmental and Public Health. (2012) 2012: 291541. doi:  10.1155/2012/291541.
  2. Clinton, O., Sinatra, S. T., & Zucker, M. (2010). Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?
  3. Ghal, M and Teplitz, D.  “The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress” ” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2004) 10, (5) 767–776.
  1. Chevalier, G and Sinatra, ST. “Emotional Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Grounding, and Improved Autonomic Tone: Clinical Applications” Integrative Medicine.  (2011) 10 (3) 16-21.
  1. Chevalier, G. “Changes in Pulse Rate, Respiratory
    Rate, Blood Oxygenation, Perfusion Index, Skin Conductance, and Their Variability Induced During and After Grounding Human Subjects for 40 Minutes” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2010) 16, (1) 81-87.
  1. Chevalier, G, Sinatra, ST, Oschman, JL, and Delany, RM. 4 “Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2013) 19, (2) 102-110.
  1. Brown, D, Chevalier, G and Hill, M. “Pilot Study on the  Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2010) 16, (3) 265-273.

The information, published and/or made available through the www.drjosesandoval.com website, is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a physician-patient relationship. This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this post for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.  Any action on the reader’s part in response to the information provided in this blog is at the reader’s discretion.

blood pressure, blood sugar, gelotolgy, immune system, laughter yoga, Miami holistic health coach, Miami psychologist, natural killer cells, stress,

If you can find humor in anything . . . .

In Psychology and Wellness

blood pressure, blood sugar, gelotolgy, immune system, laughter yoga, Miami holistic health coach, Miami psychologist, natural killer cells, stress, In between your headline news and favorite sitcom or drama on television; you see the ads for a litany of medicines promising to spell relief from your illness de jour (e.g., depression, irritable bowel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and osteoporosis).  Although some people may experience short term relief from these conditions, these medications invariably come with a laundry list of unpleasant and often harmful side effects and usually do little to prevent chronic health problems in the future. So instead of buying into these ads and opting for synthetic medicines, why not turn a cheek and laugh a little or a lot?

Gelotology (from the Greek gelos, meaning laughter) is an emerging discipline in the health sciences that examines laughter and its effects on the body (psychological and physiological).1,2 In fact, several complementary and alternative medicine (CAMS) protocols prescribe laughter as an adjunct form of treatment for a variety of health conditions.3,4 The beneficial effects of mirthful laughter on your health go beyond the brief experience of joy and the social bonding that usually ensues between people.  The extensive list of physiological and psychological benefits includes:

  • It decreases your tendencies towards aggression thereby helping you to form and build your relationship skills with people.
  • It decreases your perceived level of physical pain by enhancing your production of endogenous endorphins.
  • It helps you to manage your psychological stress more effectively by allowing you to shift your perspective on often challenging situations.
  • It improves your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and decreases blood sugar levels after eating foods that convert into glucose in your body.
  • It enhances your immune system by boosting your production of natural killer cells thus helping you to ward off illness.5,6

Unlike, synthetic medicines, laughter is free and the only potential side effect is disturbing your neighbor or partner at a comedy club or movie.  If you find it difficult to laugh, there are several simple ways that you can work this muscle (i.e., it is a muscle isn’t it?).  You can watch or listen to a comedy film or play, go with a friend to a comedy club, join your nearest Laughter Yoga club, or read a magazine like MAD (i.e., you still read paper magazines don’t you?).  If you still have trouble laughing, remember that like any muscle you only have to start where at and can simply smile instead.

To your health and success,

Dr. Sandoval

To learn more about how working with a psychologist and holistic health coach can help you to enhance your health and well-being, call or email Dr. Sandoval to schedule a free consultation.  

