Dr. Mitchell Kershner ND

11/13/2024

Wellbeing Wednesday, Tip and Inside: Walking Pneumonia

Fall is drawing to a close and winter is approaching, and with it certain health issues and concerns. What to do and how to minimize risks. Walking pneumonia is on the rise, especially in the young or immune challenged. But, don't get overly concerned as that actually can make matters worse.

Caused by a bacteria transmitted by droplets by an infected host i.e. another person that coughs or sneezes into the air. There is also the part of amount of airborne exposure that makes a difference. The more amount of spray or droplets, the greater the chance of spread.

The good news is, there are many things to do that cut down on spreading this infection. First to know, the most at risk of this being serious is the very young i.e. children 2-5 yrs, as well as those with immune challenges like elders or compromised immune systems.

What to do: 5 Things that Help to Heal
1. Hygiene is number one, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and then washing your hands. Try not to touch to many surfaces until hands have been washed. Next keep all surfaces clean and sanitized, which can be done with botanical cleansers and sanitizers.
2. If you're not feeling great, stay home for a day if at all possible. Taking care of health issues sooner than later helps to decrease the duration of illness.
3. Eating lightly i.e. soups, soup broths, coconut water, herbal teas, allow the body to focus more on healing rather than digestion.
4. Fresh air and sunshine. Depending on where you're living, either going outside for these, or next to a window also adds a healing element.
5. Sleep, can not be stated how important this part is, as much as possible. The body really does a lot of healing while you sleep, even during naps, even if there cat naps.

11/06/2024

Gratitude - having it, doing it, being it. With regular practice, YOU will notice a shift in your life and those around you! It does take some practice. Include the "little things" as well!

11/04/2024

Simple Definition of Naturopathic Medicine/Healthcare = It's the Bridge between the Wisdom of Nature and Knowledge of Science!

Naturopathic Principles + 1
The six principles of naturopathic medicine unite NDs across the world:
I. First Do No Harm
Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. NDs typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. NDs will refer when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill.

II. The Healing Power of Nature
NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic doctors recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health.

III. Identify and Treat the Causes
There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.

IV. Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health.

V. Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health.

VI. Prevention
Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.

+1. Personal Responsibility When it comes to your health, the most important part of changing it or making it better is your personal involvement. There is not one plan, goal or outcome that can be achieved without the participation of the individual. This requires what is called – Enrollment in Your Own Healthcare and Wellness.

09/30/2024

In terms of overall physical well-being, what single exercise type would you recommend as most essential? Here’s one idea to consider!

5 - Benefits to Stretching:
1. Prevent injuries
2. Better balance and posture
3. Overall Enhanced performance
4. Reduced muscle tension & pain
5. Improved circulation

There are more benefits and what’s great is this type of exercise is great for all ages!

09/25/2024

What do Kellogg's, Starbucks and Proctor and Gamble all have in common? Watch this too find out - especially if you have kiddos or know friends that have little ones!

Please spread this message as it is grassroots that are going to make the difference! Leave a comment if you agree and will spread this message - Thank you Food Babe Vani Hari!

The past couple of days have been some of the most surreal in my life. I had the opportunity to testify at a Senate Roundtable in Washington DC, presenting the truth about the food industry to senators and congressional leadership, hosted by Senator Ron Johnson. I was joined by a coalition of activi...

09/24/2024

Tuesday Tips: Screen Time & Parent Guilt

Times have changed, and their not going back! So, what do we do now? With busy schedules and crazy lives, it seems to be easier to give our kids, or grandchildren screen time and if they go.

So what’s a parent to do? As they say, it’s not that they’re watching screens, it’s what our kids are watching on those screens.

One idea is to have screen time be monitored. Not just the amount, but what is being watched. This would be a great place to introduce the idea of – edutainment = education + entertainment! More on this topic to come soon!

09/10/2024

Understanding Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration. It is one of three heat-related illnesses, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe1.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
The symptoms of heat exhaustion can develop suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged physical activity in hot weather. Common symptoms include:
Heavy sweating
Weak, rapid pulse
Dizziness or faintness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Cool, moist skin with goosebumps12.

