Keep moving forward

This past weekend I was invited by a friend and client to participate in her walk to “Defeat ALS”. ALS is a diagnosis where there is progressive loss in motor strength due to nerve problems.

The walk began at Scottsdale stadium and coursed around for 2 miles then returned back to the stadium. Her family had an electric scooter for her due to their concern and mine that she would be able to have the strength to walk the complete 2 miles. She would have nothing to do with that scooter. I think the scooter looked more fatigued than her. I thought maybe her husband would need to ride in it.

She walked the whole way, hand in hand with her husband, family, and friends. We were there to supposedly to "support her". But as it turns out, I think we felt more supported by her than her by us! I feel she is all ready DEFEATING ALS by doing things that people and doctors think she cannot or should not.

Vanessa, thank you for helping me and others defeat our own ALS. All because of your courage, smile, strength, and strong spirit, I feel stronger and more able to excel through any challenge in my path.

Thank you!!
Dr. Brett Brimhall

Walk to Defeat ALS

My son, Eric, and I met with some co-workers to walk with one of our dear patients who was diagnosed with ALS in her "Walk to Defeat ALS" in Scottsdale, AZ. The walk was 2 miles, which may not be a big deal to you and I, but it is a great deal to Vanessa.I loved seeing all of her friends and family there to support her. I am continually inspired by Vanessa's strength and determination and overwhelmed by the love of her family and friends. I was honored to participate in this with her. I speak in behalf of everyone here at Brimhall Wellness when I say that we are so proud of you Vanessa and will continue to stand behind you every step of your way!

- Andrea S.
Nutrition Specialist

Boost your Vitamin D

As Dr. Brimhall said in his last post, "Sugar Season" is upon us! And yes, “coincidentally” it just so happens that cold and flu season is approaching. In addition to all of the wonderful suggestions from previous posts, I would absolutely incorporate vitamin D into your supplement routine.

Even here in the Valley of the Sun, we do not get enough vitamin D. I regularly test levels on my patients and I rarely find people have sufficient vitamin D levels. A 2009 study of Japanese children showed that kids taking vitamin D supplements were 58% LESS likely to get the flu. A 2010 study of 198 adults indicated that of the adults with adequate vitamin D levels cut their flu risk by 50%.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and will be absorbed better when taken with food. Ideally take it when you take your daily fish oil supplement, and make sure that the supplement is D3 Balance. It is the more active form of vitamin D and your body will able to utilize it better. In addition to strengthening your immune system, vitamin D helps fight osteoporosis and has been known to help lower blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about vitamin D and make sure you’re ready for cold and flu season.

Be well,
Dr. Ann Lovick

"Flu Season"

I always wondered why the “FLU SEASON” hits us the same time of the year. It must be dormant during the summer or just on “vacation” like the rest of us. There are several factors that might play into why it occurs at the same time of the year. Many kids are back in school in close proximity to each other so the transfer of the infection is easy to occur. However, why are we more susceptible at this time of the year? What occurs now?

Well in the month of October we have that blessed holiday/sugar fest Halloween. Next we have Thanksgiving and then Christmas and New Years. We start the sugar feast in early October and it doesn’t slow down much until we hit the New Year with our New Years “Resolutions!” I think the increased consumption of sugar, the change in our climate and the stress of the holiday helps us “earn” those colds and make us a perfect host for the infections to take hold.

So, off my soap box…

What are we to do? We can only control some of the above parameters. What we put in our mouths, how much sleep we get, and how much we choose to stress. So this is our opportunity. To reduce you risk of “Catching or Earning” the flu here are some suggestions:

1. Get adequate sleep
2. Dress appropriately for your activity and weather
3. Simplify to reduce your stress
4. Choose your food wisely
5. Take your vitamins
6. Spend time with those you love and that love you
7. Exercise
8. Get a massage or adjusted or both

If you do start getting sick or are sick the following can be very helpful:

1. Take a detox bath with bath salts
2. Get a massage and get adjusted
3. Get extra sleep
4. Take Total Virx (1 every hour to 2 hours that you are awake for 3-5 days, then as you feel better reduce the dose to 1 3 x a day.)
5. Increase you DSF from 1 tablet 2 x a day to 2 tablets 2 x a day.
6. Take probiotics and enzymes
7. For children increase there vitamin C (like Chewable C 500) Give them probiotics and enzymes. Place them in a detox bath.

These steps will increase the odds you have of not “earning” a cold or flu. But, if you do start getting sick refer back to the above list and shorten the duration of the illness significantly.

May your Holidays be healthy and happy!

Best of health,
Dr. Brett Brimhall