  1. Bennett, M. P. and Cecile, A. L.  Humor and Laughter may Influence Health. Oxford Journals. 1/2006.
  2. Liebertz, C.  A Healthy Laugh.  Scientific American 9/2005.
  3. Hayashi, Keiko et al.   Laughter Lowered the Increase in Postprandial Blood Glucose. Diabetes Care. 5/2003.
  4. Laughter Yoga International.   Laughter Yoga Aids Digestion. 10/2010
  5. Bennett, M.P. et al. The effect of mirthful laughter on stress and natural killer cell activity Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 3/2003.
  6. Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology.   About Us. 8/2010.

anxiety,depression,Miami holistic health coach,Miami psychologist, multiple sclerosis,obesity

How to cool the flames wrecking havoc on your health . . .

In Psychology and Wellness

Several chronic diseases are mediated by your body’s inflammatory response. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, arthritis, obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and even obesity are mediated by chronic inflammation.1, 2,3 When you experience an acute infection or sustain an injury to your body, your immune system mobilizes an inflammatory response to neutralize the infectious agent or initiate a healing response.  Your body cannot combat acute infections or heal damaged tissues without inflammation. Conditions like heart disease, however, are the outcome of low grade, “silent” inflammation that is systemic and chronic.

Many over the counter and pharmaceutical medications (e.g., NSAIDs like ibuprofen, COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex) exist to reduce inflammation in your body.   While these drugs do lower inflammation in your body, they bring with them several side effects (i.e., ranging from mild skin reactions and stomach ulcers to more serious conditions such as heart attacks, thrombosis and strokes).  Thankfully, you can balance your immune system and modulate your body’s inflammatory response by changing your lifestyle.

Evaluating your body’s response to and avoiding common food allergens (i.e., shellfish, soy, dairy, corn, gluten, peanuts, citrus, mold, fermented foods) that set off an alarm in your immune system as well as  balancing your ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids will go a long way towards balancing your body’s inflammatory response.  Your body’s inflammatory system is regulated by your immune system and hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are enzymatically derived from fatty acids and exert their physiological effect at localized tissue sites.  Omega 6 fatty acids act as the building blocks for inflammatory prostaglandins.  Omega 6 fatty acids are found primarily in nuts and seeds, processed vegetable oils, grains, legumes and conventionally raised animal foods.   Omega 3 fatty acids help your body to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.  Rich food sources include small cold water, fatty fish, grass fed and pasture raised animals, dark green, leafy vegetables and some nuts and seeds.  Ideally, you will eat a 3:1 to 1:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids.  Unfortunately, the average American eats very SADly (Standard American Diet) and consumes a 16:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids.4

In order to decrease your levels of systemic inflammation, prevent many chronic diseases and optimize your health, you must reduce your intake of unnecessary omega 6 fatty acids.  Processed vegetable oils used for cooking and in most processed foods are often high in omega 6 fatty acids.  Instead, cook with animal fats or plant sources of saturated fat that are more stable and do not oxidize easily.  Tallow, suet, butter or ghee (grass fed) and coconut oil are healthy choices.  In addition, make sure you increase your intake of long chain omega 3 fatty acids (i.e., EPA and DHA) by including food rich sources at least twice a week.  While long chain omega 3 fatty acids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body, plant sources of medium chain omega 3 fatty acids such as ALA are important for optimal health.  Nuts, seeds and leafy dark greens are rich sources of medium chain omega 3 fatty acids.  Make sure you include several servings a week.

To reduce systemic inflammation and optimize your health, you must also reduce your intake of refined and starchy carbohydrates.  Excessive consumption of quickly digested carbohydrates (i.e., high glycemic index) contributes to the production of pro inflammatory Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) that wreak havoc inside your body.  AGEs are formed when simple sugar molecules bind to protein or fat without the enzymes necessary to control the reaction.  You can also reduce AGEs by using low heat cooking methods such as steaming or light sautéing and reducing your consumption of animal proteins that have been browned or charred.

Regular exercise can also help to further reduce systemic inflammation by enhancing your body’s production of the anti-inflammatory, cytokine interleukin (IL)-10.5 Cytokines are chemical messengers that work to orchestrate your body’s immune system and inflammatory response.  Aim to exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, four to five times per week to achieve optimal results.    And, remember to have fun and play with your workouts.  Vary your workouts and try adding brief, intense exercise routines a couple times a week.

