gwinkelman's blog

We receive many questions this time of year from patients about normal energy levels in the winter. It is natural for sleep to increase in accordance with the lack of light we experience, especially here in the Northwest. Our circadian rhythms respond to the change in light and our pineal gland is affected, which may trigger a feeling of sleepiness earlier in the evenings.  This is a normal phenomenon.  It is often when people are not heeding this need for an average of one more hour of sleep per night  (or when they have been under long term stress or not practicing good sleep habits for a period of time) that daytime fatigue and a general feeling of depletion result.   In this scenario, either people notice they don’t feel rested after sleep, or they experience an energy crash at either 2-3 pm or 6-8 pm. This type of fatigue has a different cause than the normal winter desire for a bit more rest.

 This study was just published which is really interesting. It basically shows that when the brain is hit by something, a cascade of depolarizations occur that cause a "tsumani" to occur in the brain creating more damage. In my neurofeedback  world, the reason this happens is a due to seizure like activity in the brain. Once the brain is strengthened thresholds are raised so that people don't have this Tsunami effect. In other words, if "seizure-like" thresholds are low then polarizations can occur more easily. Neurofeedback has been shown to be neuro-protective we think by raising these thresholds; future injuries are less likely to have long term consequences after treatment.  Chronic viruses, toxins, etc are more likely to allow this to occur which is why treatment is so important for prevention. It also explains why one TBI leads to increase risk of damage from subsequent ones. 

Allergies and excess weight are often caused by system overload;  our program is a structured program to jumpstart better health and optimal weight. We have taken several hundred people through our 21-Day Detox and Weight Loss program with great success. Not only are patients losing  an average of 15-21 pounds in the three weeks , but the majority of people report having more energy, better sleep and reduced symptoms in general. Longterm, they not only feel great but are keeping the weight off and staying fit.   Each program is individualized for each patient's goals and health concerns/history.  Feel super by summer, or if someone you love has goals for greater health, please forward this newsletter.  

April is Autism Awareness Month and the physicians at Insights To Health would like to share what we have gleaned from our experience treating autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism affects 1 in 48 boys in Oregon and isn’t so much a disease as a cluster of symptoms. The causes are not generally understood and very controversial. In our experience ASD is still commonly missed as a diagnosis and recognizing the problem is important. Recent studies found that large numbers of undiagnosed children displayed autistic traits. »

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So often oatmeal turns into a sugary, syrupy event.  This is a warm, tasty, yet low-glycemic way to start your winter days.

• 1 cup oats plus dash of salt
• 2 cups water
• 1 apple, chopped
• Cinnamon, stevia, and unsweetened hemp milk to taste
• Handful of almonds

Dinner at your door is a lifestyle service providing homemade, healthy meals conveniently delivered to your door throughout the Portland metropolitan area.  All menu items are made with fresh, low fat ingredients including organic, seasonal and local produce when available.  Visit dinneratyourdoor.com for reservations in your dining room.  Drs Gil and Christie have been using this awesome service for three months now and highly recommend it for busy professionals and families.

 Dressing