Dr. Knauff

Open House THIS Saturday!

admin-aimee — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:09:44 +0000

Spring is naturally a time for cleansing, and Chester Community Acupuncture Clinic is celebrating Spring Body Cleanse through the month of May! Our kickoff event is an open house THIS Saturday, from 10-1:30.

Tracy, our Licensed Acupuncturist, will give Free Treatments from 10-1.

At 1:00, I will teach a Free Class on how important a cleanse is, how it can detoxify your body from winter stagnation, and simple tips on how to be successful.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Photo: http://creativebioscience.com

A Diet High in Fruits and Vegetables May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

admin-aimee — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:41:27 +0000

According to a new study, women are less likely to develop breast cancer when they eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Previous research has shown that nutrients called carotenoids, can inhibit tumor growth and reduce the spread of breast cancer. Carotenoids are colorful plant pigments that the body can turn into vitamin A. They can also act as powerful antioxidants which, in addition to fighting cancer, can also help prevent heart disease and increase your immune response to infections.

Carotenoids are found in carrots, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, bell peppers, sweet potatoes and other vegetables. They are also found in orange and yellow fruits, such as watermelon, oranges, tangerines, papaya, nectarines and pink grapefruit.

A recent study, done by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, found a statistically significant association between higher levels of carotenoids and reduced risk of getting ER-negative breast cancer. ER-negative tumors do not rely on estrogen to fuel their growth. Carotenoid levels are highlighted as one of the first modifiable risk factors to be identified for ER-negative breast cancer.

Although the research did not link caroteniods with breast cancer prevention, the study did find a link between carotenoid levels and decreased risk. They concluded that ”the foods that your mother always told you are good for you, truly are good for you…. A diet high in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables offers many health benefits, including a possible reduced risk of breast cancer.”

For more information, the complete HealthDay article can be found here.

Photo: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com

Having a Healthier Halloween

admin-aimee — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:26:49 +0000

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of us are looking for “hauntingly” healthier snacks to give the ghosts and goblins that come knocking on our door. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians published a great article by Dr. Kerri Marshall on this subject.

She suggests some great candy alternatives, including: mini pretzel bags, organic lollipops, mini granola bars and chocolate. Of course chocolate has sugar in it, but real sugar in small amounts, when eaten with a whole foods diet, is not entirely unhealthy. Dark chocolate is even better because it contains protective anti-oxidants called flavonoids.

It is best to avoid sugary candies made with high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners (such as sucralose/Splenda and aspartame), as well as artificial colors and flavors. There are plenty of tasty treats out there without these ingredients.

When your children comes home from trick-or-treating, what do you do with their bag full of sugary candies and salty snacks? It is important to go through the treats with your children and teach them about making healthy choices as you separate out what is okay for them to eat. Dr. Marshall suggests two options for the rest of the candy. The first works best with younger kids who “still believe.” Set out a bowl of candy at night, and while the children are sleeping, the “Switch Witch” swaps out the candy for a small present. The child is happy with a gift they enjoy and a small bowl of healthier snack options to choose from over the next few weeks.

The second option is great for older children. Dr. Marshall recommends saving the candy to make a holiday gingerbread house, allowing your kids to still have fun with the “unhealthy” treats. Sweet Tarts make great roof shingles, artificial colored dipping powders make great skating rinks (blue) and grass (green), nerds make great cobblestone pathways. Let your imagination run wild!

Wishing your family a fun and healthy Halloween!

Photo: http://www.mypearfectlife.com/