Healthy Fats

  • Long chain omega 3 fatty acids: grass fed, pasture raised animals or wild caught, cold water, small fish. (e.g., sardines, herring, anchovies, sock eye salmon, bison, beef, venison, lamb).
  • Medium chain omega 3 fatty acids: dark leafy greens, walnuts, seeds (chia, flax, hemp, sacha inchi).
  • Omega 6 fatty acids: nuts, seeds (black currant, chia, flax, hemp, sesame, sacha inchi, pumpkin).
  • Saturated fats: grass fed, pasture raised animals, butter, ghee, tallow, suet, coconuts.
  • Monounsaturated fats: avocados, olives, grass fed, pasture raised animals, nuts (almonds, macadamia, cashews).

To your health and success,

Dr. Sandoval

To learn more about how working with a psychologist and holistic health coach can help you to enhance your health and well-being, call or email Dr. Sandoval to schedule a free consultation.

  1. Perry, VH.   “The influence of systemic inflammation on inflammation in the brain: implications for chronic neurodegenerative disease.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. (2004), 18 (5): 407–41.
  2. Salim, S, Chugh, G, Asghar, M.  “Inflammation in anxiety.” Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology. (2012.) (88):1–25. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-398314-5.00001-5.
  3. Sin, DD and Paul Man, SF.   “Why Are Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases? The Potential Role of Systemic Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” Circulation. (2003), 107:1514-1519.
  4. Simopoulos, AP. “The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.” Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. (2002), 56(8):365-79.
  5. Ostrowski, K, Rohde, T, Asp, S, Schjerling, P, and Pedersen, BK.  “Pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance in strenuous exercise in humans.” Journal of Physiology. (1999), 15; 515(Pt 1): 287–291.

The information, published and/or made available through the www.drjosesandoval.com website, is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a physician-patient relationship. This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this post for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.  Any action on the reader’s part in response to the information provided in this blog is at the reader’s discretion.

barefoot walking, earthing, heart rate variability, Juil sandals, Memorial Day weekend, Miami holistic health coach, Miami psychologist, sleep, stress,

How Mother Earth can help you to heal . . .

In Psychology and Wellness

If you’re like most people, you spent part of your Memorial Day weekend relaxing and spending time with your family and friends.  You may also have spent a good part of this time outdoors either at a beach, park, or backyard cooking and celebrating your day off from work (assuming your city or county has not prohibited this because of the Covid-19 pandemic).  Spending time with your family and friends connecting is undoubtedly good for your mind, body and spirit.  More than these social aspects, however; the time you spend outdoors in the sunlight with nature has the added benefits of reconnecting your body with our Mother Earth.

Sunlight has numerous health benefits. Unlike sun screen and tanning lotions that are full of toxic chemicals and prevent your body from making vitamin D and other steroid hormones, sunlight, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, increases the oxygen content in your blood, and builds your immune system.  

Moreover, laying on the beach, walking barefoot on the grass, dirt or sand allows your body to make contact with the electrons and negative ions that are produced by our planet.  Researchers have found that making contact with the Earth (sand, grass, dirt, concrete) has several health promoting qualities.

“Earthing” (the term used to describe walking barefoot or making contact with the Earth) allows the electrons and negative ions that are naturally emitted by our planet to transfer into your body.   The transference of these electrons and negative ions into your body has numerous healing effects.  

Studies have found that the electrons and negative ions that are transferred to your body neutralize and scavenge free radicals (i.e., they act as antioxidants like eating blueberries or dark chocolate) and enhance your immune system.1    Studies have also found that “Earthing” can improve and normalize your sleep, circadian rhythms, blood oxygenation and heart rate variability as well as reduce levels of stress, cortisol, pain, blood viscosity and inflammation.2,3,4,5  So not only will you feel calmer but you will also recover more quickly from exercise and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.6,7  

The simplest way to make sure you are receiving the electrons and negative ions from the Earth is to walk barefoot outside. 