If you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion, it’s important to act quickly:
*Move to a cooler place.
*Drink cool water or sports drinks.
*Rest and cool down with wet cloths or a
cool shower.
*Seek medical attention if symptoms
worsen or do not improve within an hour

09/09/2024

Mindful Mindset Monday: How to start your day/week!
Coaches tip for starting the day, everyday - Bookends - starting and ending your day! It's a technique that you use where you do have complete control over.

Most of us know we don't always have control over a good portion of our day, we set a plan and wind up putting out fires all day. With Bookends, how you start and end your day can have a huge impact on how your day goes.

Example - after waking while still in bed, think of several things you are grateful for in your life. Here's a key, they don't have to be big things i.e. I am grateful for my pillow, I am grateful for running water, I am grateful for my ability to smile today etc....

Then get up and drink some water, do some type of movement, they go about your day! Give this a try for a week, two weeks or even a month and see how it shifts your how your days goes.

Leave a comment if you life this idea and would like more like it! Thank you and have a blessed day/week.

07/02/2024

High Touch Tuesday: Loneliness - Modern day epidemic

Humans, we are all born hard-wired to want to seek and find meaningful relationships with others. It is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. Ironically, in this time of connected media and devices, loneliness has reached an all time high. It is common for us to feel lonely or alone.
Especially as our lives become more busy and it feels like there is less time to truly connect with those around us. By taking the time to acknowledge these feelings and move towards connecting with people, you are engaging in self-care and improving the overall quality of your life.
It is possible for anyone to develop great friendships, connections with relatives, or meaningful intimate relationships with the help of insights, effective techniques, and practical guidance to light the way.

Action Step: Reach out to at least 1-3 friends per week, have a good conversation, share how it feels to connect, or reconnect. From the teaching re: Vulnerability, it takes courage to reach out, tell someone how you feel about them, share some personal stuff. That's how to deepen relationships, whether family, good friends or intimate partners! Try it, see what happens!

07/01/2024

Being Mindful Monday:
There is a saying in certain spiritual circles - If you don't look for the good in others, you will never see it!

Busy lives, life challenges, crazy times, all lead to potentially taking people out of recognizing the important things in life; family, dear friends, adventure, life experiences.

Yeah sure we do these things, but without being Mindful and Intentionally paying attention, these events just pass us by and the joy, fulfillment and pleasure are lost.

Coaches Corner: Next time you participate in something special, spending time with loved ones or time with loved friends, look for and share what was so special about it. Telling it to another or writing it in a journal has the feelings and memory of it engrave in your mind. If you dare, share something about the experience here! Help another see what they might be missing if they don't go to those types of events.

06/27/2024

Whole Being Wellness:

Never underestimate the power of "Cat Naps". This time tested, now science backed therapy has been practiced since the first four legged feline hit the planet. There is actually a version of this healing method used by Navy Seals. Of course they call it a power nap, and it's been refined to match their needs.

If you are a computer owner, than this idea is analogous to the "Refresh" button on your computer. What it's primary function for the computer is to allow the inner components to literally refresh and start a new. Well, the same holds true for the Nap, or power nap in us humans!!!

By taking 10-30 minutes of just - refresh, reboot, renew time, and on a fairly regular basis meaning a few times per week, the body gets a fresh start with just a little down time.

Coaches Challenge: try taking a 10 or 15 minute Refresh Nap several times over the next week and see for yourself how you feel after. It sometime takes a few times to get use to the idea, but you will and won't regret it!

06/27/2024

Feline Therapy: Cats in coffee shops.

As crazy as this may sound, there is also a lot of potential healing that comes from sharing space with our little feline friends.

There are many forms of therapies that all contribute something to the process of health, wellness, joy, peace of mind. What are we all after, a sense of wellbeing. And who better to demonstrate that than the ever somber, lumbering and playful nature of cats!

If you are ever in a place of curiosity, needing a break from the hectic pace of life these days, you may want to seek out a "Cat Cafe". They are popping up in many towns and smaller city dwellings. Have you ever just been around cats and marveled at their carefree nature. Well, here's your chance.

Coaches Tip: monitor your sense of stress before being around the little furry four legged ones, and then check your "pulse" after being with them for a little while. Do share your experience here so others might be inspired.