Kemper Health & Wellness

04/21/2026

Asthma and joint pain connection?

There is a very strong link between asthma and osteoarthritis. In a 2023 retrospective study, asthma and other atopic diseases like eczema, had a strong correlation with the risk for osteoarthritis increasing 2 fold. It is theorized that mast cells play a role.

Mast cells can release tryptase which can contribute to cartilage damage and pain. Of the participants in the study, 42.2% had severe osteoarthritis on radiographic imaging compared to 24% of participants that did not have a history of atopic diseases.

We have many discussions in the office with folks daily about anti-inflammatory measures, possible lurking food sensitivities like gluten and dairy that are huge culprits for most, and have often tested for tryptase and histamine issues.

If you are experiencing unexplained coughing, skin issues, mucus production, it might not be as simple as seasonal allergies or lactose intolerance. Let us test you for histamines and food issues to help out your gut and decrease inflammation to get you on the right track.

04/20/2026

Vitamin D can help balance the gut microbiome. Plain and simple.

There is a lot of literature that shows an unbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) plays a role in developing inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns/Ulcerative colitis).

Vitamin D helps rebalance the gut and how the immune system sees gut bacteria. Current therapies focus mostly on targeting dysregulation in immune responses instead of how the symphony in your gut helps restore itself.

After 12 weeks of raising vitamin D levels in the subjects of a recent research study, it helped increase levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in the gut, which helps immunity and it decreased levels of IgG which is associated with inflammation.

This is one small piece that folks can do to help out their gut.

04/18/2026

Why we aren’t like other offices and make loads of videos… we are too busy caring for you, which is what matters!

04/16/2026

Do you get worsening joint pains when you drink too much caffeine?

Sometimes when people have too much inflammation or have an autoimmune disorder like I do, we can get triggered with too much caffeine.

Caffeine interacts with the immune system, especially cytokines like interleukins (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β).

Interleukins regulate things like:

*Inflammation (turning it up or down)
*Immune cell growth and activation
*Response to infections
*Healing and tissue repair

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which normally help dampen inflammation, which can lead to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in some people. Elevated interleukins (like IL-6) are strongly linked to joint pain conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and caffeine can amplify pain sensitivity too.

So next time, think about what you are drinking and ask yourself if it is possibly contributing to your pain symptoms. It just could be all that coffee, or worse...those energy drinks.

04/14/2026

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals characterized by a strong bond between fluorine and carbon. Because of this strong bond, PFAS provide resilience and durability. These properties are useful to the performance of hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparels, upholstery, food paper wrappings, wire and cable coatings.

Unfortunately we are exposed to these "Forever Chemicals" all the time, especially our firefighters. Firefighter turnout gear contains PFAs in the outer shell and moisture barriers to provide essential water, oil, and heat resistance. These chemicals are linked to high cancer rates among firefighters, as they can absorb through the skin and accumulate.

I have just learned about a great lab panel offered by Quest Diagnostics to test your blood for this. If interested, please let us know so we can sort out ways to try to continue to detoxify things.

What are some common household items that contain PFAs to try to avoid?
*Non-Stick Cookware & Kitchen Items: Pans, bakeware, and utensils labeled non-stick or Teflon.

*Food Packaging: Microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, fast-food wrappers, and greasy food paper.

*Water/Stain-Resistant Fabrics & Furniture: Raincoats, boots, tents, carpets, rugs, and upholstery treated with stain-resistant coatings (e.g., Scotchgard).

*Personal Care Products & Cosmetics: Waterproof mascara, foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick, dental floss, and sunscreen.

*Activewear & Textiles: Polyester clothing, particularly moisture-wicking or water-repellent athletic gear.

*Household Products: Ski waxes, waxes for cars/boats, cleaning products, and paints.
Children’s Products: Strollers, car seats, and clothing designed for water resistance.

*Activewear Brands: Studies have shown high fluorine levels in brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Old Navy.

Some Alternatives to use: Look for brands marketed as "PFC-free" or use ceramic-based, non-stick alternatives.

04/13/2026

It was such a pleasure meeting so many wonderful officers at the SWAT conference this last week! I was hoarse the next day from talking so much! Thank you for all you do!

04/13/2026

It was such a great time to meet so many wonderful law enforcement officers at the SWAT conference this past week! I was hoarse the next day from talking to so many people! Hope to be able to help some folks sort out some health issues soon!

04/10/2026

Tomorrow is National Pet Day! Post a picture of your pet in order to celebrate this wonderful day!

The holiday, officially celebrated on April 11, is intended to bring awareness of the millions of pets in need of homes, as well as the health benefits that pets provide owners.

We love our pets here at Kemper Health & Wellness and some of you may have even met our newest adopted pet Ralphie, 3 year old Dogue de Bourdeaux, who has made an appearance on occasion.

Consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue that needs some love ❤️

04/09/2026

Overstock!

Come get some lovely calming support at 50% off as we transition into spring!

*GABA-Trex: Chewable, grape-flavored supplement containing 100mg of L-theanine per tablet, designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support sleep quality .

*Sero-Trex: A fast-acting, berry-flavored chewable supplement designed to promote calm, mood stability, and stress relief. It combines 200 mg of L-theanine and 60 mg of 5-HTP per serving to support healthy neurotransmitter levels, targeting stress and promoting relaxation without sedation.

*Calm CP: Lowers cortisol, manages stress, and promotes restful sleep. It combines phosphatidylserine, banaba leaf extract, glycine, and taurine to address high cortisol levels, which can lead to sleep disruption and belly fat accumulation.

04/06/2026

We have been asked to be a vendor at the Indiana Swat Officers Association conference this week!

We love our first responders for all the do and always honored to serve their health care needs! ❤️

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

I see SO much iron deficiency anemia in the clinic every day. Most of the time it's from nutritional issues/lack of intake of dietary iron with occasional overlapping of heavy menstrual bleeding in ladies.

*Hemoglobin/Hematocrit is the amount of blood circulating in the body represented numerically. We need robust blood counts to avoid fatigue, exhaustion, shortness of breath, workout endurance, maintaining hair. On these two female lab panels, an ideal hemoglobin should be around 13 and a hematocrit should be in the 40s.

*Iron is also a very needed co-factor for brain neurotransmitter function (ie mood, calming support, dopamine synthesis), energy, maintaining hair, oxygen transport, immune support, DNA repair and other crucial bodily functions.

We get to the root of issues like this to stop the madness so you can live the most optimal! What are your blood counts doing?