Strive to do so whenever you have the opportunity.  Doing so every day for 30 to 45 minutes will help you take advantage of the most abundant and free source of healing energy available.  And if you cannot make it a part of your daily practice, you can also use modern technologies and footwear that can confer many of the same health benefits.

To your health and success,

Dr. Sandoval

To learn more about how working with a psychologist,  holistic health coach, and personal trainer can help you to enhance your health and well-being, call or email Dr. Sandoval to schedule a free consultation.

 

  1.  Chevalier, G, Sinatra, ST, Oschman, JL, Sokal, K and and Sokal, P. “Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons” Journal of Environmental and Public Health. (2012) 2012: 291541. doi:  10.1155/2012/291541. 
  2.  Clinton, O., Sinatra, S. T., & Zucker, M. (2010). Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? 
  3.  Ghal, M and Teplitz, D.  “The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress” ” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2004) 10, (5) 767–776. 
  4.  Chevalier, G and Sinatra, ST. “Emotional Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Grounding, and Improved Autonomic Tone: Clinical Applications” Integrative Medicine.  (2011) 10 (3) 16-21. 
  5.   Chevalier, G. “Changes in Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Oxygenation, Perfusion Index, Skin Conductance, and Their Variability Induced During and After Grounding Human Subjects for 40 Minutes” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2010) 16, (1) 81-87. 
  6.  Chevalier, G, Sinatra, ST, Oschman, JL, and Delany, RM. 4 “Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2013) 19, (2) 102-110. 
  7.  Brown, D, Chevalier, G and Hill, M. “Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness” Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. (2010) 16, (3) 265-273.

The information, published and/or made available through the www.drjosesandoval.com website, is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a physician-patient relationship. This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this post for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.  Any action on the reader’s part in response to the information provided in this blog is at the reader’s discretion.

alternate nostril breathing, anxiety disorders, binge eating, depression, immune system , Miami holistic health coach, Miami psychologist, mindfulness meditation, qi gong, stress ,well-being , yoga, ADHD

How simple mindfulness practices can help you to enhance your well-being and reduce your distress . . .

In Psychology and Wellness

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing your attention to your here and now experiences with an attitude of curiosity, openness and non-judgment.  Many studies have shown that mindfulness practices can help you to reduce stress, worry, symptoms of binge eating, many anxiety disorders and ADHD.1, 2

Mindfulness practices, including yoga, yoga breathing exercises and qi gong, can also help you to enhance your emotional well-being, immune system , concentration and focus as well as help you to reduce symptoms of depression, reduce your blood pressure and trigger your “rest and digest response” (i.e., it activates your parasympathetic nervous system).3, 4, 5, 6,7,8,9

While establishing a formal practice for mindfulness meditation is ideal, using informal practices and learning yoga or qi gong is simple and equally as effective.  Below are simple, informal practices that you can learn to help you disengage, reduce stress and enhance your well-being.

