August 2023
Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Gastroparesis slows and stops the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine, even without a blockage present. This means that your stomach cannot process food or empty itself normally. 1/3 of diagnosed cases are directly related to diabetes. It has also been linked to surgery, infection, and autoimmune diseases. Common symptoms include indigestion, bloating, upper abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, acid reflux, blood sugar fluctuations, and constipation. For more information on gastroparesis, Dr. B recommends:
https://healinggpnaturally.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/understanding-your-digestion- dr-mercola/
Summer Sun Safety Awareness Month
Every person is at risk for sun exposure, sunburn, skin cancer, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration during the hot summer months. Keep yourself safe by following these tips:
1. Limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, the hottest and most intense
part of the day, when the UV index is at its highest. A safe approach is to intentionally and
gradually expose yourself for 15-20 minutes to increase melanin and activate Vitamin D, all the
while preventing actual burns.
2. Wear sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, pants), sunglasses with UV protection, wide brim
hats.
3. Use “broad spectrum” sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher, following instructions for use.
4. Medications can increase your UV sensitivity; check with your doctor if you have concerns.
5. Take plenty of breaks, drink lots of water, and utilize the shade.
Did You Know? Mandarin Wellness Center offers a variety of IV treatments, including HYDRATION FLUIDS! Immediate appointments are available. For a limited time, we are offering a 10% discount for first time IV, Micro Current, and Hyperbaric Chamber visits. This includes people who aren’t patients of Dr. Balbino, so let your friends and family know!
In The News:
Jacksonville Lyme disease patients say they had to ask a dozen times for a test
Researchers at the University of North Florida say official Lyme disease statistics underestimates the number of people with Lyme Disease.
September 2023
A Hearty Welcome to our second edition of the MWC Newsletter!
Today, I wanted to let you all know that after an intentional period of slowing down the access for new patients, to concentrate on the handoff of established patients with Dr. Hartman, we are now 6 months in and have made some adjustments to the schedule to better accommodate new patients in a timely fashion—in fact, we have been able to work through a backlog of prospective patients and are ready to receive new referrals. So, if you, who know what this center has stood for, know someone who is not finding root-level causes to their chronic problems or who want to take their health to the next level and be proactive to prevent chronic disease, let them know we would love to serve them! And this brings me to the important question:
Who’s the ideal patient for the Mandarin Wellness Center? Our ideal patient is one who, while grateful for the advancements of western medicine, understands that too often, it lacks the answers to the chronic diseases with which we deal in this day and age and thus wants to integrate a diagnostic-centric and pharmaceutical-based approach with a more holistic way; the ideal patient is one who is open to learn more about how their body functions and wants to partner with a physician who will give them the time to be heard enough to get personalized insights to get well; the ideal patient is one who is willing to change their lifestyle in order to maximize their results as they receive guidance; the ideal patient is one who will challenge their physician to keep their commitment to first doing no harm and to lifelong learning; the ideal patient is one who wants a physician whose sole loyalty is to them and not to insurance companies, a medical system, or other governmental agencies. Do you happen to know any friend or family member who could be ideal patients to refer to us? If so, please have them reach out today to the office and one of our caring staff members will be happy to get them started in the process of onboarding them.
- Dr. Balbino
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that continues for longer than 12 weeks, despite medication and/or treatment. Back and neck pain, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, diabetes, arthritis, and IBS can be marked by chronic pain. In studies, it was found that chronic pain affects more women than men. Chronic pain can also aid in the development of loneliness, isolation, and even depression. It can impact your sleep and cause insomnia. Your doctor may recommend a pain management specialist to help you navigate your treatment of chronic pain. Diet, medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes all impact your pain levels.
Many times, people with chronic pain are prescribed opioid medications (also known as narcotics or controlled substances). Opioids, or narcotics, are drugs that have high dependency rates, and can be very dangerous if not taken as directed. You should always consult your doctor before starting a regimen that includes an opioid drug; your doctor can educate you on specific drugs, their side effects, and dependency or withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is facing opioid dependence or withdrawal, speak with your doctor, or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA provides referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Did you know? Frequency Specific Microcurrent and acupuncture are alternative, holistic-based approaches to the treatment of chronic pain, and both services are offered at our center. You do not have to be a patient of Dr. Balbino’s to take advantage of these wonderful treatments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call our office today; immediate openings are available!
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative brain disease that is the most common form of dementia. An estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023. Seventy-three percent are aged 75 or older. While some medications can ease the effects of Alzheimer’s, there is currently no cure. There are different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, and changes in the brain can begin to occur, unnoticed, years before symptoms arise. Some signs or symptoms to watch for include daily memory loss, difficulty developing or following a plan (like a recipe), having trouble with familiar places and daily tasks, confusion regarding the time and place, vision problems, trouble following conversation, misplacing items (sometimes in strange places), poor judgment with money or grooming, withdrawal, and irritability when a routine is changed. The CDC lists the top 8 risk factors for Alzheimer’s as high blood pressure, little to no exercise, obesity, diabetes, depression, smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking. If you or someone you know may have signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s, speak with your doctor about options for treatment and management practices.
“The End of Alzheimer’s” by Dr. Dale Bredesen is highly recommended by Dr. Balbino as it shares decades of research that is now culminating in peer-reviewed published research showing reversal of cognitive decline in adults suffering the life-altering changes of Alzheimer’s. The approach and protocol that Dr. Bredesen espouses is remarkably similar to the functional and integrative approach that we practice at the Mandarin Wellness Center.
The End of Alzheimer’s - By Dr. Dale Bredesen (apollohealthco.com)
Do you have a testimonial of your care or health regarding Mandarin Wellness Center or Dr. Balbino? We would love to hear from you! We would like to highlight our patients’ personal experiences on the Mandarin Wellness Center website and within the monthly newsletter.
If you would like to submit a short testimonial, please email us at office@mwcjax.com and use the subject “Testimonial.” Your privacy matters to us, and we will only use your name or initials with your permission. Please let us know in your email if you’d like to use your full name, initials, or remain anonymous. We look forward to continuing to serve you, and to hearing your stories! (as shown, Italic)