  • Notice Sounds: Notice 5 sounds.  As you notice the sounds, be aware of the moment when your mind identifies the sound and adds a label or judgment.  It is in the nature of the mind to identify, categorize, label and judge every experience you bring your attention to.  With practice, you will simply notice the sounds and be in the spaciousness of your awareness before your mind adds a label or judgment.
  • Mindful Breathing: Take 10 mindful breathes.  Pay attention to every sensation in your body as you inhale and exhale.  The rise and fall of your chest or abdomen. The rate and depth of each breath.  The cool sensations as you inhale through your nostrils and the warmth as you exhale out your mouth.  The expansion and collapse of your lungs as the air flows in and out of your body.  Take time throughout your day to disengage from the task at hand, pause and take 10 mindful breaths.
  • Mindful Eating: Notice the colors and shapes.  Notice the smells of the food.  As you bring the food to your mouth, notice the intention to eat and your body’s production of saliva in the anticipation of the food entering your mouth.  As you chew, notice the sounds of the food and the chomping of your teeth that the chewing produces.  Notice the feel and texture of the food. Your tongue positions the food precisely where it needs to be in order to chew.  Notice the taste.   Be aware of the moment and intention to swallow the food.
  • Mindful Touch: Touch a loved one or practice self-massage.  As you pay attention, notice all the sensations on your skin.  Tingling, warmth, coolness, itching, pain, tension, pleasure, lightness.  Be aware of any judgments or stories that your mind adds to the experience as you touch.  It is natural for your mind to add judgments and preferences about yourself and others.  Without struggling, simply notice the judgments, and gently bring your awareness back the sensations in your body.
  • Mindful Walking: Walking is a controlled act of falling.  When you walk mindfully, have the intention of noticing every aspect of your body as you raise your foot to take a step.  Monitor the sway of your hips.  Notice the tension in your calf as you raise your foot, the pull in your thigh and the pressure upon landing on your heel.  Alternate and again monitor the movement of your body as you lift the opposite foot.  Be aware of the movement of your shoulders, hips and arms as you balance yourself to walk.  As your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention back to your breath and the movements of your body.  To help you maintain your focus, you may want to mentally label each step.  “Left, Right, Left, Right.”
  • Alternate Nostril Breathing (Yoga breathing exercise): Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril. Do this for a count of four seconds. Immediately afterwards close your left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger while you simultaneously remove your thumb from your right nostril and exhale through this nostril. Do this for a count of eight seconds. Complete your cycle by inhaling through your right nostril for a count of four second and follow by closing your right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through your left nostril for a count of eight seconds.  Start by doing three cycles, adding one per week until you are doing seven cycles.

To your health,

Dr. Sandoval

To learn more about how working with a psychologist and holistic health coach can help you to enhance your health and well-being, call or email Dr. Sandoval to schedule a free consultation.

  1. Klein, AS, Skinner, JB and Hawley, KM.  “Targeting binge eating through components of dialectical behavior therapy: Preliminary outcomes for individually supported diary card self-monitoring versus group-based DBT.” Psychotherapy. (2013). 50(4), 543-552.
  2. van de Weijer-Bergsma, E,  Formsma, AR, Bruin, EI,  Bögels, SM. “The effectiveness of mindfulness training on behavioral problems and attentional functioning in adolescents with ADHD.” Journal of Child and Family Studies. (2012). 21(5), 775-787.
  3. Witek-Janusek, L, Albuquerque, K, Chroniak, KR, Chroniak, C,  Durazo-Arvizu, R, Mathews, HL.  “Effect of mindfulness based stress reduction on immune function, quality of life and coping in women newly diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, (2008). 22(6), 969-981.
  4. Sarang, P and Telles, S.  “Effects of two yoga based relaxation techniques on heart rate variability (HRV).”  International Journal of Stress Management. (2006). 13(4), 460-475.
  5. Vempati, RP and Telles, S.  “Yoga-Based Guided Relaxation Reduces Sympathetic Activity Judged from Baseline Levels.” Psychological Reports. (2002). (90), 2 487-494.
  6. Srivastava, RD, Jain, N, and Singhal, A. “Influence of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Cardiorespiratory and Autonomic Functions in Healthy Young Adults.” Indian Journal Physiology and Pharmacology. (2005). (49), 4, 475–483.
  7. Subramanya, P and Telles, S.   “Effect of two yoga-based relaxation techniques on memory scores and state anxiety” BioPsychoSocial Medicine. (2009). (3), 8.
  8. Tsang HW, Fung KM, Chan AS, Lee G, Chan F. “Effect of a qigong exercise programme on elderly with depression.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. (2006). (21), 9, 890–897.
  9. Oh, Byeongsang, Sun Mi Choi, Aya Inamori, David S.Rosenthal, and Albert S. Yeung. “Effects of Qigong on depression: A systemic review.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013). doi:10.1155/2013/134737

The information, published and/or made available through the www.fullofradiance.com website, is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a physician-patient relationship. This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this post for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.  Any action on the reader’s part in response to the information provided in this blog is at the reader’s discretion.